01
Start with confidence
Set up an owner-operated landscaping or lawn-care business on a solid foundation.
Books for landscape professionals
Practical knowledge. Real-world results. Profitable landscaping.
Two comprehensive handbooks for people who want to start, run, and grow a landscaping or lawn-care business while mastering the work itself.
02
Master the work
Use research-based practices for turfgrass, plants, pruning, irrigation, and soil.
03
Price it profitably
Calculate an hourly rate that protects your time, covers costs, and supports growth.
04
Build a lasting business
Handle contracts, bookkeeping, taxes, and customer service professionally.
Two editions. One mission.
Useful information, clearly explained.
American River Press publishes practical books for people working in the landscape and gardening trades. The handbooks combine field knowledge, business guidance, and extensively researched landscape-management practices.
Landscape managementTurfgrass, plants, soil, pruning, irrigation, and responsible water use.
Business startupLicensing, insurance, equipment, supplies, banking, and practical setup.
EstimatingA step-by-step framework for calculating a sustainable hourly rate.
Business managementContracts, bookkeeping, employer requirements, taxes, and customer service.
Choose your edition
One handbook, available in English and Spanish.
The Professional Landscaper's Handbook
Research-based landscape management and practical guidance for starting and running a profitable landscaping or lawn-care business.
Explore the English edition
Guía del jardinero profesional
Una guía práctica para administrar jardines profesionalmente e iniciar y manejar con éxito un negocio de jardinería o paisajismo.
Explorar la edición en español“The Professional Landscaper's Handbook does a nice job summarizing information on a vast array of subjects. I believe it will be very useful for lawn and landscape practitioners.”
Carl Rosen, Professor and Extension Soil Scientist, University of MinnesotaBuilt as a working resource
Read it cover to cover, or use it when a question comes up.
Topics are designed to stand on their own, making the handbook useful both as an introduction and as a practical reference on the job.
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