Maryland’s horticulture industry grows to $1.76 billion

Maryland’s horticulture industry generated an estimated $1.76 billion in sales in 2024, with growth largely driven by landscaping services, according to a new economic survey conducted by the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore on behalf of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA).

The 2024 Statistical Profile and Economic Survey of the Maryland Horticulture Industry provides a detailed look at sales trends, workforce conditions, sourcing and stewardship practices across licensed growers, retailers and landscape contractors statewide.

Landscaping continues to lead sales growth

Among major business types, landscaping firms were the only segment to post year-over-year growth, with sales increasing 12% from 2023 to 2024 and an additional 9% increase projected for 2025. Growers and retailers reported modest declines in 2024, reflecting tighter margins and rising costs, though growers anticipated slight improvement in 2025.

Wholesale and retail plant sales together accounted for two-thirds of total industry sales, with woody plants representing the largest plant category, followed by herbaceous perennials and annuals.

An industry defined by local ownership and regional supply chains

The survey confirmed that Maryland’s horticulture sector remains predominantly owner-operated and regionally rooted:

• 81% of businesses are family-owned
• 72% of plant sales stayed in Maryland in 2024
• An estimated $463 million in plant sales were sourced from Maryland-grown materials
• Nearly 40% of plants sold originated in-state
  

Labor costs and availability remain primary constraints

Despite steady demand, respondents consistently identified high operating costs (36%) and labor costs (35%) as the most significant barriers to growth. Labor availability, broader economic conditions and weather variability were also cited as persistent challenges.

The industry employed an estimated 21,271 workers in 2024. Average hourly wages varied by role and region, with managers earning nearly $31 per hour, supervisors just over $26 per hour, experienced laborers earning $19 per hour and inexperienced laborers earning $16 per hour.

Stewardship practices integrated into operations

Environmental management practices remain common across business types. More than half of respondents reported using integrated pest management (IPM), primarily citing improvements in plant quality and reduced losses.

A quarter of respondents reported land enrolled in preservation or conservation programs, and many businesses use water-efficient irrigation and monitoring systems as part of standard operations.

Maryland’s horticulture industry continues to grow, driven by strong demand for landscaping services and a deep commitment to local production and environmental stewardship — but rising costs and workforce constraints remain real pressures on businesses statewide.

Regional differences reflect market conditions

Central and western Maryland accounted for approximately 71% of total statewide sales, driven by wholesale plant sales, retail operations and landscape installation services. Southern Maryland represented the second-largest regional share, while Upper and Lower Shore businesses played a smaller but locally significant role in regional economies.

About the survey

The 2024 Statistical Profile and Economic Survey of the Maryland Horticulture Industry was supported by a grant from the Rural Maryland Council and administered to licensed horticulture businesses statewide, with 211 businesses responding, representing approximately 21% of licensed operations. Data collection occurred between January and October 2025.