What a gardener's costs look like
The general rules are in expenses you can claim: you can deduct costs that are wholly and exclusively for the business. This page covers what that means in lawn care and garden maintenance.
| Example running cost | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability insurance | £20 | £240 |
| Van or trailer, fuel and servicing | £200 | £2,400 |
| Mower and tool repayments and servicing | £80 | £960 |
| Rounds software | £35 | £420 |
| Advertising | £30 | £360 |
| Total | £365 | £4,380 |
The kit you'll claim for
Most small traders on the cash basis can deduct the cost of equipment in the year they pay for it. Cars are treated differently. Typical items:
- A mower, strimmer and edger: Start with reliable, serviceable machines rather than the cheapest
- A hedge trimmer and a blower: For hedges and clearing up
- A van or trailer: To carry the kit and the waste
- Protective gear: ear defenders, eye protection, boots: Noise and flying debris are daily hazards
- Sacks, tools and a rake: The small kit you use every visit
Running costs to keep receipts for
- Fuel and two-stroke oil
- Strimmer line and blades
- Mower servicing
- Sacks and a tip permit or fees
- Lawn feed, if you do treatments
Easy to forget in lawn care and garden maintenance
- Fuel for machines, as well as the van
- Servicing and sharpening
- Tip or recycling charges for green waste
- Training and certification for sprays or chainsaws
Vehicle costs
Most gardeners claim either a flat rate per mile (55p for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026-27, then 25p) or the actual running costs of the vehicle, but not both on the same vehicle. Compare them over a year before you choose, because once you use the flat rate for a vehicle you must stick to it. The details are in expenses you can claim.
Keep records as you go
Photograph each receipt on the day and file it under the right heading. Your accountant, or HMRC if they ask, will want to see the receipt behind every figure.
Run your lawn care and garden maintenance in WorkWise
A repeating diary: Each customer has how often you go and a next visit, so fortnightly gardens repeat across the week without rebuilding it.