Slit Seeding prices

[TurfCo, LLC]

I am starting to hand out estimates for spring 2008 slit seeding. Right now I am charging $50 per 1000 sqft with a price break of $45 per 1000sqft after 20,000 sqft. What are others around here charging?

My price includes seed, labor, and starter fert.

[Exact Rototilling]

I'm thinking about adding this service myself for 2008.

As far as what to charge how much seed in $ do you go through in 1,000 sq feet?


What machine do you use?

Do you test for thatch before you seed?

Do you mark sprinklers or have the customer do it?

Do you test soil Ph? and or apply lime etc.?


Glen

[TurfCo, LLC]

It depends on how much grass is there to work with. On new lawns 10 pounds per 1000 feet, and on lawns that are thin anywhere from 4 to 8 depending on what condition they are in.

I have a Lesco renovator 20 slit seeder

I don't test pH, and the machine dethatches as it is seeding.

The customer must mark sprinkler heads, shallow buried lines (like dog fences), or anything else they don't want torn to shreads.

[TurfCo, LLC]

Come on guys.... I know there are many of you that offer this service....

[Runner]

You better do some research on what prices on grass seed and especially starter fert. are going to do this year. We have been charging 75 per M, and we are going to have to increase this year due to the price difference on starter fert. this year.

[TurfCo, LLC]

I just checked starter prices, and yes, they've gone up. I was getting it from Lesco last year for about $16 a bag, now it's nearly $28! Seed is about the same. Most people in my area are getting as cheap as $46 and up to about $55.

[QLC- Rick]

I'm really interested in getting a renovator right now and really pushing seeding this year. How do you like the Lesco renovator? What's the cost for a new one, and are they worth it?

I just got off the phone with Lesco and am going down Monday to go over seed and fert prices etc. I went to two local dealers today and they had everything but renovators, and I don't know anyone around here who does that I can get any feedback from, so any info here is much appreciated.

[rcreech]

I'm really interested in getting a renovator right now and really pushing seeding this year. How do you like the Lesco renovator? What's the cost for a new one, and are they worth it?

I just got off the phone with Lesco and am going down Monday to go over seed and fert prices etc. I went to two local dealers today and they had everything but renovators, and I don't know anyone around here who does that I can get any feedback from, so any info here is much appreciated.


QLC RICK,

I am a big Lesco fan and purchase almost 100% of my equipment and supplies from them and they treat me good.

With that said....I just bought a new Lesco Renovator from them this summer, and although it is a very nice machine and does a very good job, it is very slloooooooooowwwwwwww!

In talking with others I think you will be much happier with the Turf Revitalizer made by Turf Solutions! Never thought I would say that...but the Lesco Renovator is just too slow!

Good Luck as the seeding business can be fun, but most of all a lot of $$$$ if you do it right!

[Exact Rototilling]

I'm very interested in the Lawn Solutions renovators myself - I just wish I could see them in person and actually demo them before buying them. There are some video links in this thread link.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=168682

[DUSTYCEDAR]

i have both units and i like both the lawn solutions machine is faster and i like it alot

[LawnSolutionsCP]

I'm very interested in the Lawn Solutions renovators myself - I just wish I could see them in person and actually demo them before buying them. There are some video links in this thread link.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=168682


Where are you located and when are you looking to purchas one of our seeders? I can setup a dealer in your area so you can demo the unit first. We may already have one in a rental store as well.

Where are you located in Idaho?

Is there a recommended commerical dealer in your area...we are very selective about who we setup to sell our products.

Thanks

David

[QLC- Rick]

Thanks for the input on seeders guys. I'm going to Lesco on Monday to get prices for seed-n-fert for this season, after that I'll come up with my rates for this year. Man I'm really looking at getting a slit seeder, so I'm interested to see how you guys price jobs out with it.

I feel like I got this thread off track asking about equipment, maybe I should make a new thread for that, so this one can stay on the topic of pricing.

That being said, slit-seeding is new to me, so I'm curious to see how you're pricing compares to other methods. Also what kind of claims, or guarantees (if any) you make to the customer when using a slit seeder.

[Exact Rototilling]

Where are you located and when are you looking to purchas one of our seeders? I can setup a dealer in your area so you can demo the unit first. We may already have one in a rental store as well.

Where are you located in Idaho?

Is there a recommended commerical dealer in your area...we are very selective about who we setup to sell our products.

Thanks

DavidIt wouldn't be practical to demo a seeder before mid march unless we have an early thaw.

I live here http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=post+falls,+id&ie=UTF8&ll=47.768868,-117.126617&spn=0.553813,1.067047&z=10&iwloc=addr&om=0

Any dealer or rental shop located in Coeur d' Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden etc. would work. Also Spokane area is not too far away just that sales tax is higher there.

I'm a little gun shy about an outright purchase vs. rental since this is a service that I will be offering as niche along with lawn aeration using a Plugr 850 HD and not as a lawn maintenance for my mowing clients. I've been spending a pile of cash on equipment and borrowing more on creative finance 0% for 15 months to stock some more equipment. If all goes well I will be in the black August September range I hope.

Are there any trade shows that your seeder will be featured at in the Northwest? Seattle or Portland? Those areas are 3 to 4+ weeks ahead of us over in growing season than where we are this far inland. I sign up for an account on your web site if that helps.

Glen

[rcreech]

Thanks for the input on seeders guys. I'm going to Lesco on Monday to get prices for seed-n-fert for this season, after that I'll come up with my rates for this year. Man I'm really looking at getting a slit seeder, so I'm interested to see how you guys price jobs out with it.

I feel like I got this thread off track asking about equipment, maybe I should make a new thread for that, so this one can stay on the topic of pricing.

That being said, slit-seeding is new to me, so I'm curious to see how you're pricing compares to other methods. Also what kind of claims, or guarantees (if any) you make to the customer when using a slit seeder.

Don't worry about it! We very rarely stay "on topic" on here!:laugh:

Also....you will want to keep in mind that LESCO is going to eventually quit carrying the parts fro the Lesco seeder. No big deal, but just keep this in mind as it shouldn't be one of the advantages of buying from them! From my personal experience....as I do a lot of seeding, go with the Turf Solutions outfit. Or....if you want a Lesco seeder, I will cut you a good deal on mine and I will buy the Turf Solutions seeder!:laugh:

This site is great! You will love it!

[Runner]

Oh boy....buyer's remorse... I guess I got to ya, huh?:laugh:

[Runner]

Oh boy....buyer's remorse... I guess I got to ya, huh? :)

[rcreech]

Oh boy....buyer's remorse... I guess I got to ya, huh? :)

:laugh: MAYBE!

Don't get me wrong...I love my Lesco machine...I just don't like the slow speed!

I need to look back at when I was debating on getting the Turf Solutions or Lesco machine on here.

Was it you (Runner) who talked me into the Lesco machine and then went and bought the Turf Solutions? :laugh:

No...if I had it all to do over again, I would definitly go with the TS Renovator, but live and learn!

[DoetschOutdoor]

It wouldn't be practical to demo a seeder before mid march unless we have an early thaw.

I live here http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=post+falls,+id&ie=UTF8&ll=47.768868,-117.126617&spn=0.553813,1.067047&z=10&iwloc=addr&om=0

Any dealer or rental shop located in Coeur d' Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden etc. would work. Also Spokane area is not too far away just that sales tax is higher there.

I'm a little gun shy about an outright purchase vs. rental since this is a service that I will be offering as niche along with lawn aeration using a Plugr 850 HD and not as a lawn maintenance for my mowing clients. I've been spending a pile of cash on equipment and borrowing more on creative finance 0% for 15 months to stock some more equipment. If all goes well I will be in the black August September range I hope.

Are there any trade shows that your seeder will be featured at in the Northwest? Seattle or Portland? Those areas are 3 to 4+ weeks ahead of us over in growing season than where we are this far inland. I sign up for an account on your web site if that helps.

Glen


If you already have the plugger or were considering purchasing it, then IMO I think it would be better to wait before buying the renovator. You can do alot with a plugger and get that thing paid down before going after another high priced item that will not get used but for short periods of time. If you were already doing alot of jobs then I'd say go for it.

[Exact Rototilling]

If you already have the plugger or were considering purchasing it, then IMO I think it would be better to wait before buying the renovator. You can do alot with a plugger and get that thing paid down before going after another high priced item that will not get used but for short periods of time. If you were already doing alot of jobs then I'd say go for it.I suspect you may be correct. Incurring debt even at 0% involves a level of stress which I don't enjoy. The other side of the coin is it seems I always kick myself for not offering a service. Last November I talked myself out of offering snow removal because I didn't want to go into debt to buy equipment etc. turns out we have had a record snowfall this winter. Heaviest total snowfall on record since 1954. :cry:

It seem the biggest mistakes I've made thus far in this business have been the sins of omission not commission. Also listening to very negative family members [it will never work - nobody will pay for that - get a real job etc.] is the most difficult hurdle for me to overcome. Regardless I'm very determined to be successful at this.

:waving:

[Exact Rototilling]

" . . . .
Is there a recommended commerical dealer in your area...we are very selective about who we setup to sell our products.

Thanks

David


David,

#1 www.cdatractor.com This is the dealer I usually do business with the most.


www.raganequipment.com Not as big of a dealer as CDA Tractor but still one of the bigger ones.

They just started carrying the Plugr aerators this last year FWIW.

Glen :waving:

[rcreech]

Core/Seeding vs. Slice Seeding is not even close. I do seed behind coring sometimes to thicken up a lawn...but if a true seeding is needed (big bare spots) you probably won't be happy with core/seeding.

I live by the - BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME - method. Has worked very well!

If you try to do all your seeding with an aerator, you probably won't have to worry too much about growing your seeding business.

If you are not wanting to buy a slice seeder...then I would atleast look at renting it!

[DUSTYCEDAR]

rcreech is right if u slice a lawn u get a much nicer looking lawn
i do core and slice sometimes both on a lawn each has its place in lawn rehab

[lawnpro724]

The best way I have found over the years is to core aerate, fertilize, apply lime if needed and then slit seed. We have had great results doing it this way.