How to optimize your lawn care routes

Fuel costs and windshield time eat into your profits. Smart route planning puts more money in your pocket.

Why route optimization matters

Consider this: If you're driving 30 extra minutes per day between jobs, that's 2.5 hours per week. At 50 weeks per year, that's 125 hours of unpaid driving time—plus fuel costs.

Strategy 1: Group customers by neighborhood

The most effective approach is geographic clustering.

How to implement:

• Map all your customers by address

• Group customers into geographic zones

• Assign specific days to specific zones

• Schedule new customers into matching zones

Example schedule:

• Monday: North suburbs

• Tuesday: East side

• Wednesday: South suburbs

• Thursday: West side

• Friday: Flexible/overflow

Strategy 2: Plan efficient daily routes

Within each zone, optimize the order of stops.

Route planning tips:

• Start furthest from your base

• Work your way back toward home

• Avoid backtracking and crossing your own path

• Account for traffic patterns (avoid rush hour areas)

Tools to help:

• Google Maps route planner

• Skhedio's map view

• Dedicated route optimization apps

Strategy 3: Schedule strategically

Time your visits to minimize wait time and maximize efficiency.

Best practices:

• Leave buffer time between jobs (10-15 minutes)

• Account for varying lot sizes in scheduling

• Schedule larger jobs mid-day, not at start

• Build in lunch near a cluster of afternoon jobs

Strategy 4: Handle new customer requests smartly

Don't take every job everywhere. Be strategic.

Questions to ask:

• Does this customer fit an existing route zone?

• Is the drive worth the job revenue?

• Can I add neighboring customers to justify the drive?

When to say no:

• One-off jobs far from your routes

• Customers who won't commit to recurring service

• Areas too far from your other customers

Strategy 5: Manage crew routes separately

If you have multiple crews, divide territories.

Crew territory benefits:

• Each crew learns their area

• Customers see familiar faces

• Equipment stays with assigned crew

• Easier to track accountability

Dealing with schedule changes

Cancellations and reschedules happen. Have a plan.

Strategies:

• Keep a "fill-in" list of flexible customers nearby

• Offer same-day service discounts for last-minute openings

• Use cancellation slots for estimates or sales calls

Key takeaways

• Geographic clustering is the foundation of efficient routing

• Plan routes that don't backtrack

• Don't chase jobs outside your zones

• Assign territories if you have multiple crews

• Turn cancellations into opportunities