How to Start a Landscaping Business in Missouri
Landscape design and installation in Missouri.
Missouri's suburban growth creates excellent opportunities for landscaping businesses. With LLC filing at just $50 and no annual reports, formation costs are minimal. Mowing requires no license, though chemical applications need Missouri Department of Agriculture certification.
Important Notices
MDA Certification Required
Applying fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide commercially requires Missouri Department of Agriculture certification.
Best LLC Value
Missouri's $50 LLC filing with no annual reports is one of the best deals in the nation.
Workers' Comp Threshold
Missouri requires workers' compensation if you have 5 or more employees.
Important Notices
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Mower Zero-turn for efficiency | $1,300 | $6,500 |
| Truck & Trailer Equipment transport | $0 | $10,000 |
| Hand Tools & Equipment Trimmers, edgers, blowers | $350 | $2,200 |
| Landscaping Tools Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows | $350 | $2,200 |
| Irrigation Equipment If offering irrigation | $0 | $3,500 |
| LLC Formation Missouri filing fee | $50 | $105 |
| Insurance General liability + vehicle | $700 | $2,200 |
| MDA Certification (Optional) For chemical applications | $50 | $100 |
| Total | $2,800 | $26,805 |
Contractor License & Requirements
LLC Registration
Missouri Secretary of State, NO annual reports!
Same day online
MDA Pesticide Applicator License
Required for fertilizer/pesticide applications
2-4 weeks
General Liability Insurance
Higher coverage for landscaping
1 day
Contractor License & Requirements
Kansas City
508,000Largest market, suburban sprawl, corporate properties ($115-250/mo)
St. Louis
293,000Strong suburbs, historic neighborhoods ($100-225/mo)
Springfield
169,000Growing suburbs, less competition ($90-175/mo)
Columbia
126,000College town, rental properties ($85-160/mo)
Landscaping Costs in Other States
View all 50 statesMissouri Landscaping Tips
Maintenance Base
HOA Contracts
Snow Removal Add-On
Fall Cleanup Revenue
New Construction
Native Plants
Missouri Landscaping Tips
Define Your Services
Maintenance, design/install, hardscaping, irrigation. Each has different requirements.
Register Your Business
File LLC online ($50). Same day processing, no annual reports!
Get Insurance
General liability and commercial auto. Higher limits for design/install work.
Purchase Equipment
Start with commercial mower, trailer, basic tools. Add as services expand.
Get Certified (If Needed)
MDA certification for chemical applications through Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Set Pricing
Kansas City maintenance: $115-250/month. St. Louis: $100-225. Design/install: $2,200-35,000+ per project.
Build Crews
Hire workers as you grow. Workers' comp required if 5+ employees.
Market Services
Before/after portfolio, Google Business, HOA relationships.