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Author: LM Staff

LM Staff

LM Staff

Landscape Management's staff brings together collective experience in journalism, research, writing, and editing. Our team stays tapped into the pulse of the industry, covering a wide range topics with a commitment to delivering compelling stories and high-quality content.

NALP, Harvest Group launch retention, recruiting educational event

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the Harvest Group are launching The People Academy Live, a two-day workshop, in Orlando, Fla., and Dallas this winter. “We know that finding the right employees—and keeping them—is one of the biggest concerns that landscape and lawn care companies face,” said NALP CEO Sabeena Hickman. “We are committed […]

Registration opens for HortScholar program

The AmericanHort HortScholars program is accepting applications through March 1. The program is open to any student pursuing a horticulture-related degree and includes all degree levels, from associate’s to Ph.D. With paid meals, lodging and registration, HortScholars will spend seven days in Columbus, Ohio, assisting with the behind-the-scenes logistics of preparing the Columbus Convention Center for Cultivate’17, AmericanHort’s […]

Photo: Camso

Efficiency Tip: Flat-free tires

Waiting four hours for a service technician to change a flat skid-steer tire costs Oakridge Landscape Contractors more than $600 when you factor in a crew’s wages at $150 per hour and equipment time. That’s simply unacceptable, says Herman Ciardullo, president of the Hamilton, Ontario-based company. “We can’t afford flats—that’s the bottom line,” Ciardullo says. […]

Profile Products releases topsoil alternative

Profile Products released ProGanics Biotic Soil Media, an eco-friendly, hydraulically applied topsoil. This new entry in the biotic soil amendment category uses the company’s engineered soil media technology, which is made from 90 percent organic ingredients, to help establish sustainable vegetation in near-impossible conditions, the company said. “ProGanics BSM offers contractors the most efficient and […]

Landscape pro develops new stapling tool

Invented by a landscape contractor for contractors, Staple Ease allows users to install staples for  every three to five seconds with its easy-load system, the manufacturer said. Weighing in at just over four pounds, Staple Ease allows contractors to install staples without having to use a hammer. There are four dedicated Staple Ease drivers to install […]

OPEI: Gasoline containing more than E10 can be harmful to small engine products

Gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) can be harmful to outdoor power equipment and other small engine products, like lawn mowers, snow throwers, trimmers and more, according to  The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Using fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol in any gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment can void manufacturer’s warranties and damage the engine,” […]

Ariens to sell aftermarket parts business to Arrowhead Engineered Products

Ariens Co. entered into a definitive agreement to sell its aftermarket parts business to Arrowhead Engineered Products of Blaine, Minn. The sale is expected to be complete by the end of 2016. Both companies are privately-held and terms of the agreement will not be disclosed. The aftermarket parts business includes the Stens brand, sold directly […]

Yardmax debuts power sweeper

Yardmax, a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, released a new power sweeper, which features a nylon brush, Briggs & Stratton engine, ergonomic design and adjustable handlebars. The Yardmax Power Sweeper is built to clean and clear surfaces in year-round conditions, including snow accumulation up to 6 inches. The Briggs & Stratton engine offers 9.5 foot-pound torque, providing enough power to […]

Holganix launches new liquid fertilizer

Holganix launched Holganix 2-10-20, a liquid fertilizer focused on phosphorus and potassium and containing biological food sources and Armament technology. Armament technology, biological food sources that feed soil, combined with the phosphorus and potassium sources, Holganix 2-10-20 promotes healthy root growth, increases water and nutrient efficiency and enhances new plant tissue development and new shoots from […]

illustrations: David Preiss

Step by Step: How to identify turf

To properly manage a lawn or turf area, it’s important to know what type of turfgrass you’re working with. This knowledge helps determine proper mowing height and frequency, as well as water, fertilizer and pesticide needs. Unfortunately, identifying turf can be like solving a puzzle, and no single characteristic or feature can be solely relied […]

Ditch Witch SK1050 mini skid-steer directs 30 hp to attachments

Ditch Witch launched the SK1050 mini skid-steer, designed for a variety of landscape, hardscape and irrigation jobs. The unit improves versatility and productivity by directing more hydraulic power to the attachment, the manufacturer said. Equipped with a 37-hp Tier 4 Yanmar diesel engine, the SK1050 directs 30 hp to the attachment. “Listening to the customer, […]

TurfMutt launches educational contest

TurfMutt launched its “Be a Backyard Superhero” contest. To win, students in grades K-5 submit essays on how they are helping to save the world’s living landscapes. Entries are due Jan. 23. One teacher will win a trip to the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) annual conference and one elementary school will win a $10,000 […]

Morbark debuts track chipper, product upgrades

Morbark debuted the new Beever M18R Track Tree and Brush Chipper, as well as improvements to its Tree Care Products lines, at the TCI Expo. “We first saw the need for a tracked version of our 18-inch capacity chipper for fire and pest cleanup efforts going on in the western United States,” said Casey Gross, Morbark […]

Ditch Witch unveils skid-steer

Ditch Witch introduced the SK600 mini skid-steer. Equipped with a 24.8-hp Kubota diesel engine, this machine features a 600-pound rated operating capacity and a 76-inch hinge-pin height. “Today’s landscape operators face a variety of challenging job sites not always conducive for the larger machines on the market,” said Chris Thompson, Ditch Witch product manager, compact equipment. “The […]

Project EverGreen seeks volunteers for SnowCare for Troops

Clearing driveways and sidewalks of snow and ice can be a real challenge for families of deployed military personnel and disabled veterans. Project EverGreen is doing its part to make this winter a little bit easier for those men and women with its SnowCare for Troops initiative. The organization is raising awareness from Nov. 13-20, which it […]

New Stuff: UTVs, kinetic log splitter and more

1. LandStar LS48V Company: American Landmaster Made in the U.S., this electric-powered UTV tows 1,100 lbs. with a 2-in. rear receiver hitch and carries 400 lbs. in a 9.25 cu. ft. bed. Its 48-v motor reaches speeds up to 22 mph. It lasts about 38 miles on one charge, and the regenerative braking system decelerates […]

Photo: linnemann lawn care & landscaping

What aftermarket mower products do you prefer and why?

Mark Wehman Owner, BBC Property Maintenance Colchester, Vt. “We use Oregon lawn mower blades because they are good quality blades that last and are very economical. The mulching blades are great for the baggers.” Matt Hall President, Deep Roots Landscape Contracting Merritt Island, Fla. “We use Sta-Bil Ethanol Treatment for our small engines. We do […]

SafetyWatch: Leaf blower tips

Before you use a leaf blower, consider these guidelines. Be considerate of bystanders and adjoining property owners—never blow in the direction of people, pets, roads, vehicles and buildings. And never blow at open doors or windows. When people approach, stop working until they pass. Be aware of who and what is around you at all […]

Editorial Advisory Board: November 2016

What one thing can landscape companies do now to prepare for a business disaster? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf Norcross, Ga. “The CEO should make sure that all safety components are working at all times. Fire extinguishers, exit signs, fire doors, fire escapes, good tires on all vehicles, brakes checked, mirrors, lights, good ventilation […]

ASV unveils new compact track loader

ASV introduced the new large-frame, radial-lift Posi-Track RT-75 compact track loader. The RT-75 features a rated operating capacity of 2,650 pounds and a tipping load of 7,571 pounds. It is 70 inches wide and has a 126-inch lift height. It comes with an optional all-weather cab that includes heat and air-conditioning and is pressurized for a clean […]

SiteOne acquires Kansas City distributor

SiteOne Landscape Supply acquired the distribution business of Loma Vista Nursery, a Kansas City, Kan.-based distributor of nursery and hardscape products that started in 1991. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Loma Vista is a strong leader in the market and their nursery and hardscape business is a perfect complement to our existing business in agronomics, […]

Jacobsen intros new zero-turn series

Jacobsen launched its new ZT400 and ZT600 zero-turn mower series. The ZT400 is available with a 24-hp Kawasaki or a 25-hp Briggs & Stratton engine; 48-, 54-, or 60-inch width of cut; and ground speeds of up to 9 mph. The ZT600 is available with up to a 24-hp Kawasaki FX or a 25-hp Kohler Confidant EFI […]

New updates from John Deere

James Dutton, commercial mowing and product marketing manager for John Deere, gives an inside look at the new products and programs coming from the company this year. Watch the video to learn about Deere’s new Never Stop Services campaign.

PBI-Gordon launches early order program

Dave Loecke, market development manager for PBI-Gordon, stops by the LM booth to share some of the newest updates from the company, including the benefits of its early order program and how they are adapting to new trends.

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