Lawn care is one of the few businesses where you can start with what is already in your garage and upgrade as the money comes in. The right first purchases depend on how many yards you plan to mow each week and how big they are.
The core setup
- Mower. A good push mower works for a handful of small yards. Once you have a real route, a commercial walk-behind or stand-on mower saves hours every week.
- String trimmer. Pick a commercial-grade model. It runs more than anything else you own.
- Edger or a trimmer with an edging attachment.
- Backpack or handheld blower for clearing driveways and walks.
- Truck and trailer once you outgrow fitting a mower in a pickup bed.
Residential or commercial gear?
Residential mowers are built for one yard a week. Run them for 20 yards a week and they wear out fast. Commercial gear costs more up front but lasts much longer and cuts faster. Many new businesses buy a used commercial mower from a dealer or a retiring landscaper to get the best of both.
Battery or gas?
Commercial battery trimmers, blowers and even mowers have improved a lot. They are quieter, need less maintenance and are allowed in some areas that limit gas blowers. The trade-off is buying enough batteries to last a full day. Check whether your city or HOAs restrict gas-powered equipment.
Small items you will use every day
- Spare trimmer line and blades
- Fuel cans or spare batteries
- Rake, shovel and hand pruners
- Tarps and yard waste bags
- Ratchet straps and a trailer lock
Safety gear
- Hearing protection
- Safety glasses
- Sturdy boots
- Gloves
Add later as you grow
Hedge trimmers, aerators, dethatchers, spreaders and leaf vacuums let you sell higher-paying add-on services. Renting an aerator for the first season is a good way to test demand before buying one. Note that applying fertilizer or pesticides for pay usually requires a state applicator license.
Get the website and quote form with the starter kit
Our lawn care starter kit includes a service area map, weekly and biweekly plans, quote requests with lot size, and a winter add-on page. See our guide on how much to charge for lawn mowing, then vote for the lawn care kit. Voters get 20% off at launch.
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