ALCA January/February 2025

The

ALCA

A R I Z O N A L A N D S C A P E C O N T R AC T O R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

INFLUENCE

January/February 2025

A Blueprint for Organizational and Personal Growth COVER PHOTO: BY N.R. DESIGN+BUILD

DID YOU KNOW THERE’S A DIFFERENCE IN PALO VERDE TREES? OUR EXCLUSIVE ‘SONORAN EMERALD’

ARIZONA’S SIGNATURE TREE

INNOVATION FROM THE GROUND UP

The Parkinsonia or Cercidium is

Our breakthrough: grafting exclusively

commonly known as the ‘Palo Verde’.

on ‘Parkinsonia X parkinsonia’ rootstock.

The most popular hybrid is the

A more time-consuming and costly

‘Desert Museum.’ Since there has been

process, but one that ensures consistency.

no authentication in its hybridization,

STRONG TREES. HAPPY CLIENTS.

every nursery makes their own hybrid.

Picture a world without noisy clean-ups,

Unfortunately, that means you don’t

costly replacements, or client embarrass-

really know what you’re getting with

ment. You’re not just planting a tree;

‘Desert Museum.’ Inconsistency abounds.

you’re cultivating trust.

WE MADE A SUPERIOR TREE

CONTACT OUR SALES EXPERTS

Presenting our exclusive ‘Sonoran

Large trees in stock, ready for planting.

Emerald’ hybrid. Crafted in our

Choose from 25-gallon pots or 36”

Innovation Lab. Field-tested. Embraced

wooden crates. Two locations to serve

by discerning landscapers.

you. Phoenix: 623-581-3100 or Cave Creek:

DESERT MUSEUM VS SONORAN EMERALD

480-488-1968

Retaining all the beauty, without the drawbacks. Bid farewell to undesirable features of the Desert Museum: scarring, droppings, and limb breakage. Envision a lush tree with radiant green bark, virtually indestructible in strong Arizona winds – the “Sonoran Emerald.”

Plant obsessed and customer focused since 1982

~KURAPIA~ DROUghT TOLERAnT gROUnDCOVER SOD

Less water + less fertilizer = more $ in your pocket and a “greener grass” for the environment

• A turfgrass alternative changing the industry • No need to sacrifice lawns to save water on landscape

• Extreme salt tolerance

• Grows low to the ground rarely exceeding 1”

• Advanced striping ability

• Dark green year round, and if left un-mowed produces

• Shorter dormancy period • Versatile mowing heights

small white flowers May-November

QUALITY, VARIETY, SERVICE, SOD westcoastturf.com 888/893-8873

Ask us about other water saving turfgrasses

FREE!

*ALCA memebrs only

Diagnostic at our shop

New Customer Offer: (3) free oil changes at 1st service!

*ALCA memebrs only

Free pickup & delivery with every service

3832 E. Illini St Phoenix, AZ 85040

TABLE OF CONTENTS

January/February 2025

The

ALCA

A R I Z O N A L A N D S CA P E CO N T R AC T O R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

INFLUENCE

President’s Message.......................................................................................6 Sponsors..........................................................................................................7 Executive Director’s Message........................................................................8 New Members................................................................................................8 Feature: Strong Leadership and Positive Company Culture......................10 Feature: Safety First....................................................................................... 11 Calendar of Events....................................................................................... 11 2024 ALCAs Excellence Awards - DLC Resources, Inc............................. 12 2024 ALCAs Excellence Awards - DTR Landscape Development LLC....13 2024 ALCAs Excellence Awards Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management .................................... 14-15 2024 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Pascale Land Design..........................15 2024 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Wickenburg Landscape.....................16 2024 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors...................................16 ALCA Sponsor Profile: Vermeer Northwest and Vermeer Mountain West Merge.................................................................................17 ALCA Sponsor Profile: West Coast Turf/Western Sod..............................18 ALCA Sponsor Profile: South Coast Wholesale.........................................19 ALCA Sponsor Profile: All Season Wholesale Growers .......................... 20 ALCA Membership Application................................................................... 21 Resource Guide/Ad Index..........................................................................22

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Nickie Velten DTR Landscape Development, LLC

Vice President Secretary

Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association

Beth Postma All Season Wholesale Growers

Arizona Certified Nursery Certifiable to ship out-of-state Contract Growing for Large Projects SALES:

Hunter Hawkins 602.625.1566 hunter@westerntree.com

Mo Ibarra 602.763.8004 mo@westerntree.com

Eric Johnson 602.738.8733 ej@westerntree.com

Office 602.243.6125 • Fax 602.243.3764 3401 E. Southern Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040

www.westerntree.com

Association Outsource Services, Inc. (916) 961-9999 www.aosinc.biz

Printing

Treasurer

24” Box up to 48” Box

PUBLICATION Advertising

Warren Runcorn ABC Scapes Inc Kim Kleski Kleski & Associates

GROWING NATIVE DESERT TREES & ORNAMENTAL SHADE TREES

Diversified Print Solutions 5425 E Bell Road, Suite 105 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Phone: 602-626-7091 www.ALCA.org

Executive Director Linda Turnage

Linda@ALCA.org

The ALCA Influence is the official publication of the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association. ALCA and The ALCA Influence assume no responsibility for the statements or opinions appearing in articles under an author’s name. The services of an attorney or accountant should be sought in legal and tax matters. For editorial information, contact the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association, 5425 E. Bell Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254; telephone (602) 626-7091 e-mail linda@ALCA.org.

The Participant hereby irrevocably grants the Company permission to use the Participant’s voice, image and likeness in any photograph, video, internet site, audio-recording, and in any and all of its publications, including website entries (collectively “Promotional Materials”) without payment or any other consideration.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

TREMENDOUS CHANGES AND OPPORTUNITIES This past year has been one of tremendous changes and opportunities.

It is my great pleasure to introduce the 2025 ALCA Board of Directors: Not only did we work with an entirely new staff at ALCA, but we also • President: Nickie Velten set ourselves the ambitious goal of overhauling all of our systems before • Vice President: Warren Runcorn the end of the first quarter in 2025.

• Treasurer: Beth Postma I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of the • Secretary: Kim Kleski ALCA team in reaching this milestone. Taking on new roles, navigating • Director of Government Affairs: Matthew Johnson the complexities of our industry, and simultaneously implementing systems • Director of Community Projects: Bob Franchetto designed to optimize the association—it’s been • Director of Programs: Maggie Saulsby no small feat. But I’m pleased to say that our • Director of Education: Kasey Billingsley staff not only met these challenges head-on, but • Members-at-Large: Tanner Spross and Jonathan Tellez they did so with impressive speed and success.

I’m excited to continue working alongside these talented individuals It’s been inspiring to witness how the ALCA as we move forward into 2025 and beyond. Together, we will ensure that staff have come together, working in unison with ALCA remains a strong and forward-thinking association, ready to meet our Board of Directors to pursue our shared the challenges of tomorrow. vision. One of the most important goals we set was planning for the future. Given the remarkable growth we’ve experienced as an association, it became clear that we needed a strategy to Nickie Velten 2024 ALCA President ensure we could continue to grow while meeting the demands of our future members. This vision took shape during our first-ever Strategic Planning Meeting.

We were fortunate to have Michael Barrett, one of the world’s Top 40 Master Facilitators, lead us through this transformative process. Over the course of two days, our Board of Directors engaged in deep collaboration, team building, and opened discussions to shape the roadmap for ALCA’s next three years. Together, we identified key strategies in education, membership, operations, and outreach. The outcome of that meeting has us all excited for what’s to come.

I would like to recognize the outstanding members of the 2024 Board of Directors for their hard work and dedication throughout this process.

Their collaboration and commitment have been invaluable, and I want to thank each one of them for their dedication to ALCA’s success.

I would also like to thank all of our ALCA 2024 Platinum sponsors.

Your continued support and commitment are vital to the success of our organization and its initiatives. We truly appreciate your partnership and look forward to achieving even greater milestones together in the coming year.

• All Season Wholesale Growers • Arizona CLA LLC • Arizona Turf Masters • Belgard / Superlite Block • Civano Growers • Cutting Edge Curbing Sand and Rock • Desert Tree Farm • Enterprise Fleet Management • Evergreen Turf, Inc. rob@aridsolutionsnursery.com • Ewing Outdoor Supply • Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety 3815 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040 • Horizon Distributors, Inc. • Hunter Industries • LeBaron and Carroll, LLC • Rain Bird Corporation • SiteOne Landscape Supply • South Coast Wholesale • The Synthetic Grass Store • Vermeer Mountain West • West Coast Turf

602-437-5194

“Your success is our success” 1 gallon thru 36 inch box www.aridsolutionsnursery.com

6

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ALCA SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS All Season Wholesale Growers Arizona CLA LLC Belgard/Superlite Block an Oldcastle Co Civano Growers Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock – a SiteOne Landscape Supply Company Desert Tree Farm

Enterprise Fleet Management Evergreen Turf Ewing Outdoor Supply Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety Horizon Distributors Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire LeBaron & Carroll

Rain Bird Corporation SiteOne Landscape Supply South Coast Wholesale The Synthetic Grass Store/ Arizona Turf Masters Vermeer Mountain West West Coast Turf

JOIN OUR TEAM TO VOLUNTEER Arizona Landscape Contractor’s Association 5425 E Bell Road, Suite 105 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 www.ALCA.org | 602-626-7091

Cut Costs and Time Without Cutting Hardscape Designed for Hunter ICC2 and HCC Controllers, the innovative Wireless Valve Link lets you connect valves without running wire or cutting into hardscape. When complex landscapes pose a challenge, go wireless!

To learn more, visit hunter.info/WVL.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation® Learn more. Visit hunterindustries.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

ALCA’S PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE As ALCA celebrated its 48th Awards Gala on November 23, 2024, we gathered to honor Arizona’s top landscaping contractors and designers for their exceptional achievements while celebrating ALCA’s rich past, dynamic present, and promising future.

Founded in 1963 and incorporated in 1985, ALCA’s mission had always been to provide education and government representation.

These efforts enhanced the professionalism of our members and elevated the public’s perception of landscape contractors and the Green Industry as a whole.

For the past twenty-three years, ALCA had the pleasure of being led by Judy Gausman, who served as CEO. Judy’s leadership transformed the association from a small team with a handful of members into the thriving organization it is today.

Currently, ALCA has a network of over 420 landscape professionals and affiliated companies, representing approximately 26,000 workers. We are deeply grateful for the support of all our members—contractors, associates, Linda Turnage affiliates, and beyond.

Executive Director Their unwavering commitment has made ALCA an association we could all be proud of. Notably, ALCA was recently ranked #11 in the Phoenix Business Journal’s list of the largest Phoenix-area trade associations.

When I assumed the privilege of leading this association, my primary goal was TRANSFORMATION. This journey began with a complete rebrand, including a new logo that enhances ALCA’s industry positioning. The new logo signals adaptability and innovation, representing the natural desert landscape above and the act of a shovel penetrating the earth below—a tribute to the duality of landscape work, where existing elements are transformed into something new and beautiful.

With great pride, I presented ALCA’s new logo at the gala. As a special part of this reveal, we gave each attendee branded ALCA gifts featuring the new design.

Following the logo redesign, the next step was creating a brand-new website to prioritize visual appeal and user experience. Collaborating with one of Arizona’s top website design firms, we developed a platform to better serve our members for years to come. We shared a sneak peek of the website at the gala, which is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025.

8

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

To further enhance the member experience, we implemented new platforms and tools. We onboarded an Association Management platform to help streamline membership tracking and provided robust features such as an online job board with salary estimators, career advice, resume reviews, and a searchable resume database.

Additionally, our new Learning Management System (LMS) will offer a user-friendly platform for landscape contractors to enroll themselves and their employees in our Certification and Training Programs. This advanced system equipped landscape professionals with the resources and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality, sustainable landscaping services and advance their careers.

The ALCA team also underwent a remarkable transformation. Frances Craik, our Education Coordinator, had recently celebrated her first year with the association, and Adrianna Canabal, our Administrative Assistant, is set to mark her one-year anniversary in February 2025. Their contributions have been invaluable in supporting ALCA’s growth and evolution.

As we reflected on this journey, I’m proud to present a TRANSFORMED association.

Thank you for being an integral part of ALCA’s success and for joining us in this celebration.

Together, we look forward to a bright and innovative future!

NEW MEMBERS Bobby B’s Landscape

Bobby Bolger bobbybazlandscaping@gmail.com Contractor Class 1

Empower Work Comp Solutions

Liz Mendivil liz@empowerworkcomp.com We are a unique service-oriented company dedicated to equipping our clients with essential resources, empowering them to navigate the worker's compensation process effectively. We place strong emphasis on ethical practices and highly value collaboration and creativity.

Associate Class 1

Fairco Inc.

West Tunnell west@fairco.ca Since 1978, we here at Fairco have been working with land developers, home builders and other partners to transform bland outdoor areas into beautiful and functional community spaces.

Contractor Class 4

BLACK DIAMOND • Available in Black or Bronze Finishes • Brass Construction • Full Range of Fixtures for a Cohesive Design

• Order with or without a Lamp • Budget-Conscious Line

RIVER ROCK

DECOMPOSED GRANITE

GROUND COVER

SURFACE BOULDERS

RIP RAP

HUGE SELECTION of boulders and decorative rock

WE DELIVER STATEWIDE PRESCOTT

560 EZ St. Prescott, AZ 86301

PHOENIX

2815 E. Rose Garden Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85050

QUEEN CREEK

DEWEY

(928) 776-2999

(602) 569-8722

(480) 888-0487

(928) 632-5320

1566 W. Ocotillo Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

REQUEST A QUOTE AT

14900 Hwy. 169 Dewey, AZ 86327

mdirock.com

Horizon is your #1 source for irrigation and landscape supplies.

Irrigation & Drainage products, training & accessories Outdoor Living Products including landscape lighting, synthetic turf, pavers & outdoor kitchens Landscape & Agronomic products & training

Gas & Battery Power Equipment, including parts & service

Nosotros hablamos Español

Get A Lot More Done, In A Lot Less Time With HorizonOnline

Secure online ordering and account management has never been easier.

Also available as an app! Search “HorizonOnline”.

800.PVC.TURF | HorizonOnline.com

FEATURE

STRONG LEADERSHIP AND POSITIVE COMPANY CULTURE

By: Frances Craik, ALCA

Shannon Scott, Director of Education, AAA Landscaping Ruben Arrieta, Director of Landscape Management, AAA Landscaping Jackson O’Neill, Founder, Dawn till Dusk Landscaping Cameron Chandler, Owner, GPM Landscape Jason Drain, Santa Rita Landscaping

roles, and giving them the tools they need to lead effectively. I also trust their judgment and make sure they feel valued and appreciated.

What are rituals/routines you practice to inspire a positive and safe company culture?

JO: We start each week with a short team

meeting that includes motivational messages, safety reminders, and weekly plans. Regular The landscaping industry is very dynamic. training sessions and celebrating team wins also Its numerous career opportunities, including help keep morale high. sales, project management, maintenance, and SS: Morning stretch and flex exercises to provides a pathway for continued education and prepare for physical activity is a proven accident personal growth. Working in this field, often prevention routine; everyone participates every in challenging outdoor conditions with both day. Automated employee review notifications people and plants, requires a strong work ethic from HR software keeps 90 day and annual and a keen attention to detail. The demanding reviews on time. Supervisors are very busy, so this nature of the industry must be balanced with a ensures the employees feel respected by getting meaningful work environment and a positive reviewed on time. All messages of appreciation company culture to prevent burnout and main- from clients and homeowners for responsivetain high morale. To highlight the efforts of ness, problem resolution, and great work are those who I’ve witnessed empower their teams, immediately emailed company wide. Everyone is I interviewed them to gain insight into their encouraged to recognize any kind act of another company culture. I hope their experiences will employee or anyone that goes out of their way inspire you to go the extra mile to support and to help a co-worker. acknowledge your employees’ hard work and RA: Constant communication, celebrating dedication to the industry. positive contributions, and situations. On the Share a bit about your experience as flip side we must review and learn from negative, a leader and how it has changed over unproductive, and dangerous situations. This can time. be accomplished by daily interaction from crew, Jackson O’Neill (JO): As my business managers, and owners. has grown, I’ve had to shift from being handson with every task to trusting and empowering my team to handle day-to-day responsibilities.

I focus more on training, communication, and setting clear goals to support everyone’s success.

Ruben Arrieta (RA): Leadership has evolved from learning how to complete assigned tasks as a crew member to assigning tasks for crew members, crew leads, and supervisors.

How do you empower your crew leaders?

Shannon Scott (SS): In the earlier years,

the focus was on hiring and motivating strong teams to show up every day and take pride in their work. It wasn’t about simply saying “do this because I said so”; it was about explaining why we do things the way we do, why efficiency matters, and the positive outcomes of doing things properly and thoroughly. Once you convince a core group of people that they are part of something bigger than themselves and they embrace the bigger picture, you’ve created the next generation of leaders who will inspire new team members to feel proud to be part of a great team.

JO: I empower them by providing training, encouraging them to take ownership of their 10

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

How can other companies improve their culture?

SS: It starts with recognizing the value

of people and loving them as family. Show gratitude. Acknowledge everyone’s successes.

Appreciate everyone’s differences. Be transparent with company goals and successes. Invite people to share ideas about how to make the company better. Stress the importance of learning and offer education. Show continuous concern for safety and address safety deficiencies. Provide good quality tools. Drug test everyone. Zero tolerance for bad attitudes, poor attendance, and safety violations. Trust everyone until they show they don’t deserve it. Continuously ask people how you or the company can help them. Make sure they are having fun in what they do or ask if there is another career possibility for them that they would like to pursue within the company.

Pray for them and their families.

RA: Accountability, communication, open 2-way dialogue is key. Appreciating and valuing what each individual brings to the table and empowering them to use this will create a positive result. Culture change is not something which is easily done but rather a long-term commitment from owners, managers and all those which contribute to the enterprise.

JO: Start by listening to your team and showing them respect. Create clear communication channels, invest in training, and lead by example. Recognize hard work and make safety and positivity a priority. Do more for them without being asked before you expect them to do more for you without being asked. In this day and age people need a purpose and incentive to work.

FEATURE

SAFETY FIRST

By Steve Hickman, Account Manager at Landtamers Landscaping, Tucson, AZ

My Name is Steve Hickman, and I am the Senior Account Manager at Landtamers Landscaping. I have had the privilege of working with the company for over 10 years, starting as a laborer and working my way up the ranks. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to watch our company grow into what it is today, and I’m proud of the incredible team we have. At Landtamers, we treat our employees like family, and their safety has always been a top priority. Our goal is simple: for everyone to work a full day and return home safely to their families.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) starts at the management level.

All managers are required to wear safety vests while on the job site, setting the standard for the rest of the team. We also keep backup PPE in our trucks, ensuring that employees have access to the equipment they need if something is missing, such as eye protection, during a property check.

In my experience, leading by example and being prepared are the most important steps in ensuring safety.

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed various incidents, including the loss of appendages, bee attacks, snake bites, dehydration, and other medical emergencies. However, over time, I’ve noticed that these types of accidents have become less frequent. We use each of these incidents as a training opportunity to ensure that they don't happen again. Avoiding or "sweeping things under the rug" does not benefit the team in the long run.

Every morning, our crew performs a 360-degree check of the trucks, tools, and trailers. Managers walk the fleet to help assess the crews, and each crew member is checked for PPE by the crew foreman. Before the truck leaves for the day, the manager conducts one final check.

For years, we’ve held a 15-minute safety and training meeting each morning to kick off the day. Our meetings have evolved over time from a small round table in the office to large stadium bleachers set up in the yard. We use a big TV screen for visual lessons, often screen-mirroring our phones to show photos. Initially, only the foremen were required to attend these meetings. However, over the last two years, we’ve made it

mandatory for the entire team to attend. Since then, we’ve introduced competitions to encourage crew members to stay vigilant with PPE and 360-degree checks.

Time management is crucial when coordinating 60 employees. To ensure the meeting runs smoothly, leadership prepares in advance, carefully managing the time to keep it between 5-10 minutes. We stick to the agenda and keep discussions focused. I always anticipate a few questions, and writing down the meeting topics helps the speaker stay on track and maintain their flow. Public speaking can be challenging, especially at first.

I used to get nervous with just 10 people in the room, but over time, it’s become a natural part of growing as a leader.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is getting to know my team and understanding their different learning styles. Some of our workers are more visual and hands-on, so we’ve tailored our meetings to incorporate more visual training, which has been highly successful.

We also implemented machinery training during these sessions. Every Wednesday, we focus on one piece of equipment and run through it with the team. This ensures our crews are not only safe but also mindful of how they operate around our customers. Our work often involves walkways, playgrounds, and pools, and the equipment we use can be dangerous when not handled properly in public spaces.

This year, we’re excited to host our first-ever “Safety Rodeo” at our new yard. We’ve created fun stations, each focusing on different safety aspects of our field. To keep things interesting, I even bought a plastic rattlesnake to throw in a pile of debris! It’s a way to combine serious safety discussions with some lighthearted fun. Of course, there will also be hot dogs on the grill to make the event even more enjoyable.

My advice to other companies looking to take safety seriously is simple: Don’t be afraid to speak up when you notice something that could pose a risk. For example, stopping the whole fleet at the beginning of the day because a trailer hitch is missing its pin is not a waste of time. It might feel like an inconvenience, but it could prevent a serious accident. And, in the process, it provides a valuable learning opportunity for the crew.

2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

15 January Phoenix Member Mixer 23 ACLP Plant Identification – ALCA office or online 25 ACLP Plant Identification – Tucson in Person 30 ACLP Soils and Fertilizer – ALCA office or online 31 SLM – Sustainable Landscape Management – ALCA office or online

6

6

ACLP Tree Planting & Staking – ALCA office or online 7 ACLP Tree Planting & Staking (Spanish) – ALCA office 22 ACLP Tree Planting & Staking – Tucson in Person 27 ACLP Irrigation – ALCA office or online 28 ACLP Irrigation (Spanish) – ALCA office

ACLP Turf Care & Installation – ALCA office or online 13 ACLP Annuals & Perennials – ALCA office or online 22 ACLP Annuals & Perennials – Tucson in Person 27 ACIT ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician – ALCA office or online (Day 1)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

11

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards DLC Resources, Inc.

Blackstone at Vistancia, Commercial Maintenance $100,000 - $300,000 Award of Distinction

Eastmark, Commercial Maintenance Over $1 Million, Judges Award

12

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Sponsored by:

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

DTR Landscape Development LLC - Photography by: Colgan Photographic

Sponsored by:

St. Anthonys Garden, Commercial Installation $100,000 - 300,000, Judges Award

Arizona State University Alumni Lawn, Commercial Installation $300,000 - 500,000, Award of Distinction

Sundance Park, Commercial Installation, Over $1 Million, Award of Distinction

Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School, Over $1 Million, Award of Distinction

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

13

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management

Sponsored by:

American Express Phoenix, Commercial Maintenance $300,000 - 500,000, Judges Award

Talking Stick Golf Club, Commercial Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

City North 1, Commercial Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Judges Award

Overture North Scottsdale, Commercial Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

14

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Sponsored by:

Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management

First Street Ballpark Village, Commercial Installation, Over $1 Million, Judges Award

CVS Shea, Commercial Installation, Over $1 Million, Judges Award

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Pascale Land Design

Sponsored by:

Paria Canyon, Residential Installation $50,000 - $100,000, Award of Distinction

Oregon Ave, Residential Installation $100,000 - $200,000, Judges Award

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

15

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Wickenburg Landscape

Sponsored by:

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors Doering Fleet Management

We take all the guesswork out of fleet management and put the power back into our clients’ hands. We’ve built a robust suite of fleet services for every aspect of fleet management, backed by a tenured team who genuinely care about clients and love what they do!

(262) 395-4700 www.doeringfleetmanagement.com

Evergreen Turf, Inc

Evergreen Turf has become the major sod provider not just for homeowners, and landscapers, but for Arizona’s demanding golf courses and sports facilities.

480-456-1199 www.evergreenturf.com

Global Machinery

Global Machinery was founded in Denver, Colorado with the primary focus of selling used construction equipment internationally.

Associates were established throughout the world to market quality used equipment and to provide service support to entry markets in South America and Southeast Asia.

(602) 698-5525 www.globalmachinery.com

Midway Chevrolet/Isuzu

Midway Commercial Truck and Fleet Outlet is dedicated to providing its customers with the finest new and used Chevrolet and Isuzu commercial trucks and commercial vans.

2201 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023 (833) 895-6832 www.midwaycommercial.com

Sun Country Truck Equipment

The Korn Residence, Residential Installation $50,000 $100,000, Judges Award

16

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

From landscape bodies and flatbeds to hitches and accessories, we provide the best in custom manufactured truck bodies and factory equipment in the Southwest. Whether you need a truck or van body, modification, or repair, Sun Country can provide you with the best setup available.

4245 E Superior Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 438-4956 www.suncountrytruck.com

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE VERMEER NORTHWEST

VERMEER NORTHWEST AND VERMEER MOUNTAIN WEST MERGE Vermeer Northwest and Vermeer Mountain West are joining forces!

At the end of 2022, Vermeer Northwest merged with and took the name of Vermeer Mountain West. Combining these two adjacent Vermeer dealership groups creates a contiguous network of 13 locations spanning much of the western United States. By joining forces, both dealership groups will bring equipment expertise and market knowledge to their combined region. Leadership from both dealership groups will continue to be engaged in the business.

In 1990, Doug and Jaci Terpstra left Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa, and founded Vermeer Northwest. Fourteen years later, Tim Weaver joined the business and eventually purchased the successful dealership from Doug, his father-in-law. Along with his veteran team of leaders, he continued to develop Vermeer Northwest’s rich 33-year legacy of customer service.

Through this merger, Tim has accepted the role of vice president of sales with direct oversight in leading commercialization efforts in the states of Washington and Alaska. Tim joins the senior leadership team of Vermeer Mountain West. He and his wife, Johanna, are also now significant shareholders in the Vermeer Mountain West organization.

Kyle Pieratt will continue to lead as the president and CEO of Vermeer Mountain West. Kyle shares, “We are excited to continue to build out the Vermeer Mountain West brand as we strive to deliver excellence for our customers. This merger continues to leverage our ability to scale customer service, inventories and long-term career pathing for our team members, in the fast paced and growing markets we serve. Similar to the customers and suppliers, competing at scale continues to be a vital part of sustainability well into the foreseeable future. We are committed to this journey with our customers and team members!”

Vermeer Mountain West will be headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.

There will also be branch locations in Tucson (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), Albuquerque (New Mexico), El Paso (Texas), Salt Lake City (Utah), Boise (Idaho), Billings (Montana), Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), Tacoma (Washington), Marysville (Washington) and Anchorage (Alaska).

About Vermeer Mountain West

Vermeer Mountain West carries a full line of Vermeer industrial equipment and has been a Vermeer dealer since 1989. They support Vermeer products with a dedicated, factory-trained sales staff, an extensive genuine parts inventory, experienced service technicians and top-notch service facilities. With over 33 years of experience supplying industrial equipment that can stand up to the most diverse and toughest working conditions, they are equipped to deliver the Vermeer brand promise. With conveniently located service centers and a fleet of fully equipped service trucks, Vermeer Mountain West can service equipment anywhere in the mountain west region. Their motto is “Our people make the impossible… possible!” They have built a lasting culture around the customer experience and customer service. To learn more about Vermeer Mountain West, visit www.vermeermountainwest.com.

About Vermeer

Vermeer delivers a real impact on the way important work gets done through the manufacture of high-quality underground construction, surface mining, tree care, environmental and agricultural equipment.

With a reputation for being built tough and built in a better way, Vermeer equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com.

Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.

Media Contact: John Kelley, Marketing Manager Vermeer Mountain West O: 253-536-7112 | john.kelley@vermeernw.com Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2024 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

17

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE

WEST COST TURF/WESTERN SOD

WEST COAST TURF/WESTERN SOD

Quality, Service, and the Newest State-of-the-Art Eco-Friendly Turfgrasses/Groundcover West Coast Turf/Western Sod (WCT/WS) is undoubtedly the most famous face in Arizona’s turfgrass industry. We offer top professional quality natural turfgrass and installation services to all of our customers, whether they are an ultra-particular golf course superintendent wanting perfection for members or a PGA Tour tournament, a landscape contractor wanting the best product at the best price, an MLB spring training facility needing top quality product, or a homeowner looking for the newest environmentally friendly lawn. We also offer same day pick-ups at our Scottsdale farm.

drought tolerance. It is the best grass in the NTEP study under deficit irrigation, fine texture, early spring green up, and ability to thrive from sports fields to home lawns. Keep your eye on this grass—its exceeding all expectations,” Danek explained.

“We’ve also expanded our inventory of St. Augustine, the new TifTuf, and our popular EZ-Turf,” Danek said. “And--BOBSod is still the homeowner ‘go to” grass. But the Tahoma 31, Platinum TE and Kurapia are the ones that everyone wants to know more about.”

The Latest State-of-the-Art Grasses, NEW super drought tolerant groundcover, and the “Good Ol’ Standby’s”

And Mr. Wise Grass—Our Sod Blog…….

Environmentally friendly turfgrasses are vital to the future of the industry, and one of our answers is the Platinum TE Paspalum. “I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and I haven’t seen a grass out there better for our desert,” Danek explained.

WCT/WC has recently introduced Kurapia sod—a drought tolerant natural groundcover. It creates highly unique and versatile landscape design. It requires less water, and maintenance than traditional turfgrasses.

It has the look of a lawn—it grows close to the ground and rarely exceeds 1” high. If left un-mowed, it produces small white sterile flowers, or they can be mowed off for a textured simple green look. It is found to be tolerant of saline, acidic, and basic soils, and grows best in full sun or partial shade.

“The market is certainly buzzing over Kurapia sod. It wasn’t available in sod form before but we’ve got it now. It is more costly than traditional turfgrass, but those who have tried it are loving it and using it on more projects after their first time. It is a pretty cool plant, and we’re excited to sell it, “said Danek.

Tahoma 31 bermuda is our newest addition and is quickly becoming an industry favorite. “Tahoma is by far the most drought tolerant bermuda we have ever seen. It also has incredible wear tolerance in addition to the 18

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Danek has been roped into his role as our resident “Mr. Wise Grass.”

His blog “Ask Mr. Wise Grass” (found at http://mrwisegrass.com ) offers turf advice, tips, insights, and answers. “I am passionate about grass, and I love helping people get their lawns in top condition,” Danek said. WCT/ WS offers virtual “Lunch and Learn” presentations for those wanting in on the latest detailed industry product information—just ask!

Contact West Coast Turf/Western Sod at 800/832-8873, online at www.wwestcoastturf.com, or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ westcoastturf. Life is short. Sod it!

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE SOUTH COAST WHOLESALE

ALCA SPONSOR PROFILE FOR SOUTH COAST WHOLESALE

Need A Date?®

South Coast Wholesale (SCW) is a leading supplier of high-quality DATE PALMS, FAN PALMS, MATURE OLIVE TREES & MORE. Based in California, SCW has been serving Arizona for 20 years. SCW owns its own fleet of trucks and ships weekly to Arizona.

South Coast Wholesale specializes in Phoenix canariensis - Canary Island Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera - True Date Palm, Olea europaea – European Olive Tree Washingtonia filifera – California Fan Palm, Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm & Washingtonia hybrid - ‘Filibusta’. SCW can also assist with tree salvage and relocation.

With an inventory of several thousand Medjool, Zahidi and Deglet Noor date palms, and several thousand fan palms, South Coast Wholesale can fill all orders; big or small.

In addition to Phoenix dactylifera Date Palms, Mature Olives, and Washingtonia Fan Palms, South Coast Wholesale also deals in Brahea armata – Mexican Blue Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis – Mediterranean Fan Palm, Cycas revoluta – Sago Palm, and more.

The team at South Coast Wholesale has been working together for over 20 years and is dedicated to providing high quality Palms & Trees.

SCW’s palms and trees can be seen throughout Arizona, and at many of the Las Vegas Casinos, including Wynn, Encore, Bellagio, Resorts World, Fontainebleau, Durango Resort, and Las Vegas Boulevard

South Coast Wholesale Offers....

• FAST Shipping • Knowledgeable Staff (ISA Certified Arborists, Certified Riggers & Operators) • Consulting Services and Tree Salvage/Relocation • Product Photos Available • Most Sizes and Quantities Available SCW proudly supports the ALCA and the ASLA For pictures, pricing, or more information, call 888-326-7256 or visit us online at www.southcoastwholesale.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

19

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE

ALL SEASON WHOLESALE GROWERS

ALL SEASON WHOLESALE GROWERS TURNS 20 THIS YEAR As a proud supporter of the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association since 2006, many of you already know Beth Postma and her business; All Season Wholesale Growers.

This year marks an amazing milestone, in May of 2025, they will celebrate their twentieth year in business. In the beginning, the nursery grew 20 different varieties of shrubs and a few trees in five gallons. In that span, they now encompass four acres with over 150 different shrubs and trees up to 25 gallon. They are proud to still have two of the original employees that started with the nursery in 2005. If you have been to the nursery, you notice how clean and organized everything is. All employees strive to be efficient and are highly focused on our customer service.

Beth Postma Wins the 2024 Arizona Landscape Contractors Association Lifetime Achievement Award

This year the nursery added a Salesperson, Eric Rodriguez, who brought with him retail nursery experience and has worked as a landscaper as well. His expertise and relationships formed with All Season Wholesale Growers’ customers have given the nursery a chance to expand and serve a wider range of clientele. Eric welcomes each one of you to reach out about current availability or to schedule a custom tour of the nursery.

If you have not been to the nursery lately, you are welcome to drop in.

The nursery is stuffed full of beautiful plants and trees, ready for pickups or delivery.

• Trees – currently have in stock more than 1,500 24” box/25 gallon trees in addition to a wide variety of trees in 15 gallon or 5 gallon.

• Shrubs and Vines – four acres of tropical, semi-tropical and low water use shrubs and vines ranging in 1 gallon – 15 gallon.

• Dedicated Staff – from hands-on ownership to the production/ • Accents – agaves, yuccas, desert spoons, cactus and various low water pulling crew, our main goal is your repeat business. We will do use, accent plants. everything we can to get your employees in and out quickly and to • Convenient Location – located on 32nd Street, just 2 miles south of provide professional horticultural knowledge in regards to all aspects Interstate 10 in South Phoenix. of your landscape projects.

• Winter Hours – Monday through Friday, 6:30 am – 3:00 pm • Clean and Oorganized – we pride ourselves on having a very neat • Delivery – orders larger than $500.00 can be delivered directly to and tidy nursery. Please stop in and see for yourself ! your job site.

In November, at the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association 2024 • Growing Technology – we use the latest horticultural practices to ensure you are purchasing a healthy tree or plant. From root pruning Gala, Beth Postma was awarded the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. tree containers to aggressive weed suppression, we want your plants What an incredible recognition for the nursery and owner celebrating the hard work and dedication to our industry for the last twenty years. to thrive, once planted on your jobsite.

20

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

ARIZONA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION 2025 EDUCATION AND TRAINING Gain the necessary credentials, skills, and knowledge to advance your career as a landscape professional!

3-Day Training Site Assessment - Maximizing Efficiency Troubleshooting & Repair - Controller Programming Valves - Sprinkler & Drip Demos - Water Audit Multimeter Practice - Ground Fault/Wire Locating WHERE ALCA Training Room, 5425 E Bell Rd. Ste 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 WHEN March 27 at 7:30am - 2:30pm, April 3 at 7:30am - 2:30pm, April 10 at 7:30am - 1pm COST $450 Members / $700 Non Members (lunch is provided) Students receive ACIT after participating in all 3 days and passing the ACIT Exam with 80% or higher. Must have passed ACLP Irrigation or have 2 years hands on irrigation tech experience to register. Proficient use of Multimeter is mandatory.

2-Wire Principles - Troubleshooting & Repair Hands-on Manufacture Demos - Ground Fault/Wire locating WHERE ALCA Trade Show WHEN Spring 2025, Date/Time TBD COST $220 Members / $320 Non Members Students receive Certificate of 2-Wire Competencies upon completion.

SLM® Certificate Program BEST PRACTICES: Design - Construction/Enhancements - Maintenance Create beautiful, ecological, and economical landscapes!

WHERE ALCA Training Room, or Online via Zoom WHEN 1/31/25, 4/14/25, and 9/19/25 COST $130 Members / $160 Non Members (SLM Book is included) Students receive SLM® Certificate upon passing exam with 80% or higher.

PMD Pre Certified Applicator Training Get prepared for the PMD Certified Applicator Exam ROW - Ornamental and Turf - Labeling and Formulations Pesticide Safety, Storage, Transportation, Disposal - First Aid and Emergency Exam Application and Scheduling - PMD CEUs available WHERE ALCA Training Room, or Online via Zoom WHEN May 2025, Date/Time TBD COST $300 Members / $500 Non Members Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association 5425 E. Bell Road, Ste 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 www.ALCA.org | 602-626-7091 THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

21

RESOURCE GUIDE/AD INDEX LIGHTING

FLEET & VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

OnSite OilChange Plus (480) 470-0352 onsiteoilchangeplus.com Please see our ad on page.......... 23 OnSite OilChange Plus (480) 470-0352 onsiteoilchangeplus.com Please see our ad on page.............4 INSURANCE

Hill & Usher (602) 667-1848 trimrisk.com Please see our ad on page.......... 22 IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873) horizononline.com Please see our ad on page.............9 Hunter Industries (760) 744-5240 hunterindustries.com Please see our ad on page.............7 LANDSCAPE CERTIFICATION TRAINING/TESTING

Metro Institute (602) 452-2900 metroinstitute.com Please see our ad on page.......... 22 LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

Stotz Equipment 623-936-7131 stotzequipment.com Please see our ad on page.......... 10 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Landscape Materials (602) 353-1020 cuttingedgecurbing.com Please see our ad on page.......... 22

Brilliance LED, LLC (800) 867-2108 brillianceled.com Please see our ad on page.............8

DECORATIVE ROCK

NURSERIES

All Season Wholesale Growers (602) 276-0230 allseasongrowers.com Please see our ad on page.............5 Arid Solutions Nursery (602) 437-5194 aridsolutionsnursery.com Please see our ad on page.............6 Arizona Wholesale Growers (623) 581-3100 azwholesalegrowers.com Please see our ad on page.............3 South Coast Wholesale (888) 326-7256 southcoastwholesale.com Please see our ad on page...... Inside Front Cover SOD/TURF

Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199 evergreenturf.com Please see our ad on page........Back Cover West Coast Turf (888) 893-8873 westcoastturf.com Please see our ad on page.............4

SAND BOULDERS

Now part of the Site One team, Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs. We are a hauling company with a fully stocked retail yard and a proud distributor for Belgard, Southwest Sod, Evergreen Turf, Phoenix Paver, and AZ Best Block. We carry over fifty colors of landscape rock, river products, soil mixes, rip rap and boulders. Our knowledgeable sales staff will insure that your order is accurate and our experienced drivers will get your materials to you on time. Our certified scale ensures that you are receiving the correct amount of material ordered.

Call or come by today.

Monday-Friday 6A-5P Saturday 7A -3P 7540 N 67th Ave, Bldg. A Glendale, AZ 85301 Office 602-353-1020 Fax 602-353-1027

CEMENT PRODUCTS BLOCK TOP SOIL RIP RAP ABC CURBING PAVERS MULCH / SOD MIX IRRIGATION RIVER ROCK WEED BARRIER FLAGSTONE SOD & TURF BAGGED GOODS WINTER SEED BEACH PEBBLES HAULING STABILIZED INFILL

TREES

Western Tree Company (602) 243-6125 westerntree.com Please see our ad on page.............5

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Material Delivery, Inc. dba MDI Rock (602) 569-8722 mdirock.com Please see our ad on page.............9

PMD Certification Exam PPreparatory MD Certificat ion Exam Courses Preparatory Conducted WCourses eekly Conducted Weekly

Ornamental & Turf Orn mhetno ta Raig f lW&aT yurf RigAhqtuoaftiW c ay Ar qeua cm Co Etxia Core Exam

We do the

groundwork for you.

Hill & Usher’s Trim Risk for Maintenance or Construction

602.667.1848 • www.trimrisk.com

Hill & Usher • 3033 North 44th Street, #300 • Phoenix, AZ 85018

22

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Get Knowledge!

Get Knowledge!

Call ll-2900 602-4C5a2

602-45 O2 r -2900

Check S Ocrhedule AnC dhReecgkisStceh reO i ne dn ule A n d R e g i s t e r O n l ine www.MetroInstitu te.com

www.MetroInstitute.com

PLUS

The Oil Change Shop that Comes to You!

FLEET SERVICES • RV'S • PERSONAL VEHICLES Professional Oil Changes • Battery Replacement Full Brake Service • Tire Sale & Install at Your Location Serving the Greater Phoenix Area Let us keep your fleet on the road and avoid costly downtime!

Servicing Gas or Diesel Vehicles Also available:  Engine Air Filter & Cabin Air Filter replacement  Diesel Fuel Filter replacement  Wiper Blade & Exterior Light Bulb replacements

We Come To You! Home  Office  Job Sites Authorized Service Provider for Most Fleet Management Companies

CALL TODAY!

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Fleet

SM

480-470-0352

contact@onsiteoilchangeplus.com

OnSiteOilChangePlus.com

3370 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ, 85251