66,600 Lbs. is Thinking Outside the Box

elephant

Key Takeaways

Innovative strategies enable:

• Innovative Revenue Streams: Developing unique services, like the Decomposed Granite Refresher, can compensate for income lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Adaptability in Business: Flexibility and creative thinking are crucial for maintaining operations during challenging times.
• Planning for Contingencies: Having a backup plan ensures sustainability and avoids the need for workforce reduction or business closure during off-peak seasons.

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As many green companies are wondering what to do about replacing the lost income from this past winter, it is crucial to think of a way to substitute for the lost revenue caused by the lack of snow removal. For some much larger companies in parts of Wisconsin, and other snowy states in which half their income comes from snow removal, this was significantly harder to do than for companies in Reno. This year, I found myself going out for one single snow storm, which didn't even cover the cost of parts to tune up our snow blowers. Since our snow removal profits normally pay for lawn equipment tune ups as well as new equipment, I had to figure out a way to replace this lost revenue. It was at this point it became evident that Cory's Lawn Service needed to think outside the box to try and replace our lost revenue. We decided to offer our customers a "Decomposed Granite Refresher", which can be read about in a previous BLOG. After emailing our customers about this offer, we spent 2 weeks installing 18 cubic yards of decomposed granite for 14 homes, which weighs in around 66,600 pounds. After doing some quick searching on the internet we found out that this is the equivalent of moving 5.5 African Elephants by shovel and wheel barrow.

Whats the Point?

Although this number may seem like nothing to the green companies that actually move rock as part of their yearly business, for our company it enabled us to purchase and maintain our lawn care equipment this year. The point being, all companies need to think about extra "outside the box" services to offer customers in times of hardship. Although we normally count on snow removal service, it is not up to us what weather God is going to provide. Just as corporations plan out a yearly budget based on the money they expect to have, many small businesses count on work that is not actually guaranteed, such as snow removal.

It is vital is to have a back up plan for rough times so you don't have to downsize your workforce, offer less hours, or shut down shop entirely. This back up plan might not be your bread and butter, but it will keep your head above water during a poor season and allow you to be ready for when things improve.

Finding Success in Traditional Marketing

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Key Takeaways

Traditional marketing boosts business:

• Targeted Delivery: Focusing on specific regions increases response rates and client conversion.
• Effective Strategy: Customized door hangers have led to significantly higher engagement and new clients.
• Origins Matter: Even simple, traditional methods like Word document flyers can effectively launch a business.
• Efficiency Tips: Hiring help for flyer distribution can optimize both time and results.

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It was an exciting moment at the Bettinghouse residence today when the loud sound of a diesel engine stopped in front of my home and UPS delivered our door hanger flyers for the 2012 season. Although I have redirected most of my marketing efforts to different social media platforms (which is free) I have stuck with one form of traditional marketing for the past 3 years - door hangers.  They have helped my business tremendously, but it has taken more than just running around all parts of the city and blanketing a large area with a generic message. This year, I used the base of an old design from Sara Millim and, with the professional help of Donald Zimmerman, came up with some new ideas that I believe will have a response rate in Reno, NV that is greater than the national average. For a lawn care business like mine the national response rate is somewhere around .4%-2%. In 2010 I had a response rate of about 4%, with 2.3% actually signing up. Although these numbers seem extremely low to the naked eye, this meant 19 new clients that I did business for over the course of 7 months in 2010, as well as in the following years.

The key is to not waste time blanketing all neighborhoods, but to seek out a few areas of the city that are looking for what your business has to offer. We design our door hangers to fit a specific region of the city. This way we are not driving all across town, but are staying clustered and doing business for one location.

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Cory's Lawn Service was originally established by handing out Microsoft Word flyers in the right neighborhood in 2005. Before I knew it I had 30 customers and had not bought a piece of equipment yet! Although we have come a long way from Word documents and used equipment, I would still recommend using this traditional way of marketing if you are looking to start up or help grow a business.

If you are concerned about the amount of time spent walking around and hanging flyers, I understand completely. I realized after the first year that handing these out personally was not the best use of my time, so for the past two years I have hired Trevor Hallum, who tells me "you realize you are paying me to go on a run." I also realized it will get done even quicker when I am paying him per flyer, rather than per hour. Now Trevor gets paid to go on a faster run!

Please look for our new flyers in the NW Reno area. Also, if you got one of our flyers and read this blog contact me and I will give you a free mow!

A Day of Golf at Whitney Oaks

Whitney Oaks

Key Takeaways

Whitney Oaks experience:

• Challenging Course: Whitney Oaks is noted for its challenging layout, making it an interesting play for golfers.
• Course Quality: The quality of the turf and greens, despite recent aeration, shows promising upkeep and potential for excellent conditions.
• Staff Accommodation: Exceptional staff hospitality, especially in offering discounts on special occasions, enhances the golfing experience.

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This week I had a chance to take a break and go golfing with some good friends at Whitney Oaks golf course in Rocklin, CA. Although I was there for a beautiful day of golf, I really wish I would have chance to meet up with the grounds crew to interview them about the upkeep around the course.  Whitney Oaks is probably one of the more difficult courses I have played in the past few years outside of Reno. I do not have a registered handicap and normally shoot in the mid 80's, but the two times I played here I have shot a 98 and a 92. As far as the actual quality of the turf at the course goes, I can't say I was disappointed. However, most holes were not in the greatest shape. I do have to give credit to the fact that the greens were just aerated and things have greened up more in the past 3 weeks. I guess part of me just expects California courses to be  immaculate in the winter/spring compared to the golf courses we have in Reno.

I really want to start meeting with the grounds crews at the different courses I play to find out the reasons why their courses look the way they do. When do they activate the full time watering? What fertilizer do they use? And when do they apply it? I think this would share a glimpse of how and why golf courses stay in great shape throughout the year. After driving out to Whitney Oaks twice from Reno, I would give this course a overall score of 7 out of 10 for spring golf. It is challenging but fun, and the pace of play was decent. Also, the staff was super nice the first time to hook us up with a discounted rate for a friend's birthday, even though our coupon was not valid on that day (read the fine print Rob!) I would like to return to Whitney Oaks in the summer and I bet my rating would go up when everything is green!

Although it might seem stupid, I wanted to take a little video of the guys we were out with and give a little shout out to my buddy Christian's amazing restaurant SUP in Reno, NV. Christian has only been playing golf seriously a few months and with his garage sale bag of mismatched clubs this guy is just around the corner from consistently shooting in the 90's.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DwcmQJp1dQ&context=C4e51814ADvjVQa1PpcFPx7JAKY9g4keXtgbnMg3LFetFh9D1Z5Uk=[/youtube]

Top 5 Considerations Before Signing a Lawn Care Service

upset lawn kid

Key Takeaways

Lawn care service considerations:

• Community Feedback: Utilize neighbors' experiences to find reputable lawn care services.
• Professional Credentials: Ensure the service is licensed, indicating reliability and accountability.
• Trustworthiness: Personal interaction with providers offers a measure of their reliability and the security of your property.
• Contract Awareness: Read contracts carefully to avoid being locked into unsatisfactory agreements.

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If this is the first year you are considering hiring a lawn care service or are in need of a change from the same crappy service year after year, here are the TOP 5 things to consider before  hiring a lawn care provider. These recommendation are not the guaranteed way to hire the most stellar lawn care provider around, but since this is a business that practically anyone can start up there are some things to watch out for.  I will admit and know for a fact that Cory's Lawn Service may not be the best fit for what you're looking for, but after being in the business for some time I can tell you some things to look out for and avoid so you can hire a service that does fits your needs. 1.) Talk to your Neighbors:

There is still no better way to find a good business than through word of mouth. Whether its a restaurant or a vacation spot we don't trust anything more that what others have to say.  Have you noticed that your neighbors use a lawn care services? Be a nice neighbor and bring over a plate of cookies and ask them how they ended up choosing the service they currently use, how they like them, and what downfalls there have been to using the service.

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2.) Hire Someone with a Business License:

If you're hiring little Timmy from down the street who is trying to make money to go to summer camp this year then ignore this one and have the kid wash your car as well. But if you're hiring a small business to take care of your property this year, then that's what they should be, a licensed small business which all business are required to places in a visible spot for anyone to see. This insures you that they are registered with the state and city in case of any injury or damage is done to your property they will be easy to find and are most likely insured as well.

3.) Hire who you trust:

Almost all lawn care providers will come to your home for a free estimate and if they don't that might be a red flag already. This allows you the opportunity to meet them first hand and ask any questions before you commit to signing any type of contract. See if they will be the person who will be on your property weekly, and if not try and meet the people that will. Your lawn care provider will get to know your property quickly and when you're home or not. If you can't trust them in person with you home, can you trust them on your property when your out of town?

lawn guys

4.) Check reviews online:

This day in age so many people are using social media. In a matter of minutes you can check online if they are reputable and trustworthy. Review sites like Google places and Yelp will bring up reviews from past customers along with a 1 to 5 star rating according to past work done. If you don't want to spend the time asking a neighbor, this is the second best way to find a little bit about what you're dealing with.

5.) Read the fine print:

Unfortunately this is where I have heard people getting into trouble. If you have to sign a weekly lawn care contract read the fine print. Make sure you are not locked into your contract in case the company is awful. Also make sure that the company is not going to charge you the regular rate during winter when the grass is not growing and they are now mowing on a weekly bases.

DG Installation in Reno

DG 2

Key Takeaways

DG installation enhances landscapes:

• Low Maintenance: Decomposed Granite (DG) is a low maintenance landscape material, ideal for property enhancement.
• Visual Appeal: Applying a 1 1/2" - 2" layer of DG around shrubs and perennials offers a clean, aesthetically pleasing look.
• Easy Application: Adding more DG to landscapes is simple and can significantly beautify your property.

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The time of year has come to start taking a look around your property and seeing what needs to be done. So this weekend stand out on your front porch as your grab your morning paper in your bath robe with a cup of coffee in hand and take a quick look at what might need to be done around your property before the mowing season starts. Most homes in Reno have parts of their property surrounded by Decomposed Granite (DG for short). Even if you didn't realize it, your property probably has DG somewhere on it, and although it is the lowest maintenance portion of landscape you have, it is something that still needs to be attended to every now and then. DG is Granite Rock that has decomposed over time, or been crushed down to become another type of low maintenance decorative rock that is used on most properties in Reno. The problem is, over time the DG decomposes even more and is either just blown away or thins out. Although it is not necessary to add more DG to your landscape it is a very easy process you can do on your own or hire someone to do beautify your property. For a nice clean look around your shrubs and perennials, it is recommended that you have between 1 1/2" - 2" layer of DG. This will last for several years and allow you to decoratively rake your DG so your landscape looks like the sand traps of a PGA golf course.

Cory's Lawn Service is currently adding DG to 15 homes in the northwest Reno area, and wanted to take a quick video of what we have done on a local customers property, to help beautify her desert-scape for years to come. If your DG coverage is looking a little thin please feel free to contact us for any help you might need.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgZXd4LoRL0&context=C4e51814ADvjVQa1PpcFPx7JAKY9g4keXtgbnMg3LFetFh9D1Z5Uk=[/youtube]

Green Industry Great Escape

GIGE

Key Takeaways

The Green Industry Great Escape offers insights and opportunities for growth:

• Networking Opportunities: Brings together industry professionals and entrepreneurs for networking and knowledge sharing.
• Inspirational Keynotes: Features influential speakers discussing innovation and success in the landscaping business.
• Accessibility Concerns: Highlights the need for more affordable access to benefit smaller businesses.

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The beginning of the month was a benchmark for lawn and landscapers across the country. A conference called the Green Industry Great Escape was held in the Bahamas at the famous Atlantis Resort. This event was hosted by the Professional Landscape Network, with several other noteworthy sponsors like Caterpillar, STIHL, and John Deere. The purpose of the event was to bring in industry professionals, successful business owners, and the dedicated entrepreneur to a beautiful resort to experience key note speakers, network, and discuss how to manage for success in 2012.

Looking at the lawn and landscape business over the past few years it is hard to even imagine a conference like this to attract the little guys like myself along with 90 percent of the lawn and landscape business's around. A key note speaker Tom Oyler said, "“I hate to see people come in who can bully and buy, and they’re not innovative,” Oyler says. “They just have capital. I love the small guy." It is strange to hear this come from a conference that is being hosted at a resort that my wife and I could not even afford to go to for our honeymoon, let alone for a 3 day conference. On the other hand this island has probably one of the most complicated landscape designs and up keeps imaginable so the tour of the island with director of landscaping, Tony Burzo was probably worth the money of the trip itself. It just seems that a trip like this is directed for the big wigs, and the industry leader with money, and not for the "little guys" that Tom loves.

A conference of this magnitude would have such an impact for the little guys if it was affordable to attend. It is obvious that in our city and with this economy the lawn care business has resulted to a mass undercutting of your competition and taking anything you can get. Tom Oyler, also discussed at the conference the positives of pooling your different talents and resources together instead of just being focused on acquiring your next client. These are the items that small business need to hear and be educated on for the success of their business in the future, which is why conferences like Green Industry Great Escape should possibly think about having more accessibility to their conference for the "little guys".

Ultimately I have read that this conference was a huge success which allowed people in the states to follow along with their twitter hash tag #GIGE2012. Maybe next year, if Professional Landscape Network decides to host this event in another exotic location they might want to look at video web casting some of the key speakers on their website so people across the world can be educated on ways to help their lawn and landscape small business.

Reno Snow Removal (Video Blog)

Key Takeaways

Reno snow removal insights:

• Climate Consideration: Selecting a snow blower in Reno doesn't mean purchasing the most expensive; it's about value for your climate.
• Service Delivery: Cory's Lawn Service responds promptly to snow events, as seen with the recent 4" snowfall in Summerset.
• Community Engagement: The company initiates video blogs for lawn care tips and business updates, enhancing customer connection.

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If you live in Reno and over the years have been sick of the back breaking labor of shoveling snow, I have some suggestions of what snow blower you should buy. Our climate it doesn't necessarily mean you should go buy the biggest and best snow blower out. If you want to look at investing into buying a snow blower and want to get the most bang for your buck, watch our video blog for our recommendation. Although downtown Reno received almost no accumulation today, Summerset did get about 4" so Cory's Lawn Service was there to serve our customers. While I was out I wanted to attempt our first video blog which I hope to continue especially throughout the lawn season with lawn care tips, advise, and documentation with whats going on with our business. I hope to upgrade our video quality in the near future, but for any of you that do video blog or have any recommendation please leave a comment for us to help improve our production.

Lawn Aeration in Reno

Aerator Picture

Key Takeaways

Lawn aeration benefits:

• Enhanced root growth: Aeration allows more oxygen, nutrients, and water to reach the roots, encouraging healthier, thicker lawns.
• Optimal timing: In Reno's cooler climate, aeration should occur in spring and early fall, avoiding the stressful summer period.
• Aeration methods: Options include professional services or DIY with rented equipment, emphasizing preparation like watering and marking sprinklers.

Check out our aeration services.

As we approach closer and closer to the time of activating our waters and thinking about mowing the grass it is very important in Reno to aerate your lawn at least once a year, if not more. Reno is known for it hard compact soil which can cause very thinned out grass over time if you do not aerate. Lawn aeration removes cores of soil from your turf which then allows more oxygen, nutrients, and water to penetrate to the roots of your grass. The soften soil allows the roots to grow more rapidly which results in a much more think healthier lawn.

When Should I Aerate in Reno?

Since  Reno is actually known as a cooler climate, hence our dormant winters, lawn aeration should be done before the major growth seasons. This would primarily include aerating your lawn in the spring before the major lawn growth occurs and after the summer growth towards early fall. Although lawn aeration is extremely helpful for your lawn, it is also stressful on the turf so try to avoid aerating during summer.

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Whats the best way to go about aerating my lawn?

There are a couple of options for this, and if you are not the do it yourself type of person than just call one of your local lawn professionals and they can take care of it with probably a minimum charge of $40-$60 for lawns with less than 2,500 square feet. If you like to do it yourself, I would recommend asking your neighbors if they would like their lawn aerated and see if they would be interested in chipping in some money to rent an aerator which normally run about $75.00 a day. This is a great way to serve your neighbors and get some major kudos. There are also hand core aeration tools that are significantly cheaper, but also comes with the price tag with some back breaking labor, so I don't even recommend that.

A few Suggestions

Whether your are going to aerate yourself or pay someone to do it, make sure you water your lawn thoroughly the night before to allow the soil to soften up. This will allow the aerators to do their job properly and remove cores 1"-2" instead of just bouncing along the dry soil and hardly remove anything. Mark your sprinklers with flags or just put large rocks over them for protection while aerating, to prevent breaking any sprinkler heads. Finally, make sure the highly traffic areas get a little extra attention from the aeration because theses areas are probably really compacted.

If you have any other questions on lawn aeration in Reno, even if you don't plan on using our service, feel free to send me an email and I would be more than happy to answer questions you might have.

How To Tune Up Your Lawn Mower For Spring.

Key Takeaways

Lawn mower maintenance offers:

• Enhanced Performance: Regular tune-ups can significantly improve your lawn mower's starting and running performance.
• Extended Lifespan: Addressing basic maintenance tasks like changing oil, filters, and spark plugs can extend the life of your mower.
• Cost Efficiency: Performing these simple tune-up tasks yourself saves money on professional service fees.

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Even though your lawn mower has just been sitting these past few months in the garage, side yard, or shed, there are some basic tunes ups to consider before your try and start it up. Lets just be smart and think about this for a minute, the gas has been sitting in that tank for six months,  just like me you probably didn't change the oil or air filter at the end of the season,  and how about  that spark plug? These are 4 basic items that are super cheap, will help your mower start on the first pull, and significantly improve the life of your mower. Replacing these items are super easy so don't waste your time and money going down to your small engine shop to have them charge you $100.00 or more to do this quick 20 minute job. First of all find you lawn mower manual and if you lost it, just Google search ( "brand","your lawn mower serial number", "manual") ie (Toro, 9384751934, manual) and you should find it online. If you are like most people and bought your lawn mower at Home Depot or Lowe's, they most likely have spark plug and air filter packages you can buy together which makes it super easy. Since a picture is worth a 1,000 words I am guessing a how to video is worth way more than that. Since I just changed the oil, spark plugs, gas, and air filters on all my mowers, so I found a couple of quick video's from some experts at Lowe's that are simple and will help you step by step.

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Reno Lawn Care Tip's for Dry Winter

Key Takeaways

Reno's winter lawn care involves:

• Watering Practices: Water during temperatures above 50°F and before 3pm to allow for proper drainage.
• Hose Management: Fully drain hoses and store them correctly after use.
• Grass Care: Implement two twenty-minute soakings for grass, with a pause in between for absorption.

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For anyone that has lived in Reno longer than a year, it is obvious that we are going through an extremely dry winter. In fact according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOA), Reno is experience one of the top 5 driest winters on record books. So what does this mean for your plants, trees, and grass? Well just because it is winter does not mean we should not stop watering. Most winters in Nevada we can count on the rain and snow to normally take care of the recommended one inch of monthly precipitation that is vital to vegetation, but so far we have not been able to count on it this year. Have you been freaking out because you look out the front window to see your "on top of everything" neighbor activating his sprinkler system a few times a week to water his plants? Well it should be a concern that your plants and trees are not getting the water they need but I would no go as far as activating your system in February while we are still having freezing temperatures nightly. KTVN did a recent interview with Steven Fine from, "Reno Lawn and Landscape" about the issues with the dry weather (below).

Although I believe it is helpful information, this is something that can be done by a home owner and does not require the special attention from a professional as long as you keep to a few guidelines. Here are a few things you should and should not do to help your plants, trees, and grass throughout the rest of winter while we continue our dry spell.

DO:

• Water during temperatures above 50 degree Fahrenheit

• Water before 3pm to give time to drain.

• Completely drain your hoses and store them properly.

• For Grass: Two twenty minute soakings with time in between to soak.

DON'T:

• Water while the ground is frozen.

• Water later in the evening.

• Activate sprinkler system, unless really familiar with winterizing the system right after.