Starting a landscaping business from scratch can be one of the most profitable and scalable service businesses you can start, especially if you enjoy working outdoors and creating beautiful environments.
With minimal formal training and a solid strategy, even beginners can launch a successful landscaping company in their local market.
This complete guide will walk you through every step you need to know, from legal setup and marketing to pricing and growth strategies.
Foundational Business Setup
Choosing a Business Structure (LLC vs Sole Proprietor vs Corporation)
Choosing the right business entity is critical for protecting your assets and reducing your tax burden.
- Sole Proprietorship: Easiest to start, but offers no legal separation between you and the business.
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers legal protection, flexible taxes, and is ideal for small service businesses.
- Corporation (S or C): More complex to manage, often better for larger teams or franchises.
Most landscaping startups begin as LLCs due to the liability protection and ease of setup.
If you’re a sole proprietor, you are also liable for the business liability and that is no bueno.
How to Register the Business Legally
- Choose your business name.
- Search your Secretary of State’s business portal to ensure it’s available.
- File Articles of Organization (usually $50-$300 depending on state).
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
- Apply for a local business license from your city or county.
Use services like ZenBusiness, Incfile, or any other reputable online tool if you want help with paperwork.
I recently started a business and used AI to create most of my documents.
That is about as easy as it gets.
Licenses and Permits Required
Landscaping may require:
- A general business license
- Pesticide application license (if offering fertilization or weed control)
- Contractor’s license (for irrigation or hardscaping in some states)
Check with your state licensing board and local municipality to avoid fines.
Obtaining Liability Insurance, Workers Comp, and Bonding
- General Liability Insurance protects you from property damage or injury claims.
- Workers’ Comp is mandatory in most states once you hire employees.
- Surety Bonds may be needed for commercial or government contracts.
Look at providers like Next Insurance, Hiscox, or Thimble for landscaping-specific policies.
Setting Up a Business Bank Account and Accounting Tools
Open a separate bank account to manage your business finances. Pair it with accounting tools like:
- QuickBooks Online
- Wave (Free)
- FreshBooks
Track mileage, fuel, equipment purchases, and payroll to stay organized for tax season.
Tools and Equipment Needed (Startup vs. Scale-Up)
Startup Essentials:
- Lawn mower (push or ride-on)
- Weed trimmer and edger
- Blower
- Rakes, shovels, and pruners
- Trailer or pickup truck
For Scaling:
- Commercial-grade zero-turn mowers
- Aerator and dethatcher
- Snow blower (for off-season income)
- CRM and job scheduling software
You can start with homeowner-grade equipment and reinvest profits to upgrade.
Landscaping Services to Offer
Core Services
- Mowing & Edging: Bread-and-butter service with weekly or bi-weekly clients.
- Weed Trimming: Required to maintain clean lines.
- Mulching: Seasonal service that adds value.
- Hedge & Shrub Trimming: Usually done quarterly.
- Leaf Cleanup: Fall and spring services can be very profitable.
Optional High-Margin Services
- Landscape Design: Create custom plans and layouts (use software like SketchUp).
- Irrigation Installation & Repair: Requires licensing in many areas.
- Fertilization & Pest Control: High recurring revenue, but may require certification.
- Hardscaping: Install patios, walkways, retaining walls—high ticket but labor intensive.
- Snow Removal: Keeps cash flowing in winter climates.
Residential vs. Commercial Clients
Residential:
- Easier to get started
- Smaller, more frequent jobs
- Higher churn rate
Commercial:
- Larger contracts
- More consistent income
- Requires more liability coverage and professionalism
Ideally, start with residential clients and transition into commercial as you grow.
Building a Service Menu and Expanding Over Time
Start simple and master a few core services.
Then, add additional services based on client demand.
Offer packages (e.g., mow + trim + fertilize) to increase average revenue per customer.
Use customer feedback and competitor research to decide what to add next.
Pricing Strategy
Calculating Your Cost Per Job
Factor in:
- Labor (including your time)
- Fuel
- Equipment wear & tear
- Travel time
- Insurance
Use this to determine your minimum hourly rate. A common formula is:
(Total Expenses + Profit Goal) / Billable Hours = Hourly Rate
Market-Rate Comparisons
Research what others charge:
- Visit local competitor websites
- Join Facebook groups for landscapers
- Check service platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack
In most areas, mowing rates range from $30–$70 per visit.
Trim, mulch, and fertilization can add another $100–$300 per visit.
Hourly vs. Per-Project Pricing
- Hourly: Good for unknown job scope or ongoing work.
- Per-Project: Easier to quote and scale. Build in margin for overruns.
Offer free estimates to get in front of the customer and build trust.
Upsell and Seasonal Packages
Package deals encourage recurring revenue:
- Monthly maintenance plans
- Seasonal cleanups
- Mulch and plant refreshes
- Snow removal in winter
Use tiered pricing: Bronze, Silver, Gold service levels.
Marketing and Client Acquisition
Google Business Profile
- Set up your profile at google.com/business
- Add service areas, categories, and your phone number
- Upload photos and ask for reviews
- Helps you appear in “Landscapers near me” searches
Website or Landing Page
Even a one-page site should include:
- Services offered
- Service area
- Contact form or click-to-call button
- Customer testimonials
Use tools like Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy’s builder.
Local Advertising
- Door Hangers: Leave a flyer after a job or canvas neighborhoods
- Yard Signs: Leave signs after jobs with permission
- Local SEO: Submit to Yelp, Angi, and local directories
Facebook Marketplace, Local Groups, Craigslist
Post ads weekly. Include:
- Before/after photos
- Pricing packages
- Limited-time offers
Join neighborhood Facebook groups and contribute without spamming.
Referral Programs and Client Retention
- Offer $25–$50 credit for referrals
- Use simple punch cards or email follow-ups
- Keep clients with seasonal check-ins and friendly service
Branding Tips
- Logo: Get one from Fiverr or Canva
- Uniforms: Polo shirts, caps, or vests with your logo
- Vehicle Wraps: Vinyl decals or magnets add credibility
Operations and Growth
Scheduling Tools and CRM Software
Use apps like:
- Jobber
- Yardbook (free)
- Housecall Pro
Track appointments, payments, and customer details in one place.
If you’re not organized you won’t make near as much money so make sure you’re organizing and not missing calls and appointments.
Hiring Your First Crew Member
Look for:
- Dependable people who enjoy outdoor work
- Referrals from friends or family
- Use simple contracts and time tracking apps (like Clockify)
Train them on safety, quality, and customer interaction.
Interviewing and hiring takes practice.
You may have to go through a few employees until you get good at hiring but the better you can hire the less headaches you’ll have.
Hire slow… fire fast. That’s an old adage that rings true.
Managing Cash Flow and Invoicing
- Use invoice software or Jobber
- Bill promptly
- Offer credit card and ACH payments
- Track slow seasons and save cash during busy times
Building Long-Term Client Relationships
- Show up on time
- Communicate clearly
- Over-deliver
Send thank-you notes and birthday/holiday discounts to top clients.
Legal and Tax Compliance
- File quarterly estimated taxes
- Keep receipts for fuel, repairs, tools
- Use a CPA who understands service businesses
- Pay employment taxes if you hire
Additional Recommendations
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underpricing- If you’re not making enough or making just enough to get by you won’t have the capital to grow.
- Not insuring your business
- Overcommitting before you’re ready
- Ignoring customer service
Scaling from Solo to Team
- Document your processes (mowing patterns, customer greetings)
- Hire part-time helpers first
- Delegate administrative work like scheduling
Standing Out in a Saturated Market
- Offer bundled services
- Be more reliable than competitors
- Post your own before/after photos
- Use client testimonials in marketing
Useful Tools and Resources
- LawnSite.com – Forums for landscapers
- Jobber Academy – Free business advice
- GreenPal / LawnStarter – Platforms to find leads (for a cut of revenue)
- NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) – Training and certifications
Final Thoughts
Starting a landscaping business from scratch requires planning, effort, and consistency but it’s highly achievable even for beginners.
With low startup costs, strong demand, and the ability to scale into full-time income, landscaping is one of the best service businesses you can start today.
Follow the steps in this guide to launch your business the right way.
Start small, build your reputation, and grow steadily.
The opportunities are as big as your commitment to delivering quality work.
Other Interesting Articles:
How to Start a Junk Removal Business
Best Ways to Make Money with AI and GAI
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Jason and Daniele
