How to start a lawn care business with no money (step-by-step guide)

Lawn care is one of the few industries where you can start small and still build a profitable business. Many lawn care pros start with borrowed tools, basic jobs, and a small group of local customers, then reinvest every dollar back into better equipment and more reliable transportation until they can afford a truck and trailer.

This guide breaks down how to start a lawn care business with very little upfront cash. You’ll learn which services to offer first, how to handle the legal basics on a tight budget, and how to land your first customers without spending on ads.

Table of contents

Is it really possible to start a lawn care business with no money?

The short answer is yes, but “no money” in reality usually means “very little upfront cash,” not zero dollars. Lawn care has a low barrier to entry compared to other home service businesses, and it’s possible to start earning before you invest heavily.

The key is knowing which costs you can delay—and which ones you can’t.

Here’s how to bridge the gap:

• Equipment: Borrow it or use the customer’s tools.
• Marketing: Use free neighborhood groups instead of paid ads.
• Vehicle: Use your personal vehicle until you can afford a work truck.

A few small expenses—business registration fees, basic insurance, and fuel costs—are usually unavoidable. These costs are typically modest and vary by state. Plan for them early so you’re not caught off guard after landing your first job.

Learn more: How to write a lawn care business plan (+free template)

Step #1: Start with services that require little to no equipment

When you’re starting a lawn care business with little cash, don’t try to be a full-service landscaper on day one. Focus on labor-intensive services that don’t require specialized tools, certifications, or chemical licenses.

These jobs are in demand and often turn into recurring work:

• Lawn mowing: Weekly or biweekly mowing is one of the easiest ways to generate consistent income. 
• Trimming and edging: These services improve curb appeal and pair naturally with mowing. 
• Leaf cleanup: Seasonal cleanup work requires little more than a rake or a blower. 
• Basic yard cleanup: Removing sticks, debris, and overgrowth is straightforward work that helps build your reputation. 

The goal early on isn’t variety. It’s consistency and repeat visits.

Services to avoid until you have cash flow

Some lawn services require more upfront investment, licensing, or ongoing supply costs. Taking them on too early can strain your budget or slow down jobs.

Hold off on services like:

• Fertilization and weed control: Often require licenses, chemical storage, and recurring material costs. 
• Pesticide application: Involves state regulations, safety training, and higher insurance requirements. 
• Irrigation repair: Requires specialized tools and technical knowledge. 
• Landscaping installs: Typically involve more materials and tools, transport, and longer timelines.

Start with work you can complete quickly, safely, and profitably. Add complexity later.

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Step #2: Get lawn care equipment without buying it

When you’re starting with little cash, buying brand-new equipment isn’t realistic. The goal is to access tools without taking on debt, then transition to ownership once revenue is steady.

Borrow or share equipment

Borrowing equipment from friends or family is one of the easiest ways to get started. This can give you access to basic tools like mowers, trimmers, and blowers.

If you go this route, set clear expectations:

• Agree on a timeline: Be specific about how long you’ll need the equipment.
• Cover the costs: Always pay for fuel and basic maintenance.
• Fix what you break: If something fails while you’re using it, repair or replace it immediately.

Your reputation matters more than any early job. Protect relationships first.

Use customer-provided equipment

Some customers, especially friends and neighbors, may be open to you using their equipment for one-time jobs. This can work as long as expectations are clear.

Be upfront and professional. Explain that using their tools helps keep your costs lower while you’re getting started.

Before beginning:

• Inspect the equipment.
• Confirm it’s safe.
• Clarify who’s responsible if it breaks.

Even when you’re using a customer’s mower or trimmer, you’re still responsible for the quality of the work. If the equipment isn’t reliable, it’s better to walk away than risk injury or poor-quality work.

Rent or buy used once you have income

As soon as your first jobs start paying, plan your transition to your own equipment. Renting or buying used is often smarter than financing new machines.

Look for used mowers on local online marketplaces or at equipment dealers. Focus on reliability, not looks. Every piece of equipment you buy should either help you finish jobs faster or reduce breakdown risk. If it doesn’t, wait.

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Step #3: Handle the legal basics without spending much

Setting up the legal side of your lawn care business doesn’t have to be complicated. When you’re starting small, focus on meeting minimum requirements so you can operate legally and confidently.

Business registration and licenses

Most lawn care businesses start as sole proprietorships because they’re simple and affordable. In many states, the only requirement is registering your business name (if you’re using one) and getting a basic local business license. 

Here’s what to do first:

• Choose a business name: If you operate under a name other than your legal name (like “Green Edge Lawn Care” instead of “John Smith”), you’ll likely need to file a “Doing Business As” (DBA).
• Check local requirements: Visit your city or county website to see if you need a basic business license to mow lawns in your area. 
• Register with your state (if needed): Some states require sole proprietors to register; others don’t.

Keep your setup lean. You can always form an LLC later once revenue is steady.

Pro tip: You can find step-by-step guidance through the Small Business Administration (SBA), which covers registration and licensing requirements by state and business type. 

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

Insurance options for beginners (don’t skip)

Insurance is one area where cutting corners can backfire. A rock thrown from a mower can shatter a window—and wipe out weeks of profit.

General liability insurance typically covers:

• Property damage (for example, that broken window)
• Accidental injury to a customer or bystander
• Legal costs related to the defense of covered claims

Many providers offer affordable starter policies for solo operators.

If insurance feels out of reach on day one, limit early jobs to lower-risk tasks (like raking) and prioritize buying coverage as soon as your first invoice is paid.

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Step #4: Get your first lawn care customers for free

When you’re starting a lawn care business with no money, paid ads aren’t the answer. Early growth comes from quality work and word of mouth, not marketing spending.

Your goal at this stage isn’t scale. It’s finding 5–10 customers you can serve consistently.

Start with people who already trust you

Your first jobs usually come from:

• Family
• Friends
• Neighbors
• Coworkers

Keep it simple:

• “I’m mowing lawns on weekends.”
• “I’m starting in our neighborhood.”
• “If you know someone who needs help, pass along my number.”

You don’t need a sales pitch. A simple message or conversation is often enough to get your first few jobs booked.

Use free local marketing channels

Once you’ve tapped your immediate network, expand into free platforms where homeowners already look for help:

• Local Facebook groups: Join neighborhood pages and post professional, friendly updates.
• Nextdoor: Verify your account and recommend your services to neighbors.
• Yard signs: Ask permission to place a small sign in a client’s yard after a job well done.

Respond quickly, communicate clearly, and post consistently. Reliability builds your reputation faster than flashy marketing.

Turn one job into recurring work

The fastest way to grow without spending money is to turn one-time jobs into repeat customers. Instead of chasing new customers every week, offer:

• Weekly mowing
• Biweekly maintenance
• Seasonal cleanup packages

Even a small route of recurring jobs can cover fuel, insurance, and basic expenses, giving you the stability to keep growing.

Pro tip: As your list of recurring customers grows, keep track of visit schedules and customer notes or preferences. That helps prevent missed jobs and awkward follow-ups.

Learn more: 10 lawn care marketing strategies to grow your business

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Step #5: Price lawn care services to generate cash flow quickly

Early pricing doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to keep money flowing. Simple pricing helps customers say “yes” faster and prevents undercharging without realizing it. 

Start simple with flat or per-visit pricing

Flat-rate or per-visit pricing works well for new lawn care businesses because it’s easy to explain. Instead of breaking down every minute of labor, price jobs as a single service based on lawn size, accessibility, and frequency.

This approach helps you:

• Quote on the spot: You don’t need a calculator to tell a neighbor it will be $40.
• Reduce back-and-forth: Give a number, get a yes, and get to work.
• Spot mistakes fast: If a job takes you longer than expected, you know immediately not to offer that price again.

Simple lawn mowing pricing example

Here’s a repeatable structure you can follow:

Scope: Standard front and backyard mow (under 5,000 square feet)
Pricing model: Flat-rate per visit
Baseline calculation: 45 minutes at $50 per labor hour = $37
Profit margin: 20% buffer for fuel and equipment wear
Add-ons: Edging ($10), bagging clippings ($5)
Final price: $45 base mow (or $55–$60 with add-ons)

Keep your math simple and consistent. Complexity slows down sales.

Raise prices as demand grows

As your schedule fills, your prices should increase. Small increases are often easier to implement than you might expect, especially for recurring customers who value your reliability. Raising prices gradually helps cover fuel and insurance costs without forcing you to take on more jobs just to break even. 

Learn more: How to price lawn care and mowing services (step-by-step guide)

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Step #6: Reinvest early profits to grow sustainably

When money starts coming in, how you spend it determines how fast you grow. The right early purchases help you work faster, take on more jobs, and reduce risk. The wrong ones slow you down and drain cash.

Focus on purchases that improve:

• Reliability
• Speed
• Safety
• Organization

What to buy first

Your first reinvestments should simplify your day-to-day work and protect what you’re building. That includes:

• Reliable equipment: If your mower doesn’t start, you don’t get paid. Upgrade to a dependable mower, trimmer, and blower as soon as possible.
• Insurance coverage: As your workload increases, so does your risk. Make sure your policy covers your growing list of properties.
• Basic branding: A business shirt or a vehicle magnet helps neighbors remember who you are and how to reach you.

What can wait

Some purchases feel important but don’t improve cash flow immediately. Holding off on these until your business grows keeps your budget flexible.

It’s usually best to delay:

• Advanced equipment: Don’t buy an aerator for one job. Rent it instead.
• New vehicles: Stick to your current vehicle or a cheap work truck until you absolutely need a trailer.
• Paid advertising: Continue using free local channels until you can’t keep up with the leads.

How Housecall Pro helps you grow your lawn care business on a budget

Once you move from a few jobs to a steady route, organization becomes just as important as mowing. Missed visits, forgotten invoices, and slow payments can stall your growth fast.

Housecall Pro’s lawn care software helps you stay organized without hiring staff:

• Schedule jobs in one place: Keep track of upcoming visits, recurring services, and changes without juggling texts or miscellaneous notes. 
• Send estimates and invoices quickly: Create clear estimates and invoices right from the jobsite so nothing gets delayed. 
• Accept payments faster: Give customers easy ways to pay to improve cash flow. 
• Set up automatic reminders: Reduce no-shows and late payments without adding to your workload.

Having simple systems in place makes it easier to focus on the tasks that matter most without being distracted by administrative work. Try Housecall Pro free for 14 days to see how it can help your business grow.

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