Tips for a successful Lawn Care Business

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What to Consider About Starting A Lawn Care Business

One of the only jobs available to kids wanting to earn extra money just a few years ago was mowing lawns around the neighborhood. This once humble enterprise is now a thriving industry. Many people don't have the time or inclination to spend large amounts of time on their lawns. These homeowners turn to professional lawn care businesses. Not only that, many businesses, building complexes, and government offices subcontract their landscaping services to private lawn care businesses.

Here are some important skills you'll need to run a successful lawn care business.

You need to have a much higher skill level with mowing, trimming, pruning, and other basic landscaping techniques in order to attract and retain customers. You can offer other services, like planting and fertilizing.
You'll also need to be in good shape. Caring for lawns requires that you be able to work outside, often in hot temperatures, for long periods of time.

There are great benefits of owning a lawn care business.

You'll be able to work for yourself and schedule time as you see fit.
You work outside.
There is no limit on income potential.
Working in the summer means that you'll be able to hire additional help in the form of high school and college students on break from school.
You can get started pretty quickly.

There are also some drawbacks to consider before you decide to start your own lawn care business.

You'll need to spend long hours at work
There is typically low demand for lawn care services in the winter. (Many services offer snow plowing and snow removal in the winter.)
Business may be sporadic while you are trying to build up a customer base. Also, some people may want to cut back on their extraneous expenses, including professional lawn care.
There is more competition now among lawn care businesses.

To have a successful lawn care business, you'll also need the right equipment. Here are some necessary tools of the trade:

A lawnmower. If you want to do multiple lawns, you'll probably want an industrial size mower, or a riding mower at the least
A lawn edger or weed whacker
A vehicle and a trailer to haul equipment to job sites
Rakes, shovels, spades, hedge clippers, and other garden tools
A record keeping system
Gloves, safety glasses, work boots, proper clothing

Some additional items you may want to consider:

Business cards, fliers
Additional mowers and tools as you expand

Regulations vary state to state so before you start your business, contact your state office to make sure you have the proper licensing. If you plan on using chemical pesticides, you will definitely require a license. Once you figure out your licensing needs, get liability insurance. If something happens to a clients' yard or property, you could get sued. Without insurance, this will likely ruin your business. Also, some homeowners only hire services with insurance.

There are several associations serving the needs of lawn care business owners. Check out:

The Professional Lawn Care Association of America

PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network

In order to be skillful in the lawn care business, you may need to take some courses to refresh or build upon your knowledge. There are several courses available online to help out. Also, if you have a college or university in your area, they may offer agricultural, landscaping, environmental studies, horticulture, or forestry. There are also special conferences, like natural, organic lawn care, that are available for professionals.

Your initial financial investment depends on how big you are and how much equipment you already have. If you are starting with a few lawns and you own a nice mower, you may be all set to get started.

If you don't have basic garden tools, gloves, and safety glasses, you can easily pick those up at hardware, lawn care, or discount stores. If you are starting on a larger scale, commercial grade lawn mowers can easily cost $3000 to $7000. If you need to, you can definitely start smaller or buy used equipment. You may also be able to rent equipment until you get established.

Owning a lawn care business is a lot of work, but it is also very rewarding. At the end of the day, you have a concrete image of what you accomplished. You can look and see the difference you've made. In addition, you'll have all the benefits of working for yourself and watching your lawn care business grow.

Make sure this Business is for you

See: What Are Your Reasons For Getting Into Your Own Business?
And
The Pros and Cons of Owning and Operating Your Own Business
And
Five Ways to Find the Right Business for You

Is it Better To Build or Buy?

See : Build or Buy A Business?

Look into the legalization

See: Play By The Rules - It's the Only Safe Way To Do Business!

Look Into Start up Cost

See: Estimating Startup Costs

Ensure You Have Enough Money To Start:

See: How To get The Money You Need For Your Business (Start-up Capital)

Find The Right Location

See: Finding The Best Business Location

Create The Right Name

See: Choose a Business Name

Consider A Tag Line

See: Creating A Tag Line

Create A Logo And Business Cards

See: Make Your Business Card A Silent Salesman

More Business Ideas:

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