Yard Maintenance Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam Department of Agriculture Funding 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