Lawn Doctor Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Lawn Doctor was founded in 1967 by Bob Magda and Tony Giordano in Matawan, New Jersey. The idea for the company originated when Tony, a hardware store owner, saw the need for professional lawn care services among new homeowners.
This inspired him and Bob, who had a background in mechanical engineering, to create the industry’s first automated lawn care machine.
The company quickly grew in popularity, and the name “Lawn Doctor” was established, becoming synonymous with reliable lawn care services. Lawn Doctor began franchising in 1967.
Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey, Lawn Doctor offers a range of services including lawn fertilization, weed control, pest control, and tree and shrub care.
The franchise is known for its proprietary Turf Tamer® equipment, which ensures precise and efficient lawn treatments. What sets Lawn Doctor apart from the competition is its commitment to customer satisfaction, local ownership of franchises, and a comprehensive satisfaction guarantee.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Lawn Doctor franchise? It costs on average between $133,000 – $149,000 to start a Lawn Doctor franchised facility.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type Of Expenditure | Lawn Doctor Business Amount | HLH Service Line Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $118,950 to $122,000 | $10,000 |
| Service Vehicle | $1,430 to $1,500 | – |
| Shipping of Turf Tamer Power Seeder | $0 to $500 | – |
| Computer Software | $225 | $952 |
| Computers | $0 to $2,000 | – |
| Opening Inventory | $500 | $6,000 to $14,000 |
| Rental Space | $0 to $3,000 | – |
| Training Expenses | $1,900 to $2,400 | $600 to $2,000 |
| Utility/Security Deposit | $200 | – |
| Insurance | $350 to $650 | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $9,920 to $16,052 | $500 to $1,000 |
| Service Line Fee | – | $10,000 |
| Start-Up Equipment Package | – | $2,400 to $2,800 |
| Uniforms | – | $250 to $500 |
| Initial Advertising/Marketing | – | $6,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT | $133,475 to $149,027 | $27,702 to $42,252 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT FOR LAWN DOCTOR BUSINESS WITH HLH SERVICE LINE ADDED | $161,177 to $191,279 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Lawn Doctor franchise? A Lawn Doctor franchised business makes on average $656,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $794,000 yearly revenue for similar landscaping franchises.
Below are 10 Lawn Doctor competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Lawn Doctor Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Lawn Doctor locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Lawn Doctor operates over 600 locations across the United States. The majority of these are franchise-owned, with a small number managed by the company itself. This extensive network underscores Lawn Doctor’s significant presence in the lawn care industry.
What is the total investment required to open a Lawn Doctor franchise?
The total investment required to open a Lawn Doctor franchise ranges from $133,000 to $149,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Lawn Doctor franchise?
Lawn Doctor franchisees pay a 10% royalty fee on net revenues weekly. Marketing fees include up to 5% of net revenues for the marketing fund, with a required minimum annual local advertising spend of $30,000 or 10% of net revenues, whichever is higher.
If a local marketing fund is established, franchisees may contribute up to 5%, credited toward their local advertising requirement.
What are the financial requirements to become a Lawn Doctor franchisee?
To qualify as a Lawn Doctor franchisee, candidates must meet specific financial criteria. A minimum net worth of $200,000 is required, along with at least $60,000 in liquid capital. These requirements ensure that franchisees possess the financial stability and resources necessary to establish and operate a Lawn Doctor franchise effectively.
How much can a Lawn Doctor franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Lawn Doctor franchise are approximately $0.66 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.66 million yearly revenue can result in $99,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Lawn Doctor?
Lawn Doctor is owned by CNL Strategic Capital Management, which acquired a majority interest in the company in 2018. Prior to this acquisition, Lawn Doctor was owned by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a private equity firm that purchased the company in 2012. The company was originally founded in 1967 by Bob Magda and Tony Giordano.
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