November 2020 saw unusually high performance, though feelings of uncertainty are looming, according our latest UK Landscape Barometer.

Overall Performance Year-on-year

Turnover increased by 67% on average for the industry. Each region worked on more projects. There were about half more projects with an increase of 45% on average. Conversion rates were about the same, but enquiries went up by about 24% nationally.

Sector Performance Year-on-year

Domestic landscaping

Turnover remained roughly static; however, the number of enquiries they received went up by about 7%. They converted 13% more of these on average.

Commercial landscaping

Turnover went up by about 13%. Enquiries fell by 8%; however conversions were up 8%. Ongoing projects increased by 4% on average.

Design and build

Turnover increased by 36% on average. Though this sector’s conversion rate decreased by about 10%, enquiries increased by a fifth. The number of projects worked on increased by about half (51%).

Garden designers

An average 184% increase in turnover was seen by garden designers nationwide. Conversions remained equal. Enquiries increased by over half at 57% with number of projects worked on increasing by an average 86%.

Nurseries

Nurseries had an increase in turnover by about 16%. Quotes fell by about 7% on average though.

Soil suppliers

The volume of soil sold increased by 16% on average. Quotes increased by an average of 11%.

Uncertainty

There were mixed feelings regarding confidence in the market. There was also uncertainty for the year (2021) ahead.

One garden designer said: “Whilst growth has been strong, I am nervous about the coming year.”

A nursery commented: “A buoyant close to 2020 but 2021 still shrouded in uncertainty!”

From the commercial landscaping sector, one company stated they are, “Still very confident in the industry. Lockdown is not affecting us at present but if it goes on longer than March, and large-scale redundancies are made in other sectors such as leisure and hospitality, it could have a knock-on effect on the construction sector and therefore the commercial landscaping sector.”

High performance

Although there has been some uncertainty for the future, others have commented on the unusually high performance for this time of year.

One domestic landscaper said: “We have noticed that there have been a lot more enquiries and conversions for this time of the year (winter season) as opposed to last year or any year prior, even enquiries on boxing day!”

A garden designer similarly commented: “Still getting enquiries even over the Christmas period which is unusual.”

Considering the third national lockdown, a design and build company said: “More lockdown seems to mean more of a boom in the industry.” Their performance has been particularly high amidst the pandemic and lockdowns.

Uncertainty amidst high performance

November 2020 saw high performance, though uncertainty is looming about what 2021 will look like for the landscaping market. Hopefully, the uncertainty fades as the months roll by and fingers-crossed, performance remains high.