How to Start a Lawn Care Business

Looking for a job that will let you enjoy the summer weather and get in a workout at the same time? Consider launching your own lawn care business. Whether you’re a college student trying to finance your education, or an entrepreneur looking for a new venture, you can find tips on how to start a lawn care business. You’ll want to start by drawing up a business plan and taking care of some key factors like naming your company, advertising, managing contacts and purchasing commercial lawn equipment. Learn more about what goes into offering landscaping and lawn care services below.

1.    What will your lawn care business offer? Will you offer a variety of landscaping and lawn care services, or focus mainly on mowing? As you pull together a business plan, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

a.    What do you plan to get out of your business?
b.    How will you meet your customer’s needs?
c.    How much will you charge?
d.    Will you need commercial lawn mowers and equipment?
e.    Are you planning to hire employees?
f.    Will you need insurance?
g.    How will you manage your customer’s information?
h.    Do you plan to offer snow blowing services in the off-season?

It’s important to have a clear outline of what you plan to do with your lawn care business before you get started. There are resources available through the Small Business Administration that can help you draw up a plan for the financial side, but you may want to talk to other lawn professionals to find out what else you need.

2.    Who are you? Pick a name for your lawn care business. You may choose your last name or something catchy that describes what you do. After you have a name for your business, design a logo and website, and consider obtaining a second phone number to be used for business. Once you’re all set up, you should determine how to advertise for your company.

3.    How will you find customers? Every business needs an advertising plan. Who is your target market?

a.     Neighbors looking for a more professional cut
b.    Retirees
c.    Rental property owners
d.    Condo management
e.    Small businesses
f.    Charities and other organizations

Once you know who you’re targeting, you can decide how.

a.    Simple flyers
b.    Craigslist
c.    Social media
d.    Truck detailing
e.    Sponsoring local charity events
f.    Local ad spots on TV, radio and traditional paper media

Many landscaping professionals rely heavily on referrals, but it will take a little more elbow grease to get your initial customers. Try several different methods to find the right combination for your lawn care business.

4.    What commercial lawn equipment do you need? When you get started, you can always use your own lawn mower and equipment, but as you build a reputation and customer base, you may want to upgrade to commercial lawn mowers and equipment. Especially if you will be doing the landscaping for small businesses, charities or other local organizations. Commercial lawn mowers have more power and maneuverability than standard residential machines, and will allow you to get through lawns quickly and professionally. You’ll also want to purchase a trailer to transport your mower and other commercial lawn equipment like string trimmers, leaf blowers, garden tillers and other tools.

Start your lawn care business
Once you’ve drawn up a business plan and have the commercial lawn equipment you need, you’re ready to go! Landscaping takes time and care, but it also often creates satisfied repeat customers. If you’re passionate about your lawn and enjoy working with the earth, offering lawn care services may be a great summer job, or new year-round venture. The best way to get started is to jump in with both feet and apply yourself. In time, you’ll have a lawn care business you’re proud of, and you may even be able to pass off some of the day-to-day tasks to respected employees.