Gardeners. Yes, gardeners are one of my biggest pet peeves. Why pick on gardeners you ask? First, I want to differentiate between people who garden versus individuals who call themselves “gardeners” and provide gardening services, typically monthly maintenance gardeners.

What are the qualifications to become a “gardener” and turn that into a profession?
• A pick up truck.
• A lawn mower.
• A string trimmer.
• A blower. Continue reading “My Biggest Pet Peeve” »

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It was just after Labor Day, while enjoying a walk through Morley Field, a portion of Balboa Park in San Diego; I came across an enormous limb lying on the ground beneath a 75′ tall Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum) tree.

Fortunately, no one was underneath the tree when this limb failed, or there could have been a catastrophe. Decades ago, when Balboa Park and Morley Field were created, Eucalyptus trees were heavily planted throughout park areas. They have since grown into towering, majestic trees, many greater than 100’ tall. The trees exist individually and grouped in stands of trees throughout the parkland area. Continue reading “Eucalyptus Limb Drop-Who is to Blame?” »

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This post is part one in a series, click here to read part two.

For landscape contractors not familiar with the legal term “standard of care”, you need to understand the meaning and legal implications of NOT performing to the professional standard of care expected and common within the landscape contracting industry. Wikipedia defines the professional standard of care as “In certain industries and professions, the standard of care is determined by the standard that would be exercised by the reasonably prudent manufacturer of a product, or the reasonably prudent professional in that line of work. The standard of care is important because it determines the level of negligence required to state a valid cause of action.

This definition means if you perform landscape contracting services and your work product is found defective, deficient and or results in personal injury or property loss, you can be sued and found guilty in a court of law. The financial settlement will depend on the severity of the accident, property loss or injury. If you don’t think a lawsuit is a concern to your business, then you are most likely a candidate for a future lawsuit. Understanding your contractual and legal obligations as a licensed professional landscape contractor is paramount to protecting yourself and company from future legal action. Continue reading “Landscape Contractor’s, Does Your Work Satisfy the Industry Standard of Care?” »