Planning for 2026 and Taking a Proper Break: End-of-Year Tips for Landscaping and Garden Design Business Owners
As the year winds down, it’s easy for landscaping and garden design business owners to get caught up in the hustle: finishing projects, chasing unpaid invoices, and juggling client requests. But before you jump headfirst into the new year, it’s essential to take a step back and focus on two key priorities: planning for 2026 and giving yourself a proper break.
In this blog, we’ll break down practical steps you can take to finish the year strong, protect your energy, improve cash flow, and set yourself up for a calmer, more profitable 2026.
1. Reflect on 2025: What Worked and What Didn’t
The first step in effective planning is taking a honest look at the year behind you. Ask yourself:
Which landscaping or garden design projects were the most profitable?
Which clients were easy to work with, and which drained your energy?
Which services did you enjoy delivering most?
Where did you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or underprepared?
Actionable tip: Make a list of the things you want more of next year, and cross off the things you don’t want to repeat. This simple exercise creates clarity and ensures you’re focusing on what truly matters.
2. Set Simple Goals for 2026
Planning for the new year doesn’t need to be complicated. Instead, focus on clarity and simplicity.
Decide what kind of year you want
Think beyond revenue. Consider your workload, lifestyle, and overall business satisfaction. Questions to ask:
How many days a week do you want to work?
Do you want fewer large projects or more smaller ones?
When will you take breaks or holidays?
Will you grow your team or stay solo?
Actionable tip: Complete this sentence to guide your planning:
“In 2026, I want my landscaping or garden design business to feel _______.”
Set three realistic goals
Keep it simple with three main goals for 2026:
Financial goal – e.g., increase profit, raise minimum job value, or streamline invoicing
Lifestyle or time goal – e.g., fewer workdays, better work-life balance, or more time off
Systems or process goal – e.g., improve quoting, scheduling, or client management systems
3. Review Pricing and Cash Flow
Winter or the end of the year is the perfect time to review pricing for landscaping and garden design services. Materials, labor, and overhead costs may have increased, and your pricing should reflect that.
Actionable tips:
Review your current rates and identify any underpriced services
Make a clear list of prices you plan to increase in 2026
Chase any unpaid invoices to improve year-end cash flow
Secure deposits for upcoming projects to reduce financial stress in the new year
4. Take a Proper Break
It might feel counterintuitive, but stepping away from your business is one of the smartest things you can do before the new year. Burnout is real in the landscaping and garden design industry, and taking time to rest will make you more productive and focused in 2026.
Actionable tips for taking a break:
Set a clear end-of-year stop date and a return date
Communicate your availability to clients: “We’re now booking again from [date]”
Complete or clearly pause ongoing projects
Send final invoices and confirm upcoming bookings
Mute notifications or disconnect entirely for a few days
Even a short break helps reset your energy and mindset, so you can approach 2026 with focus and clarity.
5. Bonus Tip: Financial Peace of Mind
For many small landscaping and garden design business owners, financial uncertainty is the biggest source of stress at the end of the year. To reduce this:
Chase any outstanding invoices (politely but firmly)
Take deposits for projects already scheduled in the new year
Calculate your minimum monthly income required to cover personal and business expenses
Having a clear picture of your finances allows you to relax during the holiday season and start the new year with confidence.
6. Downloadable End-of-Year Checklist
To make all of this actionable, I’ve created a free End-of-Year Checklist for landscaping and garden design business owners. It covers:
Reviewing your 2025 projects and clients
Setting clear, achievable goals for 2026
Pricing and cash flow strategies
Planning a proper break
Key mindset and planning tips
✅ Print it out and check off each item to finish the year strong and head into 2026 ready for growth.
Get your FREE End-of-Year Checklist by sending me an email with the word “Checklist” to paula@thelandscaperscoach.co.uk
7. Final Thoughts
Finishing the year with intention, not just exhaustion, is one of the best gifts you can give your business. By reflecting on 2025, setting clear goals for 2026, managing cash flow, and taking a proper break, you’ll start the new year calm, organised, and ready for success.
Remember: your landscaping or garden design business should support your life, not run it.
Listen to the full episode about this on The Limitless Landscapers podcast.
Paula