Working with buyers and sellers across the country gives us the unique position of seeing what plants are requested repeatedly, which are widely available, and the ones that are SUPER difficult to find. We pulled our data and polled our team to get their take on which plants, in particular, are going to be high in demand this year but short on supply. We've also offered substitution suggestions whenever possible so you can stay ahead of the competition.

Thuja occidentalis 'Techny' - Techny or Mission Arborvitae

Techny' is a tried-and-true hedge variety of arborvitae. Unfortunately the larger sizes are oversold and new stock will need time to mature. Try the classic 'Emerald Green' for uniformity, 'Green Giant' or 'Wintergreen' for instant height.

Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' - Autumn Brilliance Apple Serviceberry

All Amelanchier are in low supply in the market in large multi-stem and single-stem varieties; consider substituting another common ornamental tree like dogwood or redbud.

Picea abies - Norway Spruce

This tree is one of the most-demanded plants on LandscapeHub, in sizes 5' and above. Although there is strong supply in smaller sizes, consider using an alternative conifer in 2021.

Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Skycole' - Skyline® Thornless Honeylocust

All varieties of Gleditsia are in low supply in the market in the most popular sizes (2.5" +). Be prepared to substitute varieties to get the size and quantity you require.

Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' - Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo is a slow-growing tree and current stocks are falling short of demand for large caliper. Consider using the straight species or a different tree if caliper is non-negotiable.

Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase' - Green Vase Japanese Zelkova

All varieties of Zelkova over 1" are in low supply in the market. It could take a year or more for supply to meet the demand of size. Consider planting smaller caliper Zelkovas, or try another shade tree entirely.

Pinus strobus - Eastern White Pine

Demand for this item tripled since 2019. As designers search for a conifer with more site-flexibility than the traditional Colorado Spruce, expect to see other pyramidal evergreens (like Norway Spruce, above) go up in demand. LandscapeHub predicts similar shortages with Black Hills Spruce, Canadian Hemlock, and White Fir.

Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra' - Dark American Arborvitae

Demand for this item (in medium and large sizes) has doubled since 2019. If you need a large-growing arborvitae with a loose, informal habit, try speccing 'Wintergreen' or 'Green Giant'.

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' - Fastigiate European Hornbeam

While total availability for the Carpinus group is strong, the inventory is skewed towards small sizes. This is a valuable ornamental tree, and the columnar varieties remain popular in urban plantings. Consider alternate species or smaller sizes. Reach out to LandscapeHub support staff for a listing of columnar options.

All Boxwood varieties > 36"

Dwarf and small containerized boxwoods are abundant, but the coveted larger sizes will be as rare as ever. Depending on your location needs, consider planting Taxus, Ilex, or Osmanthus.