Landscaping is one of the most popular businesses that can be started without much money. Landscaping is a vast field with lots of opportunities. If you are looking to start a landscaping business, this article will outline the steps to get you started.
What do you need to start a landscaping business?
Before starting your landscaping business, you need to consider what you will need to get started. The most important thing that you will need is a strong work ethic. You will also need a reliable vehicle, which can be used to transport lawnmowers and other tools.
Many other tools and equipment will be required in your business, but these are the main things that you will need to get started. It is a good idea to buy used tools. This is common among landscaping businesses, as the tools don’t wear out as quickly as they would if they were used every day.
Landscaping Business Insurance
Insurance is an essential aspect of running your own landscaping business. You will need to obtain general liability insurance. You may also need to get specialty insurance coverage covering landscaping equipment and damage to property and employees. To get started with your insurance coverage, find an insurance agent specializing in commercial insurance for landscaping businesses.
How much money do I need to start a landscaping business?
How much money it takes to start a landscaping business depends on the type of business you want to run. If you want to operate a landscape design company, you can get started with very little equipment and financial investment. Suppose you want to drive a full-service landscaping business. In that case, you will need a substantial amount of equipment and financial capital.
What is the market for a landscaping business?
There is a great demand for landscaping services in the United States. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reported more than 2 million landscaping businesses in the United States that generate $80 billion in revenue annually. If you are planning to start a landscaping business, you will be able to create your own market by catering to residential and commercial customers.
Landscaping services include:
Tree trimming and removal – Tree trimming and removal services are a good starting point for a landscaping business. You can start with residential customers and then move on to commercial customers.
Tree trimming and removal services are a good starting point for a landscaping business.
Landscape design – If you have landscape design skills, you can set up your own landscape design company. Designing commercial spaces such as corporate parks and condominiums will require a substantial amount of capital. If you have landscape design skills, you can set up your own landscape design company.
Lawn care – Mowing lawns, planting flowers, and trimming hedges are some of the lawn care tasks that can be outsourced to contractors. You can also take on this task and market yourself as a “lawn care specialist”.
Landscape maintenance – A landscape maintenance business will require you to have an established customer base. Landscape maintenance customers include homeowners associations and commercial property owners.
Lawn care equipment sales – Selling lawn care equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and generators can effectively make money with a small-scale lawn care business.
Lawn care trucking – Hauling lawn care equipment from one location to another will require you to have your own trucking company. Trucking can be hard work, but if you’ve got a great trucking company behind you and a sturdy truck at your disposal, you may find it easier than ever before to get the job done and get paid for doing it.
Here are our top 10 steps to start a landscaping business.
Step 1 – Decide what type of landscaping business you want to start
The first step to starting a landscaping business is deciding what type of landscaping business you want to create. There are several options available. You can choose anything from those, that we describe above.
Once you have a plan for your landscaping business, you need to decide on a name for the company. This is an important step, as the title will help to define your brand. Make sure that you take some time to think about the name before choosing it among a professional lawn mowing service
Each of these options has its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. I highly recommend that you read the below article before deciding which option is best for you.
Step 2 – Find a business name
Next, you will need to find a business name for your landscaping company. Your business name should be short and catchy. It should easily convey what type of business you are in.
You can use your name or something else for your business name. Suppose you are unsure about naming your landscaping company. In that case, I have an article on calling your business where I discuss different ways to come up with a name for your landscaping company. Check it out here.
Step 3 – Register your business name with state and local government
The next important step is to register your business name with your state and local government. Each state will have its process for registering your business name and contact information.
I recommend that you look up the steps for registering your business name in your local area.
This website is an excellent place to start. It provides a list of government websites for every U.S. state and their corresponding links for registering a new business.
Step 4 – Design a professional logo
The next step is to design a professional logo for your landscaping company. Your logo should be clean and straightforward and should convey professionalism. It should also be easily recognized by potential customers when they see it.
You may choose to have a professional logo designer create your logo design for you, or you may decide to do it yourself using a website like Fiverr.com. Whichever route you choose, make sure your logo is professional and clean-looking.
Step 5 – Design a website for your landscaping company
The next step is to design a website for your landscaping business. You can decide to have someone else create your website for you, or you can do it yourself using Weebly.com or Wix.com. Both of these websites provide free website-building tools and templates.
Once your website is designed, all that’s left is to input the information about your business, including:
- A detailed description of your landscaping services
- Your contact information, including your phone number and company email address
- Your business hours, including a map showing the location of your office
- A list of the types of landscaping services you offer
Step 6 – Open a bank account for your landscaping company
The next step is to open a bank account for your landscaping business. You will need a business checking account and a business savings account. You will also need a business credit card. To open these accounts, go to your local bank branch. Make sure you have all the documents required to open a new account, including:
- Proof of identification (driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- Your Social Security card
- Complete an application form
- Sign the bank’s paperwork and agreement documents
- Provide your business checking account information for your landscaping company
- Provide your business savings account information for your landscaping company
- Provide your business credit card information for your landscaping company
You will likely need to open a business checking account with a minimum deposit of $100 and business savings account with a minimum deposit of $100. You will also likely need to open a business credit card with a $500 credit limit. Your local bank will be able to provide you with all the forms and applications you will need to open this new account.
Step 7 – Design a Business Plan for Your Landscaping Company
You can open a business checking account once you have your business credit card. You can also open a business savings account and a business credit card. Make sure you keep your business’ finances separate from your personal finances with all of these accounts.
The next step in starting your landscaping company is to create a business plan. It is essential to consider the following factors when creating your business plan:
- Your business goals and objectives
- Your service area and market
- Your pricing model
- Your marketing plan for your landscaping company
- Your financial plan for your landscaping company
Step 8 – Apply for Your Business Licensing and Permits
Once your business plan is ready, it is time to apply for your business licenses and permits. You will need to apply for a business license with your city or county, and you may also need to apply for a state sales tax license. You can find out which licenses and permits you will need by checking with your local government office.
Step 9 – Purchase the Tools and Equipment You Will Need to Start Your Landscaping Company
When you first start a lawn care business, you’ll need to purchase some lawn care equipment. You can look for lawn care equipment online or at lawn care supply stores. Here are some of the items you’ll need for a small-scale landscaping or maintenance business:
Lawnmower – A lawnmower is an essential piece of equipment for any lawn care business. Lawnmowers can be gas-powered or electric-powered.
Trimmer – A trimmer will help you get rid of unwanted grass, weeds and other plants in your yard. Trimmers can be gas-powered or electric-powered.
Generator – A generator is a great tool to have if you’re working on a big job in the hot sun. It will allow you to run your power tools without having to worry about them running out of battery or not having an electrical outlet nearby.
Lawn edger – A lawn edger will help you cut straight lines along curbs and sidewalks.
Leaf blower – A leaf blower will help you clean up your yard quickly and efficiently.
Wheelbarrow – A wheelbarrow is a great tool for hauling mulch, grass clippings, tools and other landscaping supplies.
Shovel – A shovel will help you dig holes for plants and move dirt around your yard.
Pruning shears – Pruning shears are useful for cutting hedges and shrubs.
Weedeater – A weed eater is an extremely effective way to get rid of unwanted weeds in your yard. They can be gas-powered or electric-powered.
Tiller – A tiller can help you till the soil in your garden and prepare it for planting.
Hedge trimmer – A hedge trimmer will help you cut hedges and shrubs.
Plant sprayer – A plant sprayer is an excellent tool for watering plants and spraying pesticides on plants.
Landscaping rake – A landscaping rake is handy for raking up leaves and debris from your yard.
Landscape stakes – Landscape stakes are useful for marking where you’re planning to put flowers or other landscaping items.
Landscape shovel – A landscape shovel is a good tool for digging holes for flowers, shrubs and trees.
Pruning saw – A pruning saw is useful for cutting larger branches.
Lawnmower – A lawnmower is an excellent tool for mowing your grass.
Long-handled garden tools – Long-handled tools are helpful for weeding and planting flowers and vegetables.
Hose – A hose helps water your plants and clean up your yard.
Step 10 – create a free account in Field Complete – Field service management software
Running a landscaping business is challenging. You have to manage your employees, schedule jobs, and keep track of everything else that goes into running a company.
With Field Complete you can focus on what’s important – providing the best customer experience possible. We handle all the scheduling for you so you can spend more time with your customers and less time managing your team.
It doesn’t matter if you’re starting an established small contractor. We’ve got something for everyone! Our platform offers free access to contractors who work alone or have up to 10 technicians in their organization. And it’s 100% FREE! No credit card is required!
