http://www.gopherforum.com How to start a lawn mowing business, lawn care business, or landscaping business. If you are starting a lawn care business, ask your questions here.Hosted by Keith of www.startalawncarebusiness.com en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:32:30 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gopherforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.gopherforum.com http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12514&goto=newpost Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:13:16 GMT www.montgomerysqualitylawncare.com Never done anything like this before. Have a look and tell me what you think. www.montgomerysqualitylawncare.com

Never done anything like this before. Have a look and tell me what you think. ]]> Starting a lawn care business. cleancutlawncare5382 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12514 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12513&goto=newpost Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:47:07 GMT hey guys, i'm new at the the lawn care business i have a handyman business and have decided to start a lawn care business. have started to get my equipment up and nedd a little help with how to get accounts and how to bid jobs, any help would be great thanks ]]> Starting a lawn care business. jasonh http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12513 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12508&goto=newpost Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:23:48 GMT I went to do a bid today and thought I would ask advice. I need to install a sprinkler system and lawn. The ground is already tilled, rocks are not... I went to do a bid today and thought I would ask advice. I need to install a sprinkler system and lawn. The ground is already tilled, rocks are not removed but they said they are going to have there kids do that to save money. As far as I can figure if my math is correct the lawn area is 640sf They do not want sod or anything fancy just an irrigation system and lawn seed spread out. I have a seed spreader so that's no problem. I explained that while its not rocket science I have yet to ever to a sprinkler system. They understand but dont care "family friends" I will also be installing one 24"X31' flower bed on one side of the yard and one 4'X12' flower bed on the other side with a 1/4 circle 5' out in one corner with gravel. So far I am looking at the following numbers for the job

Trencher $220.76 per day, should only take one day VS $25 per hour to use shovels @ 8 hours $280 per day, may take one or 2 days so the trencher sounds cheaper however I have yet to add in cost of labor to run the trencher so maybe its not cheaper.

Timer $110 for 12 station.

Pipe 3/4X10' S40 $1.57 each = $17.58 total

I have yet to add in heads, couplers, valves, or anything not listed above or the labor to install anything not listed above. What I am looking for is a general number. They want 4 heads for the lawn and irrigation for the flower beds tied in as well. If you were to do a quote like this "640sf seed and irrigation" What would it be. Basically I am looking for a quote to go off of so when I am done with mine I can compare it to yours. ]]> Starting a lawn care business. jasonw http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12508 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12502&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:19:07 GMT Business has fallen off 100% but the cost to do business has gone up. I found myself yesterday taking money from my personal checking account to keep... Business has fallen off 100% but the cost to do business has gone up. I found myself yesterday taking money from my personal checking account to keep the business afloat for a little longer. I have been on the phone non stop trying to entertain different advertising, the local phone book wants 1200 per year for a 1/4 page add, that's 1,200 that the business dose not have. My regular advertising has produced 0 calls as of late. It may just be time to count losses and move on with life. Any suggestions for a last ditch effort to survive? Spending a ton of money is out because I worry the more of my personal money I sink into it the more I will lose so I am kinda screwed. ]]> Starting a lawn care business. jasonw http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12502 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12481&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:50:41 GMT What are you guys paying on average for insurance coverage on your equipment? I only have one ZTR and a push mower. Then the blower, string trimmer,... What are you guys paying on average for insurance coverage on your equipment?
I only have one ZTR and a push mower. Then the blower, string trimmer, edger etc.

I was quoted 3 grand a year. ]]> Starting a lawn care business. OldRedFord http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12481 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12461&goto=newpost Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:28:56 GMT Has anyone thought about the "going green" approach? Has it worked? I have thought about this a few times. I am not afraid of work and more than anything I love working in the yard and the feeling I get when it is all done. My point is this whole "going green" thing would be work. Switching from a riding gas mower or push gas mower to something like a electric mower, Manual reel mower, the "Mow cycle Man powered riding mower" or even renting out goats/sheep. Thinking outside the box and giving people a different option. What do you all think? (I am not against going green to a certain extent, I do own a prius :) ]]> Starting a lawn care business. Onegirl http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12461 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12460&goto=newpost Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:22:26 GMT How long does it generally take to get started really good? I have went door to door, mailed out post cards to several neighborhoods and passed out... How long does it generally take to get started really good? I have went door to door, mailed out post cards to several neighborhoods and passed out flyers. I have a total of 4 homes. I know it takes patience and word of mouth, but I am ready. Fall is around the corner and I have already started on Fall cleanup flyers and etc. to keep me going in advertising. I do not have the manpower or equipment to handle anything commercial, just keeping it residential at this time. Just wondering, needing that piece of mind I guess. Thanks. ]]> Starting a lawn care business. Onegirl http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12460 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12457&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:44:37 GMT Does anybody offer coupons in their Flyers, Doorhanger, Post Cards, for Fall Clean Up? If you do What do you offer?

"Free Lawn mow with a fall clean up"
10% OFF Fall Clean-Up
Any Others ]]> Starting a lawn care business. MICHPLOWER http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12457 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12455&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:55:49 GMT I was just wondering what every one else includes in their fall cleanup service. also how does every body charge. by the hour, by the job thanks in... I was just wondering what every one else includes in their fall cleanup service. also how does every body charge. by the hour, by the job

thanks in advance for any help ]]> Starting a lawn care business. MICHPLOWER http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12455 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12453&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:44:12 GMT I am just getting started. I am a firefighter that can't get any more over-time and had to do something to feed my 5 kids. I would appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Perry ]]> Starting a lawn care business. reel green lawn http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12453 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12432&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:04:01 GMT Hello I am starting out small. Ford f-150 with a trailer, a good walk behind mower and a Sears Rider. Barrels,rakes,blower,shovel, just the... Hello

I am starting out small. Ford f-150 with a trailer, a good walk behind mower and a Sears Rider. Barrels,rakes,blower,shovel, just the basics. I have about 14 accounts residential, 1 commercial and one industrial, mostly from over the internet. I have 5 more possibilities in the pipeline. A few of my accounts have been less than straightforward and am thinking of dumping them. I am pretty much keeping it to straightforward mowing services at this point. When I hire a guy next year maybe I can do more. I am starting out late in this business, in my 40's. Was swept out of a machining job last year after 16 years with the same outfit. Gas and mix is killing my wallet, oh well ! ]]> Starting a lawn care business. yrd man http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12432 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12431&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:10:16 GMT Hello all, my name is Jason and I am looking into starting my own lawn care business. I have done some searching and such on the forum but have a few... Hello all, my name is Jason and I am looking into starting my own lawn care business. I have done some searching and such on the forum but have a few questions still, any help you guys can give would be greatly appreciated. If im asking something that has already been answered please let me know and I will do some more searching. Basically I am looking into starting my own lawn care business, this isnt something I am looking to start next week or anything like that. My wife and I will be relocating in about 9 months and thats when I would like to start the business. So I am going to use the next 9 months to my advantage to learn as much as I can. I am 26 yrs old and have done numerous jobs over the years, from renting jet skis to currently working in an engineering firm. I really want to work outside with my hands as thats what I enjoy the most. Sorry for the long post below are my main questions and I am sure I will think of more. Thanks in advance.

1. How did you guys finance your business at startup? (i.e. buy a truck? trailer? equipment?)

2. What did you start off doing? (just lawns? pressure washing? etc?)

3. What do you find is the best way to obtain clients? (I have the know how to design websites, is that ideal? flyers? ads on craigslist? newspaper? logo and contact info on truck?)

4. What insurances are required if its just me and my brother working?

Any other info would be great. Thanks again ]]> Starting a lawn care business. jay31 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12431 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12420&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:56:07 GMT I live in southern Arkansas( i appreciate your condolences). Was wondering, Is lawn care tax deductable for home owners? I live in southern Arkansas( i appreciate your condolences). Was wondering,
Is lawn care tax deductable for home owners? ]]> Starting a lawn care business. mrm1775 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12420 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12419&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:49:44 GMT Are house keepers and babysitters tax deductible in California? Are house keepers and babysitters tax deductible in California? ]]> Starting a lawn care business. jasonw http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12419 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12417&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:01:59 GMT Hello All, I am moving to Anderson, SC and want to start lawn mowing, lawn maintenance, and small hardscaping. Hoping this time of the year is not a... Hello All,

I am moving to Anderson, SC and want to start lawn mowing, lawn maintenance, and small hardscaping. Hoping this time of the year is not a bad time to start. Any insight of how to go about this time of year starting. Pros and cons.

What is the season like. Months for mowing, planting, etc.

Don't want to step on toes and don't want to take your business. Just looking for some helpful insight guys.

Thanks,

Jeff ]]> Starting a lawn care business. jcal0914 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12417