Landscape Architect Articles

Reader Feedback | LC/DBM06-08-15 | News

Reader Feedback | LC/DBM
Each month, Landscape Contractor/DBM polls random readers from across the country with a question of concern, or just interest, to the green industry. In the past, these have included issues from ethanol-related equipment damage, to hiring expectations for the coming year. Here are results from recent "Questions of the Month." Though in no way scientific, they can be insightful.

LEDs Yes, But Water Efficient Irrigation, Not So Much
Most of the responses about the extent of LED lighting were positive with more than a third stating that their installations are almost 100 percent LEDs. However, the percentage of customers having or wanting more efficient irrigation ranged from zero to 50 percent.

Cold Cash
Not surprisingly, snow and ice removal led the list of top sources of winter revenue. Tree trimming/removal/stump removal was second (not counting those in warmer areas that continued landscaping) and there were some surprising main income sources as well including:

Making equipment (see quote below)

Firewood sales

Propagation of nursery material

Landscape projects sold months before winter months

Landscape bed installations with bulbs of all kinds

HOA 12-month payment plans

Quotes
"I am a certified welder and I build equipment for me and a few of my customers. Last year it was spray rigs."

"I am (presently) comparing lighting needs with the costs to change over (to LED lighting). Price may be the objective!"

"Correctly completing what the previous contractor missed/left undone," (as the most requested outdoor living feature).

"It seems El Nino events have increased public awareness in climate change, which increased awareness in personal carbon footprints"?(R)? water conservation practices, energy efficiency"?(R)? Also, integrated pest management practices have been better recognized and used," (when asked how past El Nino events have impacted business).

"I bought more snowplows. I do not visit Buffalo, N.Y., during the winter" (when asked about El Ni????(R)????o's impact).