So here's an idea I've been tossing around for years- starting up my own business.
Business:Lawn/Landscape/Tree/Consulting
Lawn Services: Mowing, fertilization, insect/disease management, aeration, overseeding, sod, thatching.
Landscape Services: Design, removal, install, fertilization, insect/disease management, mulching, pruning.
Tree Services: Removal, planting, pruning, fertilizing, insect/disease mgt., lightning protection, cable/bracing.
Consulting: Diagnosing, appraisals, risk assesment.
Obviously these are a lot of services to offer, but these are just my options for generating money. I am in a large, heavily populated suburban area. Starting out I will be on my own with very little capital, just a few grand for some equipment. I have a truck/trailer and access to storage facilities at no cost. I am not wanting to get into the mowing business, nor the landscape design/install biz. The goal is to eventually be a company focused on plant health issues, maybe doing a few other side jobs here and there per request. I'm not a climber either. As much as I would like to be, I can't do heights but I would like to eventually have a crew for doing big tree work.
I figured I could start out buying a good mower and get a few dozen accounts for 1-2 years, doing some design and installs and mulching here and there. Once I generate the cash, buy some equipment and continue adding services, eventually dropping the mowing services.
What do you guys think? Any advice or start-up stories are helpful.
