John Deere recently debuted its latest autonomous machines during a press conference at CES 2025. These machines support not only the landscaping industry, but construction and agriculture as well.

Before their official debut at CES, Lawn & Landscape and other media outlets received a firsthand look at the autonomous machines earlier this fall in Gilroy, California.

This included an autonomous, battery electric commercial mower, and 460 p-tier autonomous articulated dump truck (ADT) for quarry operations, an autonomous 5ML orchard tractor for air blast spraying and an autonomous 9RX tractor for large-scale agriculture.

John Deere has a targeted release for its electric lawn mowers by 2026, with the autonomous retrofits debuting after that.

“These are four more significant leaps in our autonomy journey,” says Jahmy Hindman, chief technology officer at John Deere. “There’s a common thread that connects all of these and it’s labor availability. It impacts all of these industries we serve in a very similar way. It’s difficult for those in these industries to find, attract and retain the talent they need for the work that is required of them.”

Hindman told attendees that a lot of commercial landscaping business owners cannot find enough labor to fill their open positions.

“Autonomy is a significant answer to that problem,” Hindman says. “Our No. 1 mission in this is to reduce the labor dependency — that’s it.”

Deere’s autonomous commercial mower leverages the same camera technology as other Deere autonomous machines, but on a reduced scale since the machine has a smaller footprint. With eight cameras total — two on the front, left, right and rear — 360-degree coverage is achieved.

“We’ve been in the turf business for 60 years — it’s a core part of Deere,” Hindman says. “The work that’s being done in this industry is incredibly labor intensive…they’re not just doing the mowing work. They’re doing the tree trimming, maintaining flowerbeds and all these other jobs. The mowing is table stakes though for them to get the business. It’s the thing they have to do in order to get the higher value work.” With their new autonomous mower, Hindman told attendees he hopes the machine, which is nicknamed Merlin, will free up the available labor to concentrate on these higher profile tasks — ultimately allowing them to thrive in a highly competitive environment.

Tim Lewis, lead engineer with the commercial autonomous mower, adds the green industry has a high turnover rate as well.

“There’s a lot of nuances it takes to do these jobs effectively, so autonomy can help with that,” he says. That’s why Lewis told the media the focus with the autonomous mower was three things — safety, quality and productivity.

Brad Powers, director of engineering with Blue River Technology (a John Deere company), says the mower uses the same autonomous technology as the autonomous tractors and ADT.

“We’re able to leverage the fact that we spent a lot of time and a lot of effort on repeatable and reliable hardware that we expect to operate for many, many years on these vehicles,” he says.

Powers notes the mower is not just autonomous, but also electric — allowing for not only sustainability and emissions benefits but also reduced noise and easier maintenance.

“You don’t have to change the oil on this vehicle the same way you would a gas engine,” he says. Lewis and Powers say that this autonomous mower is still in early development, so there’s no release date yet and some of the technology may change.

Currently, the technology is a retrofit option that could be placed on John Deere’s stand-on mower fleet to maintain large properties and office parks.

“There’s a lot of demand in this market for autonomy,” Powers says. “We remain entirely committed to our focus on safety and on reliability and repeatability.”

Currently, Deere’s autonomous mower model has an off-board charger that accepts more standard power outlets.

According to Lewis, the battery life is dependent but averaging about four hours of continuous mowing to 10 hours in a day. The recharge time is expected to be between 6-12 hours.

The machine has integrated batteries, so there isn’t any swapping out batteries if one dies.

“It gives us a higher energy density,” Lewis adds.

Powers says its Deere’s approach and commitment to safety that sets their autonomous model apart from the crowd.

“Our approach is much more in-depth and rigorous,” Powers says. “This product isn’t going to be in the world until it’s ready.”

“This is part of an ecosystem of additional autonomous equipment,” Hindman adds. “The competitive commercial mowing set is not. The information that comes off of the tractors, from an autonomous perspective, makes this mower better. The data that comes off of this, in return makes those better.”

In time, Hindman says he hopes this mower can help solve additional problems such as fleet management, maintenance, documentation, invoicing and more. “The value starts with the robot in the field doing the work — but that’s only the beginning,” Powers says. “The things you can do with this machine and it’s data, once it’s out in the world, is immense.”

Bland Landscaping acquires Koehn Outdoor

David Koehn founded Koehn Outdoor in 2004, and he will continue in his current role leading the company’s Jacksonville office.

Bland Landscaping has acquired Koehn Outdoor, uniting two landscape management companies offering their services throughout the Southeastern United States.

David Koehn founded Koehn Outdoor in 2004, and he will continue in his current role leading the company’s Jacksonville office. Koehn’s services include contractual maintenance, seasonal enhancements, irrigation services, pest control and tree services. The company hovers around $10 million in revenue and employs about 120 people at peak season.

Koehn employees will stay aboard as the company rebrands to Bland Landscaping over the course of the next year.

Bland Landscaping earned No. 52 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list in 2024. The company expects to have roughly 900 employees at peak season this year.

“We are excited to enter Florida and to work alongside another founder-led team and premier landscaping services provider,” says Kurt Bland, Bland’s CEO. “Koehn shares our core values and commitment to providing exceptional results for clients. We look forward to our partnership to drive growth in Northeast Florida and other key metropolitan areas in the region.”

“This collaboration represents an incredible opportunity for both teams,” David Koehn says. “By leveraging our combined resources, we can achieve even greater success while remaining true to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.”

LawnPro Partners acquires Green Image Lawn Care

The company, backed by HCI Equity, has now completed 10 acquisitions. This move expands its reach in Pennsylvania.

LawnPro Partners, a platform focused on residential lawn care treatment and tree, shrub and pest control services backed by HCI Equity Partners, has acquired Green Image Lawn Care. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

LawnPro acquired Meehan’s Lawn Service in Ohio just last month, but it has also acquired companies LawnRx and Fairway Lawn & Tree Service. This move represents LawnPro’s 10th acquisition for its platform.

Based in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Green Image provides lawn care services and fertilization, soil testing, tree and shrub care, flea and tick and mosquito control to residential and commercial customers. The company was founded in 2016 and is led by Luke Zimmerman and Ryan Freed, who both received Turfgrass Science degrees from Pennsylvania State University and will continue to lead the company after the acquisition.

“Luke and Ryan have built a successful professional lawn care service rooted in being the best place for lawn care technicians to build their careers,” says Bill Viveen, CEO of LawnPro Partners. “The culture they have created is outstanding. We are proud to welcome the Green Image team to LawnPro and look forward to working alongside them to grow their business in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

“We bring a scientific approach to custom designing healthy, green lawns using eco-friendly practices and we believe LawnPro will be an excellent partner to help us expand our services to new customers and markets,” Freed and Zimmeran wrote in a joint statement.

APHIX acquires Largen Landscaping

Founded in 1997 by Eric Largen, Largen Landscaping is based in Huntsville, Alabama.

APHIX has acquired Largen Landscaping, a landscaping provider based in Huntsville, Alabama. This acquisition will strengthen the APHIX presence in the Southeast U.S.

Founded in 1997 by Eric Largen, Largen Landscaping serves a diverse list of clients. Its customer portfolio includes corporate campuses, shopping centers, homeowner associations (HOAs) and other commercial landscaping customers.

Mark Marshall will now lead the APHIX Huntsville branch.

“We are excited to welcome the Largen Landscaping team to the APHIX family,” says APHIX President and CEO Allen Sweeney. “Together, we will continue to create opportunities for our employees and deliver outstanding service to our customers.”

Senske Family of Companies acquires TurfPride

This acquisition builds on Senske’s growing presence in the Southeastern United States, which began with the acquisition of Arbor-Nomics in 2024.

Senske Family of Companies has acquired TurfPride, which provides residential lawn care services in the Atlanta market.

This acquisition builds on SFC’s growing presence in the Southeastern United States, which began with the acquisition of Arbor-Nomics in 2024. TurfPride will now become part of the Arbor-Nomics portfolio.

TurfPride’s offerings include lawn fertilization, weed control, aeration, overseeding, disease prevention and tree and shrub care. TurfPride works with specialists from institutions like NC State, Clemson and the University of Georgia.

TurfPride will add an additional depot in Kennesaw to Arbor-Nomics’ existing locations in Norcross, Marietta, Cumming, Winder and Douglasville, Georgia. Senske ranked No. 23 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list last year.

“Expanding our Southeast operations through strategic acquisitions like TurfPride allows us to strengthen our footprint and bring best-in-class lawn care services to even more customers,” says Casey Taylor, CEO of Senske Family of Companies. “TurfPride’s expertise and dedication to their customers make them a perfect fit for the Arbor-Nomics portfolio. We’re excited to build on the strong foundation they’ve established and continue growing our presence in the Atlanta market and beyond.”

Bartlett Tree Experts acquires Tree Frog Tree Service

The owner of Tree Frog, Michael O’Loughlin, previously worked for Bartlett Tree Experts as a crew leader.

Bartlett Tree Experts has acquired Tree Frog Tree Service, based on Cape Cod.

Bartlett Tree Experts, which ranked No. 6 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list this year, extends its scientific tree care services to more client properties in the lower and outer regions of the Cape with a new office in Orleans.

With the acquisition, Tree Frog has been incorporated into Bartlett’s existing operation in Osterville.

In addition to acquiring Tree Frog, Bartlett has opened its new local office location in Orleans, effective at the start of fiscal year 2025.

The addition of Bartlett’s Orleans office will reduce travel times for Bartlett arborist crews, providing enhanced efficiencies and customer service benefits for clients from Provincetown to Harwich.

Bartlett will also gain new recruitment opportunities for employees in the area with the addition of its new location.

“Our two companies share a passion for trees and have similar cultures,” says Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts.

“This acquisition is an excellent complement for our operations on the Cape, providing a full range of industry-leading scientific tree and shrub care solutions for our customers to maintain healthy, beautiful landscapes.”

“With the addition of Tree Frog’s talented team of arborists to our Osterville operation and our new office in Orleans, we are in an outstanding position to provide our clients with the highest level of customer service,” adds David Chalker, vice president of Bartlett’s Southern New England operations.

Tree Frog operated as a tree service on Cape Cod for over 25 years.

The owner of the business, Michael O’Loughlin, previously worked for Bartlett Tree Experts as a crew leader.

He and four Tree Frog team members, including his father, John O’Loughlin, have made the move to Bartlett.

In addition to the two office locations on Cape Cod, Bartlett Tree Experts also operates an office on Nantucket.

Green Leaf Group combines Greenscape and Environmental Enhancements

This strategic launch expands the geographic reach for Green Leaf Group, a newly formed company, in the Southeastern U.S.

Green Leaf Group, a newly formed platform company, has united Greenscape and Environmental Enhancements.

This strategic launch expands the geographic reach of Green Leaf Group in the Southeastern landscaping industry, enhancing capabilities across North Carolina and Virginia. Greenscape, founded by Michael Currin in 1979, has operated in North Carolina for 45 years. Environmental Enhancements, established by Fred Peratt, has served landscape management clients across Virginia and the mid-Atlantic. The collaboration creates a comprehensive suite of landscape maintenance, construction and property services.

“Our purpose goes far beyond merging businesses or generating economic returns for investors,” says Daniel Currin, CEO of Green Leaf Group. “This is about creating an impactful, resilient and innovative organization that empowers our current and future team members, exceeds client expectations and strengthens the communities we serve. Together, we’re building a foundation for growth, innovation and long-term success.”

KeyServ Company adds Trim All Lawn Service in Florida

Trim All Lawn Service will continue to operate under its name for client continuity.

KeyServ Company has acquired Trim All Lawn Service, a full-service landscaping company based in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Serving Nassau County, Trim All delivers residential and commercial landscaping services in the greater Jacksonville area. The company was acquired in 2004 by Jason Lee, a veteran, and his wife, Wendy.

“The addition of Trim All Lawn Service to the KeyServ Family of Companies marks an exciting step in our strategic expansion across Florida,” says Jeff Domenick, CEO at KeyServ. “Jason and Wendy have done a tremendous job building a strong business with a loyal customer base, and we look forward to continuing their legacy of excellence in the greater Northeast Florida Market.”

As part of the KeyServ family of companies, Trim All Lawn Service will continue to operate under its name for client continuity.

“Joining KeyServ is a great opportunity for us and our customers. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years, and we’re excited about this next chapter as part of a larger organization that shares our values,” Lee says.

Green industry’s Steve Hoveln passes away

Over the span of 34 years, Hoveln worked in a variety of roles at Hunter Industries.

Steve Hoveln, a long-time Hunter Industries team member and respected figure in the green industry, passed away on Nov. 21 at the age of 65.

Hoveln joined the green industry in 1978 at age 19, working for an Arizona landscape company before moving to Colorado two years later to work for CPS Distributors. In January 1990, he was recruited to Hunter Industries.

Over the next 34 years, Hoveln excelled in a variety of roles at the global irrigation manufacturer — from sales and field management to product management and marketing — ultimately becoming the company’s expert on commercial rotors and valves.

Throughout his career, Hoveln made significant contributions to Hunter’s product lineup and helped advance the irrigation industry in meaningful ways. He was instrumental in the redesign of Hunter’s PGJ Rotor as well as the launch of the company’s Blue Nozzles for the PGP Rotor.

Hoveln also spearheaded the release of Hunter’s first pressure-regulated sprinkler body, designed specifically for the PGP and I-20 Rotors to deliver water-efficient performance. Additionally, Hoveln served as a dedicated corporate ambassador, generously sharing his vast product knowledge and industry expertise with all who visited Hunter.

“While he had a lot of knowledge, Steve never stopped learning. He would ask questions, take classes and travel to learn new markets.

“And that’s why he was the go-to for so many people in and out of our organization for how to fix something, how to get something done, what to do next,” said Kelsey Jacquard, Hunter category manager and Hoveln’s manager.

Mariani Premier Group acquires Treasure Coast Irrigation and Rood Landscape

The leadership team at the company, now known collective as TCIROOD, will remain with Tom Balling and Scott Fay at the helm.

Mariani Premier Group has acquired its 24th company, Treasure Coast Irrigation and Rood Landscape, now known collectively as TCIROOD.

This new addition strengthens Mariani’s presence in the Florida market. TCIROOD joins Mariani’s other Florida-based companies, Blue, Garden Industries and Botanica, opening the door for collaborative opportunities across the region. The leadership team at TCIROOD will remain with Tom Balling and Scott Fay at the helm.

“Joining the Mariani Premier Group marks an exciting new chapter for TCIROOD. This partnership allows us to build on our legacy of excellence in landscape and irrigation services while providing our team with expanded opportunities for growth and innovation,” Balling says.

Mariani Premier Group ranked No. 7 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list in 2024.

“We are delighted to welcome TCIROOD to the Mariani family,” says Bryan Christiansen, CEO of Mariani Premier Group.

“This acquisition reflects our dedication to partnering with companies that share our vision for quality and excellence in client service. Tom and Scott bring a wealth of experience and leadership, and together, we’re excited to continue setting the standard for landscape and irrigation services in Florida.”

“We are thrilled to become part of the Mariani family, a group that shares our passion for delivering exceptional client experiences and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence,” Fay says. “Together, we look forward to shaping the future of landscaping services in Florida and beyond.”