Lawn Care Franchise vs. Starting Your Own
What five years costs on each path, counting every cost we can source on both sides. Change the revenue to see how royalties grow with your sales.
Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
At a glance
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $30,000 – $118,000Pending verificationSourcesWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Lawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026SpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $81,150 – $252,850Pending verificationSourcesWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Lawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026SpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $5,199 – $16,510*Pending verificationSourcesCutler's — Toro 22297 commercial 21-inch heavy-duty self-propelled mower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Central Maine Equipment — Toro 22297 heavy-duty 21-inch self-propelled mower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Causeway Mower — Toro 22297 heavy-duty 21-inch self-propelled mower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026STIHL USA — FS 91 gasoline grass trimmer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026STIHL USA — professional edgers (FC 91 edger)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026STIHL USA — BR 600 gasoline backpack blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Family Farm & Home — Carry-On 5 ft x 8 ft utility trailer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Exmark — Radius commercial zero-turn mowers(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Load Runner Trailers — new 2027 Hook & Line 6 x 12 enclosed trailer, 3.5k GVWR(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 10 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 5% – 10% of revenuePending verificationSourcesWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Lawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026SpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $26,990 – $28,190Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — lawn care business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $26,990 – $28,190 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $132,018 – $359,307 | $32,189 – $44,700* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $30,000 – $118,000Pending verificationSourcesWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Lawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026SpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $81,150 – $252,850Pending verificationSourcesWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Lawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026SpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $5,199 – $16,510*Pending verificationSourcesCutler's — Toro 22297 commercial 21-inch heavy-duty self-propelled mower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Central Maine Equipment — Toro 22297 heavy-duty 21-inch self-propelled mower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Causeway Mower — Toro 22297 heavy-duty 21-inch self-propelled mower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026STIHL USA — FS 91 gasoline grass trimmer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026STIHL USA — professional edgers (FC 91 edger)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026STIHL USA — BR 600 gasoline backpack blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Family Farm & Home — Carry-On 5 ft x 8 ft utility trailer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Exmark — Radius commercial zero-turn mowers(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Load Runner Trailers — new 2027 Hook & Line 6 x 12 enclosed trailer, 3.5k GVWR(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 10 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 5% – 10% of revenuePending verificationSourcesWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Lawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026SpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $26,990 – $28,190Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — lawn care business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $26,990 – $28,190
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $132,018 – $359,307
- Independent
- $32,189 – $44,700*
5-year totals assume $58,240–$97,500 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Weed Man
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales for 149 U.S. franchised locations open all of 2025, with quarters; one location usually serves many territories.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 149 franchised locations open all of 2025$2,042,513.75 a yearPending verificationSourceWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1 and 2. Gross sales from unaudited franchisee reports, not profit. Leaves out 4 of 153 locations not open all year. At the end of 2025 the 153 locations served 795 territories, so a typical location is much larger than one new territory. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 149 locations$1,693,229.65 a yearPending verificationSourceWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1 and 2. Gross sales from unaudited franchisee reports, not profit. Leaves out 4 of 153 locations not open all year. At the end of 2025 the 153 locations served 795 territories, so a typical location is much larger than one new territory. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, top quarter (39 locations)$4,193,600.39 a yearPending verificationSourceWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1 and 2. Gross sales from unaudited franchisee reports, not profit. Leaves out 4 of 153 locations not open all year. At the end of 2025 the 153 locations served 795 territories, so a typical location is much larger than one new territory. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, bottom quarter (37 locations)$347,272.33 a yearPending verificationSourceWeed Man 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1 and 2. Gross sales from unaudited franchisee reports, not profit. Leaves out 4 of 153 locations not open all year. At the end of 2025 the 153 locations served 795 territories, so a typical location is much larger than one new territory. Your results may differ.
Lawn Doctor
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 net revenues for 202 franchisees open at least two full years, grouped by how many territories they run, plus customer and gross-margin data.
- Average 2025 net revenues, 141 franchisees running 1–3 territories, open 2+ years$639,509 a yearPending verificationSourceLawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table A. Net revenues are gross revenue collected less sales tax and refunds, before expenses, not profit; unaudited weekly franchisee reports. Leaves out holiday-lighting revenue and company-owned units. 46 of 141 one-to-three-territory franchisees (33%) reached their group average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 net revenues, same 141 franchisees$400,901 a yearPending verificationSourceLawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table A. Net revenues are gross revenue collected less sales tax and refunds, before expenses, not profit; unaudited weekly franchisee reports. Leaves out holiday-lighting revenue and company-owned units. 46 of 141 one-to-three-territory franchisees (33%) reached their group average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 net revenues, all 202 franchisees open 2+ years$1,170,356 a yearPending verificationSourceLawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table A. Net revenues are gross revenue collected less sales tax and refunds, before expenses, not profit; unaudited weekly franchisee reports. Leaves out holiday-lighting revenue and company-owned units. 46 of 141 one-to-three-territory franchisees (33%) reached their group average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 net revenues, all 202 franchisees$616,233 a yearPending verificationSourceLawn Doctor 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table A. Net revenues are gross revenue collected less sales tax and refunds, before expenses, not profit; unaudited weekly franchisee reports. Leaves out holiday-lighting revenue and company-owned units. 46 of 141 one-to-three-territory franchisees (33%) reached their group average. Your results may differ.
The Grounds Guys
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales for 105 franchises open at least 3 years and 56 open under 3 years; it leaves out 44 seasonal businesses that reported under 9 months and 20 that closed.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 105 franchises open 3+ years$820,392 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1A and 1B. Gross sales, not profit. Only businesses reporting at least 9 months of 2025 are included; 9 new, 5 transferred, 20 closed and 44 seasonal businesses are left out. 37 of 105 (35%) of the older group reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 105 franchises$533,092 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1A and 1B. Gross sales, not profit. Only businesses reporting at least 9 months of 2025 are included; 9 new, 5 transferred, 20 closed and 44 seasonal businesses are left out. 37 of 105 (35%) of the older group reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 56 franchises open under 3 years$392,054 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1A and 1B. Gross sales, not profit. Only businesses reporting at least 9 months of 2025 are included; 9 new, 5 transferred, 20 closed and 44 seasonal businesses are left out. 37 of 105 (35%) of the older group reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 56 franchises$294,312 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Grounds Guys 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1A and 1B. Gross sales, not profit. Only businesses reporting at least 9 months of 2025 are included; 9 new, 5 transferred, 20 closed and 44 seasonal businesses are left out. 37 of 105 (35%) of the older group reached the average. Your results may differ.
Spring-Green Lawn Care
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales for 72 franchised businesses open at least a full year (single- and multi-territory), plus gross-margin results for 62.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 72 franchised businesses open a full year or more$1,120,124 a yearPending verificationSourceSpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table B. Gross sales (billed, less discounts and taxes), not profit. A business may report several territories together. 28 of 72 (39%) reached the overall average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 72 businesses$929,227 a yearPending verificationSourceSpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table B. Gross sales (billed, less discounts and taxes), not profit. A business may report several territories together. 28 of 72 (39%) reached the overall average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 35 single-territory businesses$773,988 a yearPending verificationSourceSpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table B. Gross sales (billed, less discounts and taxes), not profit. A business may report several territories together. 28 of 72 (39%) reached the overall average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 35 single-territory businesses$608,238 a yearPending verificationSourceSpringGreen 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table B. Gross sales (billed, less discounts and taxes), not profit. A business may report several territories together. 28 of 72 (39%) reached the overall average. Your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Well-known lawn treatment brand with exclusive territories
- 7-day initial training covering agronomy, operations, software and marketing
- A franchise business coach for ongoing support
- Access to Weed Man's own fertilizer products
- Mosquito and tick control (Mosquito Hero) included as an add-on service
- Long-established national lawn treatment brand
- Multi-week initial training at headquarters in Holmdel, New Jersey
- Regional business consultants who visit on site in the first years
- Mosquito, tick and other pest services to sell alongside lawn treatments
- Mowing and maintenance plus landscaping, irrigation and lighting under one brand
- Part of Neighborly, a large home-services franchise group
- Buying network through ProTradeNet
- Local marketing resources and ongoing support
- 20% off the franchise fee for veterans
- Established lawn and tree care treatment brand
- Initial training in operations, marketing, technology and finance
- Ongoing education and national conferences
- Can be added to an existing landscaping or mowing business
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Brand by brand
| Option | Initial investment | Royalties | Marketing fund | Fixed fees | Operating costs | 5-year total | vs. independent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weed Man | $81,150 – $109,400 | $20,384 – $34,125 | $3,494 – $5,850 | $0 | $26,990 – $28,190 | $132,018 – $177,565 | +$99,829 – $143,959 |
| Lawn Doctor | $135,820 – $163,902 | $29,120 – $48,750 | $0 – $24,375 | $9,000 – $15,000 | $26,990 – $28,190 | $200,930 – $280,217 | +$168,741 – $246,611 |
| The Grounds Guys | $107,650 – $252,850 | $14,560 – $29,250 | $5,824 – $9,750 | $39,267 | $26,990 – $28,190 | $194,291 – $359,307 | +$162,102 – $325,701 |
| Spring-Green Lawn Care | $118,898 – $135,176 | $23,296 – $48,750 | $5,824 – $9,750 | $15,600 | $26,990 – $28,190 | $190,608 – $237,466 | +$158,419 – $203,860 |
| Independent (lean start) | $5,199 – $5,416* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $26,990 – $28,190 | $32,189 – $33,606 | — |
Low figures pair the low end of each cost with low revenue; high figures pair the high ends. Franchise initial investment is each brand's FDD Item 7 estimate and already includes the franchise fee. Marketing fund and fixed fees show $0 where we have no sourced figure for that brand.
* Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet.
Costs are only half the picture
A franchise's brand, training, and support can help some owners reach customers faster. Weigh what those are worth to you against the difference above.