Ad Opportunity: Lawn and Landscape Vendors Promote Fall Services

 

For much of the summer, local landscaping companies have struggled to maintain business levels. The recession has caused a revenue slowdown for many of these operators. In addition, homeowners have been cutting back on services because the hot weather has stalled the need for mowing. And if that isn’t bad enough, there’s a growing movement in some regions to get rid of lawns completely. The tough business conditions have led research firm IBISWorld to estimate a 4.7% decline in industry revenue for the year.

But savvy landscapers are coming up with new ways to grow their businesses. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the following strategies being taken by local landscapers:

• Upsell customers to a more expensive, slow-release fertilizer which will help the stressed lawns recover.
• Increase the communication rate with existing customers to recommend ways to minimize heat damage to lawns.
• Begin promoting fall services to improve the health of the lawn.
• Increase advertising overall to bring in new customers.

In addition, some homeowners are turning to a more natural look for the space in front of their homes. And in towns where water shortages are a concern, homeowners are being encouraged, sometimes financially, to get rid of lawns. In their place, low-water-use gardens are appearing. Some lawn maintenance companies may see this as a challenge to their business but others will begin offering a variety of new services such as weeding, mulching or plant maintenance.

As fall approaches, the demand for lawn care changes. Contact the lawn and landscape service businesses in your market and discuss new ways for them to build their revenue. And,  it’s not too early to remind many of these businesses that the outdoor holiday decorating season is right around the corner and a good ad campaign can help in that market as well.

[Sources: Chaker, Anne Marie. Gardening Without a Sprinkler. Wall Street Journal. 23 Aug. 2010. Web. Needleman, Sarah. No Splendor in the Grass. Wall Street Journal. 12. Aug. 2010. Web. 23 Aug. 2010]