If you’ve spent countless hours behind a mower and can spot an irrigation issue from a mile away, starting your own landscaping business could be your next big move.

You already know your STIHL from your Scag and how to lay the perfect pattern on a Kentucky Blue lawn. But in 2025, running a successful landscaping business takes more than just skill with turf and hardscaping — it requires smart business planning, efficient operations, and the right tools to stay competitive.

The good news? Demand for landscaping services is booming. Property owners are investing more in their outdoor spaces, whether for curb appeal, functional outdoor living, or sustainability. In fact, the U.S. landscaping industry is projected to reach $176.5 billion by 2028 (IBISWorld, 2024), creating plenty of opportunities for new and growing businesses.

So whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale your operation, this guide has you covered. We’ll walk through everything you need to launch and grow a thriving landscaping business, from licensing and insurance to equipment, marketing, and technology. Plus, we’ll show you how to streamline operations with the right tools so you can focus on delivering stellar service to your clients.

Let’s dig in.

Why start a landscaping business?

Landscaping is one of the few service-based businesses with a relatively low barrier to entry and high potential for growth. You don’t need a degree to get started, and if you have the right skills, equipment, and a solid plan, you can scale from a solo operation to a full-fledged business pretty quickly. Here’s what makes it an attractive option:

• Flexibility and scalability: Start as a one-person operation and expand as your client base grows.
• Recession-resistant: While economic downturns impact most industries, landscaping services remain in demand because property upkeep is a necessity.
• Recurring revenue opportunities: Many services, like lawn maintenance and irrigation, create steady, repeat business.
• Outdoor work: If you love working outside and seeing the immediate results of your efforts, landscaping offers a rewarding career path.

Even though starting a landscape business is easier than in some industries, you still need a solid plan to thrive. That’s why we created this guide!

Step 1: Market research and business planning

First things first. Before you dive into buying equipment and taking on clients, it pays to do some basic research on your market and create a solid business plan. A well-thought-out plan will help you define your niche, attract the right customers, and set your business up for profitability.

Identify your target market

Landscaping businesses typically serve either residential or commercial clients:

• Residential landscaping: Homeowners looking for lawn care, garden design, seasonal cleanups, and hardscaping services.
• Commercial landscaping: Businesses, HOAs, and public properties need year-round maintenance, irrigation, and large-scale landscaping projects.

For example, a landscaping business in Phoenix, AZ might focus on drought-resistant xeriscaping and irrigation systems. But a landscaper in Chicago, IL could offer seasonal snow removal services in addition to landscaping. 

Pro Tip: Use local search trends and tools like Google Trends to gauge demand in your area.

Define your services

Your service offerings will shape your pricing, equipment needs, and target audience. Here are some key landscaping services to consider:

• Lawn care and maintenance: Mowing, fertilizing, aeration, weed control.
• Landscape design and installation: Creating and installing custom gardens, hardscapes, and outdoor living spaces.
• Irrigation system services: Installing and maintaining sprinkler systems.
• Tree and shrub care: Pruning, removal, and pest control.
• Seasonal services: Fall cleanups, holiday light installations, and snow removal in colder climates.

Since seasonality is a factor for landscaping, it’s important to consider any extra services you can add on for slower months. Say you live in an area with mild winters; you might consider offering holiday light installation as an extra revenue stream during the slower months.

Writing a business plan

A solid business plan outlines the plan for turning your landscaping skills into a profitable business. It helps define your goals, pricing strategy, and target market. Plus, a business plan is necessary for securing funding, whether it’s a small business loan, investor, or equipment financing.

Think of it as your guide to building a business that runs smoothly and thrives long-term. Your business plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should include:

• Mission & vision: Why are you starting your landscaping business? What is the purpose of your company (mission) and what will it look like in 5 years (vision)?
• Target market: The customer base that you will serve: Residential, commercial, or both? What geographical area will you service?
• Competitive analysis: Who are your competitors, and what makes you different? Are there gaps in competitors’ offerings that you could fill?
• Pricing strategy: What will your pricing structure be? Flat fees vs. hourly rates vs. recurring service contracts.
• Marketing plan: How will you get customers? What channels will you market on and what tactics will you use to bring in your first customers?
• Financial projections: Estimated startup costs, expected revenue, and break-even timeline.

Pro Tip: If you plan to apply for financing or a business loan, you’ll also need a detailed financial plan.

Step 2: Legal requirements and licensing

Before booking your first landscaping job, you’ll need to register your business, get the right licenses, and secure insurance to operate legally and protect yourself from liability. This step is relatively straightforward, as long as you do your research up front to understand exactly what’s needed.

Choose a business structure

Your business structure affects everything from taxes to personal liability. Here are the most common options:

• Sole proprietorship: A simple setup, but you’re personally liable for business debts.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): This structure protects personal assets while allowing flexibility. It’s the most common among small business owners.
• Partnership: A good option for businesses with multiple owners, although partners share liability.
• Corporation (S or C Corp): Best for larger businesses, this structure involves more paperwork.

If you’re starting out as a solo landscaper but plan to expand later, an LLC is often the best choice because it protects your personal assets and is easy to scale.

Register your business

Once you’ve chosen a structure, register your business name with your state and local government, and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (if you plan to hire employees). You may also need to register for state sales tax if you’re selling physical products like mulch, plants, or equipment. 

Obtain licenses and permits

Landscaping businesses may require state or local licenses, depending on your services. Check your local requirements to see if you need:

• Landscaping contractor’s license: Required in some states for large projects.
• Pesticide application license: Required if you apply herbicides or pesticides.
• General business license: Issued by your city or county. 

If you plan to apply weed control treatments, check with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and your state’s Department of Agriculture for pesticide licensing requirements.

Get insured

Business insurance helps protect your business from lawsuits and accidents. For businesses like landscaping where you’re in the field conducting manual labor, certain insurance coverage is critical to safeguard your business. Consider obtaining:

• General liability insurance: Covers property damage and injuries.
• Workers’ compensation: Required if you have employees.
• Commercial auto insurance: Covers your work trucks and trailers in the case of accidents or damage.

Pro Tip: Clients may ask for proof of insurance before hiring you, especially for commercial contracts. Make sure you’re covered!

Step 3: Budgeting and price structure 

How much does it cost to start a landscaping business? We hear this question all the time. Like most businesses, launching a landscaping company requires some upfront investment. But the good news is that it’s more affordable than many other service-based businesses. The total cost depends on the scale of your operation, the services you offer, and whether you buy new or used equipment. 

Let’s break down the key expenses:

1. Equipment purchase or rental

Your biggest investment will be equipment. If you’re offering basic lawn care services, you can likely get started with around $5,000–$10,000 for essential tools. But if you plan on handling large-scale landscaping projects, the initial costs may total $50,000 or more.

Some estimated costs for basic equipment include:

• Commercial lawn mower (riding or push): $2,000–$10,000
• String trimmer and edger: $200–$600
• Leaf blower: $100–$500
• Shovels, rakes, hand tools: $300–$1,000
• Trailer for transport: $1,000–$5,000
• Work truck (used/new): $10,000–$40,000
• Uniforms and protective gear: $200–$1,000

If you’re unsure about long-term equipment needs, renting can be a cost-effective option as you get your business off the ground. Equipment rental services like Sunbelt Rentals and Home Depot allow you to lease professional-grade tools at a fraction of the cost of purchasing.

2. Initial marketing expenses

To get your first clients, you’ll need to invest in some upfront marketing. Here’s what to budget for:

• Professional website: $500–$2,500 (or use DIY platforms like Wix for under $200)
• Business cards, flyers, and yard signs: $100–$500
• Google My Business and local SEO: Free to set up, but SEO services can cost $300–$1,000/month
• Social media advertising: $100–$500/month to start

3. Licensing and insurance fees

Based on what we shared earlier, you’ll need to cover basic licensing and insurance costs to protect your business from Day One:

• Business registration & LLC formation: $50–$500 (varies by state)
• Landscaping contractor license (if required): $200–$500
• Pesticide application license (if applicable): $75–$150
• General liability insurance: $500–$2,500/year
• Commercial auto insurance: $1,000–$3,000/year

4. How to price your services for profitability

Setting the right pricing helps you stay competitive while making a profit. Here’s some guidance to help you decide on the right price structure for your business:

• Hourly pricing: Many landscapers charge $50–$100 per hour based on location and service complexity.
• Flat-rate pricing: Instead of hourly billing, it’s common to charge per service (e.g., $50 for lawn mowing, $300 for mulching, $2,500+ for full landscaping projects).
• Subscription plans: Offer weekly or monthly maintenance packages for stable, recurring income. This option is common for recurring lawn care and general landscape maintenance (weed and leaf removal, etc.).

For example, a small lawn care package might include weekly mowing, trimming, and weed control for $250 per month, while a full-service landscaping package could be priced at $5,000–$10,000 per project.

5. Budgeting for operational expenses

When considering how to start a landscape business, don’t overlook the ongoing costs of running the operation (prices will vary depending on the number of vehicles and equipment): 

• Fuel for mowers and trucks: $500–$2,000/month 
• Equipment maintenance: $100–$500/month
• Employee wages (if hiring): $15–$30/hour per worker

Make sure to keep a detailed budget to help avoid cash flow surprises and keep your business profitable.

Step 4: Obtaining equipment and supplies

With your business foundations in place, it’s time to invest in landscaping equipment. Having the right equipment will set you up for streamlined operations and project a professional image for your business. Here’s what you need to get started.

An essential equipment list includes:

• Mowers: A commercial riding mower ($4,000+) speeds up jobs, but a high-end push mower ($500+) is a good starting point, especially for smaller properties.
• Trimmers and edgers: Keep lawns looking sharp with a gas-powered string trimmer ($200+) and a dedicated lawn edger ($150+).
• Leaf blowers: A backpack blower ($300+) is more powerful than handheld versions and saves time on cleanups.
• Protective gear: At a minimum, invest in gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and noise-canceling headphones for protection. Additional sun protection will be necessary in hot climates.

Should you purchase or rent landscaping equipment?

Deciding whether to buy or rent equipment depends on how often you’ll use it, upfront costs, and long-term financial impact. While renting frequently used equipment like commercial land mowers makes sense in the short term as you get your business off the ground, it will be more cost-effective to purchase your own mowers once you have the available funds. However, specialty projects may require use of costlier equipment, which is easier to rent for short-term use.

This table breaks down the key pros and cons of each option:

Criteria	Buying	Renting
Pros	Lower long-term cost Always available when needed	Great for expensive, infrequently used equipment (e.g., stump grinders) No maintenance costs
Cons	Higher upfront investment Requires maintenance	Rental fees add up over time

If your company takes on a one-time tree removal project, it’s smarter to rent a stump grinder ($150/day) rather than buy one for $2,000+. But if your landscaping business offers lawn maintenance services year-round, investing in a commercial-grade mower (once you have the funds) is a cost-effective decision because it will be used on almost every job.

Maintenance practices

Regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment and prevents downtime. Make sure to:

• Sharpen mower blades every 20-25 hours of use
• Change oil and air filters monthly
• Store equipment properly to avoid rust and weather damage

Keeping spare parts and backup tools on hand helps ensure you don’t lose business in the event of an unexpected equipment failure.

Step 5: Marketing your landscaping business for customer acquisition

To attract clients and build a steady customer base, you’ll need a marketing plan that combines online and offline strategies. Traditional, offline marketing is especially important for a landscaping business where you work on people’s properties and will frequently interact with our customers. These 5 steps will set you on the right path:

1. Create a memorable business name and logo

Your business name should be:

• Easy to remember
• Relevant to landscaping (e.g., GreenEdge Landscaping, Evergreen Pro Services)
• Notably different from competitors

Hire a designer or use a tool like Canva to create a professional logo that looks great on business cards, trucks, and uniforms.

2. Build a strong online presence

An online presence is like a digital business card, and consists of all the places where people can find information about your business on the internet. Start with a website and social media.

A website boosts credibility and serves as a hub for your services, pricing, and contact info. Use WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace to create a simple, visually appealing site with:

• An introduction to your company and your mission and vision
• Service descriptions and pricing
• A booking form (integrate with your field service management software for ease of use)
• Customer reviews and testimonials
• Contact information, including a direct phone number

Social media marketing best practices involve creating business profiles across multiple social platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and other channels like TikTok or LinkedIn. Some ideas for social media content include:

• Post before-and-after project photos on Instagram and Facebook.
• Use Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor to advertise locally.
• Run geo-targeted ads on Google and Facebook to reach nearby homeowners.

For example, you could post a time-lapse video of a backyard makeover, showing the transformation from dirt patch to lush greenery.

3. Local SEO for visibility

To rank higher on Google, optimize for local search engine optimization (SEO). This will help your business appear higher up on search engine results pages when people search for related keywords. Start by:

• Claiming your Google Business Profile
• Using location-based keywords (e.g., “best landscaping service in Miami”)
• Getting backlinks from local directories (start with Yelp, Angi, Houzz)

4. Traditional marketing tactics

For field service businesses like landscaping, these tactics are critical to build a good reputation in your community and foster trust with potential customers. Consider:

• Flyers & door hangers: Target neighborhoods with high homeownership rates (vs. rentals).
• Business cards: Hand them out at networking events and home improvement stores.
• Vehicle branding: A wrapped truck or magnetic signs turns your vehicle into a mobile ad. 

5. Leverage client referrals and reviews

As you establish a solid customer base, their recommendations will be one of your best sales tools. Leverage word-of-mouth referrals from happy customers by:

• Asking satisfied clients to leave Google reviews (offer a small discount for reviews).
• Using GorillaDesk’s review management feature to automate follow-up requests.
• Offering a referral discount (something like, “Refer a friend and get $50 off your next service!”).

User-generated content on social media can be a powerful testament to your services. Say a customer who just got sod installation posts a photo of their new lawn and tags your business on Instagram. Engage with them by commenting “Thanks for trusting us! Enjoy your new lawn!” to encourage shares.

Step 6: Dialing in operational processes

Running a successful landscaping business takes more than just having the right tools. It’s equally important to stay organized and efficient. Managing scheduling, time, and quality control effectively will help save you money, keep customers happy, and grow your business faster.

Scheduling and time management

A well-planned schedule for your team will help maximize productivity and minimize downtime. Whether you’re handling weekly lawn maintenance routes or large landscaping projects, here’s how to stay on top of your schedule:

• Plan daily routes efficiently: Group clients by location to minimize travel time and fuel costs.
• Use scheduling software: A digital scheduling tool like GorillaDesk helps you assign jobs, adjust appointments, and keep track of work orders in one place.
• Account for unexpected delays: Weather, equipment issues, and client requests can throw off your day, so build in buffer time.
• Automate appointment reminders: Reduce no-shows by sending automated text or email reminders to clients.

Let’s say you have five clients in the same neighborhood; schedule them back-to-back to avoid unnecessary driving. GorillaDesk’s routing feature helps optimize your schedule to reduce travel time and maximize daily revenue.

Quality assurance

Staying consistent with your service quality is key to keeping customers happy and securing repeat business. High-quality service leads to positive reviews and referrals, which drive more sales than any marketing campaign.

Here’s how to maintain high service standards:

• Create a standard operating procedure (SOP): Set clear guidelines for mowing heights, edging techniques, cleanup expectations, and more.
• Use customer feedback: Encourage customers to leave reviews and check in with them periodically to ensure they’re satisfied.
• Train your team: If you have employees, provide hands-on training to maintain consistency in service.
• Track job completion: Track every project to ensure all tasks are completed before marking a job as finished.

After completing a job, send clients a quick follow-up text asking for feedback. If they’re happy, ask them to leave a Google review—GorillaDesk’s review management feature makes this process simple.

Step 7: Managing your finances

Handling your business finances properly can make or break your success. A solid financial system keeps cash flow steady, makes sure everyone gets paid on time, and prevents tax headaches down the road. Follow these best practices to start off on the right foot.

Implement an accounting system

Managing invoices, tracking expenses, and staying on top of payments is easier when you automate financial tasks. We recommend:

• Using invoicing software: GorillaDesk’s invoicing feature lets you send professional invoices, accept online payments, and track outstanding balances.
• Separate business and personal finances: Open a dedicated business bank account to track revenue and expenses.
• Track expenses in real time: Fuel, equipment repairs, and supplies add up fast. Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Wave to track spending.
• Set up automated payments: Reduce time spent on billing by offering recurring payment options for subscription services like lawn care.

Instead of manually sending invoices after every job, use GorillaDesk to automatically generate and send invoices upon job completion and help you get paid faster.

Understand tax obligations

No one likes dealing with taxes, but understanding your obligations prevents costly penalties and keeps your business legally compliant.

Some key tax considerations for landscaping businesses include:

• Self-employment tax: If you’re a sole proprietor or LLC, you’ll pay 15.3% self-employment tax in addition to income tax.
• State and local sales tax: Some states require you to charge sales tax on landscaping services.
• Quarterly estimated tax payments: If your business is profitable, you may need to pay estimated taxes four times per year instead of one lump sum in April.
• Tax deductions: Write off business expenses like fuel, equipment, insurance, and marketing to reduce your taxable income.

Let’s look at an example: If you buy a $10,000 commercial mower, you may be able to deduct it under Section 179 of the tax code, lowering your taxable income.

Go start (or grow!) your landscaping business

If you weren’t sure how to start a landscaping business — or grow it into a full-fledged operation, this guide covered the seven steps to lay a solid foundation for a profitable company. When done right, landscaping is a highly rewarding and scalable business opportunity. Let’s recap the key steps to getting started:

1. Research your market and define your services: Know your niche and who your ideal customers are.
2. Register your business and get licensed: Ensure you’re operating legally with the right permits and insurance.
3. Budgeting and price structure: Determine how much you need to invest up front and what pricing structure you’ll offer.
4. Invest in essential equipment: Whether it makes sense to buy or rent, make sure you have the right tools for the job.
5. Create a marketing strategy: Build a strong online presence with a website and social media profiles, focus on local SEO, and leverage client referrals.
6. Dial in your operations: Use field service management software like GorillaDesk to schedule jobs, send invoices, collect reviews, and optimize your routes, all on one platform.
7. Manage finances wisely: Track expenses, automate invoicing, and stay on top of tax obligations.

Ready to take your landscaping business to the next level? Start a free trial with GorillaDesk today and see how easy it is to manage and grow your landscaping business!