Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
Landscape contractor industry officials are not singing ?EUR??,,????'??Happy Days are Here Again,?EUR??,,????'?? but there is a renewed optimism about industry growth and the nation?EUR??,,????'???s economy. The economic downturn that began in 2001 and prolonged, in part, because of the events on Sept. 11, 2001, seems to be ending as positive economic reports have become the norm rather than the exception. Enthusiasm over the economy is cautious, but these officials do see a light at the end of the tunnel.
LCN has gathered seven leaders of national industry associations and asked each to provide our readers with their views on what 2004 will hold for landscape contractors, and discuss some of the goals that they achieved in 2003. Continued growth is a key theme among these officials. But read for yourself, as we let the industry leaders speak?EUR??,,????'???..
The sunny economic outlook for late 2003 and early 2004 may leave more nonresidential construction wilting than blossoming.
Private nonresidential construction will eventually benefit from an expanding economy, but with variable lags. Current near-record office vacancy rates in many markets will hold down office construction for many months unless employment rises unexpectedly fast. Similar overcapacity will cast a long shadow over hotel, factory, warehouse, and power-plant construction.
Retail construction will continue to grow as personal income will again climb faster than inflation. Changing consumer preferences will mean more construction of ?EUR??,,????'??big box?EUR??,,????'?? and discount stores, even as traffic droops in malls and strip shopping centers.
In addition, new subdivisions create demand for nearby retail facilities. Single-family home building is likely to have another good year but not enough to match the records of 2003, while multi-unit construction may have a tough time because of current high rental vacancy rates.
The strongest growth will continue to be in the multi-faceted health-related construction category: hospitals, doctors?EUR??,,????'??? offices, stand-alone clinics, even drug stores, laboratories, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
On the public side, the two biggest categories, schools and highways, will each have mixed results. Primary and secondary school construction continues to be well sprinkled with money from rising residential values, which is pushing up property tax receipts in many jurisdictions, and record voter approvals for school-bond issues. But state tax receipts are in the third year of a drought that is likely to shrivel many categories of public construction, including university construction, locally funded roads, public buildings, and parks and conservation.
The second biggest public construction category, highways and streets, remains a question mark. Early enactment of an adequately funded, six-year replacement for the expired ?EUR??,,????'??TEA-21?EUR??,,????'?? highway funding law is a top priority for Associated General Contractors. With only short-term stopgap legislation, as at present, state highway departments cannot do the planning needed for major highway construction and contractors cannot prudently make necessary investments.
Most construction costs will remain reasonable except for insurance. But products that depend on oil or natural gas, such as asphalt, plastic pipe, and fertilizer, will be vulnerable to price surges and possible supply shortages.
In short, there will be a few sunny patches for nonresidential contractors but the outlook is cloudy for many.
The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) is a nonprofit association whose mission is to support and advance the common interest of its members in the manufacture, marketing, research and application of concrete masonry products.
The NCMA is an industry leader in providing technical assistance, education, marketing, research and development, and product innovation to its members and the industry. NCMA members produce a wide range of products, many with application in landscape markets; concrete unit pavers, articulated concrete block revetments and segmental retaining wall units. Over the past 15 years, NCMA and its members have placed an emphasis on the expansion of the segmental retaining wall industry. This focus on the segmental retaining wall industry has led to the development of marketing and technical literature and software supporting designers, specifiers and installers of these systems. This support helps foster the continued expansion of an approximate 120 million square feet per year segmental retaining wall market.
In 2003, NCMA implemented a number of programs specifically designed to benefit the segmental retaining wall designer and installer. These programs included development of technical literature and education programs intended to advance and to ensure the success of the segmental retaining wall industry.
Released early 2003, this design manual serves as a necessary supplement to the NCMA Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls, 2nd Edition. Since 1993, the NCMA Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls has been the standard-of-practice for structural design within commercial and residential projects. However, the document provides little guidance on surface and subsurface water management and does not include provisions accounting for hydrostatic load. The NCMA Segmental Retaining Wall Drainage Manual provides expanded water management guidance and outlines design provisions that account for hydrostatic load.
Implemented at the 2003 Manufactured Concrete Products Expo in Salt Lake City Utah, the NCMA Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Education Program provides landscape installers with an understanding of segmental retaining wall performance, system components, and industry recommended minimum guidelines for installation. Landscape installers and contractors completing this program become NCMA recognized segmental retaining wall installers. This provides installers with marketable credentials documenting their dedication to the segmental retaining wall industry and signifies to the installer?EUR??,,????'???s customers that they have an understanding of the performance characteristics and installation guidelines of the these systems. In 2004, landscape contractors can look forward to multiple venues where certification exams will be offered that lead to a NCMA recognized SRW installer designation. This includes a program at the 2004 Manufactured Concrete Products Expo in Atlanta, Georgia on February 7, 2004, and multiple programs throughout the U.S. from NCMA members.
In 2003 and continuing in 2004, NCMA and numerous research organizations, including the Federal Highway Administration and private research firms in both the U.S. and Canada, are investigating the durability of segmental retaining walls in freeze-thaw environments, primarily those exposed to de-icing chemicals. The objective of these research programs is to refine specifications related to durability and to ensure the longevity of the units in their intended application.
In 2004, NCMA will continue to provide continuing education to landscape architects through our monthly publication Concrete Masonry Designs magazine. Recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architect as a continuing professional education (CPE) provider, NCMA publishes four issues each year that are dedicated to (mortarless) landscape systems; focusing on the design, construction and specification requirements for segmental retaining walls, articulating concrete block revetments, mortarless fencing systems and concrete unit pavers. The remaining issues are dedicated to residential and commercial applications of above or below grade concrete masonry.
Through the dissemination of literature and software, and education programs for designers, installers and specifiers, NCMA maintains a positive outlook on the landscape industry and foresees a greater partnership between NCMA, its members, and consumers of landscape systems.
The golf industry has not been immune to the nation's economic downturn of the past three years, but the prospects of a turnaround lend hope for those who manage golf facilities.
An oversupply of golf courses, plus a decline in the number of rounds played, have had a negative affect on revenues in recent years. For the golf course superintendent, this means fewer resources are available to meet the rising expectations of consumers (the golfer). Fueled by televised golf events and facility comparisons, the challenge to provide high quality golf course conditions has never been greater. The good news is a brighter economic picture looms on the horizon; however the increasing expectations for premium course conditions are not likely to wane.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is focused on providing resources to help its members achieve career success. Education, information and representation for the golf course superintendent helps to bolster this professional's role as the key to the economic vitality of the golf facility and a key to the golfer's enjoyment of the game. The programs and services available to GCSAA members and golf facilities have positioned the association as a leading golf organization. These efforts, combined with those of other golf industry members, have as the ultimate goal to increase participation in the game.
The enactment of membership standards in 2003 was among the more profound organizational changes in the 75-plus year history of the association. Referred to as the Professional Development Initiative (PDI), it is based on the knowledge, skills and abilities ("competencies") demanded by the dynamic marketplace, i.e., what employers want in golf course superintendents.
The PDI targets the skills required to meet this demand. GCSAA will be able to deliver or direct members to quality educational experiences. These experiences will lead to enhanced skill and knowledge levels that can be documented. Once documented, these credentials can be marketed to employers as tangible and consistent within the profession. As the employers' needs change, so will the superintendents' competencies. New programs will be developed to meet the educational needs created by these new competencies, benefiting facilities and golfers.
The environment will continue to be a major issue for golf course managers for the foreseeable future. GCSAA has repositioned its stewardship efforts by transitioning its Foundation to the Environmental Institute for Golf. This new entity will target the association's philanthropic efforts in nurturing a collaborative effort among various individuals, companies and organizations to address environmental issues that affect the game. A recent planning session resulted in three water issues being identified as a primary area of focus for the institute: quantity, quality and availability.
Despite the recent decline in rounds played, surveys indicate interest in the game has never been higher. The challenge for GCSAA and others is to help convert that interest into participation. In recent years, numerous programs have been developed to facilitate the process. I am optimistic the fruits of those labors will be harvested in the not too distant future.
The Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) was established in 1981 to provide educational resources and networking opportunities and to help further the professional goals of its members. It is a not-for-profit international association composed of over 2,500 sports turf professionals, along with members representing educational institutions and commercial affiliates. STMA?EUR??,,????'???s 26 affiliated Chapters effectively extend the networking and educational opportunities to the regional and local levels.
Sports turf managers continually face the challenges of weather extremes and extensive on-field activities. In 2003, budget cuts at many facilities added to those challenges, yet 2003 also was a banner year for STMA and its members.
STMA took the first step of an ongoing marketing initiative to upgrade the perceived image of the association and of the profession of sports turf management with the introduction of a bold new logo and tagline. The tagline ?EUR??,,????'??? Experts on the Field, Partners in the Game ?EUR??,,????'??? takes an everyday phrase "an expert in the field" and plays upon it to get across that STMA members are the absolute "experts" both in the field of sports turf and on the playing field. "Partners in the Game" portrays professionalism and positions STMA members on equal footing with others in the organization or athletic department.
The 15th Annual STMA Conference & Exhibition will be held January 21-25, 2004, at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego. The extensive educational program includes general sessions, concurrent sessions, workshops and round-table discussions. The keynote speaker is Paul Caligiuri, the standout World Cup and professional soccer player, who is now head coach for both the men?EUR??,,????'???s and women?EUR??,,????'???s soccer teams of Cal Poly Pomona. Also featured are atrio of speakers from England who will address athletic field issues ?EUR??,,????'??across the pond,?EUR??,,????'?? and C. Mike Jousan, internationally recognized speaker and leading expert on communications, and author of Don?EUR??,,????'???t Let the Messenger They Shoot Be You!
Along with the association?EUR??,,????'???s largest ever trade show, the conference will feature exciting optional events. Choices on January 21 include a baseball field maintenance seminar conducted by the sports turf managers of Major League teams, a seminar on wheels tour of area athletic facilities, and the annual SAFE Foundation Golf Tournament. On January 25, the choices are a sightseeing tour of area attractions, and a seminar on wheels tour of Qualcomm Stadium, Petco Field and Balboa Park.
Other highlights already set for 2004 include major recognition of the Association?EUR??,,????'???s Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) program. The CSFM program was developed by STMA as a means for members to affirm their knowledge, expertise and degree of professionalism, both to others within the industry and to the external audiences, including the media and general public. Once certified, the CSFMs are required to keep up-to-date on industry technologies and to give back to the community through industry-related service.
For more information, call STMA headquarters at 800/323-3975 or visit the website, www.sportsturfmanager.com.
While the green industry is immense, it is also tremendously fragmented. This shortcoming has allowed misinformed, misdirected or agenda-driven anti-green groups to advance causes such as fears of pesticides, reductions in turf usage and landscape water restrictions to name just a few examples. Fortunately, the green industry is demonstrating that it can come together for the benefit of the industry, its members and the environment.
In 2003, a strong relationship between ACLA and TPI grew stronger, with plans for even more cooperation, collaboration and coalition efforts in 2004 and beyond. With an estimated 80% of all sod in the U.S. purchased and installed by landscape contractors, a positive synergistic force between the two associations and their members is evident, essential and mutually beneficial.
ALCA and TPI were joined this past year by the Irrigation Association (IA) and the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) to create the Green Associations Water Conservation Council. They created a new website to assist their members jointly to address landscape concerns during serious droughts or water shortages. These four associations are also being joined by many other groups and manufacturers in advancing the revitalized Evergreen Foundation?EUR??,,????'???s mission to raise public awareness of the importance of landscapes and green spaces.
Individual members of TPI are becoming actively involved in local and regional coalitions, but still recognize the many opportunities and challenges exist that they alone must address.
High quality turfgrass sod is one of the more significant issues TPI members are facing because of an increasing number of new turf farms. Farms that once grew grains, tobacco or livestock are converting to turf because farm prices are at historic lows. Having only limited knowledge and experience with turf production, these new farms are relying on price alone to sell their grass and their quality is often well below standards. The professional producer?EUR??,,????'???s fear is that an entire industry?EUR??,,????'???s future may thus be seriously damaged. The sweet taste of a low price can be quickly soured by an inferior quality product. Landscape contractors must lead the way in maintaining high standards.
Turf producers are also concerned about the availability and use of landscape water, pesticides and fertilizers. TPI and the International Turf Producers Foundation (ITPF) have taken a leadership role with the book Water Right: Conserving Our Water, Preserving Our Environment, which addresses many of the water-related issues, but clearly the issue will not be going away anytime in the near future.
Through its active public relations and education efforts, the Turf Resource Center and the Lawn Institute, TPI will continue throughout 2004 to work with editors and writers of professional green industry publications and consumer outlets to provide accurate and scientific-based information about the appropriate and correct use of turf, water, pesticides, fertilizers and other issues related to the turf industry and its growing group of partner associations.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.