Aerator Sandals...Do they really work...are they worth it?

[Ecoscape01]

I figured to start out my first year this season, I would offer all of my customers a free aeration with their first mow. Just a little something to impress my customers and set my company apart from my much larger competition. Thing is, I've never used them before and I would immagine that wearing sandals with 3/4 inch spikes might become very laborous after a while. If it wouldn't be too much of a burden, and if it is effective, than I think my customers would be impressed and it might help for word of mouth referrals. Got any insight? Am I just crazy:hammerhead:

[DRM Ventures]

you are wasting your time......effective aeration typically involves 1/2" plugs pulled out to a depth of 2-3"..........

[LindblomRJ]

Ecoscape are you serious about being a LCO? Proper aeration for turf care involved removing core or plugs like DRM stated.

It might be worth your while to study and learn about organic care.

[Ecoscape01]

Well research can be decieving. For example, scholars have boasted about organic weed and feed but some pros on this site have said that organic weed and feed doesn't work like traditional pesticedes so I figure before I even investigate something, I'll just ask the pros if it's even worth it first. As always, Thanks for the info

[MOW PRO LAWN SERVICE]

Thatz funny.

[marckxman]

Thatz funny.
That is pretty dang funny.

It seems that putting spikes on your feet and calling it aeration has a few problems. By making a hole without removing a core you would actually be promoting soil compaction instead of alleviating it. You will be pushing soil around the holes closer and tighter together.

[turfcobob]

Have you ever seen the big sheeps foot rollers used to compact roadways before paving? Imagine them on a much smaller scale and on your feet. Understand what I am saying.

[Dean of Green]

I figured to start out my first year this season, I would offer all of my customers a free aeration with their first mow. Just a little something to impress my customers and set my company apart from my much larger competition. Thing is, I've never used them before and I would immagine that wearing sandals with 3/4 inch spikes might become very laborous after a while. If it wouldn't be too much of a burden, and if it is effective, than I think my customers would be impressed and it might help for word of mouth referrals. Got any insight? Am I just crazy:hammerhead:

This "free aeration"..........would it involve you doing wind sprints up and down their lawn. This would certainly set you apart from the much larger competition with there big expensive aeration equipment.

[NJLAWN#1]

THIS POST MADE MY DAY, I'M LAUGHIN MY ASS OFF:drinkup: :hammerhead:

[Ecoscape01]

I was pretty "green" (no pun intended) and had a much different vision for my company when i posted that. As long as it still continues to make people laugh though I guess it's a good thing

[NJLAWN#1]

Was The Stuff You Were Smokin Green? It Would Be A Great Idea If You Attached An Aerator To A Mower Like A Walker The Idea Of Mowing With The Sandals Was Hilarious:)

[Ecoscape01]

I was tryin for an "eco-friendly" approach for entry into the industry but after research, I realized just how impractical my ideas were. Now I'm working on more traditional approaches to everything. As far as the "green" I wish but I'm in the military so that's a no no

[RedMax Man]

Everytime i see those spiky shoes in a catalog it makes me :laugh: :laugh:
What would you do wear them whille your pushing the mower?
those things are the biggest joke:laugh:

[Lynden-Jeff]

ahh another katieAC!!!

[drumbo]

Ok...I think this poor guy got the point. He is thinking outside the box...for him. As he learns more (by ASKING more), his box will change and then when he is up-to-speed, he might be able to help us all think outside the box.

However, sandals....bad bad bad.

[LindblomRJ]

Ok...I think this poor guy got the point. He is thinking outside the box...for him. As he learns more (by ASKING more), his box will change and then when he is up-to-speed, he might be able to help us all think outside the box.

However, sandals....bad bad bad.

He has already. Ecoscapes seems to have a good head on his shoulders. And he seems to have learned a lot and asked a lot of good questions.

[pclawncare]

Even though i thought it was pretty funny when i read the first part of the post i must say its nice that eco can take it and not flip out about other people getting a kick out of it. Keep on asking questions eco at some point in time all of us on here didnt know a whole lot. You only learn by asking questions

[cantoo]

I have a customer that has several dogs. Do they make an aerator sandal small enough to fit a german shepard? If I put the sandals on the dogs and then threw dog food across the lawn they would run around to eat the food. I think this would do a good job and if they missed spots I could just throw more dog food there and Spot would run back over the area. If this works well I would consider renting the dogs from him to do other properties. Does anyone know if you can borrow dogs from the dog pound then I wouldn't have to rent his dogs I could just pick them up at the pound? If I used enough food I might even get the dogs to dodo on the lawn and I could also charge for an application of fertilizer.
I'm just trying to think outside the box and get an edge on the competition.

[Ecoscape01]

He has already. Ecoscapes seems to have a good head on his shoulders. And he seems to have learned a lot and asked a lot of good questions.

Thanks LindblomRJ! Although with only 42 credits complete I think I'm done, college has taught me a lot. Most importantly that a good brain is a spunge for learning. I laugh at my own posts from when I first came to this site. But I am learning every day. Slowly but surely I am creeping my way into this business. After each job, I buy myself a piece of equipment which makes my next job easier and more efficient. I will tell you guys so far, as for the landscaping (not really the lawns as I have yet to do one) it is the hardest work I've ever done in my life. With that said, I woudn't trade making what I make when I do landscaping for people and being my own boss for anything. I can't wait to grow and gain knowledge. The last few months has been exhausting trying to juggle college, starting a business, the Navy Reserves, and a part time job but now I have finally found my direction in life and I love this business. My very first job was for a very wealthy couple and they gave me sooooooo much freedom for creativity. Aside from the awesome paycheck at the end, the second biggest reward was an incredibly satisfied customer from something I created. Their property was like my own little work of art - that I got paid generously to create. Fortunately for me, that is the property they're selling, I can't wait to get started on their new 70 acre prop. I should have lots of fun with that. Anyway, ya guys have at it - I know it's funny even to me!