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Under at References we also explain an electronic septic tank observe or grease trap keep an eye on from Worldstone.
Mainly because we are a loved ones operate business as opposed to a franchise, we could manage aggressive pricing on all our merchandise – we've been certainly one of the biggest septic tank suppliers in the united kingdom.Head Business:twenty-22 Wenlock Street
We often listen to from Individuals who have lived in a house for fifteen or twenty many years And do not remember ever pumping out their septic tank, nor where by the tank is found, nor what dimension it's.
The key set up element is the size on the tank in relation to the dimensions on the house. A process that may be as well compact for the house will have to be pumped a lot more frequently.
Rubbish disposers will enhance the frequency of pumping. One example is, if this same three bedroom residence with 6 inhabitants experienced a garbage disposal and was normally creating a better volume of wastewater, the pumping frequency can be calculated as follows:
Troubles are extreme salt dosage that will probably lessen septic tank bacterial action but even worse may well severely problems a drainfield; also the drinking water volume itself can flood a marginal drainfield.
Be prepared: Because you have got long gone 5 many years without a peep will not necessarily mean your tank can final a lot longer. It is usually far better to do this on the phrases as an alternative on in an crisis last minute circumstance.
are desired. Rates range relatively by area. A Element of the payment you might be paying your septic pumping contractor is the fee to eliminate
in decades. The appeal of this tactic is always that it permits a homeowner to choose into consideration factors that will both increase or lessen the interval for septic tank inspection according to elements that raise or lower the septic failure threats posed by the home and its utilization.
The added expense of once-a-year to tri yearly septic tank inspections may very well be weighed in opposition to the security, great-tuning, and "precise septic tank details" method of septic tank inspection frequency we describe beneath, or the simple and simple to operate septic tank pumping frequency desk we presented previously mentioned.
Also, if your property continues to be vacant for in excess of 6 months, septic problems can crop up and an inspection is usually recommended.
Because of the easy drive of the lever, squander remains away from sight and from head. Not on this page. We'll your yard, on the greenest patch of grass, to dive headlong into your septic technique.
The textual content is meant like a reference guidebook to help check here you constructing house owners run and retain their household correctly. Subject inspection worksheets are integrated behind the amount.
And just like h2o conditioners, the outcome of h2o quantity on the drainfield might be far more instant and really serious than the consequences of laundry water about the septic tank.
- 382 Visitors


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Phone: 021-88969892
Connect to: Library Web Site❌
Library details: Statistical Center of Iran Library is a Special library.
This library is affiliated with Statistical center of Iran.
Permalink: https://librarytechnology.org/library/43106
(Use this link to refer back to this listing.)
Administration: The director of the library is mahnaz dorimanesh .
|Technology Profile
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Record History: This listing was created on Apr 22, 2009 and was last modified on Jul 25, 2013.
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subset: commoncrawl


text: Kochumuthalali is a malayalam short story, written by Prasad. The narration of story is teaching based. The story run on a boss and servant relationship. The servant teach the boss everything in the life.read more…Kochumuthalali kambi kathakal ,Kochumuthalali kambi,Kochumuthalali malayalam kambi kadha,Kochumuthalali kunna pooru kathakal ,Kochumuthalali malayalam stories,Kochumuthalali malayalam kambi ,Kochumuthalali kambikathakal ,Kochumuthalali kambi katha,Kochumuthalali New Kambi Katha,Kochumuthalali kambi malayalee kathakal


text: Classic Cullman / fine & dandy cullman is home to a variety of big-ticket outdoor attractions for dogs, allowing owners to put their fourlegged companions through the paces. If you go that route, there's a big upside: one park; two workouts! The Cullman area is home to three disc golf courses: one at Heritage Park; the campus of Wallace State Community College; and lastly at Fairview Park. If you're new to disc golf, just think of it as regular golf, minus the expense and equipment! All you need for disc golf is a frisbee and a love of strolling scenic places. At a disc golf course, players attempt to sink their frisbee into targets stationed at carefully-planned intervals that provide many of the same challenges and obstacles you'd ʏQGRQDWUDGLWLRQDOJROIFRXUVH*HWFRPSHWLtive or just go along for the fun — either way, Cullman's got you covered. Disc Golf at Heritage Park the cullman times, sam rolley Baileyton Goodtime Drag Strip Tucked away in Cullman County's eastern countryside, there's a little place called the Baileyton Goodtime Drag strip. Even though LWȊVQRWKDUGWRʏQGRQWKHPDSDOO\RXKDYH to do is follow the sounds of revving engines and tires hitting the asphalt on a Saturday night. The strip, featuring a 1/8-mile raceway and plenty of spectator seating, boasts a robust schedule of races and events for drivers of all skill levels and classes. And you don't need to be a driver to get a kick from a visit to Baileyton — watching's half the fun! baileyton goodtime drag strip - 45 classic 2016.indd 45 8/31/2016 10:34:19 AM


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There was once a National Lampoon vinyl album (yes, that long ago) in which a person, barely heard in the spoof audience kept saying, "Hey! I'm dressed like a turnip!" Finally the spoofed emcee said, "I see someone out there in the audience dressed as a turnip."
In the age of mass media, mass everything, if you're trying to stand out in you field, you have to go about it inventively. If you're a writer, this doesn't mean you have to put on a loincloth (or the feminine equivalent) and come into a book signing swinging on a vine. But if people who happen to be in the bookstore see your appearance there as ho-hum, they're going to think your writing is, too.
That's why I'm posting a link to this blog. Sitting in a store and hoping someone will like the way you part your hair won't sell books. So do a reading. That may not do it either – I often see readings as working as well as Sominex. So give a presentation. Make it lively. Get your audience involved. They just may buy copies, then.
Visit my website here, where you'll have an opportunity to download an audio eversion of my latest, Sam's Place, as well as select book review podcasts. Then there's my FB Fan Page here. On both you'll find more on ideas and events that matter to me – and possibly to you.


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As your local Sparkle Wash Professional, we're ready to meet your commercial, residential, fleet, construction, and industrial pressure washing and restoration needs. We are fully trained, locally owned, licensed and insured. No project is too big — or too small. As pressure washing experts, we'll review your project to recommend a customized plan that's right for you and your budget.
We pride ourselves on experience and reliability. And that's what we deliver, as a Sparkle Wash Professional. Every project is different, and we quickly assess what's needed: from different water pressures to effective cleaning agents, we cater our services to your needs.
Sparkle Wash of York is locally owned and operated by Lou Lavetan, Inc.


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GL 1500 Honda Goldwing Trike
View Single Post
Alan Newall
Chat Virgin
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2
GL 1500 Honda Goldwing Trike
1988 converted 1998 to a Lehman Trike.
Kingfisher Blue/Black with red piping only 30,000 Miles
Taxed Sept 10, MOT February 2011 Just had Full Service and has been regularly serviced in the past.
Forks have been racked and has new front tyre.
Unique number plate to A1500
Trike Corbin Seats.
Reverse,Cruise,CB,On Board Intercom,Radio Cassette with connection for MP3 or Ipod,but also have cassette tapes,Driver back rest,Rear arm rests.
Top box and rack.
Absolutely packed with Chrome and lots of Lights and Strobes.
Has New Towbar and Manual Windscreen Wiper.
Fitted with a New Handbrake (Which is now compulsory for a MOT).
CAT 1. Thatcham Alarm.
Extras include a cover,Manuals,Fire Extinguisher,Wheel Chocks and cleaning materials.
Recently spent £1,850 on Full Service,MOT,Handbrake and Alarm.
In showroom Condition.
All inspections Welcome.
Forth coming Motorhome forces Reluctant Sale.
In fact there is nothing for a new owner to do except RIDE IT.
Price £14,995 ONO
No time wasters please.
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The mean centre of US population is "the point at which an imaginary, flat, weightless and rigid map of the US would balance perfectly if weights of identical value were placed on it so that each weight represented the location of one person on the date of the census", in the definition of the US Census Bureau itself.
That bureau has been holding censuses every decade since 1790; these censuses form the backdrop for this string of mean centres of population in the US. The map shows an ever westward shift of that centre, obviously in parallel with the westward expansion of the US and its citizenry. The mean centre of population of the US has shifted thusly:
- 1790: 23 miles east of Baltimore (MD)
- 1800: 18 miles west of Baltimore (MD)
- 1810: 40 miles northwest by west of Washington, DC
- 1820: 16 miles east of Moorefield (VA, now WV)
- 1830: 19 miles west-southwest of Moorefield (VA, now WV)
- 1840: 16 miles south of Clarksburg (VA, now WV)
- 1850: 23 miles southeast of Parkersburg (VA, now WV)
- 1860: 20 miles south by east of Chillcothe (OH)
- 1870: 48 miles east by north of Cincinnati (OH)
- 1880: 8 miles west by south of Cincinnati (OH)
- 1890: 20 miles east of Columbus (IN)
- 1900: 6 miles southeast of Columbus (IN)
- 1910: in the city of Bloomington (IN)
- 1920: 8 miles south-southeast of Spencer (IN)
- 1930: 3 miles northeast of Linton (IN)
- 1940: 2 miles southeast by east of Carlisle (IN)
- 1950: 3 miles northeast of Louisville (IL)
- 1960: 6-1/2 miles northwest of Centralia (IL)
- 1970: 5 miles east-southeast of Mascoutah (IL)
- 1980: 1/4 mile west of DeSoto (MO)
- 1990: 10 miles southeast of Steelville (MO)
- 2000: 3 miles east of Edgar Springs (MO)
- 2010: 2.7 miles northeast of Plato (MO)
This list refers to the nearest city, which might be in a different state than the mean centre itself. For a more complete listing, including precise sets of decimal coordinates, please see this Wikipedia article.
Some mean centre trivia:
- The very first census mean centre was near Chestertown in Maryland – very close to the nation's capital (the location of which was chosen exactly for its centrality). Westward expansion has made Washington DC increasingly eccentric, not just in a literal, geographic sense, but also by the steady eastward "mean streak" of its statistical population centre, depicted here.
- The most appropriate mean centre surely was the one near the very aptly named town of Centralia, Illinois (1960).
- The addition of Hawaii and Alaska to the Union (in 1959) didn't cause as much of a shift as one might expect : it moved the mean centre only two miles south and ten miles west (1960).
- The U.S. Census Bureau has not published the updated 2015 population midpoint; earlier estimates showed it would have moved from Texas County to Wright County, Missouri, 8 miles southwest of Plato. By 2020, the mean centre is still projected to be Wright County, now 8.3 miles north of Hartville.
- The mean centre of the European Union has moved in the opposite direction, as the EU has continued to expand into Eastern Europe.
Many thanks to Kees Huyser for alerting me to this map, illustrating the aforementioned Wikipedia article.
Strange Maps #389
Got a strange map? Let me know at email@example.com.


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Middlebury, Connecticut (PRWEB) January 07, 2016
Starion Energy, Inc. employees collected over $2,000 in toys, enough gifts to fill five large moving boxes. Cars, trucks, Barbie dolls, Legos, Play-Doh, a fishing pole, educational games, sports equipment, Xbox One, Xbox games, popular board games, infant toys and more were all included. The toy drive ran from just after the company's Thanksgiving food drive in November through Dec. 18.
This is the fifth year Starion Energy, Inc. has donated to a national charity. "The company response to this year's toy drive was the best ever; our employees are always willing to open their hearts and wallets every year to support great local and national charities," said Customer Support Representative Wendy Draskovic. She also shared that, "when those who are less fortunate are struggling to provide toys for their kids, we want to do everything we can to help."
This year's toy drive was extra special because it benefited both local Middlebury, Connecticut families in need and pediatric oncology patients at Smilow Children's Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. "Our goal this holiday season was to put smiles on the faces of local children and families in need, as well as provide pediatric patients with comfort, enjoyment, and support while they are receiving inpatient and outpatient care", added Lisa Schmidt, Office Manager at Starion Energy.
Duane Gereski, Marketing Director at Starion Energy stated, "the annual holiday toy collection drive is just one of many ways the company tries to be involved in its local community, state, and national charities. "We have amazing company ownership and employees that always want to give back to our community. He added, "Starion Energy is just happy to be able to help, especially around the holidays."
About Starion Energy, Inc.
Starion Energy, Inc. serves both commercial and residential customers as an electricity and gas supplier. Starion Energy, Inc.'s coverage area spans nine states throughout the U.S. To learn more about their services, visit starionenergy.com


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Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton visited the NCPD Second Precinct yesterday. She met with Commanding Officer John Berry and Deputy Commanding Officer John Johnsen. They discussed specific crime enforcement issues and Delia requested an effort to address speeding complaints in Bayville.
Delia is pictured with: Legislators Rose Walker and Judy Jacobs, Inspector John Berry, Deputy Inspector John Johnsen.


text:
Mediahuis uses cookies or similar technologies to improve the user experience on our websites and apps. Cookies store your browsing preferences and allow us to tailor our website to your interests. By using this information, we can show you relevant (instead of random) adverts and recommend you jobs.
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8 of 10
Published on Jobat.be 27 days ago
Manpower Permanent Placement is de werving- en selectiedivisie van Manpower. Wij bieden ambitieuze starters en ervaren professionals een nieuwe wending in hun carrière en wij zijn gespecialiseerd in technische vacatures. Met een absolute focus op onze kandidaat bieden we de boeiendste jobs aan onder een onmiddellijk vast contract.Voor onze klant, gevestigd in de regio Brussel, zijn we op zoek naar een Service Technieker (m/v).
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For product availability, please select your "Ship to" state above.Got it, I'll ship to California
New Customers Save $30 off $100+* with code AUGNEW30
New Customers Save $30* with code AUGNEW30
*New customers only. One-time use per customer. Order must be placed by 8/31/2018. The $30 discount is given for a single order with a minimum of $100 excluding shipping and tax. Items with pricing ending in .97 are excluded and will not count toward the minimum required. Discount does not apply to corporate orders, gift certificates, StewardShip membership fees, select Champagne brands, Riedel glassware, fine and rare wine, and all bottles 3.0 liters or larger. No other promotion codes, coupon codes or corporate discounts may be applied to order.
EOS Petite Sirah 2015
Winemaker Notes
This is a very food-friendly wine, and would pair nicely with grilled hamburger, roasted pork tacos, and beef ragu.
Critical AcclaimAll Vintages
EOS was originally built and owned by the Arciero family, who are still one of the largest wine-grape growers in the appellation. The winery opened in 1985, and was modeled after the monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy, near the Arciero family's hometown. In October 2010, the winery was acquired by Foley Family Wines, a family run organization.
Since their introduction, EOS wines have consistently been recognized for outstanding quality. The 1997 EOS Zinfandel was named "Best Zinfandel of California" and the 1997 EOS Petite Sirah "Best Wine of the Appellation" by the prestigious 2000 California State Fair Wine Competition.
Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a source of supple, fruity, and powerful wines. With 11 smaller sub-AVAs, there is quite a bit of diversity to be found in this inland portion of California's Central Coast.
This is mostly red wine country, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel standing out as the star performers. Other popular varieties include Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Rhône varieties both red and white. There is a fairly uniform tendency here towards wines that are unapologetically bold and opulently fruity, albeit with a surprising amount of acidity thanks to the region's chilly nighttime temperatures.
With its deep color, rich texture, firm tannin, and bold flavors, there is nothing petite about Petite Sirah. The variety was originally known as Durif, but took on its more popular moniker when it was imported to California from France in 1884. Despite its origins, it has since become known as a quintessentially Californian grape. It has been commonly utilized as a blending partner for softer Zinfandel and other varieties, but has also found success as a single varietal wine. It is most commonly grown in Lodi and the Central Valley, and to an extent in Sonoma and Napa counties.
In the Glass
Petite Sirah wines are typically deep, dark, rich, and inky, with concentrated flavors of blueberry, plum, backberry, black pepper, sweet baking spice, leather, and cigar box, and chewy, chocolatey tannins. Notes of vanilla and coconut can be found in examples with significant amounts of new oak.
Perfect Pairings
Petite Sirah's full body and bold fruit make it an ideal match for barbecue, especially brisket with a slightly sweet sauce, and other rich meat dishes. The variety's heavy tannins call for fatty protein and strong flavors that won't get drowned out by the wine.
Sommelier Secret
Don't get Petite Sirah confused with Syrah—it is not, as the name might seem to imply, a smaller version of Syrah. It is, however, the offspring of Syrah (crossed with an obscure French variety called Peloursin), so the two grapes do share some characteristics despite being completely distinct varieties.


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- Protects wound from dehydration
- Accelerate healing of the wound
- Provides moist environment
- Available in 10 gm, 20 gm, 40 gm bottle and 1 gm packets of 10/box
Elasto-Gel Wound Care Stimulen-Collagen Powder protects cells and tissues in the wound from dehydration. It is a special polypeptide and modified collagen, which means that the Elasto-Gel provides a moist environment and faster healing time. The powder dissolves in the wound fluids, creating a protective gel barrier. Be sure to cover generously, about 1/8" thick for best results.
- Clean the wound area.
- Apply Stimulen-Collagen Powder on the wound, 1/32" to 1/8" thick.
- Cover the area with non-adherent secondary dressing and secure with appropriate covering.
- Repeats steps daily as needed.


text:
CPTC validates the skills, knowledge and competence of technical communicators as they advance in their professional careers.
CPTC is a certification scheme developed by APMG on behalf of the Society for Technical Communication (STC).
The Society for Technical Communication is the world's largest and oldest professional association dedicated to the advancement of the field of technical communication. The Society, with headquarters in the United States, has members in over 40 countries and across all continents.
Benefit from:
- Objective validation of technical communication competency.
- Enhanced employment opportunities as you can differentiate yourself from others.
- Indicates to your existing or potential employer that you are committed to the field of technical communication.
Act as an informed member of a technical writing or communication team.
Entry-level individuals who are involved in technical communication and informational projects or products, who require a working knowledge of the key principles of technical communication, and who need to know the terminology used and some of the theory behind the practice.
- Project planning.
- Project analysis.
- Content development.
- Organizational design.
- Written communication.
- Visual communication.
- Reviewing and editing.
- Content management.
- Production delivery.
- 40 minutes
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 70% pass mark
- Closed book


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Saturday, September 1, 2012
Failing marks
Here is a look at the class of 2012 and perhaps you'll understand more what I'm talking about.
Fiesta: C- Fiesta continues to be the only somewhat-effective weed control, not killer, on the market, so I don't have much choice but to offer this student a seat in next year's homeroom. Yet, with the number of days pushing beyond 30 Celsius, this student was all but invisible and my patience is wearing thin. Not that I expect much from the next prodigy either. Remember that awful student Sarritor. That dude's now on the streets and homeless.
Corn Gluten: D- I've had it with this consistently under performing student and I am expelling it from all my programs except the organic next year, where it truly belongs. This will also be the final warning for some of my suppliers who happily took my money under the guise of organic products that are bullet proof. You can only sell so much snake oil before the consumer catches on and the backlash is never pretty.
Mother Nature: F If ever there was a student who deserves to be held back another year this is it. An early summer in March, 4 days of precipitation in April- most of that snow, heat alert after heat alert and a dryer, hotter year, with 20% the normal amount of rain fall and you have the class trouble maker. I'm still putting out fires from this one.
Nematodes: C- With insect damage getting worse this year I knew I'd have to rely heavily on this student to perform. However, sitting next to Mother Nature only helped to pull Nematodes grades down for this special needs student.
Super Green: D Perhaps this isn't the year to judge this student, after all if was a foreign exchange for Neem oil, but I didn't see any improvement what-so-ever and if this is what I can expect in the future then I want this application out of my class. Again, notice to the supplier: Don't bullshit me on effectiveness.
Bill 88: A+ Conservative MPP Bill Chudleigh understood the dilemma and took it to Queen's Park. He demanded an amendment to the bylaw to curb the black market mentality that now exists and could have worse repercussions for the environment and a dying lawn care industry, but the other class clowns didn't see the benefit and shot it down in the second reading. So while golf courses and farmers still get exemption because they're on the football team, I have to soldier on with out the benefit of a substitute teacher.
Pam Charbaneau and the Guelph Turf Grass Institute: C While sometimes informative, Pam doesn't offer much on how to deal with the many problems that have arisen this year. Perhaps a trip to the Vice Principal's office might get her head in the game?
Overall lawns: C- But like so many athletes these days, it's really easy to tell who's juicin' with old time product from the states.
With a class full of these misfits it's easy to see why this teacher is burnt out. Maybe next year's students will be a little easier on me...but somehow I doubt it.
Posted by Strange at 8:13 AM No comments:
Saturday, July 14, 2012
It's just not funny anymore
Three years ago most of us embraced the new pesticide bylaw, including yours truly.
For one, we had no choice in the matter and secondly everyone had a nice fuzzy feeling of helping out the environment, kissing puppies and saving our children from the horrors of deformation- I scratch my third leg as I type.
Then we became annoyed with, Eco-this and Eco-that, as everyone and their mother tacked, "Eco" on to everything, jacked prices and tried to cash in on this wonderful new world of flowers and honey bees.
All this would have been fine if we had organics that actually worked as well as all the horn blowing...but they didn't and the giggling subsided to a murmur of discontent.
One of my friends put it simply, "the bylaw was done with the best intentions, but was poorly executed."
Now, here we all sit as the weather beats the hell out of our lawns riddled with weeds, infested with various grubs and the chinch bugs feasting away beside all the crabgrass.
It's the curb appeal you always dreamed of...on Halloween maybe, but not much else.
Many are probably praying for an early winter to cover up the patchy brownness with the purity of white.
Allergies, noxious weeds and insects are all off the charts and getting worse with each passing tick of the clock as I struggle to rearrange application timing and cultural practices- my effort to conform to the, "threat of the day". Still, I find, after every move I make, my king is rendered to checkmate.
Other lawn companies as well, are doing their best with what they've been left to keep on top of things, but many have now resorted to lying and promises they can't keep in order to squeeze out one more year from the disgruntled customer.
It's the type of fraudulent activity the Consumer Protection Agency says, "is a matter for the Ministry of the Environment" and the Ministry claims they, "have no jurisdiction to control what a company does, or says to sell their service."
So, you look around at your neighbours and some just give up and let the lawns go to hell. Then there are a few who maintain the lush green of days gone by....hmmm. Can anyone say "pesticide bunker"?
The fact is, this year I've had more people approach my truck and ask me questions about what to buy when they go state side. They always do it in hushed tones for fear Big Brother is lurking close by.
So, I tell them the active ingredient they need for their particular problem, if that's what they want to do. I mean, I've got a pesticide licence which isn't of much use anymore, I might as well use my knowledge for something besides posting a blog once a month.
The Ministry did say, they have no jurisdiction on what I say to people when it comes to my business...right?
Thank you for free speech if nothing else.
Posted by Strange at 8:55 AM 1 comment:
Labels: Bylaw
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Fear...the powerful motivator
Back in the day when I worked for one of the larger Lawn companies, they pulled me off my truck in the summer when things got slow and stuck me on a phone to call customers. I was informed to tell the home owner their lawn had grubs and to up-sell them- at that time, a Merit grub application.
Well, every lawn has grubs, but it is a matter of tolerance- 4 per square foot is no big deal. You'd need about 10 per square to notice damage and be advised to take action.
Yet, because I was trusted and I was using fear as a selling tool, I made the company about 10 Gs a week. People freaked out at the thought of losing their lawn and curb appeal to an insect.
I thought they would never put me back on a truck, I was making the company so much money.
It was because of this and a few other factors, I decided to leave and start my own business five years ago where this tactic wasn't a tool to make money. However, you can see how fear can certainly motivate/ control people into immediate panic and loosening the purse strings.
Where am I going with this?
It always seems to come back to the bylaw, sadly.
Every year it feels I have to work harder to get lawns under control from weeds and insects given the tools I have left to use and I've seen more than I care to, with damage of one kind, or another the past few seasons.
It's like fighting a war with bows and arrows when your enemy has WMDs to bomb you into oblivion.
Recently a private members bill was tabled at Queen's Park to amend the pesticide bylaw. Bill 88, as it is known would put pesticides like 2-4-D back in the hands of the licenced professional only- something I have been advocating for a while now.
But the bill was defeated in the second reading, by the Liberals and NDP...and you saw how well they played together this week with the whole budget debacle.
Why, you ask?...your guess is as good as mine...a sudden push from anti-pesticide organizations...more pressing issues to deal with...fear maybe?
Honestly, there is a lot of misinformation out there...it creates fear. It's the same fear that led to the bylaw in the first place at the hands of those like Gideon Forman who call themselves doctors, but aren't.
It's the same fear that still leads to calls every few weeks, of people lambasting us for posting our notice signs and spraying a class 11 pesticide...they are ignorant of the facts.
The fact, class 11 pesticides, like Fiesta and Finalsan are all we are allowed to use. They are considered safe for the public...and for most weeds apparently.
The fact, by law, I must flag a lawn every time I use this product either by broadcast, or spot application.
The fact, golf courses and farmers are exempt, so guess what...you're still living next to and ingesting pesticides.
Yes, even your precious organically grown veggies are treated at some point. I know, I worked in the fruit and vegetable industry for 17 years prior to doing lawns and heard the dirty little whispers. But as long as your fear was quelled, you didn't mind paying more for a substandard edible product, did you?
The fact, the Canadian Cancer Society's web page states, there is no conclusive evidence of 2-4-D, the most studied chemical in the world, causing cancer. Yet, I heard this week, diesel fumes have been listed as a probable carcinogenic, so ramp up the fear machine and pass out the gas masks.
If you want to be fearful of something involving this situation, then ponder this:
The bylaw has driven pesticides into a Black Market mentality. Joe home owner is still using product- correctly? I don't know, but using it none-the-less, either brought back from the States, or from a personal stock pile in garages next to you.
The soft, green, pesticide-free grass McGuinty promised for your children to roll around on, is loaded with thistles and poison ivy to name a few.
Allergies? I don't know how my son works for me out in the field taking care of lawns? He's constantly sneezing and passing off a portion of his pay cheque to buy pills for relief.
Then there's the Lawn Care industry, that has suffered job loss, lost productivity and bankruptcy...ouch!
Yup, it appears fear works and works very well...it always has throughout history.
Hopefully there will be another election and we can push to make this an issue again. Let the public decide once and for all instead of a nanny government swayed by political gain over science.
Perhaps fear of losing the vote might change a few minds?
Well, every lawn has grubs, but it is a matter of tolerance- 4 per square foot is no big deal. You'd need about 10 per square to notice damage and be advised to take action.
Yet, because I was trusted and I was using fear as a selling tool, I made the company about 10 Gs a week. People freaked out at the thought of losing their lawn and curb appeal to an insect.
I thought they would never put me back on a truck, I was making the company so much money.
It was because of this and a few other factors, I decided to leave and start my own business five years ago where this tactic wasn't a tool to make money. However, you can see how fear can certainly motivate/ control people into immediate panic and loosening the purse strings.
Where am I going with this?
It always seems to come back to the bylaw, sadly.
Every year it feels I have to work harder to get lawns under control from weeds and insects given the tools I have left to use and I've seen more than I care to, with damage of one kind, or another the past few seasons.
It's like fighting a war with bows and arrows when your enemy has WMDs to bomb you into oblivion.
Recently a private members bill was tabled at Queen's Park to amend the pesticide bylaw. Bill 88, as it is known would put pesticides like 2-4-D back in the hands of the licenced professional only- something I have been advocating for a while now.
But the bill was defeated in the second reading, by the Liberals and NDP...and you saw how well they played together this week with the whole budget debacle.
Why, you ask?...your guess is as good as mine...a sudden push from anti-pesticide organizations...more pressing issues to deal with...fear maybe?
Honestly, there is a lot of misinformation out there...it creates fear. It's the same fear that led to the bylaw in the first place at the hands of those like Gideon Forman who call themselves doctors, but aren't.
It's the same fear that still leads to calls every few weeks, of people lambasting us for posting our notice signs and spraying a class 11 pesticide...they are ignorant of the facts.
The fact, class 11 pesticides, like Fiesta and Finalsan are all we are allowed to use. They are considered safe for the public...and for most weeds apparently.
The fact, by law, I must flag a lawn every time I use this product either by broadcast, or spot application.
The fact, golf courses and farmers are exempt, so guess what...you're still living next to and ingesting pesticides.
Yes, even your precious organically grown veggies are treated at some point. I know, I worked in the fruit and vegetable industry for 17 years prior to doing lawns and heard the dirty little whispers. But as long as your fear was quelled, you didn't mind paying more for a substandard edible product, did you?
The fact, the Canadian Cancer Society's web page states, there is no conclusive evidence of 2-4-D, the most studied chemical in the world, causing cancer. Yet, I heard this week, diesel fumes have been listed as a probable carcinogenic, so ramp up the fear machine and pass out the gas masks.
If you want to be fearful of something involving this situation, then ponder this:
The bylaw has driven pesticides into a Black Market mentality. Joe home owner is still using product- correctly? I don't know, but using it none-the-less, either brought back from the States, or from a personal stock pile in garages next to you.
The soft, green, pesticide-free grass McGuinty promised for your children to roll around on, is loaded with thistles and poison ivy to name a few.
Allergies? I don't know how my son works for me out in the field taking care of lawns? He's constantly sneezing and passing off a portion of his pay cheque to buy pills for relief.
Then there's the Lawn Care industry, that has suffered job loss, lost productivity and bankruptcy...ouch!
Yup, it appears fear works and works very well...it always has throughout history.
Hopefully there will be another election and we can push to make this an issue again. Let the public decide once and for all instead of a nanny government swayed by political gain over science.
Perhaps fear of losing the vote might change a few minds?
Posted by Strange at 10:01 AM No comments:
Labels: Bylaw
Saturday, June 9, 2012
What the H? From chinch to cinch
If it's not green/ healthy and there seems to still be weed issues, you must realize a few things.
1) You, nor I, can control the weather...hell, the weather men can't even predict what is happening day-to-day. The lack of rain in May and April for that matter has not helped. At least June...so far...has been more cooperative, but if we get another dry spell, the lawn should be watered with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Water deeply and infrequently. In other words, it's best to water all at once.
If you don`t know how long that should be, take an empty can, mark it at 1 1/2 and see how long it takes to fill to that level. Then you`ll have a future reference.
It is also a good idea to raise the mowing height to it`s highest level for the summer and grass-cycle. Which-is-to-say; leave the clippings on the lawn to transfer the nitrogen back into the soil...but do not scalp your grass! Doing so, will only stress the lawn further and lead to other unfortunate issues.
Chinch bugs suck the sap from the grass plants so the lawn typically looks dried out. When this happens during a drought, people tend to blame their lack of watering or the hot weather for the poor looking lawn.
Chinch like it hot and like it dry. Damage usually occurs in areas of direct sun, or at lawn edges close to pavement and interlocking. Keeping the lawn hydrated and over seeding religiously with endophytic grass seed can deter this activity.
If you want to know for sure if it`s Chinch, rub the grass vigorously with your fingers, in full sun, near the damaged areas. Peel back the grass blades and you should be able to see them scurrying around. (see picture above)
3) Don`t rule out Leather Jackets, Sod Webworm and White Grubs. They have all been to blame for damage the past few seasons. Most notably Leather Jackets prevented many lawns from greening up this year as they fed on the turf and the raccoons and birds on the lawn told you of other grub issues at work.
June bugs have started to fly and lay eggs, European chafers and Japanese beetles also will lay eggs that will hatch into white grubs that can destroy a lawn in short order.
At the present time, the only solution for grub problems is a nematode application in mid-August-September...and surprise-surprise...different strains of nematodes are needed to effectively treat various grubs.
Despite what you have been told by some lawn companies and garden centres, applying nematodes outside the Aug.-Sept. window will only get you approximately 30% control. It`s a waste of money and time in my opinion. Yet, those entities are in business to make money and they can always pass the buck and tell you, it`s your fault they didn`t work. No wonder people scoff when I mention this treatment.
4) Weeds have different germination periods. Dandelion may be gone for now but, say hello to chick weed, white clover and crabgrass.
Fiesta weed control will work on these issues except crabgrass, but has to be applied to the point of run-off. With the heat and humidity of the summer already here any application when the temperature moves above 30 degrees can cause more damage to the lawn.
So, on the flip side...you`ve done nothing and the lawn is damaged.
Whether your lawn is thin due to the insects,or whether it is due to neglect, it can be repaired by seeding.
There are several ways to seed a lawn. Adding soil to the surface and seeding is easy to do if it is a small patch or two.
Adding large amounts of soil to large areas become more expensive and involves more work and more weed seeds that are transported back into your lawn.
Personally, I feel it is best to over-seed come fall in conjunction with an aeration especially if we are talking about a large area of turf. It`s the best way to increase the lawn`s density by far.
Fall, starting the 3rd week of August until the end of September is the ideal time to seed lawns. It is the natural way since grasses normally go to seed during the summer and the seed grow and germinate in the fall.
Once repaired you should resume annual maintenance of fertilizer, weed and insect controls and proper cultural practices. Also an annual aeration- preferably every fall- will help in keeping the lawn at its peek health and able to recover from weed and insect infestations.
So don`t just stand there. Make it easier on yourself. First understand the issue. Then act. If it means calling a professional then do it.
Harsh language may make you feel better, but it won`t correct the problem.
Posted by Strange at 7:50 AM No comments:
Labels: Lawn care
Saturday, June 2, 2012
GrASS...everyone's an expert
I've had to deal with a few irate customers. Now, I understand it comes with the territory, the bigger you get, the more problem solving comes with it. Yet, it seems some people I deal with are suddenly experts on when I should perform applications on their lawns. They must think my pesticide license is something I was just lucky enough to find in a Wonka chocolate bar.
Perhaps this is frustration? Perhaps this is impatience? Perhaps these people have just lost hope and to them the grass is truly greener on the other side?
Let me say this first, all our programs are designed for treatments at regular intervals 4-6 weeks apart depending on the program. The higher-end programs have more applications and subsequently more visits...that's on a normal year.
This year we've had to be vigilant due to the dryness that fertilizer rates were either dialed back or delayed. Due to heat, over 30 Celsius, we've had to suspend Fiesta weed control and due to the fact everything is a month ahead of schedule we've had to juggle applications, like Super Green, that normally wouldn't begin until the end of June.
Here are examples of a few phone calls we've dealt with of late.
A customer called and asked when the next time we were treating his lawn. I looked up his account. We were there on May 9th and I told him mid June give-or-take. That wasn't good enough. Although I was tempted to move the next application up, I told him we would be there the next day to take a look and treat as needed.
His lawn was the best looking on his street, yet chickweed was starting and root-weed was evident on the lawn as it seems to be on all lawns this year. So I sprayed the weeds, flagged the lawn and kept his next visit on schedule...2 weeks from now.
Another asked me the same question and I told him within the next week. Again that wasn't good enough. "Your competition was in the area 3 weeks ago and there's not a weed on any of those lawns. I have clover."
I told him I would move his application up and slip him into next Tuesday's route. However, what this customer fails to understand is, we are a smaller company serving the entire GTA where-as the local Weedman has 40 trucks out daily...we have 3. It is even more important we adhere to proper scheduling.
I've had some new customers expecting overnight results despite me telling them the days of a "weed-free lawn" are gone and Fiesta is a control not a killer like 2-4-D. It takes repeated applications to gain control and lawn health.
I even have one guy, a car salesman, who has been with us for 4 years now. Every year he busts our balls about how his lawn isn't as nice as everyone else's and they do nothing.
Yet, we also do about 5 members of this guy's family and those lawns look great. At first I thought it might be a soil issue until I came to do an application and noticed huge mounds of cut grass at the side of his house. He was letting the grass get too long and then scalping it, thus stressing the lawn.
If you shave off all your hair and walk out into the blistering sun, what do you think would happen?
I have half a mind to buy a car off this guy, drive the shit out of it and return it, complaining he sold me a piece of crap.
Still there is more positive feedback to far outweigh the negative. There are those who tell me their lawn is the envy of the neighbourhood and they are always asked about who their lawn care provider is. There are those who understand, even when we do encounter the problems we've had, we are doing our best with the tools we still have left to work with and they are appreciative of our knowledge and level of customer service.
With all I have told you, there is still another alarming trend all of the above have in common- they have lawn care packages that call for the bare minimum in treatment and cost. There is no aeration, no over-seeding, no grub treatments in any of them. It's all fertilizer and weed control only. In a normal year this program would suffice, but this is not a normal year.
Now, I'm not a rich man by any means and I can't afford to just jettison customers at will. This is just me venting and the Blog is as good a place as any to plant tongue firmly inside cheek when the initial frustration has subsided. I know I'm also not the only company to experience complaints, but there comes a time when I may have to decide if it's worth a continued effort to eat these bad apples, or put them curbside on garbage day.
Hey, I wonder if the garbage guys will come ahead of schedule?
Posted by Strange at 8:23 AM No comments:
Thursday, May 24, 2012
So much for the 3-legged stool
Often I've preached lawn care as being a 3 legged stool. You see, first there is us the lawn dudes who come in a timely fashion to fertilize, aerate and apply weed control among other things. Then there is you...the happy home owner who waters the lawn, cuts the lawn and enjoys the lawn. Finally, we have the weather... that...hey, wait a minute.
I think we better take a closer look at this wobbly leg.
Let's see...we had a ridiculously warm March that saw weeds up and running before I started lawn 1 of my applications.
In fact, the forsythia bloomed so early that it rendered corn gluten to a hit and run victim before the second week of April.
So we all got fooled into throwing down seed only to have winter return mid month and delay any germination.
Meanwhile, the recent winter, or lack there of, gave us more grub damage and turf ripped to shreds by raccoons then I could remember. The wonky weather also revealed a staggering leather jacket infestation in some areas where the lawns could not outgrow the damage leaving them patchy and brown.
Throw in an unusually dry April and you have a recipe for lawncare suicide.
So what's next Mother Nature...locusts? Well, actually I saw the first Chinch Bug damage of the season today....IN MAY!
If my hand were a gun I think I might shove that fleshy mitt right in my mouth and pull the trigger.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I do and the challenges are no exception. But it seems now, year-in-year-out, I get no help what-so-ever from the forces of nature. With no chemical buddies to deal with weeds and insects anymore it often feels like I'm trying to get to shore with nothing more than a spoon for a paddle.
You can sense the frustration from the Lawncare Industry and the customers who understand only that their grass does not meet expectations, so what's the point of paying for it to look that way?
It really has me wondering why I went to all the trouble of getting my pesticide licence when all I can use are organics that don't do the job effectively. Maybe it's time for a new vocation? I guess in terms of this post, I should have been a carpenter.
Posted by Strange at 3:48 PM No comments:
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Hangover III - with Grub Galifianakis
Here we are a full three years after the pesticide bylaw came in to effect for Ontario and suffering from what I like to call the Merit hangover.
Except this hangover is much harder to watch and has me wanting to walk out of the theatre before the end.
Merit was what we used to use to control white grub back before the Province decided to remove it from the shelves and leave us to fend off our root feeding foes with nematodes and a prayer.
Perhaps you have noticed how much damage there is from skunks and raccoons digging the living be-jesus out of your turf this spring on their quest for the white grub.
Yet, this isn't an adventure, nor is it a fantasy led by a wise wizard. This time you can't get rid of that pesky ring by casting it into Mount Doom. In fact, there isn't much you can do to combat these dark forces at this time of the year.
Well...you could get an aeration at least. Open up the soil for Hitchcock's birds to take over, but remember this isn't a thriller that gets resolved easily.
Meanwhile, there are a lot of snake oil salesmen out there that would have you believe nematodes will work this early in the season...they don't!
They'll quote Steinernema glaseri as the nematode of choice to throw you off track and separate you from those funky new plastic c-notes, but this isn't a mystery filled with intrigue and red herrings either.
By the time you figure out who-done-it?...your money will be gone and so will the lawn company, but you'll still be left with your grubs.
The truth is, even in ideal conditions when all the parameters have been met and the nematodes sent into battle in brooding cloud and rain somewhere in mid-August, you can expect maybe....80-85% control, so this isn't much of a war film either for these band of brothers.
Many times this spring I have been left to ponder all this senseless destruction and in staggered bursts, whisper, the horror...the horror. It's actually the closest genre to what is happening out there.
The saddest thing is, it isn't my fault, nor is it the home owners, yet we are shelling out the shekels only to witness another sequel to the grubs hunger games.
Almost everyone I talk to is fed up with the lack of alternatives and contemplating replacing the lawn with rock gardens and artificial turf. This is a threat opening up a whole new set of problems if enough people get on board that Titanic. As stated yesterday, the grass is responsible for filtering a lot of crap out of our air and if that changes...I don't want to think of the potential consequences.
But, what can be done while lobbyists and enviro-fear mongers rule the roost?
I'm open to suggestions and I share your frustration.
One thing for sure with this hangover...it sure isn't a comedy. Because the only ones laughing are the grubs.
Contact your local provincial representative and push for modifications to the pesticide act. Trash politics and return to the health and safety approved scientific approach. Put chemicals, that were approved by Health Canada and the PMRA back in the hands of the licenced professional...let us do our jobs effectively.
Posted by Strange at 5:02 AM No comments:
Labels: Bylaw, Saying this about that
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Happy Earth Day everyone
My contribution is to post an article that appeared in McLean's magazine last month concerning the drive toward a pesticide ban in Manitoba.
Since we are now a full 3 years into ours as of this day, I thought it might be fun to revisit the whole debate from another angle.
Manitoba should think twice before banning pesticides
The unintended consequences don't necessarily make for a healthier environment
by the editors on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Winter is not typically given to thoughts of lawn care. Nevertheless, Manitoba's conservation minister recently announced he's making plans for a pesticide ban. In particular, Gord Mackintosh said he's keen to bring Manitoba's pesticide laws in line with those in other provinces. "Manitobans are entitled to the same protections most other Canadians enjoy," he declared.
Yet Manitobans might want to learn from the experience of those other provinces, rather than simply parrot them. Evidence from other jurisdictions suggests there are numerous unintended consequences to such a ban. And not all of them make for a healthier environment.
Currently every province east of the Mantioba-Ontario border restricts the use of cosmetic pesticides in some way. Mackintosh says he admires the strict bans enforced in Ontario and Nova Scotia. These rules prohibit use of a long list of pesticides on all lawns and fields. Golf courses and farms are exempt.
Of course, every one of these banned pesticides has been certified as safe for residential use by Ottawa's Pest Management Regulatory Agency. PMRA scientists perform rigorous evaluations of all pesticides and when they conclude that one "meets Canada's strict health and safety standards," this verdict carries the weight of exhaustive investigation. Bans, encouraged by lobby groups ranging from family physicians to environmentalists, rest not on competing scientific evidence, but rather a vague unease about chemicals in general.
As such, provincial pesticide bans represent a triumph of sentiment over science. But does this sort of regulation provide a net benefit to society? The experience of other provinces can be revealing.
After two years without pesticides in Ontario, the evidence is starkly visible: mostly browns and yellows. There's little debate the province looks shabbier and weedier now. Parks, sports fields and lawns have become wholly infested with dandelions and a variety of other weeds and there's no practical way to remove them, other than hand-pulling. Whether this is a good or bad thing may depend on your definition of beauty—not to mention the condition of your back and knees. A recent poll found a majority of Ontario homeowners want to end the ban.
But what of other health impacts arising from a pesticide ban? In Chicago, the suburban municipality of Highland Park regularly won awards for the quality of its sports fields. Then four years ago it dropped pesticides for trendy organic pest control. The result was a disaster. In some parks, weeds accounted for over 60 per cent of the ground cover. Many fields were unusable for sports. "The fields are getting worse every year," parks commissioner Cal Bernstein told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Something needs to be done to reverse the trend." In November, the district approved the return of pesticides.
And while pesticide bans are frequently defended by advocates as a way to reduce unknown risks and promote a more natural environment, in fact the opposite may be true.
The number of artificial turf fields in Ontario has recently exploded—from a mere handful a decade ago to over a hundred this year. For Rob Witherspoon, director of the University of Guelph's Turfgrass Institute, the reason for the switch from natural to ersatz is obvious. "Without pesticides it has become a lot more challenging to maintain a natural turf sports field," he observes.
Artificial turf fields boast plenty of advantages, despite their average $1-million upfront cost. A typical artificial field can provide up to four times the usable playing hours as compared to natural grass, since real turf requires frequent rests and considerable expertise to maintain. Nonetheless, it seems ironic a pesticide ban meant to encourage a greener environment will result in a greater prevalence of plastic sports fields. (Not to mention the issue of how to dispose of an artificial field once its lifespan ends.)
Other real risks have also been overlooked in the unscientific panic about pesticides. Witherspoon notes that grass is not only a natural filter, but also a microbiological system that consumes any bodily fluids leaked, spat or vomited onto it. Not so with an artificial field. In the absence of a cleansing downpour, what's on the field stays on the field. Texas, with a hot, dry climate that favours artificial turf fields, has reported a rate of staph infections among high school students many times the national average. In 2007, footballer Boone Baker of Austin, Texas, almost died from a deadly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection he picked up from his high school's artificial turf. Regular disinfection of artificial fields using industrial-strength chemical products is now a recommended maintenance procedure in all climates.
When it comes to pesticides, Manitoba can learn a lot from the experience of those who've gone before. If the goal is to reduce verifiable risks, promote a more natural environment and encourage healthy activities, banning pesticides seems a strange way to go about it.
I know decisions are made to protect the public as a whole, the smoking ban comes to mind, but people are still allowed to smoke outdoors and in their homes, so why not keep the pesticides away from Joe Public, but put them back in the hands of the professional. And by "professional", I mean someone who has earned their pesticide licence, not some kid off the street looking for a summer job. I worked hard for the 92% I got on my landscape licence where anything below 75% is a fail.
To me, it seems like a more viable solution and a solid compromise. Then those who want cosmetic applications can have them done correctly and those who don't...you're already living the dream....ahhhhhchooo!
Posted by Strange at 5:28 AM No comments:
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
This little piggy goes to market in 2014
I expected to be talking about Spring today, enjoying the seasonal change, getting ready for the 2012 lawn season launch, but noooooooo. I sit here with a picture of a pig atop this post.
Phoma Macrostoma! If you've been reading this blog then you know it's coming. Actually it was to have arrived this year (2012). After all, it has been approved as the next great, or not-so-great, organic weed control by the PMRA from what I'm told.
So why isn't it available yet, when its creator Karen Bailey in a phone conversation I had with her, told me it would be?
First of all, don't get mad at Karen. She's always been very pleasant to me and I'm sure she wants to see the weed control she created on the market as much as anyone.
Depending on who you talk to, there are two schools of thought.
One side says, Scotts is having problems recreating a product that will perform the same way Phoma Macrostoma does in the lab...hence the delay.
The other whispers, Scotts is still selling a lot of Weed-B-Gone and don't want a better weed control on the market until that dog has finished hunting. Since they have the licence for this product they can do whatever they want.
So, my friends is it greed, or is it the fact that a company that makes 3 billion annually doesn't have the resource to fix this problem?
I tried to get an answer from Scotts but they only sent me a link to the government PDF on Phoma Macrostoma, which is of absolutely no help.
As it stands now, we are not expecting this product until 2014. That's another 2 years! I guess they'll have to sell you the inferior Weed-B-Gone with the same active ingredient, (iron chelate), that is in Fiesta? Yup the exact same Fiesta all the lawn care companies now use to control weeds...or try to.
However, Scotts has dumbed-down their product to the point, for the most part, it is ineffective and who does the customer bitch to?- The lawn guys.
Even using the recommended rate with this stuff I still get complaints, that "it just doesn't work" and I completely understand. Expecting an organic control to make your lawn weed-free especially when neighbours around you have given up on their turf, or you're in a new subdivision where they are still building and disturbing all those juicy weed seeds from dormancy, or you live next to a school/ city owned field, you can't win.
I, as a lawn care provider, can only hope to hold the line until I get something more effective.
Is that Phoma Macrostoma? Perhaps, but now I have to wait two more years to find out.
Maybe Scotts figures in another two years, we'll be so fed-up and desperate, we'll pay anything for the precious product?
I think it's time to light a fire under Scotts' ass and send a little message? I'm not just talking about boycotting Weed-B-Gone. I'm talking about all Scotts' products, fertilizers, grass seed, insect controls, the whole shootin' match.
So let's turn up our collective noses...since money is king and Scotts sits on the throne with a pompous swagger.
Tell them what you really think.
Oink! Oink!
Posted by Strange at 11:59 AM No comments:
Labels: Organic products
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Forget March break...we're going back to school now.
"The government is letting us spray for weeds again!"
"Don't go with that company they can't possibly give you the same service for the price they are offering."
"We have the best products, the same ones golf courses use."
"All our technicians are licenced professionals."
"Don't pay attention to a few bad reviews, we have thousands of satisfied customers."
Do some, or all of these statements sound familiar?
These are some of the tactics used to get your business every year when it comes to lawn care.
Let us look into each of these statements and answer them, shall we?
The government is letting us spray for weeds again!
Since the approval of Fiesta, which is an organic weed control (not killer), we have been allowed to spray weeds. In fact, no one has ever said we couldn't spray weeds, it was just a matter of, with what?
Since the pesticide ban the older methods like Killex, Par III, etc. were no longer allowed, but organic methods? Use as much as you want pal.
The fact that some companies are twisting this information to get you to pony-up your dough is heinous. remember it is a Provincial bylaw, which means: it supersedes all municipal bylaws. So when they say they can now spray in...let's say Markham only...they are lying to your face.
Don't go with that company they can't possibly give you the same service for the price they are offering.
It is competitive out there, but I believe there are enough lawns for everyone. However some of the bigger companies have more overhead, must adhere to franchise agreements and financial bottom lines and targets. Given the nature of the business I believe this is more a statement of panic than anything else. You can tell, by how fast they come down in price when there's a competing bid.
Give the customer your quote, tell them what services they get and what makes you different from the other companies out there and let the customer decide.
We have the best products, the same ones golf courses use.
This is just a bald-face lie. Golf courses are still exempt under the bylaw and we are not allowed to use the same products. As far as using the best products out there under the bylaw? Sure, we all use them, but one company having an edge over another would come down to customer service, not product.
All our technicians are licenced professionals.
When I first started in this business I was part of a "no experience necessary" cattle call. I was given 1 day of training, mostly on how to up-sell a customer and then sent my merry way in my own truck. By the end of the first 2 weeks, half of the employees had quit or were fired.
The remaining wrote a rinky-dink technicians test and were passed regardless of knowledge. Did I suddenly become more knowledgeable after that test? No, but I did write for my licence at the end of the year and over time I gained the knowledge.
This year the same routine will be conducted by many a company out there for one reason and one reason only. The first round is like planting a flag on your territory and the more trucks and employees you have out there, the quicker that can be accomplished. At least if you end up with a half-assed job, or fertilizer burns on your property this year, you'll understand why.
Don't pay attention to a few bad reviews, we have thousands of satisfied customers.
It is true that a pissed off customer makes more noise than a happy one, but when you are checking sites like Homestars where customers rate companies on a scale of 0-10, take what you read into perspective. If a company has a ton of zeros and then a series of glowing reports followed by a ton of zeros, that sounds more like crisis management than a true testimonial to me.
Look at the average score if you want a more accurate picture and try to focus on companies that have an average of 7 or higher. You probably won't see any of the top names in lawn care there.
This quiz doesn't eliminate all the pitfalls, but it does put you in the frame of better preparation before you sign on the dotted.
Doing your homework will take you far and your lawn will end up with the passing grade.
Posted by Strange at 1:29 AM No comments:
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The univited guest
So here we are with the season looming and it will probably start early. I'm still hearing the buzz from the CBC's Marketplace broadcast on Weedman. I could go on about leopards and their spots, but do I really need to?
Despite the bad press, the tactics some companies have used year-in-year-out to bully people into paying for unwanted service have worked...so why change now?
I will lay money on it: There will be several of my customers, who are former clients of other companies and will find their lawns flagged by these intruders in the spring. This will force me to delay the start of their lawn care program while everything is sorted out.
How is this possible?
The customer cancelled their contract with Weedman etal. and gave us the confirmation, in fact, they've already paid us for our service for the year.
It's all about a barely legible clause on the invoice of a company like Weedman that states: "service continues year to year for your convenience." The bigger companies and perhaps some of the small ones will do anything to adhere to this principal and ignore the customer's desire to discontinue.
I can't say this has never happened to us where we did an unwanted application, because it has. But unlike our competitors we apologized for the misunderstanding, did not bill the customer, did not send them to collections and did not hound them any further for their business.
It may sound ridiculous to some, but we call each and every customer before the season to confirm they wish to continue with our service so we don't do unwanted applications and run into these situations.
So make sure you cancel in writing, get a cancellation number and write down any information you can to help you when this happens down the road...because it will.
I'm now advising some customers who have been repeatedly harassed by one company, or another, to threaten legal action for trespassing if unwanted applications are performed after cancellation notice is given otherwise, like the common cold- you can get rid of it for a while but inevitably it will be back again one day.
Posted by Strange at 2:15 PM No comments:
Thursday, March 1, 2012
At this time of the year, it is not uncommon to find ourselves competing with other lawn companies when quoting lawn care.
We show up, measure and assess the property then leave a quote based on square footage and lawn conditions, (previous grub damage, compacted soil etc.)
The recommendation usually involves a few notes/ suggestions and the price. We ask the customer to contact us with their decision when and if they are ready to proceed.
Yesterday, a potential customer sent us a quote from one of the larger competitors and I was amazed at all the bells and whistles before they actually got around to conveying a quote.
Does this sound like a bottom line proposal to you, or a lawyer trying to deflect attention away from the real issues?
The names have been omitted to protect anonymity, but I am here to read between the lines and educate you on what is really being said. After all I used to work for a company like this before I started my own business.
We would like to thank you for the opportunity to provide you with a quotation for the 2012 season as well as provide you with some further information regarding our programs and services offered for your home at (potential customer address)
OK, so far so good.
(This lawn company) has lightning fast service calls for those with a passion for being pampered.
As long as you can afford it.
We guarantee your complete satisfaction and are committed to our 24 hour response time on our free unlimited service calls!
Careful now, "unlimited" means I could call and have you there every day of the season for your 24 hour yet, lightning fast service.
One of our Senior Lawn Care Service Advisors...
Warning: Senior Lawn Care Service Advisor may be an unlicensed summer student.
...will visit your home to assess and resolve any problems or answer any questions you may have regarding your lawn or services applied.
And we'll up-sell you applications to fix those problems.
If you're not at home we will leave you a detailed written report and follow up that evening with a phone call to go over your concerns and resolutions to solve them.
Oh, I see now...get as many service calls as you want. If you don't follow our recommendations and pay for the extra service, you have no one to blame but yourself and the satisfaction guarantee is off the table. Hey, we told you so.
In addition to unlimited free service calls,(this lawn company) offers unlimited free re-applications on all services we apply!
In truth, this would not be a good idea as doubling up on an application could severely hurt the lawn health. Anyone seen fertilizer burns? Maybe they haven't been in business long enough to know better?
(this lawn company) is simply the best, with over 40 years of longevity and industry proven success! You can trust our total satisfaction guarantee and that we will keep our promises.
40 years? I guess I was wrong, but when are they going to tell me how much I have to pay instead of blowing their own horn? This is a quote right?
(this lawn company) is proud to have moved into this new era of Natural lawn care in Ontario where legislation allows for only the use of Natural and alternative approved products to be used on all turf grass areas. (this lawn company) has been testing and mastering these alternative products over the last few years and have the best Natural Program and value proposition on the market!
Then, it might concern them to know there are other companies using the same products and charging far less.
For the 2012 Season...
Alright! Finally the quote.
...we are very excited to be offering our all new Program which is our greenest and most environmentally friendly approach that we have ever had to offer! This program contains a revolutionary new liquid weed control product called Fiesta WHICH WORKS IN HOURS NOT WEEKS AND REQUIRES NO WATERING TO BE 100% EFFECTIVE!
Still no quote! BTW Fiesta has been out for a few years now. Everyone in the industry uses it and liquid weed control has never needed water as it would be rendered ineffective.
You will receive 4 scheduled applications of this weed control throughout the season plus unlimited access to free re-applications by just contacting us via a quick phone call or e-mail!
I guess they haven't heard how expensive this product is? F.Y.I. they keep using the words "weed control", which is correct yet, I've seen this company's lawn sign proudly promote, "We kill weeds".
Also this program includes 3 Slow release granular polyon coated technology golf course grade fertilizers,
The key word here is "grade", but the customer will see golf course and go "wow". You do know that golf courses are exempt under the Provincial bylaw and allowed to apply what the lawn care industry can no longer use, don't you? It's not the fert alone creating beautiful turf grass on the fairways.
and a free mid-summer inspection of your lawn as well as a Summer Stress Relief application for Chinch Bugs.
When last I checked there are no products legally registered in Canada for the control of Chinch Bugs. There are soil amendments that seem to deter this insect activity, but this is the same type of wording that had the government pulling Neem Oil off the shelves last year. Jesus! Grow a brain!
We are on your lawn a minimum of once a month from April through September for a minimum of 6 visits. The cost for your property at (potential customer address) would be $318.1 payable on a by application basis over 5 equal payments of $63.62
Finally payment info!...oh...wait a minute...
...or if you wish to prepay and save making it only $302.195 HST included that's a savings of $15.905 by prepaying now.
Wow! Save $15.905! Whatever will I do with the extra half penny? Just round it up people.
Back By Popular Demand!!! Our Special Beat the HST Offer!
They haven't done one application yet and here comes the up-sell already.
We also have an amazing special offer for this year.
Actually it's a special offer every year, but nothing sells like the fear of passing up a deal.
We are offering a Special Beat the HST offering which allows you to have our program as described above as well as your choice of 2 premium add on services, that's 8 actual visits to your lawn. You can choose 2 of the following services to be added as part of your Beat the HST program: mechanical core aeration, natural grub control, and natural crab grass preventer. For an additional $199.0895
$199.0895? Anyone else find this confusing and wonder why they're doing it? Seems more mechanical than personal to me.
you can have this deluxe package. The original cost for this program is $544.41 but by prepaying this you will save $27.2205 that's an amazing 25% off. Making the total prepaid price only $408.3075!
OK let's see...hmmm...original program $302.195 + another $199.0895 should equal $408.3075 which is 25% of %544.41 making me save $27.2205, but it doesn't add up. So maybe I should carry the one, divide by 13% x the square root of lawn square footage....why does having a nice lawn suddenly seem so hard?
Me thinks, someone needs to go back to school.
Perhaps we all need to study harder. I recommend a site called Homestars to see what other customers have to say about services they've used, or Google the company name and "complaints" to gain a better understanding before you say "yes".
If a company is worthy of your business then the pretty words and window dressing will be evident elsewhere and not just on the quote.
Posted by Strange at 6:43 AM No comments:
Labels: Lawn care
Saturday, February 11, 2012
With friends like this who needs to advertise?
If you saw "Snake in the Grass" Feb. 10th, 2012 on CBC's Marketplace, then you'll know what I mean. The program addressed customer outrage at the way Weedman conducts their business including consumer protection violations.
Hey, do your homework. Just Google any lawn company and "complaints" and you'll see, in most cases, there's nothing different from the Marketplace broadcast.
I spent five years in the Lawn Care Industry with one of the larger companies before I started my own. I already knew this and have reported it here in many a blog over the last 4 years.
I watched as they failed upwards with their customer service, their crass handling of complaints, their inexcusable practice of sending inexperienced students to do applications and the blatant lies in order to ring a few more shekels from unsuspecting patrons. The company I worked for was pompous and pretentious in how they treated their customers and I, as the messenger, often handled the brunt of the fallout.
When I started my company 5 years ago with an impending pesticide bylaw looming, people thought me mad. Why would I go into an industry that had such limitations placed on it to be successful? Yet, I believed by changing the lawn care model and running an operation that was 180 degrees from that of my competitors I could achieve growth- a growth that has continued year after year since I started. All this despite having limited tools to do my job effectively.
The bigger companies should have realized the storm was coming and put on goulashes as well, but they continued to pound away with the tired methods that made them rich when the products worked with absolution.
Sure it's easy to blame the anger and resentment Weedman is feeling on the pesticide bylaw, it has hurt us all, but it's not the real reason for the loss of revenue. We use the same materials as the big guys and we have close to 98% customer retention year in-year out.
So what's the difference?
Today the customer has to become a partner and realize their role in maintaining the health of their lawn, it's the only way and it requires education. Gone are the days of showing up twice a year and spraying weeds and gone is the methodology that these companies still cling to like a baby-blankie.
The customer is not a number and they are not a blank cheque - a realization in the first step to building the better beast.
Personally I hope companies like Weedman continue to operate as they always have...after all, they're my best advertisement.
Posted by Strange at 6:00 AM 2 comments:
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Since the beginning of 2012 there have been the usual onslaught of predictions for the year ahead. Everything from financial warnings and potential weather catastrophes to celebrity death guestimations and scandals lying in wait.
And let us not forget a shout out to the Mayans with the end of the world looming next December.
In keeping with the spirit, I thought it might be fun to give you my forecast for the 2012 lawn care season.
So here it goes:
People will continue threatening to pave over their lawns, or create 4,000 square foot rock gardens, but the number who actually do this will be small.
April and May will be cooler and drier than normal across most of the region. Which means less time spent in my rubber boots and perhaps manageable weed control...fingers crossed.
Grub issues will continue to be a problem as we run the 3-year cycle. Most damage will be seen in the Spring due to a milder Winter and unruly raccoons.
Summer will be cooler and drier than normal, with the hottest temperatures in early June and mid-July. Crabgrass could be a problem in July again in some areas, but Chinch Bug shouldn't be as bad as it was last year.
September and October will be cooler and slightly rainier than normal in the east, while the west will be drier than normal, with near-normal temperatures, on average.
In all, looks like a pretty decent fall to over-seed, apply nematodes and pray for a quick end to the lawn season...just kidding about that last one.
People will continue to shop state-side for weed and insect controls and disregard the Provincial bylaw. After all, the Feds run the border and they don't have a problem with pesticides...plus, is that poison ivy and giant hogweed I see in the backyard?...just sayin'. Poisonous plants are exempt under the bylaw.
On second thought maybe the Mayans were right, except it's the lawn care industry teetering on the precipice of extinction?
Here's hoping there's a 2013. In the meantime have a great 2012.
Posted by Strange at 9:42 AM No comments:
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Same old, same old
The 2012 IPM Symposium happened this past Monday and once again yours truly was in attendance. Yet, I found the speakers presenting much of the same old tired information I've heard over the past few years concerning green alternatives to control weeds and insects.
I actually found out more on my own research than was presented to me at this largest event for the Lawn Care Industry.
There was no information of the long awaited new weed control Phoma Macrostoma. What I found out is, it has been approved by the PMRA, but Scotts is dragging their ass on the manufacturing. Probably until they discover the best way to charge us more for this product. Anyway it could be as much as 2 more years before we see it hit the shelves.
Continued tests with Fiesta showed it did work, to a point, in controlling weeds. The key word here is "control", not kill. Also take into consideration that the Guelph Turfgrass Institute conducts many of its tests in a controlled, or greenhouse environment. There are no neighbours with weed infested lawns going to seed and blowing onto your lawn, no children and pets running roughshod over the testing area and no times where the mercy of Mother Nature comes into play. The good news, Fiesta seems to be coming down in price as other companies challenge Neudorff with their own chelated iron products.
Also the reason Neem Oil was pulled from our collective grasp in 2011 was mentioned, but if you've been reading these blogs, you knew that months ago when it first surfaced.
The Ministry continued to thump their chest with the amount of inspections and fines that were administered over the past year, but it came across as weak at the knees and job justification more than a warning to those caught in a moral dilemma of pesticides vs. bylaw. There are just too many loopholes and not enough teeth.
Over all, the food was good, but I came away with nothing more then a "circle the wagons" mentality preaching to try and weather the storm until someone manufactures weed and insect controls that actually work effectively.
Until then, either hang on and curse under your breath, or convert to a micro lawn, (pictured above) that you can maintain easily. The alternatives are slim to none, and Slim just left the IPM Symposium.
Posted by Strange at 8:58 AM 2 comments:
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606 Cedarwood Dr.
Friendswood, Texas 77546
Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. (Leviticus 19:32)
Mission Statement
This Work of Mercy to Visit the Sick brings so much joy to those visited. It brightens their day to be encountered by someone who cares enough about them to bring comfort to the sorrowful. They now have something to look forward to every week, which is truly a sign of loving our neighbor.
Ministry Description
If you have a heart to bring light into the day of someone who is sick and lonely, please consider participating in this work of mercy. Some may enjoy being read to or just need a listening ear. Our main focus is to visit the room bound residents in the nursing homes. They are unable to participate in the organized activities.
• Visit homebound upon request
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• Men's Group visit Friendship Haven
Volunteer/Service Opportunities
• Visit Nursing Homes
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• Visit the homebound
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ARTIST DESIGNED TEDDY BEAR PATTERN - PDF "Alvin"By "Nioka Bears" (me!)============================================================DELIVERY - INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF - Why wait! Buy now and be at your sewing machine within minutes! Etsy are trialling a fabulous new Instant Download feature and I am taking part in testing the service. As soon as Paypal payment is complete, the pattern will be available to you to download immediately! If any delays occur this is due to the Etsy site however please feel free to convo me if you have any problems at all so I can sort it for you ASAP! The pattern is ready to print out on standard A4 paper or you can also print on Letter or Foolscape simply by checkling the "Disable shrink to fit" or similar in your printers settings. ============================================================About Alvin:Alvin is 7½" (19cm) tall. He is 5 way jointed (Neck, arms, legs) with a wobbly head and sculpted paws and feet.A full materials list, comprehensive instructions on how to complete your bear, example photo plus FREE email support if you need it is also included with your pattern!============================================================Copyright Information:You may sell the finished bear.============================================================
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More victims are now covered under Louisiana's domestic violence laws. Two laws take effect today that expand the statutes to include same-sax couples and dating partners. Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Mariah Wineski says this extends legal protections to more victims.More
Same sex couples would face equal penalties for domestic violence, under a proposal to be taken up in the regular session next month. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says currently, domestic violence laws only apply to household members, married or not, of the opposite sex.More
After much ado at the state capitol over attempts to expel Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown, he said in a press conference it is with great sadness that he resigns from the Senate. He says for as long as he could remember, he desired to serve his district and the people of Louisiana.More
Domestic violence victims with active restraining orders will soon be able to get expedited temporary concealed carry permits under a bill that's been signed into law. Baton Rouge concealed carry instructor Wade Duty says the wait to get into a concealed carry training course can be over a month.More
The bill to allow domestic violence victims to carry a concealed weapon with an expedited permit has received final legislative passage. Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges says women who feel threatened can get this temporary permit if they receive a protective order from a judge.More
A bill to allow victims of domestic violence who have been issued
a protective order to carry a concealed handgun with an expedited and temporary
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Injured Dolphin Approached Divers For Help. Nothing Could Prepare Them For What They Saw
During a night dive last January at Gadren Eel Cove in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; a bottlenose dolphin caught in a fishing line approached scuba diver Keller Laros for help.
The dolphin's left pectoral fin was stuck, wrapped around fishing line with a hook embedded into its body. The divers, who were well-equipped, signaled the dolphin to come over.
Thanks to Martina Wing this amazing footage was caught on film.


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On Friday, March 7, a state panel convened to consider replacing the rating agency that handles workers' compensation rate filings in Delaware.
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Quixote Winery is a real find in the Napa Valley and looks quite a bit different from all the other Napa wineries we have visited. Unfortunately we broke our first wine glass here, out of over 900+ Napa wineries/producers visited to date. We suspect the hand of the deceased designer somehow caused this mishap (see more about him below). If we had used a plastic Go Vino glass this would never have happened!
Quixote resembles a building out of a fairy tale; the reason being is that it was designed by the famous Viennese often nude artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000).
This is his only design located in the USA. He has a number of well-known works in Europe including a housing complex in Vienna in which some of the rooms in that building have real trees growing out of windows. His work is all about curvilinear forms and avoiding vertical design in structures. He tried to incorporate buildings that blend in with nature, hence the roof of this winery is covered with grass and trees. There were two large "hills" of dirt built up in front of the winery which now hide the building very well.
One of his other philosophies was to never throw away construction materials even if they break so this winery has several sections constructed of broken material. It took over seven years to construct, partly due to the rigidity of his design ideas – he would visit the winery and find something he didn't like (sometimes major) and it would have to be entirely torn down and reconstructed.
Once he visited the winery during construction and whacked on a nice hand-made column with a hammer (imported from Europe). It looked too nice for his taste and he wanted to give it a broken look all the while the owner looked on in disbelief. The founder is the well-known Carl Doumani who originally owned the nearby Stags' Leap winery. His daughter is also a prominent chef and runs Terra Restaurant in St. Helena.
A cute story of their attempted first meeting: Carl was to meet Friedensreich in a restaurant but after some time Friedensreich's agent showed up and told Carl that Friedensreich had to cancel their meeting because he was spending some time with the "ladies". Friedensreich was truly a free soul who lived his life impulsively in strict accordance to his tastes, desires and imagination.
The total production here is small – about 2000 cases with the focus being on Petite Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. All varietals for their wines are grown on site including the uncommon to Napa Grenache and Mourvedre. Their vineyards are farmed organically. The tasting is held in an intimate room – note the undulating floor so hold onto your chairs! The designer felt feet were best designed to walk on uneven surfaces. Also note that no two windows are alike in this room and this was done on purpose. We tasted seven wines.
Their Quixote label was designed by Friedensreich (who was also a painter) and is their high end, high quality wine, typically 100% varietal. Their Panza label represents blended wines. The 2004 Claret is a delightful very fruity wine with wonderful flavor and mouth feel.
The Cabernets we tasted were light to medium bodied, silky and smooth with great noses. Their philosophy is to not over oak a wine and as a result, the varietal characteristics really stand out. The 2004 Quixote Petite Syrah has a very fruit driven bouquet which follows onto the palate with both ripe blackberry and black cherry. Hints of chocolate, mocha and coffee are also on the nose. The finish is clean and long with beautiful silky tannins. Contrast this with the 2002 Quixote Petite Syrah which has more of an earthiness, minerality, and dusty quality to the nose. It is not as fruit driven as the 2002 but notes of plum, currant and blackberry are interwoven together nicely on the palate. Visit: www.quixotewinery.com
NOTE: this review has been identified as needing a major update.


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