Economic patterns in U.S. arboriculture

Abstract

Arboriculture is a distinct industry that provides unique services to provide for the health and care of trees. It is a developing industry and this development leads to questions on how the industry is organized and operates. We define the industry, identify its size and growth patterns, discuss its structure and organization, describe its operation in terms of pricing and competition, and analyze whether it is dominated by large or small firms. This analysis provides important information for regulation and other policies related to arboriculture. The four largest arboricultural firms account for only 4% of combined industry receipts and the industry comprises nearly 82,000 establishments, employs approximately 160,000 workers, and earns annual gross receipts of nearly $9 billion. © 2007 International Society of Arboriculture.