We Answer: Do You Need a License for Landscaping?

We Answer: Do You Need A License For Landscaping

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The world of landscaping is a vast one, with many different things to understand before you can successfully wrap your head around it. If you’re looking into working as a landscaper or starting your own landscaping business, you may have wondered whether you need licensing to do so. Let’s dive in and see what, if any, licenses you need for landscaping.

Whether you need a license for a landscaping business largely varies state by state, and depending on the state there are certain licenses you are required to obtain. Some states only require licenses for certain skills, while others require a license before you can begin your work. Do your research to ensure you comply with your state’s guidelines. 

Take a look at this list from coverwallet.com to see for yourself which states require which licenses and exams. You’ll want to make sure you cover all of your bases to ensure you are not in violation of any rules. Things such as how long the licensing process takes and how much money it costs may also play a role in which state you decide to start your business in. I also noticed that some states have looser guidelines statewide, but then at the district level, it becomes a bit stricter with what is required. There are also a lot more licenses/exams you need to get to start your own landscaping business, vs just working as a landscaper.

What does your timeline look like?

Timeline may play a crucial role in what state you decide to work in, or whether you decide if landscaping is the right fit for you at all. Do you have the time to get your licenses in order before starting your new career, or do you need to get started immediately? If you have the time, it may make sense to lay a solid foundation by getting all of your exams and licensing taken care of. 

We Answer: Do You Need a License for Landscaping?

Often landscapers with more licenses under their belt earn higher wages since they have additional skill sets than their counterparts without these licenses. Additionally, the more licensees and exams you have passed, allow you more opportunities when it comes to applying for new positions within the industry. So overall, it will help you in the long run to take the time to get your licenses.

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Starting your own landscaping business

If you’re looking to start your own business, getting a license is required in every state. The licensing required does vary, and you still need to do some research on what you need, but you can’t start a landscaping business without any licensing. Take a look at this list from nextinsurance.com to get a good understanding of what licenses you are expected to have by state. Getting your licensing in order before starting a business will take time and money, but it will pay off in the long run when your business takes off. Think of it as an investment in yourself, in your future.  

Specific roles call for specific licenses

Your specific role in the industry will also affect what licenses you are required to have. For instance, you are required to have certain licenses to use pesticides and fertilizers. Another certification is required for those who install horticulture and decorative plants. Yet another one if you will be working on turf. The list is miles long and very specific jobs call for very specific licensing. The more areas you specialize in, the more licenses you will need to apply for, and the more exams you will need to pass.

Again, as I mentioned above, even though these certifications take time and money, think of it as an investment in your future. These qualifications will open new doors to you, and allow you to expand your career or business further and further. If you have the time to do it, I would advise taking the time to do so. Invest in yourself now, so you will be set for the future.

Also keep in mind that with all things, you can always grow your arsenal of skills and get more licenses over time. You can start with the required ones to land your first job, then while working simultaneously study and earn additional licenses to grow your skills and be able to command a higher wage. Of course, this is a bit different when starting your own business, as there are quite a few licenses that you need to apply for before being able to open up. But in this scenario too, you can always start with the required ones, then continue to pass additional exams and acquire more licenses to expand the range of services your business can legally offer. 

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Check with your local government

We Answer: Do You Need a License for Landscaping?

A lot of times, there are local government regulations that only affect those in the local jurisdiction, and not statewide. You need to check with your local government to learn what licenses apply to your area specifically. You don’t want to make the mistake of missing a locally required license, and then not being able to open up when you had originally wanted to. Or worse, open up and start landing clients, only to have your business shut down. Not a great first impression for clients if you ask me. 

You also will need to double-check if you ever move yourself or your business. Again, I emphasize, that requirements vary from location to location, so even if you are moving within the same state, I would recommend checking what the requirements are in your new jurisdiction before continuing to operate.

Consider a business partner

Another option for you if you are looking to start your own business, may be to consider a business partner. Perhaps someone who is already in the process of getting the required licenses, or who owned a business in the past but has now closed. This may be an opportunity for you to join forces and set up a business together. 

Perhaps they have the licensing required, but not the capital. Or they may already have an existing business going but are struggling to keep up with the time requirements. This is where you bring yourself in, either with capital or time or both and offer to join as a business partner. Often going into a business with a partner can take the pressure off when it comes to money and individual duties, and in this case, can help you out when it comes to requiring licensing. Just check to make sure your state doesn’t require you both to be licensed before moving forward.

Pulling it all together

We Answer: Do You Need a License for Landscaping?

As we’ve looked at, yes, the landscaping industry does require licensing depending on the state and city that you live in. With the growing number of services that consumers demand, there are also an increasing number of licenses required to provide these services. If taking the time or money required to study for and pass these exams to get your licensing seems daunting to you, or maybe you just don’t have the time to wait to earn money, maybe this isn’t the best path to follow for you right now. On the flip side, if this is your dream and you’ll do what it takes to achieve it, then here is a guide to help you determine what licenses you specifically will need to move forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check to see if new licensing requirements have been put out?

That is a great question, considering we live in an ever-changing world where new information is always coming to light, I would recommend keeping regular tabs on any new updated requirements your business may need to fulfill. Whether this is through email communication with your local government, through a Facebook group, keeping up with other local landscaping businesses, or something else. Just be sure that you don’t miss any new licensing requirements in the state that you practice, so you don’t have to worry about your business being paused for any period.

Is it worth my time to get licensed and start a landscaping business?

This is a question that will be very specific to you, and your lifestyle. For some, owning a landscaping business is their dream, and for them, they will jump through any hurdle to make their dream come true. For some, it simply doesn’t make sense to spend the time on all the required licensing, when you could pursue another career instead. There’s also always the question of whether where you are located is even a good location to start a landscaping business and have it succeed. Whether all of this is worth your time is purely up to what makes sense for you.

To learn more on how you can start your own landscaping business, check out my startup documents here.

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