How to Start a Landscape Supply Business

A landscape supply business offers landscaping materials, tools, and plants for commercial and residential applications.

Learn how to start your own Landscape Supply Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a landscape supply business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Landscape Supply Business
  2. Form your Landscape Supply Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Landscape Supply Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Landscape Supply Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Landscape Supply Business
  7. Get Landscape Supply Business Insurance
  8. Define your Landscape Supply Business Brand
  9. Create your Landscape Supply Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your landscape supply business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Landscape Supply Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your landscape supply business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a landscape supply business?

When considering opening a landscape supply company, one of the largest initial costs will be the land. You will more than likely need multiple acres in which to store your palleted and dump truck delivered landscaping materials. If you also plan to run a storefront with tools and accessories, building a store may be the most likely plan. Additionally, supplying plants from a nursery will require space and a greenhouse for protecting plants in winter months, particularly in northern states. Other costs will include:

  • Cash register and credit card machines
  • Computers and internet service for sending and receiving information and orders
  • Front end loader and delivery trucks
  • Irrigation systems for nursery
  • Initial costs for purchasing supplies
  • Tax ID code from IRS

Business owners can reduce start up costs by purchasing used equipment and vehicles. Total cost varies, based on location.

What are the ongoing expenses for a landscape supply business?

Most expenses will be generated from materials re-stocks. Making sure you have enough materials on hand is a critical part of proper customer service and should always be a lead concern for bills and expenses.

Some other expenses will include:

  • Service and maintenance of company tools and machines
  • Storefront maintenance and decor
  • Nursery management and plant replacement (when applicable)
  • Business licensing and insurance
  • Employee payroll

Who is the target market?

You will be considering two main target markets: the commercial and residential customer. The bulk of your sales will likely be generated from the commercial landscapers. They are looking for a reliable and cost-effective supply company who can handle daily medium-sized orders, as well as the large jobs requiring multiple deliveries or pick-ups.

At the same time, the residential customers’ orders may be smaller and less frequent, but their patronage will be key to building a strong customer base and reputation. Keep your overhead low by offering wholesale prices and uncomplicated services.

How does a landscape supply business make money?

Landscape supply companies make their money from the sales of landscaping supplies, such as mulch, gravel, pavers, and plants, as well as sales and service of commercial and residential lawn and garden tools.

How much can you charge customers?

The prices you charge your customers will somewhat depend on the volume of material you order, as well as market pricing. Price your materials and services competitively for your area. Depending on the services you offer, you may decide to charge less for materials, for instance, but include a service fee for deliveries, to maintain profitability. Specialty items and tools will also offer options for creating more retail profitability. Some industry averages on gravel by the ton range from $45-100, depending on the types. Mulch can run between $25-75 per yard and per mulch type. It is best to include this pricing research in your initial cost estimate for start up, when you are considering competition and market saturation.

How much profit can a landscape supply business make?

The average landscape supply company should have frequent commercial customers, often with standing contracts of their own through their customers. Account for the residential retail business as well and you could turn a profit in the $50-75,000 range, with the potential to make much more, as your business grows.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Once established, many landscape supply businesses search for additionally profitable options. One option will be to increase your specialty plant, mulch, and decorative stone options. Or sell packages for specific garden builds, such as English or Japanese-style gardens, which require a certain set of plants and accessories to complete the look. Lastly, equipment rentals and repair may be another niche service you’re able to fill.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your landscape supply business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a landscape supply business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A landscape supply business is generally run out of a medium to large sized piece of land, depending on the size of the business. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a landscape supply business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your landscape supply business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Labor Safety Requirements

Due to the fact that your employees will be working with heavy materials and large pieces of machinery, it is important that you review this federal document regarding labor safety requirements and employer responsibility.

Services Contract

Landscape supply businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project that will involve long term services. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. 

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Landscape Supply Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Landscape Supply Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a landscape supply business

In the beginning of opening up your business, it is best to market directly to commercial landscapers. Once they are through your door, you will be able to show off what you can do. Getting them there is the trick. Social media and direct mailings can generate interest. Once you’ve established your brand, a continued social media presence will remind customers of you and the cost will be minimal. Periodical ads and flyers can also be beneficial for keeping customers aware and will help to spread the word about your reasonable pricing and courteous service.

How to keep customers coming back

Establishing a reputation and offering competitive pricing are two of the biggest keys to return customers. Offering services, such as materials delivery and tool repairs can also keep customers coming back. And, when you are first deciding on a location, try to choose a location which will see now and future customer traffic. Areas that are too congested or out of the way may force customers to make alternative choices.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Individuals with experience in residential or commercial landscaping may find this a logical career move. Backgrounds in horticulture or business management will also prove beneficial. This type of business requires you to also be able to work physical labor, sometimes in less than favorable outside conditions.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a landscape supply business?

Day to day operations for landscape supply businesses revolve around servicing the customers, both residential and commercial, as well as restocking store supplies. Landscape supply companies are typically open six to seven days a week. Some of the daily operations include:

  • Managing customer orders and accounts
  • Checking and reordering stock in the store and supplies yard
  • Service and maintenance of company tools
  • Supply deliveries and seasonal services, such as winterizing lawns and customer tool repairs

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful landscape supply business?

As mentioned above, having experience and/or knowledge about landscaping and the materials typically used is an excellent bonus for starting your own landscape supply yard. Business management would also prove beneficial, as you will more than likely be entering into this venture by yourself. Careful financial management is always critical to the success of a startup business. Having a pleasant demeanor with customers will also help, as their return business is key to your long-term success.

What is the growth potential for a landscape supply business?

Landscape supply companies mirror the interest the general public shows for maintaining their home, office, and business exteriors. With the right location and regional competition, landscape supply companies have proven to be quite profitable.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a landscape supply business?

Many landscape supply companies were started to fill a niche between commercial landscapers, needing professional grade tools and landscaping supplies in large quantities, and the DIY home pro, looking for better pricing and selection than from a chain hardware store. The key is researching the need for such a business in your area and determining the level of competition and saturation present in your area. Consider the customers’ needs and plan accordingly. Additionally, you should:

  • Advertise on social media and within landscaping organizations to make a name for yourself.
  • Offer supplies and tools that are staples of the industry, as well as some specialty items, to reinforce your niche status.
  • Offer seasonal services and deals to keep your commercial and residential customers interested.

How and when to build a team

In this industry, it is important to have a few people on the team from the beginning. Even though much of the work may be able to be handled with machines, you will still need to interact with customers. Maintaining the supply yard, as well as a operating machinery will take two to three people regularly. A cashier/delivery recipient will also be critical to keeping the operation moving ahead smoothly. As the business grows, you will more than likely find a need for more employees, yet the operation can stay relatively small, especially with employees who can perform multiple jobs.

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