How To Start a Landscaping Business in 2025 | Complete Guide

Do you love working outdoors? Do you enjoy transforming ordinary yards into stunning gardens? If so, then starting a landscaping business in 2025 might be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Landscaping is not just about cutting grass or planting flowers. It’s about building a dream space where families relax, kids play, and homes look stunning. In this guide, you will learn everything step by step about how to start a landscaping business – even if you have never run a business before.

Why Start a Landscaping Business in 2025?

The demand for landscaping is booming. More people today want green lawns, stylish gardens, and eco-friendly outdoor spaces. According to IBISWorld, the landscaping services market in the U.S. alone grew to $176.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to keep rising in 2025.

This means you don’t just get to do what you love, but you also step into a high-profit industry.

Remember: Landscaping is not a seasonal hobby anymore. It has become a year-round professional service – including lawn care, garden design, snow removal, and even outdoor lighting.

Step 1: Understand What a Landscaping Business Is

Before you dive into starting a landscaping business, you need to clearly understand what it actually includes.

Many beginners think landscaping is just mowing lawns, but in reality, it’s a complete outdoor service industry. It can be as simple as trimming grass or as advanced as designing luxury gardens for mansions.

Main Services of Landscaping:

• Lawn Care Business – This is the foundation of landscaping. Lawn care includes mowing grass, trimming edges, removing weeds, fertilizing, aerating, and keeping the lawn healthy. Homeowners want a neat green lawn, and they are willing to pay monthly package for it.

• Garden Design & Installation – Some customers want more than a clean lawn. They want beautiful flower beds, water fountains, decorative stones, and even vegetable gardens. This requires a bit of creativity but pays more compared to basic lawn mowing.

• Tree & Plant Care – Planting new trees, pruning old ones, pest treatment, and seasonal maintenance fall under this. Many local landscapers earn extra income just from tree trimming services.

• Outdoor Construction (Hardscaping) – Building patios, decks, pathways, fences, and retaining walls. This needs more skills and sometimes extra workers, but it’s highly profitable.

• Seasonal Services – Landscaping is not limited to summer. In winter, you can earn from snow removal. In autumn, you can offer leaf clearing. In spring, you can provide planting and fertilising services.

Pro Tip: Start with lawn care services first. It requires fewer tools and skills, and people always need regular lawn mowing. Later, as you gain experience, you can expand into bigger landscaping projects like garden design or outdoor construction.

Step 2: Learn the Skills You Need

You don’t need a college degree to start a landscaping business. But you do need the right practical skills.

Here’s what you should focus on:

• Basic Gardening Knowledge – Learn about soil types, plant growth, watering schedules, fertilisers, and pest control. This helps you answer client questions confidently.

• Lawn Care Skills – Master mowing patterns, understand how to treat brown patches, and know which grass suits which climate.

• Simple Construction Skills – For hardscaping, you should learn how to lay bricks, install fences, and use basic tools like drills, saws, and cement mixers.

• Customer Service Skills – Landscaping is a people business. Clients trust you with their homes. Being polite, listening carefully, and providing updates are as important as mowing.

• Business Skills – You’ll handle pricing, invoices, marketing, and scheduling. These are basic business management skills you can learn online.

“Success in landscaping is not only about plants. It’s about people. If you can make people happy with your service, your business will grow.”

Step 3: Make a Simple Business Plan

A business plan is your road map. Without it, you’ll feel lost. You don’t need a 50-page report. Even a 2–3 page plan works if it is practical.

Things to include in your plan:

• Services You Offer – Write down whether you will focus on lawn mowing, landscaping design, seasonal snow removal, or all of them.

• Target Customers – Who do you want to serve? Homeowners, small businesses, schools, parks, or real estate companies?

• Pricing Plan – Decide how you will charge. Example: $40 per lawn, or $200 per month for weekly visits.

• Tools & Equipment Needed – List your essential tools: mower, trimmer, safety gear, truck, etc.

• Marketing Plan – How will you get customers? Flyers, Facebook ads, partnerships with realtors, or building a website?

Note: Many first-time landscapers delay starting because they overcomplicate their plan. Don’t waste months writing. A simple plan is enough.

Step 4: Register and Get Licenses

In 2025, most cities want landscapers to be registered and licensed. This shows customers you are serious and trustworthy.

Here’s what to do:

• Register Your Business Name – Choose a name like “Green Touch Landscaping” or “Perfect Lawn Care.”

• Get a Business License – Visit your city or county office to apply. This legalizes your business.

• Tax Registration – If you’re earning money, you must register for local/state taxes.

• Special Licenses – Some states require pesticide licenses or special permits for tree trimming.

Tip: Always check your local government website for updated rules. Laws differ by state.

Step 5: Buy the Right Equipment

Landscaping is tool-heavy. But don’t spend too much money at the start. Buy only what you need.

Basic Tools You’ll Need:

• Lawn mower (push mower for small lawns, riding mower for big ones).

• String trimmer for edges.

• Leaf blower.

• Shovels, rakes, pruning shears.

• Wheelbarrow.

• Gloves, boots, safety glasses.

For bigger jobs, you might also need a truck or trailer to transport equipment.

Remember: Buy quality equipment. A cheap $200 mower might break after 10 lawns, while a $700 mower can last for years.

Step 6: Find Your First Customers

No matter how good your skills are, you need customers to grow.

Best ways to get your first clients:

• Family & Friends – Offer to mow their lawn for free or at a discount. Take photos of your work to use later for marketing.

• Local Ads – Print flyers and leave them at grocery stores, libraries, and schools.

• Social Media – Post “before and after” pictures on Facebook and Instagram. People love transformations.

• Google My Business – List your landscaping service so when someone searches “lawn care near me,” you appear.

• Real Estate Agents – Partner with them. They need neat lawns before selling homes.

According to HubSpot, 64% of small businesses get their first customers from local word-of-mouth. So always ask happy customers to recommend you.

Step 7: Decide Pricing and Packages

Pricing is where many new landscapers fail. If you charge too little, you work hard but stay broke. If you charge too high, nobody hires you.

Common Pricing Models:

• Hourly Rate: $25–$60 per hour (U.S. average).

• Per Job: Example – mowing a lawn for $40.

• Monthly Packages: Weekly mowing + trimming = $150–$300.

Tip: Research your competitors. If most local landscapers charge $40 per lawn, you can start with $35–$40. Don’t undercharge too much, because customers may think your service is low quality.

Step 8: Build a Strong Online Presence

In 2025, your online presence is your business card. Most customers search online before hiring.

• Website: Even a simple one-page site with your services, pricing, and contact info builds trust.

• Social Media: Share photos, client testimonials, and landscaping tips. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect.

• Google Reviews: Always ask satisfied clients to leave reviews.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know how to build a website, use Shopify Development. Or hire a Shopify Development Partner who can set it up in days. A good website can win you customers 24/7.

Step 9: Grow Your Team

When you start getting many clients, you won’t be able to handle everything alone. That’s when you need a team.

People you may need:

• Helpers for mowing and trimming.

• Garden designers for advanced projects.

• Tree specialists for pruning and removal.

• Office assistant to handle calls and scheduling.

Note: Hire carefully. One bad worker can damage your reputation. Train your staff to follow your standards.

Step 10: Manage Money Wisely

Many landscaping businesses close because of poor money management, not a lack of customers.

Here’s how to avoid that:

• Keep records of all income and expenses.

• Save money for emergencies and equipment repairs.

• Open a separate bank account for your business.

• Pay yourself a fixed salary. Don’t mix business and personal money.

“Profit is not what you earn. Profit is what you keep.”

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Challenges You May Face in a Landscaping Business

Starting a landscaping business is exciting. But like every business, challenges will come your way. Knowing them in advance helps you prepare and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Weather Problems (Rain, Snow, Heat)

Landscaping is an outdoor business, which means you are at the mercy of the weather. Heavy rain may delay lawn mowing, snow can stop garden work, and extreme summer heat can make it unsafe for workers.

How to Handle It:

• Always keep a backup schedule in case a job is delayed by weather.

• Offer seasonal services (like snow removal in winter) so your income does not stop.

• Train your team to work safely in heat by staying hydrated and taking breaks.

2. Seasonal Demand Ups and Downs

Most homeowners want lawn care in spring and summer. In fall and winter, demand may drop. This can cause cash flow problems.

How to Handle It:

• Offer year-round services such as snow clearing, leaf removal, or holiday lighting.

• Provide annual maintenance contracts so customers pay in advance for the full year.

• Save money during busy months to cover slower months.

3. Competition from Local Landscapers

In many neighborhoods, there are already several lawn care or landscaping businesses. Competing with them can be tough.

How to Handle It:

• Don’t just compete on price. Compete on quality, reliability, and customer service.

• Offer something unique like eco-friendly landscaping, organic lawn care, or smart irrigation systems.

• Build strong customer relationships. People often stick with landscapers they trust.

4. Customers Who Delay or Refuse Payment

Some clients may delay paying you, or worse, try not to pay at all. This hurts your cash flow and can be frustrating.

How to Handle It:

• Always use a written contract that mentions services, costs, and payment terms.

• Request an advance deposit for big projects.

• Offer easy payment methods (online, card, UPI, bank transfer) to avoid delays.

• Be polite but firm when following up on unpaid invoices.

Tip to Remember: Always keep your business professional. Contracts, invoices, and clear communication protect you from most of these problems.

The Future of Landscaping in 2025 and Beyond

Landscaping is no longer just about mowing lawns. Technology, eco-awareness, and customer expectations are reshaping the industry. If you start in 2025, you can take advantage of these trends.

1. Smart Irrigation Systems

Water is precious, and homeowners want to save it. Smart irrigation systems use sensors and timers to water plants only when needed. Landscapers who offer these solutions will attract eco-conscious clients.

2. Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Sustainable landscaping is a huge trend. Customers now ask for:

• Native plants that need less water.

• Organic fertilisers instead of chemicals.

• Energy-saving outdoor lighting.

By positioning yourself as an eco-friendly landscaper, you can stand out from competitors.

3. AI-Powered Scheduling and Customer Management

Technology is making business management easier. Tools with AI can now:

• Automatically schedule jobs.

• Remind customers about payments.

• Manage staff assignments.

This saves you time and reduces mistakes.

4. High Growth Opportunity

According to Allied Market Research, the global landscaping services industry will reach $383.73 billion by 2031, growing at a steady 6.4% CAGR. This means the industry is not slowing down — it’s expanding.

What This Means for You: If you start now, you can grow with the industry. By 2030, you could be running a multi-city landscaping company if you stay consistent.

Final Tips for You

Here are some last words of advice before you start your landscaping journey:

• Start Small, Dream Big - Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Even if you only have a mower and one client, start today. Growth will come step by step.

• Always Treat Customers with Respect - A polite word, a clean uniform, and good manners will get you repeat clients faster than discounts ever will.

• Use Online Tools to Look Professional - Have a website, accept online payments, and use scheduling apps. Even a small business looks trustworthy when it is professional online. Platforms like Shopify Development can make this easy.

• Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity - It’s better to have 20 loyal clients who pay you every month than 50 one-time customers. Build relationships, not just jobs.

• Keep Learning New Landscaping Techniques - Attend workshops, watch tutorials, and learn about new plants and tools. The more knowledge you have, the more valuable you become to your clients.

FAQ’S

1. What is a landscaping business?

• A landscaping business is a service that helps people take care of their lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces. It can be as simple as cutting grass or as big as designing a full garden with trees, flowers, and pathways.

2. Do I need a degree to start a landscaping business?

• No, you don’t need a degree. You just need to learn basic lawn care, gardening, and customer service. With practice and experience, you will get better.

3. How much money do I need to start a landscaping business?

• You can start small with about $1,000–$5,000 if you already have some tools. If you want bigger machines, like a riding mower or a trailer, you may need more. Start with what you can afford.

4. Can I do this alone, or do I need a team?

• You can begin alone. Many people start by mowing lawns themselves. Later, when you get more clients, you can hire helpers.

5. How much money can I make in landscaping?

• It depends on how many jobs you take. On average, landscapers in the U.S. make between $35,000–$70,000 per year, and some make even more if they run a bigger team.

Conclusion

Starting a landscaping business in 2025 is a golden opportunity. With little investment, basic tools, and the right mindset, you can grow a successful business that not only makes money but also makes homes and communities beautiful.

Want to grow your landscaping business online? Tameta Tech, a trusted Shopify Development Partner, helps you build a strong website, attract customers, and get more sales. Start today with experts who make things simple, easy, and fast. Your business deserves to shine online with Shopify!

So, if you are thinking about how to start a landscaping business, the best time is today.

Take one step. Buy a mower. Cut one lawn. Make one customer happy. That’s how big businesses begin.