Capturing Your Landscape CM Images on photographing an award-winner
Let’s Hear It From Mike Garcia on creating superhero gardens
Durability, Electrified, Automated Honda on the soon-to-be-realized technological horizons
For decades, Honda has been the name you trust for commercial engines and power equipment. Now we’re raising the bar again with the all-new ProZision™ battery-powered ZTR mowers. Built for commercial landscapers who demand superior performance, the ProZision series delivers best-in-class cut quality and the comfort you need to power through long days.
And because they carry Honda’s legendary reliability, you can count on them season after season. Available this spring in 54-inch and 60-inch models.
What’s Happening at IBS 2026?
Plan your visit to this year’s NAHB International Builders’ Show
Photographing a Scenic Story
A landscaping insider-turned-photographer on solving the industry’s biggest marketing fail: photos that don’t drive sales
Indispensable Contract Clauses
A lawyer reveals four essential contract clauses for landscapers
Knowing Your Marketing Destination
An expert’s formula to make marketing predictable and profitable
Let’s Hear It From
Mike Garcia shares how planting native gardens and ecological designs can position landscapers at the forefront of mitigating climate change
Rising Sun, Relocated
How GreenPlace translated Japanese garden philosophy into a resilient, drought-tolerant ecosystem with technical innovation
Hydrotherapy Haven
How Reflections Water Gardens overcame spatial challenges and created a chemical-free aquatic spa retreat
Chicago’s Green Crown
Hoerr Schaudt engineered America’s largest private rooftop garden
Meet the Supplier
Honda bets on reliability as it guides the industry’s measured transition to battery power and autonomous technology
Invest in Green
Experts reveal how to spot quality and build nursery partnerships
Power Meets Progress
New cordless and gas tools are redefining performance
Professional Surfaces, Solved
Top resin binders that offer permanent, permeable aggregate surfaces
Restoring Land, Healing Climate
ReScape’s Milena Fiore on championing a landscaping practice that actively restores soil, water and biodiversity
AI: The New Hire
Clint Albin of A24 Consulting on AI as a landscaper’s digital crew
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Landscaping has long been defined by a dual focus on aesthetics and functionality. Yet the escalating presence of climate-driven disasters is forcing a profound reconsideration of the field’s core mission. A critical, industry-defining question now emerges: should professionals remain within the traditional bounds of creating beauty and utility, or does this era of ecological crisis expand their mandate—positioning them as expert agents of environmental mitigation and resilience?
Unsurprisingly, landscapers have a lot to say about this discussion. In this issue, we feature perspectives from two leading voices. Mike Garcia, founder of Enviroscape LA, argues for the landscaper’s role as an environmental “superhero,” detailing the profound impact sustainable design can have on the world’s ecosystems (page 19). Meanwhile, Milena Fiore, executive director of ReScape, provides a foundational primer on the principles and practical benefits of regenerative versus conventional landscaping (page 47). Together, their insights frame a vital conversation about the profession’s future.
Beyond that fundamental dialogue, this issue also features the industry’s top tools and techniques, offering practical insights and product highlights. We showcase a selection of top professional equipment (page 44). Honda Power Equipment details its manufacturing priorities and latest releases (page 40), and Rayne Gibson offers his top tips and guidance on selecting the best nursery plant supplier (page 43).
Ultimately, the goals of this February edition are twofold and intertwined: to lay the groundwork for ecological and professional resilience. We hope these pages provide valuable practical insight and inspiration.
Happy reading!
The National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary March 18-21, 2026, at Michigan State University. Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the association states this year’s milestone reaffirms its role as the premier student workforce pipeline event in the landscape industry. Since its founding in 1976, the competition has connected top landscape and horticulture students
with employers, educators and suppliers. This milestone year marks 50 years of industry engagement, skills development and career placement opportunities.
Hundreds of students from colleges and universities nationwide will compete in 30 events that reflect the real work of landscape professionals. Some of the events include plant identification, irrigation design, equipment operation and landscape estimating. Employers attending the Career Fair will meet talent ready for internships and full-time roles.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) launched its brand-new Center of Excellence online learning hub last fall. Since then, more than 30 additional ondemand courses have been added to the platform across a wide range of topics: pool building and construction, service and maintenance, project management, leadership, sales and marketing, and much more.
PHTA’s Center of Excellence is the go-to educational resource for those in the pool, spa and hot tub industry—and even those in adjacent industries, such as landscaping—who are looking to expand their skills and widen their knowledge base. A subscription to the Center of Excellence unlocks a full library of 130+ on-demand courses, sector-specific learning pathways that build upon existing knowledge and
Industry participation at NCLC has grown steadily. In 2025, the event drew participants from more than 50 schools and more than 700 students, along with expanded presence from leading firms at the career fair.
For employers, the competition remains one of the most efficient ways to evaluate emerging talent. Landscape companies use NCLC to recruit skilled candidates who already understand the profession. The event also delivers networking and learning through educational sessions led by industry experts. Visit landscapecompetition. org for more information.
take you further in your career, and access to our 40-plus instructors who are all subject matter experts in their respective fields.
Continuing education plays a key role in the success of an individual, a team, and a company—and you can achieve that through the Center of Excellence. Learn more and subscribe today at phta.org/coe
The American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) reports it is off to an “electric” start in 2026, kicking off the new year with an AGZA Town Hall–style workshop for the City of Burbank. Presenters included Michael Cacciotti, governing board chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD); Rodney Hupalo with Burbank Water and Power; and Dan Mabe, founder of AGZA.
Chair Cacciotti’s presentation highlighted the health and air-quality challenges impacting Southern California’s South Basin, which spans four counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange. He also reviewed available incentives for residents and commercial operators to replace gaspowered lawn and garden equipment with zero-emission, battery-electric alternatives. Residential incentives for trading in a gas lawn mower typically range from $150 to $400, depending on purchase price. Commercial trade-ins may qualify for hundreds—and in some cases thousands—of dollars, depending on equipment type, batteries and charging systems.
Rodney Hupalo briefly educated participants—many of whom were industry operators—on the City of Burbank’s newly formed gas leaf blower ordinance, which is scheduled to take effect in one year.
AGZA’s presentation addressed the real-world operational impacts of gas versus electric equipment, including worker health, noise, exhaust and evaporative emissions, and the solvents and chemicals often used to maintain gas fleets. The workshop also covered how to implement battery-electric operations, including charging infrastructure planning, battery banks, tool testing and cost-benefit analysis.
AGZA AFTC manufacturers—including Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, Greenworks, Kress, TOWA and OSO—supported the event by bringing their AGZA Field Tested Certified commercial battery-electric platforms for hands-on demos and Q&A. Equipment displayed and demoed included handheld and backpack blowers, string trimmers, walk-behind and riding mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, stick edgers and robotic mowers. Find out more at agza.net.
Planters grace gardens with color, height, visual interest and can solve practical problems. Wondering how to best utilize them in your garden designs?
Presented by Susan Nock, this webinar by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) will take a deep dive into integrating them into gardens from small urban spaces to large sprawling estates. Susan will provide strategic use, placement, and practical container gardening guidance.
Owner of Thistle, a garden design firm based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Susan Nock focuses her work on residential garden design, bespoke container gardens, and garden education. Her award-winning container gardens have been featured in multiple publications, including as the winner of the Garden Gate 2024 Container Challenge. She has been a featured speaker at the New England Garden Show and regularly lectures, leads garden workshops, and writes about gardening.
Take a deep dive into the world of planters and join APLD on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 2pm Eastern to learn more about how to choose the best size, style, and materials for containers; the four foundational design rules for planting stunning combinations; and maintenance tips for professionals.
Register now: apld.memberclicks. net/containers-with-purposewebinar
Registration closes on February 24.
Buzon USA. is the American branch of a global leader in adjustable pedestal systems, offering innovative solutions for raised floors, terraces, rooftops, and outdoor public spaces. With over 30 years of experience originating from Belgium, Buzon is known for precision-engineered products that combine durability, sustainability, and design flexibility. All components are manufactured in Europe to the highest quality standards.
At the show, Buzon USA brings its full range of pedestal systems, along with expert technical support and guidance. Our solutions simplify installation, create perfectly level surfaces, and support a variety of materials and applications, from commercial rooftops to residential patios.
Industries is redefining what it means to build a pool—and a business. As a global leader in fiberglass pool manufacturing, we partner with over 2,000 independent dealers and stand behind over 150,000 pool installations across diverse markets. With 25-plus years of experience, Explore combines manufacturing expertise, thoughtful design, and ongoing innovation to help dealers deliver more than beautiful pools— we help create unforgettable outdoor living experiences. Explore is the parent company of trusted brands including Leisure Pools, Aviva Pools and Evo Pools, giving dealers the power of a focused brand identity backed by global scale.
Be sure to stop by these booths at the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show, taking place February 17-19 in Orlando, Florida
Latham— the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand—will exhibit at IBS 2026 for the first time. Attendees can visit at booth S6119 to explore the company’s newest pool and backyard innovations designed to maximize style, functionality and space.
Booth highlights include the debut of the Astoria 12, a compact 12’ x 28’ pool and spa combination inspired by Latham’s top-selling design, along with the Axiom 12 Deluxe and Axiom 14 Deluxe, which blend full-size pools with built-in spas. Latham will also showcase new Milan Plunge Pools, the Bermuda 12 Deluxe, compact vinyl liner pool spas and a new lineup of smart autocovers and accessories engineered for faster installation, enhanced reliability and added safety.
James Hardie is the North American leader in fiber cement exterior design solutions. Hardie products offer long lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. As the number one producer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions in the US, James Hardie offers siding and accessories for every style. Hardie products are non-combustible and stand up to weather and time while empowering homeowners and building professionals to achieve the home of their dreams. Among other industry-leading product displays, James Hardie will feature the TimberHueTM Collection, launching in 2026.
At the booth, discover how the brand is redefining outdoor living. As a leader in composite decking, railing, and accessories, their durable and stylish products empower homeowners and pros to create exceptional spaces. Highlights include decking with innovative Surestone technology for enhanced traction and the fire-resistant Altitude line. See new aluminum railings for unobstructed views and the latest Venture color. Engage with technology in the hands-on Surestone Innovation Lab. Celebrating their PGA TOUR sponsorship, the booth features a putting green, a simulator to play against pros, exclusive golf swag and chances to win prizes.
in-lite is the fastest-growing outdoor lighting manufacturer for good reason. It doesn’t just make fixtures; it transforms outdoor spaces with the magic of light. Its high-quality products are designed for professionals. The patented EASYLOCK connection system and its intuitive app ensure a simple, safe, and quick installation. Every detail, from its sleek modern designs to its innovative technology, is crafted for professional success. Visitors can experience its new products to see how it’s redefining the standard for outdoor lighting.
TimberTech is a leading premium decking brand known for combining highperformance materials with sophisticated, design-forward aesthetics. TimberTech products outperform traditional wood while delivering a refined look for outdoor spaces. Trusted by builders, architects and homeowners alike, TimberTech sets the standard for sustainable, resilient, and elevated outdoor design. It will host live demos and conversations with deck contractors like Dr. Decks, Hollywood Decks and TV personality, Anthony Carrino and showcase the brand’s full breadth of decking and railing products.
HFS Financial helps contractors close more jobs by making customer financing simple. It enables contractors to offer flexible home improvement loans at the point of sale. HFS connects homeowners with fast, affordable financing for projects from pools to renovations. Contractors benefit from higher close rates, larger projects, and a smoother sales process—with no fees. Homeowners get clear terms, fixed rates, and predictable payments for loans up to $300k.
An inquiry delivers conditional approval in under 60 seconds with a soft credit pull, protecting credit scores. Visit its booth to learn how HFS can grow your business.
PROSOCO helps residential builders deliver durable, high-performance homes with confidence. Our solutions include breathable air and water barriers, water repellents, masonry cleaners, specialty wall anchors and finished concrete flooring densifiers, guards and colors. Visit it and learn how to prevent costly callbacks and build with PROSOCO.
Discover how Thermory is redefining
outdoor living with thermally modified wood decking and premium sauna solutions. Its decking delivers exceptional durability, dimensional stability and a refined, natural aesthetic. Its sauna collection combines Nordic-inspired design, precision craftsmanship and sustainably sourced wood to create spaces that feel both modern and timeless. From outdoor wellness retreats to architectural focal points, Thermory products are designed to perform beautifully in every climate.
At the IBS explore how Thermory can elevate your next landscape or design project.
“The inaugural USA FutureScape was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, in fact, I can say it was the best show I have ever been to. The personal connections that I made here both professional and friendly were amazing and the best I’ve ever done at any show ever.”
Michael Bernier, Michael Bernier Design
“FutureScape is one of the most amazing events I’ve been to in a long time.
A lot of networking, a lot of friendly faces, new faces and educational components to this event makes it really exciting.”
Edward Wallace, Mid West Landscaping
“The best landscape show on the west coast!”
Mike Garcia, Enviroscape LA
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Landscaper-turned-photographer Chris Major solves the green industry’s biggest marketing blind spot: poorly captured work. By merging 20 years of trade expertise with photographic skill, he creates images that don’t just show a project—they sell a transformation and directly fuel business growth. As the founder of CM Images, Major has carved out a unique niche as a commercial photographer specifically for exterior architecture and the outdoor environment, leveraging his deep industry knowledge to bridge the gap between expert craftsmanship and compelling visual storytelling.
Major’s pivot from designer to photographer wasn’t a rejection of his past but a synthesis of it. “I fell in love with photography,” he explains, recalling a hobby that blossomed into a career. The connection, however, truly crystallized during his sales career. He remembers clients being profoundly influenced by professional project photos on his company’s website. “It made the sales call go a lot easier.” Conversely, he observed that many competitors’ websites suffered
from poor-quality, hastily-taken photos. The root of the problem, Major argues, is not a lack of understanding about marketing’s importance, but a classic issue of bandwidth and specialized skill. “They’re wearing so many hats as business owners,” he notes. “The last thing on their list is marketing.” Between crew management, sales, inventory and client issues, the energy required to stage, shoot, edit and make full use of professional-grade photography is often depleted. Furthermore, he identifies a trust gap. Hiring a generalist photographer can lead to frustration. “I’ve talked to more than one contractor who said, ‘We hired a photographer, and it was just a really rough experience because they just didn’t know the landscape.’”
Consequently, this is where Major’s “secret sauce” becomes critical. His work transcends simply pressing a shutter button; it’s about applying a landscape designer’s eye to capture a project’s narrative and commercial value. He understands the details that matter— and those that don’t. “Clients don’t want
A landscaper turned photographer solves the industry’s chronic marketing gap: images that fail to capture—and sell—real value
to see pavers that are askew, or that one boxwood in the hedge that’s looking like a missing tooth,” he states. A photographer without industry knowledge might not notice or know how to compensate for such flaws, whereas Major’s background allows him to frame shots that highlight intent and craftsmanship.
The core of his visual methodology is that effective imagery must be built on a foundation of business clarity. “It’s identifying the customer that you want to serve and understanding the problem that they have,” Major asserts. He illustrates this using a lawn care example: the service isn’t just mowing grass; it’s providing time and peace of mind. Therefore, the most powerful image might not be a perfectly striped lawn, but a family enjoying coffee on their patio beside it. “That’s real transformation, and that’s what people really buy.”
His definitive advice for landscapers looking to elevate their visual marketing is to cut through the noise. In an era of saturated social media feeds, he warns against emulating the “cute and clever” campaigns of billion-dollar brands. “Cute and clever is the enemy of clear,” he states. The foundational step is not buying a better camera but gaining ruthless clarity. “They need to get a sharp idea of the problem that a business will solve and who they solve it for. Once you can project clarity about those things, everything starts to branch out from there.”
For Chris Major, photography is more than selling individual product services—it’s the transference of a broader message. He interprets the physical, lived-in quality of a well-built landscape into a visual language that speaks directly to homeowners’ aspirations and builders’ commercial goals. In a visually driven market, his work bridges the gap between the tangible art of landscaping and the intangible communication of its value.
CM Images transforms how landscape professionals are seen. Founder Chris Major combines his decadeslong career in the landscaping industry with award-winning photography and StoryBrand marketing expertise. The company crafts and curates visual portfolios that do more than display work—they tell a clear story to attract ideal clients, win awards and accelerate business growth. chrismimages.com
In his experience, Major comments that effective landscape photography transcends simple documentation by visualizing a project’s transformation—i.e., how the new space addresses a client’s lack of maintenance time, desire for beauty or need for functional space— not just by showing an attractive, pretty yard. This approach requires foundational marketing clarity, beginning with definitive answers to two core questions: the identity of the ideal customer and the specific problem being solved. All strategic imagery and messaging, he argues, must originate from those answers.
Furthermore, Major emphasizes that professional distinction in this niche comes from a designer’s eye, integrating technical photographic skill with landscaping industry knowledge. This dual expertise or bilateral professional exchange allows for the intentional capture of salient details, the discretion to avoid emphasizing flaws and the ability to narrate the project’s full story. For comprehensive storytelling, especially in award submissions, Major also advocates a structured visual framework. His method employs three distinct perspectives: a wide shot to establish context, a mid-shot to frame a focused vignette and a tight detail shot to highlight texture and craftsmanship.
Reflecting on current landscaping photography trends, Major notes that while aerial drone imagery can offer an interesting perspective from an otherwise unattainable bird’s-eye view, overuse can risk a detached, impersonal quality. A compelling portfolio, in his opinion, must balance those perspectives with more traditional ground-level photographs that convey the authentic, human-scale experience of a specific space.
Ultimately, for landscape contractors, selecting a photographer is a significant act of trust. The highest value, Major concludes, is found in a collaborator who synthesizes an understanding of photographic principles with a practical grasp of the green industry and its marketing priorities.
A legal expert guide to essential contract clauses to insulate a project from scope creep, price volatility and costly terminations
It is an often-overlooked fact, but the foundation of a profitable landscaping project is often laid figuratively before the first plant goes in the ground—in the contract. Lisa M. Wampler, a partner at the law firm Cohen Seglias, details four critical contract clauses to help form the bedrock of a commercially beneficial and secure project from the outset.
A scope of work clause defines actions, responsibilities and timelines. However, the risk of a broadly written scope is significant, warns Wampler. Clauses that simply state the contractor will provide “all labor, material, equipment necessary to complete landscaping per the plans and specs” can create liability for items explicitly excluded in the original quote. As a result, the contract’s scope of work must be precise. It should actively incorporate all clarifications and exclusions from the proposal. Wampler offers a common landscaping example: “It could be not providing irrigation. And therefore, if a business is providing plants, etc., its warranty is only going to cover those plants, if properly maintained and irrigated.” Explicitly stating such conditions in the contract’s defined scope, she adds, protects the contractor from assuming responsibility for elements outside their control or agreed-upon.
“Adding a
fixed-price contracts but advocates for a balanced escalation clause. Her firm drafts provisions where “significant” price increases—often defined as 5% to 15% over a project’s lifetime—triggers a change order. “It is not advisable that the client takes on 100% of that price increase, the contractor taking on, say, the first 5% increase,” she says, creating a shared, more negotiable risk model.
termination fee kind of gives
some teeth”
With fluctuating costs for materials, fuel and even plants due to factors like drought, tariffs and inflation, a static contractual price clause can erode margins. Wampler notes the current widespread trend of
A one-sided termination clause can leave contractors vulnerable. Wampler recommends striving for mutuality, such as securing a right to terminate if a project is suspended for an extended period. More crucially, she advises negotiating for fair compensation, including a termination fee. “Adding a termination fee kind of gives some teeth,” she says, discouraging owners from switching to a cheaper provider mid-project. For instance, structured on a sliding scale, this fee—a percentage of unperformed work— diminishes as the project progresses,
acknowledging that the contractor has had more time to earn their profit.
Finally, Wampler outlines three key liability protections. First, explicitly exclude implied warranties, especially for architect-specified plants. “You shouldn’t be responsible for a tree unsuitable for its zone,” she states. Second, limit indemnity clauses to “insurable risk,” such as personal injury from your negligence. Third, cap total liability. A strong clause, she advises, “can anchor exposure to the contract’s value,” preventing damages from exceeding the price paid.
Lisa M Wampler is a partner at Cohen Seglias and co-chair of the Construction Contracts and Risk Management Group. She represents owners, contractors and subcontractors in complex litigation and risk management, handling defect claims, delay disputes and contract negotiation. cohenseglias.com
By far the biggest marketing mistake landscapers make is spending money on marketing without having a clear goal—and without tracking performance against that goal. Marketing then becomes an expense rather than an investment, and at year-end, many companies are left wondering why results didn’t match expectations.
The reality is simple: if you don’t know where you’re aiming, you can’t know if you’re successful.
Even worse, most business owners don’t realize their marketing wasn’t working until the year is already over. By that point, it’s not just lost marketing dollars—it’s lost revenue opportunity. Missed leads, contracts and growth all quietly add up.
• Number of leads generated per month or year
• Cost per lead (CPL) targets
• Customer acquisition cost (CAC) goals
• Revenue generated from marketing leads
“Effective marketing goals are measurable and concrete”
These types of goals give your marketing real direction. They also allow you to evaluate performance objectively, without relying on gut feelings or assumptions.
Clear marketing goals changes everything With a defined goal and proper tracking in place, you can monitor performance daily, weekly and monthly. You can see early whether you’re on or off track, and more importantly, you can adjust your strategy in real time. Instead of waiting 12 months to discover a problem, you can coursecorrect throughout the year as needed.
However, goals must be specific, not a wish for more leads. Effective marketing goals are measurable and concrete. Strong examples include:
Whether you work with a marketing agency or an internal team member, they should be accountable to a specific goal. If your marketing partner cannot clearly explain what success looks like, how it’s being tracked and whether you’re currently winning or losing, then your marketing is operating without a scoreboard.
Just as important as setting a goal is establishing a benchmark. Your first year doesn’t need to be perfect—but it must exist. You need data. Once you know your baseline numbers, you can improve them. Maybe your first cost per lead is higher than you hoped. That’s okay—now you have a number you can work to reduce.
Tracking tools play a major role here. Platforms like WhatConverts allow landscapers to see exactly how many leads
Vanessa McQuade, co-owner of Intrigue Media, reveals why setting clear marketing goals is the difference between growth and guesswork
are coming in, where they’re coming from, and—just as importantly—the quality of those leads. Instead of guessing which marketing efforts are working, you can make decisions based on real data.
Over time, this clarity creates confidence. You stop wondering whether marketing is working and start knowing. You stop reacting emotionally and start managing strategically. Marketing becomes predictable, scalable and profitable.
In today’s competitive landscaping market, growth doesn’t come from spending more—it comes from spending smarter. That starts with one thing: clear, specific, tracked marketing goals.
If your marketing doesn’t have a destination, it will never deliver you there.
Vanessa McQuade
is VP of sales and marketing and co-owner of Intrigue Media a multi-time Growth 500 honoree. For 14 years, she has helped landscapers and those in the green industry with strategic marketing to achieve measurable growth. intriguemedia.com
Founder of design and build firm Enviroscape LA, Mike Garcia, shows us how landscapers can be superheroes by embedding native plants and sustainable design
Mike Garcia’s toe dip into horticulture began in the late 1970s, mowing neighbors’ lawns while a high-school student. What seemed like at the time to be an unremarkably cliché petty cash job soon laid the groundwork for a multi-decade career—one he soon seeded in academic study through an Ornamental Horticulture degree at El Camino College. There, he was taught the industry standards of the time: one of which was that effective land stewardship depended on a regimen of synthetic inputs. Garcia summarizes that doctrine succinctly: “Chemicals, chemicals, chemicals—chemicals on everything, chemical fertilizers, chemical soil conditioners.”
Nevertheless, this chemical-saturated education soon clashed with an older, more holistically organic wisdom. Garcia encountered “old school gardeners” in the 1980s who
championed partnering with nature through earthworms and ecological processes, an unlabeled concept of practice before the term ‘permaculture’ became industry parlance. This sparked a period of research and experimentation that fundamentally changed his approach. “I got much better results partnering with nature, not putting the chemicals on it,” he says.
The 1990s brought another pivotal realization: the critical importance of native plants in local ecosystems. Research into colony collapse disorder among pollinators illuminated a terrifying chain reaction. “Human beings need to eat to have a future,” Garcia states plainly, “and food only happens because of pollinators— the little things that run the world.” This foundational truth revealed a catastrophic flaw in industrial agriculture. He observed a devastating disconnect: “You spray herbicides or pesticides, and bees die. Continue that on a large scale, and we won’t have food to feed future generations.” The system was sawing off the branch it sat on.
Over his career, this journey led Garcia to embrace and advocate for permaculture—a system of agricultural
and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.
For him, landscaping became a vehicle for a vital message. “My business, Envrioscape, is an attempt to establish the message of permaculture in the landscaping industry,” he explains. “The real superheroes on our planet are the people who save humanity by making sure there’s an ample food supply.”
In Garcia’s view, these “superheroes” wield shovels, not capes. “The true superheroes protect our food security. Pollinators depend on native plants to survive and reproduce. Planting a native garden isn’t just landscaping—it’s preservation. If you want pollinators to reproduce, to give you food, you have to plant native gardens.” However, he laments a century of ecological missteps:
“We’ve been pulling out our native plants. We are putting in lawn, which does nothing ecologically for us or our pollinators, and we are still chemically poisoning everything.”
The inference for driving his career ethos was inescapable. “I was led to the conclusion that creating native gardens or mostly native gardens, with a water source like a pond or a waterfall for our pollinators, is not just a job to get paid for anymore. It’s actually helping to save humanity.
client proposal might seem like a daunting challenge, but Garcia notes that the message itself is a powerful persuader. “People call me thinking they’re just going to get a landscape design and a beautiful garden,” he says. “What they don’t realize is that when you tell people, you can actually be part of the solution for helping mankind to survive for future generations—they respond, ‘Wow, where do I sign?’”
Consequently, I call these superhero gardens. If Superman was a landscaper, he would be planting native plants and putting in water features.”
Selling the Solution: The client pitch
Translating his deeply complex, intellectually grounded conviction into a
“We’ve been pulling out our native plants. We are putting in lawn, which does nothing ecologically for us or our pollinators, and we are still chemically poisoning everything.”
Beyond the moral imperative, the practical and financial benefits are substantial motivators for clients, especially in drought-prone Southern California. “If you plant native plants, they take only a fraction of the water. As a result, it’s going to save a client money,” Garcia outlines. Furthermore, native gardens suppress weeds, negate the need for synthetic fertilizers and require far less maintenance than traditional lawns. “Think about it: a lawn requires frequent cutting; a native garden, maybe monthly care. That translates directly into lower bills—maintenance, water and fertilizer all drop. As landscapers, we need to show clients that this can be a smart financial investment for the long run.”
Nonetheless, Garcia is not a purist who dismisses client needs. He uses an academic analogy: “You don’t have to get 100% to get an A. For the course, if you got 90%, you still got an A—I’m not such a hardliner.”
For families with children or pets who desire some lawn, he advocates for a balanced approach. “If you have an acre property, we’re just not going to do the full acre of lawn. Let’s do 10% or 20%.” Even then, he employs sustainable technology, such as subsurface drip irrigation for lawns that “waters from below, so it wastes zero water.”
Sustainability, for Garcia, is amplified by smart technology. He is a vocal proponent of innovations that enhance efficiency and longevity. He champions Rain Bird’s Copper Shield drip irrigation for lawns because its integrated copper strips prevent root intrusion organically, without the need for herbicides. “It’s organic, so you’re not harming the environment, you prevent root intrusion and save water.”
His passion is particularly evident when discussing water features. Garcia traveled to Germany to study pond construction with the company OASE, whose philosophy and engineering he praises. “Americans build ponds like they build cars—built to break down,” he quips. He criticizes the standard American practice of installing a skimmer box and placing the pump inside it, a method he says is promoted because it makes pump replacement—and repeat business—for contractors easier.
The German-engineered system solves this by placing the pump at the pond’s deepest point. “Fish waste and debris sink to the bottom, get pulled directly into the pump, and are sent through the filter. It’s a beautiful, self-cleaning cycle,” Garcia explains. He contrasts this with the conventional American approach using a vivid analogy: “The American model is like flushing your toilet once a year. The OASE system is like flushing it once a week. You maintain clarity continuously—it’s better for the ecosystem and far cheaper to operate in the long run.”
For Garcia, a truly award-winning landscape transcends visual appeal; it is a multi-sensory experience with far-reaching psychological benefits. He encapsulates his design goal in a simple mantra: to “dazzle the senses and soothe the soul.”
He elaborates: “Human beings have more than just one sense, sight. In that
Previous page: Koi ponds dazzle the senses
Current page: Mike Garcia - Landscape Hall of Fame photo; Native shade garden, installed by Enviroscape LA; Whimsical koi pond with 12 waterfalls; Landscape design by Lion House Design, installed by Enviroscape LA
case, how can you dazzle all of the senses?” His answer lies in the core elements of his design methodology. Native plants attract hummingbirds, butterflies and ladybugs, and many are strongly scented. Water features provide the soothing sound of moving water, a tactile element and the visual dynamism of fish or turtles.
“How do you soothe the soul?” he asks. “If you put in plants that attract pollinators, butterflies, nothing calms you down more than to have a butterfly land on your shoulder. It will totally stop you and immobilize you, and it will lower your heartbeat. And so native plants and water features are how you dazzle the senses and soothe the soul.”
When collaborating with clients to achieve this vision, Garcia emphasizes visual communication and collaborative discovery. “Most people can’t really describe it, but they know it when they see it.” He guides clients through resources like Pinterest and YouTube, as well as his own extensive portfolio. “I let them be part of the decision-making process. At the end of the day, if they’re paying for this project,
“If you put in plants that attract pollinators, butterflies, nothing calms you down more than to have a butterfly land on your shoulder”
they have to get what they like. I can only influence them.”
Addressing the inherent tension of building water features in a drought region, Garcia cites studies showing that a properly designed, recirculating pond uses significantly less water than an equivalent area of lawn.
For young landscapers entering the field, Garcia’s advice returns to his foundational epiphany: “Find ways to partner with nature. Realize that everything is connected in our world, more than you could possibly ever imagine.”
He offers a compelling example of this connectivity through his collaboration with the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting oceans. “You wonder why an ocean organization promotes native gardens? It’s simple. When
you have grass and your gardener puts synthetic fertilizer, and it rains, all that fertilizer gets thrown into the gutter, and it goes out to the ocean.” This runoff causes algal blooms that deplete oxygen and increase acidity, harming marine life.
A holistic understanding frames his life’s work. “For me, landscaping isn’t just a job, it’s a mission. Landscapers who do it right are the real superheroes.
From a teenager mowing lawns to a board member of the California Landscape Contractors Association, Garcia’s journey mirrors an industry in transformation. His career blends environmental urgency with practical landscaping, championing spaces that are not only beautiful but biologically essential. In doing so, he redefines the landscaper’s role as a vital partner in shaping a sustainable future.
Ergonomic Features
Designed with patented pivoting handles, the product has been tested by an independent Ergonomic Specialist. The Pivot-All Wheelbarrow:
• Promotes neutral wrist posture during dumping
• Promotes neutral upper body/back posture during transportation and dumping
• Promotes wrist and hand protection thanks to the steel handle cuffs
In a project that bridges the strikingly unique visuals of Asia with the technical native specifications of the West Coast, residential landscaping firm GreenPlace transformed an overgrown backyard into a case study in adaptive, original design. The finished work demonstrates how the principles of a traditional Japanese garden can be reconciled with the precise demands of modern Southern California construction, including seismic safety and water conservation. Evolving from a client’s vision for a minimalist space, GreenPlace’s Japanese-inspired project became an exercise in environmental engineering and material innovation.
Ground break first demanded extensive earthwork prior to any installation or planting. The GreenPlace team reports that the initial site was characterized by dense weed growth, significant standing water due to a complete lack of drainage and uneven, unusable terrain. As a result, the first and most critical phase involved a full topographic overhaul: clearing all vegetation, grading the land to create the correct slope and installing a comprehensive underground drainage system. This foundational work was essential not only for the garden’s future health but also to create a stable, level base for the installation of pathways, planting zones and structural elements.
Volodymyr Dragan, CEO of
GreenPlace, led the conceptual direction and design methodology, translating traditional Japanese garden philosophy into a contemporary, code-compliant landscape system suited for Southern California. His role extended beyond visual design into defining the project’s architectural logic, environmental strategy and long-term performance vision. Dragan envisioned a layout which emphasizes spatial harmony and contemplative movement, achieved through features like a winding path of concrete steppingstones set in raked gravel, a defined lounge area beneath a clean-lined wooden pergola and strategically placed sculptural plantings. The design culminated in a defining focal point—a custom, sun-disk-shaped accent wall, an abstract callback to Japan’s traditional title as the ‘land of the rising sun.’
Translating this vision required substantial technical adaptation. Originally specified as a concrete monolith, the wall’s design was reengineered for seismic resilience. Under the direction of CTO Viktor Peshekhonov, who was responsible for the technical and engineering execution of the concept, the team pivoted to a wooden framework, finished using the ancient Japanese Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi) technique. This controlled charring process, which blackens and preserves the wood, provided the desired austere aesthetic while offering superior durability and weather resistance. A solution that
GreenPlace states combines aesthetic conceptual consistency with the needs of structural resilience and safety.
Nevertheless, the challenges extended beyond the hardscape. The site’s native soil—a dense, compacted clay typical of the region—was found to be inhospitable to healthy root development. The GreenPlace team’s response was systematic: all planting areas underwent complete soil excavation and were refilled with a proprietary, engineered soil blend designed for optimal drainage, aeration and nutrient retention. The aim being to create a tailor-made root environment to ensure long-term plant vitality.
Irrigation design followed a similarly precise, tailored methodology. Moving beyond standard zoning, the system employs individual, calibrated drip emitters for each plant or specimen grouping, delivering exact moisture levels. Areas of artificial turf, chosen for its zero-water maintenance and evergreen appearance, are serviced by high-efficiency rotary nozzles that minimize water use and prevent runoff on sloped sections.
GreenPlace states that the planting composition, or softscape, adheres strictly to principles of climateappropriate and sustainable design. Every selection prioritizing drought tolerance and regional suitability, with
Previous page: Modern concrete stepping stones guide movement through the landscape
Current page: Feature wall inspired by Japanese concept of Rising Sun; Built-in seating area around the fire; Dry landscape (karesansui) of raked gravel evokes the movement of water while supporting water efficiency
contoured mounds planted with lowgrowing junipers and stands of black bamboo dotting the project’s design. The bamboo’s growth being managed by subterranean root barriers—offer privacy and vertical rhythm. A minimalist aesthetic is further reinforced by the functional use of gravel mulch and stone borders, which simultaneously conserve water and suppress weed growth. From its charred architectural centerpiece to its engineered substrates and hyper-efficient water management,
every element of this garden was integrated under a framework of sustainable landscape principles. The project achieving the deep tranquility of a Japanese garden in a modern, regulated environment is less about literal replication and more about a disciplined translation—where nature is expressed through meticulous technical execution. The final result is not merely a stylized space, but a deeply integrated, resilient ecosystem designed for enduring beauty and function.
Below: Custom sculptural feature wall inspired by Japanese concept of Rising Sun (sugi method) All images ©GreenPlace
GreenPlace is a full-service residential landscape design and construction firm. Founded by CEO Volodymyr Dragan and CTO Viktor Peshekhonov, it specializes in highly customized projects characterized by elevated architectural and technical complexity. The business serves clients across California. Its methodology is defined by a fusion of architectural clarity, engineering precision and a dedicated focus on the long-term viability and performance of the landscapes it installs. greenplaceusa.com
According to market research, natural swimming pools are surging in popularity across the country, fueled by customer demand for chemical-free waters and lower maintenance, eco-friendly systems— brought together in a rewilded,
naturalesque aesthetic. This desire led a Chicago suburban homeowner to commission Reflections Water Gardens, a waterscape design and build firm, to construct a natural backyard spa. The project, however, confronted a familiar landscape spatial dilemma: a severely
limited access point via a narrow, obstructed side yard. Nevertheless, the team’s ability to overcome and outengineer this hurdle demonstrated that a fully realized aquatic wellness retreat is possible even on a site with major constraints.
REFERENCES
Planting supplier Midwest Groundcovers midwestgroundcovers.com
Planting supplier Lurvey lurveys.com
Barn plank walls and pavers Rochester Concrete Products rochestercp.com
Previous page: More air more oxygen in the water of a natural spa swimming pool means it has vitality to move, shine and shimmer.
Current page left to right: The 1,600 sq ft water feature defines the backyard of the 8,200 sq ft lot; Beauty surrounds this natural water feature, which is accented by outdoor lighting and Zenstyle sculpture; A dated two-foot waterfall was reimagined as part of a seamless three-foot recirculating water feature; At its deepest, the spa swimming pool is 6ft. A 2ft ledge on the perimeter provides a transition into deeper waters
The project began during the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that introduced additional hurdles like permitting and material delays. Yet, the Reflections Water Gardens team discovered that the primary logistical challenge was the physical access. The only entry point to the 8,200 sq. ft. backyard was a 10-foot-wide passage, pinched by the homeowner’s air conditioning unit on one side and mature trees with fencing on the other. With no room for staging materials onsite, the installation team utilized a neighbor’s front yard to stage boulders and supplies before routing them through the choke point. Larry Carnes, owner and president of Reflections Water Gardens, reports that coordinating movement was a slow, step-by-step process. Once the materials were in the backyard, the team constructed temporary access ways using pallets and plywood placed in the center of the pool site, allowing machinery to operate from the inside out.
A central design goal was to fulfill the client’s need for a healthful, spa-like experience rooted in nature. Consequently, the design intent translated this into a cohesive landscape where water, stone and flora work in concert. A soft carpet of turf leads to the water’s edge, flanked by stylized raised gardens. Flagstone and slab-stone steps descend to the pool, which includes handrails for assisted access, per the client’s request. The planting scheme also blends annuals, such as canna lily, for vibrant color, with perennials, such as calamint and aromatic thyme, for sensory aromatherapy.
Water serves as both the focal point and the therapeutic engine. The design incorporated an existing, dated waterfall by renovating
it with new liner and stone and seamlessly integrating it with a new three-foot waterfall adjacent to a patio, ensuring the soothing sound of moving water pervades the space. Within the pool itself, boulderbuilt containers separate a dedicated 200 sq. ft. aquatic garden for lotuses and water lilies, which—along with the waterfall—also functions as a habitat for local pollinators, birds and amphibians.
Reflection Water Gardens states that the pièce de résistance of this natural swimming pool is the highly filtered water, super-saturated with oxygen from fastmoving, negatively charged microbubbles. Tiny bubbles attract, trap and help eliminate positively charged contaminants and anaerobic pathogens that can cause a range of infections. Additionally, beneficial microbubbles penetrate skin pores, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, resulting in higher levels of detoxification than nonoxygenated water. The system is powered by multiple high-capacity pumps and a 30,000-gallon bead filter. On a different note, more oxygen also means the water has a vitality to move, shine and shimmer in
the sun. And it literally does shimmer. The pool’s beach-sand bottom contains mica, a soft, flaky and shiny mineral that glistens when kissed by the sun’s rays.
The completed oasis, now a defining feature of the homeowner’s 8,200 sq. ft
lot, stands as a case study in resolving complex site limitations. It proves that even in a crowded suburban context, space for a health-focused, natural retreat can be meticulously carved out by a team looking to create a refined statement.
Top to bottom: A 30,000 gallon bead filter helps keep pool water pristine; An existing dozen-yearold small waterfall was renovated with new liner, gravel and stone
Reflections Water Gardens is a design-build firm specializing in custom natural swimming pools and aquatic features. Founded in 2010 and led by Larry Carnes, the company employs a unique conceptual process that blends art, architecture and engineering. Serving high-end residential and commercial clients primarily in the Midwest and nationally, it is recognized for translating complex visions into award-winning, ecologically integrated waterscapes. reflectionswatergardens.com
Irrigation design
FRS Design Group hinesinc.com
Landscape contractor
Christy Webber
Landscapes christywebber.com
Soil specialist/provider
Columbia Green Technologies columbia-green.com
Structural engineer WSP
wsp.com
General contractor
BEAR Construction Company bearcc.com
Project architect Gensler gensler.com
Chicago’s skyline gained a new horticultural landmark in 2020. Perched atop the expansive Old Chicago Post Office, a four-acre expanse known as ‘The Meadow’ epitomizes a radical reimagining of urban space. Designed by landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt, this elevated park is the nation’s largest private rooftop garden, serving as the urban green heart revival of a once-dormant civic giant.
The building’s journey to redevelopment has been a long one. Constructed in 1921,
the Art Deco giant once processed the region’s mail, only to fall out of use by the mid-1990s. It stood vacant for decades, with its sheer scale—2.8 million square feet— deterring developers. That changed in 2016, when New York-based 601W Companies purchased the structure and issued a clear mandate to the design team. Led by Gensler for architecture and Hoerr Schaudt for landscape architecture, the charge was to transform the historic warehouse into a modern commercial building bursting with broader community utility.
In a neighborhood lacking public green space, the Hoerr Schaudt team identified an unexpected opportunity overhead. By transforming the building’s vast, unused rooftop into a “neighborhood park in the sky,” they could provide a crucial amenity for the building’s eventual ten thousand tenants. Complementing that vision, the client, 601W Companies, desired a green space that would maximize the available assets, merging community wellness with ecological function. As a result, the eventual
design weaves a quarter-mile running track, multi-sport courts as well as collaboration pods into a unified, living rooftop landscape.
Realizing this vision required overcoming formidable structural constraints. The primary obstacle was weight. The existing roof had a strict load limit of just 25 to 45 pounds per square foot, far too little for conventional deep soil beds needed for any substantive planting. Nevertheless, Hoerr Schaudt found a novel solution. They collaborated with soil
specialists Columbia Green Technologies and Midwest Trading to develop a proprietary, ultra-lightweight growing medium. To ensure its viability, a full-scale mockup was installed and monitored for an entire growing season before final approval. This allowed the team to proceed with a confident design that now supports over 40,000 plants.
Previous page: Hoerr Schaudt transformed an unused rooftop into a urban oasis when they created The Meadow the nation’s largest private rooftop garden atop The Old Chicago Post Office.
Current page left to right: The design of The Meadow includes more than 40,000 plants and more than 50 species.
According to Hoerr Schaudt, the planting palette is a study in ecological resilience. Featuring over 50 species, such as Prairie Dropseed and Northern Switch Grass, it creates a layered, seasonally shifting tapestry—a living ecosystem rather than a fixed installation. The establishment process itself was deliberate, with much of the vegetation beginning on-site as small plugs in a biodegradable mat to encourage natural, organic growth.
The environmental benefits of this living roof are substantial and multi-faceted. In a city grappling with stormwater management, The Meadow acts as a sponge, intercepting and filtering over 300,000 gallons of rainfall annually, preventing this volume from overwhelming Chicago’s combined sewer system. The dense vegetation also provides a thermal blanket to the offices below, reducing energy consumption for heating. Biodiversity was a conscious goal;
sheltered by the building’s high parapets, the meadow has become a habitat for birds and insects, including a beehive.
For the tenants, The Meadow addresses a fundamental shift in workplace expectations, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides a dedicated, open-air environment for mental breathing room, casual collaboration and physical activity—key components of contemporary corporate wellness strategies. It is a space to recharge, literally and figuratively.
The restoration of the Old Chicago Post Office showcases the fusion of historic preservation with modern ecological design. However, The Meadow is more than a sum of various amenities; it operates as functional green infrastructure, illustrating how cities can retrofit existing buildings for a more sustainable future. In doing so, it offers a compelling model:
Top & bottom: The Meadow’s programming encourages movement, with courts, running track, and pathways that immerse visitors into layered garden tapestry.
even the most imposing industrial-era structures can find new life not only within their walls, but across their rooftops, where underutilized space becomes a living part of the city.
Hoerr Schaudt is an award-winning landscape architecture practice, with a team of over 80 professionals in offices across Chicago, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Richmond. The firm designs civic, institutional, and residential landscapes that have been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest and Wallpaper. It has received significant industry recognition, including ICAA Bulfinch Awards and more than 15 major professional accolades. hoerrschaudt.com
Turn your passion for ponds and waterfalls into a thriving business! Aquascape Academy 2026, running January–March, gives you hands-on training in construction, maintenance, design, and leadership. With profit margins up to 50%, water features are one of the most rewarding trades you can step into.
Whether you’re brand-new or ready to sharpen your skills, Aquascape Academy will show you how to build water features—and a business—that lasts.
Eau Claire Plaza in Downtown Calgary, Canada demonstrates how water features can be designed as long-term public realm infrastructure rather than seasonal amenities. In a cold-climate city where winter defines much of the year, the project sets a precedent for how water, light, and interaction can work together across seasons to support comfort, identity, and everyday civic life.
feature design, choreography, and manufacturing of all water feature components.
The Eau Claire Plaza project was led by DIALOG as prime consultant, with the City of Calgary as prime stakeholder. Crystal Fountains was responsible for water
From the outset, the design centered on two key goals: creating a multigenerational, year-round public experience and improving microclimate comfort through evaporative cooling in the summer. Early concepts explored a range of traditional jets and water expressions, but the final design intentionally
refined the feature to a single water medium—fog. Paired with integrated lighting, fog offered the most inclusive and flexible solution, encouraging interaction without visual or physical barriers.
The completed installation spans 400 sqm and comprises 79 custom fog niches, 43 of which include integrated LED ring lights, organized into 12 programmable activation zones. Four stainless steel bollards allow visitors to trigger sequences, introducing intuitive interactivity that supports a wide range of users, from children to seniors. Rather than acting as an object within the plaza, the fog operates as a ground-plane atmosphere, inviting people to move through the space while remaining visually subtle within the broader landscape composition.
In the summer, fog provides cooling benefits while creating a playful, tactile experience that responds to wind, light, and human movement. Its lowpressure, low-flow nature supports safety and accessibility, making the feature inherently water efficient and multi-generational.
Lighting plays a critical role in extending the feature’s contribution beyond daytime hours. Fully addressable LEDs enable controlled color, intensity, and sequencing, supporting evening activation and seasonal programming while reinforcing the plaza’s identity against Calgary’s urban backdrop.
In cold-climate cities, the true test of a water feature is what happens when the water is turned off. At Eau Claire Plaza,
winterization was embedded into the design intent rather than treated as an operational afterthought. Cylindrical winter covers protect deck-level components while keeping the lighting system active.
When water is offline, the feature transitions from fog to light, becoming a luminous winter installation that sustains presence, legibility, and evening use throughout the colder months, further supported by preprogrammed shows that can be triggered using the bollards.
For landscape architects, Eau Claire is a precedent in designing a water feature as a four-season public realm infrastructure that sustains visitation, not just operation.
By pairing an intuitive, walk-up interactive field with a deliberate seasonal protection strategy, the feature remains a consistent draw, supports programmed and unprogrammed use, and strengthens the plaza’s role as a year-round civic destination.
The result is a water feature that reinforces place identity while helping the public space keep momentum across the full annual cycle.
As professional landscaping equipment evolves, Honda prioritizes durable, commercial-grade equipment for a battery-powered, automated future
For professional landscapers, equipment isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in reliability, productivity and the bottom line. As the industry navigates a significant technological transition—from internal combustion to battery power, and from manual operation to autonomy— manufacturers are making R&D bets on the future. At Honda Power Equipment, that strategy hinges on a legacy of durability and a deliberate focus on commercial users.
Barry Dlugasz, director of power equipment sales, and David Horst, senior product planner, outlined Honda’s roadmap.
Products rooted in legacy Honda’s history is built on the internal combustion engine (ICE). “We were the leader in internal combustion engines in the world. We produced more than anybody else,” Dlugasz notes, acknowledging the company’s foundational strength. Although market forces have prompted a timely evolution. Regulatory pressures, technological developments and shifting consumer demand to battery power have led Honda to diversify beyond the gas-
powered walk-behind mower market.
The focus is now squarely on the commercial grade. “For us on the landscaping side of it, we are definitely dedicated to focusing on the commercialgrade landscaping products of the future,”
Dlugasz states. This isn’t a departure from ICE across the board, but a refinement of focus. Honda still sees a long-term market for ICE in commercial applications, though the drivers for change are largely practical.
“Increases in battery demand is driven on the residential side by customers who want less noise and fewer fumes in their yards,” he explains.
“Similar considerations, like noise near hospitals, apply in the commercial space.”
Battery transition
Honda’s development of its battery-powered equipment is unfolding at two distinct speeds.
“There’s a huge difference between residential adoption of battery
and commercial adoption of it,” Dlugasz observed. “The commercial at this point is in its early stages.” Nonetheless, demand is emerging from unexpected places, driven by local ordinances. “Even in states like Texas, which is a pretty heavily oil-focused state, we can see that there is increasing demand, for example, for battery-powered backpack blowers due to operational noise considerations.”
However, the manufacturer acknowledges the current limitations for
professional use. “Cost and runtime are probably the two biggest challenges to overcome,” Dlugasz says. Forgetting to charge a battery fleet overnight has more severe consequences than a morning gas station run. David Horst adds another key hurdle: “Also, weight: if you want to get the increased power and longer run time, then you, in turn, increase the battery’s weight.”
The company has broad corporate electrification goals but is pragmatic about the timeline for the landscaping sector. “Battery technology today isn’t completely ready to dominate the market for now— in 15 years, that could absolutely be a reality,” Dlugasz reflects. Consequently, Honda’s battery development model is to follow proven commercial needs, which are growing as users are mandated to or voluntarily adopt them. He cites California’s battery power mandates as an example: “The state’s mandates to transition to battery-powered equipment were initially met with widespread industry skepticism. Yet, as the operational advantages quickly became apparent, California landscaping crews now consistently report a strong preference for the reduced emissions, lower
noise levels and decreased maintenance requirements of electric tools.”
In response to a question about Honda’s pitch to professionals, Dlugasz conveyed a confidence grounded in the company’s market position. “I wouldn’t say we have a specific pitch. I would say that the reliability of our product always speaks for itself.
“It comes down to using better quality materials than anyone else and holding much tighter tolerances. Sometimes that means we’re not the fastest to market with a new product, because we spend an exceptional amount of time testing the product before it’s released,” he explains. Dlugasz points to the development of ProZision ZTR Mower as an exemplar of that design and development ethos. For two years, he says, prototypes have been tested with major landscapers and municipalities across diverse climates, from Florida to Montana, incorporating operator feedback.
Honda’s new autonomous ProZision ZTR Mower marks the manufacturer’s entry
into a second major technological frontier. For Dlugasz, its primary value is not just automation, but a direct answer to the industry’s chronic labor challenges. The demand, he notes, is rooted in operational efficacy: “I’ve had landscapers come up and say, ‘I need 20 of these, just because I know they’re not going to call in sick.’”
Behind the scenes, AI is also accelerating Honda’s R&D. “AI is going to be a really important part of our future,” Horst confirms. He clarifies that its current primary impact is in product development, not necessarily in end-user robotics. “By applying AI to our testing and development, we enhance the product from the ground up. So, when it launches, it delivers the quality and reliability expected of Honda.”
Dependability as a guiding principle
Honda’s market vision is defined by a disciplined, segment-specific approach.
“The commercial landscaper is our primary target,” states Horst. The intent is to first demonstrate capability and durability where it matters most. “This establishes our credibility for launching a high-quality product in a new category, like batterypowered equipment. We can then address a wider market.”
For Honda, the path forward in landscaping equipment is not defined by a single technology, but by a consistent application of its core principle to the market’s advancing needs. As the industry changes, Honda aims to be the constant that professionals can depend on.
powerequipment.honda.com
Choose plants for long-term value, not low price. Expert guidance on vetting nurseries and spotting true quality
Does a landscape firm’s reputation hinge on its plant quality?
Selecting superior nursery stock is a fundamental financial decision, as a plant’s true cost accrues over its lifetime, not at purchase. Rayne Gibson, owner of Taproot Horticulture Consulting, details key selection criteria.
What is the costliest mistake in plant selection?
“The biggest mistake is only looking at price,” states Gibson. A lower price often signals compromised inputs and care: a weaker root system, inadequate fertilization, skipped pest management regimens and minimal trimming. “The quality of care that has gone into that plant is the difference,” Gibson explains. This deficit manifests downstream as higher mortality rates, increased replacement labor, client dissatisfaction and eroded project margins. For qualityfocused firms, he notes, price is “one of the least influential variables.”
out to the farms in season because that’s going to tell you a lot.” His top indicators are foundational housekeeping: Are irrigation ditches clean and weed-free? Are roads well-maintained? Is trash managed? “If their roads are unkept, if there are leaves everywhere, I can guarantee you they are going to be the lowest price and they are going to have the lowest quality plant,” remarks Gibson. This level of disorganization often correlates with neglect in less visible but critical areas, such as integrated pest management and precise watering regimens.
“Go out to the farms in season because that’s going to tell you a lot.”
Additionally, discerning health from dormancy requires a nuanced eye. While no single indicator exists, Gibson suggests examining cultivation practices. For example, consistent, laborintensive trimming across a crop signals diligent overall care. Another essential tool is a landscaper’s own “internal set of standards” and written specifications for attributes like caliper or branching density, ensuring objective, consistent selection.
“Today’s day and age, a picture is worth a thousand words,” he notes, but cautions against relying on a single, ideal specimen. Request images of the entire crop and ask, “Is this an average representation?” This practice establishes accountability before delivery. Repeated, reliable transactions build trust, streamlining future orders. For formal terms, the implicit agreement, built on documented standards and verified images, paves the way for a clearer understanding of replacements and acceptance upon delivery.
Ultimately, Gibson’s advice shifts the focus from a transactional purchase to a partnership. By thoroughly vetting nurseries, establishing unambiguous quality benchmarks and prioritizing plant health over upfront cost, landscapers invest in the long-term success of their projects, safeguarding their reputation and bottom line.
Are there specific indicators landscapers should observe?
Before evaluating individual plants, Gibson advises investigating the nursery’s overall operations. This due diligence begins with a site visit during the growing season. “Go
How can a business establish accountability with a nursery?
From a B2B relationship perspective, Gibson focuses on the “social contract” of trust and clear communication. The cornerstone of which is visual verification.
Taproot Horticulture Consulting provides horticulture business consulting across the US. Founded by Rayne Gibson, a veteran of nursery operations and logistics, the firm uses a value-based approach to deliver customized, actionable strategies for nurseries and landscapers. taprootshc.com
Leading brands are pushing the envelope on power and runtime, blurring
DeWalt Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit (DCST975Y2)
Engineered lightweight to help minimize fatigue on long days, this 60V MAX* tool is equipped with a high-efficiency, brushless motor that delivers up to 69 minutes of no-load runtime per charge. DeWalt states that this trimmer offers the capabilities of gas with the convenience of cordless. dewalt.com
FS 91 Gasoline Grass Trimmer
Engineered for professional use, the Stihl FS 91 R is a straight-shaft trimmer designed for extended runtime and operator comfort. It features a lowemission engine and a fuel tank that provides 30% longer operation than the previous model. Key design elements include a rubberized loop handle for maneuverability, a simplified threestep start and a vibration-dampening lined shaft. For maintenance, the air filter allows easy access for cleaning. The unit meets Stihl’s “Caring for Nature” low-exhaust standard, which the company states surpasses EPA and CARB requirements. stihlusa.com
DeWalt Brushless Cordless Compact Top Handle Chainsaw with Tool Connect Kit (DCCS673X1)
This compact top-handle chainsaw kit tackles demanding jobs with a peak horsepower of 3.42‡. The 60V MAX* 12 inch makes fast and smooth cuts with a chain speed of 23.6 m/s that cuts through a 10 inch diameter maple log in as fast as 6.8 seconds.
Stihl BRA 280 Backpack Blower
The Stihl BRA 280 is a upcoming battery-powered backpack blower designed for professional use where low noise is required, operating at 66 dB(A). It supports two batteries, which discharge sequentially to extend runtime, while maintaining a constant power output. The unit provides 25% more blowing force than the BRA 200 model. A handle-mounted digital display offers real-time data on battery status and performance settings, with connectivity for the Stihl app. Weighing under 25 pounds, it features an adjustable harness for operator comfort and includes an extendable nozzle. The design produces zero direct emissions. stihlusa.com
The UMC435 VersAttach Powerhead is a 35cc 4-stroke engine unit designed as a multi-tool platform. It is compatible with six different yard attachments, which connect via a tool-free SureLoc joint system. Operational features include the use of straight unleaded fuel, reduced vibration and lower noise output compared to some models. Honda’s design prioritizes versatility and user comfort, with a harness included for extended operation. powerequipment.honda.com
BR 800 Gasoline Backpack Blower
Positioned as the most powerful model in its lineup, the Stihl BR 800 C-E MAGNUM backpack blower is designed for large properties and heavy debris. It reportedly delivers 20% more power than the manufacturers BR 700 model. Engineered for operator comfort, it features an adjustable harness for weight distribution, a telescopic tube and a multifunction control handle. The unit includes the Stihl Easy2Start system and a one-touch stop button. Its low-emission engine meets the company’s “Caring for Nature” standard, which Stihl defines as exceeding specific air-quality requirements. stihlusa.com
The Honda F220 is a mid-tine tiller with an adjustable tilling width of 21 inches, which can be reduced to 12 inches via removable outer tines. It is powered by a Honda GXV57 commercial-grade engine. Key functional features include a folding handle for compact storage, a retractable transport wheel and an adjustable three-position handle for operator comfort. Additionally, the unit also features an adjustable depth bar to control tilling performance. powerequipment.honda.com
Designed for commercial use, the HRC-BE is a 21-inch battery-powered, selfpropelled walk-behind mower. Its specifications include a 2.0 kW motor and two 12 Ah batteries with a charger. Functional features are an electronic Cruise Control system for adjustable speed, the Roto-Stop blade brake for transport and Honda’s MicroCut twin-blade system. Construction consists of a heavyduty steel cutting deck, large 9-inch wheels and a robust frame. The unit offers eight cutting heights and includes a 2.5-bushel grass bag and a mulching plug. powerequipment.honda.com
Targeting professional landscapers, the Stihl FSA 135 R is a battery-powered loop-handle trimmer. It utilizes a brushless motor and professional-grade drive components, offering performance comparable to gas models while emitting zero direct emissions and producing low noise. The trimmer features three performance settings for varied applications and an IPX4rated, weather-resistant construction. An adjustable front handle and rubberized grip aim to improve comfort during extended use. Its quiet operation allows for work in noise-sensitive areas and potentially extended hours. The unit includes battery status lights and meets Stihl’s “Caring for Nature”
Specialized resin binders and base systems for creating stable, permeable and durable decorative and artificial turf surfaces
romexhardscapes.com
Introducing ROMEX PROFI-DEKO, the professional resin for creating durable, highly permeable bonded gravel surfaces. It secures any clean aggregate, preventing loose stone under pedestrian and light vehicular traffic. Simply mix the two-component resin with washed, dry gravel and trowel to a level finish. The result is a pressure-washer-safe, permeable surface ideal for walkways and driveways. For success, ensure a stable, permeable sub-base and use only dust-free, completely dry aggregate. After application, protect from rain for 12-24 hours. For enhanced durability, a PROFI-DEKO topcoat can be applied after hardening. Achieve a perfect, lasting installation.
ROMEX D7000 transforms loose aggregates into a stable, solid surface, effectively preventing erosion and dust. Designed for use with fines-rich materials like decomposed granite, its innovative water-based application simplifies installation. Easily pour from a watering can to evenly coat the compacted base, allow for absorption and then compact. A followup topcoat ensures maximum durability for pedestrian pathways and driveways. For optimal results, the aggregate must contain at least 60% fines for proper binding. Protect the treated area from rain for 48 hours after application. For hightraffic areas, a resealing coat every few years will maintain peak performance and longevity.
vuba-stone.com
PURE-PLUS Gravel Binder is a UV-stable resin designed to stabilize light-colored decorative aggregates. It locks gravel in place, creating a permeable, non-slip surface resistant to frost and de-icing salts. It is suitable for pedestrian and vehicular areas, compliant with Accessible Design Standards guidelines, and compatible with aggregates without fines. Application requires clean, dry aggregate mixed with the binder, followed by leveling to a minimum depth. For optimal results, a topcoat is recommended after hardening and every 3-5 years.
GrassMac is a semi-flexible, eco-friendly base system for artificial turf, composed of recycled 1-5mm aggregate and 2-6mm SBR rubber mixed on-site with a proprietary resin. It creates a stable, shock-absorbent layer that resists subsidence. The system allows sameday turf installation, requires a 25/32” depth, and cures fully within seven days. Components have a 12-month shelf life when sealed. It is Sustainable Urban Drainage System compliant and designed for easy maintenance. The blend’s flexural strength is enhanced by optional structural reinforcement mesh.
VubaVert is a single-component resin supplied in 1kg pouches. It is formulated for mixing with marble aggregates to create a durable, high-adhesion coating specifically engineered for vertical and detailed surfaces. Applications include feature walls, staircases, pool copings and other architectural detailing. The premeasured packaging ensures consistent mix ratios and ease of use on site.
Regenerative landscaping is the emerging standard: an ecosystem-healing, cost-saving service that actively combats climate change
Sustainability has long been a guiding principle in professional landscaping design and practice; however, a post-sustainable, transformative model is gaining prominence. Moving beyond the ultimate goal of preservation, ‘regenerative landscaping’ seeks to holistically heal, participate in and restore ecosystems. In the context of mounting climate challenges, the transition from conventional to more radical perspectives is increasingly being viewed as a consequential choice.
According to Milena Fiore, executive director of ReScape, this new regenerative landscaping paradigm represents a foundational re-evaluation of our connection to the natural world.
has trained thousands of landscaping professionals in California and beyond. The group’s framework, based on eight Regenerative Principles, directly contrasts conventional practices and reveals a clear shift in both philosophy and outcome.
A key difference between the approaches is underground, Fiore notes. Conventional landscaping treats soil as passive and subject to compaction, chemical depletion and pesticide pollution. Regenerative models see soil as a living foundation.
“A first step is soil assessment. We ask:
‘Is it just dirt, or is it living soil?’”
“Landscapes emphasizing sustainability aim to maintain balance and minimize harm,” Fiore explains. “In contrast, regeneration is proactive and restorative. It aims to create systems that not only sustain but also improve and replenish the environment.” In essence, it’s the pivot from “doing less harm” to “creating positive impact.”
Founded 25 years ago, ReScape now leads this movement and
“A first step is soil assessment. We ask: ‘Is it just dirt, or is it living soil?’” Fiore states. This diagnostic question underpins the regenerative principle of nurturing the soil itself. “We talk about feeding the soil, not only the plant,” she says. The methodology involves building a vibrant “soil food web”—a system of interconnected organisms such as bacteria, fungi, insects and worms that support soil health—by
amending the earth with local compost and mulch. This practice is now supported in California by mandates requiring the return of processed community compost to the land.
“We’re still learning about the billions of organisms in healthy soil,” Fiore admits, but the benefits are clear: these microorganisms or tiny living entities, naturally filter pollutants, stabilize against erosion, and sequester atmospheric carbon. An additional outcome is a shift in pest management, driven by this ecological balance and by encouraging beneficial insects, thereby eliminating the need for chemical interventions.
resource capture
“Likewise, to soil, the difference between a regenerative versus a conventional landscape, just in terms of water, is stark.” Conventional practice creates a high-consumption system reliant on irrigation for water-intensive lawns and exotic plants, with stormwater becoming problematic runoff. The regenerative approach flips this script. “It’s about harvesting rainwater and managing stormwater with bioswales— landscape
elements designed to save the water, to keep it on site,” Fiore remarks. By prioritizing drought-friendly native plants, mulch, rain barrels and infiltration features, this method captures water as a cyclical asset—conserving potable supplies, reducing flooding and recharging groundwater.
Biodiversity: Monoculture vs ecosystem
Above ground, the aesthetic goals continue to diverge sharply. Where conventional design often prioritizes a tidy, uniform look—expansive monoculture lawns and a limited palette of exotic shrubs—regenerative landscaping intentionally cultivates biodiversity. “The final principle is ‘create habitat,’ which is critically important,” says Fiore. “The focus is on enhancing biodiversity by providing food, water and shelter for local wildlife.” This means maximizing the use of locally native plants adapted to local ecosystems, which support a complex web of life from pollinators to birds. The result is a layered, resilient landscape that hums with life, in direct contrast to the minimal habitat value of a conventional yard.
to carbon emissions and noise pollution. Conversely, regenerative practice champions a circular, local economy. It specifies reused, recycled and locally sourced materials to slash transportation emissions and embodied energy —the total energy required to produce and transport a material.
“Regeneration sees humans as participants in the ecosystem, and seeks to align human activity with nature’s inherent capacity for renewal.”
Maintenance strategies are optimized for efficiency, increasingly incorporating electric equipment and manual tools where appropriate.
The economic and ecological imperative Fiore acknowledges that perceived cost and aesthetic traditions can be barriers to adopting regenerative methods. Her response lies in demonstrating the comprehensive, long-term return on investment.
“The focus is on enhancing biodiversity by providing food, water and shelter for local wildlife”
The hidden impacts of material and energy use further separate the two models. Conventional projects often rely on new materials trucked in over long distances, with waste sent to landfills. Maintenance is fuelled by gas-powered mowers and blowers, contributing
“We know that there is a 50-60% savings just in maintenance costs,” she states, citing drastic reductions in watering, chemical inputs and labor for mowing and intensive care. While initial installation costs may mirror or occasionally exceed conventional approaches, the long-term savings and risk mitigation—including reduced wildfire fuel loads and enhanced flood resilience—prove financially compelling. When factoring in improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life, the benefits multiply exponentially.
The ecological imperative is even more urgent. Conventional practices contribute to what Fiore calls a “net negative environmental impact,” depleting resources without replenishment. Regenerative landscaping, by sequestering carbon, rebuilding topsoil and enhancing biodiversity, creates a net positive impact. Given the UN’s 2015 warning that the world may have only 60 years of farmable topsoil left under current industrial practices, this shift is not optional; it’s essential for food security and ecosystem survival.
For Fiore, this is more than a professional methodology; it’s a mindset that recognizes humans as participants within nature’s cycles, not just managers of it. “Regeneration sees humans as participants in the ecosystem,” she notes, “and seeks to align human activity with nature’s inherent capacity for renewal.”
The message from ReScape is clear: every landscaped space, from a suburban yard to a corporate campus, presents a choice. It can be a source of extraction and strain, or it can be a node of regeneration—actively cleaning water and air, cooling the climate and nurturing life. In an industry that is very much active on the front lines of climate change, that choice is increasingly defining the landscape of our future.
Get involved in our March 2026 issue
Our third edition of the year will highlight Decking, Railings and Lighting—there are lots of ways to get involved. You’ll find business advice and opinion pieces from industry experts, as well as three inspiring portfolios. Our ‘Meet the Supplier’ and ‘Let’s Hear It From’ features. An update from leading associations.
For editorial inquiries:
Edward Brown Deputy editor
Want to see yourself in Pro Landscaper USA? Reach out today!
edward.brown@eljays44.com
For sales inquiries: Dan Green
Sales manager dan.green@eljays44.com
Ayear ago, ‘AI in landscaping’ meant asking ChatGPT to rewrite a job ad or spit out a few social posts. Useful, sure but optional. In 2026, that mindset is already outdated. We’re moving from a chat world (AI that talks) to an agent world (AI that does).
Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, has been blunt about it: “the age of AI agents is here,” pointing to systems that can operate software and complete multi-step tasks on a user’s behalf. That shift matters to every small and mid-sized landscape business, because it turns AI from a novelty into reliable digital labor.
If you run a company, your bottlenecks aren’t mysterious: speed to estimate, design, close, schedule and communicate. The winners in the next two-years won’t be the firms with the fanciest trucks. They’ll be the firms that reduce customer ‘timeto-yes’. Here’s the practical translation of ‘agent world’ for our industry:
• A design agent that turns a few photos, a rough budget and a client’s vibe into a concept plan fast enough to keep momentum in the sales cycle.
• A proposal agent that builds a clean scope, options and terms from your templates and pricing rules, supported by real time inventory from your preferred vendors.
What if AI could be your landscape company’s hardest-working crew? Clint Albin of A24 Consulting discusses the potential
• A follow-up agent that nudges leads, confirms appointments and keeps projects moving without you living in your inbox.
• An operations agent that flags margin leaks early before you ‘feel’ the job is going sideways.
That last point is why AI matters now. Margin doesn’t disappear in one bad decision. It bleeds out in dozens of small delays and missed handoffs. Agents exist to kill friction.
Neighborbrite is a good example of where this is going. Instead of treating design as a slow, manual choke point, it uses AI to help generate landscape design concepts and visuals that can be shared early, when homeowners are still excited and comparing options. You still bring the taste, the horticultural judgment, the constructability and the local knowledge. The tool brings speed, consistency and the ability to iterate without burning your team out.
Will AI replace designers? No. But it will replace companies that refuse to modernize the customer experience. Your clients live in an on-demand world. They expect clarity, visuals and responsiveness. If
you take two weeks to produce what a competitor can deliver in two days, price becomes the only conversation and that’s a race to the bottom.
The playbook is simple:
1. Pick one workflow where time is money (i.e., design-to-proposal).
2. Standardize your inputs (e.g., photos, measurements, templates, etc).
3. Add an AI tool that shortens cycle time without lowering quality.
4. Train your team, measure results and expand.
AI isn’t coming. It’s clocked in. The question is whether it’s working for you or the competitor down the street. The businesses that win won’t be tech companies—they’ll be landscapers who adapt.
Clint Albin is the CEO and a founding partner of A24 Consulting. Launched in 2024, the firm leverages his 30+ years of industry expertise to tackle the urgent challenge of sustaining local garden businesses. a24-consulting.com ABOUT
K&D Landscaping kndlandscaping.com
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you?
Italy. The history, the restraint and how nature and architecture work together feels timeless.
Best piece of advice?
Good people don’t need to be motivated. They need clarity.
Dream project?
Finally building my own backyard after helping create everyone else’s for the last 15 years.
One thing that would make the industry better?
A $100,000 minimum wage. It would force us to raise the bar on leadership, pricing and professionalism.
Trend you’re tired of?
The idea that working harder automatically gets you further. Sometimes the real move is stepping back and understanding why you’re working so hard in the first place.
Elite Team Offices eliteteamoffices.com
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you?
Italy. I love how nature, architecture and outdoor living are seamlessly connected. Nothing feels overdesigned; it’s intentional, timeless and meant to be lived in.
Best piece of advice?
Do it afraid. Growth comes from action, not waiting until everything feels perfect.
Dream project?
A large HOA community designed around a sports complex—bringing families together through recreation, green space and community amenities.
One thing that would make the industry better?
Stronger partnerships and clearer communication between managers, contractors, and boards.
Trend you’re tired of? Racing to the lowest price.
Isla Talent: Recruiting from Puerto Rico recruitingpuertorico.com
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you?
Croatia—the rolling hills and the mix of farms and historic buildings, almond trees next to the ocean. It’s beautiful.
Best piece of advice?
Perseverance. I’ve written clients on LinkedIn, emailed, called—maybe five times, and never had a response. Then, before you know it, they reach out to me.
Dream project?
Reforest a jungle, probably around five acres in Ecuador.
One thing that would make the industry better?
I think better pay and benefits to attract and retain workers. As well as more bilingualism.
Couldn’t get through the week without… Exercise and mountain biking.
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