How AI is Transforming the Landscaping Industry
Our founder and CEO, Michael Ding, recently took the stage at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference to share his perspective on how AI is reshaping the landscaping industry. In his session, AI in Landscaping: Unlocking New Business Opportunities, Michael walked through the current landscape of AI, real-world use cases for contractors, and what it takes to successfully adopt these tools. We wanted to share the highlights from his presentation for anyone who couldn't attend.
What is AI and Why It's Booming
AI refers to technologies that mimic human intelligence—think learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Traditional algorithms followed rigid rules, but modern AI, powered by machine learning and deep learning, can adapt and improve over time as it encounters more data.
The recent explosion in AI capabilities is driven by three key factors:
The Data Goldmine: Massive amounts of data are now available to train advanced models.
Deep Learning: Technologies like ChatGPT showcase how AI can handle complex tasks beyond simple automation.
Computing Power: Thanks to Moore's Law, today's computers can support the heavy lifting required by AI.
AI in Landscaping: Real-World Use Cases
Whether it's through automating repetitive tasks, improving preconstruction workflows, or enhancing customer engagement, AI offers landscaping companies new ways to work smarter, faster, and more profitably. Here are some examples of how AI is making its mark in the landscaping sector:
| Category | In Real-World Use Today | Emerging or in Early Adoption | Aspirational or Experimental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Optimization | - Autonomous robotic mowers - Route optimization | - Crew allocation optimization - Predictive equipment maintenance | |
| Estimating & Preconstruction | - Automated takeoffs - Proposal generation | - Site condition analysis | - Dynamic pricing |
| Field & Jobsite Automation | - Irrigation optimization | - Plant health monitoring | - Progress tracking via drones and AI |
| Sales & Customer Engagement | - Customer lead scoring | - Churn prediction | - Design personalization |
| Forecasting & Strategic Planning | - Seasonal demand forecasting - Labor forecasting |
Evaluating AI Software for Your Landscaping Business
If you're exploring AI solutions, it's important to evaluate both the potential impact and fit for your business. Here's a framework to guide your evaluation:
Identify which tasks AI can automate or accelerate
Estimate the percentage of work AI can handle across roles or teams
Forecast time savings, output gains, and labor cost reductions
Analyze impact on key metrics: revenue, profit, revenue per employee, labor variance
Run simulations and financial projections to estimate ROI
Use this data to make informed implementation decisions
Adopting AI in Landscaping: Tips for Success
1. Build a Competitive Edge: Leverage AI not just for efficiency, but as a strategy for growth, sustainability, and tackling bigger, more complex projects.
2. Choose Tailored Solutions: Not all AI tools are created equal, so choose wisely. Evaluate the features and benefits that align with your business goals. Additionally, look for solutions built specifically for landscaping workflows to ensure better usability and relevance.
3. Adapt to Thrive: Think of AI adoption like the shift from manual tools to tractors in farming—it's the next revolution. Embracing AI now sets your business up for long-term success.
The Bobyard Approach
At Bobyard, we've built AI-powered tools specifically designed for landscapers:
AI Measurement Tools: Automate the extraction of counts, areas, and lengths from plans.
Full Takeoff Suite: Manually measure anything, mark up drawings, and emulate your existing workflow.
Estimation Software: Generate your entire bid within the Bobyard ecosystem.
Watch a demo here
Is Your Business Ready for AI?
If you're asking:
How do I know if my company is ready for AI?
What's realistic for my team to adopt without hiring tech experts?
Is our data secure with AI tools?
You're not alone—and we're here to help you navigate those questions.
Let's chat. Whether you're curious about AI's potential or ready to implement tailored solutions, partnering with the right technology provider can transform how you run your landscaping business.