Adding Lawn Care

When business is good, lawn care can be one of the more profitable services a landscape company can offer. Because most technicians are certified, the service has a level of expertise not associated with other services like mowing, says Steve Wise, owner of Scapes in Jamestown, Ohio. He suggests contractors use this to their advantage.

“When you’re a certified technician, your time and labor can come at a higher price,” he says.

Lawn care makes up 15 to 20 percent of Scapes’ annual revenue, which is a bit lower than it’s been in the past, Wise says. The challenge of retaining quality employees has required Wise to cut back on offering the service.

“You don’t want to stick just anyone out there – they need to be responsible, qualified technicians,” he says. “It’s a field that is limited to a few people who really understand how it works.”

Wise requires all of his technicians to be licensed and certified through the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Also, in Ohio, technicians have to be insured before they can even take the certification test. Insurance has to be active year round to prevent licenses from going void, and cost Wise $5,000 last year alone.

“Buying the insurance is a decision that has to be made upfront, so it’s a major commitment,” he says. “You have to spray a lot of yards before you can make up that money.”    

The most important part of adding lawn care services is to comply with all laws and regulations, Wise says, adding that it’s illegal in Ohio to solicit or even advertise lawn care services without a license or insurance. Contractors should research their state’s policies before making an investment.