How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business?
Last updated: March 2026
National Average
Low
$10,000
Medium
$40,000
High
$120,000
An outdoor maintenance and design business providing lawn care, tree trimming, garden installation, irrigation, and seasonal cleanup services.
Time to Launch
2-8 weeks
Profit Margins
15-35%
Break-Even Timeline
1-6 months
Interactive Cost Calculator
Select a state below to see state-adjusted costs.
Startup Cost Calculator
Landscaping Business in Nationally
Budget:
$20,000
$12,000
$4,000
$500
$1,000
$2,500
$6,000
$2,000
Options
Employees:
One-Time Costs
$48,000
Monthly Costs
$0
First Year Total
$48,000
Startup Costs by State
| State | Low | Medium | High | LLC Fee | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $8,500 | $34,000 | $102,000 | $50 | 7.0% |
| West Virginia | $8,600 | $34,400 | $103,200 | $100 | 6.0% |
| Alabama | $8,800 | $35,200 | $105,600 | $200 | 4.0% |
| Arkansas | $8,900 | $35,600 | $106,800 | $45 | 6.5% |
| Oklahoma | $8,900 | $35,600 | $106,800 | $100 | 4.5% |
| Kansas | $9,000 | $36,000 | $108,000 | $160 | 6.5% |
| Indiana | $9,100 | $36,400 | $109,200 | $95 | 7.0% |
| Iowa | $9,100 | $36,400 | $109,200 | $50 | 6.0% |
| Michigan | $9,100 | $36,400 | $109,200 | $50 | 6.0% |
| Nebraska | $9,100 | $36,400 | $109,200 | $105 | 5.5% |
| Ohio | $9,100 | $36,400 | $109,200 | $99 | 5.8% |
| Kentucky | $9,200 | $36,800 | $110,400 | $40 | 6.0% |
| Louisiana | $9,200 | $36,800 | $110,400 | $100 | 4.5% |
| Missouri | $9,200 | $36,800 | $110,400 | $50 | 4.2% |
| Tennessee | $9,200 | $36,800 | $110,400 | $300 | 7.0% |
| Texas | $9,200 | $36,800 | $110,400 | $300 | 6.3% |
| Georgia | $9,400 | $37,600 | $112,800 | $100 | 4.0% |
| Illinois | $9,500 | $38,000 | $114,000 | $150 | 6.3% |
| New Mexico | $9,500 | $38,000 | $114,000 | $50 | 5.1% |
| Wisconsin | $9,500 | $38,000 | $114,000 | $130 | 5.0% |
| North Carolina | $9,600 | $38,400 | $115,200 | $125 | 4.8% |
| South Carolina | $9,600 | $38,400 | $115,200 | $110 | 6.0% |
| South Dakota | $9,700 | $38,800 | $116,400 | $150 | 4.5% |
| Minnesota | $9,800 | $39,200 | $117,600 | $155 | 6.9% |
| North Dakota | $9,900 | $39,600 | $118,800 | $135 | 5.0% |
| Wyoming | $10,000 | $40,000 | $120,000 | $100 | 4.0% |
| Nevada | $10,200 | $40,800 | $122,400 | $425 | 6.8% |
| Arizona | $10,300 | $41,200 | $123,600 | $50 | 5.6% |
| Florida | $10,300 | $41,200 | $123,600 | $125 | 6.0% |
| Idaho | $10,300 | $41,200 | $123,600 | $100 | 6.0% |
| Pennsylvania | $10,300 | $41,200 | $123,600 | $125 | 6.0% |
| Delaware | $10,400 | $41,600 | $124,800 | $110 | 0.0% |
| Virginia | $10,400 | $41,600 | $124,800 | $100 | 4.3% |
| Colorado | $10,600 | $42,400 | $127,200 | $50 | 2.9% |
| Montana | $10,600 | $42,400 | $127,200 | $70 | 0.0% |
| Utah | $10,600 | $42,400 | $127,200 | $54 | 4.8% |
| Oregon | $11,200 | $44,800 | $134,400 | $100 | 0.0% |
| Vermont | $11,200 | $44,800 | $134,400 | $125 | 6.0% |
| Maine | $11,400 | $45,600 | $136,800 | $175 | 5.5% |
| Rhode Island | $11,600 | $46,400 | $139,200 | $150 | 7.0% |
| New Hampshire | $11,700 | $46,800 | $140,400 | $102 | 0.0% |
| Washington | $11,800 | $47,200 | $141,600 | $200 | 6.5% |
| Connecticut | $11,900 | $47,600 | $142,800 | $120 | 6.3% |
| New Jersey | $12,500 | $50,000 | $150,000 | $125 | 6.6% |
| Alaska | $12,700 | $50,800 | $152,400 | $250 | 0.0% |
| Maryland | $12,900 | $51,600 | $154,800 | $100 | 6.0% |
| California | $13,500 | $54,000 | $162,000 | $70 | 7.3% |
| New York | $13,900 | $55,600 | $166,800 | $200 | 4.0% |
| Massachusetts | $15,000 | $60,000 | $180,000 | $500 | 6.3% |
| Hawaii | $19,300 | $77,200 | $231,600 | $50 | 4.0% |
Cheapest & Most Expensive States
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi$34,000
- West Virginia$34,400
- Alabama$35,200
- Arkansas$35,600
- Oklahoma$35,600
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii$77,200
- Massachusetts$60,000
- New York$55,600
- California$54,000
- Maryland$51,600
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting a landscaping business costs $10,000 to $120,000. A solo landscaper with a personal truck and basic equipment can start for $5,000-$15,000. A 2-crew operation with a dedicated truck, trailer, and commercial equipment typically costs $30,000-$70,000. A full-service landscaping company with multiple crews and installation capability can exceed $120,000.
Solo landscapers with 15-20 weekly clients gross $60,000-$120,000/year. A company with 2 crews of 3 workers each can gross $300,000-$500,000/year. Net margins range 15-35% depending on efficiency and service mix. Landscape installation projects (patios, irrigation, planting) have higher margins than maintenance mowing.
Most states don't require a general landscaping license, but tree work and pesticide application require specific licenses. A business license ($50-$200) is required everywhere. Pesticide applicator licenses require passing a state exam. Irrigation contractors need a license in many states. Check your state's specific requirements.
The fastest methods: (1) door hangers in target neighborhoods ($0.05-$0.20 each), (2) yard signs on every job site (free advertising), (3) Google Business Profile for local searches, (4) Nextdoor neighborhood app postings, and (5) referral programs (give existing clients a free service for each referral). Word-of-mouth from quality work grows quickly.
In northern states, landscaping peaks April-November and drops significantly December-March. Many landscaping businesses offer snow removal in winter to maintain year-round income. In southern states and warm climates, year-round lawn maintenance is possible. Budget for 4-6 months of reduced income in northern markets.
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