By Emma Peterson. 

With a new generation of players coming onto the fairway, sustainability is becoming par for the course. 

Golf’s history extends back centuries, but in the modern era it has often been thought of as a game for grandparents and the older generation. However, in the last few years, there has been a resurgence in interest in the sport from younger generations. Wolf Creek Distribution reported in 2021, “More than a third of on-course golfers are Millennials (age 23 to 38), and they now outnumber Boomer golfers... Gen Xers make up another substantial segment of golfers, and of Gen Z-ers form over 35% of on-course golfers.” In addition to the growth of interest from younger generations, the last few years have also seen a rise of diversity in golf (with more than 25% of on-course and over 40% of off-course golfers being women) and international interest (especially in Chinese and Indian markets).  

This growth is a huge step forward for golf, which was considered a dying sport just a decade ago. But this growth also demands adaptation from courses as the wants and needs of the golfing population shift. One big thing to pay attention to is how your course interacts with the surrounding environment and climate. Wolf Creek explains, “Younger players find the environment and climate important. They listen to the media and want to know what you are doing to impact the environment positively.” Keep reading to learn how you can adapt your current operations to be more environmentally friendly and adapt to the wants of the changing golfing market. 

Irrigation 

One of the largest concerns when it comes to golf courses is their water usage as irrigation is a necessary part of maintaining the idealistic and playable greens. Historically, there is a reputation of golf course irrigation systems wasting water, which is not entirely unfounded, but only relevant to outdated systems. New irrigation technology allows for more operator control of the watering. This not only conserves water, making the course more environmentally friendly, but keeps the course itself in better shape as it avoids cover-watering. 

Additionally, many courses are shifting away from the traditional turfgrass used on golf courses. They are instead opting for low-water native seed grasses that not only make courses more water efficient but help with another huge concern about the environmental impact of golfing – biodiversity.  

Biodiversity 

At first glance, golf courses seem to fit the myth of monocultural spaces that lack plant and wildlife diversity. However, if you imagine a golf course, there are often trees, shrubbery and water incorporated around the fairway to add challenges for the players. Many modern courses are using these spaces as a way to incorporate natural, native vegetation that is home to wildlife. These efforts have real environmental benefits, as a University of Melbourne study and a study by the University of Rhode Island both found that golf courses offer a great space for native wildlife and plants to thrive. 

There have also been initiatives within the golfing community to take this even further, such as ‘Monarchs in the Rough.’ This program aims to address the 90% population decline of the monarch butterfly through a collaboration between Audubon International and golf courses. To put it simply, “As a Monarchs in the Rough member, courses will receive regionally appropriate milkweed seed for one acre and complimentary Monarchs in the Rough sign as well. By registering to be a part of this initiative, they are supporting the monarch butterfly and helping the golf community become a key part of the pollinator solution.” This is just one of the many wildlife initiatives and programs that involve golf courses! To learn more about them, visit the USGA Wildlife page. 

In conclusion 

While improving the biodiversity and irrigation practices on your golf course might take a bit of effort and investment, it can really pay off in the long run. Not only will it be a great opportunity to reach out and connect to the new wave of golfers, incorporating something like low-water native seed grasses not only supports native plants and biodiversity, but can lower your water needs and costs.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Learn how to find and keep top talent for your landscaping business. 

Whether you’re growing your crew for the busy season or searching for a long-term team member, finding and keeping the right people is one of the most important things you can do to protect your business and your reputation. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can attract qualified candidates who are a great fit and avoid wasting time sorting through unqualified applicants. Here’s how. 

Think like your ideal hire 

Before you write a job posting or ask around for referrals, take a moment to consider what your ideal candidate is looking for. Are they after steady work? Room to grow? A company that values their time and skill? The more you understand your target employee, the easier it becomes to speak directly to them. 

Best practice: Instead of focusing only on what you want in a candidate, include what you offer as an employer. These could be consistent hours, a strong team culture, on-the-job training or opportunities to move up. 

Craft a job description that sells the role 

No matter where you’re advertising, your job posting is your first impression. A good one will quickly tell the right people why this job is for them. 

Include: 

• A clear, specific job title 
• A brief intro about your company (what makes you different?) 
• Key responsibilities of the role 
• What you’re offering (pay range, schedule, growth potential) 
• Must have qualifications (but keep them limited!) 

Avoid: Long paragraphs, vague job titles or laundry lists of expectations. If your post reads like every other listing out there, it won’t catch attention. 

Keep employees once you’ve found them 

Hiring is just the first step. To build a crew that sticks around, focus on retention from day one. Make onboarding easy and clear. Show appreciation. Give people a path forward – even if it’s just regular raises or skills training. People who feel respected and invested in are far more likely to stay loyal. 

There’s no perfect formula for hiring, but there are smart ways to increase your chances of success.  

Looking for more tips on how and where to recruit great team members for your landscape business? Read this article from Wolf Creek Distribution Co. for specific tips on common job websites. 

By Emma Peterson. 

With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies, landscape lighting is more customizable than ever. 

One of the more recent technological shifts in the lighting industry was the advent of LED technology hitting the consumer market. As this made lighting far more accessible and affordable, it led to a distinct rise in consumer demand for outdoor lighting. This is now old news, with the latest technological development in the lighting industry following the home automation trend (think Roomba vacuum or Nest thermostat). In this article, the experts from Wolf Creek Co. Distribution dive into three ways you can utilize automation like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Cloud connectivity to create stunning, custom lighting for whatever your client needs. 

1 – Upgrade an existing system 

Many homeowners who are interested in automating their lighting already have a system in place, they just need to add the automation part. Thanks to Wi-Fi, you can help them make this upgrade easily by retrofitting each fixture with a new smart lamp (Chameleon’s Brilliance line is a great example of this!).  

Each of those retrofitted lamps would then connect independently to an internet router and can be controlled by an app or a home management system like Alexa or Google home. 

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2 – Bluetooth on a budget 

If you are working with a client who wants color enhancement on a budget and doesn’t have any existing systems, Bluetooth is a great way to go! This is also perfect for clients who may be less tech-inclined as Bluetooth does not use the internet, instead using a specific type of radio wave to communicate. This is probably the simplest option, but do note that if it's a large installation, Bluetooth mech technology (tech that creates a relay system so all fixtures act as a group) is a game changer.  

The key products:  

• A fixture that integrates Bluetooth, like the Alliance BL400-BT fixture.  
• The manufacturer’s phone app. This is what your client will use to turn lights on and off along with changing colors and brightness.  
• Bluetooth power meters. While optional, these showcase the percentage of watt capacity used, so it is helpful for you to see what is possible in the space.  
• Timers, if requested. Most Bluetooth system apps do not provide the ability to schedule lighting. See if this is a desired functionality; if yes you will want to use something with a built-in timer (like the Alliance IT timer) or to install a Bluetooth timer to the normal transformer. 

3 – High-end Wi-Fi install 

While these systems are more expensive, the technology implemented is also more advanced. High-end Wi-Fi lighting systems give homeowners more control over their space. Take the FX Luminaire ZDC system for example. This system allows management of zoning, dimming and color through a Luxor transformer that uses a two-wire path that does not burden the homeowner’s Wi-Fi system.  

This specific system includes a variety of built-in features: 

• Mobile app: There is a Luxor app that gives the owner remote control of their lighting from anywhere that they have internet connection.  
• Dimming: As mentioned earlier, this system offers control of light intensity. With a full range of 0-100%, this helps create the perfect atmosphere. 
• Colors: There are over 30,000 colors available with 40 custom themes.  
• Zones: Both dimming and color can be assigned to specific zones. This gives the owner the opportunity to create up to 250 different groups of fixtures to have unique characteristics. 
• Scheduling: Through the Luxor app, events can be programmed for each day of the week. This schedules unique themes to play at specific times! 

Do you have a customer who's ready to upgrade their lighting? Once you know what they want, contact the staff at your nearest Wolf Creek branch and they will get you started!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn some of the ways that hardscaping can be used to transform outdoor spaces into an extension of a home. 

For many homeowners, their backyard is their oasis. It’s the space where they can relax and enjoy the outdoors. But making the perfect oasis is often a challenging process that can seem overwhelming. That’s where you come in. As a landscape professional, you get to help them find outdoor living solutions that make their dreams a reality.  

One of the best ways to transform a backyard is by hardscaping. Hardscape design refers to integrating non-living features into a landscape. This can be everything from wooden decks and stone pavers to water features and pergolas. The experts at Wolf Creek Company put it best when they explained, “Hardscape design is essential in any outdoor landscape, blending man-made features with natural elements, from serene water features to impressive pergolas and patios. Whether your clients’ goal is to boost curb appeal or to create a tranquil retreat, hardscaping can significantly elevate the final outcome.” So, how do you start a conversation about hardscaping? Talk to your client about the options available to them!  

• Pergolas, gazebos and pavilions: Incorporating structures like these bring both aesthetics and functionality. By adding them, you create a stunning focal point that provides cooling shade and privacy to the space. 
• Boulders and rocks: When we think of designing a backyard, we often think in terms of plants. But mixing up materials by bringing in rocks and boulders can create some much needed contrast that enhances the aesthetics of the yard.  
• Gravel: Usable for both paths and patios, gravel is a simple way to elevate a space. Combined with some comfy outdoor furniture and warm lighting, it’s a surefire winner.  
• Water features: Creating a water structure is a great way to create a serene ambiance for your client. 
• Concrete paths: While this hardscaping option requires some intensive labor up front, it creates a durable and cost-effective pathway that adds charm to any outdoor space, regardless of the style.  
• Built-ins: Whether it's a simple bench or a full outdoor kitchen, adding a built-in structure is both functional and a great way to elevate a backyard.  
• Decks: Looking to create the ultimate entertainment area in a backyard? A deck is an ideal way for homeowners to relax and entertain guests! 
• Steps: If the space includes an incline, incorporating steps into the hardscaping is a practical choice for accessibility that also adds some great visual interest to the space. 
• Sculptures and lighting: In hardscaping, the little details are crucial. The right landscaping lighting or the small accent that comes with a sculpture are key to delighting your clients.  

These are just a few of the countless different options that come with hardscape design. Overall, the goal is to help homeowners create the perfect balance between natural and built environments.  

For more help creating your clients’ backyard oasis's, check out the resources at Wolf Creek Company.

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