Here's a sample lawn care and landscaping business plan to help you get started.
1.) Determine the Services & Products you will provide to make money.

• Will you only offer lawn care maintenance service during the startup phase?
  
• Will the company offer professional landscape services after getting established?
  
• Will you work with contractors to get the job done at a client's request?
  

• Get specific, is the company capable of installing plants, fences, irrigation or lighting in addition to lawn and tree care?

  IMPORTANT
  It can be difficult getting new clients when you first start your business. Never accept work you are not able to do or contract out. There are other ways to make money in the lawn care industry.

  2.) Raise Captial for equipment and startup costs. It takes money to make money.
  

• Figure out how much a truck, mower, necessary Equipment & Tools, marketing, and other related expenses cost.
  
• Save money to be used for purchasing equipment.
  
• Ask family and friends for a loan and agree to repayment terms.
  
• Apply for a loan at a bank or micofinancing site.
  
• Only use credit cards as a last resort for emergencies. The company is probably not off to a good start if the use of credit cards is required to get started.

  3.) Name Business
  

• Pick a name that your company can grow with. Many business owners have lost new business opportunities with existing clients to other competitors because their clients weren't aware that they provided complimentary services.
  

• Pick a short, easy to remember name that describes the services your company provides. Typically business names that have "lawn care" or "lawn service" or "lawn maintenance" discourage potential new business. Clients tend to think that the company is only capable of maintenance services. It's a good idea to have the word "landscaping" in the business name because it suggests that the company is able to provide a wide range of services so the customer will automatically think of you first.

  4.) Business Structure
  

• Consult with your lawyer or certified public accountant about forming a S-Corporation or Limited Liability Company to limit the amount of personal liability you can be held responsible for.

  6.) License, Permits & Certificates
  

• Be sure to file for the proper permits and licenses to be compliant with all (County, State, and Federal) laws.

  7.) Business Insurance
  

• Business Liability Insurance & Business Car Insurance are a must!

  8.) Accounting System
  

• Record all your expenses and profits in a neat and organized format so your accountant can quickly review your records!

  
  
  9.) Marketing
  Learn how to do Lawn Mowing Estimates and Landscaping Estimates

• Evaluate Word of Mouth, buzz marketing, radio advertising, internet marketing, website marketing, search engine marketing, door hangers, direct mail, trade shows, charitable sponsorships, email marketing.