How to Start a Lawn Care Business in 2026: Complete Guide

Love being outdoors? Good with your hands? Ready to be your own boss? Starting a lawn care business gives you freedom and profit. The industry is projected to grow 6.7% annually through 2030, according to Grand View Research. No MBA required.

Trevor Kokenge started with $300 in used equipment. Today he brings in $29,000 per month with just two employees. Most lawn care businesses launch with $755-$1,360 in basic gear. Solo operators earn $5,000-$10,000 monthly. You can go from planning to first customer in just 3-4 weeks. This guide covers the 7 straightforward steps to get you there.

TL;DR How to start a lawn care business

Starting a lawn care business takes 7 key steps:

1. Get licensed and insured. Business licenses cost $50-$200. Insurance runs $500+/year. Most states don't require special licensing for basic mowing.
2. Create a simple business plan. Total startup cost: $755-$1,360 minimum, or $300 with used equipment like Trevor Kokenge used.
3. Define services and pricing. Charge $45-$75/hour or $50-$150 per lawn. Target 18-35% profit margins.
4. Buy basic equipment. Push mower, trimmer, blower, and safety gear get you started.
5. Get your first customers. Knock on doors (expect 1-2 yeses per 100). Use free channels like Google Business Profile and Facebook groups.
6. Use software to manage operations. Schedule jobs, track hours, and run payroll from your phone.
7. Start with trial services. Build your portfolio and collect reviews.

Timeline: 3-4 weeks to launch.

Profit potential: $5,000-$10,000/month solo, $100,000-$500,000/year established.

Is starting a lawn care business right for you?

Not every business fits every person. Here's how to know if lawn care is your match.

• You enjoy working with customers. Building relationships matters. You'll enter private homes and gardens, sell your services, and keep clients happy. If you'd rather avoid people, this isn't your gig.
• Physical work doesn't scare you. Lawn care means mowing, hauling equipment, and working in weather that's not always perfect. You'll sweat. You'll get dirty. If that sounds like a good day, you're on track.
• Seasonal income works for your life. Most lawn care happens spring through fall. Depending on your location, you might generate income 7-9 months per year. You need a plan for the off-season, whether that's winter services like snow removal, banking summer profits, or a side gig.
• You can spot what makes you different. Every neighborhood has lawn services. What makes yours worth choosing? Quality work, reliable scheduling, or specialized services like eco-friendly products create loyal customers. Lower prices rarely win long-term.
• You're ready to manage and grow. Today you're solo with a mower. Tomorrow you might manage a team. Think about whether you want to stay small or build something bigger. Both work, but the path differs.

If most of these describe you, keep reading.

Step 1. Get your lawn care business license and insurance

Making your lawn care business legal protects you from fines and lawsuits. Here's what you actually need.

Do I need a license to start a lawn care business?

Most states don't require a special lawn care license for basic mowing services. You'll typically need a general business license ($50-$200/year) to operate legally. Pesticide application requires separate licensing in all states.

• Basic mowing, trimming, and edging need no special license in most states. Just register your business and get a general business license from your city or county.
• Chemical applications are different. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers require licensing from your state's Department of Agriculture.
• Large landscaping projects trigger additional requirements. Some states like California require a contractor's license for jobs over $500.
• If you hire employees, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It's free and takes 10 minutes online at IRS.gov.

State-specific licensing examples

📍 Texas: No lawn care license required. File DBA with county clerk and get tax ID.

📍 Florida: Basic mowing needs no license. Pesticide applicator license required for chemicals.

📍 California: Contractor license required for landscaping jobs over $500.

Insurance you need for your lawn care business

Insurance protects your business from disasters that could end it.

• General liability insurance covers property damage and injuries. A mower kicks up a rock through a window? Liability insurance protects you from $50,000+ lawsuits. Costs $500-$1,200/year.
• Commercial vehicle insurance is required if using a truck. Regular auto insurance doesn't cover business use.
• Workers' compensation becomes required when you hire. Most states mandate workers' comp when you have employees.

Get quotes from multiple providers. Bundle policies for discounts.

Step 2. Plan your lawn care business and budget for costs 

Know your numbers before you buy your first mower.

How much does it cost to start a lawn care business?

Starting a lawn care business costs $755-$1,360 minimum, or $30,000-$35,000 including a vehicle. You can start with as little as $300 if you buy used equipment.

Equipment costs:

• Push mower: $170-$350
• String trimmer/edger: $100-$200
• Leaf blower: $30-$150
• Safety gear: $50-$100
• Hand tools: $50-$100

Legal and insurance costs:

• Business license: $50-$200
• LLC registration: $0-$200 (optional)
• General liability insurance: $500-$1,200/year

Marketing costs:

• Business cards: $20-$50
• Website/Google Profile: $0-$500

Total without vehicle: $970-$3,050

Transport costs: Used truck $5,000-$15,000, new truck $30,000+, trailer $500-$1,500.

First-year ongoing costs: Gas $100-$300/month, equipment maintenance $50-$100/month, marketing $50-$200/month.

Minimize startup costs: Buy used equipment on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Start as a sole proprietor. Use your personal vehicle initially. Borrow equipment for your first few jobs.

How profitable is a lawn care business?

Lawn care businesses earn $60,000-$120,000 annually for solo operators, and $180,000-$500,000+ for small teams. Profit margins typically run 18-35%.

• Solo operator: $5,000-$10,000/month serving 10-20 customers.
• Small team (2-3 people): $15,000-$30,000/month with 30-50 customers.
• Established business (5+ people): $100,000-$500,000+/year with multiple crews.
• What drives profitability: Pricing correctly, efficient routing, customer retention, and upselling services like aeration and fertilization.

Most lawn care businesses cover startup costs within 3-6 months. Charge properly from the start. Many new operators underprice to win customers, then struggle to raise rates later.

Step 3. Choose your lawn care services and set your prices

Start with basics. Add services as you learn what customers actually want.

What services should your lawn care business offer?

Start with these basic services:

• Lawn mowing is the bread and butter. Weekly or bi-weekly cuts for residential properties. Charge $45-$75 per lawn depending on size and market.
• Trimming and edging clean up fence lines, sidewalks, and landscape borders. Usually bundled with mowing, not sold separately.
• Basic cleanup means bagging grass clippings and removing debris.
• Add these services as you grow:
• Fertilization and weed control require a pesticide license in most states. Charge $50-$150 per application. Higher margins than mowing.
• Aeration and overseeding improve lawn health. Charge $150-$300 per lawn.
• Seasonal cleanup includes spring prep and fall leaf removal. Charge $100-$500 depending on property size.
• Winter services like snow removal keep cash flowing year-round in cold climates.
• Skip these initially: Landscaping installation, irrigation systems, and tree removal require expensive equipment, licensing, or specialized skills.

How to price your lawn care services profitably

Price too low and you won't survive. Price too high and you won't get customers.

Four pricing models:

• Per job: Flat rate per property. Example: $50 for small lawn, $150 for large lawn. Customers love price certainty.
• Per hour: $45-$75/hour depending on market and service complexity.
• Per square foot: $0.05-$0.10 per square foot for mowing. Works for large commercial properties.
• Per season: Monthly or seasonal rates for recurring service. Example: $200/month for weekly mowing April-October.

How to set your rates:

• Calculate your costs first. Equipment, fuel, insurance, labor. Know your per-hour cost to operate.
• Research competitors. Call 5 local lawn care businesses as a customer. Average their rates.
• Add profit margin. Aim for 18-35% profit after covering all costs.
• Start slightly below market rate to build clientele, then raise rates after 3-6 months as reviews accumulate.
• Track your labor costs versus revenue with Homebase to make sure every job makes you money.

Step 4. Buy the lawn care equipment you need to start 

Right equipment lets you do quality work. Too much equipment drains cash.

Essential equipment for your lawn care business

Tier 1: Absolute minimum to start ($755-$1,000)

• Push mower: $170-$350 (20-22 inch cutting deck, buy used on Facebook Marketplace)
• String trimmer/edger: $100-$200
• Leaf blower: $30-$150
• Safety gear: $50-$100 (gloves, glasses, ear protection, boots)
• Hand tools: $50-$100 (rake, shears, bags)

Tier 2: Upgrade when revenue justifies it ($3,000-$5,000) – Riding mower $1,500-$5,000, professional trimmer $300-$500, backpack blower $200-$400.

Transport solution: Use your personal truck initially. Rent a Home Depot truck for $20/hour for big hauls. Buy a commercial vehicle once you're earning $5,000+/month.

How to start a lawn care business with minimal money

You can launch with just $300.

• Buy a used push mower from Craigslist for $150. Borrow a string trimmer from a neighbor. Use hand tools you already own. Spend $20 on work gloves and safety glasses. Buy gas and fuel for $30. Print business cards for $10. Total: $210.
• Reinvest every dollar. First job earnings buy a string trimmer. Second job earnings buy a leaf blower. Third job builds your equipment fund.
• Alternative strategies: Buy used on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Borrow from friends and family. Rent equipment for one-off jobs at Home Depot ($70/day for aerator). Partner with someone who has equipment and split revenue 60/40.

Most operators grow from $300 to professional equipment in 6-12 months by reinvesting profits. Keep expenses low early.

Step 5. Get your first lawn care customers fast

Equipment means nothing without customers. Here's how to get them.

Create your brand and online presence

Pick a memorable business name. Choose something clear and descriptive. "Greenview Lawn Care" tells people exactly what you do.

Claim your Google Business Profile for free. Add photos of completed work, list your services, and respond to reviews. This is where customers find you.

Get business cards for $20 at Vistaprint. Include: business name, phone number, services, and "Free Estimates."

How to get your first 10 customers

• Door-to-door works. Target neighborhoods with unkempt lawns. Go Saturday mornings 9am-12pm. Your script: "Hi, I'm [name]. I just started a lawn care business. I noticed your lawn could use some attention. I'm offering 20% off for new customers. Can I give you a free estimate?" Expect 1-2 yes responses per 100 doors.
• Mine your social circle. Contact parents, neighbors, church members, and former coworkers. The ask: "I'm starting a lawn care business. Would you like me to mow your lawn, or know anyone who might?"
• Use free online channels. Post in local Facebook groups and Nextdoor. Post weekly on Craigslist services section.
• Build repeat customers. Offer seasonal contracts like "$200/month for weekly mowing April-October." Ask for Google reviews after every job. Create a referral program: "Refer a friend, get $25 off."

Use Homebase messaging to send appointment reminders and follow-ups without juggling multiple apps.

Step 6. Run your lawn care business like a pro

Good operations separate professionals from amateurs.

Should you stay solo or hire?

Benefits of staying solo: Keep more profit since no payroll. Simple operations—you schedule yourself. Flexible hours. Lower liability and simpler insurance.

When to consider hiring: You're turning down work and customers wait weeks for service. You're burned out from mowing 40+ lawns weekly alone. You want to scale past $120K/year. You're ready to manage people—a different skillset than mowing lawns.

Most lawn care businesses stay solo or grow to 2-5 people. Both models work.

How to hire and manage your team

• Hire when you're consistently booked 4+ weeks out and turning down new customers.
• What to look for: Reliable above all else. Your employee represents your business. Physically capable of lifting and working in heat. Customer-friendly and polite. Trainable—you can teach lawn care, but not reliability or attitude.
• Homebase helps you hire faster. Create job posts using our templates. Post to multiple job boards with one click. Track applications in one place. Schedule interviews without the phone tag. Onboard new hires digitally before day one.
• Manage your team from your phone. Create schedules in minutes. Track hours with photo and GPS verification. Auto-calculate payroll with taxes, overtime, and breaks based on your state's laws. Message your crew instantly about schedule changes.

Run payroll with a few clicks—even from your truck between jobs.

Step 7. Launch with trial jobs and build your reputation

Nobody trusts a lawn care business with zero reviews. Fix that fast.

Offer trial services to friends and family first

• The cold-start problem: You need experience to get customers. You need customers to get experience.
• The solution: Strategic freebies and discounts.
• Jobs 1-2: Free for close friends/family. Pick people whose lawns you can photograph. Do excellent work. Ask for honest feedback and a Google review.
• Jobs 3-5: 50% off for acquaintances. Charge half price. Still do full-quality work. Ask for reviews and referrals.
• Jobs 6-10: 25% off "launch special." Close to full price now. Reviews are your currency.
• Job 11+: Full price. You've got reviews, photos, and references. Charge what you're worth.
• What to capture: Before photos of unkempt lawns. After photos showing perfect cuts and clean edges. Customer testimonials. Post on Facebook, Instagram, and your Google Business Profile.

Timeline: 2-3 weeks to complete your first 10 jobs and you have enough reviews to market confidently.

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Timeline: How long does it take to start?

Total time from idea to first paying customer: 3-4 weeks.

• Week 1: Write a simple business plan, register a business name, get an EIN, buy or borrow equipment.
• Week 2: Create a Google Business Profile, print your business cards, start door-knocking.
• Week 3: Complete 2-3 trial jobs, ask for reviews.
• Week 4: Start charging full rates.

Best time to start: March-April. Gives you a full growing season to build clientele.

Start your lawn care business today

Starting a lawn care business isn't complicated. You need basic equipment, a business license, liability insurance, and the guts to knock on doors. The path is simple: Get legal. Buy or borrow equipment. Price your services to profit 18-35%. Market yourself door-to-door and online. Do excellent work. Ask for reviews. Repeat.

The hardest part is just starting. Most people overthink the planning and never launch. You need a mower, insurance, and your first customer. Everything else you'll figure out as you grow. One month from now, you could have a profitable lawn care business generating real income.

Ready to manage your team? Homebase makes scheduling, time tracking, and payroll simple. Try it free.