by Andrew Pelkey September 2026 My time as President of the New Hampshire Landscape Association has come to an end. After joining the board in 2021, I found myself stepping into the President’s seat about a year later. It was an interesting time to take on the role, with a good deal of change happening within the Association and a clear need to revitalize our processes, strengthen our operations, and create a solid foundation for NHLA to move forward and grow. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what the board members have accomplished together. We transitioned to a new administrator, rebuilt the website, established full accounting functionality, added Safety Day and Field Day to our annual event calendar, and developed SOPs for board, administrative, and support roles. Those are just a few examples of the work that has taken place behind the scenes. Much of it may not always be visible to our members, but it has helped build a stronger, more organized Association that is positioned for continued success. As proud as I am of what we’ve accomplished, I’m even more excited about what comes next. Transitioning to a new President and stepping into the Past President role is[...]

by Andrew Pelkey August 2026 It was great seeing so many familiar faces at our annual NHLA Golf Tournament. This continues to be our largest event of the year, and every year I am reminded that its value goes well beyond a day on the golf course. It gives our members, partners, and friends an opportunity to step away from the busy season, reconnect, and enjoy some time together. Those relationships are a big part of what makes NHLA such a strong organization. The success of the Golf Tournament also has an important impact on everything we do throughout the year. The money raised through this event helps support the other programs, educational opportunities, and events that NHLA provides to our members. A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and helped make the day a success. Your continued support allows us to keep investing back into our industry and creating opportunities for our membership. Next up, we are looking forward to our annual Field Day on September 16. Since the inception of this event, our goal has been to continue building it into an educational and engaging experience for landscape professionals throughout New Hampshire. Each[...]

by Andrew Pelkey June 2026 One of the greatest strengths of the Green Industry in New Hampshire has always been the willingness of professionals to share ideas, support one another, and continue learning together. That spirit is exactly what makes our Landscape After Hours events such a valuable part of NHLA membership. These gatherings give us an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day grind, reconnect with peers, and see firsthand the creativity and innovation happening throughout our industry. Whether you’re a business owner, crew leader, designer, supplier, or someone just beginning your career, the conversations and relationships built during these events often turn into long-term professional connections and opportunities. This year’s Landscape After Hours lineup continues to showcase the incredible diversity and talent within our industry. From nursery production and water features to arboriculture and seasonal services, each event offers members a chance to learn something new while building stronger relationships across the profession. Join us on June 25 at Rock Crest Gardens with a tour of their impressive 12-acre nursery and extensive plant collection. In July, members can connect at Chester Hollow Water Gardens while exploring inspiring outdoor living and water feature installations. Coming in August is a[...]

by Andrew Pelkey May 2026 As we move deeper into the spring season, there’s a noticeable shift happening across New Hampshire. Crews are fully back in motion, properties are coming to life, and the pace of the industry picks up quickly this time of year. Spring always serves as a reminder of how much preparation, coordination, and teamwork go into a successful season. Whether you’re managing installs, maintenance schedules, hiring, or customer expectations, this is the time when strong leadership and solid systems make all the difference. Over the next couple of months, NHLA has several opportunities for members to connect and continue learning outside of the day-to-day workload. On May 27, the Landscape After Hours event, “Exploring the Fungi of Distant Hill,” offers a chance to step away from the routine and spend time with others in the industry in a relaxed setting. Another Landscape After Hours event follows on June 25 at Rock Crest Gardens. These gatherings continue to be a great way to exchange ideas, see different operations and properties, and spend time with people who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this business. June also brings the start of the NHLA Summer Plant Identification Course[...]

by Andrew Pelkey April 2026 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[...]

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[...]