Landscaping is a big, steady market built on repeat work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted about 1.3 million grounds maintenance workers in 2024, from lawn crews to tree trimmers, and projects employment to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average. The median wage was $38,470 in May 2024.
Homes, offices, apartment complexes, schools and HOAs all need lawns mowed and grounds maintained every week of the growing season. That makes recurring contracts the backbone of the business.
Three parts of the market
Maintenance: mowing, edging, trimming, leaf cleanup and seasonal work, sold as weekly or biweekly contracts. Low startup costs and predictable income. See the lawn care business.
Installation: planting, sod, hardscapes such as patios and walls, irrigation and lighting. Bigger tickets and higher margins, but more equipment, skill and risk. See the landscape installation business.
Treatments: fertilizing and weed and pest control. Profitable recurring add-ons, but they usually require a state pesticide applicator license.
Seasonality
In much of the country, grass stops growing for several months. Successful owners plan for it: snow removal, holiday lighting, leaf cleanup, gutter cleaning, or annual contracts billed monthly year-round. In warm southern states, the season is longer, but summer heat brings its own scheduling challenges.
Licensing and rules
Most states require a pesticide applicator license to apply fertilizers with weed control, herbicides or insecticides for customers. Some states also license irrigation work or landscape contracting above a certain job size. Many cities have noise rules and restrictions on gas-powered equipment; some are phasing in limits on gas leaf blowers. Check local rules before buying equipment.
Risks to plan for
Equipment costs and breakdowns. Commercial mowers are a major expense. Keep a maintenance schedule and a repair fund.
Labor. Finding reliable crew members is the industry’s constant challenge. Pay fairly and keep crews busy with full routes.
Underpricing. Price by the time each property really takes, including travel between stops.
Our take
Landscaping rewards owners who run tight routes, sell recurring contracts and add higher-margin services over time. Start with maintenance in a compact area, fill your route, then add treatments or installation as your skills and equipment grow.
Ready to start? Follow the Start a Business A–Z guide.
Sources
Last reviewed October 17, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
