How to Start a Landscaping Business

Maybe you’re tired of working for “the man” and having him profit from your green thumb—or you’re sick of wasting your time and talents on your own garden when you could be working on someone else’s and making a profit. Well, my friend—a landscaping business is just what the doctor ordered—and there are some things to know to help you get started in this fast-growing and lucrative profession.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Landscaping and business skills
• Lawnmower
• Weed Eater
• Rake and Broom
• Hand tools
• Reliable Truck
• Trailer (if needed)
• Cell Phone
• Computer

1. The first thing you need are clients. If you already have a list of satisfied customers and won’t be stepping on the toes of your old boss, by all means contact them. And even if you are stepping on toes, but you have something better to offer, contact them as well. (It helps if your old boss wasn’t all that great to you.)
2. Check the going rates in your area for landscaping. Since you’re just getting started it’s best to go a little lower, but don’t undersell yourself.
3. Offer incentives such as free service in exchange for referrals or a discount on the first visit to new customers. Include free estimates and consultations.
4. Target the neighborhoods you’ve already worked in since there may already be built-in fans of your work. Send out mailers or stick fliers or 4x6 inch cards on gates or in mailboxes along those streets. Do this several times a year around the time when landscaping is most needed.
5. Look for neighborhoods that you haven’t been in yet, which are old enough or new enough to likely need your services. Send mailers or distribute cards or fliers to those neighborhoods as well.
6. Have your name and a memorable logo on your truck with your phone number clearly visible, as well as your website address if you have one.
7. List your business in free or inexpensive phone/Internet directories under "Landscape Services." Advertise in the classified section of local newspapers. You might also list with a service that will prescreen your company and send your quote to potential clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Many states require certification for landscaping contractors to use certain chemicals and pesticides. The course is relatively inexpensive and generally runs about 6-8 weeks at a local college.
• There are various books on starting a landscaping business, as well as courses and seminars. There are also basic courses in landscape design to help you brush up and learn about new trends. Community colleges offer these courses, which can also be found online. Any experience or training in horticulture, agriculture and business will greatly improve the chances for success.
• Start off targeting residential accounts before moving on to commercial accounts. With commercial accounts you will need to spend more on advertising.
• Offer holiday themed landscape designs, which incorporate flowers associated with a particular holiday or season.
• If you start to get more calls then you can take on, consider hiring additional contractors rather than turn down business.
• People are likely to tear up fliers and other advertising when they find it on their car windshields.