Hedge cutting business

Hello. I wondered if I could get some advice.

A few weeks ago I went to my uncles home as he had asked me to cut his privet hedges. I was happily cutting away when a neighbour stopped me and asked if I could give her hedge a trim (not sure what type that was!), so when I had finished my uncles I started to cut hers - just as I had almost finished her neighbour if I could cut her hedges!

I charged each £50 - not my uncle of course!

Anyway, I am unemployed at the moment so when I went to the careers office a few days later I was chatting to the adviser and told them I had earned this extra £100 (you need to declare earnings)

She then said had I considered starting a business doing this - in truth the thought had crossed my mind but I had dismissed it - but now after discussing this I am thinking this could be an option

If I am honest I have never done this type of work before, I have read quite a few threads on here and my only experience is what I have described above and working on my own garden.

So if I could ask a few questions I would be very grateful for some answers ..

1. Is hedge cutting a year round business

2. Realistically what is charged and how do you work out what to charge

3. What equipment would you recommend I need

4. Where could I learn quickly the different types of hedges and how and when these should be cut

5. What's the best way to market my business?

I wanted to keep the list of questions short - however if you feel there is anything else I need to be aware of please let me know

Thanks

1. Is hedge cutting a year round business

it can be but look at Hedgerows Regulations 1997 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 regarding nesting birds.

2. Realistically what is charged and how do you work out what to charge

ok your just starting off, don't try and price for a hedge "off the top of your head" chances are the hedge will take longer than you think ! as your just starting think about £20PH they includes getting rid of the arisings unless you can talk your customer into keeping them. Just be aware of reductions .. ie customer wants hedge reduced and 2' taken off the top, this will take longer than you think and you will one day come across a customer who waits for you to nearly finish a reduction then ask "do you think you could take a bit more off?" thats my personal favourite.

3. What equipment would you recommend I need

A HEDGE CUTTER, pair of stable steps, PPE, Something to transport yourself & tools and any arisings that you clear. a small silky, broom or blower or both, dumpy bag to collect your arisings. First Aid kit for when you slip and turn the hedge cutter back on yourself ! and some basic liability insurance

4. Where could I learn quickly the different types of hedges and how and when these should be cut

the internet, related books and experience that you will gain in time

5. What's the best way to market my business?

you would probably do well with some flyers, just get some small ones printed and start walking the streets posting them !! and maybe an ad or 2 in the local news agents.

PS YOU SHOULD HAVE CHARGED YOUR UNCLE ! NO FRIENDS OR FAMILY DISCOUNTS IN BUSINESS, you are not a charity case period!!!

take your time and remember to book the next cut in with the customer even if its 6 months time, be reliable and you will get the repeat business and more from word of mouth. in no time at all you will be earning £400-£500 a week if you put the time into it.

and good luck to you !

And when you save enough from your work invest in an Easy-Lift Harness. It beats working harder, hands down.

easy-lift guy

And when you save enough from your work invest in an Easy-Lift Harness. It beats working harder, hands down.

easy-lift guy

I just did !

I just did !

You Sir are a wise man:thumbup1:. All the best.

easy-lift guy

If you are claiming JSA they should put you in touch with the relevant people who can help you from marketing to tax and insurance payments they may also pay for you to go on a few courses aswell.

1. Is hedge cutting a year round business

it can be but look at Hedgerows Regulations 1997 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 regarding nesting birds.

 

2. Realistically what is charged and how do you work out what to charge

ok your just starting off, don't try and price for a hedge "off the top of your head" chances are the hedge will take longer than you think ! as your just starting think about £20PH they includes getting rid of the arisings unless you can talk your customer into keeping them. Just be aware of reductions .. ie customer wants hedge reduced and 2' taken off the top, this will take longer than you think and you will one day come across a customer who waits for you to nearly finish a reduction then ask "do you think you could take a bit more off?" thats my personal favourite.

 

3. What equipment would you recommend I need

A HEDGE CUTTER, pair of stable steps, PPE, Something to transport yourself & tools and any arisings that you clear. a small silky, broom or blower or both, dumpy bag to collect your arisings. First Aid kit for when you slip and turn the hedge cutter back on yourself ! and some basic liability insurance

 

4. Where could I learn quickly the different types of hedges and how and when these should be cut

 

the internet, related books and experience that you will gain in time

5. What's the best way to market my business?

you would probably do well with some flyers, just get some small ones printed and start walking the streets posting them !! and maybe an ad or 2 in the local news agents.

PS YOU SHOULD HAVE CHARGED YOUR UNCLE ! NO FRIENDS OR FAMILY DISCOUNTS IN BUSINESS, you are not a charity case period!!!

take your time and remember to book the next cut in with the customer even if its 6 months time, be reliable and you will get the repeat business and more from word of mouth. in no time at all you will be earning £400-£500 a week if you put the time into it.

 

and good luck to you !

Good answer

Lucky Leaf,

Good answer to the op. Nice to see folks giving honest helpful input.

Long may the good ship Arbtalk sail!

Lucky Leaf,

 

Good answer to the op. Nice to see folks giving honest helpful input.

 

Long may the good ship Arbtalk sail!

Ditto:thumbup:

Thank you Lucky Leaf for your answers and support.

I note your comment regarding the regulations, I had read a little bit about that previously but my understanding that only applies to commercial hedgerows such as farms etc and not domestic properties

In relation to the tools - what's PPE? - excuse my ignorance

I had already spoken to the JSA about courses and funding and because of my age and the fact I have only been unemployed for 7 weeks I cannot get any help in this regard. If I wait until I am unemployed for 12 months then I can get some assistance - Go figure??,

Kind regards