Our annual State of the Industry Report was released in Lawn & Landscape’s October issue. Now it’s time to hear first-hand accounts on how 2022 has been for some landscapers and get their input on impactful factors and the future of the industry.

During a free webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Editor Brian Horn will moderate a discussion with green industry professionals about what has happened in the industry over the past 12 months and what to expect in 2023. Topics will include: market trends, supply chain, inflation, labor and more.

Panelists for the discussion will include Pam Dooley, owner, Plants Creative; Nathan Dirksen, COO, Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping; and Carita Koen, co-owner, Green Magic Landscape.

Click here to register now for this informative webinar. The webinar will be held at noon EST on Nov. 9.

Heritage Landscape Supply Group, Inc. has acquired Imperial Sprinkler Supply, Inc., an independently owned distributor of irrigation, outdoor lighting and other landscape products. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Founded in Placentia, California, in 1980 by Gabriel & Dolores Moriel, ISS operates a network of 25 branches across California, servicing professional irrigation and landscape contractors, municipalities, golf course superintendents, and other green industry professionals. The Moriel family and the Company’s entire sales and operations team will be staying with ISS to run the business going forward which will ensure continuity and consistency for customers, suppliers, and employees.

“We are honored to welcome the entire ISS team to the Heritage family,” said Matt McDermott, president of Heritage. “ISS is one of the largest and most respected independents in the country and has earned a reputation as the preeminent distributor in California. We are truly excited to add this game- changing and strategic acquisition to our growing network and look forward to seeing what our combined teams will accomplish together.”

 “Our family has spent decades building a business predicated on providing top-quality products and unparalleled customer service throughout California,” said Darlene Hunn, CEO of ISS. “After over 40 years in business, we were very fortunate to find a partner in Heritage that would be a trusting steward of our Company’s legacy and treat our people like family. It is with great excitement that we kick off this next phase of growth for ISS, providing our amazing team with the resources they need to take the Company to new heights. Together, we will support an enduring commitment to our customer and supplier partners, while continuing to empower the hard-working employees that make it all possible.”

Ditch Witch is debuting the new PT37 ride-on plow/trencher. This ride-on plow/trencher brings durability and usability to a proven model while retaining the simple, mechanical design preferred by many contractors.

The PT37 is a dedicated plow with an optional trencher, reel-carrier and hydra-bore configuration to meet a wide range of jobsite needs. An adjustable side-facing seat allows the operator to see all four tires and the plow box while operating. Further improving its functionality, the PT37 is largely mechanical and features a simplified control display. It also requires less maintenance due to its simplified exhaust cleaning and fewer grease points.

The PT37 ride-on plow/trencher is designed for ease of use and storage. It features a compact footprint, able to scale down to just 36 inches wide so users can enter standard gates and access tight workspaces. Its tires provide cost savings compared to a tracked version and minimizes the impact on yards. An optional dual-wheel configuration provides added traction and stability. A foldable ROPS design allows users to keep the PT37 on a trailer for easy parking and storage in garages.

A Yanmar diesel engine provides gross 36.8 HP (27.5 kW) at 3,000 RPM to deliver constant performance while plowing, trenching or boring. An optimized plow design provides down pressure to maintain consistent plowing up to 24 inches deep in a variety of conditions.

“The PT37 is based on a proven vibratory plow model that has been the preferred choice of many contractors for decades and remains in high demand for fiber installation,” said Brant Kukuk, Ditch Witch compact equipment product manager. “It combines the simple design and operation that users want with the next-generation innovation you expect from Ditch Witch. The result is a simple, compact and powerful utility machine that is ideal for irrigation and telecom projects.”

To check out the PT37 in person, visit the Ditch Witch booth at the Equipment Exposition in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 19-21, or contact your local Ditch Witch dealer.    

Country Clipper is proud to announce the redesign of its Challenger zero-turn mower series, now offering six new models designed for commercial landscapers and residential operators looking for a professional finish. Updates to components and features across the Challenger Series further improve performance and durability, with extra emphasis on operator comfort.

The Challenger Series is comprised of six models available with 52” and 60” cutting widths and engine options in both Kawasaki or Kohler. The new Challenger features notable comfort upgrades straight from the factory, equipped with a deluxe adjustable suspension seat delivering 2 inches of travel to further dampen bumpy rides and reduce operator fatigue. Combined with Country Clipper’s Contour Deck Tracking System, the Challenger series absorbs bumps and minimizes impact to the turf, ensuring an unrivaled quality of cut. Additional features like Joystick or Twin Lever steering, conveniently located cupholders, maintenance-friendly Stand-Up Deck, and easy-entry Wide Front Step remain standard across the entire series. 

Country Clipper’s new Challenger series zero-turn mowers offer a solution for professionals and homeowners looking for exceptional performance and comfort at a competitive price.

To learn more about the latest Country Clipper products, visit CountryClipper.com.

Steel Green Manufacturing will introduce its largest sprayer yet, the SGXL, and two prototype machines to attendees at Equip Exposition. The prototypes include the SG36-EV spreader/sprayer and the SG54 high-volume sprayer.

The SGXL is a multifunction applicator with capacity and versatility. A 120-gallon spray capacity makes it ideal for lawn care professionals who service commercial or large residential lawns. 

The SGXL features a 35-horsepower Kawasaki engine, 100-foot hose reel, 2.5-gallon foam marker, LED light bar, hillside assist system, and pressure control system. Its 12-mph transport speed and 27-gpm centrifugal pump save time at a time when efficiency is everything.

The Steel Green team developed the SGXL to meet the need for a larger, more versatile machine for turfgrass professionals. Taking prototypes to trade shows and use sites over the past year, the team received valuable feedback to design a machine that provides exceptional comfort and stability without requiring much storage space.

Steel Green is also excited to introduce two new prototypes at Equip. The SG36-EV will be the first all-electric ride-on spreader/sprayer on the market. The SG54 high-volume sprayer has a 100-gallon spray tank for efficient liquid applications.

Steel Green will also exhibit familiar favorites at Equip, including the SG36, SG46, and SG52. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to demo the SG Rake attachment, which transforms a Steel Green spreader/sprayer into a dethatcher and seeding rake.