lawn services to perform?

Question

I was wondering. I'm looking into a lawncare business, but we're just starting out. What are some basic services we could perform that do not take a lot of training? We're hoping to kind of learn along the way with the bigger stuff such as landscaping design. Right now we would like to start slow but offer more than just mowing grass. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Basic lawn service includes what we call "mow, blow, and GO!" That means you mow the grass, trim the edges with a string trimmer, edge hard surfaces with an edger, blow the clippings back onto the grass and go. Trimming hedges, fertilizing, raking/blowing leaves, mulching, weeding and pruning would be the next step up. Check local and state laws before applying chemical to anyone's property other than yours, in NC a license is required. Even for fertilizer and Roundup. Advanced services include irrigation, lighting, and design work. The most important thing is know what you're talking about. Go to classes, get literature from extension agencies in your county. Know what to do and when. Know how high to cut the grass. Heck, know what KIND of grass it is. I worked in landscaping for over 5 yrs. A lot of people get burnt by fly by nights so get quality referrals and start a portfolio. It adds credibility to your company and helps on rainy days when you're sitting in the shop wondering what the heck you're doing with your life.

Answer 2

I deal with several landscaping business in my job. At first I would say just do mowing, trimming, bagging, and maybe some hedge trimming. As mentioned before, you need to check local laws and state laws, when applying chemicals and fertilizer. In Indiana you cannot even use a spray bottle of Round-up on a customers yard with out a commercial applicators license. Take your time, and look for a niche to fill. The more you know the better you will be. One resource for info would be your local Cooperative Extension Office. Our local Ag and Natural Resources educator is a wealth of knowledge.

My expertise is in the equipment. I help run a rental / lawnmower sales and service shop. What ever you do, DO NOT buy your power equipment from a big box store. Use a dealer who can service the product. Some brands I recommend for handheld are Stihl, Echo and Husqvarna. Stihl is dealer exclusive and has great support. For push mowers, Snapper and Toro. As far a ridding mowers, shop around. Each brand has its pluses and minuses. Remember you get what you pay for. I have seen many people get burned trying to save money with the cheap purchase and have a product that only last a month or two.

The last thing is you might want to see if you can get small business grants from the US and State government. I had a customer buy a push mower for his new mowing service and the check came from the US government as a small business grant. I was very surprised at this. You might also want to check with your local chamber of commerce and see if they can help. I wish you luck and the best as mowing season in Indiana is several months away.

Answer 3

Edging thatching weeding reseeding mowing fertilizing and watering.

Answer 4

Mowing (be sure you either bag it or rake up the clippings) , weedeating and pulling weeds in the flower beds, raking leaves.

Answer 5

laying mulch and decorative rock, weed eating, lawn edging the best bet would be to look at other lawn care business in your area and see what they do and check their prices then you have a basic format of what can be done and what to charge