If you're looking to invest in a profitable service business with recurring revenue, buying a landscaping or lawn care business in California can be a smart move. With year-round demand, high scalability, and low barriers to entry, this industry appeals to both first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned operators.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find, evaluate, and buy landscaping and lawn maintenance businesses plus how to use BizBen.com, California’s leading business-for-sale marketplace, to identify the best opportunities.
Why Invest in a Landscaping or Lawn Care Business?
California’s mild climate and expansive residential and commercial development make it a strong, evergreen market for property maintenance services. Key advantages include:
Recurring service contracts (weekly, monthly, seasonal)
Minimal overhead and startup costs
Scalability through crews, routes, or territory expansion
Diverse services including lawn care, irrigation, tree trimming, hardscaping, and more
Loyal client bases with long-term retention
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Landscaping Business in California
1. Identify Your Business Criteria
Ask yourself:
Do you want a solo-operated business, or a larger company with crews?
Are you interested in residential, commercial, or municipal contracts?
- What size business fits your goals: under $100K in revenue or $1M+?
Would you prefer an independent company or a franchise resale?
2. Search Active Listings on BizBen.com
Listings often include:
Gross and net income
Contract types (residential vs. commercial)
Crew size and equipment list
Vehicle and trailer assets
Customer retention metrics
- Real estate (if included)
- Seller training or transition plans
- Use BizBen’s filters to narrow by region, price, cash flow, and type of business.
3. Post a Business Wanted Ad
some of the best businesses never hit public listings. You can post a free "Business Wanted" ad on BizBen.com and get directly contacted by motivated sellers or brokers with off-market listings that meet your criteria.
4. Connect With Industry Brokers
Landscaping businesses often involve route-based operations, long-term contracts, and a strong reputation elements that are hard to evaluate without experience. Working with a BizBen-verified business broker can help you:
Understand the customer and employee base
Review equipment value and condition
Evaluate seasonal revenue fluctuations
- Assess licensing and legal compliance
Negotiate favorable terms
Need help? BizBen can connect you with landscaping business brokers across California.
What to Evaluate Before Buying
Here are critical factors to assess:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Cash Flow | Recurring income, low churn |
| Client Contracts | Written agreements or long-term relationships |
| Employees | Trained crew, retention, payroll cost |
| Equipment | Condition, ownership (leased or owned), replacement cost |
| Licenses | California contractor license (C-27), local permits, insurance |
| Seasonality | Regional weather impact on revenue and scheduling |
| Vehicles | Operational status, maintenance records, title status |
| Reputation | Yelp, Google, BBB reviews, brand presence |
Financing Your Purchase
Financing options include:
SBA 7(a) Loans – Common for buyers of profitable service businesses
Seller Financing – May be available for smaller or owner-operated firms
conventional Lending – Possible if real estate is included
- private Capital – Great for smaller deals under $150K
- Pro Tip: BizBen’s buyer resources and financing advisors can help you secure funding pre-qualification to make your offer more competitive.
Transition and Growth Potential
Most sellers offer 2–4 weeks of post-sale training, helping you retain customers and learn the operations.
Opportunities to grow:
Add services (tree trimming, pest control, pressure washing)
Expand into adjacent territories
Invest in marketing and digital presence
Franchise or subcontract additional crews
Popular Areas in California for Landscaping Business Buyers
Los Angeles County – Dense residential areas, HOAs, and commercial clients
San Diego & Orange County – Strong demand for year-round lawn care
Bay Area – High-income neighborhoods and tech campuses
Sacramento & Central Valley – Fast-growing suburban and rural opportunities
Start Your Search Today on BizBen
BizBen has helped thousands of buyers connect with California business opportunities since 1994. With powerful search filters, industry-specific advice, expert brokers, and a trusted marketplace of verified listings, BizBen is your go-to source for buying a landscaping or lawn care company.