Landscape Management articles from May 2004

Landscape Management archives from May 2004

Don Hartwell: [C] Spruce Lane Farm, Inc.(Inside the owner's head: personality profile)(Interview)
May 1, 2004... Don Hartwell owns Spruce Lane Farm, Inc., a $6 million big tree nursery, retail store and landscape business located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The company's landscape division, which is 100% design/build, accounts for $4.5 million of the...

These guys aren't so dumb.(On the record: from the road)(Engine & Equipment Training Council)
May 1, 2004... I achieved a couple of firsts recently: I made my first visit to Oregon and now know the proper pronunciation of Willamette Valley (Will-AM-ette, not Willam-ETTE), Oregon (Ore-GIN, not Ore-GON), and Tualatin (Tu-A-latin, not Tua-LA-tin). ...

Build with a talent mindset.(Best practices: raising the bar)
May 1, 2004... Companies that are growing face two challenges: cash flow or capital acquisition and people. While both can become limitations to growth, they can be and are overcome by many companies. When you talk to contractors, most say that finding...

Toronto pesticide bylaw starts.(In the know: news you can use)
May 1, 2004... TORONTO, ONTARIO -- This city's bylaw restricting the "non-essential use" of outdoor pesticides went into effect this past April 1. The bylaw, passed in 2003, starts with an ambitious public education and outreach effort. Next spring Board of...

Debate flares again.(In the know: news you can use)(Ontario College of Family Physicians releases pesticide use review)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... TORONTO -- The debate over the alleged link between pesticide exposure and human illness flared again here April 23 on the release of a review by the Ontario College of Family Physicians. The review received a flurry of media attention. The...

EETC, Shindaiwa focus of conference.(In the know: news you can use)(The Equipment & Engine Training Council; Shindaiwa Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... LAKE OSWEGO, OR -- The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) expects certified technicians to be on the cutting edge of technology. At its 8th annual conference recently, the EETC announced that it, too, is getting technical with a new...

Keep your butt out of the mulch.(In the know: news you can use; ignition tests on mulches by Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... WOOSTER, OH -- Your workers have just applied mulch in the beds surrounding a commercial or industrial building. Some of this mulch is near a "smoking zone" outside the building. A smoker chucks a smoldering butt into the mulch. It catches on...

Gardeners' Guild, Inc. honored.(Clippings)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... SAN RAFAEL, CA -- Gardeners' Guild, Inc. has been selected as one the "50 Best Places to Work in the Greater Bay Area" by the San Francisco and Silicon Valley Business Times. Gardeners' Guild is a 100% employee owned landscape contracting...

Ewing opens Florida location.(Clippings; Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... FT. WALTON BEACH, FL -- Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial expanded into the Florida market. "Our recent merger with Irrigation Solutions in Ft. Walton Beach is an exciting time for Ewing," stated Douglas York, President. Ewing will retain...

Brickman builds Ohio presence.(Clippings)(Brickman Group Ltd. acquires Urban Environments Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... COLUMBUS, OH -- The Brickman Group, Ltd. acquired Columbus based Urban Environments, Inc. (UEI), headquartered here. UEI President, Joel Korte, will remain with the company, as regional manager of Brickman's Columbus Region, as will his...

Ruppert returns to Atlanta.(Clippings)(Ruppert Landscape Company Inc.,)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... SUGAR HILL, GA -- Ruppert re-entered the Atlanta market by opening a landscape installation branch here this year. Ruppert served the Atlanta area from 1992 until its sale in 1998. Patrick Luzier, who was Ruppert's branch manager from 1995 to...

Chalk up a win for these owners.(In the know: news you can use)(Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association of Metro-Milwaukee oppose phosphorus ban)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Pewaukee, WI -- When the Village of Pewaukee, WI, recently announced it was considering joining the City of Pewaukee in banning phosphorus in lawn fertilizer, six members of the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association of Metro-Milwaukee...

Bobcat dealers say 'yes' to KaBOOM!(In the know: news you can use; Bobcat Co. donates equipment to non-profit organization )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... WEST FARGO, ND -- Bobcat Company is donating use of equipment to KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization that helps build playgrounds throughout the United States. "Our mission is simple: to create healthy play opportunities for young people,"...

Skinner Nurseries.(People & companies)(Skinner Nursery Inc., hires new branch manager)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Skinner Nurseries hired Sterling Dees as the new branch manager for their Houston distribution center.

John Deere Landscapes.(People & companies)(Deere & Co.,)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... John Deere Landscapes, San Diego County, appointed Daniel Jazdzewski accounts manager.

Symbiot Business Group.(People & companies; appointment)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Symbiot Business Group hired Bruce Wilson as Director for the Symbiot Landscape Network.

Exmark.(People & companies)(Exmark Corp. honors distributors)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Exmark recognized three of its leading distributors for completing 20 years of service: Lawn Equipment Parts Company (LEPCO), Landisville, PA, Jeff Clark, president; Outdoor Equipment Distributors, Inc. (OED), Raleigh, NC, Rob Zucker,...

Zaretsky and Associates, Inc.(People & companies)(company honoured)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Zaretsky and Associates, Inc. won the top honor at the Rochester Flower & Garden Show: Best of Show. Their display also won the Gold Award for Best Use of Lighting, and the Silver Award for Most Creative Use of Water, Best Single Garden...

Profile Products LLC.(People & companies)(new director of business development appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Profile Products LLC named Marc S. Theisen Director of Business Development.

Bayer Environmental Science.(People & companies)(new sales representatives appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Bayer Environmental Science's four new sales representatives for the newly formed Lawn and Landscape Region are (l. to r.): Joseph Robert (Robby) Clemenzi II for south Georgia, Coastal South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and North Florida;...

Ready, aim ... market! Strategies for delivering your message and making it stand out.(Spread your word)(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... Fred Schillinger, Turf Doctor in Mt. Vernon, OH, counts on customer referrals to help his company attract new clients and achieve business success. If customers are pleased with the services Turf Doctor provides, Schillinger expects them to...

04' seed supplies remain tight: higher prices are likely until the harvest of the 2004 crop as more cultivars become sold out.(Budget Watch)
May 1, 2004... Many of you are discovering that there isn't enough seed of many of the elite cultivars this year and you've been hard-pressed to get what you want. This problem will increase until the 2004 crop harvest as more cultivars sell out. Last...

Build a compelling message.(My way: advertising strategies)
May 1, 2004... I'm going crazy and my mind is about to explode! What am I talking about? I'm talking about you contractors telling me that advertising doesn't work for the landscape business. You tell me, "I spend $5,000 and I get $1,000 in return, or I...

Clean the air.(Innovations: hot new products)
May 1, 2004... RedMax's new EBZ5000Q backpack blower lets Green Industry professionals clean the air quietly while they clean their job sites. The noise level is just 65 dB(A), yet up to 596 CFM of air is moved at a speed of up to 142 mph. The blower is...

Extended help.(Innovations: hot new products)
May 1, 2004... Stihl's extended length hedge trimmers are now powered by the emissions compliant and longer running STIHL 4-MIX engine. The Stihl HL 100 series with STIHL 4-MIX technology provides faster acceleration, more power, more torque and increased...

Get with the system.(Innovations: hot new products)
May 1, 2004... Gardena introduces the Lawn Sprinkler System, a convenient underground watering system for residential and commercial applications with watering areas up to two acres. It's unique from other systems in that it doesn't require wiring or special...

Make the cut.(Innovations: hot new products)
May 1, 2004... Oregon Cutting Systems' FlexiBlade is trimmer line on steroids, with the power to sever weed stalks up to 3/4 in. in diameter. The serrations on the cutting edge act similarly to the teeth of a saw, bringing multiple cutting surfaces into...

Use your head when you haul.(From the shop: equipment transport; industry options for moving equipment from site to site)
May 1, 2004... How do you get your equipment to the site and back? Can you have both security and accessibility? In the past, equipment security and transport options were limited. Most operations used an open trailer and a pickup truck. Larger operators had...

Seize the disease: unlock the mystery to common turfgrass diseases by knowing the telltale signs and treatment options.(Fungus Among Us)
May 1, 2004... This article will help you understand some of the common cool- and warm-season turfgrass diseases, their identification and management options. A more complete discussion of turfgrass diseases can be found on the Web site...

Surprise! Watch your business bloom as you delight your clients with the unexpected.(customer relations)
May 1, 2004... 1 A picture is worth 1,000 words. Whenever possible, Hemlocks Landscaping in Jasper, GA, sends clients an 8x10 aerial photograph of the completed project. "This has proven to be a huge surprise to many of our clients and really helps with...

Knowing your clients makes surprises easy.(From the front lines)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Take the time to learn about your customers, and you can make a lasting impression. Marianne Mumford of Landscape Images Ltd. in New Orleans consulted with a client that loved cats. When the proposal was delivered, the client was surprised to...

Nurture the art of surprise.(Driving Your Business)(customer relations)
May 1, 2004... Here's an idea a little different from what you might expect. Let me give you a couple of statements that will confuse, frustrate and create little or no positive outcome when approaching your team with them. The first statement: "We've...

This time it's personal: give some of your time and a little extra effort and you will transform a simple business transaction into a long-term committed relationship.(Driving Your Business)(customer relations)
May 1, 2004... In business, the bottom line is a tangible measure of success; but for many leaders, going the extra mile to elevate a business relationship to a more personal level is equally as important for the company's long-term survival. Whether it's...

Look beyond the green: owners gather inspiration from other industries.(Driving Your Business)(customer service)
May 1, 2004... Moving outside of your comfort zone can bring unexpected surprises. Turning the tables on a group of owners who strive every day to deliver outstanding customer service, we asked them how they've been surprised as a customer: Going HOG...

To succeed, exceed expectations.(By the numbers)(customer relations)
May 1, 2004... You're probably familiar with the old saying, "Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door." In today's business environment, anyone who follows that advice exclusively will find himself pretty lonely! That's...

Association spotlight.(Focus: Professional Lawn Care Association of America)
May 1, 2004... The Professional Lawn Care Association of America is the premier global trade association for residential and commercial lawn care professionals. Its goal is to develop leaders and to help their businesses succeed by developing education...

Soil sensors make sense: soil moisture monitoring takes the guesswork out of irrigating landscapes with different water needs.(Landscape Irrigation)
May 1, 2004... Sensors are nothing more than technological devices that monitor a variety of external factors. They surround us in our everyday life. So when it comes to watering our landscapes, why don't we have sensors that can do the job for us? Many...

Profit from prevention: many property owners are embracing the idea of season-long fire ant control.(Solutions center: real answers to real challenges)
May 1, 2004... There are an estimated 150 fire ant control products in the marketplace. They offer varying degrees of control, most of them effectively killing foraging ants and/or destroying their mounds. But these fixes have been (to this point, anyway)...

Trimmers & edgers.(LM reports: your guide to product research)
May 1, 2004... SHINDAIWA [eth] T272X Blade Capable Trimmer is powered by a 27.2cc, 1.5-hp engine based on the legendary T27/T270. Two-ring piston, chrome-plated cylinder and heavy-duty air filter for exceptional durability and engine life. Since better...

Longaberger homestead: 2003 PGMS grand award winner for shopping area.(Professional Grounds Management Society)(shopping and entertainment complex)
May 1, 2004... Chad Dickson would probably agree that he's a perfectionist. As he likes to put it, "The biggest thrill for me now is to take a site and put the Longaberger emblem on it." Dickson has been with the company famous for its handcrafted...

Outsourcing--here's how: three respected grounds pros share their secrets to hiring outside contractors to do those special jobs.(Operations Efficiency)
May 1, 2004... Outsourcing" means: 1.) You hire someone outside your organization to do x, y and z for you, and then 2.) You sit back, relax and forget all about x, y and z... right? Wrong! Not surprisingly, you get out what you put in with outsourcing....

Cut wide.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Howard Price Turf Equipment introduces an 80-in. cut, zero-turn mower with an articulating deck. A wing floats 20 degrees up and 12 degrees down for a manicured cut over knolls and undulations. The deck hydraulically folds and lifts for...

Use your head.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Shindaiwa announces the availability of a new heavy-duty fixed-line trimmer head. The trimmer head will accommodate all line diameter sizes up to 0.155 in. and can be loaded in either a 2-line or 4-line configuration. Also, it's made of super...

Track equipment maintenance.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Link It Software Corporation offers a Web- enabled version of its EZ Maintenance software. This will allow companies to access the same maintenance management software program at all localities via the Internet. Each location can independently...

Spread the word.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Pequea Machine's GT-100 topdresser is loaded with features for fast, accurate and efficient application. The fully adjustable gate, 20-in. wide conveyor and spinners work together to create a precise spread depth and pattern from a 23-cu.-ft....

All in the grass.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... A quick-attach, 12-bushel grass catcher that allows installation or removal in 90 seconds or less is available for the EverRide Warrior zero-turn mower. Its cable control engagement is easily accessible to the operator, and its hook mount boot...

Hunter's new mid-range rotor.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Hunter Industries has released the PGJ, a new mid-range rotor for use on all 15- to 30-ft. sites. The PGJ is available as a shrub head, 4-, 6- and 12-in. pop-ups, and can be used as an alternative to spray heads on small turf or landscaped...

An easy fit.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Rain Bird's Landscape Drip Division has introduced a new Easy Fit Compression System that helps simplify and expedite installation of landscape drip systems. The system is comprised of three fittings, five adapters and a flush cap. The three...

Twin engines.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... According to Dixie Chopper, its new S'Burb'N Turb'N riding mower is the only production twin engine mower in the world. It offers the power of a diesel engine with the cost effectiveness of an air-cooled unit. The "twin" model XXW4600-72 was...

Spray it.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Otterbine Barebo introduces its newest pattern, the Genesis, to its aerating fountain line. The Genesis' fountain-like two tiers and 16 silhouetted streams resemble an architectural fountain. The 5-hp's tallest tier can reach spray heights of...

Stay sharp.(Products: tools of the trade)
May 1, 2004... Rapco's carbide chain is ideal for landscape and arborist professionals challenged with difficult cutting applications. Engineered specifically for adverse conditions, Rapco's chain is designed to stay sharp--up to 25 times longer than standard...

Events: what, when & where.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... May 21 University of Arizona Desert Horticulture Conference/Tucson, AZ; 520/626-5161; June 7-9 International Symposium on Snow Removal and Ice Control Technology/Spokane, WA; Sponsored by the Transportation Research Board;...

Statistics: industry trends by the numbers.(Resources)
May 1, 2004... Hand-held power equipment forecast 2002 2003 2004 2005 Category Actual Forecast Forecast Forecast Hand-held blowers 1,800,500 2,017,621 2,076,061 2,015,935 % change...

Costs going up, up, up.(Snow & Ice Guide)
May 1, 2004... Why are you offering snow and ice management services? Stop. Ask yourself that question. Think it through. If I asked you this question today, would you tell me: [C] We do it because we want to keep our landscape customers and we don't...

Fight snow like a pro: 10 steps for a solid winter defense program.(Snow & Ice Guide)
May 1, 2004... When a big winter storm hits, it's time to bring in the specialists--the mighty operators in snow and ice removal otherwise known as... the snowfighters. Like firefighters, Rick Winnestaffer, CSP, CEO of WinnScapes, Inc., Gahanna, OH,...

Erie: snow center USA: new call center gives Snow Management Group foundation to keep growing.(Snow & Ice Guide)(Lake Erie, Snow Management Group )
May 1, 2004... Mission control for the U.S. snow plowing business is tucked along the southeast shore of Lake Erie. Since the weather in Erie, PA, generally arrives from the northwest (and travels the length of the lake, picking up moisture along the way),...

See the storm coming: today's weather forecasting systems give you the profit edge in snow and ice management.(Snow & Ice Guide)
May 1, 2004... Snowstorms, ice build-up and freezing rain can severely affect the landscaping industry. Many landscape company owners, however, do not look at these conditions as profit breakers but as profit makers. They offer a variety of snow and ice...

Keep equipment ready to go: follow this handy checklist to get your snow removal fleet off to a profitable start.(Snow & Ice Guide)
May 1, 2004... Equipment can make or break a maintenance organization. It must be suited to the job. Winter operations require the highest level of equipment maintenance. It's a good idea to review equipment needs after each winter season when they're fresh...

Spray away.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Turbo Technologies unveiled its new line of Ice Control Sprayers for both residential and commercial applications using the Turbo Turf Hydro Seeding Conversion Kits. Systems are available with a capacity from 30 gal. to 1,600 gal. and can be...

Snowblowers to fit any job [C].(New products)
May 1, 2004... From Honda, snowblowers for residential and commercial applications are found in a product line consisting of 10 models in four separate series ranging from 5 hp to 11 hp and capable fof clearing from 46 tons to more than 70 tons of snow per...

Mini spreader tackles big jobs.(New products)
May 1, 2004... The BOSS Snowplow offers a mini tailgate spreader that requires little to no physical effort to attach or detach--whether the spreader is full or empty, reports the company. The BOSS Snowplow SmartHitch 1100 is designed to spread dry,...

Plow up a storm.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Designed for higher stacking capabilities with full use of the blade for faster snow removal and placement, the 29 series of plows from Sno-Way measure 29 in. high and in widths of 7 1/2 ft. and 8 ft. The company recommends that the 29 series...

Snowblower attachments aplenty.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Hard-packed or wet snow is no match for Loftness Attachments, which has two new 2-in., 200 hp Prairie Gearbox models with 8-ft. and 9-ft. double augers. Features include heavier 5/16-in. end plates with gussets and braces, and a unibody design...

A triple-threat to snow jobs.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Henderson Manufacturing added three models to its series of Snowfoe plows. The Leveling Wing provides seven heavy-duty flame cut ribs, fingertip hydraulic operation, and a variety of front and rear posts, with up to 86 inches of leveling...

In control of snow removal.(New products)
May 1, 2004... The TJ Series of Tethered Joystick Control is an ergonomic handheld control for light- and medium-duty snow removal equipment from Force America. The system is designed to run the plow, hoist, and clutch pump from a single handheld joystick....

Take a gander at hopper spreader line.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Western's line of v-box spreaders are designed for ice control on driveways, roads, and parking lots. They mount easily on pick-up and dump or platform trucks and are available in 7-ft., 8-ft., and 10-ft. body lengths in powder coated steel or...

Lightweight straight blade snow buster [C].(New products)
May 1, 2004... For compact trucks and sport utility vehicles, the straight blade, 350-lb. steel blade from Blizzard Corp. features a patented Power Hitch mechanism, extended moldboard design, adjustable push beam kickstand, and full weld torque. In addition,...

Snowplow for pros.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Among the snowplow lines from Little Falls Machine is the SSTR with a 31-in. moldboard height, made of 10-gauge grade 50 steel. It is available in 8-ft. and 9-ft. models (750-lb. and 800-lb. respectively). The industrial-style, single-acting...

Attach, remove plow in a jiffy.(New products)
May 1, 2004... Getting your truck plow-ready is made easier with the new Minute Mount 2 from Fisher Engineering. The mount has a built-in handle that disengages both connecting pins simultaneously when removing the plow and the lower gear is flared twice as...

Speedy spreader attachment.(New products)
May 1, 2004... SnowEx, a product division of TrynEx International, has a new Express Mount Kit specifically designed for its SnowEx Vee Pro bulk spreader models. The kit includes a heavy duty steel subframe for mounting directly to the truck bed base. The...