May 2025 - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Month: May 2025

Technically Speaking: Conducting Tree Risk Assessments

Trees can be beautiful additions to any landscape, but it’s essential to conduct tree risk assessments on a regular basis to ensure that these assets don’t become a liability at some point. Hazards trees pose include damaging property and potentially injuring or killing nearby pedestrians. ā€œIt’s good for preventing property damage or injury, identifying any […]

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Accelerate Your Cash Flow: Methods for Streamlining Your AR Process

Accounts receivable is considered an asset on your balance sheet, but if your company is struggling to collect payments from clients, it can quickly turn into a headache. ā€œā€™Cash is king’ in any business,ā€ says Andrew Trower, CPA and founder of Andrew Trower & Associates, P.S.C. ā€œDelayed invoicing increases the time it takes to collect […]

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Get Inspired: Go On Tour with Creative Environments at ELEVATE 2025

As if the education sessions, networking opportunities and expo hall weren’t enough, ELEVATE, presented by NALP and powered by Cat, also offers an exclusive facility tour. This year’s On Tour is with Creative Environments, based in Tempe, Arizona, and will take place on Nov. 5, 2025. Creative Environments is an award-winning full-service landscape firm that […]

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Dispelling Key Myths About Equity Compensation Plans

The decision to offer equity compensation plans is just as personal as your exit plan. However, this benefit is often shrouded in misconceptions, preventing landscape company owners from giving it their full consideration. Fear of Losing Control Often, the word equity is confused with ownership. Many owners tend to be reluctant to even consider equity […]

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Separating Fear from Fact: The Real Impact of Spotted Lanternfly on Your Clients’ Trees

While the emerald ash borer poses a serious threat to ash trees, clients often wrongly assume the spotted lanternfly (SLF) is another destructive insect on their property. If you receive complaints about this particular bug, work to determine the true reason the customer is concerned about them being on the property before acting. Some may […]

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How I Do It: Building a Strong Net Promoter Score

When the majority of your business comes from referrals and word of mouth, what better way to measure your customers’ loyalty and experience with your lawn or landscape company than with your Net Promoter Score? For instance, Woodlawns Landscape Company’s average NPS year to year is 90. They started collecting their Net Promoter Score in […]

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Finding a Balance: Tapping Into AI Without Sacrificing Human Connection

Only a small percentage of landscape companies are currently utilizing AI, even though the vast majority says it is one of the biggest areas of opportunity in the industry. Joel Northrup, founder and CEO of Deep Lawn, based in Austin, Texas, says AI can help with many aspects of the business like analyzing data, professionalizing […]

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Branching Out: Balancing Autonomy and Oversight While Expanding

From increased purchasing power to providing growth opportunities to team members, scaling via branches can be a powerful tool for your business. However, branches can also be a double-edged sword if you fail to sustain your quality levels and company culture. Centralizing Overhead Tasks One of the benefits of a branch structure is being able […]

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Boosting Your Business: Connecting with Clients Through Design Narratives

When you work with residential clients, much of their decision-making is based on emotions. Obviously, logical aspects still play a factor in their decision, but connecting with homeowners through design narratives can be crucial for getting a sale across the finish line. Forging An Early Bond Finding common ground early on can help you quickly […]

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Protecting Your Business: Why You Need Contracts, Not Handshakes

When you’re on the smaller side or when your business is simply mowing lawns, you may think contracts aren’t necessary unless you’re working for a large commercial customer or general contractor. However, failing to utilize contracts for your jobs can leave your company wide open to lawsuits and leave you with no legal recourse if […]

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