Pro Landscaper USA October 2025

2025

Acquisition Agenda

Strata Landscape Services goes all in on electrification and automation

Digging Into the H-2B Visa

James Kendrick Judkins on how the changing immigration landscape may impact businesses

Let’s Hear it From… Justin Fox

The future is Foxterra

Among the Boulders

Custom Colorado Covers & Decks crafts an outdoor space to match a mountain

Living Water

Terremoto builds a natural oasis in Los Angeles

Awakening the Senses

DK Garden Design’s sensory garden

Innovation Meets Inspiration

Why FutureScape USA is the can’t miss show of the year

Top Tips for TopSoil

Alex Straughn shares how to manage topsoil for sustainable landscaping

Aquascape: Your Partner in Building Beautiful, Profitable Landscapes

Why more contractors than ever are choosing an ecosystem approach

Lighting the Way, Responsibly

How can we balance public safety and environmental sensitivity through lighting design in public realms?

Gray to Green

Transforming corporate campuses into biodiversity hot spots

The Messy Middle

Why your “imperfect” content actually works better

For Hospitality, Multi family, Mixed Use, Offices, or Residential

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EDITORIAL

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There’s a fall feeling in the air. The heat has finally broken in Los Angeles. The mornings are cooler and we’re all looking toward the winter months ahead. With the turn of the seasons comes also a brand-new issue of Pro Landscaper USA.

In the October issue of Pro Landscaper USA, you’ll find a round-up of the best decking products available, a top-tips feature on topsoil, business advice from Kayla Lujan, and our feature interview with Justin Fox, the founder of Foxterra.

This issue is one that is near and dear to our hearts. At Pro Landscaper USA, we’ve long been admirers of Foxterra’s work and we’re beyond thrilled to share a deep dive into how they’ve leveraged social media to grow their brand. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of inspirational projects in our portfolio section, and much more.

It has been a true pleasure to help launch Pro Landscaper USA and to watch it grow month after month. I can’t believe we’ve already seen six incredible issues come and go. Here’s to many more!

Happy reading!

Pro Landscaper USA attends NADRA’s inaugural Southern California Regional Networking Event

On September 4th, decking experts gathered in beautiful Carlsbad, CA to attend NADRA’s inaugural SoCal Regional Networking. Sponsors included HOFT USA Inc, MOSO North America, Regal ideas, TimberTech, Brazilian Lumber, and Trex Company.

When Pro Landscaper USA launched earlier this year, NADRA, and its executive director Michael Beaudry, were instrumental in making connections for our team, spreading the word about the publication, and welcoming us with open arms, and with Pro Landscaper USA’s recent partnership with NADRA, I knew this was a can’t-miss event.

With gorgeous weather and delicious snacks, I loved checking out new products in the decking space and learning more about the 2025 National+ Deck Competition and 2026 Awards Summit. It was great evening of networking with NADRA’s insightful and kind members. Thank you to NADRA for hosting Pro Landscaper USA. We can’t wait for the next one! Always check nadra.org for additional information.

Upcoming NADRA events:

“The Deck Business Blueprint” Presented by Legacy Decks Academy October 22, 23, & 24

Join NADRA on October 22, 23 & 24th in person during Deck Expo.

NADRA Deck Evaluation/Inspection Certification Program

Join NADRA on November 20

This program will allow the industry professional the opportunity to employ the ability to safely evaluate a deck. A new app/mobile form is being developed specifically for industry professionals as a comprehensive tool to be used to properly assess the safety issues of a deck. A Beta (testing) version of this app will be available to NADRA members who have gone through this certification program.

Register for APLD’s November Webinar

Join the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) on Wednesday, November 12 at 2 p.m. Eastern for a comprehensive session on gravel gardens led by Jeff Epping, founder of Epping Design & Consulting.

An advocate for environmentally conscious gardening, Jeff is known for his innovative designs that put

plants at the forefront to create beautiful gardens that celebrate the region, nurture nature, and fulfill one’s innate desire to connect with the natural world.

His garden designs have been featured most recently in the New York Times, Washington Post, Martha Stewart, Fine Gardening, and American Roots.

As gardeners seek more sustainable practices in the face of climate change, gravel gardens offer a compelling solution. In this webinar, Jeff will discuss how these earth-friendly gravel gardens

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and GENESIS® Road Show coming up in November

The final two stops of the PHTA & GENESIS® Road Show are coming up this November! The PHTA & GENESIS® Road Show brings top-notch education to cities across the US, featuring multi-

day intensive courses, networking events, and exclusive experiences curated by local pool, spa, and hot tub industry leaders.

Experience hands-on training, expert-led instruction, behind-thescenes facility tours, and realworld takeaways while earning continuing education units needed for industry certifications and licensure.

Lawrenceville, GA

November 4-6, 2025

Hosted by BioLab

Featured Course: C281: GENESIS®

require little water, no fertilizer or other chemicals, no organic mulches and require less time and money to maintain. Don’t be fooled by the name, these gardens are as beautiful as they are resilient and support a myriad of native fauna.

Don’t miss this inspiring and practical session!

Register now: apld.memberclicks. net/gravel-gardens-webinar

Registration closes on November 10.

Construction School: Pool & Spa Remodeling

Bonus Session: Protecting Newly Renovated Pool Surfaces with Proper Pool Chemistry

Apex, NC

November 11-13, 2025

Hosted by Pentair Pool

Featured Course: GENESIS® E211: Fluid Hydraulics for Pools & Spas

Bonus Session: Chemical Controllers, SCGs, and Variable Frequency Drive Pumps

ACQUISITION AGENDA

Strata Landscape Services goes all in on electrification and automation

Jerry DeJournett, Ben Green, and Justin Crandall have built their business on the future of landscaping.

The trio had met while working for another company. “The way we all came together was at a previous company where I got recruited to go build a direct landscaping operation, essentially, we were going to acquire commercial landscaping businesses to deploy autonomous technology. I brought Jerry in and he brought Ben in,” says Justin Crandall.

Crandall had come from an entrepreneurship and tech background and was excited by the possibilities in landscaping. “The robot company did not do as well as it should have, frankly, but we found we worked really well together

as a team, and collectively, the three of us believe that two major things are coming in this industry—electrification and robotics,” adds Crandall. “We felt like our skill sets and personalities mixed well to go create the right company to take advantage of the chaos, because change like that always causes a little bit of chaos, but it creates opportunity too. Those that are best equipped to deal with the chaos are the ones that can seize the opportunity.”

landscaping industry working for brands like Valley Crest, Green Monarch, and Brightview.

Their first step? Get funding and begin acquiring landscaping businesses. They’ve named their venture Strata Landscape Services, and so far, they have operations in Southern California and Salt Lake City, amongst others that are currently in negotiations.

“We felt like our skill sets and personalities mixed well to go create the right company to take advantage of the chaos”

“This is the group that can take on the chaos,” says Ben Green.

Both Green and DeJournett have spent over 50 years combined in the

“We’re focusing on the Southwest US. First we found the deals, and then we went out and found our equity partner Align Capital Partners,” says Crandall.

The trio spoke with over 50 private equity firms.

“Anybody who says raising money is easy is foolish or crazy,” laughs Crandall. “It is hard to find people who believe what you believe, who believe that this is the right way to unlock the value and are willing to give you the terms that you think make sense.”

The trio received three term sheets and Align lived up to their name. “They were aligned with what we wanted to do. They believed in the founders and this team, and so they’re invested in us out of a $625m fund. With that kind of backing, we have the resources to pursue acquisitions, so we’re very focused on finding deals and growing quickly.”

So, what are they looking for in an acquisition aside from geographical location? “We’re primarily focused on commercial maintenance,” says Crandall. “The recurring revenue maintenance fees with enhancements is most important to us.”

Essentially, they’re looking for businesses in the commercial landscaping industry with $5–25m in revenue with most of that revenue derived from recurring maintenance contracts.

But the acquisitions are only the first challenge. The second is converting these operations to electric.

“It’s not as simple as trading out your gas equipment for electric. Charging is a challenge. Training the guys that use it is a challenge,” says Crandall. For Green, it’s an exciting challenge—and one he knows that, along with automation, will make landscapers’ lives easier.

“The three of us coming together was the perfect combo. I’m an operator. I play in the dirt. But I also know that you can’t continue to do this on the backs of people. At some point, we must find some level of automation, so we can focus on people’s skills instead of just their ability to wield a shovel,” says Green.

“When we all got together it was this “aha” moment where I realized Jerry can sell it. Justin can fund it and find those opportunities, and I have a huge commitment to make sure that we can execute it in the field,” he continues.

The team believes that automation may be the answer to the ongoing labor crisis.

This is not an industry where you can automate away all the labor. Instead, it’s about being able to do more with less.”

Currently, they tell me the technology struggles to be reliable 100% of the time. But robotics and automation are already being deployed on golf courses across the country, and the team believes the technology will only advance.

Strata also understands acquisitions can be difficult for employees and they work to minimize uncertainty.

“The team believes that automation may be the answer to the ongoing labor crisis”

“Most people don’t want to go out and sit in the sun and work manually. If you can automate things, if you can make the job more interesting with robots, if you can create opportunities through growth, then you become a more interesting option for employees,” says Crandall.

Crandall also notes that robotics and automation can’t replace skilled laborers. “With automation, if I’m taking in the same amount of revenue as before and I’ve reduced my costs, I now can use that to lower costs to the end customer. I can pay my guys a little bit more. I can do all the above and take home a little bit more profit. It’s a win for everybody.

“We’ve got a culture and a methodology around how we communicate to these folks that we’re not coming in to make big changes,” says DeJournett. “We say, we’re coming in with big eyes, big ears, small mouth, right? We want to understand what they’re already doing. We want to listen.”

Making too many changes too quickly can risk the success of the business and the reason they acquired it in the first place, says Green. He says the goal in any acquisition is to preserve the magic.

“Every business has their magic. Their own secret, whatever it is that made them successful. If you’re quiet enough, and you listen enough, then you start to find out those little pieces that make such a significant impact, and we keep rolling that forward.”

4K Aluminum is the manufacturer and distributor of outdoor patio structures, motorized louvers, privacy walls, awnings, fencing, and gates.

Can you tell me a bit about how JKJ Workforce was founded?

I was in the circus business for 32 years. During my time in the circus, one of my duties was searching for new and different artists from around the world— as well as support persons for the circus, filing for legal work visas for those artists and support persons, and bringing them to the USA to work as per the terms and conditions of their visas.

Over time, the different visa categories and the regulations evolved, and other business owners who came to the circus were impressed by the efficient operations at the circus and asked for help staffing their businesses.

I researched the regulatory framework and began assisting other businesses in finding legal labor solutions catered to their specific business model.

What services do you offer?

We currently offer employers with assistance with all aspects of the H2A, H2B, P and O non-immigrant visa categories. We also offer employers and individuals assistance with all aspects of

DIGGING INTO THE H-2B VISA

James Kendrick Judkins, founder of JKJ Workforce, discusses the future of the H2B visa and how the changing immigration landscape may impact businesses

filing for permanent residence based upon employment or family ties.

We operate a separate recruitment website for potential H2A and H2B workers to benefit US employers searching for US and foreign workers.

We have had tremendous success strategizing with business owners, researching their individual situations, and planning out options to give them an edge over their competition to have their temporary workers on site, on time, each season.

augment their US workforce for seasonal or peakload workers, or depending upon undocumented workers for staffing.

The best option by far is filing for legal H2B visas, but the program is fraught with complexities and issues due to statutory limits on the number of available visas.

“The best option by far is filing for legal H2B visas, but the program is fraught with complexities and issues”

Why is the H2B visa so important for the landscaping industry?

The landscaping industry depends on manual labor. Workers who are ready, willing and able to work on a seasonal basis.

The H2B visa is currently the only visa option available to the landscaping industry. Landscape companies have the option of filing for H2B visas to

I have been involved in searching for solutions to issues of congressionally mandated cap of 66,000 annual H2B visas for more than 20 years. I am one of the founding members of the Seasonal Employment Alliance and a current director, and we are in the forefront of the battle for a permanent fix to the issues that currently plague the program.

Aside from the H2B visa, are there other visas that are important for the landscaping industry?

Currently the H2B visa is the only real option for temporary, seasonal or peakload, foreign workers for landscaping.

There are proposals to move all or part of landscaping into the H2A program, which has no limit, but very different parameters.

What is the cap on H2B visas?

Before 1986, when I first started doing visas for the circus industry, there was only one type of visa. In 1986, Reagan split it up into different types: H2A is agriculture and H2B is non-agriculture. The program put a cap on H2B at 66,000 visas a year, which was fine in 1986, but it’s not 1986 anymore. The economy has grown.

workers—meaning workers that had visas in the last three years, and specialty countries like Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador or Ecuador, because we want to target those countries for economic development. However, there’s no guaranteed number of supplemental visas per year.

How is the

“the demand for visas is three, four or five times the number of available visas”

Later on, this cap was split so that there’s 33,000 for the first half of the fiscal year, which is October 1 through March 30, and another 33,000 for April 1 on. If you look at the number of landscapers, just landscapers out there, that could possibly need workers starting April 1, the demand for visas is three, four or five times the number of available visas.

However, there’s something called supplemental visas, where the government issues a certain number of extra visas every year. There are considerations involved like returning

immigration landscape changing and what do employers and jobseekers need to know?

It is unpredictable. There are so many irons in the fire. Employers and jobseekers need to be educated and seek out the best possible agent or attorney for continual guidance.

We’re trying to have big changes in the program. There’s been some discussion around something called ‘certified employer,’ where if there’s an employee that’s been in the program for at least five years, and they’ve got a good record, then their visas would be in the future cap exempt.

There are also some provisions to try to move the H2B for landscaping industry, specifically into the H2A program. I

anticipate a lot of changes, but there are a lot of unknowns as well.

Where should landscape companies start if they’re interested in beginning the H2B visa process?

The best thing is to find an agent or an attorney that’s familiar with the process. There’s us at JKJ, but there are also a lot of others that are familiar with this and know what they’re doing. It’s always good to get a reference from someone already using the program or the Seasonal Employment Alliance.

There are now agents, employers, and people from across the US and a range of industries working to make the H2B visa program even better, ensuring it continues to evolve for the future.

James K. Judkins, president of JKJ Workforce Agency, Inc. has been active in securing legal foreign labor since 1978. He is one of the founders and current director of the Seasonal Employment Alliance and a member of many of the active coalitions on the frontline of foreign labor issues. jkjworkforce.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.

“IT IS ALMOST LIKE PLAYING BASKETBALL WHEN YOU’RE WORKING WITH A REALLY HIGH-LEVEL TEAM. EVERYBODY UPLIFTS EACH OTHER AND WE’RE ALL COLLABORATING. WE DON’T LIVE IN THESE SILOS”

Justin Fox shares how his belief that the future of landscape design could be different has built a social-media empire

In 2019, Justin Fox gathered his team into a conference room to test out a video conferencing tool, Zoom, to see if he was able to use it to present a design. In the pre-pandemic world, Zoom hadn’t yet hit the mainstream—but Fox was hoping it might be able to help him achieve a new way of doing business.

“There’s so much boundary around landscape architecture design that’s geographically connected. Usually when people want to find a landscape architect, the typical mindset is to think very local. I was wondering why that was, and I was trying to figure out if there was a way to kind of break that kind of mindset while still

delivering a premier service and a top tier product,” says Fox.

At the time, he was running a design build firm. He’d noticed an interesting phenomenon that was happening indoors that wasn’t commonplace in landscape design. “I started looking at a lot of the high-end interiors that were coming to life while I was working on the outside of these projects. With interiors, there’s a team of designers and architects, but they’re not also the contractor. There’s such a hyper focus on the details that allows for a synergy between the contractor and the architect or interior designer so that the max potential can come to life,” says Fox.

As lead designer of his own firm, Fox felt like he was missing out on that max potential. Between securing new jobs, designing, and managing the build amongst other business concerns, he felt like the majority of his energy wasn’t being spent on what was most important to him. Fox saw himself at a crossroads. Instead of having to handle every aspect of a project from design to build, was there another way?

“What if we hyper-focused on incredible design that is buildable?” he asks. “Having that construction background really gave me the foundation I needed to be

a good designer. But I thought, if I could be released from the construction part, managing all these kinds of moving parts, then I could actually put more bandwidth and bring power into the design. Then on top of that…what if we could get the best of the best to the table?”

But this new path meant stepping into the unknown.

“I hadn’t seen people leverage Zoom specifically for selling a design service, at least in my industry. There was some fear because I hadn’t seen it done before and we hadn’t proved it yet either. For me, fears typically surround things I can’t control, and I couldn’t control what the perception of this would be. What if we had no clients to support this kind of risk?” says Fox.

they needed to be visible and from the getgo social media was a key component of the Foxterra business model.

“I remember having one of our first team meetings with just the three of us, and I said who cares if we end up being the best design firm in the world if no one knows about us? I truly believed we had to go all in on exposure. If we didn’t, it wouldn’t matter if we had all these great systems and all this great talent.”

Though social media has been a key instrument in their efforts to break down geographic barriers, starting out was unfamiliar territory for Fox.

“What if we had no clients to support this kind of risk?”

Six years later, Foxterra has 1.3 million followers on TikTok and 222,000 on Youtube. It’s been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and HGTV, as well as in print in Architectural Digest, Time Magazine, SoCal Design, and the list is only growing.

It’s clear that the leap of faith has been a resounding success—but it’s taken a driven team of professionals and an incredible amount of work to get to where they are today explains Fox.

Though the team has now grown to 30, Foxterra began with only three employees, Fox, his brother Nate, and a videographer.

Fox knew that no matter what, if they wanted to find clients across the country,

“My wife did a lot of social media work in the past, and she told me ‘social media needs to be a social thing where people put a personality behind it.’ She really challenged me in the very beginning of Foxterra to just show up every day”

One of the first posts Fox remembers making was of his desk. “I remember just taking out my phone and showing these cool designed feet that I made for my desk. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew that if I kept putting the reps in, it really helped. But I remember being fearful too, even in that showing up, because I didn’t know what people would think of me.” Fox realized he had two competing fears. “The bigger fear was of never trying this and never inventing something, because I was too afraid of what people think,” he adds.

It was important to Fox that their content felt personable.“Most landscape architecture content that we were seeing before we started felt really corporate. It was like here’s a finished photo or a quick pan. We wanted our content to be social. We didn’t want to throw away the playbook necessarily, but we always wanted to make sure it felt relatable.”

Part of that relatability has come from Fox and his brother stepping in front of the camera. They show before and after shots or zoom in on unique features of a project, but with a warmth and passion that is palpable. It is obvious the duo love what they do and are excited to share it with viewers. Their social media content stands in stark contrast to standard landscape architecture fare which doesn’t often showcase the team behind the design so prominently.

Prior to founding Foxterra, Fox’s design process began with basic dimensions and a rough 3D sketch. “Our virtual process removes the traditional barriers of builderled design, allowing us to work with clients who live anywhere and gives clients a more accurate preview of their future yard—with a detailed 3D walkthrough.

“Instead of creating the design based off a one-time, in-person site visit, our team rebuilds the property virtually to design with absolute accuracy. That means considering everything, down to details like where their neighbors’ windows are—so we can give them privacy—or where the sun hits at different times of day, for example.

The result is a design that’s much more detailed than if they had to choose a local design/builder.

“What’s significantly changed now is the amount of detail that goes in. Any qualified contractor can typically take our plans and have very clear material call outs for their area for planting. We have three licensed architects on our team now, and they’re able to work with all kinds of plant zones,” says Fox.

Foxterra has recently completed a job in South Dakota, with projects ongoing in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and elsewhere. Technology has played a key role in allowing the team to work successfully across disparate climates.

“We have software now that allows us to understand what some of the plant palettes are that work for a specific area. All the details from materials to planting to lighting can be significantly different in different time zones and areas,” says Fox.

But more than technology, a finely honed team is vital, explains Fox. “It is almost like playing basketball when you’re working with a really high-level team. Everybody uplifts each other and we’re all collaborating. We don’t live in these silos. When you’re a smaller firm, you might have one or two people working on the design. We’re a team of over 30 people now, and we’re all working on specific areas of the design. It has really helped us elevate.”

The other facet of Foxterra’s process that has made a dramatic difference is its partnership with local contractors.

“We’ve spent a ton of time physically meeting, going to sites, and talking with contractors. We have now about 50 preferred builders around the country that we really rely on.” Before even showing a client their design, Foxterra will have already met with the preferred contractor to ensure they’re on the same page regarding both pricing and construction constraints for that specific area.

“Having strong connections locally has been a huge way we have been able to leverage this kind of national approach”

“When we meet with the client, we have pricing in place before showing the design. I never want someone to get excited, and then we’re shattering that excitement because the cost is actually $300,000 over budget. Our goal is to always have a very clear picture for the client of design and cost. Having strong connections locally has been a huge way we have been able to leverage this kind of national approach.”

This relationship with their preferred contractors is mutually beneficial. Fox shares a recent example from a project in Florida. The preferred builder Foxterra worked with had been building for more than forty years, and previously their biggest residential job to date was approximately $1.7 million.

“They’re currently building a project for one of our clients that we designed that’s close to $4 million between the front yard, water features and backyard, giving this contractor a new all-time high for a project!” says Fox. “Through our design process, we were able to tap into that luxury wow-factor the client wanted, which in turn, opens the door to a whole new level of construction budgets being spent with the contractors.”

This partnership allows both Foxterra and its preferred contractors to continue to raise the bar for themselves.

“Now being a full design firm, it means Foxterra can focus on what we can do to draw the maximum potential out of a space and show clients something they didn’t even realize could be possible,” he adds.

“Which for clients who have that flexibility with their budgets, it then allows them to spend even more than they originally came to the table with and our contractors really love that. Ultimately, it’s a win-win for everyone!”

When asked what makes a Foxterra design unique, Fox says that though every project is different, he wants there to always be a sense of discovery.

Previous page: Resort-style yard with luxury materials, dramatic features and lighting

Current page left to right: Water bowl by water and accented with laminar jets overhead; dining area is designed with attention to detail; oversized daybeds built on floating platforms

“One of my favorite inspirations is Disney. I go there probably twice a month. But there’s something about when you walk through the different lands even though it’s like within a certain compound area you feel like you’re entering into a whole other zone. With our yards, it might not be that extreme, but I do want clients to feel that kind of wonder. Like, “Wow, oh my gosh, what’s that? What’s around the corner?”

When Fox speaks about landscape design, his voice is full of excitement, and it’s always been this way, he says, even from his childhood.

“I get so amped talking about landscape design because it’s been my passion since I was nine years old,” explains Fox. “I used to get money for Christmas and birthdays; I would go to Home Depot and buy plants and build my garden.”

He says that his work feels meaningful because it offers a real tangible space for families to gather, connect, and make memories. “What I absolutely love is that we’re not making teddy bears or chairs. At the end of the day, we’re making a product that connects families and friends, and it creates this oasis within someone’s own intimate space.”

Fox says that he loves hearing from clients whose yards have become intrinsic components of their lives. “These are clients for whom this is not a budgetary concern. Rather, they’re telling us ‘I love my yard so much, I want to have my own daughter’s wedding in our backyard’.”

That’s what keeps Fox excited to show up every day; the chance to craft spaces that make a difference for people, with a team that is passionate about what they do. “I think design is at the core of everything. From an office perspective, everybody loves design. When I come to work, everyone is excited about what others are doing. Everybody wants everybody to win.”

BUILT-IN GRILLS • COMPONENTS • FIREPLACES • PARTS • MORE

Among the BOULDERS

After being thrilled with the results of Custom Colorado Covers & Deck’s work at their previous residence, the clients requested Jonathan Moeller return to build a stunning outdoor space for their new residence.

The existing multi-level deck had begun to rot, and so the homeowners were seeking to replace it with a functional single level. They wanted a space that provided comfort for relaxing, dining, and offered easy access to their hot tub, but most of all they wanted the design to emphasize rather than detract from the stunning mountain views that surrounded their home.

They had two top priorities: preserving the existing hot tub deck and leaving the boulder edge free of railing for uninterrupted sightlines. The result is a space that tonally matches the property’s gorgeous natural character.

Moeller envisioned a design lived in harmony with the natural landscape around it. To achieve this, the deck was built directly into and around the boulders, so that it gives the appearance of having sprung up from the earth itself. Because precise cuts were required to be laid against the uneven rock, Moeller chose Deckorators’ Voyage Decking for its resistance to swelling, water absorption, and movement. Moeller also lowered the deck slightly to open the space and avoid a closed-in feel. The 1x4 top rail cap created a sleek profile that complemented the homeowners’ vision and provided unobstructed views of the mountain.

Previous page: An open, upper-level perch for gathering and uninterrupted views

Current page: Two-level, 600 sq. ft. deck; Deckorators® Voyage decking in Mesa scribed into natural rock for a seamless edge; Custom stair detail shaped to conform to boulders

The site, though scenic, provided a unique set of challenges. Working with the natural boulders was difficult and required precise scribing into uneven rock and engineering a beam that rested partially on a boulder.

Other challenges included safely navigating a twostory structure and excavating near an existing garden wall without compromising its integrity. Moeller and his team addressed each challenge through their experience, careful planning, and specialized tools.

One example of overcoming an onsite difficulty included using a scribing tool to capture the exact contours of the boulders and then cutting the decking boards at an exact 45-degree angle to create a secure fit that would remain stable over time and preserve the natural beauty of the space.

Sustainability was another key concern. For this reason, the homeowners declined any deck lighting, which not only reduced project costs, but respected the local mountain community standards, and minimized light pollution in the lush natural environment of Evergreen, Colorado. Sustainability was also achieved with thoughtful site integration. Rather than reshaping the terrain, the design celebrated and preserved the natural boulders to minimize environmental disruption.

The result is a project crafted in serene earth tones that feels effortless and seamlessly connected to its surroundings.

moveart creates interactive sculptures for playspaces and gathering places.

moveart offers a blend of aesthetic appeal and practical use, inviting people of all ages to engage with one another and their surroundings in unexpected ways.

LivingWater

TERREMOTO SILVERLAKE RESIDENCE

The final sentence of Terremoto’s bio on its website reads, “It is our goal to build gardens not for this civilization, but rather, the next; and to destroy the system with love and kindness.”

For Terremoto, this isn’t just a catchy slogan but is instead a guiding principle that informs all aspects of the company’s work. So, when the clients of this Silverlake residence approached the studio for help building a traditional pool in their backyard, Terremoto had another suggestion—a natural pool that utilized plants and beneficial microorganisms to clean the water rather than chlorine.

For the project, Terremoto worked with DG Builders, who were familiar with

the complexities of natural pools. The pool was split into a swimming area and a regeneration zone, as the aquatic plants used for filtration required shallow water, and the necessary pumps and equipment were hidden behind a nearby bush. Nestled next to a seating area and shaded by trees, the pool has a secluded quality one might expect from a property in Colorado or Oregon—not East LA. Though the natural pool does come with some constraints, namely that it can’t be heated above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the benefits are numerous. It is a thriving eco-system that is home to fish and plants, and in this case, significantly cheaper than a traditional pool; a conventional swimming pool built

REFERENCES

Construction

DG Builders

dgbuildersla.com

into the hillside would have required concrete caissons and cost closer to $200k, more than double what the natural pool cost.

Aside from the pool, the client’s brief included an area for dining and entertaining and ample shade, of which a stylish pergola offers

both. Although Terromoto typically favors minimalist tones in softscaping, the clients opted for a vibrant, colorful palette. Sustainability guided the choices, with over half the plantings native and existing hedges and olive trees seamlessly incorporated into the landscape.

Finally, the clients who were both avid basketball players hoped to share their love of the sport with their young

children. For the family, adult and toddler sized basketball hoops were built onto a concrete slab that kept concrete usage to a minimum and offered just enough room for playing without overwhelming the space.

The final project is one that takes careful notice of not only the client’s wishes and dreams for the space but pays consideration to the longevity and environmental impact of the

project. Terremoto’s work, of which this Silverlake project is a perfect example, challenges the status quo and aspects of design that are often overlooked as forgone conclusions, and yet it is also formally beautiful, unexpected, and thrilling. In these photos, we can see a project that prioritizes not only aesthetics but offers a home to the nonhuman beings (bugs, birds, and fish) with who we share our landscapes.

ABOUT

AWAKENING THE SENSES

DK GARDEN DESIGN

HOLLINGWORTH LAKE COUNTRY PARK

SENSORY GARDEN

DETAILS

David Keegan doesn’t typically take on commercial work.

When the Manchester-based garden designer does, though, it’s where there’s a community-based aspect to it, “where the wider public is going to get to interact with the space”—and the sensory garden at Hollingworth Lake Country Park had this in spades. Rochdale Borough Council had offered

its rangers’ previous site to the RSPCA for the charity to open offices and a cafe. So, the rangers were relocated to the adjacent plot of land, where the council also wanted to create a sensory garden for the public.

It approached Keegan to design the new space. He worked with park ranger Adam Clayton throughout the entire process—and is now working on another

project with him, to restore a Victorian park in the city center over the next few years.

Clayton coordinates and works with the Green Volunteers, a scheme started by the Rochdale Borough Council in 2007 that enables the community to help care for the park. The volunteers visit Hollingworth Lake Country Park twice a week—which is another reason Keegan was keen to take on the project.

“A lot of the time, with public realm projects, there’s either no budget for maintenance or no forethought for how it’s going to be maintained. But with this

one, there’s a team of volunteers who can take the garden forward – to develop it and maintain it so that it can only get better as the years go on.”

When Keegan visited the site for the first time, the prefabricated office had been set up for the rangers and there were a few trees surrounding the plot, but it was otherwise a blank canvas.

While not a huge plot of land at fewer than 700 m2, Keegan wanted to make it seem bigger by creating a sinuous journey through the garden while creating various opportunities for the community to engage in the space and connect to nature through different senses. The rangers’ cabin allowed Keegan the opportunity to create a journey between this and the planting.

As visitors enter

the garden, there are separate zones to explore, starting with two areas of wildflowers split by a winding path. This needed to be wide enough and use nonslip materials for wheelchairs to be able to access the garden.

The path leads to Corten steel woven planters where seating has been incorporated to encourage people to sit and enjoy the garden and where flag poles with long flowing ribbons provide the soundtrack.

A metal dome forms the focal point of the garden. The council wanted a structure under which it could run workshops for the local community, and Keegan’s first thought was to use living willow (Salix) to create this. But the sheer size of the structure would have made this difficult, and so he reached out to an artisan blacksmith sculptor he’d worked with previously, David Freedman, to create one out of metal.

Yorkstone recovered from the site during the groundworks, which had been put to one side, was then used to create the flooring beneath it. The dome is also covered in climbing plants such as honeysuckle, roses and winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) which, over time, will screen the structure, blending it into the landscape.

There are still willow arches that lead out of the dome which were weaved by Cherry Chong, who now runs her own workshops under the dome. These have been placed over a bark chip path, with a woodland area on one side and an allotment on the other where there are raised beds for growing edible plants that have also been designed with wheelchair users in mind.

This allotment area was meant to be on one flat level; however, as the team started looking into the site, they discovered a large concrete cover over a manhole. This couldn’t be removed as it was too large and the inspection chamber lid couldn’t be built on. So, Keegan had to alter the design for this part of the garden to make it across two levels.

The entire site had also been used as a dumping ground while transforming the RSPCA plot, meaning a lot of rubble and debris had to be cleared and freshly screened soil had to be imported.

Close to the allotment, on the wall of the rangers’ office, is a copper tree on which people or companies can sponsor a leaf and

Previous page: Snaking pathways provide interest

Current page left to right: Willow arches and steel activity dome; Bespoke bird bath; Bespoke oak seats inset into raised beds; Woven steel raised beds and inset oak seats

REFERENCES

General works

Green Volunteers rochdale.gov.uk

Soft landscaper Garden360 UK mygarden360.com

Topsoil

Drapers rdraperltd.co.uk

Dome sculpture, bird feeders

David Freedman davidfreedmansculpture.com

Living willow arches

Cherry Chung cherrychung.com

Oak seating and raised beds

Woodblocx woodblocx.co.uk

Metal edging, Corten steel planters

Steel Landscaping Co steellandscapingco.co.uk

Wildflowers

Pictorial Meadows pictorialmeadows.co.uk

Plants

Bespoke Garden Elements Ltd

Mulch

Grant Hartley Soil

Bark chippings, stone pathways, Breedon

Aggregates Golden Gravel (supply and install)

J A Cryer Excavation & Groundwork Contractors Ltd

have it engraved. This is a way of raising money to fund the ongoing planting and maintenance of the garden.

The existing planting was carried out by Garden360 UK with the help of the rangers. Fragrant plants such as lavender and rosemary, as well as herbs including mint and thyme, were used. Touch was also considered in the planting scheme, with soft grasses, for instance and Stachys byzantina for its leaves’ furlike coating.

“One of the things that really gave me a lift when I was up there taking photos

one day was overhearing a mother take a piece off one of the herbs, rub it, and tell her son what it was and get him to smell the plants. I thought, ‘that’s exactly what it’s meant to do’. It was seeing the garden in action,” says Keegan.

Native hedging including Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Corylus avellana, Viburnum opulus, Ligustrum vulgare, Rosa canina and Lonicera periclymenum lines the perimeter, benefitting the local wildlife.

There are also bird feeders, bird boxes, bat boxes, insect hotels and other

habitats such as wildlife rock piles to encourage biodiversity. “As well as it being a sensory garden for humans, it had to have wildlife front and center as well.”

Once further funding has been raised, there are plans to add seed dispersal units too. Seeds can be harvested from the surrounding fields, wildflowers and trees for visitors to take and propagate at home and plant in their own gardens.

The garden opened to the public last June but will continue to be adapted and evolved, with something for all the senses to enjoy.

Top to bottom: A space friendly to both humans and dogs; Planting team and memebers of Green Volunteers

ABOUT

David Keegan is an international, national and regional award-winning garden and landscape designer. His design philosophy centres on a naturalistic planting style. David’s garden design projects are located around the UK in Manchester, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire and North West England. dkgardendesign.co.uk

INNOVATION INSPIRATION MEETS

We sat down with Tom Glasby to learn why FutureScape USA is the can’t miss show of the year

This will be the first FutureScape event in the US. What is the legacy of FutureScape in the UK?

FutureScape in the UK is a cornerstone of the European landscaping market that supports the growth of industry suppliers and fosters a strong sense of community among attendees. The level of support it provides has made it a household name and that commitment is what we’re bringing to the US—and we aim to build on it at an even greater scale as we work to support this incredible industry here.

What sets FutureScape USA apart from competitors?

Honestly, there are so many things that set us apart. If I had to sum it up, I’d say the biggest difference is the focus of the show.

FutureScape USA is built around the future of landscaping. Every element from the exhibitors and content to the format and layout is designed to reflect what’s coming next in the industry. Our exhibitors are forward-thinking, innovative companies that are relevant to the real-world challenges landscapers

are facing now. The content is modern, engaging, and focused on practical issues that matter. And the show itself is an interactive experience where attendees can learn from the best, sharpen their skills, and prepare for what promises to be a very busy few years here on the West Coast.

Can you tell me about some of the wonderful exhibitors coming to this year’s event?

We’re incredibly proud of the exhibitor lineup this year.

For example, TimberTech is doing fantastic work in the outdoor living space, while SynkedUP offers smart software solutions that help landscape businesses streamline operations and focus their time where it really counts. We also have Eye of the Day, who are bringing stunning Mediterraneanstyle pots that are perfect for high-end developments, especially in California.

We’ve curated this exhibitor list to bring real value to our attendees. Every company is here because there’s a clear and present need for what they offer, and we’re proud to be the platform

connecting them with the professionals who need them most.

What are you most excited for at this year’s event?

There are so many things I’m excited about this year. But if I had to pick one, it would be the show gardens.

This year, designers from both the UK and the US will be competing in what we’re calling the “Ryder Cup of Landscaping.” These side-by-side garden builds showcase different cultural styles, plant palettes, materials, and spatial approaches. Seeing these concepts come to life in person is always a highlight for me, and I think our visitors are going to love it.

How can readers interested in attending learn more?

It’s super easy—just head over to FutureScapeUSA.com. You’ll find everything you need: a full list of exhibitors, event highlights, speaker sessions, and more. And best of all, registration is free, so you can secure your complimentary ticket and join us at the show this year!

TOPSOIL for

Alex Straughn shares how to manage topsoil

for sustainable landscaping

Imagine moving into a newly built home and discovering your beautiful new lawn struggling to survive. One Illinois homeowner faced this exact scenario: the landscaping company had laid sod directly on hard subsoil, with no topsoil whatsoever.

Despite diligent watering and fertilizing, the grass was weak and patchy because it had no healthy soil to root into. Planting a tree was even worse. Digging into the yard felt like breaking concrete due to the compacted clay left behind after construction.

This example underscores a fundamental truth in landscaping: Quality topsoil is the foundation of a sustainable, thriving landscape. When topsoil is lacking or degraded, plants struggle, maintenance costs soar, and the landscape’s environmental benefits decline.

Why Does It Matter?

Fertile topsoil is the loose, dark 3–10 inch “living skin” of the earth. It supplies plants with nutrients, moisture and a vast microbial community that recycles organic matter and gives soil its structure.

“Plants

It is ideally a loam with ~3%+ organic matter, it balances drainage, anchors roots to prevent erosion, cuts stormwater runoff and irrigation needs, sequesters carbon, and supports biodiversity from earthworms to pollinators. Good topsoil is the quiet engine of sustainable landscaping.

earthworms, etc—is constantly releasing nutrients in plant-available forms. For example, a healthy soil ecosystem with ample organic matter feeds plants and even helps protect them from diseases, reducing the need for chemical inputs.

growing in rich topsoil often require fewer synthetic fertilizers ”

Fertile topsoil naturally contains nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals. Plants growing in rich topsoil often require fewer synthetic fertilizers because the soil food web—microbes, fungi,

A diverse soil biota supports the nutrient needs of diverse plantings and can suppress soil borne pathogens naturally. Moreover, many native plants are adapted to local soil conditions. Preserving the native topsoil can help these plants establish more quickly. In practice, landscapers improve soil organic content through compost, mulch, and cover crops to mimic a natural fertile soil, which in turn supports pollinators and soil fauna. In essence, if you take care of the soil, the soil takes care of the plants, leading to lusher gardens that also feed butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects.

Topsoil in Sustainable Landscaping Practices

• Nutrient Cycling and Reduced Chemical Use: Fertile topsoil and its soil food web release plant-available nutrients, cutting the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

• Water Management and Resilience: Good topsoil soaks and stores rain, improving drought resilience and reducing stormwater runoff (vital for rain gardens and bioswales).

• Erosion Control and Soil Stability: Deep, healthy topsoil encourages roots that hold slopes in place, preventing gullying and keeping sediment and nutrients out of streams.

• Biodiversity and Plant Health: A diverse soil biota supports varied plantings,

suppresses soil pathogens, helps native species establish, and sustains pollinators and other wildlife.

Challenges with Topsoil Topsoil is often missing because construction strips or compacts the rich upper layer to make way for foundations, basements, and utilities, leaving nutrientpoor, compacted subsoil that’s hostile to new plantings; as a result landscapers frequently must import or rebuild soil (ASLA recommends clean, well-tested topsoil free of weeds, pathogens, and stones with proper pH and organic matter), and sites often require tilling or subsoiling to break compaction. Best practice is to protect and stockpile existing topsoil during construction for later reuse.

Top tips for Managing Topsoil Sustainably

Despite these challenges, there are many strategies landscaping professionals can use to ensure topsoil supports a sustainable landscape:

• Preserve and Reuse Existing Topsoil On-Site: Whenever possible, preserve and

“Think of it like building a house. You wouldn’t skimp on the foundation”

stockpile existing topsoil before grading, protect piles from erosion—cover or plant a cover crop—and redistribute it after construction to maintain the local soil ecosystem and cut costs.

• Import High-Quality Topsoil and Amend as Needed: When soil is poor or gone, source topsoil from a reputable supplier, verify it’s dark, weed and contaminant free, test pH and fertility, apply generous depths—typically 4-6” for lawns, 8–12” for beds—and loosen the subsoil/topsoil interface so roots can establish.

• Improve Soil Organically: Treat soil building as ongoing. Regularly top dress with compost, mulch beds, and use cover crops or deep-rooted plants—e.g., radishes—to break compaction and gradually increase organic matter.

• Avoid Practices that Strip or Sterilize Soil: Protect cultivated topsoil by minimizing heavy machinery on wet soil, avoiding unnecessary grading or removal, using chemicals sparingly, and employing simple protections—plywood paths, boardwalks—to prevent compaction and preserve soil life.

Simple steps like using board paths for wheelbarrows or temporarily laying plywood for equipment can protect soil during maintenance work. And when adding features like hardscapes, try to disturb as little of the surrounding topsoil as possible, or plan to rehabilitate it afterwards.

Topsoil might not be the most glamorous aspect of landscaping, but it is absolutely one of the most important. For sustainable landscaping, which strives to create enduring, low-input, environmentally-friendly outdoor spaces, respecting and nurturing the topsoil is job number one.

Think of it like building a house. You wouldn’t skimp on the foundation. In the same way, wise landscapers know that investing in soil quality sets the stage for everything else. When you start with a base of rich, wellstructured topsoil, plants root deeply and robustly, lawns stay greener with less water, flowers and trees resist pests better, and the whole landscape simply flourishes.

Aquascape: Your Partner in Building Beautiful, Profitable Landscapes

Aquascape shares why more contractors than ever are choosing an ecosystem approach

From its start in 1991 with Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, Aquascape has pursued a single mission: to connect people to water the way nature intended. What began as Wittstock’s vision to bring the beauty, serenity, and ecological benefits of water features into everyday landscapes has grown into a global movement. Today, Aquascape is the leading innovator, educator, and partner for contractors who want to expand their businesses by offering water features that customers love.

For landscapers looking to diversify their services and increase profit margins, Aquascape, located in St. Charles, Illinois, provides more than just products—it

provides a proven system, unmatched training, and an entire lifestyle movement that inspires customers to say yes to water in their backyards.

The Ecosystem Approach to Building Water Features

One of the biggest advantages Aquascape brings to contractors is its ecosystem approach to ponds and water features. Aquascape designs products that replicate the balance of nature. A healthy pond built the Aquascape way includes biological and mechanical filtration, the right pump, aquatic plants, fish, and natural elements like rocks and gravel— all working together to keep the water clean, clear, and low maintenance.

“One of the biggest advantages Aquascape brings to contractors is its ecosystem approach to ponds and water features”

feature manufacturer that field-tests its products with its own installation team before they ever hit the market. This hands-on approach means every pump, skimmer, liner, and decorative fountain is proven in real-world conditions, installed by contractors who face the same challenges you do.

For landscapers, this translates into confidence. You know the products you’re installing have already been tested for durability, ease of installation, and longterm performance.

Unmatched Training Opportunities

For landscapers, this means you’re not just installing a water feature; you’re creating a living, thriving ecosystem that becomes the heart of a backyard.

Field-Tested Products Backed by Experience

Aquascape is the only water

Aquascape understands that success with water features goes beyond great products—it requires great training. That’s why the company offers a wide range of opportunities for contractors to learn, connect, and grow:

• Aquascape Academy: In-depth training events held in St. Charles, Illinois that combine classroom learning with handson builds.

• Aquascape University: An online learning platform packed with videos, courses, and resources you can access anytime.

• Regional Builds and Events: Onthe-road training experiences where you learn by doing —installing ponds, waterfalls, and fountains alongside

Aquascape experts and fellow contractors.

• Pondemonium: The world’s largest gathering of water feature professionals, offering hands-on training and networking.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Aquascape; it’s part of the company’s DNA. The Aquascape Rainwater Harvesting System allows homeowners and businesses to capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation and decorative water features, reducing strain on municipal systems and conserving a vital resource.

Through the Aquascape Foundation, these systems have been installed in communities around the world that lack access to clean drinking water. For landscapers, partnering with Aquascape means being part of a company that not only helps you grow your business, but also makes a real difference globally.

Trusted by Celebrities and Influencers

Aquascape water features have caught the attention of celebrities, influencers, and media personalities from Shaquille O’Neal to Tom Brady, Adrian Grenier to Cesar Millan. Animal lovers like Jill Rappaport, Kamp Kenan, Brian Barczyk, and Dr. Pol have all partnered with Aquascape to create stunning ponds and habitats.

These high-profile installations help elevate awareness and demand, driving everyday homeowners to seek out Aquascape contractors to bring the same lifestyle into their own backyards.

Power of Social Media

In today’s marketplace, visibility drives demand—and Aquascape has mastered this through social media. With over five million followers across various platforms, Aquascape consistently shares inspiring content that showcases the beauty and benefits of water features.

When homeowners see Aquascape’s ponds, fountains, and waterfalls online, they start looking for local contractors who can deliver the same experience. That demand translates into leads and jobs for landscapers who partner with Aquascape.

Aqualand: Workplace Utopia

At the heart of Aquascape’s operations is its headquarters, affectionately known as Aqualand. This 256,000-square-foot facility embodies the company’s mission and

culture. Inside and outside, you’ll find a 600,000-gallon signature pond, a formal recreational pond, and a variety of display water features that showcase what’s possible with Aquascape products.

Aqualand was designed with sustainability in mind, earning Silver-Level LEED Certification upon completion. For visiting contractors, Aqualand isn’t just a workplace— it’s a living classroom and a source of inspiration.

Why Landscapers Choose Aquascape

For landscapers, the decision to partner with Aquascape is about more than selling a product. It’s about joining a movement that:

• Increases profit margins with highdemand features.

• Provides unmatched training and ongoing support.

• Offers proven, field-tested products.

• Drives customer demand through global marketing and social media.

• Connects you to a network of likeminded professionals.

Water features aren’t just an add-on; they’re a way to differentiate your business, delight your clients, and create projects that inspire referrals and repeat business.

Opportunity Awaits

Since 1991, Aquascape has grown from a visionary idea into the world’s leading water feature company. Its ecosystem approach, innovative products, global reach, and dedication to contractor success make it the go-to partner for landscape contractors, retailers, and distributors who want to expand services and grow their businesses.

By joining forces with Aquascape, you’re not just adding ponds, waterfalls, and fountains to your portfolio—you’re tapping into a lifestyle movement that brings people closer to nature while building a profitable, sustainable future for your company.

For more information about Aquascape products and services, visit aquascapeinc.com

ELEVATE YOURoutdoors

Leading companies showcase their premium, high-quality decking solutions

TimberTech

TimberTech Harvest+

TimberTech’s Harvest+ Collection features the performance benefits of Advanced PVC decking with an aesthetic of beautifully aged patina for a natural, lived-in look. Available in two elegant colors, Toasted Wheat and Timber Gray, this collection offers a refined wood grain visual with subtle, lowgloss patterns designed to mimic the timeless beauty of natural wood. Engineered for extreme durability, the deck boards resist water damage and fading. The Harvest+ Collection features Class A Flame Spread rating. Testing is in progress and this collection is expected to be WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) compliant, making it a smart choice for fire zones. Harvest+ is backed by industry-leading 50-Year Fade & Stain and Limited Lifetime Product Warranties. timbertech.com

Deckorators

Summit Decking with Surestone® technology

Summit Decking is a composite decking solution engineered for durability, safety, and ease of installation. Manufactured with Surestone® technology, the boards are 35% lighter than standard composites, which provides increased stability and slip resistance. They are suitable for ground and water contact and require minimal maintenance. Summit is available in three low-gloss, wood-toned colors (Glacier, Boulder, and Cliffside) and is designed to meet industry priorities such as cost efficiency, safety, and durability.

deckorators.com

Bosen

Bosen Flooring Composite Decking

Bosen Flooring’s composite decking features and benefits include termite and water resistance and easy installation and maintenance. The product is environmentally friendly and aesthetically close to real timber. It is the ideal product for outdoor decking and has various applications including patios, balconies, poolside areas, gardens, and other landscape projects. bosenflooring.com

Lighting the Way, RESPONSIBLY

How can we balance public safety and environmental sensitivity through lighting design in public spaces?

In 1878, Paris, France became the first city in the world to illuminate its streets and pathways with electric lighting. By the early 20th century, this bright, glittering innovation had become the norm, with electric light firmly established as the standard for public illumination in urban areas.

As technology advanced and human settlements expanded, so too did the reach of artificial lighting. We have lit our way through the darkness to create supposedly safer, more convenient environments for ourselves - but have we paused to consider the consequences this is having on not just our own safety, but the well-being of wildlife in these areas?

responsible outdoor lighting practices that minimize light trespass, glare, and skyglow, with the intent to better protect the environment and the public.

Public Safety

“If you can see the light sources in a lighting layout where you are, it’s going to be difficult to then see people’s faces.”

When considering public safety, it has arguably been the assumption that the brighter a space, the better—but lighting program manager at DarkSky, James Brigagliano, says this isn’t necessarily the case; harsh flood lighting can actually have the reverse effect.

The brightest part of a light is the LED inside...What we’re trying to do at night is allow your eyes to adapt to a dark space. And they can adapt, if the light levels are reasonable.”

A 2019 study of more than 80 locations in Melbourne, Australia, found that excessive urban lighting did not alleviate women’s fear when travelling at night.1

Founded as the International DarkSky Association in 1988, DarkSky is a non-profit organization advocating for

Brigagliano describes how when an area is flooded with undirected light, our eyes look to the source, obscuring our vision in the process. But by adding a shield, the light spill is redirected, allowing for greater visibility. “The main thing is not having a visible source.

He explains that by flooding an area in undirected, high voltage light, we create a “glare bomb”. The LED is the brightest thing in your field of view, making it harder for our retinas to adjust or see anything past the glare. “If you can see the light sources in a lighting layout where you are, it’s going to be difficult to then see people’s faces.”

Brigagliano demonstrates how by attaching a lighting shield to the torch, the glare is reduced but the surrounding area remains illuminated. “When you shield that light source, you are just

illuminating surfaces, which is really what you want to be lit, so that you can see where you’re going. Now, your eye has enough range to expose for the dark and lighter areas, and your overall vision is going to be way more acute.”

The Impact on Wildlife

As well as the impact on public safety, studies on the Artificial Light at Night Database show that light pollution has also had an adverse effect on ecosystems and wildlife.

“Anytime you have a light that’s on your property and it’s not shielded, that light is just going to travel. If it’s coming out at a high angle, like 80 or 90 degrees or more, it’s going to travel until it hits something like trees for example.”

Many species of wildlife rely on natural darkness for navigation, feeding, and reproduction; birds could become disoriented during nocturnal migrations, insects can be drawn away from essential habitats, and mammals may alter their movement patterns to avoid illuminated areas. Over time, these disruptions can fragment ecosystems, interfere with breeding cycles, and reduce the availability of food sources, creating a ripple effect that potentially threatens the balance of entire habitats.

“There’s also a lighting application part of this. This is where a lighting design professional would be involved because it also depends on where you put light fixtures. If you have a property, you put light fixtures right on the edge of your property border, right? But if you

have a pond or a reserve or something next to it, you’re going to have light spill”, which as Brigagliano says is going to impact local wildlife “so you’ve got to put them in the correct spots.”

Lighting Responsibly

So how can we combine functionality with environmental sensitivity? DarkSky and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have produced five key principles to adhere by when incorporating lighting into a scheme— in order of priority, they are:

“Only use the light if it’s needed... If you don’t need it, don’t put a light there.”

“If you’re trying to light a path, light the path. Don’t light beyond 20ft on each side.”

“Don’t light [a space] brighter than necessary... Because what we find a lot of times is that installations go in and they’re 10 times brighter than what the standard is, and that’s a waste.”

“We’re talking about lighting controls like timers and motion

sensors, things that will make sure that the light is off if it’s not being used.”

“Use warmer colour lights when possible. But it’s also specific to your project. If you’re in an urban setting, you could probably get away with 3,000k no problem. But, if you’re in a sea turtle nesting area then you probably need an amber light.”

These principles have also been incorporated into the IEC standards, which Brigagliano believes is just the beginning—“in a couple of years from now, there’ll definitely be more DarkSky language in revised existing standards, and there could even be some new standards that are including DarkSky principles.”

So, while we’re continually looking for ways to improve our public realms, it is also key to remember that these spaces are not ours alone; they are shared with the natural world, and our approach to lighting should reflect that shared responsibility, with the added benefit of improving our own safety in the process.

1. https://theconversation.com/more-lighting-alone-does-notcreate-safer-cities-look-at-what-research-with-young-womentells-us-113359

To find out more about the DarkSky movement, visit darksky.org

What’s up next for

DESIGN

Get involved in our November 2025 issue

Our November issue will highlight paving and living walls, and there are lots of ways to get involved! November will include a “Go and See” feature on the exciting companies attending FutureScape USA, industry advice and opinion pieces from our stable of amazing contributors, and of course three gorgeous portfolios.

For editorial inquiries: Celia

Cummiskey Deputy editor

Want to see yourself in Pro Landscaper USA? Reach out today!

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FROM GRAY to Green

Transforming Corporate Campuses into Biodiversity Hot Spots

Corporate landscape professionals are under growing pressure to create spaces beyond refreshed flowers in the spring and appropriate blooms in the winter. Today’s campuses are expected to pull their weight ecologically as well. Rewilding company grounds shows that it’s possible to strengthen public image by restoring habitats without the added maintenance costs. What was once mostly concrete is now filled with native grasses and flowering perennials, and it’s spreading to Ford, Apple, Google, HP and Taylor Morrison.

Take HP’s Boise campus as an example. By replacing 40 acres of turf grass with drought-tolerant native plants, it cut watering and mowing costs in half, slashed emissions by 90% and saved nearly 82,900 cubic meters of water each year. The facility hit two birds with one stone. What looked like a simple landscaping change turned into real bottom-line savings while positioning the enterprise as a sustainability leader.

“When brands rethink their landscapes, they often discover that healthier ecosystems and lower operating costs go hand-in-hand”

Why Biodiversity Pays for Corporate Campus Landscaping

When brands rethink their landscapes, they often discover that healthier ecosystems and lower operating costs go hand-in-hand.

The ecological benefits of shifting to native plants for greenery match the financial ones. Native plants have centuriesworth of adaptive root systems that go as deep as 15 feet and are better acclimated to native drought patterns and harsh environments. They’re also part of a larger ecosystem and are shown to be four times more attractive to pollinators than exotics.

However, non-native ornamentals remain a critical part of their diet.

Beyond the numbers and the wildlife, there’s also the value of public recognition. Businesses that invest in biodiversity often stand out in certifications and community reputation. Expedia shows how this plays out in practice. Its Seattle campus earned Salmon Safe, SITES Gold and LEED v4 Gold, while also linking employees and visitors to a revitalized Elliott Bay waterfront trail. The result is a healthier ecosystem, and a workplace people feel proud to be part of.

How to Shift from Manicured Turf to Functional Biodiversity

Corporate campuses show that small, strategic choices can create sustainable landscaping for people and nature. Here are a few approaches:

1. Strategic Rewilding

Today, only 23% of the world is wilderness, as humans occupy the remaining space.

Instead of leaving unused areas like turf lawns and parking lots as ecological deserts, they can rewild into habitat-rich meadows. These areas provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and small mammals and improve water health.

Carefully planned plantings can create visual interest throughout the year, with seasonal blooms and textures that enhance the campus experience. Rewilded landscapes also provide natural cooling, with grassed areas measuring up to 24 degrees Celsius or 75.2 Fahrenheit cooler than concrete.

Successful implementation requires attention to regional climate, soil and native species. Landscapers should select plants adapted to USDA hardiness zones, seasonal rainfall and local wildlife patterns

2. Seed for Function

At Google’s Mountain View headquarters, design teams approached planting with purpose. Native oaks were reintroduced as a connected canopy alongside buckeye, sycamore and willow trees. Historically, oak woodlands dominated Silicon Valley, supporting roughly 2,000 plant species, 5,000 insect species and a broad array of birds and small mammals. Restoring these trees re-establishes ecological networks and enhances shade, food availability, and nesting opportunities for wildlife.

Careful understory plant selection increases habitat value in addition to trees. Wildflowers attract pollinators, while native shrubs and perennials provide cover. Species are chosen for ecological function, not just ornamental value, ensuring the site contributes to regional biodiversity.

Follow its lead by breaking up perennials, changing mowing routines and choosing tough native species. Each step saves labor and money while keeping the campus attractive. When done thoughtfully, maintenance becomes a tool for supporting nature, not just tidying the grounds.

4. Incorporate Hydrological Fixtures

Water management can play a critical role in enhancing corporate biodiversity. Rain gardens, bioswales, and retention ponds collect runoff while providing habitat for amphibians, insects and birds. These features slow water flow, filter pollutants and increase soil moisture for surrounding plantings, reducing irrigation needs.

• Sky-glow is the diffuse illumination seen over urban areas, often from unshielded upward-facing fixtures.

Glare from artificial lights can disturb wetlands, interfering with frogs and toads that perform their breeding calls at night and disturbing the ecological balance.

Even small-scale installations like permeable planters or rooftop catchments contribute to ecological function and create opportunities for native aquatic and semiaquatic species. By integrating hydrological elements, campuses can support wildlife, improve stormwater management and showcase visible sustainability practices.

5. Lighting for Ecology

“Rain gardens, bioswales, and retention ponds collect runoff while providing habitat for amphibians, insects and birds”

Outdoor lighting is essential for safety and navigation on corporate campuses, but poorly designed illumination can harm nocturnal wildlife. Light pollution comes in three disruptive forms, all of which affect habitats:

3. Low-Impact Maintenance

Maintenance routines can reinforce corporate biodiversity rather than disrupt it. At Expedia, ground crews divided ornamental grasses on-site to create little pollinator habitats, adding wildlife value without extra resources. They also adjusted mowing schedules so flowers could bloom fully, which gives insects and birds more food and shelter. Mulching and composting cut down on chemical fertilizers, and using less water protects sensitive plants.

• Light trespass occurs when light spills into adjacent ecosystems, which can disrupt natural behaviors.

• Glare can interfere with human safety and disorient wildlife.

ABOUT

It also confuses migrating birds so much that millions become victims of building collisions.

A few simple choices can make a big difference. Shielded fixtures keep light focused where it’s necessary, while warmer colors are gentler on nocturnal animals, helping them maintain their natural routines. Pairing this with careful aiming ensures illumination reaches only the right areas. Smart controls can dim lights when spaces aren’t in use to keep people safe without compromising natural rhythms.

Where Wildlife and Workspaces Thrive

Corporate landscapes sit at the crossroads of design, ecology and operations. Swapping out turf for purposeful plantings, adding structured soil systems and focusing on long-term habitat instead of short-term looks is a sticking point. Biodiversity in corporate campuses saves money, improves environmental performance, and gives the teams who plan and maintain these spaces professional pride.

Rose Morrison is a freelance contributor with over a decade of experience covering sustainable landscaping, hardscaping solutions and urban garden design. Her expertise bridges the gap between technical landscaping knowledge and accessible content. She specializes in commercial landscaping innovations, sustainable resource management, and helping professionals navigate trends and best practices. roseamorrison.com

Messy The Middle

Why Your “Imperfect” Content Actually Works Better

Look, I’m going to be straight with you. That photo you just posted where everything looks too perfect? People can smell that from a mile away. Don’t get me wrong, polished content has its place on your company page—but when it comes to your personal brand as a leader, people want the real deal. We want to see behind the curtain.

Your mistakes are content gold

a caption you typed straight from your experience? That’s the one that gets people commenting, sharing, and asking questions. Authenticity stands out. You can do this and it’s actually easier than you think.

“Your mistakes are content gold”

Here’s what happens with my clients all the time: A project goes sideways. Equipment breaks. The weather doesn’t cooperate. And they think, “Great, now I have nothing to post.”

Wrong. That frustration you’re feeling? That problem you just solved on the fly? That’s exactly what people want to see. Because people are dealing with the same stuff. When you share how you handled it, you’re not just posting content—you’re teaching. And teaching builds trust. Trust builds business.

Stop overthinking every post

Here’s the best part: You don’t have to spend hours crafting the perfect post. We don’t need perfect stories, perfect ChatGPT copy, or perfect anything. Just speak from your heart about what happened. That quick photo you snapped while dealing with a client issue, with

Turn problems into conversations

Here’s my favorite trick: End your “messy middle” posts with a question.

• “Ever had a client change their mind mid-project? How’d you handle it?”

• “Is there a plant you think would’ve done better in this dry, sunny spot?”

• “What would you do if this happened to you?”

People love to help. They love to share their own war stories. Suddenly, you’ve got a comment section full of your ideal clients and peers telling you about their challenges—which, by the way, is market research you can’t buy.

Start small, gain confidence

If vulnerability feels scary, start with the small stuff. Share a win but include the moment you almost made the wrong call. Show the before-and-after, but mention what you learned along the way. You don’t have to air your deepest business fears online—just pull back the curtain a little. Allow people to see that you’re human.

Ready to stand out?

You already have everything you need to stand out. Every challenge you’ve solved, every creative workaround you’ve discovered, every moment you’ve collaborated with a client—these are your superpowers.

Your competition is polished, but you have something better: you’re real. And in a world of perfect Instagram squares, real wins every time.

The clients who connect with your authentic stories don’t just hire you— they become your biggest fans. They refer their neighbors because they’ve seen not just what you create, but the thoughtful professional behind the transformation.

So go ahead. Share that problemsolving moment. Post that honest conversation. Your next great client is waiting to see the real you in action.

I’ll be here to cheer you on!

is the founder of OnLawn— a digital marketing agency helping lawn, landscape, and green-industry businesses stand out. With a background deeply rooted in the industry, she blends strategic marketing, storytelling, and personal branding to help leaders grow their visibility and credibility online. onlawn.io

Interviews Little The

Ryan Hudson

Baker Commercial Landscaping bakerlandscaping.com

Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? Japan. I have always been fascinated with bonsai gardens and even had a few bonsai trees when I was a kid.

You’re on vacation— lounge on the beach or explore a new city?

plenty of sun during the workweek. I’d rather wander the streets, check out the local landscapes, and see what plants are thriving in a whole new environment.

Best piece of advice?

Make friends wherever you go. Listen to their advice and learn from their experience. Nothing will take you farther than a strong support group.

Karaoke song?

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

More emphasis on trades in school. We need more young people interested in what we do and wanting to pursue a career in landscaping.

Trend you’re tired of?

Using artificial turf to eliminate maintenance. Artificial turf has its place, but I hate to see it being used in wide, open areas where a natural lawn or live plants could thrive.

Who would play you in a movie?

Wondering Why by The Red Clay Strays. I love Folk/Americana music. I love their style and Brandon Coleman sings with raw emotion and has a hint of Elvis Presley at times. The message of that song is awesome!

Dream project?

Explore a new city, hands down. I get

Designing and installing an irrigation system that integrates soil moisture sensors, weather stations and weather forecasting to predict watering needs. Using a rainwater collection system would be the icing on the cake! I love helping clients save water and promote healthier landscapes through smart watering practices.

WANT TO TAKE PART?

Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber. Sure, he’s goofy and a little misguided, but his optimism is bulletproof. He never lost sight of his goals—like driving to Aspen on a minibike in the middle of winter—and you’ve got to respect that level of commitment.

Couldn’t get through the week without…

Family, close friends and a strong cup of coffee. That’s what gets me through those long weeks.

Pro Landscaper USA asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part email celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com or scan the QR code.