Small town tree guy tells all about pricing tree work

Рет қаралды 84,564

8 жыл бұрын

I'm Shawn Selby my wife and I own C & S Tree Services
We are located in Atoka, OK.
I'm here to give advice and tips that can help you get started in the tree game. I do pruning, removals, and stump grinding. I also do other misc. services like hedge trimming, mulching, and some planting.
Recently I got my fertilizer and pesticide certifications and licenses.
I've been doing this for about 12 years and love it even though it can be difficult. It is a lot of fun as long as you like the outdoors.
I want to help by explaining what I do in order to run my company. I will give you the honest truth behind my whole operation and I don't care that this will piss a few guys off. There are some people that don't want this stuff to come out and be told by anyone however I believe that it is essential information that you must know in order to start your own service or maybe to improve upon your already started service. I don't claim to know everything and I constantly learn more about this trade as a whole.
I will literally explain in detail how much I charge for every single type of work I do. I can't stress this enough, it will be drawn out in detail and you can feel free to ask more questions about it.
I will even explain a lot of my marketing techniques as well that can help you get a better response rate from your ads.
Tree work is awesome and you can make huge amounts of money in this with only you and a helper. You do need to know the basics and understand the safety aspect of this but it is easily attainable for you to do.
If you have questions just ask them in the comment section and I will try to answer as soon as I can.
Thanks for watching and If you like my videos please like and subscribe.

Пікірлер: 82

@fulks19 7 жыл бұрын

That is a great video, Shawn. I have had a very successful tree stump grinding business since I retired ten years ago. There are so many things that I have seen that put people out of work within a year. One is over pricing your work and the other is under pricing your work. You have to have a price that is good for you and for your customer as well. I am never on the low end of the spectrum. I have seen it over and over where guys think if they can undercut everybody in town, they will get all the work and be successful. It never works out for them because by the time they pay for insurance, vehicles, equipment, maintenance, fuel, etc., they are working for nothing and making payments on equipment they cannot afford. Another tip I give people is to always show up to a customer clean. Most people who can afford tree service will be middle age or old folks and they don't care to have someone show up with wood chips, dirt, and sweat all over them. Like it or not ... it is a fact. I always keep clean shirts in my truck and towels to clean off if I need to before greeting a customer. Every businessman underbids jobs now and then. When I do, I never go back to a customer and mention that I should have charged more. It isn't their problem. We live and learn from every single job. Keep up the good work.

@xtubeit8265 5 жыл бұрын

James Fulks ......>>What James said! SPOKEN LIKE A REAL PROFESSIONAL!

@keywestalert6329 3 жыл бұрын

That's the hardest part of the business, figuring out what to CHARGE . Because it takes a while to figure it out people loose.

@thegreatecb 3 жыл бұрын

What if I just want to work for myself? I have experience as a groundsman over 2 years. All I need to make is $600 per week. That's it. I have a decent truck, a pole saw, a 362 chainsaw gas and oil and that's about it. I think I might have a chance because I'm not trying to get rich or hire anyone else really. I just want to work for myself and pay my rent and living expenses. People makes thousands a week doing tree work ... all I need is $600. I'd be living like a king because people get all most $600 in 2 small jobs. I'd have plenty of time off too. Any helpful advice out there? I'm not being unrealistic the problem is getting clientele.

@fulks19 3 жыл бұрын

@@thegreatecb The tree stump grinding business can be very lucrative, especially if you live in a large metropolitan area. There are many more people that get out of this business than those who stay in it. Some people hate it. I love it. Good luck.

@thegreatecb 3 жыл бұрын

@@fulks19 - I'm not a climber I've always been a groundsman. I'm in shape I could learn to climb on my own if I had to. But I'm trying to start out with only small jobs until I get more comfortable

@mishagermanovich 4 жыл бұрын

I love how simple you make the mathematics mixed with real-time situations all at once. Great info!

@Justaguy10110 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the information starting a tree removal service and thus helps slot thank you

@allamericantreeservice3754 Жыл бұрын

I'm from a small town and bid by the job, but figure my rate around 200/hr. I climb and lower my branches and it takes a little longer than using a bucket truck, but I feel way safer. Main thing is be safe out there and have fun. Work hard for people and go the extra mile on every job large or small. Be diligent, consistent, and as word travels about how safe you are and how good of a job you've done you can increase your cost.

@reyluque7430 7 жыл бұрын

hey just saw your video. just started my own tree removal company. had 5 years in with a company and said I can do this on my own. great video got good info I could you. and I'm in L.A Ca

@cbrackin531 6 жыл бұрын

great info. thanks for sharing.

@penguinistas 4 жыл бұрын

Good information, thank you.

@northcountryrich9611 6 жыл бұрын

Great vid and info solid! Thanks and God bless and be safe

@davidmodesto5155 4 жыл бұрын

Vid really helped out alot thanks

@zackbohannon5404 6 жыл бұрын

Shawn! just found your videos today. I've seen that you haven't done any lately. just wanted to see how things are going with your business? My two friends and I have a small tree service business but we are definitely trying to expand and the few videos ive watched today has helped. Thank you.

@randolscrandol256 4 жыл бұрын

I'd be happy to help you with knowledge of the biz

@warriorlink8612 6 жыл бұрын

I'm in a small town outside of Tampa, FL and have guys coming over this weekend. They are bringing: trucks, bucket truck, skid, and four guys. They are charging about $450 per hour to get the job done in two days. The work we are having them do is: removal of four trees, pruning four trees (big ones), and clearing about half an acre of smaller junk trees and over growth, turning felled trees into firewood and log lengths, and mulch piles. Probably going to take them 20+ hours to do the work. Your pricing chart is close to what it is in central Florida.

@adamclark9253 5 жыл бұрын

Gray Man that sounds like a fair price, I’m in California and I charge at least $300.00 an hr.

@harimohansharma5627 Жыл бұрын

I am in Uk

@benjaminchen1964 4 жыл бұрын

This is informative but is at best a basic guide. You have to take what applies to you and ignore the rest. It is a tough business to get off the ground (no pun intended) & even harder to keep going when there are so many factors beyond your control. I know a climber who was making $30 an hour which is top $ for my area go start his own business. He said he had $80K invested which may be correct since he did buy a new loader for 25K. He stays busy but can't find qualified help to help him knock the work out and now has to pay top dollar to find people knowledgeable to do the work. Then add competition and equipment maintenance such as heavy equipment breaking down to stolen chainsaws, cut or damaged ropes, cost of replacing worn gear, etc. Then taking time to drive to give a quote knowing what job costs and people say we are going with someone else b/c they are much cheaper. LOL

@waynecrandall5351 5 жыл бұрын

Every tree company around here charge by the job not the hour. Because working 5 hours taking a big tree down that's go over there house is a lot harder and way more dangerous then working for 5 hours on trees not next to anything so you can just drop them

@Gakk13 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Shawn, thanks for the videos. I have a question. So you charge by the hour and not by the job? Or do you figure the man hrs, equipment, etc, and bid the job?

@alanr4263 6 жыл бұрын

Thank for the info how busy is the work in say South Carolina I'm in N.Y.?

@eveliahurtado6481 Жыл бұрын

Hey there….. I’m dropping by to tell you gracias for some knowledge….

@MrMustangred 4 жыл бұрын

Me again, also for you guys new to this, bigger is not always better. The bigger the job, the bigger the seen and in unforeseen expenses are + liability + potential for accidents with the xtra helpers. Me for example, it's just my son and I, we can do 4-5 (small 6-800.00) dollar jobs in 1 day with low overhead and no heavy equipment. Decide if you want to stay small or go big, for us, small is the right formula.

@thegreatecb 3 жыл бұрын

@omarjames4145 2 жыл бұрын

@@thegreatecb make cards and pass them out, put ads up online and try finding a contractor who pays a days wage

@joarflesja1516 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. I have wounder if im going to rise the price on climping jobbs. Now im going to 😁💪🤑

@treetechnics 3 жыл бұрын

bro I'm a chain saw operator i have a 5 year experience

@treetechnics 3 жыл бұрын

i need a job

@MrMustangred 4 жыл бұрын

Question: what about the xtra truck and trailer to haul tractor once trailer is full of branches to return it home? You can't leave it there until return from dump. Also, how do you factor in trip to dump and dunno fees? Here were I live, it's 90.00 entrance fee, 1 hr drive each way, 2 hr wait in line at dump, 1 hr to unload once there. I have to charge 300.00 per load just in dump costs to cover my out of my pocket expenses. Thanks Mike

@mfsurfer3039 5 жыл бұрын

I run a 100 ton grove with a log truck every day. My crane crew makes a minimum of 10k a day (8 hrs) on my best days that one crew makes 25k. I have 2 crane crews and 2 bucket crews running 5 days a week. My 5th season this year and I could not have imagined how fast it grew.

@aphysique 4 жыл бұрын

damn good money!!

@stevehrz14 3 жыл бұрын

What about garbage? How do you incorporate that into the pricing?

@northerniltree Жыл бұрын

I went from $800. an hour to about $30. an hour, largely due to the fact that the elderly heiress I was boffing whilst doing her "tree" work (more like bush work) died a couple of months ago. Dang.

@travisanderson8458 7 жыл бұрын

hey just found your channel I take it that these are gross figures? Thanks for the knowledge.

@shawnselby7941 7 жыл бұрын

Yes. Important side note, these also need to be looked at as starting prices. This video was meant for people that have not seen actual rates for tree work or who are starting out. I think that a real service with all the insurance should be no less than $50 per man hour ever but realistically need to be at $75 plus per man hour. Remember your only limitations on your prices are your ability to sell your service. This is achieved by having a full marketing system to keep your pipeline full then you only work for the people that you like and who will be attracted to you. Hope this helped.

@michaelmactavish1728 7 жыл бұрын

i got stihl km130r with 16'' chainsaw attachment and stihl hard hat and stihl work boots and kubota gloves because i do tree work abit my self and huge giant tall trees i useually get my customers contact my buddy with tree service so he can make money too wich its great haveing help when dont have enough equipment and he does it wich helps him make money too like me its what i call team work

@chrisw5742 4 жыл бұрын

My ex wife now has a gross figure.

@jamesmooney5348 3 ай бұрын

Man! Like to see your pricing now....

@TylerKegolis 11 күн бұрын

How about it! Would be AT LEAST doubled by now.

@wood-wheel-wizard 3 жыл бұрын

Well I’m guess I’m killin it 🎉 I got my daily average from 3k to 4500$ plus per day. I do all the sales. I have 6 man crew (too many), 100k dump truck, and 50k dollar chipper. Houston Texas

@josephmartinez3681 3 жыл бұрын

@Austin Flosstin Did you have experience working for another tree company before starting your own? If so , how long did you work for them?

@brerrabbit4265 Жыл бұрын

I'm T+1 and I charge $100 ph for chop and drops and $200 ph if any rigging is involved. In the way hazards are extra.

@opietaylor5778 Жыл бұрын

Are you in Oklahoma?

@pnakogee55 5 жыл бұрын

I was ask to cut a tree between a small school and a grave yard. tree stands inside the grave yard and it is near the school which is 15 feet away. I do not have licence n insurance but I know how to cut a tree down for firewood. This tree is a widow-maker. it got to be remove. help. what do I need?

@shawnselby3628 5 жыл бұрын

I would never work on government property without Gen. Liabilty at the bare minimum. Leave that to a professional company.

@flormorena8627 10 ай бұрын

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

@keywestalert6329 3 жыл бұрын

I'll forget about the crane seems less risky and more money for it.

@TheTreeBailey 7 жыл бұрын

chipper? dump truck?

@TheTreeBailey 7 жыл бұрын

yes thanks, maybe do another more in depth vid with that setup thanx stay safe

@w8stral 5 жыл бұрын

Why he has the large trailer. Piles it on and takes it to a chipper/dump who turn it into compost or he owns a large chunk of land and just piles it up...

@AJACITY 4 жыл бұрын

I know someone who gets 2500 for 3 guys 1/2 day

@hammertreemasterchief6447 6 жыл бұрын

I don't no were u are, or what u can do in a day but I charge 120 per hrs for me and my pick up. Then it's hammer time get out the way.. the other day I did a 180 ft tall hemlock, 1 tree 15 bills 3 hrs. But thanks for the advice 😉

@robdavis6568 6 жыл бұрын

Hammertree masterchief where did u find a 180' hemlock, & how did u do the job in 3 hours with just u & your pickup?

@lindseyzacek5211 6 жыл бұрын

bullshit

@bonsummers2657 5 жыл бұрын

Answer the questions please.

@treemands 2 жыл бұрын

What a crock of sheeite like most of the comments and the video.

@nickc2708 7 жыл бұрын

fuck yea those numbers are easy. your loosing out on a lot of money with them numbers.

@samuelluria4744 7 жыл бұрын

What state are you in? Depends a LOT on where you are, and how much insurance you pay vs. how many uninsured illegals are in your area.

@teresavict1831 5 жыл бұрын

Is 3800 alot for tree removal

@robdunn82 5 жыл бұрын

No, not bad price at all. Must be a decent size tree

@jgbelmont 5 жыл бұрын

Get more quotes and find out. Or you could hire the cheapest craigslist guy and sue when they hit your house trying to side pull huge chunks with their truck.

@thegreatecb 5 жыл бұрын

Can you start with a car and a chainsaw just doing "no clean-up" jobs?

@shawnselby3628 5 жыл бұрын

I know a lot of guys doing that who are employees doing it as a side hustle. The catch is you need a general liabilty policy as a bare minimum amd youll need someome with you for safety. I know several who get about $150 an hour cut and leave. Sometimes they get upwards of $500 an hour but only for 1 or 2 hour small jobs. $150 an hour for half and full days. It is hard to make a living doing that without a sizable marketing budget. A great option is subcontract for larger companies. Keep in mind these guys are pros with years of experience climbing. Hope that helps.

@randolscrandol256 4 жыл бұрын

No and you will end up Create bad name for yourself. Just from personal experience.....

@thegreatecb 3 жыл бұрын

What happened?

@AJACITY 4 жыл бұрын

Hire your workers as independent contractors then no OSHA or safety inspections or insurance

@jaspermartin7444 6 жыл бұрын

"the more equipment I haul to my customer's house, the more I get to charge them", sounds a bit silly there bud. Prices are correlated to the amount of actual work performed, not how much money you spent on equipment.

@jonesca25 5 жыл бұрын

Actually he has a point. If you are using certain equipment that you spent money on, then that should be factored in. Photographers do the same thing when determining how much to charge their customers. Customers aren’t just paying for your time, they are also paying for equipment as well and your experience with the equipment.

@TrueMagisterium 3 жыл бұрын

It isn’t silly at all. It’s business. If he is using every piece of equipment to complete the job, then they are all profit centers. He can’t bring a crane and charge for it if it isn’t needed. I have a great reputation and charge $475/hour-base rate. I have a skid steer, bucket truck, 24K gvwr dump trailer, and two diesel trucks. I don’t care what equipment I bring for my base rate. The rate covers my experience and any equipment I feel I need to bring. I travel lightly to jobs a lot of times-dump trailer and skid steer. When I have to bring in extra equipment for larger and more difficult jobs, the price climbs quickly.

@jgbelmont 5 жыл бұрын

Every job is worth what the customer is willing to pay! Fact! I usually make 130 bucks an hour minimum as a climber. For an extra hundred I may risk nicking the ground and bucking it up. Fact!

@andrewwastien Жыл бұрын

the tree industry in the states is going to waste with this whole bunch of Hispanics doing tree work for peanuts, now every home owner wants to pay cents for tree removal.

@adamclark9253 5 жыл бұрын

Your math is good,,, but that’s not the way it works in the real world. I’m in California and we get way higher rates than you,, and you are way off on the price per hour. It’s in how much YOU can get done in an hour. by looking at you,, you would be slow and clumsy. I guarantee one of my crews of four would get a weeks worth of your jobs in a day,, each crew is expected to bring in at least $300.00 an hr. Each crew has one climber who also runs a bucket truck, a large dump truck, a 1ton dump truck, a Ford F-150 to tow the stump grinders. They have a Vermeer bc1500 chipper. You are nuts. You look at a job, say it will take me so many hrs, you do some math in your head. My bucket truck goes to every job wether we need it or not. That truck carries everything you could possibly need. Some jobs you don’t need a dump truck, chipper or stumpers, but the price stays the same per hr. Everything is factored into each job, not just this truck needs factored in on this one

@MostlyOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

You Don't need to be a asshole just because you think your better than him.

@adamclark9253 3 жыл бұрын

@@MostlyOutdoors just letting people know how it works in the real world,, guess I'm just an asshole, but I'm a realistic honest asshole

@MostlyOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

@@adamclark9253 im sure there is a chance he will get at least partially to the point you are, but he is doing what he can with what he has and as he gets more funds he is getting more of the equipment you talk about!

@adamclark9253 3 жыл бұрын

@@MostlyOutdoors , that's fine and dandy, but he shouldn't teach, give advice or comment about things when he is far off. The real world isn't a pipe dream, it's broken bones, blood, tears and stress.

@MostlyOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

@@adamclark9253 i do agree on that sir! Im starting out myself and although i know a lot more then the average guy, id never try and teach the business because there is still so much i have to learn