Mowing is essential for a healthy lawn; each cut stimulates the grass to grow thicker, giving it a lush appearance. It also keeps weeds at bay and makes the grass more durable. Money, they say, does not grow on trees, but it may grow on grass. Is Lawn Mowing, however, a perfect summer business?
Mowing lawns is the perfect job for summer because a well-run, single operator can expect to generate revenue between $20,000 and $60,000 yearly, depending on where you are in the country. Not only will the jobs repeat all summer, but during the winter, it could lead to snow shoveling jobs, too. Although seasonal, a lawn mowing business allows you to build easily forecasted, ongoing sales from long-term customers. Not only that, a lawn mowing business keeps you mentally and physically fit.
Mowing lawns looks to be a way for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or financial situation, to get money. On the other hand, lawn mowing has become a very competitive industry, making it more difficult to get started on your own. However, more benefits of owning a lawn mowing business, as well as how to establish a lawn mowing business, are further explained below.
Low barrier to entry
Lawn mowing requires less equipment, little training, and fewer licenses and permits than most hands-on enterprises, and you don’t need to establish a shopfront or warehouse. The initial outlay is not prohibitively expensive.
Regular work
Because grass grows yearly, most customers will need your services every few weeks. You can count on regular work if you’ve established a strong customer base.
Greater autonomy
When starting a lawn mowing business, you may set your hours and generate your own money. Assume as much work as possible and take breaks as needed.
Variety in your day
You won’t be confined in the same office cubicle for the rest of your life. You can go about soaking up the sun, meeting new people, and beautifying their gardens.
No limits
Is there enough work for you to hire someone else? Then go for it! You can expand your firm into a major corporation or franchise; the size of your company is entirely up to you.
How to start a Land mowing business
Weigh the pros and cons
Everyone appears to have a yard to mow, and as the world becomes busier, individuals don’t have time to do so, presenting a chance to start their lawn mowing service. Before getting into this line of business, there are many things to think about. Thinking about the advantages and disadvantages before buying equipment, advertising your services, or dreaming of expansion is a good idea.
Research licensing and insurance
Inquire about the legislation relating to a business license and insurance needs at your local city government or Chamber of Commerce. To conduct your business legally, you must know several rules and regulations.
- · Each state has its own set of requirements. Some states need you to register your business regardless of its type, while others only require corporations, non-profits, and limited-liability businesses to register. Make sure to verify the unique rules in your state.
- · If you choose to register as a sole proprietorship, you must normally file under your name with the state government. This is referred to as “Doing Business As” (DBA).
- · There is insurance coverage for almost every company risk imaginable. The most significant distinction is in the cost and scope of coverage. Choose from commercial property, general, product, and professional liability, as well as home-based business insurance. Consult a representative from your local insurance agency.
Purchase equipment
If you don’t already have the necessary equipment, you’ll need to decide which equipment and supplies are most important right now. This is an important step because equipment prices can derail your small business before it ever gets off the ground.
- · Concentrate on the specific services you provide. Check for local wholesale rates on consumables and other necessary tools if you merely want to start mowing the Lawn. Begin small and work your way up once you have enough money.
- · Consider leasing equipment rather than buying it. Leasing has various advantages, including using modern equipment, tax incentives, low maintenance, and time to assess business needs.
- · To start your lawn mowing service, set up $500 to purchase a push mower, trimmer, and leaf blower. If you prefer to buy a franchise, expect to pay around $80,000.
How Much A Landscaping Business Makes A Year (On Average)
Advertising and Marketing
Your business will fail unless you advertise and let people know you are providing a mowing service in the neighborhood. Patience and a well-thought-out approach are required for effective advertising.
- · Consider the objective of advertising and what it can and cannot do for you before launching a campaign. What are your long-term objectives? Make a plan that you can use to gauge your success and failure. Set budgetary goals, product update timetables, and client base growth targets.
- · How much money do you have to spend on advertising? Too little or too much might harm your business and waste time. Calculate a realistic percentage of your revenue, expenses, and sales to determine how much you can afford to spend on advertising.
Give yourself some slack, and be patient
When you initially start a lawn mowing business, you may have high expectations, but the reality of the industry may disappoint you. The lawn mowing game can be competitive, and it takes time to gain traction.
Depending on the season, starting a lawn mowing service can take up to three months. This will be more profitable during the summer, but it will only last a few months until you have to deal with winter. You shouldn’t anticipate making much money in the first few months, either. You’ll be spending a lot of money on equipment and gear. Plus, you won’t have as many consumers as you will in a year.
Use your existing clients to build an income
While you can go out and attract new customers, your present client base is your biggest resource. These folks will tell their friends and family about you, which is an important marketing strategy. Use all of your alternatives, whether passing out a few business cards, including a statement at the bottom of your invoice, or providing a fantastic referral reward scheme.
How To Calculate Your Landscaping Overhead Cost
Requirements to start a lawn mowing business
What skills will you need to bring to the table, and what rules, regulations, and standards will you have to follow if you decide to start a lawn mowing business?
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need to know how to mow a lawn first and foremost! While no formal training or certification is required, there is more to it than you might believe because depending on the degree of service the customer expects, you’ll need to know:
- · How often should different grasses be cut, and at what height should they be cut?
- · When to dethatch, aerate, weed, and fertilize the grass and when not to.
- · How to keep grasses out of places in the garden where they aren’t allowed to be.
There was a time when a lawnmower business owner needed to bring some basic knowledge of the machinery they worked with in case of a breakdown. Still, with the rise of electric lawnmowers and whipper snippers, there are fewer reasons for your machinery to fail.
Business registration
You’ll need to register for taxes as a full-fledged business. While most lawn mowing firms begin as a “sole trader” operation, those with grander ambitions may choose to become a corporation or trust. If this describes you, you’ll need to register your company.
The Five Best Ways To Hire Employees For Your Landscaping Business
The essential equipment needed to start a lawn mowing business
What equipment will your lawn mowing business need? The following core equipment will get you on your way.
Lawnmower
A lawn mower is a must-have piece of landscaping equipment for any lawn care service. It’ll also most likely be the most expensive tool you purchase. Commercial lawnmowers come with various attachments, ranging from aerators and spreaders to mulchers and dump carts, which may surprise you.
Trimmers
A string trimmer can get grass where a mower can’t, such as along a fence line, under decks, and around flower beds and mailbox posts. It’s also known as a weed whacker and is used to give lawns a polished look.
Hedge trimmer
Hedge trimmers can rapidly and easily shape and trim hedges and plants. Hedge trimmers, like string trimmers, are available in cordless electric or gas-powered models. When selecting a hedge trimmer, keep in mind that you’ll be holding it for a long time. As a result, the emphasis should be on comfort and portability.
Edger
You’d be somewhat correct if you thought a string trimmer could handle the job of an edger. A string trimmer can aid in the maintenance of an edge. On the other hand, an edger is more efficient and will do a better job of creating a distinct border or breaking through thick grass and roots.
Blowers
Leaf blowers are used for more than just sweeping up leaves. They’re also a quick solution for high-end residences and businesses to tidy up sidewalks and entrances.
Sprayer
Fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides can all be applied with the use of a sprayer. Sprayers are ideal for big areas in and around a home or yard. In comparison to a spreader, it can, nevertheless, provide a more accurate application.
Hand tools
Without hand tools, the list of lawn care equipment would be incomplete. Shovels, rakes, pruners, and other low-tech garden tools are a basic yet vital aspect of a lawn care company’s equipment. Wooden handles are popular, but steel and fiberglass handles are also available.
What Is Your Landscape Job And Is It Right For You?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do with the Grass Clippings?
Bagging grass clippings isn’t always a good idea for grass trimming. This is because they operate as a natural fertilizer, provide shelter from the sun, and aid in moisture retention. If your grass is excessively tall and there are a lot of clipped blades, you might want to bag part or all of them.
How Much Does A Weekly Mowing Service Cost?
The cost of basic lawn mowing starts at $37. However, pricing is determined by the expected time our staff will take to complete your grass-cutting. Property size, layout, present landscaping condition, landscaping complexity, and your required scope of work are all factors that will influence the projected time.
To learn more on how you can start your own landscaping business, check out my startup documents here.
The information provided by LandscapingBusinessBoss.com (“The Site”) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the use of the Site or Reliance on any information provided on the Site. Your use of the Site and reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk. This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Landscape Business Fan.
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a landscape business owner at a job site, driving down the road or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Landscaping Business Boss: I want to help landscape business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.