How to Start a Landscaping Company

Starting up a new landscaping company is a fairly simple process. However, just like with any business a lot of hard work will be required despite this simplicity. There are three key points to keep in mind when beginning this business. Those key points are licensing, insurance, and equipment.

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Licensing is the first thing an individual needs to consider when beginning this type of business. This type of issue will be different from state to state, not to mention the differences between countries. A new landscaping business should research the requirements of their primary area of operation thoroughly before setting up shop in that locale.

Insurance is an important aspect, especially if an individual intends to hire workers. While an ultra-small one man or woman operation can make reasonable money over time most individuals will want to hire on other workers for the purposes of taking on larger, more profitable, jobs. The insurance also needs to be placed on the equipment the owner buys or leases as an unfortunate truth of any business is that company property tends to relocate itself without the owner knowing it. This can happen due to loss or outright theft. There is also insurance against property damage for clients as well.

The equipment is the first thing people tend to think about when they desire to begin a landscaping company. While this is a vitally important aspect of that business it is not the first item to consider. It is only after the business can be run legally that an individual should consider their starting equipment. However, once it is time to acquire this equipment there is a choice to be made. Will the new business owner lease equipment or will they buy it? Each option has its pros and cons. Leasing is cheaper initially and can allow the new owner to use a larger variety of equipment. However, in the long run it may be more expensive depending on the cost of said lease. When purchasing equipment flat-out the owner must spend a large amount of money upfront. However, once purchased the equipment has no further cost. Ultimately, this decision is one that must be weighed carefully.

Depending on the size of the new business being started an individual will need to acquire at least the following pieces of equipment: a lawnmower, a blower, shovels, rakes, hand tools, and a weed-eater. If the weed-eater is capable of doubling as an edger that is even better. These items can be purchased rather easily and for a relatively low cost compared to other start-up business ventures. If an individual chooses to grow their business they will need to buy or lease large trucks which are capable of hauling equipment and personnel. This is quite a bit more expensive, obviously. There will also come a time where an individual desires to purchase plants, fertilizer, and similar items to expand their business.

Once the licensing, insurance, and equipment are taken care of an individual must advertise their business. This can best be accomplished via landscaping magazines, local newspapers, the internet, public forums such as a flyer at a grocery store, and of course there is always word of mouth. An enterprising individual can easily accomplish this with relatively little money. Even placing only flyers and a newspaper add will generate a little business. This income can then be placed toward expenses and further advertisement.

How to start a landscaping business today

Most individuals will not become absurdly wealthy with this business but a small time operator can easily generate between $5,000 - $50,000 per annum. Larger companies that have been in business for a few years can multiply that number five-fold easily. The typical owner of a moderately successful landscaping firm can normally expect between thirty and seventy thousand dollars in income per year. Individuals who procure exclusive contracts are capable of earning much more.