Lawn Care Business Plan (10 Tips You Must Know!)

[@FloridaTurfPros]

If this video was helpful for you, please consider subscribing. I'm always posting info that you can apply directly to your lawn business to grow it! Thanks! -Jonathan C.

[@chrisposada6221]

Florida Turf Pros will do man!!! I love your videos you inspire me so much to one day i start my own landscaping business , im from Naples Fl . quick question tho ? how much money is good enough too start off with ?

[@Boodieman72]

I would personally buy something that has more use that just turf grass mowing but maybe that will set me apart from the rest.

[@cowboysnation1]

Hey man i wanna tell you brother I've been in the buisness 4 years and have all the work skills down but now because of your videos i have the skills now to run a true landscape business man. I just wanna say thank you man from the bottom of my heart for being a true genuine dude man i see you have a great heart and thats why your only going to the top brother and helping a ton along the way. I tell you man all the other You tube guys won't ever give the info your giving man they are to scared of the competition instead of realizing that helping them helps us, if we all get on the same page the prices go up man and we make more but there's so many dam haters in this business and idiots at that bud hey I wanna give you a call because i would like to ask you some other questions if you have time for a small dude it would really help me out a ton going into next season and i think it would make a great video for your channel because I am sure a ton of guys have theses questions there just to scared to ask brother please let me know if that would be okay thanks man again and tell your family they have a great father and husband keep taking care of whats important bud🙂👍

[@TxDuallyNation]

@Florida Turf Pros got a question, i am a one man show for now and doing "ok" now I wanted to ask for your opinion on Angies list and homeadvisor etc..they talking about some serious money(relatively) for advertising

[@rscudo]

Florida Turf Pros I'm trying to find the video where you did the calculation of profit for time spent on properties. Was so helpful. Just want to rewatch for some of your other tips

[@Bladesofgrasslawncare]

One tip that I would give a newcomer to this business is that they should know them self first. If they're not a self-motivator, go-getter, goal setter, positive, determined, willing to learn, never quite individual, then don't even waste their time. Awesome and informative tips!

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Blades of Grass Lawn Care, LLC Thanks, Jonny! Words of wisdom from a pro.

[@Nick-do5ki]

thanks for that tip

[@Jerrydo_7]

I am about to start my 3rd season. I had about 50 yards last year, 1 man crew. Have a decent mower, but not commercial, commercial grade Sthil trimmer and a B600 Leaf blower that i bought used. My beginner mistakes were to invest in '"cheaper" equipment to start. If you have residential equipment already, i think its ok to use it until you have extra money. But, if you have to buy equipment, i suggest to buy commercial grade equipment if you are serious about your business. Second and maybe most important: believe in yourself and stop comparing yourself with competition when it comes to equipment value. Not everyone has 20k $ of money to start. What we should do is to the best job possible with what we have and yes, take tips from the pros to get better

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Jerry DO77 Very well, said! All great advice for the newcomer.

[@Jerrydo_7]

Thank you... for those that think you can't make it with basic equipment, well I had bought for 50$ a almost brand new Troy bolt mower that the owner ran over a rock which damaged the blade and it's T. 40$ of repair, so 90$ for a 500$ worth mower. 300$ for my Sthil trimmer, 300$ for a used b600 Sthill that runs like a charm... and paid 125$ for a used echo edge trimmer.... that aloud me to do 50ish accounts... With that said, I will upgrade to a commercial mower. But when neighbor that deal with big companies comes to see you while working on their neighbours house and say wow you do a better job, well it says it all... not being cocky, just proud of my work 😁

[@slum3947]

@@Jerrydo_7 nothing wrong with that.we are about to start buying commercial we bought hey Husqvarna mower with a Honda engine last season we probably had 60 yards last season and about that this season and that mower is still running well a plastic piece that goes underneath it it's kind of screwed up I'm going to look up the part today but I'm really impressed with the mower I'm amazed it still running I think we paid 400 plus tax but the cheap weed eater and blowers I replaced a couple times so far that's why we're going to go get commercial the next time

[@grassmonkeylawncare6056]

dude this is money in the bank for new people, that uniform means the world for sure, you are spot on with every aspect in this video and is great tips

[@ACMEMowing]

You asked for one or two things to improve our business......This is our first year coming up so I cannot speak from experience....but by watching literally hundreds and hundreds of hours of lawn care videos on youtube I feel like 1) Route Density, especially for us smaller crews, is incredibly important. 2) Advertise/advertise/advertise. Signs/postcards/door-hangers. Be consistent and relentless with your advertising. From my research.....that's my contribution and that's what we plan on doing!

[@drewmania6034]

This is by far the most applicable channel I’ve come across. So grateful for discovering you. Thanks for looking out for the little guys!

[@musclepits]

Yes it is... should be at 100k subscribers

[@TheHaslemBoyz]

This is one of the best lawncare business videos I've watched. Thank you!

[@hankbridges5055]

For one thing, align the front- end on that riding mower. Come up with a GOOD name for your company. Have equipment fitting jobs. Work for people even though you don't like them. Don't get a HUGE trailer, it'll wear-out your truck. Wear clothes that are suitable to customers. Keep written records for IRS! Get shirts with your company name on it. Hire employees that get along with each other and customers. Use whatever brands YOU like.

[@deidregreathousedg]

Hello John and thanks so much for sharing your content. I’m a 55 year (young)😊grandmother of at least 18 grandchildren ranging in age 2mo- 23 years old. Because of the shear number of grandchildren I have I have started a lawn care service to create a positive start to self employment for my grandchildren. My 13 year old grandson myself and my husband has started this process. I purchased one mower, weed wacker and a backpack blower. Your information was very informative and I will watch all of YOUR videos to guide and direct our new small business everyday, keep ‘em coming 🙏🏾

[@Mark-zi2og]

Jonathan, thank you for doing this. As someone in the process of kicking off a solo operator side hustle in 2023 this is gold. God Bless.

[@CASG93]

I love this guy, because he talks a lot about the business side of it.

[@BobbyBowker]

I’ve been watching you since before I started my business I’m in season five now. I’ve watched a lot of KZbinrs and even had my own show, but gave it up because I don’t have enough time. You are hands-down the best and most well-rounded source of information on the subject. Just the sound financial advice alone is worth its weight in god,but you also throw out equipment set ups ,operational tricks and tips, the list goes on and on they are all rocksolid! And I’m pretty sure that anyone watching you will agree with that. Thanks for doing what you do you have made me the success that I am , I really appreciate it. I just got emotional at the end !!! Thanks, God bless you and your family.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Thanks so much for the kinds words. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know the vids have been helpful. I do enjoy making them, but I wouldn't do so if there weren't people telling me they enjoy the info... Thanks again!

[@jackchapman8171]

Jab, jab, jab, uppercut. Love it. Our uppercut is going to be serious one, and it's arriving over the next few months. We're 5 weeks out from the start of our mowing season in my part of the UK, but this weekend the inquiries have begun, all priced up profitability, selling our service for all it's got, showing that we're the best in business. They're the first leads of a couple of hundred this year I'm sure.

[@ACMEMowing]

Son and I are starting our 1st year in this business. We are learning so much from videos like this and from the comments on our own youtube channel. These are great tips!

[@FloridaTurfPros]

Great to hear! Good luck to ya'll this season! Keep your head down and make it happen.

[@dandylawnandmaintenance4407]

Great advise. I have been doing it 5 years now. Yardbooks rocks 4 years now. I remember first year hand receipts omg tax time I was almost going to give up just because of the paperwork. Now no wasting paper everything is computer generated. Great to see your business is doing well found you from Brians Landscaping.

[@adventuresinlawncare3734]

Utilize technology from day one, and 3 years later it finally clicks for me. Now I complete my estimates in front of the client as were speaking and email it on the spot. Also going full throttle on line with SEO and web presence, social media, next door , apps, etc. still putting out the magnetic business cards(old school) grass roots marketing. I finally get to work 3 days a week now, it’s been only 1-2 so far. I’m pumped for 2021.

[@william_coduks]

Thank you brother! I'm about to take the leap into lawncare!

[@michaeldenis8802]

To piggyback off number 4. Be the best at something. I would say, make sure your quality is top notch each and every time! If you focus quality, people will notice. Second, don't miss a beat. If you mow a client's yard on Tuesday, do it EVERY TUESDAY!!! Clients do care about this. If for some reason you can't, make sure you let them know. And this is where technology helps. I can notify clients of a delay in literary 20 seconds. Do those 2 things, and you Will have success. I Just completed year 10.

[@Nick-do5ki]

This is my first year of doing business. I will be purchasing equipment closer to the start of the season. I have been watching your videos and they are amazing. The comments and tips from others are also amazing. In the next week I will have business cards and flyers to start my marketing campaign officially. I have began to tell friends and family already. To anyone reading this how do you feel about lawn care and window cleaning. I have a passion for both and do them very well. But I did not know how the two would mix.

[@mattyjupe9283]

Just came across your channel here in Australia....10 excellent and very wise points for a young fella just starting out in the industry...... quietly jab, jab, jabbing away right now !!!

[@BobbyBowker]

JAB,JAB,JAB., UPPERCUT!!! I enjoyed revisiting this video. It’s amazing how you can get more and more great advice by watching something that you’ve already seen.

[@ep6606]

That’s exactly what I’m doing right now....research!

[@chasmofsar2691]

Thanks for making this applicable people in all climates and markets. Very helpful!

[@dontpanic4267]

Tip number 8 (12:00) is spot on

[@SupremegreenlawncareLLC]

I just started a Lawn Company; this was very helpful!🙏🏿

[@choppedculture326]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I am starting a lawn care business in my area and have already set up my Yardbook account, got my door hangers and business cards on the way! Your videos have been extremely helpful! Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you provide and the years of honest wisdom you have! Blessings to you from Greenville, NC!

[@OwlsUniqueSounds]

How's it going so far? I'm thinking of starting solo and building up, getting a bunch of employees until the business runs itself. I'm just worried about not being able to get enough lawns to cut in the first place. there is already a lot of lawn care companies where I'm from.

[@Camo-Dan]

This is awesome! I’m planning out a lawn care business to be able to earn extra income for real estate investing and to be able to be my own boss. All the other channels I’ve come across have been in some guys backyard with helicopters flying by while all the guys spit chewing Tabaco haha so we appreciate the simple straight to the point video!

[@Ballenxj]

A good set of guidelines that can be applied to other businesses as well. Thumb up.

[@donavanmcelroy6263]

Ballenxj Agreed! He’s a wealth of valuable information

[@chuckccfd9]

Spot on I've been in lawn care this season will make my 13th mowing is what I'm known for

[@johnharper2004]

As always your video's are great!!

[@elitelawnsllc1564]

Loved this video! I’d like to just add one thing...debt. Too many new guys starting out w too much debt which means they usually take jobs because of desperation as opposed to profit. Anyways...keep grinding brother!

[@timothyevans114]

Good afternoon I am a new subscriber ran across the video this morning. Haven’t stopped watching them. I love the honest truth on how to price per customer and how to run a honest business! I have 7 yards in my neighborhood I have been doing for the last 15 years I have a full-time job too get ready to retire, and I want to go full-time lawn care. I have upgraded my equipment over the years. I have a gravely HD 52 inch and I just brought a pro stance 36 inch I’m looking to buy a trailer. What would you recommend that I would be able to put all my equipment on thanks for your support keep the great videos coming.😅

[@frederickrivera4615]

Thanx man Looking to get my business off the ground and this is awesome info.

[@easybuttonlawnservice8697]

All about the empire! First year part time and already had to hire an employee. 38 clients is a beast and something I've learned is its hard to say no to new clients but something I have to do. Last thing I want to do is over extend the business and get a bad rep on year one.

[@donscurry163]

Great video. This is my 3rd season and I have to agree Yardbooks is the way to go. I have 40 residential client and 10 commercial accounts. This season I am going to try plowing. Your best video was on how to pay yourself. My accountant has yet to view my books and is not very responsive. One place I found great information was. Small business administration. Be well and keep the videos coming.

[@douglasarnoldda33]

Excellent content

[@franciscoramirez5362]

Great video!

[@richardmercado6285]

Really good video, your a high quality dude

[@ronhughley6510]

Reliability. Be reliable. Very important

[@SMOKINGUNZ]

You have made some good points in this video I’m happy I ran across this gem this is going to help me kick things off right with my lawn business... thank you so much for your tips you just gave me the master to success !

[@brandonelliott3191]

Thanks for the great videos you do. You are very informative. I have been watching since you started. Your videos have helped me in my business

[@FloridaTurfPros]

That's why I do these, bud. Love hearing when people are helped out. Good luck to you this year!

[@newbs70]

Lots of good sound advice. Thanks Jonathan

[@jessecline9277]

Love your videos I appreciate you

[@john90304]

Thank you for this video. I am just starting myself.

[@danfontaine6992]

Jonathan thanks for this video that's really helped

[@valvulak2]

thank you for your advice and share experience.

[@jorgetrujano1981]

Very helpful information I'm starting very soon you'll be a guide

[@kevinpearce7218]

Weekend Grass Warriors is what we went with

[@fordfsd]

You always have good food for thought!!! Great video!!!

[@nctowpro]

Fantastic tips! I learned something from it, and when I really thought about it, it made sense... Jab, Jab, Uppercut 💪🏻

[@AlsLawnCare]

Great advice... Love all your videos!

[@caseydavis6935]

What accounting software are you running ? How seamless and compatible is it with Yardbook ?

[@ericpabon2458]

preach it brotha !

[@evergreenoutdoorservices]

Tip 1: buy and use what you can afford and save for the better equipment later, better than wishing you had the best equipment for the job and never starting. Tip. 2: Study your market and have a target customer, revenue is one thing but profit is another. A dense route with correct pricing will take you far. Be prepared to work atleast 12/6 - don’t have much starting money? Find free ways to advertise, start in your immediate area. There’s always a way.

[@SouthernStyleLawnCare]

Good video as always. Keep it up.

[@mrwak6]

Great videos man always informative and enjoyable to watch. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and information. Best of luck to you and your business.

[@CamPerfect]

Great video! Found it very useful and I look forward to using these tips in the future with my business.

[@tacticalredfishing6136]

I would like to hear a video on why you make videos to help people what made you want to do this and your motivation behind it

[@jbruce7641]

Great information - Thanks

[@donaldpassmore7661]

Great information!!!

[@nathan92665]

Estimating before you mow. First question is how much ? Love this video. Been at it a while and as a solo prop I still tend to sell myself short

[@trebyu]

Great information!!! Thank you

[@kingofmphs]

Really good info.👌🏼

[@Artysjar]

Great info and very inspirational!

[@turningoveranewleaflawncar952]

Hi Jonathan hope all is well. I was looking for a video to figure out how you come up with your service area? I try to keep with in a 30 minute radius around my house. I'm a solo guy. What do you recommend is good for a service area? Thanks and as always great video!

[@LuisCastro-ix3di]

I been watching just about all your videos. I'm starting my lawncaree In about 2 months from now. I have 8 years experience as a Forman for a big company in the past . I'm tired of living pay check to pay check. Here's my Question I opened up quick books for density, credit card on files ect.. As far as a business name, Do I use it through quickbooks??quick books??. Or do I need to have a customized web page apart from quick books?. I opening as the sole proprietar for my business!. Also do I get my permits a.s.a.p?. I opened up quickbooks using the business name of my choice. But I have not yet gotten my permit or insurance yet. The name I chose hasn't been taken in my area!.

[@NjM189]

That is great advice thanks for sharing that information

[@anthonyjones1758]

Is yard book an app???Great Video!!!

[@rickmcghee755]

Very good advice

[@JsCrazyCutzLLC]

Great tips, I've been in the business for a few years, we have about 60 yards in 6 or 7 neighborhood streets, all within 20mile radius. I want stay in these areas. Im gonna hit these streets with post cards through the mail at least twice ,only about 250 each time,my question is,when should I start in the spring and how far apart in time to send them? Thanks! I don't exactly like to advertise all over the place. I try to keep a low profile and rely on referrals,because there's people I'd rather not work for.

[@FloridaTurfPros]

chcj82 The first bit of warm weather is when we start advertising.

[@trentongrimes9169]

Who do you go through for your direct mailers? I've been looking around for a company that does this and plan to try it out as I'm just going into my second year. $250? How many does this include? Any info yall can give me on these would be much appreciated

[@antonioguerra8103]

Gives some of the best marketing tools and how to approach a new client

[@ainahanau]

Thank you, Jonathan!

[@adalbertovelasquez9652]

One of the videos i have watched so far...

[@SuperSample10]

This is my 2nd year in business. My first year I had about 30 yards but my focus for 2018 is to double that and have about 60 yards. I’ve purchased more business cards and marketing door hangers. I’m a bit confused when it comes to marketing your business through post cards. What would you recommend when it comes to marketing through post cards or what other tips would you recommend when it comes to marketing?

[@90sBABYJMB]

great video!!

[@karlaschulze1462]

My son has a mowing business.He is very good at it.The only area that he is not good is the business aspect of it such as Insurance,workmans comp.Does he need an accountant, lawyer should he take on a partner.My son has a problem in finding help and keeping help and or help calling off. There are lot of areas that he needs advice about.

[@deanlol]

Ok, newbie question here. Why would you have a $10k mower? Also, when you said use the technology, my mind went immediately to battery powered machines. Automakers are abandoning the internal combustion engine because it is OLD technology. Lithium power is the way to go now.

[@MrMustangred]

Great information and tips!! I really appreciate your passion and straightforwardnees. Here's my comment: payroll and tax management for small operation!! Solo or 1-2 employees. Staying out of trouble with the irs is scary and intimidating. Tips for handling payroll? Thanks, Madmike and Son Lawncare.

[@annabelleperez3861]

i love this video, thanks for sharing very helpful... love your logo too how did you decide on it? also do you have to have a business plan your first year? or can you start out with just the basics... here in california its better to take a loss the first three years for tax purposes, so we want to start out with just a few2-4 customers because husband still works full time. so we want to start off slow and steady. thanks again.. Annabelle Perez

[@dunnslawnsservice7012]

Great video, thanks for all the tips. This is my second year as a solo guy running a business. I used craigslist for advertising and word of mouth. What did you do/use in the beginning?

[@jaredschmitt1519]

Great video wife and I are starting up this year. We have had a trucking company let me tell you that sucks 6 employees 6 dump trucks ran it for 7 years started company when I was 24 lots of work and dot. She has been contracting to oil companies mowing and taking care of weeds around wells now we are moving to some lawn care I need to pic your brain phone to phone we are in poseyville IN. Great info though. I know all kinds of people and people know me well have been handing cards out but no calls yet I need to lock some stuff in got 4 zeros, trimmers, trailers ,edgers,blowers,dump trailer. Got the tools just need the calls. Got some advice on locking in work it would be nice . thanks

[@JoeDoe2]

I can understand continuity of equipment for the same item that uses the same parts, like a trimmer, but the air filter for a trimmer won't match the air filter on the same brand mower. In fact, would there be ANY parts in common between different types of equipment, even within the same brand?

[@asthecrowflies1201]

It would be pretty rare. I've been doing this for 10 years and I haven't seen it yet. Nuts and bolts, maybe lol

[@graggcain9496]

very good video Jonathan. If you run a 2man crew yourself and one other to start. how do you pay that employee per hour and how much do you pay him?

[@IanKraemer]

Would you consider school events a total no-go in terms of where marketing cash is going. I just watched some dude's video about his struggling business, but the first thing he mentioned was that he was going to help out at some school event? I don't think anyone's ever gotten anything because they saw an ad at a school event

[@Liftedf1506]

Awsome video any tips for surviving the winter

[@katebess3692]

Christmas light hanging

[@markwalker5854]

Great tips!! I'm looking at starting out on my own here in the North of Spain. We haven't got so many private gardens so I'm looking at the possibility of larger areas like factory surrounds and recreation areas to fill my agenda. Can you give me any advice on machines/ way of starting off. Thanks!!

[@BabyGirl25-EAE]

How do you find the right profitable neighborhood to do your business

[@BILLYBOB923]

As always thank you for the videos Jonathan. I'm going into year 2 of mowing part time with regular 15 clients within a 5 mile radius in Charlottesville - any tips for when you should quit the full time job to make the jump?

[@etslawnservice5338]

When your profit matches your check that's when you go full time and make sure it's right in the middle of spring

[@Vicegrip251]

Just sub thanks for the tips Jonathan

[@Stickmantibet]

I was wondering how good $ is this industry. I want to know the potential income for a season by yourself vs 2 man crew. I want to get in it to not just as a side hustle but potentially a full-time thing. how much could one make per year/season? thanks

[@chavelsolomon7758]

Well said

[@christopherjohnson7664]

It doesn't matter what your landscaping business name is, let your work speak for its self

[@T1up4me12385]

What advice would you have to rename/rebrand a lawn business? And how would you communicate the change to current clientele?

[@tommymauro1404]

These are some of the greatest tips I have heard thanks man

[@siphoowen2801]

Will it be a bad idea start running the flyers & business cards first before starting the actual work?

[@maddiebarry5546]

Nope! If you have too many clients, you can call another company and give them your business until you’re up and running for a small month fee for getting them more business

[@kylehines1445]

I’m solo but I’ve started to many things I mow trim and blow and I like it The I built some beds Then fence repair Pavers I built a shed I even painted a house Now everyone calls me there handyman And all I want to do is mow and I don’t know how to stop this

[@JoeDoe2]

In a word, "no." Or in other words, "I'm so booked I can't take on any more jobs." Define 'booked' in your own mind however you want. If you only wanted 6 customers, 2 per day for 3 days, and you have them, then you're booked.

[@furmanparton6740]

What joe doe said. You have to learn to tell people no. All I want to do is mow, weed eat, edge, and blow. That's what I have printed on my business cards so people don't get it twisted thinking I'm a do-it-all kind of guy. Be straight forward with what you do. If you lose out on a customer because you don't do EVERYTHING they want, move on. There are more customers out there looking for exactly what you offer. Don't say yes to everyone. You'll be miserable.

[@miguelmorales3313]

We just fired two clients today because they only paid us 25 dollar each. I feel like I had to do it in order for me to reaccomodate potential new clients. What do you think about it?

[@DonJuan-lg8vk]

Good, but you should never have taken them in the first place!

[@oshgates1245]

You could have raised your prices.

[@ericsaur9791]

I like what you share. If nothing else it makes new operator to think hard. I've been at it 24 yrs. At a peak I had 90 res and a couple of small commercials. Heres what I say. If you dont have a crew leader that you can pay really well you are bound to fail. Crying in a foot of snow with a broken truck and you are... All your mapping of times is right. I did all that. But when I turned my back for a second it went south. Sorry to be a debbie downer. I'm not done though. But this time i wont get into anything that requires a huge expense like commercial plowing that relies on the staff showing up.

[@ericsaur9791]

I like your vids. Your right about lots of stuff!!

[@tobyknows3021]

My issue is I CANT FIND CUSTOMERS. I’ve post weekly on all local fb pages, joined ALL the apps and everything advertising my business and have been getting zero calls for estimates... I live in a massive town and can’t seem to find people who need their yard cut

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

Do I have a lawn? no ... Did I learn something? Yes