| Spring weather bolstering Utah gardening and landscaping businesses For the past few years northern Utah has jumped from winter directly into summer, bypassing the spring season those who make their living from the soil so desperately seek. "It's been a night and day difference from the last couple of years," said Loren Nielsen, owner of Wasatch Shadows Nursery in Sandy. "A good summer won't maintain booming sales," Nielsen said. During that time, his annual revenues have jumped from slightly more than $100,000 to approximately $400,000. "A good spring like this … sort of brings hope back," he said. "(When) the two combine against you, weather sinks you and the economy is the knife twisting in your back," Nielsen said. The importance of the season is similarly strong for those in the lawn care and maintenance business. "It seems like this year, we're busier than ever," said Don Conroy, owner of DJ Landscapes. Today, he services about 160 accounts. "(Spring) is absolutely critical," he said. He said that approximately 30 percent of his revenue is generated in the three-month spring season as homeowners set aside time to plant their flower and vegetable gardens. Conroy could not pinpoint a particular reason for the increase other than to say he offered good work and a fair price. But, after a few years of wetter and cooler than normal springs resulting in declining revenues, the landscape and garden industry is again blooming. He said sales during the eight to 12 weeks of spring usually determine whether his business makes a profit or loses money for the year. Spring weather bolstering Utah gardening and landscaping businesses |
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Spring weather bolstering Utah gardening and landscaping businesses
