How to Start a Private Landscaping Business

No matter how badly an economy is doing, the grass will continue to grow. That's why owning a landscaping business is a good hedge against a bad economy. Not only will there always be work available, you can build a solid client list, something that can be sold for a nice profit when you decide to move on to other professional challenges. However, there are some things you need to do to successfully start a viable landscaping business.

Things You'll Need

• Truck Mowers Storage Facility

Instructions

1. 

   Define your niche. No landscaping business can be all things to everybody, so decide what type of clients you want. The possibilities are endless, but you should focus on either commercial or residential. If you go with commercial, understand that there is tougher competition, and you will most likely have to bid on projects on an annual basis, which can be nerve racking.

2. 

   Choosing residential is less of a challenge, but you must decide what type, namely small yard or estate? Larger estates are more work, as the owners are more interested in performance than pay, plus they require a larger initial investment in equipment.

3. 

   Hire a strong "second in command," making sure he's a trustworthy worker. He should be in charge of all other workers.

4. 

   Buy your equipment and plan where you are going to securely store it during the off hours.

5. 

   Start advertising as soon as you're ready to start working. The following methods are effective in landing landscape clients: Newspaper ads, fliers, word of mouth and mailers. If you need extra hands to help get the word out, hire students, the unemployed and/or retirees to help with this.

6. 

   Gain a well-deserved reputation as a hard worker who responds immediately and delivers first-rate customer service. By going the extra mile, you'll stand head and shoulders above the countless others who are all vying for the same customers.

7. 

   Keep busy year round. Once the lawn-cutting season is over, offer fall cleanup, tree work, snow plowing and spring cleanup services. By locking in customers for year round service, you'll have a guaranteed income for as long as you deliver the goods.

Tips & Warnings

• Get in good with real estate professionals, and you can be their "go to" landscaper. Give your "second in command" a generous share of the profits every year.

• Landscaping is a hot, dirty and sweaty job; so if you don't like getting hot, dirty or sweaty, rethink your career choice. Having backup equipment isn't a luxury; it's a mandatory part of the job. Be very careful when hiring migrant workers. Be sure to disclose all payments, including cash, on your taxes.

Resources

• eHow: How to Hire a Landscaper
• eHow: How to Choose a Landscaper