Pro Landscaper USA September 2025

Page 1


CONTENTS September 2025

08 11 17 23 29 35 36 40 41 44 47

ReScape Rethinks Landscaping

The nonprofit advocating for a whole-system approach to landscaping

Let’s Hear It From: Nahal Sohbati and Eric Arneson

The team behind Topophyla share how they’re doing things their own way

Casa Felicita

The founder of Falling Waters Landscape crafts his own garden

Creative Courtyard

Madrone Landscape matches a modern residence

Isle of Docks

HTA Design showcases nature-led placemaking at the heart of London’s financial district

Top Tips on Recruitment

Justin White wants you to hire with intention

One of a Kind, By Design

Why architects are asking for Torc Pots

Product Round-Up

The best of the best hot tubs and saunas for ultimate relaxation

Go, Go Goats!

Goats On The Go is changing how we approach landscape maintenance

The Business of Working with Nature

Why regenerative landscaping is the future

You’re Drowning in Data—

But Are You Using the Right Kind?

Why most landscape companies are flying blind into 2026

WELCOME

CONTACT

Eljays44 Ltd, Village Workspaces, 11845 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90064

EDITORIAL

Deputy editor - Celia Cummiskey celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com (617) 935-2785

Senior subeditor - Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com

Senior designer - Kirsty Turek kirsty.turek@eljays44.com

ADVERTISING

Sales executive - Ollie Finch ollie.finch@eljays44.com

+44 (0) 1903 777579

Sales manager - Dan Green dan.green@eljays44.com

+44 (0) 1903 959635

Event director - Tom Glasby tom.glasby@eljays44.com

+1 210 4481 252

MANAGEMENT

Managing director - Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com

+44 (0) 1903 777570

Content director - Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com

+44 (0) 1903 959393

Commercial director - Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com

+44 (0) 1903 777580

CIRCULATION

Subscription enquiries - Celia Cummiskey celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com (617) 935-2785

Printed by Southwest Offset Printing

Published by Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture. Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com

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.

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasize that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

This August, the Pro Landscaper USA team has had our sights set on the future.

I had the pleasure of hosting our amazing content director, Nina Mason, in Los Angeles for a week. Together, we visited Pro Landscaper USA contributors—including our first-ever feature interviewee, Michael Bernier—spoke with municipalities, and drove up and down the coast learning more about the key issues facing the industry today. Getting to work closely with our UK team is a real honor, and I encourage readers to check out our UK sister publication to see the incredible work they’re doing.

In the September issue of Pro Landscaper USA, you’ll find a product roundup on hot tubs and saunas, a feature on using goats to aid in landscape maintenance and wildfire mitigation, and our “Let’s Hear It From” interview with Nahal Sohbati and Eric Arneson, the team behind the landscape architecture firm Topophyla—and so much more!

This past month, I’ve enjoyed getting out of the office to meet landscape architects and designers in Orange County, Pasadena, and Santa Monica. If you’d like Pro Landscaper to cover your recent project, industry news, or product launch, drop us a line at celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com—we’d love to say hi!

Happy reading!

Celia

ASSOCIATION NEWS

International Pool Spa Patio Expo

If pools, spas, and hot tubs are part of your landscape design—or you want them to be—join the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and GENESIS® at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo, October 19-24 in Las Vegas, NV. This is the industry’s most comprehensive and connected event that showcases

New at NADRA

Register today for Deck Expo

• Deck Expo: October 22 - 23, 2025

Deck Expo is where deck builders, contractors, and outdoor living professionals gather under one roof to source lasting tools and products, connect with like-minded professionals, explore the latest innovations, and learn from the industry’s most influential minds.

The show floor is 85% sold out. Exhibiting at Deck Expo offers a multitude of benefits, making it a pivotal platform for

the latest products and trends, new technologies, and cutting-edge education. Highlights include:

• Pre-conference courses from GENESIS®, the premier pool construction and design education program, covering elements of design and pool tile installation.

• PHTA Awards of Excellence Reception, highlighting the most beautiful and creative pool, spa, and water features designs—both residential and commercial.

• The launch of Women of Water, a new initiative from PHTA and POOLCORP designed to bring together women across the industry.

• 25+ conference sessions from PHTA and GENESIS® on pool remodeling, incorporating wellness, cold plunge pools, outdoor rooms, and much more.

Register today at: poolspapatio.com.

businesses. NADRA Members receive a discounted rate.

Make attending official NADRA events easier and save more time for networking by staying with fellow NADRA members at the Resorts World Las Vegas—Hilton Hotel. Multiple lodging locations are available. Upcoming events:

• NADRA National+ Deck Competition: Opening early September.

• Awards Summit: Clearwater, Florida January 7 - 9, 2026.

Education:

• NADRA Decks Done Right Education®October 2 & 9 (two-part class).

• Deck Evaluation / Inspection Certification - November 20, 2025.

For additional information about NADRA events or joining, go to: nadra.org

CLCA gathers for community service project

On the morning of Saturday, June 7, members of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) San Diego Chapter gathered for the second installment of a series of community service projects at Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. The team of contractors, vendors, and associates decided on an early start, remembering that last year’s service day brought 100+ degree heat by 11 a.m. Thankfully, the weather was much more forgiving this time around.

This project took place at the main entrance to the Conservancy’s new San Diego River Science Field Station—a hub where students, scientists, and community members can connect with the river park. The field station is south of the park’s popular High Trail, the site of last year’s project and a high use community hiking trail that runs along the San Diego Riverbed in Lakeside, CA.

CLCA is a non-profit trade organization of state-licensed landscape contractors whose mission is to serve and protect the interests of its members, promote professionalism, and advance public awareness of the landscape industry. CLCA participates in community-oriented service voluntarily to promote how landscaping, when done properly, gives us all better lives. Volunteer participation is a deep reminder that licensed landscapers are the responsible, professional resource for environmental protection and sustainability.

For more information about this and other CLCA San Diego Chapter happenings, visit clcasandiego.org

Celebrating Excellence in Sustainability

The recipient of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)’s Award for Leadership in Landscape Sustainability is Andrea Wilson Mueller, CPLD, FAPLD. This award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability through leadership, advocacy, and other initiatives that benefit the environment and landscape design practice.

“It has always been a dream of mine to receive this award,” she reflects. “I remember attending one of the first APLD conferences where someone received it, and I thought, ‘I want to achieve that one day.’ When I finally received the award, I cried; it was a truly emotional moment.”

She is the owner and designer of Inside Out Design in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she focuses on native plant species,

reforestation, prairies, and land conservation. She spearheaded the 2022 Josephine Sculpture Park project in Frankfort, removing invasive species and repurposing them into habitat “nests.”

“The diversity and expansiveness of Andrea’s projects are truly commendable. Year after year, she has actively demonstrated a love for the Earth in her sustainable practices. We sincerely thank Andrea for her dedication and determination to further landscape sustainability,” said Toni Bailey, APLD’s Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet chair and past recipient of the Leadership in Landscape Sustainability award.

For more information about APLD’s sustainability initiatives, visit its website at: apld.org

ReScape RETHINKS LANDSCAPING

We sat down with Milena Fiore, executive director of ReScape California, to find out how the nonprofit is advocating for a whole-system approach to landscaping

In the early 2000s, Rescape California began its life as the Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition. The coalition was formed with Proposition 84 funds to transition landscapes from lawns into drought-tolerant watersavings gardens.

“Originally, the coalition focused on cities, counties and municipalities incorporated education for homeowners. They ran home tours of landscapes that had been transitioned into gardens that were drought friendly. In 2009, the coalition became a nonprofit and then in

2015 the name changed from Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition to ReScape California,” says Milena Fiore, executive director of ReScape California.

In 2017, the nonprofit grew further when EcoLandscape California merged with ReScape.

“During that time, ReScape established a rated landscape program, using a scorecard of 200 points, very similar to LEED for buildings, which focuses on regenerative landscaping. At the time that it was originally established there were 7 Sustainable Principles. When

I joined ReScape, we added an eighth, and shifted the focus from sustainability to regenerative which is what we need to do based on the climate issues that we’re facing,” says Fiore.

These 8 Regenerative Principles take what ReScape calls a nature-based (NbS) “whole systems watershed approach to earthscaping” and include: Act Local, Reduce Waste, Nurture Soil, Sequester Carbon, Save Water, Conserve Energy, Protect Water and Air, and Create Habitat.

The Principles aim to show that local action has global regenerative impact, and

Emeryville Greenway –ReScape Rated- 95 points
“The Principles aim to show that local action has global regenerative impact, and that every choice a landscaper makes has the power to positively or negatively affect the environment”

that every choice a landscaper makes has the power to positively or negatively affect the environment.

“The 8 Principles are based on the foundation that one input impacts the whole system,” says Fiore, “My background is as an RN. I ran clinics and worked in public health. Of course, we know that one aspect of the body affects the rest of the body. Here it’s the body of the Earth.”

In 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that the time to limit climate change catastrophe is running

out, and that there are only a few years left for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C (2.7F) to avoid extreme heatwaves, droughts, flooding and other dire weather events.

When Fiore joined the ReScape team, her aim was both to diversify the nonprofit and to work with other organizations towards the shared goal of climate action.

“I knew we needed to diversify at all levels, including our board and revenue streams, and formally acknowledge the diversity of our communities. When the UN IPCC report came out, I started to

meet with organizations throughout the state and US,” says Fiore. “I basically said ‘Let’s join together, because that’s what we need to do.’ There’s so much work to be done that there’s no room for competition.”

Fiore established ReScape’s Climate Change Consortium and added a countdown to 2030 on the website in acknowledgement of the UN IPCC report’s timeline for action.

“We added the eighth regenerative principle which is Carbon Sequestration. Our focus became the three pillars of our Vision, which is diverse workforce development, climate equity, and policy and advocacy,” she says.

Today ReScape’s work includes qualifying landscape professionals in the 8 Principles, educating communities with hands-on workshops, creating partnerships to advocate for regenerative landscape practices, certifying civic and commercial landscapes through the Rated Landscape Program (ral.world), and connecting clients with landscapers through the ReScape Qualified Professional Directory.

“Over the years, we kept hearing people ask to have all this information in one place, and in response we established an association that we call the Regenerative Action League (RAL) that has a Resource Hub with many, many different tools, apps, and resources,” says Fiore.

For landscapers looking to get involved, Fiore recommends taking classes and getting qualified by ReScape.

“We have four qualifications: design, firescaping, maintenance, and then we added the fourth one last year, which is heat. For each of our 8 Principles, we talk about what needs to change, or what best practices need to evolve into because of the warming planet,” says Fiore.

Last year, ReScape received a planning grant from the California Workforce Development Board.

“Utilizing the grant, we ran a very robust survey of landscape professionals, landscape architects, and folks in the community. The survey focused on four watershed areas throughout the state, and those regional workforce development boards within those watershed areas.”

ReScape conducted the survey in English and Spanish, and from the results learned that there is still a long way to

Ohlone College Dept. of Environmental Studies Student GardenReScape Rated Landscape: 83 Points

go in raising awareness for regenerative practices. Based on the results of the survey, ReScape is working to establish a new initiative called the Regenerative Pathways Program (RPP).

“The Pathways Program is for entrylevel professionals who currently use conventional landscaping methods and maintenance and want to learn more about regenerative practices. We’re building that into a 64hour training that will enable participants to get certified.”

The program will offer entry-level job support helping landscapers land jobs, mentorship programs, and internships.

“With better education, we make better decisions as gardeners in our own homes. One of the big things that ReScape wants to do is make this information accessible to everybody not just the professionals”

“All of this is to move forward a green skills workforce that has that education in regenerative and nature-based landscaping,” says Fiore. “When people take our courses and get qualified, they also become a part of our professional community,” she says. Professional Directory allows clients to search for landscape professionals who have been qualified by ReScape in their area. The database is searchable and can be filtered by job type, residential or commercial, or maintenance and by city or county.

“Additionally, we have certifications that are one-day or weekend trainings. The idea that how doctors have specialties, these certifications are allowing landscapers to specialize in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), for example, or compost and mulch, or Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We also do customized trainings for contractors and design firms, maintenance companies, park districts, and more.”

Fiore adds that the Rated Landscape Program is also an opportunity to educate the general public on what goes into crafting a regenerative landscape.

“With better education, we make better decisions as gardeners in our own homes. One of the big things that ReScape wants to do is make this information accessible to everybody not just the professionals.”

When asked about what ReScape hopes to achieve in the next five years, Fiore says that the Regenerative Pathways Program is a major priority. However, ReScape also hopes to branch out beyond California.

“We recently got approved for a presentation in Slovakia. We want to continue to make those connections and

to build not only those relationships, but active collaborations that will allow us to work together globally.”

ReScape aims to offer more Spanish language courses too.

“I want to train a green skills workforce that is both aware of and thinks about their work in a regenerative way, that addresses soil issues that are connected to biodiversity issues that are connected to air quality issues…” Fiore says.

She also notes that she wants to focus on educating from a place of hopefulness.

“With the Pathways Program, the audience focus is on underserved communities, youth, women, those who need work generally. To have a thriving community, which is something I think we all need, it is not just about landscaping,” she says.

“Our Partnership Program that came out of the Consortium is really about the ways we can all work together. Each of us has a place in addressing the changing climate.

She says that whatever our relationship to the landscaping industry, as citizens of the planet, our actions can be powerful sources of change.

“I hope that we can spread awareness of the ways that not only in our work, but in our lives, we are interconnected, and that the choices we make every day make a difference, affect the whole system, and joined together are opportunities for big positive impact.”

“THERE IS A LARGE COHORT OF COMPANIES LIKE US THAT ARE JUST SMALL, BOUTIQUE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FIRMS, AND IT FEELS LIKE WE’RE ALL EMBRACING THIS

MOVEMENT OF REGIONAL LANDSCAPING”

Nahal Sohbati and Eric Arneson’s small but mighty firm, Topophyla, is redefining landscape architecture on their own terms

Nahal Sohbati and Eric Arneson met while both were studying landscape architecture at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. While collaborating on projects and gathering for landscape architecture club events, the duo found that they enjoyed working together and soon they were entering design competitions as a pair.

After graduation they joined different firms, but the pull to collaborate was still there. “We always knew that we wanted to have our own company and our own firm to explore our goals and desires as designers,” says Arneson.

In 2019, they took a leap of faith and opened Topophyla, a process-driven landscape architecture firm.

“It’s been a fun experience and a real

journey. We landed in Santa Barbara, which is kind of a perfect spot for landscape architecture as it’s centrally located.”

Arneson and Sohbati travel up and down the coast taking projects from Los Angeles all the way to the Bay Area.

“We’re in a good area to reach all these different project zones for residential primarily, but we’re also starting to branch out into some commercial work and public

projects as well,” says Arneson. “We’re a small firm—just the two of us. We have to pick our projects strategically, but we try not to say no to a lot of things and just take all the opportunities to come our way.”

They’ve found the freedom to follow their own inspiration and processes liberating—even if at times it means more work or longer hours.

“The main push for us to start our own practice was to explore new things in our own way, and to go towards things that we wouldn’t experience in a typical firm. There’s a lot of learning and some wasted time,” says Sohbati.

“Things that might get us fired at another firm,” adds Arneson laughing. “Just stuff you can’t bill for on an hourly basis. At previous roles, we would hear things like ‘oh you don’t have time for that’—even if we knew it would make the design a lot better. But now we get to do that on our own. We can explore new ideas and new techniques, own our success and failures, and that’s really the beauty of a small firm.”

When asked how this freedom to explore manifests in their work, the pair says it all comes down to design process. “We use a lot of technology like drone mapping and 3D scanning, things that typically aren’t integrated in a small firm’s design package,” says Arneson. “We go really heavy into creating almost

photorealistic 3D renderings and integrate that in the design process, not just as a demonstration or presentation tool. A lot of others might think it’s a waste of time, but we think it saves time because you get to really understand what the space is going to feel like. It helps them from spinning their wheels tracking down design ideas that won’t function well in reality,” he says. “You can weed out the errors early,” adds Sohbati.

This sense of creative freedom comes through in their work which utilizes texture, color, and movement with abandon. The duo tries to stay away from replicating the same ‘look’ over and over again in their designs, and instead let each site and project dictate the final result.

“As an overall aesthetic, we do embrace wildness and playfulness,” says Arneson.

Sohbati agrees. “Something we’ve heard from our clients is that there’s a playfulness in the design—maybe something unexpected. I think that’s

what makes us excited about the design too, the chance to make it unexpected and intriguing.”

Though they may be a small team, Sohbati and Arneson have found themselves at home in the landscape community. “There is such a cool community of landscape designers and architects around. We’ve found they’re all really open to sharing and they’re really supportive. For the two of us to start this business, we had a lot of people supporting us,” says Arneson.

The community has offered help, mentorship, and inspiration. Arneson says he looks to Raymond Jungles, Inc., RIOS, and Terremoto as beacons of what is possible within the industry.

Their Instagram network of fellow designers and architects has also served as a major source of connection. “You really get to see the latest and greatest happening right now. It’s not like looking back at the great people of the past. With Instagram, you can see what’s happening in real time. There are some wonderful designers that we work alongside and are inspired by,” says Arneson.

Social media has allowed Topophyla to connect with and learn from other small firms. “There is this beautiful thing happening now. There is a large cohort of companies like us that are just small, boutique landscape architecture firms, and it feels like they’re embracing this movement of regional landscaping. I hope that spreads throughout the country and throughout the world,” says Arneson.

Sustainability is a key factor in Topophyla’s work, but they never want it to feel like just checking off a box. Instead,

it is ingrained in how they approach the design process and in their communication with clients.

“It’s about nurturing the change of the status quo on what a beautiful garden is. We’re trying to walk our clients in this direction that a garden doesn’t have to always be green and lush. If you’re in California, things are going to withdraw in the summer-fall as they’re conserving their water, and then in the spring it’s going be a lot lusher. There’s a different type of season than what people might expect.

Native gardens, however, require a different kind of maintenance, one that crews with traditional contracts aren’t necessarily set up to do. “We found that there’s much less maintenance, but instead it can be more intensive and a different skill set,” says Arneson.

“We can explore new ideas and new techniques, own our success and failures, and that’s really the beauty of a small firm”

It’s all about challenging that expectation and encouraging people to really appreciate the native beauty here,” says Arneson.

“It’s not like interior design,” adds Sohbati. “That’s the beauty of being outdoors. It’s alive.”

With native plants, come pollinators like bees and hummingbirds —a sense of being a part of something vital and energetic.

“The least successful gardens are the ones that don’t ever change. If you come back in a few years and it looks like identical, that’s a failed garden because nothing is really living,” says Arneson.

For many maintenance companies, weekly mow and blow has always been the way. “Maintenance is a huge part of the sustainability of a garden because if somebody is mowing the lawn every week or even twice a week or weed whacking and leaf blowing, then that’s just carbon emitting constantly. If they’re using electric, that’s power being drawn from the grid. With native plants, they require more intensive trimming at certain seasons of the year but not all the time.”

Arneson hopes that by opening conversations around maintenance, landscapers can rethink their business models. “It’s a shift in how maintenance contracts need to be structured. Just as we communicate design intent through drawings, it often falls to the designer to create a monthly maintenance schedule that conveys this new approach to upkeep,” he says.

When asked about big goals for the next few years, the duo notes that it is hard to pick specific lofty goals when

Previous page: San Ysidro. Photo ©Topophyla Current page left to right: Tiered wooden seating integrated into a naturalistic garden landscapex; Park Lane. Photo ©Caitlin Atkinson; Design Process. Photo ©Topophya; Transect Garden. Photo ©Topophya

every day feels like they’re getting to live their dreams. “We just achieved one of our big goals, which was getting licensed to become a landscape architecture firm instead of landscape design,” says Arneson.

The team has also just released a native plants card game—another goal two years in the making. “It’s Go Fish, but with 13 of the prominent or iconic plant families in California. The goal is to maybe instill that little glimmer of plant inspiration at a young age. It’s been awesome to work on and something that we have the chance to do as a small firm,” says Sohbati.

This year has also brought the chance to work on projects they’re passionate about. “We’re working on an industrial commercial project for a food facility in Northern California where they’re making meals that are organically grown and tailor-made for people with health issues, like those going through chemotherapy or living with chronic illnesses. It’s a wonderful organization, and it’s been a privilege to be working on their projects.”

The project includes a variety of native plants as well as an edible garden. “They have school kids from the area come and do some landscape maintenance, as well as trimming up the veggie gardens and picking fruits and vegetables. It’s a beautiful thing,” says Arneson. The sense of satisfaction Arneson describes towards the Northern California project echoes the first project that started the Arneson and Sohbati on the path to Topophyla.

Their first project together was on a small public park in San Francisco. “It was a student project that people in the community wanted to build,” says Arneson. They did the work pro bono and found the results incredibly rewarding.

“We really enjoyed working on it because it had a longer-term value and impact in the community,” says Sohbati.

“The love we have for this process started from that project,” says Sohbati. “We had to really adjust ourselves to a community of different people with all different approaches and values, and design something that speaks to all the members.”

The park was a chance for them to make something that was not only functional but beautiful and improved the surrounding community.

It’s clear that the love for the process that Arneson and Sohbati discovered then continues to infuse every design decision they make now. Each of their projects fosters life, care, and harmony with nature.

Top to bottom: Transect Garden; Gargoyle Garden. Photos ©Topophyla

CASA FELICITA

FALLING WATERS LANDSCAPE

ESCONDIDO RESIDENCE

After 13 years of designing and building gardens for clients throughout Southern California, Ryan Prange, founder of Falling Waters Landscape, knew it was time to create his dream garden for his family to enjoy. Seeking more space and a blank canvas to work with, Prange and his family relocated to South Escondido just northeast of San Diego.

The project was a labor of love that was developed in stages over four years, though active building only took between 18-24 months.

Top of the list of design priorities was an in-ground pool, followed by an orchard, vegetable garden, and outdoor kitchen. Inspiration for the outdoor kitchen came from his family’s love of traveling throughout Spain and Italy.

The build began with planting 22 fruit trees including orange, lemon, avocado, peach, plum and apricot. Next came the pool and digging the pool and the infrastructure for the outdoor kitchen. Over the next two to three years, the rest

of the project was developed in stages. One unexpected challenge of the project was the outdoor living boom that followed the pandemic. While business was great for Falling Waters Landscape, it meant finding the time and labor for

Stone KRC Rock krcrock.com Irrigation Imperial Sprinkler Supply imperialsprinklersupply.com Plants Everde Growers everde.com

his own passion project was difficult. As the build progressed, Prange also decided to design and build an ADU, or additional dwelling unit, on the property. Though this added cost and complexity to the project, Prange says the added footprint and flexibility of the ADU has been a game-changer.

For softscaping, a palette of Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants were used including olive, rosemary, Phlomis, sages, Opuntia, oaks, pepper trees, as well as various varieties of succulent and Euphorbia. Paspalum grass was chosen for the lawn as it remains hardy in the summer heat and is fairly tolerant to dog urine.

Sustainability was another concern for Prange. He installed a 5,000-gal rain tank and a separate gray water system for irrigation and chose drought-tolerant and low-water plants. Not only are the water conservation and water-wise plants sustainable, but they also ensure the water bill on a large property is minimal.

Casa Felicita, so named due to its proximity to the famous Felicita Park, is a project that is the fruition of years of work and care. The neutral hardscape flows around the sparkling pool and elegantly mirrors the architecture of the residence, and with seating areas and gathering spaces galore, there’s room to play, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s clear that it will be a place that’s loved for years to come.

Falling Waters Landscape is an award-winning landscape architecture and construction studio. Their work includes residential, hospitality and select commercial/retail spaces. fallingwaterslandscape.com

CreativeCourtyard

MADRONE LANDSCAPE MODERN RESIDENCE

When the clients, a semi-retired couple, moved to San Luis Obispo and purchased their unique property, they knew they wanted the landscape to match the expressive semi-circle layout of their home. Their priorities included a central firepit for gathering and an outdoor kitchen replete with pizza oven, and covered dining area for entertaining. Other key design requirements included

REFERENCES

Pavers AirVol Block

airvolblock.com

Irrigation and lighting components

SiteOne siteone.com

Lumber Weyrick Lumber weyrick.com

Concrete

Rojas Enterprises

Concrete Construction rojasenterprise.com

a pool, lawn area, and lounge space with outdoor television.

Design build team Madrone Landscape stepped in to tackle the challenge. Immediately, they ensured that the landscape felt connected to the original curved architecture of the residence by crafting a design that utilized radiating concentric circles. At the center of a circular courtyard of pavers they planned the focal point of the project—

a firepit where the clients and friends can converge.

The circular patio echoes the thematic language of the home and is bordered by layers of varying materials including a concrete seat wall, natural stone retaining wall, and finally a Corten steel retainer, adding texture and color to the patio.

A beautiful outdoor kitchen was developed with finishes to match the

residence, along with a covered pavilion fitted with a tongue and groove ceiling and stone veneered fireplace lounge. A fiberglass shelled pool was built on the far side of the backyard space and surrounded by an array of lush plantings that work to bridge the gap between the hardscape and existing fruit orchard.

As an alternative to traditional turf, Madrone Landscape opted for droughttolerant Kurapia as a low-maintenance

groundcover. Densely planted trees and shrubs ring the site, offering privacy and hiding unsightly neighboring properties, while a mix of colorful drought-tolerant perennials act as filler bordering the entertainment space.

The team kept sustainability in mind with low-water plant selection, efficient irrigation, and locally sourced hardscape materials.

Though the result appears effortless, the build wasn’t without challenges. The heavy clay soil in the site proved difficult. As the project was constructed during the wet winter months, all the hardscape surfaces needed to be over-excavated and reinforced with compactable material. With the semi-circle home serving as inspiration, Madrone Landscape delivered an outdoor space that not

only complements the original architecture but enhances it. From the outdoor kitchen to the gorgeous firepit, the finished project provides function and beauty to be enjoyed for years to come.

ABOUT

Founded in 1977, Madrone Landscape specializes in sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance, primarily focused on the high-end residential market and the booming wine scene in the Paso Robles/San Luis Obispo, CA area. Our mission is ‘to create inspirational landscapes that cultivate the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast’. madronelandscapes.com

FLANEUR

Movable furniture worth celebrating. Design: David

info@mmcite.com www.mmcite.com

Karásek, Jitka Trčková

Isle of DOCKS

HTA DESIGN

EDEN DOCK

Canary Wharf has come far from the days of its post-industrial regeneration, brought back to life as a vibrant mixeduse neighborhood where people can live, work and play. Evolving from its reputation as London’s financial capital, the area has embraced significant change in recent years. An increasing emphasis on residential neighborhoods, alongside an expansion of retail, dining, and the night-time economy have revived the historic docklands for a new generation. Underpinning this, the creation of green public spaces has transformed the area into a fully accessible public destination, now an inviting urban retreat for residents, workers, and visitors.

Eden Dock is a first-of-its-kind urban oasis in the Wharf, created in partnership with the Eden Project. A 1.55-hectare site funded by Canary Wharf Group, the project exemplifies natureled placemaking and marks a transformative step in the docklands’ evolution—serving as a nature-focused public amenity for both the surrounding businesses and the area’s growing population. Situated opposite Canary Wharf Station in Middle Dock, part of the historic West India and Millwall Docks complex, this 325m-long enclosed waterway stretches from Jubilee Plaza to Newfoundland. Surrounded by offices, restaurants, and retail spaces, it serves as a vital point of connection for commuters and visitors.

While the docks have been a defining feature of Canary Wharf, from its origins to its redevelopment in the 1990s as a business district, nature has often been overlooked. Transforming the docks into a greener, friendlier and healthier place to be, Eden Dock is part of a vision for a new ‘green spine’ through Canary Wharf that is championing biodiversity, improving water quality and building climate resilience. Eden Dock aims to enhance the way people experience the Wharf, with verdant new public spaces and extensive planting both under and around the dock’s waters. People will be able to take advantage of the floating gardens and boardwalks and enjoy the habitats that are now home to new wading birds, waterfowl and songbirds, as well as species of plants rarely seen before in London.

HTA Design was approached by Canary Wharf Group in 2022 to join Howells and the wider design team ahead of submitting the project for planning. The client’s overarching aim from the outset was to bring nature and biodiversity into the Wharf and create a climate suited for people, place and nature. This was achieved by introducing floating pontoons, walkways, ecological planting and a forest of trees, utilizing the expanse of space available in the dock. This bold and challenging vision was integral to the client’s wider ambition in making the area more welcoming to residents and visitors, as well as the many office workers.

Howells has designed ‘shores’ of gradual inclines with timber bleacher seating integrated with steps, walkways, and gardens to bring the public realm down to the water level for the first time. Here, hollow-concrete modular pontoon systems create new south and west-facing spaces for congregation, including floating gardens, educational spaces and social terraces. Just below water level, a 1.5-meter-wide cantilevered

REFERENCES

Masterplanner Howells howells.uk

Landscape designer HTA Design hta.co.uk

Developer Canary Wharf Group group.canarywharf.com

Consultant Eden Project edenproject.com Canal and River Trust canalrivertrust.org.uk

Engineering and Marine engineer Arup arup.com

Lighting design Studio Fractal studiofractal.co.uk

Previous page: Serene escape in the city ©Greg Holmes

Current page left to right: View from the second pontoon to main pontoon ©Tim Crocker; View from uppermost deck looking towards dock ©Tim Crocker; Open water swimming in the historic dock, accessed from the floating pontoons ©Canary Wharf Group; One of several interpretation boards

Project ecologist Greengage greengage-env.com

Planning authority London Borough of Tower Hamlets

PLANTING

• Carex pendula

• Juncus inflexus

• Phragmites australis

• Allium sphaerocephalon

• Persicaria affinis

• Pennisetum alopecuroides

Trees

• Alnus glutinosa

• Betula pendula

aquatic shelf provides a framework to support saline-resistant planting while discretely protecting the public from the danger of deep water. A new north-south footbridge across the dock follows proven desire lines to link local landmarks.

Designed for all ages, the project integrates spaces for play, relaxation, and exploration to accommodate residents, office workers, and visitors at once. Natural play features like sandboxes, pond dipping, and ‘mini worlds’ foster curiosity and independent mobility to create meaningful connections between people, nature, and the historic waterway.

The introduction of effective planting and trees was essential to the key project aims of connecting people to water and nature. The strategy incorporates 70–80

species and 42 new trees, prioritising diverse, resilient vegetation that is bird-resistant and trampling-tolerant, ensuring long-term ecological stability as vegetation matures. Temporary fencing protects the planted islands during establishment, with innovative ‘duck doors’ and two-stage apertures allowing safe passage for chick and small species while preventing injury. Native species have been selected to provide valuable habitats on the floating islands for various life forms including invertebrates, amphibians, fish and waterfowl. “Up on the deck, where people interact closely with the planting, sensory species were selected in response to the challenging conditions, for their association and tolerance of water as well as aesthetic appeal,” says HTA Design.

Eden Dock’s environmental benefits are evident with 55% biodiversity net gain within the dock’s boundary, facilitated by 770 sqm of floating islands and aquatic shelves that provide yearround habitats for pollinators, birds, and aquatic life. The impact has been assessed in various ways including measurable outcomes like urban heat island mitigation and water quality enhancement. Submerged root systems support fish and invertebrates, while bird and bat boxes, fish refuges, and waterfowl ramps expand the ecological network. Low-level lighting ensures minimal disruption to nocturnal wildlife—with biodiversity, leisure, and community at its heart, Eden Dock is designed to be accessed and enjoyed by all.

ABOUT Top to bottom: From the water looking towards bleacher seating ©Canary Wharf Group; Green public boardwalk at Canary Wharf ©Hokum

HTA is a multidisciplinary practice of more than 200 people, bringing together the creative talents of architects, urbanists, planners, landscape architects, interior designers, engagement leaders and sustainability specialists, with a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. hta.co.uk

THE UNSEEN ADVANTAGE:

HOW DRIVER SAFETY FUELS YOUR LAWN & LANDSCAPE BUSINESS’ SUCCESS

Lawn and landscape business owners invest heavily in equipment, skilled teams, and marketing to build loyal customer bases. Yet, one critical area often goes overlooked and it’s costing businesses more than they realize: driver safety. Imagine a driver, in one of your branded trucks, swerves into another lane, cutting off a motorist who’s never hired you. Frustrated, they leave a one-star review, blasting your company’s reckless driving. That single review could turn away dozens of potential clients. In an industry where reputation drives success, your company drivers shape how the world perceives your brand.

I’m not here to sell you on a quick fix. Instead, I want to challenge you to rethink how driver safety impacts your bottom line, culture, and community standing. Tools like telematics, which monitor vehicle performance and driver behavior, can help, but lasting change starts with leadership and a commitment to prioritize a culture of safety.

The Hidden Cost of Unsafe Driving

In the U.S., it costs businesses $40bn annually1, with 1.2 million fleet accidents involving small service trucks2—the kind your crews drive daily. Between 2022 and 2023, fatalities involving companyowned fleet vehicles rose by 3%3, and the average workers’ compensation claim from a crash reached $65,8754. Nearly two-thirds of these incidents stem from distracted driving or rear-end collisions5. About 25% of one-star Google reviews mention poor driver behavior, with 65% of those coming from people who never used your services but had a negative encounter with your truck.6 A 2024 study found that nearly

Driver safety is more than compliance—it’s a business advantage. Dave Brown of Nuvo shares why.

a quarter of customers said they’d never hire a company with unsafe drivers. A stranger’s review could cost you a contract before you even bid.

Building a Safety-First Culture

I know what you’re probably thinking, “My drivers are professionals. Monitoring them feels like a lack of trust” and that is a fair

concern. In fact, almost half of field service businesses face pushback when addressing unsafe driving. However, safety isn’t about micromanaging, it’s about fostering a culture of accountability and pride. Reframe telematics as a tool for growth, offering coaching and recognition for safe driving rather than punishment. Companies that prioritize safety see a 40% drop in negative reviews and nearly all fleet managers report a stronger online reputation7. The question is: does your culture excuse risky behavior, or does it champion accountability to protect your brand?

The Revenue Connection

Drivers are your brand’s ambassadors. A single negative review can sway over half of potential clients away from your business8, hitting lawn and landscape companies hard in local markets. Conversely, businesses using telematics see fewer negative reviews and save significantly, a low estimate is $38k annually for a 100-vehicle fleet on fuel, maintenance, and insurance premiums9, not to mention

reduced legal or workers’ comp costs. Tools like GPS, distraction-blocking software, and AI dashcams empower smarter decisions, safeguarding both revenue and reputation.

Next Steps

Driver safety is more than a checkbox, it’s a strategic advantage. Every time your trucks hit the road, they either build or erode your brand. Telematics offers a path to control, but success hinges on making safety a cornerstone of your culture. Review your feedback for mentions of driver behavior, engage your team in discussions, and explore tools that align with your goals and values.

About the Author

Dave Brown is the president of Nuvo Solutions, a mobility and telematics firm dedicated to helping field service businesses—including Lawn & Landscape companies—streamline operations, reduce risk, and grow revenue. With over 20 years of experience, He speaks nationally on fleet safety, culture, and profitability. Under his leadership, Nuvo Solutions has become a trusted partner to green industry professionals who want to take the headache out of managing mobile devices and telematics.

1 National Safety Council, “Distracted Driving: The Cost to Businesses,” 2023. https://www.nsc.org/ road/safety-topics/distracted-driving

2 FMCSA, “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2022.” https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics /large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts

3 NHTSA, “2023 Traffic Safety Facts,” Preliminary Data. https://www.nhtsa.gov/traffic-deaths-2023

4 NCCI, “Workers Compensation Claim Costs: 2023 Update.” https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/InsightsWorkersComp-Claim-Costs.aspx

5 NHTSA, “Distracted Driving 2022,” and FMCSA Crash Statistics. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

6 Google Business Profile Community, “How to Report Fake Reviews” https://support.google.com/business/ thread/252773695/how-can-i-report-fake-reviews?hl=en

7 Samsara, “Case Studies on Fleet Safety and Reputation,” 2023 https://www.samsara.com/case-studies

8 BrightLocal, “Local Consumer Review Survey 2023. https:// www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/

9 Geotab, “Telematics ROI Report 2023.” https://www.geotab. com/white-papers/telematics-roi/

REIMAGINED RECRUITMENT

It’s tempting to fill a position quickly when phones are ringing off the hook and schedules are packed. I’ve been there...years ago I hired someone after a single conversation because I needed a body on a crew. He said all the right things and I convinced myself we could train him on the job. Within weeks, he was cutting corners and clashing with our team. Managing that misfit took more energy than leaving the seat empty. That mistake reminds me that you cannot build excellence on shaky foundations. If you want to raise the bar, hire with intention.

I want to know if they believe in our mission and if they want to raise the standard.

We’ve since adopted the “3x3 interview” method from one of my former coaches, Jonathan Goldhill: three interviews with three people on three separate days. The first conversation is with a peer or supervisor who knows what the role demands. We talk about projects, technical skills and problem solving. The second discussion is about values and character. We ask how they respond to pressure and feedback, and what motivates them beyond a paycheck. The third is with me. We discuss purpose, legacy and growth.

Spacing these conversations over three days gives everyone time to reflect and shows us who is consistent. If someone brings energy and curiosity each time, that is a sign they care. If they fade or contradict themselves, they may not be ready for the long haul. Having three interviewers paints a full picture. A crew leader notices work ethic. A supervisor spots gaps in training. I look for hunger and humility. When we compare notes, we align on whether this person will thrive within our culture.

a pipeline of people with insight into our company. Then we run them through the 3x3 method. We invest in onboarding and training so new hires are adequately supported. We pair them with mentors and set clear expectations. We also move on quickly when someone is not an ideal fit. “Hire slow and fire fast” is not a slogan; it is a discipline that saves time, money and stress.

“Hire slow and fire fast” is not a slogan; it is a discipline that saves time, money and stress”

This approach slows the process, but it does not slow our growth. We recruit proactively. We meet potential team members at high school games, community markets, vocational programs and industry events. We build relationships before there is a position to fill. When a role opens, we already have

As leaders in the trades, we owe it to our teams to do better than guesswork. Do you have a process to protect your mission? Are you willing to spend a few extra days to find the right fit? Do you involve your team in evaluating candidates? The cost of a bad hire is not just money; it is morale, trust and momentum. You cannot build a strong business on weak hires. Slow down, choose character, train for skill and raise the bar with every person you invite into your company. That is how we turn busy months into seasons of growth.

BY DESIGN One of a Kind,

In 2019, Hylton Hugo was on a quest to find large planters to use on the terraces and gardens of his highend residential property developments. He searched the markets and realized there was a gap in supply, and so he set out to make them himself.

“After many years of trial and error, he came up with a mix design that was clay-like to handle and very stable and durable. He placed these planters on the terraces and

gardens of various developments and the business just took off with enquiries!” says Nicole Hugo, head of sales and logistics at Torc Pots.

“WE MAKE SOME OF THE LARGEST PLANTERS IN THE WORLD”

The family-run local business is based in the UK, but ships their sought-after products all over the world. Torc’s products are at home in both residential and commercial settings, and are used indoors and outdoors.

The pots and planters are made from a clay-like mixture designed by Hylton—co-founder—which is made up of at least 60% recycled materials. Byproducts of the building, steel and clay pottery industry are all recycled. They also cure using hydration as opposed to high energy kilns.

In its workshop, large-scale pots, planters, and water features are shaped by hand into organic and contemporary forms that develop a beautiful, weathered patina over time.

“What sets our planters apart is the way they are made. Every piece is created entirely by hand using traditional artisanal methods. Unlike industrial molding or mass production, our process allows us to shape and finish each planter individually.

The scale that we can achieve is pretty much unheard of. We make some

of the largest planters in the world. Alongside this, we offer a huge range of colors, textures and bespoke shapes. If clients have an idea, the chances are Torc can bring it to life.”

Since Torc’s products are crafted on large pottery wheels, texture is applied by hand offering a variety of design

options. “Whether it’s subtle surface variations, organic patterns, or bespoke finishes designed in collaboration with a client, no two pieces are ever exactly the same, which gives them a character and authenticity that you simply don’t get with factory-made products,” says Hugo.

Torc’s process offers a flexibility that other brands can’t. As its products aren’t made using fixed molds or automated systems, they can adapt shapes, sizes, and surface finishes to

Nicole Hugo shares why architects are asking for Torc Pots

meet the specific vision of its designer and architect clients.

“Ultimately, our planters are not just containers—they are sculptural, tactile objects that carry the mark of the maker’s hand. That’s what makes them truly unique works of art,” adds Hugo.

Bespoke orders are one of Torc’s strengths. “Over the years, we’ve produced planters based on clients’ own drawings; created outdoor tables with integrated gas burners; designed bottomless pots for specific planting schemes; and developed integrated tree anchors to stabilize large specimen trees. We have also created seating elements with integral planting zones. We’ve added personalized logos directly onto the surface of our pots too,” she says. “The possibilities are almost endless—and that’s what makes the process so exciting. Each commission is a chance to create something unique, tailored entirely to the client’s vision.

The Playful range combines considered design with lighting to enhance outdoor spaces at any time of day or night.

The Opus Range is a collection of handcrafted pots and water features from the creative partnership between Torc Pots and A Place in the Garden. Blending design with high-quality craftsmanship, the Opus range is designed to elevate outdoor spaces with elegance and character.

“OUR PLANTERS ARE NOT JUST CONTAINERS—THEY ARE SCULPTURAL, TACTILE OBJECTS THAT CARRY THE MARK OF THE MAKER’S HAND”

This year has been a busy one for Torc. “We completed a very large project at The Whiteley in London, which also houses a Six Senses Hotel. They filled their huge courtyard and atrium space with very oversized planters—some of which were 2.5m-wide. In total, they placed 120 pieces in and around the hotel and high-end apartments,” explains Hugo.

Alongside its bespoke offerings, Torc offers pots, planters, fire pits, furniture, and water features in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. It also offers two collaborative ranges including the “Playful” and “Opus.”

The Playful x in-lite® range is a collaboration between Torc Pots, Erwin Stam and Studio Unhyde.

Another highlight was the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. “We are invited to place products onto the show gardens of Chelsea Flower Show every year. 2025 saw our products appear on no less than six show gardens, alongside our own trade stand, which is visited by thousands of people over the course of the week.”

So, what’s next for Torc? The team is cooking up a new line of fire tables, plunge pots and water features. For everything else, we’ll just have to stay tuned!

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

Turn up the heat

Innovative hot tubs and saunas that bring luxury, relaxation, and style to any outdoor space

Thermasol’s Solaris Sauna

The first fully off-grid, solar-powered sauna in the U.S., Solaris redefines outdoor wellness with sustainability and style. No electrical connection required—just sun and serenity. A solar-tinted panoramic glass wall offers privacy and natural light, while the UV-resistant exterior and brushed alder interior deliver durability with a modern, European-inspired aesthetic. Compact yet powerful, the integrated heater provides a gentle, restorative experience—anywhere. thermasol.com

Bullfrog

Spas® M Series™

Unmatched versatility, luxury, and performance. M Series offers intuitive functionality, gorgeous aesthetics, and versatile layouts to accommodate every individual and family. Each unique spa model provides a previously unseen and currently unmatched spa experience. Your beautiful and functional M Series spa is truly the ultimate way to enjoy a peaceful body, peaceful mind, and peaceful home.

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person

Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

The

Bullfrog

Spas JetPak Therapy System® for M Series

Personalize your experience with the JetPak Therapy System for M Series, which includes 16 unique and interchangeable JetPak® massages. Select your preferred massages, place them in your favorite seats, and upgrade with a new JetPak at any time. bullfrogspas.com

The Sun Home Luminar™ 5-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna is a luxury wellness retreat designed for year-round outdoor use. Crafted with aerospace-grade aluminum and carbonized red cedar, it features fullspectrum infrared heating, medical-grade chromotherapy, Bluetooth surround sound, and a mobile app. Recognized by major publications like Rolling Stone and Variety, the Luminar™ offers a premium sauna experience with advanced features and sleek design. sunhomesaunas.com

In 2012, inspiration struck Aaron Steele. He’d recently purchased goats to raise on his farm— partially as an agricultural commodity, but also as a way to get his kids involved in farm chores and learn about the responsibility of caring for animals.

But immediately, Steele was astounded by the goats’ capacity for clearing brush. As he drove throughout his neighborhood in Ames, Iowa, he couldn’t help noticing that ‘goat food’ was all around him.

Soon, Steele got together with a friend to discuss his findings.

GO, GO GOATS!

With 70 herds across the US, Goats on the Go is changing how we approach landscape maintenance

“We were both kind of hobby farmer guys and our families lived on these small but unprofitable farms. We had a desire to make our farms commercially viable, and we had recently begun experimenting with goats just on our own. We were amazed at what they could do, and what they did on our properties in terms of eating weeds and brush and just being so different than any other kind of livestock,” he says.

Together, they started paying attention. “We’d go out driving and say hey, that’s goat food right there, and there’s goat food there, and there’s goat food on all of these unconventional

landscapes, places you wouldn’t think of as agricultural properties or pastures, but rather just people’s backyards. And it turns out that much of what I’m calling ‘goat food’ is actually nuisance plants or invasive species that most people want to get rid of anyway.”

Steele and his friend turned this spark of inspiration into Goats on the Go, a targeted grazing service that offers long-term and eco-friendly solutions to overgrown or unwanted vegetation. Within their first season, the feedback was overwhelming.

“We didn’t expect to make any money in our first year, or even necessarily get

paid. We just wanted to go out there and see what the interest was, but once we started on our first project at a public park the phone started ringing. It’s been ringing ever since,” explains Steele.

Steele prefers to use the term ‘targeted grazing’ to describe the service Goats on the Go offers, because he says there can be misconceptions regarding utilizing livestock for landscape maintenance.

under the Goats on the Go brand. This expansion has allowed Steele’s original enterprise to spread from Iowa all across the country.

“Once we started on our first project at a public park the phone started ringing. It’s been ringing ever since”

“We’re not just dropping off a bunch of animals at somebody’s property, and we’re also not just seeking to feed our animals. That’s a small side benefit,” he says. “We are applying animal impact to a piece of property with specific goals in mind that we’ve worked out with the customer. We’re applying the right number and type of livestock for the right duration with the right stocking rate to achieve those goals. It basically all comes back to a planned strategy for getting that goal achieved with livestock as the tool.”

In 2016, Goats on the Go launched an affiliate program. Affiliates receive training and support and operate

“There are Goats on the Go operators in roughly 25 states in the US. We have 70 affiliates, and we’re pretty evenly spread across the US. Obviously, since we’re a Midwest company, that’s where our initial growth was. But we’re seeing strong growth in the western US now, and though it’s taken us a long time to break into the southeast, we’re seeing more and more growth there as well,” says Steele.

When asked about what the average job looks like, Steele says it can vary based on location.

“How we operate locally and the types of customers we have that might be different than in California or North Carolina,” says Steele. “In the Midwest, a lot of our customers are interested in getting rid of nuisance plants, which could mean too much vegetation overall or they might want to control invasive species to make way for and protect and enhance native landscapes.”

In California, however, goats can be employed as a preventative measure against fire. “As we get further west, the focus with goat grazing tends to be more on wildfire mitigation, because all of that overgrown vegetation is just potential fuel in a wildfire. Customers in California might include local and regional parks, state departments of conservation, park and trail systems.”

Goats on the Go has done work on landfills, drainage ways, schools, backyards, home associations, and more—anywhere vegetation is creating a challenge.

“The more sensitive the landscape, the more necessary it is that a soft touch be applied to controlling that vegetation and that’s where the goats come in handy.”

As concerns over the environmental and health impacts of chemical herbicides continue to grow, utilizing goats can offer a non-toxic alternative to traditional forms of weeding.

“The greatest environmental benefit that we can deliver is offsetting the amount of chemical herbicides that might be used if we weren’t applying goats,” says Steele. “If we do a good job of managing the goats like we should, we lessen the erosion potential of machinery—not to mention the noise pollution.”

Not only are goats quieter than leaf blowers and weed whackers, but they don’t need to be filled with fossil fuels every time you want to mow the lawn.

“Our goats don’t walk to our project sites, so of course there are trucks involved. But overall, we burn a lot less fossil fuel than the equipment it would take to do it mechanically,” says Steele.

This desire to cut down on the amount of fossil fuels used in landscape maintenance was also a driving factor in influencing Steele to expand to affiliate partners.

“The model of helping people create and sustain their own targeted grazing businesses right where they live is so great, because the more we can make it a locally provided service, the less we are out there with big trucks and trailers going up and down the highway,” he adds.

With growth has come the addition of another kind of four-legged grass eating mammal to the team. Steele created the sister brand Sheep on the Go as a complement to the Goats on the Go trademark.

Some grazing jobs are better suited to sheep than goats and strategically utilizing both sheep and goats has allowed the organization to tackle even more sites.

“A great example is solar grazing, meaning the management of the vegetation underneath solar panels on large solar farms. Goats tend to climb on anything they can, and chew on power cables. So, goats have the potential for getting into trouble on many solar sites, and the vegetation there tends to be better food for sheep than goats.”

Sometimes affiliates will deploy both sheep and goats. The decision tends to come down to what kinds of vegetation a site has.

strategy, management, and can do it professionally. I think that we need way more of these skills to meet the demand that’s out there.”

Steele also emphasizes that he wants Goats on the Go to be seen as a complement to landscapers not a replacement.

“The more sensitive the landscape, the more necessary it is that a soft touch be applied to controlling that vegetation and that’s where the goats come in handy”

“Sheep like grassy, herbaceous vegetation more than the woody, brushy stuff, whereas goats prefer the taller, leafier weeds,” says Steele.

When asked what’s next for Goats on the Go? The sky is the limit, says Steele.

“I’m seeing demand for goat grazing all across the US, so I would love to be serving every kind of suburban metro area in the US. There’s all this demand out there. This industry struggles not with being able to put goats on people’s properties, but with having skilled professionals who know the

“Sometimes we have been presented as competition to landscapers or other alternative means of vegetation management, and I really don’t see that. I think that we’re a new addition to the economy, and we serve a role I think that most landscaping companies would view as an addition to the work they’re doing, not competition.”

Goats, he says, are ideal for a first pass through a jungle of vegetation, so that landscapers can work more safely and efficiently—and spend more time on the tasks that require a human touch.

“We’re just adding this regenerative component to the work that landscapers are already doing and expanding the scale at which they can do it,” says Steele.

THE BUSINESS OF Working with Nature

Why Regenerative Landscaping Is the Future

The landscaping industry is at a crossroads. For decades, synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers were the norm—tools of the trade used to deliver fast, clean results. But times have changed. Clients are more informed. Environmental risks are more visible. Regulations are tightening. And the demand for healthier, more ecologically sound landscapes is rising fast.

For professional landscapers, this is not a threat—it’s a major opportunity.

A growing number of contractors, architects, and maintenance teams are discovering that regenerative land care isn’t just better for the environment. It builds stronger businesses, deeper client relationships, and more resilient, beautiful landscapes.

What Is Regenerative Land Care?

At its core, regenerative land care is about working with nature, not against it. Instead of masking problems with chemicals, regenerative practices aim to build up the health of the ecosystem— starting with the soil.

Healthy soil is the foundation of any thriving landscape. It teems with microbial life, stores water, supports nutrient cycling, and naturally resists disease and weeds. By feeding and protecting the soil, we reduce our dependence on chemical inputs while enhancing plant health and biodiversity.

“Instead of masking problems with chemicals, regenerative practices aim to build up the health of the ecosystem—starting with the soil ”

I’ve had the privilege of working with public agencies, school districts, and universities—many of which are now eliminating toxic chemical inputs from their landscapes. I also collaborate with student-led groups like Re:wild Your Campus, who are pushing for healthier grounds and safer conditions for both students and maintenance crews. These shifts aren’t hypothetical. They’re happening in real time, and professionals who understand regenerative principles are leading the way.

The basics of regenerative land care include:

• Composting and mulching to return organic matter to the soil

• Avoiding synthetic herbicides and fertilizers

• Planting native and site-appropriate species to support biodiversity and reduce irrigation

• Using ground covers to protect soil and prevent erosion

• Capturing and infiltrating stormwater through smart landscape design

• Minimizing disturbance to allow natural systems to recover and regenerate

This isn’t just about planting pretty gardens—it’s about creating functioning ecosystems in the built environment.

Why Professionals Should Care

For landscapers, adopting regenerative practices has clear business benefits. Clients increasingly want landscapes that are low-maintenance, water-wise, pollinator-friendly, and safe for kids and pets. Cities and institutions are rolling out pesticide bans. And the ability to offer real ecological value—rather than just cosmetic upkeep—is becoming a key differentiator in a competitive market.

Even more, regenerative landscapes tend to perform better over time. They require fewer inputs, are more drought-tolerant, and often need less mowing, watering, and weeding. And while the transition may require some re-education and changes in operations, professionals who make the leap find that the results speak for themselves. This is also an opportunity to reframe your role—not just as a service provider, but as a land steward.

A guide.

Someone who brings

deep knowledge, not just tools, to every job site.

Environmental Benefits That Matter

Moving away from toxic chemicals is more than a feel-good gesture—it’s an urgent ecological need.

• Protecting pollinators: Many commonly used pesticides are linked to pollinator decline. Regenerative practices, on the other hand, provide habitat and safe forage for bees, butterflies, and birds.

• Reducing water pollution: Synthetic fertilizers and herbicides often run off into storm drains, contaminating creeks, rivers, and oceans. Regenerative landscapes retain more water and filter it naturally.

• Restoring soil health: Healthy soil acts as a carbon sink, storing more organic matter and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Healing toxic sites: Regenerative approaches can help remediate contaminated soils using plants and microbes—something conventional landscaping cannot do.

• Supporting biodiversity: Native and climate-adapted plantings create habitat for countless species that are rapidly disappearing from urban areas.

These aren’t fringe concerns anymore. Clients—from homeowners to

universities—are asking about them. Professionals who can speak to these issues with knowledge and integrity are already a step ahead.

Letting Go of Toxic Inputs

One of the most common concerns I hear from landscapers is, “But how will I manage weeds without chemicals?”

The truth is: You can. There are non-toxic strategies and tools that work—mulching, hand-weeding, flame weeding, and biological amendments all help reduce weed pressure over time.

around treated areas. I have customers who have used FireHawk for four years— including Harvard University, Park City, Utah, and KW Landscape in Maryland— and they consistently report that weed pressure lessens over time. The more they apply FireHawk, the longer the intervals before they need to reapply. In fact, the Harvard grounds crew told me, “FireHawk works better than glyphosate.”

That said, professional landscapers who adopt regenerative practices know that success takes patience. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to give the soil microbiome time to strengthen and start working with you, creating a thriving and lush landscape that naturally resists weeds and stress.

The Time Is Now

Whether you’re managing an HOA, maintaining a school campus, or designing a municipal park, regenerative practices are becoming the expectation— not the exception.

Landscape professionals who embrace this shift position themselves as leaders, not followers. They offer more than a service; they offer a vision for a healthier future.

“One of the most common concerns I hear from landscapers is, “But how will I manage weeds without chemicals?”

The truth is: You can”

To that end, FireHawk is the first and only regenerative herbicide— at least to my knowledge—that uses technology to effectively control weeds while actively supporting the soil health in and

ABOUT

This is a moment to rethink what we do, why we do it, and who we serve. The planet needs it. Communities are asking for it. And the industry is ready.

Let’s stop fighting nature—and start working with it.

Let’s keep growing.

Kathleen Hallal is a NOFA accredited organic landscape professional and regenerative land care advocate. She helped lead Irvine, California’s award-winning “Organics First” Policy and now works with communities and universities—including student-led organizations like Re:wild Your Campus—to reduce chemical use and restore healthy landscapes. She also represents FireHawk Bioherbicide, the first known regenerative herbicide that combines effective weed control with soil-supportive technology.

What’s up next for

Get involved in our October 2025 issue

Our October issue will spotlight all things lighting and decking —and there are plenty of ways to get involved! We’re working on a “Top Tips” feature on best practices for landscape lighting, a product round-up that will showcase the most exciting offerings in the decking space, and of course three gorgeous portfolios.

sales inquiries:

celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com

YOU’RE DROWNING IN DATA— but are you Using the Right Kind?

Why Most Landscape Companies Are Flying Blind Into 2026

As we roll into strategic planning season for 2026, I’m struck, yet again, by how often leaders in the landscape industry talk about AI, dashboards, and KPIs without first addressing the one thing that underpins it all: data quality.

In my years as both a business coach and an Ironman competitor, I’ve learned the same truth applies to racing and running a company: you can’t win by tracking everything; you win by tracking the right things, consistently.

Let me be blunt. It’s not about how much data you have. It’s about how accurate it is and whether it’s the right data in the first place.

Yet most companies I meet are still making million-dollar decisions

based on gut feel, outdated assumptions, or what they think their clients and employees want.

The Cost of Guesswork: A Real Example

I recently walked into a large company preparing for a three-day strategic planning session. As part of my prep, I asked for the latest results from their client satisfaction surveys and employee engagement feedback.

Blank stare from the CEO.

Then came the line I’ve heard far too often: “Don’t worry about it, we did a survey three years ago. We know what they want.”

That’s like showing up to the starting line with training data from a race three years ago; it’s irrelevant to the challenge in front of you.

This was a $30m business. Flat revenue. Mediocre margins. High employee turnover.

They’d been stuck for three years and couldn’t figure out why.

So, we pushed back and gathered fresh data from their clients, their teams, and even frontline supervisors. The picture that emerged? Totally different from what leadership believed. Their service levels were missing the mark in areas the clients really cared about. And internally, their people were quietly disengaging and planning exits.

The outcome? We rewrote the entire 2026 strategy based on those insights.

Different initiatives. Different investment areas. Different accountability structures.

Stop Pretending You Know— Ask Instead

If you’re preparing for 2026 and you haven’t recently surveyed your clients

or your team, you’re not planning, you’re guessing.

Let’s break down why this matters:

• Client expectations are a moving target. Just as race conditions change with the weather, business conditions shift with the market; yesterday’s pace doesn’t guarantee today’s win.

• Your employees won’t tell you everything unless asked anonymously. And if you don’t know what they’re frustrated with, your best people will leave before you can fix it.

every major enhancement project or seasonal milestone.

• Data-to-action pipelines, where someone is actually accountable for reviewing the results and integrating them into planning.

Like elite athletes, they track key performance metrics at regular intervals, making small course corrections long before race day. It’s not complicated. But it’s incredibly rare.

“In an Ironman, you can’t push harder if you don’t know your pace, and in business, you can’t grow if you don’t know your numbers”

• Profit margins often shrink because you’re solving the wrong problems. Without data, you’ll waste money treating symptoms, not root causes.

Here’s What High-Performing Companies Are Doing Differently

The best landscape companies I work with, the ones growing north of 15% annually, do three things without fail:

• Quarterly pulse checks with employees, not just annual reviews.

• Short, targeted client surveys after

Don’t Let 2026 Be Another “Flat” Year

Too many companies are stuck around $5M, $10M, or $30M in revenue—year after year—wondering why they can’t break through.

What I’ve learned from coaching dozens of companies through plateaus is this:

You can’t scale what you don’t understand. In an Ironman, you can’t push harder if you don’t know your pace, and in business, you can’t grow if you don’t know your numbers. And you can’t understand what you don’t measure. As you gear up for strategic planning, don’t bring assumptions to a data fight.

Call to Action: Start Small, Start Now

Here’s your challenge this week:

• Send a three-question survey to 25 top clients asking them what they value most and least about your service.

• Ask your employees (anonymously) what’s getting in the way of doing their best work.

• Bring that to your planning session— and watch the conversation shift.

The truth is: AI, analytics, dashboards; none of it matters if the data underneath is broken or irrelevant.

Just like building endurance, small, consistent steps now create the stamina for the big push later. It’s time to stop guessing. It’s time to listen.

Robert Clinkenbeard is the CEO of Wilson360, a business coach, and the author of The Ironman Mindset for Entrepreneurs. He works with landscape industry leaders across North America to scale their businesses with clarity, focus, and discipline. wilson-360.com

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

Kelly Dowell

Donna Delaney

Dowco Enterprises dowcoinc.com

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

Since I already live near the beach in Florida, the sand is

basically in my DNA. Give me a new city to explore!

Best piece of advice?

Zig Ziglar said: “Do today what others won’t, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t.” That runs through my head every time I want to procrastinate.

Karaoke song?

Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye

Blind. Nothing bonds strangers faster than belting “doo doo doo, doo doodoo doo”.

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

England’s gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show have always inspired me, and attending the show is on my bucket list. The way they combine tradition, artistry, and horticultural excellence is breathtaking.

Bob Marks Onlawn onlawn.io

Emi Landscape emilandscape.com

You’re on vacation—lounge on the beach or explore a new city? Explore a new city—especially one with history, character, and great food. I love tasting local flavors while discovering beautiful outdoor spaces and cultural gems that I can bring back as inspiration for my work.

Best piece of advice?

The words of Theodore Roosevelt in his “Man in the Arena” speech always resonate: “It is not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the

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

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

Since we manage industrial buildings, I’m drawn to the eco-friendlier designs in Europe. The way they incorporate the existing environment into logistics and building design is intriguing.

A bit of both. I need time to relax and unwind, but I’d get bored sitting on a beach for a week. With other families, one location works well. With just my family, we like to move around and see a few different places.

Best piece of advice?

To be your best in business, you need to be at your best mentally and physically. I’ve committed to health as a priority, and it’s paid dividends in focus, clarity, and resilience.

Dream project?

We’re leaning into real estate investments, and I’d love to take on more renovations. There’s something satisfying about turning “ugh, who lived here?” into “wow, can I live here?”

One thing that would make the industry better?

like the best ROI investment you’ll ever make. The industry is still acting like it’s 2005. Most landscapers update their websites once a decade and think one social post a week counts as “content.” Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Who would play you in a movie?

Plot twist: I don’t watch movies. I’m more of a TV-series girl. So cast me as a recurring character on something bingeworthy!

Since I’m in the marketing niche: stop treating marketing like an expense and start treating it

arena.” Daring greatly, even with the risk of failure, is far more rewarding than standing on the sidelines.

Karaoke song?

“Happy Face” by Destiny’s Child— it’s uplifting, full of strength and intentionality, and a reminder to choose joy even in tough times.

Dream project?

To create an event that brings together people of all cultures and ages— a collaborative gathering that fosters community, connection, and joy.

Karaoke song?

None! I can’t hold a tune, and I’d be way too embarrassed to try.

Dream project?

Our best projects are new construction sites that were finished poorly. When a property manager takes control postconstruction and brings us in to bring it up to spec, that’s where we really shine.

What one thing do you think would make the industry better?

If more business owners prioritized their team’s needs over squeezing out

Trend you’re tired of?

People using ChatGPT to write their LinkedIn posts… and not editing them.

Couldn’t get through the week without… Hugs and kisses from my toddler.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Elevating the respect and image of landscape workers. They work hard, and their skill brings beauty and sustainability to our everyday lives. They deserve recognition and dignity equal to any trade.

Trend you’re tired of?

The “instant gratification” mindset—thinking results can be achieved overnight, instead of cultivated with time and care.

another percent of profit. At emi, we’re a true “people first” company—not just in words, but in practice. Our front-line team members are some of the hardest-working individuals out there, and they deserve recognition for their efforts and high-quality work.

Trend you’re tired of?

We’re not chasing landscape design trends since our focus is maintenance and snow. What I am tired of is the trend

Who would play you in a movie?

Sandra Bullock—she’s strong, approachable, and has that perfect mix of grit and warmth I’d like to think I bring to both work and life.

Couldn’t get through the week without…

My team. They inspire me, make me proud, and remind me why I do what I do. And a little chocolate always helps too!

of companies overpromising clients with no real intention of delivering to spec.

Who would play you in a movie?

This stumped me, so I asked around the office. Answers ranged from Gru (Minions) to the “good cop/bad cop” from The Lego Movie to Bruce Willis (I think just because we’re both bald white guys).

Couldn’t get through the week without…

Copious amounts of caffeine!

©SilviPhoto/Shutterstock

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.