If you are looking to start your own business and are considering a landscaping business, you should know there is more to it than mowing lawns. Landscaping is a competitive business, and to survive you must know how to give your customers more than what they want.

Certificates

HomeBusinessCenter.com recommends checking with your local government office to see what business certificates you need to get started. Aside from a business license, you might need a contractor's license in some states. Get all of your licensing taken care of before you start working.

Experience

According to Entrepreneur magazine, customers expect a landscaping professional to know the intimate details of mowing and trimming a lawn. If you have little or no landscaping experience, consider working for an established landscaping company to understand what customers expect and how to deliver the service that will win you clients.

Equipment

Make sure you have all the equipment you need to get started. Use gardening and landscaping books to research what tools you need to get the job done, and invest in those tools. You also will need a truck to transport your equipment from job to job. If you do not own all of the equipment you need, consider renting it.

Insurance

Since you will be working around other people's homes and businesses, get liability insurance to protect yourself financially if something gets damaged on a job site.

Services

Initially, you might want to offer simple mowing and weeding services until you feel confident in your abilities in other areas, such as laying sod and planting trees. Take training classes in the areas of landscaping you are unfamiliar with to help advance your company.

Source:

HomeBizTools.com: How to Start a Landscape Maintenance Business

"Entrepreneur" Magazine: How to Start a Lawn Care or Landscaping Service

HomeBusinessCenter.com: How to Start a Landscaping Business

Resource:

PowerHomeBiz.com: Starting a Lawn Care and Landscaping Business