Robert McKenna knew he was suited to work outdoors?he says he “never was the suit and tie kinda guy”?but he had a problem with landscaping companies burning so much gasoline.
In an industry that plants grass and flowers and works on improving the way the land looks, the equipment used can actually be damaging to the environment, McKenna says.
“Air pollution is a serious threat to the health and well being of our planet,” according to McKenna, who started Karma Care last year.
“I always wanted to start a property maintenance company and doing it eco-friendly only made sense,” he says. “As fossil fuels become more scarce it is wise to consider how we use these resources. With Karma Care I am offering the community a green lawn care service that values the natural environment by reducing pollution. More specifically we minimize the use of gasoline and use alternative energy sources as much as possible.”
The Murfreesboro mowing master converted his commercial Scag machine to run on propane instead of gas. The alternative fuel reduces emissions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.
“Propane is a much cleaner burning fuel . . . It is non toxic and insoluble in water, therefore, it offers minimal risks to aquifers, ground water supplies, and soil,” McKenna says. “Also, as opposed to relying on foreign sources, approximately 90 percent of the United States propane supply is produced domestically.”
Pouring gasoline into a tank also has a risk of spilling a certain amount into the ground.
“The EPA states that 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment. That’s more than the oil spilled by Exxon Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska,” says McKenna.
Using a prefilled pressurized propane tank eliminates the possibility of spills.
This attention to detail reflects Karma Care’s care for its customers’ property. McKenna says he enjoys working with a piece of land over time and tailoring it to the owner’s needs and desires.
“By seeing the same clients over and over again we develop a relationship,” he says. “It makes it more fun for the customer and myself. I get to know the customer better and develop the upmost understanding on what I can do for the customer to enjoy their property to their fullest extent. It may lead to the opportunity for a full program, when I really get to see the progress to their property.”
McKenna says he loves working with free reign of a client’s land.
“Full programs are fun because I am in complete control of the property. It is my destiny,” he says. “When I design, install, fertilize, prune, mulch, aerate and seed, I get to perform all my services and view the completed project. It’s very rewarding!
“I am lucky to create the next picture of a piece of land that was once a farm field or forest of trees that was destroyed by urban development,” he continues.
For more information or to find out what Karma Care can do for your lawn, contact McKenna at (615) 838-1342 or karmacare@yahoo.com.
“Enjoy your free time. Let us do our job,” is McKenna’s advice to Murfreesboro homeowners.
