Lawn Care Service

Most people can squeeze in time to mow their own lawns, but it’s the weeding and trimming, fertilizing, aerating, and leaf removal that takes up the extra time. By providing these services, you can rake in profits for yourself. Don’t try to compete with neighborhood youth who mow lawns or with professional lawn services that include landscaping and related services. Plant your seeds, develop your niche, and cultivate the business.


You’ll shell out at least $300 for basic equipment, more for a power lawn mower. Double or triple those costs if you decide to have a team of workers mowing a lawn simultaneously (as is often done). You’ll make roughly $50 to $75 per job in a residential lawn care business; more if handling corporate accounts in addition. However, your income isn’t limited to what you charge, because many happy customers also include a tip for your trouble.


By scheduling some or all of these services with the same customers in the same neighborhoods, you will save on transportation, time, and rental costs. One day you might be mowing lawns and another you’ll be aerating. You might have to rent an aeration roller for $25 a day. But if you schedule aerations in one neighborhood for the same day, you’ll easily recoup the investment.


Approx. cost of start-up:$500 to $1,500


Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $25,000


Typical fees: $12–15 per hour or a ?at rate of $50 to $75 per job


Where to promote: Flyers left in front doors, ads in local or community newspapers, word of mouth


Qualifications: Love for working outdoors and some knowledge about lawn care


Things needed: Power mower, rakes, power trimmer and spreader, pickup truck or station wagon


Staff required:No


Hidden costs: Insurance, transportation, some equipment rental