I need some advice for starting a lawn care business. The only two things left I need are an edger and a blower. I am on a shoestring budget so any ideas to get one Cheap would help. Also any other advice for starting this business would be greatly appreciated.
Starting a lawn care business
- Thread starter taztheman
- Start date
- Status
You need dealer support, if you run a REAL lawn care operation. Stihl, Echo, are a good start. Buy once, cry once. A nice Stihl or Echo trimmer will last you 10 times what a cheaply big box trimmer will. Straight shaft on the trimmer. The Echo SRM-225 should be the absolute cheapest trimmer you buy - no cheaper!
For Stihl, the FS70R is nice.
On the trimmer, try to get as close to 10 pounds as possible. The heavy 12 and 13 pound trimmers, while more powerful, are a DRAG to use for extended periods.
For Stihl, the FS70R is nice.
On the trimmer, try to get as close to 10 pounds as possible. The heavy 12 and 13 pound trimmers, while more powerful, are a DRAG to use for extended periods.
Liability insurance is a major consideration. If you own nothing, then you don't need insurance. If you own something and want to make sure you keep it if a problem arises, insurance is the way to go.
https://landscaping.insureon.com/resources/cost
https://landscaping.insureon.com/resources/cost
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
You need dealer support, if you run a REAL lawn care operation. Stihl, Echo, are a good start. Buy once, cry once. A nice Stihl or Echo trimmer will last you 10 times what a cheaply big box trimmer will. Straight shaft on the trimmer. The Echo SRM-225 should be the absolute cheapest trimmer you buy - no cheaper!
For Stihl, the FS70R is nice.
On the trimmer, try to get as close to 10 pounds as possible. The heavy 12 and 13 pound trimmers, while more powerful, are a DRAG to use for extended periods.
why a straight shaft? I have that srm225 and was wondering if a curved one would be more comfortable.
You need dealer support, if you run a REAL lawn care operation. Stihl, Echo, are a good start. Buy once, cry once. A nice Stihl or Echo trimmer will last you 10 times what a cheaply big box trimmer will. Straight shaft on the trimmer. The Echo SRM-225 should be the absolute cheapest trimmer you buy - no cheaper!
For Stihl, the FS70R is nice.
On the trimmer, try to get as close to 10 pounds as possible. The heavy 12 and 13 pound trimmers, while more powerful, are a DRAG to use for extended periods.
why a straight shaft? I have that srm225 and was wondering if a curved one would be more comfortable.
Originally Posted By: Kool1
Liability insurance is a major consideration. If you own nothing, then you don't need insurance. If you own something and want to make sure you keep it if a problem arises, insurance is the way to go.
https://landscaping.insureon.com/resources/cost
A homeowner should avoid any uninsured person working on their property.
Liability insurance is a major consideration. If you own nothing, then you don't need insurance. If you own something and want to make sure you keep it if a problem arises, insurance is the way to go.
https://landscaping.insureon.com/resources/cost
A homeowner should avoid any uninsured person working on their property.
Thanks, for the advice.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
You need dealer support, if you run a REAL lawn care operation. Stihl, Echo, are a good start. Buy once, cry once. A nice Stihl or Echo trimmer will last you 10 times what a cheaply big box trimmer will. Straight shaft on the trimmer. The Echo SRM-225 should be the absolute cheapest trimmer you buy - no cheaper!
For Stihl, the FS70R is nice.
On the trimmer, try to get as close to 10 pounds as possible. The heavy 12 and 13 pound trimmers, while more powerful, are a DRAG to use for extended periods.
why a straight shaft? I have that srm225 and was wondering if a curved one would be more comfortable.
Curved shaft are for home owners. Straight shaft are more durable, longer lasting, and better in a commercial setting.
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
You need dealer support, if you run a REAL lawn care operation. Stihl, Echo, are a good start. Buy once, cry once. A nice Stihl or Echo trimmer will last you 10 times what a cheaply big box trimmer will. Straight shaft on the trimmer. The Echo SRM-225 should be the absolute cheapest trimmer you buy - no cheaper!
For Stihl, the FS70R is nice.
On the trimmer, try to get as close to 10 pounds as possible. The heavy 12 and 13 pound trimmers, while more powerful, are a DRAG to use for extended periods.
why a straight shaft? I have that srm225 and was wondering if a curved one would be more comfortable.
Curved shaft are for home owners. Straight shaft are more durable, longer lasting, and better in a commercial setting.
Did your work up a business plan? Always need a business plan. I would get insurance. Commercial plates for truck and trailer.
What kind of mower(s) you using?
I have a friend that gets his grass mowed by a pro. The guy drives by and monitors his grass and mows when needed.
I have a friend that gets his grass mowed by a pro. The guy drives by and monitors his grass and mows when needed.
This is probably a little more than you're looking for right now, but I think all of this will be useful.
Review the laws in your area regarding the application of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Also review the availability for low cost/free courses on irrigation systems. Here in FL, The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services require yearly licensing for the handling/application of most of the chemicals outside of a basic fertilizer.
Florida also restricts the application of nitrogen on turf from 05/31 to 10/01, it would be a good idea to review the same laws that might apply in N. Carolina.
Treating chinch bugs, fungus, grubs, ant hills, mole crickets, etc. and being able to adjust/fix/replace sprinkler heads are great add-ons for you, keep your name in the customers face, aren't difficult or time consuming, and are an added convenience for your client. Generating a good relationship will increases your work-of-mouth from your current clients.
Most of the necessary chemicals can be mixed in the same applicator in the appropriate amounts for both broadcast and spot treatments.
Site One here in Melbourne offer courses on the basics of most lawn/turf care stuff. Home Depot regularly has small, free classes to cover DIY basics as well.
If you don't want to provide anything beyond mowing, weeding, trimming, start making friends with local companies that provide the services that you don't, and don't provide the services you do. You can easily refer people to them, and they can refer customers to you.
Join any/all local Business Owner Organizations to rub elbows and build a social presence.
Get cozy with local landscapers that aren't currently offering turf maintenance so when their client needs a referral, they remember you. Half a dozen donuts when you stop in to buy a necessary thing can go a long way to ensure a good impression.
Schmooze HOA Boards and offer some meaty discounts for groups of lawns on the same block/neighborhood. I've sold plenty of 3-4 houses in a row by simply telling the person who called for an estimate that I'd happily discount it if I picked up any more accounts in the area. They'll usually talk to their neighbors and do some of the legwork for me.
Consider dropping some dough for targeted advertising as soon as you can. Take aim at one of the national lawn care companies in your area, offer to meet/beat their current price, and play up the whole "locally owned/operated money stays in the community" angle.
Don't be afraid to tell a customer that you're in over your head for a particular service. While I will happily adjust/replace sprinkler heads to ensure proper coverage and saturation, I don't even think twice to tell someone that they'll need to contact a company that specializes in irrigation system installation or repair to fix a larger issue. They'll appreciate the honesty, and trust you more when you say that "X" is wrong, and "Y" will fix it.
Last, and this one is a big one around here: Have a clean, professional uniform, and keep your truck/trailer in the best visual state as possible. A clean truck, with a professional looking crew goes way farther than it probably should. No one wants the neighbors in their million + neighborhood to think they can only afford a service in a dirty, old beater that smokes and squeaks when it stops.
I work for a pest control company and deal in turf maintenance on the daily with almost 400 accounts.
Review the laws in your area regarding the application of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Also review the availability for low cost/free courses on irrigation systems. Here in FL, The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services require yearly licensing for the handling/application of most of the chemicals outside of a basic fertilizer.
Florida also restricts the application of nitrogen on turf from 05/31 to 10/01, it would be a good idea to review the same laws that might apply in N. Carolina.
Treating chinch bugs, fungus, grubs, ant hills, mole crickets, etc. and being able to adjust/fix/replace sprinkler heads are great add-ons for you, keep your name in the customers face, aren't difficult or time consuming, and are an added convenience for your client. Generating a good relationship will increases your work-of-mouth from your current clients.
Most of the necessary chemicals can be mixed in the same applicator in the appropriate amounts for both broadcast and spot treatments.
Site One here in Melbourne offer courses on the basics of most lawn/turf care stuff. Home Depot regularly has small, free classes to cover DIY basics as well.
If you don't want to provide anything beyond mowing, weeding, trimming, start making friends with local companies that provide the services that you don't, and don't provide the services you do. You can easily refer people to them, and they can refer customers to you.
Join any/all local Business Owner Organizations to rub elbows and build a social presence.
Get cozy with local landscapers that aren't currently offering turf maintenance so when their client needs a referral, they remember you. Half a dozen donuts when you stop in to buy a necessary thing can go a long way to ensure a good impression.
Schmooze HOA Boards and offer some meaty discounts for groups of lawns on the same block/neighborhood. I've sold plenty of 3-4 houses in a row by simply telling the person who called for an estimate that I'd happily discount it if I picked up any more accounts in the area. They'll usually talk to their neighbors and do some of the legwork for me.
Consider dropping some dough for targeted advertising as soon as you can. Take aim at one of the national lawn care companies in your area, offer to meet/beat their current price, and play up the whole "locally owned/operated money stays in the community" angle.
Don't be afraid to tell a customer that you're in over your head for a particular service. While I will happily adjust/replace sprinkler heads to ensure proper coverage and saturation, I don't even think twice to tell someone that they'll need to contact a company that specializes in irrigation system installation or repair to fix a larger issue. They'll appreciate the honesty, and trust you more when you say that "X" is wrong, and "Y" will fix it.
Last, and this one is a big one around here: Have a clean, professional uniform, and keep your truck/trailer in the best visual state as possible. A clean truck, with a professional looking crew goes way farther than it probably should. No one wants the neighbors in their million + neighborhood to think they can only afford a service in a dirty, old beater that smokes and squeaks when it stops.
I work for a pest control company and deal in turf maintenance on the daily with almost 400 accounts.
you may need a bookeeper to help with taxes, the business side is importantesp ifyou get an employee
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
taz, I definitely respect those who desire to jump into their own business, but there's so much more to this than what string trimmer and mower to purchase. Do you have any contacts in this line of work you can meet and talk with?
In regards to specific equipment. It's no so much you're spending the money for it's heavy-dutiness, you're paying for equipment that gets the job done quickly, efficiently and as easy on the body as possible.
In regards to specific equipment. It's no so much you're spending the money for it's heavy-dutiness, you're paying for equipment that gets the job done quickly, efficiently and as easy on the body as possible.
Last edited:
Reputation and work ethic are extremely important. Much more than fancy trucks and equipment. A good reputation and professional attitude will carry you much further than brand new trucks and equipment will.
There are a few different companies around here that have started and failed. They went out and spent a ton of money on new equipment, then needed a bunch of accounts to pay for it all. They couldn't keep up with the accounts, the grass got long, work got sloppy, and their customers soured. My neighbor has hired a few of these companies, and he was extremely disappointed. He said they never showed up when they said they would, sometimes not at all. When they finally come they rush, leave some parts uncut, have clumps of grass everywhere, etc. I've mowed his lawn a few times if he needed it, and he pays very well. Always take care of well paying customers.
Start out with used equipment, and work your way up when your business proves itself. That way you don't start a business with a ton of equipment debt you need to pay off. It will be much harder to make a profit the deeper you are in the red.
My GF's parents live in a nice area in MA. The lawn guy in the neighborhood does very well. He drives a 10 year old F150 that is always clean, has a trailer with a John Deere zero turn that is a few years old, a push mower, weed trimmer, and a blower. Everyone in the neighborhood speaks highly of him because he is meticulous and does a great job.
Many of the equipment discussion boards will talk about having the newest equipment because you can mow lawns quicker than ever before. Speed is a factor, since you don't want to take all day to mow two lawns, but your reputation and attention to detail is what will make you stand out over the ever increasing competition.
There are a few different companies around here that have started and failed. They went out and spent a ton of money on new equipment, then needed a bunch of accounts to pay for it all. They couldn't keep up with the accounts, the grass got long, work got sloppy, and their customers soured. My neighbor has hired a few of these companies, and he was extremely disappointed. He said they never showed up when they said they would, sometimes not at all. When they finally come they rush, leave some parts uncut, have clumps of grass everywhere, etc. I've mowed his lawn a few times if he needed it, and he pays very well. Always take care of well paying customers.
Start out with used equipment, and work your way up when your business proves itself. That way you don't start a business with a ton of equipment debt you need to pay off. It will be much harder to make a profit the deeper you are in the red.
My GF's parents live in a nice area in MA. The lawn guy in the neighborhood does very well. He drives a 10 year old F150 that is always clean, has a trailer with a John Deere zero turn that is a few years old, a push mower, weed trimmer, and a blower. Everyone in the neighborhood speaks highly of him because he is meticulous and does a great job.
Many of the equipment discussion boards will talk about having the newest equipment because you can mow lawns quicker than ever before. Speed is a factor, since you don't want to take all day to mow two lawns, but your reputation and attention to detail is what will make you stand out over the ever increasing competition.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2009
- Messages
- 10,258
There are so many guys in this line of work, pretty much all you can do to set yourself apart is do good work, and be dependable. If you don't have your word, you don't have anything. Also when the customer tries to tell you what the last guy that failed did it for so you match their price, stick to your guns and tell them to take a hike.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2009
- Messages
- 10,258
Originally Posted By: skyactiv
What kind of mower(s) you using?
I have a friend that gets his grass mowed by a pro. The guy drives by and monitors his grass and mows when needed.
[censored] that if I'm going to drive by I'm going to mow it. I'm not going to drive to 40 yards and only mow 10 of them. Set the schedule according to the time of year.
What kind of mower(s) you using?
I have a friend that gets his grass mowed by a pro. The guy drives by and monitors his grass and mows when needed.
[censored] that if I'm going to drive by I'm going to mow it. I'm not going to drive to 40 yards and only mow 10 of them. Set the schedule according to the time of year.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Originally Posted By: taztheman
I need some advice for starting a lawn care business. The only two things left I need are an edger and a blower. I am on a shoestring budget so any ideas to get one Cheap would help. Also any other advice for starting this business would be greatly appreciated.
There's no 'real' money in that business anymore, unless you secure commercial accounts. You will need more expensive and a broader-scale equipment to get those restaurant-style and factory-type accounts also.
I need some advice for starting a lawn care business. The only two things left I need are an edger and a blower. I am on a shoestring budget so any ideas to get one Cheap would help. Also any other advice for starting this business would be greatly appreciated.
There's no 'real' money in that business anymore, unless you secure commercial accounts. You will need more expensive and a broader-scale equipment to get those restaurant-style and factory-type accounts also.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Originally Posted By: skyactiv
What kind of mower(s) you using?
I have a friend that gets his grass mowed by a pro. The guy drives by and monitors his grass and mows when needed.
[censored] that if I'm going to drive by I'm going to mow it. I'm not going to drive to 40 yards and only mow 10 of them. Set the schedule according to the time of year.
I have accounts in neighborhoods that are on different schedules, and I always pop by them all when I'm in that area. It's a handy way to check that the things done weeks before have been going well, and have a little bit of a plan of attack when I'm back to specifically deal with that yard. Especially since I usually only service a majority of my accounts every other month (I don't trim, so weekly visits are a bit much)
It also makes it easier to catch a pest issue that might pop up in-between visits. Not all customers care to check their lawn once a week for possible issues. I'd rather catch chinch bugs when it's a small patch, and not when we've got 15 sq feet of dead st. Augustine.
Originally Posted By: skyactiv
What kind of mower(s) you using?
I have a friend that gets his grass mowed by a pro. The guy drives by and monitors his grass and mows when needed.
[censored] that if I'm going to drive by I'm going to mow it. I'm not going to drive to 40 yards and only mow 10 of them. Set the schedule according to the time of year.
I have accounts in neighborhoods that are on different schedules, and I always pop by them all when I'm in that area. It's a handy way to check that the things done weeks before have been going well, and have a little bit of a plan of attack when I'm back to specifically deal with that yard. Especially since I usually only service a majority of my accounts every other month (I don't trim, so weekly visits are a bit much)
It also makes it easier to catch a pest issue that might pop up in-between visits. Not all customers care to check their lawn once a week for possible issues. I'd rather catch chinch bugs when it's a small patch, and not when we've got 15 sq feet of dead st. Augustine.
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Originally Posted By: taztheman
I need some advice for starting a lawn care business. The only two things left I need are an edger and a blower. I am on a shoestring budget so any ideas to get one Cheap would help. Also any other advice for starting this business would be greatly appreciated.
There's no 'real' money in that business anymore, unless you secure commercial accounts. You will need more expensive and a broader-scale equipment to get those restaurant-style and factory-type accounts also.
+1 This.
My wife works as middle management in a very large landscape business. Residential accounts are a waste of time. Commercial accounts are what you need. Property managers for apartments, strip malls, shopping centers, etc is where the real business is generated. Also landscape contruction - sprinkler systems, etc. OP is up against a very large low skill labor pool.
PS - one stone thrown by your mower though a large window (real or just CLAIMED!) can sink your small business.
Originally Posted By: taztheman
I need some advice for starting a lawn care business. The only two things left I need are an edger and a blower. I am on a shoestring budget so any ideas to get one Cheap would help. Also any other advice for starting this business would be greatly appreciated.
There's no 'real' money in that business anymore, unless you secure commercial accounts. You will need more expensive and a broader-scale equipment to get those restaurant-style and factory-type accounts also.
+1 This.
My wife works as middle management in a very large landscape business. Residential accounts are a waste of time. Commercial accounts are what you need. Property managers for apartments, strip malls, shopping centers, etc is where the real business is generated. Also landscape contruction - sprinkler systems, etc. OP is up against a very large low skill labor pool.
PS - one stone thrown by your mower though a large window (real or just CLAIMED!) can sink your small business.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
