How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in Tennessee?

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Starting a Landscaping Business in Tennessee typically costs between $9,200 and $110,400, with a median estimate of $36,800. Tennessee’s cost of living is 8% below the national average, which helps reduce operating expenses like commercial rent and labor. LLC formation in Tennessee costs $300 to file. Most landscaping business businesses take 2-8 weeks to launch.

Last updated: March 2026

Landscaping Business startup costs illustration — typical equipment and setup

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in Tennessee?

Low

$9,200

Medium

$36,800

High

$110,400

National average: $10,000 – $120,000

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Landscaping Business in Tennessee

Budget:

Truck & Trailer

$18,400

Landscaping Equipment

$11,040

Insurance

$3,680

Business License & Pesticide License

$460

Uniforms & Safety Equipment

$920

Marketing & Customer Acquisition

$2,300

Working Capital Reserve

$5,520

Irrigation & Sprinkler Equipment

$1,840

Options

Include 3 months working capital

Employees:Just Me1–34–10

One-Time Costs

$44,160

Monthly Costs

First Year Total

$44,160

Full Cost Breakdown

Cost Category	Low	Medium	High	Notes
Truck & Trailer	$4,600	$18,400	$55,200	A reliable used pickup truck costs $8,000-$20,000. An enclosed trailer runs $3,000-$8,000. Used equipment significantly reduces startup cost.
Landscaping Equipment	$2,760	$11,040	$36,800	A commercial zero-turn mower costs $5,000-$15,000. Commercial string trimmers run $300-$700 each. Budget $500-$1,000 per worker in tools.
Insurance	$1,380	$3,680	$11,040	General liability is essential — a rock thrown by a mower through a window creates significant liability. Budget $1,500-$5,000/year.
Business License & Pesticide License	$92	$460	$1,840	Pesticide application requires a state license (exam + fee, $100-$500). Many lucrative contracts require licensed pesticide applicators.
Uniforms & Safety Equipment	$276	$920	$2,760	Branded uniforms are low-cost marketing — your crew is walking advertising in every neighborhood they work.
Marketing & Customer Acquisition	$460	$2,300	$7,360	Door hangers in target neighborhoods cost $0.05-$0.20 each and can generate 2-5% response rates.
Working Capital Reserve	$1,840	$5,520	$18,400	Lawn care has seasonal revenue patterns — strong spring/summer, slower fall/winter in northern climates.
Irrigation & Sprinkler Equipment (optional)	$460	$1,840	$5,520	Irrigation services command premium rates and create recurring service revenue.
Total Startup Cost	$11,408	$42,320	$133,400	Required costs only

Licenses & Permits in Tennessee

General Business License

Tennessee requires most businesses to obtain a Standard Business License or Minimal Activity License through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. A Standard Business License is required for businesses with annual gross receipts over $10,000, while a Minimal Activity License covers businesses with receipts between $3,000 and $10,000. Businesses must also register their entity with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which is a significant business advantage. Individual cities and counties also issue local business licenses.

Industry-Specific Licenses

Food Service Establishment Permit — Tennessee Department of Health — Division of Environmental Health
Cost: $50-$400 • Renewal: Annual
Contractor License — Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Cost: $150-$700 • Renewal: Annual
Cosmetology Salon License — Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Cost: $50-$150 • Renewal: Annual
Real Estate Broker License — Tennessee Real Estate Commission
Cost: $100-$300 • Renewal: Annual
Child Care Agency License — Tennessee Department of Human Services — Child Care Services
Cost: $50-$200 • Renewal: Annual
Wine and Beer License — Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Cost: $200-$3,000 • Renewal: Annual
Talent Agency License — Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Cost: $200-$800 • Renewal: Annual
Medical Practice License — Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners
Cost: $150-$500 • Renewal: Annual

Home-Based Business Rules

Tennessee municipalities regulate home-based businesses through local zoning ordinances. Nashville-Davidson County allows home occupations in residential zones with restrictions on customer visits, commercial signage, and non-resident employees. Tennessee's many rural communities are generally very accommodating of home-based businesses. Tennessee's cottage food law, with its high $100,000 annual sales cap, is particularly supportive of home-based food businesses.

Resources

Monthly Operating Costs

After launch, plan for these ongoing monthly expenses for your Landscaping Business:

Low

$2,000/mo

Medium

$7,000/mo

High

$20,000/mo

Revenue Potential

Annual Revenue Range

$40,000 – $500,000 (annual)

Profit Margins

15-35%

Break-Even Timeline

1-6 months

How Tennessee Compares to Neighboring States

Tennessee is one of the more affordable states for launching a Landscaping Business, with a cost-of-living index of 92.1 (national average is 100). Compared to neighboring Virginia ($41,600 median startup cost), Tennessee offers lower costs for a Landscaping Business.

State	Est. Cost	LLC Fee
Tennessee (current)	$36,800	$300
Virginia	$41,600	$100
North Carolina	$38,400	$125
Georgia	$37,600	$100
Alabama	$35,200	$200
Mississippi	$34,000	$50
Arkansas	$35,600	$45
Missouri	$36,800	$50
Kentucky	$36,800	$40

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1
Starting without general liability insurance — one window breakage or property damage claim can exceed startup investment
2
Underpricing lawn care — $30-$50 for a small lawn is not competitive in most markets; price at $45-$80 minimum
3
Not building recurring service contracts — one-time jobs are less profitable than weekly or bi-weekly clients
4
Not learning irrigation system installation — irrigation is a high-margin specialty in the landscaping market
5
Starting without sufficient equipment — trying to maintain 15 lawns with a residential mower destroys productivity

Next Steps to Launch Your Landscaping Business

1
Form your LLC in Tennessee — landscapers work on client property with heavy equipment; liability protection is essential (filing fee: $300)
2
Obtain a Tennessee pesticide applicator license if applying herbicides, fertilizers, or pesticides — required in all 50 states; study for and pass Tennessee exam
3
Get general liability insurance ($500–$1,500/year) and commercial auto insurance for your truck and trailer
4
Register as a Tennessee landscape contractor if your state requires it — check Tennessee Contractors License Board requirements
5
Purchase core equipment: zero-turn mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, and enclosed or open trailer to transport equipment
6
Set up scheduling and invoicing software (Jobber or LMN) specifically designed for landscaping businesses with route optimization
7
Establish accounts with local plant nurseries and mulch/soil suppliers for material discounts — typically 15-25% below retail
8
Offer seasonal contracts for lawn maintenance — monthly automatic billing provides predictable cash flow vs. one-time jobs

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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Start a Landscaping Business in Other States

See the national overview for Landscaping Business or browse all businesses you can start in Tennessee.