What Do I Need To Start A Landscaping Business?

Question

Just want to know what type of license (business or otherwise) that I would need, do I need insurance, and what types of services besides the basics I could offer and what to charge for my services...

Answer 1

I would say you need money, the means to get money, or have the money. Borrowed, loaned, or whatever.

I would say the next things would be an Irrigation license. I don't know your state, but here in Texas you can design, install, and maintain landscapes. With an Irrigation license you can design and install irrigation systems. You can learn to maintain them from someone else in the meantime.

If you want to go all out. Go to college and get a degree in Landscape Architecture. This is what I have. Hopefully, I can help you alittle.

I would say you'll need a good, working truck, a good working trailer, and all the supplies. Mower(s), edgers, weedeaters, shears, pruners, etc. Everything to maintain the landscape. Once you have that, I would think you'll need a few residential clients to get you started. To do enough in a day, you'll need a helper or too. I would guess you'll need to at least 6-8 residents per day to make even. It will be hard and nearly 12 hours day, but it can be done.

Next, you'll need to be a marketer. There is a ton of competetion out there. Here in Texas, it is strong and tough. You've got to want it. Getting that local park, commercial center, retail area, local subdivision, etc. will really get you rolling.

Get you a good, local Landscape Architect. One that you can get to know; be friends with. Working together on projects could make you both money. He designs them, you install them. You find the clients, he designs for a fee. He finds some work, you install it. Before too long, maybe your installing something big. Then you've got some reputation. That will get you rolling.

Eventually, you'll need more of a crew, more equipment, etc. You'll know it when your ready. Don't rush it. This takes time. Maybe you've got the means and a base to start bigger. Thats great. Your further along than most. Find some good guys who know installation. Find some irrigation guys. Find people you trust and know will not screw you. Good people are very valuable.

Last, don't over extend yourself. Pay your bills, always. Never get strung out. Stay ahead of the game. Never spend money you know you'll never have coming in the door. Eventually, you'll credit will be good enough and your company strong enough to run off a line of credit.

Be honest and creditable. Treat people with respect. Be ethical. And Good Luck.

Answer 2

YOU NEED ALOT OF ENERGY AND STRENGTH...A WAY TO HAUL THE CUTTERS...PEOPLE WHO WILL SUB WHEN YOU CANT GET THERE...ALOT OF HARDSCAPING KNOWLEGE... KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT PLANT OR SHRUB TAKES SUN AND NOT...WHAT VARIOUS TYPES OF GROUNDCOVERS.... IF YOU GET A BUSINESS LICENSE YOU WILL PAY TAXES ON THE INCOME...IF YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES YOU NEED INSURANCE THROUGH OSHA SO THAT IF EMPS. GET INJURED ON THE JOB... GAS PRICES FOR RUNNING THE EQUIP HAVE DOUBLED SO YOU HAVE TO WATCH WHAT THE QUOTES ARE FOR EACH JOB.... YOU NEED A CHEMICAL LISC. TO APPLY VARIOUS WEED KILLERS....NEED TO PURCHASE MULCH BY THE TON TO PROFIT......BEST TO WORK FOR AWHILE FOR A LARGE COMPANY THAT ALREADY IS SUCCESSFUL WHO IS WILLING TO SEND YOU TO ... AND PAY FOR THE TRAINING CLASSES....YES I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE...AND MY EXPENSES FOR EQUIPT...AND TRUCK ETC...FAR SURPASSED THE PROFIT THE FIRST FOUR YEARS.....GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

Big muscles!