President’s Message

Spring is quickly approaching and in many ways it seems like last year never really stopped. Every year there is less seasonal down time between busy seasons. Winter is always a great time to catch up with friends and colleagues that we don’t often see enough. Hopefully our brief winter has provided you a chance to rest, regroup, and prepare for another busy spring season. Our most recent event was 2024 winter conference which was well received with a great turnout for the conference and happy hour afterward.

I am optimistic about the coming year, there seems to still be plenty of work on the books to start the spring. The unseasonably warm weather is allowing the installers to get a jump on spring projects and the nurseries/garden centers to start prepping earlier than ever before. We will keep a wary eye on mother nature and hope for no unexpected surprises like an early spring blizzard or sudden late spring cold snap. I am hopeful for strong numbers throughout the spring and summer seasons. Housing and construction continue to be robust but at a slower pace than in previous years. The current state of the industry remains strong and steady while still being hampered by both product and labor shortages. Although we will continue to keep watch on the economy for a long term slow down, Product shortages driven mainly by evergreens will continue to be felt across the industry and will only be rectified by time.

Labor continues to be the most critical challenge that we face. Postsecondary horticulture programs continue to decline across the country, which only increases the pressure on an already tight labor market. The inability to hire the appropriate amount of people, the struggle to attract younger generations to our industry, and the retirement of older generations affects us all. We must continue to pursue innovative ways to get more done with less. Mechanization and innovation will continue to be imperative in keeping up with demand in light of a diminishing labor force. New ways to entice and retain people are desperately needed. It is the people that make this industry so unique, the connection of generations of craftsmen exchanging ideas and passing on skills to advance the field of horticulture. A profound thank you to all of you who continue to teach and inspire younger generations enter this very rewarding field.