Pick your location.

[1MajorTom]

If you could pick anywhere in the United States to operate a Lawn Care Company, what state would you pick based on weather conditions, types of grass, population, economy, etc. ?
Would you pick a year round climate, or one which is seasonal?

Which state would it be, and what is your reason for picking that area?

[CSRA Landscaping]

Jodi, I think they have all chosen the area they're in! Apart from the belly-achers that live to whine, of course.

[kris]

I like the four seasons we get here in Alberta..another month or two for cutting would be nice,but, I definitely like the break winter brings.

[Administrator]

I would setup camp in Nevada or New Mexico.. that way I would get lots of time off. :D

[HOMER]

I like the south but sure would love to live in the transition zone or a little further up. I want to cut some bluegrass and fescue for a while! Where ever the rain is I will go! That 24' enclosed might become a traveling road show. I think I'll tour the country and help all my fellow Lawnsiters out, one week at a time. Think I could pay the bills that way?:blob3: :alien: :angel:

[little green guy]

I like it here in New Jersey, there's a good market here and we have a nice winter break. There's kinda an over population of landscapers here, I counted over 40 guys in the local yellow pages and I know about another 15 that arn't in the book, not to menchen all the scrubs but we got enough work and the prices arn't that bad but they could be better.

[oneEXMARKfan]

If your travels ever find you through these parts, I'll give you some yards to survive on, and fill your tank, but I sure hope your using a 4-cyl. to pull that 24' enclosed trailor!

[ChadsLawn]

I would goto Miami.I have a friend down there,he is full tilt all year round.

[lawnboy82]

i would stay right where i am now. right by some real big money areas. granted cost of living is higher, however you can charge more and get away with it. yes there are tons of landscapers / tree guys / masons, etc. but if you find the right customers you have it made.

[HOMER]

I'd stay there too if I could land me a $300,000.00 contract!:angry:

[lawnman_scott]

Id stay right here. All customers pay monthly, and i work every other week in winter, and still make the same amount. Its like having 10 weeks of paid vacation a year

[Fine Lines Lawn]

:D
I like Homer's idea. I rambling mob of Lawnsite gypsies, in pursuit of growing grass. Not a bad plan for January and February. :jester:

[KD'sLawns]

Alright, what makes you think that you would get a lot of time off if you lived in New Mexico? I do, and our mow season starts in Feb. and runs till the middle or end of Nov. The 100 degree weather starts in March and goes through Sept. Many days, up to 115 degrees. I don't think that you would like our economy though, because you are used to making the big bucks. If I did go somewhere else, it would have to be somewher like South Carolina.

[ronslawncare]

i figure there be alot of guys saying florida or california for more months of mowing .i pick florida do a lawn jump in the pool do another one......no i happy were im at.lot of good hearted people here only a few @#$!% people

[lakegastonla]

Hilton Head or Charleston, SC would be just perfect for me. I can always dream, can't I?:blob3:

[Runner]

Hawaii. Hands down! Could you imagine being somewhere like Honolulu, with some good ritzy hotel accounts, full maintenance of course including all indoor plants and trees. Also, you could have a few good "estates" on the side, full maintenance as well. Did you ever wonder who takes care of the estate that they used in the Magnum P.I. series? Now THIS would be for me! Where are you at, Paradise Lawn? This is a thread for you!:)

[Paradise Yard Service]

Oh yea Runner!

I live just down the road from Magnum's old location! Awesome estate right on the water in Waimanalo. Yes, Hawaii is a great place to work the green industry. Very little down time and lots of variety in the scope of work-water features (big hit right now), dry river beds,every exotic plant/tree imaginable,southern turfgrasses (reel mow for best look),beach homes,mountain vistas,suburb japanese gardens (quaint), hotel accounts,commercial stuff. And many regular everyday homeowners that need professional lawncare.

Cost of living is high and one may not like adjusting standard of living just to get by. Which means one must never underbid and give people the impression we do this for the exercise. The lawn guys here do well and can make a decent living. One LCO started out with just an old truck, wheel barrow and shovel. Now years later his company has landscaped some of the biggest accounts in the state and has lots of satisfied homeowners. His dad was my doctor for several years.

It sounds funny but I wish I could get snowed in sometimes as the workload is heavy. I've only advertised in the newspaper for two weeks and been in the buisiness since 1985. All my work is referral and much of it I turn down as I need a life! This summer I intend to keep my swim fins and shorts handy to go bodysurfing on days I finish early! Hey, why live in Hawaii and just work? I could do that anywhere. But lawnwork is addicting, once its in your heart, you look at it more like a labor of love! Look at some of the posts on why people do this work, most have similar thoughts!

Anyway, lots to say on this subject. Nuf said.

Aloha,
P.Y.S.

[Guido]

Is that place that when I'm in the mood for construction and maintenance the weather is a cool 75 degrees with the sun shining bright, and when I'm in the mood for snow control we get a nice 1.5 to 3 foot of snow per event and it all comes down at once during a half hour period.

Let me know where this place is, cause that where I wanna be!

[jrblawncare]

I moved from up-state NY a little over a year ago to central KY,the market is fair here but I'am sure its better in the larger cities like Lex. or Lou.I think the place to be is in NC or SC,Just my thoughts...Hi to all...I have not been around here in a while...working like a dog,but thats a good thing!!JRB

[Vandora Lawn & Landscape]

I love living and working in Maryland. Specifically Baltimore. There is a great variety of accounts to be had. I'm on the major highways, however, there is a great small town feel to my area. Traffic isn't TOO bad. The cost of living is not to high but not to low as I can charge a reasonably amount for my services. I get 28-32 weeks of cutting usually, and the winters here provide a reasonable amount of snow with enough downtime between storms to retool. Plus Marylanders don't know what to do when it snows, they all panic and say HELP ME!!!!!! :)

[Runner]

O.k., I've talked to some people, and they said that yes, it IS feasible to load my rig up into a military transport plane and fly it out to Hawaii. Let's see...I'm single, no children, no dependents, o.k.. Here I come!!!:cool:

[Island Lawn]

Coastal SC!

BTW no more room for anybody else! LOL

[geogunn]

at the rate people are moving to TENNESSEE, especially in the EAST, we must have the most desirable everything.

GEO

[dhicks]

The Washington D.C. suburbs (Baltimore included) is the place to be: With all the government workers and contractors, recessions and hard times have little impact on the local economy. I do wish we could get more rain. The weather seems to go nord or goes to the south. No rain where I live since April 18 and things are getting dry. Pray for rain.:angel:

[Guido]

Give me a call, I'll see what I can work out for you! ;)

I figured since I built the runway they take off on, they owe me a favor, right? :)

Good Luck everyone. And no one has identified the place I described in my post. I'm still waiting for a reply so I know what assignment to put in for next!