Lawn care is a booming business, especially in the spring and the summer. From cutting grass to maintaining flowerbeds, having the right small lawn service company is important to any homeowner. As a lawn care service provider, you should maximize on the potential to grow and sustain your business. Here are 7 great ideas to get you started.
- Plan for the winter season
While the Spring and Summer are prime times for lawn care service, the fall and winter months can be a bit taxing on a small lawn service company. Planning for the winter months is critical in building up sustainability within your company. First, offer services in the fall to deal with dead leaves and debris. Consider adding gutter and curb clean-up to your list of services if you do not already offer them. Winter lawn services could include the proper wrapping of plants and trees against the cold weather, driveway and walkway clearing, and removal of dead shrubbery.
Fall and winter months are also ideal for clearing vine saturated areas. While it is not advised that you plant anything new in the winter months unless the plant is specific to those times, laying out the yard for the spring by clearing waste is a plus.
- Have a year-round garden
To keep your business thriving all year round, consider offering a year-round garden. This can be accomplished by coupling year-round plants such as holly, with other plants throughout the year. As different plants bloom at different times if you plan strategically, your clients will always have something in bloom. For the best year round garden have Japanese Forestgrass, Daphne, Orange Blossom, Anglewing begonia, Rhododendron, Iris, Tulips, Camellia, and Yew.
Check the soil conditions of the area in which you live to determine the best mixture of evergreen plants and seasonal plants. The main point is that you have something green all the time and something about to bloom in each of the four seasons.
- Build up clients with yearly rates
One way in which you can build your sustainability for your small lawn service company is to offer yearly rates. One-on or monthly rates tend to have clients which only want services during the peak times. While this is good for the season, when the weather goes colder or when the season ends, the client list may dry up. Offering a yearly rate keeps you with work all year round. The client is happy because he or she does not have to worry about their yard or with a payment schedule.
Keep in mind that when you offer yearly rates that these rates to clarify if a monthly service fee will be applied to the client’s account or if you will require a one-time payment for the year. If the latter is used, allocate appropriate funds towards maintenance and upkeep during the off-season.
- Get reviewed
Having a local or a small lawn service company has its advantages. However, it also has its struggles. Getting to be known as a reputable company will be your biggest hurtle to overcome. As we live in a technology based online world, it is critical that you have a presence online and that you gather organic customer reviews of your business (meaning that they are actual clients and not hired to write a great review). List your company both locally and with all of the major search engines so that you can be found when people look for small lawn care services in your area.
Please note that while great reviews will quickly boost your sales, one negative review can do substantial harm. Monitor your customer feedback, ensuring that you keep the reviews positive. Even if you happen to have a dissatisfied customer, having a review which shows how you handled the situation positively goes a long way. Build up your reviews though, the more creditability your clients lend your way, the larger your client base will become.
- Consider Battery Power
Traditionally, gasoline has been used to power yard equipment. Yet, in today’s economy more homeowners are looking to hire companies who are focused on eco-friendly solutions. Because of this, you may want to consider switching the power source of some of your equipment to battery power. Lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and leaf blowers all have a battery powered option available.
By utilizing battery power, you can increase your client base. Subdivisions with noise restrictions will find that battery powered equipment is less noisy. Potential clients with sensitivity to air conditions can be satisfied with not having the smell of burning gas wafting their nostrils.
If using battery power be sure to have multiple battery back-ups and a powering/charging station to ensure the job gets done.
- Cater to Pet Owners
The number of pet owners is on the rise and therefore small lawn service companies must find ways in which to work with pet owners safely and efficiently. Before starting any job, ask the client if he or she owns a pet and what type of pet is owned. When you know the pet, bring a treat for it. Even if the client does not want the treat for their pet, they will be impressed that you took the time to consider it.
When working for clients who have outdoor pets, plan with the owner before arriving as to how you will work around the pet. If cutting the grass, blowing leaves, weed eating, or performing another task where debris could end up in the pet’s area, be sure that you clean up around the pet area. A clean pet space makes for a happy client.
- Store with Care
Many small lawn service companies require storage of equipment throughout the year. Different seasons require different equipment. When picking a storage unit for your small lawn business, keep weathering and moisture in mind. All equipment should be drained of any liquids which could erode the lines of the equipment or freeze. Batteries should be removed, fully charged, and stored appropriately.
Any equipment stored should be free of grass, moisture, and debris to ensure that there is no corrosion to the mechanics of the tool during storage. If storing in an outdoor unit check your equipment periodically, cleaning any dust, webbing, or dirt present.
