If you have a passion for the outdoors and plant life, you may be interested in running your own landscaping business.For your business to survive, you must invest a lot of your own time and effort.You should learn as much as you can about landscaping.You have to have the proper insurance and secure funding to start your business.Aggressive advertising and positive service can be used to build a client base.Keep detailed documentation and watch your business grow.
Step 1: You can learn about landscaping.
You can either serve as an apprentice to a practicing landscaper or work for another landscaping company.You can take classes in landscape design and business practices at a technical school.You will be able to make smart choices about the services you can offer if you have all of the information you need.There is more to landscaping than people think.Engineering is an attractive college major for some because of the work you can do as a landscaper.
Step 2: Decide on the size of your business.
At some point, you will likely need to expand your services in order to compete and survive, and it is fine to start your business by simply offering to mow lawns.If you're interested inpest, weed, landscape design, or even sod installation, you might want to consider adding in chemical application services.If you want to make sure you don't get in over your head and that the quality remains high, start with one specialty and expand to others.You will want to think about how far you are willing to travel to do your job as you consider scale.Setting an initial boundary will give you an idea of your potential customer base and their needs.
Step 3: Think about franchising.
If you don't mind adopting someone else's model, a franchise may be the way to go.This is where you pay to follow the guidelines, and get the name recognition of an existing company, such as TruGreen.Another option is to buy a business that is not doing well.New capital can be put into their model if you take over their existing customers.
Step 4: You need to secure funding to start your business.
If you don't have enough money to start your business, you will need a small business loan from a bank or other lender.Keep in mind that you will need to pack back the money you take out if you don't understand the details of the loan.A simple, one-person lawn mowing business may cost around $500 to start up and run, whereas an existing business or franchise purchase can easily top $100,000.
Step 5: Check for requirements.
Specialty licensing from your state or local government is more likely if you offer more services.Ask your local Chamber of Commerce about licensing in your area.If you want to sell plants in Colorado, you need a nursery license, not a contractor's license as in New York.If you want to work with pesticides orfertilizers, you will need a license and additional training on handling hazardous materials.
Step 6: Get a policy.
You will need professional indemnity and public liability insurance for your business.You will need to secure these before you accept your first clients.In the event of a financial disagreement with a client, professional indemnity insurance will provide you with support.Any accidents on the job will be covered by public liability insurance.It is a good idea to shop around to find the best rates for your business.
Step 7: Gain access to the equipment.
If you already have a few of the basics, you should keep a list of additional items you would like to purchase down the line, such as a cutting machine.Decide on a mode of transport and storage once you have assessed your tools.If your overnight storage is not secure, you may not have any tools.If you want your tools to last as long, you need to protect them from the elements.Large equipment, such as cement mixers, can be rented out by landscapers to save money.The rental charges are included with the estimate to save money.
Step 8: Get involved with a trade organization.
Pay the membership fee and participate in the activities of a trade group, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals.This is a great way to get to know other landscape specialists who may be able to refer business to you.It is a great place to find a mentor.Professional development opportunities are a good way to stay up to date on any new advances in landscaping, such as eco-landscaping techniques.
Step 9: An operating budget needs to be developed.
Every time you apply for a business loan, you need this document in place.It should show revenue and expenses in its simplest form.If you keep this budget over the course of the year, you can anticipate the downturn in revenue that most landscaping companies experience in the winter.If you need money during an emergency, it is a good idea to include in your budget a system for you to send money to savings.You need the money to replace an expensive tool.
Step 10: You can learn how to give accurate estimates.
This is the core of a landscaping business and is more of an art than a science.When you give an estimate, you should tell the customer how much it will cost.Your estimate should include an assessment of your costs with a desired profit added in.The best estimates include everything from fuel expenses to document fees.To help you prepare an estimate, you can purchase software that will do some of the work for you.
Step 11: Payment details and terms should be decided.
You need to provide consistent pricing for certain types of projects, such as mowing lawns, as you start to draft estimates.Adding in fees for obstructions, like rocky terrain, is a good way to charge according to the size of the lawn.If you don't offer competitive pricing, you will be out-bid for projects.It is possible to understand the business terrain by looking up a few landscaping companies and requesting free estimates.You should always offer your estimates for free.Try to fall somewhere in the middle when you compare the rates.
Step 12: Start building a clientele.
If you approach people in your neighborhood who need service, you can increase your client base.You can create an online presence or post flyers in your area.Getting name recognition fast is important as you will need to compete with larger companies.Some small companies gain customers by offering an initial bonus or credit for the first job.It is possible to establish a rewards program for established customers.It will be easier to attract and retain clients if you develop your communication skills.
Step 13: A work schedule can be created.
Determine when you want to offer services by looking over each week.Get a sense of how long each job will take.Keep track of all your commitments by being very detailed with your scheduling.The weekend is open for emergency calls if landscape professionals operate M-F with scheduled clients.It is possible to use various computer programs to plan out a schedule and distribute it to your workers.
Step 14: Get ready for paperwork.
This is the case if you will be the office manager.To pay your own salary, you'll need to set up a payroll system.You need to get an EIN from the IRS to prepare for taxes.In order to balance accounts, you will need to keep documentation regarding outgoing invoices and incoming payments.
Step 15: If necessary, hire additional help.
As your business grows, you may want to hire more people.Workers switch jobs frequently in order to earn more money in the landscaping business.If you want your workers to stay with you, you need to know how much you're willing to give per hour.Workers with additional certifications, such as pesticide application, should be paid more than the standard hourly rate.
Step 16: Follow maintenance procedures.
Establish a set of guidelines that you and your employees will follow to keep your equipment up and running.All equipment and tools should be properly stored at the end of the job.Before it dries and dulls the blade, it is important to remove grass debris from the lawnmower.When operating machinery, make sure that you and your employees wear safety gear, such as protective goggles.
Step 17: Payments should be collected promptly.
If you can't get your payment before the job is done, try to get it on the day of completion.Many landscapers travel with a mobile credit machine or an app on their phones, which will allow them to accept payment immediately and on the job.
Step 18: Local business partnerships can be developed.
To establish a trading relationship with businesses in your area, reach out to them.Is it possible that you will do their landscaping at a discounted rate in order to get a discount on a certain product?You can ask similar businesses to display your card and send customers to you for their landscaping needs.