9 Things to Consider When Starting Your Landscape Business
Starting a landscape business can be a daunting task, so we asked nine industry professionals, including Managing Directors and CEOs, for their top considerations. From choosing a reliable plant supplier to exploring financial support programs, these experts provide invaluable insights for budding entrepreneurs in the landscaping industry.
- Choose a Reliable Plant Supplier
- Create a Thorough Business Plan
- Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits
- Analyze the Local Market Competition
- Decide on the Business Location
- Evaluate Your Landscaping Skills
- Plan Your Start-Up Costs
- Understand Your Value Proposition
- Explore Financial Support Programs
Choose a Reliable Plant Supplier
Where the landscaper is going to get plants from must be a local, reliable nursery with Plant Healthy accreditation, which is increasingly becoming essential. Many landscapers lose days of work waiting for plants to arrive, so supplier reliability is crucial.
There’s a big difference in the cost of plants from different nurseries, depending on whether they actually grow them or buy them in, so I recommend a new landscaper should visit several nurseries and ask detailed questions about plant production before deciding who to order from.
Ray Jenkins
Managing Director, RJ Trees and Hedging
Create a Thorough Business Plan
One thing to consider before starting a landscape business is to create a thorough business plan.
First, what is a business plan? A business plan outlines your business goals, target market, competitive analysis, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and more.
Next, why is it so important? Putting together a well-thought-out business plan serves as a roadmap for your new business and will help towards your business’s success.
A well-constructed business plan can set the path for a business to grow and prosper.
Ben McInerney
Director, Private Exterminator
Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits
Depending on the location of your business, there may be various licenses and/or permits required for you to legally operate as a landscape company. For example, most states require businesses to have a business license, and in some cases, you may need an additional landscape contractor’s license.
Additionally, permits are often needed for any large-scale landscaping projects, such as constructing a stone wall or installing a pond. It is important to do your research and contact the relevant city, county, or state government agencies to ensure that you have all of the necessary licenses and permits to start and operate a successful landscape business.
Shaun Martin
Founder and CEO, We Buy Houses In Denver
Analyze the Local Market Competition
One thing to consider before starting a landscape business is the level of competition in your area. Research and analyze the local market to understand the number of existing landscape businesses, their services, pricing, and customer base.
This evaluation will help you determine if there is enough demand and opportunity for your business to thrive. Identifying any gaps or niches in the market will give you a competitive advantage and help differentiate your services from others.
Ramona Jar
Lead SEO and Founder, Web Design NJ LLC
Decide on the Business Location
One pivotal decision in launching your landscape business is determining whether to establish your operational base from home or lease a dedicated physical space for equipment storage and administrative tasks. Operating from home can provide cost savings initially, as it eliminates the need for external premises.
However, leasing a dedicated space offers advantages like professional image projection, secure equipment storage, and improved organization of tools and supplies. The choice should align with the scale of your business, your budget constraints, and your growth aspirations. Assess the feasibility of accommodating your equipment and managing administrative tasks effectively from home, while also considering the potential for expansion and enhanced client perception that a separate space can provide.
Sacha Ferrandi
Founder and Principal, Source Capital
Evaluate Your Landscaping Skills
Before starting a landscaping business, one important thing to consider is your own capabilities and qualifications in the field. Assess your level of landscaping experience, whether you have a landscaping degree or license, and any specialized skills you possess.
This self-evaluation will help you determine your expertise and what services you can confidently offer to clients. It is also crucial to evaluate the local market demand for landscaping services and competition in your area. Conduct thorough research to understand the potential customer base, their preferences, and the pricing trends in the market.
By considering your own abilities and the market dynamics, you can make informed decisions and tailor your business strategy accordingly.
Samuel Fletcher
Co-Founder, SupplyGem
Plan Your Start-Up Costs
Getting your start-up costs covered is often the most challenging part of launching a landscaping business. It requires a significant amount of tools and materials, and you might not have any income yet to facilitate the purchase.
A recommended approach is to create a tiered list of items that are essential, good to have, and those that can wait until you’ve generated some revenue. Then, start looking for the best deals. Having a plan allows you to spend money on the right things at the right time.
Dragos Badea
CEO, Yarooms
Understand Your Value Proposition
With any business, it’s important to understand your value proposition. What does your landscape company bring to the table that others don’t? Maybe you offer weed-barriers or an easy-to-use online payment portal. Perhaps you offer better prices than the other companies in your area. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but it’s important to have something that sets you apart.
Cameron Dugger
Attorney, CompanySteps
Explore Financial Support Programs
If you’re thinking of starting a landscaping business, it’s important to weigh the advantages and subsidies available in this field. Various financial-support programs and incentives are designed to help businesses grow and succeed in the long term. Understanding these benefits and subsidies is crucial for entrepreneurs who want to make informed decisions that align with their goals.
By exploring these opportunities in detail, new business owners in the landscaping industry can increase their chances of success and access resources that can improve their overall efficiency. This is especially important in today’s competitive market, where businesses must be strategic and innovative to thrive.
So, take the time to learn about the benefits and subsidies available to you, and use this knowledge to build a thriving landscaping business that stands the test of time.
Saneem Ahearn
VP of Marketing, Colorescience
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