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Top July articles: Legendary returns and unmatched conversations
By Emma Peterson. These standout stories explore the trends, people and products shaping the future of the outdoor contracting industry. As another month comes to a close, it’s time for our usual article recap! This month, the OutdoorCoffeeShop™ readers were especially interested in construction growth, sustainability, innovative products and ...
Smarter pool equipment pads deliver lasting savings
By Jesse Sanchez. AquaStar’s Steve Barnes explains how thoughtful equipment pad design can improve efficiency, water quality and the homeowner experience. A well-designed pool equipment pad does more than organize pumps, filters, valves and other components. According to Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance for AquaStar Pool Products, the ...
Prep work critical to project success
By Daich Coatings. Having patience and following preparation guidelines is key to every project. “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” That’s a quote from Abraham Lincoln. Old Abe knew what he was talking about. Preparation is key for any ...
Irrigation Association highlights industry voices and practical tools for Smart Irrigation Month 2026
The campaign continues to focus on equipping professionals with tools they can adapt for their own audiences. The Irrigation Association will recognize July as Smart Irrigation Month, its annual initiative to promote efficient irrigation practices and help industry professionals share that message with customers and communities. The 2026 campaign pairs ready-to-use ...
Protecting outdoor concrete with the right product
By The Coffee Shops™. From freeze-thaw cycles and pool chemicals to vehicle traffic and UV exposure, outdoor concrete requires special care. Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, but the concrete surfaces that pave patios, pool decks, driveways and garages are exposed to constant environmental and performance challenges. In ...
Cultivate’26 connects growers, landscapers and outdoor living professionals
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Through education, innovation and relationships, Cultivate’26 showed how horticulture is shaping the future of outdoor living. When OutdoorCoffeeShop® traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for Cultivate’26, we knew we were heading into one of the biggest gatherings in horticulture. What we did not fully expect was how directly ...
Consider every category!
By The Coffee Shops™. Contractors should take a fresh look at their portfolios before the August 5 deadline to see where their projects can stand out. Every year, hundreds of exceptional projects are submitted to the Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards. This award contest has over a dozen categories for ...
He's back: Legendary pool builder Bryan O'Neal returns with O'Neal Shiers Aquatics, partnering with second-generation master builder Sean Shiers
Together, these two industry legends form the foundation of O'Neal Shiers Aquatics — a true family business built on more than 50 years of combined excellence, generations of hands-on experience and a shared dedication to quality, integrity and personal service. He's back. Bryan O'Neal, one of the most respected names in ...
Smart Watering for Every Season
On this OutdoorTalk™, host Karol Weyman sits down with Luis Andrade of Heritage Landscape Supply Group to discuss the tools and strategies helping landscape professionals make every drop count. From smart controllers and drip irrigation to rain sensors, drainage solutions and low-water landscape design, this conversation will explore how contractors ...
Making every drop count
By Emma Peterson. How smart irrigation tools and practices can lead to healthier landscapes, satisfied clients and a sustainable future. For decades, scientists have been warning about water usage and an impending global water crisis. And at the beginning of this year, those warnings became far more real with ...
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