Pro Landscaper USA July 2025 by 44Group

DESIGN • BUILD • MAINTAIN

An Almost ISLAND

Let’s Hear It From: Paul Hendershot

Bringing Europe to Southern California

A Growing Company

Devil Mountain Nursery on why business is booming

Firescaping: Dos and Don’ts

Strategies for fire-resistant landscape design

ARCADIA STUDIO

CONTENTS July 2025

08 11 17 25 31 36 38 41 44 48 50

A Growing Company

Devil Mountain Nursery on their recent acquisitions, current trends, and why business is booming.

Let’s Hear it From: Paul Hendershot

The founder of Paul Hendershot Design talks bringing Europe to Southern California

An Almost Island

Arcadia Studio’s Presqu’ile Winery

Room to Grow

Scott Menzel Landscape Architect’s Santa Barbara ADU

Sustainable and Stylish

Nature Designs crafts an environmentally-friendly home in Solana Beach

Modern and Modular

Why 4K Aluminum is the only choice for extruded aluminum products

Elevate the Outdoors

Top outdoor living products built for performance, style, and durability

Firescaping: Dos and Don’ts

Strategies for fire-resistant landscape design

Water Conservation for Landscape Contractors

A Competitive Edge Built on Sustainability and Client Trust

Recruit More Effectively

Tips for building and retaining a great team

Little Interviews

Quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry

WELCOME

CONTACT

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EDITORIAL

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MANAGEMENT

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CIRCULATION

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Pro Landscaper USA is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2025 subscription price is $160. Sub scription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, Village Workspaces, 11845 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90064. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

As the days stretch longer and the weather gets warmer, we’re all looking for ways to get outside and enjoy all summer has to offer— whether that’s lounging by the pool, reading a book on the patio, or hosting a barbeque in a brand-new outdoor kitchen.

With summer fun on everyone’s minds, the July issue of Pro Landscaper USA features an Outdoor Living special with plenty of inspiration for making the most of backyards, patios, and decks.

But as any designer, contractor, or architect knows, crafting outdoor spaces is not just about exciting toys and modern aesthetics, it is a chance to build a place for children to play, friends to come together, and for families to make memories that will last a lifetime.

And speaking of coming together, this issue also includes a feature on the importance of fire-resistant landscaping and how, by utilizing effective “firescaping” techniques, we can all can work together to protect communities from wildfire.

While we’ve been soaking up the sun, this June has also brought a flurry of activity for the Pro Landscaper USA team. From adding new superstar team members to our roster to touring the event space for December’s FutureScape USA event, we’re looking to the future and how we can continue to make Pro Landscaper USA better and better with every issue.

This past month, we’ve also enjoyed getting out on the road and meeting readers and contributors in person. As always, we want to bring readers the best of the best news, interviews, and project features from this incredible industry. If you’d like Pro Landscaper USA to cover your industry event, please don’t hesitate to reach out and share details. You can find me at celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com.

Happy reading!

Introducing Illuminate ‘26

Illuminate ‘26, the outdoor lighting industry’s premier conference and expo, will take place February 5–6, 2026, in the coastal city of Carlsbad, California.

Illuminate ’26 is the must-attend event for outdoor lighting professionals, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn from industry peers, sharpen technical skills in hands-on sessions, explore the latest products and innovations at the Expo, and draw inspiration from the outstanding projects showcased in the AOLP Lighting Awards.

The conference will feature a robust lineup of education sessions led by

leading outdoor lighting professionals and seasoned business experts. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with both the creative inspiration and practical strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

In addition to the main conference and expo, AOLP invites lighting professionals who want to get certified as an Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) or as a Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) to arrive early to take advantage of the organization’s certification programs. The educational and testing opportunities are designed to elevate professional credentials and industry expertise:

• Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) Year 1 – February 3-4, 2026

• Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer

(COLD) Year 2 – February 4, 2026

• Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) – February 4, 2026

These certifications are recognized across the industry and offer lighting professionals the opportunity to validate their knowledge, grow their business credibility, and distinguish themselves in a competitive market.

More details about registration, hotel accommodation, keynote speakers, and session schedules will be released soon. To get more information about the event and to join a mailing list for the latest updates, visit aolponline.org/illuminate.

New at NADRA

NADRA connects and empowers great ideas and great people to collaborate together and inspire leadership and achievement within the industry.

“I believe that we are only as strong as the company we keep. After 20 years I can say, with confidence, that we are surrounded by the best people in this Industry”~ Michael Beaudry | Executive Vice President | North American Deck and Railing Association.

NADRA Code Committee Update

Mark Guthrie, Randy Shackelford; PE, and John Kozal; PE from NADRA’s Main Code Committee attended the 2027 ICC Code hearings in Orlando, Florida the week of April 28th to hear proposals that pertain to the decking and railing industry.

To prepare for the hearings, NADRA’s Main Code Committee reviewed the

recommendations from the Decking Code Subcommittee headed by Jon Levey and the Railing Code Subcommittee headed by Gary Kauffman.

There were 29 IRC (residential) proposals and 10 IBC (commercial) proposals heard by ICC’s Committee Action Hearings (#1) that NADRA believed we needed to watch in order to support or oppose. For most of the proposals, NADRA’s stance coincided with ICC’s Committee’s vote with a few exceptions. Those exceptions are the result of hearing the proponent’s reasons in person at the ICC hearings which gave better clarification hence the exception. NADRA CODE Committee has created this collaboration with like-minded organizations representing the outdoor living industry. It is extremely important for NADRA to be at these hearings and that NADRA continues

Become APLD Certified Today!

In the world of landscape design, talent and creativity are essential— but in today’s competitive market, professionalism, credibility, and trust are just as important. That’s where certification through APLD comes in. Becoming an APLD Certified Landscape Designer is more than just earning a title — it’s a declaration of your commitment to high standards, ethical practice, and ongoing professional growth. It’s a mark of distinction that sets you apart in a growing field.

The benefits of certification Professional credibility: Certification signals to clients, employers, and peers

that you meet nationally recognized standards of excellence.

Client confidence: Certified designers instill trust. Clients feel confident hiring someone who has demonstrated both experience and accountability.

Industry recognition: APLD-certified designers are part of a respected network of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of landscape design.

Continued growth: Maintaining certification requires ongoing education, keeping designers current on trends, best practices, and innovations in the industry.

Competitive advantage: Whether you’re building a solo practice or working

to be the leader of these discussions so we can assure a continued common-sense approach to CODE.

For more on NADRA’s Code Committee and their next steps, check out.nadra.org/ blog/nadra-code-committe-update.

NADRA SAVE THE DATE!

• Deck Expo – October 22-24, 2025 – Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

• NADRA 2026 Summit and 2025 National+ Deck Competition Awards - January 7-9, 2026 - Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach, FL

• 2025 National+ Deck Competition opening this summer nadra.org

in a larger firm, certification gives you an edge in attracting clients and projects that align with your expertise.

Ready to take the next step?

Visit APLD’s website to learn more about the process, requirements, and how to get started; or reach out to certification@apld.org

Register for APLD’s August webinar Green Roof and Therapeutic Gardens: Designing With Purpose (1 CEU). Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Presented by Rose Seeger, LEED AP, ARCSA AP, GRP, Green City Resources.

Green roofs are more than just a trend in our industry. This webinar will explore the fundamental components of green roofs and integrate evidence based design strategies that enhance both the rooftop and ground-level experience. Rose will also review tips on age and ailment-based research to ensure the garden is designed for optimal success by its users.

A GROWING COMPANY

We sat down with Devil Mountain Nursery to talk their recent acquisitions, current trends, and why business is booming

The year was 1995, and Pat Murphy was working with landscape professionals as a plant broker.

Murphy would amass an order, source from local nurseries, and then sell to landscape contractors and designers. But he couldn’t help being frustrated by how difficult it was to find rarer varieties of plants, not to mention the specimens themselves weren’t always up to his standards for quality.

Murphy hatched a plan. He would start his own nursery to provide landscape designers and contractors with ample choice and premium plant material. That year, he opened his first nursery in San Ramon in the East San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on sourcing and growing those difficult-to-find varieties and ensuring the highest quality plant material for his customers. The result was what would become Devil Mountain Nursery.

“Those are the founding principles of our company. Endless choice, high quality, and an exceptional level of customer service,” says Becky Harrington, director of marketing and communication for Devil Mountain Nursery. From there, Murphy never looked back.

Over the last eight years, Devil Mountain has grown from just two locations to an astounding fifteen locations. “We started opening new nurseries around northern California, and then we did a series of acquisitions that brought us into Southern California. The biggest of those was acquiring BrightView Tree Company, and that included the Fillmore nursery. Acquiring BrightView really expanded our ability to grow plants in Southern California. So now not only do we have these northern California growing grounds, but we can grow a whole different plant palette down in Fillmore.”

Along with BrightView, Devil Mountain also acquired DM Color Express, primarily a color grower with large growing grounds in Oceanside and Fallbrook as well as regional nurseries that provided a convenient shopping experience for contractors.

“The great thing about DM Color Express is that no matter where you were in Southern California, you weren’t too far from one of their locations. You could run in, you could count on there being large volume, good quality, good variety, and you could grab what you need,” says Harrington. “It kind of replicated in the south what we had

established up here in the north, so it was really a good acquisition for us.”

For Devil Mountain Nursery, excellent customer service is their goal whether the customer is a local gardener to a large commercial landscape architecture firm.

“We’re capable of servicing the client that needs 10 one-gallon plants on the same day and just wants to go pick them up at one of our local stores, all the way up to custom growing for new corporate campuses involving millions of dollars of products. Those smaller-scale contractors and landscapers that go to our different stores literally every single day are as valued as the large-scale contractors who are ordering truckloads of trees to be delivered to commercial projects. We try to do everything from A to Z and in between,” says Rusty Browning, enterprise sales manager at Devil Mountain Nursery.

of California right now that we get to be involved in,” says Browning.

When asked about recent trends, Browning and Harrington are both noticing an increased interest in native, drought-tolerant plants from contractors and clients.

Devil Mountain owns the trademark to the Swan Hill Olives® tree which Harrington notes is also going through a rapid up-tick in popularity.

“OVER THE LAST EIGHT YEARS, DEVIL MOUNTAIN HAS GROWN FROM JUST TWO LOCATIONS TO AN ASTOUNDING FIFTEEN LOCATIONS”

logistical challenges, it can be a challenging industry in which to succeed. But Devil Mountain Nursery has risen to the challenge. When asked how it has been able to sustain such strong growth year after year, Harrington says it is Devil Mountain’s mission that sets them apart.

Business is booming for Devil Mountain in thanks partly to the widespread construction as the city prepares to host the World Cup and Olympics.

“We’re busier than we have ever been before. In the next few years, Los Angeles is hosting the Olympics and the World Cup, and there’s an incredible amount of new construction going up, remodeling taking place, and all this stuff that’s happening between now and 2028. There’s just a lot of really neat projects going on throughout all

“The Swan Hill Olives® tree is being used on almost every project we’re involved with right now,” adds Harrington. “It is a non-fruiting and pollenless olive, which is the reason that it’s so popular. Customers love it because it isn’t going to drop fruit on your hardscape. It is being specified all over not just California, but in Arizona, Nevada, and all over the West coast.”

Devil Mountain Nursery also offers delivery services for their customers, so that even out-of-state contractors can access plants like the Swan Hill Olives® tree.

“We operate our own diverse delivery fleet, giving us the ability to service many types of job sites. We deliver throughout California and are increasingly delivering into neighboring states as well,” says Harrington.

For many, the nursery market in California can be a tough nut to crack. With no shortage of competitors and

“We are totally designed to help the landscape trade. That is our mission, and our nurseries are designed from the ground up to service landscape professionals. You can see that in our great customer service and communication from the time you place your order to the time it gets delivered.”

Even the physical layout of their nurseries is organized around customers’ needs. “We’ve gone to great lengths to organize the yards so that like plants are near like plants. Box trees are in one section, perennials in a different section. Everything is labeled with proper botanical names. That sounds sort of obvious, but not all nurseries are laid out in that way.

“We want to make it easy for someone to come in and locate what they’re looking for and then get back to their job site,” says Harrington. “We’re all about efficiency.”

But Browning’s answer is something less tangible—the people who make up Devil Mountain.

“I think the people here are different. It starts with our upper management, they are great about the way they treat everybody, and they promote from within. At every one of our locations, every employee is all-in and committed to the mission, and that comes out in the experience that our customers have.”

LET’S HEAR IT FROM Paul Hendershot

Paul Hendershot talks bringing Europe to Southern California

Paul Hendershot, founder of Paul Hendershot Design, has been gardening since he was seven years old. Growing up in Marin County in Northern California, Hendershot and his brother would prune trees to earn some extra cash. He remembers climbing up into a tree and looking out at the houses around him. “I just saw these really ugly landscapes, and I thought I can do better than that,” he laughs.

But gardening wasn’t necessarily a shared family interest, says Hendershot. “My parents thought gardening was a waste of time. But it saved my life. Gardening was where I went to relax, contemplate, think about things. It just does something really good for you.”

A few years later, Hendershot packed his weed whacker, lawnmower and a pair of clippers in his truck and set out to look for landscaping work. He got his start with small local maintenance gigs, but his talent was clear and soon the clients were

asking for his design input.

“I’d started working for people doing their maintenance, and they would say, ‘Hey you’re doing such a good job… well, what do you think we should do over here? What do you think we should do there?’” he says.

From there, word of mouth grew. He was able to grow his network and take on more substantial projects. “I just really got lucky and connected with a lot of high-end clients that got me other high-end clients,” Hendershot says.

As his workload grew, so did his desire to better his skills. He booked trips to France and Italy for inspiration, and so that he could keep learning about his craft.

“I would go to Europe as often as I could and did everything I could to learn more. I thought the best gardening was mostly in Europe, especially the south of France and in Italy. It was so different than the US.”

When Hendershot was based in Northern California, his style utilized more bright pops of color throughout the whole project. “I would get a little more flowery. It’s more like England in Northern

California.

There are more wildflowers, and they have lots of different colors in the forest,” he says.

But his trips to Europe and a move to Ojai in Southern California brought a change in aesthetic.

“What I learned in France was that you do everything green, and all your color is at the house, and that way, you bring the hills and the mountains to your garden. It’s just more serene. It’s calmer.”

One of the first times Hendershot tested out his new style was on his own home in Ojai. “I came back from a trip, and I went, ‘Okay, I’m redoing the garden’. I did the French stuff, and that house that I rented was the first house I got in a magazine,” says Hendershot. “I lived on the liberal Catholic church’s property. They could care less about the free publicity, but they were wonderful, and it was the cutest little house. It was a very old Spanish style and just lovely.”

At the time however, a Frenchinfluenced style was a break from the norm, and not every client was immediately on board.

“When I first started, everyone still wanted that East Coast flower look everywhere. I can remember one early project where I just started to slowly change it so that it became more uniform and more formal. Americans hate the word formal, but it was more calm.”

For Hendershot, this signified a moment where his design ethos truly began to solidify. “At that house, when we were finished, everything was green and clipped balls. In those days, I had a big crew, and we would install and then maintain. I remember them saying, ‘You know, Paul, this is really looking good now,’ because before I did exactly what they wanted. And that project was the moment I went, ‘Okay, I’ve got to quit doing this. I have to educate people and say, look at what we can do’.

“I remember that house really well. We had so much fun at that house. There was a bocce ball court, big barbecues, and it was all kinds of fruit trees and vegetable gardens. It was fabulous, and that was really the first house where I sort of claimed that new look.”

In Southern California, his Frenchinspired style was successful, thanks in part to his use of Bird’s Eye pea gravel, another common facet of European landscape design.

“It works in Southern California extremely well, I think. Especially in years of drought in Ojai and the surrounding areas. They use the same gravel in France, Spain and Italy, they would call it gravier—what is called Bird’s Eye pea gravel. It’s very small, and you lay it very thin, and you can walk on it barefoot. Your animals walk on it and they’ll sleep on it comfortably. I use that a lot because I thought it was astounding that people would have 3,000 sq ft of grass within a horrible drought,” says Hendershot.

Hendershot says people often have large swathes of grass because they just don’t know what else to do—and often it’s underutilized space.

“Well, the question is, why do you need grass when you never even use it?

where the pea gravel is going to go, and we don’t use any of that ‘ugly black’. In California, a lot of the water that we drink and use is well water— so if you’re using pea gravel, the water goes back into the earth. In other words, it goes to wells—you know, the water table. It is very practical, but when you use pea gravel with a lot of greenery, it’s pretty, especially at night because it’s a lighter color. Even if you don’t have lighting, you can see a little bit because of that really light pea gravel.”

Hendershot now lives in a forested area and has pea gravel around his own property. “The Forest Service came by, because I really am just deep in the forest. They said, ‘You know, you have the most fire-defensible house of any house we’ve ever seen’. They said they would go look at houses in Upper Ojai and all over after the big fires, and as soon as fire hits pea gravel it stops. There’s even an article about how one of the only houses that survived in Pacific Palisades was surrounded by pea gravel, and that made me very happy.”

Another consistent element to Hendershot’s work is his use of trees. “I use tons of trees because most of California is hot in the summer. Instead of building pergolas and more structures, we just plant trees like the Europeans. The more trees you plant, the prettier it is. But even if there are aesthetic through-lines across Paul Hendershot Design projects, he never employs a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you did a more European style, you’d make pathways, terraces, and rooms within the landscape. I tell clients, ‘Your place is going to look 10 times bigger’.

“I explain to them that when you do a walkway— and my walkways are always five-feet wide, so two people can walk on it—and you line it with trees or even edges, that creates the illusion of a big space.”

Pea gravel is also a permeable, sustainable choice. “The way that we do the pea gravel is we compact the soil

“Landscaping isn’t about using same formula for every house. The house tells you what to do. Every house needs a different kind of tree.”

He says one of the most satisfying parts of the job is when he finishes a project and knows the design complements the residence and fits in with the client’s lifestyle. “I just finished the house, the process was a little difficult, but at the end, the homeowner says, ‘now I see your vision,’” he adds.

At every point in the process, Hendershot asks questions. He wants to know everything he can about how the client will use the space. It isn’t enough just to make a beautiful landscape; he wants it to be used, loved, and a part of their lives.

Even after 40 years, Hendershot is still excited by his work “After you do this for so many years, you never quit looking. You’re always noticing things,” he says. But he’s not the biggest fan of one particular trend he’s been noticing.

“Everyone calls this the native plant look. But I’ll look at a picture in a magazine, and I know only about two of those plants are natives. All the rest are not. I walk my dog several miles every day in the forest, and the thing is, even the natives in the forest, they’re all grouped together. They don’t put a white one next to a purple

one next to a yellow one, and create this cacophony, this mess.”

Hendershot wants to replicate the natural patterns he sees out in his walks in his designs.

“I am a big fan of triangles, and even the way the oaks and sycamores grow here, they always grow in triangles. So, it’ll be a triangle onto the next triangle and the next triangle. I do that a lot in my work too. It’s interesting that nature is not ‘willy nilly’.”

According to Hendershot, Americans often are afraid of their gardens looking fussy. At first, they don’t want anything

clipped or overly formal. But there’s an organic order to the natural landscapes around us, like the groupings of native plants he sees in the forest. He just wants to bring the same look he sees in the forest around him into his designs.

“For instance, if you did a rose garden and you had every color in the world, it would be absolutely horrible. But if you had a rose garden and in each little square or rectangle, they are all the same color, you can still have rows of different colors, but they’re all grouped together.”

Paul Hendershot Design was a winner of the 2025 Best of Houzz Design award. After nearly four decades, Hendershot is a trusted and soughtafter designer, and that has afforded him the ability to be more selective with his projects. Now he’s looking ahead to a more relaxed pace. With travel plans on the horizon, he’s ready to bring that keen sense of observation abroad and see what new source of inspiration he will carry home with him next.

ISLAND Almost

ARCADIA STUDIO

The Presqu’ile winery is nestled in a green stretch of the Santa Maria Valley, bookended by the San Rafael Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest to the east, and by the Solomon Hills and the city of Santa Maria to the west.

Fifteen years ago, the Murphy family, the founders of Presqu’ile, contacted Arcadia Studio Landscape Architecture

for help bringing their dream winery to life.

The Murphy family had initially acquired the property that would become Presqu’ile after a long search for land that could produce high-quality cool-climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Finally, they found a large plot of land that housed an old, severely degraded graviola farm, and Arcadia

soon got to work on plans to create not only a winery, but also a family compound with two homes.

The planning process itself took three years. Arcadia Studio’s goal was to create a landscape that reflected the region. They crafted a fabric of plantings around the vineyards with a mix of California natives and Mediterranean species that would work well in the area.

The winery’s tasting room is set atop a hill and offers a unique vantage point of the Santa Maria Valley, with sweeping ocean and vineyard views.

Arcadia also planted a plethora of oaks for shade and a truffle orchard. This past year was the first truffle harvest with truffle-hunting dogs.

A pond was needed for irrigation and fire-safety, and so one was added near the family’s private residence. As part of the ongoing, long-term project, Arcadia is now working on an administration building that is going to be set overlooking the pond.

As the project continues, the goals remain the same—integrating the wild surrounding area, vineyards, gathering spaces, and family home to create a cohesive and naturalistic landscape.

The name “Presqu’ile” comes from the French Creole word meaning ‘peninsula’ or ‘almost an island” and it seems a

moniker well chosen. When one drives up the long straight driveway into the winery, the effect is akin to driving across a bridge onto a secluded island. Arcadia and the Murphy family wanted to work together to build a modern winery that felt simultaneously timeless and a part of the topography.

Founded in 2001, award-winning Arcadia Studio is a leading landscape design firm with offices in Santa Barbara and Los Olivos, known for creating beauty and balance inspired by nature. arcadiastudio.com ABOUT

4K Aluminum is the manufacturer and distributor of outdoor patio structures, motorized louvers, privacy walls, awnings, fencing, and gates.

SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY

The 21st Century solution to EPS/XPS foam pollution

Coverplay, Inc. is inspired to help eliminate toxic foam/vinyl spa covers from entering our environment and from reaching our aquifers, where they could impact future generations. We offer licenses to assemble “kits” with training and ongoing support to those interested in our “Airframe” spa cover, with sustainable technology for the 21st century.

TheAirframe - U.S. Patent # 9340989

A local spa dealer's one month accumulation of water-soaked toxic Styrofoam/vinyl chloride spa covers at a landfill site. Americans toss two million of these annually; this toxic result defies logic when so many use the word “wellness”!

• Environmentally Friendly

• No Harmful VOC’s or Styrene!

• Most Energy Efficient Design

• Repairable, Sustainable, Recyclable

• Doesn’t Gain Water Weight

• Technologically Advanced

• Patented - Energy Test Winner

• Gas Permeable Outdoor Fabric

3-panel Airframe spa cover in Cinnamon

Room to grow

SCOTT MENZEL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

SANTA BARBARA ADU

REFERENCES

General contractor

DD Ford Construction ddford.com

Building architect

Kas Seefeld kasseefeld.com

Landscape contractor

Chris Kay, Old Coast Landscape oldcoastlandscape.com

Flatwork and stone walls

Mike Morse mikemorseconstruction.com

Maintenance

Four Seasons Gardening fourseasonslandscapingandtree.com

For these Santa Barbara empty nesters, the Covid-19 pandemic, and extended stay indoors with their grown children, made it clear that the original footprint of their home didn’t offer a lot of extra space to gather. Looking ahead to the future, they wanted a place for their children to comfortably visit with grandkids.

They turned to a popular option in California, an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, to expand their livable area and offer a little extra breathing room for out-of-town visitors, and asked Santa

Barbara-based landscape architect, Scott Menzel to design an outdoor space that would tie the two living spaces together, give them an area for hosting barbecues or dining outside, and be a calming sanctuary where they could entertain visitors or enjoy the garden alone.

The ADU was designed by architect Kas Seefeld and takes up a neat 991 sq ft of the backyard of the client’s home. Adjacent to the ADU, the outdoor kitchen features a built-in pizza oven, gas grill, and smoker. A bar with seating sits

nearby, as does an additional dining area covered by an elegant steel pergola. Built-in heaters and lighting mean the party can continue into the evening and shoulder seasons.

All new Sweetwater Cherokee flagstone was installed and native Santa Barbara sandstone retaining walls.

Other elements of the project included ranch-style perimeter fencing, new driveway gates, gravel driveway, an antique stone fire pit and fountains, a redwood hot tub, irrigation, and landscape lighting.

The planting was done in the cottage garden style using an informal variety of plant material to bring out a mix of

Previous page: Multi-level outdoor entertaining spaces

Current page left to right: Pathway meanders through soft, colorful plantings; Cozy fire pit seating area; Decomposed granite pathways; Sight line through dining pergola to the ADU

different colors and textures. The palette includes predominantly Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plants, as well as roses, grasses such as Pennisetum ‘Fairy Tails’ and Sesleria, lavender, Jerusalem Sage, Santa Barbara Daisy, and Peppermint Geranium, among others.

The danger of any new addition or sizeable build is that the new features will look incongruous with the

original residence, yet Menzel’s project takes inspiration from the natural environment; the earthen tones of the flagstone ground the vibrant pops of color in the garden, and the finished project feels like an organic extension of the environment.

The result of Menzel’s hard work is an inviting garden meant to be shared and enjoyed with family and friends. With

plenty of space to read, rest, lounge, and eat, there’s enough room for adults to mingle and kids to play with no one feeling cramped or cooped up. It is a garden to grow with the family for years to come.

Left to right: Dining “room” with outdoor kitchen beyond; Flagstone terrace off the main house with sandstone steps leading to the ADU

ABOUT

Scott Menzel’s firm brings a creative, analytical and common-sense approach to designing userdriven outdoor spaces. Its goal is to create visually stimulating, timeless gardens that fulfill clients’ needs. It strives to make spaces that are inviting, comfortable and dynamic. Menzel weaves his landscapes into regional, historical, environmental and architectural fabric to harmoniously integrate them with the distinctive character of each site. Sustainable principles are inherent in his approach. scottmenzel.com

All images ©Kurt Jordan Photography

SUSTAINABLE and Stylish

When the clients approached Nature Designs for help designing a pool and outdoor space for their property on Solana Beach

in San Diego County, they were clear that they wanted a relaxing area to entertain and enjoy the sunny coastal weather—and that sustainability was the order of the day.

For Steve Jacobs, owner of Nature Designs, this was no trouble. As a certified water manager, certified arborist, and certified irrigation contractor, he’d built

his reputation on crafting sustainable, water-conscious designs across San Diego and beyond.

The clients were passionate about their electric vehicles and were insistent no gas was to be used on the property. As a result, all electric appliances were installed both in the residence and outside. Other sustainable initiatives included a rain catchment system to collect rainwater for use in the landscape, and a state-of-the-art drip system with a weather-based controller for use in irrigation.

Because this is a very recently completed project, the softscaping is still in early stages of growth, but the plantings were selected so that they would require very little maintenance. To accommodate for the dry climate,

California natives with low water needs were used throughout. Fruit trees and edibles were integrated into the overall design, as well as a small vegetable garden for the clients to harvest their own veggies.

As a build and design firm, Nature Designs prioritizes long-term relationships with its clients. Not only does the team design and install the projects, but it continues to maintain them after the build as well.

The project is comprised of a series of small details that come together to create a seamless result. One such detail can be found by the swimming pool—if you know where to look. When constructing the glass tile pool, a counter current machine was added in so that the client could hop in the water for a workout.

The machine allows them to swim against the current and choose from varying degrees of resistance; a custom cavity was built to hide the unit from view.

During the construction, many of the project’s obstacles were hidden underground, including two abandoned septic systems. Special permits had to be acquired in order to remove them. Another snag came in the form of a fiberoptic cable which had been buried only a half inch below the surface rather than the standard 18 inches and was uncovered during the build.

Otherwise, the project moved swiftly. Jacobs testifies that much of the project’s success was thanks to the client’s understanding and support of Nature Designs and its team.

Though sustainability was at the forefront of the client’s priorities, this didn’t mean aesthetics took a backseat. Instead, the project is full of modern and luxurious finishes. The sparkling blue glass tile of the pool stands out in stunning contrast from the creamy neutral palette of the hardscaping and residence itself, and those same color themes carry on throughout the front of the project through to the walkway of white pavers. As the fruit trees continue to grow and the plants mature, the outdoor area is sure to only become more spectacular— and because Nature Designs is committed to joining the clients for the whole journey, they’ll be there to see it through.

ABOUT

Nature Designs is San Diego’s Premier Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance Service. Its 50-person staff include certified technicians who provide expert concrete finishing, masonry, nursery expertise and drainage systems, as well as smart irrigation, outdoor lighting and pool systems. naturedesigns.net

4

K Aluminum began in 2019, when the founders could not find a suitable backyard patio cover for their home. The available options on the market were disappointing. The roll formed aluminum simply did not look appealing.

Modern Modular and

Michelle Minsky shares why 4K Aluminum is the only choice for extruded aluminum products

They wanted something stylish that would complement the home. With over 30 years of experience in the aluminum industry, the founders set out to create an extruded patio company. The goal was to deliver premium aluminum products that would elevate outdoor living and built environments while merging clean modern design with structural strength and longterm durability. The result became 4K Aluminum, an American-owned, familyrun company.

“Traditional roll form patio covers have that wood grain look, whereas our products have a smooth powder coat finish that gives it a more sleek, modern design,” says Michelle Minsky, administrative manager for 4K Aluminum.

Ideal for use in both residential and commercial applications, 4K’s flexible and modular product system can be used in cantilevered structures, attached patio covers and awnings, free-standing four post structures, fencing, gates, screens, privacy walls, and more. The range comes in many AAMA 2604 powder-coated finish options, and the entire system is made to integrate for a clean, seamless aesthetic. Two of 4K’s most popular flagship products include the Cantilever, which is able to extend 16 feet or more, and a beam

system that spans up to 33 ft from post to post using a 2x10 beam. 4K also offers its Atlas Motorized Louver System, which delivers adjustable louvers for on-demand sun or shade control with a quiet motor and APP in an upscale design.

Since 2019, 4K Aluminum has grown rapidly in both scale and product offerings—though it has not always been easy.

“We started in a small warehouse in Las Vegas, not even open five days a week when 4K first launched. Then as time went on and we started to see an increase in sales, we opened a second location in Corona, California in 2021,” explains Minsky.

In 2023, the Las Vegas location relocated to a much larger warehouse—a 14,000 sq ft facility that now houses the corporate offices. Despite the challenges brought on by the global pandemic in 2020, including widespread supply chain issues, 4K Aluminum continued

to innovate and grew over 400% during this time. The team is now planning to expand even further in Las Vegas.

4K Aluminum currently has distributors in East Texas, California, and Nevada, and plans to branch out to Middle America and Hawaii this year.

Minsky says that with this growth has come brand recognition and loyalty. “Now the engineering firms we work closely with are calling us up and saying, ‘Hey, you guys are becoming one of the more requested

product name choices.’ We are becoming synonymous with extruded aluminum in the way that people think of certain brand names. When architects and designers submit plans, they are requesting 4K Aluminum products by name because we have been at the forefront of this industry.”

And it is not just aesthetics winning over architects and contractors. 4K Aluminum is dedicated to creating products engineered for efficient, professional installation in residential patios and outdoor kitchens, hospitality venues, rooftop spaces, commercial courtyards, entry gates, and property boundaries.

“First and foremost, you must be an authorized contractor to purchase and install 4K Aluminum. That is a must. We do not make any exceptions,” adds Minsky. Full technical documentation and training resources are provided for contractors.

“One reason 4K is so popular is the streamlined installation. We have straight lines and modern finishes, and we work closely with our contractors and distributors, so that they have all the information they need.” Not only is the product range easy to install, it is also versatile.

“We do fencing, gates, awnings, eyebrows—pretty much anything! We are able to accommodate the clients’ and designers’ wants, needs and dreams. The only time those dreams are stopped is if the engineer says it is absolutely impossible,” explains Minsky.

Scalable to large commercial builds or intimate backyard retreats, 4K Aluminum systems are crafted from durable aluminum—an inherently sustainable material known for its longevity and recyclability. Built to last with minimal maintenance, each system is designed to reduce lifecycle environmental impact. The product line is manufactured using eco-friendly practices, making it a smart choice for both performance and sustainability.

“We are a one-stop supplier for stylish, durable and adaptable outdoor structures. 4K Aluminum combines beauty, energy, precision and longevity.”

The company’s success is rooted in a commitment to continuous innovation and a refusal to become complacent.

“We are always creating new systems to meet the changing needs of the market,” says Minsky. “Our founders stays involved in the industry—speaking with contractors, architects, and designers to understand what is needed. They pay close attention to what is happening, and when they see a need, they set out to offer a solution before anyone else.” 4kaluminum.com info@4kaluminum.com

ELEVATE

THE Outdoors

Station Grill Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Luxury outdoor living brand Azenco Outdoor is redefining the summer staycation and year-long enjoyment with a curated lineup of premium brand partnerships including Station Grill. Station Grill’s versatile cabinets enhance your cooking experience and accommodate various cooking equipment. They integrate seamlessly with Azenco Outdoor’s range of products, whether searing on a side burner, grilling on a plancha, or baking in a pizza oven, Station Grill cabinets provide the perfect solution to create a fully equipped outdoor kitchen that caters to your culinary passions. Photos courtesy of Azenco Outdoor. stationgrill.ca/cabinet-options

Twin Eagles Grills

Top off an outdoor kitchen with premium performance from Azenco Outdoor partner, Twin Eagles grills. Precision-engineered and visually stunning, these grills bring pro-grade power to backyard barbecues so the host can reach grillmaster status for the ultimate in entertaining and pergola solutions. Photos courtesy of Azenco Outdoor. twineagles.dometic.com

Top outdoor products built for performance, style, and durability

StruXure Pergolas

The most versatile, luxurious patio cover on the market. StruXure pergolas are crafted from powder-coated, aircraft-grade aluminum that will never rust, dent, or disintegrate. You can open and close StruXure pergolas with your smartphone; use lights, TVs, stereos and devices, and voice activation with Alexa. “Smart louvers” pivot 170 degrees for the perfect blend of sun and shade at the touch of a button. struxuresocal.com

Outdoor Shower Co

FTA-BW76-CHS

This free-standing outdoor shower made of quality 316 stainless steel features a 16” showerhead, black resin hand spray, 60” braided hose, and single water supply. Shown in mirror finish. outdoorshowerco.com/product/fta-bw76-chs

InOu Elements Arm Chair

Crafted to endure life’s wildest moments— from summer heat to winter snow, surprise rain showers to spirited toddlers and uninvited furry friends—Elements outdoor furniture is built for it all. The Elements Arm Chair blends durability with design, offering a sculptural silhouette that’s as comfortable as it is striking. Whether you’re hosting an unforgettable evening or enjoying a quiet moment alone, this piece delivers effortless elegance. Customize your chair with a selection of premium Sunbrella® fabrics and a variety of leg finishes to suit your style. crescentgarden.com/product/inouelements-modern-arm-chair/

Outdoor Shower Co

FTA-C40V-HCHS

This free-standing tub filler made of quality 316 stainless steel features a black resin hand spray, 60” braided hose, and hot and cold water supply. Shown in mirror finish. Five-year warranty on 316 stainless steel products. outdoorshowerco.com/product/fta-c40v-hchs

InOu Elements 4-Seater Sectional Sofa

Thoughtfully designed for modern outdoor living, the Elements collection invites you to create layouts that reflect how you gather, unwind, and live outside. Our L-shaped sectionals offer smart, streamlined seating—ideal for maximizing space without sacrificing comfort. Add dimension with lounge chairs, arm chairs, and ottomans that can be reconfigured for everything from quiet mornings to lively evenings. Each piece is crafted with enduring materials and customizable with an array of leg finishes and high-performance Sunbrella® fabrics—so your outdoor setup looks as good as it lives.

crescentgarden.com/product/inou-elements-four-seateroutdoor-sectional-sofa/

Outdoor Direct Vent Fireplace

Designed to endure the elements, Ortal’s Outdoor Direct Vent fireplace model features an enclosed firebox that protects the interior from outdoor weather, while protecting the exterior from exhaust and odor. The double heat barrier features a micro-mesh screen overtop tempered glass that allows for radiant warmth while ensuring safety at home, especially in hightraffic areas. Available in four sizes, choose from Ortal’s new ultra-realistic Wilderness collection, featuring its exclusive, patent-pending flamethrough-log technology in the interior, or its classic, signature burner for a customized, fireside experience.

ortalheat.com

Outdoor Vent-Free Fireplace

Perfect for creating a warm and inviting meeting place for friends and family, Ortal’s Outdoor Vent-Free fireplace model delivers stunning, unobstructed flame views without barriers, allowing for a more intimate outdoor fireside experience with its open-concept design. Available in four sizes—ranging from 36” up to 72”—with single-sided and seethrough configurations, specifiers can choose from a variety of glass media options to customize the interior. Each vent-free model is matched with an optional cover for added protection in high wind and rain climates. ortalheat.com

Firescaping: Dos and Don’ts

Two experts share their strategies for fire-resistant landscape design

This winter, Los Angeles experienced one of the most catastrophic fire seasons in its history, with at least 29 lives lost, 200,000 people evacuated, and over 18,000 homes and structures burned.

In the wake of these devastating fires, “firescaping” or fire-resistant landscape design has never been more important. But in the weeks and months following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, misinformation and confusion spread.

Pro Landscaper USA sat down with two experts to sort through the noise and find out where professionals can look to brush up on their fire-smart knowledge, the critical steps homeowners can take to protect their homes, and how to design beautiful landscapes that are also fire-resistant.

Stuart Mitchell has worked as a wildfire risk consultant since 2019 in

Sonoma County and is a certified wildfire mitigation specialist through the National Fire Protection Association. He consults with homeowners, HOAs, commercial buildings, fire-safe councils, Firewise USA communities, and more.

“LUSH GREENERY AND HEDGES CAN BE BEAUTIFUL, BUT IF THEY OBSTRUCT THE EMERGENCY TEAM’S ABILITY TO FIND A CLIENT’S HOME, THEN THEY CAN BE DANGEROUS”

“I’ve looked at thousands of structures myself,” says Mitchell. “I spend a very in-depth amount of time educating the person on their property, and we go over a lot of different subjects— the most important of which is don’t get hurt and try not to lose your home.”

Mitchell says one of the driving missions behind his work is a commitment to helping first responders.

“First responders undergo a lot of physical and traumatic stress, and one of the most effective ways we can help first responders like dispatchers, utility workers, law enforcement, firefighters and medical staff is to make your home is locatable and defendable.”

The ability to locate a home from the street is a landscape design issue, says Mitchell. Lush greenery and hedges can be beautiful, but if they obstruct the emergency team’s ability to find a client’s home, then they can be dangerous.

“I would say well over 80% of the time that I come to a property, especially rural properties, but even a suburban property,

you can’t easily find it. People assume that the cavalry will be there. They think they’re going to have all the information they need—they’re going to be fed, rested, have comms, have the maps, know the neighborhood… But that’s not necessarily true. Residents assume they’ll have the gate key or code to a private gate. That’s not always true,” says Mitchell.

Planning ahead and ensuring that a residence is locatable and that the home number is visible can save lives.

But what else can homeowners do? Invest in fire-wise landscaping, defensible space, as well as structure hardening, argues Mitchell. “Accordingly, your home’s value will increase and potentially help address insurance issues.”

He suggests that homeowners and landscape professionals need to work ‘structure out’ rather than thinking ‘forest in.’ Meaning that homeowners should focus on controlling the controllable at their residence first. The first five feet surrounding a structure, often

called “Zone Zero”, is the top priority. For Mitchell, there’s never a one-size fits all solution. So much depends on the variables at the site.

“People ask me, ‘What do you think about eucalyptus, palm trees, or rosemary?’ I’ll say, ‘Well, I hate to tell you this, but it depends! Is it leading horizontally or vertically to a home or exit route?’ Defensible space is about type, placement, and maintenance. So yes, the type is important—but more important than the type of the plant, is plant placement and maintenance.”

The health of the vegetation and whether it is being regularly maintained are key factors in whether those plants pose a fire risk.

of your existing design strategies. Many of the recommendations for fire-safe landscapes might be techniques designers or contractors are already implementing in their projects.

“KEEPING 0-5 FEET CLEAR OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN SACRIFICING ON AESTHETICS”

According to Laura Osteen, founder of Secret Gardens Landscapes, “firescaping” doesn’t have to mean a total overhaul

“I’m in the San Francisco Bay area, and fire has always been a major concern. Since the start of my career, coming from my background in engineering, I’ve never loved materials right next to houses. In the long-term, plant material can affect your siding. We have a lot of wood siding in the area here. So, I’ve always designed so that the area around the house was relatively clear—and that is also fire-safe,” says Osteen.

For many designers, the concern is that the project will look bare or sparse. But keeping 0-5 feet clear of flammable material doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on aesthetics.

“If you’re designing a new home, we’re really thinking about how the house looks from the street. You can utilize plant layers, so even though there’s an area of five feet without greenery, you can use a bench, pottery, some art, and have plants layering in front so it doesn’t feel bare,” says Osteen. “You can use rock in interesting ways. You can mix in those materials and make them feel very organic.”

Osteen uses aluminum fencing frequently in Zone Zero, but when that isn’t possible, Mitchell suggests a Class A flame-retardant coating for wood surfaces.

“That’s what I would call an augmentation. It’s an extra tool that you can use, but it isn’t a replacement for doing the right thing. For example, if you have a wooden connected fence or gate to the home, I’d say zero to five or maybe longer, should be replaced with a noncombustible material. But if the homeowner says ‘I really want to keep

that, my husband made that and it’s special to me’. I’ll say, ‘Okay, let’s go to plan B. Give that fence more defensible space, and coat it in a Class A flame retardant coating, so that’ll slow down combustion and flame spread.’”

As an extra tool in the toolkit, he also recommends a longterm retardant. “I like Komodo Fire Systems. It’s plant based, ecologically safe, and it tolerates three to four inches of rain, so it can be applied in May and last until the rains come in November.”

“IT IS VITAL THAT SHE AND HER TEAM STAY UP TO DATE ON THE DEVELOPING LEGISLATION”

“The United States Green Building Council is another great organization,” adds Mitchell. “They have wildfire related classes—two of which I teach. One is for landscape professionals, and one is for construction professionals. The classes help professionals get a better sense of what the priorities are when it comes to the wildfire mitigation and survivability.”

Both Mitchell and Osteen stress the importance of continuing education around fire-safe landscaping and the necessity of communication with clients around these issues.

When asked where else landscape designers and contractors can turn to for education, Mitchell says to check out Douglas Kent’s book “Firescaping.”

Osteen says it is vital that she and her team stay up to date on the developing legislation and requirements for fire safety as different areas have different needs.

“I think that’s the biggest thing that any designer or contractor needs to do is educate the clients on the importance of firescaping and what is required, because it’s ever-evolving.”

Show Gardens – UK vs. USA

Designers from the UK and the USA will be competing for the Ryder Cup of landscaping with their own show gardens.

Nursery Zone

The Nursery Zone highlights the plants and living material which are at the heart of every project. Here you’ll find a curated selection of top U.S. nurseries showcasing both staple and specialty stock suitable for commercial, municipal, and high-end residential applications.

Pro Landscaper International Awards –USA and South America

Celebrating excellence in landscaping design across five categories, the Futurescape USA Awards spotlight standout projects in residential, commercial, and urban development.

Rising Stars

VIP Lounge

An exclusive space with high-value purpose, the VIP Lounge is designed for senior professionals to meet, reflect, and connect in an environment curated for meaningful conversation.

Within this space, the Rising Stars showcase highlights emerging leaders and next-generation professionals who are shaping the future of landscape design, construction, and care.

Interactive Zone

The Interactive Zone is a hub for expert-led insight, editorial access, and strategic conversation, all delivered in a casual, lounge-style environment.

Outdoor Living and Catering Zone

As demand for lifestyle-driven landscapes grows, the Outdoor Living Zone becomes essential for anyone designing or building multifunctional outdoor spaces.

RECRUIT MORE Effectively

Jay Worth shares his tips for building, and retaining, a great team

Finding great employees has been a problem for as long as I can remember. In the more than 20 years since I started working in the green industry, businesses have always struggled. There’s always more work than there are competent hands to complete it.

But there are things you can do— today, in fact—to work towards more effectively staffing your lawn care, landscaping, or tree care business.

Marketing

Professional marketers use what they call an “Ideal Customer Profile”—or “ICP” for short—to dial in their ad copy and tactics. They know everything about who they want to attract: their age, marital status, where they live, what shows they watch, what they do for work, what activities they engage in outside of work, what social media platforms they use—you get it. In recruiting, you need to do the same. Identify, with intention, who you want to attract. Then, write your job descriptions and posts to attract those people.

Purpose

Frank Mariani once called working

in the green industry “a noble profession”—I know because he said it to me personally.

If you tell people their purpose is to fertilize and mow lawns, that sounds hard. They are not necessarily signing up for that.

industry, in my opinion. It’s a great motivator for your teams.

Career Path

“PURPOSE IS UNDERRATED FOR OUR INDUSTRY, IN MY OPINION. IT’S A GREAT MOTIVATOR FOR YOUR TEAMS”

If you tell people their purpose is to ensure the clients you serve have lush, safe spaces for the toddlers to play soccer and host weekend barbecues, that’s an improvement. Better still would be communicating the vital role your company and the position you’re hiring for play in creating lifelong memories for each family.

Purpose is underrated for our

In that same conversation, Frank talked about creating a career—not a job— for each associate that worked for him. You must be intentional. Start with the entry-level positions in your company and ask yourself, “What objective milestones would I like them to achieve before I could promote someone at this level?”

Once you’ve identified the skills they’ll need to ascend in the organization, do the same for their supervisors—how do they become management material?

Repeat this until the owner—or CEO —is also replaced.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted a survey in 2022. 61% of people who quit their jobs said “lack of advancement opportunities” was one of the top three reasons they left. 21% said it was the top reason they left.

You cannot afford to ignore the importance of a career path for your team.

As a bonus, this also makes conversations about pay raises far easier. When someone says, “I need to make more money,” you can pull out the career ladder. Then you can say, “Great! I’d love to pay you more. Let’s look at the skills you need to acquire before I can promote you and get you that pay raise.”

Balance

I’ve worked in the green industry long enough to understand the dynamics and seasonality. I really do understand our industry.

Having said that, you must create some margin for your team. Allow them to start a job early so they can leave early and make it to a ballet recital or a Little League game. Let them work four 12-hour shifts and take Friday off to see family in another city.

able to talk to you about struggles they’re having with execution and know you’re going to support them and actively— even proactively—work to remove those roadblocks and bottlenecks.

“GIVE PEOPLE AS MUCH AUTONOMY AS YOU CAN OVER THEIR SCHEDULE, AND YOU’LL REAP THE REWARDS IN BOTH INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND INCREASED LOYALTY”

Give people as much autonomy as you can over their schedule, and you’ll reap the rewards in both increased productivity and increased loyalty to your company.

Culture

Employees want to work in a place where they feel valued. Donuts in the morning or cookouts after a long day are appreciated.

But let me be explicit: they are not “culture.” They’re a facet of your culture. They’re not a substitute for a healthy, supportive work environment.

Your team should feel the duty of responsibility you feel for them. They should be able to sense it. They should be

They should be able to self-report accidents and incidents without fearing your reaction or some sort of retribution.

Your team should know, without a doubt, that you’re working to empower them to be successful, no matter their role or assignment.

That is good culture. Not free food. And if you thought these items were fluff, consider this second statistic from SHRM: over half (50.9%) of employees they surveyed said they’d consider a lower salary if they had better worklife balance. Almost 45% said they’d consider working for a lower salary if they had a better work environment or company culture.

You cannot afford to ignore these if you want to recruit well.

And speaking of pay…

Pay and Benefits

You’re not competing with another landscaper for field team members. You’re competing with warehouses, plumbers, and construction.

Your pay—and benefits like insurance and retirement options—should align as closely as possible with industries where your team faces a similar level of physicality and injury risk.

You must also pay a living wage. Use a tool like the Living Wage Calculator to ensure you’re paying a rate that sustains the talent you’re trying to recruit.

Conclusion

These are tangible steps you can take to ensure your company is staffed for years to come. I personally know two businesses that use these steps and actually have waiting lists of candidates who want to work there.

Employee recruiting—and retention— doesn’t have to be a mystery. It just takes work. Good thing work is something at which we, in the green industry, happen to excel.

Jay Worth is the director of sales for Outdoor Environments Group. As a veteran with over 20 years experience, he has spoken at conferences and has many published thought leadership articles pertaining to business and technical topics in the industry. In his free time, Jay works out, spends time with his family, practices Italian, and is a taco connoisseur. oeggroup.com ABOUT

Little The

Interviews

Pro Landscaper USA asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part email celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com

Catherine Lippincott

Mountains or ocean?

Who would play you in a movie?

Jake Palumbo Deckorators® Certified Elite Pro premieroutdoorlivingllc.com

Grounded Landscapes groundedlandscapesllc.com

Ocean! I need to be by a body of water as much as possible.

Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Italy. I went recently and everything was so pristine. Even though everything is so much older than the US, the way they take care of their buildings and structures that lead so beautifully into the surrounding natural landscape is just awe-inspiring! They really complement each other.

My mom thinks I look a little bit like Reese Witherspoon. I’ll go with her.

What would you blow your budget on?

Either anything that has to do with my pets or my boat. I love both things equally, and they are both very expensive!

Best piece of advice?

“Measure twice and cut once.” It’s more than just a carpentry tip!

Dream project?

Does Jalen Hurts want his perfect backyard living space built?

Give us a call, Jalen!

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

A better attitude when it comes to training new people. There’s a lot of ‘it’s my way or the highway’ mentality in construction, and I wish it was more nurturing and educational for the newbies.

Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? Australia.

You’re on vacation—lounge on the beach or explore a new city? Both!

Best piece of advice? Carpe diem.

Karaoke song? Gimme Shelter.

Dream project?

Designing and building public park spaces,

Couldn’t get through the week without…

Some time outside, other than work. Even though I work outside all day every day, I still crave being out in nature—no matter the weather!