34 Landscaping Facts and Statistics You Need to Know (2026)

Looking for the most up-to-date landscaping facts in 2026? You’re in the right place.

The U.S. landscaping industry is evolving fast in 2026, shaped by shifting labor markets, tech adoption, and changing client expectations. Whether you’re building a business or just sizing up the market, knowing where the landscaping industry stands today is critical for staying competitive and supporting construction workforce management.

This article explores key trends in industry growth, labor dynamics, customer demand, and the tools driving landscaping businesses forward.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers…

How Landscaping Impacts Property Values

Landscaping can do more than enhance curb appeal. It can significantly increase home values. 

Well-designed outdoor spaces may raise a property’s value by 5.5% to 12.7%. For a $300,000 home, that’s a potential increase of $16,000 to $38,000.

Lawns are America’s biggest “crop.” 

The collective lawn space in the United States is enormous.

Lawns cover about 40 million acres of land in the U.S., making turf grass the single largest irrigated “crop” grown in the country. That’s an area roughly three times the size of Massachusetts dedicated to grass! 

Gas-powered leaf blowers are notoriously polluting. 

To put it in perspective, running a commercial leaf blower for an hour emits almost the same smog-forming pollution as driving a Toyota Camry about 1,100 miles (nearly the distance from Los Angeles to Denver). 

This astonishing fact comes from California air quality research and is due to the extremely dirty emissions of two-stroke small engines. It’s a big reason cities and states are clamping down on gas blowers. 

The average landscaping business has only two employees. 

Yes, that means most are mom-and-pop operations or solo operators with a helper, perhaps a dedicated construction operations manager. While there are many large enterprises, too, this statistic highlights how many one-person or family businesses thrive in landscaping through strategic job management. 

For new entrepreneurs, this is heartening: you don’t need a huge company to participate and profit in this industry.

More Americans than ever are getting their hands dirty outdoors. 

80% of U.S. households now engage in gardening or lawn care activities, the highest level in at least five years. 

During the pandemic, millions took up gardening as a hobby, and that trend has stayed robust. This bodes well for landscapers, too. 

While some people enjoy gardening themselves, many others have discovered their landscaping limitations and subsequently call in professionals for the heavy lifting or more skilled tasks.

Did You Know?

Landscape architecture has its roots in the 19th century.

Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for co-designing New York’s Central Park in 1858, was the first to use the term “landscape architect” as a job title. He essentially pioneered the field, proving that designing outdoor space was both an art and a science.

U.S. Landscaping Industry Market Size in 2026

The U.S. landscaping services industry is enormous in 2026, with an estimated $184.1 billion in annual revenue. 

This reflects robust expansion: industry revenue has grown at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of around 6.0% over the past five years after bouncing back strongly from the pandemic slump. 

Between 2020 and 2023, the sector grew an impressive 8.2% per year on average, indicating surging demand for outdoor improvements. 

The market was around $153.6 billion in 2023, indicating continued healthy growth into the mid-2020s.

How Many Landscaping Businesses Are There?

There are approximately 696,334 landscaping businesses operating in the U.S. as of 2024. That’s 5.5% more than operated in 2023. 

Market share is spread thin in the landscaping sector. 

Despite the industry’s large size, no single company holds more than a 5% market share.

Even the largest general contracting firms account for only a tiny slice of the total market, which means the competitive landscape is dominated by thousands of independent operators and regional companies.

Who Hires Landscaping Professionals?

The majority of landscaping activity in the U.S. is driven by homeowners. 

About 59% of landscaping companies’ revenue comes from single-family residential projects, while the remainder comes from commercial clients (office parks, retail centers, multifamily complexes, etc.) and public/government contracts. 

In other words, the residential market slightly outweighs the commercial side in overall spending, reflecting Americans’ strong investment in their homes’ curb appeal and outdoor living spaces. 

“Residential” here includes private homes and possibly HOA common areas, whereas “commercial” covers businesses, institutions, and municipalities.

Where Are Most Landscaping Businesses Located?

Landscaping businesses are found in every state. But certain regions are especially packed with green industry activity. 

Warm-weather states lead in sheer number of companies. 

Florida is home to the most landscaping businesses (over 61,700), thanks to its year-round growing season and extensive development. 

California comes next (approximately 52,700 companies), followed by New York (approximately 45,100). 

Other large states, like Texas, Illinois, and Ohio, also have very active landscaping sectors. 

Generally, the Sun Belt and coastal states see the highest concentration of landscapers, whereas colder rural states have fewer. 

That said, the landscaping industry has “taken root” across all 50 states, from Florida to Alaska, with demand for outdoor services in virtually every community.

The U.S. Landscaping Workforce

Over 1.29 million professionals work in landscaping and groundskeeping roles across the country. 

This figure includes landscapers, lawn care technicians, grounds maintenance crews, gardeners, arborists, and related occupations.

Approximately 65,000 new landscaping/groundskeeping jobs will be added by 2033 (5% growth), bringing total employment to roughly 1.33 million. 

Landscaping provides accessible jobs, though wages vary by role and region. 

The typical front-line landscaper or grounds maintenance worker earns a median wage of approx. $18.50/hour ($38,500/year). 

Entry-level crew members often start around $14 to $16 per hour, while experienced crew leaders might make $20+ hourly. 

Specialists such as irrigation technicians, pesticide applicators, or arborists can earn higher pay due to their skills. 

On the higher end, landscape architects (who design outdoor spaces) have a median salary of around $80,000. 

Nearly all landscaping companies find hiring and retaining qualified workers a challenge. 

In 2024, 76% of landscaping contractors said they had at least one unfilled job opening on their crews. 

Moreover, 59% of companies reported that the labor market is worse now than it was pre-pandemic. Finding dependable field workers has become even more difficult since the COVID disruptions. 

The result is that many landscaping businesses operate short-staffed and must turn down work or delay projects due to a lack of crew. 

Why Labor Is the #1 Growth Challenge

A recent industry survey found 72% of landscape business owners say labor availability or retention is the biggest barrier to their growth, far eclipsing other concerns.

Most landscaping businesses are still winging it when hiring. 

A 2024 labor report revealed a troubling stat: 63% of landscape companies admitted they do not have a formal employee recruiting and retention strategy, indicating room for improvement in HR practices. 

How Landscaping Skills Are Learned

Most landscaping jobs are learned on the job. 

Typically, no formal education is required for entry-level grounds maintenance workers. Many workers start with just a high school diploma (or less) and pick up skills through training by employers. 

Some roles do require specific credentials. Pesticide applicators must be licensed in all states (due to safety regulations). For a breakdown of landscaping licenses and certifications by role and region, this guide covers everything you need to get started.

There’s a growing trend of professionalization in the industry, with more workers pursuing certifications such as the Landscape Industry Certified Technician credential (offered by NALP) or state horticulture licenses. 

As more workers pursue professional credentials, understanding landscaping terms and definitions becomes essential to training and communication across crews.

Additionally, landscaping companies are investing in training programs and partnering with vocational schools to build a skilled talent pipeline. 

The landscaping industry’s workforce remains predominantly blue-collar and male. 

About 85% of landscape workers are men, reflecting a demographic imbalance common in construction trades.

The Rise of Subcontracting and Gig-Based Lawn Services

Landscaping contractors increasingly subcontract specialized tasks.

Another labor trend involves using subcontractors and gig workers for specialized tasks like tree removal, lawn fertilization, and hardscape installation, rather than keeping all expertise in-house. This allows companies to meet client needs despite staff limitations. 

Apps and online platforms now connect homeowners with on-demand lawn care or snow removal providers. 

The “gig economy” has touched landscaping. While still a small segment, these gig platforms (GreenPal, Lawn Love, TaskEasy, etc.) let freelance operators pick up landscaping jobs on a flexible basis, adding a new layer of competition for traditional companies. 

Established landscapers differentiate themselves by emphasizing reliability, full-service offerings, and expertise to compete with one-off gig services.

How Much Do Americans Spend on Landscaping?

American homeowners spend around $300 monthly on their lawns and landscapes. 

On the residential side, the average homeowner spends about $300 per month on general landscaping and lawn care services. 

This typically covers routine maintenance, like mowing, edging, fertilizing, and pruning. Annually, that’s around $3,600 per household on basic yard upkeep. 

In addition, homeowners undertake larger improvement projects, like installing a new patio, re-landscaping the yard, or putting in an irrigation system. 

The typical landscape project ranges from about $2,600 on the low end and up to $13,700 on the high end, with a national average of around $8,150 per project. 

Most Common Landscaping Services in 2026

Maintenance services dominate the landscaping industry. 

The most commonly offered landscaping services (and by extension, the most in-demand) are basic lawn and yard care. 

Lawn treatment and chemical applications are offered by 86% of landscaping pros, followed by 82% providing landscape maintenance such as mowing and trimming. 

Around 71% offer design and installation services, 66% handle tree and shrub care, and 51% provide irrigation solutions.

This shows that mowing, lawn care, and general upkeep are core services nearly every company provides. It’s the bread-and-butter recurring revenue. 

At the same time, a majority also offer landscape construction (installing new gardens, walkways, water features) and plant healthcare/arborist services. 

Specialty and seasonal services are also popular. About 75% of landscapers offer spring/fall clean-ups, 55% do seasonal color plantings, and 46% provide snow and ice management in winter. 

Many companies diversify their offerings to smooth out seasonality.  For instance, nearly half of landscaping firms in colder climates plow snow in winter to keep crews busy. 

In warmer regions, year-round lawn maintenance is common, whereas in seasonal climates, there’s a rush of work in spring and fall.

Landscaping is Highly Seasonal

The spring surge (as grass begins growing and homeowners clean up from winter) and summer peak (prime growing season) are by far the busiest times. 

Many landscape companies earn the bulk of their revenue between April and September. 

In autumn, leaf clean-ups and winter prep provide another boost. Winter is the slowest period for landscaping, except for those offering snow removal or holiday lighting, which can provide off-season income (about 20% of landscapers even hang holiday lights as a service). 

To operate efficiently year-round, contractors rely on a suite of essential tools and tech. Check out our roundup of the must-have landscaping tools for 2026.

Regional climates dictate the landscaping business cycle. 

Sunbelt states (like Florida, Texas, Southern California) have landscaping work nearly year-round, with a slight slowdown in the hottest summer months. 

In contrast, Northern states have a shorter growing season. Landscapers there often pivot to snow plowing, holiday decor, or equipment maintenance during winter lulls. 

Geographic preferences affect landscaping services. 

Desert areas in the Southwest see more demand for xeriscaping (low-water landscapes) and irrigation management, while the Southeast focuses on lawn pest control and tropical plant care.

Clients Are Getting Greener

Today’s clients are more environmentally conscious than ever. 

Many customers now question pesticide use and prefer natural or organic lawn treatments to protect their families and local pollinators. 

There’s rising interest in native plants, which require less water and fertilizer, and in designs that support pollinators (butterfly gardens, wildflower meadows, etc.). 

Water conservation is a huge focus, especially in drought-prone regions. Clients may request smart irrigation systems that use weather sensors and timers to minimize water waste (they can cut outdoor water use by up to 50% compared to manual watering). 

Additionally, more consumers are aware of the environmental impact of gas-powered lawn equipment and appreciate companies that use electric mowers or quiet, low-emission tools. 

Sustainability has become a selling point. Landscaping companies that promote “green” practices (composting yard waste, avoiding overuse of chemicals, installing rain gardens or drip irrigation) often appeal to modern homeowners and commercial clients aiming to meet environmental goals.

How Homeowners and Commercial Clients Differ

Homeowners and commercial clients don’t shop for landscaping services the same way.

There are some differences in how homeowners and commercial clients choose landscaping services. 

Homeowners tend to be strongly influenced by personal referrals, online reviews, and responsiveness. They expect good communication, reliability (show up on schedule), and fair pricing for quality work. 

Many residential clients, especially younger ones, prefer convenient digital interactions, such as booking appointments online, paying via app, and receiving text updates. 

They also often desire creative input from landscapers (design ideas, plant suggestions) to enhance their property’s curb appeal. For more tips on growing your business, explore these actionable landscaping marketing ideas.

On the other hand, commercial clients, such as property managers for office complexes, retail centers, or HOAs, prioritize consistency, capacity, and compliance. 

They often solicit formal bids or contracts and will evaluate a landscaping company’s professionalism, insurance coverage, crew size (to handle large sites), and ability to adhere to specifications. 

Both homeowner and commercial clients increasingly expect digital transparency, such as detailed quotes, before-and-after photos, and clear service agreements. 

Landscaping Business Pricing Models

Landscaping companies use a mix of pricing strategies depending on the service. 

Maintenance services (like mowing, weekly lawn care, or seasonal clean-ups) are often sold on a contract or subscription basis (e.g., a fixed monthly fee or per-visit charge agreed for the season). 

Many residential clients opt for annual maintenance packages (with services bundled and billed monthly). To streamline this, you can use pre-built landscaping business templates to manage contracts, quotes, and invoices professionally.

Project work (landscape installations, one-time makeovers) is usually quoted as a flat fee bid after estimating labor, materials, and overhead. 

Some contractors price installation jobs with a cost-plus model (adding a markup on materials and a set labor rate).

Hourly billing is less common for end customers but is sometimes used for certain tasks (e.g., consultations or minor repairs), typically at rates of $50 to $100 per hour for skilled landscape work, higher in urban markets. 

Profit Margins: Residential vs. Commercial Work

Residential lawn care nets up to 20% while commercial work is closer to 10% to 15%. 

Industry benchmarks suggest that for a residential-focused lawn care business, a 15% to 20% net profit margin is considered strong, whereas for large commercial contracts, a 10% to 15% margin is more typical. 

Tech Adoption in Landscaping Operations

Successful landscaping companies are increasingly tech-enabled.  For a breakdown of the best landscaping business software tools, check out our comparison of leading apps designed specifically for this industry.

Common software and apps include job management platforms, crew scheduling and GPS tracking apps, estimating and invoicing software, CRM systems for client contacts, and payroll/timecard apps. 

According to industry discussions, companies using software have better visibility into job costs and crew productivity. 

For instance, tracking real-time job costing allows managers to see if a project is overrunning budget and adjust accordingly. See our roundup of the best landscaping job costing software for a full comparison of tools built for this. Meanwhile, crew scheduling apps and lawn care scheduling software help busy contractors maximize time in the field and reduce delays.

Franchises Are Growing, But Independents Still Rule

There’s a growing franchise segment in the landscaping industry. 

Well-known landscaping franchises include companies like U.S. Lawns, The Grounds Guys, TruGreen (lawn care), Weed Man, etc. 

Franchises tend to have higher revenues on average. But they still make up only a small portion of the 700k+ landscaping businesses. 

Did You Know?

Many landscapers now specialize in water-efficient landscaping and EPA WaterSense-certified irrigation setups.

Technologies like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting barrels, and moisture sensors buried in lawns are becoming mainstream offerings.

Drainage tech is also improving (e.g., smart flow sensors to detect leaks or runoff), ensuring landscapes are both beautiful and sustainable.

In short, clients expect landscapers to deliver lush lawns and gardens without wasting precious water, and technology is the enabler

New Tech Trends in Landscaping

Autonomous mowers and other robotic landscape devices have arrived.

Several landscaping companies (especially those handling large commercial or municipal properties) are experimenting with robotic lawn mowers that can continuously trim grass within virtual boundaries. 

These battery-powered “grass Roombas” show promise for offsetting labor shortages on big sites. However, broader uptake has been limited by cost, security concerns, and the challenge of using them on complex, smaller residential lawns (current models work best on open, flat areas). 

As a result, autonomous mowing is mostly in pilot programs or niche uses right now. 

Electric tools are leading the charge in landscaping’s next big shift.

California has enacted bans on selling new gas lawn mowers and leaf blowers (small off-road engines) starting in 2024 due to emissions and noise. 

Early adopter landscapers, particularly on the West Coast and Northeast, where noise/pollution ordinances are strict, are investing in electric fleets for their quieter operation (appeasing noise-sensitive neighborhoods) and eliminating fuel costs and direct emissions. 

For more resources, check out our guides on Landscaping Marketing, How to Start a Landscaping Business, Landscaping Training, Property Management Software, and the best Landscaping Apps.

Final Thoughts

Landscaping is more than mowing lawns. It’s a complex, innovative field blending horticulture, construction, and technology. 

For those passionate about enhancing outdoor environments, now is an exciting time to be in the landscaping business. If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how to start a landscaping business from the ground up.

And with solutions like Workyard available to help manage the operational side, contractors can focus on creating and maintaining beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Workyard offers tailored solutions for construction and field teams including mobile field service features. It also integrates with partner payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto among others.

Here’s to a greener, well-manicured, and prosperous 2026 for the landscaping industry!