A respected and trusted news source for over 40 years. Each issue reaches more than 13,750 landscape and horticulture professionals across Canada.
TRADES LANDSCAPE YOUTH'S DREAM | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO CONGRESS | INTERNATIONAL EDGE
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL TRADE PUBLICATION
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2 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
30
40
46
Features 30 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
46 A GREEN FUTURE
Feeling cautiously optimistic about 2025? You’re not alone. See the results of our annual reader survey for more trends and insights. BY KARINA SINCLAIR
The next generation of landscapers weigh in on their hopes and dreams for the future of the green trades. BY JULIA HARMSWORTH
52 GROWING BEYOND BORDERS
40 CONGRESS 2025
How working abroad can transform your landscaping career. BY ELISSA ASTORINO
Learn, network and strike a deal at Canada’s premier trade show for landscape professionals. BY KARINA SINCLAIR
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 3
LANDSCAPE TRADES
DEC 2024 | Jan 2025 VOL. 46, NO. 6 LANDSCAPETRADES.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Wasilewski MANAGING EDITOR, MULTIMEDIA Karina Sinclair ASSISTANT EDITOR Robert Ellidge GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE Julia Harmsworth ACCOUNT MANAGER Greg Sumsion ACCOUNT MANAGER Liz Lant COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lindsay DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST Charlotte Guena Aisha Shaikh PROOFREADER
10
Columns 8 GREEN PENCIL Gratitude, hope and forward thinking drive the landscape profession into the future. BY KARINA SINCLAIR 58 GROWING YOUR BUSINESS Transitioning from owner to observer: How to build a company that runs without you. BY RYAN MARKEWICH
ACCOUNTANT Joe Sabatino STAFF CONTACT INFO AT LANDSCAPETRADES.COM/CONTACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gerald Boot CLM , Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman CHT, Nick Winkelmolen Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 comments@landscapetrades.com www.landscapetrades.com Landscape Trades is published six times a year: February, March, May, August, October and December. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One year – $46.90 | Two years – $84.74 | Three years – $118.64 HST included. U.S. and international please add $20.00 per year for postage and handling. Subscribe at www.landscapetrades.com Copyright 2024. All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.
62 DESIGNERS CORNER
Examining the state of the landscape design profession. BY PAUL BRYDGES
66 SECTOR SPOTLIGHT
Box tree moth: Can resistance be bred into boxwood? BY JAMIE AALBERS
Departments 10 PROFESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL T he unique challenges faced by interior plantscape specialists.
12 NEWSSCAPE 70 CNLA NEWS 80 NEWS PRODUCTS: CONGRESS PREVIEW 86 MENTOR MOMENT
Fred Post uses an online platform to share his wisdom with up-and-coming professionals.
ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8 CANADA
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 7
GREENPENCIL A blue sky state of mind
BY KARINA SINCLAIR
AS WE WRAP UP another year, I’m reminded to take stock of everything we’ve accomplished over the past 12 months and look ahead with a blue sky state of mind. Here at Landscape Trades , our editorial team is dedicated to providing
running trade show for landscape professionals in Canada and draws exhibitors and attendees from across North America. Head to page 40 to learn how Congress can provide the boost your business needs. My best advice — wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you as you traverse nearly 10 acres to take advantage of all the learning and networking opportunities Congress has to offer. By the way, there’s still time to register and I’m delighted to offer Landscape Trades readers a VIP code to attend for free: LTMAG2025 Also looking forward, the next generation of landscapers is ready to make a meaningful contribution to the green industry. Julia Harmworth spoke with recent graduates of the Fanshawe College Landscape Technician program to capture their hopes and dreams for the green trades — find their youthful insights on page 46. Meanwhile, recent Niagara Parks School of Horticulture graduate Elissa Astorino shares the lessons she learned working abroad, including her unique experiences landscaping around bush turkeys in Australia. Her experience is documented starting on page 52. Bush turkeys were not one of the key challenges that came up in our State of the Industry survey results, but you never know what the coming year might bring. As we close out this year, let’s all embrace a blue sky state of mind — looking ahead with optimism, inspired by both the seasoned professionals and emerging talent who make this industry vibrant. Together, we’ll tackle new challenges, explore untapped potential and continue growing a greener future. Here’s to a bright 2025 and the endless possibilities on the horizon. Until next time,
readers with both inspiration and practical insights that fuel innovation and growth. Each issue is crafted to explore diverse topics that add value across the green industry — from horticulture therapy and artificial intelligence to road salt remediation and water conservation. I am endlessly grateful to the people who make our six annual print issues, monthly e-newsletters and social media posts possible. Our talented columnists
take time from their successful careers to share their expertise in garden centre management, urban forest technology, legal issues and best practices for small business owners. The landscape pros highlighted in our Mentor Moments are unfailingly humble and generous with their insights. We’re fortunate to work with talented writers who bring us fresh perspectives and deep research. And as managing editor, I’m honoured to work with the unsung heroes of Landscape Trades : Mike Wasilewski, Robert Ellidge, Greg Sumsion, Liz Lant, Angela Lindsay and Charlotte Guena. These talented and dedicated souls never get a byline, but they contribute their hearts and souls to making Landscape Trades the premier horticultural trade publication in Canada. Take a bow, team. While on the topic of thanks, I’d like to express my appreciation for everyone who participated in our 2024 State of the Industry Survey. Your responses have given us a richer understanding of what’s happening in the green trades across the country. Despite having faced plenty of shared challenges this year, landscapers and horticulturalists are a wary, yet hopeful sort. Flip to page 30 to learn how landscapers like you are facing 2025 with resilience and resolve. One thing to look forward to in the new year is the Landscape Ontario Congress Trade Show and Conference, taking place Jan. 7-9, 2025. It’s the biggest and longest-
Karina Sinclair
Managing Editor, Multimedia
We’d love to hear your feedback, story ideas and thoughts for future issues. Reach out to editor@landscapetrades.com (or stop by booth #1528 at Congress) and let’s chat! LT
8 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 9
INTERIOR PLANTSCAPE What do you wish the general public understood about interior plant care? N ot only do plants beautify indoor spaces, they also reduce stress, filter air pollutants, boost moods and increase creativity — making for a healthier, happier environment for all. Installing and maintaining interior plantscapes for commercial or residential clients requires deep knowledge about soil quality, plant nutrition, light conditions, pests and much more. Landscape Trades asked interior plantscape professionals to share their insights to help dispel the myths surrounding their specialty as they strive to maintain living walls, potted tropicals, seasonal and special event decor or other indoor biophilic features. Professional Confessional
“Perhaps hospital common areas can have it, as it is supporting recovery. Bio-field is a part of healing and recovery. I wanted to work in this area but I was never chosen to be an employee of interior plantscaping and now I can work one day a week to learn and do this.” - Eva W.
advantage of the vertical space by installing living walls and moss art on office and lobby walls. Caring for interior plantscapes is a rewarding career because you get to look after plants year-round in a climate-controlled environment. We do not have the seasonality inherent to the outdoor companies trying to plant in such a short season. Our plants are available year-round and are mostly imported from Florida with some species coming from Hawaii. We get to nurture the plants and our soul by caring for foliage and flowers. Some of our challenges are the environmental changes inside while the seasons change outside. For example, in the fall, the heaters in the buildings turn on, creating a very harsh, dry climate for our tropical plants that typically don't do well without humidity in the air. They dry out incredibly fast and are more prone to pests such as spider mites. Then, when the light levels drop in the winter from lack of sunshine, most plants tend to go dormant and can sometimes stop using water at all.
“We are an intricate part of biophilic design in the interior built environment. We help people connect to nature where they spend the majority of their time — inside! I wish the general public knew that we exist as an industry! I believe that most people walk by plants at the office or in the shopping mall and assume that the janitor looks after them or that they aren't real. They don't realize the years of experience and expertise it takes to properly install and care for indoor gardens and trees. Being an interior plantscape specialist means that we put the right plant in the right spot and care for it so it thrives for years in the same location. And, if it does start to decline or get old and tired looking, we'll replace it with a fresh plant at no extra charge; that's part of our guaranteed maintenance service. We not only provide plants in pots and built-in gardens, but we are also taking
Another challenge is the cold winter air coming into lobbies and vestibules, especially through automatic entrance doors that stay open for a while. The freezing air pours in and can cause cold damage on foliage or, in severe cases, the wind can actually freeze the moisture in the leaves, making them turn black and mushy when they thaw. Another challenge we are currently facing is access. Ever since the COVID-19 lockdowns, we have had difficulties entering offices. Many of our clients are on part-time remote work from home and, therefore, there is skeleton staff on Mondays and Fridays with Wednesdays being packed with meetings. On the pillar days, we have a hard time getting into the clients' premises at all and in the middle of the week, we can't get into some private offices and meeting rooms where the plants are located.” - Hella K.
10 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2022 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. Bobcat Company is a member of the Doosan Group. Doosan is a global leader in construction, grounds maintenance and material handling equipment, power and water solutions, and engineering that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ® , the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2024 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 11674
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 11
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Toolkit helps address substance abuse in the trades
The overdose crisis is one of the most serious public health crises Canada has ever faced, according to a statement by the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, minister of mental health and addictions and associate minister of health on the overdose crisis. Addiction and overdoses impact the trades more than any other profession. The statement said that between January 2016 and June 2024, “there have been 44,592 opioid-related deaths. Despite ongoing efforts at all levels of government and with partners across the country, 8,049 people lost their lives to opioids in 2023. That's an average of 22 people dying each day.” Since 2016, 72 per cent of accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths were male, and 30 to 50 per cent worked in trades at the time of their death. Thirty-one per cent were between the ages of 30 to 39 years. Physically demanding jobs, such as landscape construction, can come with pain, injury and stress. This can lead to using substances like drugs or alcohol to cope. The stigma they face is also great, as men are less likely to talk about
their substance use or mental health challenges for fear of being judged or penalized. The crisis is driven by a dangerous illegal synthetic drug supply that is unpredictable and increasingly toxic. Powerful drugs like fentanyl, and other emerging synthetic opioids are flooding the illegal drug supply and resulting in an increase in harms and deaths. Health Canada has re-launched an updated Ease the Burden campaign to offer free resources for men struggling with substance use and to share the message that "it takes strength to ask for help." The campaign also includes information for employers to help start a conversation about substance use and addiction in the workplace. The goal is to create a space where men feel safe and supported to reach out for help if they are struggling with substance use and addiction, to reduce stigma around getting help, and to ultimately save lives. To learn more and access available resources for workers, employers and others in the trades, please visit Canada.ca/Ease-The-Burden.
12 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 13
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Vineland’s 2024-25 Innovation Report now available
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) published its 2024-25 Innovation Report, covering the organization's latest research and development projects. The report features insightful articles including: Adapting crops to the changing Canadian climate; Better pest control in the greenhouse sector; Creating impact for growers with horticultural technological solutions; Breaking new ground on soils and meaningful carbon sequestration; and more. Based in Vineland Station, Ont., Vineland is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation. It delivers innovative products, solutions and services through an integrated and collaborative cross- country network to advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.
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Beacon Impatiens presents donation to MS Society PanAmerican Seed was pleased to present a donation check to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society during the organization’s local “Dinner of Champions” event Sept. 13 in Chicago, Ill. The donation was the result of seed sales of the company’s Beacon series of Impatiens walleriana, monetary support through branded apparel sales, as well as participation in BikeMS fundraising. “Dinner of Champions” is an annual fundraising event of the MS Society that brings together supporters and people living with Multiple Sclerosis. The Chicago event was decorated with Beacon Impatiens tablescapes, and branded signage donated by PanAmerican Seed. A featured speaker of the event was Todd Frauendorfer, treasurer for Ball Horticultural Company, whose life goal was to drive donations to $1 million over the course of his MS diagnosis. The involvement of Beacon Impatiens in 2024 helped him reach his goal and the milestone was celebrated on stage. “It was a privilege to be part of such an amazing night and especially to be a part of Todd’s journey all year long,” said Sarah Makiejus, global marketing manager for PanAmerican Seed. “It was a true team effort, and we continue to be pleased with the impact Beacon Impatiens has on the industry, as well as how its annual charitable giving continues to make a difference in so many lives.” Beacon Impatiens, a series of Impatiens walleriana with proven high resistance to impatiens downy mildew, brings delight back to shade gardens everywhere. As part of a dedicated mission to “shine the light,” PanAmerican Seed has committed to donating to a new charity each year. A new charitable partner will be announced soon for the 2025 sales season.
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NEWSSCAPE
All-electric loader wins design award
Bobcat Company has been selected as a Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader. The Red Dot Design Award is one of the most respected design awards in the world, with its Design Concept category identifying and celebrating new design concepts and innovations as the precursors of tomorrow’s great products. “We are honoured to win the world-renowned Red Dot Award for Design Concept in recognition of the groundbreaking design of the RogueX2,” said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “This award is a testament to the dedication of the Bobcat teams who are passionate about pushing design limits and advancing innovation to redefine the machines of tomorrow.” The RogueX2 is a powerful, smart machine that produces zero emissions and features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive actuated lift and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. Specifically designed and built without a cab, RogueX2 explores the idea of how work machines of the future can be designed and optimized for new technologies and enable an entirely new work
experience. Designed with wheels to optimize the electric battery run time, the RogueX2 features axial flux motors, which give the machine incredible tractive effort. In the research and development stage, the award-winning RogueX2 is not yet commercially available.
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18 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 19
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Bobcat donates equipment to support disaster relief efforts
disaster operations, and this significant addition of operational equipment in our warehouses and the field is essential to ensuring the safety of our workers and in providing crucial services to survivors.” “Bobcat equipment is often at the forefront of helping communities rebuild after natural disasters,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “Our collaboration with The Salvation Army allows Bobcat and our equipment to make an even greater impact, empowering The Salvation Army to maximize their efforts in doing the most good.”
The Salvation Army has received a significant equipment donation from Bobcat Company to support ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene, Milton and beyond. This donation, valued at $885,000 USD, includes 23 essential pieces of equipment, such as forklifts, portable generators and light towers all vital for aiding communities impacted by natural disasters. These assets will be stored at The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) warehouses and deployed across the southeast, ensuring rapid and effective response to both the current and future disasters. The Salvation Army has often needed
to rent much of this equipment in times of disaster, a costly and logistically challenging necessity, particularly during times of high demand following disasters. With Bobcat’s support, The Salvation Army can respond immediately without needing to source critical equipment during emergencies, enhancing its capacity to serve affected communities effectively. “This equipment will not only help with our immediate response efforts to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but will also save valuable time and money responding to future disasters,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army. “Service delivery is severely impacted when critical equipment is unavailable during
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 21
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Communities in Bloom announces 2024 winners
“On behalf of our national board of directors, our volunteer judges, sponsors and partners, I sincerely thank and congratulate all the communities that have participated in the CiB provincial, national and international programs in this, our thirtieth year,” Susan Ellis, CiB national chairperson, said. “While the past few years have tested our strength and resilience, we have persevered and emerged stronger and more determined in 2024 as participation rates grew by 32 per cent over last year. We have carefully observed the challenges our participating municipalities are facing, and we have responded with a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability as we continue to make our communities greener, healthier and more liveable."
On Oct. 20, the thirtieth edition of the Communities in Bloom (CiB) National and International Awards Ceremonies was held in Charlottetown, P.E.I., honouring municipalities across Canada, Ireland, Italy, Hungary and the U.S. Communities in Bloom is a volunteer and partnership- driven organization that uses a multi-tiered competitive evaluation process to foster community strength, involvement and continuous improvement. This is accomplished by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces and heritage conservation, in cultural and natural environments encompassing municipal, residential, commercial and institutional spaces.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNERS
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AND CONTESTS WINNERS
Teck Community Appearance Award: City of North Bay, Ont. Canadian Nursery Landscape Association Environmental Action Award City of Coquitlam, B.C. Communities in Bloom Heritage
Scotts Turf Builder Landscape Award City of Castlegar, B.C. National Capital Commission Plant & Floral Displays Award City of Fredericton, N.B. Scotts Youth Involvement Award City of Melfort, Sask. Scotts Community of Gardeners Award Ville de Rosemère, Que. Communities in Bloom Community Involvement Award Town of Mahone Bay, N.S.
National Population Town of St. Paul, Alta. International Challenge (Small) City of Lewes, Delaware, U.S. International Challenge (Medium) Trim, Meath County Council, Ireland International Challenge (Large) City of Barrie, Ont. Class of Champions (Small)
Conservation Award Town of Devon, Alta. Communities in Bloom Tree Management Award City of Fredericton, N.B.
Town of Stonewall, Man. Healthier, Livable Cities: City of Fredericton, N.B.
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Representatives from the Town of Stonewall, Man., were overjoyed to receive an award in the Class of Champions (Small) category.
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The Butchart Gardens Land Reclamation Award Town of Carbonear, N.L. Municipal World WinterLife Award City of Melfort, Sask.
Increase Profits
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association Green Cities Award City of Barrie, Ont. Nutrients for Life School Garden Award Bon Accord Community School, Bon Accord, Alta. Equinox & Scotts Canada Plants Love You Contest winner City of Coquitlam, B.C. Equinox Show Us Your Planters 1st place winner Town of Stonewall, Man. Equinox Show Us Your Planters 2nd place winner Town of Pincher Creek, Alta. Ball International Plant and Floral Displays Award City of Lewes, Delaware, U.S.
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Communities in Bloom International Community Involvement Award Trim - Meath County Council, Ireland City of Stratford, Ont. Communities in Bloom Best Downtown Area Award City of Stratford, Ont. Communities in Bloom Top Volunteers under 30 McKenna Ross, Castlegar, B.C.
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Communities in Bloom Top Volunteers under 30 Richard Kasanavicius, Coquitlam, B.C.
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For full results and details, visit communitiesinbloom.ca/2024-cib-awards-results/
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 23
NEWSSCAPE
Celebrations planned for Wave Petunias’ 30th anniversary
In 2025, Wave Petunias from PanAmerican Seed will reach an industry milestone celebrating 30 years of petunia gardeners trust. Since its debut in 1995, the brand in its distinctive pink packaging has drawn shoppers and fans by the millions. To commemorate such an important anniversary — and help greenhouses and retailers take advantage of extra consumer interest — PanAmerican Seed announces several exciting plans beginning this spring. First, the brand now has an official
Top Wave Pansies will debut in California during the annual Spring Trials (CAST) event at the Santa Paula location. Registration will be open soon for members of the industry to get a first look. To build upon the Wave brand’s vision of colouring the world with flowers through thoughtful and engaging collaboration with trend-setters, tastemakers and creatives, Wave Petunias will be launching an exclusive partnership with a renowned artist who will use Wave Petunias in a very special way to herald new growth, hope and possibility. More details to be revealed in the months to come.
consumer holiday: National Wave Day is May 3. Stay tuned for a list of festivities as the Wave Petunia team counts down to the kickoff of its new holiday celebration. Next, to further confirm that “Wave Is Growing,” PanAmerican Seed will be unveiling a new addition to its Wave Pansies line.
“After 30 years, the Wave brand remains so special to the horticulture industry not only for its pioneering ways, but because it continues to evolve and meet the needs of the new consumer,” says Sarah Makiejus, global marketing manager for PanAmerican
24 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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Seed and the Wave brand manager. “We have an amazing anniversary year planned that will excite the consumer, create a positive buzz around our industry and build business for our PanAmerican Seed customer. I can’t wait for each of these announcements to soar!” To help greenhouse growers and garden retailers prepare for the increased interest in Wave Petunias and Wave Pansies throughout 2025, a full promotional package was made available free of charge in November. Advanced access to these marketing assets (videos, signage, social media posts, handouts, etc.) will give the industry the tools it needs to plan local and more personal events with the Wave brand. For best availability of Wave Petunia colours and mixes for this 30th year of celebration, PanAmerican Seed is encouraging greenhouses to contact their preferred supplier for seed and plugs. Another announcement will be forthcoming
Petunias and Wave Pansies. For more information, please visit panamseed.com.
on how to participate in the upcoming events, as well as how to register a retail business as a location to purchase Wave
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Isuzu vehicles are assembled from component parts manufactured by Isuzu Motors Limited, its affiliated companies and by independent suppliers who manufacture such components to Isuzu’s exacting standards for quality, performance, and safety. Vehicle shown with optional equipment. Some equipment is dealer installed. © 2024 Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada, Inc.
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 25
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International plant trialing conference registration now open
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26 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 27
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Landscape software leaders merge
SingleOps, a leading provider of arbor and landscape business software, recently announced its merger with Landscape Management Network (LMN), the largest provider of landscape business software and crew training in the United States and Canada. Together, they form the premier business management software and payments platform serving the full-service landscaping, tree care, design/build and snow removal industries. Mark Sedgley, CEO of SingleOps, will lead the combined business effective immediately. Mark Bradley, founder of LMN, will remain with the company as a strategic advisor and partner to the business. "Merging these two incredible companies allows us to continue putting our customers first," Sedgley said. "Our customers are the fabric of our economy and create millions of jobs all over North America and in their respective communities. Both SingleOps and LMN take this responsibility very seriously, working hard to empower our customers to thrive." "It has been a great privilege to lead LMN for over 16 years, and I am excited to work closely with SingleOps to create a market-leading business serving the green industry," said Bradley, founder of LMN. "LMN is fortunate to have found a strategic partner with complementary capabilities and a shared vision for growth, and the combined company is now
well-equipped to continue to capitalize on the market opportunity." The green industry continues to undergo rapid change but remains largely fragmented. Despite the growing need for intuitive business management solutions to improve efficiency, the industry remains early on the adoption curve, with more companies expected to require all-in-one solutions, including payments capabilities, in the coming years. SingleOps and LMN will continue to support and invest in their respective software platforms, aiming to optimize their technology capabilities and expand the breadth of services they provide to meet market demand. "By bringing together these two leading vertical SaaS platforms, SingleOps and LMN are uniquely positioned to support the full range of customer needs across the green industry," said Robert Anderson, partner at FTV Capital. "LMN and SingleOps have shared cultures of putting their customers first and understanding the pain points from their clients' perspectives. We look forward to supporting the combined company as it continues to help the industry be successful and work tirelessly to serve its great customers." Sedgley added, "FTV's partnership and expertise have been instrumental to getting us where we are and will be equally as vital as we move forward into this next exciting phase of growth."
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28 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
Date:
Sep 16, 2024
Filename_ Version#
Landscape Ontario Congress January 7-9, 2025 at the Toronto Congress Centre Booth 1728 COME VISIT US AT
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 29
Optimism Cautious
30 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 2024
LANDSCAPERS LOOK TO 2025 WITH RESILIENCE AND RESOLVE
BY KARINA SINCLAIR
I n 2024, landscape professionals faced a range of economic pressures, evolving industry demands and shifting workforce expectations with a cautious but hopeful outlook. The fourth annual State of the Industry survey, conducted by Landscape Trades , captures the perspectives of landscapers and business owners across Canada, highlighting their main concerns, strategies for growth and outlook for the future. Respondents shared their thoughts on inflation’s impact on costs for materials, labour and equipment, along with staffing challenges and increased competition. Despite the pressures, many are optimistic: over half (52.3%) rated their 2024 financial picture as “moderate,” while 31.2% described it as “strong,” and 8.3% even called it a “record year.” Across companies of all sizes and stages, there is a shared focus on innovation and resilience as they look to 2025. Join us in exploring these insights, revealing trends that may shape the future of landscaping and provide strategies to drive growth in a competitive landscape.
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 31
What were the biggest challenges your business faced in 2024?
In the 2023 survey, respondents predicted inflation as the top challenge they’d face in 2024 and they were right. Survey participants were asked to select all challenges that applied to them, and more than half cited inflation as their biggest challenge over the past year. The cost of everything — from equipment to fuel, materials to wages — crept higher and higher, eating into profit margins. Recruiting and retaining staff was the second highest rated challenge, with some respondents suggesting the cost of living is driving qualified people (staff and clients) away. Hiring staff beyond the summer season and replacing experienced workers who were retiring was also a challenge for many. Cancelled or reduced project scopes and low sales, possibly due to lower priced competitors, rounded out some core concerns for many. And yet, there were a lucky few who did not experience any challenges. For the coming year, most respondents anticipate the challenges of 2024 to continue. High inflation remains a constant worry, as does losing sales to lowballing competitors. Many feel enough work is available, but clients may need more education to understand the value of higher prices for quality work. The challenge of finding tradespeople to provide that quality work will certainly continue.
CLIENTS CANCELLING PROJECTS OR REDUCING SCOPE 36.3 %
SOURCING MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT 9.5 %
LOWER PRICED COMPETITORS 35.0 %
LEGISLATIVE/ REGULATORY BURDEN 11.3 %
VEHICLE AND/OR EQUIPMENT THEFT 5.0 %
OTHER 5.0 %
What do you expect to be your biggest challenges in 2025?
INFLATION - HIGHER MATERIALS/FUEL EQUIP./LABOUR 50.3 %
INFLATION - HIGHER STAFF WAGES 47.6 %
RECRUITING/ RETAINING STAFF 45.8 %
LOWER PRICED COMPETITORS 40.8 %
SOURCING MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT 11.1 %
FORESEE NO MAJOR CHALLENGES 7.6 %
OTHER 1.8 %
Lower pricing usually comes with less quality, knowledge and service! "
32 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
Did your business increase prices in 2024?
Do you expect to increase prices in 2025?
Yes 71.9%
Yes 74.8%
NO 28.1%
NO 25.2%
Almost three quarters of respondents said they raised prices in 2024. Most were moderate increases, with over a third raising their prices by up to five per cent, while only a small portion bumped them by more than 20 per cent. A major reason was to offset the higher cost of materials, but also to attract and keep quality employees by offering them a living wage. A quarter of respondents held steady at last year’s rates for a number of reasons, such as fear of scaring off clients who were also feeling stretched by inflation. Others had already raised prices last year and wanted to wait to see how this impacted their business. A very small percentage actually lowered their prices.
Increased costs of overhead and expenses affecting the bottom line. Also, some of the hourly rates of our long- term clients were too low or below the industry standard — hourly prices did not reflect annual cost of living increases. Even with an exclusive clientele and a very reputable bond with suppliers there is no support from the government to allow growth.
We have seen the prices from our suppliers still increase every year, as well as shipping costs, and we unfortunately need to pass this on to our customers. Economy was not good. Didn’t want to turn people off with higher prices. I expect to raise wages for the 2025 season in order to keep my excellent staff.
"
DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 33
What services/strategies did you use to close labour gaps?
Four trends to watch for 2025 (according to you)
CLIENT EDUCATION "The most interesting trend is I find myself spending more time with clients and educating them about old world craftsmanship using new world construction. They have all been blinded by the 20 television shows that are mostly poor quality. Good from far but far from good. The quality shows are more technical and the general public doesn't watch that." WATER-WISE PLANT CHOICES "Xeriscaping is on the rise in the residential market." "Clients want larger plants and drought tolerant landscapes." "More plant diversity, developing more gardens to help pollinators. Gardens that have low water needs." "The trend away from lawns and more towards different types of ground covers other than grass." CHANGE IN SCALE, UP AND DOWN "Have noticed a higher demand for lower budget/ quality work this year. Clients looking for quick & cheapest work. Many are planning to move and not wanting to spend or willing to cut corners to flip a property." "Still lots of projects out there, just on a smaller scale." "Projects are getting larger and more complex. Customers want a 'turn key' project from design to installation. I will collaborate more with contractors to offer this seamless transition." AI TECHNOLOGY "Autonomous mowers will be a game changer. Using AI for CRM and lead generation will also ramp up quickly in the near future."
LANDSCAPE . JOBS 12.1 %
STAFFING AGENCIES 12.4 %
JOB FAIRS 7.6 %
In 2024, 53 per cent of respondents said they experienced a labour shortage, between “Somewhat” (47.9%) and “A lot” (5.1%). With so many vacant roles, employers had to get creative to ensure they had enough crew members to meet demand. For some, this meant being more selective and passing on smaller jobs to focus on higher quality projects. For others, it meant promoting employees to more responsible crew lead roles before they were ready. Ease of recruitment also seemed to depend on a business’s reputation within its local community. In addition to word of mouth, posting jobs on premises and offering flexible hours, most landscaping companies turned to general job boards to recruit staff.
34 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 35
Do you believe landscaping is becoming a more desirable career path?
Yes 46.8%
OTHER 12.5%
Another strategy to address labour gaps would be to make a career in the green trades more attractive. Respondents had a lot to say about this. Some feel there has been a renewed interest in working outdoors in nature, while others expressed strong opinions around work ethic, public perception and shady business practices.
Parents do not encourage their children to attend these programs because they are not high wage earning professions. The job is physically demanding and many people do not want to do this type of work. Many existing employees in the industry are aging out and not being replaced. There is a perception that landscaping is not year round and landscape work is labour intensive. Landscaping is highly competitive, and in our area there are a number of contractors that are undervaluing employees and significantly underbidding work.
Young people are more attracted to tech/online industries, probably.
Flooded by low wage companies that work under the table … this leaves a sour taste in the general public and craftsmen stay away from very lucrative positions. Technology is helping the industry, and not in danger of AI replacing jobs. Younger people are looking for a trade and this offers something different every day.
More people see the value in working outdoors/in trades.
"
36 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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DECEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025 | 37 www.pembuilt.com sales@pembuilt.com Ontario Distributor - Dealer Inquiries Welcome
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