The typical image of a green industry business owner is likely a man. However, a growing number of female owned lawn care business entrepreneurs are successfully breaking into the traditionally male-dominated industry.
The lawn care industry has long been perceived as a man's world, with physical labor and operation of heavy equipment seen as better suited to male workers.
However, women are increasingly challenging these outdated notions and carving out their own place in the field.
From solo operations to larger companies with multiple crews, female owned lawn care business entrepreneurs are sprouting up across the country.
In this article, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re a new or established female owned lawn care business, or you want to know how to support female entrepreneurs, this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Discover the Most Trusted Commercial Lawn Care Equipment on the Market!Get Your FREE Guide!Why Women Are Entering the Green IndustryDid you know, female entrepreneurs have gone up 48%? That outpaces male entrepreneurs by over 20%.
Women entrepreneurs have grown 48% YoY (i.e. year-over-year), which exceeds men entrepreneurs by 22%.
In addition, even though women between 25-34 remain the largest group of female entrepreneurs, there’s still strong growth among these age groups as well:
Plus, there are several factors driving the uptick in the realm of female owned lawn care business:
Entrepreneurial OpportunitiesThe lawn care industry has relatively low barriers to entry, making it an attractive option for women looking to start their own businesses.
With some basic equipment and skills, it's possible to begin servicing residential lawns and grow from there.
Work-Life BalanceOwning a lawn care business can offer freedom and flexibility that's appealing to anyone wanting to balance a career and personal life.
The ability to set one's own schedule is a major draw for many entrepreneurs looking for a more flexible work environment on their own terms.
Connection to NatureMany people are drawn to working outdoors and helping to beautify their communities through lawn care and landscaping.
Increased RepresentationAs more women enter the field, it inspires others to see lawn care as a viable career path.
While female entrepreneurship is an emerging trend, it still makes up a small sector of the green industry space.
In 2020, an estimated 9.86% of landscapers are women, which is a jump from 2014 when it was 8.43%.
This slowly emerging growth in female owned lawn care businesses encourages others to take part in the green industry.
Unique BrandingSince the green industry is still mostly male dominated, it provides a unique branding opportunity for any female owned lawn care business.
Challenges Faced By Women in Lawn CareWhile opportunities are growing, female owned lawn care business entrepreneurs still face some unique challenges:
Physical DemandsLawn care can be physically taxing work. Depending on their stature, some women may need to find creative solutions or build strong teams to handle the more labor-intensive tasks.
Gender BiasSome leads and clients may be skeptical of a woman's ability to handle lawn care. Educating clients and proving competence through quality work is key.
Male-Dominated NetworksIndustry events and supplier relationships have traditionally catered to men, requiring women to actively build their own professional networks.
Equipment Designed for MenMuch lawn care equipment is designed with the average male body in mind, potentially requiring adaptations for female users.
Safety ConcernsAs with anyone running a solo operation, extra precautions to ensure personal safety are crucial if you end up working alone.
9 Tips for a Female Owned Lawn Care BusinessIf you're a woman considering entering the lawn care industry, here are some tips to help you succeed:
Take a look at a few simple ways you can become the leading industry expert in your area:
Listen to the top podcasts for the industry
Start Small and GrowBegin with basic services like mowing. Then, gradually expand your offerings as you gain clients, experience, and capital.
Invest in Quality EquipmentReliable, well-maintained equipment is crucial for any lawn care business trying to maintain efficiency and professionalism.
These are a few essential pieces of equipment to get started:
4.Join Support NetworksConnect with other women and fellow entrepreneurs in the industry through social media groups and professional associations.
Here are a few professional networks to consider joining:
NALP (i.e. National Association of Landscape Professionals)
Emphasize Your StrengthsWhether it's superior customer service, attention to detail, or eco-friendly practices, identify what sets your lawn care business apart from the competition.
Establish a ReputationAs a female owned lawn care business, you have a unique leg up against the competition.
Making your female owned lawn care business a piece of your branding will help you to establish a unique reputation in your area.
In turn, you can help challenge stereotypes and attract clients who value diversity.
For example, these are a few basic PPE items you’ll need to invest into:
Hearing protection
Consider NichesSpecializing in areas like organic lawn care or xeriscaping can help differentiate your business from others.
As a result, you’ll be able to further solidify your unique niche against other local lawn care businesses to maintain long-term success.
SoftwareChoosing the best lawn care software allows you to streamline your business with:
Rapidly optimized routes
Service Autopilot allows you to put your daily tasks on autopilot while ensuring your long-term scalability and maximum profitability.
Grow Your Lawn Care Business... Faster (and with Less Stress)Instant invoicing
Better scheduling
Manage your clients and employees all in one system
Start Software TourThe Future is Green: Being a Successful Female Owned Lawn Care BusinessThe rise of female owned lawn care businesses has begun to diversify and change the shape of the green industry.
This new generation of female business owners is increasing the visibility of women in lawn care, which also inspires a new wave of entrepreneurs.
Plus, the influx of women-owned businesses may drive changes in equipment design, with more ergonomic and adaptable tools being developed to suit a wider range of users.
While challenges remain, the growing presence of women in lawn care is a positive trend that benefits the entire industry with fresh perspectives and passion for the work.
Whether you're a woman considering starting a lawn care business or you want to support female entrepreneurship, it's clear that female owned lawn care businesses are here to stay—and they're helping to make our world a little bit greener, one lawn at a time.
Related: Empowering Your Team Through Technology and Empathy: Lessons from Libby DeLucien
Originally published Aug 14, 2024 11:35 AM CT
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