Abstract

A survey of landscape installers in Georgia gathered information that would help segments of the green industry work together more effectively. We received 80 completed questionnaires for a 42.3% response rate. Approximately 76% of the firms surveyed were in the metro Atlanta area with 79% of all landscape projects located in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia firms conducted approximately 98% of their business in Georgia. Three size classes of firms were established based on the 1993 wholesale value of plant material purchased, small (≤ $50K), medium ($50K-$200K), and large (> $200K). Approximately 20% of the firms accounted for 80% of the plants purchased. Large firms had a higher percentage of their projects designed by a landscape architect as compared to small or medium sized firms. Industry trends most frequently identified as having a potential positive impact on the industry over the next five years were: (1) an improving economy due to low interest rates (25.4%), (2) growing consumer interest in the quality of the environment (13.8%), (3) better consumer understanding of the value and benefits of landscaping (12.3%), (4) population growth in Atlanta area (12.3%), and (5) increased industry professionalism and establishment of minimum standards (9.4%). The five trends with the greatest potential for negative impact on the industry were identified as: (1) government mandated employee benefits (23.0%), (2) competitors that bid below the reasonable cost for a job (21.6%), (3) government regulations and taxes (15.8%), (4) increased interest rates (10.8%), and (5) more start-up companies and out-of-state competition (9.4%).