Green for Life Spring 2024

The Importance of Cash Flow Monitoring for Landscape Contractors

this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta.

ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print)

ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online)

Landscape Alberta Board of Directors

Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd., Chair

Ken Ruddock, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc.

Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd.

Jeff Oudyk, CSLA, AALA, JLG, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd., Vice Chair

John van Roessel, CLM, CLT, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., Treasurer

Matthew Chausse, Seasonal Impact

Vacant

Vacant

Landscape Alberta Staff

Joel Beatson, CAE, CLHM, Executive Director joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com

Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com

Lisa Brick, Events Manager lisa.brick@landscape-alberta.com

Kyla Hardon, Communications Coordinator kyla.hardon@landscape-alberta.com

Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com

On the Cover

2023 Landscape Award of Excellence Winner, Residential Landscape Design, Planta Landscape Inc.

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Instagram: @landscapealberta

Facebook: @landscapealberta

The Importance of Cash Flow Monitoring for Landscape Contractors

As a landscape contractor, managing the financial aspects of your business is crucial to your success. One of the most important, but overlooked, aspects of financial management is monitoring your cash flow. By keeping a close eye on your cash flow, you can avoid unexpected shortfalls and ensure that you have the funds to meet your business obligations.

In this article, we will discuss the five cash-flow mistakes that small business owners often make and how you can avoid them. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your cash flow and set your landscape contracting business up for long-term success.

1. Neglecting to monitor your cash flow at least weekly

One of the biggest mistakes that small business owners make is not consistently monitoring their cash flow. By neglecting to review your cash flow on a regular basis, you may miss out on potential problems that could eventually drain your financial resources.

Monitoring your cash flow on a daily or weekly basis allows you to stay on top of your numbers and gain a clear understanding of the money going in and out of your business. It also helps you catch any overdue payments from clients, which are essential for maintaining the financial health of your business. By staying on top of your cash

flow, you can ensure that you have the necessary funds to pay your own bills and meet your financial obligations.

2. Spending too much, too soon

When starting a landscape contracting business, it can be tempting to spend too much money up front on expenses such as equipment, office space, and staffing. However, overspending in the beginning can put a strain on your cash flow and make it difficult to cover your expenses during slower months.

An example of this would be purchasing vs. renting equipment or vehicles, especially in the beginning. Renting allows you to return it when it’s not in use or in the off-season and eliminate the monthly cost of the purchase.

To avoid spending too much too soon, it’s important to keep your overhead and operating expenses as low as possible in the early stages of your business. Take a close look at every area of your business that costs money and separate your needs from your wants. If you find that you’re overspending in one area, there’s a good chance you’re overspending in others as well.

If you’re already committed to loans or leases, consider exploring other options such as renegotiating with your lenders. Additionally, look for ways to cut expenses and free up cash, such as switching to a bank with lower fees. By keeping your expenses in check, you can ensure that your business stays cash positive.

The Importance of Cash Flow Monitoring for Landscape Contractors

3. Not maintaining cash reserves

Every business faces unexpected challenges and cash flow shortfalls at some point. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain several months’ worth of cash reserves to weather these storms.

When faced with an unexpected shortfall, many small business owners resort to tapping into their personal savings or assets to cover their business expenses. However, this can create a vicious cycle that leaves you worse off financially than before.

Instead, it’s best to maintain a cash reserve that is large enough to cover your expenses during slower months. This way, you can protect your business and your personal finances. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining a cash reserve and investing, as you don’t want to tie up a large amount of money without making a return.

4. Missing out on investing to grow your wealth

Investing is an essential aspect of growing your wealth and securing your financial future. While your primary focus may be on running your pool contracting business, it’s important not to overlook the benefits of investing.

Here are some basic tips for investing:

• Start investing as soon as possible: You don’t need a large amount of capital to start investing. Even if you start with a small amount of money, you can benefit from compound interest over time.

• Diversify your investments: Consider investing in a variety of industries and sectors to reduce your overall financial risk. If some investments are performing poorly, you can still see a return from investments in other areas.

• Take advantage of registered savings accounts: Registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) and tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) offer tax advantages that can help you grow your wealth over time. Contributions to RRSPs are tax-deductible, while TFSA contributions and investment income are tax-free.

By investing wisely and diversifying your portfolio, you can grow your wealth while running your pool contracting business.

5. Not hiring an accounting and tax specialist

As your landscape contracting business becomes profitable, it’s crucial to hire an accounting and tax specialist to handle your books and finances. Managing your own financial tasks can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you lack the technical knowledge.

A skilled bookkeeper will track your accounts and keep your financial records in order. Additionally, an experienced accounting and tax specialist can help you analyze your financial data and make informed business decisions, like when you can afford to hire more people or purchase another vehicle or piece of equipment. They will optimize your tax return, ensuring that you pay less tax and avoid penalties and interest.

By delegating these tasks to professionals, you can focus on running your landscape contracting business while ensuring that your financial obligations are met accurately.

In conclusion, monitoring your cash flow and avoiding common cash-flow mistakes is crucial for the success of your pool contracting business. By consistently reviewing your cash flow, keeping your expenses in check, and maintaining cash reserves, you’ll set your business up for financial stability and profitability, while also making your life less stressful.

Canadian Dental Care Plan taxation impacts

This communication is meant to help with employer obligations for 2023 T4/T4A reporting to support the new Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Employees of member companies are not required to take any action regarding 2023 T4/T4A reporting but should seek guidance from their own tax specialists if they have questions

More information on the Canada Dental Care Plan, including eligibility, can be found at https://www.canada. ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html; please feel free to share this with your staff.

City of Edmonton to restore horticulture budget

At the recent Community and Public Services committee meeting a motion to restore funding for horticulture maintenance to pre-pandemic levels. This is a positive step toward valuing urban green infrastructure by ensuring it is properly maintained. Landscape Alberta has continued to bring this message forward to many municipalities, including Edmonton and it was a central message in our public outreach campaign in Summer of 2022 when the City of Edmonton was considering a pest-control ban.

More information can be found - https:// www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/ edmonton-turf-horticulture-service-budget-1.7109996

New program helps fund students in Agriculture positions

CAHRC’s AgriTalent program supports the development of connections between post-secondary students, employers in agriculture and post-secondary institutions and contributes towards preparing a jobready workforce for the Canadian agriculture industry.

Check your eligibility and review what this program is all about: AGRI Talent Summer Students

SAWP Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2024

As of January 1, 2024 the wages for the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) and related streams have increased to $17.44 per hour in Alberta. This is an increase from the 2023 wage of $16.52 per hour. It appears almost every province saw a similar increase for the coming season.

CNLA Announces New Partnership with Makita

Makita, a leading emission-free cordless power tools and equipment provider, is thrilled to announce its new national partnership with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). This exciting collaboration aims to provide CNLA members exclusive discounts on Makita’s extensive selection of battery-powered products and services.

Get more info here - https://cnla.ca/savings/makita

IGCA 2024: Quebec City and Montreal

CNLA will be hosting the International Garden Centre Congress in Québec from August 25th31st, 2024. Québec features many inspiring and innovative garden centres in Canada, including some of the newest and largest garden centres in the country. The tour will include stays in both Québec City and Montréal. From dinner at a Sugar Shack to a visit to the inspiring Montréal Botanical Garden, delegates will visit 10 unique garden centres and network with over 200 delegates from 20 countries around the world - this is your invitation to inspiration, you won’t want to miss this event.

Visit www.igca24.ca for more information and to register.

Communities in Bloom announces the colour of the year for 2024

Orange is this year’s choice for the flower colour theme of the year, announced at this year’s Communities in Bloom (CiB) Symposium held in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta. This announcement coincided with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

“Get ready for a splash of orange.”

Among those instrumental in recommending the orange theme was Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) Ward 2 Councillor Kendrick Cardinal, who is also President of the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation.

“The colour orange is not only the colour of the flower, it’s also the colour of the relationship we want to build,” said Cardinal.

“When you’re holding an orange flower, it symbolizes a way to build a better tomorrow for indigenous communities,” he said. “Our motto in the region is: it’s time. It’s time to build those relationships, and continue for 100 years to fix them, because that’s what it’s going to take to fix it all.”

In what has become an annual tradition, the National Capital Commission (NCC) donated tulip bulbs to the CiB Symposium’s host municipality. This year, Wood Buffalo received 2,800 Orange Dream tulip bulbs.

Tina Liu, a national judge and board member of CiB, is also a senior landscape architect at the NCC. She leads the design of year-round floral displays throughout Ottawa — encompassing 30 different sites in 120 flower beds on 13,000 square metres of space. Liu has experimented with a few orange-themed planters around Parliament Hill, and is planning for a whole lot more as the year progresses.

“Get ready for a splash of orange,” Liu said.

Hort Protect - Your Comprehensive Commercial Insurance Solution for Landscapers and Snow Removal Professionals, Garden Centres and Growers

Are you a landscape or snow removal technician looking for reliable commercial insurance coverage that understands the unique risks and challenges of your industry? Look no further than HortProtect*, our specialized commercial insurance program designed exclusively for professionals like you.

We understand that your business faces a wide range of risks, from property damage to liability claims. That’s why we have tailored our coverage to meet the specific needs of the landscape and snow removal industry. Our comprehensive policies provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability, as well as protection for your equipment, vehicles, and property.

What sets HortProtect apart is our commitment to providing specialized claims services. We have a team of experienced claims adjusters who understand the intricacies of your industry and can handle your claims efficiently and effectively. We know that time is of the essence when it comes to getting your business back on track, and our dedicated claims team is here to support you every step of the way.

But that’s not all. We are excited to announce a significant reduction in rates (resulting in a lower premium) for our HortProtect program. We believe that insurance should be affordable without compromising on coverage, and we are committed to providing you with the best value for your money. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to protect your business and save on insurance costs. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation quote. Our team of insurance experts is ready to assess your unique needs and provide you with a tailored insurance solution that fits your budget.

For commercial insurance program inquiries, please call your Marsh Canada Limited licensed insurance broker. 1 877 476 6727 www.hortprotect.com

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for Mexican citizens

Changes to the visa processing are updating rapidly. Please ensure you’re subscribed to e-news to receive the most up-to-date information.

As of 11:30 p.m. ET, on February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens will need to meet new requirements to travel to Canada:

You need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA.

If you already have an eTA, it will automatically be cancelled,

Industry and Association News Benefits for Members across the Country

Petro-Canada: Per litre discount on retail fuel and 20% OFF car washes!

LHCP: Members receive discounted rates on training manuals and exam registration for landscape industry certified designations. Visit www.cnlagetcertified.ca for more information. Get Certified. Get Hired.

Lenovo: Save up to 45% off on select Lenovo technologies, accessories, software, and much more.

Esso & Mobil: Largest retail fuel network in Canada, cents per litre discount, vehicle & driver reporting, purchase control & limits through the Esso Mobil Business Fleet Cards.

unless you also have a valid work permit or study permit.

• If you have an eTA application in pro gress, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a TRV.

• Before you travel to Canada, you will need to apply for a new eTA (if eligible).

• If you’re not eligible for an eTA any more, you need to apply for a TRV to travel to Canada.

These changes apply even if you already booked your travel. Having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guar antee you will be approved for a new eTA or a TRV.

You may be eligible to have your eTA reacti vated. To find out if you are eligible

• send us a web form request

• complete all required fields

• include the code text box

If you are not tivated, you will need to submit a new eTA application based on the new requirements or a visitor visa application. If you’re not sure if you need an eTA or a visa, answer some questions to find out.

American Express: The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and American Express Canada have partnered to offer CNLA members American Express Commercial payment solutions for corporate credit cards.

Greenius: Members receive a FREE 2-month license of Greenius Training Software, Unlimited users for 2 months and Unlimited training courses + FREE custom implementation.

St. John Ambulance: Members receive discounts on first aid courses and kits.

CLS: Members receive a free digital download copy of the Canadian Landscape Standard 2.0. Visit https://www.csla-aapc.ca/standard to get your copy!

Are you a member of the Landscape Alberta? Are you taking advantage of your Member Benefits? We offer discounted pricing on vehicles & equipment, industry training, financial services & much more!To access the Member Benefits portal, scan here.

If you don’t have a log-in please reach out to memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca to request one.

“A work permit is usually required to work in Canada on a temporary basis. If your intention prior to come to Canada is to work in our labour market, then it is important to apply for this document before your arrival to Canada.”

Work Permit - Applying Outside Canada

A work permit is usually required to work in Canada on a temporary basis. If your intention prior to come to Canada is to work in our labour market, then it is important to apply for this document before your arrival to Canada.

Helpful tips

• The Instruction Guide and the Document Checklist will provide you with all the information necessary to help you submit a complete application.

• Depending on your intended occupation and length of employment in Canada, you may be requested to undergo a medical examination.

• Have your documents ready, as you may be asked to attend an interview or send further information.

Please visit our processing times page to find out how long it may take to process your application.

Application processing times

Our processing times show how long it took us to process most applications in the past for each application type. As we process more applications and clear our inventories, the numbers will change. The numbers shown may not reflect how long it will take us to process an application you submit today.

Since the Check application processing times page is updated regularly, we invite you to consult it often to get the most recent information.

For more information, please visit our website to find out how we calculate processing times.

TOP 5 SIGNS

it’s time to upgrade your landscaping equipment

BY KARINA SINCLAIR

Landscapers, start your engines (gas or otherwise). The spring starting line is in view. Now’s the time to get your lawncare and landscaping equipment ready so you can charge into the busy season. It’s also time to inspect those engines — if it looks like they’re in danger of leaving you stranded while your competitors take the lead, it might be time to upgrade.

Read on for the top five signs that it’s time to upgrade your equipment. Recognizing these signs is essential for maintaining a competitive edge, ensuring safety and achieving the best results for your clients — and a productive and profitable season for you.

1. Performance decline

The first and most obvious sign that it’s time to upgrade your landscaping equipment is a decline in performance. If you’re often frustrated by equipment malfunctions, reduced power or uneven cutting, it’s a clear indicator that your tools are past their prime.

The good news is that there are lots of innovative products being introduced to the market, with features such as improved engine technology, enhanced cutting mechanisms and ergonomic designs for allday comfort.

2. Increased maintenance costs

As equipment ages, the frequency and cost of maintenance tends to rise. If you’re spending a lot of time and money

on repairs, it’s a strong signal that an upgrade is in order. Outdated equipment may require replacement parts that are no longer readily available, leading to extended downtime and increased frustration for both staff and customers.

Save money in the long run by taking advantage of the durability and ease of maintenance of newer models. You’ll get new warranties, too.

3. Outdated technology

Staying current is crucial. By opting not to upgrade, you may be missing out on efficiency-boosting advancements and smart features, such as GPS tracking, digital controls and real-time data monitoring. These innovations can help you be more precise in your work and set you apart from your competitors.

For example, smart irrigation systems can optimize water use based on weather conditions, saving resources and promoting a healthier landscape.

4. Safety concerns

If your current tools are showing signs of wear, damage or have inadequate safety features, it’s time for an upgrade. Outdated equipment may lack crucial safety advancements.

When upgrading, look for features such as automatic shut-off mechanisms, ergonomic handles and improved stability. Investing in updated equipment also promotes a professional and responsible image for your landscaping business, not only to clients, but to potential employees as well.

5. Evolving business needs

As your landscaping business grows, so do the demands on your equipment. Investing in more powerful and versatile equipment can enable you to take on larger projects, diversify your services and boost your bottom line.

Whether it’s a more powerful lawn mower, a versatile trimmer or a specialized piece of equipment for hardscaping projects, upgrading to tools that cater to your expanding business needs is a strategic investment in your success.

Reprinted with permission by Landscape Trades.

Save on equipment with these Member Savings Programs!

Cat® / Cat® Rental Store: Save up to $2,750 on select CAT equipment and attachment purchases and 10% off the list or book rate for anything rented through the Cat Rental Store.

Michelin: Special pricing on MICHELIN Passenger & Light Truck, Agriculture, Compact Line, Tweel SSL and Earthmover Tires.

FCA Canada Inc. - Chrysler/Dodge/ Jeep/RAM: Save on select new and unused Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. Administration fees apply.

General Motors Canada: Save on select new and unused GMC vehicles. Administration fees apply.

Isuzu Trucks: Save on select NEW Isuzu Trucks. Administration fees apply.

Makita: Purchase select Outdoor Power Equipment Products from an Authorized Makita Dealer in Canada, verify your membership, and redeem for Free Tools and Accessories.

Wacker Neuson: 5% off MSRP on select Wacker Neuson products. Administration fees apply.

LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Each year, we see beautiful, well-designed landscapes that truly showcase the best this industry has to offer. This year we had 32 entries with 12 winners in the Merit category and 6 winners in the Excellence category.

We congratulate 2023 winners: Alpha Better Landscaping Inc., Delta Valley Landscaping Services Ltd., Jenron Creative Landscapes, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., MaisonScapes, OnGrowing Works Ltd., Blue Isle Contracting, Planta Landscape Inc., Your Space by Design Inc., Salisbury Landscaping, Seven M Construction Ltd., and Bradbosh Landscaping.

We would like to thank this year’s volunteer judges for taking their assignment seriously and giving so generously of their time and expertise: Jeff Wilson, Mark Janzen, Jeff Campbell, Steve Kletke, John van Roessel, Raymond Vincent, Steve Birch, Tyler Grant and Maria Galdon.

We would also like to congratulate those who have been nominated for the 2024 National Awards of Landscape Excellence through the CNLA: Planta Landscape Inc., Your Space by Design Inc., Seven M Construction Ltd and Ongrowing Works Ltd. Best of luck to this years nominees!

THE LANDSCAPE AWARDS PROGRAM

The Landscape Awards reflect the association’s commitment to creating and preserving the beauty of the urban landscape. The program is also designed to reward independent landscape contracting professionals who execute top quality landscape projects.

The Landscape Awards program has four main objectives:

1. Encourage landscape contractors to be the best in their field

2. Provide a marketing opportunity to those companies that receive an award

3. Encourage a company’s employees to aspire to excellence

4. Provide an opportunity to compete in the National Awards of Landscape Excellence

Members can enter projects into nine different categories covering construction, maintenance and design. Each entry is evaluated using a set of criteria; the submissions are not judged against each other. There are two award levels: a Merit Award goes to an entry that earns 70-84 points, and an excellence Award goes to an entry earning 85 or more points. Entries that achieve Excellence status are eligible to be selected for the National Awards of Landscape Excellence, a Canada-wide program developed by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

We would also like to give a special thank you to Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd., Oldcastle APG Canada West and Parkland Nurseries & Landscape Services Ltd. for being prize sponsors for the 2023 Landscape Awards.

PLANTA LANDSCAPE INC.

FRENCH MODERN GARDEN

Residential Landscape Construction $50-100K

ONGROWING WORKS LTD.

ENGLISH COURTYARD LANDSCAPE

Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

SALISBURY LANDSCAPING

WILDFLOWER LABYRINTH

Residential Landscape Construction Under $50K

MAISONSCAPES

INNER CITY VIBE

Residential Landscape Construction Under $50K

PLANTA LANDSCAPE INC.

CRESCENT HEIGHTS

FRONT YARD RENOVATION

Residential Landscape Construction Under $50K

JENRON CREATIVE

LANDSCAPES INC.

EDISON CRESCENT

Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

SEVEN M CONSTRUCTION LTD.

JASPER AVENEW VISION Commercial Landscape Construction over $500k

ALPHA BETTER LANDSCAPING INC. HASKAYNE

LEGACY PARK Commercial Landscape Construction over $500k

JENRON CREATIVE LANDSCAPES INC.

MORNING MIST LANE

Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

ALPHA BETTER LANDSCAPING INC.

TERRY HAWITT VISTA

Commercial Landscape Construction under $100K

JVR LANDSCAPE (2006) INC.

TELUS SKY LEVEL 60

ENCLOSURE

Commercial Landscape Construction under $100K

DELTA VALLEY LANDSCAPING SERVICES LTD.

ELAN STAGE 1

Commercial Landscape Construction over $500k

BLUE ISLE CONTRACTING

TRANSFORMATIVE

RETAINING WALL

Residential Landscape Feature

BRADBOSH LANDSCAPING JUBILEE

AUDITORIUM COMMERICAL LANDSCAPING

Maintenance - Commercial

BRADBOSH LANDSCAPING

LOUGHEED HOUSE

Maintenance - Commercial

PLANTA LANDSCAPE INC.

MODERN CITY INFILL

Residential Landscape Design

SPRING A DEAL!

Say hello to fresh savings on the Deere gear you need at Brandt Agriculture! Offers melt away April 30, 2024.

Lower Financing

Get as low as 0% financing for 84 months on riding lawn equipment and compact utility tractors.

Bigger Savings

Get up to $650 off on top of 0% financing on 1025R and 2 Series compact tractors!

Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offers end April 30, 2024.

More Support

If ever you need support, nobody springs into action like we do. On the phone or in the mud!

For more information, visit:

more.brandt.ca/john-deere