If you love being outdoors and want steady work, then starting a landscaping business could be an exciting step forward. Indeed, landscaping services are projected to enjoy a 5.7 per cent increase in 2022 as demand increases. Plus, you’ll get to be your own boss and set your own hours as you run your independent business. Below, we explore how to get started with your landscaping business.
Experience and qualifications
To work in landscaping there’s essential knowledge that you’ll need. An understanding of horticulture, pest management and lawn maintenance are all crucial for the role. On top of this, you’ll need the experience to combine with your knowledge. Ideally, this will be at least two years of experience in a landscaping or groundskeeping role. But if you’re an avid gardener at home, this could provide the foundations you need to start a landscaping business.
Sorting the legalities
When you start your business, there are various legalities that you’ll need to sort too. For a start, you’ll need to register as a business with the government. This can help you get set up with paying business taxes each year. On top of this, if you’re employing any staff, you’ll need to set yourself up on PAYE to accurately and efficiently pay their wages. Finally, it’s important that you identify where you’ll be disposing of garden waste, rather than letting it all pile up.
Marketing
By marketing effectively, you’ll be able to find new work and projects for your business to complete. To do this, you’ll need to find your niche. This could be an area where there isn’t an established landscaping business. Or it could be a specific type of landscaping, such as lawn maintenance. Once you’ve identified your niche, you should advertise in the local area, while also building an online presence to spread awareness. Setting up a website and social media accounts will help you begin your marketing journey.
Tools
Finally, you’ll need the appropriate tools to efficiently progress through work. A self-propelled lawn mower is one essential tool will save you time and hassle while landscaping. On top of this, you’ll need manual tools such as a shovel, a rake, a transplant spade, pruners and a garden fork. Meanwhile, powered tools such as a leaf blower, grass trimmer, tiller, lawn aerator, chainsaw and a hedge trimmer can all help you cut through tough greenery with precision.
Starting a landscaping business is an exciting moment. You’ll be able to work independently outdoors and be your own boss. And by following the advice above, you should be all set to lay the foundations for a prosperous landscaping business.