In the 2018 LM Business Planner, Fred Haskett discussed the importance of identifying and creating an efficient workflow. Below is a list of Haskett’s suggested tasks and sequencing for mowing and detail service visits.

Tasks

Crew leader

Primary

• Inspect property focal areas, such as main entryways, building entries, sign areas, flower beds, etc.
• Make sure those areas are free of weeds. Pick up any litter, and do necessary detailing for curb appeal.
• Make sure there are no low hanging limbs on trees.
• Detail flowers and perennials by weeding and deadheading.
• Check for, and remove or treat, any weeds in cracks.

Irrigation check

• Look for dry spots or stressed areas.
• Look for broken heads and clogged nozzles.
• Report any problems detected on a landscape management report

Additional

• Work with the crew and follow up on their assigned tasks.
• Scout for pests and pest damage by inspecting trees, shrubs, turf, perennials, ground cover and flowers. Report any problems seen on a landscape management report.
• Apply herbicides to mulch beds, turf areas, cracks, seams, etc.
• Treat turf, trees, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and annuals for insects and disease.
• Apply fertilizer to turf, trees, shrubs, perennials, ground cover and annuals.

Miscellaneous

• Note any safety concerns for employees and customers.
• Check trees for deadwood and hazardous conditions.
• Report any dead or failing trees, shrubs or perennials on a landscape management report.
• Report any problems in turf and flower areas on a landscape management report.

Crew members

Key person

Primary

• Inspect property for trash.
• Check fluids before using equipment.
• Is mowing difficult, or does it require a large machine?
• Change mowing patterns.
• String trim areas mowers can’t reach behind.
• Blade edge walk and curb areas after mowing and trimming.
• Power blow areas of clippings and debris after mowing, trimming and edging.
• Blade edge shrub beds and tree rings.
• Pull large weeds.

Additional

• Prune shrubs.
• Elevate tree canopies.
• Detail ground cover.
• Water pots and flower beds.

Crew member

Primary

• Inspect property for trash.
• Check fluids before using equipment.
• Vacuum curb lines, gutters and corners to remove debris.
• Small machine mow.
• Change mowing pattern.
• String trim areas mowers can’t reach after mowing.
• Blade edge walk and curb areas after mowing and trimming.
• Power blow clippings and debris after mowing, trimming and edging.
• Pull large weeds.

Additional

• Deadhead perennials.
• Pick up clippings after pruning and trimming.
• Load debris in truck.
• Rake and remove leaf litter.

Job completion

Crew leader
Walk the property to follow up and ensure:

• all assigned and scheduled tasks were completed properly;
• any deficiencies were corrected as necessary;
• all tools and equipment were returned to the truck or trailer;
• the client is informed (where applicable) of the job status;
• the client is informed (where applicable) of next week’s plan; and
• a punch list is created for the next visit.

Key person

• Stow tools and equipment properly.
• Check to see everything is back in place.
• Secure the truck, equipment and trailer.
• Enter the truck, and buckle up.

Crew member

• Perform final clean up around the truck or trailer.
• Pull traffic cones and wheel chocks.

Following is a sample sequence of events that should be followed routinely in the course of a typical mowing service visit:

1. Inspect site for trash and debris.
2. Blow or sweep curb lines, gutters and corners.
3. Mow turf, and change patterns where applicable.
4. String trim areas the mowers can’t reach. This is done after mowing.
5. Blade edge walks and curb edges and tree rings after mowing and string trimming. Never use a string trimmer in these areas.
6. Power blow areas of clippings and debris after mowing, string trimming and blade edging.

Following is a sequence of events that should be followed routinely in the course of a typical detail service visit to a property:

1. Inspect site for trash and debris.
2. Blow or sweep curb lines, gutters and corners.
3. 3Detail designated high visibility areas.
4. Follow rotation schedule for detailing target zones or quadrants.
5. Detail routine:
   • Pull large weeds and spray small one (Dixie cup rule) in shrub and flower beds, cracks and seams.
   • Deadhead perennials and flowers.
   • Edge and trim ground cover
   • Hand prune long leaders on shrubs and suckers on trees.
   • Elevate tree canopies to clear walk and drive areas.
   • Complete any specific items indicated on the punch list.
6. Power blow areas and clean up clippings and debris after pruning.