Need to know: starting a landscape business

Gardening has long been an obsession with British homeowners. However, there are some tasks that are beyond even the keenest and greenest-fingered gardening enthusiast – and that's why landscaping is a thriving industry

If you love working in the great outdoors and have the right practical skills, a landscape gardening business could be for you. Although you might assume it’s seasonal work, there are enough jobs to keep landscapers busy all year round.

It’s not something just anyone can do, though. Not only is it very physical work, but there are a range of services you’ll need to provide, many of them requiring specialist knowledge.

You’ll obviously need a good grasp of garden design but the job could also involve building, paving and other stonework, carpentry, joinery, decking and fencing, draining and irrigation, installing water features and wind structures – and all-round hard graft. And, of course, the job requires a thorough knowledge of plants, trees and growing conditions.

So it’s likely you’ll need some level of training for your landscape business. Work out what you need to learn and research the relevant college courses available in your area, such as NVQs. You could also try finding work with an established landscaper to gain the necessary knowledge on the job – the experience could stand you in good stead and it could help you decide whether you’re suited to the business.

Although setting-up costs for landscaping businesses are relatively low, the amount of money you’ll need will depend on the specific services you’ll be offering. You’ll require a van and the basic tools as a minimum, but it might be best to build gradually and hire the bigger and more expensive equipment during the startup stage.

Your basic tools might include: petrol mower; petrol strimmer; saws; leaf blower; fork; spade; hoe; shears; loppers; secateurs; trowel; wheelbarrow; ladder. Equipment to hire could include: cement mixer; cutting machine; angle grinder; compactor; chainsaw.

To get business, you obviously need to let people know about your services so get plenty of cards and fliers printed and distribute them all over the area you intend to operate within. Also leave cards in shop windows and get knocking on doors if necessary.

Your reputation will be you most valuable business asset. Word of mouth can play a big part in building your enterprise so look after your customers and make sure you provide a high standard of work. Reliability is essential – you’ll often be at the mercy of the weather and there’s not much you can do if conditions prevent you from working. However, you need to plan sufficiently and be flexible enough to accommodate your customers and make up for lost time where necessary.

Don’t neglect health and safety regulations. Also consider your business insurance needs, such as public liability cover and professional indemnity insurance. If you take on employees outside of your family, you’ll also need employer’s liability insurance as a legal requirement. Many insurance providers offer packages tailored specifically for landscape gardeners, so shop around and find a suitable deal for your enterprise.