Starting a gardening business is an exciting venture that combines a love for horticulture with sharp business savvy. The landscaping services industry is a multi-billion dollar market, with steady demand for garden maintenance and design from residential homeowners, commercial properties, and public spaces.
This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business idea, obtaining necessary licenses, acquiring equipment, and building supplier relationships to help you launch a successful gardening business in the U.S.
Step 1: Research your market and map out your finances
Define your service area and customers
First, define your service area. A 10 to 15-mile radius is a practical starting point. Drive through these neighborhoods to observe property types and existing gardens. Also, check local Facebook Groups and Nextdoor to see what services homeowners want and what problems they face.
Next, analyze your competition using tools like Google Maps, Yelp, and Thumbtack. Note their services, pricing, and customer reviews. Many new owners underprice their work. Be sure to factor in travel time, insurance, and equipment wear when you calculate your rates.
Calculate your startup costs
Your initial investment will vary. A lean start is possible if you already own a truck. Professional-grade equipment like a mower, trimmer, and blower will cost between $600 and $1,500. Hand tools like shovels and pruners will add another $200 to $500.
Don't forget administrative costs. Budget $50 to $500 for your LLC registration and another $50 to $200 for local business licenses. General liability insurance is a must, typically costing $400 to $700 per year. You might be tempted to buy every specialized tool at once, but it's smarter to rent them for one-off jobs until demand is consistent.
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Create a spreadsheet to budget for equipment, licensing, and insurance.
- Use Google Maps to list five local competitors and study their services.
- Define a specific 10-mile service radius to focus your marketing efforts.
Step 2: Set up your legal structure and get licensed
Choose your business structure
You should consider a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure protects your personal assets, like your house and car, if the business faces a lawsuit. An LLC also provides pass-through taxation, so you report business profits on your personal tax return, which simplifies paperwork.
A frequent misstep is to mix business and personal money. Once your LLC is approved, open a dedicated business bank account immediately. This action maintains the legal separation that an LLC provides and makes tax time much easier to navigate.
Secure the right licenses and permits
First, get a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website. It is free and you will need it to open a bank account or hire staff. Next, register your LLC with your state’s Secretary of State. This typically costs $50 to $150 and can take a few weeks.
If you offer services that involve pesticides or certain fertilizers, you will likely need a pesticide applicator license from your state's Department of Agriculture. This process often involves an exam and a fee around $100. Also, check with your city clerk for a general business license.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Apply for a free EIN on the IRS website.
- File your LLC formation documents with your state's Secretary of State.
- Open a separate bank account for your business.
- Check your state's Department of Agriculture website for pesticide license rules.
Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk
Understand your insurance needs
General liability insurance is your first line of defense. A policy with $1 million in coverage is standard and protects you if you damage a client’s property, like a window or sprinkler system. Expect annual premiums between $400 and $700.
If you use your truck for work, your personal auto policy likely will not cover you. You should get a commercial auto policy. A frequent mistake is to skip this, which can result in a denied claim after an accident, leaving you with a huge bill.
Also, if you plan to hire even one part-time helper, you will need workers’ compensation insurance. State laws are very strict on this. This insurance covers medical costs and lost wages if an employee gets hurt on the job.
Find the right insurance provider
You can get quotes from insurers that specialize in small business coverage. Consider providers like Next Insurance, Hiscox, and The Hartford. They understand the risks of a gardening business and can tailor a policy for you. Always get at least three quotes to compare.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Get a quote for a $1 million general liability policy.
- Ask your current auto insurer about a commercial policy for your work vehicle.
- Check your state’s workers’ compensation board for requirements.
- Compare quotes from three providers like Next Insurance or Hiscox.
Step 4: Acquire your equipment and line up suppliers
Purchase your core equipment
Your primary investment will be a commercial-grade mower, which can range from $3,000 to $5,000. Also, budget for a professional string trimmer and leaf blower from brands like Stihl or Echo, which cost about $200 to $400 each. These are built for daily work.
Many new owners buy consumer-grade tools to save money, but they often fail quickly. Invest in quality hand tools like shovels, rakes, and pruners from the start. This will cost an additional $300 to $600 but saves you from costly replacements down the road.
Set up your home base and find suppliers
Most gardening businesses start from home. A standard garage of about 400 square feet is usually enough for equipment storage. You should check your local zoning ordinances for any restrictions on running a business from your residence, particularly concerning noise or vehicle parking.
For materials like mulch, soil, and plants, connect with local wholesale nurseries and landscape supply yards. They offer contractor pricing that is much better than retail. Ask about setting up a business account. Some may require a minimum order for delivery, so plan your jobs accordingly.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Get pricing for a commercial zero-turn mower from a local dealer.
- Check your city’s website for home-based business zoning regulations.
- Identify two local wholesale nurseries and ask about contractor accounts.
- Budget for professional-grade hand tools instead of consumer versions.
Step 5: Set up your payment system
Establish your payment terms
For large projects, require a 50% deposit to cover materials. For recurring maintenance, you can invoice monthly with payment due in 15 days. A frequent mistake is to rely only on cash and checks, which slows down your cash flow. You need a way to accept cards on-site.
Find a payment solution
For a gardening business that accepts payments on the go, JIM offers a streamlined solution. You can accept debit, credit, and digital wallets directly through your smartphone. Just tap and the payment is done. It is a cost-effective option at just 1.99% per transaction.
Other providers often charge between 2.5% and 3.5%, which can add up. With no hidden costs or extra hardware, JIM is particularly useful for collecting payment immediately after a one-off job like hedge trimming. Here is how to get started:
- Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
- Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
- Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done. No waiting for bank transfers.
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Establish your payment terms, like a 50% deposit for large projects and net-15 for maintenance.
- Download the JIM app to see how it works for on-site payments.
- Create an invoice template that clearly states your payment terms and accepted methods.
Step 6: Fund your business and manage your finances
Secure your startup funding
An SBA Microloan is a good place to start. You can borrow up to $50,000, and lenders often look for a credit score of 650 or higher. Interest rates usually fall between 8% and 13%.
Another path is equipment financing. This loan is specifically for your mower or truck, and the equipment itself acts as collateral. This can make it easier to get approved compared to a general business loan.
Many new owners approach lenders without a clear plan. Even for a small loan, you need a simple document that shows your projected costs and income for the first year. It proves you have done your homework.
Plan for your working capital
With funding in mind, you need to calculate your working capital. This is the cash reserve that covers daily costs like fuel, insurance, and marketing before client payments start to flow consistently.
For the first six months, a reserve of $5,000 to $10,000 is a safe target for a solo operator. This buffer prevents you from running out of cash while you build your client list.
You might also look for grants, though they are competitive. Check Grants.gov or your state's Department of Agriculture for programs related to horticulture or small-scale farming, as these sometimes apply.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Check your credit score to see if you meet the 650+ minimum for most small business loans.
- Draft a one-page business plan that outlines your first six months of expenses.
- Calculate your working capital needs to cover at least three months of operation.
- Ask your local equipment dealer if they offer in-house financing for commercial mowers.
Step 7: Hire your first crew and set up operations
Build your team
Your first hire will likely be a Garden Crew Member. This person handles the day-to-day work like mowing, weeding, and mulching. Expect to pay between $15 and $20 per hour, based on your local market and their experience.
A mistake many new owners make is classifying workers as 1099 independent contractors to save money. This can lead to major penalties. You should treat your crew as W-2 employees and get workers’ compensation insurance from day one.
Streamline your daily operations
Once you have a helper, a paper calendar will not cut it. You can use scheduling software like Yardbook or Jobber to manage jobs, route your day, and track time. Many offer free or low-cost plans to start.
With staffing in mind, you can set revenue targets. A solo operator can aim for $50,000 to $75,000 in the first year. Each full-time crew member you add should ideally generate an additional $50,000 in annual revenue.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Draft a job description for a Garden Crew Member with clear responsibilities.
- Research your state’s labor department website for rules on W-2 employees.
- Sign up for a free trial of a scheduling app like Yardbook to test its features.
- Set a revenue goal for your business before you make your first hire.
Step 8: Market your business and get clients
Focus on your local online presence
First, claim your free Google Business Profile. This action puts you on Google Maps and is often the first place potential clients will find you. Ask your initial customers for reviews. Businesses with at least five positive reviews get significantly more visibility and calls.
A simple website that showcases your work is also a strong asset. Use a platform like Squarespace to build a one-page site with photos, a list of services, and your contact information. This gives your business a professional anchor online.
Use direct marketing in your service area
Door hangers are a surprisingly effective and low-cost strategy. You can print 500 high-quality hangers for about $100. A response rate of 1% to 2% is typical, which could translate to five to ten new leads from a single distribution.
When you post in local Facebook groups, avoid generic ads. Many new owners make the mistake of just listing their services. Instead, post before-and-after photos of a garden cleanup. Visual proof of your work is far more compelling and generates better leads.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Set up your Google Business Profile and upload photos of your best work.
- Print 500 door hangers to distribute in a target neighborhood.
- Join three local community Facebook groups to share project photos.
- Ask your first five clients to leave a review on your Google profile.
Step 9: Set your pricing strategy
Establish your pricing models
For one-off jobs like a garden cleanup, an hourly rate is straightforward. A good starting point is $50 to $75 per person, per hour. A frequent misstep is to underbid by forgetting to include overhead costs like insurance and fuel in this calculation.
For larger installations, use fixed-price quotes. For instance, a 10x4 foot raised garden bed installation might be priced at $800. This price should include a 100% markup on materials like lumber and soil, plus your estimated labor hours.
Monthly maintenance packages create predictable income. You could offer a basic mow-and-blow service for $200 a month. A premium package with weeding and pruning could be $350 a month. This model helps stabilize your cash flow, especially in the beginning.
Analyze your costs and profit
Look at what your top three competitors charge on sites like Thumbtack or by calling for a quote. You do not have to be the cheapest. Instead, aim to be in the middle, justifying your price with quality work and reliability.
For materials like plants and mulch, a 50% to 100% markup is standard practice in the industry. After you account for all expenses, your overall net profit margin should be your target. Aim for at least 20% to 30% to ensure your business is healthy.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Calculate an hourly rate that covers labor, overhead, and a 20% profit margin.
- Create a price list for three fixed-price services, like a hedge trim or small planting job.
- Develop two monthly maintenance packages with different service levels.
- Call two local competitors to get a quote for a standard lawn mowing service.
Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your operations
Establish your quality standards
Create a simple quality checklist for every job. It should include items like "all clippings removed" and "walkways blown clean." This ensures your work is consistent, no matter who does it. You might also pursue a certification from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) to add credibility.
Many owners run into trouble when they assume a new hire knows their standards. Walk every new crew member through the checklist on their first few jobs. Take photos of a perfectly completed job to use as a visual guide for your team.
Know when to grow
When you are consistently booked two weeks out, it is time to hire. Another sign is when you turn down more than three profitable jobs a week. This indicates unmet demand in your service area that you could capture with more help.
With more staff, your old systems will break. Once you have two or more crews, you can upgrade your software. Consider LMN or Service Autopilot. These platforms handle complex scheduling, billing, and customer management for larger teams and help you manage growth without chaos.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Create a 10-point quality checklist for a standard maintenance visit.
- Look up the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) certification requirements.
- Set a trigger for hiring, like being booked 10 workdays in advance.
- Explore the features of LMN or Service Autopilot for future growth.
Starting a gardening business combines your passion for plants with smart operations. Remember that your best marketing is a beautifully maintained garden. Your work is your business card. You have the roadmap, so go out there and start building your client list, one garden at a time.
And as you finish each job, getting paid should be simple. JIM lets you accept card payments right on your smartphone, with no extra hardware and a flat 1.99% fee. This makes it easy to manage your cash flow from day one. Download JIM to get started.
