Rates for hedges and bushes

[Bikehigh]

I just bid and got a job for a yard full of shrubbery. I figured seven hours max with cleanup, and bid $210 four times a year. Customer was very happy with the price. I know I could have gotten more, but I'm happy. I just wanted to get into this neighborhood, so I don't really care, plus I like the work. Just for comparison, how much do you all charge for trimming shrubs?

Problem, I've got one hedge that's eight feet tall, plus one shrub that's fourteen feet tall. I can either use a ladder or a long reach articulating trimmer. I want to buy a split shaft if I get a long reach. Any opinions on which brand? I'm leaning towards Redmax or Echo. I know split shaft has gotten pooh-poohed here, so talk me out of it. Or don't.

[Stephen M.]

I have 3 split shaft Echos and I'm happy with the arrangement. If money is a concern, go split shaft. If money isn't a problem, get dedicated units.

[RRS]

I have an Echo split shaft that I started with a few years ago. It made sense at the time because of money restraints. We have the trimmer, edger, and hedge trimmer attachment. The hedge trimmer is the only thing I use it for anymore. I've got a Stihl HL 100K that is very nice and a John Deere H20S. For a 27" blade hedge trimmer I reccomend the John Deere Highly. I think a paid $200 for it two years ago, it's never had a single problem. If you're going to be serious you've got to get an articulating trimmer like the HL100K. It'll pay for itself on the first 8' x 100' hedge you do. Even with these trimmers I still keep a 10' folding ladder on my trailer. I'd probably still have to get on the ladder to tackle the 14' shrub you mentioned.

[PTLlandscapingIL]

I run stihl hs 45 24" great trimmers im gonna get the stihl fs 85 ytrimmer where i can the attachments and use the hegde trimmer on that for alot of the stuff. but as far as priceing goes depending on how much and how ovwer grown they are. if its a regular account that i do normally i charge liek 10 bucks a bush if its way overgrown and needs alot of work it can be as much as 30 a bush

[Bikehigh]

Thanks!

Yeah, I bid it at four times a year. Some of them may require more depending on how neat the customer wants to keep things. Hadn't thought of John Deer, but I did look at Little Wonder trimmers online last night. I liked that the LW can articulate 180 degrees. With a good snow storm headed in this evening, I've got time to investigate.

[Bikehigh]

Thanks!

Yeah, I bid it at four times a year. Some of them may require more depending on how neat the customer wants to keep things. Hadn't thought of John Deer, but I did look at Little Wonder trimmers online last night. I liked that the LW can articulate 180 degrees. With a good snow storm headed in this evening, I've got time to investigate.

[Lawncareman]

I am also just starting a lawn care business and I to would like to know how much to charge a cliet. Right now I have completed two home with hedges. One house has a set of 4 or 5 hedges that are 2 1/2 ft by 2 1/2 ft and run about 12 ft. in length. The second house has a set of hedges that run a length of 25ft with and average hight of 2 1/2 ft and a width of 2 1/2ft. Three on the end are 4ft tall and 3ft wide.
I raked, bagged and hauled all the branches. I also have two other apartment style homes that have hedges that are 2 to 3ft tall and 3ft wide. The total tree line consist of 7 bushes plus two 6ft tall bushes that are 4ft wide. Can anyone tell me a good price to charge each? I want to get this right and not short myself..

Thank guys

[Bikehigh]

Funny this should pop to the top today! I had a great day of trimming and prunning shrubs. Hard to believe it's only been six months since I posted that.
'
For the first house, I can't imagine it taking more than a half hour from arival to deprature. If it's a regular cutomer, I'd charge $25 including disposal. If it's a one shot deal, I'd get them to pay me $30 in cash. For the second house I'd charge $30 for a regular.

Figure out how long it take you, and charge $40-$45 per hour including cleanup.

Roday while I was trimming, a woman walks up and asks if I can remove a downed limb from a tree in her back yard. Sure! I told her $15, she gave me $20, cash. That's a quick case of beer right there!

[Lawncareman]

That's almost what I was thinking,, I just needed other opinions.
An if there are more opinions out there they are by almeans welcome..
Im a new guy so info is what I need... Once people see you out working they ask you to do much more then just mowing.. Once some lady asked me to remove poison ivy vines from the side of her house. I did not go for it. I let the hubby do the honors I showed him how to cut the tap root an I stood aside..

[alpine692003]

Go with Shindaiwa M2500.

Can't go wrong there and get an orchard ladder...

[Stephen M.]

Start collecting orchard ladders of different sizes. My collection has an 8', 10', & 16'. I plan to get a 12' this fall; get aluminum and avoid the wood ones. Other than a tall hedge, the 16' has a limited use around trees.

[Alpine Naturescapes]

OK, this is a secret these other guys haven't learned yet. You need power. These units are a little underpowered for pruning. Get the Stihl 4-mix. With the trimmer, saw and articulating hedge attachments, it will set you back about $800 but you will have no problem with those tall hedges unless you want to keep the 14 footer at 14 feet. It will let you trim at 12 feet standing on the ground. Makes hedge trimming real fast. Don't tell them though, because they'll eventually catch on and start competing with me!