Spring Preparation Critical for Landscape Curbing Contractors Amid Industry Growth

With temperatures rising and the landscaping season accelerating across much of the United States, landscape curbing contractors are entering the crucial spring planning period that often determines their annual profitability. Industry data from IBISWorld reveals the U.S. landscaping services sector has grown to a $188.8 billion market, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5 percent over the past five years. For contractors specializing in decorative concrete borders, the weeks between early April and mid-May represent the most consequential planning window of the year.

Ryan Wolfrath, co-owner of Curb Depot, emphasizes that how operators use this period directly affects their bottom line. Concrete extrusion requires ambient temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and stable weather for proper curing, creating a compressed earning window from approximately April through November in northern states. This means a single week of downtime from equipment failure or supply shortages can result in thousands of dollars in lost revenue. The National Association of Landscape Professionals reports the number of landscaping service businesses reached 692,777 in 2025, a 4.8 percent increase, with the industry employing over 1.4 million people. Increased competition makes readiness essential when weather permits work.

Wolfrath recommends contractors begin spring preparation with thorough equipment inspection. Key checkpoints include examining the motor's oil level and air filter, inspecting the mold system for concrete buildup or wear, verifying smooth operation of the sliding plate, and testing the machine with a short dry run before the first job. Beyond the extrusion machine, the curbing trailer requires attention to loading ramps, tire pressure, bearing grease, and organized storage compartments for tools and materials. Contractors seeking equipment information can visit https://curbdepot.com.

Materials planning is equally critical. Contractors should secure reliable concrete mixes with specialized admixtures, confirm mix ratios, test admixture inventory for shelf-life integrity, and establish delivery schedules with local batch plants before peak demand creates longer lead times. Color hardeners, stamping release agents, and sealers require inventory checks to prevent mid-project shortages that create quality inconsistencies. Ordering a full season's supply of high-use colors in spring reduces mid-season shortage risks.

Spring preparation extends beyond equipment and materials to business operations. Wolfrath encourages contractors to review pricing structures against current material costs, update project portfolios with photographs from the previous season, and confirm insurance coverage and business licenses are current. For contractors entering their first season or expanding into decorative curbing, spring represents the ideal window for training on proper extrusion technique, stamping methods, and color application before customer projects begin. As the 2026 landscaping season accelerates, contractors who invest in maintenance, planning, and readiness position themselves to capture more of the growing demand for decorative concrete edging.