Green Pencil

As we wrap up another year, I’m reminded to take stock of everything we’ve accomplished over the past 12 months and look ahead with a blue sky state of mind.

At this time of year some flower beds and containers still boast a few colourful end-of-season blooms, and we’re starting to see spots of colour in the trees.

Whether you own, operate or work for a business that specializes exclusively or seasonally on snow and ice management, this edition of Landscape Trades is for you.

For our annual design/build issue, we’re celebrating this magic, as well as sharing ideas on how landscape professionals in any sector of the industry can help their businesses thrive.

This month in Landscape Trades, we are talking about tech.

While the verdict on exactly when to expect spring across Canada was mixed this Groundhog’s Day, it’s a sure bet that the season is coming up quickly for those in the landscape and horticulture sector coast to coast.

Our resolution is to help your business — and the landscape and horticultural industry — thrive.

Even before the first frost, landscapers and gardening enthusiasts across the country (myself included!) are already dreaming about what to plant come spring.

The snow and ice management industry is facing an insurance and liability crisis — and it’s essential we act now.

We believe there remains a place for our online Source Book that is accurate, comprehensive, and curated specifically for you. Not instead of an internet search, but a resource you can use in addition to Google and the like. That’s why we’ve implemented enhancements to our online Source Book at LTsourcebook.com to coincide with the discontinuation of the printed version.

After two years without a live event, it was so nice to be back at Landscape Ontario Congress. As the official media partner of Congress 2023, the Landscape Trades team was thrilled to be part of a record-breaking event.

Landscape Trades's editor and publisher rebuts recent critiques of grass in Canadian media, pointing to the environmental and recreational benefits healthy lawns provide.

I believe it is a great time to own a snow business.

Make a green impact this year with Trees for Life, Year of the Garden and the Green Cities Foundation.

Each year, Landscape Trades dedicates an issue to showcase new equipment and products for landscape and horticulture professionals.

For our profession, Landscape Ontario Congress is more than just a trade show.

Being a bit of a plant nerd, I never grow tired of my role as Trial Garden manager at the University of Guelph.

When the Landscape Ontario Snow and Ice Sector Group was formed 25 years ago, it was clearly stated by Robert Kennaley (LO’s legal counsel) that the industry needed a standard in order to deal with the significant risk management issues.

Landscape Trades publisher Lee Ann Knudsen retired in January, after over 20 years with the magazine.

And we’re not out of the woods yet.

Looking back on the past year, I’m reminded of what it was like when I first started my business.

Volunteering for Congress is a part of my resume I value a lot. I am chair of its Show Committee this year — isn’t it just like me to get the most unique year ever!

In the early 2000s, the emerald ash borer was first discovered in Canada. It’s a foreign insect that kills ash trees, and it has spread quickly. But who is noticing?

Documentation is important, although low on the list when avoiding or defending a lawsuit. The first thing is, you don’t want one coming your way.

As owners and leaders, continue to hope and remain calm and confident as we make hard decisions today that will bring us out the other side stronger.

If you have a salesperson who knows his or her stuff, serves you promptly and professionally, and is respectful of your time, then you have a winner.

Snow fighters are not just contractors — we’re emergency service providers. We save thousands and thousands of lives every year, just by providing this service.

Michael LaPorte explains his personal connection to Congress.

One of the best feelings in management or ownership is hiring new people.

People are taking initiative to learn as much as they can about the trees and plants around them

Remember, if you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you?

Mr. Piccini has been outstanding in furthering the Highway of Heroes campaign in the Ontario legislature.

Developing great people is the deciding factor on the future success and longevity of your business.

Efficiency and productivity: the eternal promise of new products.

Any well-defined business plan will have succession as part of its long-term planning.

Great outdoor spaces engage all of our senses and compels us to reach out and touch the natural world.

Do you have a marketing and sales strategy?

Canadian landscaping and horticulture business owners are wondering if staying in business will become even more challenging with the legalization of cannabis.

Business lessons learned in the fast lane

Proposed changes to federal income tax rules threatened small family businesses across the country.

Knowing the attrition percentage may help new companies in the landscape industry.

We need to understand the importance of developing and mentoring the next generation. I don’t think we have an industry problem, I think we have a loving and caring issue — from the top down.

Our commitment is to honour Canadians for military service by planting trees along the Highway of Heroes.

In the landscape business, you need to decide how to get to the top and realize you will make mistakes getting there. Just like an animal trying to survive, it really is a jungle out there!

Landscape designers and landscape architects are working together to provide better services and public safety.

The best-managed garden centres will continue to find a corner of the fiercely competitive retail landscape, and will, through leadership and innovation, succeed into the next generation.

I take my hat off to all family-run businesses. Kudos to all involved.

It’s a wonderful time for Canadians to be proud of country and heritage.

Your products, plants and landscapes actually are, in fact, green. Voila!

Your attitude and belief in your self-worth have a huge impact on your financial success.

The newly-launched Canadian Landscape Standard

Roadside shape sparks memory and muse

A simple strategy for retail sales success

When business is drama, comedy and soap opera

Industry appreciates Charles Vander Kooi’s legacy.

What could be more important than engaging employees?

Financials are deep secret top classified.

First impressions define your company’s value.

Systems-based management works, now keep the momentum going.

Some of you will open our annual New Plants issue with anticipation, while others turn noses up at “more new heucheras and petunias.”