In 2025, the US lawn care market is worth $61.74 billion, and it’s projected to jump to almost $80 billion in 2030. The fact is that people have outdoor spaces they want to be proud of, but don’t have the time or energy to invest. As a result, there’s a booming lawn care industry, and it’s not too late to jump into it.
It’s not as simple as piling lawnmowers and clippers in your car and driving off though. Knowing how to start a lawn care business can make a huge difference in whether you succeed in your new venture.
Here are the key steps you need to follow to shine in the industry.
Gain Some Experience First
What do you need to start a lawn care business? Well first, you need experience.
The beauty of working in the lawn care industry is that you don’t need formal training or education. However, you’ll have to prove yourself through extensive hands-on experience, as this is how you’ll learn how to make a lawn look healthy and pristine.
You can get this experience by working for another company first. Afterward, you can then practice your skills on your own lawn, as well as on the properties of your friends and family.
Research the Market
With all businesses, you’ll have to do market research before moving forward. Otherwise, you won’t have a clear goal to strive for, which can make your efforts fragmented. This can contribute to swift failure.
Thankfully, this industry is pretty straightforward. You just have to decide whether your target area is residential or commercial lawn care, or both. The former will probably want regular maintenance while the latter will want contracts and large-scale care.
To make a well-educated decision, analyze your competition and their services. Plus, understand the seasonal demand in your area, especially if you’re in a colder region. If so, then consider adding related services for the off-season, such as snow removal.
With this information, not only can you narrow down your target customers, but you can also determine what you’ll provide to the community.
Create a Business Plan
Now’s the time to put things in writing.
First, define your services; they can be:
- Mowing
- Edging
- Trimming
- Fertilizing
- Landscaping
- Aeration
- Pest control
Don’t be afraid to start out small and then expand later.
Then, set pricing strategies based on costs and market rates. You can charge customers by the:
- Hour
- Day
- Type of service
- Garden square footage
You can even offer packages that bundle your services neatly.
Lastly, outline your startup costs and funding sources. This will give you a better idea of what your finances look like.
If you’re wondering how to start a lawn care business with no money, your business plan should help. You can approach investors and lenders, and when they see a solid plan, they’ll be more willing to loan you money. Unconventional methods like crowdfunding can work too.
Register Your Business
When starting a lawn care business, you’ll have to choose a structure type. Some people choose to be sole proprietors, while others form partnerships or set up LLCs, which offer personal liability protection.
Whatever you choose, we can help you register your company for free. You only have to pay the state fee and we’ll get you up and running fast.
Before you do so, make sure you pick a name that’s memorable yet professional. Check that it isn’t in use first, and that it’s not too similar to any lawn care business that’s already operating.
Get Licenses and Permits
To operate legally, you’ll have to get a business license.
In addition, if you plan on using pesticides, you’ll have to get licensed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) too. In fact, in some states, you’ll even have to get certified by going through a pesticide safety education program. Check with the Department of Agriculture to find out exactly which licenses you’ll need.
Get Insurance Too
You never know what’s going to happen on the job, even if you’re the best lawn care expert in the world. So you want to be prepared for the worst and have protection. Without coverage, your entire business may be at risk of failing.
You should have general liability insurance that’ll cover property damage or injuries caused by your services. Also, get equipment and vehicle insurance, as these policies will protect your investments from theft or damage.
If you’re hiring employees, then you’ll need workers’ compensation insurance too. Not only is it legally required in most cases, but it’ll also protect your company should a worker get injured.
Purchase Equipment and Tools
You can’t offer lawn care without the proper equipment, so if you don’t already have it, then you’ll have to make some purchases.
At the very least, you’ll need essential tools at your disposal. Invest in items like:
- Lawnmowers (push or riding, depending on the scale)
- String trimmers
- Leaf blowers
- Rakes
- Pruning shears
- Wheelbarrows
Are you working with a limited budget? Then consider secondhand equipment to lower costs. You can even rent tools if you require expensive equipment for one-off jobs.
You’ll most likely need a truck or trailer too. This will be very helpful for moving equipment to job sites.
Don’t forget about digital tools either. For example, scheduling software can make it easy to book clients, and because the program automatically sends out reminders, you won’t miss appointments. Some programs are even integrated with invoicing and payments, making it simple to do administrative work.
Work on Your Marketing
Getting the word out about your new business is crucial for your long-term success. This means that you need to work hard on your marketing plan.
To do this, you’ll have to build your brand. Come up with a professional logo, as it’ll build trust and make your company recognizable. It should reflect your brand’s unique features, such as organic lawn care, sustainable practices, or high-quality customer service.
From there, you can design marketing materials. Make sure your branding is cohesive across things like flyers, business cards, and online platforms.
You should then do local promotions by handing out flyers and door hangers, or leaving business cards at community centers and local businesses. For online marketing, create a website with all vital information for potential clients, and use social media to show off your work.
In addition, offer discounts to customers who refer new clients. With this strategy, you’ll create a solid customer base in no time.
Hire and Train Employees
Starting solo is always a great way to keep initial costs low. But if you’re doing things right, you’ll see demand grow, and it may be inevitable that you need some help.
When you hire part-time help, perform extensive background checks. That way, you’ll get reliable staff that can be trusted to work on clients’ properties.
Then, prioritize training. Teach your new employees proper lawn care techniques, safety practices, and customer service.
That’s How to Start a Lawn Care Business
If you’ve got an interest in caring for outdoor spaces and want to make some money, then knowing how to start a lawn care business is helpful. You don’t need formal training or education to do it either, so it’s a very accessible career.
By following the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you’ll be able to become a successful entrepreneur. Just make sure you watch your competition and keep an eye on the industry to keep evolving.
Sign up with Business Anywhere today to use our free business registration service. We can get your company registered in as little as two working days.