Landscaping businesses are preparing for the 2024 season while dealing with challenges like economic uncertainty, seasonality, and industry-wide labor shortages. But, with limited time and resources, it can be stressful to know which strategies can help attract and retain employees.

Lawn & Landscape Magazine just published the 2024 State of the Landscape Labor Market Report, and the data shows that last year’s challenges are sticking around. In fact, 59% of survey responders said that the labor market is still slightly or much worse than before COVID-19 hit four years ago.

We’re highlighting some of the stats, along with strategies and solutions, to help address the labor problem.

In 2022, 84% of polled landscape business owners said that finding and keeping qualified labor was a major challenge. 2023 showed similar struggles, with 86% reporting that they currently have at least one open position.

Anecdotally, we’re hearing business owners say that the demand for work is trending downwards, which can be discouraging. But with increased competition for the demand, it’s more important than ever to have employees who do quality work efficiently.

Not only is hiring employees a challenge, retention remains a huge area of opportunity for landscape companies. Key employees aren’t just jumping to competitors, they’re being laid off seasonally and getting recruited by non-industry organizations.

By the numbers

If you’re constantly hiring new people, your team isn’t getting the experience necessary to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Good employees stay in companies where they are valued, compensated fairly, and can see a path toward growth. And yet, many landscape companies are not providing these key assets. So it’s no wonder that high-preforming people will go where they’re appreciated.

By the numbers

Creating a clear career pathway, including an apprenticeship program, is a way to offer clarity in growth as well as show your employees that you’re willing to invest in them. Holding regular safety check-ins not only prevent accidents, but prevent costly repairs and medical bills.