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Ep 131. How to Control: Snails, Fungi, and Administrative Tasks

⏱️ 1:06:29 🎀 Jason Lee, Jordan Upcavage
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 131. How to Control: Snails, Fungi, and Administrative Tasks
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Chapters

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  • 1:45
    Snails and Plant Survival
    Jason discusses the struggles of keeping plants alive in Alachua's extreme weather and an unusual snail problem on society garlic, leading to the decision to plant resilient drift roses.
  • 11:27
    Large Plant Installation
    Jason details a significant plant installation project in Alachua involving hundreds of plants and pine straw, aiming for completion before the July 4th holiday.
  • 17:30
    Efficient Tree Removal
    Jordan shares a success story of a large-scale tree removal project completed efficiently ahead of schedule, leveraging strategic planning and on-site flexibility.
  • 27:47
    Plant Health Care Bid
    Jordan outlines a comprehensive plant health care bid for a large community struggling with unhealthy oak trees due to irrigation issues, soil problems, and phytophthora.
  • 51:37
    Fungicide and Hydretain Use
    The hosts discuss specific treatments, including a humectant wetting agent and a systemic fungicide for phytophthora, followed by MyGrow for soil rehabilitation.
  • 1:16:59
    MyGrow Treatment Success
    Jason observes significant new growth on stressed live oaks and cedars after MyGrow application, highlighting its potential despite difficult environmental factors.
  • 1:24:52
    Innovative Mangrove Trimming
    Jordan describes an innovative and precise method for trimming mangroves using an aerial lift and climbing techniques, adhering to strict environmental regulations.
  • 1:33:15
    Complex Permitting Challenges
    Jordan discusses the complexities and high costs associated with obtaining permits for a downtown Tampa project, including road and sidewalk closures and navigating multiple governing entities.
  • 1:46:58
    Check Fraud and VA Hiring
    Jason recounts the chaos of check fraud leading to a new bank account and the strategic hiring of two virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks and customer service, aiming for improved efficiency.
  • 1:59:43
    Streamlining Operations with VAs
    Jason anticipates that virtual assistants will help streamline operations, track KPIs, and implement overdue systems, freeing up his office manager for more critical, hands-on tasks.

Speakers

J
Jason Lee
Host β€” seasoned landscaper
J
Jordan Upcavage
Host β€” true tree whisperer

Key Takeaways

✦

When facing unusual pest challenges like snails on unexpected plants, adapt your approach, consider alternative plant selections, and ensure diligent application of appropriate treatments following label instructions.

✦

For large-scale planting projects, strategic planning, pre-approvals, and nursery coordination are crucial, especially when working with tight deadlines and specific material requirements.

✦

Bidding projects with a buffer (e.g., 2.5 days for a 2-day job) accounts for unforeseen pain-in-the-ass factors, risk, and mileage, potentially leading to early completion and profit.

✦

Address foundational issues like irrigation and soil quality (e.g., clay bowls, overburdened root balls) before applying advanced plant health care treatments to ensure their effectiveness.

✦

Develop a phased approach to complex plant health care issues, starting with environmental stabilization (moisture, pest, fungus control) before moving to soil rehabilitation and long-term management.

✦

Leverage virtual assistants to offload administrative tasks, bookkeeping, and customer service, allowing your core team to focus on hands-on work and higher-value activities.

✦

Implement stringent financial controls and employee dishonesty insurance, especially when expanding administrative roles, to mitigate risks associated with financial access and prevent fraud.

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