Cultivate a Landscaping Business in 2025 by Following These 10 Tips

A new year means a time to move on to greener pastures. Some people may take it literally, from moving to a new property to improving their land. Capitalize on those opportunities by starting a landscaping business of your own.
That way, you can help people on their journey to beautify their grounds.
1. Scope the Business Landscape
Before jumping into the landscaping scene, it’s essential to understand what you’re dealing with. Services are relatively more complex than regular lawn care or maintenance, as they involve design, installation, planting and so many other disciplines. Granted, the variation and expertise required from landscapers can attract more clients in the long run.
There is a high and stable demand for landscaping services. Seeking out these services can help increase curb appeal and property value, which both homeowners and commercial businesses prioritize for financial gain.
Payment for landscaping can vary depending on the nature of your service and the size of the work area. In 2023, landscaping workers earned a median annual wage of $37,360, though some have earned up to $51,290.
2. Narrow Down the Service
One of the most important questions to answer in your landscaping business is about the services you want to offer. Depending on your interests and previous background, you can explore and specialize in different landscaping types.
Full-service landscaping usually means being a jack of all trades, handling everything from building structures to irrigation systems and greenery. Small businesses may benefit from providing one service first to ensure quality and adding other options for clients later.
You can focus on other niches like hardscaping, which focuses on non-plant elements like walkways, driveways, outdoor lounges and more. Xeriscaping is also becoming more popular as property owners prioritize sustainability, as it involves land design with little need for irrigation systems.
3. Attain Education
If you’re entering the landscaping industry from scratch, you need to educate yourself. Basic design principles like layout and scaling are fundamentals to create a well-balanced exterior. Identifying different plants is also important to take on in the future.
There are numerous resources available, from video tutorials to online coursework. Enroll in a school that would provide you with horticulture education. Such groundwork can take time and energy, but building up your expertise is worth it.
4. Gain Experience
Experience is one of the best teachers you can get. Consider seeking volunteer work and internships to learn more about the landscaping industry. You can also pick up a couple of business management techniques along the way.
The experience will also help you get certain permits for your business. In North Carolina, you need five letters of reference to apply for a Landscape Contractor license. You have to get a mix of both professional and personal words of recommendation.
5. Build a Business Plan
With education and experience, you’re in a prime position to start business planning. Prioritize the common factors, like your company name and business structure. These will be necessary details when you register for the landscaping service.
You should also contemplate which location to operate from. It’s typically convenient to work in an area you are already familiar with. Granted, California, Florida and Texas are among the states with the highest employment of landscaping and groundskeeping workers in 2023.
It’s also wise to think about your price rates when putting together your business plan. Some companies charge by the hour, while others do it per project. Try to research and compare what other businesses are doing to see what works for you.
6. Seek Flexible Gear
Beginning a business means working with just your capital. Granted, it is still necessary to get at least the basic landscaping equipment, such as a lawnmower and other hand tools. Investing in flexible equipment can also give you an edge on different startups.
For instance, skid steers are key landscaping vehicles for digging and hauling. They have various attachments to make them multi-functional. Buckets are the most common attachment for completing construction work, and there are even subtypes within this category that vary in depth and versatility.
7. Start Marketing the Business
As your business finally materializes, it’s time to start marketing it. Creating new social media profiles and a new website is a great way to make yourself visible online. Share information about your services, contacts, and operating hours.
You can also place content to pander to the search engine algorithm. Written content like guides on how to take care of the lawn build authority. Meanwhile, visuals are the best way to grab people’s attention. Showcase before and after photos of your work on a client’s landscape to ignite interest.
Word-of-mouth marketing can also be effective. Discuss your business with friends, family, and acquaintances. Offer a discount if they use your service. Provide the same incentives if they can guarantee a referral.
8. Network with Other Landscapers
Your professional network can also use some work when launching your landscaping business. Connecting with other service providers on social media helps you discover a new audience and leads to market to.
Talking to other landscapers may also give you a new mentor you can look to for guidance. If it’s a fellow small business, you can grow together and maybe organize a potential partnership to benefit you both. If not, at least you gain a new acquaintance who understands what you’re going through in penetrating the industries.
9. Be Vigilant of Seasonal Changes
A landscaping business is always in demand, but there are shifts throughout the year. Clients need or benefit from it most during spring and summertime, so you may have a more packed schedule. It’s possible to raise rates during this time due to competitive booking, but it depends on how many clients you’ve acquired.
Fall and winter require minimal landscaping, but you can offer seasonal work focusing on improving non-natural elements, snow removal, and holiday lighting. Some businesses offer discounts to attract gigs and create a steady income.
10. Measure Business Standing
As the landscaping business grows, it’s essential to keep track of your growth and direction. Social media and website metrics offer significant quantitative data. You can also count on customer feedback for qualitative data. Are you on track to meet your goals for the first year? Have you been gaining or losing followers? What are certain aspects you can improve?
Launch Your Landscaping Business
Greener grass awaits your customers, especially when you take all the right steps before creating your landscaping business. Enjoy the journey along the way, as it’s fulfilling to make people’s homes and establishments even better than before while improving your craft.