Question 1

How can you limit your service area and client list while still offering reasonable pricing?

Accepted Answer

Pastime Lawncare is intentionally structured as a small, owner-operated residential service with a limited service area and client list. By staying local and working with a focused group of homeowners, I’m able to schedule efficiently, give each lawn the attention it deserves, and avoid the overhead associated with large crews and high-volume routes.

This approach allows me to provide consistent, detail-focused service, at fair pricing while maintaining professional standards and quality results.

Question 2

What is your billing process? What payment options do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I send invoices for all mowing services completed during a given month during the last week of that month. Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date.

For additional services such as fertilization, dethatching, aeration, overseeding, and seasonal clean-ups, these will be added to your monthly service invoice.

I accept secure online payments by credit or debit card through emailed invoices. For added convenience, I also accept Zelle, Venmo, and personal checks.

Question 3

How should I prepare for a service day?

Accepted Answer

Make sure that your watering schedule is not set to water the night before or the morning of a scheduled service, kindly pick up any pet mess the day before I arrive, and do a quick property pick-up of any non-fixed obstacles, kids toys, etc.

Question 4

Do you do commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not service commercial properties. My business is built around serving homeowners in Star, and keeping my route small means your lawn receives the kind of attention I’d give my own.

Question 5

Who will be working on my lawn?

Accepted Answer

I personally handle every service visit. As the owner and operator of Pastime Lawncare, you'll always know who is working on your property.  For larger seasonal cleanup projects, I may occasionally be joined by one or both of my sons, but all work is performed to the same standards and level of care.

Question 6

Why do you use battery-powered equipment instead of traditional commercial mowers?

Accepted Answer

I use industry-leading EGO battery-powered equipment because it’s better suited for residential lawns and neighborhoods. Battery-powered equipment operates much more quietly than gas-powered machines and produces no exhaust fumes, making it more pleasant for homeowners and far less disruptive for neighbors.

In addition to being quieter and cleaner, this equipment helps reduce turf damage and soil compaction often caused by oversized commercial machines, while still delivering professional-quality results. It’s a more thoughtful approach to residential lawn care - better for your lawn, your neighborhood, and the environment.

Question 7

What is a Professional Applicator’s License and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A Professional Applicator’s License is a certification issued by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) that is required for anyone who applies herbicides (weed control products), pesticides, or related lawn care chemicals to another person’s property for compensation.

Under Idaho law, it is illegal to apply any form of herbicide, including pre-emergent weed control, post-emergent weed killers, or even “weed-and-feed” products that are commonly available to the general public at big box stores, on someone else’s lawn for pay without the proper licensing. While these products are readily sold for homeowner use, once they are applied as a paid service on another person’s property, state law requires a licensed applicator. This applies whether the service is a one-time application or part of ongoing lawn maintenance.

Obtaining and maintaining this license requires passing state-administered exams covering safe chemical handling, proper application practices, environmental protection, and weed and pest management principles. In addition, licensed applicators must complete yearly continuing education credits to stay current with regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.

Beyond the legal requirement, holding this license also requires carrying additional herbicide and pesticide specific insurance coverage on top of standard small business liability insurance. This provides added protection for both the applicator and the customer.

In short, a Professional Applicator’s License ensures that herbicide and pesticide applications, products that are widely available for general public purchase, are applied legally, safely, and responsibly by someone trained, tested, and accountable under Idaho state law.

Frequently asked questions