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Author: Emily Schappacher

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Emily Schappacher

Emily Schappacher is a freelance writer based in Cleveland.

photo: Ditch Witch

Analyzing trends in trencher technology

Advancements in trencher technology help contractors do more work using less manpower, while paving the way to new uses of the machines. When John Newlin purchases a trencher for his irrigation and lawn care business, he looks for three main features. “I want something that has a small footprint to minimize damage to customer properties, […]

Photo: Gelderman Landscape Services

Learning from the ground up

With no prior green industry experience, Nathan Helder found himself at the helm of his family’s third-generation landscape business with a vision to take it to the next level. During his first year as president of Gelderman Landscape Services, Nathan Helder decided to purchase three of the company’s pickup trucks that had come to the […]

Ability to adapt

LCOs who offer flexible application programs can enhance results and keep customers happy, while using less product more efficiently. In any business, it’s wise to stay flexible. That’s particularly true for lawn care operators looking to keep their customers’ lawns weed free. Experts agree that offering flexible application programs can enhance results and keep customers […]

Along with consistency, checklists drive productivity and profitability.

Process for productivity

Weekly landscape maintenance checklists help crews do their jobs consistently and efficiently. While all clients’ properties are different, the way they’re serviced should be the same every time. At least that’s the mantra at U.S. Lawns. The $170-million commercial grounds care franchise business headquartered in Orlando, Fla., stresses the importance of its weekly “job sequencing” […]

photo: Aquascape

Small, pondless fountains grow in popularity

Technology and the growing popularity of small, pondless fountains have made water features easy for contractors to install and even easier for homeowners to maintain. Brian Helfrich has worked with ponds and water features for the past 20 years and can’t remember a time they’ve been as popular as they are right now. What used […]

Will propane be the fuel of the future?

Despite the environmental and cost benefits of propane-powered equipment, cheap gas is preventing contractors from making the switch. Mike Trump always knew propane-powered mowers were better for the environment. So with some advice from his equipment dealer and a monetary incentive from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), he decided to give them a […]

Photo: iStock.com/BOZHDB

Irrigation outlook for 2017

We chat with the Irrigation Association about the state of irrigation regulations and what contractors can expect in 2017. Water issues remain on the forefront in many regions of the country in 2016, keeping the irrigation industry under the microscope on local, state and federal levels. With Republicans taking control of Congress and the White […]

Photos: Hinkle Hardscapes

Does your company name match your focus?

It’s been one year since Zach Hinkle changed the name of his company, formerly K.C. Lawn & Landscaping, to Hinkle Hardscapes. Since rebranding, refocusing and implementing new processes and procedures, business has never been better. Revenue is up; his designers, crews and account representatives are happier and more efficient; and the company is attracting the […]

The benefits of plant growth regulators

Plant growth regulators can be useful tools for landscape contractors and lawn care operators, but experts say they aren’t prevalent in the industry. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) can provide a number of benefits to landscape contractors and lawn care operators. PGRs have been proven to save contractors time and money by decreasing the frequency of […]

The low-down on disease

  Spring’s warm, moist weather is the perfect breeding ground for turf and ornamental diseases, so lawn care operators should be proactive to keep problems at bay. Spring’s warm, moist weather is the perfect breeding ground for the fungal spores that cause most turf and ornamental diseases. From curled, spotted leaves, to discolored patches of […]

tides change Public awareness about water scarcity drives irrigation pump trends.

How pumps can improve water efficiency

Pump station trends reflect a need to manage water efficiently and monitor results. Pump stations—often referred to as the hardest-working components of an irrigation system—are designed to pressurize water from supply sources such as ponds, wells, lakes, ravines and storage tanks and direct it to irrigation systems on residential, commercial and agricultural properties. Often working […]

Photo: oasis turf & tree

What to know before adding lawn care services

Companies interested in lawn care must consider several factors before adding it to their offerings. So you’re mowing lawns and doing other landscape maintenance, and the idea of providing fertilization, weed and insect control piques your interest. If you’re a maintenance contractor, there are several reasons you may want to add turf and ornamental care—aka lawn […]

Feature photo: ©istock.com/PongsakornJun

A closer look at the EPA’s WaterSense program

The EPA’s WaterSense program has placed the topic of water conservation on the forefront for 10 years and counting. In its 10 years, WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has helped save 1.5 trillion gallons of water and $32.6 billion in water and energy bills for consumers across the […]

Photos: Kathleen’s Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control

Small-town success in lawn care

Michael Rogers strives to manage growth while maintaining his Georgia-based lawn care company’s small-town roots. Michael Rogers has never told his technicians to work faster. Instead, he encourages them to spend as much time on each client’s property as necessary to do the job right the first time. Perhaps it’s a reflection of his southern […]

Web Extra: Seeing Green

In the September issue, Michael Rogers, president of Kathleen’s Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control, discussed how he strives to manage growth while maintaining his company’s small-town roots. Here’s a closer look at one additional service Kathleen’s offers during The Masters.  Every April, residents in Augusta, Ga., and its surrounding cities have one thing on their minds: golf. […]

Lawns on the mend

After a hot, dry summer, fall is the perfect time of year to revive and rejuvenate customers’ lawns. After hot, dry summertime weather, turf grass welcomes the cooler temperatures and precipitation that fall can bring. “Fall is a time of renewal for turf,” said Jamie Breuninger, technical leader for Dow AgroSciences Turf & Ornamental. “The […]

Web Extra: How to get WaterSense Certified

The EPA’s WaterSense program has placed the topic of water conservation on the forefront for 10 years and counting. In this LM Web Extra, learn how you can get WaterSense-certified. Contractors can become WaterSense certified by completing program requirements through several regional and national professional certifying organizations. For example, irrigation contractors, landscape/turf irrigation designers, and […]

A new age of practical aerators

Aerator technology continues to advance, providing landscape pros more efficient machines. After decades of being heavy, slow and difficult to maneuver, aerators are finally being made with the landscape contractor in mind. “This wasn’t the case even 10 years ago when aerators were designed for two primary customers: the dedicated turf care professional and the […]

Adapting to drought conditions

How Cleary Bros. Landscape helps clients save water and adapt to drought conditions. Drought hit California hard in 2012 and continues to plague the state. While the worst of it seems to be over, Martin Cleary says it’s a time that most residents won’t soon forget. “The drought persisted for five years, so it’s pretty […]

Photos: Red Valley Landscape & Construction

Teamwork drives success at Red Valley Landscape & Construction

Taking on a diverse array of new endeavors, Red Valley Landscape & Construction is growing quickly, with no signs of slowing down. Mike Freeman’s company, Red Valley Landscape & Construction, has experienced the kind of growth that many contractors can only dream of. Since its beginning in 2012, the $5.3 million company in Edmond, Okla., […]

Making profits with tree services

Adding tree services to a landscape maintenance company is a big undertaking, but it can be a profitable one if done right. Justin Gamester always considered his firm to be a full-service landscaping company. Offering a mixture of maintenance, construction, irrigation, lighting and snow removal services, Piscataqua Landscaping in Eliot, Maine, could handle nearly all […]

Fertigation: An efficient way to feed

Fertigation is one way to give clients what they want—a greener, healthier lawn for less. Michael Chaplinsky cuts to the chase. “No customer actually wants an irrigation system,” he said. “All they really want are green plants.” Through fertigation, clients can have both. Fertigation is the process in which fertilizer is dissolved and distributed along […]

Joining forces

Tony Szczechowski has systemized and streamlined his Holland, Ohio-based company and is positioned for long-term growth. Learn how to become comfortable saying no. That’s the No. 1 piece of advice Tony Szczechowski has for other owners of landscape companies. After mastering this skill, the owner of Pro Edge Lawn Care near Toledo, Ohio, now serves […]

Photo: Unique Lighiting

A closer look at app-controlled landscape lighting

App-controlled landscape lighting systems allow homeowners to adjust their lighting through a computer, smartphone or tablet. Do your clients want the ability to control their landscape lighting? Because there’s an app for that. App-controlled landscape lighting systems have been on the market for about two years, and some contractors are seeing an increase in clients interested […]

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