Let’s examine some common mistakes made in landscape maintenance. Learning from other people’s mistakes is much better. Why do it the hard way? Let’s work like pros.
A) No spare line
Always bring extra line trimmer line with you before heading out into the landscape. Correctly pre-cut. This seems fairly obvious but many workers are perfectly happy to go for a long walk from some far away corner. This is a productivity killer. Bring spare line every time. It’s mandatory.
B) Deadheading annuals
There are many kinds of annuals but the general rule is to deadhead them by removing any spent flowers. Again, this seems obvious but I’m not so sure after observing a crew foreman who removed all flowers. When possible we should keep color in high profile planted beds.
C) Fall leaf pyramids
I see this every fall as avalanches of leaves descend on our landscapes. Eager new landscapers furiously rake up leaves into pyramids that would make Egyptians proud. Except we need the leaves in tarps and on our trucks.
The correct procedure is to quickly kick the bulk onto a tarp, tie it up, and rake up any leftovers onto a second tarp. Then move on. No points are given for perfectly symmetrical pyramids. The goal is to remove the many piles of leaves.
Also, remember that on any given service visit you are NOT responsible for removing 100% of leafy debris. Any fresh leafiness that accumulates before your day is over is fine. It’s fresh.
D) Re-fuelling like a pig
Let’s not pollute our landscapes with gas spills. Please re-fuel your machines on tarps to avoid spilling gas on site. This becomes an obvious problem when company trucks always use the same parking area. Rain washes the spills into fish habitat. Wasting gasoline is a bad idea. It costs your company money and reputation.
Have fun at work. Add lots of value and over-deliver.
