Retaining customers is vital for lawn care operators (LCOs) to preserve their revenue streams. Not only has the cost of products increased, but many companies also have fewer sales team members to bring on new accounts due to the labor shortage.
So, they need to ensure their lawn care services and products are as efficient as possible, Corteva Agriscience turf and ornamental territory managers Nic Mitchell and Chester VandenBerg say. The products LCOs use in their lineup play a vital role in achieving that goal to keep customers loyal for years to come and prevent follow-up visits to treat issues post-service.
“LCOs need to take a proactive approach to (customers) so they don’t have anything to complain about, which leads to callbacks that can throw the entire route off,” VandenBerg says.
Mitchell and VandenBerg say LCOs need products they can rely on for not only weed control but also ones that makes their job easier — like Defendor® specialty herbicide.
One of the main advantages of Defendor is that LCOs can apply it in the fall or spring. It also has a low-use rate (4 oz. per acre), making it easy to mix with other products — and can be used with a product like Dimension® for pre-emergent and early post-emergent control.
“Defendor offers you a head start as you head into the fall and spring seasons by controlling the most problematic weeds, giving you time to put into other parts of the business — especially when (turf) problems start in those fall and spring times,” VandenBerg says.
LCOs typically don’t like to use herbicides during the fall due to reseeding, Mitchell says. But with Defendor, there are no application restrictions, which helps set the operator up for success.
“If you’re seeding in the fall and come back later and it’s covered in broadleaf weeds, you know those vital nutrients are being taken away from the turf,” VandenBerg says. “You really want to maximize the value of the seed in the fall.”
Defendor herbicide is especially effective on dandelions and clovers. “Apply Defendor prior to the yellow seed head to make sure you’re getting it out before the dandelion blooms,” Mitchell says.
That allows LCOs to set up their programs for success during the spring, no matter when dandelions or clovers start to cause issues.
“The customer isn’t going to have that sea of yellow or white that those weeds provide,” VandenBerg says.
One lawn care company in Detroit was having an especially difficult time with dandelions and callbacks, VandenBerg says. The operation decided to use Defendor for an early-spring application, and that resulted in a reduction in callbacks from more than 500 customers on average in past years to only 12.
“Not only does it help with weed control, but using Defendor gave the company time back and allowed them to get through their routes easier,” VandenBerg says. “They didn’t need designated trucks for callbacks, and it allowed them to use their team more efficiently. This also allows LCOs to separate work and personal life to give them time back, especially in the spring.”
To take advantage of more effective products and cost savings, LCOs can purchase through the Corteva Ultimate Rewards early-order program from Oct. 1 through the end of the year. For more information, visit CoreUltimateRewards.com.
