Trends and Facts About Landscaping Franchises

Landscaping franchises serve residential and commercial customers with services ranging from basic lawn care and maintenance to full-scale design, irrigation, hardscaping, and snow removal. As outdoor spaces gain value in property aesthetics and functionality, landscaping services remain in high demand year-round.

• Homeowners Invest in Curb Appeal – A well-maintained yard is a top priority for homeowners looking to boost property value and pride of ownership.
• Commercial Property Demand – Office parks, retail centers, and HOAs often outsource regular landscape maintenance for professional consistency.
• Year-Round Service Opportunities – Many franchises offer seasonal services such as fall cleanups, winter snow removal, and spring fertilization.
• Labor Shortages Drive Outsourcing – Busy property owners and businesses are more likely to hire professionals rather than rely on in-house or DIY efforts.
• Eco-Friendly Landscaping Trends – Water-saving irrigation systems, native plants, and organic treatments are becoming increasingly popular.

Advantages of Landscaping Franchises

Landscaping franchises provide a scalable, outdoor business model with diverse revenue streams and a loyal, recurring customer base:

• Recurring Weekly and Seasonal Services – Lawn mowing, trimming, fertilization, and snow removal create predictable income.
• Scalable Operations – Start with one crew and grow by adding trucks, teams, and service territories.
• Low Facility Overhead – Many franchises are run from home or a small yard/garage with limited equipment storage needs.
• Commercial Contracts Offer Stability – Multi-year agreements with HOAs, schools, and businesses create consistent cash flow.
• Franchisor Support with Routing, Equipment & Marketing – Brands provide job estimating tools, scheduling software, and marketing strategies to boost efficiency and growth.

The Initial Investment and Opening Costs for Landscaping Franchises

Startup costs vary depending on the services offered and the size of the territory. Here’s a typical breakdown:

• Franchise Fee: Typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000.
• Vehicles & Equipment: Trucks, trailers, mowers, trimmers, and blowers generally cost $40,000 to $100,000.
• Technology & Software: CRM, scheduling, routing, and estimating tools typically cost $5,000 to $15,000.
• Licensing, Insurance & Uniforms: Business licenses, general liability, and branding uniforms may cost $5,000 to $10,000.
• Storage or Yard Rental (if needed): If not run from home, small outdoor storage lots may cost $5,000 to $15,000 annually.
• Marketing & Launch Campaigns: Initial advertising, vehicle wraps, signage, and digital marketing usually cost $10,000 to $25,000.

Total startup investment typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on equipment needs and service offerings.

How to Choose the Right Landscaping Franchise

The right landscaping franchise will depend on your location, climate, service preferences, and growth goals. Consider:

• Residential vs. Commercial Focus: Some brands specialize in homes, others focus on large commercial and municipal clients.
• Seasonal Add-On Services: Consider whether you want to offer winter snow removal or year-round property maintenance.
• Staffing & Labor Management: Understand the hiring and training requirements for landscape crews.
• Territory Size & Demographics: Look for high-density neighborhoods or areas with HOA developments and businesses in need of upkeep.
• Franchisor Tools & Expansion Potential: Seek a brand with strong backend systems, field support, and multi-territory opportunities.

If you enjoy working outdoors and want to build a business with strong recurring income and scalable service lines, a landscaping franchise offers a green and growing opportunity.