Trends in the Landscape Horticulturist trade
Technology
Digital tools and software are more common in the landscape horticulture industry. Applications that track fleets and manage landscape care are in use. Software and digital devices also are used in productivity tracking and business applications such as scheduling and invoicing.
Some landscape horticulturists are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools for writing business documents, marketing products and services, producing social media content, and helping with site design and preparation tasks.
Geographic Information System (GIS) and drone technology are increasingly utilized for surveying, mapping, and detailed site analysis, contributing to more informed planning and execution of sustainable landscape projects.
Health and Safety
Landscape horticulturists need to stay aware of different health and safety hazards in the trade. There is a greater awareness of health risks from repetitive movements, working with hazardous chemicals, and exposure to silica dust. Consequently, there are improvements in personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools that are designed for better ergonomics such as exoskeleton material handling equipment.
There are risks that come with maintaining and disposing of battery-powered equipment and their batteries; dealing with electrical fires with these components require specialized procedures for prevention and suppression.
It is crucial for experienced workers to pass on their skills and mentor a new and diverse workforce on safe work practices and accident prevention strategies. Many workplaces have adopted healthy workplace policies and practices that are intended to be more inclusive, accessible and supportive of all workers.
Because it is common for landscape horticulturists to work most of the time outdoors, more extreme weather conditions have a significant effect on their health and safety. Workers and employers need to be aware of how to manage and mitigate these risks and protect themselves accordingly.
Tools and Equipment
Technological advances are improving the tools and equipment in this trade. Examples include an increasing prevalence of battery-operated tools and equipment. There is a greater use of digital and laser measurement tools and advanced layout instruments and equipment used in pre-construction activities. Smart controls for irrigation and lighting, as well as robotic mowers and technology continue to evolve and improve.
Plant production equipment is changing to reduce labour burden in all tasks including production, management of the environment, maintenance and harvesting. Material handling equipment such as vacuum lifting equipment and exoskeleton material handling equipment are becoming more common.
Products/Materials
There are newer vertical wall systems – both indoor and outdoor that are more adaptable to varied sizes, for example smaller places like condos.
There are also new and improved hardscape and green infrastructure products and materials, that landscape horticulturists need to continue to learn about.
There is also an increasing prevalence of over-structure green space construction, including green roofs and landscaping over concrete structures.
Legislative and Regulatory
The landscape horticulture industry must continuously adapt to legislative and regulatory changes, particularly as they relate to safety, environmental stewardship, conservation and integrated pest management (IPM).
For example, some municipalities are implementing or considering by-laws restricting the use of internal combustion engines and timeframe of use.
Environmental regulations are emerging to address issues such as site alteration and topsoil regulations, as well as mandating a percentage of use of native species and locally grown products in green spaces.
Environmental
Fire-resistant landscaping has emerged as a significant trend within the landscape horticulturist trade, driven by the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires across many regions. Landscape horticulturists are increasingly integrating fire prevention practices into their projects, not just as a safety measure but as a value-added service for clients. This includes the use of low-flammability plant species, strategic vegetation zoning, and non-combustible hardscaping materials to create defensible spaces around homes and buildings. As awareness grows among homeowners, municipalities, property insurers and landscape horticulturists are finding that these practices are not only environmentally responsible but also marketable, aligning with broader movements toward sustainable and climate-adaptive landscaping. This shift is influencing training programs, certification standards, and even municipal bylaws, as fire-resistant design becomes more and more important in modern landscape horticulture. There is an increased trend towards establishing native and non-invasive plants in landscape design. An emphasis on “right plant, right place” can help to promote plants that are more likely to thrive in the environment, be more pest-resistant, support biodiversity of the local ecosystem, and reduce external input requirements.
Growing concerns around pests, diseases and invasive species have led to vigilance in monitoring these concerns. This growing awareness has encouraged nurseries and greenhouse growers to increase their production and selling of native and non-invasive plants.
Many municipalities are demonstrating commitment to improved environmental stewardship – this is demonstrated by a higher emphasis on including living green infrastructure and naturalization in municipal planning. These strategies support the transition to a low-carbon future and can have a significant impact on communities and health.
Landscape horticulturists play a vital role in addressing climate change through both adaptation and mitigation strategies. Their expertise in designing, installing and maintaining landscapes resilient to extreme weather events, such as drought, flooding, and heat waves, is crucial for building sustainable environments. Their ability to implement practices that enhance carbon sequestration within landscapes directly contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Stormwater management is also becoming an important consideration in landscaping. Many urban infrastructure projects are incorporating permeable systems in their stormwater management plan. In some regions, there are growing considerations for sustainability along maintaining riparian zones and natural drainage patterns.
At the homeowner level, there is an increase in strategies that collect and use rainwater to support landscaping. Residential clients are starting to demand the design, installation and maintenance of low impact development (LID) landscapes that preserve and recreate natural landscape features, minimize hard features and improve site drainage.
Urban areas have seen a significant increase of landscape projects that take place around high density housing and communal living type buildings (condos, town homes). Many of these projects must be designed within limited green space and this can present unique restrictions.