How to Start a Landscaping and Yard Care Business: Simple Side Hustle to Earn Extra Cash

Starting a landscaping and yard care business is one of the best side hustles to earn extra cash. With low startup costs, flexible hours, and consistent demand, it’s a great way to make money on your own terms—whether you want a weekend gig or a full-time operation. In this guide, we’ll break down how to start and grow a profitable landscaping and yard care business, even if you have zero experience.

For a complete step-by-step video guide, watch our YouTube tutorial here:

 

Step 1: Have a Clear Plan

Before you start knocking on doors, define your business plan. This will help you stay organized, avoid unnecessary expenses, and scale over time.

What You Need to Decide:

• Your Long-Term Goals – Do you want a part-time gig or a full-scale business?
• Your Target Service Area – Stay local to minimize travel costs.
• The Services You’ll Offer – Start simple, then expand.

Most Profitable Lawn & Landscaping Services:

• Lawn mowing & edging (best for beginners)
• Mulching & fertilization
• Weed control & garden maintenance
• Tree & hedge trimming
• Leaf cleanup & seasonal maintenance
• Landscape design & installation (for advanced business owners)

Don’t forget to write down a one-page business plan outlining your services, pricing, and growth goals.

 

Step 2: Focus on One Service at a Time

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is offering too many services at once. Instead, start with a single core service (like lawn mowing) and build a reputation before expanding.

Why This Works:

• Faster mastery – You become more efficient with one service.
• Easier marketing – People know what you specialize in.
• Better client trust – Customers feel confident hiring a specialist.

Once you have steady clients, you can add more services—like fall cleanups, landscaping, or irrigation systems.

Offer weekly or bi-weekly lawn care packages to secure recurring customers.

 

Step 3: Control Your Expenses

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy equipment to start a landscaping business. Start lean and upgrade as you grow.

Essential Equipment for Beginners:

• Lawnmower – A solid push mower ($150–$300) or riding mower ($800+ for larger yards).
• Trimmer & Edger – Cordless options start at $80.
• Leaf Blower – Handheld models start at $100.
• Basic Hand Tools – Rakes, shovels, and pruners.
• Work Truck or Trailer – If you don’t have one, rent or borrow at first.

How to Save Money:

• Buy used equipment from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
• Start with basic tools and upgrade once you have regular clients.
• Maintain your equipment to avoid expensive repairs.

Keep a small emergency fund for unexpected repairs and slow seasons.

 

Step 4: Price Your Services Strategically

Pricing is one of the most important factors in running a profitable landscaping business. Charge too little, and you’ll burn out. Charge too much, and you’ll struggle to find customers.

How to Set the Right Price:

• Research Local Competition – Search eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook to see what others charge.
• Calculate Costs – Factor in equipment, gas, labor, and time.
• Offer Package Deals – Monthly lawn care packages increase recurring revenue.
• Consider Value, Not Just Price – Offer great customer service and upsell additional services.

Average Landscaping Service Prices:

• Lawn mowing: $30–$60 per cut
• Hedge trimming: $50–$150 per session
• Leaf cleanup: $75–$300 per job
• Mulching & fertilization: $150–$500 per yard

We recommend offering discounts for prepaid services to lock in long-term clients.

 

Step 5: Stay Focused and Motivated

Running a successful landscaping business requires consistency and motivation. Here’s how to stay on track:

How to Stay Motivated & Grow Your Business:

• Set Weekly & Monthly Income Goals – Track progress and celebrate small wins.
• Treat Your Clients Well – Happy customers = referrals and repeat business.
• Learn & Adapt – Watch YouTube tutorials, join Facebook groups, and keep improving your skills.
• Balance Work & Rest – Avoid burnout by scheduling days off and working smart.

Build long-term relationships with clients. People prefer to work with someone they trust, and that leads to consistent work and referrals.

 

Bonus: Marketing & Growing Your Business

Even the best landscaping service won’t make money if no one knows about it. Here’s how to get your first clients and scale your business.

1. Use Free Marketing Methods

• Post on Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Offer discounts to first-time clients.
• Create a Google My Business Profile – Helps customers find you online.
• Knock on doors & leave flyers – Go door-to-door in high-income neighborhoods.

2. Build a Simple Website (for More Clients)

A professional website adds credibility and helps clients book your services online.

• Use Hostinger to build a low-cost website in minutes.

 

 

• Add before-and-after pictures of your work.
• Include testimonials and a “Request a Quote” form.

3. Use Canva for Marketing Materials

• Design business cards, flyers, and social media posts.
• Post weekly updates on Instagram and Facebook to attract local clients.

4. Ask for Reviews

• Text your clients after a job and ask for a 5-star review on Google & Facebook.
• Good reviews help you rank higher in search results.

You can also offer a discount on future services for referrals. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool.

 

Final Thoughts

Starting a landscaping and yard care business is one of the fastest and easiest ways to earn extra cash in 2025. With minimal startup costs, steady demand, and flexible hours, you can turn this side hustle into a full-time income.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with one service (like lawn mowing) and expand over time.
• Minimize upfront costs by buying used equipment and reinvesting profits.
• Price services competitively and offer package deals for repeat clients.
• Use free marketing (Facebook, flyers, word-of-mouth) to find clients.
• Stay consistent, track your progress, and focus on long-term success.

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be making money.