Staying informed about current issues in the green industry is crucial for homeowners who care about their yards. Many things have changed in the world of lawns and plants, from climate change to regulatory shifts. Understanding these issues is essential for maintaining healthy landscapes and promoting sustainability. At Eichenlaub, we pride ourselves on our landscaping and green industry expertise. Our dedication to staying at the forefront ensures we can provide our clients with the best solutions for their landscaping needs.
In this article, we will delve into the green industry current issues of 2024 and how they are shaping the landscape.
2024 Green Industry Current Issues
1) Climate Change and Its Impact on Landscaping
The green industry current issues in 2024 are significantly impacted by climate change, which is reshaping the landscape in various significant ways. Let’s explore some key areas where these changes are most evident.
Extreme Weather Events
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as storms, droughts, and heat waves, profoundly affect plant health and landscape design. These events can cause widespread damage to vegetation, disrupt growth patterns, and increase landscapes’ vulnerability to pests and diseases. For instance, in northwest Pennsylvania, the abundance of Calico Scale on various host plants, particularly near wounded tissue with thin bark, has been attributed to recent weather patterns.
To mitigate weather-related damage, landscapers are adopting strategies such as implementing robust drainage systems, selecting weather-resistant plant varieties, and incorporating protective elements like wind barriers and shade structures into their designs.
Shifts in Plant Hardiness Zones
Changes in USDA plant hardiness zones are another critical aspect of the green industry current issues. These zones serve as general guides for growing perennial plants and are based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures. As climate patterns shift, these zones gradually move northward, affecting which plants can thrive in specific regions.
For example, in Pennsylvania, the average annual extreme minimum temperatures from 1991-2020 ranged from -15 to -10 Fahrenheit (zone 5b) in the coldest areas to 10-15 Fahrenheit (zone 8a) in the warmest parts. However, it’s important to note that these zones represent averages, and rare extreme cold snaps can still occur. Plants grown at the colder end of their adapted zone may thrive for years but could be lost in a single freezing event.
Adapting to these changes involves carefully selecting plants resilient to new climate conditions and considering potential temperature fluctuations. Landscapers must balance the desire to introduce species from warmer regions with the need for hardiness and reliability. This adaptation might include selecting native plants with wider temperature tolerances or choosing a variety bred explicitly for adaptability.
Water Management Challenges
Rising concerns over water scarcity and conservation have become paramount among green industry current issues. As climate change affects precipitation patterns and increases the likelihood of droughts, efficient water management is more critical than ever. These changes impact plant health and landscape aesthetics and have broader implications for ecosystem balance and community water resources.
Implementing efficient irrigation systems in watering your lawn is a critical strategy in addressing this challenge. Smart irrigation controllers, drip irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting techniques are becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, using drought-tolerant and native plants in landscape design helps reduce water consumption while maintaining attractive and functional outdoor spaces.
2) Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations
Evolving regulations surrounding pesticides and fertilizers remain a critical aspect of the green industry’s current issues in 2024. These changes are continuously influencing how landscaping professionals manage their practices.
New Legislation and Restrictions
Recent pesticide and fertilizer regulations have significantly impacted landscape management. New laws limit nitrogen application to 0.7 pounds per 1000 square feet per application, with a 0.9 pounds annual maximum. Phosphorus use is mostly prohibited except for new plantings or turf repair. These changes reflect growing concerns about chemical use in landscaping and its environmental impact.
Compliance with Pennsylvania state laws requires increased vigilance from homeowners or landscape professionals. They must maintain buffer zones near water bodies, avoid application near drains or when heavy rain is expected, and never apply to frozen ground. Precise application and use of recent soil analyses are now essential. These requirements demand ongoing education and careful planning to balance legal compliance with effective landscape management.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has gained prominence as an intelligent, environmentally friendly approach to pest control. First, it sets action thresholds to determine when pest control is necessary, recognizing that the presence of a single pest does not always require intervention. Next, it emphasizes monitoring and accurate identification of pests to ensure that control measures are only applied when and where needed.
Prevention is crucial to reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. This process involves selecting pest-resistant plant varieties, improving soil health, or modifying landscapes to deter pests naturally. However, IPM prioritizes less risky methods, such as mechanical removal or targeted treatments, before considering broad-spectrum pesticides as a last resort when control becomes necessary.
Adopting IPM principles can lead to more effective, economical, and environmentally friendly pest management for homeowners. It encourages a deeper understanding of your garden’s ecosystem and promotes a balanced approach to maintaining a healthy landscape. As a key green industry current issue, IPM represents a shift towards more sustainable lawn and plant care practices.
Organic and Natural Alternatives
One of the green industry current issues is embracing organic and natural pest control methods. Effective examples include Entomophaga maimaiga for spongy moth control, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars, and horticultural oils for various pests. Non-chemical approaches like strategic pruning also offer eco-friendly solutions for localized infestations.
Case studies show both successes and challenges. E. maimaiga has effectively controlled spongy moth outbreaks in some forests. Another case of herbicide containing glyphosate use highlights the substance’s absorption by fall and herbicide damage persistence to spring. However, the risks of chemical treatments underscore the importance of organic alternatives in sustainable landscaping.
3) Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability has become integral to the green industry current issues, impacting all aspects of landscaping practices and driving the adoption of more eco-friendly methods.
Sustainable Landscaping Practices
Sustainability is an essential green industry current issue in 2024, benefiting both landscaping businesses and clients. For companies, sustainable practices improve reputation and market competitiveness. On the other hand, clients enjoy reduced maintenance costs through less frequent watering, mowing, and chemical applications while increasing property values with resilient, eco-friendly landscapes.
Eco-friendly landscaping techniques include using native plants, installing efficient irrigation systems, and incorporating permeable hardscaping. Landscapers are also creating wildlife-friendly spaces and using organic soil amendments. These methods enhance property aesthetics and ecological value while meeting the growing demand for sustainable outdoor spaces.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
Landscapers are increasingly focusing on creating habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. This biodiversity is achieved by incorporating diverse native plant species, designing pollinator gardens, and creating wildlife-friendly features such as water sources and shelter. Landing for pollinators and wildlife makes landscapes more visually exciting and contributes significantly to local ecosystem health.
A successful biodiversity project in Pennsylvania transformed two acres of turf into a native meadow, significantly improving stormwater management. The deep-rooted native plants enhanced water infiltration, reducing runoff and pollutant transport to nearby waterways. This project addressed water quality issues and created a thriving habitat for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
These days, landscaping businesses are increasingly reducing their carbon footprint of landscaping operations by adopting strategies like optimizing route planning to minimize fuel consumption and transitioning to electric and hybrid equipment. Using electric mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers reduces emissions and decreases noise pollution, a growing concern in residential areas.
Implementing sustainable practices in landscape business operations extends beyond equipment choices. Landscape companies use recycled materials for hardscaping and composting programs for green waste. Some businesses also use rainwater harvesting systems to reduce reliance on municipal water supplies. These practices address current green industry issues and often result in long-term cost savings for the business.
4) Advances in Green Industry Technology
Technological advancements are at the forefront of the green industry current issues, providing innovative tools and solutions that transform the capabilities of landscaping professionals.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation systems have emerged as a critical solution to water management, one of the pressing green industry issues. These technologies offer significant benefits by conserving water and enhancing plant health. They use a precision approach of real-time weather data, soil moisture levels, and plant water requirements to optimize watering schedules that ensure plants receive what they need and reduce water waste.
Popular smart irrigation products include soil moisture sensors, which monitor water levels in the soil and trigger irrigation only when necessary. Smart sprinkler controllers allow precise control over watering schedules. Users can set specific durations, start times, and days for irrigation. This programmable functionality enables customized watering routines tailored to the landscape’s needs.
Landscape Design Software
Landscape design software is revolutionizing the industry in 2024. Modern programs offer 2D and 3D design capabilities, cost estimation features, and user-friendly interfaces. This technology enhances design accuracy through precise measurements and realistic plant growth simulations. Clients benefit from improved visualization of proposed landscapes, leading to better communication and higher satisfaction rates.
Case studies showcasing the successful use of design software.
Drones and Aerial Imaging
Drones are playing an increasingly significant role in landscape assessment and maintenance. These advanced tools offer a bird’s-eye view of large-scale projects, allowing for more efficient and comprehensive evaluations. Drones can quickly identify areas that need attention and track changes over time, improving the accuracy of landscape planning and maintenance.
Numerous examples exist of how drones are being utilized in the green industry. For instance, drones are used to map and monitor erosion and other environmental impacts, providing critical data for conservation efforts. Additionally, drones help landscapers design more efficient irrigation systems by mapping out terrain and identifying areas that require more or less water.
End Note
As we navigate the complex landscape of the green industry current issues in 2024, it is clear that staying informed and adaptable is crucial to success in this field. From climate change impacts to technological innovations, the challenges and opportunities in the green industry are diverse and ever-changing.
At Eichenlaub, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of these issues, offering expert advice and sustainable landscaping solutions. Whether dealing with pest management challenges or seeking to implement more sustainable practices in your landscape, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you create beautiful, resilient, and environmentally responsible outdoor spaces.