Every summer, landscaping companies make the same costly mistakes that crush their profits. If you own a lawn care or landscaping business, read carefully—fixing these simple problems could instantly boost your earnings and leave your competitors behind.
Here are the 5 mistakes that ruin your landscaping profits every summer (and how to fix them):
1. Underpricing Your Summer Mowing and Maintenance Jobs
Too many landscaping businesses price their summer mowing and maintenance jobs based on guesswork. This kills your profits.
If your pricing is based on what you think customers want to pay instead of what you need to charge, you’re leaving money on the table. According to Lawn Love, mowing a lawn typically ranges from $40 to $120 per service. Don’t guess—know your costs and set prices based on reality, not feelings.
Fix this by:
- Clearly calculating your expenses (labor, fuel, equipment, and insurance).
- Adding your desired profit margin (aim for at least 20% profit after costs).
- Charging confidently, knowing you’re offering real value, not just the lowest price.
2. Not Managing Employee Productivity Effectively
Poorly managed workers cost you thousands each season. Landscaping businesses that don’t track how their team uses time and resources lose money every single day.
If you don’t know exactly how long each job should take or how productive your team is, your profits suffer. Lawn & Landscape Magazine says effective scheduling and job tracking boost profits fast.
Fix this by:
- Clearly setting daily productivity goals.
- Using simple apps or software to track job time and worker output.
- Reviewing performance regularly, rewarding top performers, and training underperformers quickly.
3. Ignoring Upsell Opportunities (Especially Irrigation & Pest Control)
Most landscapers leave easy money on the table by not offering additional services. Customers who pay you to mow their lawns will happily pay you again for related services like irrigation system checks, pest control treatments, and weed management.
FieldRoutes explains how easily pest control services can boost profits. The bottom line is: every single customer is a chance to make more money. Don’t waste it.
Fix this by:
- Training your employees to spot upsell opportunities on every visit.
- Offering simple upgrades like pest control sprays or irrigation checks that customers want and need.
- Including upsell options clearly in your invoices or follow-up emails.
4. Neglecting Client Follow-ups After Initial Services
Most landscaping companies leave thousands of dollars on the table by never following up after completing a job. This is an easy mistake to fix, and it directly impacts repeat business.
Sellizer highlights that following up quickly and clearly after your initial service can significantly increase repeat bookings and customer satisfaction.
Fix this by:
- Sending short, personalized emails or texts asking customers if they’re happy with your service.
- Reminding them gently of your other services or seasonal maintenance.
- Offering easy ways for customers to book your services again or subscribe to regular maintenance packages.
5. Letting Equipment and Maintenance Costs Spiral Out of Control
Equipment costs sneak up on landscaping businesses every summer. Broken tools, worn-out lawnmowers, and poorly maintained trucks can suddenly drain your profits overnight.
CBS42 notes that maintenance mistakes quickly lead to unexpected expenses and downtime, costing you big money when demand is highest.
Fix this by:
- Scheduling regular equipment maintenance checks (weekly or monthly).
- Budgeting for equipment replacements ahead of time.
- Training your employees to care properly for equipment reduces breakdowns and downtime.
Start Fixing These Mistakes Now
Your landscaping business is either growing or losing money—there is no middle ground. By fixing these five common summer mistakes, you can easily boost your profits and leave your competition behind.
Summer profits are waiting—so stop guessing, start tracking, and upsell every chance you get.
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