How to start a lawn care or landscaping business step by step

Starting a lawn care or landscaping business is a great way to build recurring revenue, but turning a side hustle into a profitable company takes more than just a mower and a truck. To succeed, you need to navigate local licensing rules, set prices that truly cover your costs, and attract customers who pay on time consistently.

This guide walks you through how to start a lawn care or landscaping business, step by step. You’ll learn how to handle registration, calculate startup costs, and land your first contracts. You’ll also see how the right tools—like lawn care business software—can help you stay organized, streamline scheduling and payments, and scale without added chaos.

Lawn care or landscaping business startup checklist

Step #1: Confirm what licensing (if any) applies to your lawn and landscaping services

Start by confirming what your state and local governments consider “regulated work.” Basic lawn care (mowing, trimming, routine maintenance) often falls under a general service category, meaning you don’t need a state-issued professional license.

Landscaping work can cross into licensed territory depending on what you install, alter, or apply. If your project involves regulated chemicals, irrigation, electrical, or structural elements, you may need a specific license or certification.

Where to verify requirements (start here):

• Your state contractor licensing board
• State Department of Agriculture
• Your city/county business licensing office

What typically triggers additional licensing or certification?

If you plan to offer any of the following services, double-check licensing requirements first:

• Fertilizer or pesticide application
• Irrigation installation or repair
• Tree work beyond basic trimming (especially removals)
• Hardscaping, retaining walls, grading, drainage changes
• Electrical work (lighting) or plumbing tie-ins
• Government/municipal contracts (often require licensing + bonding)

If you do need a state license, the process usually looks like this:

Check your state’s licensing board to confirm. Then, if your service type requires it, follow these general steps:

• Complete required training, which can be:
  
  • Trade school: Theoretical learning in a classroom setting.
  • Apprenticeship: On-the-job training under a licensed lawn care or landscaping professional.
  • Both: Mix of classroom and on-the-job training.
    
• Complete an apprenticeship (often 3–4 years, depending on state and license type).
• Sit for the state licensing exam and score the required passing grade.
• Apply for a license. Submit your exam score, proof of insurance, and other required documents.
• Pay the licensing fee.

Most landscaping and lawn care licenses are valid for one to three years. To renew, complete the required hours of continuing education (CE) and pay the renewal fee. CE requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s licensing board before signing up for a course.

Read our guide to lawn and landscaping licensing for more detailed information.

Pro tip: Enroll at a CE institution approved by your state so the total hours count toward license renewal.

Common lawn care and landscaping licensing requirements by service type

The table below shows typical lawn care and landscaping licensing requirements by service type. Requirements vary widely by state and sometimes by county or city, so confirm details through official government portals.

Service type	License or certification needed	Training and exam requirements	Renewal
Basic lawn care (mowing and trimming)	General business license	No formal exam in most states	Annual
Landscaping services	Landscaping contractor license (varies by state)	Experience hours or trade exam	Every 1–3 years
Fertilizer or pesticide application	State applicator license	Training and state exam	Every 2–5 years
Irrigation installation or repair	Irrigation contractor license	Exam and documented experience	Every 2–3 years
Tree trimming and removal	Arborist or tree service certification (where required)	Safety training and exam	Every 3 years
Commercial or municipal contracts	Licensed contractor and bonding	Proof of license, insurance, and bonding	Contract-based

Step #2: Create a lawn care or landscaping business plan

A business plan is your roadmap to how you’ll start, run, and grow your business. This step helps you prioritize your service mix, pricing approach, and operating model before you commit money to equipment or marketing. If you plan to seek financing, it also gives lenders a clear view of how you’ll earn and manage cash.

Below are the components of a solid business plan:

• Executive summary: A snapshot of the business plan, covering what your company is, the services it offers, and the goals to achieve.
• Company overview: A description of your lawn care or landscaping business, which includes your mission statement, core values, vision statement, and unique value proposition.
• Market research: An analysis of your target audience, competitors, and service gaps to fill.
• Services: A list of the lawn care or landscaping services you plan to offer.
• Pricing strategy: Your approach to setting service rates that cover overhead costs and profit margin.
• Operations plan: A description of how scheduling, equipment, and daily workflows will run efficiently.
• Startup costs and funding: An estimate of the total cost of starting business operations and how to obtain funding.
• Financial projections: Forecasts of revenue and expenses for a specific period.
• Marketing strategy: Strategies for reaching and attracting customers and establishing a client base.
• Appendix: Supporting documents, such as team member resumes, market research data, and proof of insurance.

Pro tip: Download Housecall Pro’s small business plan template and customize it with your branding information. 

Research your market and competitors

Research your local market to understand demand, pricing expectations, and how likely people are to hire a lawn care or landscaping professional. Also, check whether the area is dominated by residential or commercial properties. This helps you define which customers and service areas to focus on. 

To find your competitors, search for “lawn care provider near me” or “landscaper [city name]” on Google Maps, Yelp, or local business directories. 

Visit their websites and take note of these core details:

• Services offered: Do they offer commercial lawn care, serve residential clients, or both?
• Pricing: Do they charge a flat rate, set hourly rates, or ask clients to contact them for a quote?
• Marketing approach: Do they maintain a social media presence, run paid ads, or rely on traditional marketing tactics?

Find gaps in your competitors’ services. Check customer reviews to see whether multiple customers make the same complaint. For example, if customers complain about service delays, offering same-day services could set you apart.

Create a lawn care services list

Start with jobs that match your expertise, license, and demand. A tighter service list is usually easier to deliver consistently—especially in your first season.

For lawn care, your services list might include:

• Mowing
• Edging and trimming
• Weed control
• Mulching
• Fertilization
• Lawn dethatching

For landscaping, consider:

• Landscaping design and consultation
• Planting
• Installation and maintenance
• Grading
• Lawn returfing

Pro tip: Once you’ve built a steady customer base, expand your services to include specialty tasks like tree removal, pest control, and lighting installation.

Learn more: Ultimate landscaping services list: Different types to offer your customers

Set goals

Set goals to achieve within your first year. Short-term goals might include breaking even, hiring your first employee, or hitting $80,000 in bookings.

For long-term goals, consider expanding into neighboring cities, hitting $150,000 in annual revenue, or maintaining a 45% customer retention rate.

Tie each goal to a specific time period. For example, aiming for 100 clients doesn’t guide action. Planning to get 10 new clients within the first three months gives you a more measurable target.

Review your goals once or twice a year to measure progress as your lawn care or landscaping business grows.

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Step #3: Create a budget for your lawn care or landscaping business

A budget helps you make smart financial decisions and avoid overspending. To create a budget, list your startup costs and operating expenses. Then, set aside a small amount for unexpected repairs and replacements. This buffer also gives you access to funds during seasonal dips.

How much does it cost to start up a lawn care or landscaping company?

The cost of starting up a landscaping or lawn care company depends on your location and the equipment you buy. For example, if you already have a van or truck, you can convert it into a work vehicle and save thousands of dollars. If you don’t have one, save money by buying a used vehicle.

Budget for these rough startup costs:

• Equipment and supplies: $2,000–$10,000
• Work truck: $10,000–$50,000
• Licensing and permits: $50–$500
• Insurance: $1,000–$4,000
• Marketing and branding: $150–$1,000
• Initial operational expenses (fuel, uniforms, hand tools, storage): $1,000–$3,000

Read our guide to lawn care business startup costs for more detailed information.

Pro tip: Lease expensive equipment that you don’t use regularly, like a stump grinder or trenching machine.

Secure financing

If your personal savings can’t cover the startup costs, consider business financing. Here are a few common options:

• Government funding: Check your local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) for funding opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor also offers grants for startup businesses.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: Access a low-interest loan with long repayment periods. Check the SBA website for approved lenders, apply, and wait 60–90 days to get the loan approved.
• Business line of credit: A revolving line of credit lets you borrow, repay, and borrow again within your approved credit limit. While you can access these funds through traditional banks, federal credit unions offer lower interest rates.
• Business grants: These don’t require repayment. For example, the National Association for the Self-Employed offers growth grants of up to $4,000 to eligible members. Also, consider grants through the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). 

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Step #4: Register your company and secure a business license

Registration and licensing are what separate “side jobs” from “a real company” in the eyes of banks, insurers, and many clients. This also makes taxes, insurance, and contract requirements far easier to manage.

Follow these steps:

Pick a business name

A good business name is catchy and easy to remember. Avoid a vague name that doesn’t reflect your niche.

Try these naming formats:

• [City] + lawn care (“Westfield Lawn Care”)
• [Last Name] + landscaping (“Johnson Landscaping”)
• One- or two-word description + services (“GreenEdge Lawn Services”)
• Premium adjective + landscaping (“Evergreen Landscape Co.”)

Check your state business registry to be sure the name is still available. Also, confirm its availability as a domain name or social media handle. If the business name is already taken on social media, you can add an underscore or a prefix, such as “hq,” “official,” or “co.”

Some states restrict words like “banking,” “insurance,” or “government” unless you meet specific requirements. You need to get approval from state agencies to use restricted words. Review naming rules before registering.

Learn more: 300+ landscaping business names to inspire your brand

Choose a business structure

To legally operate your landscaping or lawn care business, you first need to choose a business structure. 

You have the following options:

• Sole proprietorship: You own the business entirely. If you’d like to operate under a different name, file a “doing business as” (DBA). You’re personally responsible for all business debts, lawsuits, and liabilities.
• Limited liability company (LLC): This separates your personal assets from the business. For example, if a client sues you over property damage, your personal assets won’t be at risk.
• Partnership: A partnership allows two or more people to share ownership of a business. They also share the costs and responsibilities of running it. Disputes can arise between partners if roles and expectations aren’t defined.
• Corporation: A corporation offers the strongest liability protection but is expensive to set up and maintain. It also requires more paperwork and reporting than any other structure. 

Most lawn care and landscaping businesses operate as sole proprietorships or LLCs. Pick a sole proprietorship if you’re on a tight budget. Choose an LLC if you’re starting a larger company and need liability protection.

Pro tip: If you need help choosing a legal structure, reach out to a lawyer or accounting professional to discuss your options.

Apply for a business license

Even for providers of basic lawn care, most local governments require a general business license before handling paid work. Each jurisdiction sets its licensing rules, so check official government portals for specific steps:

• City or county government website
• State Department of Revenue or Taxation
• State contractor licensing board
• State Department of Agriculture

Generally, applying for a business license involves the following steps:

• Register the business with the appropriate state board.
• Obtain your employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service for tax filing.
• Submit the requested documents and the application form.
• Pay the registration fee.

Some counties require you to get specific permits or registrations in addition to a business license. For example, you may also need:

• Sales tax permit for taxable services
• Pesticide applicator certification or permit for chemical use
• Special waste disposal permits for handling chemicals, oils, or green waste 

Pro tip: Store digital copies of your licenses, permits, and proof of insurance in Housecall Pro for easy access.

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Step #5: Get business insurance and bonding

Insurance protects you from liability claims, property damage, workplace injuries, and disputes. One accident or injury can derail a growing business if you’re not covered. Commercial and government clients also require proof of insurance before they will do business with you.

Most lawn care and landscaping businesses need:

• General liability insurance: This covers property damage and third-party injuries during a job. The industry standard for service businesses is $1 million per occurrence or $2 million aggregate.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: You’re legally required to secure workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured or ill on the job.
• Commercial auto insurance: This policy protects your vehicle from theft, accidents, and damage while driving to and from job sites. Insurance pros recommend a $500,000–$1 million combined single limit (CSL), depending on vehicle size and contract requirements.
• Bonding: A surety bond protects clients if the work isn’t completed as agreed, especially when you’re handling a large commercial project. Typical bond amounts range between $5,000 and $25,000, with many businesses starting at $10,000.

Pro tip: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare pricing, limits, exclusions, and deductibles.

Step #6: Buy lawn care tools and equipment

You don’t need every tool on day one. You just need a reliable setup for the services you’re offering right now. This keeps your startup costs aligned with real demand and reduces the “buy everything first” trap.

Start with these basic tools and equipment:

• Hand tools: These are the core tools you use on nearly every job and don’t rely on engines or motors. Common hand tools include the following:
  
  • Push mower or walk-behind mower
  • Leaf rakes
  • Pruners and hand shears
  • Edgers
  • Shovels and spades
    
• Power tools: Motor-powered equipment designed to handle larger workloads.
  
  • String trimmers
  • Leaf blowers
  • Hedge trimmers
  • Chainsaws
  • Power sprayers
    
• Safety equipment: Protects you and your crew from injuries caused by sharp tools, loud equipment, debris, and chemicals.
  • Gloves and eye protection gear
  • Hearing protection
  • Steel-toe or non-slip boots
  • High-visibility vests
  • First-aid kit
    
• Work vehicle: Your vehicle is your mobile workspace and storage unit. It needs to safely transport your crew, equipment, and materials between job sites. Consider this vehicle setup:
  
  • Pickup truck or utility van
  • Equipment trailer
  • Tool racks
  • Fuel containers

You can lower startup costs by buying used or refurbished equipment. Make sure to also budget for ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Pro tip: Use Housecall Pro’s equipment tracking to assign tools to your technicians and track equipment inventory and maintenance schedules.

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Step #7: Price your services

Pricing affects your business’s sustainability and competitiveness. But many new business owners undervalue their services to attract clients. A pricing strategy should do two things at once: keep you competitive locally and ensure each job covers costs, overhead, and profit.

Follow the steps below to price lawn care or landscaping services. 

Choose a pricing model

Use any of these pricing models, depending on how predictable the work is and how often it’s booked:

• Hourly pricing: Bill for labor by the hour. Best for one-off or unpredictable jobs, like cleanups, pruning, or irrigation troubleshooting.
• Flat-rate pricing: Charge a specific price for a certain service. Best for repetitive jobs where you can predict how much time you spend.
• Hybrid pricing: Combine hourly and flat rate pricing. For example, set a fixed rate for weed control and bill hourly for extras.

After you choose a pricing model, stay consistent so clients know what to expect. Pricing consistency also makes it easier to track profit margins and plan for growth.

Set your rates

Take time to understand your costs, margins, and break-even point before you build anything else.

• Calculate your base costs: Add up the amount you’ll spend on labor, fuel, equipment maintenance, insurance, software, and overhead.
• Add your profit margin: Aim for 5%–20%, depending on service type and efficiency.
• Research competitor pricing: Use competitor pricing as a benchmark to set your own rates.
• Adjust based on service type: Price routine maintenance lower and set higher rates for specialty services. 

Your service rate improves with experience. Start with informed estimates and track your profit per job. Adjust your rates once you have sales data to determine which services deliver the highest returns.

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Step #8: Market your lawn care or landscaping business

Marketing is how homeowners and property owners find, recognize, and choose your business. It helps you stand out locally, communicate trust, and turn first-time jobs into repeat customers. The goal is simple: make your lawn care or landscaping business easy to find, easy to recognize, and easy to hire.

Design your brand

Your brand should reflect who you are, what you do, and why you’re reliable. Simple, clear branding builds trust faster than flashy designs.

Follow these steps:

• Design a professional logo that reflects your niche.
• Pick a color scheme and use it across all marketing materials. 
• Use the same font and tone on your website, vehicles, flyers, and invoices.
• Keep your brand voice consistent across all marketing channels.

Build an online presence

A few simple digital marketing tips can help your lawn business appear at the top of search results:

• Build a user-friendly website with clear service descriptions, pricing, and a call-to-action (CTA) button. 
• Set up your Google Business Profile, complete with your location, service descriptions, work samples, and team images.
• Request reviews and upload work photos after each completed job.
• Use social media marketing to reach homeowners on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Add testimonials to your website to gain customer trust.

Use offline marketing strategies

Offline marketing is still a powerful way to get in front of property owners who need lawn care services. 

Here are traditional marketing ideas you could try:

• Distribute door hangers or flyers around the neighborhoods you work in.
• Partner with real estate agents and property managers for referrals.
• Attend local events and HOA meetings where your target customers are.
• Ask satisfied customers for referrals and incentivize them with a discount or free add-on.

Pro tip: Marketing is easier when routine outreach runs automatically in the background. Housecall Pro’s review management software helps manage follow-ups, reviews, and referrals so you can focus on more important marketing tasks like branding and customer acquisition.

Step #9: Grow your lawn care or landscaping business

Growth goes smoother when you scale what’s already working. Start by making your routes predictable and profitable, then add capacity or services.

You can begin by adding complementary services, like seasonal cleanups, fertilization, and basic irrigation checks. Or, you could expand into a nearby neighborhood. This means hiring new employees to handle the workload increase. 

Hire employees

If you’re turning down work, working long hours, or struggling to manage both field work and admin tasks, it’s time to hire. Adding employees will allow you to increase work capacity, shorten response times, and maintain service quality.

When evaluating applicants, look for reliability, basic equipment knowledge, and a strong work ethic. Here are additional steps to follow:

• Interview potential candidates in person to assess their communication and professionalism.
• Check references to verify work history and reliability.
• Verify required certifications for specialized services, such as fertilization and irrigation.
• Provide hands-on training so new hires follow your work standards.

Matt Clark, a Housecall Pro business strategist, emphasizes the importance of structured onboarding: “The first 30, 60, and 90 days are when expectations, habits, and culture get built. Show new hires exactly what success looks like from day one.”

Pro tip: Document the onboarding process so every employee delivers a consistent service quality.

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How Housecall Pro’s landscaping business software can help

Running a landscaping business involves more than just cutting grass. You’re juggling schedules, invoices, crew members, and customers. Housecall Pro’s landscaping software brings it all into one view, letting you manage your entire operation without hopping between apps.

• Schedule with ease: Book appointments, send automated reminders, and optimize your recurring service routes to save fuel and time.
• Get paid faster: Send professional estimates and invoices from the job site, and let customers pay instantly online.
• Automate marketing: Request reviews automatically after every job to keep the phone ringing.
• Streamline operations: Process payments, fill out digital forms, and access customer history right from your phone.

Ready to launch your business? Try a free 14-day trial to see why more than 200,000 Pros across 50 trades trust us to grow and streamline their operations. 

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