Landscaping Pros Mix 4

A focus on education at the 2024 Irrigation Show

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:53:28 +0000

The Irrigation Association (IA) made a significant effort in bolstering their educational content at this year’s Irrigation Show and Education Week in Long Beach, Calif.

This year’s show lasted from Nov. 4-7, with the first two days being dedicated to IA University — classes that are offered every year to give irrigation professionals the fundamental, practical and business skills necessary to design, install or maintain an irrigation system.

The 3,000 show attendees were able to choose amongst 30 courses, including five new ones, and take certification exams at eight certification locations. On top of that, 14 industry insight sessions were available to attendees on the third and fourth days to those interested in learning more while the show floor opened.

“This year’s show sparked fresh enthusiasm for industry education,” says Tiffany Erickson, IA brand, engagement and growth vice president. “With the introduction of five new IA University courses and a robust lineup of Industry Insights sessions including new in-depth classroom-style sessions, attendees took advantage of opportunities to expand their knowledge, receive expert-led technical training and gather insights to grow and strengthen their businesses.”

Shawn Sandink, a coach on the training team at SiteOne and the instructor of the Irrigation Components for Residential/Small Commercial Systems course, says the Irrigation Show classes are a great start for landscapers who want to add irrigation to their business.

“Maybe they’re in landscaping, maybe they’re in lawn care, maybe they’re in some related industry — contracting of some sort — and they want to add irrigation. This is a great introductory class for them,” Sandink says. “If you have a new teammate at your company, you want them to come to this class, even just so that they get you the right part out of the truck.”

The Irrigation Association had extra resources to attendees on the show floor. Photo: LM Staff

For those already with an established irrigation business, or for those that want to take their skills to the next level, the Irrigation Show also provides more advanced classes on technology, water management and growing a business.

Chris Pine, president of IrriTech Training and the instructor of the Business of Landscape Irrigation Management: Water Management and Technology course, says classes like his can help with giving attendees the right tools to better manage their companies.

“What we want people to take away really is an understanding that this is a real business that is going to require certain skills to manage,” Pine says. “There’s opportunity there, and there’s technology that is going to be appropriate that we can use to manage this business.

There’s a lot of takeaways, but really it’s to help these people develop this type of business so they’re successful,” he says.

Learning about the latest industry trends and technologies was a big draw for people at the 2024 show. James Adams, an irrigation operations manager and a five-time attendee, says staying updated with what’s new keeps him coming back. This year, Adams took Fundamentals of Landscape Irrigation Design, a two-day class that let students design two irrigation systems.

“Any type of education I think is always good, being around people in the industry and talking is always good,” Adams says. “Hopefully, the show will bring forth some new things I haven’t seen and things like that. That’s basically what I’m here for.”

Looking ahead, Sandink recommends more people to come to the show and take classes. If it’s anything like this year’s show, he says it’s important to learn about what’s new in the industry.

“Technology is continually changing. Not only is technology changing, but our cultural norms are changing. Our municipal ordinances are changing,” Sandink says. “It’s great to collaborate with each other and stay on top of our craft. You can quickly fall behind, so you don’t want that to happen.”

The next Irrigation Show and Education Week will be hosted in New Orleans, La., from Dec. 8-11, 2025.

The post A focus on education at the 2024 Irrigation Show first appeared on Landscape Management.

Business Boosters: The versatility of compact tractors

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:35:21 +0000

As technology improves, the machines and tools landscapers use on job sites continue to become more detailed and niche.

Nowadays, it seems like there’s a different tool designed to do every hyper-specific job one can think of.

But while some machines focus on getting better at just one specific task, compact utility tractors are taking another approach: getting better at almost every task.

“We have over 20 compact tractor models at John Deere,” Mark Davey, manager of marketing at John Deere, says. “They’re in that small, compact design of a compact tractor, of course, to be able to do a lot of work and still be light to get around on turf and just be able to maneuver in and out of tight spaces really well.”

Just how you like it

So, what exactly makes compact tractors so versatile? Well, Jon Richardson, director of the Yanmar America Rural Lifestyle Division, says it all lies in the attachments and implements, something Yanmar has tons of for its machines to match a wide variety of landscaping needs.

“By allowing a single machine to perform multiple tasks — such as digging, mowing, grading and material handling — attachments like loaders, backhoes and tillers eliminate the need for hauling multiple pieces of equipment to a job,” Richardson says. “This flexibility increases efficiency, reduces costs and minimizes job site downtime by enabling landscape contractors to adapt to different tasks.”

Tyler Weyenberg, Kubota product manager for utility tractors, says the wide array of attachments and machines gives landscapers more control over their jobs, allowing them to get more parts of a task done all without needing to leave the cab. And because these machines can work in all seasons, being able to stay inside away from a harsh winter breeze can feel like a lifesaver.

Plus, Davey says some attachments can even serve multiple purposes, such as John Deere’s spreaders being capable of spreading salt in the winter and fertilizer during other seasons. Ease of use is also crucial, and all three companies have their own quick-connect systems to help operators seamlessly transition between jobs and attachments.

“A vast variety of quick connect solutions is what we focus on,” Davey says. “We build them to go on and off the tractor very quickly so that if you’re a landscaper and you’re looking to be able to move between properties and to do a large variety of tasks, it’s super easy to do that the way we design these to come on and off the tractor very quickly.”

Here to help

With hundreds of front, mid and rear implements, compact tractors can sometimes be an overwhelming opportunity to pursue. However, once a contractor knows what jobs they need fulfilled, they can reach out to dealers to ask questions, explore options and sometimes get to test drive machines.

“Once you know what attachments you plan to use, you can work with your local dealer to properly spec the machine so that it can successfully run all of them,” Weyenberg says.

Virtual innovation is also a big goal for many companies, and Davey says the option to connect new and select tractor models via Bluetooth to a smartphone allows operators to see their hours worked and even set up maintenance schedules as they use their machine.

“Being able to see all that type of stuff to really stay up on the maintenance of the machine, to really keep it operating in tip top shape, is a really cool kind of new feature over the last few years,” Davey says.

The post Business Boosters: The versatility of compact tractors first appeared on Landscape Management.

HindSite unveils updated FieldCentral software

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:19:25 +0000

HindSite Software reveals its 2024 updates to major feature sets for both the irrigation and lawn care markets.

HindSite Software has been a software tool for irrigation contractors in the green industry, and this year has seen advancements as HindSite made improvements to its FieldCentral software. These improvements enable both irrigation and lawn care professionals to find significant time savings while battling the competitive labor market.

RouteBuilder has expanded with features to allow flexible route and linked-job scheduling. Any consistent maintenance work, from fertilization to weekly mowing, can now be routed and planned in advance based on the contractor’s custom schedules. RouteBuilder also now allows contractors to check their routes against property and equipment requirements.
Advanced Mapping lets contractors perform satellite map-based measurements inside of FieldCentral without the need of another software tool. Those measurements feed directly into the FieldCentral estimating/bidding workflow which saves time and improves contractors’ response times.
Price Matrix allows both irrigation and lawn care contractors can set up seasonal service pricing based on property-specific factors. According to the company, seamlessly managing and updating pricing from one location, even with different factors including property size, number of zones, grading, landscaping features and more, will save contractors time.
FieldTracker, an in-office dashboard, allows contractors to see all of the day’s stops, their current status and if they are using the integrated GPS Tracker service. The tracker service shows where their vehicles are now and where they’ve been, including any concerning driving behavior.
Payment Collections features is available now and offers a suite of additional features to be released over the winter. Contractors can accept payments in the office, in the field or online on their website, all using saved cards in a secure environment. This is fully integrated with FieldCentral’s billing to smoothly automate payment collection. Also this winter, FieldCentral will also support surcharging, adding three percent to invoices paid with a credit card.

“Our mission has always been to help green industry contractors save more time and make more money,” said Ted Rightmire, CEO of HindSite. “They are the heart of entrepreneurism, putting literal blood, sweat and tears into their work. They deserve more. These features continue that mission, being able to do more work with the team they have today.”

The post HindSite unveils updated FieldCentral software first appeared on Landscape Management.

Business Boosters: Practice makes perfect

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:11:25 +0000

As the labor pool continues to contract, training new hires without green industry experience quickly is more important than ever for landscape business owners.

“The traditional method is on-the-job training. So, you hire someone, you put them on a crew on Monday and you hope it works out. Now, (business owners) have a lot more strategy to that approach,” says Matt Crinklaw, senior vice president of Greenius.

Crinklaw shares how green industry business owners can leverage business software to get new hires up and running with confidence.

Why not?

Making sure your employees are properly trained is a crucial part of running a successful business. Crinklaw says he’s heard that from many green industry contractors, both personally and from surveys that Greenius has conducted.

“It’s so important,” he says. “We sent out a survey to a lot of our landscape contractors, and 78 percent of them said that training is a huge priority going forward and something they really want to do.”

So, why haven’t many of those contractors started making moves toward building a training program? Crinklaw says it comes down to the time and energy it takes to set up your own training program.

That’s where businesses like Greenius come into play, he says.

“We can say, ‘Hey, you can meet with us in an hour and get this off the ground.’ We don’t need a two- or three-month rollout. We only need a few hours. And then you have this full out-of-the-box training program that allows you to really start changing processes really fast,” Crinklaw adds.

Build your own

One of Greenius’ newer features allows contractors to get even more granular with their training programs.

“We recently added a course builder tool, which allows customers to add their training now, so if people have their videos or ways of doing it, they can add it to our system,” Crinklaw says.

Greenius has also begun to partner with equipment manufacturers in the green industry to add tutorials on using their equipment to the software.

“Recently, we connected with Toro Equipment, so we can offer a bunch of their training in Greenius. We’re also working with Weathermatic to get some irrigation training into our system, so we’re trying to expand our library by a solid 10 to 20 percent.”

Outside the box

Another option, used by companies like Conserva Irrigation, No. 85 on the 2024 LM150 list, involves working with a company outside of the green industry.

Conserva’s 22-module-long program helps new employees learn irrigation fundamentals and aims to have new hires field-ready within 45 to 60 days.

At the time, the program’s opening module introduced the new hire to Conserva and its ideals. Other modules focused on sales techniques, leadership training and communication.

“This has allowed us to widen the recruiting nets and look outside our industry for talent,” Russ Jundt told LM in 2022, shortly after the program launched. “We can hire based on the most important human aspects (work ethic, culture fit, coachability) and train the skill sets necessary. This is a game changer. We sell our ability to train and develop employees and help them build a career.”

The post Business Boosters: Practice makes perfect first appeared on Landscape Management.

Colorbiotics introduces new mobile mulch coloring system

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:51:13 +0000

Colorbiotics, a Sika company, introduced the new Sahara XP Mobile. This mulch coloring system draws from design features of the Sahara XP — literally taking it farther with its unique mobility.

“Our Sahara line has helped producers eliminate water waste and maximize color efficiency at the job site, but sometimes there’s more than one job site,” said Kent Rotert, vice president of Colorbiotics. “The XP Mobile gives them the ability to move with eight wheels and a generator.”

The machine is road-ready with a purpose-built trailer that meets oversize and wide load regulations. In addition to the on-board generator, the XP Mobile comes with three-phase plugs to make it easy to switch between shore and generator power.

“We’re redefining the term ‘remote work’ with this machine,” says Dave Roller, colorant systems manager at Colorbiotics. “All of a sudden, you don’t need to worry about power supply or hauling truckloads of mulch to your permanent location. The XP Mobile gives you flexibility with all the performance of the Sahara XP.”

The XP Mobile does not require a pilot car or special license plate for the road. With the touch of a couple of buttons, it unfolds for work. Once on location, the onboard generator provides 18 hours of runtime.

Sahara XP Mobile Specifications

Technical Data

Output: Up to 450 cubic yards per hour.
Water: Up to 120 gallons per minute, 60 GPM minimum.
Generator Power: 242 kilowatt hours.
Shore Power: 200 amps.
Motors: 100 horsepower (mixer); 10 hp (discharge conveyer); 7.5 hp (hopper feeder); 5 hp (conditioner); 1 hp (colorant pump); 10 hp (hydraulic pump).

Measurements (Unfolded)

Height: 13 feet, 6 inches (load side); 15 feet, 4 inches (non-load side).
Width: 10 feet, 7 inches.
Length: 60 feet (front to end of conveyor).
Infeed: 13 feet, 6 inches.
Outfeed: 14 feet, 2 inches.

Measurements (Folded)

Height: 13 feet, 6 inches
Width: 8 feet, 6 inches.
Length: 51 feet, 4 inches.

The post Colorbiotics introduces new mobile mulch coloring system first appeared on Landscape Management.

Mecalac to offer foldable-canopy versions of its compact loader line

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:30:15 +0000

Mecalac, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of compact construction equipment, is now offering a foldable-canopy version of the MCL2, MCL4, MCL6 and MCL8 — part of its MCL compact loader line.

The foldable-canopy MCL loaders aims to offer a solution in landscaping applications. The quick-folding canopy allows operators to leverage the loaders’ benefits in areas with limited overhead clearance, making a spot once inaccessible to machines now a reality.

“Space can come at a premium in some work sites, but that doesn’t mean productivity must be sacrificed,” said Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America. “Engineering compact loaders with a folding canopy gives our customers an efficient option to thrive in areas not previously reachable with similar equipment.”

Photo: Mecalac

The MCL loaders are compact machines providing features and functionality not found in other machines their size. A folding canopy allows users to work in areas inaccessible by traditional, larger loaders. The loaders have hydraulic and maneuverability options, M-Drive and Speed Control. With M-Drive, the engine speed can be controlled independently of travel speed, allowing power and hydraulic flow to be adapted to best suit the job at hand. Speed Control allows operators to set the maximum travel speed from 1 mph to the max speed of 19 mph (MCL6 & MCL8 only).

Operators can quickly fold down the canopy by removing a pin on each column and simply pushing the roof back. This reduces the machine’s height by as much as a foot (0.3 meters) to less than 6.6 feet (2 meters), allowing them to drive in areas with limited clearance, operate indoors and navigate under carports and garage doors with swift performance.

With a focus on balance between compactness and lifting capacity, MCL loaders can accommodate a range of attachments, including buckets, grapple forks, pallet forks and shredders. The MCL series’ optimum height-to-width-to-length ratio ensures agility on any job site. Each machine has a 45-degree articulation that keeps the front wheels traveling in the same path as the rear wheels while driving. A 10-degree oscillation allows for a strong follow-up and maximum traction wherever the machine might travel, including on uneven ground.

The post Mecalac to offer foldable-canopy versions of its compact loader line first appeared on Landscape Management.

People on the Move: Hirings and promotions from Massey Services, Bartlett Tree Experts, OTR and more

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:26:52 +0000

 Massey Services, honored Jeff Buhler, senior vice president of Customer Service, with the 2024 Lifetime Leadership Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). This prestigious award was presented on Nov. 4 in Charlotte, N.C., during NALP’s annual Elevate conference.

The Lifetime Leadership Award is one of NALP’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedicated service and a deep commitment to the lawn care industry and NALP itself. The award celebrates those who have made lasting contributions to the profession, while embodying the spirit of innovation, advocacy and inspiration within the landscape community.

Jeff Buhler

“Jeff’s leadership and drive for positive change has played a critical role in our company and our industry,” said Tony Massey, president and CEO of Massey Services. “His analytical approach to decision-making has resulted in numerous process improvements, and his commitment to investing in and mentoring our team has inspired our team members to pursue new growth opportunities within our company. We are proud to congratulate Jeff on this well-deserved recognition.”

Buhler’s career is distinguished by his leadership roles within the industry, including serving as president of NALP’s Board of Directors and contributing to various nonprofit organizations. With a passion for fostering company culture and utilizing technology to enhance customer experiences, Buhler continues to be a driving force behind the success of Massey Services while generously sharing his expertise with the broader landscape industry, according to the company.

Currently, Buhler serves as chairman of the Advisory Board of the University of Florida Department of Religion, and chairman and founding director of the Ridgecrest Foundation. The Ridgecrest Foundation supports Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Camp Crestridge for Girls and the Ridgecrest Conference Center. In addition, Jeff is a board member of The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation, Orlando Opera and Victory Cup Initiative.

Bartlett Tree Experts promotes two local managers

Bartlett Tree Experts has promoted two local managers, Jon Heaton (Midwest Division) and Ethan Crockett (Piedmont Division), to the role of assistant division manager.

Heaton and Crockett are both ISA certified arborists with extensive experience in the tree care industry. Each was promoted by Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts, in recognition of their demonstrated hard work, knowledge and dedication to the company’s values.

Ingram said both Heaton and Crockett have made important contributions to the Company’s success. For example, Heaton has been a champion of Bartlett’s Tree and Shrub Care Plan, coaching colleagues on providing documentation and planning for species-specific tree and shrub care needs on a clients’ property while prioritizing immediate needs. Crockett has earned recognition as acompany leader in professional development and training.

“Our ability to look within for future leaders like Jon and Ethan is a testament to the quality and excellence of our people and our internal training programs that emphasize ‘listening, learning and leading,'” Ingram said.

Heaton steps into a new role assisting vice president and division manager Scott Jamieson in his management of seven offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota; enabling the company’s Midwest region to expand rapidly in the near future.

Heaton joined Bartlett in 2006 as an arborist groundperson and gained valuable experience as a crew leader, plant health care specialist, local office safety coordinator (LOSC) and commercial arborist representative. In 2018, Heaton was promoted to local manager of Bartlett’s Minnetonka, Minn., office, serving the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

“I am excited at the opportunity to help arborist representatives to succeed using the technology we have at our fingertips to manage the health and care of trees and shrubs on clients’ properties,” Heaton said.

In his new role, Crockett will be working closely with vice president and division manager Rob Allen in his management of 17 Bartlett offices in Virginia and Tennessee. Crockett joined Bartlett in 2011 as an arborist representative. He served as an assistant manager of the Richmond, Va., local office before he was promoted to be the local manager.

“I am excited at the opportunity to leave my mark on the next generation of arborists,” Crockett said.

Caretaker Landscape appoints new member of the Honorary Commander Program

Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management appointed Todd Schneider, vice president of construction, as a member of the Honorary Commander Program (HCC) at Luke Air Force Base.

The program pairs base leadership with community leaders to promote the mission of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base. The two-year commitment provides Honorary Commanders the unique opportunity to learn about the duties of the 56th Fighter Wing through attending base and unit events such as:

Unit meetings
Changes of command
Ceremonies
Graduation banquets
Social functions

During his tenure, Schneider is assigned to the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and one of the first events he attended was the promotion of Colonel David J. Berkland to Brigadier General.

Todd Schneider (right) and Carlos Franco. Photo: Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management

“This event was amazing, and I was treated with great respect by both military and civilian leaders in attendance,” Schneider said. “I am excited to serve in this role for the next two years. There will be many opportunities to interact and share ideas and knowledge with civilian and military leaders, and in turn, share that knowledge with the team here at Caretaker.”

Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management is one of the largest privately-held commercial landscaping company in Arizona. Entering its 36th year of business, Caretaker specializes in landscape construction, maintenance and enhancements, as well as tree and water management. Schneider has been with Caretaker for 14 years, and has more than 30 years of experience in heavy civil and residential construction development and management. He has supervised the development of several large master planned communities and said he is looking forward to building relationships with other Honorary Commanders and base leadership.

“The intent of the program is to openly share ideas, business trends, challenges and successes that build a solid bond between the actions of the elite fighters that serve our country and those that serve in leadership roles in the community,” Schneider said. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with my assigned team of the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and thank the Air Force for leaders who recognize the need to interact and collaborate with the business community surrounding Luke Air Force Base.”

Eduardo Montero joins OEM Sales as vice president

Eduardo Montero has been named vice president of OEM Sales for the agricultural plus lawn and garden segments of OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR). He offers vast industry experience, which he will leverage to help support and grow OTR’s OEM business within these product lines.

“We are excited to welcome Eduardo Montero to OTR in his new role as vice president of OEM Sales for the agricultural and lawn and garden segments. Eduardo brings a balance of industry knowledge with a focus on customer service that will help drive OTR’s future success,” said Ben Brown, global vice president of OEM Sales and Marketing.

Eduardo Montero

Montero has a background in international sales with leading manufacturers that supply agricultural, automotive and related industries. Throughout his more than 30 year career, he has consistently grown sales with large OEM accounts, according to the company. Most recently, he served as manager of Latin America sales and global strategic OEM accounts for a multi-billion dollar industrial manufacturer.

“It’s an amazing time at OTR, as we’re not only investing in product development and infrastructure, but also in experienced people,” said Tom Rizzi, president and CEO. “Eduardo is a welcome addition to OTR’s sales team, and he’ll help us continue to grow in the agricultural and lawn and garden segments.”

The post People on the Move: Hirings and promotions from Massey Services, Bartlett Tree Experts, OTR and more first appeared on Landscape Management.

Walker Manufacturing acquires Danfoss’ Light Duty product line

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:24:52 +0000

Walker Manufacturing has acquired the Light Duty product line from Danfoss. This acquisition includes the Model 7 and Model 11 hydrostatic, variable displacement pumps and transmission products. This move, according to Walker, allows it to enhance quality, address design improvements and secure a reliable supply for its customers.

The Light Duty product line acquisition represents a crucial milestone for Walker, which currently utilizes approximately half of the total light-duty units produced, with the Model 7 comprising 85 percent of the volume. From initial discussions to closing, the acquisition process took 14 months, with the Walker team dedicating more than 120 man-days at Danfoss’ Eden Prairie facility to ensure a seamless transition.

Transitioning the entire transmission assembly line and inventory required ten semi-tractor trailers to transport all equipment and materials to Walker Manufacturing’s facility in Fort Collins, Colo., over a two-week period in mid-August. Walker successfully built its first transmission on Sept. 12 and achieved full production run rates within two weeks. The first shipment to an outside customer was made on Nov. 5.

According to the company, quality and efficiency have been crucial in the transition process. Thanks to a component inspection protocol and heightened expectations for the final product, both the first-pass yield and overall yield have exceeded expected levels. Walker’s factory team has worked to set up the new production line, equipment, systems and materials strategy to achieve these outcomes and meet production targets.

“We are grateful for the opportunity Danfoss provided by offering this product line to Walker, and I am deeply proud of our talented team for their dedication and hard work. This acquisition represents a significant step for Walker and our customers, allowing us to deliver an even higher standard of quality and dependability,” said Walker president Ryan Walker.

The post Walker Manufacturing acquires Danfoss’ Light Duty product line first appeared on Landscape Management.

Jobber releases Q3 Home Service Economic Report

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:18:09 +0000

Jobber, a provider of home service software, released its latest Home Service Economic Report: 2024 Q3. The report features expert insights and proprietary data aggregated from more than 250,000 residential cleaners, landscapers, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers and more who run their businesses using Jobber.

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts are already showing early signs of impact on consumer spending, bringing cautious optimism for the home service industry. After a slower first half of 2024, Jobber’s data shows increased momentum through the end of Q3, signaling a gradual recovery fueled by improved financial flexibility for consumers. These findings are also supported by the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (MCSI), a monthly survey based on interviews that measure U.S. consumer attitudes towards personal finances, business conditions and economic activity.

“As we move through the second half of 2024, we’re seeing encouraging signs for the home service category — especially as financial conditions continue to improve and consumer confidence grows,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & co-founder of Jobber. “At Jobber, we’re committed to helping small home service businesses capitalize on these opportunities, and the data we’re seeing suggests a path toward sustained growth in the months and years ahead.”

Demand for Home Service Outpaces Consumer Goods

Despite fluctuations in new work volume, consumer demand for home services held steady in Q3, with spending on services outpacing consumer goods. Higher average invoice sizes helped stabilize revenue, balancing the variability in new work. As interest rate cuts improve disposable income and consumer sentiment, household spending power is expected to rise, potentially driving further growth in home service demand.

Economists anticipate that the interest rate cuts will continue into 2025, providing greater affordability in areas like mortgage rates and financing for home improvements. This environment is expected to boost activity across both the housing and home service markets as consumers look to invest in essential home maintenance and renovation projects.

Segment Highlights

Jobber’s report includes insights on certain key segments within the home services category, revealing trends in consumer spending and business resilience:

Green: The Green segment, which includes lawn care and landscaping, saw early growth in 2024, though activity slowed in Q3 except for July. Despite economic pressures, median revenue remained stable as homeowners prioritized smaller, recurring outdoor maintenance over large renovations.
Contracting: The Contracting segment, covering services like electricians and HVAC, experienced a downturn in new work scheduled by late Q3. Nonetheless, median revenue stayed steady, likely due to pricing adjustments and a shift toward higher-value projects.
Construction: Construction services, including residential and commercial projects, have seen an improvement in median revenue as consumer spending shifts toward maintenance and improvements. However, new work scheduled continued to decline in Q3, reflecting cautious spending amid the gradual economic recovery.

“The 2024 Q3 Jobber Home Service Economic Report shows a promising outlook for the home services sector as interest rate cuts start to boost consumer spending and demand,” said Abheek Dhawan, senior vice president, Strategy and Analytics at Jobber. “With rising home equity and a shift toward maintenance projects, we anticipate steady growth as financial conditions improve. The sector is well-positioned to benefit from an aging housing stock and increased focus on essential updates, setting the stage for sustained demand and expansion through 2025 and beyond.”

The post Jobber releases Q3 Home Service Economic Report first appeared on Landscape Management.

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:00:56 +0000

NEW PRO Landscape+ Design Software

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Photo: PRO Landscape

For thirty years, PRO Landscape has been the essential software for landscape design professionals. Committed to innovation and quality, our new PRO Landscape+ allows users to create stunning, efficient landscape designs with ease. It offers powerful tools that bring your visions to life and is our most robust and affordable version yet. Don’t miss our limited-time introductory offer with even lower rates. Act now and start transforming your landscape design projects with the best tools in the industry!

Learn more

The post NEW PRO Landscape+ Design Software first appeared on Landscape Management.

Editorial Advisory Board: November 2024

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:55:54 +0000

How does your company celebrate and recognize your employees?

Richard Bare
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.

“We take a lot of pictures of our people in production and administrative support. Then we hang them around our branch offices as well as our main building. We even have folks who have moved on, hoping to see them come back as huge successes.”

Paul Fraynd
Sun Valley Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.

“We’ve built much of our culture around celebrating the work our team does for our clients — celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and promotions, awards throughout the year and year-end focused on our company core values and safety. The most important recognition we do is provide transparency and a voice to our team through employee pulse surveys, town halls and small group training. Giving them a seat at the table builds trust and leads to better outcomes for all.”

Bryan Stolz
Winterberry Landscape & Garden Center
Southington, Conn.

“This year, we are hosting a company-wide picnic at a local camp with rock climbing, catered lunch, swimming and other activities, and we invited our entire team and their families. A very small thank you to people who give their all to make us successful.”

Marty Grunder
The Grow Group
Dayton, Ohio

“There are many ways we do this, and they all involve specific and genuine praise. My favorite is a handwritten and detailed note mailed to the team member’s home with a gift card. I think we overlook small gestures like this, and they make a big impact.”

The post Editorial Advisory Board: November 2024 first appeared on Landscape Management.

Harrell’s POLYON Controlled-Release Fertilizer

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Photo: Harrell’s

Transform your lawn care business with the power of POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer. Engineered for consistent and predictable nutrient delivery, POLYON reduces labor demands while keeping your clients’ lawns greener and cleaner—helping you drive customer retention and grow your reputation.

Partner with your local Harrell’s rep to unlock the potential of POLYON. Plus, ask about accessing our innovative POLYGraph® software to precisely map nutrient release and design coating thickness to meet your unique operational needs and business goals.

Get in touch today and discover how POLYON can revolutionize your business.

Find Your Sales Representative

The post Harrell’s POLYON Controlled-Release Fertilizer first appeared on Landscape Management.

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 13:00:41 +0000

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It’s easy to keep everyone in your home connected, comfy & up on important activity with Google Nest Smart Home products. From security cams that see activity outside & in, to wired & battery-powered doorbells and thermostats designed to boost comfort & c

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:48:11 +0000

It’s easy to keep everyone in your home connected, comfy & up on important activity with Google Nest Smart Home products. From security cams that see activity outside & in, to wired & battery-powered doorbells and thermostats designed to boost comfort & cut costs, Nest products provide help for busy lives. Bring devices together for more personalized help at home. And create custom-tailored automations that help simplify everyday tasks. Build your helpful home with Google Nest at The Home Depot.

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Curious about hinges?

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:31:34 +0000

Curious about hinges?

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:00:44 +0000

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:30:50 +0000

Ready for sweater weather?

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:01:01 +0000

Ready for sweater weather?

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:00:35 +0000

Never be without the right size hand tool for the job again!

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:30:30 +0000

Never be without the right size hand tool for the job again!

Make fall clean-up a breeze with this all-in-one leaf blower, mulcher, and vacuum.

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:01:01 +0000

Make fall clean-up a breeze with this all-in-one leaf blower, mulcher, and vacuum.

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:00:55 +0000

Maximize your workout space!

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:30:25 +0000

Maximize your workout space!

Shiny, clean burners in no time!

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:00:58 +0000

Shiny, clean burners in no time!

Transform your space with style!

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 12:00:18 +0000

Transform your space with style!

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:30:46 +0000

Dreaming of a cozy reading nook?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:00:19 +0000

Dreaming of a cozy reading nook?

Get your garden ready for a beautiful spring with fall fertilizing!

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:00:32 +0000

Get your garden ready for a beautiful spring with fall fertilizing!

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 12:31:26 +0000

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:31:23 +0000

With so many options, features and finishes, it can be hard to find the best dishwasher for your kitchen. Get expert advice from The Home Depot team to help you decide which model is right for you! Tap to explore.

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:54:32 +0000

With so many options, features and finishes, it can be hard to find the best dishwasher for your kitchen. Get expert advice from The Home Depot team to help you decide which model is right for you! Tap to explore.

How to Grow Tomatoes in Your Home Garden—No Matter Where You Live

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:09:24 +0000

Nothing is as rewarding (or tasty!) as a homegrown tomato. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, there’s a tomato for everyone and every garden. Here are some tips for success.

Sell or Stay Put? 11 Crucial Considerations for Today's Market, According to Real Estate Experts

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:45:15 +0000

Don’t let high interest rates scare you away if the time is right.

Allergy Capitals: 29 U.S. Cities With the Worst Allergy Seasons

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:12:35 +0000

Populations in the Eastern and Southern U.S. seem to suffer most from allergies.

How to Clean Discolored Enamel Cookware: 6 Surefire Solutions

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:09:43 +0000

Get the most from your sturdy enamel cookware by keeping it clean and free of stains.

Sleep Week 2024: The Best Deals on Mattresses, Bedding, and More

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:55:48 +0000

Don't miss these incredible deals on sleep essentials for a good night's rest.

Harbor Freight's Parking Lot Sale Is Here—Take Advantage of These Deals Before They Expire!

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:09:34 +0000

Enjoy incredible savings on generators, air compressors, tools, and more.

The Best Native Plants to Grow in Soggy Gardens (by Region)

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:18:04 +0000

Build your own low-maintenance rain garden with colorful native plants that don’t mind wet roots!

Our Favorite Pieces of Furniture You Can Buy at Kohl's—Starting at $50

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:58:55 +0000

From mid-century modern chairs to chic storage solutions, Kohl's has something for everyone.

How to Grow Snapdragons for an Easy Curb Appeal Boost

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:30:16 +0000

Add a pop of color to your garden in the spring and fall months with this tender perennial featuring various stunning flowers.

Field-Tested and Reviewed: Is the White Duck Tarp Worth the Cost?

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:08:44 +0000

Looking for a heavy-duty tarp to protect your outdoor items? I tested a top-selling brand’s canvas tarp to find out if it was any good.

Clear Driveways and Walkways With the Snow Joe Single-Stage Snow Blower

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:33:09 +0000

After testing numerous single-stage snow blowers, the Snow Joe 48V, 18-inch Ionmax proved to be quite capable for clearing what moderate snow storms can dump on a property.

The Great Debate: Plywood vs. Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:13:02 +0000

From appearance to maintenance, the material you choose for kitchen cabinets has a lasting impact on your daily life—not to mention your budget.

Estimate vs. Contract: What Are You Really Signing With a Contractor?

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:14:58 +0000

Knowing the difference between contractor estimates and home repair contracts can save a homeowner money and stress. The documents might appear to be quite distinct, but lines can sometimes become blurred.