The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has released the second annual Lay of the Land report.

The report, first launches last year at FutureScape, provides a detailed snapshot of sentiment, behaviour, opportunities and challenges shaping the UK industry in 2026.

“The lay of the land report is such an important piece of work for the industry, showing all of the challenges and opportunities our members face and the innovative and proactive ways BALI members are future-proofing their businesses,” says Amy Cobbett, head of policy and public affairs at BALI and co-author of the report.

While 16% of respondents describe themselves as very confident about their business over the next 12 months, up from 14% in 2025, the findings also highlight a growing divide in how businesses are experiencing the current climate.

Recruitment has emerged as the sector’s standout challenge. Some 27% of respondents rated staff recruitment as “very challenging”, 11 percentage points higher than the next-ranked issue, weather, at 16%. At the same time, businesses are investing in the skills they need, with 54% exploring training opportunities, 57% considering staffing growth and 21% looking at new apprenticeships or equivalent routes.

The report also highlights a strong appetite for opportunity. Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents are exploring new markets or contracts, while 40% are investigating technology or machinery and the same proportion are exploring AI tools. Marketing and social media are the most popular potential applications for AI, alongside design support, client communication and CRM systems.

Environmental pressures are also reshaping the industry. Water management has seen the biggest increase in businesses rating an issue as extremely challenging, rising from 9% in 2025 to 12% in 2026. Meanwhile, more than a quarter of respondents are exploring environmental delivery opportunities including biodiversity net gain, sustainable drainage systems and net zero projects.

Cobbett says:

“Even across stark challenges, including environmental and economic pressures and the industry-wide lack of skilled staffing, our members are feeling positive about their business’ outlook for the next 12 months, though greater support across these priorities would unlock more investment and growth for our industry.”

The report also details the potential for further growth across the entire industry. Read the full Lay of the Land 2026 report here.

Pro Landscaper Premium Plus has published a new State of the Nation report which sets out to provide a temperature check on market mood and sentiment. The research looks to establish current demand and what impact wider geopolitical impacts are having on the sector.