Dear Carol,
I know that you probably can not recommend anyone but could you tell me how to go about finding someone that can do complete yard work?

I can no longer take care of any yard work due to physical limitations.

I need someone that will not only mow the lawn but will do trimming of shrubs, fertilize when necessary and keep my beds free from weeds and all other outside work. I guess I need a gardener that will treat my place like it was their own, doing what is necessary in a timely fashion.

I would appreciate it, if you didn't mention my name as I do have someone cutting my lawn now, but he isn't doing a very good job.

Thank you for any help that you may be able to offer.

Sincerely,
Betty
Port St. Lucie

Hello Betty,
Believe it or not, this horticulturist doesn't like spending the weekend taking care of the yard. Fortunately there are many professional firms on the Treasure Coast offering landscape maintenance services. With all of those folks vying for your business, take care to select one that will use sound maintenance practices to produce a Florida Yard that's beautiful and friendly to the environment.

There are three types of basic services available; partial lawn care, total lawn care, and total landscape maintenance. The cost of a service and ability of the client to perform a portion of the landscape care are determining factors in the selection of a company. Naturally, the more services a company provides the more it will cost, but there are some common denominators that can be used in making the selection. Selecting a lawn maintenance service best suited for individual needs is not an easy task, but here are some suggestions to help in making a good choice.

* Start by checking with friends and neighbors for recommendations of companies in your area. Call and ask for a site visit and an estimate that includes a detailed list of services to be performed. The firm should give some guarantee of results and provide liability for its actions.

* Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Also, ask if the firm maintains memberships in industry associations such as the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and if any of their personnel are certified though the organization.

* Lawn maintenance firms should have capable personnel that can promptly and courteously answer your questions. Ask the contact person how much training and experience they have with Florida landscapes and grasses and if they receive regular educational updates.

* Check to make sure the firm has a business or an occupational license, insurance, and a pesticide business license (Florida Statute 482).

* Ask for a contract. Contracts may be written or verbal, on a yearly or monthly basis, very detailed or very sketchy. Look at the cost of the total program and compare pricing for fertilization, pest control, and cultural practices like mowing (if included) or cultivation (vertical mowing and aerification for dethatching).

Also, ask about the firms use of these Florida-Friendly Landscape practices:

* Monitor for pests rather than apply sprays routinely and provide evidence of a significant problem before you allow and pay for treatment.

* Use least-toxic methods of controlling pest problems. Use pesticides only when less-toxic methods fail and post a sign to alert neighbors that chemicals have been applied.

* Soil testing at the beginning of the contract and every 3-5 years after that will help determine your landscapes need for nutrients and such.

* Apply slow-release fertilizer, and only if fertilizer is needed. Avoid fertilizers containing weed killer or insecticide unless applied with your permission.

* Leave grass clippings on the lawn and use other yard waste as mulch or compost

* Mulch should be maintained and/or replenished regularly, at least once a year.

Good Luck and Happy Gardening,
Carol