How to Start a Landscaping Business In 11 Simple Steps
Would you like to learn how to start a landscaping business? Use our step-by-step guide to get your new landscaping business into profitability.
- Starting a landscaping business can be highly profitable with minimal initial investment.
- Landscaping businesses offer flexible and varied services like lawn care and design.
- Initial startup costs are low, with affordable equipment like lawnmowers and trimmers.
- Effective marketing and excellent customer service can significantly expand your business.
Brett Helling is a gig economy expert who has been running his own small business for over 10 years.
Starting a landscaping business can be a profitable venture.
Not only is it a necessary service for many homeowners, but the demand for quality landscaping continues to grow.
In this article, we will outline how to start a landscaping business.
We will also discuss why owning a landscaping business may be wise for you.
Finally, we will provide a step-by-step guide for starting your new business.
How Profitable Is Owning a Landscaping Business?
Starting a landscaping business can turn into a solid investment.
It doesn't require a lot of investment, and even a teenager can start one.
It can also be a great business type to buy.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers is about $34,000. Salary.com estimates that the average landscaper earns over $63,000 per year.
Of course, how much you earn will depend on your client base and pricing.
The more customers you have and the higher rates you offer, the more money you can make.
Additionally, experience in the field may also play a role in how much money you ultimately earn.
What You'll Need To Start a Landscaping Business [& Associated Costs]
Launching a landscaping business necessitates thoughtful preparation.
To ensure your success and to make the process seamless, here are elements you must consider before taking the plunge into this field.
Equipment and supplies
Make sure you have the right tools and materials to do the job. It includes lawnmowers, leaf blowers, shovels, rakes, trimmers, edgers, and other equipment. Purchase supplies like fertilizers, soil, and mulch.
Planning
Before starting any project, plan what needs to get done from start to finish. By creating detailed plans for each job, you can ensure efficient work.
Budgeting
Put a budget in place, so you know how much money to allocate towards expenses such as supplies and employee payments. Set aside an emergency fund in case something unexpected arises during any project.
Marketing
Advertising can take many forms, such as website copy, paid ads, or flyers.
Pricing
Setting competitive prices that reflect quality and affordability can mean attracting more customers. Do research within your local area, so you're not overcharging but still getting fairly compensated.
Organization
Landscaping projects require organizational skills to keep track of equipment inventory. The same skills will help when scheduling jobs throughout the season.
Staffing requirements
It's wise to plan to staff for at least part-time summer months when landscaping jobs typically increase.
Customer relations
Maintaining positive customer relationships is essential for successful landscaping businesses. Plan how you will foster relationships through follow-up communication.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance is vital to keep all of your tools and equipment in good condition. It can help save money over time by avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
Do I Need a License or Certificates To Start a Landscaping Business?
While some states do require licensing, most don't.
Check with your local government to see what the requirements are in your area.
You may also need a business license and general liability insurance.
Why You Should Consider Starting a Landscaping Business as a Side Hustle
Let's explore four compelling reasons why you should consider starting a landscaping business.
- Variety: You can work on different projects, such as creating gardens, designing outdoor spaces, installing lawns, and more.
- Flexibility: You have the flexibility to set your hours and manage your time accordingly. It allows you to take on jobs that fit into your schedule and to plan around existing commitments you may have in place.
- Profit potential: The right marketing strategies and competitive prices can help elevate your profits.
- Growth opportunities: As you acquire more clients and build relationships with them, there are many opportunities for growth in the industry. You might take on larger projects or expand into other areas like garden design.
How To Start a Landscaping Business in 11 Simple Steps
Our step-by-step guide will help you to establish a successful landscaping business in no time.
With this tutorial, you can offer invaluable services that customers and businesses alike will appreciate.
Step 1: Have a Solid Plan
A solid plan includes researching the business and conducting market research, creating a detailed budget, and outlining what services the company will offer.
Use a business plan to help you stay organized.
Step 2: Secure Funding
Secure financing for start-up costs, operational expenses, and equipment purchases. Consider funding such as a loan.
Pay attention to the interest rate and how long you have to pay down the loan.
Step 3: Gather the Necessary Equipment and Supplies
Make sure you have all of the necessary tools and materials to do the job.
Purchase quality supplies so that you can provide customers with the best possible service.
Step 4: Choose Your Services
Decide what services you would like to offer, such as lawn care, landscaping, garden design, and installation.
Think about how you can set yourself apart from the competition.
Step 5: Set Competitive Pricing
Develop a pricing structure that is competitive yet still allows for enough profits to keep the business running smoothly.
Research local competitors and how they charge for services to get an idea of how much to charge.
Step 6: Promote Your Business
Find ways to get the word out about your business, such as print media (fliers/business cards), social media posts, or even door-to-door canvassing.
Other marketing methods might include email campaigns or content marketing.
You can build a website and use blog content to attract long-term prospects.
Step 7: Get Help if Needed
If you think you will take on larger projects immediately, consider hiring additional help.
You can work with professionals experienced in landscaping or other related fields.
Step 8: Plan for Exceptional Customer Service
You need to have excellent customer service skills to build a successful business.
Make sure you remain reliable and professional.
Always strive to exceed expectations.
Step 9: Develop an Ongoing Maintenance Plan
Create an ongoing maintenance plan to keep your equipment and tools in good condition.
It will help save money over time by avoiding costly repairs.
Step 10: Complete Your First Job
Now that you have the necessary information and supplies to start your business, it's time to take on your first job.
Work to complete it on time and within budget.
Do everything you can to excite your first customer into referring you to the next job.
Step 11: Track Your Progress and Grow
Keep track of how your business progresses by measuring how many customers you acquire, how much revenue the business generates, and the level of customer satisfaction produced by your actions.
Things To Consider When Building a Landscaping Business
Before launching your landscaping business, there are a few additional factors worth considering.
Can You Run a Landscaping Business by Yourself?
The answer to this question depends on how large the business will be and how much work you plan to do.
If you are a one-person show, you may need to consider hiring help for larger jobs.
Do You Have Safety Protocols in Place?
Safety should always be your top priority when running a landscaping business.
Make sure you have the proper safety equipment and training, as well as a plan for how to handle any potential hazards.
How Do You Handle Customer Concerns?
Be prepared to answer questions and address customer concerns promptly.
What will you do if a customer complains about your work?
Think through potential situations with customers.
Remain calm at all times.
Treat your customer correctly even if you think they become unreasonable.
What Are Your Long-Term Goals?
Think about what you would like your landscaping business to look like one, two, or five years from now.
Set goals and create an actionable plan that will help you reach those objectives.
What Is Your Growth Plan?
As you begin hitting your goals, consider potential areas of expansion, like additional services.
Or, market to a higher-end clientele that you can target to diversify your customer base.
INSPIRATION: Landscaping Business Ideas
Are you passionate about starting your own landscaping business but uncertain of how to make a name for yourself?
Here are four ideas you might use to get your company off the ground.
- Lawn mowing and landscaping services: Here is a common type of landscaping business that provides services like mowing, trimming, edging, hedge trimming, weed control, and fertilization.
- Landscape design and installation services: Many landscape designers specialize in creating outdoor environments that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and yards. The work typically involves consultation, sketching plans, and selecting plants, trees, and other materials based on suitability to the environment.
- Grounds maintenance services: Grounds maintenance businesses typically offer services such as leaf removal, mulching, fertilizing, and general upkeep of commercial or residential properties. It offers opportunities for recurring revenue.
- Landscape renovation/restoration services: This type of business focuses on restoring an existing landscape to its original or improved condition. You do this by repairing damage due to storms or other issues such as erosion or overgrown areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most profitable landscaping services?
The most profitable landscaping services are those that require a higher level of expertise, such as landscape design and installation.
The service requires more complex skills and knowledge, so customers pay a higher price for it.
What is a realistic budget for the average landscaping project?
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, the budget for landscaping projects can vary.
For a basic garden-styled landscape, you should expect somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000.
A more complex project may range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Similar Businesses To Consider Starting
Before you dive into the field of landscaping, consider other related businesses that you may enjoy.
- How To Start a Lawn Care Business: With a lawn care business, you'll help customers keep their lawns looking green and healthy.
- How To Start a Contractor Business: A contractor business involves doing work at the customer's home or business, such as repairs or remodeling.
- How To Start a Painting Business: You can offer interior and exterior painting services to customers who need help sprucing up their spaces.
Wrapping Up
If you're seeking a profitable way to use your talents and make an income, then starting a landscaping business may be the perfect solution.
With dedication and hard work, it is entirely feasible to generate six figures from this venture.
Do you have any ideas or advice about launching a business? If so, leave your comments below and let us know.
