How to bid ivy removal

[mikewhite85]

I have about 250-300 square yards of ivy to take out. Just trying to get an idea how long it would take a 3 man crew to do this as well as what tools would be most preferable. It's on a hill so I figured a brush cutter attachment for my weedwacker would be helpful. I have not done much of this before so I do not know exactly what to expect or how much to charge.

 

[flushcut]

Round up.

 

[Treepedo]

Just the crowns I am guessing because it is on a hill?
English or Boston Ivy?
Mower on lowest setting with mulcher blades as sharp as a diamond.
Best way I can think of.
Small patches can be down with sod lifter or manually with good chop hoes. Good weed wacker with saw blades might get you all tangled up. Horse power and good cutters should tear thru it.

I have only done a small patch and used the chop hoes. we started at one end sliced through the top layer of crown to roots and pretty much rolled it all up into a few big rolls.
Blister city!

Price 3 times as high as you think, it sounds like an SOB of a job being on hill or it could work well to your advantaage.:msp_wink:
Best of luck!.

 

[treemandan]

Are you trimming it or taking it out cause if you want to take something out a weed wacker will just trim it.

I hook up a 2 foot steel ripper rake to turn the soil and rip out the roots. Then I grade with a 5 foot york rake. They both go on a 2000 lb machine with tracks that does all that.

 

[Zale]

If your client can wait, spray the entire area with Roundup. Let the ivy die then remove it. By doing this, you will be killing the entire plant. Also, it will be easier to remove once its dead. Ivy can take multiple sprays before its dead.

 

[mikewhite85]

Thanks for the help, guys. I think it will take 3 men about 3 days to do it (possibly 2). I do not have access to a mower though that is a great idea. If I get the job I am going to invest in a pretty high power weedwacker (FS 200 something I think- looked at one at the shop today for 550) with blades. I am figuring on 2500-3000. I don't want to underbid it but I cannot imagine anyone willing to pay more than that for ivy removal.

I have jury duty next week so it will be great to keep the guys busy.