by Andrew Pelkey March 2026 — 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey February 2026 — 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey January 2026 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey December 2025 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey November 2026 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey September 2025 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey August 2025 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey July 2025 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey June 2025 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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey May 2025 With the launch of Granite & Green coming later this month, we’re not just updating how our newsletter looks — we’re expanding its audience. For the first time, NHLA members can now sign up additional team members, from crew leaders to division managers, to receive the newsletter and other NHLA communications directly in their inboxes. This new feature is available now through our website. It’s simple: Login in to your member account (https://nhlaonline.org/login/), then click on "Subscribe to E-Newsletter" on the left side of the page. From there, submit the names and emails of the people on your team who should stay connected to NHLA news, training opportunities, and industry updates. Whether it's leadership-level insights or field-focused tips, we want Granite & Green to deliver value across every level of your organization. If you need any help logging in or uploading your team, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to assist. Just email us at info@nhlaonline.org and we’ll guide you through the process. We’re especially excited to get Granite & Green into the hands of the boots-on-the-ground teams within our member companies. As we build out two distinct content tracks — one for[...]