OTR has expanded its line of Grass Master turf tires with the new Grass Master XT tire for riding, stand-on, and zero-turn mowers.
NALP launches Landscape Business Management Certificate Courses to equip owners with skills necessary to grow successful landscape businesses.
The Seed Research of Oregon® brand has officially transitioned to Seed Research by DLF™.
The Cat 903 compact wheel loader makes work easier with its Cat C1.7 engine, offering 17% more horsepower than the previous model.
To support those recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Progressive Insurance has committed over $3 million to various organizations.
Envu has announced an agreement to acquire In2Care®, a company specializing in development & commercialization of mosquito control products.
The Toro Company (TTC) recently announced that John McPhee, General Manager of the Irrigation and Lighting Business, will be retiring at the end of December, following 29 years of distinguished service with the company. McPhee, who has been an instrumental leader at TTC, will transition his leadership responsibilities to Neville Mody, effective November 1. McPhee will remain in an advisory capacity until his retirement to ensure a smooth transition.
John McPhee
“John’s contributions over nearly three decades have been transformative for both our company and the irrigation and lighting industries,” said Edric Funk, Group Vice President, Golf, Grounds & Irrigation at The Toro Company. “His deep-rooted dedication to customer success, continuous innovation, and sustainable solutions has paved the way for the next generation of leadership.”
McPhee’s collaboration with The Toro Company commercial leadership team has driven momentum in delivering innovative and integrated customer solutions. These efforts have helped lay the foundation for lasting improvements in both customer service and product offerings that will benefit the company for years to come.
Neville Mody
Neville Mody, who currently serves as General Manager for Toro’s agricultural irrigation business, will take on the additional responsibility of leading the Irrigation and Lighting Business. Mody has a proven track record in enhancing stability within the agricultural sector, while expanding product diversity and building strong relationships with customers.
“Neville’s leadership, especially his commitment to sustainability and innovative solutions, makes him the ideal leader to guide our Irrigation and Lighting business forward,” said Funk. “We are confident that Neville will continue to build on the success and momentum John has established.”
Mody joined The Toro Company in 2006 as a Product Manager in Marketing and has since held several leadership roles, including Managing Director of the Americas Ag Irrigation business. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from San Diego State University.
Milwaukee Tool has expanded their PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System with eight new PACKOUT™ Tool Box Attachments. These new solutions securely lock onto PACKOUT™ metal reinforced corners, allowing professionals to carry more and quickly access tools, parts, and materials, enhancing jobsite productivity. This expansion highlights the versatility of the PACKOUT™ system allowing users to fully customize their tool boxes across site, transit, and shop for professionals of all trades.
“There are various jobsite needs that our users are constantly reaching for, like hand tools or batteries. These Tool Box Attachments will provide easier access to tools like this, transforming our user’s stacks into a more of a mobile workstation.” explains Matt Vargo, Vice President of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool. He adds, “While working in the field alongside professionals, we have seen a need for innovation that helps users transport larger tools, like levels, conduit benders, or other longer handled solutions that don’t fit inside of toolboxes. The Toolbox Attachments will store these on the outside of stacks, reducing the number of trips back and forth between the van.”
The PACKOUT™ M18 Battery Rack Attachment and the PACKOUT™ M12 Battery Rack Attachment provide quick battery access and clip-in battery storage. Both battery racks fit all M18 and M12 batteries storing up to 3 batteries each. With an impact resistant body, they are built to withstand the hardest jobsite conditions.
The PACKOUT™ 3-Hook attachment has a 30lb weight capacity designed to store and quickly access power tools and more. The adjustable 3-position hooks save space by allowing hooks to be adjusted to the left or right when not in use.
The PACKOUT™ Long Tool Holder Attachment will include an upper and a lower tool box attachment that directly locks onto metal reinforced corners. This attachment features spring loaded gates to easily store and retrieve longer tools such as levels or conduit benders. With the ability to hold 3 long tools, this attachment has a 25lb weight capacity when mounted to the PACKOUT™ stack allowing users to carry more with side storage.
The PACKOUT™ Tool Box Caddy Attachment stores hand tools, accessories, and more. The adjustable dividers deliver further customization and can be stored on the back of the attachment with on board storage when not in use. The metal reinforced belt clip rack provides another level of storage for belt clip tools and maintains shape when fully loaded.
The PACKOUT™ Tool Box Tray Attachment stores bins, bit cases, and more to quickly access parts and materials commonly used on site. For maximum durability to withstand tough professional jobsite conditions the PACKOUT™ Tool Box Tray is built with an impact resistant body.
The PACKOUT™ Tool Box Compact Plate delivers the capability to store organizers, hooks, racks, and holders, and more on the side of their stack. This side mount has a 30lbs weight capacity that allows professionals to carry more and have quick access to storage.
The PACKOUT™ Tool Box Attachment Mounts securely lock onto the metal-reinforced corners, allowing all PACKOUT™ Tool Box Attachments to easily connect or swap out with quick release. Each Attachment will include a set of PACKOUT™ Tool Box Attachment Mounts. The adapters are designed with impact resistant bodies and a 25 lb. weight capacity for professionals to fully customize their tool box.
With the addition of PACKOUT™ Tool Box Attachments, the Milwaukee PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System now has over 100 solutions for users to choose from to fully customize their storage for site, transit, and shop reinforcing PACKOUT™ the most versatile, reliable and portable modular storage system in the industry.
The annual Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards Ceremony took place on October 17, 2024, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. It honored contractors, producers, and designers for their outstanding contributions to the hardscape industry. This year’s event celebrated exceptional residential and commercial hardscape projects, highlighting creative and innovative designs across various categories, including walkways, patios, pool decks, outdoor living spaces, commercial plazas, streets, and more.
With 215 project submissions across 19 categories, the competition showcased hardscaping excellence in materials such as concrete pavers, clay bricks, retaining walls, adhered thin veneers, porcelain, natural stone, and vintage installations. Categories also included projects that featured a combination of hardscape products and outdoor living features.
The 2024 HNA Awards program was produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). The event was proudly sponsored by iQ Power Tools, a leader in innovative tools designed for the construction industry.
Greene Residence
View all winning project images here.
2024 HNA Awards Recipients:
ADHERED THIN VENEER – Residential
Winner – Greene Residence – Hillsborough, CA
Contractor: Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape, Inc.
Producer: Stone Universe Incorporated
Designer: Steve Turner
Honorable Mention – Finley Residence – Naples, FL
Contractor: David Nelson Masonry
Producer: Cooper Stone Wichita White
Designer: Homeowner
VINTAGE INSTALLATION
Winner – Lorain Mile-Long Pier – Lorain, OH
Contractor: Gator Construction Inc.
Producer: The Belden Brick Company
Designer: Behnke Landscape Architect
Honorable Mention – Westgate Town Center Plaza – Kissimmee, FL
Contractor: Paverscape, Inc.
Producer: Flagstone Pavers
Designer: Baker Barrios Architects
NATURAL STONE PAVEMENT
Winner – Hemisfair Civic Park – San Antonio, TX
Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry
Producer: Best Block, Amerimix – Jewell, An Oldcastle Company, SPEC MIX, Mustang Metal & Supply, Mezger Stone
Designer: Grant Stewart – GGN
Honorable Mention – Tranquil Waters: Yellow Stone Inspired Lakeside Retreat – Stafford Springs, CT
Contractor: E.A. Quinn Landscape Contracting
Producer: Skyline Quarry Flagging
Designer: Tim Jewett
Lover’s Lane
OUTDOOR LIVING FEATURES
Winner – Lover’s Lane – Port Jefferson, NY
Contractor: Royal Stone and Masonry
Producer: Cambridge Paving Stones
Designer: Shane Herbert
Honorable Mention – Unique Extras – Carmel, IN
Contractor: Vive Exterior Design
Producer: Unilock
Designer: Ryan Coyle
CLAY BRICK PAVEMENT – Residential
Winner – The Manse – Wenonah, NJ
Contractor: Ledden Palimeno
Producer: Pine Hall Brick Company
Designer: Joe Palimeno
Honorable Mention – Madison – Scottsdale, AZ
Contractor: European Pavers Southwest, Inc.
Producer: Old Chicago Brick
Designer: Rex Mann
PORCELAIN PAVER PAVEMENT – Commercial
Winner – 40 Trinity – Boston, MA
Contractor: Allegheny Contract Flooring
Producer: Daltile
Honorable Mention – Centennial Plaza Redevelopment – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Contractor: Seasonal Impact
Producer: ROMEX
Designer: PFS
The Christmas House
PORCELAIN PAVER PAVEMENT – Residential
Winner – Cielo – Residence – Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Contractor: Western Outdoor Design & Build
Producer: Belgard / Mirage
Honorable Mention – Christmas House – Nashua, NH
Contractor: Greatscapes By R&R Landscaping Inc.
Producer: Daltile
Designer: R & R Landscaping
RETAINING WALLS – Commercial
Winner – The Garden of the Empty Tomb – Altoona, PA
Contractor: Kerr Landscaping and Maintenance Inc.
Producer: R.I. Lampus Company
Honorable Mention – Miner Memorial Park – Frostburg, MD
Contractor: Lashley Construction Co.
Producer: York Building Products
Designer: Bennett, Brewer & Associates
Honorable Mention – The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center – Gaithersburg, MD
Contractor: Ross Contracting
Producer: York Building Products
Designer: ECS
Maple House Canary Island
CLAY BRICK PAVEMENT – Commercial
Winner – Maple House Canary Island – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Contractor: ORIN Landscaping at RONI Group
Producer: The Belden Brick Company
Designer: CCxA
Honorable Mention – Project in Wyckoff Township – Wyckoff, NJ
Contractor: Evergreen Landscape & Design
Producer: Glen Gery Brick
Designer: Victoria Maroldi
RETAINING WALLS – Residential
Honorable Mention – Rosenblum’s Backyard – Bellmore, NY
Contractor: JAS Aquatics
Producer: Marmiro
Designer: Jesse Schreier & Jarret Greco
Winner – Backyard for All Ages – Birmingham, AL
Contractor: Natures Edge LLC
Producer: Belgard
Designer: Natures Edge LLC
Old World Meets Modern Day
SEGMENTAL CONCRETE PAVEMENT – Permeable
Winner – Permeable Poolscape – West Hartford, CT
Contractor: Mather Clarke
Producer: Unilock
Designer: Mather Clarke
Honorable Mention – Old World Meets Modern Day – Zionsville, IN
Contractor: Vive Exterior Design
Producer: Unilock
Designer: Mike Broge
SEGMENTAL CONCRETE PAVEMENT – Commercial (more than 15,000 sf)
Winner – O-Town Glasshouse – Orlando, FL
Contractor: Paverscape, Inc.
Producer: Artistic Paver Manufacturing
Honorable Mention – The Club at The Meadows – Lake Forest, CA
Contractor: Precise Pavers
Producer: Belgard
Designer: C2 Collaborative
SEGMENTAL CONCRETE PAVEMENT – Commercial (less than 15,000 sf)
Winner – Scottsdale Civic Park – Scottsdale, AZ
Contractor: European Pavers Southwest
Producer: Ackerstone
Designer: City of Scottsdale
Honorable Mention – Needham Town Common – Needham, MA
Contractor: MJ Cataldo Inc.
Producer: Ideal Concrete Block Co.
Designer: Beta Group
SEGMENTAL CONCRETE PAVEMENT – Residential (less than 3,000 sf)
Grown Expectations
Winner – Grown Expectations – Smithville, MO
Contractor: JPave
Producer: Keystone
Designer: Jason Stewart
Honorable Mention – The Royalty Project – Manorville, NY
Contractor: Royal Stone and Masonry
Producer: Cambridge Pavingstones
Designer: Shane Herbert
SEGMENTAL CONCRETE PAVEMENT – Residential (more than 3,000 sf)
Winner – Make it WOW! – Carmel, IN
Contractor: Vive Exterior Design
Producer: Unilock
Designer: Ryan Coyle
Honorable Mention – Ultimate Backyard Envy – Northford, CT
Contractor: Torrison Stone & Garden, LLC
Producer: Techo Bloc
Designer: Brian Murphy
COMBINATION OF HARDSCAPE PRODUCTS – Commercial
Winner – Downtown Ecosystem – Springfield, IL
Contractor: Knob Hill Landscape Company
Producer: Belgard and Aquascape
Designer: Knob Hill Landscape Design Team
Honorable Mention – The Station at San Marco – Jacksonville, FL
Contractor: Construction Specialties of North Florida, LLC
Producer: Belgard
COMBINATION OF HARDSCAPE PRODUCTS – Residential (more than 3,000 sf)
Functional Poolscape in Simsbury
Winner – Functional Poolscape – Simsbury, CT
Contractor: Clarke Landscapes
Producer: Unilock
Designer: Mather Clarke
Honorable Mention – Eroto’s – River Hills, WIContractor: Pro HardscapeProducer: BelgardDesigner: Jon Schultz
COMBINATION OF HARDSCAPE PRODUCTS – Residential (less than 3,000 sf)
Winner – Natural Poolscape – Bolton, CT
Contractor: Clarke Landscapes
Producer: Unilock
Designer: Mather Clarke
Winner – The Miller Project – Wyomissing, PA
Contractor: New Castle Lawn & Landscape, Inc.
Producer: Techo Bloc and Quarry Cut Old Philadelphia Ledgestone Veneer
Designer: Phil Neri
Honorable Mention – Hardscape Hero April 2022 – Mechanicsville, VA
Contractor: New Leaf Landscaping Inc.
Producer: Belgard
For more information, click here.
Building on the success of last year’s introduction at Equip Expo of zero-turn and push mowers, STIHL Inc. has taken their 2024 opportunity at the 2024 show to launch the AZA 700 Series battery-powered stand-on mowers. Featuring an industry-leading 24 kWh lithium-iron battery, the AZA 700 Series offers cutting deck widths of 48″, 52″, and 60″, with a remarkable run time of up to eight hours on a single charge.
STIHL has also added to their push mower lineup with the addition of five battery models and two gas models, as well as an ever expanding lineup of professional-grade battery tools – including the new BRA 500 and 600, STIHL’s most powerful blowers yet, rivaling the BR 600 and 700.
“As an industry leader, we take a 360° approach to equipping landscapers with the tools and solutions they need to make informed purchasing decisions tailored to their business needs. This means going beyond just the products. STIHL offers a comprehensive range of charging solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of professionals: overnight, on-the-go, and at the jobsite.”
Additionally, STIHL recently introduced its latest battery charging solution, the ProPower Hub. The intelligent charging management solution can sequentially charge up to 30 batteries overnight using a standard 120V/15A circuit, providing optimal power for most crews to operate for a full day.
For more information on the latest updates and new product announcements, click here.