
How to Start a Lawn Care Business Legally
The lawn care business and landscaping industry in the US capped out at just under a hundred billion dollars in 2020. In a world where technology is making our lives easier by the day, people are understandably less likely to take on chores like lawn care. The market is growing 3.3% every year, making room for hard-working entrepreneurs like yourself to rake in profits.
If you are like many hopeful business owners you have given the business of lawn care a lot of thought. Maybe you already have decided on a company name, marketing strategy, priced out lawn care equipment, and even made a solid lawn business budget. Are the fear of red tape and the legality of running a business stopping you from committing to a lawn care business of your own?
No need to worry. Starting a legal lawn care service is much easier than you might think. Keep reading and we will explain how to start a lawn care business legally.
Legal Lawn Care Business Steps
How hard is it to start a lawn care business legally? The legal considerations to running a legal lawn care services business are not much different than any other business. Registering your start-up company and getting the proper licensing, if needed, is all there is to it.
Register Your Business
The first step you should take is to register your business with the relevant local and state government offices. The main legal concern here is the local, state, and federal laws in regards to small businesses. Making sure your business taxes and employee taxes are in order is 99% of having a legal lawn care service.
Not to discourage you, but everyone knows most businesses fail in the first two years of operation. The best way to protect your personal finances and assets is to legally separate business and personal liability by incorporating.
Consider Incorporating
For a few hundred dollars (most states) anyone can fill out some paperwork and start their own corporation or LLC. It can literally be done online in almost no time at all. Operating within the framework of your registered business and keeping good books, you will be legal with the IRS.
Note: If you are setting up an LLC or corporation save yourself some money and apply for your Employee Identification Number (EIN) directly with the IRS. It is free and only takes 15 minutes. You will receive your EIN immediately after finishing the application.
Licencing
There are no special licensing requirements for running a lawn care business unless you offer fertilizing, pest, and weed control. Every state has regulations including licensing for applications involving hazardous materials.
Before offering these services we recommend checking with your local Department of Agriculture about the legal requirements.
Still not sure if the lawn mowing/landscaping business is for you? Not to say women can’t run lawn service businesses – they can and do, but for other ideas read this article for 5 unique business ideas for men.
Cut Grass Not Corners
If you have a love for nature, a lawn care business may be perfect for you and it would be a shame to let legality intimidate you from giving it a solid go.
Running a successful business is one of the most satisfying ventures one can achieve in this life, so make sure you do it right and proactively prevent legal problems crippling your otherwise perfect plan.
Our School for Startups can help. Apply now and don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals.
If you are like many hopeful business owners you have given the business of lawn care a lot of thought. Maybe you already have decided on a company name, marketing strategy, priced out lawn care equipment, and even made a solid lawn business budget. Are the fear of red tape and the legality of running a business stopping you from committing to a lawn care business of your own?
No need to worry. Starting a legal lawn care service is much easier than you might think. Keep reading and we will explain how to start a lawn care business legally.