It is nearly impossible to scroll through news feeds without reading about intense drought conditions sweeping through the western United States. On June 8, Governor Newsom declared a drought state of emergency. That same day, he signed an executive order calling on all Californians to help save water. This order is what has sparked the most inquiries among our landscape and irrigation customers. The most common question being, “How much does it affect our landscapes?”
Read MoreJuly is special to just about all Americans…as it should be. Yes, business is up and thankfully, landscape projects are in at a rate that fills the workload. This is due in part to the COVID pandemic slowly approaching the exit door because of the vaccination program.
Read MoreIt is now the middle of the year, and if you have not already done so, it is time to reflect. You have either accomplished most of your goals so far or fallen behind on your plans. In either case, if you have helped your community in some way – in spite of the COVID shutdown – it will have rewarded you with that feeling of accomplishment you will need to tackle the second half of the year.
Read MoreSpring – few other professionals are as coalesced with the season of spring than Landscapers. We literally manage the entirety of spring. Flowers, trees budding with leaf break, irrigating, lawns greening up and needing to be mowed weekly are the iconic signals to even the lay person that spring has arrived. It can be perceived by sight, sound, and smell.
Read MoreAs of April 2021, there are very few options for the disposal of hazardous treated wood waste in California. Furthermore, the limited options that do exist involve managing the treated wood waste as a fully regulated hazardous waste, which is procedurally more difficult and costly. For many generators, temporarily accumulating the treated wood waste is an available option that should be considered.
Read MoreSpring is just around the corner, so let’s get ready to prepare our landscapes for summer. Although we have had some rain here and there, it still is not enough to get us out of a drought. With this information, we should all prepare to educate our clients and customers on how to deal with our gardens with water conservation in mind. Our work should focus on keeping gardens pretty with less water and dealing with the very warm weather that is expected.
Read MoreNo doubt things are still pretty rough all around with this pandemic. But they are starting to look a little brighter with less cases reported, vaccines beginning to be available, and some businesses slowly starting to open up. For the construction and landscape industry work has been steady, at least for most, but it can always be better. All the changes we have had to make will certainly help us for the future, as it will not be the last time we will have to adjust.
Read More2020 was definitely a year most of us are glad to put behind us. For a few people it may have been great, for most it was pretty bad, and very little in between. With everything that’s happening, life still goes on and bills still have to be paid. Adapting was the only way to pull ahead.
Read MoreNext year brings a level of uncertainty but great hope. Live in the moment and be ready to take on the challenge. The Green Industry has remained resilient and has stepped up to the task of fulfilling its essential role to keep our landscapes safe and looking good for everyone to enjoy. Our team members more then ever are happy to be outdoors and doing what they love.
Read MoreBusinesses have faced a pandemic, protests, an uncertain economic forecast, new government regulations, waning consumer confidence, and shortages in skilled workers. The landscape industry has been versatile and for the most part our businesses have been able to adapt to these stresses. The best advice I can give is concentrate on focusing on what you can control.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic presented profound challenges to the building trade industry in relation to shelter in place orders. This had a tremendous impact on the landscape and other trade service sectors, effectively grounding the industry for landscape contractors and other trades where they could not work or could work only under emergency circumstances. This article is to acknowledge the “herculean” effort put forth by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).
Read MoreAs a member of CLCA’s Legislative Committee, one the greatest benefits to serving in this capacity is the ability to keep your hands on the pulse of California government. With Covid-19 the heart rate of the legislature is running very high and that is not a good thing.
Read MoreDuring a personal quiet time during a beautiful morning, I found time to ponder and meditate. I began thinking that there is something within each one of us that attracted us to the landscape industry and allied trades – something that I’ll refer to as “a calling of the heart.” It was with much thoughtfulness that you made that decision…making sure you made the right choice. I like to consider that decision a seed that is planted in the “soil” of our mind…in the garden of our life.
Read MoreRecently, I completed my recertification for Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) under the Tree Care Industry Association. Due to the pandemic the training had to be done virtually. Although the system did have the usual first-time hiccups, the content was engaging and confirmed that I need to continually improve how our employees are trained. The exam was focused on the American National Standards for Arboricultural Operations Safety Requirements ANSI Z133 and how to effectively train using on the job techniques.
Read MoreIn times of social unrest, we all have a proclivity to reassess ourselves and what priorities superseded others. Within our businesses we are constantly being asked to value the cost of equipment, training, marketing, and other indirect investments. This time of year, many of us are asked to make that decision regarding CLCA with your annual dues renewal or a solicitation to join if you are not a current member. So, what are good parameters to make the decision to renew your membership or join CLCA?
Read MoreSummer is officially here! Our clients are now spending more time at home and in their communities than ever before. After speaking with many landscape contractors there appears to be a healthy pipeline of work. People are optioning to spend their money on landscape projects since they will not be able to spend money on vacations or decide on large purchases as easily. While I am busy as ever, I did have time to reflect on the benefits of the work that we do. Here are my thoughts on the Five Benefits of Landscapes…
Read MoreDon’t pretend there is not a problem. Racism is real and it affects our lives. We must not think it doesn’t affect us. Don’t think that you can’t be part of the change. Let’s all be part of the change. Reach out, support a cause. We all have a duty to care.
Read MoreToday is a perfect time to learn. With social distancing becoming the norm, we are spending more time on our own. Learning has many benefits. As you learn, your body increases the production of myelin which improves the brain’s ability to learn better and faster. This will help you fight off boredom by keeping you engaged and looking forward to new information. Now more than ever we know life can throw us curve balls that force us to change. With increased skills we may be better adapted to change.
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