How Do I Price My Lawn Irrigation Services?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Starting or growing a lawn irrigation business can be a profitable venture—especially as demand for water-efficient landscaping continues to rise. But one of the biggest challenges new and experienced business owners face is how to price lawn irrigation services competitively while still making a healthy profit.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that influence lawn irrigation pricing, offer tips for setting rates, and explain how Wexford Insurance can help protect your business with tailored irrigation business insurance.
Why Pricing Matters in Lawn Irrigation
Pricing your services correctly is essential for:
Covering your costs (labor, equipment, permits, insurance)
Remaining competitive in your local market
Ensuring long-term profitability
Building trust with customers
Whether you're installing lawn sprinkler systems, repairing irrigation lines, or offering seasonal maintenance, your pricing strategy should reflect both the value you provide and the realities of your operating costs.
Key Factors That Affect Lawn Irrigation Pricing
1. Service Type
Installation of new sprinkler systems typically commands higher rates.
Maintenance and repairs may be priced hourly or per visit.
Seasonal services like winterization or spring startup can be bundled or offered as packages.
2. Property Size and Complexity
Larger lawns or properties with complex landscaping require more time and materials.
Sloped terrain, hardscaping, or limited access can increase labor costs.
3. Materials and Equipment
Costs for piping, sprinkler heads, timers, and controllers vary by brand and quality.
Equipment rental or purchase (e.g., trenchers, pipe pullers) should be factored into your pricing.
4. Labor Costs
Include wages, benefits, and training for your crew.
Don’t forget to account for travel time and setup.
5. Local Market Rates
Research competitors in your area to understand average pricing.
Use tools like HomeAdvisor or Angi to benchmark rates.
6. Insurance and Licensing
Having proper irrigation business insurance protects you from liability and builds customer confidence.
Licensing fees and compliance costs should be included in your overhead.
Sample Pricing Models
Flat Rate: Ideal for standard installations or seasonal packages.
Hourly Rate: Useful for repairs or troubleshooting.
Per Zone Pricing: Charge based on the number of irrigation zones installed or serviced.
Custom Quotes: For large or complex projects, offer tailored estimates after a site visit.
Essential Insurance Coverages for Lawn Irrigation Businesses
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping niche service providers including lawn irrigation companies—get the coverage they need. Here are the most important policies to consider:
Protects against third-party property damage or bodily injury claims—essential for on-site work.
Covers tools and equipment while in transit or on job sites, including trenchers, pipe pullers, and sprinkler system components.
Required in most states if you have employees. Covers medical expenses and lost wages due to work-related injuries.
Covers vehicles used for transporting crews, tools, and materials to job sites.
Protects your office, warehouse, or storage facility from risks like fire, theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. This is especially important if you store irrigation equipment or maintain a physical business location.
Call to Action
Ready to protect your lawn irrigation business? Contact Wexford Insurance today and learn how our specialized insurance programs can support your growth.
Bonus Resource: Streamline Your Operations
To help manage your lawn irrigation business more efficiently, consider using Contractor Back Office. They specialize in contractor support services like invoicing, scheduling, CRM, and social media management—giving you more time to focus on growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of insurance do I need to operate a lawn irrigation business legally?
