Tops Things to Know About Starting a Lawn Service

You may have mowed lawns as a teenager, but setting up a lawn care business to earn a living is a whole new world for many people. A lot of factors must be considered when creating a profitable lawn and landscaping service, and knowing them in advance will help ensure success.

• You get the winters off, but that means you need to hold money back from your summer pay to cover these slow months. It's similar to how teachers have part of their check held back each pay period so they can continue to get paid in the summer. If you can't afford to do this, you need to have a second job lined up in the winter. Obviously, warmer climates are ideal for a lawn business because winters do not alway wipe out landscaping.


• Gear your business toward establishing yearly contracts and long-term customer relationships. If you do this, you won't need to solicit for business all year, which takes time away from actual work.


• The industry is exploding according to the U.S. Department of Labor. However, the monetary and equipment requirements to enter the business is low, so expect a good deal of competition. In 2005, a survey by "Irrigation and Green Industry" magazine found that the lawn industry generates $69 billion a year.


• Lawn service work is labor intensive. You must be physically fit and healthy to perform, often in dangerously hot weather. Also, as your business becomes more successful you need employees. Learning to manage is another important skill.


• Interpersonal skills are essential for nabbing and retaining customers. Homeowners may have unrealistic expectations about what can be done with their lawn. Communicating clearly with your customers and understanding their needs is necessary for establishing a long-term, profitable business.