2002 Offers Wide Array of New Products

With the 21st Century now in full swing, manufacturers are improving their products and offering new advances that will make the Landscape Contractor more efficient, responsible and successful. A number of brand-new products are coming your way this year, so we at LCM assembled this listing to bring you up to speed. The following products represent the latest innovations from 21 companies.

Hadco's Ultra-Compact "Egg"

Dubbed "The Egg" because of its unique shape, this ultra-compact fixture measures just 2-1/2" deep and 2" wide, making it one of the smallest landscape fixtures available. The slender body of "The Egg" is constructed of die-cast brass with cast brass fasteners used throughout for protection against corrosion. It is rated up to a 20W low-voltage MR-8 lamp that produces a powerful flood pattern suitable for illuminating gardens, architectural features and signage.

For more information call (717) 359-7131 or visit www.hadcolighting.com.

Dig's Light-Powered Controllers

Dig introduces the LEIT Control X, the newest and most advanced in the Dig series of "light powered" water-management irrigation controllers. Built to ISO 9002 quality standards, the controller operates 10, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 stations plus a master valve or pump start without AC power hookup, batteries or conventional solar panels. The LEIT Control X also has a new improved menu base with straightforward programming that allows for a wide range of irrigation programs with features.

For more information call (760) 727-0914 or visit www.digcorp.com.

Inter-Fab's Manor House Stone Features

Inter-Fab manufactures a line of artificial rock water features and boulders. Last year they introduced a unique product line called Manor House Stone, which captures the look of handcrafted stacked stonework. The initial offering consisted of a waterfall/planter called the Serenity Garden Falls, and this year the company adds four new products to extend the Manor House line:

• cornerstone waterfall

• free-standing planter

• self contained "bubbler" style fountain

• 8-foot bench.

For more information call (520) 790-7040 or visit www.fallingh2o.com.

Aqua Control's Bowl Fountain

Aqua Control announces the introduction of a new Bowl Fountain product line which is based on unique horizontal pump technology. This allows the bowl fountain to be installed by simply setting the assembly in any hard bottom bowl as small as 8' diameter and 12" deep and up to any diameter and depth. They are available with several variations of five basic, interchangeable, nozzles patterns which create heights from 5' to 10' and diameters from 4' to 15'. These high volume pumps create unusually thick, coherent, beautiful streams that minimize wind distortion and light extremely well.

For more information call (770) 664-8129 or visit www.aquacontrolinc.com.

Natural Science Organic Fertilizer

Natural Science 15-1-7 (7 S, 1 Fe) is the newest member of the Natural Science organic based fertilizer family for use on turf grass, shrubs, flowers and trees. This new organic fertilizer formulation is designed for properties bordering lakes, rivers, and sensitive watershed and ground water areas. Made from recycled leather, this homogeneous pellet is formulated with intermediate and slow release organic nitrogen fertilizer, plus other natural ingredients including iron to promote a beautiful dark green grass color and sulfur to increase

disease resistance.

For more information call (800) 825-7650 or visit www.fertilizers.net.

Stone Forest's Curved Post Light

The newest outdoor lantern from Stone Forest is designed for the particular purpose of lighting outside pathways, driveways and entryways. This lantern is hand-carved from one piece of beige granite, predrilled for installation of electrical wire and fixtures, and fitted with a curved, wooden slat window. It stands 26 inches high and is 10 inches wide. Weighing in at 100 pounds, it retails for a suggested list price of $196.

For more information call (505) 986-8883.

Terawet's LawnSaver

LawnSaver is an environmentally safe product intended to encourage rapid repair of damaged turf, eliminate localized dry spots, and provide immediate stress control and increased root growth, as well as rapid drought relief. Terawet claims that it will turn stressed, discolored turf into a vibrant green in a matter of days. LawnSaver is a liquified copolymer containing surfactants, humectants and proprietary additives with applications for both turf and horticulture. It attaches, holds and transfers moisture into plant roots to provide rapid relief from stress conditions due to lack of moisture, presence of salts and reduced uptake of nutrients by the plant. It improves microbial activity and enhances the production of plant feeder roots.

For more information call (888) 383-7293 or visit www.terawet.com.

EX Combo Track

Grouser Products introduces the new EX Combo Track, designed to reduce slippage and needless wear on skid loader tires and traction bars. This new track features a replaceable shoe with replaceable traction inserts. The shoe is bolted on, eliminating the need for welding, often required to maintain track systems. The traction inserts are hardend for maximum durability. The EX Combo Track claims over 50 percent more wear volume per pad than the nearest competitor. Installation of the track is simple and easy, with built-in length adjustment. Other features include: improved traction in muddy conditions, crossbar design that provides strength and tire protection, and interchangeability with with Grouse Soft Shoe.

For more information call (701) 282-7710.

PGI's Backyard Putting Green

PGI introduces its new synthetic bentgrass putting green that "not only rolls as true as the nicest country club green, it holds a shot as well." With the new shock pad system, golfers can now hit shots into the green with very realistic results. Golfers are looking for more ways to practice at home, and PGI says this product is the closest thing to a real green without all the attendent maintenance.

Landscape Contractors can become authorized PGI dealers and set themselves apart from the competition by offering this residential putting green. PGI also says that once a green is installed, it often leads to additional landscaping work, such as ponds, bunkers, stone walls and numerous plantings.

For more information call (317) 842-9430.

FINN's EAGLE Diesel Skid Steer

FINN Corporation introduces another "Smarter way to Work" with their new 200D Diesel EAGLE. The Model 200D is powered by a 20HP Kubota diesel engine and provides another extension to Finn’s popular Eagle Product line. The Diesel version continues to produce a "flow rate to the tool" of 13.25 gallons per minute making it the most powerful unit in its class and is comparable in appearance to the original 25 HP Kohler gas version. Only a close look will distinguish them apart. All units utilize the 40+ compact skid steer attachments available on the market today and are interchangeable with most competitive attachments. Eagle products continue to offer the easy service access and durability that FINN Corporation is noted for.

For more information call (800) 543-7166 or visit www.finncorp.com.

J.D. Russell's Lighted Duratube

New Lighted Duratube steel landscaping edging is an easy-to-install component of any low voltage lighting scheme. Its two-part system is illuminated with 12-volt rope light housed in patented, bendable steel landscape edging. Lighted Duratube can be used to illuminate driveways, walkways or pathways for improved safety and visibility. Available in a variety of colors to help create just the right look.

For more information call (800) 888-7425.

Cub Cadet's WorkRunner

The all-electric WorkRunner utility vehicle is designed for single-person use and able to fit into compact spaces. Great for warehouse, maintenance or security purposes, the WorkRunner fits through a standard-sized doorway, trailer door or on a passenger elevator. It can also double as a golf cart and is equipped with a heavy-duty battery and an on-board charger capable of charging in any standard outlet.

The WorkRunner features a 450-pound load capacity, a 4-cubic-foot utility bed, headlights, taillights, horn and turn signals to create a "comfortable automobile atmosphere." Side mirrors, canopy top, windshield and hubcap options increase safety and versatility.

Available from Cub Cadet dealers throughout the U.S. For more information call Patrick Skertich at (312) 240-2632 or visit www.cubcadet.com.

Highrise Live Oak

Tree Introductions Inc. introduces the first patented, clonal live oak available, Quercus virginiana Highrise Live Oak. Highrise is ideal for restricted spaces, streets, parking lots or other areas where typical live oaks are not used, or used incorrectly, due to their horizontal branching habits. The design "embodies the noble characteristics and cultural adaptability of the traditional Live Oak in a more restrained, elegant form that is suitable for planting in restricted growing areas."

For more information call (706) 769-1202, e-mail newtrees@treeintroductions.com or visit www.treeintroductions.com.

Keystone's "Country Manor" Wall System

This tumbled, random pattern wall system combines old world charm with the security of Keystone’s patented mechanical connection. Country Manor combines the best features of modern durability and the old world look of a mason-crafted wall. The blended colors are subtle and the random sizes of the tumbled, high strength concrete blocks appear as stones.

Sized at a human scale, this wall system is ideally suited for residential and light commercial applications, and it incorporates a minimum of three different size blocks and a cap unit. A patented fiberglass pin system provides a positive mechanical connection and ensures proper alignment.

For more information call Marla Siegel at (714) 708-7415 or visit www.keystonewalls.com.

Kichler's Garden Lights

Kichler introduces two new themed garden lights:

The Lighthouse - This design was inspired by the historic Marblehead Lighthouse on Catawba Island. Standing 32" tall, this Lighthouse is supplied with 25’ of cable, 60 watt transformer and light bulb.

The Oriental Path Light - This solid brass light adds grace to any garden or pathway. With its pierced lantern, this fixture creates a unique light pattern. In Kichler’s new Red Copper powder coated finish, this path light stands 30 " tall, uses a long life 18.5 watt krypton bulb and is supplied with a 14" stake.

For more information call (216) 573-1000 or visit www.kichler.com.

Waterfall’s Butterfly Cascade & Fish Pond

The Butterfly Cascade is a waterfall for any small or medium sized in-ground pond. This lightweight yet generously sized feature can also be used as a bubbler spring when installed over an in-ground liner or pot and surrounded by a flowerbed or rocks. The Fish Pond is for those people who always wanted an in-ground pond but thought it would be too difficult to install. It requires a minimum of digging - about 20 inches deep in a 4-foot diameter - and the pond drops right in, complete with coping stones and all. It can even support small fish and shallow lilies.

For more information call (718) 543-3606 or visit www.waterfallsofnatue.com.

Switch Blade Pipe Cutter

Tom King's patent-pending Switch Blade Pipe Cutter has three separate, locking blade positions, which makes it three cutters in one. It's a snap to adjust -- just depress and slide the pivot point till it locks into position. You get the best cutting angle for whatever size pipe you're cutting, which means a clean and easy cut every time. No more flattening the pipe because your cutter is too big, or hunting around for a larger cutter when you need it. The Switch Blade also features an easy-open trigger, a replaceable blade of hardened stainless steel, and handles made of durable glass-filled nylon.

For more information call Tom King Harmony Products Inc. toll-free at 1-877-304-2111.

MoonStone Landscape Lights

An alternative to typical landscape lighting fixtures that are placed in full view around the yard, the MoonStone is a boulder by day and a unique landscape light by night. This medium sized boulder blends naturally among shrubs and flowers and glows from within after dark, casting illumination for pathway or garden environment. A great way to provide light from hidden sources, MoonStones can be installed on their own system, or added to an existing low-voltage system.

For more information call Linda Frederickson toll-free at (877) 405-0584.

Anchor Highland Stone Wall

Suitable for a variety of commercial and residential projects, Anchor Highland Stone is an innovative new three-piece concrete retaining wall system featuring a face texture that replicates natural stone. Gravity walls can be built up to four feet high and reinforced walls up to eight feet high. The popular, patented Anchor rear-lip is built into the Anchor Highland Stone, for accurate, fast installation and a structurally sound design. Anchor Highland Stone blocks feature a face style and rounded corners that give a weathered, natural stone look. The natural-looking block face is highlighted with the use of multiple colors to create a unique effect that replicates closely what Mother Nature produces.

For more information call Tom Mara at (952) 979-8458 or e-mail tmara@anchorwall.com.

The Tree Hugger Tie

The Tree Hugger Tie from by S.K. Tree Products replaces tape and hand tie systems, and it will stretch with the growth of the tree. You can apply it to any small tree trunk and stake it to give firm support without damage to the tree. It takes less than three seconds to apply and can be adjusted for eventual tree growth in even less time. Made from UV-resistant rubber, the Tree Hugger Tie will last two years under the harshest conditions, according to the manufacturer.

For more information contact Mike Kesler at (801) 942-3467 or visit www.treehugger.cc.

Atmosphere's Volcanic Tabletop

Atmosphere Inc. introduces a new tabletop design from Sicily. It is extremely detailed and hand-painted, made of volcanic lava and will last "forever," inside or outdoors. Stock sizes are 48-, 54- and 60-inch. Custom sizes are also available, and the company offers iron and fiberglass table bases. For more information call toll-free (866) 286-2787 or e-mail Stacie@atmospherei.com.