Landscaping contractors in
Memphis, Tennessee.
A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Memphis. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Tennessee requires Commercial Pesticide Applicator License for chemical applications (Category 3 - Ornamental and Turf). Written exam required, $75 fee, annual renewal. Irrigation contractors need backflow prevention certification. Tree service requires ISA certification for municipal contracts. No general landscaping license required at state level.
Permit Requirements
Memphis requires permits for irrigation installations connecting to water supply ($45-85). Tree removal permits required for trees over 6 inches diameter on public property. Hardscape projects may require building permits if over $5000 value or affecting drainage.
Inspection Schedule
Irrigation backflow devices inspected annually by certified tester. Tree work on public property inspected by city arborist. No routine inspections for general landscaping unless part of larger construction project.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employees. Commercial auto if using business vehicles. Tree service operations typically need $1M+ coverage.
How to Get Licensed
Determine license needs
Identify if you'll apply pesticides/herbicides (requires Commercial Pesticide Applicator License) or install irrigation (needs backflow certification). General landscaping requires no state license.
Study for pesticide exam
Obtain study materials from Tennessee Department of Agriculture for Category 3 (Ornamental and Turf) exam. Cover pest identification, chemical safety, application methods, and environmental protection.
Schedule and take exam
Register with TN Department of Agriculture, pay $75 fee, and schedule written exam. Must score 70% or higher. Exams offered at regional locations including Memphis.
Submit application
Complete Commercial Pesticide Applicator License application with proof of exam passage, insurance documentation, and required fees. Processing takes 2-3 weeks.
Obtain additional certifications
Get backflow prevention certification if installing irrigation systems. Consider ISA arborist certification for tree service work and municipal contracts.
Register business locally
Register business with Shelby County and obtain Memphis business license if operating within city limits. Set up workers compensation and liability insurance accounts.
About This Market
Memphis landscaping runs hot and heavy from spring through fall, driven by humid subtropical climate that grows everything fast - grass, weeds, you name it. Market's competitive with around 150+ established operators serving metro area. Residential maintenance contracts are bread and butter, but commercial work and new construction installations pay better. Clay soil, drainage issues, and summer heat stress drive up maintenance costs and create opportunities for irrigation and drainage work.
Get your pesticide license first - chemical applications are where you make real money in this climate. Summer heat will kill your crews if you're not careful, so factor labor costs accordingly. City's got rules about tree work and irrigation connections, but permitting's straightforward if you do it right. Peak season books up fast, so line up crews and equipment early. Clay soil means you'll need proper equipment for installations, and drainage problems create year-round revenue opportunities.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Pesticide licensing requirementsTennessee Department of Agriculture Plant Industries Division
- Insurance requirementsTennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Permit requirementsMemphis and Shelby County Building and Permits Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to do landscaping in Memphis, TN?
No general landscaping license required, but you need Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Category 3) for chemical applications, which most profitable operations require. Tennessee Department of Agriculture issues these after written exam and $75 fee.
What's the average cost for lawn maintenance in Memphis?
Monthly residential maintenance runs $150-350 depending on property size and services. Commercial properties typically $0.02-0.05 per square foot for basic mowing and trimming, according to local contractor associations.
When is peak landscaping season in Memphis?
March through October, with installation work heaviest April-June. Year-round maintenance contracts common due to long growing season. Summer heat creates scheduling challenges but extends profitable season compared to northern markets.
What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Tennessee?
Minimum $300,000 general liability per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate required by most commercial clients. Workers compensation mandatory if you have employees. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance sets minimum requirements.
How much do landscaping contractors make in Memphis?
BLS data shows median wage $18.46/hour ($38,397/year) for landscaping workers. Established contractors with proper licensing and commercial accounts typically earn significantly more, with successful operations generating $75,000-150,000+ annually.
Landscaping contractors in Memphis
No contractors listed yet.
Run your landscaping business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.