MARCH 2014
TotalLandscapeCare.com
Privacy with Plants How to create living screens that combine function and aesthetics page 24
Top 10 Landscaper Mistakes page 17
Tips to Reduce Mower Downtime page 37
New Kubota Z700 Series: We Mean Business Kubota’s new Z700 Series commercial zero-turn mower raises the bar for quality, durability, precision and all-around productivity. No other commercial mower in its class comes close. Available with 48, 54 or 60-inch decks and a wide variety of attachments and accessories. Ready to cut with the best? Give your business the Kubota Z700 edge. Demo one today at your local Kubota dealer.
Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
www.kubota.com
Š Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014
When you need to pull ahead, just hit the gas — with the 6.8L TritonŽV10 3-valve gasoline engine in the Ford F-650. Only Ford offers you the low acquisition cost of a gas engine in this class* of trucks. With a substantial 362 hp, 457 lb.-ft. of torque and available CNG or LPG conversion capability,** Ford Commercial Trucks give you some great business choices to make. Find out more at ford.com/commercial-trucks.
*Class is 6-7 Conventional Cabs. **See dealer for details. Requires the CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package at time of order. Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
table of contents March 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 3
industry news
5
Breaking Ground: Diversity: Not Just a Survival Tool
Wisconsin contractors added services and watched their business grow
7
Field Report: Advice for Landscapers
What to know when you’re starting out, plus infographics on who’s buying skid steers
equipment
13
Editor’s Picks: Trim, Carry & Dig
Load up with these powerful and efficient vehicles and equipment for the jobsite.
41
Safety Watch: Slips, Trips & Falls
45
ProPickup: Looking Back
24
Safety tips for working around slick, hazardous areas
What went into finishing our giveaway truck, the 2013 Ram 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4
business
17
Business Bests: Top 10 Landscaper Mistakes Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your business (and landscapes) healthy
31
Landscaper of the Year Finalist: Breaking Barriers
Portland landscaper finds success by doing things his own way
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITO’S LANDSCAPING SERVICES
lawn care
how to
37
24
Operating and maintenance tips to keep your mower on the jobsite and out of the shop
8 tips to combine function with aesthetics for a living screen
Lawn Maintenance: Reducing Mower Downtime
design/build
56
Portfolio: Fountain of Youth
Landscaper makes a splash with refreshing water oasis project
Cover Story: How to Create Privacy with Plants
Photo Above:
Brito’s Landscaping Services created an outdoor space with a fire pit, seating walls and lighting that’s all enclosed with a living wall at this North Kingstown, Rhode Island, home.
M A R C H 2014
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Smooth Out Your Rough Ride with Suspension. Anyone who cuts a lot of grass knows that if you want to get done quicker you have to mow faster. But usually, the faster you mow, the rougher the ride. In fact, your mower’s “top end” might be determined by how much punishment your “bottom-end” can take. Ferris has changed all that. Our zero-turn mowers have patented suspension technology that
allows you mow faster and ride smoother. The mower keeps the operator and the deck riding smooth and easy over rough terrain while delivering a perfect cut. You’ll be able to mow longer with less fatigue. Less vibration means your mower will hold up longer too. Contact your local dealer and test drive the most comfortable professional riding mower in the industry. Experience Suspension™
Visit www.FerrisMowers.com or call (800) 933-6175 to find your local dealer! Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
breaking ground totallandscapecare.com /TotalLandscapeCare @TLCmagazine
Editorial
Editor-At-Large: Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editorial Director: Marcia Gruver Doyle Online Managing Editor: Patty Vaughan editorial@totallandscapecare.com
Design & Production
Art Director: Richard Street Graphic Designer: Timothy Smith Advertising Production Manager: Linda Hapner production@totallandscapecare.com
Construction Media
Senior VP, Market Development, Construction Media: Dan Tidwell VP of Sales, Construction Media: Joe Donald sales@randallreillyconstruction.com
Corporate
Chairman/CEO: Mike Reilly President: Brent Reilly Chief Process Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Administration Officer: David Wright Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Vice President of Events: Alan Sims Vice President, Audience Development: Stacy McCants Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Director of Marketing: Julie Arsenault
3200 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com For change of address and other subscription inquiries, please contact: totallandscapecare@halldata.com For subscription information/inquiries, please email: totallandscapecare@halldata.com. Total Landscape Care (ISSN # 1932-8303) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Single copy price: US $6, Canada/Mexico $9, Foreign $12. For subscriptions, call (800) 517-4979 in the U.S. or (847) 763-9610 outside the U.S. U.S. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tuscaloosa, AL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Total Landscape Care, PO Box 2196, Skokie, IL 60076-9852. All contributions in the form of unsolicited letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, photographs or art are welcome, addressed to the editor. These submissions cannot be returned except where the sender provides a postage-paid, addressed, stamped envelope. RandallReilly Publishing Company, LLC cannot assume responsibility for unintentional loss or damage to submitted materials. All advertisements for Total Landscape Care magazine are accepted and published by Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC on the representation that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC harmless from and against any loss, expenses or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Copyright ©2014 Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Total Landscape Care is a trademark of Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.
Total Landscape Care is a proud supporter of...
Diversity: Not Just a Survival Tool Wisconsin contractors added services and watched their business grow Adding on services is nothing new for landscapers, but in a lot of cases, they only expand to keep their business afloat – not to make it thrive. But that isn’t the case with two contractors I visited in January. Dan Thiel and Steve Mueller, owners of J&S General Contracting in Osceola, Wisconsin, haven’t let their short work seasons and bitter winters slow them down. Not only do they offer landscaping, excavation and concrete work, but they expanded their list of services to include playgrounds for schools, pools, selling hard goods such as rocks, hauling materials for railroad companies and constructing an athletic facility for a local high school. Their work at the high school ended up being their largest job to date: a $3.2 million project. “We try to have one good anchor job for the year,” Mueller says. The contractors also widened their service radius from 30 to 60 miles when the economy started to struggle. Their business is also one of the few construction companies left in their area – but they’ve done a lot more than just survive. Since 2006, they’ve experienced a 360-percent growth. “By having a broader base of services, we run a turnkey business,” Thiel says. “We’re a one-stop shop. Clients can just turn to us for everything.” While offering a variety of services can set your business apart from the competition, it’s important to not overextend yourself. You need to be an expert on all you offer, so don’t add services at random or too quickly. Read their advice for landscapers just starting out on page 7. Watch a video on their tips for thriving at totallandscapecare. com/survival-tips. Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editor-At-Large
M A R C H 2014
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Professional equipment for demanding jobs. The Husqvarna Professional Series mowers represents the latest in high performance drive systems and operator interface. Combined with high productivity cutting deck designs, these mowers deliver premium cut quality and clipping dispersal at higher ground speeds. Careful consideration of components and design not only provide extended durability but unprecendented ease of service access. To find out more about our products, or find a dealer near you, visit husqvarna.com
HUSQVARNA PZ SeRieS Kawasaki and Kohler engines 54" - 72" fabricated decks Starting at: $9,799.95
Financing, Commercial Fleet & Demo Programs Available Special Husqvarna financing options are available for qualified applicants. See dealer for details. *Only available for qualified applicants. Limited time offer. Financing available on new equipment in US only. Some restrictions apply. Available only at participating dealers. Visit your Husqvarna dealer for complete details.
For up to 48 months*
husqvarna.com Copyright Š 2014 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.
Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
FieldReport:
news, trends & cool stuff By Lauren Heartsill Dowdle
Work Your Way Up 3 Tips for Landscapers Just Starting Out
W
hen you start a landscape company, no one sends you an instruction manual. Consequently, the first few years can be a time of trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your business. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have some advice from landscapers who have been there and done that?
Steve Mueller (left) and Dan Thiel have learned a lot about the industry and how to run a business since starting J&S General Contracting 16 years ago.
Steve Mueller and Dan Thiel, owners of J&S General Contracting (jsgeneralcontracting.com) in Osceola, Wisconsin, started their business in 1998 and have learned a thing or two since then. Now, they are an Equipment World magazine – one of TLC ’s sister publications – Contractor of the Year finalist. They offer landscaping, excavation and concrete work and have recently diversified their services to include installing playgrounds for schools, hauling materials for the railroad, selling hard goods like rocks and constructing a $3.2 million athletic facility – their largest project to date. But they didn’t get to this level by accident. They grew the business a little at a time, adding a new piece of equipment each year. “If we were starting out right now as a small landscaper, I would take J&S General Contracting creates design/build landscape projects, like this patio and baby steps,” Mueller says. “I wouldn’t outdoor living area, in addition to offering concrete and excavation services. They recently expanded their job radius from 30 to 60 miles to find additional work. try to be a large company right out of
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TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 7
fieldreport:
Installing inground, heated pools has been one of J&S General Contracting’s top projects in the past few years. Their Osceola, Wisconsin, customers usually can enjoy their water features from May until the beginning of October.
the gate.” Staying in touch with your suppliers is also He advises owners to be mindful of expendiimportant. “They’re another critical part of your tures, move slowly and have natural growth – business,” Thiel explains. “They’re there to help instead of trying to force it. you out and hopefully provide you with the Beyond having a steady expansion, right materials and the right products it’s important to form good relationand not steer you wrong.” ships with clients, Thiel says. “At a fair price,” Mueller interjects, “With your customers, if you with a laugh. Hear how these contractors establish a good relationship and Every landscaper’s business and survived and thrived do a quality job, you’re going to path to success is different, but take during the recession at totallandscapecare.com/ get referrals back,” Thiel says. This advice from industry veterans when survival-tips. could mean the client asks you to do possible and learn from their experiences. additional work on their property, or they could pass your name along to their To watch a video of Mueller and Thiel friends, he continues. “You can grow your cussharing their tips, visit totallandscapecare.com/ tomer network that way.” landscaper-advice.
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8 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m
2/11/14 3:03 PM
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Thank you loyal Isuzu customers for the support over the past 30 years. Leading forward we will continue our legacy and provide all current and future owners with the confidence and dependability that comes with the ownership of an Isuzu commercial vehicle.
www.isuzucv.com Š 2014 ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF AMERICA, INC.
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fieldreport:
Who’s Buying Skid Steers?
L
andscapers looking for a machine that can handle a range of applications – from dirt work to snow removal – might turn to skid steers, known as the Swiss Army knife of equipment. This versatile machine, along with all of its attachments, can help expand a landscaper’s list of services – making skid steers one of the most popular pieces of equipment in the industry. Here are the buying trends for new and used skid steers from Randall Reilly’s Equipment Data Associates (EDA).
New and Used Skid Steer Buying Pattern 20,000
Most-Purchased Skid Steer in 2013 Bobcat S-185, 417 units
Top-Selling Skid Steer Brands Bobcat: 5,715 Caterpillar: 2,126 Deere: 1,655 New Holland: 1,535 Case Construction Equipment: 1,208 * NEW SKID STEER PURCHASES IN 2013, EDA, EDADATA.COM
New high 2005, 17,479 New low 2010, 2,688
15,000
Used high 2007, 8,612 Used low 2009, 5,593
10,000 5,000
Total
■ New ■ Used
New: 105,095 Used: 81,371
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 * EQUIPMENT PURCHASES, 2003-2013, SOURCE: EDA, EDADATA.COM
States Buying the Most New Skid Steers Texas: 1,317 units Minnesota: 1,068 units Wisconsin: 988 units Missouri: 749 units Ohio: 708 units * NEW SKID STEER PURCHASES IN 2013, EDA, EDADATA.COM
Number of new and used skid steers purchased by landscaping contractors (SIC code) in 2013
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A computer aided cutting deck design delivers premium cut quality and dispersal at high speeds. Extensive use of heavy gauge steel, cast iron and oversized components combine to provide solid commercial construction for increased durability, even in the most demanding conditions. Plus, with a 3 year commercial warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the deck leading edge, blade spindle housing and frame - you will only be concerned about the time you save. To find out more about our products, or find a dealer near you, visit dixon-ztr.com
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Your Vision, Their Dream – Anywhere Communicating your vision to prospective customers has never been easier with PRO Landscape design software. Whether your design platform is a desktop, laptop or tablet you can design and sell anytime, and now – anywhere. PRO Landscape is not only easy to use, but feature rich including stunning photo imaging, night and holiday lighting, 2D CAD, 3D renderings, and complete customer proposals.
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BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
From transporting equipment to cutting weeds and stumps, these new vehicles and machines bring power and efficiency to the jobsite.
Carry it all With an aluminum frame and EFI engine, the updated line of Club Car Carryall UTVs can be used on jobsites, campuses or other work areas to transport tools and employees. The 500 Model has a total vehicle capacity of up to 1,200 pounds and is powered by a 14-horsepower Subaru engine. For more information, visit clubcar.com, or watch a video on the UTVs at totallandscapecare.com/carryall-utvs.
Attach backhoe Handle excavation jobs without bringing in another large piece of equipment with CEAttachments’ Edge backhoes and buckets for skid steers and track loaders. The backhoes feature a mono-block style valve with spool seals and Grouserstyle stabilizer pads. The three new models, BH509B, BH511B and BH611B, have a 180-degree boom pivot rotation, and the machines’ digging depths range from 9 feet 8 inches to 11 feet 1 inch. The buckets come in 12-, 16-, 18-, 24- and 36-inch sizes. For more information, visit ceattachments.com.
Lighter body Ford unveiled its first aluminum-body F-150, making the truck 700 pounds lighter. The 2015 Ford F-150 features a 360-degree camera view, integrated load ramps stowed in the pickup bed, LED headlights and side-view mirror spotlights, 400-watt power outlets in the cab and remote tailgate release. Ford will also offer a snowplow prep option for all of the F-150 4x4s with the 5.0L V-8. For more information, visit ford.com.
For product information, text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCREQUEST.COM
M A R C H 2014
Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 13
editor’s picks
Trim down on fuel
Chip away The Rayco T260 stump cutter weighs 22,500 pounds, has an overall width of 93 feet and travels on a steel-track undercarriage with two-speed final drivers. The cab is fully sealed and has AC, heat, a LCD control panel, joystick controls and a heated suspension seat. The T260 uses a 40-inch diameter by 3-inch-thick cutter wheel with 36 Monster Tooth cutter tools. Cutting dimensions allow for a 108-inch cutting width, 40-inch cutting depth and 59-inch cutting height without repositioning. For more information, visit raycomfg.com. raycomfg.com
Forget gas and oil, and pick up Toro’s 48-volt Max string trimmer that is powered by lithium-ion battery technology, which has a storage-mode feature. With a 13-inch, dual-trim line, the trimmer cuts through grass and weeds and features variable speed control. The 48-volt Max weighs a little less than 9 pounds and has an adjustable assist handle to help keep it balanced during operation. For more information, visit toro.com.
Auto idle Filling the gap between the MCT85C and MCT125C units, Volvo Construction Equipment’s MCT110C compact track loader has a rated operating capacity of 2,250 pounds and features a Tier 4 Final, 74-horsepower engine. The machine has an auto-idle system that places the machine in idle after five seconds of inactivity, a single loader-tower arm design, non-slip step and threestage air cleaner. For more information, visit volvoce.com.
For product information, text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCREQUEST.COM
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Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
DEMAND BIG PERFORMANCE. ONE SERIOUS ExCAvATOR
Learn more by visiting
www.SECatDealers.com On the jobsite, you need every advantage possible to finish the project on time and on budget. That’s why successful contractors rely on the Cat® Mini Hydraulic Excavator. Better fuel economy, load-sensing hydraulics and in-cab hydraulic flow control to optimize work tool performance are just a few of the features that put this line of mini excavators in a class of their own. Step into a new Cat Mini Excavator and take jobsite performance and profitability to a new level. Ask your Southeast Cat dealer about current rental, lease or purchase options.
BLANCHARD MACHINERY
CAROLINA CAT
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Serving S. Carolina 800-922-2790
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Serving East Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-546-1414
KELLY TRACTOR CO.
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Serving Louisiana 866-843-7440
Serving Central and N. Florida St. Augustine, FL 904-737-7730
THOMPSON TRACTOR CO., INC.
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www.whayne.com
www.YanceyBros.com
Serving Alabama and NW Florida Birmingham, AL 800-547-0760
Louisville, KY 800-494-2963
© 2013 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com
Serving Georgia Atlanta, GA 800-282-1562
Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
business bests
Top 10 Landscaper
Mistake Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your business (and your landscapes) healthy BY ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE
W
hether you’ve been in business a season, a decade or a lifetime, you’re going to experience the occasional misstep. But mistakes aren’t necessarily what put your company at risk: it’s not learning from your slip-ups. “If you think you or your staff won’t make mistakes, you’re delusional,” says David Katz, one
of TLC ’s 2013 Landscaper of the Year finalists and owner of Elite Landscaping in Poughkeepsie, New York. “But mistakes are opportunities for growth, and the mistakes you make have been made by many others before you.” Here are a few of the most common blunders that can impact your ability to sink or swim.
M A R C H 2014
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business bests
running your business 1Not like a corporation
Without question, one of the biggest stumbling blocks to long-term success is not acting like a professional. “Everything you do communicates to the client and the general public a perception of the entire profession,” says Phil Allen, PhD, landscape industry certified manager and professor of landscape management at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. “Make sure you have the appropriate licenses, certifications and insurance. Bill in a timely manner and be willing to seek outside expertise, such as an accountant versed in small businesses, when it comes to crucial issues such as taxes.”
training employees 3 Not adequately
You know not to bury the top of a tree’s root ball with shovels full of topsoil, but do your employees? “You’ve got to foster a learning environment within your company,” Allen says. “You also need to emphasize a culture of safety. Especially in smaller companies, one safety mistake, and
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2 Underbidding to get the job
Repeatedly lowballing bids just to keep your crews busy is not a sound business decision. “We’ve all done that at one time or another to get a foot in the door,” says George Pacheco, president and CEO of Pacheco Brothers Gardening Inc. in Hayward, California. “But that can get you in trouble if you’re working on volume alone. Know your break-even point. Know your expenses exactly. If you’re consistently making your margins, you won’t go out of business.”
you can be out of business.” Make employees understand that wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, not optional. Encourage crews to warm up and stretch before getting to work to avoid injuries. Invest in education with regular training sessions, whether it’s informal one-on-one time with a shovel or weekly tailgate chats about safety.
GOT A BEAST OF A JOB?
RIDE COMFORTABLY INTO BATTLE...AND OUT OF IT. Weak suspensions can put you in a very uncomfortable position. Bobcat Roller Suspension™ gives you the more comfortable ride you want with the durability of an all-steel design. You’ll never back down from a monster job, even when rolling through harsh materials.
ROLL OVER YOUR BEAST.
Scan the code or visit Bobcat.com/Beast5 and see how Roller Suspension helps you win the battle every day.
1.877.745.7813 Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2014 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved. | 1239E-0
business bests
understanding the 4 Not project before bidding
What looks like a simple project often turns out to be far more involved than you first anticipated. “Walk the whole project. Look at the back forty so you understand the complete job and what it entails,” Pacheco says. Factor in drive time to a jobsite. Get another set of eyes within your company, such as your operations person or crew leader, to look at a project and talk it over. “A second or third opinion is invaluable and helps give you the right numbers to bid the job accurately to make your margins,” Pacheco says.
continuing to 5 Not educate yourself
“Even if you’re not formally educated in horticulture, you can become a plant person,” says Fred Kapp, educational director of the Alabama Green Industry Training Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Spend time at a local landscape nursery, go to botanical gardens, read as much as possible and do a search online to make sure you’re choosing the right plant for the conditions. E-answers. adec.edu offers fact sheets on plants and pests from university extension services across the country. Make sure to utilize all of the different resources such as the Green Industry Web portal (giwportal.org), which offers free videos and instruction on landscape techniques. The same goes for the operational aspects of your business. Keep learning how you can improve by joining professional
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organizations, going to trade shows and networking with others in the trade.
paying attention 6 Not to your reputation
More so than many industries, the landscape profession relies on word of mouth to build your clientele base. “You can have a website with pretty pictures, but your work in the field and your reputation are largely what determine your success,” says J’Nell Bryson, a landscape architect in Charlotte, North Carolina. Be reliable, and deliver what you’ve promised. Return calls within 24 hours, no matter how busy you are. Continually educate yourself about plant materials, laws and safety issues. Also, make sure your crews reflect the professionalism you’re striving to achieve: Invest in uniforms or T-shirts with your company logo. Keep your trucks neat and clean, and make sure your crew is acting appropriately on jobsites.
planting 7 Improper techniques
“You can’t just dig a hole and toss in a plant,” Kapp says. “Plants dying on a job make you look bad.” Not only do dead plants cause problems for your relationships with clients, choosing the wrong plant material will also cost you time and money, Kapp continues. Common planting mistakes include piling up mulch in a volcano shape around a plant base; chipping out a hole for a plant instead of breaking up the soil into a bed in which the root system can expand fully; not locating topmost roots when planting and placing it at grade or higher; and not removing girdling roots in container plantings.
THE NEW SPRINTER
The best way to succeed out here is to maximize your efforts every day. To make that happen, you need a commercial vehicle that works as efficiently as you do. With a 2-stage turbocharged diesel engine and 7-speed transmission, the New Sprinter has the power to get you moving, with fewer stops at the gas station. The 2014 Sprinter—anything but ordinary. www.freightlinersprinterusa.com
DRIVEN LIKE YOU Options shown. Not all options are available in the U.S. Š2014 Daimler Vans USA, LLC. All rights reserved.
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business bests
8
Not communicating well with clients and staff
Like any relationship, your success relies heavily on your ability to communicate well. “Be as clear as glass about what your are delivering and what you are expecting from both your staff and your clients,” Katz says. Assume nothing. Research your bids, put them down in writing and make sure you follow up in person. Oftentimes, the personal touch is what seals a deal.
Comparing 9 yourself to other companies
“Don’t look at other long-established companies and think they’re perfect,” Katz says. “Every company has its own issues. They may be different problems from what you’re facing, but we all have challenges.” Instead, find your niche and learn as much as you can about it. Consider hiring a consultant. Join the Chamber of Commerce or local Rotary club, and attend meetings for networking opportunities. Every person you meet is a chance to score your next big project, and getting your name out there is the first step.
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business bests
10
Not creating a functional and attractive design
Think about how to provide year-round appeal and interest to a landscape. “Don’t just rely on blooming plants. In the winter when deciduous plants die back, you don’t want your clients staring at a bunch of sticks in a mulch bed,” Bryson says. Mix it up with different textures and evergreens, but don’t overcrowd plants. “Sometimes less is more. Jamming in a bunch of plants looks great in Year One. But by Year Three, you have a maintenance nightmare, which isn’t going to please your client,” Bryson says. Finally, avoid using the same plants over and over, which is not only boring but also puts the entire landscape at risk if a particular pest or disease strikes (read TLC ’s Foliage column in the magazine and online to learn about hardy new varieties).
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cover story
W
hen you need to make a space more private, fences are the obvious answer. But they’re not always ideal solutions. “Fences and even living fences such as a boxwood hedge will camouflage a view, but they can feel confining,” says J’Nell Bryson, a landscape architect based in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Sometimes, they actually draw attention to what you want to screen.” Instead of trying to hide unattractive sights, proper plant selection and placement can beautify the landscape and create privacy at the same time. Follow these eight pointers for the most effective screening techniques with plants. Educate yourself. Develop a relationship with local nursery specialists, and spend time learning about new plants or plant combinations that work for screening. Ask questions such as what plants have performed (or struggled) in recent years. Talk to the local university extension services experts, and do some homework online. A good place to start is e-answers.adec.edu, a searchable library of university extension services materials. Communicate with your client. “Understand your client’s aesthetic,” says Dean Hill, ASLA, director of sustainability at Greenscreen, which produces 3-D, welded wire trellising systems. Discuss whether they prefer a natural or more manicured look, how much they’re willing to invest in maintenance and how quickly they can expect plants to fill in and provide screening. “You want your client to be informed so there are no surprises. Satisfied clients are more likely to call you back for future projects,” Hill says. Research the project. Walk the property, and use your own eyes and ears to study exactly what your client wants to screen. A commercial property wall? Street noise? The driveway where the guy next door comes out to get the paper in his pajamas? Once you have a sense of how much coverage is needed, you can create a unique plan of action.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF INSIDE OUT DESIGN
“There’s no template for this kind of project,” Hill says. “You’ve got to use your creativity and experience on a project by project basis.” Think beyond one species. Resist the urge to install a line of plant material consisting of a single species. That’s not what you see in nature, and individual plants don’t always grow at the same rate,
cover story
How to
Create
Privacy with Plants
8 tips to combine function with aesthetics for a living privacy screen BY ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE
which may leave you with a break in the line. There’s also a question of resilience. “If you face pest or disease problems down the road, you could lose the entire screen in one season,” Bryson says. Learn to layer. Single rows don’t look natural. Instead, install staggered groupings or layer plantings in a mixed border to create a “thicket” that
adds depth, dimension and interest with the use of many different heights, colors and textures. While evergreens are natural choices for yearround screening, add some deciduous trees and shrubs and tall perennials such as grasses to create a softer look. Vines or annuals in raised beds or large containers also work.
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An existing hedge of Leyland cypress between two closely situated homes was pruned and fertilized. Several were removed to break up the straight line of plant material and create a more natural, undulating appearance.
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Use larger plants. When possible, install fewer plants in larger sizes. “I’d rather place one plant that’s 8 to 10 feet tall and get immediate results, rather than 30 1-gallon pots that aren’t going to provide screening for years,” Bryson says. Educate your clients so they understand why larger, more expensive plants yield a quicker return on their investment. Be precise about placement. “You don’t necessarily need a solid wall of plants to create a sense of privacy,” Hill says. “Even a single tree such as a serviceberry or a clumping variety such as a river birch may provide adequate screening in some settings.” Pinpoint the critical location – perhaps where your client looks out the window or where they sit on the patio and can see the neighbor’s garbage cans. Then move your plant material forward, back, left and right to determine the spot that provides the best coverage for the breach in privacy. Go vertical. Limited planting space often is an issue, especially in urban environments and more compact neighborhoods. Consider the use of raised beds and containers to provide some extra height. Or use trellis systems, which allow vines to be grown in a narrow space, creating ample privacy in a small footprint, Hill says.
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BEST PLANTS FOR PRIVACY SCREENS
Old standbys like viburnum and boxwoods remain popular for creating living screens, but there are many other varieties that add interest, beauty and privacy to the landscape. Consider these new plants and old favorites the next time you need to design a private space.
TREES
SHRUBS Arnold Sentinel Pine
Mountain Pepper
(Pinus nigra ‘Arnold Sentinel’) This super-hardy Austrian Black Pine has densely needled upright branches that form a tight column. Plant singly or in groupings. Tolerant of heat, drought and heavy soils. Grows to 25 feet tall and 7 feet wide. *Hardy to USDA Zone 4 J. FRANK SCHMIDT & SON CO.
(Drimys lanceolata) New evergreen shrub with creamy fragrant blossoms and shiny black fruit in autumn. Oval leaves with red, young stems. Can also be pruned into a formal hedge. Reaches 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. *Hardy to USDA Zone 7 *Sun to part shade MONROVIA
North Pole Arborvitae
Bright ‘N Tight Carolina Laurel
(Thuja occidentalis ‘Art Boe’ PPAF) This new variety is resistant to winter burn. Keeps a nice columnar shape that works well in narrow spaces. Grows 15 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. *Hardy to USDA Zone 3
PROVEN WINNERS
(Prunus caroliniana ‘Monus’) Compact, dense evergreen with shiny leaves and fragrant blossoms. Works well as background plant or windbreak. Can be sheared as a hedge. Grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, larger if not trimmed. *Hardy to USDA Zone 7 *Part to full sun
MONROVIA
Gold Rider Leyland Cypress
MONROVIA
(Cupressus leylandii ‘Gold Rider’) This new conifer has dense, horizontal branching sprays with gold tips and lime green interior foliage. Plant as a focal point or in multiples as a hedge. Can be sheared to a more formal appearance. Grows up to 35 feet tall and 15 feet wide. *Hardy to USDA Zone 5 *Full sun
Emerald Colonnade Holly
(Ilex x ‘RutHol1’ PP #23905) New holly with dense pyramidal shape that works as a single specimen, as a grouping or in mass as a screen. Does well in containers. No messy berries. Grows 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. *Hardy to USDA Zone 7 *Full sun MONROVIA
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Presented by
Join the Best in the Industry! Boost your business’s reputation and network with the best landscapers from across the country by entering our Landscaper of the Year program. All of the finalists win an all-expense-paid cruise to the Bahamas and have their business featured in an issue of Total Landscape Care magazine.
Enter Today
totallandscapecare.com/loy
Congratulations to our 2014 Landscaper of the Year and Finalists! LANDSCAPERS OF THE YEAR Andrea Wilson Mueller & Michael Mueller Inside Out Design Frankfort, Kentucky
Mark & Kay Halla The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Centers Chaska, Minnesota
David Land Tulsa Landscape, Inc. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Lewis Bennett & Dana Shook Green Dreams Landscape Management, Inc. Pinebluff, North Carolina
Joe Hanauer Landscape Architecture, LLC Madison, Wisconsin
Scott Reister TG&R Landscape Group Rock Hill, South Carolina
Ross Bowen Ross NW Watergardens Portland, Oregon
Dustin Hanson Hanson Landscape, Inc. Big Rock, Illinois
Terry Sims The Garden Artist, LLC Boise, Idaho
Matthew Gilligan Magnolia Landscape, LLC Virginia Beach, Virginia
Claude Kershner III Reef Tropical Lawn Key Largo, Florida
Stephen Wright Creative Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. Asheboro, North Carolina
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Ross and Ben Bowen, Ross NW Watergardens
Breaking Barriers Portland landscaper finds success by doing things his own way. BY PATTY VAUGHAN
R
oss “Joe” Bowen never intended to run his own business. His passion for the industry started at a young age working for his father in the family landscape business, Bowen’s Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona. However, after working for his father most of his career, Joe ventured off on his own, heading to
Portland, Oregon. He worked as the head of landscape construction for a high-end landscape company in the area for three years but learned he needed a lessstressful and work environment. He eventually moved on and worked for another individual who had left the same company. However, after one year, he found the job equally as difficult. “I thought I could work for somebody and collect a salary, but at that point, I just thought, ‘Alright, these companies are both crazy. Surely I can do this and not have the stress there is working for people like that,’” Joe says. After he decided he was done working for
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landscaper of the year finalist
someone else, Joe established Ross NW Watergardens in 1999.
Making a name In the beginning, it was about finding the right people and connections for the business. Through these lasting relationships, Ross NW Watergardens started to take off with a variety of jobs in the area. With the help of a designer from Bowen’s old workplace, the company entered the high-end residential market. “He was the one who encouraged us to hire Ephrain, our stonemason,” says Ben Bowen, landscape manager and Bowen’s son. Both Bowens believe having Ephrain Gutierez on the team is crucial when it comes to creating natural, unique elements, which the company prides itself on. “Ephrain is a stonemason, and it’s not just a skill to be a stonemason,” Joe says. “It’s a mindset because it’s the way you look at everything. That’s the kind of stuff that we’re good at.” The company has grown to employ 10 people and, only in the past couple of years, added a maintenance division, which Ben manages. Specializing in construction at the time, the Bowens were approached about purchasing a local maintenance company. However, it took about four years for Joe to be convinced to make the plunge. It was not until Ben went on a jobsite with the seller where he mentioned he only wanted $25,000 for the business. “It was a business that grossed $125,000 the year before we bought it with little effort and two trucks, trailers and all of the mowers,” Joe says. “The equipment was worth $20,000 by itself, so it was really a no brainer.” What eventually turned into a profitable decision for the company initially created a stressful spring. “It was a struggle at first, but looking back on it, we might not have made it out of the year without it,”
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Located on Lake Oswego in Oregon, this project features a front yard made of a deep-shade garden with walls of reclaimed stone and gravel paths. The backyard (top photo) incorporates walls made from local basalt and concrete stairs with slate insets.
Ben says. The maintenance division provides mowing, edging, weed and leaf removal, fertilizing and pruning to residential and commercial clients. Ross NW Watergardens also offers design/build,
landscaper of the year finalist
irrigation, stone and water feature services.
Going Digital
With close-working crews and employees, Joe works hard to create an environment that makes family a priority. At one point, another company tried to hire Gutierez away and offered him double what he was currently making. However, a tight team and relaxed
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In the past year, the Bowens moved into the digital realm like many other companies, but it took Ben’s aggressive effort to make it work. After redesigning the company’s website (rossnw watergardens.com), Ben took it on himself to let it never be a finished product, which in turn, has brought in between 60 to 70 percent of the company’s clients in the past year. They’re no longer just gaining customers through word of mouth. “By raising our visibility online, it started to benefit us last year, but this is the first full year where we have seen the benefit from it,” Ben says. The company is now on pace to double what it made last year with the help of a rebounding economy and online visibility. With the use of a cloud-based billing system for invoicing and using email as the dominant means of communication, Ben says the business has been much easier to control.
environment ultimately kept Ephrain with the company. “We give them a lot of flexibility,” Ben says. “We don’t tell them what time to show up in the morning. We
Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 33
1 VISTA PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING: 5005/5006 Landscape Print Ad Final 2/4/14 PUB: Total Landscape Care; March 2014
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landscaper of the year finalist
don’t tell them what time to go home. They know what needs to get done. Sometimes they work a short day, and sometimes they work a long day.” However, Ben and Joe both understand there is a trade off for running a business with a lot of flexibility. “We try to fit everything around the most important things in our life, which is our families,” Ben says. “My dad works less now running his own business than he did elsewhere. Most people don’t go into business for themselves to work less. Obviously, we know there is a trade off for that, but we consider ourselves a true family business.” View more of Ross NW Watergardens’ project photos at totallandscapecare.com/ ross-nw-watergardens.
Built into a stone wall and integrated with an adjacent Bluestone patio, this project uses a small water feature surrounded by natural elements that serves as the focal point for an entry courtyard.
5 TIPS TO THE BOWENS’ SUCCESS
1
2
Build relationships. “We’ve built relationships with designers and with other companies who have been willing to use us as subcontractors,” Joe says. “It has been important to bringing in work and to our business.” Be flexible and reasonable with employees. “It’s about allowing them to be flexible with their schedules or taking off time when they need to on short notice to handle things with their family,” Ben says. “As a result, we have kept employees for a really long time.”
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3
4
Be flexible with clients. Every company has difficult clients, but it’s how they work with them that matters, Joe says. “Don’t give in everything, but do what you can to work with someone who’s difficult.” Set yourself apart. “We’ve also tried to have something that differentiated us, and for us, that’s the way we use stone,” Ben says. “Whether it’s patios or walkways or even within a water feature, it’s something that sets us apart and makes us different so that we don’t always have to try to be
the low bid. It’s about the quality – not necessarily about the price.”
5
Spend within your means. “We’ve always run the company pretty lean,” Joe says. “We have never invested heavily in overhead and things that make it difficult for us if the economy turns down or if things get difficult. We have been able to survive tough times that way.”
To hear more of Joe and Ben’s business tips, visit totallandscapecare.com/ bowen-success and watch their video.
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lawn maintenance
Reduce Mower Downtime How the right maintenance, operation and site prep can keep your equipment out of the shop BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
E
quipment should make a landscaper’s job easier and less physically tiring. But if a machine isn’t properly maintained and operated, it can cost owners some serious cash and maybe even a client. “During downtime, you’re losing money,” says Tony Weston, owner of Weston Lawn Equipment in Lawrenceville, Illinois. “If you can’t cut a customer’s lawn, they’ll find someone else who can.” So how can landscapers reduce mower downtime? Three landscapers offer their advice and say it all comes down to training, maintenance and scoping the site.
Know the ins and outs Equipment is an investment, so landscapers shouldn’t just turn their machines over to
inexperienced employees. Doug Zepp, owner of Douglas Lawn and Landscaping in Westminster, Maryland, starts by giving operators on-the-job training. “We call them a rookie, and they go with an experienced worker to learn everything from loading the machine to safety, which is the main concern,” he says. “You can’t just send a guy right out of the gate.” Zepp’s crews mainly use John Deere bellymount mowers, which he says helps provide stability on hillsides. He makes sure they all learn the ins and outs of each job. “If you train everybody, anyone can fill in and do whatever’s needed at any given time,” Zepp says. Weston, who has about 35 employees and handles commercial mowing accounts, also gives new workers real-life training. But, they don’t get
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lawn maintenance
on the mower until after they’re more seasoned – usually starting out with trimming. “We let them go a little ways on the jobsite, explain what to do, see what their tendencies are and watch how they do on their own for a few days,” Weston explains. If they see the newbie has any unsafe or bad tendencies, they work to correct them. Chris Shipp, owner of Shipp Shape Lawn Service in Sylvester, Georgia, starts new workers out by handing them the owner’s manual for the mower. He Washing mowers at the end of the day not only helps keep them maintained, but clean equipment also shows them a Grasshopper can also impress clients on the jobsite. DVD tutorial on how they should maintain the mower, what to pay attention to every 100 hours but says the service time depends when operating and daily machine checks. During on the mower type and manufacturer. He suggests the busy season, he has 11 employees. looking at the hourly meter on the machine and setting up a schedule based on that. Preventative maintenance “When you’re having to run a mower every day, Maybe the most common reason for downtime, the maintenance schedule is the first thing you improper mower maintenance can cripple a fleet. want to pay attention to,” Shipp says. He keeps “Do your maintenance,” Weston urges. “If anytrack of each time the mower is worked on – thing, do it more than what it says. If it says to whether it’s an oil change or greasing. change the oil every 50 hours, change it every 40 Every morning, his crewmembers do a walk hours. There’s a reason those parameters are set.” around of their mower, with each having a Crews should always check the air filters, oil, dedicated machine. “You have a better ear for blade, belts and pulleys before leaving the shop. the machine when you use the same one every “You don’t want to get to the jobsite and have the day,” Shipp says. “It also gives them pride and mower stop running,” Weston says. During the responsibility.” winter, owners should perform extensive mainteShipp, who focuses on municipal, commercial nance to reduce shop time during the busy season. and residential properties, doesn’t change out Weston has two, full-time mechanics who mowers very often, using each for 4,000 to 5,000 only work on the lawn-service equipment, which hours. He currently has seven Grasshopper maincludes 24 mowers. He runs 18 mowers – which chines in his fleet, including front-mount, midare split between six crews – full time and keeps mount and rear-discharge mid-mount mowers. the other ones at the shop as back up. “Downtime Zepp has a crewmember who sharpens the is a way of life,” he says. “It’s going to happen.” blades, greases the machine and washes the mowHaving a dealer that will guarantee downtime units ers at the end of the day. “Then we just load up is also important, says Weston, who uses Exmark and go every morning,” he says. equipment. Like the other landscapers, his team also follows Shipp does a complete maintenance work over a strict maintenance schedule, so “not only does it
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lawn maintenance
Having multiple mowers from the same brand allows landscapers to swap parts between spare and down machines.
Know the lawn Even the best maintenance schedule is no match for the wear and tear a jobsite can cause. If it’s a crew’s first day on a property, they should scope out the lawn, Weston says. “There are always trouble spots,” he says. “Walk the yard, ask the customer if there’s anything there you need to know about and find any cables or wires.” After the first walk through, crews should make notes of any objects found, such as stumps, stakes
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all look good on the job, we never have a problem getting rid of the used equipment,” says Zepp, who handles mostly commercial accounts. He trades in his mowers every two to three years, in part because of advice his brother – who also had a landscaping business – gave him. “He would say, ‘A new payment is easier to make than a garage payment,’” Zepp recalls.
lawn maintenance
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks and limbs, that can damage the blade or mower. Larger objects can throw the dek off, which will affect the cut.
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or holes. Instead of just leaving them, he has crews hammer down stakes and cut down stumps – preventing future problems. He also suggests using a higher blade level, 3 to 3 1/2 inches, the first time at an account until becoming comfortable with the terrain. “Be on the lookout for limbs, rocks, nuts or anything else that could tear up the machine,” Weston says. “If you hit something, it can bend the brackets and throw the deck off.” But before even stepping foot on the lawn, landscapers should make sure they purchase the right machine for the job, Shipp says. “If you’re doing residential work, you want to have a machine that’s tailored to residential,” Shipp says. “For commercial jobs, you need equipment that operates on a commercial level. The better the mower is equipped for the job, the less downtime you’ll have because it’s being used for the right application.”
Slips, Trips & Falls BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Safety tips for working around slick areas THE ACCIDENT: A maintenance crew arrives at a residential property while the morning dew is still on the grass. The team splits up to tackle the flowerbeds, shrubs and lawn. One crewmember is mowing a sloped area when he notices a large limb in his path. He turns the mower off and quickly steps onto wet grass clippings to move the obstacle. He slips and falls backward, hitting his head on the ground. He sustains a concussion and is hospitalized.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Slips, trips and falls cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths each year, and the main reason for these accidents is the walking surface. In most cases, these injuries can be prevented. Here are safety practices to help avoid slips, trips and falls. • Wet grass and clippings can be slick, so slow down on muddy or uneven terrain. For steep slopes, walk sideways to improve traction. • Wear boots that have good traction. Inspect footwear, and replace shoes when the sole has a smooth area larger than two pennies. • If applying liquids, watch for wet areas, and don’t run. • Constantly look for hazards such as holes in the ground, bumps or unexpected changes in the terrain. If at the site for the first time, walk the grounds to note any objects – such as utilities or stumps – that could cause someone to trip or damage the equipment.
ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX
• Clean up spills immediately, and mark off the area until it is dry.
• Keep cords and other clutter away from walkways. If a piece of equipment isn’t being used, wrap up the cord neatly and place it out of the way. If in the office, cords can be secured with tape or cord strips. • When carrying large objects, have another crewmember help point out obstacles, such as elevation changes, steps or new surfaces. Hold the object to the side so you can better see where you’re walking. • Look for icy patches when working in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Hold onto the equipment if entering/exiting a machine around snow or ice.
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Resbaladas, tropezones y caídas POR LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Consejos de seguridad para trabajar en espacios resbaladizos EL ACCIDENTE: Una cuadrilla de mantenimiento llega a una propiedad residencial mientras el rocío de la mañana permanece aún sobre la hierba. El equipo se divide en dos para hacerse cargo de los macizos de flores, los arbustos y el césped. Un miembro de la cuadrilla está cortando hierba en un área inclinada cuando nota que hay una rama grande en su camino. Apaga la podadora y pisa rápidamente sobre la hierba recortada para retirar el obstáculo. Se resbala y cae de espaldas golpeándose la cabeza contra el terreno. Sufre de una contusión y es hospitalizado.
ILUSTRACIÓN POR DON LOMAX
• Esté continuamente vigilante de peligros tales
CONCLUSIÓN: Resbaladas, tropezones y caídas son la causa del 15 por ciento de todas las muertes accidentales cada año, y la mayor razón de todos estos accidentes es la superficie en la que se camina. Aquí le ofrecemos algunas prácticas de seguridad para ayudarle a evitar resbaladas, tropezones y caídas. • La hierba húmeda y los montones de hierba recortada puede ser muy resbaladizos, por eso mismo vaya más despacio sobre terrenos barrosos o disparejos. En las gradientes pronunciadas, camine de costado para mejorar la tracción. • Use botas que tengan buena tracción. Inspeccione el calzado y reemplace los zapatos si la suela tiene un área lisa que sea más grande que dos monedas de un centavo. • Si se encuentra aplicando líquidos, tenga cuidado con las áreas húmedas, y no corra.
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• • •
•
como agujeros en el piso, montículos o cambios inesperados en el terreno. Si se encuentra en un área de trabajo por primera vez, camine sobre el lugar y esté atento a cualquier objeto – tales como instalaciones de los servicios públicos o troncos – que pudieran hacer que alguien se resbale o que se dañe el equipo. Limpie los derrames inmediatamente, y señalice el área hasta que esté seca. Mantenga cuerdas y objetos dispersos lejos de los senderos de a pie. Al cargar objetos grandes, tenga a otro miembro de la cuadrilla señalando obstáculos como cambios de elevación, escalones o superficies nuevas. Tenga el objeto de lado para ver mejor dónde camina. Esté atento a las áreas congeladas cuando trabaje por debajo de 32 grados Fahrenheit. Aférrese a la maquinaria al entrar o salir de ella en un área con nieve o hielo.
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Congratulations to the 2013 Landscaper’s Dream Package Sweepstakes Winner!
Paul Bray, owner of Garden Yard ‘N Tree in Martinsville, Indiana, took home the 2013 Landscaper’s Dream Package Sweepstakes. The prize package included a Dixie Chopper Magnum mower, outdoor power equipment (such as a chainsaw, string trimmer, edger and blower) from Husqvarna, PRO Landscape design software from Drafix Software, AlturnaMats ground cover mats, hand tools from Corona Tools, mower/trailer locking system from PowerLocker and chemicals from PBI Gordon.
“I really look forward to using this equipment and operating for the coming year,” Bray says. “It’s a true blessing.” To read more about Bray and the sweepstakes, visit totallandscapecare.com/ldp.
Looking Back Before Hitting the Road
BY BRUCE W. SMITH
Our 2013 Ram 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 – sponsored by Mobil Delvac and Ram Commercial Trucks – is finished and ready to be given away.
A
year ago, we drove away from Locklear Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in a brand new, base-model Ram Truck 2500 SLT Crew Cab 4x4 diesel with the intention of transforming it into a dream truck for a
land surveyor. Now, 12 months and a lot of shop time later, with the support of Mobil Delvac and products from a number of aftermarket manufacturers, “Surveyor 1” is done. During that time, Surveyor 1
has logged more than 10,000 miles being driven to be displayed at numerous events for Mobil Delvac including the National Truck & Tractor Pulling Championship series events in the Midwest; the Great American Truck Show (GATS)/ProPickup Truck Expo in Dallas; and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. And by the time you read this, we’ll be driving the Mobil Delvac Ram to The Work Truck Show and 50th Annual NTEA
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Convention in Indianapolis where it’ll be on display one last time before the sweepstake’s drawing in early April. (Surveyor 1 sweepstake’s registration forms are available wherever the truck is on display, as well as at hardworkingtrucks.com.)
Build overview So what makes this Ram 2500HD special? It’s tricked out to be a surveyor’s rolling office. Land surveyors don’t always have the luxury of driving on nice roads and working in pristine conditions. Their jobs can take them to remote, and sometimes virgin, country where driving access
A.R.E.’s ToolMaster bedcap keeps the elements at bay, while the bed storage unit keeps tools and equipment organized and secure. Upper drawers slide out and are as long as the bed.
can be challenging, to say the least. They usually work in teams and carry a lot of surveying equipment that is fragile, expensive and cumbersome. The crew needs to be comfortable –
and the equipment needs to be secure, yet easily accessible. To that end, their vehicles are set a lot different from the typical contractor’s truck like we’ve built in year’s past. So is Surveyor 1.
See Your Project in the Magazine Whether you’ve installed massive ponds and waterfalls or a bubbling urn, we want to see photos of your water feature projects. We will feature all of the photos in our online Gallery (totallandscapecare.com/gallery), and the top projects will be featured in the June issue of Total Landscape Care.
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Amp Research power running boards and corner bed steps on each side make it easy to get in/out of the cab or secure items on the topper’s cargo rack.
Cummins power Surveyors put a lot of miles on their trucks, and nothing handles miles better than a diesel. The 370-horsepower 6.7L Cummins under the hood of
Surveyor 1 delivers 800 poundsfoot of torque, which makes it ideal for both carrying a big load, as well as towing ATVS and side-by-sides surveyors use to get into the roadless areas. We left the 4x4’s engine stock because, even with the upgrades we’ve made that added about 2,000 pounds to its curb weight, it has plenty of muscle on and off the road. We also wanted to keep fuel mileage maximized, which leaving Cummins stock does. But we did add some extra pulling power – in the form of a 12,000-pound capacity Warn winch secreted behind a heavyduty Fab Fours front bumper. We also replaced the lightweight
Ram rear bumper with a heavyduty Fab Fours’ model. More pulling power came when we ditched the stock tires and replaced them with a set of 35x12.50R17 General Grabber red-letter A/Ts mounted on Dick Cepek seven-spoke alloys. That upgrade necessitated a Cognito 2-inch leveling kit up front to provide full fenderwell clearance.
Surveyor storage With traction and pulling power addressed, we moved on to the most important aspect of Surveyor 1’s build: cargo management. We turned to A.R.E., the experts in bed caps and storage
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One-of-a-kind Mobil Delvac body graphics by Camoclad set the tone for the truck being one rigged for surveyors.
solutions, for help. They set us up with their ToolMaster bed cap and a custom-built Truck Vault Surveyor insert to handle the tools and equipment needs. The topper has side storage compartments with LED lighting, and the rear lift-up gate has an aluminum insert instead of glass like the side panels and BOLT locks keyed to the truck’s ignition key to ensure maximum security. Truck Vault’s Surveyor insert is built from high-density wood
The Ram 2500’s OE bumpers were replaced with heavy-duty units from Fab Fours. The front bumper has a 12,000-pound capacity, Warn winch mounted behind its thick steel faceplate.
and covered with the same carpet material as used on the bed cap. It also features heavy-duty locks on the foot-deep, bedlength, slide-out drawers where the expensive equipment will be stored. The lower compartments are also bed-length and set up to keep stakes, poles, shoves and other less critical tools and supplies within easy reach.
Safety in lights With crew comfort, tool storage,
SURVEYOR 1
Presented by Mobil Delvac & Ram Commercial Trucks
Supporting Sponsors Amp Research: amp-research.com; (800) 309-6823 A.R.E.: 4are.com; (330) 830-7800 Fab Fours Bumpers: fabfours.com; (866) 385-1905 Transfer Flow: transferflow.com; (800) 442-0056 BD Diesel: dieselperformance.com; (888) 841-8884 Marathon Seat Covers: marathonseatcovers.com; (800) 735-2769 Rigid Industries: rigidindustries.com; (480) 655-0100 Escort Inc.: escortradar.com; (800) 964-3138 BOLT Locks: boltlock.com; (877) 251-8798 Lincoln Electric: lincolnelectric.com; 888-935-3877 Special Thanks: Warren Spears, Spears Auto Repair, Long Beach, Mississippi; (228) 863-1878
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All of the truck’s on/off-road auxiliary lights utilize state-of-the-art LED technology from Rigid Industries.
power and traction concerns out of the way, we turned to the safety aspects. Rigid Industries took the lead in lighting, setting Surveyor 1 up with the latest in LED lights front and rear. Their 30-inch LED light bar sitting on top of the Fab Fours front bumper brings daylight to the darkest road at night. When the truck’s low beams aren’t quite enough to penetrate fog, snow or rain, Rigid’s smaller square (D2) and rectangular (SRQ2) LEDs, mounted low in the bumper, will handle the job. Backing up at night poses no concerns, either, as the pair of
ProPickup
Rigid’s diffused-pattern SR-Q2s floods the area with daylight white light. And if you can’t see what’s behind, Escort’s Guardian Alert back-up sensor system provides audio alerts in the cab if any object gets closer then 8 feet of the rear bumper. We also upgraded the rearview mirror to Escort’s SmartMirror2 with its backup camera and built-in navigation system. (The camera is mounted in the tailgate under the Ram head.) Emergency flashers, a must for survey vehicles, are in abundance courtesy of Buyer’s Products; 16 5-inch, high-intensity, amber and white LED strobes let approaching drivers know Surveyor 1 is there. We also have Buyer’s LED light bar on the roof as an added safety measure. To make controlling all of the LEDs easy, we installed Buyer’s pre-wired control box at the front of the Crew Cab’s center console where access to the light switches is fast and intuitive.
Surveyor 1 is also equipped with Amp’s manual side steps that are conveniently located under each corner of the bed to make access to the rack on
top of the A.R.E. topper easily accessible. We also make use of Escort’s passport iQ combo radar detector/navi unit. It’s saved our
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AS EASY AS Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com
Download Safety Manuals Find safety resources for you and your crews with Total Landscape Care’s Safety Watch issues. The bilingual articles describe landscaping accidents and how they could have been avoided. Download entire issues, which have a year’s worth of Safety Watch articles, or just read them straight from the site.
Creature comforts While we were in the cab, we slipped Marathon’s Cordura seat covers on to protect the OE seats from spilled drinks and any mud and grime that the winner of Surveyor 1 might bring onboard. Open any of the doors of the big Ram 2500, and AMP Research’s lighted running boards power down to make step-in easy. Close the doors, and they automatically tuck back up under the cab.
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Find the downloadable safety articles at totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch. Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com
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bacon on many occasions as the big Ram has a tendency to move along at a brisk pace on the open road. And when you are driving a pickup with the bold graphics, courtesy of the folks at Camoclad, that adds to the looks of Surveyor 1. Driving quicker than you think is easy when your 4x4’s stock suspension is beefed up with Hellwig rear sway bars and helper springs to make the extra weight it’s carrying in the bed feel like its not even there. Add in the comfort level already afforded by the stock Ram 2500 SLT, and you have a great work truck fit for any surveyor. Are we pleased with how
Just a little difference in looks, utility and performance compared to the day we took possession of our 2013 Crew Cab Ram 2500 4x4. Surveyor 1 is ready for fieldwork.
Surveyor 1 turned out? Absolutely. It’s practical, provides excellent crew comfort, cargo management, ride, handling, safety and power in a package
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portfolio
Fountain of Youth
Residential, Dix Hills, New York
LANDSCAPING: AquaFX, Mt. Sinai, New York outdoorlivingfx.com
Landscaper makes a splash with refreshing water oasis project BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
W
orking in a constrained area, Jeffrey Ingrassia – owner of AquaFX – and his crew constructed an aquatic retreat for these New York homeowners. The client was looking for a long, serpentine slide, so the team installed one that spanned 40 linear feet and stood 10-feet high – perfect for taking children and adults alike on a fast water ride. But this luscious area didn’t come without a few hurdles. “We knew we would face many challenges and that was because it would be taller than the cabana roof and had limited space to maneuver massive boulders,” Ingrassia says. To overcome the issues, the team installed a series of casted rock panels toward the top that were textured and stained to compliment the real boulders. An extensive amount of plumbing had to be rerouted for the 3-inch plumbing line to feed about 15,000 gallons per hour (gph) of water. They also convinced the clients to replace an existing waterfall, which was To have y our much smaller than the slide, with one that better tied into the overall scenery. project fe atured, email hig Repositioning the massive boulders, they constructed a naturalistic waterh-resolutio n photos, a fall that ran independently from the pool filtration, recirculating 10,000 gph. To descriptio n of the pro ject & the complement the water feature, they added customized, textured concrete steps, name of y o ur business which provided traction for climbing. Another safety measure included installing to lheartsi ll.rrpub marine lumber and custom netting to keep riders safe while heading up the slide. @gmail.c om. They also illuminated this project with LED lighting and Tiki torches, allowing for entertainment well into the night. Other tradesmen who worked on the project included Gibbons Pools, C&C Sprinkler, RicoRock and Dolphin WaterSlides. To see more photos from this project, visit totallandscapecare.com/fountain-of-youth.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRUE LAMAR TRUELAMAR.SMUGMUG.COM
PROJECT:
It isn’t how many people you employ. It’s the equipment you deploy.
Chris Shipp, Owner Shipp Shape Lawn Service | Sylvester, Ga.
If you want to increase your profitability, you’ve basically got two choices: cut costs or increase the productivity of the people you’ve got. For my company, choosing the right equipment made it possible to do both. Which is why I rely on my fleet of eight Grasshopper diesel mowers. Where we used to need more machines to keep up, we’re actually running fewer now and doing the same amount of work because of the extra power diesel provides. And that extra power delivers a better quality cut, which keeps our customers happy. Of course, the fuel savings with diesel don’t hurt, either. We’re saving more than $13,000 a year compared to gas. And when you combine that with less maintenance and less downtime, it means you can do a lot more profitable work and keep overhead to a minimum. Thanks to our Grasshoppers, we’re doing and earning more than ever. For more information, call 620-345-8621 or visit grasshoppermower.com.
PROUD PARTNER
IT’S SO MUCH MOWER Read our heroes’ stories at grasshoppermower.com/warrior Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com
© 2014 The Grasshopper Company. All rights reserved.
Power needs control. CASE skid steers feature on average, over 20% greater breakout force than the nearest competitor. They’re also built with our Power Stance chassis so you can dig, pry or push with confidence, no matter the surface or grade. The muscle to do your hard work is here. See your CASE dealer today.
CaseCE.com Š2014 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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