Start a Landscaping Business in Ontario (2026 Guide) | Step-by-Step
- Lisa Shaw
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Landscaping is one of the most accessible and profitable service businesses you can start in Ontario. If you enjoy working outdoors, helping people improve their property, and running your own business, starting a landscaping company could be a great opportunity.
Demand for lawn care, garden design, and property maintenance continues to grow as homeowners and commercial properties outsource outdoor maintenance.
If you're thinking “I want to start a landscaping business,” this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from registration and licensing to equipment, pricing, and getting your first customers.
By the end, you’ll have a clear step-by-step roadmap to start a landscaping business in Ontario legally and successfully in 2026.
Quick Answer: How to Start a Landscaping Business in Ontario
Step-by-step summary
Choose landscaping services to offer
Create a business plan
Register your business in Ontario
Get insurance and required licenses
Purchase equipment and tools
Set pricing and create service packages
Build a website and online presence
Start marketing and getting clients
Why Landscaping Is a Great Business in Ontario
Ontario’s landscaping industry is large and growing due to:
Expanding housing developments
Aging homeowners outsourcing yard maintenance
Commercial property management needs
Demand for outdoor living spaces
The business also has relatively low startup costs compared to many trades.
Many successful companies started with just:
A mower
A truck
A few residential clients
Step 1: Decide What Landscaping Services You’ll Offer
Landscaping businesses can offer many different services.
Lawn Care Services
Lawn mowing
Edging and trimming
Weed control
Fertilizing
Aeration
Leaf cleanup
Landscaping Services
Garden design
Planting and flower beds
Sod installation
Mulching
Hardscaping (patios, walkways)
Irrigation installation
Property Maintenance
Hedge trimming
Seasonal cleanup
Tree pruning
Property management contracts
Seasonal Services
Many Ontario landscapers also offer:
Snow removal
Christmas lighting installation
Spring yard cleanup
Offering winter services helps stabilize income during slower months.
Step 2: Create a Landscaping Business Plan
A simple business plan helps you understand your market and costs.
Include:
Business Basics
Services offered
Target customers
Service area
Startup Costs
Equipment
Vehicle
Insurance
Marketing
Revenue Goals
Example:
Service | Price | Weekly Clients | Monthly Revenue |
Lawn mowing | $50 | 30 | $6,000 |
Hedge trimming | $120 | 10 | $1,200 |
Yard cleanup | $200 | 8 | $1,600 |
Estimated monthly revenue: $8,800
Step 3: Register Your Landscaping Business in Ontario
To legally operate, you must register your business.
You have three common options.
Most landscapers start this way.
Pros:
Easy to start
Low cost
Minimal paperwork
Cons:
No liability protection
2. Partnership
If you start with a business partner.
Better for growing companies.
Pros:
Liability protection
Tax advantages
More credibility
Cons:
More paperwork
Higher up front costs
How Launch a Business Can Help
Launch a Business helps entrepreneurs quickly register their company online.
Services include:
Ontario business registration
Ontario incorporation
Business name searches
CRA program accounts
This allows you to start your landscaping business quickly and focus on getting clients.
Step 4: Check Licenses and Permits
Most landscaping work does not require a trade license in Ontario.
However, certain activities may require permits.
Possible Licensing Requirements
Activity | Requirement |
Applying pesticides | |
Tree removal | Municipal permit (contact the city you're in) |
Working with heavy equipment | Training may be required |
Employees |
Certain lawn care services involving chemicals may require a provincial license.
Municipal Business Licenses
Some cities require:
Local business license
Contractor permits
Noise compliance
Check your local municipality.
Step 5: Get Business Insurance
Insurance is extremely important in landscaping because accidents can happen.
Recommended coverage:
General liability insurance
Commercial vehicle insurance
Equipment insurance
Workers compensation (if hiring employees)
Many clients and property managers require $1 million liability coverage minimum.
Step 6: Buy Landscaping Equipment
Startup costs vary depending on services offered.
Basic Lawn Care Equipment
Equipment | Estimated Cost |
Commercial lawn mower | $1,000 – $5,000 |
String trimmer | $200 – $500 |
Leaf blower | $150 – $500 |
Hand tools | $200 |
Trailer | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Estimated startup: $3,000 – $10,000
Additional Equipment
Dump trailer
Aerator
Hedge trimmer
Pressure washer
Snow blower
Tip: Many new landscapers buy used equipment to reduce startup costs.
Step 7: Set Your Landscaping Prices
Pricing depends on:
Property size
Service complexity
Travel distance
Equipment required
Typical Ontario Pricing
Service | Price Range |
Lawn mowing | $40 – $80 |
Hedge trimming | $100 – $300 |
Spring cleanup | $150 – $400 |
Sod installation | $1.50 – $3 per sq ft |
Always include:
Labour
Equipment costs
Travel time
Profit margin
Step 8: Build Your Brand and Online Presence
Even small landscaping businesses benefit from a professional brand.
Essentials
Logo
Website
Step 9: Get Your First Landscaping Clients
Early marketing strategies include:
Local Marketing
Door-to-door flyers
Lawn signs
Facebook community groups
Local marketplace listings
Online Marketing
Google Business Profile
Facebook business page
Instagram portfolio
Local SEO
Referral Marketing
Word of mouth can be incredibly effective for gaining new clients. You may want to consider offering incentives for referrals to your existing clients.
Example:
“Refer a friend and get 20% off your next lawn service.”
Step 10: Register for Taxes
If your landscaping business earns more than $30,000 per year, you must register for HST.
You may also need:
WSIB if hiring employees
Many landscapers also track expenses such as:
Equipment purchases
Gas
Vehicle mileage
Insurance
These expenses can typically be deducted for tax purposes.
Growth Strategy: Scaling Your Landscaping Business
Once you have steady clients, you can grow by:
Hiring Staff
Expand service capacity.
Adding Services
Landscape design
Irrigation systems
Hardscaping
Commercial Contracts
Property management companies can provide long-term contracts.
Joining Industry Associations
Organizations like the Landscape Ontario offer networking, training, and industry recognition.
Membership often requires proof of insurance and a registered business.
Estimated Startup Cost Breakdown
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Business registration | $60 – $300 |
Insurance | $500 – $1,500 |
Equipment | $3,000 – $10,000 |
Marketing | $200 – $1,000 |
Vehicle / trailer | $2,000 – $15,000 |
Typical startup investment:
$4,000 – $15,000
Common Mistakes New Landscaping Businesses Make
Underpricing services
Not tracking expenses
Skipping insurance
Buying too much equipment too early
Ignoring marketing
Start small, build a strong client base, then expand.
Ready to start? We're here to make the first step of registering or incorporating as easy as possible. And, if you've got questions, reach out for help!
