ALCA_May/June 2026

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

May/June 2026

Strength in Membership When the City Turns Up the Heat COVER PHOTO: CREATIVE ENVIRONMENTS-THE MERION GROVE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

May/June 2026

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

Executive Director’s Message........................................................................6 ALCA’s Certifications and Training................................................................6 Sponsors..........................................................................................................6 Calendar of Events.........................................................................................6 President’s Message.......................................................................................7 Education Feature: Need a header...............................................................8 New Members..............................................................................................10 Feature: Plant Growth Regulators................................................................10 2025 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Eko-Scapes................................... 12-13 2025 ALCAs Excellence Awards - DTR Landscape Development, LLC...14 2025 ALCAs Excellence Awards - ELS Maintenance, Inc. ................ 15-17 ALCA Trade Show Recap.............................................................................18 ALCA Member Profile: All Season Wholesale Growers............................18 ALCA Member Profile: Synthetic Grass Store.............................................19 ALCA Member Profile:Rain Bird.................................................................. 21 Resource Guide/Ad Index..........................................................................22

PMD Certification Exam Courses PPreparatory MD Certificat ion Exam Conducted Weekly Preparatory Courses du ed W& eeT kl OrCnoanm ecntt al uyrf Right of Way Ornamental & Turf Aquatic Right of Way Core Exam Aquatic Core Exam

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602-4C5a2 -2900 ll Or 60 2h-e2d9 Ch2 e-c4 k5 Sc ul0 e0 And RegisOtr er Online

Check Schedule www. M e troInstitute.com And Register Online Aussie Out. quarter page ad 120522.pdf www.MetroInstitute1 .c12/5/22 om 1:22 PM

2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Warren Runcorn Scapes

Treasurer

PUBLICATION Advertising

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

Beth Postma All Season Wholesale Growers

Printing

Executive Director

Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association

Linda Turnage

Linda@ALCA.org

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

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

NEW CHAPTER FOR ALCA As we are entering an exciting new chapter for ALCA, I am pleased to introduce our refreshed ALCA 2.0 staff team. Change brings opportunity, and we are fortunate to welcome talented, knowledgeable professionals who will help guide our association and its members into the future.

Joseph Hubbard joins us as our new Education Director. An Arizonabased landscape and arboricultural professional, Joseph brings extensive experience across production arboriculture, landscape operations, and urban forestry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Northern Arizona University and is an ISA Certified Arborist®. With his deep knowledge and background in workforce development, Joseph is uniquely positioned to elevate ALCA’s education department in ways we haven’t done before, advancing technical standards and learning opportunities for our members.

We are also thrilled to welcome Da’Naeja Sutton as our Administrative Assistant. An Arizona State University alumna, Da’Naeja brings extensive experience supporting nonprofit organizations, including serving as an Executive Assistant where she specialized in social media, strategic planning, search engine optimization, digital marketing, event management, and more. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and expertise in communications and marketing will help ensure our team and members continue to thrive.

With these strong additions, I am confident that ALCA is wellpositioned for the future. I look forward to collaborating with our members and staff to strengthen our association, explore new opportunities, and continue advancing Arizona’s green industry.

Linda Turnage Executive Director, ALCA

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ALCA SPONSORS PALLADIUM SPONSORS Linda Turnage Executive Director

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock – a SiteOne Landscape Supply Company Horizon Distributors GPM Landscape SiteOne Landscape Supply PLATINUM SPONSORS All Season Wholesale Growers Arizona CLA LLC Belgard/Superlite Block an Oldcastle Co Desert Tree Farm Evergreen Turf Ewing Outdoor Supply Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire Rain Bird Corporation West Coast Turf

Joseph Hubbard Education Director

GOLD SPONSOR Vermeer Mountain West SILVER SPONSOR Earnhardt Ford

Da’Naeja Sutton Administrative Assistant

ALCA’S CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Elevate Your Landscaping Skills

Gain the necessary credentials and knowledge to advance your career as a Landscape Professional!

Whether you’re looking to become a certified landscape professional, become a certified irrigation technician, master sustainable landscape management, or improve the operations of your landscaping business, ALCA is your source for taking your career to another level.

Our education programs are for: • Landscape Professionals • Community Managers • Parks & Recreation Departments • Municipalities • Residential Home Owners • Commercial Property Owners

LEARN MORE

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2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE

4

11-13 20 20 26 26

JULY

18

30

ACLP Turf Care and Installation - Scottsdale In-person/via Zoom ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician (ACIT) - Tucson ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician (ACIT) - Tucson ACLP Turf Care and Installation - Tucson ACLP Turf Care and Installation - Tucson Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) Scottsdale In-person/via Zoom ACLP Safety and Tools Tucson ACLP Safety and Tools Scottsdale In-person/via Zoom

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

STRENGTH IN MEMBERSHIP

Renewing Our Commitment to the Industry

As we approach the close of our renewal period, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued support of ALCA and to emphasize the importance of staying engaged as a member of our association.

ALCA is more than a professional organization, it is a community of over 480 landscape and affiliated companies representing approximately 31,000 Warren Runcorn workers across Ari2026 ALCA President zona. Together, we remain committed to our mission of advancing the professionalism of our members and strengthening the public’s perception of the landscape contracting and Green Industry through education, advocacy, and connection.

As the renewal period comes to an end, I encourage any members who have not yet renewed to do so without delay. Your membership ensures that you continue to benefit from and contribute to the programs that directly support your business, your employees, and the future of our industry.

Through ALCA, you have access to: • Advocacy and Representation protecting the interests of contractors at the federal, state, and local levels • ALCA Retirement Plan (401k) offering reduced fees and stronger investment options for your team • Scholarship Opportunities supporting students and families pursuing careers in the Green Industry • Education and Certification Programs including ACLP, ACIT, SLM, PMD Pre-Certification, and Business Practices Workshops designed to elevate professionalism and performance • Industry Publications and Resources such as the ALCA Directory & Resource Guide and ALCA Influence Magazine • Networking and Recognition Opportunities including Member Mixers, the Trade Show, the Excellence in Landscaping Awards Program, and our annual Golf Tournament benefiting the Sky Blu Underwood Scholarship Fund

These programs exist because of your As we close out this renewal period, I participation. Renewing your membership encourage you not to miss the opportunity ensures that ALCA continues to be a strong, to remain part of an organization that is unified voice for the industry and a valuable actively working on your behalf every day. resource for every member company.

T h a n k yo u f o r yo u r c o n t i n u e d commitment to ALCA and to the future of our industry.

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EDUCATION FEATURE

WHEN THE CITY TURNS UP THE HEAT When I returned to the Phoenix area after about a 20-year absence, I was surprised by some things, not by others. I expected to see new buildings, a growing population, and some novel attractions popping up. I was, however, surprised by the changes to the landscape industry. Gone (mostly) was the constant task of picking up all those cigarette butts, replaced by the occasional vape cartridge. I don’t remember having to pick up small, single-serving liquor bottles before, but now they seem to be on every street corner or parking lot island around. Perhaps more important for the ALCA Influence reader were the changes to a couple of mainstays for decorative landscaping - lantana bushes and pine trees.

Lantanas, native to South Africa and Central/South America, were, and still are, a remarkably hearty species. One of my earliest memories, just as I was starting to notice the world around me, was seeing these colorful plants spread out over the hot gravel that burned my feet if I walked on it.

I asked my dad if they were ok out there in the Arizona sun. He replied, “They love the sun, as long as they have water.” There is a reason they have been one of the most used ornamental shrubs for decades. After I returned

are to the overall health - I don’t have a single example of a bush that was fine, then contracted gall mites and clearly died as a result; however, they are a well-documented stressor to the organism, not simply a cosmetic issue. In some parts of Africa where lantanas are considered invasive, gall mites are used as a biological control, purposely applied to combat the plants’ growth. And whether or not they are lethal without other factors, such as the recent heat, they are an unattractive addition to a popular floral piece. Early infections may not be as glaring when they are still green, but when the infection becomes too numerous or too advanced with its dead, burnt-looking ends, customers sometimes protest.

Responding to that dissatisfaction creates some interesting difficulties for landscapers. The warm winters of the Phoenix area often don’t kill off the mites, so they are more abundant than they might otherwise be - who would have thought there would be a reason to wish for colder winters?

While some pests, including certain kinds of mites, are visible, the ones that cause lantana gall are eriophyid mites, which are microscopic. Even under a magnifying glass, they are invisible, so the only way to know for

from out of state, though, I noticed that many of them were failing. Some of these were newly installed, but even well-established plants were meeting their end at a much higher rate than before. The record-setting string of 100+ degree days was a likely contributor, but I also noticed an abundance of specimens suffering from gall. These round deformations made up of dozens or more tiny growths, seemed to be everywhere, and I had never noticed them before I left. Some of them were just odd-looking clusters of small leaves; others were blackened, ugly scars that looked very out of place. The problem is now all over the valley with great regularity. While some of the plants aren’t showing symptoms, at least not yet, some are clearly infected, and others are covered in gall at every end.

To be clear, one of my sources in trying to research this issue was the University of Arizona’s Maricopa County Extension, and they urged caution - many things, such as herbicides or disease, can cause gall, so it is best to send samples for testing; however, most of the problem seems to be caused by problematic mites. These bugs pierce the flower buds of the lantanas and drink the fluid, beginning a process in which the buds develop broccoli-like deformation. It’s difficult to say how damaging they

certain that a plant is infected is to buy yourself a microscope or send some samples in for testing. Their small size also makes it easy for them to be blown from one location to another with a gust of wind or transferred from one plant to the next via tools unless proper cleaning is performed.

One consultant with whom we work told us that we needed to bag all trimmings from infected plants rather than put them in the trucks with the other debris. Otherwise, she said, the mites will end up being blown out of trucks or trailers along every road they travel, finding new places to feed. Landscaping is a business in which time is money, and these additional tasks can stack up, keeping crews busy instead of moving on to the next site.

Prevention and treatment, like identification, are parts of the challenge.

Starting on the right foot by purchasing healthy, uninfected plants from nurseries is a key recommendation from ALCA and many other organizations. Unfortunately, many plants are coming from the nurseries having already been infected, with brand new plants already displaying

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Continued on page 9

Need a header - education feature Continued from page 8

gall or developing it shortly after installation. This leaves landscapers somewhat behind the curve. Additionally, the easy spread mentioned above means that, even after treatment or if you are lucky enough to get an uncontaminated nursery offering, mites and the gall they cause could easily be brought into a previously uncontaminated area.

Still, tried and true options still exist. Miticides and insecticidal soaps have been proven effective. Fall or spring cutbacks can remove the food source for the pests, but keep in mind that the cleaning and bagging protocols need to be used to prevent further spread. Anecdotally, the mites seem to favor gold varieties, and seem to be more prevalent on southfacing sides of buildings, so proper choices and planting practices could help as well. None of these things are foolproof, so in the next few years, the industry is going to have to make a choice - work hard to keep a fan favorite, or (temporarily at least) select a different, less pest-riddled option?

We face a similar choice with pine trees. Although they are not from lands as far away as lantanas, pine trees were also brought to the Phoenix area for aesthetic reasons. Some species of pine are native to nearby mountain areas, but none are local to the Valley of the Sun with its notorious dry heat. Many have survived with thorough watering; however, they seem to be sharing the lantana’s fate. Over the last few years, the urban heat island effect and other influences, both environmental and biological, have been contributing to a situation in which only the most droughtresistant and well-kept of these beautiful trees are still staying green.

This will likely only continue. The area is growing, water management is becoming a bigger issue, and property owners are increasingly making hard choices for changes such as turf conversions, which, if not carefully managed, can add another degree of difficulty to a conifer already fighting for its life. Landscapers and their customers may want to consider other options more suited to life in the Sonoran Desert. If not, they must be diligent in selecting drought-tolerant specimens, carefully installing them, and working with the public to responsibly maintain them.

In this profession, we get to shape the landscape, quite literally, for maybe hundreds of years in the case of some of the examples above. I hope you share my appreciation for that fact, even though the business can be difficult and fast-paced. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share what I have learned from moving away, coming back, and doing the research on these topics. Thank you all!

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

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NEW MEMBERS

Blue Peackock Design

Camerino Martinez Aguilera P.O Box 72172 Phoenix, Arizona 85050 Camerino2083@gmail.com Artificial Turf Installation, Backflow Services, BBQ Supplies, Fire Pits, Fireplaces, Boulder/GraniteWholesale, Cacti/Succulents-Wholesale, Color/ Ground Covers/Shrubs-Wholesale, Curbing, Fertilizer - Organic, Hardscape Installation, Irrigation Construction/Repair, Irrigation Manufacturer, Irrigation Supplier, Landscape Contractor Class 1

Canyon Ridge Services

Michael Burns 11871 N. Marana Tech Dr Marana,Arizona 85658 mburns@canyonridgeservices.com We are a leading commercial landscape company in Tucson Arizona. Our teams are made up of experts withing the community you pride themselves on consistently delivering excellent landscaping results to our clients. From design to development, maintenance, and enhancements our depth of experience makes us a seamless partner for the entire lifecycle of of clients landscapes.

Contractor Class 3

Cimarron Circle Construction Company

Jessie Dorfler 4325 E. Grant Rd Tucson,Arizona 85712 jessie@cimarroncircle.com Cimarron Circle is a pool and landscape construction and maintenance company that has been servicing the greater Tucson area for 49 years.

Contractor Class 4

DIY Court

Max Prince 1005 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701 max@diycourt.com DIY Court is a trusted supplier of professional sports court equipment and materials, serving homeowners, contractors, and sports facilities.

Contractor Class 1

HOA Sunridge

Rose Troller 15825 E Cactus Wren Ct Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268 rosetroller22@gmail.com Landscape Commercial Maintenance Affiliate

Southwest Landscape & Maintenance Incorporated

Thomas Guarneri 3104 E Camelback RD #2358 Phoenix,Arizona 85016 ap@swlandscape.net Since 1989,Southwest Landscape & Maintenance Inc. has been the premier choice for beautifying properties. corporation, we provide a specialized tree care.

Contractor Class 4

SSCMA

Monique Bursey 7235 E. Hampton Avenue, Suite 105 Mesa,Arizona 85209 monique@sshoa.com Consulting Business, Education/Risk Management Affiliate

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Ultimate Pest

Matt DeRoest 1050 East Shari Street Santan Valley,Arizona 85140 matt@ultimatepestco.com Full service pest and weed control contractor serving the entire state.

Contractor Class 1

Weslo Digital

Brandon Miller 19820 N 7th Street Phoenix,Arizona 85024 weslodigital@gmail.com Weslo Digital is a Phoenix-based, full-service digital marketing agency partnering with ambitious brands to drive measurable growth. We specialize in SEO, local SEO listings, web design and development, paid advertising, and video production.

Associate Class 1

La Paloma Landscape llc

Yoli Trosper P.O. Box 1413 Sahuarita,Az 85629 yolitrosper.az@gmail.com We design and install all types of gardens using native plants as traps and habitats for pollinators in the area. From cactus to fruit trees, irrigation, and monthly maintenance, we’ve got you covered!

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ALCA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Eko-Scapes

Sponsored by:

Nowak Residence, Residential Installation $50,000 - $100,000, Award of Distinction

Sports Oasis, Residential Installation $100,000 - $200,000, Award of Distinction

Tunnicliffe Residence, Residential Installation $200,000 - $300,000, Award of Excellence

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ALCA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Eko-Scapes

Sponsored by:

Old Town Bungalow, Residential Installation Under $50,000, Judges Award

Eggnik Residence, Residential Installation Under $50,000, Judges Award

Keller Residence, Residential Installation $50,000 - $100,000, Award of Distinction THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards DTR Landscape Development, LLC

Sponsored by:

Town of Gilbert Water Tower, Commercial Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

Surprise Oasis Aquatic Park and Fire Station, Commercial Installation Over $1 Million, Judges Award

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ALCA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards ELS Maintenance, Inc.

Sponsored by:

Bella Vista Farms, Commercial Maintenance $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

Avion, Commercial Maintenance $100,000 - $300,000, Award of Excellence

Spur Crossing, Commercial Maintenance $100,000 - $300,000, Judges Award THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards ELS Maintenance, Inc.

Sponsored by:

Lake Pleasant Towne Center, Commercial Maintenance $100,000 - $300,000, Judges Award Morning Sun Farms, Commercial Maintenance $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Excellence

Barney Farms, Commercial Maintenance $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Excellence

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ALCA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards ELS Maintenance, Inc.

Sponsored by: Ironwood Crossings, Commercial Maintenance $500,000 $1 Million, Award of Distinction

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors Brilliance LED, LLC

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SiteOne Landscape Supply

Acclaim, Commercial Maintenance Under $100,000, Judges Award

SiteOne has everything you are looking for with a wide selection of irrigation, lighting, turf and landscape maintenance, nursery and pest control supplies. www.SiteOne.com 1-800-SITEONE | (800) 748-3663

West Coast Turf and Western Sod

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Superstition Foothills, Commercial Maintenance $100,000 - $300,000, Judges Award THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA TRADE SHOW

ALCA 2026 TRADE SHOW & TWO-WIRE TRAINING:

Focused Education, Practical Insight, and Industry Connection

The ALCA 2026 Trade Show, paired with the Two-Wire Training session, was held at Heritage at Sportsman's Park, the popular beer garden located at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The unique venue provided a relaxed, open setting that supported both education and industry connection throughout the day.

The event brought together landscape professionals for a full day centered on education, innovation, and real-world application within Arizona’s Green Industry.

What stood out most this year was the quality of engagement across the board, from meaningful conversations on the trade show floor to highly practical, hands-on learning in the training session. The event continues to reflect ALCA’s role as a cornerstone organization, creating opportunities for contractors, suppliers, designers, and maintenance professionals to connect directly with the tools, knowledge, and solutions shaping their work.

The exhibit area showcased a strong balance of innovation and practicality. Vendors highlighted new products, technologies, and systems designed to improve efficiency, support sustainability goals, and enhance overall jobsite performance.

Attendees explored advancements across irrigation, equipment, and plant materials, gaining a clear perspective on where the industry is heading and how those innovations translate into day-to-day field operations.

Just as valuable were the direct conversations between vendors and industry professionals, discussions centered on application, problemsolving, and real-world performance in the field.

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Networking throughout the day remained intentional and meaningful, strengthening existing relationships while fostering new professional connections across the industry.

A key highlight of the day was the Two-Wire Training session, which delivered focused, hands-on instruction for irrigation professionals looking to expand their technical expertise.

This session was led by James Carr, Western Regional Irrigation Manager at BrightView Landscapes and President of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Irrigation Association.

The training emphasized real-world field application, covering system fundamentals, installation practices, troubleshooting techniques, and performance optimization strategies.

As two-wire systems continue to gain traction in modern irrigation design, the session provided timely and relevant insight that participants can immediately apply in the field.

Together, the trade show and training reinforced ALCA’s continued commitment to advancing the Green Industry through education, collaboration, and practical learning opportunities.

Attendees left with more than product knowledge, they walked away with strengthened technical understanding, actionable skills, and valuable industry connections.

Events like this continue to play an important role in supporting professional growth and helping the industry move forward with confidence, capability, and shared purpose.

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE

ALL SEASON WHOLESALE GROWERS

ALL SEASON WHOLESALE GROWERS 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 twenty-one years in business serving landscapers, retail and wholesale nurseries.

In the beginning, the nursery grew 20 different varieties of shrubs and a few trees in five gallons. 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 there, you notice how clean and organized everything is. All employees strive to be efficient and are highly focused on customer service.

Eric Rodriguez handles most sales and will happily assist you with his vast knowledge of plant and tree selection. He welcomes each one of you to reach out about current availability or to schedule a custom tour of the nursery.

• 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 and 5 gallon.

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

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.

• Accents – agaves, yuccas, desert spoons and various low water use, accent plants.

• Convenient Location – located on 32nd Street, just 2 miles south of Interstate 10 in South Phoenix.

• Hours – Monday through Friday, 6:00 am – 2:00 pm, in summer 5:00 am-1:00 pm.

• Delivery – orders larger than $850.00 can be delivered directly to your job site.

• Growing Technology – we use the latest horticultural practices to ensure you are purchasing a healthy tree or plant. From root pruning tree containers to aggressive weed suppression, we want your plants to thrive, once planted on your jobsite.

• Dedicated Staff – from hands-on ownership to the production/pulling crew, our main goal is your repeat business.

We will do everything we can to get your employees in and out quickly and to provide professional horticultural knowledge in all aspects of your landscape projects.

• Clean and Organized – we pride ourselves on having a very neat and tidy nursery. Please stop in and see for yourself !

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ALCA MEMBER PROFILE SYNTHETIC GRASS STORE

ARIZONA WATER MORATORIUMS: Artificial Turf as a Practical Solution for Landscape Contractors Across Maricopa County and the greater Phoenix metro, landscape contractors are increasingly finding water restrictions and development challenges tied to water availability. As the Southwest USA continues facing long-term drought conditions and

Why Water Restrictions Are Changing Landscape Design

Traditional grass lawns require significant water resources to survive in desert climates.

Natural turf often needs tens of thousands of gallons of water annually to remain green and healthy, making it increasingly difficult to maintain during drought conditions and water restrictions.

Municipalities across the Southwest are responding with: • Outdoor irrigation restrictions • Incentive programs encouraging turf replacement • Long-term urban water conservation strategies For landscape contractors, this shift represents both a challenge and a major opportunity. Clients still want beautiful outdoor spaces, and those spaces must now function with less water.

Artificial turf allows contractors to deliver: • Year-round green landscapes • Reduced irrigation infrastructure • Lower maintenance costs • Compliance with water conservation goals

• HOA common areas • Municipal parks and medians • Commercial campuses • Hotels and resorts • Memorial sites and cemeteries • Schools and playgrounds • Putting greens and golf practice areas • Dog runs and pet relief areas • Courtyards and rooftop landscapes • Entry monuments and decorative lawns Putting green turf has become popular in Arizona residential and resort landscapes as a water-saving, functional outdoor amenity.

Why Artificial Turf Makes Sense During Water Moratoriums

For contractors navigating water moratoriums or development restrictions tied to water availability, artificial turf offers several practical benefits: 1. Maintains Year-Round Appearance Unlike natural grass, artificial turf remains green regardless of drought conditions or watering restrictions.

2. Reduces Maintenance No mowing, fertilizing, or reseeding— saving time and operational costs for property owners.

Real-World Example: National 3. Supports Municipal Conservation Memorial Cemetery of Arizona Goals A powerful local example of water Cities increasingly encourage turf conservation through synthetic turf can be replacement to help meet regional water found at the National Memorial Cemetery conservation targets. of Arizona in Phoenix.

A New Opportunity for Landscape According to a water-savings case study Contractors published by The Synthetic Grass Store, the Water conservation is rapidly reshaping cemetery replaced 21,000 sq/ft of natural grass with artificial turf to reduce irrigation how outdoor environments are designed demands. Since the conversion, the site has in Arizona. Landscape contractors who saved more than 1.26 million gallons of understand how to incorporate artificial turf water conservatively, while maintaining a into their projects can help clients: dignified, consistently green landscape.

• Navigate water restrictions • Reduce long-term operating costs Large institutional properties like • Maintain visually appealing cemeteries typically require constant landscapes irrigation to maintain turf grass across wide areas. By installing artificial turf, the Projects like the National Memorial cemetery was able to: Cemetery demonstrate that large-scale water savings are achievable while preserving the • Dramatically reduce water beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. consumption • Maintain a uniform green Artificial turf supplied by The Synthetic Grass Store, installation services by Arizona Turf Masters. appearance year-round pressure on the Colorado River system, • Lower long-term landscape property owners are looking for landscaping maintenance costs solutions that maintain aesthetics while This project demonstrates how synthetic reducing water use. turf can work at commercial scale.

Artificial turf—especially landscape turf and putting green turf—has emerged as one Where Artificial Turf Works Best for of the most practical tools contractors can Contractors Artificial turf does not need to replace deploy to solve these challenges. every landscaped area. Instead, contractors For Arizona contractors, understanding are increasingly using it strategically in how artificial grass can support water places where irrigation demands are highest. conservation goals is becoming an important • High-Impact Applications part of modern landscape design.

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ALCA MEMBER PROFILE RAIN BIRD

RAIN BIRD® REMOTE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT: The Maintenance Contractor’s Advantage For irrigation maintenance contractors, every day is a balancing act—tight schedules, rising fuel costs, unexpected service calls, and clients who expect fast fixes and flawless landscapes. Rain Bird’s long legacy of innovation, rooted in The Intelligent Use of Water™, now delivers something built precisely for those challenges: a remote irrigation management ecosystem that helps contractors work smarter, reduce operational strain, and deliver highervalue service with less effort.

Since 1933, Rain Bird has engineered products that help professionals use water more efficiently while improving system reliability. With more than 4,000 irrigation products used worldwide, Rain Bird continues to lead with solutions designed for the professionals who manage complex sites every day. That leadership now extends into a fully connected controller lineup— WiFiready, LNK™2 compatible, and IQ™ enabled—giving contractors centralized, streamlined control across every property they maintain.

A Modern Role for Maintenance Contractors

A steward of water is a professional who actively manages and protects the landscapes in their care. For maintenance contractors, that stewardship shows up in the daily habit of watching conditions, anticipating changes, and making decisions long before anyone else notices a need. Checking the weather isn’t casual—it’s part of the job.

Remote irrigation management strengthens this instinct by connecting awareness to action. Contractors can monitor, adjust, and protect every site in real time from anywhere. What once required constant site visits becomes confident, proactive control.

IQ™ Central Control: Fewer Truck Rolls, Smarter Management

For maintenance contractors, time is money—and unnecessary site visits drain both. Rain Bird’s IQ platform provides full remote access to every Rain Bird WiFiready controller you manage, all from a phone, tablet, or laptop.

With IQ, contractors can: • Adjust schedules remotely after weather changes or client requests • Respond to alerts instantly without driving to the site

• Identify flow issues early before they become major leaks • Troubleshoot in real time using live system data • Manage multiple properties from one dashboard • Provide techs controlled access through tiered permissions The result is fewer emergency calls, fewer miles on the truck, and more predictable, profitable maintenance routes.

leads to stronger relationships, higher retention, and opportunities to upsell enhanced service packages.

The Future of Maintenance Contracting

As labor shortages, water restrictions, and operational costs rise, contractors need technology that helps them stay ahead.

Rain Bird’s remote management ecosystem delivers exactly that—intelligent hardware, cloudbased control, and diagnostics that reduce labor hours, prevent emergencies, and Rain Bird 2.0 App: Fast, Reliable, strengthen client trust. From the first impact sprinkler to today’s connected platforms, FieldReady Control Rain Bird continues to build solutions that For WiFiconnected controllers, the Rain help contractors deliver reliable, efficient, Bird 2.0 App gives contractors a streamlined and profitable service—one smart system way to install, manage, and maintain systems at a time. remotely. It simplifies offsite adjustments, makes onsite manual operations easier, and helps teams collaborate without duplicating work. With intelligent irrigation technology, contractors can help clients save up to 50% more water while meeting local watering restrictions.

Together, the Rain Bird 2.0 App and IQ Central Control offer multiple levels of management—quick adjustments from the app, deeper watermanagement tools from IQ, and seamless control across residential, commercial, and twowire systems.

Anticipatory Control: How Contractors Stay Ahead

Maintenance contractors operate with anticipatory control—a mindset built around preventing problems before they happen. Remote irrigation management amplifies this by enabling contractors to: • Respond to changing conditions in real time • Reduce unnecessary site visits • Prevent issues before they impact the landscape • Deliver consistent results across every site • Strengthen client trust through reliable performance Remote irrigation management helps contractors deliver a premium maintenance experience without increasing labor. Clients benefit from faster response times, lower water bills, healthier landscapes, proactive issue detection, and less disruption to tenants or residents. For contractors, this

Rain Bird 2.0 App

Remote Management

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RESOURCE GUIDE/AD INDEX FLEET & VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

OnSite OilChange Plus (480) 470-0352 onsiteoilchangeplus.com Please see our ad on page...................................11/Inside Back Cover

Material Delivery, Inc. dba MDI Rock (602) 569-8722 mdirock.com Please see our ad on page.................................4

IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Brilliance LED, LLC (800) 867-2108 brillianceled.com Please see our ad on page.................................7

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873) horizononline.com Please see our ad on page.................................5 Hunter Industries (760) 744-5240 hunterindustries.com Please see our ad on page...............................22 LANDSCAPE CERTIFICATION TRAINING/ TESTING

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LIGHTING

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The Main Course in

Wide-Area Irrigation Control

THE MCC CONTROLLER Serves Up The Industry’s Only Two-wire and Wireless Control on One Menu.

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION Learn more. Visit hunterirrigation.com

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South Coast Wholesale (888) 326-7256 southcoastwholesale.com Please see our ad on page.....Inside Front Cover SOD/TURF

West Coast Turf (888) 893-8873 westcoastturf.com Please see our ad on page............................... 11 Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199 evergreenturf.com Please see our ad on page................Back Cover TREES

Western Tree Company (602) 243-6125 westerntree.com Please see our ad on page.................................9

The Oil Change Shop that Comes to You!

PLUS

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:

We Come To You!

 Engine Air Filter & Cabin Air Filter replacement  Diesel Fuel Filter replacement  Wiper Blade & Exterior Light Bulb replacements

Home  Office  Job Sites Authorized Service Provider for Most Fleet Management Companies

 ALCA 2025 Outstanding Customer Service Award 

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Fleet

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520-244-0606 | 480-470-0352 contact@onsiteoilchangeplus.com

Two Full-Service Repair Shops!

OnSiteOilChangePlus.com

3832 E. Illini Street Phoenix, AZ 85040 & 1730 W Sunrise Blvd., Ste A105 Gilbert, AZ 85233 (Free Pick-Up & Delivery)

Arizona’s Premier Sod Producer!

Now serving all of Arizona, New Mexico, & Southern California!

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PO Box 2770, Chandler, AZ 85224 • www.EvergreeenTurf.com

1-877-418-8873 • 1-480-456-1199

Official Turf Provider for the