How To Start A Lawn Care Business In 9 Steps

Key takeaways

• A limited liability company (LLC) is the most logical business entity for a lawn care business
• Offer a limited number of services when launching your company to keep costs down and maintain quality
• Your website, social media channels, and a referral program will help you find your first clients and grow your business

If you’re wondering how to start a lawn care business and turn it into a full-time job, you’ll be glad to learn it’s an easy industry to break into with fairly low startup costs. The industry produced $99 billion in revenue in 2019 with the average household spending more than $500 per year on lawn services. If you play your cards right, you can get a piece of the action and launch your own small business.

To have a successful lawn care business, you’ll need to do some planning. This guide walks you through nine stages of planning and launching your landscaping business.

9 steps to start a lawn care business and make money

Starting a lawn care business requires upfront planning, investment in lawn care equipment, and some basic marketing tactics. You’ll start by coming up with a sound business plan, registering your business as a legal entity, and then purchasing the necessary equipment. You can then focus on marketing efforts like building a website and finding your first clients.

1. Choose a business name

A business name should be memorable, unique, and professional. It needs to stand out from your competitors and stick in the minds of potential customers.

People should quickly know the types of services you offer just by seeing your business name. Don’t be vague and leave it open for interpretation. It’s a good idea to include the term “lawn care” in your business name to make it completely obvious.

You also want to research the availability of your name across the web. Do a quick search to see if you can find a website domain name that aligns with your business. You can also search social media platforms to check if you can create social media accounts with your business name.

2. Register your business

There are three different business entities that make sense for a new lawn care business—a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). However, a limited liability company is the smartest option for a new lawn care company.

A limited liability company protects your personal assets if any legal action were to arise. For example, your personal finances are protected if a third party takes legal action in the event that one of your employees accidentally damages their property.

Limited liability companies also allow for pass-through taxation. You’re able to pass business earnings directly to your personal tax return and avoid double taxation on earnings.

Each state has specific requirements and fees for registering your small business. The easiest way to file for an LLC is to simply visit the Small Business Administration website. From there you can go through your state’s portal and file all the necessary paperwork.

3. Get business licenses and certifications

It’s essential to do things by the book and ensure your lawn maintenance business doesn’t violate any local laws. There are lawn care licenses and certifications, but they vary from state to state.

Most states don’t require licenses or certifications if you’re looking to start a basic lawn care service. Check your state’s lawn care licensing requirements before launching your business.

There are also specific licenses and certifications needed if you want to expand your business and offer additional services. For instance, each state has different requirements regarding the use of fertilizers and pesticides. You can check with the Department of Agriculture to find out your state’s specific requirements.

4. Decide on which services you’ll offer

You can offer a long list of services beyond lawn mowing. Here’s a list of services to consider for your lawn care company:

• Trimming
• Edging
• Weeding
• Fertilization
• Planting
• Landscaping
• Lawn aeration
• Fall cleanup

It’s wise to start small and only offer services you’re capable of doing. You don’t want to say you’re an expert in a skill like landscape architecture if you can’t deliver on that promise. It’s better to hone your skills and offer the best lawn care services that will lead to fully satisfied customers. Limit your services at first and expand your offerings as your business grows.

5. Purchase equipment

You’ll need some essential mowing equipment when starting your lawn care company. It’s best to avoid high startup costs and purchase equipment that is gently used rather than buying brand-new items. Many equipment centers and dealerships will offer authorized pre-owned equipment, so you can be sure you’re purchasing quality gear.

Consider investing in the following equipment when launching your lawn care business:

• Lawnmower
• Service truck
• Trailer
• Trimmer
• Edger
• Leaf blower
• Safety equipment
• Miscellaneous lawn tools (rakes, shovels, brooms, etc.)

Brand-new equipment can be a financial burden for your company, especially when first starting out. Gently used equipment limits how much you’re spending at the start yet allows you to do the job just as effectively. You can invest in newer and more expensive equipment once your business takes off and you have a solid customer base.

6. Build a website

A small business website is the face of your company online. Nearly 90% of consumers research online before making a purchase. Your website is one of the first places a potential customer will look when deciding if you’re the right business to service their lawn.

Your website not only needs to look professional, but it also must be easy to navigate. Break up your site in sections like services, service areas, pricing, information about your company, and contact details such as your phone number and email address. Visitors must easily find any information needed to make their decision.

To stand out from your competitors, create a unique value proposition on your landing page that sets your company apart from the rest. For example, write a tagline like: “Professional lawn care services at cut-rate prices.” Include a call to action directly after this statement encouraging visitors to reach out for a quote.

There are platforms like Wix and Squarespace that allow you to create a website on your own. You can also outsource website development to a web developer, but this will come at a cost.

7. Claim your Yelp Business Page

Customer reviews play a significant role when consumers are deciding which lawn care business to choose. Over 70% of consumers won’t make a final decision until they’ve read customer reviews.

That’s where a Yelp Business Page comes in handy. A Yelp Business Page is an excellent place for consumers to research your business before becoming a paying customer. They can read through reviews from previous customers and find information like a business description, photos, and other contact information.

It’s also an opportunity for you to interact with customers who leave reviews—both positive and negative. You’re able to respond to reviewers and thank them for their kind words or solve any issues from customers who weren’t as satisfied. Doing so shows potential customers that you’re invested in customer service and will go to great lengths to ensure all customers are happy.

Claiming your Yelp Business Page only takes a few moments and will put your business on the map with locals.