garyp

I've just visited a lawn which hasn't faired too well over winter and wondering what advice you might have. The lawn has a drainage problem and was damp all year round. They originally had it re-layed twice which didn't solve the grass dampness and dying problems. I did some hollow-tine aeration on it 2 years ago and that seemed to considerably improve it, the grass didn't die, it was actually dry in summer and the customer was very happy. The top of the lawn (which would have been in shade during the winter months) looks basically moss now and has very little grass. I'm guessing the snow in December and retained moisture meant excellent conditions for moss. The rest of the lawn gets better as it moves away from the house. From my knowledge I would probably... Moss Kill then scarify. Probably some lawn seed to help fill the gaps and treat it asap with a Autumn feed to promote the root growth. Also hollow-tine aerate. Then the rest of the year, lawn treatment to encourage vigorous growth. Am I going down the right path? I don't think the customer will want to re-turf as they have already done that twice in the past as a fix all solution and it hasn't worked. Many thanks, Gary.

Thanks for all the replies, it's certainly gave me something to think about the past week. At the moment, I be sticking with my domestic customers and not going for the hotel maintenance. I think in the current financial climate I need to grow organically and not take any short cuts by thinking too big too soon and I'm happy with that.

I've been running my mowing and garden maintenance for the past 2 year aimed at private clients and currently work by myself. I have now been asked to give a quote to look after a hotel grounds including mowing and maintenance work but I frankly don't know where to start with this. Problems first. I don't have a ride-on which would be required. Secondly, if I did get the contract, I slightly afraid of losing that contract and where it would leave me and the business. I would probably need to invest in a ride-on (which I couldn't probably afford at the moment). I would guessimate the mowing would take 4 hours plus then the upkeep of the grounds. They want mowing when required (7, 10 or 14 days). Looking around, I could easily keep busy 1/2 day at this time of year on maintenance but this would be multiplied once the growing season kicks in. ...and how much do I charge, currently I try to get around £25-£30 per hour from customers, what is the norm to charge for a contract like this? I would appreciate any help in pricing, maintanace, ride-on mower and anything else I would have clearly overlooked. Gary