So you’re ready to start a lawn care or landscaping business; good for you! You probably have a mower, lots of gumption, and maybe even a few clients lined up. An incredible start. But now you’re left asking, what’s next? How do you grow your lawn care business in a way that’s practical, sustainable, and gives you the professional edge over the neighborhood kids just looking for fun money?
At Insurance Canopy, we’ve been in the lawn care business space for a while now, so we’ll tell you what we’ve learned about creating a simple small business plan. That way, your business grows on solid ground, not just good intentions.
What is a Lawn Care Business Plan?
A lawn care or landscaping business plan is a document outlining your mission and vision, milestone goals, and strategy for how to achieve those goals before you begin taking jobs. A little planning now means your business won’t just survive its first season — it’ll thrive.
Creating a solid business plan is helpful for ventures of all sizes, even if you’re a solo entrepreneur. It doesn’t have to be some highly detailed, corporate-level presentation with stats and projections. It just needs to be your roadmap for where you’re starting and where you’re headed, and to help you think through how to get there.
Don’t know where to start? Steal our free small business plan template!
The Six Steps to Starting a Lawn Care Business
If you’re ready to turn your lawn care side-hustle into a full-blown career, here’s how to kick things off when starting a landscaping business:
Step 1: Research Your Competition
The first step in learning how to start a lawn care business is knowing what you’re up against and conducting market research. This involves gathering data on the industry, identifying your audience, analyzing local competitors, and determining how your business can fill gaps in demand.
Gather Market Data: Get the lay of the land by researching the landscaping industry in your area. Look for info on who your competitors are, what services they offer, and at what price. This will give you a clear picture of the current trends, how you stand to compete, and where you can fill gaps in what’s currently being offered to your potential clients.
Identify Your Target Audience: Determine who your ideal customer is. Are you focusing on residential lawns, commercial properties, or a niche market? Knowing your audience helps you tailor your services and marketing efforts to attract the right people to your business, like bees to a flower bed.
Step 2: Select The Services You’ll Offer
Choose What You’ll Offer: It’s easier to market your business when you can tell someone exactly what they’ll get. Lawn care services could include basic lawn mowing, weed control, fertilization, landscaping, mulching, and more. Consider what services align with your skills and expertise, as well as what services are in demand in your target market.
Set Your Pricing: Nailing your pricing is crucial for attracting customers and growing your lawn care business. Consider the lawn size, job difficulty, and local competitor rates in this decision. You can even offer various service packages to fit different budgets and needs. This way, you’ll have something for everyone, and you’ll keep those lawns — and your business — looking sharp.
Step 3: Get Legit and Showcase Professionalism
Before you kick off your lawn care gig, make sure you’re up to speed on the legal stuff in your neck of the woods. That means getting a business license, officially registering your business name, and maybe snagging a tax ID number. Oh, and don’t forget to check out any zoning regulations or restrictions that could throw a wrench in your plans.
Select Your Business Structure
You can roll solo as a sole proprietor, buddy up in a partnership, go for the safety net of an LLC, or get official with a corporation. Each has its perks and quirks, so do some digging to find the perfect fit for your business goals and your own situation.
Once you’ve picked your structure, it’s time to make it official. Register your business with the appropriate authorities. This usually involves:
- Picking a catchy lawn care business name (something like “Lawn & Order” maybe?)
- Getting a federal employer identification number (EIN)
- Registering with your state’s secretary of state office
- Checking if you need to register with local county or city authorities
Obtain Licenses and Permits
As someone who probably prefers shoveling dirt to sorting through paperwork, this is definitely the boring part. But it’s important to get your legal ducks in a row if you want to go legit.
Depending on where you set up shop, you might need some licenses and permits. This might include a license for landscaping or lawn care, or special permits for things like spraying pesticides. Do a bit of digging to ensure you’ve checked every state and city-required box. That way, you can avoid hitting legal hiccups later on in your lawn care journey.
Comply With the Corporate Transparency Act
Speaking of legal stuff, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires that most small businesses file a report with details about its owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Certain types of businesses are exempt, such as sole proprietorships or those with more than 20 U.S.-based workers, but failing to file might result in fines of up to $10,000 or even jail time.
Using FinCEN’s online filing gateway is simple and helps keep your company fraud-free and safe.
Step 4: Gear Up With Tools and Resources
The next step is to make sure you’ve got all the right equipment to get started, a way to haul it to different jobs, and any organizational tools that could make gig planning easier.
Must-Have Tools and Machinery
Your equipment investments can make or break your lawn care business. So, think through what you 100% need to get started, like commercial lawn mowers, trimmers, and blowers. Depending on what you offer, you might also need some extras, like hedge trimmers or irrigation gear. Not sure if you’ve thought of everything you need? Check out our ultimate lawn care equipment checklist.
We know getting started is the hardest part, and new stuff can be pricey, so keep an eye out for gently used gear on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to save some dough.
Plus, consider the non-physical tools you might want when setting your equipment budget. There are loads of lawn care software tools available to help you navigate your business workflow.
Pro Tip: Plan Ahead for Equipment Maintenance
As your equipment list grows, set up regular maintenance schedules to keep everything in tip-top shape. This includes sharpening mower blades, cleaning filters, and checking for wear and tear. Plan for replacements as your business grows and you need more advanced tools to keep up with demand.
Source Reliable Suppliers
Talk to your local garden centers, nurseries, and equipment rental spots and make some friends — they have the goods you need to keep your business rolling. By building solid connections with these businesses, you’ll always have access to quality gear and supplies when you’re out in the field.
Step 5: Build Your Customer Base
A solid client base is key to a successful lawn care business. Here are some ways to attract new customers:
Embrace the Power of Networking
Get friendly with local real estate agents, property managers, and homeowners associations to spread the word about your services. You can distribute flyers, door hangers, and postcards around the neighborhood. Hit up industry events, trade shows, and community gatherings to meet and gain new clients and connect with other pros in the field.
Engage with social media, too. Hop on visual-heavy platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to start sharing your awesome work. Post those jaw-dropping before-and-after videos, toss out some lawn care tips, and chat with your followers to help build your community.
Collect Testimonials and Referrals
Get your satisfied customers to rave about your lawn care skills by leaving reviews on your website, Google business page, or social media. And hey, why not spice things up with some referral perks too? The more your clients talk about you, the more your business grows.
Build Your Brand Identity
Keeping a consistent look to your brand gives you an unmatched air of professionalism. Consider which company you would rather pay to do work on your property: Joe Schmo with his unmarked pickup truck and crew of guys in mismatched tank tops? Or a team with matching polos, and a trailer with the company name and number on it?
Step 6: Cover Your Grass With Lawn Care Insurance
It’s easy to assume that a brand-new business doesn’t need to worry about insurance early on, but in reality, that’s often when you have the lowest revenue, and need help covering the cost of an accident the most. Inexperience can lead to mistakes you gain experience from, but only if you’re able to cover the cost. Some clients will also require you to provide proof of insurance before starting jobs with them.
Keep your lawn care business as lush and green as the lawns you tend to by having the right lawn care insurance coverage in place to meet requirements and keep your business safe and sound. Here are the must-haves:
- General Liability Insurance – This is your financial safety net, covering the costs of accidents, like if you accidentally knock over a client’s precious porch goose, or a rogue rock gets kicked up by a mower and hits a window. It helps protect you from those “uh-oh” moments, so you can focus on making every yard a masterpiece.
- Workers Compensation – Your team is probably pretty solid. They’re out there every day, under the sun, making sure each job is picture-perfect. But accidents happen, right? Whether it’s a slip on a wet grassy slope or a twisted ankle from lifting heavy equipment, workers comp helps you have their back. Plus it’s required in most states, even if you only have one employee.
- Tools and Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine) – Your mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers are the MVPs of your lawn mowing business. But what if one of them decides to call it quits mid-job? That’s where tools and equipment insurance jumps in, helping cover the costs to repair or replace your gear faster than you can say “green thumbs.”
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Lawn Care Business?
Starting a landscaping business can cost between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on the services you offer and the equipment you need (not including a truck).
You’ll need basics like a mower, trimmer, and blower, plus some marketing materials to get the word out. Plus, don’t forget about any licenses or insurance you might need to help protect you from legal trouble as you start out.
Starting a lawn care business can be a bit of an investment, but it’s all part of growing a successful venture.
Lawn Care vs. Lawn Mowing Business: What's the Difference?
When you think of starting a lawn care business, mowing is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But there can be way more to it! Besides mowing, lawn care often includes fertilizing, weed control, aeration, overseeding, insect control, and more.
| Service | Lawn Mowing | Lawn Care |
|---|---|---|
|
Description |
Regular cutting of grass to maintain a neat appearance |
Comprehensive care, including mowing, fertilizing, weed control, and more |
|
Frequency |
Weekly or bi-weekly |
Varies based on specific services and needs |
|
Equipment |
Lawn mower, string trimmer, edger, and blower |
Lawn mower, string trimmer, edger, blower, spreader, aerator, sprayer, etc. |
|
Skills Needed |
Basic mowing and finishing skills |
Knowledge of lawn health, pest control, and fertilization techniques |
|
Goal |
Keep grass at a manageable height |
Ensure overall lawn health and appearance |
Knowing the difference between just mowing and full-on lawn care is key when starting your own biz. It helps you figure out what services to offer and what gear you’ll need.
Have lots of ideas sprouting now? Download your free small business plan template to get them all down on paper.
What to Charge for Lawn Care or Landscaping Services
When it comes to pricing your lawn care services, there are a few factors to consider. Price too low, and you’re leaving money on the table (or worse, not covering costs). Price too high with nothing to back it up, and you’ll struggle to get your foot in the door. Here’s how to find the happy medium:
- How You Charge: You can bill a flat rate per service, or charge by the hour. Both have pros and cons. Hourly rates are great if jobs vary in time and effort, while flat fees make things clear-cut for your customers. How you bill for your time will directly impact how much you can make mowing lawns or landscaping.
- Don’t Price on Vibes Alone: Factor in your overhead costs, labor expenses, and desired profit margins into your pricing, then sanity-check that number with what your competitors are charging. You want to stay competitive without cutting yourself short. Check out our pricing guide for landscapers for a more detailed walkthrough of how to go about this.
- Create Packages and Discounts: Offer packages or discounts to attract customers and keep them coming back. Think bundled services at a discounted rate or loyalty discounts for long-term clients. It’s like offering a fertilizer treatment with every mowing — a little extra goes a long way.
Your Lawn Care Business Starts Now
It’s all within reach: size up the competition, decide what services you’ll offer, pick a name and register with your state, budget for gear, and line up a marketing plan. Pull it together with a simple business plan, so you have a solid direction from day one. Then, handle the piece that keeps a single bad day from undoing it all, and get insured before you book your first job. Do that, and you’re running a real business, not just mowing lawns.
Download the free business plan template, then choose the best landscaping insurance for your new business.
FAQs About How To Start a Lawn Care Business
How Do I Stand Out as a Lawn Care Business?
Your landscaping business will stand out if you offer excellent customer service, unique services (like eco-friendly options or specialized treatments), use quality equipment, maintain a professional appearance, and leverage effective marketing strategies.
Do I Need a Business Plan for a Lawn Care Business?
Yes, it’s a good idea to create a business plan before you start any new venture. All businesses need to start somewhere, and just like hiking, it’s easier to begin when you’ve planned ahead and mapped out where you’re going.
What Equipment Do I Need to Start Mowing Lawns?
The equipment must-haves to start a lawn mowing business include:
- Lawnmower – Choose a reliable mower that suits the size of the lawns you’ll be tackling
- Trimmer and Edger – Essential for those neat edges and hard-to-reach spots
- Blower – Perfect for clearing leaves and debris, making everything look pristine
- Pruning Shears – Keep those plants and bushes looking their best
- Sprayer – For applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other lawn treatments
Do I Need Insurance Before I Start a Landscaping Business?
Yes, it’s a good idea to have general liability insurance before starting a lawn care business. Landscaping insurance can help keep your business protected should the unexpected happen. It’s designed to help cover the cost of accidental injury or damage.
