California's year-round growing season, high-end residential communities, and booming real estate industry create consistent demand for professional landscaping and lawn care services. Whether it’s commercial contracts, residential maintenance, or specialized services like xeriscaping, sod installation, or irrigation systems, the market is ripe with opportunities.
According to BizBen’s active listings, there are dozens of turnkey landscaping businesses for sale across California from small owner-operated shops to large firms with fleet equipment and recurring maintenance contracts.
Key Benefits of Buying an Existing Landscaping Business
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Immediate Cash Flow: Skip the startup phase with an established client base.
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Contracts in Place: Many businesses come with long-term commercial or HOA service contracts.
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Trained Crew & Equipment: Avoid the cost of building a team or acquiring trucks, trailers, and tools.
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Established Reputation: Benefit from local reviews, referrals, and brand recognition.
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Low Overhead: Many operate from home or small office/yard spaces with limited fixed costs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Landscaping Business in California
Step 1: Browse Listings on BizBen
Use filters to sort by:
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City or County
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Asking Price
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Annual Cash Flow
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Gross Revenue
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Franchise vs. Independent
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Owner involvement (hands-on vs. absentee-run)
Pro Tip: Prioritize listings with strong recurring monthly revenue and detailed financials.
Step 2: Understand Common Landscaping Business Models
Depending on your interests and skill set, consider these service models:
| Business Type | Services Offered |
|---|---|
| Residential Lawn Care | Mowing, edging, blowing, hedge trimming |
| Commercial Grounds Maintenance | Office parks, apartment complexes, HOAs |
| Landscape Design/Build | Hardscape installation, lighting, plants |
| Irrigation & Drainage | Sprinkler systems, drip irrigation |
| Tree Trimming/Arborist Services | Tree pruning, removal, permits |
| Sustainable Landscaping | Native plants, xeriscaping, eco-friendly |
Step 3: Evaluate the Business – What to Look For
When reviewing listings, assess:
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Recurring Contracts: Monthly/quarterly maintenance accounts
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Fleet & Equipment: Trucks, trailers, mowers, handheld tools
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Licensing: C-27 contractor license (for design/build), pesticide licenses (if applicable)
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Financials: 2–3 years of Profit & Loss statements, equipment depreciation
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Customer Base: Number of active clients, % commercial vs. residential
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Employees: Number of crew members and roles, wage structure
Warning: Avoid businesses heavily reliant on one or two major clients.
Licensing & Legal Considerations in California
To legally operate a landscaping business in California, ensure you or the seller hold:
| License/Permit | Description |
|---|---|
| C-27 Contractor License | Required for construction-related landscape services over $500 |
| Business License | City/County-specific |
| Seller’s Permit | Required if selling tangible goods (plants, mulch, etc.) |
| Pesticide Applicator License (QAL/QAC) | For applying herbicides or fertilizers |
BizBen listings often include license transferability or seller support to help buyers transition legally.
How to Value a Landscaping Business
Landscaping and lawn care businesses are typically valued based on:
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SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) – Most sell for 2.0x–3.0x SDE
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Asset Value – Fleet vehicles, trailers, mowers, and inventory
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Contract Value – Multiyear agreements with commercial clients
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Customer Concentration – Diversified clients = lower risk
BizBen listings often note whether the business qualifies for SBA financing, which can lower your down payment and increase ROI.
Best California Cities to Buy a Landscaping Business
Based on recent activity on BizBen, these areas are especially active for landscaping/lawn care sales:
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Los Angeles & Orange County – Dense urban zones with affluent residential clients
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San Diego County – Coastal demand, HOAs, drought-tolerant projects
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Bay Area (San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco) – High-end landscape design & maintenance
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Inland Empire – Large commercial zones, lower startup costs
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Sacramento & Central Valley – Growing residential developments, affordable workforce
Tips for First-Time Buyers
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Look for businesses with absentee owner potential if you’re an investor.
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Negotiate seller training for at least 30–90 days.
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Secure a non-compete clause to protect your territory.
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Check if vehicles are owned or leased, and their maintenance history.
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Explore upsell opportunities: irrigation audits, lighting, pressure washing, pest control.
How to Use BizBen to Your Advantage
BizBen.com is California’s go-to marketplace for buying service-based businesses. Here’s why:
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Listings with financial transparency
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Tools for comparing cash flow, asset values, and lease details
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Network of business brokers and SBA loan experts
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Free Buyer Registration for saved searches and alerts
Final Thoughts
With low barriers to entry, strong recurring revenue, and equipment-driven operations, landscaping businesses in California represent an ideal purchase for those seeking consistent income with scalable growth. Whether you want to run a small family crew or scale into commercial contracts, BizBen offers the listings and tools to find your perfect fit.
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