What does it cost to start a landscaping & lawn mowing business?
A lawn mowing or landscaping business can be started cheaply if you keep it to maintenance work, with the main outlay being a reliable mower, trailer and a few power tools. Full landscape construction needs more equipment, a ute or truck, and often a licence, which pushes the startup cost much higher.
As a guide, plan for around $6,400 – $61,000 in one-off setup costs and $930 – $10,250 per month in running costs. Adding a three-month cash buffer puts a realistic launch figure at $9,190 – $91,750.
One-off setup costs
The costs you pay once to get up and running:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Ride-on or commercial mower | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Trailer | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Whipper snipper, blower & hand tools | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Ute/vehicle (if needed) | $0 – $30,000 |
| Branding, signage & uniform | $500 – $2,500 |
| Website & marketing | $500 – $3,000 |
| Insurance setup | $400 – $1,500 |
Totals roughly $6,400 – $61,000. Buying used or starting lean lands you near the lower end.
Monthly running costs
The ongoing costs of operating each month:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (vehicle + equipment) | $400 – $1,500 |
| Equipment maintenance & blades | $150 – $700 |
| Public liability insurance | $80 – $250 |
| Marketing & lead gen | $200 – $1,200 |
| Green waste tip fees | $100 – $600 |
| Staff/casual wages | $0 – $6,000 |
Totals roughly $930 – $10,250 per month. Work out your break-even point →
Licences & registrations
- ABN registration
- Public liability insurance
- Contractor/landscaping licence for larger structural work (varies by state)
- White Card for construction-related work
- Chemical use accreditation if spraying
Not legal advice — requirements vary by state and council. Check business.gov.au and your local council.
Tips to start lean
- Regular fortnightly maintenance rounds give predictable, route-efficient income.
- Second-hand commercial mowers hold value and cost far less than new.
- Cluster clients by suburb to cut travel time and fuel between jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a landscaping & lawn mowing business in Australia?
A small, owner-operated start typically costs around $9,190 – $91,750. That covers roughly $6,400 – $61,000 in one-off setup costs plus a three-month buffer for running costs of about $930 – $10,250 per month. Your actual figure depends heavily on scale, location and whether you buy new or used.
What are the ongoing monthly costs?
Expect ongoing running costs of roughly $930 – $10,250 per month, covering items like fuel (vehicle + equipment), equipment maintenance & blades, public liability insurance and more. Use the break-even calculator to see how many sales cover these.
What licences or registrations do I need?
Common requirements include: ABN registration; Public liability insurance; Contractor/landscaping licence for larger structural work (varies by state); White Card for construction-related work; Chemical use accreditation if spraying. Always confirm the exact requirements with your state and local council.
Can I start a landscaping & lawn mowing business cheaply?
Yes — the low end of the range (around $9,190) is realistic if you start lean: buy used equipment, start from home or solo where possible, and avoid a fixed lease until demand is proven.
Cost ranges are general estimates for 2025–26 and vary widely by location, scale and choices. Not financial or business advice.