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Start A Lawn Care Business
Does a lawn care business
need an applicator’s license to spray RoundUp?
If a customer asks you to spray any sort of lawn chemical, you should seriously consider calling your local Agricultural Extension office to check licensing requirements in your area. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is becoming more diligent in verifying the qualifications of commercial application of chemicals by lawn care and landscaping companies.
Landscaping and Lawn Chemicals
In addition to laws governing actual application, other laws restrict storage and transportation of certain commercial chemicals. For instance, if you are transporting a chemical to be used for commercial application you likely need to carry a MSDS within your vehicle along with proper personal safety gear and, possibly, a placard on your vehicle.
I’m really not trying to be preachy here but I have literally observed companies receiving $1500 fines for improper commercial application and/or transportation of lawn chemicals as innocuous as RoundUp.
Alternatives to RoundUp
For many chemicals, there are easy and cheap alternatives. For instance, many landscapers use roundup to spray grass before starting a new flower bed or before putting down mulch.
RoundUp is a short-term solution to protect a mulch bed from weeds.
RoundUp only works on existing weeds. New weed growth which will appear within weeks will not be killed and will invade your garden beds quickly.
A three-pronged approach of landscape fabric, proper mulch selection, and proper mulch depth is a much better solution.
Stay safe and protect your lawn care business by knowing your local laws.
Learn more about the lawn care business:
Start A Lawn Care Business
#1 by TLC Lawn Care and Yard Maintenance on January 28, 2010 - 1:50 pm
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Worried about chemicals then go organic and do it right, if your in Canada please visit at the web site provided or in the US visit http://www.saferscapes.com for all your organic fertilizer needs.
#2 by Sypemoobbip on March 3, 2010 - 8:39 pm
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Hi guys,
I know this might be a bit off topic but seeing that a bunch of you own websites, where would the best place be to host. Someone recommended I use Blue Host for $6.95 a month which seems like a great deal. Anyone here on startalawncarebusiness.com using them?
#3 by Lawn Care Business on March 4, 2010 - 5:42 pm
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Hi TLC. Thank you for the information concerning spreading “organics” on Canadian lawns. I am not fully up to speed on chemical application in Canada but I believe if an application is deemed “organic” restrictions are lessened for the operator. In the U.S., however, restrictions vary from state-to-state. In many states, even organic chemicals are governered as strictly as any other chemical.
We welcome your continued comments about organics.
#4 by lawnmowermoneyman on March 17, 2010 - 11:33 pm
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Enjoying reading the posts here, thanks.
#5 by Jimi on March 28, 2010 - 8:04 am
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what county office do I visit for a commercial applicators license? Or does anyone know where to take test online to certify?
Dallas,TX.
#6 by Lawn Care Business on March 28, 2010 - 9:48 am
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Hi Jimi:
This office should be able to give you the information you are looking for:
Doug Andrews
County Extension Director
10056 Marsh Lane, Suite B-101
Dallas, TX 75229-6071
Email: td-andrews@tamu.edu
Office Manager: Debbie Sithole
Phone: 214.904.3050
Fax: 214.904.3080