Commercial lawn maintenance crew
Keep lawns tidy for offices, HOAs and retail properties on a contract, with a small crew.
- $8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
NAICS 561730 “Landscaping services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Contracted grounds upkeep for businesses and communities: mowing, edging, trimming, blowing and seasonal cleanups, usually with a two or three person crew and larger equipment.
Your first three steps
- Build a simple pricing sheet and proposal template, and photograph your best residential work as references
- Get general liability and commercial auto insurance, plus a stand-on or zero-turn mower and trailer
- Contact local property managers and HOA boards to ask about upcoming bids and get on their vendor lists
Who pays
Property managers, HOAs, small office parks, churches, retail centers and apartment complexes.
How it makes money
Monthly or seasonal contracts priced by property size and visit frequency, with extra charges for cleanups, mulching and other add-on work.
Skills that help
- Quoting and bidding jobs
- Managing a small crew and schedules
- Operating larger mowers safely
- Professional communication with property managers
Watch out for
- Commercial clients often require proof of general liability insurance, and sometimes workers' compensation, before signing
- Check with your state about any pesticide or fertilizer applicator license if you offer treatments
- Check your city or county for business license requirements
- Payment terms can be 30 days or more, so keep cash on hand for fuel, wages and repairs
- Underpricing big contracts is a common mistake, so track your real hourly costs
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: commercial lawn maintenance crew
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a commercial lawn maintenance business?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the equipment you buy, whether it is new or used, and the insurance you need. These are estimates, so price out mowers, a trailer and coverage for your area.
How much can a commercial lawn care crew earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many contracts you win, your crew size and your pricing. These are estimates. Track your real hourly costs, since underpricing big contracts is a common mistake.
What insurance or licenses do I need for commercial lawn care?
Things to check: commercial clients often require proof of general liability insurance, and sometimes workers' compensation, before signing. Check your state for any pesticide or fertilizer applicator license if you offer treatments, and your city or county for business license requirements.
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Photo: Clayton800 on Pixabay