As younger generations are becoming homeowners, the customer expectations are changing as well. According to Garden Research’s 2018 National Gardening Survey, those between the ages of 18 and 34 have set a record high, making up 29 percent of all gardening households.

A common theme among customers, regardless of age, is the fact that a majority do not have the time to properly care for their landscapes. This results in them either requesting a more low-maintenance design or hiring professionals to do the work for them.

“The industry relies more on computers, smart phones and systems that offsets manual labor and paperwork, which in turn make the work more efficient,” Cruz says. “Those who don’t embrace new technology will get left behind.”