Starting a new business can feel like one big question mark—and the landscaping industry is no different.
If you’re thinking about starting a landscaping business, you probably have a lot of questions. Where should you start? What services should you offer? What steps should you take to build a sustainable business?
Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of starting your landscaping company—and getting from where you are now (thinking about starting a landscaping business) to where you want to be (the proud owner of a thriving landscaping operation):
Choose your niche
“Landscaping” is an umbrella term that covers a variety of services, ranging from the simple—like mowing or routine lawn maintenance—to the complex—like landscape architecture or landscape design.
And the first step of launching a successful landscaping business? Figuring out where you fall under that umbrella.
Before you launch your small business, it’s important to choose your niche and narrow down both the landscaping/lawn care services you’re going to offer and who you’re going to offer those services to.
Not sure what area of landscaping or lawn care you want to focus on? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help narrow down your niche:
- What is your expertise/know how? Is there an area of landscaping or lawn care that you specialize in?
- Do you want to focus on residential or commercial properties?
- Do you want to focus on maintenance (like lawn mowing) or design?
- Do you want to tackle large-scale or smaller projects?
- What kind of demand for landscaping and lawn care services exists in your area—and how can you best meet that demand?
Draft up a business plan
Once you know the niche and services you want to focus on, it’s time to draw up your business plan.
A solid business plan is a must for any new business; it outlines the information you need to successfully launch your business—and helps you develop a clear strategy for how to get there.
Your business plan should include any relevant information about your industry, the market conditions, and your business goals. This includes:
- Your niche/the landscaping services you plan to offer
- Pricing for your services
- Your target demographic
- Your top competitors
- Projected startup costs and profit margin
- Budget
- Marketing strategy
- Sales, revenue, and customer goals
- Profitability projections
The more detailed your business plan, the more information you have to guide your business decisions as you launch your landscaping business—and the more those decisions will be in line with your long-term goals and set you up for success.
Take care of the legal side of starting a business...
Once you’ve laid out the plan for your landscaping company, it’s time to take care of the legal side of launching your business.
Before you start working with clients, it’s important to take care of a few legal tasks, including:
- Secure your business licenses. Before you start working, make sure you secure all the business licenses you’ll need to operate legally in your state.
- Get insurance. Landscaping business owners are required to carry certain types of insurance. Depending on where your business operates, this can include liability insurance, which covers you and your business in case of any accidents or damage to a client’s property, and workers' compensation insurance, which covers costs in the event an employee is injured on the job. Research what types of insurance you’ll need to operate legally and safely—and make sure you secure those policies before you start taking on clients.
- Secure your EIN. When you register your business, you should receive an employer identification number. That acts as your landscaping company’s business tax ID number, and you’ll need it come tax time—so make sure you have it prior to starting your business.
…and the financial side
You want to set up your landscape business for financial success—and that means having the right financial tools and systems in place from day one.
There are a few different financial items you’ll want to check off your new business to-do list, including:
- Business bank account. For tax reasons, it’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate—so make sure you open a business bank account and keep your financials separate from the get-go.
- Financial management software. While you could track things in a spreadsheet, having a financial management software to track your business expenses, invoices, and client payments will make managing your business financials a lot easier.
- Payroll software. If you have a team, you’re going to need a payroll software (like Hourly!) to manage the payroll process and make sure your employees get paid accurately, on-time, and with minimal hassle on your end.
Secure your equipment
In order to start a landscaping business, you’re going to need the right equipment.
The exact tools and equipment you’ll need will vary based on the type of landscaping or lawn care services your business offers, but some of the base items you’ll need include:
- Mower (push and/or ride-on)
- Gas containers (for the mowers)
- Edger
- Trimmer
- Shovels
- Shears
- Rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Leaf blower
- Fertilizers
- Safety equipment (including gloves, safety goggles, and noise cancelling headphones)
- Tool box
- Watering can
Depending on your budget and long-term goals, you may opt to rent or buy your landscaping tools—but whichever you choose, just make sure you have the tools and equipment you need to run your business effectively.
Hire a team
Depending on your business model, you may need to hire a team of landscapers and/or landscape contractors.
You should consider hiring a team if:
- You plan to handle larger projects.
- You want to handle multiple projects at the same time.
- You want to take more of a leadership or managerial role in your business.
If you do need to hire a team, make sure you’re hiring people with the experience and know how to provide high quality work to your clients. Remember, the people you hire are an extension of your business, and you want to build a team that’s going to cultivate a positive reputation for your landscaping business within your community.
Find your customers
Once you’ve done all the work in setting up your business, it’s time to get out there and market your business.
There are a number of strategies you can use to connect with potential customers and build your customer base, including:
- Social media marketing
- Search engine marketing
- Word of mouth marketing/personal referrals
- Online advertising
- Traditional advertising (for example, buying an ad in the local newspaper)
- Offering first-time discounts for new customers
As you’re starting out, test different marketing strategies to see what’s the most effective; then, use those strategies to connect with new customers, get the word out about your company, and drive business growth.
Get out there and start your own landscaping business
Starting your own business can feel overwhelming. But now that you know how to start a landscaping business, you have everything you need to break into the landscaping industry, differentiate yourself and your services, and connect with your target customers.
1. Introducing Yourself
Your introductory email needs to pack a lot of information into a small package. Try something like this:
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Hello Jane,
My name is John Doe and I work for ABC Agency, where we provide business insurance policies to many of Dallas' rockstar small businesses.
Congratulations on your new business, Jane's Bakery. Are you wondering if you have all the insurance you need? Or if your policies will really cover you in a pinch?
At ABC Agency, we pride ourselves on providing robust, comprehensive coverage options to companies like yours with flexible, pay-as-you-go plans.
Are you available this week to talk more about how we can help? I can help you find the most affordable rates and the best policies out there.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Cheers,
John Doe
2. Presenting a Quote
Once you've met with your potential client, a quick reply with their quote will get the ball rolling.
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Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for meeting with me this morning. I loved touring Jane's Bakery–I can still smell those delicious chocolate chip cookies baking! You have a great location, and I'm sure you're going to do great on Front St.
After reviewing my notes, I've pulled together an insurance quote for you (attached). I recommend a business owner's policy. A BOP includes several insurance products in one: liability, property insurance, and business interruption insurance. It offers robust coverage at a competitive price.
I'll call you in a few days to see what you think about this insurance plan. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me or call me at [phone number].
Again, thank you for your time today. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Cheers,
John Doe
3. Thanks for Purchasing a Policy
Gratitude is important! It's never a bad idea to thank your clients for their business.
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Hi Jane,
Thank you for choosing a business owner's policy with ABC Agency. We know it's so important to get the right coverage for your business, and we are honoured you've placed your trust in us.
We're excited to work closely with you, and our no. 1 goal is to make sure you're business is always protected.
Do you have any questions? We are here to help. Reach out whenever something comes to mind.
Thank you again for choosing ABC Agency to insure Jane's Bakery.
Cheers,
John Doe
4. Welcome Email
A welcome email helps clients feel like you're there to help–and can softly pitch other insurance products you offer.
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Dear Jane,
Welcome to the ABC family! We are thrilled to have you as a new customer and can't wait to meet all of your insurance needs.
As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage options for all our customers. If you need any other type of insurance–like [include additional offerings unique to your agency, like life insurance, health insurance, home insurance or anything else]–we can help you too.
Do you want to discuss any of these policies?
Cheers,
John Doe
5. Introducing a New Product
A happy client may want to expand their business with you.
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Hello Jane,
I hope all is well with you and Jane's Bakery. I stopped in yesterday for a blueberry muffin and coffee, and they were delicious. I loved the hint of cinnamon in the muffin! Was that your idea?
I wanted you to be the first to know we are now offering commercial vehicle insurance to our policyholders. Auto insurance for your catering vans is super important since your personal car insurance won't cover them.
We're offering this insurance coverage solely to our current business clients at the moment and have some very competitive rates.
Would you like me to work up a quote for you?
As always, thanks so much for being a part of the ABC family.
Cheers,
John Doe
6. Asking For Referrals
Once your relationship is established and comfortable, let your clients help you grow.
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Hi Jane,
You've been a valuable member of the ABC family for two years now, and we so appreciate your business–not to mention the muffins you supply for our monthly meetings!
Because you are a valued policyholder, I wanted to ask a quick favour. I know you are active in the local Chamber of Commerce, and I'm hoping you might know some colleagues who would benefit from working with our insurance company.
Referrals are one of the most effective ways to connect with our community since people really trust their friends, family and colleagues. Is there anyone you'd recommend I speak with?
Remember that in addition to business insurance products, we offer everything from life insurance policies to pet insurance.
As a thank you for your help, we will send you an Amazon gift card of $100 when your referrals buy insurance from us.
Thanks so much for your help!
Cheers,
John Doe
7. Policy Renewal
If your client needs to renew their policy with you, send an email like this:
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Hi Jane,
I hope you're doing well! What a year it's been—from being listed as one of the top 5 bakeries in Dallas to being an official vendor for the city—you have so much to be proud of.
Just a heads up that your business owner's policy is up for renewal soon and will expire on June 15, 2023.
If you're still happy with the coverage, we can easily renew it for you.
Do you have some time to chat this week?
Looking forward to serving you again!
Cheers,
John Doe