If you’re not in the landscaping industry, it might be time to rethink your profession. A recent forecast showed that the global lawn & garden consumables market will reach nearly $22 billion by 2030 (Market Watch). This number may not be definitive, but there’s no doubt that growth in this market won’t slow down any time soon.
So, what are the key drivers of this global market growth?
The short answer is consumers.
The landscaping industry tends to trend in the same direction as the residential housing market. More homeowners equate to more lawns and a greater demand for picturesque landscapes. More residents in any community also lead to a greater focus on community amenities like parks, green spaces, and trail systems.
Evidence also suggests that more residential, commercial, and industrial spaces are being renovated – creating a need for anything from garden accessories to water features and gazebos.
On the home front, families are becoming more invested in their exterior spaces. There is more desire to create a visually-appealing space for both outdoor activities and relaxation purposes. This includes hardscaping, or non-living elements in a landscape like pavers, patios, or stone structures.
What could slow the market down?
In recent years, the management of lawns and landscapes has been under greater scrutiny. Pesticides are under fire for their adverse effect on people, animals, insects, and the overall environment. And while laws may differ from state to state, each one is responsible for working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce these regulations.
Many also believe the pesticide regulatory system in the U.S. is outdated and broken, demanding the EPA narrow the scope even further of the chemicals sprayed in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings.
Because of this, the landscaping industry can expect to see stricter regulation between now and 2030, which could temporarily slow growth in the global lawn & garden consumables market.
Is the opportunity still there?
Though regulations may stunt growth in the short term, there is plenty of opportunity on the horizon. There is a greater focus on organic landscaping or hybrid approaches (conventional chemicals and organic alternatives) to ensure the long-term health of the environment. Modeling our methods after natural ecosystems might not be the overnight fix we want for things like weeds or pests, but it is arguably more sustainable and less hazardous when you look at the bigger picture.
With all this in mind, it’s safe to say that growth in global lawn & garden consumables market is not reaching a plateau anytime soon. We can expect to see average spending per household for landscaping activities continue to increase, along with more demographics starting to partake in these activities. We can expect more businesses and municipalities to invest in perfectly-manicured landscapes, especially those who want to set themselves apart with an environmentally-friendly reputation.
There may be slower periods when new regulations surface, but these regulations won’t outweigh this lucrative business venture. So, if you’re rethinking your profession, don’t take too long to decide. With low barriers to entry, this gig will only get more competitive in the coming years. Last but not least, make sure to invest in the right strategic partnerships – from your vendors to your wholesaler – to set yourself up for success and secure your place in the market.
For more information on wholesale products for your landscape business: contact Tech Terra Environmental 609-468-1905. info@techterraenvironmental.com