Starting a Home-Based Landscape Design and Installation Business

Landscaping businesses may provide a variety of lawn and garden services, including mowing, planting, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, insect and pest control, and snow removal. Landscaping can be a profitable and rewarding business for those who like to work outdoors.

The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles occupational projections data on many occupations, including the landscaping industry. BLS projections anticipate strong growth in the landscaping industry over the decade from 2008 - 2018, with a projected 18 percent increase in jobs.

Getting Started

Landscaping businesses often start out offering mowing services and add additional services as the business grows. The landscaping services your business offers are up to you though, and some landscaping companies do not offer mowing at all. Landscaping companies may provide a wide variety of services or may specialize in one or several niches.

A truck and trailer, or occasionally a van and trailer, are usually essential for any serious landscaping business. Additional equipment may include mowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, pruning tools, shovels, and rakes. Specialty services like fertilization, weed control, or irrigation will require additional equipment.

Many landscaping businesses are operated as home-based businesses. Since all landscaping work is performed at the customer's home or business the landscaping business is well suited to operating as a home-based business.

Marketing

Lawn signs can be placed on customer's lawns while larger landscaping jobs are being performed. These signs are also typically required when providing fertilization or weed control services. Lawn signs announce to everyone in the neighborhood that your company is working on the property. This is a great way to increase awareness about your landscaping business.

Advertising in community newspapers and classified ad publications is a good way to keep your name in front of local customers. These publications are typically read by many people in the community, and may frequently be looked to when a customer is looking for a particular service provider. Community newspapers and classified ad publications typically offer reasonable rates and discounts for long-term advertising agreements.

Brochures and business cards can be posted on community bulletin boards. This can be a low-cost approach to getting your business in front of potential customers in a particular neighborhood or area.

Direct mailings, whether postcards or letters, can be targeted to a particular neighborhood or to new homeowners or businesses in your community. These mailings can offer a discount or sale price to encourage potential customers to try your business. Custom mailing lists can be purchased through websites like Melissa Data for a reasonable cost.

A business website can be a good way to attract local customers who are searching for a landscaping business. A website also provides the opportunity to showcase photos and testimonials. Websites also provide an opportunity to explain what services your business offers, and to provide customers with contact information for your business.

A vehicle sign or lettering can be a cost-effective way to promote your business. A vehicle sign advertises your business wherever the vehicle is driven or parked.

Cautions

Landscaping is a seasonal business in much or the USA. The season length varies depending on location and even depending on the year. The seasonal nature of the landscaping business makes it essential to budget carefully for the slow, winter months. Is is also important to remember this fact when setting rates for your business.

Snow removal is offered by many landscaping businesses as a way to increase revenue during the slow, winter months. This is also a convenience for customers because they are able to deal with one landscape contractor for all of their summer and winter grounds maintenance needs. Snow removal can be a challenging business though, with some winters being very busy and other winters being very slow. Offering snow removal services also prevents you from going very far out of town during the winter months since an unexpected storm could occur. Snow removal also puts a lot of wear on plow trucks; fuel and maintenance will be high and a spare plow truck will certainly be needed in the event of a breakdown during a snow storm.

Pesticide applicator licensing may be required for landscaping businesses that wish to provide fertilization or weed control services. Licensing requirements vary by state. Check with the appropriate state agency before offering fertilization or pesticide application services. This specialty can be profitable though so it may be worth pursuing.

Landscape architects must be licensed by the state, but landscape designers and installers typically do not require a license. Landscaping businesses that will offer design and installation services should check with the appropriate state licensing agency to verify what services require licensing.

Irrigation and sprinkler installers must also be licensed in many states. Check with the appropriate state licensing agency if you plan to offer irrigation or sprinkler installation or maintenance services. This specialty can also be profitable so it may be worth pursuing.

Business insurance is a must for many businesses and landscaping businesses are no exception. Commercial and government customers will typically require proof of liability insurance with any bid. Landscaping will also require the use of motor vehicles and dangerous power equipment. The risk of causing injury or damage while driving or mowing requires appropriate business liability and vehicle insurance.

Conclusion

Starting a home-based landscaping business can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who enjoy working outside. This business is well suited to operating as a home-based business. The entrepreneur who already owns a truck and landscaping tools can start this business quite inexpensively.

SOURCES

United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site accessed on 7 October 2010.

How to Start a Landscaping Business 1-2-3. Home Inc. Business Center. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.www.homebusinesscenter.com/how_to_start/landscaping.html

Randy Wilson. Landscape Design Business. BizyMoms. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.www.bizymoms.com/landscape/landscape-design-business.html

How to Start a Lawn Care or Landscaping Service. Entrepreneur. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.