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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.

Husqvarna launches Alexa automation for robotic mowers

Husqvarna robotic mowers are now compatible with Amazon’s cloud-based voice service Alexa. With the integration, homeowners with the Husqvarna Automower will be able to start, stop and park their mower, as well as receive status updates from their mower by asking Alexa. The first version will be available Sept. 1 in all Automower Connect-equipped robotic […]

Arborjet acquires majority interest in Ecologel Solutions

Arborjet has acquired a majority interest in Ocala, Fla.-based Ecologel Solutions. Ecologel is a developer and manufacturer of products for water conservation, dust mitigation, plant nutrition, pond and lake management and antifungal coatings. “We are proud to partner with the Arborjet team,” said Rick Irwin, president of Ecologel Solutions. “Through our history with Arborjet, we’ve […]

LandscapeHub closes $4.4M seed funding round

Chicago-based startup LandscapeHub, an online platform for buying and selling nursery and landscape goods, raised $4.4 million in seed funding led by Chicago Ventures with participation from Hyde Park Venture Partners, Hyde Park Angels and individual investors. LandscapeHub also secured $1 million in venture debt from Silicon Valley Bank. The company will use the funding […]

FX Luminaire releases the DX lighting controller  

FX Luminaire unveiled the DX controller, a low-voltage lighting controller. It’s operated via a digital facepack and includes astronomical timing and event-based programming capabilities, eliminating the need for plug-in accessories such as timers and photocells, according to the company. The DX comes with a full-color LCD display, and an optional add-on 9V battery adapter allows […]

Greenworks Commercial adds new battery-powered backpack blower

Greenworks Commercial expanded its 82-volt line with the GBB 700 dual battery port backpack blower. “For 2018, we’ve put a focus on providing innovative battery management solutions to increase the amount of productivity users can get on the job site,” said Chris Allen, president of Greenworks North America. “The new dual battery port backpack blower […]

SiteOne opens new Atlanta agronomic sales center

SiteOne Landscape Supply opened a new agronomic sales center for the Atlanta area during a ribbon cutting ceremony this week in Doraville, Ga. The 30,000-square-foot facility officially began operations in late February. The new facility will enable SiteOne to stock up to 880 tons of bagged agronomic material to serve customers who frequently purchase large […]

Wright adds 42-inch deck to Stander I Series

Wright Manufacturing added the 42-inch deck to its Stander Intensity mower. The Aero Core deck design features improved airflow, cut quality and anti-blowout features, according to the company. The floating Aero Core deck tilts side to side and front to back, allowing the mower deck to better follow terrain contours and improving the weight distribution […]

Western Products unveils Pro Plus HD and Wide-Out XL plows

Western Products, manufacturer of Western snow removal and ice control equipment, released the Pro Plus HD straight blade plow. Compatible with up to Class 6 trucks and measuring 34 inches tall and 10 feet wide, the plow is designed for the challenges of heavy contractor jobs and municipal applications, said Western. The 11-gauge powder-coated steel […]

Fisher Engineering launches HC plows, updates XLS plows

Fisher Engineering, manufacturer of Fisher snow removal and ice control equipment, launched the new HC Heavy Contractor plows. Designed to fit up to a 27,500-lb. gross vehicle weight, the plow stands 34 inches tall and comes in 9-foot and 10-foot widths. The HC plow’s 11-gauge powder-coated steel blade is reinforced with eight vertical ribs. It […]

Verizon Connect launches, incorporating Fleetmatics and Telogis

The launch of Verizon Connect marks the integration of the company’s connected vehicle division with two fleet and mobile workforce management software companies it acquired under one brand. Former brands within Verizon’s connected vehicle portfolio, including Verizon Telematics, Fleetmatics and Telogis, have all been rebranded as Verizon Connect. Verizon Connect said it provides the connectivity […]

LandCrafters joins LandOpt network

LandCrafters, a Wisconsin-based landscaping company, became the first LandOpt contractor the state by acquiring exclusive license rights in metropolitan Milwaukee. “We have a highly talented and credentialed staff and offer highly detailed, comprehensive services to well-informed, appreciative clients,” said Scott Ziebol, owner. “At this stage of our growth, professional business systems and processes are what we need […]

Laflamme updates ‘Green Side Up’ book

Ed Laflamme, LIC, and The Harvest Group released the second edition of the book, “Green Side Up: Straight Talk on Growing & Operating a Profitable Landscape Business.” Drawing on more than 40 years of landscape industry business knowledge, Laflamme, offers lessons in how to do the following: Correctly price jobs; Work with banks; Understand that […]

DynaScape adds mobile crew tracking app

DynaScape Software released its spring update to Manage360, Design and Color products. It also unveiled mobile crew tracking capabilities. Now available in the Apple and Google Play app stores, DynaScape’s crew tracking app is an add-on to Manage360. It’s geared toward the foreman/crew leader. It’s operational, even in cellular dead zones, said the company. Key […]

Rain Bird brings Amazon’s Alexa to irrigation control

Rain Bird is using Amazon’s voice-activated personal assistant, Alexa, to change up how users manage irrigation systems. In the U.S. and Canada, Alexa commands can now be used with Rain Bird’s professional series controllers, the ESP-TM2 and ESP-Me, when outfitted with a LNK WiFi Module, as well as with ST8-WiFi controllers offered through retail channels. […]

Walker Manufacturing to celebrate production milestone

Walker Manufacturing Co., producers of the Walker mower, will host its third milestone production celebration July 13-15. The event, called the Walker Family Reunion, will celebrate the production of Walker Mower No. 150,000 and will mark 40 years since the creation of the first Walker mower. “We are a company that likes to celebrate,” said […]

Graphic: Landscape Management

How closely were you paying attention to green industry happenings last week?

Photo: Greenius

SafetyWatch: Using the rolling stop

To plow more effectively, consider using the rolling stop technique. The rolling stop is a great way to preserve your tractor’s brakes and pile snow. The technique is to take your foot off the accelerator as you approach the snow pile and glide into it. As you ease into the pile, raise the plow. The […]

Ruppert acquires Classic Landscaping

Laytonsville, Md.-based Ruppert Landscape acquired Classic Landscaping, a grounds management company headquartered in Frederick, Md., with a second location in Camp Hill, Pa. “Similar to Ruppert in many respects, Classic is a local, family-owned landscaping business that prioritizes the treatment of their team, customers and community over any short-term objectives,” said Ruppert Landscape President Phil […]

NALP urges action on H-2B

Last week, many landscape companies were informed by the Department of Labor that they would not receive the H-2B seasonal guest workers they applied for, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). “Many landscape companies will be facing a devastating employee shortage this year because they didn’t get their H-2B workers,” said Paul Mendelsohn, […]

WAC Landscape Lighting offers LED Mini Wall Washer

WAC Landscape Lighting introduced its LED Mini Wall Washer. The product is engineered to withstand the elements and illuminate exterior spaces—such as shrubbery, walls, facades and other outdoor areas—with integrated LED modules for maximum energy efficiency, according to WAC Landscape Lighting. The washer features an integral dimmer to adjust brightness and delivers a wide uniform […]

Isuzu adds NRR Crew Cab model, announces 2018-2019 lineup

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, distributor of low-cab forward trucks, added the NRR Crew Cab model to its lineup. The new Crew Cab model seats up to seven for the 19,500-lb. GVWR NRR. “Last year, we unveiled our Class 6 FTR truck, which is already making major inroads in the marketplace,” said Shaun Skinner, president […]

Dynamic Green Products adds to NV Earth line of lubricants

Dynamic Green Products, a producer of lubricants, cleaners and absorbents made from renewable resources, will launch ISO hydraulic fluid, the newest addition to its NV Earth line of bio-based outdoor power equipment lubricants. The new hydraulic fluid can completely replace conventional petroleum in more than 200 million pieces of equipment in North America—including mowers and construction […]

illustrations: David Preiss

Step by Step: How to evaluate a new franchise opportunity

Investing in a franchise is an important decision that requires in-depth research and reliable information. While it’s not always easy to evaluate newer franchise opportunities, there are ways to get the information you need to make an educated decision on whether to move forward. Usually, the most valuable thing an entrepreneur can do is interview […]

Dow AgroSciences to become Corteva Agriscience

DowDuPont’s agriculture division, which includes the Dow AgroSciences turf and ornamental business, will get a new name once its spin-off is complete. The new name for the intended agriculture company is Corteva Agriscience. The spin-off is expected to be complete by June 1, 2019. Corteva Agriscience brings together DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Pioneer and Dow […]

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