1. Decide which services you'll offer
Start narrow. Many new operators begin with mowing, trimming and edging, then add spring and fall cleanups, aeration and overseeding once they have regular customers. A narrow list is easier to price and faster to deliver.
2. Look into registration, insurance and taxes
Before you take paying work, find out what your province and municipality require for business registration and licensing, whether you need to register for GST/HST, and what liability insurance makes sense for working on other people's property.
Requirements vary by province, territory and municipality. Confirm details with official government sources or a qualified accountant or lawyer before acting.
3. Get reliable equipment, not every piece of equipment
A dependable mower, trimmer, blower and a way to transport them will cover most early jobs. Add specialised equipment when real customer demand justifies it, or rent it for occasional jobs.
4. Work out your pricing
Price from your costs, not just competitors. Estimate how long a typical property takes, add travel time, fuel and equipment wear, and decide what hourly rate you need to earn. Then convert that into per-visit or seasonal prices that are simple for customers to understand.
- Time on site per visit
- Travel time between properties
- Fuel, maintenance and replacement costs
- Insurance and other fixed costs spread over the season
5. Find your first customers
Neighbourhood density matters more than volume: ten customers on nearby streets earn more than ten spread across town. Ask friends and neighbours, leave clear door hangers in a few target streets, and ask happy customers for referrals.
6. Stay organized from day one
Keep a single list of customers with addresses and notes, send written quotes for anything beyond a basic mow, and invoice promptly. A simple system you actually use beats a complex one you don't.
Updated . General information only — not legal, tax or financial advice.