Are you a landscaper looking to get more phone calls and fill up your schedule? It all starts with being found online. When someone needs a new patio, regular lawn care, or help with a garden design, they grab their phone and start searching. If your website uses the exact words and phrases they're typing into Google, you'll be the one they find and call. This guide will show you the best keywords for landscaping—the simple, powerful terms that connect you with homeowners and businesses ready to hire.
We’re going to skip the complicated language and focus on what works. You don’t need to be a marketing expert to see results. This article breaks down 10 types of keywords, from local service searches to seasonal requests. For each type, we will give you clear examples and show you exactly how to use them on your website to attract the right kind of customers.
To help your landscaping business grow online, you first need to understand how to choose the best keywords for your website. This article builds on that idea, giving you a list made just for the landscaping industry. You'll learn not just what words to use, but why some keywords are more valuable than others. Think of this as your map to getting seen by more local customers, booking more jobs, and growing your business.
1. Local Service Keywords: Your Neighborhood Customers
Local service keywords are the most important for any landscaping company. These are the phrases people type into Google when they need help right away and close by. Think about searches like "lawn care service in Austin" or "landscapers near me." These keywords show that someone is ready to hire, making them some of the best keywords for landscaping companies.
When someone uses a location in their search, they aren't just looking for ideas; they are actively looking to book a service. By using these terms, you're telling search engines like Google that your business is the perfect local choice for that person's needs. This is how you show up in the valuable Google Map section and get calls from customers in your area.
Why It Works
This method works because it directly matches your services to the area where customers are searching. It filters out people who are too far away to hire you. This focuses your marketing on people who can actually become customers.
Key Insight: Using local keywords is the most direct way to find "ready-to-buy" customers. These searchers have already decided they need a landscaper; they just need to find the right one in their town.
How to Use This Strategy
Getting started with local keywords is easy. Focus on adding your service locations naturally across your website and online profiles.
- Create Service Area Pages: Make separate pages on your website for each city, town, or neighborhood you serve. A page for "Landscaping in Scottsdale" and another for "Lawn Care in Mesa" helps you show up in searches in those specific areas.
- Update Your Google Business Profile: Your Google Business Profile is very important for local search. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are correct. Include your main local keywords in your business description and list of services.
- Use Location Words: Add your city or county to your page titles, descriptions, and headings (e.g., "Expert Landscape Design in Brooklyn, NY").
- Get Listed Locally: List your business on local websites like Yelp, Angi, and the local chamber of commerce. Having the same information across these sites builds trust with Google.
2. Residential Keywords: Speaking to Homeowners
Residential keywords are for homeowners looking for landscaping for their own homes. These searches are less about general upkeep and more about creating a personal outdoor space. Examples include "backyard landscaping ideas" or "front yard curb appeal." Homeowners often search with an idea in mind, making these some of the best keywords for landscaping companies that do design and installation work.
When a homeowner searches for "small yard landscaping," they are looking for more than just a service; they want to transform their space. Using these keywords helps you connect with the dreams of homeowners. It positions your business as the expert who can make their vision a reality.

Why It Works
This approach is powerful because it connects with the emotional side of landscaping. Homeowners care about their property and are looking for a trusted partner. By addressing their specific needs, like "privacy hedges for backyard" or "low-maintenance garden design," you build trust and show your expertise before they even call you.
Key Insight: Residential keywords attract customers who are personally and financially invested in their projects. They are often searching for ideas and expert advice, not just a company to do the work.
How to Use This Strategy
To attract homeowners, your online content must speak to their needs and goals. Show them you can create beautiful, useful outdoor spaces.
- Build a Visual Portfolio: Create nice before-and-after photo galleries of your home projects. A homeowner searching for "patio design ideas" is more likely to contact you after seeing your great work.
- Write About Specific Projects: Create blog posts and guides about popular homeowner requests like "Outdoor Kitchen Design" or "Fire Pit Installation." For example, you might use keywords like 'patio installation' or 'garden design.' Learn more about the different backyard elements for a complete landscape to see what your customers are looking for.
- Create Seasonal Guides: Offer homeowners helpful tips with guides like "Spring Garden Prep Checklist" or "How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter." This shows you are an expert and keeps your business in their mind.
- Showcase Testimonials: Feature reviews and stories from happy homeowners. Good reviews from other people are very convincing for customers who want to trust the company working on their home.
3. Commercial Keywords: Targeting Business Clients
While homeowners are a key market, commercial keywords open up a different, often more profitable, source of income. These are the search terms used by property managers and business owners who need landscaping for larger properties like office parks or shopping centers. Phrases like "commercial landscaping services" or "office park lawn maintenance" show they are looking for a reliable business partner, not a one-time home job.
Using these keywords shows your company is a professional that can handle large, ongoing projects. These clients value reliability, insurance, and getting the job done right. By using commercial terms, you attract valuable leads looking for long-term maintenance contracts. This makes them some of the best keywords for landscaping companies that want to grow.
Why It Works
This method is effective because it connects you with clients who see landscaping as a business investment. Commercial contracts are usually larger, last longer, and provide more steady income than home jobs. By focusing on these keywords, you find decision-makers who manage multiple properties and have regular budgets.
Key Insight: Commercial keywords attract clients who care about long-term value and reliability. These business relationships often lead to multi-year contracts and are less about finding the cheapest price.
How to Use This Strategy
To attract commercial clients, you must show you are professional and can handle large projects. Your website and marketing should speak directly to business needs.
- Create Dedicated Commercial Pages: Build specific pages on your site for "Commercial Landscaping Services," "HOA Landscaping," or "Retail Center Maintenance." Use these pages to show your portfolio of commercial work.
- Highlight Your Credentials: Clearly display your licenses, industry awards, and insurance coverage. This builds immediate trust with property managers.
- Showcase Your Portfolio: Use high-quality photos and case studies of your commercial projects. An impressive gallery of your work on office buildings or shopping centers is your best sales tool.
- Speak Their Language: Use terms like "property value," "curb appeal," "safety," and "HOA rules" in your content. Talk about the specific problems a commercial property manager faces.
4. Long-Tail Keywords: Finding Customers Ready to Buy
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that customers use when they are close to making a choice. A general search might be "landscaper," but a long-tail search would be "low-maintenance front yard landscaping for busy homeowners." These phrases are searched for less often but lead to more sales, making them some of the best keywords for landscaping professionals.
When a potential customer uses a very specific phrase, they are no longer just looking around. They are looking for exact solutions to their problems. By using these detailed phrases, you attract visitors who are looking for the exact services you offer. This leads to better leads and a better return on your marketing.
Why It Works
This approach is effective because it targets users who know what they want. Instead of competing with every landscaper for general terms, you connect with customers who have already defined their needs. This means less competition and shows your business is an expert for their specific problem.
Key Insight: Long-tail keywords attract high-quality leads who are further along in the buying process. Answering their specific questions directly builds trust and makes it much more likely they will hire you.
How to Use This Strategy
Using long-tail keywords means creating content that answers specific customer questions and solves their unique problems.
- Create Problem-Solving Content: Write blog posts or build service pages about specific challenges, like "Landscape Design Ideas for Sloped Yards" or "Best Native Plants for Dry Climates."
- Target Question-Based Keywords: Make an FAQ section on your website that answers common questions. Use phrases like "How much does landscape maintenance cost?" or "What are the best plants for shady areas?"
- Build Full Guides: Combine several related long-tail keywords into one big guide. For example, a guide to "Affordable Backyard Patio Landscaping" could cover ideas, materials, and prices.
- Use Keyword Research Tools: Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to find long-tail versions of your main service keywords. Look for questions and phrases with four or more words.
5. Seasonal Keywords: Meeting Timely Demand
Seasonal keywords are search terms that customers use at certain times of the year, based on weather and nature. Phrases like "fall cleanup service" or "spring garden planting" get a lot more searches during their seasons. Using these terms is key for a year-round marketing plan, making them some of the best keywords for landscaping companies.
When a customer searches for a seasonal service, they have a need that can't wait. By matching your marketing and content to these busy times, you can grab their attention at the exact moment they are ready to hire. This smart approach makes sure you are seen when demand for services like leaf removal or snow plowing is at its highest.
Why It Works
This method is effective because it matches your business with the natural flow of customer needs. It lets you plan ahead and use your resources well. You can run ads and special offers when they will have the most impact. This timeliness shows you are a prepared and relevant expert.
Key Insight: Planning your marketing around seasonal keywords lets you ride the wave of customer demand. You can attract highly motivated customers by offering the right service at the perfect time.
How to Use This Strategy
Getting ahead with seasonal keywords means planning your content and marketing schedule in advance. Focus on creating helpful information and offers that match what customers need each season.
- Build a Content Calendar: Plan your blog posts, social media updates, and email campaigns 3-6 months before each season. For example, start promoting "spring cleanup" services in late winter.
- Create Seasonal Service Pages: Make separate pages for your key seasonal services, like "Fall Leaf Removal" or "Winter Snow Plowing." Use relevant keywords on these pages and update them each year.
- Launch Timed Promotions: Run special offers and package deals that match the season. A "Summer Lawn Health Package" or a "Spring Planting Special" can attract new business.
- Adjust Paid Ad Campaigns: Use seasonal keywords in your Google Ads campaigns. Turn them on just before and during the busy season to get the most for your money. This makes sure you don’t waste ad money during the off-season.
6. Maintenance Keywords: The Key to Steady Income
Maintenance keywords are for customers looking for ongoing care rather than a one-time project. These are searches like "monthly lawn care service" or "garden maintenance contract." They show a customer needs regular, scheduled work. Using these keywords is a great way to build a stable and predictable source of income for your business.
Unlike project-based keywords, these searches come from clients who want a long-term relationship. By using maintenance terms, you present your company as a reliable partner for property care. This is key for moving beyond single jobs and building a lasting business with loyal, repeat customers.

Why It Works
This keyword method works because it attracts valuable, long-term customers. Getting one maintenance client can be more profitable over time than doing several one-off projects. It helps you schedule your crews and resources far in advance and makes your income more stable throughout the year.
Key Insight: Using maintenance keywords changes your business from hunting for new jobs to managing a steady client base. These are some of the best keywords for landscaping because they directly lead to predictable, regular income.
How to Use This Strategy
To attract customers looking for ongoing care, you need to show that your business is built for long-term service. Your website and marketing should highlight how reliable and consistent you are.
- Create Maintenance Package Pages: Make specific pages on your website that explain your maintenance plans. For example, have a page for "Weekly Lawn Mowing Services" and another for "Full-Service Seasonal Property Maintenance" with clear price levels.
- Develop Seasonal Content: Publish blog posts or guides about seasonal care, such as "Your Fall Landscape Maintenance Checklist" or "How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring." This shows your knowledge in year-round care.
- Showcase Your Reliability: Use customer reviews and stories on your website that talk about your dependable and consistent maintenance services.
- Focus on Subscription Language: Use words like "monthly plans," "seasonal contracts," and "annual care packages" on your site. This language directly matches what people are searching for.
7. Informational Keywords: Become the Local Expert
Not every searcher is ready to hire a landscaper today. Many start by looking for information, advice, and ideas. Informational keywords attract this curious audience with searches like "how to design a backyard" or "what plants grow best in shade." While they don't show someone is ready to buy right away, these are some of the best keywords for landscaping because they help you build trust and authority.
When you answer a user's question, you show that your business is a knowledgeable and helpful expert. This content-first approach attracts potential customers early on. By providing valuable answers, you become the first company they think of when they are finally ready to hire a professional.
Why It Works
This method is effective because it builds a relationship with customers before they even need your services. You attract free web traffic, build your reputation, and gain leads by offering helpful information. This approach fills your pipeline with future customers who already see you as a trusted source.
Key Insight: Using informational keywords makes your business the go-to guide for landscaping questions. When it's time to hire, a customer is more likely to choose the expert who already helped them.
How to Use This Strategy
Creating helpful content is the key to ranking for informational keywords. Focus on answering the common questions your potential customers have.
- Create How-To Guides: Write detailed blog posts or articles that walk readers through a process, such as "How to Create a Drought-Resistant Garden" or "A Beginner's Guide to Lawn Aeration."
- Build an FAQ Section: Make a page on your website to answer frequently asked questions. This is great for showing up in question-based searches and displaying your expertise.
- Develop Pillar Content: Create a long, detailed guide on a big topic like "Complete Landscape Design." Then, write smaller, related articles that link back to it, such as "Choosing Patio Materials" and "Outdoor Lighting Ideas."
- Use Question Keywords: Use keywords that start with who, what, when, where, why, and how. These directly match the questions people are typing into search engines.
8. Product/Supply Keywords: Beyond Just Services
Not all customers are looking for a full-service landscaping team. Many are DIY fans or professionals looking for specific materials, plants, or tools. Product and supply keywords attract this audience, with searches like "mulch and garden soil near me" or "professional landscaping tools." While they may not all turn into service jobs, they show your business as a knowledgeable industry expert.
Using these terms lets you attract a wider audience. A homeowner looking for "native plants for landscaping" might eventually need help with installation, and your helpful content could make you their first choice. This makes product-focused content one of the best keywords for landscaping strategies for long-term brand building and getting leads.
Why It Works
This method is effective because it finds searchers at different stages of their buying journey. It helps you connect with customers before they've decided to hire a professional, building trust and authority. Answering their product questions shows your expertise and keeps your brand in their mind when they need bigger projects done.
Key Insight: Product keywords attract an audience looking for information and materials. By becoming their go-to source for supplies, you can turn them into service customers later or even sell products directly.
How to Use This Strategy
Using product and supply keywords involves creating content that helps people make smart buying choices. Your goal is to be a helpful resource, not just a service provider.
- Create Buying Guides: Write detailed guides on topics like "How to Choose the Best Outdoor Pavers" or "A Guide to Landscape Lighting Options." These articles attract high-quality traffic.
- Write Product Reviews and Comparisons: Compare different types of mulch, landscape design software, or professional-grade tools. This content helps users make decisions and shows you as an expert.
- Develop Material Selection Resources: Create blog posts or pages about choosing the right plants for your climate or the best stone for a patio project.
- Partner with Local Suppliers: If you don't sell products directly, create content that highlights local suppliers. You can build valuable local partnerships and be a helpful hub for your community.
9. Project/Portfolio Keywords: Showcasing Your Expertise
Project and portfolio keywords are what potential customers search for when they need ideas and proof of quality. These phrases are about specific types of completed work, such as "modern backyard landscape design" or "landscape renovation before and after." Using these terms lets you attract clients who are in the planning and dreaming phase, showing them exactly what you can do.
By creating content around your past projects, you show your expertise and help customers imagine the possibilities for their own properties. These keywords show that a user is looking for ideas and a skilled company to bring them to life. This makes them some of the best keywords for landscaping because they attract customers who value skill and a proven track record.

Why It Works
This approach builds trust and authority before a customer even contacts you. It changes the conversation from price to value by showing the quality of your work. When a potential client sees a beautiful "outdoor kitchen and patio landscape" you’ve built, they are already convinced you can deliver their dream project.
Key Insight: Portfolio keywords attract customers who are looking for a specific style or project type. Your past work becomes your most powerful marketing tool, turning browsers into believers.
How to Use This Strategy
Showing off your work well involves more than just posting photos. You need to build special content around each project type to rank for these valuable keywords.
- Build Detailed Project Pages: Don't just create a gallery. Make individual pages or blog posts for big projects. A page dedicated to a "Mediterranean garden landscaping" project can rank for that specific term.
- Invest in Professional Photography: High-quality photos and videos are a must. Clear, professional "before and after" shots provide strong proof of your work.
- Organize Your Portfolio: Group projects by style ("xeriscape design") or type ("small space landscaping"). This helps users find relevant examples and helps search engines understand what you do best.
- Write Project Case Studies: Describe the client's goals, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you provided. Include details like project timelines and reviews to build trust.
10. Competitor/Brand Keywords: Winning Over Your Rivals' Customers
Competitor and brand keywords are search terms that include the names of your rivals or compare different companies. Think of searches like "[Competitor Name] reviews" or "best landscaping companies in Miami." These phrases are used by customers who are in the final stages of making a decision. They are weighing their options, making them some of the best keywords for landscaping to target for growth.
When a potential customer searches for a competitor by name, they are a very good lead. By showing up for these searches, you can present your business as a better option. This lets you catch customers who are about to hire someone else and convince them to choose you instead.
Why It Works
This method is effective because it targets motivated buyers at a key decision-making point. You are not trying to create demand; you are redirecting existing demand for landscaping services to your company. It's a direct way to get high-quality traffic that might otherwise go straight to your competition.
Key Insight: Using competitor keywords lets you join the conversation when customers are comparing their options. It gives you a chance to highlight your unique strengths and win business from well-informed, ready-to-hire clients.
How to Use This Strategy
To get started, you need to identify your main competitors and understand what makes your business a better choice. Then, you can create content that gently positions your company as the best solution.
- Create Comparison Content: Write blog posts or create pages that compare your services to others, like "Choosing the Best Lawn Care in [Your City]." Focus on what makes you unique, such as better warranties, special equipment, or great customer service, without being too aggressive.
- Emphasize Your Reviews: A strong collection of positive reviews is your best weapon. If a user searches for "[Competitor Name] vs. [Your Company Name]," your higher star rating on Google or Yelp can be the deciding factor.
- Target "Alternative to" Keywords: Create content around phrases like "[Competitor Name] alternative." This directly attracts searchers who may have had a bad experience or are looking for a different option.
- Run Smart Paid Ads: In Google Ads, you can bid on your competitors' brand names (if allowed). Your ad can appear when someone searches for them, offering a good reason to check out your services instead.
Top 10 Landscaping Keyword Types Comparison
| Keyword Type | How Hard to Use | What You Need | What to Expect | Best For | Main Benefits | Main Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Service Keywords | Low–Medium: easy on-page and GMB work | GMB page, location pages, local listings | High-quality local leads, more sales | Local landscapers seeking nearby clients | Good return on investment; easier to rank locally | Limited searches per town; local competition |
| Residential Keywords | Medium: content + portfolio + local focus | Photo portfolio, homeowner-focused content, stories | Steady flow of leads; medium-sized projects | Homeowners, small projects, curb appeal services | Large market; steady demand; word-of-mouth | Lower average project value; price concerns |
| Commercial Keywords | High: proposals, credentials, direct contact | Case studies, certifications, sales team, proposals | Fewer but bigger contracts; regular income | Business clients, property managers, large projects | High project value; long-term contracts; stable income | Long sales process; complex contracts; more costs |
| Long-Tail Keywords | Medium: needs a lot of content | Many content pages, keyword tools, long guides | Targeted traffic that converts well | Specific questions, niche services, guiding customers | Easier to rank; high intent; lower ad cost | Low searches for each phrase; more pages needed |
| Seasonal Keywords | Medium: calendar-based marketing | Seasonal pages, promo materials, staff planning | Traffic spikes in busy seasons; high intent | Spring cleanups, fall work, seasonal deals | Predictable busy times; easy to time campaigns | Low off-season traffic; income in peaks |
| Maintenance Keywords | Medium: service packages + scheduling | Regular service packages, scheduling tools, CRM | Regular income and high customer value | Subscription models, routine lawn care | Stable income; easier to sell more; loyalty | Needs consistent quality; lower pay per visit |
| Informational Keywords | Medium–High: ongoing content creation | Blog posts, videos, FAQs, big guides | High traffic and brand authority; longer sales path | Early-stage education, gaining leads, SEO growth | Builds trust; long-term organic gains; lower ad cost | Few immediate sales; a lot of content work |
| Product/Supply Keywords | Medium: online store or partner setup | Product pages, inventory/partners, reviews | Sales or partner income; adds to services | Selling materials/tools, guides, product pages | Online store potential; can sell more to clients | High competition from big stores; inventory issues |
| Project/Portfolio Keywords | Medium: creating visual content | Professional photos, case studies, portfolio pages | Strong trust signals; high sales for design work | Showing completed projects to win over clients | Visual proof; builds credibility; high sales | Needs great photos; takes time to keep updated |
| Competitor/Brand Keywords | Medium: watch rivals + create comparisons | Rival research, comparison pages, reputation care | Get comparison shoppers; potentially high sales | Users comparing companies, ready-to-decide stage | Targets ready-to-buy searchers; shows your edge | Paid ads may be restricted; can be costly |
Putting These Keywords to Work for Your Business
You now have a complete toolkit filled with the best keywords for landscaping. We've looked at ten powerful types, from local service terms that attract nearby customers to long-tail informational keywords that build trust. We covered everything from home and business needs to seasonal and maintenance-focused searches. This list isn't just a collection of words; it's a smart plan for attracting your ideal clients.
But knowing these keywords is only the first half of the job. The real growth happens when you put them into action. A list of powerful search terms is like a shed full of high-quality tools. They are only valuable once you pick them up and start building something with them. The true goal is to turn this information into a system that constantly brings new leads to your business.
From Keywords to Customers: Your Action Plan
The path forward is clear and simple. Don't feel overwhelmed by all the options. Instead, focus on a step-by-step approach that matches your business goals. Start small, be consistent, and build up over time.
Here are your next steps:
- Check Your Current Website: Begin by looking at your existing website pages. Do your service pages target specific terms like "sod installation in [Your City]" or are they too general? Find places where you can create new content based on the keyword types we discussed.
- Focus on Your Best Services: You can't be everything to everyone at once. Figure out your most profitable or popular services. Is it lawn maintenance? Garden design? Focus your first keyword efforts there to see the quickest results.
- Match Keywords to Customer Needs: For each top service, think about the customer's journey. What questions do people ask before hiring you? These become your informational keywords for blog posts. What problems are they trying to solve? These become your service and long-tail keywords.
Key Takeaway: The best SEO plan isn't about using every keyword. It's about choosing the right keywords that match what your ideal customer is searching for at the exact moment they need your help.
Building Your Online Presence, One Page at a Time
With your top keywords selected, it's time to build. Create separate pages on your website for each main service and for each area you serve. A page for "lawn care in [Town A]" and another for "patio installation in [Town B]" will always do better than a single, general "Services" page.
If you serve many towns and want to do this quickly, consider a tool like LPagery. It can help you create hundreds of unique, optimized local landing pages almost instantly. This lets you build a strong online presence across your entire service area without months of manual work.
In the end, mastering the best keywords for landscaping is about moving from chasing leads to attracting them. It’s about creating a powerful, automatic system where interested customers find you through a simple Google search. By using a smart keyword plan, you are building more than just a website; you are building a reliable, digital engine for business growth. You are laying the foundation that will guide a steady stream of new clients right to your doorstep for years to come.