How to Start a Home Lawn Service

Starting a home lawn service entails knowledge of correct care of lawns, using the right equipment and the ability to source and maintain customers. Starting a home lawn service can be done on a small scale without much investment in the initial stages. It is important to begin the venture by following the right protocols in order to have a successful business.

• Learn about your competition in the area. Market research is important because you need to have an idea how much the others in the business are charging and the kind of services they are offering. Find out the area demographics from the town offices.


• Write a business plan. Include all the business details including the extra services you may wish to offer.


• Apply for a business license and tax ID numbers from the federal and state registration certification. Find out all the regulations you need to fulfill before starting a business in your area.


• Purchase all the necessary lawn care equipment. You can buy new or used equipment depending on your budget. Invest in equipment that is in good condition and will not require constant maintenance. Along with the lawn mowers you will need other equipment such as weed and hedge trimmers, rakes, leaf blowers and pruners. You may also need a trailer to haul your equipment.


• Buy business liability insurance to protect yourself and your customers in case of accidents hat may occur while on the job. The insurance will give your clients confidence in the knowledge that you are running a proper business. In some cases insurance may be mandated by law.


• Advertise your business using print flyers and business cards. Distribute them to potential clients. You can even buy advertising space in the local daily newspaper or magazines if you have the budget to do so. Visit local establishments like stores and restaurants and leave business cards. Local companies or offices might also need the service so visiting them is wise. 


• List the lawn care service on social network sites and consider opening a website where you can have all the information about your business offerings.