Tree-Trimming Service
A tree-trimming service does just what the name implies : trims trees. Tree trimmers are called to remove limbs or trees that are diseased or damaged. They also remove limbs close to power, cable and telephone lines. They are called to remove trees that have fallen on to a house or in to a road. Their service is important and their income is good.
What will I need to start ?
To offer a tree-trimming service you obviously must know something about trees, how they grow and how to remove or stop growth. Community colleges and universities with agriculture departments can direct you to courses and books on these subjects.
To gain experience, practice on your own trees or, better, work part or full-time for a tree-trimming or landscaping service. The experience you gain will later make you more money. If you have knowledge but need practice, offer to trim trees for friends, neighbors, churches and others who love your price : free.
Your equipment will include a chain saw, tree saws, cutters, trimmers and related equipment as well as ladders and maybe a climbing belt. Wear goggles, a safety hat and other safety gear so you can enjoy your business for many years.
Who will my customers be ?
Customers for your tree-trimming service are easy to find. Simply drive neighborhoods and business districts looking for trees that need your services, then contact the owner. One trimmer took photos of problem trees and brought them to the owner with a suggestion on how to solve the problem. In many cases, the solution sounded like too much work to the owner and the trimmer was hired to do it.
Wind storms can play havoc on trees and limbs. Listen to regional news and, if a wind storm hits a neighboring area, get there fast. Offer your services to area tree trimmers, insurance agents, disaster relief offices or individual homeowners. Stop by City Hall first and make sure you have the proper licenses for the area.
How much should I charge ?
Tree-trimming services set rates of $35 to $60 an hour in most areas, depending on equipment, efficiency and competition. If all you have is a ladder and a saw, your rate will be on the lower end of the scale. A pickup truck with a “cherry picker” hydraulic bucket and power saws will get the higher rates for the more sophisticated jobs.
To fill in time between emergency jobs and driving neighborhoods, offer tree maintenance services. Once a month, you will check and trim trees for an apartment or business complex. Your fee will be slightly lower than standard because you will have an annual contract that guarantees some income. How you charge for this service depends on what you do.
How much will I make ?
A tree-trimming service can give you $30,000 to $60,000 in gross income each year. Deducting overhead expenses of 25 to 50 percent for advertising, telephone, equipment, office supplies and inevitable taxes, gives you a good income at what can be an enjoyable job.
How can I get started ?
Learn as much as you can about trees and how to efficiently maintain them. Practice your skills on your own trees or others, carefully discovering the best tools and techniques for the job. Let others know about your services and their benefits. Produce a flier with pricing. Order and distribute business cards. Talk with others about trees and how to maintain them. Let people know you’re an expert.
Enjoy what you do. Enjoyment breeds enthusiasm in you as well as your customers.
The SIC code for tree trimming services is 0783-01
From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727
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