Heads Up Landscape Contractors of Albuquerque, N.M, stepped up after its owners heard a local, wounded Army veteran needed grass for his service dog. “Lucky (his mastiff/Great Dane service dog) alerts me when I need oxygen for my headaches as a result of a traumatic brain injury and reminds me to take my medication twice a day. He also helps me walk. I have a back injury and I put my weight on him when I go up and down stairs or when I get tired.” said Michael Martinez, who served two, 15-month tours in Iraq. As a part of the GreenCare for Troops program, Heads Up installed an easy-to-maintain landscape that features grass, plants, a tree, irrigation system, a garden area and gravel in Martinez’s backyard, though he only asked for grass. The crew returned in early fall to spray preemergent herbicides, and it plans to return in late November to winterize the irrigation system. The estimated $9,000 to $10,000 project cost Martinez nothing. “We are thrilled to be able to help our veterans who have given their all in service to the country,” said Andrew Key, president of Heads Up.
Gothic Landscape, based in Santa Clarita, Calif., bought a 21,000-square-foot building to serve as its new corporate headquarters, The Santa Clarita Valley Signal reports. The building cost $5.5 million, and the company plans to move in Nov. 23. Due to growth, Gothic’s corporate staff is currently operating out of two separate buildings, 42 people in one office and 36 people in another. The new building will allow the staff to work under the same roof. The company has 1,300 employees in branches across California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.
Garden City Tree & Landscape, in Victoria, British Columbia, is building Keating Elementary, in Central Saanich, British Columbia, a new playground, The Times Colonist reported. The company donated time, material and resources worth $40,000, and The Peninsula Co-op pitched in another $30,000. The playground will use natural elements, like logs, stumps and roots, and is slated for a spring completion date.
Lawn Doctor of Grand Rapids, Mich., power-seeded a local park after a bike racing event damaged the grass, WOODTV.com reported. The two-day Cyclocross event, “Fall Fury CX,” has been held at Wilcox Park for the last three years, but this year, ground softened by rain caused more damage than usual, causing local outrage. Lawn Doctor contacted event organizers and offered its services, dispelling concerns.
Photo: Heads Up Landscape Contractors
