25 Landscaping Industry Statistics to Grow Your Business in 2024

Landscaping services are provided by companies both big and small. While each company has its own unique offering, they all work to make outdoor spaces beautiful and inviting.

Despite the pandemic having negatively impacted many industries, the landscaping industry continues to expand. According to research, the landscaping services industry in the United States grew at a rate of 4.2 percent per year on average between 2017 and 2022. In the United States, there are now over half a million landscaping companies. The industry has been steadily growing for the past five years, and it now has a market capitalization of around $100 billion.

Ready to leave your desk job and switch careers for the great outdoors? Already running your own landscaping business and wondering where the market is headed? We’ve put together some insights into the landscaping market and the latest stats to help you see where the industry is today and where it’s going in the future.

United States Landscaping Industry Size and Growth Statistics (Source: IBIS World)

1. How much money does the landscaping industry make in the United States each year?

In 2024, the market size for the landscaping industry in the United States is expected to reach USD 182.76 billion.

2. What is the projected growth rate of the landscaping industry in the United States in 2024?

The landscaping industry in the United States is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.89% from 2024 to 2029.

3. Has the U.S. landscaping services industry grown or declined in the last five years?

The U.S. landscaping services industry has seen consistent growth, with a notable increase in the market size from USD 175.92 billion in 2023 to USD 182.76 billion in 2024.

4. How has the landscaping services industry performed compared to other industries in the United States over the last five years?

The landscaping industry in the United States grew faster than the overall economy, particularly with the increasing interest in outdoor living spaces post-COVID-19.

5. In terms of market size, where does the landscaping industry in the United States rank in 2024?

Landscaping is included in the Administration, Business Support, and Waste Management Services industry in the United States and is the third-largest by market size and the 79th-largest in the US.

6. What factors influence the growth of the landscaping services industry in the United States?

For business owners, the primary negative factors are high competition and low entry barriers. On the consumer side, factors include increased spending per household on landscaping activities, a growing trend towards gardening and outdoor maintenance by millennials, and expanded outdoor living.

Landscaping Industry Statistics: Business Drivers (Source: Statista)

7. Top causes of rising business costs in the landscaping industry

The cost of products or materials was cited as a driving factor for increased business costs by 53% of respondents.

8. The most significant business challenges for landscape and outdoor service providers

Approximately 35% of landscaping companies cited difficulty in hiring new staff and/or needing to be more staffed as a top business challenge in 2019. An almost equal challenge was the increased cost of doing business, as reported by more than 30% of those polled.

9. Landscape contractors are expected to be the fastest-growing service sector.

Landscape maintenance is expected to be the fastest-growing service (in terms of revenue) for landscaping contractors and lawn care operators according to more than 30 percent of professionals in this field.

10. Landscaping and lawn care contractors face many challenges.

According to 43 percent of landscaping and lawn care operators, the most pressing issue in their industry is a quality labor shortage.

11. Major investments in the landscaping industry

Investments are likely focused on technology for smart irrigation, eco-friendly equipment, and vehicles to meet the growing demand for sustainable landscaping solutions.

12. Landscaping and lawn care companies provide a variety of services.

Lawn care and application was the most common service offered by landscaping and lawn care contractors in the United States in 2022, with nearly 90% of those surveyed providing it. Weed control was also a popular service, with 65% of contractors offering it during the same period.

13. U.S. household expenditure on gardening/lawn care services

In 2021, the country’s average spending on residential outdoor landscaping activities and services amounted to 195 U.S. dollars per consumer unit.

14. Landscaping projects with the highest expected demand

In the United States in 2018, the installation and maintenance of native plants were the landscaping projects with the highest consumer demand, with more than 80% of landscape architects polled.

Landscaping Industry Statistics: Demographics of Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers (Source: Zippia)

15. There are currently over 1.3 million landscapers working in the United States.

16. Women make up 10.3 percent of all landscapers, while men make up 85.7 percent.

17. The average age of landscaping and groundskeeping workers is 40 years old.

18. The most common ethnicity of landscapers is White (59.1 percent), followed by Hispanic or Latino (22.8 percent) and Black or African American (14.7 percent).

19. The majority of landscapers work in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Ohio.

20. Landscapers are in high demand in Columbus, Ohio.

21. Landscapers earn an annual salary of $28,828 on average.

22. The Manufacturing industry pays the most for landscapers.

23. The annual average wage in New York is $40,340, the highest in the United States.

24. The average starting salary for landscapers is $22,000 per year.

25. For landscapers, Vermont is the best state to live in.

2024 Landscaping Industry Statistics Overview: Key Takeaways and Highlights

The 2024 landscaping industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advances in technology, evolving consumer preferences, and a heightened focus on sustainability. These shifts are not only redefining the way landscaping services are offered and consumed but also opening up new avenues for business growth and innovation. As we dive into the specifics, it’s clear that understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone operating within or entering the landscaping sector. The following sections will explore the key market trends shaping the landscape, the burgeoning opportunities for landscaping businesses, and the potential threats that could impact industry growth and competitiveness in 2024.

Lawn Care and Landscaping Market Trends

The industry landscape in 2024 is being significantly shaped by the following trends:

• Integration of Smart Technology: The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT)-)-enabled irrigation systems is revolutionizing water usage, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. Smart outdoor lighting systems that are energy-efficient and programmable are also becoming increasingly popular, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits to homeowners and commercial properties alike.
• Demand for Outdoor Living Spaces: There’s a noticeable increase in homeowners desiring to extend their living areas into the outdoors. This trend includes the construction of outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and dedicated spaces for relaxation and entertainment, all surrounded by aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly landscaping.
• Use of Native Plants and Xeriscaping: With a growing awareness of water conservation and sustainability, landscaping designs are increasingly incorporating native plants that require less water and maintenance. Xeriscaping, or landscaping designed specifically to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation, is also gaining traction.
• Focus on Sustainability: Beyond just the use of native plants, there’s a broader shift towards sustainable practices within the industry. This includes organic lawn care methods that forego chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the creation of pollinator-friendly gardens that support bees and butterflies, and the implementation of green infrastructure like rain gardens to manage stormwater naturally.

Lawn and Landscaping Business Opportunities 

Businesses in the landscaping sector can capitalize on numerous growth opportunities:

• Eco-Friendly Landscaping Services: Providing services focused on sustainability, such as organic lawn care, installation of rainwater harvesting systems, and the design of wildlife-friendly landscapes, can attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers.
• Smart Landscaping Installations: Specializing in the integration of technology into landscaping, such as automated irrigation systems that are controlled via smartphone apps, can set a business apart. Offering solar-powered outdoor lighting solutions not only appeals to eco-conscious customers but also taps into the trend of energy efficiency.
• Outdoor Living Design and Construction: With the rising demand for outdoor living spaces, businesses that offer custom design and construction services for these areas—including patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits—can find a lucrative niche. Providing unique features like vertical gardens or integrated audio systems can further enhance appeal.
• Seasonal Service Offerings: Expanding service offerings to include seasonal needs, such as snow removal in the winter or leaf cleanup in the fall, ensures a steady stream of business throughout the year and helps maintain a relationship with customers.
• Digital Marketing and Social Media Presence: Leveraging digital marketing strategies and maintaining a strong social media presence to showcase completed projects, share customer testimonials, and provide valuable landscaping tips can help businesses reach a wider audience and engage potential customers.

Threats to the Landscaping and Lawn Care Industry for 2024

Businesses must navigate several challenges to remain competitive:

• Increasing Competition: The entry of new local and national landscaping services into the market is driving up competition, making it essential for businesses to differentiate themselves through unique services, quality, or customer experience.
• Economic Sensitivity: As a discretionary expense, landscaping services are often among the first to be cut from household and corporate budgets during economic downturns. Businesses need to demonstrate the value and benefits of their services to remain relevant.
• Rising Costs of Labor and Materials: The global supply chain issues have led to increased costs for labor and materials, squeezing profit margins. Efficient management and innovative solutions are needed to counteract these pressures.
• Environmental Regulations: Staying abreast of and complying with new environmental regulations can be challenging, but it also presents an opportunity to lead in green practices and sustainability.
• Technological Disruption: The proliferation of DIY smart landscaping tools and platforms may reduce the demand for traditional landscaping services. Businesses need to offer value-added services or incorporate these technologies into their offerings to stay competitive.

Get Landscaping Management Software to Streamline and Grow Your Business

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