Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm, and it will play a big role in building, scaling and evolving the landscape industry. 

For landscape architects, AI algorithms can analyze terrain, climate data and customer preferences to generate automated landscape designs, streamlining the planning process, ensuring designs are tailored to specific environmental conditions and providing customers with the exact experience they are looking for. AI-equipped drones can conduct aerial surveys to quickly analyze a site, monitor plants and even create 3D models that assist with design and planning.

One of the best ways a landscape business can implement AI is in lead generation using platforms that allow AI chatbots to nurture leads and set appointments for sales associates and estimators.

“In an industry where competition is high and differentiation can be challenging, leveraging AI in lead generation not only improves the quantity and quality of leads but also contributes significantly to a company’s overall growth and success,” says Kyle Hendrix, operations manager for Comet Suite, AI-powered lead-generation and prospecting software. Letting AI generate and manage leads leaves more time for employees to focus on converting those leads into actual customers, he adds. “AI-powered lead-generation and prospecting software like Comet Suite is essential for landscaping companies looking to combine the power of hyper-personalization and the efficiency of a targeted approach, allowing you to focus on the leads most likely to convert and reducing the time needed to prospect and submit bids.”

Every business understands the importance of customer relations, and AI can assist with that, too, with solutions ranging from call centers to customer relations management and even predictive market trend analysis based on historical data and customer behavior. “The software’s personalization feature tailors marketing messages to individual prospects, improving engagement and conversion rates,” Hendrix says. “This customization helps landscape companies forge stronger client relationships while boosting loyalty and distinguishing them in a competitive market."

AI in the field

AI is also being incorporated in the field. Robotic lawn mowers like the Husqvarna Automower and EcoFlow Blade can operate on their own when given specific parameters. Because they can mow just under an acre on a single charge, they’re best suited for residential use at the moment, but AI technology is advancing quickly. 

AI-operated irrigation control systems can monitor and control the amount of water needed to efficiently irrigate and help manage resources for large agricultural grows by optimizing planting, irrigation and fertilization based on real-time data, reducing resource waste and improving yields. AI is able to improve operations by harnessing internet and satellite data, adjusting for weather conditions, soil moisture level and specific plant requirements to optimize the system’s efficiency and contribute to sustainability overall. AI-powered sensors can be employed to monitor the health of plants, irrigation systems and other landscape elements. By collecting and analyzing data from various sources, landscape companies can make more informed decisions on plant selection, resource assignment and scheduling maintenance.