Landscaping professionals are still feeling the aftermath of the pandemic and the challenges that came with it – from raw material and labor shortages to increased freight and transportation costs.
But the industry is bouncing back, and 2023 is looking promising. Let’s a taker closer look at why that is.
Shifting Demographics
We know that most generations don’t see eye to eye. Each has its own tendencies, preferences, and overall beliefs about the environment. And when the composition of home-buyers changes over time, so does the target audience of landscapers.
Millennials continue to enter the market and now make up the largest percentage of homebuyers. They are also the most educated group. We also know that Millennials are more environmentally conscious and tend to favor eco-friendly living. They are more likely to invest in their landscapes and hire professionals to maintain them.
For renting, property management companies also have to appease Millennials. To make homes more appealing, they need to market things like energy-efficient landscaping and eco-friendly community features (green spaces, walking paths, common areas, etc.).
Catering to the Masses
The commercial sector caters to two groups: those visiting and those working on-site. That creates a massive opportunity for landscaping professionals to build ongoing relationships with hospitals, educational institutions, local authorities, and so on.
The goal is not only to make people feel comfortable while they visit or work but also to make them feel safe. And having a clean, manicured landscape that improves the quality of life achieves both of those things.
With the pandemic still finding new ways to impact our lives, outdoor spaces will become just as important as their indoor counterparts. Businesses and municipalities will need to help of qualified landscapers to keep their customers and communities happy and healthy.Â
How to Achieve Balance
There are some things landscaping professionals won’t be able to control, like increasing operational costs. Businesses are almost guaranteed to pay more for labor, supplies, insurance, rent, etc.
However, landscapers can combat these increasing overhead costs by improving efficiency where they can. For example, adopting more sustainable landscaping and reducing the need for chemicals.
There is an abundance of opportunity for the landscaping industry in 2023 in light of shifting demographics, the needs of the commercial sector, and the increased focus on outdoor spaces from homeowners.
It will be up to each landscaper to invest in the right partnerships, from the businesses they do ongoing work with to the wholesalers they get their supplies from. Then, take steps to combat rising costs by following best practices and making sure they’re spending their dollars wisely.
The Comforts of Home
On top of the areas people visit and work, they also want to enjoy life at home, and landscapers are helping them achieve their wish lists. Growing beds, zen gardens, water features, strolling paths, structural elements – homeowners want beautiful and serene outdoor spaces. Houzz reported that renovation spending is at an all-time high, going up 20% in 2021 alone.
Simply put, the pandemic has shown many of us how much our landscapes have to offer. It has prompted the general public not only to enjoy them but to protect them.Â
How to Achieve Balance
There are some things landscaping professionals won’t be able to control, like increasing operational costs. Businesses are almost guaranteed to pay more for labor, supplies, insurance, rent, etc.
However, landscapers can combat these increasing overhead costs by improving efficiency where they can. For example, adopting more sustainable landscaping and reducing the need for chemicals.
There is an abundance of opportunity for the landscaping industry in 2023 in light of shifting demographics, the needs of the commercial sector, and the increased focus on outdoor spaces from homeowners.
It will be up to each landscaper to invest in the right partnerships, from the businesses they do ongoing work with to the wholesalers they get their supplies from. Then, take steps to combat rising costs by following best practices and making sure they’re spending their dollars wisely.
Here’s to a safe, happy, and profitable 2023!