S.W.O.T. that fly

S.W.O.T. analysis is something every company should do before embarking into their chosen field and revisit every few years. It can be a living, breathing document and one to keep the heart pumping in any successful business.

I know it was one of the first things I did before I clicked the on button and applied my first fertilizer. It is also something I've had to tweak now and then with changes to legislation, weather and public perception.

Let us first, for those who don't know, breakdown what S.W.O.T. stands for.

S.W.O.T. is a way to analyze the competition while looking at your own business operation and comparing the two. It stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

An interesting thing I discovered when I did mine was that many in the lawn care industry operate a certain way and have for many years...because it worked for them. This means extensive cold calling, up-selling, negative billing, fraudulent guarantees, not to mention a high volume of cheap, unskilled labour in the field...and on your lawn.

I know all this, because I used to work for a bigger company and was part of that annual spring cattle-call with one day of training before being assigned a truck and a spreader. It is the same today as it was ten years ago when I first started.

Don't believe me? Look at the job posting above.

Yet, the numbers don't lie. There is enough of a success rate operating this way to consider it a Strength.

It's funny how these were all facets I identified as Weaknesses when I did my analysis and thus an Opportunity to design a new business model.

I could simply rectify this mode of operandi by telling my customers the truth and developing a trust/personal relationship which is uncontested by my competitors. If I backed it up with performance, why would anyone want to go back to a company operating under the old lawn care model?

Since we virtually use the same products when performing applications it seemed the best place to carve out my own brand and try to repair the damage caused by others, in some instances, with ruthless canvassing and shoddy workmanship.

Now I'm not saying that the stones I throw will bring down the big three Goliath companies. There's too much franchise money, a greater workforce and advertising dollars to dent the armor. However, I don't feel the need to compete anymore when many of their wounds are self inflicted...and the Threats to us?...

...I certainly don't see any. Do you?

Winter...it's not such a bad thing...

...unless you push snow for a living, are elderly, don't have a snow blower, commute to work in the slop etc.

 I'm not a big fan of the snow either- it only serves to insulate the soil- it's the cold that gets me giddy.

Yet, you have to admit, we've had it pretty easy the past few winters.

You might wonder with all the ill will toward sub-zero temperatures and massive accumulations of the white stuff why I'm so happy about it?

Simple...grubs. Grubs have totally destroyed lawns over the past few years and it's only going to get worse and I'll take the help where I can get it.

Nematodes, which are the only recourse the lawn industry has to combat this uninvited guest, do work, but...and it's a big but, there are many variables involved in a successful insertion of these microscopic worms that feast on grub larvae. Many of these conditions are out of my hands from the moment I drive off after I've completed an application.

And...forget applying until mid August anyway. By that time you may have precious little turf to worry about especially if there's a sellout to the hunger games in April/May. By that I mean more than 10 grubs per square foot when the warmer weather coaxes the little buggers from slumber.

Core aeration also helps alleviate the problem slightly, but let's be honest here, there are no effective, over-night killers on the market anymore, so we have to get help from Mother Nature.

Grubs over-winter by burrowing down into the soil after they've had their all-you-eat buffet at the root level of your turf in late summer. Compounding the issue are skunks and raccoons who love nice plump grubs to dine on when they can't get into your garbage.

This year we had calls about nocturnal destruction well into the twilight of November. This told me, because it wasn't cold enough the grubs were still close to the surface- between 2 and 8 inches. So welcome the frigid blast of winter my friends. The colder the better.

There is a good chance the grub population will be culled somewhat by it and the destruction this coming season less severe. *fingers crossed*

However, as with all predictions surrounding the weather, I'm only a genius if my forecast comes to fruition.

Plus ca change, plus ce le meme chose

It's a new year and with it comes a new attitude...well for me anyway. Some may have noticed, I've been absent on the Ol' Blog the last four months?

I felt after the tough year for turf that was 2012...and it was tough for everyone in the business, I needed to get away from it all and clear my head. I wanted to get back to giving advice instead of just ranting about politics.

So, here I am intent on practicing what I preach, ready to give my opinion on 2013 season preparation.

Personally, I wasn't expecting to have to post in January, but one of our customers informed us Weedman's kids were already out canvassing her neighbourhood trying to sign homeowners up.

Now if you are a Weedman customer and happy with their service- good for you. Stay with what works. However, if you are entertaining the thought of bringing in a third party to take care of your lawn there are a few things you should be aware of when hiring anyone in this industry...including me if you see fit.

I should say now, not all companies are alike and there is still some integrity and truth out there, but you will have to dig deep to find the gold. The smell might be a little potent in the process.

The search starts with understanding the warning signs and the tactics used to snatch your hard-earned money.

1) If anyone tells you they have a weed killer, or a product no one else has, they are not being truthful. Almost 4 years ago the playing field was leveled and we all use the same products now. There are no more silver bullets and systemic killers when it comes to weeds and the next control, "Phoma", is still a year away at the earliest.

As it currently stands, it takes time to get control and convert a weed-filled lawn into a healthy one.
If someone is using a cocktail of their own making then the PMRA and Health Canada are not going to take kindly to its existence since it would be an unregistered product and just as illegal as applying any substance currently under the bylaw.

2) Make sure what you are getting is what you pay for and what you need. There are companies who will sell you a basic program because the price is more attractive, even though they know you have grub damage, or compacted soil. They know that later in the season they can sell you an aeration, or nematode treatment at top dollar instead of saving you the coin now with a prepaid discount for the entire lot.

3) Sometimes saying "yes" to anything is carte blanche to perform applications on your lawn without further authorization. I have heard the horror stories time and time again how a homeowner said yes to a free estimate, no to service, only to find an invoice in the mail box for applications rendered once the season started. There are people who will pay the bill without a fight, or fuss and it's what the company counts on.

4) Be aware, bigger is not always better. The bigger the company, the more resources. Which means a possibility of annoying telemarketing to up-sell you applications, a plethora of different and in some cases, under-trained lawn technicians performing the applications. Also sadly, you may find it more difficult to reach someone if you have a problem with your lawn, or billing.

5) Understand the company's policies. Do they return year to year unless you cancel?
If you need to cancel, what are the protocols and is there any refund pending? Do they perform unauthorized applications on your lawn when they are needed, i.e. grub, even though it is not part of your program. Again, there are instances where someone has paid over 6 bills for a program that was initially under $300, simply because of extra applications. Remember even though negative billing isn't legal, it is a practice that is still widely used as a revenue stream. I recommend contacting the Ministry of Consumer Affairs  if you are a victim of negative billing.

6) Trust is paramount. When someone asks me if I guarantee the products I use I tell them, "I guarantee I will do my best with the tools I have." However, how can you guarantee a product many of the manufacturers won't stand behind 100%. There are just too many variables and excuses to hide behind. So if someone in the lawn care business guarantees weed-free, or grub-free etc., I would be skeptical, but that's because I know the products and what they need to perform effectively.

Social media has held many companies accountable who still draw from the old playbook and with a little research you will begin to draw your own conclusions whether, or not you have the right lawn care provider. I find Homestars an excellent source for all home related hires. As for lawn care, I want to believe because of people like you and I and a strong internet voice, that this industry is making an effort to change.

Unfortunately, as with all things, the more things change the more they stay the same.

Failing marks

The kids go back to school next week, but for me I'm closing in on the end of my 2012 education and the marks aren't good. If I could sum up this season in one word, there are many I could choose from; frustrating, brutal, hopeless and a bunch of others of a more expletive nature.

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.

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.

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?

What the H? From chinch to cinch

It certainly has been a strange year of weather and if your lawn has been giving you problems even with a lawn company there to give it a nudge every month, there might be another issue at work.

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.

2) Everything is about a month ahead of schedule. That also includes Chinch Bugs. Normally I don`t start to see damage until the end of June. This year I saw the first evidence May 24th...unreal!

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.

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So, on the flip side...you`ve done nothing and the lawn is damaged.

REPAIRING YOUR LAWN

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.