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 the conversations would connect to outdoor living. Everywhere we turned, there were ideas contractors and landscapers could use to help customers create outdoor spaces that are healthier, more beautiful and built to last. 

A great place to start was with Heritage Landscape Supply Group during their hospitality events. Those gatherings had the kind of energy I love at shows like this. People were catching up, talking through what they were seeing on the floor and sharing what is really happening in the field. With strong industry partners supporting the events, the conversations showed how connected this industry becomes when growers, suppliers and contractors are working toward better solutions together. 

I also had the chance to sit down with Susie Anderson, marketing and project manager for Heritage Landscape Supply Group’s agronomics division. Susie talked about the work Heritage is doing with greenhouse and nursery growers while supporting the vendors who help those growers protect and strengthen their plants. For me, that conversation made the connection very clear. The same thinking that helps growers raise healthier plants is part of the story contractors are telling when they create landscapes that are beautiful and easy to maintain. 

Susie reminded us that Heritage reaches well beyond agronomics. The work they do touches the full outdoor environment in turn helping bring plant health, water management and design support into the spaces homeowners and commercial property owners enjoy every day. That is exactly why OutdoorCoffeeShop was there. We want to help contractors find the companies and ideas that make those outdoor spaces stronger from the ground up. 

That same theme carried into our visits with Heritage vendor partners. BASF had a fun LEGO® activity that pulled people in, but the real conversation was around helping greenhouse and nursery professionals protect their crops and improve plant health. The same was true across the show floor, where vendor conversations kept coming back to the support professionals need to do their best work for customers. 

Walking the show floor, I kept thinking about the conversations contractors and landscapers have every day with homeowners and building owners. People want outdoor spaces that look beautiful, but they also want those spaces to make sense long term. That is what made Cultivate so valuable. The ideas we found were not just interesting show pieces. They were practical solutions professionals could bring into the spaces they design and maintain. 

That came through clearly in my conversation with Eric Bishop of Urban Organics, a family owned compost and soil company based in Ohio. Eric shared how the company takes horse stable bedding that would otherwise head to a landfill and turn it into healthy, living compost. Because the bedding starts with clean wood shavings and natural organic material, Urban Organics can create a more consistent foundation for soil health. That careful process is behind the company’s Sweet Peet products, which serve garden centers and landscape professionals across the region. 

Eric also talked about Deep Roots; the newer brand Urban Organics is growing for a broader national audience. I loved hearing how they are taking that same family business mindset and building products for today’s growers. The line includes options that support both indoor and outdoor plants, giving homeowners and professionals another way to think about soil health. It was a great reminder that beautiful landscapes really do begin below the surface. 

Foremost was another booth that pulled us right in because sometimes the difference in an outdoor living space is that extra pop of color. Erica Santa, Foremost’s marketing director, shared how the company produces and sells young tropical plants from farms in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Central Florida. She was especially excited about curcumas because they bring dramatic color and beautiful foliage to containers that can move with the seasons. In warm climates, they can shine outside, and when the weather changes, they can come indoors. 

Then there was Woollets, and I have to say, this was one of those products that made us stop and ask more questions. Karen Mayhew, who runs the women-owned company with business partner Elaine Becker, explained how they take waste wool from sheep and turn it into a soil amendment and slow-release fertilizer. The wool is processed into small pellets that expand in the soil and help hold water where plants need it most. For contractors, that can mean less watering and healthier planting while also supporting a product that gives farmers a fair market for wool that might otherwise be thrown away. 

We also could not miss the plant introductions. Terra Nova Nurseries’ Heuchera FYRE WING Series brought the kind of creativity that makes this show so fun. It is the kind of plant story that gives contractors and garden centers something fresh to share with customers who are looking for something different. 

That is what I appreciated most about Cultivate’26. It was not just a show about plants; it was a reminder that every part of the green industry is connected. What growers are learning and producing today will show up tomorrow in the outdoor living spaces customers enjoy every day. 

OutdoorCoffeeShop will continue sharing these stories because this is exactly where our industry is going. Contractors are being asked to know more while recommending solutions that help customers make better decisions about their outdoor living spaces. Cultivate gave us a front-row look at the people and companies helping make that possible, and we are excited to keep bringing those conversations to the industry. Be sure to visit OutdoorCoffeeShop and watch our Cultivate coverage on the OutdoorCoffeeShop YouTube channel to hear directly from the industry leaders we met along the way. 

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 entry, creating ample opportunity for outstanding hardscape work across residential and commercial projects.  

To get ready for this year’s awards, we wanted to highlight some of the unique categories included in the awards that are a great opportunity to showcase your team’s unique craftsmanship and eye for detail. 

Categories to consider 

One opportunity is Segmental Concrete Pavement – Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) category. As permeable pavement continues to grow in popularity for sustainable stormwater management, projects that incorporate PICP can highlight both craftsmanship and environmental design. 

Another category to consider is Retaining Walls – Commercial and Segmental Concrete Pavement – Commercial. This category is a great way to showcase your team’s ability to handle many moving parts as commercial retaining wall projects often involve engineering challenges, difficult grades, site stabilization and integration into larger developments. Do you have a plaza, streetscape, campus and/or public gathering project that showcases precision, durability and thoughtful design at scale? Enter it to this HNA category!  

Porcelain Paver Pavement – Residential and Commercial and Adhered Thin Veneers – Residential and Commercial are also categories that historically draw smaller crowds. But that doesn’t mean that eligible projects aren’t great examples of craftsmanship. From patios and rooftop terraces to outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, seat walls and columns, these applications can demonstrate how hardscape materials transform outdoor spaces.  

And one of the most distinctive of the smaller categories is Vintage Installation, which recognizes projects completed more than 10 years ago that continue to perform beautifully today.  

Getting it submitted 

As we mentioned earlier, submissions for the 2026 contest close on August 5, 2026. Make sure you enter your project before that to get a chance to win recognition and acclaim at this year’s HNA Awards!  

Not sure which category is the best fit for your project? Consider entering it into multiple! Jeremy R. Martin, owner of Willow Gates Home and Landscape LLC and a 2025 HNA Award Winner, explained, “If a project can be entered into multiple categories, why not? If it’s a permeable paver patio next to a pool with some retaining walls, it could easily be eligible for three different categories!” 

Another important note is that “projects for consideration must have been completed between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026. The only exception is projects for consideration in the Vintage Installation category which must have been completed before 2017.” 

Learn more about finding the best fit for your 2026 HNA Awards project by reviewing the full category descriptions.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Fox & Partners helped a real estate development firm organize its accounting, improve investor reporting and create systems that supported continued growth. 

“Hurley has been incredibly helpful in advising us as a startup nonprofit with our financial and fundraising strategies! He is thorough and thoughtful in his feedback, reviewing all our documents with great precision and has helped us be more strategic in our fundraising efforts. It has been a joy working with Hurley and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to grow their organization.” — Kyra Limberakis

When a growing real estate development firm approached Fox & Partners, its leaders were managing dozens of properties without a formal bookkeeping system. Financial information was spread across separate Excel spreadsheets, while the company lacked standardized reports, clear goals and an organized structure for communicating with investors. Recognizing the need for a more organized financial foundation, the firm’s leaders reached out to Fox & Partners for support. 

Fox & Partners began by reviewing three years of financial information and compiling a complete list of approximately 15 business entities. The team created both an Excel-based overview and a visual representation of the company, documenting bank accounts, loans, property intentions and equity structures. A QuickBooks Desktop account was then established for each entity. 

Using prior tax returns as beginning balance sheets when applicable, the team reconciled bank accounts through the current month and worked with the owner to ensure that every balance-sheet item could be traced to a supporting document. Financial statements and review procedures were refined over several months as additional transactions and account needs emerged. 

Fox & Partners also created standardized folders in Google Drive, giving the client an organized system for storing documents and collaborating with the accounting team. The improved financial records supported current investor reports that included equity balances, narrative updates, future capital calls or distributions, internal rate of return, return on investment and projected timelines. 

Within four months, Fox & Partners had reconciled thousands of transactions and developed clear reporting systems. The relationship continued over the following three years as the firm helped reorganize deal structures, supported fundraising efforts, assisted with onboarding a chief operating officer and helped the company expand its network. 

The partnership demonstrates how organized accounting can create a foundation for stronger reporting, clearer planning and long-term business development. 

Learn more about how Fox & Partners supports businesses with outsourced chief financial officer services!

OCS Influencer John Kenney says that fatigue affects judgement.

Every summer, contractors remind their crews to drink water, wear sunscreen and take breaks. That's good advice, but after more than four decades in construction, I've learned those reminders alone don't create safer jobsites. 

Heat-related incidents rarely happen because someone didn't know it was hot outside. They happen because production pressure begins to outweigh good decision-making. 

Whether you're building pools, installing hardscapes or creating complete outdoor living environments, summer brings longer days, tighter schedules and customers who want projects finished before family gatherings and vacations. It's easy for crews to push harder, skip breaks and convince themselves they'll "power through" another hour. 

That's when mistakes happen. 

One lesson I've carried throughout my career is this: fatigue affects judgment long before it affects effort. 

A crew member may still be working hard, but dehydration and heat stress can quietly reduce concentration, slow reaction time and increase the likelihood of poor decisions. In construction, small lapses in judgment often become expensive accidents. 

That's why summer safety needs to be viewed as an operational issue, not simply a compliance requirement. 

Good companies don't leave hydration up to chance. They plan for it. 

Water should be readily available throughout the day, not just during lunch. Supervisors should encourage crews to hydrate consistently instead of waiting until they're thirsty. By the time someone feels dehydrated, they're already behind. 

Scheduling also deserves attention. Whenever practical, physically demanding work should be planned during the cooler morning hours, with less strenuous activities scheduled later in the afternoon. That doesn't always happen perfectly, but thinking through the day's workload before the crew leaves the yard often prevents unnecessary exposure during peak heat. 

I've found that the best supervisors pay attention to people, not just production. 

They notice when someone becomes unusually quiet, starts making simple mistakes or begins moving differently than they did earlier in the day. Those changes often appear before obvious signs of heat illness. Experienced leaders understand that checking on a crew member isn't slowing production, it's protecting it. 

Pool construction presents additional challenges because crews are often working around excavation, concrete placement, plumbing installations and electrical systems, sometimes all on the same project. As multiple trades move through the jobsite, maintaining good housekeeping and communication becomes even more important. Materials, tools and equipment should remain organized so workers can move safely through constantly changing work areas. 

Service technicians face different risks. Equipment pads, mechanical rooms and enclosed spaces around pool systems can become extremely hot during the summer months. Rushing through inspections or repairs because "it's only a quick service call" can lead to shortcuts that increase both safety and quality concerns. 

Personal protective equipment also deserves attention during hot weather. I've heard every reason why someone wants to remove gloves, eye protection or other required equipment when temperatures climb. But safety equipment only protects people when it's worn consistently. The solution isn't eliminating PPE, it's selecting equipment designed for comfort while maintaining protection and reinforcing why those standards matter. 

The companies that consistently perform well understand something many contractors overlook. Safety isn't a separate program that gets discussed once a month. It's part of how work is planned every single day. 

When supervisors discuss weather conditions during morning meetings, adjust workloads based on heat, encourage hydration and watch for signs of fatigue, they're doing more than preventing injuries. They're protecting quality, productivity and the well-being of the people who make the business successful. 

I've always believed that the safest crews aren't the ones that work the slowest, they're the ones that work the smartest. 

Summer will always test outdoor contractors. The heat isn't something you can eliminate, but it is something you can manage. 

The companies that treat heat safety as part of operational planning, not just a seasonal reminder, will protect their crews, deliver better projects and build a culture where people know their safety matters every day of the year. 

OCS Influencer Taylor Dahlquist says a job might be important, but his team going home to their loved ones comes first.

Safety is the most important topic for me. I tell my team, "This job might be important, but you going home to your loved ones is far more important." 

I'll start with jobsite safety. With the grueling heat and humidity we've been having in the Northeast, hydration probably tops the list for jobsite safety for my company this year. Hydration starts the night before. I strongly encourage my team to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids — not just the morning of work or throughout the workday, but especially at home the night before. The heat and humidity have been relentless this year. I make sure all of my trucks have coolers stocked with not just water, but also Gatorade and electrolyte drinks. 

Not only is dehydration dangerous and potentially deadly for each team member, but it also increases the potential for jobsite accidents. In the pool and hardscape industry, we often use machines, from excavators and compact loaders to saws and wood chippers. A brain that is even slightly dehydrated doesn't function as efficiently. The cost of a mistake while operating one of these machines can be life-changing. Even paying slightly less attention on a pool build without machinery can have severe consequences, from falling into trenches and excavated holes to falling onto rebar or concrete stakes. I constantly reinforce the importance of staying hydrated. 

Along with emphasizing hydration, I make sure my team takes breaks in the shade to cool down. I follow the same rule with my family when we're enjoying our pool in the summer heat. Swimming is physically demanding on its own. Combine that with direct sun and high temperatures, and it can become a recipe for disaster if it's not monitored properly. Plenty of water and regular breaks are non-negotiable rules for me, both while building and while enjoying swimming pools. 

Next on my company's safety list is visibility — not just for team members, but also for potential hazards around the jobsite. This includes fencing around jobsites to keep passersby from accidentally falling into holes or trenches and highlighting trip or puncture hazards with caution tape or high-visibility marking paint. 

The easiest way to create a safe jobsite is by keeping it clean. This can and should be done all day, every day. Remove or neatly stack scrap pieces of lumber and rebar, and keep clear walking paths throughout the jobsite. These are simple, effective ways to improve safety. We often carry and move heavy materials, whether it's pavers, lumber, blocks or rebar. Tripping while carrying these materials is a serious hazard that can easily be reduced by maintaining a clean, organized jobsite. 

By Emma Peterson. 

After several years of uncertainty, FMI analysts see encouraging signs driven by infrastructure investment and commercial expansion. 

A lot has happened in the last few years that has destabilized our market and industry, but that doesn’t mean that growth isn’t still happening. In fact, FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report indicates that the industry is still positioned for growth, driven by power infrastructure, data center demand and steady nonresidential activity. To learn more about this prediction, Heidi J. Ellsworth brought Paul Trombitas, a partner at FMI, onto an episode of Contractor Outlook™. 

Paul kicked off the episode by sharing some background on how FMI makes their Outlook reports and the results from the last couple of years, saying, “One of the biggest parts of our report is our overall growth measurement. It’s important to note that we look at construction over the lifecycle of a project, so it's allocated during the year that it's put in place... Looking at the last few years, we saw growth in the 2023-2024 year, then 2024-2025 was not a great year and then 2025-2026 was shown to be flat.”  

The good news is that Paul and FMI team predict that the growth of the market will pick back up again as we head towards 2027. He explained, “When we look at residential, we anticipate right around a 4.7% growth rate. Not as strong as 2025 but still picking up. As for non-residential, it’s looking at a stronger growth rate closer to 6%.” What is driving the higher growth in non-residential? Paul shared some insight, saying, “Data centers are obviously the big shiny object in the room, and that segment will continue to grow. Matching it, power is also a big segment, as well as manufacturing space, healthcare facilities and warehouse development.” 

The takeaway from all this? Keep your head up. It’s been a rough few years for the industry, with labor instability, global geopolitical shifts, regulation changes and more, but there is still work and growth ahead.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording of it to hear more insights and predictions FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report.

By Emma Peterson. 

From A to Z, check out the 15 products that can level up your 2026 pool and spa care. 

In the pool and spa industry, manufacturers are constantly innovating and engineering new products to better serve professionals in the field. It can be a lot to keep up with, which is why we have created a shortlist of some of the pool tools that have caught our eye going into 2026! 

Arizona Smarte Water 

This is a water treatment system that delivers chemical-free purification. By using this system, professionals can lower the reliance of chlorine and salt, making a more natural and eco-friendly water experience. Learn more at arizonasmartewater.com. 

Aquaworx 

Look no further than Aquaworx for the ultimate filter set up! They create pool filter packs and water feature hydraulic systems (both subterranean and above-grade) that are safely protected 1-inch fiberglass and stainless-steel hardware. Explore their options at aquaworxusa.com. 

Bathing Brands 

Speaking of innovation, Bathing Brands’ Saunum Air line introduces groundbreaking sauna heating technology. The recipient of the 2024 Golden Wave award, these heaters take sauna heating to the next level with a climate equalization system and a patented air blending device. See it for yourself at bathingbrands.com. 

CCEI 

Take your tech to the next level with CCEI’s offerings. Their 24V-DC Transformer makes pool and spa lighting safer by utilizing two compartments that keep the primary and secondary light connections independent. Further, it offers a re-settable circuit breaker and a two-year warranty! Beyond the transformer, CCEI also created an automation and management app for pool professionals and owners. Vigipool allows users to control the temperature, lighting, filtration, pumps and water chemistry all from a phone! Explore these products at ccei-pool.com. 

Finnleo 

Many customers new to the world of saunas might not know this, but there are a variety of different heat temperatures on the market! If your client is not sure what they want, Finnleo has a solution – their InfraSaunas give users access to a variety of heat technologies in one portable kit! Learn more at finnleo.com. 

Fluidra 

Keep pools and spas cleaner with Fluidra’s Jandy X-Series AOP Systems. These systems combine UV-C, Ozone and DEL technologies to offer superior oxidization that will remove 99.9% of contaminants that chlorine alone can’t. Read more about how this works at jandy.com. 

Frank Wall Enterprises 

On the topic of cleaning, Frank Wall Enterprises created the ideal product for sand filter cleanouts! Their Roll-n-Vac Wet/Dry Vacuum removes soil and water around buried pipes and fits in all standard, two-wheeled, construction-grade wheelbarrows. Looking to reduce your sand filter changes to less than five minutes? Check out this product at frankwall.com. 

JED Pool Tools 

A pool cover is great, until it starts filling with water and creating a mini-pool of its own! That’s why JED Pool Tools created a lightweight pool cover pump! It can remove 350 gallons per hour through a standard garden hose connection and has a specialized filter that prevents debris clogs. Check it out at jedpooltools.com. 

King Technology 

King Technology’s FROG brand of products has created a simple and effective one treatment for deep cleaning hot tub jets and pipes, their Hot Tub Pipe & Jet Cleanser! This concentrated gel product is added to the water where it circulates through the plumbing system, loosening and removing any oils, lotions and organic contaminants it finds. Learn more at frogproducts.com. 

Latham Pool Products 

Looking for a better way to measure pools for covers? Try Latham Pool Products’ MeasureGO app! Free to download for Latham customers, this app leverages the LiDAR Scanner built into Apple’s iPhone Prosto to offer a simple, digital approach to measuring pools. Try it today at lathampool.com. 

Magic Plastics 

Trying to upgrade a clients’ underwater pool lighting? Magic Plastics QwikLED lighting adaptor plate is a powerful tool for switching out old incandescent with new LEDs. Using this plate to make this switch is a hassle-free way to make a huge difference in your client’s pool, both in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetics! Learn more about the QwikLED lighting adaptor plate at magicplastics.com. 

Pool Protection Technologies 

Trying to help clients keep their pools crystal-clear and beautiful all season long? Combat algae growth with Pool Protection Technologies’ S.A.M. device! This device floats on the surface of the pool and uses sound waves to disrupt algae growth at the cellular level. With over 180,000 hours of testing, it has been found to offer a smarter, more eco-friendly way to stop algae growth. Read more about this product at poolprotectiontechnologies.com. 

RH Adhesives 

The Vinyl Pool Liner Repair Kit from RH Adhesives is an amazing kit to have in your back pocket. It includes the flagship HH-66 Vinyl Cement, a 1”x10” clear vinyl patch and all the tools you need to perform reliable underwater repairs on flexible PVC vinyl. Check it out at rhadhesives.com. 

Water Tech Corp 

Water Tech Corp has released an enhanced version of their popular Precision 2.0 Pool Cleaner, the Water Tech Precision V10! This is a high power, cordless and hose free solution to cleaning pools. Explore everything they have added to this new version at watertechcorp.com. 

Westrom Software 

Need an assistant for managing the office side of your pool service business? Westrom Software’s Service Program is an affordable, easy-to-use and customizable solution! A QuickBooks add-on, this program gives you a powerful way to manage and optimize your route schedules. Learn more at theserviceprogram.com. 

Don’t see the tool or product you’re looking for? That doesn’t mean it’s not out there! Check out our extensive directory of pool and spa manufacturers to see all the incredible products on the market.

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Consistent ladder safety protects your people, your productivity and your reputation.

Walk any outdoor jobsite — whether it's a landscaping project, a tile installation, a lighting upgrade, a pool equipment repair or an outdoor living build — and you’ll see the same tool used in all of them: the ladder. It’s one of the simplest pieces of equipment on a job, yet ladder-related injuries are among the most common across every segment of the construction and maintenance industry. 

Ladder accidents don’t happen because workers lack experience. They happen because ladders are familiar. Workers have climbed them throughout their careers and no longer view them as hazards. But a ladder doesn’t care how experienced you are. If it shifts, tips, slides or fails, the fall happens instantly. 

Ladders are a universal hazard 

Every segment in outdoor construction relies on ladders: 

• Tile and hardscape installers use them for exterior walls, elevated patios and overhangs. 
• Outdoor lighting crews climb them constantly for fixtures, wiring and tree-mounted applications. 
• Pool and spa techs use them for pump room access, elevated equipment and overhead reruns. 
• Landscaping teams use ladders for pruning, lighting, signage and seasonal work. 
• Maintenance technicians rely on ladders daily for repairs, adjustments and inspections. 

Yet despite this, most ladder injuries involve basic misuse — using the wrong type of ladder, placing it on unstable ground, overreaching or climbing with tools in hand. When tasks feel repetitive or “quick,” workers get comfortable. That comfort is precisely what leads to injuries. 

Choosing the right ladder is step one 

Not every ladder is the same, and using the wrong type is one of the most common mistakes. 

Key considerations: 

• Height: Workers should never stand on the top rung or top cap. If they need to reach higher, they need a taller ladder. 
• Duty rating: Ladders are rated for weight loads — including tools. Crews often ignore this, especially with heavy gear. 
• Material: For lighting, pool equipment and any electrical hazard, a fiberglass ladder is mandatory. 
• Style: Step ladders must be used fully opened and locked. Extension ladders must be set at a proper angle. 

The right ladder isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of safe climbing. 

Set it up correctly, every time 

A poorly placed ladder is an accident waiting to happen, and outdoor environments make this even more challenging. Grass, gravel, mulch, pavers and soil all shift under weight. 

Workers should: 

• Place ladders on level, stable ground 
• Use boards or stabilizers on soft surfaces 
• Anchor or tie off extension ladders when possible 
• Maintain the 4:1 angle (for every 4 feet up, set the base 1 foot out) 
• Clear the base area of hoses, cords, stones and debris 
• Keep ladders away from doorways, vehicle paths or active work areas 

In outdoor living projects, constant foot traffic and multi-trade overlap increase the chance of a ladder being bumped. The setup must anticipate this. 

Three points of contact — no exceptions 

Every climb — up or down should follow the same rule: two feet, one hand; two hands, one foot. 
This eliminates the single most significant cause of ladder falls: climbing while carrying tools or materials. 

Crews should always use: 

• Tool belts 
• Buckets with rope lifts 
• Ground assistants when needed 

If a worker can’t maintain three points of contact, they are not climbing safely. 

Overreaching is the silent ladder killer 

Most ladder falls don’t come from slips or rung failures — they happen when workers reach too far to one side. 

When a person leans outside the ladder’s rails, they shift the center of gravity. The ladder responds the same way every time: it tips. 

The solution is simple: 

• Climb down and move the ladder. 
• Never lean. 
• Never stretch. 
• Never “just reach a little more.” 

Those extra 10 seconds of repositioning prevent weeks or months of lost time. 

Inspect ladders as often as you use them 

Ladders take abuse on outdoor sites. They get thrown into trucks, set on uneven ground, exposed to moisture, left in heat and overloaded. 

Every ladder should be checked for: 

• Cracked rails 
• Bent rungs 
• Loose spreaders 
• Damaged feet 
• Missing labels 
• Worn non-slip surfaces 

If a ladder is damaged, it should be taken out of service immediately. Don’t tape it. Don’t brace it. Don’t “use it just one more time.” 

Make ladder safety a habit, not a message 

Crews respond to what supervisors enforce. When supervisors model proper ladder use, workers follow. When shortcuts go unaddressed, shortcuts become culture. 

Integrate ladder safety into: 

• Daily huddles 
• Toolbox talks 
• New-hire orientation 
• Job audits and site walks 
• Pre-task planning meetings 

When ladder safety becomes a standard expectation — not a lecture — crews adopt it naturally. 

No outdoor contractor can eliminate ladder use, but every contractor can eliminate ladder complacency. When workers slow down, set up correctly and climb with intention, they reduce the most universal risk across every trade. 

Ladder safety is not complicated — it’s consistent. And that consistency protects your people, your productivity and your reputation. 

By Daich Coatings.

Rollable stone coating with built-in primer.

Allen Stanfill knew his pool deck was in trouble. It was in really bad shape and needed some major help. However, he was ready to put in the work, and started by researching pool deck coating solutions on the Internet. The Oneida, Tennessee homeowner was impressed with what he saw under reviews for RollerRock®. He figured if the product was rated for use in driveways, then it should be good for his pool deck. And he was right. 

Careful preparation

Before the cans of RollerRock were ever opened, Allen invested time to carefully prep his pool deck. He pressure washed the deck twice. He waited for three days of pure sunshine to assure the concrete was completely dry. Then he blew the deck off again.

Next he applied two coats of Kilz 2 primer. Even though RollerRock has a built-in primer, because his deck was in such bad shape he wanted to take this extra step. After the primer was dry Allen measured out a thick stripe around the pool’s edge. He taped it off. Then came the RollerRock.

Rolling on RollerRock

“I applied four coats of Ivory for the striped area,” says Allen. “I want this level of coverage because I know the surface around the pool’s edge will get heavy usage. Then I retaped the Ivory paint strip so I could start applying the main color.”

After that Allen applied three coats of the Cinnamon RollerRock to the remainder of the pool deck. Once fully dry, he applied three coats the Hi-Build Ultra Sealer on the Ivory stripe area and two coats on the main deck. Next he applied two coats of Kilz 2 primer. Even though RollerRock has a built-in primer, because his deck was in such bad shape he wanted to take this extra step.

After the primer was dry Allen measured out a thick stripe around the pool’s edge. He taped it off. Then came the RollerRock.

Tips for success

Having never worked with RollerRock before, Allen was surprised at how thick the product is:

It’s a bit more difficult to roll on than you’d think. Imagine peanut butter at room temperature. You have to be sure to mix it well several times in the bucket and roll it on very consistently. The roller supplied with the paint is good for the first coat. After that I used a ¾ nap cheap roller for the final coat. It makes it a little smoother on the feet.

According to Allen, the RollerRock product makes his pool deck look 100% better than it did previously. “The difference is simply amazing,” says the homeowner. “Now we’re ready to start another project and we’ll use the same RollerRock in Cinnamon on the flooring for that project. This is a product that really makes a positive impact. It was definitely worth the investment.”

By Emma Peterson. 

How one farmer tinkered his way towards patenting one of the most foundational irrigation tools today.  

Today, impact sprinklers are a commonly used and essential tool among gardeners. This uniquely designed sprinkler utilizes a rotating motion and impact arm to distribute water evenly across a garden or field. They are popular with both professional growers and home gardeners for their versatility and durability. But they haven’t always been available on the market.  

The first patent for an impact sprinkler was filed on December 18, 1933, and awarded to Orton Englehart on April 16, 1935. Orton wasn’t an inventor or engineer – he was a citrus grower trying to find a better way to irrigate his orange grove. In an article for the Irrigation Association’s magazine, Irrigation Today, Lauren Sable Freiman described Orton’s creative process:  

In a shed in Glendora, California, in the late 1920s and early ’30s, citrus grower Orton Englehart was hard at work, tinkering with pieces and parts, on a mission to find a better way to irrigate his orange grove. Everything from tin cans to whisk springs became reimagined and repurposed with one goal: devising a better, more efficient, more uniform method of delivering water to his grove. 

This was a slow process, but it was something that Orton was good at. Looking back at the images and records from that time, Mark Ensworth, director of research and development and chief engineer at Rain Bird, shared his thoughts: 

He built a foundry next to his workshop, and you can tell he was using that foundry to cast some custom metal parts for the project...He made his prototype from a bunch of stuff you can buy at a hardware store, like sections of pipe screwed together and some sheet metal he cut with tin snips. It was very creative and it worked to solve the problem he was trying to solve. 

What he ended up developing was the first impact sprinkler. This is a story that Heidi Hanson knows well, as her grandfather, Clem LeFetra, was one of the first people to adopt and share Orton’s invention. She explained:  

In that community, everyone helped everyone else when they were watering their crops in the orange groves...The community came together to make sure everyone’s crops did OK. Clem and Orton knew each other because they were helping in each other’s groves. Eventually my grandfather moved to Los Angeles as a salesperson for beekeeping equipment and he was the one who spread the word about Orton’s sprinkler. 

As more people were introduced to Orton’s sprinkler, and he continued to develop and improve it based on farmer’s feedback, it grew beyond him – into a company that still exists today. As Lauren wrote, “Though Hanson says Englehart never intended to sell the impact sprinkler, Clem and Mary LaFetra saw an opportunity to help farmers outside Glendora. With a patent in hand, Rain Bird was born, the impact sprinkler its first product.” 

Want to learn more about the impact sprinkler? Read Lauren’s full article.