The Biggest Investments Landscaping and Lawn Care Companies Make Each Year

Biggest Investments Landscaping and Lawn Care Companies Make Each Year

Running a landscaping company isn’t just about cutting grass and planting flowers. It’s about making smart investments every year to keep your business moving forward.

A survey of over 1,000 landscaping professionals in the U.S. asked one simple question: Where are you spending the most money? The results show the tools, machines, and software that keep this industry running.

Important note: these numbers are not percentages of the budget. Instead, they represent the share of professionals who said they were investing in that area.

Here’s a breakdown of where companies put their money, why it matters, and what you can learn for your own business.

Quick Look: Where Landscaping Pros Invest

Core Equipment: The Foundation of Every Business

No surprise here — trucks and heavy equipment top the list.

• Trucks (44%) – Without reliable trucks, you can’t move crews or gear. Many pros choose models that balance durability with fuel savings. If you’re replacing, look at resale value and upfitting options like racks or storage.

• Construction Equipment (34%) – Skid steers and loaders let companies expand into hardscapes, grading, and drainage projects. These purchases open the door to bigger, more profitable jobs.

• Mowers (30%) – Zero-turn and stand-on mowers are the backbone of lawn care. Replacement schedules are key: don’t wait until breakdowns cost you days of work.

• Handheld Power Tools (26%) – Trimmers, blowers, and hedge cutters get used daily. They wear out faster than big machines, so plan for frequent upgrades.

Pro Tip: Keep a replacement calendar. Knowing when equipment is due to be replaced helps with budgeting and avoids downtime in the busy season.

Technology: Driving Efficiency and Growth

Landscaping is becoming more digital every year.

• Business Hardware (27%) – Tablets and laptops now run estimates, invoices, and schedules. Crews use smartphones for route updates.

• Business Management Software (23%) – Software platforms help with billing, routing, and customer communication.

• Job Management Apps (16%) – Apps for crew tracking and estimates make life easier in the field.

• Design Software (21%) – 3D design tools help upsell high-value landscape installs.

• Drones (15%) – Growing in popularity for surveying large properties and showing clients “before and after” views.

Pro Tip: Test new software with one crew before rolling it out company-wide. This helps spot problems early and saves time.

Sustainability and People: The Industry is Changing

It’s not just about machines anymore. Investments in people, branding, and eco-friendly tools are climbing fast. Many homeowners are asking for quieter, cleaner options, and in some cities, gas-powered blowers are already being restricted. At the same time, companies that put money into uniforms and training stand out from competitors by looking more professional and keeping crews safer. These areas may not seem as flashy as a new mower, but they’re shaping the future of landscaping.

• Battery-Powered Equipment (31%) – Higher on the list than mowers. Clients like quiet, low-emission tools, and regulations are pushing this trend. Start small with handheld gear and build from there.

• Uniforms (22%) – Professional-looking crews win trust. Branded gear doubles as marketing.

• Education and Training (13%) – From safety courses to technical certifications, training keeps crews efficient and reduces accidents.

• Tree Equipment (11%) & Chippers (10%) – Not every company offers tree care, but for those that do, it’s a big investment.

• Remote-Operated Equipment (7%) – Robotic mowers and automated tools are still rare, but they’re worth watching as the technology improves.

Pro Tip: If you’re exploring battery-powered tools, build a charging system into your trucks or shop. This keeps crews running all day without downtime.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy gear is still king. Trucks, mowers, and loaders remain the largest yearly expenses.

• Technology is no longer optional. Software and hardware investments are becoming standard for efficiency and growth.

• Sustainability is here to stay. Battery-powered tools are now more common than gas mowers, and regulations will only push this trend further.

• Don’t forget people. Training and uniforms may not be flashy, but they set companies apart in professionalism and safety.

• Finding new business is just as important as managing expenses. GreenPal helps pros win more leads and steady accounts, giving them the revenue they need to reinvest in trucks, tools, and their crews.

Final thoughts

The biggest landscaping companies aren’t just buying machines; they’re balancing equipment, technology, and people. Trucks and mowers will always matter, but future growth will depend just as much on software, eco-friendly gear, and a professional workforce.

If you’re looking to grow your landscaping business, the first step is to get more leads and steady accounts. That’s where GreenPal comes in. With GreenPal, you can connect with new customers in your area, keep your crews busy, and bring in the extra revenue you need to upgrade trucks, invest in better equipment, and keep your company moving forward.