Starting a lawn service

[kevcope]

I am wanting to start a lawn care buss. What do I need to do? Do I need a Buss. licence? Do I need insurance? What is the best way to get buss?

[kevcope]

Is there anyone out there who can help?

[RatherbeBassin']

I use a boat when I troll... but to each their own.

[MASTERMOWER]

Please research via Google the requiremnents in California for LCO's. To ask here is pointless.

Please do not cut corners on the legalities. Operation ScumBuster is just one call away.

[jdaddy]

Do some research and make some decisions.

Do you already know what you want to do in the industry? I'm knew at it and for the time being I'm just doing mow n' blow. That's my personal choice. I may do more as I learn more, but for now it's what I want to do.

Research the different services you can provide. Decide what you want to do with it.

Ask your local government what licenses you need to operate. Ask your state what licenses you need to operate.

Do lots of searching and reading. When you know more specifically what you want to do you will be able to find more help on these forums.

[bobkessler]

Generally speaking California is strict. I am positive you will need an occupational license in LA.
You should probably contact your local agriculture extension for some advice. They are connected with University of California and have an office in most counties. They are there to help you.
What made you jump in to this business like you did? What did you do before?

[kevcope]

I just want to start a business. Like the outdoors want to get out of the office.

[Badgerz]

Do your research. Search and read threads on this forum until you feel like you just can't take it anymore. There is so much readily available information here and at other sites it will make your head spin.

Here's a good starting point for you.....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891984756/sr=8-1/qid=1145291300/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-2082515-8478267?%5Fencoding=UTF8

[bobkessler]

Good move.
Good luck!

[kevcope]

How much does one charge for an average yard in Los Angeles? You can mow trim and blow off in less than an hour.

[bobkessler]

Figuring how long it will take to M&B a lawn takes experience. Size is only one factor. Here are some more considerations:
Terrain.....is it hilly; up and down is time consuming
Trees, shrubs, etc.........edge edge edge....... tic toc tic toc tic toc
Parcels, is it cut up instead of being 3,500 sq. ft. of straight terrain
Does it have one of those damn Koi ponds? I hate those!
Is there so much shrubbery you end up doing a clean up almost every time you go?

Example: We had two very premier accounts, Motorola and American Express buildings in Plantation Florida. They were amazingly similar in size except AE had parking on both sides of the acreage, and back. Islands all over the place. It took us almost twice as long to do AE because of that.

To answer your obvious question; no I did not realize how much longer it would take us when I sold the account. Ugh.
Live & learn!