During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries struggled to stay afloat. But for lawn and landscape professionals, the story was surprisingly different. With more people staying home and investing in their outdoor spaces, businesses across the green industry saw an unprecedented surge in demand.

If you’re a lawn or landscape business owner, you likely experienced the “COVID boom” firsthand—overflowing schedules, high-ticket projects, and new customers knocking on your door. But as the dust settles and market conditions shift, the question is: What now? Here’s a look at what fueled the boom, how the market has changed, and what business owners must do now to keep growing with purpose and consistency.

The COVID Boom: Why The Green Industry Thrived

While COVID disrupted life in countless ways, it also created a perfect storm of opportunity for lawn and landscape businesses:

1. Home Became the New Vacation Spot

As travel plans were canceled and remote work took over, homeowners began focusing on their immediate surroundings. Patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and upgraded landscapes became top priorities—driving a massive increase in demand for professional landscape services.

2. Budgets Shifted to Home Improvement

With fewer expenses going toward vacations, dining out, and entertainment, many families redirected funds toward home upgrades. Landscaping was seen as a safe, lasting investment that improved both quality of life and property value.

3. The Green Industry Stayed Open

Unlike many sectors, lawn and landscape services were considered essential in most states. While others shut down, landscape pros kept working—capturing demand while building long-term client relationships.

What's Changed in 2024-2025

1. Economic Conditions Have Shifted

The average interest rate on a 15-30 year mortgage is approximately 6-7% as of June 2025. Rising interest rates, inflation, and a more cautious consumer mindset mean that homeowners are taking longer to make decisions. Project sizes may be smaller, and competition for those projects is fiercer.

2. More Competitors, Fewer Easy Wins

The boom inspired many new companies to enter the market. Now that demand has stabilized, standing out and winning business requires more than just showing up.

3. Labor Is Tight—Again

While there was a brief period of improved labor availability, it’s now harder than ever to find and keep high-quality workers. Business owners must be strategic about building and retaining their teams.

4. Customer Expectations Are Higher

Today’s homeowners expect more. Professionalism, communication, and tech-enabled convenience are no longer optional—they’re part of what sets successful companies apart.

How to Maintain Consistent Results in a Post-COVID Market

To maintain the momentum built during the boom years, businesses must evolve. Here are five key strategies to help landscape companies stay consistent, profitable, and ready for whatever comes next:

1. Build a Brand, Not Just a Business

In a crowded market, branding matters. Invest in a strong visual identity—clean truck wraps, branded uniforms, a professional website—and make sure your business looks as good as your work.

Your brand is your promise. Make it memorable and trustworthy.

2. Double Down on Marketing

In boom times, leads often came without effort. But now, proactive marketing is essential.

  • Digital Ads: Invest in Google Ads and Local Service Ads to capture active searchers.

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Rank for high-intent keywords in your local area.

  • Social Proof: Collect and showcase 5-star reviews, before-and-after photos, and video testimonials.

  • Email & Retargeting: Stay top-of-mind with past clients through consistent, value-driven follow-ups.

If you're not marketing, you're invisible to the customers who are still out there.

3. Systematize Sales and Customer Experience

Consistency creates trust—and trust leads to referrals and repeat business.

  • Use a CRM to track leads and automate follow-ups.

  • Streamline quoting, scheduling, and communication.

  • Train your team to deliver a consistent, professional experience on every job site.

Technology and processes are your secret weapons for scaling without chaos.

4. Focus on High-Demand, High-Margin Services

Not all work delivers the same return—and in a competitive market, chasing big-ticket jobs isn’t always the smartest play. Instead, zero in on services that are both in high demand and deliver strong margins.

  • Offer recurring maintenance plans to create predictable cash flow.

  • Target smaller landscaping jobs that clients are actively searching for.

  • Pursue commercial contracts for year-round stability.

  • Cut services that are low-margin or overly labor-intensive without a clear ROI.

In uncertain times, lean and profitable beats busy and overextended—every time.

5. Invest in Your Team

People are your most valuable asset. To retain top talent, focus on:

  • Clear career paths and promotions

  • Fair compensation and incentives

  • Training programs and mentorship

  • A positive, growth-minded culture

Your team represents your brand. Build a place where people want to stay and grow.

The Boom Was a Gift—Now Build Something Lasting

The pandemic boom was a rare moment—but it was just the beginning. The businesses that thrive moving forward will be the ones that adapt, invest, and lead with intention.

The opportunity is still out there. The market is still strong. Now it’s time to take control—and grow with confidence. At Lawnline Marketing, we’re here to support that journey. Our Complete Online Marketing Solutions are specifically tailored to help grow green industry businesses like yours. Contact us today at (813) 944-3400 to learn more.