A Way to Save on Lawn Care

When Belinda Turner got poison ivy for the second time, she and her husband decided it was time to get some extra help to maintain their lawns.

As she searched for a lawn care company online, Turner recalled seeing Carolina Greens Turfcare & Landscape Maintenance advertised through PERQS, Duke's employee discount program.

"We wanted to find someone to work with us within our budget and who didn't require a long-term contract," said Turner, executive secretary at Corporate Treasury Operations.

Carolina Greens, a Durham landscaping firm specializing in turf care, landscape services and grounds maintenance, offers Duke employees a 10 percent discount. Duke's discount program also offers savings with a few other lawn care companies.

Last fall, Turner met with Mike Sullivan, business manager from Carolina Greens. Following a walk-through of the property, she was ready for the project to begin. 

"What I like most about Mike is that he listens to what I think I want done and offers constructive suggestions," Turner said.

The crew returned and over two days, workers trimmed hedges, removed stumps, eliminated overgrown shrubbery and weeded flowerbeds near pine trees. "They were very pleasant and knowledgeable," Turner said.

The Carolina Greens crew also is helping to transform Turner’s rental property.

Turner wanted to remove all of the natural rocks at the rental property and replace them with landscape timbers. "Mike suggested that we save our money and use the natural rocks and stuff to make flowerbeds," she added.

Turner, who enjoys gardening, continues to hire Carolina Greens for her properties.

"If I had to rate Mike Sullivan and his crew out of five stars, I would give them a six," Turner said. "They are that amazing."