warm season grass spray and fert apps

[ClipKing]

just wondering what herbicide and fert apps schedule looks like for those of you working in warm season climates. i would imagine it to be similar products to those of cool season grasses, just different timing. also, i'm sure you deal with different insect pests such as mole crickets, etc. any ideas or schedules would be helpful. i'm probably going to be moving to the south carolina area in the fall and am considering trying to start off my own business doing strictly lawn appsin the spring. by the way, any ideas as to profitability of doing only lawn apps? i realize that volume means alot, but have also read that lawn apps have a very high profit margin. please fill me in.

[Alpine Naturescapes]

I think SC is going to be kinda cheap. Personally, I wouldn't put all my eggs in the app basket. I like them more, but the way I do them, it is hard to keep a steady cash flow. Mowing is usually the bread and butter when you are starting out. Apps take ALOT more clients to make the same money, and it can be hard to get clients. I make most of my money off maintenance, but I offer apps to all of them, and I gain a few apps along the way each month. You will have to get licensed, and I would suggest getting in the phone book. Apps can be tricky, so if you don't have much experience with them, I suggest marketing yourself as a one stop for maintenance and lawn care.

[ClipKing]

thanks for the advice, alpine. while i do agree with you that it would be hard to get enough volume to keep a steady cash flow, i am also looking to find somewhat of a "niche" in the market. i know, i know, turf applications are not really a "niche" market anymore. i just feel like anyone can buy a mower and start mowing grass and that is obviously why the industry is saturated. however, i am extremely qualified to do applications, as i have a b.s. degree in plant and soil science with an emphasis in turf management, a minor in business mgt. and currently work as an asst. golf course supt. i definitely feel like i have something to market...i'm just not sure of where i want to go with it. i do know one thing...i am already tired of working for someone else and giving up my hard earned knowledge for some else's benefit, and getting paid very little for it, imo. i just feel like i could really sell myself and was considering the application side of the industry as a target. i am doing alot of research on this, as i don't want to just jump into it like i feel many guys do end up struggling because they had no business plan or foresight on the future. let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions.