Landscape professionals are having a good year—and they expect 2016 to be even better. The numbers are in: It was a good year for the landscape industry. Eighty-five percent of landscape professionals described the state of the market as “very healthy” or “relatively healthy”—up five points from last year, and nearly double the level we reported in 2010. “2014 was... read more
Lower fuel prices help companies keep costs under control. Most is quiet on the expenses front for landscape professionals. Although industry members expect an overall operating cost increase of 11 percent—on par with what they reported for last year—they seem to be at ease thanks to fuel price relief. “I bought gas today for $1.95,” says Steve Biernacki, general manager... read more
LCOs from our 2015 Lawn Care Forum, including Chris Joyce of Joyce Landscaping; Luke Hawthorne of Emerald Lawns; and Dayna Wagner of Fit Turf, talk about business challenges they’ve faced in 2015. Find out how they’ve solved issues of employee retention and expansion. read more
Of the 34 attendees of LM’s 2015 Lawn Care Forum, the majority noted the biggest challenge lawn care operators face is hiring and retaining quality employees. During a breakfast panel Nov. 18 at the Forum, Chris Joyce, owner of Joyce Landscaping and Always Green of Cape Cod, Andrew Ziehler, owner of Ziehler Lawn & Tree Care, and Terry Jungels, president of Total Lawn... read more
The best time to plan for the following year is… Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “…in the fall.” Chris Joyce Joyce Landscaping, Cape Cod, Mass. “… constantly. Though you may have your scheduled planning time at some point in the year, the process of proper planning is a continuous effort.” Adam Linnemann Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping,... read more
How to keep long hours and stressful work from plaguing snow employees. Last winter, the East Coast was battered with snowstorms. In late November, after the city got more than six feet of snow, the Buffalo Bills paid fans $10 an hour plus game tickets to help shovel snow in and around the stadium. Bangor, Maine, saw its second snowiest... read more
