What I’ve Learned About Lawn Care From the Ground Up
When most people think about landscaping, they picture big projects—retaining walls, patio builds, full garden designs. But the truth is, a good landscaping business often starts right where the grass grows: with solid, reliable lawn care. Whether you’re thinking about getting into the business yourself, or just curious what it takes to get a yard in good shape, here’s what I’ve learned since starting Hunter Ridge Landscaping in Evington, VA.
When I first started cutting grass, my brother and I were walking door to door with a push mower we had to rent from our dad. It wasn’t fancy, and we charged almost nothing, but we learned how to mow clean lines, edge walkways, and make a yard look put-together.
You don’t need a trailer full of commercial equipment to get going. A well-running mower, a good trimmer, and a blower will take you further than you think—especially if you’re working in your own neighborhood. Start small, learn how different lawns behave through the seasons, and build your reputation by showing up when you say you will.
Anyone can run a mower over a yard. The folks who build lasting landscaping businesses pay attention to the small things—mowing height, blade sharpness, and trimming that doesn’t scalp the turf. Healthy grass comes from consistent care, not shortcuts.
The goal with each yard isn’t just to “knock it out” but to leave it in better shape than you found it. That could mean bagging clippings when needed, noticing compacted areas that might need aeration, or recommending mulch when bare beds are drying out the edges of a lawn.
Lawn care is personal. You’re on someone’s property every week, and often while they’re at work or with their family. That means trust matters.
A quick text update, remembering a gate latch, or blowing grass off a side porch someone always forgets—these little things build trust. Some of my best customers came from neighbors seeing a tidy yard and hearing “he’s on time and he listens.”
If you’re starting a business, remember that one satisfied customer is better than three half-done jobs. Show people they matter and they’ll keep you on year after year.
In Central Virginia, yards aren’t always flat or simple. Around Evington and Lynchburg, we’ve got hills, heavy clay soil, shady spots, and a mix of warm- and cool-season grasses. That means one-size-fits-all doesn’t work.
Learn about the grasses in your area, how weather patterns affect growth, and what homeowners typically struggle with (hint: leaf removal in the fall and fast-growing turf in spring). Tailor your services to what actually helps folks—especially older residents or people with less time to tackle it themselves.
You don’t have to offer every service under the sun to get started. In fact, starting with lawn mowing, edging, and cleanup work is a great way to build experience and cash flow without stretching too thin.
That’s how I built Hunter Ridge. I knew I could mow well, trim clean edges, and leave things looking better than when I showed up. As I gained clients and confidence, I started adding brush clearing, mulch delivery, and other small projects that made sense for the yards I already serviced.
If you're just getting into landscaping—or even just trying to improve your own lawn—the best thing you can do is care. Care about the yard, care about your tools, and care about the people you're helping.
Landscaping isn't just about grass. It's about showing up, sweating the details, and taking pride in something small that adds up big over time. Whether you're doing it for your own yard or turning it into a career, start with what you can do well—and keep growing from there.
