Start a Lawn Care Business and Spring into Profits! #004

Home Services in the News

• On-Demand Lawn Mowing… Yes Please!
  GreenPal, often called the "Uber for lawn care," has launched in Lake Wales Fl. They offer on-demand lawn mowing without long-term contracts.
   
  Homeowners can easily post their needs, compare bids from local pros, and pay through the app — no face-to-face or cash required. It’s a flexible, hassle-free way to keep your lawn looking sharp.

  Source Article: www.lakewalesnews.net…

• This Startup Is Redefining Lawn Care With Robot Precision
  After moving to Huntsville without a business plan, former robotics executive Divya Thakur founded Yard Robotics, a high-tech lawn care company using autonomous mowing systems inspired by self-driving cars.

  Backed by $2.25 million in funding and a strong engineering team, the company combines cutting-edge tech with a focus on reliability and community values. Thakur’s mission goes beyond automation—he’s building a service that shows up, does the job right, and takes pride in both its people and its purpose.
  Source Article: huntsvillebusinessjournal.com/…

The Lawn Care Business

Spring has arrived! Across the country, homeowners are emerging from winter and looking at their yards with fresh eyes. Grass needs mowing, gardens require tending, and landscapes demand a good cleanup. There's never been a better time to launch your lawn care business, providing valuable services while building steady profits.

Why I Think Lawn Care is a Winning Business Idea

Yes, I know. Business ideas like starting a law care company or other related services business are probably one of the most common “go-to” ideas you see when looking up ways to make money.

There’s a reason for that, though, because there is big money in lawn care and all landscaping services overall.

According to Statista, the U.S. landscaping services industry, which includes lawn care, was worth over $153 billion in 2023. Demand is strong, and it’s not slowing down.
Here’s the link to the Statista article.

I got my start in lawn care and landscaping, albeit with little choice, as my parents were already in the business when I showed up.

Even though it seems like a million years ago, the lawn care industry doesn’t show signs of slowing down. In fact, technological advancements and modern products are making the business easier to enter and run.

So let's take a closer look at what’s involved.

What is a Lawn Care Business? 

Boiled down to its basics, a lawn care business provides essential yard maintenance services, primarily lawn mowing, edging, and general yard care for both residential and commercial properties.

As homeowners become increasingly busy or, as the population ages, are physically unable to maintain their lawns, this business addresses the growing demand.

Focusing initially on straightforward lawn care tasks and seasonal clean-ups can quickly establish a strong customer base. Later, additional landscaping and related services can expand your business and increase your revenue.

How the Lawn Care Business Works:

Your lawn care business will focus primarily on mowing lawns, trimming edges, and general yard maintenance, including spring and fall cleanups.

Regular customers typically schedule weekly or bi-weekly visits, generating consistent revenue. You'll manage tasks such as cutting grass, removing debris, trimming around walkways, and ensuring yards look tidy and inviting.

Typical clients include busy families, elderly homeowners, rental property owners, and businesses needing ongoing maintenance. Most lawn care professionals charge by the job or offer weekly or monthly rates, generally between $30–$70 per visit, depending on yard size and complexity. By serving several properties per day, you can realistically earn $200–$400 daily, quickly scaling to a healthy monthly income.

Getting Started: Tools and Requirements: Starting a lawn care business requires a slightly higher investment, particularly if you're serious about scaling. Essential equipment includes:

• Reliable pickup truck (essential)

• Utility trailer to transport mowers and equipment ($800–$2,500)

• Commercial-grade lawn mower ($300–$1,500)

• Trimmer/edger ($100–$300)

• Blower ($100–$250)

• Basic hand tools (rakes, shovels, pruning shears, $100–$150)

• Safety equipment (gloves, protective eyewear, ear protection, $50–$100)

Startup costs can range from $2,500–$5,000 or more, depending on whether you purchase new or used equipment. You'll also need to register your business, obtain liability insurance (usually $500–$1,000 annually), and possibly secure additional licenses or permits depending on your location.

Finding Your First Customers: Begin promoting your business in your immediate neighborhood using door-to-door flyers highlighting spring specials. Offer introductory discounts or package deals combining mowing and seasonal yard cleanups. Social media and community groups like Nextdoor are ideal for local advertising.

Partnering with local real estate agents, property managers, or senior living communities can rapidly grow your customer base. Display clear before-and-after photos to showcase your work, building credibility and trust quickly. Customer referrals are key—encourage satisfied clients to refer you to friends and family in exchange for small discounts or incentives.

Growth and Expansion Potential: As your customer base expands, consider adding related services such as landscaping, fertilizer application, aeration, lawn rolling, or installing irrigation systems. Hiring additional employees or subcontractors will help you manage larger contracts and allow you to expand geographically.

Quick Tips:

• Consistency and reliability build lasting relationships—show up when promised.

• Maintain your equipment diligently to avoid downtime.

• Use clear, professional signage on your vehicle and trailer to boost visibility.

• Set aside time regularly for marketing, even when business is busy, to ensure ongoing growth.

Lawn care may not be for everyone but if you don’t mind getting dirty and sweating it out sometimes, it can be a rewarding and satisfying business that can lead into many other opportunities if you are open to them.

We’ll keep exploring those ideas in further issues coming up.

In the next issue, we’ll talk about getting into fence building and repair, another in-demand, profitable business.

Tim