Getting to work outdoors, the satisfaction of improving people’s property, and doing valuable work that is always in demand—these are just some of the many reasons more and more Canadians are starting a landscaping business.
With that being said, having an idea is not the same as running a professional company that pays your bills. You need to do extensive research, brand work, and explore ways to protect your finances before you can start cutting grass and trimming hedges.
The good news is that this blog has you covered. Keep reading to learn how to start a landscaping business right here in Canada!
An Overview of Managing a Landscaping Business
Starting your own landscaping business can be fruitful. Landscape services in Canada generated about $14.57 billion in 2023, continuing a generally upward trend country-wide over the last decade or so. There is a serious opportunity!
You’ll likely start as a freelance landscaper. This will help you get your business off the ground, build your portfolio, and grow your client list. Moreover, it will help you figure out the type of landscaping services you want to offer. Having a specialty could help you brand your business better, earn more per project, and make it easier to find work.
However, this work is not without risks. Handling gardening tools and heavy equipment can lead to injuries. You’ll also need to plan for little-to-no business in the winter months when people’s yards are covered in snow. Fortunately, proper planning and setting realistic goals can help you curate a successful landscaping business structure.
What to Do Before Starting a Landscaping Business
If you want to find success while overcoming the challenges of starting a landscaping business, you need to check a few boxes. These include researching your target market, building a brand identity that distinguishes you from your competitors, and securing your finances.
Let’s break these down in more detail!
Image source: Canva
Research Your Target Market
If you’re asking how to start a landscaping company, researching your target market is step one on the road to success. The services you provide should align with those that homeowners in your are seeking, first and foremost.
If you intend to operate in an area full of large homes with massive yards, focusing on mowing might be a good idea. Conversely, primarily providing exterior design services may make more sense if you operate in an area where new homes are consistently being built. You also need to distinguish between residential and commercial services.
Create and Market Your Brand
If you want to market your landscaping services, you’ll need a solid brand identity that your clients will remember. So, the next step in learning how to start a landscaping company is developing your landscaping business plan.
Some ways to build your brand can include:
- Coming up with a memorable or clever company name
- Branding your vehicles and equipment with striking colours
- Investing time into your social media presence
No matter how you approach it, the goal should be to have people immediately think of your company when they have a lawn maintenance project in mind.
Secure Your Finances
Landscaping businesses can’t succeed without proper financial planning; yours needs to be in good order before you get started. Part of figuring out how to start a landscaping business in Canada is deciding how much to charge for your services, as well as raising the capital needed to get started and handle business expenses.
Budgeting is crucial for small businesses—and so is having a risk management strategy in place when the unexpected throws your budget off course. Those situations are when having a customized insurance plan becomes invaluable.
Protect Your Business With Landscape Insurance
If you’ve spent any time studying other landscaping businesses, you’ve likely gathered that accidents happen due to the nature of the work. Incidents ranging from a simple slip-and-fall to third-party property damage can lead to financial strain or, worse, bankruptcy.
Securing a landscape insurance policy from a reputable broker is the key to protecting yourself from whatever may arise. This coverage can protect you in the case of:
Injuries and Property Damages
Working in the sun all day, lifting heavy objects, and digging dirt are just some of the challenges of being a landscaper. As someone who employs them, you need to have protection in case your employees get injured on the job.
Of course, there is also the potential for property damage that must be considered when running a lawn care business. Landscape insurance can help you in case of a lawsuit should you or one of your employees make a serious mistake.
Lost or Stolen Tools and Equipment
As a landscape business owner, your tools and equipment are your lifeline. They’re expensive and necessary for doing the work that you do. Unfortunately, other people recognize their value and may be inclined to steal them for personal gain.
Landscaping insurance covers the costs of repairs and replacements of tools and equipment. This means a successful thief—or potentially careless employee—won’t ever be the reason your entire operations are financially derailed.
Image source: Canva
KASE Makes Starting a Landscaping Business Easier
Success in the landscaping industry highly depends on how prepared you are to face unforeseen events. So, if you want to know how to start a landscaping business in Canada and make it last, you must cover your business’s unique risks.
As one of Canada’s leading insurance brokerages, KASE Insurance provides landscaping companies with what they need. We’ll ensure your finances are protected in case of injury, property damage, or stolen tools. You deserve peace of mind.
If you’re serious about learning how to start a landscaping company, contact us today for more information on protecting your finances or to get a quick quote!