The landscaping business is fast emerging as one of the lucrative spaces to be in. Though it’s a competitive industry, the rewards are equally good. You need to work strategically to stand out in the competition.
Either you can operate as a firm providing a wide variety of landscaping services or specialize in one kind of landscaping. When you think of best landscaping business ideas, the below list of ideas should surely help you to decide one.
32 Profitable Landscaping Business Ideas you can start today
As per statistics of the landscaping or lawn care business in the US (check the below table), the landscaping industry has seen the growth of 5.3% from 2017 to 2022. You can surely tap this opportunity by considering any of the landscaping business ideas listed below.
1. Lawn care Business
This landscaping business is relatively easy to start and profitable too. You have various options to offer to your clients like trimming, mowing, fertilization, waste removal, pest control, and more. Most lawn care companies offer weekly, biweekly, or monthly maintenance services depending upon the requirement of the client.
2. Landscaping Business
Starting a landscaping firm is quite profitable because the demand is always high in the US
- In urban areas landscaping services have steady demand because people are always looking for new ways to improve their outdoor spaces
- There is a lesser risk involved in starting this business, as the start up cost is less. You can start solo and gradually scale up when you find more clients and the demand for your services increases.
- The business holds a great potential of making a bigger organization. There are ample ways to expand the business as you can add other services to your offering and cross sell as well.
3. Landscape Maintenance Business
Landscaping maintenance services include lawn mowing, garden weeding, fertilizing, cleaning up in the spring and fall, snow removal, and many more. The primary goal of landscape maintenance is a clean, well-kept, and secure landscape.
4. Garden Care Business
This is one good gardening business idea. Garden care business will suit you well if you enjoy working with flowers and plants. Some of the services you can offer may include planting, watering, trimming, leaf blowing, digging, raking, and more.
5. Seed Business
The seed market is booming these days because of the rising demand for natural seed oils and health products. You can sell seeds at a brick-and-mortar location or online. Before you start this business, you should research the industry to know which seeds are in high demand and identify the potential market.
6. Backyard Plant Nursery Business
This is a business with a minimum entry barrier, and easy to start with rewarding financial benefits. You can maximize profitability by specializing in plants that are in high demand like fruits, vegetables, and flowers. To get to know the details, visit the nearby retail nurseries and check what they stock and retail.
7. Residential Landscaping
You will need to have some experience before you start with a residential landscaping business, this is quite an efficient business. Your services may include lawn care, tree and shrub care, garden care, and seasonal services such as fall clean-up and snow removal.
8. Commercial Landscaping
Commercial landscaping is all about creating and maintaining visually pleasing outdoor areas of commercial establishments. The landscape should be in sync with the core values which the organization stands for. This is a high-earning potential business because the clients you will cater to will be commercial establishments.
9. Gardening Business
In gardening business your offerings will include different services such as aesthetic improvement in the landscape, lawn and garden maintenance, vegetable gardening, and more.
10. Landscape Architecture Service
Landscape Architecture Service is all about providing artistic and technical design standards to make the project look beautiful. Bigger areas like playgrounds, parks, bike trails, skate parks, pedestrian paths, and open spaces require landscape architecture planning.
This field can be quite lucrative but you need to have the required technical expertise. Other specific services you can offer are urban design, site planning, athletic fields, courtyard design, and more.
11. Landscape Design Business
When it comes to landscape design business you will take care of planning, arranging or upgrading a landscape related to parks and gardens, commercial landscapes, educational institutes, hospitals, and more.
12. Landscape Construction
Landscape construction business is quite lucrative. Landscape definitely increases the value of the house if it is properly constructed. In this business you can offer two types of services:
- Hardscape landscape construction: This includes planning the design taking into consideration non-living features of the landscape such as stone work, wall retaining, etc.
- Softscape landscape construction: This includes planning the design with lawns, gardens or flower bed installations.
13. Interior Landscaping Business
Interior landscaping relates interior decoration of bigger commercial or residential projects. This includes beautification and enhancement of common areas, lobbies and offices, reception areas, absorbing undesirable sound frequencies, increasing oxygen levels in the premises, and more. Commercial establishments have a higher requirement for interior landscaping than domestic ones.
14. Irrigation Business
High-quality watering systems are always in demand from consumers, farmers, public facilities, sports grounds, commercial establishments, etc. Irrigation systems will always be required to look landscape green and beautiful every time.
15. Snow Removal Business
In areas that receive lot of snowfall, snow removal business can be very profitable. You can often get a lot of work in the winter season. You can charge per hour or by the job.
16. Landscape Ornaments Manufacturer
To enhance the aesthetic value of your outdoor spaces the decorative ornaments are handy. Without them the landscape design is incomplete. Some of the landscape ornaments include fountains, pedestals, ceramic art, vases, bird baths, and more.
17. Herb Gardening Business
This is one of the profitable business ideas you should consider when it comes to landscaping businesses. Growing and selling herbs is an easy business start out. It doesn’t require a large space. You can also use a vertical farming technique to grow herbs in your backyard.
18. Landscaping Equipment Rental Business
It is always not possible to purchase landscaping equipment for people who are just starting their business or a homeowner. The equipment is costly. You can surely grab this opportunity to offer your equipment on a rental basis. It is a cost-effective and convenient solution for professionals and homeowners alike.
Some of the equipment are lawnmowers, trimmers, tillers, and more.
Homeowners who take care of their gardens or lawn need not need equipment often. They use them rarely. In such cases, they prefer renting garden equipment to buying new ones. This saves them maintenance costs and storage space.
19. Start A garden Center
A Garden Center is a commercial establishment that offers both wholesale and retail sales of plants and materials related to the garden. You can sell anything from potting soil to hardware products.
20. Landscape Fertilizer Producer
To start a fertilizer business that caters to landscapes, you need to have a significant experience in the fertilizer manufacturing field. You can sell different types of fertilizers such as eco-friendly fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and synthetic or chemically produced fertilizers.
21. Pest Control Business
For homeowners, pests can be an irritation and homeowners always want to get rid of this menace. The pest control business has been around for decades and it will grow as new pests and diseases enter the world.
22. Weeding Service Business
This is one of the landscape businesses that remains in steady in demand from homeowners and business owners. By removing unwanted growth from the gardens and the yards you help the properties look great.
23. Landscape Consultancy Business
As a landscape consultant, you can provide valuable guidance to people who are about to start their landscaping business. You can guide homeowners and businesses about making their outdoor spaces beautiful and appealing.
Corporations or commercial landscape owners often have experts to guide. You can grab this opportunity too.
24. . Landscape Equipment Retailer Business
This is also a profitable business idea. You can start a retail store where people come and buy tools like lawnmowers, landscape scissors, leaf blowers, and more. Apart from landscaping business owners, homeowners also need this equipment to take care of their gardens.
25. Landscape Lighting Business
A landscape lighting business includes planning, design, and lighting placement in the garden or commercial premises to bring out the best in a landscape. The landscape looks more pleasing and attractive with unique lighting systems.
26. Landscape Lighting Manufacturer
As a landscape lighting manufacturer, you can focus on manufacturing eco-friendly, plant-safe lighting and other lighting fixtures that are helpful in the landscape industry. You can tie up with landscaping companies or sell them all over the world.
27. Fence Installation Business
Fence installation is another good business idea in the landscape industry. If you are good at tools and love the outdoors. You should provide quality workmanship and materials to attract clients.
28. Hydroseeding Business
The hydroseeding business is a unique landscaping business idea. Hydroseeding is a process of combining a mixture of seed, fertilizer, and mulch to quickly establish a green lawn. Hydroseeding causes speedy seed germination and helps a new lawn sprout in 2-3 weeks.
29. Organic Seeds Business
Trading different types of organic seeds for money is a nice business idea that can be started with little initial investment. There is a growing need for organic materials among homeowners. People have become more aware of harmful chemicals and toxins, hence prefer organic seeds.
30. Deck Installation Business
A deck installation business involves planning and placing decks and patios into the landscape. The deck enhances the beauty of the landscape. A deck provides a nice place for gatherings and entertainment.
31. Outdoor Kitchen Construction Business
Many homeowners have a separate outdoor kitchen meant for get-togethers or parties. As a specialized person in this profession, you will have to analyze the space and come up with a plan for a kitchen that compliments the outdoor space. Additionally, you should also manage technical jobs like hooking up water, gas and electricity lines.
32. Landscape Events Business
As a Landscape event business owner, you can organize festivals or expos that will involve the landscaping business community and help others share their knowledge. This is a great opportunity for business owners to showcase their expertise.
Why should you consider starting a landscaping business?
Landscaping is one of the evergreen businesses that always remain in demand in the US. It requires low start-up costs. It is a scalable business wherein you can easily cross-sell your other offerings. The landscaping business is quite lucrative. Below statistics of the US landscaping industry will give you a good idea of how much is the earning potential.
| Landscaping Business Statistics in the US for 2023 | ||
| 1 | The market size of the US landscaping industry in 2023 | $ 176.5 billion |
| 2 | People working in the US landscaping industry | 1.3 million |
| 3 | Growth in the market size from 2017-2022 | 5.3% per year |
| 4 | Average American household spending on lawn & gardening | $500 per year |
| 5 | Landscaping companies in the US | 649, 131 |
| 6 | The average worker salary in the landscaping industry in the US | $28, 828 |
| 7 | Number of landscapers as per gender | |
| Men | 85.7% | |
| Women | 10.3% | |
| 8 | Annual Revenue by the percentage of industry | |
| Less than $50,000 | 19% | |
| $50,000 – $199,999 | 22% | |
| $200,000 – $499,999 | 17% | |
| $500,000 – $999,999 | 14% | |
| More than 1,000,000 | 24% | |
| 9 | Percentage of Landscaping Markets | |
| Commercial | 46.20% | |
| Residential | 43.90% | |
| State/Local Government | 5.90% | |
| Non-profit | 2.40% | |
| Federal Government | 1.60% | |
| 10 | Percentage Increase in the resale value of a home after landscaping | 14% |
Pros and Cons of Landscaping Business
| Pros | Cons |
| High-success business with no end in sight. The landscaping business is continuously growing in the US. | Highly competitive. As there are low barriers to entry, competition can be tight, this can squeeze your margins. |
| Simple business model and relatively inexpensive. To begin you will only need tools like a mower and related tools and a vehicle. A business license is another requirement. | High labor costs. As you grow you need to employ more workers. Since the work is seasonal you may face high turnover rates. |
| Freedom. This business comes with the freedom to choose the type of clients you want to work with and the type of services you want to provide. | Seasonal work. You can expect a steady income from around March to November. |
| Charge what you are worth. You can select your service fee based on what you are worth | Upfront costs. You will require initial costs for the equipment such as push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, etc. |
| Use products you believe in. You can build your own brand or products you believe in. | Storm and Rain Delays. Sometimes you are at the mercy of nature because of heavy rain, lightning strikes, strong winds, flash flooding, and extreme heat. |
| Steady demand. Gardening and lawn care services are always needed irrespective of the economy’s condition. | People management & business accounts. You need to make sure your team delivers the best and at the same time you have to manage business accounts. |
| Easy to add & cross-sell services. Once customers are happy with your services you can add more services and cross-sell. |
How to start your landscaping Business?
1. Decide what services you want to offer and if you want to rent or buy equipment
The first step in starting your landscaping business is to decide what services to offer. There are a number of services listed above, you can specialize as per your interest.
Once you know your services you will come to know what equipment you will need. As a beginner in the lawn care industry, you will want to start with low capital. So, a better option would be to rent equipment rather than buy new ones.
2. Get the required business insurance, licenses, and the EIN
You will be required to have necessary insurance like general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Few states may not require both insurances. Before you begin make sure you have a business license required as per the state you are operating in. Make sure you receive your employer identification number.
Another type of insurance you may want to have before you scale is employment law liability insurance. This insurance can be a business saver considering the uncertainty around the future of overtime wages.
3. Develop a marketing plan and decide on prices.
Social media campaigns and SEO techniques are a way to begin that will improve your visibility on Google. Set your social media accounts first as you start your landscaping business.
To decide on the prices of your services, research the competition well. Check well what rates you are going to offer to your clients keeping in mind your margins.
4. Get your business financials in order
It is crucial to keep your finances on track, it is one of the important aspects of running any business smoothly and profitably.
There are good apps and accounting software available in the market that will help your landscaping business operate smoothly.
These apps and software will help you in tasks such as inventory management, payroll, employee timesheets, etc. so that you can focus on other important tasks of your landscaping business
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is landscaping a good business?
Yes, surely landscaping is a lucrative business. It is simple to get started with a landscaping business, you require basic landscaping skills that you can acquire if you are not familiar with them. Secondly, you require the necessary equipment and the basic legal requirements. The landscaping industry in the US has seen a growth of 5.3% per year from 2017 to 2022. The majority of households in the US have either a garden or a lawn, services will always be required.
2. What is most profitable for the landscaping business?
Landscape installation and landscape maintenance are two of the most profitable landscaping services. They are quite popular. In most cases, the profitability of your landscaping service will depend upon your expertise and how well you have marketed your specific service.
3. How profitable can landscaping be?
The stats of the landscape industry say that the typical margin range varies from 5% to 20%. The profit is calculated by subtracting the cost of material and the execution labor from the revenue. The statistics above in this blog post can give you a fair idea of earning potential in the landscaping industry.
4. How do I build a successful landscaping business?
To build a successful landscaping business you should carve out a reliable name in the landscaping industry. The first and foremost thing is gaining expertise in your domain. Secondly, you should market your business well and develop a good network with people and businesses related to landscaping. Your services should be appealing in quality and cost-wise. You should always think of playing long-term games.
5. What is the best business structure for landscaping?
LLC or Limited Liability Company is the best option. An LLC is simple, fast, and easy to set up and maintain. An LLC protects your assets and personal finances and is a great way to start your landscaping business.
Conclusion:
The landscaping industry provides a lot of opportunities for aspiring business owners. With the growing demand for outdoor living, eco-friendly landscaping practices are gaining attention. Providing environment-friendly solutions, unique garden designs, and incorporating technology into landscaping services will make your landscaping company stand out in the market. You should always make customer satisfaction your top priority.
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