After 44 years in the lawn care business, I’ve seen it all—from cutting-edge advancements to shifting trends in lawn care philosophy. What I offer now, through Stangl’s Enviro Lawn Care, is not a quick-fix service but a commitment to a sustainable, long-term partnership focused on the health of your soil, plants, and the surrounding environment. However, it’s increasingly clear that many clients see us as a “commodity” rather than a partner in the management of their outdoor spaces. They don’t reach out, don’t ask questions, and—based on the issues that arise—I sometimes wonder if they even read the educational material we provide with every invoice.
Why Communication Matters
For the clients who do take the time to communicate, we can work wonders. If they call us with concerns about their lawn or weeds, we’re able to give advice that aligns with our holistic approach. This kind of collaboration allows us to help them make the most of our sustainable, regenerative care methods, including ways they can support the health of their lawn between our visits. On the other hand, clients who remain silent about their concerns or switch back to chemical solutions without consulting us are missing out on valuable insights and may unintentionally harm the ecosystem we’re working so hard to nurture.
When clients only look at surface results—like a neighbor’s chemically treated, weed-free lawn—they’re not seeing the full picture. They’re ignoring the underlying soil health, the environmental impact of those chemicals, and the long-term effects on the ecosystem. Unfortunately, without open communication, we’re often left trying to guess at client satisfaction, unaware of their concerns until it’s too late to address them.
The Dangers of the “Quick Fix” Mentality
Too often, we see clients abandon sustainable lawn care and go back to conventional chemical treatments at the first sight of weeds or discoloration. What they may not realize is that these chemicals are highly detrimental—not only to the soil and lawn but to everyone who comes in contact with them. Fertilizers and pesticides leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment and often don’t stay within the intended application area. They affect not just the applicator but also the local wildlife, the air, water, and anyone nearby.
Chemical treatments, especially high-salt fertilizers and high-iron spray, may give a quick, green-up effect, but they mask deeper problems. They don’t improve soil health; instead, they degrade it. These fertilizers create an unhealthy dependence, causing lawns to become more susceptible to insects, diseases, and drought. Essentially, it’s like a dog chasing its tail—the more chemicals you apply, the more issues arise, leading to even more chemicals.
Our Regenerative Approach: Not Just What You See
Our approach focuses on building soil health, reducing compaction, and fostering plant diversity—things you might not notice at first glance but that make all the difference in the long run. We take pride in using advanced tools like penetrometer, refractometer, EC meter, infiltration rings, and our inhouse microscope to assess and monitor soil health. These tools help us understand your lawn’s needs at a microscopic level, where nutrient cycling and soil structure play vital roles in long-term health.
With our October application, for instance, we’re applying Nature’s Brew, with kelp, fish, calcium, minerals, and sugars to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead. As well as building soil resilience and diversity for next year. We’re also conducting soil sampling for a detailed, microscopic analysis. When you receive your soil health report with your next years proposal, you’ll be able to see how much progress has been made at the microbial level. These applications and tests aren’t just about appearances; they’re about fostering a healthy ecosystem in your lawn, one that supports resilient plant life and reduces weed pressure over time.
The Value of Education and Ongoing Communication
Every invoice we send includes educational material. We outline exactly what each treatment entails, how it works, and how you, as the property owner, can support these efforts. We’ve shared tips on cutting practices, watering techniques, and lawn care tips to encourage practices that align with our sustainable philosophy. If your lawn is experiencing weed issues, we’ve invited you to call us for guidance on managing them within our regenerative framework.
Unfortunately, these efforts are often met with silence. Clients may not read these messages or take action, and when issues arise, they don’t reach out to ask for solutions—they simply switch to chemical alternatives. It’s disheartening, especially when we’ve been trusted with their lawn care for years.
A Call for Partnership, Not Just Service
If you’re a client of Stangl’s Enviro Lawn Care, consider this an invitation to partner with us in building a healthier lawn, one that doesn’t rely on chemicals for a temporary fix. When we wrap up the season, we send out a summary of our work and explain our final application, but we’d love to hear back from you. Let us know about your concerns, your questions, or even your doubts. We’re here to address them and provide expert insights, not just carry out treatments.
As we enter our 44th year in business, we hope to work with clients who value the long-term benefits of sustainable lawn care and recognize that it’s a process. The world of soil biology and plant health is complex, and there’s so much more happening beneath the surface than meets the eye. We’re building a lawn that’s more resilient, healthier, and better for the environment, but we need your engagement to make it a success.
Moving Forward Together
Let’s work together to understand and address the unique needs of your lawn. Sustainable, regenerative lawn care isn’t about instant perfection; it’s about gradual improvement that builds year after year. When clients embrace this approach, the results are remarkable—not just for the lawn but for the soil, the surrounding ecosystem, and even the broader community.
If you have questions, if something doesn’t look right, or if you’re curious about the science behind our applications, please reach out. We’re not just a service; we’re here to manage, educate, and guide you toward a truly healthy lawn. Together, we can create something beautiful, not just on the surface, but deep within the soil where true health begins.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and for recognizing that the path to a healthy lawn is about more than just what you see—it’s about building a legacy of sustainability and resilience for years to come.
