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[...]

by Andrew Pelkey April 2025 As we head into a new season, I’m excited to launch this new monthly email series designed to keep you connected with the pulse of our Association. While our quarterly newsletter — the first of which will be landing in your inboxes this May — remains packed with industry updates and in-depth content, these shorter monthly notes will give us a chance to share timely reminders, highlight upcoming educational events, and keep you up to speed on NH Certified schedules. Spring is here — and with it, the start of another busy season. I know many of you are already knee-deep in prepping equipment, training crews, and planning for the weeks ahead. Whether you're just shaking off the winter or already booked solid, I hope this message gives you a quick moment to pause and reconnect with the bigger picture. This year, NHLA is focused on expanding professional development opportunities, strengthening industry partnerships, and supporting your businesses through advocacy and education. There’s a lot in motion, and I’ll be sharing updates each month so you’re never out of the loop. Thanks for all you do to make New Hampshire greener, healthier, and more beautiful —[...]

by Andrew Pelkey February 2025 As we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on the past season, while also preparing for the season ahead. One of the most critical tasks you should tackle early in the year is creating your sales budget and setting clear, achievable goals for both yourself and your team. Doing so will not only provide direction but also create a blueprint for success that will guide your landscape business throughout the year. Why Create a Sales Budget? A well-constructed sales budget is essential for the financial health of your landscape company. It acts as a road map, helping you plan for expected revenue, monitor progress, and adjust as necessary. Setting a clear sales target helps you define your operational needs – whether it’s hiring additional crew members, investing in new equipment, or expanding your services. Here’s how to approach building a sales budget for the coming year: Review Last Year’s Performance. Take time to analyze your previous year’s numbers. What worked well, and where did you fall short? Look at your revenue streams – maintenance, design, installations, seasonal services – and identify areas of growth or decline.[...]

by Andrew Pelkey January 2025 As we begin the new year, it’s a time to reflect on our past achievements and set our sights on the opportunities ahead. The landscape industry in New Hampshire continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and passion of our members. Looking back at the challenges and successes of the previous year, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to stay adaptable and committed to the growth of our businesses and communities. With the winter months ahead, now is the perfect time to plan for the busy seasons to come, setting goals and strategies to keep moving forward. This year, we are focused on further strengthening the network of professionals in our Association. The landscape industry is constantly evolving, and we must stay ahead of trends and regulations that impact our work. The New Hampshire Landscape Association will continue to provide valuable resources, training opportunities, and connections to ensure that our members are well-prepared for the future. Whether through educational seminars, workshops, or networking events, we’re committed to offering the tools you need to succeed. Looking forward, I encourage all of us to take advantage of the exciting opportunities the new year brings. Together, we[...]

by Andrew Pelkey December 2024 As we approach the end of another busy season, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most valuable aspects of our industry: the importance of networking. Whether you’re just starting out in landscaping or have years of experience, building connections with your peers can be one of the most impactful ways to grow personally and professionally. The landscape industry is constantly evolving, and no one has all the answers. That’s why it’s so important to engage with others in our field, to share ideas, challenges, and solutions. Networking with fellow professionals opens up opportunities for collaboration, new insights, and learning from each other’s experiences. It also helps us build strong relationships that can be a valuable source of support, advice, and camaraderie. One of the best ways to connect with peers and foster these relationships is through our NHLA Dinner Meetings. We set viable topics and allow for discussion. These gatherings also provide an informal yet focused environment where we can engage with one another, exchange ideas, and learn from the diverse experiences of our fellow members. Whether you’re discussing the latest landscaping trends, best business practices, or industry challenges,[...]

by Andrew Pelkey October-November 2024 I am thrilled to share that our September Field Day was a resounding success! It was wonderful to see so many of you come together to celebrate our industry and engage in meaningful discussions. The event offered valuable networking opportunities, insightful workshops, and hands-on demonstrations that truly highlighted the skills and innovations within our community. We deeply value the commitment shown by company owners who prioritize the growth and education of their team members. Sacrificing a day of production to invest in learning reflects a dedication to not only individual development but also the long-term success of our industry. Your willingness to support your employees in this way is commendable and demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that will undoubtedly pay dividends in the future. A special thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the day’s activities. Your enthusiasm and commitment to our mission were evident and made the event unforgettable. I hope you all found inspiration and new ideas to bring back to your own operations. As we look forward to future gatherings, let’s continue to build on this momentum and strengthen our bonds as an Association. Thank you for being a vital part[...]

by Andrew Pelkey September 2024 As we step into the heart of summer, I am thrilled to update you on the progress of our highly anticipated 2024 Fall Field Day. This year’s Field Day promises to be our most dynamic and engaging yet, and I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting developments and key information. Event Date and Location: Mark your calendars for September 18 when we will gather at The Belknap County Fair Grounds. Our event will run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We have an incredible lineup of activities and speakers planned: Innovative Workshops: Our workshops will cover a range of topics from advanced landscaping techniques to sustainable practices. Each session is designed to provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. Industry Experts: We are thrilled to welcome a distinguished group of experts who will share their knowledge on emerging trends, best practices, and the future of landscaping. Networking Opportunities: Field Day is not only about learning but also connecting with fellow professionals. Enjoy ample networking opportunities throughout the day, including our networking lunch and evening mixer. Exhibitor Showcase: Explore the latest products and services from leading industry suppliers. Our exhibitor showcase will feature a[...]