06/29/2026

Using Trade Software and AI in Landscape and Outdoor Construction

The landscape and outdoor construction sector is shaped by small and medium-sized enterprises: many businesses are very small and owner-managed. Even mid-sized companies typically employ only between 10 and 30 people. In this compact, cost-conscious environment, is it worth investing in trade management software and digital processes powered by AI? In this article, we explain why landscape and outdoor construction businesses of every size stand to benefit. You can also discover practical examples and software solutions in person at the next GaLaBau trade fair.

Written by Karsten Köber

Site manager using a tablet with a construction app, excavator in the background — The digital construction site: documenting tasks and progress on the go

Industry-Specific Trade Software for Landscape and Outdoor Construction

Here is the good news upfront: smaller businesses can benefit from digitalisation too – by using industry-specific trade management software and construction site apps. Marco Herold, a qualified horticulturist and passionate IT specialist, explains where the advantages lie for landscape gardeners and which solutions he recommends. After completing his apprenticeship as a nursery gardener, he trained as a technician in landscape and outdoor construction, then moved directly into the software industry and has been working for landscape software specialist KS21 since 2007. Visitors to GaLaBau 2026 can find out more about their offerings directly at the KS21 stand.

Smartphone capturing a construction site photo, data being synchronised in the office

Fit for the Future with GaLaBau Apps and Software

“Naturally, getting to grips with landscape construction software takes time and costs money,” says Marco Herold. “But it is an investment in the future: as the business grows, the software can grow with it. It is also important for landscape gardeners to have a partner at their side who understands their specific tasks and challenges.” Today’s offerings go far beyond simple garden planning software – in particular, a great deal of time can be saved on administrative tasks, which are often seen as a burden.

Using AI Effectively in Landscape and Outdoor Construction

Landscape and outdoor construction businesses can also benefit from the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Marco Herold describes a typical use case: “In smaller companies, the office is rarely staffed continuously – because the owner is often out on site alongside the team. One practical solution is an AI-powered voice assistant that answers incoming calls, asks targeted questions to gather the necessary information, and generates tasks from those conversations. When the owner returns to the office in the evening, a detailed to-do list is already waiting for them in the software system.”

Smartphone displaying a customer call and to-do items, company yard in the background

Software That Scales with Your Business

As a small landscape and outdoor construction business grows, the software simply scales alongside it. Usage can be expanded step by step to meet new requirements – for example by integrating accounting systems or adding programmes for drone surveying, measurement and garden planning, all of which can be connected with ease and, ideally, supported by AI.

KS21 at GaLaBau in Nuremberg

At the stands of KS21 and other software providers at GaLaBau in September 2026, landscape gardeners can find out in concrete terms how they can benefit from digitalisation. Use this link to go directly to our exhibitor search.

Finally, Marco Herold has one last tip: before landscape and outdoor construction businesses commit to a particular industry-specific software solution, they should test both the product and the accompanying app thoroughly. Many established providers offer free trial versions for exactly this purpose.

Author

Karsten Köber

Gärtner, Landschaftsarchitekt und Journalist, Inhaber des Büros projekkt.com in Karlsruhe