Tree and shrub nursery for landscapers

Landscapers, contractors, municipalities, garden designers and retail customers who visit the nursery.

Per-plant sales to trade customers at wholesale prices, plus higher retail prices for walk-in customers. Larger trees take several years to grow, so early income often comes from smaller stock.

• Plant growing and pest management
• Machinery and irrigation basics
• Building relationships with landscapers
• Bookkeeping and stock planning

• Check land use and zoning rules, and whether agricultural or farm status applies in your province
• Check Canadian Food Inspection Agency and provincial rules on plant health, inspections and movement of nursery stock
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Long lead times before trees are ready to sell, harsh winters and unsold stock tying up money

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your land, stock, irrigation and machinery. Long lead times before trees are ready to sell mean unsold stock can tie up money.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your stock, trade relationships with landscapers and retail sales. Expect at least about 30 hours a week, and harsh winters can affect results.

Things to check: land use and zoning rules, and whether agricultural or farm status applies in your province; CFIA and provincial plant health, inspection and nursery stock movement rules; and commercial general liability and WCB/WSIB coverage.