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Loftness Adds Lightweight Mulching Head For Compact Excavators
Jessica Schwartz
Ruppert Landscape Helps Restore Long Branch Community Center
Earlier this month, 25 employees from Ruppert Landscape’s Maryland and DC branches came together for a day of service to help restore the grounds of the Long Branch Community Recreation and Senior Center in Silver Spring, MD. The cleanup and installation were part of Ruppert’s ongoing effort to partner with community organizations providing support and services for vulnerable populations. This day of service involved an investment of both time and materials, totaling approximately $30,000 and consisting of 160 labor hours. To bring this project to fruition, the site was cleaned and prepped, turf mowed, dead and aging plant material removed, existing trees and shrubs pruned, community garden areas re-framed and prepped, and over 125 perennials and shrubs installed along with bed edging and mulch. The recreation center and surrounding community is home to a diverse population of about 20,000 residents including new immigrants from more than 120 different countries. “The Long Branch Center has been a community hub for more than 30 years, providing support, opportunities, programs, and services to one of the county’s most vulnerable communities,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “This project came to us through one of our employees whose friend is the Division Chief for Montgomery County Recreation and brought the opportunity to us seeking our partnership. We also have many customers we provide service to in this area and 50 employees who live within the community that’s serviced by this center. Our decision to get involved made sense on so many levels as it ...
My Landscape: Low-Maintenance Meadows
At Cornell University, the Sustainable Landscapes Trail Program puts a focus on the campus’ environmental footprint. Launched in 2018, the Sustainable Landscapes Trail, overseen by both the Grounds and the Plant Science Departments, features meadows, trails, and other landscape elements to promote a healthy ecosystem on campus and beyond. Dan Schied, Director of Grounds at Cornell University, shares the motivation behind these sites and upkeep requirements. As the focus on healthy ecosystems continues to gain importance, colleges and universities are a significant resource to organizations as well as individuals for research and guidance. Classroom teachings and university extensions are important resources, while the physical campus landscape may serve as a living laboratory. At Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, a focus on “landscape sustainability” has served to bring together faculty and staff across several departments. Nina Bassuk, PhD, professor at Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture Section, oversees the Sustainable Landscapes Trail program with David Cutter, University landscape architect. Bassuk explains: “Cornell defines ‘landscape sustainability’ as the design, construction, operation, and management of campus grounds to enhance and promote healthy ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide ecosystem services. A sustainable landscape on our campus is also a part of our ‘living laboratory campus’ – meaning each site can be used for research and education, and was designed using Cornell research or student class projects as part of their implementation.” Turf spoke with Dan Schied, Cornell’s director of grounds, about the Libe Slope Meadow on campus to understand the background and landscape maintenance ...
Six Reasons To Consider Sod Solutions Pro For Landscape Renovations
Sponsored by Sod Solutions has been researching, developing and releasing to the market new turfgrass varieties for the past 27 years. The new professionally focused arm of the company, Sod Solutions Professionals, takes that industry knowledge and puts it to use, facilitating large-scale turfgrass projects from beginning to end. Choosing a grass for a wide range of landscape challenges can make or break a project. Different landscapes, geographies, applications and even soil pH levels could call for different grass varieties. Each cultivar has specific features (like shade tolerance) that make them more suitable for certain applications than others. “Our mission is to make sure the right grass is being used in the right location to produce the best long-term success for our clients,” said Sod Solutions Pro director, Erin Wilder. This team of professionals is adequately prepared to help landscape architects, home builders, sports turf managers, superintendents and stakeholders make the best decisions during a renovation. Here are six reasons to consider using Sod Solutions Professionals for your next landscape or field or golf course renovation: 1. SELECTION CONSULTING: The Sod Solutions Professional team looks at the pros and cons of each product, answers your technical questions and connects you with real professional users to provide a complete understanding and confidence in the product you choose to specify. We also offer “lunch and learns” onsite and online webinars to educate your staff on turfgrass options. 2. PRODUCT SOURCING: No job is too large or too small. Sod Solutions ...
WalkingPod Mesh, Portable Bug Screen Protection
With the Brood X cicadas expected to emerge across 15 U.S. states in late April, Under the Weather® (UTW) has added an all-new WalkingPod™ Mesh to the company’s lineup of bug-screen Pods. The limited-edition WalkingPod Mesh is a warm-climate, wearable mesh-screen bubble that pops open in seconds to slip easily over the upper body as a breathable fully-enclosed cover. “This Pod design has been in the works for some time, but with cicada season on the horizon, we decided now was the perfect time to roll it out,” said UTW Chief Executive Officer Rick Pescovitz. In addition to protecting from cicadas, it also offers protection from a variety of insects and pests, including mosquitos.” Ultra-soft, fine-gauge mesh screened panels on all four sides replace the clear cold-treated PVC panels in the UTW’s cold-weather WalkingPod design. The mesh panels allow for superior airflow, which, coupled with the UPF 50 protective roof, helps keep users protected and cool in warm weather. The WalkingPod Mesh features adjustable shoulder and waist straps to keep users’ hands free. It also has cinched armholes for walking around. The durable, formfitting mesh-screen bottom ensures a snug fit. The WalkingPod Mesh is available with Safety Yellow or Dark Gray trim. Like all UTW Pods, the WalkingPod Mesh uses one-piece wire frame construction, so it’s flexible, pops open and folds down in seconds, with zero assembly required. The limited-edition WalkingPod Mesh is also packable for travel and folds into a compact backpack carry case. Super-lightweight, easy to tote and ...
Construction Equipment That Maxes User-Friendliness
If an industry-wide landscaping labor shortage wasn’t enough of a problem, add the cost and difficulty of recruiting seasonal employees. These are primary reasons why many landscapers are turning to equipment solutions to get the job done. As you prepare for the projects the new year will bring, following are some important considerations when purchasing or renting equipment for your business. As you probably already know, recruiting landscape laborers who are not only dependable, but also able to operate your equipment, is quite the challenge. Therefore, it is especially important to consider the user-friendliness of the machines you plan to rent or purchase. So, what constitutes “user-friendly” landscaping machines? Machine safety. Above everything, the safety of you and your crew is critical. Some of today’s machines, such as advanced compact track loaders, are factory-built with back-up cameras, so the operator can remain aware of his/her 360 degree surroundings without having to turn around in the cab. User interface. Machine operation should be intuitive, with easy-to-use displays, so even the most novice operators are able to quickly learn the controls within the cab. Look for landscaping machines with graphic display systems that allow operators to customize operation and language settings. Ease of maintenance. Daily maintenance checks are essential to the health and performance of your machines. Therefore, the easier it is for equipment operators to complete these checks, the better. Look for a machine that allows operators ground-level access to daily service points (e.g., fluid levels, filters, gauges). Operator comfort. ...
