Professional landscape services are more popular than ever. With the huge building boom in New Jersey in recent years, two income families and the outdoor living craze. It is easy to understand why. Many people have come to realize the value of professional landscape services in their property values and life styles.

The result is the tremendous growth of the landscape industry in New Jersey.

With all this good news arises a problem for the professional landscape company. Very few municipalities have any zoning that will allow landscape companies to locate their operations in the areas they work in. I believe the problem is that most municipalities are not sure how to categorize landscape companies. Is it commercial, industrial, or agricultural? Or is it all three?

It is common that landscape companies that wish to stay in an area must buy a garden center type operation so they can “comply” with local zoning. This option is very expensive and often over extends small landscape companies trying to essentially start an entirely different business. The reason is there are no properties available that fit the use for a landscape operation.

The solution is for municipalities to recognize the need for the landscape industry to have a place in its master plan. With areas designated specifically for landscape contractors usage, thus allowing outdoor parking and storage for landscape vehicles and materials in designated “light industrial/commercial” areas.  I believe that every municipality that has landscape contractors servicing their communities should provide such zoning.

The long term effect would help reduce traffic, pollution, and wasting valuable fuel. These are all noble causes here in New Jersey.  Consumers would not have to pay for the extra travel and fuel to get the services they require and there would be employment opportunities for local people. Of course the municipalities would have additional ratables as well!

The local economies would benefit from the landscape companies using local mechanics, lawn mower shops, hardware stores, garden centers, etc. Local landscape companies are more likely to contribute to local community projects and charities. Local landscape companies are more likely to sponsor athletic team and donate services to improve the local ball fields etc.

The benefits of including landscape companies in local zoning are many. The time has come for municipalities to recognize the need for zoning that allows landscape operations to be a welcomed part of their business communities.