Landscaping Products Demand in the US to Increase Over 6 Percent Through 2013

US demand for landscaping products is forecast to increase 6.1 percent per year to $7.5 billion in 2013, an acceleration from the pace set during the 2003-2008 period.  Although gains are expected to be modest in the short term due to recessionary conditions, the housing market is expected to recover by 2013, creating opportunities for landscaping products.  In addition, lifestyle trends focusing on family and staying at home will promote the use of landscaping products as homeowners look for ways to maximize their home’s potential.  Gains will be limited by a marked slowdown in the construction of nonresidential buildings.  These and other trends, including market share and product segmentation, are presented in Landscaping Products, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Landscaping products include a variety of items -- decorative products, hardscape products, outdoor structures and other products -- used to improve the appearance of lawns, vegetable and flower gardens, borders and other areas of residential, commercial or municipal properties.  Gains in demand for decorative products will benefit from the relatively low market penetration of water features (e.g., ponds and fountains). 

Hardscapes will continue to face competition from alternative products and structures, such as wood decking.  Nevertheless, these products will experience favorable growth as consumers value the aesthetics and durability of various concrete products, and stones and boulders in the construction of patios and walkways, and surrounds for outdoor fireplaces, ponds and in-ground swimming pools.  A renewed interest in food gardening (e.g., berries, herbs and vegetables) will fuel demand for greenhouses, while other outdoor structures, such as gazebos and pergolas, will benefit from their increasing incorporation in outdoor living areas. 

Residential settings are the largest market for landscaping product sales.  Although growth in the residential market will be modest in the short term, by 2013 product sales will benefit from a turnaround in housing completions.  Individuals are electing to spend more time and energy in and around their homes, and desire an outdoor living space -- often including patios or outdoor structures such as gazebos or pergolas -- for relaxation and entertainment purposes.  Landscaped areas incorporating water features, edging, rock gardens and such typically complement the outdoor living space design.

The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.