How to start a garden service
A garden service is one of the easiest businesses to start: a few tools, transport and reliable work. Landscaping and tree work take it further. Here is how to set up, price and grow it, and the rules that catch people out.
Start with the basics
A lawnmower, brushcutter, hand tools and a way to move them and your team is enough to start. Begin with regular maintenance (mowing, edging, weeding, refuse removal) and add landscaping, irrigation and tree work as you gain skills and equipment.
Price for monthly contracts
Regular weekly or fortnightly clients are worth more than one-off jobs. Price per visit or monthly, based on the size of the garden and the time it takes, and include fuel, maintenance, wages, refuse disposal and profit. Grouping clients in the same suburbs cuts travel time. Try the pricing calculator.
Rules that catch people out
- Spraying weedkiller or pesticides for payment requires pest control operator registration under Act 36. See how PCO registration works.
- Protected trees may not be cut without a licence, and many municipalities control street and heritage trees. Check before you fell.
- Chainsaw and tree work is dangerous. Get training, protective gear and insurance first.
Your team
Treat staff properly: register for UIF and COIDA, pay at least the minimum wage, and give them protective gear. Reliable, honest staff are what clients pay for when they give you their gate code.
Get clients nearby
Flyers in your target suburbs, neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, estate agents, complexes and body corporates all work. Ask every happy client for a referral. A free verified BizBoost listing helps people searching for garden services near them.
Common questions
Do I need a licence to start a garden service?
No licence is needed for general garden maintenance. Spraying herbicides or pesticides for payment requires pest control operator registration, and cutting protected trees needs a licence.
How should I price garden services?
Per visit or monthly, based on garden size and time, including fuel, equipment, wages, refuse removal and profit. Regular contracts in the same area are the most profitable.
Can I cut down any tree a client asks me to?
No. Protected tree species need a licence to cut, and many municipalities control street and heritage trees. Check first.