Lawn mowing guy hasn't shown up in 3 weeks

debodun said:
It's a family that runs a produce farm. They rotate around to the local farmer's markets. Mowing is a side hustle for them. When I first moved in, I asked if they did mowing and the answer then was "No." They just started to do it this year. He brought over his business card one day.
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That sounds like a nice thing they have going. What I wouldn't worry about is that he said he'd come at 7. As long as it gets done, that shouldn't matter. (Well, unless he mows over your trees and bushes in the twilight, that is!) :)
 

Update - he came but it was closer to 7:30pm. Getting very dark, but he didn't seem to think it was a problem. I asked why he worked so late and wouldn't take checks anymore. He said he now works every day for a landscaping company and it's a 2 hour drive. That make it a hassle to get a check to a bank since they are closed by the time he gets home from work.
 

debodun said:
Update - he came but it was closer to 7:30pm. Getting very dark, but he didn't seem to think it was a problem. I asked why he worked so late and wouldn't take checks anymore. He said he now works every day for a landscaping company and it's a 2 hour drive. That make it a hassle to get a check to a bank since they are closed by the time he gets home from work.
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it's a 2 hour drive to your house ?:unsure:
 
debodun said:
I just heard back. He will take cash, but he can't come until around 7 pm. It's almost dark by then.

I don't know why I have such problems with lawn guys. I've been through like 6 or 7 since I bought my new house.
One kept raising his price each time he came until it got to be around $70, which I thought was too much.
One was irresponsible and let his girlfriend do the job and she mowed over some plants I wanted to save.
One just stopped coming with no explanation.
Others I contacted either did not return my messages or didn't show up when promised.
Some wanted a seasonal contract paid in advance. Yeah... pay them and it will be some excuse why he can't come.
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Just my opinion, but based on my own experience, here goes:

Lawn guys who do this work often operate out of their pickups and small trailers. Most don't even have a business license and aren't bonded or insured. In short, it's a fly-by-night operation. When they start having logistical issues, rather than communicate with their clients, they just pack up and go elsewhere. I've seen it time and again.

As to the cash thing, negotiating a check establishes a paper trail and is evidence of income. If you don't want to declare income when filing your tax return, you insist on being paid in cash.

Part of the issue centers on the fact that there is such a dearth of reliable, honest people who do this work. Sorta like those who start working at McDonald's -- it's a stepping stone to another more lucrative gig with fewer headaches.
 
I was just talking to an acquaintance on the phone and mentioned my lawn mowing problems. She said another friend of hers is having the same problems. She tried to contact several lawn services and they either don't respond or want an exorbitant price for their work. There are so few around here that do lawn mowing, they have a virtual monopoly. Next year I may just have to bite the bullet and get a mower. I just shudder at having to mow on a blistering hot summer day. At the old house there were plenty of big maple trees for shade. Here there's only one small tree.
 
January said:
you shouldnt be mowing on a blistering hot summer day - it isnt good for the lawn.

In summer either do it early or probably better in the evening.
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Great advice. Combined with the lawn not needing to be done the same day a little at a time gets the job done plus a little cardio exercise.
 
The problem of whether to buy a gas mower (with everyone seemingly going with environmentally friendly electric mowers), and the electric models that require a clumsy cord and constant need to recharge the batteries - I've hit upon a solution:

reel lawnmower.jpg
 
I was just going to us it for trimming along the driveway where the grass always seems to grow faster. No Use getting someone to do just that who would likely charge for doing the whole lawn since he would have to make a trip and use his equipment. or I could get a string trimmer. I haven't had my lawn mowed in weeks because of the excessively hot and dry conditions. The grass is actual;l;y crispy except along the driveway. My next door neighbor has been doing it this year, but he charges $45 each time. I've had guys that only charged $30 and had to make a long trip.
 

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