By Karina Sinclair

---

IS IT JUST ME, or does it feel like the ground is constantly shifting beneath our feet these days? The unpredictable actions of the current U.S. administration have had business owners across Canada reevaluating how they want to operate in the future. At Landscape Trades, we’re watching the situation closely and expect we haven’t heard the last of tariffs — or tantrums — from our nation's most significant trading partner. I would love to hear your thoughts about how tariffs might affect your landscape business and invite you to reach out to me. What keeps you up at night? How are you planning to future proof your business? And, most importantly, what can members of the landscape community do to support one another and take control of our own destinies? Your perspectives are welcome and may be shared in a future issue of Landscape Trades.


Speaking of power shifts, the rise of electric equipment is causing quite the buzz. Big brands, such as Bobcat, Milwaukee, Kress and Stellantis, have introduced everything from battery- powered pole saws to pickup trucks, edgers to excavators. Landscapers are spoiled for choice, but first have to decide whether they want to move away from their existing gas- powered equipment. On page 16, Ryan O’Connor explores what’s driving the transition from gas to battery in Shifting Gears. To supplement that feature, we present statistics from our latest State of the Industry survey. Check out The Big Switch on page 22.


You may have heard about ground penetrating radar, but did you know it’s being used by arborists and landscape architects? Dr. Nadina Galle explains how on page 32. Following a different branch, arborist and breathwork practitioner Jen Llewellyn offers advice for thriving in the canopy on page 40. And if you just can’t get enough of politics these days, Haig Seferian gives a balanced perspective of how the Canadian political climate – tariffs aside – affects landscape design on page 36.


I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce Healthy Horizons — a brand new column that focuses on the importance of health, safety and well-being. Landscaping can be physically demanding, and everyday stressors can affect mood, mindset and mental wellness. The column’s inaugural appearance on page 38 will show you how investing in workplace health and safety can yield a return on investment of at least 24 per cent. Watch this space for valuable insights for creating a psychologically safe workplace, spotting health and wellness red flags, having sensitive conversations and other important topics that help everyone work at their best and get home safely each day.


To recognize International Women’s Day on March 8 this year, we thought it fitting to demonstrate the value of women in landscaping. Ryan Markewich shares how having women on his staff has enhanced every part of his company — from maintenance crews to management. Get inspired by Growing Your Business on page 34, and then flip to the last page to learn how technology can help women break past traditional gender roles and avoid professional stagnation. Carla Bailey, co-founder of Women in Landscaping, gets the last word in our Mentor Moment on page 50.


For those feeling unsettled by sensationalized headlines and social media speculation, you’re not alone. But remember, just like the green spaces you nurture, landscape professionals have always been well-suited to evolving, growing and adapting. There’s so much we can do together to create stability, not by standing still but by stepping forward. Step into supporting one another. Step into sharing ideas. Step into new habits. And together, we’ll find solid ground, one step at a time. 


Sincerely,
Karina Sinclair
Managing Editor, Multimedia