Spring Preparation Critical for Landscape Curbing Contractors Amid Growing $188.8 Billion Industry

With temperatures climbing and the landscaping season gaining momentum across much of the United States, landscape curbing contractors are entering the narrow spring window that often determines the profitability of their entire year. Industry data underscores the scale of the opportunity: the U.S. landscaping services sector has grown to a $188.8 billion market, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5 percent over the past five years, according to IBISWorld. For curbing contractors specifically, the weeks between early April and mid-May represent the most consequential planning period.

Ryan Wolfrath, co-owner of Curb Depot, says that how operators use this window directly affects their bottom line. "The contractors who have the most consistent seasons are the ones who use March and April to go through every piece of equipment, restock materials, and plan their route schedule before the phone starts ringing," Wolfrath said. Concrete extrusion requires ambient temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and stable weather conditions for proper curing, which confines the working season to roughly April through November in northern states. That compressed earning window means a single week of downtime can represent thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

The broader landscaping industry's growth trajectory amplifies the stakes. The National Association of Landscape Professionals reports that the number of landscaping service businesses in the United States reached 692,777 in 2025, a 4.8 percent increase over the prior year. More operators entering the field means greater competition for homeowners' landscaping budgets during peak season, creating an advantage for those who are ready to begin work the moment weather permits.

Wolfrath recommends that curbing contractors begin spring preparation with a thorough inspection of their extrusion machine. Key checkpoints include examining the motor's oil level and air filter, inspecting the mold system for concrete buildup or wear, and testing the machine under power. "Molds and trowels take the most abuse over a season," Wolfrath explained. "A worn mold produces inconsistent curb, and inconsistent curb leads to callbacks that eat into your margin." Beyond the machine, the curbing trailer requires attention to verify that the loading ramp operates properly and to organize storage compartments.

Securing a reliable concrete mix is equally critical. Curbing operations typically use a low-slump mix with specialized admixtures. Contractors should confirm their mix ratios, test their admixture inventory for shelf-life integrity, and establish delivery schedules with their local batch plant before peak demand creates longer lead times. Color hardeners, stamping release agents, and sealers also require inventory checks. Ordering a full season's supply of high-use colors in spring reduces the risk of mid-season shortages.

Spring preparation extends beyond equipment and materials. Wolfrath encourages contractors to review their pricing structure against current material costs, update their project portfolio with photographs from the previous season, and confirm that insurance coverage and business licenses are current. "Spring is the time to update your pricing, refresh your marketing, and make sure your estimates reflect what materials actually cost right now," Wolfrath said. For contractors entering their first season or expanding an existing business, the spring months also represent the ideal window for training to reduce the risk of costly rework.

As the 2026 landscaping season accelerates, curbing contractors who invest time now in preparation position themselves to capture a larger share of the growing demand for decorative concrete edging. Contractors seeking additional information on seasonal preparation and curbing equipment can visit https://curbdepot.com.