- 3rd November, 2025
- By Paul Hamilton
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Landscaping Business
Do you feel like you’re losing control of your landscaping business?
Running a landscaping business should be exciting. There are plenty of opportunities in today’s market, where homeowners and developers are willing to invest in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. However, many landscapers become burned out due to small (and avoidable) mistakes in their business.
As a landscaper coach who has been through this, I understand what it feels like — and I see it often in my clients. Once you know what to watch out for, you can steer clear of these mistakes and build a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and far less stressful.
Many business founders focus on the skill of landscaping and leave the skill of business in the “I will get around to it” next week box.
Here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid in your landscaping business — and what to do instead.
Not Knowing Your Numbers
The mistake: Relying on “gut feel” instead of financial data. Too many landscapers don’t know their margins, breakeven point, or which services are profitable.
Do this instead: Track your numbers weekly — revenue, gross margin, project costs, overheads. Use a simple forecast dashboard so you can see trends quickly. Profit is made in the numbers, not assumptions.
Underpricing to Win Work
The mistake: Thinking you need to be the cheapest to stay busy. This erodes profit and attracts the wrong type of client. I have guided many of my clients to understand that by “Knowing your numbers” (Step 1), you change the “I think it is/or I am too expensive” mindset to having the confidence to present profitable projects consistently.
Do this instead: Price based on value, not fear. Position your business as a premium service provider. The right clients pay for quality, reliability, and service.
Wearing All the Hats
The mistake: Trying to be an estimator, team leader, site manager, bookkeeper, marketer, and client liaison officer. Burnout follows.
Do this instead: Delegate and empower. Hire or outsource roles outside your strengths. Your highest value is in leading and steering the business, not doing every task.
No Clear Processes
The mistake: Every job runs differently. Crews are confused and lack direction, mistakes happen, and owners constantly “put out fires.” Owners also focus on the less important aspects of the business, with the administrative duties being the first to be overlooked
Do this instead: Create repeatable systems (quoting templates, build schedules and checklists, and onboarding guides). We have a rule that if it is done more than once, then it requires a process/procedure. Set up simple and highly effective processes as a non-negotiable, have a dedicated invoice, and build a review day schedule each week. It reduces chaos and makes your business scalable.
Hiring Too Late (or the Wrong People)
The mistake: Waiting until you’re desperate to hire — or hiring anyone “to fill the role”.
Do this instead: Always be recruiting. Hire for Character, Chemistry and then Competence. This will ensure the team culture is one that your future employees will want to be a part of. Then invest in training so your team reflects your standards.
Ignoring Leadership Development
The mistake: Expecting crews to “just know” how to perform. Lack of leadership leads to turnover and low morale.
Do this instead: Develop yourself and your leaders. Upskill crew leaders on people skills, accountability, and communication. Develop people beyond their roles through one-to-one leadership coaching, which I include for all my CORE Business Plus clients. Strong leadership is a multiplier.
Saying Yes to the Wrong Jobs
The mistake: Taking on work outside your niche “just to stay busy.” This often leads to strain on site, your resources and sends mixed messages to your team.
Do this instead: Get clear on your ideal client and projects and say no to the rest.Specialisation leads to stronger margins, clear staff requirements and happier clients.
Poor Cash Flow Management
The mistake: Living project to project with no reserves. When cash is tight, stress skyrockets.
Do this instead: Review your previous 5 projects. Are you pricing right? Find the gaps and take action. You can only do this by looking back at what has been done. What processes can be implemented immediately? Consider also weekly invoicing and negotiating supplier terms. Healthy cash flow is the lifeblood of your business.
Neglecting Marketing When You’re Busy
The mistake: Stopping marketing when the pipeline looks full. Three months later — no leads.
Do this instead: Build consistent marketing systems. This includes regular social media and meetings with one new designer contact each month. Marketing is an ongoing engine, not a “switch on/switch off” activity.
Forgetting Why You Started
The mistake: Losing passion under the weight of admin, problems, and long hours.Do this instead: Reconnect with your purpose. Schedule time for strategy, innovation, learning, and reflection. Build a business that serves your lifestyle, not the other way around.
If your landscaping business is in the 5–7 year stage, you’re in the critical growth zone. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll move from being “stuck in the weeds” to running a business that gives you freedom, profit, and fulfilment.
If you’d like help diagnosing where your business really stands, I offer a free Landscape Business Health Check. It’s a 30-minute session where we review your numbers, systems, and goals — and map out the next steps to drive your business forward.
If you’re interested, contact me today, and let’s build a business strategy that works.