What’s new in the landscaping industry?
The UK landscaping industry is constantly evolving. From more sustainable planting and changing customer expectations to new technology and smarter ways of managing projects, landscaping businesses are having to adapt to a rapidly changing sector.
For landscaping companies, staying up to date with the latest developments isn't just about keeping ahead of industry trends. It can also help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, deliver better customer experiences and remain competitive.
So, what’s new in the landscaping industry in 2026? Here are some of the key trends to watch.
1. Sustainability is becoming a bigger priority
Sustainability continues to influence landscaping and garden design across the UK. Customers are increasingly interested in outdoor spaces that are not only attractive, but also better suited to the environment.
Climate-resilient planting is one example. Drought-tolerant plants and species that can cope with changing weather conditions are becoming increasingly important, while wildlife-friendly planting can help support biodiversity.
There is also growing interest in reducing water consumption, using rainwater, composting, reusing materials and incorporating more natural planting into landscape designs.
For landscaping businesses, this presents an opportunity to offer more environmentally conscious solutions while helping customers create outdoor spaces that are easier to maintain in the long term.
2. Technology is transforming landscaping businesses
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the day-to-day running of landscaping businesses.
While landscaping remains a hands-on industry, many of the administrative tasks surrounding a project can now be managed digitally. Quoting, scheduling, job management, timesheets, compliance paperwork, photographs and invoicing can all be brought together through landscaping project management software.
For businesses managing multiple teams and projects, this can make a significant difference.
Instead of relying on spreadsheets, paper forms, phone calls and messages, landscaping project management software can give office staff and field teams access to the same information.
This can help businesses:
Schedule jobs and allocate work more efficiently
Keep track of projects and deadlines
Manage mobile teams
Record timesheets
Capture photographs and job information on site
Reduce paperwork
Improve communication between the office and field
Keep a clear record of completed work
Streamline invoicing and administration
As landscaping companies grow, having the right digital systems in place can make it easier to manage an increasing number of jobs without creating additional administrative work.
3. Smart technology is making outdoor spaces more efficient
Technology isn't just changing how landscaping companies operate. It is also influencing the landscapes they create and maintain.
Smart irrigation systems, automated watering and connected garden technology are becoming increasingly popular. These systems can help manage water usage and make maintaining outdoor spaces more efficient.
Smart technology is also appearing in garden lighting and other outdoor features, with app-controlled and sensor-based systems becoming more accessible.
For professional landscapers, understanding these technologies can help them provide customers with more modern and efficient solutions.
4. Wildlife-friendly and naturalistic landscaping is growing
The traditional idea of a perfectly manicured garden is changing.
Naturalistic planting, wildflower areas, pollinator-friendly plants and habitats for wildlife are becoming increasingly popular. Rather than controlling every part of a landscape, designers are increasingly finding ways to work with nature.
This can also have practical benefits. Choosing appropriate plants for the local environment can reduce maintenance requirements and create more resilient landscapes.
For landscaping professionals, this means understanding not just aesthetics, but also biodiversity, planting conditions and long-term maintenance.
5. Landscaping businesses need to work smarter
As landscaping projects become more complex, efficient project management is becoming increasingly important.
A landscaping business might have multiple teams working across different sites, with materials, equipment, vehicles and deadlines to coordinate. At the same time, customers expect regular updates and accurate information about their projects.
Managing all of this manually can quickly become time-consuming.
This is where landscape management software can make a difference. By bringing project information into one place, businesses can spend less time managing administration and more time focusing on delivering their work.
For example, a digital system can allow an office team to see upcoming jobs while field workers can access their schedules, complete forms and provide updates from site.
The result can be a more connected workflow from the initial booking through to job completion and invoicing.
6. The industry is becoming increasingly focused on efficiency
With rising operating costs and pressure to remain competitive, landscaping businesses are looking closely at how they use their time and resources.
Small improvements to everyday processes can add up. Reducing unnecessary paperwork, avoiding duplicated data entry, improving scheduling and making information easier to access can all contribute to a more efficient operation.
This is one reason why landscaping management software is becoming an increasingly useful tool for businesses looking to scale.
Rather than simply adding more administration as the business takes on more work, digital systems can help create processes that are easier to manage as the company grows.
GroundsFest 2026 is bringing the industry together
One of the key events in the UK landscaping and grounds management calendar is GroundsFest, which returns to Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 16-17 September 2026.
GroundsFest describes itself as the UK's largest annual event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, designers, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors. The event combines an indoor exhibition and educational programme with outdoor demonstrations and networking opportunities.
The 2026 event runs from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday 16 September and 9am to 4pm on Thursday 17 September.
This year's event is set to be particularly significant, with GroundsFest reporting almost 200 exhibitor stand bookings during its rebook period, more than 20,000 square metres of sold space and an additional 6,000 square metres added to the floorplan to meet demand.
Visitors can expect to see the latest equipment, products and technology from across the grounds management and landscaping industry, alongside demonstrations, educational sessions and networking opportunities.
There will also be some less conventional entertainment, including the new GroundsFest Cup lawn mower racing event, taking place across both days.
For landscaping professionals, GroundsFest provides an opportunity to discover new products, learn about emerging trends and see how technology is changing the way the industry works.
What does the future hold for landscaping?
The landscaping industry is becoming more sustainable, more technology-driven and increasingly focused on efficiency.
For landscaping businesses, keeping up with these changes means looking beyond the work being carried out on site. The way projects are planned, teams are managed and information is shared can have just as much impact on productivity as the equipment being used.
From climate-conscious landscape design to landscaping project management software, the businesses that embrace new approaches are likely to be better positioned to respond to changing customer expectations and a competitive market.
As the industry continues to evolve, events such as GroundsFest will provide an important opportunity for landscaping professionals to see what's new, exchange ideas and discover the technology that could help their businesses work smarter.
Ready to manage your landscaping projects more efficiently?
From scheduling jobs and managing teams to recording work and keeping information in one place, the right landscaping project management software can help your business save time and stay organised.
Book a demo with ConeRQ today to discover how our software can help streamline your landscaping operations.