What Are the Biggest Challenges for Landscapers in 2027?

U.S. Labor Department data show landscaping made up 47% of approved H-2B jobs in the first three quarters of fiscal 2026. The program has a cap of 66,000 visas.

If your season depends on visas, a delay can leave you short in April.

1. Apply as early as the rules allow.
2. Build a backup plan with local hires.
3. Book fewer new jobs until your crew is confirmed.

NALP reporting points to rising wages pushing landscapers to renegotiate contract prices.

Clients already expect a price change. The question is how you ask.

1. Review every contract’s price once a year.
2. Give clients notice and a short reason (raising prices without losing customers).
3. Raise prices on your lowest-margin accounts first.

A design-build job makes a great month. A maintenance contract pays all season.

Steady contracts make crews, routes, and cash easier to plan.

1. Offer a maintenance plan to every install client.
2. Track how many contracts renew each year.
3. Sell renewals and spring work in December and January.

L.E.K. Consulting describes ongoing consolidation in commercial landscaping.

Bigger firms may bid on your commercial accounts. Buyers may also call you.

1. Know what your company is worth.
2. Keep clean books and steady contracts.
3. Decide if you’re building to sell or to keep.

Seasonal crews often leave in the fall and don’t return.

Training a new crew every spring costs time and money.

1. Ask your best workers what would bring them back.
2. Keep in touch over the winter.
3. Offer a bonus for returning next season.

Route software helps landscapers group stops and cut wasted miles.

Every mile between stops is unpaid time for the whole crew.

1. Map a week of routes.
2. Group clients by area and day.
3. Turn down new clients far outside your routes, or price them higher.

More clients ask about native plants and lower water use as water costs rise.

It’s a way to stand out and sell design work.

1. Learn which native plants do well in your area.
2. Show clients what they could save on water.
3. Offer it as an option on every design bid.

Some towns are limiting gas equipment. Clients also buy add-ons like mulch, lighting, and seasonal color.

Battery tools may be required in some places. Upsells raise revenue per client.

1. Check your town’s rules on gas equipment.
2. Price battery tools against fuel and repair savings.
3. Have crews snap a photo of what could look better at each property.