Landscaping is an $82 billion industry, making it an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs thinking about starting a landscaping business. In addition, it offers the opportunity for people to work outside, improve the look of homes and local businesses, and even improve the environment.
If you’re keen on diving into the landscaping biz, here are some crucial steps to kick things off, with some wisdom from industry groups and fellow landscaping pros.
Gain Experience in the Industry
Before diving headfirst into the world of business ownership, it’s smart to get your hands dirty and learn the ropes. Snag a gig with an existing landscaping business to sharpen your skills, understand the business savvy, and build some valuable connections along the way.
Missy Henriksen, the VP of public affairs at the National Association of Landscape Professionals, shared in a phone chat with Small Business Trends, “I’d recommend that anyone who loves being outdoors, enjoys working with people, and cares about the environment should definitely check out this industry.”
Fantastic career opportunities await you. If you haven’t dipped your toes in the industry yet but are eager to learn the ropes and grasp the art of running a business, seek out a gig with a seasoned landscape professional. Immerse yourself in the trade, find a mentor, and absorb all the ins and outs of running a business in this field.
Learn About the Business Side
It’s also helpful to do a bit of extra digging before taking the plunge into business ownership. Chat with fellow business owners, check out online resources, or even consider taking some business courses to get the lowdown.
Jim McCutcheon, the CEO of HighGrove Partners in Atlanta, GA, dropped a note to Small Business Trends, saying, “I’ve always seen myself as a perpetual learner, so I figured I’d chat with someone sharper than me about the business.
He’s the dad of a buddy of mine, and he was quite the successful businessman. He had me jot down everything I knew and felt good about. But the real gold came from making a list of things I didn’t quite grasp about running a business.
Naturally, he had to hand me most of the list. Then, I crafted a plan to get the lowdown on each of those things. Some I learned through hitting the books, while others came from the school of hard knocks.
Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan
Having a solid business plan is key to making your landscaping business thrive. Your plan needs to map out your business goals, target market, offered services, competition analysis, marketing game plan, and financial projections.
A carefully crafted business plan helps you sail through the startup phase and steer your business decisions, making it smoother to handle growth and adapt to changes.
Get Licensed and Insured
Licensing demands for landscaping businesses differ from state to state, and federal requirements might kick in based on the services you provide. Henrickson notes that most businesses will need some form of licensing, and some may even call for ongoing certification. She also suggests that having business and liability insurance can come in handy.
Secure Equipment and Financing
In the early stages, you might manage with just a couple of lawnmowers, a truck, and a few other small tools. But if you’re thinking of a bigger investment, it might be worth connecting with bankers to secure financing for those items.
Shayne Newman, the brain behind YardApes, Inc. in New Milford, CT, dropped a note to Small Business Trends, sharing, “In the early days, I teamed up with a banker to snag some capital for investing in equipment and vehicles. Growing a business requires cash flow, so having a strong connection with your loan officer is key.
Invest in Quality Tools and Equipment
Putting your money into top-notch tools and equipment is a must for efficiency and reliability. Do some research and invest in robust, high-performance lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other landscaping tools.
Top-notch equipment cuts down on downtime from repairs and maintenance, making sure your service delivery stays consistent.
Determine Your Rates
You’ve got to figure out what you’re actually going to charge for your services. Several things come into play here: how much time a specific job will take, what your hourly rate should be, employee wages, and the equipment needed.
Just make sure your rates let you keep the wheels turning, support growth, and actually bring in some profit.
McCutcheon puts it this way: “Running a landscape business is, above all, a business. You’ve got to grasp the basics of a successful business and give it as much importance as the actual landscaping work you’re aiming for. It boils down to making a profit. You need to comprehend how you make money and make choices about estimating, pricing, hiring, operations, and so on, accordingly.
Consider a Specialty
Some landscaping businesses opt for a specific niche, such as lawn maintenance or landscape design, while others provide a broader range of services.
As per Henricksen, the choice boils down to the entrepreneur’s preferences, experience, and access to the required equipment for different jobs. Sometimes, businesses may begin with a single offering and later incorporate additional services as they can afford the equipment and hire employees with the needed skills.
Join Trade Associations
Launching a landscaping business demands a ton of resources and expert guidance, covering everything from employee training to marketing strategies. A fantastic way to tap into those resources is by joining trade associations.
Newman recommends, “Join state and national trade associations like The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). NALP has been instrumental in the growth of my business and has given me and my employees the guidance and courage to become true professionals.
The association even throws in templates for training, safety plans, marketing and PR ideas, human resource assistance, legal advice, and a whole lot more. Plus, being part of the NALP opens up incredible networking opportunities.
My team and I have crossed paths with numerous passionate and seasoned landscape professionals who understand the same challenges my company has faced, is facing, or will face in the future. This kind of networking is priceless for a small business owner.
Create a Marketing Plan
Promoting your business is crucial to expanding your landscaping customer base. The specific tactics you choose can vary depending on your resources, target customers, and specialty. You could zero in on local SEO or distribute some flyers around your community.
But no matter which tactics you go for, make sure they’re consistent so that potential customers can easily recognize your business across different platform
Newman says, “Keep your marketing and branding consistent and ongoing. If potential customers don’t recognize you, it’s tough to generate new leads.
Establish Your Online Presence
In today’s digital world, having an online presence is crucial for business success. Set up a pro website highlighting your services, portfolio, and customer testimonials. Use social media platforms to connect with your community, showcase your work, and promote special offers.
Regular updates and search engine optimization (SEO) will boost your visibility and draw in potential clients.
Develop Relationships with Customers
Once you begin building that customer base, you’ve got to establish connections with those customers to keep them happy and ensure they keep coming back for your services.
Build a Skilled Team
As your business expands, putting together a skilled team becomes crucial. Bring on board experienced and motivated individuals who align with your business vision. Offer training to boost their skills and make sure they’re up-to-date on the latest landscaping techniques and customer service standards.
Build Your Team
To grow your business, you might need to bring in some employees. However, Newman advises business owners to only hire and retain employees who display motivation and meet your standards.
It might be tough to say no or part ways with team members, but to run a successful landscaping business, you’ve got to have the right people on your team.
Focus on Customer Service Excellence
Providing exceptional customer service can make your landscaping business stand out from the competition. Make sure to deliver timely and professional service, be responsive to customer inquiries and feedback, and always strive to exceed customer expectations.
Importance of Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is getting more and more crucial in the landscaping industry. As a responsible entrepreneur, integrating sustainable practices into your landscaping business can not only draw in eco-conscious clients but also make a positive contribution to the environment.
Here are some ways to embrace sustainability:
Adopt eco-friendly landscaping techniques:
Put in practices like composting, water-efficient irrigation systems, and installing native plants to cut down on environmental impact and conserve resources.
Reduce chemical usage:Cut back on the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides that can damage the environment, harm wildlife, and affect human health.
Emphasize recycling and waste reduction:
Set up recycling programs for green waste and work towards minimizing waste in your operations.
Educate clients about sustainability: Spread the word to your clients about the perks of sustainable landscaping and provide eco-friendly choices in the services you offer
| Sustainable Practice | Description |
| Eco-friendly landscaping | Implement composting, water-efficient irrigation, and native plant installations to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. |
| Reduce chemical usage | Minimize harmful chemicals and pesticides to protect the environment, wildlife, and human health. |
| Recycling and waste reduction | Establish recycling programs for green waste and strive to minimize waste generation in operations. |
| Client education on sustainability | Raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable landscaping and offer eco-friendly service options. |
By putting sustainability first in your landscaping business, you can present yourself as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious service provider, pulling in a growing group of customers who care about the environment.
Continuously Adapt and Innovate
The landscaping industry is always changing. Keep up with the newest trends, technologies, and sustainability practices.
Always look for ways to innovate in your services and business operations. This might involve embracing new landscaping techniques, exploring eco-friendly solutions, or incorporating technology for efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes landscaping an attractive industry for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Landscaping is a thriving $82 billion industry that gives you the chance to work outdoors, improve the look of homes and businesses, and contribute to environmental betterment.
How can I gain experience in the landscaping industry before starting my own business?
Think about joining forces with a landscaping business already in operation to pick up the trade, get a feel for the business side, and build valuable connections with experts in the field.
What should I know about the business side of landscaping before starting my own venture?
Dive into thorough research by chatting with seasoned business owners, exploring online resources, and enrolling in relevant business courses to arm yourself with crucial entrepreneurial know-how.
Are licensing and insurance necessary for a landscaping business?
Most landscaping businesses will need some kind of licensing, and certain services might even demand continuous certification. It’s also a good idea to get business and liability insurance for added protection.
How can I secure financing for landscaping equipment and other investments?
Forge solid relationships with bankers to help secure the capital needed for essential equipment and vehicles crucial to kickstarting and expanding your landscaping business.
What factors should I consider when determining my service rates?
Figure out rates considering job duration, hourly wages, employee pay, and equipment costs, making sure they’re competitive enough to support sustainable business growth.
Should I consider specializing in a particular aspect of landscaping?
Decide whether to specialize or provide a broad range of services based on your preferences, experience, and equipment access. Some businesses begin with one specialty and broaden their offerings later on.
How can trade associations help with starting a landscaping business?
Being part of trade associations, like The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), gives you access to valuable resources, training, safety plans, marketing ideas, networking opportunities, and expert guidance.
What is the importance of creating a marketing plan for my landscaping business?
Crafting a steady and focused marketing plan helps draw in potential customers and establish brand recognition within your community and target market.
Why is building strong customer relationships important for a landscaping business?
Building meaningful relationships with customers nurtures loyalty, encourages repeat business, and adds to the long-term success of your landscaping venture.
How can I scale my landscaping business by building a competent team?
To expand your business, bringing in motivated and skilled employees is crucial. Concentrate on having a team that meets your standards and adds positively to your business’s success.
Why is embracing sustainable practices important for a landscaping business?
Integrating sustainable techniques, like eco-friendly landscaping, minimizing chemical use, recycling, and cutting down on waste, not only draws in eco-conscious clients but also has a positive impact on the environment and promotes responsible business practices.