Georgia continues to rank high among the nation’s fastest-growing states, according to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, and that’s just one of the reasons the “Peach State” was named No. 2 on Lawn & Landscape and Professional Landscape Design’s Fast 5 Design/Build States list. Georgia features a diverse economy, ample and affordable housing, a pro-business environment, major interstate highways and scenic beauty. And the consistent boost in people and business adds income for landscape companies.
“I think the state’s success has a lot to do with the fact that we have very progressive landscape architecture firms that are pushing the boundaries of hardscape design,” says Chuck Beckman, vice president of business development of Site Technologies in Roswell, Ga. “In our company’s 20 year history we’ve seen the industry evolve to the cutting edge. And there’s a lot of competition for raising the bar on curb appeal.”
Georgia’s moderate climate may also play a role in industry growth. “Hardscaping creates outdoor living and entertainment areas, and our weather is conducive to that,” reports Jodie Cannon, vice president of sales for Cannon Construction Group in Suwanee, Ga. “Georgians spend a lot of time outside, almost every month of the year.”
The state’s housing market has also been a factor. While it has suffered, it’s held the reigns better than other states and is expected to bounce back. Though it is expected to lose 34.5 percent in housing starts from 2007 to 2008, Georgia’s 47.8 million in housing starts projected for 2008 is expected to grow to 62.4 million in 2009, making it No. 4 on our housing list. “Despite the sluggish economy, the Metro Atlanta and Lake Oconee areas, for instance, continue to be desirable locations,” says Chris Butts, director of legislative, environmental and public affairs for the Georgia Green Industry Association. Major metro Atlanta, which was No. 6 this year on Forbes’ “Best Places for Business & Careers” list, is home to Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is the headquarters of UPS, CNN, Home Depot and AT&T Mobility, the largest cellular carrier in the U.S. “While there are certainly large companies in the Atlanta area, lifestyle is the choice that drives growth in these areas. Green space, recreation opportunities, schools and communities are the real drawing cards for these areas,” Butts adds.
Buford, Ga., 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, is also catching the eyes of many newcomers because of its median home price that is approximately $55,000 less than Atlanta prices and its attractive environment for business startups – about 30 startups launch monthly in this 16-square-mile city, according to CNN Money and Fortune’s “Best Places to Live & Launch” list, on which Buford was No. 3.
But what is perhaps most amazing about Georgia is the design/build industry has continued to move forward despite being stricken by a serious drought. The state even declared a drought emergency in late 2007 and has continued to struggle with the effects. But Cannon says in times of drought, the industry has continued to succeed by shifting its focus to hardscape work. “Hardscape business actually does better during the drought,” she says. “Homeowners and businesses still want decorative features, but they are creating them with less landscaping and more hardscape design.”
“As a result of the drought, our more innovative and forward-thinking landscape contractors recognized the opportunity to diversify their projects and focus more on hardscapes,” adds Butts. “In many cases, this means adding new products and services like concrete and masonry work. In other cases, special attention has been paid to creating outdoor living spaces with patios, outdoor kitchens and fire pits. Not only are these services not reliant upon water, they also follow the trend of cocooning, which dates back to 9/11 and is gaining momentum again as a result of the economy.”
Getting a hold on the water shortage and embracing better conservation can leave the state plenty of room to grow, says University of Georgia demographer Doug Bachtel.