When winter began, you may have put your plans for a landscaping business on hold until residents and businesses in your area are ready to look for your services. However, the colder months are the ideal time to take care of important tasks like formalizing a business plan, securing funding, and investing in reliable lawn equipment for your new venture. Here are a few tips to help you get a head start on getting your business going in the spring.

How to Start Your Own Landscaping Business

1. Choose a Target Audience

The first step in creating a viable business plan is deciding who you’ll offer your services to. Most smaller landscaping startups market themselves—at least initially—to homeowners, as they may not have the equipment, workforce, and resources needed to tackle larger clients. 

Meanwhile, those with more funding at the initial stage may choose to target property managers and owners of larger commercial properties in addition to private residents. Knowing who you’ll be serving and what their requirements and expectations include will inform the range of your services, which machines you’ll need, and how to promote your services effectively.

2. Get Insurance, Licenses, and Certifications

Even if you plan to start very small with no employees apart from yourself, you should cover yourself against unforeseen events and emergencies with general liability insurance. This basic form of business insurance will cover your costs in a wide range of scenarios, such as injuries or property damage incurred while you work.

You should also obtain a business tax certificate, and you may need to get licenses for special services, such as pesticide use. If you're applying for a loan to fund your business, lenders may require you to have these and other documents before your application is considered.

3. Purchase Equipment

Once you’ve obtained your credentials, secured funding, and identified likely customers, it's time to invest in lawn equipment. Covering these aspects of your business will let you know what services you should offer, the conditions in which you’ll be working, and which tools will help you meet your customers’ needs. 

For example, the question of residential or commercial might dictate whether you invest in a zero-turn mower instead of starting small with a couple of push models. Saving this step for last will also help you avoid spending money on items that may be unnecessary, which will help you reduce your long-term operating expenses.

When you’re ready to choose top-quality lawn equipment to carry your new landscaping company to success, visit Southside Equipment for the latest in professional lawn care tools and supplies from leading manufacturers. Located in Milledgeville, GA, they’ve served local business owners and private residents alike since 1990. In addition, they offer a full range of repair and maintenance services, including lawn mower part replacement and tuneups. Call (478) 452-5523 to discuss your needs and visit their website to browse their inventory from leading manufacturers like Kubota®, Cub Cadet®, and STIHL®.