Maryland horticulture sales reach 1.76B
Maryland horticulture sales reached $1.76 billion in 2024, led by landscaping growth and strong local sourcing. Review the survey data and explore workforce trends.
Maryland’s horticulture industry generated an estimated $1.76 billion in sales in 2024, according to a new survey conducted by the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore on behalf of the Maryland Nursery Landscape and Greenhouse Association.
The 2024 Statistical Profile and Economic Survey found landscaping firms were the only segment to post year-over-year growth, with sales rising 12% from 2023 to 2024 and a projected 9% increase in 2025. Growers and retailers reported modest declines in 2024, citing tighter margins and rising costs.
Wholesale and retail plant sales accounted for two-thirds of total industry revenue. Woody plants represented the largest category, followed by herbaceous perennials and annuals.
The survey reported that 81% of businesses are family-owned and 72% of plant sales remained in Maryland. Nearly 40% of plants sold originated in-state, representing $463 million in Maryland-grown materials.
High operating costs at 36% and labor costs at 35% were identified as the top barriers to growth. The industry employed an estimated 21,271 workers in 2024. Managers earned nearly $31 per hour, supervisors more than $26, experienced laborers $19 and inexperienced laborers $16.
More than half of respondents reported using Integrated Pest Management practices and many adopted water-efficient irrigation systems. Data were collected from 211 licensed businesses between January and October 2025.