Read more about these NALP members and partners in the news.
Davey Tree Expert Company Opens Biochar Facility
The Davey Tree Expert Company has announced the opening of its biochar facility in East Dundee, Illinois. This facility will recycle wood waste from client properties and turn it into biochar, an environmentally friendly soil additive.
“Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal-like substance that offers many benefits to the soil,” says Jim Zwack, vice president and general manager of the Davey Institute. “Incorporation of biochar into the soil can help resist soil compaction, improve infiltration and retention of water, hold nutrients and absorb salts. It also doesn’t decompose, unlike compost, so it will continue to provide benefits for many years.”
The facility has one biochar kiln that will operate 24/7 and there are plans to install three kilns total in the future. The biochar produced will be used on client properties and sold to the general public.
The addition of this 4,800-square-foot facility will help Davey reach one of its 2030 goals to have zero woodchips go to landfills. It is an expansion of their mulching operations, which creates natural mulch from client wood waste.
“Our mulch facilities and this new biochar facility are all not only great examples of turning waste into a sustainable product for the environment but also turning waste into revenue,” says Mike Veney, director of environmental programs at the Davey Institute. “We see the biochar especially having a great impact on the construction and agriculture industries. This biochar facility will be a pilot for us, and we hope to add more biochar-producing facilities in our other markets down the road. We also believe we’re the first green industry company to open a biochar-producing facility, which is something we’re very proud of.”
McHale Landscape Design Acquires Musgrave Lawn & Landscape
McHale Landscape Design has acquired Musgrave Lawn and Landscape, based in Severna Park, Maryland. This is McHale’s 4th acquisition in five years.
“These strategic moves bring added design-build resources to our team, reinforcing our ability to serve our clients more effectively,” says Ryan Musgrave of Musgrave Lawn & Landscape. “We are confident that this will result in an even more robust experience for our valued clients.”
This is a significant addition to McHale’s Annapolis team, enhancing their capabilities to provide maintenance services.
“Our commitment to excellence extends to strengthening our foothold in the Gibson Island – Severna Park market,” says Steve McHale, principal of McHale. “The latest initiatives underscore our dedication to providing quality services in this thriving community.”
Schill Grounds Management Acquires BAM Outdoor
Schill Grounds Management has expanded their presence in Indianapolis with the acquisition of BAM Outdoor, Inc., based in Westfield, Indianapolis.
BAM Outdoor provides commercial landscaping, lawn care and snow removal services and serves Indianapolis along with the suburbs of Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville. Their clients include numerous multi-family complexes, homeowner associations, logistics and distribution facilities, and other commercial customers.
BAM’s owners — Jeff Kontor, Jared Winn, and Michael Linton — will help oversee the integration into Schill and will continue to have leadership roles in growing the business across Indianapolis. The trio were employees of BAM Outdoor for many years and bought the business from a previous owner in 2019.
“Jeff, Jared and Mike brought an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mentality to BAM that we admire and respect, and we are delighted to add them and their employees to the Schill family,” says Jerry Schill, founder of Schill Grounds Management. “BAM has a terrific culture that aligns with our values, and we look forward to growing the business together.”
Schill will retain BAM’s name and branding in the Indianapolis market.
This is Schill’s 12th acquisition since 2020 and after partnering with BAM, Schill has about 1,100 employees.
SavaTree Completes Three New Mergers
SavATree has recently merged with Ken’s Tree Care, T4 Tree Services, and Yellowstone Valley Tree Surgeons.
Ken’s Tree Care, based in Northvale, New Jersey, has been in business for over 40 years. Founder Ken Barber says that joining forces with SavATree allows them to expand their reach, capabilities and services.
Teddy Hildebrandt, owner of T4 Tree Services, located in Grand Junction, Colorado, says that with SavATree’s sister branch in Carbondale, this fortifies their regional presence and capabilities.
Yellowstone Valley Tree Surgeons, based in Billings, Montana, also has a 40-year legacy. Leaders Tom Yelvington and Maggie Joy say they aim to amplify their impact by merging with SavATree.
“In joining forces with Ken’s Tree Care, T4 Tree Services, and Yellowstone Valley Tree Surgeons, SavATree is not only deepening its presence in key markets but also partnering with companies with decades of arboricultural expertise and caring for the environment,” says Carmine Schiavone, CEO of SavATree. “These partnerships are a testament to our shared commitment to elevating the standard of tree care service in the U.S.”
Ewing Opens 14th Location in Northern California
Ewing Outdoor Supply has added a new location in Windsor. This is Ewing’s 14th location in Northern California and 56th in the state.
This location will serve contractors in Windsor, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, Napa, Cloverdale and Guerneville.
It will be managed by Nile Barajas, who grew up in the area.
“Nile is a lifelong local whose green industry and supply experience are a win for both Ewing and the customers who lean on us to help get the job done profitably,” says Michael Salazar, northwest division vice president. “Ewing has served green industry contractors in Northern California since 1922, when our first location opened in San Francisco, so we’re really excited to have such a familiar face at the helm.”
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