Hi all, I am preparing to move into offering lawn care on top of my mowing services from next spring. I have decided to focus on lawns and hedges, as these seem to be the only parts of gardening I enjoy (I just love mowing grass, and a nice hedge is great).
Anyway. I am wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction for equipment and PPE. I have to buy the PPE and a sprayer for my PA1/PA6A next month, so I was looking for recommendations of what and where to buy?
I am assuming at the moment that I basically could use 2 sprayers (1 to use for weed killer only) and a decent spreader for the application of granular fertiliser, and with the PPE that should be enough to get going?
Does anyone have some words of wisdom to help me on my way in my new direction? I am reading up on the subject, but there's nothing like experience :)
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Find a good supplier you can work with and someone that will 'guide' you.
It would be worth popping into your local golf club or other sports ground and asking them nicely who they use.
Ideally you want a rep that you can have a face to face with, like anything it's worth paying a bit extra at the start for your products if you get the knowledge that comes with it. It can be hard to keep up to date with products as they are forever changing.
Past that, the two main suppliers on here progreen and Agrigem can offer very good support, Oille from Agrigem has helped me out numerous times.
Thanks Robbie. Love the van by the way. Must get myself a transporter one day :)
Hi Graham,
go to Saltex and Bigga conferences and talk to the suppliers - they are generally a good bunch who will be very helpful. Are you going to offer more than spreading fertiliser and spraying - eg aeration ,scarifcation, dressing, turfing etc etc. If so, you'll need some good equipment - keep an eye on ebay or perhaps hire in the first year for 1 week at a time. Also, don't be afraid to ask the suppliers for advice; be a sponge and suck knowledge from them. It's a fair exchange if you also subsequently buy from them.
Sorry Andrew, I missed your reply until now.
Some good advice, thanks. I didn't know about Saltex, but I think I may go this year, as it's just a 90 min drive for me.
I am planning to deliver the whole lawncare service, and I have been reading up on the subject. My business direction seems to be similar to Robbie's after looking at his website. I plan to specialise really and eventually become the top lawncare service in sheffield. (Got to have a goal)
I have noticed that the price of aerators seems to be quite high to buy, and not too cheap to hire. I am assuming the price for aerating a lawn must be quite high, compared to say mowing?
I will be picking a few brains on here regarding pricing for lawncare services over the next few months if you don't mind. Will keep it in the chat and BOG though :)
Hi Graham,
good to go premium and delivery a superior service compared to the average. Shall we move this to BOG then to talk pricing?
Cheers Andrew, yes I created a thread in the BOG, and I am ready for my education :)