Vertical growing techniques have been pioneered by growers who were driven to solve agriculture-related problems pertaining to land use, efficiency, food miles and water availability. Ornamental vertical growing, however, demonstrates that these strategies can have big benefits for the commercial production of decorative plants, like industrial floriculture, as well as for the beautification of homes… [Read More]
The Ultimate Guide to Landscaping Equipment Management
For landscapers, work begins long before they arrive on a job site and continues well past when their on-site tasks are completed. Why is that? It’s because these professionals rely on complicated, expensive and invaluable landscaping equipment. Here are some pointers for landscaping equipment management, from safeguarding large stores of equipment to managing individual pieces… [Read More]
How to Prevent Excavation & Trenching Safety Hazards
Whether they’re required for underground lines or as the first step for installing a foundation, excavation and trenching are essential, routine activities in the construction world. Just because they’re routine, however, doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous if executed incorrectly. An analysis conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that, between 1992 and… [Read More]
How to Market Your Tree Service Business Like an Expert
Whether you’re new to the trade or you feel like you live your whole life in the air, knowing how to properly market a tree service business is instrumental for success. Without proactive marketing efforts, client bases can stall out and slowly deteriorate. Marketing is important for ensuring that businesses continue to add customers, allowing… [Read More]
Upselling Lawn Care Services: How To Expand Your Hydroseeding Customer Base
Landscape contractors are constantly on the lookout for new planting techniques, erosion control methods and add-on lawn care services that can help their businesses grow. While hydroseeding is by no means a recent innovation, its rising popularity represents a profitable opportunity for landscapers, maintenance contractors and other companies in the lawn care industry. But to… [Read More]
Road Construction Risk Control: Essential Tips for Keeping Workers Safe
Every road construction project comes with its own set of challenges, risks and opportunities that must be carefully assessed before excavation can begin. This process of hazard identification and mitigation is not only crucial for keeping the project on budget, it’s also an essential part of any workplace safety plan. Between 2003 and 2017, roughly… [Read More]
Regular Tree Climbing Gear Inspections & Arborist Safety
Risk management is a top priority for every tree care business, as lackluster health and safety practices can lead to serious on-the-job injuries, even deaths. From the moment tree professionals set foot on a job site, there should be clear policies and procedures in place to protect them from both known and potential threats. According… [Read More]
Lawn Maintenance 101: Managing Grass Diseases
Now that spring has finally arrived, landscape contractors across the country are gearing up to start their lawn maintenance routines. Between laying down new turf grass, spreading fertilizer and setting a mowing schedule, there’s a lot that goes into managing a healthy yard. In fact, keeping up with lawn maintenance is one of the best… [Read More]
OSHA Violations & Issues Acquiring Construction Contracts
When it comes to construction management, site contractors must pay careful attention to employee health and safety guidelines to prevent project delays, workers’ compensation claims and possible government interventions. Since the early 1970s, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been responsible for creating, updating and enforcing industry standards and practices that U.S. employers must… [Read More]
Labor Shortages in the Tree Service Industry
It’s no secret that the tree care industry has seen its share of challenges over the past few years. Perhaps chief among them is finding qualified workers, and getting them to stay. The seasonal nature of tree services presents many challenges but is not unique. According to Landscape Business, 92% of green industry businesses, which… [Read More]