Lush Landscapes, Lean Budget: Tips for Resort Owners and Operators

These Strategies Can Improve Your Landscapes Without the Hefty Price Tag

Maintaining beautiful grounds is a key part of any resort’s facility maintenance strategy, but the cost of landscaping, turf care, and upkeep can escalate quickly.

The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to achieve a professional look. Resort owners and operators can attain a beautiful space at an affordable price by using key strategies like choosing the right equipment, prioritizing staff training, and leveraging group purchasing programs.

1. Choose the Right Equipment

Outdated or ill-suited landscaping equipment often results in more downtime, higher fuel use, and inconsistent results. It’s important to use high-quality, efficient tools to maintain your green spaces.

Start by auditing what you own in-house. Then, you can identify what needs to be replaced or what’s missing altogether. From there, you can identify which tools you should rent and which you should buy.

When Looking to Rent

When it comes to maintenance that’s only performed every year or even every few years, renting allows you to save on equipment storage and replacements. Foodbuy hospitality partners like Sunbelt Rentals can help you find affordable options.

“Using rental as a strategy opens up a wide array of tools and equipment in a fast-paced landscape season without the worries of downtime, maintenance, storage, warranty issues, transport of equipment, and all the other hidden components of the total cost of ownership. At Sunbelt Rentals, we go beyond providing equipment and solutions —we partner with you by sharing our expertise to ensure every job is done safely, efficiently, and with confidence.”

Steven McKeon, Strategic Customer Manager, Sunbelt Rentals

In addition to Landscaping, leaf blowing, and mowing supplies, Sunbelt Rentals offers programs for

• Climate Control Services
  • Temperature-control equipment
  • Dehumidifiers
• Power and HVAC
  • Generators
  • Load banks
  • Air compressors
  • Desiccant dehumidifiers
  • Chillers and cooling towers
• General Tools and Equipment
• Flooring Solutions
  • Scrubbers and sweepers
  • Carpet extractors
  • Vacuums
  • Grinders
  • Polishers
• Temporary Containment Walls
• Temporary Structures

When Looking to Buy

Maintaining your property long-term sometimes requires long-term commitment to key equipment. For recurring agronomy projects, it can sometimes be optimal to purchase equipment rather than rent. Foodbuy Hospitality partners like John Deere can support these needs.

“Joining John Deere Strategic Accounts [through Foodbuy Hospitality] fosters a long-term relationship with John Deere, which can provide ongoing support and resources as your business evolves. This partnership is built on trust and a shared commitment to success.

Members of Strategic Accounts receive dedicated support and customized solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your business. This tailored approach ensures that you receive equipment and services that align with your operational goals.”

Rob Quetschke, Strategic Account Manager of John Deere Ag & Turf Division

You can turn to John Deere for

• Commercial mowing Equipment
  • ZTraks
  • QuikTraks
  • Walk Behinds
• Utility Vehicles
  • XUV
  • HPX
  • T-Series
• Compact Construction Equipment
  • Track loaders
  • Wheel loaders
  • Skid Steers
  • Excavators
• Compact Utility Tractors
  • 1-4 series

2. Prioritize Staff Training

Your landscaping team can be your biggest asset or your biggest expense. Well-trained staff are more efficient, make fewer mistakes, and extend the life of your equipment and plantings.

Focus on training in areas like:

• Proper mowing and irrigation techniques
• Identifying early signs of pest or disease problems
• Seasonal maintenance best practices
• Safe and efficient equipment handling

Cross-training team members to handle multiple tasks also improves scheduling flexibility and reduces the need for extra hires.

3. Leverage Group Purchasing Pricing 

One of the smartest ways to save on landscaping and agronomy costs is by joining a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) like Foodbuy Hospitality. These programs give resorts access to pre-negotiated pricing on everything from fertilizer and seed to mowers and irrigation parts — often with significant discounts due to bulk buying power.

Beyond pricing, GPOs can connect you with trusted vendor partners, training resources, and seasonal supply forecasting. This gives you the ability to access the knowledge of product experts through their strong connections.

Foodbuy Hospitality Members have access to competitive agronomy-focused programs through ClubProcure. Part of the Foodbuy family of brands, ClubProcure supports private and municipal clubs, as well as resorts with golf courses.

Ask your Foodbuy Hospitality account manager about Sunbelt Rentals, John Deere, and other agronomy-focused programs through ClubProcure.