What is inside this landscaping and lawn care business plan
The download is a complete sample plan for GreenEdge Lawn & Landscape, a fictional landscaping and lawn care business, written so you can see what a finished plan looks like and then swap in your own details. It includes all twelve sections lenders and investors expect:
- Executive summary
- Company description
- Products and services
- Market analysis
- Competition
- Marketing and sales
- Operations, licenses and permits
- Management and staffing
- Key performance indicators
- Risks and mitigation
- Financial plan with startup costs and 3-year projection
- Funding request and appendix checklist
Who your landscaping and lawn care business will serve
Typical customers
- Homeowners wanting weekly mowing
- HOAs and property managers
- Commercial properties and offices
- New home builders needing installs
Products and services to describe
- Weekly lawn maintenance
- Landscape design and installation
- Hardscaping such as patios and walls
- Seasonal cleanups and mulching
- Snow removal in winter
Common revenue streams
- Recurring maintenance contracts
- Installation and hardscape projects
- Seasonal services
Landscaping and Lawn Care startup costs
These rough ranges are a starting point for your own budget. Real costs depend heavily on your city, the size of the operation and whether you buy new or used. Get quotes and replace them in your plan.
| Startup cost | Typical low | Typical high |
|---|---|---|
| Truck and trailer | $15,000 | $60,000 |
| Mowers and power equipment | $8,000 | $30,000 |
| Hand tools and safety gear | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Business license and insurance | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Marketing and website | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Working capital reserve | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Estimated total | $32,000 | $117,000 |
Build your own budget with the free startup costs calculator.
Sample 3-year projection
The template includes an illustrative projection for a landscaping and lawn care business with first-year revenue of $180,000 and a 50% gross margin. Use it to see the shape of the numbers, then build your own with the 3-year financial projections spreadsheet.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $180,000 | $225,000 | $259,000 |
| Gross profit | $90,000 | $112,500 | $129,500 |
| Operating expenses | $85,500 | $94,050 | $101,574 |
| Net income before tax | $4,500 | $18,450 | $27,926 |
Key numbers to track
- Revenue per crew hour
- The most useful measure of pricing and efficiency.
- Route density
- Stops per day and drive time between them.
- Contract retention rate
- Share of accounts renewing each season.
- Equipment cost per hour
- Helps decide when to replace or add machines.
Licenses and permits to research
- Business license
- General liability and commercial auto insurance
- Pesticide applicator license if applying chemicals
- Contractor license for larger hardscape work in some states
Requirements differ by state, county and city. Check with your local business licensing office, health department or Small Business Development Center before you open.
Marketing ideas for a landscaping and lawn care business
- Door hangers in target neighborhoods
- Google Business Profile and reviews
- Referral discounts
- Bids for HOA and commercial contracts
Risks lenders will ask about
- Seasonality and weather
- Low-price competitors
- Labor availability in peak season
- Equipment repairs
Tips for writing your landscaping and lawn care business plan
- Show the number of accounts each crew can serve.
- Explain your plan for winter revenue.
- Include an equipment replacement schedule.
Prefer a guided version?
Answer questions one section at a time and download your finished plan as a Word file.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a landscaping business?
A one-truck lawn care business can start for $20,000 to $50,000 with used equipment. Adding installation and hardscape work raises equipment needs significantly.
How do landscapers price lawn care?
Most price by the visit based on lot size and time on site, with a target revenue per crew hour that covers labor, equipment, fuel and profit.
Is this landscaping and lawn care business plan template really free?
Yes. Download the Word or PDF file and use it for your own business at no cost, with no sign-up required. Replace the example text and numbers with your own.
Related business plan samples
Cleaning and Janitorial Business Plan
Cleaning businesses are inexpensive to start and can grow quickly with recurring clients.
Home ServicesConstruction and General Contractor Business Plan
Contractor plans are judged on bonding capacity, project management and cash flow.
Home ServicesLaundromat Business Plan
Laundromats are often bought rather than started, and the plan centers on equipment age, utility costs,...
Home ServicesPressure Washing Business Plan
Pressure washing is a low-cost, high-margin home service with seasonal demand.
Real EstateReal Estate Agency Business Plan
Real estate brokerages earn commission on closed deals, so the plan centers on agent count, transactions per...
Real EstateRental Property Business Plan
A rental property plan is part investment analysis and part operating plan.