yard maintenance prepared by: l. robert barber, & ilene iriarte for: guam cooperative extension...
Post on 17-Dec-2015
223 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Yard Maintenance
Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte
For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam
Department of AgricultureFunding provided by:
United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education,
Administration for Native Americans,, & Sanctuary Incorporated
How Much Should You Charge?
A Lawn Maintenance Example• Depends on:
– What is your goal for your hourly wage?– Rule of thumb add $1 an hour for
equipment maintenance – Needed Supplies– Business Costs:
• Taxes (Also License)
– How long will the job take
How Much Should You Charge?
A Lawn Maintenance Example• Marketing Tactic:
– In order to obtain a realistic estimate of time and resources, after first time at a very low rate:• Give you a chance to demonstrate the
quality of your service• Lets you know exactly what is involved
Lawn Care
• Type of grass influences care:– As does soil type, light availability,
temperature, watering– Maintenance requirements
• Watering Requirements:– Lawn sprinklers usually need to be set
for 1-2 hours at each spot to apply 1 inch of water• 1 inch of water soaks soil 6-8 inches in depth
Watering
• Deep soakings help develop deep roots– Eventually plants will require less
watering
• Shallow watering benefits weeds• Do not over water
– Soils can only absorb so much– Can harm plants & promote diseases
• Early morning watering is best• Water slowly to avoid runoff
Mowing
• Correct height depends on type of grass:– If cut too low grass can die, or thin out
• Frequency of mowing depends on type of grass, maintenance program, & weather
• Keep mower blade sharp & clean– Dull blades give grass an uneven look
• Do not mow grass when wet– Can clog mower
• Clippings should be left on lawn – Returns nutrients to the soil
Bush cutting
• Often damages desired plants • Physically harms plants:
– Bush cutter disease (careless cuts that girdle tree) kills huge numbers of trees on Guam.
Bush cutting Damage Picture
Mulching
• Reduces yard maintenance – Weeding, watering, mowing
• Materials can be organic or inorganic– Organic mulch acts as a slow release
fertilizer & can improve soil structure
• Adds beauty to yard• For best results apply mulch 2-4
inches deep
Breadfruit that is mulched with palm leaves
Compost
• Controlling the decomposition of organic material such as:– Yard material, paper, kitchen scraps,
wood• Creates a slow release organic
fertilizer & contributes to the beneficial organisms in the soil
• Cost effective• Prevents green waste from being
thrown in the landfill
Summary
• For more information please call your local Cooperative Extension
Service at 735-2080
top related