Landscape designer with project management

Homeowners who want a finished yard without managing trades themselves, plus small businesses, HOAs and property managers improving outdoor areas.

A design fee plus a project management fee, often a percentage of the build cost or a fixed fee. Some designers also earn a markup on plants and materials where the contract allows.

• Landscape design and planting knowledge
• Budgeting and quoting
• Scheduling and managing crews
• Contracts and client communication

• Contractor licensing rules vary a lot by state and sometimes by project size, so check before you sign any build contract
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation if you hire employees
• Subcontractors should hold their own licenses and insurance, ask for proof
• Cost overruns, weather delays and unclear contracts can hurt your margins, so agree scope and change orders in writing
• Check permit needs for retaining walls, decks, drainage and electrical work with your city or county

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your design tools, insurance and how you set up your quoting and contract process. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the number and size of projects you run. That is revenue, not profit, and cost overruns, weather delays and unclear contracts can reduce your margins.

Contractor licensing rules vary by state and sometimes project size, so check before signing any build contract. Also check insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, subcontractors' licenses and insurance, and permit needs for walls, decks, drainage and electrical work.