Trying to be nice but the other lawn guy keeps parking in front of my lawn :(

Generally I try to be nice, however I'm getting quite agravated with another lawn guy. Here's the story...

I have a lawn I mow, this guy mows the one beside. The guy and his wife (both elderly) mow several rental lawns, they work from their car and they work hard. We both mow our lawns on Friday but this guy just keeps on parking in front of my customers house, unloads the trunk and parks right beside the curb. When I mow I do my best not to blow into the car, the same when I trim and blow.

Today his wife stood there while I was trimming and I finally had to motion her to move, then again when I was blowing I had to ask her to move so I could blow the clippings around and under their car.

Really getting sick of working around their car trying to figure what best...just blow my clippings onto their car....blow debris when I'm cleaning up. I can't park in front of their lawn due to an intersection and my long rig...

 

Could you just ask them to please park some where else? Or can't you mow at a different time to the oldies?

 

Who was there first?

I had a situation like this except I was the guy who was "in the way". The neighborhood has very narrow streets with no curbs so if you want to park you have to park on somebodies grass. This is a given and is accepted by everyone in the community.

I have been servicing this particular pair of customers for 5 years. Last year the yard where I park (across the street from my customer's houses) suddenly got a new lawn service.

For some reason, be it timing or whatever, they would always show up after I got there.

The first time they showed up they blew grass from the mower all over the side of my truck. I just blew it off and went about my way when I was done.

The next time I parked there I stopped my rig in the street and unloaded my mower and cut the grass where my truck would sit. I figured they wouldn't have to cut that grass if they showed up while I was there.

Low and behold they show up and blow grass all over my truck again. So I went over to them and told them that all they had to do was ask and I would move my rig. They apologized and said it wouldn't happen again.

They now show up on a different day.

It was a simple case of "Who was there first?".

 

I agree with first come first serve. I had the same problem last year, only the roles were reversed. He introduced himself by telling me I was in his parking spot. Mind you, these lots are 2-4 acres! And I was in his spot, LOL. I just smiled and said, “Good to meet ‘cha.”

This year, I mow both lots. I thought the customer moved, so I placed a bid of $100 and got it. Crazy thing, that other LCO was doing that lawn for $75! Go figure. Customers are hard to understand sometimes, but that sure makes up for a few low-ball competitors.

Anyway, sounds like your situation is much smaller. If it’s happened several times, then you should know their schedule. If the parking space was in front of their lawn, then it might seem a little rude for you to get there first. However, parking in front of your lawn is totally reasonable. So getting there a few minutes early is all you need to do (say). Asking the obvious is begging for disrespect, and you’ll probably get it.

 

Not sure how I can get there first, don't know the exact time either of us are going to be there.

It's not about them being in my spot, I park across the street, its the fact they park right against the curb infront of the house I mow. Makes trimming, mowing, and blowing much more difficult working around their car while trying not to cover it in grass and trying not to hit it or his wife with anything. They could easily park across the street also they just don't.

 

since being nice about it is yielding poor results...I suggest that you cover their car with clippings and whack the old bat with the trimmer next time she stands in the way. and if she gets in the way of the blower next time I'd find out how well her wig is clamped on!

GEO

 

Just blast her with the clippings, she'll get the idea

 

Just try asking them to vacate the area when you are cutting,trimming or blowing. Explain to them that you don't want to hit them with any debris. I'd still try my best not to get clippings on their car, but if it happens,so be it. Maybe re-arrange your schedule to get there a little earlier to beat them there.

 

$20- No Parking Sign
$10- Sign Post for Sign
$7- Disposable Camera
Taking a picture of the police towing these peoples car. PRICELESS!

 

Just come at a different time. Unless the oldies spend all day mowing the yard, I'm sure you can find a time when they aren't there.

Or, punch the guy out.