If you own or operate a landscaping services business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for a landscaping service is 561730, classified under Landscaping Services in the Administrative and Support and Waste Management sector. However, landscaping can blur the lines between simple yard maintenance and heavy construction. The right code for your business depends on whether you provide basic lawn care, design large commercial landscapes, or sell plants at retail. This page covers the relevant codes so you can identify the one that fits.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 561730 |
| Industry Title | Landscaping Services |
| Sector | 56 (Administrative and Support and Waste Management) |
| Industry Group | 5617 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 561730 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 561730 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing landscape care and maintenance services and/or installing landscape features.
In simple terms, this code applies to businesses that design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces for aesthetic and functional enjoyment. For landscaping services, this includes:
- Lawn mowing, edging, weeding, and fertilizing
- Planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and laying sod
- Landscape design and installation (softscaping)
- Building small, non-structural garden features like patios, walkways, and decorative garden walls
- Trimming and pruning existing ornamental shrubs and hedges
The important distinction here is ornamental and maintenance work. This code covers making outdoor spaces look good and function well for residential or commercial properties, but it strictly excludes heavy structural construction and agricultural crop production.
Does My Landscaping Business Qualify for Code 561730?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 561730 if:
- You operate a lawn care, yard maintenance, or traditional landscaping crew
- Your main source of revenue comes from planting, mowing, and general yard upkeep
- You build small hardscape features like walkways or fire pits that do not require heavy engineering or structural permits
Your business may not qualify if:
- You do heavy structural work like building large retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, or complex drainage systems that require an engineer’s stamp, which falls under 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors) instead
- You grow plants, trees, or sod in a nursery to sell to other landscapers or retail stores, which falls under 111421 (Nursery and Tree Production) instead
- You clear land of trees and brush to prepare it for new construction, which falls under 238910 (Site Preparation Contractors) instead
- You operate a retail garden center that sells plants and landscaping materials directly to the public, which falls under 444220 (Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Stores) instead
When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most business owners expect. Here is where code 561730 will be required:
- Commercial Insurance. This is highly critical for landscapers. Insurance providers use this code to calculate your General Liability premiums. Landscaping carries specific physical risks, such as property damage from flying rocks thrown by mowers, or damage to underground utilities while digging.
- State Licensing and Pesticide Permits. Most states require a specific license to apply commercial herbicides or pesticides. When you apply for your state’s landscaping or pesticide applicator license, they will ask for your NAICS code.
- SBA Loan Applications. If you need financing to purchase zero-turn mowers, skid steers, trucks, or trailers, the Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code to assess your loan eligibility.
- Business Registration. Most state and local business registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up a new LLC, corporation, or DBA.
- Business Bank Accounts. Many banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a business checking account to ensure your business is classified properly from day one.
561730 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 561730 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services |
| Subsector | 561 | Administrative and Support Services |
| Industry Group | 5617 | Services to Buildings and Dwellings |
| NAICS Industry | 56173 | Landscaping Services |
| National Industry | 561730 | Landscaping Services |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NAICS code if I only do lawn care and mowing?
You still use 561730. The federal government groups basic lawn mowing, fertilizing, and weeding into the exact same category as full-service landscape design and installation. There is no separate code for just mowing grass.
Does code 561730 cover building retaining walls and patios?
It covers small, non-structural hardscaping. If you are building a simple decorative stone walkway or a small garden border, 561730 is correct. However, if you are building a massive retaining wall that requires an engineer’s stamp, heavy excavators, and structural permits, the government considers that construction, and you should use 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors).
What if my landscaping business installs sprinkler systems?
It depends on the complexity. If you are installing basic garden hoses, drip lines, or simple timer-based systems as part of a landscaping package, 561730 works. However, if you are tying directly into the main city water line, installing backflow preventers, and doing work that requires a plumbing permit, many jurisdictions and insurers will expect you to use a plumbing code (238220) for that specific portion of the job.
Are tree removal services considered landscaping?
No. Removing large, dangerous trees—especially near homes or power lines—is classified under 238910 (Site Preparation Contractors). Tree removal requires heavy equipment (like bucket trucks and chippers) and carries a much higher risk of property damage than standard landscaping, which is why it is separated into the construction sector. If you only trim small ornamental bushes, you stay under 561730.