Mowing Yards for Money, how much can I earn? And how can I start? (2024)

We all know lawn mowing services are an important part of modern civilizations. Most homes and businesses have grass on their property. Therefore, it’s necessary to ensure it’s properly taken care of to maintain a fresh and healthy appearance. Some people mow their lawns, and others pay to get it done. However, life is getting very fast-paced, and the world has become busy, so people don’t have the time to mow their lawns anymore. This allows you to start your lawn mowing service to earn some extra money.

Mowing Yards for Money, how much can I earn? And how can I start?

In general, mowing yards for money is an easy and successful way to start your own business. If you have your lawn care equipment, you don’t need to invest much to start. As an extra, all you will need to add is a trailer to your vehicle to carry your equipment. The average price for mowing a lawn is between $40 to $50, meaning if you mow 5 to 6 lawns per day, you can earn up to $1000 per week. Initially, this is a good income as a side business, but with time and reinvesting, your profit wisely. You can shift your solo business to a whole new level and start your own lawn care company.

This article will learn how to start your own lawn care business and create a profit with a minimal initial investment. You will also learn some tips on how to increase your customer base and how to create a profitable and successful business.

Lawn Mowing as a Business

As mentioned previously, starting a profitable lawn care business doesn’t require a lot of investment. If you have a yard, then you are likely to have most of the necessary equipment. The essential equipment needed includes a lawn mowing machine, Weed Wacker to remove tall weeds, a gas can, extra mower blades if the older blades can not be sharpened anymore. Hand clippers, hand tools for emergency repairs, oil, gloves, and safety glasses.

● Examples of a successful start-up

Mowing yards for money is a viable and profitable business to start on your own. The profit, in the beginning, may not be that much, but it should be more than sufficient as a starter. The following link demonstrates a man who owns his own lawn mowing business. It shows his entire workday mowing yards as his only source of income.

In this video, the total time spent mowing yards in one day is 4 hours and 36 minutes, earning him $208. While this may not be the kind of income you are anticipating, this is expected when you build your customer base and use only basic equipment. Therefore, this is a substantial amount of money for a starter.

With time, your clientele will increase, growing your business, which will increase the profit margin. At this time, you may need to expand your business to continue to provide an efficient service to your customers.

If you are concerned about the monthly payment of mowing yards, it’s important to know that the amount varies depending upon the season and the effort you are putting into your lawn mowing business. For one lawn, the average price is up to $50, almost 30 to 35 minutes of work. Like in the above video, the man was mowing up to 6 lawns per day. Applying this same scenario, you can earn between $900 to $1000 per week. So, as you can see, this is a significant profit considering the work and hours put in. Your profit depends upon your initial investment and the geographical location. Of course, the season is also important, in the winter there is less work to do than in the other seasons.

Another example of a lawn mowing business is the two high school kids RJ Duarte and Owen Johnson, in Golden, Colorado, who started their business in 2014 called Green Worx. The two kids had no business capital and no initial investment. Initially, RJ was doing lawn mowing on his own, but with time the work increased, and RJ asked Owen to join him. Eventually, they could bring their company to such height that they had to hire a full-time employee and part-time team comprised of their school classmates to carry out their day-to-day work.

● How to Start a Lawn Mowing Business

When thinking of starting your own business, you must consider the services you can provide. So consider how you can maintain your customer’s lawn, the size of the yard you will be able to mow, and learn how to repair the patches where the grass is damaged.

For mowing grass, a gas-powered lawn mowing machine is better than an electric-powered machine because an electric machine requires an electric cord, and you may run into the problem of there being no available power outlets at the location. A gas lawn mowing machine eliminates power outlets’ need as it runs on the gas tank installed. You may need to buy yourself a tractor-style mower to accommodate for larger acres of land with time.

You will also need a larger vehicle, like a truck, to transport your equipment to the desired site. If you don’t have money to invest in a truck, then a small trailer attached behind your vehicle is suitable. This is a crucial part of setting up your business because if you cannot transport the necessary equipment to the location, it will be problematic.

After starting your business, it’s important to promote your business as much as possible to increase the number of customers. There are several ways to do this. You can use social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, create your website or blog or advertise through your local newspapers. You can also contact your local real estate office and ask them to promote your business through their property management division.

When setting the prices for your services, you need to check with similar businesses in your area and set your hourly rate accordingly. Initially, it’s important to advertise your service at a discounted price to the first customers to gain their interest. Once they see your work at a reasonable price, it will encourage them to become regular customers. Customers are attracted to discounts and free samples of your services.

Before starting your business, it is also recommended to buy business insurance because there are accident risks when mowing yards. What if you unintentionally cut a $ 1,000 bush while cutting the grass in a luxurious environment? What if you accidentally hit your mowing machine into their car? Accidents can happen, which is why you should invest in insurance to protect you and your business.

Tips for a Successful Business

According to David Serville, the founder of Crewcut Lawn and Garden, there are certain tips you need to follow for a successful business.

• Punctuality: If your business is in a metropolitan area, then having an early start is important to avoid traffic jams. The “early bird catches the worm,” as they say, so get there earlier rather than later to avoid rushing your work and potentially finishing early.
• Profitable Mowing: Efficient equipment is important to create a profitable business. The best lawn mower is a mulching mower because it’s the fastest and easiest to mow any lawn. It’s eco-friendly because there is no need to dispose of the grass clippings. Raking and mowing with hand tools is a very slow and inefficient method. Even if you charge more, you will not earn enough profit because it takes a lot of time and effort. So, you should avoid using these kinds of methods unless your client explicitly requests to do so. While they may request inefficient tools, you can encourage your client to use mulching because it’s environmentally friendly and keeps the grass healthier and fresh.
• Rain Check: Rain plays an important role in lawn mowing, so make a habit of doing a weather check the night before you are mowing. If the lawn is not too soft to walk on, you can mow it in the rain. Customers will continue to work with companies who put their best efforts into taking care of their lawns, despite the weather.
• Payment Policy: You should have a strict payment policy for your business and commit your clients to pay regularly, either monthly or after a set number of times mowing their lawn. Having a good cash flow for your business is important to meet your expenses and to run things smoothly.
• Seasonal Mowing: During the growing season of the grass, change your schedule from fortnightly to weekly. This shows your customers your plan is based on their grass growth, another way to make them feel valued. It will increase your business’s profit, but it will also help you gain customers’ loyalty.
• Maintaining Equipment: To run a successful business, it is essential to maintain your equipment. Make a budget for the new equipment and get rid of old and worn equipment because older equipment won’t be able to mow effectively.
• Be ready for the Next Day: Always be ready and prepare your equipment for the next day beforehand. This may seem simple, but it’s an important practice. Usually, when you first wake up, it can take a while to put your brain into gear. By preparing yourself for the next day, all you have to do is jump in your car, drive to the first location and get to work. Simple ways to set up your equipment include cleaning your gear and filling the mower with gasoline.

Final Words

Through this article, you have learned about mowing yards for money. In the beginning, all you need is some basic equipment to mow lawns effectively. The average lawn can take up to 35 minutes to mow, and you can do it alone without any help. You will need a vehicle with a trailer attached to transfer your equipment.

Ultimately, we can see that the lawn mowing business is very profitable, and if you put your best efforts in, you can create a business that will flourish. Just make sure you follow the experts’ simple tips, as discussed, to run things smoothly.

Importance of Lawn Mowing Services

Lawn mowing is a crucial service for maintaining the aesthetics of properties. Whether it is a residential home or a business property, a well-maintained lawn helps to create a good impression.

Keeping the lawn trimmed and neat regularly is a time-consuming process. Hence, many individuals and businesses prefer to hire professional lawn mowing services.

•Opportunity in the Lawn Mowing Business

Due to the high demand for lawn mowing services by people who don’t have enough time to handle this task, there is an opportunity to make money.

Starting a lawn mowing business can be an easy and successful venture. It doesn’t require much investment, especially if you already have the necessary equipment.

•Understanding the Earnings

The average price rate for mowing a lawn falls between $40 to $50. Hence, mowing around 5 to 6 lawns per day can earn you close to $1000 per week.

Generally, the overall profit at the beginning may not be significant. However, with consistent work, expanding customer base, and reinvested profits, your solo business can bloom into a successful lawn care company.

•Minimum Investment for starting a Lawn Mowing Business

With a minimal investment, you can start your own lawn-mowing business. If you already have a lawnmower or other necessary equipment, you don’t need a large upfront investment. Your main initial costs may be transportation and buying gasoline for your equipment.

Check out theUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculturepage on starting a landscaping business for more insights.

•Successful Start-ups in the Lawn Mowing Business

There are numerous successful startups in the lawn mowing business to draw inspiration from. Companies like Mowz, LawnStarter, and TaskEasy started small and have grown to become big players in the industry.

•Monthly Earnings and Variation

The monthly income from a lawn mowing business can vary based on the seasons and the effort you put into it. For instance, during spring and summer, when grass growth is at its peak, the demand for mowing services tends to be high.

•Necessary Tools of Trade and Promotion

Having the right equipment, including a powerful lawnmower and efficient transportation, is crucial. Once you’re set, promoting your services through various channels like social media, websites, and local newspapers can help attract customers.

•Pricing and Insurance Considerations

Setting prices should be done based on other similar businesses in your area. Remember not to undercharge, which can lower the perceived value of your service. It’s also wise to consider getting business insurance to protect against accidents and other liabilities.

•Tips for a Successful Lawn Mowing Business

For success in your lawn mowing business, it’s key to be punctual, use efficient equipment, do weather checks, have a clear payment policy, adjust mowing frequency based on seasons, and maintain your equipment well.

Being prepared for each day’s work helps you to offer consistent and high-quality services, which impresses your clients and earns you referrals.

•The Road to Profitability and Transitioning

While the lawn mowing business can be hard work, it can also be profitable with smart strategies and careful management. However, it is wise not to quit your full-time job immediately but to establish your lawn care business first.

When lawn mowing demand is low in winter, consider other side hustles to sustain your income.

Running a lawn mowing business can be rewarding and profitable if approached correctly. Understanding the market, maintaining good customer relations, and staying consistent in quality service delivery are key to your success.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Residential or Commercial Customers

When starting your lawn care business, you’re faced with a choice: target residential or commercial customers? You’ll need to consider several factors before making this decision. Residential customers are often easier to gain, but commercial ones may provide a larger steady income.

– Demographic Analysis

Demographic analysis, an understanding of your potential customer’s behavior, income, and other factors, can play a major role in making this decision. Commercial clients usually have larger areas to maintain and more budget allocated for such services, making them more profitable.

Residential clients, on the other hand, are more common and easier to acquire, especially if you’re in a densely populated residential area.

•Starting a Lawn Care Business with Little to No Money

Now, onto the question of starting your business with little to no money. This might look challenging, but with a strategic approach, it is possible.

– Utilizing Existing Tools

One option is to use your existing tools initially. If you or someone you know already has the needed tools, you can save on initial costs.

– Leasing Equipment

Leasing equipment is another viable solution. You could lease tools till your business starts profiting enough to buy your own.

•Pricing Approaches for Lawn Care Services: Market-Based Pricing vs. Target Gross Profit-Based Pricing

Pricing your services correctly is another critical factor. There are two common approaches: market-based pricing and target gross profit-based pricing.

– Market-Based Pricing

With market-based pricing, you look at what your competitors are charging and base your prices on the average market rates. This method allows you to remain competitive in the market.

– Gross Profit-Based Pricing

Target gross profit-based pricing, on the other hand, requires a thorough understanding of your costs. Then, you tack on a profit margin to give you your desired gross profit. This way, you can ensure that your business remains profitable and sustainable.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’swebsiteprovides helpful resources to understand these pricing strategies better.

•The Frequency of Lawn Mowing and Its Impact on Potential Revenue

The frequency of lawn mowing affects the potential revenue of your business significantly. A biweekly schedule would mean fewer visits per customer, and hence, less revenue than a weekly one.

– Learning from Experience

From my experience, offering flexible service frequencies to suit the customer’s needs and budget can drive more business. It’s crucial, however, to balance this with your own cost and profit margins.

•Strategies for Acquiring the First 100 Customers

Now, let’s move on to marketing strategies to acquire your first 100 customers.

– Networking

Networking is highly effective. People who know and trust you are more likely to become your first customers or recommend you to others.

– Advertising

Both traditional (print media, flyers, etc.) and digital advertising (social media, SEO, etc.) can be highly beneficial in attracting new customers.

•Categorizing Expenses into Variable and Fixed Expenses

Being savvy about business expenses is also vital. It involves categorizing your expenses into variable and fixed ones.

– Fixed Expenses

Fixed expenses are consistent costs like rent or leasing, utilities, and salaries.

– Variable Expenses

Variable expenses, such as fuel costs, repair, and maintenance, vary based on your business’s activity level.

Understanding this distinction can help you ascertain the profitability and sustainability of your business accurately.

•Average Profit Margin for a Lawn Care Business and Factors that Can Affect It

The average profit margin for lawn care services can range from 5% to 20%. Several factors can affect it, like your location, client base, efficiency, and competition.

You must continually monitor your company’s performance and tweak your strategies as required to ensure profitability.

•Understanding Financial Projections and Creating a Comprehensive Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan is foundational to any successful business. It includes financial projections that help quantify your business goals and track your progress.

– Relevance of a Business Plan

A detailed lawn care business plan can help you acquire financing, attract partners, and guide your business decisions.

Your plan should include an executive summary, detailed business description, market analysis, organization structure, sales strategies, and financial projections.

– Financial Projections

Your financial projections should encompass income, cash-flow and balance sheets, break-even analysis, and possibly more, depending on your specific business needs.

TheSCOREwebsite offers free business planning resources, which can be enormously beneficial for beginners.