If you’re in your first year in the landscaping business, there’s a moment that hits hard: when you’re booked solid and still feel like you’re barely holding it all together. You started your business to gain freedom and build something meaningful—but now you’re buried in calls, clients, chaos, and a never-ending to-do list. Sound familiar?
Let’s talk about why this happens, what’s really going on, and how to fix it.
The Daily Chaos of the First Year in the Landscaping Business
Most landscapers don’t struggle with getting work. In fact, the first year usually brings an influx of clients and a calendar that fills up faster than expected.
But with that success comes a flood of pressure. You’re likely:
- Working long hours in the field doing all the physical labor
- Answering client calls on your lunch break
- Sending out estimates at night when you should be resting
- Managing materials, employees, and job sites all by yourself
You’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re just stuck in a common trap.
Why Most Burn Out After Their First Year in the Landscaping Business
The real problem isn’t your work ethic or your pricing. It’s this:
You’ve built yourself a job, not a business.
You’ve become the engine that drives every part of your company. If you’re not answering the phone, showing up on the job, or sending invoices, nothing moves. That’s not freedom—it’s a recipe for burnout.
3 Mistakes That Keep You Stuck Your First Year in the Landscaping Business
Here’s where most first-year landscapers go wrong:
1. Trying to Do It All Yourself Your First Year in the Landscaping Business
You’re the crew, the salesperson, the office manager, and the customer service rep. That works for a little while—but not long.
2. Undercharging for Your Work Your First Year in the Landscaping Business
If everyone says yes to your estimates, that’s a sign you’re priced too low. A good benchmark? Aim for a 60% close rate and raise your rates gradually until you hit it. This alone can double your profit without taking on more work.
3. Believing More Work = More Success
Chasing more jobs doesn’t lead to more freedom—it leads to burnout. The goal is better clients and better margins, not just more hustle.
So What’s the Fix?
Success in your first year in the landscaping business isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it smarter.
Start here:
1. Build Simple Systems
Start with a checklist for every job. What happens when you pull into the driveway? What’s your process from start to finish? Write it down so someone else can follow it too.
2. Invest in a CRM
Customer Relationship Management software, like Jobber, will help you keep track of leads, clients, invoices, job history, and scheduling. It’s a must-have once you’ve been in business for a few months.
3. Set Office Hours
You don’t have to be on-call 24/7. Set boundaries. When clients know when to expect a response, it builds trust—and gives you breathing room.
Your Business Can Change Your Life—If You Treat It Like One
I went from a negative net worth of $47,000 to building a seven-figure landscaping company in North Idaho—where the season is only half the year. I sold it on my own terms, and it made me a millionaire.
Not because I worked harder.
But because I built systems, delegated, and started acting like a business owner instead of a laborer.
You can do the same.
Ready to Build a Hands-Free, Wealth-Building Machine?
If you’re ready to step out of survival mode and into true ownership, I can help.
I work with landscaping business owners who are ready to systemize, delegate, and scale—without grinding themselves into the ground.
Book a discovery call and let’s build the business you actually want to own.
