How to Start a Lawn Care Service

Keep lawn care equipment in good condition.

Starting a new lawn care service involves having the knowledge of how to care for lawns correctly, the right equipment and tools, along with proper advertising to get your business known within the community. Potential customers want to know the business they hire has experience in lawn care and can leave an appealing mark on their outdoor space. Start your new lawn care venture correctly to make a good impression on new and future clients.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the lawn care service competition in your area. Many competitors in the same area mean lower bidding and less income. You may want to start out with landscaping services and then branch out to mowing or visa versa. Diversify your business enough that you have clients for differing lawn care needs.

2. Purchase your mowing and lawn care equipment. You may need a zero-turn mower for larger areas and a push mower for smaller yards. Rakes, edgers, weed eaters and leaf blowers may all factor into the different lawn needs of your customers. Look for good used mowers if starting out with a tight budget. As your business grows you can better afford new models.

3. Look into trailers for hauling your equipment. Typically, you will need a truck and a small flatbed trailer in which to haul a mower to the client's site. A tool chest in the truck bed can hold yard tools.

4. Advertise your business by printing flyers and business cards, and distribute them onto bulletin boards in stores. Visit establishments such as fast food restaurants, and dental and medical offices, and leave your business card. Most companies outsource for their lawn care needs. Leave your card at real estate offices or banks who may need lawn care services for unoccupied homes for sale.

5. List your lawn care business on social network sites. Set up a page strictly for your lawn care service, and link it to friends and family who may send it on to potential customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Creating a business plan will help you to outline how you will be starting your business and focus your plans. It also is required by lenders if you need a loan to purchase the lawn care equipment.

• Your city or county may require a business license to operate a lawn care business, especially if you are over 17 years old. Make sure to investigate what your city and county require before starting your business.

References

• "Entrepreneur"; How to Start a Lawn Care or Landscaping Service; February 2008
• All About Lawns; Starting Your Own Lawn Services Business; Kelly Richardson; August 2006