Standard Operating Procedures

Safety & Equipment

Same workflow, every property, every crew. Consistency is what separates professional results from hack work. Follow these protocols from arrival to departure.

Job Site Arrival Procedures

Park the truck and trailer in a safe, visible spot that does not block driveways, mailboxes, or pedestrian paths. Set the parking brake, chock the trailer wheels, and hit hazard lights if you are near a roadway. Walk the property before unloading anything — identify obstacles, pet areas, sprinkler heads, landscape features, and new hazards. Note and photograph any pre-existing damage (broken sprinkler heads, damaged edging, dead spots). Review the client service agreement and previous visit notes. Brief the crew on the work plan — assign tasks, establish direction, and agree on timing. Unload equipment safely; never drag it across the client's driveway or walkways.

Client Communication Protocols

Greet clients by name if possible — identify yourself and the company. If the client is home, confirm the scope of work before you start. Address questions promptly; if you cannot resolve an issue, call your supervisor before giving an answer. Never argue with a client — listen, acknowledge, escalate. Flag any property issues you notice: irrigation leaks, pest damage, disease, safety hazards. Leave a door hanger or send a text when work is done if the client is not present. Document every verbal agreement or change request and relay it to the office immediately.

Property Assessment Steps

Walk the full perimeter noting obstacles, slope changes, and access points. Flag sprinkler heads, shallow irrigation lines, and underground utility markers. Check for pet waste and clear or flag it before mowing — do not mow over it. Identify wet or saturated areas where tires could rut the turf. Assess turf condition: height, health, weeds, bare spots, disease. Note trees, shrubs, and beds requiring avoidance or special attention. Confirm gate and fence clearance for equipment. Take before photos on new accounts and any property with a recent complaint.

Service Execution Standards

Mow in the pattern specified for the property and alternate direction each visit to prevent ruts and grain. Trim all edges, obstacles, and fence lines before mowing so clippings get mulched by the mower pass. Edge every hardscape border — sidewalks, driveways, curbs, bed edges. Blow all clippings and debris from hardscape surfaces. Never blow clippings into storm drains, neighbor's property, pools, or onto vehicles. Close every gate and confirm latches. Return movable items (trash cans, hoses, toys, furniture) to their original positions. Do a final walk-through to verify every area meets quality standards.

Job Site Departure Procedures

Walk the entire property one final time — check for missed spots, stray debris, and overlooked areas. Verify all gates are closed and latched. Load equipment securely: strap mowers, rack trimmers and blowers. Pick up every piece of trash, trimmer line scrap, and crew debris. Use the trailer checklist to confirm no tools or personal items are left behind. Take after photos on new or problem accounts. Log completion time, services performed, and notes in the daily service log. Pull out carefully — check all mirrors and watch for children, pets, and vehicles.

Documentation & Reporting

Complete the daily service log for every property: arrival and departure times, services performed. Photograph completed work on new accounts and quality-concern properties. Document any property damage — pre-existing or incidental — with photos and a written description. Report irrigation issues, pest or disease findings, and maintenance concerns to the office. Submit timesheets daily with accurate hours, job codes, and equipment usage. Relay client interactions, complaints, or special requests to your supervisor before end of day. File incident reports for any safety event, property damage, or near-miss within 24 hours.