Duluth, GA |

Here in Georgia, the green industry is more than just landscaping and nurseries—it’s big business that plays a vital role in the state’s economy. Encompassing everything from greenhouses and sod farms to landscape companies and garden centers, the sector generates over a billion dollars in economic impact every year while supporting Georgia’s number one industry: agriculture.

“The green industry in the state of Georgia is around over a billion-dollar industry and impact,” says Dr. Ben Campbell, Extension Economist with the University of Georgia. “We’re the tenth biggest state for nursery and greenhouse production in the country, and second in the Southeast behind Florida. The industry employs roughly over 100,000 people, both directly and indirectly. Its impact goes beyond plant sales for yards—it extends to restaurants, local businesses, and any place that values beautiful green spaces.”

With such an important role, industry events like the annual Southeast Green Conference and Trade Show have become crucial gatherings. They allow growers, landscapers, and suppliers to learn from one another, see the latest equipment and technology, and connect with partners from across the region.

“This is a good place for people to come together and meet,” says Stan Deal, Chairman of the Southeast Green Conference. “We offer three days of educational sessions for people wanting to learn about new technologies and get credits for pesticide application licenses. The trade show brings in industry folks from around the Southeast, so attendees can learn about new plants, pesticides, fertility products, equipment like mowers, application tools—everything they need to stay up to date.”

This year’s conference feels especially important. Just months ago, Hurricane Helene dealt a major blow to the industry, causing widespread damage to greenhouses, plants, and infrastructure.

“Overall, the impact of Hurricane Helene on the nursery and greenhouse industry in Georgia is around $440 million,” says Campbell. “That breaks down into around $300 million in short-term losses—plants, trees, and shrubs destroyed at the time of the hurricane or shortly after. There are also future losses—trees and plants that won’t be available to sell in years two, three, four, or five—about $84 million. On top of that, infrastructure losses like destroyed greenhouses and plastic are about $50 million.”

Hurricane Helene is just one of many challenges the green industry has faced in recent years. Labor remains a top concern, alongside rising input costs.

“Labor is one of the biggest issues—not just the cost, but the supply,” says Campbell. “Other impacts are on the input side. Costs for fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides—they’ve all gone up, but prices for products really haven’t kept pace. It’s created a squeeze for producers: how do you stay profitable when costs go up, but your prices don’t?”

Despite these challenges, events like the Southeast Green Conference highlight the resilience and innovation within Georgia’s green industry—one that continues to support communities, local economies, and the landscape we all enjoy.

By: John Holcomb