Garden maintenance round

Homeowners, older residents, landlords, real estate agents and small businesses such as offices and strata properties.

Set price per visit or monthly, with extras for planting, mulch and green waste removal. A tight route in one area means more paid visits per day.

• Operating mowers, whipper snippers and hedge trimmers safely
• Plant and lawn care knowledge
• Route planning
• Dependable, consistent service

• Public liability insurance and cover for your equipment
• Check your council's rules on green waste disposal and noise hours for equipment
• Safe use of power tools, with protective gear and sun protection
• Working with chemicals such as herbicides may need training or licensing in your state, so check before offering it
• Revenue dips in cooler months in some regions, so plan cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the mowers, trimmers, trailer or vehicle and insurance you need. These are estimates, so price your equipment and cover before you start taking clients.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many regular clients you have and how well you plan your routes. These are estimates only, and revenue may dip in cooler months in some regions.

Check your council's rules on green waste disposal and noise hours for equipment. Also check public liability and equipment insurance, safe power tool use, and whether using chemicals such as herbicides needs training or licensing in your state.