Lawn care is hard work but that is the very reason why so many people are willing to pay others to do it for them. And the best part is that virtually anyone can do this.

Before you start a lawn care business you should take into consideration the tools that you will need. A lawn mower and weed eater may seem like a given but that is just the start. You may also need gloves, goggles, hedge trimmers, a mulching bag and a blower. You also need to be aware that you will need to be able to transport these from you home to the site where you will be working.

You need to know what you are doing before you begin charging people. If you take care of your own lawn on a regular basis then you may already have some idea of the actual work involved. Mowing around trees and flower beds will be very important to people who have worked to plant these and don't want them damaged. You may also need to know the basics of hedge trimming and even how best to cut a low hanging limb or two.

For any work you really need references. These will let people know that you have experience and are reliable. You may want to get these by charging a lower rate for friends and neighbors. You should always ask for detailed instructions and ask questions if you are not certain. You are being paid to do the job the way your customer wants it done.

Once you have a few reliable references then you will need to start building your customer base. People who need your services may be senior citizens, those that work long hours, or those that simply prefer to hire someone to do the work for them. You will find most of your business through flyers, local advertising and asking people if they might require your services. You may also get referrals from those you do a good job for.

Once you have your customers, the best way to keep them is by being reliable and doing the job right. They also like people who charge reasonable prices for their services and if they know they can get quality work cheaper they may go with someone else. The spring time is the best time of year to begin this type of business as you will have most of your work between spring and fall. Winter can be quiet in some states and you may have to consider offering off season services such as snow plowing.

Always check you local and state laws and know what is required of a small business. Most of the time they won't require a business license for this type of work but you may still need to report your income to the IRS.

Start a lawn care business today. Entry barriers are low, startup costs are minimal compared to other business models and you will surely find at least some work right away. It is also great to get outdoors and get some exercise as part of your daily routine.