How to Run a Lawn Mowing & Gardening Services Business in Australia

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How to Run a Lawn Mowing & Gardening Services Business in Australia — Tax, Deductions & Accounting Support from Trinity Accounting Practice

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Trinity Accounting Practice – Accounting Firm in Beverly Hills
159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
02 9543 6804
www.trinitygroup.com.au
Weekend & after-hours appointments available
Book a chat: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

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Why Lawn & Garden Services Are a Strong Business Choice

Australia’s love for outdoor living and beautiful gardens means there’s a steady demand for lawn mowing, gardening, landscaping, and yard maintenance services across suburban and rural areas. Whether you’re a solo operator or managing a small team, running a lawn care business can be profitable — but only if you manage your finances and compliance effectively.

Trinity Accounting Practice helps garden and outdoor service providers across Australia with business setup, bookkeeping, tax, and growth strategy. Here’s what you need to know.

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Starting a Lawn Mowing or Gardening Business

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Choose the Right Structure

Your business structure impacts your tax rate, liability, and growth flexibility.

Sole Trader – simple and low-cost
Partnership – suited for family or shared ventures
Company – offers tax flexibility and asset protection
Trust – common for long-term asset planning

Trinity can help select and register the most suitable structure for your goals.

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Business Registrations

You’ll need:
• ABN
• GST (if revenue > $75,000/year)
• Business name
• Public liability insurance
• Workers compensation (if hiring staff)

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Licences and Compliance

Lawn mowing is generally low-regulation, but depending on your work, you may need:
• Chemical spray licence
• White Card for construction sites
• Council permits for machinery or green waste
• Safe work policies and high-vis gear

Trinity can refer you to insurance and compliance experts.

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Tax-Deductible Expenses for Lawn & Garden Operators

Tools & Equipment

• Lawn mowers
• Whipper snippers
• Hedge trimmers
• Chainsaws
• Trailers and toolboxes
• Spades, pruners, shears

These can be claimed via instant asset write-off or depreciation.

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Vehicle Costs

• Fuel, registration, and insurance
• Maintenance and servicing
• GPS and tool racks
• Finance interest (if applicable)

Use a logbook to track business usage.

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Uniforms & PPE

• Branded shirts and jackets
• Boots, gloves, and goggles
• Sunscreen and safety vests

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Consumables & Materials

• Mulch, fertiliser, weed killer
• Plants and compost
• Signage and stakes

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Office & Admin Expenses

• Phone and internet
• Website and online ads
• Business cards
• Software like Xero or MYOB

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Professional Services

• Accounting and tax advice
• Legal support
• Bookkeeping services

Trinity ensures every claim is properly documented and applied.

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Managing GST, BAS & Tax

If revenue exceeds $75,000 per year:
• Register for GST
• Lodge quarterly BAS
• Track GST collected and claimed

Tax structures:
• Sole traders pay marginal tax rates
• Companies pay 25% for small businesses
• Trusts distribute profits to beneficiaries

Trinity provides BAS, tax lodgement, and planning services for all entity types.

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Subcontractors, Payroll & Hiring

Hiring help? You may need:
• Payroll systems
• Superannuation setup
• Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)

Trinity will:
• Classify workers correctly
• Lodge STP
• Advise on PAYG, super, and contractor rules

Avoid ATO penalties and audits with expert help.

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Bookings, Invoicing & Cash Flow Management

Use the right tools to save time and get paid faster.

Recommended Software:
• ServiceM8
• Jobber
• Xero
• Square or Stripe

Cash Flow Tips:
• Use recurring billing for lawn maintenance
• Request deposits for larger landscaping jobs
• Keep a reserve fund for off-season or emergencies

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Marketing Your Lawn Business

Grow your local presence using:
• Google Business Profile
• Facebook ads targeting your area
• Flyer drops in cafés and mailboxes
• Airtasker, Hipages, or Oneflare listings
• Referral rewards

Trinity can connect you with trusted marketing professionals.

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How Trinity Supports Lawn & Garden Businesses

We’ve worked with gardeners, landscapers, and mowing contractors nationwide.

Business Setup:
• ABN, GST, TFN registration
• Company or trust formation
• Insurance and compliance referrals

Bookkeeping & Xero:
• Weekly or monthly reconciliations
• Setup of quotes and invoicing
• Reporting and cash flow tracking

Tax & BAS:
• GST reporting
• Depreciation of vehicles and equipment
• Year-end tax planning

Payroll & Contractor Compliance:
• STP
• Super payments
• TPAR submission

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Why Lawn Care Professionals Trust Trinity

• Industry-specific accounting knowledge
• ATO compliance support
• Flexible appointment hours
• Certified Xero advisors
• National service coverage

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Let’s Grow Your Lawn & Garden Business Together

Trinity Accounting Practice
159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
02 9543 6804
www.trinitygroup.com.au
Book Now: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

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Explore More

Learn more about what we offer: https://www.trinitygroup.com.au/services
Discover the industries we specialise in: https://www.trinitygroup.com.au/niches
Read more tax and accounting tips on our blog: https://www.trinitygroup.com.au/explore-learn

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