Suggestions for pricing a seasonal fert program

[rkbrown]

I am currently studying for the pesticide exam for the state of Texas, but will take the exam in March (I have the irrigation exam in January so it takes priority). I do not need a license to apply ferts only in Texas. I got a call from a potential client about a fert program. They want a bid. I went and took measurements today. They have 4500 sq ft of turf and 1500 sq ft of beds...mostly shrubs with liriope outlining the beds.

I went to Lesco to talk to them about it. The following is the program they outlined:

Turf - 4 apps:

Feb. 16-4-8 3% Iron
Apr. 24-5-11
Jun./Jul 24-5-11
Nov. 5-10-31 10% Iron winterizer

Beds - 5 apps:

Feb. 14-14-14 Granular
Apr. mixture of 28-7-4 and 20-20-20 liquid
May 14-14-14 Granular
July mixture of 28-7-4 and 20-20-20 liquid
Sept/Oct 14-14-14 Granular

I plan on charging about $50 per application for the turf. What should I charge for the beds ? The Feb and Apr turf and bed applications can be done at the same time.

I guess I am asking, 1) does this program seem reasonable and 2) What to charge for bed applications. I realize this is not a complete program. I hope to implement a complete program after I pass the applicators exam in Feb or March. Any input on this would be appreciated.

[Extreme Lawns]

reply

Feb. 16-4-8 3% Iron
Apr. 24-5-11
Jun./Jul 24-5-11
Nov. 5-10-31 10% Iron winterizer


Sounds like you are going to apply this on St.Augustine. Right?
This is what I use one the St. Augustine in my area=
Feb. 17-3-11W/F
May 15-5-10
Jul. 24-5-11
Oct 18-2-18

Most of my customers have bermuda. Not alot have St. Augustine Up here. You must be close to houston? If you can get 50.00 per app. you are doing good.As far as the liquid I do not use it. I use the 14-14-14 also and that works just fine. They must have boxwoods and or some kind of hollys in there beds?

[rkbrown]

reply

Thanks for the response, Extreme. Yes, it is St. Augustine. In the beds are boxwoods and photinea. I was going to offer 2 programs for them to choose. One with the granular 14-14-14 for the beds and one with the liquids for te 2 summer apps. I think I will do just the granular as it is less cost and hassle. I was thinking $48-50/app.