How to Start a Lawn Care Business 

Trying to start a lawn care business? You might wonder what you can do to stand out from others. You have to decide what services to offer and how to find your first customers. These are common concerns when stepping into the lawn care industry. 

Starting a lawn care business can be a rewarding journey with the right approach. It offers the chance to be your own boss, work outdoors, and add to the aesthetics of your community. 

Plus, there’s always a need for quality lawn care, which means there are plenty of opportunities to succeed. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to get your lawn care business off the ground. We’ll start by exploring the reasons to dive into this industry. 

Next, we’ll outline the various services you can offer. Do you prefer basic mowing or complex landscaping jobs? We’ll discuss the tools you’ll need to deliver these services effectively. 

We’ll also share strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Finally, we’ll set some practical goals to help you start on the right foot. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap for starting your lawn care business. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to grow your venture into a thriving service that adds real value to your clients and community. 

Why Start a Lawn Care Business? 

A lawn care business provides services to maintain and improve lawns and outdoor landscapes. 

Many people work in lawn care. In the U.S., about 1 million people have jobs in this field. Since 2018, this number has grown by 2.7%. 

As of 2023, there were 642,000 lawn care businesses in the U.S. The industry makes about $150.4 billion annually, and income increases annually. 

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So, why is starting a lawn care business a good idea? 

First, people spend money on lawn care when they have extra cash. But even when money is tight, they still want their yards to look good. This means there’s always a need for lawn care. 

Businesses and other public facilities like schools or parks need lawn care, too. They often pay more for this service and maintain more consistent schedules. 

Lawn care businesses can increase profits and visibility by working both residential and commercial jobs. 

Second, income from lawn care is increasing every year. Even with maintenance costs like water or equipment also going up, people still need landscaping services. Joining a growing industry is a smart move. 

In addition, starting your own lawn care business means you can be in charge. You decide what jobs to take and when you work. It’s a great way to achieve work-life balance and run your own show. 

And finally, when you work in lawn care, you positively impact your community. Well-kept yards make neighborhoods nicer for everyone. 

What Kinds of Services Are Offered by a Lawn Care Business? 

A lawn care business offers multiple services to make yards look their best. Here are some things you may consider as standalone services or packaged for better value: 

• Mowing—Cutting lawns so they look neat and tidy. 
• Fertilizing—Giving the lawn necessary nutrients at specific times of the year so it stays green and healthy. 
• Weed control—Clearing unwanted plants and preventing their return. 
• Pest control—Keeping insects and other pests away from the yard. 
• Aeration—Making small holes in the lawn so air and water can reach the roots. 
• Over-seeding—Putting down new grass seeds to fill in bare spots. 
• Landscaping—Filling in beds and other areas with decorative plants and hardscape. 

Examples of Services and Pricing 

Here are two examples of lawn services and their price points. This data should give you a rough idea of your potential earnings. 

Mowing 

People pay different amounts for mowing, depending on their yard size and where they live. The cost can be as low as $49 or as high as $205. But typically, it’s around $123. 

If you mow 10 lawns per week at this price, you could make about $1,230. 

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Weed Control 

Eliminating weeds costs between $65 and $150 per treatment. But most customers average about $100 for a normal-sized yard. 

If you do weed control for 10 yards at this rate, you could earn about $1,000. 

What Are the Essential Tools Required by a Lawn Care Company? 

To start a lawn care business, you need the right tools. Must-have tools include the following: 

• Lawnmower—This is the most important tool in your lawn service inventory. It cuts the grass. There are different types, such as push mowers for small yards and riding mowers for acreage. 
• Weed eater—Also called a trimmer, it cuts grass and weeds in places the mower can’t reach, like around trees, pathways, or edging. 
• Leaf blower—This tool blows away leaves and grass clippings. It makes clean-up fast and easy. 
• Edger—An edger makes a clean line along the lawn’s edges, like sidewalks or driveways. It makes the yard look neat. 
• Rakes and shovels—You need these for cleaning up leaves and other yard debris. 

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Choosing Equipment Based on Budget and Needs 

You don’t have to buy the most expensive tools right away. Start with what you need most and what fits your budget. 

If you have a small budget, begin with basic tools like a push mower and a handheld trimmer. You can find good ones that don’t cost too much. 

If you have more start-up funds, consider getting a riding mower or more powerful tools. They can save you time, especially on big yards. 

Remember, the tools you choose depend on the kind of yards you’ll be working on. Small tools are fine for small yards. But for big areas, you might need more powerful tools. 

Over time, you can buy more tools as your business adds services. 

How Do I Find Potential Customers? 

Finding customers is key to your success. You need to let people know all the services your lawn care business offers and why they should choose you. This is where marketing and advertising come in. 

Some methods of marketing are more successful than others. You’ll have to experiment a little to see what works for you. 

Here are a few ideas to start with: 

Social Media 

Social media is a great tool, especially for local businesses. 

Think about it: 93% of small businesses use Facebook to promote themselves. And it’s not just Facebook. An estimated 71% of businesses use Instagram. 

Why? Because social media helps you connect with people

Website 

Social media isn’t enough. You also need a website. Without one, you’re invisible online. 

Social media allows you to interact with customers, but your website is where they learn more about you. They can see your services, prices, and contact information. 

Plus, with some smart SEO (search engine optimization), your website can appear when people search for lawn care in your area. Local SEO ensures people near you find your website. 

Email Marketing 

Email marketing is another powerful tool. You can send customers updates, special offers, and tips for their lawns. It’s like sending a friendly note to remind them you’re here and ready to help. 

Email marketing makes customers feel special and keeps your business on their minds. 

4 Goals to Succeed as a Lawn Care Business Owner 

Starting a lawn care business means you need a good business plan. 

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Here are four goals to set right now that can help you succeed in the landscaping business: 

1. Create a Pricing Plan. 

Know what you’ll charge for your services. Make sure it covers your costs and lets you make some profit. Look at what others charge to get an idea. 

2. Do Market Research. 

Learn about your area. Find out how many people might need lawn care and what areas are being neglected. See what other lawn care businesses are doing. This helps you understand you can be different and better. 

3. Invest In Learning. 

The lawn care world can change. New tools, trends, or lawncare methods can come up. Keep learning so you can do the best job. 

4. Hire Good People. 

If you need help, find hardworking employees who care about the quality of their work. Keeping good workers is important, too. Treat them well so they stay with you.