This past March gave us one of those moments that reminds you exactly why this industry and this association matters. Our Safety Day was a tremendous success, and not just in terms of turnout. The energy in the room, the engagement from our crews and leaders, and the shared commitment to doing things the right way made it clear that safety is not just a requirement, it is a cornerstone of how we build strong companies and lasting careers. From my perspective at North Point Outdoors, I can tell you that investing in safety always pays dividends in morale, in retention, and in the pride our teams bring to the field every day.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to our sponsors who helped make Safety Day possible. Their support is what allows us to deliver meaningful, high quality programming for our members and their teams. A special thank you to Milton CAT for lunch, Advanced Turf Solutions for breakfast, Cross Insurance for snacks, GPS Fleet Consulting for drinks, and our general sponsors MacMulkin Chevrolet, Avery Insurance, and Turf Depot. When we show up for each other like this, it strengthens the foundation we are all building on.

Looking ahead, I am excited about what is next. Our “Landscape After Hours” series will be kicking off in May, and it is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build relationships across our membership in a more relaxed setting. These events are where some of the best conversations happen, the kind that spark new approaches, partnerships, and even friendships. Keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming announcements and registration details.

Finally, I would encourage everyone to stay connected with us beyond events. Follow NHLA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and do not hesitate to share our content with your teams and peers. The more we amplify the great work happening across our network, the stronger our collective voice becomes. We have real momentum right now, and I am excited to see where we take it next together.

Andrew Pelkey

President, New Hampshire Landscape Association

The post President’s Notes April 2026 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

March is when the energy in our industry really starts to build. The snowbanks are shrinking, the phones are starting to ring, and landscape companies across New Hampshire are preparing for another busy season. This time of year, always reminds me how important it is that we invest not just in equipment and schedules, but in our people and our industry’s future.

One of the most exciting developments this month is the launch of our first course in partnership with NHTI – Concord’s Community College. The program began on March 11 with Intro to Safety and Basic Equipment Use-Landscaping, giving new and emerging professionals a strong foundation in safety and equipment operation. This is exactly the kind of program our industry needs, practical hands-on training that prepares the next generation to step onto a jobsite with confidence. A tremendous amount of work has gone into bringing this course to life, and it is a big step forward for workforce development in New Hampshire’s landscape industry.

We are also looking ahead to one of the most valuable training opportunities of the year, NHLA Safety Day 2026 coming up at the end of the month. Safety Day is always a highlight because it brings crews, managers, and owners together to reinforce the practices that keep our teams safe and productive. As someone who works closely with field teams every day, I know that a strong safety culture does not happen by accident. It is built through training, communication, and leadership. This event helps set that tone for the entire season.

Behind the scenes, the NHLA Education Committee has been working incredibly hard to make all of this happen. From developing the NHTI course to organizing Safety Day and planning our popular After Hours networking events for the upcoming season, this group continues to move the industry forward. I am excited to share that the schedule for the After Hours events will be released soon. They are always a great way to connect with peers, share ideas, and strengthen the community that makes this association so special.

As we head into the season, I am proud of the momentum we are building together. When our members invest in education, safety, and relationships, the entire industry benefits. Here is to a strong start to the season and to continuing to raise the bar for landscaping in New Hampshire.

Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association
President@NHLAonline.org
www.nhlaonline.org

The post President’s Notes March 2026 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

As we reflect on another brisk winter in the Granite State, it’s clear that snow and ice management is not just a seasonal necessity. It is a significant part of how many of our members sustain and grow their businesses through the slower months. Historically NHLA has focused primarily on landscape services, but our Board of Directors has been listening closely to the evolving needs of the membership. More of our members supplement their income with winter snow operations, some running modest crews while others manage full scale programs. It is time our Association reflects that reality by equipping members with the tools to operate safely, professionally, and profitably through all four seasons.

That journey begins this spring with an expanded educational offering developed in partnership with NHTI. Our first collaborative program, Intro to Safety and Basic Equipment Use, kicks off in March and is designed for crew leaders and managers looking to raise their safety game on every jobsite. This certificate style series blends classroom learning with hands-on training, emphasizing safety culture, equipment operation, hazard recognition, and compliance. These foundational skills benefit landscape and snow teams alike and represent the first step in a broader commitment to year-round professional development.

Looking ahead into summer and fall, we will roll out a broader suite of courses covering landscape management, irrigation, lighting, hardscape, and snow. These offerings are part of our ongoing course development partnership with the college and are being shaped with real world input from members like you. Quality training is not an expense. It is an investment in your people, your reputation, and your long-term success. NHLA is committed to delivering education that strengthens your business in every season.

To deepen our snow and ice curriculum, we will lean on the expertise of SIMA and the NH Green SnowPro program to build a ground level snow and ice management course that members can use as a practical training option for their teams. Our goal is to create accessible, meaningful education that supports both smaller operators and larger snow programs. This is about raising the bar together, improving safety, protecting our environment, and positioning our industry as the professional force it truly is.

I am proud of the direction we are headed and grateful for the engagement of this membership. As winter begins to loosen its grip, I encourage you to think about how you want to develop your team this year. NHLA will continue building resources, strengthening partnerships, and championing the growth of our industry across every season.

See you soon,
Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association
President@NHLAonline.org
www.nhlaonline.org

The post President’s Notes February 2026 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

Kicking Off 2026 With Purpose —

There’s something invigorating about the start of a new year. Fresh goals, new momentum, and a renewed commitment to the work we love. While things may be quieter this time of year, our industry never stops growing, and neither do we. January is the perfect time to build knowledge, strengthen connections, and prepare for a successful season ahead.

I’m especially excited about two outstanding NHLA events that showcase how we’re moving forward together. First, the January 22 NHLA Dinner Meeting. This evening includes networking, appetizers, and two informative presentations, plus a buffet dinner. The featured session – Safety First Certified – unveils a new Worksite Safety Certificate Program developed in partnership with NHTI. Designed for crew members and team leaders, this six-week course launching in March will combine expert instruction with real-world relevance and is built to be both effective and affordable. We’ll also hear from Cross Insurance, a longtime regional partner offering risk management tools tailored to our industry. Register here.

Looking a bit further ahead, don’t miss the Winter Identification of Deciduous Woody Landscape Plants course on February 18 in Exeter, NH. Led by NHCLP Coordinator Abby Zuidema, this hands-on class will deepen your plant ID skills using winter markers like buds, bark, and twigs – essential knowledge for year-round professionals. It’s a fantastic opportunity to stay sharp, earn 2 NHCLP credits, and reconnect with the natural detail that makes our work so rewarding. Register here.

And then on February 19, we have our second Dinner Meeting of the season, this one in Manchester. The program, Transform Your Frontline Operations with CrewHero will introduce this powerful software solution designed to streamline and enhance the operations of service-based businesses like yours. Join us for a live demonstration and see how CrewHero will change the landscape game. Register here.

Before closing, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Cori Cahow, who has officially stepped down from the NHLA Board after many years of dedicated service. Cori has been a steady voice of insight and experience within our leadership, and her commitment to the Association has made a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for the time and heart she has given to NHLA. We wish her continued success with her fine gardening business and hope to see her at many of our events in the future. This leaves us with an open seat on the Board. Please contact me if you are interested in filling this position. We can guarantee you will find it rewarding.

These moments remind us that NHLA is more than an Association, it’s a community. Let’s start this year strong by showing up, learning together, and supporting the kind of industry we all want to be part of.

The post President’s Notes January 2026 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

As the calendar winds down and snow begins to make its annual appearance, this is the perfect moment for owners to shift gears into budget and planning season. While you’re still juggling winter operations, client expectations, and the day-to-day rhythm of the business, it’s essential to give yourself and your team space to assess what worked this past season and map out what you want to accomplish in the next. Look at your financial performance, evaluate your equipment needs, revisit your pricing and staffing models, and think strategically about where you want to invest your energy and resources. Taking the time now to thoughtfully build your next season’s blueprint will save stress and unlock opportunity once spring arrives.

Part of solid planning includes connecting with the industry, sharpening your leadership skills, and staying current on trends that can help you lead your business more effectively. The New Hampshire Landscape Association has a lineup of events designed to support that growth. On January 22, 2026, NHLA hosts a Dinner Meeting focused on Safety First, a great kickoff to the year and a timely reminder that a safer operation is a more profitable one. And on February 19, 2026, NHLA will hold another Dinner Meeting, this one spotlighting CrewHero, a tool for transforming frontline operations and improving crew coordination and communication. These are excellent opportunities for owners and managers alike as you refine your 2026 strategy.(See links below to these events.)

For managers and team members, December isn’t just about wrapping up, it’s also a chance to seek out training and professional development that will pay dividends come spring. Whether you’re aiming to earn certifications, strengthen your technical skills, or build leadership capacity, now is the time to ask your leadership about opportunities and to carve out your own development goals. NHLA’s calendar already includes structured learning and networking through dinner meetings and more informal connections with peers, and you can expect additional programs to be added in the new year.

Remember: planning and training aren’t luxuries; they’re investments in your resilience and success. Owners who thoughtfully plan and involve their teams build stronger, more agile businesses. And team members who pursue growth position themselves and their companies to thrive. Let’s close out the year with purpose, prepare for the season ahead, and keep pushing our industry forward together.

The post President’s Notes December 2025 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

As another fall season winds down across New Hampshire, I’m reminded of how quickly our industry shifts gears. One day we’re wrapping up final cleanups, planting bulbs, and buttoning up irrigation systems. The next, we’re calibrating salt spreaders and watching the radar for that first sign of snow. It’s a unique rhythm that only those in the Green Industry truly understand, one of constant change, preparation, and adaptability.

This time of year offers the perfect moment to pause and reflect. Whether you’re part of a larger organization or running your own business, it’s worth taking a step back to ask: How did we do this year? What went well, and where can we improve?

For many, 2025 was a season of both challenge and progress. Labor pressures, unpredictable weather, and shifting client expectations continue to test even the most experienced teams. Yet, I’ve heard countless stories from members about crews exceeding goals, training programs taking root, and businesses finding new efficiencies and stability. Those wins matter, and they speak volumes about the resilience and professionalism that define New Hampshire’s landscape community.

As we head into winter, snow and ice management brings its own demands. Preparation and communication are key, from making sure your equipment is ready to ensuring your teams understand safety protocols and client expectations. Remember, our performance in the winter months often sets the tone for next spring.

Finally, I encourage each of you to take a moment of personal reflection. Celebrate the progress you and your teams have made. Identify what systems or habits could be strengthened. And most importantly, find time to recharge. Our industry doesn’t slow down for long, but these transitions between seasons offer valuable space to reset and refocus.

On behalf of the NHLA Board, I want to thank each of you for your continued commitment to raising the bar for our industry. We’re proud to represent such a dedicated and forward-thinking community of professionals.

Wishing you a safe, successful start to the snow season and a strong finish to the landscape season.

The post President’s Notes November 2025 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

Even with ongoing economic uncertainty, homeowners continue to invest in their landscapes. Recent studies show that garden-center sales remain strong, and younger homeowners, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are increasing the time and money they devote to outdoor spaces. The motivation is clear: people want their backyards to serve as sanctuaries, places to recharge and reconnect.

This presents real opportunity for our industry. Beyond core maintenance services, clients are seeking enhancements such as privacy features, fire elements, lighting, and full outdoor retreat projects. Surveys indicate that the average homeowner is prepared to spend more than $13,000 on these kinds of improvements. These are not simply nice additions; they are meaningful investments in lifestyle and property value.

For landscape companies, success will come from how we present these services. Tiered offerings such as “Refresh, Retreat, and Sanctuary” help clients see options at different levels of investment. Simple digital previews or before-and-after visuals bring projects to life and build confidence. And leaning into social media allows us to connect directly with younger homeowners who are driving much of this demand.

The takeaway is clear. Clients are looking to spend smarter, not smaller. By aligning our services with their desire for outdoor sanctuaries, we can deliver beauty, value, and transformation while strengthening the long-term success of our businesses

Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association
President@NHLAonline.org

The post President’s Notes September 2025 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

As summer begins to wind down, I’m excited to share some fantastic news from our recent NHLA Golf Tournament. It was our most profitable year on record! This event has grown into one of our organization’s cornerstone fundraisers, playing a big role in supporting our general and administrative costs throughout the year. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and the enthusiasm of our players. Thank you all for showing up and making it such a success.

A very special thanks goes out to Pam Moreau and the entire golf tournament committee. Their hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to the Association are what turn a great event into an exceptional one. Year after year, they have raised the bar, and this year’s results speak volumes about their dedication.

Looking ahead, our annual Fall Field Day is right around the corner on September 24. This event is always a highlight of the season, a time to learn, connect, and see firsthand the latest innovations shaping our industry. If you haven’t yet signed up to attend, I encourage you to do so here.

And for our vendors, we still have space available. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your products and services in front of an engaged audience of industry peers. Secure your spot here.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Field Day. It is these gatherings, whether on the golf course or in the field, that remind us how strong and connected our NHLA community truly is.

Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association
President@NHLAonline.org

The post President’s Notes August 2025 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

Staying Ahead – Key Landscaping Trends Shaping Our Industry

As we hit the midpoint of 2025, it’s clear the landscaping industry continues to evolve at an impressive pace. One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing is the growing demand for sustainable landscape design. Clients—from homeowners to municipalities—are not just asking for green lawns; they’re asking for green solutions. Native plantings, pollinator gardens, rainwater harvesting, and low-maintenance designs are taking center stage. It’s more than aesthetics; it’s about stewardship, and our industry is leading the way.

Technology is also reshaping how we operate. Drones for site mapping, software for precision estimates, and even robotic mowers are becoming part of our daily toolkit. This isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering teams to be more efficient and deliver better results. Real-time scheduling tools, automated billing systems, and enhanced communication platforms are helping companies stay agile and responsive in a competitive market.

Another notable trend is the emphasis on workforce development and career pathways. With labor challenges persisting, companies are getting creative—offering leadership training, building strong internal cultures, and advocating for our trade as a fulfilling career. NHLA is proud to be part of that conversation. We’re currently working with NHTI in the early stages of developing curriculum tailored to the real-world needs of our local landscape businesses. These programs aim to deliver practical, foundational training that companies can use to onboard and grow talent with confidence.

As members of the New Hampshire Landscape Association, we have a unique opportunity to shape these trends into lasting impacts. Whether you’re leaning into sustainability, embracing tech, or mentoring the next generation, your leadership matters. Let’s keep learning from each other, pushing boundaries, and growing together.

The post President’s Notes, July 2025 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

By now, the season is fully underway – job sites are busy, crews are dialed in, and the pace of the workday leaves little room to spare. I hope you’re finding a rhythm and that your spring efforts are carrying strong momentum into the summer.

This month, I want to emphasize the value of continuing education and crew development. NHLA has a number of summer training opportunities coming up, including NH Certified Landscape Professional workshops and hands-on field sessions. Whether you’re working toward certification or helping a team member build new skills, these resources are designed to support growth across every level of your business. Visit nhlaonline.org to view upcoming schedules and get involved.

In that same spirit of development, I’d like to spotlight an exciting opportunity to support the next generation of Green Industry professionals. This fall, the CBNA FFA Much-To-Do Chapter will be sending a team of four students to compete in the National FFA Nursery Landscape Career Development Event at the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Their team earned this honor after placing first in New Hampshire at the Granite State FFA’s Spring Interscholastics.

They’re now seeking support from our industry – whether through mentorship by licensed landscapers or financial contributions – to help prepare and fund their trip. If you’re interested in helping these students represent New Hampshire on a national stage, please reach out to their advisor, Mrs. Sarah Ward, at sward@coebrown.org.

Lastly, I’m pleased to share that our first digital edition of Granite & Green was a great success. Thank you to everyone who read and shared it. We’re now working to grow our distribution list – and that includes adding your team members from the field and office. Members can quickly and easily submit additional emails so more of your company can access NHLA updates, education, and industry news. You can do that directly here:

E-Newsletter – New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA) If you missed the email with the Spring issue, here is a link to it.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence, education, and leadership in the New Hampshire landscape industry.

Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association

The post President’s Notes, June 2025 appeared first on New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).