This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a landscaping company.
Our business plan for a landscaping company will help you build a profitable project
Starting a landscaping company is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial for your operations.
Every landscaping company has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Landscaping Equipment List
Opening a successful landscaping company requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your landscaping business up and running.
Mowing Equipment
- Commercial zero-turn mower - Essential for efficient lawn maintenance on large properties
- Walk-behind mower - Handles smaller areas and tight spaces effectively
- String trimmer/edger - Finishes edges around sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds
- Lawn edger - Creates clean lines between grass and hardscapes
- Riding mower - Covers medium-sized properties with comfort and speed
- Push mower - Basic tool for small residential lawns and detail work
Tree & Shrub Care
- Chainsaw - Cuts large branches and removes trees safely
- Pole saw - Reaches high branches without ladders
- Hedge trimmer - Shapes shrubs and maintains hedges professionally
- Pruning shears - Hand tools for precise branch cutting
- Loppers - Cuts thicker branches that shears cannot handle
- Tree climbing gear - Safety equipment for arborist work
- Wood chipper - Processes branches into mulch or disposal
Planting & Soil Preparation
- Rototiller - Breaks up soil for new planting areas
- Auger/post hole digger - Digs holes for trees, posts, and plants
- Shovels (various sizes) - Essential hand tools for digging and planting
- Spades - Cuts clean edges and transplants plants effectively
- Rakes - Levels soil and removes debris from work areas
- Hoes - Cultivates soil and removes weeds manually
- Pickaxe - Breaks through hard soil and roots
- Mattock - Combination tool for digging and cutting roots
Lawn Care & Maintenance
- Aerator - Relieves soil compaction for healthier grass growth
- Dethatcher - Removes dead grass and thatch buildup
- Overseed spreader - Distributes grass seed evenly across lawns
- Fertilizer spreader - Applies nutrients uniformly to grass areas
- Leaf blower - Clears debris from lawns, driveways, and walkways
- Sprayer - Applies pesticides, herbicides, and liquid fertilizers
- Soil test kit - Analyzes pH and nutrient levels for proper treatment
Hardscape & Construction
- Compact excavator - Moves soil and materials for major projects
- Bobcat/skid steer - Versatile machine for loading and grading work
- Plate compactor - Compacts soil and base materials for patios
- Concrete mixer - Mixes cement for walkways and decorative features
- Masonry tools - Builds retaining walls and stone features
- Level (various lengths) - Ensures proper grading and installation
- Measuring tape - Accurate measurements for design and installation
- Stakes and string line - Marks boundaries and grade lines
Transportation & Storage
- Work truck - Transports crew and equipment to job sites
- Equipment trailer - Hauls large equipment and materials safely
- Enclosed trailer - Protects valuable equipment from weather and theft
- Truck bed toolbox - Secure storage for hand tools and supplies
- Tie-down straps - Secures equipment during transportation
- Tarps - Covers materials and equipment during transport
Safety Equipment
- Hard hats - Protects workers from falling debris
- Safety glasses - Shields eyes from flying particles and chemicals
- Hearing protection - Reduces noise damage from power equipment
- Work gloves - Protects hands during manual labor tasks
- Steel-toe boots - Prevents foot injuries from heavy equipment
- High-visibility vests - Ensures worker visibility near traffic
- First aid kit - Handles minor workplace injuries immediately
- Fire extinguisher - Safety equipment for equipment fires
Irrigation Equipment
- Trenching shovel - Digs narrow trenches for irrigation lines
- Pipe cutter - Cuts irrigation pipes to proper lengths
- Sprinkler heads - Distributes water evenly across planted areas
- Timer controls - Automates watering schedules for efficiency
- Pressure gauges - Monitors water pressure in irrigation systems
- PVC fittings - Connects irrigation pipes and components
Hand Tools & Small Equipment
- Wheelbarrow - Transports soil, plants, and debris around sites
- Garden cart - Carries tools and materials efficiently
- Buckets - Holds water, soil amendments, and small materials
- Tarps - Collects debris and protects finished work
- Brooms - Cleans hardscapes and work areas
- Hand cultivator - Loosens soil around plants manually
- Weeding tools - Removes unwanted plants from landscaped areas
Business Equipment
- Mobile phone/tablet - Communicates with clients and manages schedules
- Camera - Documents before and after shots for marketing
- Invoicing software - Manages billing and payments efficiently
- GPS navigation - Finds job sites and optimizes routes
- Business cards - Professional marketing materials for networking
- Uniforms - Creates professional appearance and brand recognition
Our financial plan for a landscaping company will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most landscaping company owners spend between $15,000 and $150,000 on equipment, depending on their size and services offered. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic mowing equipment and tools just to operate professionally and efficiently.
- Small Residential Landscaping
A small residential landscaping company focusing on basic lawn care needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward a reliable mower and basic hand tools.
- Medium-Sized Landscaping Company
A medium-sized landscaping company offering design and installation services typically runs $25,000-$75,000, with specialized equipment like aerators and small excavation tools.
- Full-Service Landscaping Company
A full-service landscaping company handling commercial properties and major projects can easily hit $75,000-$150,000, especially when you add heavy equipment and specialized machinery.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Residential Landscaping ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small landscaping companies focus on essential equipment that can handle basic lawn care, pruning, and simple installation projects. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mowing Equipment | 32-48 inch walk-behind mower, string trimmer with multiple attachments, basic edger for clean lines | $3,500 - $6,000 |
| Hand Tools | Quality shovels, rakes, pruning shears, loppers, basic wheelbarrow, measuring tools | $800 - $1,500 |
| Transportation | Used pickup truck or van, basic trailer for equipment, tie-down straps and tarps | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| Tree & Shrub Care | Hedge trimmer, pole saw, basic chainsaw for small jobs, climbing gear for safety | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| Lawn Care Tools | Leaf blower, spreader for fertilizer and seed, basic sprayer for treatments | $600 - $1,200 |
| Safety & Business | Basic safety equipment, uniforms, business cards, mobile phone setup | $400 - $800 |
Medium-Sized Landscaping Company ($25,000 - $75,000)
Medium landscaping companies need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse projects and higher volume work. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more comprehensive services to clients.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Mowing | Commercial zero-turn mower, multiple walk-behind units, professional edgers and trimmers | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Aerator, dethatcher, rototiller, small wood chipper, soil amendments spreader | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Transportation Fleet | Commercial truck with landscape body, enclosed trailer, equipment racks and storage | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Installation Tools | Post hole digger, plate compactor, concrete mixer, masonry tools, irrigation equipment | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Tree Services | Professional chainsaw, climbing equipment, pole saws, stump grinder rental budget | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Business Systems | Professional uniforms, advanced software, marketing materials, upgraded safety equipment | $1,500 - $3,000 |
Full-Service Landscaping Company ($75,000 - $150,000)
Full-service landscaping companies operate with comprehensive equipment to handle everything from maintenance to major installations. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, handling commercial contracts, and offering specialized services.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Mowing Fleet | Multiple zero-turn mowers, stand-on mowers, finishing mowers, backup equipment for reliability | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Heavy Equipment | Compact excavator, skid steer loader, dump trailer, material handling equipment | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Professional Transportation | Multiple crew trucks, specialized trailers, equipment storage and organization systems | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Installation Specialists | Trenching equipment, hardscape tools, irrigation systems, lighting installation equipment | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Tree & Specialty Services | Professional arborist equipment, large wood chipper, stump grinder, crane services budget | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Technology & Systems | GPS fleet tracking, comprehensive software suite, professional marketing materials, advanced safety programs | $3,000 - $6,000 |