Little Oak's Lawn Cutting & Snow Removal

I contacted the owner who responded and provided a quote based on weekly lawn cutting from April through end of October. I indicated that service wouldn't be needed in October and that weekly may not be needed as the season progressed into cooler days. He advised that this is the only 'package' option - through to October 31 and that this provides a set income. I appreciate this, however, imposing services that are not warranted or desired based on need to facilitate income is exploitive. If this is about being able to count on a set income a monthly rate or a shorter season/rate will produce this as well without trying to extend cutting into a wet month when there is no growth. There is no option - pay in full ahead and to end of October.
I inquired as to contingency plan in event he became ill (eg COVID) or was unable to provide service and also inquired about WSIB. He said only he and his son would be able to follow through. I was told he did lawncare in my area on Fridays. He then contacted me to say he'd be at my home the next day (a Thursday) with a contract to sign and could do the lawn. I asked for confirmation of a timeframe when I could expect him (it's COVID and I'm a professional working from home with meetings pre-scheduled ). The times didn't line up given when he was in this area and my scheduled commitments. He suggested 6:30 pm but again I had a work meeting (I'm in healthcare). He provided me his cell and I did text shortly thereafter to indicate I had rearranged my meeting and we could proceed at 6:30/6:45. I never heard from him. I texted to ask if it was still a go - nothing. I called his phone and got vm. I then received a very rude email stating that he has never run into so many difficulties coordinating with someone (seriously - you don't have working professionals who can drop everything with little notice?) and that he had changed his policies for me (I have no idea to what he was referencing - what policy, what did he supposedly relax when I didn't even meet him or see a contract?) and that he wasn't going to proceed with me. I was stunned to receive an email rather than the courtesy of a phone call or some professional demeanour should there be concerns. I found this very unprofessional, and rude. I'd hope that there might be a more customer-focused, polite interaction. Regardless, I dodged a bullet. I'd not recommend based on mannerisms and all or nothing approach.

Not too impressed with the owner. One of the biggest draughts in the summer, no rain for weeks, but he came weekly and barely did a thing. Was at the home for maybe 5 minutes. Had me stay in the house for "safety" reasons, but there was one time when I came out to the car port to check the mail and he came up to me and said "What did I tell you?" Very degrading, made me feel horrible. Will not be getting him next year. he doesn't need to talk to me like that, and I really thought he was only in the front yard, and finished the back, as I could not notice any difference with his work.

Chris cuts grass for us as needed, aerates lawns, does whatever he is asked. He is quick, focused and efficient. He dug up several patches of our lawn where we had weeds we just couldn't get rid of and then lay new sod. He responded quickly to our request, and did the job well and in a tidy fashion.