A specialized focus on treatments, like spraying, gives your business an edge up, but diversifying ensures you are prepared for any tree care need.
ize, but you do need a license to spray chemicals. So, your knowledge now has to jump significantly on what you know about trees.” Larger Customer Base A broad service portfolio appeals to a wider audience. From homeowners needing tree trimming to commercial clients requiring land clearing, diversifi- cation allows you to attract more clients. Still, Tresselt cautioned against unre- lated add-ons, citing snow removal as an example. “I live in Southeast Pennsylvania, and we don’t have winters like the Mid- west, so snow removal for us isn’t real- ly that great,” he said. “You spend all that money and time and effort, and you get into it. Then next year, you have nothing.” If the service is only seasonal or incon- sistent, you risk underutilizing your equipment. Instead, it is best to stick to services that align with your core expertise.
Flexibility to Pivot Diversified businesses can adapt more easily to changing market demands. For example, if sustainability trends create demand for tree planting, com- panies already offering this service can quickly expand. “The more you can think down the road — what you’re going to do with things and where you’re going to take your business — the easier it is going to be for you to find the path you want to take,” Tresselt said. Offering a variety of services, howev- er, requires a versatile workforce. You should have different employees trained in different areas who can help your com- pany pivot to different tasks as needed. This ensures your company stays en- gaged and valuable in the market. “I’ve seen companies branch into other businesses like excavating or landscap- ing or snow ploughing and get spanked on that,” Roche explained. “I’ve also seen guys do well with it, and it comes down to one thing. Did you find the
Stability Across Markets
Diversification provides a safety net during market fluctuations. By offering a variety of services, you can maintain revenue streams even when one area of your business slows down. If pruning demand decreases, stump grinding or landscaping could fill the gap. Roche noted that there is often an or- ganic path to follow with your tree care business that leads seamlessly into other services. “When you’re doing actual tree work, you’re starting with things that involve chainsaws,” he shared. “And then you branch naturally into installing cables and brace rods.” However, Roche also highlighted the importance of considering the effort and investment required for education and licensing, especially when expand- ing into areas like plant health care. “That becomes a very different skill set as well as different licensing,” he said. “You don’t need a license to fertil-
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