A Successful Lawn Service Business

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Not too many people can claim to earn a handsome income by doing work that their neighbors likely consider routine weekend chores . . . but I can! You see, lawn maintenance is my profession, and-with six years of experience behind me-I'm able to tell you that it's a great way to earn a living. As the operator of my own lawn care business, I work outdoors . . . meet lots of interesting people . . . perform a valuable service for my customers (many of whom are elderly and really appreciate my help) . . . set my own hours and work schedule . . . and am able to save up a goodly amount each month for my eventual "retirement" to a country spread (where, of course, much of the equipment I've acquired will help me tackle my homesteading duties).

My story is, I think, pretty typic al of those of most people who successfully start in this business, so I'm willing to bet that the details and tips provided in this article could help you initiate your own "mow for money" enterprise. Now, since I'm located in an urban area, I work primarily on small- to medium-sized manicured yards . . . but the basic "rules" of running a lawn maintenance service can be easily transferred to a more "countrified" setting, in which you might for example-be mowing open fields and/or large estate grounds. And although I'm able to do the same sort of work year round (thanks to southern Florida's warm temperatures), aspiring lawn service contractors in more northern states could, I'm sure, shift the emphasis of their businesses in fall and winter . . . perhaps to such activities as mulching, vacuuming leaves, turning under garden plots, cutting hay, or plowing snow. You can see, then, that lawn care is a tremendously versatile occupation . . . one which can be readily adapted to most locales, climates, and startup budgets. No matter how grand your long-range plans, it's best to think small at first . . . and to treat the work-at least for a while-as a profitable sideline to whatever other secure source of income you might already have.

IN THE BEGINNING . . .

I launched Chautauqua Lawn Service in 1977, while I was still working steadily at con struction jobs. A neighbor of mine had a booming landscaping business, and-as soon as I'd gathered the necessary equipment (an edger, a 19-inch mower, trash cans, and a rake)-he referred a few of his "overflow" accounts to me. I initially limited my yard work to the one or two days each week I had off from my regular job. Once summer arrived, though, and the grass really began to grow, I rapidly picked up more clients . . . and before I knew it, I was able to quit construction work altogether and devote all of my energies to my new full-time business. Many of my first accounts were low-paying (averaging between $35 and $45 a month) and seasonal (that is, I worked only half-time, and received half-pay, during the winter months) . . . but that's par for the course for a beginning groundskeeper.

Furthermore, my capital expenses for the first couple of years were minimal, since I didn't-during that time-feel the need to add to the equipment I'd started with . . . and I was able to haul those tools in an open wooden utility trailer behind my Volkswagen. I did have to buy city and county occupational licenses, but they total only $50 annually (while allowing me unlimited free dumping privileges at the city landfill). Eventually, as the business continued to grow, I invested in better equipment (moving "up the ladder" to Snapper self-propelled mowers and acquiring a Billy Goat vacuum) and bought a pickup. Today, my rig includes a newer, full-sized truck, a 12-foot aluminum-roofed trailer, and a small pickup to use when handling odd jobs or running errands. And although the total number of accounts varies from season to season, I'm able to maintain a year-round workload of between 30 and 35 accounts, which pay anywhere from $65 to $175 a month. Heck, I've even taken on a permanent, part time helper . . . my wife Jeanne!

Once you've built up a steady supply of customers, you can expect to net at least $2,000 each month in this business. Of course, you'll have to start small. And the best way to bag your first few customers, I think, is to solicit references from an acquaintance who's already established in the field . . . or befriend a landscaper whose work you admire. Such a mentor might-in addition to bringing you clients-provide you with a valuable hands on introduction to the basics of lawn maintenance. Many people seem to think that a person should study landscape management or horticulture for at least a year or so before "setting up shop", but I believe you can gain just as much know-how by volunteering to help an established lawn service operator on your days off and on weekends. (Believe me, you'll learn a lot that way . . . in a hurry!)

Once you're ready to strike out on your own, you should have-all either new or in excellent repair-a 19- or 21-inch mower (with two or three extra blades), an edger, a chain saw, a couple of gas cans and a case of oil, a leaf rake, a broom, trash cans or large plastic garbage bags, hand clippers, and whatever tools you'll need for equipment repair and maintenance. These are the "bare bones" necessary to set up any sort of lawn-mowing operation . . . but-once your business takes off you'll probably want to add a gas-powered hedge trimmer, a cord-type trimmer, a vacuum sweeper, and (for big areas) a 28- or 30-inch riding mower. (When shopping for a rider, I'd recommend that you look not so much for the widest cutting swath you can find, but for the versatility offered by the machine. Try, for example, to purchase one that has a vacuum component to suck up leaves and other debris as it cuts.) Then, if you decide to tackle tree work, you'll also need extension ladders, a polesaw, a heavy-duty chain saw, long-handled loppers, and some sort of safety harness.

Equipment is, obviously, a lawn service operator's biggest expense, and it makes good business sense to take care of that investment by faithfully and properly maintaining each piece. Get to know every engine you own (if necessary, take a "small engine" course at your local vocational school), and service each one according to the manufacturer's specifications. (I change the oil in my machines daily during the summer, and remove and wash the air filters each evening.) It's also wise to establish a rapport with the staff of a nearby lawnmower repair shop, so you'll be able to receive prompt attention when something serious goes wrong with your equipment.

Finally, buy a good bench grinder and use it to sharpen your mower blades daily. (Blade grinding is my last task before I call it a day.) Nothing will affect your work more directly than will the state of your mower blades: A dull edge will leave even the most painstakingly cut lawn looking ragged and dried out. So sharpen your blades every night . . . and your customers will love you for it!

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