This is a question asked by many wanting to make the brave move from working for someone else to self employment. When people consider a career move into business (in particular, the lawn mowing and garden business) they will naturally ask what sort of risks are associated with it.
Let's have a look at what is needed for you to get started and working with your own lawn and garden customers. The list of the very basic equipment you need to get started and earning an income includes:
motor vehicle utility (or as the Americans say, a pick-up)
tow behind trailer - you will need this if you have a sedan motor vehicle
Lawn Mower, catcher & mulching attachment
Brush Cutter (whipper snipper) and 3mm trimmer cord
Vacuum Blower
Petrol (Gas) Cans - 5 litre volume (2 & 4 Stroke Fuels)
Wool Bags or similar to collect of grass clippings
Spray Bottle for Roundup (non-selective herbicide)
Garden Equipment including Rake, Shovel, Spade, Garden shears, Plastic garbage bin
Security chain
Timber Ramps
First Aid Kit
Information Folder containing OHS documents, MSDS, References
Optional - Hedge Trimmer
The above list is pretty much what is needed to start servicing your lawn and garden customers. So, as you can see, most of what is on this list are things you need for your own home anyway. In terms of risk to you, you already need this equipment, and if for some reason you had to bail out of the business you can easily sell most of the equipment and get your money back. So to answer the question of risk, you can say with confidence there is minimal risk getting into the Lawn and Garden Business.