Lawn and garden maintenance route

Busy homeowners, older residents, landlords, property managers and small businesses such as offices and strip-mall units.

Monthly or per-visit fees on a weekly or biweekly schedule, plus extra charges for cleanups, mulch, aeration and one-off jobs. A tight route of nearby clients means more paid visits per day.

• Physical fitness and working outdoors
• Route planning and time management
• Basic knowledge of lawns, plants and equipment
• Reliable customer service

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients or property managers require proof of it
• Business licence rules vary by municipality, so check with your city or town
• Pesticide and fertilizer rules differ by province and municipality, and some places restrict cosmetic pesticide use
• Income stops or slows in winter unless you add snow clearing or other off-season work
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules once you hire helpers, check your province

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the mowers, trimmers and trailer or vehicle you need, plus insurance and marketing.

Check whether your city or town requires a business licence, and look at pesticide and fertilizer rules in your province and municipality, as some places restrict cosmetic pesticides. Also check commercial general liability insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire helpers.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many properties you service. Income slows in winter unless you add snow clearing or other off-season work.