The Lawn Blog - Green Industry Information Resource, Landscaping, Lawn Care Richard Murphy

OPEI Announces Requirements for Outdoor Power Equipment Manufacturers to Comply with Canadian Recycling Regulations

Richard Murphy — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:28:06 +0000

Alexandria, Va. – January 27, 2012 – The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) today announced that it has issued a Stewardship Plan for Outdoor Power Equipment to comply with the requirements of the British Columbia Ministry of Environment’s (MoE) Recycling Regulation.

To prepare for implementation in July 2012, outdoor power equipment manufacturers must immediately begin reporting estimates of their electrical-powered OPE delivered to Canada overall.

For a review of the current Stewardship Plan for Outdoor Power Equipment, go to: http://www.opei.org/library-documents/about-opei/OPEIStewardshipProgramOctoberFinal.pdf

For a list of common questions and answers, visit: http://opei.org/news/detail.dot?id=22466

Says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI, “We’ve been working hard to make this new government mandate as fair and non-onerous as possible for our members and non-members. To that end, we’ve selected a non-profit Canadian recycling and recovery vendor to help streamline this process for manufacturers.”

Background

The British Columbia Recycling Regulation mandating manufacturer responsibility for product recovery and recycling includes outdoor power equipment. On behalf of its members, OPEI submitted a Stewardship Plan for Outdoor Power Equipment on October 1, 2011 to the British Columbia Ministry of Environment for their consideration. The development of this plan began in March of last year with the participation of the Canadian Task Force (CTF), consisting of 14 OPEI member company representatives, along with consulting support specific to this type of activity in Canada.

OPEI has selected Product Care Association (PCA) as the Canadian recycling and recovery project vendor. PCA is a not-for-profit industry association that manages product stewardship programs for household hazardous and special waste on behalf of its members across Canada. PCA programs help protect the environment by diverting leftover and end of life products from landfills, waterways, and sewers. PCA provides consumers with a collection system network for the products it manages. The collected products are then reused or recycled where possible.

What do Manufacturers Need to Do?

A requirement of the regulations is to report Recovery Rates for each product category to the Regulation. This Recovery Rate will be calculated as the percentage of product recycled compared to the product introduced into the market place. This data must be collected periodically and reported to the Ministry of Environment annually as required by law.
1.      OPE manufacturers should contact OPEI to get a product summary spreadsheet. Only one worksheet per company is required.
2.      Manufacturers will need to report estimates on Canadian sales of electrical-powered equipment by January 31, 2012 to Hargrove & Associates.
3.      Hargrove & Associates will also need the name, email and phone number of the company representative who will be the official contact for data. Monthly data will be collected after this initial submittal of requested information.
4.       Companies that do not participate in the OPEI Stewardship Plan for electric outdoor power equipment will have to interact directly with the Ministry of Environment to provide a compliant recycling program.

Further information can be found at the URLs above, by contacting OPEI at 703-549-7600 or by emailing Gerry Coons at gcoons@opei.org or Kristen Reamy at kristen@opei.org.

Hargrove & Associates is an independent third party contractor that properly manages sensitive information to protect the interests of the individual companies reporting this information.
About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 80 engine and equipment manufacturers worldwide in the utility, forestry, landscape, and lawn and garden industry. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

Complying with the British Columbia Ministry of Environment’s (MoE)

Recycling Regulation

Questions and Answers

Q: Who must participate in the Stewardship Program?

A: The language in the regulation states that the “Producer” must participate. In the regulation the “Producer” is defined as anyone from the OEM manufacturer through the distribution channel to the retailer that sells the product to the consumer.

It does not include component suppliers.

Q: Why must we report sales of equipment?

A: There have been changes in the Canadian government recycling requirements for electric products shipped to British Columbia, Canada. OPEI, with the Canadian Taskforce of member representatives, is working to ensure its members fulfill the Producer requirements under Part 2 of the BC Ministry of Environment’s Recycling Regulation.

The information reporting is for number of units, not $. Initially, this will be used to complete the details of the Stewardship Plan with regard to setting the environmental handling fees and budget planning. It will also be used to report weights for calculating recycling recovery rates over time.
Q: What information do you need reported?

A: An Excel form is available that asks companies to fill out information on retail outlets and distribution channels shipping or selling product in British Columbia.

Only one worksheet should be submitted per company and only for electrical-driven products.

Companies will be submitting sales estimates for each category of product sold in British Columbia, or Canada as a whole.

As the program continues, sales (shipments) into Canada will be reported monthly and used to calculate recycling recovery rates for the program.

Q: What if we only have Canadian sales, not broken out by province?

A: We have agreement in our plan to represent British Columbia sales as a percentage of all Canadian sales; this being 13 percent for British Columbia.

Q: How will the recovery rates be determined? Why must recovery rates be determined?

A: A requirement of the regulations is to report Recovery Rates of product subject to the Regulation. This Recovery Rate will be calculated as the percentage of product recycled compared to the product introduced into the market place.

The estimates of recoverable OPE are relatively small compared to other stewardship programs. The OPEI-CTF estimates that approximately 30,000 electric-powered OPEs are retired every year in British Columbia, or approximately 150 to 200 tonnes.

Q: How will the recovery rates be determined?

A: Data will be collected and reported to the Product Care Association (PCA) by the steel recycling companies as to the amount of outdoor power equipment collected for recycling. The amount of product introduced into the market will be reported monthly to PCA. PCA will use this data to calculate the recycling rates.

Q: What about fuel powered products?

A: The Stewardship Plan requires a two-year study of fuel (gas) powered products to analyze the level of existing recycling rates and the potential for these products to be disposed in landfills. This study will commence in 2013.

Results of this fuel-powered products study will be used to determine if any regulatory action is warranted for these products.

Further information on fuel-powered products will be communicated at a later time.

Q: Will an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) be imposed on fuel-powered products?

A: It is not the intent of the Stewardship Plan to impose an EHF on fuel-powered products. The EHF will be collected on electric products only.

Q: Who will collect the EHF?

A: The EHF will be collected by the retailers at the point of sale to the consumer. The EHF will show on the sales ticket as a separate item.

The EHF applies to all battery and corded outdoor power equipment.

Q: Why should we provide a list of Retailers, Dealers, Distributors, etc?

A: The Retailers, Dealers and Distributors have a responsibility to charge, recover and submit the EHF to the Program. To protect our Retailers, Dealers and Distributors and to insure they operate properly within the regulatory requirements, we must communicate to them the information they require to comply with the requirements of the program. This includes having the proper rate structure for the EHF and insuring they properly implement and submit these.

Emergency and Severe Weather Preparedness: Do You Have the Right Equipment?

Richard Murphy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:04:12 +0000

Alexandria, Va. – January 24, 2012 – This year’s winter season may be off to an uneven start, but winter storms and other natural disasters and emergencies can take homeowners by surprise anytime. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an association representing outdoor power equipment, utility vehicle and engine manufacturers and suppliers, recommends that homeowners have certain equipment on hand to cope with unexpected weather or public health emergencies.

First aid emergency kits and general preparedness kits for power outages and flu outbreaks are commonplace. But, OPEI’s Kris Kiser, President and CEO, recommends that homeowners “make sure they have a basic assortment of outdoor power or utility equipment on hand to stay safe and self-sufficient during an emergency.”

The equipment checklist below helps homeowners assess their preparedness for an unexpected weather event or other emergency – and offers some safety tips:

Pole saws or pruners can help clear away dead or damaged limbs near your home or on your driveway. Make sure you always keep a firm footing on the ground when using such equipment. Do not use a ladder, and stay away from electrical conductors.
A chain saw can help clear away trees and more massive limbs, but first read and understand the instruction manual and ensure equipment is in good condition. Do not work around power lines, since they can be the biggest threat to safety.
Power generators can keep the lights on, refrigerators running and water flowing in an emergency. Do not operate power generators, however, in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can become concentrated in enclosed areas and cause serious injury or death.
Snow throwers/snow blowers come in handy for significant snow events and are easier than shoveling for those who have medical conditions. Be sure to read your operator’s manual and dress warmly to guard against exposure.
Chippers and shredders help ease the physical hardship of post-storm cleanup. Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
Utility vehicles may seem like a luxury, but if you are in storm-prone areas of the country, they can be an important piece of equipment to help move branches, haul sandbags or maneuver through areas inaccessible to other vehicles.

Editors’ Notes: Consumers may find a list of safety tips for outdoor power equipment athttp://www.opei.org/education/safety/. For a gallery of equipment photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/75023139@N03/

About OPEI

Profiling – “Sprinkler Buddy” Irrigation Protection System

Richard Murphy — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:39:43 +0000

Some of the Simplest Ideas Make the Greatest Products

Hello, I’m the creator of a new lawn product called “Sprinkler Buddy”. As a lawn care professional, it’s only fitting that I have been blessed with one of the simplest ideas yet and most effective lawn sprinkler head indicator/guard found on the market today.

Since the invention of the underground sprinkler system, we have dealt with accidental damage to our sprinkler heads caused from the lawn mower tires, etc… during routine lawn maintenance.

The Sprinkler Buddy idea came to me out of a necessity. I realized the only way I was going to be able to avoid running sprinkler heads over with my heavy commercial mower tires, etc…was to know exactly where the sprinkler heads were. I had to be able to see them as I approached them on my mower. That is exactly what the Sprinkler Buddy does; it keeps the sprinkler heads visible. By doing so, this allows homeowners and lawn care professionals that work around sprinkler heads the time they need to see and avoid them by either mowing around them or straddling them with the mower tires. Once both the sprinkler head and the Sprinkler Buddy have both been installed properly, one can mow right over them without running them over with the mower tires because now they are visible.

The patented insert design of the Sprinkler Buddy, combined with the flexible material which is used in making this product is what makes this such an effective product. With all the different sprinkler head manufactures and different models each manufacture makes, it has been impossible to get an indicator/guard that fits them all perfectly.

Until Now!

The Sprinkler Buddy allows the user to determine the perfect fit unlike all other similar products found on the market today. Others similar products have a fixed or predetermined insert which claim that it’s a one size fits all. That’s like saying an adult’s coat sized XXL is a one size fits all since a child can put it on as well.

The Sprinkler Buddy is the only product that allows the user to obtain the fit they need when, where, and how they need it in four easy steps: Measure, Cut, Insert, and Install.

To learn more about the Sprinkler Buddy, visit us @ http://www.sprinklerbuddy.com

I would also like to thank this blog for allowing RyRo, Inc. to be a guest and share our new product “Sprinkler Buddy” with its viewers.

Thank You!

Leo D. Gauthier, III, Pres.

Lawn Maintenance: Critical For Gardening and Expertise

Richard Murphy — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:17:31 +0000

Stepping on a carpet of fresh green grass, not everybody notices how beautiful a lawn is and can be; yet a poorly maintained lawn will easily invite criticisms and annoyance. When the grass is too high, walking will be hard and pests will be invited in. Accidents can happen, especially when there are kids who always come out and play. When the grass loses its green, the garden is stripped of lush and gives off an atmosphere of drought and melancholy.

Yet a beautiful and well-maintained lawn gives a color of life to any garden. You can walk in anytime you need some peaceful time to think. Kids have a soft carpet of grass to run and play on. You have a good and fresh place to exercise, play, do yoga, have a picnic or simply sit or lie down—there, out in the open, under the fluffy clouds or the twinkling stars.

For all its worth, keeping a well-maintained lawn is important, not just for the joy, comfort and beauty that it brings, but also for safety. Here are some tips to get you started:

Feeding your lawn

The balanced diet

There are different types of lawn food and fertilizers: organic, chemical, liquid and dry. Whatever you choose, just remember to keep the perfect balance of the N:P:K ratio. Check the lawn food label. Nitrogen (N) makes the leaves glow green, Phosphorous (P) strengthens the roots and makes them grow deep and have a good grip of the ground, and Potassium (K) makes the grass more resistant to diseases and drought. Choose a fertilizer that enhances growth in all three areas. A good pick is an “all rounder” with 11N, 4P and 8K.

Remember the balance. Too much nitrogen will make the soil more acidic and earthworms, which aid in making your soil healthy, will leave or die. If you opt to use sulphate of ammonia, make sure to give your lawn organic fertilizer in the next feeding.

How to feed your lawn

1. Aerate the soil if it is too compacted. Use a garden fork to create space for better fertilizer and water penetration.
2. Remove weeds, especially those with large leaves. They will compete with your grass for nutrients. Patch holes with lawn dressing or sand. If weeds are too hard to remove, use lawn food with herbicide. Make sure to choose one that won’t kill your grass too.
3. Plan your route to make sure you don’t miss or double fertilizer application in an area. You can either divide your lawn into rows or quarters. Use strings or the hose as guide.
4. Use a spreader for powdered or granular fertilizer. Plastic pots with drainage holes make good alternatives.
5. Water properly. Depending on the fertilizer you use, you have to water your lawn either before or after the application of food. Always follow instructions.

Preparing for season changes

Especially in areas with four seasons, extreme weather conditions can affect the health of your lawn. Summers can be too hot and winters can be too cold for them to withstand. For that, it is best to “feed” your lawn during friendlier seasons.

Nourish your lawn during spring to prepare for summer. Choose organic lawn food with natural products such as seaweed, animal manure, fish and rock minerals. These will make your lawn more resistant to diseases, drought, patchiness, moss and weeds. There are also granular fertilizers and lawn food that are slow release, which means that they release nutrients slowly to allow the lawn to survive through the drier and warmer months.

You can also feed them fertilizer that is higher in Nitrogen (N) during spring, when leaf growth is at its best. In autumn, you can feed food with more Potassium (K) to toughen the roots in preparation for winter.

Lawn Maintenance

1. Remove thatch. Thatch refers to a layer of dead grass that collects on top of the soil and prevent moisture and air from reaching the roots. If you walk through your lawn and feel something spongy, it’s probably a thatch buildup. Remove it with a de-thatcher or scarifier.

2. Aerate your soil. Lawns where people often walk on or where cars are usually parked are prone to having compacted soil. Soil pores are clogged and water, food and air can’t get in. Use tools such as garden forks to loosen the soil again. Some hire corers for bigger lawns. Do this at least once a year.

3. Keep dressing your lawn. Over time, there can be bald or damaged parts on your lawn. Use sandy loam or soil mix to patch them up.

4. Always check your soil’s acidity with a pH kit. The ideal acidity is around 6-6.5. The pH meter measures 1-14, 1 being most acidic. Apply treatments as necessary.

5. Mow your lawn properly and regularly. The frequency depends on the rate of your lawn’s growth. Just remember not to remove more than 1/3 of its height. Choose quality lawn mowers and make sure all lawn mower parts are properly installed. Always keep the blades high to avoid scalping the grass.

6. Water properly. Check with your local water authority for policies and restrictions in your area. You can use a hose, sprinkler system or watering can, depending on the size of your lawn and area regulations.

Becoming an expert at lawn maintenance takes time, effort, experience and passion. Even beginners and moderate gardeners like you can eventually become experts as long as you keep learning, even from your own mistakes. The accumulated lessons from your experiences in maintaining and caring for your lawn will eventually shape a good gardener out of you. And with your growth as a gardener is the growth of your lawn with flaunting health and beauty.

Author Bio:

Penelope Carrington is a Marketing Consultant for J. Thomas, a leading supplier in lawn mower parts, gardening tools, and landscaping materials.

Another Good Read Organic Lawn Care – Naturally

Two Day Auction – Equipment, Tent & Party Rental Company

Richard Murphy — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:50:09 +0000

Two Day Auction!

Equipment, Tent & Party Rental Company

221 Springfield Street
Agawam, MA 01001

Auction Dates: December 13 & 14, 2011 beginning at 10:00 AM each day

Inspection: December 12, 2011 from

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Highlights:

Trucks & Trailers includes International, Ford, GMC,Isuzu box body, GMS stake body, Great Dane box trailer and utility trailers, etc.
Construction & Landscaping Equipment includes Bobcats, Forklifts, Ditch Witches, Chippers, Stump Grinders etc.
Contractor’s Tools includes Kango, Bosch Brute, Atlas Copco jack hammers, Tsurumi portable generators, snake drain cleaners, dehumidifiers, floor refinishing equipment
(250+/-) Tents, all sizes, shapes and makes
Restaurant & Catering Equipment includes Cambro food and beverage storage containers, stock pots, chafing dishes, coffee makers, portable grills etc.
China, Glassware and Silverware; several patterns to choose from
(3,000 +/-) Tables and (8,000 +/-) Chairs; all sizes and shapes
Party Supplies includes linens, sound and visual equipment, lighting, flooring, chocolate and champagne fountains, etc.
Concession & Carnival Equipment includes bounce houses, popcorn & sno-cone machines, hot dog steamers, costumes etc.
and, much more!

To view the catalog and to
register for internet bidding,
please click here!

For more information regarding this sale please go to our website: www.crgauction.com

CRG HAS ADDED A FACEBOOK PAGE! PLEASE CLICK THE BOX AND “LIKE” OUR PAGE.

Winter Blues, Don’t Procrastinate…Propagate!

Richard Murphy — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:19:51 +0000

This article will be a good primer for anyone that wants to propagate plants over the winter…in fact winter propagation is one of the best times for woody plants. Are you a business that wants to double their stock? A savvy homeowner that wants to maintain their frugal ways? Or are you just bored and need something to do over the winter? Then keep on reading.

Hardwood Cuttings are by far the best way to start most deciduous plants; althea (rose of sharon), chaenomeles (quince), crepe myrtle, currant, fig, forsythia, gooseberry, grape, honeysuckle, ligustrum (privet), mulberry, multiflora rose, philadelphus (mock orange), pomegranate, spiraea and wisteria.

The first step of the process is to find a healthy host / stock plant that you can multiply and multiply and multiply and eventually take over the world….muhahahaha! Ahem, anyways, it is very important to find a healthy host plant free from disease, insects, or any other ailing problems. We are going to need a healthy gene pool here.

Choose your cuttings after the leaves have fallen and all of the energy has been stored in the plant. Say away from old wood and frail new wood. You want something in the middle, good and sturdy. Harvest 6-12 good stalks taking note of the top and the bottom. Easy way to keep track is to cut the tops at an angle and the bottoms flat. Make sure to use sharp clean pruners and not to crush the cuts. When you have your harvest material tie them together (jute twine will work) making sure the bottoms are all even with each other.

Now there are two options here…depends on your climate.

Our winters are cool like dat (not much snow if any, but a definite season change)

The most important part of this method of propagation is to create calluses development. To do this, dig a hole 12-to-18 inches deep in sandy or well-drained soil in a sunny location and place the bundles of hardwood cuttings into this pit. Place them top end down, so that the bases of the cuttings are about four inches below the soil surface. This promotes root initiation at the cuttings base and inhibits bud formation at the top. Fill in the pit, leaving a shallow basin over the ends of the cutting to channel water and keep the cuttings moist (important).

Our winters are so cold my pug needs to wear booties (too much snow and too cold to care about anything or anyone)

In area’s with severely cold winters, wrap the cuttings in moist burlap and store them in a cellar or cold frame at 32-to-40F. After winter storage, when you see that there is callus formation, lift the bundles and wash and untie them. (Protect cuttings with moist burlap so that the callus tissue does not dry). Then, set the callused cuttings (top end up) directly in a propagation bed or container so that half or two to three buds of each cutting are above the soil surface. Firm the soil around the cuttings and water to eliminate air pockets and assure good contact between the cuttings and the soil.

In warm winter climates, callus may develop in four to eight weeks. In fact, some species won’t need to be stored to develop callus. Cut leafless stems of rose, abelia, bridal wreath, privet and other plants into 8-to-10-inch lengths and set them directly in the propagation bed or container.

So there ya go, just a taste of what you can try out. Tell us your propagation stories (legal ones) and how they worked out for you. Did you find this article useful? Please comment.

Source – Richard Murphy (me) and some information from Joe Freeman as I couldn’t have written it any better.

Continuing Education for you and your employees

Richard Murphy — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:58:07 +0000

Here are a few courses that I have heard about and have taken (landscape Ontario). Please list any continuing education courses you have taken or can refer for others.

Rutgers Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Courses

Rutgers has a FREE Pest identification webinar coming up that you can register for here. Course date is December 20, 2011 1:30pm – 2:30pm EST.

http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/programs/landscape.html (New Jersey)

Ryerson University Landscape Design

The Certificate in Landscape Design is a widely recognized and unique program located in the heart of Toronto, one of Canada’s premier cities. The program delivers fundamental courses in landscape design with emphasis on design, design process, plant materials, horticulture, graphics as a language, construction, landscape ecology, history, and more. Courses are delivered through interactive lectures and enhanced with valuable local field trips.

http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce/default.aspx?id=2593 (ON, Canada)

Landscape Ontario Seminars

There are plenty of career opportunities in the field of horticulture. Landscape Ontario has worked closely with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU), to provide education at the high school, college and university levels that give individuals the skills they need for a successful career in the industry.

http://www.horttrades.com/seminars/ (ON, Canada) (ON, Canada)

Garden Design School

Garden Design School was founded in the UK in 2002, and is recognized there as one of the top training schools in landscape design. In 2009, Garden Design School opened its doors at Boylston, MA to bring its highly successful landscape design career training program to the USA

http://www.gardendesignschool.com/

Warm weather extends season in Southern Ontario

Richard Murphy — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:37:50 +0000

With winter on the doorstep these above seasonal temperatures in Southern Ontario have extended the season for property maintenance professionals. I know we have been able to get in a few extra jobs here at Murphy Property Maintenance. Waking up this morning to temperatures above 12C and yesterday topping at 14C really gives the feeling of spring rather than being a few weeks away from ‘winter’. By all means we are not complaining…it is nice not to have to bundle up everyday; dress like a Canadian

Mother nature is just late with the snow and it will soon be here. Our snow removal equipment is looking excited to get out and start working.

I know the weather is seasonally above average in Winnipeg as well. How is the weather where you are? Have you noticed above seasonal temperatures? How is it affecting your business?

Lawn Care Billing Made Easy

Richard Murphy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:54:23 +0000

Title: Lawn Care Billing Made Easy

By Dave Kollasch, Owner of Lawn Lizards and Greenerbilling.com

Having owned a landscaping business for over 10 years has taught me some valuable lessons about business.

Most importantly, how could I speed up the daily billing and payments process? Managing client invoicing and

payments was a challenge for years because there were no Web based invoice systems that focused mainly

on billing and getting paid. So a few years into the business, I created www.Greenerbilling.com to simplify

sending customer bills, estimates, and receiving and tracking payments. I knew that if I created something that

worked well for my lawn company, then it made sense that fellow lawn care pros would benefit as well.

The most unique feature of Greenerbilling is the consumption-based pricing plan (a.k.a. the Dirt Plan) which

allows the flexibility to “Spend only for what you Send”. During the off-season when lawn work is slower, this

service allows you to pay only when you need to send each invoice, rather than paying for more than you

may need in a given month. When Spring-time arrives and business ramps up, you can upgrade from the

consumption-based plan to one of the flat rate pricing plans (50 or 300 invoice sends per month) and remain

there throughout the busy season. Then as business slows for the off-season, it’s no problem to simply switch

back to the Dirt plan. All business data remains the same and there is no fee to jump back and forth between

plans as often as needed. You are in complete control of managing your Greenerbilling subscription plan

based on your monthly invoicing volume. That’s flexibility!

In the world’s uncertain economic environment, green industry professionals are seeking the most cost-

effective ways to run our business. Managing client billing online, from anywhere, and only paying for a

service as needed, definitely maximizes efficiency for a landscape professional who is constantly on the go

and away from the office.

For those interested, I am personally offering you 60 days free to test-drive Greenerbilling for your business. I

still actively own and operate my lawn care company and can directly relate to your billing needs. I also invite

your ideas to help make Greenerbilling even better for the landscape professional.

To receive your free 60 days, visit https://www.greenerbilling.com/signup?plan_id=Dirt and sign up for our free trial (no credit card

required). Once you activate your account via your confirmation email, contact me at dave@greenerbilling.com with the code FREE60

and I will upgrade your account. It’s that simple!

By Dave Kollasch, Owner of Lawn Lizards and Greenerbilling.com

Having owned a landscaping business for over 10 years has taught me some valuable lessons about business. Most importantly, how could I speed up the daily billing and payments process? Managing client invoicing and payments was a challenge for years because there were no Web based invoice systems that focused mainly on billing and getting paid. So a few years into the business, I created www.Greenerbilling.com to simplify sending customer bills, estimates, and receiving and tracking payments. I knew that if I created something that worked well for my lawn company, then it made sense that fellow lawn care pros would benefit as well.

The most unique feature of Greenerbilling is the consumption-based pricing plan (a.k.a. the Dirt Plan) which allows the flexibility to “Spend only for what you Send”. During the off-season when lawn work is slower, this service allows you to pay only when you need to send each invoice, rather than paying for more than you may need in a given month. When Spring-time arrives and business ramps up, you can upgrade from the consumption-based plan to one of the flat rate pricing plans (50 or 300 invoice sends per month) and remain there throughout the busy season. Then as business slows for the off-season, it’s no problem to simply switch back to the Dirt plan. All business data remains the same and there is no fee to jump back and forth between plans as often as needed. You are in complete control of managing your Greenerbilling subscription plan based on your monthly invoicing volume. That’s flexibility!

In the world’s uncertain economic environment, green industry professionals are seeking the most cost-effective ways to run our business. Managing client billing online, from anywhere, and only paying for a service as needed, definitely maximizes efficiency for a landscape professional who is constantly on the go and away from the office.

For those interested, I am personally offering you 60 days free to test-drive Greenerbilling for your business. I still actively own and operate my lawn care company and can directly relate to your billing needs. I also invite your ideas to help make Greenerbilling even better for the landscape professional.

To receive your free 60 days, visit https://www.greenerbilling.com/signup?plan_id=Dirt and sign up for our free trial (no credit card required). Once you activate your account via your confirmation email, contact me at dave@greenerbilling.com with the code FREE60 and I will upgrade your account. It’s that simple!

Landscaping / Lawn Care Christmas Cards

Richard Murphy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:32:06 +0000

Found some new Green Industry Christmas Cards. Click on the images to take you to the site to order them. Christmas Cards are a great way to show your clients that you appreciate them and who doesn’t like getting a card in the mail? I know I love them.