5 Tips to Start a Lawn Care Business in 2024

[@rubbabubba6489]

This guy gives good advice, been watching for a year or two. I'm a part timer, kept it simple, bought all battery stuff, mainly because i mow in the evenings after my day job and wanted to stay quiet and i didn't want a trailer. I have 2 21" push mowers, a hand held blower, and a trimmer. I do use a gas backpack blower for fall cleanups. All fit easily in the back of my truck. Ended up investing maybe $1500. I charge by the hour (in my head) over sq feet. I dont usually take lawns i cant do in an hour. So most of my customers are paying my minimum charge. Been 3 years and im taking in roughly 95% profit. I get the lawns the bigger guys dont like to deal with because of obstacles and things like that. Word of mouth is key, i dont advertise and i still have to turn people away because I'm full.

[@DavidB-f2i]

I’m going to start that next spring. Keeping my day job. How many hours you work a week? I’m thinking I’ll work 4 hrs a day after work, and 12 hr days on my weekends. Mind me asking how much you pulled in this year? I’m going to do door hangers and maybe ValPack coupons. For my 1st year I want to make minimum $35k

[@rubbabubba6489]

@user-tz9ed9fz8h Hi, I'm in the northeast so only mow 5 months, I don't start most days until 430/5:00pm and I do Tues, wed, Thurs. I keep Monday and Friday open for rain days. I try not to work on weekends if I can help it. I do 9 full time, 7 are all in the same development which is awesome, park once and mow. I profit around 8k a year including cleanups and I work about 10hrs a week for the 5 months. The 7 in the same area I ended up charging just a monthly rate instead of every visit, just easier. I've been going 4 years now. If I had to give any advice the first year I would start well within your comfort zone, 1st thing is the unexpected things, breakdowns ect. 2nd is if u work full time plus 12s on weekends it might be hard to schedule spring/fall cleanups which take longer than mowing. 3rd is the first year I showed a loss for equipment purchases ect, I didn't want to lose my tax breaks. There can be a lot of money in it if you're ambitious and do a good job. I got several of my customers because the last guy wouldn't get off the zero turn. Back n forth all over the lawns rutting them up. I rambled enough, sorry. Good luck and I hope I helped, if u have any other questions please feel free.

[@Ar08923]

Been running my little landscaping business throughout high school and always wanted it to be a full time gig. This being my last year I’ll be leaving my job and going all out! Hope the Best for you all!

[@lawncarelife]

That's exciting. I hope it goes well for you

[@Flex-fp7ur]

Good luck 💪🏾

[@mason3731]

Good luck man

[@SomebodyCracked]

Best choice I ever made, good luck brutha👍

[@codyrobinson2740]

Good luck man! Don’t let anyone talk you out of this with a little hard work and determination you’ll be doing big things!

[@kmaia7120]

I have so many questions on how not to undercut myself with pricing jobs. Good info here. Thanks!

[@jonesboy9191]

I guess my biggest question starting off and probably the biggest of guys just starting is “how much should you charge or what is the formula to charge?”

[@ThrifterGuy]

Every yard is different and every area is different. My advice would be go online to the place where people advertise like Carigslist or Facebook Marketplace whatever and just call around give them a list of different sized properties say a small one a medium one and a large one. And see what a bunch of them say. And go from there. That's what I did.

[@samuelguiden3321]

Here's how to charge, guess 😂 seriously guess. Look at property and figure out how much you THINK you would do it for AND KEEP TO YOUR WORD. after you'll know what your not gonna do for whatever amount if you feel good on to the next and over time thru experience and underbidding jobs that you have to do. Now that's the best teacher those underbidding jobs. After if you need to raise the price just say it'll be what I said but future whatever will be this amount. Don't be scared.

[@izaiahshorten7609]

Set a price for either sq ft or time spent + expenses

[@kingkyah]

@@samuelguiden3321is it bad business to have a base price no matter the size of the lawn?

[@Disciple2024]

5 cents a square foot

[@wethepeople_usa]

We agree with everything this guy just said.

[@felixlatorre235]

Thanks a million man.

[@CharlesKlepac]

I have a weed control company with around 900 customers. I am wanting to start offering mowing also. Just not sure I can carry a crew of guys through the winter. Not really wanting to get into Christmas lights and tree work.

[@williamflores9501]

Christmas lighting is extremely profitable. I did the same bc I wanted to keep my helper (1 guy only) busy up until Christmas atleast. We installed on 20 homes. It was my most profitable month (early Nov. - early Dec.) EVER, by far. Definitely doing it again you should give it a try

[@Brandenovids1962]

Depending on what you’re already offering, there’s a lot of small tasks you can start offering, like grass seeding for small dead spots in a lawn.

[@techman9634]

Whats your thoughts on taking a loan out to start? I hear good and bad of that. I know it's risky but I personally don't have a truck or trailer

[@markskirby]

I have a Hyundai accent and I may quit my job and just buy a small trailer and put a mower, blower and trimmer in it. I think anything possible

[@techman9634]

​@markskirby your just quiting your job and jumping in?

[@markskirby]

@@techman9634 I’m really at that point. Just willing to take a chance. If it falls through I know I tried and I can pick up other property maintenance gigs. The only way to get ahead is to make a business I find

[@mikeappleseed5869]

Just thought of doing this the other. I was thinking a pickup trip F150 XL, no trailer. Just the mower, the circle blade thing (lol), and a leaf blower as a brush to the lawn. I want to get one guy from indeed and pay him 40 but that’s risky cus of profit. So 30, is that acceptable to a pro worker? Lol. I only see him doing 20-25 houses a day. If he takes 15 mins to mow and trim and then blow one lawn. It’s prob gonna be 20-30 maybe. Or could he go faster? I’m loving this video so far, you’re a great orator lol

[@EnchantedMagna]

Here’s a tip for pricing. It’s hard to raise your price so if you start low you have to stay low or risk losing repeat customers that will leave when the rates go up. To combat this you can price a la carte. You can offer services in a package and have less services for low prices and more services for high prices and a custom build it yourself package where they can add and subtract services to meet their budget. That way when you start and “just want the work” you can only offer cutting. Then when you get better you can add weed eating at a additional cost while keeping the cutting the same price. You essentially increased the amount you will make per yard and no one will leave because the price never changed. In fact they will have more options now

[@chunkychase7232]

I’m looking to possibly start a business here in the coming weeks. If I just do mowing to start, would it be better to have standard pricing or set an hourly rate I want and then divide by the time worked per yard. (Ex. I want $60 an hour. It takes me 20 mins to mow a lawn so I charge $20) I wouldn’t start that low, that just made the math super simple.

[@EnchantedMagna]

@@chunkychase7232 hourly wage is bad. Hourly wage is something an employer gives you to save themself money. As a business owner you shouldn’t charge for your time exclusively like that. Think of it like this, you will only get better at your job and thus faster. So over time you will get paid less if it’s hourly. You should pay based on what you believe the value of your service is. Start by finding out the overhead. How much your gas cost to get there, gas for mowers, wear and tear, you can add your time as well, value of the service provided like weeding. Then factor in the value of the dollar and quality of work. An example of a good start is to have a set price and call it a discount. Like $50 for lawn care and say it’s a 50% discount so people will think it’s $100 value and they don’t want to miss the big discount so they take your service. If they jump on it fast then later you can reduce the discount and say 30% off so now it’s 70$. If business is slow you can simply say 70$ is full price and leave it at that. If business is still booming at 70 then you can reduce the discount until you reach 100$. Does that make since?

[@izaiahshorten7609]

@@chunkychase7232 just remember to include going to the store, driving from job to job, gasoline, maybe taxes, a fund for things that might break like a sprinkler head.

[@jenbartee1]

Keep God first and let him lead you. Hope and pray everyone have a great season to come.

[@baydrixnewzealandwarrobotf2681]

Thank the gods!

[@BetterThanYesterday69]

@@baydrixnewzealandwarrobotf2681one God, Jesus Christ

[@terrycruise-zd5tw]

which god

[@jenbartee1]

@@terrycruise-zd5tw The one Rose from the Dead . With All power in heaven and Earth

[@Panicscroll69]

This is my first year on my own. Let’s make America looks beautiful boys n girls

[@BigPete212]

Bruh. These Kamala ads are getting out of control.

[@curbappeallawncarellc4263]

I would really love to be at this. I've hit a bad mindset and trying to get out of it. I feel like everything is just collapsing around me. I will still always watch your videos and that of other content creators who i follow. As well as try to do shorts on my own channel when my mindset isn't in a dark place. But love what you do for the community.

[@TripleJAquatics]

Hang in there, hope it all gets better for you.

[@curbappeallawncarellc4263]

@@TripleJAquatics thank you.

[@ogmont]

It’s 11:57pm and I’m looking for videos to start my business from scratch. Thank you!

[@dudenteiwtnoET]

How’s business?

[@gregkloe]

I would like to just cut grass. Cut, trim, blow and go. I have a company name, will order cards, signs, hang tags,etc. Looking at part time to start. Just 10 yards if I keep my corporate job. If I bail, I'd bump that to 30 or so. I have the cash saved to buy a nice 52" stander. Already have multiple trimmers, blowers and a really nice utility trailer. Is the wrong to start out this way and see what happens?

[@lawncarelife]

I think it's fine. I think starting part-time makes a lot of sense if you have a full-time job

[@theoptimistictraveler3558]

@@lawncarelifeany chance you can do a video on starting a mow/trim/blow only business with suggested equipment? I know you’ve done a few that are 7-8 years old, but hoping to get your input in the current market

[@treydavenport8655]

You look like Tom Brady sir

[@InnocentlyInsane666]

This guy makes me wana be full service lawn care.... Then my wife wants yo do landscape design.... Brah wtf... I dont want to do that work... But the money... Im loosing that landscape argument... Help....

[@garyk3789]

In my 3rd season coming up in 2025, the Lord willing, I'm targeting all of my bi-weekly customers for conversion to a weekly schedule. Less than half of my my clients are weekly.

[@559fishing9]

Didnt know tom brady cut lawns

[@garyk3789]

A small $3.00 increase in price on 35 weekly mowing customers for a 24-week mowing season equals $2520.00 more income per season.

[@JulioMayolorondon]

hello live in pittsburgh I just started my company I already have my customers who machines recommend me buy to improve since the ones I have are residential

[@BigPete212]

This man is "Lawncare Tom Brady"

[@kailonjackson6511]

Looking at starting my lawn care business the biggest thing is doing proper pricing I will be cutting in northeast Georgia just curious on the best way to do that

[@garyk3789]

What kind of spray weed control and fertilizer do you use, and what is the cost?

[@JustinStrodtman]

Couldn't have said it better! What I needed to hear and everyone else going down this path. Ty

[@_frivolousteddy_5924]

I feel like starting is the same each year, plan, buy the equipment you can afford and work your way up while building clientele….I need a video on how to persuade more people into letting me cut there grass in this economy where they are wisely buying their own mowers and saving money 😂

[@colormesarge]

Property management companies

[@timothygladwell4362]

I have 4 days a week mowing 2 people. I leave 1 to 2 days a week to do mulching shrubbery ect but i schedule around my mowing. I live in area where mowing last 7 months.

[@markdoehrman5134]

I'm starting out with used equipment. Just picked up a couple things this week,,250 for a new honda 170 21"self propelled and a timecutter zero turn 46"deck, 23hp kohler with 420 hrs on it for 425.00 all on Marketplace. Targeting residential smaller level lots,small businesses, and also pressure washing. I'm 56 but don't mine walking them if needed, actually that part never bothered me,lol. Hopefully it all works to plans, it's what I have is what I can offer. So yes I'm not going to go overboard like you've mentioned.

[@Christopher-of-Columbus]

I’m early 50s and also want to start my own business, be my own boss, and leave behind my corporate job forever. I thought about different types of businesses but lawn care is my first choice since I enjoy it . I’m not real sure what I can expect to make my first year so it’s all nerve racking since it has to be enough to cover my mortgage and car payments. My wife is employed so that shld take some stress off until I grow the business. Anyway, Good luck sir!

[@briandodd6764]

Starting out do you need to carry any kind of insurnace?

[@XxJD1RTYxX]

Absolutely

[@ColinChandler1611]

I actually own my own lawn company haha! I also use Yardbook. I have been running my company with my 18 year old brother since 2018. I am currently 14. Do you have any suggestions for me?

[@toddsalisbury3851]

Just started up a small basics lawn care business this month while working a fulltime job. Are there specific brands you recommend for walk behind mowers? I currently use an older mower but would like to upgrade. Also need to upgrade weedwhipper as well. Any advice is appreciated!

[@jaymula863]

Im 33 and starting my lawn care business i only have two accounts small house's side by side $45 for one the other $40 i need to get more

[@procutslawn]

Thanks man you really helped me grow my business been watching you since this spring all good knowledge

[@lawncarelife]

Thanks for watching. Glad the videos have been helpful

[@jasonslawnservice]

Just a quick question if you have time. I follow your channel and enjoy it. I am in middle Tennessee and am looking to purchase a flatbed lawn truck. I have been searching for used dealers withing 6 hours from my location but have not found anything yet. Do you know of any used dealers that you trust in your area? I have found some in Louisiana but that is a little far from me. Thanks, and keep up the channel.

[@jeffalbrecht8290]

Whats the best app t o see lawns for estimates without go to site

[@anthonyruth5606]

That is true mowing edging weedeating gets tuff and exausting but we all should take a quick break and stay hydrated

[@caryboyd6241]

This is really good advice. I myself have been trying to do too much starting off, but I told myself one thing at a time.

[@Tuggerandsons7]

Thanks Sir!!!

[@Theredeemedchild2]

I've got an older truck and a 5 foot wide trailer. I plan on buying a hustler fastrak 54". It's the biggest I can fit plus most yards around here don't have fences. I have three day weekends. Ultimately I want 8 customers nearby one another to give me some extra money on my day off. I don't know if I can do this full time or how to even look at that. 5 months of the year we don't mow so I'd have no income which means I have to work really hard to make the income for nearly half a year of no work. Most people around here charge 50 bucks a yard. It seems limited.

[@tylerburnham17]

That's very good side hustle money in good way. I do landscaping business outside my day job last Two years working a m-f job doing $40k on side in 7mths of the year or so. For mowing main thing like you said get bunch clients ideally you park trailer mower 3 or 4 customers before you have put mower back on trailer. You could easily have 15 or 20 clients just have have route density.

[@der_anbauhauptmeister]

Thanks for the input!!

[@nicholasyork7526]

The way my full time job is set up I get 14 days off a month. So I feel it would be perfect for having lawn care for my days off.. but my schedule alternates every week so I work Monday-Tuesday, off wens day-Thursday, then work weekend. Then it switches, off Monday-Tuesday, work wens day- Thursday and then off on the weekend.. my question is do you think people would be accepting of me cutting their lawns every two weeks? Or even once every week but on a different day of the week?

[@theoptimistictraveler3558]

Damn I work at Amgen in Rhode Island and this is my exact schedule and I’ve been wondering the same thing.

[@nicholasyork7526]

@@theoptimistictraveler3558yea well seems no one ones to answer the question so looks like we Will both me lost

[@ThatOneManYouTube]

You do know there are liquid aeration products?😅right?

[@lawncarelife]

Yes

[@robertrice2141]

I have a lawn care business already, but I want to branch off into weed control and fertilization. I have a holding company, so that part of the business will be it's own entity.

[@lawncarelife]

I have enjoyed the weedi control and fertilization side of the business

[@fernandodelasancha6328]

Thanks for your advice Jason 👍 🙏 have a good one

[@lawncarelife]

Thanks for watching

[@fernandodelasancha6328]

@lawncarelife you are so welcome. See you soon on the next video, Jason.

[@100kpac]

Jake allways improves day by day good stuff 👌 😂

[@garyk3789]

I appreciate you, brother. Go for aeration. It's within the range of basic lawncare. I stay away from detaching work.

[@natebradley78]

I really appreciate all your tips, thanks bud.

[@stevechilds4043]

What a great video!

[@lawncarelife]

Thanks for watching

[@jasonmassey664]

Would it be smart to do one thing per season

[@lawncarelife]

If you are a small business, I think it makes sense to focus on one thing

[@joeylaurienzo]

Great vid, thanks brother!

[@Royalewithcheese579]

Great video from Australia! 👍

[@SolomonGoldschmidt]

i have an idea for a new type of lawncare business...there are teams of highly trained choreographed performers on the mowers that go house to house and mow the lawns...they do tricks and choreographed performances while mowing the lawns and each week they change up the routines at each house..the mowers can also be fancy looking and outlandish and adorned with led lights or smoke or other cool effects and very outlandish trucks to pull the trailers with that have led signage and sound effects like an ice cream truck...and also after the lawns are mowed they leave some sort of a cool design like the foam on a cappucino or coffee shop....they would be like a performance act as well as mowing the lawn

[@hafw4933]

Dumbest idea ever thought

[@travishughes4480]

I think I have seen this in a Dr. Seuss movie. 😂

[@Pharrell1]

Me and my little brother were planning on starting this as a side hustle out of my sedan

[@colestaples2010]

😂

[@GreenFrogWebDesignReviews]

Helping stuff right here!

[@lawncarelife]

Thanks for watching

[@colestaples2010]

Starting a lawn care business was probably the worst decision I ever made. Nobody wants to work for such a low wage. Start up costs were massive compared to revenue. Market is absolutely saturated with under qualified people