Question 1

How long has The Groundsmasters been in business?

Accepted Answer

We were founded in 1984 and have operated continuously for over 42 years under the same veteran ownership. That longevity means we've worked through every type of southern Minnesota season — and our processes reflect decades of field-tested adjustments.

Question 2

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Owatonna, Faribault, Waseca, Medford, Blooming Prairie, Dodge Center, Ellendale, Kenyon, Morristown, Claremont, West Concord, Mankato, North Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin, Northfield, Lakeville, Apple Valley, and surrounding communities across Steele, Rice, Waseca, Dodge, Goodhue, and Dakota counties. Our crews run established weekly routes, so service stays consistent even for communities farther from our Owatonna base.

Question 3

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — fully licensed, bonded, and insured with current certificates on file. Our fertilizing and weed control applicators hold Minnesota Department of Agriculture licenses with annual continuing education. Irrigation technicians are state-licensed PVB and RPZ backflow testers. We carry full liability and workers' compensation coverage on every crew.

Question 4

Do you serve both residential and commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

We do. Our client base ranges from single-family homes and townhome HOAs to retail centers, churches, schools, medical offices, and municipal properties. Our equipment fleet scales from walk-behind mowers for tight residential lots to zero-turn riders and plow trucks for multi-acre commercial sites.

Question 5

Is The Groundsmasters veteran-owned?

Accepted Answer

Yes — veteran-owned and operated since day one. The discipline, accountability, and follow-through that come from military service are baked into how we train crews, plan routes, and communicate with customers. It shows in the consistency of the work.

Question 6

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Lawn care (mowing, aeration, rolling), fertilizing and weed control, mulching and infusionator mulch recoloring, landscape design and installation, decorative concrete curbing and flatwork, sprinkler system design/installation/service, mosquito and tick control, emerald ash borer treatment, tree pruning and removal, stump grinding, parking lot and boulevard sweeping, snow plowing with salting and ice management, and permanent Trimlight outdoor LED lighting.

Question 7

Do you offer year-round service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Growing-season services (lawn care, landscaping, irrigation, bug control) run April through November. Snow plowing crews operate 24/7 during winter events from November through March. Trimlight installations and concrete work fill the shoulder seasons. Bundling across seasons means one provider handles your property all year.

Question 8

Can I bundle multiple services for a discount?

Accepted Answer

Bundling is the most cost-effective approach. Customers who combine mowing, fertilizing, and aeration into a single program typically save 10–15% compared to à la carte pricing, and they get priority scheduling during peak windows. Call us for a customized package quote based on your property.

Question 9

Do you install and service all sprinkler system brands?

Accepted Answer

We service Toro, Hunter, Rain Bird, Weathermatic, Irritrol, Nelson, and other major brands. As Irrigation Association members, our state-licensed technicians handle new system design, installation, spring startup, mid-season repairs, controller upgrades, and fall winterization — regardless of who originally installed the system.

Question 10

What is mulch recoloring and when does it make sense?

Accepted Answer

Our infusionator technology sprays a non-toxic, plant-safe colorant onto existing mulch, restoring it to like-new color in hours. It makes sense when your mulch still has 1.5+ inches of depth but has faded or grayed — saving 40–60% versus tearing out and replacing. If depth is thin, we add a fresh layer first, then recolor for the best of both.

Question 11

How do I get a free estimate?

Accepted Answer

Call (507) 455-0081, email info@rsbsmanagement.com, or submit a request through our website. We visit your property in person, measure the scope, and provide a written quote — typically within 24–48 hours of your request. No cost, no obligation, no follow-up pressure.

Question 12

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Cash, Check. Commercial accounts can set up monthly invoicing for recurring services, making budgeting straightforward across the season.

Question 13

Do you require contracts?

Accepted Answer

It varies by service. Snow plowing and recurring lawn programs use seasonal contracts so we can lock in your route position and guarantee response times. One-time work like tree removal, mulching, or concrete is quoted per project with no long-term commitment. We'll explain the options during your estimate.

Question 14

How much does lawn mowing cost in the Owatonna area?

Accepted Answer

Lawn care pricing depends on your property size, terrain, obstacles, and service frequency. Every property is different, so we provide free, on-site estimates with a written scope that shows exactly what's included. No surprises, no obligation. Call us or request an estimate online and we'll have accurate pricing for your specific property within 48 hours.

Question 15

Is there a charge for the estimate?

Accepted Answer

Never. Every estimate is free, on-site, and comes with a written scope so you know exactly what's included before you commit. If your needs change after the estimate, we adjust — no re-quoting fees.

Question 16

How quickly can you start service?

Accepted Answer

Most new customers are on the schedule within one to two weeks of approval. During peak spring demand (April–May), lead times may stretch slightly. Emergency services like storm damage cleanup are triaged within 24–48 hours regardless of season.

Question 17

What happens if it rains on my mowing day?

Accepted Answer

We reschedule to the next available day that conditions allow — typically within 24–48 hours. Mowing wet turf tears grass blades and leaves ruts, so we wait for the surface to firm up. You'll be notified of any schedule shift the same day.

Question 18

How does your snow plowing service work?

Accepted Answer

During your pre-season setup, we agree on a trigger depth (1–3 inches, depending on your needs). Once accumulation hits that mark, our radio-dispatched crews automatically service your property — no call needed. Commercial lots are cleared before business hours; residential driveways are cleared by early morning. Crews run continuously during major events with multiple passes as needed.

Question 19

When should I schedule sprinkler startup and winterization?

Accepted Answer

Book spring startup for early-to-mid May, after the last hard freeze risk passes in southern Minnesota (usually around May 5–10). Schedule fall winterization for October — all water must be blown out before the first sustained freeze, typically by early November. Both services fill quickly; booking 2–3 weeks ahead secures your preferred date.

Question 20

Do I need to be home for service?

Accepted Answer

Not for most outdoor work — mowing, fertilizing, aeration, mulching, and bug control proceed as long as we can access the service areas. For sprinkler startups, backflow testing, or any work requiring indoor access (garage, irrigation controller), we coordinate a time window with you in advance.

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