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Landscaping Contractors in Franklin, Tennessee

Licensed Establishments

1,901

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

March through October, with highest demand April-June and September-October

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

2-5 business days for quotes, longer during peak spring season

Estimate

Common Job Costs

ServiceCost Range
Basic lawn maintenance (monthly)$150 – $400
Landscape design and installation$3,500 – $15,000
Irrigation system installation$2,500 – $8,000
Hardscaping (patios, walkways)$4,000 – $20,000
Tree removal and trimming$300 – $2,500
Sod installation per square foot$2 – $4

Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Tennessee requires Landscape Contractor License through Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Must pass written exam covering plant identification, pesticide safety, business practices. $100 application fee, $50 annual renewal. Separate pesticide applicator license required for chemical treatments.

Permit Requirements

Franklin requires permits for irrigation work connecting to water mains, tree removal over 6 inches diameter, and hardscaping projects over $1000. Building permits needed for retaining walls over 4 feet.

Inspection Schedule

Irrigation connections inspected before backfill. Tree removal permits inspected before work begins. Final inspection required for hardscaping projects with building permits.

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, commercial auto insurance for business vehicles. Bonding requirements vary by project size.

How to Get Licensed

  1. 1

    Complete application

    Submit Tennessee Landscape Contractor License application to Department of Agriculture with $100 fee, proof of insurance, and business registration documents.

  2. 2

    Study for examination

    Prepare for written exam covering Tennessee plant identification, landscape principles, pesticide safety, and business practices. Study materials available from TN Department of Agriculture.

  3. 3

    Schedule and take exam

    Schedule written examination through Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Exam covers technical knowledge and state regulations. Must achieve passing score of 70%.

  4. 4

    Obtain insurance coverage

    Secure required general liability insurance minimum $300,000, workers compensation if employing staff, and commercial vehicle insurance for business operations.

  5. 5

    Receive license and maintain compliance

    Upon passing exam and meeting requirements, receive landscape contractor license. Maintain $50 annual renewal, continuing education requirements, and insurance compliance.

About This Market

Franklin's landscaping market runs hot thanks to affluent neighborhoods, new construction, and homeowners who expect premium work. Competition is fierce with established players and new outfits chasing high-end residential projects. Costs run 15-25% above state average due to client expectations and property values. Irrigation work dominates spring, maintenance keeps crews busy summer, and fall cleanup extends the season. You'll need your Tennessee Landscape Contractor License through the Department of Agriculture - study the plant ID portion hard, they test it thoroughly. Franklin's tree ordinance is strict, so know the permit requirements before touching anything over 6 inches diameter. Peak season runs March through October, but smart contractors book winter design work. Insurance requirements are standard but clients often demand higher coverage. The money's good if you can handle the clientele and deliver quality work on schedule.

Data Sources:

Licensed establishments count: U.S. Census BureauLicensing requirements: Tennessee Department of AgriculturePermit requirements: Franklin Building DepartmentCost ranges: Local contractor estimatesInsurance minimums: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to do landscaping work in Franklin, TN?▾
Yes, Tennessee requires a Landscape Contractor License through the Department of Agriculture for any landscaping business. This includes a written exam and $100 application fee, with $50 annual renewals.
What permits are required for landscape projects in Franklin?▾
Franklin requires permits for irrigation connections to water mains, tree removal over 6 inches diameter, and hardscaping over $1000. Retaining walls over 4 feet need building permits per Franklin Building Department.
When is peak season for landscaping in Franklin, TN?▾
Peak season runs March through October, with highest demand April-June for installations and September-October for fall projects. Winter months focus on design and planning work.
What does landscape design cost in Franklin?▾
Landscape design and installation typically ranges $3,500-$15,000 depending on scope, materials, and property size. Franklin's affluent market drives costs 15-25% above state averages based on local contractor estimates.
How many landscaping contractors operate in Tennessee?▾
According to U.S. Census data, approximately 1,901 licensed landscaping establishments operate in Tennessee, creating competitive market conditions especially in affluent areas like Franklin.

Contractors in Franklin

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