Forum

Stihl HSA 130T & HSA130R Vibrating/rattling noise.

Spent the whole day hedge cutting today (Privet) after a couple of hours my HSA 130T started to make a vibrating rattling noise, couldnt make out whether it was coming from the gearbox or the motor. swapped it over and started to use the HSA 130R and

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Jeyes Fluid for deterring rodents?

A commercial client has had a problem with rats causing damge around their AC units. They've had a pest control company come out and one of their suggestions was to apply Jeyes fluid around the buildings on a regular (fortnightly) basis and that woul

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Garden Equipment and More! Looking for Advice - New business owner.

Good morning folks,

I hope this message finds you safe and well.

I have lots of questions, so please bare with me! :D

Earlier this year, I took a leap and went self employed ontop of my employment. I currently offer a wide range of gardening services wh

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Faded Buxus leaves

Morning All. i have a customer with a number of very expensive topiaried buxus, in pots. Since trimming them the leaves appear to be dying, they are a very light green and easy to pull off the plants. I am told he waters them regularly and the soil w

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Stihl lawn edger

We have a Stihl petrol kombi unit and are considering buying a lawn edger attachment.

Do we go for straight or bent shaft?

Are they any good?

Its going to be used solely for cutting grass back against kerbs, concrete and tarmac on large commercial sites

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Employer H&S responsibilities

Hey, we do Grounds maintenance a mix of resi and commercial. I'm looking to get clear all my obligations for staff health and safety. Is there a company that advises which training, tickets, which RAMS, content for toolbox talks etc. etc. (all things

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Top dressing with silver sand?

I've always found top dressing difficult to apply in the pursuit of a level lawn. 

It is as they  say an up-hill task

I've recently made a grass terrace , semi circular , about 4-5m in diameter, (with brick retaining  wall . 

In my haste I may not have

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Ride on mower charge

I usually charge roughly £1 per minute for grass cutting with a minimum of £20 for any job size. And around £50 per hour with my ride on stiga mulcher. Although I'm aware this makes no sense whatsoever in regard to cost of machine. What do you charge

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Honda 4-wheel lawn mower

Hello every one

I want a new petrol Honda 4-wheel lawn mower that is good with wet grass (I know I should get an Etesa).

Do you have any advice on what model to get, please?

Thanks

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Compact Lawn tractor suggestions

Hi all, Sorry to ask but I'm new here and I couldn't find the posts about which was the best all round garden tractor for cutting, towing, and maybe with a front loader attachment for loading etcI look after an estate and told new owners that we nee

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Overseeding

Just after some input from you guys

Going to be doing a lawn scarification and overseed/top dress but because of the naff weather we have had it has taken me ages to get the weedkiller down on the lawn. I have to wait 4 weeks before seeding and that n

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Nature Loving Customers !!!

Had a brief chat with a once a year customer , where I just cut his knee length grass down . I happened to mention the abundance of wildlife in his garden , and that last year I saw some slow worms basking in the sun.

He looked at me and replied " Oh

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Clients contracts for wet Grass cutting

Hi all

Just, interested as we had so much wet weather. What do you do when the grass is so wet for your clients? I know you can cut wet grass, but I am finding sometimes clients turn around and say to wet on a dry day!

Do you have it in contract with y

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Stihl BG86c problems

Hi all, hope this is in the correct thread.

So i've had some BG86c blower problems recently. Long story short, i've replaced the carb with a genuine Stihl carb as my previous one wasn't priming, everything was fine once replaced but on full throttle a

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contract work

Does anyone on here do contract work for Ground Control

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Discussion on Best Landscape Business Management Software

Hi everyone,

I'm Marc, one of the founders of CQ Business Management Software. Some of you might remember us from our earlier days as Custom Quoter. Since then, we've undergone significant changes, not just in name but in the breadth and depth of our

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Re-turfing on flooded top soil

Morning all.

To start, i am a DIYer and by no means an expert gardener.

I have cleared my garden following the completion of my house extension - stripped up the old patchy lawn, rotovated sub soil and imported 10 tonne of topsoil which i spread over t

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How to quote various jobs for a property

Hi all,

I have been asked to give a quote for a property, the owner has said apart from the basics like mowing/weeding there will be various other jobs and is looking for 1 day per week. Now after reading plenty of posts on here about avoiding an hour

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Cherry Blossom Tree

I have a cherry blossom tree to prune in late summer but the length of each leading branch needs reducing by over 50 % ideally by more to ensure it does not encroach customers neighbours property wall and increase light .

Also lots of criss crossing a

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Pricing for School grounds maintenance

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice and guidance really.

I run my own living wall install and maintenance company, however I have been approached by a school to quote for the grounds maintenance.

We can do the project, but I am unsure how to price and

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Wolf Garten Multichange Tools

I have been using these for years but recently I have noticed the latch failing to hold when pulling.  I think one example got a stone lodged inside.  There seems to be no way to remove obstructions.  Has anyone been able to repair these or do I put

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Compost survey

Has anyone else noticed the poor quality of bagged , branded compost ? This seems to be a result of the removal of peat .

We are in the process of a large planting job requiring compost , much of it contains a lot of wood fibre and even small lumps of

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Coming to a large garden near you!!

Yesterday I went to a client to see this - there are two of them, and have been sold to keep their 2 acres of lawn comprising of 3 massive lawns, with hills,scattered trees and shrubs, together with a traditional square lawn near.  the house. TO cut

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Box blight?

So, I am restoring a garden, it is stuffed with Buxus - all are fine, healthy and looking good, even 2m away from this hedge are some that look wonderful, really verdant and 1st class. However there is about 10m of parterre hedging clipped to about 3

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John Deere Z530 Vs Z545 - HELP?

Over the last few months, I have been asking various questions about Zero Turn mowers. I have had some great responses which have helped me significantly in my decision. My choice was the John Deere Z530M with the addition of the Mulch Control Kit. T

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Petrol strimmer gave up

I have the stihl fs131 that has gave up today and i am looking for a new model do use have a recommendation on a decent strimmer 

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Stihl GTA extension

I know that some of us have the brilliant GTA pruner but has anyone got the new extension shaft & what do you think of it ?

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Cobra RM48SPH

Following on from our post re Honda 476 rear roller which seems to be plagued with gearbox issues now looking at the Cobra RM 48SPH, this having BBC and Honda engine around £1100 to help distinguish it from the cheaper Cobra models.

Queries - The hand

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We Need your Advice!

Hi All,

We have been having internal discussions surrounding Landscape Juice and how we need to be moving forward.

We are aware that since the passing of Phil, the site has changed, and we are looking to see what we can do to improve it in any way that

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Watering

We look after numerous housing developments and with new ones imminent we are once again being asked about watering, it's something we've always managed to avoid but it's becoming increasingly likely we can't for much longer, does anyone here offer a

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Full time gardener @ large private garden

Just wondering if there are any full time "employed" gardeners working at a large private garden somewhere that could give me some advise. 

I'm about to start a new career as a full time employed gardener looking after a 25 acre property with 3 acres

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Do You Listen To Podcasts?

Our very own Paul Baker is off to Belfast today to record a podcast with Robbie Lynn from Premier Lawns.

Robbie is creating a series of podcasts with landscaping and gardening business owners where they discuss the ins and outs of running a business i

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Potential Business

First off apologies as I am sure this has been asked before time and time again but I am considering gardening as a second career.

I retire from the police in April 2025 and although I will have a pension I will still need to work and want to work. I

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Scarifying and lawn care

Hi All,

Would anyone have advice on pricing a service offering lawn care - specifically a cut, scarify (1 or 2 passes) clear and then a feed or treatment using specific products? 
There's a fair bit of investment but it's something I really enjoy and w

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Sheep in the garden!

Today I went to the large garden that is my main place of work. Mercifully little storm damage, just debris and a few branches down. There had, however, been sheep, a lot of sheep. A gate had been left open by walkers and the flock got into the garde

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Gardening Business running costs

• Hi Folks
• I was wondering if anybody knows what there actual operating costs are per hour or per garden visit.Over the last few days I've been working mine out for next season taking into account hikes in insurances etc service costs the lot 🤦🏼I'd be i

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granular lawn fertilizer

granular lawn fertilizer do you need a license in northern ireland.

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Commercial Vs residential. What do you say.

Hi all, 

So since dipping my toe in to some larger grounds maintenance/commercial work a month ago or so and buying a ride on mower. I've gone and picked up another 3 larger sites in addition to my first development, so I can make more use of the zero

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Backpack blower

Hi guys! 

I'm in need of a new backpack blower, previously we've made do with a bottom of the range McCullough backpack blower which was bought on a small budget when I first started up. It's now gone way past the time to upgrade it but I'll be the fi

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Trailers for ride on mowers

So.. in the process of setting up the kit for the zero turn, I've been looking at trailer options and trying to work out the best option. 

I'm limited on storage space so I'll be sticking with a 8x5. Single axle utility trailer. The obvious starting p

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Battery tool winter storage bagss

Can anyone recommend suitable winter storage bags for Stihl hedge cutters to protect from moisture which are stored outdoors in an outbuilding ? 

Have found some on line for transporting machines and some made from canvas which are fit for transportin

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Development contract work and pricing

Hi All, 

I'd be interested to see options on pricing for housing developments. 

 

Background on myself. Most of my work is private residential fortnightly maintenance for relatively well off professionals. My standard hourly rate for regular customers i

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Women in Lawn Care

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Bobcat Zero Turn - Any Good?

As the mowing season draws to a close, I am thinking about machinery for next season. Sadly, having dismiseda compact Tracotr with attachments, I am drawn to the Zero Turn Mowers. All of my ride on mowers have been John Deere. It helps that the deale

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Looking at a new lawnmower etesia or weibang

1. Hi i am looking for a new lawnmower for next year and i have narrowed it doen to two etesia and weibang i was wondering if any one have use both if these and what they prefer and why ? How do they run in the wet thanks in advance 

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Fencing

Hi All

My brother is looking for someone to do a small fencing job in Chelmsford.

I'd go and do it but i'm 200 miles away.

Let me know if your intrested.

Thanks in advance Ben

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Rip off servicing

I have a Hsuqvarna 750BTS with which the trigger has been getting sticky for a while. I tried WD40 as though it was just some dust. I had gotten worse & at the beginning of the week I took the trigger apart to inspect it. Only to find that the thrott

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Patio Pointing

Hello

2 years ago I agreed to point a customers patio that he layed himself with Indian sandstone. He laid the paving slabs upside down and very poorly the mortar he jointed with had started falling in the joints.my brief was to clean out any old join

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Specialised Work - Where to Find it/Advertise......

Good Morning,

Forgive me if you think I've come to the wrong place, but it feels like me of you have been around for a long time so might have some handy advice for me.

I set myself up as a self-employed gardener earlier this year when I was let go fro

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18" mower recommendations.

Hi all, I bought a new cobra 53 pro (honda kaaz) this year which has been great but it's a bit heavy for some of my smaller  mowing jobs, also I'm a bit concerned about creating tram lines as the ground gets softer in autumn (due to it being 65kg). 

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How much?

Genuinely enquiring for a friend, I haven't got the kit, or any inclination to do this. He's in Hampshire.

Currently it takes 3 people 1.5 days to do the high privet hedges around his garden, 1 side and top....measured in acres.

The waste is dealt with

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Cheap but good petrol power washer wanted

Hi all

Asked to do a clean of some paving so thinking about buying rather than hire something in, any suggestions? Needs to be petrol please. Will be a days work in total,.I know the cheapest ones aren't for continuous usage, but I'm happy plodding al

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Two Vans

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I was wondering if anybody here runs a two vehicle set up as an individual contractor? I am an arborist and grounds maintenance contractor, currently working from a Toyota Hilux. I bring in sub-contractors on larger jobs an

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Rear discharge mower 21”

One of my jobs I currently mulch, which works well, the area is too big and awkward to collect, but with the wetter weather coming soon im thinking I could do to get a machine that can rear discharge, and leave a fairly decent finish, spread the cutt

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Border Fork with shorter tines?

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a SUITABLE border fork BUT with the shorter tines? 

The shorter tines mean when you dig in you do not turn the deeper soil or disturbe the roots just the top layer to go over and tidy a bed. Where poss

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Pest control

Afternoon 

Does anyone run pest control (rodents and moles etc) alongside their gardening work and if so how does it work for you? I'm thinking of getting certified to do it myself.  

Thanks 

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Best field app

Hi do any of you use any field apps to help you run your business? 

We are looking to simplify our systems so that all client notes, job sheets, and photos are in one place and easily shared between  team members when needed.

We are also looking to mov

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Tools the professionals use

Hiya everyone,

What heavy duty kit do the professionals use??

Specifically:  Secateurs

 

Plan on adding more to the thread later - but for now, just need secateur recommendations ;-)   )

 

Thanks in advance for any advice :-) 

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Honda HRX slow

Hi

 

I recently purchased a Honda hrx 537 but have noticed recently that the speed has slowed down. Top speed is ok not a quick as it first was and anything lower than top speed you practically have to push it.

 

What has happened and how do I fix it?

Tha

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Power washing help

Im in Northern Ireland Bangor

Im starting to do power washing this autumn what is the going rate for per square meter in Northern Ireland. 

Any help would be appreciated. 

 

 

Jim

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If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you do to help the landscaping and gardening industries?

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Battery mowers

evening everyone anybody use the ego mowers commercially and do they do.the business on 2 weekly cuts???

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Wood disposal

Would be grateful of advice regarding how people dispose of old wood?  We have a large build up of old fence panels/pallets/2x4 wood lengths etc.  We usually get a 40 yard roll on roll off skip every so often to dispose of but prices are through the

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Etesia av51 new carb or engine swap?

Hi there, I've recently purchased an old 2001 av51 (kawa fc180v) with a chinese fj180v carb on it, so it doesn't run properly at all.

My options are either a new carb for nearly £200 but which version do I need? 15003-2618 or 15003-2782?

Or I've just f

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another lawn question

Hi guys. another lawn question. sitution, small front lawn on a new build site about 3 years old. In full sun. Lawn is destroyed by leatherjackets over past few years. Customer wants to reseed. Do you think a treatment of nematodes wod be needed? Any

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Echo strimmer

Hi, my petrol stihl fs55 strimmer is getting a bit tired so I think I shall treat myself to a new one soon. I've had it for years so it has served me well but I could do with going slightly bigger for strimming long grass, looking at cow handlebar ty

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Sanding between pavers and puzzled by my performance ?

Just spent Six days jet washing a large drive which is all pavers using an industrial petrol pressure washer . I am not a dedicated professional jet washer and its a job i try to avoid if i am honest . 

The area itself belongs to a property where i do

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Swapping van for a pickup ??

I have a Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive LWB  2018  . It's pristine ( yes I'm sad I hoover it out every night and give it a quick wash )  I've had it from new and am very pleased with it but with all my Stihl machinery being combo and half  the size of my o

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Van floor

Hi all, I'm after a bit of advice. The ply floor in my van is starting to get ripped up a bit, so now it is catching on bags & ripping them. Do I just over board it or I think somebody mentioned stable matting, is this an option? The van has been boa

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Advice for mowing a local park

There is a slight possibility that I might have the opportunity of working for a Parish Council. This will involve maintaining the park grounds, which include a football pitch. At present, I have no further information. If it does work out, I anticip

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Battery tools

I've noticed the big power tool manufacturers do a big range of cordless products Makita big range, and just noticed Milwaukee which are high end productsShould we be looking at these manufacturers or stick with the Stihl or husqvarna gearAs the powe

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Arris Rails

Hi all, I live & work in the South East. Down here we use Arris rails on Closeboard fencing, usually with morticed posts. I am working this weekend up in Sheffield, putting up a new closeboard fence for my daughter. Now I know you lot up North do not

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Commercial grass cutting.

Good morning. I've been in business a good few years now, I mainly concentrate on hedge cutting, fencing and lawn mowing. Unfortunately, due to my back giving me problems and the ever increasing cost of waste disposal i may have to chenge tack and mo

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Bark chip - Big con ?

Be interested in opinions of others on this fascination with covering planted areas with bark chippings.

Been in the trade long enough to remember that the forestry industry had an expensive problem of disposing of this waste by product until someone

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Recommendations for rotary laser level and wet cut table saw

Hi Guys,

Looking for recommendations for rotary laser level and wet cut table saw. As after best part of 10yrs I have had enough using line/ bubble and renting a table saw.

I have a few big porceline jobs coming up and figured instead of renting a tabl

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How do you charge your Battery’s on the go

Hi thats me went fully battery power for all my tools now i am wondering how do yoo charge your batteries on the go most of my jobs are beside each other so a inverter wont be any good and the must of mh clints are ojt so cant use there power to char

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Lawn problems

Quite a few of my domestic lawns are in a sorry state after the dry Summer and wet Winter............... bare patches, moss, weeds.    I was hoping the bare patches from the Summer drought would have picked up but no such luck.  Wondering what the be

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What a way to run a business!

Currently sourcing niche / specialist plants for an extensive new herbaceous bed with the specification needing unusual not readily available plants.  

Using the RHS website to find growers and suppliers , contacted 20 specialist nurseries by either e

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What wetting agents are you using?

I'm new to the world of wetting agents but I'm thinking of giving them a try this season. There seems to be loads of choice out there. What are people's preferred option? 

Also. Do you dilute a wetting agent and apply via a knapsack. If so. Generally

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Kill off moss pet frendly way and to feed

Hi all

I got a lawn with a lot of moss in it! The client has pets so what is the best way to get rid of the moss, do I just scarfie it or is there something to put onto it that will help with killing it off, please?

Also what is the best way of feeding

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