[dyendell]

They are all horrible. Invest in good electric equipment and do it
Yourself.

[Ski Bum]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

It would take less than 5 minutes for a lawn maintenance person to turn on the irrigation system and walk around checking and adjusting the sprinklers while they are there mowing the yard. So, even if we are paying them $60/hr that would be only $5.

Although, it is probably overkill to check them every time the yard is mowed. They should not need to adjust that often.

More like 15 minutes, but point well taken. I have been in landscape maintenance for 40+ years. Plan is to move full time in 7 years... but might make that sooner if I can generate some income in TV. I have been watching your comments on the possible opportunities.

Here's the reality of lawn care as a small businessman. 10% of your clients take 90% of your time, because that's what they do. Some people complain about everything... I'll refer to past TOTV threads for reference and proof. And if you refuse to serve them, they slander you. I saw a thread on lanai windows today doing just that.

Everyone has your phone number, and they all call you all day and night.

It's impossible to take a two-week cruise, or similar vacation.

People do not understand what it is like to work outside. They treat you like you are working in their dining rooms. Weather doesn't matter, dirt, a stray grass clipping, noise, bugs, etc. do not belong on their lawn.

To be efficient, you have to schedule a number of lawns per day. But don't come too early, during my Bridge club, or after Happy Hour. And would you please call an hour before you come, I have a few things I want to talk to you about.

The worst is just what you say about the 5 minute job... everyone has a a "while you are here" chore to do, and they don't think it should cost much. Realize that it takes 5 minutes just to say hello and explain the job. It takes another 5 minutes to record the work, and then bill it once you get back to the office. And I have a schedule to keep.

Note that I am not talking about finding and keeping good labor, the cost of insurance, expensive equipment, with the associated maintenance and storage... that's all a given.

I have learned over the decades to manage these issues. The industry has been good to me. But it is far from rosy, especially has a small business. That's why larger companies fill the void. The receptionist doesn't care about your complaint, she just passes it on. The sales guy is the professional excuse maker and feather smoother. Accounting will make sure you pay on time. A small businessman has to fill all of those roles.

And oh yeah, that dead lizard has been sitting in the middle of the driveway for weeks. Why haven't you picked that up yet?

[rogerrice60]

We use Massey; they do many yards throughout the Villages

"The Good Neighbor" yard maintenance has terrible reputation!

[DebeeDoo]

Originally Posted by Jdhelfert

We also are moving to Citrus Grove. Closing on this Friday the 6th but then have to come back home to close on our current house, pack and move, etc. I've been trying my hardest to find someone just to mow the lawn, but so far no luck. If you find someone please let me know.

I'm closing on Siverson Terrace (Citrus Grove) later this month. I think we should all try to get the same company for our neighborhood! Please post if you find someone and I will as well. HOWEVER -- I might just do mine myself, I have the tiniest yard. But since I don't know how difficult it might be -- I may change my mind. For one thing, I don't even own a lawn mower (yet). If I get one, it will be small battery powered. Are there any other homeowners out there who do their own lawns? Is that "uncool"? (Yes, I'm retired, I can afford to hire it out, but I kind of like yard work!) Thx everyone, love reading your posts!!!!

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Guychancey

Does anyone know of a reliable yard person for the Citrus Grove area. Also, looking for someone to check the sprinklers couple times a month. Thx

Try Brian at Brian's Lawn Care Service, (352) 454-2070. We've used him since last fall. Honest, dependable and very reasonably priced.

[pennysue1]

Rick Smith with Handyman Smittys Does a great job and is very reasonable. He can be reached at (248) 954-3520.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

It may only take 5 minutes, but I don't think anyone will even touch your sprinkler system for 5 dollars. Typically, it will cost about $35-40 just to check and adjust the sprinkler heads. And, most guys who mow the grass wouldn't know how to properly operate and adjust the sprinklers.

The reason that charge that much is - well, two, they can, and it's normally a trip to your house to do it.

I was proposing an opportunity for an enterprising person to setup a lawn care service that actually took care of your lawn. Not the commercialized drive by hit anger run mowers we pay a premium for at the moment.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by DAVES

This is the first time in my life that I have paid someone to mow my lawn. In high school, 1960's I started and ran a small lawn mowing service. At my peak, I did about 18 lawns. It is a tough way to make few bucks. Where I did it was far cooler than Florida. I was cheaper than the,"professionals," and I charged about what these people charge today. So I was about 8x more due to inflation.

If, my back was not a mess. If, I was not this old. If, it wasn't so hot. If, they weren't so inexpensive. If, I had room to store a mower, edger etc. Surely, I would mow my own

Yup, me too, I mowed neighborhood lawns for $0.25 with a push mower until I was old enough to build a powered mower for myself. I worked a deal with the local hardware store, I cleaned up at the end of each day - mopping floors, garbage etc. in exchange to being allowed to dig through his junk pile of old worn-out lawn mower (he did lawn mower repairs on the side). I collected enough pieces to put on together that worked. It took awhile since I had to learn how to take them apart and then learn how to put them together - LOL. I think I was 10 or 12. I then charged $0.50 per lawn using my Brandie new powered lawn mower.

When we moved here I purchased a DeWalt electric mower, and mowed for a while. Then decided that was against the code of retirees. And sold it. I have regretted selling it ever since. We are on our 4th or 5th lawn care service now.

What I want is a "time shared gardener". Someone that does everything a private gardener would do, which with these postage stamp yards would take a few hours per week.

[Penglobal]

Oops, sorry; misread the OP post - Need Yard Man.
I just need a man, any man, breathing preferably.

[Timothyimitchell]

Originally Posted by DebeeDoo

I'm closing on Siverson Terrace (Citrus Grove) later this month. I think we should all try to get the same company for our neighborhood! Please post if you find someone and I will as well. HOWEVER -- I might just do mine myself, I have the tiniest yard. But since I don't know how difficult it might be -- I may change my mind. For one thing, I don't even own a lawn mower (yet). If I get one, it will be small battery powered. Are there any other homeowners out there who do their own lawns? Is that "uncool"? (Yes, I'm retired, I can afford to hire it out, but I kind of like yard work!) Thx everyone, love reading your posts!!!!

Hi. Also looking in Citrus Grove. Did you find someone? I would also be interested TIM

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Ski Bum

More like 15 minutes, but point well taken. I have been in landscape maintenance for 40+ years. Plan is to move full time in 7 years... but might make that sooner if I can generate some income in TV. I have been watching your comments on the possible opportunities.

Here's the reality of lawn care as a small businessman. 10% of your clients take 90% of your time, because that's what they do. Some people complain about everything... I'll refer to past TOTV threads for reference and proof. And if you refuse to serve them, they slander you. I saw a thread on lanai windows today doing just that.

Everyone has your phone number, and they all call you all day and night.

It's impossible to take a two-week cruise, or similar vacation.

People do not understand what it is like to work outside. They treat you like you are working in their dining rooms. Weather doesn't matter, dirt, a stray grass clipping, noise, bugs, etc. do not belong on their lawn.

To be efficient, you have to schedule a number of lawns per day. But don't come too early, during my Bridge club, or after Happy Hour. And would you please call an hour before you come, I have a few things I want to talk to you about.

The worst is just what you say about the 5 minute job... everyone has a a "while you are here" chore to do, and they don't think it should cost much. Realize that it takes 5 minutes just to say hello and explain the job. It takes another 5 minutes to record the work, and then bill it once you get back to the office. And I have a schedule to keep.

Note that I am not talking about finding and keeping good labor, the cost of insurance, expensive equipment, with the associated maintenance and storage... that's all a given.

I have learned over the decades to manage these issues. The industry has been good to me. But it is far from rosy, especially has a small business. That's why larger companies fill the void. The receptionist doesn't care about your complaint, she just passes it on. The sales guy is the professional excuse maker and feather smoother. Accounting will make sure you pay on time. A small businessman has to fill all of those roles.

And oh yeah, that dead lizard has been sitting in the middle of the driveway for weeks. Why haven't you picked that up yet?

Amusing post. People are people. Were it that easy they would do it themselves and yet they tell you you should do more and charge less.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Girlcopper

Oh, come on now! My mom is 90 years old and checks her own sprinkler system. Its not that difficult

I can't help it. Read the posts. There is plenty of work for her. A bit of spin, on her business card it could say oldest sprinkler repair business in the villages. How do we contact her to set up appointments. Hum, she should do mine for free as my franchise fee.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

Yup, me too, I mowed neighborhood lawns for $0.25 with a push mower until I was old enough to build a powered mower for myself. I worked a deal with the local hardware store, I cleaned up at the end of each day - mopping floors, garbage etc. in exchange to being allowed to dig through his junk pile of old worn-out lawn mower (he did lawn mower repairs on the side). I collected enough pieces to put on together that worked. It took awhile since I had to learn how to take them apart and then learn how to put them together - LOL. I think I was 10 or 12. I then charged $0.50 per lawn using my Brandie new powered lawn mower.

When we moved here I purchased a DeWalt electric mower, and mowed for a while. Then decided that was against the code of retirees. And sold it. I have regretted selling it ever since. We are on our 4th or 5th lawn care service now.

What I want is a "time shared gardener". Someone that does everything a private gardener would do, which with these postage stamp yards would take a few hours per week.

Amusing parallels. However, I bought a book, probably used and learned how to repair lawn mowers, At .50 a lawn I would have hired you. Around 1965 I was charging 7.50 for a mow and edging. I still remember one lady would always give me a cold soda.
That made up for the fact that her lawn was loaded with toads. Great, "fun," removing dead toads from a rotary lawn mower.

In ten years we are on out third mowing guy. No fourth. First one his guy quit so he turned us over to a younger guy. He was great, personable and did a good job. We have always paid at the start of the month. He took our money, cashed the check and disappeared. Next guy was not as good but also a nice guy. He lasted ???? two or three years and then he quit-family issues. He when I found him did return our money.
Current one is also a nice guy. Work quality is the worst so far. For me, good enough is good enough.

Someone posted her 90 year old mother does sprinklers. Huh, If I get annoyed and start mowing we can start. Don't rush us we are the oldest mowing watering team in the villages. Complaints? Sorry we do not hear so good.

[lennythenet]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

I get someone out for irrigation system maintenance once a year. The only other time I would consider having the system checked is if there is an obvious brown spot in the lawn that looks like something may be amiss. Other than that, it is on auto pilot and our lawn looks beautiful most of the year.

Would you mind sharing the name of the person who you use to come out and maintain once a year?

[Cupcake57]

Originally Posted by Jdhelfert

We also are moving to Citrus Grove. Closing on this Friday the 6th but then have to come back home to close on our current house, pack and move, etc. I've been trying my hardest to find someone just to mow the lawn, but so far no luck. If you find someone please let me know.

Bryon Sheehan 352 636-4677. Does a fine job. Very receptive to any concerns. Congratulations and welcome!