CSR Meeting

Enrollment and Scheduling

  • Clients are now enrolled, and scheduling is becoming easier as billing transitions from March to April.

  • The change in billing months allows treatments to be scheduled more readily as the majority of clients will finish their treatments by the end of March.

Weed Killer and Treatments

  • A specific treatment comprises:

    • High nitrogen fertilizer

    • Spring weed killer

    • Crabgrass preventer

  • These are applied over the entire lawn to ensure adequate coverage.

  • Pre-Emergent Booster: A liquid treatment applied similarly to the granular form. It includes the same chemicals found in the pre-emergent treatment currently being used.

Effects on Grass Seeds

  • Considerations for clients who recently put down grass seeds:

    • If seeds were put down three weeks prior, treatments are safe to apply now.

    • If treatments are applied too soon after seeding, it may cause issues for the newly planted grass.

Rain and Treatment Application

  • Liquid treatments require certain considerations regarding rain:

    • All application materials (fertilizer and pre-emergent) require watering in at some point.

    • The weed killer needs approximately two hours to dry for effective absorption into plants.

    • If rain occurs after the application but within two hours, monitor its effect on weed control, allowing a seven to ten-day wait period post-application to assess effectiveness.

  • Rain can aid in the fertilizer and pre-emergent absorption, but heavy downpours may wash away treatments.

  • Morning dew or light rain prior to treatment does not negatively impact liquid application.

Monitoring for Results

  • The effectiveness of weed treatments is assessed by checking if weeds show signs of turning brown or curling within seven to ten days post-application. This indicates successful absorption.

  • If signs of weed death are present, it indicates the treatment was effective despite previous rain concerns.

Client Interaction and Technician Communication

  • Clients should be reassured about treatment effectiveness even in rainy conditions, highlighting the technicians’ certification and training.

  • Actual irrigation or treatment effectiveness should be explained carefully to prevent misunderstandings.

  • Monitoring technician attendance and notes for scheduling accuracy is essential, especially to avoid scheduling conflicts with weather conditions.

POA (Poa Annua) Management

  • Understanding Poa Annua, a grassy weed:

    • Germinates earlier than fescue and can be mistaken for undesirable weeds.

    • Best managed with appropriate fall pre-emergent treatments, which can be difficult to implement in practice due to seasonal lawn management focus.

    • Key management strategy: Mow the lawn regularly to prevent flowering and seeding, which occurs in early spring.

Mowing and Scheduling Procedures

  • Weekly and biweekly mowing schedules:

    • The first week of mowing involves a full assessment of all weekly and biweekly properties.

    • Crews will prioritize scheduling around weather interruptions, working on Saturdays if necessary to catch up on missed mows.

    • Technical considerations include assessing the best course of action when clients request skips or express dissatisfaction with mowing schedules due to weather or growth concerns.

Mowing Height

  • Standard mowing height is set at 3.5 inches:

    • Protects against lawn burning during hot summer months.

    • Mowing practices should not be lower than this to maintain health and aesthetics.

    • Adjustments to mower height can be requested through proper client communication with the account manager.

Edging and Clippings Management

  • Edging is performed as needed rather than at every visit to maintain lawn structure.

  • Grass clippings should ideally not be bagged for nutrient retention; customers will be advised accordingly.

Communication with Clients

  • Addressing client concerns about treatments and scheduling:

    • Manage expectations regarding mowing and treatment interactions.

    • Communicate best practices about maintaining lawn health through proper mowing schedules.

    • Use available resources to educate clients on the benefits of regular treatments and the implications of skipping them.

Summary of Procedures and Responsibilities

  • Maintain effective communication with account managers regarding client concerns and service scheduling.

  • Track adherence to mowing schedules and note any significant issues or client requests.

  • Ensure all personnel are informed about relevant procedures, including weather impacts, treatment timing, and client communication protocols.