Everyone Loves Green: M&A on Display in Nashville

I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Lawn & Landscape Business Builders Summit last week at the Loews Vanderbilt in Nashville. It was a high-energy, content-rich gathering that confirmed what many of us in the space already knew: the landscaping industry is hot, highly investable, and maturing into an increasingly compelling industry for M&A transactions.

With over 200 attendees—including owners, operators, private equity firms, and advisors—the event spotlighted a sector evolving from a fragmented collection of regional players into a strategic, growth-driven industry nationwide. The optimism in the room was palpable.

Conference sessions tackled succession planning, scaling strategies, and private equity partnerships. One standout panel, “M&A – the Good, Bad, and Everything in Between,” offered candid war stories and hard-won lessons on deal structures, post-close integration, and the critical role of experienced M&A advisors and legal counsel.

Just as valuable were the hallway conversations. I enjoyed reconnecting with industry friends and meeting new ones, as well as hearing how owners and operators across the board are aggressively pursuing growth (both organic and inorganic). The industry is consolidating at pace driven by M&A with both strategic players and Private Equity, but also technology adoption, improved service models, and a deepening bench of professional management.

The message to landscaping business operators was clear: ensure your financials are well organized and accurate, align with the right partners, and enjoy the ride—because it is a fantastic time to own a landscaping business.

Stump & Company has a 52 year track record advising owners on what is typically the most important financial transaction of their lives: selling their business. As a third-generation M&A advisory firm, we know that a seller’s motivation, goals, and valuation expectations are the foundation of any deal. We are always available to discuss the selling process, the prep that is required, and provide complimentary valuation guidance to help business owners understand what their company is worth today and what it could be worth tomorrow – and what they need to do to achieve their goals.

Thinking about buying or selling in the landscape space? Let’s talk.