Charging for soil Samples

[Turf Care 101]

Do most of you guys charge for soil samples? Gonna start taking more samples this year then previous years and i thought that that could start to get pretty pricy. What do you think?

[QLC- Rick]

I can go to lesco and get it done for $15, so if the customer is interested in a full program or I need it to get them to sign, then yes, I throw it in. If they're a tire kicker or want an app or two, no.

[LushGreenLawn]

I do free soil samples for all customers, its included in their program price. Our lesco charges $29, but our Department of Agriculture does it for $7.50

[timturf]

I do free soil samples for all customers, its included in their program price. Our lesco charges $29, but our Department of Agriculture does it for $7.50

same here...tell them it's included in my service, they have no choice...I include my cost, plus time

[Turf Care 101]

My lesco charges $17.50 I was going to charge for the "problem lawns". Thanks for the input.

[Team-Green L&L]

Is there something wrong with using the electric meters they sell at Home Depot. We sub out all our fert work because of other efforts, but we do the soil test with an electric meter as a norm and figured that was satisfactory unless there were visible problems?

[LushGreenLawn]

Is there something wrong with using the electric meters they sell at Home Depot. We sub out all our fert work because of other efforts, but we do the soil test with an electric meter as a norm and figured that was satisfactory unless there were visible problems?

What in the world are you talking about?

[Team-Green L&L]

What in the world are you talking about?

I'm talking about an electronic soil tester made by Perry Morse Seed Company and sold at any Home Depot for around $20.00. It has a Ph Analysis and Fertilizer Analysis setting and runs on 1 AA battery.

[LushGreenLawn]

I did not know that they made something like this. Does it detect the levels for N-P-K?

[Team-Green L&L]

It does test N-P-K levels and also reads with a "good" / "high" / and "low" dummy scale.
See above. I just took a pic. The top meter is N-K-P and the bottom is "fertility".

[BeautifulBlooms]

How can one meter be for all N P and K? It has only one needle right?

[Team-Green L&L]

How can one meter be for all N P and K? It has only one needle right?

It doesn't give exact numbers, but rather has a scale from 0-9. I don't know how to use the thing because I don't do that part, but I am looking at it.

[LushGreenLawn]

I'm going to check it out, but I've got to be honest, it looks a little gimmicky to me.

If this thing was this easy and accurate, every Farmer and LCO would own one, and the Ag Department would not be doing all of their samples for them (and us).

However, it it works like you say it does, its going to save me thousands of dollars a year in soil tests.

[LushGreenLawn]

O.K., so it basically gives you a general idea. I need something more exact, but I still might be handy to have around for times when I need a close guess. I'm going to look at it tomorrow.

[PSUTURFGEEK]

My opinion is Soil samples are youre responsibility as a professional lawn care company and it should be built in to the program, charging for this service is not the customers responsibility, you are the professional not them. as far as the meters go I don't believe in them at all, nothing can tell you what that soil needs like a professional soil test.

[Team-Green L&L]

Technical Details

* Determines soil pH Analysis
* Includes pH preferences on over 400 garden & landscape plants
* Measures soil's N-P-K content (Fertilizer Analysis)
* Uses conduct metrics wherein a 1.5 volt AA battery is used to provide highiest accurate results
* Includes Ferry Morse Garden Helper Guide Book

Product Description
Product Description
This dual purpose electronic meter tests soil pH and nutrient levels. Soil pH controls how well plants utilize the nutrients available in your soil. All plants have a particular pH preference, so its important to know the pH level of your soil. You can the choose plants with the same pH preference, avoid those that will not do well in your soil, or work to adjust the soil pH level. The fertility portion of the instrument measures the soil's Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potash (NPK) content, in combination. The method used is termed conduct metrics wherein a 1.5 volt AA battery is used. Comes with complete instructions on how to use the meter and how to adjust your soils pH and fertility levels. Also includes a comprehensive list of pH preferences for over 400 plants and a cleaning pad for your tester. The Electronic Soil Testers are all brand new in full retail packaging. Easy to Use: *Slide selector switch from Off Position to either pH Analysis or Fertilizer Analysis position *Insert probe completely in the soil sample *Within seconds the meter will indicate the pH or fertility conditions of your soil * Requires 1 AA Battery (Not Included) Ferry Morse Garden Helper Book Includes: ~ How to start your seeds ~ How to prepare your soil ~Transplant your seedlings ~ Growing days by location ~Vegetable Essentials & tips ~Growing Flowers ~ Culinary Herb Tips ~ Drought Relief ~How to welcome birds to your garden ~Garden Pests ~Autumn Chores & Garden Prep. for next year Since 1856 Ferry Morse Seed Company has been there for you and your family. Ferry Morse provides more varieties, more ideas and more assistance (with their exclusive gardeners help line) then any other company, to help each and every gardener succeed beyond their wildest dreams.

[Organic a go go]

Without a doubt some soil tests are better than others but those store bought meters are basically junk. You *might* be able to argue that they're useful in getting a quickie ph level but otherwise don't waste your money. You can buy a lot of litmus paper for the price HD gets for those meters so even the little info they do give can be gotten for less.

They don't measure CEC, % of OM, saturation ratios or any number of other things that even the worst lab test will give you.

[RigglePLC]

I have three inexpensive pH meters--all cost about $20. Including the Ferry-Morse version. Accuracy is fair. It is important to shine the metal electrodes to remove any oxidation. Check the pH of the same soil sample from your front yard on several different days. There is a good chance it will not be the same. I found that the pH of Diet Coke is 5.2--what did you find?

As far as the fertility dial--I feel it is worthless--probably just measures the amount of salt in the soil.

[greendoctor]

My clients pay me enough for monthly service that I can do it several times a year if needed. One of my selling points is that I will pull soil samples and fertilize according to the results instead of simply broadcasting the most popular bulk blend 4X per year.

[garydale]

Do most of you guys charge for soil samples? Gonna start taking more samples this year then previous years and i thought that that could start to get pretty pricy. What do you think?

We started charging when the state of Maryland passed the "Nutrient Management " law. Primarily because of the record keeping, annual inspections etc. by yet another goverment agency. We use to do it as part of our service.

[timturf]

Is there something wrong with using the electric meters they sell at Home Depot. We sub out all our fert work because of other efforts, but we do the soil test with an electric meter as a norm and figured that was satisfactory unless there were visible problems?

You need to know the base saturation and lbs/a of nutrients, which you get from a quality soil test...and if using the ph meters, how do you know how much material to apply to correct the ph. And if lime is need, how do you know which material to apply?

My two cents

[Rayholio]

My soil test is mandatory on every program, and I charge $22 for it.. Then send the sample to the state extention office... I make around $10.00 on it.. and it's not enough to justify going out, and taking the samples.. but I'll keep doing it. the results sell jobs.

[turf hokie]

I dont normally do a soil test unless the lawn is shady or not responding properly. I then upsell them on the lime application as needed. When I sell the application I include the cost of the soil test and let them know that the soil test is included in the application price. (usually I would add about $35)