Best Landscaping Route Planning Apps

each job'sThe best landscape route planning apps combine comprehensive core functionality with powerful add-ons and user-friendly tools that provide real-time visibility into the schedule, progress, and cost. 

Route planning apps help lawn care companies manage job timelines and keep labor costs in check with automated features for:

• Scheduling

• Time tracking

• GPS tracking

• Route optimizations

• Third-party integrations

Looking for a new routing software solution? In this guide, find a full comparison between 11 popular landscaping route planning apps to find the perfect fit for your landscaping service.

Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of May 2024.

Best landscaping routing software: Comparison table (with ratings & pricing)

Selecting lawn care software often comes down to features versus cost, but landscaping businesses should keep in mind a wide range of factors. This table provides an overview of the top-level considerations.

Making comparisons is just a starting point when selecting the best mobile app and field service management software for your routing needs, so be sure to do your homework.

Best landscaping route planning apps by use case

Landscaping businesses require different types of routing features based on their size, services, and dispatching processes. Here’s a list of the best route planning apps by use case.

• Aspire — Best overall

• Upper Route Planner — Best for logistics

• Jobber — Best for businesses in multiple verticals

• Yardbook — Best budget-friendly solution

• TurfHop — Best entry-level option

• RoadWarrior — Best for map views

• Arborgold — Best for companies providing tree service

• LawnPro — Best for fuel-efficient routes

• Lawn Buddy — Best for online booking

• Service Autopilot — Best for automation

• Route4Me — Best for last-mile workflows

Below, explore the advantages and drawbacks of each software solution in detail.

App #1: Aspire

Aspire is an end-to-end business management system ideal for lawn care businesses. From superior scheduling to route optimization and a powerful, offline-capable mobile app, Aspire streamlines customer service and gets techs to the job site faster.

Image Source: Aspire

Aspire software empowers landscaping, lawn care, and landscaping design companies to optimize routing, operate more efficiently, and save money on fuel costs. 

With real-time data on a mobile app (for iOS and Android devices), the software enables technicians to upload photos and videos, communicate with the office and customers, check off to-do lists, and provide estimates and invoices in the field — all from a smartphone. 

The feature-rich Aspire platform empowers lawn care professionals to grow their business at three times the industry rate.

Top features

• Real-time schedule syncing: Keep your field techs and back office aligned via the Aspire mobile app and desktop software synchronization.

• Route optimization: Reduce your technicians' drive time and maximize the number of tickets they can complete each day.

• Geo-tagged activity: Ensure accuracy and transparency by enabling techs to log hours with geolocation each time they clock in and out.

• Ticket management: Easily connect tickets to work hours, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs.

Downsides to consider

The platform’s powerful and comprehensive functionality could create a higher learning curve for some landscaping services. However companies receive guidance to fully reap the platform’s benefits by working with Aspire’s implementation specialists and taking advantage of continued training resources.

Pricing

Aspire provides two plans to meet the needs of businesses at every growth stage based on their company revenue.

• Corporate: For commercial landscaping businesses with a minimum annual revenue of $5 million.

• Enterprise: For commercial landscaping with annual revenue above $15 million.

App #2: Upper Route Planner

Upper Route Planner is a specialized routing and scheduling tool designed for small delivery and service businesses. The mobile app optimizes logistics for several verticals.

Image Source: Upper Route Planner

Upper Route Planner streamlines route planning and scheduling, ensuring technicians spend less time on the road and more time serving clients. With the feature-rich mobile app, technicians can access their routes, schedules, and customer details on the go.

Top features

• Route optimization: Plan efficient routes to help your techs minimize travel time, reduce fuel costs, and complete more tickets.

• Multi-stop scheduling: Create and manage schedules with multiple stops, ensuring technicians complete numerous jobs in a day.

• Real-time updates: Provide live updates on traffic conditions and route changes, helping technicians avoid delays and stay on schedule.

• Dynamic rescheduling: Enable quick adjustments to routes and schedules in response to last-minute changes or cancellations.

Downsides to consider

Landscaping and lawn maintenance aren’t included as featured industries on the Upper Route Planner website, so landscaping business owners may experience gaps in functionality. While the app is user-friendly, integrating it with other business management tools might require additional setup and customization.

Pricing

• Essentials: $100/mo. for up to three users

• Growth: $200/mo. for up to five users

• Enterprise: contact for pricing

Comparing Upper Route Planner and Aspire

Upper Route Planner is solely a route planning software, while Aspire provides a comprehensive platform for complete field service management:

• Onboard CRM for all customer job information and historical data.

• Powerful job costing and upselling tools built into the mobile app.

• Customizable invoicing and payment processing functionality.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

App #3: Jobber

Jobber offers a well-known software and mobile app for field service management. The platform is ideal for landscaping and dozens of other home service verticals, including pest control, pool service, and HVAC. 

Image Source: Jobber

Jobber simplifies scheduling, invoicing, and client management, helping businesses run smoothly from a single platform. Jobber’s ease of use, combined with powerful features, streamlines both administrative and field operations.

Top features

• Efficient scheduling: Easily create and manage schedules for multiple technicians, ensuring optimal resource allocation and time management.

• Route optimization: Automatically generate the most efficient routes for technicians, reducing travel time and fuel costs.

• Client management: Centralize client information, job history, and communication, making it easy to provide personalized and timely service.

• Real-time updates: Keep technicians informed of schedule changes and route updates through real-time notifications.

Downsides to consider

Some Jobber users may find the initial setup and customization of features to be time-consuming. Integration with other software systems, such as QuickBooks, may require additional technical support or custom development.

Pricing

Jobber offers several plans:

• Core: $69/mo. for one user

• Connect: $169/mo. for up to five users

• Grow: $349/mo. for up to 15 users

Note: These prices don’t include fees for reviews, campaigns, and other marketing tools.

Comparing Jobber and Aspire

Jobber provides a solid platform for lawn care companies, but Aspire delivers numerous other features:

• Job costing tools that optimize pricing based on historical direct-cost data.

• Customizable dashboards for data-driven analysis of overall business health.

• Unlimited estimate templates for multi-year and evergreen contracts.

For a complete feature comparison, visit the Aspire vs. Jobber comparison page.

App #4: Yardbook

Yardbook is a versatile business management app specifically designed for lawn care and landscaping companies. The mobile app, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play, allows technicians to access schedules, job information, and customer details.

Image Source: Yardbook

Yardbook offers a suite of tools for scheduling, routing, invoicing, and customer management to make it easier for service providers to operate efficiently and grow their client base. 

Top features

• Flexible job scheduling: Allow for the easy creation and modification of schedules to ensure technicians are optimally assigned to jobs.

• Optimized routes: Generate efficient routes to minimize travel time and fuel consumption, allowing technicians to complete more jobs each day.

• Job management: Provide a comprehensive view of job details, from work orders to completion status, all accessible from a single platform.

• Onboard CRM: Centralizes customer information, communication history, and job details, enhancing customer service and retention.

Downsides to consider

Team members may require additional training or support to use some advanced features, and integration with other business systems might require technical assistance or customization.

Pricing

Yardbook offers two plans:

• Free: Suitable for small businesses with basic scheduling and CRM needs.

• Premium: Advanced features for growing businesses requiring robust scheduling, routing, and job management capabilities.

Comparing Yardbook and Aspire

While Yardbook is also built for lawn care professionals, Aspire offers a more robust feature set, which includes:

• Myriad integrations, such as QuickBooks, and an API for more niche third-party software.

• More powerful route optimization software with powerful multi-stop route planning.

• Greater support for field service companies of all sizes, from the owner-operator to large enterprise businesses.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

App #5: Turfhop

Turfhop is another field service management app specifically geared toward mowing and lawn care services. It offers a well-rounded set of key features, helping businesses streamline their operations and improve service delivery.

Image Source: Turfhop

Turfhop offers a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate for office staff and field technicians. The app improves customer satisfaction through better job tracking, scheduling, routing, and communication via text messaging.

Top features

• Dynamic scheduling: Allow for easy scheduling and rescheduling of jobs, ensuring technicians are efficiently assigned to the right tasks.

• Intelligent route optimization: Identify the best routes, reduce travel time and fuel costs, and increase the number of jobs completed to boost margins.

• Job tracking: Leverage detailed tracking of job workflows, from assignment to completion, to optimize operations.

• Customer management: Access customer information, review job history, and enable communication for greater relationship management.

Downsides to consider

Some users report dissatisfaction with the invoicing capabilities and customizations. Also, business owners face a learning curve when setting up the app, especially when implementing advanced features.

Pricing

Turfhop offers three plans:

• Free: Supports one user with limited functionality

• Solo: $49/mo. for two users and unlimited employees

• Team: $129/mo. for up to 10 users and unlimited employees

Comparing Turfhop and Aspire

Similar to Yardbook, Turfhop aims to meet the needs of lawn care businesses, but also lacks the next-level functionality of Aspire:

• Greater ease of use for accounting, invoicing, accepting credit card payments in addition to route optimization. 

• Key features available for companies operating in additional verticals, including commercial cleaning.

• Real-time reporting to help business owners make decisions and enhance margins using actionable, data-driven insights.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

App #6: RoadWarrior

RoadWarrior is a powerful mobile route planning app designed to optimize daily routes and maximize efficiency.

Image Source: RoadWarrior

RoadWarrior reduces travel time and operational costs through optimized routing and dynamic route adjustment based on real-time traffic updates.

Top features

• Advanced route planning: Plan efficient routes to minimize travel time and fuel consumption using sophisticated algorithms. 

• Multi-stop route optimization: Include multiple stops in a single route, ensuring technicians remain productive throughout the day.

• Real-time traffic updates: React to live traffic data to help technicians avoid delays and stay on schedule.

• Dynamic route adjustment: Enables quick modifications to routes in response to last-minute changes, cancellations, or other job scheduling adjustments.

Downsides to consider

RoadWarrior’s advanced features might require some initial training for users to fully leverage its capabilities. Dependence on real-time data necessitates consistent internet connectivity, which might be an issue in certain remote areas.

Pricing

RoadWarrior has one plan:

• RoadWarrior Flex: $14.99/mo. per user

Comparing Road Warrior and Aspire

Despite RoadWarrior’s impressive routing capabilities, Aspire delivers an end-to-end field service management platform for lawn care companies by providing:

• Complete instructions and customer histories for each ticket, not just routing info. 

• Optimized workflows for scheduling in the back office and sending live updates via the mobile app.

• Functionality designed for businesses that provide mowing and grounds maintenance, landscape construction, and even snow and ice removal.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

App #7: Arborgold

Arborgold is a comprehensive business management app designed specifically for lawn care, landscaping, and tree service companies. It offers a full suite of tools to streamline operations, from scheduling and route planning to invoicing and customer management.

Image Source: Arborgold

Arborgold aims to enhance customer satisfaction by giving technicians detailed job and customer information in the field. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the management of administrative and field operations.

Top features

• Smart scheduling: Facilitate efficient scheduling and rescheduling of landscaping jobs, ensuring optimal resource allocation and time management.

• Route optimization: Plan the most efficient routes to reduce travel time and fuel costs, allowing technicians to complete more jobs each day.

• Job management: Review work orders for lawn care services and update job status from start to finish directly from the mobile app.

• Onboard CRM: Build a single source of truth for customer information and job details to improve overall service and customer retention.

Downsides to consider

Users note issues from proposals being deleted to lackluster chemical tracking to an absence of support. In general, the app faces many growing pains to provide high-quality tools for lawn care professionals.

Pricing

Arborgold offers three plans:

• Starter: $129/mo.

• Professional: $299/mo.

• Enterprise: $499/mo.

Comparing Arborgold and Aspire

Despite its flaws, Arborgold offers a platform that many landscaping companies use daily, but Aspire outperforms it in the following areas: 

• Powerful analytics through drill-down, custom reporting and one-way data sync.

• Customizable workflows to adapt to enterprise users’ needs, with integration support via an open API.

• Inherent scalability across divisions, branches and companies for large operators.

For a complete feature comparison, visit the Aspire vs. Arborgold comparison guide.

App #8: LawnPro

LawnPro is a versatile business management app designed for lawn care and landscaping companies. It offers a comprehensive set of features to streamline operations, with a particular emphasis on optimizing routing and scheduling to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Image Source: LawnPro

LawnPro increases the number of tickets your team can complete each day by minimizing downtime. With a cap of 15 users on its largest plan, the app works most effectively with smaller teams.

Top features

• Efficient route planning: Employ advanced algorithms to plot efficient routes that improve margins by slashing travel time and fuel costs.

• Multi-stop optimization: Include multiple stops in a single route to boost lawn care technician productivity.

• Real-time route adjustments: Modify routes on-the-fly to account for new job assignments, cancellations, or traffic conditions.

• Route tracking: Monitor routes to ensure technicians are following directions to enhance accountability and reduce deviations.

Downsides to consider

Users report running into challenges when first using the app, such as automatically charging customers unprompted or spamming customers with text messages. The larger issue is a lack of technical support.

Pricing

LawnPro offers four plans:

• Free: For one user and up to 50 clients

• $39/mo. for three users and unlimited clients

• $97/mo. for seven users, with additional features

• $179/mo. for 15 users

Comparing LawnPro and Aspire

Similar to Yardbook, LawnPro aims to meet the needs of lawn care businesses, but also lacks the next-level functionality of Aspire features, like:

• Greater ease of use for accounting, invoicing, and accepting credit card payments — in addition to route optimization. 

• Key features available for companies operating in additional verticals, including commercial cleaning.

• Real-time reporting to help business owners make decisions and enhance margins using actionable, data-driven insights.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

App #9: Lawn Buddy

Lawn Buddy is an intuitive business management app designed for green industry business owners. It focuses on simplifying scheduling, invoicing, routing, and customer management, with a robust set of features that streamline operations and improve service delivery.

Image Source: Lawn Buddy

Founded in 2016, Lawn Buddy boasts nearly 45,000 customers and offers a Lite plan with limited features for free.

Top features

• GPS tracking: Monitor crew members in real-time and add stops to the closest technician on the fly.

• Route optimization: Optimize routes for the shortest drive time with customizable start and end locations. 

• Multiple route views: View routes in map or list view, and convert to a PDF for easy printing

• Crew app: Give team members access to an app with jobs, routes, and checklists.

Downsides to consider

The app lacks a track record when compared to some of the more established platforms in this list. Routing features are only available on Pro and Exclusive plans.

Pricing

Lawn Buddy offers four plans: 

• Lite: Free, with 4.8% plus $.30 on all credit card payments

• Standard: $7/mo., plus 3.8% and $.30 on all credit card payments

• Pro: $39/mo., plus 2.9% and $.30 on all credit card payments

• $78/mo., plus 2.9% and $.30 on all credit card payments

Comparing Lawn Buddy and Aspire

When compared to Lawn Buddy, Aspire offers:

• All-in-one business management platform that optimizes workflows across the entire organization.

• Customizable drill-down data dashboards that provide a 360-degree view of business operations and health.

• Real-time job costing data for in-depth performance and profitability visibility.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

App #10: Service Autopilot

Service Autopilot is a robust business management app tailored to lawn care, landscaping, and other service industries. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline operations, from scheduling and routing to invoicing and client management. 

Image Source: Service Autopilot

Service Autopilot’s onboard tools empower businesses to increase efficiency and scale effectively. An onboard CRM centralizes client information, communication history, and job details, enabling personalized service and effective client-retention strategies.

Top features

• Advanced scheduling: Simplify the scheduling process with automation tools for efficient allocation of resources and time.

• Smart route optimization: Build the most efficient routes for technicians to minimize travel time and fuel costs.

• Job tracking and management: Review job details from assignment to completion, including work orders, job progress, and client communications.

• Intuitive mobile app: Empower techs with schedules, job details, and client information needed to complete each ticket with maximum satisfaction.

Downsides to consider

Users report difficulty during initial setup, when implementing more complex functionality, or while completing integrations with third-party tools. 

Pricing

Service Autopilot offers four plans:

• Startup: $49/mo., plus sign-up fee

• Pro: $199/mo., plus sign-up fee

• Pro Plus: $499/mo., plus sign-up fee

• Elite: Contact for pricing

Note: Many advanced features, like two-way texting, smart maps, and GPS integration, incur additional fees. 

Comparing Service Autopilot and Aspire

When compared to Service Autopilot, Aspire offers complete capabilities and support:

• Extensive implementation support with specialists to help businesses fully utilize the platform's comprehensive functionality.

• Feature-rich mobile experience specifically tailored to ensure techs have full visibility and control over their tasks in the field.

• Designed for landscaping and lawn care businesses, offering tailored features that meet the specific needs of this industry. 

For a complete feature comparison, visit the Aspire vs. Service Autopilot comparison guide.

App #11: Route4Me

Route4Me is a leading route planning and optimization platform designed for businesses of all sizes. The last-mile solution offers advanced routing features to streamline logistics and maximize efficiency.

Image Source: Route4Me

Route4Me is built for distribution and fulfillment operations, although the routing capabilities also apply to field service, including lawn care and landscaping. These tools enable businesses to save time and resources while delivering exceptional service.

Top features

• Smart route optimization: Harness powerful algorithms to enhance routes, factoring in traffic patterns, weather conditions, and other variables.

• Multi-stop navigation: Plan routes with multiple destinations, enabling technicians to complete more tasks in less time.

• Live tracking and monitoring: Stay informed about the progress of routes, make on-the-fly adjustments, and ensure optimal fleet performance.

• Interactive mobile integration: Equip technicians with detailed customer information and on-the-go communication tools.

Downsides to consider

Route4Me offers varying levels of customer service depending on plans. The main challenge for landscaping businesses centers on its lack of comprehensive field service tools, so business owners expecting these features may see it as a glorified Google Maps.

Pricing

Route4Me offers four plans:

• Route Management: $200/mo. for five users, additional users $40 each

• Route Optimization: $300/mo. for five users, additional users $60 each

• Business Optimization: $450/mo. for five users, additional users $90 each

• Enterprise Optimization: Contact for pricing

Comparing Route4Me and Aspire

Route4Me is well suited to last-mile operations, but as a field service management platform, Aspire is miles ahead:

• Comprehensive business management system that streamlines processes throughout the entire company.

• Tailored data dashboards with detailed insights, offering a holistic view of business activities and overall health.

• Live job costing information to give lawn care businesses a detailed analysis of performance and profitability.

To see how Aspire measures up to other leading software solutions, check out our Comparison Hub.

What are some factors to consider when choosing a landscaping route planning app?

By maximizing the number of jobs your field crews can complete on their routes and streamlining your office staff’s workflows, you can greatly improve efficiency and profitability in your organization, so selecting the right routing app is critical.

Business needs

An app’s flashiest features often distract from the important question: Will it work for your business? When choosing such a fundamental tool, first evaluate the app’s basic suitability for the job.

• Multiple landscaping services: Whether your business focuses on mowing, hardscaping, or a combination, choose an app that caters to your specific service types. Your business may require scheduling for recurring lawn maintenance or one-time large projects, or both.

• Crew size and complexity: Solo owner-operators have different concerns than larger businesses running multiple crews. Ensure any app you’re considering accommodates your crew size effectively and offers features like crew communication if needed.

App features

A robust routing tool for landscapers demands a high level of functionality to guarantee it will meet your company’s needs.

• Route optimization: Any routing app must perform this function. Make sure you understand how the apps on your shortlist help techs get to jobs sooner and whether the optimizations account for distance, traffic conditions, and multiple sites.

• Job management: No matter the company size, landscaping companies require routing software to integrate with scheduling, invoicing, and other tools. Evaluate whether an a la carte method will work for you or if an all-in-one field service management tool will provide a more seamless experience.

• Mobile functionality: The software should be tailored to smartphone users who are busy in the field, serving customers. Ensure crews can access routes, job details, and navigation in an intuitive, feature-rich mobile app.

Budget and scalability

Is your company in growth mode? Selecting a routing app that will grow with you, without breaking the bank, is another important consideration.

• Pricing structure: Once the free trial is up, will you be able to afford the tool you want for everyone on your team who needs it? Set a budget for the routing software and check for options with tiered pricing.

• Scalability: As you expand your crew or service area, having to switch platforms to accommodate that expansion just adds to your growing pains. Ensure the app can handle your needs not just today, but also in the future.

Still looking for a landscaping routing app?

Lawn care companies that implement a robust routing app see a difference right away. A tool like Aspire offers positive outcomes for everyone on your team.

Customers are happier because techs arrive sooner. Techs appreciate having all the software they need right on their smartphone. Office staff enjoy fitting more tickets into each day. And the business owner is glad to see productivity increase.

Aspire's landscaping software helps business owners drive profitability by enhancing their team’s schedules and optimizing routes. Schedule a free demo to learn how.