Landscape Management articles from February 2001

Landscape Management archives from February 2001

Events : WHAT, WHEN & WHERE.
February 1, 2001... February 2001 14-18 NAA Winter Management Conference / Ft. Myers, FL; Sponsored by the National Arborist Association; 800/733-2622 19-23 Cornell Turfgrass Management Short Course / Westchester, NY; 607/255-1792 20 Nevada...

Will your landing be soft?(U.S economic climate)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The landscape is changing fast," said The Wall Street Journal recently, referring to the changing consensus on our economy's health. Just last fall, leading economists, the Federal Reserve and even the IMF were predicting healthy growth for...

Turf's brave new world.(herbicide resistant transgenic turfgrass)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Turfgrasses resistant to the herbicide Roundup (a.i. glyphosate) should be in the marketplace within the next five years, says Dr. Virgil Meier of The Scotts Company. In fact, seeds for glyphosate-resistant bentgrass may be available by...

Save inventory, save money.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... "Be conservative when ordering products for each round. I would rather go back to a supplier and fill in, even at a higher price, than have excess products left over that we can't use." One of the first things they teach you in Business...

Greenzebras.com eyes merger.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... MAYNARD, MA -- Greenzebras.com, an e-commerce company that debuted at the Green Industry Expo last November, is seeking to merge with another Green Industry dot-com company. The reason for the merger is largely financial, since one of the...

Ward named CEO of ServiceMaster.(Jonathon P. Ward)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- Jonathon P. Ward takes over as president and CEO of ServiceMaster (NYSE: SVM) on Feb. 12. Ward, 46, comes to ServiceMaster from R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co., where he was president and CEO. He succeeds C. William Pollard,...

TopPro has new product line.(TopPro Specialties)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 1, 2001... MEMPHIS, TN -- TopPro Specialties, a unit of BASF Corp. and Micro Flo Co., has a new product line of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides for the turf and ornamental industry.The product expansion, which includes Amdro Pro, is a result of...

2000 GIE in Indy drew 6,000.(Green Industry Conference and Expo attendance)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The Professional Lawn Care Industry of America (PLCAA) says that more than 6,000 exhibitors and attendees participated in the Green Industry Conference & Expo last November. These included 340 companies represented at the...

Turfco unveils parts Web page.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Turfco Direct unveiled the lawn care industry's first parts direct page on its Web site, www.turfco.com, which allows for purchases day or night. "It's expensive and time-intensive to send someone to get parts during...

Wal-Mart to carry Snapper mowers.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... McDONOUGH, GA -- As the result of declining numbers of OPE dealers and the growing popularity of home center stores and mass merchants, Snapper has reached an agreement with Wal-Mart to sell several models of mowers in Wal-Mart stores....

Blount acquires Fabtek.(Blount International)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... MONTGOMERY, AL -- Blount International, which manufactures industrial and power equipment among other things, acquired Fabtek, Inc. Fabtek, which had sales of $21 million last year, will now become part of Blount's Industrial and Power...

Sonar label changes approved.(aquatic herbicide)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... CARMEL, IN -- Recent changes to the Sonar aquatic herbicide label have been reviewed and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the state of California. The label is available through SePRO at 800/419-7779 or www.sepro.com.

Spectro 90WDG label accepted.(Cleary's turf and ornamental fungicide to be used in California)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... DAYTON, NJ -- Cleary's Spectro 90WDG turf and ornamental fungicide has been accepted for use in the state of California. Labeled site uses include golf courses, commercial lawns, sod farms, greenhouses, nurseries, interiorscapes and...

Lawn pros unite to contain NY law.(Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... ALBANY, NY -- Beginning March 1, landscape/lawn contractors in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties in New York State must comply with a new "Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law." As LM went to press, other counties were studying the law,...

Landscapers Supply Corp.(appoints James Kelley manager)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Landscapers Supply Corp. appointed James Kelley district sales manager.

Pennington Seed.(appoints Charles W. Lohse manager of Professional Turfgrass Group.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Pennington Seed named Charles W. Lohse western territory manager for the Professional Turfgrass Group.

Simplot Partners.(announces executive appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Simplot Partners appointed Nick Spardy vice president and general manager, David Schermerhorn director of sales and John Maggiore national operations manager.

Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products.(appoints Gregory E. Hyland chairman/CEO)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products named Gregory E. Hyland chairman and CEO.

Environmental Care.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Environmental Care named Thane Issacs manager of its Memphis, TN branch. North American Green

North American Green.(EPA certifies Yanmar diesel motor)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Yanmar Diesel America announced the certification of its compact air-cooled diesel engines by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Cebeco International Seeds.(contract with Eric Schmidt of Schmidt Services L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Cebeco International Seeds retained the services of Eric Schmidt, with Schmidt Services, LLC, as southwest regional representative. Art#4

John Deere's 4700 compact utility tractor.(receives Resource Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World's award)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... John Deere's 4700 compact utility tractor was honored with an AE50 award by Resource Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World. AE50 awards are given each year to honor companies that release the best new products engineered for...

Tyler Enterprises.(expands product marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Tyler Enterprises expanded its product marketing efforts into municipal and independent athletic fields and grounds. Brian McGuffin was hired to head the effort. It also opened a full-service warehouse and delivery operation in Indianapolis,...

Netafim USA.(gets 2000 Excellence in Business Award)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Netafim USA was awarded the 2000 Excellence in Business Award in the manufacturing category of a contest sponsored by The Fresno Bee.

Nichimen America.(fungicide Kaligreen gets organic status)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Nichimen America received organic status approval for its contact fungicide, Kaligreen. Also, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation approved a major label expansion for Kaligreen - more than 50 agricultural and horticultural crops.

Lewis Seed.(appoints Michael Thomas manager)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Lewis Seed named Michael Thomas as its new manager.

Labor Finders International.(opened new branches)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Labor Finders International announced the opening of nine new branches in the second half of 1999, giving a total of 20 openings for the year.

The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show.(appoints Rand Baldwin director)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show named Rand Baldwin managing director. Donn W. Sandford retired after 25 years at the position in January.

Reemay.(changes name of gardening product)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Reemay has changed the name of one of its gardening products from The Germinator to Reemay Lawn and Garden Blankets.

Lawn Doctor.(president and CEO Russell Frith elected to International Franchise Association executive office)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Lawn Doctor president and chief executive officer Russell Frith was elected secretary and treasurer of the International Franchise Association.

McCrometer acquired Water Specialties.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... McCrometer acquired Water Specialties, adding Water Specialties' flowmeters designed for water and wastewater management applications to its list of flow measurement products.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors Association (OPEDA).(appoints William Parsley president)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors Association (OPEDA) named William Parsley president, Chris Saxton vice president and Mike Medart secretary/treasurer.

Simplot Turf & Horticulture.(awarded two patents)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Simplot Turf & Horticulture was awarded two patents, one for seashore zoysiagrass and Idaho bentgrass, two obscure grasses that had never been used for turf purposes before.

Profile Products LLC.(acquires Conwed Fibers)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Profile Products LLC, Buffalo Grove, IL, which specializes in inorganic soil amendments and hydraulically applied mulches, bought Conwed Fibers, Conover, NC, a wood-based hydraulic mulch products manufacturer.

Contech Construction Products.(appoints Steve Spanagel divisional VP)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Contech Construction Products, Middletown, OH named Steve Spanagel vice president of its Keystone Retaining Wall Systems division.

Exmark named Power Trim Company.
February 1, 2001... Exmark named Power Trim Company, La Palma, CA its 1999 Distributor of the Year.

Milorganite.
February 1, 2001... Milorganite, makers of Milorganite natural organic fertilizer, named Mike Archer marketing development and research coordinator.

Bush Hog.(names Roudebush Equipment Co. number one dealer in U.S.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Bush Hog named Roudebush Equipment Company its number one dealer in the nation in sales volume of zero turn mowers.

Stens Power Equipment Parts.(appoints five new territory managers)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Stens Power Equipment Parts named five new territory managers: Chris Burchard, Arizona and southern California, Dale Sprik, Michigan, Gary Goode, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and portions of Iowa and western Illinois, Doug Puckett, Kentucky,...

Scag Power Equipment.(appoints three executives)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Scag Power Equipment promoted John Crowson to vice president of sales and marketing, David Sugden to vice president of product development, Todd Warnie to manager of research and development, and Chris Frame to manager of marketing and...

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers.(elects new officers)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The Association of Professional Landscape Designers voted in its 2000 officers. They are: Myrna Dowsett, president, Deanna Pillarelli, president elect, Gerry Crouch, treasurer, Judy DePue, secretary, Timothy Thoelecke, Jr., immediate past...

Prokoz, Inc.
February 1, 2001... Prokoz, Inc. announced that the following companies are members: Brewer Environmental Industries LLC, Honolulu, HI, D & K Products, Des Moines, IA, and Reinders, Elm Grove, WI.

The Las Vegas Chapter of the Nevada Landscape Association.
February 1, 2001... The Las Vegas Chapter of the Nevada Landscape Association named its board of directors for April 2000-March 2001: John Cerul, past president, John Marman, president, Ralph Hollander, president elect, Bruce Royer, secretary-treasurer, Helen...

New Mexico State University.(hires turfgrass specialist)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... New Mexico State University hired Bernhard Leinauer as an assistant professor and turfgrass specialist with the school's Cooperative Extension Service.

Briggs & Stratton.(make Exide Corp. authorized battery supplier)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Briggs & Stratton made Exide Corporation its authorized battery supplier.

Bayer Corp.(launches Web site)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Bayer Corp. launched an e-commerce Web site (www.bayscapecolors.com) developed specifically for BayScape colorants for premium landscape mulch.

Tyler Enterprises.
February 1, 2001... Tyler Enterprises, Elwood, IL, hired Jerry Helm as sales representative for landscape and lawn care, John Gronnett as driver for delivering products to Ohio and northern Kentucky, and Mark Gross as warehouseman for the company's newly...

Zeneca Professional Products named Kimberly Langan.(product service representative)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Zeneca Professional Products named Kimberly Langan product service representative for its western region and Deborah Meier technical manager for professional turf products.

Barenbrug appointed two new territory managers.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Barenbrug appointed two new territory managers: Jennifer Zelley, New Jersey, and Scott Rushe, Pennsylvania.

Research Seeds.(appoints Ken Fearday president)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Research Seeds appointed Ken Fearday president. Fearday succeeds Bill Whitacre, who resigned April 28.

Barenbrug Northeast.(facility remodeling)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Barenbrug Northeast has completed the remodeling of its 35,000-sq-ft. facility in Ogdensburg, NJ. The renovation was aimed at making the facility more customer friendly and able to allow for timely training and continuing education for...

The L.R. Nelson Corp.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The L.R. Nelson Corp., Peoria, IL, has named several people to positions in its Landscape and Turf Division: Scott Harn, product manager, Ben Vonk, quality manager, Tom Heindselman, sales manager for the Plains states, John George, sales...

ALCA appointed John Luznicky.(Associated Landscape Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... ALCA appointed John Luznicky, CLP, vice president of Durham Hill Nursery, to the 2000 Certification Board of Governors.

J & J Truck Bodies & Trailers.(contracts)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... J & J Truck Bodies & Trailers, Somerset, PA, named Truck Body Associates, Farmingdale, NY, Amthor's, Walden, NY, and T & T Body King, Latham, NY as new distributors.

Growth Products.(BWI contract)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Growth Products, White Plains, NY, named BWI, Texarkana, TX, as a new Professional Turf Line distributor for the southeastern U.S.

Redexim Charterhouse.(awards)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Redexim Charterhouse gave Lawn & Golf Supply Co. its USA Distributor of the Year award, A.R. Mower & Supply Ltd. its Distributor of the Year award, and David Baldasare its Salesperson of the Year award.

Zeneca Professional Products named Deborah Meier.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Zeneca Professional Products named Deborah Meier North American technical manager for professional turf products.

Bio-Green of Las Vegas.(Florida Irrigation contract)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Bio-Green of Las Vegas, NV took on Florida Irrigation as a fertilizer system distributor. Bio-Green now conducts business in 13 states including Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Utah and New Mexico.

Growth Products.(Randy Oberlander appointment)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Growth Products, White Plains, NY, added Randy Oberlander to its staff of technical sales representatives.

Swingle Tree & Landscape Care.
February 1, 2001... Swingle Tree & Landscape Care received Christmas Decor's award for the 1999 Veteran Franchise of the Year. This was the second time Swingle was recognized for this award.

See the light.(lighting products web site)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Looking for fixtures, lamps, ballasts, controls or parts? Quit stumbling around in the dark and log on to www.lightsearch.com to connect to a database of 4,000 manufacturers of lighting products and 150 e-commerce sites. When searching for a...

A time to grow : Troubled boys learn love and responsibility through work at greenhouse.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... DENVER, CO -- The parallels between life and gardening are endless. To be successful at both, one has to learn how to nurture, care and love. Growth only happens through learning. The more you dedicate yourself to it, the better you get at...

Deere adds McGinnis Farms; buys Great Dane.(Deere and Company, McGinnis Farms Inc., Great Dane Power Equipment Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... MOLINE, IL -- Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) announced Jan. 4 that it acquired McGinnis Farms Inc., headquartered in Alpharetta, GA. The company -- a full-line supplier of nursery stock, landscape supplies and irrigation products throughout the...

HOW TO RETAIN Employees : By identifying and addressing your employees' needs, you'll give them a reason to spend their career with you.
February 1, 2001... What's more difficult: finding good employees or keeping them? Some might say finding them, but it's becoming almost as difficult to keep them. The day you take it for granted that your good employees will stay with you is the day you can...

Become a retention-based company.(Sasha Corporation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Cincinnati-based Sasha Corporation is a 15-year-old consulting firm specializing in employee retention. Their clients include fast food, manufacturing and cleaning companies -- businesses with work forces and retention problems similar to the...

i want you! TO MAKE THAT EXTRA EFFORT : Rewards like these make several landscape professionals glad they emphasize regular crew training.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... EDWARDSVILLE, PA When General George S. Plantain walked into the office of Grasshopper Lawns to deliver a speech on leadership, the crew didn't know what to do. Accompanied by a tape recorded and adapted version of the speech from the...

Duke University : A 2000 Grand Award Winner of the Professional Grounds Management Society for School or University Grounds.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... If it wasn't for basketball, Duke University Grounds Services' job might be a little easier. As it stands, grounds crew members have a blue devil of a time restoring turf left dead from tents pitched by fans who have to camp out in order to...

Drip gets a D -- The report card's in: Many landscape professionals just don't understand how to use drip irrigation correctly. A new guide from Phoenix may get users back on track.
February 1, 2001... At one level, drip irrigation is so simple it almost seems a freebie in life. Just install it, attach it to a timer and everything will be all right. But appearances are deceiving, and drip is no exception. In the home of drip -- Phoenix, AZ...

DURABILITY RULES : Three veteran landscape contractors discuss what they value in hand-held and backpack equipment.
February 1, 2001... Landscapers know the only way to keep lawns, beds and other landscape features nice and tidy is to use an arsenal of hand-held and backpack equipment. Compared to mowers, trucks and small utility vehicles, these products are...

Packin' a punch.
February 1, 2001... Manufacturers talk about what makes their hand-held and backpack equipment so powerful How do manufacturers of hand-held/backpack equipment turn their small, two-cycle engine products into virtual powerhouses that are expected to meet...

A trim here, a trim there.(grass trimmer by Tanaka)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Tanaka's TBC-2501 steel-shafted grass trimmer/bruschcutter has a 24cc, 1.2-hp engine with two piston rings and a chrome-plated cylinder for longer life. It weighs 11.4 lbs. and features a low-profile cutting guard, vibration system and 5-in....

Well blow me down.(backpack blower by SOLO Incorporated)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... SOLO Inc.'s 470 gas-powered backpack blower meets Category I sound levels of the new ANSI standards -- it operates at less than 65 decibels of sound at 50 feet from the operator. For more information contact SOLO Inc. at 516/868-6645 / Circle...

Edgin' along.(Xtra edger by Little Wonder)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Little Wonder's Xtra[TM] edger combines the maneuverability of a stick edger and the power of a wheeled edger. At 16 lbs., it's ideal for edging in confined spaces. Equipped with a cross-blade system, it can cut through thick overgrass and...

Spray it.(sprayer by Chapin Manufacturing Incorporated)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.'s poly sprayer series features 4-1/2-in. wide openings; easy disconnect/safety lock for quick access for cleaning and repair; brass-plated zinc shut-off with lock-on for continuous spray; actual capacity tanks....

Cleaner air.(RedMax clean air trimmer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The RedMax BCZ 2500S clean air trimmer meets CARB II and EPA with a 25.4 cc, two-cycle Strato-Charged[TM] Air Head[TM] engine. Weighing 5% less, the engine uses 35% less fuel and reduces emissions by 73% over previous engines. For more...

Rev it up.(backpack blower by Stihl Incorporated)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Stihl's BR 420 backpack blower features a 36.5cc engine that delivers air speeds up to 180 mph. It features the Stihl IntelliCarb compensating carburetor, which allows long running times at full power without the need for frequent air filter...

Sharp idea.(multipurpose saw from Deere and Company)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... John Deere's 880MS multipurpose saw features an 88 cc engine and 15-in. wheel. The 28.9-lb. 880MS is also equipped with a triple air filter system, six-point vibration isolation system and right-angle, semi-automatic belt tensioner. For more...

Take control.(backpack blower by Husqvarna)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Husqvarna's 155BT backpack blower has a tube-mounted throttle for easy control that can be locked in any position. Its harness has two hip pads to take weight off the shoulders. Maximum air velocity is 183 mph, weight is 19.4 lbs. with 70dBA....

Quiet and powerful.(hand-held blowers by Echo Incorporated)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Echo Inc.'s hand-held blowers generate 160-mph air speed and air volume of 365 cfm, and are rated at 65 dB(A) at 50 ft. at wide open throttle. Features include a 22.8 cc Echo engine and 20.3-fl. oz. see-through tank. For more information...

Trim or blow.(Kawasaki handheld power equipment )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... LESCO Service Centers[R] and Stores on Wheels[R] offer a line of Kawasaki handheld power equipment which includes string trimmers with 23cc to 34cc engine units. Also included are backpack blowers with 48.6cc engines, handheld edgers (26 cc...

Find the right fertilizer Rx : Fertilizer needs to vary from property to property. Find out how to simplify your decision making.
February 1, 2001... Lawn maintenance contractors often want a "prescription" for their fertilization programs that fits all needs. Manufacturers have responded, supplying fertilizer formulations with all types of ingredients. Most fertilizers will work even...

Dig these diggers.(lawn and garden equipment)
February 1, 2001... Some folks like powerful sports cars, others like locomotives. But it's hard not to appreciate the power exhibited by little skid steers and other diggers as they get pushed to the limit at job sites. Despite their size, they're incredibly...

ask the expert.
February 1, 2001... Slug those slugs How do you get rid of slugs? -- OH Reports indicate that metaldehyde bait can manage slugs. Apply it as bait to the soil. Clear the area around desirable plants of debris, leaves and boards -- places where slugs...

Dig this.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Burkeen Manufacturing's rubber-tired "mini" rider trencher features front-wheel steering, hydrostatically controlled power and speeds from 0 to 2 mph. Powered by a 25-hp engine, it also has a 24- to 36-in. digging boom with an end roller,...