The green industry went through major change in 2025. Customer expectations rose. Labor was harder to find. New environmental rules added pressure. These challenges forced many lawn, landscape, pest, and tree-care operators to take a closer look at how they run their businesses.
Even with these obstacles, many companies still found ways to grow. They adapted faster, improved communication, and focused on building stronger systems. These lessons now give business owners a helpful roadmap for 2026—especially those thinking about expanding, strengthening their operations, or exploring SpringGreen’s conversion program.
SpringGreen has been helping local entrepreneurs succeed since 1977 and now supports more than 150 franchisees across the United States. With nearly five decades of experience, they have seen firsthand what helps green-industry companies thrive in changing times.
Below are the five most important lessons green-industry leaders learned in 2025—and how these insights can guide your strategy moving forward.
1. Clear and Fast Communication Became a Competitive Advantage
Customers wanted quicker responses and more updates throughout the year. Many expected estimates within hours—not days—and preferred communication through email or text instead of phone calls. A study from Zendesk found that 72% of customers expect immediate service, which matches what many operators experienced in 2025 (source: Zendesk).
Companies that responded quickly and communicated proactively saw stronger customer retention and more referrals.
Key lesson:
Improving communication does not require a complete overhaul. Simple steps—faster estimates, regular updates, and clear expectations—make a big impact.
2. Labor Challenges Highlighted the Need for Better Systems
Hiring remained difficult across the service industry in 2025. Many green-industry companies started the year short-staffed and found it difficult to replace experienced workers. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor shortages continued to affect almost every trade and service sector (source: U.S. Chamber).
Businesses that relied on strong systems managed the challenge more effectively. They used route planning to cut down on drive time, streamlined training to help new hires get up to speed, and documented daily tasks so nothing depended on one key person.
Key lesson:
Better systems reduce pressure on your team—and help your business grow even when hiring is difficult.
3. Recurring Programs Outperformed One-Off Jobs
2025 reinforced the value of recurring revenue. Homeowners continued to choose full-season programs for fertilization, weed control, pest management, and tree/shrub care. The National Association of Landscape Professionals noted that multi-step lawn care programs remain one of the most stable and profitable service models in the industry (source: NALP).
Companies that shifted away from one-time services saw steadier sales, fewer cancellations, and improved customer loyalty.
Key lesson:
Recurring programs create predictable revenue and stronger long-term relationships—and they reduce the need to constantly market for new customers.
4. Environmental Regulations Became a Bigger Part of Daily Operations
More states introduced fertilizer and pesticide regulations in 2025. Some regions added new reporting requirements or tightened limits designed to reduce nutrient runoff. The Environmental Protection Agency continued to highlight the importance of protecting waterways from nutrient pollution (source: EPA).
Businesses that stayed informed and trained their teams early were better prepared and more confident in their operations.
Key lesson:
Compliance is no longer something to “keep an eye on.” It must be built into training, recordkeeping, and communication with customers.
5. Marketing and Branding Became Essential to Growth
Competition increased in many markets in 2025. National brands spent more on digital advertising. Local companies improved their websites, and almost everyone invested more in Google visibility. HubSpot found that 88% of consumers research online before hiring a local service provider (source: HubSpot).
Operators who built a strong online presence—especially through Facebook and Google reviews, educational videos and blog content, and consistent branding—won more customers and built greater trust.
Key lesson:
Strong marketing is no longer optional. The companies that treat marketing as an ongoing commitment, not a seasonal task, stay competitive and grow faster.
Final Thoughts: Turning 2025’s Lessons Into Better Decisions for 2026
The past year reminded green business owners how quickly our industry can change. Clear communication, strong systems, recurring programs, regulatory awareness, and consistent marketing were the biggest drivers of success in 2025.
As you plan for 2026, these lessons offer a clear path forward—whether you want to scale your business, improve operations, or explore converting your company into a SpringGreen franchise. With nearly 50 years of experience and 150+ franchisees nationwide, SpringGreen provides the proven systems and support structure that help local green-industry businesses grow with confidence.