How to Start a Home Lawn Service
Most homeowners in residential communities hire lawn care specialists to keep their properties looking their best. If you enjoy this kind of work, starting our own home lawn service can be done with a moderate investment and a bit of know-how. Many large landscaping firms started out small, and grew their businesses by offering extra services and hiring employees to manage the workload. If you plan on providing chemical fertilization or pest control services, your state may require a special license or permit. Be aware that even the smallest, single-owner/operator businesses must follow business start-up protocol as dictated by your town and state.
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Things You'll Need
- Business plan and market research
- Local and state permits and licenses
- Equipment
- Insurance
- Marketing materials
Instructions
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Write a business plan including all details of your lawn care business, including market research and competitors. Demographic information for your town can be found at your town offices, and you can find competitors by reading local business listings. Your primary competition will be other home lawn care services and landscaping contractors.
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Apply for a local business permit from your town hall and a state tax registration certificate from your state business regulatory office. Some states require you to collect sales tax for certain services, and may require certification for lawn chemical application and certain types of landscaping installations that require digging or architectural work.
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Purchase the necessary equipment and supplies from an equipment supplier or home-improvement warehouse. Your needs will vary with the scope of lawn care work you will offer, but will include at least a lawn mower, weed trimmer, lawn edger, blower/vacuum, hedge trimmer, branch pruner, rakes, mower fuel can and a pickup truck or trailer.
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Purchase business liability insurance from your insurance agent to protect you and your customers should an accident occur while on the job. Insurance will also serve to make customers feel more confidant in hiring you for lawn care services, and may be mandated in your state.
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Purchase printed marketing materials from your local printer and keep them with you at all times. You never know when you'll come across a prospective lawn care customer, and business cards, fliers, postcards, proposal, estimate and invoice forms will come in handy.
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Tips & Warnings
Conduct a door-to-door survey in your target area to illicit opinions to your proposed business. This can also lead to prospective clients and serve to introduce your lawn care business before you begin operation.
Leave fliers or postcards with neighboring houses while on lawn care jobs, and ask current customers for referrals.
Expand your lawn care business by advertising additional services such as; mulch application, garden, decorative and barrier plantings, weed and pest control, lawn repair and seeding, seasonal cleanups and other common garden and yard jobs.
Follow all local and state laws governing lawn care specialists and landscapers. Failure to have the proper certification, license or permit can result in fines and other penalties.
Make sure you are in good physical health. The lawn care business requires strength, stamina and the ability to work in occasional inclement weather and uncomfortable temperatures.
References
Resources
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