The landscaping business in Australia has grown significantly through the years. It’s expected to be worth about $4.5 billion by 2024. Despite last year’s slight decline, the overall demand for landscaping services will increase for the next five years as many Australians are interested in updating their outdoor spaces and using eco-friendly gardening methods.
If you’re thinking about starting your own landscaping business, there are important things you need to know and do. We’ve put together this guide to help you get ready and increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Landscaping Industry in Australia
A landscaping business involves various tasks, such as working on lawns, gardens, and other outdoor areas.
When starting this business in Australia, it is important to consider your niche. You can choose to offer many different services or focus on just a few. Some businesses do general work, while others specialise in specific areas.
There are three main types of landscaping you can choose from:
- Lawn care includes mowing grass, pulling weeds, and keeping lawns healthy.
- Building structures, such as patios or garden features.
- Taking care of all parts of a landscape, including trimming bushes and maintaining flower beds.
Getting Started With Your Landscaping Business
Before you start mowing lawns and planting gardens, there are several important steps you need to take:
Research
Start by researching the equipment and tools you need. Compare costs and seek out good deals to minimise expenses. Consider investing in a sturdy tool shed for storage, as it will keep your tools organised and protected from the elements and help extend their lifespan. Efficient storage solutions like a well-organized shed can make your business more streamlined and profitable right from the start.
Location
Think about where you’ll operate your business. Your location will determine which clients you can serve. Remember that you’ll need to travel to different job sites, so ensure you can easily transport all your tools and equipment.
Technology
Consider how you’ll present your business to clients. They’ll want to see examples of your work, so invest in a tablet or smartphone. This will make your business look more professional and organised. It’s also easier than carrying around paper files for consultations.
Developing Your Landscaping Business Plan
Excellent preparation is usually the key to success. To help you run your business, you should create a formal business plan based on your research. This may consist of the following:
- Business objectives and goals
- Target market analysis
- Competitor research
- Marketing strategy
- Financial projections
If you need help creating a business plan, you can always ask a qualified accountant or business lawyer for help. It’s critical to review and evaluate your business plan periodically.
Choosing Your Business Name
You now have to choose a name for your business. Once you’ve selected a name, you can see if your desired business name is available.
If the name isn’t taken, you can register your company as a trademark to guarantee that you are the only business name owner in Australia.
Determining Your Business Structure
You can operate as a sole trader, which means you’ll run the business under your name. If you’re partnering with someone else, you could form a partnership. Alternatively, you could register your business as a company, legally separating it from your personal affairs.
Each structure has different legal and financial implications. Think about which structure best aligns with your business goals and personal circumstances. If you’re unsure, consulting with a business advisor or lawyer can help you make the right choice for your landscaping business.
Getting Your Company Registered
There are a few requirements for formally registering your business. For example:
- A company name
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) to facilitate business identification for clients and the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
- To take advantage of limited liability, register your company as an ACN.
- Register the taxes you need to pay.
- Verify the validity of any applicable licenses or permits.
Equipment and Tools Needed
With landscaping businesses requiring site visits, you’ll need two main things: a reliable vehicle and a set of quality tools. Your vehicle should be reliable and spacious enough to carry all your equipment. When choosing tools, it is wise to invest in durable, high-quality options that will last longer and perform better.
Here are some things you might need:
- Lawnmower
- Trailer
- Hedge trimmer
- Strimmer
- Spreaders and sprayers
- Leaf blower
- Edger
- Shovels, spades and forks
- Rake
- Hoses
- Marking and measuring tools
- Basic carpenter’s tools
- Shears
- Hand protection gloves
- Safety goggles
Marketing and Promoting Your Business
While local newspapers and directories are a good place for landscape gardening businesses to advertise, you may also consider digital marketing. Setting up a Google Business Profile to appear in local search results is a good idea.
Creating a business website and adding images to highlight your work as you finish projects are also important. The more tasks you take on, the easier it will be to showcase your abilities and develop a portfolio.
Creating social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will help you attract new customers. Posters and flyers are additional advertising options for the business, too.
Remember that word-of-mouth advertising can also be advantageous. Developing strong bonds with your current clientele will help you attract new ones.
Services Offered by Landscaping Businesses
Landscaping businesses typically offer various services, including design and planning, installation, and maintenance.
Design and Planning
This is the first step in which landscapers work closely with clients to understand their vision for their outdoor areas. They assess the site and consider factors like soil type, climate, and existing plants. They then create custom designs, including garden layouts, plant selections, and features like water elements or patios. They also help clients navigate any local regulations or permits needed for the project.
Installation
Once the design is finalised, landscapers move on to installation, which involves planting trees, shrubs, and flowers and laying new lawns. They might also construct hardscape features like patios, walkways, or retaining walls. This phase requires a mix of horticultural knowledge and construction skills to bring the design to life.
Maintenance
Many landscaping companies don’t just install gardens – they also take care of them afterwards. This means they can regularly mow your lawn, look after your plants, and trim trees and bushes. They might also manage watering systems to keep plants healthy. As seasons change, they can rake leaves or prepare your garden for winter or spring.
Landscaping Licenses in Australia
The requirements for landscaping licenses vary across different states and territories in Australia.
In New South Wales, you need a license from NSW Fair Trading for any work costing over A$200. A Structural Landscaping license is necessary for specific tasks like paving or building outdoor structures.
Queensland landscapers need a license for work valued over A$3,300. A Structural Landscaping license is required for paving and erecting structures.
South Australian landscapers must have both a builders license and a Supervisors license.
In Victoria, registration with the Building Practitioners Board is mandatory for projects valued over A$10,000. Landscapers must also hold a Domestic Builder – Limited (DB – L) registration card.
Western Australia doesn’t require a license for work under A$12,000, but jobs above this amount need licensed builders and contractors’ supervision.
The Northern Territory’s requirements depend on local council regulations. Some areas require a Home Improvement License for various jobs.
Summing Up
Starting a landscaping business in Australia can be profitable because of the large demand. To be successful in this industry, you need to plan well, get the right tools, and promote your services. Following the rules and putting customers first is essential, too. Always remember that putting your heart and mind into it can build a successful landscaping business.
Image Source:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-pathway-surrounded-by-plants-1055408/