What I learned at the Equip Expo 2024
(Handheld) electric is finally ready for primetime
Oct 19, 2024
The Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky is by far the largest showcase of the latest and greatest technologies, companies and people in the landscaping industry. Here are my top takeaways from the 2024 edition:
The landscaping industry is growing nicely
After the pandemic inspired boom of 2020 - 2023, we were concerned about an industry slump as fewer people rushed to upgrade their patios, mulch their yards or spruce up their gardens. If attendance at the show is anything to go by, these concerns are unfounded: equip expo 2024 was the largest trade show in the 40 year history of the event! Last year there were over 28,000 attendees, the official numbers aren’t out yet but this year might be close to 30,000.
Equip expo 2024 was the largest event in the 40 year history of the trade show!
Handheld electric devices are ready for primetime
Electric devices are here in a big way, and they are here to stay! There are three major reasons electric devices are taking off:
The math finally makes sense for handheld equipment. According to Greenworks, their 22” commercial mower costs $700 more than a gas equivalent, but saves you about $1,000 a year in gas and maintenance.*
The products are getting better: it’s well known that batteries continue to improve. But the part that really surprised me is all the accessories that make it really convenient to go electric.*
Regulation: it seems like every week there is a new county banning gas blowers for noise concerns. If it hasn’t already, there’s a good chance it’s coming to your county.
A push electric mower pays off the extra upfront cost in less than one year!
"Native" is the new growth market
What is the fastest growing market in the landscaping business? My vote is for native plants. My evidence would be that the official membership of Wild Ones (the non profit dedicated to educating people about native plants), has almost tripled in just about 4 years! Natorp Landscape Supply nursery shared that natural plants, rain gardens and pollinator plants are in high demand. We will write more on this later, but we recommend getting smart about this space as soon as possible!
Native plant organization Wild Ones has tripled their membership in just over four years!
Bonus learning: Equip Expo sure knows how to throw a party!
And Trace Adkins has still got it
-Sam
*We will dive deep into this subject in a future blog article
The Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky is by far the largest showcase of the latest and greatest technologies, companies and people in the landscaping industry. Here are my top takeaways from the 2024 edition:
The landscaping industry is growing nicely
After the pandemic inspired boom of 2020 - 2023, we were concerned about an industry slump as fewer people rushed to upgrade their patios, mulch their yards or spruce up their gardens. If attendance at the show is anything to go by, these concerns are unfounded: equip expo 2024 was the largest trade show in the 40 year history of the event! Last year there were over 28,000 attendees, the official numbers aren’t out yet but this year might be close to 30,000.
Equip expo 2024 was the largest event in the 40 year history of the trade show!
Handheld electric devices are ready for primetime
Electric devices are here in a big way, and they are here to stay! There are three major reasons electric devices are taking off:
The math finally makes sense for handheld equipment. According to Greenworks, their 22” commercial mower costs $700 more than a gas equivalent, but saves you about $1,000 a year in gas and maintenance.*
The products are getting better: it’s well known that batteries continue to improve. But the part that really surprised me is all the accessories that make it really convenient to go electric.*
Regulation: it seems like every week there is a new county banning gas blowers for noise concerns. If it hasn’t already, there’s a good chance it’s coming to your county.
A push electric mower pays off the extra upfront cost in less than one year!
"Native" is the new growth market
What is the fastest growing market in the landscaping business? My vote is for native plants. My evidence would be that the official membership of Wild Ones (the non profit dedicated to educating people about native plants), has almost tripled in just about 4 years! Natorp Landscape Supply nursery shared that natural plants, rain gardens and pollinator plants are in high demand. We will write more on this later, but we recommend getting smart about this space as soon as possible!
Native plant organization Wild Ones has tripled their membership in just over four years!
Bonus learning: Equip Expo sure knows how to throw a party!
And Trace Adkins has still got it
-Sam
*We will dive deep into this subject in a future blog article