Need help in figuring out how to maximise profit off lawn fertilization.

[kebrowns]

I got my certifications to apply fert. in Georgia. I only have the tools to do yards below 1/4 acrea a 5 gallon back pack sprayer and 5 gallon spreader. I have tried different fertilizers and different techniques with a few lawns but not ably to see significant gains for me to say its worth it. Maybe I am doing something wrong.

[Ijustwantausername]

Originally Posted by kebrowns

I got my certifications to apply fert. in Georgia. I only have the tools to do yards below 1/4 acrea a 5 gallon back pack sprayer and 5 gallon spreader. I have tried different fertilizers and different techniques with a few lawns but not ably to see significant gains for me to say its worth it. Maybe I am doing something wrong.

You might get better feedback in the fertilizer section, but since I was in the same boat I'll tell you straight up what I think.

I did the same thing in 2011, read the books, took the test and passed, all to be able to spray round up and say I was a licensed applicator. I thought I was going to get into apps, fert and squirt etc etc.. I bought the Lesco spreader, then got educated and bought the Andersons SR2000 and played with it an hour maybe, now it sits in the garage. I did the math and as far as I was going to have to drive just to get quality fertilizer, I would make maybe $25-45 for a fert app when its all said and done. Not worth it at all to me. Then you run the risk of messing up someones yard if you don't know what you are doing (like me) and that can get costly. So all that to say, been there, tried it, didn't work out, I'm much happier just mowing and landscaping. Until I can find someone willing to impart the superfluous amount of knowledge needed in the fert and squirt business, I will keep on mowing. I say sub that work out if you can.

[trooper8870]

It must be a pretty good way to make money. There are as many fert and squirt companies in my area as mowing crews. But I personally think they do more damage to the yards than good in a lot of cases and charge out the rear end to do it. These companies usually give me a lot of business renovating yards after they have killed them.

[dc240nt]

Originally Posted by trooper8870

It must be a pretty good way to make money. There are as many fert and squirt companies in my area as mowing crews. But I personally think they do more damage to the yards than good in a lot of cases and charge out the rear end to do it. These companies usually give me a lot of business renovating yards after they have killed them.

Ditto!
Ive picked up several customers in the past three weeks who have been using the squirters for several years and are very unhappy with the results.

[Dr.NewEarth]

Add the knowledge to your business arsenal and keep on learning other things that can also be sold to customers. Diversity is the key.