5 Steps to Getting Your Landscaping License

From mowing lawns as a kid to designing gorgeous landscapes for people’s homes as an adult, many paths can lead to a career in landscaping. You just need a landscaping and gardener license.

Maybe you love working outdoors or enjoy making the things around you beautiful. Regardless, everyone with a landscaping business has a passion for nature and experience with landscape systems.

Unfortunately, you can’t just start working on houses and landscapes out of the blue. To have a successful landscaping business, you must obtain a landscaping license.

Luckily, we have all the steps you’ll need to get your license and start your business.

If you’re ready to take your landscaping business to the next level, here are five steps to getting your landscaping license.

Step One: Understand Why You Need a Landscaping License

A landscape contractor license will allow you to work on different types of horticulture projects for your business.

But whether you’re legally required to work as a landscaper depends on your state, how it defines landscaping, and the scope of your work.

In some states, you cannot be a landscaper without one. No matter where you live, obtaining a state license helps your business operate legitimately and can help you grow in the future by creating trust with your clients.

Landscape Contractors License

As we mentioned, landscape contractors’ license requirements vary state by state. So be sure to check the state’s requirements where you work.

In states that require a landscape contractor’s license, you will have to take an exam, pay fees, and ensure you keep your licenses up to date.

Why Do I Need a Landscaping License?

There are several reasons why obtaining a landscaping license can benefit your business:

Prove Your Expertise

When you get a license for your landscaping business, you can prove to your clients that you know what you’re doing. Having a license demonstrates that you have both the education and the experience to design landscaping schemes.

For example, homeowner clients may think that a particular bush or plant would look great lining the walkways in their yard.

But with your landscaping contractor’s license, you will know exactly what type of plants your clients should be adding. It can also help prove your eye for landscape design and lawn care and landscape maintenance expertise.

Increase Your Knowledge

Earning your landscaper incense involves a comprehensive study of the field. There are also different ways to expand your business beyond cutting grass and planting bushes.

Although experience is crucial, it’s only a portion of what you need to get your license.

But to expand, you have to educate yourself on the other services that you can offer. Obtaining a license in landscaping or other contracting work can help push you to do this.

Enhance Safety on the Job

Having a license demonstrates you have the training to ensure that you will be safe on the job. To pass the exams, you will have to know how to use specific equipment and avoid potential hazards.

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Step Two: Get Your Landscaping License

Now that you’re ready to obtain your landscaping license, you need to know how to do so.

Here’s everything you need to get your license:

Check Your State Requirements

When you’re ready to fill out your license application, it’s time to thoroughly examine your state’s requirements.

Some states, like Connecticut, do not require a license, but they do require you to take and pass an exam before you start using pesticides.

Other states have specific licenses. For example, California requires a C-27 landscaping contractor license for you to offer any landscaping services. This includes general landscaping services and more technical ones like landscape construction.

In New York state, you must obtain a license as a “landscape architect” to work legally as a landscaper. A license hinges on having a mix of experience and education, such as a four-year degree and two years of serving in a professional capacity with a New York state landscape architectural firm.

You’ll typically have to send in a state application, which you can find through a Google search for the contractor’s state license board (which will be a state.gov website). Read the requirements carefully and ensure you have dotted every “i” before submitting it.

Take a Landscaping License Exam

Say you find yourself in a state that requires a licensing exam. There’s no need to worry; passing a licensing exam shows that you know your stuff as a landscaper and business owner.

These exams will be straightforward if you have the proper education and work experience under your belt.

First, you’ll have to pay a small exam fee to sign up for a time slot to take your exam. This fee is usually around $50.

Then you’ll schedule a time to take your exam; this will usually take place within 60 days of registering for your exam. You can find more information from your state’s Landscape Contractors Board.

Some states may not have a specific landscaper contract license but will require you to obtain a home improvement contractor’s license or something similar.

Most exams will have questions on basic landscaping practices and information. These questions may include identifying plants and OSHA guidelines.

To fully prepare for your exam, you can take prep courses or find workbooks to help you prepare for your state. Then, once you are licensed by the board, you’re ready to go out and create beautiful landscapes for your clients.

Obtain a Business License

After you get your landscape license, you can start landscaping on your own. But if you want to give yourself a chance to expand and create a successful business, you will need to obtain a business license.

One of the benefits of obtaining a business license is being able to create business expenses. You can also have more legitimacy to help you bring in higher-end clients.

Step Three: Expand On Your Landscaping Business

Congratulations; you’re now a licensed contractor!

Whether you’re working on large commercial properties or tree trimming small private gardens, there are always ways to expand your landscaping business. And this should be your next step.

Once you have the basic business license and a landscape license your state requires, look into specialty certifications and permits. Having more than the basic licensure can help push your business ahead.

Many landscaping companies offer services other than general lawn care.

These services include pest management, tick and pest control treatments, and even work with irrigation systems or landscape design.

If you want to expand your landscaping business, you will need to obtain certifications and licenses.

You may have to pay application fees for different certifications, but they should help you get more business in the end.

Pesticide Licenses

Even if you use “natural” herbicides to treat your lawns and pesticides to remove pests, they’re still dangerous when misused. Because of the inherent risks of using pesticides, you will need to get certifications to use them in your business.

Pesticide applicators must get a federal certification, which is given out by the EPA.

Here are some of the standards you’ll need to know to help you get your pesticide applicator license:

For Commercial Pesticide Application

To apply pesticides in a commercial setting, you have to show practical knowledge and some work experience using pesticides. You also have to demonstrate an understanding of a particular category of pesticide application.

These categories include agricultural pest management, forest pest control, regulatory pest control, etc.

The nitty-gritty details you’ll need to know are understanding pesticide labels, using pesticides safely, and what to do in an emergency. You’ll also have to understand how pesticides work in the environment.

For Private Application

To obtain your pesticide applicator license for private application, you must understand how pesticides work in an agricultural setting. You’ll also need to know how to properly store, use, and dispose of pesticides.

A qualified applicator will also have to take and pass state-required exams and attend a training course in addition to getting certified by the EPA.

As a private pesticide applicator, you may have to attend continuing education courses to keep your certification up to date throughout the year.

Types of Pesticide Applications

There are different types of pesticide applications that you will want to obtain your license to use.

The ten different categories are:

1. Agricultural pest control
2. Forest pest control
3. Ornamental and turf control
4. Seed treatment
5. Aquatic pest control
6. Right-of-way pest control
7. Industrial, institutional, and health-related pest control
8. Public health pest control
9. Regulatory pest control
10. Research pest control

Fertilizer Licensing

If you want to get into offering fertilizer services, you may need additional licensure. Fertilizers can be dangerous if misapplied. You will most likely need a license for using fertilizer in more urban settings.

Join Organizations

Another way to step up your business is to join organizations. For landscapers, it can be beneficial to join the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Joining an organization can help you network and connect with other professionals.

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Step Four: Set Up Your Business For Success

Now that you have obtained all of the licenses you need, you have to make sure that you set up your business for success.

Create a Business Entity

As a small business, you will need to register your business entity. Your business entity allows you to collect money and offer services as a business rather than just by yourself.

Most small businesses set up a sole-proprietorship or an LLC.

If you are planning on expanding your business, you should go for an LLC. An LLC will allow you more flexibility as a business and will offer tax benefits.

Obtaining Small Business Insurance

To protect yourself further, you’ll want to shop for small business insurance. Insurance for a landscaping business is crucial.

There are plenty of risks that come with landscaping, including the consistent use of sharp tools and machinery. There are also potential health risks that come with using certain pesticides.

When you are looking for landscaping business insurance, you should look for policies that include the following:

1. General liability insurance
2. Commercial auto policy
3. Worker’s compensation (if you have employees)
4. Commercial property insurance

General liability insurance is crucial for any small business. It’s the baseline of insurance that can help protect your business in an unprecedented incident. Insurance is essential in running a smooth business.

Accidents can happen, and clients can get mad. So, it’s better to protect yourself and your employees in case of injury. And, you want to protect your company from potential lawsuits than have to pay them out of your pocket.

Once you have your business entity, you’ll also need to set up an EIN. Your employer identification number is what you will use to pay taxes on your business.

Personal Benefits for Small Businesses

When you work freelance or own a small business, you won’t have access to the same benefits as someone who works a traditional 9-5.

Luckily, there are amazing benefits that you can obtain for yourself as a freelancer from Selfgood.

You won’t be able to run a successful landscaping business if you aren’t healthy and strong to do so. So make sure you keep yourself protected with an excellent benefits plan, including supplemental health insurance, tailored to freelancers and small business owners.

Discover: The 2022 Guide to Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Step Five: Operate a Successful Landscaping Business

You’re licensed, insured, and have the other legal aspects of your business setup. It’s time to start operating your landscaping business like a boss.

Here’s how.

Keep Everything Up to Date

When it comes to licenses for your business, you will want to make sure they are always up to date.

Although license renewals vary from state to state, you need to renew your pesticide licenses about every three years. You will likely have to pay a licensing fee to keep these up to date.

You may also have to take continuing education classes to keep your landscape contractors’ licenses valid. Don’t let these expire, as you will have to stop operating until you renew them.

Market Your Business

As a business owner, it is up to you to get clients. Make sure that you put your best foot forward and market your business.

You can create incredible marketing resources with social media for your business. Posting photos of your landscaping work on Instagram can help you build a following and gain more customers.

Enjoy the Perks

Being a freelancer or small business owner is an incredible way to take your life into your own hands.

Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, enjoy the benefits of setting your hours and following your passions.

Conclusion

Although there is a bit of work to get your landscaping licenses, it will all pay off in the long run.

Ensuring you know what you are doing and are completely certified will instill trust in your clients. You will also be able to offer more services as your business expands.

When you start taking more certifications for licenses, you can make your landscaping business grow.

As a freelancer, you have to be able to take the time to set your business up for success. Now get out there and enjoy putting some more beauty into the world.

Be sure to join Selfgood to reap benefits like financial and legal, health and wellness, and everyday discounts that help keep you and your business flourishing.