KeithKoharski
ArboristSite Lurker
Hey guys.. I have decided to open my own tree service company. I have so many questions as to how and what are the best ways to start it.Here is a little bit about myself.. Im located in New Jersey. This will be my second (side) job at first and hopefully it can grow into a full time business. My full time job is an aviation maintenance tech. I work the night shift so i will be doing this during the days or my weekends at first. I am a combat veteran so I have access to the GI bill and other great financial support, however, I would like to do it without taking massive loans. I bought my house 3 years ago and I decided to cut down all the trees (50+ and massive oak trees) myself and since then I fell in love with tree work. I climbed them (with all of the PROFESSIONAL gear), felled them and then saved the logs for my fireplace and then even sold dozens of cords on the side. This past summer I picked up part time work with a friends tree business and I saw how much opportunity and money there is in the area. I have about $10K to invest into the company. I know it isnt much but it can get me some used equipment if I keep searching and am willing to travel. Here are a few questions just to get things going. I hope I can get some good opinions. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
What pieces of equipment are the most important a new company should have?
Should I spend 10-12k on a used stump grinder?
Should I start off small with a helper, diesel pick up truck and dump trailer and back break hauling away logs etc.?
How should I attempt to get side jobs in the beginning?
- I live in a very rural area (each house has 1-2+acres and heavily wooded). Should I attempt to go door to door and introduce myself as a neighbor and point out their tree work I see and give them a low price that theyd never get from a pro company? I would think any business and word of mouth for myself is good at first?
Should I wait until the busy season to start looking for side jobs?
Id like to avoid leaving logs behind to "Reduce the price" I think its unprofessional and just leaves another thing for the homeowner to worry about.
I am going to create a business plan, business name license and insured and get all of the certifications from ISA. I want to do this the correct way from the beginning.
again, any advice is greatly appreciated. thank you in advance.
What pieces of equipment are the most important a new company should have?
Should I spend 10-12k on a used stump grinder?
Should I start off small with a helper, diesel pick up truck and dump trailer and back break hauling away logs etc.?
How should I attempt to get side jobs in the beginning?
- I live in a very rural area (each house has 1-2+acres and heavily wooded). Should I attempt to go door to door and introduce myself as a neighbor and point out their tree work I see and give them a low price that theyd never get from a pro company? I would think any business and word of mouth for myself is good at first?
Should I wait until the busy season to start looking for side jobs?
Id like to avoid leaving logs behind to "Reduce the price" I think its unprofessional and just leaves another thing for the homeowner to worry about.
I am going to create a business plan, business name license and insured and get all of the certifications from ISA. I want to do this the correct way from the beginning.
again, any advice is greatly appreciated. thank you in advance.