Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   -   Disappointed lawn care (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/landscape-contractors-lawn-mowing-272/disappointed-lawn-care-334923/)

Ral51Bjl 09-03-2022 09:26 AM

Disappointed lawn care
 
I signed a contract with Superior landscape services. I requested they notify me so I could unlock the gate to backyard and to close off the doggie door. There is a serious communication within their office and the people that service the landscaping. They haven’t been to our yard since July and here it is Sept. The technicians get their service lists in the morning and I see no reason for them not to contact me then. They assured me they would be here yesterday, so I texted the technician and when he text me back the answer was “huh?” He didn’t show up and I haven’t. I requested to cancel the contract and was told I could cancel but my mo he would not be refunded. Very frustrated!

Bogie Shooter 09-03-2022 09:34 AM

You paid up front?:sad:

Tyrone Shoelaces 09-03-2022 09:40 AM

Next year DIY
I follow The Lawn Care Nut
https://youtu.be/aCeyfqE7dew
It's kinda fun and my lawn's never looked better.

ureout 09-03-2022 01:46 PM

Massey service over the last year has really gone downhill.. keep hearing the same excuse of not enough employees.. my reply to them was then STOP taking on new customers and service the ones you have properly

Kenswing 09-03-2022 02:27 PM

Lesson learned. We had Superior for the first year we were here. They sprayed something on our back lawn that killed it. They did nothing to make it right. We switched to Dean’s and couldn’t be happier.

Stu from NYC 09-03-2022 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ral51Bjl (Post 2132694)
I signed a contract with Superior landscape services. I requested they notify me so I could unlock the gate to backyard and to close off the doggie door. There is a serious communication within their office and the people that service the landscaping. They haven’t been to our yard since July and here it is Sept. The technicians get their service lists in the morning and I see no reason for them not to contact me then. They assured me they would be here yesterday, so I texted the technician and when he text me back the answer was “huh?” He didn’t show up and I haven’t. I requested to cancel the contract and was told I could cancel but my mo he would not be refunded. Very frustrated!

Unfortunately too many lawn service companies take on business with little thought on how they would service their customers

asianthree 09-03-2022 05:01 PM

Going back to Deans.. they show up every week, take care of the lawn. We just let go of our 8th lawn company, it’s work just to find a company, then they last until summer hits.

Michael G. 09-03-2022 05:55 PM

People, all these services are controlled by the help they employee.
Here's a tip I usual use, if you have a guy that you like, remember his name and insist on asking for him again.

We had guys come to the house that acted like they had no clue on why they were here.

Nucky 09-03-2022 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ral51Bjl (Post 2132694)
I signed a contract with Superior landscape services. I requested they notify me so I could unlock the gate to backyard and to close off the doggie door. There is a serious communication within their office and the people that service the landscaping. They haven’t been to our yard since July and here it is Sept. The technicians get their service lists in the morning and I see no reason for them not to contact me then. They assured me they would be here yesterday, so I texted the technician and when he text me back the answer was “huh?” He didn’t show up and I haven’t. I requested to cancel the contract and was told I could cancel but my mo he would not be refunded. Very frustrated!

We went thru the same thing the first year we were here. You'll recover. I however thru the grace of others on TOTV'S learned to never tip before the meal. I wouldn't give anyone a penny before some kind of delivery or service was provided. Look at it this way, it was a cheap lesson to learn. Get another contractor and chalk this one up. You'll be fine. This is the way it goes with many of these companies.

I tried to help others by posting the replacement company I found after using them for a year. That really worked out great, so many people went to the company that I have the problem of looking for service all the time, and billing problems and being nice in this case didn't work out so well. The company has expanded greatly in the last four years and has its act together now. I was the victim of their growing pains. My present company is the very best, top drawer but I'll never tell anyone who it is. Sorry! :1rotfl:

bowlingal 09-04-2022 05:43 AM

NEVER sign a contract and NEVER pay upfront!!!!! there a many, many, many companies out there that DO NOT require either

WingedFoot78 09-04-2022 06:09 AM

I just dropped Massey last week for poor performance.

Travelhunter123 09-04-2022 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ureout (Post 2132788)
Massey service over the last year has really gone downhill.. keep hearing the same excuse of not enough employees.. my reply to them was then STOP taking on new customers and service the ones you have properly

I have had excellent service from Massey in terms of chemical application
I have had the worst service when they cut my lawn
I think it depends on which Massey employees are working in your area

Lil GTO 09-04-2022 06:49 AM

I have used every well recommended lawn service and fertilization company that services TV over the past 5 years and what I’ve found is that none of them are very good. They start out hood and 6 months to a year in no so much.

I’m on my second round with Deans but have had holes bare spots and lotsa weeds this summer. I questioned the tech he said they got a bad batch of weed and insect treatment so it’ll get better now.

As far as the lawn and shrub care I took that over last year and it’s never looked better.

So I’ll be getting rid of deans and making a second round with all the others again it’s like change every year to get a years hood service and be prepared for service to decline and change again the following year.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Ral51Bjl (Post 2132694)
I signed a contract with Superior landscape services. I requested they notify me so I could unlock the gate to backyard and to close off the doggie door. There is a serious communication within their office and the people that service the landscaping. They haven’t been to our yard since July and here it is Sept. The technicians get their service lists in the morning and I see no reason for them not to contact me then. They assured me they would be here yesterday, so I texted the technician and when he text me back the answer was “huh?” He didn’t show up and I haven’t. I requested to cancel the contract and was told I could cancel but my mo he would not be refunded. Very frustrated!


charming 09-04-2022 07:18 AM

We had problems with SUPERIOR as well. Extremely poor management ! They do nothing at all to rectify the problem ! The first year they were very good! Downhill after that! We pain for HORRIBLE SERVICE!

rsmurano 09-04-2022 07:29 AM

All my friends here all over the villages have fired their lawn cutting companies and have started cutting the lawns themselves. I fired my company after 2 months of living here, didn’t show up, did a terrible job, and on a yearly contract, would have charged me for each of the winter months when actually I cut my lawn a couple times during the 5 winter months. I bought all new battery powered tools: lawn mower, edger, blower, and weed eater that cost me less than a 1 year contract of somebody else that wouldn’t do it half as good as I do. I can cut my lawn in 20 mins, walk around with a spreader for fertilizer and or bug spray in another 15 mins, pretty easy work.

Lea N 09-04-2022 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ral51Bjl (Post 2132694)
I signed a contract with Superior landscape services. I requested they notify me so I could unlock the gate to backyard and to close off the doggie door. There is a serious communication within their office and the people that service the landscaping. They haven’t been to our yard since July and here it is Sept. The technicians get their service lists in the morning and I see no reason for them not to contact me then. They assured me they would be here yesterday, so I texted the technician and when he text me back the answer was “huh?” He didn’t show up and I haven’t. I requested to cancel the contract and was told I could cancel but my mo he would not be refunded. Very frustrated!

How frustrating. What ever happened to good customer service? Have you tried reaching a manager or owner? If you have and have gotten no help have you contacted the Better Business Bureau? The BBB may, or may not be able to help.

OhioBuckeye 09-04-2022 08:53 AM

Oh man, I really don’t think they will call you everytime they come to mow your yard. Could you amagine if several thousand people wanting their lawn service calling them everytime they come. Maybe you should have them mow the front & you mow the back!

Stu from NYC 09-04-2022 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lea N (Post 2132980)
How frustrating. What ever happened to good customer service? Have you tried reaching a manager or owner? If you have and have gotten no help have you contacted the Better Business Bureau? The BBB may, or may not be able to help.

Owners do not know how to handle the business they have and for some reason still try and expand.

Worldseries27 09-04-2022 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nucky (Post 2132846)
we went thru the same thing the first year we were here. You'll recover. I however thru the grace of others on totv's learned to never tip before the meal. I wouldn't give anyone a penny before some kind of delivery or service was provided. Look at it this way, it was a cheap lesson to learn. Get another contractor and chalk this one up. You'll be fine. This is the way it goes with many of these companies.

I tried to help others by posting the replacement company i found after using them for a year. That really worked out great, so many people went to the company that i have the problem of looking for service all the time, and billing problems and being nice in this case didn't work out so well. The company has expanded greatly in the last four years and has its act together now. I was the victim of their growing pains. My present company is the very best, top drawer but i'll never tell anyone who it is. Sorry! :1rotfl:

what makes me think, your nit sorry at all?

Diver Man 09-04-2022 09:41 AM

We had Superior at our last house and they were great, many good recommendations. Then we moved into the new house and Superior was awful, and ruined 2 of our neighbors lawns and ours looked awful. They blamed it on covid and lack of employee's. The one guy I spoked with said they pay thier employee's less then other companies, so a lot of them left. Every time we recommend a company, thay go to crap. No more recommendations on lawn services. Seems hit or miss, again depending on the person attending to your yard.

Matzy 09-04-2022 09:49 AM

No problems with Dean, always in time and I get notice when they’re done with the grass application. Thanks

Teemotay 09-04-2022 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces (Post 2132703)
Next year DIY
I follow The Lawn Care Nut
https://youtu.be/aCeyfqE7dew
It's kinda fun and my lawn's never looked better.

I use them too! At 65, it’s a battle some summer days mowing 11,000 square feet with my push mower twice a week, but it’s gratifying to not see the weeds that my neighbors have.

DaleDivine 09-04-2022 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diver Man (Post 2133002)
we moved into the new house and Superior was awful, and ruined 2 of our neighbors lawns and ours looked awful. .

Had Superior for two years and I think they were planting weeds in my yard instead ok killing them. I said you're fired and they told me to wait a couple of months and it would look better. I said you had 2 years and yard still looks like crap. GOOD BYE...
:rant-rave::rant-rave:

Tyrone Shoelaces 09-04-2022 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teemotay (Post 2133011)
I use them too! At 65, it’s a battle some summer days mowing 11,000 square feet with my push mower twice a week, but it’s gratifying to not see the weeds that my neighbors have.

I don't do the mowing.
I just do pest, fungus and fertilizer.
Like Massey etc.
Gotta admit, there's nothin like a cold one after a mow, I miss that.

ThirdOfFive 09-04-2022 11:32 AM

I do my own; I like the exercise and it helps keep the ol' waistline somewhat controlled. I realize that a lot of people can't, though.

There are a bucketload of lawn care services in TV. Many of them are not large companies but individuals trying to establish a business. We had one our first year here and he was great; unfortunately he died. But...if I were to need a lawn service again I think I'd go with an individual or a small partnership, not some huge company whose employees may be poorly trained and supervised, and who are only interested in the paycheck. Plus in my limited experience the little guys are cheaper than the big dogs.

MacScuba 09-04-2022 11:37 AM

Superior killed my entire lawn, which I had to pay to replace. They did not take responsibility or even let me out of the rest of my contract.
Lessons learned: Don’t use Superior, don’t sign a contract (most other services don’t have contracts),
Been with B&C since and really like them.

True Blue 09-04-2022 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowlingal (Post 2132893)
NEVER sign a contract and NEVER pay upfront!!!!! there a many, many, many companies out there that DO NOT require either

Does Dean’s require payment up front? If not do you pay monthly?

True Blue 09-04-2022 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive (Post 2133060)
I do my own; I like the exercise and it helps keep the ol' waistline somewhat controlled. I realize that a lot of people can't, though.

There are a bucketload of lawn care services in TV. Many of them are not large companies but individuals trying to establish a business. We had one our first year here and he was great; unfortunately he died. But...if I were to need a lawn service again I think I'd go with an individual or a small partnership, not some huge company whose employees may be poorly trained and supervised, and who are only interested in the paycheck. Plus in my limited experience the little guys are cheaper than the big dogs.

I want to do all our own lawncare. I currently mow and trim the bushes. Need advise on fertilizing the lawn and taking care of shrubs to keep issues down.

True Blue 09-04-2022 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces (Post 2133058)
I don't do the mowing.
I just do pest, fungus and fertilizer.
Like Massey etc.
Gotta admit, there's nothin like a cold one after a mow, I miss that.

Can you tell me what you do for the pest, fungus and fertilizing? We want to do that ourselves.

Stu from NYC 09-04-2022 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by True Blue (Post 2133069)
I want to do all our own lawncare. I currently mow and trim the bushes. Need advise on fertilizing the lawn and taking care of shrubs to keep issues down.

When I realized Massey did not fertilize the shrubs realized it was easy to fertilize the lawn myself and why were we paying so much for so little work.

Bought a spreader, lawn fertilizer, looked up spreader rate and off I went done in 10 minutes. Asked our lawn service how often she told me 90 days and all is well.

retiredguy123 09-04-2022 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by True Blue (Post 2133068)
Does Dean’s require payment up front? If not do you pay monthly?

Dean's requires you to provide a credit card and authorize them to charge it monthly, like autopay. That was a non-starter for me. I use Massey, who I only pay after they have performed a service, and I control the payments.

tkret 09-04-2022 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces (Post 2132703)
Next year DIY
I follow The Lawn Care Nut
https://youtu.be/aCeyfqE7dew
It's kinda fun and my lawn's never looked better.

I've been following Lawn Care Nut for over 5 years. He has taught me a great deal about mowing, weeding, bio-nutrients, fertilizer and so much more. And, he's a riot a regular riot as Ralph Kramden used to say.

damvillages 09-04-2022 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ral51Bjl (Post 2132694)
I signed a contract with Superior landscape services. I requested they notify me so I could unlock the gate to backyard and to close off the doggie door. There is a serious communication within their office and the people that service the landscaping. They haven’t been to our yard since July and here it is Sept. The technicians get their service lists in the morning and I see no reason for them not to contact me then. They assured me they would be here yesterday, so I texted the technician and when he text me back the answer was “huh?” He didn’t show up and I haven’t. I requested to cancel the contract and was told I could cancel but my mo he would not be refunded. Very frustrated!

Have had Superior for 6 years and service has continually gone downhill. Absolutely terrible so going to Tru Green; communication has completely dried up with Superior!!! Superior crooks more like it!

mkjelenbaas 09-04-2022 03:25 PM

Watch DEANS - when I was a snowbird they stopped mowing - neighbor sent pics and they still tried to lie to me - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

Stu from NYC 09-04-2022 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2133074)
Dean's requires you to provide a credit card and authorize them to charge it monthly, like autopay. That was a non-starter for me. I use Massey, who I only pay after they have performed a service, and I control the payments.

For better or worse we do pay them in advance and get a discount for doing so. In hindsight not doing it would have allowed us to get rid of them for irrigation service before the year was up.

now we pay as work is performed

Debset 09-04-2022 07:20 PM

Superior ruined my lawn. Unfortunately I paid in advance. You can cancel the contract but you do NOT get a refund. I got rid of them. I take care of my lawn now and I don't spray anything on it. A BIG lesson learned.

JMintzer 09-04-2022 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkjelenbaas (Post 2133153)
Watch DEANS - when I was a snowbird they stopped mowing - neighbor sent pics and they still tried to lie to me - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

You keep repeating this, yet I and many others have had the exact opposite experience...

I have a video camera in my front yard and I can see for myself that they show up as contracted...

Djean1981 09-04-2022 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matzy (Post 2133006)
No problems with Dean, always in time and I get notice when they’re done with the grass application. Thanks

I think maybe it depends on which crew is assigned to your area.

Djean1981 09-04-2022 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2133233)
You keep repeating this, yet I and many others have had the exact opposite experience...

I have a video camera in my front yard and I can see for myself that they show up as contracted...

Agreed. Not everyone is happy with Deans. I think maybe it depends on which crew you get.

Garywt 09-04-2022 11:00 PM

#1 rule is never pay up front. We get billed monthly and the grass get cuts. We do not have a need to lock the gate so they can get in anytime.


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