As part of Total Landscape Care’s look back on 2020, here are the top 10 stories during the month of July.
10. NALP announces formation of Diversity and Inclusion Council
The board of directors for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) met recently to discuss what can be done as an organization and as an industry to encourage more diversity and inclusion.
After taking a look at their current board of directors in January, Britt Wood, NALP’s CEO, says they knew it was time to bring in more individuals from underrepresented groups, as they wanted their board to more accurately reflect what the green industry actually looks like.
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9. Long term investment: Fullerton Grounds Maintenance implements apprenticeship program
Before COVID-19, participants in the apprenticeship program were able to meet as a group to complete classroom assignments and hands-on projects.Photo: Fullerton Grounds Maintenance (FGM)
Apprenticeship programs are nothing new to trades, but for the green industry specifically, apprenticeships were not as widely known or recognized until recently.
In 2019, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) launched their Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program. That same year, they announced that the United States Department of Labor (DOL) would allow it to be a registered apprenticeship program that would provide formalized, prescriptive training.
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8. Utilizing technology: Invoicing options to check out
With business booming at the height of the season, landscaping companies might begin looking into electronic invoicing options that could help streamline their billing processes.
Total Landscape Care talked with Invoice2go and Biller Genie about how their systems could lend a hand to landscaping companies, as well as what sets them apart from other billing and invoicing programs.
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7. Avoiding common mistakes: 10 tips to create a solid recruitment strategy
Failing to recruit high-quality candidates isn’t just a mistake you can overlook. Just a little carelessness, and you will end up costing your company a significant amount of time and money. In fact, according to the US Department of Labor, one wrong hire can cost the organization 30 percent of an employee’s annual package.
So, how do you create a fool-proof recruitment strategy?
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6. How to: Creating the perfect hanging basket or container garden
Photo: PixabayAlong with wanting their lawns to look pristine this season, customers are also looking for enticing features for their patios and porches.
Hanging baskets and container gardens give clients the eye-catching element they crave without having to create an entirely new flower bed. And for those that might live in smaller areas, utilizing these gardening methods could be the perfect solution for little to no excess plant space.
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5. Increasing your mower’s longevity
Having reliable mowers at the peak of the season is mandatory, which means that you and your crews have to ensure everything possible is done between jobs to keep these machines in tip-top shape.
Total Landscape Care talked with Brad Unruh, director of new product development with Hustler Turf Equipment, about his most recommended tips for enhancing mower longevity and the long term benefits of implementing them.
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4. Top landscaping trends to impress customers this summer
A great way for landscape and grounds maintenance professionals to showcase their knowledge of the industry is to be ahead of the curve when it comes to trends. In fact, bringing fresh ideas and industry innovation to clientele will help you build out a more efficient and appealing landscape plan while establishing your role as the go-to business for all things landscaping.
So, whether commercial clients are headed back to the office, or residential customers are looking to make updates ahead of summer barbeques, it’s critical to stay on top of, and recommend, the industry’s latest and greatest.
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3. Issues to watch for when towing a trailer
For landscapers regularly using trailers to haul equipment to and from jobsites, there are a few issues to watch for that could potentially impact your towing experience.
Take a look at recommendations from the Association for the Work Truck Industry (NTEA) to help improve your vehicle’s efficiency, safety and performance while towing a trailer.
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2. Getting established: Hitting your stride in the green industry
Photo: Beautiful Blooms Landscape & DesignAs we mentioned yesterday, many landscapers out there have the desire to start their own landscaping company, but with the current economic climate, many are fearful that their dream could be a flop.
Even if you feel the deck is stacked against you, take a look at how these green industry experts made their way through the challenges of starting up and became who they are today.
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1. Briggs & Stratton files for bankruptcy; announces sale agreement
Briggs & Stratton announced a new line of Vanguard engines at this year’s World of Concrete.Century-old engine maker Briggs & Stratton has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and has entered into an agreement with a private equity firm to assume “substantially all of the company’s assets,” the company says.
On July 20, Wisconsin-based Briggs & Stratton filed for voluntary reorganization in U.S. bankruptcy court. It also reports it has secured $677.5 million in financing to continue operations during the sale and reorganization process.
