This was actually super helpful. I’ve never done lawn care professionally, and soon will be resigning from my career to start my own landscaping biz. I’m terrified, but the more I research and take advice, the more I can visualize it. I know everything will be fine, but pro tips are certainly needed and appreciated. Thanks for your information, you’re awesome.
Got my very first lawn scheduled for tomorrow . Nervous anxious excited all in 1 . Know what im capable of and my work ethic i just overthink!!! Anyway this video was helpful
@@Humblegrind710___ went great. took me longer then i would of liked but i am juat starting out with a Honda hrn16. charged the guy 85 he gave me $100 bucks . Gonna be a 2-3 week reoccurring customer
I also trim in one continuous line, but I start at the front left of the property ( lower left of the drawing), from back when I ran crews, and then when I had helpers in my own business; that way while someone is mowing, and another one or two are trimming, the front paved areas will already have been trimmed and ready to be blown off for the first person who was finished ( usually whomever was on the mower ). I also mow first, unless it's a new property, or the grass is high. One of the main reasons being the mower sets the height at which I trim, and it's a little easier to blend and feather the trimming to match the cut height instead of the opposite.
And also from watching videos he's on small propertys waaaaaaay to long like i told him 35 years in business I'd spank those propertys and bank the money with no push mower I get it he'd rather spend 2000 on a push mower than buy a stander 36 for 6000 i think we should have a you tube channel called lawn wars bring it on?
@@Razrback 😂 No wars necessary, but as I've said on other channels, I hit everything I can with my 60, no matter the size, and I stripe almost everything, even if it's just two stripes on a tiny property. But each their own, Mike is quite successful.
I started helping the next door neighbours gardener when I was 7. Been in love with gardening since. One of the most satisfying jobs you can do. Nothing looks better than a beautifully and freshly mown lawn. Love ya work mate. Watching from outback Queensland, Australia :)
I totally agree with your theory, are used to debate this with my coworker because he always wanted the front of the house done first that way if I was still trimming after he was finished cutting he could blow off the front of the house which typically needs more blowing than the backyard. I’ll always liked doing it your way and just going in a continuous line
Hey Mike, why does it matter where you start trimming? If you’re going to do a loop, you’ll start and end in the same spot, so why not just start and end at the truck? Less extra steps. Thanks Mike, I appreciate all you do!
I mow my lawn first, then edge, trim then blow. I’m in the south with St. Augustine grass that I cut at 3 1/2 inches with a mulching blade. If I were to stick edge first, then my crisp edge lines would get flattened down with wheel marks. Any clippings left on the side walk, get blown back in and not even noticeable. I also cut at minimum once a week, often times, every four days.
You don’t have to run your mower passed your trim line. If you mow the edge of the yard ahead of time you can turn inside the yard and not have to go out to the sidewalk
Well, according to Mike Andes, you’re wrong and you need to get your head out of your gr-ass. It’s never a grass problem, it’s a people problem. Mike where do you find these guys? I’m just playing. It’s good you found a system that works for you. St Aug does behave well enough that you can go in that order and get nice results. Best of luck with your lawn and I hope it’s lusher and greener than it’s ever been.
When i was starting doing landscaping the crew i worked with said mow first then trim so you can trim level ive been going solo for a year or so now and finally started trimming first cause yeah it definitly wastes alot of time blowing clippings around and off the yard. Jobs have been going so much more efficently and yeah i never realized that you should always go one way with the trimmer because somtimes i do get clippings in beds then i gotta lightly blow them out and it wastes alot of time thanks this video will definitly help me be more efficent 👍
Been watching all your videos and have to say I really like your business model. I don't have the investment capital to get started but I intend to save like a mad man over the next year, year and a half (end of next season) with the hopes that I can pull the trigger and get started. Just had to put that goal down in writing for myself. Keep up the good work. So refreshing to see an honest businessman not only build his business and brand but appears to genuinely want to help others succeed as well.
The extra Wacker line in the pocket is big, saves a lot of time! Funny story, I was mowing yesterday and my Scag Patriot's front wheels broke off at the welds! Talk about downtime! I'm now using an older Gravely, really makes you appreciate your normal equipment! Thank you for the tips..
I just started using grass gator trips twist string for my trimmers and I will tell you ( no lie) best line I have ever used .. the only thing that eats this line is concrete and sharp metal .. I swear this has saved me so much time and money it's crazy.. I suggest you try it out and see for yourself .. good idea with the pocket line tho .. wish I had that tip years ago
I mow, put the blower on my back, plus carry the trimmer, do my trimming routine, when I get back to the start I blow of everything and I still have the trimmer in my hand if anything needs touching up. I need those crispy fat stripes to start that would otherwise sometimes risk messing up a sidewalk/roadside edge. Works for me, super fast, 2 pieces of equipment in my hand ready to use. That's how i efficiently do a lawn
I do mow 1st .. only the first time tho .. if that makes sense... I like to run the mower around the perimeter , trees ,and so on first mow .. not of the year ..just with new lawns .. shows me or who ever is trimming that day where and how far out to trim .. unlike you I dont even use a push mower anymore . I know it's part of what you do and is the best look. it's just to time intensive..I do find that doing the perimeter helps tho it saves time insuring that they get everything the next time because you know how far out to go and so on.. I also find that it help save time on the first mow also given you dont actually know how close you can get until you try .. alot of the lawns I mow are big and not flat so there is always spots you cant go with a stander or ride on... great videos always good to sit and watch it down right
Very well put, by far the most efficient way to run a whip!! Exactly how I did it 15 years in buisness. I ran 3 man crew 2 cutters 1 whip man.. "usually me the foreman alot easier for me to stop with the smallest piece of equipment in case of quick chat with our client or potential client." 1st cutter done spent time weeding and cleaning up bed areas 2nd cutter done blew off.. usually reversing the whip mans direction blower pipe always against structure and boundaries.
ABSOLUTE SOLID VIDEO!!!! I learned all this on my own doing the side hustle thing.😀 I love how some people are still telling me i should be mowing before trimming🤣 errrr no, i like trimming first, so i have a walk through the yard before mowing. Also any new yards, you should really just take a few min to do a COMPLETE walk through, & scout, even before trimming😉 Really enjoying this channel, keep it up please, i need this advise for when i go full-time on my own.😉
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. After reading a bunch of comments you can see that everyone has a different reason for doing the same task differently.
Found your channel this afternoon. So far I’m very impressed with your tips and suggestions and training to help improve productivity. Do you have a podcast channel as well as you tube?
Great video, I'm going to try the MO. I've been timing myself on my lawn to see if any improvement with the same quality of cut. I'm getting a little better, but need more improvement. Thanks.
Starting point is correct I don’t agree counter clockwise, start side walks edging, the clock wise around the house then the fence because either way you have to blow around the house regardless, and if you’re a good weed whacker there’s ways around not getting clippings inside beds, either way I’ve never had anything said for clippings on top of the lawn it just blends in it’s not that serious but that’s how I do things
If you trim first, and you’re at a newer property, and you get done trimming, start mowing and you realize there are a couple places you thought u could mow that you can’t. Then when you’re done mowing you have to go back with the trimmer. Which is more time. Thoughts?
True. Then you would have to go back and trim those spots.... otherwise, all the trimmings would end up on top of the lawn... again it really depends on if you bag or mulch
I’ve learned to trim and edge backwards. Incredibly helpful. It’s so easy to keep a constant pace, see anything you missed, and have incredible control. Very good skill to have.
@@toddbowman8601 not an issue for me. I just scan as I’m going, not to mention you develop a routine and tempo. I actually trim faster going backwards on most residential properties. I edge very fast going backwards (I use an edge it pro).
For tip #2 here's my exception to the rule. New property, odd angles/obstacles and perhaps you're not sure where your mower can/can't go. In those instances I mow first to figure out exactly what I need to trim there. Otherwise onr could end up doing much more trimming than you need to.
Afternoon! After watching this through a couple of times I have a question? Your trim pattern and idea didn't bring into effect a property divided by a front yard/back yard with a fence. Most of our residential properties are divided by back yard fences. Do you then divide the two and do the counter clockwise deal on the front, and then again on the back?
Great video, thanks for the tips. I time myself from start to finish from the moment I start my trimmer until I shut off the blower. If I'm 15-30 minutes off, reexamine my procedure and see what did I do different. was it a double cut or did I forget a spot. Did I have problems with the equipment ect. It makes a big difference 5-10 here or there. Thanks
Great video dude! I have been cutting grass my entire life here in Clearwater Florida and your teaching some good shit especially for beginners. Your very articulate too! 👊
Mow, trim, blow. Mow first to set grass height which will leave less guess work for where to trim and how much. Trim second. If you mow properly there shouldn't be much and I believe it makes the edging look better. I believe this is because there is less chance your mower tires will lay grass back down over the edge you previously trimmed and causing you to go back and hit it again anyways. I also walk backwards when I trim. Why? Because typically where I live in Ohio we use side discharge. Being that you want to throw the clippings away from objects you're mowing against, this means the tires on the mowers lay down the grass one direction and by walking backwards when you trim it stands the grass up and lessens the chance for stragglers. Just my opinion though.
Is any reason why you can't start cou terclockwise where you parked the truck in that spot? What is the significance of that exact spot? Seems to me like you could start at any point on the front, work counter clockwise, and end up where you started to begin with.
Good advice. But something to think about. If you our topping and trimming/ edging your lawns. Your example is great. But if you walk backwards as your topping/ trimming you'd want to start on the other side of the property. I myself do alot of walking backwards due to minimizing the debri hitting houses windows cars ect. I'd prefer the debri to hit myself versus the other objects.
This may be a demographically based message. It can be confusing for the Florida companies, and especially different when you run 3-4 man crews , doing 3-4 properties at a time. But definitely some good insight , find the best formulas for property types , and find a continuous movement. Different demographics call for different details plus size of properties, size of crews, type of equipment and many other variables, but I’m sure there is places where these principles apply. For us, in SW Florida, and for us specifically with our team, we find it’s best for 3 man crews for residential, 1/4-1/2 acre lawns, typically two men trimming, one man mowing, first to finish start blowing, Avg. lawn service 7-12 min, 4-7 lawns an hour depending on proximity. But we have principles we stick to and adjustable formulas per property. But he’s right, proper preparation, uniformed movements, and consistent strategies utilized. Keep dropping knowledge. We love it down here! Thanks
Idk I live in Michigan and a friend born and raised in Florida came here where the grass is way thicker longer wetter he adapted well to the grass and was almost the best trimmer I had ever seen or heard of in my 29yrs of cutting but his lightning speed came from this method of trimming that he learned in Florida but no one tought him this he figured it out working for big commercial companies I think he said Brightview or something like that.
good info, confirms most of my technical MO. Also as an experiment I recently switched from mowing in circles to mowing in lines, though the action of lines takes longer than circles, I keep track of where I mowed easier(not much rain lately) so with less redundant motion it is faster in the bigger picture, at least for me and most of the lawns I have been able to get so far(ie none have proper irrigation systems).
They way I do it. MOW > TRIM/EDGE > BLOW > RE-MOW. The last mow is a few seconds to catch any clippings. I do this because the St. Augustine needs to be mowed 3”+. This means if I edge first and then mow over it, that pushes the grass through the edge and makes it look bad. I’ve got to sacrifice for a crispy edge.
Thank you for this video mr. Mike. Very helpful could you make a video on how to trim the to the right height. When I trim first I never get the right hight. Any tips appreciated.
I usually agree with you except on the order of operation. You should always MOW first because if you miss an area or don't get close enough to say a mailbox, power pole hydrant, etc, it's much easier to fix it with the trimmer. If you trim first and miss an area especially if the mower can't get to it, then you will have to walk back to the truck and get the trimmer again. The only time I trim first is if the lawn is overgrown.
ABSOLUTELY there is a pattern for MOST houses you will end up where you started basically,trim to the left and it looks better and keeps alot of the grass out the beds also,trim to the right seems to put more grass in the beds imo.
I'm sorry but I like to edge concrete walks and driveways first and then mow to get any snakes out off the lawns along with any other animals and then I can see where the mower couldn't get to and then trim those areas down to the same height that I just mowed going clockwise. Then I blow it all off and do a last walk around before leaving the property. I'm a solo guy so I do each step. I park my truck on the front right corner of the property and end back there too! I tried to weed trim counter clockwise but it felt like it lifted the grass blades back up and made them stick up after I just mowed. When you mow and outline the property you go clockwise so the discharge chute is pointing and blowing all the clippings into the center before running your stripes. I usually do two perimeter passes to also allow my mower enough room to turn. Whatever works best for the individual that makes it go smoothly for them. I feel going counter clockwise is like if you comb your hair in one direction and then take your finger or trimmer and go back the opposite direction it stands the grass blades up and it looks bad. Just my thoughts from trying out both ways. Great topic though!
Dang we would work great together. My order of mowing for the same reasons. I’m finding the snakes first here in Louisiana before trimming. Edge first when it applies also
Mike, I need to apologize to you! Looking back over your video and my comments, I was wrong, and you are right. I have tried your method, and it does work really nice and makes the lawns look better. I now edge first, then trim, then mow and last blow. Works great! I appreciate your help and tips, buddy!
park across the street from the nearest start point. that way when you blow you can get the entire curb and sidewalk in one shot without your truck being in the way
On the string trimmer part I actually keep a spare spool for my trimmer in my pocket already loaded so I'll have to do is change out the spool and keep going.
I work for a company that has 1 crew mowing all the lawns. we are nothing close to a new company, been around for 40 plus years.... Still only have 1 crew going out tho doing maintance(cutting and whacking) the rest of guys do pruning and or lawn care. We have close to 200 yards most are upwards of million dollar homes so they take more detail. I am hoping our old boss retires soon so his son can take over and I can help grow and expand company
Ya, I am not walking backwards trimming all day. Also if you trim every time, you can’t see the clippings. I’m clockwise. Unless your bagging you have to blow everything anyway.
Hey Mike I love this video but I had to come back to it to comment on it what you say to do is unrealistic. In my area there is backyard and front yards meaning there are fence off so I do the trimming kinda like a figure eight
My order: 1. Edge 2. Blow debris from edging into turf 3. Mow with a mulch kit, which cleans up leaves, dirt debris from edging 4. Trim starting on left side going clockwise then blow This video does make sense, I'll give your way a go
In my opinion I start we’re ever at long as your going the correct way I always start next to my truck an finish at my truck I don’t do all that walking just to start
Get some channel lock side cutters to cut line with. Those knives get dull and you can cut yourself if you try to force it. I carry my grandfather's Cutters that are 40 years old. You will thank yourself in the long run.
Hey mike thanks for this always looking for efficiencies. What I do with string since it always wants to curl up like it was around. The spool, is instead of fighting that and trying to stuff it in my pocket, just hold it in my hand curled up in a circle with the handle , and if I run out I have a precut amount with me anywhere
I pull out about 4 armspans of line and cut it. Then double it and cut it again, then roll it up about the size of spool and wrap the ends through the loop once and stick in my back pocket, if run out of string yank outta my pocket and already have both pieces stick em in spool wind it up and go.
I can just about feel the frustration of trying to get little teenagers that know everything to listen to what you're saying come through in the video.😂
Same circle for weed eating but i would start at the front left so i do the concrete before the fence so the other team member can blow while i finish
Exactly.
Agreed , I always start left front of property near the road...except when odd lawns and property issues cause me to deviate...
Sounds like a plan
This was actually super helpful. I’ve never done lawn care professionally, and soon will be resigning from my career to start my own landscaping biz. I’m terrified, but the more I research and take advice, the more I can visualize it. I know everything will be fine, but pro tips are certainly needed and appreciated. Thanks for your information, you’re awesome.
Work hard and everything is possible.
Did you end up proceeding this route bro?
Got my very first lawn scheduled for tomorrow . Nervous anxious excited all in 1 . Know what im capable of and my work ethic i just overthink!!! Anyway this video was helpful
Jamie mac how was it ?! How did it go ?
@@Humblegrind710___ went great. took me longer then i would of liked but i am juat starting out with a Honda hrn16. charged the guy 85 he gave me $100 bucks . Gonna be a 2-3 week reoccurring customer
Can't disagree with anything in this video. Well done.
I also trim in one continuous line, but I start at the front left of the property ( lower left of the drawing), from back when I ran crews, and then when I had helpers in my own business; that way while someone is mowing, and another one or two are trimming, the front paved areas will already have been trimmed and ready to be blown off for the first person who was finished ( usually whomever was on the mower ).
I also mow first, unless it's a new property, or the grass is high. One of the main reasons being the mower sets the height at which I trim, and it's a little easier to blend and feather the trimming to match the cut height instead of the opposite.
I told him same thing he says right to left left to right if your right handed
And also from watching videos he's on small propertys waaaaaaay to long like i told him 35 years in business I'd spank those propertys and bank the money with no push mower I get it he'd rather spend 2000 on a push mower than buy a stander 36 for 6000 i think we should have a you tube channel called lawn wars bring it on?
@@Razrback 😂 No wars necessary, but as I've said on other channels, I hit everything I can with my 60, no matter the size, and I stripe almost everything, even if it's just two stripes on a tiny property. But each their own, Mike is quite successful.
@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power what I'm saying is by lawn wars that would be name of channel have company's compete it would be awesome
@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power ok would you go work for him push mowing lawns? Honest answer
I started helping the next door neighbours gardener when I was 7. Been in love with gardening since. One of the most satisfying jobs you can do.
Nothing looks better than a beautifully and freshly mown lawn.
Love ya work mate.
Watching from outback Queensland, Australia :)
I totally agree with your theory, are used to debate this with my coworker because he always wanted the front of the house done first that way if I was still trimming after he was finished cutting he could blow off the front of the house which typically needs more blowing than the backyard. I’ll always liked doing it your way and just going in a continuous line
Hey Mike, why does it matter where you start trimming? If you’re going to do a loop, you’ll start and end in the same spot, so why not just start and end at the truck? Less extra steps. Thanks Mike, I appreciate all you do!
We usually just start trimming where the rig is, so you end close to the next tool
I am definitely going to start Mowing that way! I now realize how much time I am waiting the way I am doing it right now.
I mow my lawn first, then edge, trim then blow. I’m in the south with St. Augustine grass that I cut at 3 1/2 inches with a mulching blade. If I were to stick edge first, then my crisp edge lines would get flattened down with wheel marks. Any clippings left on the side walk, get blown back in and not even noticeable. I also cut at minimum once a week, often times, every four days.
Excellent point. I follow the same sequence.
You don’t have to run your mower passed your trim line. If you mow the edge of the yard ahead of time you can turn inside the yard and not have to go out to the sidewalk
Well, according to Mike Andes, you’re wrong and you need to get your head out of your gr-ass. It’s never a grass problem, it’s a people problem. Mike where do you find these guys?
I’m just playing. It’s good you found a system that works for you. St Aug does behave well enough that you can go in that order and get nice results. Best of luck with your lawn and I hope it’s lusher and greener than it’s ever been.
I cut warm season grass here in Georgia.
And that's exact sequence I follow I always have.
Is weed eat first.
MOW
and then blow
Make a video so people can learn your awesome strategy man 😂
You've definitely helped me out a ton man! I started a lawn care company last year and your pointers have helped tremendously!
Learn to trim with your left hand on the trigger. This keeps your shoulders and hips align and you walk forward. Great video, with good tips!
I try to use left hand on the trigger but it turns out roughshod
I trim with one arm alot. Especially when reaching.
Brilliant! Trimming counter clock wise.....Thank you, thumbs up for being more efficient even for home owners!
Not all trimmers turn counter clockwise. So you have to determine which way your trimmers head turns and go from there.
When i was starting doing landscaping the crew i worked with said mow first then trim so you can trim level ive been going solo for a year or so now and finally started trimming first cause yeah it definitly wastes alot of time blowing clippings around and off the yard. Jobs have been going so much more efficently and yeah i never realized that you should always go one way with the trimmer because somtimes i do get clippings in beds then i gotta lightly blow them out and it wastes alot of time thanks this video will definitly help me be more efficent 👍
Been watching all your videos and have to say I really like your business model. I don't have the investment capital to get started but I intend to save like a mad man over the next year, year and a half (end of next season) with the hopes that I can pull the trigger and get started. Just had to put that goal down in writing for myself. Keep up the good work. So refreshing to see an honest businessman not only build his business and brand but appears to genuinely want to help others succeed as well.
This was as down to earth and simple to understand as it gets. No excuses for employees! Haha
The extra Wacker line in the pocket is big, saves a lot of time! Funny story, I was mowing yesterday and my Scag Patriot's front wheels broke off at the welds! Talk about downtime! I'm now using an older Gravely, really makes you appreciate your normal equipment! Thank you for the tips..
If I run out a line under trimmer I've got some in my pocket I carry an extra string in my pocket
Same here
Heck yeah , work smarter not harder, instead of making a long walk to the equipment
That’s the only way to do it
Only problem is my wife gets upset because I forget it in my pocket the next day when I change shorts/pants. Hahaha
I just started using grass gator trips twist string for my trimmers and I will tell you ( no lie) best line I have ever used .. the only thing that eats this line is concrete and sharp metal .. I swear this has saved me so much time and money it's crazy.. I suggest you try it out and see for yourself .. good idea with the pocket line tho .. wish I had that tip years ago
ALWAYS!!!!
I carrey my line replacments on the bicycle handles of my Sthil 110 trimmer, or in my pocket when i use the Kombi trimmer🙂
As a part owner of a brand new law care business, these videos of yours are a god send. Thank you for all of the informative videos.
Great advice...Also at end of every day gas up and reline trimmers
I mow, put the blower on my back, plus carry the trimmer, do my trimming routine, when I get back to the start I blow of everything and I still have the trimmer in my hand if anything needs touching up. I need those crispy fat stripes to start that would otherwise sometimes risk messing up a sidewalk/roadside edge. Works for me, super fast, 2 pieces of equipment in my hand ready to use. That's how i efficiently do a lawn
I do mow 1st .. only the first time tho .. if that makes sense... I like to run the mower around the perimeter , trees ,and so on first mow .. not of the year ..just with new lawns .. shows me or who ever is trimming that day where and how far out to trim .. unlike you I dont even use a push mower anymore . I know it's part of what you do and is the best look. it's just to time intensive..I do find that doing the perimeter helps tho it saves time insuring that they get everything the next time because you know how far out to go and so on.. I also find that it help save time on the first mow also given you dont actually know how close you can get until you try .. alot of the lawns I mow are big and not flat so there is always spots you cant go with a stander or ride on... great videos always good to sit and watch it down right
Very well put, by far the most efficient way to run a whip!! Exactly how I did it 15 years in buisness. I ran 3 man crew 2 cutters 1 whip man.. "usually me the foreman alot easier for me to stop with the smallest piece of equipment in case of quick chat with our client or potential client." 1st cutter done spent time weeding and cleaning up bed areas 2nd cutter done blew off.. usually reversing the whip mans direction blower pipe always against structure and boundaries.
ABSOLUTE SOLID VIDEO!!!!
I learned all this on my own doing the side hustle thing.😀 I love how some people are still telling me i should be mowing before trimming🤣 errrr no, i like trimming first, so i have a walk through the yard before mowing.
Also any new yards, you should really just take a few min to do a COMPLETE walk through, & scout, even before trimming😉
Really enjoying this channel, keep it up please, i need this advise for when i go full-time on my own.😉
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. After reading a bunch of comments you can see that everyone has a different reason for doing the same task differently.
Found your channel this afternoon. So far I’m very impressed with your tips and suggestions and training to help improve productivity. Do you have a podcast channel as well as you tube?
Yes. Mike Andes Podcast is available on Spotify and all other podcast channels
I start at the front door and follow the path you described. I just started doing it that way & it became my standard process.
Why not just start and end at the truck? Less extra steps walking to and from the front door.
@@leeboissonneault6383 true. I generally park in front of the house so I'm pretty much there.
Great video, I'm going to try the MO. I've been timing myself on my lawn to see if any improvement with the same quality of cut. I'm getting a little better, but need more improvement. Thanks.
Starting point is correct I don’t agree counter clockwise, start side walks edging, the clock wise around the house then the fence because either way you have to blow around the house regardless, and if you’re a good weed whacker there’s ways around not getting clippings inside beds, either way I’ve never had anything said for clippings on top of the lawn it just blends in it’s not that serious but that’s how I do things
If you trim first, and you’re at a newer property, and you get done trimming, start mowing and you realize there are a couple places you thought u could mow that you can’t. Then when you’re done mowing you have to go back with the trimmer. Which is more time. Thoughts?
True. Then you would have to go back and trim those spots.... otherwise, all the trimmings would end up on top of the lawn... again it really depends on if you bag or mulch
I’ve learned to trim and edge backwards. Incredibly helpful. It’s so easy to keep a constant pace, see anything you missed, and have incredible control. Very good skill to have.
The problem with going backwards you can't see where your going so you can back into unseen objects
@@toddbowman8601 not an issue for me. I just scan as I’m going, not to mention you develop a routine and tempo. I actually trim faster going backwards on most residential properties. I edge very fast going backwards (I use an edge it pro).
For tip #2 here's my exception to the rule. New property, odd angles/obstacles and perhaps you're not sure where your mower can/can't go. In those instances I mow first to figure out exactly what I need to trim there. Otherwise onr could end up doing much more trimming than you need to.
I would have to charge a premium for work like that. More work trimming. No way.
@justinsnyder6256 what's your premium charge?
I just saw he push mows his lawns and if that's the case then trimming first does make sense. I don't have customers that care that much about it.
Thanks for all your advice. Other vids included. I do other stuff but I was taught this early.
Work smarter not harder.
I’m a new homeowner. Should I cut the lawn first and then trim or should I trim and then mow and clean up?
Good thanks, from U.S Oregón
Afternoon! After watching this through a couple of times I have a question? Your trim pattern and idea didn't bring into effect a property divided by a front yard/back yard with a fence. Most of our residential properties are divided by back yard fences. Do you then divide the two and do the counter clockwise deal on the front, and then again on the back?
Great video, thanks for the tips. I time myself from start to finish from the moment I start my trimmer until I shut off the blower. If I'm 15-30 minutes off, reexamine my procedure and see what did I do different. was it a double cut or did I forget a spot. Did I have problems with the equipment ect. It makes a big difference 5-10 here or there. Thanks
Great video dude! I have been cutting grass my entire life here in Clearwater Florida and your teaching some good shit especially for beginners. Your very articulate too! 👊
I agree with the trim up to a point, my Red-Max trimmer runs clockwise, if I trimmed counter clockwise I'd be throwing debris against the house.
Clockwise? Never seen that.... No more walking backwards then. Cool
Mow, trim, blow. Mow first to set grass height which will leave less guess work for where to trim and how much. Trim second. If you mow properly there shouldn't be much and I believe it makes the edging look better. I believe this is because there is less chance your mower tires will lay grass back down over the edge you previously trimmed and causing you to go back and hit it again anyways. I also walk backwards when I trim. Why? Because typically where I live in Ohio we use side discharge. Being that you want to throw the clippings away from objects you're mowing against, this means the tires on the mowers lay down the grass one direction and by walking backwards when you trim it stands the grass up and lessens the chance for stragglers. Just my opinion though.
I'm in Ohio and you're wrong. Trim then mow unless you want a shitty looking lawn.
Is any reason why you can't start cou terclockwise where you parked the truck in that spot? What is the significance of that exact spot? Seems to me like you could start at any point on the front, work counter clockwise, and end up where you started to begin with.
Exactly! I start and end at the truck, less steps.
Mike! can you please do a video on HOW TO CREATE SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES IM STUCK ON HOW TO GO ABOUT CREATING THEM???
What about start at the truck and end at the truck. Also best way to edge along of sidewalk?
That’s what I do! Stop and end at the truck. Less steps.
Great explanation. Good job!
Good advice. But something to think about. If you our topping and trimming/ edging your lawns. Your example is great. But if you walk backwards as your topping/ trimming you'd want to start on the other side of the property. I myself do alot of walking backwards due to minimizing the debri hitting houses windows cars ect. I'd prefer the debri to hit myself versus the other objects.
This may be a demographically based message.
It can be confusing for the Florida companies, and especially different when you run 3-4 man crews , doing 3-4 properties at a time.
But definitely some good insight , find the best formulas for property types , and find a continuous movement.
Different demographics call for different details plus size of properties, size of crews, type of equipment and many other variables, but I’m sure there is places where these principles apply.
For us, in SW Florida, and for us specifically with our team, we find it’s best for 3 man crews for residential, 1/4-1/2 acre lawns, typically two men trimming, one man mowing, first to finish start blowing, Avg. lawn service 7-12 min, 4-7 lawns an hour depending on proximity.
But we have principles we stick to and adjustable formulas per property.
But he’s right, proper preparation, uniformed movements, and consistent strategies utilized.
Keep dropping knowledge. We love it down here!
Thanks
Idk I live in Michigan and a friend born and raised in Florida came here where the grass is way thicker longer wetter he adapted well to the grass and was almost the best trimmer I had ever seen or heard of in my 29yrs of cutting but his lightning speed came from this method of trimming that he learned in Florida but no one tought him this he figured it out working for big commercial companies I think he said Brightview or something like that.
Yea this is best for 1 man doing a basic pushmow small yard, not the most efficient for a multiple person crew.
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge
good info, confirms most of my technical MO. Also as an experiment I recently switched from mowing in circles to mowing in lines, though the action of lines takes longer than circles, I keep track of where I mowed easier(not much rain lately) so with less redundant motion it is faster in the bigger picture, at least for me and most of the lawns I have been able to get so far(ie none have proper irrigation systems).
I just learned how to trim my lawn. lol thanks dude happy fourth to you annd your crew
Good point on the parking.
They way I do it. MOW > TRIM/EDGE > BLOW > RE-MOW. The last mow is a few seconds to catch any clippings. I do this because the St. Augustine needs to be mowed 3”+. This means if I edge first and then mow over it, that pushes the grass through the edge and makes it look bad. I’ve got to sacrifice for a crispy edge.
Well said! Great advice.
Tried this one a 2 acre lot today and saved about 20 minutes.
Wow I never thought I was supposed to trim first thank you for tip! I will do this with my next customer !
Thank you for this video mr. Mike. Very helpful could you make a video on how to trim the to the right height. When I trim first I never get the right hight. Any tips appreciated.
if my customer wants side walks and driveway edged with edger where do I fit that is the equation?
I include up to 75 feet of edging at no extra charge. Takes an extra 2 min max. I also have a $40 min price.
In that case it doesn't really matter if edging or weed eating is done first but I only use a weed eater to edge
I'm downloading this TH-cam gold nugget...
Thanks very much, great information 👍🏻
I usually agree with you except on the order of operation. You should always MOW first because if you miss an area or don't get close enough to say a mailbox, power pole hydrant, etc, it's much easier to fix it with the trimmer. If you trim first and miss an area especially if the mower can't get to it, then you will have to walk back to the truck and get the trimmer again. The only time I trim first is if the lawn is overgrown.
💯🔥🔥 really smart, and simply. Its does kill alot of time, and time is money.
ABSOLUTELY there is a pattern for MOST houses you will end up where you started basically,trim to the left and it looks better and keeps alot of the grass out the beds also,trim to the right seems to put more grass in the beds imo.
What if you have like 4 houses side by side? Do you just do the same steps? Or do you finish a house one at a time
I edge, mow, trim, and blow.
I'm sorry but I like to edge concrete walks and driveways first and then mow to get any snakes out off the lawns along with any other animals and then I can see where the mower couldn't get to and then trim those areas down to the same height that I just mowed going clockwise. Then I blow it all off and do a last walk around before leaving the property. I'm a solo guy so I do each step. I park my truck on the front right corner of the property and end back there too! I tried to weed trim counter clockwise but it felt like it lifted the grass blades back up and made them stick up after I just mowed. When you mow and outline the property you go clockwise so the discharge chute is pointing and blowing all the clippings into the center before running your stripes. I usually do two perimeter passes to also allow my mower enough room to turn. Whatever works best for the individual that makes it go smoothly for them. I feel going counter clockwise is like if you comb your hair in one direction and then take your finger or trimmer and go back the opposite direction it stands the grass blades up and it looks bad. Just my thoughts from trying out both ways. Great topic though!
Dang we would work great together. My order of mowing for the same reasons. I’m finding the snakes first here in Louisiana before trimming. Edge first when it applies also
Mike, I need to apologize to you! Looking back over your video and my comments, I was wrong, and you are right. I have tried your method, and it does work really nice and makes the lawns look better. I now edge first, then trim, then mow and last blow. Works great! I appreciate your help and tips, buddy!
Thank you for this definitely will help a lot of people
Hey thanks for the tips Mike 👏 I’ve learned a lot from you 💯
th-cam.com/video/GdjZhKIcKys/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for all you do
Question where do you prefer to start at the front or back
Closest to truck ✅
This is gold
I feel like a subpar employee getting a pep talk from the “the man” 😂
In all seriousness great video brother.
👌
you are right buddy thank you so much for this video thank you sir
10%'er here lol. Recently found you and really liking your video's. Def be tuning in more. Sub'd.
Good job MIke, thanks!
Can you make more videos like this with other services, like aerating, mulching etc?
Thank you!
park across the street from the nearest start point. that way when you blow you can get the entire curb and sidewalk in one shot without your truck being in the way
On the string trimmer part I actually keep a spare spool for my trimmer in my pocket already loaded so I'll have to do is change out the spool and keep going.
Random question: where do you get Augusta uniform shirts?
Local printer
I work for a company that has 1 crew mowing all the lawns. we are nothing close to a new company, been around for 40 plus years.... Still only have 1 crew going out tho doing maintance(cutting and whacking) the rest of guys do pruning and or lawn care. We have close to 200 yards most are upwards of million dollar homes so they take more detail. I am hoping our old boss retires soon so his son can take over and I can help grow and expand company
Ya, I am not walking backwards trimming all day. Also if you trim every time, you can’t see the clippings. I’m clockwise. Unless your bagging you have to blow everything anyway.
Enjoyed this one!
Hey Mike I love this video but I had to come back to it to comment on it what you say to do is unrealistic. In my area there is backyard and front yards meaning there are fence off so I do the trimming kinda like a figure eight
I’ve had experience breaking 2 glass screen doors last summer with a stihl 94
Interesting , I always start at the left but same scenerio
I’ve heard of guys putting a small water bottle of 2-cycle gas in their pocket when weed whacking larger properties.
I bring one when I'm doing hedges! "commercial landscaper"
I used to do that back in the day when I did huge properties.
Now I try to keep jobs under two hours
L
L
Looks big in tch jump
Great tips
My order:
1. Edge
2. Blow debris from edging into turf
3. Mow with a mulch kit, which cleans up leaves, dirt debris from edging
4. Trim starting on left side going clockwise then blow
This video does make sense, I'll give your way a go
This is the best order imo. If there are bushes, cut bushes 1st then blow debris out then edge
Love the tips..thanks ..
Lock stock video, thanks for the tips.
In my opinion I start we’re ever at long as your going the correct way I always start next to my truck an finish at my truck I don’t do all that walking just to start
Nice. Thanks.
Some more great advice, thank you
What about with two guys doing .25-.75 acre properties?
The trimmer guy should jump out and start immediately and get ahead of the mower.... as much as possible
Get some channel lock side cutters to cut line with. Those knives get dull and you can cut yourself if you try to force it. I carry my grandfather's Cutters that are 40 years old. You will thank yourself in the long run.
This is some good stuff thank you
Very well said I totally agree 👊👊👊
Wow another great video
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
thank you
Hey mike thanks for this always looking for efficiencies. What I do with string since it always wants to curl up like it was around. The spool, is instead of fighting that and trying to stuff it in my pocket, just hold it in my hand curled up in a circle with the handle , and if I run out I have a precut amount with me anywhere
Why not roll the string up and put it in your pocket in a roll like it was on spool, no need to wad it up at all
I pull out about 4 armspans of line and cut it. Then double it and cut it again, then roll it up about the size of spool and wrap the ends through the loop once and stick in my back pocket, if run out of string yank outta my pocket and already have both pieces stick em in spool wind it up and go.
I cut the line, make a loop and tape it to the darwins bar. Now whomever grabs the trimmer has extra line. If you run out of gas, that's on you.
I can just about feel the frustration of trying to get little teenagers that know everything to listen to what you're saying come through in the video.😂
Thanks 👍🏼