Lawn and Gardening Service Owners

Employers

There are nearly 1.3 million grounds maintenance workers in the United States. Lawn and gardening service owners work primarily for private homeowners, though they may also contract work with commercial properties. Condos, hotels, apartment complexes, golf courses, sports fields, and parks all require regular lawn service.

Approximately 20.4 percent of landscapers, groundskeepers, and nursery workers are self-employed. Owners who choose to build their own business face challenges such as covering the costs of start-up and establishing a client base. To defray these costs and risks, many choose to purchase and operate an existing business. There are a number of franchise opportunities in lawn care that, for a fee, will assist you in promoting your business and building a clientele. Spring-Green Lawn Care, Liqui-Green Lawn Care, Weed Man, U.S. Lawns, and Lawn Doctor are just a few. NaturaLawn of America is a franchise that provides organic-based lawn care.

Starting Out

Most lawn and gardening service owners start out working for established services and make their way into positions of management or higher responsibility. A typical entry-level job is that of the landscape service technician. After a few years on the job, promising technicians may be promoted to supervisor positions such as regional or branch managers. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, "once a supervisory position is reached, leadership is the key to success." Workers who are organized, show strong leadership, and can make decisions quickly and wisely will have the best chances for promotion and may choose to start up their own business.

Depending on the business, start-up costs can vary. To purchase commercial quality equipment, the initial investment can be between $3,000 and $4,000. To buy into a franchise, however, will cost thousands of dollars more. In fact, franchise fees can range from $20,000 to $35,000.