How To Start A Landscaping Business In South Africa
What is a Landscaping ?
Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including the following: Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly called gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beauty within the landscape.
How To Start A Landscaping Business In South Africa
1. Decide what services you want to offer and whether you want to rent or buy equipment
The first step to starting a landscaping business is to acquire your arsenal of landscaping equipment. Once you decide which actual services you want your landscaping business to offer, you’ll know what equipment you need. Then it’ll be time to decide whether you want to buy it outright or opt for the cheaper option of renting.
2. Get the required business insurance, licenses and EIN
There are a few necessary forms of business insurance you need to obtain to conduct business at all. The most important is general liability insurance, which covers everything from the cost of repairs to legal fees to damages that need to be paid out if you or an employee accidentally causes damage. Accidents — like running over a sprinkler head with the mower, for example — happen, and you want to be covered when they do.
3. Get employment law liability insurance before you scale
Another form of insurance you’ll need when starting a landscaping business is employment law liability insurance, which covers your business in case you make mistakes around calculating overtime and wage and hour violations.
4. Develop a marketing plan and decide on prices
When it comes to marketing your landscaping business, you already know where to start: Facebook and other social media, as well as SEO tactics, will increase your search visibility on Google and other search engines.
5. Get your business financials in order
When you’re starting a landscaping business, it’s crucial that you keep your finances on track. And we’re probably past the days of using a pen and paper to keep track of all your business expenses, schedules, and accounts. Even spreadsheet applications, though capable of handling large quantities of information, are a bit outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How much is a landscaper in South Africa?
The average cost of landscaping is R300.00 to R500.00 per square metre.
How do I become a landscaper in South Africa?
Qualifications. The Programme in Landscape Architecture at UCT offers two one-year qualifications in landscape architecture, the BLA (Hons) and the MLA. Graduates from the programme meeting the required criteria can register with the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Professions (SACLAP).
How profitable can a landscaping business in South Africa?
The average profitability for a landscape company is net 5 percent. But Herring says that he believes that a well-run landscaping company should be between 10 and 12 percent. That means that even those companies which consider themselves profitable and successful are falling short of where they could be.
How do you charge grass cuttings in South Africa?
Ideally, you should charge R300 at the very least, for only grass cutting, charge more if your clients want you to do landscaping and gardening. You can be able to make around R27 000 in a month and very little goes towards operating expenses, which is mainly fuel and your lunch money.
How much do landscape architects make in South Africa?
Salary range for the majority of workers in Landscape architects – from R8 548 to R36 164 per month – 2022. A Landscape architects typically earns between R8 548 and R18 576 net per month at the start of the job. After 5 years of service, this is between R11 145 and R22 949 per month for a working week of 45 hours.
Is landscaping a good job in South Africa?
Landscaping is also considered one of the top 10 in a list of Healthiest Careers in the World, according to researchers. A landscaper is always outdoors in nature and beautifying properties in a variety of ways. These physically active employees mow, trim, dig, mulch, rake and more.
How much is grass cutting per square meter South Africa?
Small gardens typically measure between 80 and 120 square metres. Services may include lawn mowing, pruning, tidying, weeding, planting, tree felling, waste removal, etc.
How much do landscapers charge in South Africa?
The average cost of landscaping is R300.00 to R500.00 per square metre.
What is landscape horticulture in South Africa?
science that deals with cultivation of garden crops. Branches: Pomology, Olericulture, Floriculture, landscape Horticulture, Horticultural.
Is landscaping expensive in South Africa?
The price largely depends on the landscaper (more experienced designers charge more) and location. The cost of landscaper consultation typically runs from R450 / hour to R650 / hour, averaging at R550 / hour.
How much do landscape architects make in South Africa?
Salary range for the majority of workers in Landscape architects – from R8 548 to R36 164 per month – 2022. A Landscape architects typically earns between R8 548 and R18 576 net per month at the start of the job. After 5 years of service, this is between R11 145 and R22 949 per month for a working week of 45 hours.