As Pro Landscaper celebrates its 15th anniversary, it takes a look back and asks the industry for its biggest takeaways from the last 15 years.
Malcolm Catlin, chief executive, Plant Healthy
“If we could turn the clock back fifteen years, numerous new plant pests and diseases might not have entered this country. We now have wider awareness of the problem, but we still need more people to implement robust measures. Border checks on EU imports may come and go, but pest threats continue to grow. Let’s ensure that when we reflect in fifteen years’ time, we’re not rueing missed opportunities to protect our plants, landscapes and businesses.”
Kate Cooney, corporate partnerships manager, Perennial
“Wow… 15 years of Pro Landscaper, and I’ve been part of almost eight of them! Thinking back to my first FutureScape (November 2018) it was very much “Perennial… who are you?” Now people actively come looking for us. We’re not there yet, but thanks to the support organisations such as 44 Group provide, we’re getting closer to our goal: an industry where everyone knows Perennial is there when they need us.”
Mark Gregory, managing director, Landform Consultants
“From a landscaping and technical point of view, the things that we learnt 15-20 years ago are now outdated. The thought of burying inert materials in gardens 20 years ago would’ve made you the ultimate cowboy. Now, you’re the guy who’s saving the planet. The way we are doing things are changing.
For instance, a British standard soakaway was a cubic metre, and that was it. 15 years forward, we know that’s insufficient. Now, we’re digging bigger holes, creating bigger attenuation areas and using crushed concrete to minimise our waste.
The biggest changs for me is the increase of environmental awareness. I also think water has become pivotal. In all of our conversations, we’re talking about water management through the winter and summer months.
Overall, the way that we were taught to build has changed. We’re moving on from out-of-date specifications and thinking in a new, environmentally conscious way.”
Karl Harrison, landscaping consultant and independent expert witness, founder of The Decking Network
“Fifteen years ago, landscaping still felt like an industry finding its professional identity. Today, the best businesses combine design, engineering, horticulture, construction and serious project management. Clients expect more and rightly so. For me, the biggest change has been seeing landscaping recognised as a skilled, technically demanding profession in its own right. Let’s get it licenced…”
Rupert Keys, founder and managing director, TASK Academy Ltd
“Having been fortunate enough to feature on Pro Landscaper’s very first cover, it’s been fascinating to see how much our industry has evolved over the past 15 years. Standards, professionalism, technology and expectations have all moved forward. But perhaps the biggest change I’ve seen is a growing recognition that good training, development and investing in people are essential to building a stronger future for landscaping.”
Trudy Martin, founding director, TruGrowth
“Social media has changed massively over the last 15 years. LinkedIn has gone from something we did on the side to becoming part of our everyday working lives. It’s now our shop window, where we showcase projects, show what we can do, build relationships and, importantly, generate new leads and opportunities.”
Phil Tremayne, the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), general manager
“I have seen a great many changes over the last 15 years. Landscaping has become an increasingly professional and technically demanding industry. A new generation of landscapers are pushing the boundaries, using many refined techniques and a range of new materials. However, client expectations have risen as more information is available to them, alongside a greater emphasis on standards and sustainability. Technology has also transformed design and communication over the past 15 years. The biggest introductions were first, CDM 2015, followed later by BS753-102. Both of these have enabled skilled landscapers to be recognised as professionals delivering complex, high-quality outdoor spaces.”
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