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Yard Maintenance. Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam Department of Agriculture Funding provided by:
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Yard Maintenance Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam Department of Agriculture Funding provided by: United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Administration for Native Americans,, & Sanctuary Incorporated
How Much Should You Charge?A Lawn Maintenance Example • Depends on: • What is your goal for your hourly wage? • Rule of thumb add $1 an hour for equipment maintenance • Needed Supplies • Business Costs: • Taxes (Also License) • How long will the job take
How Much Should You Charge?A Lawn Maintenance Example • Marketing Tactic: • In order to obtain a realistic estimate of time and resources, after first time at a very low rate: • Give you a chance to demonstrate the quality of your service • Lets you know exactly what is involved
Lawn Care • Type of grass influences care: • As does soil type, light availability, temperature, watering • Maintenance requirements • Watering Requirements: • Lawn sprinklers usually need to be set for 1-2 hours at each spot to apply 1 inch of water • 1 inch of water soaks soil 6-8 inches in depth
Watering • Deep soakings help develop deep roots • Eventually plants will require less watering • Shallow watering benefits weeds • Do not over water • Soils can only absorb so much • Can harm plants & promote diseases • Early morning watering is best • Water slowly to avoid runoff
Mowing • Correct height depends on type of grass: • If cut too low grass can die, or thin out • Frequency of mowing depends on type of grass, maintenance program, & weather • Keep mower blade sharp & clean • Dull blades give grass an uneven look • Do not mow grass when wet • Can clog mower • Clippings should be left on lawn • Returns nutrients to the soil
Bush cutting • Often damages desired plants • Physically harms plants: • Bush cutter disease (careless cuts that girdle tree) kills huge numbers of trees on Guam.
Mulching • Reduces yard maintenance • Weeding, watering, mowing • Materials can be organic or inorganic • Organic mulch acts as a slow release fertilizer & can improve soil structure • Adds beauty to yard • For best results apply mulch 2-4 inches deep
Compost • Controlling the decomposition of organic material such as: • Yard material, paper, kitchen scraps, wood • Creates a slow release organic fertilizer & contributes to the beneficial organisms in the soil • Cost effective • Prevents green waste from being thrown in the landfill
Summary • For more information please call your local Cooperative Extension Service at 735-2080