Landscape Management articles from June 2002

Landscape Management archives from June 2002

NEXT MONTH : WHAT'S COMING UP IN JULY.
June 1, 2002... * Cover story: LM100 We list the "Big 50" landscape and lawn care companies, plus the top ten niche services, top ten small companies, top ten hot news topics, and more! * Walls, edging and pavers Read about the latest trends in...

Canada's industry under siege.
June 1, 2002... Playing out in Canada is what lawn care business owners in the United States have long feared. Professional turfgrass and landscape application services there are under attack. Every town in the country apparently has the green light to...

It's the battle of revenue vs. expenses!
June 1, 2002... After a busy day, a landscape professional might lie in bed and ponder this question: Which is more important, generating revenue or controlling expenses? Judging from the responses from members of The Owners' Network, this question could...

Customers are people first : If a guy is racing to finish 40 lawns in one day, would you want to be that 40th lawn?
June 1, 2002... Some time ago I read that there's not a lot of customer loyalty in the lawn care business. I just don't buy that. Our company doesn't lose many customers because we don't treat them like numbers, concentrating too much on volume like...

ALCA Maintenance event -- be there.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... ATLANTA -- Reserve the weekend of Aug. 9-11 and start making your travel arrangements for the ALCA Maintenance Symposium that will be held here. Symposium Coordinator Steven Glover, CLP, CEO of Symbiot Business Group, Sandy, UT, has put...

Canada to overhaul pesticide laws.
June 1, 2002... OTTAWA, CANADA -- A nationwide ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns and parks is unlikely, Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan said earlier this spring. She made the statement while announcing a bill to overhaul Canada's Pesticide...

Free CD targets longhorned beetle.(Morton Arboretum)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... LISLE, IL -- The Morton Arboretum is offering a computer-based training tool to aid in the early detection of the Asian longhorned beetle. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the tool helps landscape...

Minnesota passes fertilizer bill.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura signed bill SF 1555, the state bill that regulates use of phosphorus lawn fertilizer, into law April 29, 2002. Most of the bill's provisions go into effect January 1, 2004. See LM story in May issue...

IPM mandated for all PA schools.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... HARRISBURG, PA -- Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker signed a bill this spring requiring all schools within the Commonwealth to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) plans by Jan. 1, 2003. The bill also imposes new pesticide notification...

DHG acquires Express Blower.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... CINCINNATI, OH -- DHG Corp., the parent company of Finn Corp., bought the assets of Express Blower from Rexius Forest By-Products and formed a new company, Express Blower, Inc. Both Finn and Express Blower will continue to operate as...

Becker Underwood now global.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... AMES, IA -- Becker Underwood, Inc., says that the Canada and U.K.-based MicroGroup Ltd., which it acquired in 2000, has now officially assumed the Becker Underwood name. "This consolidation further leverages the synergies between locations and...

BlueBird closes Denver plant.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... CLEVELAND -- BlueBird International, a division of Husqvarna Turf Care Company, closed its operation in Denver and is consolidating manufacturing in Beatrice, NB. The Beatrice plant, which now makes commercial mowers, will be making aerators,...

FMC Corp. unifies customer service.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... PHILADELPHIA -- FMC Corp. has consolidated the customer service functions for its Agricultural and Specialty Products Business sectors. The result will be expanded hours and more customer service reps.

CLIP Conference set at BWI.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... IJAMSVILLE, MD -- The 13th Annual CLIP Users' Conference, "Ready, Aim, Fire!", will be held at the Baltimore/Washington International Marriott, Baltimore, MD, Nov. 19-22. Features of the conference include industry-leading speakers, roundtable...

Homeowners buying pro mowers.
June 1, 2002... ATLANTA, GA -- Sales of zero-turn commercial mowers keep climbing. This past year, about 115,000 riding rotary mowers were sold, most of them zero-turns. Not all of them are going to contractors or other landscape professionals, not by a...

Iowa turf pros develop phosphorus policy.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... LISLE, IL -- The issue of phosphorus in waterways (see pg. 18 in the May '02 LM) is causing turfgrass professionals around the country to reassess their use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers. John Ausen, CGCS, Hyperion Field Club,...

Tree worker receives national safety award.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... An employee of Swingle Tree & Lawn Care won one of three National Arborist Association Safety Awards for saving the life of a co-worker. Derek Stroden, supervisor in Swingle's Enhancement Services division, helped co-worker Robert Sasser...

www.landscapemanagement.net : WHAT'S NEW ON-LINE.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... * Features from the May issue of LM * LM Week in Review * The latest Green Industry news * Sign up for the Green Star Professional Grounds Management Awards 2002 * Read biographies of LM staffers

Howdy pardner, let's do business.(Autumn Tree Care Experts sponsors "Spring Fling")(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... GLENVIEW, IL -- Autumn Tree Care Experts of Glenview knows how to turn a fun time into a sales and marketing opportunity. Case in point: the April Spring Fling held at company headquarters for the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association...

Seed Research of Oregon's Mike Robinson.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Seed Research of Oregon's Mike Robinson stepped down as president to become director of international sales and marketing.

Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products appointed Steve Chicken managing director and Michael Vickers vice president of engineering -- Turf Products.

J. R. Simplot Company.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... J. R. Simplot Company named M. Vincent (Vince) Restucci director of Simplot Marketing Solutions.

Syngenta Crop Protection.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Syngenta Crop Protection named Bill Lewis vice president of its professional products business unit and regional business group, Steve Ligon vice president, national account management, and Rob Neill vice president, marketing.

Dow AgroSciences LLC.(promoted Fred Pretzer )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Dow AgroSciences LLC promoted Fred Pretzer to technical accounts manager covering the western U.S.

L.R. Nelson Corp.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... L.R. Nelson Corp. named Douglas Ramsdale president of its turf business unit.

Win with Water : Progressive Atlanta company devises a proactive strategy to keep customers from drying up.(landscape company Morrell Group contends with landscape watering restrictions)
June 1, 2002... The aging rocker twisted and wailed on the outdoor stage as an exuberant knot of adolescents slid baseball-style in a gummy bog they had created. Ahh, the sweet smell of a rock & rap concert: sweat, mud and spilled beer. The 3.5 inches of...

Landscape industry assists with Florida BMPs.(better management practices)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Preventing non-point source water pollution involves more than just state-of-the-art stormwater management systems. Reducing urban landscape pollution of water resources requires wise landscape management, pollution source controls and a great...

Business plan basics : Your easy-to-follow road map for building short- and long-term success in the Green Industry.
June 1, 2002... Most owners of a small enterprise will tell you they understand their business. They'll tell you that they've filled every position and performed every task. They think they have a clear picture of how to continually improve their business....

Franchising's revival : Landscape service entrepreneurs find a growing number of franchisers eager to show them how to become a player.(Statistical Data Included)
June 1, 2002... In 1962, each U.S. resident ate four lbs. of french fries annually. Today, each of us, on average, eats 33 lbs. of french fries. This is one impact of McFranchising on our McWorld. Several Green Industry companies want to make a similar impact...

Treat trees right : Avoid hassles and ensure good-looking landscapes by staying aware of municipal tree ordinances.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Municipal tree preservation ordinances are a relatively new reality in the landscaping industry. All types and sizes of projects are affected -- everything from simple landscaping on existing residential properties to huge subdivisions and...

Pacesetter Park : 2001 PGMS Grand Award Winner for Parks, Recreation Area or Athletic Fields.(Professional Grounds Management Awards, includes related articles)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Pacesetter Park in Sylvania, OH, gives "field traffic" a whole new meaning. With 25 game-only soccer, lacrosse and flag football fields, eight ball diamonds, two open-air shelters and 66 acres of practice facilities, maintenance facilities and...

It's cleanup time.(zinc/air fuel cell power systems, includes related article)
June 1, 2002... Will the motors of future brushes and mowers be powered by zinc and air? It's not as far-fetched as you might think. Briggs & Stratton, Milwaukee, WI, is working with a Carlsbad, CA, firm called Metallic Power (MP) to develop power systems...

Why they're special : Check out this lineup of specialty vehicles. One is sure to meet your unique needs.(landscaping vehicles)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Timothy Kilgallen's CSI Landscaping, Scarsdale, NY, does a lot of work in Manhattan. Driving there is tough, never mind pulling a trailer loaded with mowers and trimmers. That was one reason why he equipped his crews with Super Lawn...

Super Lawn Trucks.
June 1, 2002... Super Lawn Trucks Bonaire, GA www.superlawntruck.com [C] Either Isuzu NPR diesel- or gas- powered truck [C] Choice of 14-, 16-, 18- and 20-ft. Morgan van bodies [C] Exclusive hand and power tool storage system [C] On...

Smithco Red Rider RC85ER.
June 1, 2002... Smithco Red Rider RC85ER Wayne, PA www.smithco.com [C] Powerful, easy-starting Kohler 8- hp electric start motor [C] Simple to maintain, positive belt and chain drive [C] Cargo bed low to ground with tailgate ramp [C] 12...

Kawasaki Mule 3020.
June 1, 2002... Kawasaki Mule 3020 Irvine, CA www.kawasaki.com [C] Digital electronic ignition; 4-stroke, V-twin OHV engine [C] Capacities: load, 1,330 lbs.; bed, 803 lbs.; towing, 1,200 lbs. [C] Automatic transmission [C] Bench seat for...

TruckCraft TC-120 Ultra Bed.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... TruckCraft TC-120 Ultra Bed Chambersburg, PA www.truckcraft.com [C] Fits all full-size pickups [C] All aluminum and stainless steel construction [C] 48 in. by 98 in.; 2.4 cu. yd.; 5,000 lb. capacity [C] 300 to 350 lbs....

EB-60 Express Blower.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... EB-60 Express Blower Eugene, OR www.expressblower.com [C] Built on Class 8 chassis; fully integrated unit [C] Can hold and transport 56.6 cu. yds. yd., level load [C] Blows between 30 to 100 cu. yd. per hour [C] Ideal for...

Cub Cadet Big Country.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Cub Cadet Big Country Cleveland, OH www.cubcadet.com [C] Powered by a 20-hp Honda V-Twin OHV engine for extra hauling power [C] Six-wheel fully-independent suspension for traction, maneuverability [C] 1,400-lb. payload; 13.3...

E-Z-Go Textron WorkHorse ST 480.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... E-Z-Go Textron WorkHorse ST 480 Augusta, GA www.ezgo.textron.com [C] 800-lb. payload capacity and 48-in. load bed [C] 16-hp, four-cycle 480cc twin cylinder Vanguard V-twin engine; locking rear differential [C] Heavy-duty...

Peterson Pacific Corp. BT 40.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Peterson Pacific Corp. BT 40 Eugene, OR www.petersonpacific.com [C] Truck box capacity 40 cu. yds.; output volume up to 80 cu. yds. per hour [C] 5-in. standard discharge hose diameter; 9-in. optional [C] 300-ft. standard...

Club Car Carryall 2 Plus.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Club Car Carryall 2 Plus Augusta, GA www.clubcar.com [C] 11-hp gasoline pedal start or 48-volt electric engine [C] All-aluminum frame, chassis and cargo box; molded fenders [C] Up to 1,200 lb. total vehicle load [C] Tilt...

John Deere ProGator.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... John Deere ProGator Carey, NC www.deere.com [C] 23.5-hp diesel and 26-hp gas versions [C] Five-speed, fully synchronized transmission; go without stopping to change gears [C] Hydrostatic steering for precision controls, tight...

Kent Mfg.(aluminum hauler body specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Kent Mfg. Venice, FL 941/486-8871 [C] Aluminum hauler body converts golf car into utility vehicle [C] Manual dump; bench seat; suntop [C] Electric dump motor and bracket optional [C] No welding required

Taylor-Dunn ET3000.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Taylor-Dunn ET3000 Anaheim, CA www.taylor-dunn.com [C] Battery-powered; automotive differential and power traction drive [C] Load capacity 3,000 lbs.; speed 18 mph (unloaded) [C] Steel cabin with safety glass windshield,...

Solar Bear Electric Utility Vehicle.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Solar Bear Electric Utility Vehicle Breslau, Ontario, Canada www.euvehicles.com [C] Four-wheel drive; articulating: zero emissions [C] Ultra-bright quartz lights; tilt steering; spill-proof battery [C] Single pedal control...

Toro Workman.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Toro Workman Minneapolis, MN www.toro.com [C] Both mid-duty, heavy duty models [C] Active In-Frame suspension [C] Highest payload in its class [C] Attachments include a topdresser, sprayer, core harvester, groomer, etc.

Polaris 500.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Polaris 500 Medina, MN www.polarisindustries.com [C] Four-valve, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine [C] On-demand four-wheel drive with dash-mounted on/off switch [C] Long-travel dual-shock rear suspension [C] Rustproof...

Palmor Products 2100 Trac Vac.(product specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Palmor Products 2100 Trac Vac Thornton, IN www.trac-vac.com [C] Truck loader to remove bulk leaves and grass [C] 11-hp Briggs & Stratton engine [C] 12 1/2 ft. of intake hose; 8-in. diameter intake, exhaust hose [C]...

Reading Body.(truck bodies specifications)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Reading Body Reading, PA www.readingbody.com [C] Dump, stake, enclosed truck bodies [C] Lockable toolbox compartments, bin dividers [C] Open cargo area transports loose or solid cargo [C] Lectro-Life immersion priming for...

Goodbye Crabby : Veteran turf manager lets the crabgrass poke its nasty head up before he attacks.(Damon Ervie)
June 1, 2002... With 12 years of experience, Damon Ervie is no stranger to turf management. For the past three years, this director of fields and grounds and his staff of five full-time employees have been maintaining and renovating 87 acres of high-profile...

Ask the expert.
June 1, 2002... Falling berries Many of our customers planted holly trees because of their red leaf and fruit color in winter. Why are some of the trees' holly berries remaining green and falling off? -- VA Study the affected plants on site for...

Grip it good.(Fiskars hand pruners)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Fiskars' loop handle hand pruners feature a Softgrip upper handle that adds padding against friction and keeps hands from slipping. The loop handle allows hands to relax without having to put the tool down. The precision-ground steel blades are...

Trim it high.(John Deere hedge trimmer EH2659)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... John Deere's EH2659 extended-reach hedge trimmer has a 59-in. boom and 22-in., double-sided, double-reciprocating blade that allows trimming up to 12 ft. high. For more information contact John Deere at 800/537-8233 or www.johndeere.com /...

Get in deep.(Rain Bird's new watering system for roots)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2002... Rain Bird's new root watering system series combines deep root aeration and irrigation in a single package. Products consist of an irrigation retaining cap and a 36-in. long tube that allows nutrients to reach deep root systems directly. It can...

Leader of the pack.(fertilizers for landscape gardening)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Simplot announces a new line of soluble fertilizers called SoluPack, composed of nine formulations: Bermudagrass Special, High Potash Formula, Potassium Special, SP All-Purpose, SP Bentgrass Formula, SP Rapid Green, SP Root Enhancer, Summer...

One wide cut.(lawn mower)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Howard Price Turf Equipment introduces its new 360Z-80 floating wing mower featuring a 80-in. cut with cutting capacity of up to 6.46 acres per hour at 8 mph. It also features maximum flotation for dips and knolls with wing operating to 20...

Kill the ants.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Oakfield Apparatus' new fire ant probe enables the user to apply insecticide directly into a fire ant mound. The probe is 30 in. high, made of steel, and features four holes at the tip through which a powerful burst of insecticide is delivered....

Punchin' holes f.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... BlueBird's TA 10 aerator is designed to be towed by a 16-hp or larger tractor. It has an aerating width of 36 in. and aerating depth of up to three in. for coverage up to three acres an hour. Two independent tine rotors with 32 interchangeable,...

Fork it over.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Precision Farm Machinery's new multi-purpose fork bucket for skid-steers is suited for digging, picking, loading, leveling and grapple-type work. It features a grated bottom to allow dirt to escape. The reel system is operated by a simple...

In control.(Myron L. Co 720 Series II pH and ORP monitor controllers)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2002... Myron L Company introduces the 720 Series II pH and ORP monitor controllers. The company claims their advanced isolated circuitry eliminates potential ground loop issues associated with non-isolated circuitry. Only 6 in. by 4.8 in., their...

Bright lights.(Hessamerica)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Hessamerica's new high performance outdoor indirect area luminaire features the company's advanced secondary reflector technology, which eliminates glare while effectively illuminating paths and public areas. For more information contact...

Take the curve.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2002... RedMax's HEZ2500F edger has a curved shaft for hard-to-reach areas and is powered by a 25.4cc strato-charged two-cycle engine that the company claims will give operators a 34% fuel savings, 73% fewer exhaust emissions and 10% noise reduction....

Wrestle weeds.(PBI/Gordon)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
June 1, 2002... PBI/Gordon Corp. announces the addition of Blade selective herbicide to the Gordon's Professional Turf and Ornamental product line. The active ingredient in Blade, metsulfuron, is used primarily in the south to control bahiagrass, ryegrass and...

Go blue.(Becker Underwood)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Becker Underwood claims its Admiral Liquid controls the growth of algae and aquatic vegetation in lakes, ponds and other bodies of water while adding a beautiful, natural-looking blue. Used as an integral component in a lake and pond management...

Treat a tree.(injection system for tree care)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... With its Wedgle tree injection system and tree care products, ArborSystems claims turf care pros can treat a tree in less than three minutes and generate from $25 to $65 of revenue per tree. A free CD-ROM provides all the details. For more...

Time to excavate.(excabator for space-restricted use)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The 314C Cr hydraulic excavator from Caterpillar features a compact radius design that makes it ideal for urban contractors and others who work in space-restricted applications. It weighs as much as 32,590 lbs. depending on how it's equipped,...

Make trees stand tall.(tree brace)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Roy Enterprises' Tree Trainer is a self-supporting tree brace that helps straighten crooked-growing trees. It comes in two sizes: a small unit to fit tree calipers up to 1 in., and a large unit that fits tree calipers of 1 to 2 in. Straps are...

Fenced in.(graffiti resistant fence)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... T.C. Manufacturing and Powder Coating's new Architectural Fencing System (AFS) has a linear wire design that allows creative solutions that enhance landscaping. ITC's "no tag" coating formula is graffiti resistant. Panel sizes come 4-8-in....

Hear the thunder.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... New handheld Thunderbolt Storm Detector detects and tracks thunderstorm activity from 75 miles, determining storm severity, approach speed, and estimated time of arrival. Upon detection, warning information appears on Thunderbolt's LCD display,...

How stimulating.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing's Konsume is an insect feeding stimulant that the company claims, when mixed with any insecticide, will increase the control of insects and reduce the rate of active ingredients being applied. For more...

Dig a little [C].(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Kobelco's new SR-2 Series of compact excavators features zero-tail-swing for working in tight areas, rubber tracks for minimizing damage to paved sidewalks and driveways, and single and bidirectional auxiliary hydraulic valves and piping as...

Rake it in.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... The new Harley Power Box Rake for tool carriers and small pay-loaders enhances the amount of work a contractor can do with the Harley rake. The tool carrier allows the Harley to grade and reshape drainage ditches, as well as rebuild road...

It's a visual thing.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Help your customers visualize their dream landscape with Individual Software Inc.'s Total 3D Home Deluxe and Total 3D Landscape Deluxe. Designed for Microsoft Windows XP, the software creates realistic 3D renderings of landscaping ideas for a...

It's a coverup.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Roll-Rite offers a wide variety of tarp systems for various truck and trailer applications, available in both automatic and semi-automatic for 1-ton and light duty applications. The TarpStretcher, Roll-Rite's new electric gear motor for side...

What the hay.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Goossen's straw blower feeds one to two bales per minute covering one acre per hour. Options include a 13-, 16- or 18-hp gas-powered or PTO-driven three-point operation. The rotor contains a pre-balanced hex shaft and discharges through a 6-in....

Wash it away.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Landa Water Cleaning Systems' new line of hot water pressure washers with a vertical burner design and cleaning power of up to 5 gpm in flow rate and 2000 psi in pressure. A trigger gun with variable pressure wand allows remote operation of the...

Events : WHAT, WHEN & WHERE.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... June 19 Turf Research Field Day / South Deerfield, MS; Sponsored by the Umass Extension Turf Program; 413/545-3066 19-23 Retail Roadshow / Chicago, IL; Sponsored by the National Garden Center Organization; 202/789-2900; www.anla.org...

Devote 2% of your sales to get results.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2002... Most landscape and lawn care business owners like getting their hands dirty. They'd rather be outside than developing a plan to establish their operation as a brand in their marketplace. Not just for cereals Branding? It's okay for...