How to Start a Landscaping Business in Utah (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Starting a landscaping business in Utah presents significant opportunities – the state’s water conservation programs, rapid population growth, and outdoor-oriented culture create strong demand for both traditional and water-efficient landscape services. Utah’s licensing requirements depend on what services you offer: basic lawn maintenance (mowing, trimming, weeding) requires no state license, but landscaping construction work (irrigation installation, grading, hardscaping) requires a Specialty Contractor License (S-330) from DOPL. If you apply any pesticides – including herbicides for weed control – you need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Utah’s Landscape Incentive Program, which pays $2/sq ft for grass removal, is creating strong demand for xeriscape and water-efficient landscape contractors.

Landscaping Business Requirements in Utah at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC formation	Utah Division of Corporations	$59	Instant online
S-330 Specialty Contractor License (if doing construction)	Utah DOPL	$210 application	2-4 months
25-hour pre-licensure course (S-330)	ABC, UHBA, or AGC	~$300	Before exam
PSI Trade and Laws & Rules Exams (S-330)	PSI Exams	$72 each	After course
Commercial Pesticide Applicator License	Utah UDAF	$65 (3-year)	2-4 weeks
Commercial Pesticide Business License	Utah UDAF	Varies	After individual license
Local business license	City or county clerk	$50-$200/year	1-2 weeks
Workers’ comp insurance	Private insurer	Varies	Required from 1st employee

How to Start a Landscaping Business in Utah (Step by Step)

Step 1: Determine Which License You Need

Utah’s licensing requirements for landscapers depend entirely on the services you provide:

Service Type	License Required
Lawn mowing, trimming, weeding, leaf blowing, general cleanup	No state contractor license (local business license only)
Irrigation system installation or repair	S-330 Specialty Contractor License from DOPL
Grading, excavation, drainage work	S-330 Specialty Contractor License from DOPL
Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls)	S-330 Specialty Contractor License from DOPL
Xeriscape and water-efficient landscape installation	S-330 Specialty Contractor License from DOPL
Applying herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides	UDAF Commercial Pesticide Applicator + Business License
Selling and planting trees and plants (commercial nursery activity)	Possible UDAF nursery dealer license (verify with UDAF)

Step 2: Form Your Business Entity

Register your landscaping business as an LLC with the Utah Division of Corporations at businessregistration.utah.gov for $59. Processing is instant online. An LLC protects your personal assets from equipment damage claims, property damage during landscaping operations, and employment disputes.

Step 3: S-330 Specialty Contractor License (if applicable)

If you plan to do landscape construction work, you need the S-330 Landscape and Recreation Contractor License from Utah DOPL. Requirements:

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience
Pre-licensure course: 25 hours from an approved provider (ABC, UHBA, or AGC; ~$300)
PSI Trade Exam: Landscape contractor trade exam, 70% passing score, $72
PSI Laws & Rules Exam: Utah contractor laws and rules, 70% passing score, $72
Application fee: $210 (includes first classification)
General liability insurance: Minimum $100,000 per incident / $300,000 aggregate (DOPL as certificate holder)
Surety bond: Set by DOPL based on individual review
Workers’ compensation: Required if employing workers
Continuing education: 6 hours per 2-year renewal cycle

Apply at commerce.utah.gov/dopl/contracting/ or call DOPL at (801) 530-6628.

Step 4: Commercial Pesticide Licenses (if applying any pesticides)

This is a critical requirement that many landscapers overlook: herbicides are pesticides. Even spot-treating weeds for a client requires a commercial pesticide license if done for hire. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) issues these licenses. As of May 1, 2025, all UDAF licensing is processed through the AIMS (Agriculture Information Management System).

Individual Commercial Pesticide Applicator License:

Fee: $65 for a 3-year license OR $55 for 1-year + $35/year renewal ($125 total over 3 years)
Pass written exams in the required categories (Laws and Safety exam + category-specific exams like Ornamental and Turf)
Adding categories later: $15 per additional category

Commercial Pesticide Business License:

Required separately for the business entity if the business applies pesticides on others’ property for hire
The business must employ at least one Qualifying Party (QP) – a certified commercial pesticide applicator who supervises all pesticide application activities
Apply through UDAF’s AIMS system at ag.utah.gov/pesticides/apply-or-renew/
Contact UDAF at (801) 982-2200 for current business license fees

Step 5: Utah’s Landscape Incentive Program – A Business Opportunity

Utah’s Landscape Incentive Program (managed by conservewater.utah.gov) pays property owners $2 per square foot to replace traditional grass with water-efficient landscaping, up to $50,000 per application. This state-funded program creates significant business opportunities for landscapers who specialize in xeriscape, native plants, and water-efficient designs.

Additional water-wise requirements to be aware of:

New commercial development must limit lawn to no more than 20% of the landscaped area under state law
Local water agencies have additional water-efficient landscape ordinances
Landscapers familiar with Utah-adapted plants and xeriscape design have a strong competitive advantage

Step 6: Get Insurance and Workers’ Compensation

Purchase general liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence is standard for landscaping contractors) and commercial auto insurance for your vehicles and equipment. Workers’ compensation insurance is required from your first employee – Utah has no minimum employee threshold. Landscaping work is classified as higher-risk, so expect higher-than-average workers’ comp premiums. Comply with UOSH (Utah OSHA) standards for equipment safety, chemical handling, and heat illness prevention.

Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in Utah

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC formation	$59	One-time, online, instant
LLC annual renewal	$18/year
S-330 pre-licensure course	~$300	Only if doing construction work
PSI Trade + Laws & Rules Exams	$144 ($72 x 2)	Only if doing construction work
S-330 DOPL application fee	$210	Only if doing construction work
Commercial Pesticide Applicator License	$65 (3-year)	Required if applying any pesticides
Commercial Pesticide Business License	Varies (contact UDAF)	Required for business applying pesticides
Local business license	$50-$200/year
General liability insurance	$1,000-$3,000/year	$1M coverage typical
Commercial auto insurance	$1,500-$4,000/year	For trucks and trailers
Workers’ comp insurance	Varies by payroll	Required from 1st employee
Equipment (mowers, trimmers, etc.)	$3,000-$20,000	Varies by service scope
Trailer and towing vehicle	$5,000-$40,000	New or used

Estimated startup cost (maintenance only, no construction): $3,000-$10,000

Estimated startup cost (full-service landscaping with S-330): $8,000-$25,000+

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do landscapers in Utah need a contractor license?

It depends on your services. Basic maintenance (mowing, trimming, weeding, general cleanup) requires no state contractor license – just a local business license. However, if you perform landscape construction work (irrigation installation, grading, hardscaping, drainage systems), you need an S-330 Specialty Contractor License from DOPL. Consult DOPL at (801) 530-6628 if you are unsure whether your services trigger the licensing requirement.

Do I need a pesticide license to pull weeds for clients?

Manual weeding (by hand or mechanical tools) does not require a pesticide license. However, if you apply any chemical herbicides, insecticides, or other pesticides – even spot-treating weeds – on a client’s property for hire, you need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from UDAF and a Commercial Pesticide Business License for your company. The fee is $65 for a 3-year individual license.

What is Utah’s Landscape Incentive Program?

Utah’s Landscape Incentive Program, managed through conservewater.utah.gov, pays property owners $2 per square foot to replace traditional grass with water-efficient landscaping, up to $50,000 per application. This creates significant demand for landscapers who specialize in xeriscape, native Utah plants, and water-efficient design. It is a major business opportunity for landscapers who market these services.

Are landscaping services taxable in Utah?

It depends on the service. Basic landscaping maintenance (mowing, trimming, cleanup) performed on real property is generally not subject to Utah sales tax. However, landscaping services classified as construction or installation may be taxable depending on the specific work and contract structure. Plants, sod, and materials you sell to clients are taxable. Consult the Utah State Tax Commission or a tax advisor for guidance on your specific service mix.

What insurance does a Utah landscaping contractor need?

For basic maintenance: general liability insurance ($1M minimum) and workers’ comp from the first employee. For S-330 licensed contractors: DOPL requires a minimum of $100,000 per incident / $300,000 aggregate general liability insurance with DOPL as certificate holder, plus a surety bond. All contractors need commercial auto insurance for business vehicles.

How do I get a pesticide applicator license in Utah?

Apply through UDAF’s AIMS (Agriculture Information Management System) at ag.utah.gov/pesticides/. You must pass the Laws and Safety exam plus one or more category-specific exams (such as Ornamental and Turf for landscaping). The individual applicator license costs $65 for 3 years. Contact UDAF at (801) 982-2200 for assistance with your specific situation.

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About the Author

Robert Smith has run a licensed private investigation firm for 8 years from the Florida-Georgia state line - where he learned firsthand how wildly business licensing rules differ between states just miles apart. He personally researched requirements across all 50 states and D.C., reviewing hundreds of government sources over hundreds of hours to build guides he wished existed when he started. Not a lawyer or accountant - just a business owner who has done the research so you don't have to.

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