5 Mistakes Lawn Care Business Owners Make - Especially Rookies

Learn 5 mistakes lawn care business owners make, especially when learning how to start a lawn care business. The early years of a lawn business can be the most difficult and can be filled with mistakes that can cost you a lot of money in the long run. Learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of others in this video so you can grow a great, profitable business.
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[@leemikle2242]

Jason, without you not even knowing, you’ve taught me more about lawns over the last few months, years, weeds, over seeding, fertilizers, the do’s and donts ect. than I’ve ever known before. I single handily transformed my 2 acre yard from a short, scalped, burned up, weed infested, white trash yard. Into something that could EASILY pass for photos in a landscape magazine. I’ve done soil tests, repaired problem areas, destroyed the weeds to free up space for dethatching, airerating, then over seeding. My wife was beginning to think I was going nuts spending so much time out there. Wish I had your email to show you some photos. Thanks for everything.

[@thomasshonk9918]

I started my lawn care business this year and was very aggressive with marketing. I did a lot of flying, advertised on the internet, newspaper ad and it has started out better than I thought. I have 11 regular customers and have had about 5 more that had me just mow a couple times. I was going to be happy the first year with 5 regular customers so I've been pleasantly surprised! I'm currently working a 3rd shift custodial job along with this for now but am hoping by year 2 or 3 I can just do the lawn care full time. Thanks Jason for your videos! You have helped me out tremendously in starting my business! Keep up the good work! I was watching your videos religiously over the winter trying to learn as much as I could before I started in the spring. lol

[@langlang87]

IM STARTING OUT THE SAME WAY AND I HAVE BEEN CUTTING GRASS AND LANDSCAPING FOR A VERY LONG TIME SO I'VE LEARNED ALOT AS WELL OVER ALL THESE YEARS. RECENTLY SOMETHING CLICKED IN MY MIND THAT THIS IS WHAT I WAS MEANT TO DO AND ALSO EXPAND TO OTHER THINGS AS WELL SO IM ALL IN.. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AS WELL..

[@caseyw1able]

Another excellent video. I'm starting a gardening services business in England. Going to see my first client today (gulp) and I don't even have a mower yet!?! I'm a little late to the party at 58 but situations dictate. These tips and advice from your other videos are inspirational. Keep it up, and thank you very much.

[@thestoicwhinger]

How did you get on?

[@Flamingo6190]

How did it go?

[@allencarey7336]

When I started mine I felt bad when I had to charge people alot lol if this makes sense I'll explain I love what I do and had been doing it for so long I felt like I wasnt even working. Anyway that has changed I charge right now, and my first year was rough my second year was great, people knew my second year that I was good at what I did. I had been doing landscape mostly softscape for 15 years. I love what I do with all my heart. After starting my business I was so happy it's been my dream for years!! Thanks Jason I've learned so much from you my friend.

[@nemdrc5386]

As usual, watched till the end and really appreciate your uploads.

[@lawncarelife]

+Charles Carp glad the videos are helpful

[@stevendenton6533]

Jason I want to thank you for your insights on everything you talk about. Im a full time firefighter and I just started my own lawn care service. I want to say you are a mentor to so many.! I have watched a lot of videos to help me learn a lot about the business. Im going into my 2nd year and have learned so much last season on mistakes I've made on under pricing, overbooking, having customers spread out through different areas and working long hard hours. I'm looking forward to this upcoming season with newer equipment and success. Thank you for being the mentor to so many and looking forward to new videos.

[@Fencearmor]

Great tips for new and starting off lawn care professionals! Sharing your knowledge is always helpful and appreciated.

[@badboyadventures1455]

Love your videos man, I own a little lawn care business here in GA and I totally agree on being aggressive in marketing. I'm in year two and have doubled from year one. Keep the videos coming. Your videos are always valuable. One can always learn something new in this business. You've helped me a lot already.

[@Bladesofgrasslawncare]

Great tips!

[@ThisGuyWantsBeer]

This is so helpful! Especially about the employee part! I started out slightly late this year after getting out of a dead end job but so far I'm at 30 clients. For making money I know I low balled at least 50% but I made up for it on an upsell of hedge trimming, landscape projects, etc. I think a lot of people just starting out lowball to get their foot in the door. But so many people don't get the concept of upselling other services to counteract the money they are losing. Also another helpful thing a lot of people don't do is rely on group rate discounts. I started with 1 yard in a development at $40 now I have 8 within a short walk at $30 a piece because I offered a price drop to the one person I already had there.

[@JerrybuddmanDB4L]

Jason you are so informing love what you do ty God bless you

[@Bellislawns]

I think the number 1 mistake most will make is the dollar comparison from their previous hourly job. So many will start out not knowing what they need to make per hr to cover ALL expenses and pay themselves!

[@jackcampbell8132]

Bellis Lawn & Gardens I

[@MrMustangred]

I totally agree, dont forget to add in your, self employment taxes, business liability insurance, medical insurance, health insurance, equipment depreciation on top of all your normal daily ecpenses.

[@goldstandardlawnandlandscape]

employess mindsets

[@w.phillips1939]

Old post, still Relevant! Thank you!

[@josetapaia3945]

Thank you for sharing and supporting us new businesses with advice! Truly appreciate it!

[@LawnCrack]

Super Solid Advice!!! You nailed it!

[@greenvilla3838]

great info. thank you

[@kedrickrobinson7023]

Thanks for the advice.

[@martinezfamiliamartinez261]

Great video thanks man Take me 6 years to getting 221 customer

[@brentbanks8314]

My first year a lady asked me to spray her dandelions so I charged her $85 for a small yard. Now days I would charge about $40. I charged a gas station $16 to mow their lawn my first year. Now I would charge $30. We all learn as we go. I certainly screwed up quite a bit in the beginning.

[@lawncarelife]

+Brent Banks sounds like you made pretty good money on spraying those dandelions

[@perryschmoll7088]

Roundup 365 is not that cheap however.

[@perryschmoll7088]

(Finishing up on year two of a solo, side lawn care business; Denbigh Lawn Care, LLC.)

[@brothalynchhung2524]

So do you pull out the 0 turn every time it's time to cut a patch of grass, I think that's the 1st mistake people get these machines and just start taking chunks out of people's lawns. Just because you have a 0 turn doesn't mean you have a lawn business

[@waltofalltrades6817]

I've never used a 0 turn mower before. I'm still trying to get my lawn business up and running, even though it is late in the year. At first I plan on using a lawn tractor, a push mower, 2 battery weed eaters, 1 corded weed eater, 1 corded blower and 1 battery blower. When I save up for a 0 turn, hopefully I'll be able get one by this time next year, I'll practice ON MY OWN YARD during the 2nd year while still using my lawn tractor for my business. Better accidentally tearing up my yard than a customers yard. The sooner I can afford a 0 turn the sooner I can start practicing!

[@willieslawncareservice.8436]

hello how you doing. you hit it on the nail. the reason why I say that is that everyone on KZbin that talks about lawn care only. talks about equipment. thank you for saying what you say. people should talk about the business point. like that we could grow in lawn care and Landscape. so people could learn how to price and instead of low bowling prices. thank you

[@blessedhands2000]

great tips Jason, keep them coming

[@nemonobody4747]

Thank you good sir. I appreciate the tips.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@ontherisewithcandyceevette3037]

1. Have a plan. Don't quit your job until you know what u want to do. 2. Not charging enough. Premium prices for premium services. A. Think of how much u have to pay in taxes being self employed and running a business. 3. Overspending. Don't always buy brand new. Be cautious on spending. Nice equipment doesn't make business successful. 4. Hiring an employee too soon. A. Did y'all see the golf cart? 5. Giving up too soon. A. Get through the first year. 6. Bonus: Be aggressive in your marketing! Build a reputation. Get the word out.

[@RufusTBiscuits]

Thank you for all your insights and helpful information brother

[@joselcvargas]

Wise advises thank you very much Man for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.

[@christianbravo8579]

Thank You chief! For your advice you are good.

[@bizzybeez100]

Great tips Jason! Nice video

[@perryschmoll7088]

Quality work, a plan of action, not too much debt upfront, and advertisement are good sound advise tips for starting up. Slowly invest into your business realizing that the first few years are going to be tight in your profit margins.

[@melissawake3622]

My first year I learned alot I under priced but never over. I learned by the end what to charge. 9 customers and hopefully next season will be better. No plan but should do one over the winter.

[@coryleeboxing3047]

Great words 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@pigslayer106]

Really good advice

[@Harleywindtherapy]

good stuff - thank you! I'm a new subscriber - looking to pull the plug on my job in a month or two...starting over in a new city, same state (Arkansas). Family health reasons -I'll be leaving 25 years as an insurance guy - ran my own shop for 10 years...so I know a lot about the business side..but learning a lot from your channel on the lawn care business specific side.

[@Cdb2024]

very good points

[@gigawatts6667]

Good information

[@mikewest712]

Hey jason, haven't seen you in a while. glad to see you are still going strong.

[@jason4832]

The man tells truth, I would say take ur time to do spotless work and the rest will fall into place. Dont worry to much about the large landscape competitors they tend to rush and miss stuff

[@w.phillips1939]

Yup! Still relevant in 2019/2020 👊

[@kylekelly1167]

i guy i use to work with did mowing lawns for his customers on the weekends and was a mechanic during the week.

[@slowrider30]

Good stuff

[@megadethguym7977]

My uncle does this for a living to he does it alone his tools get stolen alot

[@bjrollick5262]

I saw a guy selling perfectly fine Echo trimmers on market place. His reason was because he wanted to buy all new so he could give his business a more professional look. Man I bought cheap Walmart trimmers and push mowers 2 seasons ago when I started. This s my 3rd season with them. I bought cheap to get started and said I would run them till they died and buy better stuff at that point. Everything still runs great with hundreds if not close to a thousand hours on the pushers. Until this year I used my pushers more than my zero turn a lot of the time. I get wanting good quality equipment but I think spending money just so someone can see you running a specific brand is stupid. I have all intentions of buying better quality equipment when the time comes but until that day I’ll run what I have till it dies.

[@northtexasturfpros6968]

Just wanted to say thank you for your common sense approach and friendly demeanor. Good tips! I have a good friend in Ardmore Oklahoma who has been in the business for 14 years and does real well. I'm making about 70k a year my self as an Enterprise Risk Analyst in the Banking Industry but would like to start my own business and lawn care really appeals to me. This is gonna be my second business. My first was selling used cars. It didnt work out, but thankfully I didnt 'loose my shirt'. Its getting close to the end of the season here in North Texas, and as i'm listening to you I figured I better start on my plan for the winter before I do anything. It seems that the summer time is a lot easier for lawn care and one really needs to diversify to make up for the down months. But anyways, thanks for the advise. I really like your channel.

[@lawncarelife]

+Aletheia Ventures glad you like the channel. Lawn Care can be a really good business if done correctly. You may could start part time to make sure you like it before leaving a good job

[@northtexasturfpros6968]

Yea, that's what i'm gonna do. I normally have a pretty good idea of what i'll like and what i wont, so I dont have any doubt that I'll like like the lawn care business. Ive actually always wanted to work outdoors. But your point is well taken. That's actually what my friend encouraged me to do as well. Plus, if i want the blessing from the wife i'll have to show that the lawn care business will be sustainable. And i dont see me jumping ship without her blessing. Thanks again bud.

[@aaronm.3398]

I can dig it 😎

[@WeekendAtBidens266]

One of my favs: $85,000 truck with a $2000 mower. 😂

[@canadianreptilemarket5593]

I am just about to start offering lawncare this weekend. Bought everything used, in great shape and for steals of prices (all in canadian funds): 2014 Toro 30" timemaster $200(needed a service which i did myself), 2016 stihl fs94r Trimmer $100 and 2010 Stihl Br420 Magnum Backpack leaf blower $100. Have different equipment I use on my home for backups if anything goes wrong. Good luck to everyone out there.

[@lawncarelife]

+Canadian Reptile Market those are good deals. Let me know how you like the 94r. I have heard good things about it

[@canadianreptilemarket5593]

Lawn Care Life love the machine so far! The power level is great, very smooth. I am not a huge fan of the power output rolling mechanism beside the trigger but can definitely see others loving its selective functionality.

[@blessitlawnservice9079]

I start like 8 months ago this business I don't trust in use stuff I got few mower and one weedeater,edger,blower use and I start updating my equipments.

[@todd2962]

I just started out. I have a full time job, but I only work 15 days a month at it roughly. I have a commercial grade Echo weedeater, a Milwaukee M18 blower (I know I need to invest in a backpack blower but it will do for my small yards for right now) and a Toro Timemaster. I have 4 regular customers for now and am looking for more. At my current job, overtime is super easy to come by. I plan on working a bunch of overtime in the winter and hopefully buy a small trailer, an entry level zero turn and a good blower (or at least save enough for a huge chunk of it) and see how far I can get in 2022! The ultimate goal is to go full time in 3-4 years. I really enjoy your videos. God bless!

[@lawncarelife]

I have a Milwaukee handheld blower. That is the best handheld blower I have ever used

[@todd2962]

@@lawncarelife Oh it’s great for what it is for sure!

[@mikeywi96]

A big one that I have got in trouble with is getting into work that you can't handle yet. It may be tempting to bid a job for something that's out of your scope because you see dollar signs, but it usually comes back to bite you in the end.

[@brianfitzpatrick8448]

Number one: fail to plan, plan to fail. My brother told me that 30 years ago. The best thing he ever told me. I live by that to this day.

[@gerardbinns2593]

Been running my family own business by my self and some time im struggling to get some work

[@violarodriguez916]

Do you know if there is online classes to be a spray tech? I am in Arizona

[@slum3947]

Under bidding my biggest mistake! Really watch that lol

[@borderlineiq]

Jason, what leadership training did you get? You're very good at it. I was wondering how much is from your parents, organizations, or just DNA.

[@jjb926]

This is my first year, and everything that you've said, I've run into in my situation.

[@samsammy1062]

john barrington its my first year too. how many lawns you got?

[@jjb926]

I've got about 12 regulars, but I get a lot of calls from craigslist for one offs. I don't really like doing them, but I will until I get my client list up. How many do you have?

[@samsammy1062]

I got 21 regular residential yards. and then 6 commercial places. I need more commercial places... that where I make most all my money. under bid on some commercial properties right off the bat but everything worked out. good luck to you!!!

[@procutslawncare358]

john barrington I've found a lot of one timers will keep calling if you do a good job also search Facebook in your local area it has helped me alot

[@jjb926]

How do y'all get commercial properties? I don't know who to talk to or how to bid them.

[@Jason-zw2dg]

number two depends on how much competition is in the area and one lawn vs one lawn plus 9 neighbors on the same street

[@rachelt.7408]

What can I do to get a grasp on the total expenses and overhead for our business. We went on our own fully around April this year. I also have no clue how to figure the best rates to charge for basic lawn care.

[@gerardbinns2593]

Plus im studying cert 2 in horticultural and going back to do cert 3 in horticultural next years so what should i base how much i should charge

[@dustingiles2043]

I started my lawncare/landscaping business full time this year I'm marketing through home advisors angie list etc magnetic signs but pricing on yard mowing and how to price instead of doing like you said basically saying I just want to make a hourly wage I'm still learning to all the business aspect but I can do professional work done for 10 years taught by different companies but I'm a amature to business part and doing taxes etc

[@hashrosinking1608]

You're only taxed when you make 40k or more in a small business.

[@dustingiles2043]

@@hashrosinking1608well I know for sure way more then that so yes I get taxed

[@zombiehunter5923]

And number #7 Be patience enough

[@nathanielaranda8407]

keep these videos coming (EXTREAMLY helpful!)

[@celestinovelasquez948]

Hi jason, i just started my own small business, im a rookie at it, i just want to know if i should be licensed and insured my first year?

[@ThaylorHarmor]

Unfortunately so many residential landscaping companies must use all-cash employees to compete. Residential is so cost competitive. Residential customers don’t care and are not penalized for hiring, but they don’t know that they are responsible if something goes wrong on their property..

[@cherylwest5444]

I have had lawncare companies cut my vinyl siding.

[@ChrisXCXCX]

How do you market!!!!

[@GodsChild-qn6kp]

Gas,trimmer line,equipment maintenance,truck maitenance,taxes,business lic.etc,insurance if you damage a customers property.alot of responsibilities

[@philthelawnman]

Do not stop on a detail part of the job just because it has been a long day and you think it will be fine till next week. That one long blade of grass or single spurge in the corner of the lawn could cost you that account. Or heaven forbid if you leave sedge and they think it is tall grass.

[@robertswift6101]

it will always be about the $$$,,,do a great job for a good price and a customer will never leave

[@dontravis9829]

I'm trying to figure out how to tell what kind of grass I'm looking at. And I'm clueless if someone asks me what kind of weeds are these. Where do I learn this stuff? And how do I respond if I can't answer a question and still look professional to a customer

[@countryboysmudcrew6318]

What kind of jobs are good to do in off season in a region with little to no snow (I live in the south).

[@johnnyklassen9606]

A buddy of mine, (very successful) hangs Christmas lights. Just an idea?

[@raymondserna172]

I'm 14 and been helping my dad since I was 9 and I drive a zero turn mower I work summer vacation 10 hrs a day I for me it is easy to do landcare

[@brodyschmidt8125]

Good to hear!

[@RayToaetolu]

I saved up $5,000 and I'm really serious about starting. What would you recommend I do first? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[@hashrosinking1608]

If you got 6 years to sit around and grow a business do it! Once you start getting clients without even trying.

[@67_PowerStroke]

What do you guys think of the Hustler SD as a first zero turn for getting started? I have an older MTD riding mower now, but would really like a zero turn. I'd like to get a commercial mower, but price as well as not know what a good deal is on any of the commercial mowers is holding me back. I've already got a STIHL 380 blower and a trimmer. Just need a decent mower to get started. What would your suggestions be?

[@coreyparrish6765]

Needs vs Wants. Do you need a commercial mower?? Or do you just want one. Which one can you afford with cash? Don't get hung up on the name, find someone in your area who has one and ask them their honest opinion. Take it for a spin and see how you like it before you put down your hard earned cash on it. The Tube is great, but hands on is better.

[@Irishman1776]

I won't recommend a particular brand of mower, but I do recommend a stand on or walk behind mower instead of a rider. That is unless you are doing lots of large wide open properties with few obstructions. I made the mistake of getting a rider when I started and soon tired of climbing in and out of the seat to move tree branches and other obstacles.

[@67_PowerStroke]

I bought a 1999 Bobcat 52" ZT200 zero turn with a 22 hp Kohler command engine last week. It has less than 600 hours and came with a peco 12 bagging system that cost $3k. The mower was garaged kept and has never seen the rain. Paid $2800 for all of it. It looks better than many 2 year old zero turns i've been looking at, seems to have been taken care of. Wasn't really trying to target large yards, so i'm hoping I can still do housing development lawns.

[@PracticalNeuron]

David Bowie and andy warhol

[@vego0991]

Find a used exmark that’s working , I have a 46” and just got another 60”. 3k you should be able to find a homeowners selling a commercial exmark. I would not even consider anything around 1000hrs. Less than 300 would be better. Kholer engines are better, than kaw. They are both super tuff. If you ain’t making 60 to 100 hr you sux or not charging enough.

[@Jason-zw2dg]

number 5. you won't ever give up if this is what you truly want. if you give up then just back your bags and move on

[@Jason-zw2dg]

number one is a no brainer

[@JuanTorres-jz2nw]

how do you price i have a 10,000 square​ foot job its my first job and the guy has another job for me as well and many many more properties i dont want to undercut myself but i dont want to over charge i was thinking 55$-75$

[@samsammy1062]

Juan Torres I charge 45$ an acre (over 3 acres) $65+ per acre if less than 3 acres. there is a Google map program that will plot acres. there is a website that you can put in the acreage, find the speed mower, and set overlap rate. then it will output how many hours it will take. then just figure out how much you want to make per hour

[@gerardbinns2593]

When you mean advertising where do you go

[@Sterben1]

lawn care business how can I start my business I may not be much old (I'm, 14) but how can I make a lot of money off lawn mowing I got a lawn mower and a weed Wacker and some other tools for lawn mowing

[@samsammy1062]

HzdTv Filmz all you need to do is go door to door. PUSH YOUR LAWNMOWER AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TO YOUR CUSTOMERS HOUSES. this will get you more business when people see you pushing the mower down the street. mow on Saturdays (more people will see you.) door hangers and stuff on vistaprint and cheap and look professional. good luck, and keep your own yard looking sharp!

[@Jason-zw2dg]

number 3. when starting out buy used equipment. the company should pay for new equipment not you. if the business can't do it then work harder

[@Jason-zw2dg]

number 6 . nobody will call you if they don't even know you exist. so yeah . bust your ass. Craigslist is a good cheap / free place to start

[@perryschmoll7088]

Yes, Craigslist is were I seem to get about 75% of my new customers as a new business myself.

[@Jason-zw2dg]

number 4. he's totally right. bust your ass

[@triumphovertragedy7860]

I JUMPED ASAP. best thing in my LIIIIFFFFFE. lol

[@dwightstewart7181]

Interesting. So what you basically saying is don't do anything (charge less, buy better equipment, hire staff to work quicker, etc) which might undermine you. Good advice. I'll keep it in mind.

[@kennyslaughenhaupt3839]

I don't prefer these long winded videos. And I have watched several of yours. I have only one question. I'm not going to give you my background to go all into that I just have one question I keep putting down lawn weed killer and the long leads aren't dying I don't want to kill the lawn here in California something wants her meet up entirely of the exact same weeds that the lawn weed killer kills, more specifically water grass or depending on how you talk to you broadleaf crabgrass can you give me any thoughts on that. If not then I will just keep killing half of everybody's lawbns, let it fill in with other weeds and kill it again. Here in Central California, everything has to be bagged. And I don't see a point in wasting money on product that is just going to be vacuumed up and put into the green waste the next week so fertilizer product with seed is great and it works great but why put it down if you're just going to suck it up with the mower or mulch it to hell the next week. So how do I get weeds out of a lawn I have you spray kills crabgrass lot of lawns are nothing but crabgrass kills most of the lawn you tell me I'm at a loss stop doing lawns that are 90% of crabgrass I guess tell the customers you're on your own

[@lawncarelife]

I recommend using a pre emergent before the weeds germinate. By far, the easiest way to control annual weeds. For perennials, you will need to use a post emergent

[@kennyslaughenhaupt3839]

@@lawncarelife I completely know that, here is the problem. Here in California most of those products are illegal and the ones that are not you can't find because this is the number one ag region in the nation and the farmers buy them up before the stores can stock them. So that is my question. In CA it's different. These products are outlawed.

[@kennyslaughenhaupt3839]

Gardeners need a special liscensce just to spray roundup so most just don't do it. It's very expensive. And any chemical that gets applied. Well. Here in ca we are screwed. I do use pre-emergent but you have to be very very careful to watch out for prying eyes, hence the problem.

[@kennyslaughenhaupt3839]

The license is expensive not the Roundup

[@bridgemanlawn7381]

Knowing that God is sovereign helps me to not be greedy and set my prices too high, and to not be worried because I didn't price low enough. "The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up." 1 Samuel 2:7

[@tscat68]

I usually charge elderly people more because they have no clue. and only trim every other time. saves time & money. When they question me I just say Ya git what ya git and ya don't throw a fit. If they complain, I'll pour roundup on one of their shrubs.

[@jaredmckinnon3620]

tscat68 wtf is wrong with you

[@robertswift6101]

that is terrible