Landscaping business by the numbers

Hey there!

Ever thought about turning your love for the outdoors into a thriving business? We’ve put together something special for you. And it’s not just hearsay; it’s actual data that you can use to make the right decisions about your (potential) business. Today, we focus on the world of landscaping services! 

Industry spotlight: Landscaping services

What's it all about? Landscaping is like giving nature a makeover! It includes everything from mowing lawns and trimming trees to designing beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.

Let’s jump right into the numbers…

• Industry revenue: $153.4 billion (That's a lot of green!)

• Number of businesses (in the U.S.): 661,000

• Number of workers (in the U.S.): 1 million

• Average revenue per business (in the U.S.): $232,000

• Profit margin: Varies widely (from 10% to 40%) depending on the size of the business, services offered, and efficiency of operations

What's fueling industry growth?

• The housing boom has created more yards that need love.

• Rich folks are spending more on fancy landscaping.

• People are outsourcing yard work more than ever.

Market expansion year over year

• 2019-2024: Revenue grew by 3.3% per year on average

• 2024-2029: Expected to grow by 3.1% per year

Let’s look at some cool trends…

• Eco-friendly landscaping is on the rise! Think water-saving designs and native plants.

• High-tech tools like robot mowers and landscape design software are becoming increasingly popular.

Quick Tip: Starting small? Offer basic services like lawn mowing and expand as you grow!

Quiz time!

Who’s buying?

1. Homeowners (especially the wealthy ones): 50% of the market

2. Businesses (think office parks and shopping centers): 30% of the market

3. Government and institutions (including schools and parks): 20% of the market

Landscaping’s just the beginning! We're gearing up to send data-driven info about specific businesses and industries at regular intervals and would love to know what you want to learn about. Reply to this email to tell us exactly what info you need!

Where’s the action?

The top 5 states for landscaping businesses are

1. Florida (9.3% of businesses)

2. California (8.0% of businesses)

3. New York (6.8% of businesses)

4. Texas (4.8% of businesses)

5. Pennsylvania (4.5% of businesses)

What you’ll need

• Basic tools (lawnmower, trimmers, rakes)

• A truck or van to haul your gear

• A green thumb and a sunny attitude!

Challenges to be mindful of

• Seasonal work (winter can be slow)

• Rising gas prices (ouch given those mowers!)

• Finding good workers (labor shortages are common)

Silver linings

• Low start-up costs

• Chance to be creative and work outdoors

• Steady demand (grass keeps growing!)

• Opportunity for year-round work with snow removal in colder areas

• Ongoing new housing development

Big players

• Brightview Holdings: 1.8% market share

• TruGreen LP: 0.7% market share

Our Takeaway: There’s lots of room for small businesses!

Average prices for services

Prices can vary widely based on location and specifics of the job, but here are some ballpark figures:

• Basic lawn mowing: $30 to $80 per visit

• Tree trimming: $75 to $1,500 depending on size and complexity

• Landscape design: $2,000 to $6,000 for a typical project

• Full landscape installation: $3,000 to $15,000+ for an average-sized yard

3 simple steps to start your landscaping business

1. Plan and research

   • Decide on your services (start with basics like mowing and expand later).

   • Research local competition and pricing.

   • Create a simple business plan.

2. Get set up

   • Register your business (an LLC can be a good choice for a new landscaper).

   • Purchase basic equipment (mower, trimmer, hand tools).

   • Get necessary insurance (general liability at minimum).

3. Find your first clients

   • Start with friends, family, and neighbors.

   • Create simple flyers or business cards.

   • Consider offering introductory rates to build your client base.

Certifications and licenses

While not always required, certain certifications can give you an edge:

• State-specific pesticide applicator licenses (if you plan to use chemicals)

• Landscape Industry Certified Technician (offered by the National Association of Landscape Professionals)

• Certified Landscape Professional (offered by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers)

Some states may require a general business license or contractor's license, too. Check your local regulations!

Remember, you can start small and grow as you gain experience and clients!

Want to learn more? Check out the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ website for tons of great industry-specific info.

UpFlip has you covered!

As you probably already know, we have a number of courses available inside the UpFlip Academy to help you get up and running with your landscaping business—or any other venture you decide to take on!

Maybe you just need a blueprint for starting a business? We have a course for that!

We want to hear from you! 

Have you ever done landscaping work? What was your experience? Reply to this email and let us know!

That's all for now, future landscape pro! Remember, every big business started small. Who knows? Your backyard hobby could become the next big thing!

Stay curious and keep growing!

Yours truly,
The UpFlip Team

P.S. Let us know which type of industry we should cover next by replying to this email.