How to Expand Your Landscaping Business with Add-on Services?

Hi there, business owners!

Nitin Khanna here from N3 Business Advisors, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—growing your landscaping business by offering add-on services. Whether you’ve been in the landscaping game for a while or you’re just starting to think about expansion, one thing’s for sure: adding complementary services is a smart, strategic way to boost your revenue and keep clients coming back year-round.

You might already be doing excellent work with your core landscaping services—mowing, planting, and garden maintenance—but what if I told you there are simple ways to enhance your service offerings that not only increase your profitability but also provide even more value to your clients? The landscaping industry is full of opportunities for diversification, and with the right approach, you can create a more resilient, scalable business that stands out from the competition.

Let’s break it down step by step. In this article, I’m going to show you exactly how you can expand your landscaping business by adding new services that meet customer needs, increase revenue, and ultimately grow your brand.

 

Why offer add-on services?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why offering add-on services is such a game-changer.

Maximizing your revenue per customer: When you offer more than just basic landscaping, you’re able to tap into additional streams of revenue from your existing client base. Instead of relying solely on one-time projects or seasonal work, you can offer services that keep customers coming back to you all year.

Building long-term relationships: Offering add-ons shows that you’re more than just a lawn care company—you’re a one-stop solution for your client’s outdoor needs. When clients see that you can take care of all their landscaping, outdoor lighting, or pest control, they’re more likely to stick with you for the long haul.

Standing out from the competition: The landscaping market can be crowded. When you’re offering additional services that others don’t, you immediately become the go-to business for comprehensive, high-quality landscaping.

Step 1: Identify the right add-on services for your business

So, what kind of services should you offer? It depends on a few key factors, including your current skillset, client demand, and available resources.

Here are some popular and profitable add-on services to consider:

1. Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance: One of the most natural add-ons for any landscaping company is offering irrigation system installation and maintenance. Many homeowners and businesses with significant green spaces need effective irrigation systems, and once those systems are in place, they need regular maintenance. Why it works: Clients who invest in beautiful lawns and gardens want to protect their investment, and an irrigation system is one of the best ways to do that. Offering this service allows you to step into a slightly more specialized field that not only commands higher fees but also creates recurring maintenance opportunities.
2. Outdoor Lighting: Another excellent add-on is outdoor lighting installation. Outdoor lighting is increasingly popular among homeowners who want to enhance the beauty, safety, and security of their properties. Why it works: Outdoor lighting is a service that not many landscaping companies offer, which gives you a competitive edge. Plus, the installation process is relatively straightforward, and the results are highly visible, offering an immediate sense of satisfaction for your clients.
3. Lawn Fertilization and Pest Control: Fertilization and pest control are crucial for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens, yet many customers don’t want to handle these tasks on their own. Why it works: Offering lawn fertilization and pest control services helps to position your business as an all-in-one lawn care provider. With recurring treatments throughout the year, you ensure repeat business from the same clients.
4. Hardscaping Services: Hardscaping refers to any paved areas in landscaping, including patios, walkways, and retaining walls. If your crew already has experience with landscaping, adding hardscaping services can be a great way to tap into high-ticket projects. Why it works: Hardscaping is often seen as a more premium offering because it involves more planning, materials, and labor than simple lawn care. By positioning yourself as a landscaper who can handle both greenery and hardscape projects, you open the door to larger contracts.

Step 2: Upselling your services effectively

Now that you’ve identified which add-on services to offer, the next step is learning how to effectively upsell these services to your clients.

Here’s how to make the upsell process seamless: Start with an assessment: Every time you visit a client’s property, take note of additional services they might benefit from. Maybe their garden could use an irrigation system, or their pathways would look stunning with some lighting. Mention these ideas during your consultation. Bundle your services: Create attractive packages that combine your core landscaping services with add-ons. For example, you could offer a seasonal package that includes regular lawn maintenance, irrigation system check-ups, and fertilization treatments. Bundling gives customers the impression that they’re getting more value. Showcase your results: Nothing convinces a customer like seeing results. Use before-and-after photos of your projects to demonstrate how your add-on services can transform their space.

Step 3: Invest in training and equipment

It’s one thing to offer additional services, but you need to make sure that you and your team can deliver them to the highest standard. That’s why investing in proper training and equipment is essential when you’re expanding your offerings.

Training: Ensure your crew is trained in any new services you’re adding. Whether it’s learning how to install irrigation systems or gaining certification for pest control, knowledge is key to delivering a high-quality service that your customers will trust. Equipment: Don’t cut corners when it comes to the tools you use. If you’re getting into hardscaping or outdoor lighting, for example, invest in durable, professional-grade equipment that will help your team work efficiently and deliver great results.

Step 4: Promote your add-on services

You could have the best services in the world, but if no one knows about them, they won’t do you any good. Marketing is a huge part of expanding your business with add-ons.

Here are some marketing strategies to promote your new services: Leverage your website: Make sure that your website highlights all the services you offer. Include dedicated pages for each of your add-ons, explaining the benefits and providing real-life examples of your work. Social media marketing: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are perfect for showcasing your projects. Post before-and-after photos of your outdoor lighting installations or hardscaping projects, and use trending hashtags to reach a wider audience. Email campaigns: If you have an existing client list, use email campaigns to introduce your new services. Offer special discounts to existing clients for trying out your new offerings. Referrals: Word of mouth is still incredibly powerful in the landscaping industry. Encourage satisfied customers to refer you to their friends and neighbors by offering a referral discount or incentive.

Step 5: Monitor profitability and adjust as needed

Finally, it’s important to track how these new services are performing and adjust your strategy accordingly. Not every service you add will be a perfect fit, and that’s okay. Monitor profitability, customer satisfaction, and how much time or resources each service requires.

Are customers responding well to your outdoor lighting services? Maybe that’s a sign to expand in that area. Is the profit margin on lawn fertilization lower than expected? Consider adjusting your pricing or focusing on higher-margin services like hardscaping.

Regularly assess the demand and profitability of your add-ons, and don’t be afraid to adjust your offerings based on what works best for your business.

 

Final Thoughts

Expanding your landscaping business with add-on services is one of the best ways to increase your revenue and build stronger relationships with your clients. By offering complementary services like irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, and pest control, you can position yourself as a full-service landscaping provider that clients rely on year-round.

If you’re ready to take your landscaping business to the next level, now’s the time to act. Start by choosing the services that make the most sense for your business, invest in the right training and equipment, and promote your new offerings effectively. Before you know it, you’ll be increasing your revenue and growing your brand as a leader in the landscaping industry.

At N3 Business Advisors, we’re all about helping businesses like yours expand and thrive. If you need help with strategy, scaling, or even thinking about how to maximize the sale value of your landscaping business down the road, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, or let me know how you’re planning to expand your services—I’d love to hear from you!

 

Disclaimer:

Any information provided here is for information purpose only. It should not be considered as legal, accounting or tax advice. Prior to making any decisions, it’s the responsibility of the reader to consult their accountant and lawyer. N3 Business Advisors and its representatives declaims any responsibilities for actions taken by the reader without appropriate professional consultation.