Increased Profits for Landscapers in 2013?

Many landscapers may see an increase in their 2013 profits, as a recent survey conducted by PLANET concluded that 35 percent of households (with yards) hired a landscape professional last year.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) along with Harris Interactive, landscapers may see increased profits this year (2013) in some areas of their business services.

The study, surveyed 2,219 adults ages 18 and older, of which 1,830 have a lawn or landscape. 35 percent have hired professionals to perform lawn and landscape services, with those in the South (38 percent) and West (40 percent) being more likely to hire a professional than those in the Midwest (29 percent.)

While overall consumer spending is expected to remain steady in most categories, landscape maintenance (mowing, edging, leaf cleanup) will see a slight increase in spending ($700 on average in the coming year versus $600 in the past year), as well as landscape design/installation ($1,200 in the coming year versus $1,000 in the past year).

Responses indicate that the biggest spending increase will likely be in the design/build area, with a potential for spending to double ($2,900 on average from $1,400).

In the past year, the top three services purchased by consumers who have a lawn/landscape include:

- 18 percent, Landscape Maintenance/Care ($600 average spent)
- 16 percent, Lawn Care ($400 average spent)
- 11 percent, Tree Care ($400 average spent)

Men outpace women when it comes to hiring professional landscape help over the past year (39 percent versus 32 percent), and younger adults, ages 18 to 34, stand out as most likely to have hired professionals for building outdoor living spaces, patios and walkways over the past year (9 percent versus 3 percent of those aged 35+).

"About a third of the Americans who have a lawn or landscape turn to professionals for help for a variety of reasons, some of which include that they don't have the skills and ability or patience to do it themselves, and that they want a professional look," said PLANET CEO, Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP. "We are pleased to help landscape industry companies bring the best knowledge and cutting-edge practices to their clients' lawns and landscapes."

For more information about PLANET, please visit landcarenetwork.org. To view the survey results, please click here.

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