Application Only?

[Lawn Dude]

Anyone here doing fert/pest apps only or do you offer other services (mowing, pruning, pest control, aeration, etc.)?

I'm out on the west coast and am trying to decide what to include. I would prefer to do a basic 5-6 step program, but don't want to be too specialized if it will dramatically reduce my market.

Also, we don't seem to have as many companies doing fert/pest out here as there are back east. Any idea why?

Edited by Forum Administrator!
Please do not post the same question twice, this is the correct forum to post this question in.

[mariner]

About 75% of my business is lawn/tree and shrub applications. I also do lawn mowing and shrub trimming as requested. Lawn mowing is steady money while applications are fast money! I think, if you are just starting out, you'll have to do more than just fert apps to get paid steadily.

[Lawn Dude]

Mariner,

you said, "I think, if you are just starting out, you'll have to do more than just fert apps to get paid steadily.

Should I focus on building a base of mowing accounts and sell them on ferts., or concentrate on apps and offer mowing if they want it?

What is the minimum equipment need to offer mowing?
Currently, I have a small (5hp) walk-behind, some sort of 2 cycle string trimmer and access to a Dymark (12hp) 36" riding mower. I also have an F350 crewcab diesel to hall it in.

This is going to be mostly a one-man show with occasional help from my partner.

My goal is to get 200-300 app. customers so that I can focus on the "fast money".

[MortNuke]

Hold on there, Cheesy Rider. If it were that easy, we'd all be doing it.

First, ya need to get you some mowing accounts, IMHO, because that's how you get your name out there and foot in the door to build a customer base. Then, start focusing on App's and sell off the mowing services down the road.

The equipment you listed is wholly inadequate. Get commercial stuff.

Mort

[Lawn Dude]

Cheesy Rider, hey that's a good one.

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I didn't mean to imply any of this was easy. If it were I wouldn't be here asking questions I would be out working. I'm just fairly new to all this and not really sure how to proceed.

Your idea about getting mowing accounts to develop a base sounds like the ticket. Problem is, all I have is the stuff I listed. Maybe you could suggest something more appropriate.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[CCLS]

I have about 30% of my work as chemical applications. You can get your foot in the door just as well with applications as mowing. Like previously posted, mowing is a steady income. You can make applications a steady income if you have enough of them.

[GroundKprs]

Bsfore you go out after that fast money, are you licensed for pesticides?

[mariner]

I would advertise all services you offer all at once and they will come in sporatically! My goal is to hire a crew for my mowing when I get enough of them and concentrate on the apps myself. I only have about 40 mowings right now. Once I hit 50, I'll hire someone and take it from there.

[PTLlandscapingIL]

for equipment start out by gettign your self a nice walkbehind commerical mower 36' deck,get yourself soem nice hand tools stihl fs 85 strign trimmer and br420 backpack blower,thats a good plaCE TO ATART FROM

[Lawn Dude]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the advice. That's what I love about this place.
Maybe some day I'll have enough experience to help the new guy too.

[Reis]

all we do is fert/pesticide
lawn program and tree/shrub program

nothing else

(I did mow 4 lawns one season some time back, more of a favor rather than an add on for business though.)

profit margins are much higher in applications, you dont need to spend lots of cash on equipment (hey, i started with a used pick-up, lesco spreader and a back-pak sprayer, total equipment investment; about $3500) Now if your gonna mow you'll need to spend that much on a mower, you'll most likely need a trailer and misc. hand tools. It will take you much longer to recoup your investment and start turning a profit.

I'd suggest that you pick one thing, be good at it, be persistant at it, know your market, know who you need to market too, and go for it.

just my opinions of course.

[Phil Nilsson]

Lawn Dude ... Service Master didn't get "that big" by limiting their services.

Phil

[Reis]

Phil is correct (of course?)
But Service Master got 'that big' by buying companies that were specialist in their field.

Chemlawn- (owned by Trugreen- owned by Service Master) started in a garage and grew to a nationwide company. And their focus was..... lets ask Phil??

[GRASSISGREENER]

Like Reis was stating , "I'd suggest that you pick one thing, be good at it, be persistant at it, know your market, know who you need to market too, and go for it." Couldn't say it any better! that's the key, keeping a focus!

[Donal]

We do only fert and applications as 90% of our work. Also do dethtaching and lawn seeding/construction/turf laying, but no mowing. Concentrate on the upmarket areas only and you will be able to build up a good clientel. Its good money and low capital investment compared to mowing which is hard slog, VERY competitive (here anyway) and you get bogged down in winter by soggy lawns. I can keep going all through the year which is a real benifit