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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.

Rain Bird releases LNK Wi-Fi module

Rain Bird is making remote access and control available for residential and light-commercial irrigation systems with its new LNK Wi-Fi Module. “Over the past few years, home automation has become increasingly popular, allowing individuals to manage lighting, thermostats, appliances and more from their mobile devices,” said J. Elias Campos, Rain Bird senior product manager. “We wanted […]

Grasshopper releases new coreless aerator

Grasshopper released its new PTO-drive Aera-vator, a coreless aerator for its FrontMount zero-turn mowers. Oscillating steel tines deep-fracture hard, dry soil to create a more resilient surface and improve permeability and drainage, Grasshopper said. Available in 40- and 60-inch models, this front-mounted aerator helps aerate lawns, turf and compacted soil in hard-to-reach areas. By eliminating […]

Juniper acquires Turner Tree in Florida

Juniper, a landscape company based in Fort Myers, Fla., acquired Turner Tree and Landscape in Bradenton, Fla. The company will now operate under the name “Turner Tree—a Juniper Company.” Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Turner’s great reputation and common vision for providing quality landscape services made the acquisition a win-win,” said Brandon Duke, […]

Scotts acquires Blossom, PlantLink

Scotts Miracle-Gro acquired two technology companies: Blossom, which makes smart irrigation controllers, and PlantLink, which has soil sensors and a smart water valve system. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Both companies have products that support the Scotts Water Positive Landscapes Initiative and Connected Yard Internet of Things (IOT) solution, the company said. “We have had a solid […]

SafetyWatch: Texting + cellphone use

Most workers have phones or text messaging devices. These are a serious hazard while driving vehicles, operating equipment and even walking. Many people are killed in equipment and vehicles due to inattention caused by personal cellphone use or texting. Even talking on the phone is a distraction that takes your attention away from driving the […]

New Stuff: December 2016

1. Vanguard Oil Guard System Company: Briggs & Stratton The Vanguard Oil Guard System continuously exchanges oil between the engine and a large oil reservoir, external from the engine. It’s designed to extend oil change intervals from 100 to 500 hours and lower labor and replacement filter costs. Initially available on Ferris mowers, the system […]

Bob-Cat makes updates to select commercial zero-turn mowers

Bob-Cat made updates to its top-line commercial zero-turn mowers, the Predator-Pro and ProCat. The Predator-Pro and ProCat mowers now feature a new 61-inch DuraDeck XF cutting deck. The mower is 3/4-inch deeper, allowing for more airflow and better dispersement of clippings. Bob-Cat upgraded the engine on the 61-inch and 72-inch Predator-Pro models to the Kawasaki FX1000V […]

Success tips from 8 ‘Mighty Oak’-winning contractors

Eight landscape companies were awarded Jeffrey Scott’s 2016 Mighty Oak Award, based on their performance and achievements. The honorees, who belong to Jeffrey Scott’s Leader’s Edge peer groups, were chosen for the awards by their peers. Criteria for winning are: Serving as a positive example to others in the profession. Working with the highest levels […]

Envisor launches executive leadership training event series

Envisor is starting a series of two-day leadership and professional development events that focus on executive leadership training and customer-centric solutions. In collaboration with Bruce Wilson & Co., GrowForward will be held in multiple locations from January to March. “Our intention is to serve as a corporate training resource and facilitator of continuous learning for professionals across functions […]

Project Evergreen, Ruppert upgrade NC community park

As part of its “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” initiative, Project Evergreen partnered with Ruppert Landscape and Habitat for Humanity to makeover Reid Park Community Playground in Charlotte, N.C. The face-lift included the planting of more than 300 ornamental shrubs and several Maple Shade Trees, weeding, mulching and installing walkway edging and kid-safe rubber playground mulch. […]

Indianapolis company finds success with solar energy

With numerous companies offering lawn mowing services and plenty of talented folks working for each, standing out in the green industry is not an easy task. Well aware of this, Gus Mariscal was willing to try anything under the sun to make his company stand out. Hinged on his strong belief in sustainability, Mariscal decided to turn to solar energy. […]

Toro launches web-enabled smart controller platform

Toro introduced SMRT Logic and SMRTscape for mobile landscape control. SMRT Logic works with the SMRTscape app to enable mobile wireless control of irrigation systems, outdoor lighting and more using a smartphone, tablet or PC. SMRT Logic uses proprietary RF technology to securely access irrigation system information from SMRTscape. This technology allows the device to […]

Hunter Industries introduces the ICC2 commercial controller

Hunter released its ICC2 commercial irrigation controller. ICC2 builds on its predecessor with an increased station count, a large backlit display and enhanced surge protection. “The ICC2 is positioned between the Pro-C and I-Core controllers and offers tremendous value to designers and contractors alike,” said David Shoup, product manager, commercial controllers. “It retains many features of the […]

Signature Control Systems debuts two new controllers

Signature Control Systems launched two new controllers, the 8210 and 8310. The 8210 is an indoor controller for mounting in the garage or home. The 8310 is built for outdoor installation and mounting. “The market is screaming for the best-available irrigation control at affordable prices,” said Brian Smith, CEO and founder of Signature Control Systems. “Signature responded with […]

JDLink now available on select large-frame Deere models

John Deere made its JDLink available as a factory-installed option on all new John Deere large-frame G-Series skid-steers (330G, 332G) and compact track loaders (331G, 333G). JDLink allows users to remotely connect with their equipment for diagnostic, safety and efficiency checks. “John Deere has invested heavily over the last decade to become a leading technology solutions provider, not […]

Sol Chip unveils autonomous wireless solar tag

Sol Chip, a provider of Internet of Things systems and energy harvesting solutions, introduced its Sol Chip Comm autonomous, wireless and solar-powered tag. The Sol Chip Comm (SCC) device powers, controls and wirelessly connects a wide variety of sensors to the Cloud. “With our LightBattery technology, Sol Chip is uniquely positioned to realize our vision of […]

Milwaukee intros new outdoor power equipment

Milwaukee Tool launched three new landscape maintenance tools: the M18 Fuel String Trimmer, M18 Fuel Blower and M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer. These new tools are fully compatible with more than 125 solutions on the M18 System. “In our constant mission to listen to our users and deliver solutions based on their needs, we spent hundreds […]

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 […]

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