Anyone a self employed gardener?

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

A lot of people only get somebody in when they can't do something themselves, which includes cutting back shrubs and trees - a lot of shrubs actually turn into trees when neglected (eg, Cherry Laurel, which most people think of as a hedge). Once a trunk or branch is too thick to get your hands around it with your fingers touching, you're into chainsaw territory - and I don't care what the shops suggest, people need training in using the things; they're dangerous enough with a bow saw and loppers.

And you'll need insurance - not just for your gear being nicked, but liability in case you happen to be pruning when a branch snaps off and take out a neighbour's car.

Brushcutters, stumpcutters and suchlike are often needed - for those you'll also need training and insurance, along with full protective clothing, face protection, ear defenders, cushioned gloves to ensure you don't get vibration injuries - even a tank of petrol/40 minutes can be enough to cause you damage with the PPE, it'll take much less than that without.


It sounds as though you're more akin to a handyman than a gardener, IMO, right now. Don't take on bigger jobs than that until you've got yourself proper equipment, PPE and training, as even the professional of many years that I know very well managed to amputate two fingers with a hedgecutter a couple of years ago - despite wearing PPE and having 30-odd years' experience.

glasgowdan

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

A lot of people only get somebody in when they can't do something themselves, which includes cutting back shrubs and trees - a lot of shrubs actually turn into trees when neglected (eg, Cherry Laurel, which most people think of as a hedge). Once a trunk or branch is too thick to get your hands around it with your fingers touching, you're into chainsaw territory - and I don't care what the shops suggest, people need training in using the things; they're dangerous enough with a bow saw and loppers.

And you'll need insurance - not just for your gear being nicked, but liability in case you happen to be pruning when a branch snaps off and take out a neighbour's car.

Brushcutters, stumpcutters and suchlike are often needed - for those you'll also need training and insurance, along with full protective clothing, face protection, ear defenders, cushioned gloves to ensure you don't get vibration injuries - even a tank of petrol/40 minutes can be enough to cause you damage with the PPE, it'll take much less than that without.


It sounds as though you're more akin to a handyman than a gardener, IMO, right now. Don't take on bigger jobs than that until you've got yourself proper equipment, PPE and training, as even the professional of many years that I know very well managed to amputate two fingers with a hedgecutter a couple of years ago - despite wearing PPE and having 30-odd years' experience.

How do you know how experienced the OP is at gardening? New to business but they may be far from a "handyman".

Most of my customers are working couples and families who either want to spend their spare time socialising rather than gardening, or actively dislike the work but want the garden to look giod. The work is easy and quite routine as regular visits keep things smart and under control.

OP, I would absolutely avoid doing big cutback jobs cheaply. Facebook groups bring out the worst customers in general. Avoid hourly rate charging too as it severely impairs your income.

You don't need training or insurance to use mowers, blowers, brushcutter or hedge trimmers. There are so many little tricks you'll pick up to improve efficiency as you go.

Go for it and don't be put off by seeing loads of local gardeners. Be 100% reliable and you'll stay busy. If you get every job you quote for then you're too cheap!

sevenhills

glasgowdan wrote: »

If all you do is garden clearances, yes. But if you're doing grass cutting rounds and general fortnightly maintenance then a wheelie bin is more than enough. My rounds cover gardens from 8 minutes per visit to 3hrs. Min charge £25 applies to all jobs.

I do some gardening work, I only do it in my spare time, I don't have a minimum price.
All areas will be different, for disposing of waste; but I read that if its your main job, you need a license.
I guess anyone doing it for reward, the waste should be classed as trade waste, but lots of people take waste to the council tip in their cars. They will only solve the issue when they start using ANPR

Some people just want everything to be cut to level, minimum price, other want weeds removing and a clean garden.
I take any waste that will help them.

shanto52

I would suggest an apprentice might be work to train them whilst they earn money, and I think training courses for groups of people interested in gardening *might* work

MysteryMe

I agree with Jojo, 3rd party liability insurance is a must for any tradesman working on another's property. Same with trade waste licences.

I'd also buy equipment and safety wear that is intended for professional use, it will cost more but will be fit for purpose. Manufacturers of equipment, STIHL being one example, have training videos on their website.