2025 State of the Landscape Industry

The 2025 State of the Industry: Key Takeaways & What They Mean for Your Business

As we step into 2025, the landscaping and snow removal industry continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for business owners. The latest Lawn & Landscape State of the Industry report provides valuable insights into where the industry stands and what you can do to stay ahead. Let’s break it down.

Industry & Business Confidence: A Slight Shift

While overall confidence in the industry’s growth has inched up (93% vs. 92% last year), confidence in individual business growth has slightly dipped from 94% to 91%. This suggests that while contractors still see a strong industry, they’re feeling a little more cautious about their own operations. Why? Rising costs, economic uncertainty, and labor shortages are making profitability harder to maintain.

💡 What You Can Do: Focus on operational efficiency and standardization. Streamlining processes, investing in employee training, and leveraging technology can help protect margins and sustain growth even in uncertain times.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Private Equity: Fewer Sellers, More Investors

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a big topic, but fewer landscapers are looking to sell their business in the next decade. This year, 50% of respondents said they don’t plan to sell in the next 10 years, compared to 38% last year. Additionally, fewer business owners reported being approached about selling (46% vs. 50% last year). However, private equity investment in the industry continues to rise, now accounting for 6% of businesses.

💡 What You Can Do: Whether you plan to sell or hold, having a strong operational structure makes your company more attractive. Even if selling isn’t on your radar, running your business as if it will be sold—meaning strong systems, financial clarity, and a solid team—sets you up for long-term success.

Most Profitable Services: Where the Money Is

Wondering where to focus your efforts for the highest return? Here’s what the numbers say:

• Landscape Maintenance (24%) – Consistent, predictable revenue.

• Design/Build (24%) – Higher-margin, project-based revenue.

• Lawn Care/Chemical Applications (16%) – Strong recurring revenue model.

• Snow Removal (10%) – Profitable, but weather-dependent.

• Irrigation (9%) – Niche but growing.

• Tree & Ornamental Care (3%) – Specialized market.

• Landscape Lighting (3%) – Small segment, but high-margin potential.

💡 What You Can Do: If your most profitable service isn’t already part of your core offering, consider ways to expand into those areas. For example, if you primarily do design/build, adding maintenance services can create a recurring revenue stream.

Industry Demographics: The Clock is Ticking on Ownership Transfers

• 34% of industry professionals are aged 55-64.

• 30% are 45-54.

• Only 4% are under 35.

With a large portion of owners nearing retirement, there’s massive potential for acquisitions and market share growth. If you’re thinking about expanding, now is a great time to position yourself as a buyer.

💡 What You Can Do: Build relationships with older business owners who may be looking for an exit strategy. If you’re planning your own exit, start structuring your business to be sellable by focusing on profitability and strong leadership development.

Top 5 Concerns for 2025 & How to Combat Them

1. Rising Fuel Prices – While painful, fuel is still a relatively small percentage of operating costs compared to labor.

2. Quality Labor Shortage – The biggest challenge and expense for most businesses. Investing in training and retention strategies will pay off far more than worrying about fuel costs.

3. High Insurance Costs – Shop around for better policies, but also work on safety training to lower your claims risk.

4. Economic Recession – A well-diversified service offering helps insulate your business from economic swings.

5. Low-Ball Competitors – Focus on value, not price. Educate customers on what makes your services superior.

💡 Where to Focus: Labor makes up a far bigger portion of your expenses than fuel. A well-trained, efficient workforce will save you far more money in the long run than worrying about fluctuations in fuel prices. Make retention and efficiency your top priorities.

Exit Strategies: Are You Prepared?

• 51% of business owners say they have an exit strategy.

• 40% do not.

• 7% aren’t sure.

If you don’t have an exit strategy yet, it’s time to start thinking about one. Even if selling is far off, having a plan ensures you’re building a valuable, sustainable business.

Profitability: The Good News

Despite challenges, 88% of businesses reported earning a profit last year. That’s a strong indicator that, with the right strategy, businesses can continue to thrive—even in a tougher economic climate.

Final Thoughts

The landscaping and snow removal industry remains strong, but success in 2025 will require strategic planning, efficiency, and adaptability. Focus on:

✅ Expanding high-profit service lines.
✅ Building a strong team and training them well.
✅ Tracking key financials and running your business like it’s for sale (even if it’s not).
✅ Having an exit plan—because one day, you’ll need one.

Want a deeper dive into these insights? Check out our latest episode of The Beer Garden!

Need Help?

If you need help implementing these strategies or have questions about growing your landscape or snow removal business, feel free to reach out. We're here to support your journey toward a successful and stress-free future, don’t hesitate to contact us here. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

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