Manufacturers aren’t waiting for the dust to settle amidst the on-again, off-again tariffs—many already have increased prices or announced imminent hikes. These moves directly impact the cost of materials essential to landscape and green industry products.
At the same time, consumer confidence is deteriorating, suggesting that homeowners may delay or scale back landscape services. Adding to these pressures, builders report that confidence in new construction is diminishing, potentially reducing commercial and residential development.
Any one of these factors is enough to keep you up at night. The combination of all three and the unpredictability of what lies ahead creates legitimate anxiety for contractors.
While it may offer little consolation, the landscape and green industry has been here before and has proven its resilience. Our industry navigated the 2008 housing bust brought on by the Great Recession, the trade policy upheavals of 2018, and the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic.
Proactive business strategies have never been more crucial as tariffs, inflation, and consumer belt-tightening worries increase. Reacting to these pressures is no longer a viable strategy. Instead, consider these proactive strategies to help you position your business for resilience now and in the future.
Get ahead of tariff impacts
The unpredictability of evolving tariff policies creates anxiety about pricing stability and proposal accuracy. Rather than passively hoping for policy reversals, successful contractors are taking decisive action.
So, what can you do to set up your business for success?
Look for opportunities to cut cost by reducing product waste and streamlining logistics. This might involve:
Consider how you plan to pass along higher costs while remaining competitive. This may involve adjusting prices incrementally rather than making dramatic jumps all at once. Other options include:
Another way to implement price increases while maintaining customer satisfaction is to create value-added packages that justify higher price points through enhanced service offerings.
Differentiate your company from competitors by leveraging the materials, equipment, and staff talent you’ve already invested in. Specialty services, like holiday lighting, can extend your season and generate additional revenue without requiring significant new investments.
Also, evaluate your market for services that others aren’t offering and develop service packages that appeal to budget-conscious clients.
Many businesses cut marketing and sales efforts during tough times. But economic slowdowns are the time to double down on those initiatives to retain visibility with existing and potential clients.
If you haven’t launched a website, now is the time—it’s a window into your business. Today, 81% of retail shoppers look online for information before making a purchase (Source: GE Capital Retail Bank). AI-powered website builders and social media tools make it possible to create a fully SEO-optimized site in under 10 minutes that generates leads and helps grow your business.
If you already have a website, review and update services, photos, and other content to reflect your current business offerings.
You can’t control manufacturer price increases, but you can revisit your company’s financials to improve cash flow. Conserving cash ensures you have reserves to pay operating costs and cover potential price adjustments.
Start with the low-hanging fruit — review your accounts receivable and accounts payable. Collect outstanding client payments before they become overdue.
Simultaneously, examine the credit terms you're using with suppliers. Pay off balances with the highest interest rates and leverage low-interest payment terms when possible.
Liquidity is key to maintaining stability. Delay non-essential expenditures so that you have cash available when needed.
When communicating price adjustments, transparency builds trust. Clearly explain that material costs have increased across the industry and avoid overly technical explanations about tariff policies.
Some business experts suggest using the term “tariff” in communications to justify price increases. However, Forbes Council Member Avy Punwasee offers a counterpoint and suggests avoiding language like “tariff” surcharges or line items on invoices.
Regardless of your approach, position yourself as a partner helping clients navigate these challenging times —not simply as a business passing along costs.
For new installation contracts, include language that limits pricing to a specific timeframe. Keep those windows short to account for volatility. Get comfortable talking about project costs as estimates rather than guarantees. Using phrases like “should cost” helps set expectations around potential price fluctuations. Also, offer scaled-down project alternatives to help clients stay within budget while still moving forward.
The tariff chaos may feel like a new challenge, but the landscape and green industry has weathered tough economic times before —and continues to thrive. Being proactive, staying informed, and leaning on trusted partners and suppliers can help you emerge stronger and better positioned for the future.
Stay updated on the latest manufacturer price increases and strategies for navigating these uncertain times with Ewing’s Tariff Insights.