There is good news on the horizon for the Landscape and Lawn Care business. Many landscape contractors reported solid sales, greater profits and stable labor needs this last year. Thanks to growth in housing starts and commercial construction, the landscaping industry has significantly improved over the last few years and things look good all the way through 2020.
According to IBISWorld, a research firm in New York and Los Angeles, a steady increase in per capita disposable income and an aging population in need of a variety of home services will help the lawn care and landscaping industry to grow.
Over half of contractors supplying installation, maintenance, irrigation and lawn care services have reported an increase in sales for 2015 and many are optimistic for this year. Specialty services, such as hardscaping, tree care, pest control, lighting and natural/organic lawn care have also seen a significant growth this past year.
Many contractors are planning to raise prices. They have cited one reason as an increase in spending levels by customers, especially for outdoor living areas and water features. Many also indicated they had a growing need for non-field personnel.
On the down side, a shortage of qualified laborers has dampened the profit margin, as well as higher costs in health insurance, workers compensation and fuel prices. Other top concerns are low-ball competitors, regulations of or bans on water/irrigation and pesticide/fertilizer use.
Don’t be discouraged by this, as the number of landscaping businesses (according to IBISWorld) will grow a mere 2% or so per year over the next five years. When you compare this to 2010’s 4.5% growth rate, or even 2007’s 16% growth rate, things are looking pretty rosy for the established landscape companies.
What do you think this next year will bring for your landscaping business?
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Suburban Lawn Equipment in Delaware sells and services quality landscaping and lawn care equipment. We never sell anything in a box. Your unit is set up and inspected by factory authorized technicians; plus we top it off with oil or gas at pickup. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your commercial lawn mowers have been put together by professionals.