Summer is upon us, and the outdoor temperatures are beginning to rise. Many landscape professionals have been busy over the past couple of months, preparing lawns for the warm season and cleaning them up after winter. If your company is like most landscaping businesses, you will experience a slowdown period over the next couple of months. Summer tends to be a time of transition from the preparation stages of lawn care to the routine maintenance of outdoor environments. Wonder how to fill in the gaps with your landscaping schedule this summer? Continue reading to learn more.

Why do Landscaping Companies Experience A Slowdown Period in the Summer?

Summer is warm, and kids being out of school are a couple of factors that influence the slowdown period for many landscaping businesses. As temperatures rise, lawn care is needed more for maintenance than for quality improvement services. Property owners have already had their lawns prepped, cleaned, and manicured in the spring, and their lawns are ready for the lazy days of summer. Many homeowners avoid major outdoor projects during the hottest months and wait until the fall to begin new outdoor renovations. Additionally, many families travel during the summer months; therefore, they choose not to embark on major improvements during that time.

What Methods Can I Use to Fill in the Gaps for my Landscaping Calendar?

Although summer has some barriers for landscaping companies, there are things you can do to spark the interest of some clients and fill gaps in your service schedule. Consider the following ideas:

• Alter your marketing campaigns that focus on summer-related services. Plan a marketing campaign tailored to summer months that highlights heat-related lawn care needs and alternative lawn solutions, such as weed control and shrub trimming.
• Re-engage with past customers to showcase various services you offer in the summer months. Reach out to past clients that you’ve lost touch with and introduce them to your calendar openings and availability. You might be able to fill the gaps with short-term lawn care or other seasonal needs.
• Develop landscaping packages specific to summer services. Create attractive packages by combining multiple lawn care services or by promoting seasonal specials for summer.
• Enhance Local SEO and highlight skills you have that promote summer landscaping projects. Use keywords in online content that target your specific area and summer landscaping needs.
• Use social media platforms to introduce your company’s summer activities. Share summer lawn care tips, before and after photos, updated business hours, and other company information that is specific to the summer season on all social media sites.
• Offer upgrades for outdoor living spaces. Offer services beyond lawn care that improve the setting around your customers’ properties. Outdoor lighting, development of seating areas, or patio upgrades.
• Invest in Google Ads to capture high-intent searches. Advertisements are effective at showcasing your company to customers actively searching for landscape services.
• Enhance customer relations and retention. Develop maintenance plans that reward loyal customers, including seasonal reminders, referral benefits, early scheduling, and exclusive promotions. Long-term maintenance plans add stability to a landscaper’s schedule and revenue.

Bottom Line

Summer is a busy time for many people. If you experience a slowdown during the summer in your landscaping business, use it as a time to be creative and engage in other activities you might not have time for otherwise. A mid-summer slowdown is a good time to reach out to existing customers to determine their needs, engage with high-intent leads looking for help, and adjust your brand’s messaging to target the needs of mid-summer landscaping projects. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my landscaping company see a decline in business during the hot summer months?
Many landscaping professionals experience a slowdown during the summer months, as the spring rush of lawn preparation and cleanup has passed. Additionally, the hotter temperatures discourage property owners from investing in outdoor services beyond basic maintenance. Many homeowners also travel during the summer months, often with unpredictable schedules. 

What landscaping services can I offer during the slowdown period?
Besides routine lawn maintenance, you can offer other outdoor services that add value to a property owner’s environment. Consider trimming shrubs, refreshing mulch, pine needles, and other decorative materials; addressing weed control; enhancing outdoor lighting; providing irrigation services; or offering recovery services for stressed lawns. 

What can I do to improve my relationships with landscaping customers?
Retaining customers helps provide a predictable schedule and steady revenue for your company. Offer year-round maintenance programs, referral benefits, or rewards for loyalty to your company. Relay to customers how much you appreciate their business by providing reliable, high-quality lawn care services, which improves relations and enhances company revenue.