How to Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business

Starting a home-based landscaping business can be done with the proper equipment and a marketing plan.

Homeowners, business owners and commercial real estate property owners usually have a need for landscaping. Even in tough times, their lawns must be mowed. Starting a home-based landscaping business offering lawn care services and landscape design can be done if there is a need in your area, you have funds to invest in equipment and can market your services effectively. Though you can run this business from your home, the work itself will be at your customers' properties.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mowing equipment
• Bookkeeping system
• Computer

1. Survey the competition by reviewing the websites and contacting them for basic information on services and rates. Determine if your customer base will be primarily homeowners, in which you will be cutting lawns, planting and maintaining a landscaped yard, or commercial property owners, which entails a different level of effort and equipment. Determine if you plan to offer winter snow blowing and plowing services.

2. Check your state and local regulations to determine if you need a license or permit for your landscaping business. Obtain appropriate licensure and permits and an Employee Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service if you plan to hire employees. Purchase liability and business insurance from a reputable broker or company.

3. Purchase equipment and supplies such as mowers, edgers and trimmers and a vehicle or trailer to haul your equipment from job to job. You may want to purchase used equipment or lease equipment that may not be used as frequently.

4. Set your fees based on several factors: the competition’s pricing, equipment and labor costs, and whether or not your will charge an hourly rate or flat fee. Set up a bookkeeping system and method to tracking your income, expenses and taxes.

5. Market your landscaping business. Create a website for your business listing your business name, contact information, services available and coverage area, pricing and photos of your work. Post customer testimonials once you get a customer base. Create and post business flyers in local markets, stores and libraries and send them out via email and regular mail to all of your friends, family and contacts to help spread the word of your venture.

References

• Entrapenuer: How to Start a Lawn Care or Landscaping Service
• PLANET: Professional Landcare Network: Careers in the Landscape Industry
• Home Inc. Business Center: How to Start a Landscaping Business 1-2-3