I'd never heard of thatching before. We have someone who mows are lawn, but I don't have any idea if he did any of that or not. The lawn is starting to grow a little more each week, though, as the temperature comes up gradually and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds.
Sounds like a lot of work goes into prepping for spring, that then pays dividends as the warmer weather progresses. It also sounds like you're almost as much mechanic and tool repairman as you are a landscaper. :) In the long run, though, I imagine it's less expensive for you to do that yourself than to farm it out to someone else, even if there is a time element involved. As the owner, you can afford to be time-flexible, right? :)
I would imagine that your landscaper did as long as your paying for the full spring cleanup, the objective for most of our accounts is to make them look like doll houses. Though maintenance on grass can be different in different areas. In a climate zone that gets cold enough for the grass to go to dormancy, I would recommend it. Matted down from snow it allows the lawn to breath among other things.
A lot of work does go in, though I am very glad to say I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and already have my eye on my next fishing trip. I don't own the company (which I am glad about, so much more work) the owner gets the work and I manage the crew. Often if something breaks down to the point Im wasting time, Joe the owner will bring it back to his shop while the day is completed. We save tons of money self servicing and it keeps us going, we can't move while stuff is in the shop. I wish I could be time flexible but people want their cleanup done and when weekly cuts come our week isnt done untill all of the houses are cut. and that doesn't include trimmings and hardscapes. Once cuts come I will have way more time to be active here and on the water.
Thank you :)