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Despite drought and economic jitters, 56 percent of American landscape contractors saw their revenue grow in 2007, and half expect more growth in '08, a survey by landscapearchitect.com has found. While some layoffs have taken place, close to half of respondents expect to hire more workers over the coming year.
The bottom line is that the roots of the industry aren't sounding alarm bells over 2008. Drought and a slow homebuilding market were blamed by the 36 percent of contractors who reported cutting positions.
Contractors were asked for advice they would give to other business owners. One common theme reverberated through respondent comments. ?EUR??,,????'?????<
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More than 200 contractors and business owners responded to the survey. Respondents found the survey at landscapearchitect.com or answered an emailed request to complete the survey.
Respondents replied from across the country, and reported details about local conditions affecting landscape contractors.
Some of the Chicago downturn may be seasonal. Other pessimistic reports came in from the Southeast, where record drought continues.
After months of lower prices, petroleum products surged up at the start of November. The surge was an unwelcome development for firms that focus on maintenance or installation.
Survey-takers were asked to add ideas for new revenue streams. The number of responses showed that contractors are not about to throw in the towel when faced with current challenges. Business owners are ready to weather difficulties?EUR??,,????'?????<
Nancy Marouf of Woodbridge, Va.?EUR??,,????'?????<
Steven Hoover of ValleyCrest Landscape Development in Phoenix, Ariz. worried about new legislation that will implement penalties for businesses than unknowingly hire illegal workers in the state.
Sometimes, of course, new legislation helps landscape contractors, as Jim Hanselman of Manheim, Penn.-based Hanselman Landscape pointed out.
In the end, it pays to read news accounts (in Landscape Contractor National, landscapearchitect.com and elsewhere) to keep up on local versus national trends and other details.
For Nancy Marouf of Virginia-based Shearscapes, studying the local economy helped illuminate the silver lining inside the cloud.
To comment on this article, click on ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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