Rising Gas Prices Delay Start of Landscaping Season for Ohio Small Businesses
AKRON, Ohio — Small landscaping businesses across Ohio are facing an unexpected hurdle this spring as soaring gas prices force delays in their seasonal operations. For many, the rising cost of fuel is eating into already tight profit margins, leaving owners scrambling to adapt.
Richard Sherman, owner of Barber Cuts Landscaping and Grooming in Northeast Ohio, has been in the business for four years. But this season, he’s starting later than usual. “We’re trying to come up with a plan to keep our budget and mileage from last year,” Sherman explained. “It’s been a challenge to figure out scheduling and routes that make sense with these prices.”
Sherman’s business relies heavily on gas—not just for his truck, but also for his lawnmowers, blowers, and weed whackers. “It’s all connected,” he said. “If gas goes up, everything else goes up too—fertilizer, tools, equipment. It’s a domino effect.”
According to GasBuddy, the national average price for a gallon of gas has jumped nearly 12 cents in the past week, pushing it above the $4 mark. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that businesses dependent on fuel, such as landscaping and delivery services, are feeling the pinch. “Landscape companies, in particular, have been hit hard by the rise in diesel prices,” De Haan said.
The recent surge in gas prices stems in part from geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. “Developments between the U.S. and Iran, and whether the Strait [of Hormuz] reopens, are critical factors driving gas prices,” De Haan explained.
For Sherman, this uncertainty has made it difficult to plan for the season. Typically, his prices are set by this time of year, but the volatile fuel costs have forced him to reconsider. “There’s going to be a struggle,” he admitted. “If you’re driving across Northeast Ohio to service 100 properties, your profits are going to shrink dramatically.”
Small businesses like Sherman’s operate on razor-thin margins, and every dollar saved or spent can make a significant difference. “When you run a small business, every dollar goes back into the company,” Sherman said. “The price of gas determines what jobs we take, what equipment we can use, and even which customers we can keep.”
Sherman is now working to balance the rising costs while still providing affordable services to his clients. “We’re trying to prepare our customers for the fact that prices will have to go up,” he said. “But we also want to stay accessible to the people who rely on us.”
Despite the challenges, there may be some relief on the horizon. De Haan predicts that gas prices in Northeast Ohio could drop by 5 to 15 cents per gallon in the coming days. However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain, leaving many business owners anxious about the months ahead.
As Sherman gears up for the season, he remains hopeful but realistic. “It’s frustrating,” he said. “But we’ll keep adjusting and finding ways to make it work.”
— Reported by Nexio News
