Field Troubleshooting Guide — Richter's & GreenX

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Field Reference

Troubleshooting Guide

Quick answers for common problems in the field

📱 Mobile Live / Tablet Issues

Route & App Problems

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Route not loading	Data connection lost or app error	Close & reopen app → check signal → refresh route → restart tablet → call manager
Zero stops on route	Route not assigned or sync issue	Do NOT leave the yard. Notify manager immediately.
Route shows wrong number of stops	Sync issue or route reassignment	Call the office to verify your route. Do not skip stops or add stops on your own.
Stop won't complete / save	Required fields missing	Check all fields filled. Clear unused product lines with X. Scroll for highlighted fields.
Can't submit stop	Poor signal or required fields	Check internet → toggle airplane mode off/on → verify all fields → resubmit. Call manager if persistent.
Data not syncing to office	Poor cellular signal	Complete stops normally — data syncs when signal returns. Notify manager of delay.
App crashes or freezes	Memory or software issue	Force-close → reopen → verify last stop saved → re-enter if lost → restart tablet if repeated
App crashes mid-stop	Memory overload or bug	Force close and reopen. Your in-progress stop data is usually still there. Verify before re-entering.
App showing old route from yesterday	App didn't refresh overnight	Force close the app completely and reopen. Today's route should load. If not, restart tablet.
GPS showing wrong address	GPS drift or bad data	Visually verify the address before treating. Do NOT apply to wrong property.
GPS not updating location	Location permissions or signal	Check location permissions in tablet settings → toggle airplane mode → restart tablet if needed.
Cannot clock in	App or account issue	Restart tablet. If still failing, call the office.
Product lines for unused products	Pre-populated defaults	Tap X next to unused products. Leaving them creates false inventory data.
Quick Call Log won't send	Connectivity issue	Save the note, retry. If it won't send, write it down and call the office.
Can't see customer notes	Notes below the fold	Swipe down on the stop detail screen. Customer notes are below the main fields.
Stop marked complete accidentally	Tap error	Call the office immediately. Do not try to reopen the stop yourself.
Wrong tech name showing	Profile not updated	Settings → Profile → update your name. If you can't access settings, call the office.
Tablet won't turn on	Battery dead or hardware issue	Check charge level. Hold power button for 10 seconds. Plug into truck charger. If still dead, call manager.
Tablet frozen / unresponsive	Software hang	Hold power button 10 seconds to force restart. Recreate any lost entries from memory. Report the issue.

Printer Issues

Problem	What to Do
Printer not found	Power cycle printer → check Bluetooth is on → re-pair in tablet settings
Bluetooth printer not pairing	Go to Bluetooth settings → forget the device → re-pair from scratch → restart printer if needed
Connection keeps dropping	Re-pair. Keep printer charged and within 10 feet of tablet.
Faded or blank printout	Check paper roll — replace if low or empty. Check ink supply.
Partial print / garbled	Check paper is loaded correctly. Clear any jams. Re-print.
Printing to wrong printer	Check Bluetooth device name matches YOUR assigned printer, not a nearby truck's.
Printer won't power on	Connect to charger. If dead after charging, report to manager.

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Pro tip: Restart your tablet at the start of each day. Pair your printer before leaving the yard every morning. Most app and sync issues are prevented by a fresh start.

Problem	What to Do
PIN not working	PINs are 4 digits. Ask your manager to verify or reset your PIN.
Locked out of The Yard portal	Too many failed attempts trigger a lockout. Wait a few minutes or contact manager.
Can't see certain portal sections	Access is role-based. Talk to your manager about permissions.
Login works on phone but not tablet	Try clearing browser cache or using a different browser. Report if persistent.

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Never use a coworker's login credentials on your device. Every action is tracked to your account. Shared logins create audit and payroll problems.

Printing Workflow Reminders

Rule	Why
Print AFTER all entries are complete — never pre-print	Pre-printed invoices won't have your actual data. Always enter everything first.
Separate copies immediately	Customer copy goes in door hanger bag. Office copy stays in truck. Don't mix them up.
Pair printer before leaving yard every morning	Discovering your printer doesn't work at the first stop wastes time.
End of Day Report prints after last stop	This is your daily summary. Review it before submitting TEOD.
Turn in office copies at end of shift	Office needs physical copies for records. Don't leave them in the truck.
If printer fails completely	Contact manager for alternate instructions. Do NOT skip printing invoices on your own.

SA5 / Office System Issues

Problem	What to Do
Something looks wrong with route or stops	SA5 is an office tool. Contact manager — do NOT troubleshoot SA5 yourself.
Customer info seems outdated	Note on tablet. Office will update SA5 records. Do not change customer data yourself.
Stop shows wrong service/program	Complete the stop with what's on the route. Note the discrepancy. Call manager if it affects application.
Duplicate stop on route	Contact manager before servicing. Do NOT treat twice.

Tablet Care Reminders

Do	Don't
Charge overnight or keep connected to truck charger	Don't leave exposed in direct sunlight or rain
Use the provided case at all times	Don't clean screen with chemical cleaners — soft cloth only
Store inside truck cab at end of day	Don't leave in truck bed or on equipment
Report damage immediately	Don't attempt self-repair on the tablet

🔧 Equipment Issues

Z-Spray / Ride-On Problems

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Won't start	Fuel, battery, fouled plug, safety switch	Check fuel level → choke position → kill switch → battery. If not resolved in 5 minutes, call manager.
Running rough / misfiring	Air filter, spark plug, fuel line	Check air filter for clogging. Check spark plug condition. Check fuel line for kinks or blockage. Report if not resolved.
Uneven application / striping	Dirty or clogged paddles	Clean and scrape paddles immediately. This should be done every stop.
Fertilizer burns at stops	Buildup on cover/deflectors	Blow off buggy after every stop. Not optional.
Oil leaking	Seal failure, gasket wear	Report to Joe/Blake/Dave/Kevin. Do not continue running with an active leak.
Broken/sagging foot plate	Spring wear or breakage	Report immediately — equipment may be unsafe. Springs are replaced in pairs.
Belt squealing or slipping	Worn belt or frozen idler pulley	Inspect belt for cracks/fraying/glazing. Report for shop repair. Do not operate with a slipping belt.
Loud exhaust / rattle	Muffler damage or loose bolts	Report. Noise and exhaust concerns on customer properties.
Throttle sticking	Cable fraying or kink	Do not force it. Report for cable replacement.
Wheel wobble	Worn caster or wheel bearings	Report for bearing replacement. Do not operate if unsafe.
Equipment making unusual noise	Bearing, belt, or internal failure	Stop using immediately. Do not continue. Report to mechanic right away.

Spray System Problems

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
No spray at all	Empty tank, pump failure, valve closed	Check tank level → check pump is running → check main valve position
Low pressure	Clogged filter/nozzle, pump diaphragm	Clean inline filter and tank strainer → remove and flush nozzles → check for kinked hoses
Uneven spray pattern	Worn or clogged nozzles	Clean or replace nozzles. Check nozzle alignment. Recalibrate after replacement.
Leaking tank	Crack, loose fitting, worn drain plug	Return to shop immediately if actively leaking chemical. Do not take to the field.
Hose reel won't retract	Pressure buildup or kink	Release pressure valve. Check for kinks in the hose. Report if mechanism is jammed.
Pump running but no pressure	Ruptured diaphragm	Pump diaphragm may be torn. Return to shop for repair. Do not force it.

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Safety: A leaking chemical tank is a safety and environmental issue. Do not send it to the field with a "small drip." Fix it or swap the unit.

Hand Can / Hose Reel

Problem	What to Do
Clogged nozzle	Clear nozzle. Flush with clean water if needed. Check filter screen and nozzle screen.
Inconsistent spray pattern	Check for nozzle wear or partial clog. Replace nozzle if degraded.
Hand can clogging repeatedly	Clean filter screen and nozzle screen. Flush entire system with clean water between products.
Hose leak or crack	Do not use. Report for replacement immediately. Chemical leaks on customer property are unacceptable.
Won't build pressure	Check pump seal and gaskets. May need shop repair.

Spreader Problems

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Not spreading evenly	Gate opening, walking speed, or clog	Check gate opening setting matches product. Maintain consistent walking speed. Check hopper for clogs or damp material.
Hopper clogged	Damp product or debris	Clear the clog. If product is damp/clumping, replace with dry product. Report storage issue.
Permagreen won't spray	Pressure, nozzle, or valve issue	Check pressure gauge → inspect nozzle for clogs → verify tank valve is open. Report if not resolved.

Truck Issues

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Won't start	Battery, fuel, starter	Try jump start → check fuel → listen for click (starter) vs nothing (fuse/wiring). Call manager.
Overheating	Low coolant, blocked radiator, thermostat	Pull over safely. Check coolant when cool. Check radiator for debris (fertilizer dust is common). Call manager.
Brake issues (spongy, grinding, pulling)	Worn pads, air in lines, stuck caliper	Do NOT drive with bad brakes. Call manager immediately. This is always Priority 1.
Flat tire	Puncture or valve leak	Spare is in the shop. Change if able, call mechanic if not. Document in report-issue form.
Check Engine Light on	Various — needs scan	Note the light and call manager. Do not ignore. May need shop scan to determine severity.
Fuel contamination signs	Wrong fuel or water in tank	Do not continue driving. Separate the vehicle. Drain and flush required. Report immediately.

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Key principle: Always rule out the simple cause first — battery before starter, nozzle before pump, fuel before everything else. Report equipment damage immediately to Joe, Blake, Dave, or Kevin. Do not attempt major field repairs. Do not hide damage.

Equipment Won't Start — Decision Tree

Check This First	If Yes	If No / Still Won't Start
Is there fuel in the tank?	Move to next check	Fill up and retry
Is the battery charged? (Try jump)	Move to next check	Jump start → if works, test battery + alternator at shop
Starter clicks but won't crank?	Starter may need replacement — call manager	Move to next check
No click, no sound at all?	Check ignition switch → check fuses → call manager	Move to next check
Cranks but won't fire?	Check spark plug → check fuel delivery. If not resolved in 5 min, call manager.	Call manager for shop diagnosis

Spray System Not Working — Decision Tree

Check This First	If Yes	If No / Still Broken
Is the tank empty?	Fill the tank	Move to next check
Is the pump running?	Move to next check	Check pump power connection. Call manager.
Is the main valve open?	Move to next check	Open the valve and test
Are filters clogged?	Clean inline filter and tank strainer	Move to next check
Are nozzles clogged?	Remove, flush, and replace	Pump diaphragm may be ruptured — return to shop

Buggy Tire / Wheel Issues

Problem	What to Do
Buggy tire flat	Spare tires are in the shop. Call mechanic. Document in report-issue form. Do not ride on a flat.
Tire losing air slowly	Check valve stem. If it's a slow leak, you can finish the route but report for repair at end of day.
Wheel wobbling after hitting curb	Bearing may be damaged. Report for inspection. Do not ignore — wobble gets worse.

Calibration & Product Rate Issues

Problem	What It Means	What to Do
Spreading more product than expected	Gate opening too wide, walking too slow, or product rate changed	Check gate setting against product rate on your printout. Adjust walking speed. Report discrepancy.
Running out of product before route is done	Over-application or miscalculated load	Return to shop to reload. Report to manager — they may need to adjust calibration.
Product left over at end of route	Under-application or extra product loaded	Return product to shop. Report amount. Manager may need to review application rates.
Nozzles replaced — output seems different	New nozzles need recalibration	Recalibrate spray output after every nozzle replacement. Report to mechanic if you can't calibrate in the field.
Product rate changed between rounds	Different products for different rounds	Always verify gate settings and mix rates match TODAY's product, not last round's.

Preventive Checks — Before You Leave the Yard

Check	What to Look For
Fuel level	Full tank. Don't start your route near empty.
Oil level (Z-Spray)	Check dipstick. Low oil = engine damage. Report if low.
Spray system test	Quick spray test to confirm pressure, pattern, and nozzles are working.
Tires	Check for flats or low pressure. Flat buggy tire = call mechanic.
Hoses and fittings	Look for cracks, leaks, or loose connections. Chemical leaks are unacceptable.
Spreader gate	Confirm gate opening matches today's product rate.
Spill kit	Verify kit is stocked: absorbent, broom, containers, gloves, goggles.
SDS binder	Confirm SDS binder is in the truck for all products loaded.

🌿 Lawn Diagnosis Quick Reference

Brown or Yellow Patches

Possible Cause	How to Identify	What to Do
Drought stress	Blue-gray color, footprints remain, leaf blades curling	Enter drought stress code. Recommend watering 1–1.5 inches/week.
Fungal disease	Irregular patches, lesions on blades, pink/red threads, tan spots with dark borders	Enter disease code. Recommend fungicide (FUN) if warranted. Max 1 SCF service call.
Grub damage	Turf pulls up in sheets like carpet — root anchor is severed. Spongy underfoot. C-shaped grubs visible in soil. Secondary signs: skunk digs, bird pecking. Grub vs drought: grub damage = turf peels up easily; drought = turf is firm, footprints stay, V-shaped blades.	Enter grub code. Check threshold (8–12 per sq ft) before treating. Follow grub flow chart if on GRP program.
Chinch bugs	Starts at edges near pavement (sidewalks, driveways) and expands inward into sunny areas. Sap-sucking, surface-dwelling insect — tiny, visible at turf/thatch line if you part the grass.	Enter chinch bug code. Curative insecticide only if active damage present. Check threshold before treating.
Ascochyta Blight	Large dramatic brown patches appearing within 24–48 hours during heat/drought. Look for hourglass pinch halfway up blade with bleached tip. May follow mower tracks.	Cosmetic — crown and roots healthy. "Bad haircut" not dead lawn. Recovers in 2–3 mowings (~10 days to 3 weeks). Enter code.
Dog damage	Bright green ring surrounding a brown center	Enter dog damage code. Nitrogen burn from urine. Recommend heavy watering to flush.
Fertilizer burn	Uniform brown streaks following your application pattern	Report to manager immediately. Do not attempt to fix alone.
Mowing too short	Brown, scalped appearance, visible soil or thatch	Enter mowing code. Recommend mowing at 3–3.5 inches.
Summer dormancy	Entire lawn turns uniformly tan/brown during heat, no lesions or insects	Normal cool-season grass response. Will green up with rain and cooler temps. Educate customer — not disease.
Chemical burn (not yours)	Uniform brown following a pattern — could be homeowner's product	Enter code. Document with photo if possible. Ask if homeowner applied anything recently.
Winter kill / snow mold	Matted, gray/pink patches visible in early spring as snow melts	Spring cosmetic damage. Will recover with warming. Enter snow mold code if visible.

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Quick test: Can you peel turf up like carpet? → Grubs. Green ring around brown center? → Dog. Follows your spreader pattern? → Your application. Everywhere uniformly? → Drought or dormancy.

Weeds Not Responding

Situation	What to Check	Action
Weeds present within 7 days	Normal — liquid weed control takes up to 14 days	Inform customer, no action needed.
Weeds present after 14+ days	Product may not be effective on this species	Schedule service call. Treat with hand can or hose.
Crabgrass in summer	Pre-emergent barrier from Round 1 may be broken (aeration, seeding, heavy traffic)	Enter crabgrass code. Treat with post-emergent (Quinclorac/Drive).
Wild Violets, Ground Ivy, Oxalis	Hard-to-kill species — low growing, scalloped leaves, purple flowers (ground ivy)	Treat with hand can at every stop. Multiple applications may be needed.
Poa Annua (light green patches)	Annual bluegrass — not a product failure	Educate customer. Dies off naturally in summer heat.
Nutsedge (yellow)	Triangular stem, faster growth, lighter green than turf	Enter nutsedge code. Requires specialty product — not controlled by standard broadleaf herbicide.
Crabgrass identification	Coarse texture, lime-green color, prostrate/spreading growth habit	Enter crabgrass code. Post-emergent treatment with Quinclorac. Note: pre-emergent window has passed.

Thin or Bare Areas

Possible Cause	How to Identify	What to Do
Heavy shade	Thin turf under trees, north side of buildings	Recommend overseeding with shade-tolerant blend in fall.
Compacted soil	Hard, dense soil, water pools instead of soaking in	Recommend liquid aeration (LAR/FLA) or soil conditioner (SOL).
New construction / traffic	Thin turf in high-traffic areas, new builds with poor topsoil	Soil compacted, may lack biology. Recommend Bio Boost program.
Poor drainage / standing water	Puddles persist 24+ hours after rain	Enter drainage code. May need landscape grading (outside our scope).
Excessive thatch	Spongy feel underfoot, thick layer between grass and soil	Recommend liquid dethatch (LDT) or mechanical dethatching.
Winter kill / snow mold	Matted patches in early spring	Spring cosmetic damage. Will recover with warming. Enter snow mold code if visible.

Fungus & Disease Quick ID

Symptom	Likely Disease	Action
Mushrooms in lawn	Fungal mycelium, thatch decomposition	Harmless. Note in condition codes. No treatment needed — sign of healthy soil biology.
Dead circles or rings in turf	Fairy ring	Enter fairy ring code. Deep watering and aeration can help. Fungicide only if severe.
Puffballs in lawn	Harmless fungal fruiting body	Note only. No treatment needed. Will disappear on their own.
Spongy/soft turf underfoot	Possible grub damage underneath	Pull back turf to check for grubs. If present, enter grub code and follow threshold chart.
Turf pulling up in sheets	Severe grub damage — roots consumed	Emergency service needed. Enter grub code. Call manager — this is a significant customer issue.
Pink or red threads on grass tips	Red Thread fungus	4–6 inch clusters with red hair-like structures (sclerotia) at leaf tips. Common in low-nitrogen lawns. Fertilization usually resolves. Rarely kills grass — aesthetic mostly. Enter disease code.
Dollar-spot tan patches (4–6 inch circles)	Dollar Spot fungus	Whitish/tan lesion band across individual blades. Spreads via mycelium contact (not airborne). Enter disease code. Improve fertility and adjust watering to deep & infrequent mornings only. Fungicide for severe cases.

Lawn Grading & Assessment

Lawn Rating	Description	What to Note
1 — Poor	50%+ weeds or bare soil, thin turf, multiple issues	Enter all condition codes. This lawn needs heavy program investment. Good upsell opportunity.
2 — Below Average	30–50% weeds, some bare spots, noticeable issues	Treat what you can. Enter condition codes. Suggest additional services if appropriate.
3 — Average	Mostly turf, some weeds, minor issues	Standard treatment. Note any developing issues for future rounds.
4 — Good	Dense turf, few weeds, well-maintained	Standard treatment. Good candidate for premium programs (Platinum/Diamond).
5 — Excellent	Show-quality lawn, minimal to no weeds, thick and healthy	Dog signs only on R6. Maintain current program. Customer likely to refer friends.

Common Misidentifications

What It Looks Like	What It Actually Is	How to Tell
Disease — large brown patches	Drought / summer dormancy	Disease has lesions on blades and irregular edges. Dormancy is uniform and no lesions visible.
Grub damage — brown turf	Drought stress	Grub damage: turf peels up like carpet. Drought: turf is firm, footprints stay, blue-gray tint.
Your fertilizer burn	Dog urine spots	Your burn follows spreader pattern. Dog spots have green ring around brown center.
Weed control failure	Poa Annua (annual bluegrass)	Poa Annua is lighter green, low-growing, seed heads visible. Not a broadleaf weed.
Crabgrass	Tall Fescue clumps	Crabgrass is prostrate/spreading with lime-green color. Fescue is upright, coarser, darker green.
Disease — pink threads	Red Thread fungus	It IS a disease but it's a sign of low nitrogen. Fertilization usually resolves it. Not a major concern.

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When in doubt, take a photo. Use your tablet camera to photograph any lawn condition you're unsure about. Show your manager at end of day. A photo is worth a thousand condition codes.

Seasonal Lawn Issues by Round

Round	Common Issues	What to Know
R1 (April)	Poa Annua, snow mold patches, early weeds	Pre-emergent is going down — do NOT aerate. Poa Annua will die in summer. Snow mold is cosmetic.
R2 (May)	Crabgrass breakthrough, broadleaf weeds	Pre-emergent barrier still active. Grub prevention (Acelepryn) goes down this round.
R3 (June)	Heat stress starting, fungal disease appearing	Summer stress prep round. Watch for drought stress signs. Fungicide if warranted.
R4 (July)	Grub damage, drought, heat burn	Customer MUST water in grub prevention. Reduce herbicide rates per heat-adjusted printout.
R5 (Aug–Sep)	Chinch bugs, continued drought, Ascochyta	Use corrected heat rates from printout, not standard rates. Ascochyta is cosmetic — educate customer.
R6 (Oct–Nov)	Leaf cover, late broadleaf weeds	Winterizer round — high-rate balanced fertilizer for root storage. Good lawns only get dog signs.

Product-Related Lawn Issues

Issue	Cause	What to Do
Pre-emergent applied over new seed	Pre-emergent kills germination	This is a problem. Report to manager. New seed in pre-emergent zone will not germinate.
Customer aerated right after R1	Breaks pre-emergent barrier	Crabgrass may break through in summer. Enter note. Post-emergent will be needed.
Trimec applied in 90°F+ heat	Rate must be reduced in heat	If standard rate was used, monitor for burn. Report to manager if burn appears.
Granular sitting on top of dry lawn	Product needs moisture to activate	Recommend customer water. If drought is severe, product may not activate — note on tablet.
Customer says product "didn't work"	Multiple possible causes	Takes 14 days for liquid herbicide. Granular needs water. If 14+ days and still an issue, free service call.

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Service calls: Free for full-program customers. Weeds = wait 14 days before scheduling. Pest issues = 5-day window. Complete service calls within 48 hours of being scheduled.

🐛 Pest & Tree Diagnosis Quick Reference

Common Tree & Shrub Symptoms

Symptom	Likely Cause	What to Note
Browning evergreen tips (winter/spring)	Winter burn / desiccation	Common on south/west exposures. Wait until mid-spring to evaluate — may recover. Use TWN/W01/W02 codes.
Leaf scorch (brown margins)	Hot dry weather or wind stress	NOT a disease. Recommend deep watering and mulching. Use TLS code.
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis)	Iron deficiency, high soil pH	Common on pin oaks and red maples. Note for tree tech to evaluate.
Black knots on branches	Black Knot fungus (cherry/plum)	Note for pruning — cut at least 4 inches below the knot. Sterilize tools between cuts. Use BLK code.
Wilting shoot tips ("shepherd's crook")	Fire Blight (bacterial) on crabapple/pear	Note for treatment. Prune 8–12 inches below symptoms with sterilized tools. Strong UCP trigger. Use TFB code.
White woolly masses on conifer needles	Adelgids	Note for tree tech — systemic insecticide (imidacloprid drench or trunk injection) needed. Use AD code.
Mulch piled against trunk	Volcano mulching (improper)	Note condition. Recommend 2–4 inches of mulch, 3–6 inches away from trunk. Use EXM code.
Bags hanging from branches	Bagworms	Arborvitae/juniper/spruce most vulnerable. Hand-remove bags in fall. Treat late May–June when larvae are small. Use BW code.
Silk tents in branch crotches	Eastern Tent Caterpillar	Remove tents. Insecticide at egg hatch. Use TC code.
Skeletonized leaves (July–Aug)	Japanese Beetles	Peak July–August. Note for systemic treatment for longer protection. Use JB code.
Needles shedding (older needles only)	Needle Cast disease	Current-year needles OK = needle cast. Fungicide in spring. Common on spruce/pine. Use NL code.
White powder on leaves	Powdery Mildew	Generally cosmetic. Pruning for air circulation helps. Use PM code.
Large black spots on maple leaves	Tar Spot	Cosmetic. Rake and dispose of infected leaves in fall. Use TAR code.
Olive-green to black spots on leaves	Apple Scab	Strong UCP trigger. Multi-application fungicide program from green tip. Use AS code.
Lower spruce branch dieback	Cytospora Canker	No cure. Remove infected branches. Improve tree vigor. Use CYC code.
Tree too tall for spray	Exceeded safe spray height	Do NOT spray. Flag for injection treatment using C03 code. Never spray directly overhead without face/eye protection.
Yellowing despite wet soil	Over-watering / root rot	Reduce irrigation. Roots need oxygen. Use TOW code.
Root flare buried / trunk goes straight into ground	Planted too deep	Bark decay and girdling roots likely. Root collar excavation needed. Use C02 code.

Tree & Shrub Treatment Quick Rules

Rule	Details	Code / Notes
Never spray blooming plants	Insecticide kills pollinators on blooming flowers	Use TPB code. Skip and note for return when blooming is done.
Always instruct watering after systemic	Systemic insecticides need water to reach roots	Use TIN code. Tell customer: water deeply within 24 hours.
Don't spray trees exceeding spray height	Drift risk too high, poor coverage	Use C03 code. Flag for trunk injection treatment instead.
Trunk injection creates wounds	Follow Arbor Systems/Wedgle protocols exactly	Use clean sterile equipment. Cross-contamination spreads disease between trees.
Label ALWAYS overrides mix chart	If label rate differs from the chart, follow the label	Report discrepancies to manager. Label is the law.
Check for overhead power lines	Spray near power lines is a safety hazard	If lines are in the way, skip and note. Never risk contact with power lines.
Ranges in charts (e.g., 0.64–1.28 oz)	Lower end = maintenance, higher end = correction	Use higher rates for active infestations, lower for prevention.

Customer Watering Instructions for Tree/Shrub Service

Tree Size	Watering Guideline
Small (1–3" DBH)	5–10 gallons per week during growing season
Medium (4–8" DBH)	10–20 gallons per week during growing season
Large (9–15" DBH)	20–40 gallons per week during growing season
General rule	10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter per week
After systemic insecticide	Water deeply within 24 hours — product must reach roots

Stinging Insect ID (Pest Techs)

Insect	How to Identify	What to Do
Bald-Faced Hornets	Black-and-white, 5/8–3/4 inch. Grey football-shaped aerial nests.	Highly aggressive. Treat nest opening at dusk/dawn with full PPE. Confirm inactive at 48–72 hours.
Yellowjackets	1/2–3/4 inch, yellow/black. Ground nests or wall voids.	Extremely aggressive Aug–Oct. Ground nests: treat at night. Wall voids: dust and seal.
Paper Wasps	3/4–1 inch, umbrella-shaped open nests under eaves.	Moderately aggressive. Treat at dusk, remove nest after treatment.
Mud Daubers	1 inch+, thread-waist. Mud tube nests.	Non-aggressive, solitary. Scrape and remove nests, treat to deter rebuilding.
Carpenter Bees	3/4–1 inch, shiny black abdomen (bumblebees are fuzzy). Bore into softwood.	Males hover but CANNOT sting. Dust/liquid into bore holes, seal after. Painting/staining deters future boring.

⚠️

Stinging insects: Always approach nests cautiously. Wear veil/face shield for aerial nests. Never treat from a ladder unless unavoidable. Contact manager before any in-wall nest treatment. Advise customer to stay away 24–48 hours after treatment.

Tree & Shrub Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It Matters	Correct Approach
Forgetting to enter DBH for trees	DBH defaults to 0 in calculator — #1 pricing error	MUST enter DBH (Diameter at Breast Height at 4.5 feet) for every tree.
Entering arborvitae as a tree with DBH	Arborvitae is ALWAYS a shrub, even at 15 feet	Enter as shrub with S/M/L/V/H sizing. Never enter DBH for arborvitae.
Attempting to spray H-size trees (20'+)	Out of scope for spray. Safety risk.	Flag for trunk injection only ($149/tree). Use C03 condition code.
Not noting blooming plants	Insecticide on blooming plants kills pollinators	Use TPB code. Do NOT apply insecticide to actively blooming plants.

Common Crawling Insects (Pest Techs)

Insect	How to Identify	Key Notes
Carpenter Ants	1/4–1/2 inch, largest ant in MI. Frass (sawdust piles) near wood.	Excavate but do NOT eat wood. Moisture source must be addressed. Structural concern — flag for follow-up.
Pavement Ants	1/8 inch, parallel grooves on head/thorax. Nests under pavement/slabs.	Perimeter treatment. Common spring invader. Not structural — nuisance only.
German Cockroaches	Small, tan, two dark stripes behind head. Interior only.	Gel bait — do NOT use residual spray when gel bait is in use. Re-inspect 2–4 weeks. Sanitation is critical. Never promise one treatment eliminates them.
Oriental Cockroaches	"Water bugs." Dark brown/black, 1 inch. Found near drains and basements.	Enters via drains and utility penetrations. Reduce moisture. Screen floor drains. Perimeter treatment.
American Cockroaches	1.5–2 inches, reddish-brown. Primarily outdoor.	Wanders inside occasionally. Perimeter treatment. Less likely to establish indoors.
Earwigs	3/4–1 inch, rear pincers. Found in damp areas.	Harmless. Reduce mulch and moisture around foundation.
Centipedes	Fast-moving, many legs. Predator of other insects.	High centipede numbers = other pest population present. Reduce moisture. Treat underlying pest issue.
Millipedes	Cylindrical, many legs, curl into ball when disturbed.	Harmless. Invade during wet weather. Reduce mulch and organic debris near foundation.
Silverfish	Silver-grey, fish-shaped, fast. Found in bathrooms, basements.	Feed on starch/paper/fabric. Dehumidification is the best long-term control.
Springtails	Tiny, jump erratically. Often mistaken for fleas.	Harmless. Excess moisture indicator. Reduce watering near foundation.
Carpet Beetles	Larvae are carrot-shaped with hair tufts. Adults are small, round, patterned.	Larvae cause damage (fabric, carpet). Thorough vacuuming + wash/discard infested items.
Crickets	Loud chirping. Attracted to light at night.	Switch exterior lights to yellow "bug lights" to reduce attraction. Perimeter treatment.

Pest vs. Non-Pest — Common Misidentifications

Customer Calls About	What It Actually Is	Pest or Non-Pest?	Action
"Fleas in my basement"	Likely springtails (tiny, jumping)	Non-pest — moisture indicator	Reduce moisture. Dehumidifier recommended. No chemical needed.
"Bees in my siding"	Could be carpenter bees or yellowjackets	Pest — treatment needed	Identify species first. Carpenter bees = bore holes. Yellowjackets = colony in wall void. Different treatments.
"Big scary bee"	Likely male carpenter bee hovering	Non-pest — males cannot sting	Educate. Treat bore holes to prevent structural damage.
"Worms in my lawn"	Earthworms after rain	Non-pest — beneficial	Earthworms aerate soil naturally. No treatment. Educate customer.
"Ants everywhere after rain"	Normal colony behavior — nest flooded	Nuisance, not structural	Perimeter treatment if desired. Will subside as ground dries.
"Bugs flying out of my mulch"	Fungus gnats or drain flies	Nuisance only	Reduce mulch moisture. No chemical usually needed.

Lawn Insects — Field ID (Lawn Techs)

Insect / Sign	How to Identify	What to Do
White grubs (C-shaped)	Found 1–2 inches below soil surface. Turf peels up when damaged.	Count per square foot. 6+ = threshold. Enter grub code. If on GRP, follow grub flow chart.
Chinch bugs	Tiny, black with white wings. Part grass at thatch line to find. Damage near pavement first.	Enter chinch bug code. Curative insecticide only if actively damaging.
Sod webworm (moths)	Small white/tan moths flying up when you walk. Larvae in thatch.	Enter pest code. Damage appears as irregular brown patches that don't peel up.
Armyworms	Green/brown striped caterpillars, 1–2 inches. Rapid overnight damage.	Can destroy a lawn in days. Enter code. Call manager for emergency treatment if severe.
Mole tunnels	Raised ridges across lawn surface	Moles eat grubs — tunnels may indicate grub population. Enter mole code. Suggest GRP if not enrolled.
Ant mounds in lawn	Small dirt mounds, often after rain	Enter ant code. Usually nuisance only. Perimeter treatment or mound treatment.

Tree Treatment Timing (Tree Techs)

Treatment	Best Timing	Critical Notes
Dormant oil spray	Late winter / early spring before bud break	Suffocates overwintering insects. Do NOT apply after leaves emerge.
Apple Scab fungicide	Green tip stage, multiple applications	Must start early. Once infection is visible, you're too late for that season.
Bagworm treatment	Late May – June when larvae are small	Large bags (fall/winter) are resistant to insecticide. Hand removal is effective.
Japanese Beetle systemic	Spring, before adult emergence (July)	Systemic takes weeks to distribute. Foliar spray for immediate but short-term control.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid	Fall systemic drench or spring trunk injection	Most destructive adelgid. Hemlocks can die within 3–5 years without treatment.
Grub prevention drench (trees)	Spring application, water in immediately	Imidacloprid drench protects trees from multiple insect species for the season.

Interior Treatment Safety Checklist (Pest Techs)

When	What to Do
Before treatment	Inform customer. Confirm children and pets are out of treatment area. Identify ventilation routes. Cover food prep surfaces.
During treatment	Apply only to labeled areas (cracks, crevices, baseboards). Ensure ventilation. Do NOT apply to food prep surfaces, toys, or pet bedding. Use minimum effective amount.
After treatment	Communicate re-entry intervals per product label. Document all treatments. Leave written instructions for ventilation and cleanup timing.

🧪 Chemical / Application Issues

Application Mistakes

Situation	Immediate Action	Then
Applied to wrong property	Stop immediately.	Contact manager. Office handles customer communication. Do NOT cover it up.
Applied wrong product to a stop	Stop. Do NOT water in.	Call manager immediately. Document what was applied and to which stops.
Wrong rate applied (over-applied)	Note what was applied and where	Contact manager immediately. Document stops affected. Do not water in granular.
Forgot to apply product at a stop	Do NOT go back without direction	Call manager. They will decide whether to reschedule or send you back.
Fertilizer burn visible (your application)	Document with photo if possible	Report to manager immediately. Do not attempt to fix alone.
Spray drift onto neighbor/garden	Stop spraying, note conditions	Follow Drift Management Plan. Report to manager. Do not contact neighbor directly.
Herbicide drift to flowers/ornamentals	Stop spraying immediately	Document what was affected. Report to manager — office will handle customer communication.
Product applied in wrong weather (rain started)	Note conditions	Document on stop. Granular = rain helps activate. Liquid herbicide in rain = may need service call.
Damaged sprinkler head during application	Note location and damage	Report immediately. Office will schedule manager evaluation.

🚫

Never hide a mistake. Wrong property, spill, or equipment damage — report it immediately. Covering it up always makes it worse.

Chemical Spills

Situation	Immediate Action	Then
Spill on customer property	Follow the Three C's: Control → Contain → Clean up	Call office immediately. If customer present, inform them. Document everything.
Spill in truck bed	Absorb with dry material (kitty litter/dry soil)	Rinse area. Bag absorbed material for proper disposal. Document in spill log.
Spill on road/driveway	Use spill kit to contain — never let it reach storm drains	Absorb with granular absorbent. Bag and dispose properly. Report to manager.
Large spill (>1 gallon)	Secure area, stop source, do NOT flush to storm drains	Call manager. Call 911 if threatens waterways. Stay on scene. Refer to SDS.
Wrong product loaded in tank	Stop spraying immediately.	Contact manager before continuing. Do not apply wrong product to customer lawns.
Tank mix foaming excessively	Reduce agitation. Possible product incompatibility.	Do NOT apply. Contact manager. May need to dump and remix.

☣️

Chemical exposure: Product in eyes → flush with water for 15 minutes minimum, then seek medical attention. Skin contact → wash thoroughly per SDS. Feeling sick/lightheaded → stop work, move to fresh air, call manager + seek medical attention. SDS binder is in your truck — refer to it for any unfamiliar product.

Sensitive Areas — Do NOT Spray

Area	Why	What to Do
Vegetable gardens	Food safety — chemical contact with edibles	Use NP code. Skip area entirely. Note on tablet.
Recently seeded areas	Pre-emergent kills germination	Use NP code. Never apply pre-emergent over new seed.
New sod (<4 weeks)	Roots not established, chemical stress	Skip area. Note on tablet.
Near water features / ponds	Environmental contamination	Maintain buffer zone per product label. Note on tablet.
Ornamental beds (per customer request)	Customer preference	Skip per request. Note for future stops.
Blooming plants (tree/shrub service)	Pollinator protection	Do NOT apply insecticide to actively blooming plants. Use TPB code.

Pest Control Application Issues

Situation	What to Do
Customer asks about product safety	"All products are EPA-registered and applied per label instructions. The label is the law."
Customer asks you to use more product	"We follow label rates exactly — using more is not more effective and may violate regulations."
Stinging insect nest found	Do not approach. Note location. Treatment is at dusk/dawn with full PPE. Schedule return if needed.
Rodent bait station disturbed	Reposition and re-secure. Log station status. Check if tamper-resistant lock is intact.
Customer asks about price for upsell	Never quote prices in the field. Enter upsell code — office handles all pricing.
Interior treatment — children/pets present	Confirm children/pets are out of treatment area. Ensure ventilation. Communicate re-entry intervals per label.
Never promise one treatment eliminates cockroaches	Re-inspection at 2–4 weeks is essential. Set realistic expectations with customer.

Chemical Safety — First Aid Quick Reference

Exposure Type	Immediate Action	Then
Product in eyes	Flush with clean water for 15 minutes minimum. Hold eyelids open.	Seek medical attention. Bring SDS to the doctor. Call manager.
Product on skin	Remove contaminated clothing. Wash area thoroughly with soap and water.	Refer to SDS Section 4 for product-specific first aid. Seek medical if irritation persists.
Product inhaled	Move to fresh air immediately. Loosen tight clothing.	If breathing is difficult, call 911. Otherwise call manager and monitor symptoms.
Product swallowed	Do NOT induce vomiting (unless SDS says to). Rinse mouth with water.	Call Poison Control (800-222-1222) or 911. Bring SDS and product label.
Skin rash / allergic reaction	Wash area. Remove from exposure. Monitor for worsening.	If hives spread, difficulty breathing, or swelling — call 911. Otherwise seek medical same day.

☣️

SDS is your lifeline. Every product has a Safety Data Sheet in your truck binder. Section 4 = First Aid. Section 6 = Accidental Release (spills). Section 8 = PPE requirements. Never handle a product without knowing where the SDS is. In any chemical emergency, give the SDS to first responders.

Product Storage & Handling

Rule	Why
Keep products in original labeled containers only	Unlabeled containers are illegal and dangerous. SDS information must match the container.
Never transfer product to unlabeled bottles	FIFRA violation. Emergency responders need to identify products instantly.
Secure all containers in truck during transport	Most chemical accidents happen during transportation. Unsecured containers tip and spill.
Never store chemicals in the truck cab	Fumes in enclosed space. Spill risk to driver. Always in the bed or secured compartment.
Check hoses and valves before each day	Overnight temperature changes can loosen fittings. One drip becomes a spill on the route.
SDS binder organized and in truck at all times	Required by law. Organized by category: Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Pre-emergents.
Know the difference: Mix Rate Sheet vs End Use Dilution	Mix Rate = how much product in the tank. End Use Dilution = what to record on tablet. Do NOT confuse them.

Chemical Spill Step-by-Step

Step	Action	Details
1. Assess	Evaluate the spill	What surface? (concrete, lawn, near ornamentals?) How much? Anyone at risk? Refer to SDS in truck binder.
2. Contain	Put on PPE, stop the spread	PPE per SDS. Surround with barrier. Use absorbent material (kitty litter/dry soil). Do NOT use absorbent on dry pesticide. NEVER add water to a spill.
3. Clean	Remove contaminated material	Dry pesticides: sweep into waterproof container. Liquid: absorb into container. Bare soil: remove contaminated soil layer. Label all containers (product name, date).
4. Decontaminate	Clean yourself and equipment	Clean all equipment used. Remove and wash PPE. Change clothing. Launder under hot water.
5. Report	Notify office immediately	Document everything: what spilled, how much, where, what was done. Take photos if possible.

🧴

Spill kit contents: Dry absorbent (sawdust/kitty litter), containment snakes, broom/shovel, waterproof labeled containers, PPE (gloves, goggles, apron). Check your kit is stocked every morning.

Drift Management

When	What to Do
Before spraying	Check wind speed and direction. Identify sensitive areas: gardens, pools, neighboring properties, water features, pet/play areas.
During spraying	Spray low with large droplets. Avoid gusts. Use lowest effective nozzle height. Enter WI code when wind affects treatment.
If drift occurs	Stop immediately. Assess damage. Flush affected area with water. Document everything. Notify manager. Enter Quick Call Log.
Tree/shrub spray	Elevated spray heights increase drift risk significantly. Apply during calm morning hours (before 10 AM). Never spray overhead without face protection.

PPE Quick Reference

Activity	Minimum PPE Required
All mixing and loading	Chemical-resistant gloves + safety glasses/goggles
All application (spray or granular)	Chemical-resistant gloves, closed-toe shoes, long pants, clean uniform
Stinging insect nest treatment	Full PPE including veil/face shield
Trunk injection	Gloves + eye protection. Use clean sterile equipment to prevent disease spread.
Spill cleanup	Gloves, goggles, apron. Refer to SDS for product-specific requirements.

👤 Customer Situations

How you handle customer interactions defines the brand. Every stop is a chance to build trust — or lose a customer. These are real scenarios and what to do in each one.

Customer Retention — Why It Matters

Fact	Why You Should Care
It costs 5x more to get a new customer than to keep an existing one	Every customer interaction either builds or erodes trust. You are the face of the company.
Customers tell 3 people about good service, 10 about bad service	Your professionalism directly affects whether neighbors sign up or cancel.
Most cancellations happen after poor communication, not poor results	Even if treatment takes time to work, keeping customers informed prevents cancellations.
Upsells from field techs have the highest close rate	When a customer trusts you, your recommendation carries more weight than a phone call from the office.

Professionalism Basics

Do	Don't
Wear clean uniform with company logo visible	Don't wear headphones/earbuds visible to customers
Greet customers with a smile and introduce yourself	Don't use your phone in customer's yard (except for Mobile Live)
Keep truck and equipment presentable	Don't smoke, vape, or eat while on a customer's property
Park on the street, not on the lawn	Don't play loud music from your truck at stops
Close gates behind you	Don't leave trash or supplies on customer property

On-Property Interactions

Situation	How to Handle
Customer is home and approaches you	Be professional and friendly. Explain what you're applying today and any conditions you noticed. This is your best selling opportunity.
Customer asks what you're applying	Explain simply: "Fertilizer and weed control for this round." If they want details, offer to have the office follow up.
Customer asks about competitor products	"Our products are chosen specifically for this area — your manager can answer detailed questions about specifics."
Customer wants to talk for 20+ minutes	Be polite but redirect: "I appreciate the chat — I need to get to my next stop, but I'll make sure the office follows up on anything you need."
Customer asks technical question you can't answer	"That's a great question — let me have our office follow up with the right answer." Enter a specialist note.
Customer offers you a tip or gift	You may accept politely. Say thank you.

Complaints & Difficult Situations

Situation	How to Handle
Customer is angry about previous service	Listen. Acknowledge their concern. Do not argue or make promises. Say: "I'll make sure the office is aware so we can resolve this." Report to manager.
Customer upset about brown spots	Listen and empathize. Explain dormancy vs disease difference. Offer to have manager call them with more details.
Customer says lawn is brown/dying despite watering every day	Ask: how long per zone, how many days per week? Do the math: 10 min/zone is likely only 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water. The lawn needs 1 to 1.5 inches per week — they are almost certainly underwatering despite feeling like they water constantly. Explain deep & infrequent: combine daily 15-min waterings into every-other-day 30-min sessions. Same total water, deeper penetration, better roots. Recommend the tuna can test to calibrate their system.
Customer says "you burned my lawn"	Do NOT admit fault or deny. Say: "I want to make sure we look into this. I'll have my manager come evaluate." Report immediately.
Customer says you damaged something	Do not admit liability. Document everything — take photos. Call manager immediately. Do not offer to fix it yourself.
Customer asks for refund on the spot	"I'll have the office follow up with you today." Never agree to a refund yourself — that's an office decision.
Customer wants to cancel	Do not try to save the account in the field. Say: "I'll have the office give you a call." Report to manager.
Customer threatening legal action	Call manager immediately. Say nothing further to the customer beyond: "I understand your concern. My manager will be in touch."
Customer home, refuses service today	Note in Mobile Live. Call the office. Do not argue or attempt to persuade.

Access & Safety Issues

Situation	How to Handle
Dog on property (not contained)	Do NOT enter. Note on tablet and move to next stop. Office will contact customer for access.
Dog gets out of gate while you're working	Stop application immediately. Wait until dog is secured by owner. Document delay on tablet.
Gate locked / no access	Leave door hanger. Photograph the gate. Mark as no-access in Mobile Live. Move on.
Aggressive dog inside fence	Skip the property entirely. Note on tablet. Safety first — always.
Children or pets in yard during application	Ask customer to bring them inside. Wait until area is clear. Document any delay.
Sprinklers come on while you're working	Note in Mobile Live. Come back to affected areas if safe. Adjust timing on future visits.
Property appears abandoned / not maintained	Apply treatment as scheduled unless clearly unserviceable. Enter appropriate condition codes.

🗣️

Remember: Every customer interaction is a chance to build trust. Be honest, be professional, and never promise something you can't deliver. When in doubt, let the office handle it.

Common Customer Questions — Quick Responses

Question	Your Response
"Still seeing weeds after your visit"	"It takes up to 14 days to see full results. If weeds are still there after 14 days, we'll come back for a free service call."
"It rained right after you treated"	Granular: "Rain actually helps activate the product." Liquid: "Our products have a sticker agent, but if weeds don't respond in 14 days, we'll come back."
"The mowers came right after you"	"Mowing doesn't affect granular products. For liquid, the product absorbs quickly. Results should still be good."
"What programs do you offer?"	"We have Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels. The office can walk you through the differences and pricing."
"Do you do pest control / tree care too?"	"Yes! I'll enter an interest note so the office can set that up for you."

Property Damage Situations

Situation	What to Do	What NOT to Do
You hit a sprinkler head	Note exact location, take photos. Report to manager immediately. Office schedules evaluation.	Do NOT try to fix it. Do NOT assume it was already broken.
You damaged a fence, planter, or yard feature	Stop. Document with photos. Call manager immediately.	Do NOT offer to fix or pay for it. Do NOT leave without reporting.
Tire tracks or ruts in soft lawn	Enter condition code. Document with photos. Report to manager.	Do NOT try to repair ruts yourself. Do NOT ignore it.
You discover pre-existing damage	Take photos immediately to document it was already there. Note on tablet.	Do NOT touch or attempt to fix. Protect yourself from false claims.
Brown tracks visible after your application	Report to manager immediately for evaluation.	Do NOT speculate about the cause to the customer. Do NOT admit fault.

Service Call Expectations

Type	Timeline	Notes
Weed service call	Wait 14 days after treatment before scheduling	Free for full-program customers. Treat on-site with hand can or hose if you're at the stop.
Pest service call	5-day window from initial treatment	Some pests require multiple treatments. Set expectations.
Grub damage service call	ASAP if damage present	Follow grub flow chart. If severe (turf pulling up in sheets), escalate to manager.
General callback	Within 48 hours of being scheduled	Prompt response builds customer trust. Do not delay.

Upsell & Program Questions

Customer Question	What to Do
"How much does grub prevention cost?"	Never quote prices. Enter GRP upsell code. Office follows up with pricing.
"Can you aerate my lawn?"	Enter upsell code for liquid aeration (LAR/FLA). Office handles scheduling and pricing.
"My neighbor uses your service — can I sign up?"	Enter lead code with customer name and address. Office will call them.
"Can I upgrade my program?"	"Absolutely — the office can walk you through Gold, Platinum, and Diamond options." Enter note.

🌦️ Weather Decision Guide

Use this guide to make quick decisions about whether to apply products. When in doubt, call your manager — they'd rather you check than make a wrong call.

Quick Decision: Can I Apply Right Now?

Check	If Yes	If No
Is it raining hard?	Stop all applications. Wait or call manager.	Check next condition.
Is wind > 15 mph?	Stop all applications. No granular or liquid.	Check next condition.
Is wind 10–15 mph?	Granular only. No liquid spray.	Check next condition.
Is there standing water on the lawn?	Skip this stop. Do not apply to standing water.	Check next condition.
Is temp > 90°F?	Use heat-adjusted rates. No standard herbicide rates.	Check next condition.
Is there lightning/thunder?	Stop immediately. Get to truck. Wait 30 min after last thunder.	You're clear to apply.

Rain Decisions

Condition	Decision	Notes
Light rain	GO	Granular benefits from moisture. Liquid weed control has sticker agent.
Rain within 24 hours (granular)	GO	Granular needs water to activate — upcoming rain is beneficial.
Rain within 2 hours (liquid herbicide)	NO LIQUID	Do NOT apply liquid herbicide. Granular is fine. Switch to granular-only stops.
Rain currently falling (light)	GRANULAR ONLY	Granular OK in light rain. No liquid applications.
Heavy rain / downpour	STOP	Stop all products. Unsafe to operate equipment. Wait or call manager.
Standing water on lawn	SKIP	Do not apply to standing water. Reschedule the stop.

Wind Decisions

Condition	Decision	Notes
Wind < 10 mph	GO	Normal conditions. Apply as usual.
Wind 10–15 mph	GRANULAR ONLY	No liquid applications. Granular is OK. Record wind speed on tablet.
Wind > 15 mph	STOP	No applications of any kind. Wait for conditions to improve or call manager.

Temperature Decisions

Condition	Decision	Notes
Temp above 85°F + high humidity	ADJUSTED	No liquid herbicides — increases volatilization and burn risk. Reduce Trimec 992 rates. Follow heat-adjusted printout.
Temperature above 90°F	ADJUSTED	Follow heat-adjusted rates per round printout. Monitor for drought stress. Consider NCT for herbicide in extreme heat + drought.
Heat index > 100°F	CHECK	Check with manager before running full route. Heat safety for you comes first.
Frost expected overnight	NO APPLY	No applications if temp expected below 40°F that night.
Ground frozen	NO APPLY	Do not apply granular — it won't activate on frozen ground.
Snow on ground	NO APPLY	Do not apply anything. Product will not reach soil.

Severe Weather

Condition	Decision	Notes
Lightning in area	STOP	Get off equipment immediately. Get off open ground. Return to truck. Wait 30 minutes after last thunder.
Flash flood warning	STOP	Stop route immediately. Return to the shop. Do not attempt to continue.
Hail	STOP	Return to truck. Do not operate equipment in hail. Resume when clear.
Tornado warning	SHELTER	Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Do NOT stay in truck. Call manager when safe.

💨

Wind rule: If you can feel the spray mist coming back at you, it's too windy to spray. Switch to granular or wait it out. Always record wind speed on your tablet.

⚡

Lightning safety: Get off all equipment immediately. Do NOT shelter under trees. Get inside a building or your truck (windows up). Wait 30 full minutes after the last thunder before resuming.

Product-Specific Weather Rules

Product / Type	Weather Rule	Why
Trimec 992 (liquid herbicide)	Reduce rates at 90°F+. No application in extreme heat + drought.	High temps increase volatilization — herbicide evaporates and can drift/burn turf.
Pre-emergent (Capitol/Prodiamine)	Needs moisture within 7 days to activate	Granular sits on top of dry soil without activating. Rain or irrigation needed.
Grub prevention (Acelepryn)	Customer must water in after application	Product needs to reach root zone where grubs feed. Rain is beneficial.
Liquid insecticide	No spray in wind > 10 mph. No spray in rain.	Drift and wash-off reduce effectiveness and increase off-target risk.
Granular fertilizer	Light rain = good. Frozen ground = no.	Moisture activates granular. Frozen ground prevents absorption.
Fungicide spray	Apply in calm conditions. Avoid rain for 2 hours.	Needs drying time on leaf surface to be effective.

Heat Safety — For You

Sign	What It Means	What to Do
Excessive sweating, thirst, headache	Heat exhaustion — early stage	Take a break in shade or truck AC. Drink water. If symptoms don't improve in 15 minutes, call manager.
Dizziness, nausea, confusion	Heat exhaustion — advancing	Stop work immediately. Move to cool area. Drink water. Call manager. Seek medical attention if worsening.
Hot dry skin, no sweating, disorientation	Heat stroke — medical emergency	Call 911 immediately. Move to shade. Cool with water. This is life-threatening.

🌡️

Heat index > 100°F: Check with manager before running a full route. Drink water every 15–20 minutes. Take shade breaks. Your safety comes before completing the route.

Seasonal Weather Patterns — Michigan

Season	Common Weather Challenges	What to Watch For
Early Spring (Mar–Apr)	Frost, rain, freeze/thaw cycles	Check for frost before applying. Ground may be frozen early morning but fine by 10 AM. Snow mold visible.
Late Spring (May–Jun)	Thunderstorms, variable temps	Watch radar for afternoon storms. Morning application often safest. Wind picks up afternoon.
Summer (Jul–Aug)	Heat, drought, severe storms	Heat-adjusted rates mandatory 90°F+. Watch for heat exhaustion. Afternoon storms common.
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Wind, rain, early frost	Leaves can obscure lawn conditions. Wind increases. Last round before ground freezes.

Rain & Your Products — What Happens

Scenario	Granular Effect	Liquid Effect
Light rain during application	Beneficial — helps activate	OK — sticker agent keeps product on leaf
Heavy rain within 1 hour	Fine — product washes into soil as intended	May reduce effectiveness — product washed off before absorption
Rain within 24 hours	Ideal — exactly what granular needs	Should be fine — most absorption happens within 2 hours
Customer asks "it rained, does it still work?"	"Rain is actually good for granular — helps it activate."	"Our liquid products have a sticker agent. If weeds don't respond in 14 days, we'll come back free."
Downpour during insecticide application	Grub prevention: rain helps water it in	Surface insecticide: may need reapplication. Report to manager.

📋 End of Day Issues

The last 30 minutes of your day are critical. Complete, accurate reporting protects you, helps the office, and sets up tomorrow. Don't rush this part.

TEOD Form — What to Include

Field	What to Report
Stops completed	Total stops serviced today. Should match your route count minus any skips.
Product usage	Actual amounts used. Compare against what was loaded.
Upsells	Every upsell code entered today. Even if customer said "maybe."
Service calls completed	Any callbacks you handled. Note what was done.
Equipment issues	Anything that needs repair or attention before tomorrow.
Unserviceable properties	Properties you skipped and why (dog, gate, standing water, etc.)
Quick Call Logs	Confirm each QCL with your manager before submitting TEOD.

Common End-of-Day Problems

Problem	What to Do
TEOD form won't submit	Check all required fields are filled. Check internet connection. Try a different browser. If still failing, screenshot the error and tell your manager.
Forgot to submit TEOD	Submit as soon as possible. Call manager to let them know it was late.
Can't clock out of Mobile Live	Try restarting the app. If it still won't let you clock out, call your manager.
Clock-out not working	Document your time manually. Tell your manager the same day — do not wait until tomorrow.
End of Day report won't print	Check printer connection (Bluetooth). Try re-pairing. You can view the report on screen instead.
Product counts don't match	Recount. If there's a real discrepancy, report to manager — don't adjust numbers to make them match.
Stop count doesn't match printout	Reconcile before leaving area if possible. Document any discrepancy and report to manager.
Forgot to enter data for a stop	Enter it from memory or notes before clocking out. If you can't remember details, tell your manager.
Can't remember what you applied at a stop	Check your tablet history first. If history is unavailable, call manager — do not guess.
Missed a stop on route	If time allows, go back. If not, report the missed stop to your manager for rescheduling.
Left product at customer's property	Return and retrieve if same day. If you can't go back, call manager immediately.
Leftover product in tank at end of day	Return to shop. Do NOT dump on the ground, on a property, or down a drain.
Equipment damage found during cleanup	Report to manager. Tag or mark the equipment so it doesn't go out tomorrow without repair.
Spill kit used today	Report usage. Restock kit before next shift — do not go out with an incomplete spill kit.
Accident/incident occurred today	Report same day regardless of severity. Fill out incident report. Do not wait until tomorrow.

End-of-Day Cleanup Checklist

Step	Task
1	Clean buggy: blow off fertilizer buildup, scrape paddles, check for oil leaks / broken springs / worn bearings / loose mufflers
2	Clean hose reel and hand can: flush if switching products next day, clear nozzles
3	Organize truck: products secured, containers sealed, report faulty equipment
4	Blow out truck bed: remove spilled granular (fertilizer dust clogs radiators)
5	Reconcile product: verify tablet entries match actual application
6	End of Day report printed/reviewed in Mobile Live
7	TEOD form completed in The Yard
8	Office invoice copies turned in
9	Quick Call Log entries confirmed with manager
10	Clocked out of Mobile Live
11	Tablet stored securely and charging

Product Reconciliation

Task	How	Why It Matters
Know what you started with	Check load sheet before leaving yard	You need a baseline to reconcile against at end of day.
Verify tablet entries match actual application	Compare product amounts entered on tablet vs. what's left in truck	Mismatches indicate data entry errors or application rate problems.
Check all X'd product lines are correct	Review each stop — any product lines you X'd should actually have been unused	False X entries create false inventory data and billing gaps.
Report any discrepancy	Tell your manager — don't adjust numbers to make them "match"	Fudging numbers hides real problems (calibration, application rate, waste).

Equipment Cleanup Detail

Equipment	What to Do	What to Look For
Z-Spray / Buggy	Blow off all fertilizer buildup. Scrape spreader paddles.	Oil leaks, broken springs, worn bearings, loose muffler, cracks in frame.
Hose reel / Hand can	Flush with clean water if switching products next day. Clear nozzles.	Hose cracks, nozzle wear, pump seal condition.
Truck bed	Blow out spilled granular. Organize products.	Fertilizer dust builds up and clogs the radiator over time. Keep it clean.
Product containers	Seal all containers. Secure in truck.	Any leaking containers? Damaged labels? Report for replacement.
Spreader	Clean gate mechanism. Remove any clumped product.	Gate spring working? Impeller clean? Hopper cracked?

🧹

Cleanup is not optional. A clean truck and calibrated equipment protects customers, protects the company, and makes your next morning faster. Skipping cleanup creates tomorrow's problems.

Morning Checklist — Before Leaving the Yard

Step	Task
1	Tablet charged and powered on
2	Logged into Mobile Live
3	Route loaded — correct stop count verified with printout
4	Special instructions reviewed on flagged stops
5	Bluetooth printer paired and test print successful
6	Morning voicemail/email changes reviewed with manager
7	Equipment pre-checks done (fuel, oil, spray test, tires)
8	Products loaded and verified for today's round
9	SDS binder in truck, spill kit stocked

At Each Stop Checklist

Step	Task
1	Address confirmed visually before pulling up
2	Timer started on arrival
3	Application completed per route sheet
4	All products entered on tablet — unused fields cleared with X
5	Condition codes entered accurately
6	Upsell codes entered if applicable
7	Temperature, wind speed, lawn rating entered
8	Specialist notes written for any issues
9	Invoice printed — customer copy in door hanger bag
10	Timer stopped and entries saved
11	Blow off buggy before driving to next stop

📞 When to Call Your Manager

If any of the following happen, stop what you're doing and call your manager. Don't try to handle these alone. A quick call now prevents a big problem later.

📱

Save your manager's number. Have it in your phone's favorites for quick access. If your manager doesn't answer, call the office main line. If neither answers and it's an emergency, call 911 first, then keep trying your manager.

Call Immediately — Safety

Situation	Action
Any injury (you, coworker, or bystander)	Call immediately. Call 911 if serious. First aid first, then report.
Chemical spill on customer property or public area	Call immediately after containing. Follow Three C's protocol.
You feel sick/lightheaded from chemical exposure	Stop work. Move to fresh air. Call manager + seek medical attention. Refer to SDS.
Equipment catches fire	Get away from equipment. Call 911 first. Then call manager.
Brake failure or unsafe vehicle/equipment condition	Call immediately. Do NOT drive with bad brakes. Equipment stays put.
Aggressive animal encounter you can't safely avoid	Leave the area. Call manager from a safe distance.
Lightning with no shelter available	Get to truck immediately. Call manager to discuss route.

🆘

Emergency contacts: 911 for immediate danger. CHEMTREC 800-424-9300 for chemical transport emergencies. MI Dept. of Agriculture 800-405-0101 for pesticide incidents.

Call Immediately — Application Errors

Situation	Action
Applied to the wrong property	Call immediately. Office handles all customer communication.
Wrong product loaded or wrong rate applied	Call immediately. Document all affected stops.
Fertilizer burn visible from your application	Call immediately. Document with photos.
Spray drift onto neighboring property or garden	Call immediately. Do not contact the neighbor.

Call Immediately — Property & Customer

Situation	Action
Any property damage you caused	Call immediately. Document everything. Do not offer to fix it yourself.
You discovered significant pre-existing damage	Call to report. Document with photos so it's clear you didn't cause it.
Customer threatening legal action	Call immediately. Say nothing further to customer. Let manager handle.
Customer is threatening, hostile, or making you feel unsafe	Leave the property. Call manager from a safe location.
Customer wants immediate answers about billing/cancellation	Call to coordinate. Never handle billing or cancellation decisions in the field.
Customer asked you to do something outside your program	Call first. Never improvise services that aren't on your route sheet.

Call Early — Route & Schedule

Situation	Action
Route significantly behind schedule	Call at lunch, not at end of day. Early notice helps with rescheduling.
You're unsure if weather is safe to apply	Call and ask — never guess. Manager would rather you check than make a mistake.
Equipment damage that could affect service quality	Call before continuing route. Manager decides if you swap equipment or adjust.
Cannot load route and all troubleshooting failed	Call. Do not leave the yard without a loaded route.
App crashes repeatedly and you cannot complete stops	Call after 2nd crash. Don't wait until end of day.
Tablet damaged, lost, or stolen	Call immediately. Security and data concern.
Leaking chemical tank (active, not just condensation)	Call and return to shop. Do not continue route.

📌

The rule is simple: If you're unsure whether to call, call. Your manager would rather hear from you early than find out later. No one has ever gotten in trouble for asking a question.

Things You Should NOT Do

Don't	Why
Don't use a coworker's login credentials	Every action is tracked to your account. Shared logins create audit problems.
Don't skip entering data because of a tech issue	Catch up when resolved. Missing data creates billing and inventory gaps.
Don't ignore a persistent issue hoping it fixes itself	Small problems become big problems. Report early.
Don't quote prices to customers in the field	Office handles all pricing. Enter the upsell code and let them follow up.
Don't promise a customer a specific outcome	Results depend on many factors. Set realistic expectations.
Don't attempt major equipment repairs in the field	Unless directed by management. Report and let the shop handle it.
Don't admit fault or deny when customer claims damage	Document everything. Let your manager evaluate and respond.
Don't dump leftover product on the ground or down drains	Environmental violation. Return product to the shop.
Don't go back to a stop without manager direction	Returning without authorization can create confusion and liability.
Don't hide mistakes — ever	A reported mistake is manageable. A hidden mistake becomes a crisis.

Animal Encounters

Situation	What to Do
Unleashed dog approaches you	Stay calm. Do not run. Back away slowly. If aggressive, get to your truck. Skip property and report.
Dog behind fence is aggressive	Do not enter property. Note on tablet. Move on. Office will contact customer.
Wildlife (deer, coyote, etc.) on property	Wait for animal to move on. Do not approach. If it won't leave, skip and return later.
Bee/wasp nest discovered during treatment	Back away slowly. Note location. Do not disturb nest. Report for pest tech follow-up.
Snake encountered	Do not approach or attempt to identify. Back away. Note on tablet. Continue route.
Customer's pet approaches you mid-treatment	Stop application. Alert the customer to bring pet inside. Wait until clear to resume.

Personal Safety Situations

Situation	What to Do
You feel sick/lightheaded while working	Stop work. Move to shade or truck AC. Drink water. Call manager. Seek medical if symptoms don't improve in 15 minutes.
Chemical splash in eyes	Flush with clean water for 15 minutes minimum. Call manager. Seek medical attention. Refer to SDS Section 4 (First Aid).
Chemical on skin (rash, burning)	Wash thoroughly with soap and water per SDS. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical if irritation persists.
Slip/fall on customer property	Assess your condition. If injured, call manager. Document where and how it happened. Seek medical if needed.
Back injury from equipment	Stop. Do not try to "work through it." Call manager. Seek medical evaluation same day.
Bee sting (known allergy)	Use EpiPen if you carry one. Call 911 immediately. Call manager.
Bee sting (no known allergy)	Monitor for swelling, hives, difficulty breathing. If any allergic symptoms, call 911. Otherwise, continue route.
Dehydration signs (dark urine, headache, cramping)	Drink water. Take a break. If severe, call manager. Prevention: drink water every 15–20 minutes in heat.

🏥

Emergency contacts: 911 for immediate danger. CHEMTREC 800-424-9300 for chemical transport emergencies. MI Dept. of Agriculture 800-405-0101 for pesticide incidents. Your SDS binder has product-specific emergency info.

Vehicle & Driving Issues

Situation	What to Do
Minor fender bender (your fault)	Exchange info. Take photos. Call manager immediately. Do not leave the scene.
Minor fender bender (other driver's fault)	Exchange info. Take photos. Get witness info if available. Call manager.
Truck stuck (soft ground, snow, mud)	Do not dig deeper by spinning wheels. Call manager. May need tow.
Locked keys in truck	Call manager. Do not break a window. AAA or locksmith may be needed.
Low fuel on route	Refuel at nearest station. Use company card. Don't run out on a customer's street.
Warning light comes on during route	Note which light. If temperature or oil pressure — pull over immediately. Others — call manager for guidance.

Quick Condition Code Reference — Lawn

Code	Meaning	When to Use
NP	No product / do not treat area	Vegetable gardens, new seed, sensitive areas
NCT	No chemical treatment	Extreme heat + drought — skipping herbicide
WI	Wind affected treatment	Wind conditions impacted spray pattern or coverage
FUN	Fungicide recommended/applied	Active fungal disease present
GRP	Grub prevention / grub damage	Grub damage present or prevention applied
SCF	Service call — free	Full-program customer callback
UCP	Upsell — customer program	Customer is a candidate for additional services
LAR	Liquid aeration — spring	Upsell recommendation for compacted soil
FLA	Liquid aeration — fall	Upsell recommendation for compacted soil
SOL	Soil conditioner	Recommend for poor soil biology or compaction
LDT	Liquid dethatch	Excessive thatch buildup present

Quick Condition Code Reference — Tree & Shrub

Code	Meaning	When to Use
TPB	Tree/plant blooming	Do not apply insecticide — pollinators present
C02	Planted too deep	Root flare buried, bark decay risk
C03	Tree exceeds spray height	Flag for trunk injection — do not spray
EXM	Excessive mulch	Volcano mulching — recommend correction
TLS	Leaf scorch	Heat/wind stress — not disease. Recommend watering.
TOW	Over-watering	Yellowing despite wet soil — reduce irrigation
TIS	Watering instruction	Customer needs watering guidance for trees
TIN	Water after systemic treatment	Customer must water deeply within 24 hours
BLK	Black Knot disease	Cherry/plum — prune 4" below knot
TFB	Fire Blight	Crabapple/pear — prune 8–12" below symptoms
BW	Bagworms	Arborvitae/juniper/spruce — treat or hand remove
AD	Adelgids	Woolly masses on conifers — systemic needed
GIR	Girdling root	Root wrapping trunk — recommend arborist evaluation
TWN	Winter damage (general)	Wait until spring growth to evaluate recovery

Quick Reference — Application Methods

Code	Meaning	Equipment
BLB	Blanket Spray — Buggy	Z-Spray / Permagreen ride-on
BLH	Blanket Spray — Hose	Hose reel from truck
SSC	Spot Spray — Hand Can	Hand can / backpack
GRA	Granular Application	Spreader (ride-on or push)
DRF	Deep Root Feeding	Injection probe (tree/shrub)
TRI	Trunk Injection	Arbor Systems / Wedgle

Common Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning
TEOD	Technician End of Day (form in The Yard portal)
QCL	Quick Call Log (note to office from the field)
SDS	Safety Data Sheet (chemical info binder in truck)
PPE	Personal Protective Equipment
DBH	Diameter at Breast Height (tree sizing at 4.5 feet)
SA5	RealGreen Service Assistant 5 (office software — do not troubleshoot)
GRP	Grub Prevention program
LCP	Lawn Care Program (standard)
TSP	Tree & Shrub Program
CPP	Complete Plant Protection program
R1–R6	Round 1 through Round 6 (seasonal application rounds)

Program Tiers — What Customers Have

Tier	What's Included	Service Call Policy
Basic	4–6 applications, no grub prevention	Service calls may have a fee — check with office before promising free callback.
Gold	Lawn Care Program (LCP) + Grub Prevention (GRP)	Free service calls for covered issues.
Platinum	Gold + Liquid Aeration, $5 discount	Free service calls. Priority scheduling.
Diamond	Platinum + Soil Conditioner (SOL), $10 discount	Free service calls. Priority scheduling. Best value for the customer.

💰

Prepay discount: Customers who prepay get 7% off. If a customer asks about discounts, say: "We do offer a prepay discount — the office can walk you through the details."

Specialist Notes — When to Write Them

Situation	What to Note	Who Reads It
Lawn condition that needs follow-up	Describe the issue, location on property, severity	Manager reviews at end of day. May trigger service call.
Customer expressed interest in additional service	What they asked about, their name if not obvious from stop	Office follows up with pricing and scheduling.
Customer expressed dissatisfaction	What they said, your response, any promises you did NOT make	Manager calls customer to resolve. Your documentation protects everyone.
Property access issue	Describe the issue (locked gate, aggressive dog, no access)	Office contacts customer to arrange future access.
Equipment issue at a specific property	What happened, which equipment, impact on service	Manager + mechanic. Helps track recurring issues.
Unusual lawn condition you can't identify	Describe appearance, take a photo, note location on property	Manager or senior tech will help identify.

Quick Reference — Emergency Numbers

Who	Number	When
Emergency Services	911	Immediate danger to life, fire, serious injury
Poison Control	800-222-1222	Chemical ingestion or exposure questions
CHEMTREC	800-424-9300	Chemical transport emergencies
MI Dept. of Agriculture	800-405-0101	Pesticide incidents, regulatory reporting

The Golden Rules

#	Rule
1	When in doubt, call your manager.
2	Never hide a mistake. Report it immediately.
3	Never apply to the wrong property. Verify the address visually at every stop.
4	Never promise a customer something you can't deliver. Let the office handle pricing, cancellations, and refunds.
5	Safety first — always. Your health, customer safety, and the environment come before completing the route.
6	Document everything. Condition codes, specialist notes, photos. If it's not documented, it didn't happen.
7	Clean your equipment every day. Tomorrow's you will thank today's you.
8	Read the label. The label is the law. When in doubt, refer to the SDS.
9	Treat every customer's property like it's your own.
10	Ask questions. No one has ever gotten in trouble for wanting to learn.

Still stuck?

Call your manager. That's what they're there for. When in doubt, always ask.