Wayne Westerberg asked:


 

Everybody has seen it.  It doesn’t take an expert to drive through a neighborhood and spot the house that obsesses on their yard (in fact, it might be they do!) and the house that only mows when the city is knocking on their door.  In Minnesota, most people get excited when the snow starts to melt and the grass starts getting green.  So, what should you do to give your lawn a head start?  You do want a beautiful lawn without devoting your entire summer to it, right?

 

A lot of people suggest getting your lawn ready for spring before the first snowfall…but of course time gets away from a lot of people.  So, here are some tips for those who weren’t able to find time to baby their yard before the snow came.

 

1. When most of the snow has melted, get your wheelbarrow out and start picking up the debris left behind from the fall and anything the snowplows may have thrown into your lawn.  You will want to get your rake out so that you get all of the twigs, branches, leaves, etc. that are in the yard.  (This will also make it easier to mow when it comes time for that!)

2. Then get out your shovel (hopefully for the last time) and flatten out any piles that are taking longer to melt.  They might be lining your sidewalk from shoveling previously or in areas that don’t get as much sun. Why?  While the extra snow shouldn’t kill the grass, it might stunt the growth and that won’t make for a superb lawn.

3. Fertilizing in the spring.  I am a firm believer that it is easier to start a nice lawn early than it is to bring a dull lawn back to life in midsummer.  So, go to the local hardware store and search for a fertilizer for the spring (it should say when to use the specific mixtures on the back).  Remember not to over fertilize because this can actually cause more harm to the grass than good, so read the directions thoroughly.

4.  Attend to any lawn problems you had last year.  Did you have crabgrass (or any other nuisance) invade your yard last summer?  It is vital to stop these annoyances before they can get started.  Some, including crabgrass, have a very limited timeframe to be taken care of each year.  (See my other articles regarding this)

5. Areas of patchy grass?  I like to use a method called “overseeding.”  This is when you put down a lot of grass seed in the patchy areas.  It will make your grass grow faster and stronger, and of course you will have a much fuller looking lawn!  Don’t do this too early…the grass seed you choose should have directions for when to plant it!

So, there you have it!  Some early spring lawn care tips for my Minnesota people!  This might not make your lawn the nicest on the block in one summer, but if you follow these steps every spring, your yard will eventually be one of the best! MN Lawn Care made easy!

 



Katie

Tom S asked:


My grass was burned out from last year’s dry summer. I need to bring it back, and would like to know the best way. If the lawn care service is better, do you think I need to contract them for the whole summer? Or just a couple times and follow up with my own fertilizer (Scott’s)? Thank you!

Darryl

Michelle Bery asked:


The daily schedule of the average American family today is one that includes a bevy of demands on a minute-to-minute basis. From work, to kids, to home – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to accomplish everything that needs to be done. Those who have found joy and accomplishment in do-it-yourself projects soon find that something has to give. For many, that means the hiring out of household duties that used to be accomplished over a weekend – including the services of a lawn care professional.

For those of use who inhabit suburbia, our lawns are part status symbol, part responsibility to the neighborhood. A beautiful, thriving lawn at one house raises the value of the whole street – a fact not lost on any homeowner. And so, we work all hours and spend significant money in an effort to maintain an envied lawn. But when the hours begin to dwindle or the time simply becomes not worth it because we don’t enjoy the activity, then a lawn care professional can be enormously worth the money.

A lawn care professional can come to your property and very quickly ascertain the condition of your lawn and your needs going forward. They can be hired for weekly maintenance work such as mowing and watering, or for longer contracts that include seasonal care throughout the year such as weeding, seeding, fertilizing, and aerating. The demanding upkeep of a well-maintained lawn becomes the responsibility of the lawn care professional which be incredibly freeing for most homeowners.

Finding a lawn care professional can be accomplished in a number of ways. First and foremost, word of mouth is always the best way to find a lawn care professional of quality. Speak to some of your neighbors who have lawns you admire. If you find a lawn care professional that appeals to several people on your street, you may be able to negotiate a neighborhood group discount.

Also, when searching for a lawn care professional, keep your needs in mind. If you have a smaller lawn that can be well managed by a small crew, then some of the smaller neighborhood services may be just fine for your needs. If you have a larger lawn that requires larger machinery, then you may want to check out a larger lawn care professional.

Also, in addition to fees associated with the services, be sure to check the references of each lawn care professional. Look for someone with a solid reputation; you’ll be sure they will do a good job when it comes to your property.



Alicia

Michael Gregory asked:


In this sue-happy, competitive world, businesses have to learn to manage risk in order to survive and thrive. Making sure you have adequate protection for your lawn care business is a must to protect your personal and business assets. While it is often a time-consuming and frustrating experience every successful business owner will go through it.

Lawn Care Business Insurance

Like any other business entity, lawn care businesses do need adequate insurance cover to protect their assets. In order to provide the specific needs, many insurance companies have created specialty insurance for the lawn care industry. While you can often get commercial insurance through your home and auto agent, it often pays to shop the specialty insurers as they are better able to understand the risks present to your industry and can price the policy accordingly. When obtaining business insurance and the agent/company do not understand your business or industry then you will get a higher rate so they are protected from the unknown.

Types of Coverage for the Lawn Care Business

Lawn care businesses have different kinds of insurance protection that may suit their different needs. Choose the one or go for all of them to prolong the life of your lawn care business insurance business.

A few different types of insurance you may want to consider for your lawn care business.

Business liability

Property damage (vandalism, water backup, etc)

Business interruption (Protects you from adverse day to day occurrences)

Inventory loss

Theft

Forgery through credit card transactions

Mechanical breakdown

Coverage for computer equipment media, data programs and communications equipment

Key employee

Vehicle

Professional liability

While it is a time-consuming process, researching the different types of lawn care business insurance and what is included/excluded in your policy is critical to the operation of your business should something bad happen. Talk with your agent, attorney and other business owners to make sure you are getting the proper insurance for your business.

For more information about starting a lawn care business visit www.StartingLawnCareBusiness.com

 



Joseph