Nina Mason, content director of Pro Landscaper USA and organizer of FutureScape USA, recently joined Rob Murray, host of the IM Landscape Growth Podcast and CEO of landscape marketing company Intrigue, for a discussion on the state of professional landscaping market in the US and UK and what Pro Landscaper USA is doing to support the industry.

Addressing growth constraints through professionalism

In the conversation, Mason highlighted that from her experience, the primary growth constraint for landscape entrepreneurs in the UK and the US is recognition and perception. However, she notes that especially in the UK there has been a significant push over the last decade to professionalize the industry.

“Businesses are really starting to see themselves as businesses rather than one-man bands, and wanting to improve their systems, their approach, their training and their educational aspects,” she explains.

Mason adds that the move toward greater professionalism is a key tool to address other pain points plaguing the industry, such as the widespread labor shortage. “The word ‘culture’ is on everyone’s mind at the moment,” she says. “How can you create a culture that people want to be part of?”

A crucial component of the answer, she continues, is providing clear progression pathways for employees, allowing them to see a future within the company rather than feeling the need to leave and start their own ventures.

Fostering culture through recognition and events

Mason remarks that one effective way to foster a positive workplace culture is through personal professional recognition. An example she points to is the Pro Landscaper USA’s ‘Rising Stars‘, an awards program celebrating emerging talent.

“It’s an opportunity for leaders to take the spotlight off themselves briefly and put it onto some of their members of staff that they think are really starting to make waves.” This approach engages the workforce and demonstrates the value of their contributions.

Similarly, over the coming months, Pro Landscaper USA’s footprint is expanding with two FutureScape USA exhibition and networking events in 2026: one in Santa Monica this September 1-2 and a new show in Palm Springs in December, Mason notes. In the podcast, she encourages landscape professionals to make the most of these opportunities to break down industry silos, discover new emerging techniques, products and technologies as well as learn from their industry peers.

Listen to the full podcast here. Register for your free FutureScape USA, Santa Monica ticket here.