Bradley Mowers has announced the release of its latest resource, "Advanced Aeration and Overseeding: The Professional's Approach to Soil Health."

This guide provides information on the mechanics of soil compaction, strategic timing, overseeding protocol, post-aeration care and how to measure success.

Soil is composed of 50% solid matter and 50% pore space, and these pores can change due to foot traffic, heavy machinery or rainfall. When aerating soil, it is important to focus on hollow tine aeration over spiking because hollow tine removes plugs of soil to create voids, where spiking pushes the soil aside. Aeration should align with the grass's peak growth period. For cool-season grasses, the ideal aeration window is late summer to early fall and for warm-season grasses, the ideal aeration window is late spring or early summer.

"A professional-grade aeration and overseeding project doesn't just look better for a month; it changes the trajectory of the lawn for years," according to Bradley Mowers. Aeration enhances drought resistance and increases nutrient uptake in the soil. After aeration, many professionals advise leaving the hollow tine plugs on the lawn, as they will add microbes and organic nutrients to the topsoil. Irrigation should be done 2-3 times per day, and the amount should be just enough to keep the seeds damp, not soaked. During post-aeration, a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus should be used instead of weed and feed products.

To learn more about advanced aeration and overseeding, please visit Bradley Mowers here.

About Bradley Mowers

At Havener Enterprises, we are continually growing but refuse to lose our small company identity. We believe in personal attention to detail throughout the order process. Callers talk to a real person on the phone. We believe in the "hands-on" approach. We developed our products in the field by using them. We listen to our customers and are always working to give the best product for the best value. We pledge that our global appeal will never change our small business feel.

This partnership will enable Heritage to further its product offerings and continue delivering more value to customers in the Midwest and across the nation.

Heritage Landscape Supply Group (“Heritage”) announced today that it has acquired Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply (the “Company”), a distributor of nursery products and live goods. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Founded in 1916 by Charles Fiore, Sr. and headquartered in the Chicago, Illinois area, Fiore Nursery is owned and operated today by the Fiore family, with the fourth-generation currently serving in executive leadership roles. The Company covers a large service area, operating from its headquarters in Lake Zurich and a second location in Chicago with a combined team of 40 people. David Fiore, co-owner and president, will continue to lead Fiore Nursery’s dedicated team, ensuring continuity and consistency for customers, suppliers and employees.

Matt McDermott, president of Heritage, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with the Fiore family and continue our investment in the live goods space with a best-in-class nursery rewholesaler. Over the last 110 years, Fiore Nursery has built an incredible reputation and we look forward to continuing to build on its strong foundation. This partnership will enable Heritage to further our product offerings and continue delivering more value to our shared customers in the Midwest and across the nation.”

David Fiore, co-owner and president of the Company, commented, “Our family is deeply proud of the legacy we have built over the past century and we could not be more excited to find a like-minded partner in Heritage. This next step in the Company’s evolution will unlock incredible value for our employees, vendor partners and customers alike. With Heritage’s support and our shared business values, we look forward to a new chapter of growth and cannot wait to get started.”

About Heritage Landscape Supply Group

Heritage Landscape Supply Group has grown to become one of the largest and fastest growing landscape supply distributors in the United States. Since its inception in 2018, Heritage has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers and attracting the industry’s best talent. Heritage currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 240 locations across 37 states. Heritage Landscape Supply Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of SRS Distribution Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing wholesale distributors in the United States.

Blue Stone Supply LLC has announced the release of its latest resource, "The Use of Geosynthetics for Pavement Reinforcement and Base Course Stabilization."

This guide examines the use of geosynthetics for pavement reinforcement and base course stabilization by looking at why pavement fails, how geosynthetics distribute loads, economic benefits, installation best practices and the future of geosynthetics.

The two most common types of geosynthetics used for pavement reinforcement are geogrids and geotextiles. Geogrids are polymer structures made of connected tensile elements with holes to interlock with the surrounding aggregate. Geotextiles are permeable fabrics that are placed between soft subgrades and aggregate bases to prevent them from mixing. In pavement, the geosynthetic layer carries the tensile stresses that the soil and rock are naturally weak at handling and redistributing the stress puts less vertical pressure on the underlying subgrade.

Using geosynthetic products offers numerous financial advantages, including reduced aggregate, lower excavation costs, extended maintenance cycles and a lower carbon footprint. With water being a major component of pavement problems, geosynthetics serve by providing separation and lateral drainage. "Rather than relying solely on the thickness of the aggregate to support a load, geosynthetic-reinforced roads utilize mechanical and hydraulic properties to manage stress," according to Blue Stone Supply LLC.

To learn more about the use of geosynthetics for pavement reinforcement and base course stabilization, please visit Blue Stone Supply LLC here.

About Blue Stone Supply LLC

Blue Stone Supply LLC is a one-stop marketplace with a variety of engineered products, including geogrids, woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics. All products are available to be shipped nationwide and backed by on-demand engineering support. Blue Stone Supply LLC is continually focused on providing new, innovative products for the hardscape, civil, erosion control and landscaping industries.

By Jenny Yu.  

Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to stock up on K9 Fasteners with free shipping!  

The sun is shining; the birds are chirping; we’ve made it to the busy season!  

As contractors gear up for spring, preparation is critical. With ongoing supply chain volatility and potential price increases due to changing market conditions, now is the time to load up your truck with all your essentials, including fasteners. 

For contractors, fasteners are one of the most essential yet often overlooked jobsite materials. Running short mid-project can lead to delays, lost productivity and unnecessary costs. K9 Fasteners has built its reputation on delivering high-performance fastening solutions designed for durability and efficiency in demanding construction environments. Known for products like its Doberman™ wood screws and Huskie™ construction lags, the company continues to provide contractors with reliable options that perform under jobsite stress. 

Heading into spring, contractors should be focused on efficiency and readiness. Stocking up on fasteners and other core materials now helps crews avoid downtime once schedules fill up. With multiple projects hitting at once, the ability to move quickly from job to job often comes down to how well trucks are prepared before the busyness begins. 

K9 Fasteners is helping contractors get ahead by offering a limited time “Free Freight” promotion: use code NFBAK9 for free shipping on purchases! Taking advantage of these types of offers now can help contractors lock in pricing before potential increases and ensure they have the inventory needed to meet growing demand. 

High-quality fasteners that start faster and hold stronger can contribute to smoother installs and better long-term performance. As the industry moves into one of its busiest times of year, contractors who plan ahead will be best positioned to stay competitive, protect margins and keep projects on schedule. 

Shop now and use the Free Freight code NFBAK9 to stock up on K9 Fasteners products before the spring rush hits.

By Daich Coatings. 

Innovative RollerRock® brings out siding creativity in this project!

How do you transform a dull, brown stucco home exterior into a neighborhood showpiece? If you’re Greg Garrett, you hand-stencil a faux brick pattern on your house using four different colors of RollerRock® from Daich Coatings.

“I’ve always been interested in art, inventing and trying new things,” says Greg, from Alliance, Nebraska. “If most people go left, I go right. I’ve always liked new and innovative ideas, and this stone coating piqued my interest as a way to finish the stucco part of the house.”

Steps to success

Greg got it “right” when he decided back in 2006 to do something no one else had done before — create a unique, random color pattern by mixing and rolling on the real stone paint. He used a base coat of medium brown, and then mixed the base coat with three different colors to create different brick highlights.

“I purchased several large rolls of self-adhesive paper stencils with a running brick pattern,” says Greg. “Then I worked randomly over the entire stencil by dabbing the different colors on the house. It was very labor-intensive, but had extremely realistic results.”

Realistic results

Greg then painted around the entire home exterior, transforming the house and creating enhanced curb appeal. He even continued the pattern up the fireplace chimney on the roof and used RollerRock on an 18-inch foundation around the bottom of the house.

“Most people believe we have real brick on our home,” says Greg. “For 14 years the RollerRock has held up great. I put a clear sealer over it every two to three years. Where there are minimal cracks I go back and repaint them with RollerRock. Overall, the product has held up great and given new life to the exterior of our home!”

More on RollerRock

The real stone coating of RollerRock resists freeze/thaw conditions, mold, mildew, water and UV rays. Traditionally used on horizontal surfaces (like walkways and driveways), the durable product also resists salt, chemical, impact and abrasion, along with hot tire pickup.

Available in 15 colors, RollerRock is laboratory tested to provide up to double the recommended OSHA slip-resistance rating. Two coats is all it takes to achieve a lasting textured stone floor that delivers added foot traction and safety to walking surfaces.

Visit www.daichcoatings.com for more information.

In this OutdoorTalk™, Karol Weyman is joined by Scott Higginbotham from Stain-Proof by Dry-Treat to talk about the effects of winter weather on outdoor masonry and how to bring it back to life for spring. Together, they explore the residues winter leaves behind — from mold and organic staining to salt, oil and rust — and why thorough cleaning is critical before any protective treatment. The conversation highlights how modern penetrating sealers have evolved to protect appearance, prevent moisture intrusion and extend surface life across both vertical cladding and horizontal flatwork. These insights equip contractors with the knowledge and confidence to restore, protect and elevate outdoor professionals as they head into the busy spring season.

Register now!

With these comprehensive upgrades, the new Z and X series Hurricane™ Stand-On Blowers continue to deliver end users market-leading advantages, ensuring a low cost of ownership and the highest daily productivity.

Billy Goat is pleased to announce the launch of the new Z3002 and X3002 Hurricane™ Stand-On Blowers. These models are built upon the robust performance of the prior 3001 series, incorporating significant new and carried-over upgrades focused on increasing durability, enhancing operator comfort and improving ease of use.

Engineered for durability and performance (building on the 3001 Series)

The new Hurricane™ series maintains its market-leading advantages by incorporating key structural and comfort enhancements that were recently applied to the prior 3001 series, ensuring a longer service life and better field performance. These sustained upgrades include:

• Stronger front axles, foam-filled caster tires and improved bearings to withstand the toughest commercial environments.
• A convenient side fill fuel tank with gauge for easier refueling and monitoring.
• Updated operator console and heavier throttle and choke cables for more reliable control.

Next-level operator control (new for the Z3002 & X3002)

The Z3002 & X3002 models introduces the most significant new advancement with an updated control module that dramatically improves the operator experience:

• Enhanced protection and durability: The new module offers improved protection and eliminates temporary control resets, ensuring consistent operation throughout the workday.
• Intuitive gate control: The operator now has a more responsive, intuitive tap-to-adjust gate control — a short tap for minor adjustments or a longer tap for full open/close — providing precise control over airflow.
• Simplified operation: The control system is no longer tied to the engine start and brake functions, streamlining the start-up sequence and boosting overall reliability.

Better than ever

With these comprehensive upgrades, the new Z and X series Hurricane™ Stand-On Blowers continue to deliver end users market-leading advantages, ensuring a low cost of ownership and highest daily productivity.

The Hurricane advantage includes:

• Superior durability and comfort: Features like the discharge nozzle protected behind the front axle minimize costly downtime, while the caster wheel and torsion bar suspension deliver a smoother ride and reduced operator fatigue.
• Unmatched operational efficiency: A massive 10-gallon fuel tank allows crews to work up to 20% longer between fills compared to completive units, and tri-directional blowing options provide precision power for fewer passes.
• Best-in-class transport: A compact 65-inch footprint (Z series) and dedicated tie-down points maximize trailer space and transport safety.
• Patented systems: Exclusive technology, including a patented automatic brake and the unique split column/undercut design, saves time and delivers unrivaled performance.
• The power of choice: The full model range offers the best value, and the exclusive D’ttach™ Accessory System (including the Leaf Plow and Broom Kit) expands your capabilities to tackle debris that air alone can't handle.

The Z3002 and X3002 Hurricane™ Stand-On Blowers are available to order through the Billy Goat dealer network. They will be featured and displayed at Equip Expo 2025 at the Briggs & Stratton Booth. More product details and specifications will be released online at Billygoat.com following the show.

About Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides innovative products and diverse power solutions to help people get work done. Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of engines for lawn and garden, turf care and job site power equipment and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of lithium-ion batteries, standby generators and energy storage systems through its Briggs & Stratton®, Vanguard®, Ferris®, Simplicity®, Snapper®, Billy Goat®, Allmand®, Branco® and Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents. Learn more at BriggsandStratton.com.

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Awareness isn’t luck. It’s discipline. And in every outdoor trade, it’s what keeps workers whole and projects moving.

In every outdoor trade — tile and hardscaping, landscaping, pool and spa, lighting, sports surfaces, agronomics, maintenance and outdoor living builds — there’s one skill that separates safe crews from struggling ones: the ability to spot hazards before they become incidents.

Contractors often invest in PPE, equipment, tools and training, but overlook the one resource that matters most on a jobsite: a crew that pays attention. Workers who can recognize changing conditions, shifting risks or developing hazards are the ones who prevent accidents long before they occur.

Hazard awareness isn’t luck or instinct. It’s a learned skill, developed through experience, repetition and leadership. The good news? Any crew can build it — if they treat awareness as part of the job, not an afterthought. 

The jobsite never stays the same 

Outdoor jobsites are dynamic environments. Weather changes. Equipment moves. Materials get delivered. Trenches open. Surfaces shift. Multiple trades overlap. A safe area in the morning can become dangerous by lunch. Workers who expect the jobsite to stay the same will miss the hazards forming right in front of them. Workers who expect change stay alert. 

Hazard awareness begins with asking the most straightforward question: What has changed since the last time I was here? 

Minor hazards become big problems 

In every trade, major injuries almost always start with something small: 

• A ladder set on uneven ground 
• A partially buried cord across a walkway 
• A loose paver or tile offcut 
• Water leaking near electrical equipment 
• A trench left open without marking 
• A stone slab leaning instead of being stored flat 
• Soft soil after rain 
• A tool left where someone doesn’t expect it 

None of these hazards looks deadly on its own. But accidents rarely happen as a single event — they form through a chain of ignored or unseen details. Hazard awareness is the ability to recognize that a chain is forming. 

The best workers scan constantly

Awareness isn’t a one-time assessment. It’s continuous. 

Effective workers scan: 

• Above for overhead hazards 
• At eye level for moving equipment and other trades 
• Below for footing, debris and uneven ground 
• Behind before stepping or moving materials 

This situational scan takes seconds but prevents hours of downtime, injury or rework. It’s the difference between reacting to hazards and anticipating them. 

Production pressure kills awareness 

When crews feel rushed, their vision narrows. They see only the task in front of them — not the hazards around it. This tunnel vision leads to: 

• Trips 
• Slips 
• Pinch points 
• Electrical contacts 
• Poor ladder placement 
• Material handling injuries 
• Vehicle or equipment strikes 

Supervisors must emphasize that safety is part of production, not a delay to it. A worker who gets hurt stops production entirely. 

Teaching crews to “slow the job down by one minute” 

Hazard awareness can be trained — if you teach crews to pause. Before starting a task, workers should take a one-minute pause and ask: 

1. What am I about to do? 
2. What could hurt me or someone else? 
3. What has changed in the last hour? 
4. Do I have the right tools and PPE? 
5. Is anyone working around me who affects my safety? 

This one — minute mental checklist sharpens focus, reduces errors and brings hidden hazards to the surface. 

Near misses are gold 

A near miss is not a “lucky break.” It is a warning sign — and one of the best training tools you have. When crews share near-miss stories — honestly and without blame — they teach each other what to look for. They build a culture where awareness becomes a shared responsibility rather than an individual burden. 

Leaders who use near misses as learning opportunities strengthen their team’s risk recognition skills faster than any formal training alone. 

Supervisors shape awareness culture 

Hazard awareness spreads from the top down. When supervisors walk jobsites with purpose — spotting hazards out loud, explaining why conditions are dangerous and addressing issues immediately — crews adopt the same habits. 

On the other hand, when supervisors overlook hazards, crews learn to do the same. 

Awareness is contagious. Leadership determines whether it spreads or dies. 

Hazard awareness is the most powerful safety tool your crews have — and it doesn’t cost a dime. When workers learn to see the jobsite clearly, anticipate changing conditions and speak up when something looks wrong, you unlock a level of safety and professionalism that elevates every segment of your business. 

Awareness isn’t luck. It’s discipline. And in every outdoor trade, it’s what keeps workers whole and projects moving. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

An upcoming OutdoorTalk™ will provide contractors with a practical, field-ready approach to restoring and protecting outdoor masonry after winter. 

In an upcoming OutdoorTalk™, Karol Weyman sits down with Scott Higginbotham of Stain-Proof by Dry-Treat to examine how winter conditions impact masonry surfaces and what contractors can do to address those effects as spring work ramps up. The discussion centers on the transition from seasonal wear to active restoration, offering a structured way to approach surfaces that may appear sound but have underlying issues. 

That distinction is critical as contractors enter peak season. Winter leaves behind a range of residues, including mold, organic staining, salts, oils and rust, that can degrade both the appearance and integrity of masonry. Left untreated or handled improperly, these contaminants can lead to more costly repairs down the line. This session expresses the importance of accurate assessment and targeted cleaning, helping contractors ensure that surfaces are properly prepared before any protective treatment is applied. 

That preparation sets the stage for long-term performance, which is where Stain-Proof by Dry-Treat’s expertise comes into focus. With decades of experience in penetrating sealer technology, the company has developed solutions designed to protect against moisture intrusion while preserving the natural look of masonry. Their approach prioritizes durability, breathability and ease of maintenance; factors that directly influence how well surfaces perform over time. 

Throughout the session, contractors will gain practical insight into identifying residue types, selecting appropriate cleaning methods and applying sealers in a way that maximizes effectiveness. The conversation also addresses key variables such as surface condition, moisture levels and application techniques across different orientations, reinforcing a more disciplined and consistent process. 

For contractors focused on improving outcomes and reducing long-term risk, this discussion offers timely, actionable guidance as the spring season gets underway. 

Join Karol Weyman and Scott Higginbotham of Stain-Proof by Dry-Treat on April 14, 2026, to learn more about post-winter masonry cleaning and protection. 

Register for this RLW and begin applying the strategies that help restore, protect and extend the life of outdoor masonry surfaces!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This outsourced accounting firm is helping contractors gain financial clarity and scale their businesses. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome Fox and Partners into their community. 

For some contractors, financial management can become a secondary priority as day-to-day operations demand constant attention. Fox and Partners is built to address that challenge, providing outsourced accounting and CFO services that bring structure, visibility and strategic direction to business finances. Supporting approximately 200 businesses nationwide, the firm works with both companies that need guidance for existing accounting teams and those looking to fully outsource their financial operations. 

At the core of Fox and Partners’ approach is a shift from basic bookkeeping to strategic partnership. By ensuring financial data is accurate, timely and clearly organized, the team creates a foundation that allows business owners to move beyond reactive decision-making. With that clarity in place, contractors are better positioned to evaluate performance, refine pricing strategies and plan for sustainable growth. 

From this company, you can expect: 

• Accurate and timely financial reporting that delivers a reliable view of business performance 
• Strategic financial guidance that supports growth, pricing and operational decision-making 
• Flexible service models that integrate with existing teams or fully replace in-house accounting functions 
• Access to high-level financial expertise, including CFO oversight, without the cost of internal hiring 
• A practical understanding of construction and trades businesses, aligned with the pace and demands of field operations 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Fox and Partners!

About Fox and Partners 

Fox and Partners is a full-service accounting and financial operations firm serving more than 65 clients and 200 businesses. Our team of 15 professionals, including bookkeepers, controllers and CFOs, provides both hands-on accounting execution and strategic, executive-level oversight in a fully remote model. At Fox & Partners, we specialize in outsourced CFO and business services designed to help you better understand your finances, overcome challenges and ensure sustainable growth.