Beyond the Mow Why Smart Operators Are Securing Landscaping Contracts Now

The Real Cost Isn’t the Grass, It’s the Uncertainty

In commercial property operations, landscaping spend isn’t just about mowing frequency or square footage. It’s about how reliably those services can be delivered, and at what cost when economic and labor conditions are in flux.

After two consecutive years of double-digit increases in fuel, equipment, and wage costs, many operators find that waiting until spring to secure landscaping contracts means paying a premium. Labor availability remains tight, and maintenance crews are booking out earlier than ever.

For large portfolios, that delay can mean escalating costs, inconsistent service coverage, and exposure to city violations when properties fall behind on maintenance.

Lock In Labor Before the Market Tightens

The landscaping industry continues to face persistent workforce shortages. The National Association of Landscape Professionals reports that more than 80% of landscaping companies struggled to fill open positions in 2024, a trend expected to continue into 2026.

For portfolio operators, that translates to fewer available crews and longer lead times for service initiation. Vendors often prioritize clients with confirmed contracts, leaving late-season bidders scrambling to fill coverage gaps.

By securing contracts now, property managers can lock in both labor capacity and competitive rates avoiding the cost volatility that comes with last-minute bidding and mid-season adjustments.

Economic Volatility Makes Predictability a Strategic Advantage

Unpredictable inflation, weather variability, and fuel price swings have made annual budgeting a guessing game. Landscaping may seem like a controllable expense until a hot, dry summer or a surge in diesel prices triggers extra visits and change orders.

That’s why leading operators are shifting toward program-based landscaping models instead of traditional seasonal bidding. These programs standardize scopes, set fixed annual pricing, and include built-in service flexibility keeping spend stable even when conditions fluctuate.

In short: cost control isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about creating predictability when everything else is uncertain.

Compliance Isn’t Optional, or Cheap

City code enforcement around overgrowth, debris, and erosion has intensified across most major metros. Violations can carry fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 per incident, depending on jurisdiction, not to mention reputational damage when violations are publicly posted.

Lessen’s landscaping programs incorporate compliance management from the ground up. Work is photo-verified through the One by Lessen™ platform, ensuring every service is documented, timestamped, and ready for audit. In markets with strict ordinances, proactive scheduling prevents violations before they happen, protecting both budget and brand.

The Smart Play: Secure Cost and Capacity Before Spring

As economic headwinds continue, cost control and operational readiness are no longer seasonal concerns, they’re strategic imperatives. Operators that act now can stabilize budgets, ensure vendor coverage, and avoid mid-season rate spikes that hit portfolios hardest.

A Smarter Way to Stay Green (and in Budget)

Landscaping costs are rising, and labor is tightening. Operators that wait until spring often face double the headaches: higher rates and limited vendor capacity.

Lessen’s end-to-end landscaping program secures your crews, controls your spend, and keeps your properties compliant all before the first mow.

Plan ahead — lock in your 2026 rates before the spring rush. Connect with Lessen to standardize your landscaping program, protect your budgets, and eliminate costly city violations.