ALCA July/August 2023

The ALCA Influence is the official publication of the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association. ALCA and The ALCA Influence assume no responsibility for the statements or opinions appearing in articles under an author’s name. The services of an attorney or accountant should be sought in legal and tax matters. For editorial information, contact the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association, 5425 E. Bell Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254; telephone (602) 626-7091 e-mail barb@ALCA.org.

The Participant hereby irrevocably grants the Company permission to use the Participant’s voice, image and likeness in any photograph, video, internet site, audio-recording, and in any and all of its publications, including website entries (collectively “Promotional Materials”) without payment or any other consideration.

ALCA & Advocacy

Hardto believe we just wrapped up the second quarter in 2023! The first six months has hopefully been a success to all of our members and their companies. As you know, in January the state got a new Governor and Legislators and with that comes a new set of challenges. We at ALCA take great pride in our advocacy program with Matthew Johnson of Back to Nature Landcare representing us and working alongside AFC (Arizonans for Fair Contracting) and ASA of Arizona (American Subcontractors Association). This year, this group has represented all contractors throughout the state at both the state and local level. They have made great strides on protecting ALCA and all contractors.

2023 AFC Legislative Fundraising Event

Cornhole for a Cause Tournament

Thursday, August 24th 3:30pm - 7:30pm

Hole 9 Yards Gilbert, AZ

Nickie Velten 2023 ALCA President

In February, a bill was introduced to the legislature to make an amendment to void the Arizona Right to Work statues. ALCA, ASA and AFC were victorious in getting that bill tabled. On a local level, both the City of Phoenix and City of Tempe introduced prevailing wage at their city council meetings. In March, the City of Phoenix passed the prevailing wage. With ALCA, ASA and AFC’s help, we got it rescinded in April. City of Tempe tried to introduce it in April and it has been decided to be tabled at this time. These are very important steps to keep the government from dictating what we pay our employees and to keep fair business practices for all of us.

In 2022 and 2023, ALCA, ASA and AFC have been working diligently on the Arizona Prompt Pay Act and tightening the rules on retention on public projects. This will help promote getting paid draws and retention on time. For more information on the Arizona Prompt Pay Act please visit https://www.azleg. gov A.R.S 28-411

If you ever wonder what your membership dues go to, this is a perfect example. We encourage you to get involved! ACLA represents 420 members plus their employees. There is power in numbers! That is what politicians understand. Votes! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24 and join ALCA, ASA of Arizona, AFC along several other specialty associations at the Legislative Fundraiser Cornhole Tournament to help make a real impact on our legislative efforts and further strengthen our industry.

I would like to personally thank Barb Shehan, Matthew Johnson (ALCA), Josh Umar, Dick Roberts (ASA of Arizona), and Marty Gelbaus (AFC) for all your continued time, involvement and support with all our legislative needs. Sincerely,

Nickie Velten

The “Cornhole for a Cause Tournament” – is a joint fundraising event by the Arizonans for Fair Contracting Coalition. Member participation in past fundraising events helped us secure a victory for AFC in 2019 with the passage of SB1271 that addressed unfair transfer laws in the construction industry.

Help us continue this success as we work to protect and advocate for our industry in 2023/2024. Your participation will help us raise money for our joint legislative efforts including funding a lobbyist, legislator and industry communication and participation in industry coalitions and organizations.

The tournament will be held on Thursday, August 24th at Hole 9 Yards in Gilbert. See you there!

REGISTRATION

$200 Team (2 players)

$30 Spectator (1 person, food/drink only)

SPONSORSHIP (deadline Friday, August 4th) (deadline Friday, August 4th)

$1000 Food Sponsor (4 available)

$1000 Drink Sponsor (4 available)

$500 Cornhole Board Sponsorship (4 available)

$400 Bag Sponsor (4 available)

$300 Award Sponsor (4 available)

$250 Raffle Prize Sponsor

Register your team of 2 and join the Cornhole Community in what will definitely be an epic adventure into the world of Cornhole! Please consider a sponsorship with your registration, it's for a good cause!

-Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will be awarded

-Chance at Winning a Raffle Prize

-2 drink tickets and food will accompany your registration to satisfy your cravings because you will surely work up an appetite tossing bean bags into a hole in a tilted board Mingling and Networking is highly recommended so even if you don't plan to compete, we ask that you attend and cheer on the other competitors.

Arizonans for Fair Contracting | https://azfaircontracting.com/

Show Me the Money

ALCA is not only focused on providing quality education and certification to individuals currently working in the landscape industry, but is also dedicated to developing a landscape workforce for the future. ALCA provides the Arizona Certified Landscape Professional (ACLP) and the Sustainable Landscape Management® (SLM®) programs to Arizona high school agriculture departments. These programs are offered at no charge to the student or schools, as the goal is to reach the younger generations and attract qualified and educated workers into the landscape and green industries.

For post-secondary students, ALCA offers two different scholarship opportunities: The Sky Blu Underwood Green Industry Scholarship and the ALCA General Scholarship. Many partner companies have donated their products, services and money to these funds in a dedicated effort to provide individuals the ability to pursue fields related to the green industry.

With the application deadline quickly approaching (7/31), this is a great opportunity to apply for funds and share with your colleagues.

SKY BLU UNDERWOOD GREEN INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

ALCA organizes an annual golf tournament honoring Sky Blu Underwood. The proceeds from the tournament go to the Green Industry Scholarship Fund. Sky Blu Underwood was born in Phoenix in 1974 and was raised around the landscape industry. He often worked for his father during the summers at AAA Landscape. His roots were deeply entwined with the agricultural industry. Unfortunately, Sky passed away before he could fulfill his dreams. This endowment has been established to help other young people build theirs. Perhaps applicants can carry on one of Sky’s dreams, using their education to beautify the world with trees, flowers, and all things green.

• This fund is for students who are serious about continuing their formal education in the “Green Industry.”

• Applicants may apply for eight undergraduate semesters.

• Scholarship recipients may receive up to $1,000 per semester for a maximum total of $8,000.

• Must be an Arizona resident, attending an accredited Arizona post-secondary school.

ALCA GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The General ALCA Scholarship Fund is open to all ALCA members and their immediate families, regardless of their choice of academic field. The scholarship funds are available for those qualified individuals who wish to further their post-secondary education.

• Individuals are eligible for two semesters in its entirety.

• Scholarship recipients may receive up to $1,000 per semester.

• Must be an ALCA member or an immediate family member.

• Must be an Arizona resident, attending an accredited Arizona post-secondary school.

• No ALCA board member or ALCA committee member is personally eligible for a scholarship.

All interested parties are encouraged to apply. You will find the applications on the ALCA website:

Hope to see the applications come flying in!

Barb Shehan

Special Thank You to our ALCA Sponsors

PLATINUM

Barb Shehan Executive Director

THANK YOU, Golf Tournament Exhibitors & Sponsors!

ALCA Golf Tournament Recap

A Memorable Day for a Worthy Cause

TheLegacy Golf Resort, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Phoenix, recently played host to the highly anticipated ALCA Golf Tournament. Organized in benefit of the Sky Blu Underwood Scholarship Fund, the event brought together golf enthusiasts, exhibitors, and sponsors for a day of friendly competition and charitable support.

First and foremost, ALCA would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, golfers, and exhibitors who made this tournament a resounding success. Your unwavering commitment to the cause and your enthusiasm on the greens truly made a difference. Together, the community raised valuable funds to support the Sky Blu Underwood Fund’s noble mission of supporting young students pursue their dreams using their education to beautify the world with trees, flowers, and all things green.

The day began on a delightful note with scrumptious breakfast burritos, generously sponsored by Evergreen Turf and All Season Wholesale Growers. The contribution set the tone for the tournament, fueled the golfers’ spirits, and provided the energy needed to tackle the challenges of the day.

Amidst the friendly competition and camaraderie, the winning teams emerged triumphantly. Claiming the title of first place sponsored by Infinity Insurance Partners was the team from Toro Co.: Scott Bowen, Nathan Kundla, Aaron Sundquist, and Eric Rengle. Their exceptional skills and teamwork catapulted them to the top, earning them welldeserved recognition and applause.

Second and third place were sponsored by Sprinkler World. In second position was team Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire comprised of Trae Sadler, Brian Connolly, Ed Macias, and Travis. Arizona CLA emerged victorious with their team, Jared Martin, Brian Martin, Brett Martin, and Jim Perkins, clinching the third-place position.

An event like this wouldn’t be complete without the excitement of raffle prizes. Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, the raffle featured a myriad of enticing rewards. From luxury spa days to high-end golf equipment, the prizes elevated the tournament experience and added an extra dose of anticipation to the day’s festivities. ALCA’s sincerest appreciation to all the sponsors who made the raffle prizes possible.

Following the players battle on the course, Syngenta Professional Products, West Coast Turf, and Compass Creative stepped up to sponsor a delectable lunch. Their contribution was not only satisfying to the taste buds but also much appreciated by the field. Their generosity ensured that every swing and every putt contributed to the greater good.

The ALCA Golf Tournament is always a day to remember, and this year was no different. ALCA is forever grateful for the unwavering support from all the participants, golfers, exhibitors, and sponsors who made this event a resounding success. Cheers to making a difference, one swing at a time. See you next year!

Arizona

JAIN

AZ

AYR Trees

Larry Brown

PO Box 72015, Phoenix, AZ 85050 (602) 647-4747 l larry@ayrtrees.com www.ayrtrees.com

Tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, tree health, and fertilization.

Contractor Class 2

Crown Lawn and Pest

Matt DeRoest

1050 East Shari Street, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 (208) 794-5627 l crownlawnandpest@gmail.com

Crown Lawn and Pest provide pest and weed control services to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

Contractor Class 1

Desert Landscape Solutions LLC

Francisco Lopez 2629 E Commonwealth Cir, Chandler, AZ 85225 (480) 434-9736 l flopez@desertls.com

www.desertlandscapesolutions.com

Landscape Maintenance, Hardscape, and Irrigation company.

Contractor Class 1

Geupel Landscaping Company

Abe Geupel 25636 N 140th Ln, Surprise, AZ 85387 (928) 499-1498 l abe@geupel.org

Start-up landscaping business.

Contractor Class 1

Golden West Arbor Services, Inc.

Jesse Orozco

1377 E. Corona Road, Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 (877) 984-8733 l Jesse@gwas-az.com

We are a commercial tree service company.

Contractor Class 1

Inter AG Services

Charles Mclane

2515 East University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 273-7248 l daniel@iaslabs.com

www.iaslabs.com

Provide water testing, soil testing, and other tests for homeowners and businesses.

Associate Class 2

La Posada at Park Centre

Anthony Gonzales

350 E. Morningside Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614 (520) 648-4066 l anthonyg@laposadagv.com

www.laposadacommunities.org

La Posada is a 110-acre retirement community. With a crew of 24, we handle all landscape, maintenance, and patio installs, sidewalk, and roadway repairs.

Affiliate

Patrick’s Home Solutions

Michele Simpson 26610 N 150th Ave, Surprise, AZ 85387 (623) 640-0405 l patrickspests@gmail.com

Hardscape Installation

Contractor Class 1

Premiums by Zimber

Beau Chalene

6553 E. Night Glow Circle, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (480) 819-2411 l Beau@zimbermarketing.com

www.Zimbermarketing.com

We are a promotional merchandise company that can assist with sourcing apparel, pens, business cards, printed collateral, yard signage, fence mesh, car door magnets and so much more. We can help with anything that you can put a logo on.

Associate Class 2

Somerton School District 11

Veronica Esparza

429 N Carlisle Ave, Somerton, AZ 85350 (928) 341-6056 I vesparza@ssd11.org

School district grounds management.

Affiliate

Tenant Land Management

Susan Sorby

9221 E Baseline Rd, Ste 109-487, Mesa, AZ 85209 (480) 381-8564 l susan@tenantlm.com

www.tenantlm.com

We are a landscape installation, repair, and maintenance company.

Contractor Class 2

Thrive Smart Systems

Bryan Brittain

980 Queens Drive, American Fork, UT 84003 (801) 413-3023 l bryan@thrivesmartsystems.com

www.thrivesmartsystems.com

Irrigation Manufacturer. Deliver first in class wireless irrigation systems that are reliable, environmentally friendly, and affordable. We want to make a

completely wireless irrigation system available to every residential dwelling, commercial building, and agricultural system across the globe.

YardPro, LLC

George Polynin PO Box 73409, Phoenix, AZ 85050 602-348-6790 l yardpro@cox.net

www.yardprollc.com

We are a family-owned and operated business that targets commercial work. We specialize in HOA community because of our vast experience in the community management/real estate industry. We understand the importance of well-maintained grounds in respect to property values and Quality Service is the focus of our company.

Contractor Class 2

24” Track Trencher

• All hydraulic drive

• Controls use “rods”, not cables

• 13hp Honda w/electric start

36” Track Trencher

• Stand-on, less fatigue

• All Hydraulic drive

• Controls use “rods”, not cables

• 23hp Honda w/electric start

Mini Track Loader

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Agave Environmental Contracting

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Pascale Land Design

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Award

Sponsors

Sun Country Truck Equipment

From landscape bodies and flatbeds to hitches and accessories, we provide the best in custom manufactured truck bodies and factory equipment in the Southwest. Whether you need a truck or van body, modification, or repair, Sun Country can provide you with the best setup available.

4245 E Superior Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040

(602) 438-4956

www.suncountrytruck.com

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock - a SiteOne Landscape Supply Company

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand and Rock offers custom landscape and parking lot curbing, borders and landscape materials serving the Arizona market. Whether you’re a residential or commercial customer we offer the landscape rock and decorative curbing choices you’re looking for. Volume and contractor discounts are available.

(602) 353-1020

www.cuttingedgecurbing.com

Rainbow Ecoscience

Since 1976, Rainbow has been a leader in the Green Industry, advancing the science and understanding of plant healthcare through research and the development of predictable management protocols. As one of the nation’s largest independent tree service companies, Rainbow brings unmatched knowledge in both the science and the daily operations of plant healthcare. We are passionate about serving you.

Jim Ramos | (480) 204-2817

jramos@rainbowecoscience.com

Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply

Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply is the largest family-owned supplier of landscape and irrigation products in the country.

3441 E Harbour Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85034

(800) 343-9464 | Ewingirrigation.com

JAIN Irrigation

JAIN Irrigation and ETwater are manufacturers of quality smart controllers and high efficiency, low-volume drip irrigation products.

Mike Palumbo

(909) 637-7181 | www.jainusa.com

Sponsored by:

$50,001 - $75,000 Award of Excellence

MICRO SERIES

• Designed Specifically for Retrofit Applications

• Dimmable with Brilliance Dimmer and Most Magnetic Transformers

• Energy Efficient and Water Resistent (IP65)

• UL Certified E360351 (G4)

• UL Recognized Components (T5)

MICRO T5

MICRO G4

Photograph courtesy of Refined Outdor Lighting LLC

The Brinkman Residence Residential Installation

McCoy Residence Residential Installation

$100,001 - $150,000 Award of Excellance

Teitelbaum Residence Small Garden Installation Award of Distinction

How to Save Cost on Labor

Everyemployer knows that the actual cost of paying each employee is significantly higher than his or her hourly rate. Even if you don’t offer benefits, there are still some taxes and expenses you will incur due to having employees on your payroll that you can’t avoid. Labor expenses are categorized in two ways: Variable and Fixed.

Fixed costs: These are the costs that do not really fluctuate with changes in growth or production. They include such things as social security and Medicare taxes, FUTA, and federal income tax.

Variable costs: These are the costs that are due directly and proportionately to changes. They include such things as employee accidents, light duty, unemployment claims, and additional personal costs due to labor growth.

This is where working with an independent contractor like Arizona CLA Landscape is the best solution if you don’t want to pay extra taxes, insurance, and payroll processing costs. For employers, this means that you have fewer obligations. In addition to the previously mentioned cost benefits, employers will not have to send payroll taxes and deductions. Hiring Arizona CLA Landscape as an alternative becomes cost efficient, risk adverse, and provides fewer legal obligations to the company. In this way, employers can remain more focused on continuing to grow their companies. If you would like to find out more don’t hesitate to call or email Alex at (602) 486-7612 / alex@arizonacla.com.

Now part of the Site One team, Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs. We are a hauling company with a fully stocked retail yard and a proud distributor for Belgard, Southwest Sod, Evergreen Turf, Phoenix Paver, and AZ Best Block. We carry over fifty colors of landscape rock, river products, soil mixes, rip rap and boulders. Our knowledgeable sales staff will insure that your order is accurate and our experienced drivers will get your materials to you on time. Our certified scale ensures that you are receiving the correct amount of material ordered. Call or come by today.

Monday-Friday 6A-5P Saturday 7A -3P 7540 N 67th Ave, Bldg. A Glendale, AZ 85301 Office 602-353-1020 Fax 602-353-1027

A to Z Equipment Rental-Sales

Thedream became a reality when Fred Matricardi opened a rental business operated out of his home at 43rd street & Thomas in 1960. From this one-person shop, A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales has grown into a one-stop-shop for equipment including rentals, sales, parts, service, supplies, and party rentals with more than 150 well-trained employees. In the 63 plus years since he launched the business, A to Z has developed into a multi-million-dollar firm with four large, full-service locations in the Valley.

Matricardi has successfully passed the leadership of the family-owned company to his daughter, Vicki Dickerson. She serves as the President (General Manager) and has worked in the company for many years. The transition was seamless, and the company has continued to prosper and grow under Dickerson’s leadership. “I’ve had a broad range of experiences with the company, including working in the parts department, in the rental department, in the inventory department, and in the business office. I also opened and managed three of our locations,” she says. Her husband Doug (Sales Manager), and their son Grant (Vice President / Controller) are also part of our leadership team.

“The new generation has taken the reins of the company,” Matricardi reflects. “Their goals will be bigger than mine were, and their challenges will also be bigger.”

A to Z Equipment Rental & Sales is big enough to serve your equipment needs yet remains a local, family-owned and operated company. Being locally owned allows A to Z to be more flexible than the big national companies, which leads to quick decisions for the customer.

We only carry product lines that are of high-quality, top-of-the-line equipment for the simple reason that it wouldn’t otherwise meet the demands of our rental customers. Our suppliers represent the best names in the industry, which also means that our mechanics and salespeople receive training from each equipment manufacturer.

Our service and parts departments not only work keep our rental fleet productive but also customer equipment. Although major repairs may take a few days, our goal for most minor repairs is 48 hours. With over $1.5 million in parts inventory, we stock the most common items that need replacing, including belts, filters, hoses, blades, lubricants, and accessories for quicker turnaround times.

A to Z’s slogan is, “You name it. We rent it. We sell it.” And we do our very best to live up to it.

“When you look at our product lines, plus parts and service, and supplies (like hand tools, chemicals, oils, etc.), we have a very compelling case to be a one-stop-shop for many customers in both the landscape maintenance and construction business,” Doug Dickerson says. “

Smaller equipment available to rent or purchase (new or used) includes chainsaws, trenchers, stump grinders, aerators, sod cutters, compressors, welders, pressure washers, scaffolding, scissor lifts, portable generators, jackhammers, trailers, mixers, concrete planers/ grinders, cut off saws, trimmers, blowers, and mowers, and much more.

Our larger equipment offering includes backhoes, reach forks, skid steer loaders, excavators, skip loaders, boom lifts, light towers, towable generators, towable air compressors, utility vehicles, water wagons, ride-on floor equipment, towable pressure washers, and forklifts. Everything from A to Z.

A to Z’s numerous product lines and competitive prices are accompanied by an equally important factor: excellent customer service. The company hires employees with the right attitude and work ethic, who are honest and committed to our goals.

Our Core Purpose: Making Life Easier

Our Core Values – P.R.I.C.E., an acronym that describes the minimum PRICE for admission to the A to Z team.

P Positive Attitude

R Reliable

I Integrity

C Customer Driven

E Expertise

Desert Tree Farm Celebrates 50th Year Anniversary!

Here to stay “Growing Plants for Arizona’s Future.”

founder and owner, John Augustine decided to grow native blue palo verde trees to help satisfy the needs of the valley’s growing housing market. Fifty years later, with his spouse and co-owner, Christine, Desert Tree Farm has flourished into a well-established name in the wholesale tree industry, known for its quality and integrity.

With two locations to better serve the clientele, they specialize in growing hardy, desert-adapted plant material. Desert Tree Farm offers landscape professionals and retailers quality plants and trees at competitive prices in line with the industry. Their volume allows for them to sell the quality required by retailers as well as the quantities required for projects such as schools, freeway installations, shopping centers and golf courses, etc. As a wholesaler, they carry liners to 25 gallon containerized plants.

As a family run business of fifth and sixth-generation farmers, Desert Tree Farm is committed to providing quality service to all customers, maintaining integrity in everything done and said, providing a desirable working environment, and producing climateadapted plants while continuing research and development for new plant varieties.

Granted the very first ornamental plant patent in Arizona, Desert Tree Farm has held three patents. Currently growing two of the three, the Calliandra calif. X Calliandra eriophylla “Maricopa Red” and the Caesalpinia pulcherrima “Phoenix Bird,” they are committed to recognizing new varieties and keeping an eagle-eye out for interesting hybrids that sprout from common species.

Desert Tree Farm is well-established as a premier wholesale provider of 250 different types of plants from desert bursage to tropical plumerias. When you call for availability, you will be greeted by a knowledgeable sales team. They offer swift and on-time deliveries that best suit your needs and the will-call areas are well stocked for fast and convenient service.

Give them a call to check availability or email sales@deserttreefarm. com to place an order. After 50 years, they are here for the long run.

It’s Smart Irrigation Month!

It’s Not All About Money

Asirrigation

and landscape professionals, you know the benefits of using smart water products - reduction in water usage, healthier soil, and lower water bills. But often the hardest part is talking to your clients about why this makes sense for them. While phrases like “distribution uniformity” and “precipitation rates” are common to us, it can be difficult to translate to a homeowner. Here are some suggestions for talking “smart” to your clients.

Use Visuals They Can Understand

Changing out 10 sprays to PRS heads can save up to 30,000 gallons of water a year. Sounds like a lot. Or is it? That number is pretty intangible. So use it in a context your client will understand. Instead, try “that’s like filling up your pool twice a year!” That’s something they can relate to.

Show the Savings

Don’t just talk about the savings, show them. There are a number of smart water calculators available from manufacturers and distributors that allow you to enter real-world data like cost of water per gallon, number of heads, etc. The tools are easy to use and can be entered and calculated in about 2 minutes.

Know the Water District Rebates Available in Your Area

Many city and county water districts offer water-saving rebate programs for EPA WaterSense labeled products as well as water conservation services. But sometimes these programs can be a little confusing and even intimidating. By becoming familiar with the programs in your area you just increased your value to your client and helped differentiate yourself from your competitors. A complete reference for all the local rebates is available on https://www.horizononline.com/water-rebates/

Fortunately for most of us, water is still inexpensive. So a typical urban home won’t see the financial impact like as a community association or office campus. But all of us know that Arizona is facing drought issues and that we all have to do our part to conserve. And most homeowners don’t realize how much of their water is being used outside of the house. Use the graphics provided by organizations like WaterSense to show that up to HALF of their water usage is outside.

Lawns Are Not Evil

Many areas facing drought are going to the extreme of pulling up turf and replacing with hardscaping or artificial turf. And while these are both valid options, temperatures around grassy areas are about 25 degrees cooler than around dead grass or concrete and remove CO2, dust, and other contaminants from the atmosphere. It’s important to remind clients of the benefit of healthy landscapes around their house while assuring them that with Smart Water products you can maintain that beauty with less water.

Find the Tools You Need on HorizonOnline.com

Horizon has compiled the industry’s best contractor-to-homeowner selling tools to help you have the Smart Water conversation with your clients. These tools talk everything from smart products to efficient irrigation to help the homeowner understand the benefits and importance of using more innovative products in their irrigation system. Whether left on the door or in a formal sales presentation, these tools will help you be professional and prepared. Download the files for free at https://www. horizononline.com/selling-tools/

Bob Franchetto, Sales Manager

Arizona Turf Masters/Synthetic Grass Store

On April 19, ALCA members and Arizona Turf Masters/Synthetic Grass Store gathered together at the AZ Turf Masters Ranch for the monthly member mixer. The event was a great success, thanks in large part to the dedicated and tough bartender who kept the drinks flowing all evening long.

Another star of the show was the delicious food provided by Burgers Amore. Attendees enjoyed mouth-watering burgers with all the fixings. Arizona Turf Masters/Synthetic Grass Store provided plenty of sides and desserts to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

In addition to the food and drinks, the event featured an abundance of raffle prizes donated by Arizona Turf Masters/The Synthetic Grass Store. Lucky winners walked away with a variety of prizes, including gift cards, stocked coolers, and anything one could need to get ready for summer. Congrats goes Jeanette with AYR Trees for walking away with the 50/50 split pot raffle!

Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow members of ALCA and Arizona Turf Masters/Synthetic Grass Store. It was a great chance to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and share insights on the latest trends and techniques in the landscaping industry.

Mark your calendar, as ALCA mixers take place on the third Wednesday of every month!

The Importance of Hardscape in a Desert Landscape

Creatinga beautiful and functional outdoor space in a desert landscape can be a challenge, but hardscaping can be a great solution. Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of a landscape, such as stone walls, walkways, and patios. With the right hardscaping elements, you can transform your desert landscape into an oasis that’s perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

When planning your hardscaping project, consider the unique challenges of a desert landscape. One of the biggest challenges is the extreme temperatures and weather conditions. With hot, dry summers and cold winters, it’s important to choose materials that can withstand these conditions.

Stone is one of the most popular hardscaping materials for desert landscapes. It’s durable, long-lasting, and can handle the heat and cold. Some popular stone options include sandstone, limestone, and flagstone. These materials are perfect for creating walkways, patios, and retaining walls.

Another popular hardscaping material for desert landscapes is concrete. Concrete is strong and durable, and can be poured into a variety of shapes and sizes. It’s also relatively lowmaintenance and can be stained or stamped to create a unique look.

When it comes to choosing the right hardscaping materials for your landscape, consider the color and texture of the materials. Neutral colors like beige and gray can help reflect the heat and keep your outdoor space cool. Textured materials like flagstone and natural stone can add interest and visual appeal to your hardscaping design.

In addition to choosing the right materials, it’s important to think about the layout and design of your hardscaping elements. For example, you may want to create a patio or outdoor seating area that’s shaded from the sun. This can be achieved with a pergola or shade sail, which can also add visual interest to your outdoor space.

Walkways are another important hardscaping element. They can help guide visitors through your outdoor space and prevent damage to plants and landscaping. Consider using stepping stones or gravel to create a natural-looking walkway that blends in with the surrounding landscape.

Retaining walls can also be an important hardscaping element. These walls can help prevent erosion and create a level surface for planting or outdoor activities. Stone walls are a popular choice for retaining walls, as they blend in with the natural surroundings.

Water features are another popular hardscaping element. While it may seem counterintuitive to add water to a desert landscape, a well-designed water feature can create a sense of tranquility and provide relief from the heat. Consider adding a small pond or fountain to your outdoor space to create a relaxing atmosphere.

When planning your hardscaping project, it’s important to work with a professional landscaper who has experience designing and installing hardscaping elements in desert landscapes. They can help you choose the right materials and design elements to create a functional and beautiful outdoor space.

In addition to the design and installation of your hardscaping elements, it’s important to think about maintenance. While hardscaping elements are generally low-maintenance, they do require some upkeep to keep them looking their best. This may include sealing stone surfaces, pressure washing concrete, and pruning plants around retaining walls and walkways.

Hardscaping can be a great solution for creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space in a desert landscape. With the right materials, design elements, and maintenance, you can transform your outdoor space into an oasis that’s perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Work with a professional landscaper to ensure your hardscaping project is designed and installed properly, and enjoy your new outdoor space for years to come.

Photos by Quail Run Landscapes Lot 1883 & 1885

Meet ALCA Member Jason Bouwman – Owner & President of Compass Creative - Branding & Marketing

Jason is a perennial creative, endlessly dreaming up new ideas and giving shape to them on whiteboards, sketchbooks, iPads — and napkins if need be. He’s the visionary here at Compass, and that’s because of an uncanny ability to think and play with ideas, formulate his thoughts, and share them in a way that infects all those listening to come along for the ride. His personal philosophy to “live artfully” also sits at the heart of Compass Creative. It drives the passion our team has for doing great work for great clients.

Jason began his career as an illustrator and designer. His art has appeared in magazines, on packaging and on several commemorative coins released by the Royal Canadian Mint. His artistic merits are well established. But it was his love of ideas with an impact that brought him to marketing. In 2005, Jason founded Compass Creative with the goal of building a professional team that would deliver artful creative alongside business results.

Even with 25 years of experience as a creative professional, Jason’s career is ever buttressed

and influenced by his upbringing in a bluecollar family. His first job saw him working in greenhouses at the age of 12. He put himself through college working alongside his brothers in the family construction businesses. He can operate heavy machinery, swing a hammer and finish concrete. At this point, the calluses have worn off, but the respect Jason has for those who work with their hands hasn’t. In its place is a special insight into the professional trades that he now helps promote.

Jason has too many interests for his own good but probably enjoys boating, sketching, painting, photographing and travelling the most. He is also an avid reader. He lives in rural West Lincoln, Ontario, with his wife, his three youngest children, six chickens, two cats, and a compact tractor.

In 2019, Jason passed his certification as a Registered Graphic Designer (RGD) through the Association of Registered Graphic Designers.

Ewing Rebrands to Ewing Outdoor Supply

Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply announced in June that it will update its name to Ewing Outdoor Supply to better reflect the customers and markets served. This change will take effect July 1, 2023.

Throughout its 100 years serving landscape professionals, Ewing has continuously evolved to match the ever-changing industry, markets and customers. This brand change is consistent with the growth and evolution of the company, leading Ewing into its next century of business.

A key component of the rebrand is to have the company name support the width of Ewing product categories and the type of customers Ewing serves, all within the outdoor materials space. The company’s product categories and service offerings have grown in diversity over recent years, serving customers products in hardscapes, synthetic turf, outdoor living, sustainable outdoor solutions, micro irrigation, batterypowered equipment, agronomics, mulch and much more. Along with the additional product categories, Ewing added bulk materials yards to its business portfolio in 2018 in select western U.S. markets, operating under the Ewing Landscape Materials brand.

For the full release:

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Gas & Battery Powered Equipment and parts & service

Landscape & Agronomic products & training

Outdoor Living & Landscape Lighting including synthetic turf & outdoor kitchens

Irrigation & Drainage products, training & accessories

Jason Bouwman, RGD

BUSINESS BROKER

Macor Associates, Inc. (602) 989-9960

macorassociates.com

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COMMERCIAL FLEET VEHICLES

Diversified Truck & Equipment Sales, Inc. (480) 721-2832

DTBody.com

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FLEET & VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

OnSite OilChange Plus (480) 470-0352

onsiteoilchangeplus.com

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IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873)

horizononline.com

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Hunter Industries (760) 744-5240

hunterindustries.com

Arid Solutions Nursery (602) 437-5194

aridsolutionsnursery.com

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Arizona Wholesale Growers (623) 581-3100

azwholesalegrowers.com

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Australian Outback Plantation (623) 780-8500

australianoutbackplants.com

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South Coast Wholesale (888) 326-7256

southcoastwholesale.com

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OLIVES & ORNAMENTALS

Arizona Olives & Ornamentals LLC (602) 833-8252

olivesaz.com

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SOD/TURF

Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199

evergreenturf.com

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Southwest Sod (602) 271-4266

southwestsod.com

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West Coast Turf (888) 893-8873

westcoastturf.com

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SUPPLYING LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

Wilbur Ellis (480) 921-8500

wilburellis.com

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TREES

Western Tree Company (602) 243-6125

westerntree.com

Please

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