Lawn Business Off-season Work Ideas
Lawn care businesses provide manicured and weed-free lawns for their residential and commercial customers. These businesses offer their owners scheduling flexibility in a recession-resistant environment. Many lawn care businesses are impacted by seasonal weather changes. Businesses owners can diversify their offered services to provide year-round earnings and income. Market and promote your new services with direct mail and flyers. Target senior citizens, empty nesters and busy professionals as well as small business associations and office and retail property management companies.
Other People Are Reading
-
Leaf Removal
-
The spring growing and fall shedding seasons are ideal times to offer leaf removal services with low equipment and staffing costs. You will need lawn rakes, leaf or debris bags, and a leaf blower. Consider whether you need to bag and deposit leaves for later municipal pickup or whether you will have to dispose of the leaves personally. You can price this service by the project or by the hour, but do not price a job without reviewing the property as the property complexity and tree density can vary. Properties with many flower beds and other landscaping will require additional time to remove the leaves without damaging other foliage so you should price accordingly.
Snow Removal
-
Your business can clear snow and ice from residential driveways and sidewalks. Businesses can use your services to remove snow from their parking lots and sidewalks to help their employees and customer gain safe entry. You will need shovels, de-icing chemicals and snow blowers for residential use. You will need a truck or SUV with a plow for larger commercial applications. Base your contract on the property footage, any physical landscaping challenges and the amount of snow. Your service contract should include provisions for excessive amounts of snow and blizzard conditions.
-
Painting and Staining Services
-
Turn your painting and staining skills into another business add-on. You can offer exterior house preparation and painting services for busy homeowners. You can specialize in doors and trim, additions or whole house painting. Deck staining is another supplemental service you can offer. Research available paints and stains and attend house-painting workshops offered by home improvement retail stores if you need additional education. You need a good grasp of paint and stain types, properties and recommended uses. You will need quality paintbrushes, rollers and a spray gun, drop and protective cloths, protective clothing, disposable respiratory masks and eye-wear protection. Buy painting extension tools and ladders. Painting jobs are priced per project, usually. Consider your equipment and supply costs when pricing these jobs.
Interior Grounds Services
-
Move your business inside when the outdoor season ends. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grounds workers care for indoor gardens and plantings in businesses and other commercial businesses, such as retail centers. There is a growing need for businesses versed in design and horticulture to supply and service interior plants. You need an understanding of indoor plants and office design, along with watering requirements, pruning and disease control. According to Joe Marchant, executive vice president of Building Owners and Managers Association International, "A good plant service technician knows which plants to select, based on the amount of light, bringing in pots that blend with the decor." Consider the square footage of the office, number of plants needed and maintenance when pricing this service.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
