How to Start a Landscaping Business in Canada

A creative knack, love of working with your hands, and a vehicle are all you need to create a landscaping business in Canada.

Starting your own landscaping service is a great way to make money year round, from trimming hedges and mowing lawns in the summer to shovelling sidewalks in the winter.

And with a relatively low start-up cost, all you really need to get your landscape company off the ground is a little hard work, the right tools, and something unique that sets your business apart.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at five simple steps to getting your lawn care business going.

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1. Decide what services you want to offer

So, you’re ready to make those lawns in your neighborhood look as neat as possible? A good place to start is to figure out what types of services your company is going to offer.

This is an important step – not only will it set you apart from the other landscaping companies in the area, it’ll also depend on what type of clientele you want to attract.

Some of the many common types of services that landscaping companies offer are:

• Lawn Mowing

• Lawn Maintenance

• Deck Repair

• Sidewalk Repair

• Leaf Removal

• Snow Removal

• Lawn Design

• Deck Sealing/Waterproofing

Consider further setting your company apart from the competition by offering unique services that other companies may not be providing, such as monthly services, pool cleaning, or roof cleaning.

You can also separate yourself from other companies through the use of technology. For example, if you use a full CAD landscape design software like DynaScape, you can generate beautiful designs quickly. In general, automation software is a massive time saver.

Another consideration you should take into account is whether you want to service commercial or residential properties. Generally, commercial properties will be larger contracts that require more professional equipment, so if you’re just starting out, it might be wise to start small.

Related: What is the best handyman app?

2. Create a business plan

Are you targeting residential or commercial properties? Large or small lots? Individual jobs or large-scale group contracts? Is your business an economic option or do you offer premium packages? All of this will impact the kind of services you want to provide, the employees you hire, and the marketing approach you should take.

When creating a business plan, it’s important to have an analysis of the landscaping market in your area. There are several reasons for this. For one, landscaping won’t always look the same in every city.

The climate and soil can change drastically within various parts of the Canadian climate. But it is also important to know what kind of landscaping services are in demand in your area.

You may commission someone to perform a market analysis, or do it yourself. It’s also important to understand the market demand for different kinds of services.

It is crucial to set up an organizational and management structure for your landscaping business. Is it a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation? Furthermore, it is important to identify your core values and the approach that your business will take.

It’s also vital to secure licensing and registration for your company. This is especially important depending on the kind of chemicals and products you use.

3. Hire employees

If you don’t have a lot of funds to start up your company with, it could be a good idea to begin small, with only a few people or even just yourself.

This way you can learn the ins and outs of what makes the landscape industry unique and get some experience under your belt before you start looking for bigger contracts.

Once you’ve got some capital, you can start putting it toward building your team of landscapers and making those lawns look beautiful!

4. Market your new business

So you’ve figured out your niche, got some valuable landscaping experience under your belt and you’re ready to take your business to the next level.

Now is the perfect time to start spreading the word about your exciting new venture. Be sure to take advantage of social media and SEO tactics to make sure you’re ranking well on Google.

Pro Tip: Consider asking your friends and family to be among your first clients. Honest feedback and some positive Google reviews can go a long way.

Many landscaping businesses benefit from having a unique look to their employee uniforms, as well as their company vehicles. Since landscaping involves a lot of driving to and from job sites, making sure your transportation is noticed on the road is a great way to increase visibility and get your name out there.

5. Get insured

Every company needs insurance to protect them from any unforeseen difficulties that can result in potentially crippling fees, and landscaping companies are no different.

Common policies included in Landscaping Insurance are:

• General Liability Insurance

  • This policy helps protect your company from things like legal fees, damages, or the cost of repairs. If your mower runs over a rock that shoots through a neighbour’s window, general liability insurance helps cover your replacement costs.

• Commercial Auto Insurance

  • Whether you’ve got a fleet of vehicles for your employees or just your own truck, this policy protects your professional transportation from any damages that may happen while on the job.

• Tools and Equipment Insurance

  • Landscaping involves working with plenty of tools, from lawnmowers to weed whackers. Having this policy helps protect the equipment you need to keep your clients’ lawns fresh.

Insurance policies are as unique as your business. Contact APOLLO today to speak with one of our advisers and get custom coverage that’s suited to you and your landscaping business.

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