How to Start a Landscaping Business
From your first mower to your first paid landscaping job, with the licensing checks and tax setup in between.
A landscaping business can start small, with equipment, a service list and a few regular clients, but check the rules for any chemical treatments before you offer them. This page walks through the start-up order. Seasonal billing and recurring maintenance invoices are on the landscaper invoicing guide linked below.
The BLS profile of grounds maintenance workers (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says: "Most states require licensing for workers who apply pesticides." It adds: "Licensing for workers who handle fertilizers varies by state." On training, it says these workers "typically need 1 month or less of on-the-job training".
First month's invoice, sample figures only: 4 weekly mows at 4 × $45.00 = $180.00 plus a hedge trim at 1 × $85.00 come to $180.00 + $85.00 = $265.00.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your landscaper business on solid footing.
- 1
Pick the services you'll offer
Start with the work your equipment covers, such as mowing, trimming and cleanups, and add more as clients ask.
- 2
Check licensing for chemical work
The BLS grounds maintenance profile (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says: "Most states require licensing for workers who apply pesticides." Ask your state's agriculture or licensing office before you apply any.
- 3
Register the business
Decide on a business structure after talking with an accountant or lawyer, and complete whatever registration your state asks for. If you form an entity, the IRS's EIN page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated July 17, 2026) says to "register it with your state before you apply for an EIN."
- 4
Get an EIN
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says: "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number."
- 5
Arrange insurance
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says: "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." Ask a licensed insurance agent what coverage a landscaping business needs.
- 6
Invoice your first client
List each visit or job with its date and price, and add a due date. The landscaper invoicing guide covers seasonal and recurring billing.
Tips for starting your landscaper business
- Set a visit schedule with each regular client and bill it the same way each month.
- Note each visit's date on the invoice line, so clients can match it to their calendar.
- Keep fuel and equipment receipts together, by month.
- The IRS self-employment tax page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 30, 2026) says: "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%." Put part of each payment aside for it.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Recurring Invoices
Billed's features page says: "Save time by sending invoices on a regular schedule so you don’t have to create invoices again and again."
Accept Credit Cards
Billed's features page says: "Allow your clients to pay with their credit cards on your invoices and get paid twice as fast."
Save Vendors
Billed's features page says: "Save your vendors to log your expenses quickly."
Client Profiles
Billed's features page says: "Create and save client profiles to bill them quickly."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Send Your First Invoice
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | Who to ask | Quoted here |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide licensing | Your state's agriculture or licensing office | BLS (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) |
| Registration | Your state | IRS (In the US, last reviewed or updated July 17, 2026) |
| Insurance | A licensed insurance agent | SBA (In the US, checked October 31, 2026) |
| First invoice | You | Landscaper invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
If you're joining a landscaping company's crew instead of running your own business, these steps won't apply.