Wisconsin Fox Valley and beyond. [Archive] - Page 2 - LawnSite.com™ - Lawn Care & Landscaping Business Forum Powered by Moose River Media

Randy Scott

03-21-2005, 07:38 PM

Applying any product containing a pesticide requires state certification. It also requires the business to be licensed if you are the hired individual providing the contract. Even when subbing the work out, if you are the company that receives payment for the application, you have to be certified. You are also the one who will be held reliable if someone gets sick from it.

As far as a customer supplying the material and you applying it for a fee, still illegal. The only gray area is technically applying it for free, and that is a gray area that I wouldn't want to argue with the state over. Because when it's all said and done, they will fry your nuts if you want to get pissy with them over technicalities. Too many morons out here that are sooner or later going to pay dearly for what they THINK they can get away with. There's a 275 page training manual and a test with over 100 questions you need to pass in order to apply any pesticide. I suggest passing on this scenario you have given until you are legal.

A straight fertilizer can be applied by you with no license. It is when the product contains a pesticide. And if you aren't sure what I mean by this, you probably shouldn't even be putting down straight fertilizer. No offense, but there is more to just pouring a bag of product into a spreader.

I hope you and your business are state certified as well Jason. If you hold the contracts for this company you joined with , you fall into the same category as well as if you applied them yourselves. Meaning, someone hires LawnRUs to provide these services, you better be certified.I don't know what the other company told you, but you have to be certified and licensed. If not, you're playing russian roulette. Maybe you already know this, but if not, you better look into it.

bbhlawn

03-22-2005, 09:38 AM

Thanks for the info. I think for the time being we will just continue to shy away from the fert and pest side of things. I want to try take the test next season. I have the books the state sent and will look at them during the season. Thanks for the help Randy.

MOW ED

03-22-2005, 10:16 AM

Hi there,
Ditto on the Machine shed.
I have a Prizelawn Bigfoot but I am not looking to sell it. I am looking into the Spyker 220# electric unit also. It looks pretty good. My fert customers are starting to come out of the (sorry) weeds :dizzy: now.
I am also looking into a Toro 60"Z and possibly mounting it to that. Lots to do but I am sort of glad we got the snow. I was behind and this is helping me gear up for the season.
Gonna put out 500 more flyers today and see where we go. I am not looking for tons of additional work, just high paying jobs.

bbhlawn

03-23-2005, 02:24 PM

I just wanted to drop a line and let you guys know that I have a guy that is starting his own tree spade/digger business this year. He is willing to travel around the midwest doing his thing so maybe if you guys know anybody. This is his first year for his business, but not his first year digging. He used to work for some nursery in IL and decided to do his own thing. Anyway if you are interested on know somebody who might be his company name is "KG Horticultural Service LLC" Phone is (262)736-1126 and the mans name is Mike Kazy-Garey.

lawnlubber

03-25-2005, 02:43 PM

Are you sure about needing the certification if you hold the contract? I thought that was the whole idea behind subbing work. So I can close bids on full service lawn care, and get a lisenced, trained person to do the pesticides without getting certified myself. If I was certified why sub out the aps. they don't take much time. I prefer to use organic methods but I don't want to push this on my customers who would rather have their weeds sprayed. It works much better if I can subcontract that rather than the customer contracting it seperately because otherwise I end up trying to coordinate my mowing with TGs 6 or 7 aps and answering questions about why they are fertilizing in the height of a drought.

Randy Scott

03-25-2005, 03:10 PM

I just got off the phone with the state. I was given the wrong info. Last year I talked to one of the guys from the state and he told me what I originally said here. Good thing to know these guys don't even know the rules.

Anyways, you don't have to be certified to sub the work out. As long as, obviously, the other company holds the certification. So that should make it easier for some guys here. Now this is Wisconsin only. I don't know the other states rules.

lawnlubber

03-25-2005, 05:07 PM

Thanks Randy. I was sweating bullets for a minute there. Have you guys ever looked up any of your competitors on WI Circuit court internet site. I did and saw a few that paid several grand for violations doing their pesticide aps. Here I am signing contracts for a bunch of work I'm gonna sub, and I hear I can't. I sure didn't want to get hit with that kind of fine. Thanks for following up on that.

Grandview

03-28-2005, 03:36 PM

Whats the website for the Wisconsin Circuit Court?

MOW ED

03-28-2005, 03:39 PM

http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl

MOW ED

04-05-2005, 07:51 AM

Its 5:45 and I am really feeling it now. Been SWAMPED both outside and inside. I get a bunch done in the field and come in to have to sit for 2 hours on the phone and at the computer. Its hard to sleep because I feel I am falling further and further behind overnight. :dizzy:
I am definately not complaining but I literally went from nothing to full throttle in 1 day. Shaping to be the best spring yet. No one gone from the increases or surcharges and new people are taking the estimates. Its nice to have chaff in the eyes again too from all of the "dethatching".

Mark (Crew Cut) in Oshkosh, my phone does not allow me to call you and I can't turn it off. PM me or try calling in the evening.

How are things in Appleton guys and Jan? Are you putting those new certifications to use?
I hate to say it but we need some snow! :waving:

hartlawn

04-05-2005, 10:25 PM

mow-ed-

Same thing south of you. Nothing to full throttle in a matter of days. People are finally realizing they need to pay attention to their lawn! I'm loving it

PR Fect

04-05-2005, 11:15 PM

Jan here,

Hey Mow Ed. Same thing here too. PR's on nights now so were both going at the lawns full force. Talk about "out of shape"! Glad I did all that eating at those breakfast's that we all went to. :nono: Jobs went from zero - to can't keep up - and they keep asking too. I got two clean-ups done tonight and the next door neighbor comes up and wants an estimate. Love it! Crashing now... :sleeping:

MOW ED

04-08-2005, 06:38 AM

In the ten years I have been at it, this is the earliest I have had it explode. Dust in the flats but we still have wet ground as the frost is still there in some of the shaded areas.
I have a bunch of fertilizer down already and probably looking at getting more but I don't have a chance.
I set my mower to slow the other day and it almost choked out, which is a trick because I have an EFI. Then I remembered :o to change the air filter. Thank God it was a Donaldson.
Phone is ringing quite well and if that aint enough there is always the neighbor to the job you are doing who wants theirs to look like the one you just did. I think I only stuffed one back with a high estimate but I am not complaining.
The thing I like the best is that I took a vacation day from the FD to work 11 hours in the lawns. It was a beautiful day.

PR Fect

04-11-2005, 12:17 AM

We just keep going.... :blob3:

PR Fect

04-11-2005, 12:21 AM

And going......... :blob4:

MOW ED

04-12-2005, 07:07 AM

Hey PR I see the boss has you working while she films :D I think a matching Toro is in order.

It is still nuts for me. I go out and work all day and think I am making headway on my list and I find the answering machine blinking because it has more than 9 messages. I'm shooting higher prices now and it has cooled a couple people off a little but that is OK because just as many are taking the bids. Now I just have to find the time to do them all before it greens up completely.

Are you valley people noticing a very early proliferation of crabgrass down there. In the southern facing areas the soil is way too warm for now and my pre em is a waste of time. On top of that I did find a dandelion in full bloom next to a clients home. I think my weed control program will get worked hard in a few weeks.

Keep going and going and going!!!! :help:

PR Fect

04-17-2005, 05:26 AM

This Forsythia is on the north side. Do you guys have all your pre-emergent down? We have round one done, just need the rain to water it in so it does some good.

MOW ED

04-27-2005, 08:40 AM

Wow over 10 days and no Cheeseheads talking. We must be incredably busy or just not on the computer. I finally have my neck above water and I am gearing up for the mowing season. Anyone in the valley spraying yet? Lots of crabgrass along with weeds this year. I see a bottle of Drive75 in my future. Been a GREAT spring and all aspects of the biz have exploded. I am quite happy in my 10th year. Hope all is well for you.

PR Fect

04-27-2005, 04:23 PM

Ed, we have first round all down. Mowers are switched over from dethatch to cut. Have one mowing done on all clients after tomorrow, twice on some. Will start spraying broadleaf Friday. Took your advice.....

ALarsh

04-27-2005, 04:39 PM

Is that the CT?

PR Fect

04-27-2005, 08:21 PM

Yep, thats a CT with an 18 hp Koller, mulch kit, arm rests, ROP's bar removed. It cuts like a dream and gets in our little properties just right. Cost around 5 grand.

ALarsh

04-27-2005, 09:29 PM

Sweet. I was going to get one of those but my friend hooked me up with a toro. :)

Bay de Noc Lawn Car

05-01-2005, 12:50 PM

Nice mower! When did you guys all start mowing? I will not be starting for a few days yet. It was snowing a little this morning! Hope it warms up soon! :)

PR Fect

05-01-2005, 02:21 PM

Larsh, nice mower also! We have a Toro Z153 that we bought 3 years ago. I love that Z stand for cleaning out and changing the blades. I wish they made that deck back then, we have the SFS stamped deck. The SFS deck works well, but if that Turbo Force deck is like the exmark deck you will love it. Let us know how it does. Also try a Quickchute if you want a OCDC. I will not run our Toro with out it.

MOW ED

05-01-2005, 04:20 PM

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 05:03 PM

I have 44 hours on it now. It is one awesome machine. Cuts the grass and spits it out like nothing. I was testing the deck a couple weeks ago so I let my back yard grow very high (2 weeks worth) and then I cut it at 3.5 inches (normally cut at 4 inches every week). It looked like any other week where I cut it at 4 inches. I will have to get some pics of the yards.

For starting - high end accounts started 2 weeks ago, everybody else started this week.

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 05:13 PM

Funny you should be talking about new mowers, I am getting a Toro Z286E which is an older version of the 500 series that is out now. It has the 62"SFS deck and the 26EFI. The mower has 67 hours on it and only mowed a residential lawn. Its a 2002 mower bought as a leftover new in April of 2003. The thing also has the striping kit and suspension seat. I ain't gonna tell you how much I paid but it was a great deal.
Now is the Quickchute the way to go or is there something else that is better?

I hear you about the great deal. I don't need such a large mower for my business at this point but my friend knows the distributor for toro's so he got me this machine for 6 grand. I was going to get the Exmark CT until he said, "Hey, I can get you a good deal on a toro!".

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 06:23 PM

Some work... pics were taken from in my car, to cold to go outside for pics. :cry:

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 06:24 PM

Still getting used to the controls

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 06:25 PM

The back yard of this house looks AMAZING... I didn't want to get in the snow though. :rolleyes:

Bay de Noc Lawn Car

05-01-2005, 06:26 PM

Speaking of new machines, I am picking up a new gravely 48'' belt-drive walk-behind tomorrow. :)

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 06:26 PM

My highest paying account...

ALarsh

05-01-2005, 06:27 PM

Another of that house... the cross striping doesn't look too hot in these pics, but looks very good in person.

PR Fect

05-02-2005, 07:34 PM

Larsh, looks good! Everyone has trouble keeping it straight the first time they get a zero turn. You will be getting fancy with it in no time. Then the next step is when you say, hey I better take it easy and slow down. Ed, I really like the Quickchute. It has three positions, open, closed, and half way. The room we save not having the chute on, plus having it wide open unlike a mulch plate is just great. I still do not believe Dixie Chopper is the only manufacture who makes there own.

MOW ED

05-06-2005, 07:16 AM

Got my Toro the other day and mowed with it. I love it but it doesn't do it all. I still need and have to have my main money maker, the walker. My Toro is great at cutting the open flats and I have to say that I have the best of both worlds now with a walk behind, a Walker and a large frame Z. Now I need a bigger trailer.
Is everyones head above water yet? No I know it hasn't rained but I was seriously behind for a while but I am almost caught up. I sprayed about 12 acres in 20 hours and have about 3 acres to go. Regular mowing has started but I have yet to have a full schedule because of the slow growth on some properties.
Had someone call 2 days ago for a spring clean?????? I haven't called her back yet because I am sort of scared at what I may get into. Whay would someone wait until now, I have been done with cleans for 2 weeks+.

Round 2 of fert for the 5 ap people is coming up. Hard to believe that we are almost 6 weeks in. Looking like another good year so far. I also lost 12lbs so the pants are fitting better. Only another 25 to go....I have to stay away from those breakfast in the valley outings;)
Make sure to wish the Moms in your lives a Happy Mothers day!

PR Fect

07-13-2005, 06:16 PM

OK, I will ask. WHERE IS THE RAIN?!

ALarsh

07-13-2005, 07:40 PM

We got some yesterday. :)

MOW ED

07-14-2005, 09:53 AM

I thought all of my Valley friends have dried up and moved west. We may have to have a summer breakfast since there isn't much else to do. I'm gonna be driving down to Fondy on Thurs night (soccer game) mayby there is some mowing to do down there.
I am down to about 60% of weeklys and most would burst into flames if you had a spark near them. You can't beat Mother Nature. Enjoy the heat, there are three words to think of when you say its too hot. January, February and March.

MOW ED

07-26-2005, 07:05 PM

Did the rain help you guys out in the Valley? We got about 3/4" yesterday along with about 1/4" on Saturday. The lawns at least feel softer. I am hoping for some good things to come. I need to get another ap down soon so the moisture is welcome. That was quite a break to enjoy summer a little. We still need more but I am back to mowing 90% of my accounts but I did miss 3 weeks at some of them.

PR Fect

07-26-2005, 10:02 PM

ED, rain helped. 1/2 inch Staurday, 1 1/2 inch's Monday. But more important the night time temps are back in the low 60's. Need that cool ground temp or the grass will just stay dormant water or not. We also put everything back on the schedule in a 10 day rotation and have been mowing again for the last two days. No scheduled apps till last week in August for round 4.

MOW ED

08-04-2005, 09:44 AM

Greatly disappointed in the clouds. All pumped up for rain and it just evaporated as it got close. I am mowing about 30% of my customers this week and if we get nothing I will probably have 3 lawns to mow next week. Applying 50%SCU now but it is just gonna sit there til we get wet. If I didn't have those 3 dependable lawns I could take a nice summer vacation. Something I haven't done in 10 years. Mayby I'll contract those lawns out for a week, I know lots of other guys up here that have nothing to do. Gonna have to do something to bridge the gap this fall. Higher rates, more advertising for aeration and seeding as well as looking for more cleanups. At least most trees still have leaves on them. Hope you gents are making it ok.

C & S

08-04-2005, 04:35 PM

A guy made the comment of "almost time to sell the mower" to me today. All I could say was, "ya, the thought has crossed my mind".

ALarsh

08-04-2005, 04:41 PM

Everybody is back to weekly here.

PR Fect

08-05-2005, 12:02 AM

Hey Rich! Just Jan here...
How's that Machine Shed reservation coming along? I'm gettin' hungry. :blob3:

PR Fect

08-05-2005, 03:53 PM

Rich, sounds good! There is a Equipment Rodeo at FVTC that same day 9 to 4. Maybe we could test out a few of the new mowers after we eat. Larsh you better make it up this time, and bring some of that rain with ya. PR

ALarsh

08-07-2005, 11:10 PM

I'll see what I can do. I may be going up north that weekend. I'll have to see.

PR Fect

08-20-2005, 12:40 AM

Jan and I are going to EXPO in Kentucky Oct 14th and 15th. I know some of you guys have done this before. It will be the first time for us. We taking a few days off for a working vacation. Will be staying at the Galt house. If there is a must see you guys need to let us know. It sounds like they are setting up a "coarse" for " testing your skills" at the tec college on the 27th. Many dealers are brining their mowers. See you at the Machine Shed! Thanks to all of those who prayed for rain. PR

PR Fect

08-24-2005, 07:41 PM

Anyone having a problem with Lawn Moths ( sod webworms ) or hairy chinch bugs? I have seen way more lawn moths flying this year than past and I am told chinch bus are a big problem this year in our area also. Who's selling control? What do you use? How do you price it out? PR

PR Fect

08-27-2005, 11:13 PM

ALarsh

08-28-2005, 03:54 PM

Yeah I was missing. I went up north and did some work on the cabin this weekend. I'll try my best to make the next one.

MOW ED

08-30-2005, 10:06 AM

Sorry I missed it, just got back from vacation and had to work saving lives and protecting property. With a crew like that I think they will give estimates instead of a set price for the buffet. :p

Hopefully I will be able to make it to the next one.

I hope you guys are as busy as I am now. Wow a little rain goes a long way.
That 32-2-8 50%SCU really exploded on the lawns. I even applied at 1/2 rate and man what an effect.
Spraying coming up when the kids are back in school.
PR, Nice info packet. I have just did a similar mailing but I like yours better. Let me know what the response is to that.

MOW ED

09-03-2005, 08:35 AM

Valley dudes, I have really been interested in the cut rate company out of Kaukauna that has red and white junk trucks and vans all over my area. With the low prices these jokers charge I am thinking that soon the high gas prices will catch them.
A tight route is your best friend in these times. I don't cut in the Valley but if I did I would be dumping accounts quick. Hope you guys are doing well, its busy here with spraying and weekly mowing. I see gas between 3.09 and 3.25 up here.

C & S

09-03-2005, 09:53 AM

I talked to a gentleman a couple weeks ago about this "cut rate" company that is poisoning our area. The gentleman I talked to has been in business for 14 years and runs a very succesful little company. What I'm trying to say is that he has a good idea what this region will allow for prices. Anyway this "cut rate" company under bid him on a yearly price by 82%. I can't for the life of me figure out how they can do that and still be able to afford to eat at the end of the day. I can't figure out how they buy new equipment or even maintain there current equipment. I know they do lousy work because I have a few of there past accounts, so I hear about it all the time.
Everbody says "wait and it will catch up to them", but they have been doing this for how many years now. How much longer do we have to wait? Sorry, just had to vent a little.

PR Fect

09-03-2005, 01:50 PM

Got a bid on one of their properties for next year. Its a new building and they took the lowest bid. After two years the contract is up and Jimbob & Yahoos will not be doing it anymore. I wonder how they will like my prices compared too what the where paying. I do not think Jimbob & Yahoos are going anywhere. They are in the whole valley with several offices. They will just keep jumping from place to place. PR

dtxwizard

09-11-2005, 09:02 PM

Hi guys

New guy here looking for any and all advice I can get. Working on getting started up in the lawn mowing and lawn maintenance business worked for a place outside of Neenah about 25 years ago doing lawn care and loved it
I'm about 50 miles out of the valley. (shouldn't be compitition)
just looking for startup do's and dont's want to try and get it right the first time. LOL. I have read all the valley pages and it seems like a tight knit group of guys that are willing to help each other. (dont see that very often - way cool)

thanx

Affordable Lawn Care Don

09-13-2005, 11:23 PM

OK, I don't know if the world is ready for this. But here we go. Left to right, Al - Irrigation Services; Rich - Ideal Green; Mark - Crew Cut; Gary - Garys Lawn Care; Don - Affordable Lawn Care; Tim - Versatile Lawn & Landscape; Jan - PR-Fect Lawn Services; PR - PR-Fect Lawn Services. Missing from picture LARSH! :p Thanks to Ideal Green for picking up the tab!
This is my first post to this site so cut me some slack ok? PR, I've given your number out to a few customers now, one of which was Sharon Debere. Remember her? Are you aerating yet? I'm starting this week.....

PR Fect

09-19-2005, 06:36 PM

Wizard, welcome aboard! Don, the post looks fine. I think I know who she is, will have to wait and see when she calls. We will try and start aeration the end of this week. By the last weekend of the month for sure. We have many customers asking for overseeding with the aeration. We will be trying to help fill in the brown areas in their lawn. Much of that this year. The letter that Jan sent out to about 38 of our current customers was a help. Thats the letter we showed you guys at the last breakfast. Landed 7 more jobs out of the 38. PR

PR Fect

09-27-2005, 06:50 PM

Talked to Dave at Lesco today and he said fertilizer has gone up 10% over this years quoted price already and may go 15 or 20% more after the first of the year. Art at Rienders said their fert has gone up 12% as of Sept 1st and may go up another 8% after November 1. Trying to get a grasp on this for cost quotes on next years programs. Has anyone seen or heard anything? PR

MOW ED

09-27-2005, 08:21 PM

Krap.
I sort of figured it would. I get guoted a yearly price but I am sure that I will be seeing an increase. That will of course be passed on. I am raising everything next year in order to stay even.

promower

11-14-2005, 11:43 PM

This possible winter storm has got me stressed. I have 2 weeks of cleanups left, still looking for another plow driver, new guys havent even been taken through the route yet, one truck is in the shop, havent bought salt yet, still have a few lots that need to be marked out and the list goes on. Its been a while since we had snow before X-mas and now snow in Nov.!!

ALarsh

11-14-2005, 11:49 PM

Promower, What area are you servicing?

MOW ED

11-15-2005, 10:00 AM

You guys should now better than that to trust those weather guessers. I quit that a long time ago. I'm going out to kick azz on the leaves that blew back into the cleaned yards, at a significant charge of course. If I don't get em now I will be back at a higher rate in the spring so I am making out either way. This should be the time of low stress for us. Hell a snowblower or plow can throw leaves as well as snow.
Its been a great year and I am looking forward to even better things in 06. When are we gonna start breakfasts again????? I need to add to my already growing winter coat.:p

PR Fect

11-15-2005, 10:41 AM

We still have a few to mow for the last time, 3 or 4 to do fall clean up, 3 to clean gutters, 2 to prune trees, and 1 tree removal. No frost in ground, snow will not stay. But just like the two days of winds over 40 mph, the snow will once again put us behind. Did get two pallets of fert in the shed before the price went up. Ed set er up for the end of the month or first part of next, we will be there! PR

promower

11-15-2005, 04:41 PM

ALarsh

11-15-2005, 11:52 PM

Alarsh- I live in Madison, and work about 80% of Dane county. If you live near me and want some extra snow work let me know, I had a retirement home approve a proposal I put out in August. I would have turned him down for the plowing because my route is already full, but he agreed to full service lawn maintenance, planting flowers, and 40 yards of mulch in the spring.

Thanks for the offer promower but I live about 50 miles east of you, too far out of my service area. I was going to offer you an extra hand during busy times but you may be a little too far out.

Z Queen

11-17-2005, 03:14 PM

Breakfast? Did I hear someone say "breakfast"? :blob1:

PR Fect

11-17-2005, 03:44 PM

Rich, does it suck up snow? If so I could use it. How are we ever going to get back out on the lawns to finish clean ups? :cry: Gary's number 470-6662. Did anyone take Don up on his offer to sell his aerator, roller, and trailer?

Diablo

11-20-2005, 11:10 AM

hey fella's, i am currently in the service, stationed down here in NC. My wife and I have decided to make a go of it in Wisconsin, if thats alright with you guys, of course. We are thinking the madison area. So I see that there is a great thread going here. Thats great, i am a huge fan of good relationships between business owners. Anyways, to the meat and potatoes, I ran a business down south before the whole 9/11 thing but i dont know too much about business up north. I was just trying to get some info about what the average prices are for common services. I plan to start in mostly residential, cant help it, i like the little ones. Do any of you guys run year round contracts, if so what is included in them? Snow removal, spring and fall cleanups, beds, fert and squirt? I keep getting an average income in madison of around 40k on the web. i know promower is around there, how is business? Room for new guys? I wont be showing up for a little while, but would like to build some relationships before i come. I plan to start out solid, couple of pickups, couple of plows, couple of mowers, etc... I will be coming with two full rigs. Too much, i know but im hoping to do a little subcontracting in the winter at least. plus, sitting in the army this long leaves me with a hole burning through my pocket. Any tips on startup, best equipment for the area etc.. would be hugely appreciated. Ive been glued to the sister "plowsite for days now trying to figure this out. Big fan of Ford's and Scag's, How do they work out up there? Thanks for the time, hope to make an infamous "breakfast" before too long. thanks, mike.

PR Fect

11-20-2005, 03:16 PM

Mike, welcome aboard. There is always room for another Cheesehead LCO. That is if you are professional on the way you run your business, willing to help the rest of us poor working soles, and do not try to undercut the going rates.
There are many LCO in the Madison area, Promower could be more help on that. If you look back in this tread you will see Sodzilla. He moved from the Madison area to Colorado I think in the winter of 03-04. If the Madison area is like the fox valley, there is work there for someone willing to do it. I know for sure there is snow plowing to be done. Many places can not find a reliable snow removal contractor, most fill up by the first of October and will not take any more accounts on. You can look at going out 12 to 15 times in 5 months and 5 or 6 will be over 2 inch snowfalls. The other 7 months will be cutting grass ( about 23 mowing's ) and 2 or 3 fall clean-ups and of course a spring clean-up. Why Wisconsin? Have you lived here before? PR

Diablo

11-21-2005, 10:00 AM

hey PR, what do you know, there is a such thing as northern hospitality. j/k. Those Bears were not too hospitable to my Panthers yesterday though. I know at least one of you guys is happy about that. Seriously, thanks for the advice PR thats the kind of stuff Im trying to figure out. No, I've never lived up north before, my wife is from Mass, not too crazy about the heat down here, so we just started looking at mid-sized towns throughout the nation. Madison was tops on all of our lists. Dont know if you knew it but it is in the top three on several lists for recreation, kids, new business growth rate, literacy, lots of stuff. I like to think of myself as a professional, soon to be anyway, undercutting is the very thing I want to avoid. It cheats me and you, you know? I will not be coming up for a while, maybe in the spring, but plan to buy all of my equipment here, less wear and tear on trucks down south. I was wondering if any of you guys had a general idea of how much it would cost me to get started, legal wise, up there? Business License, fert and squirt license and so on. Also heard something about taxes per yard mowed, whats up with that? And are there any professional organizations for our trade? OK, dont want to write a book, better stop here but I would appreciate anyone's advice and look forward to meeting you all soon. Thanks, Mike.

PR Fect

11-21-2005, 02:51 PM

Mike,Business license is called a sellers permit. I think it was $40. It gives you permission to sell and pay sales tax in the state. 5% state sales tax, and in the Madison area they tac on a 1/2 % stadium tax. Good to see you are a sports fan, living there you will be paying for it. Most lawn services have sales tax, but not all. Check the Wisconsin. gov web site. We collect and send in 5% on all of or work. Fert and Squart first year was around $400 with the schooling for Jan and myself. Then around $280 a year after that. LLC cost ed us around $200. Check out one of the legal sites like this one. http://www.legalzoom.com/law_library/corporations/compared_LLC.html The insurance was $350 six years ago when we started, now that we have grown added all the services you are asking about, I think its closer to $1200 a year. Shop around ask the other guys in your area who they use. There is allot of differences in this area. We also continue to go to school every year to keep that edge. I would say we operate for around $2000 a year plus equipment and income tax. Sales tax is a wash, or its suppose to be.:D Got to go and do a clean up before it snows again. PR

Diablo

11-21-2005, 05:35 PM

i appreciate the insight. i checked out that link, sure looks like a good one, didnt go into too much digging, but im keeping that one for when i get there. yeah, im a pretty big sports fan, not much of a packer's guy but who doesnt love brett favre? i hate the vikings, so i will be pulling for you guys tonight. we whooped em pretty good already, im hoping you do the same. hey promower, how is the commute into madison from a neighboring town in the winter? hope to hear more soon, thanks again pr. mike.

MOW ED

11-21-2005, 06:59 PM

Here are a few more links to play around with. Don't get to be a Packer fan, they are on the bigtime downslide. Go with me and my Bears and you will be a winner. :cool2:
Sounds like you have your stuff squared away and will be a success in the business. Madison is a great area even though there are some strange folk down there. You have to get your pest. license before you start the fert program. Pure fert is ok but anything else needs the license. Good to see more people moving into the state. Take care.

http://ipcm.wisc.edu/pat/

http://www.dor.state.wi.us/

http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/home/app?COMMAND=gov.wi.state.cpp.command.LoadPortalHome

http://folio.legis.state.wi.us/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=46964671&infobase=stats.nfo&jump=183.0301&softpage=Browse_Frame_Pg

Diablo

11-21-2005, 10:22 PM

there's the bear's fan. hard game for me to watch this weekend. guess it was a little easier for you than me. its ok, my boys are still in good shape, just needed a breather, least i like that spin on it. anyway, thanks for the new links, i havent had a chance to check them out yet, good old uncle sam beckons, but i will look first thing tomorrow. you guys have a great thanksgiving if i dont talk to ya before then. mike.

chopper2

11-22-2005, 05:03 PM

hello to everyone, i am a new guy here located in central wisconsin, i am new to the buisness. any help or advice you could give would be appreciated.
looking to start up in spring with dtx wizard, although we have already done a few fall cleanups around our area. just thought i would drop in and say hi
C-ya

BeautifulBlooms

11-28-2005, 11:46 PM

New myself, expanding wifes design business to include landscape maintenance (no lawn maintenance yet, depends upon how everything else goes)

I was a Golf Course Superintendent for the last 3 1/2 years in Slinger WI, and prior to that spent the previous 7 years at the same course near Minneapolis, so turf management is definitely my strength, but we didn't want the overhead of all the equipment up front. If the regular maintenance goes well we can alwasy expand if our clients want their lawns mowed also.

Diablo

12-01-2005, 09:41 PM

hello, what happened to all of you guys? I hope everybody here had a great thanksgiving. I bet youre probably still recovering from the turkey. I see more new people. cool. i wish i had some advice to give you guys but i dont even live in wi yet. i planned to move up in the spring but looks like i may have to go on a little vacation to the sandbox first. anyway, just didnt want this thread to slip too far back. I checked out those links you guys posted for me. thanks, all the info i need to get started up there is on them. talk at ya later. mike.

chopper2

12-02-2005, 12:01 PM

Diablo that sucks having to go "OVER THERE" but on the bright side you wont have to deal with winter here, although i'm positive you would rather deal with the winter. my neices husband is in Iraq now( for the second time) and should be home for christmas hopefully. Anyhow i agree with you about everyone disapearing on this portion of the site. that means you MOW ED and PR- FECT we miss them posts come on tell us something lol anyhow gotta go for now
C-YA:cool2:

chopper2

12-02-2005, 12:05 PM

I also forgot to welcome you aboard Beautiful Blooms so welcome, good luck to you and your wife in your buisness venture
C-YA:cool2:

PR Fect

12-02-2005, 04:01 PM

Hey still here. This thread sits sometimes untill someone bumps it back up. Many of the guys only check in only now and then. Do not worry, we are all still here. And cold! PR

MOW ED

12-03-2005, 10:08 AM

I'm still here trying to get into the holiday spirit a little. All the toys are now put away and I have many repair parts to order. Its amazing how the end of the year costs money too. Got to be ready in the spring time as it goes from nothing to 100MPH in 1 day.
Got the Christmas tree up and the outside decorations mostly done so that is a good thing. It is good to see that people come to this thread and its great to see new names.
So what is our challenge going to be in the upcoming season? I know we all have something that we are concerned about. I personally am interested in what the price of fertilizer is gonna be and what is going to happen with the Phosphorous issue. How about price increases for the customers? Anyone thinking on those lines? I increased many at the beginning of last year and I know that I have more to do. I had good luck with a gas surcharge, only one guy had a concern and that did not cause any problems but I am gonna raise prices and have a surcharge dependant on the price of gas next spring. My overall gasoline payments were 31% higher this year than in 2004 but the surcharge made up for that and then some. It was good business for me but I can't say that for everyone. I have good customers that understand, heck I even had one lady wanting to give me more money when gas was around 3 bucks a gallon.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. Spring is just past a couple of cold months.:waving:

chopper2

12-11-2005, 06:51 PM

Thanks for the reply Mow Ed. I figured you were still here, but had to check.
Im glad things went well for you this summer/ fall. Cant wait for spring.
Happy Holidays to Everyone. C-Ya

dtxwizard

01-01-2006, 11:51 AM

I guess let me be first in our area to say it Happy New Year

I wish everybody the best of years payup :blob4: :blob1: :drinkup: good luck

Thanks Da Wizard

PR Fect

01-05-2006, 10:47 PM

Chopper, I think you got your wish. If this is not Spring weather, I do not know what is. Kind of gives a guy the itch seeing all that green grass. When is the next breakfast? PR

Crew Cut Lawncare

01-16-2006, 06:39 PM

I would like to host the next breakfast. How does Saturday, January 21st look for you? I will set it up in Appleton--I'll get back to you on the details.

Mark Bal
Crew Cut Lawn Care

BeautifulBlooms

01-16-2006, 06:49 PM

When do you guys start sending out fliers?

ALarsh

01-16-2006, 07:07 PM

I will be in Tomahawk that weekend snowmobiling...

BadgerMan

01-16-2006, 10:22 PM

What's up fellow Northerners? I've been reading LawnSite and some others for awhile now doing my research in the hopes that I can some day break into the green biz. Might be a couple of years from now, we'll see how it goes. Gotta have a dream to keep me going for now. I'm up in Marinette. Anyone else North of Green Bay? I see there's a few from GB, Appleton, Menasha, Neenah. I'm glad I found this thread although it may take me awhile to get through all 43 pages. I've made it through the first dozen or so.

Just thought I'd say hello and please keep up the posting. If and when I get my operation started I'd like to do it right. Very grateful to have this forum for reference.

LawnsRUsInc.

01-17-2006, 07:19 PM

Do you guys have a hard time signing residential contracts for one yearly price divided by X monthes? I tried this 2 years ago and thats what i found when i tried to change customers over and sell new ones. Any insight from my area? I just got backfrom Florida for a month trip to see how it is ran down there so i can set up a location there and thats how everyone does it there.

Thanks in advance.
Jason

PR Fect

01-17-2006, 10:41 PM

Check your emails!:waving:

ALarsh

01-17-2006, 11:05 PM

Jason, How many plowable events have you had so far this year? Just doing some research...

How much do you charge per push/seasonal in Five Fields/Deer Haven (if you don't mind sharing)?

Thanks

Crew Cut Lawncare

01-18-2006, 10:00 AM

I will be hosting a breakfast Saturday, Jan. 21st at Golden Corral, 1169 N. Westhill Blvd., in Appleton (Next to Home Depot) at 8:30 a.m. Hope you can make it.

Mark

MOW ED

01-21-2006, 07:10 PM

It was a small crowd but that was OK. Always great conversation and a BIG Thanks to Mark for pickin up the tab. Lots of food to eat there and I could have stayed all day. I worked last night and wasn't sure if I was gonna make it until the last minute.
I have to host one of these guys also and I have to bring my Boss with me. Had a great time again and congrats to PR and Jan.:drinkup:

PR Fect

01-23-2006, 06:38 PM

Hey, Frank (Franks Lawn Care & Tree Service) said at the breakfast that Wisconsin may have changed the way they treat small trailers. I seen a "ZA" plate on WI DOT web site. It says its for trailers less than 3000lbs GVW. In the past I was told trailers less than 3200lbs GVW did not need plates, registration or their own breaks. Whats the law? And thanks Mark (Crew Cut) for the breakfast. PR

PR Fect

01-23-2006, 10:20 PM

Federal Court Upholds Wisconsin Phosphorus Ban
By Lauren Spiers Hunter
1/18/2006

A ban on the use of lawn care products containing phosphorus will remain intact in Madison and Dane County, Wis. A three-judge panel in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals last month upheld the ruling of U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb that the local ordinance banning phosphorus is not preempted by state or federal regulations.

The ban, which has been in effect for nearly a year, was initiated by activist organizations arguing that phosphorus has a detrimental affect on lakes and the environment in the Madison area. When enacted by the local legislature in Madison, the ban was challenged by many green industry proponents, including fertilizer retailers, lawn care companies and trade associations on the grounds that state and federal laws preempt the local ordinance.

Ironically, an expert speaking for the City of Madison noted that the phosphorus restriction would have no impact on the quality of area lakes and only might have a favorable impact on algae blooms one day per season. Regardless, Judge Richard Posner wrote in the Court’s opinion that the lawn care industry had not known that it would be unfeasible or costly to sell products without phosphorus in Dane County.

Lawn & Landscape recently discussed the ruling with Allen James, president of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, an industry organization that was involved in bringing the ban to the attention of the Courts. James explains that RISE and the primary litigant CropLife America have the option of appealing their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, but will not be moving in that direction.

“We believe very strongly that this is a bad decision by the District Court and the Federal Court, but there are a number of reasons for not making a request for the Supreme Court to hear our case,” James says, “The time and expense of the litigation are the primary reasons, but we’ve also lost our case at two lower courts, but right now the bad decision is limited to the Seventh Circuit. If we were to appeal to the Supreme Court and the decision were upheld, it would turn into a nationwide issue.”

With the phosphorus ban in place, lawn care operators (LCO) have a couple of options. The first would be to have soil tests done for all of their clients’ properties to determine whether or not applying phosphorus is necessary. A test showing the nutrient is needed would allow the LCO to purchase and apply phosphorus to the lawn. However, James points out the impracticality of this approach “What we’ve learned over the years is that it’s impractical to soil test for very small lawns and also the state is not equipped to handle the number of soil tests that would be required, even in a small city like Madison,” he says.

The other option is to stop using phosphorus in lawn care applications, which will ultimately cause lawns to deteriorate and increase customer complaints.

Rather than appealing the recent ruling, James says RISE will continue to work on educating state lawmakers about the value of preemption and hopes that the Wisconsin legislature will be favorable to taking a statewide stance that would keep local communities from gaining too much control. “The industry is interested in gaining state fertilizer preemption in as many states as possible and we’ve already been successful in 10 states,” James tells Lawn & Landscape. “State leaders are realizing that local communities are trying to unreasonably restrict fertilizers – just as they did with pesticides in the 1990s – and that they need to bring those regulations back to the state level.”

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

ALarsh

01-23-2006, 11:50 PM

I am curious as to the law on small trailer plates also. My trailer has a 3500 lb axle and I do not have plates on it. Do I need plates by law?

Thanks.

ALarsh

01-26-2006, 11:57 PM

How much is registration for a 3500lb trailer? Thanks for the info.

PR Fect

01-27-2006, 08:59 AM

Rich,

Talked with PR this morning. Knowing ahead of time like this - we should be able to help you out. We can talk. Sorry that you had to deal with TG at all!!!

Jan

PR Fect

01-27-2006, 05:18 PM

So I looked up my title for the trailer that I was given when I bought it. It says the trailer is 2995 GVW rated. The axle has a 3200 lb sticker on it. So that being said, I do not need to get it registered. It is a private trailer not for hire or rental. Would you guys say it would be helpful to pay the registration fee anyway? It may help in a theft? Or just be happy the government has not taxed my trailer yet? PR

C & S

01-29-2006, 10:59 AM

Hi guys,

Sorry I missed the breakfast, I think I fell off the earth for a little while. The wife gave birth to our second child in early November (a boy) and we have done nothing but visit different doctors, and take many trips down to Children's Hospital in Madison. I think all the problems are fixed now. Hopefully.

Still trying to get over a pretty crappy year. I got hit hard with the lack of moisture in 05 and had a lot of problem with customers either not paying at all or paying VERY late.This year it's either pay on time or I'm going to elimanate your entire lawn. Just kidding.

The only problem I have left to take care of before spring is to try and figure out why my diesel is getting only 13.5 mpg. Ford doesn't seem to interested in my problem!

Take care everyone, and lets hope for a good year.

Chad

C & S

01-29-2006, 11:11 AM

BeautifulBlooms

01-30-2006, 06:06 PM

Any of you local guys have Websites? If so what are there addresses, looking for some ideas to establish a site, for reference as well as advertisement.

grassdoctor

02-01-2006, 07:25 PM

Does anyone know where I can get sign up for fert licensing this year?

PR Fect

02-01-2006, 07:47 PM

Troy, try this link. It should give you what you are looking for. PR http://ipcm.wisc.edu/PAT/certexam/index.htm

BeautifulBlooms

02-15-2006, 09:22 PM

Anyone have any thoughts or ideas for a fertilizer and Herbicide program for the wisconsin area. This is my first lawn bid. Looking for advice on products and distributors application rates, how many apps. What do you use for herbicide program. Will need a broadleaf control for sure and also some crabgrass preventer. Anyone with some thoughts?

PR Fect

02-15-2006, 09:52 PM

Mike get ahold of Reinders or Lesco. Do not be afraid of talking to one of these salesmen. They know their stuff and can supply you also. Both can get you started on a "beginners" program. Then you can modify it once you gain knowledge and experience and learn your cost and customer's needs. PR

Diablo

03-06-2006, 09:27 PM

hey idealgreen i just checked out your website, nice. I was just curious as to whether you get any new business from it. What about your existing customers, does it help them out? Im thinking of starting one myself but dont know whether it would be worth the trouble or not. Thanks, mike.

PR Fect

03-09-2006, 07:10 PM

Rich, if you want to get more hits from the search engines just give something away. Like a truck! Have a contest and make everyone hit Ideal Greens site everyday to "check in" to see if they won. After you get a million hits from everyone trying to win your truck, the search engines will bring you up to the top of their lists when someone searches for key words that are on your site.:)

ALarsh

03-09-2006, 11:12 PM

When are you guys going to start advertising? I'm trying to plan when I should start hanging my door hangers.

Thanks

PR Fect

03-10-2006, 05:10 PM

No advertising this year again. Turned down work three years running. What we do do is try and sell more services to accounts we all ready have. We found out it is much more worth our time, and that we get a better response as far as those who say yes. Those letters went out last week. We always try to let the people know that we are still taking care of their lawn near the end of February, and any new services we push in March. IMO, now would be a good time for door hangers. PR

LawnsRUsInc.

03-13-2006, 05:57 PM

What are you guys thinking of figuring for an hourly charge per man for lawn maintenance?? I am very curious due to alot of people on this site say that they make $60 per man hour!!

Jason

PR Fect

03-13-2006, 08:15 PM

Jason, it depends on the area of the country you are in. East cost $60 per man hour is probably the average. In Ohio you would never get it. I can tell you that in the Fox Valley area here in Wisconsin some of the bigger Landscapers get $46 to $49 with not much of a fight. Most I know are in the mid thirty's. Anything in the twenty's is a low ball. Gary told me he was going to set up another breakfast last time I talked to him. Has anyone heard from him? PR

LawnsRUsInc.

03-13-2006, 11:56 PM

well i agree with you on the responce to my post at the $35 range i cant see how some of the people even in our area can tell the truth saying they can cut with a 61" and a 2 man crew and gross $60 per man hr i just wanted to hear some un biased opinions.

ALarsh

03-14-2006, 12:00 AM

Jason, You gross $35 / hour?? I've watched your crew cut and with 2 guys on Z's and one guy trimming they get done rather quickly. How are you finding out your times? Maybe your guys are slacking off on the job?:nono:

With just myself, I average $53.19 gross / hour... Maybe thats because i'm solo? I only use a 60" Z...

ALarsh

03-14-2006, 12:04 AM

btw, have you started advertising? I put out about 400-500 sunday, didn't do any more today because of the light snow/sleet we got. I will go back out once we get a couple more warm days.

promower

03-14-2006, 01:21 AM

Hey lawnsRus, your pretty close to me and the $60 a man hour is hard to get around here as you know. Big jobs, I'm at low $40's and those quick $30 minimum jobs, if it was broken down, the hourly rate is probably high $60's low $70's. After figuring windshield time my employee probably grosses mid to upper $40's for a days work depending how condensed the route is that day. If I bid a 10 man hour job out here for $600 a cut theres a very slim chance of getting the job. Can only charge what the market will bear and around here it just isnt $60 a man hour.

ALarsh

03-14-2006, 08:33 AM

Are we talking gross $60 / man hour or net $60 / man hour?

LawnsRUsInc.

03-14-2006, 02:07 PM

Are we talking gross $60 / man hour or net $60 / man hour?

Iam sure he meens 60 per hr gross. But i have to say some jobs i can gross that but others there is no way. I could make that when i used to cut with a partner that knew how to work and move but having multiple crews they know i dont know what they are doing at any given second.

And no i havent started my direct advertising yet. We still have our other ads. out there workin for us but we have 20k direct mail pieces going out in 2 weeks and another 20k going out in 4 weeks. Once it hits a cont. 40-50 deg we will do door hangers. I have a president of a condo assoiation that we cut for that doesnt work and he used to own his own const. co. and i have been talking to him on having him do some of the sales since he is a good talker and knows alot of people. But yea all of our full time people came back to work yesterday.

Well hope everyone had a great winter. I took off for a little while over winter and spent a month in Florida and 1 1/2 weeks in mexico and came home to find my personal garage burnt to the ground :(

hope to talk to all of you soon, Jason

PR Fect

03-16-2006, 07:01 PM

With just myself, I average $53.19 gross / hour... Maybe thats because i'm solo? I only use a 60" Z...[/QUOTE]

Larsh, is that on the job, or is your window time included? If it is, way to go! Good job on the bidding.

ALarsh

03-16-2006, 07:22 PM

That is just on the job. I had 11 accounts last year, all in the same neighorhood. "Window time" was less than 20 seconds per account, and 3 stops with two accounts there and one stop with three accounts there. All the rest are single stops. With my advertising this year, window time will be much greater but i'm hoping I can get enough accounts grouped together.

What are you grossing per hour per man?

PR Fect

03-16-2006, 11:18 PM

Larsh, as you know we are in our 6th year. I am still trying to streamline our bidding process. I have a good system now for our fert & squirt, and we are trying to bring up our mowing average. We did as most, and took jobs way to low in the beginning, and still have those accounts. Its hard to raise them allot all at once. Many are good customers, and pay quick. That said, here is our gross averages for 05. They are per man hour and include travel one way. Mowing $33.15, Fert & Squirt $45.35, Clean ups $35.38, De-thatch $42.22, Prune Trees $36.57, Trimming Hedges $30.86. The F&S has the cost of materials taken off and the trees and hedge's includes dump time. What ya think?:dizzy: PR

LawnsRUsInc.

03-21-2006, 02:30 PM

Ok please no one bit!!! No i dont wnat you to do my estimates! LOL I just was curious what you guys seem to bring in per sf for fieldstone retaining walls? I just want to make sure my prices are in line since i dont want to bring down the value of a good built retaing wall. In 4 years i have built 60-65 walls. For filedstone dry set walls we have been charging $16-$24 per sq ft

Which inculdes the following:
-Minor exevating
-Setting the wall
-Stone backfill
-Draintile
-Material
-Labor
Thank you in advance "dont forget the geographic location can be a dif. price"
Jason

PR Fect

03-24-2006, 08:01 AM

Gary said he had some problems with emailing this.
Here's his email:
HI EVERYONE, I THOUGHT WE COULD GET TOGETHER BEFORE THE BIG SPRING RUSH. THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 25TH, AT 8:OO A.M. AT THE MACHINE SHED. SEE YOU THERE. GARY, FROM GARY'S QUALITY LAWN CARE

Just Jan :dancing:

MOW ED

03-28-2006, 08:33 PM

I started Sunday after finding out I could have been out Saturday. Spent ALL day Saturday getting things arranged and back to the place of honor in the middle of the garage. Then the phone went off the hook.

Lots of cleans and dethatchings pending, boy I'm tired and sunburned:) .

C & S

03-30-2006, 06:37 PM

Got this e-mail from a friend... BEWARE
-------------------------------------------------------------------
If you use mulch around your house be very careful about buying
> >mulch this year. After the hurricane in New Orleans many trees
> >were blown over. These trees were then turned into mulch and the
> >state is trying to get rid of tons and tons of this mulch to any state or
> >company that will come and haul it away. So it will be showing up
> >in Home Depot and Lowes at dirt cheap prices with one huge
> >problem; Formosan Termites will be the bonus in many of those
> >bags. New Orleans is one of the few areas in the country where
> >the Formosan Termites have a stronghold and most of the trees
> >blown down were already badly infested with those termites. Now
> >we may have the worst case of transporting a problem to all parts
> >of the country that we have ever had. These termites can eat a
> >house in no time at all and we have no good control against them,
> >so tell your friends who own homes to avoid cheap mulch and
> >know were it came from.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Not sure where this came from or if it's true. :rolleyes:

Hey Rich,

I have seen that somewhere else also. Buyer beware.

All I have to do is try and convince the wife not to buy 50 bags of that crap @ Home Depot for an ridiculous price, and let me load up the trailer & pay bulk price @ a local supplier.

MOW ED

04-02-2006, 07:24 AM

I have raised my bids on all services and find many people are holding back. We still have scumbags like Spring GR#$% bidding on properties at 1.40 per K. WTF.
I am sticking to my prices even if it means less work. At 2.65 a gallon and rising I am not giving up anymore profit. I have been swamped with calls and hope the rain Sunday and Monday give me some time to go and measure some of these places.
I have a one week headstart over last year but I am finding some strange people. Some blocks I can just about name my price and others I can't seem to make them bite. Thank God for my long time customers. Hope all of you are doing well, I think it is going to be a long season. Now it has to be a profitable one. Later.

PR Fect

04-02-2006, 06:02 PM

Ed,
Just Jan here. Keep the faith. Slow but sure. We won over 3 new customers last week. 2 Spring Green's and one Weed Man. I loved that! We hustled yesterday big time - but got rained out today. We've also got a one week jump, but STILL behind too. "Someone" gets cranky when it's like this....
Keep in touch

MOW ED

04-03-2006, 08:48 PM

What happened? Lowballers knocking you out or did you move to better things? I know that there are lots of wannabes starting up here but I am solid with my longtimers for now. Hope all is well with you.

Green Grass and More

04-19-2006, 03:12 AM

Hello there,

My name is Josh and I'm looking into starting my own lawn care company in Madison, Wisconsin and maybe the surrounding areas. I've been mowing lawns for family and friends since I was a kid and I've always loved it. There's something about being outside and looking at the yard you just finished cutting and standing proud. So I know that I will enjoy this when I do it. I started doing something about my dream last summer.

I purchased a bunch of smaller stuff: weed eater, blower, hand tools, push mower, hoses, you know, the smaller stuff. I figured that I had to start somewhere and these were the items that I could afford at the time. As far as I can see, I'm just missing the trailer and "mower"; be it a rider, walk behind, whatever. I have a 1999 ford f-250 superduty, so I have the vehicle to accomplish this. I even found a couple of older ladies to mow for last summer. Their lawns were very small(I was able to finish each one in about 20 minutes with a push mower and trim) and they paid me $25 each mowing. For these size lawns, I'll take that anyday as I'm making roughly $40 an hour.

I'm curious if anyone in the area has some tips to help me out or if anyone at all has any tips for me? I know I'm still a little ways off but I'm hoping to get into the business soon. Any help would be appreciated. Am I on the right track? What else should I be doing? How do you guys go about bidding a project? I don't want to be the new guy that goes around lowballing everyone, so I want a feel for the market I guess. I'm only looking to do residential right now as I'm the only guy. Thanks for reading and I love this site. It's going onto my favorites.

Josh
soon to be "Green Grass and More"

MOW ED

04-19-2006, 08:02 AM

Hi Josh,
Welcome to Lawnsite and to the lawn care industry. Most of us start small as you have but we all didn't have the tools that you do. I know that you have a very large customer base in Madison but there is also competition. You are a step ahead by having this site to give you some guidance. I can't write you a guide book on how to start and successfully run an operation but truthfully you can find much of it here at Lawnsite. The search feature is invalueable. Use much of it as a resource but not always Gospel, be your own thinker. You will eventually find people who you will trust but be patient there are many different characters here. Just remember that anyone can cut grass but not everyone knows how to run a business. If you have the commitment to do both then you are more than half way there. My time tested advise is simple, know your market and what they want. Buy COMMERCIAL equipment! This is especially true for the main focus of the business, mowing. You can get away with cheaper homeowner stuff for a while but anyone who is in the business knows that homeowner stuff is for the person who owns the home and cuts once a week. You cut many lawns a day. Focus on the business end and know your expenses. Run it as a business = pay taxes, get insurance, have a professional look and attitude and you will do fine. You will find that you have to compete with many low lifes that are mowing for beer money and they will cut your throat for a dollar. You want to deal with the customer that finds value with your service, what sets you apart.
I find that I am writing a short story here so I will stop but if you are truly dedicated to succeed you have a great start by reading this site. Put your time to good use and get at it. Good Luck and hope to see you around.

Green Grass and More

04-22-2006, 12:29 AM

Well, I went ahead and submitted my application to become a LLC with the state. To be official in Wisconsin, what else do I need to do? Is there some kind of tax thing I should fill out? What about my company name, is filing for a LLC going to register my name or do I need to do that also? What else am I missing? Any help would be nice as I want to do this right. Thanks in advance.

Josh
Green Grass and More

PR Fect

04-24-2006, 09:40 AM

Josh, welcome to LawnSite. Yes you will need a Wisconsin Sellers Permit. This allows you to do business in the state. Ask to pay your sales taxes by the quater. When you first start out that should work for you very well. We are very busy here in the valley. Jan and I are full. NO more accounts! Please! If anyone whats us to refer calls to them for Fert and Squirt, Landscaping, or mowing, please let us know. Still getting about one call per day. PR

MOW ED

04-25-2006, 07:27 AM

Hey PR sounds like it almost time to either hire a helper or adopt a poor middle aged man and make him work for food. Great to hear you folks are doing well.
I am finishing up spring cleans and aerations and getting ready for the squirt season. Had a decent spring, I raised my rates so I did less work but brought in about the same money as last year which was OK since my older 2 daughters are in HS soccer and I had time to get to many of the games, even though I had dust in my eyes.
I am finding it hard to get weekly mowing customers as there are lots of new people that bought lawn mowers over the winter. I am not complaining though as I am coming to like summer in the pool. Fert customers are very strange up here also. I stole a few from TGCL which makes me happy but then again I lost a few to moving and do it yourselfers. I like seeing the striped lawns in a week or two.
I see my friends from Kaukauna up here with their red and white and rust vehicles, cutting for change. It doesn't seem like they are everywhere like last year. Could it be that some people have under bid them. Not my league but there are plenty of hacks up here.
All in all it looks to be an average if not a little less than usual year for me but the plus signs are still in the right columns of the balance sheet so life is good.
Big milestone today 4-25 with my daughter turning 16. I guess I should have got a little more business as the insurance on the vehicles is bound to be going up but thats ok, shes a great kid.
You and Jan take care and I hope we can get together when things slow a little.

Green Grass and More

04-25-2006, 10:11 PM

Thanks PR fect for the info on the seller's permit. I'll have to look into that this week. If anything else comes to mind, please feel free to share with me. I can use all help that I can get. I really want to make this a success as I love to do lawncare. I also want to do everything legit, nothing good comes out of upsetting uncle sam.

Thanks again,
Josh
Green Grass and More

mr mow

04-25-2006, 10:22 PM

HEY ALL WISCONSINITES, just started a lawn biz this year. i have been in the industry a while, just not working for myself. wondering if anyone knows anyone in the fert biz in madison only fert. and local not some chain that they can refer. i may want to refer some customers to them in the future and maybe we can work out some deal and they can refer to me thanks in advance. i would do it myself but i want to be legit

mr mow

04-25-2006, 10:38 PM

pr fect- have a question for you or anyone else. Green grass and more has really got me thinking. when i was get my plan of attack under way(starting my biz) i bought some books, called around about ins and called sba(small business assc.) they told me as sole proprietor(not llc) i didnt need a sellers permit and have to charge tax, because you only charge tax on things that stay at the site ie. landscaping,fert etc. a service you do not have to charge tax. which made sense at the time but now im alittle confused. maybe its time to call the irs. any input would be helpful

PR Fect

04-26-2006, 02:45 PM

MR Mow, It sounds like you got some bad advice. Or maybe someone did not know what you where asking. In Wisconsin when you do work for hire, and get paid, you then need to charge 5% Wisconsin Sales Tax. The Wisconsin Dept of Revenue has a tri-fold flyer for LCO's and Landscapers. There are a few things that you need not charge tax on. Retaining walls is one that I can think of. But most all, mowing, ferting, trimming shrubs, you must collect and then send in 5% of what your payment was. Materials and Labor. And if you live in a stadium county like you do it is 5.5 %. If you own and run a business in Wisconsin, no matter how small, or how it is structured, you need to collect and then send in sales tax. If you do not the State will come down on you hard. Now, after that there is self employment tax.............

mr mow

04-26-2006, 03:37 PM

PR Fect

04-27-2006, 07:56 PM

thanks alot. i will get on that right away good thing this is my first year and i only a few accounts. the people seem pretty nice so hopefully they will understand. thanks again for saving my arse! what would people do with out this site

Agreed, this site and the guys and gals on it have saved us both time and money. More than once. I wish I could get more of the LCOs to check in and help out when they can with the site. PR

mr mow

04-27-2006, 09:20 PM

yeah i signed up 5 more accounts in past 2 days keeping my price the same and adding tax. no big deal. there still signing. glad i found that out. know i still need to get to the wisc. dept of rev. to whatever i need to do there. hopefully monday.

Green Grass and More

05-04-2006, 10:34 PM

mr mow

05-04-2006, 10:41 PM

hey green grass you want anouther mowing account? I had a lady e-mail tonight and wanted her grass cut i e-mailed her back kind of a high price since shes on the other side of town(your side), and also i dont think i could take another customer. if she agrees ill still think about, but 80 percent sure i dont want to drive that far for one job. anyways email me and let me no if you might be interested Campbelljacs@hotmail.com.

MOW ED

05-10-2006, 07:47 AM

Hey all you Valley LCO's did the weather keep you from spraying or did you get everything in? I have one more good day of spraying along with the regular mowing schedule keeping me busy. The rain is welcome but just not now.
Hey PR are you getting in shape for the big day? :weightlifter: You have to remember that us old guys can't :cool2: all night anymore and you sure don't want to be caught :sleeping: early.

How did everyones clean up go? My numbers say I did less work as far as numbers of customers but brought in about 15% more in profit than last year. My mowing base is down by 3 customers because of house sale, yard ripped up from house renovation, and 1 I don't know why (guess he didn't like me). Fert/spray went up by a couple and prices rose slightly to cover costs. Looks like if I can make it thru May I will be sailing along well.
Anyone have people on the pest registry. I must say that it is a PITA for me. I didn't call yesterday because they said rain now its not gonna rain and i didn't call. I actually have one guy that lives literally TEN FEET from a farmers field and wants me to call him when I spray for weeds. WTF???:hammerhead:
Time for my run, if anyone is around Green Bay on May 21, I'll be running the Cellcom 1/2 marathon this year. 13.1 miles is enough for these almost 44 year old pins to handle right now but you have to love a Wisconsin marathon, at the end is all the cheese, brats and YES BEER :drinkup: that you want for free. Ah the healthy life. Take care all, I hope everyone is well. Stay safe.

ALarsh

05-10-2006, 08:53 AM

Lawn mowing accounts just about doubled this year. 16 accounts and growing while still in school is just about more than I can handle. I have some part-time help helping me out during school so I can still have a social life...

My father runs marathons. He has completed about 5 of them and hes right around your age, 43 I believe.

MOW ED

05-14-2006, 09:56 AM

Are we all far enough behind yet???

I am about ready to give up on catching up and just take a lost week. Not a huge loss but its money out of the pocket and lots of extra work this week. My thursday round probably ain't getting cut til this thursday. Of course I will be setting the deck way up.
I have about 6 left to spray but that will hold. I don't ever remember a rainy stretch like this in the 11 years of business. Can't do much other than wait it out. We should have had breakfast today. Happy Mothers day.

PR Fect

05-14-2006, 11:31 AM

Ed -

Yes when it rains - it pours! We were able to catch up yesterday. Yes - in the rain. Did seven of them and what a pain - but we got it done. Behind on the sprays like you though. I think eveyone must be behind on that - except SG. :laugh: Their signs are up and current. Well, it's apparently "my" day so we ARE going to breakfast! Later :clapping: :clapping:

ALarsh

05-14-2006, 12:01 PM

I'm only 5 behind right now. Did 5 on friday and it was pouring, I decided to call it a day. I will be doing 7 monday (many of those are Thursday/Friday schedule) and then I will continue the normal schedule.

Ground-Hogs

05-15-2006, 11:20 AM

Just wanted to drop in and say "HI" to fellow Cheeseheads! :waving:
My name is Julie and I am a one- woman show...kinda! I run the office part of "Ground-Hogs Landscape & Lawn Maintenance" and my husband John does the labor. We are located in S.E. WI, Salem, to be exact. Looking forward to chatting with y'all.
Quick ??....any good places around to buy used equipment?

Thanks...and may you all have prosperous seasons!!

~julie~
:dancing:

JDRep2

05-15-2006, 01:58 PM

Mow Ed
We'll see you on the starting line. This is my second .5 marathon. The run through Lambaugh should be nice. What pace are you aiming for?

MOW ED

05-16-2006, 09:32 AM

I'm basically a plodder but I am hoping for a finish under 2 hours. Not really in the competitive end of it all but I am competing against myself more than anything. I have done a few 13+mi training runs and have come in under 2 but race day is a different thing. Good luck at the race, don't ya love Wisconsin. Run a healthy race then sit down after and have some cheese and brats with a beer chaser.:drinkup:

Green Grass and More

05-16-2006, 08:38 PM

Talk about getting behind because of rain. I haven't been able to get to many of my properties at all. I get out to do a few and I'm able to get one or two before it starts to pour and I have to call it a day. I see though that after Wed. it's supposed to get nicer here so I'll be out until dark.

Josh

mr mow

05-16-2006, 10:32 PM

thats why you need commercial mowers they help out quite a bit.

ECHOTURF

05-17-2006, 12:10 PM

I recently dropped my insurance and need a fresh start. Been looking around for rates and they all seem high!! What are some companies you can recommend in the Fox Valley area?

Thanks,

Echoturf

C & S

05-17-2006, 10:19 PM

I must be the dumbest so of a beech in the world! I actually was getting hit by hail while pushing a lawnmower today. That whole saying about how small a chicken's brain is, starts to come to mind.

mr mow

05-17-2006, 10:49 PM

git'r'done right!? yeah we had alittle hail today around 4(madison) i gotta late start but luckily i finished before the rain......again. sick of all this f###ing rain. it makes it even worse cause i work in it unless it a monsoon. obviously you do too.

ALarsh

05-17-2006, 11:41 PM

Ok I will go with the flow. I was also in the hail. I packed up after I started to see it come down along with the lightening.:dizzy: I headed back to the house, showered up and went off to the bank to deposit checks :dancing: and get some stuff at Office Depot. When I walked outside of Office Depot, the sun was shining and no rain. God I was soo pissed.:cry: :hammerhead: Now I just finished today, for the second time and it is now 9:40 pm. I still am behind though....

deereman

05-19-2006, 12:00 AM

Have any of you guys from the area code area of 920 ever heard of this company? AA Handyman Services. Got a call from them today wanting me to give them a quote on a repo-ed property in my neck of the woods. western Wisc. Can any body help me out on this?

Green Grass and More

05-19-2006, 12:42 AM

I've never heard of that company and I live in a (920) area code. But then again, I've only lived here for 3 weeks. I don't know what to tell ya, good luck.

Josh

PR Fect

05-22-2006, 07:25 PM

Question for you fellow cheeseheads. If someone is late paying their bill and I wanted to charge a late charge, is there a proper percent or amount? Or is it up to me to choose? Is there a limit by law? Let me know. Thanks

Josh
I believe its limited by state law. We charge 3% on anything over 30 days from time of statement. I have also seen 1.5% daily, but not sure how that works. Someone else must know what Wisconsin Law is. How about some input? PR

PR Fect

05-22-2006, 07:26 PM

PR Fect

05-22-2006, 07:38 PM

I recently dropped my insurance and need a fresh start. Been looking around for rates and they all seem high!! What are some companies you can recommend in the Fox Valley area?

Thanks,

Echoturf
Pretty secret looking post. USA? dam, you get around. Echoturf? have not seen that name before. I will guess that I know you, and you have changed more than just your insurance. But anyway, to give you an answer, we just went threw finding a new agent and insurance company. We decided on Bob at Winabagoland Insurance, Neenah. and he sold us a policy from Wilson Mutual out of Sheboygan. 920-731-1844 or 920-725-7266. It was the best deal for us out of four places we tried. PR

PR Fect

05-22-2006, 07:40 PM

I must be the dumbest so of a beech in the world! I actually was getting hit by hail while pushing a lawnmower today. That whole saying about how small a chicken's brain is, starts to come to mind.
Chad, add me to the list as second! I was out the same day in the same hail.:hammerhead: PR

C & S

05-30-2006, 09:07 PM

I had a great one today. A lady called & NEEDED her grass cut tonight or tomarrow. The company that was doing it didn't show up & won't return her calls. She has 4 acres with a lot of small trees and she said she is being charged $75. I just laughed. Lady, they won't return your calls because they probably went out of business charging you only $75 for 4 acres. I had to pass!

scottp

06-01-2006, 10:38 AM

scottp

06-01-2006, 10:48 AM

sry for double post

Timber492

07-07-2006, 07:22 AM

Well, what can I say. I'm sure there a lot of people out there that must make fun of us being LCO's in the state that's been nicknamed "Frozen Tundra" LOL

But anyway, the name's Timber and I'm new to the industry, but I'm planning on being here for a while! Of all the other jobs that I've done in my life, I can safely say (So far) this one has given me so much drive it's unbelievable.

I'm just starting to get ready to put a bid on my first account in the next few days. I've been told that I'm nuts for going after it as it's a 241,000 sq ft and I only have a 42" deck tractor. But hey, I'll get'r done.

Anyway, Just wanted to drop in and let everyone know who I am and that I'm from the Sheboygan area.

If there is anyone out there that would like or need to sub any work out for mowing, just give me an email.

Have a great day everyone!

Timber

MOW ED

07-07-2006, 09:49 AM

PR Fect

07-07-2006, 04:20 PM

Short time viewer, first time poster... Just started in the business this year. I went out and purchased a Gravely 260Z, Stihl trimmer, Stihl edger, and Stihl blower. I've got (1) account with (5) different sites consisting of (2) small sites ($30.00 ea), a 1 acre site, a 3-3.5 acre site and an 8 acre site. To anyone out there, as I'm trying to get established working in my spare time (works a full time job), if anyone falls behind and needs a hand, I would be interested in helping out based on an agreed upon hourly rate. I can be reached by Cell phone at (920) 309-0161. Anything in the Fox Valley from Green Bay to Appleton area possible.

Welcome Scott! You should try and make one of our now famous LCO breakfast. A few of the guys have said they wanted to put the next one on. So stay tuned. We pass our cards to each other, make sure you are insured and pay your taxes and licenses, and thats about it. Many of the guys have used each other, and count on each other for help. In fact, if anyone needs to use a mower, all we are doing is taking them for dives on the trailer! We need rain.:mad: PR

C & S

07-07-2006, 05:39 PM

With this lack of rain, I'm going to start using mine as a giant vacuum cleaner!

Timber492

07-08-2006, 01:45 AM

Hi Timber and welcome.
Almost 6 acres with a 42 tractor is a large order, dunno if you will have time to sub work.:waving:
Its a great job anyway and those who know the area only know its frozen some of the time, the rest of the time its a pretty well kept secret. I am thinking you have some high priced accounts in the SF, Kohler area. Some great golf courses down there.
If you have any questions just ask away, we won't BS you too much.
Good luck with your business.

Thanks for the welcome Mow Ed, I appreciate it!

Ya, it's not going to be too easy to get it done, but hey, I have grit. But no matter what, I'll do my best that I can!

As for the high dollar accounts, YES. AND NO! In Kohler you have to be in with the right people to get the accounts there. And I meen the right people! That whole town is nearly at a grid-lock to new contractors coming into the business, but maybe down the road some years I'll attempt it.

As for the other cities, I've been doing pretty lucky as for getting the opportunity to make bids. As far as getting to bid, it's been comming way to easy! As for coming up with the right bid,,,,well,,,thats a whole nother ball game! It's going to be tough, but I'll make it!

Thanks for the reply again, and once agian, if there is any other that need help, I'm free (not in Monitary ways :) ) to help out!

Timber

ALarsh

10-05-2006, 12:34 AM

Hey Mr. Larsh, Jan and I will be down your way 16 March for the Reinder's Show. You going? Can't get you to drive 90 miles for breakfast, maybe we will see you there.
I'm a year late on this, but Reinder's has a show? Which location do they have it at? Never heard of a Reinder's show. :confused:

BeautifulBlooms

11-05-2006, 01:28 AM

It is held every other year. I believe it is this year right around Mid March, 2 or 3 days Id ont remember. It is held at the Waukesha County Expo Center. Some decent classes if you are looking to add on services like lighting, irrigation, or brush up on some basics of other landscape stuff. Also they have some decent deals at the show for purchasing new equipment. Check it out if you can get away from the snow plowing.

PR Fect

11-05-2006, 05:31 PM

Here is Reinders site. http://www.reinders.com/about.html When the date comes up this March it will be on this site. It is held every other year. Other than what BB said, they also have great food, beer, and giveaways. Also for those of you who have not heard, Gary Grual the Exmark Salesman from Weyers Equipment in Kaukauna has lost his life. Its sad to not see him anymore, one hell of a nice guy! PR

BeautifulBlooms

01-28-2007, 07:18 PM

Looking for any input poissible for wisconsin lawn mowing contractors. We are landscape contractors (50 % season long contracted maintenance and 50% installation and one time jobs) We are addign lawn mowing as a way to increase our landscape contracts. We are tired of having to go out and get the next weeks one time jobs all the time. I know it will always be a part of the business but we dont want to have to live week to week never knowing how many jobs we will have. We did well last yera int hat we never had any slow time we happened to get the next signed contract when we needed it but it was more stressful than it needed so we are hoping that the mowing will help even the work out a little more and we also think if we can get our foot in the door with the mowing it will likely lead to other work, which we are also very knowledgable with, (and also looks to be more profitable than just the mowing side of things)

Anyways we bought a Ferris IS 1500 Z w/ 52" deck and 25hp kawasaki engine. It had 25 hours on it and looks to be in spotless brand new condition. We paid $5500 for the mower with so few hours on the machine so we were thrilled with the price considering a brand new comparable mower would have cost $7000 or so. The only downfall non transferrable warranty.

So we have gotten one residential lawn contract which was pretty easy to bid, very straight forward lawn with minimal obstacles. We also got the landscaping contract too so we weren't as worried about the lawn mowing pricing. We based the contract on a 28 cut season (he irrigates and fertilizes) and put a disclaimer if extra cuts are needed he would be charged accordingly. (before we did this we discussed it with him since we were brand new to the lawn mowing and he was comfortable with our honesty to trust us to handle it properly). Now we were guessing on the time to mow the property but I have 10 yeras of golf course experience so I have moweda lot of turf in my days so I think it will be pretty close.

I am going to be bidding on a condo and apartment complex. It looks like it is about 5 acres of turf area.

Where do I start?

I am guessing one helpful piece of info would be a typical ground speed while mowing for a mower like mine. How many cuts are typical 22, 24, 26, 28??? I know it depends on fert and watering, but what is typical. Owner says he wants 3 fertilizer applications. I have always used 5 apps on home lawns, which could easily be cut back to 4 if necessary, but never heard of 3. What three do I do and when and how much fert? I would guess the lawn may not be as healthy as a home lawn he just wants grass to grow and look ok but doesnt need a lush turf. SO I would assume that I need a crabgrass preventer in there in the first application, should I do it at the same time as my crabgrass app for home lawns. I typically would put down .75 - 1lb N in my product with dimension (19-0-6 w/ .103 dimension) and it seemed to be the first week of April or so. Do I leave it at the same rate?

I dont want to get to lengthy with too many ?s so Ill start with the above. Any input?

PR Fect

01-29-2007, 06:31 PM

Mike glad to see someone keeping this thread alive. I hope some one else chimes in along with some help for you.
On the number of mowing's you are on target. Last year on non irrigated properties we did 20 regular mowing's. This does not include spring or fall clean ups. Three seasons ago we did 23 the year after that we did 22. The number of days with out rain has had some effect. But the main killer is the number of days above 85 degrees. We had many more last year than years before. You can add 3 mowing's per season too the average if they have irrigation.
On changing your 5 app program to a 3.... tell them NO. I try not to let the customer dictate how many times the lawn gets cut nor do we like it when they tell us how much care it needs. We do not put down product if we think the lawn will not need it. Last year with the turf in dormancy so long many of our lawns only seen 4 applications. They don't need as much fert if they are not growing. 5 apps is our average on most lawns. 6 apps if the have irrigation and clippings are bagged. If they insist. Do the first 3 and get your money. Then let it go. Or you could do the 3 that cost you the least. And let it go. You are trying to do whats best, but they don't care. If they did, they would let you put down what you ( the professional ) thinks the lawn needs. If all they care about is money, why should you have any other care but money also?
Sounds like you got a great deal on the mower hope it works well for you. By the way the Reinders show is March 14 & 15 this year at the Waukesha Expo center. We will be there. Also planning on going to Connex Show this Wednesday at the state fair grounds Milwaukee if things work out. PR

Swampy

01-29-2007, 06:45 PM

Speaking on those lines of the Reinders show anybody going to the Conex Show this week?

BeautifulBlooms

01-29-2007, 06:57 PM

Thanks for the feedback PR Fect I am going to go to the Reinders show but not the Connex as I will be heading to Florida for some R & R and Golf for a couple weeks.

As for the fertility I understand his concern as he is not a homeowner he is a realtor who owns multiple condo and apartment complexes. I cant ell him whats best but if he decides that he only wants to put $X into the lawnthen so be it. I dont mind only doing three applications I just am unsure which ones to do and how do I adjust the fertility to a 3 step program. I think the crabgrass prevent will be essential, the weed and feed perhaps also should be done in step two and then perhaps another weed and feed later on in the season. If he doesnt want the proper fertility and weed control program then I will have to let him know to expect more weeds in the turf than under normal circumstances, which in turn would take more spot spraying (more money for him to keep the place looking attractive in my opinion).

ALarsh

01-29-2007, 08:12 PM

I'll do my best to make the Reinders. What is the Conex this wednesday? More info?

Nevermind.. found it. http://www.wiexpocenter.com/calendar/

I'm not sure if I can make this with other plans...

BeautifulBlooms

01-29-2007, 08:26 PM

Up untilt his year we have aonyl used colleg age kids who work for 3 months only but we will have enough work this year to justify at least 1 or 2 full time seasonal employees. Where doy ou guys find this type of employee? Where do you advertise?

causalitist

01-30-2007, 07:45 AM

hey guys, im in kenosha, just found this thread, pretty cool.

causalitist

01-30-2007, 07:52 AM

[QUOTE= How many cuts are typical 22, 24, 26, 28??? I know it depends on fert and watering, but what is typical. [/QUOTE]

7 months... 1 mow a week. 28 mows if all goes well... less if it doesnt rain at all.
last year i got 28. im in kenosha.

causalitist

01-30-2007, 08:01 AM

What are you guys thinking of figuring for an hourly charge per man for lawn maintenance?? I am very curious due to alot of people on this site say that they make $60 per man hour!!

Jason

in at 48/hr.. thats actual onsite time. i shoot for 50/hr and then figure out what i actually got.

causalitist

01-30-2007, 08:10 AM

crc13

02-05-2007, 10:11 PM

This site has given me very useful information. Anyone from the Green Bay area?

MOW ED

02-06-2007, 03:29 PM

crc13 I am in De Pere. How long have you been around?

crc13

02-06-2007, 11:05 PM

I am a teacher during the winter and started this business last year. Did well, but am looking to get bigger this summer. Any pointers? I am planning a website, cards, hangers, new equipment is coming for summer.

PSUturf

02-16-2007, 05:46 PM

crc13,

Word of mouth is always the best and cheapest form of advertisement. Maybe set up a referral program for current customers. Offer them $X for each new customer they send to you. Check with the local municipality where you plan to put out door hangers. Some require you to have a permit to do this.

Donate and plant a tree for a local school for Arbor Day or Earth Day. Send a press release to the local paper stating what you did for the school. Other than the cost of the tree it is free advertising. It might look like a conflict of interest to do it for the school where you work.

scottp

02-21-2007, 03:27 PM

I'm in the Green Bay area....Howdy.

rvincent

02-28-2007, 05:13 PM

Does anyone from WI know if you need a license to apply Fertlizer? I tried calling the dept of ag today with no call back from them.

MOW ED

02-28-2007, 05:26 PM

Fertilizer - no. But it has to be fertilizer only. That means no pre-emergent or insecticides. If you are doing straight NPK or NK because some counties have outlawed Phosphorous then you are OK but my advice to you is to get certified.
You still have to pay the state sales tax also.

PR Fect

02-28-2007, 05:46 PM

Right on the money as always ED. Good advice to Ryan. It looks like a little snow again tonight and some rain on Thursday. I would think that will keep most of us busy the rest of the week. Hope to see you all on Saturday 8am Golden Corral Appleton for the breakfast. PR

Swampy

02-28-2007, 08:17 PM

Just wanted to put the word out and don't mean to bash. But with our problems with our F550 is starting to come back to Badger Truck Center.

The Story.

Last fall the truck started to lose all power. So we dropped the trailer at the job and limped it down to Badger to down town Milwaukee. They said "oh its a bad injector". Fine 190 bucks big deal. It ran fine for about a week and a half, same problems. This time it quit in the middle of the freeway pulling 32 footer on the way to the job. So we had it Towed down back to Badger. Now they said we washed out a cylinder and needed a rebuild. Well its a 7.3L with only 36K on it. Well we bit the cost on that and had her rebuilt. They called us telling their progress on the rebuild and we asked them for our old block back. They responded "Sry its not here anymore it was off to get crushed" :confused: Really agitated we said fine we need the truck back as fast as we could.

Well last week after the first day of snow driving back to the shop with the truck it died again same thing as before. Thank god our older F450 is geared so low that it pulled it up a hill, with truck, 10ft plow, and about 4K of spancrete for wieght (about 14K dead weight). Well we get it back towed back to shop to deal with it after the storm. We had a diesil tech come in to take a look at it. He pulled the fuel filter off to find what looked like metalic shavings in the bottom of the fuel filter. Metal in the fuel? We got so worried that was a bad batch of fuel that all three trucks filled up on. Well it turns out it wasn't a bad batch. We dropped the tank and found this
Shavings
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/174/sta70866zb2.jpg
Empty
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8031/sta70871kv5.jpg
Picture of a bucket of what came out of the tank
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7706/sta70872fo4.jpg

I'm no Diesil tech or ASE Cert. But I know that the inner lining of a fuel tank is suppose to look like that let alone peel off. Now thinking about that I think they diagnoised the problem wrong, after tearing it apart they noticed their mistake and had the block crushed as fast as possialbe to cover their butts.

But anyways watch yourself with this dealer, to me they are pulling some shady practices. By no means Ford is a bad company, they make some nice trucks.

rvincent

02-28-2007, 09:32 PM

mowed,

I dont have access to pm's yet. I have a few questions, could you send me a quick email

ryan@ryans-services.com

PR Fect

03-05-2007, 10:15 PM

Swampy, thanks for the heads up. Ryan, make sure you make the Reinders show the 14th and 15th. Its out at the expo center in your home town. Jan and I will be there all day on the 15th. There is a few seminars I want to sit in on. The vendors give allot of stuff away, and on the second day there are many "show deals " on equipment. And for those of you who where still out plowing, or maybe sleeping, the LCO breakfast was great last Saturday. Maybe a few more will be able make the next one. PR

GFX

03-06-2007, 12:39 AM

Swampy

03-06-2007, 02:46 AM

We got it handled, with a a little BS and name calling on the side. But Badger is replacing the entire fuel system with labor for free. It took a call to the owner of Badger to get this handled, but Steve from Badger still says that "we payed someone to mess up the tank". :laugh: :laugh: I'm no mechanic, I wouldn't even know how or who to talk to mess up a fuel tank.

Ground FX. Thanks for the offer, but I got this guy that I grew up with thats a Diesel tech.

Priority Lawn Care

03-07-2007, 10:04 PM

I am pretty new here. You may have seen me as crc13, but just got my logo done. When are you guys in this area planning on handing out stuff or advertising? I was thinking about next week, but there is still snow on the ground. I am a teacher during the winter and started this last summer, love it. Would be nice to meet some of you around the Green Bay area.

PR Fect

03-08-2007, 06:55 PM

PLC, congrats on the logo. We started doing bids on commercial properties in January for this season. Sales letters and flyer's went out first part of February. Letters to last years customers went out end of February. We hope to be full and have everyone signed up by 15 March. There will be a few spring dethatch customers and a couple new fert and squirt that will come on board after the snow melts but I would say you need to get your flyer's out now! PR

Swampy

03-08-2007, 07:28 PM

I can't wait to hop on the mower, I'm sick of this snow. Getting all bottled up inside the house.

There is only so much beer you can drink in one winter.

nmez21

03-08-2007, 09:48 PM

Hey, nice thread you guys have going here, a lot of useful info.

-One question, do any of you guys attend the "Turf" days in Madison around July-UW O.J. Noer Facility? If not, think it'd be worth trying to get into?

BeautifulBlooms

03-29-2007, 06:15 PM

Whats you typical start date and end date?
Do you set contracts up on a minimum cut schedule? If so how many?

I am just moving intot he lawn mowing as an addon service to our landscaping, and I am wondering how to set up contracts for people. I have two accounts right now, both are set up on a minimum of 26 cuts, meaning they will be billed for 26 weekly mowings at least. The start date is up to me and mother nature, but I suspect it will be April 7th-April 15th at the latest? I don't really know as I have never really kept track of when I start mowing my own lawn. Which would put my end date (for the 26 minimum) around October 7th - October 15th? Is this appropriate? I also said in the contract that leaf cleanups and additional mows are doable but they will be performed and billed seperately from the mowing contract. Is this a good or bad way to do this? Should I be including the lawn leaf cleanups into the bid to assure that I get that extra work? I just wasn't sure on how late you guys mow and if in October do you cut it down to every other week instead of every week?

Just looking for a better way to solidify my contracts as people start to call in.

ALarsh

03-29-2007, 07:46 PM

I plan on starting the 2nd to 3rd week in April and going to the 1st or 2nd week in November.

PR Fect

03-29-2007, 08:18 PM

Mike we started Monday of this week and will go till the second week of November like Larsh said. We do not mow anything that we do not also do spring clean ups and fall leaf removal. To us its all the same. One good spring clean up, mowing as needed ( around every five days in the spring, gets to be around every 20 days in Aug.,last year was 21 mowing's, average 23 without irrigation.), Three to four fall clean-ups as needed and by then its turkey day. PR

PR Fect

03-31-2007, 09:59 AM

How do you guys (gals) account for removal of material from job site? I'm looking to see if there is a standard way of charging for this. Do you charge by the cubic yard? By the number of trips? Do you also charge an hourly rate from the job site to the dump site? We remove allot of trash, lawn debris, brush, and leafs depending on the job and time of year. Just trying to get a grasp on expense's and whats fare to charge. PR

LawnsRUsInc.

03-31-2007, 10:17 AM

I agree it is hard to figure stuff like that in but i just have a 20yd dumpster that i put garbage into and a very large pile that i just keep adding to and flip with our loaders till it breaks down. I tend to add a charge into the cleanups for the debris since i dont have to pay its not that easy to figure out but figure what is your charge for dumping ex. $10 per yd then charge your clients 30 or ? I dont know your exact situation

MOW ED

03-31-2007, 01:15 PM

Hi PR
I have many accounts that I have to remove the debris from. I am ok with it and I have set my operation to handle it. The front of my trailer can hold about 10 loads from my Walker comfortably. That is about 9.5 bushels per load. I can squeeze much more on the trailer if I have to but it gets to be a pain to unload especially if a bit moist. I have to pay a hundred bucks a season to use the compost site. Of course I pass it on to the customer. A job that would bid at 100 bucks dumped at the curb results in 20 to 30% higher for removal. I figure that out when I initially look at the lawn, some lawns generate lots of debris (not really thatch) and others don't however I recoup my losses of time, gas and fees by charging extra. I do most of my work within 5 miles of the dump so it works out well for me and I really prefer to remove debris because I can make money charging for that and people seem to not mind as because they don't have to have the stuff on the curb or haul it themselves. In one day I can make an extra 150+ on dumping fees and probably not even have an hour in doing it. Its an easy sell to the customer, 100 bucks at the curb for you to dispose or 130 and I do all the work. Most take the deal. Started great guns this past week but the rain is gonna put me even once it dries. Have a great season.

PR Fect

04-01-2007, 12:22 AM

Thanks guys for the replies. I just got of the phone with Mark from Oshkosh and he said he adds it in to the total bid like LawnsRUsINC. I understand Ed how the customer may think the are getting a deal by telling them a lower rate not to haul of site. We have always charged a $10 dump fee per trip. And yes many "country" lots have had us dump somewhere on site to save the ten bucks. But I have also had a few complaints or grumbles about a separate removal fee. This year we raised it to $15 per trip. 1/2 yard or a trailer full ( about 8 yds ) does not matter. If we need to make the trip to the compost site or dump its the extra charge. PR

nmez21

04-12-2007, 12:40 PM

Anyone going to the TPI summer field days & convention in Madison? http://www.turfgrasssod.org/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=122&z=38

LawnsRUsInc.

04-15-2007, 01:22 PM

Hi everyone how was your winter?? Is anyone in SE WI intrested in selling out their co.

Hope everyones spring goes well otherwise

Jason

BeautifulBlooms

05-07-2007, 11:29 PM

Anyone know if anyone out there rents the ryan slitseeder with the discs that slice into the turf to drop the seed into.

I have rented the bluebird slice seeder and think that it works ok in open soil, but the ryan slit seeder would work much better in existing turf allowing to help to fill into a moderate turf without disrupting much.

MOW ED

05-08-2007, 07:50 AM

I would think someone in the Milwaukee area rents them, I don't know if there is a Reinders close to you but give them a call and check.

Crazy days here, cut fert round 2 for some and Spray, Spray, Spray. Workin on a great suntan, too busy to stop and buy sunscreen.:walking:

Swampy

05-09-2007, 01:07 AM

We've had great luck with Lesco's model slit seeder.

ALarsh

05-09-2007, 01:28 AM

How busy have you guys been this season? This is by far my busiest season I have ever had. I am at about full capacity with the time I have to work with.

scottp

05-09-2007, 02:22 PM

I'm doing alright myself. Keeping just busy enough considering I am doing this for side money after working a solid 42-45 hours at my full-time job. Again, if anyone falls behind and is looking for someone to help out on an as needed basis, give me a shout.

snowbrdr360

05-09-2007, 07:24 PM

Hello all from Wisconsin:drinkup:

lawnbarber54982

05-12-2007, 06:58 PM

Hello Boys! Who in the Appleton/Oshkosh area has a good selection of mulch? I have some new cutomers that want mulch, Help! Thanks

BeautifulBlooms

08-18-2007, 08:54 PM

Anyone in Southeastern Wisconsin operate a small company out of their home, or ever looked intot his as an option. I know I need to call municipalities and see what the local zoning allows, but I am wondering if anyone has run a couple trucks out of their home? I am specifically probably looking for a home with a large shed on site to house equipment, fertilizer etc, and the trucks can possibly go inside also and the trailers outside. Anyone have any input into this.

PR Fect

11-11-2007, 11:01 AM

LCO Breakfast at the Golden Corral Restaurant, Grand Chute ( Appleton ). 8am Saturday November 17th. Hope to see all of you there. Any questions call Dave (920) 605-0013.

Mike, we can talk at the breakfast about running out of your home. Jan and I have for the last seven years. PR

BeautifulBlooms

11-11-2007, 11:38 AM

We actually started renting shed space from another landscape company September 1st. $500 a month for 1250 sq. ft. plus the ability to dump our debris on site for a reasonable fee. That beats havingt o runt o wauwatosa everytime we need to dump, it gives us options. We eventually would like to find some land big enought o have a shed and a home on it and not get in trouble with our neighbors for doing so, it seems that the further out you go the more people are doing that so there would be less of a chance of getting the municipality called on you unless of course there was excessive noise or traffic or other issues. We will see, I dont think I will be at the breakfast, Appleton is a bit of a drive for me.

ALarsh

11-11-2007, 12:01 PM

PR Fect

11-28-2007, 04:57 PM

Just wanted to let everyone know who was not at the LCO breakfast that the 2008 UW class is at the Green Bay extension this year. For those who attended Oshkosh in past years you know how valuable this set of lectures is. Attending also counts as points toward your keeping your PLANET certification. Plus if you sign up for all 4 sessions its guaranteed to snow on at least one.:) Here is the link http://www.co.brown.wi.us/uw_extension/Horticulture/2008%20Landscaping%20Short%20Course.pdf

BeautifulBlooms

12-04-2007, 10:42 PM

PR Fect

12-05-2007, 06:05 PM

Mike, the Wisconsin Tec. College in Appleton offers a course on irrigation systems. I seen it when I was looking for another class I wanted to take this winter. I would think they would offer it down by you also. Allot of these "horticultural" classes are given first quarter each year. Allot are also evenings. Jan and I like to pick one each year to go to in the off season. Besides what we have learned one night a week at school, it also has many side benefits like networking. I wish I could help more, but we do not do irrigation. PR

Swampy

12-05-2007, 08:50 PM

I saw it in MATC's in schedule.

BeautifulBlooms

02-25-2008, 01:53 PM

Getting anxious to get out and do some advertising. Hoping for another good profit and growth year for our younger company.

NE Wisconsin

02-25-2008, 04:02 PM

Man i'm starting to feel that itch. Any of you guys from Green Bay?

PR Fect

02-25-2008, 08:05 PM

You guys make any money on snow and ice this year? We did very well. PR

BeautifulBlooms

02-25-2008, 08:32 PM

ALarsh

02-25-2008, 08:50 PM

We still havent gotten into snow and salting so no i made no money. I know it is profitable, but we were a new company and made the move forward without offering it as a service. As we get bigger we may have to add the service, but we still haven't made the decision to do so yet.

Hey...

I've picked up your postcards off of some of my customers lawns (they were in Delafield I believe, I think you put them in the newspaper bin so they were flying out) and it said you had 30+ years of experience or something like that??? Isn't yours the smaller postcard with flowers on the bottom?

PR Fect

02-25-2008, 08:54 PM

Mike, its a touch and go business. This year was good for most if their equipment and man power did not let them down. If you ask, you will find out that most LCO's make more profit with snow and ice than any of their summer services. Maybe design and install excluded. But not all years are like this one!PR

PR Fect

02-25-2008, 08:58 PM

Opp's, hey Larsh! We must have been posting at the same time. Good to see you are still at it. PR

ALarsh

02-25-2008, 11:15 PM

I can't believe all this snow we have been getting! Thankfully this last storm coming through just missed us... I could use the break!

Snow is good work if you enjoy it. I know there are times when I say I am going to quit snow when I am stuck at 3 am in a driveway... and then other times when I just can't turn it down. Oh well its a love hate relationship.

PR Fect

02-26-2008, 06:43 PM

Mr Larsh, have you had any problems with that new Chev.? And how is your Toro Z ? If I remember right we have the same machine Z153? I have just under 500 hours on ours now and no major problems. And we got a JRCO spreader for the front, and a ProLawn Sprayer that mounts on the front also. Now the hours will clime. PR

ALarsh

02-26-2008, 08:18 PM

No problems with the Chevy (after the warranty period). It has been great. I have had a couple issues with the boss plow (Had one hydralic hose spring a leak and one of the pins came off that holds the A-Frame to light tower), but the Chevy has treated me well. My only little complaint with it is one of the engine belt occasionally wines when started cold and it has a slight case of the "steering shaft clunk". Other than that it is a great truck and has paid for itself a couple of times. :) ... Now as far as during the warranty period, it went in for a new set of wheels, new gauage cluster, new steering shaft, radiator repair (coolant leak), and drivers seat repair. I'm just gald the warranty took care of all those parts!

The Toro Z's are great. I have two of them - 60"/27hp and 52"/27hp, both with the turboforce and kohler engines. The 60" has 750 hours on it and the 52" has about 350 hours on it. They are great machines, cut excellent, no issues... perfect. If I did it all over I happily buy them again.

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=93944&stc=1&d=1195439517
http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=93943&stc=1&d=1195439507

Erdye

02-27-2008, 09:09 AM

Up North Cheese Head Here! About 60 miles north or GB, along the Menominee river.

Will be sending out 6000 post cards Mon. and My radio ad should be starting Mon as well.

ALarsh

02-27-2008, 09:27 AM

Up North Cheese Head Here! About 60 miles north or GB, along the Menominee river.

Will be sending out 6000 post cards Mon. and My radio ad should be starting Mon as well.

Is this for lawn mowing? I think your a month early....

PR Fect

02-28-2008, 06:22 PM

Larsh, very nice set up. I don't think its to early to start with this years schedule. We do most commercial property's bids in January, and we re-sign all are old clients in February. I know of a few in the area that re-new their clients in the fall for the following year. We wait till February so I can get my pricing on fert. Anytime before the spring rush is a good time to sell. Here is our "newest" truck.

Swampy

02-28-2008, 07:19 PM

Hey guys besides the WLCA and the WGIF. Is there other associations out there? If it helps we are located in SE WI.

PR Fect

02-28-2008, 08:04 PM

Joel, I got an e-mail from LaWN a wile back. But we are not members. If I remember right it stands for Lawns of Wisconsin or something. Terry Korth, and his wife Kerry Korth from WEED MAN are on the board of directors. PR

MOW ED

03-06-2008, 12:44 PM

Hey folks tell me how bad you are getting hammered by the fertilizer dealers this year.
I have to tack on 25% to stay even. I am thinking there will be quite a few no takers on my end. I certainly am not going to walk behind a spreader just for exercise.
I know ole PR usually buys a boatload in the late season so I am thinking those of you with a stockpile may be insulated but its just a matter of time. Apps used to be good business but not so much anymore. And no I am not going to reduce my app rates and charge the same. Big companies can get away with that but my customers have come to appreciate getting what they pay for.

BeautifulBlooms

03-06-2008, 01:21 PM

Fert prices may have gone up 25-30% but the fert costs are only a small portion of the cost of a fert program. Did your fert prices go up even more?

MOW ED, what rate of N are you putting your normal apps at? Can you tweak your program so that you can cut some of your cost down?

BeautifulBlooms

03-06-2008, 01:25 PM

On another note, I am wondering how many of you guys are involved in local associations? Which association are you a member of? Which provides the best education if anyone does?

I am interested in the WLCA for 2 reasons, they have a Foremans conference which I would like to get more info on, and 2 they offer advertising on their website. I think this would be a really good way to attract better quality employees. We are starting to grow a lot and are in desperate need of a quality foreman to lead a crew while we make sales calls, do bids, etc, etc, etc. I cannot grow until i can remove myself from the field on occassion, and I cannot do that without a quality leader. Craigslist just isn't cutting it for quality applicants. Anyone have some help for me here?

We joined the ANLA this year so that we could go to their manegment clinic and it was awesome. If you need help running your business and understanding the business end, I recommend it but it is expensive, in my opinion though well worth it. We also did the Masters of Landscape Business Management seminar that if you haven't heard ofit, and want to know more, go to their website or PM me.

We have not join PLANET yet because we haven't seen much benefit in that association. Can anyone fill me in on it?
We also are not members of the WLCA, WGIF, or any other local but are wondering if any exist that offer quality events and education?

IRRIG8TION

03-06-2008, 01:42 PM

I am considering offering Lawn and Landscape Irrigation Maintenance to my already existing customers. I am wondering if any of you Wisconsin people have advice as to how to go about this. I am also wondering what the rules are for low voltage irrigation wiring, do I need ot be certified or licensed? I know in Mn you needed to be. If so where do I go to take care of this?

P.S. I have a lot of golf course experience with irrigation so i am well versed, I just will have to learn about the residential heads and issues.

No license needed for low volt wiring, but a good idea to take a few classes in low volt theory any ways.

I would also recommend taking some classes with the IA for maint. It is a whole dif world from Golf. Maint is a lot more complicating than even design and install. You have to deal with all kinds of half a$$ jobs done by idiots. You never know what kind of nightmare you are going to find. Please stay away from install until you are certified. It is not just stuffing pipe in the ground. The best thing you can do is read read read.......

For maint, I use 90% yearly contracts. We go out every two months on most systems and do a complete service of the system and adjustments. We also handle any repairs at that time, emergency repairs are billed separate, as well as any repairs caused by anything other than normal wear. We will not do a service contract on a system we have not installed for the first two years. We do those as time and materials. We also will not do a maint contract until the customer either provides a detailed and accurate map of the system, or has us map the system and cad it for our files. Just a few tips, feel free to ask any more questions, and good luck.. Just take it very slow. Irrigation is a very odd duck to play with..

Jacob