Market Trends: Oct. 1997

$237 Million In Sales

Lawn & Landscape readers will spend a total of $220 million on pesticides in 1997, according to a survey of 1,000 L&L readers who purchase pesticide products. Pesticide users, who comprise approximately one-half of Lawn & Landscape’s total readership, generally purchase a great deal of pesticides. More than 51 percent, in fact, noted they will spend more than $10,000 on pesticides in 1997.

More than 25 percent will spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on pesticide purchases this year, while nearly another 20 will spend at least $1,000 on pesticides.?

Christian Leaves Legacy Of Industry Professionalism

ATLANTA - At a time when the growing but still maturing lawn and landscape industry was learning the potential for turning horticulture into big business, Phil Christian was among the leaders in encouraging professionalism, productivity and fiscal responsibility.

Christian passed away on Sept. 1 from a massive heart attack. He was 63 years old.

A graduate of Auburn University in 1963, Christian worked in his family’s construction business, actually purchasing it in 1970 and later selling it in 1974. It was during this time that he developed his renowned theories on estimating and small crew technology, as well as his "Productivity Plus" methodology he taught to countless contractors in seminars and as a private consultant.

Christian joined what was ChemLawn Corp. in 1974. He grew the Commercial Services division to $21 million in sales, developed a commercial pricing system and began what is known as Practical Site and Landscape Management, a computer-assisted landscape management system.

He left the company in 1982 and started up pdc Consultants, working with the facility and real estate management industries. In 1994, he began working with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. The result was his widely acclaimed "Productivity Plus" seminars.

"Phil was dedicated to helping businesses through consulting, systems and training to improve profitability and increase employee skills and proficiency," said Ed Wandtke, an industry consultant who worked with Christian for more than two decades.

"He believed employees could be taught the most complex tasks if these tasks are broken down into bits and pieces to be mastered one step at a time."

"I owe a lot of the credit for the success I’ve had with my company to Phil," noted Dick Bare, president, Arbor-Nomics, Atlanta. "He came in here and really helped put a plan in place to build a successful company."

"Phil's dedication to the landscape management industry, with both ChemLawn and pdc Associates, established him as one of its true pioneers," said David Zerfoss, president, Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co., Charlotte, N.C. "His ability to articulate the challenges of landscape service contractors in industry-wide dialogues, and the innovative solutions he brought to the table, made Phil an industry leader and hero. He will be sorely missed."

GIE Show Promises Education, Fun

CHARLOTTE. N.C. – Planning is nearly complete for the Green Industry Expo, Nov. 14-18 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The three sponsoring organizations – The Professional Lawn Care Association of America, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and the Professional Grounds Management Society – have prepared a solid lineup of educational seminars and networking opportunities to maximize attendee benefits.

The event's keynote speaker, Michael Broome, will present the session, "Be a People Power Person," a lesson in optimism and motivation in a trouble-laden world. Broome speaks Monday, Nov. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The festivities officially begin on Friday, Nov. 14, with a PLCAA golf outing and ALCA’s tour of Southern Tree and Landscape Companies and Dingo Digging Systems. Sunday is highlighted by the outdoor equipment demo from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The trade show floor is open on Monday from noon to 6 p.m., and on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DowElanco Announces New Name

INDIANAPOLIS - Following its purchase of Eli Lilly and Company's 40 percent interest in the joint venture, DowElanco announced it will now be doing business as Dow Agro-Sciences.

The name change will become effective Jan. 1, 1998, and will reflect the joint venture's status as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company.

"During the next two decades, world agriculture will change dramatically and Dow AgroSciences will help lead the agricultural industry's efforts to initiate, shape and direct this transformation," noted William Stavropoulos, president and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company.

TCI Invades Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Contractors will have the opportunity to learn more about the technical and professional aspects of tree care at TCI EXPO '97, Nov. 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio.

TCI EXPO ’97 features more than 150 exhibitors with a wide range of tree care products. In addition, live demonstrations of climbing, rigging, aerial rescue, cabling and bracing, and lightning protection will be performed.

Keynoter Dr. Alex Shigo kicks off the show’s extensive education program with his presentation titled, "Tree Chemistry for Fun and Profit." For more information and TCI Expo registration materials, call the NAA at 800/733-2622.

Walker Makes Service A Priority

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - "A lot of opportunities come our way for different projects – sometimes we’re fortunate to have a chance to help people," noted Bob Walker, president, Walker Mfg.

Walker came to the aid of Ryan Tripp, a 12-year-old in Beaver, Utah, when he learned of the boy’s plan to ride a mower across the country to raise moneny for an infant needing a liver transplant.

Tripp is attempting his world record-setting fund raiser on a Walker Model T, donated by the company, which also made a contribution to help offset the girl’s medical bills.

"This is about a young fellow with an idea to help a little girl," added Walker.

The 3,366-mile ride was expected to culminate Sept. 25 when Tripp mowed the lawn on Capitol Hill.

Hardie Now Irritrol

BLOOMINGTON - The Toro Co. reported that all Hardie branded products acquired in the purchase of James Hardie Irrigation will be marketed under the name Irritrol Systems.

Toro will to market its own irrigation products under Toro Irrigation.