This is your ProGardenBiz Newsletter! #9

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ProGardenBiz Landscape & Garden Magazine for the
Green Industry

ProGardenBiz is an online landscape & garden magazine and
directory for professional gardeners and landscape
contractors doing maintenance, irrigation, installation,
planting, and waterscapes.

Quote for today: "The successful leader has not the loudest voice but the readiest ear. And his or her real genius may well lie not in personal achievement, but in unleashing other people’s talent."

- Warren Bennis, business-administration educator

Life's Quips...
"The trouble with the rat-race is that even if you win you're
still a rat."
- Lily Tomlin

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In this Issue:

- First Things First
- Composting for Better Lawn & Landscape Care
- Sniglet
- Questions from our readers... and answers!
- Factoid - How many brains do you have?
- It Works for Me! Tips from our Readers
- Starting a Landscape or Gardening Business
- Contents Of the Current Issue of ProGardenBiz
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New this Week in ProGardenBiz:

Selling the Job
Landscape Maintenance Techniques
Plant Facts Index
Waterscapes
Irrigation Techniques


You can read these articles at:
http://www.progardenbiz.com
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First Things First

A young ensign had nearly completed his first overseas tour of duty
when he was given the opportunity to prepare his ship to "set sail."
With a stream of crisp commands, he had the decks buzzing with sailors
and soon the ship was churning slowly out of the channel.

The ensign's efficiency was remarkable. In fact, the talk was that he
had set a new record for getting the ship underway. His bubble was
burst, however, when he was handed a radio message from the captain.

"My personal congratulations upon completing your underway
preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed," it
read. "But next time wait until your captain is aboard before getting
underway!"

What good is a ship without the captain? The ensign did all the right
things, but he never did the most important thing!

It is a matter of priorities. You may accomplish a great deal every
day. But are you accomplishing the truly important things? To borrow
the language of Stephen Covey, have you put first things first?

In marriage and relationships, in work and career, in the areas of
mental, physical and spiritual health, are you truly doing the
important things?

It is never a matter of doing more. To determine to squeeze more time
in every day for exercise, reading or spiritual devotion usually does
not last long. More people find success in deciding what is truly
important and doing it first. And if some of the other "stuff" never
gets done, will you miss it?

Today, will you put first things first? And how about tomorrow? And
the next day? If so, you will one day discover that you are building a
life that counts.

Steve Goodier Publisher@LifeSupportSystem.com is a professional
speaker, consultant and author of numerous books. Visit his site for
more information, or to sign up for his FREE newsletter of Life, Love
and Laughter at http://LifeSupportSystem.com.

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Composting for Better Lawn & Landscape Care

Article by Lance Richfield

What is Composting and Why Do It?

Composting is nature's way to recycle. It is the controlled
natural decomposition of organic material, such as leaves, grass
clippings, prunings, and fruit and vegetable scraps.
Microorganisms break down these materials into compost, or humus,
the nutrient rich soil product that results from proper
composting.

Composting has many benefits for your garden and the environment.
It save you money by conserving water and reducing the need to
purchase commercial fertilizers and soil amendments. It benefits
your yard and garden by improving soil health and fertility and
preventing erosion. It conserves water by helping the soil hold
more water and reducing the need for frequent watering. It helps
the environment by recycling valuable organic materials and
extending the life of the landfill.

Getting Started

Composting can be practiced almost anywhere... in your backyard,
at work or school, even if you live in an apartment! All you need
to get started composting is a little bit of space, a bin, and a
basic understanding of the composting process.



For the rest of this article see:
http://www.progardenbiz.com/issues/v1issue3/Composting-Lawn-Landscape.html

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Sniglet: Help wanted: Telepathy - you know where to apply.

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Q&A
Questions from our readers...

Q. I live in Richmond, VA.  I have 4 crepes that need to be
transplanted because they are not getting enough sun.  When is
the best time to do this?  Also what fertilizer should I use &
when to apply?
 
Azaleas also need to be moved because they have gotten too large
for the space.  When should I do this?  Best fertilizer & when to
apply? 

Thanks.  Mary

A. I always recommend asking planting questions of your local
nurseryman. They are most familiar with your area. In general,
though, you should be able to transplant either of these plants
anytime during the growing season. It is best to do it early so
as to give the plant time to become re-established before the
dormant season.

For the Crepe Myrtle any good fertilizer will do. For your Azaleas
you will find specialized fertilizers at your nursery that are
labeled for Azaleas. Ironite would be good for either plant.
Fertilize early in the growing season. Follow the instructions
on the fertilizer.

Q. my dad works in a factory and would like to start his own
business. the only thing stoping him is he dosen't know where to
start.he plans on starting out in the tampa, fl area.

what advice can you give or resources do you have to help him out.

thank you, tony e.

A. See our article How to Start and Run a Landscape Maintenance
Business at:

http://www.progardenbiz.com/resources/archives/issue1/features/IntroHowto.html

Other useful info:

Recommended Reading:

- Sunset's Western Garden Book
- Landscape Operations: Management, Methods, and Materials
- How to Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business, 3rd Edition
- Lawn Care & Gardening: A Down-To-Earth Guide to the Business
- How to Start and Run a Landscape Maintenance Business

Starting a Landscape or Gardening Business:

ProGardenBiz, a landscape and garden magazine for the Green
Industry is your online resource for starting and operating a
business as a landscape contractor or landscape and lawn
maintenance gardener. Related fields covered by ProGardenBiz are
irrigation installation and maintenance, sprinklers - repair and maintenance, waterscapes, water features, and ponds. You will also
find information on plants, plant identification, trees and tree maintenance, and many other topics that span the Green Industry.
Visit our new Community Web Portal for Forums, Chat, FAQ's, News,
Articles and more.

Q. Hi there, my name is Jim and I'm from Griffith, Indiana. I trim
and remove trees part time, but I have a chance for a city job but
they want me to be Licensed,Insured,and Bonded, which is
understandable. However I must take a contractors test. My question
is what will I need to do or study to pass the State test?

I would appreciate any advice, thank you.

Jim

A. You can contact your state offices for the best information at:

Landscaping: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - State Office
Bldg. Indianapolis IN. 46204 Phone: (317) 232-2980

Technical book stores will often carry study guides and training
tools. Check your local yellow pages for Contractor Schools in
your area.



Have questions? We have answers. Send your questions to
editor@progardenbiz. Your questions are welcome and will be
answered by email and appear in our "Letters" or "Ask?"
columns.

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Factoid: A grasshopper can leap over obstacles 500 times its
own height.
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It Works for Me! Tips from our Readers

We use to use the special additives for spray marking when we
sprayed for weeds. It became too expensive so we started to use
food coloring. It works great and it doesn't stain as bad as
some of the commercially available products.

P.E.
Tucson, AZ

Have a problem with people cutting through shrub areas and cutting
corners? Try a few well placed rocks, or try lining the "path"
with lots of different size rocks. Have a problem with people
taking short cuts down a small slope face? Get a 4' by 8' wire
sheet with a minimum of 6" by 6" spacings. Cut it to fit the path.
Place several 2" by 2" stakes about 18" apart. Make sure that the
stakes stick up level with the top of the ground cover you have.
Nail the wire sheet to the stakes. You can also plant thorny
vines through the wire. If that doesn't work try land mines.

K.W.
El Cajon, CA

For solving path problems, I always liked the innovative design
solution used by a forward thinking landscape designer. The
landscaping was being installed in a shopping center with typical
islands in the parking area. The designer made a general plan, but requested that the contractor doing the install only put in the
irrigation system and the top soil graded to final grade with no
plantings. Small signs were put up to explain that the landscaping
was still under construction and the shopping center opened for
business.

Within a week there were clear paths in use across various areas of
the landscaping where people decided to take "shortcuts". The
designer than finalized the planting plans and incorporated these
paths into the plan. The paths were formalized with concrete walks
or stepping stones.

The people showed where they wanted to walk and the landscaping
conformed. - Editor

Why should I tell other people what works for me? If I figure
something out that does a better job than what everyone else is
doing and it gets me more work I'm not going to tell anyone. They
can figure it out for themselves. If get an idea its mine!

B.N.
Las Vegas, NV

Be a sport. If you have a technique or a method that is so unique
and exclusive, please don't tell anyone. You are right in that
instance. The things we want to hear about are the clever ways you
tackle everyday problems such as the ideas of above. No sense to
being stingy with a few ideas. - Editor

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Starting a Landscape or Gardening Business:
ProGardenBiz, a landscape and garden magazine for the Green
Industry is your online resource for starting and operating a
business as a landscape contractor or landscape and lawn
maintenance gardener. Related fields covered by ProGardenBiz
are irrigation installation and maintenance, sprinklers -
repair and maintenance, waterscapes, water features, and ponds.
You will also find information on plants, plant identification,
trees and tree maintenance, and many other topics that span the
Green Industry.

If the answers you seek are not readily found, then drop us an
email at: editor@progardenbiz. Your questions are welcome and
will be answered by email and appear in our "Letters" or "Ask?"
columns.
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Contents Of the Current Issue of ProGardenBiz
http://www.progardenbiz.com
Volume 1, Issue 3
Feature Articles

- Being a Pro: A Series on Professionalism: Lawn Maintenance
Equipment, Buying & Using to make a Profit


Volume 1, Issue 3
Feature Articles

- Being a Pro: Equipment
- Irriation Time Savers II
- Project Management
- Custom Designed Pond
- Erosion Control for Landscape Installation
- CLCA Certified Landscape Technician
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You can post questions, comments, thoughts, ideas and more to
our email discussion group at: pgbdiscussion@yahoogroups.com or
the new Forum section at:

http://www.progardenbiz.com/public_html/forum/index.php

I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you,

Steve Fleming
Publisher
ProGardenBiz

Irrigation & Sprinkler Repair Service
Create a Profitable New Service to Your Lawn Care Business
Article by Jack Stone
Copyright © 2003 by ProGardenBiz
ProGardenBiz, an online magazine
http://www.progardenbiz.com

One of the most profitable additions to your lawn care service
business can be the repair of irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Although plumbers may do this work, it is not their area of
expertise and their hourly rates are often prohibitive for this
type of work. There are irrigation companies that do
installation that also do repair and maintenance and this is
their speciality. As a lawn care operator you have an
advantage with your immediate contact with an established
client base, your own customers!

Most lawn care operators include minor sprinkler repair as
part of the service. Parts should always be charged separately.
Major problems should be handled as separate jobs and charged by
the hour. The repair of irrigation and sprinkler systems is not
something that can be estimated prior to the start of the job.
The problems often lie underground and cannot be seen. You may
be able, from experience, to look over the problem and give a
rough idea of what is involved, but always charge by the hour
for the work, plus parts.

What you charge will vary from area to area. Generally
irrigation repair is charged at a slightly higher hourly rate
than lawn care service, but much less than what plumbers would
charge. An example would be:

Lawn Care hourly man-hour rate: $25.00 per hour
Plumber hourly rate: $85.00 per hour
Irrigation repair hourly rate: $40.00 per hour

Have a minimum charge of one hour's work and stick to it.
Tell the client the minimum up front. Before you actually
start working you never know if it will be a ten minute job
or a whole day. I could fill pages with the stories of what
we've found underground once we started digging, but at the
same time it's been more than once that I found the problem
was the time clock was shut off or had no power.

Buy your parts at a wholesale supplier that sells to the
landscape contractor market. Mark your parts up a minimum of
30%. Always check the discount hardware retailers in your
area, like Home Depot, as they will often have better prices.
When you buy at the wholesale supplier you will not get the
best discount unless you have a contractor's license, so
sometimes places like Home Depot will have better prices.

Keep a small stock of the most often used sprinkler repair
parts on your truck. Running to the supplier for every
repair job will waste time and eat into your profits.

The first question many lawn care operators ask is do they
need a landscape contractor's license to do irrigation and
sprinkler system repair work? You will need to check with
your State Contractor's license board to be sure, but in most
cases you do not. You would need a contractor's license to
do installations of new systems that exceed certain dollar values
(which vary from state to state in the U.S.A.).

How to Get New Repair Customers

People who need sprinkler systems repaired generally want it
done NOW! They will often take the first bid from the first
repair service to show up (as long as they like the person's
presentation and price). The best form of advertising I have
found for this work is a local classified ad direct mailer.
In my area this is called "The Pennysaver". Most towns and
cities have something similar. It will be a small magazine or
tabloid format publication that consists of classified and
display advertising. It usually is direct mailed to all houses
in the city or county. You can usually advertise by zip code
area which makes for very good targeted advertising. I usually
combine several services to make the ad more useful and cost
effective. An example ad for a lawn care service might be like
this:

Lawn and garden service. Weekly, bi-weekly custom care.
Sprinkler repair, yard clean-ups, trimming.

Add your name and phone number and place the ad. The
sprinkler repair work and yard clean-up jobs will easily pay
for the advertising and bring in extra profit. Meanwhile you
also benefit from building your regular maintenance route.

Tip: Is your regular maintenance route full? Not planning on
adding employees? Then continue advertising. Look for better
accounts, ask for higher hourly rates on the new accounts.
Always continue to improve and refine your maintenance work. As
you add better accounts you can drop the lower-paying or higher
maintenance accounts for the better work and improve your
profits at the same time.

Use the tools we have today to stay on top of your marketing
efforts. Have a cell phone and use it's number in your
advertising. You can take your calls in the field and schedule
to see new clients faster (they may be just down the street).
I've taken a call for sprinkler repair while doing maintenance
a short distance away. I'm usually the first one there and I
get the job done the same day (sometimes within an hour of the
call). Competitors with answering services or that scheduled
a meeting with the client later that day or evening lose the
job.

If you have never done any work on sprinkler systems or with
drip irrigation then get some good books on the subject and
learn the basics. Your wholesale supplier is also a very good
resource for information. They will have booklets and other
material from manufacturers like Rain Bird, Irritrol Systems,
Toro, Hunter, Rain Master, Weather-Matic, Champion, Superior
and more.

Some other good websites with information on irrigation and
sprinkler systems are:

http://www.lawn-sprinklers.net/
http://www.irrigationtutorials.com/
http://www.blueskyirrigation.com/sprinkler.htm
http://sprinklerdoc.4t.com/

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About the Author:

Jack Stone is a Contributing Editor for ProGardenBiz Magazine,
an online magazine for professional gardeners and landscape
contractors. Visit ProGardenBiz to find out how you can get a
free subscription, start-up guidance, business ideas and
inspiration at http://www.progardenbiz.com.
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