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If you have a green thumb and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a landscaping business could turn your passion into a paying gig. And with 65% of landscaping businesses bringing in over $1 million a year, the financial rewards can be significant.

As an independent contractor, you’ll be your own boss and have the freedom to choose your projects and clients. You’ll also be responsible for managing your own time, resources, and finances.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a landscaping business step by step. From determining start-up costs to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your business up and running.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERSCreating Your Own Landscaping Business Plan

Starting a Landscape Business: Is It Worth It?

If you have experience with landscaping and enjoy being outdoors, starting your own landscaping business can be a great career move. You’ll get to spend your days perfecting beautiful yards and gardens for your clients.

One of the best parts of owning a landscaping or lawn care business is the flexibility it offers. As your own boss, you set your hours and decide which jobs to take on.

There’s also a lot of room for growth. You can start small by offering basic lawn care services like mowing and weeding. Later, you can expand to include more intensive lawn maintenance tasks like planting, mulching, and even hardscaping. Some landscaping businesses branch out into areas like tree care or snow removal. And you can hire more workers to help you manage these bigger projects.

However, it’s important to recognize that landscaping can be hard physical work. Working as a landscaper requires a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling, and you’ll be outside in all kinds of weather. But if you don’t mind breaking a sweat and getting your hands dirty, it can be a very rewarding career.

Another challenge of the landscaping business is that it can be seasonal, especially if you live somewhere with cold winters. You might be very busy in the spring and summer but have less work in the fall and winter.

Overall, starting a landscaping business is a great option if you love being outside, don’t mind physical work, and want to be your own boss. With hard work and dedication, you can make a good living creating beautiful outdoor spaces for your clients.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS13 Lawn Care & Landscaping Industry Trends

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business? Equipment and Other Expenses

working at landscaping business

The exact costs of starting a landscaping business depend on the size of your business, the services you offer, and the market you’re in, among other factors.

Tools 

Landscaping equipment is one of the biggest expenses to consider. So, what do you need to start a landscaping business? Necessary tools include:

  • A commercial lawnmower
  • String trimmers
  • Edgers
  • Leaf blowers
  • Hedge trimmers
  • Pruning shears
  • Trowels
  • Shovels
  • Rakes
  • Blowers
  • Wheelbarrows
  • Planting augers
  • Seed spreaders
  • Safety gear, such as gloves, boots, safety glasses, and ear protection
  • Irrigation equipment, such as hoses and sprinklers

You may need all or just some of these tools, depending on the size and scope of your landscaping company. But you may need to invest in additional equipment and tools to take on more complex projects as you grow.

Insurance 

Another necessary cost of owning a landscaping business is insurance. Most landscaping businesses pay a median of about $45 per month for general liability insurance. Your costs may vary based on a few factors. These include your landscaping services, equipment and property, revenue, location, and number of employees. Get quotes from several providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.

Startup Costs

A good rule of thumb is to expect to spend at least $5,000 to $10,000 to get your landscaping business up and running. If you need a work truck or other expensive equipment, your startup costs could be $15,000 or more.

When you’re just starting out, consider renting equipment instead of buying it. This can help keep your startup costs lower. You can buy your own equipment when it seems like a better use of your revenue.

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Starting a Landscape Business in 9 Simple Steps

By following these nine simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful landscaping company:

1. Create a Business Plan

Before you start your landscaping business, it’s essential to create a business plan. At the least, it should include the services you’ll offer, your target market, and pricing. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay focused and on track.

2. Choose a Business Structure

Next, you’ll need to decide on a business structure. The most common options are sole proprietorship, partnership, and LLC. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so do your research to choose the best one for your needs.

3. Register Your Business

Next, you’ll need to register your business with your state and get licenses and permits required in your area. Check with your local and state governments for specific requirements.

4. Invest in Equipment and Supplies

You’ll need to invest in high-quality equipment and supplies. This includes things like mowers, rakes, shovels, and a truck to transport your equipment.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS The 7 Best Commercial Lawnmowers for Landscapers 

5. Determine Your Pricing Strategy

Setting the right prices for your services is key to running a profitable business. Research what other landscaping companies in your area are charging. Make sure your prices are competitive while still earning a profit.

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6. Make a Marketing Plan

Marketing is essential for attracting new customers to your landscaping business. Consider creating a website, using social media, and networking with potential clients to get the word out about your services.

7. Buy Insurance

Make sure your landscaping business is properly insured to protect yourself and your assets. This may include general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance (if you have employees).

8. Build a Strong Team (Optional)

As your landscaping business grows, you may decide to hire employees to help you keep up with demand. Look for reliable, skilled workers who share your commitment to quality work and top-notch customer service.

9. Keep Learning

Landing a client base doesn’t mean you get to stop progressing. The landscaping industry is always changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Consider attending workshops or taking courses to improve your skills and stay competitive. Be open to adapting your business strategies as needed to meet the changing needs of your customers.

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6 Ways to Market Your Landscape Business Successfully

landscaping work

Marketing is key to growing your landscaping business and attracting new customers. Here are some effective ways to approach it:

1. Develop a Professional Website

In today’s marketplace, a professional website is just about mandatory. Your website should showcase your services and skills, include photos of your work, and make it easy for potential customers to contact you online.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your landscaping business. Create profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Post regularly about your services and show off your favorite projects. Engage with your followers and respond to any questions or comments to show your dedication to your customers.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews and Referrals

Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to attract new customers. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your online accounts, like Google reviews. You can also offer incentives for referrals, such as discounts or free services.

4. Network With Local Businesses and Communities

Offline networking can also help you build your client base. Get involved in your local community by attending events, joining business associations, and partnering with other local businesses. For example, you could partner with professional painters to provide full makeovers of houses, from exterior walls to the gardens. This can help you build relationships with more potential customers, other businesses in your community, and get your name out there.

5. Invest in Targeted Advertising

While word-of-mouth is great, sometimes you need to invest in advertising to reach new customers. Consider running ads in local newspapers, on social media, or on search engines. Make sure to target your ads to your ideal customers and track results so you can see what works.

6. Wrap Your Vehicle With Eye-Catching Branding

If you have a company vehicle, consider wrapping it with your logo and contact info. This turns your vehicles into moving billboards and can help you get noticed around town. Make sure your branding is clear, easy to read, and memorable.

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Make Collecting Payments the Easiest, Most Efficient Part of Your Business

Starting your own landscaping business is enough work without having to worry about how you’ll get paid.

We’ve made it incredibly simple to accept online payments from your clients. Simply issue your invoice, switch on Payments, and get paid! You’ll cut cash flow delays, spend less time tracking down payments, and be able to collect down payments on-site.