Phone - 808 269 - 0089
Laulimalandscaping@gmail.com

Uncategorized

You are here: Home » Uncategorized

Want To Be Featured In “The Yardstick” Business Profile?

August 14, 2024 Uncategorized 0
Turf Magazine currently shines a spotlight in every issue on a business owner in the Lawncare and Landscape Industry. The feature profiles landscape and tree care company success stories, specifically how the founder/owner has grown the company from the ground up. Dubbed “The Yardstick“, it’s meant to serve as an honest timeline of milestones, setbacks, and growth.
Do you want to potentially be featured in an upcoming edition of Turf? Please fill out the form below for more information.
Contact Managing Editor, Jessica Schwartz (jessica@groupc.com) for more information:

First, please tell us who you are and how to reach you.



STIHL Strengthens Investment in Battery Power

August 13, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Through 2025, STIHL, Inc. will invest over $60 million towards battery manufacturing at their headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA. This includes the production of battery-powered blowers, pruners, trimmers, and multi-attachment tools. It will also see the assembly of over five different battery packs to power those units.

Please see below for more details:

The STIHL product range currently includes more than 80 battery-operated tools for consumers and professionals. Thirty new battery-operated products are scheduled to hit the market worldwide over the next two years.
STIHL aims to increase the share of sales from battery-operated products to at least 35% by 2027, with a target of 80% by 2035. In support of that goal, STIHL Inc., the US operations for the STIHL Group, converted 84K square feet of warehouse space to battery tool manufacturing in 2023.
In 2023, battery unit production accounted for 16 percent of all units produced at STIHL Inc., compared to five years ago when just one battery-powered model, the BGA 56 blower, was assembled in the U.S.
As a result of record sales over several years, operations expanded by nearly 50%. This resulted in over 1,000 new US manufacturing jobs since 2020 at the Virginia Beach headquarters.

“In producing our battery products here in the United States, we prioritize excellence, leveraging our vertically integrated manufacturing processes to ensure the highest quality standards,” said STIHL Inc. President and CEO Chris Keffer.

 

For more recent coverage from Turf Magazine, on STIHL’s committment to battery power, click here.

For Turf’s most recent Get Equipped: Battery Powered Equipment product spotlight feature, from the April 2024 Issue, click here.

Bobcat Invests $3.26M In Buford, GA Facility Renovation

August 13, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Bobcat Company recently completed a $3.26 million renovation at its Buford, Georgia facility. The site is home to Bobcat’s North American material handling sales, service, marketing, parts and logistics departments.  More than 180 employees currently work at the Buford location, a significant increase since 2022.

 

Bobcat Company recently completed a $3.26M renovation at its Buford, GA location. (Photos courtesy of Bobcat Company)

 

Bobcat manufactures worksite solutions including loaders, excavators, tractors, utility vehicles, telehandlers, mowers, turf renovation equipment, light compaction, portable power, industrial air, forklifts, attachments, implements, parts and services.  The company recently brought material handling into the Bobcat brand, transitioning from Doosan Industrial Vehicle to Bobcat early this year.  The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat Inc., a company within Doosan Group.

“The growth of the Bobcat brand into the material handling industry allows us to provide even more solutions to help our customers accomplish more.” 

— Jarrod Steck, VP Material Handling Products, Bobcat

Bobcat’s investment in its Buford facility modernized conference rooms, break rooms and office spaces; improved the interior design, finishing and furnishing to align with other Bobcat locations; and updated exterior signage. Featuring open seating and no cubicles, the enhanced spaces support cross-functional teamwork and engagement.

“Investing in our facilities and operations to create collaborative, inspiring workplaces is one of many ways that Bobcat supports our employees,” said Mike Ballweber, president, Doosan Bobcat North America. “Fostering our company’s success alongside the dedicated team in Buford is a priority for us. We are thrilled to provide them with a work environment that encourages collaboration and drives innovation.”

The 200,000-square-foot facility houses a state-of-the-art parts operation which supplies over 30,000 line items to support its affiliate groups. Additionally, the material handling product line includes 179 separate models with a full range of diesel, gas, liquid propane gas and electric forklifts, with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 55,000 pounds.

Click through the gallery below for a closer look at Bobcat’s renovated Buford, Georgia facility.

“The growth of the Bobcat brand into the material handling industry allows us to provide even more solutions to help our customers accomplish more,” said Jarrod Steck, Bobcat vice president of material handling products. “Our Buford team has grown by 40 percent in the last year and is still growing. Bobcat’s investment in both people and facility illustrate our level of commitment to growing Bobcat’s presence in this important market.”

Shultz + Associates Architects supported the architecture plans, while Omega Construction served as the general contractor of the facility renovations.

Bobcat’s regional headquarters are located in West Fargo, North Dakota, and the company has additional U.S. locations in Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Its global corporate headquarters are located in South Korea, and the company has numerous locations around the world.

Click here for more Turf news about the Bobcat Company. 

DOI Announces Community-Led Local Park Projects Investment

August 12, 2024 Uncategorized 0
The Department of the Interior announced $46.7 million in funding through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program . The money will fund the redevelopment or creation of 10 local parks in Tucson, AZ; Porterville, CA; Des Moines, IA; Kansas City, MO; New Brunswick, NJ, Garner and Raleigh, NC; Cleveland, OH; and Houston, TX.
The announcement brings the total nationwide investment of ORLP grant funding in 2024 to nearly $127 million. The Department previously announced a $21.9 investment in March 2024 and $58.3 million in November 2023.
Children practice paddling in a canoe at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Park in St. Louis, Missouri. This project received $990,000 in Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership funds in 2021 and opened spring 2024. Photo Credit: Great Rivers Greenway
“Through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, the Interior Department is investing millions of dollars for locally led projects that are creating new city parks and rehabilitating existing outdoor spaces, all driven by the needs and vision of local communities,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.
The announcement follows a nationwide tour by Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. During the tour, Estenoz to heard directly from community members on their need for access to the outdoors, and to encourage state participation in the ORLP program.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Round 6c Selected Projects
Arizona 
City of Tucson – $2,995,448 
Jacobs Park Revitalization and Expansion  
The Jacobs Park project addresses stormwater infrastructure, plants 310 new trees and improves recreation facilities. It redevelops the park to create a softball complex, new skate park, two additional soccer fields built to tournament standards, and futsal and pickleball courts. It also expands the dog park, eliminates a parking lot, and creates a family-use area with a playground, picnic and grill area and adds a new restroom and concessions building.
California
City of Porterville – $2,500,000 
Sante Fe Sports Complex  
The project constructs a new park on city-owned undeveloped land consisting of 585 native drought tolerant plants, futsal, pickleball and multi-sport courts, an amphitheater, gazebo, restroom, and solar lighting throughout.
Iowa
City of Des Moines – $5,291,000 
Birdland Park and Marina Master Plan Improvements Phase 1  
The existing 53-acre park is improved with a playground, splash pad, skating ribbon, water trail, open-air shelters with river overlooks and a new deck. It also adds a park building with restrooms, rental and concessions, improved parking, stormwater management controls, landscaping, fishing areas, a power boat ramp, a pier and dock, lighting, benches and bike racks.
Missouri 
Kansas City – $4,250,000 
Swope Park Improvements  
This project substantially renovates and improves the northwest area of Swope Park. It targets approximately 215 of the park’s 1,805 total acres. Improvements include a neighborhood connection trail, 10,000 square-foot destination playground, renovations to five shelters, and a bandstand. The project also adds pedestrian and bicycle safety interventions along access roads.
New Jersey 
New Brunswick – $2,041,770 
Neilson Street Park Project  
This project creates a 1.19-acre passive park incorporating a dog park, amphitheater seating, play areas, shade trees, seating, and sculptures.
North Carolina 
Town of Garner – $8,500,000 
Yeargan Park Development Phase 1  
This project supports Phase 1 of the 64-acre Yeargan Park plan and provides stornwater retention facilities, four multi-use sports fields, a path connecting the park to historic downtown Garner, a play area, large picnic shelter, restrooms, paved parking, and utility work.
City of Raleigh – $8,679,930 
Smoky Hollow Park Implementation  
This project includes development of a natural and passive park, restoration of Pigeon House Branch, and first phase of the development of the Pigeon House Greenway Trail. Grant funding supports erosion control, stream restoration, and wetland construction. It also supports construction of stormwater features, retaining walls, stream crossings, park amenities, public plazas, walkways, site furnishings, public art, and landscaping including native meadows, woodlands, natural habitat and buffer plantings, ornamental landscape areas, and lawns.
Ohio
Cleveland Metroparks – $2,000,000 
Forest Hill Park Restoration  
The project repairs park infrastructure in 249-acre municipal park, Forest Hill Park. It repairs and replaces a baseball dugout and bleachers, adds a press box, scoreboard, lighting, and fencing.
City of Cleveland – $461,332 
Clark Avenue Park Project 
The project creates two distinctive park areas for an approximate quarter acre space. It provides a playground, swing set, splash pad, ornamental fencing, charging station, plaza with benches, game tables, and seat walls. The secondary park features a plaza with picnic tables and an open use playfield.
Texas
Houston Parks and Recreation Department – $10,000,000 
MacGregor Park Improvement Project  
The proposed project improves existing infrastructure, including a tennis center, adult baseball field, youth multipurpose field, concessions and restrooms, and an amphitheater, community plaza, and event lawn.

Land and Water COnservation Fund (LWCF)

The ORLP program, was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). It enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors in economically underserved communities.
In August 2024, Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis announced the distribution of $325 million from the LWCF Stateside Assistance Program to all 50 states, territories, and D.C. This was the largest annual distribution from the program since 1979.
Community leaders celebrate at a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Photo Credit: Great Rivers Greenway

The program helps advance the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative. The initiative is a locally led, voluntary conservation and restoration effort that aims to address nature and climate crises. It also targets the improvement of equitable access to the outdoors, and to strengthen the economy.

Since its inception in 1965, the LWCF State and Local Assistance Program has funded more than 46,000 projects in every county in the US. In 2020, Congress permanently funded the LWCF at $900 million per year with wide bipartisan support through the Great American Outdoors Act. The LWCF supports increased public access to and protection for federal public lands and waters — including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas. It also provides matching grants to state governments for the acquisition and development of public parks and other outdoor recreation sites.
For more Turf Magazine coverage of The Department of the Interior, click here.

Harrell’s, Spraye & Lawn Care CEO Offer Business Building Bootcamp

August 9, 2024 Uncategorized 0
Employee-owned Harrell’s® has partnered with lawn care CRM developer, Spraye, and Lawn Care CEO, to bring lawn treatment professionals a completely FREE Business Building Bootcamp.
Single-truck or small fertilizer and chemical business owner raking in revenue but still not bringing home much profit? Start a “mow & blow” business and want to increase profit by adding fertilization and weed control services? Want to network with fellow lawn business owners while learning from industry experts how to revolutionize business? If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes!”, this event may be perfect for you.
Throughout the bootcamp, the most important topics for lawn businesses will be discussed in depth. With business growth and profitability in mind, those in attendance have the opportunity to gain invaluable insight, industry friends, and calculators + tools.  Networking, information and equipment are such an integral part of the lawn care and landscape industries. Bootcamp takeaways will help professionals run a healthier, more robust lawn care business.
The bootcamp schedule will be broken down into five distinct sections:
Pricing Your Work Profitably
Hiring the Right People
Building a Profitable Program
Setting the Vision for 2026
Software System Excellence
Attendees will hear from knowledgeable speakers during the bootcamp. SPeakers include: Dan Ralphs and Aaron Suttenfield, the Co-Founders of Lawn Care CEO, Brian and Caitlin Schlichting, the Co-Founders of Spraye, as well as Cort Hall, Harrell’s Territory Manager. They all offer invaluable insights into creating a profitable and reliably functioning lawn treatment business that we know will help you make strides that previously seemed impossible.
To get registered for the Business Building Bootcamp, brought to you by Harrell’s, Spraye and The Lawn Care CEO, taking place on August 20th in Carmel, IN, click here .
For Turf Magazine‘s latest “Tech & Business Management” Issue, released in December of 2023, click here.

Plants, Patents & Partnerships: National Aquarium Unveils Harbor Wetland

August 9, 2024 Uncategorized 0

In Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium has launched Harbor Wetland, a 10,000-square-foot floating wetland that mimics a Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat. Located between Piers 3 and 4, the wetland features more than 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses and is based upon sustainable innovations developed by the Aquarium’s conservation and exhibit fabrication teams.

Harbor Wetland is a free and accessible experience available to Inner Harbor visitors. The $14 million project is funded by CFG Bank, with support from The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, The Bunting Family Philanthropies and Constellation, the Aquarium’s philanthropic community, as well as local, state, and federal government support.

After months of construction, the Harbor Wetland exhibit is complete. (Official Images_Credit/ Philip Smith, National Aquarium)

 

“Harbor Wetland is the culmination of 12 years of research, innovation and determination,” said Aquarium President and CEO John Racanelli. “We’re so excited to welcome Baltimore residents and visitors out onto the water for a close-up view of the vibrant, living habitat taking root here in the Inner Harbor.”

A Floating Classroom

Harbor Wetland is a functional constructed wetland, a floating classroom, and engaging public attraction, outfitted with docks and walkways, and shade cover. Interpretive signage allows guests to learn about the wetland and its species while highlighting seasonal changes and the sights and sounds of the harbor. The habitat is made up of recycled plastic matting planted with tidal wetland shrubs and grasses native to the region. The plants’ roots will grow down into the water, providing microhabitats for dozens of native species and drawing nutrients and contaminants from the water. The matting is coated with a UV protectant for durability and fixed to a system of air-regulated pontoons that allow for adjustable buoyancy of the wetland to offset weight gain from growing biomass.

Water circulates through the wetland’s shallow channel by compressed air pumped into the channel using strategically placed airlifts. Compressed air is supplied to ceramic airstones positioned at the bottom of custom-designed six-foot-long airlift pipes. Thousands of tiny bubbles produced by the airstones rise to the surface, moving water through the wetland’s shallow channel. Bubbles also release oxygen into the surrounding water, benefitting aquatic species by raising dissolved oxygen levels and keeping water moving throughout the wetland as it would during tidal changes in a natural tidal marsh.

“Natural habitat restoration is a key part of our all-hands-on-deck strategy to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. That’s why I’ve fought to support the National Aquarium’s efforts to create this floating wetland right in the heart of downtown Baltimore. Not only will this innovative approach bring Bay wildlife back to the Inner Harbor; it will also serve as a living educational resource, helping strengthen the culture of shared responsibility for protecting our treasured Bay for generations to come,” said Senator Van Hollen, who worked to secure $564,700 to support this project through Congressionally Directed Spending and the Chesapeake WILD program.

Photo Gallery: National Aquarium Harbor Wetland

Plants, Patents And Partnerships

Application for three scientific patents has been submitted to the U.S. Patent Office under the direction of General Curator Jack Cover, a 37-year veteran of the National Aquarium; Director of Field Conservation Charmaine Dahlenburg, who oversees the Aquarium’s hands-on conservation projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay region; and Director of Exhibit Fabrication & Operations Paul Valiquette, who manages the Aquarium’s award-winning exhibit fabrication team. The patents sought relate to the buoyancy and aeration systems that make this floating wetland project different from previous prototypes developed at the National Aquarium and elsewhere. Patents are pending. The wetland system that now serves as the foundation for Harbor Wetland is an expansion of the ultimate successful wetland design that has been in the water between Piers 3 & 4 of the Aquarium’s campus for seven years.

(Photo credit: National Aquarium)

 

The project is transformational not only for the Aquarium and the Inner Harbor, but also for perceptions of the Inner Harbor, according to Cover.

“We hear so much negative talk about Inner Harbor water quality, but there is life in this water and there always has been,” he said. “My hope is that when people see the life this wetland attracts, from tiny microorganisms to fishes, crabs, water birds and even small mammals like muskrats and otters — all of which we’re already seeing here — they might reconsider our local waterways and perhaps even take better care of our natural surroundings.”

“The National Aquarium is one of my — and my family’s — favorite places, and our team at CFG has actively volunteered to help plant Harbor Wetland, so I couldn’t be more excited for its opening,” said CFG Bank CEO Jack Dwyer. “I’ve always been passionate about giving back to organizations rooted in education and recreation, and over the years, CFG has been proud to support the National Aquarium to further its mission. The opening of Harbor Wetland is an incredible milestone.”

Second Time’s A Charm For This Landscape Upgrade At Mission Boulevard Linear Park

Repurposed materials brought new life to the landscape at Mission Boulevard Linear Park while lowering its carbon footprint. Read more…

Throughout the process of realizing the vision for Harbor Wetland, the Aquarium’s team partnered with Baltimore-based architects Ayers Saint Gross, who integrated the science developed at the Aquarium into the design of the project’s “dry” and wetland functionality. In the construction and build-out of that final design, Baltimore’s Whiting-Turner served as the contractor, working within plans, conditions, and materials unique to this first-of-its-kind structure. At the project’s inception in 2014, Chicago-based Studio Gang participated as the original concept architects.

These partnerships were critical and transformative, according to Aquarium Vice President of Planning & Design Jacqueline Bershad.

“When undertaking something that has not been done before on this scale, it is so important to have partners who not only see but also believe in your vision,” said Bershad. “We have benefitted beyond measure from the expertise, flexibility and cooperation of our partners.”

Click here to read more about innovative design, build and installation projects. 

Unilock ® Scholarship Helps Shape the Landscape Industry

August 9, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Unilock wants to help the next generation of landscaping leaders follow their dreams and make their mark with its Paving the Future Scholarship. The company has awarded $175,000 to 35 students since 2022 and is looking for the next cohort of talented recipients.

Anaya Marshall 2022 Scholarahip Winner

“We introduced the Paving the Future Scholarship in 2022 to commemorate our 50th anniversary and we have seen a strong response in applications for the past two years,” said Diane Williams, VP of Marketing at Unilock. “The landscape design and construction industry is a growing field and we are proud to continue to support this growth by recognizing the future innovators and thought leaders in the landscape profession.”

Unilock® founder Ed Bryant established his first paver manufacturing site in North America in 1972. He brought a passionate, collaborative, and innovative spirit that helped kick-start the hardscape industry. The Unilock Paving the Future Scholarship celebrates Ed Bryant’s legacy by investing in the next generation of landscape architecture and construction leaders.

“We have been so impressed with past recipients of the scholarship,” said Williams. “We are looking forward to watching their careers grow and seeing the lasting imprints they make in the world of landscaping.”

The scholarship is open to students enrolled in their final year of a landscape architecture or landscape construction post-secondary program in the US and Canada. Unilock will award $5,000 to each scholarship recipient, helping to seed the new generation of landscape design, landscape architecture and construction leaders by supporting educational expenses including tuition fees, but also as a partner to call on for support and resources as they start their career.

Key Dates for Students

Application deadline: September 16, 2024
Winners notified: October 11, 2024

Scholarship Eligibility and Evaluation

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be a permanent resident of the US or Ontario, Canada
Be enrolled in their final year of a full-time, post-secondary undergraduate or graduate program within landscape management, landscape construction, horticulture landscaping, turf grass management or related field at a vocational school, community college or University; students in an Apprenticeship program are also eligible
Demonstrate academic excellence, maintaining a minimum cumulative average letter grade of B and show a desire to pursue a career in their field of study
Demonstrate leadership and an ongoing commitment to their community

How to Enter

To enter, students within the landscape construction or landscape architecture fields of study must submit an application, including answering questions describing why they are passionate about a career in landscape construction or landscape architecture and how they intend to actively contribute to the overall industry. Applicants may access the application online for landscape construction or landscape architecture.

Click here to apply.

Information about Unilock Paving the Future Scholarship

For students within the landscape construction, landscape management, horticulture
landscaping, turf grass management or related fields of study: landscape construction
For students within the landscape architecture, landscape design or related fields of
study: landscape architecture

Click here to read previous Turf Magazine coverage of Unilock’s Paving the Future Scholarship

WRI Tractors of Bryan Texas Joins Takeuchi’s NA Dealer Network

August 8, 2024 Uncategorized 0

WRI Tractors, located in Bryan, TX, is now carrying Takeuchi’s full line of compact equipment, including track loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, and crawler dumper.

“We’re very pleased to now offer Takeuchi’s quality equipment here in Southeast Texas,” said Quinton Williams, president of WRI Tractors. “Since we opened for business back in 2016, we’ve focused on providing this area with the highest-value agricultural equipment. By adding Takeuchi machines to our line-up, we’re able to provide a wider range of customers, including construction professionals, with equipment that can help them be more efficient and productive.”

Family-owned and operated, WRI Tractors has built a reputation over the years by delivering exceptional service and cultivating long-term customers. The dealership now adds Takeuchi equipment to its inventory of tractors, hay and tillage equipment, UTVs, outdoor power equipment, lawnmowers, and trailers. WRI Tractors also offers several helpful services, including financing, parts ordering, and service. The dealer serves many communities in the Texas Brazos Valley, including College Station, Huntsville, Madisonville, Navasota, Rockdale and Brenham.

“Over the years, WRI Tractors has served the Brazos Valley region with dedication and expertise,” said Austin Wells, Southwest regional business manager for Takeuchi-US. “They represent the kind of quality and customer service that we strive for at Takeuchi every day. Through our new association with WRI Tractors, we’re able to expose more Texas farmers and ranchers to the Takeuchi brand, as well as the construction and landscape professionals who’ve come to rely on our equipment over the years.”

For more recent Turf Magazine coverage of Takeuchi-US, click here.

STIHL Inc.’s Manufacturing Summer Camp Marks Year 10

August 7, 2024 Uncategorized 0

STIHL Inc. supported the future of skilled workforce through their annual Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp from July 23 – 26. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the camp provided 30 high school students learning experiences at the state-of-the-art STIHL manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach, VA. This year’s theme was “Innovation Amplified.”

Courtney Addison, Senior Manager of Talent Development at STIHL Inc., shared, “This camp not only promotes local manufacturing but also introduces students to STEM career opportunities they might not otherwise explore or fully understand. By immersing themselves in how STIHL Inc. operates, students gain valuable insights that can guide their pursuit of careers in manufacturing. Some of our past campers have gone on to major in engineering at esteemed universities, while others have chosen a more hands-on path through our apprenticeship program. Regardless of the route, both offer opportunities to thrive in the manufacturing sector.”

Over four days, the free program provided high school students with valuable hands-on experience in process planning, budgeting, and product quality. It also emphasized hard work and collaboration. Specifically, teams of students designed and built Bluetooth® speakers using STIHL components which fostered teamwork in a competitive environment for the young innovators.

On the final day, teams put their manufacturing process to the test and competed in a competition before a panel of prominent local judges. The panel included Michael Berlucchi, Virginia Beach City Councilman; Kathy Byron, Deputy Commissioner, External Affairs at Virginia Works; and Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, President of Virginia Peninsula Community College.

Members of the winning team, Team Lorange, were awarded $1,000 in scholarship money. The team members, BellaGrace Chavez, Caleb Deaver, Jordyn Espy, Lily Jones, Joseph O’Neal, and Namish Shah were also named 2024 Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp champions.

For more recent Turf Magazine coverage of STIHL’s committment to community, click here.

Get Hands-On at Hardscape North America

August 7, 2024 Uncategorized 0

One of Hardscape North America’s most unique attractions, the Hardscape House, is the hub of HNA’s outdoor exhibits. In addition to hands-on testing, this outdoor pavilion is the location of two popular show features – the Hardscape Demos where attendees can watch and learn the latest techniques from expert installers, and the Installer Championship where teams from across North America race against the clock as they compete for valuable cash and prizes.

Just steps away from the huge indoor exhibit hall, Hardscape House is open all three days of the tradeshow, October 16-18th at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Test Before You Invest

The Hardscape House exhibits, combined with Equip Exposition’s Outdoor Demo Yard, provide 30 acres of outdoor space where attendees can get behind the controls, test equipment and compare brands before making purchasing decisions.

Hardscape Demos

Patrick Murray and Kenneth Deemer, along with their team from Pittsburgh-based Local Roots Landscaping, will lead six demos on the newest installation techniques and best practices for companies that want to be on the leading edge. An $85 registration upgrade includes all six sessions, or attendees can purchase a VIP Pass to attend the six demos as well as 15 education sessions, two workshops and a free industry session on lighting. Details are available at HardscapeNA.com/education-demos

Wednesday, October 16

1:30 – 2:30 PM
Segmental Retaining Walls
Learn essential techniques including proper excavation, base preparation, block installation, and coping in this hands-on session.
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Paver Installations – Featured Product Sponsor: Natural Paving USA
Participate in immersive demonstrations where you will actively engage in prepping base, laying pavers, cutting and fitting, as well as joint sanding.

Thursday, October 17

9:30 – 10:30 AM
Modern Tools of the Trade
Get hands-on experience with the latest hardscape construction tools, equipment and technology.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lighting and Software– Featured Product Sponsor: BOLD (Best Outdoor Living Design) Participate in interactive sessions focused on integrating simple lighting solutions and software applications into hardscape design.
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Water & Fire Features – Featured Product Sponsor: EasyPro Pond Products
Immerse yourself in the design and installation of water and fire features with hands-on demonstrations.

Friday, October 18

9:30 – 10:30 AM
Outdoor Kitchens and Other Enhancements
This fan-favorite will feature the Local Roots team building and installing outdoor kitchens and other enhancements in an interactive session.

HNA Installer Championship

With cash and equipment prizes totaling nearly $30,000, the competition is tough in the HNA Installer Championship. Teams move swiftly and precisely to level the surface, measure and cut pavers, then  piece them together to create intricate designs while judges watch and assess their understanding of industry best practices and guidelines.
Defending champions – Pavers by Porter from Reno, Nevada – along with 11 other sponsored teams, are expected to compete in the preliminary rounds on Thursday, October 17th. The slate will be narrowed to four teams for Friday’s championship round before the 2024 HNA Installer Champion is crowned.

All attendees have access to the Hardscape House to watch the competition.

Standard registration for the tradeshow is available for $30* at HardscapeNA.com. (Fees increase after Thursday, September 5th).

*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors is $450.

For Turf Magazine‘s latest Get Equipped: Hardscape & Permeable Paver product spotlight, click here.

Call Now