How to start a landscaping business in District of Columbia (2026)
Everything a new landscaping business in District of Columbia needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Licenses
To apply fertilizer or weed control for paying customers you'll likely need a commercial applicator license from DC Department of Energy and Environment.
Your city or county may also require a general business license or tax receipt.
3. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with District of Columbia before your first taxable sale. Register in District of Columbia
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
District of Columbia's yearly report
A biennial report is due April 1, first in the year after you form, then every two years. The state fee is about $300.
Example: an LLC formed today would have its first one due Apr 1, 2027.
Your first-month checklist
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Get general liability insurance
A thrown rock or a damaged sprinkler line is the most common claim in this trade. See options
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Insure your truck and trailer
Business use of a truck and trailer needs commercial auto coverage. See options
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Check the pesticide license rules
To apply fertilizer or weed control for paying customers you'll likely need a commercial applicator license from DC Department of Energy and Environment.
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Finance your equipment
Spreading the cost of mowers and trimmers keeps cash free for payroll and fuel. See options
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Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings. See options
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $51 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $94 |
| Workers' compensation | $169 |
| Commercial auto | $204 |
Source: Insureon, Feb 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in District of Columbia
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.