New Aspire Software Data Shows Commercial Landscape Contractors Focus on Client Retention, Operational Efficiency, and Smarter Tech Investments

Rhea-AI Summary

Aspire Software (NYSE:TTAN) released its 2026 Commercial Landscape Industry Report surveying over 1,000 commercial landscaping owners and executives, highlighting priorities as contractors face labor shortages, rising costs, and cash‑flow friction. Key findings:

• 79% of respondents aim to grow revenue in 2025 while largely keeping current service mixes.
• 59% derive most revenue from recurring maintenance.
• 70% plan wage increases in 2025, with 44% raising pay by at least 4%.
• Cash collections lag: 76% bill within four days but >60% receive payments at least one week late.
• Technology is fragmented: 62% use seven+ solutions; 31% plan investment in end‑to‑end platforms in 2025.

The report frames contractor responses as cost, retention, and integration strategies to improve resilience.

Positive

• 59% of contractors earn majority revenue from recurring maintenance
• 79% of respondents aim to grow revenue in 2025
• 31% plan to invest in end-to-end business platforms in 2025
• 76% bill within four days of job completion

Negative

• 70% plan to raise wages in 2025; 44% by at least 4%
• Over 60% typically receive payments at least one week late
• 7% report payment delays of two to three months
• 62% use seven or more software solutions, indicating fragmentation

News Market Reaction

-1.72%

1 alert

-1.72% News Effect

On the day this news was published, TTAN declined 1.72%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aspire Software, a ServiceTitan company and leading software provider for field service businesses, released its 2026 Commercial Landscape Industry Report, highlighting current market conditions, emerging trends, and contractor priorities shaping the year ahead. The report surveyed over 1,000 commercial landscaping business owners and executives, and the study highlights how contractors are navigating ongoing labor shortages, economic pressures, and rising costs by doubling down on customer retention, tightening operations, and adopting integrated technology solutions.

“Despite industry-wide challenges, contractors are demonstrating resilience by focusing on what they can control, retaining clients, streamlining processes, and investing in scalable tech,” said Jon Gohl, director of customer experience at Aspire. “When companies reduce platform fragmentation and make smarter operational decisions, they position themselves to thrive.”

Contractors Are Focused on Growth and Retention
The report found that while 79% of respondents aim to grow revenue in 2025, the majority don’t plan to add new services. Instead, contractors are prioritizing customer acquisition and retention as primary business goals. Maintenance work remains the industry’s financial backbone, with 59% of contractors earning the majority of their revenue from recurring maintenance services.

Word-of-mouth and repeat business remain critical; 35% of contractors attribute revenue to repeat clients, while 26% cite referrals. With market uncertainty looming, contractors are turning inward to optimize workflows and improve profit margins rather than expanding service offerings.

Labor Shortages and Pay Disparities Prompt Wage Increases
Labor remains a top concern, with 70% of respondents planning to raise wages in 2025—44% by at least 4%. Pay gaps between maintenance and construction crews (often $4–$5 per hour) are compounding recruiting and retention challenges. Subcontractors are primarily paid via flat rates or a combination of pay systems.

“Hiring challenges aren’t just about headcount, they’re about finding quality talent,” said Eli Zevin, General Manager of Landscaping at Aspire. “Many contractors I speak with are raising wages not only to stay competitive in a tight labor market, but because they genuinely believe it’s the right thing to do as costs rise for their teams in everyday life.”

Contractors Battle Delays in Cash Flow
Cash flow delays remain a key barrier to stability. Although 76% of contractors bill within four days of job completion, only half of them report receiving payments on time. Over 60% of respondents say they typically receive payments at least one week late, and 7% report delays of two to three months.

To address this, contractors are being urged to reevaluate invoicing strategies and consider automated solutions like ACH payments and better customer communication to align expectations.

Technology Investment a Strategic Priority
The report reveals widespread fragmentation in software usage: 62% of contractors use seven or more solutions for end-to-end operations, and 29% use ten or more. This inefficiency is prompting a shift toward integrated, all-in-one platforms. Contractors cited the top reasons for changing providers as: automating workflows, improving efficiency, addressing feature gaps, and scaling effectively.

While only 55% of contractors currently use end-to-end business management solutions, 31% plan to invest in these platforms in 2025. Other planned tech investments include process automation, customer notifications, and smart routing.

Looking Ahead: Smarter, Leaner, More Resilient
As contractors enter 2025, economic uncertainty, cost fluctuations, and staffing challenges remain ongoing risks. However, the report makes clear that forward-thinking businesses are already adapting—tightening processes, making strategic tech investments, and prioritizing client relationships.

To review the full findings and key takeaways, download Aspire’s Commercial Landscape Industry Report here.

About the Research
This research was conducted by Thrive Analytics on behalf of Aspire, polling 1,015 commercial landscape contractors across diverse geographic regions, revenue tiers, and business maturity levels. The survey was conducted from May 2 to May 23, 2025. Forward-looking outlooks reflect the opinions of survey respondents and may not represent the views of ServiceTitan or its affiliates.

About Aspire Software
Aspire Software, a ServiceTitan company, offers business management software for landscape maintenance, landscape construction, and snow & ice management companies. Aspire's cloud-based SaaS solution helps field service companies manage, create, and execute against their business opportunities and challenges. Aspire helps contractors change the way they manage their business to enable them to provide better service, improve margins, and increase productivity. Aspire is based in Chesterfield, MO. For more information, please visit http://www.youraspire.com.

Press Contact
Sarah Cantu
press@youraspire.com

© 2025 Aspire Software. All rights reserved. Aspire Software, the Aspire Software logo, and all Aspire Software product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of Aspire Software in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).

FAQ

What did Aspire Software report about commercial landscapers' revenue sources in 2026 for TTAN?

The report found 59% of contractors earn the majority of revenue from recurring maintenance services.

How many commercial landscaping firms surveyed by Aspire (TTAN) plan to grow revenue in 2025?

79% of respondents said they aim to grow revenue in 2025.

What wage changes did the Aspire (TTAN) report find for 2025?

70% of contractors plan to raise wages in 2025, with 44% increasing pay by at least 4%.

How widespread is software fragmentation according to Aspire's TTAN report?

62% of contractors use seven or more solutions, and 29% use ten or more.

What cash‑flow challenges did Aspire (TTAN) identify for contractors?

Although 76% bill within four days, over 60% receive payments at least one week late and 7% face 2–3 month delays.

What tech investments are commercial landscapers planning in 2025 per Aspire (TTAN)?

31% plan to adopt end-to-end business management platforms; others plan automation, customer notifications, and smart routing.