This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a landscaping company.
Starting a landscaping company requires careful planning around equipment costs, which represent one of your largest initial and ongoing investments.
Equipment spending directly impacts your service capacity, operational efficiency, and profit margins. Understanding exactly how much to allocate ensures you can handle diverse projects without overextending your budget.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a landscaping company. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our landscaping company financial forecast.
Landscaping equipment costs vary widely based on project scope, usage frequency, and whether you buy new, used, or lease.
For a startup landscaping company, expect to allocate 10-15% of your annual revenue to equipment expenses, with initial investments ranging from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on your service offerings and scale.
| Equipment Category | New Purchase Cost (2025) | Used/Refurbished Cost | Annual Maintenance | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push/Walk Mower | $150-$800 (avg $400) | $75-$400 | $50-$200 | 3-5 years (moderate use) |
| Riding Mower | $1,500-$4,000+ (avg $3,900) | $800-$2,500 | $200-$600 | 5-10 years (6,000-12,000 hours) |
| String Trimmer | $50-$400 (battery $150-$300) | $30-$150 | $20-$60 | 3-5 years |
| Leaf Blower | $50-$600 (avg $150) | $20-$200 | $20-$80 | 3-5 years |
| Lawn Aerator | $150-$1,200 | $70-$500 | $30-$100 | 5-8 years |
| Robotic Mower | $800-$5,000+ | $400-$2,500 | $50-$150 | 5-7 years |
| Heavy Equipment (Loaders, Excavators) | $25,000-$100,000+ | $15,000-$60,000 | $1,500-$5,000 | 8,000-15,000 hours (5-10 years) |
What types of projects will determine your landscaping equipment needs?
Your equipment requirements depend directly on the services you plan to offer in your landscaping company.
Residential lawn maintenance—mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing—requires basic equipment like walk-behind or riding mowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers. If you add aeration, overseeding, or fertilization services, you'll need specialized aerators and spreaders. Commercial properties often demand larger, more powerful equipment to handle expansive green spaces efficiently.
Hardscape installation projects—patios, walkways, retaining walls—require heavy machinery such as compact track loaders, excavators, or backhoes, along with grading tools. Tree and shrub care services need pruning equipment, chippers, and sometimes bucket trucks for tall specimens. Irrigation system installation demands trenchers, pipe-cutting tools, and diagnostic equipment.
Seasonal services like snow removal in colder climates necessitate plows, salt spreaders, and snow blowers. Landscaping construction or major renovation projects may require soil graders, utility vehicles, and material hauling equipment. The more diverse your service menu, the broader and more expensive your equipment portfolio becomes.
Start with core maintenance equipment if you're focusing on residential clients, then expand into specialized tools as you add services and grow your client base.
How often will you actually use your landscaping equipment throughout the year?
Usage frequency varies significantly by equipment type and your local climate, directly affecting your purchase decisions.
Mowers, trimmers, and blowers see the heaviest use during the growing season—typically 25 to 35 weeks per year in most regions, with weekly or bi-weekly deployment for maintenance accounts. In warmer climates with year-round growth, these tools operate nearly continuously. In northern areas, the active season shrinks to April through October, with equipment sitting idle during winter months.
Aerators and overseeders typically run only 1 to 2 times per year per property, concentrated in spring and fall. This limited usage often makes leasing or rental more cost-effective than purchasing. Fertilizer spreaders follow seasonal application schedules—usually 3 to 6 times annually per property. Cleanup equipment like leaf blowers peaks in autumn, while edgers maintain steady use throughout the growing season.
Heavy equipment for hardscape or construction projects depends entirely on your project pipeline—these machines might work daily during busy construction periods or sit unused for weeks. Snow removal equipment operates only during winter in applicable regions, potentially generating revenue during your off-season but requiring storage and maintenance year-round.
Calculate equipment utilization rates before purchasing to determine whether buying, leasing, or renting makes the most financial sense for your landscaping company.
How long will your landscaping equipment last before needing replacement?
| Equipment Type | Average Lifespan | Expected Operating Hours | Replacement Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Walk-Behind Mower | 3-5 years | 6,000-12,000 hours with proper maintenance | Engine failure, deck damage, excessive vibration, declining cut quality |
| Commercial Riding Mower | 5-10 years | 6,000-12,000 hours | Transmission issues, hydraulic leaks, frame deterioration, frequent breakdowns |
| String Trimmer (Handheld) | 3-5 years | Variable—moderate commercial use | Motor burnout, shaft damage, trigger malfunction, starting problems |
| Leaf Blower | 3-5 years | Variable—moderate commercial use | Reduced power output, excessive noise, fuel system issues, handle wear |
| Aerator (Powered) | 5-8 years | Limited annual use (1-2 times per property) | Tine damage, drive system failure, reduced penetration depth |
| Compact Track Loader | 5-10 years | 8,000-15,000 hours | Undercarriage wear, hydraulic system failure, loader arm issues, high repair costs |
| Excavator/Backhoe | 5-10 years | 8,000-15,000 hours | Boom/stick wear, hydraulic cylinder leaks, track deterioration, engine problems |
| Battery-Powered Equipment | 5-7 years (equipment), 3-5 years (batteries) | Variable—depends on battery cycles | Battery capacity decline, charging failures, motor issues, runtime reduction |
Proper maintenance extends equipment life significantly—regular oil changes, blade sharpening, air filter replacement, and seasonal servicing can add years to your investment and reduce costly emergency repairs.
What are the current purchase costs for essential landscaping equipment?
Equipment prices for landscaping companies in 2025 reflect ongoing inflation and technological advances, particularly in battery-powered tools.
Push or walk-behind mowers range from $150 for basic residential models to $800 for commercial-grade units, with an average around $400. Riding mowers span $1,500 to over $4,000, with commercial zero-turn models averaging $3,900. Robotic mowers, gaining popularity for efficiency, cost between $800 and $5,000 depending on lawn size capacity and features.
String trimmers cost $50 to $400, with battery-powered commercial models typically priced at $150 to $300. Leaf blowers range from $50 for basic handheld units to $600 for powerful backpack models, averaging around $150. Lawn aerators vary widely—manual models start at $150, while powered walk-behind or tow-behind units reach $1,200 or more.
Heavy equipment represents major capital investments for landscaping companies offering construction services. Compact track loaders, excavators, and backhoes start around $25,000 for smaller used models but commonly reach $50,000 to $100,000+ for new commercial-grade machines. Utility vehicles and trailers for equipment transport add another $5,000 to $20,000 to startup costs.
Battery-powered equipment typically costs 10% to 30% more upfront than comparable gas models but delivers substantial savings in fuel and maintenance over time.
You'll find detailed market insights in our landscaping company business plan, updated every quarter.
What are the actual annual maintenance and repair costs for landscaping equipment?
Maintenance and repair expenses add significantly to the total cost of equipment ownership in your landscaping company.
Walk-behind mowers require $50 to $200 annually for maintenance, including oil changes, blade sharpening, spark plug replacement, air filter changes, and occasional belt replacements. Riding mowers demand more attention—expect $200 to $600 per year for similar services plus hydraulic fluid changes, tire maintenance, and drive system adjustments. Battery-powered equipment needs considerably less maintenance—typically $50 to $150 annually—because they lack combustion engines, oil systems, and complex fuel components.
String trimmers and leaf blowers average $20 to $80 per year for maintenance when properly cared for. Aerators require $30 to $100 annually, primarily for tine replacement and drive system servicing. Heavy equipment like loaders and excavators command $1,500 to $5,000 or more per year for maintenance, depending on usage intensity and whether you handle basic maintenance in-house or rely entirely on dealer service.
Emergency repairs increase these costs substantially when equipment fails unexpectedly—budget an additional 20% to 30% beyond routine maintenance for unexpected repairs. Equipment that operates in harsh conditions—dusty environments, wet grass, rocky terrain—experiences accelerated wear and higher maintenance costs. Proper daily cleaning, fuel system care, and seasonal storage preparations reduce long-term repair expenses significantly.
Maintenance costs typically represent 5% to 15% of equipment purchase price annually, with older equipment skewing toward the higher end as parts wear and availability decreases.
How do fuel and battery costs impact your landscaping company's operating budget?
Energy costs—whether gasoline or electricity—represent ongoing operational expenses that vary dramatically between equipment types.
Gas-powered equipment faces higher and more volatile operating costs due to fluctuating fuel prices. A commercial riding mower consumes approximately 1 to 2 gallons of gasoline per hour of operation. With gas prices averaging $3.00 to $4.50 per gallon in most regions during 2025, you're spending $3.00 to $9.00 per hour just on fuel. A landscaping company operating mowers 25 weeks per year at 30 hours weekly faces annual fuel costs of $2,250 to $6,750 per mower—not including trimmers, blowers, and other gas-powered tools.
Battery-powered equipment dramatically reduces these operating costs. Electricity for charging typically costs $0.10 to $0.20 per kilowatt-hour, resulting in 50% to 80% lower annual "fuel" expenses compared to gas equivalents. However, battery packs degrade over time and require replacement every 3 to 5 years at costs ranging from $100 to $300 per battery. High-capacity professional battery systems can cost even more but provide longer runtime and faster charging.
Battery equipment initially costs 10% to 30% more to purchase but achieves cost parity or superior return on investment within 3 to 5 years for high-use scenarios. Gas equipment incurs additional maintenance costs—oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, carburetor cleaning—that battery tools eliminate entirely. Regions with strict emission regulations or noise ordinances increasingly favor or mandate battery-powered equipment, making it a strategic necessity beyond cost considerations.
Calculate your projected annual operating hours and compare total cost of ownership—purchase price, fuel, maintenance, and replacement batteries—over a 5-year period to determine the most economical choice for your landscaping company.
Should you buy or lease landscaping equipment for your company?
The buy-versus-lease decision significantly impacts your cash flow and long-term profitability in the landscaping business.
Leasing reduces upfront capital requirements by up to 40%, allowing you to start your landscaping company with less initial investment. Monthly lease payments typically run lower than loan payments for outright purchase, improving short-term cash flow. Leasing shifts maintenance responsibility and obsolescence risk to the lessor—you're not stuck with outdated equipment or unexpected major repairs. Lease payments are generally fully tax-deductible as business expenses, providing immediate tax benefits.
Purchasing equipment involves higher upfront costs but results in lower long-term expenses if equipment lasts its projected lifespan. Once paid off, owned equipment significantly improves profit margins since you're no longer making monthly payments. Ownership provides complete control over maintenance schedules, modifications, and usage intensity without mileage or hour restrictions common in lease agreements. Owned equipment builds business assets that improve your company's balance sheet and can serve as collateral for future financing.
| Factor | Buying Equipment | Leasing Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | High—full purchase price or substantial down payment required | Low—typically first and last month's payment only |
| Monthly Payments | Higher if financed; none once paid off | Lower monthly payments but perpetual throughout lease term |
| Long-Term Cost | Lower total cost over equipment lifespan if maintained well | Higher total cost—paying for convenience and flexibility |
| Maintenance Responsibility | Owner responsible for all repairs and maintenance costs | Often included in lease agreement; lessor covers major repairs |
| Technology Updates | Stuck with purchased equipment until you sell or replace it | Easy upgrades at lease renewal—always access to newest equipment |
| Tax Benefits | Depreciation deductions over equipment life; interest if financed | Full lease payment typically deductible as operating expense |
| Asset Building | Builds equity and business assets on balance sheet | No equity—no asset to show after lease ends |
| Best For | Core equipment used frequently; established companies with capital | Specialized or seasonal equipment; startups with limited capital |
Consider a hybrid approach for your landscaping company—purchase essential, high-use equipment like mowers and trimmers while leasing specialized or seasonal equipment like aerators, overseeders, or snow removal gear.
This is one of the strategies explained in our landscaping company business plan.
How much can you save by buying used or refurbished landscaping equipment?
Used and refurbished equipment offers substantial savings but requires careful evaluation to avoid costly mistakes.
Used equipment typically costs 30% to 60% less than comparable new models. A riding mower priced at $3,900 new might sell for $800 to $2,500 used, depending on age, condition, and hours of operation. Push mowers averaging $400 new can be found for $75 to $200 used. String trimmers, blowers, and other handheld equipment follow similar discount patterns—often available at 40% to 60% below retail pricing.
Heavy equipment savings are even more substantial in absolute dollar terms. A compact track loader costing $60,000 new might sell for $30,000 to $40,000 with moderate hours logged. However, used equipment typically lacks manufacturer warranties and may require immediate repairs or maintenance. Older equipment consumes more fuel, operates less efficiently, and often suffers from depleted parts availability as manufacturers discontinue support for aging models.
Refurbished equipment from dealers or manufacturers offers a middle ground—priced between used and new, typically 20% to 40% below retail, but including limited warranties and professional inspection. These units have been serviced, tested, and certified to meet performance standards. The added warranty coverage and dealer support justify the premium over private-party used purchases for risk-averse buyers.
When evaluating used equipment for your landscaping company, inspect thoroughly for structural damage, engine condition, hydraulic leaks, excessive wear, and maintenance records. Request hour meter readings on powered equipment—compare against expected lifespan to estimate remaining useful life. Consider having a mechanic inspect expensive purchases before committing.
Used equipment works best for expanding your fleet once you've established core capabilities—buying backup units or adding specialized tools without significant capital outlay.
What do warranties and service agreements actually cost for landscaping equipment?
Warranties and extended service coverage provide financial protection against unexpected equipment failures in your landscaping company.
New equipment typically includes a 1 to 3-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Basic residential-grade equipment often carries shorter warranties—1 year is common—while commercial-grade equipment frequently includes 2 to 3-year coverage. These basic warranties generally exclude normal wear items like blades, belts, tires, and batteries, as well as damage from misuse or lack of maintenance.
Extended warranties and service agreements typically cost 5% to 10% of the equipment purchase price annually. For a $4,000 riding mower, extended coverage might run $200 to $400 per year. For heavy equipment valued at $50,000, extended warranties or service contracts could cost $2,500 to $5,000 annually. These plans often include scheduled maintenance, priority repair service, loaner equipment during repairs, and sometimes remote diagnostics for smart-enabled machines.
Service agreements make the most financial sense for expensive equipment where a single major repair—transmission replacement, hydraulic system overhaul, engine rebuild—could cost thousands of dollars. For inexpensive handheld tools, self-insuring (budgeting for replacement rather than paying for extended coverage) usually proves more economical. Evaluate your mechanical expertise, access to repair facilities, and equipment criticality when deciding whether extended coverage justifies its cost.
Battery equipment warranties deserve special attention—battery packs typically carry separate, shorter warranty periods (often 2-3 years or a specific number of charge cycles) than the tool itself.
Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our landscaping company business plan.
What hidden costs exist beyond purchasing landscaping equipment?
Storage, transportation, and insurance add significant expenses that new landscaping company owners often underestimate.
Secure storage protects your equipment investment from theft, weather damage, and deterioration. Renting a storage unit or shed costs $500 to $3,000+ annually depending on size and location—urban areas command premium rates. Building or maintaining an on-site storage facility involves construction costs, property taxes, utilities, and security systems. Climate-controlled or heated storage becomes necessary in regions with harsh winters to prevent fuel system damage and battery degradation.
Transportation infrastructure is essential for mobile landscaping operations. Commercial-grade trailers suitable for hauling mowers, equipment, and materials cost $5,000 to $20,000 new. Trailer maintenance, registration, and safety inspections add ongoing expenses. Tow vehicles—trucks or vans capable of safely hauling loaded trailers—start around $20,000 for used models and easily exceed $40,000 to $60,000 for new commercial trucks. Vehicle fuel, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation must be factored into your operating budget.
Insurance represents non-negotiable operating costs for legitimate landscaping companies. Commercial auto insurance averages $2,000 to $2,500 per year per vehicle—rates vary based on driving records, vehicle value, and coverage limits. Equipment and tool insurance costs approximately $150 to $350 annually per $10,000 of insured value. General liability insurance, essential for protecting against property damage or injury claims, starts around $600 per year for small operations but increases with revenue and employee count.
Additional insurance considerations include workers' compensation (required if you have employees), professional liability coverage, and specialized policies for specific operations like tree work or pesticide application. Licensing, permits, and professional certifications required in many jurisdictions add hundreds to thousands of dollars annually.
Budget at least 15% to 25% beyond equipment purchase costs for these supporting infrastructure and protection expenses in your landscaping company.
What percentage of revenue should go toward equipment costs in your landscaping company?
Industry benchmarks provide guidance for equipment budget allocation relative to overall business revenue.
Equipment costs typically represent 10% to 15% of total landscaping business revenue when properly managed. This includes equipment purchases, lease payments, maintenance, repairs, fuel, and depreciation. A landscaping company generating $200,000 in annual revenue should budget approximately $20,000 to $30,000 for equipment-related expenses. A company earning $500,000 annually would allocate $50,000 to $75,000 to equipment costs.
This percentage varies based on business model and service mix. Maintenance-focused companies with primarily mowing, trimming, and blowing services typically fall at the lower end—10% to 12%—because core equipment is relatively inexpensive and long-lasting. Construction-oriented landscaping companies performing hardscape installation, grading, or major landscape renovation operate at the higher end—12% to 15% or more—due to expensive heavy equipment requirements.
Material costs represent an additional 20% to 30% of revenue for landscaping companies, while labor typically consumes 30% to 50% of revenue depending on wage rates and efficiency. Overhead expenses including insurance, licensing, marketing, administrative costs, and facility expenses account for another 15% to 25%. These percentages should total approximately 80% to 90% of revenue, leaving 10% to 20% as net profit margin for well-managed landscaping operations.
Track your equipment spending ratio monthly to identify problems early. Ratios consistently exceeding 15% suggest excessive maintenance costs from aging equipment, inefficient operations, or pricing structures that don't properly recover equipment expenses. Ratios below 8% might indicate underinvestment in equipment that could limit service quality or growth capacity.
It's a key part of what we outline in the landscaping company business plan.
How have landscaping equipment costs changed recently and what are current trends?
Equipment prices, fuel costs, and maintenance expenses for landscaping companies have experienced notable changes from 2022 through 2025.
Equipment prices have increased 5% to 10% annually during this period, driven by supply chain challenges, raw material costs, and increased demand for battery-powered technology. Battery and electric equipment experienced particularly sharp price increases—10% to 15% annually—due to battery technology costs and surging popularity as municipalities implement noise and emission restrictions. Gas-powered equipment prices rose more modestly, averaging 4% to 8% per year.
Fuel price volatility significantly impacted operating costs for gas-powered equipment fleets between 2022 and 2024. Gasoline prices spiked from approximately $3.00 per gallon to peaks above $5.00 in many markets during 2022, dramatically increasing operating expenses for landscaping companies relying on gas equipment. Prices moderated somewhat in 2024 and 2025 but remained elevated compared to pre-2022 levels, averaging $3.50 to $4.50 per gallon across most regions. This volatility accelerated adoption of battery-powered equipment, which offers stable, predictable energy costs insulated from petroleum market fluctuations.
Maintenance and repair service costs increased 4% to 8% annually due to technician wage inflation and parts cost increases. However, the growing market share of battery-powered equipment somewhat offsets these increases since electric tools require substantially less maintenance—no oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, or carburetor servicing. Battery replacement costs have remained relatively stable while battery technology improved, offering longer runtime and faster charging.
The used equipment market expanded significantly during this period as businesses managed cash flow pressures and equipment price increases. Leasing programs also grew in popularity, offering businesses flexibility to upgrade equipment regularly without large capital outlays while hedging against technological obsolescence.
Looking forward into late 2025, expect continued gradual price increases for new equipment—3% to 7% annually—with battery technology costs potentially moderating as production scales increase and battery chemistry improves. Fuel cost volatility will likely continue, making battery equipment increasingly attractive from a cost stability perspective beyond environmental considerations.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Smart equipment budgeting separates profitable landscaping companies from those that struggle financially.
Understanding exact costs—from initial purchase through maintenance, fuel, insurance, and eventual replacement—allows you to price services accurately, maintain healthy cash flow, and build a sustainable business that weathers economic fluctuations and equipment challenges.
Sources
- Workyard - Landscaping Facts and Statistics
- Hope N.N. - Types of Equipment for Landscaping
- Thompson Tractor - Average Lifespan of Common Construction Equipment
- Your Aspire - Buying New vs Used Landscaping Equipment
- Farmonaut - Equipment Leasing: 7 Powerful Benefits for 2025
- Dead Silent Lawn Care - Cost Comparison: Battery vs Gas Lawn Care Services
- Future Market Insights - Outdoor Power Equipment Market
- Insureon - Landscaping Business Insurance Cost
- Leanscaper - Landscaping Business Budgeting
- Landscape Ontario - Benchmarking Your Equipment