March 26, 2021
A Facility Manager’s Commercial Lawn Care Guide
Selecting the right vendor for your facility’s services is one of the most challenging tasks on your plate as a facility manager. Additionally, choosing a commercial lawn care provider can be frustrating. That’s why we have put together this guide to help you choose the right commercial lawn care company.
Understand Your Commercial Lawn Care Requirements For Your Property
Naturally, every lawn has different needs. Situations such as the type of grass, the size of your property, the type of as well as the frequency of shade your property gets, and if you have an active irrigation system are all considerations for you to keep in mind.
Why is this important? Because a good commercial lawn care company will want to know this type of information upfront. In order to provide you with an accurate quote for their services, they will ask quite a few questions about your lawn care requirements. Take some time to do a thorough property inspection, jotting down everything you notice about your lawn care requirements. Then you’ll be properly prepared when you sit down with a representative to discuss your needs.
Evaluate The Various Services The Lawn Care Company Offers
Some firms are full-service; others only offer basic packages such as mowing and trimming. A newer trend is to use fully-electric mowing equipment for those that wish to be more environmentally conscious. Other options that lawn care companies frequently offer include automated billing and online portal access for account management.
The options really are endless as more and more companies compete for your business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so that you can fully evaluate the various services they offer. Communication is key. If a commercial lawn care company is willing to answer your questions, it also means that they may be easy to work with and; willing to answer questions once you’ve signed on the dotted line. On the other hand, it’s definitely a red flag if they seem like they are dodging or failing to give you a straight answer.
Does The Commercial Lawn Maintenance Contractor Offer Year-Round Service?
While some contractors may only offer service during certain seasons, others offer year-round service. Today, they’re out mowing your grass and edging your walkways. Tomorrow, they’re plowing your parking lot and spreading salt on your sidewalks.
Of course, this will depend on your specific property and its needs. But a good indication that you’ve found a lasting business partnership is whether you’ll be working with them a few months out of the year or an agreed-upon service arrangement.
Ask For Current Customer Referrals
Above, we mentioned the importance of communication. As an extension of that, if the company you’re speaking with doesn’t have or won’t provide any customer referrals, take caution.
Any reputable lawn care contractor will have at least one current active customer who can put in a good word for them. This may be in the form of a written recommendation or, perhaps more commonly, the name and phone number of a contact at the referral’s place of business.
Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask questions. The referral should be willing to talk about the company and let you know everything from the contractor’s reliability to their communication effectiveness and more.
And if they provide you with multiple recommendations, it’s definitely worth calling more than one. A good rule of thumb is to contact at least three. This way, you’ll get a thorough and well-rounded review before you commit to any long-term contract.
It’s all about how they treat their customers
A good lawn care company should ask questions and be willing to answer all of yours. They should also have a name or two for referrals and, better yet, can partner with your facility all year long. Be sure to fully evaluate their services before you sign a contract so that you know exactly what you’ll be getting with the service agreement.
Branded Group is Here to Help with Your Lawn Care Solutions
As a facility manager, choosing the right commercial lawn care company is a crucial decision that directly impacts the well-being and appearance of your property. A partnership with a reliable and communicative team like Branded Group can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to take the next step towards a beautifully maintained landscape – schedule a consultation with Branded Group today. Allow us to address your inquiries, provide references, and offer comprehensive services that align perfectly with your facility’s requirements. Together, we’ll ensure a seamless and thriving lawn care experience that exceeds your expectations.