For three decades, landscape, lawn care, tree care, irrigation and other green industry professionals have gathered at Arlington National Cemetery, donating their time, talent and resources to care for the final resting place of the nation’s heroes. Beginning in 2027, Project EverGreen will carry Renewal and Remembrance forward, bringing the industry together to continue its mission of service, stewardship and remembrance. 

“Renewal and Remembrance represents the very best of the green industry — professionals coming together and using their skills and resources to honor those who served our country,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The Honor Our Heroes Raffle gives everyone an opportunity to be part of that tradition, whether they join us at Arlington or support the mission from home. Every ticket helps us carry this meaningful day of service forward.” 

Only 250 raffle tickets will be available, with individuals permitted to purchase up to three tickets. The winning ticket will be drawn Feb. 12, 2027. Participants must be 18 or older and do not need to be present to win. 

“Steel Green is proud to support Renewal and Remembrance and the professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to honor the men and women who served our country,” said Matt Smith, vice president of sales of Steel Green Manufacturing. “Donating a Steel Green unit to the Honor Our Heroes Raffle is one way we can help Project EverGreen continue this important tradition while giving someone the opportunity to take home a great piece of equipment.” 

Proceeds from the raffle will help Project EverGreen bring green industry professionals from across the country together at Arlington National Cemetery. Volunteers will put their professional expertise to work caring for turf and trees, improving landscapes and irrigation and helping preserve the beauty and dignity of the historic grounds. 

To purchase tickets, go here.

<p>The post Project EverGreen’s new Honor Our Heroes Raffle funds annual Renewal and Remembrance event at Arlington National Cemetery first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Designed for architectural and landscape applications, VIA allows lighting designers and integrators to approach the entire property as one cohesive lighting environment, with consistent control, color quality, dimming performance and scene creation indoors and out. 

Built from Coastal Source’s signature solid brass and engineered specifically for demanding outdoor environments, VIA features tunable white light, vibrant color, precision dimming and intelligent scene control through a low-voltage Plug+Play architecture. The line includes Directional, Fixed Directional and Path fixtures, with a range of optics, filters, shrouds and mounting configurations to support a wide range of lighting applications. Fixtures are factory-configured to the specified application, helping streamline installation and commissioning while supporting predictable performance in the field. 

Developed through Lutron’s Native by Design program, VIA integrates Lutron Intelligent Lighting technology directly into a Coastal Source fixture platform engineered from the ground up for outdoor use. That combination brings sophisticated light quality and control into the landscape without compromising the durability demanded by permanent outdoor installations. 

“VIA represents a major step forward in the way residential lighting can be designed and experienced,” said Franco D’Ascanio, founder and CEO of Coastal Source. “Dealers can now carry the quality, control and character of intelligent lighting from inside the home naturally into the landscape using products engineered from the outset for life outside. Instead of thinking about indoor and outdoor lighting as two separate systems, VIA allows the entire property to be designed as one lighting experience.” 

Through native Lutron control, VIA gives homeowners the ability to adapt their outdoor environments throughout the day, adjusting color temperature, intensity, color and scenes for everything from everyday living and entertaining to architectural and landscape accent lighting. Lighting indoors and outside can work together as part of a unified experience across the property. 

Coastal Source’s Plug+Play low-voltage architecture helps simplify system design and field installation, while native Lutron integration streamlines programming and system coordination. VIA nodes extend wireless communication across larger properties, supporting intelligent lighting installations throughout expansive outdoor environments. 

 ”By developing VIA alongside Coastal Source, we’ve extended the Lutron lighting experience beyond the home with a purpose-built outdoor platform that integrates natively with our ecosystem,” said Ed Blair, president and vice chairman of the board at Lutron. “Together, Lutron and Coastal Source are enabling dealers to deliver one continuous lighting experience that flows naturally from inside the home into the landscape.” 

<p>The post Coastal Source and Lutron launch VIA outdoor intelligent lighting first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The new hand-held models include the Honda HBBX7550 backpack blower, HHHX2650 hedge trimmer, HHCX1650 chainsaw and HHTX1750 string trimmer, powered by a shared 58V battery and charger platform that allows the same batteries and chargers to be used across multiple hand-held tools. The lineup is set to debut at Equip Exposition 2026, Oct. 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

“With our all-new 58V battery-powered hand-held lineup, Honda is expanding our battery-powered lawn and garden portfolio with commercial-grade tools engineered to deliver the high-output performance, durability and ease of use professional landscapers expect for the core tasks crews manage every day,” said Barry Dlugasz, director of sales, service and marketing of power equipment, American Honda Motor Co. “These products are designed around a shared battery platform, allowing the same batteries and chargers to be used across multiple hand-held tools while supporting the full landscaping workflow — from trimming and edging to pruning, cutting, clearing and cleanup.”

Honda HBBX7550 backpack blower

The Honda HBBX7550 backpack blower is engineered for professional cleanup work, combining high air volume, air speed and blowing force to move everything from dry grass clippings to wet leaves and mixed gravel. Four air-speed levels allow users to set the maximum available blowing output, while variable trigger control enables the user to fine-tune output.

Comfort-focused features include cruise control to reduce trigger fatigue, a telescoping nozzle for adjustable reach and precise debris control and an ergonomic padded harness with shoulder straps, back pad and breathable belt that provides load-balanced comfort, helping reduce fatigue and strain throughout the workday.

The blower’s two-battery system is designed for longer operating time, while an LCD display panel allows operators to check battery charge and air-speed settings to maximize work efficiency. A battery cover helps protect the batteries against debris and moisture, while tool-only IPX4 weather resistance supports operation in outdoor working conditions when paired with proper battery care.

Honda HHHX2650 hedge trimmer

The Honda HHHX2650 hedge trimmer is designed for quiet and efficient pruning work, according to Honda. The model’s 26-inch cutting length and 1 1/3-inch cutting capacity support efficient hedge maintenance, while selectable eco and normal operating modes allow cutting performance to be matched to lighter pruning or thicker seasonal growth.

A five-position rotating handle (0 degrees, ±45 degrees and ±90 degrees) helps maintain comfort and control while trimming from multiple angles, reducing repeated posture changes during extended hedge maintenance. For crews working in residential, commercial and noise-sensitive settings, the hedge trimmer highlights the practical advantages of battery power, including quieter operation, easy starting, reduced vibration and greater control during precision pruning.

Additional safety and durability features include a switch trigger on the front handle that must be engaged along with the rear switch trigger for operation, an aluminum blade support and tool-only IPX4 weather resistance to support reliable operation in outdoor working conditions.

Honda HHCX1650 chainsaw

The Honda HHCX1650 chainsaw is engineered for battery-powered cutting performance in landscaping, property maintenance and cleanup applications. Combining a 2500W brushless motor, 26 meters per second chain speed and a 16-inch Oregon guide bar and chain, the model is designed to deliver fast, efficient cutting while helping users manage demanding cutting tasks.

Jobsite usability details include an LCD display that provides battery information and a low-oil alert, a lock-off button on the handle that must be pressed before the trigger can be engaged and a front handle and chain kickback brake handle optimized for operator comfort and ease of use. The variable speed trigger supports precise cutting control, while the automatic chain oiling system helps maintain proper lubrication, and the low-oil alert notifies the operator when chain oil is low, helping reduce maintenance interruptions.

Additional features include metal bucking spikes, a reinforced frame designed to help protect internal components from drops, bumps and jobsite abuse and tool-only IPX4 weather resistance.

Honda HHTX1750 string trimmer

The Honda HHTX1750 string trimmer is designed for professional finishing work, including trimming, edging, obstacle work and dense grass conditions. The model combines a 17-inch cutting capacity with selectable eco and normal operating modes, allowing users to match cutting performance to the application — from light finishing cuts and early grass growth to dense grass and more demanding trimming conditions.

A straight fixed aluminum shaft is designed to withstand the demands of daily professional use, while the grip and deflector designs help improve operator comfort, reduce debris spread and maintain good visibility during operation. A battery level indicator enables users to monitor remaining battery charge, while the loop handle supports balanced maneuverability around trees, fences and tight spaces.

A safety switch helps prevent accidental activation, and rapid line feed helps reduce downtime by allowing users to replace line quickly by feeding the line and twisting the head. Tool-only IPX4 weather resistance helps support reliable operation in outdoor working conditions.

58V battery and charging platform

The Honda shared 58V platform incorporates multiple battery capacities and charger choices, allowing the same batteries and chargers to be used across the full range of hand-held Honda lawn and garden tools while supporting different runtime needs and charging requirements.

Each tool will be offered in tool-only and combo configurations. The backpack blower combo includes a two-port rapid charger, while the hedge trimmer, chainsaw and string trimmer combos each include a standard charger. Battery packs are available in 2.5Ah, 4Ah, 5Ah, 8Ah and 12Ah capacities. Honda offers a variety of charger options to give professional users more flexibility to manage multiple tools and batteries across route work, staging areas and crew schedules.

For higher-capacity packs, the rapid charger significantly reduces charge time. For example, the 12Ah battery charges in approximately 90 minutes on the rapid charger. The rapid two-port charger can charge one or two batteries simultaneously for crews managing multiple tools or battery packs. Recommended battery pairings are designed to balance performance, runtime, tool weight and operator comfort, with a 2.5Ah battery for the hedge trimmer, 4Ah battery for the string trimmer, a 5Ah battery for the chainsaw and two 12Ah batteries for the backpack blower.

Battery operating temperature is listed as -5 degrees C (23 degrees F) to 40 degrees C (104 degrees F), with storage temperature listed as -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F) to 60 degrees C (140 degrees F).

<p>The post Honda unveils 58V battery-powered commercial hand-held tools for 2027 first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The AeroMaster, Toro’s first dedicated stand-on blower, allows landscape contractors to clear debris with more precision and speed than backpack or hand-held blowers. Plus, the stand-on GrandStand HDM+ mower gets a redesign that delivers increased power, agility and serviceability at a lower price tag to help landscape contractors combat rising operating costs without sacrificing efficiency. 

The AeroMaster stand-on blower

“Designed directly with feedback from professional contractors, these new stand-on introductions put landscape pros in command of every job,” says Jackson Gray, product marketing manager at Toro. “By pairing high-volume power and operator comfort with superior terrain visibility, these new stand-on machines give contractors a versatile way to get more jobs done in their day — with fewer interruptions.” 

Designed with Toro’s turbine technology, the AeroMaster produces the highest CFM in its category, delivering up to 30 percent more airflow than competitors in the space, according to the company. At 8,100 effective CFM, the AeroMaster easily moves wet, stuck-on debris, making large cleanup jobs in the spring, fall or after storms fast and manageable.  

The clutched turbine design allows the operator to quickly disengage the blower without shutting off the engine, keeping debris from blowing into unwanted areas. For even greater precision, intuitive fingertip controls allow the operator to move the nozzle 180 degrees seamlessly, making it easy to adjust airflow direction on the fly to push debris away from hardscapes, fence lines and flower beds.  

The nozzle itself is built for flexible jobsite durability, flexing on impact instead of cracking, so it holds up against the daily abuse of curbs, trailer ramps and commercial cleanups. When it is time to move to the next job, the flexible nozzle flips up for easier transport and a smaller footprint on the trailer. Additionally, the AeroMaster features a toggle front axle engineered to pivot smoothly over uneven terrain, minimizing machine vibration and enhancing operator comfort throughout long shifts. 

The GrandStand HDM+ mower

Toro’s GrandStand Heavy-Duty Mini is getting a massive upgrade and a new, and lower, price. The new GrandStand HDM+, available in 32-inch and 36-inch models, delivers a suite of major enhancements, including upgraded maneuverability, easier maintenance and the highest horsepower in its category with a more accessible price.  

Toro stated that where competing compact mowers often compromise power and finish to meet a lower price point, the HDM+ combines a high-performance Kawasaki FX651V engine, Toro’s Turbo Force cutting deck and strategic, oversized front casters to ensure unmatched cut quality without sacrificing performance. 

Designed for contractors seeking stand-on efficiency in tight areas, the HDM+ maintains a narrow footprint that navigates gated entries and tight property boundaries with ease. The oversized 13-inch by 6.5-inch front casters pivot smoothly to give operators enhanced maneuverability and a comfortable ride while protecting delicate grass from compaction and turf tear. 

The HDM+ is engineered for maximum uptime and reliability with tool-less access panels to the back of the mower, allowing technicians fast access to the engine and transmission components.  

Both machines are equipped to integrate seamlessly with Toro’s business management solution Horizon360. This software helps landscape contractors drive more profits and increase business efficiency and effectiveness.  

The Horizon360 platform has introduced several new features designed to streamline operations for contractors. A new basic tier provides an affordable entry-level subscription focusing on essential management tools like invoicing and payment collection. Equipment management is highly improved with a simplified tracking interface for at-a-glance fleet monitoring, alongside upgraded equipment management that makes setup and preventive maintenance tracking more intuitive. Additionally, the platform boasts enhanced reliability due to updated tracking device firmware that ensures continuous location and runtime data flow across all connected equipment.

<p>The post Toro to showcase two new stand-on platforms at Equip Expo first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Every year after my annual Summer Growth Summit, we take a vacation to decompress. This year, we flew directly to Guatemala, but with a greater purpose this time.

A longtime mentor of mine, Steve Lewine, passed away suddenly last year. This week, his life was commemorated in Guatemala with the inauguration of a school and early childhood learning center he helped build in a rural community there. 

We were among 35 people who traveled from the United States to honor Steve and meet the students and teachers whose lives he touched. Steve believed deeply in helping children and families gain access to resources we take for granted. 

Early in his career, he was an investment banker working across Central and South America. Later, he became a financial planner, allowing him to travel less and invest more time locally. 

That is when he came into our lives, helping my family build financial security. The funny thing is, after Steve helped us get our finances and estate in order, he immediately started talking to us about how we could give our money away. He was always pushing us to give more. 

One tool he strongly believed in was the donor-advised fund, which allows a family to dedicate money to charity while maximizing its tax benefits. Look it up if you want to learn more. 

At first, I thought Steve was being a little presumptuous. But after seeing his charitable work firsthand, I understand that he was operating from an optimistic, service-oriented view of the world. 

For decades, he traveled throughout Latin America, helping build schools, hospitals, roads and other essential infrastructure. 

He could have stayed home and simply enjoyed his wealth. Instead, he invested his time and money in helping others — both in the community where I raised my children and in communities across Latin America. 

Steve was president of Builders Beyond Borders, an organization that takes high school students to developing countries to work on service projects. Two of my children participated during their high school days. 

After returning from his first trip at age 15, my son Max said, “My life has been changed forever!” 

That may be the most powerful aspect of Steve’s legacy. His generosity didn’t just help people directly; it inspired many others to experience the fulfillment of giving back. 

Standing at that school in Guatemala reminded me, again, that when your life is over, you will be remembered primarily for the people you have touched. 

At our Summit, Landscape Management Editorial Board advisor Troy Clogg even talked about how giving back drives his “why.” 

While business success creates personal security, its greater value comes from what it allows you to do for others. 

Perhaps this is the real measure of wealth: the number of lives you touch.

Your challenge: Don’t wait until you are retired — or until you feel you have “made it” — to begin building this legacy. 

You can start today by asking yourself: 

• Who can I help beyond my immediate family and clients?
• How can I use my experience, relationships and resources to create opportunities for others?
• What do I want people to say I contributed after I am gone?

Consider one of these concrete actions:

• Mentor a young leader or a young person through an organization such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
• Choose a cause that your family or company can support deeply, as we have done with Son of a Saint in our new home of New Orleans.
• Share your personal or company expertise with someone or someplace that is in need; every bit counts.

Your legacy, just like your company, will not be built through a single grand gesture. Rather, it will be built through actions, big and small, repeated over the years. 

Thank you, Steve, for showing me and my family what it means to give back. Now it is our turn. 

<p>The post How to build a lasting business legacy every day  first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Landscape Professionals

Paul Fraynd
Sun Valley Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.

“Go in with one or two specific things you want to learn or solve for your business. Focus your time on the vendors, education and people who can help with those priorities and ask others you meet what they’ve seen or what’s working for them.”

Noe Loarca
Avanza Landscape and Maintenance
Arlington, Va.

“My best advice … is to be open-minded and humble. No matter how well our companies might be running, there is always someone who does something better than us. Focus on people, build relationships and soak everything in.”

Mike Giese
Perfecturf Lawncare
Mt. Pleasant, Wis.

“Make a plan and stick to it. Schedule meetings in advance and focus on making genuine connections.”

Justin White
K&D Landscaping
Watsonville, Calif.

“Do your research. Identify the companies or people you want to network with and make sure to approach them first. Turn off your work phone and email. Everyone likes to look busy at conferences — it’s like a flex to be out in the hallway ‘closing deals’ — but the true flex is being able to take a week and be 100-percent present at the conference.”

Industry Consultants

Marty Grunder
The Grow Group
Dayton, Ohio

“Go in with a plan. Know what you want to learn, who you want to meet and bring the real questions and issues you’re wrestling with in your business. The people who get the most out of conferences don’t just attend; they use the sessions, speakers and networking to process those challenges and leave with specific ideas they can put to work.”

Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott Consulting
New Orleans, La.

“Set goals with your team before you go and give formal presentations to the team afterward. This goes for every attendee from your company.”

Phil Harwood
Tamarisk Business Advisors
Grand Rapids, Mich.

“Don’t be shy! Wear your badge at all times. Smile and introduce yourself to everyone standing within 10 feet of you.”

<p>The post How to maximize your time at industry conferences and trade shows first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The bulk of that time was spent working at suburban daily papers in and around the Kansas City area, mainly reporting on high school and small-college athletics. I focused on the big three — football, basketball and baseball — with some track and field meets and wrestling tournaments thrown in to keep things interesting.

For someone who grew up loving sports and playing most of them — but who was also smart enough to know he wouldn’t be playing much past high school — it was an awesome gig, and I took it super seriously. But that dedication to my craft didn’t include many industry trade shows or educational conferences because, frankly, those just weren’t a thing in the newspaper industry. 

Sure, I was a part of a handful of local sports writer groups organized by the Associated Press, and those met for lunch a couple of times a year. But those meet-ups were far less about professional development and far more about complaining about our salaries, our bosses or some athlete who had stiffed us for an interview.

Fast forward to today, and things couldn’t be more different. In the green industry, trade shows, conferences and events like our own Landscape Management Growth Summit fill the calendar. In fact, in a business built around the meteorological seasons, it’s not a stretch to say that the green industry actually has five seasons — spring, summer, fall, winter and conference and trade show. And the latter is getting ready to crank up this month.

First up is Equip Expo, set for Oct. 20-23 in Louisville, Ky. And if this is the first you’re hearing about this, you clearly didn’t pay much attention to the cover of this issue before turning to my column (I appreciate the support, though), because this month’s issue is loaded with content about what has become the largest annual gathering of green industry professionals in the country.

Starting on page 12, you’ll find a comprehensive list of some of the standout new products and services that the magazine’s industry partners will spotlight on the trade show floor at Equip, a rundown of the items being featured in the New Product Showcase area in Louisville and a Q&A with Sam Gembel from Atlas Outdoor in Flint, Mich., who is leading one of LM’s 10 educational sessions at Equip this month.

Then next month, we shift our attention south to Tampa, Fla., and another must-attend event on the landscape industry calendar: Elevate, set for Nov. 8-11 and put on by our friends at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Elevate is a relative newcomer to the conference and trade show menu — this is the fifth edition of the event — but it’s hard to argue with the show’s momentum and top-tier programming planned for this year and the future.

In November LM, we’ll talk with landscape pros from around the Tampa area to take their temperature on how business is treating them in their part of the world and why they’re excited that Elevate is coming to their city. Additionally, we’ll feature our annual Q&A with NALP CEO Britt Wood to check in on the state of Elevate, the state of the industry and where he sees both heading in the coming years.

Finally, I wouldn’t be a good North Coast Media employee if I didn’t highlight the 14th edition of our LM Growth Summit, which is Dec. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla. This exclusive event remains among the best networking opportunities for lawn care operators anywhere, and we’re still taking applications for the last few spots. Head over to lmgrowthsummit.com for more information and to toss your hat into the ring.

Even though it didn’t start this way, I have seen up close and personal throughout my green industry career just how valuable our conferences and trade shows can be. So, I hope you’ll dig into our reporting on those events in this issue and those to come, and I can’t wait to see you in Louisville, Tampa and, hopefully, Orlando. 

<p>The post Green industry’s fifth season: Why conferences and trade shows matter first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

<p>The post LM Gallery: October snapshots from Detroit, Tennessee and Houston first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The company’s breeding and marketing teams created the “Terra Nova Nurseries Paint Colors of the Year Plant List” to correspond with the 2027 color selections from five of the top paint brands. The colors include Behr’s Grounded, Dutch Boy’s Deep Rooted, Graham and Brown’s Rose Earth, Sherwin-Williams’ Celery and Valspar’s Cottage Door. Each brand’s color experts selected its color.

The varieties selected embody the 2027 colors through foliage color, blooms, leaf texture and overall tone. The list is made for finishing growers, retailers, landscape professionals and home gardeners and includes plants for beds, borders, containers and other settings.

“The 2027 Colors of the Year reflect a growing appreciation for the warmth and natural character of the world around us,” said Chuck Pavlich, director of new product development at Terra Nova Nurseries. “From rich, grounding tones to softer botanical hues, this year’s trending colors offer a beautiful starting point for exploring color in the garden. Our 2027 ‘Terra Nova Nurseries Paint Colors of the Year List’ accompany these shades, while giving consumers and landscapers new ways to bring these inspiring colors to life outdoors.” 

Behr’s Grounded is a mossy olive green with brown undertones. Terra Nova pairs it with Podophyllum Spotty Dotty, which has chocolate-brown spotting on its leaves and with the foliage of Begonia T Rex Dancing Peacock, Painter’s Palette and St. Nick.

Dutch Boy’s Deep Rooted is an earthy orange. The petals of Coreopsis Nova Amber, Echinacea Big Kahuna and Echinacea Flame Thrower match the color, as does the foliage of several heucheras and heucherellas: Heuchera Fyre Wing Amber, Heuchera Northern Exposure Amber, Heuchera Rio, Heucherella Brass Lantern, Heucherella Buttered Rum and Heucherella Sweet Tea.

Graham and Brown’s Rose Earth is a muted rose that blends pink, brown and terracotta tones. The foliage of Heuchera Changeling, Heuchera Crème Brule, Heuchera Fyre Wing Rhodonite and Heuchera Topaz Jazz displays those tones. Sedum Mocha Magic and Thalictrum Nova Star are companion plants.

Sherwin-Williams’ Celery is a light green with warm yellow tinges. The blooms of Antirrhinum Revelation Cream, Echinacea Cara Mia Sands, Echinacea Delightful Lace, Echinacea Prima Aura, Echinacea Prima Lime, Echinacea Puff Vanilla and Echinacea Sundial Zenith correspond with the shade.

Valspar’s Cottage Door is a grayed blue and a nontraditional neutral. The foliage of Brunnera Alexander’s Great and Melianthus Antonow’s Blue shows similar hues. Pulmonaria Silver Bouquet and Pulmonaria Silver Scimitar are companion plants.

Terra Nova’s catalog and website include varieties, collections and series that correspond with the 2027 paint colors. The company also plans to release a list tied to the Pantone Color of the Year when it is announced later this year.

<p>The post Terra Nova Nurseries pairs top plant varieties with 2027 Paint Colors of the Year first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Campus grounds crews work year-round to keep diverse landscapes and pathways in top condition. These crews navigate various tasks daily, from mowing lawns before classes begin and spreading fertilizer on the soccer fields. These busy teams need tools that allow them to work safely and efficiently around pedestrians, events and seasonal weather changes. 

Many grounds teams have now turned to compact loaders to maintain all campus areas and reduce time wasted switching equipment. Through this shift, teams have also found that each task requires fewer hands, allowing more time to ensure all areas are ready for back-to-back events during the busy school year.

Plan accordingly before choosing a compact loader

Because campus landscapes differ from traditional construction sites, operators need to consider several factors before deciding which compact loader will work best for their team.

The loader’s size should be the first deciding factor. An easy way to make a selection is to start with the width, then measure it against the landscape’s tightest access point. From there, the operating weight and ground pressure should be assessed to ensure softer ground incurs less damage. This assessment will also help teams decide on tire and track options to further reduce the risk of damage. Crews should also consider how the machine executes turns, as some machines can tear up grass, especially if the wheels skid or pivot. If this is a concern, an articulated loader is an excellent solution, as it bends in the middle when pivoting, avoiding surface disturbance.

Since schools and colleges often have varied landscapes, tool carriers with a quick-attach system are an optimal choice for teams looking to improve efficiency across workflows. For example, a team can complete all required tasks in a specific area with one attachment before moving on to another zone, switching the attachment in a minute or less.

Building the right attachment set

For those not sure where to begin, there are three essential attachments that set any grounds team up for success. First, a general-purpose bucket to handle working with mulch, topsoil, compost and gravel, plus the grooved edge doubles as a light grading tool when beds need to be refreshed. Second, pallet forks for moving material that arrives on a pallet, such as sod, pavers, retaining wall block and bagged product. To finalize each task, a broom for quick clean-up of any remaining debris.

Once the grounds teams are comfortable operating the starting attachments and have identified any other areas for improvement, they can expand the equipment to meet their specific needs. The next common additions for crews are tools that clean up storm debris. For seasonal tasks, a tool that spreads seed or fertilizer is helpful, as well as a blade or blower for the winter. It’s typically best practice to add one attachment at a time to the team’s inventory to make sure the grounds teams are fully confident operating the equipment before introducing anything new.

At Madera Community College in Madera, Calif., a two-person grounds crew described replacing their tractor, mini excavator and other single-purpose machines with one loader and a set of attachments as significantly more efficient. The crew reported that changing an attachment takes under half a minute and tasks that once required several people are now handled by one person.

“Instead of switching between machines, we simply change attachments,” said Alberto Villegas, the grounds and custodial manager.

How to plan for seasonal staff and workers

Since grounds teams frequently rely on student workers and seasonal staff, intuitive equipment and streamlined training are essential. Managers should establish a clear onboarding guide covering core operations including startup and shutdown procedures, attachment changes, hydraulic coupling, slope limits and pedestrian safety. Additionally, implementing a quick five-minute pre-operation inspection (checking tires, tracks, hoses, quick-coupler pins and fluid levels) helps prevent downtime to ensure a safe and efficient performance. Some actionable field tips include:

• Sequence work by zone, and stage materials at the edge of each zone before the loader arrives.
• Set attachment order at the start of the day so each change happens once.
• Schedule heavy hauling for early mornings or breaks between classes, when foot traffic is light.
• Walk the route first and mark irrigation heads, shallow utilities and soft ground spots.
• Track hours and attachment use each season to see which tools earn their keep.

How campus equipment is evolving

Upgrading equipment helps campuses manage seasonal labor shortages without compromising landscape standards. As the compact loader market evolves, campus landscape managers increasingly prioritize machinery that lowers the barrier to entry, operates with minimal environmental impact and runs quietly enough to work during class hours without causing disruption.

Ultimately, compact loaders are transitioning from simple utility machines into essential hubs for grounds operations. Departments that embrace this versatility can adapt to seasonal demands, maximize budget efficiency and maintain campus landscapes year-round.

<p>The post How compact loaders and attachments optimize campus grounds management first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Bio-MAX 4-0-1 A+E: Advanced nutrition meets biostimulant technology 

Bio-MAX 4-0-1 A+E combines the performance of Bio-MAX 4-0-0 with the benefits of Seaweed A+E technology in a single application. The formulation delivers stabilized nitrogen, iron, manganese and potassium along with a proprietary blend of Ascophyllum nodosum and Ecklonia maxima seaweed extracts designed to support plant vigor, root development and stress management.  

“Today’s turf managers are looking for products that deliver more value in every application,” said Raymond Snyder, Ph.D., Harrell’s director of agronomy. “Bio-MAX 4-0-1 A+E provides nutritional support and biostimulant benefits in one convenient solution, helping turf perform through stress while supporting overall plant health.” 

ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone: Flexible weed control 

ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone is a Group 14 herbicide containing 4 pounds active ingredient per gallon, formulated to control sedges and a broad spectrum of troublesome broadleaf weeds in both cool-season and warm-season turf. The product is labeled for use across a wide range of sites, including residential and non-residential turf, athletic fields, golf courses, sod farms and ornamental production areas.  

Designed to show fast visual activity and efficacy on both broadleaf and sedge weeds, ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone offers turf managers a flexible tool that fits seamlessly into comprehensive weed management programs, according to Harrell’s. The product can be used as a stand-alone application or as a tank-mix partner to enhance the performance and speed of symptom development when used with standard herbicide programs.  

“Harrell’s ProtectMAX Sulfentrazone gives turf professionals another dependable option for managing some of the most difficult weed challenges they face,” said Jeff Atkinson, Ph.D., Harrell’s director of agronomy. “Its versatility, speed of activity and program fit make it a valuable addition to any weed control strategy.” 

<p>The post Harrell’s launches two new additions to lineup of turf management solutions first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

In today’s tight labor market, the Mulch Mule gives landscape contractors a competitive edge. Designed to eliminate the toughest, slowest part of material installation, it replaces the need for up to two laborers on every mulch job. With a simple pull-up and fill process, crews can load a wheelbarrow in just 3–6 seconds, keeping projects moving faster and safer.

The Mulch Mule’s self-contained Honda engine operates efficiently with auto-choke and auto-throttle, while its aerating and conditioning action stretches every cubic yard of mulch—saving both fuel and material costs.

Built for reliability and ease of maintenance, the Mulch Mule boosts productivity, protects margins, and enhances crew morale. It’s the durable, job-ready solution helping landscapers tackle more work with less labor.

<p>The post Mulch Mule: Transforming Costs Into Savings first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>