80 Years of Commercial Landscaping: Then vs. Now
Celebrating Eight Decades of Innovation, Family Values, and Legendary Service
Eighty Years of Growth, Innovation, and Commitment
In 1946, Harry Truman was president, gasoline cost about 21 cents per gallon, and nearly every landscaping task depended on hard manual labor. Contractors measured properties with tape measures, wrote proposals by hand, and relied on little more than shovels, wheelbarrows, and determination.
That same year, C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc. officially opened its doors.
Today, 80 years later, commercial landscaping has evolved in remarkable ways. Technology has transformed how we work, safety has become a top priority, and sustainability is helping shape the future of our industry. Yet through every change, one thing has remained constant at Caramanico—our commitment to delivering exceptional service built on family values.
As we celebrate 80 Years of Delivering Legendary Landscape Solutions, we’re taking a look back at how both our company and the commercial landscaping industry have grown together.
From Hand Labor to High-Tech Solutions
Commercial landscaping in 1946 looked very different than it does today.
Crews relied on physical labor, handwritten records, and basic equipment. Today, technology allows landscape professionals to deliver safer, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions than ever before.
Let’s take a look at just how much has changed over the last 80 years.
Then vs. Now: 80 Years of Change
| Item | 1946 | Today |
| Contractor shovel | $2–$3 | $60–$100+ |
| Wheelbarrow | $12–$18 | $180–$350 |
| Push lawn mower | $35–$50 | $500–$1,200 |
| Commercial riding mower | Rarely used | $12,000–$25,000+ |
| Pickup truck | $1,300 | $50,000–$75,000+ |
| Dump truck | $3,500 | $90,000–$180,000+ |
| Gasoline | 21¢/gallon | $3.50–$4.50+/gallon |
| Diesel fuel | 15¢/gallon | $3.75–$5.00+/gallon |
| Bag of grass seed | $2 | $60–$150 |
| Tree (2–3″ caliper) | $10–$20 | $500–$1,200+ installed |
| Mulch (per cubic yard) | Often made on-site | $45–$80 delivered |
| Bag of fertilizer | $3–$5 | $30–$80 |
| Garden hose | $3 | $40–$100 |
| Work gloves | 50¢ | $10–$30 |
| Leather work boots | $12 | $150–$300 |
| Landscape labor wage | 75¢–$1.00/hour | $20–$35+/hour |
Fun Fact: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Inflation Calculator, a $2 shovel purchased in 1946 would equal roughly $33–35 today after inflation. Modern contractor shovels often cost $60–100 or more, thanks to stronger materials, ergonomic designs, and increased durability.
➤ Source: https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm
Equipment Has Changed
Then
Commercial landscape crews primarily used:
- Hand shovels
- Push mowers
- Manual edgers
- Wheelbarrows
- Basic tractors
- Lots of manpower
Today
Modern commercial landscaping includes:
- Zero-turn mowers
- Stand-on mowers
- Mini skid steers
- Compact excavators
- Battery-powered equipment
- GPS fleet tracking
- Drone property mapping
- Digital scheduling software
Technology has made crews more productive while improving quality, efficiency, and safety.
Lawn Care Has Become Smarter
In the 1940s, lawn care primarily consisted of mowing, watering, and basic fertilization.
Today, commercial properties benefit from:
- Soil testing
- Customized fertilizer programs
- Smart irrigation controllers
- Weather-based irrigation scheduling
- Plant health monitoring
- Water conservation technology
According to the EPA WaterSense Program, smart irrigation technologies can significantly reduce outdoor water use while maintaining healthy landscapes.
➤ Learn More: https://www.epa.gov/watersense
Communication Has Transformed Customer Service
Then
Communication relied on:
- Telephone calls
- Letters
- Face-to-face meetings
Today
Customers receive:
- Email updates
- Text notifications
- Microsoft Teams communication
- Digital property reports
- Before-and-after photos
- Real-time service updates
Better communication creates stronger partnerships, greater transparency, and faster response times.
Safety Has Come a Long Way
Formal safety programs were uncommon in 1946.
Today, safety is one of the highest priorities in commercial landscaping.
Modern crews benefit from:
- OSHA-compliant procedures
- High-visibility apparel
- Eye and hearing protection
- Weekly safety meetings
- Equipment certifications
- Leadership and safety training
Since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in 1970, workplace safety has improved dramatically across every industry.
➤ Learn More: https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha
Snow & Ice Management Has Become More Precise
Winter operations have also changed dramatically.
Then
- Newspaper forecasts
- Radio weather reports
- Manual route planning
- Basic plow trucks
Today
Commercial snow operations utilize:
- Professional weather forecasting
- GPS vehicle tracking
- Salt brine technology
- Digital route optimization
- Live customer communication
- Real-time documentation
These technologies improve efficiency while helping keep commercial properties safer throughout winter storms.
Sustainability Is Shaping the Future
Environmental stewardship wasn’t a major focus in 1946.
Today, responsible landscape management includes:
- Battery-powered equipment
- Smart irrigation
- Water conservation
- Leaf composting
- Grass recycling
- Salt reduction programs
- Sustainable landscape practices
Organizations such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals continue to promote innovation, education, sustainability, and professionalism throughout the green industry.
➤ Learn More: https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/
Today’s Customers Receive More Than Landscaping
While the cost of doing business has increased dramatically, so has the value customers receive.
Today’s commercial landscape partner provides:
- GPS-equipped fleet management
- Digital work orders
- Professional property inspections
- Drone imagery
- Smart irrigation technology
- Advanced safety programs
- Certified landscape professionals
- Real-time communication
- Sustainable maintenance practices
- Data-driven decision making
Fuel efficiency has become increasingly important as operating costs continue to rise. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, efficient equipment and optimized routing play an important role in controlling operating costs.
➤ Learn More: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/
Looking Ahead
Over the past 80 years, commercial landscaping has transformed in ways Carmine could have only imagined.
Handwritten proposals have become digital workflows. Push mowers have become battery-powered fleets. Newspaper weather reports have been replaced by professional forecasting, GPS tracking, and real-time communication.
Yet through every advancement, one thing has remained unchanged.
The values Carmine built this company on—Consistency, Care, and Commitment—continue to guide every member of our team.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re proud of where we’ve been, grateful for the customers, employees, and partners who have been part of our journey, and excited about what’s ahead. We’ll continue embracing new technology, investing in our people, and finding better ways to serve commercial properties throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Because while the landscaping industry will continue to evolve, the “C” in C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc. will always stand for the values that started it all.
Experience the Caramanico Difference
For 80 years, C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc. has proudly served commercial properties throughout the Greater Philadelphia region by combining family values with industry-leading innovation.
Whether you’re looking to:
- Enhance your property’s curb appeal
- Improve irrigation efficiency and conserve water
- Upgrade your landscape with seasonal color or new plantings
- Prepare your property for winter weather
- Improve drainage or ADA accessibility
- Partner with a responsive commercial landscape company focused on long-term relationships
We’re here to help.
Schedule Your Complimentary Property Consultation
📞 610-499-1640
📍 Serving Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey & Northern Delaware
After 80 years of Delivering Legendary Landscape Solutions, we’re just getting started, and we’d be honored to help write the next chapter of your property’s story.