I am an ISA member, 2X industry magazine subscriber and SCORE prodigy but I have not been able to extract statistics/trends on what this weakening economy SPECIFICALLY means to our industry. Does anyone have experience or knowledge of what a small upstate New York tree service should expect from their clientele as we approach or enter a depressed consumer confidence and economic turndown? Probably not the time to expand - but what about just keeping clients or perhaps some capillary growth? Does this industry react like all the others or do we possess some small cavity of immunities somewhere? What are your thoughts?

Reply to post by NCTS, on March 18, 2001 at 12:09:31:

I am not able to speak to the statistical side of your question, and I think that there are too many variables to know any specific ramifications to our industry, as always time will tell. As a small business owner located in central New York, and having been through several economic slowdowns, I can tell you what my experience has been.

I hope you have enjoyed the good times and have been able to put a little extra aside, easier said than done. I have found that a smaller tree service can better withstand economic woe if it has not become overextended with overhead.

A high quality, customer service oriented business that offers exceptional service at competitive prices will still be in demand. Generally, your best clients, the people in whom you have invested the time to build a relationship and educate will still value you and your service. I have found that in shaky economic times it is important to keep up keep a positive attitude and follow your business plan. I have experienced some growth in similar times.

Slower times are when your networking with other green industry professionals can pay dividends. Nursery and landscape association professionals still need to take care of their high quality clients and may need your expertise.

I think that some immunity can come from the fact that our industry is largely influenced by environmental events. People may need to have work done whether they want to or not.

Reply to post by NCTS, on March 18, 2001 at 12:09:31:

Tree care is deemed essential in various sectors of the arboricultural field. Utilities and municipalities are required by safety concerns and ratepayers to perform essential maintenance practices. Middle and upper income earners who seek to maintain or increase their property values will always demand qualified tree care experts regardless of the economic climate.