Seven Steps to Successfully Starting a Landscaping Business

Do you dream of being your own boss, setting your own hours, and making your own decisions? Do you have a passion for the outdoors and helping others create beautiful and functional spaces? If so, starting a landscaping business might be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Clintar, we’ve helped countless franchisees get their lawn care business off the ground in the fifty-plus years we have been in the industry. We want to share some of what we have learned in seven steps for you to follow when you decide to get started and take advantage of our franchising opportunity. 

Step 1: Do your research

The first step to starting any business is to get informed on your industry. This means familiarizing yourself with landscaping and snow removal services, finding your target market(s), and understanding your competition. It is also wise to develop a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections from day one.

Clintar franchisees have access to a wealth of resources to help them with their market research and business planning. You can take advantage of our experience and industry relationships even before your doors open.

Step 2: Choose a business structure

Once you have a good understanding of the landscaping industry and your business goals, you need to choose a business structure. The most common business structures for landscaping businesses are sole proprietorship, partnership, and limited liability company (LLC). 

Making this choice can be both difficult in the short term and impactful in the long run. Rather than dealing with lawyers and complicated paperwork alone, why not open a Clintar lawn maintenance franchise instead? While we don’t provide the legal documentation you’ll need to operate your business, we can make ourselves available to help you understand your options and navigate the process. Best of all, once you’ve opened your franchise, you can count on our ongoing support to help you establish and grow your new business.

Step 3: Obtain the necessary licenses and permits

Depending on your location, you may need to obtain certain licenses and permits to operate a landscaping business. Be sure to check with your local government to find out about the required documentation.

We are eager to share what we know about necessary licenses and how to obtain them. You can certainly uncover these regulations on your own, or you can simply be informed by a member of our team well before the information becomes critical. 

Step 4: Purchase equipment

In our business, equipment is everything. We rely on lawnmowers, trimmers, and blowers, and that doesn’t even include the tools needed for snow and ice removal. Be sure to remember that equipment can be purchased or leased, new or used.

Over the years, we have developed relationships with leading vendors that allow franchisees to access the best tools for the job at competitive prices.

Step 5: Set up an internal operations system

An internal operations system is essential for running a successful landscaping business. This system is vital for tracking your customers, projects, finances, and inventory. We have systems, procedures, templates, and software available  to ensure your operation runs as smoothly as possible.

Step 6: Hire and train employees

Every landscaping business needs employees, so be sure to hire people who are qualified and experienced in the landscaping industry. You should also provide them with proper training.

It can be challenging to find employees with all the experience required. Each franchise owner  receives in-depth training that includes guidance on prospecting, hiring, and keeping the right employees. .

Step 7: Make sure to provide services year-round

One of the best ways to maximize your profits in the landscaping industry is to provide services year-round. This means not only being there for clients during the spring and summer months, but offering snow and ice removal services during winter, too.

As a Clintar franchisee, this is something you’ll be fully equipped to do. Being able to offer services 12 months a year means you’ll not only have dependable revenue streams that will keep you positioned for growth, but you’ll remain highly competitive and ready to meet the changing needs of commercial property owners.

Starting a landscaping business can be a rewarding experience. By following the steps above and taking advantage of the benefits that come with partnering with Clintar, you can increase your chances of success.

If you find yourself ready to take action on these steps and learn more about opening a Clintar commercial landscaping franchise, please visit our website or contact us today!