Starting a Basic Landscaping Business: First Steps

Launching a lawn/landscape service starts with action, not perfection. Here's the practical roadmap.

1. Legal & Financial Basics

• Register business name (DBA or LLC).
• Get EIN from IRS.
• Open business bank account.
• Buy general liability insurance ($500–1,500/yr).

2. Equipment & Skills

• Start with core tools: commercial mower, trimmer, blower, hand tools.
• Learn proper pruning, planting, irrigation basics (books, YouTube, community college).
• Consider ISA Certified Arborist or state pesticide license later.

3. Pricing & Contracts

• Charge by job, not hour. Price for: labor + materials + overhead + profit.
• Typical rates: mowing $35–75/visit; pruning $50–150/hr; mulch $60–100/yd installed.
• Use simple written agreements: scope, schedule, payment terms.

4. Marketing

• Google Business Profile + 5-star reviews.
• Door hangers in target neighborhoods.
• Nextdoor, Facebook community groups.
• Referral discount for existing clients.

5. Growth Mindset

Start small, reinvest profits, hire help when booked 2+ weeks out. Most successful owners began exactly where you are.