Start your landscaping business.Keep crews insured and paid.

Most states have no general license for mowing, planting or snow removal, but nearly every state licenses commercial pesticide applicators through its department of agriculture. Some states also license landscape contractors or irrigation work, and many cities require a business license or contractor registration. Check your state and the towns where your crews will work before you take on jobs.

Most landscapers carry general liability for damage to client property, commercial auto for trucks and trailers, and inland marine coverage for mowers and equipment. Workers' compensation is required in most states once you have employees. Snow removal contracts often require higher liability limits. Our agency quotes these together so your coverage matches the contracts you sign.

An LLC keeps business debts and claims separate from your personal assets when you keep the books and bank accounts separate. Many owners later elect S corporation tax treatment to manage self-employment tax once profit grows. Our office forms the LLC, gets the EIN, and reviews the S corporation election with you at tax time.

Seasonal workers are usually employees, not contractors, when you set their hours, provide the equipment and direct the work. That means payroll withholding, state unemployment reports and workers' compensation. Our office runs payroll through the season and files the quarterly payroll reports and year end forms, so your crews are paid correctly.