By Lexi MooreLeenderts Lawn Care will purchase Moeller Spraying Service on Jan. 1.Ronald Moeller, Ellsworth, starting caring for his customer’s lawns nearly 21 years ago. In 2004, he decided he was ready to give up his day job and retire to his flower garden and a canoe that has been dry for eight years.One afternoon, not long after an ad ran announcing the business was for sale, Arlen Leenderts pulled into Moeller’s driveway.Leendert’s who had been mowing lawns off and on for more than 20 years was an eager buyer.He wanted a business that would allow him to continue working as a bus driver for the Hills-Beaver Creek school district and give him plenty of time in the outdoors."I just like being outside," Leenderts said. "It is nice to have a wide open office."Moeller agreed to sell the business and offered to be Leenderts’ business consultant in instruction and training.Leenderts knew he was lucky to have been offered this opportunity and planned to keep Moeller’s reputation alive. "I think he chose me to buy the business because he knew I would keep the business going the way he wanted."Throughout the past year, Leenderts learned spraying tips, supplier hints and years of customer experience.In addition, he purchased all new equipment and passed two Minnesota licensing exams permitting him to spray for pesticides. His licenses cover his work in Iowa as well.By state law, he must continue to take annual classes to maintain a valid license.Leenderts Lawn Care offers spraying, fertilizer and weed treatments, aeration and mowing services for businesses, residential and acreages.Lawn contracts can be arranged following a free estimate. Estimates are based on the square footage of a customers’ yard and the number of weed or fertilizer applications needed to care for the yard.Leenderts said he’s been happy with the response from the community during the past year."We (he and his family) appreciate the support the community has shown and are looking forward to continuing our relationships."Moeller meanwhile is looking forward to working on his hobbies and possibly making some money in the process."I am making duck calls, if people need duck calls — they should talk to me."
