Imaginary business plan

[JD3000]

And over the years, expand your knowledge base to include the other aspects of the landscape side.

My education was design/build and maintenance but worked in tree care during college to help pay for it. I decided midway through school that I preferred arboriculture but was too late to switch majors or schools. That said, my knowledge of design, maintenance, and even god awful turf has been IMMENSELY helpful over the years from a sales and work diversity standpoint.
Most of my arboriculture knowledge has been self taught going through the studying for CA and BCMA.
Food for thought.

 

[Pelorus]

Bout the same in Ohio. Can start in November some years

Yup - up here (cottage country) once the snow starts piling up, the rich cats head south, and the poor locals haven't got any coin. Regardless, nobody is thinking about their trees in the winter. I'd prefer to forget about them too.

 

[evo]

It's great that this worked for you but being an employer in an aggressive market I wouldn't be so trust worthy. Maybe there's no qualified help where you are or maybe you are super talented.....and that's great! But it wouldn't fly here. Not everyone is so trustworthy. Just my thought before you give advice that may cost someone there job.

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. It did almost cost me my job. However it worked out for the past two years and is better for both of us than before. I did approach about sub contracting, that seemed touchier and didn't fly.

 

[802climber]

The biggest problem I had contract climbing for multiple companies was the scheduling. Inevitably one guy would get jealous that I was climbing for the other guy that day when he had a big job going. Even though they were friendly competition. So try to have a set schedule if possible. It's hard with weather, etc. to please everyone....... Also I would recommend considering bringing your own groundman. Also check if you need workers comp on yourself in your state and if so, what is the minimum premium to cover an owner?