Father and Son Tree Planting Help!

S

samtree3

Location
Tampa
I am a young lad who has been looking for a fun way to earn money. My father is a certified arborist and suggested that I start planting trees at peoples homes for a profit. I love the idea of being outside and I really enjoy getting my hands dirty, so I jumped at the opportunity. The only problem is I have no idea what I am doing. This is were I need your help.

I need a business card. I have no idea what it should look like or what I should call my "business." I had the clever idea of printing them onto Seed Paper (paper that can be planted and grows into wildflowers) but still do not know what to include on them.

I need general suggestions on how to advertise and spread the word. I have the idea to communicate with a couple nurseries in my area, but not much else.

I need some advice. Is this even a good idea? What has your experience been with things like this?

What would be fair prices? I would try and plant 15-30 gallon trees so what would i charge?

Thanks for all the help,

Sam
 
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You need to figure out your costs including overhead(insurance) and your profit margin. Once you have your business name, tax / business licence all setup (in your overhead) then you'll know what you need to charge so you can run a business.

As for how much to advertise the more the merrier. Do it classy, professionally and all that. Talk to other tree companies that may do more of the removal end of things in your area if they like you and your name reflects good on them every time they cut one down they may recommend you so make some friends.

That's where I'd start
 
Start with the name. Think of ones that your prospective customers will immediately remember, or better yet, can't forget. "Joe's Tree Service" and the like will probably be forgotten before the business card hits the bottom of the trash can. Keep the graphics/logo simple and effective. Forget goofy heavy metal themed graphics, red text on black background, or anything else that makes your customers think you didn't mature past the age of 13. If you have no talent for this stuff, ask someone to help you who does. It's the first thing your customers will see that will leave an impression, especially if their neighbor or friend gave them the card. Pass them out every time someone asks your name.

Here's something off the top of my head... try to come up with a dozen or more ideas, get other people's opinions about the best ideas.

sow-what-you-reap-idea.webp
 
Good on ya for being a go get er'. Vista Print does cards and magnetic truck signs, you can get started for less than $100. CraigsList is free. Check out what the local landscapers ads look like and out class them. Also, personally go and talk to all your local nurseries. Most will have a list of "authorized" contractors to their customers. Generally they just require insurance and a business license. Ask for a wholesale catalog to get an idea of costs that you can work into your bids. The sky is the limit. Good luck to ya.
 
How much do you know about planting trees and trees in general.
Clients with money for planting trees generally investigate this or they stick to the big dogs like nurseries and garden centres that offer good prices.
I only plant a dozen or so largish trees a yr after the client is educated and have trusted me with tree maintenance or removal.
I'm a fair salesman with good plant knowledge and trees planting to be profitable is pretty hard work. I have quite a few yrs of this before becoming an arbclimber.
Sales is tough part. Enthusiasm, knowledge, skill will only get you so far..
Sales can be real easy for some. This day and age I think it is getting easier.
Considering the losses we are facing due pests and pathogens.
I can see you succeed and feel positive and make people happy with your contributions.
Keep your expectations low and you may be pleasantly suprised.

Best of Luck.
 
Business license has been mentioned several times here and is probably the most important thing along with insurance. Just last week I heard of kids in mass. Being fined for not having a BL for shoveling snow. Sad to see, but it is the times we live in. Oh, and when you do get a BL, be prepared because you will pay taxes. Not meaning to scare you away, in fact I admire your attitude. With a work ethic like that, some day you will be CEO of a multimillion company.
 
Hi Sam,

First off, unless you are English, don't go around calling yourself a lad.

Next, what is your experience with planting trees? Do you plan on doing this alone, and if so, would you only plant trees that you can man-handle on your own? Keep in mind that containerized trees are a product of the devil himself, and that by planting one, you have made a pact with the Dark Prince. He does not forget (believe me).

I think a good approach would be the door to door sales pitch in a neighborhood that has money, and not a lot of trees. Tell them that you are planting trees to save up for college. People always think college is a good thing.

Best of luck in your adventures!

SZ
 
Oh yeah, I forgot to add that business cards are not necessary for presenting yourself as a semi-professional tree planter. I'd focus on getting a website on the interwebs.

SZ
 
Have a simple business card with your name and contact info. That should include a phone number, email, website if you have one.

The question has been asked about your knowledge but let me ask you this, why tree planting? What do you see as the gap in the market that you can fulfill? Tons of landscapers out there that'll stick a tree in the ground and guarantee it for 2 yrs. Will you? What's going to make you stand out in the marketplace?

I agree with Easy, container trees are evil, but then again so can B&B. Do you know the pros & cons of each? Do you know what to typically look for and remedies for the problems that come most nursery stock have?

If you want to make money in this really know all your costs. If you want to be taken seriously then be professional. As mentioned above, business license, insurance, set up proper accounting, etc.
 
Door to door and craigslist would be the simple way of advertising, depending on your area. I would highly recommend you find yourself a good book on tree planting and plant health care (and I'm sure your father has some good tips). Not only do you want to know what your doing, but you want to be able to reassure your customer that you do (and sincerely). Sometimes those little buggers will die, so I would work that into your price. Best to reduce your chances with good practices.
 
Some jobs are just interesting...we planted 60 12' tall Bracken brown beauty mags for a very wealthy client that did not want a fence but was fighting with the neighbors and wanted an instant screen. The 25 gal root balls fit perfectly in the large auger holes putting the auger and bit to use immediately after buying and still made plenty of money. Already had the dingo. We also plant some 5 and 6" caliper 25' plus tall trees with the crane and dig the holes with the stump grinder and big auger.
 
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