5 Tips for Landscapers Ahead of Busy Season

Calling all landscapers! With spring just around the corner, we all know what's coming - the crazy busy season that can make or break our year. Let's talk about some smart moves you can make right now to set yourself up for success when things get hectic.

EQUIPMENT CHECK

First up, run a maintenance check on your equipment. Don't be that person scrambling to fix a broken mower in the middle of peak season - we hear about this all the time, and it sucks. Take some time now to give all your gear a good once-over. Get those oil changes done, sharpen those blades, and maybe think about grabbing some backup equipment. Trust me, your future self will thank you when everyone else is stuck waiting on repairs.

HIRE AND INVEST IN YOUR CREW

Now's also the time to hire your crew for the season. Don't wait until the last minute to start hiring - all the good workers will be gone. Start putting the word out now and get your training sorted. Show your new folks the ropes with everything from how to run the equipment safely to how to deal with customers. Your season is also going to run much smoother if you have reliable people trained at season-start vs. scrambling to find folks and manage on-the-job training during busy season. Remember, these people are going to be out there representing your business, so it's worth investing in quality training.

CLEAR & ACCURATE SCHEDULING

Next, have a plan for how you'll stay on top of scheduling. Whether you're still rocking the paper calendar or ready to try some fancy scheduling apps, figure out what works for you and get it set up now. Having a solid system for keeping track of jobs and staying in touch with customers will keep you from missing customer appointments or scrambling to find contact info when. you're in a rush.

SUPPLIER CHECK-IN

Now is also the time to check in with your suppliers. Touch base with your suppliers and find out what's going on with prices and availability. If you can swing it, stock up on the stuff you use all the time - mulch, fertilizer, whatever keeps your business running. And, it doesn't hurt to have a backup supplier in your pocket for when your regular guy runs dry.

PRICING CHECK

Last, but definitely not least, take a hard look at your pricing. We all know costs are going up across the board - fuel, materials, labor, you name it. Make sure your prices are gonna keep you in the black when things get busy. If you need to bump up your rates, tell your regular customers now. It's way better than springing it on them in the middle of the season.

Getting all this stuff sorted takes time and money up front, but it's worth it. Put in the work now, and you'll be cruising while everyone else is scrambling when the busy season hits. Set yourself up to book every job and repeat customer this spring and summer - your business (and your stress levels) will thank you for it.

If you need help with marketing, advertising, or bookkeeping for your landscaping business, Trades CXO is here to help. We specialize in the skilled trades and will build you a customized plan that will not only grow your business, but adapt with your business as it grows. Reach out for a free consultation today!