Recurring yard and garden maintenance
Mow, weed, prune and tidy yards for homeowners on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
- $1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- 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
Regular upkeep of residential yards: mowing, edging, weeding, pruning shrubs, mulching beds and seasonal cleanups, using your own truck or trailer and equipment.
Your first three steps
- Price your area by calling a few local lawn and garden services for typical per-visit rates
- Buy or borrow a commercial-grade mower, trimmer, blower and hand tools, and get general liability insurance
- Door-knock or post on neighborhood apps in two or three nearby zip codes and offer a first-visit discount
Who pays
Busy homeowners, older residents, landlords and property managers with rental homes, and small offices.
How it makes money
Flat price per visit or monthly rate for regular clients, plus extra charges for mulching, seasonal cleanups and one-off jobs.
Skills that help
- Comfortable with outdoor physical work
- Basic plant and lawn knowledge
- Reliable scheduling and route planning
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- Check whether your city, county or state requires a business license
- Some states require a license for pesticide or fertilizer application, check your state agriculture department
- Check local noise rules for equipment and seasonal slowdowns in winter in colder areas
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a yard maintenance business?
Startup costs are typically estimated around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your truck or trailer and the equipment you buy. Check what you already own before budgeting.
How much can a yard and garden maintenance business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many yards you serve. Expect at least around 10 hours a week, with possible winter slowdowns in colder areas.
Do I need a license for lawn and garden maintenance?
Check whether your city, county or state requires a business license, and look up local noise rules for equipment. Some states require a license for pesticide or fertilizer application, so check your state agriculture department.
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