Construction Starts Remain Strong in 2026: What It Means for Landscaping Projects

by | Jul 27, 2026 | Sustainable Landscaping, Commercial Landscaping, Landscape Design, Landscape Edging, Outdoor Living, Recycled Plastic Products

As the construction industry moves through 2026, the latest data from Dodge Construction Network shows that overall construction activity continues to outperform last year’s levels, despite a temporary slowdown in June. For landscaping contractors, developers, municipalities, and distributors, these trends point to ongoing opportunities in commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and site development projects where durable landscape edging and site-furnishing products remain essential. [construction.com], [constructiondive.com]

Construction Starts Up 11.1% Through the First Half of 2026

According to Dodge Construction Network, total U.S. construction starts increased 11.1% year-to-date through June 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was led by major investments in infrastructure, utilities, power generation, manufacturing, and data center construction. [construction.com], [rockproducts.com]

Year-to-Date Construction Starts (January–June 2026)

While residential construction remains softer due to ongoing economic pressures, strong gains in commercial, industrial, utility, and infrastructure projects continue to support overall industry growth. [construction.com], [constructiondive.com]

June Pullback Reflects Normalization, Not a Trend Reversal

In June, total construction starts declined 19.9% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.42 trillion. However, Dodge economists noted that the decline largely reflects a return to normal levels following an exceptionally strong May that included several multi-billion-dollar megaproject groundbreaking announcements. [construction.com], [constructiondive.com]

June 2026 Construction Starts Snapshot

  • Total Construction Starts: $1.42 trillion SAAR (-19.9%)
  • Nonresidential Building: $584 billion SAAR (-9.1%)
  • Residential Building: $363 billion SAAR (-2.2%)
  • Nonbuilding Construction: $473 billion SAAR (-37.7%) [construction.com], [floordaily.net]

Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at Dodge Construction Network, summarized the market by noting that residential and institutional construction remain weak, while commercial, industrial, and nonbuilding sectors continue to show strong year-to-date growth. [construction.com], [constructiondive.com]

Infrastructure and Utility Growth Creates Landscaping Opportunities

For the landscaping industry, one of the most important takeaways is the continued expansion of nonbuilding construction, which includes transportation, utilities, power infrastructure, public works, and site development projects. Nonbuilding starts are up 33.8% year-to-date and 34.3% over the trailing 12 months, signaling a robust pipeline of projects that often require erosion control, landscape enhancement, and durable edging systems. [construction.com], [rockproducts.com]

These large-scale projects frequently require long-lasting landscaping materials capable of performing in demanding environments. Products manufactured from recycled materials also align with sustainability objectives that many public agencies, utilities, and commercial developers increasingly prioritize.

Made-in-America Landscaping Solutions for Growing Construction Demand

As construction activity expands across commercial and infrastructure sectors, choosing reliable domestic suppliers becomes increasingly important. Epic Plastics Landscape Edging, manufactured in Lodi, California, is produced from recycled plastic and offers contractors and landscape professionals a durable, Made-in-the-USA solution for landscape border and edging applications.

Whether supporting new commercial developments, public infrastructure improvements, municipal beautification efforts, or industrial campuses, recycled plastic landscape edging provides a long-lasting alternative that helps define planting areas, pathways, and hardscape transitions while supporting sustainable building practices.

Looking Ahead

Although monthly construction data can fluctuate, the broader trend remains positive. The 12-month moving total ending June 2026 shows:

  • Total Construction Starts: $1.35 trillion (+10.6%)
  • Nonresidential Building: $511 billion (+4.9%)
  • Residential Building: $371 billion (-3.6%)
  • Nonbuilding Construction: $468 billion (+34.3%) [construction.com], [floordaily.net]

With data centers, utility projects, manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure investments continuing to drive construction spending, the landscaping sector is positioned to benefit from ongoing site development activity throughout the remainder of 2026. [construction.com], [constructiondive.com]

Additional Resources