The landscaping services industry in the US was worth over $153 billion in 2023. Running this type of business also offers flexible hours, direct interaction with customers, and growth potential.

To launch a lasting operation, you need to determine whether there’s enough demand in your area, how you’ll handle equipment expenses, and what paperwork is required. Those details can seem intimidating, so it helps to have a road map. Below, we’ll discuss what equipment you should buy, what licences or permits you might need, how to handle pricing, and how to market your services.

What’s in this article?

• Why start a lawn care business?
  
• What equipment do you need to start a lawn care business?
  
• What are the legal requirements for a lawn care business?
  
• How do you set pricing for lawn care services?
  
• What are the best payment methods for a lawn care business?
  
• How do you find and retain clients for your lawn care business?
  
• What are common challenges in the lawn care industry, and how do you overcome them?
  

Why start a lawn care business?

Lawn care appeals to those who enjoy working outdoors and seeing quick progress. You can see the results of your labour in real time. Some business owners also appreciate the personal freedom that comes with running operations in their communities compared with traditional office work.

This business type is not as expensive to start as ventures such as restaurants and retail stores. The latter require specialised spaces, decor, and large inventories. But lawn care businesses can begin with a solid mower, a strimmer, a blower, and transport. You might acquire more equipment to offer fertilisation services or garden design if you choose to take on more complex projects.

You can remain a solo operator or hire a small team if your business expands. Many homeowners want neat gardens but lack the time or patience to maintain them every week, so there’s a steady supply of customers. Repeat business is also likely if you can show you’re a reliable provider.

What equipment do you need to start a lawn care business?

A basic lawn care kit often includes this equipment:

• Mower: A push mower is fine for smaller gardens, though a ride-on mower is faster for large properties. Commercial-grade machines cost more at first but can handle heavier workloads and last longer if maintained well.

• Strimmer: A strimmer helps you tidy the edges around fences, flower beds, and hard-to-reach corners.

• Blower or rake: A blower or rake clears grass clippings and leaves and provides a neat finish.

• Vehicle: Some businesses start with a pickup truck, while others use a trailer behind a standard car or 4x4. Your vehicle should have enough room to transport your mower, strimmer, blower, and extra supplies. For trailers, look for something sturdy that can handle daily use, and ensure equipment is tied down properly – bouncing gear is more likely to wear out or break.

It’s wise to obtain a few other items: fuel cans, extra strimmer line, pruning shears, and protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and boots that won’t slip on damp grass.

And don’t underestimate upkeep. Fresh blades and regular oil changes can keep your equipment running day after day, and scheduling routine maintenance is an important part of running a reliable business.

What are the legal requirements for a lawn care business?

The legal requirements for a lawn care business vary based on location, so research the rules where you live. Here are common steps:

• Business registration: Check your local or national government website for business registration guidelines. You might also need a general licence or permit.

• Insurance: Liability coverage helps if something goes wrong on the job (e.g. a flying rock shatters a window). It’s an upfront cost, but it might save you from bigger financial problems later.

• Tax registration: Even if you use your name as the business name, having a separate bank account can help organise your finances. In the US, some areas require you to collect sales tax; others don’t. A chat with a local accountant or an online resource can clarify that.

• Pesticide or fertiliser certifications (if relevant): Applying chemicals might require a licence. Even if certification isn’t strictly enforced in your region, it’s smart to follow safety guidelines.

• Home-owners association (HOA) and noise ordinances: Some areas might restrict lawn work to certain hours. Others have rules on how to dispose of garden waste. It’s better to find out in advance than deal with angry homeowners or fines.

As you operate this kind of business, keep digital copies of any permits or insurance documents, and set reminders for renewal dates so nothing lapses. Track your expenses (e.g. mileage, equipment) so you have records of any deductions you plan to claim during tax season.

How do you set pricing for lawn care services?

New businesses sometimes charge too little in the hope of adding clients, but that strategy can lead to burnout if your rate doesn’t cover your time and equipment costs. Your pricing will depend on your overhead, your time, and the value customers see in your service. Consider garden size, terrain, grass height, and factors such as expected hours worked and the level of effort required for the job. Research the rates of your local competitors, and ensure your final rates incorporate the cost of equipment upkeep (e.g. mower blade replacements).

Some lawn care providers charge an hourly rate, while others quote a flat fee for mowing, edging, and blowing. You could set up pricing tiers, in which one includes basic mowing and edging, another includes light weeding or seasonal clean-up, and a premium tier includes fertilisation or specialised seeding. You can charge extra for add-ons such as hedge trimming and taking away large branches.

No matter what your pricing structure is, communicate exactly what’s included in your price, and make it straightforward for customers to choose the option that best suits their needs.

What are the best payment methods for a lawn care business?

As with any business, it helps to give people multiple ways to pay. Some clients use cheques, others carry cash, and many prefer cards or online payments. Consider incorporating these payment methods:

• Cash: This is quick and straightforward but can be harder to track without proper organisation.

• Cheques: These should be deposited promptly and recorded to avoid confusion.

• Mobile card readers: These can be swiped at the customer’s property, making them handy for on-the-spot billing.

• Online invoicing: Systems such as Stripe can automate invoices and let customers pay online. This minimises the time spent chasing payments and makes record-keeping simpler.

• Recurring billing: If you mow weekly or bi-weekly, recurring billing can run charges automatically. That stability can help you plan and estimate monthly revenue.

Note that processing fees might apply if you accept cards. Sometimes it’s worth building a small buffer into your rates to cover that expense.

How do you find and retain clients for your lawn care business?

You can have the best mower and the perfect brand name, but they won’t matter without a customer base. Here are ways to attract attention to your business and expand your customer base:

• Referrals: If you do a neat job, neighbours will talk. Word of mouth can spread fast in lawn care. Don’t be shy about asking happy clients to recommend you to their friends.

• Local community boards: Use physical bulletin boards in coffee shops, libraries, or community centres or online neighbourhood groups on social media platforms. People often post, “Looking for lawn care recommendations”, and you want to be the first name that comes to mind.

• Door hangers: Leave small hangers or flyers on doors in neighbourhoods you’d like to serve. Include your contact info, pricing, and a friendly message. This is inexpensive and personal.

• Your vehicle: A magnetic sign or a small decal on your truck or trailer can transform your vehicle into a billboard.

• Partnerships with estate agents: Agents want properties to look their best before showings. If you impress them, they’ll call you for future listings. That can turn into ongoing yard care for new homeowners.

Once your customers have signed on, keep their business by being reliable and friendly and by suggesting add-ons. Turn up when you promise to. And if weather forces a delay, send a quick text. Greet customers when you arrive, and ask whether they have any concerns so you can provide a personal touch. Once you’ve established a good working relationship, offer your services for additional jobs such as seasonal clean-ups and garden care.

What are common challenges in the lawn care industry, and how do you overcome them?

Here are potential problems your lawn care business might encounter and solutions for them:

• Weather: Storms can upend your schedule, and heat can wear you down. Leave room in your weekly calendar for shifts, and monitor weather forecasts. Group nearby jobs on the same day to save travel time.

• Equipment breakdowns: A snapped belt or a dull blade can disrupt your entire week. Consider preventive measures, such as routine oil changes, blade sharpening, and a small fund for repairs. Quick fixes today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.

• Seasonal slowdowns: In colder areas, grass stops growing in the winter, so you might get less work. To keep your demand steady, consider offering snow shovelling or holiday decor services if they suit your skill set. You can also save a portion of earnings from the warm seasons to tide you through the off season.

• Scaling too fast: Rapid growth might sound exciting, but it also means more gear, more employees, and a bigger time commitment. Quality can dip if you rush, so expand gradually, train new employees patiently, and monitor cash flow to avoid overextending yourself.

• Difficult clients: Some clients might call you with last-minute changes or refuse to pay on time. Be polite, but set boundaries. Have a clear policy on missed payments or rescheduling, and document everything in writing.

• Burnout: Physical strain, especially in hot weather, can wear you down. Doing everything solo might also cause mental fatigue. To protect yourself, hydrate, wear sunscreen, and pace your day. Don’t be afraid to call in extra help during peak months.