Author: Emily Schappacher

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

For lawn care operators (LCOs) who have embraced the benefits of ride-on machines, pushing a spreader or pulling a sprayer hose is now a thing of the past. Technology has made ride-on spreaders and sprayers easier to learn and operate while helping LCOs cover more ground in less time. “The lawn care business for many […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Three lawn care operators share their preferred methods for automated prenotifications. In the late 1990s, Jim Zylstra received an automated call from his dentist reminding him of an upcoming appointment. The owner of Tuff Turf Molebusters in Byron Center, Mich., was so impressed by this service that he quickly began researching how to incorporate it […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Today’s irrigation controllers are driven by data and technology. Contractors who embrace these advancements are seeing the benefits. Technology has infiltrated every aspect of modern life, and the irrigation controller is no exception. The devices are more connected and data-driven than ever before, and contractors who are embracing the trends are seeing the advantages these […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

When asked for advice on how to succeed in the green industry, Nathan Brandon often thinks of one of his favorite quotes. “Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate,” says the owner of Pure Green in Nashville, Tenn. “Meaning, don’t do something now for immediate gratification to the detriment of where you […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Before you can generate a quote, you need to know how much area you’re working with. While that typically entails measuring each potential client’s property by hand, some landscape contractors are using property measurement tools to calculate that information. These web-based programs use satellite imagery and point-and-click measuring tools to provide accurate measurements of virtually […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

When Andy Hulcy’s grandfather died, the job of maintaining the family’s lakefront property was passed on to Hulcy and his father, Deck. This included teaching themselves how to operate and maintain the dual-pump system Hulcy’s grandfather had engineered to bring water up from the lake to irrigate the property, which was situated on a small […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Mark Black has some words of wisdom for his fellow lawn care operators: “Remember, one part of your business is to make it clean and green,” says the owner of Country Club Lawn & Tree Specialists in South Roxana, Ill. “The other side is to kill everything.” While “killing everything” might sound like an LCO’s […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

About four years ago, Zech Strauser suggested that one of his commercial resort clients do something a little different with a large, unused green space next to its basketball courts. The project, completed by Strauser for free, turned 8,000 square feet within a 2-acre space into a sustainable plant paradise. It includes native grasses and […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Landscape professionals offer tips and tricks for getting the most out of design software. To Patrick DuChene, choosing the right landscape design software program is only half the battle. “The software is important, but it’s more about how you use it,” he says. Landscape design software can be a costly investment, so it’s important for […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Rodney Creech turned his accidental lawn care business into a long-term, sustainable career. Rodney Creech always thought he would be a farmer. After all, his family farm goes back four generations. So it was a surprise when after college he found himself knee deep in the green industry. “I technically had a lawn care business […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Partnerships among agencies that focus on efficient water management are more important than ever. Water shortages continue to impact states throughout the country, a fact that Mary Ann Dickinson, president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, says should concern everyone. Even states that are typically considered to be water rich are experiencing scarcity […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

What’s the best approach for handling account manager vehicles? Three pros weigh in. The account manager vehicle policy at Toledo Lawns in Toledo, Ohio, has been flexible throughout the years. At one time some account managers drove company vehicles, while others were more comfortable driving their own. But after one of Joshua Way’s account managers […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

As Smart Irrigation Month enters its 13th year, efficient irrigation practices are as important as ever.   Illustrations: ©istock.com/RonFullHD/Sudowoodo

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

As drip irrigation technology evolves, pros embrace the benefits beyond saving water. In April, California’s governor officially declared the state’s nearly five-year-long drought to be over. While that news might be considered bad news for water conservation efforts, Rick Foster, principal product manager for drip irrigation for Rain Bird in Azusa, Calif., isn’t worried. “Even […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Dallas-based lawn maintenance company Robin looks to the future with robotic mowers. While flipping through an issue of Wired, Justin Crandall came across an article about robotic lawn mowers. With a background in business startups and technology, he was intrigued by the concept and wanted in on the action. “We look at ourselves as a […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

When Winter Storm Jonas dropped several feet of snow throughout the eastern U.S. in January 2016, Kevin Shackleford’s plow crews had their work cut out for them. Fortunately, Shackleford, owner of Shackleford Landscape Group based in Bear, Del., had implemented a snow site mapping and marking system a few seasons earlier that positioned his plow […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

LCOs are increasing productivity by changing the way they use fertilizers with enhanced efficiency and hybrid products. There’s always a better way to do something—even apply fertilizer. By embracing industry trends, some lawn care operators (LCOs) are saving time, money and manpower by changing the ways they use and purchase fertilizer. In particular, enhanced efficiency […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

A lack of skilled technicians is taking its toll on the irrigation industry The struggle to find quality workers is hitting irrigation harder than almost anywhere in the green industry. Experts say companies are struggling to keep up with seasonal demands due to a significant shortage of skilled irrigation technicians. “Labor is available,” says Scott […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Some contractors are recognizing the benefits of diesel mowers and adding them to their fleets. Dillon Schlimme keeps his four-mower fleet up to date by purchasing a new machine every year. Two years ago, when his equipment dealer suggested he try out a diesel mower, Schlimme initially thought it was just an attempt to sell […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Irrigation manufacturers offer details to help contractors become more comfortable with Wi-Fi-enabled irrigation controller technology. Irrigation technology continues to evolve rapidly. And while this trend ultimately improves systems’ efficiency and performance, technological advancements can leave some contractors in the dark about how to best incorporate them into their businesses. A recent Irrigation Association (IA) webinar […]

Emily SchappacherNov 3, 2023

Gasoline blended with more than 10 percent ethanol continues to pose a risk to contractors who aren’t educated about its harmful effects on landscape equipment engines. When consumers arrive at the gas pump, they have more fuel choices now than ever before. And while these alternatives and biofuels may be fraught with good intentions of […]