Overgrown properties rarely stay simple for long. What starts as a quick cleanup job can turn into a mix of thick brush, volunteer trees, buried rocks, tangled roots and debris that’s been building up for years. For landscape contractors, these projects are becoming more common, whether it’s reclaiming an overgrown backyard, clearing storm damage, preparing a lot for fresh landscaping or tearing out outdated features for a complete redesign. 

The challenge is that no two cleanup projects are alike. Some require speed and broad coverage. Others demand selective removal with minimal disturbance to surrounding turf, trees or finished surfaces. And once material starts piling up, cleanup and hauling can quickly become the most time-consuming part of the project. 

That’s why attachment selection matters. Matching the right attachment to the material, terrain and machine capabilities at hand can help landscape contractors work more efficiently, reduce labor and move from cleanup to installation faster. 

Choosing the right tool for overgrowth 

When reclaiming overgrown properties, the biggest question is whether the vegetation simply needs to be cut down or fully processed and reduced. The answer usually determines whether a rotary cutter or mulcher is the better fit. 

For broad vegetation management, rotary cutters are typically the faster and more economical option. They excel at knocking down tall grass, weeds, cattails and lighter brush across fence lines, retention ponds, undeveloped lot edges and neglected properties. With the right rotary cutter, crews can handle saplings up to roughly 1 to 3 inches thick, depending on the model and carrier. 

Contractors maintaining trails or reclaiming acreage ahead of a redesign often prefer rotary cutters because they cover ground quickly and pair well with compact equipment. PTO-driven models are common for tractors, while hydraulic versions for skid-steers and compact track loaders can handle heavier material in tighter working environments. 

Mulchers are better suited for dense overgrowth, woody vegetation and storm cleanup where efficiency matters just as much as cutting power. Rather than leaving large piles of brush behind, mulchers grind material into smaller pieces as they work, helping contractors reduce hauling and cleanup passes. That can be especially useful when clearing wooded property edges or preparing heavily overgrown areas for fresh landscaping or hardscape installation. 

A few additional considerations matter when evaluating either attachment. While walking a jobsite can help identify obstacles crews need to avoid, it’s nearly impossible to spot every buried rock, stump or hidden debris pile beneath thick vegetation. Features like stump jumpers, chain shielding and pressure relief systems help protect both operators and equipment in unpredictable conditions. 

Because mulchers require higher hydraulic flow and more attachment power overall, contractors should also carefully match the attachment to the carrier. Some manufacturers offer online compatibility tools that help operators quickly identify the right attachment based on machine specs, helping crews avoid performance issues while maximizing productivity in the field. 

When complete removal is needed

When landscape contractors need to remove vegetation completely, not just cut it down, the decision often comes down to whether a tree puller or stump bucket makes more sense for the application. The difference largely depends on how selective the removal needs to be and how much site disturbance the project can tolerate. 

Tree pullers are typically the better fit for selective removal jobs like clearing invasive volunteer growth, removing overgrown shrubs or thinning small ornamental trees along fence lines and property edges. Because they grip and pull the entire root system upward, they help reduce regrowth without extensive digging. That makes them especially useful on finished properties or renovation projects where contractors want to preserve surrounding turf and minimize cleanup afterward. Some models can handle trees and fence posts up to roughly 8 inches in diameter. 

Look for models with features like a forward-positioned push bar for improved leverage during extraction. Reinforced jaws, protected hydraulic components and lightweight-but-strong construction can also maximize durability while preserving more of the carrier’s lifting capacity for handling material. 

For deeper excavation and prep work, stump buckets deliver more aggressive removal power. Their narrow profile concentrates breakout force directly beneath old stumps, buried root systems, rocks and leftover landscape material that could interfere with patios, retaining walls, irrigation installs or fresh grading work later. Because stump buckets pry material loose rather than pulling it vertically, they tend to disturb more soil overall, but that tradeoff often makes sense when complete removal is the priority. 

The best options use high-grade steel, reinforced gussets and protected hydraulic components to withstand repeated impact in demanding conditions. Smart engineering can also improve the power-to-weight ratio, allowing operators to remove stubborn material without unnecessarily overloading the carrier. 

Transition to cleanup 

Clearing vegetation is only half the job. Once brush, limbs, root balls and debris start piling up, cleanup often becomes the biggest driver of labor time on landscape renovation projects. That’s where grapples earn their place as one of the most versatile attachments in a contractor’s lineup. 

Whether crews are handling storm debris, loading logs, moving old plant material or cleaning up demolition remnants from a landscape tear-out, grapples help operators move bulky, uneven material far more efficiently than a standard bucket. Root or rock grapples are especially useful for landscape work because their open-bottom design allows dirt and smaller material to fall through while holding onto larger debris. That helps contractors clear sites while leaving more soil behind, reducing finish grading and cleanup work later. 

Because grapples are often used across multiple phases of a project, lightweight-but-strong construction matters. A lighter attachment preserves more of the carrier’s rated operating capacity for hauling material, while features like dual independent jaws, cylinder protection and connect-under-pressure couplers help improve durability and reduce downtime in the field. 

Build a plan before the machine starts moving 

Once contractors understand which attachments work best for different vegetation and removal goals, the next step is applying that knowledge to the jobsite at hand. Successful landscape renovation projects rarely rely on a single attachment. More often, efficiency comes from having the right combination of tools and a clear plan for how work will move from initial clearing to final cleanup and installation. 

Before unloading equipment, crews should walk the site and evaluate the full scope of the project. Thick brush and overgrowth are usually only part of the equation. Buried rocks, hidden stumps, tangled root systems and leftover landscape material can all impact safety and productivity once work begins, so it’s important to remove or clearly mark these obstacles. 

Crews should also think beyond removal alone. Will they need to preserve finished surfaces? Minimize soil disturbance? Prepare the site for grading, irrigation or hardscape installation afterward? Planning travel routes and debris staging areas ahead of time can help minimize unnecessary rework later. 

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t simply clearing vegetation. It’s creating an efficient workflow that helps crews move from overgrown and unworkable to clean, prepped and ready for the next phase of the landscape project. 

<p>The post Attachment selection tips for landscape renovations and site cleanup  first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The new Ewing Tucson Yard and the Ewing Green Valley Yard offer a wide selection of bulk materials, including rock and other essential landscape products for residential and commercial projects. Customers can now access bulk materials alongside Ewing’s extensive lineup of irrigation, landscape, outdoor living and turf products, all backed by the expertise and support of the local Ewing team.

“We are excited to expand our presence in southern Arizona and continue supporting landscape professionals with the products and services they need,” said Troy McDaniel, Ewing’s Arizona market manager for landscape material. “These new yards provide customers with convenient access to bulk materials and hardscape supplies while offering the trusted support and expertise they have come to expect from Ewing.”

The Ewing Tucson and Green Valley yards are committed to providing exceptional customer service, helping contractors and landscape professionals find the right materials and solutions to keep projects moving, according to the company. With knowledgeable teams available to assist with product selection and project needs, Ewing aims to be a reliable resource for their landscape material needs.

“We are proud to welcome these locations into the Ewing network and continue building relationships with customers throughout southern Arizona,” McDaniel said. “Our goal is to make it easier for professionals to access quality products, reliable service and the resources they need to succeed.”

<p>The post Ewing acquires two new bulk material yards in southern Arizona first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

GROW! Snow will include:

• Targeted training. Proven strategies to build profitable, organized and resilient snow operations.
• Expert insights. Learn directly from experienced snow contractors and industry leaders.
• Cross-industry value. Brings green-industry educational standards into the snow and ice management sector.

The event will also feature an exclusive facility tour of Grunder Landscaping Co. Attendees will learn directly from the company’s leadership team, who will share strategy and operations details related to snow and ice sales, dispatching equipment and more on-site at the firm’s Dayton headquarters. Participants will also have the opportunity to demo equipment that sponsors bring. 

Stations on the tour will include snow equipment, snow billing, selling snow services, managing snow events, recruiting, retention and equipment demos.

GROW! Snow will also include Shark Tank-style pitches, giving attendees a chance to pitch a panel on why their company needs support from Boss Snowplow for a chance to have 12 months of coaching and equipment support from the Snowfighters Institute and Boss.

Speaker sessions and expert panels

The GROW! Snow schedule includes both speaker sessions and expert panels. During the session “Mindset Wins: Why Mindset Matters in Snow,” Marty Grunder, founder/CEO of Grunder Landscaping Co. and president of The Grow Group will share how the firm’s team gets people excited about snow, what they do to support morale during long storms and how leaders can motivate their team.

The event includes two Power Panels: “Selling Snow Contracts” and “Managing Snow Emergencies.” At “Selling Snow Contracts,” moderator Phil Harwood of Snowfighters Institute and a panel of experienced snow professionals reveal strategies for closing more sales on their terms, reducing disputes, protecting profits and creating stronger customer relationships. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen your agreements and client relationships before winter arrives.

During “Managing Snow Emergencies,” moderated by Vince Torchia of The Grow Group, panelists Tom Canete and Joel Wollum will share how they prepare for and manage snow emergencies, communicate with customers under pressure and keep teams safe and productive. Participants will walk away with proven strategies to stay in control, minimize disruptions and lead with confidence when every minute counts.

For the full event agenda, go here.

The Marriott at the University of Dayton is the host hotel for the event. Book your room by August 31 to use the negotiated group rate of $159 per night. To register for GROW! Snow, go here.

Event sponsors include The Grow Group, Boss, Aspire, Granum, John Deere, Stork’s Plows and Tamarisk Business Advisors.

<p>The post Master snow and ice operations at GROW! Snow event in Dayton, Ohio first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The new EVO Press Fit Shielded Surface Light and EVO Press Fit Semi-Shielded Surface Light extend the EVO architectural lighting platform with two new approaches to glare control and surface illumination. Designed for seamless integration into walls, stair risers, columns, pergolas and other architectural features, the new fixtures enable designers and integrators to achieve refined lighting effects while maintaining Coastal Source’s signature low-profile aesthetic. 

The EVO Press Fit Shielded Surface Light delivers a wide, soft wash of light while fully concealing the light source, helping eliminate glare at its origin. Powered by the EVO 360+ LED Module, the fixture is ideal for applications where subtle architectural illumination and visual comfort are equally important. 

The EVO Press Fit Semi-Shielded Surface Light combines powerful directional illumination with intelligent one-sided glare control. Built around the EVO Direct LED Module, it is designed for wall washing, column lighting and hardscape uplighting where longer throw distances and controlled beam placement are required without exposing the light source. 

Both fixtures feature solid brass construction, meet or exceed NEMA 6/IP67 standards and are available in vintage brass, white and nickel finishes, with a black finish coming soon. Designed around Coastal Source’s Press Fit installation system, they offer quick integration into a wide range of architectural environments while delivering the durability required for demanding outdoor applications. 

“Every outdoor environment presents different architectural, aesthetic and performance requirements, so designers and integrators need solutions that give them genuine flexibility,” said Jason Sanders, vice president of product management at Coastal Source. “The latest additions reflect our commitment to expanding the ways outdoor lighting and audio can be integrated into different environments. From greater control over illumination to more finish options and increased installation flexibility, our focus is on helping customers create cohesive outdoor spaces without compromising design or performance.” 

The portfolio expansion also introduces a new black grille option for the Ovation In-Ceiling Speaker, providing an additional finish choice for projects where darker architectural palettes call for a more discreet appearance. Ovation is Coastal Source’s first in-ceiling speaker, expanding the company’s outdoor audio ecosystem with a discreet architectural solution that delivers high-performance, full-range sound for covered outdoor spaces. 

The recently introduced Razor Hardscape Bracket further expands installation options for 300 Series Razor speakers, enabling freestanding hardscape deployments where wall mounting isn’t practical. Designed to deliver improved sound in a slim form factor, Razor modular speakers provide true HiFi performance to patios and outdoor spaces.

<p>The post Coastal Source expands outdoor lighting portfolio with new EVO fixtures and product enhancements  first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Six months ago, I launched a lawn care referral platform in St. Charles County, Mo. No existing network. No provider relationships. No homeowner leads. Just an idea that homeowners and independent lawn care operators could both benefit from a better matching system. 

Ninety days and 488 provider records later, I’ve learned lessons that apply beyond any single market. Here’s what worked, what didn’t and what I’d do differently. 

Start with supply, not demand 

The biggest mistake new referral platforms make is building for homeowners first. Providers are the inventory. Without inventory, every homeowner inquiry is a dead end. 

In the first week, I focused entirely on supply-side discovery. I searched local directories, municipal business listings, Nextdoor, Facebook, GreenPal — anywhere independent operators might have a presence. The goal was simple: find every lawn care operator in the service area and qualify them by fit, service area and contactability. 

The key insight: Most independent operators have surprisingly thin digital footprints. Facebook-only businesses are common. Finding them requires creative search strategies — looking past Yelp and Angi into Buzzfile, GreenPal profiles, Nextdoor JSON-LD data and Secretary of State LLC filings. 

Parallel discovery and outreach 

I ran discovery and outreach in parallel from day one. The pipeline had four lanes: email-first outreach for providers with discoverable addresses, Facebook OG meta extraction (filled email gaps for 15 percent of providers), platform profile scraping for GreenPal-only operators and municipal directory cross-referencing. 

Running all four lanes simultaneously meant that even when one lane hit diminishing returns, the others kept producing. 

The outreach cadence that worked 

Cold emails to a lawn care operator has about a 35-40 percent open rate and a 5-10 percent reply rate. Most replies fall into two categories: “Yes, I’m interested” or “Tell me more.” For the latter, specificity beats enthusiasm. Saying “I have homeowners in Wentzville and Foristell waiting for coverage” generated more conversions than “Our platform connects you with local customers.” 

The content flywheel 

The most unexpected lesson: Writing for homeowners created provider interest, and writing for providers created homeowner trust. A guest article about eco-friendly lawn care for a regional gardening magazine positioned the platform as an authority. A bylined piece about referral network logistics for a national trade publication positioned it as a peer among operators. 

The content didn’t need to be viral. It needed to be useful and specific to Missouri’s growing conditions. Specificity signals expertise better than any credential. 

Three things I’d do differently 

First, build the CRM into the process from day one. Spreadsheets work initially, but the migration to a structured database introduces duplicates that take weeks to clean up. 

Second, outbound phone calls are a time sink at this stage. Email and web-form outreach produce better conversion. Save calls for warm leads. 

Third, don’t gate all content behind email capture. The most-linked content on the site is completely open. It drives more referral traffic than any gated piece. 

The bottom line 

Building a referral network from zero inventory is slow, then fast. The first 100 providers took six weeks. The next 200 took two weeks. The last 100 took a week. The compounding effect is real — every provider adds discoverability, every published article adds credibility and every positive reply validates the approach. 

If you’re building a local service marketplace, start with supply. Find every provider. Then let the network do its work. 

<p>The post Building a lawn care referral network from scratch: What I learned in 90 days  first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Labor shortages, increasingly specialized applications and advances in technology are reshaping construction jobsites, influencing how contractors, rental companies and equipment owners approach work at height, evaluate equipment and prepare for future projects, according to the company.

“Today’s jobsites continue to evolve, driven by changing project requirements, workforce challenges and advances in technology,” said Brent Miller, vice president of sales administration, marketing and Latin America, JLG. “These trends reflect what we’re hearing from customers across the industry and highlight the growing importance of matching the right equipment and technologies to the application.” 

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the construction industry needed to attract an estimated 439,000 additional workers last year just to meet anticipated demand. Meanwhile, a recent Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and NCCER Workforce Survey found that 88 percent of contractors have unfilled craft positions. These stats underscore the ongoing challenge of finding skilled labor while projects continue to grow in size and complexity. 

At the same time, work environments are becoming more specialized, according to the company. From data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities to urban construction and infrastructure projects, contractors are increasingly selecting equipment based on the specific requirements of the application. Connected technologies provide greater visibility into machine status and utilization, while integrated machine features continue to support operators working in increasingly complex environments. Together, these trends are contributing to more connected and coordinated jobsites where equipment, people and information work together to support productivity. 

Rather than examining each trend independently, the white paper demonstrates how these forces intersect on today’s jobsites. It explores how workforce challenges, application-specific equipment, connected technologies and coordinated workflows collectively influence equipment selection and project execution across a wide range of construction environments. 

“Whether you’re managing a rental fleet, planning equipment for a complex project or evaluating new technologies, understanding the trends shaping today’s jobsites can help support better equipment decisions,” Miller said. “Customers can apply practical insights across a wide range of industries and applications while preparing for the evolving demands of work at height.” 

Available as a complimentary download on JLG #DirectAccess Insights webpage, the white paper provides insights into the factors influencing work at height, along with considerations for selecting equipment designed for specific applications and for changing jobsite requirements. Download the white paper here.

<p>The post JLG releases new white paper on industry trends reshaping work at height first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The Develon DTL26 and DTL30 compact track loaders are powered by a D24 diesel engine, which delivers robust power while remaining under the 74-horsepower threshold for DEF. By optimizing engine efficiency, Develon eliminates the need for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. 

“Our customers are looking for opportunities to reduce their operating costs and simplify their maintenance checklists,” says Andy Jeong, product manager at Develon. “By eliminating the requirement for DEF, we’ve removed a significant pain point for our customers. They no longer have to worry about fluid storage in extreme temperatures or the added expense of an extra consumable. It’s about providing a machine that is ready to work the moment the operator presses a button.” 

Built to muscle through tough applications, the DTL26 features a rated operating capacity of 2,600 pounds, while the DTL30 boasts a rated operating capacity of 3,000 pounds at 35 percent of tipping load.  

Featuring one of the widest cabs on the market, the DTL26 and DTL30 machines provide an expansive workspace that reduces physical strain and enhances visibility via a standard rearview camera and a minimized A-pillar design. 

“The new DTL26 delivers an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride,” says Anthony Amato of Amato Excavation. Amato had the opportunity to operate the new compact track loader at a jobsite near Boston. “The cab is spacious, the air conditioning keeps up well and the visibility to the front and sides is exceptional. It provides a premium environment for the operator.” 

The integration of an 8-inch touch screen display puts critical machine data and high-end features at the operator’s fingertips. To further bridge the skill gap, the available Smart Assist functions (such as return to dig, bucket shake and auto self-leveling) allow newer operators to perform complex tasks with the precision of a veteran, according to the company.

High-flow hydraulics and ROI 

When paired with various attachments, the DTL26 and DTL30 can help maximize the return on investment (ROI) for the owner. Whether trenching for utilities, power raking for a new lawn or clearing brush on a commercial jobsite, these new compact track loaders provide the hydraulic power and intelligent control to handle any task. 

Versatility begins with the ability to switch between tasks in seconds. With the available hydraulic quick coupler, operators can change from a bucket to a pallet fork without leaving the cab, keeping the job moving at a steady pace.  

For high-demand applications, high-flow auxiliary hydraulics are available as an option. The increased flow is ideal for operating attachments like snowblowers, cold planers and brush cutters. A high-flow rate of 27 gpm ensures that even the most demanding attachments operate at peak efficiency without bogging down the machine. 

Specialized features in the new compact track loaders provide further productivity. For example, the creep speed control allows operators to set a precise, slow travel speed while maintaining full hydraulic power to the attachment. This feature is ideal for trenching or milling.  

Focus on jobsite safety and control 

Buyers can customize the new DTL26 and DTL30 compact track loaders with optional equipment, including high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, a hydraulic quick coupler and a 300-pound counterweight for added lifting capacity. 

Performance can be further tuned to the terrain with a torsion suspension system, triple flange idlers or a fixed frame undercarriage, while a reversible cooling fan keeps the machine’s engine clear in high-debris conditions. 

Buyers can enhance operator comfort through an adjustable air- or mechanical-suspension heated seat, high-performing air conditioning system and polycarbonate swing-out door. For jobsite safety, Develon offers an optional 270-degree around view monitor camera system paired with ultrasonic proximity sensors.  

“The AVM system is a nice feature to be able to see around you and your blind spots,” says Dalton Rasch of Rasch Construction, who operated the DTL30 at a Develon training and testing facility.  

Standard durability features for the DTL26 and DTL30 are available to shield the machine from harsh conditions. These include a cabin lamp guard, mud guard and travel motor hose guard. The DTL26 and DTL30 are available in both cab and canopy configurations. Most premium features are offered exclusively on the cab configuration. 

“With a premium cab and intuitive controls, we aren’t just helping crews move more dirt; we’re helping business owners attract and keep the best talent by providing them with the best tools in the industry,” said Jeong. 

<p>The post Develon launches new DEF-free compact track loaders first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Robotic mowers can cut grass, navigate properties and return to charging stations with little direct involvement from a crew member. As GPS, cameras, vision systems and artificial intelligence (AI) make the equipment more autonomous, landscaping companies may be able to complete routine mowing work more efficiently and maintain properties more consistently. 

But autonomy does not absolve a lawn care company of its responsibility for what happens on a jobsite. A robotic mower cannot explain why it crossed a property line, damaged landscaping, operated in unsafe conditions or disappeared from a property. Business owners still need to know where equipment is, how it is being used, when it was serviced and who was responsible for the job. 

For landscaping companies, adopting robotic mowers responsibly will require more than purchasing new equipment. It will require human oversight, strong safety practices and clear records that demonstrate to customers, insurers and underwriters that the business is managing the technology and its risks. 

Q: What unique operational and liability challenges do robotic mowers create for landscaping companies, especially when equipment moves between customer properties? 

Hagler: The core challenge is that the equipment can’t account for itself. When a crew member damages something on a property, the business can get the story from the crew member. A robotic mower can’t provide a story. The company is left reconstructing an event nobody can account for, and the responsibility for that event still sits with the business. 

Moving equipment between properties adds custody questions that didn’t exist when a mower stayed strapped to one crew’s trailer. Which crew loaded it, which property it ran on that day and whether it was the unit assigned to that stop all become things the company has to establish after the fact. Theft is also an issue. These machines cost several thousand dollars, and one person can quickly lift them into a truck bed, especially when they sit unattended in yards for hours. When one goes missing, the police report and the insurance claim both need to know where it was and when it was last operating. A rough guess won’t hold up. 

Q: Why can autonomous equipment increase rather than reduce the need for human oversight in a lawn care business? 

Hagler: The biggest misconception about robotic mowers is that they reduce responsibility. What they actually do is concentrate the responsibility. The machine takes over the physical work, but judgment calls are still the responsibility of the business. Someone still has to decide whether conditions are safe, whether a jobsite has hazards the mower won’t recognize, when the equipment was last serviced and who responds when a customer calls with a complaint. 

On a traditional crew, those calls spread across the people standing on the property. With autonomous equipment, the responsibility can land on one operations manager watching a screen. If that person doesn’t know those calls belong to them, nobody makes them. A customer whose property was damaged doesn’t distinguish between the machine and the company running it, and neither does an insurer. The business answers for both. 

Q: How are landscaping businesses typically monitoring robotic mowers today, and where do those approaches tend to fall short? 

Hagler: Today, it’s usually some combination of the manufacturer’s app, occasional checks by whoever happens to be on-site and customer calls when something goes wrong. Each comes with drawbacks. Manufacturer apps are built per brand, so a business running units from three makers is checking three separate systems that don’t connect to each other or to the rest of the fleet. Site checks depend on someone being nearby at the right moment. And a customer call means there’s already a problem, so the business is responding instead of preventing. 

The technology also has a ways to go. A Fast Company writer who tested a GPS-guided mower in June set a stay-out zone around a patch of wildflowers and then watched the mower drive through it anyway after a setup process where the satellite connection repeatedly dropped. That happened on a private half-acre lot. On a commercial route, the same malfunction becomes damaged customer property, and the business only learns about it when the customer decides to report it. 

Q: Besides knowing where a mower is, what records should a landscaping company maintain to show it is managing the equipment responsibly? 

Hagler: The standard I’d apply is whether someone who wasn’t there could reconstruct the job later, because that’s what a claims adjuster or an underwriter will need to do. 

Beyond location, you need usage records: run times, schedules, the properties serviced and whether it ever operated outside its assigned area or hours. Add maintenance records, including blade changes, software updates, repairs and inspections, because whether the machine was in safe working order is one of the first questions after any incident. Include accountability records with a named person responsible for each mower on each jobsite, documented somewhere retrievable. And you need incident documentation. When a mower damages property, stops working or leaves its area, a short written record made that day carries far more weight than anyone’s recollection months later, which is when the claim will likely arrive. 

Q: How could robotic mowers change insurance and underwriting conversations for landscaping companies as the technology becomes more common? 

Hagler: Underwriters price what they can verify, and right now, autonomous equipment is largely invisible to them. I don’t expect that to last. As robotic mowers show up on more commercial routes, the questions in renewal conversations will get specific: How many units are in the fleet, where do they operate, who supervises them and what happens when one malfunctions? Autonomous equipment does not make liability disappear, but it does change what the business needs to prove. For a lawn care company, the issues include where the mower was used, how it was used, who was responsible for the jobsite, whether the equipment was maintained and what documentation exists if a customer, insurer or underwriter has questions. 

Documentation will shape how individual businesses fare in such conversations. A company that can produce location and service records in minutes gives an underwriter something concrete to price. A company that can’t is asking to be priced on uncertainty, and uncertainty never gets the better rate. Companies that adopt autonomy responsibly will keep people in the loop and use data to show they are managing risk, not just adding new technology. 

Q: How can landscape business owners introduce robotic mowers without sacrificing safety, accountability or visibility across their crews and jobsites? 

Hagler: Start with a limited deployment on properties suited to the technology: flat, fenced sites without pools, play equipment or regular foot traffic. Treat the first season as a trial period. The goal is to learn how the equipment behaves before it’s operating in a place where a malfunction carries higher stakes. 

Assign each machine to a specific person who owns its schedule, condition and results so that the question of who was responsible for a given jobsite always has an answer. Set operating rules before the first cut, including the hours it runs and the conditions that pull it off a property. Then bring the units into the same system the business uses for the rest of its operation. Most landscaping companies already track their trucks and trailers, and robotic equipment warrants at least that level of attention. A season run this way produces months of clean records, which tells a customer or an insurer more than any product specification can. 

Q: Looking ahead, how will GPS, cameras, vision systems and AI change what responsible robotic mower use looks like for landscaping companies? 

Hagler: The equipment will improve quickly. The setup problems people run into today, like antennas, manual mapping and dropped signals, are already being engineered out. Husqvarna is rolling out a cloud GPS service that lets customers subscribe to a network of reference stations instead of installing their own antenna. Camera and vision systems are beginning to catch the obstacles earlier models missed. Within a few years, mapping a commercial property may take minutes. 

Every one of those improvements also produces a record. The same sensors that help a mower navigate can show where it operated, when it ran and what it encountered, which means equipment that can’t explain itself today will be able to document its own work tomorrow. I expect that data trail to become the baseline for commercial use. The account, the claim dispute and the renewal will all come down to how quickly a business can show what its equipment did. Owners who build that discipline now, while their fleets are small, won’t be scrambling to establish it when an underwriter requires it.

<p>The post How robotic mowers impact landscaping insurance risks first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

The annual program encourages contractors to trade in outdated irrigation controllers to receive a discount on eligible smart controller purchases at participating SiteOne branches. By replacing legacy controllers with newer smart technology, contractors help customers implement irrigation best practices and reduce outdoor water use by up to 30 percent. 

“The results of this year’s program demonstrate the industry’s commitment to water conservation and environmental stewardship,” said Steve Counter, senior vice president of category management. “Many irrigation systems are still operating with technology that is years or even decades old. By making it easier to upgrade those systems, we are proud to help contractors drive better outcomes for their customers.” 

The annual Controller Trade-In Program is supported by irrigation partners Hunter and Rain Bird, which help support the trade-in initiative. SiteOne also partners with nonprofit Blue Star Recyclers, which responsibly processes collected controllers and provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities while helping prevent electronic waste from entering landfills. 

In the past three years, SiteOne has recycled more than 26,000 irrigation controllers, diverting approximately 26 tons of electronic waste from landfills. The program continues to expand as more contractors adopt smart irrigation technology to improve water management and system efficiency. 

<p>The post SiteOne trade-in program hits milestone with 10,000 recycled irrigation controllers first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

Fabricated in Michigan, the system allows dump trailer operators to install and replace heavy-duty rubber pads without welding, drilling, gluing, special equipment or shop visits, according to the company. VanKlamps attaches directly to the trailer frame in a fraction of the time it takes traditional methods without damaging the trailer frame. The system requires no special skills or shop equipment.

“I built this because I needed it myself,” said Bryan VanOchten, a Michigan drump trailer operator and the system’s inventor. “Every operator I know has dealt with this problem and just accepts it as part of the cost of running equipment. VanKlamps changes that. You install it, it holds through heavy jobs, and when the rubber wears at a fraction of the rate traditional pads do, you replace only what you need. No shop visit. No frame damage. No massive bill.”

VanKlamps aims to provide continuous rubber coverage along dump trailer frames and cross members, reducing friction, impact, bouncing and noise while extending the overall life of the trailer.

Individual replacement components, including heavy-duty rubber strips and clamps for steel or aluminum frames, are available separately.

<p>The post VanKlamps to offer a no-weld clamp system for easier dump trailer maintenance first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

A greener lawn is about to be easier than ever with Hydr8. Conserve water, eliminate hot spots, and cruise through summer. Hydr8 Pro surfactants ensure every drop penetrates deep into the root zone where it matters most – giving you greener results with less water and less stress.

<p>The post Greene County Fertilizer Company: Make every drop count. Beat the heat, boost your turf. first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>

This draft rewrite could gut this law that has guided historic preservation for more than 50 years, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Specifically, the proposal would: 

• Make consultation with SHPOs and THPOs optional.
•  Make public participation “discretionary” not mandatory.
•  Redefine in an adverse way the types of projects that will trigger a 106 review.
• Limit the scope of what impacts would be defined as adverse.

If approved, the proposal would move to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affair (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget for review before being published for public comment. Once the proposal is published for comments, the ASLA recommends that landscape architects submit personalized comments about how these changes would impact their projects and the communities they serve. Landscape architects are leaders in working with communities to preserve and protect historic spaces at the onset of any design process, which leads to improved community outcomes.

ASLA is actively monitoring the Federal Register and will inform members when the portal is open to receive public comments.

<p>The post ASLA warns of possible changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act first appeared on Landscape Management.</p>