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2 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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Features 16 FUELING THE FUTURE
22 THE BIG SWITCH
With rapid technological progress and a growing dedication to sustainability, the noise and fumes of gas-powered tools may soon become a thing of the past. BY RYAN O’CONNOR
W hat landscape professionals really think about going electric, according to our 2025 State of the Industry survey. BY KARINA SINCLAIR
26 THE COST OF CONNECTIVITY
Ignoring cybersecurity can leave businesses vulnerable to hacks, data theft and disruption. BY J. LYNN FRASER
MARCH 2025 | 3
March 2025 VOL. 47, NO. 2 LANDSCAPETRADES.COM LANDSCAPE TRADES
40
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Penny Tantakis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Wasilewski MANAGING EDITOR, MULTIMEDIA Karina Sinclair ASSISTANT EDITOR Robert Ellidge GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE Aisha Shaikh ACCOUNT MANAGER Greg Sumsion ACCOUNT MANAGER Liz Lant COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lindsay DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST Laura Fox
Columns 6 GREEN PENCIL Find solid ground in an ever-shifting world by moving forward together. BY KARINA SINCLAIR 32 INTERNET OF NATURE G round penetrating radar is changing urban forestry by striking a balance between development and tree preservation. BY DR. NADINA GALLE 34 GROWING YOUR BUSINESS Having women on crews isn't about ticking boxes: it's about the unique skills and perspectives they bring to projects. BY RYAN MARKEWICH 36 DESIGNERS CORNER H ow the Canadian political climate is influencing landscape design. BY HAIG SEFERIAN 38 HEALTHY HORIZONS Unlock the true value of investing in workplace health and safety. BY JENNIFER COCCIMIGLIO 40 SECTOR SPOTLIGHT Powerful practices to strengthen physical and mental resiliency for arborists and green trades professionals. BY JEN LLEWELLYN Departments 8 NEWSSCAPE 44 CNLA NEWS 48 NEW PRODUCTS 50 MENTOR MOMENT Carla Bailey believes it’s time to use technology to prevent professional stagnation and reimagine traditional gender roles.
ACCOUNTANT Joe Sabatino STAFF CONTACT INFO AT LANDSCAPETRADES.COM/CONTACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gerald Boot CLM , Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman CHT , Vanessa McQuade Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 comments@landscapetrades.com www.landscapetrades.com Landscape Trades is published six times a year: February, March, May, August, October and December. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One year – $46.90 | Two years – $84.74 | Three years – $118.64 HST included. U.S. and international please add $20.00 per year for postage and handling. Subscribe at www.landscapetrades.com Copyright 2025. All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.
ERRATA The February 2025 issue mistakenly included the wrong url for the Wacker Neuson ST37 compact track loader on page 20. The correct url is wackerneuson.com/ca.
ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8 CANADA
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GREENPENCIL Finding solid ground in an ever-shifting world
BY KARINA SINCLAIR
IS IT JUST ME, or does it feel like the ground is constantly shifting beneath our feet these days? The unpredictable actions of the current U.S. administration have had business owners across Canada reevaluating how they want to operate in the future. At Landscape Trades ,
tariffs aside – affects landscape design on page 36. I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce Healthy Horizons — a brand new column that focuses on the importance of health, safety and well-being. Landscaping can be physically demanding, and everyday stressors can affect mood, mindset and mental wellness. The column’s inaugural appearance on page 38 will show you how investing in workplace health and safety can yield a return on investment of at least 24 per cent. Watch this space for valuable insights for creating a psychologically safe workplace, spotting health and wellness red flags, having sensitive conversations and other important topics that help everyone work at their best and get home safely each day. To recognize International Women’s Day on March 8 this year, we thought it fitting to demonstrate the value of women in landscaping. Ryan Markewich shares how having women on his staff has enhanced every part of his company — from maintenance crews to management. Get inspired by Growing Your Business on page 34, and then flip to the last page to learn how technology can help women break past traditional gender roles and avoid professional stagnation. Carla Bailey, co-founder of Women in Landscaping, gets the last word in our Mentor Moment on page 50. For those feeling unsettled by sensationalized headlines and social media speculation, you’re not alone. But remember, just like the green spaces you nurture, landscape professionals have always been well-suited to evolving, growing and adapting. There’s so much we can do together to create stability, not by standing still but by stepping forward. Step into supporting one another. Step into sharing ideas. Step into new habits. And together, we’ll find solid ground, one step at a time. LT
we’re watching the situation closely and expect we haven’t heard the last of tariffs — or tantrums — from our nation's most significant trading partner. I would love to hear your thoughts about how tariffs might affect your landscape business and invite you to reach out to me. What keeps you up at night? How are you planning to future proof your business? And, most importantly, what can members of the landscape community do to
support one another and take control of our own destinies? Your perspectives are welcome and may be shared in a future issue of Landscape Trades . Speaking of power shifts, the rise of electric equipment is causing quite the buzz. Big brands, such as Bobcat, Milwaukee, Kress and Stellantis, have introduced everything from battery- powered pole saws to pickup trucks, edgers to excavators. Landscapers are spoiled for choice, but first have to decide whether they want to move away from their existing gas- powered equipment. On page 16, Ryan O’Connor explores what’s driving the transition from gas to battery in Shifting Gears. To supplement that feature, we present statistics from our latest State of the Industry survey. Check out The Big Switch on page 22. You may have heard about ground penetrating radar, but did you know it’s being used by arborists and landscape architects? Dr. Nadina Galle explains how on page 32. Following a different branch, arborist and breathwork practitioner Jen Llewellyn offers advice for thriving in the canopy on page 40. And if you just can’t get enough of politics these days, Haig Seferian gives a balanced perspective of how the Canadian political climate –
Sincerely,
Managing Editor, Multimedia Karina Sinclair
6 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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Bobcat Company is a member of the Doosan Group. Doosan is a global leader in construction, grounds maintenance and material handling equipment, power and water solutions, and engineering that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ® , and the Bobcat logo are trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2025 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1626 Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2022 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. Bobcat Company is a member of the Doosan Group. Doosan is a global leader in construction, grounds maintenance and material handling equipment, power and water solutions, and engineering that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ® , and the Bobcat logo are trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2025 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1626
MARCH 2025 | 7
NEWSSCAPE
2025 "Year of the" plants announced
care tips, printable posters, galleries of photos, fact sheets and more. Each plant has a detailed webpage featuring consumer-friendly gardening information and fun facts to help educate and encourage consumers
inspire and motivate people to get involved in gardening and plant care, and members are experts in the field of horticulture. To help green professionals promote the 2025 “Year of the” crops, NGB is providing access to marketing tools on their comprehensive website, including hand- painted logos, “Did You Know?” graphics,
Each year, National Garden Bureau (NGB) selects superlative plants to represent six different categories as their “Year of the” crops. One annual, perennial, bulb, edible, houseplant and shrub are chosen because they are popular, easy to grow, genetically diverse and versatile. NGB is a non-profit organization that exists to educate,
to use these six plant genera: ngb.org/2025-year-of-plants.
Asclepias from Walters Garden - National Garden Bureau
Heart to Heart Heart and Soul from Proven Winners - National Garden Bureau
PERENNIAL Year of the Asclepias
BULB Year of the Caladium
Caladiums are native to the tropical forests of South and Central America where they thrive in high heat and humidity. European horticulturists have been cultivating them from tubers for their striking foliage since the 1700s, but they did not become popular in North America until much later. After the Second World War, breed- ers began growing caladiums in Florida, where the vast majority of caladiums are still grown today. Lake Placid, Florida, is now known as the caladium capital of the world, producing more than 90 per cent of the world’s caladiums. Site selection is key to growing vibrant caladiums. Choose a spot that receives filtered sunlight or light afternoon shade. While they love the shade, some tolerate full sun. Their most dramatic colours emerge with about four hours of dappled sun per day. When possible, shelter shade varieties from hot midday sun exposure which can cause fading or sun scorch damage. As lower caladium leaves age and fade during summer, they can be removed by pinching at the base. This neatens their appearance and encourages new leaf production, so plants stay lush all season.
Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, and is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae . Named for their latex, milkweeds exude a sticky and milky substance where cells are damaged. Monarch butterflies rely exclusively on milkweed plants as a food source for their larvae, meaning that without milkweeds, there would be no Monarch butterfly. Found throughout North and South America, there are many different species to choose from. Several are cultivated as ornamentals. Species that are native to your area are typically preferred, however, introduced species that are nonthreatening to native plants or ecosystems can coexist with the native plants. Know the status of the species for your region to prevent the expansion of harmful invasive species. Milkweeds can be started in the garden in a variety of ways: by seed, dormant roots or live plants. They are low-maintenance, longtime bloomers that come back each year.
continued >
8 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
MARCH 2025 | 9
NEWSSCAPE
Kinglit from SAHIN - National Garden Bureau
Monstera Esqueleto from Costa Farms - National Garden Bureau
HOUSEPLANT Year of the Monstera
ANNUAL Year of the Calendula
First described in 1763 by French botanist Michel Adanson, scientists continue to discover wild monstera species, with two record-breaking varieties found in 2021. One species presents the largest known inflorescence of any monstera ( M. titanium ), with the inflorescence larger than a human head. The other possesses the largest leaves ( M. gigas ) — growing more than nine feet in length. Found in tropical regions of the Americas, monsteras can grow to amazing heights — some up to 90 feet tall. As hemiepiphytes, monsteras grow roots in the soil, as well as air roots that attach to trees or other plants, absorbing nutrients and water from the air. Because these plants grow in tropical forests in the wild, it’s important to mimic those same conditions when growing Monsteras as houseplants. The many varieties may have slightly different water, humidity or light needs, so read the plant’s label or check with your local garden centre about your variety’s specific preferences. Leave aerial roots to help absorb water and nutrients from the air, or tie them to the support pole. All Monstera species are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.
Initially cherished by the Egyptians for its healing properties and beauty, calendula found its way to Europe through Roman influence, swiftly gaining popularity as both a therapeutic herb and an ornamental gem. Native to the sun-kissed Mediterranean region, calendula has become a global favorite among gardeners, thanks to its resilient nature that thrives in diverse environments. Its name, derived from the Latin “ calendae ,” symbolizes its perpetual blooming cycle, with fresh blossoms unfurling each month. Calendula petals, beyond their visual appeal, serve as a source of yellow dye, earning the flower the endearing moniker “poor man’s saffron” for its ability to mimic the prized hue of saffron. The flowers are edible and offer a subtle peppery flavour, adding a vibrant touch to salads, soups and stews. Direct sow in early spring when light frost is still possible and continue to sow every two to three weeks until early summer for fall flowers. Keep plants watered but avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew.
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10 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
NEWSSCAPE
Little Snow Pea Purple from Sakata - National Garden Bureau
Neon Burst Dogwood from First Editions - National Garden Bureau
EDIBLE Year of the Pea
SHRUB Year of the Dogwood
This protein-rich vegetable is native to the Mediterranean region. Peas give back to the planet by capturing nitrogen from the air and creating their fertilizer, cutting down on inputs and boosting plants around or after them. If you plant peas and reuse the soil, the next crop will have a boost in yield that can be up to 10 per cent. One little known, but important practice is controlled watering. After seeds are planted, peas benefit from light daily watering for up to two weeks until emergence. After roots are established, and a healthy plant has formed, they will only need half an inch per week or water every other day to avoid root rot issues. Different types of peas come in various sizes, colours and vine types. They can be used as a row crop or trellised in your garden with vines to create a beautiful cascade for harvest throughout the season.
With dozens of species across the world, dogwood has been a part of human history for centuries. And since the 1800s, this group of trees and shrubs has become a garden favourite. From stunning flowers to colourful stems and berries, these plants offer qualities that are right at home in gardens. Many dogwoods are native to North America, making them useful for local insects and wildlife. For many, their spring blooms are considered a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and a sign to plant crops. Dogwood are low-maintenance plants that don’t require much care once they’re established. Like other shrubs, dogwood requires regular watering to get established. After their first season, they should grow well with minimal watering. As dogwoods grow older, their stems begin to lose that distinct red or yellow colour. Pruning one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each year promotes younger stems with better colour. Ideally, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plants start growing.
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MARCH 2025 | 11
Date:
Sep 16, 2024
Filename_ Version#
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Arborjet acquires remaining shares of Ecologel Solutions Arborjet, Inc., a leader in plant health care, acquired the remaining shares of Ecologel Solutions, LLC, effective Dec. 31, 2024. Arborjet purchased a majority interest in Ecologel in 2018, and after seven successful years of partnership, the brands are now fully unified under Arborjet | Ecologel. Together, Arborjet | Ecologel provides innovative plant health care solutions that promote sustainable landscapes, agriculture, turf and tree care while ensuring responsible resource management. “By fully integrating Arborjet and Ecologel, we make it easier for customers to work with us — especially those purchasing products from both brands,” said Arborjet president and CEO Russ Davis. “Together, we can create comprehensive programs that leverage the strengths of each product line, enhancing efficiency, customer support and overall service quality.” This unification reinforces Arborjet | Ecologel’s industry leadership, providing a comprehensive suite of plant and turf health solutions while expanding market reach. “Given the parallels between our strategies, philosophies and markets, now is the right time to consolidate our leadership and provide one unified voice,” said Rick Irwin, president of Ecologel. “The additional Arborjet resources for research, development and marketing will enable the expansion and enhancement of Ecologel’s product line,” added Jim Spindler, director of agronomy. “Innovation has always driven our growth, and Arborjet’s team will build on that foundation.” Founded in 2000, Arborjet began with tree injection solutions to combat the hemlock woolly adelgid pest outbreak. Over the past 25 years, its team of PhDs., certified arborists, agronomists and soil scientists has continued to develop cutting-edge technologies for the green industry. Established in the early 1990s, Ecologel transformed an industrial dust suppressant into Hydretain, a revolutionary moisture management solution that remains its flagship product. The addition of Spindler’s BioPro line in 2008 further expanded Ecologel’s offerings, including micronutrients, biostimulants and soil amendments. Today, the company serves the landscape, sports turf, nursery and agriculture markets with environmentally friendly solutions. “We are extremely grateful for Rick, Jim and the entire Ecologel team,” said Davis. “Their hard work brought us to this milestone, and their continued guidance will be invaluable moving forward.”
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MARCH 2025 | 13
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NEWSSCAPE
Sesame Street Collection to inspire next generation of gardeners
De Vroomen Garden Products, a leading wholesale supplier of Dutch bulbs, seeds and other horticulture products, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Sesame Street Collection. This one-of-a- kind product line for kids brings together the beloved characters of Sesame Street and De Vroomen’s mission to educate the next generation about gardening, sustainability and the wonders of nature, inspiring children and families to connect with the natural world. The Sesame Street Collection, developed in collaboration with Philos, De Vroomen’s educational and creative product division, features innovative gardening kits, tools, games and activities specifically tailored for young gardeners. The exclusive partnership leverages the iconic appeal of Sesame Street to introduce green-focused and entertaining gardening experiences to children in the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. The product collection is available for U.S. and Canadian orders through De Vroomen Garden Products. “Sesame Street’s focus on learning and
14 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
NEWSSCAPE
environmental consciousness aligns perfectly with our pledge to connect children with nature,” said Joris Philippo, founder of Philos and representative of De Vroomen’s Holland office. “With the Sesame Street Collection, we aim to inspire lifelong passions for gardening by empowering budding green thumbs with the knowledge and tools to cultivate their own plants and experience the satisfaction of watching them grow, learning patience and connecting with nature throughout the process.”
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The inaugural launch of De Vroomen’s new kid-inspired line features eight Sesame Street-themed products, each designed to engage youngsters with gardening while incorporating educational elements. With vibrant packaging and characters like Big Bird leading the charge, the collection is as fun as it is functional for kid-gardening activities and learning. De Vroomen and Philos remain dedicated to driving innovation and growth within the green industry by investing in quality educational products and experiences for the horticulturists of tomorrow, with plans to expand the Sesame Street Collection through seasonal products and additional gardening tools and games designed to engage and educate young gardeners. Supermarkets, toy stores, bookstores, garden centres and other retailers interested in De Vroomen’s new Sesame Street Collection can expect ongoing support, including point-of-purchase display options, marketing materials and comprehensive customer service designed to evoke in-store foot traffic and drive purchases of the collection. For more information about the Sesame Street Collection, visit the company’s website at devroomen.com/sesamestreet.
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MARCH 2025 | 15
THE TRANSITION FROM GAS TO BATTERY-POWERED EQUIPMENT IN LANDSCAPING Fueling the Future
As gas-powered equipment usage dwindles in Canada, industry members weigh in to paint a picture of the current landscape.
16 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
BY RYAN O’CONNOR
T he landscaping industry, like many others, has seen significant advancements in recent years, with one of the most notable changes being the shift away from gasoline-powered equipment. Battery and electric alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers, driven by the demand for more efficient, sustainable options and growing regulatory pressures around environmental and noise concerns. As a result, many Canadians are beginning to move away from gas-powered tools. Still, some landscapers remain reliant on gas equipment, either due to hesitancy or the limitations of current alternatives. But with rapid technological progress and a growing dedication to sustainability, the noise and fumes of gas-powered tools may soon become a thing of the past in an industry committed to a greener future. CHARGING UP TO TAKE ON THE JOB Since their introduction in the mid-20th century, battery-powered equipment has evolved to become the dominant force in the sales of lawn care and landscaping equipment worldwide. Initial reception was shaky and slow to adopt, with the first battery- powered tools by Black & Decker failing to win over the industry immediately. Over time, technological advancements such as the integration of lithium-ion batteries have led to their current wider adoption among consumers. In Canada, there has been an increase in nearly every type of battery-powered landscaping equipment from 2011 to 2021, with tools such as trimmers and chainsaws seeing a 10 per cent increase in ownership over that time. Over the same period, gas-powered equipment has experienced decreased sales in all equipment categories. During this crucial span, battery-powered equipment quickly established itself as the dominant force in tools alongside electric. Many landscapers, including Gabrielle McCullough-Murray, a landscaper based out of Toronto, believe they are simply the faster and more convenient choice. “About two years ago, our company started getting some battery equipment in for certain clients, and last
year we started to make a significant shift for battery equipment,” says McCullough-Murray. “For certain equipment we’re fully switched to battery, but we’re not fully there yet.” McCullough-Murray notes that the superior convenience of battery-powered equipment has made it the preferred choice for her company, allowing tasks to be completed more quickly compared to gas-powered tools. “The gas ones can be so finicky, and way less ‘all conditions’ on the work site in my experience,” says McCullough-Murray. “With batteries you're not messing around trying to get it to start or having issues with the parts. You also don't have to leave it on idle. It's just always ready, good to go.” Landscaping companies that have made the switch to battery-powered equipment appreciate the savings on fuel and the reduced need for stocking replacement parts. Since batteries are a one-time purchase, the ongoing expense of fuel is eliminated, which is critical for large-scale operations that prioritize speed and efficiency. According to Consumer Reports , after the initial purchase, the annual maintenance costs of battery- powered or electric equipment are consistently lower than those of gas-powered tools, factoring in refuelling and repair expenses. In addition to convenience and cost savings, customers will enjoy the reduced noise and emission levels from a battery. A webinar hosted by landscaping equipment supplier Toro detailed the benefits of transitioning to a battery-powered fleet and key factors landscapers should consider. Paul McCallum, Toro's regional sales manager for Canada, discussed how the company is actively prioritizing the production of battery equipment to match consumer trends. “Now, less than five per cent of commercial landscape businesses are still fully gas while the battery keeps growing in popularity,” says McCallum. “A lot of it comes down to personal preference, also. Some people will go electric because they have a Tesla at home, for instance.” “But there’s certainly people on the cusp of innovation in the [battery] industry, and it’s only becoming a more popular choice.” continued >
MARCH 2025 | 17
LAWN CARE AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT CONSUMER TRENDS IN CANADA (2012-2021)
CHUGGING ALONG OR PETERING OUT? Despite a significant decline in the sales of gas-powered equipment in Canada in recent years, gasoline products continue to dominate the market, particularly with power-intensive equipment like chainsaws and snow blowers. While there are drawbacks, such as fumes and other inconveniences, batteries have yet to match the energy efficiency of gas-powered options. Gas offers a far more energy-dense option compared to alternatives, achieving 34.6 MJ per litre compared to just 0.4 MJ per litre for a lithium-ion battery pack. In practical terms, gas-powered equipment can run much longer than batteries on the same amount of juice, offering more energy efficiency and endurance for high- intensity tasks. Although McCullough-Murray is a proponent of the shift away from gasoline, she admits the technology is not yet there for switching specific equipment, such as industrial leaf blowers. That extra power from gas allows her to sweep through jobs that battery- powered equipment just can’t keep up with. “For fall and spring cleanups, we absolutely need the gas backpack blowers, which I know is the biggest complaint from neighbours and residents,” says McCullough-Murray. “They're loud and they're obnoxious. But when you have so many properties to get through and they need to be meticulously cleaned, you're going to run through your batteries way too fast and have to keep switching them out.” A key component of the shift toward battery and electric equipment is advertising. As companies track consumer preferences for gas alternatives, they have slowed their promotion of gas- powered products accordingly. The growing demand for battery and electric-powered tools increases their publicity, further accelerating the transition away from gas. Despite this, gas has a sustained grasp on the landscaping vehicle market, with numerous manufacturers of bulldozers and forklifts exclusively offering gas machines at a cheaper price. Companies like CAT have introduced electric alternatives to their fleets, including the D6 XE, which is marketed as the world's first high-drive electric dozer. Despite this milestone, it will likely take longer for manufacturers to develop and stabilize the pricing of these vehicles, as they require significantly more power. Until then, gas can enjoy its hold over the vehicular industry. ELECTRIC: A SURGING COMPETITOR Electric-powered landscaping equipment is emerging as the biggest competitor to gas-powered manufacturers, seeing an even more dramatic spike in popularity than battery equipment. As advancements in electric equipment close the power gap between gas and electric tools, consumers are finding even fewer reasons to purchase gas-powered options. Ryan Johnson is the owner of Mountview Landscaping, based out of Paris, Ont. He views electric equipment as an appealing option for future purchases for his company, which offers services such as property maintenance and snow and ice removal. While Johnson says that gas equipment is an essential product in daily operations, he sees a future where his fleet goes gas-free.
Lawn Mowers
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
80
60
40
20
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Grass Trimmers
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
80
70
60
50
40
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Leaf Blowers
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
35
30
25
20
15
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Chainsaws
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
50
40
30
20
10
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Consumer trends in Canada show that despite gas equipment’s previous industry dominance, alternatives have already surged ahead in popularity in the last decade. (StatsCan)
continued >
18 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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MARCH 2025 | 19
“At the moment, most of our fleet is gas, about 30 per cent is either electric or battery,” says Johnson. “I unfortunately feel a lot of my electric equipment lacks an easy fix for when things do go south. It has disrupted entire work days at the company.” In the past, electric fleets were unable to match the power of their gas-powered counterparts, such as the higher RPM of gas trimmers or the CFM of gas leaf blowers. Yet, similar to battery-powered equipment, electric tools have seen significant advancements and investment, greatly improving their reliability and performance. And, despite being generally harder to fix, Johnson says the overall reliability is still superior over gas equipment. “It is absolutely more reliable than gas, in my experience,” says Johnson. “The electric portion of my fleet is practically silent and avoids most of the hassles involved with gas. It has a lot of the same advantages that my battery equipment does.” Electric landscaping equipment is continuing to gain momentum as technological advancements continue to improve year after year. This growth is likely to sustain, especially with strong support from governments worldwide, many of which are striving to reduce emissions and endorse greener alternatives. REGULATORY PRESSURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Discussions around landscape equipment have shifted beyond personal preference in recent years, as various governments have implemented bans on gas-powered tools, accelerating the already hasty shift away from gas equipment in Canada. Vancouver, London and Oakville are all among Canadian cities that have considered a gas-powered landscaping equipment ban, with environmental and residential concerns at the forefront of these discussions. Vancouver is currently working towards a ban on personal and residential gas-powered landscaping equipment to help reach the nation’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. City officials say they plan to discuss the possibility of a phase-out with staff this year. Metro Vancouver’s division manager of air quality bylaw and regulation development cited the equipment can ‘definitely have impacts’ on the health of the workers and
A quick Google search will yield petitions from multiple Canadian cities calling for the phasing out of gas leaf blowers. (Google)
people around the equipment as well. For context, a typical 3.5 hp gas mower can emit the same amount of greenhouse gases in an hour as a new car driven 550 km, which is approximately the distance from Toronto to Montréal. Electric or battery mowers, which are much quieter and becoming as cheap as gas alternatives, do not have the same problem. Dave Stewart recently spoke in favour of battery equipment in a panel discussion held at Landscape Ontario, a provincial Japanese manufacturer of power tools with operations in Canada. He mentions how the company has placed enough faith in current industry and environmental trends that it has gone fully cordless. “Makita were always known for the four-stroke gas engine,” says Stewart. “We decided to stop making those, to some consumer outcry, and we just went straight cordless. We had already been making battery tools for over 50 years by the time we made that decision, so we had a head start.” Another major motivation for trade association headquartered in Milton, Ont. Stewart is the business development manager at Makita, a
municipalities to enforce these regulations is noise pollution. Gas- powered leaf blowers, for instance, are much louder than alternatives, reaching noise levels of up to 105 db (comparable to a table saw) as opposed to 65 db for battery models. Neighbourhood residents consider the early-morning racket caused by these machines as intrusive to their peace, but as noted by Gabrielle McCullough-Murray, the technology for battery and electric alternatives is still lacking on large-scale jobs. Canadians pushing for restrictions on gas- powered equipment could hope to mimic California's 2024 statewide ban on the sale of gas-powered lawn and garden tools. The ban encompassed small-engine equipment like leaf blowers and lawn mowers, while offering $30 million USD in state rebates to homeowners and landscapers. With a population and economy comparable to California, Canada could look to California’s approach as a model for advancing its own net-zero goals. In the meantime, the ongoing shift toward alternative equipment may signal the beginning of a greener and quieter future for the landscaping industry. LT
20 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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MARCH 2025 | 21
THE BIG SWITCH?
WHAT LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS REALLY THINK ABOUT GOING ELECTRIC
A ccording to the results of the 2024 State of the Industry survey conducted by Landscape Trades , the transition from gas to electric or battery-powered equipment in the landscape and horticulture industry is met with mixed feelings and several challenges.
We asked how landscape professionals feel they can make a difference in the world while also improving public perception of the green trades. Respondents were largely small landscape business owners or independent contractors across several industry sectors.
82%
What are the most significant ways the landscape/horticulture industry can make a difference in the world? Over 20 per cent of respondents to this question cited adopting electric technology and shifting away from reliance on fossil fuels as a way to make a significant impact on the world. With plenty of focus on the environment and the desire to create welcoming outdoor spaces that promote community and wellness, it’s no wonder there’s a surge of electric equipment coming to market. And as municipalities across Canada consider banning gas-powered landscaping equipment, it’s got a lot of people thinking about the tools they depend on to create those serene, rejuvenating and environmentally friendly landscapes.
CREATING OUTDOOR SPACES THAT PROMOTE HEALTH AND MENTAL WELL-BEING
52%
48%
Mitigating climate change (Such as producing clean AIR and reducing urban heat islands)
Fostering a sense of community through public green spaces
42% ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY
23%
reducing reliance on fossil fuels by adopting electric technology
10% other
* Respondents were given the opportunity to choose more than one option.
22 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH?
Do you plan to switch any gas-powered equipment to battery-powered in 2025?
What are the main barriers to increasing your adoption of electric equipment?
50% 49% 46% 41% 15% 12% 11% 2%
RUNTIME IS NOT ENOUGH TO FINISH THE JOB
48%
NOT AS POWERFUL AS GAS-POWERED EQUIPMENT
28%
COST IS TOO HIGH
17%
RECHARGING TAKES TOO LONG
6%
1%
NOT SURE WHAT THE BRAND IS
OTHER
NO BARRIERS
HASSLE OF TRAINING CREW TO USE IT
We also invited respondents to share their thoughts about transitioning from gas-powered equipment to electric, which uncovered a range of perspectives. They said: "We need more information on the production of these products and [if] disposing of them is better than what we currently have from an environmental point of view." - Chris H. "[We are] leaders in our field so have had electric carts for years. Thinking of going back to gas weed eaters and walk- behind mowers." - Catherine M. "We like to use battery-powered equipment whenever it makes things more efficient." - Nolan "Electric tools have to keep up with power and longevity.” - Jason G. "It's going to happen and if the quality and power is there, we are happy to make the change. " - Barbara R.
A majority of respondents said they do plan to acquire new equipment this year. When asked if they’re planning to switch from gas-powered to battery- powered equipment, many said yes. Only a small percentage plans to switch everything, but nearly 30 per cent indicated they’ll add at least a few pieces this year. But overall, more respondents do not plan to switch at all. Plenty of landscapers are still unsure about adopting battery-powered equipment, which leaves the door open for brands to demonstrate how their solutions solve problems. We asked survey participants about their hesitancy to switch and, given the opportunity to choose multiple options, respondents highlighted four main barriers: battery- powered equipment won’t have enough runtime to finish the job, it won’t be as powerful as existing gas- powered options, it is too costly and recharging will slow crews down.
MARCH 2025 | 23
MARKET DEMAND
What percentage of your customers have requested crews that use battery-powered equipment?
Sometimes, change is driven by the consumer, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue for landscape clients so far. Less than 15 per cent of survey respondents have received any request to use quieter battery-powered equipment and the overwhelming majority have had no specific requests. At least, not yet.
8%
1-5 PER CENT
86 % ZERO PER CENT
4% 6-15 PER CENT 2% Over 15 PER CENT
ARE WE THERE YET?
The landscape industry stands at a crossroads regarding equipment choices. While professional landscapers are dedicated to environmentally responsible best practices, they’re not quite sure the solution has fully materialized with current electric offerings. As municipalities increasingly consider or implement bans on gas-powered equipment, and the market for electric options continues to evolve, it's crucial for landscape professionals to stay informed, explore available solutions and advocate for their needs. The transition to electric equipment holds promise for a greener future, but requires careful consideration of economic viability and operational efficiency. LT
To find additional results from the Landscape Trades State of the Industry survey, see our December 2024/January 2025 issue, or visit LandscapeTrades.com/2024-state-of-the-industry-report.
24 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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MARCH 2025 | 25
THE COST OF
CONNECTIVITY
BY J. LYNN FRASER
I nterconnected ‘smart’ machinery, as well as autonomous equipment and vehicles, are increasingly used in sectors across Canada. In landscaping, agriculture and construction, for example, this interconnectedness increases efficiency and revenue, reduces labour costs and collects useful data about the environment within which the business operates. Unfortunately, cybersecurity vulnerabilities have also increased. Cybercriminals may target small- to medium-sized businesses, knowing they may not have dedicated IT departments to ensure network security. Targeting hardware vulnerabilities such as personal computers, USB drives and mobile devices, hackers can access automated and interconnected equipment and servers to gain access to your client and financial data, proprietary business or personal information, intellectual property and even your money. Additionally, they know your staff lets their guard down when they think they are in seemingly safe places like the office or in the field. Cybercrime methods Sixteen per cent of Canadian businesses in 2023 and 70 per cent of individuals in 2022 were affected by a cybercrime attempt. Individuals are the weak point in a business’s cybercrime defences. Hackers use staff curiosity and better natures against them when they are dealing with emails. Scams and fraud are two of the most common cybercrimes. Emails are a common route for cybercriminals. There are business email compromise emails, such as an impersonation designed to steal information. A phishing email will try to obtain identity or credit card information. In spear phishing, the sender pretends to be a trusted individual using an email targeting a specific individual. An oft-cited example of a U.S. ransomware attack is that of OutWest Express in 2015. An email contained what seemed to be an ordinary message with a resume
26 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
HOW CYBERCRIMINALS GET IN attached. It was actually an encrypted malware virus. It enabled access to all of the company’s files where it changed all of the server logins, and shut out the owners. It was an expensive crime to correct and not all of the files were retrieved.
Be aware of the ongoing development of the Internet of Things (IoT), referring to the interconnectedness of different types of technology and automated machinery. This is increasing as is the infiltration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations. As highly connected autonomous equipment and vehicles start to populate work sites, companies should stay informed about their vulnerabilities, as they can be used to access personal and business data. Dr. Asaf Tzachor, a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk in the U.K., has been quoted as stating that cyberattacks in agriculture have involved autonomous drones, robotic harvesters and sprayers, suggesting that controls can be overridden by bad actors and datasets can be spoiled or stolen. Data theft, vehicle takeover and sensor spoofing (fooling a piece of technology into misidentifying an object into ‘seeing’ or not seeing an object) are anticipated to be the leading types of cyberattack in the future. Many parts of vehicles and equipment could provide vulnerable entryways to cyberattacks — especially those that connect to smartphones — including Bluetooth, airbags, USB, passive keys/passive keyless entry, engine transmissions, light systems and tire pressure monitoring systems. Equipment vulnerabilities In 2021, theft of construction equipment in Canada was estimated at $1 billion. At large work sites, it can be difficult to keep track of contractors, tools and equipment. Using layered safeguards, such as multi-authentication passwords and logins, these ‘smart’ steps can thwart or expose attempts at cybertheft. Engine immobilizers, smart keys or key transponder systems, cab control access code
MARCH 2025 | 27
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