LM150 Exposed: Why the Biggest Landscaping Companies Are Growing Fastest (And Some Are Shrinking) with Scott Hollister

Jul 10, 2026 | Growth Tips, Income, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Planning, Podcast Series: The Ultimate Landscape CEO

Scott Hollister, Editor-in-Chief of Landscape Management Magazine (published by North Coast Media, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio), joins Jeffrey Scott to break down the 2026 LM150 — the industry’s ranking of the 150 largest landscaping companies. This year’s list hit nearly $22 billion in combined revenue, up 18% year over year, but the real story is private equity: who’s consolidating the industry, why some top-10 giants are actually shrinking, and how a 2009-vs-2026 comparison reveals just how much the business has changed. They name names, debate organic growth vs. acquisition-fueled growth, and preview upcoming changes to the LM150 rankings.

It’s not too late to join us — but tickets are moving fast. Save your spot today: Summer Growth Summit in Detroit, MI. August 18–20, 2026 – https://jeffreyscott.biz/summer-growth-summit-26/

Key Takeaways

  • LM150 hits nearly $22 billion in combined revenue, up 18%
  • 33 companies post 20%+ growth; 4 companies grow 100%+ via PE-backed acquisitions
  • Some top-10 giants flat or shrinking despite $500M+ revenue
  • Why private equity needs organic growth, not just acquisitions
  • Revenue floor to make the list climbs from $6M (2009) to $20–23M (2026)
  • Top 20 companies growing faster (4.4x) than the list cutoff (3.1x) since 2009
  • LM considering a PE-backed vs. organic-only segment
  • Possible new “Top 25 Private Companies” and lawn-care vs. residential splits
  • Case studies: Shield Landscape Collective and Bland Landscaping
  • Rising Stars and Forty Under Forty: LM’s newer recognition programs

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