The silhouette of flocking geese, like great black ribbons meandering the sky, gleefully trumpeted their return home.  Another sure sign of the changing season.

If there’s something we’ve all learned over the past two years, change is inevitable and often swift and unforgiving.  2022 is shaping up to be another year of sweeping changes and challenges that affect us all.

In addition to rising fuel costs, many industries are still navigating supply chain issues, logistical delays, product and labor shortages, along with unprecedented inflation, and the uncertainties of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.  Landscape companies are certainly not immune.  But what does this all mean?

Material shortages and price increases on plants, mulch, soil, seed, sod, and fertilizer will continue.  Additionally, many vendors are adding fuel surcharges on top of already inflated costs.  Labor shortages remain unchanged while demand remains high.  Transportation issues are causing increased lead time coupled with rising fuel costs.

  • Consumer prices are up 7.9% over the past 12 months with no signs of inflation slowing down.
  • U.S. and Canadian gas and diesel prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks. The U.S. national diesel average is $5.25 per gallon, up 65% year-over-year and not expected to improve in the short-term.
  • Seed crop losses from 2021 resulted in higher-than-expected pricing in Q4.  Spring availability may be limited on some varieties.
  • Driver shortages and high demand now mean there are more than 14 loads waiting to be shipped for every available truck.
  • Market instability for seed will likely continue into new crop for 2022. Seed availability will be better once new crop is harvested.
  • Plant material larger than 7-gallon sizes is expected to remain in tight supply through 2022. Items such as large upright evergreen screening material, commodity items and other specialty items likely will remain in short supply for several years.
  • Growers will implement further price increases this year across numerous categories.

Although things seem uncertain, please know that Sweeney’s is doing everything possible to continue to deliver exceptional service at reasonable prices.  After all, we are in this together!  Please reach out to Sweeney’s for any of your landscape needs.  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Snowdrop Anemone

Lightly scented white flowers with yellow stamens bloom above blue-green foliage mid-Spring to early Summer.  Prefers sun to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 8-12″ tall and 12-18″ tall.  Attracts pollinators.  Deer and rabbit resistant.

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another.  The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”
–  Henry Van Dyke

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney