The Biggest Challenges to Growing a Landscaping Company (Data From the Pros)

The Biggest Challenges to Growing a Landscaping Company

Running a landscaping business is one of the most rewarding ways to make a living. You get to work outdoors, create beautiful spaces, and build relationships in your community. But ask any landscaping professional and they’ll tell you—growth doesn’t come easy.

We looked at feedback directly from landscape company owners and managers to understand what’s really holding businesses back. The results highlight both everyday headaches and long-term roadblocks that keep companies from reaching the next level.

If you’re facing these challenges, you’re not alone. Let’s break them down.

The Top 5 Challenges Landscaping Companies Face

Every landscaping company runs into obstacles, but these five stand out as the biggest roadblocks to growth. Here’s what the pros told us and what you should keep in mind.

1. Hiring and Staffing

The number-one struggle is finding and keeping reliable workers. More than a third of owners say they’re running understaffed, which slows down jobs and keeps businesses from scaling. High turnover means constant retraining and lost time.

Takeaways:
✅ Build loyalty with fair pay and seasonal bonuses
✅ Cross-train employees to cover multiple roles
✅ Keep job postings active year-round

2. Rising Costs of Doing Business

From fuel and fertilizer to wages and insurance, expenses keep going up. Owners face tough choices: raise prices and risk losing customers, or eat the cost and watch profits shrink.

Takeaways:
✅ Track costs closely and cut unnecessary spending
✅ Invest in efficient equipment that saves money long-term
✅ Adjust pricing gradually instead of all at once

3. Managing Customer Expectations

Many customers want “perfect” lawns on a tight budget. When expectations don’t match reality, it often leads to complaints, negative reviews, or unpaid invoices.

Takeaways:
✅ Set boundaries in writing with clear contracts
✅ Educate customers on what’s realistic within their budget
✅ Focus on communication to prevent misunderstandings

4. Shortage of Subcontractors

Specialized jobs often depend on subcontractors, but many companies struggle to find dependable partners. Without them, projects stall and clients get frustrated.

Takeaways:
✅ Build long-term relationships with trusted subcontractors
✅ Keep a backup list of available pros for emergencies
✅ Plan schedules early to secure subs before busy seasons

5. Competition

The landscaping market keeps growing. Larger companies often undercut prices, while newer businesses crowd local neighborhoods. Even great work isn’t always enough to stand out.

Takeaways:
✅ Lean into your reputation and highlight customer reviews
✅ Offer unique services that competitors don’t
✅ Market consistently online so the right customers find you

Other Challenges That Still Matter

The top five struggles get most of the attention, but they’re not the only problems landscapers deal with:

• Finding new customers (14%) – Keeping the pipeline full is an ongoing battle.

• Dealing with regulations (10%) – Permits, codes, and inspections can slow down projects.

• Uncertain economy (8% national / 5% local) – When money gets tight, landscaping is one of the first expenses homeowners cut.

• Collecting payments (6%) – Late checks and unpaid invoices eat into cash flow.

• DIY competition (3%) – Some homeowners try to handle yard work themselves instead of calling a pro.

• Tight lending (1%) – Harder access to credit makes upgrading equipment more difficult.

Individually, these may not seem as big as hiring or costs, but together they add up. Every hour you spend chasing payments or filling out forms is an hour you’re not growing your business.

How to Tackle These Challenges

The good news: none of these challenges are impossible to solve.

• Hiring and staffing – Offer clear growth paths, seasonal bonuses, and invest in training to keep employees longer.

• Costs – Track expenses closely and focus on tools or equipment that save money over time.

• Customer expectations – Use contracts and upfront conversations to set realistic boundaries.

• Competition and leads – Build your digital presence so the right customers can find you.

Growth comes from consistency—small improvements every season that keep your business moving forward.

Where GreenPal Comes In

At GreenPal, we built our platform to help landscaping professionals overcome the exact problems listed above.

• Steady Leads: We connect you directly with homeowners searching for lawn care in your area.

• Faster Payments: Customers pay through the app, so you don’t have to chase down checks.

• Lower Marketing Costs: Instead of gambling on ads, you get reliable jobs right away.

Whether you’re a solo operator or running multiple crews, GreenPal helps you spend less time on the headaches and more time on the work that makes you money.

Landscaping is tough work, and the business side doesn’t make it easier. Staffing shortages, rising costs, and customer expectations won’t disappear overnight. But with the right systems like GreenPal in place and the right partners, you can grow a company that lasts.