business plan landscaping

Landscaping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Landscaping Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your landscaping business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their landscaping companies.

Landscaping Business Plan Example

Below is a sample landscaping business plan and template to help you create each section of your landscaping business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is a startup landscaping business located in Dallas, Texas. The company is founded by John Martinez, an experienced entrepreneur who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage a landscaping business during the past five years while working as the manager at Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care. Now that John has experience managing a landscaping business, he is ready to start his own company, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service. John is confident that his landscaping skills, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable landscaping company of his own. John is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of residential landscaping – sales and marketing, scheduling, customer service, financial management, and landscaper training and support.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will provide a variety of professional landscaping and lawn care services for residential customers in Dallas, Texas. Beautiful Gardens will be the go-to landscaping business in Dallas for high-quality services of all kinds. The company will be the ultimate choice for prompt, reliable, and courteous customer service that goes above and beyond the competitors.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will provide:

• Lawn Care and Chemical Application
• Landscape Maintenance
• Landscape Design
• Landscape Construction
• Trimming and Pruning
• Trees and Ornamental Planting and Care
• Perimeter Pest Control
• Vegetation Management
• Gardening and Plant Care Consulting Services

Customer Focus

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will target homeowners in Dallas. The company will also target owners of multi-family residential buildings such as apartment complexes and condominiums. No matter the customer, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will deliver the best communication, service, and high quality landscaping.

Management Team

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be owned and operated by John Martinez. John is a graduate of Texas University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He has over five years of experience working as a manager for another local landscaping business. John will be the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He will steer the vision of the business and provide direction for the other managers and executives of the company.

John has recruited a landscaping expert, Lisa Smith, to be the company’s Chief Operating Officer and help oversee the business operations. Lisa will handle the day-to-day operations, including training the landscape personnel, providing consultation services, and overseeing the landscape design process. Lisa is a graduate of California University with a degree in Landscaping Design.

John and Lisa have recruited an experienced marketing director, Robert Johnson, to become a member of the Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service management team. Robert is a graduate of the University of Maine with a Master’s degree in Sales and Marketing. John and Lisa rely on Robert’s expertise to execute the company’s marketing plan and advertising strategies.

Success Factors

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of landscaping experts who will oversee the process and conduct inspections regularly to ensure all landscapers are adhering to stringent quality standards.
• Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service makes it easy for customers to obtain its services. The company uses a proprietary software application to engage with customers and ensure transparency throughout the process. Customers can use the app to schedule service, pay their bill, monitor the work being done, leave feedback, and receive customer support. For customers who prefer to communicate in person or over the phone, the company maintains an office space with a customer support representative available during regular business hours every day of the week.
• The company offers competitive pricing and discounts for regular customers.

Financial Highlights

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is seeking $350,000 in debt financing to launch its landscaping business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the office space and purchasing landscaping equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $120,000
• Landscaping equipment, supplies, and materials: $80,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $130,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

Company Overview

Who is beautiful gardens landscaping service.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is a newly established landscaping company in Dallas, Texas. Beautiful Gardens will be the go-to landscaping business in Dallas for high quality landscaping services performed by expertly trained professionals. The company will be the ultimate choice for prompt, reliable, and courteous customer service that goes above and beyond its competitors. Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to provide a wide variety of services for homeowners who value high quality, reliable service and easy-to-use communication systems.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to guarantee the quality of its services thanks to the latest and most innovative landscaping project management technology and stringent quality control standards. The company’s team of highly qualified professionals are experienced in landscaping, lawn care, and gardening, thus will be able to provide exceptional results for a wide variety of services from routine maintenance to new landscape design and build-out. Beautiful Gardens also provides consulting services in the areas of landscaping, gardening, and lawn care.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service History

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is owned and operated by John Martinez, an experienced entrepreneur who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage a landscaping business during the past five years while working as the manager at Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care. Now that John has experienced managing a landscaping business, he is ready to start his own company, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service. John is confident that his landscaping skills, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable landscaping company of his own. John is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of residential landscaping – sales and marketing, scheduling, customer service, financial management, and landscaper training and support.

Since incorporation, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service, LLC to transact business in the state of Texas.
• Has signed a lease to rent the office space.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include previous employees, landscapers, friends, family, and professional networks to inform them of the new business.
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, landscapers, and sales personnel to work at Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service Services

Industry analysis.

The United States Landscaping Services industry is valued at $128.8B and is expected to increase by 2.3% this year. There are more than 600,000 businesses and over 1M people working in the industry nationwide. The states of Florida, California, and New York have the most landscaping businesses of all the states, while Texans spend the most on landscaping services of all states.

Households with higher than average levels of disposable incomes (over $100,000 per year) spend the most on landscaping services for their homes. While these households reduce their spending on non-essential items during times of economic downturns, they are still more consistently spending on landscaping during these times versus lower income households. The number of households in the U.S. in this higher income bracket is expected to increase this year, resulting in growth opportunities for operators in the landscaping industry. Additionally, there is a rising demand for residential landscaping services from millennials and Gen Z consumers as more of them are participating in gardening activities.

The industry faces several challenges including shortage of quality labor, numerous price-based competitors, economic downturns, and high insurance costs. Industry operators can overcome these challenges and find success by researching their competitors, providing quality service by capable personnel, implementing a targeted marketing campaign, and charging fair prices for customers and employees.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The precise demographics for Dallas, Texas are:

Customer Segmentation

Beautiful Gardens will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Homeowners with annual household incomes of $100,000 or more
• Owners of multi-family residential properties such as apartment complexes and condominiums
• Millennials and Gen Z homeowners who need help starting their own gardens

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will face competition from other landscaping companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Leif’s Lovely Landscaping Service

Leif’s Lovely Landscaping Service has been operating in the Dallas area for over ten years and has gained a loyal customer base for its excellent service and low prices. Leif’s provides residential homeowners with general landscaping and lawn care services. The company is a small operation and the founder does most of the landscaping work himself. Customers come to Leif’s for reliable, friendly service and the lowest prices in Dallas. The company offers lawn care and chemical application, mulching, tree trimming, and debris cleanup services.

Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care

Founded in 1990 by Henry Lake, Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care is a well-known landscaping and lawn care business that serves all of Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding areas. The company offers a wide variety of services for residential homeowners. Services include regular lawn care, trimming, and maintenance, design, construction, and maintenance of landscaping features, and pool service. Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care is owned and operated by Henry Lake, an experienced contractor who designed some of the most prominent outdoor spaces in the area before starting his own business over 30 years ago.

Pete’s Perfect Landscaping

Pete’s Perfect Landscaping is a new Dallas-Texas based company providing services to customers throughout the city. The company was founded by Peter Smith, an experienced gardener who has been working in the landscaping industry for over 20 years before deciding to start his own landscaping company. Pete’s Perfect Landscaping provides a variety of landscaping services including pruning, trimming, planting, mulching, debris removal, and lawn maintenance.

Competitive Advantage

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to offer the following advantages over its competition:

• Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service uses a proprietary software application to engage with customers and ensure transparency throughout the process. Customers can use the app to schedule service, pay their bill, monitor the work being done, leave feedback, and receive customer support.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service makes it easy for customers to obtain its services. The company uses a proprietary software application to engage with customers and ensure transparency throughout the process. Customers can use the app to schedule service, pay their bill, monitor the work being done, leave feedback, and receive customer support.
• For customers who prefer to communicate in person or over the phone, the company maintains an office space with a customer support representative available during regular business hours every day of the week.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company’s marketing director will create accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. He will ensure Beautiful Gardens maintains an active social media presence with regular updates and fun content to get customers excited about the company’s services.

Professional Associations and Networking

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will become a member of professional associations such as the Landscaping Association, American Gardening Society, and the Texas Lawn Care Association. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the company’s vendor and client network.

Print Advertising

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The company will also invest in ads to display in industry publications and local newspapers.

Website/SEO Marketing

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will utilize the in-house marketing director that designed the print ads to also design the company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Beautiful Gardens is able to provide. The website will also list information on the company’s events and testimonials from satisfied clients.

The marketing director will manage Beautiful Gardens’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “Beautiful Gardens” or “landscaping business near me”, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be moderate, but higher than low-end competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the Company’s services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service.

• John Martinez will be the CEO of the company. He will oversee the management team and lead the direction of the business. John has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Lisa Smith – Chief Operating Officer who will manage the design and build process, train landscapers, and oversee the activities of the staff.
• Sam Garcia – Bookkeeper who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Robert Johnson – Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the company and manage the website, social media, and outreach.
• Joe Williams – Quality Control Manager who will oversee all inspections of the landscapers to ensure stringent compliance with quality standards are met.

Milestones:

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

11/1/2022 – Finalize lease on office space.

11/15/2022 – Finalize employment contracts for the Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service management team.

12/1/2022 – Begin build-out of the office and purchase equipment.

12/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan.

1/15/2023 – Finalize contracts for initial landscaping product suppliers and employment contracts for landscapers.

2/15/2023 – Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service officially opens its office up to customers and starts taking appointments.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the company’s services. When it comes to pricing, the business will monitor operational costs, average prices charged by competitors, and local market demand to ensure its prices will generate a healthy profit margin.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a landscaping business. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, landscaping equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of appointments per month: 600
• Average fees per month: $15,000
• Overhead costs per year: $400,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Free Landscaping Business Plan PDF

You can download our free landscaping business plan template PDF here . You can easily complete your business plan using our Landscaping Business Plan Template here .  

Landscaping Business Plan FAQs

What is a landscaping business plan.

A landscaping business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your landscaping business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

What are the Steps To Start a Landscaping Business?

Starting a landscaping business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop a Landscaping Company Business Plan – The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed landscaping business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure – It’s important to select an appropriate legal entity for your landscaping company business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your landscaping business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Landscaping Business – Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your landscaping company with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options – It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your landscaping company, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location – Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees – There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Landscaping Company Equipment & Supplies – In order to start your landscaping business, you’ll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business – Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your landscaping company. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful landscaping company and how to write a landscape business plan:

How to Start a Landscaping Business

• Sample Business Plans

Landscaping Business Plan

Beautiful and well-maintained lawns are a treat to look at. But with today’s hectic lifestyle, few people have the time and energy required to maintain one.

And with more income at their disposal, people like to outsource this task to professionals who can manage their gardens well and design them in a way that enhances their house’s beauty.

With artistic lawns cropping up at every corner of our cities, the demand for landscaping architects is at its peak. Be it offices, residential spaces, or public areas, every space needs an aesthetically pleasing lawn.

But not everyone has the amount of creativity and precision that goes into maintaining beautiful gardens. And if you have it, then a landscaping business might be the right choice for you.

All you need is a little bit of groundwork and a proper landscaping business plan .

Industry Overview

According to recent statistics, the landscaping industry employs over 1 million people and has grown 4.9 percent since 2020.

So, if you are a creative individual who can think out of the box, a landscaping business can help you reach your maximum potential. The best part about the landscaping business is that it takes minimum entry conditions and minimal costs to set up.

Now, you may wonder, why do so many landscaping businesses owned by highly creative individuals fail? The reason is as simple as it gets; The lack of a proper business plan.

Although creativity is essential to help you stand out, a landscaping business plan is of utmost importance for the sustenance of your business.

Here, we’ll share a few tips to make your setup process smoother.

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Things to Consider Before Writing a Landscaping Business Plan

Decide what services you want to offer.

Landscaping comes with a lot of sub-niches and additional services. Deciding what you can and should offer as per the needs and requirements of your target audience is essential.

It helps you stay prepared for the service, including getting the right equipment and hiring the right people. Picking your niche is also a great help while formulating business strategies.

Get the required permits

Although the landscaping business does not have strict entry conditions, there are a few licenses and permits that you should have before getting started.

The easiest way of doing this is by checking out all the permits required by your state and area and making a checklist for keeping track of what you have got and what not.

Having all the necessary permits helps you stay on the right side of the law.

Develop a pricing strategy

As you have a service that is mostly based on skill and equipment cost, you’ll have to give your pricing strategy a serious thought before getting started.

It is essential to ensure that your pricing is neither too much for your customers nor too little for your business to make any profit. There are several ways you can set a pricing strategy, depending on your competitor’s pricing, your market position, and the demand for your services.

Know your target audience

Knowing your target audience is crucial to business success. Researching who your target audience is, what are their motivations to avail landscaping services, how they avail such services, what kind of service they prefer  (This can also help in deciding your niche and additional services), what prices they are willing to pay, etc.

How Can a Landscaping Business Plan Help You?

A business plan can become a constant guide in your business journey. It’ll aid you while sailing through the roadblocks, prevent you from having chaotic finances, help you in knowing the market and your competitors better, and save you from the trap of having a static business model that becomes irrelevant as the industry changes.

Apart from that, in the landscape business, it would help you in developing your unique style and technique that sets you apart from your peers.

How to Write a Landscaping Business Plan?

As we have discussed the benefits of a business plan , it brings us to our next question.

How do you write one? Moreover, how do you know if you have written a good one?

Don’t worry! There are several quick and cost-effective solutions to your problem.

If you find writing a business plan intimidating, there are several options like business consultants, premade templates, and online business plan software which can help you create a complete and evolving business plan anywhere and at any time.

We have created this sample landscaping business plan for you to get a good idea of what a perfect landscaping business plan should look like and what details you need to include in your stunning business plan.

Landscaping Business Plan Outline

This is the standard landscaping business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Products and Services
• Startup cost
• Market Trends
• Target Market
• Market share
• Sales Strategy
• Marketing strategies
• Personnel Plan
• Average Salary of Employees
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

Now Let’s Understand How You Should Complete Each Section.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is one of the most crucial sections of your business plan, as it is the first and foremost document in it and serves as a pitch to your prospective investors. Hence, this section should sum up your business idea and function with utmost precision.

It should also consist of a mission statement and clearly state your vision for the business. For a landscaping business, it would consist of your growth model, your source of labor and raw material, as well as how your style of design sets you apart from the others.

2. Description of your niche

Next up, you’ll need to define the niche your business functions in. As landscaping consists of several areas like,

• Commercial Landscaping
• Residential Landscaping
• Art-based designs(for public and tourist spaces)

It is necessary to define what kind of services you’ll offer and who would be your primary client base. So, how can you select a niche? We’ll discuss that in the competitive and market analysis section.

3. Competitive and Market Analysis

Before you enter any market, it is the wisest thing to carry out an analysis of the current market situation and the recent trends in the industry. Also, it is a good practice to know what your competitors are doing, because if you are aware of what’s going on, deciding what you should do and what gaps you can fill through your services becomes easier. Hence, this helps you in identifying what your niche would be.

For example, if there is a dearth of good landscape architects for office spaces in your area, you can accordingly modify your skills and marketing strategy to serve the purpose of capturing that market.

4. Website Strategy

In today’s fast-paced environment, most people prefer getting their work done online. Hence, having a website is necessary for your business to be discovered. Thus, including a website strategy in your plan is essential. Also, as a creative business, your website needs to lean on a more artistic side and represent what your style stands for.

5. Management Summary

In this section, you are supposed to include important information about people responsible for a company’s management, the tasks they have been delegated, their roles and responsibilities, etc. As a landscaping business has a large scale of functioning, you need to include this section in your plan.

6. Financial Plan

Writing a financial plan is a necessary step toward creating a well-rounded business plan. A financial plan helps your business in becoming cost-effective and profitable. It also helps you pre-plan and stay afloat in times of recession and instability in the market. Hence, this section is necessary for the sustenance of your business.

Download a sample landscaping business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free landscaping business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your landscaping business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Landscaping Business Plan Summary

In conclusion, a business plan can turn to conduct your landscaping business a hassle-free activity. Moreover, a well-planned business with clearly defined goals and dynamic strategies has a higher chance of succeeding than one which doesn’t have either of these things.

Besides the above things, in the landscaping business, it is also important to have a thorough knowledge of advanced technology and newly improved techniques to improve the efficiency of your business’s day-to-day activities.

After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample landscaping business plan template into your business plan and modify the required information and download your landscaping business plan pdf or doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

So, are you ready to reach far and wide in the landscape market with your well-written business plan?

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About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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How To Start A Landscaping Business

Updated: Apr 29, 2024, 12:58pm

Table of Contents

1. create a plan, 2. register your business, 3. get your tax identification number, 4. open a business banking account, 5. set your rates, 6. market your business, reasons to start a landscaping business, bottom line, frequently asked questions.

Landscaping is a lucrative field. While starting a landscaping business isn’t the cheapest between the necessary tools, equipment and business registration fees, it’s not the most expensive either. It’s also pretty simple to get started in terms of legal requirements. We’ll walk you through how to start a landscaping business so you can launch your new business quickly.

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When starting a landscaping business, the first step is to create a plan. It doesn’t need to be as comprehensive as a traditional business plan, but it is worth outlining the areas in which you plan to serve, the services you plan to offer, any specializations you might have, the tools and equipment you need to get started, your budget, and a general idea of how you plan to market your business and acquire customers.

For example, here’s a list of items that you’ll need to start a landscaping business:

• Pickup truck: $30,766
• Mower: $350 to $1,499
• Trimmer: $169 to $249
• Edger: $109 to $119
• Blower: $109 to $409
• Two gas cans (one for regular fuel and one for mixed fuel for trimmers and edgers): $25
• Shovels: $13 to $34
• Shears: $13 to $32
• Rakes: $12 to $28
• Work gloves: $12 to $15
• Noise-canceling headphones: $89
• Safety goggles: $3 to $13
• Steel-toed boots: $76 to $83

Of course, you may need more tools if you have employees. For example, this might mean multiple blowers and edgers, and an assortment of rakes. On top of that, you’ll also need to have funds available for materials and products, such as fertilizer, pesticides, plants and flowers–depending on your customer’s needs.

Generally, it’s best to anticipate needing $10,000 to start your business, depending on the amount of equipment you already own. This includes the equipment needed, business formation, insurance, website development and an initial marketing campaign.

Establishing your business entity involves choosing a name and registering your business with the state. While you can choose to be a sole proprietor with a “doing business as” (DBA) name, you don’t give yourself liability protection from that structure. Establishing an LLC or corporation offers you more protection.

To establish an LLC or corporation, you’ll file the appropriate paperwork with the secretary of state after you run a name search. The name search ensures that you are not choosing a name that competes with an existing business. The paperwork establishes the LLC documents or articles of incorporation.

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With the paperwork you receive from the secretary of state, you will be able to file for a tax identification number (TIN) with the IRS. The TIN is similar to a Social Security number for your business and is necessary to open a bank account.

The TIN is free if you do it directly with the IRS. You can do so by submitting an online application .

With your TIN and business registration documents, you can open a business banking account.  It’s important to have a separate bank account because it keeps business income and expenses separate from your personal income and expenses. This prevents the commingling of funds, putting those funds at risk for liabilities. It also makes it easier to file your taxes when you have all of your income and expenses noted in one place.

You may also want to establish a relationship with a trusted payment gateway. The bank account will allow you to make cash and check deposits, but it won’t automatically process credit card payments. Using a service such as Stripe or Square will allow you to easily take all forms of payments. Expect to pay up to 3% on gateway transaction fees.

Next, set the rates you will charge for your services. If you’re not sure what the going rate is in your area it can be worth it to call other landscaping companies in your area to see what the average range of costs for services is. You may have one set of rates for weekly mow and blow services while charging another fee for actual landscaping costs, such as putting in new grass or plants.

A weekly mow and blow might cost anywhere from $45 to $100, depending on the size of the yard. Landscaping costs average around $4 to $12 per square foot on average. Landscape design work can cost $7,000 or more depending on the complexity and size of the project.

Make sure that your charges cover your overhead. Overhead includes the cost of fuel, supplies such as fertilizer and labor for any employees you have. If you have employees, you’ll be required to get workers’ compensation to cover them. Your rates should cover your costs and leave a profit for you.

Once you have the business established and know your services and rates, you can start to market your new company. A grassroots marketing plan might include knocking on doors to hand out business cards introducing people to your services. This is a good method as you can start to get weekly clients in the same neighborhood to reduce commuting costs and time on the road.

Here are a few leading ways to market your landscaping business:

• Build a website so you can get found online
• Create a Google My Business account to get found in local search results
• Create social media accounts, such as a Facebook Business Page
• Register with relevant online business directories, such as Angi, Yelp or Yellow Pages
• Local advertising, such as local newspapers
• Pay-per-click advertising, such as Google Ads or Bing Ads
• Word of mouth
• Local networking events and business associations
• Direct outreach to local businesses (if offering commercial landscaping services)

For example, setting up a business website is a key component in getting found online and acquiring customers. The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, nor does it need to take a lot of time. Learn more about how to easily set up a website .

Owning a landscaping business is a good way for someone already working in the industry to become their own boss and make a good living. The business allows you to meet and interact with different people regularly. On top of the pride of owning your own business, you get to own a business that helps the environment. The more people care for their lawns and gardens, the better it is for the environment. You get CO2-consuming trees and plants and help the good insects such as bees and butterflies survive. This is a gratifying aspect of landscaping.

Starting a landscaping business isn’t complicated, but it requires the proper tools and equipment to get the job done. Be sure to see what you already own and budget for purchasing tools to start your company. Start small and scale as you get more clients and generate more revenue.

How profitable is a landscaping business?

The average profitability of a landscaping business is 5%, but an efficient operation might generate up to a 12% profit.

How do I come up with a lawn care business name?

Generating a name can be challenging but try to think about what you do in a straightforward way. You want the company name to clearly state what you do so people don’t have to think about it. When you have a name chosen, run it through the state’s business name search to make sure another lawn care company isn’t using it.

What kind of education is needed to start a landscaping business?

Although no formal education is necessary to start and operate a landscaping business, there are some degrees and certifications that may help you attract customers. For example, some options are available for Bachelor of Science degrees in landscaping, specifically related to horticulture. You can also find organizations like the National Association of Landscape Professionals that offer landscape certifications in disciplines like lawn care management and landscape technician. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers certification programs, including system installation and maintenance and irrigation system design.

What is the job description for a landscaper?

A landscaper works on planting and maintaining flowers, trees, grass, hedges and bushes. They regularly mow and weed lawns and rake up leaves and debris accumulated on the property. The landscaper may also water and fertilize plants and grass. Many landscapers also install sprinkler systems.

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Expert business plan and financial models

Landscaping Business Plan Template & PDF Example

• September 4, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful landscaping business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your landscaping business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a landscaping business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the service industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your landscaping business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our landscaping business plan is designed to encompass all critical components necessary for a holistic strategic approach. It outlines the company’s service offerings, marketing efforts, analysis of the market and competitors, organizational structure, and financial forecasts.

• Executive Summary : Offers an overview of your landscaping business concept, market analysis , management, and financial strategy.
• Services and Rates: Lists the range of landscaping services offered, such as landscape design, lawn care, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal maintenance, with a clear pricing structure.
• Key Stats: Shares industry size , growth trends, and relevant statistics for the landscaping market.
• Key Trends: Highlights recent trends in the landscaping industry, such as the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices and technological advancements in landscaping tools.
• Key Competitors: Analyzes main competitors in your area and differentiates your service in terms of design creativity, service range, and environmental sustainability.
• SWOT: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis tailored to your landscaping business.
• Marketing Plan : Specifies marketing strategies to promote your services, including digital advertising, local trade shows, and partnerships with local suppliers.
• Timeline : Key milestones and objectives from the initial setup to the first year of operations, detailing steps such as market analysis, legal setup, facility selection, equipment procurement, and launch marketing activities.
• Management: Information on the management team, highlighting their expertise in landscaping design, operations management, project execution, and client relationship management.
• Financial Plan: Projects the five-year financial performance of the landscaping service, including revenue targets, profit and loss statements, fundraising needs, cash flow projections, and balance sheet forecasts.

Landscaping Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your landscaping business plan, offering a concise overview of your company and its services. It should detail your market positioning, the range of landscaping and garden care services you offer, its location, size, and an outline of day-to-day operations. 

This section should also explore how your landscaping business will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your company’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors. 

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your company’s financial plan.

Landscaping Business Plan Executive Summary Example

Business Overview

In introducing your landscaping business within the executive summary, it is imperative to offer a clear snapshot. This encompasses the business name, geographical location, and an overview of daily operations.

Example: “GreenScape Innovations,” positioned strategically in [City Name], caters to a [x]-mile radius, providing an array of landscaping services including garden design, lawn care, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal maintenance. The distinguishing factor lies in the company’s commitment to infusing creativity into designs and prioritizing sustainability, resulting in outdoor spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and eco-conscious.

Market Overview

Understanding the market dynamics is pivotal. It involves showcasing the  market size , growth trajectories, and industry nuances to provide an understanding of the landscape in which your business operates.

Example: The landscaping industry stands as a robust sector valued at approximately $176.5 billion, exhibiting a promising growth trajectory with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of +7.3% from 2023 to 2030. Within this expansive market, a diverse array of businesses, ranging from small, local operators to large, national service providers, compete for market share. Within our operating radius, we have identified [5]  key competitors , each contributing to the local landscape services within a [x]–mile reach.

Management Team

The prowess and expertise of the managerial team constitute a critical asset. Illuminating their backgrounds and experiences fosters credibility and confidence among potential stakeholders.

Example: The team at GreenScape Innovations boasts extensive experience in landscaping design, horticulture, and a proven track record of successful projects. Their collaboration with clients ensures customized landscape plans that seamlessly blend beauty with sustainability. The operational management team, equipped with substantial experience in operations and project management, ensures the seamless execution of services. Their adept coordination and project scheduling guarantee efficient and effective delivery of landscaping services.

Financial Plan

A concise overview of the financial plan outlines the business’s revenue targets, growth projections, and key strategies for achieving financial success.

Example: GreenScape Innovations aims to achieve an annual revenue milestone of $770,000 million, accompanied by a targeted profit margin ( EBITDA ) of [13]% by 2028. This strategic financial trajectory aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainable practices, and customer-centric services. It involves a comprehensive approach encompassing investment in cutting-edge technology, training, and strategic alliances to facilitate revenue growth while ensuring operational excellence.

Services and Rates

Detail the range of landscaping services offered, from routine lawn maintenance and garden care to specialized services like landscape design, hardscaping, or irrigation system installation.

Outline your pricing strategy , ensuring it reflects the quality of services provided and aligns with the market you’re targeting. Highlight any service packages, seasonal deals, or loyalty programs that provide added value to your clients, encouraging repeat business and fostering customer loyalty.

Industry size & growth

In the Market Overview of your landscaping business plan, start by examining the size of the landscaping industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying expansion opportunities.

Consider factors such as the increase in residential and commercial development, the growing emphasis on outdoor living spaces, and the rising awareness of the environmental benefits of well-maintained landscapes.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing consumer interest in sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping practices, the demand for outdoor living spaces equipped with features like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment areas, and the growing popularity of native plant gardens that require less water and maintenance.

Highlight the demand for services that cater to specific landscape design and maintenance needs, alongside the rising popularity of smart irrigation systems to conserve water.

Competitive Landscape

A  competitive analysis  is not just a tool for gauging the position of your landscaping business in the market and its key competitors; it’s also a fundamental component of your business plan.

This analysis helps in identifying your landscaping business’s unique selling points, essential for differentiating your business in a competitive market.

In addition, competitive analysis is integral to laying a solid foundation for your business plan. By examining various operational aspects of your competitors, you gain valuable information that ensures your business plan is robust, informed, and tailored to succeed in the current market environment.

Identifying Your Competitors in the Landscaping Industry

The first step in conducting a competitive analysis for a landscaping business involves identifying direct and indirect competitors. Direct competitors are other landscaping companies offering similar services in your area. These could range from small, local landscaping firms to larger, established companies with a regional presence. Indirect competitors might include lawn maintenance services, gardening centers, or even DIY solutions.

Utilize online resources and local directories to compile a list of competitors. Additionally, review customer testimonials and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List to gain insights into their  strengths and weaknesses . For instance, if a competitor like “Green Thumb Landscapes” receives consistent praise for their eco-friendly designs, this reflects a potential strength to consider.

Landscaping Competitors’ Strategies

Analyzing competitors’ strategies involves assessing various facets of their business:

• Service Offerings:  Examine the range of services your competitors provide. Are there companies specializing in particular niches like sustainable landscaping, hardscaping, or garden design?
• Approach and Expertise: Consider the approaches and expertise your competitors showcase. For instance, a company known for using innovative technologies in irrigation systems might differentiate itself from others focusing solely on traditional landscaping methods.
• Pricing and Packages:  Compare pricing structures and service packages offered by competitors. Are there firms catering to high-end clients with premium landscape design services, while others target affordability with basic lawn care packages?
• Marketing and Branding:  Analyze competitors’  marketing strategies . Do they leverage social media effectively, maintain informative blogs, or engage in community events? Understanding their branding efforts helps shape your own marketing strategies.
• Client Relationships:  Evaluate how competitors build and maintain relationships with clients. Companies offering personalized consultations or regular maintenance plans might have an edge in customer retention.
• Operational Efficiency:  Look for signs of innovation or efficiency in their operations. For example, companies employing eco-friendly practices or utilizing advanced software for project management indicate a commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

What’s Your Landscaping Business’s Unique Selling Proposition?

Identify your landscaping business’s  unique value proposition  that sets it apart. Perhaps your company specializes in drought-resistant landscaping or offers comprehensive estate management services catering to high-end clients.

Identify market gaps by examining customer feedback and industry trends. For instance, a growing interest in eco-friendly landscaping practices could represent an opportunity to establish your business as an environmentally conscious choice if competitors are not addressing this demand.

Consider your service area and clientele: A landscaping business situated in a suburban residential area might focus on family-oriented outdoor spaces, while one in an urban setting could emphasize rooftop gardens or commercial landscaping solutions.

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the landscaping business, highlighting Strengths (such as expertise in water-conserving landscaping techniques and a unique offering of drought-tolerant designs), Weaknesses (including potential limitations in plant variety or challenges in client education about the benefits of  landscaping), Opportunities (for example, increasing awareness and regulation around water conservation leading to a higher demand for landscaping solutions), and Threats (such as climate unpredictability that may impact project scopes or competition from traditional landscaping businesses expanding into landscaping).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain clients through targeted advertising that emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of landscaping, promotional discounts for water-saving landscaping projects, an engaging social media presence showcasing successful projects and water conservation tips, and community involvement in local sustainability efforts. Highlighting the aesthetic appeal and low maintenance of landscapes can also attract clients looking for sustainable yet beautiful outdoor spaces.

Marketing Channels

Effective marketing channels ensure visibility and engagement:

Digital Marketing

• Website and SEO:  Developing a professional website is the cornerstone of your online presence. Beyond showcasing your portfolio and client testimonials, consider creating comprehensive service pages that outline your offerings in detail. Additionally, incorporating a blog section dedicated to landscaping tips, DIY guides, and industry trends can position your website as an authoritative resource in the field. Optimize it for local SEO to rank higher in search engine results.
• Social Media:  Utilizing various social media platforms allows for a multi-dimensional approach to engaging with your audience. While Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are primary platforms for visual content sharing, consider diversifying your presence across emerging platforms like TikTok or YouTube, depending on your content strategy.
• Email Marketing:  Building an email list is a valuable asset for nurturing leads and retaining existing clients. Offer incentives such as comprehensive landscaping guides, exclusive access to webinars, or early-bird discounts in exchange for email subscriptions. Segment your email list based on client preferences, geographical locations, or service interests to personalize content and increase engagement.

Local Advertising

• Flyers and Local Print:  Design eye-catching flyers and distribute them in local community centers, gardening stores, and neighborhood mailboxes.
• Community Engagement:  Participate in local gardening events, sponsor community projects, or offer workshops to showcase your expertise and build trust within the community.
• Collaborate with Home Services:  Partner with real estate agencies, property managers, or home renovation businesses to offer landscaping services as part of a home improvement package.
• Networking Events:  Attend trade shows, industry conferences, or Chamber of Commerce events to network with potential clients and other professionals in related industries.

Promotional Activities

Engage potential clients with compelling offers:

• Seasonal Promotions:  Launch seasonal promotions such as ‘Spring Garden Revival Packages’ or ‘Fall Cleanup Specials’ to attract new clients and encourage repeat business.
• Referral Programs:  Incentivize clients to refer your services to others by offering discounts or free upgrades for successful referrals.
• Free Consultations:  Offer free initial consultations or landscape assessments to showcase your expertise and build rapport with potential clients.

Sales Channels

Efficient  sales channels  are crucial for converting leads into customers:

In-Person Consultations

• Offer Comprehensive Assessments:  Provide detailed consultations to understand clients’ landscaping needs and offer tailored solutions.
• Present Service Packages:  Introduce different service packages or tiers that cater to various client requirements.

Online Booking and Sales

• Streamline Booking:  Implement an easy-to-use online booking system on your website, allowing clients to schedule appointments at their convenience.
• E-Commerce:  Sell gardening tools, plants, or landscape accessories through your website to diversify revenue streams.

Membership and Retention Programs

• Loyalty Rewards:  Develop loyalty programs where clients earn points for every service availed, redeemable for discounts or additional services. 
• Subscription Models : Offer subscription-based maintenance plans where clients pay a monthly fee for ongoing landscaping services, ensuring steady income and fostering client retention.

Strategy Timeline

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the landscaping business’s launch, including initial market research , website and portfolio development, community outreach efforts, first client acquisition, and subsequent project completions. Set benchmarks for marketing initiatives, client base growth, and expansion objectives, such as offering new services or entering new markets, ensuring the business progresses with clear direction and purpose.

The Management section focuses on the landscaping business’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the landscaping business towards its financial and operational goals.

For your landscaping business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your landscaping business’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your landscaping business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

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Landscaping Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a landscaping business can be a great way to break into the green industry, but it can also be overwhelming. Without a clear plan and the right guidance, it's hard to know where to start. Thankfully, there's now an easy-to-use template and guidebook designed to make crafting your business plan a breeze. Introducing The #1 Landscaping Business Plan Template & Guidebook—the essential package for anyone launching or wanting to grow an established landscaping business.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

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How to Write a Landscaping Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your landscaping business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your landscaping business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a landscaping business:

Our mission at ABC Landscaping is to create a beautiful and healthy outdoor environment for our clients that is both functional and affordable. We strive to provide excellent customer service and the highest quality of innovative landscaping design solutions to ensure that our clients' landscapes exceed their expectations.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Landscaping Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your landscaping business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your landscaping business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your landscaping business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your landscaping business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a landscaping business?

In order to run a landscaping business, you’ll need a variety of supplies and equipment, as well as permits from local and state governments.

• Tools: shovels, hand tools, power tools, rakes, hoes, machetes, lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers, blowers
• Supplies: Fertilizer, Weed Killers/pre-emergent herbicides, mulch/stone/decorative materials
• Transportation: Pick-up truck and or trailer
• Permits: Business license from your local government and certifications from the state if applicable

5. Management & Organization of Your Landscaping Business.

The second part of your landscaping business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your landscaping business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Landscaping Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a landscaping business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a landscaping business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your landscaping business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your landscaping business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your landscaping business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a landscaping business.

A business plan for a landscaping business provides a roadmap for success, outlining goals and strategies for the future. It can help provide clarity on how to grow the business, identify potential challenges, and set realistic objectives and timelines. A business plan also helps to attract investors, secure financing, and build relationships with key vendors and stakeholders.

Who should you ask for help with your landscaping business plan?

An experienced business consultant, a financial advisor, an accountant, or a small business mentor are all good resources you could contact for help with your landscaping business plan.

Can you write a landscaping business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a landscaping business plan yourself. Writing a business plan requires researching the local market and competition, assessing the financial needs of the business, and creating a strategy for achieving success. Depending on how comprehensive the plan needs to be, it is possible to create a basic vision for the business and its finances without the help of an experienced consultant. However, for more specific or complex information, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

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How to Write a Landscaping Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a landscaping company? If YES, here’s a complete sample landscaping business plan template & feasibility report to help you get started. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a landscaping business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample landscaping marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for landscaping businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

A Sample Landscaping Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

It is not enough to own a property that is well designed and built; the hallmark of any property is the beauty of the lawns and gardens. Landscapers are in the business of giving total esthetic effect in and around our neighborhoods. It is not enough to plant flowers or have a lawn in your compound and just watch them grow; you need to hire a professional landscaping company to help you bring out the beauty in your environment.

Landscape architecture is all about the art, planning, designing, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and the design of a large man – made concepts; it beautifies our environment. Landscaping business just like Lawn care business is not one of those businesses that you can start and make big money from without truly working pretty hard and smart.

Any entrepreneur who intends to start his or her own landscaping business with the aim of making huge profits from it must be very creative and ready to go the extra mile to convince clients that he or she can deliver an excellent job. Furthermore, you have got to prove beyond every reasonable doubt that you are competent.

In a publication released by a Professional Land-care Network (PLANET), an international association serving landscaping professionals, lawn care professionals, exterior maintenance contractors, installation/design/building professionals, and interior scapers, there are approximately 12,000 landscapers in the united states of America.

This statistics covers independent operators, franchises and large corporate chains. They also stated that the number of professional landscapers could actually be considerably higher because there are so many people doing landscape maintenance on part – time and on a pay as you go basis.

Lastly, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published in 2006-2007 (U.S. Department of Labor), is that almost 1 out of every 4 landscaping, grounds – keeping, nursery, greenhouse and lawn service workers is self-employed and provides maintenance services directly to customers on a contract basis. Of these, about 1 out of every 6 works part time.

Although, landscaping business might not be amongst the money spinning businesses in the US, but they have a very large market that is readily available for them if they can convince property owners to patronize their services.

As a matter of fact, statistics has it that the United States green industry (landscape and lawn maintenance, landscape contractors, landscape architects, irrigation contractors, and lawn and landscape product suppliers) generates roughly $67 billion to $69 billion annually. PLANET estimates that the landscaping services sector alone generates about 704,000 jobs and $35.6 million in value-added services annually in the US; it is indeed a growing industry.

Landscaping business also falls in the category of seasonal businesses. The industry experiences downtime during the winter period and in most states in the US. In general, the demand for landscaping services is usually at its peak in the spring and generally between April and October. Which is why landscaping companies are always everywhere sourcing for business deals within this period of the year.

If you are familiar with the landscaping industry, you will notice that most landscaping companies do not restrict their services to only landscape architecture et al; they ensure that they add additional services such as lawn care services, snow plowing services (during winter season), fumigation services and any other similar services just to ensure that they maintain steady in – flow of income during peak and off peak periods.

As such; any entrepreneur who wants to start a landscaping business in the US should be aware that the landscaping and lawn care industry is a closely regulated industry that requires practitioners to earn certifications that permit them to handle hazardous compounds; most especially when they also offer fumigation services.

2. Executive Summary

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is a licensed landscape architecture company that will be based in Miami Beach, Florida –United States of America and will have active presence in other cities such as; Greenacres City, Miami, Jacksonville, Clearwater, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, West Palm Beach, Palm Harbor, Deltona, Orlando, Palm Bay and Panama City et al.

We chose to operate in these cities because we know that our services will be in high demand due to the geographical nature of Florida. Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is in the business of beautifying in our environment by offering professional landscape architecture services. We know that the beauty of a city or property is not complete if the gardens or lawns are not properly designed and managed.

We know the importance of networking with the right set of people, which is why we have form partnership with stake holders (landlord associations, property managers and relevant government agencies) in Florida.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is specialized in handling golf courses, beach houses, major roads and streets as well as residential buildings and public facilities et al. As a matter of fact, when it comes to giving golf course the professional outlook it deserves, we are on top of the game.

We have some of the finest landscapers, who are gifted and also have gone ahead to acquire the relevant trainings that will make them create esthetic effect in the environment that will be second to none.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is fully aware of the seasonal nature of the business which is why we have made provision to engage in complimentary services during off peak period. We will engage in snow plowing during winter, sale of flowers, tree cutting, fumigation and other related services.

We will also provide consultancy services to homeowners, property managers and the government when it comes to creating the esthetic effect that will bring out the beauty in our environment.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is a private registered company landscape company that is owned by Glover Carrington and family. The company will be fully and single handedly financed by the owner – Glover Carrington. The business will be managed by his son Gordon Carrington; he is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Mr. Gordon Carrington (Master of Landscape Architecture – MLA) is a core professional who has experience in sensitivity to landscape quality, ability to analyze problems in terms of design and physical forms, understands the arts and humanistic approach to design and he has skills in all aspects of professional practice including management and professional ethics. He has well over 7 years of experience in the industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is in the business of bring out the beauty in our environment and our services will be carried out by highly trained professionals who know what it takes to give our highly esteemed customers value for their money.These are the services that Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will be offering;

• Landscape architecture services
• Landscape care/maintenance services
• Trimming Landscaping
• Landscape design/contracting services
• Lawn mowing/maintenance
• Sod installation/hydro – seeding
• Weeding or fertilizer and/or pest control application
• Weekly lawn cut
• Weeding Beds
• Sale of flowers
• Spring Cleanup
• Fall Cleanup
• Chemical Treatment
• Snow Plowing
• Consultancy and Advisory Services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become the number one choice of homeowners, property managers and government agencies when it comes to landscaping services in Florida, U.S.
• Glover and Greenhouse Landscaping Company is a business positioned to be the become the leaders when it comes to bringing out the beauty (esthetics) in our environment by offering top notch landscaping architectural services and other related services in Miami Beach and other cities in Florida, U.S.

Our Business Structure

Glover and Greenhouse Landscaping Company will be headquartered in Miami Beach, but will operate in other cities in Florida which is why we designed our business structure to support the nature of our operations. We want to create a team of dedicated workforce that will help the organization achieve its aim of becoming the number one landscape company in the whole of Florida.

Because we don’t have the required finance to manage the numbers of workforce that we would need, we have made provisions to hire some freelance landscapers to help us handle some contracts when the need arises. Here is the business structure of Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
• Sales and Marketing Executive

Landscape Architect / Landscapist

• Field Staff
• Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Operating Officer:

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for the day to day running of the business
• Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization at regular interval
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervises projects
• Ensures compliance during project executions
• Provides advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Uses IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and billing of every project
• Represents the organization’s interest at various stakeholders meetings
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied. Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Sales and Marketing Officer

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information.
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Lists the property for rent / lease to the public
• Markets space; finds tenants; participates in lease negotiations.
• Provides property owners with a real property condition disclosure (if required by law) and other necessary forms.
• Prepares necessary papers describing the property for advertising, pamphlets, open houses, etc.
• Holds an open house to show the property.
• Serves as a contact available to answer any questions about the property and schedule showing appointments.
• Responsible for planning and designing of places such as residential development area, parks, campuses, cemeteries, resorts, commercial centers, water fronts and corporate and institutional centers.
• Responsible for designing and implementing projects that respect both the needs of people and our environment
• Offers training and consultancy services
• Responsible for analyzing problems in terms of design and physical form
• Responsible for translating designs into a built work
• Responsible from training of field workers and freelancers

Field Workers

• Responsible for Lawn mowing/maintenance
• Handles Sod installation/hydro – seeding
• Handles Landscape care/maintenance services
• Carries out task in line with the stated job description
• Handles snow plowing
• Handles tree cutting
• Assists in transport working tools and equipment from the office (store) to site and back to the office
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

Front Desk / Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives Visitors / clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization

6. SWOT Analysis

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is in business for the purpose of making profits and building long lasting relationship with its clients and we know that in order for us to achieve these, we must be able to leverage on our strengths and take hold of all the opportunities that we come across.

We are aware that if effective strategies are not put in place, the weakness of a company and the threats that the business will be exposed to can strangulate the business which is why we have decided to take out time to conduct a SWOT analysis for Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to develop strategies that will help us effectively handle our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

Our strength as a landscape company is the fact that we have healthy relationships with key stakeholders in Florida. We have some of the latest equipment that will help us deliver neat and excellent jobs. Our management team and workforce are highly trained and qualified to deliver excellent jobs within record time. We are well positioned and we have active presence in major cities in Florida.

Our weakness could be that we are a new landscaping company in Miami Beach, Florida and it will require consistency for us to gain the confidence of our prospective clients (homeowners, property managers and even the government).

• Opportunities:

The opportunities that are available to us cannot be quantified; we know that there are loads of homeowners, property managers and government establishment that will require our services in Miami Beach and other cities in Florida.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a landscaping company are global economic downturn that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters and the arrival of a competitor ( a company that offer same service as we do ) within same location. There is hardly anything we could do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

It is a common trend in landscaping and lawn care industry to see loads of landscapers struggle to meet ends meet. This is so because a larger percentage of people who are supposed to patronize their services are reluctant when it comes to paying the true worth of the services rendered.

It is also a common trend to see landscape companies engage in other complimentary services to makes meet. The fact that there are off peak periods in the business makes it of necessity for landscape companies to look for other sources of income in order to maintain steady flow of income throughout the year.

If you are conversant with the landscape industry, you will realize that one of their major challenges is the challenge of accurately pricing services It takes a landscape company that has been in the business for a while to effectively charge clients in such a way that they will have enough resources to carry out the project, pay for labor and still make enough profits. It is important for any landscape company to first inspect the area they are to carry out their job so that they will be able to properly submit a quotation that will be favorable to both parties.

Usually, most landscaping companies ensure that they send their quotations to prospective clients only when they have been able to do their calculations based on per square foot of the property. Over and above, the creativity of the landscape architect will go a long way to determine the amount that can be charged and the inflow of business.

8. Our Target Market

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company was deliberately located in Miami Beach simply because we have a wide range of people and businesses that can hire our services; the geographical nature of Miami Beach is highly suitable for the kind of services we render. Our target market as a landscape company is not just restricted to only homeowners and property managers but also government establishment.

We are quite aware that the state government is one of the biggest clients in the industry, which is why we have structured our business to meet the expectations and requirements of the government when it comes to bidding for government contracts. This is the group of people that we will market our landscape business to;

• Facility managers for botanical gardens, historic buildings, municipalities and other government entities, universities, cemeteries and other public places with green spaces
• Homeowners who plan to put their home on the market and want to improve its curb appeal with fresh or updated landscaping
• Builders of both residential and commercial properties who don’t already have their own landscaper or staff
• New homeowners who wish to update the existing landscape of their property
• Homeowners who are frequently out of town on business
• Retirees who don’t care to do their own maintenance any longer
• “Snowbirds” with winter homes in warmer climates
• Golf course managers who may need help with maintenance
• Rental property or condominium association managers who are personnel-impaired
• Homeowners who don’t have the vision, skill or tools to design their own landscaping
• Managers of public facilities
• Government establishment

Our Competitive Advantage

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is fully aware that there is competition in the industry, which is why we decided to carry out thorough research and draft a killer landscaping marketing plan; so as to know how to take advantage of the available market in the cities where we want to operate.

We have done our homework and we have been able to highlight some factors that will give us competitive advantage in the marketplace; some of the factors are competence, trust, honesty, good network and excellent relationship management. One of the positive that we have as a company is the fact that we have some of the best hands in the industry under our payroll; our manager has a robust experience in the industry.

Another competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the fact that we have designed our business in such a way that we can comfortably work with both the highly placed clients and the lowly placed clients; our prices are designed to fit into the budget of the lower class, the middle class and the upper class.

We are quite aware of the importance of taking proper care of our workforce which is why we have created welfare packages that will make all our employers willing to stay longer with us and also to always put in their best when carrying out their jobs.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will ensure that we do not only generate income from our core service delivery but also from complementary services that we will render. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Posh Lawn Care and Landscape Company;

• Tree Cutting

10. Sales Forecast

From the survey conducted, we were are able to discover that the average landscaping business owner rakes in about $5,000 to $ 50,000 in their first year of active business, and a steady increase of $160,000 to $250,000 from subsequent year as long as they are consistent in what they do and have been able to create additional sources of income.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company have perfected her sales and marketing strategies and we are set to deliver excellence services and designs. We know that if we structure our business properly and we have highly trained and motivated employees, we are likely going to meet or even surpass our set target of generating enough income / profits from our first three months of operations.

With the help of experts, we have been able to critically examine the landscape industry with more emphasis on Miami Beach, Florida and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some workable assumptions as well.

Below are the projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of operations;

• First Year-: $150,000
• Second Year-: $250,000
• Third Year-: $500,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will do all it can to ensure that we become the preferred choice as far as landscaping services is concerned in Florida. We know the effectiveness of properly positioning a business which is why we have chosen a corner piece location in a busy road in Miami Beach to locate our business.

We will ensure that we leverage on all available networks to source for business deals. In view of that, we will continue to find local real estate clubs and connect with them and also we will locate gathering where we can find homeowners within the locations where we intend operating and then connect with them.

We will ensure that we bid at the appropriate time whenever there is the opportunity to handle government contracts both at the community and state level. We will also enter business partnership with local contractors and property managers since they also interface with property owners regularly; through them we can secure business deals.

Over and above, we have perfected strategies to network with people who are likely to refer business our way. In summary, Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will adopt the following strategies in sourcing for clients for our business;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the real estate industry, government institution and also property owners.
• Promptness in bidding for contracts
• Advertise our business in real estate / properties magazines and websites
• List our business on yellow pages ads
• Attend related real estate expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality job for them.
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Direct marketing
• Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are quite aware that any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business.

We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means. Below are the platforms Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company intend to leverage on to promote and advertise her business;

• Encourage our loyal customers to help us use Word of Mouth mode of advertisement (referrals)
• Advertise our landscaping business in relevant magazines (real estate magazines), local newspaper, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our landscaping business online via our official website
• List our landscaping business on local directories (yellow pages ads)
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, Badoo, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our landscaping business
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations around Miami Beach and other key cities in Florida.
• Direct coupon mailing approach to introduce our landscaping business to residence and property managers
• Engage in road show from time to time to create awareness of our landscaping business.
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in Miami Beach, and other key cities in Florida
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Attend landlord and residence association meetings with the aim of networking and introducing our landscaping business.

These are some of the equipment that we would need to fully launch our lawn care and landscaping business;

• String Trimmer
• Edging Shears
• Turfing Iron
• Half Moon Cutter
• Leveling Rake
• Spring – tined Rake
• Wheel Barrow

12. Our Pricing Strategy

From our findings, the average cost of landscape services varies and it is dependent on loads of factors. For example, normal landscaping services include prices for services such as regular lawn maintenance which includes edging, mowing and blowing, fertilization, weeding beds, hedge trimming, shrub removal, replacement or moving, grass replacement, lawn care, irrigation among other landscape related services that may be required by a client.

Usually, these services are priced separately in most cases and in some instances; they may be priced together into one monthly service price.

We have been able to conduct effective survey and we were able to adopt a price format that is ideal for the kind of services we are going to be rendering.  Part of our business strategy is to ensure that we work within the budget of our clients to deliver excellent landscape services. At Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company, every client will find packages that will suite their budget.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits. Here are the payment options that are available to all clients of Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for services rendered to them without stress on their part.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company ®

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is a privately owned business and it will be financed by the owner of the company; Mr. Glover Carrington. These are the areas where we intend sourcing for fund for Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from family members and friends (soft loans and gifts et al)
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the banks (loan facility).

N.B: Mr. Glover Carrington has been able to generate $30,000 ($20,000 from his personal savings and $10,000 as soft loan from his family members and friends. 50% of the start – up capital ($30,000 will be generated from the bank as loan)

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in Florida: $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license: $1,500
• The Amount needed to acquire a small Office facility with space for storage of working tools and equipment in Miami Beach, Florida for 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive): $30,000.
• The Cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al): $3,000
• The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment (walk-behind mower, a back pack blower, an edger, a weed eater and hand tools): $10,000
• The Cost of Launching our official Website: $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al): $1,000

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need about $60,000 to set up a standard landscaping business in Long Beach, CA.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Although Mr. Glover Carrington is the founder if the business, he is over 60 years old and since he intends building a business that will last, grow and expand, he decided to invest in training his son who is going to be the manager of the business. That is part of his sustainability and expansion strategy.

Glover and Greenhouse will ensure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that staff welfare is well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

Integrity, competence, trust and good relationship management are major factor that can guarantee steady growth for any business and we will ensure that we are known for such qualities.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility in Miami Beach, Florida: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Start – up Capital Generation: Completed
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Purchase of the needed working tools and equipment: Completed
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety License Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies, landlord association): Completed

More on Real Estate

How To Write a Successful Landscaping Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for landscaping businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every landscaping business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Landscaping Business Plan Template

What is a landscaping business plan.

A landscaping business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Landscaping Business Plan?

A landscaping business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Landscaping Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful landscaping business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a landscaping business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your landscaping company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your landscaping business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your landscaping firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen landscaping business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a landscaping business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the landscaping industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, landscaping business customers may include residential homebuilders, commercial developers, and residential homeowners.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or landscaping services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your landscaping business may have:

• Established industry relationships
• Comprehensive services
• Wide range of landscaping services
• Customized services
• Use of the latest technology

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your landscaping business via a mix of these channels.

Operations Plan

This part of your landscaping business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a landscaping business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new services, expanding to a new location, or hiring new employees.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific landscaping industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Landscaping Company

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Landscaping Company

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup landscaping business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Landscaping Company

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your landscaping company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

This guide has provided you with a basic outline of what should be included in your landscaping business plan. Use this as a starting point and tailor it to fit the specific needs of your company.  

Finish Your Landscaping Business Plan in 1 Day!

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How To Develop Your Landscaping Mission Statement + Examples

Landscaping Business Plan: How to Write It and What It Is

• Last Updated: October 27, 2022

A landscaping business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and financial projections for a landscaping company. It is important to have a business plan in place before starting a landscaping business, as it will help you to map out the potential growth and financial stability of the business. 

Starting a landscaping company can be more difficult than it looks. If you have a plan, it can make the journey much easier. This blog will be your guide to start a landscaping business and write your landscaping business plan .

Table of Content

• How to Write an Effective Landscaping Business Plan?

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

Landscaping business plan template, how to write an effective landscaping business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for any business, and a landscaping business is no exception. Your plan should outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

For your landscaping business to succeed, it’s important to put together a comprehensive lawn maintenance business plan. This should include a market analysis, an overview of the landscaping industry, your business goals and objectives, and a detailed plan for how you intend to achieve success.

Finally, your business planning should include a detailed action plan for how you intend to achieve your goals. This should include information on your marketing and advertising strategy, your sales and growth strategy, your competitor analysis, and your financial goals.

By taking the time to put together a comprehensive lawn maintenance business plan, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the landscaping industry. There are a few key things to keep in mind when writing your landscape company business plan :

1. Define your business goals

When you’re putting together your landscaping business plan, one of the most important things to do is to define your business goals. 

• What do you want to achieve with your landscape businesses? 
• What are your long-term and short-term goals? Be specific and realistic in your goals.
• Are you hoping to grow your company to a certain size? 
• Are you hoping to serve a certain number of clients? 
• Are you hoping to achieve a certain level of profitability?

No matter what your specific goals may be, it’s important to write them down and make them a part of your business plan. Having clear and defined goals will help you to create a roadmap for your business, and it will also help you to measure your progress over time.

Also, make a company description that suits the market trends, covers all necessary information about your landscape business, and the lawn services you provide.

2. Outline your strategy

How are you going to achieve your business goals? What are your marketing plan and sales strategies? What are your operational plans?

This will give potential investors an idea of what you hope to achieve with your business, and who your target customers are. You will need to include a detailed business model, outlining how you plan on generating revenue and making a profit. 

• A mission statement is a brief, clear statement of an organization’s purpose, goals, and priorities. 
• A personal savings plan is a way to set aside money each month to reach your long-term savings goals. To be thorough, you need to have a complete understanding of all the details involved in your project. This will include things like pricing strategies, marketing initiatives, and operational costs. Using free project management templates can help you stay organized and ensure no key information gets overlooked.
• Your market analysis should take into account the current state of the economy and the landscaping industry, as well as your target market. Who will your new customers be? What are their needs and wants? What are the trends in the landscaping industry? This information will help you to determine your prices and position you for your business success.

3. Make financial projections

What are your revenue and expense projections? What are your capital requirements? Make sure your financial projections are realistic and achievable.

You will need to put together a solid financial plan, which will include your start-up costs, financial projections, and a strategy for securing funding. This is arguably the most important part of your business plan, as it will show potential investors whether or not your business is viable.

Many landscaping companies, to ensure they get repeat customers, keep their gross margin less for old customers compared to new customers. This method helps them retain old customers and maintain cash flow.

4. Write a clear and concise business plan

Your business plan should be easy to understand and free of jargon. Make sure to include all the key components outlined above. A company summary is a brief landscaping business description , its history, products and services, and your current situation which makes it easy to apply for bank loans.

As you sit down to write your landscaping business plan, keep in mind that its purpose is to communicate your vision and guide your business’s growth. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you write a clear and concise business plan:

• Keep it short and sweet. No one wants to read a 100-page business plan. Keep your plan concise and to the point.
• Paraphrase sections of your business plan that sound less impactful. A paraphraser tool can help you avoid repetition in your write-up and allows you to express your ideas in a new way while maintaining the original meaning.
• Communicate your vision. Your plan of action should articulate your vision for your business. What are your long-term goals? What sets your business apart from the competition?
• Be realistic. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. Be realistic in your projections and goals.
• Do your research. Make sure you have a good understanding of your market and your competition.
• Get help. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you write your business plan.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your landscaping business plan is well-rounded and will give you the best chance of success.

If you’re thinking about starting a landscaping business, you need a solid business plan. This plan should include a summary of your business, your marketing plan, and a financial forecast.

Your business plan should be thorough and cover all aspects of your business, from your market analysis to your pricing strategy. Your marketing plan should detail how you plan to reach your target market, and what methods you’ll use to promote your business. And finally, your financial forecast should outline your expected expenses and income.

With a proper business plan that includes your landscaping business plan summary, you’ll be on your way to starting a successful landscaping business.

There are many reasons why you might need a business plan. 

• Perhaps you are looking to start a new business and need to lay out your goals and strategies. 
• Or maybe you are already running a business and need to take it to the next level. 

Whatever the case may be, a business plan can be a helpful tool.

• A business plan can help you to articulate your business idea, set realistic goals, and map out a path to achieving them. 
• It can also force you to think about potential risks and how to mitigate them. 
• And if you are seeking financing from investors, a business plan can be essential in convincing them to invest in your business.

So, if you are thinking about starting a business, or taking your existing business to the next level, consider to write a business plan. Having a well-executed business plan is key to success. 

Make sure you do your research and put together a plan that takes into account your start-up costs, marketing strategy, and financial goals. By taking the time to plan, you’ll put your business on the path to success.

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A landscaping business plan template can be a great resource for those looking to start their own business. 

• This type of template can help you to create a well-organized and professional-looking business plan. It can also provide you with a framework to follow as you develop your business plan. 
• Additionally, a landscaping business plan template can help you to identify and assess the potential risks and opportunities associated with starting a landscaping company. Creating a business plan template for landscaping businesses can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Free PDF Template of Landscaping Business Plan

When it comes to starting a successful lawn care business, having a well-thought-out business plan is essential. But what can you do to give your lawn care business a competitive advantage?

• One way to stand out from the competition is to offer landscaping services that they don’t. For example, if you’re starting a lawn care business in a suburban area, you could focus on offering organic lawn care services.
• Another way to set your business apart is to focus on customer service. This could mean offering a money-back satisfaction guarantee or providing free consultations to potential clients.
• In terms of detail, it is important to include enough information to give a clear overview of your landscaping business. However, you don’t want to include so much detail that the plan becomes cumbersome. A good rule of thumb is to keep the business plan to around 30 pages.
• As for frequency, it is generally a good idea to update your business plan on an annual basis. This ensures that your plan stays relevant and reflects any changes in your business. However, you may need to update it more frequently if your business is growing rapidly.

We hope our blog post on the landscaping business plan provided some guidance on the subject. You will get complete help in writing a business plan for your business. Once you start your landscaping business, all you need is a software solution to automate your business and its business operations. 

FieldCamp is the best landscape business software for automating routine landscaping operations and is an essential component for the long-term success of the lawn maintenance business. The software helps businesses streamline all the operations, including job scheduling, invoicing, payments, and reporting. Know how this software solution helps your landscaping business streamline operations by starting your 7-day FREE trial.

Gaurang Bhatt

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How To Create A Landscaping Business Plan

For those who love hard work, spending time outside, and being your own boss, starting a landscaping business may be a great fit.

But where do you start?

This guide will show you how to write a landscaping business plan, and address other important factors to consider when starting a landscaping business.

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Plan for success.

Having a business plan is important for several reasons. It serves as your guide for everything you need to run a profitable landscaping business .

Business plans help you avoid costly mistakes by forcing you to go over all the tough aspects of starting a business, not just the fun ones.

Three big reasons why landscaping businesses fail

A landscaping business isn’t guaranteed success. In fact, 20% of small businesses fail within their first year.

Here are some of the reasons why landscaping businesses don’t make it.

1. Too much overhead or underestimating jobs

Operational inefficiencies can bog down business. This could be too much overhead, such as buying a lot of equipment, but not having enough jobs to keep it in use.

Bad estimates also are frequent issues for landscapers. Underpricing a job could win you work, but you also want to make enough money to stay in business. On the other hand, overpricing a job could result in lost work. It’s a fine line to straddle.

Pro tip: Looking at past job hours and expenses using a landscaping time tracker can help you prepare better estimates.

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2. Not enough customers

The failure to get repeat customers leads many businesses to sputter out. Consistent jobs pay the bills and are a reliable source of income.

Without it, owners spend too much of their time working to find new customers. This is a lot more expensive than keeping the current ones happy.

3. Cash flow

Cash flow problems plague businesses that are growing fast. If you need more equipment to get more jobs done, you’ll need more cash to make that happen and still be able to pay your team.

Those are the most common problems that landscaping business owners run into.

Now let’s see how to write a great plan so you can avoid these pitfalls.

Writing your landscaping business plan: Step-by-step

A business plan is made up of a common set of sections that can vary in length. The more you add, the better suited you’ll be for the ups and downs that come with running a company.

The following sections are the most important, and could be considered the minimum to include in your landscaping business plan.

1. Executive Summary

This is the first thing someone will read in your business plan. It describes what you want to do and why you will be successful in doing it.

Keep this simple but powerful. If you are looking for money from a bank or other investors, this summary will set the stage for them to trust in your plan.

2. Company Description

This includes your mission statement, history, and an overview of team members.

This mission statement is an easy-to-read message that lets people know why your business exists.

For example “To grow and maintain naturally healthy lawns and gardens,” may be a mission statement for a landscaping company. Overall, keep it simple.

In your company history, describe how long you’ve been around, what services you offer, and what reputation you already have as a landscaper.

The last part of this section is an overview of team members. You’ll want to explain who will be part of the company, why they are skilled, and how they will contribute to the success of the business.

3. Market and Competitor Analysis

This is your chance to establish the status of the landscaping market in your area, and determine where you can stand out.

If there are already 30 tree removal companies in your area, you may not want to focus on that specific service.

On the other hand, you may find that many of those companies have bad reviews, and there is a need for higher quality work to be done.

This is all part of your analysis of the market, so you can find out where there is the greatest need and set up your services to meet that need.

Also consider how services are being priced so you don’t stand out for charging too much. See if your area has a need for more high-end work like gardening, or if there are more potential customers out there that just need lawn services.

Your objective here is to find out where you best can position your company to be successful.

If you’re looking for an easy way to research and document the competition, you can build a simple competitor analysis project board using Hubstaff Tasks simple project management tool .

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4. Services and Product

This section details the services you’re going to offer and details about them. Here’s what you’ll want to:

• Explain your services in detail
• Explain your pricing model
• Talk about which type of customer will use these services
• Describe how much time it takes to complete services
• Describe what makes your offering unique

5. Marketing Strategy

When you “open the doors” to your new landscaping business, customers won’t be able to find you if they’ve never heard of you. A marketing plan will put you in a position to get noticed.

Talk about the brand you are creating. Think about why it will be special. Describe what it will look like, display any logos or designs, and show the slogans or phrases you’ll use as a brand.

Your marketing plan should include, at minimum, how you plan to use social media, customer referrals, online ratings, in-person events like lawn and garden shows, and direct mail .

6. Financial Plan

The way you spend and manage money is one of the most important aspects of survival and growth as a business. Your financial plan needs to consider the following:

• Startup costs, or the amount of money you need to operate. You’ll need equipment like shovels and lawnmowers, but you also need cash for gasoline, car payments, or fertilizers.
• Employee wages should be broken down by position and skill level. This will keep you on budget when you start hiring.
• Funding sources are the places where you’re going to get the money needed to start. This could be personal savings, friends and family, bank loans, credit cards, or investors.
• Sales projections should be drafted to predict how much money you will spend and earn for at least the first three years of operation. This is an educated guess based upon all the other research you’ve done to build this plan. This should be an honest look at the earning potential of your company.

Drafting your business plan

Creating a landscaping business plan is a vital part of starting a landscaping business. Those who prepare and plan will stand a better chance of profiting and growing their operation for many years to come.

It can feel tedious going through each of the steps of this plan. Keep in mind the reasons why you wanted to start this business as you build your plan.

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Resources for Your Growing Business

How to start a landscaping business in 7 steps (2024 guide).

Landscaping is in high demand across the USA, creating a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. You can enter the industry with relatively low start-up costs and not too much experience, and there’s plenty of potential to grow your company in the future. 

You can add more services and equipment as you expand, but having a clear business plan from the start helps your company start turning a profit right away. A business plan also sets up everything you need to grow quickly. We’ll explore the basics of how to start a landscaping company and the equipment, business requirements, and marketing strategies you’ll need to build a company that can grow with you.

Key Takeaways 

• Landscaping has relatively low start-up costs and plenty of growth opportunities.
• You can offer a wide array of services or choose to specialize in one type of landscaping.
• Factor in equipment, business, and labor expenses when estimating your start-up costs.
• Consider offering off-season services to keep your company working year-round.

Table of Contents

• Choose Your Niche and Service Offering
• Decide Whether To Buy or Rent Equipment
• Decide on Your Business Structure
• How Much Does It Cost To Start a Landscaping Business
• Select Your Business Name and Apply for Licenses/Permits
• Set Your Prices
• Market Your Small Business

Reasons for Starting a Landscaping Business

Get moving: launch your landscaping business.

• Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few decisions to make when starting your small landscaping business. These 7 steps outline the basic process for creating your landscaping company so you can start making a profit fast.

1. Choose Your Niche and Service Offering

Landscaping and lawn care services offer great potential for gaining recurring customers, but you may also face competition in profitable areas. Choosing the right niche and services helps you lock in the right customer base for your new business so you can make the most of your marketing efforts. 

Start by exploring other landscaping companies in your area to see what services they offer. You might decide to offer a wide array of services so you can reach the broadest possible customer base or you may prefer to specialize so you can differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Many landscaping businesses choose to focus on either landscaping or lawn care business, while others offer services from both groups. Some of these services include:

Landscaping:

• Design the outdoor layout (“landscape”) for a home or business
• Update existing landscaping for a client
• Improve “curb appeal” for houses that are going on the market
• Landscape design services for businesses that don’t have their own landscaper on staff
• Optional: “Hardscape” designs for rock sculptures, waterfalls, etc. 

Lawn Maintenance:

• Sod installation
• Mowing lawn services/weed-eating
• Trimming shrubs and hedges
• Applying fertilizer
• Seeding/hydroseeding
• Planting/plant care
• Bug and pest treatments
• Irrigation system maintenance and repair
• Lawn aeration

One of the benefits of starting a landscaping business is that it’s easy to add additional services as you grow, so you’re not locked into just the services you offer at the start. Some services like lawn mowing and weeding also need more regular maintenance (for example, many customers like to have their lawn maintenance done every week), so these services can be a great place to start. 

2. Decide Whether To Buy or Rent Equipment

The services you offer will dictate what equipment you need, but there are a few basics that almost every landscaping company requires. These include a vehicle and a small trailer so you can transport your equipment. If you only have a few pieces of equipment you may want to choose a van, but if you have more equipment (or if you’re planning to expand in the future), a small truck and trailer set-up may be a better fit. 

Some other common landscaping equipment include:

• Commercial lawnmower
• Leaf blower
• Weed wacker 
• Pruning shears
• Tree trimming equipment
• Shovels 
• Rakes 
• Wheelbarrows
• Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, safety earmuffs)

When deciding whether to buy or rent equipment, consider the demand for each service and your service schedule. For example, equipment that you’ll use regularly for a long time, such as a lawn mower, can quickly become expensive if you choose to rent. However, renting can be a helpful way to try out a few different equipment brands when you’re starting out so you can choose what you want to buy.

For more specialized equipment, like pesticide sprayers or tree trimming equipment, you may want to consider renting since demand is unlikely to be as high. If you’re able to schedule this work in a condensed period (for example, scheduling multiple tree-trimming jobs in 1 week) you can rent equipment that you don’t use as often. 

Purchasing second-hand equipment can also be a helpful way to save money. This is especially true for your work vehicle since there are usually multiple options. 

3. Decide on Your Business Structure

When you register your landscaping business, you’ll also have to decide on a business structure. There are 3 common structures for small businesses:

Sole Proprietorship

If you’re planning to run the landscaping company on your own, you’ll likely want to register as a sole proprietor. This is the simplest type of business structure where you’re responsible for all business decisions, profits, and losses.

Partnership

If you’ll be running your business with one or more other people, you may want to register as a partnership. Under this business structure, you’ll share business decisions and financial responsibility.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

In some cases, you might want your business to be registered as a separate entity from yourself. This means that in the event of a major loss, you won’t be personally liable. You can register as an LLC if you run the company alone or with partners.

4. How Much Does It Cost To Start a Landscaping Business

Start-up costs for a new landscaping business can be divided into 2 categories: equipment costs and business costs.

Equipment Costs

Your equipment costs include your vehicle, trailer, lawnmower, and any other equipment you’ll need for the services you offer. The total cost of equipment can vary greatly depending on whether you rent, buy new, or buy used.

Business Costs

You’ll have to pay a fee to register your business, which will vary depending on your state. You’ll also need a landscaping business license and you may need special licensing for some services, like for example pesticide application. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce for licensing fee information.

Before you start operating, you should also get business insurance that covers your equipment, labor, and liability. Although landscaping is fairly safe, having general liability insurance to protect yourself and your equipment can save you money in the long run.

You should also factor in the cost of software that you’ll need to run your business. Landscaping accounting software is key to time tracking, managing your expenses, billing your clients, and filing your taxes, so it’s worth including this in your initial start-up costs.

Optional and Additional Costs

Equipment and business costs are the minimum requirements for starting your landscaping business, but there are other expenses that you may want to invest in. Marketing is an optional cost but it can help customers find your business so you can expand and grow profits. Marketing costs can range from a basic website to promoting ads on social media.

If you’re doing the labor yourself, you’ll need to account for paying yourself. If you’re hiring employees, you’ll also need to factor in their wages when estimating your startup costs.

5. Select Your Business Name and Apply for Licenses/Permits

When selecting a business name, look for something that makes it clear what you offer and where you are. For example, including ‘landscaping’ in the name immediately lets potential customers know what you do. You can also include your name for a personal touch, or the name of your town or region so customers can easily find your business.

Next, you’ll need to register your business name and apply for a business license and permits. Licensing varies by state, so drop by your local Small Business Association or Chamber of Commerce for details on fees and how to apply for licensing and permits.

You’ll also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so you can file your business taxes and open a business bank account.

6. Set Your Prices

Landscaping prices vary depending on region and services. A good place to start is by checking out your competitors so you can get a sense of standard rates in your area. Remember to account for your profit margin—it’s important to price low enough to stay competitive, but high enough that you’ll still be paid fairly.

There are 3 common pricing methods for landscaping: hourly, fixed, and square foot. 

Hourly Pricing

When you’re not sure how long a job will take, pricing by the hour ensures you’ll be fairly compensated for your labor.

Fixed Pricing

If you have a general sense of how long a job will take, consider offering a fixed price. This tends to be popular with customers because it’s a transparent pricing method that makes it easy to compare different companies.

Square Foot

For services like lawn mowing, weeding, and aeration, you can also charge by the square foot. This is helpful for larger areas like parks and commercial lawns. In general, landscaping costs between $4 to $12 per square foot, but this can vary greatly depending on your region and the services you’re performing.

No matter which pricing method you choose, it’s important to provide clients with professional estimates for any job. FreshBooks landscaping estimate templates make it easy to create quick, professional estimates for any landscaping work. Once the job is done, you can use a landscaping invoice template to create your final bill.

Also Read: How to Estimate Landscaping Jobs

7. Market Your Small Business

Once you’ve got your business set up, it’s time to reach your customers! Marketing is key to building your client base and expanding your new landscaping company. There are several marketing strategies you can use to attract customers, including:

Word of Mouth

Let your friends and family know that you’re offering landscaping services. Talking about your business also allows them to recommend you if anyone asks for a great landscaping company in the area. Going to local networking events also helps other people and businesses to get to know you and your services.

Build a Website

A website is the foundation of your marketing, so it’s important to have a clear design that lets clients know what you offer. Include your service list, prices, and contact information. It’s also helpful to have a section that tells your potential customers about yourself so you can start building a personal relationship with them. 

Once you have build a business website , make sure it’s search engine optimized so that Google and other search engines will display your company when people look for landscaping and landscape professionals in your area.

Social Media

Having a social media presence is a great way to reach a wide variety of people. You can showcase your work by sharing pictures on social media and you can also choose to use paid ads to boost your visibility.

Ask for Reviews

Sharing positive testimonials from customers can help promote trust and reliability. You can ask clients to review you on Google, Yelp, and other platforms, or you can ask for testimonials that you can share on your business website and social media.

Door-to-Door

Since your landscaping company will service a specific area, direct local marketing can help reach your target market of clients. Consider mailbox flyers or posters on community boards near your landscaping company.

Starting a landscaping business offers a great opportunity to build your own company with recurring clients and has plenty of growth potential. Since most landscaping requires regular maintenance, you can build personal client relationships that will provide you with a dependable income during the landscaping season. If you offer off-season work, like leaf clearing and snow blowing, there’s also the opportunity to work year-round.

It’s also easy to expand your landscaping company once you get started. You can start with a few services and then purchase more equipment and offer additional services later on, or you can expand the areas where you want to provide services. You can also hire more employees as you grow. 

Finally, running your own landscaping company gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule. Although it’s a good idea to maintain regular hours so you can work for recurring clients, you can pick the days and times that work best for you. It’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet people in your community, and create rewarding client relationships.

With a few straightforward steps, you can start your own landscaping company and grow your business. Landscaping start-up costs are relatively low—you’ll need a vehicle and some basic equipment, as well as the proper licensing, registration, and insurance. Whether you opt for a comprehensive range of services to cater to diverse needs or specialize in specific areas to establish a niche, clarity in your offerings is key. Explore this insightful article on How to Start a Lawn Care Business for further guidance tailored to the lawn care industry.

FreshBooks expense tracking software makes it easy to organize your business expenses and profits so you can cut extra spending and focus on your most profitable areas. Try FreshBooks free to get started with your business accounting and grow your landscaping company today.

FAQs About Starting a Landscaping Business

Learn more about profit in the landscaping industry, challenges to running a landscaping business, and more with these answers to frequently asked questions about starting a landscaping company. 

How profitable is owning a landscaping business? 

Owning your own landscaping business can be quite profitable—many landscapers have a profit margin between 10 and 50 percent. This will grow as your business expands, and will also depend on your region and experience level.

What are the cons of owning a landscaping business? 

There are some downsides to owning a landscaping business. For example, depending on where you live, landscaping may be a seasonal business. This means downtime in bad weather and can also mean employee turnover. However, if you choose to offer off-season landscaping services, like snow removal, you can turn your landscaping company into an all-season business.

What part of landscaping makes the most money? 

Irrigation and lawn care tend to be 2 of the most profitable parts of a successful landscaping business. However, profitable services will depend on demand in the landscaping market in your area—you may need to try offering a few different services and seeing which are the most popular before you settle on a final model.

How much should you invest in your landscaping company? 

In general, you should expect to invest about $50,000 in costs for your first year running a landscaping company. This includes everything from labor and equipment to insurance and marketing but will vary a bit depending on your area.

How do I start a landscaping company from scratch?

When you start a landscaping company, begin by deciding what services you’ll offer and who your target market is. Then you can purchase the appropriate equipment and start setting up your business from there.

Sandra Habiger, CPA

About the author

Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

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How to Start a Landscaping Business in 10 Steps

The $153 billion landscaping industry is growing. Here’s how to build your landscaping company from the ground up in 10 steps.

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.

by   Miles Almadrones

Miles is a legal writer and content marketing specialist with a background in operations management and logistics. He...

Read more...

Updated on: September 10, 2024 · 12 min read

Is now the time to start a landscaping business?

Starting a landscaping or lawn care business in 10 steps, how much does it cost to start a landscaping business, how to decide which type of business structure is right for you.

Owning a landscaping business can be rewarding and profitable, but the initial steps to start one require more than just a green thumb. You’ll first need to analyze your local market, decide which landscaping services to offer, and formally establish your business in your state. To help you get started, walk you through the entire process and break down the potential startup costs to prepare for. 

Over the past five years, the landscaping industry has expanded by an average of 4.8% annually, now with a market size of $153 billion in 2024. Even more encouraging, individual landscaping companies reported growth of over 15% in 2023, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals . 

While these trends don’t guarantee future results, they at least suggest a positive outlook for the industry. After all, there will always be an ongoing need for property maintenance and care, whether in suburbs, commercial lots, or outdoor public areas. 

However, you should still be aware of factors that could impact growth, including rising operational costs or changes in consumer spending habits—particularly for larger projects or nonessential services. Nonetheless, starting a landscaping company in the current market could be a rewarding opportunity if you’re willing to put in the work and learn the fundamentals. 

From market research to the official launch, here’s everything you’ll need to do in order to start a new landscaping business. 

Step 1: Conduct market research

First, you want to study your local market and assess whether you have a viable business idea . You should focus on these items: 

• Market demand. Measure the need for landscaping services in your community. Look for areas with new housing developments, commercial zones, or neighborhoods with high-income professionals or aging populations. 
• Target customer base. Determine who your primary customers will be, whether homeowners, businesses, or both. 
• Competitors. Identify existing landscaping companies in your area and note their services, pricing, and reputation. 
• Opportunities. Look for gaps in the market. Is there a need for specific services, more price variety, or something else that you could provide that your competitors can’t? 

You can refer to local government websites and census data to learn about development plans and demographics in your area. You should also use Google Maps, local business directories, and online customer reviews to find and analyze the competition. As you gather all this information, look for indicators that suggest a need (or lack thereof) for your services. 

Step 2: Choose which type of services to offer

Based on your market research, you can decide which services to offer. Common options include the following: 

• Basic lawn care. Mowing, edging, pruning, leaf removal, and seasonal clean-ups
• Irrigation services. Maintaining and installing sprinkler systems 
• Outdoor design and installation. Creating and implementing landscaping plans for new builds or renovations
• Hardscaping. Installing patios, walkways, and driveways
• Tree services. Trimming, removal, and stump grinding
• Pest and weed control. Applying chemical treatments as needed 
• Outdoor lighting. Installing and maintaining low-voltage lighting systems 

Consider your skills, experience, and available resources when determining which services to offer. As a general rule of thumb, you should start with services you’re confident in providing that also align with your target market’s needs. 

Step 3: Choose a business model

A business model—also known as a business structure—affects your finances, operations, and degree of liability in the event of a lawsuit. While several options are available, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC), it’s generally advisable to choose a structure that offers liability protection. 

An LLC is a common choice for a new landscaping business owner, as it typically protects personal finances from business debts and liabilities—unlike a sole proprietorship. A corporation offers similar liability protection and additional tax options, but it’s usually more complicated to set up. For more information, we’ll explain how to choose the right structure for your landscaping business in a later section. 

Step 4: Write a business plan

Once you have a good understanding of how you’ll structure your lawn care company, you can create a business plan to show that you’ve considered all aspects of your venture. Here are the basic elements you should include in your landscaping business plan: 

• Executive summary. An overview of your landscaping business and its objectives
• Company description. Details about your services, target market, and advantages over competitors
• Market analysis. Insights on local competition, industry trends, and growth potential. 
• Financial projections. Estimated business expenses, revenue forecasts, and profitability outlook for the next few years
• Organization and management. Your business model and who’s in charge of running it
• Marketing strategy. Description of your plans to attract landscaping customers 

Writing a business plan will help you map out your initial goals and keep track of progress but remember to update it regularly as your business evolves and you learn more about your market. 

Step 5: Finance your business

While startup costs depend on your services and size, you’ll need to plan for equipment purchases, vehicle costs, insurance, licenses, and initial marketing efforts. You should also account for ongoing fuel, maintenance, and labor costs. 

Once you’ve estimated your startup costs, you can decide whether you’ll fund the business yourself or apply for outside financing , whether through friends or family, a bank, or the Small Business Administration (SBA). Regardless of the lender, ensure you have a clear plan for how you’ll use the funds and repay the loan (often included in your business plan). 

Step 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Specific requirements can vary depending on your location and the services you offer, but here are some of the standard permits and licenses you might need to acquire: 

• A business license to operate in your city or county
• A contractor’s license if you plan on offering larger landscaping services (such as hardscaping) 
• Pesticide applicator license if you’ll be applying chemical treatments
• Tree pruning license to maintain trees over a certain height 
• DOT number if operating vehicles over a certain weight 

Research your local regulations thoroughly, as operating without proper permits can result in fines and legal issues. If you’d like some help, LegalZoom can help identify the exact federal, state, or local licenses you need to start your landscaping business.

Step 7: Invest in equipment

Unless you already own lawn care equipment, you’ll typically need to purchase the following tools: 

• Lawn mower (riding model for large lawns and a push model for small, hard-to-access areas) 
• Edger and string trimmer
• Pruning shears, rakes, and shovels
• Wheelbarrow or garden cart
• Spreader for fertilizer, seeds, or pesticides 
• Safety gear (gloves, googles, ear protection) 
• Truck or trailer for transportation 

In addition, you might buy a chainsaw, pressure washer, irrigation installation/repair tools, or more heavy-duty equipment for hardscaping, depending on your lawn care services. Still, you should start with the essential, versatile tools first and gradually expand your inventory as your business grows. 

Step 8: Market your business

Before launching, you’ll want to develop a plan to market your landscaping company . To begin, you should build a simple and professional website that showcases your work through before-and-after photos, lists your services, and includes a contact form for easy quote requests. You can also update your website with customer testimonials as you earn them. 

Next, you can create a free Google Business Profile to appear in local search results, making it easy for potential customers to find your contact information. However, don’t overlook traditional marketing strategies like eye-catching business cards, flyers or door hangers, and referral programs for existing customers. 

As your business grows, you might consider more targeted marketing efforts, such as local SEO to improve your search engine rankings, paid online advertising, or even sponsoring local events to increase your brand awareness. 

Step 9: Focus on customer service and retention

For any successful landscaping business, exceptional customer service is just as important as the quality of the lawn care work. This starts with the basics: always arrive on time, maintain a professional appearance, and ensure your team is courteous and respectful of customers’ properties. Likewise, clearly explain the services you’re providing (and why) and be transparent about pricing. 

Though not required, you can offer detailed service visit reports. These can include before-and-after photos, notes on work completed, and recommendations for future maintenance. You might also consider implementing an online billing system to allow customers to easily view and pay invoices. 

Consider offering referral discounts and bulk deals to help build a loyal customer base.

Step 10: Launch and manage your business

As you prepare to launch your landscaping business, there are a few final steps to complete: 

• Register your business name with your state.
• Obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS.
• Set up a business bank account, payroll, and accounting system.
• Secure proper insurance coverage (e.g., liability, vehicle, property and casualty, and workers’ compensation if hiring employees) 
• Finalize your service pricing structure. 

However, launching your landscaping company is just the beginning. In the first few months, focus on careful budgeting and cash flow management and keep detailed records of all income and expenses. It may take time before you turn a profit but follow your business plan and gradually adjust your services to align with your actual costs and market demand. 

Generally, you can expect initial startup costs to range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more for your landscaping business. However, costs can increase if you’re investing in high-end equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you should budget for. 

Equipment and maintenance

• Lawn mowers: $120 to $500 for a push mower and around $3,000 for a riding model
• Trimmers: $200 or more
• Vehicles and trailers: At least $30,000 to $40,000 for a basic pickup truck with adequate towing capabilities and potentially over $100,000 for commercial vehicles or heavy-duty trailers

Used equipment can cost less than these estimates but be sure to factor in the potential for higher and more frequent maintenance expenses. Likewise, you should consider the fuel consumption and expected life span of all equipment you buy. 

Sourcing and disposal

Costs for sourcing materials like plants, mulch, and pavers can vary widely. Many of these items are priced by the unit or square foot, and you’ll need to have the cash on hand to acquire them before starting projects. 

Disposal costs are another consideration. You’ll be responsible for paying dump fees, which can vary by location and the type of waste. General yard waste might cost $20 to $50 per load, while fees for construction debris or hazardous materials can be significantly higher. 

Research local regulations and disposal fees to get accurate estimates for your area and remember to factor these costs into your service quotes. 

Licensing, permits, and insurance

Generally, basic business licenses and permits cost between $50 and $400, depending on your location and the services you offer. However, specialized licenses (such as those for pesticide applications) may cost more. 

Moreover, you should budget for general liability insurance , which typically starts around $2,000 annually for a small landscaping business. If you offer more specialized or high-risk services, such as tree trimming, your insurance costs will likely be higher. Be sure to consider vehicle insurance as well, which might cost around $200 to $300 per month. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that landscaping and groundskeeping workers earn a mean hourly wage of $19.47 . However, the total cost of employment also includes the following: 

• Payroll taxes
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Any benefits you offer (e.g., health insurance or paid time off) 
• Recruitment and training costs

When planning your budget, you should also account for seasonal fluctuations in your staffing needs. 

Marketing costs depend on your strategy and how much you’re able to do yourself. Here are some key expenses to consider.

• Website development: $500 to $5,000 or more for a professional site (or free if you use a DIY website builder)
• Logo design: $300 to $1,000 for a professional design
• Vehicle decals and graphics : $300 to several thousand dollars, depending on size and complexity (e.g., a full vehicle wrap) 
• Business cards and flyers: $50 to $200 for initial printing 

While it’s possible to start with a minimal marketing budget, investing in professional marketing can potentially lead to more clients and higher-value contracts.  

The right business structure for your new venture depends on your liability protection needs, future growth plans, and business complexity. Here’s a breakdown of each option . 

Sole proprietorship

• Pros: Simple to set up, full ownership and control, minimal paperwork
• Cons: Personal liability for business debts and legal issues

Partnership

• Pros: Shared startup costs and workload
• Cons: Potential conflicts between partners

Limited liability company (LLC)

• Pros: Personal asset protection, tax flexibility, less paperwork than corporations
• Cons: More complex setup than sole proprietorship and ongoing fees in some states

Corporation

• Pros: Strongest personal liability protection and easier to raise capital
• Cons: More complex structure and higher setup and maintenance costs 

An LLC or corporation usually makes the most sense for many small or medium-sized landscaping businesses. However, your specific circumstances and business goals may favor a different structure. 

Before you jump in, we encourage you to consult a business attorney to ensure you make the right decision. From helping you acquire the necessary permits to registering your business name, our experienced business attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of launching your landscaping business . 

How profitable is a landscaping business?

Profitability varies widely, but well-managed landscaping businesses can have profit margins ranging from 5% to 20%. However, this depends on the services offered, efficiency, and market demand. 

How do I price my own landscaping business services?

Price your services by calculating your costs (labor, materials, equipment, and overhead) and adding a sustainable profit margin. You should also consider market rates in your area and the value you provide, gradually adjusting prices as you gain experience and build a reputation. 

What are the pros and cons of owning a landscaping business?

Owning a landscaping business allows you to work outdoors, create a flexible schedule, and make outdoor spaces more beautiful. Conversely, the work is physically demanding, dependent on the weather, and sometimes costly, especially in places with higher fuel or maintenance costs. 

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Running a Successful Landscaping Business: What Does It Take?

Read Time 12 minutes

Author Gage Roberts

Published November 29, 2022

Table of Contents

7 landscaping business tips

Keep track of costs, estimate jobs properly, hire a great team, ensure you have quality equipment and tools, eliminate downtime with business management software, go above and beyond for your customers, think long-term when running a successful landscaping business, is landscaping a good business to start.

Landscaping is one of the most accessible industries for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a thriving business. There aren’t many businesses you can launch for the cost of a lawn mower and pick-up truck. But there’s a world of long days and meager pay between having a landscaping company and running a successful landscaping business. 

Want to thrive in a competitive and fast-growing market?

A strong work ethic and drive for success will only get you so far.

Learn what it takes to give your brand a competitive edge from the start. Follow these tips for how to create a successful landscaping business, and your business will have the foundation it needs to scale to the $1 million milestone and beyond.

Know your costs

Estimate jobs accurately

Use quality equipment and tools

Eliminate downtime

Deliver great customer experiences

Think long-term

When you started out, you may have been a sole owner and operator—responsible for everything from marketing to mowing. In those early days, working with ballpark costs was probably good enough. 

Understanding your costs as you grow gives you the knowledge to confidently steer your company toward success. Tracking costs enables landscaping business owners to:

Eliminate the uncertainty in profit/loss reports

Understand profit drivers in their services

Make responsive decisions to stay profitable

Don’t just price services lower than the competition. Know your direct and overhead costs such as:

Equipment plus repairs and maintenance

Travel time

A true, granular understanding of the daily costs of operating your own landscaping business enables you to charge enough, in the long run, to maintain profitability even as you scale.

→ Cost tracking empowers you to raise prices in response to changes such as rising costs from fuel, materials, or labor.

→ A nuanced understanding of your job costs enables profit-driven business management.

Cashflow problems are one of the most common challenges businesses face, especially during growth phases when capital investments increase. With Aspire’s landscaping business management software, operation managers can:

See exactly when a job is completed for prompt billing

Generate an invoice directly from the estimate for improved accuracy

Timely invoicing is the best way to eliminate cashflow uncertainty and gives owners and managers clarity into the monthly operating revenue of the business. 

Don’t feel like you need the lowest prices on the market. Landscaping customers are wary of companies with the cheapest rates because they’re concerned the quality of work will reflect the cost. 

Aside from the quality of your services, your company will live or die by your ability to estimate jobs accurately. 

Underbidding fills your schedule with clients, but you won’t be working toward growth. Instead, your business will slowly die.

Overbidding makes it hard to secure contracts in a competitive market and limits your ability to raise prices to ignite growth in the future.

Market research is essential in building accurate estimates, but keep in mind that your costs may differ significantly from your competitors, depending on your company’s equipment and team members. 

→ Well-established landscaping companies with high-quality equipment and experienced team members need fewer hours to complete jobs. 

→ If new lawn care businesses try to underbid the competition, they risk taking on jobs that cost them money. 

Build profit into your landscaping estimates

One of the mistakes new businesses make is looking at competitor pricing and job costs and “adding a little” in case of issues. 

When you use business management software, you can calculate estimates with visible gross margins. When you know your operational budgets, you can:

Eliminate uncertainty about whether a job costs you money

Accurately allocate labor hours to maintain profitability

Identify and promote high-profit services

Instead of “borrowing” time from high-profit services when issues arise with a different field crew, you can issue change orders to ensure you maintain the same margins at every job.

How much profit should you make on a landscape job?

Most landscapers operate at single-digit profitability, but with skilled management empowered with responsive tools like landscaping business software, it’s possible to increase that figure to 10 to 12 percent or more, depending on the market, vertical, and service.

Commercial jobs generally have a lower margin than residential

Installation jobs typically deliver the largest profitability

Maintenance jobs such as mowing lawns and edging have the lowest margin

When you were starting, you may not have worried about how much profit you made. Just landing enough maintenance jobs to stay operational is often as much as you can do in your first year or two. 

Your gross margin becomes much more critical as:

You increase labor costs with more team members

Indirect costs grow with more vehicles, equipment, transportation costs, and office space

Your focus shifts from making a living to scaling

Knowing your margins for every job means peace of mind that your company will not only be profitable in the future but also growing.

It’s tempting to stop searching for new employees when you have a trustworthy team who can handle your current schedule. But as most small business owners know, finding good crew members can be challenging, leaving businesses either short-staffed during the busy season or with increased labor costs as less-experienced crews struggle to keep up with demand. 

When companies restrict hiring to the spring, they may miss out on great candidates who will grow with your operation and help you build success. 

Look outside the landscaping industry

When you restrict your hiring practices to managers with backgrounds in the landscaping industry, you may inadvertently entrust parts of your process to gut feelings and out-of-date strategies. 

→Target high schools, community colleges, and job fairs to access a rich talent pool that will bring innovation to your processes.

Give your existing team the tools to do more

During some growth stages, your current in-office team may be unable to keep up with your current job schedule, but you don’t have the capital to hire more staff. Providing them with tools designed for the green industry ensures:

Operational staff won’t get burned out by the demands of a growing customer base.

A busy schedule won’t result in a drop in customer service standards.

Improved and automated processes will improve efficiency and enable your team to do more with less.

Using out-of-date processes—whiteboard scheduling, Word doc estimates, and manual invoicing—aren’t making the most of your current team members. Aspire’s landscaping business software improves productivity without increasing headcount.

Use an employee referral program

Your best team members are a great source of new employees. They’ll recommend people they know to be reliable, hard workers. 

→Referrals bring an established level of trust with the existing team members for seamless teamwork right from the start.

Offer career growth opportunities

When you invest in your team, you’ll drive innovation and success from within. Aspire’s business software enables owners and managers to generate reports on discrete roles within their in-office staff. 

Get organizational clarity

Assign accountability and set clear expectations

Empower employees to develop career goals and track growth

Providing team members with new opportunities can also mean transitioning seasonal employees to full-time and promoting crew members to leads and operations managers. 

Offering training and certification opportunities for employees, such as specializing in unique verticals that can drive growth in your market share.

National Association of Landscape Professionals

Technician Certification for:

Lawn Maintenance

Horticulture

Principles of Turfgrass Management

Business Manager Certification

Environmental Protection Agency

WaterSense Certification 

Irrigation System Design Certification

Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance

Irrigation System Audits

Specialized and certified team members drive the engine of success for a company by providing access to new verticals and differentiating your business with expertise. 

Respect work hours

Success comes from having the best team working together in the office and the field. There’s no denying that landscaping requires some long days, long weeks, and long months. However, relying on a few crew members during crises can lead to burnout and depreciating morale.

→When you have a crew willing to hang in through the tough stretches, it’s essential to respect their time off. 

Continuous recruitment enables employers to avoid the following:

Calling individuals to work on their days off

Unscheduled overtime 

Last-minute schedule changes

When you’re equipped with accurate job costing data and responsive scheduling software, you eliminate staffing emergencies and build loyalty and morale in your workforce. 

Landscaping is accessible because you can get started with little more than a mower and a truck. In fact, you can scale your business to the $100,000 milestone as a sole operator offering lawn care services. 

When you expand landscaping offerings and hire a team, it’s time to invest in new equipment and tools. 

High-quality equipment is a significant expense and one of the most valuable ways to invest capital into your company in preparation for growth. It also keeps your team safe, ensuring they’re not working with compromised tools that might break during operation.

What maintenance does landscaping equipment need?

When you purchase a new piece of equipment, establish a regular maintenance schedule based on manufacturer recommendations and general wear and tear. Upkeep may include:

Blade sharpening

Oil and filter changes for motorized equipment

Air filter replacement

Inspecting and replacing toolbelts and hand tools like shovels, shears, and rakes

Blade sharpening 

Regular maintenance will maintain the warranty and ensure you have the equipment to meet growing demands without unexpected breakdowns. 

One of the hidden costs of running a landscaping company is downtime. You lose money every minute you have crews just waiting around because of the following:

Sudden inclement weather

Waiting on materials or supplies

Broken or poorly maintained equipment

As much as you’d like to look into the future to predict the weather and supply chain issues, life comes with uncertainty. But acknowledging things out of your control doesn’t mean waiting for consequences. 

A landscaping software platform that transforms challenges into opportunities

Landscape business software is a partner in preparing for unexpected challenges in the industry. A platform with end-to-end functionality, such as Aspire, enables you to respond to new challenges in ways that minimize or eliminate downtime. 

Maintain your material and supply inventory for granular insight into job readiness and purchasing.

Get dashboard notifications of upcoming equipment maintenance with easy-to-maintain calendar scheduling for everything from mower blade sharpening to truck oil changes.

Versatile scheduling for inclement weather and fast bulk estimating capabilities for ice and snow removal to maximize job opportunities.

Leverage all-in-one landscaping software to eliminate common problems

Achieving success doesn’t always mean adding new customers or services. It often involves removing blockers to greater profitability in your existing bottom line by saving money in your landscaping business. 

Aspire delivers industry-specific functionality to resolve issues before they happen, such as:

Coordinating projects: avoid double-booking crews to job sites and assign tasks to the teams who are optimized for the work.

Missed appointments: assign account owners to ensure every job, touch, and estimate is delivered on schedule.

Complex estimates: never underbid a job because of human error by using project kits for building complex estimates in the platform

Technology enables you to automate many of the most time-consuming tasks for your in-office staff (which might be mainly you).

When team members devote their talent to working on the business rather than in the business , you build momentum for monster growth, including new clients, verticals, and industries.

Implementing software can help landscapers with the following:

Billing and invoicing

Estimate building

Job scheduling

Customer relationship management

By relying on software and automation to eliminate mistakes and problems, you deliver better experiences to retain more customers and drive success from your existing client base.

Many landscaping business tips for success come together when you focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, such as:

Build estimates that let you spend accurate labor hours on a job and perform the work to a high standard

Hire a great team and keep them engaged so your crew’s talent delivers quality and innovation—from the sales team to the in-field crews.

Use high-quality equipment that’s well-maintained for results that exceed expectations.

Provide timely customer communication to build trust and long-lasting relationships with your client base

You build your reputation with every job. When you know your accurate job costs and create accurate estimates, you’re able to spend time on every property to ensure the lawn and garden look incredible. 

Every account matters. Increasing client retention by even a small percentage can significantly impact annual revenue in the long term.

Word-of-mouth advertising doesn’t cost your brand anything the way a traditional marketing plan might, and it can deliver substantial benefits when building long-term success in a new landscaping business. 

Most people– 92 percent –trust service recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising.

Marketers across industries trust WOM advertising for spreading brand awareness–a potential game changer as you consider moving into new service areas and verticals. 

Customers who find your brand through WOM will, on average, spend 200 percent more than other clients. 

Getting caught up in the “more” of success is natural.

More Clients | More Services | More Locations 

Give your existing client base the same focus as potential customers by going further than the competition. You’ll provide your brand with the foundation it needs to grow and confidently meet challenges. 

When starting a landscaping business, it can be a challenge to think past the first year (during your first spring/summer, it might be hard to think past the next week!), but thinking long-term is what sets continually growing businesses apart from those that are just operating to survive.

It’s never too late to draft a business plan to define where your business will be in five or ten years and make decisions to achieve those goals. 

The benefits of finding a landscape market niche

The most in-demand services don’t always deliver the greatest profitability. When you set yourself apart from your competition with the quality of your services, you create opportunities to bundle less profitable services with those with more substantial gross margins. 

→ Understanding the profit drivers in your business can help define your niche–one that’s both in-demand and lucrative. 

Unless you’re a highly specialized company, chances are that lawn maintenance will always be a component of your services. But when you invest in ongoing training and certification for your team, you can offer your market unique landscaping and lawn care services, such as:

Hydroseeding

Organic lawn care

Landscape design

Tree disease and pesticide treatment

Vegetation management

Holiday light installation

Is it hard to run a landscaping business?

On your worst days running your company, you might wonder if it’s even possible to have a successful landscaping business. The 100 Days of Hell leading up to July demand:

On-the-fly troubleshooting

Fast estimating and booking

Hiring your seasonal team members

It can feel like something always needs your attention during the busy season. A cloud-based business management system eliminates the responsibility of keeping track of everything for business owners.

Implementing landscaping business software lets you define the challenges of running a landscaping business. Instead of stressing about late invoices, missed appointments, and equipment maintenance, you can focus on growth initiatives to drive new profitability. 

If your goal is to be a successful entrepreneur and you’re choosing an industry based on growth and profit potential, there are many reasons to choose landscaping. 

In 2022, the landscaping services industry generated almost $130 billion in revenue , and

85 percent of landscapers turned a profit .

Since 2017, there has been steady growth, on average just over 5 percent per year , faster than the overall US economy.

There are low barriers to entry for new business—many companies reach the $100,000 milestone on their own with a single lawn mower and truck.

However, the accessibility, low startup costs, and appeal of the green industry mean more competition every year. Running a successful landscaping business comes with tough days—you and your team will be doing physical labor in all types of weather. 

Landscaping is a great small business to start, with plenty of opportunities to scale beyond the $5 million milestone. However, all business owners need passion and the right tools to carry them through the hard times. 

The Aspire business management platform helps landscaping professionals meet challenges confidently and define success for themselves.

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The changing global and World Bank landscape, the urgency to achieve transformative results by 2030, and the growing body of knowledge developed by ESMAP and partners on the necessary conditions for the just transformation of the energy sector require an update of the ESMAP objectives.

Under the new proposed ESMAP objectives, we aim to:

• ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030;
• accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, just, and decarbonized energy system; and
• ensure the resilience and adaptation of the energy sector to the growing impacts of climate change and other shocks.

These objectives build on the goals and scope of the objective for the FY2021–24 Business Plan, which was to achieve universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030, in alignment with SDG7, and advance decarbonization across the energy sector in support of international commitments established on climate change.

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Everything You Need to Know About Exiting Your Business in a Turbulent Economy and Political Landscape To successfully exit your business in an unpredictable economic and political climate, you need to understand these key factors.

By Roy Dekel Edited by Chelsea Brown Sep 12, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Inflation affects business valuation through impacts on asset prices, cash flow and production costs.
• Election seasons introduce regulatory uncertainties and investor hesitancy, making it crucial to consider timing and industry-specific factors when planning a business sale.
• Strategic approaches to selling your business during an election season include conducting thorough due diligence, staying informed on political developments, communicating stability, considering contingency plans and engaging professional advisors.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The ever-changing economic landscape, fluctuating inflation rates and an impending presidential election create a complex environment full of unique challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. With the uncertainty brought by such economic and political factors, it's essential to be well-prepared.

This article will guide you through the intricacies of selling your business amidst these conditions. We'll delve into how inflation affects business valuation and what considerations you need to keep in mind during an election season. By understanding these factors, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and strategically exit your business, ensuring you maximize its value even in unpredictable times.

Related: How to Prepare for a Successful Exit

Inflation plays a significant role in the valuation of a business

It is essential to distinguish between short-term and long-term inflation , as each has distinct effects on the economy and, consequently, on your business. Short-term inflation often results from volatile economic conditions and can decrease the demand for goods and services. Such inflation can be triggered by various factors, including natural disasters, supply shocks, monetary policies or changes in government spending.

On the other hand, long-term inflation is typically associated with an expanding supply of goods and services and overall economic growth. This type of inflation can be challenging to manage due to its prolonged nature.

When selling your business, the value of your assets is calculated based on their current value rather than their purchase value

If inflation has increased the value of your assets, you will be taxed on this higher amount, reducing the net proceeds from your sale. To mitigate this effect, consider reinvesting the proceeds in a way that allows you to defer capital gains taxes, thereby protecting some of your profits from inflation.

Inflation also impacts the cost of capital, which needs to be factored into your business's profitability calculations. An increase in costs due to inflation will directly reduce your profits, thereby lowering your business valuation . This is particularly relevant for companies with long-term contracts locked into high inflation rates. Additionally, if you are financing part or all of the purchase price, higher inflation can increase the cost of your financing.

Understanding the impact of inflation on your profits and losses is crucial

For instance, if you sell a product for $10 and it costs $3 to produce, inflation will increase the production cost over time. If the price of your product remains unchanged, your profit margins will shrink. Conversely, if the product's price increases to reflect inflation, the profits will appear lower in real terms. This effect is significant for commodities traded based on long-term contracts.

Selling your business during an inflationary period can increase the capital gains taxes you must pay

It's because these are calculated based on the current value of your assets. The opportunity to defer taxes, however, can be advantageous. If you sell your business while it is profitable but before it becomes too costly to operate, you can retain more profits, delaying the tax implications and benefiting from reinvesting the sale proceeds.

Not all industries are equally affected by inflation. Sectors such as food and energy, which rely heavily on commodities, are particularly vulnerable to price increases. Before selling your business, consider how sensitive your industry is to inflation. Selling during high inflation might reduce your business's value if your sector is particularly impacted. Conversely, finding buyers willing to enter long-term contracts could offer a buffer against fluctuating inflation rates.

Navigating the political landscape

Election seasons are synonymous with market volatility and uncertainty.

The anticipation of policy changes, regulatory adjustments and shifts in governmental focus can profoundly impact investor sentiment and business valuations. Markets tend to be reactionary to political events, and the uncertainty during an election period can lead to fluctuations in asset prices and investment activity.

Political rhetoric and proposed policies by candidates can affect different sectors in varying ways. For example, if a candidate proposes stricter regulations on a particular industry or makes promises that could impact economic stability, it may cause investors to hesitate or re-evaluate their investment strategies. Companies in heavily regulated industries like healthcare, energy and finance often bear the brunt of such uncertainties.

Proposed regulatory changes during election seasons can also deter potential buyers

Candidates often campaign on platforms that include changes to corporate tax rates , healthcare policies, environmental regulations and financial reforms. These proposed changes can create a sense of unpredictability, making it challenging for buyers to accurately assess the long-term potential and risks associated with acquiring a business.

For instance, if a candidate proposes significant changes to healthcare regulations, companies within this sector may face an uncertain future regarding compliance costs, operational changes and profitability. Similarly, proposals for new energy policies or financial sector reforms can impact the strategic planning and potential growth of businesses in these industries.

Investor behavior tends to shift during election seasons, reflecting heightened risk aversion

Buyers and investors may adopt a more cautious approach, preferring to wait for election outcomes before making significant financial commitments. This behavior can lead to a temporary slowdown in M&A activity, impacting the timing and valuation of your business sale.

Strategically, it may be beneficial to either expedite the sale process well before the election season peaks or delay it until post-election when regulatory and policy landscapes become clearer. The timing of your business exit can make a considerable difference in the valuation and terms you receive from potential buyers.

Related: Selling Your Business? Do These 6 Things Right Now.

Strategic approaches to selling during election season

Conduct thorough due diligence: Ensure that your business is well-prepared for sale by conducting comprehensive due diligence . This includes financial audits, legal reviews and operational assessments. By presenting a clear, well-documented picture of your business's health and potential, you can alleviate some concerns posed by the uncertain political environment.

Stay informed and adaptable: Keep abreast of political developments, policy proposals and potential regulatory changes. Engage with industry associations, regulatory bodies and political analysts to gain insights. Being well-informed enables you to anticipate changes and adapt your sale strategy accordingly.

Communicate stability: Emphasize your business's resilience and adaptability to potential buyers. Highlight how your company has managed past uncertainties and outline strategies in place to navigate future challenges. Stability and strong management practices can attract buyers even during volatile periods.

Consider contingency plans: Develop contingency plans to address different election outcomes and policy scenarios. These plans should be flexible and responsive to changes in the political landscape. Showcasing such preparedness can build buyer confidence.

Leverage professional advisors: Engage with experienced M&A advisors, legal experts and financial consultants who understand the intricacies of selling a business during an election season. Their expertise can help you navigate complex negotiations, optimize valuation and structure the deal to mitigate risks.

Industry-specific considerations

Certain industries may see amplified effects during election seasons due to their close ties to government policies. Here's a closer look at how key sectors might be impacted:

Healthcare sector:

The healthcare industry frequently sits in the spotlight during elections, with candidates often proposing reforms related to insurance, drug pricing and healthcare accessibility. Uncertainty about future healthcare policies can deter potential buyers or affect their valuation calculations. However, the constant demand for healthcare services provides a degree of stability that can be leveraged to attract investors.

Energy sector:

Energy policy proposals, particularly those related to fossil fuels, renewable energy sources and environmental regulations, can significantly impact businesses within this sector. Investors may be cautious about making substantial investments until there is clarity on proposed regulations. Companies in this sector should emphasize their compliance strategies and potential for growth under various regulatory scenarios.

Finance sector:

The finance sector is highly sensitive to regulatory changes, including those related to banking regulations, consumer protection laws and tax policies. Election proposals affecting these areas can influence M&A activity within the sector. Financial services firms should highlight their risk management frameworks and adaptability to changing regulations to assuage buyer concerns.

Related: I Specialize in Exit Planning — You Need to Make These 5 Moves Before Selling Your Business

Successfully exiting your business during a turbulent economy and unpredictable political landscape requires astute planning, flexibility and a keen understanding of the myriad factors at play. Inflation affects business valuation through impacts on asset prices, cash flow and production costs, while election seasons introduce regulatory uncertainties and investor hesitancy.

By conducting thorough due diligence, staying informed about political developments, communicating stability and leveraging professional advisors, you can navigate these complexities and maximize the value of your business sale. Strategic timing, industry-specific considerations and adaptability to policy changes are critical for achieving a successful exit amid economic and political turbulence.

In conclusion, while selling a business in such a dynamic environment poses challenges, it also offers opportunities to showcase resilience and strategic foresight. With the right approach, you can position your business as an attractive acquisition , achieving your sales goals even in uncertain times

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Contributor

CEO of SetSchedule

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EU Nations to Question IMF Chief Over New Russia Engagement

(Bloomberg) -- Several European Union nations intend to challenge International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva about the Washington-based lender’s plan to engage with Russia on economic issues for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine. 

At a meeting of EU envoys Wednesday, France, Belgium and Poland, as well as several Baltic and Nordic nations, said they were surprised by the IMF’s decision earlier this month to restart annual economic reviews with Moscow, according to people familiar with the matter.

A Lithuanian representative said the country planned to raise the issue directly with Georgieva during a lunch meeting Saturday in Budapest with European finance ministers, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the meeting was private. 

The diplomat added that they see the move offering President Vladimir Putin economic assistance and a veneer of legitimacy as the EU and the US seek to isolate Russia. 

Lithuania’s representative also said during the Wednesday meeting that the first mission by a major international organization to Russia since the February 2022 invasion could be used by Moscow as propaganda to show its international isolation is easing, the people said. 

It also plans to send a letter to Georgieva, which it expects to be signed by several EU members, expressing concern over a process that appears to be leading toward normalizing relations with Moscow, they said.

The IMF said earlier this week that it’s restarting annual reviews of Russia’s economy because the region’s economic situation is “more settled” than before. The review, known as an Article IV evaluation, is a “mutual obligation” of the fund and its members, it had said. 

“Article IVs are not an option, but an institutional obligation for the fund and are carried out for the benefit of the whole of the membership,” the IMF said in an emailed response to questions Thursday. 

“We now believe that we are in a situation where we can provide economic analysis,” the head of the fund’s European Department, Alfred Kammer, said in an interview. 

Both the IMF and Russia have declined to clarify who initiated the restart. 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in an interview last week that she didn’t object to the annual review, but would have an issue with Moscow receiving IMF financial support. Treasury declined to comment further. Russia hasn’t applied for IMF aid since 2000.

The IMF has said its staff would start discussions virtually with Russian authorities on Sept. 16 and then travel to the country for in-person discussions. That visit is scheduled to start Oct. 1, according to the people, with one adding that the IMF had tried to convince Russia to hold the meetings in a third country. 

The move came shortly after Ksenia Yudaeva, a former first deputy governor at Russia’s central bank, was appointed by Moscow as its representative on the executive board. She’s replacing Alexey Mozhin, who had held the position since the 1990s.

Russia’s economy grew 4% annually in the second quarter, the country’s Federal Statistics Service estimated last month. Growth is likely to slow over the rest of the year, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

--With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska and Eric Martin.

(Updates with IMF comment in eighth paragraph.)

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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