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By Mike Jiggens
Don’t let lawn bylaws get out of hand
We’ve posted plenty of stories on our website in recent weeks, months and even years about homeowners who feel they’re being persecuted for growing out their lawns. They argue their intentions are to provide a habitat for pollinators and that their efforts toward naturalization eliminates the need for water, herbicides and other inputs.
Additionally, they’ll note, less mowing means fewer emissions enter the atmosphere.
It would seem there’s a fine line separating what is acceptable naturalization and what is deemed an eyesore. Those who cross that line can usually expect a visit from a local bylaw officer, telling them the length of their grass and weeds violates local statutes.
The “No Mow May” campaign has gained some favour the past couple of years in many Canadian municipalities. Sparked by declining bee populations, municipalities have become more lenient about grass and weed length on residential property and have looked the other way a little bit – at least during the month of May.
There are homeowners, however, who believe the campaign shouldn’t be limited to only one month of the year and would rather keep their lawns
indefinitely disheveled looking in the name of being environmentally conscious.
Each of these cases of people violating yard tidiness bylaws tends to gain media attention, with the municipality often depicted as the bad guy.
It’s often the case where one naturalized property isn’t the same as the other. One might at least have some colour when wildflowers are planted. The other, though, is a simple case of a lawnmower being permanently parked for the season. One shows some degree of care while the other demonstrates neglect.
Nevertheless, those who are cited for violating yard tidiness bylaws will argue they’re doing it for the greater good.
As well intentioned as naturalization is, it has its drawbacks
Studies show that dandelions allowed to grow in large quantities don’t provide pollinators with adequate pollen. For most of us, dandelions are not a pretty sight, so where is the value in intentionally keeping them around?
Not all municipal governments think alike. Some have embraced the concept of naturalization – within reason. Others have steadfastly refused to alter their existing bylaws.
As well intentioned as naturalization is, it has its draw-
backs. Longer grass provides cover for unwanted rodents, and the immediate neighbours of these properties won’t be too enamoured to have these animals dropping by for a visit into their yards.
A seemingly neglected yard – or one the property owner says is naturalized – is going to have an impact on not only his own property values, but those of his immediate neighbours. His mindset may not be shared by his neighbours, and they’re being dragged down in the process.
Occasionally, a municipality isn’t always practising what it preaches. An Alberta town recently fielded several complaints due to unkempt public green spaces. Areas were being mowed only once every two weeks and grass length was starting to get out of hand. In fact, the mayor claimed grass on municipal property had grown to about two feet in length.
Municipalities bent on enforcing grass-length bylaws had better lead by example.
Other municipalities claim that tweaking bylaws to allow lengthier lawns is a deterrent for attracting new business. New business coming into town are attracted to tidiness, they say, and everyone must play a part in achieving that look.
I suspect these municipalities that have become more lenient with naturalized properties are closely monitoring the impact of their decision making and could easily change their tune down the road if things look to have backfired.
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Burlington golf course could be reduced in size to nine holes
Burlington, Ont”s public Tyandaga Golf Course could one day be reduced to half its current size as the city ponders freeing up space to accommodate other public usage.
The city will be seeking public input about the possibility of shrinking the current 18-hole course to nine holes. The municipality also cites changing trends in golf as a reason for a potential change.
NFL quarterback’s injury fuels further artificial turf debate
A recent game-ending ankle injury to New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has renewed debate over the safety of artificial turf.
Rodgers appeared to have caught his foot in the artificial turf and left the game afterwards.
David Bakhtiari, a former teammate of Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers, posted on social media, “How many more players have to get hurt on artificial turf? You care more about soccer players than us.”
Length of unmowed grass in Olds, Alta. leads to complaints
Mowing less in public green spaces in Olds, Alta. has led to several complaints, council learned at a recent meeting.
The town is mowing every other week and grass is growing taller. Olds’ chief administrative officer told council he believes every one of the complaints is based on the length of grass and not because of other issues.
Mayor Judy Dahl said she encountered the length of grass firsthand at Douglas Place, saying it was about two feet in height.
9
HOLES
the size of Tyandaga Golf Course in Burlington if a reduction is approved
Canadian researchers play key role in better understanding sensitive soil composition
Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala are investigating the impact of phosphorus – both that which exists naturally in soil and that which has been added as manure or fertilizer – on sensitive soils and local aquatic systems.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for crops and a component of many fertilizers, including animal manure. While it’s critical for plant growth, too much can damage the quality of water bodies near farms. Phosphorus runoff increases the nutrients within aquatic systems that feed algal blooms, which can lead to a decrease in oxygenated water and a reduction of biological diversity in lakes. Algal blooms can impact human health and wildlife as well as the economies of affected communities reliant on fishing and tourism.
Two feet
Length of grass
mayor says she observed
“The transfer of phosphorus from land to aquatic recipients is not equally distributed, meaning some parts of the landscape are more vulnerable,” says Faruk Djodjic, associate professor at the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment. “By identifying those vulnerable soil profiles and targeting them with mitigation measures, we can improve water and soil quality.”
With the help of the Canadian
Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Djodjic and his colleagues were able to analyze samples to better understand the composition of sensitive soils.
The beamline data from SXRMB helped the researchers identify important compounds that govern phosphorus absorption or release.
“We found that aluminum compounds are important in keeping phosphorus in the soil,” says Djodjic.
“Working with the CLS was a very positive experience,” says Djodjic. “Synchrotron technology gives us additional information that allows us to compare other methods to further interpret our results.”
This new study could lead to better agricultural practices, ensuring that special attention is given to phosphorus use, especially on sensitive soils.
Landscapers share pros of battery use
Electrification is on the rise, but some issues still need ironing out
By Mike Jiggens
The number of landscape maintenance companies favouring battery-powered equipment over traditional gasoline-powered machinery is on the rise. They especially appreciate the savings in fuel and the need to stock fewer replacement parts. Their customers enjoy the noticeably reduced noise levels and the lack of environmentally harmful emissions.
It has been a learning experience for landscapers who had spent several years on the job using gasoline-powered products yet have transitioned to battery more recently at their employers’ behest. Many have found that battery-powered tools don’t “feel” the same and may not have the desired power output.
But technological advances associated with battery or electric products have picked up steam over the past few years, making the products more palatable.
August’s Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference in Las Vegas allowed attendees to learn more about battery power and its recent advances, and to hear from professionals who have fully embraced electrification.
A panel of three landscape contractors, including the owner of a Winnipeg-based company, shared their experiences using battery-powered equipment, the adjustments they’ve made from operating gasoline-powered products and the challenges that remain with electrification.
Kazwel Levandoski, president of Lone Goose Inc. in
Winnipeg, a commercial and residential lawn care and snow removal company, said he gravitated to electric immediately after founding his business in 2017.
“I don’t enjoy fixing things,” he admitted, citing his mechanically challenged abilities served as the impetus for adopting battery-powered equipment.
While Lone Goose is still using gasoline-powered zero turns to mow commercial properties, the company is planning to adopt autonomous mowers within the next couple of years, he said. Lone Goose’s residential division, however, is 100 per cent battery-powered, including mowers, blowers and other handheld equipment.
Chad Reinhart, CEO of Reinhart Landscaping & Snow in central Illinois, said almost all his company’s
Battery-powered hedge trimmers are praised for their high efficiency.
maintenance equipment is electric, including 24 autonomous mowers that cut about 100 acres of commercial property daily. He figures the number of mowers deployed in 2024 will reach about 100.
“We’re doing everything we can to eliminate anything two-cycle,” he said, noting his company employs 12 mow/trim/edge/blow crews working daily. Plans are to dispense with riding zero turns. “That’s our mission.”
Austin Hall, president-owner of Greenwise Organic Lawn Care in Chicago, purchased his company in 2018 and began looking seriously at electric equipment when one of his customers wished to be serviced solely by electrification. Most of Greenwise’s customer base is high-end residential in the north end of Chicago where a ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers has been imposed.
A CULTURAL SHIFT
He said the biggest challenge in moving toward battery-powered equipment was moving past the cultural shift among employees who had long been accustomed to operating gasoline-powered tools they insisted provide superior performance.
There are still skeptics among his staff who are being trained and educated in battery power, but most employees have bought into electrification and have become leaders within the company.
Hall said the most noticeable difference between gasoline and battery-powered tools is the performance of leaf blowers. During fall cleanup, battery-powered blowers can’t remove every single leaf on a property in a time-efficient manner, he said. This necessitates the need to educate both customers and work crews.
Getting power to the blades is the biggest challenge Levandoski said his company faces with battery-powered equipment.
“When grass is dry, it cuts easy,” he said. “But the moment it gets wet, the battery-powered mowers –specifically the ones we’re working with – don’t have the power to bend the blade with the fronts and pick it up and cut it at the same time and put it in the bag or side shoot it.”
This requires cross cutting or double cutting during wet seasons to ensure a carpet-like finish.
“The challenge for us was how do we utilize that machinery as effectively as possible?” Levandoski said. “If the deck isn’t perfectly clean or the blades aren’t really sharp, it doesn’t have the cut quality that our clients are expecting.”
Because his staff have been using battery-powered equipment since the company’s outset and aren’t familiar with the comparison to gasoline-powered products, crews have been instructed to slow down under wetter conditions and to be more aware of their environment.
Concerns about charging batteries also remain a challenge, Levandoski added. The batteries needed for the equipment brand Lone Goose uses can last between 45 minutes and an hour and 20 minutes, depending on the circumstances. Keeping enough batteries on hand and charging them overnight is the key, he said.
Levandoski said Lone Goose is the only company in his area that is completely pushing battery power. Residential customers have agreed to allow crews to plug into their homes as needed, grateful for the environmental friendlier services.
NO NEED TO STOCKPILE PARTS
Reinhart’s company is almost 100 per cent commercial with few residential customers. Having transitioned to
Batterypowered mowers can be challenged when grass is wet, Lone Goose’s Kazwel Levandoski says.
battery power has made operations more efficient, he said. The need to stockpile replacement parts for gasoline-powered equipment has been eliminated.
“Now, it’s just put the battery in and go,” he said, adding there is no further need for priming and setting switches. This has allowed younger workers who aren’t mechanically inclined to work much simpler.
Although battery-powered leaf blowers don’t produce the same amount of power as their gasoline-powered counterparts, Reinhart said battery-powered bush trimmers are highly efficient while battery-powered trimmers fare as well as those powered by gasoline.
Hall said it takes 20 to 25 per cent more time for his crews to deliver the same services through electrification – especially when mowing – resulting in a higher cost to the customer.
There is an increasing demand for electric services, he said, and because there are a limited number of electric service providers, the higher price point tends to work. As battery-powered equipment continues to improve allowing greater on-site productivity, customers could eventually realize cost reductions.
“Twenty-four months ago, we weren’t really convinced the technology was there,” Reinhart said.
His company began slow with electrification but has since realized its benefits, he said. Corporate customers appreciate the lower noise output when crews are working during meetings and conference calls, Reinhart said.
Levandoski said as customers grow more comfortable with Lone Goose’s battery-powered operations, they depend on it more, especially with leaf blowing.
“Once people get away from hearing that backpack blower screaming, they don’t want to go back to it,” he said.
Customers appreciate that none of his company’s handheld equipment produces noise, and if Lone Goose is the only company to bid on a job that offers noise-free services, he can charge a little more.
“The future looks a little brighter with that,” Levandoski said. “We’re setting the trend.”
Landscape contractors discussed the merits of battery-powered equipment at the recent Lawn & Landscape technology conference in Las Vegas. From left, Kazwel Levandoski, president of Lone Goose Inc. in Winnipeg; Austin Hall, president of Greenwise Organic Lawn Care in Chicago; and Chad Reinhart, CEO of Reinhart Landscaping & Snow in central Illinois.
COVID-19’S INFLUENCE
Hall said he believes COVID-19 sparked a shift in momentum for the battery-powered equipment industry, noting more people began working from home and continue to do so in a hybrid system. Customers working from their home can say, “I can actually work from here and my landscaper isn’t getting in the way of me doing my job.”
Hall suspects about half of those who call Greenwise for regular maintenance services do so because the company works solely with electric equipment.
Levandoski said he is still using the first four batteries he purchased in 2017, suggesting they don’t quit. The batteries have been dropped, caught in rain and have become “dinged up,” but are still powering equipment.
“The battery mowers don’t know how to quit,” he said. “We’re getting our money’s worth out of the hand tools.”
Greenwise has been plugging in its trailers overnight, but there have been instances when the breaker has been tripped, preventing batteries from recharging. Hall said this had led to the challenge of setting up the shop to effectively handle the charging needs of an entire fleet.
Vendors have been good at demonstrating equipment at Greenwise’s job sites, he added.
Reinhart said that when deciding upon a partnering vendor, “It’s not about the tool but about the charging.” Vendors should be asked how they are dealing with charging issues, he stressed.
‘Twenty-four months ago, we weren’t really convinced the technology was there’
Hall said he has asked vendors of battery-powered equipment about their plans for more established infrastructure for placement in trailers. There are systems in which a larger battery in a trailer can charge smaller batteries.
Greenwise has a Ford Lightning electric vehicle that has “a ton of power” to provide smaller handheld tools and he sees the future moving towards customizing
these vehicles.
“Once we get into customization of battery power – hopefully, heavy-duty trucks – we would use the truck to charge the smaller batteries during the day.”
Hall said he doesn’t see that happening for another four or five years.
Levandoski said he “hasn’t blown many fuses,” but has moved toward charging banks.
“That lowers our risk of blowing fuses, and I think that’s how it’s going to go moving forward,” he said.
Batteries are charged on site using a fast-charging brand that charges larger
batteries from “stone dead” to fully charged in 30 minutes. Levandoski added the batteries his company uses are interchangeable from one tool to another.
An audience member questioned the
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panelists about how they respond when they’re told that batteries are produced through coal and other fuels, and that landscapers are only “kidding themselves” if they believe battery power is a more sustainable and eco-friendlier approach.
Reinhart said he is most motivated by the bottom line.
“I want to financially make sense for the company,” he said, noting about $600 a month is being saved on the cost of mixed fuels. The company is also diverting about 30 hours a week that mechanics were spending on the maintenance of two-cycle equipment.
“They (battery-powered equipment) will take a beating, and they’re just simple machines,” Reinhart said.
He added not having to stock such items as carburetors and easy-to-break parts associated with gasoline-powered equipment is another money saver.
“It’s the backside where we’re seeing the financial gain,” Reinhart said.
Hall says he’s never been questioned about what goes into making batteries and chooses instead to focus on noise reduction and being respectful to the job site.
“We’re trying to be as least disruptive as we can when we’re on a client’s site because they have their families and children and they’re working,” he said.
Levandoski said he tells his customers his crews are like “lawn ninjas” that
seen but not heard.
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The role played by plant growth regulators
PGRs have revolutionized turf management practices over the years and have improved environmental sustainability
By Dr. Sara Stricker
Turfgrass management has evolved significantly over the years, with an increasing focus on sustainability and resource conservation.
Among the tools that have revolutionized turf management practices are plant growth regulators (PGRs).
PGRs are synthetic or naturally occurring compounds that regulate plant growth and development.
PGRs can influence various physiological processes in plants, ultimately altering their growth and development. These compounds can be broadly classified into five categories: auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. Each PGR has specific effects on plant growth, which can be harnessed to optimize turfgrass management practices. There are three big reasons why PGRs can improve environmental sustainability of turfgrass management.
Reduced mowing frequency
Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) and flurprimidol (FLP) are two widely used PGRs that in-
hibit the production of gibberellins, a group of plant hormones responsible for cell elongation. By suppressing gibberellin production, these PGRs effectively reduce vertical growth in turfgrass, resulting in a more compact and uniform turf canopy. Paclobutrazol (PAC) also inhibits gibberellin biosynthesis while also reducing cytokinin levels. This dual action decreases vertical growth and encourages tillering in turfgrass, resulting in a denser turf stand. Prohexadione-calcium (PHC) inhibits gibberellin and prevents lodging, which is important for seed production.
The reduction in turf growth rate is typically quantified by measuring the
weight of clippings. Interestingly, a recent study at the University of Georgia suggests that cultivars of creeping bentgrass responded differently to TE, with V-8 exhibiting the lowest response rate compared to Penncross, L-93, 007, and Tour Pro (Henry et al. 2022). This suggests that the efficacy of other PGRs might also vary by cultivar. Overall, reducing the turf growth rate will reduce the frequency of mowing which in turn cuts down on labour, emissions, and equipment wear-and-tear.
Improving stress tolerance
Abscisic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring plant hormone that plays a vital role in
Clippings are weighed to determine growth rate suppression by PGRs.
RESEARCH
stress responses, including drought tolerance. Applying ABA-based PGRs can enhance the plants’ ability to survive through hot and dry summer conditions.
If applied before drought stress, the application of AA can mean that the turf stays lush and green for longer than the untreated control. In fact, the use of AA or TE on Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass resulted in higher soil volumetric water content, leaf water content, and improved growth rates throughout drought stress (McCann and Huang, 2008). ABA is currently used in the production of grapes and other fruit crops, but a commercial product has not been developed for turf. In general, the reduction in vertical growth due to this PGR translates to lower water use and improved photosynthetic efficiency.
Nitrogen use efficiency
Turfgrass often receives significant nitrogen inputs to maintain a lush green appearance and density. PGRs can improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce the need for nutrient inputs. In a three-year study in New York, the application of TE to a creeping bentgrass green reduced vertical growth, which then reduced mowing frequency, which thus reduced nutrient loss by clipping removal. This trickle-down effect meant that the putting green needed 25¬–50 per cent less nitrogen (Kreuser and Soldat, 2012). This is great news for environmental sustainability and your budget. Although the price of fertilizer has leveled out, we are still seeing nitrogen prices higher than pre-pandemic years.
Can PGRs be used on turf in Canada?
Prohexadione-calcium = approved
In the recent environmental assessment required by Health Canada for product registration, PHC was deemed unlikely to cause risk to the environment. The health effects seen in animals from PHC only occurred when doses were 100 times higher than that of the label rate. In addition, the amount of transfer was drastically reduced when the spray residues are dry.
Due to these factors, PHC was approved for use on golf courses, sod farms, sports fields, municipal sites, and cemeteries.
Trinexapac-ethyl = limited use
In 2022, TE was approved for use only on golf courses, sod farms, and to produce perennial ryegrass seeds. Unfortunately, according to the toxicology studies, exposure to TE can result in neurological symptoms, chronic toxicity, and damage to kidneys, and loss of pregnancy for rats. The use of TE on turf in residential areas (lawns, parks, playing fields, etc.) is prohibited due to the risk to children and pregnant women. If you are using this product, please refer to the label for proper protective equipment, especially when mixing and loading.
Flurprimidol, Paclobutrazol= no FLP is not yet registered for use in Canada, but PAC has been registered for greenhouse use on ornamentals in containers.
Abscisic Acid = ?
This naturally occurring plant hormone has been known in the world of plant sciences for many years, but a commercial product containing AA has yet to be marketed for turf. Plants will naturally produce AA in response to drought or freezing conditions to survive through stress. Perhaps this is the next frontier of PGRs?
At the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, a study by Dr. Eric Lyons and John Watson con-
PGR treatments are applied.
firmed that Anuew (PHC) and Primo Maxx (TE) can both effectively reduce creeping bentgrass growth rate on a putting green without causing stress symptoms such as yellowing and etiolation. When comparing a calendar schedule (four weeks) to a Growing Degree Model schedule (300 GDDs), the GDD schedule recommended five applications of the PGRs between June 4 and Aug. 6. The calendar method resulted in four applications. Between the two schedules, timing applications using GDD resulted in more consistent growth suppression (Lyons and Watson, 2021).
In conclusion, plant growth regulators have become indispensable tools in modern turfgrass management, offering sustainable solutions to improve turf quality and resource efficiency. Supported by scientific research, the proper application of
PGRs can lead to water conservation, reduced nutrient inputs, enhanced stress tolerance, and overall improved environmental turfgrass management.
Turf managers and the public should continue to advocate for alternative management options, to encourage innovative companies to develop and register new products in response. The future of grass is looking greener!
You can contact the Guelph Turfgrass Institute at GTI@uoguelph.ca or follow @ GuelphTurf on social media.
Works cited:
• Henry, G. M., M. Moore, K. A. Tucker. 2022. Response of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and weed species to plant growth regulators. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal
14(1): 791–796.
• Kreuser, W. C., D. J. Soldat. 2012. Frequent trinexapac-ethyl applications reduce nitrogen requirements of creeping bentgrass golf putting greens. Crop Science 52: 1348–1357.
• Lyons, E., J. Watson. 2021. Comparing plant growth regulators: Anuew, Primo Maxx and an experimental on a USGA putting green. GTI Research Report: 1–14.
• McCann, S. E., B. Huang. 2008. Drought responses of Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass as affected by abscisic acid and trinexapac-ethyl. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 133(1): 20¬–26.
Dr. Sara Stricker is the communications and outreach co-ordinator at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.
Be winter-ready by maintaining during the fall
Fall maintenance of equipment pays off in the long run. By
Justin Parrott
As the seasons change, so do the demands of your equipment and the maintenance requirements needed to keep your equipment performing at its best. Canada throws a wide range of weather conditions at operators come the winter, and these conditions are all too familiar, tending to make work increasingly difficult and time consuming.
There is no worse thought than being broken down during the winter with work still left to do. Fall maintenance pays off in the long run and is crucial for ensuring success and ease of operation come the winter. Whether it’s a compact track loader, tractor, RTV or attachment, all benefit from some TLC in the fall and winter months to ensure smooth operation once the temperature drops.
Maintenance can often be a daunting and time-consuming task, but by being proactive in the fall months and into the
winter, the chances of a breakdown or setbacks are minimal, especially when you have kept up with regular maintenance and adjusted it for the cold. Here are a few essential tips for ensuring your equipment is ready to face the challenges of winter:
Know your machine
It may seem redundant to say, “know your machine” as you or your crew spend hours on end in in the seat, but familiarizing yourself with the model’s specific recommendations in your machine’s operator’s manual is a must before the winter months. This is the first place to start prior to performing routine maintenance.
Keep it clean
Clean the undercarriage regularly – no matter the task. Equipment can easily gather mud and dirt in the fall months and – if followed by excess snow, salt, and ice in the winter – the buildup can cause ser-
ious damage. Ensuring you are going into the winter with a clean piece of equipment will prevent additional buildup on the undercarriage, present any damage or repairs that need to take place before the winter and make regular maintenance tasks easier and quicker.
Key areas to keep clean include the tracks on a compact track loader, around the wheels on tractors and anywhere that an attachment or implement connects to the machine. Dirt, grime and debris on machinery can result in performance and mobility issues, which ultimately slows down work and effectiveness of any job.
Warm it up
As the cold begins to approach, it is important to allow equipment to warm up properly as machine function is better when the engine, hydraulics and drivetrain have time to warm up. This can be a tricky task to get into the habit of post-warm
Maintenance can often be a daunting and time-consuming task, but by being proactive in the fall months and into the winter, the chances of a breakdown or setbacks are minimal.
weather months but is necessary to sustain the life of the machine and allow for better operation in the colder months. Additionally, adding a block heater to the machine will decrease warm up time and help starting on the coldest days.
It should be noted that the excessive idling of a piece of equipment isn’t recommended as it consumes fuel. Finding the sweet spot for idle time in the winter is key to eliminating unplanned downtime.
Look under the hood
Daily inspections are critical for machine success in identifying areas of wear that could lead to serious or expensive repairs if unchecked. Check the fluid levels of your machine frequently and for any potential leaks as the cold temperature can be hard on hoses and seals. Other areas to inspect include oil and grease lubrication, coolant, fuel levels, battery function and the undercarriage.
While it is important to check for mechanical problems under the hood, it is equally as important to check that rodents and other animals haven’t deemed this space home. The warmth and shelter provided by the hood can act as a cozy place as temperatures start to fall, causing damage to wires and filling the vents with unwanted debris. Looking under the hood of any piece of equipment is a daily task that could eliminate potential breakdowns and present problems ahead of time.
Keep it indoors
While it may not always be possible, it is suggested that equipment be stored indoors when it is not in use. Housing the equipment inside a shed or building will reduce the winter strain on the equipment, increase the longevity of the battery and have an easier time starting in the morning.
Winter success
While it may be time consuming, caring for and protecting your equipment through fall and into the winter is a smart investment. Simple tasks such as daily checks and cleanliness will make operation smoother than if these tasks weren’t performed. Adding the option of keeping machinery indoors or warming it up before
PCHECK THIS OUT
Breathable – Does your turf cover allow for proper air / water flow?
Efficient – Does your turf cover have Smart Edge technology, reducing the need for extra grommets/hemmed edges?
operating will also enhance operability. In addition to the care of machinery, it is also important to give this same care to attachments and implements that may be used in conjunction with your equipment. As the cold months approach, now is a good time to begin preparing and planning for your winter maintenance, where you will store your equipment, and if you will need to complete any preventative maintenance before the cold sets in. When it comes to the winter months, being prepared and planning ahead will make all the difference for your operation and your equipment once it’s time to gear up again come spring.
Justin Parrott is product manager, turf & RTV, for Kubota Canada.
Ease of Use – Is your cover lightweight, and manufactured in one piece?
Peace of Mind – Does your turf cover offer the best warranty, from a company with over 35 years of experience?
Durability – Can your turf cover withstand harsh winters, while offering quick germination and easy maintenance?
Caring for and protecting equipment through fall and into the winter is a smart investment.
Tips for winter maintenance of track loaders
Winter maintenance of compact track loaders begins when fall arrives
By Buck Storlie
Operators using compact track loaders for snow clearing have a lot to consider when it comes to keeping their machines maintained. From keeping track of cold weather oils and fluids to making sure equipment is serviced throughout the summer months, compact track loaders require careful attention for maximum performance in snow clearing applications. To get the most out of a compact track loader, find an equipment manufacturer that offers compact track loaders built for year-round operation.
Get winter ready
Winter maintenance starts when fall hits. The first step is getting the machine ready for the weather. Make sure it uses fluids and lubricants capable of withstanding freezing temperatures. Some compact track loaders are preloaded at the factory with four-season fluids rated as low as minus 34 degrees Celsius and as high as 48 Celsius to keep the machine running no matter the ambient temperature. Keep in mind that cheaper oil might not perform as well in the cold.
Operators should also check machine components to make sure all components
are high quality and all season. Check for full temperature range batteries, block heaters and other weather-appropriate features.
Engage in proper maintenance practices on the job site
Before snow clearing, let the compact track loader heat up to the operational temperature listed in the manual. While the equipment warms up, the operator can survey the area he’s working in to find any hidden obstacles. Curbs, medians and parking lot islands are difficult to pinpoint underneath a layer of snow, but knowing where they are will protect the equipment during use.
Operators should then strap themselves in and drive at safe speeds. It’s no secret that slippery conditions make it harder to
brake and manoeuvre, which can cause damage to the equipment if operators aren’t careful.
The most critical action for prolonging compact track loader life comes after the shift is over. After each snow-clearing project, make sure to clean snow and ice out of the undercarriage while it’s still easy to remove. Wash away salt with a pressure washer, though make sure the equipment is completely dry before leaving it in below freezing weather or components will freeze. Leaving snow and ice on the equipment can mean a slow start for the next shift and lead to accelerated component wear.
Look for a compact track loader designed with easy access to service points such as drain and fill plugs, filters and accessible grease points to cut down on maintenance times and make the entire process less of a headache.
Choose easy maintenance
Regular maintenance activities, like oil changes, daily and weekly greasing and changing fuel and hydraulic filters, can take time off the project. The key is finding a compact track loader designed with easy access to service points such as drain and fill plugs, filters and accessible grease points to cut down on maintenance times and make the entire process less of a headache. Certain design features make a huge difference in the time it takes to do maintenance. For example, some manufacturers use insert filters that are hidden deep in the engine bay. While this saves headaches during the engineering process, it costs operators time and money when doing maintenance. Machines designed with rigid-mounted, spin-on filters in easyto-access places save precious minutes on every filter change and allows them to get
back to work faster.
Another example is grease points. Some compact track loaders feature Zerk fittings on the end of pins rather than the side, a simple change that makes greasing quick and easy. If an operator can save 10 minutes per day with more efficient greasing while working 200 days a year, he could save around 66 hours in just two years. Easy maintenance like this is a great way to save time and money all year long.
Year-round care
Compact track loaders see a lot of wear in the warmer months when the machine often switches back to landscaping or construction work. Avoid counter-rotations, which cause premature track wear. Use the three-point turn instead to avoid cuts in the track from abrasive materials caused during counter-rotation. Operators
should also avoid spinning the tracks as this can result in cuts and unnecessary wear. Also, maintain the practice of cleaning the undercarriage after the shift to prolong track and component life as long as possible.
Throughout the year, invest in proper maintenance as listed in the owner’s manual. While the machine might be engineered for the colder months, it isn’t uncommon to switch out the compact track loader’s fluids and lubricants with the seasons. No matter what season, make sure equipment is ready for the job to come.
Buck Storlie is product manager for ASV, a Yanmar Compact Equipment brand which offers compact track and skid-steer loaders for the landscaping, forestry and construction markets.
Weighing your options for mini excavators
There are many options available today for mini excavators that make the right fit for the job
By Jeff Pate
More and more contractors are adopting mini excavators for use on the jobsite. As the technology and engineering that goes into these machines continues to improve, mini excavators offer greater promise of productivity and return on investment for contracting businesses of all sizes. It’s a best-ofboth-worlds scenario: the utility of an excavator in a compact package capable of efficient work on tight jobsites.
The problem – and this, as they say, is a good problem to have – is selecting the mini excavator that’s right for your business from among the many options available today. With any number of features and configurations to choose from, what factors should contractors consider when looking to invest in a mini excavator?
PERFORMANCE FACTORS
Machine size and weight are primary considerations when determining which mini excavator is the right fit. These factors affect everything from power and performance to transportation costs and maneuverability, so it’s important to choose wisely. Transportation weight can affect whether the machine is able to make it to the jobsite without hassle. Contractors should consider their trailer size and how much weight it can safely handle. Understanding local laws and licensing requirements should also be a consideration. Staying small can often help avoid special licensing and ease transport. Many contractors look at the tough jobs in front of them and prematurely eliminate the possibility that a small-class mini excavator can handle them. But with today’s technology, even the smallest mini excavators can offer surprising levels of power and reliability, so it’s worth taking a realistic look at the job that needs to be done and consider how much machine is truly required to manage it effectively.
Size and performance typically go hand in hand – larger machines tend to offer more horsepower – but contractors should not take size considerations for granted. Larger mini excavators typically offer greater digging depth and breakout force, critical performance specs when the job requires them. But sizing down could also be the proper strategy if operators must navigate tighter jobsites, such as in residential areas or municipal road or utility work. Whatever a contractor’s situation, matching the machine to the work is the general principle when considering mini excavator size. For example, many construction or utility contractors will rely on their mini excavator to, among other tasks, lift, move and place concrete barriers or pipes. They may assume this type of work requires the largest possible machines, but, understanding the lift capacity is the key to success. Does the mini excavator have a hook or suspension system? This will eliminate the extra weight of the bucket itself and allow the operator to lift more and save power.
In addition to machine size and weight, another major design feature to consider for a high performing machine is excavator tail swing. Tail swing refers to how far the rear upper structure overhangs beyond the tracks when it rotates. Options range from conventional tail swing, which is usually 18 inches or more of
In addition to machine size and weight, another major design feature to consider is excavator tail swing.
overhang depending on machine size, to zero tail swing with no overhang. Between the two extremes are machines with minimal – sometimes called ultra-tight – tail swing. The tail swing configuration contractors should look for depends on the applications in which they’ll use the mini excavator. For open jobsites with few obstructions, standard tail swing models may be just fine, even sometimes offering better lift capacity thanks to the extra weight on the back. Jobsites with less room to spare or contractors looking for a more versatile machine may be better suited for ultra-tight or zero tail swing machines.
Operators working in residential areas next to homes or on roadways have a higher risk of accidentally causing damage to a structure, road barrier, or – worse yet – a passing vehicle with tail overhang. Less overhang means operators have less to worry about while focusing on the work in front of them.
Second auxiliary hydraulics is another feature contractors might want to look for as standard, or at least an optional addition, on their mini excavator. As the industry gets more and more attachments-driven, a second PTO has become indispensable for contractors’ running attachments with extra functionality, such as a grapple requiring one line for grappling and another for rotation and tilt.
A relatively new feature on the mini excavator scene, the sixway blade, is a compelling option to consider for contractors who will rely on their machine for grading or backfilling. Adding utility to the previously leading-edge, four-way blade, which supports both vertical and horizontal movement, a six-way blade introduces tilting capabilities. This option is especially useful for landscaping and road work, where contouring to the terrain or a crowned road is crucial for a high-quality finished product.
TECHNOLOGY
Many mini excavators today can take advantage of advanced technology, such as telematics systems that offer contractors greater convenience and more control over their machines. Features range from error detection and notification to real-time operational status updates and daily work reports. Some telematics systems come with integrated theft protection, allowing the machine’s owner to set a range from a specific location and trigger an alert if that range is exceeded. Telematics features can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it comes down to which functions the contractor feels are most critical, as well as the cost/ benefit value of the system. The cost for these systems can vary, but some manufacturers offer them free for as many as five years with the purchase of a new machine.
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY
Most contractors would say they are looking for a reliable, high-quality mini excavator. Knowing what you want in this arena is one thing but determining exactly which machine meets these criteria is quite another. There are many ways to approach the question and, depending on who you ask, you may get varying
answers. There are few methods contractors can use to sift through the data.
Contractors can start by investigating a manufacturer’s reputation for quality. A reliable manufacturer will have a meticulous manufacturing process, executing regular checks and audits on the quality of their components. The more frequent the checks, the more stringent the quality control. Checks that occur every day show a stronger commitment to quality than audits that happen only one time per year.
Another important checkpoint for evaluating quality and reliability is looking for a manufacturer that handles as much of its processes in-house as possible. The more internal control the manufacturer retains, the less chance for inconsistencies or errors.
For example, by building both the engine and chassis of the machine, manufacturers maintain experience and insight into the porting process that could otherwise lead to inconsistencies or shortcuts that inhibit performance.
The warranty offered by the manufacturer can be an indicator of their confidence in the quality and reliability of their equipment.
Jeff Pate is director of sales for Yanmar Compact Equipment North America.
Digging into different soils needs thought
It’s important to pair the proper points and blades with a project’s soil types
By Joe Haynes
Choosing the right points and blades for an earth auger may seem like a small detail, but it’s a critical step in any hole drilling project.
The right choice increases productivity by lessening equipment wear and decreasing maintenance needs. Outfitting an auger with the proper points and blades makes drilling easier and protects the auger flighting from excessive wear.
Some manufacturers offer multiple styles of points and blades – but not all are the same. To make sure each project goes on without a hitch, choose the best points and blades for each soil type.
Loamy soil & dirt
Loamy soil is a generally soft mixture of sand, silt and a small amount of clay. For this and other soft-ground drilling projects, look for points and blades constructed with cold-rolled steel and a hard surfacing around the edges.
Some manufacturers offer points and blades with bolt-on connections. This allows operators to easily switch out the points and blades when soil conditions change or maintenance is needed, offering increased versatility and decreased project downtime. When the blade dulls, some manufacturers offer reversible options.
The bolt-on connection makes reversing the blade simple and the new, sharp edge is used throughout the project.
Abrasive & dense soil
Some soil types are harder to drill into than others. Abrasive soils, compacted soil and loose rock require stronger points and blades to lead the auger. For these, some manufacturers use carbide – a stronger alternative to steel.
Operators should pair carbide tip points with hard-faced blades, carbide blades or chisel points with a carbide blade for abrasive soils and soil where impact is possible. A carbide tip point and a chisel point with a carbide blade are optimal for compacted
rock. Operators facing hard pan and frozen soils will find best results with a carbide tip point and a carbide tip blade.
Compacted rock & hard pan soils
Points and blades like hard-faced blades, carbide blades or chisel points make drilling through rock and hard pan soil easier. Look for a manufacturer that pours and moulds the points and blades as opposed to welded metals. A single poured component is stronger than a welded one and better for harder soils.
And, keep in mind, these points and blades are often paired with a specialty auger, so pay attention to any additional equipment needed. Some manufacturers
Some manufacturers offer reversible points and blades with bolt-on connections. This means the points and blades switch out easily when soil conditions change or maintenance is needed, offering increased versatility and decreased project downtime.
have multiple blade attachments for their specialty augers, especially those used in heavy-duty applications. An auger with multiple blades chews up the soil more and breaks it down more thoroughly, making it more effective for drilling through harder soils.
Most heavy-duty augers, points and blades also need to be run at a lower RPM than their counterparts for the most effective drilling. Check gear ratios and speed recommendations before starting projects with compacted rock and hard pan soil, especially when using specialty equipment.
Keep points & blades on hand
Some projects require operators to dig through multiple soil types. In these types of situations, or when operators want to
Choose the best points and blades for each soil type
move between projects more easily, it’s sometimes easier to keep both the standard and carbide points and blades on hand. In situations where the soil changes mid-project, switching to a more appropriate point and blade helps prolong the work life of both the blade and auger.
The key to choosing the best points and blades for a specific auger is to double check these parts are the right type and size. The width of a point or blade is based on the size of the auger it’s attached to. For example, a four-inch blade won’t fit on a 10-inch-diameter auger and vice
versa. Choosing the right points and blades for each project doesn’t just rely on knowing the soil conditions but knowing the type of auger that will be used, as well.
Choose the right points & blades
Points and blades aren’t just another piece of equipment to cross off the checklist. To make sure hole drilling projects succeed, work with an earth drill manufacturer to choose the best points and blades for any soil type.
Joe Haynes is president of Little Beaver.
OUT FRONT DECKS
Earn profit with versatility in earth drilling
Four ways contractors can accessorize earth drills for new applications
By Joe Haynes
The Swiss Army was on to something in the late 1800s when they had a manufacturer design a knife capable of opening canned food and disassembling the army’s service rifles. Loaded with a blade, reamer, can opener and screwdriver, the knife became a worldwide symbol for versatility.
Contractors should think of their earth drill as the next Swiss Army knife. With the right accessories, earth drills break into new applications, such as horizontal boring and foundation repairs. A simple kit or attachment is a small investment for the ability to offer an entirely new service to customers. Consider these four earth drill accessories to expand business and increase profits.
Bore horizontally, profit vertically Turn the familiar “drill down” mantra sideways with horizontal boring.
Horizontal boring attachments allow contractors to complete a variety of jobs, including conduit, pipe, cable and irrigation installments.
Typically, a manufacturer offers two types of kits: one for dry drilling and one for wet drilling. A dry auger kit bores to lengths of four feet and is best suited for smaller projects, such as boring under sidewalks. Larger projects, like boring under streets or driveways, require the use of wet drilling kits, which bore as far as 30 feet. Wet drilling involves connecting a water hose and water swivel to the drill bit to flush out the borehole.
If you already own a mechanical earth drill, these kits are a cost-effective addition, averaging about $275 US for a wet auger kit or $350 US for a dry auger kit. When it comes to ROI, reduced labour costs make the initial equipment investment worth every penny. For example, a wet drilling kit takes less than 30 minutes
to drill under a 30-foot driveway while manually using a sledgehammer to force the pipe through the ground may take hours. Time is even saved on smaller projects, such as boring under sidewalks, as dry auger kits bore four feet in less than a minute.
Bells and buckets
Contractors have heard of selecting a machine with all the bells and whistles, but what about one with all the bells and buckets? For tapping into the foundation repair market, consider a bucket auger or bell tool. These tools perform home and light commercial building projects, such as drilling holes for concrete piers.
Bucket augers work well in soft soils and reduce side friction to allow for drilling deeper holes. These tools average around $200 US. Bell tools are used after the hole is drilled to ream out the bottom into a bell shape. The bell shape reduces frost heaving
Landscaper dig fence post holes for the installation of a fence on a residential property.
and offers additional support when anchoring the pier as opposed to push piers, which are straight columns. Bell tools cost about $1,500 US, which is a relatively inexpensive investment considering it prevents thousands of dollars of expenses if a foundation sinks.
Do more than drill holes
Get creative with an earth drill and consider using it for anchoring projects. Some manufacturers offer a variety of attachments for mobile home, utility or even tent anchoring.
Mobile home anchors make securing mobile homes fast and easy. While traditional methods involve using an expensive and slow pipe thread machine, an earth drill with an anchoring attachment takes several hours off the project. Some manufacturers’ earth drills install each anchor in less than a couple of minutes and can complete an entire home in as little as 90 minutes.
Installing utility anchors is also faster with an earth drill. For example, an earth drill installs each anchor in a power utility tower anchoring system in about a minute. Only one person is required for the job, which cuts labour costs.
Often, outdoor celebrations involve
renting large tents to shelter guests in case of unfavourable weather conditions. Setting up these tents has the potential to become a lucrative business opportunity for landscape contractors or rental centres. For these projects, consider purchasing an attachment to anchor the tents. This involves an initial investment of $1,200 US to $1,300 US for the anchoring attachment, but it expands a contractor’s service offerings and cuts back on costs associated with manual labour. These types of attachments pair with hydraulic earth drills and drive tent anchors in and out of the ground within seconds as opposed to manually hammering in tent stakes. After all, there’s a party to get to!
Auger adapters
Ideally, a contractor purchases an earth drill from a manufacturer that offers a wide range of augers and accessories. However, for those who already made a sizable investment in a brand without these benefits, consider purchasing an adapter. Some manufacturers design adapters that easily make other brands compatible with their accessories. This way the contractor gets the perks of the accessories without having to immediately invest in an entirely new drill.
Sure, it may not fit in a pocket, but given the right accessories, an earth drill can be just as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. Even a small investment in a couple of accessories expands a contractor’s service offerings. Keep this in mind when looking for new ways to maximize an earth drill’s profit potential.
Joe Haynes is president of Little Beaver.
Attachments to earth drills can offer new services to landscaping customers.
Solving conflict without getting in the middle
Who’s job is it to solve a problem between employees?
By Turf & Rec staff
One of your employees is butting heads with a colleague, and they’ve come to you for help solving the problem.
This is what you hear: “I can’t talk to So-and-So about this; they’d blow up and make my life miserable,” or, “I tried to smooth this over, but it didn’t work,” or, “You’re our leader; can’t you help?” All of these complaints are typically accompanied by the disclaimer, “Don’t tell anyone I talked to you about this!”
If just reading this gives you a sinking feeling, you’re not alone. Few leaders relish the task of refereeing between team
members. But business and workforce management expert Jo Anne Preston says managing employee conflict comes with the territory.
“When people with different personalities, priorities, work habits, and communication styles work together, conflict
is inevitable,” says Preston, author of Lead the Way in Five Minutes a Day: Sparking High Performance in Yourself and Your Team. “What shouldn’t be inevitable is you, the leader, being in the middle of every disagreement. Leaders need to learn how to empower employees to resolve these conflicts independently.”
Yes, certain situations necessitate a leader’s involvement – for instance, when a standard of behaviour has been violated or when emotions are dangerously high. But be careful. If you play referee (or saviour, or disciplinarian, or confidante) too often, team dynamics like communication, trust, and morale will be negatively impacted. Your involvement may even make things worse if you’re seen as taking sides or overreacting.
Few leaders relish the task of refereeing between team members. But there are other ways to resolve on-the-job conflict.
“I’m not saying you should refuse to help when employees are struggling, but in most instances, your help should come in the form of coaching and support,” explains Preston. “Your goal is to facilitate discussion, clarify boundaries, and ensure that the conversation remains civil and respectful. While this might be uncomfortable for all parties – at least initially – the result is worth the work. Conflict that is transformed through honest and safe dialogue, that you as a leader can foster, will create a trusting team that performs.”
Here are seven ways to stay out of the fray the next time conflict is brewing: Take a look in the mirror: Why does this keep happening? Ask yourself: What am I getting out of this “being in the middle” position? (Feeling needed? Avoiding a difficult conversation myself?) What role am I playing in this drama? (Saviour?) Have I fully accepted my leader role, or do I feel torn between being a part of the team and being a leader? (Feeling rejected?)
Listen to both sides. By giving only one employee your ear, you unintentionally give that employee the advantage. Remember that there are two equally legitimate sides to each story. You almost certainly are not getting the full picture from an employee who has a grievance.
“When a conversation goes down this road, bring the other person into the discussion immediately,” advises Preston. “Despite our intentions, we can often be easily swayed by whoever’s opinion we hear first.”
Know the difference between “venting” and “gossip.” Venting about the frustrations of a busy day is one thing. But a complaint session dedicated to griping about a co-worker? That’s gossip and should be nipped in the bud.
“Allowing a team member to gossip implies that you think gossip is OK,” says Preston. “It’s not. Not only is gossip unproductive, it usually exacerbates existing issues, breaks down trust, and contributes to team dysfunction. When
If you play referee too often, team dynamics like communication and morale will be negatively impacted
The Power Spur is a mid-mount power rake designed to couple between your loader and an attachment. It works in line with most attachments providing unlimited creativity for teams that proudly shape the landscape.
Equipped with the same aggressive rotor as our RotoRake, the Power Spur is more than a power rake. The carbide tips are designed to pass closely to the AR400 ledger, providing mulching, pulverizing, and shredding performance.
Contact Reist Industries or your local dealer for more information.
The Power Spur can be used on its own, with an attachment, or the optional gauge wheel.
someone is venting to you about a co-worker, suggest that the employee shift into problem-solving mode to turn it into a discussion that can get results.”
Be prepared to help employees develop conflict management skills. It’s not enough to tell employees, “Talk to the person yourself.” This might take the burden off your shoulders in the short term, but it isn’t going to solve anything if your employee isn’t sure how to proceed.
“Consider how hard it is for most of us to have difficult conversations even with training!” urges Preston. “We must teach people the skills they need to have difficult conversations and provide plenty of support before and after. This might include clarifying an employee’s understanding of what a colleague’s duties actually are, brainstorming possible solutions, providing sample scripts, and reviewing what language is likely to escalate or de-escalate the situation.”
Resist the urge to “collude” with the complainer. Maybe the complainer is your friend, or perhaps you even agree with them. That’s all the more reason to set clear boundaries and avoid taking sides, says Preston.
“Encouraging trust and a level playing field is crucial if you truly want employees to manage their own conflict,” she notes. “Remember, even if your words are impartial, you won’t have credibility if your body language doesn’t match. Pay attention to your tone of voice and to nonverbal cues like eyebrow raises, shrugs, head shakes, and ‘knowing’ looks that might imply an unspoken agreement.”
Increase your presence. Sometimes we are so focused on our work that we miss our team’s interactions with one another. Pay attention to workplace dynamics.
Reinforce the behaviours you want to see and coach your employees to do the same. Make it your goal to catch all job performance issues early on so your employees don’t have to be the ones to inform you when there is a concern brewing.
“Leaders can often prevent conflict from cropping up in the first place if they notice the warning signs,” notes Preston. “It’s much easier to address a potentially problematic behaviour, bad habit, or performance issue one-on-one with an employee before it begins to affect others.”
Discuss your expectations with the whole team. Let them know up front that you don’t intend to be the default workplace referee, but you are available to help them sort out conflicts. Preston suggests offering coaching to employees who want to reconcile with their co-workers but don’t know how, setting up a meeting with both
parties to facilitate a discussion, and helping them create a workable solution.
“By supporting your employees while they take the lead, you are encouraging teamwork and cooperation, not to mention subtly reminding them that they are all equally important,” she points out.
“But one thing is crucial – do not let employees come to you with problems they don’t intend to follow through on.”
“As leader, your commitment doesn’t apply to one employee over another. Helping team members navigate conflict while taking a step back yourself can be tricky, but it is vital to maintaining trust and morale in your workplace. Best of all, when employees learn to navigate disagreements and advocate for themselves, they’ll be developing skills that will facilitate innovation and collaboration in the future.”
‘Encouraging trust and a level playing field is crucial if you truly want employees to manage their own conflict’
Workers must get along to be productive. Leaders must learn how to empower employees to resolve conflicts independently.
Landscape supplier golf event raises $22,000 for charity
A full field of golfers turned out in September to the Thundering Waters Golf Club in Niagara Falls to help raise funds for a charity that promotes the attributes of outdoor recreation.
The SiteOne Landscape Supply-led tournament raised about $22,000 for the charity, topping last year’s proceeds by $6,000.
The tournament’s benefactor was the Come Alive Outside charity. Among the golfers were business partners of SiteOne and several industry suppliers, and landscape and lawn care professionals.
Come Alive Outside was founded in 2014 and is a non-profit charity that works closely with partners in health care, public
health, outdoor recreation and the landscape profession to connect individuals and families to the health and wellness benefits of outdoor spaces where they live, work and play. Its mission is to inspire collaborative community systems that create the awareness, intention and opportunity for people to live healthier lives outside.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, children spent more than seven hours daily looking at screens and only half the time that they spent outside in 1980. The numbers are worse yet among adults. The increased screen time has had a detrimental effect on people’s mental and physical well being. COVID and the resulting economic
recession have negatively affected people’s health and have created a further strain on those already suffering from mental illness and chronic health issues.
Studies have shown that being active outdoors and connecting to nature improves both mental and physical health.
Michael Rohsler of SiteOne Landscape Supply follows through on a tee shot during SiteOne’s fundraising golf tournament at Thundering Waters Golf Club. He was part of a SiteOne/Nutrite foursome.
Health & Safety
By CCOHS
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes the total well being of workers in Canada by providing information, training, education, systems and solutions that support health and safety programs and injury and illness prevention. www.ccohs.ca
Keeping workers safe when they’re alone at a job site
Do you or any of your employees work alone? Whether it’s for a full shift or for any length of time, working alone can increase the risk to a person’s safety and well-being. The extent of the risk depends on the circumstances of the situation, like the location, type of work, interaction with the public, or the consequences of an emergency, incident, or injury.
Lone work environments
A person is “alone” at work when they are on their own, or when they cannot be seen or heard by another person. Working alone or in isolation happens in environments where assistance isn’t readily available to the worker in case of emergency, or if the worker becomes injured or ill.
Some workers may only be alone for short periods of time. However, others might spend their entire shift working alone.
While it isn’t always hazardous to work alone, it is essential to assess each situation and take precautions to keep lone workers safe.
Identify and assess hazards
Identify any hazards associated with the job and assess the risks to the worker. Factor in where the work is happening, the nature of the work, and the amount of time the worker will be alone. Be aware of any legal
restrictions as some jurisdictions have specific laws in place concerning working alone.
You should also identify any situations that may involve high-risk activities. Using hazardous equipment or tools can be particularly risky. Do workers work with trimmers, rotating equipment, or electrical tools? Are they exposed to hazardous products, chemicals or pesticides? Is there a possibility of violent interactions with the public?
Additional hazards for outdoor workers may include exposure to dangerous plants such as poison ivy, insect bites and stings that can transmit disease and infection, encounters with unfriendly domestic or wild animals, and severe weather conditions.
It is also important to consider communication options for lone workers during the hazard assessment. Do they have reception in the locations where they’re working? Can they hear a radio or cell phone over other tasks they are completing? This review will help when creating a check-in procedure.
Lastly, make sure to document any situations or incidents that could reasonably arise while the worker is doing his or her job, being sure to consider any previous incidents that have occurred. Pay special consideration to whether the worker was alone or not, and how working in isolation may increase the severity of the inci-
Workers need to know their safety is a top priority
dent. Involve workers in the risk assessment process as they know their jobs best.
Establish safe work procedures and provide training
Clear and communicated written safe work procedures can help create a safe work environment. These procedures typically outline protective measures to control potential hazards and provide workers with the steps to follow in an emergency. The procedures must include information on the appropriate personal protective equipment, regular rest breaks, insect repellent or protective clothing, and what to do in the event of potentially severe weather conditions.
Having a specific workplace policy and procedure for working alone may also be beneficial. This policy could include arranging staff schedules to prevent workers from being their own, modifying work practices, and scheduling higher-risk activities when others are present and able to assist.
For workers whose job is
solitary by nature, check-ins should be a part of their safe work procedures. Establish check-ins where workers communicate with a supervisor or colleague at regular, predetermined intervals to ensure their safety, and the procedure to follow if they miss their checkin. Review the communication options available and make sure workers are provided with a cell phone or radio while working in remote locations. Consider options to provide a person-down alarm or monitor that alerts their supervisor of an issue.
Once the policy and procedures are in place, you must communicate them and provide training to everyone affected. Include training on how to identify hazards, follow safe work and check-in procedures, perform tasks safely, and report unsafe work situations. Workers should also be trained on the safe operation of any machinery, equipment, and tools, as well as any communication requirements and how (or who) to call for help if needed.
Make continuous improvements
Be sure to get regular input from your workers, especially those working alone, about the work they do and solutions for addressing hazards. Collect as much information as possible and learn from any incidents that have or could happen with the work you do.
Workers need to know their safety is a top priority.
