There are several ways and reasons to mow a lawn. At the very least, lawns can be mowed to control weeds or tame turfgrass in outlying areas. At the other end of the spectrum are lawns designed and maintained to look almost like golf greens. In between lie a variety of properties and mowing strategies that can be placed into one of two broadly defined categories: high-production mowing and quality mowing.

Whether they operate one mower or a fleet of 20, lawn maintenance contractors will eventually have to answer these questions: Should I buy a replacement mower and, if so, when is the best time to do so? Or, would it make more sense to repair my old one?

As an out front mower manufacturer, Walker Manufacturing is more than a little biased about the value of owning and operating a mower equipped with a frontmount deck. Over the years, the industry has been less receptive, thanks in part to the cost advantages afforded by less-expensive mid-mount mowers.

Never before has it been more important to retain your current customers. It has always been costly to replace customers. There’s lost revenue to consider, along with the costs associated with finding new customers. Then there’s the disappearance of efficiencies that crews may have realized while maintaining the now wayward property, not to mention the fact that current customers also provide an excellent opportunity to sell more services.

When asked if they have a training program in place, most landscape contractors will say “yes.” They then will likely describe a spring startup session where all employees, new and veteran alike, will be introduced to safety protocols and procedures. Day-long training may include a review of safe operating tips, required safety apparel, and a primer on how to operate equipment and drive a truck with trailer. Some companies actually provide handson training on any new equipment, putting employees through a driving test.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are just a few of the rising stars in the social media world. Until recently, their application reflected their social media status. Users tabbed them to share interesting moments with family and friends and to update them with “happenings” on a daily and even hourly basis.