Welcome to this week’s Hardscape Digest, a free bi-weekly newsletter from the team at Hardscape Magazine.
Each issue will cover the latest trends and news impacting the hardscape industry, featured projects, installation techniques, new tools, upcoming events and much, much more.
The bottom line up front
The $200 Billion Boom: A new industry report from Techo-Bloc reveals that the U.S. landscaping and hardscaping market is projected to reach $200 billion this year. Despite rising material costs and labor shortages, consumer demand for "lifestyle-driven" outdoor spaces remains at an all-time high.
The Warm Revival: The 2026 trend cycle is seeing a definitive shift away from the "cool grays" of the past decade. According to Unilock and Techo-Bloc, homeowners are gravitating toward:
Earthy Palettes: Tones inspired by natural stone, clay, and weathered materials.
Organic Textures: A rise in "Naturalistic Landscaping" where hardscape serves as a structured backdrop for softer, layered planting styles.
Terrazzo & Large Format: Specifically, large-format slabs like Sandstone and the use of Terrazzo textures in outdoor living rooms are being cited as top "modern with soul" choices for 2026.
The "Retention Over Acquisition" Strategy: The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) highlights that 2026 success is being defined by client retention rather than just new leads.
The Profit Gap: 54% of contractors say retention is their top goal, as repeat customers cost five times less to service than new acquisitions.
Payment Delays: An alarming 60% of companies report receiving payments at least a week late. Contractors are increasingly turning to automated workflow software (like Aspire) to bridge the gap between job completion and cash in hand.
Rising Fuel Prices: Why You Shouldn’t Panic and How to Protect Your Profits
A recent post from Super Lawn Truck’s founder and Hardscape Magazine contributor Tony Bass offers timely perspective on the industry’s current climate and rising fuel costs.
As Tony explains, while rising diesel and gasoline prices often spark immediate concern in the industry, the key is to avoid "rookie" mistakes by reacting emotionally rather than strategically.
Fuel typically accounts for only 1.5% to 3% of total revenue for a well-run landscaping or hardscaping business. Even significant price hikes usually only impact total revenue by an additional 1% or 2%. Instead of implementing broad, across-the-board price hikes that might alienate customers, business owners should focus on auditing their "bad accounts"—the bottom 10% to 20% with the lowest profit per man-hour—and bringing those specific rates up to standard.
For ongoing projects and new bids, more professional adjustments include increasing equipment hourly rates by a small margin (such as $0.50 to $1.00 per hour) or adding fuel surcharge clauses into future contracts. These methods allow you to absorb market volatility without creating invoice friction. Ultimately, fuel costs aren't what put companies out of business; underpriced work and weak systems are. By tightening your numbers and leading with data, you can maintain healthy margins regardless of the "pennies at the pump."
Ted Corvey Honored with 2026 BIA Lifetime Achievement Award
The Brick Industry Association Executive Committee has announced that Ted Corvey, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Pine Hall Brick, is the recipient of the 2026 BIA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ted Covery, VP of Sales & Marketing at Pine Hall Brick.
This award honors outstanding individuals who, over a minimum of 25 years, have dedicated themselves to the advancement and betterment of the clay brick industry.
Corvey has dedicated 33 years to the clay brick industry, beginning his career in 1992. Throughout his career, he has played a vital role in advancing the industry through leadership positions, advocacy and his forward-thinking approach.
From the archives: Surviving the Split and Scaling Elmwood Landscapes After a Management Shakeup
The Engcon Tiltrotator is Mitch’s newest and favorite piece of equipment. “It spins the bucket 360 degrees and tilts it 45 degrees so you can get into all kinds of crazy corners. One guy can do the job of 2 or 3 people. With the EC-Oil quick attach, you never get out of the machine to change out hydraulic couplers. You can change attachments from a 12” bucket to a 4’ bucket in maybe 30 seconds to a minute.”
When James Andrea left Elmwood Landscapes to pursue real estate full-time, his brother Mitch was left to manage the company's rapid growth alone. Losing a partner who handled everything from finances to field operations could have sunk a young business, but Mitch transformed the challenge into an opportunity to streamline and scale.
By investing heavily in advanced equipment like the Engcon Tiltrotator and empowering a highly skilled crew, Mitch has shifted the company’s focus toward massive $100,000+ pool projects. Today, Elmwood Landscapes is a model of efficiency, proving that with the right systems and a "less manual labor" mindset, a small team can tackle the biggest jobs in the industry.
Supplier corner
From pavers to retaining walls to outdoor room elements, get a rundown of the latest equipment and tools, as featured in our February issue of Hardscape Magazine.
StoneWall Orana is a versatile, multi-piece ashlar wall system designed for above-grade hardscape features and earth retention applications. With smooth or textured faces, fluid curves, and efficient cornering, Orana delivers clean geometry with minimal units — supporting contemporary, weathered, and rustic outdoor living designs.
Call (833) 667-6245 or visit WestBlockSystems.com/stonewallorana
Atlantic Blue showcases cool, slate blue hues crafted into impressive 9” x 24” stocked stone panels that deliver a calm yet impactful atmosphere. Made from marble and finished with a textured split-face surface, this panel offers rich dimensions and visual interest. With coordinating corner pieces available, Atlantic Blue ensures a seamless design with any outdoor application.
Call (714) 685-7500 or visit MSIsurfaces.com
This 3/16 in. x 4 in. x 10 ft. edging is designed by the trusted brand, Border Concepts. It can be used to create clean and defined borders for flower beds, pathways and gardens. Made from weathering steel, this landscape edging is built to withstand the elements and will develop a beautiful patina over time.
Visit siteone.com/hardscapes
Upcoming industry events
May 30-June 1: 2026 Southeast Regional Conference at the Sheraton Downtown Raleigh in Raleigh, NC.
October 21-23: Hardscape North America at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.
November 8-11: Elevate: The National Conference and Expo at The Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL.
November 17-19: Pool, Spa Patio & Deck Expo at Ernst M. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.
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Until next time,
The Team at Hardscape Magazine
