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Proprietary Equipment
Turf Tamer applicators ensure precise service delivery, required via lease from franchisor.
Recurring Revenue Model
Lawn care treatments generate repeat business in residential territories.
Seasonal Add-Ons
Mosquito control and holiday lighting services diversify income.
About Lawn Doctor
Lawn Doctor, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey, provides lawn care and maintenance services through a network of 672 franchised units across 42 states as of 2025. The franchisor, Lawn Doctor, Inc., a subsidiary of LD Parent, Inc., requires use of proprietary equipment such as the Turf Tamer Stand-On Applicator and Power Seeder. Services include chemical applications, seeding, liming, fungus control, tree and shrub care, mosquito control, and holiday lighting under the Holiday Lighting Heroes mark.
Operators deliver recurring lawn care treatments using franchisor-supplied proprietary Turf Tamer equipment for precise chemical and seeding applications. Territories, defined by at least 10,000 single-family residences, support home-based operations with protected but non-exclusive rights. Add-on services like mosquito control and seasonal holiday lighting expand revenue streams.
LD Parent, Inc. has the same principal business address as LDI at 142 State Route 34, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733. CNL Strategic Capital, LLC's principal business address is 450 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1400, Orlando, Florida 32801.
The business model
How a Lawn Doctor territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Investment
Ranges from $135,820 to $163,902, including $114,950 to $118,000 franchise fee, vehicle, inventory, and three months working capital.
Ongoing Fees
10% royalty on net revenues, up to 5% marketing, $150 monthly technology fee rising to $250, plus equipment leases.
Supply Chain
90-95% of initial costs and 50-60% ongoing from franchisor or approved suppliers, including exclusive Turf Tamer equipment.
Territory Protection
Geographic areas with at least 10,000 single-family homes, protected from overlap by other Lawn Doctor franchises if compliant.
Marketing Requirements
Annual spend greater of $30,000 or 10% net revenues on local advertising, plus holiday lighting contributions from year two.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$118,000
Total investment range
$135,820 – $163,902
Royalty
10.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
5.00% of gross revenue
Founded
1967
Headquarters
Holmdel, NJ
Active US franchisees
n/a
Total US units
n/a
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training on Lawn Doctor lawn care system prior to opening.
- +Training on Holiday Lighting Heroes services.
- +Access to operating manual, telephonic consultations, and learning management system.
- +Guidance on approved suppliers and confidential operations.
- +Support for required software systems including Service Assistant and QuickBooks Online.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
Cash or Seller Financing
Initial fee and investments payable in cash or as described in FDD Item 10.
Equipment Leasing
Turf Tamer leases at $335.40/month or lump sum; vehicle monthly leases.
Third-Party Lenders
Franchisor receives rebates from vehicle lessors; explore SBA or bank options.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Weeks 1-2: Application and Approval
Submit inquiry, execute franchise agreement, pay initial fee of $114,950-$118,000.
Weeks 3-4: Site and Setup
Select territory with 10,000+ homes, secure home-based space, order vehicle and inventory.
Weeks 5-8: Training
Attend initial training on services and systems; incur $2,500-$4,000 per attendee expenses.
Weeks 9-10: Equipment and Launch Prep
Lease Turf Tamer equipment, install software, purchase opening inventory.
Weeks 11-12: Marketing and Open
Begin local advertising spend, launch operations with three months working capital.
Ongoing: Support
Weekly royalty payments, monthly tech fees, access to field support.
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Take the assessmentCommon questions
How much does a Lawn Doctor franchise cost?
Initial franchise fee is $114,950 to $118,000; total investment ranges from $135,820 to $163,902.
What is the initial investment for Lawn Doctor?
Estimated at $135,820 low end to $163,902 high end, covering fee, vehicle, inventory, training, and three months working capital.
What are Lawn Doctor royalty fees?
10% of net revenues weekly, plus up to 5% marketing and $150 monthly technology fee.
Does Lawn Doctor provide training?
Yes, initial training on lawn care and holiday lighting services before opening, plus ongoing manual, phone, and LMS support.
What is Lawn Doctor Item 19 financial performance?
Net revenues for 202 mature franchisees average $1,170,356; 30% above average, unaudited.
How big is a Lawn Doctor territory?
Geographic area with no less than 10,000 single-family residences, protected if compliant.
Lawn Doctor vs TruGreen franchise?
Lawn Doctor focuses on franchised territories with proprietary equipment; TruGreen is company-operated. Investment $136k-$164k vs higher for competitors.
Lawn Doctor franchise reviews from owners?
Contact current/former franchisees listed in FDD for experiences; 672 units grew net +19 in 2025.
Is Lawn Doctor home-based?
Yes, low end assumes home-based with adequate space, no initial holiday lighting.
Lawn Doctor multi-unit opportunities?
No specific multi-unit development schedule disclosed; transfers occurred 18 times in 2025.