Starting A Landscaping Business? Here Is What You Need To Know
Tradesure
31 May 2021
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10 November 2025
If you’re wondering how to start a landscaping business in 2025 and beyond, you’ve come to the right place. From mowing and garden maintenance to structural projects like decks and retaining walls, every landscaping business starts with a clear plan.
We’re breaking down the essentials and sharing practical tips to help you turn your idea into a thriving business.
The process of entering the landscaping industry can be split into three steps:
Registering your business with the ATO and deciding on the right business structure is important for tax purposes. Businesses in Australia fall under four categories:
Many landscaping businesses register as sole traders, as this is the simplest business structure.
Having a solid business plan is only part of setting up for success. To protect your hard work, employees and equipment, it’s important to have the proper insurance in place from the start. Most landscaping businesses work with a range of tools, machinery and vehicles, often across multiple job sites, which means accidents or damage can happen at any time.
At Tradesure, we offer complete Landscaper Insurance packages designed to cover everything you need to keep your business protected and running strong for the long term, including:
Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes injury or damage to someone else’s property. It covers legal costs and any compensation you’re required to pay.
Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your tools and equipment if they’re stolen, damaged or lost, helping you stay on track with your jobs.
Protects your work vehicles and machinery, such as utes, trailers and mowers, against damage, theft or accidents while you’re working or travelling between sites.
Provides financial support if you’re injured and unable to work. It helps cover lost income and medical expenses while you recover.
Covers accidental damage or loss to a project while it’s still underway, protecting both you and your client until the work is completed.
Protects large or hired machinery, such as excavators or bobcats, against theft, breakdown or accidental damage while being used for your business.
Not sure which cover suits your business structure? Contact the Tradesure team today for clear advice and the right insurance to match your landscaping business.
Your tools are what keep your business running day to day. Putting some thought into your initial investment and choosing reliable, high-quality equipment helps you work more efficiently and deliver great results from the start. For lawn maintenance, essential equipment generally includes reliable mowers, hedge trimmers, whipper snippers and blowers. As your services expand, you may need heavier gear like compactors, chainsaws or machinery such as excavators and skid steers for larger projects.
Treat your equipment as business assets rather than expenses. Keeping up with regular equipment maintenance helps them last longer and saves you from unexpected repair bills, and, because tools and machinery can be a big investment, it’s worth protecting them with insurance. With tool and equipment cover, you’re covered for theft, loss or damage, so you can get back to work without major setbacks.
While landscaping and gardening may seem similar, landscaping is more focused on changing and creating the current landscape and usually doesn't include plant care.
For your landscaping business, you can specialise in a variety of different niches, including:
The different landscaping work available allows businesses to focus on a single line of work or grow to provide various services.
The cost of starting a landscaping business will depend on the type of business you are registering, whether you have a vehicle, and the tools you'll be investing in. The initial cost of registering starts from around $500. This includes:
For landscaping tools and equipment, a realistic starting price is from $5000 to $10,000. Depending on the services you provide, machinery could cost up to $40,000.
To practice as a professional landscaper in Australia requires a licence. In Queensland, you'll need a landscaping licence if the work you're providing is valued over A$3,300. For paving and erecting structures, you'll need a Structural Landscaping licence.
As your business grows and you begin hiring employees, make sure everyone working under your business also meets the same licensing standards. This not only keeps your business compliant, but builds trust with clients and suppliers.
Contact Tradesure today for a quote on Landscaper Insurance and keep your tools, team and income protected.
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