Free tools and checklists
Calculators
The same formulas our courses and the Business Builder use. Start from the example numbers, then put in your own.
Revenue, profit and take-home
What a month really leaves you, for the hours you work.
Fuel, supplies, equipment wear.
Insurance, phone, software, marketing.
A planning estimate, not tax advice.
- Revenue (what customers pay)
- $2,880.00
- Operating profit
- $2,267.20
- Estimated take-home
- $1,700.40
- Hours worked
- 70
- Take-home per hour
- $24.29
Starting numbers are an illustrative example. Replace them with yours. Nothing you type is saved or sent.
Break-even: two numbers
Jobs a month to cover your costs, and to also pay yourself.
- Jobs to cover costs
- 11
- Jobs to also pay yourself
- 31
Starting numbers are an illustrative example. Nothing you type is saved or sent.
Printable checklists
Open one here, or print the US-letter PDF with space to write. General planning guidance, not legal, tax or safety advice.
Before you start a lawn care business
Answer these honestly before you buy any equipment.
Printable PDFShow the checklist
- Physical outdoor work in heat, week after week, is realistic for me
- I know at least a few people nearby who already pay for lawn care
- I've looked up what my city, county and state require
- I can cover startup costs without borrowing more than I could repay
- I've estimated my take-home per hour, not just revenue
General planning guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Setup research checklist
What to look into for your location. Record the official source and the date for each answer.
Printable PDFShow the checklist
- Business name and registration: state business registration office
- General business license: city or county clerk or licensing office
- Licenses for chemical treatments (if offered): state department of agriculture
- General liability and vehicle insurance: quotes from two licensed agents
- Self-employment taxes and whether you need an EIN: IRS and a tax professional
- Sales tax on your services: state department of revenue
- A separate bank account for business money
This lists what to research. It is not legal advice and does not register or license anything. Confirm requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.
Standard visit checklist
Use the same routine every visit so quality stays consistent.
Printable PDFShow the checklist
- Walk the yard for hazards before starting
- Mow, edge and trim as agreed
- Blow clippings off paths and driveways
- Final walk-around; close gates
- Record the visit and any notes for next time
Follow each equipment manufacturer's safety instructions and wear protective gear.
Weekly admin checklist
A short weekly routine that keeps money and quality on track.
Printable PDFShow the checklist
- Every visit this week has an invoice
- Late payments followed up, politely
- Cash tracker updated
- Receipts filed
- Complaints or quality issues fixed this week
General planning guidance.
Monthly money review
Once a month, compare what happened with your plan.
Printable PDFShow the checklist
- Cash tracker up to date
- Revenue, operating profit and take-home compared with the plan
- At least three visits re-timed
- Decided whether any price needs to change
- Receipts and invoices filed for the month
General planning guidance, not tax or financial advice.
Pricing worksheet
Find the lowest price that covers your time and costs for one job, then add a margin. The full version, with your own overhead and equipment costs, is part of the Business Builder.
Try the free pricing worksheet
What should one lawn-mowing visit cost?
Lowest price that covers costs
$28.66
Price with your margin
$36
Includes $3.16 of fuel, supplies and equipment wear and $4.50 of monthly overhead per visit. Illustrative example — the business and its numbers are fictional.
Free lessons
Free sample lessons appear here when courses are published.
Get these by email
Free pricing worksheet and sample lessons, a short welcome series, then occasional practical business tips. No spam.