Lanscaping business

[Fordman98]

I'm thinking about starting up a landscaping and design business. It would be a side business to start but ultimately would like to do full time if it becomes successful. I already have software I can utilize for the design aspect. Im also working on purchasing a tractor in the soon future.

I was just wondering if anyone on here has done the same thing And if there's any good pointers for starting one up. Insurance would be the big unknown to me as I haven't researched Anything about that side of things yet.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Not the easiest way to make a living. It's always easier if you kind of drift or fall into a business rather, than just deciding to "go into business" in a certain area.

 

[farmalldx33]

My wife and I slowly started a landscape business about 20 years ago as part time to complement our hog farming operation. As if we weren't busy enough. After about 3-4 years we added a tractor and slowly added other things we needed and today we have just about everything we need.
As far as insurance goes I just sat down with my agent I use for the farm and we discussed the needs for the landscaping business. Every year we sit down and talk about the farm and landscaping business and add or delete coverage as things progress.

Any other questions please feel free to ask.
Landscaping is very rewarding because you get to see your progress right now. Instant gratification. Yes it is hard work but not too many people die from hard work.

 

[Citydude]

I'm thinking about starting up a landscaping and design business. It would be a side business to start but ultimately would like to do full time if it becomes successful. I already have software I can utilize for the design aspect. Im also working on purchasing a tractor in the soon future.

I was just wondering if anyone on here has done the same thing And if there's any good pointers for starting one up. Insurance would be the big unknown to me as I haven't researched Anything about that side of things yet.

Find an independent insurance agent that provides/knows commercial insurance. They will walk you through the process.

 

[Tomtint]

We own some commercial property and it requires landscape maintenance, and snow plowing etc. About 10 years ago I decided we would do it ourselves as apposed to. Hiring it out and depending on others. So I started a "landscape division" to my other business. It is surprisingly expensive to buy and maintain equipment ... relatively speaking. Obviously rakes and shov lbs do not require much after the initial purchase..but mowers, blowers weed wackers ..anything with a motor and wheels..will. And the snow plowing / salting end of it is blood money. As far as insurance goes, we are listed as general contractors and have a public safety endorsement for plowing. ..it's expensive, but it's a must.

 

[shooterdon]

A side business can tear you up. Working a job, then having to spend weekends working gets to some people...others love it. Unless you already own equipment it is difficult to be competitive. Your capital costs and insurance are the same whether you working 2 days a week or 5-6 days a week.

 

[EddieWalker]

A buddy did this after working for one of the biggest high end landscapers in the area for about a decade. They do not buy or own any equipment. They rent everything, which is figured into the cost of the job. The reasoning is that the rented equipment is always in working condition, and if it breaks down, they get another machine right away. No wrenching, no maintaining, and no monthly payments if you don't need it.

The majority of his jobs are planting flowers so owning a machine would just be a monthly expense that he doesn't need. When he does have to move some dirt, he decides what machine, or machines are needed. I've seen him with a min excavator one time, and the next time it was a skid steer with pallet forks.

 

[Fordman98]

My wife and I slowly started a landscape business about 20 years ago as part time to complement our hog farming operation. As if we weren't busy enough. After about 3-4 years we added a tractor and slowly added other things we needed and today we have just about everything we need.
As far as insurance goes I just sat down with my agent I use for the farm and we discussed the needs for the landscaping business. Every year we sit down and talk about the farm and landscaping business and add or delete coverage as things progress.

Any other questions please feel free to ask.
Landscaping is very rewarding because you get to see your progress right now. Instant gratification. Yes it is hard work but not too many people die from hard work.

This sounds exactly how I'd like to start up. Just taking a couple jobs here and there and slowly grow and expand.

 

[Fordman98]

Yeah I understand the expense of maintaining everything. Anything with an engine seems to eat up money. But i like the idea Eddie money suggests of renting the equipment for the job.

I already have a need for s tractor on my own property so that could be used but when it comes to digging or specalized jobs it makes sense to me to just rent the equipment.

Thanks for the replies so far guys!

 

[EddieWalker]

Let me add that I own a bull dozer, a backhoe, a dump truck, a riding trencher and a 35 hp tractor. When I need a piece of equipment for a job, I rent it. If it's a bigger project, I sub contract it out and pay somebody else to be responsible for what happens.