How To Start a Landscaping Business: The Steps You Need to Take
Are you growing out of your 9 to 5 cubicle?
Follow your green thumb toward a 100 billion dollar industry!
Homeowners spend between $100 and $200 per month on lawn care maintenance alone. Plus, residential landscaping jobs can cost up to $16,000, with many costing $5,000 on average.
You could break into commercial work, installing office parks, courtyards, and hospital grounds. Landscapers also design amusement park gardens, public terraces, and college yards.
You’re just a few stepping stones away from becoming a real landscaper.
Learn how to start a landscaping business in just months.
Get a Landscaping Education
Like other trades, you don’t need a college degree to become a landscaper or start a business. Though, you may need proper licensing to work in your state.
Landscaper license requirements vary nationwide.
Some states require a 12-hours course, while others require one exam. States like Connecticut and Delaware don’t require licenses at all, whereas Arkansas and Hawaii have different licensing levels. Many states require separate licenses for pesticide use too.
Are you ready to hit the ground running right now?
Nothing beats hands-on experience at a real landscaping company. Plus, you can discover new roles in project management, procurement, landscaping sales, and more.
If you want to learn the ropes of the landscaping business, find a Mom n’ pop company that needs a good multitasker. You could also work as a landscaping apprentice.
The third option is enrolling in a landscape design program. A college degree does offer an advantage when applying for specific jobs, like corporate landscaping directors.
Create a Landscaping Portfolio
Clients want to see your work. Be ready with a compelling selection of landscaping photos and BIM models. BIM examples showcase your landscaping design skills.
Consider earning a CAD or BIM certificate before launching your business. These in-demand programs produce detailed landscaping plans in just hours, broadening your production capacity.
Upload your images to a work portfolio site like Behance. Instagram is a fantastic alternative; plus, it’s the best social media marketing platform for landscapers, next to Facebook.
Getting your first clients is the biggest challenge. Yet, once you’ve secured those rave reviews, you’ll have enough material to market your services to the community.
First, see if any friends, family members, or colleagues need cheap landscaping work. You could offer a free landscaping job in exchange for a referral, website testimonial, and professional photos.
Discover How to Start a Landscaping Business Plan
Once you have a decent portfolio, start drafting your landscaping business plan!
Business plans are necessary for certain loans, but they’re valuable in general.
The planning process outlines:
- Marketing and branding
- Quarterly sales forecast
- Landscaping equipment needs
- Operational costs
- Overhead
Your bookkeeping department also needs a budget for Account Solve outsourcing, payroll, and credit card processing. As you expand, consider outsourcing HR services to improve hiring, onboarding, and retention.
Plant New Possibilities
The multibillion landscaping industry is brimming with opportunities. Learn how to start a landscaping business through hands-on experience, portfolios, and business planning.
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