Key Takeaways:
- The $176.5B landscaping industry is growing, creating strong opportunities for new landscaping and lawn care businesses.
- Starting a landscaping business requires planning, including defining services, researching your market, and securing licenses and equipment.
- Franchising offers a faster path to launch, with proven systems, training, and marketing support to help new owners grow.
Landscaping businesses provide a wide range of services, including designing, building, and maintaining outdoor spaces. From mowing lawns and basic plant care to full-service landscape installation, landscape professionals are dedicated to transforming the outdoors for homes and businesses.
The U.S. landscaping market is worth approximately $176.5 billion, a 65.9% increase since 2012. On average, American households spend about $500 per year on lawn and garden care when combining DIY supplies and professional services, making outdoor upkeep one of the most significant recurring home maintenance expenses for homeowners.
The landscape industry is lucrative and continues to grow as more people outsource their lawn care and demand new technologies such as automated irrigation systems and remote-controlled outdoor lighting. With consumers demanding landscaping that is sustainable and eco-friendly, services such as installing smart and water-efficient irrigation systems, planting herb and vegetable gardens, and designing native plant gardens are rising in popularity.
What You Should Know About the Landscaping and Lawn Care Industry
The landscaping industry is a dynamic and expanding field, offering a wealth of opportunities for both new and experienced business owners. As more homeowners and commercial property owners invest in enhancing their outdoor spaces, the demand for professional landscaping services continues to rise. Whether it’s designing lush gardens, maintaining lawns, or installing hardscapes, the range of services provided by landscaping businesses is broad and ever-evolving.
Understanding the landscaping and lawn care industry is crucial to establishing and maintaining a successful landscaping company. There are several ways to get started in the industry, including independent contracting or starting a business from scratch. Another example is investing in a franchisor with proven success in the industry and the tools to help you learn how to start your own landscaping business. Franchisors like Neighborly®, whose landscaping and lawn care brands, The Grounds Guys® and Lawn Pride®, have been providing top-tier services for decades.
If you are considering starting your own landscaping or lawn care business, it's crucial that you perform industry research before creating a business plan — think about what you want the focus of your business to be, look into similar companies in your community and the services they provide, determine the competitive landscape of your area, and research what services homeowners and business owners in your area might be shopping for. Many choose to work for another landscaping company to learn the field, as getting hands-on experience is a great way to learn the "tricks of the trade" before starting your own business.
By understanding the industry landscape and carefully planning your approach, you can position your landscaping business for long-term success and stand out in a competitive market.
Step 1a: Create a Landscaping Business Plan and Set Clear Goals
For anyone considering entering this industry, developing a comprehensive landscaping & lawn care business plan is essential. A well-thought-out business plan will help you define your goals, identify your target market, and outline the specific services your business will offer. It also provides a clear path for growth and helps you anticipate challenges along the way.
A landscaping business plan should answer:
- Will your business model include services for residential homes or commercial businesses?
- Who are your target customers and what are their needs?
- What is the income range/budget of your customer?
- What geographic area will your landscaping and lawn care business service?
- What specific services will you offer?
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- Will you provide general lawn care and landscaping or a niche offering (such as smart irrigation system installation)?
- Will you offer fall and winter landscaping services to generate revenue during off-seasons?
- Will you offer maintenance contracts to local businesses?
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- What relevant licensure do you need to apply for (if you plan to apply fertilizers or weed killers, most states require a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License)?
- What are your marketing needs?
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- Will you build your local reputation by servicing friends, family, and small local businesses when first starting out?
- What marketing materials will you need to create/purchase? Will you create flyers and yard signs?
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- What are the costs associated with starting your business?
- What are the continuing operating costs for your new business?
You will also need to complete the legal registration process for your new business, which includes selecting a business structure and business name, and registering your landscaping business with your regional government to ensure you are operating legally.
Step 1b: Consider Landscaping & Lawn Care Franchise Opportunities vs. Starting from Scratch
Understandably, answering all those questions and learning how to start a landscaping business from scratch can be intimidating. Entrepreneurs who want to own a landscaping business may find that investing in a landscaping franchise is a better option for them. Franchise opportunities in the landscaping industry allow franchise owners to operate under a proven business model and benefit from the support and established brand of the franchisor.
In a franchise system, a franchisor licenses its trade name, brand, and operating methods to franchise owners, providing them with advisory services, training, operational manuals, and ongoing support.
Franchise owners operate as independent contractors and are granted the right to operate in a specific territory under a franchise agreement (a document which outlines the terms of the agreement: applicable franchise fees, ongoing royalties, training requirements, quality control standards, etc.).
Franchisors also provide support, marketing and sales strategies, and other services to franchisees, ensuring consistency and quality control across franchise locations. Franchise businesses allow entrepreneurs to be their own boss and focus on growing their business, while benefiting from the experience of the franchisor and example of other franchisees in the franchise system.
Some of the benefits of investing in a Neighborly home service brand over starting a business from scratch are:
- An established business plan and model
- Training and support for you and your employees
- Financial support resources and tools
- Marketing and branding support to help you attract customers
- Existing name recognition for your business
- Freedom to control your own schedule and gain more work-life balance
- Support from other franchisees who have been where you are
Franchising allows entrepreneurs to go into business for themselves but not by themselves. Making starting a landscaping business easier than doing it alone.
Step 2: Register Your Business and Handle Legal Requirements
It’s important for anyone considering owning a landscaping business to be aware of the necessary permits, licenses, and registrations needed to begin operating. The rules and regulations regarding specific paperwork requirements will vary by location and the exact services your company will provide.
Working with an experienced franchisor like Neighborly can greatly reduce the stress associated with navigating these legal requirements. Their team of franchise experts will help you register your business and ensure you have the resources you need to get your business off the ground.
Apply for all Necessary Business Registrations, Permits, and Licenses
The business registration process typically involves selecting a business structure, registering your landscaping business with your regional government, and submitting the required paperwork to the appropriate authorities. You can usually find instructions on doing this on your local government or chamber of commerce website.
You may also be required to have a landscaping license or gardening license in your city or state to legally provide landscaping services. For example, if your business applies fertilizers or weed killers, most states require you to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License.
It’s important to seek out advice from a business adviser, attorney, and/or accountant about starting a landscaping business legally. These professionals can assist with any permits and licenses required, as well as provide relevant information regarding taxes and insurance.
Open a Business Bank Account
One of the first administrative steps for any new landscaping business owner is opening a dedicated business bank account. This is more than just a formality; it’s a smart way to manage your business expenses and keep your finances organized. By separating your personal and business finances, you’ll simplify bookkeeping, make tax filing easier, and present a more professional image to your clients and employees.
A business bank account also streamlines the process of receiving payments, paying vendors, and running payroll if you hire employees. When selecting a bank, compare options based on fees, account features, customer service, and online banking capabilities to find the best fit for your landscaping business. Taking this step early on will help you maintain financial clarity and set your business up for smooth operations as you grow.
Step 3: Analyze Your Start-up Costs
How much does it cost to start a landscaping business? The amount can vary depending on the services you’re looking to offer, the equipment you need to buy, the estimated size of your territory, your projected customer base, and whether you plan on operating alone or with a team.
The initial investment for a Neighborly landscaping franchise typically ranges from $74,570-224,770. The cost varies based on a multitude of personal factors, including designated territory size, equipment such as a vehicle and tools, and dedicated office space.
New landscaping business owners can expect start-up costs to include:
- Equipment and tools
- Mower
- Trimmer
- Blower
- Rakes, hoses, etc.
- Vehicle/trailer
- Permits, licensing, and certifications
- Insurance (including business liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance)
- Equipment Storage
- Website and Marketing
- Staffing
Franchises like The Grounds Guys and Lawn Pride provide business advice along with discounts that can help business owners get started, thanks to the Neighborly buying power with ProTradeNet.
Step 4: Find Your First Customers, Build Your Reputation, and Deploy Your Marketing Plan
A strong reputation is essential for making your landscaping business successful. In the early stages, your goal should be to establish credibility, attract your first customers, and begin building a steady pipeline of work.
Start by focusing on your immediate network and community. Friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses can be excellent first customers and often lead to referrals. Offering introductory discounts or seasonal promotions can encourage homeowners to try your services and help you build a portfolio of completed projects and satisfied clients.
Establishing a professional online presence is another key step. Creating a website that highlights your services, service areas, and contact information makes it easier for potential customers to learn about your business. Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile can also help your landscaping company appear in local searches when homeowners are looking for lawn care or landscaping services.
The Marketing Difference with Neighborly
For entrepreneurs who invest in a Neighborly franchise brand, much of this marketing work is supported by Neighborly so you can focus on running daily operations. Neighborly provides franchise owners with established branding, marketing resources, and guidance on local customer acquisition strategies. This support can help new business owners reach potential customers faster and operate with proven marketing systems rather than building everything from scratch.
Ultimately, delivering reliable service and high-quality results is what transforms first-time customers into repeat clients and referral sources. By combining strong service with consistent marketing efforts and leveraging the support available through a Neighborly franchise, new landscaping business owners can build a solid reputation and create a foundation for long-term growth.
Start Your Landscaping and Lawn Care Business with Confidence
Starting a landscaping business can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. With the right planning, equipment, and marketing strategy, entrepreneurs can build a business that serves their community while creating long-term growth opportunities. As demand for professional landscaping services continues to rise, new business owners have the chance to establish themselves in a thriving industry.
For entrepreneurs who want additional guidance and support, franchising can provide a valuable pathway into the landscaping industry. Working with an established brand allows business owners to benefit from proven systems, training, marketing support, and an experienced network of professionals.
The Grounds Guys or Lawn Pride can help provide much of the support and knowledge you need to get started in the landscaping industry and achieve your business ownership goals. Talk to a franchise consultant to start building a better future.
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