March 2011 Landscape Trades by Landscape Ontario

MARCH 2011 VOL. 33, NO. 2

Practical advice on hiring and retaining the best Contracts should prevent problems Your health is your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health

Special issue: Retail products, equipment, landscape supplies, lighting, snow and more

PM40013519

contents MARCH 2011 VOL. 33, NO. 2 PUBLISHER Lee Ann Knudsen CLP | lak@landscapeontario.com Editorial Director Sarah Willis | sarahw@landscapeontario.com Editor Allan Dennis | adennis@landscapeontario.com Web editor Robert Ellidge | rob@landscapeontario.com Art Director Melissa Steep | msteep@landscapeontario.com Graphic Designer Mike Wasilewski | mikew@landscapeontario.com Accountant Joseph Sabatino | joesabatino@landscapeontario.com Sales Manager, PUBLICATIONS Steve Moyer | stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com COMMUNICATIONS assistant Angela Lindsay | alindsay@landscapeontario.com Advisory Committee Gerald Boot CLP, Laura Catalano, Hank Gelderman CHTM, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby CLP, Tim Kearney CLP

Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Phone: (905)875-1805 Email: comments@landscapetrades.com Fax: (905)875-0183 Web site: www.landscapetrades.com LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Gilles Bouchard, Rachel Burt, Paul Day CDE, Lexi Dearborn, Tony DiGiovanni CHTR, Denis Flanagan CLD, Wendy Harry, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Helen Hassard, Lorraine Ivanoff, Jane Leworthy, Kristen McIntyre CHTR, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh Landscape Trades is published nine times a year: January, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October and November/December. Subscription rates: One year – $46.89, two years – $84.73; three years – $118.63, HST included. U.S. and international please add $20.00 per year for postage and handling. Please make cheque payable to Landscape Trades. All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 2011 Drive your productivity, diversify your offerings or delight your customers with our comprehensive roundup of 2011’s new products for the green industry.

6 12 14 16

Equipment Irrigation Snow and ice Grower products

departments GREEN PENCIL CNLA NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS CLASSIFIEDS coming events WHERE TO FIND IT

4 42 44 48 49 50

16 Retail products 22 Business resources 22 Landscape products

features 32 Reach for the stars Recruiting strategies to help you identify top performers and retain them BY Mark bradley BUILDING BUSINESS

36 Budget discipline Understand crew costs and the impact of raises, for everybody’s benefit BY GEORGE URVARI ROAD TO SUCCESS

38 Take care Your health and your business’ equity both need care Landscape Trades is the official media partner of Congress and EXPO

BY rod mcdonald LEGAL MATTERS

40 Spell it out Being specific can pay big dividends in preventing contract disputes ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8, CANADA

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

greenpencil Green industry shines in spring garden events

Shows spark imagination; innovation sparks productivity BY SARAH WILLIS

February is a hectic month in our office, as we put together four magazines, instead of the usual two. One of the extra publications is the Show Guide for Canada Blooms, the Flower and Garden Festival, celebrating 15 years bringing an early burst of spring to winter-weary gardeners. Canada Blooms was created by Landscape Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto to promote the joys and benefits of gardening. Having been involved in Canada Blooms in one way or another since its inception, I know it is an event that is possible only due to the thousands of volunteer hours donated by passionate industry members and gardeners who help build the gardens, assemble the large planters, act as tour guides and help out in many other ways to make the show happen. This phenomenon is being recreated many times this spring at home and garden shows across Canada, as the green industry struts its stuff and shows off its plumage. Getting people inspired about growing things is what we do best. Our industry is chock full of engaged, enthusiastic, selfdriven individuals who have the greatest story to tell about the life-enhancing benefits of the work we do.

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Will creating a display at a home or garden show bring in more business? Hopefully, since building and staffing a booth is costly. It’s also a terrific way to energize staff after a long winter and test drive some new products and ideas. New tools help you work smarter While we include a page devoted to new products in every issue of Landscape Trades, March is when we present a raft of the latest tools, equipment and landscape supplies. We know this is a popular feature, as over 81 per cent of you found it somewhat or very useful in our most recent reader survey. Paul Day, Congress show manager, reports that 89 per cent of people surveyed at Canada’s largest lawn and garden trade show and conference, said their number-one reason for attending was to see new products. If you are a regular reader of our business columns you’ll know that improved mechanization of the landscape industry increases efficiencies and improves profits. In this issue, you will find new edging restraints that save time, new low-emission hand-helds, new low-risk pest control products, planters, sustainable garden furniture and powerful new equipment that will help you mow, dig, sweep, carry, cut, slice and dice faster than ever before. In collating this year’s offerings, there was a definite increase in the number of companies who have invested in new products this year. I see this as a note of confidence in the economy and a harbinger of better times. Here’s to LT fair weather and a profitable season.

Hard Rock.

Newequipment Sod installer Kesmac Brouwer introduces the new Brouwer model 2442 large roll, RollMate. Installs up to 42-in. rolls with ease. The manufacturer claims it’s the most economical sod installer on today’s market. Heavy-duty construction features automatic start, hydro static drive 0 to 3.5 mph, 11 hp engine, fingertip forward and reverse controls. Simple to operate and maintain. Kesmac Brouwer www.kesmac.com

Chain saw sharpener

PowerSharp is a precision sharpening system that offers chain saw owners a quick and easy way to sharpen chain without sacrificing performance. Available for most chain saw brands, its unique top-sharpening cutters allow the PowerSharp chain to be sharpened with a simple-to-use attachment in as little as three seconds. PowerSharp www.powersharp.com

Zero-turn mower

For its new ZG332 gasoline zero-turn mowers, Kubuta took the diesel block and modified it for gasoline. A unique advantage gained with this block design is the level of torque to the transmission and drive wheels. Being liquid-cooled, long days of mowing are not a concern. The shaft-driven twin 6 | MARCH 2011

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hydrostatic transmission is designed for continuous activity featuring a hydraulic deck-lift valve, wet type TPO clutch, and nearly 12.3 L capacity. Available in either 60- or 72-in. cut widths. Kubota www.kubota.ca

Hydraulic drill

Little Beaver’s hydraulic earth drill offers an efficient and dependable solution for multiple digging and drilling projects. By combining an 11-horsepower engine with the convenience of hydraulic drive, the unit is able to drill efficiently and effectively, even in the toughest soil conditions. Built to be both reliable and powerful, the hydraulic drill can be used for a variety of applications including fence and sign installation, landscaping and soil sampling. It has also been designed for easy transport and maneuverability. Two types of kits are offered to increase the versatility of the hydraulic unit, the telescoping torque tube kit and the tripod kit. Little Beaver www.littlebeaver.com

Electric sprayer Tired of manually pumping your sprayers? Now you won’t have to with the new Xtreme electric sprayer. With a 12 V battery providing up to 120 gallons of output per charge and three different nozzles, you can tackle any job, large or small, on a single charge. Comes complete with charger, battery and three separate spray nozzles. Priceless Products www.pricelessproducts.com

suited for mowing tall, thick, or wet grass. Made of heavy-duty sevengauge welding construction, the Tunnel Deck features a generous 149 square inch discharge opening, overlapping blades and baffle-free front design. This zero-turn rider is also known for its height-of-cut range, pivoting front axle, fully-adjustable controls and a full-suspension, high-back seat and armrests that absorb bumps and shocks for a smooth ride. Ariens Company www.ariens.com

Versatile multi-task tool Kawasaki’s Multi-Task Power Series powers nine different attachments, allowing operators to easily access the right tool for the job. The multitask power series is powered by the Kawasaki TJ27E engine, operates with a durable commercial grade Kawasaki power head and features a coupler that securely connects the power head to the attachments. The multi-task power series is lightweight, features low noise and vibration, ideal balance and is EPA and CARB Tier III approved. You will also benefit from the increased fuel efficiency with A/F (Air/Fuel) Technology. Kawasaki 877-439-3331

Spreader attachment for mowers

Zero-turn mowers Gravely introduces the new Pro-Ride series of zeroturn mowers. The Gravely Pro-Ride is a commercial mower that features a High Volume Tunnel Deck

TurfEx introduces the TS200 spreader as part of its full line of zero-turn mower attachments. Capable of spreading seed, fertilizer and ice melt, the spreader

Rock Hard.

Stone is the hardest component of a concrete mix. More stone means more durable, tougher concrete that is harder to cut. Permaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing process uses more stone. An uncompromising, rock hard product that guarantees superior quality and incomparable durability. Participate in Permaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 seminar tour and get your preferred access ticket: permaconpro.ca/inscription or 1-888-737-6226

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Newequipment is engineered specifically to maximize mower productivity. The spreader comes with a unique universal mount, which helps it attach quickly to most available zero-turn mowers. It holds up to 2.5 cubic feet of material and features a corrosionresistant polyethylene hopper to reduce weight and maintenance concerns. TurfEx www.trynexfactory.com

Dirtless digging Danuser’s new patented revolutionary wobble auger digs holes while leaving no spoil to backfill. The wobble auger pushes through dirt, sand, clay, asphalt, compacted rock and embedded rock. Available in four-, six- and nine-in. sizes. Produces a hole with no loose dirt in the bottom or around the top of the hole. No labour is required to remove dirt. Various collar options available. Eastern Farm Machinery www.easternfarmmachinery.com

Dozer blades

Ventrac announces the newly released KD2 Series power angle dozer blades. Designed as a versatile, laboursaving attachment, the KD2 Blades are perfect for year-round use. From grading, leveling and backfilling dirt to plowing snow, moving material or cleaning debris, the Ventrac KD series blades are up to the task. The blades feature a reversible edge that will double the life of the cutting edge. The new KD2 blades can be operated in a trip position for plowing, or in a locked position for grading or leveling of material. Ventrac www.ventrac.com

Battery powered dump Muck-Truck’s Ali-Trak is an environmental vehicle with ground drive unit, electric traction 8 | MARCH 2011

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and semiautomatic tipping skip, specifically recommended for transporting loose materials and for work on unstable ground or slope with a gradient up to 20 per cent. In a world committed to reducing pollution, this electric eighthour-a-day-life, battery-powered vehicle represents the ideal solution for the environmentally aware. Muck-Truck Canada www.mucktruckcanada.com

Diesel zero-turn mowers The Ferris IS 2500Z mid-mount zero-turn mower line-up for 2011 will include three models featuring Yanmar three-cylinder, in-line diesel engines with cast iron blocks. Available are a 20-hp model with 52-in. iCD cutting system, a 24-hp model with a 61-in. iCD cutting system and a 24-hp model with 52-in. iCD cutting system. The patented four-wheel suspension system dramatically increases operator comforts, mowing speed, quality of cut and productivity. With a top speed of 10 mph, the operator can mow up to five acres per hour (based on 80 per cent efficiency). By absorbing bumps and vibration, the suspension system also helps extend mower life. Ferris Industries www.ferrisindustries.com

Ride-on aerator

With two acres per hour of productivity and a seven mph ground speed, it’s a real workhorse in a class all its own. Its powerful 13.5 hp Subaru engine provides all the power needed to get the job done. Duke Equipment www.gcduke.com

Backpack blower Shindaiwa introduces the EB854 backpack blower featuring the world’s first combination two- and fourstroke designed engine that features an overhead cam engine that runs on a 50:1 gas oil mix. Under the hood are 79.7 ccs operating at over 6,800 rpm at wide open throttle. Made for the environment, it features low emissions, fuel economy and a hush mode for noise-sensitive environments. Echo Power Equipment Canada www.echo.ca

Portable winch

Portable Winch offers a gaspowered, no-rope length limit winch. Its 35 lb. weight makes it easy to bring wherever you need to pull something. Its trouble-free Honda engine delivers 2200 lbs. of force single line. When doubling the line with a snatch block, a force of 4400 lbs. is applied to the load at a speed of 20 ft./min. Portable Winch www.portablewinch.com

Work utility vehicle

The Lawn Solutions ride-on turf aerator has provided outstanding results since its introduction.

Kubota’s new RTV900XT series is the next evolution in work utility vehicles. Using the Kubota 21.6 horse power diesel engine (updated for U.S. Tier IV emission compliance), and a new VHT Plus2 transmission, these machines provides better hill climbing and performance under load. For

Special thanks to our Canadian customers. Canadian professionals trust their independent STIHL Dealer every day for product demonstrations, straight talk and expert advice. Over 1,000 STIHL Dealers coast to coast are committed to fast on-site service and to stand behind every STIHL product. Not at The Home Depot速 - Not at Canadian Tire速. Thanks to your support of the servicing dealer, STIHL is the Number 1 Selling Brand in Canada.

www.stihl.ca

* #1 Selling Brand in Canada is based on an independent market share analysis of imported gasoline powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the year 2009. The Home Depot速 and Canadian Tire速 are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Sales & Service

Newequipment serviceability and durability, new stronger drive shafts and grease points have been added to prolong the life of the new Kubota RTV900XT. Kubota www.kubota.ca

Chain saw The CS-550P is the latest addition to Echo’s line-up of quality, 300-hour engine chainsaws. It features a 54.1 cc Power Boost engine that when coupled with Echo’s exclusive Performance Cutting System bar and chain, delivers power and outstanding cutting ability. Loaded with professional quality features, it also is equipped with a decompression valve for easy starting, a digital ignition system that automatically adjusts engine timing, a heavy-duty easy access air filter for long engine life, a dual post chain brake system for added durability, a G-Force engine air pre-cleaner, an automatic clutch-driven oiler to reduce oil consumption and a side-access chain tensioner for easy chain adjustment. Echo Power Equipment Canada www.echo.ca

Medium-duty truck Designed to meet the specific needs of mediumduty truck customers, the TerraStar offers everything you’ve come to expect from International. Its efficient powers comes from a 300 hp MaxxForce 7 engine. Its easy-to-integrate Diamond Logic electrical system offers a full range of preprogrammed features, from pre-trip inspections to safety interlock. With superb visibility, cab room, and commercial style easy-tilt hood, the TerraStar sets the new standard in medium duty. Kemptville Truck Centre Limited www.ktctruck.ca 10 | MARCH 2011

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Stump grinder Designed for ease of operation, the new STX-26 stump grinder features the patented Toro Dingo TX style control system. This easy-to-use control system offers smooth operation and fewer levers than conventional stump grinders. The innovative track design allows for easy travel over muddy areas providing a low centre of gravity that aids in hillside stability. Toro www.toro.ca

Skid steer mixer Worksaver introduces the new SS-590 Skid Steer Mixer. The direct hydraulic drive of the gearbox eliminates chain and sprocket maintenance. A large 11 cu. ft. drum allows the operator to mix, transport and place five cu. ft. of concrete. The SS-590 offers rugged all-steel welded construction of the drum with internal angled paddles for uniform concrete mixing and clean dumping. Worksaver www.worksaver.com

Zero-turn mower The newly redesigned BobCat Procat zeroturn mower provides improved visibility and stability. The seat platform is two inches lower to enhance centre of gravity. The frame has been redesigned for better visibility and closer trimming. Its new control levers eliminate lost linkage motion for smoother operation, less wheel marking and spin. Duke Equipment www.gcduke.com

Power brush

Gravely introduces the Power Brush 36 as part of its line of chore products. The 36-in. wide head makes for fast clearing work, and the height adjustment system accommodates various surfaces and optimizes brush wear. The brush head also rotates 40 degrees with an operator-controlled pivot lock. For year-round lawn de-thatching and cleaning of snow, sand, dirt, grass clippings or other debris, the Gravely Power Brush 36 is the one machine that does it all. Ariens Company www.ariens.com

Trimmer

Shindaiwa introduces the T254 Straight Shaft Trimmer, featuring the world’s first combination twoand four-stroke designed engine that features an overhead cam engine that runs on a 50:1 gas oil mix. The T254 includes an improved gear case for increased cutting torque, a flexible offset front handle for operator comfort, a heavy-duty easy access air filter for no-tools-required maintenance, and an ergonomic design for comfortable handling. Shindaiwa’s new Hybrid 4 technology, according to the manufacturer, delivers fewer emissions, lower fuel consumption, higher torque and less maintenance than traditional two-stroke products. Echo Power Equipment Canada www.echo.ca

MODERNA™ PAVING STONE

the reﬁnement of nature, simpliﬁed.

• Rich texture, with random ﬂagstone appearance • Single shape stone for easy and quick install • Can double the surface voids of standard pavers • 70mm thick for multiple applications

one stone, limitless possibilities.

ARDESIA™

PAVING STONE

• Subtle slate texturing provides natural impact • Single shape stone for easy and quick install • 23 different virtual shapes and surface textures • 70mm thick for multiple applications

With over 45 years of quality and experience producing a full line of paving stones, retaining walls and concrete paving slabs, Best Way Stone Limited® is dedicated to its dealers and contractors. We know our business is only as successful as you are.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEW MODERNA™ AND ARDESIA™ PAVING STONES, OR ANY OF OUR OTHER PRODUCTS, CONTACT US AT 1-800-BESTWAY OR VISIT US AT BESTWAYSTONE.COM

WORKING WITH YOU SINCE 1965

8821 Weston Road Woodbridge, ON, L4L 1A6

63 Anderson Boulevard. Uxbridge, ON, L9P 0C7

NewIRRIGATION Wireless irrigation control system

FreeLink Wireless Irrigation Controls eliminate the wires and associated shortcomings of traditional irrigation and lets you monitor/control any valve, any head, anywhere, with a PDA handheld, wallmounted touch-screen CPU or computer-based radio interface. Invented and manufactured in Canada, FreeLink’s license-free radio technology is suited to retrofitting obsolete or high maintenance wired systems for water-saving, managed systems. Arbourdale Sales www.arbourdale.com

Irrigation controller Rain Bird introduces the new ESP-LXD controller. The ESP-LXD has been designed to maintain the look, feel and ease of programming of the ESP-LXM controller, but with an interface to a two-wire path for decoder-based irrigation. The ESP-LXD controller can manage 50 stations, and can be expanded for use with up to 200. Rain Bird www.rainbird.com

temperature, the presence of rainfall and the amount of solar exposure at the irrigation system site itself, the sensor will wirelessly send the data to a receiver module and adjust the irrigation controller’s program accordingly. Save water by automatically watering less in cooler weather. Save time through simple, quick installation and programming and save money because wireless hookup means less labour. The Toro Company www.toro.com, www.turfcare.ca

Wireless sensors

FreeLink is a Canadian manufacturer and inventor of Wireless Sensor Systems that measure soil moisture, soil temperature, rainfall, irrigation flow and evapotranspiration, and report in real time directly to a handheld, wall-mount or computer interface. Sensors can be used to verify conditions, or in conjunction with FreeLink irrigation controls to automatically manage water use and save 40-60 per cent over typical schedules. Arbourdale Sales www.arbourdale.com

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Rotating irrigation nozzles Based off the design of the world’s leading gear-driven rotor for golf applications, the Precision Rotating Nozzle is powered by a planetary gear drive that delivers wind-resistant, multi-stream, and multi-trajectory patterns as well as a wider operating pressure range of 20-75 PSI. The radius range is 14- 26 ft., with exceptional uniformity and outstanding close-in watering. Consistent matched precipitation rate of .55 inches per hour helps meet the needs of tight water windows. Visual indicators and unique adjustment method allows for quick adjust of arc pattern from 45-270 degrees. Available in male thread for spring 2011, female thread later this season. The Toro Company www.toro.com, www.turfcare.ca

Two-wire controller Irrigation remote handheld

Weather sensor

Irritrol introduces Climate Logic, a new watersaving, automatic, weather-sensing and weatherfollowing system, compatible with several existing Irritrol and Toro controllers. Capable of sensing

programs, seasonal adjusting by percentage and 12 start times per day. Designed for flexibility, Sapien works in multiple applications: new irrigation systems, a multi-wire conversion or a two-wire (or multi-wire) expansion. No special wiring or field grounding is required. Underhill www.underhill.us

Sapien, a dedicated two-wire controller that operates up to 63 stations, is now available from Underhill International. Two-wire allows the irrigation contractor to install an entire control system with just two wires (power and signal) running from the controller to decoder/receivers in each valve. The controller measures just 6.3 in. high x 7.33 in. wide x 1.78 in. deep. It offers ABCD and manual

The new Rain Bird Landscape Irrigation and Maintenance Remote (LIMR) was designed for usability, performance and reliability. Every feature will save time and money in maintaining Rain Bird irrigation system operation and head alignment. Rain Bird www.rainbird.com

Y O U R S TA N D A R D S A R E N O T O P T I O N A L .

BETTER RIDE. TOUGHER HIDE.

You can have comfort without compromising durability. Bobcat ® Roller Suspension™ provides a more comfortable ride by suspending the track rollers on tough, steel leaf springs. The system conforms to the terrain and absorbs bumps and vibrations at the ground where they start. Our all-steel construction stands up to extreme heat, harsh cold and contact with course materials – maximizing your uptime and reducing costly repairs. Visit your local dealer to see how Bobcat roller suspension meets the highest standard: yours.

“Bobcat” is a registered trademark of Bobcat Company. | #1210065

Authorized Bobcat Dealers

Bobcat of Brantford, Inc. "RANTFORD s

www.bobcatofbrantford.com

Bobcat of Durham East, Ltd. #OURTICE s

www.bobcatofdurhameast.com

Bobcat of Hamilton, Ltd. 3TONEY #REEK s www.bobcatofhamilton.com

Bobcat of Huron 7ALTON s Bobcat Of Ottawa /TTAWA s

Casselman Farm Equip., Ltd. #ASSELMAN s www.casselmanfarmequip.com

www.bobcatofottawa.com

Delta Power &OREST s

Bobcat of Owen Sound 3PRINGMOUNT s

Jacob’s Farm Equipment, Ltd. %SSEX s

Bobcat of the Tri-Cities, Ltd. +ITCHENER s

John’s Equip. Sales & Service, Ltd. &RANKFORD s

www.bobcatofowensound.com

www.bobcatoftc.com

www.jacobsequipment.com

Matthews Equipment, Ltd. "ARRIE s %TOBICOKE s

www.matthewsequipment.com

McDowell Brothers Industries, Inc. 3UDBURY s www.bmcdowell.com

Stratford Farm Equip., Ltd. ,ONDON s 3TRATFORD s

www.sfe-sales.com bobcat.johnsequipmentsales.com MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

Newsnowandice Snow blower The new 1800 Power Curve electric snow blower offers an environmentally-friendly choice, without sacrificing power and performance. The 1800 power curve can throw up to 700 pounds of snow per minute, tossing it up to 30 ft. out of the way. With the power curve system, a curved rotor with wide paddles clears the snow down to the pavement. This feature also helps propel the snow blower forward making it easier to get the job done. The Toro Company www.toro.ca

Ice melter Jet Blue Ice Fighter with X-22 Corrosion Inhibitor uses technology from the aviation industry. Jet Blue is a bagged ice melter that utilizes the latest in runway ice melting technology by using GEN3 Runway De-icer from Basic Solutions. Jet Blue works fast, is non-corrosive and has a lower application rate than most premium bagged ice melters. Future Road Solutions www.futureroadsolutions.com

Containment plow

This unmatched versatility makes the unit ideal for serious snow and ice management professionals looking to increase productivity with snow pushers. Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution www.snopusher.com

Broadcast spreader The new SP-65 walkbehind broadcast spreader from SnowEx offers a professional option for ice management at an entry-level price. With its 100-pound capacity, the unit is ideal for use on sidewalks, driveways and other tight applications. Capable of handling bagged rock salt and pelletized material, the spreader includes a noncorrosive polyethylene hopper with a single-slot port design and extra-wide throat opening to ensure a smooth, consistent flow of material. SnowEx www.trynexfactory.com.

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Sand and salt spreader

Ecologically safe ice melter The Windsor Eco Safe Ice Melt is formulated to be gentler on concrete surfaces, plants and pets than rock salt. This ice melter also reduces corrosion by 14 per cent compared to plain salt. Melts to temperatures of -15째 C. Available in a 22.6 kg pail and a 5.44 kg Safe-T-Plus Eco Safe jug. Windsor Salt www.windsorsalt.com

Sectional snow plow Pro-Tech introduces the Switchblade to its line of Sno Pusher containment plows. With its ability to switch between a rubber edge and steel trip edge, the Switchblade can handle changing weather and jobsite conditions without having to change plows.

increase snow removal efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and virtually eliminate follow-up plowing. The patented steel moldboard design is made up of 32 in.-wide individual sections, each featuring springloaded trip edges. Designed for equipment weighing less than 15,000 lbs., the LD plows are available in four sizes to accommodate a range of equipment. Arctic Snow and Ice Control Products www.sectionalplow.com

Sectional Sno-Plow, a product division of Arctic Snow and Ice Control Products, has developed a line of plows to be used with compact equipment. The LD plows are compatible with several types of lighter-duty equipment, including backhoes, skid steers, compact loaders, and tractors. Incorporating several unique, patented features, the LD plows

Kasco Manufacturing offers the Herd sand, salt and mixture spreaders in three PTO-powered models. Model 5.5 spreads 275 lbs. of sand in one minute and the hopper can hold 550 lbs. of wet sand or 5.5 cubic ft. of material. Model 750S is skid-steer mounted and holds 1,200 lbs. of wet sand or 12 cubic feet of material and Model 1200S holds 2,000 lbs. of wet sand or 20 cubic ft. of material. These spreaders feature a unique agitator system offering an even flow of material and are able to handle wet sand, dry sand, sand mixed with salt, sand mixed with calcium chloride, salt or chloride. Kasco Manufacturing www.kascomfg.com

Your customers build ponds. We build your profits. With certification programs, in-store demonstrations, interactive displays, impactful packaging, turnkey planograms and a solid commitment to the retail trade, you can depend on Laguna for all your water gardening needs. Best of all, our knowledgeable and professional support staff are always at your service. Because your bottom line is our bottom line.

Canada: 1-800-554-2436 Saleswest@rchagen.com Saleseast@rchagen.com www.lagunaponds.com MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

Newgrower

Newretail

Propagation pots

Stone lantern

Ellepots by A.M.A. has added another tray option to its extensive Ellepot lineup. The 35 mm x 65 mm Ellepot in a 72 Deep tray offers the extra depth and soil volume that cutting propagators need for a variety of crops such as roses, nursery stock, fruit trees, and some perennials, while using bench space efficiently. A.M.A. Plastics www.amaplas.com

Beautify your client’s garden with exquisite hand carved lanterns, an exclusive and unique lighting design to enhance your landscaping offered by Stonearch. Selected natural boulders are stacked and carved to act as a centrepiece to a plush garden, or to create a romantic atmosphere in the shadows of night. This masterpiece is unique, easy to install and acts as sculpture as well as lights your landscaping theme, creating a very calm natural environment. Global Arch www.globalarchinc.com

Insecticide BugFix is a totally waterbased, non-flammable, ready-to-use insecticide that kills a wide variety of crawling and flying insects on contact. The stable formulation is residually effective, killing bugs for extended periods both indoors and outdoors. Being odourless and nonstaining makes it effective for indoor use. According to OECD Modified MITI Test (II), BugFix is inherently biodegradable. Toxicity to warm-blooded organisms (humans, cats, dogs, etc.) is so low it is not measurable. BugFix is made in Canada. Nortek www.nortekinc.ca

Tree ties This soft and smooth tree tie webbing is easy to tie and will not harm tree trunks. It is made of green polypropylene, in ¾ in. wide x 250 ft. long coils, with 900-lb. tensile strength. It has a life expectancy of approximately three years for outdoor application. Very low stretch with a lock stitch design prevents unraveling. Ideal for trees up to five in. in diameter. Timm Enterprises www.timmenterprises.com

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Nematodes for birch leafminer Are the leaves on your birch tree are suddenly becoming brown? It may be caused by birch leafminer. Leafminer larvae consume the green tissue between the outer layers of the leaf, resulting in browning. An application of NIC’s Birch Leafminer Guard in late April to early May can correct this pest. NIC’s nematodes are isolated Canadian strains. Natural Insect Control www.natural-insect-control.com

balcony rails. The chair height keeps the body at a comfortable level, allowing easy sitting and standing. Each chair has a built-in foot rest for extra comfort. The garden classic tables are 35½ in. high; 4½ in. higher than our dining height and 3½ in. lower than our bar height. Available in five different table styles; Rose, Daisy, Lily, Sunflower and Orchid. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic jugs. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca

Herbicide

Turf Revolution’s Weedinator Liquid Herbicide is a 100 per cent naturally produced horticultural vinegar that does not contain harmful benzene, found in many synthetic horticultural vinegar products. Weedinator Liquid Herbicide is registered as a post-emergent, foliar active, non-selective vegetation management tool that leaves no harmful soil residuals. Turf Revolution www.turfrevolution.com

Hand-blown outdoor lights

Counter-height table and chairs

Bosman Home Front introduces counter-height outdoor dining furniture. The higher sitting position accommodates viewing over most deck and

NightOrbs magically transforms outdoor space with the beauty and glow of hand-blown glass. These distinctive low voltage illuminators blend function and artistry to create enchanting lighting for landscape or water features, and serve as distinctive garden accents. Each hand-blown glass orb is an original work of durable art that comes with its own cast-aluminum bronze powder-coated base, or upgrade to a cast silicon bronze base. La Sorgente Glass Studio www.nightorbs.com

IT’S NOW 60% FASTER THANKS TO YOUR QUICK THINKING.

When it comes to mid-sized skid steers, speed equals productivity, and you were fast to ask for more of both. Now you have it at the push of a button, with the new two-speed option on the John Deere 318D and 320D Skid Steers. Top speed is now 11 miles per hour, allowing you to make quick work of light hauling and snow removal, as well as moving from one site to another. So no matter what your job is, if you would like to do it up to 60% faster, see your John Deere dealer or call 800-503-3373. Productivity? Uptime? Low Daily Operating Costs? We’re On It.™

www.JohnDeere.com/2speed

Newretail No-maintenance casual outdoor furniture

quick-needed table. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic jugs. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca Designed to provide exceptional lower lumbar support, the Casual Back Collection combines comfort with traditional craftsmanship. The clean lines and high back create an elegant look that will complement any outdoor setting. It is available in seven solid colours and six two-colour combinations. This collection features a dining chair, chair glider, four- and five-ft. glider, rocking chair and four- and five-ft. porch swing. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic jugs that were destined for a landfill. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca

Concrete dragon

The Beware Dragon is a whimsical concrete piece that emits a sense of playful fearfulness. The word dragon derives from Greek origins, “dragon, serpent of huge size, water-snake,” which comes from the verb “to see clearly.” Dragons are typically portrayed with large eyes and evoke a sense of danger. Today, dragons remain popular items of interest due to their historical legends. Merv’s Patio www.mervspatio.ca

Liquid fertilizer Turf Revolution’s 18-0-6 liquid fertilizer with 100 per cent SN (Stabilized Nitrogen) represents a giant leap forward in liquid fertilizer technology. The stabilized nitrogen contains two inhibitors that reduce nitrogen loss from ammonia volatilization and nitrate leaching. The result is a liquid fertilizer that will feed from six to eight weeks. Turf Revolution www.turfrevolution.com

Bi-colour options on outdoor furniture Contrasting colour and texture adds visual appeal to any outdoor environment. Bosman Home Front provides more options for your clients to combine the colours that will best suit the look and feel they wish to create in their outdoor living space. This year it has added contrasting combinations of deep chocolate with either cedar or weatherwood in its 100 per centrecycled plastic furniture. These traditional wood colours create a warm and inviting look for outdoor décor. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca

Indoor/outdoor containers Outdoor footstool To further complement its Gliding and Muskoka Footstools, this year Bosman Home Front has added a Stationary Footstool. Based on a traditional look, this piece will pair with any of the company’s chairs or benches. It may even double for that 18 | MARCH 2011

| LANDSCAPE TRADES

Floridus Design Images offers a large selection of fiberstone containers, available in different colours (black, brown, light green, adobe, rust), shapes and sizes. An excellent choice for instant elegance, indoor/outdoor, all year ‘round. New this year is a set of three brown square taper planter and a set of two black rectangular planter with a shelf. Floridus Design Images www.floridus.com

Insect protection patch The newest technology in personal insect protection is DEET-free. The DeBug insect repellent patch uses both transdermal technology with a special water soluble B1 (thiamine) vitamin formula that mosquitoes, gnats and other biting insects do not like. These patches last 48 hours and will not wash off with water or perspiration. Natural Insect Control www.natural-insect-control.com

Self-watering planter

Diamante’s new high-gloss surface is molded with a unique surface structure that changes its appearance as lighting and viewing angles vary. At the heart of every Lechuza planter is a German engineered self-watering system that makes growing and maintaining beautiful plants easier than ever before. The Diamante’s unique design also makes changing plants a snap. The liner has recessed handles that make it easy to lift the plant

White Grub

Seeing white got you seeing red? For effective control of white grubs in your lawn care operation, Nemasys® G should be your beneficial nematode of choice. Becker Underwood is the world’s leading producer of high quality, highly infective, juvenile stage beneficial nematodes. Proven effective, and with a minimum of 250 million nematodes in each tray, Nemasys® G gives you the best natural weapon in your fight against grubs of European Chafer Beetles, Oriental Beetles and Japanese Beetles. Compatible with other biological control programs, Nemasys® G is safe for applicators and the environment. There are no restrictions in use and no re-entry interval. Fight for your turf with Nemasys® G. From Becker Underwood.

Performance you can count on®.

Becker Underwood Canada Ltd. 3835 Thatcher Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7R 1A3 (306) 373-3060 www.beckerunderwood.ca

Nemasys® and Performance you can count on® are registered trademarks used under license by Becker Underwood Canada Ltd. The Becker Underwood logo is a trademark of Becker Underwood, Inc. and is licensed to Becker Underwood Canada Ltd.

Newretail and liner out. The Diamante stands 30-in. tall and is 16-in. in diameter at its top. It is available in white, black, anthracite and scarlet red high gloss finishes. Lechuza www.lechuza.com

Outdoor fabric

Pond vacuum Laguna’s PowerClean Cordless Pond Cleaner makes vacuuming pond sludge, scum, and debris fast and convenient. This lightweight, telescoping pond vacuum is easy to use and control. The brush attachment and rotating blades loosen and break up caked-on debris for easy, smooth suction. Fully charged in two to four hours, the 18 V lithium battery provides approximately 30 minutes of continuous, portable operation. Laguna www.lagunaponds.com

Bosman Home Front introduces two new fabric colours for 2011: Macaw and Linen Natural. Cushions are custom made to fit its furniture, adding both additional comfort and colour to any outdoor setting. Sunbrella fabrics are known for standing up to the heavy duty demands of marine and awning use. Their solution-dyed colours will stay bright and beautiful for many years of enjoyment. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca

Concrete mushrooms

Concrete angel

prefer sunny areas. Appling Sod Guard in late April to early May and again in early July can correct this pest. NIC’s nematodes are isolated Canadian strains. NIC’s beneficial nematodes are environment friendly, non-toxic to people, pets and plants. Natural Insect Control www.natural-insect-control.com

Outdoor coffee table

Your customers can soak up the summer and relax in a truly outdoor living room made complete with the oblong coffee table from Bosman Home Front. Based on a traditional look, it can be paired with any of its pieces to make an outdoor space come alive. Maintenance and fade free, made from 100 per cent recycled plastic jugs. Table dimensions are 22 in. wide x 35 in. long x 18 in. high. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca

Outdoor chaise lounge

Made of solid concrete, the Precious Heart Angel makes a beautiful addition to any backyard or garden landscape. Modern sculptures, like this one, tend to show less interest in naturalism and a greater interest in formal stylization. Less emphasis is placed on the story-telling and convincing details of anatomy or costume. Greater attention is given to psychological effect than to physical realism. This ornamental piece is truly a work of art. Merv’s Patio www.mervspatio.ca 20 | MARCH 2011

| LANDSCAPE TRADES

Originally, mushrooms were grown in the garden for the sole purpose of consumption. Today, many people use them as decorative ornamental features in their gardens. This particular group of jovial mushrooms always brings a level of comical interest to any environment they are placed in. Their unique characteristics allow them to be used individually or placed in a group for greatest impact. Merv’s Patio www.mervspatio.ca

Nematodes for sod webworm See moths flying when cutting the grass? By midsummer, large sections of lawn might be destroyed by the sod webworm caterpillars, which

Add colour, style, and comfort while lounging on your deck or by the pool with our chaise loungers in sunburst yellow, scarlet red, kiwi green, mango orange, and pacific blue colours. The wheels make it easy to move and catch the preferred sun or shade. An optional cup holder is available. Bosman Home Front www.bosman.ca

MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

Newbusinessresources

Newlandscape

Garden journal app

Landscape edging

Online training modules

PlantMe is an iPhone and iPad application that allows homeowners to view, sort and save plant information and images into the PlantMe online garden journal. Access is granted free of charge by simply entering a Postal or Zip code. Local garden professionals that have visited www.plantme.com and subscribed will have their company information displayed in a prominent position within the application that is readily available to homeowners. PlantMe can be downloaded free at iTunes. GardenMedia www.gardenmedia.ca

LS Training announces the release of its newest online training videos, Personal Safety, Aerator and Fertilizer Spreader. This makes for a total of 23 online videos, with online exams, in English and Spanish. LS Training www.landscapesapesafety.com

Webtools for entrepreneurs

Website builder

Landscaperoo enables you to quickly build a website for your landscaping or horticultural business. You don’t need any programming or design skills. You can get your own .com domain name, and add features like photo albums, mailing list and an online store in a few minutes. Landscaperoo landscaperoo.com

Training manual for employers Clarity for the Boss – the book provides an “in the trenches” look at how to improve the results in entrepreneurial businesses by training people to think differently. Clarity for the Boss www.clarityfortheboss.com

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Clarity for the Boss provides an online entrepreneurial training program, targeting improved effectiveness and results from everyone in any business. Clarity for the Boss www.clarityfortheboss.com

Gardening search engine Gardentopia is part of the growing trend towards niche-driven search engines. Rather than the one-size-fits-all search engines, Gardentopia delivers links to exactmatch garden and landscape websites. With a new mobile applications, users can now search quickly and efficiently from iPhones. Gardentopia can be downloaded free at iTunes. GardenMedia www.gardenmedia.ca

PRO Aluminum landscape edging is now available and can be shipped anywhere for free in Canada. Available in eight and 16-foot lengths, the edging is also available in mill, bronze, black, brown and green finishes, as well as 1/8 and 3/16-in. thicknesses for various applications. Yard Product www.yardproduct.ca

Drain system HexaDrain is a recyclable polypropylene trench drain system with a range of features, making installation of drainage channels easier than ever. Features simple push-fit components. Suitable for pedestrian/light vehicle traffic applications, such as residential driveways, patios, walkways, basements and pools. Available in black or silver channel colour with black, silver, galvanized steel or brickslot cover. Aco Systems www.acocan.ca

Landscape design software Drafix Software announces a new release of its PRO landscape design software. The new PRO Landscape Version 17 includes new features and enhancements that allow landscape designers, contractors, architects and garden centres to create designs and to help them communicate their designs to potential clients. Capabilities include realistic photo imaging, easy-touse CAD, true 3D customer proposals and night and holiday lighting capabilities. Drafix Software www.drafix.com

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL

FOR CANADIAN HORTICULTURE PROFESSIONALS

For all your nutritional needs visit us at

www.prohort.ca Contact us at 800.461.6471 or prohort@agriumat.com Agrium Advanced Technologies, 10 Craig Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3R 7J1, Canada

National Sales Manager Arden Nywening anywening@agriumat.com 226-688-8353

Niagara Region Brian Keery bkeery@agriumat.com 226-920-4862

Southwestern Ontario Peter Ovsenek povsenek@agriumat.com 226-927-3754

BC/Alberta Lee Parsons lparsons@agriumat.com 604-417-5939

ÂŠ 2011 Agrium Advanced Technologies Inc. AGRIUM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN and AGRIUM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES is a registered trademark of Agrium Inc. PROHORT is a trademark owned by Nu-Gro Ltd. MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

Newlandscape Engineered cedar wood fibre

Paver edging

Loppers

F1292 and F2075 ASTM-certified, this groundcover meets the American National Standard Institute’s standards. This product is 100 per cent natural, non toxic and doesn’t contain any additives. It is ideal for playgrounds, since it absorbs the impact of a fall thereby reducing the risk of injury. Fafard et frères www.fafard.ca

Surefoot paver edging is injectionmolded, offering “cut on the go” technology. Surefoot is the only edging you can cut on the ground without lifting, and is easy to use on curves or corners, according to the manufacturer. Surefoot manufactured with 100 per cent recycled material. Surefoot Paver Edging www.surefootedging.com

Two new Anvil Loppers are available from Felco, the F-230 with straight anvil blade and the F-231 with curved anvil blade. Pygar Sales 800-825-9646

Paver lights

Wall stone Elite Blue Granite narrow wall stone looks big and strong, because it is guillotined narrow (12 -18 in. bed depth). Each ton produces a large area of wall. Even large eight-footlong pieces can be handled for easy installation into the tightest of areas. Colours variations from black to green to silver sparkle in the sun. Horticultural Marketing 800-311-3157

Engineered wall stone The Dimensional wall collection couples the subtlety of hand-chiseled textured stone with the dimensional consistency of manufactured products. Units are the standard nominal dimensions of 4 x 8 x 12 in., come in straight and wedge shapes, and are finished on five sides. This makes it the ideal choice for natural-looking garden walls, freestanding walls, columns and edging. Couple it with the dimensional coping, and you have the perfect seating wall. Browns Concrete Products www.brownsconcrete.com 24 | MARCH 2011

Wood burning brick oven

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Acccording to Brickstop, its new Paver Dots are the smallest brightest and easiest LED paver lights to install. They are waterproof and totally submersible, for indoor or outdoor use. Brick Stop www.brickstopedge.com

The Chicago Brick Oven is designed to be a centerpiece for outdoor entertaining. It is designed, engineered and built in North America for the North American climate. Bake, roast, grill or simply enjoy the fire all year long. SLR International 905-668-4838

Grass reinforcement

Fence post protectors Fence Armor protects wood fence posts from damage caused by power trimmers and other lawn equipment. Designed and manufactured in Canada, Fence Armor is manufactured from G90 galvanized steel. The reflective quality of the standard galvanized Fence Armor makes it almost invisible as it reflects the grass around it. Also available in stainless steel and galvanized powdercoated colour options, such as white for picket fences, and comes in both 4x4 and 6x6 sizes. Fence Armor www.fencearmor.com

Perfo-Ak anchor tile provides another solution for ground reinforcement. The Perfo-AK Anchor can be installed in existing turf or in a prepared area with a sub-base. The closed surface structure with drainage slots reduces the resurgence of mud from,traffic in wet periods, while the surface structure provides good traction. Suitable for more heavy and frequently trafficked areas. S2T Grass Reinforcement www.grassreinforcement.com

The PZ Series is so fast, so reliable and so easy to service, it redefines your productivity and profitability. The new PZ Series. For demanding professionals on tight schedules. The PZ Series features traditional pump and motor wheel system or integrated ZT5400 2-speed drive system with transport speed up to 18 mph. This series is coupled with high-capacity mowing decks, so you get a premium cut, get to more jobsites and ultimately make more green. Find your servicing dealer at www.husqvarna.ca.

Newlandscape Millstones Grindstones, millstones, rollers and troughs are all original hand carved pieces of history. Originally used in mills to crush or grind grain and water animals, these granite stones would make great focal points in any garden. Horticultural Marketing 800-311-3157

Vertical bike rack

Originally designed as a better way to park bicycles, the Cyclepod has been joined by a full range of bicycle parking solutions for different situations. Made from recycled plastic and designed for space efficiency, all products offer bike and user-friendly, secure parking for the urban environment. Cyclepods 866-282-9560

Heated outdoor walkway mat

At 20 x 60 inches, these mats are perfect for walkways and landings as an alternative to salt or other ice-melting agents. They plug into a standard 120 V outlet and use 300 watts of power. Durable construction allows them to be left outside for the entire season. Rittenhouse www.rittenhouse.ca

Coloured waterfall kit Colourfalls kits are now available in a 12-in. size. The kit offers 26 | MARCH 2011

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a convenient, easy and affordable way to achieve a stunning, maintenance-free water feature. Kit comes complete with Colourfalls lighted weir, pondfree basin and anti-splash mat, pump and filter pad, pipe, glue and all necessary fittings. Available in blue, crystal white (cool), sol white (warm) and red lighted weirs. Linzel www.linzel.ca

Engineered natural-look stone A natural stone look, with accentuated contours of varying heights on the stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face, defines the Villanova texture. The large-scale size, with a consistent joint and thickness of 80 mm (3.15 in.), results in the look of a square-cut natural stone. It is available in ranges of natural earth tones that accentuate any landscape decor. Oaks Concrete Pavers www.oakspavers.com

Grass protection mats Flex is a new generation of grass protection that has an antislip surface bonded to the load-bearing mesh. The first installation of this material is underway in Fredericton, N.B., to provide a drive-on surface across a park to a dock, providing access for heavy lifting gear to lift boats in and out of the water in spring and fall, while still retaining a grass surface in the park. Applications include temporary car parks, anti-plug mesh on golf driving ranges, pedestrian walkways, rutting protection on grassed verges, and protection of clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lawns during maintenance. Deer Fence Canada www.deerfencecanada.ca

Flagstone Dimensional flagstone is the perfect choice for graceful walkways and elegant patios that require a formal, sophisticated look. Each layer includes all six sized units, with each size having a number of unique stone textures. Couple this variety with the uniform thickness and accurate dimensions. Browns Concrete Products www.brownsconcrete.com

Automated solar gate opener

The FM200 swing gate automatic opener is solarpowered for opening gates in remote areas. Kit comes complete with all necessary fixings for installation. The gate opens with push of a single button on the wireless keychain transmitter. Deer Fence Canada www.deerfencecanada.ca

Winch-free lifting The EZ Set system is a convenient way to lift heavy and awkward stones or pavers. Interchangeable lifting plates allow you to lift different materials with ease. The heavy-duty scissor frame and lifting plates are expertly constructed for years of use. Rittenhouse www.rittenhouse.ca

Pond filters The new SICCE green reset pond filter introduces a new era in pond keeping. This new external pressurized filter combines mechanical filtration,

You get the picture. Now they do. To win bids, customers need to visualize your design ideas. With PRO Landscape, they can. Whether you are designing new installations or renovation projects, PRO Landscape has all the tools necessary to quickly create visual designs that will impress customers. PRO Landscape also lets you create accurate CAD drawings, customer-friendly proposals, night and holiday lighting designs, and 3D renderings. No wonder PRO Landscape is the easiest-to-use and most complete landscape design software available.

Photo realistic imaging • Easy-to-use CAD • Night and holiday lighting Complete customer proposals • True 3D photo and CAD renderings

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Discover why PRO Landscape is the most popular design software for landscape professionals.

  

Visit prolandscape.com Call (800) 231-8574 Email prolandscape@draﬁx.com

The Standard in Design Software for Landscape Professionals! MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

Newlandscape biological filtration and UVC (10W-GR25 or 20W-GR40) to guarantee crystalclear pond water. The innovative design of the green reset makes backwash cleaning operations simple and quick with no mess. Available in two sizes, 18-in. dia. x 18-in. high for up to 2,200 gal. ponds and 18” x 28” for 4,800 gal. ponds. Linzel Distributing www.linzel.ca

Non-toxic wood preserver Eco Wood Treatment is an environment-safe, non-toxic wood treatment that gives wood a silvery patina. Apply to decks, fences, docks, and houses. Eco is a powder composed of natural substances from plants and minerals. One application lasts a lifetime with no peeling, chipping or re-applying. Available in oneand five-gallon sizes. Natural Insect Control www.natural-insect-control.com

Floating plantscape A floating ecosystem — islandscapes can support growth of all kinds of terrestrial plants and shrubs. In a unique hydroponic environment. The plants’ beneficial bacteria absorb excess nutrients consumed by algae that results in a clear pond, naturally. Islandscapes provide a sanctuary for fish, frogs, salamanders and turtles too. Available in five sizes. Natural Insect Control www.natural-insect-control.com

Polymeric sand for pavers Techniseal announces its new HP2 polymeric sand. After years of research and refinement, the company is introducing this breakthrough polymeric sand, harnessing cuttingedge polymer technology and using the highest quality sand available. This revolutionary product offers optimal strength and durability for paver joints.The product works well in areas with high humidity and false joints. Further, it can be used for joints up to four-in. wide. The new HP2 is fastsetting and waterproof after only 90 minutes. Techniseal www.techniseal.com

28 | MARCH 2011

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Landscape lighting

Kichler’s new 2-in-1 stainless steel accent light is ideal for both in- and out-of-water applications. Features a rugged stainless steel housing with no penetrable points for water to get into the fixture. Fixture includes integrated driver and 25 ft. lead. Optional mounting accessories are available. The new 15711SS model is 1.9 in. dia. x 1.875 in. long, with a 60 degree beam. Linzel Linzel.ca

Double-sided engineered wall

height of 33 inches. There are four sizes of 11-inch deep blocks; two widths and two heights. Modules are reversible, and bevelled on both sides. The Permacon Group www.permacon.ca

Flagstone

Grand flagstone is a perfect fit for patios or pathways where a softer, random look is desired. Each layer in the slab consists of three to four smaller units, all of which maintain the attractive texture and scale of large natural flagstones, but can be laid in an easy-to-install pattern. The individual units range in size from one to five square feet, allowing the overall appearance to remain grand and uncluttered. Browns Concrete Products www.brownsconcrete.com

Wheelbarrow Newly improved heavyduty wheelbarrow wheel can now handle manual wheelbarrow loads up to 800 lbs. This is a record-setting weight capacity that the manufacturer claims no other flat proof wheel assembly can attain. Watson Wheel www.watsonwheel.com

Living fence panels

Lafayette double-sided wall is especially created to organize functional areas in residential landscaping projects. This free standing wall complements the retaining wall of the same family. Its natural look and hand-cut stone aspect combines aesthetics with functionality. It can be built to a maximum

Now available in North America, Mobilane NA manufactures, grows and distributes ready-to-install living green ivy fence panels, which are suitable for

desire, multiplied. Turn heads with amazing machines. And, join the crew at exmarkpride.com. MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

Newlandscape the North American climate. The green panel is a living fence, consisting of a metal grid covered with ivy and plantedÂ in a biodegradable pot. Different types and sizes are available. The ivy covered fences can easily be installed and provides instant security and privacy, as they are completely pregrown by our specialized growers. Mobliane NA sales@mobilane.ca

Landscape pillars Landscape pillars in brown limestone, elite blue granite or groovy boulders may be sawcut to better stand upright. They can also be drilled (plumbed) as water features or wired for lights. Pillar heights are available from two to 10 ft.

Aquascape introduces its new Waterfall Spillway, an inexpensive solution for creating waterfalls. This compact, yet extremely strong, spillway includes strategically positioned internal barriers that diffuse the rush of incoming water, providing a smooth flowing waterfall through the front spillway. The 22 in.-wide Waterfall Spillway handles flows up to 7,500 gallons per hour and its one-piece rotomolded design makes it extremely durable. The unit can be buried beneath stone, gravel, mulch or soil. Use multiple Waterfall Spillways for larger, more creative waterfall designs. Aquascape www.aquascapeinc.com

Advanced Performance Bedding is a superior underlay for paving stones. Using APB eliminates the need to use two separate materials onsite and saves time as no compaction is necessary. APB is a fully permeable bedding product, allowing full drainage within your paver project. Horticultural Marketing 800-311-3157

Providing a warm and rich natural texture, the Moderna interlocking paver showcases a random flagstone appearance with the installation ease of a single-shape design. The uniqueness of 23 different deep surface textures in a single 70 mm paving stone combines decorative appeal with superior strength. Specific laying patterns offered can improve the porosity of the surface by increasing joint space, allowing surface water to get back into nature. The Moderna interlocking paver is perfect for any application that needs a quick touch of nature. Best Way Stone www.bestwaystone.com

Drain basins

Spillway waterfall

PointDrains are ideal drainage solutions for small scale applications such as residential areas, where 30 | MARCH 2011

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Rustic flagstone pavers

Flagstone pavers

Horticultural Marketing 800-311-3157

Permeable paver bedding

problems with complex ground slopes are not an issue. Basins are available in plastic and polymer concrete with plastic black, green and sand grates, or galvanized steel in a wide variety of round and square shapes, flat or atrium construction. ACO Systems www.acocan.ca

For decorative walkways and patios, the Ardesia interlocking paver provides a random natural flagstone appearance with the installation ease of a single-shape design. Inspired by slate texturing, the uniqueness of different surfaces in a single 70 mm stone shape gives this paver a rustic appearance with superior strength. The Ardesia interlocking paver is perfect for any application that needs that rustic look. Best Way Stone www.bestwaystone.com

Permeable paving

Oaks introduces functional permeable stormwater management paving system, uniquely designed with an aesthetic texture of aged natural stone. A four-stone random layout features packaging conducive to machine installation for reduced labour costs. Hydrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;eau Pave is offered in natural earth tones and it is manufactured in 80 mm thickness and can be combined with other Oaks 80 mm-thick products to create unique designs. Oaks Concrete Pavers LT www.oakspavers.com

WWW.STONE-LINK.COM

Tuscan-Limestone Collection ®

The new line of large format structural flagstone from Stone-Link draws inspiration from the limestone of the Tiburtine mountains near Rome. With intricately varied textures and a choice of 3 colours, it’s the authentic looking choice for commercial and residential vehicular traffic areas, and many other unique applications. ®

• • • • •

Large Structural Flagstone - available in 36”x 18”x 4” and 18”x 18”x 4” Authentic limestone textures with spherical voids and square-cut profile Engineered for vehicular traffic areas and permeable paving applications - no concrete base required Increase productivity ratios utilizing our new Stone-Lifter™ proprietary tool Tuscan-Limestone collection also offers: Square-Cut Flagstone, and Bullnose Coping ®

Stone-Link is an innovator in Sustainable Landscape Solutions - Offering Industry-leading ranges of unique manufactured stone profiles and textures replicating natural stone detail at a fraction of the cost. ®

Please call us to arrange a product knowledge seminar at your firm.

MARCH | LANDSCAPE | 31 137 VINYL COURT, WOODBRIDGE, ON, CANADA, L4L 4A3 • T 905.850.8430 • F2011 905.850.2302 • TFTRADES 1.800.854.0072

How to grow green industry superstars

By Mark Bradley

We all want people who think like us — smart, goal-oriented, businessminded people who are just as passionate and motivated about work as we are. Unfortunately, our industry is notoriously stereotyped for attracting unskilled, uneducated people. And, when we come to expect certain people, you can bet that’s the type of people we’re going to attract and, ultimately, end up hiring. I like to look at it this way: every time there’s a problem, there’s an opportunity. There are plenty of good people out there who have what it takes to be your next superstar employee. In fact, most of the time, the issues we blame on “people problems” are actually the consequences of poor business management on our part. If you’re encountering people problems, you need to change the way you manage your business. Fortunately, implementing the right hiring process, the right operational systems and the right training allows us to instigate change. If you change the way you manage your people, you have the potential to change the culture of your business, and therefore, the types of people who are attracted and will thrive in your company. In this article, I want to look at the key factors that will change your business culture, and how they will help you find and develop your superstars. Hiring The hiring process starts with the right advertisement. You want to attract serious employees, so ask yourself what serious employees are looking for. A higher wage, stability, a safe working environment, opportunities for advancement, a positive 32 | MARCH 2011

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working atmosphere, a year-round wage, bonuses and benefits — any intelligent employee looks for these characteristics in a job. In your ads, specify all of these features, as well as an attractive wage range. Pre-interview Once the resumes are coming in, you need a way to effectively and efficiently weed out the ones not fit for the job. Here’s where a preinterview comes in handy. A pre-interview should be sent by email to applicants that meet your basic criteria (i.e. a driver’s license, the right education and experience). This is not something you have to handle yourself; get someone in your office to take the responsibility. Your pre-interview questionnaire should ask applicants about specific equipment they’ve used and their past job responsibilities. You should also ask a number of “what would you do if” questions, such as, “What would you do if a co-worker asks for your assistance while you’re working on another important job?” These questions will help you learn more about an applicant’s personality, work ethic and people skills — in other words, the qualities a resume will never tell you. Anyone can write a resume, but when you ask applicants to put a paragraph together, you get a better idea of their personality and whether they’ll jive well with your work culture. You may find some applicants will have a problem with your pre-interview questionnaire and refuse to complete it. All the better! You just narrowed your search down. Some may think you’re too serious for the type of work they’re after. Good to know now, before you hire them. On the

other hand, some will be thrilled that you take the job seriously. Case in point: one of my best supervisors once told me that our preinterview was one of the reasons he wanted to work for us. Right off the bat, he knew we were living the ‘right culture’ and he wanted to be a part of it. Good pre-interviews, meaning the applicants recognize efficiency and waste, and show in their answers that they have a positive attitude, should be forwarded to you. I usually find that of the 10 or so applicants I do receive, I hire three of them, or 30 per cent. Working interview and orientation Your selected applicants should then take part in a two-week working interview, including a proper orientation. Before orientation, ask your applicants what they’d like to earn. If they pick a wage that’s on the high end of the spectrum, agree to pay that wage for the two week trial period, under the conditions that the working relationship be terminated, if at the end of the working interview, you don’t feel they are worth that wage. You’ll likely see a more realistic wage suggestion after that! On their first day, don’t just throw a new employee in the field without a proper orientation. Give your new (potential) employees a work tour, an operations manual with company policies and HR policies, and an employee handbook. Also, ensure they sign off on all forms, as well as their personal information sheets. The difference between simply dropping them off at the site and a proper orientation is that, when you walk new employees through a proper orientation, they’re already feeling that there’s a career to be had with you. Keep in mind that they’re

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more likely to take the job seriously if you do. Your supervisors should play an important role in the orientation process, specifically in coaching your new people. At the end of the week, both you and your supervisors should ask your newcomers what they thought of the job and how their first week went. Right away you’ll get a feel for their impression of your company. And, as we’ll get into later, if your crew’s bonus structure is linked to their productivity, your supervisors will be honest with you. They’ll be eager to tell you whether they want the new guy contributing his effort. After this process, and once you and your supervisors weigh in, you’ll likely be left with one employee that you can reasonably say has the potential to do well in your company. Operational systems Great people quit because your operations are no good. How can anyone respect you, your company or your supervisors, if they have no systems to follow? No one wants to work 11/15/06 PM isPage 1 inacorus an unorganized place. 1:11 The effect cyclical

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— your labourers give up on fly-by-the-seatof-their pants supervisors and supervisors give up on employees who don’t follow orders. As a result, you have a team that can’t work productively and efficiently. To better manage and motivate your people, you need better systems, starting with systems that measure. Systems that measure People don’t reach their true potential unless they’re measured or know how to measure themselves. If you implement a system that measures staff efficiency and productivity, your newcomers will see opportunities. Knowledge is power and when employees know how to measure their processes and understand what it takes to improve, they see a window of opportunities in your company. If you don’t measure your employees and relay the results to them, they have no way to measure their success. On the other hand, with an understanding of their measurements, they can reassure themselves, despite minor setbacks (which would usually lead to lost motivation) that they are successful. And when they know they’re successful, they’re motivated. Here’s a greater motivator — tie measurements into a bonus structure. This will create opportunities and therefore, incentive. You also create a system that allows you to fairly differentiate your employees. As mentioned before, we all want employees to think like business owners. To encourage that type of entrepreneurship, your bonuses should be based on each crew’s sales. Bonuses should only be distributed to those who have passed their break-even point, and the value of their bonuses should be based on the per cent by which they have exceeded their breakeven. Be sure to tie your supervisors’ bonuses to the outcome of their crews. How do you set realistic and attainable budgets and sales goals for your employees? Focus on differentiation. Look at their past performance and set realistic production targets, accordingly. To ensure quality does not get pushed to the wayside, make sure all your employees understand how your measurement system and bonus structure works. While it is important for them to break even, and surpass their sales goals, they must understand that they’re not going to shorten the window to

their break-even if they’re stuck fixing past projects. Make sure your employees realize that waste has a huge impact on opportunity. Training Have you provided your crews and supervisors with enough training to work effectively and safely? More training will solve 90 per cent of problems — this I can attest to. You simply won’t change your business unless your train your people on your company`s systems. Training should provide an understanding of the whole process, in other words, how one system flows to the next. For example, an estimate is built using an estimating system, which started with a budget that provided the data to allow an accurate mark-up of goods and services. By using the estimate to form a job plan, outlining the labour, equipment, material, and subcontracting elements, you have now linked your crews’ project implementation back to the budgeting system. With a deeper knowledge of the whole process, including how their productivity is measured and how it factors into their bonuses, your company will become LEAN because your employees will be focused on eliminating waste to reach their sales goals quicker. Under these circumstances, training is therefore not just about the elimination of waste; it’s about unlocking a person’s — or more importantly, your company’s — true potential. Training should be a combination of knowledge and skills. I like to look at it this way — knowledge should come from taking the right training courses, and skills should come from onsite training. With the right hiring process, operational systems and training, you’re on your way to producing the right company culture for success. At the end of the day, the right systems produce the right culture. Subsequently, you know you have a superstar when you have a LT culture. Mark Bradley is president of The Beach Gardener and the Landscape Management Network (LMN), based in Ontario.

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buildingbusiness

Managing your budget guarantees success

By George Urvari

In order to guarantee a profit every year, it is critical to ensure that sales are aligned with expenses. Should sales go down, so too, must expenses. The key here is to make decisions pro-actively, not re-actively, or the bottom line will definitely suffer. Inflation must be addressed within each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget, so that you will recover the increased costs you will surely incur. Raises to staff must be given only within the context of the labour budget, which must be a fixed ratio of sales. If someone gets a larger-than inflation-increase, it must take the Average Crew Wage into consideration. For example, consider the following pay scales: Crew A Foreman Lead hand Skilled labourer Summer student 1 Summer student 2 Average Crew Wage Crew B Foreman Lead hand Skilled labourer Average Crew Wage

$40.00 $25.00 $18.00 $13.00 $13.00 $109.00/5 = $21.80/hour $30.00 $25.00 $18.00 $73.00/3 = $24.33/hour

If the foreman on Crew A can manage two additional people, and produce more work proportionately, you will be able to afford paying better wages to your top people, while at the same time becoming more profitable. When hiring new workers, always consider the average crew wage in addition to the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wage. Productivity is a huge consideration when considering what to pay an individual ... this will help you pay people what they are worth, and build a great team. Raises given automatically for seniority or length of service only bloat wages as a ratio to sales. Most companies fail to control their 36 | MARCH 2011

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36 | MARCH 2011

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expenditures, and actually increase their costs, without increasing revenue. Over a few years this can add huge costs that need to be pared down rapidly. I never get stressed out about wage increases, because I know that the cost must be relative to productivity and the average crew wage at our company. If I give someone two dollars an hour more, then the new recruit coming in must be paid two dollars less. This guarantees that undisciplined, self-imposed cost inflation does not creep in and erode profits. At our company, I typically explain this process to all my people. They need to understand that if they are to get more money, either they must be more productive, someone else gets paid less, or both! There are only a few ways to earn more money: work harder, work longer, work smarter or marry rich! Tough choices Managing a budget means making choices throughout the year, not just at the end. In essence, to control your budget is to control your success. The better we become at doing this, the better we become at making profits. In the past we have used Excel spreadsheets to manage our budgets; last year I signed up for a Landscape Management Network budgeting workshop, and now my budgets translate right into my estimates. Opportunities If you know your sales goal, and you see that you can beat it, while controlling costs and overhead, you can start to make tons of money. Once you have exceeded your sales goal, virtually all of your overhead turns to profit. Good luck, and stick to your budget. LT George Urvari has been a partner in a Toronto-based design-build landscape firm for over 20 years.

roadtosuccess

Nurture yourself this spring

A busy spring approaches

and across this land, there will be thousands of people in the green industry working hard — extra hard. So hard that while they nurture the plants in the greenhouse and the trees in the nursery, they will fail to nurture themselves, miserably. One thing is for certain. For at least a few months of every year, you will abuse your body, almost to the breaking point. Every spring, we put ourselves under this strain of long working hours, poor eating habits and little sleep. For some strange reason, we brag about what we do to ourselves. We rationalize the behaviour, because it is selfinflicted. We never take an hour off, let alone a day, because the universe understands that our business empires would collapse without our continual vigilance. We rarely sit down for a meal. Food is something we consume in transit from Point A to Point B. We forget there is such a thing as The Canada Food Guide, opting for whatever is convenient, which often translates into high carb/high fat consumables. Fresh fruit, veggies and salads are often forgotten while we ensure the proper nutrition of the impatiens and geraniums on our benches. When it comes to sleep, we allow ourselves somewhere between four and six hours, which while short, would allow us to get by if it were a solid sleep. How many of us have shouted out instructions during the night to water in Number Three house? Or as one of the young men whom I mentor claims, he orders supplies in his sleep. There is nothing like getting up in the morning to begin a busy day, with the feeling that you have worked all night. When I was a young man starting out in this trade, I spoke with the late Pat Maybin, who owned Central Plains Nursery in Saskatoon. Pat had 20 years’ experience ahead of me at the time. I told him how exhausted I had

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By Rod McDonald

been in my first three years in the business. That I felt I was always running from task to task, always trying to put a cap on the next explosion. I asked Pat if the day would come, when I would feel comfortable with the insanity of the spring. He was not of much solace. He made it clear that it would always be pandemonium, and that I would have to learn to live with it. His explanation was, and still is, a commonly-held viewpoint. How many of us have tried to challenge this tradition, the way it has always been done? If you need a rationalization to make a few necessary changes, allow me to adopt the role of your surrogate mother. The bottom line is: The longer you abuse your body, the quicker it will wear out. And in spite of your many claims that you are functioning just fine, you are not. You are over-tired, under-nourished and stress has built to the point where you do not always make the finest decisions. You are a prime candidate for a heart attack. God’s way of telling you to slow down and take it easy. Take three steps Here are some of the things that you have to do in order to function at top level: First, arrange for some proper meals. Regardless of your situation, you must ensure that you eat three balanced meals, with lots of fresh fruit and veggie snacks included. You need to reduce your reliance on Seven Eleven snacks and visits to Tim Hortons. Neither of those places offers the fuel your body so desperately requires. Second, learn to decompress at night, do not jump into bed 20 seconds after completing the last phone call. You need time to relax before you drift off to sleep. Bedtime is not the time to review your receivable and payable accounts. Third, and this is the hard one, for all of us: we must learn that we cannot do it all, that we are neither the alpha nor the omega, and that we are simply a part of something that is larger

than ourselves. This is a difficult task because it asks that we forfeit our role as the director of the universe. We need to rebalance our egos to match reality. One of the best things I ever did was to hire people whose exclusive job it was to manage phone calls. These people would handle the incoming calls, sort out what was important and where the call should ultimately be directed. How many times has a call come in at your place that began, “I want to speak to the manager,” and it turns out that the question is, “Which varieties of tomatoes do you have this year?” That call could have, and should have, been handled by other people. My telephone people were empowered to make decisions, and their catch phrase was, “I am authorized to assist you with that problem.” I would check in every hour or two to see if there was anything that did require my attention. Perhaps three to five per cent of calls at best, required my input. I have written this here before and it is still valid: we are usually not the right person to answer the phones in the chaos of the spring. Take control of time We need to learn to prioritize our time. Ask what is important today, to this season, and to the long-term growth of this company? In that priority process, I came to realize that while many items are important, not all important items required my input. One of the hardest tasks we have had to implement is to allow others to make decisions. A friend owned a very large greenhouse operation. He had a phone installed adjacent to his kitchen table, so that he could field incoming calls during meal times and after hours. This was before cell phones. It remained there until his wife, blessed with common sense, finally had it removed. The world had to learn to get along without him for an hour or two, every day. Another myth in this trade has been the need for excessive amounts of overtime. I went along with this myth for close to 20 years,

flogging staff to work 60- and 70-hour weeks. We used to joke that if you worked 40 hours a week, you were a part-time employee. Then one day, I announced that the next spring, there would be no more overtime. Senior staff would work eight-hour days, five-day weeks with two consecutive days off. My staff thought it was impossible. How would we survive? Each senior staff member began training a junior staffer to function in the job during their days off. We learned that we had several junior people who were very capable, who jumped at the chance to assume a supervisory role, albeit two days a week. Our staff members were better rested, better able to carry out their responsibilities and we learned that we could reduce overhead without sacrificing customer service. We learned that 60- to 70-hour work weeks were not required for profitability. Another thing we learned to do was to rotate senior staff in the ‘firefighter’s spot’ at customer service. It is too much to expect one person to deal with customer issues for a straight eight hours. After two hours, we rotated someone else into the role. While customer service must be your priority, there arrives a point where no staff member wants to hear another story of how a plant died, after the caregiver had done everything humanly possible to maintain it. Nourish your spirit As many readers are owners, those responsible for their companies, let me address this last issue. Find a spot, I don’t care if it is at work or at home or somewhere in between, a spot where you can sit down by yourself to meditate, pray or just relax, for 20 minutes. You need to have those breaks. Rejuvenation of your spirit and soul are no longer optional. They are necessary, mandatory to the success of your enterprise. Without your regular time-outs to breathe and to regroup, you are not operating at full capacity. Learning to nurture yourself will keep you on the road to LT success. Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview Gardens, a successful garden centre/landscape firm in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works fulltime in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and producing in film, television and stage.

MARCH 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

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legalmatters

Avoid disputes and get paid

By Robert Kennaley, McLauchlin & Associates

Most disputes that arise

in landscape construction arise over what is known as the ‘scope of work.’ The same can be said about disputes that arise under maintenance and supply contracts. Such disputes are over what the contractor or supplier was supposed to do for his money. Often, the disputes arise where the client says something should have been included, while the contractor or supplier considers it an extra. Contractors and suppliers thus have perhaps the biggest role to play in creating good contracts, because they can generally do a better job in describing what they are going to do for their money. The clearer the contract specifications, the less likely disputes will occur over what those specifications call for.

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Consider the contractor who is retained to install, among other things, a pre-cast stone walkway and driveway. The drawings include curved walkways which tie into the driveway. The client then objects to the gaps in the soldier-course, where the walkways and driveways are curved, requesting that the pavers be cut so that they are as tight as the pavers in the middle of the driveway. You now have a dispute, and your efforts to convince the client that the gaps are standard in the industry may, or may not, be successful. Consider also the common example of the client who complains that she did not get the fully-planted garden she was expecting. Your efforts to explain that it is not possible to make the perennials and

shrubs look full at the installation stage might not solve the problem. Client’s understanding The moral of the story is to make sure the client knows what he or she is getting, through detailed drawings and specifications. It is also important to understand what the courts generally consider to be included, before a written contract might change the basic obligations. The scope of work includes, of course, what is expressly referenced in the contract, drawings and/or specifications. Work which is necessary or incidental to your contract work will also be included. Thus, for example, you will not be entitled to claim an extra to excavate where you have contracted to install

a pavestone driveway. Also generally included in the scope of work is work which is “custom of the trade.” Establishing custom of the trade, however, can be difficult: the custom must be so well known that both you and your client would know and understand, prior to entering into the contract, that it would apply. Accordingly, you should not proceed on the basis that ‘custom of the industry’ will assist you in the event of a dispute. Anticipation saves aggravation A contractor is expected to satisfy himself in providing a price to perform a certain scope of work. Accordingly, unless the contract or circumstances suggest otherwise, the contractor is required to anticipate and include for all of his costs of performing the work he is pricing. The contractor should accordingly take care to ensure that anything which is excluded is dealt with expressly in the contract. Unanticipated subsurface conditions, for example, can be significant to those who work in the landscape industry. If your price presumes no subsurface obstructions or the presence of a suitable sub-base, the contract

should say so. If it does not, the client may take the position that you will have to correct the base at your own cost. Similarly, for example, if your price presumes that you will have clear and uninterrupted access to the back yard, you should ensure the contract expressly says so. This is because a fence or air-conditioning unit might be put in your way after the contract is signed. Document qualifications on drawings An excellent way to detail what is excluded from your contract price is to place qualifications in that regard on the contract drawings, as opposed to in the contract itself. This will allow you to develop exclusions on a job-by-job basis without having to create, or add to, a lengthy contract. You should be sure, however, to incorporate the drawings, by reference, into the written contract. If you take this approach, you should also ensure that in the event of a conflict between the drawings and the other contract documents, the drawings will take precedence. You should also take care to understand the extent to which provincial legislation might impose obligations on you in relation to your scope of work, or your contracts. In

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many jurisdictions, for example, consumer protection legislation has been passed which imposes strict obligations on those who provide services or materials to ‘consumers,’ which might include virtually every client you might have in the residential landscaping industry. Taking care to properly describe the scope of work, in as much detail as possible, will go a long way towards preventing disputes. So will ensuring that your contracts meet legislative requirements, such as consumer protection LT legislation. Robert Kennaley, McLauchlin & Associates, practices construction law in Toronto and Simcoe, Ontario. He speaks and writes regularly on construction law and contract issues and can be reached for comment at 416-368-2555, or at kennaley@mclauchlin.ca. This material is for information purposes and is not intended to provide legal advice in relation to any particular fact situation. Readers who have concerns about any particular circumstance are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in that regard.

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cnlanews National award winners The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association National Awards of Landscape Excellence took place in Vancouver on Feb. 9. The eighth annual gala also featured the inaugural presentation of the Grower of the Year Award, sponsored by RBC. The grower program joins the very popular Landscape Construction and Landscape Maintenance awards programs that were first introduced in 2004, and the more recent Retail Garden Centre program, introduced in 2009. The John Deere Award of Excellence for Landscape Maintenance went to The Cultivated Garden of Toronto, for the project Crisp & Clean Colours over seven other entries in the category. The Caterpillar Award of Excellence for Landscape Construction/Installation, with 12 entries, was awarded to Tumber and Associates of Orangeville, Ont., for Home is Where the Heart Is. The Garden Centres Canada Inspection Program Award of Excellence went to Sheridan Nurseries of Unionville, Ont., and RBC Grower of the Year Award was presented to Bylands Nurseries of Kelowna, B.C.

The Grower of the Year Award is part of an international competition that focuses on nursery operations. The winner is automatically qualified to participate in the International Ornamental Horticultural Producers Association (AIPH) Grower of the Year Award. Bill Stennson of Ontario’s Sheridan Nurseries was named the association’s new president at the meeting, taking over from Cary van Zanten of Pan American Nursery Products in B.C.

MBA students study to help industry MBA students from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo are adding their expertise to assist CNLA with three projects. The first project will study the short and successful history of the Green for Life brand. Three MBA students will study the beginning of the brand at Landscape Ontario, later exploding across Canada with other provincial landscape associations adopting the brand. “The students will take six months to document the logic behind the Green for Life brand, and to

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articulate how it became a tangible tool,” said CNLA executive director Victor Santacruz. He noted that the students will critique the program, and whether members like or dislike it. The second study project will involve Canada Blooms, and how to move its transition from show to festival. With an aim to become a more national festival, the students will look at attendee demographics, and suggest how to attract more visitors from abroad. This is a six-month study. The third project, on retail garden centres, is the most complex. Students will consider whether a South African system that provides instant feedback on an individual garden centre’s business health can be used as a template for the Canadian industry. The South African project involves 50 garden centres, each contributing confidential sales figures to the program. Santacruz says an incredible group of MBA students will take on this eight-month project. He says one of the advantages big box stores have over independents is their ability to provide instant data to evaluate all the stores within a chain. “The stores can then quickly evaluate the situation, product, etc. Independents can’t do that, but if a co-op similar to the South African situation is created, then independents can have the same ability in terms of analysis.” The CNLA executive director hopes enough garden centres in Canada will become involved with the national program to make it work here as well as it does in South Africa.

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The CNLA board of directors approved the creation of a retail specialist position. CNLA decided that the person hired to fill the position would begin work by the end of February. Santacruz noted that board members felt the retail sector was underserved. One of the first tasks the new specialist will take on is a gardening at school project. This program involves garden centres and school boards working hand-in-hand, to bring students into the centres and gardening into the classrooms. The expansion of the horticultural plastic recycling program will also be a part of the staff member’s mandate, along with lobbying and advocating any retail zoning changes from agriculture to commercial. Santacruz foresees the position becoming permanent within the CNLA structure.