2007 Maryland Horticulture Industry

Statistical and Economic Profile

Executive Summary

The third economic profile in the 1st decade of the new millennium, provides the most comprehensive insight into the growth and strength of the horticulture industry in Maryland. The first survey, in 2000, provided a baseline of information from which many management and leadership decisions could be based. The 2003 survey demonstrated the impact a drought year can have on industry growth.

The 2007 survey is the most comprehensive to date for the following reasons. The survey reflects the use of improved methodology advances by the NASS which more accurately accounts for sales. An unprecedented response rate from chain stores, whose impact was not fully developed in previous surveys, reveals a more complete view of the industry. Finally, the prevalence of affordable dynamic small business management tools may have improved the business owners’ ability to more accurately and conveniently access the information requested by the survey. The survey includes a response for expected sales in 2008. The 2007 survey predates one of the most significant economic recessions in our nation’s history by just a few months. This global economic event will no doubt have affected the actual sales in 2008.

Here are a few highlights from the 2007 statistical profile:

• Gross receipts exceeded $1.96 billion in 2007 and were expected to exceed $2.05 billion in 2008

  • Retail sales accounted for 49%

  • Landscape Installation and Maintenance accounted for 27%

  • Wholesale sales accounted for 22%

  • Other categories accounted for 2% ($35.94 million, impressive for 1%)

• Herbaceous Perennials topped product sales

  • Herbaceous Perennials 31% - $496.8 million

  • Woody Plants 22% - $352.5 million

  • Annuals 18% - $288.4 million

  • Specialty Greenhouse Products 6% - $96.1 million

  • Aquatics 5% - $80.1 million

  • Christmas Trees 8% - $128.2 million

  • Other products 10% - $160.3 million

• Maryland wholesale sales generated over $422 million

• Total area dedicated to nursery production and sales exceeds 20,800 acres, including 19 million square feet of covered (greenhouse) space.

• Over 18,500 people were employed by the industry

  • 59% are employed for over 150 days

  • Average wage rate for laborers was $10.39/hr- well above federal minimum wage

• Factors Limiting Growth

  • Financial Resources/economy - a very important factor limiting growth

  • Labor - an important factor limiting growth

  • Competition - is also an important factor limiting growth

The conclusions stated in the survey demonstrate a modest profile of the "Green Industry" in Maryland. All of Maryland's annual and foliage plant producers are not included in the survey. Many landscape contractor "hardscape" activities are not included in the survey. And, the survey does not include the millions of dollars in economic activity generated by such events as the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show held in Baltimore each January.

George Mayo

Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association
Winter 2009

Download the Executive Summary in printable format - 2007

Download the full Economic Profile in printable format - 2007

2003 Maryland Horticulture Statistical and Economic Profile:

Download the Executive Summary in printable format - 2003

Download the full Economic Profile in printable format - 2003