Here are some frequently asked questions…
Q: Do you cut the lawn every week?
A: We do aim to cut every week when necessary (apart from our annual break during Christmas week) . However part of our service is to understand when not to do something if it would cause damage or be detrimental to the look of the property. For example during times of heavy rains the ground may be too wet to support the weight of the mowers and it would leave ugly ruts in the lawn. Similarly when we have prolonged dry spells and lawns start to become parched we may take the decision not to cut as, again, this isn’t healthy for the plant. What you can count on is that we will always do what we think is right to keep your yard looking at its best.
Q: Do you charge extra for 5 week months?
A: No. There are four months where you will get an extra service free of charge! We use one of these days for our annual Christmas break and the other three are kept in reserve for times of severe weather. If we are hit with storms and are unable to visit the property we reserve the right to use one of these ‘banked’ days. Such occurrences are rare though and customer are usually understanding that sometimes things are out of our control.
Q: Why don’t you offer a fertilization service?
A: Simple. Companies that offer to do everything rarely manage to do everything well. We believe maintenance and fertilization are separately skilled roles that should work together to improve a property. Remember – Jack of all trades is master of none!
Q: How do I know you are licensed?
A: Simply check on the GI-BMP certification list. Click here to see the list.
Q: Do you trim shrubs every week?
A: We aim to keep shrubs tidy year round. This means we will usually ‘tip’ shrubs every week during the summer months as the growth rate determines. However during winter the growth slows and usually shrubs need only be trimmed every two or three weeks. However during times of intense heat or draught we may stop trimming. Over trimming will cause the shrub to ‘burn out’. this is where the freshly cut edges start to dry out and turn brown. We usually leave a longer gap between trimming in order for the plant to recover.
Q: When do you invoice?
A: We invoice by email on the 21st of every month. This gives you the opportunity to review and make arrangements to pay. Payments are expected by the 1st of the month in order for service to continue. If for any reason you think your payment will be late just let us know, we are more than happy to work with you.
Q: What if people don’t pay? What happens?
A: Typically accounts that go delinquent we sell to a debt collector. This is so we can recoup some of our losses. We make every effort to work with people though before taking this last step. We understand sometimes situations arise and people find it hard to pay bills – talk to us and we’ll work through it with you if we get the opportunity.
Q: Do you mulch?
A: Yes – just ask us for a quote. Usually from September onwards people like to have mulch laid in readiness for the holidays so make sure to plan ahead as we get booked up quickly!
Q: Do you lay new sod?
A: We do install sod. Small yards we take care of ourselves typically in one day. Larger yards (over 3000sq ft) we work direct with a sod supplier who also installs. This is more cost effective for you. We only use good quality sod that has a good layer of peat on the back – this isn’t the same as the $1 pieces you buy from Home Depot!
Q: I have a gate to the rear of my property – will this be a problem?
A: Generally no. As long as we can fit our machinery through it and it is open for us we can service the yard. If you want the gate closing we ask you have a working latch installed and an automatic spring closer on the gate. This just provides additional safety and stops the gate swinging open if it doesn’t latch properly. We are not liable if a gate is left open and these things are not installed.
Q: What if I don’t want a full yard laying with new sod and I only have patches needing replacement?
A: Not a problem. We can source a few pieces of sod to patch with or we can plug the bare spots. Plugging is very cost effective and a larger area can be treated for less money. It does take a little while longer to see the benefits but it’s another option.
Q: Do you do larger installations?
A: Yes we will work with you on larger projects. We use a local nursery and installation company who are specialist in creating front entrances to sub divisions, adding water features, lighting etc. We don’t charge for this – we will put you in direct touch with the company so there is no middle man. We think this is fair because we want to secure your long term business in the upkeep of your new yard.
Q: Do you do irrigation work?
A: Yes. We will usually keep a look out for any signs of irrigation failure each week. If we need to we may test the irrigation system from time to time to check everything is good. If we have to replace a sprinkler head it usually costs $15-$20 extra. Cracked pipes, repositioning, installing drip systems etc we will alway quote up front first so you can decide what course of action to take.
Q: Do the same people service my yard each week?
A: Yes. You will have a scheduled service day with one of our crews and you should see the same people each week so you can get to know them. Feel free to ask questions and to help them do their job by showing them if you want something doing in a certain way.
Q: Do you trim trees?
A: No. We will happily recommend a licensed and insured arborist for such work.
Q: If my yard needs a ‘clean up’ service before regular maintenance can start do you charge extra?
A: Most yards are kept to a reasonable standard so we will usually spread any additional works out over the course of the first month at no cost. However if a yard has been left several weeks then we may do a one time clean up service to get the yard looking presentable in one visit. Such work is done as an additional one time fee.