By Emma Peterson. 

A realistic look at how to use digital ads to build your business. 

It used to be that the focus of many marketing strategies was always on print media, with things like getting an ad in the local newspaper being the central point of an advertising campaign. However, the way brands get their messaging across has changed drastically over the years. Today, the core focus of advertising campaigns are often digital. To learn more about navigating this newer, digital advertising world, Karol Weyman sat down with Rob Murray of Intrigue Media for an episode of From the Ground Up™. 

Rob opened the conversation by highlighting the biggest mistake he sees businesses fall into when trying to build digital marketing campaigns:  

I think the biggest mistake is having a mindset of like, ‘Okay, I'm going to spend all this money and I'm going to grow and get good projects.’ They think it’s a simple equation that just gives them leads. But even if you have the best advertising, you still have to work the leads.   

What does working those leads look like? It can be as simple as answering the phone. Rob explained, “Lead response time is a huge factor. There are exceptions, but good response time is not the norm. And even if you’re spending all this money on ads, if you’re not following up on leads quickly and consistently, it’s not going to be effective.” 

To be clear, Rob isn’t saying that you need to be pushy with your leads. Following up simply means making sure they feel seen. He shared some examples of what this could look like: 

It can be simple, just like, ‘Hey, I saw that you inquired yesterday. Want to make sure you're taken care of and that you know we haven't forgot about you.’ Next day, if you still haven’t heard back, same thing, ‘Hey, maybe this isn't a priority or you're really busy right now. Let me know either way. I'm going to keep bugging you until I hear otherwise because I want to make sure you know you're taken care of. We don't forget about our customers.’ There's nothing pushy about that.  

Another mistake he often sees is a lack of structure around advertisements. Rob elaborated on what this means, saying, “A lot of people don't set up their structure for success. They have all their services under one campaign instead of splitting them all out. And then the biggest mistake people make is they don't have an attribution platform to measure where every lead comes from and whether it turns into a quote or into dollars.” 

Why is this structure so important? It helps give you a clear understanding of what ads are performing, which ones are getting leads and what your customers are looking for. Rob explained, “In our world, a conversion is a phone call or a form submission. It's an inquiry. It's the only conversion we care about. Everything else is vanity metrics, like four contact page views per visit. Because we don’t want to be spending a lot of money on getting people to visit our contact page, if they're not turning into deals. And so, by having good structure in our ad campaigns, we can see where every lead came from and which campaigns work to actually create opportunities.” 

To learn more about digital marking, Listen to the whole episode with Rob or Watch the recording of his conversation with Karol.  

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 can improve irrigation performance while supporting sustainability, plant health and long-term client satisfaction. Tune in for practical insights that can help contractors build smarter landscapes from the ground up.

Register today!

New products provide greenhouse and nursery growers with additional science-based solutions for insect, mite and disease management.

SEPRO Land today announced the launch of Barracuda^® Insecticide/Miticide and BattleLine^® Fungicide, two new ornamental crop protection solutions designed to help greenhouse and nursery growers manage some of the industry's most persistent insect, mite and disease challenges.

As greenhouse and nursery production continues to evolve, growers need crop protection solutions that deliver consistent performance, integrate easily into existing production programs and support long-term resistance management. Barracuda and BattleLine expand the SEPRO Land portfolio with proven technologies that provide growers greater flexibility while reinforcing the company's commitment to science-based innovation backed by technical expertise and field experience.

"We know growers are looking for products that work, fit into their production programs and deliver consistent results," said Casey Zeller, director of turf, lawn and ornamental, SEPRO Land. "Barracuda and BattleLine were selected to do exactly that. Together, they provide more options for managing insects, mites and diseases while reinforcing our commitment to supporting growers with trusted products and technical expertise."

Barracuda® Insecticide/Miticide

Barracuda combines two proven active ingredients into one formulation to provide broad-spectrum control of mites and key insect pests commonly found in greenhouse and nursery production. Dual modes of action provide rapid knockdown, translaminar activity and extended residual control while helping growers simplify applications and strengthen resistance management programs.

With excellent crop safety, Barracuda controls spider mites, broad mites, cyclamen mites, rust mites, thrips, aphids, whiteflies and leafminers, giving growers a versatile solution for protecting high-value ornamental crops.

BattleLine® Fungicide

BattleLine delivers broad-spectrum disease control through locally systemic and contact activity, protecting ornamental crops from key foliar and root diseases. Flexible application methods, including foliar sprays, soil drenches, cutting soaks and chemigation, allow growers to incorporate BattleLine into a wide range of production systems.

"Every greenhouse and nursery has its own unique production challenges," said Dennis Bunkley, ornamental sales manager, SEPRO Land. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach to crop protection. Barracuda and BattleLine give growers additional tools to build pest and disease management programs that fit their operation, giving them greater flexibility and confidence throughout the growing season."

Barracuda and BattleLine will be available through authorized distribution beginning in October 2026.

Growers attending Cultivate'26 can get a first look at Barracuda and BattleLine by visiting the SEPRO Land team at Booth 3639 during the show, July 12–14, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Additional product information is available through SEPRO Land representatives or by visiting the product websites below.

Barracuda® Insecticide/Miticide
BarracudaInsecticide.com

BattleLine® Fungicide
BattleLineFungicide.com

About SEPRO Scientific

SEPRO Scientific is a science-led environmental solutions company dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring water and land ecosystems. With over 30 years of applied research and field-proven results, SEPRO delivers integrated solutions that span monitoring, diagnostics, restoration and long-term stewardship. By combining rigorous science with practical field expertise, SEPRO helps customers solve complex environmental challenges and achieve lasting ecosystem health.

SEPRO Land is the division of SEPRO Scientific dedicated to the golf, lawn & landscape and ornamental markets. Backed by decades of research, field validation and technical expertise, SEPRO Land delivers proven products and integrated programs that help professionals protect plant health, improve operational efficiency and deliver reliable results season after season.

By Emma Peterson. 

For everyone from the Kansas City Chiefs to PGA golf tournaments, Flash Weather AI is providing weather reporting on the next level. 

Recently, Jameson Allen, a business development representative at Flash Weather AI, stopped by The Coffee Shops™ to talk about how their weather forecasting technology is revolutionizing the way people work outside.  

The story of Flash Weather AI goes back to 2015, when a guy named Jason Deese was at his daughter’s softball game and uncertainty around the weather forecast led to concern for player safety. Fast-forward to 2020 and Jason founded Flash Weather AI based on a lightning-predicting algorithm. Jameson explained:  

Our CEO, Jason, is the inventor of lightning prediction in this form. What is that form? Typically, you have to have some kind of ground sensor on site that you buy and pay for and upkeep for lightning detection. We've eliminated that part of the equation. We use an enormous amount of data, including historic trends and current observations, to rebuild our model every two minutes. So you can see what the lightning prediction looks like over the next hour, anywhere in the Lower 48. 

The result is a highly accurate weather tool that doesn’t predict what might happen but turns weather prediction that into a tool you can actually use. Jameson elaborated, “We use AI to make our predictions fast, accurate and helpful to somebody on the ground making a decision. Because that’s really what our goal is: To provide truly hyperlocal weather data that helps people make decisions about their outdoor operations, whether it be a golf course, a football stadium or a construction site.” 

And the best part? It’s working. All across different markets that are sensitive to weather, people are using Flash Weather AI to make their operations safer and more efficient.  

By Daich Coatings.

Why these remodelers rely on Daich Coatings.

Like many homeowners, John and Darline McKay wanted to maximize their living space. One way they decided to do this was to replace a window in their main bedroom with a pair of full-lite French doors. This allowed them to “push out” and create a new second floor balcony overlooking a nearby golf course.

To achieve their goals, the McKays hired Carey Bros. Design & Build Remodeling. Known for many years as the hosts of On the House with the Carey Brothers radio show, brothers James and Morris tackled the project, plus expanded some living spaces in the home.

Picking the best products

When it came time to add the new balcony, the Carey Brothers knew exactly where to turn — to Daich Coatings.

“We’ve successfully worked with many Daich Coatings products on previous remodeling projects,” says James Carey. “Our policy is to give our clients the best bang for their home improvement buck. So, we specify and install products that are durable, attractive and require minimal maintenance. Daich Coatings products address all of these criteria, plus provide so much more!”   

Step-by-step

James explains that creating the balcony flooring required three steps and three products:

We started with ElastoLock® rubber membrane coating to create a waterproof seal. This included using seam mesh, a roll of reinforcing fabric and ElastoLock spackle. This gives the balcony a leak-free system. Once that base layer was on, we used textured bone primer and then applied SpreadRock® Granite Stone Coating in a Sandstone color. It looks fabulous! Our clients fell in love with the color.

Then we decided to take it a step further. So, we used the TracSafe® Anti-Slip Sealer to clear coat and protect the Sandstone color. With TracSafe® we have the added benefit that if the balcony gets wet, it still won’t be slippery for the McKays.”

With the project finished, John and Darline now enjoy more light and fresh breezes into their Brentwood, California home. And, when the mood strikes them, they head out to the balcony to look at the mountains on their beautiful showroom-quality, slip-resistant surface!

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 the United Nations reporting that “around four billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, while drought impacts cost an estimated $307 billion annually.” What can be done about this crisis? We can use more efficient tools and strategies that improve our irrigation systems and support sustainability. To learn more about this topic, we invited Luis Andrade of Heritage Landscape Supply Group (HLSG) onto an OutdoorTalk™ webinar on the topic – Smart Watering for Every Season.  

Meet the guest 

Luis’ career in the outdoor industries goes back to 1996 when he worked at Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply as a specifications manager. After working there for over two decades, he joined SiteOne Landscape Supply, the largest supplier of wholesale goods for green industry professionals in North America. Today, he leans on both of these experiences in his current work as HSLG’s South Texas district manager.  

What this OutdoorTalk™ episode will be about 

And you can also lean on Luis’ extensive knowledge by attending the webinar! This episode will open with a conversation about the significance of smarter water management and how to overcome common watering mistakes. Then, Luis will move into tools and strategies that can help contractors create more efficient watering systems and schedules. These solutions include everything from Wi-Fi irrigation controllers and rain/freeze sensors to PRS sprays/rotors and wetting agents. 

Attendees will leave with a strong understanding of how these more water-efficient solutions not only support global sustainability efforts, but also support plant growth, long-term landscape health, economic savings and client satisfaction.  

The Smart Watering for Every Season webinar will be hosted live on July 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET). Make sure to register to attend!

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at Heritage’s new 4-way, post-emergent herbicide. 

Weeds are one of those things that aren’t a problem until they are. Every lawn care professional can probably recall a time when a customer called and needed weed removal done yesterday. Heritage designed their ForceOut herbicide for that very occasion!  

ForceOut is a post-emergent herbicide that features four active ingredients:  2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba and pyraflufen-ethyl. This combination of powerful ingredients allows professionals using ForceOut to get faster and more precise results.  

It is perfect for handling hard-to-kill weeds like dandelions, chickweed, clover, henbit, plantain and ground ivy. At the same time, it was engineered for safe use on everything from fescue and ryegrass to bluegrass, bermudagrass and zoysia grass. This makes it perfect for use on home lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and other high visibility turf sites. And the best part? It does its job fast! Results are visible in 24-48 hours, helping lower the number of complaints and callbacks while improving your reputation.  

Additionally, ForceOut was created with the outdoor professional in mind. It mixes well with some liquid fertilizers (such as Droplex Xtra, Gulfstream Free, Droplex and Windsurf Pro) and is used at a low rate (specifically 48–64 oz/acre). At the end of the day, ForceOut is the economical, efficient and easy way to control tough broadleaf weeds.  

Contact your territory manager to learn about adding ForceOut to your seasonal program.

Save the date: July 11 - July 14, 2026

Where connections are made! Hosted by AmericanHort, Cultivate brings together growers, retailers, breeders, suppliers, distributors, designers, landscapers, educators, researchers and manufacturers. Come to Cultivate and meet the people you need to know to prepare you and your business for the future.  

At this world-class event, you will:

• Discover trends, tools and technologies that fuel growth

• Build networks and strengthen business opportunities

• Sharpen business skills, deepen industry expertise and learn about future trends.

Cultivate education

Discover industry best practices, fresh ideas, and creative solutions to common challenges when you take part in education, tours, workshops and more at Cultivate. Experienced researchers and industry experts have come together to provide you and your team with the knowledge and tools you need to become more efficient, productive and prepared for the future.

Hands-on workshops at Cultivate

Take your learning to the next level when you sign up for Saturday workshops* at Cultivate. These half or full-day programs provide more in-depth opportunities for hands-on learning. Enrich your experience with programs designed to help you and your team develop knowledge and skills that you can take back to your business and implement immediately.

Industry production tours

There is nothing like a production tour to show you what’s possible and inspire you – no matter how large or small your business — to try new things. AmericanHort is pleased to offer production tours at Cultivate to let you see some of the industry’s best practices up-close and personal. We visit facilities that are stand-outs in the industry.

Cultivate experiences

Cultivate offers multiple opportunities for additional in-depth, hands-on learning & networking with industry colleagues. Join us for industry gatherings to make or renew business connections and get the most out of your Cultivate experience. 

Sign up for alerts!

New Paristown Point Block Party, Equip Academy, Dealer Boot Camp, inspiring keynote speakers, dealer breakfast and more to wow attendees.

Equip Exposition, the award-winning international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition trade show, unveils several new events this year, including, a new education offering called Equip Academy, the resurrection of the Wednesday morning Dealer Breakfast sponsored by STIHL Inc., a new Dealer Boot Camp, and a closing block party at Old Forester's Paristown Hall for all attendees. Equip, being held October 20-23, 2026, drew nearly 30,000 people to last year’s show – a new attendance record.

“The business is rapidly changing and Equip is changing with it,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association which owns and manages the award-winning trade show. “So many things can make or break the success of any business. But Equip’s offerings evolve every year to help our attendees keep up and even get ahead of industry trends.” 

New experiences offered this year

• Equip Academy: Every education session at the blockbuster trade show is now available to attendees thanks to Equip Academy, a new in-person and online training package. For just $170, attendees can access dozens of education sessions. Price increases after September 10.
• Dealer Breakfast: Sponsored by STIHL Inc., this dealer-focused event on Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 am will feature wisdom from industry leaders before the show opens later that day for Dealer Day.
• Dealer Boot Camp: Presented by the team at Bob Clements International this one-day, hands-on workshop on Tuesday, October 20 covers every corner of dealership: service, parts, sales, marketing and leadership. The goal is for every participant to leave with the tools and tactics to make an immediate impact on sales and growth.
• Expanded hands-on tree care arena: Trainers from The Davey Institute and Academy Trained will host daily training, interactive hands-on stations, business discussions and equipment demonstrations.
• Celebrity keynote speaker: Famed speaker Mike Holmes, one of North America’s most trusted contractors and star of the HGTV show, Holmes Family Rescue, will deliver Equip’s Wednesday morning opening keynote address, sponsored by Kress.
• Women’s leadership reception speaker: Susan Packard - a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, Packard will keynote the Women’s Leadership Reception on Thursday afternoon, which is sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter/FX Luminaire. Admittance included with Equip registration.
• New closing party: On Thursday evening of the show, October 22, attendees will take over Old Forester's Paristown Hall and the surrounding block for a new Equip event: the Paristown Block Party, sponsored by Gravely. There will be great music from Kentuckiana’s popular all-genre cover band, the Juicebox Heroes and attendees can network while enjoying local fare and an exclusive tasting of the official show bourbon. 

Admittance to Tree Care arena, the keynote address, Dealer Boot Camp, the Women’s Leadership Reception and closing party included with Equip registration. Equip Academy and the Dealer Breakfast require separate registration fees.

Attendees can register for Equip at the early bird price of only $30 through September 10, 2026. Ticket prices go to $60 on September 11, 2026, and to $120 on October 20, 2026.

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

Each year, award-winning Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry.

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, biannually moving between Louisville and Orlando. Equip will be held in Orlando in 2029 and 2031 and will be held in Louisville in 2030 and every other year thereafter. 

About Equip Exposition

Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky and is one of the top three largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, including “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” and is co-located with Hardscape North America. Equip publishes “equip" magazine and is owned and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, parts, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles and golf cars, and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com.  

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Across all industries, slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injury. In outdoor construction and maintenance, the risk increases exponentially.

On any outdoor jobsite — whether you’re building a patio, running electrical lines, maintaining irrigation, installing tile or servicing a pool — workers spend most of their day on their feet. That means the condition of the surface they’re walking, standing, kneeling or climbing on is one of the most important — and most overlooked — safety factors on the job. 

OSHA calls them walking-working surfaces, but most contractors know them by another name: the ground we work on. And in outdoor environments, the ground changes constantly. A surface that was stable an hour ago might be muddy now. A level walkway might turn into an obstacle course after materials are delivered or after another trade finishes their work. 

If your crews aren’t actively assessing the surfaces beneath them, they’re working blind to one of the most significant injury drivers across the entire outdoor living industry. 

The ground is always changing 

Unlike indoor jobs, where surfaces stay consistent, outdoor contractors deal with shifting terrain every single day. Soil compacts. Sand washes out. Concrete cures unevenly. Rain softens the grade. Excavation work creates ruts. Heavy equipment leaves grooves and depressions. Add in cords, hoses, tools, scrap, edging, forms, packaging, vegetation and loose materials — and suddenly the walking surface becomes a complex hazard environment. 

Across all industries, slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injury. In outdoor construction and maintenance, where elevation changes, environmental conditions and multi-trade overlap occur constantly, the risk increases exponentially. 

High-risk surfaces crews encounter daily 

Almost every outdoor trade encounters these hazards: 

• Uneven ground from excavation, compaction or erosion 
• Loose gravel or stone around hardscape or landscape work 
• Wet turf or muddy soil after rain or irrigation 
• Slippery surfaces near pool equipment or water features 
• Construction debris such as tile shards, paver offcuts, roots, branches or packaging 
• Grade changes without warning markers 
• Transitions between surfaces — grass to stone, stone to soil, soil to decking 
• Temporary walk paths created by necessity, not design 

Most of these hazards don’t look dangerous until someone trips, slips or twists a joint. And by then, the injury is already done. 

The best crews reassess the ground constantly 

Walking-working surface safety isn’t a one-time check. It’s a continuous habit. 

The strongest crews: 

• Assess ground conditions before starting work 
• Reevaluate surfaces throughout the day 
• Adjust paths as work progresses 
• Mark hazardous areas immediately 
• Communicate changes to other trades 

Supervisors and foremen must reinforce these habits daily. When workers assume the surface is safe because it “was just fine earlier,” that’s when injuries occur. 

Material staging impacts surface safety 

How and where materials are staged can make — or ruin — a walking path. Poor staging leads to clutter, blocked routes and awkward detours. Good staging creates predictable, safe paths that crews can move through without constantly scanning for hazards. 

Every trade benefits when staging is done thoughtfully: 

• Hardscape prevents offcut debris from creating trip hazards. 
• Lighting contractors protect cords and conduits from becoming obstacles. 
• Landscapers keep tools and equipment clear of footpaths. 
• Pool technicians avoid water pooling in work zones. 

Staging isn’t just about production — it’s about protection. 

Good housekeeping protects the feet, knees and back 

Walking surface issues don’t just cause falls — they create musculoskeletal injuries. Uneven or unstable surfaces force workers to overcompensate with their footing, posture andbalance. Over a full shift, this takes a toll on the back, knees and ankles. 

Avoiding these injuries requires: 

• Frequent cleanup 
• Leveling temporary walk paths 
• Removing scrap and waste 
• Keeping hoses and cords organized 
• Addressing wet or slippery spots immediately 

These actions don’t cost time — they save it by preventing lost days and rework. 

Marking and barricading hazard zones 

Not every hazard can be fixed immediately. Sometimes you must mark it instead. 

Simple techniques go a long way: 

• High-visibility marking paint 
• Cones or stakes 
• Caution tape 
• Portable barricades 
• Signage identifying soft ground or uneven footing 

When multiple trades share space, communication and marking aren’t optional — they’re essential. 

Walking-working surface safety is everyone’s job 

Across all outdoor trades, from tile setters to pool technicians to landscapers and lighting installers, walking-working surface hazards remain one of the most common and preventable issues on the jobsite. When workers pay attention to the ground, when supervisors reinforce good habits, and when contractors treat housekeeping and staging as part of production — not an interruption — you instantly elevate both safety and efficiency. 

Safe jobsites don’t start with tools, PPE or training manuals. They start with the surface every worker stands on. Respect the ground and you protect your people.