In a booming $100 billion landscaping industry, The Grounds Guys—a leading Neighborly™ brand—is emerging as a top franchise choice for entrepreneurs looking to break into the home services market. With a proven, scalable business model and a diverse range of residential and commercial lawn care services, The Grounds Guys offers more than just a seasonal opportunity—it’s a pathway to building long-term wealth and a legacy of local impact.

Backed by Neighborly’s expansive franchise ecosystem, The Grounds Guys equips franchisees with unmatched support, marketing power, and a culture rooted in care, professionalism, and community service. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a first-time business owner, this franchise presents a compelling opportunity to grow a service-based business with purpose and profitability.

Sowing the Seeds: How The Grounds Guys Franchise Grew from a Family Business to a Franchise Powerhouse.

What began in 1987 as Sunshine Grounds Care, a local venture started by ten ambitious brothers, has blossomed into one of North America’s most trusted names in landscaping: The Grounds Guys. In 2010, the company rebranded and joined the renowned Neighborly™ network—a strategic move that unlocked a new era of innovation, scalability, and nationwide growth.

Now with over 250 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada, The Grounds Guys has become more than a lawn care provider—it’s a symbol of legacy, adaptability, and franchise excellence. With its headquarters in Waco, Texas, the brand has continued to evolve alongside the demands of modern homeowners and commercial clients. The Neighborly partnership brought a surge of cutting-edge technology, enhanced operational support, and robust marketing systems that set franchisees up for long-term success.

By transitioning from a grassroots grounds care company to a full-scale landscaping franchise, The Grounds Guys has stayed rooted in its commitment to customer service while building a business model designed for growth and resilience. This rare combination of community connection and franchise infrastructure positions it as a leader in the home services space.

Branching Out: A Full-Service Landscaping Franchise Designed for All Seasons.

While many landscaping businesses grapple with seasonal slowdowns, The Grounds Guys franchise thrives year-round thanks to a recurring revenue model that maximizes income across all four seasons. This full-service approach not only keeps franchisees busy throughout the year but also helps build strong, long-term customer relationships through a diverse suite of offerings.

Core Services That Drive Year-Round Revenue.

Franchise owners are equipped to deliver a wide range of high-demand services, including:

• Lawn maintenance and renovation
• Landscape design and installation
• Hardscaping and outdoor lighting
• Fertilization and weed control
• Irrigation system management
• Snow and ice removal
• Holiday lighting installations
• Trash and debris removal
• Arboriculture services
• Municipal and commercial turf care

This extensive service catalog empowers franchisees to meet the needs of residential, commercial, and municipal clients alike. From spring planting and summer lawn care to fall clean-ups and winter snow removal, there’s always a service in season—ensuring franchise owners never face the feast-or-famine cycles typical of other home service industries.

Moreover, The Grounds Guys’ model emphasizes cross-selling and service bundling, allowing franchisees to increase revenue per customer efficiently. For example, a homeowner who signs up for weekly mowing might later add seasonal fertilization, outdoor lighting, or irrigation maintenance—all delivered by a single trusted provider.

By offering both aesthetic and functional landscaping solutions, The Grounds Guys is uniquely positioned to serve a broad customer base with a consistent stream of recurring and upsell opportunities, making it a smart investment for those seeking financial stability, operational flexibility, and long-term business growth.

A Day in the Life: What Being a Franchisee Really Looks Like.

Franchise owners operate within an executive ownership model, focusing primarily on business growth, staff management, and customer acquisition. While employees handle the technical fieldwork, owners benefit from flexibility and scalability.

Expect days filled with activities such as:

• Team management and scheduling
  
• Client consultations and service proposals
  
• Marketing strategy implementation
  
• Financial oversight and performance tracking
  
• Community networking and partnership development
  

In addition to these operational tasks, franchisees often find themselves becoming trusted faces in their communities. Whether sponsoring a local event, offering free lawn care to a local school, or supporting veterans’ initiatives, The Grounds Guys fosters involvement that goes beyond business and deepens local ties.

This structure makes the franchise a viable option for both seasoned professionals in landscaping and those transitioning from corporate roles or other industries. It allows business owners to focus on leadership and strategic development while building a team that brings the brand’s promise to life on the ground.

The franchise also appeals to those looking to develop multi-unit operations. With streamlined systems and scalable training, it’s possible for ambitious owners to run multiple territories successfully. The Grounds Guys offers a roadmap for this kind of expansion, making it a smart long-term investment for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Fertile Ground: Investment & Start-Up Costs of a The Grounds Guys Franchise.

Starting your journey with The Grounds Guys involves a clearly defined financial roadmap. The following table combines startup and total investment costs for a comprehensive financial overview:

Type of Expenditure	Estimated Amount*
Initial Franchise Fee	$35,000* (+$350 per 1,000 additional population above minimum)
Software Fee	$1,920*
Vehicle	$7,000 – $82,000*
Equipment, Supplies & Inventory	$21,000 – $41,000*
Insurance	$1,200 – $3,000*
Advertising & Local Marketing Spending	$550 – $15,000*
Training, Travel, Lodging & Food	$2,700 – $5,850*
Deposits, Permits & Licenses	$50 – $3,000*
Professional Fees	$150 – $2,000*
Real Estate	$0 – $6,000*
Additional Funds (3 Months)	$5,000 – $30,000*
Total Investment Range	$74,570 – $224,770 plus any additional franchise fee*

Data based on the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Fees, costs, and figures are estimates and may vary based on location and other factors.

Veterans interested in joining the system can often benefit from discounts on the initial franchise fee—sometimes as high as 20% off—making the opportunity even more attractive for those with a service background.

Beyond the initial investment, it’s important to note that the franchise offers a balanced ratio of cost to value. Franchisees benefit from turnkey systems, name recognition, and a support network that would take years to build independently. These built-in advantages often accelerate the timeline to profitability and reduce costly trial-and-error learning.

The Power of a National Brand with Local Heart.

One of the most compelling benefits of joining The Grounds Guys is its connection to Neighborly, a respected home services network. This affiliation provides franchisees with unparalleled access to cross-promotional marketing, demographic insights, and cutting-edge operational systems.

Support Highlights:

• National and localized marketing strategies
  
• A dedicated Franchise Consultant
  
• Sure Start training program
  
• Industry innovations and tech solutions
  
• Online presence and brand recognition
  

These tools not only set each franchisee up for success from the start but also offer ongoing resources to pivot and evolve as the business landscape changes. The local flair and independence franchisees maintain is enhanced—not compromised—by the extensive support infrastructure.

Franchisees benefit from Neighborly’s expansive customer database and marketing muscle. Through shared campaigns and bundled service offerings, The Grounds Guys is frequently top of mind when customers are considering home maintenance. This network effect gives franchisees a competitive edge that independent landscapers simply can’t match.

Rooted in Culture: The C.A.R.E.S. Philosophy.

The Grounds Guys isn’t just about beautiful lawns—it’s about meaningful impact. At the core of the brand is the “C.A.R.E.S.” philosophy:

• Comprehensive grounds care
  
• Artistry of customer solutions
  
• Real results by friendly, local experts
  
• Elevated customer experience
  
• Service that is dependable and professional
  

This values-driven approach fosters long-term client relationships and builds trust within communities. Franchisees are encouraged to participate in community engagement, sustainability efforts, and uphold a consistent level of service excellence.

Every employee, from lawn technician to owner, is expected to embody this philosophy. It forms the cornerstone of daily operations and fuels customer satisfaction and retention. It’s not just about planting grass—it’s about planting trust.

This philosophy also resonates internally. The culture among franchisees and corporate support staff is collaborative and encouraging. Many owners describe the network as a family, one where everyone is working together to grow stronger.

Green is the New Gold: Where Passion Meets Purpose.

With increasing demand for professional landscaping services and growing environmental awareness, the industry presents fertile ground for business growth. The Grounds Guys capitalizes on:

• Residential property enhancements
  
• Commercial property management
  
• Eco-conscious landscaping trends
  
• Year-round service demands
  

The industry’s size is complemented by its adaptability. Landscaping services are increasingly tied to energy efficiency, environmental aesthetics, and property value appreciation. These trends reflect a broader cultural shift, positioning franchisees to benefit from both economic and ecological demand.

In addition, landscaping and lawn care remain services that cannot be outsourced overseas or digitized—they require local execution. This shields the industry from many of the disruptions facing other sectors and ensures a consistent need for in-person service providers.

Tailored for Success: Who Should Join The Grounds Guys Franchise?

The franchise opportunity appeals to a broad audience, including:

• Corporate professionals seeking business ownership
  
• Veterans utilizing available discounts
  
• Current landscapers wanting to scale with brand support
  
• Entrepreneurs desiring a proven business model
  

With prime territories available, now is an opportune time to plant your roots. Whether you have experience in the lawn care industry or simply a passion for business ownership, this brand meets you where you are and supports your growth every step of the way.

There is also flexibility in how franchisees shape their businesses. Some focus on residential services, while others tap into the lucrative commercial market. Some prefer small, tightly run operations; others envision large, multi-crew enterprises. This versatility allows franchisees to tailor their journey to align with their personal and professional goals.

Ready, Set, Grow: The Training Advantage.

The Grounds Guys invests heavily in franchisee success. From day one, owners are guided through:

• Initial training at headquarters
  
• On-site operational support
  
• Ongoing webinars and workshops
  
• Business planning assistance
  

Training is also tailored to each stage of the business lifecycle, providing updated practices and guidance as your operation matures. With tools that help refine everything from financials to team development, the system equips owners to not just launch, but scale confidently.

Franchisees also have access to a community of peers who are eager to share insights and best practices. Whether you have a question about hiring strategies or want advice on handling weather disruptions, there’s always someone ready to lend support. This collaborative ecosystem creates a unique safety net that few other business ventures offer.

Where Passion Meets Potential.

In the world of franchising, few brands offer the blend of heart, heritage, and high potential that The Grounds Guys delivers. With the backing of Neighborly, an inclusive community-focused culture, and a business model that withstands seasonal shifts, this franchise stands out as a rewarding path for entrepreneurs.

If you’re seeking a business that allows you to build lasting value while beautifying the world around you, now is the perfect time to explore this opportunity.

👉 Interested in owning a Grounds Guys franchise? Contact us today for more information.