Landscaping companies usually run two businesses at once: recurring maintenance such as mowing and seasonal cleanups, and project work such as installs, hardscapes and irrigation. Each has its own pricing, crew needs and margin. Bookkeeping that separates them shows which side actually funds the business.
Recurring contracts and projects
Maintenance is often billed monthly or per visit; projects are quoted and sometimes billed with a deposit. We record revenue by type so recurring and project margins are visible, and we track deposits received before work starts as a liability until the job is done.
Job costing for installs
For larger projects we code materials, subcontractors and crew hours to each job, so you can compare actual cost with the estimate and price the next job more accurately.
Equipment and vehicles
Mowers, trucks, trailers and skid steers are expensive and wear quickly. Publication 946 explains depreciation; we keep an asset list and track loans and repairs per unit.
Seasonal cash flow
Revenue often peaks in spring and summer and drops in winter, while loan payments and some payroll continue. A cash forecast helps you plan for slow months and decide when to buy equipment.
What our landscaping support covers
- Revenue separated into maintenance and project work
- Job costing on installs and hardscapes
- Crew payroll and equipment records
- Monthly reports and a seasonal cash forecast
See our bookkeeping services or read about construction bookkeeping for larger project work.
Planning for the off-season
Many landscaping businesses earn most of their revenue in a few months. Monthly books and a cash forecast help you set aside money for winter payroll, equipment payments and insurance renewals.
Equipment loans are recorded with principal and interest separated so profit is not understated.
Key terms
Terms that come up often in landscaping & lawn care bookkeeping:
- Depreciation: Depreciation spreads the cost of a long-lived business asset over the years it is used, rather than deducting it all at once.
