Tim Hoag wants Austin to turn green.

Well, its lawns anyway.

Hoag started up his own lawn care business, Premier Lawn Care, three weeks ago. He's still in the building stages of his venture, but has found connections -- both new and old -- will help him.

Hoag has worked in lawn care for about 20 years. It's a surprising career choice, considering his training. He went to school for off-press printing, but a maintenance job at Oaks Condominium led him into lawn care.

Dan Morem did lawn care work for the Oaks and showed Hoag the ropes of fertilizing lawns. From there, Hoag worked for Morem Agri-Lawn and other local lawn care business, most recently with Grassroots Lawn Care.

Many of his clients have followed him no matter where he worked and will most likely continue to do so, he said. Perhaps it's his philosophy that keeps them coming back.

"I don't take over ownership of the lawn when I'm working with the customer," Hoag said.

When Hoag started his business, one stop was first on his list.

"I went down and joined the chamber," Hoag said.

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed him in its latest newsletter as a new chamber business. Hoag said belonging helps him with advertising rates with local media and allows him to meet new clients.

"I know just by working with the chamber, you get exposure," Hoag said.

Hoag jokes he is owner, technician and secretary at Premier Lawn Care. So far his office is also his house and often potential clients just knock on his door to set up appointments.

Hoag only fertilizes and does weed control for homes. He tends to use Lesco and Fert-Mix products for his work. On average, he sprays a lawn four times a year, but the frequency is up to the customer.

Fertilizing alone won't produce a good-looking lawn, he said. Customers have to water and mow at the right times as well.

"You can do a lot of damage with the lawn mower," Hoag said. "Over half of your work with lawn owners is educating them."

Since Hoag doesn't mow lawns or do landscaping, he recommends several local businesses to the customers for that work.

When asked what the most satisfying part of his job is, he grinned.

"Annihilating dandelions," he said with a chuckle and adding that the pesky weed is the most common in Austin.

As Hoag gets his business off the ground, he will be setting up appointments. To contact Hoag at Premier Lawn Care, call 433-2401.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com