Can I really start a landscaping business for under $5,000?

Yes. If you already own a truck, you can start with a quality push mower, a string trimmer, a blower, basic hand tools, and your business license for well under $5,000. Many successful landscaping companies started with exactly this setup, adding commercial equipment as revenue came in. The key is landing your first 10-15 weekly mowing clients before investing in expensive gear.

Do I need a license to start a landscaping business?

It depends on your state and the services you offer. Most states require a basic business license, and many require a landscaping contractor license once your jobs exceed a certain dollar amount (often $500-$1,000 per project). If you plan to apply pesticides or herbicides, you will need a separate pesticide applicator license, which involves passing an exam. Check your state's contractor licensing board for exact requirements.

Should I buy or lease equipment?

Buy your core daily-use equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers) and rent or lease specialty items you use infrequently (skid steers, plate compactors, stump grinders). A commercial zero-turn mower pays for itself within a few months of regular use, but renting a skid steer at $250/day makes more sense than buying a $30,000 machine you use twice a month. As your hardscaping volume grows, buying starts to make sense.

How much can I earn in the first year?

A solo operator doing mowing and basic maintenance can realistically earn $40,000-$80,000 in gross revenue in the first year, with take-home profit around 40-60% after expenses. Full-service landscaping companies with a crew can hit $150,000-$300,000 in revenue within the first year or two, though profit margins tend to drop to 20-30% once you factor in labor, materials, and equipment costs.

Do I need insurance from day one?

General liability insurance is effectively required from day one. Most residential clients will not ask for proof, but one broken window or irrigation line could cost you thousands. Commercial clients and HOAs almost always require a certificate of insurance before hiring you. Commercial auto insurance is legally required if you are using your vehicle for business. Workers comp becomes mandatory the moment you hire your first employee in most states.

What is the best way to get my first clients?

Door-to-door flyers in target neighborhoods are still the fastest way to land your first clients. Combine that with a Google Business Profile (free to set up), a simple website, and posting before-and-after photos on Facebook and Nextdoor. Yard signs at active job sites generate a surprising amount of leads. Once you have a few clients, referrals and word of mouth will become your biggest growth channel. Offer a small discount for referrals to accelerate this.

Home / Landscaping Business Startup Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business?

$5,000 – $100,000

Landscaping is one of the most accessible businesses to start. You can begin with a push mower and a truck for under $5,000 or scale up to a full-service hardscaping operation for $100,000+. Your startup costs depend almost entirely on the services you plan to offer and whether you're working solo or hiring a crew from day one.

Last updated Feb 2026 · Based on Home Depot & Lowe's commercial equipment pricing, BLS Occupational Employment data, State licensing board fee schedules

FAQ

Where This Data Comes From

Home Depot & Lowe's commercial equipment pricing
BLS Occupational Employment data
State licensing board fee schedules
r/landscaping community data

All figures are estimates based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and business decisions.

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