A Year in Review: Key Grounds Maintenance Trends and What’s Coming in 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a good time to take stock of how the grounds maintenance industry has evolved over the past year—and where it’s heading. From shifting legislative priorities to innovations in sustainability and automation, here’s what stood out in 2025 and what we predict will shape 2026.

Sustainability Continues to Lead

2025 saw continued momentum around sustainable grounds maintenance. Driven by net-zero targets and client expectations, providers have increasingly integrated eco-conscious practices into their operations. Flora-tec, for example, became a Carbon Neutral Business and continued its ISO14001-accredited efforts to reduce environmental impact—from green waste recycling to geographically efficient routing for service delivery.

For 2026, expect even more pressure on providers to report on Scope 3 emissions, introduce native planting schemes to support pollinators, and use electric or hybrid maintenance tools wherever feasible.

Smarter, More Automated Operations

Advancements in automation and forecasting tech reshaped the way grounds teams operated in 2025. Winter services, in particular, benefitted from better data modelling: gritting and snow clearance teams could now act based on hyper-local temperature thresholds and predictive analytics. This proactive approach not only improved site safety but also reduced unnecessary resource use.

Looking ahead, we anticipate more widespread adoption of AI-driven scheduling systems and sensor-based landscape monitoring. These tools will improve maintenance precision, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.

Biodiversity Takes Centre Stage

Biodiversity-rich landscaping emerged as a major theme in 2025. Beyond simply meeting aesthetic standards, clients are now looking for landscapes that support local ecosystems. Providers responded with wildlife-friendly planting, better tree care, and more intentional pruning schedules.

Into 2026, we expect to see increased integration of ecological design into commercial grounds—think wildflower corridors, green roofs, and carbon-capturing hedgerows. Legislation around biodiversity net gain is also likely to expand, pushing contractors to document ecological impact in real terms.

Legislative Shifts

This year also brought a sharper regulatory focus on health, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grounds maintenance teams had to adapt not only to climate volatility but also to stricter compliance standards across risk mitigation, waste handling, and pesticide use.

2026 could bring further restrictions on synthetic herbicides and greater incentives for green infrastructure. Companies that can pre-empt these shifts by embedding flexibility and compliance into their service models will have the edge.

Final Thoughts

2025 reinforced that grounds maintenance is no longer just about keeping things tidy. It’s about delivering value through sustainability, technology, and biodiversity—all while managing risk in a changing regulatory environment.

At Flora-tec, we’re committed to evolving with these changes. Whether it’s investing in more sustainable practices, using smarter technology, or enhancing biodiversity, we’re looking forward to 2026 and beyond.