Green industry pros share insights on the current state of the green industry.
Deere and the Wirtgen Group have built a worldwide reputation of getting the job done smarter, safer, and more sustainably. Join us at CONEXPO-CON/AGG to see our largest booth yet — featuring the latest innovations across your production systems. From dirt to rock to road, we’ll have it in Vegas.
VOLUME
28. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS
An investigative look at how companies can find their place on social media and why it matters in an increasingly digital world. 30. LAWN CARE | FERTILIZER AND PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR TIPS AND TRICKS
Best practices for lawn care operators to keep in mind when putting down fertilizers and plant growth regulators.
32. MOWING AND MAINTENANCE | DO SPRING CLEANUPS RIGHT
Experts share how landscape pros can become more efficient and optimize their spring cleanups this season.
37. EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY | HOW EFI UPS EFFICIENCY
A look at the ins and outs of electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology and how it benefits landscape professionals. 40. HARDSCAPES & DESIGN | PAVER AND EDGER TECHNIQUES
A look at paver and edger options and the best ways to install them. 42. LIGHTING & IRRIGATION | CHOOSE THE RIGHT IRRIGATION COMPONENTS
A few guidelines to help irrigation professionals choose the right components for their systems.
18.
Steady
Green industry professionals and manufacturers share their take on the current state of the landscape industry and predictions on where it’s going over the next year and beyond.
06. EDITOR’S NOTE
08. DIGITAL HITS
12. FRESH CLIPPINGS
44. PROJECT PROFILE
46. NEW PRODUCTS
50. CONTRACTOR PROFILE
Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 21681228 (online)] is published six times a year: January/February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September/October by AC Business Media. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605.
By the time this magazine is in your hands, I will have been serving as editor of Green Industry Pros for almost a year. And my, what a year it’s been.
I’ve had the pleasure of attending the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ inaugural Elevate Conference, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s inaugural Equip Expo (formerly GIE+EXPO) and several new product launches in between.
Amid all that, I’ve gotten the opportunity to know you, our readers, and learn more about your day to day, those challenges that keep you up at night and what you’re most looking forward to in the future.
All of that said, we’re kicking off the new year with a look back at how 2022 went for the green industry and a glimpse forward into what 2023 holds.
In talking with many green industry professionals and manufacturers for that story, a few words came to mind: strong, steady and stable but also slowing. (Yes, it is just a coincidence that all those words begin with S.)
Homeowners are no longer banging down the doors of their local landscape companies like how they were when the COVID pandemic left them with a surplus of money to upgrade their
outdoor spaces and nowhere to go.
And yet, those landscape companies— despite struggling to fill the labor gap and being wary of supply chain shortages and inflation—still reported a steady stream of customers in 2022. Our social media poll further confirmed that sentiment, with most respondents rating the industry as “excellent” or “fair” over “OK” or “poor.” You can find out more on that story on p. 18
In the spirit of looking ahead at the new year, this issue also has several ideas on how your business can up its game in 2023: Our business management department digs into social media tactics to maximize your time and resources (p. 28); our mowing and maintenance department offers tips for how landscape pros can get a leg up when it comes to spring cleanups (p. 32); our hardscapes and design department gives the scoop on matching the right pavers and edgers to each application (p. 40); and much more.
Wrapping up, I’m pleased to introduce Green Industry Pros’ new associate editor, Emry Lloyd. Emry graduated with honors from Rutgers University in 2021, and since then, she has worked as a senior editing coordinator at Wolters Kluwer, where she managed schedules, workflow and subject matter experts, among other tasks. I’m excited to have Emry on board and see how she can help us propel this brand to the next level in 2023 and beyond!
What are you most looking forward to about this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and I’m sure your fellow readers would too. Email your ideas to swebb@acbusinessmedia.com or connect with me on LinkedIn by following the QR code below.
Until next time! https://gpros.co/bkgb3v
EDITORIAL
Editor Sarah Webb swebb@acbusinessmedia.com
Managing Editor .................................................. Gigi Wood gwood@acbusinessmedia.com
Associate Editor................................................... Emry Lloyd elloyd@acbusinessmedia.com
Technology Editor Charles Rathmann crathmann@acbusinessmedia.com
AUDIENCE
Audience Development Manager Angela Franks
PRODUCTION
Senior Production Manger Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com
Art Director Willard Kill
ADVERTISING/SALES
Brand Director Jason DeSarle jdesarle@acbusinessmedia.com
Sales Representative Megan Perleberg mperleberg@acbusinessmedia.com
Sales Representative Sean Dunphy sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com
Sales Representative Nikki Lawson nlawson@acbusinessmedia.com
Sales Representative......................................... Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com
AC BUSINESS MEDIA
Chief Executive Officer Ron Spink
Chief Financial Officer .................................. JoAnn Breuchel
Chief Revenue Officer Amy Schwandt
Chief Digital Officer Kris Heineman
VP, Audience Development Ronda Hughes
VP, Operations & IT Nick Raether
Content Director Marina Mayer
Director, Online & Marketing Services Bethany Chambers
Content Director, Marketing Services Jess Lombardo
Director, Demand Generation & Education Jim Bagan
Director, Enterprise Sales Kay Ross-Baker
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS
P.O. Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 (877) 201-3915 | Fax: (847) 291-4816 circ.greenindustrypros@omeda.com
LIST RENTAL
Sr. Account Manager Bart Piccirillo | Data Axle (518)339-4511 | bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com
REPRINTS & LICENSING
Megan Perleberg mperleberg@acbusinessmedia.com
Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 2168-1228 (online)] is published six times a year: January/February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September/October by AC Business Media. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to qualified subscribers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S., $35 per year; Canada/Mexico, $60 per year; and all other countries, $85 per year. All subscriptions payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Back issues, if available, cost $10 prepaid. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2023 AC Business Media.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recordings or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
@ CHAT
IT UP
Do you have an interesting story that you’d like to talk about on our podcast? Or, maybe you’re an industry expert and you’d like to share some of the best practices that can help fellow landscape companies grow their business? Email your ideas to Green Industry Pros Editor Sarah Webb at swebb@acbusinessmedia.com, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode of our Grass Roots podcast. And, while you’re at it, be sure to check out our vibrant archive of past conversations with industry experts using the QR code.
https://gpros.co/ks7w40
@greenindpros @greenindustrypros @greenindustrypros @Syifa5610.adobe.stock.com OneClic.adobe.stock.com
OUR BRANDS
To continue reading the rest of this story
Equip Exposition welcomed 25,000 attendees and exhibitors, setting a new record.
Below is a snapshot of this year’s Equip Expo by the numbers:
• 25,000 attendees and exhibitors attended the three-day trade show.
• 4,000-plus people turned out for the first-ever Welcome Reception at Louisville Slugger Field.
• Nearly 250 people braved the chill morning air for the inaugural Mulligan’s 5K Fun Run & Walk over the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. The benefit run and walk, sponsored by Ariens, raised funds for the Kentucky Humane Society.
• Attendees hailed from all 50 states and 49 countries, including Guam, New Zealand and Australia.
The show will return to the Kentucky Exposition Center Oct. 18-20, 2023.
https://gpros.co/g85pvg
Green Industry Pros is proud to name the winners of its annual Great Green Giveaway contest: Lester Hochstedler of Hochstedler’s Lawn Care won the Milwaukee Tool prize package, and David Nastasia of David Nastasia Landscape Co. won the Echo prize package.
Introduced in 2021 the Great Green Giveaway invites fans to enter, at no cost, for the chance to win one of the prizes.
This year, Green Industry Pros received more than 1,300 completed entry forms, more than doubling last year’s submission number. Prizes for the giveaway included:
• Milwaukee Tool Outdoor Power Equipment Prize Pack
To continue reading the rest of this story
Qualified small business landscape professionals can now buy discounted zero-emission mowers, blowers and other landscape equipment through funding offered through the California Air Resources Boards Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project.
• PB-9010T Backpack Blower, SRM-2620 String Trimmer and DPAS-2600SB 56V Attachment-capable String Trimmer
https://gpros.co/tg2av8
To be considered for voucher eligibility, small businesses must offer landscape services that help repair, install or subcontract the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas that are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. Additionally, the business must be independently owned and operated with a principal office located in California. Finally, the company must have 100 or fewer employees and average annual gross receipts of $15 million or less over the previous three years. Administered by CALSTART, the CORE program includes more than $27 million of voucher funds allocated for professional landscape services operated by small businesses or sole proprietors.
Equipment purchasers can request vouchers for the following types of landscape equipment: edgers, hedgers, string trimmers, chainsaws, pole saws, vacuums, handheld leaf blowers, backpack leaf blowers, walk-behind mowers, ride-on and stand-on mowers, batteries, chargers and power management equipment.
To continue reading the rest of this story
https://gpros.co/2y0dtb
Many conversations among exhibitors and attendees during bauma 2022 centered on sustainability.
From connectivity to alternative fuels and electrification, sustainable operation has become a requirement in several industries to ensure decreased emissions, improved fuel efficiency and long equipment life.
The European show may prove to be a preview of what’s to come during CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE.
Previews of technology to be exhibited at green industry trade shows later in the year may also be geared toward sustainability initiatives.
To continue reading the rest of this story
https://gpros.co/ n24ah2
Echo established a new virtual learning management system, Echo Academy, an online platform that offers high-quality training content to Echo’s distributors, dealer network and other departments within Echo.
Features of the platform include:
• It’s available online or via mobile app;
• It provides users with the tools needed to be successful in both the sales, service and marketing of Echo products;
• It kicks off with more than 100 training courses that provide in-depth technical training for the Echo dealer network;
• The technical service programs posted on the site are multilingual, covering English, Spanish and French;
• There’s a function allowing dealer technicians to find and register for hands-on service schools in their area; and
• A new technician certification program, consisting of three levels, from new dealers and technician staff to a master certification level.
To continue reading the rest of this story
An economic report by Jobber shows the home service category, which includes a green section, started off 2022 with strong growth, due to the strong home renovation trends from the previous year.
While factors such as the rising costs of materials, shortage of labor and inflation resulted in a slight decline in new work being scheduled in Q2 and Q3 2022, the category as a whole is still outperforming most categories in terms of revenue growth. From Jobber:
• Home service spending was second only to restaurants in Q3 2022.
• In Q3 2022, there was a slight decline in new work being scheduled, while revenue growth continued at a healthy pace of 7 to 10 percent.
• Green businesses experienced a slight decline in new work scheduled in Q3 2022, while median revenue in Q3 grew 5 to 10 percent year over year.
https://gpros.co/u4d32n
https://gpros.co/cld3xf
The construction equipment brand Doosan has rebranded and will now be known as Develon, effective immediately. Develon will continue to focus on manufacturing construction equipment to build critical infrastructure in North America and globally. Develon products and services will serve the construction, logging, recycling, mining, rental and agriculture industries.
According to the company, work began to identify a new brand name to replace Doosan following the August 2021 sale of Doosan Infracore to HD Hyundai. The name Develon was chosen to “convey the company’s drive to develop onward to bring innovative solutions to the construction equipment industry through technological transformation and the development of exceptional equipment and services.”
To continue reading the rest of this story
https://gpros.co/z7vnaq
Green Industry Pros and SnowPRO named Emry Lloyd as associate editor, responsible for writing, editing, overseeing social media, managing the websites and more.
Emry graduated with honors from Rutgers University in 2021, and since then, she has worked as a senior editing coordinator at Wolters Kluwer.
She currently resides in Clementon, N.J., with her three cats: Tommy, Shy Guy and Dandy. In her free time, she likes to draw, camp and cook new recipes. She can be reached at elloyd@ acbusinessmedia.com.
With that, congratulations to Alexis Mizell-Pleasant, who stepped into the managing editor role of Green Industry Pros’ sister publications: Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
To continue reading the rest of this story
https://gpros.co/1uinoj
Congress reauthorized the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA5) in the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2023. The House of Representatives passed it on Dec. 22, 2022, and the Senate passed it on Dec. 23, 2022.
“Reauthorizing PRIA has been a priority for Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), as we work to strengthen the federal pesticide regulatory process and ensure our industry can continue to reliably deliver the pest control and plant health solutions necessary for protecting public health and safety, maintaining green spaces and infrastructure and keeping shared spaces pest-free,” said Megan Provost, president of RISE.
@New
PRIA provides resources that are necessary to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). This legislation will support annual appropriations for OPP. It will also have additional funding from industry-paid fees that supplement pesticide registration, registration review and other regulatory actions that are important to promoting product innovation.
The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act was first passed in 2004 and set up a fee for service program for pesticide manufacturers. This program funds a part of the EPA’s pesticide registration program.
From its inception onward, PRIA has been supported by pesticide manufacturers, environmental NGOs, applicators and even members of Congress.
This funding for OPP is very necessary, according to RISE. Coupled with a variety of process and information technology improvements, this will allow OPP to increase its staffing and meet higher registration and registration review timeframe expectations. This funding will give consumers and applicators the tools they need to manage pests in and outside of homes, communities and the environment.
This bill will increase funding for farm worker and clinician training programs, and it will require Spanish translations of pesticide labels within set timeframes. Before the expiration of PRIA 4 on Sept. 30, 2023, PRIA 5 passed one year early. PRIA 5 takes effect on Oct. 1, 2022 and will expire in five years on Sept. 30, 2027.
https://gpros.co/hej022
The National Association of Landscape Professionals’ annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition and career fair will be held March 15-18.
This competition will be held at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss. This year, nearly 700 horticulture and landscape students from more than 50 universities and colleges will connect with industry companies and test their skills in 30 real-world, competitive events like exterior landscape design, plant identification, robotics and technology in landscape design and maintenance, irrigation design and more.
To continue reading the rest of this story
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) partnered with Industry Collective.
https://gpros.co/sit0jh
@r_tee.stock.adobe.com NALP
Industry Collective provides an easy way for landscape and lawn care companies to give back to their communities through simple service projects. The initiative launched in 2021 and began with just 23 industry companies that hosted 97 community service events at their facilities, packing more than 28,000 hygiene kits for local distribution.
From NALP:
• There currently are more than 20,000 landscapers represented through participant companies.
• Companies that want to participate in upcoming events or learn more are encouraged to visit Industry Collective’s website.
• Suppliers and other companies who want to become a sponsor can donate funds through NALP.
To continue reading the rest of this story
https://gpros.co/usdpqs
The green industry encountered many challenges throughout 2023: a global supply chain crisis, labor shortages, high inflation, increased prices and heightened regulatory pressures— all of this in a time where the world was still shaking off the effects of a global pandemic.
Many of the signs pointed toward a recession— the effects of the Great Recession of 2008-2009 still looming large in people’s mind.
And nevertheless, the industry mowed forward.
Manufacturers released a multitude of new products, embracing emerging technology such as automation and battery power, customers still saw the benefits of beautifying their outdoor spaces, calling on their local landscape pros to help, and landscape professionals found ways to become more efficient to stave off labor and supply chain concerns, staying resilient through it all.
In a poll of Green Industry Pros’ social media followers, 75 percent of respondents classified the current state of the industry as “excellent” or “fair,” while 25 percent classified the green industry as “OK.” Zero respondents said the industry could be described as “poor.”
“I would describe the green industry as still very strong,” says Jay Worth, marketing manager at SingleOps. “There’s a lot of demand from consumers with the caveat that we are probably heading into some leaner times as an industry. We’re already starting to hear from business owners that demand is slowing down. It’s still healthy, but it’s not like it’s been the last two years where landscape pros couldn’t walk out the door without tripping over a customer, and now they’re having to actually work for them again. The demand is still there. The workflows are still there. It’s just different.”
To get a sense of the industry’s well-being, Green Industry Pros reached out to landscape professionals and manufacturers in the industry to get their perspective on how 2022 panned out and what’s in store for 2023.
“The first and second quarters of 2022 had negative growth, which fits the definition of a technical recession. However, if that’s the case, it is possibly the weakest recession on record. Even with the likelihood of another recession on the horizon, the backlog of projects, equipment orders, presold equipment and solid construction indicators show minimal impact from another recession. Inflation may limit the profit of available dollars, but the outlook is still positive as the economy adjusts and presents new and different challenges.”
“We had a big boom of residential landscape work
Manager,
Green industry pros share insights on the current state of the green industry.
have evolved as consumers normalize behaviors post-COVID, outdoor living continues to be a focus for homeowners—both new and existing—and many are looking to landscape professionals not only for routine mowing, but major landscaping work that can redefine outdoor spaces. Landscapers are adopting innovative ways of doing business by embracing new equipment technologies, making the most of landscape business software and looking for new ways to handle old challenges. The last few years have certainly been unusual, but we have been and remain optimistic about the state of the industry. The landscape industry isn’t going anywhere. The growing trend of housing developments utilizing homeowners’ associations, apartment buildings and homeowners who want to “age in place” is driving up the demand for the landscape contractor, and we’re excited to be a part of shaping the future. What’s different is that landscape contractors are looking for ways to scale their businesses to keep up with demand while continuing to address the labor shortage in the industry.”
“Anything can happen where you’re losing clients because of the economy, but we’re still up 20 percent year over year from where we were last year.
1. Labor
“Finding labor is a challenge, and historically, the green industry is not willing to pay as much as other blue-collar sectors. However, getting better at marketing will benefit in recruiting efforts. Identify who the ideal employee is. Then, craft messaging that resonates with them and deliver it in a platform where you know they’re going to see it.”
“In the last year, we’ve continued to see growth in the landscaping market. One challenge at the forefront in 2022 has continued to be the ongoing labor shortage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 47 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021, with many not planning to return to the workforce. This makes finding experienced workers to join landscaping crews a continued issue. More pressingly for landscaping contractors, there’s been an increase in retirement in workers aged 55 years and
older. This means finding skilled labor is getting progressively more difficult as more people retire at younger ages.”
if it’s available, you get it because you don’t know what’s around the corner.”
“Supply chain issues lingering from the pandemic have continued to hamper some of our production schedules, especially with technology and electrical components.”
“It seems like everybody is feeling the economic pinch, so there was a lot more haggling about pricing. Plus, fuel prices are going bananas in our location, and dumping and disposal fees have been going through the roof. While the prices of the plant material may be comparable, it’s all the trucking fees and the freight that has gone through the roof. All of those factors are going into price increases: paying higher wages, higher fuel prices to power the equipment, higher insurance prices, all of which leads to higher prices for our customers across the board. To save everybody the wheel spinning, we have to be more honest and upfront with the
— Jack Harder“With the supply chain issues we’re seeing in this country, those have driven up prices on just about everything, most notably pesticides and fertilizer. I’ve noticed that even from my local suppliers, if I need something, they’re saying that they’re not able to get it in. So, you shop around and try to find it for the best price, and
“We’re paying more for labor, job materials, equipment and vehicles, but as a business, you have to overcome that cost, so we try to pass that along to our consumer and structure our pricing programs differently. We try to give more value through customer service.” — Joshua
Malik4. Regulatory concerns
“I think regulatory stuff is only going to get worse, whether it’s small engine bans or something else. Even for companies that offer things like lawn care or plant health care programs, it’s very trendy right now for legislators to want to look as if they’re taking a stand on something.” — Jay
Worth
1. Autonomous equipment
“Autonomation focuses on two issues facing the industry: maximizing productivity and managing the labor shortage commercial cutters are facing. I expect this to continue, and more original equipment manufacturers will develop their versions of either fully autonomous or man-on/man-off machines to help commercial cutters maximize productivity.”
2. Machines encouraging efficient operation
“The labor shortage is the No. 1 complaint I hear right now. So, landscapers are turning to machines to replace not being able to find people. Machines that could do the job of two or three people, maybe even four people, have gained a lot of popularity in this industry.”
3. Battery power
“On the electrification front, whether it’s driven by regulations, social consciousness or convenience, more commercial and residential customers are looking for electrified power equipment. As electrification systems continue to evolve, the performance of these machines now rivals their gas-powered equivalents. Even run time is becoming less of an issue as improvements on that front are reducing or eliminating the ‘range anxiety’ barrier to purchase.” — David
Cluka
STEMMY GRASSES AND WEEDS
4. Homeowners revamping outdoor spaces
“Obviously, COVID threw everybody for a loop. It was very challenging for the country but very good for businesses connected to the outdoors as people tailored their outdoor spaces to their needs. That looks to be a trend that’s holding. Manufacturers have done a lot of research in greenspace management, hardscapes, etc.”
“The spending is there. I think more and more people were spending money on landscape and hardscape after COVID, and it seems like it’s still growing in that way.” —
Brant Kukuk
1. Plan ahead
“Have six months’ worth of your expenses, your business, operating expenses, salary, overhead, insurance, all of it, ready. Dial in your marketing, making sure you’ve got your ideal customer identified and that you’re sending messages that resonate with that person to ensure you have a steady pipeline of potential new clients. Revisit your sales process and eliminate any unnecessary steps make it as easy as possible for people to do business with you.” —
Jay Worth2. Continually educate “When you think about any other skilled trade—plumbing, electrical, HVAC—they are dealing with inanimate objects, and they
need to go through a formal educational apprenticeship and be state certified to do it. Landscapers work with living organisms, and there’s no educational requirement. I think the educational requirement would also help solidify the industry as one with more professionalism.” —Benjamin
Bodnar3. Build relationships
“As a business owner, starting now, I would probably focus on building some instant relationships with banking institutions and network with other peer groups or industry professionals. That helped me develop a little bit quicker and put different processes and systems in place.” —
Joshua Malik4. Keep customer service top of mind
“It doesn't matter what line of business you’re in, if you’re in the service business, you’re in the people business. You don’t want to gain a reputation as being somebody that’s going to be sloppy, nonresponsive or rude. Show people the respect they deserve. Be pleasant and get that person-to-person relationship established. That can be as simple as a handshake. Once you establish that relationship, you start to develop their trust, and the business can take care of itself.” — Jack
Harder“Savvy landscape contractors are exploring the use of new technology and software to scale their business in line with increased opportunities. Advances in equipment and business management software can facilitate business growth by streamlining scheduling, routing, invoicing and other operational tasks. As the industry continues to evolve, innovation and flexibility in how they run their businesses will be important to continue to grow. From more efficient route planning and crew performance monitoring to accurate billing, software solutions are driving profit to the bottom line, which is critical as inflation pressures continue to mount.” — Tom
Werner*115 social media followers responded on Instagram and Facebook
At the intersection of peace and power lies the Toro® electric Ultra Buggy® e2500, the latest evolution in battery-powered material handling equipment. Designed for urban projects or noise-restricted areas, the electric Ultra Buggy runs on Toro’s Hypercell® battery technology for up to 8 hours of continuous, quiet runtime.
For jobs that demand heavy lifting, the electric Ultra Buggy features a 3/8” polyethylene tub capable of hauling 2,500 pounds of materials concrete, debris, rock, sand with zero engine exhaust emissions. Plus, the compact size and zeroturn capabilities make it easy for operators to fit through 3-foot-wide doors with a crash bar and work in tight or semi-enclosed spaces — whether early in the morning or into the evening. While in use, operators can utilize the fold-up platform to walk or stand behind the unit and use the mounted directional and dump switches. When the day ends, plug the electric Ultra Buggy into a standard 120-volt wall outlet for a full charge the next day. At first light, power up the electric Ultra Buggy for a busy 8-hour day — don’t worry, the neighbors won’t mind.
Toro Contact Info: www.Toro.com/Dealer
With a product line as diverse as the properties you maintain, STIHL professional battery tools set the new standard for power and performance. The AP battery system delivers the same legendary quality and commercial-grade durability you’ve come to expect from STIHL with low noise, zero fuel and zero exhaust emissions.
Social media has skyrocketed to one of the main ways we communicate. For businesses, social media has become an unmatched tool for connecting with clients and building brand awareness with minimal to no advertising costs.
Social media consists of social networks, platforms and other outlets where users share their interests, news and ideas in conjunction with content creation and media production. Many platforms have niche areas where groups converge to share similar interests and goals.
In 2019, Statista found that more than 70 percent of adults in the U.S. use at least one social media platform. As of 2021, Backlinko found that more than 4.48 billion people worldwide are using social media, with the average user on 6.6 platforms monthly. The opportunity for connection between people on socials is continuing to grow as more platforms, in the form of apps, are released, adopted and used, especially since the height of COVID-19 when people were unable to connect face to face.
So, how can companies leverage social media, and why does it matter?
According to Backlinko, Facebook is the leading social network at 2.9 billion monthly active users. It’s safe to say that Facebook may be the most recognizable and universally adopted platform on the web today, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the most important. As trends in socials ebb and flow, popularity in platforms often spikes when something new comes on the market.
For example, TikTok, released in 2018, has blown up as users, content creators and businesses find use amid its quick form videos and simple searching hashtags. In September 2021, TikTok hit 1 billion active global users at record speed due to the pandemic. Could this be a place for your business? If you like making short form videos, it could be. For longer content like commercials
and video podcasts, YouTube is your best bet. TikTok is unique in that its algorithm is hit or miss. It’s possible for one video, out of hundreds you post, to gain traction and go “viral” overnight, with zero promotion.
On the flipside, Facebook is often used by businesses in the same way a website is. Through the business suite, which also connects to Instagram (owned by Meta, Facebook’s parent company), users can set up a full business page complete with phone numbers, web links, addresses and more. Quicker than with a website-housed blog, users can share information on closings and delays or highlight new products and company changes, all while connecting with clients through comments, likes and messages. It’s the “onestop shop” as far as social media goes, and that’s why it’s often the first one taken advantage of by businesses.
Instagram and Twitter are more nuanced. Instagram is a quick scroll of pictures that catch the eye—highlighting a product or project, for example. The connection between Facebook and Instagram makes it easy to cross-post without an added integrated software solution. Because Instagram doesn’t allow users to link directly to sites in a post, there are additional free hosting sites, such as LinkTree, that give one central, easy mobile spot for links. Twitter, like Facebook, is a sharing of words—but at a capped character length of 280, which can be limiting. One special thing about Twitter is that it uses hashtags to tag tweets to a specific topic, and those tweets can be found by virtually anyone; therefore, the potential for business-to-business connection is huge, specifically from smaller businesses to larger corporations that may
Advice on how companies can leverage social media and why it matters in an increasingly digital world.
“retweet” something they find pertinent, useful or interesting.
LinkedIn is truly the Facebook of business. It is a platform for professionals and companies to market themselves to other professionals and companies. Most people share thoughts and ideas from a business perspective, and that creates a unique space to brand yourself. Connecting on this platform, like Twitter, is very vast and can put users face to face with big names in the industry. Those connections can be garnered at any time and are a great tool to make an e-Rolodex of sorts. Having a presence on all these major platforms can enhance your business. They are all free, easy to use and can make your business seem full scale even if it’s small. When you have a host of profiles like this and link them on your website, it creates a polished, interconnected brand image. Additionally, social media can act as a free marketing and advertising tool that is often as simple as typing something out, snapping a quick picture and hitting send. But be wise—business platforms should remain business related and not feature
@escapejaja.stock.adobe.com
personal content, unless someone is marketing themselves as an expert through their personal LinkedIn profile. Otherwise, mixing personal and business pages can often deter clients and potential connections.
In just six years, social media use has seen an increase in users of 115.59 percent, according to Backlinko. Renolon estimates that approximately 30.57 million businesses in the U.S. alone are on these platforms. Additionally, Renolon found that
of those businesses using social media, 59 percent say it’s mostly for customer service and communications, 44 percent use it for brand awareness and 41 percent use it to drive revenue.
“Not only can it help you connect with more customers, but it can also help you learn more about your customers and what they want from your business,” reports Renolon.
@Sergey
As springtime approaches, lawn care operators (LCOs) should stay on top of best practices for putting down applications of fertilizers and plant growth regulators (PGRs). Fertilizers and PGRs have distinct benefits.
Application of fertilizers to lawns is one of the most consequential practices LCOs perform on their clients’ lawns. Fertilizers are beneficial to turfgrass as they help provide lawns with their nutrient needs for optimum growth, color and quality.
While this practice might be a routine, daily activity by LCOs, they should keep in mind a few important things: Nitrogen fertilizer source:
Fertilizers can be classified by how quickly the nitrogen is available or released in the soil for root uptake. They can use quick-release nitrogen, slow-release nitrogen or a blend of the two types. Examples of quickrelease nitrogen fertilizer include urea or ammonium sulfate. Slowrelease nitrogen fertilizers include sulfur-coated urea (SCU), polymercoated and polymer-coated SCU.
Nitrogen fertilizer carrier: Fertilizers can be applied in the liquid
form, where the nitrogen is soluble, or a dry form, commonly known as granular.
Aside from the nitrogen release and the carrier forms, a few things to keep in mind include the following:
• Use rate (pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet)
• Grass type
• Time of year
• Lawn nutrient needs
• Other factors: soil type, turf uses and maintenance, irrigation status. Organic fertilizers:
There are several granular types that differ based on the origin of the nitrogen components (animal, plant or biosolids).
Turfgrass nutrient requirements vary by grass species and climatic adaptation (cool- versus warm-season grass types). Fertilizer applications must be timed to meet nutrient needs based on the growth stage during the growing season. For example, during the hot summer months, cool-season grasses may have much lower nitrogen requirements than warm-season grasses, which would have highest demand for nitrogen for optimum turfgrass quality and color.
PGRs
Plant growth regulators are more commonly used by golf course superintendents compared to LCOs.
As their name suggests, these products interfere with root and shoot elongation and slow down or temporarily stop their growth. Their ultimate impact is noticeable reduction in growth that can be assessed visually by lower shoot biomass production. Many LCOs use them on steep slopes and difficultto-mow areas or along fence lines to reduce the need for string trimming and reduce maintenance costs.
Sometimes PGRs are used in combination with fertilizers to enhance to turfgrass quality. However, PGRs are mostly used to slow down or reduce turfgrass growth.
Customers look to LCOs to be the experts and trust that they have the knowledge to apply fertilizers and PGRs when they are needed to meet their expectations. LCOs must explain to their customers the value and benefit of using professional service for the management of their lawns.
Ben Hazma Product Development Director FMC Corp.
than just go full bore into it because you could have back problems or other issues,” Horoszewski says.
With the start of the season rapidly approaching, efficiency is key when it comes to executing spring cleanups.
Scott Horoszewski, owner of Acme NLS in Swanton, Ohio; Jason Wilk, senior product manager at Echo; and Nick Carlson, founder of Mulch Mate and former president of Laser Cut Property Services in Crownsville, Md., share tips to help green industry professionals check off spring cleanups with ease.
Editor’s Note: Part 2 of this article will detail how to make sure equipment is in tiptop shape ahead of the busy season.
To make sure everyone and everything are ready to go each morning, Acme NLS preps both its trucks and its crews before heading out from the shop.
For trucks, the company goes through a morning checklist to make sure each piece of equipment has oil in it, gas-powered equipment is fueled up, gas cans are filled up and tarps, rakes, blowers, mowers, pruning equipment, etc., are on board the trailers.
“We make sure that everything’s loaded up before we leave out the door,” Horoszewski says. “It’s a good 10-minute process, but in the long run, it’s going to save you a lot of time that would be spent going back and forth to your shop to get what you need. It’s already on your truck or trailer.”
He also encourages crews to start up equipment such as blowers before they head out the door to make sure they’re warmed up, running and in good condition.
To prep crews, the company ensures everyone stretches in the morning to warm up before a long day of manual labor.
“It’s better to stretch and take it easy right off the bat
Carlson’s landscape company also held daily morning meetings to keep crews on the same page.
“I loved to get all my guys together every single morning a little bit early after we got our morning checklist done to make sure everyone knew what was coming,” Carlson says. “We’re telling them if there’s weather coming, what we need to get the cleanups done, etc. We have to communicate with our people because you don’t want them running around haphazardly.”
Wilk notes that a lot of spring cleanup success revolves around crews having the proper equipment on hand.
“You don’t want to be using a huge backpack blower in flowerbeds and blow all the mulch out of the beds into the lawn, and on same token, when you’re trying to do cleanups, the last thing you want to be doing is trying to tackle a whole leaf job cleanup with only handheld blower,” Wilk says. “So, it’s all about having the right amount of equipment to get in there and get the job done and get on to the next as fast as possible.”
While the exact day crews get started may differ each year, Horoszewski says Acme NLS typically performs spring cleanups no later than March.
“It all depends how the temperature is outside, and you never know when the weather can change,” Horoszewski says. “We schedule everything out for a whole month in advance, and then we just go by day by day. We try to make sure that once we start our cleanup, we go through, but we can also switch back over to snow removal equipment if we have to. All the equipment we have for lawn and snow are together at the same location and ready all the time. If it snows, we’ll hold back a couple of days until it melts, and then we go right back at it.”
Carlson laughs that the worst “freak snowstorms” always
@
seemed to hit in March but that because of the company’s strong communication, crews were able to adjust.
“You really get a chance to see what you’ve got, how good you are, how strong your systems are, how strong your people are and how well you can actually pivot,” Carlson says. “So, whenever you ran into a freak storm like that and crews and customers saw that communication flying, it really resonated with people— the fact that you’re always on top of it.”
While items may look different depending on the region, it’s important for crews to know what all needs to be accomplished when they enter a property.
For example, Acme NLS’ process involves the following:
• Remove leaves from the beds and the grass
• Cut the grass to get it all cleaned up
• Fertilize to help get the grass growing for the year
• Edge beds if needed
• Put down mulch
Horoszewski adds that the company’s routing software attempts to keep crews in the same area for days at a time to minimize drive time, and it also pulls up a general checklist and checklist for each crew member, so everyone knows what they have to do.
On the other hand, when Carlson’s @thanapun.stock.adobe.com
At Kawasaki Engines, we believe the best way to celebrate our success is by looking forward to what comes next. With plans for the year ahead already in motion and more gaining speed every day, we’re set to pick up right where we left off in 2022 and we’re glad to have you along for the ride.
From our expanding lineup of industry-trusted engines to our new dealer-direct model in Puerto Rico, 2022 saw some exciting developments for our business and brand—and we’re ready to continue delivering the same Kawasaki Engines difference to more people in 2023. But in the meantime, here’s a look at some of our latest developments, happening now.
These all-new, power-potent, and fuel-efficient engines debuted at Equip Expo in October 2022, so stay tuned for more on their capabilities in the coming year. Featuring EFI technology, enhanced intake efficiency, cyclone air filtration, and more, FX EVO engines are made to exceed expectations while meeting modern demands.
A selection of Kawasaki Engines power players are on digital display at our recently launched product experience site. Learn more about each featured engine—including the all-new FX820V EVO—and get a dynamic, 360° view as you scroll. See the Kawasaki Engines difference from an all-new angle at KawasakiEnginesPower.com today.
By transitioning to a dealer-direct model in Puerto Rico, we’re actively expanding our network of independent dealers and providing an enhanced service experience to more people—from our domestic sales and marketing programs to technical assistance, warranty support, and more.
The year is just getting started—stay tuned for more and here’s to a productive 2023.
KawasakiEnginesUSA.com
A NEW YEAR OF PERFORMANCE BEGINS NOW.
Whether you’re mowing early on in the year, prepping for the busy season to come, or simply looking to commemorate the occasion with something new, Kawasaki Engines provides a long line of industry-trusted engines and a range of precision-designed maintenance items to support them. But the one thing that ties it all together? Trust not just from our products but in the landscaping professionals, equipment dealers, and partners who we rely on each day too. Here’s to a powerful 2023.
landscape business performed cleanups, crews would do properties in waves: First, two crew members handled limb removal and heavy leaf removal, going through the properties with blowers and tarps to get the properties mostly cleaned up. Then, two crew members would come next—when they could view the turf better—to edge and redefine turf beds. Finally, the whole crew would come through to wrap up any final items.
Not only does listening to crew members make them feel like important members of an organization, but Carlson says it’s also a way to find inefficiencies and make processes smoother.
“When I listened to and allowed my guys to complain, they would tell me where my inefficiencies were, and then we figured out how to fix that,” Carlson says. “You also have to remember that you’re asking guys to shovel and lift—throughout the spring cleanups—millions of pounds of material, whether it’s leaves, sticks or mulch. It’s absolutely barbaric to ask another human being to take on that. So, it’s really the culture and the way you take care of your people that’s ultimately going to make you super successful when it comes to spring cleanups.”
He adds that to further ease the strain of spring cleanups, he would check in with each individual crew member and engage with them.
“I had crew members who told me that me that the reason they worked for me was because I engage with them,” Carlson says. “I didn’t just throw them to the world or over the truck and say ‘go get it.’ I would ask how their
family, their job, their house is. Always do a check in with them every single day to get updates from them.”
To make sure his company was fully staffed for spring cleanups, Carlson says he would start making phone calls the first week or two of each new year.
“I would tell people, ‘this is what I think is going to be the hard part, so prepare your mind,’” Carlson says. “Getting someone to understand what they’re about to encounter, they’re going to be far more mentally prepared. From there, you’ve got a winning combination.”
Speaking of planning ahead, Carlson emphasizes how important it is for companies to always be looking eight to 12 months down the line—or at a minimum, quarter by quarter—rather than just month by month.
“A lot of guys do not run on a budget,” Carlson says. “They don’t have a plan, and they just kind of fly by the seat of their pants, and that is a recipe for disaster.”
• “Get all the edging stuff done early before the rain because when the ground is still and firm and hard from being cold, it allows you to cut better edges and clean up a little bit easier.”
— Nick Carlson• “We have crews walk each property to look for mystery holes we might not have seen in the fall, and we make sure to move bigger sticks or limbs out of the way so that they’re not tripping over stuff that could cause injury.” — Scott Horoszewski
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology helps achieve maximum engine efficiency.
Replacing the need for a carburetor that mixes air and fuel, EFI systems inject fuel directly into an engine’s manifold or cylinder using electronic controls.
“You’re going to have peak performance across the board,” says David Bush, strategic marketing manager for generators and engines at Honda Motor Co. “Thinking about a traditional carburetor, if those become clogged, your mixture of the fuel and air will not be at an optimal level, and they may be running lean, meaning they’re not getting enough fuel. Or, they may be running rich, which will affect the fuel consumption, and they may get clogging on some of the spark plugs or some gumming on the valves.”
EFI also improves user experience by providing all-weather chokeless starting, according to Steven Stewart, assistant manager, R&D testing, EFI development and calibration, Kawasaki Engines.
“Like a modern automobile, you just turn the key and it’s up and running,” Stewart says. “Engines with EFI technology also fare better in long-term storage conditions because most of the system is not directly exposed to oxygen—the biggest catalyst for fuel degradation.”
Bush, Stewart and Tom Billigen, training and development manager, Briggs & Stratton, share the latest updates with this technology and how it benefits green industry professionals.
The green industry is seeing more adoption of electronic throttle control (ETC) on EFI engines.
Stewart notes that the benefits of ETC are twofold.
First, it provides precise control of the airflow into the engine, which allows the electronic control unit to have robust and response governor control. In turn, reactions to load demands are instantaneous, and engine speed is controlled more precisely.
Second, electronic throttle control maintains engine speed at the operating limits, eliminating the loss of power that comes from mechanical governor droop. This means all of the engine’s power is available all of the time.
“Both benefits are going to be noticed through improved cut quality and improved productivity,” Stewart says. “It offers superior control of engine torque and power under all conditions.”
Billigen agrees.
“The ETC system helps ensure smooth and consistent power with any load size or terrain type that a piece of equipment may encounter,” Billigen says. “For end users, the ETC system delivers a more consistent blade speed for better cut quality and grass clipping processing. It also helps to enhance productivity in the field by allowing end users to maintain a higher ground speed while cutting.”
Additionally, more original equipment manufacturers use controller area network (CAN) bus data and control functions.
“Using engine control over CAN simplifies the electrical architecture and allows for the chassis to have smart control over the engine speed,” Stewart says.
One common misconception with EFI engines, according to Billigen, is that there is less of a need for routine servicing of engine oil, spark plugs and filters.
“Operators should still stay on top of preventive and routine maintenance to keep operations running smoothly, mitigate equipment failure and limit downtime on the job,” Billigen says. “The maintenance intervals of an engine with EFI technology should still be performed at the recommended hours of operation.”
Overall, Stewart says the maintenance is still simpler with an EFI engine than with a traditional carburetor engine.
“Don’t be afraid to take the plunge,” Stewart says. “The maintenance is easier than with a carburetor, especially with engines that utilize comprehensive on-board diagnostics.”
Your sales team spends an ample amount of time placing construction bids. Because let’s face it, getting actual measurements out of the pages-long blueprints is a daunting task, especially during the peak season.
With the most powerful blueprint takeoff software from Attentive, now you can save time and bid faster with automated takeoffs. Get accurate blueprint takeoffs for hardscapes, landscapes, and irrigation plans.
Switch to Blueprint takeoff mode to upload the blueprint document. The platform creates a detailed list of every material needed for the job.
Hence, instead of manually clicking on polygons, blueprint takeoff platform users can now:
• Set an address and upload their design blueprints onto the software with specified requirements
• Get and edit auto-generated blueprint takeoffs with access to features like add, reclassify, delete, split, lasso, cut hole, and many more
• Queue up to 10 takeoffs at a time and return the next day for a detailed takeoff report
• Enjoy an easy-on-the-eyes interface that makes those blueprint docs less cumbersome and easily export takeoffs in a PDF or excel format
The time spent on tracing blueprints can instead be spent on production reviews to make accurate estimates or with other prospects to build a sales pipeline.
To learn all about how Attentive can help you win landscape, paving, and irrigation construction jobs, talk to us. Schedule a personalized demo now.
A look at pavers and edgers and the best options for each application.
Hardscape design and installation techniques are becoming more sophisticated each year. New products and tools on the market allow you to flex your creative muscles and give clients a unique and refreshing outdoor space that reflects their personality.
The smaller details of hardscape installation such as borders and edgers can make a large impact on the project, whether it’s a simple walkway or expansive patio. There are a variety of options you can present to clients based on the overall installation that will also complement their design and aesthetic choices.
Here are a few ideas to help you choose the right paver edging or border for any client project.
Edge restraints can help you create stunning designs with angles and curves. Using a rigid paver edging system allows
you to form a defined border around an entire outdoor living area, and the base can easily be covered with a planter bed or a bit of sod. Curved designs may require restraints to secure the pavers from moving over time, but most restraints can be adjusted for size and flexibility.
If you’re looking to implement a stepping-stone design, then no restraints are needed unless the design requires multiple pavers to create a step effect. There’s also no need for restraints in applications where pavers abut a concrete slab or wall.
Edgers designed as bordering pavers can be used to add a decorative border to driveways, walkways, flower beds and more. Many paver edgers are designed to create a naturallooking finish with minimal joints for easy installation. There are a variety of manufactured concrete edgers available that are suited for any application and designed to withstand conditions in any climate.
Paver inlays are a great way to add color and dimension to a hardscape installation. They can be used to create a border around the edge of the area or to highlight various designs, such as a faux paver rug. You can create them with complementary or contrasting color palettes, depending on the overall style. These are the perfect choice for clients who want more visual interest in their outdoor area without having to add additional features.
While it may not be what you picture when you think of edgers, wall structures are a beautiful way to create a defined area around an outdoor room. Regardless of size, they can be integrated into nearly any project and serve as a border, decorative accent and add functionality. Most wall structures can be fashioned to provide additional seating, perfect for relaxing around a fire pit or entertaining guests.
Steps at the edge of a paver field are another excellent option, especially when transitioning into other areas of the yard. There are several different product options to create steps such as retaining wall block, paver step units or porcelain pavers. Each requires various degrees of installation and materials, so it’s best to examine the overall project design and budget to determine which is the best fit. There also are several options for step edging, depending again on the overall style. You can utilize the same paver product used for the steps or opt for something like bullnose coping.
If your client is on a stricter budget or just wants to add more greenery, consider using plants and entangled design options as part of their edging or border. Planting creeping perennials, such as creeping thyme or golden moneywort, creates a natural
border around hardscapes—and adds more curb appeal. These plants also can help with weed control. Entangled design mixes hardscapes within the natural environment for an organic look and feel. This style allows you to really get creative with different paver styles, plants and design patterns, such as using geometric shapes or irregular edges that blend in seamlessly with the landscape. Entangled designs pair well with both modern and traditional home styles, giving you plenty of versatility with every project.
The options for edgers and borders are nearly limitless today, so you and your client can plan a design that goes above and beyond their expectations. Whether their style leans modern or traditional, you can use any of these designs and techniques to turn their outdoor living area into a stylish and functional centerpiece of their home.
Whether you’re a seasoned irrigation professional or someone who’s only recently added irrigation to your services menu, choosing the right system components can be challenging. More property owners are concerned with water conservation. As a result, manufacturers are developing more products designed to use water efficiently.
The right irrigation components combined with the right plants can help a property owner or manager save time and money on landscape maintenance costs and water bills. By installing the optimal combination of valves, sprays, nozzles, rotors, controllers and drip irrigation, contractors can position themselves as water management experts and help customers achieve their conservation goals without sacrificing healthy turf and plants.
Installing the latest smart controller or adding a rain sensor can help improve water efficiency, but if your system is poorly designed, needs pressure regulation or is using overhead sprays where drip would be a better option, you’re still using more water than you should. An irrigation system is only as efficient as its least efficient component.
Gather site-specific information and determine your soil type and your landscape’s grade: Is it flat, or does it have some high and low points?
What turf, shrubs or other plants are
currently on-site or will be planted later? You also need to understand how your climate impacts the site’s watering needs, as well as the amount of water, pressure and flow available. Selecting irrigation components without first gathering the following information can cause significant performance and maintenance problems: Water supply, pressure and flow limit. Each type of irrigation component has a performance range for proper operation, and these ranges must fit within the available flow and pressure criteria, both of which are a function of the water supply.
Valves are often seen as onesize-fits-all components when there are actually many different valve options to choose from. Size your valve correctly and then look at factors such as water pressure, flow and type of water you will be using. Will you be using reclaimed water with debris? Will you need pressure regulation?
For sites with high water pressure, pressure-regulating spray heads can help avoid issues such as misting and fogging to achieve optimal performance. Spray heads purchased in some states are now required to have pressure regulation because they can save significant amounts of water.
Climate. Windy areas may
benefit from products or devices that emit larger droplets, which are less likely to be blown away. Landscapes in hot, arid climates may need either higher-flow nozzles or multiple irrigation cycles to adequately water the site’s plant material.
Soil type and terrain. The irrigation system’s application rate should not exceed the soil’s ability to accept water; otherwise, that water will run off the surface and be wasted. Clay soil absorbs water more slowly than sandy soil, so
A few guidelines to help irrigation professionals choose the right components for their systems.Rotors can cover large swaths of customers' backyards. Rain Bird Corp.
to avoid runoff, nozzles with a lower precipitation rate are a good idea.
Look at your plant material and grade of landscape when choosing sprays for a zone. Do you need a lower precipitation rate to deal with a clay soil or a slope? How far do you need to spray to achieve head-to-head coverage? Do you have a tight watering window—the amount of time in which the system needs to complete its watering cycle? A flat landscape with good drainage and a tight watering window would be best suited for traditional or high-efficiency spray nozzles. A sloped site with lower water pressure and more distantly spaced heads is better off with a stream nozzle with a lower precipitation rate.
On sloped terrain, rotors or dripline with check valves prevent water from seeping out at a zone’s lowest point where it can cause runoff and erosion.
Size and shape of areas. Always select the type of device that will cover the area properly using the least number
of units. Areas between the sidewalk and curb may be best watered with fixed sprays, but a spacious backyard can benefit from rotors that cover larger areas.
Types of plant material. Turf, trees, shrubs and ground cover have different watering needs. Irrigating all of them with the same type of component can lead to wasted water and/or unhealthy plants. This is also why different types of plant material should be on separate zones.
Compatibility of the components used on the same valve. Component compatibility is important when laying out laterals or circuiting sprinklers into groups that will be served by the same valve. Avoid mixing components with different precipitation rates on the same valve when possible. When components with varying precipitation rates are on the same valve, one area will likely be overwatered to water another area. Even the same type of components may require separate valves to match up water application rate with the rest of the components. Consult your manufacturer’s sprinkler performance chart for precipitation rate and other important data, including arc/ coverage pattern, operating pressure, radius/diameter of throw and nozzle discharge rate in gallons per minute.
It’s easy to fall into certain habits to try and save time or labor. Less experienced or untrained contractors may try to skip
gathering site information and go right into purchasing components or using products they already have. It’s not uncommon for contractors to find a product they like and then try to use it on all their irrigation projects. It may be a comfortable choice, but it might not be the best one for a particular application. Don’t cut corners to try and get by. Talk to your distributor or manufacturer’s sales rep to learn about newer, more efficient, higher-performing options.
From there, make sure those rotors are properly adjusted, the spray head is achieving head-to-head coverage and the drip emitter is the right gallons per hour. This will maximize irrigation efficiency, ensure the plant material is getting the right amount of water and lower customer callbacks.
Contractors should recommend that their customers try to watch their irrigation systems run once a week to note any problems sooner rather than later. Monitoring plant health is another way to tell if a system is working because signs of stress can indicate under- or overwatering
Getting the proper irrigation training is key when it comes to irrigation system design. While learning on the job from more experienced crew members is certainly valuable, it may not be enough.
Many workers turn to online platforms like YouTube, and while there can be good information on those platforms, it’s difficult to vet the content’s accuracy beyond likes and comments.
Distributors and manufacturers often offer irrigation training that’s not specific to a particular brand.
Training can even help skilled professionals stay on top of the most water-efficient component options and best practices for installation and maintenance.
Maggie Saulsby Product Manager Rain Bird Corp.
Ted Whitehouse, who specializes in hardscape design and sales, is no stranger to vision.
As a 20-year industry veteran, Whitehouse has worked on countless projects and brought to life numerous beautiful outdoor spaces for clients over the years through his company, Whitehouse Landscaping, which he founded in 2002 with his brother Sam to provide outdoor landscaping and hardscape design services to western Montgomery, eastern Berks and northern Chester County in Pennsylvania. Whitehouse never considered that he would find the time to create his own personal oasis.
—Enter COVID-19.
The pandemic, as we all know, brought the world to a screeching halt. As things started shutting down, Whitehouse and his wife Becky put the plans they’ve always had to transform their outdoor living space into fruition with the newly acquired weekend free time. Weekends that were once filled with soccer and flag football games with their two sons quickly changed into bonding moments to redo their own yard, a slight glimmer of hope for something fresh in a worrisome time.
The family has always been very active outside, but prior to the renovation, they spent most outdoor time on their small, deteriorating deck that lacked usability. The backyard that the deck overlooked was partially sloped and often caused issues with drainage when it rained. Overall, the family longed for a space that highlighted entertainment and provided a comfortable zone for leisure.
“The project started with the old wooden deck getting replaced with a larger composite deck,” Whitehouse says. “Then, what was going to be a pretty simple patio below the deck ended up turning into a lot more.”
The deck was expanded from 10 feet by 12 feet to 16 feet by 20 feet, which allowed for more space overall and enough space for a new sitting area with a propane fire table. Trex materials were used, and the upgraded cocktail railing led to a distinct, useful look with minimal long-term maintenance necessary.
As COVID-19 continued to hinder other activities, it became clear to Whitehouse that taking advantage of this time could be a blessing and an opportunity to turn the simple space into a longerlasting one for years to come. With that, he was off and acquired a crew from his company to come in and help to get the preliminary base materials moved. His two boys, Henry (9) and Miles (6), along with his wife, were excited to help—enjoying the process and anticipating the creation to come.
They decided to connect the new deck and a new irregular flagstone patio area with an irregular flagstone walkway. The irregular flagstone was chosen to provide a more natural feel. A fire pit was created using a boulder fire pit ring and a custom-made metal insert was added to raise up the fire and make for easy cleanup. The fire pit provides a nice focal point and works as a magnet for togetherness that the family really wanted.
“My wife loves puzzles, and after a little training on building dry stacked natural stone walls, she was right at home finding the right stone,” Whitehouse recalls. “My boys would be excited every time a crew would drop off a machine for the weekend.” Most of the machine work was done with a mini excavator, and the base material was moved using a skid loader.
A lower patio was installed under the deck using Techo Bloc Blu 60 HD Slabs and a Techo Bloc Antika/Valet double border that offered an added spot for the boys to play. The patio also works as an extension of entertainment. Additionally, a custom standing table was added around a deck support post
to provide a gathering spot for socialization.
There are multiple retaining/sitting walls cut into the slope to level the spaces for the two patios constructed by a mix of mountain fieldstone wall stone and ironstone boulders. Then, western mountain flagstone from an existing patio under the old deck was reused to build custom benches for additional seating in an inexpensive way.
This first phase of the project took roughly a year to complete—from September 2020 to September 2021—the family working hard to get the majority done as the world started opening back up and weekends once again started to fill with other activities. Luckily, there weren’t many challenges throughout the project except for the slope of the yard—which required some extra planning in the design— and the occasional lack of extra hands. Being kids, his sons
presented challenges of their own, but welcome ones, nonetheless. “Looking back on the project now, I don’t think there is anything I would change,” Whitehouse says. “I think one of the most enjoyable parts for me was allowing the project to evolve as it went. This is not something I get to do very often when designing and building other people’s outdoor living spaces.”
Whitehouse has plans for a phase two of the project, to be completed by spring of 2023. These additional elements include adding an artificial putting green that will be incorporated by the lower patio and a dry creek bed to help with the drainage. He hopes to also install additional lighting and touch up some landscaping.
Although these plans to expand on the project are in place, Whitehouse says he and his family are currently enjoying the reward of their hard work and determination to cultivate a special backyard space just for them.
Kubota has developed the D1105-K to meet updated emissions regulation requirements. Building off the D902-K, Kubota developed the D1105-K engine as a power source complying with the latest European, American and Chinese emission regulations.
Features of the D110-K lineup include:
• A TVCR combustion system, which combines Kubota’s original combustion system with unique electronic control technology developed specifically for small engines. The engine adopts the Kubota TVCR combustion system to realize both greater fuel efficiency and a compact size that makes it easy to use as a replacement to conventional Kubota engines;
• A large oil pan, extending the period between essential regular oil changes up to 500 hours dependent on operating conditions. Overall, this provides better serviceability to reduce the time required for engine maintenance;
• An 18.5-kW (24.8-hp) rated output;
• 3000 rpm; and
• Three cylinders and a 1.123-L displacement.
https://gpros.co/2o1ckk
Ryobi’s 80V HP Walk-Behind
Mower delivers aggressive cutting with multiple cross-cut blades and time savings with a 30-inch cut width. It features one-touch folding technology. It also features single-point height adjustment, an integrated mulch plug and a self-propelled function, all while running on the 80-volt battery platform. With up to 90 minutes of run time, the mower will come with one 80-volt 10-Ah battery and one 80-volt super charger.
https://gpros.co/datk38
Caterpillar unveiled new attachments for its range of Cat skid-steer loaders (SSL), compact track loaders (CTL) and compact wheel loaders (CWL). These purpose-built attachments cover multiple tasks, including the handling and scooping of trees, shrubs and bushes, removing and carrying stumps and loading mulch. New Cat nursery fork, tree scoop bucket and 1 yard3 mulch bucket attachments improve machine utilization for Cat SSL, CTL and CWL models. The new Cat stump buckets and nursery grapples are specifically designed to efficiently work with Cat SSL and CTL machines. The full range of new attachments feature durable construction for reliability in the field, and deeply serrated steps integrated into attachment design deliver secure footing for operators when entering and exiting the loaders.
https://gpros.co/bft4ka
Aspire offers done-for-you measuring and estimating service, Go iLawn Complete, for business professionals.
Features include:
• Delegating the measuring process through the property address, which features pros need measured and how quickly the estimate is needed to the Aspire team who reviews the requests, prices the work and delivers the estimates via the platform account after approval. All projects can be modified, revisited, exported and shared as needed;
• Go iLawn includes unlimited cloud-based storage;
• The Go iLawn Complete measuring team delivers accurate takeoffs with measurements to price work with a better understanding of time and material costs for every job;
• Sitemaps in Go iLawn not only help professionals understand the properties they’re bidding on but also allow them to communicate the proposed work with prospects, customers and crew. Go iLawn Complete delivers both measurement data and a visual, colorcoded sitemap with labels that provide an instant understanding of the work to be done.
https://gpros.co/5b8ech
Rotary offers the industry’s most complete line of guaranteed quality parts, tools and accessories. Backed by an exclusive warranty, Rotary parts are available for most any brand of mowers, trimmers, chain saws, brush cutters, pressure washers, snow blowers, garden tillers and more.
Rotary manufactures approximately 12 million mower and edger blades annually at its state-of-the-art facility in Georgia including heavy duty blades, professionalgrade mulching blades, flat blades, high and low-lift blades plus edger and de-thatcher blades.
Engineered to perform better, last longer and cut with powerful force, Copperhead blades from Rotary are available for most any model and feature:
• Premium-grade American steel, heat treated and tempered for uniform hardness.
• Precision formed, balanced and sharpened to ensure a cleaner, finer cut with less vibration.
• Superior cutting efficiency and extended blade life.
• ISO compliance for quality and superior craftsmanship.
Filters engineered for maximum protection and performance
Rotary has all types of commercial-strength air, fuel and oil filters for mowers and small engines, professionally-designed to protect equipment under extreme operating conditions while ensuring maximum efficiency and peak performance.
Rotary air filters improve airflow, horsepower and overall engine performance. Oil filters feature a special blend of fibers and resin that create a filter media with exceptional dirttrapping capacity for maximum protection. A full line of premiumquality filters are manufactured at Rotary’s world headquarters in Georgia.
Nothing cuts like Copperhead vortex line from Rotary. The choice of landscape pros, vortex trimmer line features a twisted aerodynamic design that produces more cutting power at impact – with less drag and reduced vibration. This best-seller has superior tensile strength, excellent wear resistance and requires less operating power for improved performance in hot, cold, dry or wet conditions. Made at Rotary facilities in Arizona and Georgia, Copperhead trimmer line is also available in diamond-cut, quad-tex and premium-quad varieties.
Ditch Witch’s PT37 ride-on plow-trencher for construction sites is a dedicated plow with an optional trencher, reel-carrier and hydrabore configuration to meet a wide range of jobsite needs. An adjustable side-facing seat allows the operator to see all four tires and the plow box while operating. The PT37 is mechanical and features a simplified control display. It also requires less maintenance due to its simplified exhaust cleaning and fewer grease points. The PT37 ride-on plow-trencher is designed for ease of use and storage. It features a compact footprint, able to scale down to just 36 inches wide so users can enter standard gates and access tight workspaces. Its tires provide cost savings compared to a tracked version and minimizes the impact on yards. An optional dualwheel configuration provides traction and stability. A foldable ROPS design allows users to keep the PT37 on a trailer for parking and storage in garages. A Yanmar diesel engine provides gross 36.8 hp at 3,000 rpm to deliver performance while plowing, trenching or boring. An optimized plow design provides down pressure to maintain plowing up to 24 inches deep in a variety of conditions.
https://gpros.co/i9yp2h
Mower is a battery mower that includes:
• A high-torque brushless motor;
• High cut quality with high vacuum lift;
• Self-propelled cruise control technology;
• A commercial-grade steel deck; and
Makita GML01 40V
Max XGT
Makita’s GML01 40V Max XGT Brushless
21-Inch Self-Propelled Commercial Lawn
• Cuts up to 1-1/5 acre in 108 minutes or less with two 40-volt max 8.0-Ah batteries.
https://gpros.co/ft49ft
Attentive AI launched its mobile application “Attentive OnSite,” which will allow sales and ops crews to access HD sitemaps on their phone. Attentive’s vision is to create an end-to-end platform that solves the most pressing concerns of landscaping and outdoor service businesses. Building on top of its desktop-based automated takeoffs platform, Attentive OnSite allows sales and operations crew members to show up prepared on-site with HD sitemaps available on either their mobile devices or tablets. With Attentive OnSite, business developers will be able to make the most of their first site visit, documenting realtime site conditions and customer requirements as they go along. Additionally, the ops team will benefit too, as they will be able to plan better with complete property intelligence beforehand. Additional features include:
• Users can geotag text notes and upload site pictures on the premeasured sitemaps; and
• It’s available on Apple and Android.
https://gpros.co/qx6xkm
The Toro Dingo TX 1300 Compact Track Utility Loader brings a new combination of power, reach and convenient control to the Toro Dingo lineup. It’s ideal for landscape, hardscape and tree care jobs, though its versatility allows it to be used for more. The Dingo TX 1300 features an exclusive Intelliscope loader arm with SmartLoad technology, giving the operator an additional 26 inches of reach. An impressive hingepin height of 109 inches allows for loads to be lifted up and over the side of a dumpster or truck. The goal of these features is to help users reach maximum productivity. Toro has integrated the hydraulics and loader arm functions into one thumb-operated controller for easier, more accommodating operation. One hand can be used to operate the loader arm and auxiliary attachments and the other to operate the Toro patented traction controls, making it more manageable to pick, place and dump loads. The pressure-relieving quick coupler system makes connecting attachments easier, along with a larger operator platform for increased operator comfort. All these features are combined into a compact footprint that’s maneuverable in tight spaces.
https://gpros.co/1pfrwx
Vermeer revamped its Vermeer HG4000 horizontal grinder, equipped with a 536-hp Cat C13B T4F/ Stage V diesel engine, a Series III duplex drum, an aggressive infeed to accommodate a variety of materials and more.
Additional features of the grinder include:
• A working sound level of 112 decibels;
• A feed table capacity of 4.6 cubic yards;
• Vermeer’s patented Series III duplex drum with reversible hammers and tips for extended wear life while offering bolt-in replacement parts;
• A hard-faced anvil on the HG4000 that delivers impressive cutting action with the drum and a redesigned robust anvil-mount structure that helps ease the hard-faced wear edge replacement process;
• An updated feed roller with aggressive teeth and down pressure to maintain control of the fed material;
• A fully enclosed feed roller drive planetary;
• A wireless remote control that comes standard with the HG4000;
• Service and maintenance enhancements such as a drive belt tensioning system that does not require the engine to be moved when adjusting, large hinged side shields for optimal maintenance access, added power rotation to the screen hoist for changing screens and a Cat engine with worldwide support; and
• A transport width of 8.2 feet, a height of 13 feet, a fifth-wheel hitch trailer length of 32 feet and a weight of 52,910 pounds, or a pintle hitch trailer length of 37 feet and weight of 55,155 pounds.
https://gpros.co/ak5ur4
Hilti has released the DSH 700-22 rear handle, cordless cutoff saw for concrete, metal and masonry projects.
This product includes:
• Dimensions: 29.1-inch length by 11.4-inch width by 13.8-inch height;
• IEC battery operated;
• Arbor size: option 1:1-inch; option 2:20 millimeters;
• A weighted emission sound power level: 108 dBA (according to EN 60745);
This saw is battery powered and compatible with the Nuron battery platform. The DSH 700-22 does not generate fumes during use. A cordless design helps to promote mobility around congested worksites where users do not have as much space to move around.
https://gpros.co/gu9vci
Kubota Tractor Corp. added to its compact excavator lineup with the KX030-4. Designed with landscape and construction operators in mind, the new KX030-4 replaces the KX71-3S in the 2- to 3-ton segment and rounds out Kubota’s KX Series lineup. It will be available at authorized Kubota dealers beginning in March 2023. Additional features include:
• The KX030-4 is powered by Kubota’s dependable direct-injection diesel engine, engineered to maximize digging and lifting performance while minimizing noise, vibration and fuel consumption;
• Available in both canopy and cab models, the new KX030-4 provides 24.7 hp, a working range that includes a digging depth of 9 feet, 7 inches and a bucket breakout force of 6,924 pounds;
• The KX030-4 auto-downshift feature allows the operator to travel in second speed and make turns without having to manually downshift, all while traversing a jobsite for better travel and increased productivity;
• A hydraulic diverter valve is located on the dipper arm and comes standard on the KX030-4, allowing operators to easily switch between attachments with the turn of a wrench;
• The standard third-line hydraulic return system allows oil to return directly back to the tank without flowing through the control valves, resulting in less back pressure, less heat and greater efficiency.
https://gpros.co/nyh57x
FieldRoutes’ new app includes:
• Technicians and crew members can quickly view their appointments and access powerful sales tools on the go.
• New capabilities empower technicians and crew members to close deals, create upsells and new customers and schedule appointments from the field.
• Technicians and crew members can view their customers’ information from one screen, including active subscriptions, pending appointments and outstanding balances.
• Sales personnel benefit from robust area management tools and have the ability to view sales statistics for specific areas, assign personnel to multiple territories and block areas.
https://gpros.co/sqph5q
Green Industry Pros: How did you get into the landscaping industry?
Chris Draaistra: My wife Juanita I were both working for her family’s business in the nursery industry. We were part of the management team and enjoyed working with plants but decided we wanted to start something new. So, we started to look around. Neighborly and The Grounds Guys franchise just seemed to make sense. We loved the culture that Neighborly was generating, and really, that’s what sealed the deal for us: the business opportunity with a culture that assimilates who we are as people. That was in January of 2012.
Green Industry Pros: Tell me more about your company.
Draaistra: We’ve been growing every year since then. Being part of a franchise, we have a real support network around us; whether it’s our business coach or fellow franchisees, there’s always somebody that’s willing to listen. We started from nothing and currently employ 20 full-time people and six or eight part-time people. We do lawn maintenance, fertilizing, weed control, irrigation, maintenance, garden maintenance and pruning. We do work for homeowners’ associations and higher-end residential properties.
Green Industry Pros: What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Draaistra: We’ve had so many opportunities but not enough employees. Our goal would be to always have more people. We’ve had to make the difficult decision of turning away work. Sometimes it’s work that doesn’t fit what we do, and other times we don’t have the labor. Plus, wages and supply costs have gone up.
Green Industry Pros: Is there anything unique about your company that you’d like to share?
Draaistra: Quite a few years ago, we started hiring people with diverse abilities. There was a point where we
were really struggling for staff, so we reached out to several nonprofit organizations in town and started the conversation. They have people who can help us with cleanups and parking lots, people who need experience in the workforce.
The thing about hiring people with diverse abilities—it gives them a purpose, that reason to get up in the morning. It’s the mentality of ‘I have to do this because it was my responsibility,’ and there’s some personal reward in that.
One of the major benefits for our team is that it creates a new level of grace for each other. When our staff see that we’re willing to employ people with diverse abilities, there’s a level of patience that comes with that. And, this is who we are as a company: We want to give everybody an opportunity.
Green Industry Pros: What’s your favorite part of being in the green industry?
Draaistra: Seeing people grow and change and improve. I’m on a number of boards within the industry, and the forthcomingness of people that would normally compete with each other—they’re really willing to work together. Some other industries don’t get beyond the competitiveness.
Green Industry Pros: What kinds of things do you like to do outside of work?
Draaistra: We’ve got a large family of five kids, so it’s getting out and doing things like hiking, camping and boating. We’ve also enjoyed working in our own yard.
