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Summer • Fall 2026

Explore the 2026 Circle Of Excellence Sustainable Solutions Award: The Silent Gardener Retail Leadership Award Opens Door to New Ideas

CNLA Selects Recipients of ‘Digging into Our Future’ Grant Scout Program Adds Extra Layer of IPM Three Years in the Making: The Science of Sod

Pictured is Alma 24 by Réflex Paysage. This jewel of a property off the coast of Lac Saint Jean in Québec is part of the Circle of Excellence for Residential Landscape Construction. Read more about Alma 24 on page 13. Photo by Adrien Williams

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Summer • Fall 2026

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EXECUTIVE BOARD President Past President, Comms Committee Chair

Profile of Sustainable Solutions Award Winner

Lexi Dearborn is Certified and Proud of It

2026 Circle of Excellence

Skills Canada Competition Highlights

Digging Into Our Future grant Recipients

2026 GCC Summit in Montréal

IPM for Ontario Agriculture and Nursery Operations

Spring 2026 Economics Update

Urban Trees in Calgary

The Science Behind Sod

Vice President, Climate Change Adaptation Chair Second Vice President, Human Resources Chair Treasurer

Anita Heuver - AB Bill Hardy, CLHM - BC Alan White - ON Jeff Foley, CLHT, CLHM - BC Robin Godfrey - NS

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Digital Communications Coordinator Member Services Coordinator Bookkeeper Centre de Jardin Floréal in Laval, QC, was among the many top-notch garden centres visited at the Garden Centres Canada Summit this summer. Read more on page 22.

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Award Highlight

Sheldon and Emma Ridout of The Silent Gardener maintaining the grounds of a soccer field in North Vancouver, with Emma using a battery-powered mower to cut the grass.

Sustainable Solutions Award: The Silent Gardener Sheldon Ridout has spent 25 years showing that quieter work can still deliver serious results. On February 3, that long-term commitment was formally recognized when the owner of The Silent Gardener Limited received the Sustainable Solutions Award at the inaugural 2026 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence, held at Adamo Estate Winery in Orangeville, Ontario Based in New Westminster, British Columbia, Ridout’s company maintains large strata developments, commercial sites, parks, and school board properties using exclusively electric landscape equipment and vehicles. 4

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“We take care of large sites, all without using gas powered equipment,” he says. “So our fleet is electric, all our equipment is electric.” The name The Silent Gardener was not marketing foresight so much as lived experience. Ridout had worked the gas-powered route and wanted no part of it. “I got tired of sitting in a wall of sound and covered in two-stroke engine fumes,” he said. The business started with no power equipment at all, relying on push reel mowers and hand tools, until battery technology started catching up with Powered by:

Award Highlight

Sheldon Ridout estimates that making the switch to electric for all vehicles and equipment saves about $8,000 a year.

the scale of the work. “We were silent when we started, and now we’re not as silent,” Ridout added. “But we’re still quieter than everybody else, so the name still fits.” Today, nearly all of the company’s handheld and ride-on equipment comes from Stihl. “When their bigger models came out, it was just much easier to have things serviced,” Ridout said. “In the end, we’re 99 percent Stihl products now. And it’s just reliability.” The same thinking applies to the fleet. The company’s four electric Ford F150 Lightnings and an E-Transit double as mobile charging stations, slashing fuel costs. The same thinking applies to vehicles. Ford Lightnings and an E-Transit cargo van act as rolling chargers, cutting annual fuel costs from roughly $8,000 to almost nothing. “I spend less than $10 every ten days to charge,” he said. “It’s a pretty significant change,” he continued. Powered by:

Jonathan Wong of The Silent Gardener shears a residential strata hedge.

“There’s no reason why anyone can’t do this. Once you have the right equipment and the charging infrastructure set up, it’s very easy.” Education is a major part of the operation. Ridout is an ISA Certified Arborist, is certified in landscape maintenance through the BCLNA, and sponsors Red Seal apprentices. His 22-person team includes certified arborists, a Red Seal horticulturalist, and an organic master gardener. “I do try to focus on getting our staff educated,” he said. “Those people usually stay around a lot longer.” Industry recognition from the CNLA carries weight for Ridout. “It’s nice to see the industry acknowledging something that I’ve been working on for 25 years,” he said. For Ridout, the award from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is less about validation and more about possibility. “There’s no reason why anyone can’t do this,” he says. “Once you have the right equipment and the charging infrastructure set up, it’s very easy.” Summer • Fall 2026

Professional Development

Certified and Proud of It! By Lexi Dearborn

Lexi is an award-winning Certified Landscape Designer, writer, and the creative force behind Dearborn Designs—chaos with colour—intentional, not accidental. With more than 25 years in landscape design and business, she shares practical, real-world insights that help others design thoughtfully, develop their skills, and succeed with confidence.

Professional certification is more than a few letters after your name. It’s proof you’ve invested in your craft, committed to continuous learning, and chosen to hold yourself to a higher industry standard. In a profession built on trust, creativity, technical knowledge, and experience, certification matters. And it should be seen! Every time a designer, horticulturist, or manager earns and actively promotes their designation, it strengthens not only their career but also the credibility of the landscape profession as a whole. Clients today are looking for trusted experts. They want confidence in the professionals who design their spaces, manage their projects, and guide important decisions. Certification helps build that confidence immediately. It tells clients and employers that you take your profession seriously, that you’ve invested in your education, met national standards, and continue to grow your knowledge in an ever-evolving industry.

Embracing certification. Certification only carries weight if people understand what it represents and that’s where self-promotion comes in. Too often, people earn a certification and then quietly tuck it away in a drawer rather than promoting the expertise and credibility it reflects.

We can do better. Certified members have a real opportunity to proudly showcase their qualifications, celebrate professional achievements, and help clients recognize the value that certified professionals bring to every project.

Promoting certification starts with you. Add your designation to your name. You earned it, and it deserves to be seen. Over the past year, one of my goals has been to encourage certified members to use their designations consistently. 6

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The more visible certified professionals are, the stronger the value of the credential becomes. Use official CNLA certification logos everywhere. They’re free and designed to build recognition at a glance. Display them on drawings, proposals, presentations, your website, and in print materials. Keep your credentials consistent across all touchpoints. Update your email signature, social media profiles, online portfolios, and marketing collateral. Consistency builds recognition and trust.

Talk it up. Discuss your certification in client meetings and explain what it represents standards, ethics, technical competency, and a commitment to continuing growth. Share your journey. Encourage colleagues to pursue certification. Celebrate milestones publicly. When certified professionals promote their credentials with pride, awareness grows across Canada. Thinking about certification? Go for it. The process can feel daunting, but it starts with one step: get involved. Connect with certified professionals, participate in industry events, ask questions, and review certification pathways on the CNLA website. Success comes from experience, mentorship, and a desire to keep learning. Most certified professionals are happy to support your journey, just ask. We’re here to help!

Invest in you. Certification isn’t just about passing an exam or submitting a portfolio. It’s a structured way to invest in yourself, deepen your skills, and benchmark your expertise against national standards. The result is greater confidence, stronger client trust, and a more respected, professional industry opening doors for growth and leadership opportunities.

Keep it current. Every two years, holders of Landscape Horticulture Certifications are required to renew by submitting 24 continuing education units (CEUs). This ongoing requirement demonstrates that certified professionals remain current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices. Powered by:

National Awards of Landscape Excellence

2026 Circle of Excellence The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) announced the 2026 Circle of Excellence, recognizing 17 of Canada’s top landscape projects. The winners were celebrated at the National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE), August 11-12 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. One of the industry’s premier events, the awards gala brings together about 130 professionals from across Canada. Projects are selected through provincial awards programs before being judged nationally by a panel of industry experts. Top projects in each of the five categories were announced live during the August 11 gala.

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National Awards of Landscape Excellence

Commercial Landscape Construction Three Seasons Landscapes Laurier Community Centre Hamilton, Ont.

The Laurier Community Centre landscape was designed to complement a major building addition and to function for decades with minimal maintenance. Three Seasons Landscapes delivered the final grading, drainage, stone walls, trees, gardens and thousands of plantings, working in carefully coordinated phases alongside the building contractor as different sections of the site became available. The project incorporated native, drought-tolerant plantings, permeable paving and engineered drainage features that continue to perform as intended, even during wet weather. Careful plant selection, rigorous quality control and attentive maintenance during establishment resulted in only a handful of plant replacements out of thousands installed. Close collaboration with the landscape architect, general contractor and the City of Hamilton ensured the finished landscape matched the project’s environmental goals while creating an inviting public space.

Urban Garden The Bentley Rooftop Terrace Toronto, Ont. Urban Garden transformed the rooftop of the Bentley condominium in downtown Toronto into a vibrant outdoor amenity space. Working from a staging area of just 300 square feet, the team used a spider crane to complete dozens of daily lifts, while coordinating road and bike lane closures, blower trucks for soil installation and extensive custom fabrication. The project included curved planters, pergolas, a waterfall, fire feature, lighting, paving and drought-tolerant plantings tailored to the rooftop’s unique microclimate. Throughout construction, Urban Garden collaborated closely with the project architects to refine plant selections and ensure long-term performance. Based in Toronto, Urban Garden specializes in rooftop terraces and amenity landscapes throughout the downtown core. The company also maintains the Bentley rooftop, allowing it to continue supporting residents with an attractive, durable outdoor gathering space.

Wentworth Landscapes The Gathering Meadow Quinte West, Ont. The Gathering Meadow: A Legacy of Nature, Culture, and Discovery turned an underused lawn beside Quinte West City Hall into an outdoor learning space that supports biodiversity, Indigenous education and library programming. Designed in partnership with the Quinte West Public Library, the landscape features native plantings selected to attract pollinators and birds, a natural stone reading circle and a large Turtle Island mosaic crafted from flagstone and coloured hexagonal pavers. The result is a welcoming space where students, families and community groups can connect with nature through hands-on learning. Based in Picton, Ont., Wentworth Landscapes is in its 36th season, employing more than 100 people dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that enrich communities. Powered by:

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National Awards of Landscape Excellence

Commercial Landscape Maintenance Alchemy Landscape 128th Ave SE Calgary, AB. Since taking on maintenance of the PBS Systems campus on 128th Ave. SE property in Calgary six years ago, Alchemy Landscape Ltd. has delivered weekly mowing, pruning, bed maintenance, seasonal containers, fertilization, weed control and landscape enhancements while maintaining the meticulous standards expected by the client. The landscape features a diverse mix of trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses selected for long-term durability, with enhancements over the years including the installation of 200 Miss Kim lilacs. Founded by husband and wife duo Colin and Aynsley Morris, Alchemy Landscape Ltd. has grown from maintaining a dozen residential properties to employing more than 20 people year-round. Based in Calgary, the company specializes in commercial and residential maintenance, landscape construction and outdoor lighting.

Kennedy Landscaping Tsawwassen Mills Tsawwassen First Nation, B.C. Kennedy Landscaping transformed an overgrown landscape at Tsawwassen Mills into a well-managed commercial property by breaking the sprawling shopping centre into five maintenance zones and tackling one section each day of the week. The phased approach allowed the team to restore heavily overgrown beds and reclaim parking areas. Following the initial cleanup, the company completed a major remediation project, replacing dead and declining plant material. Today, a three-person crew focuses on proactive maintenance. Founded in 1994, the family-run company has steadily expanded its commercial maintenance portfolio throughout British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Strong client communication, experienced staff and proactive site management have helped Kennedy Landscaping navigate irrigation challenges, drought conditions and European chafer beetle damage while maintaining the property’s appearance.

Para Space Landscaping Avila and Bauhinia North Vancouver, B.C. Para Space Landscaping has spent about 20 seasons maintaining Avila and Bauhinia, a pair of sister strata developments on Vancouver’s waterfront, gradually adapting the landscape to better suit the site’s growing conditions. Dense tree cover and poor drainage led to declining lawns in several shaded areas, prompting the company to recommend replacing turf with perennial planting beds. The result is a more resilient landscape featuring hostas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and formal hedging that complements the property’s established character. Weekly maintenance focuses on cleanliness, seasonal pruning, entrance displays and the busy perimeter streetscape before crews move into the shared courtyard used by residents.

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National Awards of Landscape Excellence Para Space Landscaping Founders Block North Vancouver, B.C. Founders Block showcases Para Space Landscaping’s approach to sustainable commercial maintenance, combining practical solutions with the property’s modern West Coast design. Working alongside the North Vancouver strata council, the company resolved irrigation issues by converting spray systems to drip irrigation while redesigning heavily trafficked boulevard areas with dry stream features, ornamental grasses and mulch. The changes reduced ongoing damage from pedestrians and pets while preserving the property’s natural appearance.

Landscape Design Jay McKinnon Company Sunken Treasure London, Ont.

A sloping backyard overlooking a protected ravine became the inspiration for an award-winning landscape that transformed how one London, Ont., family uses its outdoor space. Designed by Jay McKinnon Company’s Crystal Hopkins, the project centred on creating a resortlike pool area inspired by the homeowners’ family vacation while working within strict environmental constraints and conservation authority regulations. The design uses a series of descending outdoor spaces, leading from a pergola-covered lounge to a sunken pool surrounded by natural stone, gardens and a waterfall that blends into the wooded setting. PING PONG TABLE

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTRACTOR TO VERIFY AND CONFIRM ALL DIMENSIONS. THIS DRAWING IS NOT TO BE SCALED. ALL ERRORS AND OMISSIONS MUST BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO EDEN PROJECTS DESIGN STUDIO.

NATIVE EVERGREENS MIXED WITH EXISTING SALMONBERRY TO LIVING BARRIER AT BASE OF WALL

NEWSTONE MANHATTAN NATURAL 2' x 3' PAVERS

NATURAL BASALT STEPS FLEX MSE BAGS (4' H)

NEIGHBOUR HOUSE

LARGE MAPLE TREE

FLEX MSE BAGS (3')

BOULDERS TO PROTECT TREES

A (NATURAL STONE SLAB STEPS)

THE MAJOR GRADE CHANGE

MANHOLE

Eden Projects Parker Perfect Vancouver Island, B.C. REPRODUCTION OR USE OF THIS DRAWING SET OR ANY INFORMATION THEREIN IS FORBIDDEN UNLESS GIVEN EXPLICIT PERMISSION IN WRITING AUTHORIZED BY EDEN PROJECTS DESIGN STUDIO. THE COPYRIGHTS TO ALL DESIGNS AND DRAWINGS ARE THE PROPERTY OF EDEN PROJECTS DESIGN STUDIO.

GROUND COVER

NEIGHBOUR EXISTING RETAINING WALL

PROPERTY LINE 295' 4 43 "

THIS DRAWING IS TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL OTHER DRAWINGS, NOTES AND SPECIFICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE DRAWING SET AND CANNOT BE SEPARATED.

S SW EAT IN G

SAUNA SMOKER

LINE UPPER FLOOR CANT WALL

HOT TUB FLEX MSE BAGS (18" H)

STUMP

FLEX MSE BAGS (4' H) NEIGHBOUR

HOUSE NEWSTONE MANHATTAN NATURAL 2' x3' PAVERS

CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE BY THE BUILDER

LEGEND:

FLAGSTONE PAVERS TANTALUS BASALT PAVERS 20"-30" GROUNDCOVER & PREPARED BASE 1.5"-2" GAP

BOULDERS USED AT LOWER LEVELS TO SLOW GRADE CHANGE HILL BANK PLANTED WITH NATIVE SPECIES TO STABILIZE HILL NOTE : THE FLEX-MSE SYSTEM SHOULD BE CONFIGURED AT 45 DEGREES OR FLATTER IN AREAS WHERE FILL HEIGHTS EXCEED 1.2 METERS TO ENSURE SLOPE STABILITY. IN LOCALIZED AREAS WHERE THE FILL HEIGHT IS LESS THAN 1.2 METERS, STEEPER CONFIGURATIONS OF UP TP 75 DEGREES FROM HORIZONRAL MAY BE FEASIBLE, SUBJECT TO FIELD CONDITIONS.

Parker Perfect demonstrates how thoughtful landscape design can unlock the full potential of a challenging waterfront property on Vancouver Island. Designed by Eden Projects, the landscape overcame steep slopes, protected natural areas and limited usable space by reconnecting the home with the shoreline through a cascading staircase, seating areas L1 carefully integrated planting. The added features transformed and previously inaccessible land into functional outdoor living space while preserving the site’s natural character. The project evolved through an extensive design process that combined detailed construction drawings with 3D visualizations, helping the homeowners understand the long-term value of investing in the landscape. Eden Projects remained involved throughout construction, coordinating trades, refining details and ensuring the finished work reflected the original design intent. The completed landscape expands the home’s living space well beyond its walls, creating opportunities for recreation, contemplation and access. CONLIN

CONLIN RESIDENCE 5339 PARKER AVENUE VICTORIA, BC

DRWN BY: Rayana Suli

CHCK BY: Principal Danee Lambourne

SCALE: 1/8 = 1'

ARCH D (36"X24")

MASTERPLAN

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National Awards of Landscape Excellence Vaast Design Camp Canook Muskoka, Ont. Camp Canook showcases Vaast Design’s approach to creating landscapes that feel inseparable from Muskoka’s natural setting. Designed for California homeowners returning to their Ontario roots, the project transforms a Skeleton Lake property into a multigenerational family retreat while preserving mature hemlocks, exposed bedrock and the site’s rugged topography. Native plantings, locally sourced granite and hand-selected stone help the landscape blend naturally into its surroundings rather than compete with them. The design connects two main cottages, guest cabins, gathering spaces, a custom spa, fire feature and beach through an intentional network of pathways that balance accessibility with the property’s rustic character. Vaast Design remained involved throughout construction, coordinating with the builder, interior designer and contractors.

Residential Landscape Construction Craine Projects Arbutus Retreat Vancouver, B.C. Arbutus Retreat is a Vancouver property turned into a tranquil outdoor sanctuary that blends contemporary design with the natural character of British Columbia’s West Coast. Completed by Craine Projects, the landscape guides visitors through a pollinator garden, beneath mature trees and into a series of interconnected outdoor rooms featuring natural basalt paving, water features, pergolas, and several living spaces. The redesign also included renovations to the home’s exterior, creating a cohesive relationship between the architecture and landscape. Designed as a place to unwind, the project uses sound, planting and carefully framed views to create a gradual transition from the busy street to quiet, private gathering spaces. The company continues to maintain the property following construction.

Great Canadian Landscaping Company Homage to Aker Bowen Island, B.C. Homage to Aker is a study in restraint, craftsmanship and collaboration. Great Canadian Landscaping Company partnered with designer Thomas Kyle to transform a historic waterfront estate on Bowen Island, B.C. Rather than reshape the site, the team worked to reinforce its existing character. Massive stone stairways, custom terraces, locally inspired plantings and carefully cultivated moss gardens were integrated into the natural bedrock, creating a landscape that appears untouched by construction. Building on an island added significant logistical challenges, with nearly every material transported from the mainland. A small crew lived on Bowen Island for several weeks, allowing them to focus entirely on the project while refining every detail alongside the designer. The result is a landscape that feels inseparable from its surroundings. 12

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National Awards of Landscape Excellence Réflex Paysage Alma 24 Lac Saint-Jean, Que. Alma 24 is an exceptional landscape construction that isn’t always about adding more. This project by Réflex Paysage re-established a rugged, Lake Saint-Jean shoreline by revealing the site’s natural character. Réflex Paysage, based in Chicoutimi, Quebec, became involved before demolition of the original home, helping position the new residence to work with the existing topography. The team uncovered buried bedrock, minimized retaining walls, restored natural grades and used carefully selected native plants suited to the harsh lakeside climate. The three-year process emphasized collaboration between the client, architect and landscape contractor, resulting in a property where architecture and landscape feel inseparable. Subtle pathways and custom-built features transition the home and its surroundings. A “less is more” philosophy is seen throughout the landscape.

VisionScapes The Aspen Ridge Oasis Calgary, Alta. VisionScapes turned a newly built estate property into a fully realized outdoor living environment with The Aspen Ridge Oasis in Calgary, Alberta. Starting with little more than sod, the project addressed drainage problems while creating a series of connected spaces for relaxing, entertaining and family life. Mature trees were craned into the property to provide instant privacy, while a covered outdoor room, kitchen, fireplaces, custom water feature and automated entertainment features extended the home’s living space outdoors. The project also expanded into architectural renovations, including updates to the home’s exterior to better match the landscape design. Designed around the homeowners’ busy lifestyle, the landscape balances convenience with destination spaces, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors whether they have half an hour after work or an entire evening.

Residential Landscape Maintenance AIRO Landscapes Winter Garden St. John’s, NL. AIRO Landscapes’ Winter Garden showcases the value of longterm horticultural care. After installing the landscape from a blank site, the St. John’s company continued maintaining it through Newfoundland’s demanding climate with weekly visits, intensive seasonal care and carefully planned winter protection. Custom burlap-wrapped and wooden forms shield sensitive plants from snow, ice and wind while preserving the garden’s appearance throughout the colder months. The team has also overcome challenges including transplanting oversized specimen trees, managing hurricane cleanup and controlling a severe scale insect outbreak by hand-cleaning affected trees over multiple seasons.

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National Awards of Landscape Excellence Rockscape Lake Joseph Residence Muskoka, Ont. Rockscape’s Lake Joseph Residence showcases how thoughtful maintenance preserves the character of this sophisticated residential landscape in Muskoka. After spending nearly three seasons constructing the expansive waterfront compound, Rockscape transitioned into a comprehensive maintenance program that includes major spring and fall cleanups and weekly visits throughout the growing season. While the planting palette is intentionally limited to a handful of shrubs, ferns, trees and groundcovers, maintaining the property’s clean, natural appearance requires careful pruning, weeding and attention to detail. The landscape was designed to complement, not compete with, the home’s striking architecture. Low-growing mass plantings preserve views beneath dramatic cantilevered structures while blending seamlessly with the surrounding Muskoka landscape. For Rockscape, the project reflects the company’s full-service philosophy. From design and construction through long-term maintenance, ongoing care ensures the landscape continues to evolve as intended while providing the owners with a property that remains as refined and welcoming as the day construction was completed.

Shades of Summer Landscaping and Maintenance Roseland Oasis Burlington, Ont. Brad Paton’s maintenance-first approach has shaped the success of Shades of Summer Landscaping since the company was founded in 2009. That philosophy is on full display at the Burlington home, Roseland Oasis. The project evolved without formal landscape plans. Instead, the homeowners toured previous projects, trusted the team’s instincts and allowed the design to develop naturally as construction progressed. Paton personally selected plants at the nursery, creating a layered garden that delivers colour, texture and seasonal interest throughout the year. Rich soil preparation, careful irrigation management and consistent maintenance helped the landscape establish quickly, giving it the appearance of a much older garden within just three years.

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Summer • Fall 2026

Professional Development

Apprentices Meet at Skills Canada By Stuart Service

For two days at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, Ont., six provincial teams transformed piles of stone, soil, plants and construction materials into finished landscape builds under pressure. The Landscape Gardening event at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), held May 27 to 30, brought together competitors from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick. More than 500 students and apprentices from across Canada competed across more than 40 skilled trade events for a national title. To reach Nationals, each Landscape Gardening team first had to win its provincial competition. When the final scores were tallied, Québec’s Olivier Côté and Jie Zhou earned the gold medal and the title of national champions. British Columbia’s Matthew 16

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Hewitt and James Stevenson claimed silver, while Manitoba’s Brendan McLeod and Ezra Toews took bronze. The competition itself lasted 12 hours over two days. Teams were challenged to build a complete garden installation from a design that demanded both hardscape and softscape skills, with competitors often needing to adapt in real time. Stephen Carlton, a former national competitor and now volunteer judge, said creating the competition is a balancing act. “This is a monumental task,” he said. “We have to design the space. Whether it be 10 by 10 or 20 by 20 or whatever; it’s decided by the plan and the space that we’re doing the competition. And we have to decide the materials. We have to try to balance that 12-hour time limit with a degree of difficulty that still shows off Powered by:

Professional Development

Congratulations to this year’s Skills Canada medalists. The gold went to Olivier Côté & Jie Zhou (Québec), silver to Matthew Hewitt & James Stevenson (British Columbia), and bronze to Brendan McLeod & Ezra Toews (Manitoba).

what our apprentices can do.” Competitors faced unfamiliar challenges throughout the build, whether installing lighting, constructing features or adjusting timelines on the fly. “Welcome to landscaping,” Carlton said. “I mean, if one day was like the rest, we wouldn’t be in this job, right? And this competition showcases that.” That unpredictability was familiar to Team British Columbia. “I wish I could say we had a time budget and we had something planned out,” said James Stevenson. “It just kind of all came together and it was so cool that way.” As the final minutes ticked down, judges began clanging metal bars together across the competition floor to signal time was running out. James’ teammate, Matthew Hewitt, said he barely noticed. “I heard them start it and I was like, ‘what the heck is that?’ And then after that, nothing. I looked up, and at the last minute when there was like, I don’t know, 50 people standing in front of me, I was like, ‘whoa! Where [did] they come from?’” For Team Ontario’s Lucas Morencie, the event reflected the partnership behind the work with teammate Calvin Kett. “We have lots of fun, no matter what we’re doing. Because we work well together regardless. So anything we go into, we go into it with a smile, hard work and we drive ourselves. We drive each other to be better.” Moments after the competition concluded, Morencie said the results were impossible to predict. Powered by:

“Honestly, it’s anyone’s game. Everybody did fantastic, and it’s going to be close.” For Manitoba’s bronze medalists the experience was of greater importance than a placement on the podium. “It was a lot of fun, hectic and stressful,” said Ezra Toews. Brendan McLeod added: “We were expecting a lot of competition, and we definitely got it. This was our first time giving it a go, and it was nice to meet a lot of people, to see the skill set across Canada.” McLeod also had advice for anyone watching from the sidelines. “Try it. Give it a go. There’s people here of all levels, all experience, and you know, it’s not even about winning. It’s just about the opportunity to give it a try and learn.” Victor Kulla, technical chair of the Landscape Gardening competition, said participation itself stands out. “Right off the bat, just participating, win or lose, there are things about your character and the sort of person you are,” he said. “The fact that you’re willing to take the time to show up and participate is a wonderful trait that we need.” When he’s looking at resumes, Kulla, who works at Huckleberry Landscape Design in B.C., said that involvement at a Provincial or National Skills Competition is a major plus. “When we see this on someone’s resume, they’re at the top of the pile. That’s the sort of attitude we want to hire for.”

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Professional Development

CNLA selects recipients of ‘Digging into Our Future’ employee grants By Anne Kadwell

You’ll hear a common answer from an employee new to the landscape profession about what stands between them and their first season on the job: boots. That was a frequent response to the many who inquired about this year’s “Digging into Our Future” employee grants. CSA-approved footwear, weather-ready work clothing, gloves, PPE, and hand tools like pruning snips were named as essential, and often out-of-pocket costs. But the grant reached beyond gear. Recipients plan on putting funds toward transportation between job sites, rent, and the many costs associated with post-secondary education. Other respondents hoped to invest in their professional curiosity, picking up books on soil health and insect life. Congratulations to this year’s Digging Into Your Future grant recipients. Ten individuals at CNLA member landscape businesses will each be receiving $1,000 over four months of summer employment. 18

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Professional Development

Sarah Fenske Geller’s Design | Build | Landscape I’m a visual learner, so having reference books has helped when learning new plant names. This job can be hard on your body, so it’s important to take care of yourself to prevent injury. Investing in comfortable footwear, UV protection, and hydration has helped a lot. I appreciate the opportunity to give feedback and definitely appreciate the support from the grant.

Lindsay Young Sipkens Nurseries

The relief provided by this generous grant allowed me to purchase new tools, safety boots, and other important items to start my job successfully without putting a burden on my monthly essentials. This couldn’t have been awarded at a better time. Thank you kindly for your generosity.

Peter Mastromacro Gardenzilla Lawn & Garden

The employee grant program helped remove financial barriers by covering the cost of essential safety equipment, allowing me to work safely. It also enabled me to invest in educational resources, such as plant identification and horticulture books, which have strengthened my knowledge and supported my growth in landscaping. I plan to use the second half of the grant to help cover the cost of landscaping courses, allowing me to further develop my knowledge, expand my skills, and continue growing in my career.

Professional Development

Retail Leadership Award Opens Door to New Ideas By Anne Kadwell

For Sydney Gladue of Lacoste Garden Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Tara Simmons of Kool Breeze Farms in Summerside, P.E.I., being the two recipients of this year’s Retail Leadership Award is an opportunity to learn from some of the best garden centres in the world. Gladue received the chance to attend the 2026 Garden Centres Canada Summit in Montréal, where visits to leading garden centres and educational sessions left a lasting impression. “I was blown away, honestly, with just how many ideas I came back with,” she said. “It was awesome networking with so many different people.” The experience also validated the work her own team had done preparing Lacoste Garden Centre to host the previous year’s summit in Winnipeg in 2025. “I’m very proud of my greenhouse and what we represented,” she said. “I came back and gave my staff a big extra pat on the back because it’s definitely still well deserved.” For Simmons, the Retail Leadership Award will take her to the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress in Munich, Germany later this year. Having already discovered valuable ideas during previous industry tours, she’s eager to see how European garden centres approach common challenges. “Every greenhouse has a story, and there is always something to learn from it,” Simmons said. She’s particularly interested in learning how growers in Germany heat their greenhouses, merchandise products and create unique customer experiences. “We’re constantly learning, and this trip is a chance to step away from our day-to-day routine, gain a fresh perspective, and be inspired by new ideas,” she said. “My hope is to bring those ideas back to Kool Breeze Farms to continue strengthening our business and create an even better experience for our customers.” 20

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Tara Simmons from Kool Breeze Farms in Summerside, P.E.I. will be attending this year’s International Garden Centre Association Congress in Munich, Germany in August.

Sydney Gladue from Lacoste Garden Centre during a lively breakout session during the GCC Summit in Montreal this July.

Professional Development

Father and son team heading to China for 2026 WorldSkills By Stuart Service Fresh off winning gold at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, Logan Poisson returned this year with a different perspective: as a judge. “It’ll be interesting to see what happens from the other side,” said Logan Poisson, who captured the national title alongside teammate Charlie Veronneau in Regina, Saskatchewan. Last summer’s Landscape Gardening competition was also a qualifier for the WorldSkills Competition this September in Shanghai, China. Joining Logan at the 2026 competition in Toronto was his father, Mathieu Poisson, coach of Team Canada’s Landscape Gardening team. The two also work together at Mathieu Poisson Services Paysagers inc. near Sherbrooke, Que. “Of course we talk a lot about the competition, a lot of landscaping,” said Mathieu when asked if the topic of the WorldSkills competition comes up at the dinner table. “I love landscaping, it’s in my heart,” he added. “I don’t want to impose this on him, though. When he came to me and told me he wanted to do this competition, I said ‘perfect. I will coach, You will go as far as you can and now we’re going to shine.”

Mathieu and Logan Poisson at the 2026 SkillsCanada National Competition in Toronto.

Logan Poisson and Charlie Veronneau pictured moments after competing in the 2025 Landscape Gardening competition in 2025.

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Garden Centres Canada

GCC Summit Brings Industry Together in Montréal By Stuart Service The 2026 Garden Centres Canada Summit brought together garden centre owners and staff, growers and industry partners from across Canada in Laval and Montréal from July 5–8 for four days of learning, networking and firsthand retail inspiration. The Summit opened with a meeting of the Garden Centres Canada committee and a welcome reception before attendees headed out to explore some of Québec’s leading garden retail destinations. Over 50 delegates toured Botanix Jardin Dion, Pépinière Locas, Centre de Jardin Floréal, Serres Cléroux Garden Centre, Centre De Jardin Brossard and Jardinerie Villeneuve, along with visits to the Jardin botanique de Montréal and Archipel maison vivante. Educational sessions throughout the week focused on the unique characteristics of Québec’s garden centre industry, tax planning, succession, compensation strategies, inventory management and retail excellence. Speakers also explored leadership, employee retention, emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion, and the lasting value of independent garden centres. Equally important were the opportunities for attendees to connect with peers from across the country, exchange ideas and build relationships while experiencing innovative retail environments and outstanding hospitality. By the Summit’s conclusion, participants left with new perspectives, practical business strategies and fresh inspiration. The date of next summer’s GCC Summit is still to be determined, though the event will take place in the Greater Toronto Area.

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Garden Centres Canada

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Industry News

Scout Program Adds Extra Layer Of IPM For Ontario Agriculture And Nursery Operations By Ree Laforet

Ree Laforet demonstrates how to manually remove an eastern tent caterpillar webmass, an example of “mechanical control” in Integrated Pest Management.

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Industry News The Landscape Ontario Nursery Scout Program introduces students to opportunities in agriculture and nursery landscaping, providing technical support to the sector through rapid pest and disease identification. The program debuted about 30 years ago as an industry initiative through the Ontario Ministry of Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and was supported by Landscape Ontario. As the program grew thanks to the enthusiasm of growers, Landscape Ontario expanded its support and now administers it fully with continued technical support from OMAFA. I joined the program as the Scout Supervisor in April 2026. My student scout this year, Kaylea Bray, and I are supported by Dr. Jeanine West at Landscape Ontario, and by Cassie Russell from OMAFA. My background in nursery IPM and plant health consulting serves me well in this role, but I also have the opportunity to learn about pests, diseases, and other issues I have never encountered before. I am also able to take my learnings from prior roles and experiences, including Sheridan Nurseries, which helps guide decision-making for plant health. This is especially true of boxwood management strategies, biological pest control, and implementation of phytosanitary protocols. The program runs from early May to the end of August to capture the peak growing season for outdoor plants. This year, the program is assisting 10 farms across southern Ontario with pest and disease scouting, identification, trap monitoring, and sample collection. Growing areas (container and field) are scouted either weekly or every fortnight, depending on the needs of the nursery. The student scout is responsible for the initial data collection and report generation. They are given specific farm blocks or crops to scout at each visit, and examine the plants in that area for anything out of the ordinary (for example, signs of insects or fungi harmful to plants) and a summary report of the findings is generated afterwards and shared with the growers as well as myself and Cassie from OMAFA. Cassie and I follow up with the growers if there are any questions or concerns. As the season progresses, I can see an improvement in the student scout’s ability to identify and diagnose common issues, demonstrating the value of the program for training and building capacity on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at the nursery. While each farm is different and has specific needs based on the plants they’re growing, the student scout and I are trained to identify many common landscape pests and diseases in Ontario like cedar leafminer, two-spotted spider mite, white pine blister rust, and powdery mildew. We also keep on alert for pests and diseases of concern to the Canadian Powered by:

Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - Japanese beetle, spongy moth, and hemlock woolly adelgid, among others. Our scouting supports farm-led initiatives to monitor for these invasive pests, which is a core component of CFIA compliance for shipping. “So far this season, I have gained experience in fieldwork and pest identification while developing my communication skills,” Kaylea Bray, this year’s student scout, said about her experience this summer. “I have especially enjoyed being outside and constantly learning about new species, pests, and diseases,” she added. In addition to all the interesting pests and diseases I have found this season, I have also encountered many unique beneficial organisms.” While the scout is responsible for the majority of the scouting, I support them with identification and research, finalize the reports to the nursery, and follow up with any samples taken to OMAFA. This data from individual farms gives us the information for our blogs, articles, and grower technical updates throughout the season. The scouting data supports research by Landscape Ontario and OMAFA, and the nursery growing sector at large as significant findings are posted in newsletters and the ONnurserycrops Blog. In this way, nurseries on the program help raise awareness of destructive pests and diseases in the sector and for the province.

Kaylea Bray, who is participating in this year’s Landscape Ontario Nursery Scout Program, said the program has accelerated her knowledge of new species, pests, and diseases.

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Industry News

For landscape construction and maintenance companies, expanded training programs, immigration pathways and credential recognition could help strengthen the workforce.

Spring Economic Update: Impacts on the Horticulture Industry By Leslie Sison Source: Department of Finance Canada – Spring Economic Update 2026: Key Measures (April 27, 2026) The federal government’s Spring Economic Update 2026 outlines significant investments in housing, infrastructure, skilled trades and nature conservation. While the measures are not specific to the nursery and landscape sector, they reinforce trends that will influence demand, labour availability and future funding opportunities for nurseries, greenhouse growers, landscape contractors and maintenance companies. Accelerated housing construction, increased competition for skilled workers and greater investment in nature-based solutions are expected to shape the industry in the coming years. Many of the announced initiatives will be delivered through provincial and territorial programs, making it important for businesses to monitor opportunities as they become available. 26

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Industry News Housing Acceleration Will Drive Landscaping Demand The federal government is moving to accelerate housing construction through faster regulatory approvals, modernized building codes, more than $7 billion in low-cost financing through CMHC, and continued support for modular and factory-built housing. Higher housing starts typically translate into greater demand for trees, shrubs, sod, perennials and landscape installation services. At the same time, shorter construction timelines may compress installation schedules, placing additional pressure on labour, project coordination and plant availability. Nurseries capable of supplying consistent, climate-resilient plant material at scale may be well positioned to meet growing demand.

Skilled Trades Expansion Brings Opportunities and Competition Through its Team Canada Strong initiative, the federal government aims to recruit and train between 80,000 and 100,000 skilled trades workers by 2030-31. For landscape construction and maintenance companies, expanded training programs, immigration pathways and credential recognition could help strengthen the workforce. However, increased investment in housing and infrastructure is also expected to intensify competition for skilled labour. Employers may need to place greater emphasis on employee retention, training partnerships and productivity improvements.

The Spring Economic Update reinforces Canada’s Nature Strategy, including the goal of protecting 30 per cent of the country’s lands and waters by 2030 while increasing investment in nature-based solutions. The strategy aligns closely with native plant production, ecological restoration, urban forestry and green infrastructure projects.

Nature Strategy Supports Green Infrastructure The Spring Economic Update reinforces Canada’s Nature Strategy, including the goal of protecting 30 per cent of the country’s lands and waters by 2030 while increasing investment in nature-based solutions. The strategy aligns closely with native plant production, ecological restoration, urban forestry and green infrastructure projects. It could also lead to increased public procurement and private investment related to biodiversity, climate adaptation and natural asset management. Nurseries producing native, climate-resilient and restoration-grade plant material are expected to benefit from these trends.

Infrastructure Investments Create LongTerm Opportunities The federal government is also establishing a Canada Strong Fund and a Major Projects Office to advance 21 nation-building initiatives. Large infrastructure projects frequently include landscape restoration, urban greening, streetscaping and Powered by:

The federal government’s Spring economic update highlights trends that will influence future funding opportunities for nurseries, greenhouse growers, landscape contractors and maintenance companies.

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Industry News long-term landscape maintenance. Businesses that engage early in project planning may have greater opportunities to incorporate sustainable landscape solutions into these developments.

Affordability Measures Offer Limited Cost Relief The update also includes several affordability measures, including a temporary pause on the federal fuel excise tax until Labour Day and a reduction in the base CPP contribution rate beginning Jan. 1, 2027. While the fuel tax pause may provide modest short-term savings for transportation-intensive businesses, the CPP reduction will offer small but permanent payroll savings for both employers and employees beginning next year.

Provincial Programs Will Be Key Although the Spring Economic Update establishes the federal direction, many funding programs and workforce initiatives will be delivered by provincial and territorial governments. Businesses should monitor provincial announcements related to skilled trades funding, apprenticeship programs, wage subsidies and employer training supports. Infrastructure and housing programs that include landscape, urban forestry or green infrastructure components may also present new opportunities, along with climate, conservation and natural infrastructure funding. Regional workforce initiatives aimed at addressing seasonal labour shortages are also expected to emerge. As provinces finalize their implementation plans, businesses that stay informed and engaged will be best positioned to take advantage of new funding opportunities and prepare for future growth.

Industry News

Researchers like Sydney Sefton from the University of Alberta are tracking detailed measurements from each tree throughout the growing season. The study aims to determine which planting practices produce the healthiest trees in urban environments.

Urban Trees in Calgary By Stuart Service

Growing healthy urban trees in Calgary has never been easy. Extreme temperature swings, drying winds, road salt and compacted soils all work against long-term tree survival. A new collaborative research project is now testing whether better planting methods can help change those odds. The study brings together the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), the City of Calgary, the University of Alberta and Université de Sherbrooke to monitor the performance of 92 newly planted trees along the medians of 80th Avenue NE. Forty-six Bur Oak and 46 Dropmore Linden trees are being tracked as researchers compare traditional planting methods with trees installed in remediated planting beds designed to improve rooting conditions. For Stacey Gibb of Wheatland Trees, the project represents years of planning finally coming together. “Now we have industry and academia working together, which I find really exciting,” she said. “That gives the students an opportunity to actually be out in the working world and see what’s going on. It brings all of the components together. Getting the City of Calgary, the CNLA and universities to partner in this research is the biggest bonus of all of this.” The experimental planting beds were excavated to a depth of one metre, eliminating soil compaction before being backfilled with a specially designed compost and sandy loam mix, then topped with mulch. Nearby control trees were planted using conventional methods, allowing researchers to compare the two systems over time. Powered by:

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Industry News For the City of Calgary, the project is about replacing assumptions with measurable evidence. “With this collaboration, it’s the backup data and information where we can say, yes, we kind of knew that this was the problem, but now we can show that this is really what the problem is,” said Jody Lewis, Urban Forestry Superintendent with the City of Calgary. “It’s a very important project for us, especially in Alberta. It’s really hard to grow trees here.” The study also compares irrigation schedules. Half of the trees receive approximately 60 litres of water every week, while the remaining trees are watered every second week. Every tree has a unique identifier within Calgary’s GIS inventory, allowing staff to track exactly when each tree is watered and how much water it receives throughout the study. Researchers are also evaluating whether container-grown trees ultimately outperform traditional wire-basket stock. “We’re moving more towards containerized planting in the future,” Lewis said. “Our leadership is very interested in innovation and new ideas on how we can improve our tree survivability.” While the long-term results remain years away, Lewis believes improving soil volume, reducing compaction and limiting salt exposure could significantly improve survival rates.

Winter Chinooks, sudden temperature swings and prolonged dry periods create challenges unlike almost anywhere else in Canada. “We had three warming events this year,” Gibb said. “Mulch helps try to mitigate that. But if you just have black soil and then the sun shines, the snow’s all gone and warms up the ground. The top of the tree is saying, ‘Hey, let’s start doing things,’ but you want your root structure frozen throughout the winter.” University of Alberta researchers are collecting detailed measurements from each tree throughout the growing season. Soil moisture, salinity and temperature are recorded near the root zone, while tree height, trunk diameter, crown development and overall health are documented through standardized measurements and photography. Together, the data will help researchers determine which planting practices produce the healthiest trees over time. Lewis stresses that patience will be essential. “We have to give trees time,” he said. “Trees are not instant.” That long-term perspective is central to the study. Urban trees may take decades to deliver meaningful canopy benefits, but understanding what helps them survive those critical first years could influence how municipalities across Canada establish and manage future urban forests.

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COPYRIGHT © DEWALT 2026 THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS FOR ONE OR MORE DEWALT POWER TOOLS, ACCESSORIES, ANCHORS AND CONCRETE ADHESIVES: THE YELLOW AND BLACK COLOR SCHEME; THE “D”-SHAPED AIR INTAKE GRILL; THE ARRAY OF PYRAMIDS ON THE HANDGRIP; THE KIT BOX CONFIGURATION; AND THE ARRAY OF LOZENGE-SHAPED HUMPS ON THE SURFACE OF THE TOOL.

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Industry News

Three Years in the Making: The Science Behind Ontario Sod By Stuart Service By 7 a.m., thousands of square feet of sod have already been harvested, loaded onto trucks and dispatched to projects across southern Ontario. To make that happen, crews in Cambridge, Ont. can be in the field as early as 1 a.m. “It’s very important that our product gets manufactured, delivered and installed all the same day,” said Mike Schiedel of Green Horizons Group of Farms. “And that takes a lot of choreographing to happen.” Schiedel, who is also president of the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario (NSGA), recently walked through the process of growing, harvesting and establishing sod, a crop that takes “two to three years, depending on the type of growing season that we have,” but must be installed within hours of harvest.

That timeline begins with seed sown in late summer. Unlike many agricultural crops, sod is entirely dependent on natural rainfall. “It’s dryland farming, so we’re super dependent on Mother Nature,” he said. Once mature, the sod is harvested using highly specialized equipment. A Trebro AutoStack II can harvest roughly 20 skids per hour while maintaining consistent dimensions and cutting depth. “It really is an amazing machine,” said Schiedel. Today, a single operator can control the entire process by adjusting machine settings to suit changing field conditions. “Operating one of these machines is like being a magician,” he said. “It’s not like a normal piece of

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Industry News equipment. There’s so many adjustments to create that perfect roll of sod.” The quality of the finished product depends heavily on species selection. Ontario sod production is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, valued for its ability to repair itself. He compares the popular turf grass to an oak tree, adding that “nothing takes it down” once Kentucky bluegrass is established. That durability is one reason sod remains popular despite the availability of grass seed. While other species establish quickly, they often lack the long-term resilience of Kentucky bluegrass. “Sod is the best way to get 100 percent ground-cover turf canopy right away,” said Schiedel, adding that the placement of sod is the “bow on the present” that finalizes just about every construction project. The challenge comes after harvest. Once cut and rolled, sod becomes highly perishable. “We tell all of our customers and partners it must be laid within 24 hours,” he said. “As soon as it’s laid, we want to be watering it within an hour. Within 15 minutes is best.” Successful establishment depends on what happens during the first month after installation. Schiedel recommends keeping sod and the top 5 cm or two inches of soil fully saturated during the first week, gradually reducing water during the second week before transitioning to a deep, infrequent watering schedule. “That deep and infrequent watering after week two is the magic to establishing sod,” he said. The goal is to encourage roots to search deeper into the soil profile rather than staying near the surface. “Let’s imagine that you’re that sod roll, you’re that root, and you’re putting your roots down in that soil profile, and you want to train those roots to go looking for moisture,” he explained. “They’ll never do that if you keep it fully saturated, because there’s always moisture at the surface.” Schiedel compares overwatering to raising “a lazy teenager.” “That’s not what you want to do,” he said. “You want to water it deep, so you water it down to a depth of two to three inches in the soil profile so the roots can go down there looking for it and then allow it to dry out.” Proper soil preparation is equally important. Schiedel recommends a minimum of 10 cm or four inches of quality topsoil, with 15 cm or six inches preferred. “Topsoil is like food is to us,” he said. Turf performs best when growing in healthy soil with adequate organic matter, the same way people benefit from eating the right mix of macronutrients. “Saying topsoil is topsoil is like saying food is food for us,” said Schiedel. “But we all know there’s a very big difference between a well-balanced diet of rice, salmon and salad versus a burger and fries.” For long-term success, he recommends topsoil with 32

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at least four per cent organic matter. Schiedel believes turfgrass plays an important role in urban environments. As president of the NSGA, he advocates for greater recognition of turf’s environmental benefits, including cooling, filtration and stormwater management. “In our urban centres, our turf grass is the largest cooling effect that we have,” he said. Hard surfaces absorb and radiate heat, while turf and trees help moderate temperatures in developed areas. He also argues that turfgrass is often overlooked for its outsized impact as a carbon sink. “Turf grass is the best carbon sink we have,” said Schiedel. “Turf grass per square foot does even more than trees.” For Schiedel, the benefits of turf grass are central to the industry’s purpose of creating green space for urban communities.

Industry News

Lithium-Ion Battery Use in the Landscaping Industry

Contributed by Jane Beauchamp, Senior Risk Consultant at Zurich Resilience Solutions Canada, a division of Zurich Canadian Holdings Limited (ZRS), and a member of the HortProtect team.

The landscaping industry is increasingly adopting lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as an alternative to traditional gas-powered equipment. Tools such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and blowers are now commonly battery-powered due to their efficiency, reduced emissions, quiet operation, and lower maintenance requirements. These batteries offer high energy density and portability, making them well suited for daily landscaping operations.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Important While lithium-ion batteries provide clear operational benefits, they also introduce new risks. These batteries store large amounts of energy in a compact form. If damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme conditions, they can fail in ways that present serious fire and safety hazards.

Common Uses in Landscaping Lithium-ion batteries are now widely used across a range of landscaping equipment, including lawn Powered by:

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Industry News mowers, both push and riding models, as well as string trimmers, weed whackers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and other handheld tools. These battery-powered systems often feature interchangeable battery packs that can be used across multiple tools within the same brand, allowing landscaping crews to rotate batteries throughout the workday and maintain productivity with minimal downtime.

What Could Go Wrong The most significant hazard is thermal runaway, a failure where the battery overheats rapidly and may lead to fire or explosion. Causes include damage, overcharging, or internal defects.

Thermal Runaway: Effects and Emergency Response Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chemical reaction that causes a rapid increase in temperature and pressure inside the battery. It can result in intense fires, the release of toxic and flammable gases, and even explosions, spreading quickly through a facility. If a battery shows warning signs—such as excessive heat, swelling, smoke, or hissing— workers should: • Stop work and evacuate the area • Maintain a safe distance

• Contact emergency services if fire or smoke is present • Avoid handling or moving the battery

For landscaping companies, this can result in real business impacts: • Shop or Office Fires: Charging areas can

become ignition points, leading to building damage and loss of tools and workspace.

• Equipment Loss: Batteries stored together can

trigger chain reactions, destroying entire fleets of tools.

• Vehicle or Trailer Fires: Failures during

transport or charging can destroy trailers and their contents.

• Business Interruption: Loss of equipment may halt operations, resulting in lost revenue and disrupted client service.

• Insurance Exposure: These events can lead

to significant property damage and liability

claims. These scenarios show that battery-related incidents are not just safety concerns—they also pose significant operational and financial risks.

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Industry News Safe Use, Charging, and Storage Practices To reduce risk, landscaping operations should implement clear controls and train staff on best practices. Safe use begins with proper handling. Batteries should be inspected regularly, and any damaged units removed from service immediately. Care should be taken to avoid dropping or puncturing batteries. Charging should only be done with manufacturer-approved equipment, in well-ventilated, visible areas, and never left unattended or overnight. Charging zones should be kept clear of combustible materials. Storage practices are also important with batteries stored in cool, dry conditions at partial charge levels, with damaged units isolated and, where possible, in fire-resistant containers. For disposal, lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in regular waste, as they may still hold charge and ignite if damaged. Instead, approved recycling programs should be used, with batteries stored safely and terminals protected prior to disposal.

Counterfeit and Aftermarket Batteries Non-OEM or counterfeit batteries may not include adequate safety features and have a higher likelihood of failure. Using manufacturer-approved equipment is essential.

Conclusion Lithium-ion batteries are transforming the landscaping industry, but they introduce unique hazards, particularly fire and business interruption risks. By implementing proper controls around handling, charging, storage, and disposal, companies can safely benefit from this technology while reducing operational and financial exposure.

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