How to Start a Landscaping Business in New Hampshire (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting a landscaping business in New Hampshire does not require a general contractor’s license. However, if your services include applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers – even lawn treatments – you need a commercial pesticide applicator license from the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food (DAMF). The licensing process requires passing a written exam covering a core module and at least one category (G1 for ornamental/shade trees, G2 for turf). No general landscaping license exists, but the pesticide applicator requirement catches most commercial landscapers who do more than basic mowing.

Landscaping Business Requirements in New Hampshire at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
General landscaping license	N/A	Not required	N/A
Commercial pesticide applicator license (if applying pesticides)	NH DAMF Division of Pesticide Control	$60 license fee + $15 exam fee	Before applying any pesticide commercially; 5-year renewal
Core + Category exam prep course (UNH Extension)	UNH Cooperative Extension	~$60/person for 2-day course	Before taking state exam; strongly recommended
LLC formation	NH Secretary of State	$100-$102	1-3 business days
Annual LLC report	NH Secretary of State	$100/year (due April 1)	Annual
General liability insurance	Private carrier	$1,000-$2,500/year	Before operating
Workers’ compensation (if employees)	Private carrier	Varies by payroll	Required for any employees
Commercial auto insurance	Private carrier	$1,200-$3,000/year per vehicle	Before using vehicles for business

How to Start a Landscaping Business in New Hampshire (Step by Step)

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Pesticide Applicator License

In New Hampshire, the requirement for a commercial pesticide applicator license depends on what you apply, not on what you call your business:

• Required: If you apply any pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, or rodenticide that is labeled for commercial application – including lawn treatment products, weed killers, grub treatments, and tree/shrub sprays
• Not required: Pure mowing, pruning (without chemical application), hardscape installation, mulching, or planting services with no pesticide use
• Gray area: Fertilizer application – contact the NH DAMF Division of Pesticide Control at (603) 271-3694 to confirm whether specific fertilizer products trigger the license requirement

More info: agriculture.nh.gov/farms-businesses/pesticides/pesticide-licensing

Step 2: Complete UNH Extension Core and Category Training

The UNH Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program offers the recommended preparation for the NH state pesticide exams. Their training covers both the required Core course and Category course(s):

• Format: Two half-days of instruction + third day for state exams
• Cost: Approximately $60 per person for both instructional days
• Core course: NH pesticide laws, environmental protection, safety, application methods
• Category G1: Shade and Ornamental Pest Control – for treating ornamental flowers, shrubs, and trees
• Category G2: Turf Pest Control – for treating lawns, sports fields, and other turf areas
• Contact UNH Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program: (603) 351-3831
• Website: extension.unh.edu – Pesticide Safety Education

Study materials for the exam are available through UNH Extension. Taking the training course before the state exam is strongly recommended – pass rates are significantly higher for applicants who complete the course.

Step 3: Pass the NH Commercial Pesticide Applicator Exam

The state exam is administered by the NH DAMF Division of Pesticide Control:

• Exam fee: $15 per exam (Core + each Category = $30 minimum for two exams)
• Schedule by calling: (603) 271-3694
• Pass both the Core exam and at least one Category exam
• Category G1 covers ornamental, shade trees, and shrubs
• Category G2 covers turf and lawn pest management
• Most full-service landscapers should take both G1 and G2

Step 4: Apply for Your Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

After passing your exams, apply to the NH DAMF Division of Pesticide Control for your commercial license:

• License fee: $60
• License term: 5 years; renewal required before expiration
• Maintain required liability insurance throughout the license period
• More info: agriculture.nh.gov/farms-businesses/pesticides/pesticide-licensing
• Applications: agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/pesticide-control.htm

Step 5: Form Your Business Entity

Register an LLC with the NH Secretary of State at quickstart.sos.nh.gov. Formation fee: $100-$102. Annual report: $100, due April 1.

Landscaping businesses have real liability exposure – property damage, pesticide drift onto neighboring properties, slip-and-falls, and equipment injuries. An LLC protects your personal home, savings, and vehicle from these claims.

Step 6: Get Business Insurance

Landscaping businesses in NH need multiple coverages:

• General liability ($1M minimum): Covers property damage (broken windows, damaged plants, pesticide drift) and third-party injuries. Many commercial and HOA clients require $1M or $2M minimum.
• Commercial auto: Required for any truck, trailer, or riding mower transported between job sites. Personal auto policies exclude commercial use.
• Inland marine (equipment floater): Covers your mowers, trimmers, blowers, and sprayers if stolen or damaged. NH winters are hard on equipment.
• Workers’ compensation: Required for any employer with any employees under NH RSA 281-A:5. NH workers’ comp rates dropped 6.1% for 2026.

Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in New Hampshire

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC formation (Secretary of State)	$100-$102	One-time
Annual LLC report	$100/year	Due April 1
UNH Extension pesticide training	~$60	Core + Category courses; recommended
Pesticide applicator exam (Core + G1 + G2)	~$45 ($15 x 3 exams)	Per-exam fee
Commercial pesticide applicator license	$60	5-year term
General liability insurance ($1M)	$1,000-$2,500/year	Annual
Commercial auto insurance	$1,200-$3,000/year	Annual per vehicle
Landscaping equipment (basic)	$3,000-$20,000	Mower, trimmer, blower, trailer
Pesticide sprayer and supplies	$200-$1,500	If doing chemical applications
Year 1 Total (solo, basic equipment)	~$6,000-$27,000	Excludes truck purchase

Estimated total startup cost: $6,000-$27,000 (equipment only) or $25,000-$65,000+ (with truck/trailer)

Related New Hampshire Business Guides

• How to Start a Cleaning Service in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Food Truck in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Daycare in New Hampshire
• How to Start an HVAC Business in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Hair Salon in New Hampshire
• How to Become a Private Investigator in New Hampshire

← Back to all New Hampshire business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Do landscapers need a license in New Hampshire?

There is no general landscaping contractor license in New Hampshire. However, if you apply any pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide as part of your services – including lawn treatments, grub control, or tree/shrub spraying – you need a commercial pesticide applicator license from the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food (DAMF). Pure mowing, pruning, and non-chemical landscaping does not require this license. Contact DAMF at (603) 271-3694 with questions about specific products.

What are the NH pesticide applicator exam categories for landscapers?

The primary categories for landscaping businesses are G1 (Shade and Ornamental Pest Control) – for pesticide applications on ornamental flowers, shrubs, and shade trees – and G2 (Turf Pest Control) – for lawn and turf pest management. Most full-service landscapers should obtain both. You must also pass the Core exam before any Category exam. Exam fee: $15 per exam. UNH Extension offers prep courses for approximately $60/person.

How long is the NH commercial pesticide applicator license valid?

The NH commercial pesticide applicator license is valid for 5 years. License fee: $60 (initial and renewal). Renewal requires submitting a renewal application and maintaining current liability insurance. Contact the NH DAMF Division of Pesticide Control at (603) 271-3694 before your expiration date to avoid a lapse in licensure.

Does New Hampshire require landscapers to carry insurance?

Commercial pesticide applicator license holders must maintain liability insurance as a condition of licensure. Beyond that requirement, NH has no general landscaping insurance mandate. However, general liability insurance ($1M minimum) is strongly recommended because landscaping work creates real property damage and injury risks. If you employ any workers, workers’ compensation is required under NH RSA 281-A:5 with no minimum employee threshold.