Here's what we're doing to prepare for the 2020 growing season amidst the coronavirus pandemic
Updated 3/28/2020: The world seems a bit topsy-turvy right now with COVID-19 occupying much of our thoughts and newsfeeds. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a "stay-at-home" order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, going into effect at 12:01am, March 24. The order expires on April 13 at midnight; our spraying season doesn't begin until May. Good Sweet Earth’s owner and resident “lawn guy” Steve has been keeping his eye on the coronavirus quarantine situation, listening to the guidance of health experts, and as long as the stay-at-home order doesn't get extended, we will begin spraying as scheduled in May. However, we will be doing things differently in order to do our part to "stop the spread." Read on for more (and we’ll be updating regularly, so check back!)
1. We’re taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: ·
2. With Gov. Whitmer's executive order to "stay at home," we're taking precautions, and heeding the state's new requirements. With Gov. Whitmer's “stay-in-place” order (like the governors in New York, California, Ohio and Illinois have), we aren't under a “lockdown.” We can still work in our yards, go for walks, shop for groceries, help vulnerable family members, etc. The executive order is in effect until April 13, and so during this time, we'll only be doing FaceTime and Skype lawn and garden consults.
On March 26, the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association received clarification from the governor's office on lawncare companies, and as things stand now, lawn companies are not considered "essential," and aren't allowed to be in the field working until the stay-at-home order expires. We're keeping an eye on things, and want to do everything possible to keep ourselves, our customers and the entire state healthy, so we will update this as new information becomes available. As mentioned above, we don't start spraying until May, the current executive order keeps us at home through April 13. If the order gets extended into May, we may have to re-work our application schedules to accommodate the situation.
We are also putting a pause on all deliveries of Worm Compost, Raw Biochar, etc. until after the governor's "stay-at-home" order has expired.
3. All of our customers will receive in-full the services they have paid for. If something unforeseen comes up, and our monthly applications need to be paused due to a change in state or federal law, we will either make up missed applications later in the season, or issue credits for next year. We even have a contingency plan for if Steve gets sick mid-season, and cannot spray lawns himself, so that you will continue to receive uninterrupted fertilization service.
4. We have received higher-than-normal requests for Worm Compost this off-season. People, it seems, are preparing to garden like never before. Therefore, as of late March, we are currently sold out of Worm Compost until our worms can digest some more rotten produce and produce some more castings. Thank you for being patient with the worms (and us!).
5. Finally, we know these are stressful times, and we truly value each and every one of our customers, and hope you are all staying healthy (both emotionally and physically). Take the time to spend some time outdoors. There’s a good chance many of us will be spending more time in our yards than ever before this year. We are excited to continue giving you a healthy lawn that you can feel good about playing on. As always, feel free to reach out and talk to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're available by phone: 616.594.0693. And email: office@GoodSweetEarth.com.
1. We’re taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: ·
- Frequent washing of hands with soap and water;
- The use of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when we’re outside the home and unable to use soap and water;
- The practice of “social distancing” by staying at least six feet away from customers when talking with them and no longer going into people’s homes when we’re doing lawn and garden consults;
- Encouraging Face Time and Skype consults for new lawn customers (an added benefit for our planet's health!). We do plan on still doing face-to-face consults, as needed, while maintaining the six-foot buffer.
- Only giving service quotes via email. Steve will no longer be handing anything to customers when he's in the field (another added benefit for our planet's health!)
- And as challenging as it’s been, Steve has finally broken himself of the habit of shaking hands.
2. With Gov. Whitmer's executive order to "stay at home," we're taking precautions, and heeding the state's new requirements. With Gov. Whitmer's “stay-in-place” order (like the governors in New York, California, Ohio and Illinois have), we aren't under a “lockdown.” We can still work in our yards, go for walks, shop for groceries, help vulnerable family members, etc. The executive order is in effect until April 13, and so during this time, we'll only be doing FaceTime and Skype lawn and garden consults.
On March 26, the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association received clarification from the governor's office on lawncare companies, and as things stand now, lawn companies are not considered "essential," and aren't allowed to be in the field working until the stay-at-home order expires. We're keeping an eye on things, and want to do everything possible to keep ourselves, our customers and the entire state healthy, so we will update this as new information becomes available. As mentioned above, we don't start spraying until May, the current executive order keeps us at home through April 13. If the order gets extended into May, we may have to re-work our application schedules to accommodate the situation.
We are also putting a pause on all deliveries of Worm Compost, Raw Biochar, etc. until after the governor's "stay-at-home" order has expired.
3. All of our customers will receive in-full the services they have paid for. If something unforeseen comes up, and our monthly applications need to be paused due to a change in state or federal law, we will either make up missed applications later in the season, or issue credits for next year. We even have a contingency plan for if Steve gets sick mid-season, and cannot spray lawns himself, so that you will continue to receive uninterrupted fertilization service.
4. We have received higher-than-normal requests for Worm Compost this off-season. People, it seems, are preparing to garden like never before. Therefore, as of late March, we are currently sold out of Worm Compost until our worms can digest some more rotten produce and produce some more castings. Thank you for being patient with the worms (and us!).
5. Finally, we know these are stressful times, and we truly value each and every one of our customers, and hope you are all staying healthy (both emotionally and physically). Take the time to spend some time outdoors. There’s a good chance many of us will be spending more time in our yards than ever before this year. We are excited to continue giving you a healthy lawn that you can feel good about playing on. As always, feel free to reach out and talk to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're available by phone: 616.594.0693. And email: office@GoodSweetEarth.com.