Ohio Lawn thread

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, well maybe next year..

Walker, all I use is NOAA.com

[Clapper&Company]

ron i thought your place was out near waynesburg i saw the place for sale the sign went down and saw your trucks out there?


I'm not to far from waynesburg, your not to far from us there in Dover. Shoot me an email maybe we can do lunch some time

[naturescape lawn dover]

ron how many crew do you run we run 3

[BUCKEYE MOWING]

It's not mine ...They are just taking the Co. name I wanted .....LOL

[Clapper&Company]

Naturescape, well since your new you cant PM and the MODS took my E-mail off my post.:dizzy: So give me a call.

[JRSlawn]

Hey naturscapes do you come up into Canton. I have about 15 properties up that way it might be worth your while. Let me know I am to busy in Akron this year.

[naturescape lawn dover]

Jrs what do you have up there up on mondays?

[JRSlawn]

I have the cutlers and a couple offices and the rest are residentials.

[JRSlawn]

Let me know give me a call I need to work something out by the end of the week.

[naturescape lawn dover]

Let me know &
consider them done!

[f250man]

Hey Tom sorry I missed the show got real busy at work and lost track of time and you no how that goes. Well get together this summer and do something. Steve :drinkup:

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Hey Steve, its ok. I didnt get there till 1:30 anyway since I was working too and lost track of time. Yes we should for sure get together this summer some time!!! My 21st birthday is June 15th.......:rolleyes: :drinkup:

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey Steve, its ok. I didnt get there till 1:30 anyway since I was working too and lost track of time. Yes we should for sure get together this summer some time!!! My 21st birthday is June 15th.......:rolleyes: :drinkup:

So everything goes out the window on JUNE 15. We will be hauling Tom home strap to his new trailer:hammerhead: "We only bought him a couple beers :hammerhead: .........THEN WE WERE DOING SHOTS FOR THE REST OF NIGHT HE IS. Tell him to call us when he wakes up" LOL:drinkup:

[Clapper&Company]

Sounds fun

[jpp]

Afternoon all. We have had 2 inches of rain here so far today. They are calling for another 1 to 2 for the remainder of the day. As of right now we are 6 inches above normal for the year. Looks like by the end of next week the mowers will cutting the fast growing ones. Then the next week I will be at full bore strength. Still working on spring cleanups too. Although personally I think it is too wet for mulch right now, I am going to do everything but mulch on the properties now then go back and do the mulch after it drys a little.


JP

[Drew Gemma]

This is killing me I need 3 nice days nest week to finish these last 6 clean ups. I think 1st week of april we'll be mowing I hope so cause we have so many landscpe jobs to do plus wait till we start picking up new accounts. So please stop raining alittle bit whoever is making it do that.

[f250man]

Hey Tom you left P.S. to soon I shot you a couple P.M.s but you were gone so fast. I passed you on the freeway at 5 this evening . Steve

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Sorry Steve. I shot you those PM's back though. I usually get home from work and jump around between here and plowsite.

[Clapper&Company]

whats going on guys?? "Its still raining here. So much for putting a roof on this week end. It looks like were be inside doing sub flooring tomrrow.

We have some clean ups to do aswell, weve been geting some project calls to :)

[GVLandscaping]

Hey Clap how did that SM lead turn out? Worth it?

Well business is starting to grow. I think I am up to 2 accounts.:)

[Clapper&Company]

I've had 2 SM leads, both sound good, just waiting to sign, and one came in last night at 10p so have to call today. i'll keep you posted.

News Paper ad, have recived 4 calls from that.

Two calls from door Hangers.

One call from yellow pages.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Geez everyone is getting all these nice phone calls for work. My phone is pretty much silent. Only time it really rings is when Ronnie calls. I give up on this crap. Wasted a bunch of money and gas on flyers, and not a damn call back. I guess the work will trickle in slowly, it is only my first year. Well, at least I am ready when the work does come in!!

[wurkn with amish]

clapper -----that looks like a blackberry or raspberry plant.
Yes [I]know its been awhile, just saw you were asking.

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey felas whats up hows everybody.
Syden dont get discouraged they will come you have to start somewhere.
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

I guess it is a good thing they arent rushing in though. It will give me a chance to really be ready when or if they do start. A nice, slow, gradual start-up is a good thing rather than jump in too deep and be screwed my first year. I gotta sign up for that service magic still, maybe that will help!!!

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Tom
I think it will signing up for SM It works for me. That and small private community papers too. Do you have a bid sheet to prosent these customers?
JSOH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

No I dont. Do you have a copy of one I can use ideas from?? I dont know how to do one

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Tom
I found the ultimate trailer for you to bad you have one all ready.:hammerhead:

[GVLandscaping]

Walker where is that at? I am looking to get a 6x12 utility. Think they have any?

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

GV
That is at american trailer in Eastgate If you want to check them out see Dave and tell him Josh from Walker Landscape sent you.
Yes they do have 6X12 there I saw them today.
JOSH

[jpp]

Josh,

Did you happen to get price on that? I am possibly looking to get a dump trailer. Just curious what they are running down there.


Thanks,

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Dont quote me 2500 gvw I cant remember price thou. Pm me and I will give your their number. I just tried to call them they are closed till monday.

[Clapper&Company]

Just got in, the floors all done, what a day. Smelled like cat pi$$ ;)

Whats new any thing??

[Clapper&Company]

7 day calling for rain with Tstorms all week

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Ronnie, I told you to stop wetting the bed and peeing on the floor!!!!!:rolleyes: ;)

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Syden did you see the pic of the trailer I sent you GIT R DUN.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Yes, that trailer is for sure GIT R DONE!!!!!

[biggin69]

Whats happening guys? Everybody ready to start mowing? I would say that I will be mowing in about a week.

[Drew Gemma]

We need 3 days of nice weather to get clean ups done. I bet the first week of April we are going to start cuttin. Windy rainy that has been the story here we got tons of work and are getting a newer truck ready to go.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

I cant wait to finally start cutting grass!!!! I am have had enough of the snowplowing bit76792

[Clapper&Company]

Tommy dont pack the snow stuff away yet..

A few nice days would be nice..

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Even if it does snow, my contracts are done now, so I will only plow if the money is right and people call. Otherwise I will just sit and watch it fall. Maybe, just maybe shake some salt. Dont mention that 4 letter word anymore called 'snow"76794

[Clapper&Company]

Plowing after your contract is over, you can make some real coin, you can charge more

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

I know I can charge more, but I just dont want to do it!!!! You have only had like 10 events compared to my almost 30!!!! You would be sick of it too after that many plowing/salting events. I just wanna forget the snow stuff and concentrate on cutting grass and doing my landscaping. I just wanna beat my head against the wall thinking about snow76820

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Syden
Were did you get the new Smiles at. Those are cool.
JOSH

[biggin69]

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/waffen/violent-smiley-008.gif
Check out clicksmilies.com
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/waffen/violent-smiley-014.gif

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

BIGGIN
Hey how you been have you been hard at it?
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Josh I got mine from a few other forums, and just saved them as a pic. Then just put them on here and they work!!7684176842

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

This is a test of this

[biggin69]

BIGGIN
Hey how you been have you been hard at it?
JOSH

Not really. I did a spring clean-up last weekend and the neighbor come over and ask me to quote her a spring clean-up and mowing. She accepted the bid on the mowing but she said that her and her son where going to try to do the clean-up this weekend. I am expecting a call from here this evening saying that she didn't get it done and would like me to do it.

Other than that, I have just been waiting on the phone to ring:mad: .

I did get some signs made for my truck and got a call the second day that they were on it. A guy at work also wants me to do his lawn and possibly some scaping but he was going to talk to his wife this weekend so I will find out tomorrow. As of right now, I have 5 lawns. I need about 5 more and I will be happy.

Have you been busy?

[GVLandscaping]

Walker or anybody else that might know. I have a customer that wants a quote for seeding her back yard or somehow getting grass to grow back there. She told me that she is tired of her dogs comming into the house with muddy paws.

She has a deck that totally shades 50% of the back yard I think I have convinced her to put some sort of landscaping back there.

Now about the other 50%( sorry no measurements yet) she will need grass. I was thinking of adding top soil on the sloped side and the rest just using a tiller/stiff rake,fescue seed and a starter fert. Yes No? On the right track? Need help.

[biggin69]

I am not a pro with this but I do know that if you till the bad spot and overseed it, you will have think and beautiful grass. I know this because I helped a friend do this to his entire yard. I assume some starter fert would not hurt. Water, Water, Water should help too.

[naturescape lawn dover]

dont forget you need the snow customers next year with an attitude like that you wont have any work next year. It would be stupid to over charge a customer that has paid you all season long.

[Clapper&Company]

Josh, whats going on keep busy? You still working for house flip guy?

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey felas:waving: busier than a one nutted billy goat. I will try to read back and answer some questions.
GV What kind of landscaping are you doing? The seeding is whould work with tilling and lots of water. Then you should have grass shade tolerrant and make sure it stays on that hill netting is the answer to that.
Biggin I sent you a PM.:hammerhead:

[jpp]

Hello all. Got some cleanups done today and have more to do on Tuesday. I will be mowing here on Weds and Thurs routes this week. With this warm weather the yards are sprouting faster than I can type this.


Got a cancelation today from a customer. She said she was going to have her nephew do it. Cause he needed the extra money for college since he just transferred to Ohio State. Now I know for a fact that a so called friend gave her a price of 3 dollars less than what I was doing it for. He told me that he gave it to her, but told her he did not feel right doing it cause he knew that I cut the lawn. So what in the heck did he even give her the price. So anyways, I called him up today and asked if she called him. He said yep that he was going to be cutting it. I said well, you must be her new nephew than.:realmad:

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
I have more nephew than I realized too.:hammerhead: Come with the biz thou. There will be plenty more of those ladies I promise.
Chaulk it up as one of those experiences.:hammerhead:

[jpp]

Here is the funny part, when he doesn't get to it for about 10 days or so. He will be triple cutting it. He does another in the neighborhood of that same house, I swear it was abiout 18 inches high last year at one point. He doesn't keep his cutomers on a regular schedule like I do. So that is going to be interesting.

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
Then she will call you back mid season then you can A Dump her a$$, Or charge her 10% more for rescheduling and anything else that sounds official.
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Whats up guys?? BEAUTIFUL day outside!!! Doing some clean ups, and some last minute fertilizing. Feels so great to be out do the landscaping thing finally!!!! Im happier then Rosie O Donel at the Ricky Martin concert!!!!76984 And the grass is starting to grow now, so not too long before full swing into the game with cutting, etc. Days like today make me happy to be a landscaper, cause when the sun is out and the temps are in the 70's, all the hotties are out walking around in their skimpy clothes!!!!:D

[jpp]

JPP
Then she will call you back mid season then you can A Dump her a$$, Or charge her 10% more for rescheduling and anything else that sounds official.
JOSH

That is exactly what I was thinking this afternoon.

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Tom
Yes It was a great day for being outside I still cant figur out the smiley thing.
It makes me :confused: I cant figure out how to place them in the sentence but I am a landscape not a computer guy. I could plant some nice flowers around the computer and charge alot thou.
JPP
Talking from experience

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Hey Josh, I am no computer whiz either!!! My wife is the computer guru, hence why she takes care of the office junk!!!:hammerhead: If it were up to me on some of the computer stuff and the problems, it would be thrown out of the window!!76985

[lqmustang]

I agree it was a great day today. I got some small cleanups done, and spent a load of $$ at Lesco. I'll be putting my first round down Thursday and Friday. I think I'll be cutting some next week as well. In 6 years I have always started the 2nd week of April, this will be the first time I've started cutting the 1st week of April. Should make for a good month as I've already lined up about $4500 in additional work so far with plenty of room yet for more. payup

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

The weather is looking hit and miss for the rest of the week. I guess will be getting wet. Yee HAW.

[jpp]

Ok, I will give it permission to rain from 8pm to 6 am for this year. :waving:

JP

[Drew Gemma]

I agree jason we did 3 clean ups today and made nice money and were hoping to work around the weather until the start of mowing next week plusmulching lined up already this year will be a good year so far with the extra work.

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
Thats ok as long as it is just a two hour soaking. That way we can still edge beds the next day.
JOSH

[jpp]

That is fine too. I need to do some beds as well. I am hoping to get some in the pm on Tuesday.

JP

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Why am I still awake?? Oh yeah, the beert keeps me oging!!!!!! Beeer is my froinfd!!!! YAY!!!!!:)

[GVLandscaping]

Hey felas:waving: busier than a one nutted billy goat. I will try to read back and answer some questions.
GV What kind of landscaping are you doing? The seeding is whould work with tilling and lots of water. Then you should have grass shade tolerrant and make sure it stays on that hill netting is the answer to that.
Biggin I sent you a PM.:hammerhead:

For the landscaping I am going to put in some hostas and azaleas with the corner having a red ornamental grass.

Went there today and now I think we are going to do some sort of lattice off the deck to keep the dogs from underneath it. I think it will work but now I have to find 8 ft high lattice

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, need to talk to you.


Heres the update:

Door Hangers (500) - 2 calls
Post Cards (500) - 2 Calls
News Paper - 2 Calls - Sold 2 Job
Yellow Pages - 2 Calls
SM - 4 Leads - Sold 1 Job

Word of Mouth & Returns - sill the best.

[Drew Gemma]

tired and sore spring clean ups full go here $$$$ wow best spring so far and good weather thur fri sat so were gonna mulch and landscape fri and sat $$$$ Early bird gets the early worm we sent out letters to current clients and it paid off well so far we have ppl signed up for the whole year on the extras already.

[jpp]

tired and sore spring clean ups full go here $$$$ wow best spring so far and good weather thur fri sat so were gonna mulch and landscape fri and sat $$$$ Early bird gets the early worm we sent out letters to current clients and it paid off well so far we have ppl signed up for the whole year on the extras already.


Drew, I know what mean about being sore. Woke up today and felt pretty good. Then this afternoon my arms, chest, forehead from the sun burn started killing me.

Calling for 90 percent chance of rain here on Wednesday. Check some more properties that normally get cut on Weds and Thurs, they are ready to be mowed.

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

For the landscaping I am going to put in some hostas and azaleas with the corner having a red ornamental grass.

Went there today and now I think we are going to do some sort of lattice off the deck to keep the dogs from underneath it. I think it will work but now I have to find 8 ft high lattice

Hey sounds good you can get the latace (sp) at HD or Lowes. Talk her into some english Ivy slow growing thou or you could maybe do clamatise or climbing rose on the latace too. Send us some pics.
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Whats happening people?? Got a nice sunburn going on on my neck and shoulders. :realmad: That and I hate pine trees!!!! I have those stupid little red spots on my arms now from the trees. Sounds like we are gonna get a little soaked tomorrow

[lqmustang]

Hey sounds good you can get the latace (sp) at HD or Lowes. Talk her into some english Ivy slow growing thou or you could maybe do clamatise or climbing rose on the latace too. Send us some pics.
JOSH

I've never seen English Ivy and slow growing used in the same sentence before, unless the operative word was 'not'. ;) My experiences anyway. Sorry, I'm just not a fan of it. I'd opt for the clematis.

[Clapper&Company]

What a day, got to leads today one from the yellow pages and one from SM, dot meeting set up for them. Sold three jobs today. Put out 4 full service bids. Plus had time to work on my buddys house.

Fun Fun.

[GVLandscaping]

Yeah talk about what a day.

Today I knew it was going to rain so I decided to do some running around to get things in order for next week to begin cutting.

9:37am I am rear ended by a Honda element. After waiting for the cops and getting insurance stuff an hour and half later I get to continue my journey.

Around 11am I get to American trailers. I am ready to buy this trailer sitting on the lot and the sales person tells me that one is sold already. Now I have to wait until Friday to drive back out there to go and get it. ugghhh!

Show up at the mower place to ask about how its coming and what do I see yep a semi unloading MY mower. This was the first bit of good news for the day.

Then I show up at my part time job and score!! The receptionist says that her dads house will need to be mowed.

So far not too terribly bad of a day but wow you should have seen that Honda folded up like an accordion.

[lqmustang]

wow you should have seen that Honda folded up like an accordion.

I had something like that a couple years ago. Score F250 - 1, probe - 0. Didn't even put a dent on the rear bumper. My only wish was that I had the trailer ball mounted at the time. :laugh:

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

GV
That sucks did you go to the one in Eastgate? Did you talk to Dave? What is he charging you? Hope there wasn't to much damage to the truck.

[yj94]

*trucewhiteflag* Ron When you going to tell all your buddies here that your girl friend had your baby yesterday morning?
Everybody give ronnie a big thumbs up!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

[biggin69]

What is a good website for free satellite pics of properties?

[biggin69]

Where is the best place to get mulch in my area (Hamilton). Alvis is $20 - $22 per yard. If I was to pay this price, what should I charge for installation per yard? The beds will need edged and weeded.

[GVLandscaping]

GV
That sucks did you go to the one in Eastgate? Did you talk to Dave? What is he charging you? Hope there wasn't to much damage to the truck.

Lol my truck is fine few dents and scratches but wow her car is done for. It was so bad that she couldnt get her door open to get out. Her fault not mine but I will give her credit she tried to get on the curb but there was no way.

Yeah went over to the one in Eastgate. Kinda got lost thought, so I stopped at the sunoco and asked about American trailer. All three clerks looked at me dumbfounded. So I just decided to keep going and what do you know the very next light you could see it from the road. If it was a snake it would have bit them.

He charged $895 for a 6x12 and thats the best I have found. He didnt have any in though so I gotta wait till friday. Was kinda bumed but oh well still paid in full for it and will go back then.

Big-
Check out maps.live.com thats what I use I like it. Just play with it and you can get a 50yd close up I believe.

[ncls]

windows live search angle view

[jpp]

Well fellas, I started cutting here today. Did half of my normal Wednesday route and Started my Thursday route. Did 5 off of that and will do all but maybe 3 or 4 of rest of that route on Friday. The Wednesday route was kinda of screwy, those are the ones that I thought for sure would all be cut.

I love the smell of fresh cut grass that is for sure. Hope you all had a good day today and made some payup payup.

JP

[biggin69]

Where is the best place to get mulch in my area (Hamilton). Alvis is $20 - $22 per yard. If I was to pay this price, what should I charge for installation per yard? The beds will need edged and weeded.

Well??? Anybody???

[Drew Gemma]

not in your area but mulch is anywhere from 60-85 a yard installed edging is .70 a foot clean up or prep of beds is 35 per man hour pruning is also 35 per hour usually that is rough harder jobs more money high end we charge more also figure out mulch plus del. plus labor to install and finish acess is it easy or hard lots of plants to go around more money less plants quicker. Edging haul away rake in disposal unloading time prep time load unloading debri haul off cleanup time travel time figure your own numbers because each market and business has diff. expenses and price lines. so use mine as a base.

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Well??? Anybody???

Hey
I get mine from BZAK and EVANS they charge me 17.50 for double and 18.00 for triple a yard. We are $125.00 a yard for full service. I will check around for you and see if I can find you something. Try mulch . com or Ohio mulch.
JOSH

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

GV
Dave is a good guy if anything goes wrong with it just stop in. I have been dealing with him for about 3 years now. i have had a couple of small problems wiring tail lights ETC. I have not had to pay for anything I will have to buy a hub for the mower trailer thou. If he lets me pay LOL.

[Clapper&Company]

Sold a landscape job today, and calls still coming in, going to be a good year i hope.

Walker / Tommy whats going on??

[A and N]

I charge 55.00 per yard installed, sometimes 1$ per foot for edging. Oberson's on 747 should sell mulch for 17.50 per yard. Mulch Plus on Cincy Dayton Rd in Middletown does.

[GVLandscaping]

Clap did you hook that SM lead? Man I really am thinking about getting it to that but I would be so mad if it didnt pay out. I think my prices are high and I would be pissed if I didnt land an $8 phone call.

Walker yeah I already figured that he was a good guy. Told me that if my trailer isnt in later today that he will let me take one to use for the weekend, no questions asked. I have some mulch jobs this weekend and it might be something nice to use. :hammerhead: Yeah I didnt think so either. LOL

As for the tally I am up to 4 accounts so far. I guess its getting there slowly but surely. :)

[Clapper&Company]

GV, Yea on the SM leads I have 4 leads and hooked 2 of them

[JeepCreepn01]

Well??? Anybody???

Rencks in ross is good place, start buying from them and you get better deals, sometimes if im working there and in a good mood ill give you my discount

[Clapper&Company]

Rencks in ross is good place, start buying from them and you get better deals, sometimes if im working there and in a good mood ill give you my discount



For a small fee right?:rolleyes:

[jpp]

Let's Go Bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

O - H

[Clapper&Company]

Let's Go Bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

O - H




I-O

JPP, I knew what you were doing lol :)

[jpp]

I-O

JPP, I knew what you were doing lol :)


One down one to go. And yes that is what I was looking for. lol

JP

[Clapper&Company]

I knew that as soon as I seen your OH lol.. Its an ohio state thing.

[jpp]

Was just checking to see how many of the fellow Ohio lawn thread members knew it. lol

JP

[biggin69]

One of my customers wants me to mulch his beds that have not be touch for atleast three years. What do I do about the weeds (totally taken over the beds)? Can I just hose them down with RoundUp then rake them out or what???

[Drew Gemma]

weed eat the weeds down prune and cut rake out then blow out beds then go back in 5-7 days and spray weeds then lay mulch in 7 days touch up in 2-3 weeks. It is the most efficient way I have figured out on the nasty ones but charge extra cause you will make a lot of short trips to spray and such so many times.

[Clapper&Company]

Drew has a good point, on that, many trips wich would be ok if you were mowing every week there.

[biggin69]

It is a weekly customer so that is no problem.

[Clapper&Company]

Good Deal then,

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Whats going on my fellow OHIOIANS :waving: Been busy have not had a chance to check in. Did you miss me :cry: I diidn't think so.:laugh: Hope everyone is staying busy RAIN or SHINE.
JOSH

[Drew Gemma]

busy to busy already! We got 2 last min. calls from aprtment complex. One is a retirement deal other is for single adults. So no kids toys or trash they both are very well kept usually I stay away from this stuff but we are going to take them. One is 90,000 and other is 100,000 sqft of turf plus tons of edging pruning and mulching If both deals go through next week for full service we just increased sales from lasst year by 10-20 % Not to mention it seam that this is the year that all of our residential customers want to do something with their house we have 17 mulch jobs lined up plus the one who already get it done every year. It is almost to go to be true. My goal is to have everything paid off new truck and dump bed last few payments on z and mis. expenses buy July. Then I think were gonna get a plow truck:dizzy:

[Clapper&Company]

Whats going on josh? Not much here, its been raining. Sold a job 5 jobs this week. noithing new going on.

Tom is trying to beat people up at the post office, LOL

Are you guys mowing down that way?? Tom said up there they mowed all this week. Theres been some home owners around here mowing but no one else.

There saying snow this week.

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

We are going out tomorrow to start mowing for the year. Still have 12 install to do. I also have five bids to put out I will have to start turning people away soon. Most of them are willing to wait for us thou. Its good to have great customers like that. I even went out this morning and did one on a SUNDAY. Lord forgive me.;)
JOSH

[jpp]

Afternoon all. Drying up pretty good now after rain through the night. Going to start to go by all yards this week myself. Went by two routes last week and did 2/3 of the yards. This week I know I will be cutting everything. Have plenty of cleanups still to do as well. Let the fun begin and the payup fly.


JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

That and the stress of putting up with tire kickers, employees, gas prices, PITA customers and then the CASH to make it all feel worth it.

[jpp]

That and the stress of putting up with tire kickers, employees, gas prices, PITA customers and then the CASH to make it all feel worth it.

Boy isn't that the truth.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Whats up all?? Havent posted in a bit, been busy as hell. Phone has been blowing up a good bit lately. So now that we had some nice weather, I got nothing but SNOW to look forward to wed.,thurs., and friday!!!!! SOB!!!!:realmad: So I am gonna be puttin the pump and lift frame back on, you never know what may hit the first week of April up here by good ole lake erie. I could be squat or a dumper!!!! Either way, it will catch a ton of people off guard and their contracts are done, so they will need plowed IF we get enough, which means more cash in my pocketpayup

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Syden
Hey whats up working on paper work and going to go do some drive by bids on some commercial. Work is good it sounds like good job. I will be hanging out here for awhile typing and adding things up.
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

This may sound goofy, but I just got lowballed today and I am happy. This is my first year and only 20 and I have a good idea of what to charge for lawn maintenance. I know what I need to make per hour to make profit. I put a bid in on a good sized apartment complex. I dont have the square footage off hand, but I ll look it up from where I measured before. Now mind you this place is VERY VERY wet almost all year and may need lawn boyed in some spots and some spots even weedwacked!!!:dizzy: So I factored all of that extra time weedwacking and lawnboying into my price. I went with 250 a week. I even asked a few of my other buddies that have been in business for 10-15 years to look at it, and my price was close with theirs. So I figured good, I didnt lowball my first big cutting bid. One of my good friends lives there and I was visiting him today. I saw the guy there with his 10 year old son telling him what to do with the clean up. So I went and asked him what he was charging to cut the place. He says well, the clean up is just charged like cutting grass and I have been in business 4 years and I know what to charge. I said wow, ok, so whats the price?? He says 90 bucks a cut!!!!!! I had to walk away, cause I was in tears laughing my ass off!!!:laugh: I figure 7-8 months of grass cutting here @1,000 a month=8,000 for the year. He lowballed me by $5,000 for the season!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!! And he says he has been doing this for 4 years and knows what to charge, I am still laughing!!!

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

I am laughing now. Good for him does he and his son do alot of work around there LOL. Tom stick to your guns keep charging what your worth. Dont let it discourage you. He will be gone soon enough. They will get what they pay for in the end.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

This is the first time I have ever seen this guy around here. It didnt discourage me at all!!!! Im kinda glad I didnt get it, cause now it frees up a few hours to get more accounts that I can upsell stuff like mulching, etc to and in the end, make more money. I am sticking to my guns and I am not doubting my worth one bit. I know the kind of work I do and that is only one: QUALITY!!!!!! I did a clean up Saturday on a house that was done by the home owner. It is in a very upscale neighborhood where homes are 250-400k. I had 4 of their neighbors come over and want me to do stuff for them now too cause I did such a beautiful job. Now they want me to mulch it, do weekly maintenance, and look at their new house they bought and it is a 500k home in an even higher class neighborhood. WooHoo to me!!!!

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Go get'em the best advertisment is the work you do and word of mouth. Good for you sir.I have to run burning day light. I will catch up with all of you later.
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Thanks a bunch Josh!!!:waving: I did a bunch of flyers a few weeks ago and got nothing on them. Word of mouth is my best friend right now!!!!

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Oh the sq.footage of the place is 174,000!!!!:laugh:

[Drew Gemma]

if i hire a company to do spraying and fert. for a property of mine that i charge should the applicator charge me sales tax to charge the customer sales tax that would be paying it twice!

[lqmustang]

if i hire a company to do spraying and fert. for a property of mine that i charge should the applicator charge me sales tax to charge the customer sales tax that would be paying it twice!

I'm not exactly sure, but I'd think the sub should not be charging you sales tax. I'm sure there is something in the tax code that addresses this situation.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Id call your accountant or tax guy. They may be able to help answer your questions.

[ncls]

If you're legit, and charge sales tax, then the sub should not be charging you. He should give you a tax exempt form to fill out. (In Ohio, anyway.)

[Clapper&Company]

I have sold a job a day this week. I'm happy with that. I have to go look at 2 jobs tomrrow and meet with a guy to sign paper work, and get my check.. Got to love it..

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey felas still keeping busy I hope.:clapping: Lots ans lots to do we have been working through rain lately. Then the lighting goes off and them we are off till it stops or we go home. Nature of the beast I guess. :hammerhead:

[jpp]

Time to go back to plowsite fellas, calling for flurries here on Thursday and snow showers on Saturday. It was freaking 81 here today and I am about as red as a rose. Going from a sunburn to carharts in two days? :confused: Getting ready to storm something bad here. Starting to lightning out as I type this.

How is everyone's mowing going? Cut everthing here this week so far. Yards are looking good too. But this time of year all the customers come and talk,talk, and talk. But it is nice to get caught up with them from the winter too. I just wish they knew when to go back inside so I can continue my work. :laugh:

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
I feel your pain sir. I believe in customer relations but come on. What you do is fire up your back pack or have a sign you through your guys to do so. Then they eventually they quit talking and just wave.:waving: LOL.
We went out yesterday and knocked out 19 did a 2 mulch installs today. got done just in time.
JOSH

[jpp]

Josh,

We did 19 out of 23 yesterday. I forgot about I was waiting to hear back from a township foreman about their property. No call yesterday, but he calls today as I was unloading to say I got the job again this year. Today was 24 out of 24 being cut.

My signal to the customer is me leaning over to start my backpack back up. lol


JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

My guys dont need a sign they have learned what to watch for. I had one of my guys call me from the trailer one time. LOL IT WORKED.

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey I had an Idea when we have new employees we video them on their first ride on a WB. I could make a killing on Americas funniest. LOL
JPP I will catch you later I am heading for the house for a cold one and MY CHAIR with the remote. I will catch you tomorrow sir.
JOSH

[jpp]

Hey I had an Idea when we have new employees we video them on their first ride on a WB. I could make a killing on Americas funniest. LOL
JPP I will catch you later I am heading for the house for a cold one and MY CHAIR with the remote. I will catch you tomorrow sir.
JOSH

That would be funny. Have a good night and enjoy that cold beverage.

JP

[Clapper&Company]

I know what you mean on the snow, only in OHIO..

O well what you going to do.


This nice weather, I was hoping to get people to make there minds up and stop draging there feet.

[Drew Gemma]

we busted our tails in 2 days we got half the weekly route done and I am feeling it we only did the ones that are early and growing like crazy so when this crazy weather settles down wer not bagging our tails off! got all clean ups done except a huge estate if weather fails were gonna dig out all bushes and gringd out stumps fork away and back fill topsoil seed straw. plus we got leads to run and paper work is stacking up plus maint on equipment already

[GVLandscaping]

Ok this is ridiculous. What am I doing wrong here? I go to give estimates to customers and at site they are friendly and happy with my price, presentation and professionalism.

Then day before I am going to start service I get the call. Oh sorry about the confusion but my wife or an old retired guy with be doing the service. What the ****? What did I do wrong? Seriously this is annoying. Any help?

[ncls]

They could be gathering ammo for their landscaper. Were there stripes on the lawn? Price shopping? Your age? Maybe if you looked young, they felt uncomfortable.

Without being there, and or more details, anyone would be just guessing.

You don't have a big nose ring, and have your pants around your ankles, do you?????:laugh: :laugh:

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Good early morning fellas!!:waving: I dont think today is gonna be such a good day for cleanups, seeing as how the wind is gusting at about 50 mph:hammerhead: I see everyone has been working hard, thats always a good thing. I am getting the truck ready for snowplowing, since they are calling for a decent amount of snow and they are calling for some pretty nasty lake effect to kick in!!!!:dizzy: I guess old man winter needs one last "hurrah".....butthole!!!!!:angry:

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

GV
I agree with NCLS they are price shopping or tire kickers. The old retired guy is a friend of theirs and is wondering what to charge. They have you come out and help him. Then he knocks the price down a couple hundred bucks. Send them a $35.00 estimate charge. It couldn't hurt. Chauld it up as another one. I have ran out of chaulk it has happened to me so many times.
Tom
that sucks in away you are still making some cash thou (Bright side). At least your not layered up throughing mulch today. Gotta go felas have a good day and be safe.
JOSH

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, just dont fall on you @$$ again :) When are you going to call me back, you pot-Licker


Every one is busy busy.

GV hang in there it will all work out.

[GVLandscaping]

Now I know what they mean when they say your first 10 are the hardest.

Josh-
Hey I think I am going to sign up for that SM. Seems as though my doorhangers are running out of steam. Calls are just trickling in now 1 every 3 days or so. They asked something about referrals. Do I have to provide one?
The sales person told me that it doesn't look like there is much competition in my area. And that there are like 10 mowing leads. I don't believe that.

Clap-
Yeah I know man I its just hard starting out and getting excited about the calls and then getting the yes, but then getting "The Call."

[Drew Gemma]

Let me tell you guys the previous 2 weeks I couldn't give away a mowing service. But we started to raise bids on side work because we are getting to much we are over charging and ppl are still saying lets do it. So then I am telling them it is gonna be end of may they say hey we will wait. I am goning crazy here. So mon thru wed we have sold 5 mowing accounts and 3 more mu.lch edge prune jobs. You know what I can't figure it out no one went out of business around here. Money and housing around here is the same not so great. I think I am just reaping the reward of 5 plus years of always doing good work and always keeping promises to my clients. We haven't ran one add this year and I have sold so many jobs I am really getting worried about a time line if the weather doesn't give me abreak soon.

Then i think first year all the crap i used to mow then I think about it i like my new problems better than my old ones. also to make room we cut 3 pitas this week boy does that feel good.

[lqmustang]

So Drew, that's where all my business is going? :rolleyes: My phone has been very quiet for this time of year despite the nice weather and running an ad in the paper. This year my 5 years invested resulted in three customers moving, and 6 more that I dropped due to payment issues. Sucks coming into this year that light. On a brighter note I mowed 80% of my route this week. First time I've ever cut grass the first week of April. Even cut a couple the last week of March.:clapping:

[Dollar Spot]

Mustang, don't feel too bad, the Akron-Canton area is a tough area to do business in. Hoover closing can't help the area at all. The sad part is that every time there is an economic downturn more people get into the business and thin out the customer base even more.

[jpp]

Dang it was a cold day out there today. It is 34 outside with a windchill of 26 right now and we just got done about an hour ago.I just heard we had a windchill of 11 at 2pm this afternoon.I heard the northwest part of Ohio is going to get a foot of snow total for the rest of the week. :dizzy: Got everthing cut today too. Was 80 out yesterday to the 30's today. Time to go out and cover up some flowers.

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
Here in Ohio if you dont like the weather wait 15 minutes. We just got in too wow I dont have sunburn anymore its frostbite I think. LOL Nature of the biz I guess we will mow in lite rain I guess we will mow in lite snow too. Yea haa.

[jpp]

JPP
Here in Ohio if you dont like the weather wait 15 minutes. We just got in too wow I dont have sunburn anymore its frostbite I think. LOL Nature of the biz I guess we will mow in lite rain I guess we will mow in lite snow too. Yea haa.

Josh,

Actually had siome flurries here today. Yep my sunburn was replaced with frostbite too, on my face. Should have worn that darn ski mask. They are now saying a freeze warning for the next 5 nights. That is going to slow the growth down just a little bit. But hey maybe that will all change in the next 15minutes. :laugh:

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
You going to charge those customer to go cover up their plants cha ching.LOL

[jpp]

JPP
You going to charge those customer to go cover up their plants cha ching.LOL

No ,these are my plants. Have not had calls from any customers yet though. I doubt if anybody calls though.

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Yes that way you can plant new ones and charge them again.:hammerhead:

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Yes mama we found what was killing plants we got em thou. Sorry about the cat.

[jpp]

Snow is starting to stick on house roofs here now. Time to get out and cover those plants. Looks like a late start on Thursday and Friday for me.

JP

[lqmustang]

Yep, should be a wonderful day tomorrow to drive out to West Branch State Park to get paperwork done for my boat doak. :dizzy: I think the boat's gonna stay under the tarp just a little bit longer, thank you Mother Nature.:gunsfirin

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Morning fellas!!!:waving: I dont think we are working today, since the green grass is now white and there is maybe an inch or so of slop/ice on the pavement. Just went and shook a little salt. They are calling for 3-5 today, I hope not cause I hate plowing in the day time:hammerhead: All the waterheads are on the road then and makes for no fun. So I should be here all day today off and on.

[2 clowns mowing]

mowing in snow today

[Drew Gemma]

this sucks no work is gonna get done the rest of this week the wind out here is 25 mph not favorable at all. We have 1 clean up left around 15 mulch jobs for sure so far and we got 5 days worth of mowing to do and we only got half done this week. Plus I am still waiting to get my newer truck back. Getting a dump body put on it can't wait! Oh well gonna sit in the house and relax cause on monday all hell is gonna break loose I hope but then again they are calling for cold weather next week.

[Dollar Spot]

Hey guys, come on over to Canal Fulton, it's 80 degrees and looks just like this!

[jpp]

Shoot fellas it is only 29 here with snow showers/flurries. I was thinking about going out this afternoon for about 3 hours and do some mowing. But if the temp doesn't go up any further I will not be going out. I have 24 lawns left for the week so I really want to get them done before the weekend.


JP

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Now I remember why I hate the winter. It involves several hours of sitting on my ass and staring at the computer or out the window of my truck:angry: Oh well, back into the upper 40's and 50's next week. Kinda hard for me to be able to cut grass in the snow, since there is 1-2 inches of frozen snow/slush on it. Would be kinda funny putting lines in the snow though:laugh:

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Well here is what I get to deal with the rest of today and tonight:dizzy: :cry: :hammerhead: Lake Effect Snow Warning
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CLEVELAND OH
945 AM EDT THU APR 5 2007

OHZ012>014-PAZ002-003-052145-
/O.UPG.KCLE.LE.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-070406T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KCLE.LE.W.0009.070405T1345Z-070406T1000Z/
LAKE-GEAUGA-ASHTABULA INLAND-SOUTHERN ERIE-CRAWFORD PA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MENTOR...CHARDON...JEFFERSON...
EDINBORO...MEADVILLE
945 AM EDT THU APR 5 2007

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CLEVELAND HAS ISSUED A LAKE
EFFECT SNOW WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY.
THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL CONTINUE ACROSS NORTHEAST OHIO THROUGH
TONIGHT. LOCALLY 2 TO 5 INCHES FELL LAS TONIGHT. LOCATIONS IN
THE SNOWBELT OF NORTHEAST OHIO AND NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA WILL
LIKELY 3 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW TODAY AND THEN AGAIN TONIGHT.
WESTERLY WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS WILL ALSO CAUSE
BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW.

IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW THE WEATHER CAN VARY FROM LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW
IN NARROW BANDS TO CLEAR SKIES JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. IF YOU WILL
BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE REGION BE PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES IN
ROAD AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO
AND OTHER RADIO AND TV STATIONS FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR UPDATES.

[jpp]

We got up to 33 here today. :) Decided to go out this afternoon and did about half the route. Left the other half for Friday. I was layered up and I was still a little cold.Left the carhart bottoms at home should have had them with me. They will be the first thing I grab on Friday that is for sure. Probably will be a late start due to the cold though.

Tom at least you can still get out and make money pushing some snow. Better than an ice storm that is for sure. -+


JP

[jpp]

Local weather guesser just said that in 2 weeks we are going to have another cold blast come south. :cry: I still have mulch to put down but have been holding off just for this reason. What is everyone else doing about mulching? My thinking is get everthing ready and prepped for the mulch then once the weather breaks put the mulch down. If I get swamped with the mulch I can always hire some temp labor like high school kids that i know.

I guess it is time to watch the weather sites alot more again to see what type of weather is coming our way.

JP

[Clapper&Company]

Sounds like fun.

Were just going to have to work with the weather.

Only in Ohio

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey felas what is going on we just got in about 5:00. We did a little of everything today. Mowed grass mulch a small one. Mowed around the wet spots thou. Dam was it cold thou. We have two renovations to do Fri and Sat one at Lake Lorelli and one at Lake Waynoka. Stay warm guys be safe.

[Drew Gemma]

i refuse to work inthis crap the wind around us is crazy you can't do anyting! I have been running estimates but I need to get a break and get some jobs done. Plus ppl are calling and wanting to push jobs back cause of weather.:dizzy:

[lqmustang]

Same here Drew. I'm getting some estimates done for the rest of the week, and that's about it. I should go out and put some dimension down on a new account picked up today, but I don't really like putting stuff down on top of snow. lol Hopefully next week will be better.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

All I did today was drop off some bills, drop off a few estimates, and go grocery shopping. Went to sleep around 5:30 and just got up. Nice nap I guess

[jpp]

Drew, the only thing I did was cut today. No cleanups. That would be a waste of my time with all the crap blowing around out there. I just hope it is not as windy next week that is for sure.

JP

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Now they said we have the possibility of getting a foot of snow tonite!!!:dizzy: I m gonna hide under a rock till its over!!!

[Clapper&Company]

It is way to crapy to work out side, I woiuld if we had to but right now we can move stuff around .

Good weather to do office work, and work in the shop

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Well, we got didly squat for snow. Im glad, stupid weather forecasters. Musta went somewhere else. Better there than here I guess:rolleyes:

[Clapper&Company]

I hear that, whats going on tommy boy, whats your good firday plans

[jpp]

Getting ready to head out to finish 12 lawns for the week. Still very cold out there but I rather get out and get them done and not have to woryy about going out later on this afternoon. Have a good day guys and stay warm


JP

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Not too much Ronnie, got my wholesale account set up today at the local landscape suply place. It feels so cool to start getting stuff like this!!! Other than that the wife has a Dr's appointment today and then Im doing nothing else. Whats your plans??

[Clapper&Company]

Sweet, what type of deal did you get with your account???

I got my nursery dealers license in the mail the other day.

I've been doing paper all day and a few meetings.. This cold has hurt the calls coming in. But other then that nothing much.

We got to hook up again befor long..

I want to get out and door hanger over there where you did the install last year.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Just got a decent discount off of prices. And I dont have to pay when I pick up the materials, just get invoiced at the end of the month.

I gotta get one of those nursery licenses soon. 75 bucks, correct??

Yes, gotta hang out at least one more time before cutting season is at full balls!!! Yeah, we def. gotta head over there to Brimfield and toss around some door-hangers. That could be a good money cow neighborhood there!!

[ribbie78]

gotta head over there to Brimfield and toss around some door-hangers.

is that a big Amish area? Around here they run their wagons over their yards to make nice stripes

[jpp]

I am glad this week is over cutting wise. Been some cold last few days. Got everything done for the week so I am happy about that. Already changed blades three times this year with me changing them for next week already. Decks are clean blades are sharp and I think it is time for a :drinkup: very soon. Not sure what I am going to do about Saturday. Was going to try and go out and do some bed work. Not to sure about that. Calling for more snow showers and I don't want to be out in that crap again.

How much snow you got up in Northwest Ohio guys? I think I heard they are calling for another foot? Is that correct?

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Hey felas what a day cold work is going ok doing bobcat work for some customers at the lakes. Then this FREAKIN SNOW SQUAIL rolls in should have got the enclosed cab.:hammerhead: We are heading back to mulch and drill out the holes for the trees and bushes. Stay warm felas.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

is that a big Amish area? Around here they run their wagons over their yards to make nice stripes

No, it isnt a big amish area. It is just right outside of Kent. There is a new housing development going in and I did a couple lawn installs there and am/want to do more, caues it is easy$$$$

[chevydump03]

Ron, if you guys are going to meet up in Brimfield, give me a call, I's like to meet you.

Gary

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

I will be sure to tell him to give you a shout!!! I am always wanting to meet other people in the business!!! I will look forward to meeting you!!

[Clapper&Company]

Gary, Sure thing, I have your number programed. Keeping busy??

Tom, We need to hit that area hard, with all the new homes poping up.. Need to contact the home owner of the install last year, so we can put a sign in his yard. :) So also check it to make sure it came in good :)

What do you have going on Sunday, maybe we can hook up.

I got to get the toll free number on the trucks.
- 1-888-611- SNOW -

I love it lol


Yes, tom they are $75.00 You need a NDL and a Tax ID # to buy from LCN. I know money's tight so dont worry about the NDL if you want i'll just set up up on my account, and you can use my name to buy from them :):)

Had a bad Micky D's moment again, i this it was a 7 when i went in but about a 598 when I was done LOL ( inside joke guys)

[chevydump03]

Ron, keeping somewhat busy. Water proofed a basement last week. But mostly been hauling gravel for driveways.

Have had several inquires about mulch delivery, and gave an estimate on some light excavation.

Things are picking ... just need to put this snow to bed for the summer.

take care,
Gary

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

The lawn came in excellent. I still have a few more things to do there, a plant install, finish up the sprinklers, mulch, and some stone/brick work. It is my buddie's uncle, so Im sure he wont care about putting a sign in his lawn.

Sunday, we are having Easter dinner at my dad's house. So I probably wont have time to roll down there.

Ok cool, thanks Ronnie. I will see what I can set up at Chagrin Valley, if not, I will work something out with you.

Turned a #7 McDonald's into a 598??? Ohhhhh that poor kid that has to clean that bathroom!!!:laugh: :laugh: ;)

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Gary, you said somehting about basement waterproofing. Do you do that mainly?? My grandfather is looking for someone to give him some pricing on getting his dug up and resealed. He is in Willoughby. Give me a PM if you can. Thanks alot, Tom

[Clapper&Company]

Tom I forgot about the hoilday LOL

I hope I get a new mower and jelly beans in my basket :)

Tom, When are you going to do the stone work and stuff? I this if we door hanger the area, + had a sign in his yard it would work out the best. Did you talk to the other two yet this year?

Gary, its kinda picking up but this snow hurt us.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Ron, hopefully we are gonna roll in and complete the job sometime this month, it all depends on the weather. When I go down to talk with him about finishing his install up, that is when I am gonna talk to the other people. We most definatly need a yard sign to put in the yard.

The snow hurt me too as well, the calls have slowed down considerably from where they were. But that is ok in a way, it allows me to get other things wrapped up so I can concentrate even harder on the business.

[Clapper&Company]

yea, sounds good.

Lets get down there with in a week or so. So that we can catch the other people before they think to much about it and sign with some onw else.

Besides Gary said he was buying LUNCH

[jpp]

No work was done here today. Did not even get above 32 degrees. hope everone had a great season, I will be back next year after winter is over. Oh wait, this is April so I guess we still have this season to get through. :laugh: Could have fooled me with this crappy weather.

Kicking back and watching the Masters on tv. Kinda weird watching this and not having the windows and doors open.


JP

[Dollar Spot]

I don't want to hurt anybodies feeling but the longer your in this business the more you'll realize that this is just a glitch in the weather that you just can't worry about. I've been doing this for 24 years and I've had summers that I didn't cut for 10 weeks. I've had springs where I've started in Mar. and I've had springs where I've not started till May. Talk about hurting your cash flow! So you take what you can get and figure out what it all means at the end of the year. It's hard, I know, but you can't let it get to you.

A lot of you guys sound young on this thread, and that's okay, I remember when I first started and it was scary. But think about last Dec. when you were cutting grass, that doesn't happen often, so it all balances out in the end. It's all about weathering the storms.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

I am young, probably the youngest here on the Ohio thread, only 20. I have been in the landscape biz since 2000, just this is my first year going solo and doing it right. This weather sucks, but you just gotta roll with the punches and git r done however you can. Here we actually have accumulation on the ground and my plow is all ready to go. I may go out later to do something to make a few bucks. I salted this morning to as well.

Ronnie, I will shoot for next weekend, maybe sunday?? That is when I will have free time to come on down there to meet and drop some fliers/doorhangers, etc. Just let me know and check with Gary to see if that works for him too. If he is buying lunch, are we gonna go to that building we saw changing colors and quote some "bush" trimming??:laugh: :laugh: Inside joke guys

[The Cutting Edge]

Anyone in Ohio got a 36 inch walk behind for sale, also I need some Stihl attachments for km or fs models.

[chevydump03]

Tom & Ron .... you said Gary is buying lunch? :confused: Did McDonald's bring back their $.15 hamburger? I hadn't heard. If so I'll be glad to pick up the tab. You guys probably don't remember $.15 hamburgers & $.19 cheeseburgers.

Next Sunday will work for me.

See ya,
Gary

[chevydump03]

Tom ... I'm new at this, don't know how to PM. My nephew has a mini excavator, and we do several basments each year. He does the pricing, I'm the gopher.

Gary

[jpp]

I agree the weather is something we cannot control in our line of work. It is just like rain we just push work back until we can get caught up.

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, next sunday works for me. yes lunch at that place will be find.

Gary, your right I am to young to remember $.19 bugers :) How did your dino fit though the drive though, old timmer LOL

I tell you what,

- You can buy tom lunch I'll buy you lunch (if you bring your golden buckeye card) and Tom can buy me lunch.. :):) What a plan..

[Clapper&Company]

By the way gary, I do remember Car 51 and Adam 12 and stuff like that. So i'm not that young :):)

[Drew Gemma]

Only worry about what you can control! Been working for myself going on 6th year first 2 part time. Worked golf courses, fert/ squirt co. landscaping turf school. Pretty much you need to get up in the mourning and make some money somes times its cold most of the time it is too wet or too dry! Always save money for a rainny or snowy day! thats the lawn bussiness

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Speaking of poopy weather, I was out PLOWING this morning from 5 am till 10 am!!! There is between 4-6 inches on the ground and this crap is heavy!!!!:dizzy: This puts a damper on doing some landscaping for a while!!!!:cry: Oh well, just gotta go with the flow I guess!!!

[Clapper&Company]

yep that sucks for you tom, most sould melt by wed. Thur

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Well, went out and plowed again!!!!:dizzy: About 6-8 inches of HEAVY WET poop!!! I am not tired, but I think my truck is. There were snow boulders rolling off the plow instead of just windrowing. I hope it doesnt snow no more, I would much rather be plowing the blizzard we had on Feb. 14th rather than plowing heavy slop. Some areas a lil further south east of here got 18-20 inches!!! I am glad I dont plow out there

[Clapper&Company]

yea, at lease you get a few days off some R&R:)

[jpp]

Well, we got our Monday route done and was able to finally finish up a cleanup and mulch job as well. Turned into more work as the job progressed so overall it was not to bad. I just hate when you try to schedule a couple of jobs for a day and you can't get to the second cause the first one runs over. Oh well money is definitely money.

Did Cleveland finally get to play any gomes up north? Sounds like Tuesday is going to be nice and then Wednesday it is going to be a wash out here. This cold weather definitely slowed the growth down too. Last week they were extremely long and this week they had growth but not as much as last week.

Did everyone have a good Easter? Spent mine done in the Cincy area/Lockland/ Reading. Time to full blast until Memorial day now.


JP

[Clapper&Company]

Yes I had a good Bunny day, I didnt get my new truck in my basket, but got a 1/2pound bunny :)

I dont know if they got to play the other night or not. I was watching them blow the snow off. But thats about it.

We got all the mowers ready to go today. Did brakes on the one truck and service the other one. I we got to do now is get the Bed on the new truck all done.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

No the Indians did not get to play. They got 2 FEET of snow out that way!!! But the snow has already melted almost 100% here, so will be out slinging mulch tomorrow and ripping out some bushes, hopefully get to yank some out with the tow strap and the truck!!! :D So let the phone start ringing again!!!

[Clapper&Company]

Toms Going to have fun!!

[qualitylawnmanagement]

Been flurries around here. Been bad a few times at night around 11:30 12 at night to where you can't see anything since Friday night. But that hasn't kept me from mowing last week and today. But this weather is whack 75-80* last Monday and Tuesday and now back in the 30's and 40*.

[jpp]

Holy cow 2 feet of the white stuff. I did see a picture of some of the Seattle players doing snow angels or doing something in the snow. I better not go there.

Sounds like your snow melted off pretty darn quick Tom. What did you do have a jet engine on the back of your truck melted it as soon as you plowed it. lol

JP

[Clapper&Company]

Tom's Sinky @$$ melted all the snow.


Its not looking to pretty this week, their saying 50's by wensday and rain. Going to stay around 50 then till next week. Look at the Farmer's Alc and its saying mostly rain all of april and may. :( Better get out the boots and put the Rubber Ducky around my waist. Going to be mowing with an Ark.

[jpp]

Time to go buy some life vest for the mowers and me I guess. Could always buy an air boat and rig the bottom of it with mower blades. lol Catch everyone on Tuesday need to go get some sleep.

JP

[Clapper&Company]

That would work LOL

Working around the shop again today, have 3 meeting all cut up with no real time to do any thing. Going to do clean ups tomrrow.


Going to run this ad, its going to hit 85,000 House holds + 3 online.
What do you guys think?

[jpp]

Very nice ad there.It will be in color too, right? Stands out and to the point.

JP

[jpp]

Going to post this in the commercial forum too. If you guys bag, do you charge per catch with the bagger or do you just add on 10 dollars.Or do you charge say 3 dollars per bagger catch. I have a customer that just wants his front bagged. Says we are causing weeds to grow from the neighbors yard. I belive it is sedgeweed. I don't bag any lawns at all untill leaf season and then that is added in as part of work being done on the hourly charge.

Thanks,

JP

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

JPP
Hey we charge per bag $3.00 to $4.00 per bag It works well for us
JOSH

[Drew Gemma]

yeah a per bag price is best also if your gonna bag with a z a walkbehind will suck baging with

[jpp]

Drew and Josh,

I was thinking per mower bag on the charge, is that correct?


Thanks,


JP

[The Cutting Edge]

Hey guys how do I post pictures on a new thread? I have gone through the attach files and found the file I want to attach but I cant get the file to upload. I need to post pictures for some help on an estimate here in Ohio. Please help me..

[Dollar Spot]

Make sure the photo is within the restriction of the upload and download of this site, I think it's 600x600 but i'm not sure. There is a thread just for this problem. I had problems until I figured it out, good luck.

[C Cutters]

That would work LOL

Working around the shop again today, have 3 meeting all cut up with no real time to do any thing. Going to do clean ups tomrrow.


Going to run this ad, its going to hit 85,000 House holds + 3 online.
What do you guys think?

Clapper- How much is that costing you, and also how large is the ad going to be and what part of the paper is it in? Looking to do something similar in Cincinnati, not sure about cost. Thanks man!

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Drew and Josh,

I was thinking per mower bag on the charge, is that correct?


Thanks,


JP

Yes that is correct per mower bag.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Uggghhh!!!! I hate this weather!!! It is April, temps are in the upper 30's, mid 40's pouring rain, snow a few days ago, now half of the plants and junk are dead and grass cutting is pushed back.:cry: So this blows the biggie!!!! The lowballers are running rampant with the 10 dollar grass cutting thing that my county is doing. Here, I will give you guys the scoop. A good portion of my area, Lake County, is senior citizens (55 and up) Now dont get me wrong, I dont try to rip off the old folks cause that just isnt right. But I also am not gonna do their landscaping/maint. for free either!!! And alot of those seniors are on fixed incomes and some cant do their own yard work. So now the seniors association has set up for the seniors that are 60 and over, no matter what their financial situation is, and need their grass cut, for 10 friggin dollars!!!!! A lowballer's dream come true!!!! And that 10 bucks is for lawns up to a 1/2 an acre!!! So alot of the lowballers around here have been going buck wild with this, and I have been seeing more and more trucks running around with lawnmowers in the bed than ever before. This is getting so bad up here with this now. And the state govt or the fed govt isnt giving any tax breaks for doing this or giving them money for it. I am not sure how they even did this. One of my buddies that has a bigger LCO with 6 maintenance crews has now lost 52 accounts because of this!!!! I lost 2, and I have heard varying numbers from other REAL LCO's. So now, the rest of us are left with the higher end people to try to go after and other commercial properties. And the area was saturated badly before, now it is gonna be 100% pure cut throat now. In some areas, it is damn near impossible to sell a $25 dollar cutting job, much less anything else!!! I have a few good higher end customers, and one comercial that pay very well, and I am gonna hang on to them tooth and nail!!! I think after this year, we will see what happens up here with this 10 dollar bullsh** and the lowballer's rampage that the county is letting happen!!!! After this year, I may be relocating somewhere else that isnt so "gay". Possibly even out of Ohio!!!!!

[Clapper&Company]

The add is as shown. It will be in 3 news papers, and hit 85,000 homes. The cost is something like $160.00

I have some other sweet ads that I run if you guys need ideas.

[ncls]

Uggghhh!!!! I hate this weather!!! It is April, temps are in the upper 30's, mid 40's pouring rain, snow a few days ago, now half of the plants and junk are dead and grass cutting is pushed back.:cry: So this blows the biggie!!!! The lowballers are running rampant with the 10 dollar grass cutting thing that my county is doing. Here, I will give you guys the scoop. A good portion of my area, Lake County, is senior citizens (55 and up) Now dont get me wrong, I dont try to rip off the old folks cause that just isnt right. But I also am not gonna do their landscaping/maint. for free either!!! And alot of those seniors are on fixed incomes and some cant do their own yard work. So now the seniors association has set up for the seniors that are 60 and over, no matter what their financial situation is, and need their grass cut, for 10 friggin dollars!!!!! A lowballer's dream come true!!!! And that 10 bucks is for lawns up to a 1/2 an acre!!! So alot of the lowballers around here have been going buck wild with this, and I have been seeing more and more trucks running around with lawnmowers in the bed than ever before. This is getting so bad up here with this now. And the state govt or the fed govt isnt giving any tax breaks for doing this or giving them money for it. I am not sure how they even did this. One of my buddies that has a bigger LCO with 6 maintenance crews has now lost 52 accounts because of this!!!! I lost 2, and I have heard varying numbers from other REAL LCO's. So now, the rest of us are left with the higher end people to try to go after and other commercial properties. And the area was saturated badly before, now it is gonna be 100% pure cut throat now. In some areas, it is damn near impossible to sell a $25 dollar cutting job, much less anything else!!! I have a few good higher end customers, and one comercial that pay very well, and I am gonna hang on to them tooth and nail!!! I think after this year, we will see what happens up here with this 10 dollar bullsh** and the lowballer's rampage that the county is letting happen!!!! After this year, I may be relocating somewhere else that isnt so "gay". Possibly even out of Ohio!!!!!

I was in Eastlake city hall yesterday and saw the flyers for that service on the counter. I've come to find out, that they are in every senior citizens center in Lake County. I service 2 properties on route 84 in Willoughby. Had them for almost 10 years. 45 and 50 per cut. They both informed me they are going with the 10 dollar service, and could I match it??? but the one mentioned I could still do her mulch and shrubs!!!!

This needs more investigation...

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Yes, this definatly needs more investigation. It is hurting the real companies who are trying to make a living off of it, not just something to do. I gotta find more out about it. I havent seen any of the flyers yet, but Im sure soon enough I will. There is no way in hell I could match the 10 dollar cutting guys. Ugghhh!!:hammerhead: :cry:

[willietd2]

hey ohio guys,i need some info. where can i find lava boulders south of columbus. thanks,willie

[lqmustang]

Yes, this definatly needs more investigation. It is hurting the real companies who are trying to make a living off of it, not just something to do. I gotta find more out about it. I havent seen any of the flyers yet, but Im sure soon enough I will. There is no way in hell I could match the 10 dollar cutting guys. Ugghhh!!:hammerhead: :cry:

I'll cut the grass for $10.00. But then it will be another $10 to trim, and another $10 to blow off the drive. Package deals only. lol

[jpp]

Ok, I just heard possibly 1 to 3 inches of snow on Saturday night for us. Man I wish that 80 degrees weather we had a week ago was still here. Lawns have slowed down quite a bit. Might be going to every 10 days especially if we get that snow they are calling for. On the plus side at least it will be nice on Friday so I can finish gong by the last route.


JP

[kc-harris]

with all this rain im still behind but will catch up the this week:waving:

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

hey ohio guys,i need some info. where can i find lava boulders south of columbus. thanks,willie

How big are you looking for sit.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Okay, I got more info on our 10 dollar guys. From my understanding, the total number of people that signed up for this senior service was 90. Supposedly, the county sent out bid packets to every registered lco in lake county. Which is total bs cause I didnt get one, nor did many of the other guys I know, all who are registered, legit companies. They then took the bids that were over xx dollars and threw them in the trash with out even looking at them. Then a guy in Perry, who doesnt even do landscaping, does tree work, said hell I will cut them all for 10 bucks!!!! And this is for full service, not mow and go. So a big FU to this guy!!!!!:hammerhead: He earns my asshat of the year award

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Tom
All I can say is WOW :confused: You need to re locate. WOW WOW.
JOSH

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

In all reality, I would like to re-locate, but 90% of my direct family lives in lake county, and I have a good relationship with all of them, and it is nice being so close to go visit them. But in all reality, this guy will not last the season nor will this program, hopefully. There is no way in hell this guy van expect to stay in business at all with this, even with other things to do, it will not make up for the loss.

[lqmustang]

I this guy solo? run crews? Either way, he'll realize sooner or later how much money he is losing on the deal. There is no way a legit company, or even one that is not legit, can make any kind of money on that deal. It's just a matter of time before 1. he realizes how stupid he was and renigs on the deal or 2. goes out of business wondering why he did so bad.

[ncls]

He will figure out soon enough that he messed up. 2.85 for gas yesterday. good luck.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

lgmustang, I am not sure if he is solo or runs crews, like I said, he is a tree service, not landscaping. I could only get so much "inside" info.

ncls, yeah the price of gas is terrible. Cost me a buttload to fill my truck today. I dont know how he is making anything, and if you did the math on gross, overhead, etc, you would see he is losing an assload of money. With my basic figures I stopped when he was at 27,000 in the hole!!!

[Clapper&Company]

Tom was his name Lou?? :)

Woke up today and could hardly talk, it hurts to swallow. If I drink a glass of milk the pain goes away for a hour or so.

On the bright side of things I havn't felt like eatting so if I keep this up maybe my fat @$$ will look like Tom :)

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

It must be, LOL!!! Inside joke guys. :laugh:

Was out mulching today in the cold and rain, I already feel like shart, so I can only imagine how I will feel in the morning.

I think you need to do more than not eat to get my size, I am 158 lbs now, I gained 8 pounds since spring started!!!

[ncls]

90x10=900 900x26 cuts=23400.00 He may not lose much money, actually. If he has employees standing around, not doing trees, then he may be able to give them full time hours and keep them happy. Sometimes, cash flow is just as important as profit.

Although, the 90 that signed up, I'm sure more than 1/2 are 1/2 acre or larger......:laugh:

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, Your right, my bones are to big, to ever be your size lol

Going to go cut some grass today

[JeepCreepn01]

hey ohio guys,i need some info. where can i find lava boulders south of columbus. thanks,willie

Mees Distributors has some huge rocks i think they have lava they are at the bottom of colrain ave 541-2311 is there number

[Clapper&Company]

Whats up with the weather calling for snow.

1-2 tonight
1-3 sunday
2-4 sunday night

Only in Ohio do you mow in the day and plow at night.

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

That is so true Ronnie. I was cutting and doing some lawn repair, now I will be plowing tonite. Over 4 inches expected so far. Welcome to spring in Ohio I guess:rolleyes:

[ncls]

Whats up with the weather calling for snow.

1-2 tonight
1-3 sunday
2-4 sunday night

Only in Ohio do you mow in the day and plow at night.

I'm plowing the wife as soon as I get off this forum.....:laugh: :laugh:

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

Ok, it snowed its ass off for a few hours, now I look outside this morning expecting to go plow, nothing but green grass. Goofy weather and dumb weather forecasters!!!!:hammerhead:

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, you got to push it before it melts LOL

[Sydenstricker Landscaping]

It never accumulated on the pavement. It made the cars and the grass white for a couple hours. Oh well, take the blade back off again. If it snows anymore, screw it, the crap can all melt. I want to concentrate on landscaping 100% from here on out, not worrying about snow plowing!!!:cool2:

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Tom
How have you been I have stop in at the thread lately and was reading some of your rants WOW. You getting everything in line.
JOSH

[Clapper&Company]

Tom, you should have waited to put the plow on, :) whats going on up north, weather looks kinda crapy all week again. Hope to get the dump on the road by the week end.

Phone keeps ringing, just trying to keep up with all the calls. Then trying to meet with them and work at the same time. FUN FUN