Aerating/Power raking

[grnwnv]

What do you guys charge for aerating and power raking? I've been told doulble your lawn cutting rate for aerating (more if they want the plugs removed). Three times the lawn cutting rate for power raking because clean up takes longer. Does this sound about right?

Thanks
GRNWNV

[mariner]

Why would you want to remove the plugs? Don't let anyone tell you that needs to be done. You are supposed to leave them on the lawn to break down. It is in itself an organic process.

[grnwnv]

I hear you, but sometimes (rarely) they insist. What about the pricing though?

[Stephen M.]

Aerating price is generally 1-2 times what you charge for a lawn mowing or a penny a square foot, + or -. However the .01/sf doesn't work if the lawn is 2000 sf., so establish a minimum charge for say up to 5000sf, and x amount per 1000 sf after that. I live in a rural county in WA and there can be 10-15 miles between jobs, so I set my minimum charge at $70. I own a Turfco Pro 26 which can do up 3/4 acre of flat land per hour; however if you been in this business for long, you know not to trust manufacturer propaganda on time estimates! Even if you have to rent a machine, time yourself and include machine costs, labor (you), travel time, and desired profit into your price.

It's usually the elderly who want the plugs picked up and you need to conduct education 101 why you shouldn't--"don't lose those important nutrients in that plug, it's fertilizer." One estimating formula says that you can rake 1000sf every 10 minutes by hand, so double that for pick up and disposal to your truck. Even if you don't want to be cornered on a $$ amount per hour, always pay yourself well.

[mariner]

I wouldn't even bother with someone who wanted em picked up. I don't have time for that crap!

[grnwnv]

What about the Aerating vs. Power raking cost difference? Anyone?

Thanks.

[Stephen M.]

Power raking with pick up is $.05/sf or min. charge of $125. I find most lawns require 2 passes in opposite directions. Really crappy lawns require 4 passes.
Minimum charge for machine overseeding is $.05/sf.