Hitting a plateau in your landscaping business isn’t uncommon. While it can feel frustrating, it’s often a signal that it’s time to step back, evaluate, and make changes that will move you forward again. The good news? Recognizing the signs early means you can take action before your business stalls for too long.
Here are five signs you’ve hit a growth plateau in your landscaping business—and what to do about each one.
1. You haven’t raised your prices in years
If you’re still charging the same rates despite inflation, higher material costs, or increased demand, your profit margins are likely shrinking. Consistently converting leads without pushback means it’s time to reassess your pricing.
Raising prices can feel risky, but it’s often necessary to stay profitable. Consider whether investing in newer or better equipment could improve efficiency and justify a small increase. If you do raise rates, communicate clearly with your customers and give them notice. Transparency builds trust, even when costs go up.
2. Your service offerings haven’t evolved
If your landscaping business is offering the exact same services year after year, you may be missing out on opportunities for growth. Seasonal services like leaf blowing, gutter cleaning, or snow removal can fill gaps in your schedule. You might also explore hardscape installations, irrigation system maintenance, or quarterly pressure washing.
Ask yourself: What else do my customers need help with? What are my employees equipped to handle? Expanding or adapting your offerings can reenergize your business and open new revenue streams. There is one caveat – consider the costs and equipment investments in offering any new services.
3. You rely on one-off jobs instead of recurring revenue
If you’re constantly chasing the next job, it’s hard to predict cash flow or scale your operations. Without recurring income, growth is unpredictable.
Consider creating service packages or subscription-based offerings. Bundling services can increase the lifetime value of each customer and provide consistent work for your crew. For example, a quarterly package might include lawn care, seasonal planting, and mulch replenishment. Convenience is king, and customers appreciate a “set it and forget it” option.
4. You aren’t leveraging referrals or word-of-mouth
If your growth is slowing and you’re not actively encouraging referrals, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to attract new clients. Satisfied customers are often happy to recommend your landscaping services, but sometimes they need a little incentive.
Consider creating a referral program that rewards customers with a discount or extra service. You might even choose a reward that leads to upselling, like a complimentary leaf removal that inspires them to book a seasonal package.
5. You don’t have a clear picture of your profitability
If you’re unsure which services are most profitable—or you’re just guessing based on your bank balance—it’s time to get clear. Operating without financial clarity is one of the biggest growth blockers for landscaping businesses.
Implementing a system like Profit First can help you understand your true numbers. By breaking down the actual costs in time and money for each service, you can identify what to discontinue, what to promote more heavily, and how to position your business for expansion.
Bottom line
A growth plateau doesn’t have to be a setback—it can be the push you need to rethink, refresh, and refocus your landscaping business. Identify which of these signs you’re experiencing, take strategic action, and you’ll be on your way to new growth.
If you want to learn more about how Profit First can help you grow your landscaping business, let’s talk. Schedule a call and let’s find ways to keep more profits in your pocket.
