TLC0714

JULY 2014

TotalLandscapeCare.com

Paver Perfection Patio design, sizing, placement & lighting tips

page 20

How To Maximize Fuel Economy page 37

What’s New with ZTR Mowers? page 33

When you need to pull ahead, just hit the gas — with the 6.8L TritonŽV10 3-valve gasoline engine in the Ford F-650. Only Ford offers you the low acquisition cost of a gas engine in this class* of trucks. With a substantial 362 hp, 457 lb.-ft. of torque and available CNG or LPG conversion capability,** Ford Commercial Trucks give you some great business choices to make.

Find out more at ford.com/commercial-trucks.

*Class is 6-7 Conventional Cabs. **See dealer for details. Requires the CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package at time of order.

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table of contents

July 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 7

industry news

3

Breaking Ground: Work Smarter, Not Harder

How adding six productive minutes a day can really make a difference

4

Field Report: Going On an Equipment Joyride

Diggerland USA turns construction equipment into theme park, landscaper begs on street for employees and “Pets We Dig”

equipment

8

Editor’s Picks: Seed Lawns

Products and equipment to maintain lawns, add ‘wow’ factor & stay safe

11

Safety Watch: Hardscape Hazard

Eye injury strikes during retaining wall project

33

ZTRs?

Equipment Matters: What’s New with

From alternative fuel to feature upgrades, these mowers continue to evolve.

37

ProPickup: Maximize Fuel Economy

How to get more mpg from your truck fleet

20

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIDDEN CREEK LANDSCAPING, HIDDENCREEKLANDSCAPING.COM

lawn care

design/build

15

20

Cover Story: Paver Perfection

43

Portfolio: Next Level

Chemical Care: Root of the Problem

Record-breaking summer temperatures have given hunting billbugs a foothold in the Midwest.

business

27

Landscaper of the Year Finalist: Marketing Masters

North Carolina couple makes clients’ landscape dreams come true

Patio design, sizing, placement and lighting tips

Landscape team connects inviting outdoor rooms with seamless hardscape elements

Cover Photo: Paver Designs installed this 2,200-square-foot project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, using mainly Belgard materials. More info at totallandscapecare.com/paver-designs

J U LY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 1

Professional equipment for demanding jobs.

The Husqvarna Professional Series mowers represents the latest in high performance drive systems and operator interface. Combined with high productivity cutting deck designs, these mowers deliver premium cut quality and clipping dispersal at higher ground speeds. Careful consideration of components and design not only provide extended durability but unprecendented ease of service access. To find out more about our products, or find a dealer near you, visit husqvarna.com

HUSQVARNA PZ SeRieS Kawasaki and Kohler engines 54" - 72" fabricated decks Starting at: $9,799.95

Financing, Commercial Fleet & Demo Programs Available Special Husqvarna financing options are available for qualified applicants. See dealer for details. *Only available for qualified applicants. Limited time offer. Financing available on new equipment in US only.

Some restrictions apply. Available only at participating dealers. Visit your Husqvarna dealer for complete details.

husqvarna.com Copyright Š 2014 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.

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breaking ground totallandscapecare.com /TotalLandscapeCare @TLCmagazine

Editorial

Editor-At-Large: Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editorial Director: Marcia Gruver Doyle Online Managing Editor: Patty Vaughan editorial@totallandscapecare.com

Design & Production

Art Director: Richard Street Graphic Designer: Timothy Smith Advertising Production Manager: Linda Hapner production@totallandscapecare.com

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Construction Media

What’s the value of six minutes? That’s the question Paul H.

Senior VP, Market Development, Construction Media: Dan Tidwell VP of Sales, Construction Media: Joe Donald sales@randallreillyconstruction.com

Corporate

Chairman/CEO: Mike Reilly President: Brent Reilly Chief Process Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Administration Officer: David Wright Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Vice President of Events: Alan Sims Vice President, Audience Development: Stacy McCants Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Director of Marketing: Julie Arsenault

3200 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com For change of address and other subscription inquiries, please contact: totallandscapecare@halldata.com For subscription information/inquiries, please email: totallandscapecare@halldata.com. Total Landscape Care (ISSN # 1932-8303) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Single copy price: US $6, Canada/Mexico $9, Foreign $12.

For subscriptions, call (800) 517-4979 in the U.S. or (847) 763-9610 outside the U.S. U.S. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tuscaloosa, AL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Total Landscape Care, PO Box 2196, Skokie, IL 60076-9852. All contributions in the form of unsolicited letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, photographs or art are welcome, addressed to the editor. These submissions cannot be returned except where the sender provides a postage-paid, addressed, stamped envelope. RandallReilly Publishing Company, LLC cannot assume responsibility for unintentional loss or damage to submitted materials. All advertisements for Total Landscape Care magazine are accepted and published by Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC on the representation that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/ or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC harmless from and against any loss, expenses or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Copyright ©2014 RandallReilly Publishing Company, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Total Landscape Care is a trademark of Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.

Total Landscape Care is a proud supporter of...

Burton, developer of QuietSpacing (quietspacing.com), posed at the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) in New Orleans, Louisiana.

At first, six minutes doesn’t seem like much. But if you could get six more minutes of work done each day, you would add 24 hours of more work in a year. “That’s the equivalent of three, eight-hour work days worth of work off of your desk,” Burton says.

But you shouldn’t just strive to work six extra minutes a day: Make your time productive, as well. Here are some of Burton’s tips.

Don’t multitask. “When you multitask, you … have to switch between the two tasks, and it takes more time than doing one thing at a time,” he says. Instead of going back and forth between projects, completely focus on one at a time. You can also clear everything off of your desk, except for the materials for that project, to prevent yourself from getting sidetracked.

Start early. Studies have shown people are more productive in the morning, so focus on your most important tasks first thing each day. Then, schedule meetings or secondary tasks in the afternoon.

Take breaks. You wouldn’t exercise for hours on end without resting, so why should you work your brain for eight or more hours straight? In John Medina’s book “Brain Rules,” he says you need to take a break after working 90 minutes. Step away from your desk, walk around outside or grab a snack.

When you get back to the task at hand, you’ll be more refreshed and think clearer.

For more good work habits, read “How To Have a Better Work/Life Balance” at totallandscapecare.com/ work-life-balance.

Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editor-At-Large

J U LY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 3

FieldReport:

news, trends & cool stuff

By Lauren Heartsill Dowdle

Equipment Joyride

Diggerland USA puts children and adults behind the controls at country’s first construction theme park

O

perating equipment on the jobsite might not seem like a day at the park to most landscapers and their crews. But for West Berlin, New Jersey, residents and visitors, it can be.

Spanning 14 acres, Diggerland USA is a construction-themed adventure park where children and adults alike can ride and operate heavy machinery. It opened June 14 and is located behind Sahara Sam’s Oasis, an indoor and outdoor water park with the same owners.

“Kids and adults are all mesmerized by construction equipment,” says Ilya Girlya, CEO and owner of Diggerland USA (diggerlandusa.com) and Sahara Sam’s Oasis (saharasams.com). “We play with them

4 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m

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as kids, we watch them when they drive by and we dream of being able to drive one. That’s what makes it so exciting for everyone, including us.”

The park has 23 attractions such as the Spin Dizzy, a JCB JS220 excavator that lifts and spins riders, and Sky Shuttle, a modified JCB telehandler that takes guests 50 feet in the area for a panoramic view of the park. The Dig-A-Round, a fun twist on a carousel, incorporates a modified JCB 8065 excavator where riders sit in the buckets.

“When we were young, we loved to play grownups – Diggerland USA brings that nostalgia to life,” says Sharon Rushen, marketing manager for both parks. “While many of us played with construction

fieldreport:

Park guests can operate equipment like excavators and backhoes or enjoy rides like the Dig-A-Round (bottom left), which resembles a carousel.

trucks, until now, we could only envision being behind the wheel of a real-life piece of construction equipment. Kids who are playing with Tonka trucks can come to Diggerland USA and actually drive one, the JCB model, and parents who played with them as children now have the opportunity to fulfill the same childhood fantasy.”

In addition to the rides, visitors can also get behind the controls for attractions like skid steers, Backhoe Adventure, Mini Land Rovers, Dumper Trucks and Mini Diggers. On the machines, the guests can dig, go bowling, pick up ducks and other fun activities.

Girlya says he enjoys “being able to see children of various ages drive real diggers and the expression on their faces and parents.”

There’s a 36-inch height requirement for most of the rides, but children shorter than that get in free and can still enjoy a play area, called the KidZone, and an indoor arcade.

Park visitors don’t go through formal equipment training, but there are park attendants at each ride to give them instructions, says Sharon Rushen, marketing manager of Diggerland USA and Sahara Sam’s Oasis. For Diggerland’s rope course – which is the tallest in the world at four stories high – and a 32-foot-tall rock wall, park visitors will have to receive more guidance from trained staff.

While this concept is new to the United States, the first Diggerland Adventure Park opened in April 2000 in Kent, United Kingdom. So, the attractions have been safely tested and operated before bringing the concept to New Jersey.

But like with any project, there were hurdles the Diggerland team had to overcome. Girlya says the biggest challenge was getting approval from the governing bodies that oversee amusement park rides.

As far as opening other parks, Rushen says the company wants to focus on the one in New Jersey before opening additional locations.

Full-day admission tickets are $29.95 online or $34.95 at the park.

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TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 5

fieldreport:

Begging for Workers

Landscaper holds sign on street corner to find employees

L

ance Forsee started Colonial Lawn & Garden (coloniallawn.com) in Yakima, Washington, in 1985, and the company offers weed and insect control, irrigation systems, aeration, landscaping and lawn maintenance services.

Although he has an established business, he still has a hard time finding employees. “There’s been a shift from blue collar, physical work to the computer age,” he says.

He tried the traditional route but never had much success. “We’ve typically used classified ads in the newspaper and held job fairs, but we only got a handful of applications from those,” Forsee says. “They were really only bringing in people who weren’t working, and we wanted to attract people to our industry who wouldn’t have considered it before. We were starting to get desperate.”

So when he needed to fill six positions for his business, he came up with an out-of-the box (a cardboard box, to be more exact) idea.

“Here in our local community, we have panhandlers with signs that say things like ‘Will work for food,’ and ‘Every dollar helps,’” Forsee says. “And here we are struggling to be fully staffed.”

To take the reverse of this idea, he pulled a box out of the garage, and a staff member wrote

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Lance Forsee brought in more than 200 applications for his business by holding a cardboard sign on the street corner.

on it with a Sharpie marker: “Desperate business owner will give $ + benefits to outstanding workers! Every employee helps! God bless.” He later added the company’s name to the sign.

“First, I tried it outside of our office, and I stood out there with a three-piece suit on. Getting out there behind the sign, I felt like a panhandler, with people not making eye contact with me. It was humbling,” says Forsee, who later moved to other streets. While not everyone looked his way, he definitely caught a lot of people’s attention. “It struck a chord with them.”

And it wasn’t long before the local radio and TV stations picked up his story. “By the time I got back in, people were streaming in. People would come up to me – some even brought resumes.”

Within a couple of days, Forsee received more than 200 job applications.

His business is now fully staffed, averaging 31 employees, thanks to his radical idea.

But don’t expect Forsee to stop with the sign.

“I might try it again, but it becomes cliché if you do it too much,” he says. “I’m trying to think of other creative ways to advertise not just for employees, but our services, as well.”

fieldreport:

Pets We Dig

It’s Your Call.

Indie

Crunching Numbers &

Treats

weed Control that gIves You summer hours.

Rescue dog helps out around the office

Last Call™ herbicide delivers post-emerge control of more than 40 grassy and broadleaf weeds – including mid-tiller crabgrass – when most other herbicides check out. And since Last Call is labeled for most managed areas in cool-season turf, there is no reason to feel the heat this summer. Plan your summer, it’s your call.

T

To have your pet featured online and in the magazine, visit PetsWeDig.com and enter your pet’s photo.

MAke tiMe to reLAx with LAst CALL And reCeive A $20 StarbuckS or dunkin’ donutS gift card.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

his pup is one furry employee that would rather give kisses than complaints to his “boss.”

Indie works day in and day out crunching numbers alongside his mother, Anissa Bejaoui, and toy duck at Masseo Landscape (masseolandscape.com) in Tillson, New York. The landscape company offers lawn maintenance, snow removal, design/build, lighting, hardscape and drainage services.

A rescue from South Carolina with a dark past, Indie needed a little extra time to adjust when he first started on the job.

“He was originally very nervous around the big work boots worn by the staff here at Masseo Landscape,” Bejaoui says. “With time, however, he has learned to love and trust his work family.”

see your nufarm distributor for more information.

more where It matters most. www.nufarm.com/usto ©2014 Nufarm. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Last Call™ is a trademark of Nufarm.

J U LY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 7

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Products and equipment to maintain lawns, add ‘wow’ factor & stay safe

Seed lawn The Classen Hydro Overseeder features a 40-poundcapacity seed box that can either float or lock in place at any of the 10-depth settings. Its floating seed box follows the terrain’s contours to drop seed over 26 heattreated blades, which produce 13 rows of planted seed in a 20-inch swath. The overseeder has a Honda GX270 engine, and it has a forward operating speed of 3 mph. For more information, visit classenturf.com.

Modern tranquility Powerful comfort Kubota Tractor’s ZD326H zero-turn mower has a 26-horsepower liquidcooled Kubota diesel engine and a heavy-duty twin hydrostatic transmission (HST) with a wet-type power-takeoff clutch. The mower’s 72-inch welded deck is 6 inches deep and features a baffle design. For operator comfort, the ZD326H has a high-back suspension seat, hydraulic deck lift and a handsfree parking brake on the operator platform. For more information, visit kubota.com.

Give clients a unique water feature with AQA’s Curved Sheer Descent waterfall spout. It can create a focal point in commercial and residential pools, spas, wellness centers and landscapes.

Handmade from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, Model 106 has a tapered, curved spout, whereas the Model 106A (shown here) spout features individual jets to create a spray effect. The spouts are available in polished stainless, brushed stainless or a combination of the two.

Both models are available in 11.8, 19.7, 27.6 and 39.4 inches. For more information, visit aqa-na.com.

For product information, text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCREQUEST.COM

8 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m

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editor’s picks

Hand protection With a Fit to Work platform that makes the gloves conform to your hands, StoneBreaker’s The Landscape Pro glove doesn’t need to be broken in. They have a rugged cowhide palm with reinforcing leather patches, which are surrounded by a breathable shell. The extended cuff has a doublewide leather closure for added protection. For more information, visit stonebreaker.com.

Illuminate hardscapes Light up retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, pillars, columns or other hardscape projects with i-lighting’s Hardscape Retrofit Lighting System. The LED lights are designed with sleek 5-mm wiring and are available in several standard or customizable lengths: 3-, 6- or 9-inch strips. The system’s photocell technology senses ambient light and automatically turns the lights on or off. It can also be paired with the company’s iluma Rail, Stair & Landscape Lighting Kits. For more information, visit i-lightingonline.com.

For product information, text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCREQUEST.COM

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Discounts not available in all states.

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J U LY 2014

6/11/14 3:05 PM

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 9

EAL OF GET THE D ER WITH THE SUMM

FOR 48 MONTHS

O%

BUY A NEW U O Y N E H W .

XCAVATOR* CAT MINI E

LOAD UP YOUR

BOTTOM LINE

Cat® Mini Excavators Combine Productivity and Efficiency

Cat® Mini Hydraulic Excavators weren’t just designed to improve profitability through greater flexibility and improved jobsite performance. They’re also designed to save you money through reduced maintenance and lower owner operating costs. Key features include: • Standard load-sensing hydraulics burn less fuel • Select economy mode to achieve an additional 20% fuel savings • Ground level access with grouped service points

Learn more at

www.SECatDealers.com

• Blade float on all models improves the speed and ease of finish grading • Industry exclusive 200-degree bucket rotation Step into a new Cat Mini Excavator and take jobsite performance and profitability to a new level.

Ask your Cat dealer about current rental, lease or purchase options.

BLANCHARD MACHINERY

CAROLINA CAT

CARTER MACHINERY

www.BlanchardMachinery.com

www.carolinacat.com

www.CarterMachinery.com

Serving S. Carolina 800-922-2790

Serving Western North Carolina Charlotte, NC 800-277-1212

Serving Virginia and Southern West Virginia 800-868-4228

RING POWER CORPORATION

THOMPSON TRACTOR CO., INC.

WHAYNE SUPPLY CO.

YANCEY BROS. CO.

www.thompsontractor.com

www.whayne.com

www.YanceyBros.com

Serving Alabama and Northwest Florida Birmingham, AL 800-547-0760

Serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana Louisville, KY 800-494-2963

Serving Georgia Atlanta, GA 800-282-1562

catrental.ringpower.com

Serving Central and North Florida St. Augustine, FL 888-748-7464

KELLY TRACTOR CO.

LOUISIANA CAT

www.kellytractor.com

www.LouisianaCat.com

Serving Southern Florida Miami, FL 305-592-5360

Serving Louisiana 866-843-7440

© 2014 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

Hardscape Hazard

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Eye injury strikes during retaining wall project THE ACCIDENT: A design/build crewmember is installing a retaining wall on a residential property. He sets up a guide string on the corner of the block wall to lay a course of blocks. He bends over to reach for something on the work surface, and his face scrapes the pin projection, which is attached to the string and metal pin.

The pin pops out and strikes his left eye. He is hospitalized for a serious eye injury.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Eye injuries can happen on any type of project. If the crewmember had been wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE), this accident might have been prevented. About 60 percent of workers with eye injuries were not wearing eye-protection equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Not only are thousands of people blinded each year from work-related eye injuries, these accidents cost more than $300 million a year in lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation, according to OSHA. For jobs where objects, equipment or chemicals pose a hazard, here are eye-protection safety tips to follow.

• The protective eyewear should be reasonably comfortable and fit snugly.

• Employees who use corrective lenses must wear goggles that can be worn on top of their glasses or use goggles that provide optical correction.

ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX

• Keep eye-protection equipment clean and in good repair.

• Before starting a project, perform a hazard assessment to identify and control physical and health hazards. Look for hazards such as harmful dust, objects that could swing into the face (ex. tree limbs, chains, tools, etc.) or chemicals.

• Employers should provide employees with the proper safety training and PPE based on the jobsite assessment.

• Periodically review, update and evaluate the effectiveness of the PPE program.

For more Safety Watch articles, visit totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch.

J U LY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 11

Riesgo en el cemento POR LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Lesión en los ojos durante edificación de pared de retención EL ACCIDENTE: Un miembro de una cuadrilla de diseño y construcción está instalando una pared de retención en una propiedad residencial. Coloca una cuerda de guía en la esquina de la pared de bloques para trazar el curso de los bloques. Se agacha para recoger algo de la superficie de trabajo y su cara se restriega contra la proyección de una cuerda atada al anclaje de metal. El anclaje sale disparado y le golpea el ojo izquierdo. Es hospitalizado con una lesión ocular de seriedad.

ILUSTRACIÓN POR DON LOMAX

CONCLUSIÓN: Las lesiones oculares pueden ocurrir en cualquier tipo de proyecto. Este accidente habría podido prevenirse si el miembro de la cuadrilla hubiera estado usando indumentaria de protección personal (PPE, siglas en inglés). Un 60 por ciento de los trabajadores con lesiones oculares no estaban utilizando equipo de protección ocular, según el Departamento de Trabajo de los EE.UU. No son sólo las miles de personas que pierden la vista cada año debido a lesiones oculares en el trabajo, estos accidentes cuestan más de 300 millones de dólares al año en pérdidas de producción, gastos médicos y compensación a los trabajadores, de acuerdo con la OSHA. Aquí les ofrecemos algunos consejos de seguridad para protección ocular en aquellos trabajos en los que objetos, maquinarias o sustancias químicas representan un riesgo.

• La indumentaria ocular protectora debe portarse de forma razonablemente cómoda y con buen ajuste.

• Aquellos empleados que usan lentes

12 To t al L a n d s c a p e C a r e . com

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• •

•

•

correctores deben usar gafas de protección que puedan ser usadas sobre sus lentes o, en su defecto, usar gafas de protección que ofrezcan corrección óptica.

Mantenga los equipos de protección ocular limpios y en buen estado.

Antes de iniciar un proyecto, realice una evaluación de riesgos para identificar y controlar riesgos físicos y de salud. Esté alerta a riesgos tales como polvos dañinos, objetos que podrían balancearse y caer sobre la cara (ejemplos: ramas de árboles, cadenas, herramientas, etc.) o sustancias químicas.

Los empleadores deberían ofrecer a sus empleados capacitación adecuada en seguridad e indumentaria protectora (PPE) basada en la evaluación del área de trabajo.

Revisar, actualizar y evaluar periódicamente la efectividad del programa de indumentaria protectora (PPE).

Para más artículos de Safety Watch, visite totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch.

~ Siempre adelante en ciencia y valor

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THE SPACIOUS CAB FEATURES AN AIR SUSPENSION SEAT AND ERGONOMIC JOYSTICK CONTROLS IN A COMFORTABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT LOAD-SENSING HYDRAULICS WITH ELECTRONIC PUMP CONTROL PROVIDE BETTER PUMP RESPONSE FOR IMPROVED BACKHOE PRODUCTIVITY

NEW LARGER TORQUE CONVERTER DELIVERS GREATER PUSHING POWER, INCREASED AGGRESSIVENESS IN HARD BANK DIGGING AND FASTER ROADING AND HILL CLIMBING

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NEW FRONT LOADER ARMS DELIVER MORE REACH, DUMP HEIGHT AND BREAKOUT

KEY MACHINE FEATURES TO DEMAND ON YOUR NEXT MACHINE. From our F-Series Backhoe Loader to the E-Series Excavators, each machine is equipped with industry exclusive features that give contractors a hand up over the competition. The unique features enable you to bid jobs more competitively, knowing you have the machine to finish the job on time and under budget.

SINCE 1933 Louisiana Cat www.LouisianaCat.com 866-843-7440

SINCE 1982 Puckett Machinery Co. www.puckettmachinery.com Flowood, MS 601-969-6000 | 800-748-3095

SINCE 1927 Riggs CAT riggscat.com Little Rock, AR 800-876-1021

Your Cat® dealer is your single source for all your equipment needs.

SINCE 1985 Warren CAT warrencat.com Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK 1-866-2WARREN

© 2014 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

chemical care

Hot Mess

Record-breaking summer temperatures have given hunting billbugs a larger foothold in the Midwest.

BY CINDY RATCLIFF

J U LY 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 15

chemical care

“Hunting billbug damage may be the most-often

misdiagnosed problem in warm-season turfgrass.”

— LEE MILLER

S

ince 2010, the United States has seen its share of hot summers: the kind of summers that rewrite records.

With the exception of 2013, each year earned a spot in the Top 5 warmest summers on record, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration statistics. In the Midwest, these consecutive record-breaking temperatures took their toll in an unexpected way.

“Around here, that’s not something we’re used to,” says Jeremy Turner, president of Lawn Doctor of Mid County-St. Charles, Missouri, of the extreme summers. “By 2012, we were seeing a lot of damage on turf. There were zoysiagrass lawns all over town that were absolutely destroyed. People thought it was drought.”

Drought seemed to be a likely enough culprit, paving the way for what Turner suspected were chinch bugs, which, in turn, made turf susceptible to disease. With a little digging, so to speak, he was able to help uncover the real problem: hunting billbugs. And just like that, the region had an emerging pest problem.

Root of the problem Billbugs are no stranger to the Midwest. The bluegrass billbug is well established as an insect pest there.

Until 2012, though, the hunting billbug was thought to reside primarily in the Southeast,

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according to Lee Miller, Ph.D., assistant professor of turfgrass pathology at the University of Missouri.

So when zoysia began to decline throughout the state, hunting billbugs weren’t on anyone’s radar. Considered a “no- to low-maintenance turf,” zoysiagrass didn’t have a long list of usual suspects for this kind of decline.

“People thought it was drought. They thought it was anything but billbugs,” Turner says.

When a client called on him for help with a zoysia lawn, Turner could see the turf was diseased.

And because there was damage near the curb and along the driveway, he had good reason to believe chinch bugs were involved. During that call, the client asked Turner if the problem could be something called zoysia decline, which prompted Turner to email Miller at the University of Missouri.

“Although decline can be a legitimate disease issue on zoysia, the term is often utilized when the cause of the damage is unknown,” Turner says.

Miller happened to be in town and offered to take a look at the client’s lawn.

When Miller arrived, he began looking at the turf stolons, which were hollow. “That was the front-end of people figuring out what was causing all the destruction on the lawns here, and I just happened to be present for it,” Turner says.

Make no mistake Miller’s specialty is in fungal diseases on turfgrass,

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chemical care

but when diagnosing a problem, he must take into account all pest possibilities.

“Hunting billbug damage may be the most-often misdiagnosed problem in warm-season turfgrass,” Miller says. “It appears similar to damage caused by diseases, drought, chinch bugs or delayed spring greening. The adults are reclusive, come out only at night and are well camouflaged.”

Also, for a good portion of the larval stage, the billbug grub is inside the plant, adding to detection difficulty, he says. Many times, the only diagnostic symptom is the hollowed out stolons and leaf stems billbugs leave behind. By the time you see confirmation of billbugs, the damage has already been done.

By the time Miller identified the hunting billbug in Missouri in 2012, this was the case. The drought-like conditions and low soil moisture levels that year made them somewhat more apparent, once you knew what you were looking for.

Adult hunting billbugs are about 1/2-inch long and are black or dark reddish brown.

They reside in turf’s thatch layer.

Damage control The hunting billbug is primarily a pest of zoysiagrass and bermudagrass, but it may also feed on Kentucky bluegrass and various field crops, according to Miller.

“The species and cultivar of zoysia most DAVID SHETLAR, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG often grown in Missouri (Zoysia japonica cv.

‘Meyer’) also happens to be the most susceptible 1,000 clients and 7 milto hunting billbug damage,” Miller says. There are lion square feet of turf.

“We do see some good other varieties more resistant to these billbugs recovery by just adjusting fertilizer and water. If (Zoysia matrella), but these aren’t as cold tolerant. turf is very far gone, though, we will put in reSo, they aren’t widely available in Missouri, he says. placement plugs every 6 to 12 inches.”

Depending on the degree of damage hunting The hunting billbug problem has been so billbugs have caused, control options vary. prevalent in Turner’s area that he has all of his “If our clients have damage, but not dead turf, zoysia lawns on a preventive plan, for now. we work on the health of the plant and try to get “We treat with a systemic insecticide in July,” he says. “We’ll put down imidacloprid (Merit) and that some recovery,” says Turner, who services nearly

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chemical care

will get us season-long control.”

Other products that will target adult hunting billbugs in spring include bifenthrin (Talstar), deltamethrin (DeltaGard) or lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar or Battle), according to Miller. For larvae control, Miller suggests clothianidin (Arena) or thiamethoxam (Meridian).

If, however, you’re looking to target both larvae and adult hunting billbugs, consider applications of chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) or the combination products clothianidin + bifenthrin (Aloft) or imidacloprid + bifenthrin (Allectus), Miller says.

“Remember that when you’re targeting larvae, it is crucial to water in the insecticide with 1/8- to 1/4-inch of water,” he says.

Most importantly, though, make sure you know what you’re dealing with. Confirm it. Like Turner, know when to collaborate for an official diagnosis.

Never use a chemical treatment as a way to rule out potential problems.

If you’re looking for a more natural option for control of both adult and larvae hunting billbugs, there are biocontrol products that could work for you.

“Biocontrol products containing the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabiditis spp. have been found effective in controlling larvae and adults,” says Lee Miller, Ph.D, assistant professor of turfgrass pathology at the University of Missouri.

For effective control, you’ll need to spray 1 billion infective juveniles per acre at the first sign of billbugs, he says. Remember, too, you’re working with a living-control option and you’ll need to handle it with care.

“When working with biocontrols, it is crucial to pay attention to the expiration date, application and storage instructions to maintain viability of the living organisms within the jug and spray tank,” Miller says.

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Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

GOING NATURAL

cover story

Perfection Paver

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

How to plan, design, install and add extra features for stunning patios 20 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

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Bolder Concepts Landscape & Design used Unilock Brussels pavers and wall blocks with Unilock Courtstone banding. They also used Courtstone to create an hearth area for the fireplace.

P

aver patios can be a relaxing space for clients to relax year round if they’re installed correctly.

To create a seamless patio, landscapers need to have certain design, material and lighting techniques in their toolbox.

Here’s how to give clients the perfect patio for their backyard.

Shapes & sizes

Springfalls Nursery & Landscaping used natural steps with Belgard Mega Arbel pavers for this backyard patio project.

Like with any project, it’s important to listen to the customer and know what they want, says Joe Schaeffer, landscape designer for Hughes Landscaping (hugheslandscaping.com) in Poolesville, Maryland. “Do a design, even if it’s a crude scribble on a napkin,” he says. “Have a good idea of what you want to end up with, and build it in a timely manner.”

Make sure the patio footing is solid, strong and sloped correctly, Schaeffer says.

Another part of the planning process should include the layout. “Map out the specific pieces you want to use if you can, or follow a suggested pattern for pavers.”

Landscapers should also determine what the space is going to be used for, how many people it will need to facilitate, the lay of the land and what type of products are going to be used.

For tighter areas, Schaeffer suggests angular shapes since the property line and foundation-created restrictions are generally along straight lines.

If a client has a fire pit, a perfect-circle patio seems to be more favorable. Schaeffer stays away from free-form patios.

“When I have no restrictions, it will be a mix of straight lines and subtle or sweeping curves to create a more elegant look,” he says.

Even if clients have a small space or budget, landscapers can create the best patio for the area with the right planning. “The patio being too small

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cover story

Hughes Landscaping set up an upper entertainment patio and lower fire pit patio. New beds were created around the landscape with plant material and boulder accents.

would only arise due to budget constraints or poor planning,” Schaeffer says. “I would To create the mosaic Koi fish, Paver Designs used Belgard Holland Stone pavers be able to direct a customer to the necesand applied Techniseal NuLook to the pavers to enrich the colors. sary size patio based on the intended use of the space. have lead to a premature failure of the patio, which “Even in a tight spot, with properly placed visual becomes evident when the stones start to dislodge. breaks – such as plantings – a patio could sit on “Careless lay of stones is a result of poor skills.” a large majority of any defined space and not look If landscapers want to build a random geometric overwhelming,” Schaeffer says. stone patio, the shapes should all be quadrilateral.

“It is the most standard form of a flagstone patio,” What to avoid he says. “There should never be an L-shaped piece Planning especially is important to prevent misbecause the layer did not plan correctly.” takes and creating patios that will not please When it comes to joints filled with mortar, clients. installers should make sure they never span the “Total lack of creativity becomes apparent with length of more than three stones in sequence. the big-blob patios,” he says. “People think that a “Long lines within a random lay again screams patio will look good as long as they add a ton of poor planning,” Schaeffer says. “Mortar pouring out curves all over the place. Abstract art and natural over the stones from the joints looks horrible, too.” stone hardscaping rarely complement one another.”

Materials Another issue he has seen is when poor footings For products, he prefers natural products such as using flagstone in a variety of colors and shapes with clay pavers as accents.

“Once a material is used in any portion of the yard, I like that same material to at least be complimented in all of the other additional flat spaces.”

Concrete pavers come with a range of design features and colors, so they can be preferable as well, he says. He suggests those for driveways.

“I never like to have a sea of any one material in a large patio,” Schaeffer says. “Inlays are key to McCaskey Landscape and Design installed this entertainment area, break up the monotony of large patio spaces.” which soon became a destination spot for the homeowners.

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cover story

Lighting tips To create an enjoyable area even after the sun goes down, more landscapers are adding lighting elements to patios.

“With the growth of modern technology, the homeowner has more options for lighting control to adapt to their lifestyle,” says Andrew Coleman, outdoor lighting designer with McKay Lighting (mckaylighting.com) in Omaha, Nebraska. “Outdoor lighting is just one piece to the puzzle, but it seems to be one of the most popular options when properly installed to help extend their living space for all seasons.”

Seat wall, path and post lights are trending, Coleman says. He’s also seeing a lot of customers wanting LED tape around outdoor kitchens and specialty lights, like Tiki torches or hand-blown glass spheres.

When trying to decide where to place the patio lights, Coleman suggests asking these three questions to find the answer: McKay Landscape Lighting illuminated this outdoor space, extending the patio’s use • Where are the mature trees? and creating safe walkways.

• Are there streetlights or a neighbor’s areas such as seat walls around the patio. yard that might provide competing When adding lights, Coleman says it’s important light? to play ahead. “Design and install PVC sleeves un• How will your client use their outdoor space? der the patio or in the columns and seat walls durLandscapers should also try to illuminate entry ing construction,” he says. It’s important to bring it and exit points, changes in elevation and seating up early on in the process.

“Unfortunately, lighting is normally the last thing people think about, but it ends up being the most enjoyment item clients pay forward after it has been installed,” Coleman says.

His clients’ favorite paver style has consistently been random geometric flagstone, and the majority of the time, they want them set in mortar over concrete.

Added features Landscape Solutions used flagstone for this outdoor living area, which is enclosed with knee walls and columns.

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In addition to lighting, landscapers can also install a variety of other components that will compliment the patio.

“Sitting walls offer a definition of the

cover story

For this backyard renovation, Anderson Landscaping replaced the patio with Anchor Block walls, columns and Wausau Pavers materials.

perimeter of the patio without creating a boxed-in feeling,” Schaeffer says. “Extra seating is always a bonus, as well.”

Water features and fire pits are other popular additions for hardscaped areas.

“There’s no better way to get people to use the patio at any point through the season than with a fire pit,” Schaeffer says. “We have used quite a few gas fire pits, which are extremely easy to use.

Press a button on and off, and there’s no cleanup or maintenance.”

See more patio photos at totallandscapecare. com/hardscaping-photo-gallery.

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Classic Landscaping transformed an empty backyard into a relaxing outdoor living space for clients in Central New Jersey.

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Congratulations to our 2014 Landscaper of the Year and Finalists!

LANDSCAPERS OF THE YEAR Andrea Wilson Mueller & Michael Mueller Inside Out Design Frankfort, Kentucky

Mark & Kay Halla The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Centers Chaska, Minnesota

David Land Tulsa Landscape, Inc. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Lewis Bennett & Dana Shook Green Dreams Landscape Management, Inc. Pinebluff, North Carolina

Joe Hanauer Landscape Architecture, LLC Madison, Wisconsin

Scott Reister TG&R Landscape Group Rock Hill, South Carolina

Ross Bowen Ross NW Watergardens Portland, Oregon

Dustin Hanson Hanson Landscape, Inc. Big Rock, Illinois

Terry Sims The Garden Artist, LLC Boise, Idaho

Matthew Gilligan Magnolia Landscape, LLC Virginia Beach, Virginia

Claude Kershner III Reef Tropical Lawn Key Largo, Florida

Stephen Wright Creative Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. Asheboro, North Carolina

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Bigger Picture

Lewis Bennett & Dana Shook Green Dreams Landscape Management Pinebluff, North Carolina

L

ewis Bennett and Dana Shook’s contagious passion for their work, clients and employees continues to set their company – Green Dreams Landscape Management in Aberdeen, North Carolina – apart from the competition.

Bennett got his start by mowing lawns with his brother, and the two created Bennett Brothers Lawn Care. It wasn’t until he met Shook that they renamed and restructured the business to become

North Carolina landscapers stay one step ahead by marketing, changing up their services and keeping their focus on the community.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Green Dreams (greendreamslandscaping.com).

Shook also grew up around the green industry.

Her grandfather mowed horse farms in Michigan, so she learned how to mow in a straight line early on. Later, she worked for a landscape subcontractor for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. It was in this job at a tradeshow, the Charlotte Home and Garden Show, where she met Bennett.

“I thought he was going to be another account,”

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landscaper of the year finalist

Green Dreams’ residential maintenance services include mowing, trimming, debris removal, pesticide management, tree/shrub care, mulching, pruning, irrigation, snow/ice removal, seeding and fertilization.

she laughs. Obviously, he turned out to be much more, and the couple ended up launching Green Dreams together in 2005.

Now, their services include lawn care, chemicals, design/build, irrigation and water features. For cutting down large trees or cleaning gutters, they hire subcontractors. They also manage about 20 homeowner associations (HOAs) every week and 1,100 households a month.

Beating the odds Since 2006, the company has experienced a 30-percent growth each year – even during the recession. “We’ve been very blessed,” Shook says.

“God has looked out for us.”

When they saw the economy changing in 2008, they moved their install team to maintenance. “We have a lot of retired clients, so we thought this was the direction to go,” Bennett says. “We decided to put all of our chips in the maintenance team.”

Their decision has paid off. The couple hasn’t let anyone go because of a lack of work.

And while many companies closed their doors, Green Dreams actually bought out another business. In 2008, they purchased equipment and accounts from a local landscaper who had a lot of HOA customers.

While running their thriving business takes up much of their days, the couple makes sure to separate their work and personal time.

“We try to shut off work talk at home,” Bennett says. “If not, the job becomes your life.”

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Spreading the word Part of the reason for the company’s continued growth stems from their marketing efforts.

They started running daily radio ads about two years ago where they not only advertise their services, but they also encourage community members to check other landscapers’ licenses and certifications before hiring them.

Green Dreams offers website estimates, attends Chamber of Commerce meetings, sends mail outs, holds Facebook giveaways and hosts customer events like their annual Pig Pickin’. This fun-filled day includes live music, drinks and Southern cooking for customers and some of their dealer reps.

“We really get to know people at the Pig Pickin’,” Shook says. “We become their friend – not just their contractor.”

This BBQ-filled day has also brought in additional business for Green Dreams. One year, they made a connection with an attendee that resulted in a $180,000 yearly commercial maintenance contract.

Family affair Green Dreams has a true family atmosphere, with both Shook and Bennett’s parents working for the company. Their moms help with the front desk, and Bennett’s dad serves as their in-house mechanic.

Altogether, they have 32 employees and a dog “mascot” named Frank.

But finding good employees has been a struggle for Green Dreams. If a current employee refers someone and that person stays with the company

landscaper of the year finalist

for at least six months, the employee receives $25.

“We want someone who will be here on time and enjoys their job,” Shook says. “We don’t want someone who just wants a paycheck.”

They hold a training meeting each Monday where they talk to employees about leadership,

safety and show instructional videos. “We’ll also go to jobsites and show crews what’s right and wrong there,” Bennett says.

Part of their employees’ training includes knowing 10 basic plants. They also have to make 70 percent on a written test and 100 percent on a

5 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1

Keep your integrity, and be honest. “Give the customers what you say you’re going to give them, and always show up when you say you’re going to be there,” Lewis Bennett says.

2

Be humble.

“Remember, while the customer is not always right, the customer is never wrong,” Dana Shook says.

3

Learn. “Go to workshops, and stay informed,” Bennett says.

4

Create a good team.

“Your employees are your company,” Shook says. “What they know reflects on you, so train, train and train again.”

Develop culture. “Take advice, and give advice,” Bennett says.

“Remember to wear your adult pants, and when you make a mistake, fess up and fix it.”

To watch a video about their success story, visit totallandscapecare.com/ green-dreams-success.

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landscaper of the year finalist

visual test.

“Without them, there would be no Green Dreams,” Bennett says of the employees. “We keep that in mind at all times.”

It’s easy to see their employees notice and appreciate their management style.

“They have a good attention to detail, and they really listen to customers. They treat you like family,” says their maintenance manager, Jeff Burleson, who holds a horticulture degree and is CPP certified through North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA). “Green Dreams is the top company here.”

Bennett and Shook have a goal of adding a crew each year.

Personal touch

Green Dreams doesn’t lay off employees during the winter. Instead, they use this time to train crews when they aren’t on a job.

community and say it’s important for them to give back when possible. They volunteer their time and materials for community projects. These service projects include spending a day at the Restoring Hope Center grading and cleaning up brush.

They’ve also laid pavers at no charge at the Veterans Memorial for Veteran’s Day and given donations to Habitat for Humanity, Izzypalooza, the Children’s Cancer Fund and Northern Moore Family Resource Center.

So, it’s no surprise they won the 2012 Small Business of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce.

Not only do they invest their time and expertise into their employees, but they also make sure clients have a good experience with their business.

“Our customers get two opinions for the price of one,” Shook says with a smile.

They work to make every aspect of their business customer focused.

“I think one of the first things that sets us apart from our competition is when you call our office.

We strive to have a live person there to answer the phone,” Bennett says. “So, you aren’t leaving a message and hoping somebody calls you back.”

Looking back Bennett and Shook also visit each account While they continue to experience success, if they monthly, spending 15 to 20 hours a week doing could go back and do it all again, there are a few walk throughs, to make sure their employees are meeting their quality standards. “We share these things they would change – especially when it visits with crew leaders so they get accolades or comes to business components. know what needs to be corrected,” he says.

“I wish someone would have told us what to No matter a client’s budget, the couple will work do early on about things like health care, vacation with them to create something they can all time and benefits for employees,” Bennett be proud of. says.

To enter to “We design, install and maintain Something else they wish they had be Landscaper of impeccable landscapes everyone can done earlier was use a client binder. the Year, visit totallandscapecare. afford,” Shook says. “We believe blueEach team has one of the binders, com/loy. collar families should be able to afford which lists every client, what services good work.” they get, what they like and their pet But the couple’s positive, giving attitude peeves. doesn’t end there.

To see more project photos from Green Dreams, Both owners are heavily involved with their visit totallandscapecare.com/green-dreams.

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Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

equipment matters

Powerful Changes

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Exmark’s propane-fueled electronic fuel injection (EFI) Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn mower has a Kohler Command Pro engine and can run 7 1/2 hours on a tank of fuel.

Engine and fuel efficiency continue to be top trends in ZTR mower market

F

rom EFI engines and propane to new standard comfort features, zero-turn radius (ZTR) mowers continue to evolve to meet landscapers’ needs.

“Product refinement is currently trending,” says Nick Minas, product manager, John Deere. “Whether it’s fuel efficiency or ride comfort, manufacturers are tweaking their line-ups to better meet customer demands.” (To read more about mower comfort features, visit totallandscapecare.com/mower-comfort.)

Beyond physical comfort, many manufacturers are also adding components for operator convenience.

Husqvarna introduced SmartSwitch, an operator interface, to its zero turns. The technology includes keyless operation, security features and real-time feedback.

To start the mower, operators enter a programmable code into the display. For going in reverse, there’s also a one-touch mower capability with a lit icon when activated. SmartSwitch includes other lit indicators for items like “apply park brake” or “disengage cutting blades.”

While all of these features continue to make a mark on the industry, the main focus for ZTRs continues to be on engines and fuel.

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equipment matters

Rev up efficiency

John Deere’s dealerElectronic fuel injection (EFI) installed propane engines are nothing new to the kits are available on their ZTrak, QuikTrak industry, but they are just now and commercial walk-behind becoming available across mower mowers. brands.

“The main advantages are more reliable cold starts and more efficient diagnosis of service issues,” says Mike Simmon, communications specialist, Grasshopper.

This engine is also helping to bridge the gap between customers and alternative fuels. “The EFI system is the catalyst to making the adoption of propane successful,” says Garry Busboom, chief development engineer, Exmark. Tying in the two, Exmark offers an EFI/propane ZTR, the Lazer Z S-Series, which has a Kohler Command Pro engine.

“Some landscapers may have accounts that are more environmentally conscious, so they would have an additional incentive to use propane and EFI,” Busboom says.

Propane costs vary depending on the region and customer, so it pays for landscapers to negotiate the price with suppliers, Busboom says.

“The key thing to remember about propane is the usage rate is about the same as gasoline – the advantage is propane is less expensive to purchase,” Minas explains. “So, the true cost benefit is tied to local propane prices.”

An added benefit for propane is that it can be

BUYING TRENDS When buying mowers, landscape business owners need a checklist before heading to their dealer.

But what should top that list: price, features, horsepower or something else completely?

“The cost of acquisition is only part of the equation,” says Mike Simmon, communications specialist, Grasshopper. “How much that mower will cost in maintenance, downtime, labor, replacement parts, convenience, etc., is every bit as important as the purchase price.”

Engine and deck size are two of the biggest concerns landscapers have when purchasing a new ZTR, says Nick Minas, product manager, John Deere. “Landscapers are always trying to find the right combination of both to maximize fuel efficiency and productivity,” Minas says.

Technology continues to evolve, leading many owners to weigh their engine options, as well.

“As fuel costs remain high, more landscapers are turning to alternative engine strategies,”

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Minas says. “EFI and propane are continuing to increase in popularity.”

Another important factor is comfort. Features on the rise are iso-mounted seats, footrests, operator platforms and ergonomically designed controls, Simmon says. “[These features] keep their crews fresh all day long so they can do their best work and still have energy left for their families at the end of the day.”

So what isn’t as important to landscapers in the buying process any more?

In the past, some were uncomfortable making the switch from tractors with steering wheels to zero-turn mowers with steering levers – mostly because of a lack of experience with ZTRs, Simmon says.

“Now, zero-turn technology is the norm in this industry,” he continues. “While we still hear of people concerned to make the leap, those instances are becoming fewer and further between.”

equipment matters

Grasshopper’s MaxTorque diesel mowers are designed with a lower center of gravity and have good cold starts.

used in areas that have “Ozone Days” or days where gas engines are regulated to mitigate emissions, Minas adds.

“Propane can really help anyone, granted their

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But this alternative fuel isn’t surpassing gasoline just yet.

“Propane is slowly gaining a little bit of traction,” says Brad Unruh, senior product manager, Excel Industries – which manufactures Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mowers. “It’s not in the everyday vocabulary by any means, but there are more people making it available.”

For propane use to become widespread, Unruh says it needs to be in more places. “Right now, every corner has a gas station, not a place to fill up on propane,” Unruh says.

But don’t expect fuel-efficiency improvements to go away anytime soon. All of the experts say this trend, along with a continued focus on comfort, will continue to grow as more owners learn about the possible benefits.

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Chasing the MPG rainbow: Getting to that pot of gold of improved fuel economy takes more than wishful thinking if you want to cash in at the end of the year.

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Maximizing Fuel Economy

BY BRUCE W. SMITH

here’s no single topic in the automotive world that gets talked about more often, costs vehicle manufacturers untold millions in research and spawns more aftermarket products touting improvements than fuel economy.

When we start shopping for a new vehicle, we immediately think about fuel economy; when we talk to our friends and coworkers about what we drive, undoubtedly somewhere in the conversation fuel economy pops up; when vehicle manufacturers hype their new vehicles, fuel economy is a key talking point.

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ProPickup

Then there are those in the business world who, like owners of landscaping companies, want to reduce operating budgets by cutting vehicle fuel costs. Maximizing fuel economy means money in the bank to them.

The unfortunate truth is a vehicle’s fuel economy is affected by so many variables that achieving the mpg numbers shown on the vehicle’s sheet is like chasing the rainbow for that pot of gold. It’ll never happen.

What you have to be content with and focus on improving is the mpg your vehicles are getting right now, day in, day out, however they are being used.

What’s behind EPA’s mpg numbers?

Keeping the contents of your work trucks lean and light will help improve fuel economy.

The mpg numbers on a vehicle’s window sticker and listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website are the result of six driving cycles run in a lab where every variable that affects

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fuel economy is tightly controlled.

The vehicle tested is “representative” of what the manufacturer has for sale related to transmission and engine, and the dyno tests are done by a technician following strict computer protocols.

The tests are short, too. The “city loop” lasts a little more than 31 minutes in total with the equivalent of driving 11.04 miles at an average speed of 21.2 mph. The “highway” test cycle runs a little less than 13 minutes, covering 10.26 miles at an average speed of 48.3 mph. (Details of these tests are on the EPA website, epa.gov/fueleconomy.)

Before 2008, those mpg numbers were pretty bogus when compared to real-world driving. That’s when the EPA added “High Speed,” “AC” and “Cold Temp” driving cycle results to factor in more realistic fuel numbers than those in past decades. The added test cycles helped.

Today’s numbers are close to what you and I would see if we drove conservatively. That’s because the new high-speed driving cycle only

PhOtO cOurtesy Of Larry WaLtOn

One accessory to help improve mpg is the addition of a tonneau cover if you do a lot of highway driving.

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averages 48.4 mph, and the top speed in that test is 80 mph for about 30 seconds. The entire highspeed test is just 10 minutes with four stops.

So for the average landscaper to achieve the window sticker mileage, he’d have to mimic those types of speeds and be rather light-of-foot – and be driving with an empty vehicle.

How to maximize MPG There are still ways to improve whatever annual fuel mileage numbers the work trucks in your landscaping fleet are presently achieving if the driver has the incentive to do so.

(Aftermarket products touting improvements in fuel economy usually don’t pan out on the open road. If they did, the vehicle manufacturers would probably already have the technology and programming incorporated into the new vehicles because they are striving to maximize fuel economy, as well.)

Instead of spending money on chasing that mpg rainbow, focus on the freebies that actually produce results. The two biggest ways to save on fuel without spending money is to be light on the throttle and drive at slower speeds.

A lot of fuel is wasted on jackrabbit starts and hard acceleration. Easing into the throttle and easing out of it so hard braking isn’t needed during turns and stops improve fuel economy.

An even bigger mpg booster is slowing down when towing or driving on the highway or interstates/freeways where speed limits are in excess of 65 mph.

The “maximum” speed limits don’t mean you have to drive at those posted speeds. A pickup’s best fuel economy is achieved between 55 to 60 mph. Driving at 70 mph instead of 60 mph can drop mpg by 2 to 3 mpg on a pickup towing a trailer.

It’s purely a function of aerodynamics and engine rpm: The faster a vehicle goes, an exponential increase in wind drag results, and the higher the engine rpm, the more fuel the engine needs to maintain that rpm.

The difference in fuel economy between cruising at 1,600 rpm and 2,000 rpm on a typical pickup

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Properly inflated truck and trailer tires help maximize towing fuel economy, as does using aluminum trailers instead of steel trailers where practical.

V8, gas or diesel can be clearly seen watching the odometer’s average mileage readout.

More fuel savers Minimizing weight is also a big factor in improving fuel economy. Keep unnecessary tools and equipment out of the truck and off of the trailer. It also pays to run lighter trailers instead of heavier versions, whether open- or box-type. Shaving weight saves money.

Here are a few other items that cut into vehicle fuel economy: • Taller, heavier tires change the truck’s gearing and create more drag and rolling resistance.

• Suspension lifts, winch and racks all increase aerodynamic drag at highway speeds – and add more weight to the truck.

• Under-inflated truck/trailer tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel mileage.

• Engine programmers for gas engines that give more power do so at the expense of the fuel economy.

• Programming the engine to bypass cylinderdeactivation (V8/V4) mode will also cut mpg.

• Letting the truck sit idling more than a minute wastes fuel.

Getting the best fuel mileage from your fleet of trucks requires paying attention to the little details that play a big role in maximizing fuel economy.

There is a pot of gold at the end of the mpg rainbow – it just takes a little work to get there.

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Next Level

PROJECT:

Private residence, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

LANDSCAPING:

PA Landscape Group Inc., New Cumberland, Pennsylvania www.palandscapegroup.com

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Landscape team connects inviting outdoor rooms with seamless hardscape elements

W

hether these homeowners want to grill out, grow their own food, warm up by the fire, cool off by the pool or just relax with their family and friends, this extensive hardscape project provides it all.

PA Landscape Group designed and constructed this yard renovation, which rests on a sloped mountainside. When the clients travel up their curving drive to the entry level, they first see the segmental walls.

Next, they are met with natural boulder walls that create a welcoming entry court, giving guests

a sense of arrival and the owners an open, usable space.

There’s also a breezeway on the entry level that provides a scenic view of the expansive valley.

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Down a natural slab cut stone, a landscaped garden ends at the patio living area. To the left of that is a pool with a hardscaped deck for parties or just a relaxing evening.

A grill island, bar and pizza oven, which are covered by a pergola, connect these two areas. Trees, shrubs and other plants help soften up the area and provide pops of color.

The landscape team added raised planters and a greenhouse on the other side of the living area, which is down a few steps.

To have y our project fe Beyond the fenced atured, email hig area, a waterfall flows h-resolutio n photos, a descriptio down a path of natural n of the pro ject & the slab stone risers to a name of your busin e ss natural fire pit area. to lheartsi ll.rrpub From there, the home@gmail.c om. owners and their guests can view the lower front

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yard and property entrance.

Walking trails connect this area to the entry level, along with wooded trails on the property.

This 6,200-square-foot project won PA Landscape Group the “Combination of Hardscape Products, Residential, More than 4,000 square feet�

Hardscape North America (HNA) Hardscape Project Award (hardscapena.com). PA Landscape Group mainly used Techo-Bloc materials.

See more photos from this impressive project at totallandscapecare.com/next-level, and check out other hardscape photos at totallandscapecare.com/ hardscaping-photo-gallery.

I drive a pickup to work, not a hybrid.

I do love trees. I’m just not a hugger. Don’t get me wrong, I care

about

the

environment.

I mean, how couldn’t I? I’m t h e o n e r e s p o n s i b l e f o r keeping ever y one of my customers’ properties day

in

looking and

day

spectacular, out.

Then

again, I care about a lot of things.

Number one on my hot list these days is how I’m going to remain profitable in the face of rising fuel costs.

So when my Grasshopper dealer told me about how their fuel-injected diesel engines could save me literally tons of fuel AND put dramatically fewer emissions into the air we breathe, I was all ears. After a test ride, a night’s sleep and kicking it around with my operators, I decided to give it a shot. And after a summer of flawless cuts with minimal downtime, and thousands of dollars of fuel savings, I became a true believer.

IT’S SO MUCH MOWER

Model 725DT MaxTorque™ Diesel FrontMount™

Read one military hero’s story at grasshoppermower.com/warrior

Proud Partner

For more information, call 620-345-8621 or visit grasshoppermower.com

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Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com