(Written by: Kelly Haskett)
Hiring the right employees is tough. But what if I told you that keeping them starts long before their first day on the job?
In the lawn care, landscaping, and tree care industries, where skilled employees are in high demand and turnover is costly, employee retention starts the moment an offer is accepted—not on day one, not at the first review, and certainly not when you notice signs of disengagement.
Think about the last time you made a big decision—buying a car, moving to a new home, or even switching service providers. You likely felt excitement, but also doubt.
- Did I make the right choice?
- Will this work out in my favor?
- Could this be a mistake?
Your new hires feel the same way. And if you’re not actively reinforcing their decision, someone else—like their current employer or a competitor—is ready to swoop in and change their mind.
Why Retention Starts Before the First Day
Many business owners think their work is done once the offer is accepted. It’s not.
That’s actually where retention begins.
Without engagement between the offer acceptance and start date, new hires are vulnerable to second-guessing. If their current employer counteroffers or another company reaches out with a seemingly better opportunity, they might decide to walk away before even starting.
This is especially true in seasonal industries like lawn care, landscaping, and tree care, where employees often have multiple job opportunities and are weighing the pros and cons of each.
How to Prevent “New Hire Doubt Syndrome”
The goal is to minimize hesitation and reinforce that your company is the right place for them. Here’s how:
1. Celebrate the Decision Right Away
- Call the new hire immediately after they sign the offer letter. A simple “We’re excited to have you join us!” can make a huge impact.
- Send a welcome email outlining what they can expect on day one.
- Consider a personal touch. A handwritten note or a welcome package with company-branded gear (hat, t-shirt, notebook) makes a big impression.
2. Keep Them Engaged Before They Start
- Assign a team member to check in weekly before their start date.
- Provide helpful info. Share details about company culture, upcoming projects, or even a brief introduction to their new team.
- Set up a pre-start team lunch or coffee chat (if possible) so they feel connected before they arrive.
3. Have Everything Ready for Their First Day
Nothing kills excitement like showing up on day one and realizing nothing is ready.
- Workstation & Equipment: If they need a company truck, mower, software login, or tools—have them ready to go.
- HR & Paperwork: Don’t make them spend hours filling out forms on their first day. Get all administrative tasks done in advance.
- Name & Role Visibility: Make sure their teammates and supervisors know who they are and when they’re starting so they get a warm welcome.
4. Plan a Memorable First Day
New employees remember how they feel on their first day. You want them to feel excited, not overwhelmed.
- Have a structured onboarding plan.
- Take them out to lunch with key team members.
- Assign a mentor or buddy to help them get settled.
Why This Matters in Lawn Care, Landscaping, and Tree Care
Unlike corporate office jobs, our industry demands hands-on, skilled labor. If you lose a new hire within the first few weeks, you’re left scrambling to fill the role—and that means delays, lost revenue, and overworked teams.
A structured pre-start and onboarding process saves money and builds long-term loyalty. Employees who feel valued early on are far more likely to stay, engage, and become leaders within your company.
Final Thought: Retention is an Ongoing Process
Even if a new hire accepted a role with you as their “dream job,” they’re still taking a risk by leaving their old one.
Your job is to reinforce their decision at every stage—before they start, on day one, and throughout their career with your company.
Don’t let doubt creep in. Start retention efforts early, and you’ll build a stronger, more committed team.
Written by: Kelly Haskett
Join Our Upcoming Event
Struggling with high turnover or underperforming new hires in your landscaping, lawn care, or tree care business? The root of the problem often lies in the onboarding process. Without a structured approach, new employees can feel lost, disengaged, or even leave within the first few months—costing you time, money, and productivity.
Join us on March 26, 2025 for an exclusive 90-minute deep dive into onboarding strategies that ensure your employees are engaged, productive, and invested from day one. This webinar isn’t just about welcoming new hires—it’s about building a system that retains top talent and strengthens your team.