How to start a landscaping business

1. Understand the job

Firstly, do your research and make sure you understand exactly what the job involves. You might work with residential clients, commercial clients or both. You’ll need to be able to build up good working relationships with your clients so that you can get a good idea about the changes they would like made to their garden.

As part of this, you’ll need to be able to sketch out plans that match your client’s vision, ensure plans come in on budget, and be able work out estimates for your clients. You will also need to be able to construct water features, plant trees and cultivate turf, as well as understand how to handle pesticides, fertilisers and other chemicals, and know how to approach dangerous plants. 

On top of this, you’ll need to prepared to promote your business to gain more clients. 

2. Develop a seasonal strategy

A lot of your practical work will be carried out in the summer months. However, because clients often don’t want people working in their garden during the holidays, you’ll need to be prepared to work during the colder winter months too. Much of your planning will also be carried out during the winter. 

The downside is that bad weather can hamper your work schedule – if it’s raining heavily or there’s a blanket of thick snow, you might not be able to work. This means it’s crucial to be resourceful and plan carefully. If you find your work tails off considerably in the winter months, you might need to take on other jobs to supplement your income. 

3. Set a legal structure

When you set up your business, you’ll need to choose a legal structure. The simplest option is to set up as a sole trader, but you could also consider setting up a limited company. Rather than paying income tax, as you do as a sole trader, limited companies pay corporation tax on their profits. If you’re a higher rate taxpayer, this could work out cheaper. 

Setting up a limited company could also make more sense if you plan to hire employees as you can pay salaries through the pay as you earn scheme. 

4. Ensure you comply with all legalities

Before you start trading, you must register your business to be able to file a self-assessment tax return if you’re a sole trader, or corporation tax if you’re a limited company. You’ll also need to register for VAT if, by the end of any month, your VAT taxable turnover exceeds R85,000 in the last 12 months. If you’re hiring staff, you will need to register for PAYE.

It’s important to do this quickly, as you can be fined if you register late. 

5. Get insurance

Insurance is another key consideration when you’re setting up a business. You’ll need to consider the following policies:

• Public liability insurance. This covers you if you’re taken to court because your business activities caused damage to someone’s property or resulted in injury. It can cover your legal costs and any compensation you might be required to pay.
• Employer’s liability insurance. If you employ staff, this type of insurance is likely to be a legal requirement. It will cover you for compensation claims if an employee becomes ill or injures themselves due to the work they carry out for you. 
• Professional indemnity insurance. This will protect you in the event a client loses money as a result of negligence in the services you’ve provided. It can cover legal fees and compensation payments. 

6. Market your business & find customers

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be ready to start looking for business. Many landscape gardening businesses advertise in local newspapers or directories, but you can also look at online marketing. It’s a good idea to create a Google Business Profile so that you get found in local search results. 

It’s also important to build a business website and, as and when you complete jobs, add photos to showcase your work. The more projects you take on, the more easily you can build a portfolio and highlight your skills. 

It can be worth setting up social media profiles on Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram, as this can help you to attract new clients. Other advertising options include flyers and posters. 

Don’t forget that word of mouth can also work to your advantage. Build good relationships with your existing clients and this can help you to win new ones.