How to Start a Wholesale Tree Business
Wholesale tree businesses supply many species of trees to a varied customer base. Clients may include retail businesses (e.g., big box stores or garden centers), landscape architects, housing development landscapers, government agencies and non-profit groups. There are also some landowners who participate in federal forestation programs, and are eligible for wholesale pricing.
There are different types of wholesale tree businesses. Some companies supply Christmas trees to retailers and non-profits; others grow and sell fruit and ornamental trees for contractors' landscaping needs. Finally, some wholesale tree businesses grow and sell seedlings for cultivation and sale by other businesses.
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Things You'll Need
- List of potential wholesale tree customers
- List of trees for product line
- Business license
- Tree order
- Invitations for Tree Farm Open House
- Introductory discount information
- Seedlings for Open House
- Ad rates and information for landscaping publications
- List of real estate developers and contractors
- List of retail outlet prospects
Instructions
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Identify your wholesale tree markets. Examine your region's economy, and list all your potential wholesale tree customers. Examples include: landscape contractors for new retirement centers or educational facilities; government-sponsored topiary gardens; a golf course constructed from bare ground; or new resorts or vacation facilities.
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Choose the trees in your product line. Each tree species has its own light, water and space requirements. It's important to choose trees that will flourish in your geographic region. The Arbor Day Foundation provides an online resource directory for dozens of landscape trees and their growth requirements (see Resources).
After selecting the types of trees you will cultivate, decide whether you will grow those trees to maturity before selling them. Another option is to sell the seedlings to your customers for their own plantings.
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Select your business structure. Choose your organizational framework with advice from a Certified Public Accountant experienced with agricultural businesses. Next, select a commercial insurance agent who has helped similar companies manage their risks. Finally, visit your city or county clerk's office for a business license.
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Stagger your tree cultivation. Order and plant your trees to encourage a staggered harvest schedule. Taking into account the vagaries of water, weather and individual species' growth rates, attempt to ensure a regular supply of trees for your wholesale customers.
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Show off your tree farm operation. Once you've planted your trees and organized your operation, invite potential customers to tour your tree business premises. Schedule a Tree Farm Open House, complete with refreshments and introductory discounts on your in-process inventory. Distribute free seedlings that are tagged with your business's contact information.
To publicize your new business (and the Open House), place advertisements in regional landscaping publications. In addition, visit real estate developers and general contractors who handle large projects. Finally, contact regional retail outlets and other potential customers.
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Reinforce your customer contacts. Maintain contact with customers waiting for trees to be delivered. Provide them with additional growing or tree reference information; this is another way to keep your name in front of the customers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit christmas tree forest image by scalesy from Fotolia.com
