Residential garden maintenance route

Busy homeowners, older people who can't manage the work themselves, and landlords or property managers with a few rental homes.

Hourly rate or fixed price per visit for weekly or biweekly clients, plus one-off charges for spring and fall cleanups, mulching and planting.

• Knowing common plants, lawns and pruning basics
• Physical fitness and comfort working outdoors
• Route planning and reliable scheduling

• Commercial general liability insurance
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
• Seasonality: in much of Canada, work drops sharply in winter, so plan for income gaps or add snow clearing
• Check local rules on noise from mowers and trimmers, and on pesticide use, which some provinces and municipalities restrict
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules once you hire helpers, which vary by province

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the mowers, trimmers and tools you buy, your vehicle and insurance. You can start small and add equipment as your route grows.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many homes you serve and the jobs you offer. In much of Canada, work drops sharply in winter, so plan for income gaps.

Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, local rules on mower and trimmer noise, and restrictions on pesticide use. Also check commercial general liability insurance and WCB/WSIB rules once you hire helpers.