Green Guru LLC — Irrigation & Landscape Lighting

(248) 790‑0571 8 AM - 5 PM (M-F) 9 AM - 2 PM (Sat)

From the field

Our labor rate goes up & down every day — here’s why

We price service by role and dispatch the crew that delivers the best outcome for your property that day — not a one-size-fits-all hourly number.

Transparent rates Role-based billing Faster outcomes Service-first documentation
Online Booking Request a Free Inspection Tune-Ups & Repairs Startup & Inspection

The short answer

We don’t bill every job as “one tech, one rate”. In peak season we often team up so diagnostics, repairs, and documentation happen faster and cleaner. That can increase the hourly rate, but it often reduces the total time and improves the result.

What counts as “on-site admin/setup”?

These arrival tasks often take about 15 minutes and protect quality and follow-through:

  • confirm needs + safety, locate shutoffs/valves, and identify access constraints,
  • review prior notes/photos, set up documentation, and start the run test,
  • capture findings + recommendations so follow-up stays simple.

Courtesy note: On some first-time visits (new site contact / new homeowner), your technician may apply a one-time courtesy credit of up to ~15 minutes to help get the relationship and project started. It’s optional and not guaranteed.

Why the rate can change (day to day)

  • Crew composition: one tech vs a two-person team depends on the work type, urgency, and staffing.
  • Routing + workload: we group nearby jobs and protect time for peak-season volume.
  • Access + constraints: buried boxes, roots/hardscape, or restricted water access can require more labor.
  • Work type: a quick tune-up differs from parts-dependent repairs or upgrades.

Example: post-activation tune-up + practical repairs

Illustrative scenario (not a guarantee): an activated 8-zone system needing a run test + minor maintenance repairs (straighten 2–3 heads, refit one rotor, replace one spray body, swap clogged nozzles).

Why two people can be better ROI

  • Parallel work: one person runs zones and pinpoints failures while the other fixes/parts-preps.
  • Cleaner verification: run-test is continuous; fewer stop/start cycles.
  • Better documentation: photos/notes captured while repairs are open and visible.

Current rates

Updated . Rates may change; confirm at booking.

Labor rate snapshot
Service call$75.00
Tech (hourly)$140 / hour
Second tech / helper (hourly)$75 / hour
General labor (hourly)$60 / hour

Service note: materials and repair labor beyond the base visit are quoted on-site.

Online Booking Request a Free Inspection

Related: Startup • Tune-Ups • Service Plans

FAQs

Can I request a single tech?

Often, yes. If the work can be handled safely and efficiently by one person, we schedule it that way. Some tasks (heavy digging, complex diagnostics, large sites) are better with two.

Do you ever bill different roles on the same job?

Yes. A tech, helper, and general labor can be dispatched based on what’s needed. Billing by role keeps pricing fair and aligns cost with skill level and outcomes.

Why not publish one flat hourly rate?

A single number hides the real driver: who shows up and what gets done. We publish role-based rates so expectations are clear, and we quote repairs so work is serviceable and repeatable.