HOW MUCH does it COST to Start a Lawn Care Business? (NOT what you think!)

[@AlbertoGonzalez-yu3pe]

I started with a push mower hand blower and weed wacker. The growth was slow but it help me appreciate everything I have now.

[@seanwatts392]

I'm 26 I been in the lawn care business here in California for 3 years now. I was working for a lawn maintenance company that only did apartments. So I bought a weedeater push mower and back back blower. Im tech savvy. I built a website. Got on the first page of Google. And listed myself on Google my business. I started with mabe $800 in used equipment. I bought a $1000 truck with no trailer due to living in a apartment. I was getting so many customers the first year I had to quit my job. I kept re investing in the company. By the 2nd year I had 160 clients. I bought a second truck this year and my brother and cousin are working for me. I listen to you and Brians lawn maintenance for advice! I'm never going back to working for someone else

[@ericvidal440]

Great stuff , how do you manage your winter for work

[@dillonellinwood8605]

guys.........THIS DUDE IS DROPPING FREE NUGGETS!!!!

[@rasulmcgrone7912]

the thing I spent the most on starting out is the mower and trailer. I already had my truck so didn't have to worry about that.

[@CraigsCuts]

Thank you for being realistic about the initial start up numbers. Too many you tubers are looking for click bait with “how to start a lawn company with $500” I’m like, man you won’t even get a mower 😂😂😂

[@wv8404]

Just bought these last week john deere 335 zero turn had 6 hrs n warranty for 1800 bought real niceutility trailer 6 by 10 for 500 weedeater 210 blower n stick edger 350.. insurance is 39.54 month n pull it all with SUV everything paid off...so almost 3 grand invested with no overhead really

[@toddharris928]

Want a base start up. Honda push mower, Echo srm 225 pas with edger and trimmer accessory, hitachi hand held blower. You can buy all of this used probably $500 and new would be $650-700. I used that combo for a long time till I had the money to buy a commercial 36" ztr and that equipment lasted me a while and I made 10s of thousands of dollars each year. The honda is light enough I could pick it up by hand and put it in the back of my truck and I could easily chain it all up for security. I have a successful 6 figure business but still occasionally fall back to that method for a few small houses when needed and I dont want to bring my stand ons and trailer.

[@clsmallenginerepair3814]

Awesome man.. you just scared the crap out of a lot guys..lol These are the real expenses, kills me when you hear some say that you can use a bolens push mower and a broom, i mean you can make money with whatever laying around, BUT, a real business is a investment. Good video.#TRUTH

[@Gambit8121-i7v]

Good video I've been through many setups throughout the years but I have all of my setups now with Chevy 2500 long bed trucks with 4 foot wood sides. good for clean UPS or hauling mulch. and I pull Inclosed trailers very clean look and I still get all the versatile/ Room in the back of the long bed truck with the 4 ft sides. The enclosed trailers for me are big moving billboards. one time fee to wrap it I get about 25% of all my new calls off of the enclosed trailers. And the best thing about the trucks that are 2500 or bigger is they do not need Emissions so you can definitely go with a older model And not worry about passing he missions every year

[@FloridaTurfPros]

I really like the enclosed trailers for a lot of reasons. Haven't really considered pairing it with a long bed truck, with would help solve the issue of hauling debris... Is going in and out of an enclosed trailer a pain all day? I like to just grab my equipment off the side of the trailers without walking into it. Is this a hassle for you or not?

[@anthonys_speaks4643]

This video is the truth! Always great content on this channel.

[@tomblizzard3721]

I appreciate this information started this past year got most everything what you’re talking about pretty close to being there

[@Jason-zw2dg]

Started with an older truck and used commercial equipment that i bought slowly over the previous year. When spring hit i started advertising, still didn't have a hedge trimmer. Trailer came a year or so later, website and branding came around year 4

[@Axel-tk3tk]

I reccomend searching on offerup, etc for equipment cheap. All of my equipment is commercial now, but still "used", basically brand new.

[@BobbyBowker]

Good information and direction for folks starting out!!!

[@bumpbeyondbloglive5888]

I’m so glad that I saw this video. My husband and I are starting a lawn care company. I’m doing all the marketing things. I’m really food with that stuff so that will save us some money. As well as logos and postcards ect. I am also doing the uniforms myself with my cricut machine. I’m actually really excited about it

[@robertpaidprice]

I wish had this video last year. Thanks Johnathan!!

[@johnbailey9682]

I never had a wed site and I was always very busy. The key fo me was to talk with people and pass them a card. I started when I was 8 years old. I went from 43 yards a week and just by talking to people I jumped to 120 yards a week. And people are watching you everyday. So yes I started off without a string trimmer because they had not been made. So people you are talking to might not even have any money and if they are lucky they just might have some sort of vehicle yes I have seen some start off carrying a mower in the trunk of a car. So you just need to have the will power to start and keep building up your equipment.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

I agree completely. It can be done on a shoe string budget with nothing, but at some point the actual expenses of running a business are incurred. The video was just to show what those expenses are most likely to be. But yes, I agree completely that will power and determination are huge factors.

[@TheCountryCottageGardener]

I like seeing how others work around the world. In the uk most lawns are small so equipment costs can be so much lower. Nice video content 👍👍

[@danfontaine6992]

Jonathan great video I wish I had this when I started 20 years ago when I was and I'm still part-time or should I had it because I probably wouldn't be working my full-time job when it comes to insurance I found the best value was online which was next insurance it's a commercial contractors insurance only runs me $37 a month for a million-dollar policy thanks a lot

[@tennesseeturfpros528]

Good video man! “Legit business” is the BEST way to grow! Perfect time for a video waiting in school line

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Legit is the ONLY way to grow! =) Thanks for commenting, and don't skip anyone in line. =P

[@TheRandyDulin]

I wanna say your numbers are WAY to high but you did set a disclaimer at the beginning so I’m not gonna argue with you 😁 I started my company with a $300 Verizon gift card though so my perspective is a little different 😂😂 Great video as always man

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Dulin Cut & Trim Haha, yes, the truth is there are many ways to get started. My reason for this video was to give an actual estimate as you start taking on equipment and legitimizing your business with taxes and insurance.

[@ThomasSmith-wy6vs]

You are right on man. I spent 30,000.00 but the only difference I did was local radio advertising. It’s cheap. You need to be that guy in the lawn maintenance business.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

I've always been curious as to radio advertising. Wondering if the return is worth the investment.

[@ThomasSmith-wy6vs]

You know Florida like me, I’m in Palm Coast. We had a restrauant on the beach that was a failed business location for 10 years. A guy from New York moved into the area and cleaned up the establishment. He hit local advertising (radio) to the max and is now one of the most successful restrauants on the beach. You can be the best at what you do but if no one know you it irrelevant. You need to be that rock star.

[@iwasbanned8875]

So only about anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 dollars to start up a business! Nice!

[@atnruban8899]

Your absolutely 100% right. Not like keth kalfas starting business with 0$

[@kingzach5000]

You truly are a pro

[@Grassology-vs1hn]

Started PT in December 2017 legit right out the gate.EIN #, business privilege license,Commercial insurance,Sole proprietor.2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 2wd that I borrowed $7500 from the credit union.Took $2000 from my family savings to buy a 30” Exmark push mower.All other equipment to do lawn care I already had since I was a home owner.Paid off truck in October 2018 and deposited $2000 back into my family savings account.Grossed $26000 for 2018 net was $7500.October 2019 I purchased a 48” snapper pro walk behind W/sulky.For this year I want to upgrade to a 52” stand on mower by trading in my 48” snapper pro mower or just purchase 48” stand on mower and have 2 mower. Does it make sense to have 2 of the same size mowers ?

[@Ti_Taannikk]

I started with a pair of scissors and my good old lungs for the blower LOL

[@thelawncaregivers6034]

Michael Acts I thought I was the only one who started like that 😅

[@jayluna5694]

How is your business now? Is it running smoothly? That’s how I’m going to start out as well.

[@Ti_Taannikk]

It was a joke obviously but I did start out with a push mower in the back of a Cadillac Fleetwood I just believe you got to do what you Gotta do with what you got no problem with the video I love it I’m also here in Florida and yes my business is running great have a truck enclosed trailer and everything I learned a lot off of him on how to get customers and stuff and lawn care millionaire

[@mikegriffin2904]

Solid information!

[@daveallen4194]

Good info... however based on my experience, including some guys in lawn care whom I know, most have only 1k to 2k to invest into equipment to start with. Many are supplementing income, or just got "laid off", and many just use what they have as a home owner (maybe a 48 in Craftsman rider, a weed whip, and a hand held blower). They use the old family mini van and find a used $500 8ft trailer to pull. This will likely be a part time thing for a year or two, as they learn if they can find some customers in their area, and whether or not they even want to do this kind of work for a living. Many don't have the best credit rating to go out and buy 10k or 20k worth of equipment, so they have to work their way into the business, testing the water as they go. I believe what I just described is much more common than what you laid out. Yours is the more ideal way, and I can not argue against that.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

I agree completely. It can be done on a shoe string budget with nothing, but at some point the actual expenses of running a business are incurred (real mower, string trimmers, insurance, etc). The video was just to show what those expenses are most likely to be whenever you're ready to make that push. I agree completely though, many people start off with absolutely nothing and form a side hustle.

[@nickeydodd8756]

Ferris stand on,and trailer started July 2018, went legit 2019 with business license and insurance ,and want to start marketing 2020,I still part time. 2019 almost paid off equipment

[@jamesleejr1626]

Great video

[@paulmitchell3651]

what’s the liability issue with trimmers?

[@southernstyle8636]

I’m in Florida also do you have to have a license to start promoting your business?

[@FloridaTurfPros]

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER MAJOR EXPENSES YOU GUYS SEE? 👇

[@juliansemenuk2727]

I would really appreciate a video on what you need to legally start a real lawn care business. A list of what you need not to get in trouble with the government. For when it comes to stuff like EIN, taxes and insurance I know that there is a lot more than that. I just cant find a place to find all of this information. Thank you

[@FloridaTurfPros]

All you have to do is 1. Register your business with your state to obtain an FEIN 2. Get a license for your county 3. Open a business bank account 4. Get insurance and 5. Pay your taxes. That's really it. Not as bad when you see it in black and white.

[@juliansemenuk2727]

@@FloridaTurfPros thank you

[@lancegee7490]

Factor in gas costs each month. Depending on how many houses it could be hundreds each month

[@samerodeh6757]

What insurance companies do you recommend in Florida that ensure truck,trailer, and liability?

[@samerodeh6757]

Thanks so much 🙏🏽

[@johncunningham3039]

Hey Johnathan, hope you all are doing well. Thank you for another informative video. I wanted to ask, do you suggest getting an Identification number for your business if it is a side job? I am a current teacher and like your other video, I need to build clientele before I can just go all in. My area is over saturated with people doing lawn care. I want to learn and develop other skills so that I can overseeding, fertilize, I really want to learn to do small hardscape jobs. I am doing this a little at a time so I am starting with lawn care first. I am torn on the Identification number as I will then be liable of taxes and so far, I have not made anything and I heard it is very expensive to have someone do my taxes as a small business. The scale doesn't look too balanced of I make $1500.00 and I have to pay someone that or more to do my taxes. Please let me know where you stand on this as I am relying heavily on what I am learning from you pros. Thank you.

[@spencerwurm123]

What mower you recommend for around that 5k mark? I mow a few small medium yards and need a rider this year.

[@MatthewSmith-uf6tr]

Exmark turf tracer

[@immortalmortal4767]

What’s your opinion on electric equipment I hav my eyes on them since just changing batteries and a more silent work seems good for me and clients

[@FloridaTurfPros]

I really like the idea of battery powered equipment, I just don't think the batteries are good enough yet to get through 8 hour work days. However, I would LOVE to not have a 2 stroke engine screaming in my ear all day... I will be the first to invest in battery powered equipment when I think it's a legitimate option for all day use.

[@immortalmortal4767]

Florida Turf Pros 🙏🙏

[@justinangle8213]

Hi I have been watching your videos for a while and have learned a ton about the business. I am ready to pull the trigger on investing in equipment and starting my own business but was curious on your (or anyone elses) thoughts on starting a lawn business during an uncertain time such as right now with everything happening in the world. I have been working residential construction which came to a screeching hault due to the current events. With that being said , has covid 19 had any effect on the lawn business and do you predict it might? And would you recommend people still start out at a time like this or wait for the current events to first subside? Thanks for all the helpful content. Justin

[@dean.2113]

why not try man? if it doesnt workout go harder next year

[@codykanger9383]

Hey man you have any input on bagging vs mulching? Love to hear comments or video on it. Owner operators can mow tall grass and make it look great, but now I have employees and I’m struggling getting them to blow grass off everything when finished (small touches like rock walls, etc). Switched to bagging and is less thinking for them, higher quality for customer, but way more costly... thoughts???? Thanks man!!!

[@FloridaTurfPros]

We use operated controlled discharge chutes on our equipment. It lets you do some mulching but also you can open it up for side discharge on the fly. If you live in a market that does not REQUIRE bagging, then I would say mulching (OCDC) is the way to go. Sounds like your guys may need some training on not discharging into flowerbeds/driveways/concrete etc. I had to do the same with my crew.

[@codykanger9383]

Florida Turf Pros any suggestions on how to train them? I agree with more training, just not sure aside from repetitive talking. I’ve pointed the left over grass, I’ve recalled them back to job sites, I even bought a chute and they stopped using it after a few days. They aren’t lazy, but they get lax in quality ever now and then

[@thomasfarrell2275]

The 3 step training method(I learned from chick-fil-a) is: 1) I do the work and you(employee) watch and observe 2) then you(employee) do the work and I watch immediately correcting any mistakes as they are being made 3) then finally employee does the work while you step away and then you follow up afterwards and discuss any mistakes with polite constructive criticism Training has such a huge ripple effect in any businesses bottom line. Employees that are not properly trained are costly to a business in many ways that sometimes aren’t as obvious as we think. This could actually be a really good topic for a new video 😉

[@GSDJunkHauling]

How can I get my zoysia grass to spread?

[@UnblockedOne2]

Gravely dealer out here sells used mowers & gives a warranty.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

That's pretty remarkable. Gravely is also now running 5 year commercial warrantys on their prostance and proseries mowers. That's crazy.

[@MatthewSmith-uf6tr]

Does your wife work too? Were having a baby in April and I want to go full time. If so, how do you juggle your business while having kids? Do you pay for child care?

[@tonywood942]

Hey FTP! You are telling the truth if you really want to have a successful business. You have to make it legit

[@depmodeno]

Marketing website logo and trade organisation. I'd rather start with lots of customers than lots of equipment Then buy equipment as you need it.

[@garrisonfamilyalbum3901]

👍

[@garinbaker_]

One thing a new guy should realize is that you don’t need a trailer just starting out.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

yes, you can throw a mower in the back of a pickup truck... for a while. =P