Landscaping Companies How Much Do They Make
How Much Do Landscaping Companies Make
How Much Do Landscaping Companies Make?
If you operate or own a landscaping company, chances are you've asked yourself or others, How much do landscaping companies make?. To help answer this question, we'll highlight eight pivotal themes related to the question, including earnings, expenses, market competition, demand and potential pitfalls.
1. Earnings
The first theme for exploration is earnings. How much can landscaping companies make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, landscape architects earn an average salary of $73,160 per year.
For comparison, landscaping and groundskeeping workers earned median annual wages of $25,930 in May 2019. Business owners who operate landscaping companies should keep in mind that they may not be able to draw a salary. Earnings may instead come in the form of profits from investments. Profits and wages for landscaping companies will be heavily influenced by local market conditions, such as the availability of workers and competition from other companies.
Average Earnings
The median salary for landscape architects in the US is listed as the annual mean wage of approx. $73,160. This is about the same as the mean wage for personnel in all occupations in the US, listed as $50,620 annually in 2019. The median annual income for landscaping and groundskeeping workers, is listed as approx. $25,930 in May 2019.
Key Milestones
The key milestone for landscaping companies is managing to stay afloat in the face of market competition. The key to success can be to seek out the unique elements of the local markets, such as areas of high foot traffic, scenic features or popular attractions. Landscaping companies should also pay close attention to their marketing strategies and network of contacts to establish a loyal customer base. Additionally, landscaping companies should strive to diversify their service offerings in order to meet varied customer needs.
2. Expenses
The second theme for exploration is expenses. Obviously, the profits of a landscaping company will have to cover the associated costs for each job. Landscapers often bear the brunt of considerable startup costs such as initial equipment purchases, licensing requirements, insurance costs, and personnel fee payments. Additionally, they must factor in costs for labor associated with each job, such as payroll, payroll taxes, and materials. Accounting for all relevant expenses can be a challenge for many small business owners.
Purchasing Costs
In the beginning phase, a landscaping business may need to purchase necessary equipment. This may be anything from lawnmowers, hedge clippers, trimmers, and other hand tools necessary for the job. In addition, the company may need to source outside services for jobs that require specialized skills. Such services may include pest control, irrigation management and large-scale equipment rentals.
Operating Costs
In addition to purchasing items needed for the job, landscapers must factor in operational costs, such as wages for workers, taxes, and insurance. Insurance in particular is an important expense for any business operating in the landscaping industry and can help shield the company from potential liabilities. Landscaping companies should be sure to select the right insurance plan that meets their specific needs.
3. Market Competition
The third theme for exploration is the level of market competition. In any industry with low barriers to entry, there can be a dozen or more competitors vying for the same projects. This means that pricing may be reduced to capture market share in an aggressive environment. On the other hand, businesses may also encounter monopolistic scenarios in which there may be fewer than four competitors operating in the same market. In such cases, the higher level of market concentration can lead to higher prices for services.
Factors Impacting Competition
The level of market competition within a particular region is subject to many different factors, such as the population density, the overall quality of workmanship, the availability of customized services, and the reputation of the company. Additionally, the level of competition in the landscaping industry is further influenced by local zoning ordinances and public regulations that can limit the types of services a company can offer.
4. Demand
The fourth theme for exploration is demand for services. Demands for landscaping can vary widely by region, season, and customer preference. For instance, areas with a lot of new developments may enjoy higher demand for landscaping services, whereas rural regions may experience less of a need for customized projects. Generally speaking, landscaping services tend to peak during the spring and summer season, when customers prefer to undertake outdoor projects.
Factors Influencing Demand
The demand for landscaping services is determined by a wide range of factors including climate, demographics, local regulations, and customer preferences. Additionally, the unique features and services available within each region will play an important role in determining the level of demand for landscaping services.
5. Popular Trends
The fifth theme for exploration is popular trends within the landscaping industry. Some of the most common trends involve a focus on sustainability, utility, and green infrastructure. Customers as well as businesses may be keen on using energy efficient materials and technologies, such as rainwater harvesting systems, and xeriscaping or the use of native vegetation. There is also a growing demand for custom projects involving unique art displays, fire pits, water features, and other amenities.
Technological Trends
There has been a marked increase in the use of technology, from computer-aided design tools and voice-activated irrigation systems to mobile and cloud-based software applications for managing payroll and inventory. In the wake of pandemic-enforced social distancing, robotic lawnmowers and automated yard management systems are also quickly gaining traction.
6. Potential Pitfalls
The sixth theme for exploration is potential pitfalls. Landscaping companies may face a wide range of challenges, including customer satisfaction problems, employee issues, and legal woes. For instance, many companies may not be aware of local and state regulations, leading to costly fines or other penalties. Additionally, workers of landscaping companies may need to be trained in the proper handling and use of chemical products, and employers should also be prepared to handle unexpected emergency situations.
Budget-Related Issues
Budget-related issues can pose a threat to any landscaping business, no matter the size. Inadequate budgeting can lead to significant cash shortfalls. To address this, landscaping companies should always overestimate their expenses and build in contingencies to cover unexpected costs. Additionally, businesses should prepare for tax-time by carefully tracking and recording all expenses.
7. Popular Services
The seventh theme for exploration is popular services. Some of the most sought-after services offered by landscaping companies include lawn mowing, lawn fertilization, weed control, edging, pruning, irrigation management and installation, soil testing and pest control. These services can be offered individually or as part of a package for a discounted rate.
Unique Customer Needs
Customers may have distinct needs, such as installation of outdoor fire pits or decks, installation of water features, or building of custom retaining walls. Additionally, many landscapers may also offer specialized services for managing seasonal foliage and decorations. For a comprehensive list of popular services, customers can reference industry guides such as those provided by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
Insights
All in all, the earnings and expenses of landscaping companies, along with the competition and demand in the industry, will determine the potential of success for a business. Additionally, popular trends, potential pitfalls and popular services should be taken into consideration when operating a business. Being aware of these themes and incorporating them into a management strategy can go a long way towards establishing a successful landscaping company.
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Landscape Architects. accessed July 14th, 2020. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/landscape-architects.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages: Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. accessed July 14th, 2020. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages: All Occupations. accessed July 14th, 2020. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oesnat.htm
- National Association of Landscape Professionals, Landscape Services Position Guide. accessed July 14th, 2020. https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/about/publications/position-guides/
Previous Page
Next Page