how to create a business plan for a landscaping company

Landscaping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Landscaping Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your landscaping business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their landscaping companies.

Landscaping Business Plan Example

Below is a sample landscaping business plan and template to help you create each section of your landscaping business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is a startup landscaping business located in Dallas, Texas. The company is founded by John Martinez, an experienced entrepreneur who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage a landscaping business during the past five years while working as the manager at Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care. Now that John has experience managing a landscaping business, he is ready to start his own company, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service. John is confident that his landscaping skills, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable landscaping company of his own. John is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of residential landscaping – sales and marketing, scheduling, customer service, financial management, and landscaper training and support.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will provide a variety of professional landscaping and lawn care services for residential customers in Dallas, Texas. Beautiful Gardens will be the go-to landscaping business in Dallas for high-quality services of all kinds. The company will be the ultimate choice for prompt, reliable, and courteous customer service that goes above and beyond the competitors.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will provide:

• Lawn Care and Chemical Application
• Landscape Maintenance
• Landscape Design
• Landscape Construction
• Trimming and Pruning
• Trees and Ornamental Planting and Care
• Perimeter Pest Control
• Vegetation Management
• Gardening and Plant Care Consulting Services

Customer Focus

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will target homeowners in Dallas. The company will also target owners of multi-family residential buildings such as apartment complexes and condominiums. No matter the customer, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will deliver the best communication, service, and high quality landscaping.

Management Team

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be owned and operated by John Martinez. John is a graduate of Texas University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He has over five years of experience working as a manager for another local landscaping business. John will be the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He will steer the vision of the business and provide direction for the other managers and executives of the company.

John has recruited a landscaping expert, Lisa Smith, to be the company’s Chief Operating Officer and help oversee the business operations. Lisa will handle the day-to-day operations, including training the landscape personnel, providing consultation services, and overseeing the landscape design process. Lisa is a graduate of California University with a degree in Landscaping Design.

John and Lisa have recruited an experienced marketing director, Robert Johnson, to become a member of the Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service management team. Robert is a graduate of the University of Maine with a Master’s degree in Sales and Marketing. John and Lisa rely on Robert’s expertise to execute the company’s marketing plan and advertising strategies.

Success Factors

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of landscaping experts who will oversee the process and conduct inspections regularly to ensure all landscapers are adhering to stringent quality standards.
• Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service makes it easy for customers to obtain its services. The company uses a proprietary software application to engage with customers and ensure transparency throughout the process. Customers can use the app to schedule service, pay their bill, monitor the work being done, leave feedback, and receive customer support. For customers who prefer to communicate in person or over the phone, the company maintains an office space with a customer support representative available during regular business hours every day of the week.
• The company offers competitive pricing and discounts for regular customers.

Financial Highlights

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is seeking $350,000 in debt financing to launch its landscaping business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the office space and purchasing landscaping equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $120,000
• Landscaping equipment, supplies, and materials: $80,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $130,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

Company Overview

Who is beautiful gardens landscaping service.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is a newly established landscaping company in Dallas, Texas. Beautiful Gardens will be the go-to landscaping business in Dallas for high quality landscaping services performed by expertly trained professionals. The company will be the ultimate choice for prompt, reliable, and courteous customer service that goes above and beyond its competitors. Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to provide a wide variety of services for homeowners who value high quality, reliable service and easy-to-use communication systems.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to guarantee the quality of its services thanks to the latest and most innovative landscaping project management technology and stringent quality control standards. The company’s team of highly qualified professionals are experienced in landscaping, lawn care, and gardening, thus will be able to provide exceptional results for a wide variety of services from routine maintenance to new landscape design and build-out. Beautiful Gardens also provides consulting services in the areas of landscaping, gardening, and lawn care.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service History

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is owned and operated by John Martinez, an experienced entrepreneur who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage a landscaping business during the past five years while working as the manager at Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care. Now that John has experienced managing a landscaping business, he is ready to start his own company, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service. John is confident that his landscaping skills, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable landscaping company of his own. John is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of residential landscaping – sales and marketing, scheduling, customer service, financial management, and landscaper training and support.

Since incorporation, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service, LLC to transact business in the state of Texas.
• Has signed a lease to rent the office space.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include previous employees, landscapers, friends, family, and professional networks to inform them of the new business.
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, landscapers, and sales personnel to work at Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service Services

Industry analysis.

The United States Landscaping Services industry is valued at $128.8B and is expected to increase by 2.3% this year. There are more than 600,000 businesses and over 1M people working in the industry nationwide. The states of Florida, California, and New York have the most landscaping businesses of all the states, while Texans spend the most on landscaping services of all states.

Households with higher than average levels of disposable incomes (over $100,000 per year) spend the most on landscaping services for their homes. While these households reduce their spending on non-essential items during times of economic downturns, they are still more consistently spending on landscaping during these times versus lower income households. The number of households in the U.S. in this higher income bracket is expected to increase this year, resulting in growth opportunities for operators in the landscaping industry. Additionally, there is a rising demand for residential landscaping services from millennials and Gen Z consumers as more of them are participating in gardening activities.

The industry faces several challenges including shortage of quality labor, numerous price-based competitors, economic downturns, and high insurance costs. Industry operators can overcome these challenges and find success by researching their competitors, providing quality service by capable personnel, implementing a targeted marketing campaign, and charging fair prices for customers and employees.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The precise demographics for Dallas, Texas are:

Customer Segmentation

Beautiful Gardens will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Homeowners with annual household incomes of $100,000 or more
• Owners of multi-family residential properties such as apartment complexes and condominiums
• Millennials and Gen Z homeowners who need help starting their own gardens

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will face competition from other landscaping companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Leif’s Lovely Landscaping Service

Leif’s Lovely Landscaping Service has been operating in the Dallas area for over ten years and has gained a loyal customer base for its excellent service and low prices. Leif’s provides residential homeowners with general landscaping and lawn care services. The company is a small operation and the founder does most of the landscaping work himself. Customers come to Leif’s for reliable, friendly service and the lowest prices in Dallas. The company offers lawn care and chemical application, mulching, tree trimming, and debris cleanup services.

Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care

Founded in 1990 by Henry Lake, Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care is a well-known landscaping and lawn care business that serves all of Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding areas. The company offers a wide variety of services for residential homeowners. Services include regular lawn care, trimming, and maintenance, design, construction, and maintenance of landscaping features, and pool service. Lake Landscaping & Lawn Care is owned and operated by Henry Lake, an experienced contractor who designed some of the most prominent outdoor spaces in the area before starting his own business over 30 years ago.

Pete’s Perfect Landscaping

Pete’s Perfect Landscaping is a new Dallas-Texas based company providing services to customers throughout the city. The company was founded by Peter Smith, an experienced gardener who has been working in the landscaping industry for over 20 years before deciding to start his own landscaping company. Pete’s Perfect Landscaping provides a variety of landscaping services including pruning, trimming, planting, mulching, debris removal, and lawn maintenance.

Competitive Advantage

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be able to offer the following advantages over its competition:

• Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service uses a proprietary software application to engage with customers and ensure transparency throughout the process. Customers can use the app to schedule service, pay their bill, monitor the work being done, leave feedback, and receive customer support.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service makes it easy for customers to obtain its services. The company uses a proprietary software application to engage with customers and ensure transparency throughout the process. Customers can use the app to schedule service, pay their bill, monitor the work being done, leave feedback, and receive customer support.
• For customers who prefer to communicate in person or over the phone, the company maintains an office space with a customer support representative available during regular business hours every day of the week.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company’s marketing director will create accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. He will ensure Beautiful Gardens maintains an active social media presence with regular updates and fun content to get customers excited about the company’s services.

Professional Associations and Networking

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will become a member of professional associations such as the Landscaping Association, American Gardening Society, and the Texas Lawn Care Association. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the company’s vendor and client network.

Print Advertising

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The company will also invest in ads to display in industry publications and local newspapers.

Website/SEO Marketing

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will utilize the in-house marketing director that designed the print ads to also design the company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Beautiful Gardens is able to provide. The website will also list information on the company’s events and testimonials from satisfied clients.

The marketing director will manage Beautiful Gardens’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “Beautiful Gardens” or “landscaping business near me”, Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will be moderate, but higher than low-end competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the Company’s services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service.

• John Martinez will be the CEO of the company. He will oversee the management team and lead the direction of the business. John has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Lisa Smith – Chief Operating Officer who will manage the design and build process, train landscapers, and oversee the activities of the staff.
• Sam Garcia – Bookkeeper who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Robert Johnson – Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the company and manage the website, social media, and outreach.
• Joe Williams – Quality Control Manager who will oversee all inspections of the landscapers to ensure stringent compliance with quality standards are met.

Milestones:

Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

11/1/2022 – Finalize lease on office space.

11/15/2022 – Finalize employment contracts for the Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service management team.

12/1/2022 – Begin build-out of the office and purchase equipment.

12/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan.

1/15/2023 – Finalize contracts for initial landscaping product suppliers and employment contracts for landscapers.

2/15/2023 – Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service officially opens its office up to customers and starts taking appointments.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Beautiful Gardens Landscaping Service are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the company’s services. When it comes to pricing, the business will monitor operational costs, average prices charged by competitors, and local market demand to ensure its prices will generate a healthy profit margin.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a landscaping business. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, landscaping equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of appointments per month: 600
• Average fees per month: $15,000
• Overhead costs per year: $400,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Free Landscaping Business Plan PDF

You can download our free landscaping business plan template PDF here . You can easily complete your business plan using our Landscaping Business Plan Template here .  

Landscaping Business Plan FAQs

What is a landscaping business plan.

A landscaping business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your landscaping business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

What are the Steps To Start a Landscaping Business?

Starting a landscaping business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop a Landscaping Company Business Plan – The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed landscaping business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure – It’s important to select an appropriate legal entity for your landscaping company business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your landscaping business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Landscaping Business – Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your landscaping company with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options – It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your landscaping company, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location – Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees – There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Landscaping Company Equipment & Supplies – In order to start your landscaping business, you’ll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business – Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your landscaping company. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful landscaping company and how to write a landscape business plan:

How to Start a Landscaping Business

Expert business plan and financial models

Landscaping Business Plan Template & PDF Example

• September 4, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful landscaping business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your landscaping business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a landscaping business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the service industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your landscaping business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our landscaping business plan is designed to encompass all critical components necessary for a holistic strategic approach. It outlines the company’s service offerings, marketing efforts, analysis of the market and competitors, organizational structure, and financial forecasts.

• Executive Summary : Offers an overview of your landscaping business concept, market analysis , management, and financial strategy.
• Services and Rates: Lists the range of landscaping services offered, such as landscape design, lawn care, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal maintenance, with a clear pricing structure.
• Key Stats: Shares industry size , growth trends, and relevant statistics for the landscaping market.
• Key Trends: Highlights recent trends in the landscaping industry, such as the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices and technological advancements in landscaping tools.
• Key Competitors: Analyzes main competitors in your area and differentiates your service in terms of design creativity, service range, and environmental sustainability.
• SWOT: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis tailored to your landscaping business.
• Marketing Plan : Specifies marketing strategies to promote your services, including digital advertising, local trade shows, and partnerships with local suppliers.
• Timeline : Key milestones and objectives from the initial setup to the first year of operations, detailing steps such as market analysis, legal setup, facility selection, equipment procurement, and launch marketing activities.
• Management: Information on the management team, highlighting their expertise in landscaping design, operations management, project execution, and client relationship management.
• Financial Plan: Projects the five-year financial performance of the landscaping service, including revenue targets, profit and loss statements, fundraising needs, cash flow projections, and balance sheet forecasts.

Landscaping Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your landscaping business plan, offering a concise overview of your company and its services. It should detail your market positioning, the range of landscaping and garden care services you offer, its location, size, and an outline of day-to-day operations. 

This section should also explore how your landscaping business will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your company’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors. 

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your company’s financial plan.

Landscaping Business Plan Executive Summary Example

Business Overview

In introducing your landscaping business within the executive summary, it is imperative to offer a clear snapshot. This encompasses the business name, geographical location, and an overview of daily operations.

Example: “GreenScape Innovations,” positioned strategically in [City Name], caters to a [x]-mile radius, providing an array of landscaping services including garden design, lawn care, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and seasonal maintenance. The distinguishing factor lies in the company’s commitment to infusing creativity into designs and prioritizing sustainability, resulting in outdoor spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and eco-conscious.

Market Overview

Understanding the market dynamics is pivotal. It involves showcasing the  market size , growth trajectories, and industry nuances to provide an understanding of the landscape in which your business operates.

Example: The landscaping industry stands as a robust sector valued at approximately $176.5 billion, exhibiting a promising growth trajectory with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of +7.3% from 2023 to 2030. Within this expansive market, a diverse array of businesses, ranging from small, local operators to large, national service providers, compete for market share. Within our operating radius, we have identified [5]  key competitors , each contributing to the local landscape services within a [x]–mile reach.

Management Team

The prowess and expertise of the managerial team constitute a critical asset. Illuminating their backgrounds and experiences fosters credibility and confidence among potential stakeholders.

Example: The team at GreenScape Innovations boasts extensive experience in landscaping design, horticulture, and a proven track record of successful projects. Their collaboration with clients ensures customized landscape plans that seamlessly blend beauty with sustainability. The operational management team, equipped with substantial experience in operations and project management, ensures the seamless execution of services. Their adept coordination and project scheduling guarantee efficient and effective delivery of landscaping services.

Financial Plan

A concise overview of the financial plan outlines the business’s revenue targets, growth projections, and key strategies for achieving financial success.

Example: GreenScape Innovations aims to achieve an annual revenue milestone of $770,000 million, accompanied by a targeted profit margin ( EBITDA ) of [13]% by 2028. This strategic financial trajectory aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainable practices, and customer-centric services. It involves a comprehensive approach encompassing investment in cutting-edge technology, training, and strategic alliances to facilitate revenue growth while ensuring operational excellence.

Services and Rates

Detail the range of landscaping services offered, from routine lawn maintenance and garden care to specialized services like landscape design, hardscaping, or irrigation system installation.

Outline your pricing strategy , ensuring it reflects the quality of services provided and aligns with the market you’re targeting. Highlight any service packages, seasonal deals, or loyalty programs that provide added value to your clients, encouraging repeat business and fostering customer loyalty.

Industry size & growth

In the Market Overview of your landscaping business plan, start by examining the size of the landscaping industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying expansion opportunities.

Consider factors such as the increase in residential and commercial development, the growing emphasis on outdoor living spaces, and the rising awareness of the environmental benefits of well-maintained landscapes.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing consumer interest in sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping practices, the demand for outdoor living spaces equipped with features like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment areas, and the growing popularity of native plant gardens that require less water and maintenance.

Highlight the demand for services that cater to specific landscape design and maintenance needs, alongside the rising popularity of smart irrigation systems to conserve water.

Competitive Landscape

A  competitive analysis  is not just a tool for gauging the position of your landscaping business in the market and its key competitors; it’s also a fundamental component of your business plan.

This analysis helps in identifying your landscaping business’s unique selling points, essential for differentiating your business in a competitive market.

In addition, competitive analysis is integral to laying a solid foundation for your business plan. By examining various operational aspects of your competitors, you gain valuable information that ensures your business plan is robust, informed, and tailored to succeed in the current market environment.

Identifying Your Competitors in the Landscaping Industry

The first step in conducting a competitive analysis for a landscaping business involves identifying direct and indirect competitors. Direct competitors are other landscaping companies offering similar services in your area. These could range from small, local landscaping firms to larger, established companies with a regional presence. Indirect competitors might include lawn maintenance services, gardening centers, or even DIY solutions.

Utilize online resources and local directories to compile a list of competitors. Additionally, review customer testimonials and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List to gain insights into their  strengths and weaknesses . For instance, if a competitor like “Green Thumb Landscapes” receives consistent praise for their eco-friendly designs, this reflects a potential strength to consider.

Landscaping Competitors’ Strategies

Analyzing competitors’ strategies involves assessing various facets of their business:

• Service Offerings:  Examine the range of services your competitors provide. Are there companies specializing in particular niches like sustainable landscaping, hardscaping, or garden design?
• Approach and Expertise: Consider the approaches and expertise your competitors showcase. For instance, a company known for using innovative technologies in irrigation systems might differentiate itself from others focusing solely on traditional landscaping methods.
• Pricing and Packages:  Compare pricing structures and service packages offered by competitors. Are there firms catering to high-end clients with premium landscape design services, while others target affordability with basic lawn care packages?
• Marketing and Branding:  Analyze competitors’  marketing strategies . Do they leverage social media effectively, maintain informative blogs, or engage in community events? Understanding their branding efforts helps shape your own marketing strategies.
• Client Relationships:  Evaluate how competitors build and maintain relationships with clients. Companies offering personalized consultations or regular maintenance plans might have an edge in customer retention.
• Operational Efficiency:  Look for signs of innovation or efficiency in their operations. For example, companies employing eco-friendly practices or utilizing advanced software for project management indicate a commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

What’s Your Landscaping Business’s Unique Selling Proposition?

Identify your landscaping business’s  unique value proposition  that sets it apart. Perhaps your company specializes in drought-resistant landscaping or offers comprehensive estate management services catering to high-end clients.

Identify market gaps by examining customer feedback and industry trends. For instance, a growing interest in eco-friendly landscaping practices could represent an opportunity to establish your business as an environmentally conscious choice if competitors are not addressing this demand.

Consider your service area and clientele: A landscaping business situated in a suburban residential area might focus on family-oriented outdoor spaces, while one in an urban setting could emphasize rooftop gardens or commercial landscaping solutions.

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the landscaping business, highlighting Strengths (such as expertise in water-conserving landscaping techniques and a unique offering of drought-tolerant designs), Weaknesses (including potential limitations in plant variety or challenges in client education about the benefits of  landscaping), Opportunities (for example, increasing awareness and regulation around water conservation leading to a higher demand for landscaping solutions), and Threats (such as climate unpredictability that may impact project scopes or competition from traditional landscaping businesses expanding into landscaping).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain clients through targeted advertising that emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of landscaping, promotional discounts for water-saving landscaping projects, an engaging social media presence showcasing successful projects and water conservation tips, and community involvement in local sustainability efforts. Highlighting the aesthetic appeal and low maintenance of landscapes can also attract clients looking for sustainable yet beautiful outdoor spaces.

Marketing Channels

Effective marketing channels ensure visibility and engagement:

Digital Marketing

• Website and SEO:  Developing a professional website is the cornerstone of your online presence. Beyond showcasing your portfolio and client testimonials, consider creating comprehensive service pages that outline your offerings in detail. Additionally, incorporating a blog section dedicated to landscaping tips, DIY guides, and industry trends can position your website as an authoritative resource in the field. Optimize it for local SEO to rank higher in search engine results.
• Social Media:  Utilizing various social media platforms allows for a multi-dimensional approach to engaging with your audience. While Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are primary platforms for visual content sharing, consider diversifying your presence across emerging platforms like TikTok or YouTube, depending on your content strategy.
• Email Marketing:  Building an email list is a valuable asset for nurturing leads and retaining existing clients. Offer incentives such as comprehensive landscaping guides, exclusive access to webinars, or early-bird discounts in exchange for email subscriptions. Segment your email list based on client preferences, geographical locations, or service interests to personalize content and increase engagement.

Local Advertising

• Flyers and Local Print:  Design eye-catching flyers and distribute them in local community centers, gardening stores, and neighborhood mailboxes.
• Community Engagement:  Participate in local gardening events, sponsor community projects, or offer workshops to showcase your expertise and build trust within the community.
• Collaborate with Home Services:  Partner with real estate agencies, property managers, or home renovation businesses to offer landscaping services as part of a home improvement package.
• Networking Events:  Attend trade shows, industry conferences, or Chamber of Commerce events to network with potential clients and other professionals in related industries.

Promotional Activities

Engage potential clients with compelling offers:

• Seasonal Promotions:  Launch seasonal promotions such as ‘Spring Garden Revival Packages’ or ‘Fall Cleanup Specials’ to attract new clients and encourage repeat business.
• Referral Programs:  Incentivize clients to refer your services to others by offering discounts or free upgrades for successful referrals.
• Free Consultations:  Offer free initial consultations or landscape assessments to showcase your expertise and build rapport with potential clients.

Sales Channels

Efficient  sales channels  are crucial for converting leads into customers:

In-Person Consultations

• Offer Comprehensive Assessments:  Provide detailed consultations to understand clients’ landscaping needs and offer tailored solutions.
• Present Service Packages:  Introduce different service packages or tiers that cater to various client requirements.

Online Booking and Sales

• Streamline Booking:  Implement an easy-to-use online booking system on your website, allowing clients to schedule appointments at their convenience.
• E-Commerce:  Sell gardening tools, plants, or landscape accessories through your website to diversify revenue streams.

Membership and Retention Programs

• Loyalty Rewards:  Develop loyalty programs where clients earn points for every service availed, redeemable for discounts or additional services. 
• Subscription Models : Offer subscription-based maintenance plans where clients pay a monthly fee for ongoing landscaping services, ensuring steady income and fostering client retention.

Strategy Timeline

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the landscaping business’s launch, including initial market research , website and portfolio development, community outreach efforts, first client acquisition, and subsequent project completions. Set benchmarks for marketing initiatives, client base growth, and expansion objectives, such as offering new services or entering new markets, ensuring the business progresses with clear direction and purpose.

The Management section focuses on the landscaping business’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the landscaping business towards its financial and operational goals.

For your landscaping business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your landscaping business’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your landscaping business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

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How to Start a Landscaping Business: A Comprehensive Guide

If you have a green thumb and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a landscaping business could turn your passion into a paying gig. And with 65% of landscaping businesses bringing in over $1 million a year , the financial rewards can be significant.

As an independent contractor, you’ll be your own boss and have the freedom to choose your projects and clients. You’ll also be responsible for managing your own time, resources, and finances.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a landscaping business step by step. From determining start-up costs to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your business up and running.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — Creating Your Own Landscaping Business Plan

Starting a Landscape Business: Is It Worth It?

If you have experience with landscaping and enjoy being outdoors, starting your own landscaping business can be a great career move. You’ll get to spend your days perfecting beautiful yards and gardens for your clients.

One of the best parts of owning a landscaping or lawn care business is the flexibility it offers. As your own boss, you set your hours and decide which jobs to take on.

There’s also a lot of room for growth. You can start small by offering basic lawn care services like mowing and weeding. Later, you can expand to include more intensive lawn maintenance tasks like planting, mulching, and even hardscaping. Some landscaping businesses branch out into areas like tree care or snow removal. And you can hire more workers to help you manage these bigger projects.

However, it’s important to recognize that landscaping can be hard physical work. Working as a landscaper requires a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling, and you’ll be outside in all kinds of weather. But if you don’t mind breaking a sweat and getting your hands dirty, it can be a very rewarding career.

Another challenge of the landscaping business is that it can be seasonal, especially if you live somewhere with cold winters. You might be very busy in the spring and summer but have less work in the fall and winter.

Overall, starting a landscaping business is a great option if you love being outside, don’t mind physical work, and want to be your own boss. With hard work and dedication, you can make a good living creating beautiful outdoor spaces for your clients.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — 13 Lawn Care & Landscaping Industry Trends

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business? Equipment and Other Expenses

The exact costs of starting a landscaping business depend on the size of your business, the services you offer, and the market you’re in, among other factors.

Tools 

Landscaping equipment is one of the biggest expenses to consider. So, what do you need to start a landscaping business? Necessary tools include:

• A commercial lawnmower
• String trimmers
• Leaf blowers
• Hedge trimmers
• Pruning shears
• Wheelbarrows
• Planting augers
• Seed spreaders
• Safety gear, such as gloves, boots, safety glasses, and ear protection
• Irrigation equipment, such as hoses and sprinklers

You may need all or just some of these tools, depending on the size and scope of your landscaping company. But you may need to invest in additional equipment and tools to take on more complex projects as you grow.

Insurance 

Another necessary cost of owning a landscaping business is insurance. Most landscaping businesses pay a median of about $45 per month for general liability insurance. Your costs may vary based on a few factors. These include your landscaping services, equipment and property, revenue, location, and number of employees. Get quotes from several providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.

Startup Costs

A good rule of thumb is to expect to spend at least $5,000 to $10,000 to get your landscaping business up and running. If you need a work truck or other expensive equipment, your startup costs could be $15,000 or more.

When you’re just starting out, consider renting equipment instead of buying it. This can help keep your startup costs lower. You can buy your own equipment when it seems like a better use of your revenue.

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Grow a Fencing Business

Starting a Landscape Business in 9 Simple Steps

By following these nine simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful landscaping company:

1. Create a Business Plan

Before you start your landscaping business, it’s essential to create a business plan . At the least, it should include the services you’ll offer, your target market, and pricing. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay focused and on track.

2. Choose a Business Structure

Next, you’ll need to decide on a business structure . The most common options are sole proprietorship, partnership, and LLC. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so do your research to choose the best one for your needs.

3. Register Your Business

Next, you’ll need to register your business with your state and get licenses and permits required in your area. Check with your local and state governments for specific requirements.

4. Invest in Equipment and Supplies

You’ll need to invest in high-quality equipment and supplies. This includes things like mowers, rakes, shovels, and a truck to transport your equipment.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — The 7 Best Commercial Lawnmowers for Landscapers 

5. Determine Your Pricing Strategy

Setting the right prices for your services is key to running a profitable business. Research what other landscaping companies in your area are charging. Make sure your prices are competitive while still earning a profit.

RELATED ARTICLE — Landscaping Pricing Guide: How to Price Landscaping Jobs

6. Make a Marketing Plan

Marketing is essential for attracting new customers to your landscaping business. Consider creating a website, using social media, and networking with potential clients to get the word out about your services.

7. Buy Insurance

Make sure your landscaping business is properly insured to protect yourself and your assets. This may include general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance (if you have employees).

8. Build a Strong Team (Optional)

As your landscaping business grows, you may decide to hire employees to help you keep up with demand. Look for reliable, skilled workers who share your commitment to quality work and top-notch customer service.

9. Keep Learning

Landing a client base doesn’t mean you get to stop progressing. The landscaping industry is always changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Consider attending workshops or taking courses to improve your skills and stay competitive. Be open to adapting your business strategies as needed to meet the changing needs of your customers.

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Make an Invoice for Landscaping Jobs (with Free Template) 

6 Ways to Market Your Landscape Business Successfully

Marketing is key to growing your landscaping business and attracting new customers. Here are some effective ways to approach it:

1. Develop a Professional Website

In today’s marketplace, a professional website is just about mandatory. Your website should showcase your services and skills, include photos of your work, and make it easy for potential customers to contact you online.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your landscaping business. Create profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Post regularly about your services and show off your favorite projects. Engage with your followers and respond to any questions or comments to show your dedication to your customers.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews and Referrals

Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to attract new customers. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your online accounts, like Google reviews. You can also offer incentives for referrals, such as discounts or free services.

4. Network With Local Businesses and Communities

Offline networking can also help you build your client base. Get involved in your local community by attending events, joining business associations, and partnering with other local businesses. For example, you could partner with professional painters to provide full makeovers of houses, from exterior walls to the gardens. This can help you build relationships with more potential customers, other businesses in your community, and get your name out there.

5. Invest in Targeted Advertising

While word-of-mouth is great, sometimes you need to invest in advertising to reach new customers. Consider running ads in local newspapers, on social media, or on search engines. Make sure to target your ads to your ideal customers and track results so you can see what works.

6. Wrap Your Vehicle With Eye-Catching Branding

If you have a company vehicle, consider wrapping it with your logo and contact info. This turns your vehicles into moving billboards and can help you get noticed around town. Make sure your branding is clear, easy to read, and memorable.

RELATED ARTICLE — Accepting Credit Card Payments as a Home Service Contractor

Make Collecting Payments the Easiest, Most Efficient Part of Your Business

Starting your own landscaping business is enough work without having to worry about how you’ll get paid.

We’ve made it incredibly simple to accept online payments from your clients. Simply issue your invoice, switch on Payments, and get paid! You’ll cut cash flow delays, spend less time tracking down payments, and be able to collect down payments on-site.

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How To Start a Small Business at Home: Step-By-Step Guide

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How To Get Clients for a Cleaning Business: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Write a Successful Landscaping Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for landscaping businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every landscaping business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Landscaping Business Plan Template

What is a landscaping business plan.

A landscaping business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Landscaping Business Plan?

A landscaping business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Landscaping Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful landscaping business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a landscaping business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your landscaping company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your landscaping business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your landscaping firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen landscaping business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a landscaping business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the landscaping industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, landscaping business customers may include residential homebuilders, commercial developers, and residential homeowners.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or landscaping services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your landscaping business may have:

• Established industry relationships
• Comprehensive services
• Wide range of landscaping services
• Customized services
• Use of the latest technology

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your landscaping business via a mix of these channels.

Operations Plan

This part of your landscaping business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a landscaping business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new services, expanding to a new location, or hiring new employees.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific landscaping industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Landscaping Company

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Landscaping Company

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup landscaping business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Landscaping Company

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your landscaping company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

This guide has provided you with a basic outline of what should be included in your landscaping business plan. Use this as a starting point and tailor it to fit the specific needs of your company.  

Finish Your Landscaping Business Plan in 1 Day!

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Landscaping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Landscaping businesses run the gamut from one-person lawn care services to huge companies with dozens of locations. As long as people and businesses have lawns, there will always be work, yet many landscapers fail in the first year, often due to haphazard and unsustainable growth. A written business plan can help you avoid this trap by delineating a clear road map for organized growth. In addition, if you plan to seek outside funding, your business plan is essential to convincing investors or lenders to take a chance on your company.

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs create business plans to start and grow their landscaping companies. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a landscaping business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Landscaping Business Plan Template here >

What is a Landscaping Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your landscaping business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Landscaping Company

If you’re looking to start a landscaping business or grow your existing landscaping business you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your landscaping business in order to improve your chances of success. Your landscaping business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Landscaping Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a landscaping company are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a landscaping company is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a landscaping company.

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of landscaping company you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a landscaping business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of landscaping companies.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the landscaping industry. Discuss the type of landscaping company you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of landscaping company you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Commercial : this type of landscaping company provides services to commercial facilities, municipal buildings, and campuses. This type of business provides lawn maintenance, as well as tree and shrub services and exterior landscaping installation.
• Residential : this type of landscaping company typically focuses on lawn maintenance for households and multifamily properties.
• Landscape design : this type of landscaping company includes the construction of embankments, terraces and retaining walls used in landscape structures, in addition to walkways, decks, fences, ponds and similar structures.
• Arborist services : Arborists undertake the cultivation and management of individual trees or trees within a small area, as opposed to similar professionals in the forestry industries. Arborist services also include tree felling and surgery.

In addition to explaining the type of landscaping company you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the landscaping industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards residential outdoor kitchens, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for employing plenty of skilled labor.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your landscaping business plan:

• How big is the landscaping industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your landscaping company. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your lawn care business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families, baby boomers, businesses, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of landscaping company you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want different pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than businesses.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most landscaping companies primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other landscaping businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to choose from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes DIY platforms such as TaskRabbit, or doing the landscaping themselves. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone uses a landscaping business for lawn maintenance.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other landscaping businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be landscaping businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products/services do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior landscaping services?
• Will you provide landscaping services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to schedule your services?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a lawn care business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of landscaping business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to mowing and trimming lawns, will you offer services such as insect and weed control?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your landscaping business. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your landscaping business located near a garden supply store, or greenhouse, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your landscaping business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Pay per click advertising
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your lawn care business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your landscaping business such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the equipment maintained, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 100th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch in a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your landscaping business’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the landscaping business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in landscaping businesses and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 100 customers per week or 200? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your landscaping business (purchasing equipment, etc.), that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a landscaping business:

• Cost of equipment like mowers, trailers, weed trimmers, clippers, etc.
• Cost of maintaining an adequate amount of supplies (i.e. bug and weed killer, etc.)
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Landscaping Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your landscaping business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the landscaping business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a solid lawn care business plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful landscaping business.

Download Our Landscaping Business Plan PDF

You can download our lawn care business plan example pdf here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format to help you get started on your own business plan.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Landscaping business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to hire someone to write a business plan for you from Growthink’s team.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

• Sample Business Plans

Landscaping Business Plan

Beautiful and well-maintained lawns are a treat to look at. But with today’s hectic lifestyle, few people have the time and energy required to maintain one.

And with more income at their disposal, people like to outsource this task to professionals who can manage their gardens well and design them in a way that enhances their house’s beauty.

With artistic lawns cropping up at every corner of our cities, the demand for landscaping architects is at its peak. Be it offices, residential spaces, or public areas, every space needs an aesthetically pleasing lawn.

But not everyone has the amount of creativity and precision that goes into maintaining beautiful gardens. And if you have it, then a landscaping business might be the right choice for you.

All you need is a little bit of groundwork and a proper landscaping business plan .

Industry Overview

According to recent statistics, the landscaping industry employs over 1 million people and has grown 4.9 percent since 2020.

So, if you are a creative individual who can think out of the box, a landscaping business can help you reach your maximum potential. The best part about the landscaping business is that it takes minimum entry conditions and minimal costs to set up.

Now, you may wonder, why do so many landscaping businesses owned by highly creative individuals fail? The reason is as simple as it gets; The lack of a proper business plan.

Although creativity is essential to help you stand out, a landscaping business plan is of utmost importance for the sustenance of your business.

Here, we’ll share a few tips to make your setup process smoother.

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Things to Consider Before Writing a Landscaping Business Plan

Decide what services you want to offer.

Landscaping comes with a lot of sub-niches and additional services. Deciding what you can and should offer as per the needs and requirements of your target audience is essential.

It helps you stay prepared for the service, including getting the right equipment and hiring the right people. Picking your niche is also a great help while formulating business strategies.

Get the required permits

Although the landscaping business does not have strict entry conditions, there are a few licenses and permits that you should have before getting started.

The easiest way of doing this is by checking out all the permits required by your state and area and making a checklist for keeping track of what you have got and what not.

Having all the necessary permits helps you stay on the right side of the law.

Develop a pricing strategy

As you have a service that is mostly based on skill and equipment cost, you’ll have to give your pricing strategy a serious thought before getting started.

It is essential to ensure that your pricing is neither too much for your customers nor too little for your business to make any profit. There are several ways you can set a pricing strategy, depending on your competitor’s pricing, your market position, and the demand for your services.

Know your target audience

Knowing your target audience is crucial to business success. Researching who your target audience is, what are their motivations to avail landscaping services, how they avail such services, what kind of service they prefer  (This can also help in deciding your niche and additional services), what prices they are willing to pay, etc.

How Can a Landscaping Business Plan Help You?

A business plan can become a constant guide in your business journey. It’ll aid you while sailing through the roadblocks, prevent you from having chaotic finances, help you in knowing the market and your competitors better, and save you from the trap of having a static business model that becomes irrelevant as the industry changes.

Apart from that, in the landscape business, it would help you in developing your unique style and technique that sets you apart from your peers.

How to Write a Landscaping Business Plan?

As we have discussed the benefits of a business plan , it brings us to our next question.

How do you write one? Moreover, how do you know if you have written a good one?

Don’t worry! There are several quick and cost-effective solutions to your problem.

If you find writing a business plan intimidating, there are several options like business consultants, premade templates, and online business plan software which can help you create a complete and evolving business plan anywhere and at any time.

We have created this sample landscaping business plan for you to get a good idea of what a perfect landscaping business plan should look like and what details you need to include in your stunning business plan.

Landscaping Business Plan Outline

This is the standard landscaping business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Products and Services
• Startup cost
• Market Trends
• Target Market
• Market share
• Sales Strategy
• Marketing strategies
• Personnel Plan
• Average Salary of Employees
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

Now Let’s Understand How You Should Complete Each Section.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is one of the most crucial sections of your business plan, as it is the first and foremost document in it and serves as a pitch to your prospective investors. Hence, this section should sum up your business idea and function with utmost precision.

It should also consist of a mission statement and clearly state your vision for the business. For a landscaping business, it would consist of your growth model, your source of labor and raw material, as well as how your style of design sets you apart from the others.

2. Description of your niche

Next up, you’ll need to define the niche your business functions in. As landscaping consists of several areas like,

• Commercial Landscaping
• Residential Landscaping
• Art-based designs(for public and tourist spaces)

It is necessary to define what kind of services you’ll offer and who would be your primary client base. So, how can you select a niche? We’ll discuss that in the competitive and market analysis section.

3. Competitive and Market Analysis

Before you enter any market, it is the wisest thing to carry out an analysis of the current market situation and the recent trends in the industry. Also, it is a good practice to know what your competitors are doing, because if you are aware of what’s going on, deciding what you should do and what gaps you can fill through your services becomes easier. Hence, this helps you in identifying what your niche would be.

For example, if there is a dearth of good landscape architects for office spaces in your area, you can accordingly modify your skills and marketing strategy to serve the purpose of capturing that market.

4. Website Strategy

In today’s fast-paced environment, most people prefer getting their work done online. Hence, having a website is necessary for your business to be discovered. Thus, including a website strategy in your plan is essential. Also, as a creative business, your website needs to lean on a more artistic side and represent what your style stands for.

5. Management Summary

In this section, you are supposed to include important information about people responsible for a company’s management, the tasks they have been delegated, their roles and responsibilities, etc. As a landscaping business has a large scale of functioning, you need to include this section in your plan.

6. Financial Plan

Writing a financial plan is a necessary step toward creating a well-rounded business plan. A financial plan helps your business in becoming cost-effective and profitable. It also helps you pre-plan and stay afloat in times of recession and instability in the market. Hence, this section is necessary for the sustenance of your business.

Download a sample landscaping business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free landscaping business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your landscaping business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Landscaping Business Plan Summary

In conclusion, a business plan can turn to conduct your landscaping business a hassle-free activity. Moreover, a well-planned business with clearly defined goals and dynamic strategies has a higher chance of succeeding than one which doesn’t have either of these things.

Besides the above things, in the landscaping business, it is also important to have a thorough knowledge of advanced technology and newly improved techniques to improve the efficiency of your business’s day-to-day activities.

After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample landscaping business plan template into your business plan and modify the required information and download your landscaping business plan pdf or doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

So, are you ready to reach far and wide in the landscape market with your well-written business plan?

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About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Resources for Your Growing Business

How to start a landscaping business in 7 steps (2024 guide).

Landscaping is in high demand across the USA, creating a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. You can enter the industry with relatively low start-up costs and not too much experience, and there’s plenty of potential to grow your company in the future. 

You can add more services and equipment as you expand, but having a clear business plan from the start helps your company start turning a profit right away. A business plan also sets up everything you need to grow quickly. We’ll explore the basics of how to start a landscaping company and the equipment, business requirements, and marketing strategies you’ll need to build a company that can grow with you.

Key Takeaways 

• Landscaping has relatively low start-up costs and plenty of growth opportunities.
• You can offer a wide array of services or choose to specialize in one type of landscaping.
• Factor in equipment, business, and labor expenses when estimating your start-up costs.
• Consider offering off-season services to keep your company working year-round.

Table of Contents

• Choose Your Niche and Service Offering
• Decide Whether To Buy or Rent Equipment
• Decide on Your Business Structure
• How Much Does It Cost To Start a Landscaping Business
• Select Your Business Name and Apply for Licenses/Permits
• Set Your Prices
• Market Your Small Business

Reasons for Starting a Landscaping Business

Get moving: launch your landscaping business.

• Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few decisions to make when starting your small landscaping business. These 7 steps outline the basic process for creating your landscaping company so you can start making a profit fast.

1. Choose Your Niche and Service Offering

Landscaping and lawn care services offer great potential for gaining recurring customers, but you may also face competition in profitable areas. Choosing the right niche and services helps you lock in the right customer base for your new business so you can make the most of your marketing efforts. 

Start by exploring other landscaping companies in your area to see what services they offer. You might decide to offer a wide array of services so you can reach the broadest possible customer base or you may prefer to specialize so you can differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Many landscaping businesses choose to focus on either landscaping or lawn care business, while others offer services from both groups. Some of these services include:

Landscaping:

• Design the outdoor layout (“landscape”) for a home or business
• Update existing landscaping for a client
• Improve “curb appeal” for houses that are going on the market
• Landscape design services for businesses that don’t have their own landscaper on staff
• Optional: “Hardscape” designs for rock sculptures, waterfalls, etc. 

Lawn Maintenance:

• Sod installation
• Mowing lawn services/weed-eating
• Trimming shrubs and hedges
• Applying fertilizer
• Seeding/hydroseeding
• Planting/plant care
• Bug and pest treatments
• Irrigation system maintenance and repair
• Lawn aeration

One of the benefits of starting a landscaping business is that it’s easy to add additional services as you grow, so you’re not locked into just the services you offer at the start. Some services like lawn mowing and weeding also need more regular maintenance (for example, many customers like to have their lawn maintenance done every week), so these services can be a great place to start. 

2. Decide Whether To Buy or Rent Equipment

The services you offer will dictate what equipment you need, but there are a few basics that almost every landscaping company requires. These include a vehicle and a small trailer so you can transport your equipment. If you only have a few pieces of equipment you may want to choose a van, but if you have more equipment (or if you’re planning to expand in the future), a small truck and trailer set-up may be a better fit. 

Some other common landscaping equipment include:

• Commercial lawnmower
• Leaf blower
• Weed wacker 
• Pruning shears
• Tree trimming equipment
• Shovels 
• Rakes 
• Wheelbarrows
• Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, safety earmuffs)

When deciding whether to buy or rent equipment, consider the demand for each service and your service schedule. For example, equipment that you’ll use regularly for a long time, such as a lawn mower, can quickly become expensive if you choose to rent. However, renting can be a helpful way to try out a few different equipment brands when you’re starting out so you can choose what you want to buy.

For more specialized equipment, like pesticide sprayers or tree trimming equipment, you may want to consider renting since demand is unlikely to be as high. If you’re able to schedule this work in a condensed period (for example, scheduling multiple tree-trimming jobs in 1 week) you can rent equipment that you don’t use as often. 

Purchasing second-hand equipment can also be a helpful way to save money. This is especially true for your work vehicle since there are usually multiple options. 

3. Decide on Your Business Structure

When you register your landscaping business, you’ll also have to decide on a business structure. There are 3 common structures for small businesses:

Sole Proprietorship

If you’re planning to run the landscaping company on your own, you’ll likely want to register as a sole proprietor. This is the simplest type of business structure where you’re responsible for all business decisions, profits, and losses.

Partnership

If you’ll be running your business with one or more other people, you may want to register as a partnership. Under this business structure, you’ll share business decisions and financial responsibility.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

In some cases, you might want your business to be registered as a separate entity from yourself. This means that in the event of a major loss, you won’t be personally liable. You can register as an LLC if you run the company alone or with partners.

4. How Much Does It Cost To Start a Landscaping Business

Start-up costs for a new landscaping business can be divided into 2 categories: equipment costs and business costs.

Equipment Costs

Your equipment costs include your vehicle, trailer, lawnmower, and any other equipment you’ll need for the services you offer. The total cost of equipment can vary greatly depending on whether you rent, buy new, or buy used.

Business Costs

You’ll have to pay a fee to register your business, which will vary depending on your state. You’ll also need a landscaping business license and you may need special licensing for some services, like for example pesticide application. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce for licensing fee information.

Before you start operating, you should also get business insurance that covers your equipment, labor, and liability. Although landscaping is fairly safe, having general liability insurance to protect yourself and your equipment can save you money in the long run.

You should also factor in the cost of software that you’ll need to run your business. Landscaping accounting software is key to time tracking, managing your expenses, billing your clients, and filing your taxes, so it’s worth including this in your initial start-up costs.

Optional and Additional Costs

Equipment and business costs are the minimum requirements for starting your landscaping business, but there are other expenses that you may want to invest in. Marketing is an optional cost but it can help customers find your business so you can expand and grow profits. Marketing costs can range from a basic website to promoting ads on social media.

If you’re doing the labor yourself, you’ll need to account for paying yourself. If you’re hiring employees, you’ll also need to factor in their wages when estimating your startup costs.

5. Select Your Business Name and Apply for Licenses/Permits

When selecting a business name, look for something that makes it clear what you offer and where you are. For example, including ‘landscaping’ in the name immediately lets potential customers know what you do. You can also include your name for a personal touch, or the name of your town or region so customers can easily find your business.

Next, you’ll need to register your business name and apply for a business license and permits. Licensing varies by state, so drop by your local Small Business Association or Chamber of Commerce for details on fees and how to apply for licensing and permits.

You’ll also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so you can file your business taxes and open a business bank account.

6. Set Your Prices

Landscaping prices vary depending on region and services. A good place to start is by checking out your competitors so you can get a sense of standard rates in your area. Remember to account for your profit margin—it’s important to price low enough to stay competitive, but high enough that you’ll still be paid fairly.

There are 3 common pricing methods for landscaping: hourly, fixed, and square foot. 

Hourly Pricing

When you’re not sure how long a job will take, pricing by the hour ensures you’ll be fairly compensated for your labor.

Fixed Pricing

If you have a general sense of how long a job will take, consider offering a fixed price. This tends to be popular with customers because it’s a transparent pricing method that makes it easy to compare different companies.

Square Foot

For services like lawn mowing, weeding, and aeration, you can also charge by the square foot. This is helpful for larger areas like parks and commercial lawns. In general, landscaping costs between $4 to $12 per square foot, but this can vary greatly depending on your region and the services you’re performing.

No matter which pricing method you choose, it’s important to provide clients with professional estimates for any job. FreshBooks landscaping estimate templates make it easy to create quick, professional estimates for any landscaping work. Once the job is done, you can use a landscaping invoice template to create your final bill.

Also Read: How to Estimate Landscaping Jobs

7. Market Your Small Business

Once you’ve got your business set up, it’s time to reach your customers! Marketing is key to building your client base and expanding your new landscaping company. There are several marketing strategies you can use to attract customers, including:

Word of Mouth

Let your friends and family know that you’re offering landscaping services. Talking about your business also allows them to recommend you if anyone asks for a great landscaping company in the area. Going to local networking events also helps other people and businesses to get to know you and your services.

Build a Website

A website is the foundation of your marketing, so it’s important to have a clear design that lets clients know what you offer. Include your service list, prices, and contact information. It’s also helpful to have a section that tells your potential customers about yourself so you can start building a personal relationship with them. 

Once you have build a business website , make sure it’s search engine optimized so that Google and other search engines will display your company when people look for landscaping and landscape professionals in your area.

Social Media

Having a social media presence is a great way to reach a wide variety of people. You can showcase your work by sharing pictures on social media and you can also choose to use paid ads to boost your visibility.

Ask for Reviews

Sharing positive testimonials from customers can help promote trust and reliability. You can ask clients to review you on Google, Yelp, and other platforms, or you can ask for testimonials that you can share on your business website and social media.

Door-to-Door

Since your landscaping company will service a specific area, direct local marketing can help reach your target market of clients. Consider mailbox flyers or posters on community boards near your landscaping company.

Starting a landscaping business offers a great opportunity to build your own company with recurring clients and has plenty of growth potential. Since most landscaping requires regular maintenance, you can build personal client relationships that will provide you with a dependable income during the landscaping season. If you offer off-season work, like leaf clearing and snow blowing, there’s also the opportunity to work year-round.

It’s also easy to expand your landscaping company once you get started. You can start with a few services and then purchase more equipment and offer additional services later on, or you can expand the areas where you want to provide services. You can also hire more employees as you grow. 

Finally, running your own landscaping company gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule. Although it’s a good idea to maintain regular hours so you can work for recurring clients, you can pick the days and times that work best for you. It’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet people in your community, and create rewarding client relationships.

With a few straightforward steps, you can start your own landscaping company and grow your business. Landscaping start-up costs are relatively low—you’ll need a vehicle and some basic equipment, as well as the proper licensing, registration, and insurance. Whether you opt for a comprehensive range of services to cater to diverse needs or specialize in specific areas to establish a niche, clarity in your offerings is key. Explore this insightful article on How to Start a Lawn Care Business for further guidance tailored to the lawn care industry.

FreshBooks expense tracking software makes it easy to organize your business expenses and profits so you can cut extra spending and focus on your most profitable areas. Try FreshBooks free to get started with your business accounting and grow your landscaping company today.

FAQs About Starting a Landscaping Business

Learn more about profit in the landscaping industry, challenges to running a landscaping business, and more with these answers to frequently asked questions about starting a landscaping company. 

How profitable is owning a landscaping business? 

Owning your own landscaping business can be quite profitable—many landscapers have a profit margin between 10 and 50 percent. This will grow as your business expands, and will also depend on your region and experience level.

What are the cons of owning a landscaping business? 

There are some downsides to owning a landscaping business. For example, depending on where you live, landscaping may be a seasonal business. This means downtime in bad weather and can also mean employee turnover. However, if you choose to offer off-season landscaping services, like snow removal, you can turn your landscaping company into an all-season business.

What part of landscaping makes the most money? 

Irrigation and lawn care tend to be 2 of the most profitable parts of a successful landscaping business. However, profitable services will depend on demand in the landscaping market in your area—you may need to try offering a few different services and seeing which are the most popular before you settle on a final model.

How much should you invest in your landscaping company? 

In general, you should expect to invest about $50,000 in costs for your first year running a landscaping company. This includes everything from labor and equipment to insurance and marketing but will vary a bit depending on your area.

How do I start a landscaping company from scratch?

When you start a landscaping company, begin by deciding what services you’ll offer and who your target market is. Then you can purchase the appropriate equipment and start setting up your business from there.

Sandra Habiger, CPA

About the author

Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

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Free Landscape Business Plan Template (+PDF Download)

Read Time 6 minutes

Author Stephanie Figy

Published February 21, 2023

Table of Contents

1. Executive summary

2. company overview, 3. landscaping services, 4. landscaping pricing, 5. market analysis.

• 6. Competitor analysis
• 7. Marketing plan and sales strategy

8. Management plan

9. financial plan, set up your landscaping business for success.

A landscape business plan is essential for securing bank loans, managing startup costs, and maintaining cash flow. Even the most seasoned landscape business owner needs a dynamic roadmap to guide operations and inform goal-setting.

Annually reviewing and adjusting your company’s business plan helps you to scale your landscape business strategically. 

This article describes what to include in a landscape business plan and provides a free landscape business plan template to get started. 

>> Download Aspire’s FREE landscape business plan template. 

The executive summary serves as a strategic snapshot of your landscape business plan. It should be compelling to capture the attention of potential partners and lenders. 

The executive summary briefly describes the new business, its mission, and its goals. Summarize the most critical aspects of the plan, such as:

Market opportunities

Services offered

Financial projections

If you’re applying for funding, specify the amount , how you intend to use it , and, more importantly, how it will increase your profit margins .

Even though the executive summary comes first in the plan, write it last to identify and highlight the most crucial elements of your plan, ensuring that it presents a well-rounded and compelling case for your landscape business.

The company overview is where you start to dig into the details of your landscaping or lawn maintenance business. It should include specifics, such as:

Landscaping business name

Business address

Phone number

Email address

Business website

In addition to the nuts and bolts, a company overview is where business owners state their mission statement , vision statement , and core values . This gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of the company’s business identity.

In this section, list your various landscaping services, such as routine lawn care services, landscape design, or mulch installation. For each service type, detail the: 

Potential profitability

Scalability

Industry relevance

Strategic importance

List any specialized equipment or certifications that enable you to perform unique services or differentiate you in the marketplace. Also, determine whether you plan to provide these services to homeowners, commercial clients, or both.

Some landscape companies in colder climates pivot to snow removal during the winter. If that’s a part of your business model, include the related services in this section. This demonstrates your capacity to diversify and sustain your business during off-peak seasons, contributing to overall revenue stability and client retention.

Next, outline your pricing strategy, including the pricing model or models your business uses, such as flat-rate , project-based , or hourly pricing. Note that pricing depends on factors like:

Market demand

Competition

You may also list prices from a few competitors to show where your business stands in the marketplace. Include how your pricing strategy positions your business, whether as a cost leader , a premium service provider , or a value-driven option .

Explain if your pricing strategy allows flexibility, such as offering package deals or customizing services based on client preferences. If applicable, discuss strategies to attract and retain clients, such as:

Discount programs

Seasonal promotions

Membership programs

Referral incentives 

Include a market analysis within your business plan to show potential investors and partners what the landscape industry looks like in your area, such as:

Market size

Growth trends

Opportunities

Identify market gaps, whether certain services are not offered, or areas are not sufficiently served.

Discuss emerging trends and innovations within the landscaping industry. This could encompass:

Eco-friendly practices

Sustainable landscaping

Advancements in technology and equipment

Your awareness of industry trends indicates your readiness to adapt and stay competitive.

In addition, outline your target audience or buyer persona , including demographics and psychographics. If your key target market includes discerning families, this could help determine specific service offerings, such as organic cleaning products and methods. 

6. Competitor analysis 

In the competitor analysis section of your business plan, list the top landscape industry players in your service area and their strengths and weaknesses. Discuss competitive advantages that set the business apart and strategies for outperforming competitors, which may include capitalizing on the weaknesses of your peers. 

→ When performing a competitive analysis, due diligence requires consulting market research and industry benchmarks. This guides strategic decision-making .

In addition, detail the marketing and promotional tactics employed by competitors, including their:

Online presence

Social media engagement

Advertising campaigns

Customer acquisition strategies

Explain how your marketing efforts aim to stand out or compete effectively.

7. Marketing plan and sales strategy 

You’ve already established your target audience. Now, outline how you plan to reach potential customers and convert them into new customers. List your marketing channels and tactics, like direct mail, email marketing, and social media marketing.

When crafting a marketing strategy , consider each step of the buyer journey and how your company will effectively target customers through those steps, which include:

For your sales strategy, define your approach, such as value-based or consultative selling . 

In addition, define your follow-up strategy for unsold estimates–consider what will convert them–and how to utilize customers you’ve serviced to garner reviews and referrals. 

Your management plan provides an overview of the company’s business structure and key personnel responsible for executing the business plan. It acts as a roadmap for:

Making staffing decisions

Defining internal processes

Developing leaders 

You may start with an organizational chart, which provides an overview of the company hierarchy from the management team on down. Then, go into further detail, listing the roles and responsibilities of each team member. 

A company’s recruitment and retention relies on quality management. Discuss strategies for attracting and retaining talent and your plans for talent development and growing your landscape business . This could include mentorship programs , career pathing , and feedback mechanisms . 

The financial plan breaks down the numbers side of your landscaping business, outlining the company’s economic viability and the leadership’s financial acumen. 

For businesses seeking funding, outline the capital requirements to start the company and how the money will be used. Include personal income statements for each owner and major stockholder, showing assets and liabilities outside the business and personal net worth.

A financial plan should include financial statements, such as:

12-month profit-and-loss projection

Cash flow statement projection

Projected balance sheet

Break-even calculation

Take into account the average profit margins for a landscaping business . Also, list financial risks and mitigation strategies. 

→ Your financial plan is a moving target, as you can’t always predict and plan for changing economic landscapes. Regularly r evisiting and updating this section of your business plan is crucial .

You might use resources to help implement your financial plan, such as landscape business software like Aspire, which provides visibility into every aspect of operations. 

With real-time data readily accessible via custom reports and dashboards , and features to accurately and immediately calculate job costs, Aspire helps landscaping businesses make informed decisions to improve:

Productivity

Accountability

A landscape or lawn care business plan helps secure funding, uncover your business differentiators, and guide day-to-day landscape business operations. Check out our sample business plan to get started. 

Field service software helps implement the business plan, leading to growth, profitability, and landscape business success .

Aspire ’s end-to-end business management software delivers industry-leading features for:

Job costing

Labor management

Purchasing 

For more than a decade, landscape contractors have trusted Aspire’s tools to help them operate profitably and efficiently.

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Landscaping Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a landscaping business can be a great way to break into the green industry, but it can also be overwhelming. Without a clear plan and the right guidance, it's hard to know where to start. Thankfully, there's now an easy-to-use template and guidebook designed to make crafting your business plan a breeze. Introducing The #1 Landscaping Business Plan Template & Guidebook—the essential package for anyone launching or wanting to grow an established landscaping business.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

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How to Write a Landscaping Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your landscaping business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your landscaping business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a landscaping business:

Our mission at ABC Landscaping is to create a beautiful and healthy outdoor environment for our clients that is both functional and affordable. We strive to provide excellent customer service and the highest quality of innovative landscaping design solutions to ensure that our clients' landscapes exceed their expectations.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Landscaping Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your landscaping business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your landscaping business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your landscaping business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your landscaping business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a landscaping business?

In order to run a landscaping business, you’ll need a variety of supplies and equipment, as well as permits from local and state governments.

• Tools: shovels, hand tools, power tools, rakes, hoes, machetes, lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers, blowers
• Supplies: Fertilizer, Weed Killers/pre-emergent herbicides, mulch/stone/decorative materials
• Transportation: Pick-up truck and or trailer
• Permits: Business license from your local government and certifications from the state if applicable

5. Management & Organization of Your Landscaping Business.

The second part of your landscaping business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your landscaping business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Landscaping Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a landscaping business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a landscaping business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your landscaping business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your landscaping business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your landscaping business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a landscaping business.

A business plan for a landscaping business provides a roadmap for success, outlining goals and strategies for the future. It can help provide clarity on how to grow the business, identify potential challenges, and set realistic objectives and timelines. A business plan also helps to attract investors, secure financing, and build relationships with key vendors and stakeholders.

Who should you ask for help with your landscaping business plan?

An experienced business consultant, a financial advisor, an accountant, or a small business mentor are all good resources you could contact for help with your landscaping business plan.

Can you write a landscaping business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a landscaping business plan yourself. Writing a business plan requires researching the local market and competition, assessing the financial needs of the business, and creating a strategy for achieving success. Depending on how comprehensive the plan needs to be, it is possible to create a basic vision for the business and its finances without the help of an experienced consultant. However, for more specific or complex information, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

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A great business plan is essential for any successful business. Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an existing one, having a well-thought-out plan gives you the roadmap and clarity to make smart decisions.

Creating a comprehensive business plan doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. ClickUp's Business Plan Template helps you quickly and easily create a detailed plan to cover all the bases:

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Make your vision come alive with the right business plan - ClickUp's template will help get you there!

A business plan template is an invaluable tool for any entrepreneur or small business owner. It can help you:

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ClickUp's Business Plan Template is designed to help you create and track a comprehensive business plan. This List template includes:

• Custom Statuses: Create tasks with custom statuses such as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do to keep track of the progress of each step in the business plan
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• Custom Views: Open 5 different views in different ClickUp configurations, such as Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide so that you can hit the ground running
• Project Management: Improve business plan tracking with tagging, nested subtasks, multiple assignees, and priority labels

Creating a business plan is an important first step when starting a business. A good business plan should outline your goals, strategies, and objectives. It should also include a timeline of when you plan to accomplish each step. With ClickUp, creating a comprehensive and effective business plan is easy. Here are five steps to get started:

Your business plan should start with a strong statement of your objectives. This will provide an overview of what your business is all about and what your goals are. Use a Doc in ClickUp to brainstorm ideas for objectives and collect feedback from your team.

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Create tasks in ClickUp to list out the features and benefits of each product or service.

In order to make sure your plan stays on track, create a timeline of when you plan to accomplish each step of the plan. Use a Gantt chart in ClickUp to plan out tasks in chronological order and track your progress over time.

Your business plan should include measurable goals that you can use to track your progress. These goals should be specific, realistic, and achievable.

Create Goals in ClickUp to set measurable targets and track your progress.

Once your business plan is complete, share it with your team and review it regularly. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

Set a recurring task in ClickUp to review your business plan and make any necessary changes.

Entrepreneurs and business owners can use this Business Plan Template to help everyone stay on the same page when it comes to planning and organizing business goals.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

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Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a successful business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize tasks by area of focus
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• Organize tasks into four different statuses: Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, To Do, to keep track of progress
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Home » Sample Business Plans » Real Estate

How to Write a Landscaping Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a landscaping company? If YES, here’s a complete sample landscaping business plan template & feasibility report to help you get started. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a landscaping business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample landscaping marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for landscaping businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

A Sample Landscaping Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

It is not enough to own a property that is well designed and built; the hallmark of any property is the beauty of the lawns and gardens. Landscapers are in the business of giving total esthetic effect in and around our neighborhoods. It is not enough to plant flowers or have a lawn in your compound and just watch them grow; you need to hire a professional landscaping company to help you bring out the beauty in your environment.

Landscape architecture is all about the art, planning, designing, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and the design of a large man – made concepts; it beautifies our environment. Landscaping business just like Lawn care business is not one of those businesses that you can start and make big money from without truly working pretty hard and smart.

Any entrepreneur who intends to start his or her own landscaping business with the aim of making huge profits from it must be very creative and ready to go the extra mile to convince clients that he or she can deliver an excellent job. Furthermore, you have got to prove beyond every reasonable doubt that you are competent.

In a publication released by a Professional Land-care Network (PLANET), an international association serving landscaping professionals, lawn care professionals, exterior maintenance contractors, installation/design/building professionals, and interior scapers, there are approximately 12,000 landscapers in the united states of America.

This statistics covers independent operators, franchises and large corporate chains. They also stated that the number of professional landscapers could actually be considerably higher because there are so many people doing landscape maintenance on part – time and on a pay as you go basis.

Lastly, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published in 2006-2007 (U.S. Department of Labor), is that almost 1 out of every 4 landscaping, grounds – keeping, nursery, greenhouse and lawn service workers is self-employed and provides maintenance services directly to customers on a contract basis. Of these, about 1 out of every 6 works part time.

Although, landscaping business might not be amongst the money spinning businesses in the US, but they have a very large market that is readily available for them if they can convince property owners to patronize their services.

As a matter of fact, statistics has it that the United States green industry (landscape and lawn maintenance, landscape contractors, landscape architects, irrigation contractors, and lawn and landscape product suppliers) generates roughly $67 billion to $69 billion annually. PLANET estimates that the landscaping services sector alone generates about 704,000 jobs and $35.6 million in value-added services annually in the US; it is indeed a growing industry.

Landscaping business also falls in the category of seasonal businesses. The industry experiences downtime during the winter period and in most states in the US. In general, the demand for landscaping services is usually at its peak in the spring and generally between April and October. Which is why landscaping companies are always everywhere sourcing for business deals within this period of the year.

If you are familiar with the landscaping industry, you will notice that most landscaping companies do not restrict their services to only landscape architecture et al; they ensure that they add additional services such as lawn care services, snow plowing services (during winter season), fumigation services and any other similar services just to ensure that they maintain steady in – flow of income during peak and off peak periods.

As such; any entrepreneur who wants to start a landscaping business in the US should be aware that the landscaping and lawn care industry is a closely regulated industry that requires practitioners to earn certifications that permit them to handle hazardous compounds; most especially when they also offer fumigation services.

2. Executive Summary

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is a licensed landscape architecture company that will be based in Miami Beach, Florida –United States of America and will have active presence in other cities such as; Greenacres City, Miami, Jacksonville, Clearwater, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, West Palm Beach, Palm Harbor, Deltona, Orlando, Palm Bay and Panama City et al.

We chose to operate in these cities because we know that our services will be in high demand due to the geographical nature of Florida. Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is in the business of beautifying in our environment by offering professional landscape architecture services. We know that the beauty of a city or property is not complete if the gardens or lawns are not properly designed and managed.

We know the importance of networking with the right set of people, which is why we have form partnership with stake holders (landlord associations, property managers and relevant government agencies) in Florida.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is specialized in handling golf courses, beach houses, major roads and streets as well as residential buildings and public facilities et al. As a matter of fact, when it comes to giving golf course the professional outlook it deserves, we are on top of the game.

We have some of the finest landscapers, who are gifted and also have gone ahead to acquire the relevant trainings that will make them create esthetic effect in the environment that will be second to none.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is fully aware of the seasonal nature of the business which is why we have made provision to engage in complimentary services during off peak period. We will engage in snow plowing during winter, sale of flowers, tree cutting, fumigation and other related services.

We will also provide consultancy services to homeowners, property managers and the government when it comes to creating the esthetic effect that will bring out the beauty in our environment.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is a private registered company landscape company that is owned by Glover Carrington and family. The company will be fully and single handedly financed by the owner – Glover Carrington. The business will be managed by his son Gordon Carrington; he is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Mr. Gordon Carrington (Master of Landscape Architecture – MLA) is a core professional who has experience in sensitivity to landscape quality, ability to analyze problems in terms of design and physical forms, understands the arts and humanistic approach to design and he has skills in all aspects of professional practice including management and professional ethics. He has well over 7 years of experience in the industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is in the business of bring out the beauty in our environment and our services will be carried out by highly trained professionals who know what it takes to give our highly esteemed customers value for their money.These are the services that Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will be offering;

• Landscape architecture services
• Landscape care/maintenance services
• Trimming Landscaping
• Landscape design/contracting services
• Lawn mowing/maintenance
• Sod installation/hydro – seeding
• Weeding or fertilizer and/or pest control application
• Weekly lawn cut
• Weeding Beds
• Sale of flowers
• Spring Cleanup
• Fall Cleanup
• Chemical Treatment
• Snow Plowing
• Consultancy and Advisory Services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become the number one choice of homeowners, property managers and government agencies when it comes to landscaping services in Florida, U.S.
• Glover and Greenhouse Landscaping Company is a business positioned to be the become the leaders when it comes to bringing out the beauty (esthetics) in our environment by offering top notch landscaping architectural services and other related services in Miami Beach and other cities in Florida, U.S.

Our Business Structure

Glover and Greenhouse Landscaping Company will be headquartered in Miami Beach, but will operate in other cities in Florida which is why we designed our business structure to support the nature of our operations. We want to create a team of dedicated workforce that will help the organization achieve its aim of becoming the number one landscape company in the whole of Florida.

Because we don’t have the required finance to manage the numbers of workforce that we would need, we have made provisions to hire some freelance landscapers to help us handle some contracts when the need arises. Here is the business structure of Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
• Sales and Marketing Executive

Landscape Architect / Landscapist

• Field Staff
• Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Operating Officer:

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for the day to day running of the business
• Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization at regular interval
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervises projects
• Ensures compliance during project executions
• Provides advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Uses IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and billing of every project
• Represents the organization’s interest at various stakeholders meetings
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied. Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Sales and Marketing Officer

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information.
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Lists the property for rent / lease to the public
• Markets space; finds tenants; participates in lease negotiations.
• Provides property owners with a real property condition disclosure (if required by law) and other necessary forms.
• Prepares necessary papers describing the property for advertising, pamphlets, open houses, etc.
• Holds an open house to show the property.
• Serves as a contact available to answer any questions about the property and schedule showing appointments.
• Responsible for planning and designing of places such as residential development area, parks, campuses, cemeteries, resorts, commercial centers, water fronts and corporate and institutional centers.
• Responsible for designing and implementing projects that respect both the needs of people and our environment
• Offers training and consultancy services
• Responsible for analyzing problems in terms of design and physical form
• Responsible for translating designs into a built work
• Responsible from training of field workers and freelancers

Field Workers

• Responsible for Lawn mowing/maintenance
• Handles Sod installation/hydro – seeding
• Handles Landscape care/maintenance services
• Carries out task in line with the stated job description
• Handles snow plowing
• Handles tree cutting
• Assists in transport working tools and equipment from the office (store) to site and back to the office
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

Front Desk / Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives Visitors / clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization

6. SWOT Analysis

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is in business for the purpose of making profits and building long lasting relationship with its clients and we know that in order for us to achieve these, we must be able to leverage on our strengths and take hold of all the opportunities that we come across.

We are aware that if effective strategies are not put in place, the weakness of a company and the threats that the business will be exposed to can strangulate the business which is why we have decided to take out time to conduct a SWOT analysis for Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to develop strategies that will help us effectively handle our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

Our strength as a landscape company is the fact that we have healthy relationships with key stakeholders in Florida. We have some of the latest equipment that will help us deliver neat and excellent jobs. Our management team and workforce are highly trained and qualified to deliver excellent jobs within record time. We are well positioned and we have active presence in major cities in Florida.

Our weakness could be that we are a new landscaping company in Miami Beach, Florida and it will require consistency for us to gain the confidence of our prospective clients (homeowners, property managers and even the government).

• Opportunities:

The opportunities that are available to us cannot be quantified; we know that there are loads of homeowners, property managers and government establishment that will require our services in Miami Beach and other cities in Florida.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a landscaping company are global economic downturn that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters and the arrival of a competitor ( a company that offer same service as we do ) within same location. There is hardly anything we could do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

It is a common trend in landscaping and lawn care industry to see loads of landscapers struggle to meet ends meet. This is so because a larger percentage of people who are supposed to patronize their services are reluctant when it comes to paying the true worth of the services rendered.

It is also a common trend to see landscape companies engage in other complimentary services to makes meet. The fact that there are off peak periods in the business makes it of necessity for landscape companies to look for other sources of income in order to maintain steady flow of income throughout the year.

If you are conversant with the landscape industry, you will realize that one of their major challenges is the challenge of accurately pricing services It takes a landscape company that has been in the business for a while to effectively charge clients in such a way that they will have enough resources to carry out the project, pay for labor and still make enough profits. It is important for any landscape company to first inspect the area they are to carry out their job so that they will be able to properly submit a quotation that will be favorable to both parties.

Usually, most landscaping companies ensure that they send their quotations to prospective clients only when they have been able to do their calculations based on per square foot of the property. Over and above, the creativity of the landscape architect will go a long way to determine the amount that can be charged and the inflow of business.

8. Our Target Market

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company was deliberately located in Miami Beach simply because we have a wide range of people and businesses that can hire our services; the geographical nature of Miami Beach is highly suitable for the kind of services we render. Our target market as a landscape company is not just restricted to only homeowners and property managers but also government establishment.

We are quite aware that the state government is one of the biggest clients in the industry, which is why we have structured our business to meet the expectations and requirements of the government when it comes to bidding for government contracts. This is the group of people that we will market our landscape business to;

• Facility managers for botanical gardens, historic buildings, municipalities and other government entities, universities, cemeteries and other public places with green spaces
• Homeowners who plan to put their home on the market and want to improve its curb appeal with fresh or updated landscaping
• Builders of both residential and commercial properties who don’t already have their own landscaper or staff
• New homeowners who wish to update the existing landscape of their property
• Homeowners who are frequently out of town on business
• Retirees who don’t care to do their own maintenance any longer
• “Snowbirds” with winter homes in warmer climates
• Golf course managers who may need help with maintenance
• Rental property or condominium association managers who are personnel-impaired
• Homeowners who don’t have the vision, skill or tools to design their own landscaping
• Managers of public facilities
• Government establishment

Our Competitive Advantage

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is fully aware that there is competition in the industry, which is why we decided to carry out thorough research and draft a killer landscaping marketing plan; so as to know how to take advantage of the available market in the cities where we want to operate.

We have done our homework and we have been able to highlight some factors that will give us competitive advantage in the marketplace; some of the factors are competence, trust, honesty, good network and excellent relationship management. One of the positive that we have as a company is the fact that we have some of the best hands in the industry under our payroll; our manager has a robust experience in the industry.

Another competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the fact that we have designed our business in such a way that we can comfortably work with both the highly placed clients and the lowly placed clients; our prices are designed to fit into the budget of the lower class, the middle class and the upper class.

We are quite aware of the importance of taking proper care of our workforce which is why we have created welfare packages that will make all our employers willing to stay longer with us and also to always put in their best when carrying out their jobs.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will ensure that we do not only generate income from our core service delivery but also from complementary services that we will render. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Posh Lawn Care and Landscape Company;

• Tree Cutting

10. Sales Forecast

From the survey conducted, we were are able to discover that the average landscaping business owner rakes in about $5,000 to $ 50,000 in their first year of active business, and a steady increase of $160,000 to $250,000 from subsequent year as long as they are consistent in what they do and have been able to create additional sources of income.

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company have perfected her sales and marketing strategies and we are set to deliver excellence services and designs. We know that if we structure our business properly and we have highly trained and motivated employees, we are likely going to meet or even surpass our set target of generating enough income / profits from our first three months of operations.

With the help of experts, we have been able to critically examine the landscape industry with more emphasis on Miami Beach, Florida and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some workable assumptions as well.

Below are the projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of operations;

• First Year-: $150,000
• Second Year-: $250,000
• Third Year-: $500,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will do all it can to ensure that we become the preferred choice as far as landscaping services is concerned in Florida. We know the effectiveness of properly positioning a business which is why we have chosen a corner piece location in a busy road in Miami Beach to locate our business.

We will ensure that we leverage on all available networks to source for business deals. In view of that, we will continue to find local real estate clubs and connect with them and also we will locate gathering where we can find homeowners within the locations where we intend operating and then connect with them.

We will ensure that we bid at the appropriate time whenever there is the opportunity to handle government contracts both at the community and state level. We will also enter business partnership with local contractors and property managers since they also interface with property owners regularly; through them we can secure business deals.

Over and above, we have perfected strategies to network with people who are likely to refer business our way. In summary, Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company will adopt the following strategies in sourcing for clients for our business;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the real estate industry, government institution and also property owners.
• Promptness in bidding for contracts
• Advertise our business in real estate / properties magazines and websites
• List our business on yellow pages ads
• Attend related real estate expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality job for them.
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Direct marketing
• Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are quite aware that any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business.

We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means. Below are the platforms Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company intend to leverage on to promote and advertise her business;

• Encourage our loyal customers to help us use Word of Mouth mode of advertisement (referrals)
• Advertise our landscaping business in relevant magazines (real estate magazines), local newspaper, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our landscaping business online via our official website
• List our landscaping business on local directories (yellow pages ads)
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, Badoo, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our landscaping business
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations around Miami Beach and other key cities in Florida.
• Direct coupon mailing approach to introduce our landscaping business to residence and property managers
• Engage in road show from time to time to create awareness of our landscaping business.
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in Miami Beach, and other key cities in Florida
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Attend landlord and residence association meetings with the aim of networking and introducing our landscaping business.

These are some of the equipment that we would need to fully launch our lawn care and landscaping business;

• String Trimmer
• Edging Shears
• Turfing Iron
• Half Moon Cutter
• Leveling Rake
• Spring – tined Rake
• Wheel Barrow

12. Our Pricing Strategy

From our findings, the average cost of landscape services varies and it is dependent on loads of factors. For example, normal landscaping services include prices for services such as regular lawn maintenance which includes edging, mowing and blowing, fertilization, weeding beds, hedge trimming, shrub removal, replacement or moving, grass replacement, lawn care, irrigation among other landscape related services that may be required by a client.

Usually, these services are priced separately in most cases and in some instances; they may be priced together into one monthly service price.

We have been able to conduct effective survey and we were able to adopt a price format that is ideal for the kind of services we are going to be rendering.  Part of our business strategy is to ensure that we work within the budget of our clients to deliver excellent landscape services. At Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company, every client will find packages that will suite their budget.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits. Here are the payment options that are available to all clients of Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for services rendered to them without stress on their part.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company ®

Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company is a privately owned business and it will be financed by the owner of the company; Mr. Glover Carrington. These are the areas where we intend sourcing for fund for Glover and Greenhouse Landscape Company;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from family members and friends (soft loans and gifts et al)
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the banks (loan facility).

N.B: Mr. Glover Carrington has been able to generate $30,000 ($20,000 from his personal savings and $10,000 as soft loan from his family members and friends. 50% of the start – up capital ($30,000 will be generated from the bank as loan)

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in Florida: $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license: $1,500
• The Amount needed to acquire a small Office facility with space for storage of working tools and equipment in Miami Beach, Florida for 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive): $30,000.
• The Cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al): $3,000
• The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment (walk-behind mower, a back pack blower, an edger, a weed eater and hand tools): $10,000
• The Cost of Launching our official Website: $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al): $1,000

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need about $60,000 to set up a standard landscaping business in Long Beach, CA.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Although Mr. Glover Carrington is the founder if the business, he is over 60 years old and since he intends building a business that will last, grow and expand, he decided to invest in training his son who is going to be the manager of the business. That is part of his sustainability and expansion strategy.

Glover and Greenhouse will ensure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that staff welfare is well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

Integrity, competence, trust and good relationship management are major factor that can guarantee steady growth for any business and we will ensure that we are known for such qualities.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility in Miami Beach, Florida: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Start – up Capital Generation: Completed
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Purchase of the needed working tools and equipment: Completed
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety License Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies, landlord association): Completed

More on Real Estate

Landscaping Business Plan: How to Write It and What It Is

• Last Updated: October 27, 2022

A landscaping business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and financial projections for a landscaping company. It is important to have a business plan in place before starting a landscaping business, as it will help you to map out the potential growth and financial stability of the business. 

Starting a landscaping company can be more difficult than it looks. If you have a plan, it can make the journey much easier. This blog will be your guide to start a landscaping business and write your landscaping business plan .

Table of Content

• How to Write an Effective Landscaping Business Plan?

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

Landscaping business plan template, how to write an effective landscaping business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for any business, and a landscaping business is no exception. Your plan should outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

For your landscaping business to succeed, it’s important to put together a comprehensive lawn maintenance business plan. This should include a market analysis, an overview of the landscaping industry, your business goals and objectives, and a detailed plan for how you intend to achieve success.

Finally, your business planning should include a detailed action plan for how you intend to achieve your goals. This should include information on your marketing and advertising strategy, your sales and growth strategy, your competitor analysis, and your financial goals.

By taking the time to put together a comprehensive lawn maintenance business plan, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the landscaping industry. There are a few key things to keep in mind when writing your landscape company business plan :

1. Define your business goals

When you’re putting together your landscaping business plan, one of the most important things to do is to define your business goals. 

• What do you want to achieve with your landscape businesses? 
• What are your long-term and short-term goals? Be specific and realistic in your goals.
• Are you hoping to grow your company to a certain size? 
• Are you hoping to serve a certain number of clients? 
• Are you hoping to achieve a certain level of profitability?

No matter what your specific goals may be, it’s important to write them down and make them a part of your business plan. Having clear and defined goals will help you to create a roadmap for your business, and it will also help you to measure your progress over time.

Also, make a company description that suits the market trends, covers all necessary information about your landscape business, and the lawn services you provide.

2. Outline your strategy

How are you going to achieve your business goals? What are your marketing plan and sales strategies? What are your operational plans?

This will give potential investors an idea of what you hope to achieve with your business, and who your target customers are. You will need to include a detailed business model, outlining how you plan on generating revenue and making a profit. 

• A mission statement is a brief, clear statement of an organization’s purpose, goals, and priorities. 
• A personal savings plan is a way to set aside money each month to reach your long-term savings goals. To be thorough, you need to have a complete understanding of all the details involved in your project. This will include things like pricing strategies, marketing initiatives, and operational costs. Using free project management templates can help you stay organized and ensure no key information gets overlooked.
• Your market analysis should take into account the current state of the economy and the landscaping industry, as well as your target market. Who will your new customers be? What are their needs and wants? What are the trends in the landscaping industry? This information will help you to determine your prices and position you for your business success.

3. Make financial projections

What are your revenue and expense projections? What are your capital requirements? Make sure your financial projections are realistic and achievable.

You will need to put together a solid financial plan, which will include your start-up costs, financial projections, and a strategy for securing funding. This is arguably the most important part of your business plan, as it will show potential investors whether or not your business is viable.

Many landscaping companies, to ensure they get repeat customers, keep their gross margin less for old customers compared to new customers. This method helps them retain old customers and maintain cash flow.

4. Write a clear and concise business plan

Your business plan should be easy to understand and free of jargon. Make sure to include all the key components outlined above. A company summary is a brief landscaping business description , its history, products and services, and your current situation which makes it easy to apply for bank loans.

As you sit down to write your landscaping business plan, keep in mind that its purpose is to communicate your vision and guide your business’s growth. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you write a clear and concise business plan:

• Keep it short and sweet. No one wants to read a 100-page business plan. Keep your plan concise and to the point.
• Paraphrase sections of your business plan that sound less impactful. A paraphraser tool can help you avoid repetition in your write-up and allows you to express your ideas in a new way while maintaining the original meaning.
• Communicate your vision. Your plan of action should articulate your vision for your business. What are your long-term goals? What sets your business apart from the competition?
• Be realistic. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. Be realistic in your projections and goals.
• Do your research. Make sure you have a good understanding of your market and your competition.
• Get help. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you write your business plan.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your landscaping business plan is well-rounded and will give you the best chance of success.

If you’re thinking about starting a landscaping business, you need a solid business plan. This plan should include a summary of your business, your marketing plan, and a financial forecast.

Your business plan should be thorough and cover all aspects of your business, from your market analysis to your pricing strategy. Your marketing plan should detail how you plan to reach your target market, and what methods you’ll use to promote your business. And finally, your financial forecast should outline your expected expenses and income.

With a proper business plan that includes your landscaping business plan summary, you’ll be on your way to starting a successful landscaping business.

There are many reasons why you might need a business plan. 

• Perhaps you are looking to start a new business and need to lay out your goals and strategies. 
• Or maybe you are already running a business and need to take it to the next level. 

Whatever the case may be, a business plan can be a helpful tool.

• A business plan can help you to articulate your business idea, set realistic goals, and map out a path to achieving them. 
• It can also force you to think about potential risks and how to mitigate them. 
• And if you are seeking financing from investors, a business plan can be essential in convincing them to invest in your business.

So, if you are thinking about starting a business, or taking your existing business to the next level, consider to write a business plan. Having a well-executed business plan is key to success. 

Make sure you do your research and put together a plan that takes into account your start-up costs, marketing strategy, and financial goals. By taking the time to plan, you’ll put your business on the path to success.

TRY LANDSCAPING BUSINESS SOFTWARE FOR FREE

Schedule and dispatch jobs, Create invoices, Get paid, Generate service reports with our All-in-one Landscape Management Software.

A landscaping business plan template can be a great resource for those looking to start their own business. 

• This type of template can help you to create a well-organized and professional-looking business plan. It can also provide you with a framework to follow as you develop your business plan. 
• Additionally, a landscaping business plan template can help you to identify and assess the potential risks and opportunities associated with starting a landscaping company. Creating a business plan template for landscaping businesses can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Free PDF Template of Landscaping Business Plan

When it comes to starting a successful lawn care business, having a well-thought-out business plan is essential. But what can you do to give your lawn care business a competitive advantage?

• One way to stand out from the competition is to offer landscaping services that they don’t. For example, if you’re starting a lawn care business in a suburban area, you could focus on offering organic lawn care services.
• Another way to set your business apart is to focus on customer service. This could mean offering a money-back satisfaction guarantee or providing free consultations to potential clients.
• In terms of detail, it is important to include enough information to give a clear overview of your landscaping business. However, you don’t want to include so much detail that the plan becomes cumbersome. A good rule of thumb is to keep the business plan to around 30 pages.
• As for frequency, it is generally a good idea to update your business plan on an annual basis. This ensures that your plan stays relevant and reflects any changes in your business. However, you may need to update it more frequently if your business is growing rapidly.

We hope our blog post on the landscaping business plan provided some guidance on the subject. You will get complete help in writing a business plan for your business. Once you start your landscaping business, all you need is a software solution to automate your business and its business operations. 

FieldCamp is the best landscape business software for automating routine landscaping operations and is an essential component for the long-term success of the lawn maintenance business. The software helps businesses streamline all the operations, including job scheduling, invoicing, payments, and reporting. Know how this software solution helps your landscaping business streamline operations by starting your 7-day FREE trial.

Gaurang Bhatt

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How To Create A Landscaping Business Plan

For those who love hard work, spending time outside, and being your own boss, starting a landscaping business may be a great fit.

But where do you start?

This guide will show you how to write a landscaping business plan, and address other important factors to consider when starting a landscaping business.

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Plan for success.

Having a business plan is important for several reasons. It serves as your guide for everything you need to run a profitable landscaping business .

Business plans help you avoid costly mistakes by forcing you to go over all the tough aspects of starting a business, not just the fun ones.

Three big reasons why landscaping businesses fail

A landscaping business isn’t guaranteed success. In fact, 20% of small businesses fail within their first year.

Here are some of the reasons why landscaping businesses don’t make it.

1. Too much overhead or underestimating jobs

Operational inefficiencies can bog down business. This could be too much overhead, such as buying a lot of equipment, but not having enough jobs to keep it in use.

Bad estimates also are frequent issues for landscapers. Underpricing a job could win you work, but you also want to make enough money to stay in business. On the other hand, overpricing a job could result in lost work. It’s a fine line to straddle.

Pro tip: Looking at past job hours and expenses using a landscaping time tracker can help you prepare better estimates.

Schedule and track landscaping jobs

Automated GPS time and location tracking

2. Not enough customers

The failure to get repeat customers leads many businesses to sputter out. Consistent jobs pay the bills and are a reliable source of income.

Without it, owners spend too much of their time working to find new customers. This is a lot more expensive than keeping the current ones happy.

3. Cash flow

Cash flow problems plague businesses that are growing fast. If you need more equipment to get more jobs done, you’ll need more cash to make that happen and still be able to pay your team.

Those are the most common problems that landscaping business owners run into.

Now let’s see how to write a great plan so you can avoid these pitfalls.

Writing your landscaping business plan: Step-by-step

A business plan is made up of a common set of sections that can vary in length. The more you add, the better suited you’ll be for the ups and downs that come with running a company.

The following sections are the most important, and could be considered the minimum to include in your landscaping business plan.

1. Executive Summary

This is the first thing someone will read in your business plan. It describes what you want to do and why you will be successful in doing it.

Keep this simple but powerful. If you are looking for money from a bank or other investors, this summary will set the stage for them to trust in your plan.

2. Company Description

This includes your mission statement, history, and an overview of team members.

This mission statement is an easy-to-read message that lets people know why your business exists.

For example “To grow and maintain naturally healthy lawns and gardens,” may be a mission statement for a landscaping company. Overall, keep it simple.

In your company history, describe how long you’ve been around, what services you offer, and what reputation you already have as a landscaper.

The last part of this section is an overview of team members. You’ll want to explain who will be part of the company, why they are skilled, and how they will contribute to the success of the business.

3. Market and Competitor Analysis

This is your chance to establish the status of the landscaping market in your area, and determine where you can stand out.

If there are already 30 tree removal companies in your area, you may not want to focus on that specific service.

On the other hand, you may find that many of those companies have bad reviews, and there is a need for higher quality work to be done.

This is all part of your analysis of the market, so you can find out where there is the greatest need and set up your services to meet that need.

Also consider how services are being priced so you don’t stand out for charging too much. See if your area has a need for more high-end work like gardening, or if there are more potential customers out there that just need lawn services.

Your objective here is to find out where you best can position your company to be successful.

If you’re looking for an easy way to research and document the competition, you can build a simple competitor analysis project board using Hubstaff Tasks simple project management tool .

Manage landscaping projects better

Assign tasks, add due dates, comments, and more

4. Services and Product

This section details the services you’re going to offer and details about them. Here’s what you’ll want to:

• Explain your services in detail
• Explain your pricing model
• Talk about which type of customer will use these services
• Describe how much time it takes to complete services
• Describe what makes your offering unique

5. Marketing Strategy

When you “open the doors” to your new landscaping business, customers won’t be able to find you if they’ve never heard of you. A marketing plan will put you in a position to get noticed.

Talk about the brand you are creating. Think about why it will be special. Describe what it will look like, display any logos or designs, and show the slogans or phrases you’ll use as a brand.

Your marketing plan should include, at minimum, how you plan to use social media, customer referrals, online ratings, in-person events like lawn and garden shows, and direct mail .

6. Financial Plan

The way you spend and manage money is one of the most important aspects of survival and growth as a business. Your financial plan needs to consider the following:

• Startup costs, or the amount of money you need to operate. You’ll need equipment like shovels and lawnmowers, but you also need cash for gasoline, car payments, or fertilizers.
• Employee wages should be broken down by position and skill level. This will keep you on budget when you start hiring.
• Funding sources are the places where you’re going to get the money needed to start. This could be personal savings, friends and family, bank loans, credit cards, or investors.
• Sales projections should be drafted to predict how much money you will spend and earn for at least the first three years of operation. This is an educated guess based upon all the other research you’ve done to build this plan. This should be an honest look at the earning potential of your company.

Drafting your business plan

Creating a landscaping business plan is a vital part of starting a landscaping business. Those who prepare and plan will stand a better chance of profiting and growing their operation for many years to come.

It can feel tedious going through each of the steps of this plan. Keep in mind the reasons why you wanted to start this business as you build your plan.

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Ready to Turn Your Love for Lawns and Gardens Into a Career? Here’s How to Start a Landscaping Business

By Amber Guetebier

Updated on Feb 27, 2024 10:56 PM EST

12 minute read

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Whether someone has been working in the landscaping industry for years or has just completed one of the best online landscape design courses and is ready to get to work, starting a landscaping business can be a lucrative venture. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average salary for a landscaper is $35,890 per year or $17.92 per hour, but starting a landscaping business can increase earning potential.

With perks like time spent outdoors and beautifying neighborhoods, a landscaping business can offer freedom from a desk job along with monetary gain, but the cost to start a business is not insignificant. Between the expense of tools and equipment and determining what licenses and permits they may need, entrepreneurs will need a comprehensive landscaping business plan, as well as a way to execute it. Aspiring landscapers can follow several steps to help their landscaping business ideas grow into a thriving company.

Before You Begin…

There are several key considerations for aspiring business owners to be aware of to set their landscaping business up for success. Landscaping has many different subsets, including tree care, landscaping and lawn care, landscape design, and installation. Before launching a new venture, entrepreneurs will want to take a look at what’s around already, what businesses have been successful, and what businesses might compete.

Because landscaping is outside work, the climate can be a big factor. Areas with milder winters may have more work year-round, whereas a business launching in a colder climate may need to consider what services can be offered during winter months, such as snow removal and holiday light installation. Once an aspiring business owner has decided which type of landscaping company they want to start, they’ll want to create a business plan that takes into account marketing and growth. Additionally, entrepreneurs will need to find out what types of licenses or permits are required and any associated fees.

Tips for Starting a Landscaping Business

• Decide what area of landscaping the business will specialize in.
• Pursue necessary education, such as online courses or other certifications.
• Determine what business structure to create, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or sole proprietorship.
• Create a comprehensive landscaping business plan including a budget.
• Consult with professionals in the field and business and marketing experts to help the new landscaping business get off to a strong start.

STEP 1: Write a comprehensive business plan detailing the services your business will offer, the equipment you’ll need, your budget, and your plan for attracting and retaining customers.

A business plan is the first step for launching any type of business. This step requires an entrepreneur to conduct market research and make some personal decisions. Landscaping businesses can become highly specialized, so determining what facet of landscaping the business will encompass is essential. For example, the business owner will want to consider whether their company will be a small lawn care business or focus more on tree care. They’ll also want to determine whether it will be a large-scale operation or will emphasize residential garden design. Once it’s been written, the business plan can unfold more accurately. A robust business plan includes what equipment or tools will be required, cost estimates and budget, and a marketing plan.

If this feels daunting, entrepreneurs will want to seek help. “There are many experts that can help you achieve a successful business plan, such as an accountant, attorney, tax planner, banker, business consultant/mentor, and insurance agent,” advises Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG , an Atlanta, Georgia–based manufacturer of architectural products. “If you have trouble finding these experts, you can ask around your network to see who others recommend. If they are a good fit, you can discuss your strategy and create an action plan, scheduling check-ins to ensure you stay on the path. When they have a vested interest in your success, it’s critical that they understand your goals.”

STEP 2: Name your landscaping business and decide on a business structure.

One of the more enjoyable parts of creating a business is deciding on the name. Landscaping businesses owners often invoke the natural world, flowers, or other gardening elements when choosing a name, or they may decide to simply use their own name. Business owners will want to keep in mind that it’s wise to include words like “landscaping” or “lawn care” to help potential customers understand what the service offers. It may also be a good idea for the owner to obtain a domain name that matches the business name to build a website to advertise the business.

Another key element for an entrepreneur to determine is the business’s structure, which can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation, or a limited liability company (LLC). Each of these has different requirements in terms of tax law and structure. The IRS website offers important guidelines to help a new business owner determine the structure. Entrepreneurs can also enlist professional help. For example, if the business will be an LLC, the business owner may want to work with one of the best LLC services , such as LegalZoom or Northwest Registered Agent .

STEP 3: Register your business with your state and get a tax identification number.

The majority of small-business owners will need to register their business name with state and local governments. For an LLC, corporation, or partnership, it may also be necessary for the owner to register in any nearby state where the company will regularly conduct business.

It is generally not necessary to register a business on a federal level. However, paying both federal and state taxes is a requirement. Once a business is registered, the owner can obtain a tax ID number, which is necessary to pay federal taxes, hire employees, apply for any business licenses and permits, and open a business bank account.

STEP 4: Apply for and receive the appropriate business licenses required by your municipality.

There are several different types of business licenses , and the type needed is largely dependent on the location of the business and the industry. It’s important for business owners to familiarize themselves with local laws because operating without the appropriate license or permit could lead to fines and penalties—or even having to shut down the business. Generally, the process of getting a business license starts with an application through the local secretary of state business license office.

In some states, landscapers are required to have a contractor’s license, while in others only a general business license is required to start a landscaping business. Sometimes, a license may not be required to do business, but there are always exceptions. It’s important for any business owner to research and obtain the licenses required to allow their business to operate legally in their jurisdiction.

STEP 5: Get adequate insurance coverage for your landscaping business.

Insurance can be a critical investment for a business. Landscapers frequently work with heavy equipment and materials, tree branches, structures on property, drainage, and irrigation. Having landscaping business insurance can help protect a business in case of an accident, stolen or damaged equipment, or property damage or injury while on the job. Researching the best insurance for lawn care businesses , such as NEXT Insurance or Thimble , can help the owner determine exactly what is needed for their individual business.

The exact cost of landscaping insurance can vary depending on the type of coverage a business needs. For many landscapers, general liability insurance is the minimum, with an average cost of $45 per month. However, the total cost will vary depending on the type and amount of coverage a business owner chooses.

STEP 6: Get your business finances in order.

Starting a business requires some monetary investment up front. Depending on the business plan, more expensive items (such as upgraded equipment or vehicles) can be acquired at a future date. Creating and finalizing a budget, possibly with the help of an accountant, will help any business owner see what type of profit they need to succeed.

Business owners will want to consider accounting software or other business management software to help manage daily operations, such as invoicing and budget tracking. For example, the best lawn care scheduling software programs (such as Jobber ) are specifically designed to help with the daily operations of a lawn service business. Opening a business bank account and securing funding as needed are also important parts of setting a business up for success.

STEP 7: Rent or purchase the equipment you need to start your business.

Certain equipment is necessary to start a landscaping business. If the business’s primary goal is to perform landscaping maintenance on established plantings and lawns, the equipment needs may be minimal. If the plan is to launch a commercial landscaping operation, the business may prioritize purchasing larger equipment such as a riding lawn mower. Some equipment, such as rototillers or skid-steer loaders, can be rented on an as-needed basis when a business is first starting out. Many landscapers start their own businesses after having worked in the industry for a number of years and may already have some of the basic equipment. Sara Abbass, owner of Sara Mairead Landscape Design in Northport, New York, advises new business owners that starting out with good-quality equipment can save money in the long run.

“Quality tools are a greater up-front investment, but in the long term are important to complete the work required of the jobsite,” Abbass explains. “Without quality tools, you may need to revisit a jobsite if a client isn’t happy, and that can take up additional hours you could have been meeting with prospective clients.”

STEP 8: Price your services and create a price list to share with potential customers.

Before pricing their services, landscaping business owners will want to research the local cost of landscaping to get an idea of market rates. Networking with other industry professionals can be a great way to stay on top of trends, material costs, and wage trends. Business owners may also want to consider joining an organization such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals to stay abreast of issues that may affect the price of services.

A price list will help potential customers know what to expect before meeting with a landscaper the first time. There are several ways for business owners to price services. A grass-cutting company or lawn and landscape service may price per hour, per visit, per month, or per season. Many of the best landscaping companies offer both recurring and single-visit pricing. For larger jobs, many companies offer free estimates once they’ve visited the site and can estimate the hours and materials required.

STEP 9: Come up with a marketing strategy to help get your business name out in the community.

Marketing is an essential component to drumming up business. Landscapers spend much of their time in the field, but taking the time to have a strong, executable marketing strategy is key to attracting customers. Targeted advertising in the area where the business is hoping to operate can help attract potential customers. In many cases, one of the best website builders for small businesses (like GoDaddy ) can help a business owner build a comprehensive website. Abbass also recommends business owners consider hiring the pros. “Professional photographers can be hired to take photos before and after the installation of projects,” she says. “And a professional marketing firm can effectively communicate to your target market, highlighting your past work and services provided. iPhone photos can only take you so far!”

And finally, business owners won’t want to underestimate the power of word of mouth. “I’ve worked in the lawn care and landscaping industry for many, many years now,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, founder and former CEO of Lawn Love . “Before I started my current company, I did a ton of freelance landscaping work—a lot of which helped me pay for college. So, something that was invaluable for me when starting my own business was taking advantage of all of those connections I had formed as an individual worker. I reached out to all of the people I had done lawn [and] landscaping work for and told them about the company I was starting. Because I had built such positive relationships with my clients, a large percentage of them became my new business’s first clients, and that resulted in a decent initial customer base that allowed my business to make a consistent profit right away.”

STEP 10: Hire and train employees to help grow your business.

While many landscaping businesses may start with a single owner and operator, one person can only do so much. When it comes to scaling a business, hiring and retaining employees is a logical next step. With more people, more jobs can be completed. However, finding the right employees and training them may require a business owner to conduct some industry outreach.

When it comes to finding new hires, Jennifer Nichols, owner of GreenWeaver Landscapes in Lenni, Pennsylvania, supports and participates in industry events and organizations aimed at attracting potential employers to landscaping. “Although wages and benefits have been increasing, the labor market is still very tight,” Nichols says. “So we have been working with Seed Your Future , the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. We participate in Green Career Week, promoting green jobs on social media in hopes of attracting more people to the industry.”

From budget to business licenses and arborists to architects, there are a huge number of variables would-be owners will need to consider when hoping to establish a successful landscaping business. Well-researched decisions about the industry will go a long way toward ensuring the success of a business. Following these steps will help set a new business owner on the way to establishing a thriving landscaping business that is both sustainable and profitable, offering any entrepreneur the chance at a long and fruitful career.

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How to start a landscaping business

Looking to start a landscaping business but don’t know how? Here are 13 steps to help get your business up and running.

Why start a landscaping business?

If you enjoy gardening and spending time outdoors, you may have considered working as a landscaper. Once you’ve built up enough experience, you may be ready to start your own landscaping business. It’s important to consider both the benefits and disadvantages of starting a landscaping company to see if it's right for you.

Owning a landscaping business has plenty of benefits. As the entrepreneur of this new business, you can be your own boss. You can set your working hours and choose your clients. Plus you have control of your finances and can set the prices you want to charge for your services. The freedom to work outdoors is one of the biggest benefits, with an opportunity to shape the environment you live and work in. The earning potential of landscaping businesses can be good, though this depends on the clients you have, where you are based, and the types of services you provide. High-quality landscaping jobs may pay you more.

There are also disadvantages to being a landscaping business owner. It is hard work and involves physical labor. Your business can be affected by inclement weather, and in some states, there could be slow seasons in areas with a lot of snow. Managing a business can be stressful, but the right tools can help you stay on top of your cash flow and get paid faster.

Find out about using Xero to stay on top of your cash flow and get paid .

Types of landscaping businesses

There are many types of landscaping businesses, but some are highly specialized, and you need to ensure you have the right certifications, skills and experience to offer a high-quality service.

The four most common types of businesses are:

• General landscaping: This can be commercial or residential, and involves arranging plants, soil, and organic materials in a garden or open space. A permit may be needed in some states. This could include things like tree trimming, leaf removal, and hedging.
• Interior landscaping: These services are usually provided to large offices, shopping malls, government buildings, and large indoor public spaces. This type of landscaping involves planting and maintaining indoor gardens.
• Gardening and groundskeeping: This is one of the more common services and involves caring for gardens in general. Tasks include lawn mowing, fertilizing, weeding, and sod and lawn installation. It can be commercial or residential. A lawn care business would fall into this category.
• Landscaping design and architecture: This is the most technical type of service, and you usually need a college degree in a related field. Projects include the design of large public spaces such as a college campus or an apartment complex. Knowledge of design software is essential, and projects often involve working with professionals such as architects.

13 steps to starting a landscaping business

After you have chosen the type of landscaping you want your business to provide, you are ready to formalize your business. Here are 13 steps for setting up your landscaping business. If this is the first time you are creating a business, you can read the guide to how to start a business for even more tips.

1. Form your business’s legal structure

You will need to choose a business structure. The three structures below are the most common for landscaping businesses.

• Sole proprietorship: This is a business operated by a single person. It’s the easiest structure, as all the profits and losses are received by the owner and reported on their personal income tax return. However, this structure doesn’t offer legal protection, and the owner’s personal assets may be at risk if they are sued or if anything goes wrong.
• S Corporation: This corporate legal structure has special tax characteristics and is commonly used by landscaping companies. The name comes from the IRS classification of this type of business. In an S Corp, the owners are also employees, and unlike a traditional C Corporation, it helps businesses avoid double taxation.
• Limited liability company: An LLC is often chosen because it provides some legal protection for the owners, and can be flexible for both ownership and taxation. Some who have an LLC file the paperwork to be an S Corporation for tax reasons. It is important to note that the liability protection isn’t complete, and business owners can still be held liable in some instances. The LLC business structure is based on a state statute rather than a federal one. Check the requirements of your local government or state for further information.

2. Register for a business license and needed permits

Registering your business and getting a business license is critical for paying taxes, opening a business bank account, and applying for loans.

In most cases, you’ll be required to register your business with your state. You may also need to register a DBA (doing business as) if using a trade or brand name.

Information required for a business license usually includes:

• business name
• business location
• ownership, management structure, or directors

Some states also require permits or industry-specific licenses. You can check with your state’s secretary of state office or similar government office to find out which permits you need. Some common permits and industry licenses include:

• landscaping license
• permit for handling pesticides or fertilizers
• contractor license surety bond

3. Apply for an EIN

Before you can pay sales or payroll taxes, you’ll need to apply for an EIN (employer identification number). You can apply for an EIN online or by mail.

4. Register for taxes

You may need to register to pay sales tax (state and local) and payroll taxes (when you have payroll). It’s recommended you consult a tax advisor about your business plan and do research on what the requirements are in your state before registering.

5. Establish a business bank account

Keep your personal finances separate and open a business bank account. This is critical if you’ve formed an entity for your business and, even for sole proprietors, it makes it easier to do your taxes and create financial reports. To open an account, you will need your EIN. Many banks do allow sole proprietors to use their social security number to open a bank account. Banks vary in their services, but it is handy to have a credit card and a checking account. Take a look at your options and choose the best one for your needs.

6. Develop your business plan

Writing a business plan is key to helping you focus and guide you through the setup of your new landscaping business. It will help you develop and set goals and create your vision for the future. It can be essential for getting funding or loans. You can use this business plan template .

Your business plan should consider each of the following areas:

• Executive summary: Brief overview of your plan.
• Company overview: An overview of your company, vision, mission, owners.
• Industry analysis: Overview of the industry, government regulations, details of your services, and potential risks.
• Customer analysis: Your likely target customer.
• Competitive analysis: Who your key competitors are.
• Marketing plan: How and where you want to advertise.
• Operations plan: Procurement, office location, key asset management.
• Management team: This is your leadership team.
• Financial plan: How you will finance your business and startup. This ideally includes information for the next three years.
• Insurance plan: You’ll need to determine what is the best insurance coverage for your business.

7. Determine your services

Check the offerings of competitors in your area and consider your strengths and interests.

The two most common categories are landscaping services and lawn care services, including maintenance. You may offer a mix of both or one type of service.

Landscaping could include projects such as patio and fence installation (which may need a construction license), sod installation, or creating flower beds. It is wide-ranging, so you could choose to niche in one or two specific services, depending on if you prefer residential or commercial clients.

Lawn care company recurring maintenance services offer a diverse range of projects. These could include some of the following:

• lawn mowing
• planting and plant care
• applying fertilizer or pesticides
• lawn aeration

When deciding on your services, consider your target market and their likely needs. To reduce your startup costs, you could consider offering a limited range of services until you have become more experienced and established.

8. Determine what equipment you need

Once you have decided on your services, you can plan what landscaping equipment you will need to provide your services. Some essential equipment will include:

• leaf blower
• fertilizing equipment
• safety equipment, for example, ear protection
• gardening gloves

If your startup fund is small, consider renting some of the more expensive items before you invest in buying them. This will give you time to explore exactly what you need and your favorite brands.

Another important consideration is the vehicle you use. Common types of vehicles for landscaping businesses are pickup trucks, vans, and utility trailers. One of these is essential for your business. You will have to choose whether to rent or buy your vehicle. Your vehicle is also an advertising opportunity. You can put signage with your company branding and contact details on the vehicle..

9. Establish your target market

Knowing who your potential customers are is an important part of your business planning. In landscaping. You can choose either commercial or residential clients or a mix of both.

Commercial work often involves working with fewer clients in large spaces. You can charge more, and they have a budget. But it can be difficult for a new landscaping business to break into commercial work unless you have good industry contacts. You are likely to need to hire employees.

Residential work may offer a better initial entry point and opportunities for custom work. You’ll need more customers, but you can offer specialized services to make yours a more premium service.

Who you choose to work with will depend on your interests, your capabilities, and your desired margins.

Understanding what your competitors offer can also help you define your target market. By differentiating your service and niching, you’ll be better able to narrow down your preferred clientele. This will help you stand out from your competitors, which will help with marketing.

10. Set your prices

Setting your prices is a key part of your business plan. Take a look at what other local successful landscaping businesses are charging and how they price their services.

There are three main ways to price your services:

• hourly rate
• per square foot

When setting your prices, you’ll need to factor in a range of considerations. These include your overhead costs (insurance, equipment), direct costs (mulch, fertilizer), and job-specific features such as property size, location, and condition.

Be prepared to offer an initial estimate for a client, followed by a final invoice upon completion. Consider invoicing software if you plan to have an automated system and want to accept credit card payments online.

11. Build your brand

Building a brand is an important part of establishing your business identity. Branding can help you stand out from similar businesses and become known in your community. Activities to build your brand include:

• Choose a business name that is memorable and unique.
• Define your unique selling proposition (USP). How will you stand out from your competitors?
• Get a logo designed.
• Create your brand guide. Include your colors, fonts, tone, values, and mission statement.
• Get a website and have it professionally designed.

12. Understand insurance requirements

Business insurance is an important expense to protect you from unexpected costs of running your business. Events such as natural disasters, accidents, and lawsuits could wipe you out without the right insurance.

Each state has different insurance requirements. It is a good idea to find a reputable licensed agent to help you assess your risks and your needs. Shop around to find one that suits you.

These are some common types of insurance:

• General liability insurance: This is a key insurance and covers financial loss for a variety of reasons, including property damage, bodily injury, and defending lawsuits.
• Worker’s compensation: If you have employees, this is required in most states and provides assistance to workers injured while working.
• Commercial auto insurance: Provides protection for your work vehicles.
• Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance: Provides protection to repair or replace damaged tools or equipment.
• Equipment breakdown insurance: This provides cover to repair or replace equipment that is broken down or damaged
• Business owner’s insurance: This is an insurance plan that covers a combination of insurance needs for business owners. These plans vary but can usually be tailored.

13. Market your small business

Marketing your landscaping business is an essential part of attracting new customers. There are a lot of different ways to do marketing without having to spend a lot of money.

Here are a few common, cost-effective ways to market a small business:

• Business cards: Give them to clients and people thinking about your services.
• Referrals: Ask clients or people you know for referrals. Word of mouth matters a lot.
• Testimonials and reviews: Ask past clients for a testimonial and add it to your website and social media.
• Establish a Google Business Profile: It’s free and easy to establish. You can ask customers to rate your services.
• Social media: Choose one or two of your favorite platforms. Create a business page on Facebook. You can showcase examples of your work.
• Advertising: You can do this in local publications and websites.

Landscaping is a hard but rewarding business. By following these steps, you can get your landscaping company off the ground.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

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How to Start a Landscaping Business: 10 Key Steps

As long as there are homes with yards and gardens, there will be a need for landscapers. Landscaping businesses are relatively future-proof, making them a good choice for entrepreneurs. Yet, as with any new business, there are challenges. Having a good plan of attack helps.

If you’re interested in starting your own landscaping business, this article outlines 10 steps to take to get your company underway.

You’ll learn why landscaping is so appealing as a business venture. There is a ton of variety in the profession, as well. With a little direction, you can begin your journey with our actionable tips, even if you’re not fully up and running yet.

Benefits of Starting a Landscaping Business

Landscaping as an industry is growing steadily. Between 2017 and 2022, the field grew at an average rate of  4.2% per year . That’s pretty remarkable, considering how the pandemic affected other industries.

Landscaping is an attractive profession for many reasons:

• The profession has a low barrier to entry
• You can be your own boss with more flexibility
• You can work outdoors in nature
• It’s healthier than sitting at a desk
• Different jobs bring different tasks and challenges
• Landscaping can be a great creative outlet
• You may collaborate with other interesting professionals
• Income is steady, with lots of repeat business
• Your revenue is potentially uncapped

Property owners are realizing the benefits of hiring a service to maintain their yards. They can come home from a hard day’s work to find the lawn manicured, the hedges trimmed, and the flower beds neatly mulched. 

With the advent of social media, these homeowners also expect a certain level of quality. They are inspired by beautiful gardens they see on YouTube or Instagram, then they want the same look for their own homes.

As the demand has grown, the number of working landscapers has increased, too. This makes the market more competitive. It forces companies to produce exceptional results to stay ahead of the competition.

There are many different types of successful landscaping businesses. Some of the services they provide include:

• Lawn mowing and edging
• Flower bed planting and care
• Tree pruning and hedge trimming
• Fish pond installation
• Mulching and weed control
• Yard and leaf cleanup
• Irrigation system maintenance
• Fertilizing, dethatching, and overseeding
• Sod lawn installation
• Seasonal garden preparation
• Tree planting and tree/stump removal
• Xeriscaping and drought-friendly planting
• Sustainable landscaping solutions
• Winter snow and ice removal
• Landscaping and hardscaping consultation

You can be a generalist and offer all or most of these services if you live in an area with few professional landscapers. If you live in a more densely populated area, you can hone in on a specialty. Specialization tends to be more profitable in a competitive environment.

10 Key Steps to Start Your Landscaping Business

If you know you’re ready to start your own landscaping business, it’s best to tackle it methodically. Follow the steps below to make sure you have everything covered.

1. Decide on Your Specialty and Target Customer

These two business elements are closely intertwined. What kinds of landscaping jobs do you enjoy most? Is there a need for that in your area?

For instance, in places like Florida and Southern California, some landscapers only deal with palm trees. There is a demand for this work, especially from affluent property owners. But clearly, this wouldn’t fly further north. Winterizing lawns and beds might do really well, though. You need to match the demand for your services with your skills and interests.

When you’ve nailed your services down, create a profile for a hypothetical perfect customer. Where do they live? How much do they spend on landscaping services? Give them a name and write down all their details. Let that profile inform your services and marketing.

2. Study the Competition and Set a Pricing Schedule

No matter where you are, you likely have at least a few competitors. Do a little research on their services and pricing compared to your ideal structure. If you price services much higher, customers may go elsewhere. Too low, and you won’t turn a profit. It’s a fine balance.

Your pricing should be determined by multiple factors:

• Your landscaping niche
• Demand for landscapers in your area
• Pricing for the competition
• Seasonal fluctuations

You’ll need to be competitive with other landscaping companies. But at the end of the day, you still need to make a profit.

You’ll also need to calculate your monthly expenses (overhead) like:

• Staff payroll
• Loan payments
• Rental equipment

To do more than break even, you want to charge enough to cover them and still have money left to pay yourself.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS:   How to Price Landscaping Jobs

3. Decide on a Business Structure

How will your business be structured? Will you be a sole proprietor or hire helpers? Will they be employees or 1099 independent contractors?

You may want to form an  LLC or S-corp  to protect yourself and receive certain tax advantages. At this point, it’s smart to invest some money in a certified public accountant consultation to see which one is best for you.

Then, file for whichever type of incorporation you decide on.

4. Write a Business Plan for Your Company

Once you get the tasks above checked off, you can start creating an official business plan. Your plan will be your company’s roadmap for the next year or two. It will also be necessary if you intend to apply for any business financing.

A business plan  includes the following components:

• An overview, called the Executive Summary
• Description of structure and employees
• Market analysis and demand for services
• Marketing strategy to attract clients
• Services offered and prices
• Financial projections by month, quarter, or year

Your financial projections are your best estimates for income, growth, and what you need to break even. Ideally, you want to do more than just break even, though. You need to show you can make a profit.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS:  Creating Your Own Landscaping Business Plan

5. Obtain any Business Licenses or Permits Required

Proper licensure is critical to operating your landscaping business. It lends you credibility, but it’s also legally required in many areas.

Every state and municipality has different requirements for credentialing. Check with your area to see what’s required and get the proper documentation. 

Permitting requirements can also vary depending on the kind of work you’re doing. Things like irrigation systems or lighting installation may require permits, while simple lawn mowing does not. You’ll still need to check your local regulations.

6. Open a Bank Account and Apply for Any Necessary Financing

You want a business account that’s separate from your personal bank account. Be prepared to show your articles of incorporation to open a business account at some banks.

If you need financing for your venture, it’s smart to open your account where you have the best chance of getting approved. We use the word “bank” here loosely. Don’t forget to check out credit unions as well. Both will want to see your business plan before offering you a loan, line of credit, or business credit cards.

7. Purchase Equipment and Vehicles

Now, it’s time to invest in the equipment and trucks you need to conduct business. You’ll likely need lawnmowers, edgers, and protective equipment. You may also need certain items related to your specialty, like pruning shears or drop spreaders.

How many vehicles will you need? You’ll need transportation that can hold all your gear and stand up to dirt, water, and other landscaping abuse.

8. Buy Landscaping Business Insurance

You cannot operate your landscaping truck or van under your personal insurance policy, even if you use your own vehicle. You must have a commercial insurance policy.

Your company should also have the following insurance plans:

• Property insurance in case of loss, theft, or damage to equipment
• Workers' compensation, if required by your state for employees
• Cyber insurance, if you intend to take online payments from clients
• General liability insurance in case of a non-worker accident or injury

9. Hire and Train Staff as Needed

If you plan to take on workers, you’ll need to advertise for them, screen them, and do the hiring.

Be sure to train them on any equipment they’re unfamiliar with. Also, go over safety, customer service and etiquette expectations. You want stellar client reviews for things like punctuality, cleanliness, and manners.

10. Start Marketing Your Services

The final thing you need to do is  bring in customers through marketing . Marketing can be informal, like networking with friends and neighbors about your new business.

Marketing can also entail:

• Creating a professional website
• Setting up social media accounts
• Paying for client leads through a service
• Joining groups like the local chamber of commerce

The idea is to balance keeping current customers happy with bringing in new clients.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS:  How to Make an Invoice for Landscaping Jobs (with Free Template)

Startup Tasks You can do Today to get Your Landscaping Business off the Ground

If you use the list above, you’ll be able to get your business off the ground sooner and with fewer problems. Here are a few final tips as you get started:

• Don’t forget to network with other home service providers for business. Professionals like contractors and pool specialists can refer you to clients. Property management companies are another great source of customers.
• When you build your website, use search engine optimization (SEO) to help it rank higher in online searches. This is simply including keywords people use when looking for landscapers. Also, include your city, county, and some area landmarks for local SEO.
• One of the best ways to connect with clients on social media is to join your town’s Facebook group page. You can advertise for free just by interacting with local residents. There will always be people with landscaping questions you can answer. You don’t even have to be officially in business to start networking there.
• If buying some equipment is too costly at first, consider renting it. This gives you the added advantage of trying out different models to see which ones are best for your needs.
• Always think about where you want your business to be in a year or two. Are there services you cannot provide right now but would like to? Figure out how to invest in the required equipment or training you need. The actions you take now will pay off in your profits in the future.

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Lawn Landscaping Business Plan

Start your own lawn landscaping business plan

Greens Manicure Service

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Greens Manicure Service is a seasonal residential lawn care service targeting suburban middle-class homes with larger yards. A large grouping of this demographic is located in Steve’s neighborhood. Steve will leverage his connection to the neighborhood to sign up customers.

For year one Steve will have one employee in addition to himself. By year two Steve will purchase a second vehicle, additional equipment, and hire two new employees to form a second work crew.

Greens Manicure Service is projected to reach profitability by month seven and will have profits of $10,000 by the end of the third year. Revenue activity will occur from April through November.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives for the first three years of operation include:

• To develop a sustainable home business, surviving off its own cash flow.

1.2 Mission

Greens Manicure Service’s mission is to provide the customer with professional lawn care. We exist to attract and maintain customers. When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place. Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Greens Manicure Service will provide residential lawn care service which includes lawn cutting, edging and trimming. Optional services will include hedge trimming. The service is typically offered once a week in season, but Greens can create a custom schedule for clients.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Greens Manicure Service will be targeting one specific segment of the population, suburban middle-class families with no children and larger lawns. This group of people are the most likely to use a lawn care service such as Steve’s.

Steve will be canvassing his parents neighborhood, developing a client list. For the second year, Steve will expand service beyond his general neighborhood, utilizing advertisements in the local newspaper to develop visibility for Greens Manicure Service.

4.1 Service Business Analysis

Greens Manicure Service will be working in the lawn care industry. The industry is both residential business (individual home) and commercial businesses (apartment complexes, business parks, schools, etc.).

The commercial side is generally serviced by larger landscaping services. The residential side is serviced by both landscaping companies and basic lawn care service companies.

The lawn care business is made up of many small companies. This occurs because of the high labor intensity, low start-up costs, nature of the industry. The industry is also vulnerable to recessions as lawn care is a luxury. Lasty, lawn care is seasonal, the high season is spring through fall. There is little activity in the winter.

4.1.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

The lawn care business can be divided into two types, residential and commercial. As a smaller company or start up business, it is much easier to enter into the residential market compared with the commercial market. The commercial market is dominated by larger, established companies.

Within the residential market, there are two competitors: full-scale landscaping companies and basic lawn care services. The full-scale landscaping companies will generally be handling jobs outside of Green’s range. They are servicing even larger homes that require other landscaping activities that need more equipment and higher-skilled employees. The margins are therefore larger for the full-scale companies because they can charge more for the higher-skilled work. The other competitor is the basic lawn care services, not unlike Greens Manicure Service. Most markets, including Greens, the competition is not overwhelming and often lacks basic quality and professionalism.

More often than not, residential customers make purchasing decisions based on referrals and perceived professionalism and quality.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Greens Manicure Service’s segment will be initially targeted by canvassing the neighborhood and offering a free estimate and cut. Steve will be basing the business out of his parents home, right in the middle of a target neighborhood. Steve will walk the neighborhood and leverage his relationship in this community to gain a foothold. Although some people are put off by solicitors, Steve is their neighbor so he will generally be able to make his spiel.

Once Steve  has built up a steady list of customers he will begin to run advertisements in the local paper to gain a foothold in different neighborhoods. This will take place during the second year as Steve will have sufficient business for year one in his neighborhood.

4.3 Market Segmentation

Greens Manicure Service will be targeting one specific group of customers, the suburban middle class. Greens is targeting middle-aged homemakers as they are more likely to rely on a lawn service. Younger homemakers are more likely to do their lawn themselves. Greens will also be targeting homes that do not have teenage children, as the youngsters are likely to help out with the lawn. The median income is $60-$120K, just enough to have disposable income for the care of their lawn. Greens Manicure Service will be targeting larger size lawns, from 4,000-7,000 square feet. This is done because the margins are higher with larger lawns once you factor in transportation time and costs. Lastly, white collar families will be targeted instead of blue collar families as the blue collar families are more likely to do the lawn themselves.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

5.1 Competitive Edge

Greens Manicure Service’s competitive edge will be based on quality and professionalism. During the first year Steve will be doing all of the lawns with only one other employee. This provides him with direct supervision of the employee and direct involvement with the job. This will ensure customers receive a quality job. Steve knows what quality work is, based on previous experiences to be detailed under the Management section.

Greens second competitive edge is professionalism. Steve will ensure that all interactions between the customer and his employee, as well as himself, ooze professionalism.

Steve truly believes that professionalism and quality are the factors that attract and maintain customers. Consequently, Steve will be truly vigilant in ensuring that his competitive edges are always apparent to the customer as his livelihood is dependant on this.

5.2 Sales Strategy

Greens Manicure Service’s sales strategy will be based on one-on-one communications with prospective leads. Steve will first be leveraging his relationships with his parents (pillars in the neighborhood) and his connection with the neighborhood. The prospectives will generally form a bit of a bond with Steve because of local familiarity and then Steve will need to communicate his experience in lawn care and his constant benchmarks of quality and professionalism. Steve is willing to offer a free estimate and cutting for those that are interested in a possible contract. Although some of the free cuttings will not turn out to be long term customers, he is confident that his competitive prices and superior service will turn most of the leads into customers.

By year two, the business will be ready to expand outside of the neighborhood and Steve will be using advertisements in the local paper to generate business. When people call with questions, Steve will have already (the previous year) built up a loyal following of customers that will serve as an effective referral system in which prospective people can call the current customers and get a glowing testimonial of Green’s service.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

The first month will be used to set up the office, purchase the necessary lawn care equipment, hire and train an employee. Additionally, during the last two weeks of the month, Steve will be canvassing the neighborhood to build up a customer list.

Month two will see some business. The business will be growing as Steve continues to increase the number of jobs that he has. Month two through October will see a steady rise in revenues. Business will pick up again in April of year two. From February through April Steve will be working hard on generating new customers and will bring on two additional employees to service the new customers.

5.3 Milestones

Greens Manicure Service will have several milestones early on:

• Revenue exceeding $50,000.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Greens Manicure Service is owned and operated by Steve Greinthum. Steve was first introduced to lawn care while he was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Oregon. Steve worked for a large, well-respected landscaping company. He started out his freshman summer year as a mower operater. During his four years at school he eventually moved up to crew manager. 

Steve enjoyed taking care of lawns. He was always excited about working outside. He also liked the management responsibilities that he had his last summer. The one thing he longed for is operating his own company. He decided the only thing stopping him was money, he already had all the experience and knowledge necessary. So Steve got a loan from his parents and started the company.

6.1 Personnel Plan

Greens Manicure Service will consist of Steve working full time. Steve will be the manager for the business, signing up new customers, managing customer accounts, hiring, training, supervising, and cutting grass.

Greens Manicure Service will use a total of two people during year one. For year two Steve will hire an additional two people to create a second work crew.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections will outline important financial information.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The following table highlights some important financial assumptions of Greens.

7.2 Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis indicates approximately $3,900 is needed in monthly revenue to break even.

7.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table indicates the projected profit and loss.

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table will indicate projected cash flow.

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table indicates the projected balance sheet.

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How to Create a Landscaping Business Plan

Hardly a dull-as-bricks doc that doubles as a doorstop, a business plan is more like a stone path. That leads to a tranquil garden. Full of blossoming potential.

Overworked metaphors aside, creating a business plan for your landscaping company really doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing exercise. Quite the opposite, in fact.

It’s an opportunity for you to set the course for your future–and that of your team. Writing a business plan is the chance to take the devotion and attention you normally put into creating beautiful outdoor spaces for your customers, and turn it inwards.

What do you want to achieve? What impact will your company have on the world?

Running a successful landscaping business goes beyond just getting jobs done, though it can be tough to see the forest for the trees when you’re immersed in grueling conditions and juggling endless demands sixteen hours a day.

Never fear. We’re here to help you realize what’s possible. With this overview, you won’t just define your vision for a thriving lawn care business, you’ll have an executable plan to actually build one.

What is a landscape business plan?

A landscape business plan is a map for the future that lays out the financial, operational, sales, and marketing strategies for the company over the next 5 to 10 years.

Why does my landscaping company need a business plan?

Believe it or not, most landscaping companies are operating without a well-defined business plan, which might lead you to question the purpose of putting in all the effort to create one in the first place. After all, everyone else seems to be doing okay…

But there’s the first clue towards your answer. Other companies might be getting by, and that’s fine for them, but you know you’re capable of more than just okay. Much, much more.

Still unsure? Here are a few other reasons why a thoughtfully written business plan is a total game changer:

• A mental image for the future - even one that feels clear and exciting - is a small fraction as effective as a written plan for keeping you on course when the going gets tough.
• A business plan facilitates faster decision-making when you come to forks in the road (and there will be many)
• Providence is real. The universe has a funny way of helping you when you painstakingly put pen to paper and write a detailed picture of the business you truly want. Without this... you're smoking hope dope.

What should I include in my landscaping business plan?

• Executive Summary - highlights of your business plan
• Company Overview - key details about your company and culture
• Market Analysis - industry, competitors and customers
• Marketing & Sales Strategy - how you’ll land jobs
• Operations Plan - how you’ll execute those jobs
• Financials & Revenue Forecasting - how much you’ll make from those jobs

It’s worth mentioning that these are the main sections typically found in business plan templates. Unless you need a formalized structure that appeals to investors, feel free to customize your plan and call your sections whatever you want. Instead of “Company Overview,” you could use something like “Our Why” or “The Reason We’re Here.”

Below, we’ll take you through the thought process to get to a finished plan.

How do I write a landscaping business plan?

• Conduct market analysis: Who’s your competition?
• Work out what matters: What’s your company’s WHY?
• Study your numbers: Where are your profit margins?
• Decide how you’ll close jobs: What do you need to bring in the door?
• Set an operational path: How will you get the work done?
• You’ve got your plan - now summarize it!

Here are more details on each step, as well as which section of your business plan the answers relate to.

Step 1. Conduct market analysis

Analyzing the landscaping industry in your region forces you to step back and see the bigger picture before you delve into figuring out where your company will fit in best.

For this section, you want to understand who your competitors are and who your ideal customers are. This will require some research to uncover:

• What’s the outlook for growth of the overall landscaping industry?
• Which specific services are in demand?
• Who are the highest profile companies offering those services?
• Which landscaping businesses do you admire?
• What kind of potential clients are the best customers?
• Where can you find them?

Your answers to these questions will make up the third section of your business plan: Market Analysis.

Step 2. Work out what matters

Now that you understand the landscape (literally!), figure out what makes your company distinct from all the others out there. Beyond just the fact that you’ll have a business plan, and they won’t.

Some of the questions to consider in this step include:

• Which landscaping services will you focus on? Examples include: landscape design, lawn maintenance, snow removal, and outdoor carpentry.
• What can your company do better than anyone else?
• What does your brand stand for?
• Beyond just landscaping, what larger purpose does your company serve?
• In other words, what motivates you more than money?

Your answers to these questions will form the second section of your plan: Company Overview. (Or whatever you decide to call it.)

Step 3. Study your numbers

Many landscapers skip crunching the numbers before starting their business. This is a mistake, because knowing your revenues, profit margins, budget and cashflow go a loooong way towards helping you complete the sections on sales, marketing and operations. (Which is also why we recommend writing this section now.)

That being said, what should you do if you don’t have historical data to work from?

If you don’t know your numbers – either because you haven’t been tracking them or your dog ate them – do your best with whatever you’ve got. Estimated guesses are okay for new entrepreneurs. You’ve gotta start somewhere, after all.

Try to puzzle together the following financial projections:

• What are your anticipated annual operating expenses, both fixed and variable?
• What sort of net and gross profit margins are you aiming for?
• What’s your target annual revenue over the next 5 to 10 years?

Your answers will help you build out the last section of your plan: Financials & Revenue Forecasting.

If you don’t have a formal financial plan in place, now’s the time to rectify that. This Budget Quick Tool is a great place to start.

Step 4. Decide how you’ll close jobs

Now you’re really getting into the weeds. Based on the figures you settled on in the previous step, write your sales and marketing plan by describing how you’ll convert leads into jobs.

If you can determine the following, you’ll be well on your way:

• What’s your average job size?
• How many jobs do you need to complete to meet your revenue and profit margin targets?
• How many estimates do you need to do to land that many jobs?
• How many leads?
• How are you going to attract prospective customers?

The answers to these questions will underpin the fourth section of your plan: Sales & Marketing.

Step 5. Set an operational path

At this stage, you’ve essentially identified where you’re going. Now you’ll start piecing together the high-level plan to get there.

Without getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty, sketch out the following:

• What’s your BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious, Goal)?
• Who will you need on your team?
• What systems do you need to implement?
• How will you keep track of progress?
• How will you instill a sense of accountability within your team?

These answers will help you round out the fifth section: Operations Plan.

Once you’ve completed this step, you’ve also laid the groundwork for your annual strategic planning , where you’ll break your BHAG down into executable actions. (The planning never ends… welcome to being a business owner.)

Step 6. Summarize it!

Alright, you made it to the final step, which is also the easiest. There isn’t anything to figure out here, you’ve basically got your plan worked out, you just need to create an overview of it.

It should include brief statements that cover the highlights of the other sections.

It may be the last piece you write, but it will ultimately be the first section of your plan: Executive Summary.

Do’s & Don’ts of creating a landscaping business plan

How do I turn my plan into action?

As Mike Tyson has famously said, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. A plan is only as good as your ability to implement it. Act like everyone else, and you’ll end up exactly as they are: average.

What differentiates elite painters from the rest is their ability to execute. But that’s definitely easier said than done, and not something you need to tackle alone.

As part of Breakthrough Academy’s coaching program, we’ll help you develop a Master Business Plan that includes everything you need to bring your goals to fruition, including an at-a-glance dashboard to keep tabs on your finances, sales and projects.

Want a hand with your business plan? Learn more about Breakthrough Academy’s coaching program for elite landscapers .

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DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

"Once we had a very clear strategic direction, that’s when everything really took off."

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"BTA helped us create a concrete foundation for our company by providing us with the knowledge and tools to take 505-Junk to new levels."

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"I dropped the tools a year ago, and now I’m fully in the office. We’ve doubled in sales, we’ve doubled in everything..."

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"Don't reinvent the wheel when you can drive on one already perfected."

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"BTA gave me the tools. They showed me that I can be profitable, they showed me that I can make money."

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"BTA is more than just a program, it’s really a group and a network of great guys."

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"BTA helped us gather focus in the right direction and showed us exactly what we needed to do in order to run our business."

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How to create a landscaping business plan

Claim your free Nextdoor business page

Claim your business page to get discovered by customers and manage your recommendations

Turn your green thumb into a different kind of green with a budding local landscaping business. Whether you’re starting your own or formalizing one you work for, begin with a business plan. Like starting any company, a business plan for your landscaping business will focus your mission, identify your clients, and help you grow. And growing things is already your specialty. With a sound landscaping business plan, feel more confident in your company’s launch and its future. 

Manicure with a mission

The first step in creating a landscaping business plan is to craft a mission statement. This is a short summary of why you do what you do. 

Good mission statements do the following:

• Say a lot with a little – The mission statement includes your objectives and values in an easily digestible sentence or two that clearly states what your company does and why. This will be important, and something you’ll want to be easy to remember and impactful enough to share with others, in-person and on your website.
• Inspire with action and specifics – Stating how your business will fill a need in your community is a crucial component in your local business plan. Include what makes you different and what you plan to accomplish.
• Revisit for revisions – As your landscaping service grows, your mission statement may too. Be prepared to return to it every few years to make sure it’s aligned with company values and culture as you grow.

Located in Weaverville, NC, Lawn-N-Order Landscaping ’s website emphasizes its company’s mission: “At Lawn-N-Order, we approach a problem with your entire property in mind. We consider all the effects of our work on your property to ensure a beautiful solution which proves its functionality for years to come.”

Share your edge with an executive summary

An executive summary gives potential investors a look into your services and financial projections. As an outline for the rest of the business plan, the executive summary should wow while hooking investors to continue reading.

The best executive summaries generally include the following:

• Management structure and overview – Are you an LLC or sole proprietor? Do you have mid-level management? Thinking through these key structural questions can help you project taxes and profits. Include details of your experience and background, as well as other owners or prominent people in your company.
• Market analysis – To demonstrate to potential investors that your landscape business is or will be profitable, include an analysis of the market you’ll be operating. Identify current trends as you make future projections for how and why you expect to grow. Pair your specialty with relevant market insights to show why you offer the services you do based on projected demand for them.
• Financial needs – If you plan to raise capital or take out a loan, include the amount of money you need, plus your repayment plan. The exact amount you end up borrowing may change, but this will give potential investors an idea of your financial standing. 

According to venture capitalist and business planner Dave Lavinsky , this last component is especially important when seeking a bank loan. “Banks will want to review your business plan,” writes Lavinksy. “Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.”

Bolster with a business description

Although you preview your landscape business’s values and services in your mission statement, this section goes into more depth on what your company is, who it serves, and why.

Strong business descriptions generally include the following:

• Company background and story – I nclude your landscape business’s founding story. Has your landscaping business been in the family, or did you start it straight out of school from the ground up? Share the details of how you got where you are today.
• Products and services – Landscape businesses come in all shapes and sizes. While some specialize in commercial landscaping, for instance, others specialize in garden installation and sodding. Be clear about the products and services you provide. Even if you offer a wide range of services, list all of them so that potential investors and clients know what to expect from your business.
• Growth strategy – You know a thing or two about growth, now apply that to your business projections in the next 6 months, year, and beyond. If you’re planning to expand to more neighborhoods or grow your team, share estimations for when and how. Even if you don’t hit every objective, having a growth strategy will move you forward and give you benchmarks to check in on.

Your business description will have use beyond your business plan. Share it on your website along with your products and services.

Jason's Five Star Landscape & Design in Watertown, WI, states its services clearly on their website to make it easy for potential clients to know exactly what to expect when they call Jason’s company.

Cultivate trust with a financial and marketing plan

Here, you’ll include a thorough analysis of your area’s market and an overview of the industry. Entrepreneur and investor Ajaero Tony Martins shares that researching industry trends can even be the first thing you do:

“Before setting up a landscaping business, entrepreneurs should thoroughly investigate the industry and be certain that the location they intend to start their landscape business is ready for their service offerings.”

Include the following in your business plan:

• Pricing trends
• Industry regulations
• Projected national growth
• Target demographics
• Popular landscape trends
• Competitor breakdowns 

Finally, share how you plan to market your business . Start by setting up your landscaping business with a free Nextdoor business page to connect with clients in your immediate neighborhood and build awareness beyond. Spread the word through social media, email, and through word-of-mouth business with a client referral program.

Include Nextdoor in your landscaping business plan 

Your landscaping business will bloom growing and marketing it as the local business it is. Tap into the power of your neighbors on Nextdoor where 72% have been influenced by a recommendation and 71% have shared them. With your landscaping business plan in place and access to your local community unlocked when you sign up with Nextdoor , grow your business neighborhood-by-neighborhood, lawn-by-lawn.

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Unlocking Success: How to Create a Compelling Brand Story

In today’s competitive business landscape, creating a compelling brand story is crucial for success. A well-crafted brand story can captivate your audience, differentiate your business from competitors, and build long-term customer loyalty. But how exactly do you create a compelling brand story? In this article, we will explore four key steps to help you unlock the potential of your brand and craft a captivating narrative that resonates with your target audience.

Define Your Brand Identity

The first step in creating a compelling brand story is to define your brand identity. Start by asking yourself, “What sets my business apart?” Consider the core values, mission statement, and unique selling proposition of your company. These elements will form the foundation of your brand story.

Next, identify your target audience and understand their needs, desires, and pain points. This will allow you to tailor your brand story to resonate with them on a deeper level. By understanding who you are as a brand and who you are speaking to, you can begin crafting a narrative that aligns with your customers’ values and aspirations.

Craft Your Unique Narrative

Once you have defined your brand identity, it’s time to craft your unique narrative. This involves telling the story of how your business came into existence or highlighting key milestones that shaped its journey. Share anecdotes that showcase the passion and dedication behind what you do.

Consider incorporating elements such as personal experiences or customer success stories into your narrative. These real-life examples help humanize your brand and make it relatable to your audience. Remember that authenticity is key; be genuine in sharing why you are passionate about what you do.

Engage Emotionally with Your Audience

To create a compelling brand story, it’s essential to engage emotionally with your audience. People connect with stories that evoke emotions such as joy, empathy, or inspiration. Use storytelling techniques to create a narrative arc that takes your audience on a journey.

Consider incorporating elements such as conflict, resolution, and transformation into your brand story. This will help create a sense of connection and resonance with your audience. By tapping into the emotions of your target market, you can forge deeper connections and build lasting relationships.

Consistency Across Channels

Finally, ensure consistency across all marketing channels when telling your brand story. Your website, social media profiles, blog posts, and other marketing materials should all convey a consistent message that aligns with your brand narrative.

Develop a style guide that outlines key messaging points and visual guidelines to ensure cohesive storytelling across different platforms. This will help build recognition and reinforce your brand identity in the minds of your audience.

Remember that storytelling is an ongoing process; it evolves as your business grows and adapts to changing market dynamics. Regularly review and update your brand story to keep it relevant and compelling.

In conclusion, creating a compelling brand story is essential for unlocking success in today’s competitive business landscape. By defining your brand identity, crafting a unique narrative, engaging emotionally with your audience, and ensuring consistency across channels, you can create a captivating brand story that resonates with your target market. Invest time in developing an authentic narrative that showcases the passion behind what you do – it’s the key to standing out from the crowd and building long-term customer loyalty.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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6 common mistakes families make when selling a business.

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Selling a family business can be a monumental financial event and a major emotional transition. Such a sale often results in a significant liquidity event, presenting the family with new wealth management challenges. While the influx of capital can open up numerous opportunities, it also introduces potential pitfalls. Here are six common mistakes that families make when selling their business and here’s how you can avoid them:

Hire a trusted wealth advisor who can help you reexamine your financial objectives and investment ... [+] goals.

1. Failing to Plan Ahead

In the swirl of getting a transaction done, it’s easy to be so laser-focused on getting the deal across the finish line that certain wealth planning steps are inadvertently missed or considered too late to be implemented. Before you sign a letter of intent to sell a business, there are a few key steps you should consider.

Solution: Transfer non-voting shares of a non-publicly traded company into an irrevocable trust. The irrevocable trust could be set up for the benefit of the wealth creator’s spouse, children, grandchildren, and future descendants. The shares would likely be transferred at a discounted value because the company is not marketable and not publicly traded. The value will likely be lower than it is when you actually have a concrete offer to sell the business. So then, at some future date, when you sell your business, the amount it sells for is now locked in because the trust owns the non-voting shares of the business. Additionally, that new value will be exempt from estate tax.

This leads to another point: If you live in a traditionally high-tax state like Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, or California, you should consider moving your tax domicile and residency to another state with no income tax such as Florida or Texas before selling your business. However, this process can take several months, so it’s important to map out a sufficient timeline to execute these steps successfully before the transaction closes.

2. Overlooking Tax Implications

The sale of a business can have significant tax implications, and without careful planning, families can find themselves facing substantial tax liabilities. For example, should you sell shares in the company or the business assets? Buyers and sellers can be at odds as sellers want to achieve capital gains, and buyers want to get a stepped-up basis for depreciation. They can be worked out by negotiating the sales price. Often, the excitement and relief of selling can overshadow the necessity of tax planning, which can lead to unfavorable financial outcomes.

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Solution: Prior to the sale, collaborate with tax professionals to understand the potential tax impact and explore strategies for tax minimization. This might include timing the sale to coincide with specific tax advantages or utilizing trusts and other vehicles to manage the new influx of wealth. At my firm, planning in advance leads to advantageous timing that enables us to ensure that a client’s charitable intentions can achieve maximum tax benefits by offsetting ordinary taxable income.

3. Neglecting Estate Planning Updates

If estate plans were structured around the business as an asset, they need to be revisited once the company is no longer part of the family’s portfolio. Failing to update estate plans can lead to inefficiencies and conflicts within the family, especially regarding the distribution of the new assets.

Solution : Update estate planning documents to reflect the current state of family wealth. This may involve setting up trusts, revising wills, and ensuring that the distribution of assets aligns with the family’s current wishes. Most importantly, share details of the estate plan with your heirs while you’re still alive. That way, your heirs understand your thinking, can ask questions, and be prepared when the time comes.

The example of legendary investor Warren Buffet, 93, is instructive. He recently shared some details of his estate planning with the Wall Street Journal . He said he plans to leave nearly all his wealth to a charitable trust overseen by his three children (a daughter and two sons). “I feel very, very good about the values of my three children, and I have 100% trust in how they will carry things out,” Buffett told the Journal .

4. Not Reassessing Financial Goals

A family’s financial landscape changes dramatically after selling a business. What worked financially for the family when the business was operating might not be suitable for managing post-sale wealth. It's crucial for families to sit down with financial advisors to redefine their financial objectives, taking into account their current and future lifestyle, legacy considerations, and investment goals.

Solution: Engage with trusted advisors to establish new financial goals and create a strategic plan that aligns with the family’s values and new financial status. A family may want to consider establishing a family office structure to help its members navigate and manage their wealth or perhaps join an existing multifamily office that already has the staff, systems, and processes in place.

5. Making Hasty Investment Decisions

With a large amount of capital suddenly available, there might be a rush to reinvest this wealth. However, hasty investment decisions can lead to poor allocation of resources. The lack of a business, which previously might have been a major investment focus, can lead families to diversify their investments without adequate research or strategy.

Solution: Take a measured approach to investing the proceeds from the sale. Develop a comprehensive investment strategy with a wealth management advisor that considers risk tolerance, time horizon, and the family’s overall financial goals.

6. Underestimating Emotional and Psychological Impacts

Selling a family business is not just a financial transition but also an emotional one. The company often represents not just financial security but also a sense of identity and purpose for family members. Underestimating the emotional and psychological impact of this change can lead to challenges in adjusting to the post-sale reality.

Solution: Seek support from professionals specializing in family dynamics and wealth transition. Engaging in family governance structures can also help manage the emotional aspects and aid in the smooth transition of roles and responsibilities within the family.

Avoiding these common mistakes when selling a family business involves careful planning, professional guidance, and an understanding of the financial and emotional complexities involved. By addressing these areas proactively, families can secure their financial future and navigate the transition with confidence and clarity.

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Money blog: House prices hit two-year high - see the average cost in your region

House prices have hit a two-year high after jumping 0.3% in August, the latest data from Halifax has shown. Scroll through the Money blog for this plus more personal finance and consumer posts - and leave your comments below.

Friday 6 September 2024 19:36, UK

• Liam Gallagher jokes about Oasis ticket prices
• Reality star tells Sky News she didn't have pension in her 40s 
• Sharp rise in price of first class stamp
• House prices hit two-year high - see how they vary by region
• Supermarket's tea beats more expensive brands in taste test  

Essential reads

• Who's to blame for concert prices going through roof - and who gets money?
• Fake voucher trend sees supermarket call in police
• How data roaming charges compare by network
• How your pension could be taxed

Tips and advice

• Weekly mortgage guide
• Free school meals guide
• Cheapest holidays dates before Xmas
• Money Problem : 'My dog died but insurance still wants a year's payment'

Ask a question or make a comment

By Jimmy Rice , Money blog editor

Away from Oasis ticket prices, the news agenda in Money this week was dominated by pensions.

We learned on Wednesday that the state pension looks set to rise by just below 4% next April - equalling around £400 extra per year for those on the full state pension.

Pre-2016 retirees who may be eligible for the secondary state pension could see a £300 per year increase.

Because of the triple lock, each year the state pension rises by whatever is highest from inflation, average wage growth or 2.5%.

Officials did nothing to downplay a BBC report, apparently based on internal Treasury figures, that average wage growth would be the highest of these this year.

The figures that would be used to set next April's rise are released next week but the OBR forecast is for 3.7% - which would take the full state pension to around £12,000.

Whether or not pensioners would view this as good news is up for debate (see our last post), but there was definite bad news for older Britons earlier in the week, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to rule out heavier taxation on pensions in the October budget.

How could pensions be taxed further? We had a look here...

Ms Reeves also confirmed on Tuesday that she'd impose a cap on corporation tax.

She said the tax would be capped at its current level of 25% to "give business the confidence to grow".

A final piece of news from Money this week that could have consequences for your bank balance was confirmation that the Household Support Fund would be extended until April.

Councils decide how to dish out their share of the fund but it's often via cash grants or vouchers. Many councils also use the cash to work with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.

People should contact their local council for details on how to apply for the Household Support Fund - they can find their council here .

On the Oasis ticket price story, which continued to make headlines through the week including today, a post in Money appeared to help prompt a U-turn from official reseller Twickets.

The company told us it would be lowering its fees after criticism online...

Unofficial resellers were also in the spotlight and, on an episode of the Daily podcast, Niall Paterson spoke to Viagogo - eliciting an admission that things need to change...

Here in Money, we published a few explainers that are well worth checking out...

We'll be back with live updates on Monday - but do check out our Money blog spin-off tomorrow, a student finance special.

Have a good weekend.

We start this week's round up of your comments with Virgin Media O2's decision to axe its weekly free Greggs perk...

Customers on social media claimed they'd review whether they remained with O2 - while one Money blog reader asked what his rights were if he wanted to cancel...

I signed a new O2 contract on 16 August based largely on the advertised promise of the Greggs priority offer. I'm angry that I have been mis-sold my new contract and I will not be able to enjoy the benefit that I signed it for. I want to end it early, what are my rights? Phil

We looked at O2 Priority's T&Cs - and they clearly set out that they can make any change to the terms of the agreement and service without giving you a right to cancel.

Therefore, if you want to cancel you'll have to pay an early termination charge.

There is one exception - but only if you're in the first two weeks of your contract.

Consumer champion Scott Dixon says: "When you enter into a phone contract with a mobile phone provider online, it is classed as a distance sale and is covered by legislation.

"This legislation binds traders to provide key information at the point of sale including right to cancel information. This gives you a 14-day cooling-off period to leave without paying any termination fees, although you would have to pay for what you have used such as calls, texts and data.

"If you entered into the contract in-store, this would not apply." 

This probably isn't what Phil wants to hear - but we did look at other ways he and others might be able to get free or discount Greggs...

This post, which we hoped would be helpful, didn't go down well with everyone...

How to eat Greggs on the cheap?! Give me strength... Pork Pie Percy

Another topic that elicited a strong response from readers was a campaign group's call for the chancellor to impose a pay-per-mile tax on electric vehicles.

EV drivers obviously don't pay fuel duty - and the pay-per-mile proposal would make up for lost revenue to the Treasury as more people ditch petrol and diesel cars.

The Campaign for Better Transport group proposing the tax says the public would be on board - but our LinkedIn poll suggests this isn't the case...

Readers said...

I wonder how many people realise that an introduction of pay per mile, I guess by means of a tracker type of device, will actually allow big brother to watch your every move when travelling in your car, your speed on any given road, accident data etc... our freedom is diminishing. Big Ian

EVs need electricity to work, the cost of electricity in the UK is mad. I pay higher electricity bills because I don't have a diesel anymore. Why should I be charged pence per mile just by having an EV? It's money and NOT pollution targets the government are looking at. A Grant

The proposed introduction of pay per mile for ZEV will clearly by necessary to compensate for the taxes lost from the sale of petroleum based fuels. This was always going to happen. EU4ME

Only a matter of time before they came for the electric clan. I wonder if sales of electric will now suffer?  Chappers2013

Read more on this story here...

Pension stories always attract a lot of feedback - and this week's suggestion that the state pension will rise in line with average earnings growth next year was no different.

A rise of 3.7% would equal another £400 a year...

Wow how generous, suggested £400 rise to state pension would equate to a rise of £7.69 a week to a pensioner. But in reality, take away winter fuel and the rise is £100, that's £1.92 a week - will be rolling in the money. SueP

Without raising the personal allowance any pension increases will be eaten up with tax. This country is unbelievable in the way it treats its old folk. Monkee knows best

A potential £400 rise in state pension is hardly a headline, it's still a long way off from the minimum living wage. Prendy

An Oasis fan who spent more than £350 on a single ticket says she was left "fuming" after extra show dates were announced. 

Diane Green, from Middlesbrough, was close to buying a ticket costing £158 but said she was kicked out of an online queue. 

She then had to wait four hours to pay £357.95 for one ticket.

The 60-year-old wanted to buy a total of four tickets to take herself, her son and two friends to see the band at Heaton Park in Manchester, but said "there's just no way I could have got more".

"I would never have done it (purchased the ticket)," she said.

"If I had known they were putting more dates on, I would have just thought 'no, I'll chance it again', but it was really frustrating."

"I paid double. I could have got two tickets when I paid and now only one person can go. In our household, it's like, who goes?"

Ms Green said she bought the ticket thinking it was her only chance to see the band and was "absolutely fuming" when they announced more dates.

"It's disgraceful," she added. "For me to purchase a ticket for £358, it's a lot of money. I regret doing it in a way."

Oasis announced two new Wembley Stadium dates due to "phenomenal public demand" earlier this week.

It comes after controversy over the sale of tickets for their reunion tour, with 17 shows across Cardiff, Manchester, Wembley, Edinburgh and Dublin selling out.

Fans were beset with problems getting on to ticket websites, from being labelled bots and being kicked out of queuing to some ending up paying more than the advertised price of £148 as costs surged past £355. 

Liam Gallagher appeared to brush off the controversy earlier as he joked about ticket prices on social media, telling one person to "shut up" after Oasis were accused of ripping off fans.

Nationwide's £2.9bn takeover of rival Virgin Money is expected to complete next month after the deal was approved by the UK's financial regulators.

The deal will still need to be sanctioned in court, with a hearing set to take place on 27 September, but it is due to be formally complete on 1 October. 

It comes after Nationwide agreed to the takeover of its London-listed rival in March.

The building society struck the deal with a 220p-a-share offer for Virgin Money, including a planned 2p-per-share dividend payout.

It will bring together Britain's fifth and sixth-largest retail lenders, creating a combined group with around 24.5 million customers and more than 25,000 staff. 

The new owners of The Body Shop are lining up tens of millions of pounds in new financing as they finalise a deal to buy the chain out of administration.

Sky News has learnt that Aurea, an investment company led by cosmetics entrepreneur Mike Jatania, is in advanced talks to secure more than £30m in working capital from Hilco Capital, a prolific investor in and lender to the retail industry.

Banking sources said that the deal between Aurea and FRP Advisory, The Body Shop's administrators, was likely to be finalised within days.

If confirmed, the new debt from Hilco would be used to help place the cosmetics chain back on a growth footing, the bankers said.

The UK economy would need investment of £1trn over a decade for an annual growth rate of 3% to be achieved, according to a business lobby group.

The Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT), which represents leaders in the financial services sphere, said £100bn a year must be found to help the country catch up after trailing its peers for many years.

It urged a focus on energy, housing and venture capital, arguing the money could be unlocked from the £6trn in long-term capital within the pensions and insurance sector.

The government has made growing the economy its top priority.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer let it be known during the election campaign that he was seeking to achieve a growth rate of 2.5% - a level the economy has struggled to reach since the financial crisis of 2008.

You've waved your magic wand, and your "happily ever after" home appears... 

It sounds like a buyer's dream - and one property has come to market that could be a dream come true for a Disney fan. 

A semi-detached house in Rhyl, Wales, looks ordinary from the outside, but its interior has been decorated as an homage to Disney and other cartoon characters. 

The cast of Aladdin, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan are just some of the characters displayed around this three-bed house. 

It's been put on the market for £179,950 - more than £44,400 less than the average price of a property in Wales (you can read more about this in our 8.54 post). 

On Zoopla, it is listed as being close to public transport and within walking distance to the town centre. 

It also has two reception areas, a shed and a garden. 

According to the online estate agent, it is "ideal for first time buyers". 

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, told the Money blog: "It goes without saying that this property would make the perfect home for a Disney fan with its spectacular murals showcasing a whole new world.

"Aside from this, the property is conveniently located near the local leisure centre and schools, while Rhyl’s beautiful beaches are also within walking distance." 

Visa says it is planning a new service which offers more control and better protection to people paying bills by bank transfer.

The dedicated service for account-to-account (A2A) payments will launch early in the UK next year, it said - with an "easy to use" resolution service that could make it easier for customers to claw their money back if something goes wrong.

Visa said consumers using the service will be able to monitor their payments more easily and raise any issues by clicking a button in their banking app, giving them a similar level of protection to when they use their cards.

Biometrics will also be incorporated to offer a new level of security, it added.

Royal Mail is hiking the price of first class stamps again - this time by 30p. 

From 7 October, they will increase to £1.65, while second class stamps will remain at 85p.

In April, first class stamp prices increased by 10p to £1.35, and by 10p to 85p for second class.

Royal Mail said it had sought to keep price increases as low as possible in the face of declining letter volumes, inflationary pressures and the costs of maintaining the Universal Service Obligation, under which deliveries have to be made six days a week.

It added that letter volumes have fallen from 20 billion in 2004/5 to around 6.7 billion a year in 2023/4. 

This means the average household now receives four letters a week, compared to 14 a decade ago.

In the same period, the number of addresses Royal Mail must deliver to has risen by four million, meaning the cost of each delivery has also risen. 

Nick Landon, Royal Mail's chief commercial officer, said: "We always consider price increases very carefully. 

"However, when letter volumes have declined by two-thirds since their peak, the cost of delivering each letter inevitably increases."

He called for the universal service to be adapted to reflect changing customer preferences, saying the financial cost to meet the current demands are "significant". 

"The universal service must adapt to reflect changing customer preferences and increasing costs so that we can protect the one-price-goes anywhere service, now and in the future," he added. 

Postal regulator Ofcom said this week that Royal Mail could be allowed to drop Saturday deliveries for second class letters under an overhaul of the service.

Up to 60 new Wagamama restaurants could be coming to the UK. 

The Asian food chain's owner, The Restaurant Group (TRG), said it wanted to operate between 200 and 220 premises across the country as part of a long-term plan. 

It's currently on track to open 10 new sites this year, which would create around 500 jobs, according to The Caterer. 

It comes as TRG posted its financial results for the year ending December 2023. 

It said Wagamama saw its dine-in like-for-like sales increase by 11%. 

It's other brand, Brunning and Price Pubs, saw sales go up by 10%. 

TRG's chief executive Andy Hornby said 2023 was a "genuinely transformational" year for the company. 

"We traded strongly throughout the year thanks to the phenomenal efforts of our restaurant and pub teams," he said. 

"We are on track to open 10 more Wagamama sites in the UK during 2024 and we have acquired 100% ownership of our Wagamama business in the USA." 

He added that he was "confident" that the company would continue to grow in the years ahead, despite the "challenging" consumer backdrop. 

Amazon has announced it will boost pay for tens of thousands of its UK workers by nearly 10%.

The online retail giant said the minimum hourly wage for frontline staff would rise to between £13.50 to £14.50, depending on their location. For those with 36 months' service, the increase will be to between £13.75 and £14.75 an hour.

Amazon said the pay rise was worth at least 9.8% and will come into effect on 29 September.

However, GMB, the union representing Amazon workers, said the move was "too little too late" from bosses who have been "forced to act by workers' industrial action".

Amazon workers in the UK have staged a series of strikes recently, including a walkout of hundreds of staff at the site in Coventry in March.

The company said it has invested £550m in increased pay for UK operations employees since 2022, representing a 35% increase in the hourly rate over the period.

Amazon UK's country manager John Boumphrey said: "Our frontline employees across the UK Operations network are a huge part of the success of our business and we appreciate everything they do to deliver for our customers."

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