DECEMBER 2014
TotalLandscapeCare.com
Liven Up Winter Plants for cold-weather landscapes page 18
2014 State of the Landscape Industry page 7
Top Equipment from GIE+EXPO pages 11, 37
How To Winterize Compact Loaders page 33
INTRODUCING THE ALL- NEW FORD TRANSIT
POWER TO DO THE JOB.
NO MATTER WHICH ENGINE YOU CHOOSE.
3.5L ECOBOOST
STANDARD
3.7L
ENGINE CHOICES The standard 3.7L gas, the available 3.5L EcoBoost® or the available 3.2L diesel.
Ti-VCT V6
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275 horsepower. 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Its twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) technology automatically adjusts valve opening and closing to match the driving conditions, optimizing performance across the power band. E85 fl ex-fuelcapable and convertible to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefi ed petroleum gas (LPG).*
THE ALL-NEW
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The all-new Transit is available with the same engine proven in over 400,000 F-150 trucks, getting the job done with power and durability. It combines twin
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Great for severe-duty work that forces an engine to idle many hours a day under stop-and-go conditions. This available workhorse delivers 185 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s designed to help give you proven Ford diesel ruggedness and dependability. It’s also B20 biodiesel-capable.
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE
*Wh W en ord Wh r ere r d with it th t e CNG/ G LPG L Gaseoous Engg ine Prr ep Pac Packag kage. kag e e.
•
Every Transit engine gets a 6-SPEED SELECTSHIFT速 TRANSMISSION designed for low-end acceleration and high-end efficiency. 3.5L EcoBoost not available on vehicle shown.
table of contents
December 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 12
industry news
5
Breaking Ground: Saying Farewell
7
Field Report: Industry Events
What you will and won’t see with TLC going forward
2014 State of the Industry, plus Pets We Dig
equipment
11
Editor’s Picks: Industry Firsts
15
Safety Watch: On the Edge
Companies released innovative products to close out the year
Steer clear of embankments and steep slopes when mowing
33
Equipment Matters: Winterize Loaders
How to get your loaders ready for the cold weather, plus the top attachments
Roundup: GIE+EXPO Equipment
What you missed at the industry’s largest show
18
business
design/build
25
18
37
Landscaper of the Year Finalist: Making a Splash Pool services help grow North Carolina landscaper’s business
Foliage: Enhance Winter Gardens New, old varieties for coldweather landscapes
Proven Winners’ North Pole has a narrow, upright columnar habit and is ideal for narrow sites or as a screen. It’s hardy, resists winter burn and reaches heights of 120 to 180 inches.
44
Portfolio: Outdoor Rooms
How team created separate spaces for entertaining, relaxing
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What’s behind every ZTrak™ ? Just about everything.
When you buy a new ZTrak zero-turn mower, or any other John Deere commercial mower, you get more than just a great machine. You also get Uptime Solutions, a package of unique offerings made especially for commercial customers like you. There’s genuine John Deere Parts. Our exclusive NeverStop™ Loaner Program*. Great discounts from GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards. Partners like STIHL®. The expertise of John Deere Financial. And so much more. There’s more to our support than meets the eye. Talk to your John Deere dealer today about what Uptime Solutions can do for your business.
Products • Parts • Support • Rewards • Partners • Finance
Keep Mowing * The NeverStop Loaner Guarantee from John Deere is only available on ZTrak™, QuikTrak™ and Walk-Behind mowers.
JohnDeere.com/MowPro
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
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: Stacy McCants Vice President, Audience Development: Prescott Shibles 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 507.1.5.2); 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 RandallReilly 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.
Top Landscaper Concerns No matter your level of success, there are always going to be issues that challenge your business. On TLC’s Landscaper of the Year cruise, the Top 12 landscapers in the country shared some of their struggles. Something everyone agreed upon was how hard it was to find and keep the best employees. “It’s enough to pull your hair out,” says Jason Tebben, co-owner of Arborscapes in Pineville, North Carolina. “Other companies are pulling for them to offer them bigger payment packages. If I could hire 20 people today, I would. But the people you find now, their work ethic is pathetic.” To combat the employee issue, they all look for ways to keep good workers when they find them. “I talk with the employees, tell them what they do good and pay them whatever I need to pay them to make them stay,” says Mark Brotton, owner of Living Water Irrigation and Landscape in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Others, like Ken Schuster, owner of Greenleaf Landscaping & Gardens in Greenleaf, Wisconsin, started recognition programs. Schuster’s employees vote each week on the top employee, and he gives that person a gift card. “It generates a lot of fellowship among the crews,” he says. “They get excited about seeing who the winner is.” OSHA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations have also caused problems for several of the landscapers. “This is the area that is going to kill our industry,” says Russ Irvin, TDH Landscaping in Monkton, Maryland. To stay compliant, they all have the proper insurance and certifications — but that can be costly, as well. “Insurance goes up for every little thing,” says Deborah Munoz-Chacon, Sonoran Oasis Landscaping in Tucson, Arizona. “How do we keep the cost down for the clients?” They say it’s important to show clients what makes them different from the competition and that they abide by the law. Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editor-At-Large @LHDowdle
Total Landscape Care is a proud supporter of...
D E C E M B E R 2014
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Kubota Z700 Series: We Mean Business
Kubota’s 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.
Š Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014
kubota.com
FieldReport:
news, trends & cool stuff By Lauren Heartsill Dowdle
2014 State of the Landscape Industry L andscapers from across the country responded to TLC ’s survey about their concerns, equipment purchases and how their businesses performed during 2014. The respondents had an average of 19 years in the industry, and their top services offered were mowing, landscape installation, fertilization, landscape design, aeration, hardscape, ornamental plant care, irrigation and landscape lighting (in that order). When asked what services they would like to add, 46 percent said they aren’t looking to add any more (the top response), and 14 percent said they would add landscape lighting (second highest answer). Check out more stats to see how your business compares.
Hired New Employees
Yes: 57%
No: 43%
Average number of people hired: 6
What market presents the best opportunities?
Commercial: 32 percent
Residential: 62 percent Other: 6 percent
Average number of trucks owned
Do you think the landscape industry is making a comeback?
Yes: 78% No: 22%
According to a Total Landscape Care survey conducted in September that had 326 respondents
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fieldreport:
Top equipment purchased 1. Hand-held power tools
2. Mowers
Top 5 Concerns
Did you purchase equipment?
Yes: 63.5 percent
Finding/Keeping Good Employees Fuel Prices Profitability U.S. Economy Material Costs
No: 36.5 percent
Compared to 2013, how did your business do this year? Major Increase (more than 8 percent): 18 percent Moderate Increase (4 to 8 percent): 22 percent Minor Increase (up to 4 percent): 25 percent Remain the Same: 26 percent Minor Decrease (up to 4 percent): 4 percent Moderate Decrease (4 to 8 percent): 4 percent Major Decrease (more than 8 percent): 1 percent
Project annual volume for 2014
Less than $50,000: 17 percent
3. Trailers
$50,000 to $100,000: 17 percent
$100,001 to $500,000: 29 percent
$500,001 to $1 million: 11 percent
$1 million to $3 million: 9 percent
More than $3 million: 7 percent
No answer: 10 percent
According to a Total Landscape Care survey conducted in September that had 326 respondents
Pets We Dig
Smell the Daisies Lab’s love for the outdoors is contagious
T
his furry friend helps her owner remember to enjoy the simple things in life. Cocoa, a 2-year-old chocolate lab, doesn’t miss the chance to play outside. “She is very active and loves to swim daily,” says Angelique George, Grindstone Property Management. “She is very lovable and highly intelligent.” George shared a photo of Cocoa from when she
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Cocoa
To have your pet featured on TLC’s website, visit PetsWeDig.com and enter your pet’s photo.
was a puppy “to remind everyone to take time every day to stop and smell the daisies – instead of roses. She loves to play in my daisy bushes, and this pic always puts a smile on my face.”
! S G N I V A S HE
T N I E K
RA
Now is your opportunity to rake in an exceptional deal and grow your business! For a limited time only, you can lease a 2014 13,000 GVW ECO-MAX with an industry-standard 16’ Morgan Van body for only $595/month. Combine this with the 24 Months/60,000 Miles Covered Maintenance Program and your business can immediately profit with Isuzu’s low cost of ownership!
Don’t wait any longer to see how this cutting-hedge technology will help your business!
Only 2014 13,000 GVW NPR ECO-MAX eligible. $1,190 due at lease signing includes $595 first month’s lease payment, $595 security deposit. Monthly payments total $28,560. Subject to credit approval. Delivery out of dealer stock by 12/31/2014. Available only through Isuzu Finance of America, Inc. Participating dealers only; see your authorized Isuzu dealer for complete details.
Tackle Tough Jobs EXPERIENCE OUR NEW TRACK LOADERS Need to get more done in a day? Count on Takeuchi track loaders. Featuring a light footprint and an impressive rated operating capacity of 2,105 lbs, the new TL8 track loader offers an unrivaled blend of power and efficiency. With bucket breakout forces exceeding 6,800 lbs, and loader lift arm forces of over 6,700 lbs the TL8 is able to deliver unmatched performance in the most demanding applications. Find your new edge on productivity. See the full line at takeuchi-us.com.
©2014 Takeuchi Manufacturing. Contact your dealer for current warranty and financing program details.
FIND OUT WHAT OTHERS KNOW. VISIT TAKEUCHI-US.COM TO FIND THE DEALER NEAREST YOU.
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Innovative equipment releases close out the year
Heavy duty Gravely created a new segment of off-road vehicle with its Atlas jobsite vehicle (JSV). The vehicle has a 1,900-pound payload and 2,000-pound towing capacity. The JSV’s steel cargo bed has a 1,250-pound capacity, and an electric bed lift comes standard. The Atlas has a VersaTrac Turf Mode that unlocks the rear differential, similar to a ZTR. It’s available in four models: two diesel and two gas, both with three- or six-seat options. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/gravely-atlas.
Airless tire John Deere and Michelin joined together to release the Michelin X Tweel Turf airless radial tire for ZTrak mowers. The tires are available for the ZTrak 900 Series models 54-, 60- and 72-inch deck sizes. The X Tweel Turf is a 24-by-12-by-12 tire and features automotive rubber technology. The tires will be available in the spring of 2015, and there will be a $749 upcharge. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/ deere-michelin-tweel.
Wider tracks Compared to its other medium-frame compact track loaders, Case Construction Equipment’s TR310 has wider tracks (15 3/4 inches wide). The 74-horsepower TR310 weighs 8,800 pounds, has a 3,100-pound rated operating capacity and has an 8,680-pound bucket breakout force. The CTL has a radial-lift arm and 10foot 3-inch hinge-pin height. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/case-tr310.
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editor’s picks
Weathered appearance Belgard’s Old York pavers are suitable for both commercial and residential installations. With a hand-molded, clay-brick appearance, the pavers are available in Brookhaven, Madison and Summer Hill colors. Old York has a 6-millimeter joint that simulates a mortared brick installation. They are available in a range of face textures. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/belgard-new-pavers.
Attach grapple Danuser add a multi-purpose grapple to its pallet fork line. The rail-style frame supports 6,000 pounds, and the grapple can attach to any Danuser frame with 9,500 pounds of force at 3,000 psi. The multi-purpose grapple can be locked and stored for normal pallet-fork use, and no tools are required. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/ danuser-grapple.
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Discounts not available in all states.
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12 To t al L a n d s c a p e C a r e . com
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Do the math with Canter. + Higher payload + Higher fuel efficiency + Longer service interval + Industry-best warranty** = Lower cost-of-ownership See the new 2015 Canter FE/FG Series and find your nearest dealer for a test-drive at mitfuso.com.
*See dealer for complete financing options. **For warranty limitations and details, see your local dealer.
Connect with us:
FINANCING*
YOUR PLANS. CARRIED OUT.
Building your landscape business together. To grow your business, you need equipment that’s seeded with your thinking throughout. And rooted in the needs of your company. No wonder our E-Series Skid Steers and CTLs are perennial favorites. You wanted more foot room. We achieved it by making the foors fat. You wanted more horsepower. We upped it by 10% on our large-frame models. You wanted switchable controls. We offer selectable ISO, H-pattern, and foot controls on all models. You wanted easier attachment hookup. We hooked you up. To learn more, see your dealer or visit our website.
JohnDeere.com/Eskid
On the Edge BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Steer clear of embankments and steep slopes THE ACCIDENT: A lawn maintenance employee is operating a ZTR mower to mulch leaves. When the bag is full on the mower, he rides the mower 20 feet to a levee to dump the bag of leaves. He is backing up near the edge of the levee when the mower slides 10 to 15 feet into the river. The employee drowns. THE BOTTOM LINE: Do not mow near dropILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX offs, ditches, embankments or steep slopes. The wheels on the mower and attachments can drop off or slide over the edge. Instead, use a walk-behind mower or string trimmer to cut grass in these locations. Here are other safe mower operation tips when working around slopes or embankments. • Don’t make sharp turns at high speeds, especially on a hill. Also avoid abrupt starts and stops. • Keep the heavy end uphill to avoid a rollover. • Mow up and down slopes — not across — with riding mowers. For walk-behind mowers, mow across slopes. • Before mowing, look at the area that will be mowed to note elevation changes or other
obstacles. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Read and follow directions in the equipment operator’s manual. Know the maximum slope the equipment can safely be operated. • Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating mowers: close-fitting clothes, no jewelry, long pants, non-slip boots, safety glasses and hearing protection. • Perform safety inspections before operating the mower, including checking for loose or damaged belts, looking for fluid leaks, checking blades and cleaning the mower deck. Read more Safety Watch articles at totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch.
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Al borde POR LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Manténgase alejado de montículos y caídas empinadas EL ACCIDENTE: Un empleado de mantenimiento de césped está montando una cortacésped con radio de giro cero (ZTR) para triturar hojas. Cuando la bolsa de la cortacésped está llena, avanza unos 20 pies (6 metros) hacia un dique para descargar la bolsa de hojas. Está retrocediendo cerca de la orilla del dique cuando la cortadora resbala de 10 a 15 pies (de 3 a 4.5 metros) dentro del río. El empleado se ahoga. CONCLUSIÓN: No corte césped cerca de vertederos, zanjas, montículos o bajadas empinadas. Las ruedas de la cortacésped y ILUSTRACIÓN POR DON LOMAX los acoplamientos pueden caer o deslizarse ocultar obstáculos. sobre el borde. En vez de ello, use una cor• Lea y siga las instrucciones del manual del tacésped de a pie o una podadora de orillas para operador de la maquinaria. Conozca la máxima cortar el césped en esos lugares. inclinación en la que el equipo puede ser opeAquí otros consejos para la operación segura rado con seguridad. de una cortacésped cuando se trabaja cerca de • Utilice la adecuada indumentaria de protección inclinaciones o montículos. personal (PPE, siglas en inglés) cuando opere • No haga giros cerrados a altas velocidades, las cortadoras de césped: ropas ajustadas, especialmente sobre una colina. Evite también nada de joyería, pantalones largos, botas anarranques y paradas bruscas. tideslizantes, gafas de seguridad y protección • Mantenga el extremo más pesado hacia la auditiva. subida para evitar una volcadura. • Realice inspecciones de seguridad antes de • En las partes inclinadas, corte el césped de operar la cortadora de césped, revisando que arriba a abajo – no de forma cruzada – con las no haya correas sueltas o dañadas, fugas de cortacéspedes montadas. En las cortadoras de líquidos, chequeando cuchillas y limpiando la a pie, corte el césped de forma cruzada en las plataforma de la cortadora. inclinaciones. • Antes de cortar la hierba, observe el área Lea más artículos de Safety Watch en a cortar para notar cambios en la elevación totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch. u otros obstáculos. El césped alto puede
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CONFRONT THE FRONT Whatever color shows up on your radar, BOSS has you covered front to back. Our tough, reliable dual-trip DXT Snowplows and VBX V-Box Spreaders are designed and built to handle winter’s harshest elements with legendary performance. So no matter what the forecast calls for, BOSS will always be there to back you up.
www.bossplow.com
©2014 BOSS Products/Northern Star Industries, Inc.
foliage
Berry Poppins grows 36 to 48 inches high, and it needs part sun to sun. It blooms throughout the winter. The plant is ideal for homeowners who want bright winter color and fruit for cutting.
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foliage
Enhance Winter Gardens By ArriccA Elin SAnSonE
New varieties and old favorites provide interest in cold-weather landscapes
S
Proven WinnerS
pring, summer and autumn boast a riot of colors, lushness and bounty. But the winter garden has its own charms. Winter may seem like a time of rest for the landscape, but a well-planned design shines beyond its peak season. Plants with eye-catching good looks create a welcoming landscape regardless of the time of year. When many plants have settled in for a long winter’s nap, coldhardy specimens continue to provide interest with textured bark, berries, colorful branches and winter blooms. In fact, some plants show their best faces only in the winter months. Well-planned gardens also offer food and shelter for winter birds and other wildlife. Just as the landscape isn’t dormant now, winter is the ideal time to grow your own knowledge base. “Go to local arboretums, nurseries and established neighborhoods,” says Nicholas Staddon, director of new plant introductions at Monrovia Growers. “Scout out a few plants you like then come back and examine them throughout the winter. Watch their progression and identify what thrives in your conditions to expand your plant palate.” Consider trying a few of these beauties to add year-round appeal to your design projects.
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Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 19
foliage EVERGREENS Gold Rider Leyland Cypress (Cupressus leylandii ‘Gold
Sprinter Boxwood (Boxwood Buxus microphylla ‘Bulthouse’ USPPAF ) Fast-growing new variety that is resistant to Boxwood blight. Pruning seldom necessary. Shiny foliage has upright habit that works for hedging. Also attractive in containers. Grows 24 to 48 inches high and wide. • Sun or shade • Hardy to USDA Zone 5
Rider’ ) Maintains its color. Horizontal branching has bright gold-tipped sprays with lime green interior foliage. Use as focal point or plant en masse for a hedge. Can be sheared for a more formal appearance. Grows 35 feet tall, 15 feet wide. • Full sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 5 MOnROviA nURSeRy
PROven WinneRS
Good Vibrations Gold Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Hegedus’USPP 22,743 ) Lowspreading, soft-tipped variety with bright gold color. Orange hues in autumn. Deer resistant. Grows 12 to 18 inches high and 84 inches wide. • Full sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 4
PROven WinneRS
BALL HORTiCULTURAL COMPAny
Thuja Siena Sunset (Thuja occidentalis ‘Anniek’ PPAF ) A beautiful dwarf that’s gold in summer and bronze in winter. Maintains its round shape. Fast grower. Grows 12 to 24 inches high and 24 to 30 inches wide. For a tall, upright variety, try Thuja Forever Goldy, which boasts a gold color, resists winter burn and grows up 15 to 20 feet tall and 30 inches wide. • Sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 4
COLOR Pink-A-Boo Camellia (Camel-
Windcliff Double Pink Lenten Rose (Helleborus
lia sasanqua ‘MonDel’ PP#21,687 ) Large, fragrant, deep-pink flowers with bright yellow centers in winter. nice hedge or border shrub. Slow grower. Grows 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. • Part sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 7
MOnROviA nURSeRy
MOnROviA nURSeRy
Impish Elf Lily of the Valley Shrub (Pieris japonica ‘Shy’ PPAF )
Arctic Fire Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera ‘Farrow’
Brand new for 2015, this compact shrub has deep purple-pink buds for late-winter color, which burst into bell-shaped blooms. new foliage is glossy and red. Good for foundation or mass plantings. First in the new enchanted Forest series. Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. • Part sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 6
PP 18523 ) native shrub with gorgeous red stems, especially against a background of snow on sunny days. Or plant Arctic Sun, which has yellow stems with red tips. Both work well in borders, in mass plantings or in container gardens. Grows 36 to 60 inches high and wide. • Part sun to sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 3
MOnROviA nURSeRy
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x. ‘Windcliff Double Pink’ ) Oldfashioned perennial with increasing popularity. Beautiful new variety with double pink flowers. Blooms late winter. Mounding foliage clumps 15 to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. • Part sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 4
PROven WinneRS
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TEXTURE Charity Mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ ) Unusual evergreen shrub has dramatic frond-like leaves and sprays of yellow flowers in winter, which develop into black berries by late summer. Striking accent. Grows 10 to 15 feet tall and upright. • Part sun to sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 7
MONROVIA NURSERY
Gold Bar Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinesis ‘Gold Bar’ PP# 15,193 ) Gold stripes on bright green leaves with burgundy stalks in winter. Slow grower. Grows 4 to 5 feet tall, 20 inches wide. • Full sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 5
MONROVIA NURSERY
Little Quickfire Hardy Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPLQF’ PPAF ) White summer flowers fade to pinkish-red and linger throughout cold-weather months. Use in mixed borders, as a foundation planting or as an accent. Blooms earlier than most hydrangeas. Dwarf form. Grows 36 to 60 inches tall and wide. • Part sun to sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 3 PROVEN WINNERS
Winterberry Berry Poppins (Ilex verticillata ‘FarrowBPop USPPAF ) Cold-hardy native deciduous shrub with stunning red berries in fall through winter. Heavy fruiting dwarf variety fits in most landscapes. Use Mr. Poppins as a pollinator to yield fruit. Grows 36 to 48 inches high and wide. • Part sun to sun • Hardy to USDA Zone 3 PROVEN WINNERS
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1 Based on standard pickup class. EPA estimated 28 highway MPG based on available EcoDiesel V6 4x2. Actual results may vary. 2 350/3500 pickups. With available CumminsŽ Diesel when properly equipped. 3 Based on class 3–5 pickup-based conventional cab chassis over 10,000 GCWR. 4 Based on Small Commercial Van segment. EPA estimated 18 city/26 highway with 20-gallon fuel tank. Actual results may vary. 5 Based on Class 2 Cargo Van (single rear-wheel axle). 6 See dealer for details and a copy of Limited Warranty. 7 Includes $500 On The Job Upfit Bonus Cash Allowance on 2014 and 2015 Ram Commercial vehicles (Ram 1500 Tradesman model only). Must take delivery by 1/5/15. See dealer for On The Job incentive details and eligibility requirements. Ram, Ram ProMaster, BusinessLink & Design and On The Job & Design are registered trademarks of Chrysler Group LLC. Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Inc.
RAM COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ®
RAM 1500 / BEST-IN-CLASS 28 MPG HWY FUEL ECONOMY 1 RAM 3500 / BEST-IN-CLASS 30,000 LB TOWING2 RAM Chassis Cab / BEST-IN-CLASS GCWR – 37,500 LBS3 RAM C/V / BEST-IN-CLASS DRIVING RANGE OF 520 hwy MILES4 RAM PROMASTER® / BEST-IN-CLASS 4,440 LB payload 5
5-YEAR/100,000-MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY 6
Up to 1500 $
deduction Section 179 taxcompatible Visit ramtrucks.com/commercial for more information.
7
in On The Job incentives in addition to current offers.
Presented by
Congratulations to our 2015 Landscaper of the Year and Finalists!
LANDSCAPER OF THE YEAR Lawn Butler Rudy Larsen Salt Lake City, Utah
Arborscapes Inc. Jason Tebben & Nathan Morrison Pineville, North Carolina
Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping Greg Struhl Las Vegas, Nevada
Drost Landscape Design and Construction Robert Drost Petoskey, Michigan
Greenleaf Landscaping & Gardens Dorene & Kenneth Schuster Greenleaf, Wisconsin
Kirk’s Lawn Care Kirk Brown Spring City, Pennsylvania
Living Water Irrigation and Landscape LLC Mark G. Brotton Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sonoran Oasis Landscaping Deborah Munoz-Chacon Tucson, Arizona
T. O’Donnell Landscaping Tim & Thom O’Donnell West Seneca, New York
TDH Landscaping LLC Richard & Russell Irvin Monkton, Maryland
Tom’s Outdoor Living Tom Butchko Tulsa, Oklahoma
Varsity Landscaping & Grounds LLC Michael A. Anderson Roanoke, Virginia
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Making a Splash BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Adding pool services helped save landscaper’s business
F
rom a struggling kid in high school to becoming a successful business owner, Steven Wright has proven he has what it takes to thrive in this industry. Owner of Creative Landscape & Irrigation (creativelandscaper.com) in Asheboro, North Carolina, Wright has always weathered the ups and downs and discovered ways to grow his business.
Photo: Steven Wright, Creative Landscape & Irrigation
D E C E M B E R 2014
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landscaper of the year finalist
Before starting a project, Steven Wright creates storyboards with the different components, such as plants, materials and features. Giving potential clients a visual element has helped him close sales.
Uphill battle Wright never had it easy – having a child at 16 and needing to support his new family – but he says having his landscape work helped him overcome obstacles, even though others weren’t always so sure of him. “When I graduated from high school, I tried to borrow $10,000 from the bank, and they laughed,” Wright recalls. “Now, we mow their property.” He says it was difficult starting out because he had to show he wasn’t just a young kid mowing yards for extra money during the summer – he wanted to make this industry his profession. With two sons by the time he was 20, Wright knew there was more at stake than just him. He steadily grew the business, taking his sons to jobsites and showing them the ins and outs –
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something they really enjoyed. Now, his sons have bigger roles in the company. Cody, 27, and Kaz, 24, both supervise crews and share the same love as their dad. “I grew up around it, and I enjoy doing it,” Cody says. Wright depends on his sons, letting them call the shots on the jobsites. “They can handle the issues,” Wright says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my boys.”
Changing to survive While Wright now has about 11 employees and close to $1 million in annual volume, his company wasn’t immune to the hard-hitting recession. “I thought 2008 was the end of the world,” Wright says. Ninety percent of the company’s revenue came from homeowner’s associations (HOAs)
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landscaper of the year finalist
at the time, and that segment really took a hit. Irrigation services also saw a decline, compared to their install work. “That’s the economy and because irrigation systems are buried, and customers can’t see them like pools, plants and other features,” Wright says. They went from doing a dozen or more irrigation projects a month to only a handful in an entire year. Also, instead of doing $100,000 jobs, they started getting projects a fourth that size. Koi ponds and other types of water features are popular with Steven Wright’s customers. He So, they downsized their staff designs all of his projects using 3D CAD software. When the project is finished, he gives the client a book with photos of their redesigned yard. and turned their focus to pools. “That’s been our salvation,” the area around the hot tub,” Wright says. Wright says. “You have to be a building contracAnother important aspect has been differentor to do swimming pools, so that helps us survive tiating themselves from their competition. “Any with guys who just have a trailer and mower with one who has a truck and a lawn mower is now a no permits.” ‘landscaper,’” Wright says. “When I started in ’87, Not only has Wright used pool services to grow there were three landscapers in the phonebook. his business, he also opened a pool store. His Now, there are 93.” daughter-in-law, who has a business degree, runs The industry hasn’t returned to pre-recession the shop. Many of its clients also become customnumbers, but Wright has seen areas of growth. ers of the landscape business once they visit. “After New construction has taken off in Asheboro, we sell a hot tub, we will mail them a design for
WRIGHT’S SECRET TO SUCCESS “Our biggest key to success in the past 20 years has been education: keeping ahead of the other people in our business and trying to teach our guys individually how to actually perform the services,” says Steven Wright, owner of Creative Landscape & Irrigation. “We don’t just tell them what to do, but we sit down and show them how to do these services. “If they have a problem on site, instead of just rushing through the problem, we sit down with them and show them why it was done like this,” he continues. “That’s really paid off for us. We’ve actually had our customers tell us, ‘Your supervisor on the crew took care of my irrigation problem. I didn’t know your lawn care crew could take care
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of that problem.’ That’s because he had that problem in the past, and we had showed him how to perform that task. So, it’s paid off for us not having to do customer callbacks.” Another important aspect of education has been staying current with new products and equipment. “When new retaining wall blocks come out, for example, we have all of the samples,” Wright says. “We take it out and show it to the customer. It puts us ahead of the curve.” Wright also continues to push himself, taking college classes at night to gain different industry degrees. To watch a video about his success story, visit totallandscapecare.com/wright-success.
landscaper of the year finalist
making their services 75percent install and 25-percent maintenance – which is the opposite of what it was before the recession.
Finding success Another thing that helped keep his business afloat during the downturn was the fact that Wright didn’t finance equipment. Instead, he bought slightly used machines, earning Wright the nickname “vulture.” He has excavators, skid steers, hydromulchers, straw-blowers, mowers and other pieces of equipment in his fleet. In a town of about 62,000, Wright says his reputation is everything. His business participates in local fundraisers, donates work and materials and gives discounts to churches and non-profit groups. They also offer discounts for winter installs, and they actually had their largest project to date this past January. They installed a patio, lagoon pool, outdoor Creative Landscape & Irrigation offers a variety of services including maintenance, swimming kitchen and hot tub. pools, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, custom stone and concrete work, water features and pergolas. Another important part of his business is his team of workers, could become as an extension of their home and which are hard to come by. To find good workers, living space. My wife thinks I’m crazy, but I can he enlists the help of his current crew. “The best just see it,” Wright says with a smile. “You have way to get an employee is through an employee,” to be able to adapt to trends in landscaping Wright says. “If they aren’t good, that emsuch as concrete walkways to stamped ployee has to fire them. They don’t want To enter to walkways to paver walkways. There is to look bad.” be Landscaper of no room for skimping on the quality While his journey hasn’t been the Year, visit of work given to the client, no matter easy, Wright has overcome his totallandscapecare. how big or small the job. Each client hurdles and followed his passion. And com/loy. deserves the best.” he attributes his success, in part, to the See more project photos from Creative vision he has for each project. Landscape & Irrigation at totallandscapecare. “What this means is ‘seeing’ the client’s dream com/creative-landscape-irrigation. and being able to imagine what the client’s yard
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equipment matters
Winterizing Loaders
Get equipment ready for the cold weather, plus top attachments
Deere’s SB84B two-stage hydraulic blower throws snow up to 45 feet. It’s compatible with most skid steers and compact track loaders.
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
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inter weather hit the nation early this year, affecting many landscape contractors’ schedules. Whether operating or storing equipment during the cold season, it’s important for owners to take care of their machines. “Preventative maintenance goes a long way to
TIER 4 TIP Machines with Tier 4 engines that include a diesel particulate filter (DPF) use a regeneration process to covert soot build-up in the DPT to an ash byproduct. As a result, owners should not idle their machines in cold weather for long periods of time because the idling will cause the DPF to soot up and clog, Bryan says.
protect your investment and should be done at the beginning, as well as the end, of each working season,” says Gary Bryan, national warranty manager, Takeuchi. “A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in ensuring that your equipment is ready to roll once spring comes around.” Here are tips for winterizing loaders. 1. Fluids. Operators should change the fluids and lubricants to cold-tolerant products that can handle extreme conditions. “For proper lubrication, it’s important to use low-temperature grease on pivot joints,” Bryan says. “Fuel and hydraulic filters, which have likely gathered moisture, dirt and debris from the summertime, will need to be replaced.” For extreme cold conditions, operators also need
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equipment matters
to change the type of oil used. “If you’re very far up north, you may want to change the oil to a higher-viscosity oil for the winter just because of the low temperatures,” says Sam Norwood, manager, CWP Sales and Marketing, John Deere Construction & Forestry. Landscapers should also fill their equipment with an anti-gel fuel before freezing conditions set in. To minimize the risk of frozen or gelled-up fuel lines, owners should check the operator’s manual and use manufacturer-approved fuel additives, Bryan suggests. 2. Systems. Operators should keep a close eye on hydraulic systems and attachments. “A loose connection could cause moisture to build up inside, potentially causing the internal components of the machine to freeze and possibly burst the hoses,” Bryan says. For comfort, owners should check the heating and defrosting systems, as well as making sure the windows are tightly sealed. 3. Tires. Tires deflate a little when going from warm to cold to freezing, so operators should make
Operators should make sure the cab door and window are tightly sealed to not let the cold air inside of the cab. They should also check the heating and defrosting systems as part of routine maintenance.
sure they stay at the proper PSI. The PSI can be found in the operator’s manual. 4. Battery. Owners should check battery connections for corrosion and wear. They should also perform a load test on the battery. “During the winter, we see batteries die because they need to generate nearly twice the amount of amps to turn over a cold engine,” Bryan says.
TOP 5 LOADER ATTACHMENTS 1. Augers. They offer landscapers a quick and efficient way to dig holes in the soil with speed and accuracy. Augers are most often used to dig holes for fence posts, as well as for planting trees, large bushes and shrubs. 2. Land Levelers. Landscapers use these attachments to shape soil, spread and level material, backfill trenches, remove existing sod and grade existing terrain. The angled grade blades on the front and rear of the attachment allow operators to level efficiently moving in forward and reverse.
compact loader operators to dig, load, grab, doze and level with one attachment. These buckets are often used in landscaping projects to shape soil and pick-and-place rock and other objects into a landscape feature, as well as to shape soil for proper drainage.
3. Multipurpose. Also known as 4-in-1, these buckets enable
4. Rake. Power box, or Harley, rake attachments can be used
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to grade, shape, plow, restore trenches, windrow debris, aerate and dry soil, recondition turf and prepare seed beds. Removable and reversible end plates give operators the flexibility to box rake or windrow, and the front tires mounted on swivel casters can be adjusted for height and length. 5. Trenchers. These attachments can dig trenches while efficiently placing the spoil material in a windrow along the trench. Trenchers are most often used by landscapers to run irrigation lines and underground utilities. SOURCE: GREGG WARFEL, TEREX CONSTRUCTION AMERICAS
Sam Norwood, Deere, points out service points on a loader that landscape contractors should check and maintain before, during and after the winter season.
Operators should keep an eye on the battery throughout the season as part of their preventive maintenance schedule. “It’s really hard to start a diesel engine when it’s a winter like we had last year,” Norwood says. “So making sure your battery is in peak condition is also key going into the winter season.” 5. Storage. For those not using their equipment during the winter, they should keep the machines in a dry, dust-free area. It also helps to keep the equipment out of environments with direct sunlight, Bryan says. “This is because constant temperature changes can cause condensation to form on the metal parts, which can then freeze and cause damage to internal components,” he adds. Before storing it for a few months, owners should wash and clean the machine. Next, it’s important for them to apply an anti-corrosion protective coating to the exposed cylinder rods, Bryan says. They should also put protective covers on the air intake hose and the muffler. Once the equipment is where it will be stored, owners need to disconnect the battery and store it in a clean, dry environment. Visit totallandscapecare.com/winterize-loader for more winterizing tips. Plus, watch a video about loader control patterns at totallandscapecare.com/ loader-control-patterns.
D E C E M B E R 2 014
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Total Landscape Care is Going Digital. Follow Us There! This will be the last issue of Total Landscape Care, but you can still find all of your favorite articles and news on the website and newsletter. Sign up for TLC ’s daily newsletter at totallandscapecare.com/ subscriptions. You’ll receive articles on equipment, safety, project features, business tips, industry news and more. Visit totallandscapecare.com for everything you need to know to succeed in the landscape industry, plus photo galleries, contests and blogs.
roundup
GIE+EXPO Releases What machines you missed at the industry’s biggest show BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Compact power The Caterpillar 303E CR compact hydraulic excavator is 61 inches wide across the blade and has a compact-radius design. With a maximum operating weight of 7,782 pounds, the 303E CR has a 23.5-horsepower engine. It’s available in both cab and canopy configurations. The 303E CR’s bucket can rotate 200 degrees, and a lifting eye on the front linkage provides a secure attachment point for rigging. Steel tracks are available for the 303E CR as an alternative to the standard rubber tracks. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/cat-303e.
Power walking Husqvarna introduced two walk-behind mowers: the W436, with a 36-inch fixed, fabricated deck, and W448, with a 48-inch fixed, fabricated deck. Each comes with a 5-speed transmission, Vanguard engine, assisted reverse, electric clutch and rubber M-ZT discharge shield. Husqvarna also unveiled handheld products including two brushcutters, two trimmers and an extended hedge trimmer. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/ husqvarna-mowers-handheld-products.
Mower trio Kubota Tractor added three mower models to its Z700-Series line: the Z724X-48, Z724X-54 and Z726X-60. Available in 48, 54 or 60 inches, the Z700 decks are seven gauge and 6 inches deep. The mowers have a Parker TorqPact GT 14 transmission and 11.6-gallon fuel tank. They travel up to 11 mph. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/kubota-z700-mowers.
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roundup
Lean to steer Toro’s stand-on spreader/sprayer features Lean to Steer technology, which allows the operator to control forward/ reverse and left/right steering with one hand. With forward speeds of up to 5.5 mph, the Toro spreader/sprayer has a 175-pound spreader hopper and a 20-gallon spray tank. An additional 50-pound dry fertilizer bag can be carried on top of the spray tank. A standard hand-held spray wand is also included. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/toro-intros-stand-onspreadersprayer.
Smaller jobsite footprint The Ditch Witch SK850 mini skid steer is equipped with a 37-horsepower, Tier 4 Yanmar diesel engine. With a 74-square-inch platform, the mini skid steer also has dual-lever ground drive controls. The high-drive tack system has bolt-on sprockets that can be interchanged. The SK850 comes with the choice of 42-inch- or 36-inch-wide tracks. With an 860-pound operating capacity and the 83inch hinge-pint height, the SK850 is made with reinforced steel. For more totallandscapecare.com/ditch-witch-sk850. information, visit totallandscapecare.com/ditch-witch-sk850
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Variable speed Oregon expanded its line of outdoor power equipment with the addition of a blower, second-generation chainsaw and corded electric chainsaw. The BL300 blower is a battery-powered machine with a variable speed trigger and turbo button. On turbo, the BL300 provides 495 cfm at 132 mph. On high, the blower offers 394 cfm at 105 mph. The BL300 features a bystander decibel rating of less than 65db. For more information, visit totallandscapecare. com/oregon-bl300-blower.
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You Create and Maintain Healthy, Green Living Spaces for Communities across America. PLANET Helps Your Business Reach Greater Heights. We need to stick together in taking our businesses and industry from good to great, which can be accomplished by our direct involvement with PLANET. In the last year, PLANET has implemented a tremendous public relations campaign geared toward educating consumers about our industry, made significant enhancements to the industry’s leading educational and networking events, and continued to serve as a strong and valiant voice for our industry on Capitol Hill. We are truly on a trajectory to greatness. But, we can’t do it alone. Join me in the journey from good to great by becoming a fellow PLANET member today. —PLANET President Jim McCutcheon, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, HighGrove Partners, LLC, Austell, Ga.
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roundup
No DPF
Trim emissions Stihl’s HLA 85 lithium-ion, extended-reach hedge trimmer is equipped with an adjustable telescopic shaft (up to 10 1/2 feet). It has a double-sided, 20inch Stihl blade. The HLA 85 has up to an 11-hour runtime at full power (with the AR 900 backpack battery). It weighs 12.6 pounds, and its gearbox can be folded completely back for storage. Stihl also introduced the TSA230 lithium-ion batterypowered cut-off machine. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/stihl-lithium-ion.
Anti-vibration system
The efco MT 6500 chainsaw weighs 14 pounds and delivers 4.7 horsepower. The chainsaw has a 63cc displacement, automatic oil pump and bar length of 16, 18, 20 or 24 inches. Full production of the MT 6500 chainsaw begins in early 2015, with product arrivals at dealers slated for March. The company also introduced the 2400 Series engine that has a displacement of 21.7cc, which delivers 1.2 horsepower. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/efco-power-equipment.
Avant Tecno USA’s 760i Tier 4 loader is powered by a 57-horsepower Kohler KDI engine. The 760i is 121.3 inches long, 55.1 inches wide, 83.1 inches tall and weighs 4,640 pounds. It has a hydrostatic transmission and 3,600-pound-foot of pulling force. The loader has 360-degree visibility, an overload sensor and ROPS frame and FOPS canopy. The loader is compatible with more than 100 different attachments. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/avant-760i.
Blow clippings The Mean Green Mowers SK-48 Stalker is a commercial electric stand-on mower with an electric grass/debris blower concealed under the front cover. When the switch is flipped after mowing, an operator can cruise along sidewalks, roads and driveways to blow the grass clippings off the surface. The air volume and speed is similar to most gas-powered blowers, and the machine features zero emissions. For more information, visit totallandscapecare.com/ mean-green-mower-blower.
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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.
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Outdoor Rooms Creating separate spaces for entertaining, relaxing BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
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&D Landscape Management created the ultimate backyard retreat at this Shorewood, Illinois, home. The clients had a variety of elements on their project wish list including a contemporary appearance, crisp and clean design, minimal plantings, large social spaces, outdoor kitchen with a fridge and grill, fireplace, water feature, seat walls and monochromatic paving. The project designers, John Algozzini and Renee Mercer, developed three distinct social spaces: the dining area under the overhang, sunken fireplace room and an open area between the pool and fireplace room. The large open area also includes a kitchen. They used Unilock products for the different hardscape elements — paving fireplace, estate wall and ledgestone. For the countertops, they installed a ruffian brown granite. All of the vertical features and the paving bricks are in a variety of brown earth tones. To provide contrast with the paving and plantings, they added spicy orange cushions. The landscape team also installed plantings including maiden grass, neon sedum, red knockout roses, Colorado spruce and ornamental kale. The project required six weeks of planning and eight weeks of install. See more photos from the project at totallandscapecare.com/kd-landscape-management.
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Running a large-scale business requires effort, commitment and a strong pain reliever. Sure, a larger business means bigger profits — but it also means bigger headaches. Take my operation, for instance. On any given day, we’re running 8 mowers at more than 40 locations across a 120-square-mile area, so logistics alone is challenging enough. Add staffing, scheduling an d m ai n ten an c e i n to the equation, and you’re looking at enough variables to make Einstein recheck his figures. And when you’ve got a mower or two down for repair, it’s even more complicated. That’s why I started buying Grasshopper mowers a few years back. They just keep running, no matter what. And they’re designed to cut maintenance just as well as they cut grass, which — believe me — my crews appreciate after a long day. Since we’re running diesel mowers, they also save us thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs. And I don’t know any businessman who wouldn’t welcome adding a chunk of change that size to his bottom line. After all, running a business on this scale has enough headaches. At least now, my equipment isn’t one of them. Talk about a pain reliever.
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Reliable. Durable. Muscle-bound. The Kubota SVL Compact Track Loaders are model employees. And models of engineering. Featuring proven Kubota engines, best-in-class breakout force and a smooth ride, they show up ready to work, day in and day out. Locate your dealer at Kubota.com/Construction. Š Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014.