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Author: Lauren Dowdle

Sensors can help contractors save on time, money and labor. (Photo courtesy of Rain Bird)

Irrigation Tech: How sensors save on water usage

Irrigation pros share how they use various sensors — rain, flow, soil moisture and more — to benefit their customers and bottom lines

Sod webworm (Photo: Quali-Pro)

How to manage sod webworms

Lawn care operators can follow these tips and tricks for the best management and scouting for sod webworms this coming season.

Small adjustments to the system can be made once it’s up and running. (Photo courtesy of Hunter Industries)

How to successfully install irrigation systems

Irrigation contractors can follow these steps before digging to ensure a clear plan that will allow their irrigation systems will be correctly installed.

Nutsedge often has a lime-green color and grows about twice as quickly as regular turfgrass. (Photo courtesy of PBI-Gordon Corporation)

Weed Avengers: How to manage nutsedge

Two lawn care operators, Adam Linnemann and Jeffrey Juchnowicz, share do’s and don’ts for identifying and treating the aggressive weed, nutsedge.

Rainbow Treecare employee climbing tree (Photo: Rainbow Treecare)

Landscapers share how software produces results for their businesses

Landscape Management takes a look at the benefits three companies have seen from implementing landscape industry software.

NaturaLawn focuses primarily on residential customers, with about 97 percent of all business coming on the residential side. (Photo courtesy of NaturaLawn of America)

Do’s and don’ts for growing your organic lawn care company and services

Expanding your organic lawn care services business poses its own hurdles. Two owners share what it takes to be successful with organic lawn care.

Irrigation van setup (Photo: Rain One Irrigation & Drainage)

Tips for improving irrigation van inventory

Landscape Management talks with irrigation professionals who divulge their top advice for improving truck and van inventory setups.

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Identifying and treating brown patch and large patch

When a section of turf loses its lively green color, there are several possible reasons, including brown and large patch.

Fertilizer spreader 9Photo: BanksPhotos/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

Fertile Ground: Biologicals and controlled-release fertilizers

Lawn care experts from Bio Green, Green County Fertilizer Co. and Anuvia Plant Nutrients explain biologicals and controlled-release fertilizers.

Heavy-duty piece of Case equipment (Photo: Groff Tractor & Equipment)

Buying vs. renting equipment

Equipment is one of the biggest expenses for landscape contractors, so it pays to do homework before adding a new machine. Whether that’s renting, leasing or buying, dealers can offer insight and information to help make the best decision. Tax credits Greg Black, owner of Black Landscape out of Mechanicsburg, Pa., turned to his dealer, […]

UTV in action (Photo: Greenworks North America)

Why some landscapers are choosing UTVs

Including landscape maintenance and snow removal jobs, utility vehicles are rolling out on more job sites because of their versatility and ability to handle rough terrain, says Joel Hicks, senior product support manager at Kioti. “The primary purpose is to get people and the tools they need to multiple locations that are not really accessible,” […]

Distributor supplies (Photo: Kurtz Bros.)

Dealer and distributor partners in success

Dealers and distributors aren’t just providers of parts, equipment or materials for the next design/build and installation project. They can also share business advice, operating techniques, product knowledge, financing support and solutions with their customers. Three dealers share the benefits of building relationships with customers. Share updates, concerns It’s about forming customer connections for Richard […]

Man spraying (Photo: Bayer)

Preseason preparations: early order programs

Whenever landscape or lawn care companies can find savings on products they’re already going to purchase, it’s worth looking into. The exact amount of savings vary with early order programs (EOPs), but these programs can result in benefits for companies — especially the earlier and larger the purchases. Three lawn care professionals share their experiences […]

Checklist (Photo: iStock.com/Roman Valiev)

Early order program checklist

Before they can start using an early order program (EOP), landscape and lawn care companies must first complete the manufacturers’ forms and submit any required documentation. The specific information needed will vary among brands, but there are some key components that most will ask for when signing up for the programs or rebates — including […]

Person signing papers (Photo: iStock.com/peopleimages)

What landscapers should know about insurance

No one plans to have an accident on the job, but it’s important to be prepared if and when the worst happens. Insurance can help protect business owners from injury and damage claims — if they have the right coverage. See what type of insurance landscapers need and how they can take full advantage of […]

Area being irrigated (Photo: Horizon Landscapes Co.)

Best practices for irrigation shutdowns

As temperatures begin to drop across the country, contractors are gearing up for another season of irrigation shutdowns. Systems need to be winterized before overnight temps hit freezing and damage may occur. From large commercial properties to residential customers, now is the time for contractors to start planning for and implementing their irrigation shutdown services. […]

Loader and attachment (Photo: JCB)

How track loaders and attachments can help landscape pros stay on track

Various experts explain how implementing track loaders and their attachments can help design/build professionals stay on track.

Photo: Aquatrols

Surfactant power

It’s important to understand the power of surfactants and their competitive advantage. Lean some do’s and don’ts for getting the most from wetting agents.

Man plowing during snowstorm (Photo: Brian Mauer)

Plan before you plow

Owners better have a plan, team and equipment in place before the first flake of the year falls if they offer snow and ice removal services. Without those things, they (and their revenue stream) will be left frozen in place. Three landscape contractors offer tips and advice on purchasing snow equipment, hiring employees and becoming […]

lawn and sky (Photo: iStock.com/Pakhnyushchyy)

A look at combination fertilizers

Products that combine fertilizers with another lawn care chemical can reduce the number of applications if the schedules for each substance line up. “Being able to apply a fertilizer and something else — like a pesticide or herbicide — in one pass is the No. 1 reason why lawn care operators (LCOs) would use it,” […]

Man fertilizing (Photo: iStock.com/jamievanbuskirk )

Best practices for selecting a fertilizer

Ask customers what they expect from their lawn care company, and one of the top answers is probably “results.” That means companies are tasked with keeping their clients’ turf green and healthy — and to do that, they will need the right general fertilizer for the job. Finding the most well-suited fertilizer can come down […]

Photo: Outback Landscape

Handheld tools for hardscape projects

Having the right tool for the job saves crews time and energy and reduces the risk of an injury. For hardscape projects, there are several tried-and-true handheld tools to get the job done. Here’s a look inside the toolboxes of contractors from around the country. Tools that limit strain Located in South Windsor, Conn., Bahler […]

Hand holding dust (Photo: iQ Power Tools)

Dust off your safety plan

Landscape contractors who work with hardscape materials are taking note of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respirable Crystalline Silica standard, which affects the type of equipment and practices they use on the job site. Crystalline silica is a mineral found in materials like stone, concrete, brick, sand and mortar. Respirable particles are created […]

Husqvarna ride-on mower (Photo: Husqvarna)

Package deal

There are loyalty programs for everything from hotels to restaurants that reward customers for making purchases. It only makes sense for customers to take advantage of these perks for things they are already going to buy. But what about mower fleet loyalty programs? Should landscapers consider a rewards program or purchasing their entire fleet from […]

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