Just as an automobile will run better and last longer with regular tune-ups and oil changes, a landscape lighting system will perform better with regular routine maintenance. Some contractors forget to discuss maintenance programs with their clients, so existing systems don’t maintain their performance over time. Customers are aware that bulbs must be changed when they burn out, but are …

What gets residential landscape customers excited?   We surveyed professionals around the country about products, services and enhancements they’re adding into their proposals to stand out from other contractors. Here’s what landscape pros said is popular with their clients AND profitable to sell: Custom design. Inspired by home lifestyle shows on television and beautiful photo spreads in magazines, customers are attracted …

The labor crunch is real.  There’s more work than most companies can handle.  Finding new employees seems impossible in a tight labor market. What are the smart contractors doing?  They’re looking for new ways to get more done with the same number of people. We’ve compiled an entire booklet of creative productivity enhancers that will streamline your operation to help …

Selecting the right irrigation pump for your project can feel like an overwhelming task. Choosing the right pump can affect your budget, timeline and the longevity and performance of your irrigation system. The experts at the Central Pump Hotline have the knowledge and resources to help you pick a pump for your application. What information do you need? It’s important …

Professionals hate the dreaded customer call-back. Doing the same task twice wastes time and chews up profits. You can’t get to other customers because you’re back at the same place. They destroy your schedule and your profits. Customers hate callbacks too. They hate having to complain. They hate taking another day off work. They hate staring out the window waiting …

For years, professionals lived by a simple rule when establishing a new lawn or overseeding:  never apply weed control as it will limit the ability to raise a healthy stand of turf. This meant that weeds had free reign to germinate and compete with the new turf for up to a full month.   Then they would need to be controlled …

While Congress took action to raise the quota for H-2B visas in late March, many contractors are deeply worried that the changes come too late for 2018. The US departments of Labor and Homeland Security must still process thousands of applications before the season hits. In February, over 144,000 visa requests had been filed for 66,000 slots. The March changes …

As one of the fastest growing full-service distributors of irrigation, turf supplies, outdoor living products and contractor equipment, Central continues to add new store locations to better meet the needs of professional contractors. In spring 2018, the company announced another wave of expansion, opening new stores in 5 states.  Additional new stores will be announced in additional waves throughout the …

1) Traditional Spring Yard Cleanups –  Customers always like their landscapes to look their best to start the season.  Always offer a specific spring clean-up visit where your crews can pay extra attention to leaves, branches, spring pruning, bed edging/mulching and more. Professionals report these cleanups are significantly more profitable than in-season mowing services, so start early and book as …

According to the Wall Street Journal last month, “a nationwide truck shortage is forcing thousands of shippers into a tough choice: postpone all but the most important deliveries, or pay dearly to jump to the front of the line.” The pinch has been caused by several factors: freight volumes have risen due to a strong economy new DOT regulations have …