Landscaping business loans: funding for landscaping companies

Reviewed by Turan Zeynal, Co-Founder, Outset Funding Partners · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

TL;DR

Landscaping companies usually need money for three things: getting through the winter slow season, paying crews and buying materials in the spring rush, and buying trucks, trailers, mowers and skid steers. Equipment financing, a business line of credit, and working capital are the common fits. Through Outset Funding you need $10,000+ in monthly revenue and 6+ months in business; terms and approval come from the lender.

Quick facts

Common uses: Mowers, trailers, trucks, crews, materials
Equipment: Equipment or vehicle financing
Slow season: Line of credit set up in advance
Spring ramp-up: Working capital or line of credit
Min revenue: $10,000/month
Time in business: 6+ months

The 60-second answer

Landscaping cash flow follows the weather. In many parts of the country revenue drops sharply in winter, while insurance, truck payments and key staff still need paying. Then spring arrives and you have to hire, buy mulch, plants and fuel, and fix or replace equipment, all before the first invoices are paid.

The best time to arrange funding is before you need it. A line of credit opened in late summer or fall, while revenue is strong, is easier to get than one applied for in January. If you also do hardscaping or larger site work, our construction and contractor funding guide covers progress payments in more detail.

How it works, step by step

Map your year
List your monthly revenue and fixed costs for the last 12 months. The gap in the slowest months is roughly how much cushion you need.
Apply while revenue is strong
Lenders read recent bank statements. Applying in peak or late season shows your strongest months.
Finance equipment on its own terms
Mowers, trailers, trucks and skid steers can usually secure their own financing, which keeps your line of credit free for payroll and materials.
Line up spring capital early
Have funding ready before the rush, so you can say yes to new contracts instead of waiting on first payments.

Worked example: financing a mower and trailer

Illustration only, with assumed rates. Your actual offer depends on the lender. Say you buy a commercial zero-turn mower for $15,000 and a trailer for $7,000, a total of $22,000. You put 10% down ($2,200) and finance $19,800 at an assumed 12% APR over 48 months.

The monthly payment works out to about $521, and the total interest is about $5,230 over the four years. The question to ask is whether the new equipment lets you take on enough extra accounts to cover that payment in your slowest month, not just in July.

Equipment bought for the business may qualify for tax deductions such as Section 179. Check the rules in IRS Publication 946 and with your accountant before counting on it. If your credit is weak, see our guide to equipment financing with bad credit.

Pros and cons

Pros

✓Equipment can secure its own financing
✓A line of credit smooths out the winter slow season
✓Repeat maintenance contracts help underwriting

Cons

×Seasonal dips can make fixed payments hard in winter
×Applying in the slow season shows weaker bank statements
×Daily-debit advances are costly for routine spring costs

Who qualifies

•Residential and commercial landscaping, lawn care, and hardscaping companies
•$10,000+ in monthly revenue
•6+ months in business
•Business bank account and insurance

Which product fits which landscaping need

Option	When to use	Watch out for
Equipment / vehicle financing	Buying a zero-turn mower, trailer, truck, or skid steer.	The equipment is collateral if you fall behind.
Business line of credit	Covering winter fixed costs and spring materials, drawn only when needed.	Easier to get when applied for during strong months.
Working capital	A short, clear need such as hiring for a big commercial contract.	Daily or weekly payments continue in slow weeks.
Invoice factoring	Commercial or HOA clients that pay 30 to 60 days later.	Per-invoice fees; customers pay the factor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a loan for a landscaping business?

Yes. Lenders look at recent bank statements, time in business, and credit. Through Outset Funding you need $10,000+ in monthly revenue and 6+ months in business. Approval and terms are set by the lender.

How do landscapers handle the winter slow season?

Most plan a cash cushion or open a line of credit while revenue is strong, then draw on it in winter only if needed. Some add snow removal or holiday lighting to keep revenue coming in.

Can I finance a mower or trailer?

Yes. Commercial mowers, trailers, trucks and skid steers are commonly financed as equipment, with the equipment as collateral.

When is the best time to apply?

Late summer or fall, while recent bank statements show your strongest months, and well before the spring rush.

Does Outset Funding lend directly?

No. We match businesses with lending partners. Rates, amounts and approval are set by the lender.

Sources

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