You’ve got a green thumb and dream of being your own boss. Have you ever thought about starting your own landscaping business?
With this guide, you can transform your passion for lush lawns into a career where you cultivate your independence and reap the rewards.
The landscaping services market has grown rapidly in recent years and shows no signs of slowing. That means there’s plenty of opportunity to carve out your own place in the industry. But whether you’re eager to build a full-time career beautifying the community or looking for a lucrative side hustle, launching your own landscaping company takes more than just a mower and a truck.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the ins and outs of how to start a landscaping business. From creating a solid business plan to understanding startup costs and learning how to market your services, we’ve got you covered with a clear roadmap to turn your natural skills into a thriving business.
Let’s jump in!
Step 1: Creating a Landscaping Business Plan
Every successful landscaping business begins with a clear, thought-out plan. Think of it as your blueprint. It’s the foundation that guides your decisions, keeps you on track, and helps you secure funding.
Crafting a landscaping business plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about bringing your vision into the world and laying out the practical steps to make it happen.
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Define Your Business Goals
Will your focus be on residential lawn care and maintenance? Do you want to offer high-end garden design? Or spotlight sustainable landscaping?
Whichever direction you go in, be specific about what will set your landscaping business apart.
If you’re passionate about eco-friendly solutions like xeriscaping or native plant designs, that’s your niche. Are you the artistic type? Consider specializing in topiary landscaping by transforming ordinary shrubs into fanciful designs. Or maybe you simply want to enjoy the outdoors, mowing lawns and watering flower beds.
Your goals should include concrete targets—like earning $50,000 in your first year or signing 15 recurring clients in six months—and a timeline for growth. Try following the SMART goals format to stay clear and focused on realistic objectives.
Outline Your Services and Pricing
Next, determine exactly what landscaping work you’ll focus on to achieve your business goals. Start by creating a simple list of services you’ll offer.
For example:
- Mowing
- Pruning
- Mulching
- Hardscaping
- Seasonal cleanups
- Irrigation installation
Research local landscapers to see what they charge for services comparable to yours. This will help you set competitive yet profitable rates. Factor in costs like equipment, fuel, and labor.
A basic pricing table in your business plan might include:
- Service type
- Estimated time
- Cost per job
By describing your services and prices in clear, simple language, you’ll ensure that you’re not undercharging or overstretching your resources.
RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Easy Steps to Determine Your Landscaping Prices
Assess Your Startup Needs
Money doesn’t grow on trees—and neither does a landscaping business. You’ll need capital to get started. Outlining how you plan to secure that capital is crucial to your business plan.
Think about how much it will cost to launch your business. Don’t worry about the specifics yet, just focus on the big picture. You’ll need tools, a legal setup, and a way to reach customers.
Ask yourself a few guiding questions. What’s my ambition, and how will I fund it? Savings? A loan? Gig work for another landscaping company?
Your landscaping business plan is your launchpad. Start broad and refine as you learn. What’s important is that you map out the stages of your journey so you don’t wander too far off the path.
Step 2: Legal Requirements and Licensing
Once you’ve outlined your landscaping business plan, the next step is to register your business with your state or local government.
Choose a Business Structure
There are plenty of options for structuring your landscaping business. You’ll need to choose one based on your needs and finances.
Here are some common types of businesses to consider:
- Sole proprietorship: Simplest setup, but you’re personally liable for debts or lawsuits.
- Partnership: Ideal if starting with a partner. You share the profits and liabilities.
- LLC (limited liability company): Offers liability protection, separating personal and business assets. Protects your money and property if your business gets sued or owes money.
Register Your Business
After choosing a structure, register your business name with your state or local government. Check for availability using your state’s business name database.
If you’re operating under a name other than your own, you’ll need to file a “Doing Business As” (DBA) form.
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN, issued by the IRS, is like a Social Security number for your business. It’s free to apply online. Even as a sole proprietor without employees, an EIN adds professionalism and simplifies tax reporting.
Licensing
Licensing varies by state and services offered. Many states require a landscaping contractor’s license for jobs like hardscaping, irrigation, or pesticide use. Check your state’s licensing board and ensure you and any employees have the licenses you need.
Insurance
Insurance is non-negotiable. General liability insurance covers accidents or property damage and is a must for a landscaping startup.
If you use trucks or vans, add commercial auto insurance. Check local zoning laws or permits for working from home or storing gear.
RELATED ARTICLE: Do You Really Need Landscaping Business Insurance?
Step 3: Investing in the Right Equipment and Tools
After you have a business plan and legally establish your company, it’s time to start bringing your vision to life. First up? Getting the tools to do the job.
The tools and equipment you invest in will impact your efficiency and the quality of your service. Here are a few points to consider as you put an inventory together.
Start with the Essentials
Your initial inventory should include pretty much everything you need for landscaping 101. For example:
- Lawnmower (push or riding)
- Trimmer
- Leaf blower
- Basic hand tools (shovels, rakes, pruning shears)
- Wheelbarrow
- Truck or trailer
Buy or Lease?
There are a few different routes you can take for securing landscaping equipment for your new business. They all require a significant upfront investment, but you may be able to pursue cheaper options.
If you just start with the basics for a small-scale company, you’re looking at spending at least $12,000 on new equipment. Depending on the services you plan to offer, that number can skyrocket to as high as $85,000 or more.
There’s also the option of buying used equipment. Shopping on sites like your local Facebook Marketplace or community auctions can cut costs significantly. Of course, you run the risk of buying subpar equipment. Be sure to test everything before buying to ensure you’re getting quality, durable tools.
On the other hand, you don’t necessarily need to own everything outright. You can buy the equipment you’ll use most frequently and rent occasional-use equipment from stores like Home Depot or your local rental shops.
Leasing expensive items like trucks and trailers may also be a good idea, as the payments can be spread out over time.
Ultimately, the best option for your landscaping business will depend on the scope of your work and your financial situation.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Tools and Equipment Are Commonly Used for Landscape Contractors?
Maintenance and Storage
Another thing to keep in mind is that equipment isn’t a one-time expense. It requires upkeep. So remember to budget for things like fuel, oil changes, blade sharpening, and repairs.
Investing in equipment maintenance tends to pay off in the long run. For example, a well-maintained lawn mower can last 10–15 years, maximizing your return.
Secure storage is also essential. Whether it’s a garage, shed, or rented space, you must protect your investment from weather and theft.
Safety Gear
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your team safe on the job. When you create your list of equipment and tools, remember to add safety supplies, too.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and steel-toe boots, is a must for any landscape job. Not to mention, you can be subject to hefty fines if you don’t supply it.
Landscaping Software
Running a successful landscaping business requires a lot of work. Many business owners use software solutions to help manage that workload and set their team up for success.
For instance, if you’ll be offering landscape design, there’s software your designers can use to create attractive plans more quickly than by hand. Or, if you need support on the business side of things, you can leverage business management software that helps you schedule jobs, organize customer information, track expenses, and more.
Consider whether landscaping business software could be worth the investment to help with time savings, efficiency, productivity, and ROI.
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Step 4: Finding and Attracting Your First Clients
Now it’s time to tackle one of the most exciting steps in starting a landscaping business. How do you find and attract your first clients?
Define Your Target Market
Before you can score any customers, you must know who you’re trying to attract in the first place. Start by identifying who you’re serving.
Are you targeting homeowners in suburban neighborhoods? Small businesses with commercial properties? Luxury estates with high-end designs? Narrowing your focus helps tailor your marketing and pricing.
For beginners, residential clients are often the easiest entry point. They have recurring needs like mowing and maintenance. And you can reach them by word of mouth.
Set Competitive Pricing
Pricing can make or break your early success. Factor in your landscaping startup costs—equipment, fuel, insurance—and aim for a 15–20% profit margin. Offer introductory rates or bundle services to entice first-time clients.
Build a Simple, Memorable Brand
A professional image sets you apart. Create a basic logo. Choose a catchy landscaping business name. A branded truck or trailer, even with simple vinyl decals, doubles as a mobile billboard.
Leverage Low-Cost Marketing
You don’t need a big budget to get noticed. Start with some of these proven, budget-friendly marketing tactics:
- Word of mouth: Tell friends, family, and neighbors you’re in business. Ask for referrals after every job. Happy clients are your best advocates.
- Flyers: Drop them in mailboxes or stick them in local coffee shops or community boards.
- Local online groups: Join Facebook groups or Nextdoor for your area. Post a friendly intro. A basic online presence goes a long way. Be sure to engage with your followers by responding to comments or questions.
- Google Business Profile: Set up your free Google Business Profile so people searching “landscapers near me” land on you. Add photos of your work and encourage reviews.
- Deliver exceptional service: Your first clients have the potential to be your most loyal advocates, so be sure to make a great impression. Show up on time, exceed expectations, and leave their property spotless. Small touches like trimming an extra bush build loyalty.
Start Small, Think Big
Your goal isn’t to land dozens of clients overnight. It’s to secure a handful of regulars who trust you.
A few steady lawns can cover your landscaping startup costs while you refine your pitch. Focus on building a solid clientele, and then you can expand with larger-scale marketing campaigns.
Step 5: Scaling and Growing Your Landscaping Business
Once you’ve established yourself in the landscaping industry and are making a solid profit, it’s time to think about growth. Business growth takes strategy, not just hustle.
Here are some tips for taking your landscaping business to the next level.
Hire Help
As demand grows, you’ll hit a ceiling to what you can do alone. Hiring your first employee transforms you from a lone worker into the rewarding role of a job provider. And it gives you the freedom to focus on bigger opportunities.
Expand Your Service Offerings
Diversifying services boosts your income and attracts new clients. After you’ve mastered lawn care, consider adding other lucrative services, such as:
- Seasonal services: Fall cleanups, snow removal, or spring mulching
- Hardscaping: Patios, walkways, or retaining walls
- Maintenance plans: Monthly or yearly contracts for recurring revenue
Raise Your Rates
Early on, you priced competitively to break in. Now, with experience and an excellent reputation, adjust your rates to reflect your value.
Invest in Marketing Upgrades
Upgrade your online presence with a simple website showcasing testimonials, photos, and a “Request a Quote” form. Advertise with Meta and Google Ads.
Network and Partner with Your Community
The more embedded you are in your local community, the more exposure your business gets. Get involved by joining your local Chamber of Commerce and networking groups. Try to set up meetings with property managers, realtors, or contractors who need landscaping services.
A little time spent in your local market can go a long way.
Stay Ahead of the Game
Monitor cash flow to avoid overextending. Software like QuickBooks tracks accounting in real time. Keep learning with free resources online, like YouTube tutorials.
How to Start a Landscaping Business: Next Steps
Starting a landscaping business is an exciting journey that blends creativity, hard work, and strategy. It’s about nourishing your brand, beautifying your community, and cultivating your legacy.
Here are three fun steps you can take to get started right now:
- Pick your business name. Brainstorm five distinct names for your new landscaping company. Check availability.
- Design your logo. Visit a free version of an online logo design tool like Canva or LogoMakr.
- Experiment with software. Explore landscape business software options. Read through websites and reviews and try out a few by signing up for a free trial or demo.