Starting a business
How to start a lawn care business
Lawn care is one of the most common first businesses for a reason: people need their grass cut every week, all season long. A full route of weekly customers is steady money. Here's how to build one.
1. Decide what you'll offer
Most lawn care businesses start with mowing, edging, trimming and blowing. That's the weekly work that fills a route. Once you have customers, you can add seasonal jobs: spring and fall cleanups, leaf removal, mulch, aeration and hedge trimming. If you want to do bigger design and install work, read how to start a landscaping business.
2. Get the right equipment
- A reliable mower sized for the yards you'll cut. A commercial mower saves hours once your route grows.
- A string trimmer, an edger and a leaf blower.
- A truck and a trailer to haul it.
- Safety gear: eye and ear protection.
Many people start with the gear they own and upgrade as the money comes in.
3. Set up the business on paper
Decide whether to run as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, get a free EIN (tax ID) from the IRS if you need one, and open a bank account just for the business. Rules differ by state and city, so check your state's business website or ask an accountant. Our new business checklist lists every step.
Get liability insurance. A rock thrown from a mower can break a window or a windshield. And if you plan to apply weed killer, fertilizer with weed control or pest treatments for customers, most states require a pesticide applicator license. Check with your state's department of agriculture before you offer it.
4. Price your work
Most lawn care pros price per cut, based on the size of the yard and how long it takes, with a minimum for small yards. Some sell a monthly or seasonal plan, which makes income steadier. Time yourself on a few yards so you know your real cost per hour, including driving and gas.
5. Build a tight route
Driving is time you don't get paid for. Focus on a few neighborhoods and say yes to customers close to the ones you already have. Ten yards on one street beat ten yards across town.
6. Look like a business
A name, a logo, a trailer sign and matching shirts make neighbors notice you while you work. Every yard you cut becomes an ad for the houses next door. A lawn care website with your services, your area and a quote form lets them reach you the same day.
7. Get your first customers
- Start with people you know, then their neighbors.
- Leave a card or door hanger at the houses next to every yard you cut.
- Set up a Google Business Profile and ask every customer for a review.
- Start early. Spring is when people pick a lawn service for the year.
More ideas in how to get your first customers.