Green Industry Pros July/August 2022

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S VOLUME 34, NO.05 | JULY/AUGUST 2022

THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS

COVER STORY

10. Efficiency Extraordinaires: 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

r 's e d i t o wa r d ea c h o i c 022

The top products of the past year, as chosen by the Green Industry Pros staff, based on what’s making green industry pros more efficient and, in turn, boosting their bottom lines.

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10 DEPARTMENTS

22. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | SUCCESSION PLANNING 101 Jay Worth of SingleOps explains what company owners should consider when it comes to passing on their businesses.

IN EVERY ISSUE

04. E DITOR’S NOTE 06. D IGITAL HITS 08. F RESH CLIPPINGS 40. P ROJECT PROFILE 42. C ONTRACTOR PROFILE

26. LAWN CARE | LESSONS FROM LAS VEGAS’ ORNAMENTAL GRASS BAN Stan Pennington of Grass365! dives into what the industry can learn from Las Vegas’ ornamental grass ban.

28. MOWING AND MAINTENANCE | MANAGE INVASIVE SPECIES Matt Nelson of Diamond Mowers shares how landscape pros can minimize the spread of invasive trees and prevent damage to the environment.

32. EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY | WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BATTERY POWER

22

John Powers of Echo explains what landscape contractors should think about before adding battery-powered equipment to their fleets.

36. HARDSCAPES & DESIGN | SIMPLIFY WITH SOFTWARE Eric Gilbey of Vectorworks highlights how design software can simplify the project management process.

38. LIGHTING & IRRIGATION | ADVANTAGES OF SMART CONTROLLERS Matt Hall of The Toro Co. lays out how smart controllers monitor the weather to save on time, money and water. www.greenindustrypros.com

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

BY SARAH WEBB

UP THE EFFICIENCY

W

henever I talk with green industry pros—whether at a trade show, at a conference or over the phone—upping their efficiency usually comes up as a top priority for their company.

Labor efficiency, equipment efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency. You name it; they’re striving for it.

As supply chain issues, labor shortages and high fuel prices become evermore pressing concerns for the green industry, we at Green Industry Pros wanted to showcase the top products that boost landscapers’ efficiency and increase their bottom lines for this Editor’s Choice Award.

You can find out which products made the list beginning on p. 10.

While we are on the topic of new products, I’m very much

looking forward to seeing what all the exhibitors have in store for this year’s Equip Expo. It’s been so remarkable year after year to see manufacturers continuing to challenge themselves to keep up with all of your product needs, and I always come away fascinated by what the latest equipment and technology can do.

As for the rest of this issue, you’ll find articles on what you need to know about succession planning (p. 22), the benefits of battery-powered equipment (p. 32), simplifying project management with design software (p. 36) and more. And, as always, we have our contractor profile, featuring Darren Johnson of Long Term Lawn Care, on p. 42 and a winning—if not unusual—project completed by Goat Turf on p. 40.

What has your company adopted to boost your bottom line? I’d love to hear your ideas—and I’m sure your fellow readers would too. Email me at swebb@ acbusinessmedia.com or connect with me on LinkedIn by following the QR code.

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DIGITAL HITS

THE LATEST ONLINE NEWS YOU CAN USE

Would you like to stay up to date on the latest happenings across the green industry but can’t wait for the next print issue of Green Industry Pros magazine to come out? Be sure to subscribe to our e-newsletters—including The Pro Report, The Tech Report and The Lawn Care Report, just to name a few—using the QR code, so you can stay informed on what’s going on around the industry.

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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 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.

To stay up to date on the latest happenings around the green industry, be sure to follow Green Industry Pros’ social media channels:

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FRESH CLIPPINGS

Toro to Release New Robotic Mower

Toro

The Toro Co. will introduce a new robotic battery-powered mower that features a vision-based localization system and wire-free navigation.

Set to be released in spring 2023, the mower is easy to set up and tailored to each yard without an underground boundary wire installation. This proprietary vision system uses multiple cameras to map and localize in the yard, enabling the mower to navigate tight spaces and move around structures Daedong Corp., parent company such as trees and to Kioti Tractor, is celebrating its landscaping. It is also capable of crossing surfaces, such as driveways 75th anniversary this year. and sidewalks, to maintain all areas of the property.

In 1947, Sam-Man Kim founded The mower also includes a dedicated smartphone app that allows users to Daedong Corp. alongside his four customize their mowing schedule—whether it’s around work, sleep or travel. The brothers.

As Korea battled famine app can also recommend an ideal mowing schedule based on weather forecasts in the wake of World War II, the and patterns. In addition, the mower has third-party safety certification, theftneed for agricultural mechanization proof features, slope-friendly cutting abilities and quiet functionality. The robotic fueled Kim’s determination and mower offers high efficiency through its patented Smart Zones mowing system creativity.

The brothers’ work resulted that can be controlled through custom settings in the app. Through this system, in machines that increased food the mower will automatically keep the lawn at a consistent, owner-selected height production throughout a critical time by cutting the smallest amount of grass each day for optimal lawn health. during Korea’s industrialization. https://gpros.co/577c3f Today, Daedong exports to 70 Scan Here countries, and this past year, the To continue reading company produced Korea’s first 3.8-liter the rest of this story diesel engine, launched the country’s first remote-controlled and autonomous tractor series and entered the e-mobility market, according to the company.

Stihl and Briggs & Stratton have joined forces in a manufacturing Kioti Tractor, a division of Daedongrelationship that will result in Stihl launching a line of zeroUSA, has been providing equipment turn mowers for professionals and homeowners. across North America for more than The new products will be available in select authorized 35 years.

With more than 60 tractor local Stihl dealers beginning in January 2023. models, 12 zero-turn-radius mowers, Briggs & Stratton will manufacture the new line of zero-turn mowers to five utility vehicle models and an meet Stihl specifications and quality standards, the companies reported. expansion into compact construction “We take great pride that Stihl has seen in Briggs & Stratton what we have in late 2022, Kioti strives to increase known for years—we design, engineer and manufacture (high-quality) zeroofferings to meet customer needs. turn mowers,” said Steve Andrews, Briggs & Stratton president and CEO. “With

Daedong Corp.

Celebrates 75 Years

Briggs, Stihl to Partner on ZTR Mower Line

a 114-year legacy of power application and manufacturing expertise, Briggs & Stratton is a trusted leader in this industry, and we look forward to applying our product and manufacturing capabilities to produce Stihl zero-turn mowers.”

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National GreenCare for Troops

Project EverGreen Celebrates National GreenCare for Troops Awareness Week

Project EverGreen celebrated National GreenCare for Troops Awareness Week June 19-25 to raise awareness of the program with military families and potential volunteers, encourage eligible personnel to register to receive services and thank volunteers.

In its 16 years of operation, GreenCare for Troops has provided an estimated $15 million in donated lawn care and landscape services and peace of mind to thousands of military families in need across the country. In addition to caring for the lawns of military families, Project EverGreen has prioritized environmental initiatives by providing green spaces in cities and neighborhoods. The goal is to offset the effects of climate change through plants.

Staying true to the commitment of aiding military families, Project EverGreen also offers a SnowCare for Troops program that provides complimentary snow and ice removal services for families of deployed military personnel.

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Greenworks Expands 82V Line

Greenworks

Greenworks Commercial is adding 26 new product offerings throughout 2022 to its 82V line.

The Greenworks Commercial 82V line consists of heavyduty products that can withstand tough jobs while providing high power, performance and run time without the noise, hassle or harmful emissions of gas counterparts.

Right now, green industry pros can purchase a wide assortment of the new Greenworks Commercial 82V line, including a variety of top performing edgers, trimmers, blowers, chainsaws and power cutters. Additional new products from the 82V expansion will be rolling out in both fall and winter of 2022, including the Greenworks Commercial 30-inch Walk-Behind Mower and the 24-inch Dual Stage Snow Blower using a TruBrushless motor that auto-adapts to any condition.

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Wacker Neuson, Deere Partner on Excavators Wacker Neuson

Wacker Neuson Group and John Deere Construction & Forestry Company, a subsidiary of Deere & Co., have reached an agreement for mini and compact excavators.

Wacker Neuson will begin producing mini and compact excavators under 5 metric tons for Deere & Co., including battery-powered electric models. The excavators will then be distributed under Deere’s brand through its global dealer network.

Wacker Neuson will design and manufacture the machines at its facilities in Menomonee Falls, Wis., as well as Linz, Austria, for the requirements of John Deere mainly for North America. John Deere will purchase and incorporate design and technical IP provided by Wacker Neuson, adapting and evolving to meet its own manufacturing and innovation requirements. These models will be produced and launched on the market exclusively by John Deere, while Wacker Neuson will independently continue to develop, produce and distribute its own 5-9 metric ton excavators under its own brand.

The companies plan a phased introduction of models.

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 9

COVER STORY

BY SARAH WEBB

 Belgard Rooms Program

2022 EDITOR’S CHOICE

AWARDS: EFFICIENT & PROFICIENT

A look at Green Industry Pros’ 2022 Editor’s Choice Award winners.

F

or this year’s Editor’s Choice Awards, the Green Industry Pros staff decided to round up the products that make landscape professionals more efficient while boosting their bottom lines.

Instead of compiling this list by online page views like in years’ past, the winners were chosen based on a selection process by the Green Industry Pros editorial staff. We changed the process in order to add credibility, assurance and uniformity for all nominees.

We chose products in each of the magazine’s newly created departments: business management, lawn care, mowing and maintenance, equipment and technology, hardscapes and design and irrigation and lighting.

With supply chain issues, labor woes and rising fuel costs, things in the green industry are changing and changing fast.

With that in mind, we wanted to call out those products that are making green industry pros’ lives a little easier.

Without further ado, check out this year’s award winners.

 ASV Augers, Breakers, Trenchers and Soil Conditioners ASV Holdings’ lineup of branded attachments featuring augers and bits, breakers, trenchers and soil conditioners provides operators additional versatility to take on more jobs with their compact track loader or skid-steer with an attachment optimized for their ASV machine.

Including augers, breakers, trenchers and soil

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Belgard Rooms was created in response to homeowners’ shift in focus from having spaces to entertain to making their homes more functional. Belgard Rooms now simplifies the entire sales and design process and offers inspirational, templated outdoor living design plans to please consumers and contractors.

Designs are categorized

by Belgard Collections— including collections such as Heritage and Metropolitan—and home styles, along with other features, applications, regions and more. With this variety of options, contractors will be able to work with homeowners to find a style to complement their home’s existing design. Rooms is structured around how shape, color and texture work together to offer more options and make the design planning process easier. Homeowners can customize designs to fit their needs, and contractors spend less time in the design and installation process.

Rooms’ augmented reality (AR) and 3D design features offer solutions for contractors to show clients exactly what their space will look like and the products to achieve it. The interactive online experience also allows homeowners to effortlessly pair the style of their home with outdoor living amenities. Currently, 25 AR Rooms can be viewed on any device and launched into an outdoor space, allowing the homeowner to spin, move, scale and even walk through the templated outdoor room. This allows homeowners to explore and test a variety of Rooms, features and styles in their own outdoor spaces, streamlining the selection process for outdoor projects with contractors.

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conditioners, each of the new attachments has been matched and tested for compatibility and maximum performance with ASV machines.

Additionally, ASV-branded attachments include a two-year warranty with all parts and support available directly through ASV. The line, available exclusively through ASV dealers, streamlines the purchase process by allowing ASV dealers to be a one-stop shop for the company’s machines and attachments. Eligible commercial buyers who purchase an ASV machine through an ASV dealer also have the option to finance the attachment with their machine.

ASV will continue to expand the attachment line to add to the growing capabilities of ASV machines and fill the increasing demands and variety of job-specific applications.

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www.greenindustrypros.com

editor's choice award 2022

 Case Construction Equipment CX15 EV  Bobcat Machine IQ Mobile App Bobcat has a new way for contractors to stay connected to its machines through the Bobcat Machine IQ Wireless Communication (Machine IQ) mobile app. The basic app package tracks key information points, including GPS location and history, operating hours and last recorded fuel levels. It also allows customers to create personalized names to quickly identify machines in a fleet. The health and security app package notifies customers via email when they are approaching regular maintenance. It also distributes alerts, a clear description and troubleshooting steps if the machine reports a fault code.

Case Construction Equipment’s CX15 EV is a 2,900-pound mini excavator powered by a 16-kW electric motor. Its 21.5-kWh lithium-ion battery is charged either by the 110-volt or 220-volt onboard charger or via an external rapid charger that can quickly charge the machine, typically within 90 minutes. Depending on the type of work, the CX15 EV will provide enough power to work through a full eight-hour work day.

The CX15 EV can work very closely to structures and obstacles with a minimum swing radius design. It also features retractable tracks that get machine width down to about 31 inches for going through doors and working in confined spaces. A load-sensing hydraulic system delivers smooth and powerful performance that allows the operator to dial in the machine to each task.

Key components include:

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• Maintenance reminder email alerts • Geofence creation and breach notification • Curfew creation and breach notification • Machine utilization report tracking • In-portal notification management

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utilities and roadside maintenance.

Designed to process material up to 9 inches in diameter continuously, this new drum is differentiated in the marketplace by its optimized infeed system. Directional rake tines deflect vegetation back to the rotor and shredding chamber for smaller mulch after the first pass. Optimum shredding performed in the drum chamber reduces the need for backdragging and produces a uniform mulch with a smaller particle size than typical open drum options. Available in 60- and 72-inch cutting widths, the OD Pro X accommodates three tooth options, allowing users to interchange teeth for different applications, all while maintaining drum balance.

Other product features include:

 Diamond Mowers Drum Mulcher Diamond Mulcher’s SK Drum Mulcher OD Pro X is made for a wide range of heavy-duty applications including land clearing, vegetation management,

• Variable displacement piston motor • Severe-duty bearings rated to 77,000-plus pounds and protected by a labyrinth design and triple steel ring seals • Replaceable, abrasion-resistant AR 400 liner to minimize wear • Chain guard to protect the operator and machine from flying debris

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 11

COVER STORY

 Ditch Witch RT70 Ride-on Trencher The new Ditch Witch RT70 ride-on trencher is designed to increase operator comfort and features a variety of landscaping attachment options, helping landscapers boost efficiency and profitability on any jobsite.

The ergonomically designed operator station features an open layout with a 90-degree swivel seat, more leg room and intuitive controls. This enhanced visibility and complete view of the machine allows landscapers of any experience level to increase accuracy and efficiency. The RT70 includes a patented cooling fan to reduce temperature levels in the operator station by moving hot, uncomfortable exhaust out of the side of the machine. This helps keep landscapers safer and more comfortable during long days outside.

Powered by a 72-hp Yanmar Tier 4 Stage V Compliant diesel engine and built with a narrow footprint of 73 inches wide, the RT70 rubber-tire trencher can handle heavy-duty jobs and still easily maneuver around tight jobsites, such as residential yards.

 Doosan DX27Z-7 Mini Excavator Doosan’s DX27Z-7 mini excavator is a new size class for the North American lineup. It includes features new to the Doosan mini excavator line. The new rearview camera allows an operator to navigate 360 degrees on jobsites. Other features include a 3-foot, 7-inch standardthumb-ready arm and an 11.8-inch rubber track undercarriage. At 60 inches wide, the machine can fit in many confined jobsites. The DoosanConnect Telematics system comes standard to remotely monitor and maintain the machine. Standard attachments for the DX27Z-7 mini excavator include a bucket, quick coupler and a thumb. Other specifications include: • Horsepower: 24.7 hp • Operating weight: 6,168 pounds • Maximum digging depth: 8 feet, 8 inches • Maximum digging reach (ground): 14 feet, 10 inches • Maximum loading height: 10 feet, 1 inch

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The RT70 features several different attachment options to help complete a variety of landscaping tasks. For example, the plow attachment helps landscapers easily install irrigation lines as the machine drives.

Additionally, a plow does not create an open trencher, minimizing the time and resources needed for landscapers to backfill a trench and rehab a lawn after work had been completed. Pairing the RT70 with different attachments can help to complete a variety of tasks while increasing productivity and decreasing costs on any landscaping jobsite.

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 Echo eFORCE 56V Battery System Platform Echo’s eFORCE 56V Battery System replaces its 58V line of lithium-ion battery products. It includes 10 units, two batteries and two chargers.

Each of Echo’s key categories are included in the new lineup, including Echo’s Pro Attachment Series, with two powerheads that will run up to 15 or 16 attachments.

Since 2017, Echo has launched 109 new products, including 20 in 2020.

Included are:

• 12-inch Top-Handle Chainsaw

• 18-inch Rear-Handle Chainsaw • 16-inch String Trimmer

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• 17-inch String Trimmer • 21-inch Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Lawn Mower • 550 CFM Handheld Blower • 22-inch Hedge Clipper • 17-inch Brushcutter • 16-inch Pro Attachment Series Trimmer, compatible with 15 PAS attachments • 17-inch Pro Attachment Series Trimmer, compatible with 16 PAS attachments • 2.5-Ah Battery • 5.0-Ah Battery • Standard Charger • Rapid Charger

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Experience ECHO Performance!

For over 50 years, professional landscapers have trusted the ECHO name as “The Professionals’ Choice™” and we’ve staked our reputation during those years as manufacturing the most reliable and highest performing equipment in the market.

Reliability, performance and innovation are showcased in the new ECHO eFORCE™ 56V Battery System, which helped its selection as an Editor’s Choice Award winner!

Thank you for this great distinction. ECHO is proud of this achievement, and it is reflected not only in ECHO eFORCE equipment but also in everything we manufacture. Experience it yourself at your local ECHO dealer.

®

ECHO-USA.COM

COVER STORY  Exmark Vertex S-Series Stand-On Zero-Turn Mower The Vertex S-Series is available with a choice of 48-, 52- or 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting decks, with a single-point deck lift for easy, tools-free cut height changes. The rod-style floating deck offers easy rake adjustment, with antiscalp rollers for consistent quality of cut. The Vertex design places the heaviest components, including the engine and hydro drive system, lower in the frame for increased stability, maneuverability and traction in any terrain. The ergonomic control panel places vital controls close for easy reach and operation, and the large, open operator platform offers more room for the operator to change stance. Vertex S-Series models are designed for reduced maintenance, with no in-season grease points, a single belt drive system and tools-free access to hydro drive components. Exmark’s Series 4 cutter housings feature maintenance-free

 Hunter Pro-Spray PRS Spray Sprinklers Across the nation, state legislatures and regulatory agencies are increasingly mandating the use of pressure-regulated irrigation products to maximize water-use efficiency. To meet these stringent new requirements for water conservation, irrigation product manufacturer Hunter Industries offers a suite of pressure-regulated Pro-Spray spray bodies, which are WaterSense certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To help comply with these mandates, Pro-Spray PRS30 and PRS40 spray bodies from Hunter Industries have built-in pressure regulation technology that saves up to 30 percent more water compared to systems without pressure regulation. Brown and gray caps make the products quick and easy to identify for compliance.

Pressure-regulated Pro-Spray PRS30 and PRS40 spray sprinklers provide

 FieldRoutes Software Pest control SaaS providers—PestRoutes and Lobster Marketing— rebranded as FieldRoutes to deliver modern technology to field service companies looking to grow. This will enable expansion into new verticals, and as part of this move, FieldRoutes has developed several new solutions for lawn care service providers.

“Aligning PestRoutes and Lobster Marketing under one brand allows us to expand, and as such, it was a natural progression for us to expand our capabilities and officially enter the lawn care market,” said William Chaney, CEO of FieldRoutes.

According to Chaney, lawn care customers using FieldRoutes’ operations suite, on average, report growing their customer base by up to 44 percent within their first year using the software. In addition, he says lawn care customers using FieldRoutes’ sales and marketing suite have seen year-over-year returns on their marketing investment ranging from 2.5 to 11 times.

The product lineup

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sealed bearings, and the patented spherical idler bearings require only annual lubrication. Choose from carbureted Kawasaki FX730V or fuel-saving EFI Kohler Command Pro ECV740 commercial engines.

Exmark’s proven hydro drive system offers infinitely variable ground speeds of up to 8.5 mph. This enables the Vertex S-Series to make quick work of large jobs.

https://gpros.co/tjyz7g a range of benefits, including the same body across all models for easy retrofits, a co-molded wiper seal for leak-free operation even with a loose cap and a factory- or field-installed check valve for added flexibility.

https://gpros.co/5h4b4r now includes FieldRoutes’ operations suite (formerly PestRoutes), FieldRoutes’ sales and marketing suite (formerly Lobster Marketing) and FieldRoutes Payments, a fully integrated payment solution that delivers enhanced payment functionality, such as the account updater, which automatically updates lost, stolen, expired or closed customer payment card information.

The software now includes service plan functionality, which allows clients to bundle multiple services into discounted packages—a practice known as “programs” for lawn care businesses and “bundles” for pest control operators—and the ability to charge customers by measurement. It also now includes property estimations and updated routing functionality to take technician skills and certifications into consideration when scheduling a service.

Another noteworthy enhancement is the ability to route by chemical capacity—which allows clients to optimize routes by the amount of chemicals that can be carried by each vehicle. Rounding out the enhancements is the addition of prepayment discounts as well as consolidated invoicing, allowing clients to create a single master invoice for individual services completed during a specific period.

This new invoice type allows clients to process payments for these services together as their workflows may require.

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 Husqvarna 525DEPS MadSaw Husqvarna’s 525DEPS MadSaw offers insulation to prevent electrical conductivity and extreme versatility with the ability to be operated aloft in a bucket, in tree, as well as on the ground. The MadSaw is designed with operator safety in mind, as it is individually tested to meet the OSHA standard for electric power generation, transmission and distribution (OSHA 1910.269). Features

include: • 25-cc two-stroke engine with 1.34 hp and X-Torg • 9-foot and 12.5-foot lengths available • Dielectric midsection can disconnect from the cutting head and powerhead, making storage easier • Includes Husqvarna’s LowVib technology, which includes rubber isolation to minimize vibrations transferred to user • Safety enhancements include movable rubber barrier operators that can adjust according to their desired reach area • Aluminum caps are designed for all-weather capabilities

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 John Deere XUV835R, XUV865R Signature Series Gator UTVs John Deere’s Signature Edition Gator UTVs include a climate-controlled cab, an integrated park brake, informative instrument cluster, front roof-mounted LED driving lights, rear-sliding windows, four-wheel drive, differential lock with the flip of a switch, easy-to-clean leather seats, leather-wrapped grab handles, integrated touchscreen infotainment systems, rear-facing cameras, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and more. The rear-facing camera displays an image when attaching trailers or spreading materials. The Bumper Pro Brush Guard protects the front of the vehicle, provides rubber bumpers for pushing gates and features a center screen to keep debris from entering the radiator.

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 Kioti CS2220 and CS2520 Tractors Kioti Tractor’s CS Series Tractors boast an ergonomic operator station with standard features including a tilt wheel with power steering, a joystick valve, quick attach and detach loaders, twin HST pedals and a precision-built Kioti diesel engine (CS2220: 21 hp; CS2520: 24.5 hp). The joystick valve provides convenient, comfortable and precise control over the loader to lift, lower and carry loads anywhere. Other features include: • 16.3 or 18.5 PTO hp • Four-wheel drive • Three-point hitch • 12-volt USB port and illuminated dash • Hydrostatic transmission • 6.7-gallon fuel tank capacity • Standard cruise control

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COVER STORY

 Kubota U10-5, K008-5 Compact Excavators The K008-5 and U10-5 offer easy, single-level maneuverability with hydraulic adjustable track widths that quickly contract to fit through tight spaces easily, such as doorways, fence gates, inside buildings, hallways, elevators and more.

On the K008-5, the tracks adjust down to 2 feet, 4 inches, and the U10-5 contracts to 2 feet 6 inches. When the operator wants to widen the tracks, the tracks widen out to 2 feet 10 inches and 3 feet, 3 inches, respectively.

The K008-5 has a working range that includes a digging depth of 5 feet, 8 inches and a bucket breakout force of 2,205 pounds. With a more compact frame and minimal tail swing, the U10-5 provides high flexibility when working in tight spaces with very minimal overhang at 0.6 inch over the tracks, ensuring excellent balance, stability and fast operation for both residential and commercial work.

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 LMN Lend Financing Feature LMN Lend Home Improvement Financing powered by Acorn Finance gives LMN business management software users access to Acorn Finance’s marketplace for funding options up to $100,000 at no cost to and with no onboarding effort by the contractor.

Point-of-sale financing can improve cash flow for contractors and deliver greater convenience to homeowners. Contractors can now offer access to financing options from Acorn Finance’s network of more than 12 lenders.

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 Makita 36V Brushless Blower The Makita 36V Brushless Blower provides improved balance and reduced weight by relocating the battery connection to an external source. The blower delivers up to 80 percent more blowing force than a gas blower.

Additional features include:

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Leveraging its M18 Fuel technology, Milwaukee developed the 21-inch Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower, which delivers the power to maintain blade speed in demanding applications without bogging down, while also offering instantaneous throttle response on both the blade and drive motors for ultimate control. Featuring three-in-one capability for bagging, mulching and rear side discharge, the mower leaves behind fewer missed blades of grass and clumps. For added functionality, the mower is designed with a single-point height adjustment to easily change between cutting heights and cover a wide range of grass species. Rear wheel drive paired with variable speed self-propelled functionality gives users more control during use. Front and side lights deliver 180-degree visibility to increase awareness and precision while mowing in low light situations. Other features include: • Maximum blade speed: 3,300 rpm • 18 volts • Delivers more torque than a 200-cc gas engine • Redlink Plus Intelligence allows the mower to reach instant throttle response for blade and drive motors, increasing control and productivity • Optimized steel deck design

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• Up to 530 CFM • Variable speed trigger • The three-stage telescoping nozzle features a downward end point • Uses external battery connection to a battery backpack

 Milwaukee M18 Dual Battery Mower

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COVER STORY  Oregon CS300 Cordless Chainsaw Oregon’s CS300 SelfSharpening Cordless Chainsaw cuts trees and limbs quickly and easily, tackling even the toughest jobs. This chainsaw has a 16-inch chain that users can sharpen on the saw in three seconds with the pull of a lever. The brushless motor delivers a powerful combination of speed and torque powered by battery technology.

Features include:

•C hain stays oiled using the built-in Lubri-Tec oiling system, which reduces chain friction and increases the saw’s run time • Brushless motor provides increased efficiency and power output • Overload protection: the motor shuts off automatically if the chainsaw is pushed too hard • Lightweight for comfort and ease of use • Silent between cuts • Easy to assemble. All users need to do is put the tensioner on the guide bar and then put the bar and chain on the saw.

• Battery can be recharged up to 1,000 times • Make up 600 2- to 3-inch cuts when the 6.0-Ah battery is fully charged

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 Prime Source AzoxyBio Fungicide

 Real Green Forms Software

Prime Source, a division of Albaugh, launched AzoxyBio Fungicide to provide efficacy and convenience through a combined biological and traditional fungicide.

In an almost-paperless world, digital forms are increasingly necessary.

Not only do today’s customers expect to be able to receive, sign and return forms digitally, but the ability to send, sign and file important documents without paper, pens or printers helps businesses save time, money and materials. With Real Green Forms, users can now create, send and track professional-looking PDF documents without having to rely on a third-party application. Users digitally customize and complete detailed proposals, contracts, surveys, checklists and more with advanced data mapping that pulls directly from their customer database, and customers can sign at their convenience.

Features include: • EPA registered • Delivers distinctive disease control and promotes plant health • Features a combination of azoxystrobin plus an extract of the biofungicide, Reynoutria sachalinensis • Dual modes of action from Groups 11 and P5 • Provides a biological boost to plants’ immune systems for sound disease resistance management • An exclusive performance additive enhances suspension for efficient mixing and application

Through the Forms Tracker, users can prefill customer-specific information, accept signed contracts and track every form from draft to completed status. The entire team can have visibility into all outstanding forms and quickly take action with the ability to edit, complete, download, email, send or resend notifications.

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Say goodbye to hard-to-read, easy-to-lose, easy-to-ignore pen-and-paper documents. With Real Green Forms, every business can create and send forms that look as professional as they do.

 SecuraTrac’s MobileDefender Model S The MobileDefender Model 4 (MD4) offers automatic fall advisory capabilities and location accuracy, indoors and outdoors. Indoor positioning uses the latest in WiFi and Bluetooth positioning algorithms and methods to enable accurate, individualized emergency response and monitoring that fits the mobility that comes with lone workers on the job. In addition, the MD4 provides global GPS services along with the durability to withstand extreme conditions and uses. Considerable market and focus group feedback helped shape the designed of this safety device. Specifications include:

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• • • •

59 ounces Wears easily with a neck lanyard or “bracelet” on the wrist Has easy-to-see and understand icons day or night Tune Fall Advisory Settings to tailor to each situation • Integrated Bluetooth enables integration with wireless health monitoring systems

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Down payment may be required. Average down payment is 10%. Taxes, freight, setup, delivery charges and optional features could increase monthly payment. Available at participating U.S. dealers.

Prices and available models may vary by dealer. Offers available on qualifying purchases of new equipment purchased in the U.S. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars. 2Qualified equipment includes the 317G canopy package (0730) or cab package (0735) with 12.6” offset block lug tracks, vinyl mechanical suspension seat, 3” seat belt, and 66” construction bucket. 3Qualified equipment includes the PA30B planetary driver auger with skid steer mounting bracket (1008) and a 12 in. Heavy-Duty bit. 4Qualified equipment includes the MP72B Multi-Purpose bucket. 5Qualified equipment includes the GR72B Rock/Brush Grapple bucket. 6Qualified equipment includes the TC36 Trencher with 36 in. by 6 wide standard cup every station.

Pricing varies based on attachment. Machine icons are representations of qualified equipment.

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COVER STORY SG46 still fits through a 48-inch gate with its dual 25-gallon spray tanks.

 Steel Green Midsized Zero-Turn Sprayer-Spreader As a midsized spreader-sprayer, Steel Green’s SG46 spreader-sprayer provides versatility without compromising capacity. The SG46 has both power and capacity within a small footprint.

Based on customer feedback, the Steel Green team increased the liquid capacity of the SG46 from 30 gallons to 50 gallons while maintaining its compact body size. The

The SG46 features a 23.5-hp engine, 220-pound hopper capacity, 8-foot variable spray width and 25-foot variable spread width allowing for 200,000 square feet of coverage per fill (based on using ¼ gallon spray nozzles). It also includes a stainless steel side deflector and breakaway boom with hidden plumbing, 22-inch rear wheels for additional hillside stability, a 5-gallon fuel capacity and a 10-mph maximum transport speed.

Optional features include dual pumps, a dual nozzle boom and an LED light kit. The SG46 is also compatible with the SG Snowplow and SG Rake attachments.

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HOSES THAT WORK

AS HARD AS YOU DO This fall, tackle all your tough commercial and municipal leaf cleanup jobs with a great selection of industrial hoses designed to handle the most difficult debris.

• Extremely abrasion resistant • Excellent flexibility • High tear strength • Made in the USA • 5-Star Customer Service

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 Steiner Flail Mower Attachment Steiner’s Flail Mower attachment provides high performance and durable cutting of grass and brush up to 0.75-inch diameter, ideal for large acreage areas. It also exemplifies Steiner’s promise of versatility by offering two different knife options. The standard “Y” knife is used to cut tall, heavy grass and brush, whereas the “scoop” knife is used to give turf a more finished look.

There are several features that assist in making mowing more efficient including the rear roller on the Flail Mower attachment that gives an eye-catching stripe finish on the turf while also providing stability. The rear discharge mower deck is effective when mowing along roadways and sidewalks to get rid of any debris in unwanted areas. Attached to the powerful Steiner 450 tractor, the new Flail Mower attachment can get jobs done on uneven terrain due to the tractor’s unique articulating and oscillating frame, and with the QuickHitch attachment system, operators can switch between more than a dozen attachments— from a slip scoop to a professional snow blower—in a matter of minutes with no tools required.

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deck. It adapts to changing terrain on the fly automatically by choosing the right operating mode for the conditions with Toro’s Horizon technology. The Horizon onboard intelligence platform enhances the performance of the machine and protects the mower by monitoring engine oil temperature and pressure. Users will save on fuel costs while maintaining top-level performance.

The massive mowing deck can fold its wings up to 83 inches, allowing it to fit on most standard trailers. The wings flex up to 20 degrees and down to 15 degrees and hug the ground as users mow, providing a pro-quality cut on uneven terrain.

 Toro Revolution Series

Built to last with a protective engine hood, bullnose bumper, 250-pound Warner clutch and a seven-gauge deck, the new Z Master 7500-D 144-inch will get the job done for a long time to come.

Every Revolution machine is equipped with patent-pending software in the controls that enables smooth operation. It also gives operators a chance to customize the machine with adjustable deck rake, drive speed control options and blade tip speed settings.

The Revolution series mowers are powered by Toro’s HyperCell Power System, which delivers all day power and reliability. The battery management system (BMS) allows for longer run times and quick charging to maximize productivity. HyperCell is built to run cooler than other power systems, so it can last as long as the sunlight. Ultimately, operators gain efficiencies, cut down on emissions and complete more jobs with less hassle. The Toro Grandstand Revolution Stand-On Mower is a machine designed for high performance. It’s the same ride users have come to trust with its spacesaving, flip-up platform, only now it’s powered

by Toro’s HyperCell batteries. The intention of the design is to help reduce cost on gasoline and maintenance. There are three deck motors and two drive motors, eliminating the belts and pulleys with no engine components that can fail.

In addition, the Revolution series produces no emissions and is quiet. From a safety standpoint, the mower has speed control settings in seven different increments up to 10 mph. For someone new on the machine, the speed can be set at lower maximum to ensure a safer environment for training. With a target of all-day mowing, based on conditions, the mower will operate from five to nine hours.

Toro’s Z Master 7500-D is known to keep crew numbers to a minimum and productivity up.

Toro has taken its grass-kicking capacity to a whole other level with a new 144-inch cutting

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 21

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

E

What to think about when it comes to succession planning.

ditor’s Note: This article is intended to help you understand the high-level decisions and considerations you’ll need to make. This is not tax or business financial advice and should not be taken as such. Consult with your tax adviser before making any decisions regarding the sale of your business.

You’re not going to work until you die of natural causes.

And even if you did, you’d still need to make some plans for what happens to your business after you pass. To gain an expert’s perspective, I spoke with Khane Goodson, a certified financial planner with Citizen’s Bank.

Transition planning or succession planning?

Though many people use these terms interchangeably, they have different meanings in a business setting.

Succession planning is defining what needs to happen internally to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

Transition planning involves all the legalities of transferring business ownership from one person to another.

While they are different, they usually occur at the same time. If you’re going to pass the business to your children @gustavofrazao - stock.adobe.com

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

or sell it to a third party, you’ll need to make internal, structural changes to the business (succession planning) while also consulting with your team about the legal and tax implications (transition planning).

Succession planning “Internally, the owner or founder needs to work themselves out of a job,” says Goodson. When the business isn’t dependent on the owner, it’s more “turnkey” for a prospective buyer.

Goodson says, “When the business isn’t dependent on the presence of the owner, it’s an investment. When it is dependent on the owner, the current owner isn’t selling an investment; they’re selling a job to the next owner.”

To “work yourself out of a job,” you need to start by listing all the duties that you currently have in the business. Don’t forget to include the ones that depend on you. For example, you may not deal with the marketing day to day, but the credit card used for Google Ad spending is the company card that’s in your name.

Once you have this list, identify the stuff you can delegate immediately.

(Like that credit card; put it on your CEO’s company card instead.) Get as much off your plate as possible.

For things that you’re truly responsible for day to day, identify who you can train internally to take over those responsibilities. If it’s an adult child that you’re passing the business to, have them shadow you and learn what you do. If you’re planning to sell to a third party, see what responsibilities you can delegate to your C-suite and high-level managers. (Note: these people are probably already at capacity.

Have them also find things they can delegate to others, so they have the bandwidth to take on your job duties.)

Transition planning

@Vitalii Vodolazskyi - stock.adobe.com

Some owners try to do this on their own. Don’t.

You should be working with a team of experts. Your transition planning team should include your CPA, attorney and insurance broker. You should include a commercial banker (in case a loan needs to happen to facilitate the purchase of the business) and a certified financial planner (CFP).

“The benefit of working with a commercial banker is that they may be able to help with other resources, like a CFP,” says Goodson.

There are many moving parts in these transactions.

You should work with a CFP to do some financial modeling and determine the best time to sell your business. Consulting with your CPA and attorney will help you determine how to maximize tax benefits. Some transactions require a life insurance policy to be taken

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out on both the buyer and the seller to offset the chance of any unfortunate disaster derailing the transaction and leaving everyone in the lurch.

When should I start planning?

“(Start planning) at least five years before you actually want to sell,” says Goodson. If you’ve taken any steps to try and lower your tax bracket, starting at least five years in advance will prevent any “red flags” from triggering an audit.

Consider transferring part ownership to your kids five or six years before you actually want to sell it. For example, if your company is currently worth $10 million and you transfer 20 percent ownership to your child, they’ll “own” $2 million.

If your modeling with your CFP shows that the company is going to double in value over the next five years, you’ll still be in a higher tax bracket (perhaps 35 to 40 percent), but that extra $2 million in company growth (from $2 million to $4 million) happened under your child’s “ownership.” They’ll likely be in a lower tax bracket (perhaps 25 to 30 percent), and you both will have saved the difference in taxes.

Succession planning and transition planning are pretty complicated processes that can take a long time.

You should begin the process early, assemble a team of experts to walk you through the process and begin to “work yourself out of a job” as soon as you’ve identified the desire to sell.

Jay Worth

Marketing Manager SingleOps

Khane Goodson

CFP, Wealth Adviser Citizens Bank

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AIRPORT SEES SKY-HIGH RESULTS WITH iMOW® ƒ Chesapeake Regional Airport, an airport in coastal Virginia, sits on 500 acres with more than 80 hangars accommodating both private and commercial aircraft. While student pilots, commercial crews and hobbyists who frequent the airport are used to seeing the latest in aviation technology flying the skies above, the newest high-tech addition at this facility is operating on the ground.

CHALLENGES WITH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE With a small staff responsible for the upkeep of the large property, the Chesapeake Regional Airport team’s conventional mower approach was causing more problems than solutions. Every time the grounds crew mowed the overgrown lawn, it resulted in grass clippings, dust and dirt blowing into the air.

In addition, with a recent mechanical failure of their current mower, it was time for an upgrade.

“When our crew was left without their primary means to maintain the property, we identified the opportunity to install STIHL iMOW® robotic mowers as a solution,” said Chris Schrantz, Airport Manager.

CLEAN, WELL-MAINTAINED LAWNS Two STIHL RMI 632 PC-L iMOW® robotic mowers were installed to maintain approximately one acre each alongside rows of hangars housing aviation tenants. Unlike the conventional mowers, with STIHL iMOW®, there was no dust, dirt or excessive debris.

Not only did the robotic mowers leave the area cleaner, but iMOW® also provided other benefits. The mowers’ self-mulching functionality returned nutrients and moisture back to the soil providing a greener, healthier lawn. Its smart battery technology automated the mowing work reducing labor, maintenance and fuel costs — saving the airport time and money.

“It’s practically self-explanatory. In fact, one of the greatest benefits is that I don’t have to do the mowing — and it requires virtually zero maintenance.” bottom-line results iMOW® provides real solutions to challenges faced by the airport authority and other customers. Instead of mowing lawns, they can now focus on other more pressing tasks, and as an added benefit, the lawns maintained by iMOW® are green and thriving. “[Installing] STIHL iMOW® was a fantastic decision — and one that has paid off,” said Schrantz. “Over a five-month period, we’ve calculated only $5.75 in electricity costs per unit.1 A conventional solution would have taken double that amount in labor alone. Add wear and tear on our zero-turn mower plus fuel costs and it is a no-brainer!”

Between labor and fuel costs, Chesapeake Regional Airport is saving upwards of $80 per month by using the two robotic mowers.

THE FUTURE OF MOWING With the overwhelming success of the first two installations, a third iMOW® was installed to further reduce the grounds crew’s workload. Given the expanse of the property and the ROI analysis thus far, the Chesapeake Regional Airport is considering installing even more iMOW® robotic mowers onsite.

“From the management side of things, iMOW® just makes a lot of good sense,” said Schrantz, “Especially for large-scale commercial applications. It’s just a great highly-efficient solution.”

To learn more about the STIHL iMOW® visit STIHLUSA.com/ products/imow/.

LESS COST, LESS LABOR, HEALTHIER GRASS With LTE connectivity the RMI 632 PC-L robotic mowers deliver a host of enhanced smart features — all operable via an app. From setting and updating mowing schedules to monitoring service issues and performance, usage has been seamless.

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Chris Schrantz, Airport Manager, and Greg Dorson, Ground Maintenance Lead.

L AWN CARE

LESSONS FROM LAS VEGAS’ ORNAMENTAL GRASS BAN

recent restrictions imposed by Southern California, which include limiting the watering of lawns to once a week to ease the burden of the drought-stricken state aqueduct. The Metropolitan Water District board voted unanimously to require six major water providers and dozens of cities and local districts to impose either watering once a week or reducing total water use to below a certain target. These restrictions don’t bode well for the future of natural grass lawns and the sustainability of this type of landscaping in regions constantly plagued by drought.

The artificial turf industry has long been known to reduce carbon footprints by conserving billions of gallons of water per year by eliminating the need to water lawns. Artificial grass also eradicates the use of pesticides and fertilizers. In commercial projects, businesses can receive LEED credits for water-efficient landscaping from the U.S. Green Building Council for the use of artificial turf.

The trend for artificial turf, spurred by savings and motivated by these bans, is catching on with homeowners. It’s been said that if a home has natural grass, 90 percent of their water bill goes to watering grass, and that’s a big hit on a limited and decreasing water supply.

The health of the planet and resilient landscaping in the face of a changing climate and worsening drought is of utmost importance. There is a good deal of change and innovation on the horizon, and the artificial grass industry is even seeking advancements in new technology, like water containment devices for use under artificial turf. It will be interesting to see the changes that occur in our industry and the creativity that ensues as a result.

The inside scoop on what Las Vegas’ ornamental grass ban may mean for the rest of the green industry.

L

as Vegas has become a pioneer in conserving natural resources with its policy banning nonfunctional, decorative grass.

This new legislation comes on the heels of Las Vegas water officials’ 20-year plight to replace water-guzzling grass with water-conserving landscapes.

Assembly Bill 356 will prohibit Colorado River water from being used to irrigate decorative grass on Jan. 1, 2027. The majority of the grass in this ban is nonfunctional, including grass between roads and sidewalks and in medians, traffic circles, strips outside business parks, housing developments and more. It’s said to result in 30 percent of the 13,000 acres of ornamental grass being removed from Las Vegas.

This progressive move may serve as a model for other desert and droughtstricken cities. With ornamental grass requiring four times as much water as drought-tolerant landscaping like

cacti and succulents, it’s estimated that the region can drastically reduce annual water consumption.

This unique ban spearheaded by Las Vegas follows years of efforts to minimize water use dating back to the “cash for grass” program in 1999 urging homeowners to swap their lawns for sustainable landscaping.

Las Vegas’ decorative grass ban will have wide-reaching effects on the landscape industry. For one, many residents may miss the green grass that gave the illusion of a lush Las Vegas.

A swap to all desert landscaping, like cacti and succulents, will drastically change the look and feel of the strip.

While artificial grass isn’t the only landscaping alternative to decorative grass, the industry is anticipating an increase in sales in this region and has already seen more business in the parched western U.S. Artificial grass sales may also be motivated by the

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MOWING AND MAINTENANCE

MANAGING INVASIVE TREES AND VEGETATION IN THE US W hen introduced beyond their natural geography, many species of trees and vegetation can infest and degrade land while harming native ecosystems. They have the potential to overtake fields, forests or even the resources native grasses and vegetation need to live, which results in killing off valuable land.

Stringent control and eradication measures are often necessary for landscape professionals to minimize the spread of invasive trees and prevent damage to the environment.

Fortunately, there are a variety of options for removing these tenacious intruders from your property.

Invasive Species by Region

Before we dive into the “how” of invasive tree and vegetation management, it’s important to understand the “what”— or rather, the types of vegetation green industry professionals are likely to encounter.

The following is an overview of the types of invasive species landscape professionals can expect to find in the various regions of the United States.

Northeast

Invasive sumac trees can be found across much of the country, but they pose the biggest threat in two areas, namely the Northeast and into midwestern states such as Ohio and Michigan. Sumac trees grow quickly, aggressively and in dense thickets.

If they are left unchecked, they can outgrow and displace native vegetation by cutting off access to nutrients and force out wildlife by consuming their natural habitat and/or the vegetation they depend on for survival. Because of their dense foliage, sumac trees also block rain and sunlight, which brings unwanted changes to an ecosystem’s soil chemistry and temperature.

overtake natural habitats and greatly reduce the profitability and usability of land if they are left unattended.

Separately, Kudzu trees cover an area that stretches from Texas to New York. While they are ideal for shading porches, feeding livestock and helping to control erosion, Kudzu trees grow quickly and produce vines that cover and kill native plants, envelop trees, snap branches and climb buildings and power lines. In addition, they can withstand drought, frost and fire damage and remain dormant for several years before germinating. Therefore, it is especially crucial to conduct annual maintenance and be sure to kill every root crown, the process of which can take up to several years to accomplish.

Midwest The boxelder is a species of maple with brittle wood and a fast growth system that thrives in wet bottomlands common in the Midwest. While these trees help stabilize stream banks and shelter wildlife, they are considered a weed in many urban areas. Their weak wood causes them to split or drop their limbs in relatively light wind conditions, making them a landscape maintenance nightmare. The boxelder’s rapid spread can be attributed to how quickly it germinates after dropping its seeds: winged papery fruits that spin through the air and travel great distances away from the parent tree.

Southeast Invasive tree species across the southeastern region of the country include the Brazilian pepper tree, Chinese tallow, privet and saw palmetto. For reasons that include toxicity, deposition and invasive root systems, these trees can rapidly Using a brush cutter helps landscapers access the tree trunk and roots.

Central U.S. Diamond Mowers

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Native to Kansas and originally limited to rocky bluffs, the Eastern Red-Cedar began terrorizing the central portion of the U.S. from South Dakota down to Oklahoma and parts of Texas when new land management practices

Northwest While technically not a tree, Scot’s Broom is a nuisance in the Pacific Northwest, particularly along the sides of highways. This thick, bushy shrub thrives on sandy, disturbed soil, and it quickly establishes deep, woody roots.

Additionally, it adds massive amounts of nitrogen to the soil. The excess

nitrogen, in turn, negatively impacts and changes plant communities. Scot’s Broom also produces many seeds, which can last in the soil for up to half of a century.

Diamond Mowers Disc

led to a decrease in controlled fires, allowing forests to spread. Because this type of tree grows all year round in temperatures above 40 degrees F and flourishes in a variety of precipitation conditions, these trees damage the surrounding grasslands by intercepting 25 percent to 60 percent of rainfall thanks to their dense canopies. In fact, they can consume anywhere from six to 16 gallons of water each day. What’s more, they also fuel wildfires because of their flammable foliage, thin bark and propensity for containing oils.

Mulching helps break material down into a finer substance.

Stopping the Spread

In some cases, invasive tree species can be tamed by professionals using chemicals or controlled fires.

However, the most effective way for managing overgrowth is through mechanical control, which can be accomplished with the use of skidsteer attachments and a three-step process. The process is outlined below.

1. Brush Cutting The first step is getting to the source, which typically involves cutting back

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branches and brush to access the tree’s trunk and roots. The best tool for this job is a brush cutter. The main reason is because this versatile, highperformance skid-steer attachment excels at processing material such as thick grass, brush and branches.

2. Mulching

Mulching is the process of grinding trees and brush down into a finer material for quick decomposition. For this step, either a disc mulcher or drum mulcher is recommended. Determining JRCO Hooker Aerators conveniently attach to your mower, tractor or utility vehicle! Offered in front mount or tow-behind versions.

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 29

MOWING AND MAINTENANCE Diamond Mowers

To eradicate an invasive species from an area, landscape professionals don’t necessarily need to make use of all three attachments. A mulcher, for instance, may be sufficient for steps one and two, depending on the size of the area and the material being cleared.

If there are any questions about invasive trees and vegetation on your property, it may be wise to consult an arborist or tree care professional. n ja

3. Stump Grinding

Conclusion

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the proper attachment for this job is as simple as assessing the size of the trees that you will be breaking down.

done after trees have been cut or mulched.

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To prevent trees from resprouting, a stump grinder is necessary. This process is typically

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EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY

Considerations for Adopting

BATTERY-OPERATED

EQUIPMENT Echo

A rundown of what landscape contractors should consider before adding battery-powered equipment to their fleet.

E

verywhere you look these days, there are more and more technological revolutions becoming purchase considerations. The professional landscape market is no exception, and there are probably very few contractors out there that have not thought about switching their fleet to battery power. With so many batterypowered vehicles cruising the streets and autonomous robots cutting swaths through neighborhoods, it seems obvious to make the switch to battery, but what are some factors that would influence this decision?

Local ordinances Stories seem to be in the news on a weekly basis lately where a local municipality, college campus or homeowners’ association legislates a ban on gas-powered landscape equipment for their locale. In these cases, landscapers may have no choice but to have a battery-powered option in their truck or trailer as they are forced by local ordinances, but which option? There are many choices available, and several aspects should be considered before adding this technology to your inventory.

Choosing a battery platform

Landscapers should think about how often and where they plan to use battery-powered equipment before purchasing.

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One of the obvious factors in including a battery product is which platform to adopt. Competing manufacturers offer different voltages, different battery amperage and maybe even different levels of performance within their own offering. These numbers can often be confusing.

Landscape pros can truly determine a real measure of the energy that can be delivered by multiplying the volts and the amps to come up with watt-hours; the higher number, the more energy contained in the battery. Also,

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EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY standing reputation as a supplier of professional-grade outdoor power equipment, whether it be battery or gas. They understand the rigors of dayin-and-day-out use by a professional and build equipment accordingly.

Run time and performance

instead of a mix of manufacturers, it makes the most sense to choose brand loyalty. One benefit in choosing a single manufacturer’s platform is the reduction of chargers and the elimination of which batteries are compatible with which equipment and charger. Look at each manufacturer’s offer including battery

Echo

Some landscapers opt for battery-powered equipment due to local ordinances.

compatibility across the full lineup and what products are in the lineup.

Will the battery platform selected run all the types of equipment you’d use on a regular basis? Is there a multitool option for running different attachments from one power source? It’s also best to choose a manufacturer with a long-

Advancements in battery technology are happening every day, and the performance one can expect from a battery unit is increasingly becoming on par with gas. One of the foremost questions on switching to battery is run time. Industry estimates indicate a standard fuel tank on a gas product, running at wide open throttle, lasts about 45 minutes. Of course, this is dependent on what the application is and how the equipment is operated.

Manufacturers often post run times under specific conditions, and realworld run time is dependent on those same factors as gas. You must consider what your crews are doing daily, how often they are refueling and how often they are swapping out an exhausted battery. Swapping out batteries is a real situation that leads to another consideration: cost (not only of the units themselves, but also the extra batteries required in the field).

Cost of ownership Because of the increased performance these days and the cost of building in the latest technology, commercial-grade battery products are about the same cost as commercial-grade gas. The biggest cost savings with battery, however, is in the future when you’re no longer buying fuel and oil to put into an engine. It’s not just the cost of fuel—which today is historically high—but also consider the time your crew spends at the gas station each morning. Your cost of ownership increases over time on a gas unit with future gas and oil purchases.

With either platform, there is still the need to purchase bar and chain oil for chainsaws, so in that regard, battery and gas are even. On the other hand, a huge cost driver on the battery side is the price of keeping multiple batteries in

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for battery products. Left is a sample maintenance schedule for gaspowered OPE, and landscape pros can easily determine that maintaining or servicing the first four items is not necessary in a battery-powered item.

Benefits and preferences

the field for swap out to keep your crews running. Based on average run time data and the number of battery models you’re running, you could need to carry five to 15 batteries with your crew per day. It’s best to recharge in your shop overnight so everything is fully charged and ready to go the next day. With these cost factors in mind, it may be better to start small with equipment you use daily—a trimmer and a blower, for example— before committing to a full line.

Maintenance and service The operating costs of battery-powered equipment compared to gas-powered goes beyond the fuel and mix oil.

Consider the maintenance and service items. First off is whether the motor in the unit is brushless or brushed.

A brushless motor requires far less maintenance than a brushed one.

Routine maintenance for common wear items like spark plugs, fuel lines, fuel filters or air filters is nonexistent

The industry is changing.

The equipment you need is at

With the local ordinance legislations, landscapers may have no choice but to use battery-operated equipment if their customers prefer. Other benefits of battery product include reduced noise and zero emissions.

Factor in the topics above and weigh the risks and opportunities to decide what makes the most sense for your business.

John Powers

Director of Product Management Echo

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 35

HARDSCAPES & DESIGN

SIMPLIFY WITH SOFTWARE Learn about the benefits landscape design professionals can take advantage of when using design software for their projects.

D

esign software can do more than just bring visions to life. The right software allows landscape designers to satisfy their clients, stick to their budget and meet time-sensitive deadlines. When communicating with fellow designers, contractors and other collaborators, design software is one platform that can help simplify everything.

Why implement?

First, you’ll be able to create powerful, stunning presentations so you can impress even the toughest of clients.

You can have access to excellent visual components such as 3D visualizations, colorful 2D plans and emerging technology features such as augmented and virtual reality, allowing you to express your signature style, set your firm apart and win more work with clients.

Second, software can also help make informed decisions with features such as automated takeoffs. For example, users can quantify the number of plants needed for a project through reports or schedules, which are spreadsheets that list the names of all plant species, their

Design software allows users to collaborate with others.

Vectorworks

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quantities, their installed sizes and even how far apart they should be spaced.

This same method can also be applied to quantifying the surrounding area such as the square footage of hardscapes and plant beds. This ensures users are providing accurate information for better estimates, which means more competitive proposals. Additionally, users can lean on industry-specific tools for landscape elements and features, such as irrigation, hardscapes, planting, excavation and lighting, to make the project more intuitively planned, modeled and estimated.

What to keep in mind Any design software you choose can bring several benefits to your firm; however, it’s important to consider the following factors before ultimately choosing which software the firm will use.

First, always allot time for the onboarding process. Choosing a design software that’s new for employees can be an overwhelming task at first, but design companies need to set aside time to make sure all employees are comfortable and knowledgeable. When setting up training sessions, be sure to include those who help develop templates and create resource libraries, as these can make every design project afterward take far less time. In fact, some software companies will do a training orientation for firms to ensure proficiency and streamlined workflows.

With the onboarding process, companies will also need to determine who will manage the software. That is, who would be responsible for maintaining the firm’s software license, creating and managing

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template libraries and onboarding all staff so designers know who they can go to in case of any challenges.

Collaboration is another factor to consider when choosing a design software for your firm. It is critical as a landscape design professional, especially when designing with other stakeholders who most likely will have changes. Users will be able to make revisions quickly, so they don’t have to start over from scratch with your design—all changes are reflected right in the platform.

Also, users should make sure they’re up to date on hardware and meeting system requirements and budgeting for system updates on a yearly basis.

Consider if the software will work with the existing systems already set in place or if upgrades are needed. For budget items, make sure to account for any survey equipment you’d want to explore such as drone capturing, geographic information system mapping, project management, cloud servers, accounting, proposals and even excel documents for cost estimates.

Finally, consider what file outputs are required. If you will be frequently working with outside collaborators, determine which file formats are needed to import and export for general model exchanges, renderings and presentations, data exchange/analysis and more.

Then look at what presentation pieces you’d like to have such as walkthrough videos, digital renderings and printed sheets when it comes to presenting to the client and sharing your work.

Eric Gilbey

Product Marketing Manager Vectorworks

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L I G H T I N G & I R R I G AT I O N Smart controllers monitor the weather to determine the most optimal water output for the landscape.

SMART

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THINK

A look at how smart controllers monitor the weather to save on time, money and water.

W

hen it comes to keeping lawns and landscapes lush and healthy, water is essential. However, water is a precious commodity, so conserving it is a concern for everyone.

Irrigation systems are essential to help optimize water usage, but if you have ever driven by a home or business that has sprinklers on while it’s raining out, you’ve seen just how inefficient and wasteful some systems can be. Thanks to technology like smart irrigation controllers, having a thriving lawn while reducing water waste is easier and more economical than ever.

What is a smart controller?

A smart irrigation controller is like a smart thermostat for lawns and landscapes. It automatically and accurately adjusts to real-time weather conditions. Traditional irrigation controllers have basic, time-based programs that run on a schedule, even when it’s raining out.

Benefits of smart controllers Smart controllers are constantly monitoring the weather inputs and adjusting irrigation to optimize the landscape without overuse or underuse of water. Many times, people in droughtprone areas like the West will completely shut off irrigation and let landscapes die because there isn’t enough water, but if you have a smart controller, you can most likely continue running the sprinklers while using water as efficiently as possible.

Smart irrigation controllers function like a thermostat so that end users don’t have to worry about watering schedules.

Toro Irrigation

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you’re going to see about a third of your water saved.

Additionally, the smart controller makes seasonal adjustments to the irrigation based on the weather. For instance, in winter, if you didn’t have a smart controller, you’d have to remember to dial back the irrigation before it starts getting cold out.

Smart controllers also offer convenience and time savings since there’s no longer a need to keep driving by and checking on multiple irrigation sites during the day.

Once you set up your smart controller,

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Are there any challenges?

Sometimes, homeowners or business owners hesitate to spend money on smart controllers. However, once they understand it won’t take long to see the payback on their investment, they agree it’s the right thing to do in the long run.

Some contractors hesitate to try them because they’ve been using a specific system for their entire career and that’s what they’re used to. The good news is that a smart controller is a simple add-on device that’s compatible with their existing system; the contractors don’t have to learn a whole new system, and the installation, setup and upkeep are very easy. It’s a useful addition to what they already use.

Are they worth it?

Yes, absolutely. Smart controllers save water, money and time. You’re also becoming a better steward of the environment. Water is a valuable resource, and conserving it is a sustainable strategy that can help you and your customers feel better about how you care for lawns and landscapes.

Matt Hall

Marketing Manager The Toro Co.

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PROJECT PROFILE

BY HANNAH GOOCH

ARTIFICIAL

TURF Provides Real Success

A

t a home in Brentwood, Tenn., you’ll find a resort-style backyard created by Goat Turf.

And the best part? The grass is perpetually green. That’s because Goat Turf’s claim to fame is artificial turf installation.

“The client wanted a low-maintenance, beautiful space, whether it’s January or July,” says Goat Turf CEO and founder Tyler Burnett.

Using the Dave Pelz underlayment system beneath putting green turf, chipping mats and a bocce ball course, Goat Turf put together a backyard retreat for its client. The $1.2 million artificial backyard came together without a hiccup thanks to the extensive planning done before the project began.

“There was a lot of planning that went with this project,” Burnett says. “We planned from the very begin-

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ning and communicated throughout the entire project with my project manager on-site. He nailed it.”

To get the job done, the team relied on both a Cat and ASV skid-steer, as well as dump trucks, trowels, rakes and Weber vibratory plates.

“We also worked with our pool builder, Watermark Pools, very closely,” Burnett says. “Over the last several years, we’ve built such a unique relationship with them, where they really trust us, we really trust them and we just do a great job planning together.”

Burnett says his favorite part of the project was seeing the customer’s face light up in the end reveal and watching him chip shots on the new turf.

For Burnett, this project was a homerun.

www.greenindustrypros.com

Goat Turf

ties for high school and college coaches.”

It wasn’t until a couple years after Burnett began designing indoor baseball facilities that he ran into an old colleague from the manufacturing plant.

The former coworker asked Burnett to help his cousin install artificial grass and a putting green in his backyard after finding out about Burnett’s experience with artificial turf installation.

“I basically said, ‘Give me a couple days, let me figure this out,’” Burnett recalls. “I started doing some research and went to a couple manufacturers that did artificial grass.”

Burnett came back to the potential client with an estimate.

“When I came back to him, he said, ‘Who do I make the check out to?,’” Burnett says. At the time, Burnett gave the client his name for the check but realized he would need to have an explanation for the bank when depositing such a large sum of money. Burnett turned over business name ideas in his head before Googling “animals that graze grass” for more inspiration.

“Goat was the third thing that came up,” Burnett says. “I actually met my wife at a restaurant here in Murfreesboro, Tenn., called The Goat, I want to be the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) and my number in college was three. Everything just lined up.”

Business name in hand, Burnett went to the bank to open an account for his new venture.

“I finally sat down with somebody and she said, ‘What’s artificial grass?’”

Burnett says. “I told her and she said, ‘I want to do that in my yard,’ and so I got my second customer.”

The Goat Turf logo was originally found with a Google Images search. Burnett liked the artwork so much that he

Where it began Burnett began cutting grass at the age of 12, mowing lawns around his neighborhood to earn enough money to buy a new baseball glove. He would eventually be drafted for the Houston Astros in 2010 as a first and third baseman as well as a left fielder. Later, Burnett worked at a manufacturing plant for five years. At the plant, Burnett added business management to his skill set.

“I loved the people there, but I just didn’t like working in a factory inside.

I started thinking, ‘what could I do differently in my life?’” Burnett says. “So, I started designing indoor baseball facili-

reached out to the designer and asked for a custom logo for his business using the original piece as a reference. Burnett adds that the goatee on the goat in his logo is a nod to the goatee he has sported since he was 16.

With an available website URL, a copyrighted logo and unique social media handles, Burnett had established a successful business. Then, Burnett recruited his first employee, another former colleague from the manufacturing plant that had experience in excavation work.

“We got the first job done, and I said, ‘I really like this,’ so we went onto the next job and continued to grow from there,” Burnett says. “That was four years ago, almost to the date.”

Now, Burnett has a 21,000-square-foot warehouse with 30 employees and plans to accomplish one million square feet of turf this year. His key to managing his workers is to treat them as he would a team, drawing from his baseball days.

“Really, I’m just trying to put the right players in the right position,” Burnett says. “I want to make sure everybody understands what their role is, empower people and develop talent.”

Burnett continues to grow his company in employees, equipment and clients. He says his family-first motto, unwavering drive and inherent luck help him reach his goals as an entrepreneur.

“We want to love what we do, who we do it with and who we do it for,” Burnett says.

Goat Turf

 Burnett says his favorite part of the project was seeing the customer’s face light up in the end reveal and watching him chip shots on the new turf. www.greenindustrypros.com

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 41

CONTR ACTOR PROFILE

BY SARAH WEBB

DARREN JOHNSON Owner, Long Term Lawn Care, Lancaster, Ky. Green Industry Pros: Darren, how did you decide to get into the green industry?

Darren Johnson: I come from a long line of addiction. My parents were addicts, and I struggled for 15 years until I finally got my head straight. I previously worked for a power company clearing out overhead lines, so I had some experience in climbing trees but never in landscaping and lawn maintenance.

I started by mowing my mother-inlaw’s yard and my aunt’s and then their neighbors’ yards four years ago. Soon, I had about nine people, so I decided to start an LLC in November 2020. It was scary because I didn’t know if I was making enough to pay quarterly taxes, and I didn’t know how that worked. I dove in, passed out fliers and knocked on enough doors to make sure I had enough work to at least pay taxes to stay afloat.

Green Industry Pros: Tell me about your company.

Johnson: I’m in a new neighborhood now with Long Term Lawn Care an HOA, so I’m trying to get on this project and get a contract for steady work. A lot of people say they have trouble with customers, but I’ve yet to have one bad customer or bad complaint from a customer not liking something I’ve done. Challenges have been just finding people who want to work. It’s been so hot here, and it’s hard to find people.

Green Industry Pros: As someone who has recently started out, what advice would you give someone looking to do the same?

Johnson: The biggest thing I’ve heard from a lot of customers is that people aren’t showing up. They’re coming in and scheduling jobs, but they’re not showing up to do what they say. If you

Johnson: Right now, I’m still working solo. I do lawn maintenance, tree trimming and landscape maintenance in a small town, so advertising is mostly through word of mouth.

42 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

Green Industry Pros: What are some of your goals for the company moving forward?

Johnson: This year, I think I’m going to try to spread salt and do driveways in my neighborhood. My long-term goal is to have a nursery. That’s what I really enjoy: taking care of plants and trees. My kids can help work on it. My wife also loves outdoor stuff, and she’s really invested in helping me do the nursery. I think it will be a good family business that we all can enjoy. Within 10 years, by the time I’m 40, I would like to have that ball rolling.

Green Industry Pros: What kind of other things do you like to do with your family?

Johnson: I have two boys and a daughter. We probably go to the river about three times a week. I have always been very outdoorsy with the kids, whether it was a fishing or hiking.

We’re never really inside.

Long Term Lawn Care

Green Industry Pros: What have been some of your challenges and successes?

just show up, that’s 90 percent of the job these days. It really is that people are not sticking to their word doing what they say, and they’re not reliable. If I had to give anybody advice, it would be to show up on time and follow through.

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