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Technician Fertilizer Guidelines1. Make sure that your spreader has been calibrated to ensure that you are

putting down the proper amount of fertilizer on your customers lawn. Lescospreaders come with keys that can be used as a starting gage when fertilizing.

2. In most cases when you start fertilizing you should be calibrating with each bagthat you use. Each bag will fertilize roughly 12,000 square feet if you areapplying 4.17 lbs per 1000sqft. (This may vary depending on time of year andproduct) Take a cumulative amount of customers lawns equaling 12,000 squarefeet or if you are on a larger lawn measure out 12,000 square feet and applythe fertilizer. If you have any left in the hopper then you will need to open thespreader more. If you don’t have enough to finish you will need to close thespreader. Continue to monitor your spreader and amount used during the day.It will take a few days to hit the target consistently.

Weed Control Training

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Application of Pesticides

Bruce SheppardWeed Man

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Pesticide Safety

• Lawn Care operator have been in the environmentenhancement business for over 50 years, we are dedicated toproviding the best possible service and products to ourcustomers.

• Pest Control products provide a tool that lawn careprofessionals use to ensure a healthy lawn.

• Our industry is concerned about the health of our childrenespecially as it relates to the safe use of lawn care pest controlproducts.

Pesticide Safety

• Responsible lawn care companies have taken initiatives toreduce the amount of pesticides used.

• The Integrated Pest Management or Plant Health Careapproach should taken by all LOC that involves a healthy lawnthrough ensuring proper cultural practices (mowing andwatering), fertility, and lawn cultivation.

• Pesticides are used sparingly and responsibly as tools to ensurepest damage does not deter from a healthy lawn.

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Pesticide Safety

• Often the public is confused about pesticides and their safetydue to certain groups who try to use scare tactics andallegations about its safety.

• Allegations about risk factors for cancer or other healthconcerns must be treated seriously. However, scientificallybaseless statements do little to advance informed publicdebate on this very important matter.

Pesticide Safety

• A pesticide is any substance intended to control, destroy, repel,or attract a pest.

• Any living organism that causes damage or economic loss ortransmits or produces disease may be the target pest.

• Pests can be animals (like birds or mice), unwanted plants(weeds), insects and insect-like organisms or microorganisms(like plant disease and viruses).

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How do I know a Pesticides is Safe?

• The sale, distribution and use ofpesticides is regulated by theUnited States EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) andsimilar departments of stategovernment.

• Thus each pesticide that we usehas been evaluated for safetyand effectiveness and approvedfor specific uses.

How do I know a Pesticides is Safe?

• EPA Registration: - Registering a new pesticide is a long drawnout process, that requires funding of millions of dollars,laboratory screening, Lab and Field testing Label Registrationwhich can take 6 or more years in order to finally introduce anew pesticide into the market.– The EPA reviews every pesticide product– EPA may require labeling changes– EPA must approve the labeling language

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How do I know a Pesticides is Safe?

• Testing:– Toxicity or Toxilogical Tests - determine how poisonous or dangerous a

pesticide is to human, wildlife, and other non-target organisms– Efficacy Tests - Does the pesticide manage the pest or does it cause plant

damage, "phytotoxicity"– Degradation Testing - what happens to the pesticide after it is applied.– Mobility Testing - Whether the pesticide moves through the soil to the

ground water.– Residue Testing - Whether the pesticide move into plants from the soil.

How do I know a Pesticides is Safe?

• The evaluation for safety takesinto consideration safety forapplicators of pesticides,consumers of pesticide treatedproducts, non-target species suchas honey bees, water andwildlife.

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Pesticide Labeling• One of the more important tools for safe and effective use of pesticides is

the information on the product label. Pesticide Product Labeling is requiredby Law for all products by the EPA. The pesticide label is a binding legalagreement between three parties:

• the US Environmental Protection Agency• the product registrant• the product user

• Labeling is meant to help the user understand the basis behind thepesticides. "READ THE LABEL FIRST" Make sure to always read the labelfirst before use of any pesticide. When reading the label you need to makesure you understand the names, ingredients, formulations, signal words,environmental hazard statements. Make sure you understand thedirections for mixing and loading, application, storage, and disposal of thepesticide being used.

Labeling Facts• Pesticide labels are not advice or suggestion, but are legal requirements.• Pesticides may not be applied to any plant, animal or site not listed on the

product label.• Materials may not be applied at higher rates or more frequently than the

label directs• Pesticide applicators are bound to follow label directions for transport,

mixing, loading, application, storage, and disposal of pesticides andpesticide containers

• Every Label is required by Law to include on their label, the name andaddress of the manufacturer, the EPA registration number which identifiesmanufacturer and specific product, and the EPA establishment numberwhich identifies the facility that produced the product.

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Toxicity:• Toxicity is defined as the capacity of a substance to poison animals

or plants.• Poison works by altering normal body function.• Every substance known to man is potentially toxic in excessive

quantities.• i.e. Coffee, Salt and Vitamin D.• Since Chemical pesticides have some degree of toxicity to humans,

everyone who works in pest control should be made aware of thepotential hazard.

• Preventing overexposure is the best insurance against poisoning.

Risk and Pesticide Poisoning• There are risks associated with everything we do.• All substances can be toxic depending on the dose and level of

exposure.• Many household products including paint, fuels, cleaners and

medicines can pose a risk.• Wearing proper protective clothing and following product label

directions will reduce risk.• Risk = Exposure X Toxicity• An increase in exposure and/or toxicity of a substance will increase

risk.

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Pesticides - Putting Risk into Perspective

• Signal Words Acute Oral LD50(mg/kg bw)

• 1) Caution – Slightly Toxic 500-5000

• 2) Warning – Moderately Toxic 50-500

• 3) Danger – Highly Toxic 0-50

Pesticides - Putting Risk into Perspective• MOST TOXIC – according to Oral LD 50 rating (lowest number =

highest toxicity)• Strychnine 3• Iodine 30• Nicotine 60• Caffeine 192• Baking soda 240• Bleach 308• Rubbing alcohol 490• House paint 770

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Pesticides - Putting Risk into Perspective

• Aspirin 780• Gasoline 1330• Vitamin A 2000• Table salt 3300• Anti-freeze 3500• Whiskey 14000• Table sugar 29700

Pesticides - Putting Risk into Perspective• All LD50 values are concentrated values before being watered down in the

tank to be applied to the lawn. Most pesticides are watered down at a rateof 98%.

• 2,4-D 6800• Round Up >5000• Merit >5000• Bifenthrin >2000• Organic Farming Products• Rotenone 162-1500• Copper sulfate 30• Horticultural Vinegar 3300

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Routes of Exposure• Oral - mouth (siphoning a

plugged nozzle with your mouth)• Dermal - skin or eyes (not

wearing rubber boots)• Inhalation - breathing a spray

mist or dust• Some conditions that increase

the likely hood of exposureinclude cuts, scrapes or brokenskin and perspiration

Prevention

• Dermal Exposure- wear protective clothing, including gloveswhen using pesticides or cleaning equipment.

• Oral Exposure - never store product in containers used for foodor drink, and never smoke, drink, or eat when handlingpesticides, and always wash your hands after handlingpesticides.

• Inhalation - do not smoke when handling pesticides.

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Chemical Safety• Pesticides can cause illness, and

they can kill• Pesticide usefulness rests on their

ability to interrupt naturalprocesses of insects, fungi or plants.

• Pesticides must be handled withgreat respect.

• Knowledge is key - you must clearlyunderstand the hazards of theproducts you are using.

Pesticide Safety

• Describe two things that can leadto possible pesticide exposure ordamage when applying a liquidpesticide?

• Drift is the movement of particlesor droplets off the target.

• There are two types of drift:– 1. Vapor– 2. Spray

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Pesticide Drift

• Vapor Drift• Is the movement of vapor which

results from volatilization orevaporation of the pesticide. Theevaporation may occur fromdroplets at the time ofapplication or from the pesticidedeposited on the plants.

• Spray Drift• Is the movement of droplets of

pesticide from the target duringthe application because of wind,air currents or other factors

• Large droplets are only moved ashort distance, but small particlesmay remain suspended in aircurrents

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What Factors Affect Drift

• Wind - if the wind speed is greater than 7mph (11 km/h), some ofthe spray may drift away from the target area

• Droplet Size - as the spray droplet size becomes smaller, drift ismore likely to occur

• Temperature - with warmer temperatures, evaporation of the sprayincreases, thereby, increasing the possibility of vapor drift

• Distance Between Nozzle and Target Area - as the distance betweenthe nozzle and the target increases, the possibility of driftincreases.

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Problems Associated with Drift

• Damage to non target plants including vegetable gardens• May contaminate water or other sensitive areas• May effect the success of the application• Operational Techniques to Reduce Drift• Make sure to always follow the methods of application on the

label and instruction by your supervisor.• Spray when wind is less than 15mph (also see label)• Use a standard Nozzle with low pressure to obtain a larger

droplet size to prevent drift.

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Weed Control• Weed Man professionals pride themselves on

being environmental stewards. This practiceentails applying the right product at the righttime to control target weeds. This is oftencalled IPM – integrated pest management.Weed control – combined with regularfertilization, proper mowing and correctwatering practices – will keep the grassthriving while the weeds disappear.

• Weed control programs may involve both pre-emergent and post-emergent applications toprevent spring weed emergence and in thesummer to control pervasive weeds.

Weed Control• When pesticides are used the least toxic and effective are always considered.• Technicians are trained on whether to utilize spot treatments or blanket

treatments at time of applications.• The best weed control service a customer can have is a thick, lush, vigorously

growing lawn; which prevents weeds from germinating and crowds out existingweeds.

• This may not always be the case and a weed control is needed.• A sufficient quantity of material must be in contact with the weed to have an

effect on the plant. The product is taken into the plant by penetrating the leafsurface, and is translocated throughout. The weeds show the effects of dying bycurling up and becoming discolored.

• This means that it will only affect weeds that are mature and growing, it will notprevent weeds from growing in the future.

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Weed Control• Ensure that customers do not water for 4-6 hours after application

and do not mow for 24 hours after application.• Weed control will effect newly seeded lawns so these areas must

be avoided.• Weed control will effect ornamental plants so it is important to

only apply product to the turf area. Sensitive plants include Birches,tomatoes, roses and flowers.

• This means not applying in heavy winds in case of herbicide drift.• When ever applying pesticides make sure there are no children or

animals on the lawn, and make sure to pick-up any objects (kidstoy’s, etc.) from the lawn.

Herbicides• Herbicides are listed by purpose into two categories, selective and

non-selective. Weed Man uses primarily selective herbicides whichwill eliminate weeds in the home lawn without eliminating thegrass as well. Non-selective herbicides will control anything that isgreen.

• Herbicides as marketed will include the active ingredient as well asother solvents and surfactants or carriers that are referred to asinert ingredients. This is referred to as the product.

• Most products on the market have more than one activeingredient. This allows for greater control over a greater spectrumof weeds. Weed Man uses primarily three-way mixes.

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Selective Herbicides• Selective Herbicides produce responses similar to those of natural, growth-

regulating substances called auxins. Application of artificial auxins, such as2,4-D, upsets normal growth as follows:– Cells of leaf veins rapidly divide and elongate, while cells between veins cease to

divide. This results in long, narrow, strap-like young leaves.– Water content increases, making treated plants brittle and easily broken.– Cell division and respiration rates increase, and photosynthesis decreases. Food

supply of treated plants is nearly exhausted at their death.– Roots of treated plants lose their ability to take up soil nutrients, and stem

tissues fail to move food effectively through the plant.• The killing action of growth-regulating chemicals is not caused by any

single factor but results from the effects of multiple disturbances in thetreated plant.

Selective Herbicides

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Can all weeds be Controlled• Not all weeds can be controlled

easily.• Some weeds may have a thick

coating of hairs on a plant or waxycuticle.

• Hot weather may make a plantsemi-dormant.

• Certain weeds may be resistant to aherbicide.

• Does not stop weeds fromgerminating.

Pre-emergent Herbicides• These herbicides don’t stop weed germination, but rather interrupt the

process before a sprout pushes through soil. Two common examples of apre-emergent herbicide are Dimension or Prodiamine. Both of theseprevents crabgrass seeds from establishing new plants. Dimension is also apost emergent up to the 2-3 leaf stage .( Size of a DIME )

• With pre-emergent herbicides, it’s vital to treat the entire lawn area. If youmiss a spot, weeds can sprout there.

• Most pre-emergent herbicides require watering in, even liquidapplications. With liquid herbicides, the volume of water used to dispersethe weed killer is not great enough to wash the material into soil, whereweed seeds lie waiting to germinate. That’s why we leave instructions onthe invoice for customers to water the day after the application.

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Pre-emergent Herbicide Bad Application

Pre-emergent Herbicides

• When applying a pre-emergent herbicide you must avoid areasthat have been seeded or areas that a customer may plan toseed.

• For most products, the label stipulates how many mowing's,after seeding, to wait before application. The label also stateshow long to wait after application before sowing lawn seed.

• You may have to avoid altogether and do a post emergenttreatment for crabgrass.

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Pre-emergent Herbicides• With pre-emergent herbicides, we want to apply the chemical just prior to

the time weed seeds start germinating. If you apply too early, theseherbicides will have degraded and are useless when the seeds start togerminate. Often its not the crabgrass that germinates in May that are theissue it’s the crabgrass that germinates in late July or early August after thepre-emergent wears out. Thus having the correct amount of AI is important tomake sure it lasts long enough to control crabgrass right up until August.

• Weed seed germination occurs when soil reaches the correct temperature.Most applications are based on the calendar. For example, if we typicallyapply a pre-emergent herbicide in mid-April with success, then we continuewith that routine.

Pre-emergent Herbicides• Other ways to gauge application time include using

bioindicators, such as plants whose growth signalsthe correct time for application. For instance, innorthern climates, spring crabgrass applications areoften timed when forsythia is blooming, whichfrequently (but not always) occurs when soiltemperatures are in the 50° F range.

• Typically when the farmers are out in the fieldsplanting corn this is a good indication that SoilTemperatures are warm enough for Crabgrass togerminate.

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Technician Fertilizer Guidelines1. Make sure that your spreader has been calibrated to ensure that you are

putting down the proper amount of fertilizer on your customers lawn. Lescospreaders come with keys that can be used as a starting gage when fertilizing.

2. In most cases when you start fertilizing you should be calibrating with each bagthat you use. Each bag will fertilize roughly 12,000 square feet if you areapplying 4.17 lbs per 1000sqft. (This may vary depending on time of year andproduct) Take a cumulative amount of customers lawns equaling 12,000 squarefeet or if you are on a larger lawn measure out 12,000 square feet and applythe fertilizer. If you have any left in the hopper then you will need to open thespreader more. If you don’t have enough to finish you will need to close thespreader. Continue to monitor your spreader and amount used during the day.It will take a few days to hit the target consistently.

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Technician Fertilizer Guidelines3. Always start in the back yard. With any application you need to

ensure that you are able to do the entire lawn and not just part ofthe lawn, unless otherwise listed in your special instructions.

4. Make sure not to turn the spreader in circles or you will applymore fertilizer on the inside of the turn and less on the outside.Straight lines and passes will give the customer the best possibleresults.

5. Ensure that you have enough overlap to avoid striping the lawnusually a 1-2 foot overlap is necessary to ensure a properapplication.

Technician Fertilizer Guidelines

• It is important to remember thatimproper applications will costcustomers.

• Training technicians properly onall faucets of fertilization isextremely important.

• When fertilizing you mustoverlap by 1-2 feet and not missany areas.

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Technician Fertilizer Guidelines

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How to Fertilize a Typical Lawn

How to Fertilize an off Shaped Lawn

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Technician Fertilizer Guidelines6. Always fill your spreader on a hard surface; in case of a spill.

Always ensure you do not leave any fertilizer on hard surfaceswhere it might wash away into any sewers or water course.Please respect the customer and their neighbors by cleaning upany mess you may have made.

7. In case of a spill make sure you do your best to collect as much ofthe fertilizer as possible. Then try to disperse as much of thefertilizer as possible and water. Leave a note for the customer andmake a note on your invoice to have someone check to ensurethat the area does not burn. If it does replace the area with somesod.

Technician Fertilizer Guidelines• Not cleaning the spreader

everyday can lead to improperfertilizer applications due to buildup of materials on the impeller ofthe spreader.

• Be aware of possible issues thatwill affect the application likeside deflector hanging down orthird hole being closed off at thebottom of the spreader and pinsbreaking.

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Technician Fertilizer Guidelines

Keep fertilizer on the turf. Ifgranular fertilizer particles land onhardscapes (such as sidewalks,driveways, and patios), sweep oruse a landscape blower to movethem back into the turf where theplants can use them.

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State Regulations

Sign Posting Regulations

• Each State will have specificregulations around the posting ofsigns when applying a pesticide.

• Please fill in your State specificregulations for posting ofresidential and commercial signs.

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State Inspectors

• If you are stopped by an State Inspector they will be looking forspecific things.

• 1) Is your equipment in working order and neat.• 2) Are all pesticides in a locked container and wands are not

left unattended.• 3) Do you know what product you are applying and how to

apply it safely.• 4) Are you wearing proper PPE and clothing.• 5) Do you have you’re license and inspection log.

Weed Man Spray Equipment• This System is designed and built

specifically for Weed Man.• It is imperative that each Customer Service

Technician understands how to operateand care for the Spray Equipment!– 1) Two tanks 174 gallons each– 2) We can draw from either tank, or both at

the same time.– 3) There is a yellow valve, under the

passenger side hose reel, closest to Honda,which determines which tank you will drawfrom.

– 4) When the handle is pointed up, it isdrawing from the driver side tank, when it ishorizontal, it is drawing from the passengertank.

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Weed Man Spray Equipment Part 2• This System is designed and built specifically

for Weed Man.• It is imperative that each Customer Service

Technician understands how to operate andcare for the Spray Equipment!– 5) It then goes through a filter, to the pump, which

sends it to the regulator.– 6) The regulator sets the pressure that will come

out of the wand. it should be set at 40-50 psi, nohigher!

– 7) The excess flow is directed back into one of thetanks.

– 8) The yellow valve closest to the tailgate underthe passenger hose reel determines which tankthe excess product is directed to.

- Up = Driver side- Horizontal=Passenger side

Weed Man Spray Equipment Part 3

****Very Important****• The handles need to be pointing in the same direction or you

will create a major spill. **It is your job to check this eachmorning prior to your first job!!!!

• Be sure you are drawing from the correct tank. Very importantwhen the tanks have different products!

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Weed Man Spray System• Be sure to start your motor before leaving the shop. This will save you a lot of

time if a spark plug needs to be changed!• A quick check in the morning to ensure your motor is running properly will

reduce any downtime and save you money.• Be sure to check the oil levels on the Honda Motor and Pump. The system is

worth $1500.00 and we don’t want to burn a motor or pump out simply do toneglect of not putting oil in them.

• The main problems experienced with the Honda Motor are:– Spark Plugs– Pull cords or recoils

• Both are easily fixed at the office.• Do not leave your spreader or pile fertilizer near the motor where the exhaust

will burn a hole in it.

Weed Man Spray System

• If your system develops leaks, it is usually at various clamps orfittings. Be sure to let a supervisor know or fill out themaintenance request form. Most problems are easily andquickly fixed.

• It is important that we do not allow the systems to leak andleave wet marks on the ground when doing liquid applications.

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Quick Connects• 1) Quick Connects allow you to connect and un-connect you’re

wand from the hose reel.• 2) This allow you to store your wands in the truck at night or if

they are left unattended.• 3) They are very sensitive, if any leaks appear let a supervisor

know and it will be looked at ASAP.• 4) Do not drag them on the ground as you wind up your hose.• 5) Do not let the wands or the quick connects bang against the

truck when reeling in your hose.

Filters

• Every system has a filter and it needs to be cleaned on aregular basis.

• It is located by the motor and should be inspected once aweek.

• If the filter gets clogged it will stop the flow of liquid or restrictit.

• Make sure to turn the valve off at the tank to stop any flow ofproduct.

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Spray Wands• Every Truck has at least 1 spray

wand with it.• Make sure that the wand is taken

care of as they are $140.00 each.• Do not drag them on the ground

when winding them up and don’tlet them hit the side of the truck aswell.

• If any leaks occur on the wand let asupervisor know so they can befixed.

Hose Reel• Proper maintenance and care of

your hose reels will help in gettingyour work done in a timely manner.

• Hose Reels need to be greasedevery week to ensure they reel outeasily.

• There are two grease nipples oneach hose reel.

• Make sure to reel the hoses uptight, if you don’t tangles can incurwhich takes time to untangle.

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Technician Guidelines

Weed Man Technician Guidelines• Weed Man Technicians must follow the

specific guidelines when applyingweed control to customer’s lawns toensure a proper application.

1. Before starting any application youmust ensure the equipment isproperly calibrated. This requires apressure gauge check as well aschecking the pressure at the end ofthe wand. This needs to be donebefore leaving the office everymorning. This is to also ensure thatthere are no equipment problemsbefore leaving the office.

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How to Calibrate

• One of the most important thingsto remember for correctcalibration is the correct spraypattern and pressure.

• Set your pressure for around 35-40 PSI when first starting.

• To get the right distance or stepsbetween each pass you shouldfirst train on some dry pavement.

How to Apply Correctly

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How not to Apply

How not to Apply

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How to Calibrate• Calibrating to high, is typically

from technicians overlappingthere application to much.

• If your over calibrating by 30% itmaybe due to the passesoverlapping by that much.

• It may take a few days to get yourwalking speed up and the passesjust right to ensure yourcalibrating properly.

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Weed Man Technician Guidelines2. Calibration is mainly checked at the end of each day by adding up

your total amount of product used for the day in ounces anddividing it by the amount of square footage completed.

217.5oz/145sqft=1.5oz per10003. Before starting to service any lawn you must make sure that you

are at the correct address. Servicing a wrong address can create apotential for serious problems with the owner of the propertywho did not order the service.

4. Ensure that a state sign is posted before starting an application ofherbicide if required. Corner lots will require two signs.

Weed Man Technician Guidelines5. Always start in the back yard of the property you are servicing. With any

application you need to ensure that you are able to do the entire lawn and notjust part of the lawn, unless otherwise listed in your special instructions.

6. Ensure that there is nothing on the lawn before starting your application. Anykid’s toys or dog dishes must be picked up off the lawn and put on a patio or upout of the way before starting.

7. During the W1 application a preventative Crabgrass control is used so you mustblanket treat the lawn during this application.

8. Always ensure that when you are treating a lawn you do not drag your hosethrough any gardens or susceptible plants. Dragging the hose through themmay injure these susceptible plants due to herbicide being on the hose.

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Weed Man Technician Guidelines9. When applying herbicide always make sure that wind speeds are not to high to

ensure there is no herbicide drift. If the wind makes it difficult to apply with therisk of herbicide drift then the technician must stop applying and get a hold ofhis supervisor to get further instructions. Follow Label Directions

10. When rolling up the hose make sure that when guiding in the hose you do notuse your gloves. The gloves will wear out and you will get holes in them quickly.Use an empty fertilizer bag to wrap around the hose to avoid ruining yourgloves.

11. After filling out the invoice make sure to knock on the customer’s door anddrop off the invoice. If the customer should have any questions concerning theapplication you will be able to answer any of those concerns. If the customer isnot home make sure the invoice is left in a yellow door hanger bag where theowner will be able to find it when they get home.

Technician Guidelines for a Spill• Although pesticide spills are rare all technicians must be adequately prepared to

handle a pesticide spill or any accidental release of a chemical. The spill may be aminor problem with a leaking hose to a major accident such as an equipmentmalfunction where the contents of a fully loaded spray tank are suddenlyreleased. The inability to respond properly to such an emergency—no matterhow minor the problem—could seriously endanger public health andenvironmental quality.

• The suggested guidelines in the event of a chemical spill are included under the“Three C” program: Control the spill, Contain the spill, and Clean up the spill.

• First and foremost, do not expose yourself to the spilled chemical; put onpersonal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, beforeattempting to control the spill.

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Technician Guidelines for a Spill

1. In case of a broken hose and no personal injury or exposure isinvolved, but non-target vegetation is hit:

i. Contain the spill at source.ii. Notify your supervisor immediately.iii. Try to wash off areas of vegetation with water from a hose.iv. Put a note on our invoice so a supervisor can check to see if any damage has occurred

in a few weeks.

2. If there is a major spill with no personal injury or exposure:i. Contain the spill with spill response material.ii. Contact your supervisor immediately.

Technician Guidelines

3. If there is a major spill with personal injury or exposure:i. Remove all people or animals from spill area.ii. Apply first aid.iii. Remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin.iv. Isolate spill area and contain it from getting into watercoursesv. Where protective clothing.vi. Contact office or supervisor immediately who will then contact state authorities.

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New Customers and Referrals

• Referrals are an extremely importaspect of the Technicians job.

• Each time you complete a serviceyou need to take the time tohand out Referral informationand if the customer is home letthe customer know about ourgreat Referral Program thatWeed Man offers.

New Customers and Referrals• When working as a Weed Man

Technician you are oftenapproached by neighbors or peopleon the street to provide a quote forlawn care services.

• It is well worth your time to stopand provide a quote for thesepeople as it almost always results ina sale.

• Weed Man pays a commission onany sale on the road plus what youwill get on the production of doinga service.

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Seasonal Things to Look for

Monitoring for Grubs• Moles, birds, raccoons and skunks

actively feed on grubs, and in theprocess tear up the turf grass asthey look for them.

• Monitor for grubs in the spring andfall.

• Severe Infestations of grubs feedingon the rooting system of the turfgrass can cause the grass to turnbrown and die.

• It appears as though the grass issuffering from heat stress and pullsback easily.

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Leaf Spot• There are two types of severe leaf spot one occurs during cool weather

and one occurs during hot humid weather. Both are similar in naturewith there signature brown lesions or spots on the leaves of the turfgrass, and eventual browning of the entire plant.

• “Melting Out” is the disease that is typically found in the cooler springand fall conditions accompanied by low light and heavy rain. Usuallysunny and warmer conditions will help relieve this disease.

Control of Leaf Spot• “Leaf spot” is found usually during the

warm summer months accompaniedby high levels of humidity. Maintainingadequate nitrogen levels will help incontrolling this disease as well ascooler weather.

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Questions

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