If you’re considering opening your own business, landscaping and lawn care is an excellent choice, particularly if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
When you think of lucrative business options, landscaping might not come to mind, but think again! The landscape industry is worth close to 100 billion dollars. That said, in order to get a piece of that revenue, you have to make an initial investment.
In addition to the typical fees, starting a landscaping business requires investing in a variety of tools. But what tools do you need to start a landscaping business? If you’re unsure where to start with your landscaping equipment, you’ve come to the right place.
Listed below is a complete guide to every piece of equipment you need to start a landscaping company. Keep reading to learn more.
Hand Tools for Landscaping
Hand tools are a great place to start with your landscaping equipment because they’re less expensive than powered varieties and you only need a few basic pieces.
When you’re shopping for hand tools for landscaping, look for tools with wooden handles with a close grain. Try to avoid pieces with painted handles, as manufacturers will often paint the wood to conceal its poor quality.
You should also mimic the motion you’ll make when using the tool before you purchase it. The handle should provide a comfortable grip and the weight distribution should allow for ease of use.
Rakes
One of the most basic pieces of equipment you need for landscaping is a rake. Now, there are two types of rakes you’ll need, a steel rake and a leaf rake.
Steel rakes are useful for moving heavier debris such as soil, compost, or gravel. Leaf rakes, on the other hand, are for lightweight debris like leaves and twigs.
Shovel
Next up is a shovel. Unlike your rakes, you should only need one shovel, unless you have multiple people on your crew.
That said, be sure to invest in a quality shovel, as you’re going to be using it a lot. The head should be made of lightweight stainless steel, while the handle should be steel or fiberglass. A wooden handle is also acceptable, but won’t be as comfortable.
Pruning Shears and Saw
For pruning trees and light shrub work, you’ll want a pair of pruning shears and an extendable pruning saw. These are great for removing an errant branch or stray patch of leaves.
If you’re doing a large pruning job or working with branches greater than 1 inch in thickness, you’ll want a powered trimmer or saw.
Powered Landscaping Tools
You can do a lot with hand tools but in order to maximize your efficiency and create the stunning manicured look many customers want, you’ll need a few pieces of powered landscaping equipment.
This is where starting a landscaping business becomes a rather large investment. Power tools don’t come cheap, especially if they’re of good quality. But the right tools will pay for themselves when you start to see profits from your work.
Lawnmower
A lawnmower is an absolute must. Your lawnmower is going to be the biggest investment you make but it’s easily the most important. Don’t skimp on your mower; if you can only truly invest in one thing, it should be this piece of equipment.
Look for a mower with a blade of 30 inches in diameter or more. A smaller blade will result in lower efficiency with your work.
It’s also a good idea to look for useful attachments for your mower. Mulching equipment, for example, can take your landscaping business to the next level. You can view these mulching attachments to determine if you can fit such an addition into your budget.
String Trimmer
A string trimmer, or weed eater, is another landscaping essential. Once you’ve cut the bulk of the grass with your mower, you’ll need to go behind yourself with a string trimmer to get the edges and fine details.
String trimmers come in both electric and gas-powered varieties. The option you choose will depend on personal preference, as well as the flow of your workday.
Leaf Blower
In the interest of getting the most out of your time and energy, you never want to rake a large number of leaves or debris. Rakes should be reserved for smaller jobs only. For large leaf or debris removal jobs, you need a leaf blower.
Like string trimmers, you can find leaf blowers powered by either gas or electricity. However, gas leaf blowers are typically preferable. Blowers use an enormous amount of power, which can make electric blowers a bad option for large jobs or multiple yards.
Hedge Trimmer
Last but not least, a hedge trimmer should be on your list of landscaping business equipment essentials. Keep in mind that trimming hedges is deceptively difficult. It’s a tough workout, even for the most experienced landscapers.
With that in mind, look for a hedge trimmer that provides both comfort and portability. You don’t want anything too heavy or awkward to hold, as it will make an already difficult job almost impossible.
Have the Answer to “What Tools Do You Need to Start a Landscaping Business?” Before Opening Your Doors
Before you start any business, it’s essential to have the necessary equipment for success, but this is even more important with something as hands-on as landscaping. Now that you no longer have to ask, “what tools do you need to start a landscaping business,” you can get started collecting your equipment today.
Remember, it’s better to invest in higher quality tools than to buy bargain items. Not only will they last longer but you’ll get better results from your work. And gorgeous yards are essential for customer satisfaction!
Interested in learning more about finding success with a business of your own? Take a look at our website.
