How to Get Started in Lawn Care

Practice on your own lawn. Make your own lawn healthy and attractive before you try to improve anyone else's yard. Practice mowing it and get familiar with any lawn care equipment you have on your own grass.

Read as much about lawn care and gardening as you can from the public library, book stores or online. Knowledge truly is power when starting your own business.

Talk to your neighbors and other people you know about mowing their lawns. Your initial clients will likely all be people you know or referrals from people you know. Take only clients that you can get to easily with a lawn mower. If you don't have a vehicle that can carry a lawn mower and can't afford one yet, don't take clients out of your neighborhood, unless they have equipment of their own that they will allow you to use.

Work for a landscaping company on the side to gain additional experience. Don't work for a company that operates in the same area where you plan to start your business, since that creates a conflict of interest.

Talk to a business attorney when you are ready to grow your business beyond neighborhood jobs and start expanding or hiring other workers. You need to set up a limited liability company or a corporation to protect yourself legally in the event you are sued. An attorney can help you navigate these hurdles and ensure you are operating under the small-business laws of your particular state. The attorney can also advise you of any licenses you are legally required to have in your county, city or state for your business to officially get started.