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it doesn't have to be but, it's a good idea to do so. See here:  Verify if you need to be licensed. You will have to do some legwork to find out who regulates the license you want to obtain. In Virginia, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation handles the business licensing for landscape and lawn care contractors. You will want to ask the licensing department what their requirements for obtain a license are to ensure you can meet all of their standards. Some common requirements include, but are not limited to: passing a test, meeting certain financial requirements, industry experience, clean criminal records, and a by Text-Enhance" href="http://www.powerhomebiz.com/082008/how-to-start-lawn-care-landscaping-business.htm">surety bond.

Get bonded. Prospective clients are more likely to work with you if you are licensed and bonded as it gives them a sense of confidence that you will deliver the work. After all, a surety bond means a guarantee of performance. To be bonded, shop around for surety bond providers as various bonding companies have different requirements. Most bond companies look for minimal risks; hence you need to have a good record of performance and good reputation in the industry. Surety companies typically look for proof of your financial stability, integrity as manifested by great recommendations, longevity, and steady growth.

As a new company, the surety company may consider you as high risk and as such may suggest bonding for a specific job as opposed to your company as an entity. After you prove your worth, they may extend or add more bonding capacity to your account.

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