Riverside Company invests in U.S. Lawns U.S. Lawns was acquired from BrightView Holdings, Inc.

The Riverside Company, a global private investor focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in U.S. Lawns, a franchised provider of commercial landscaping and snow removal services for U.S. commercial properties. This investment represents the latest add-on to Riverside’s portfolio company, EverSmith Brands — a franchised brands platform.

U.S. Lawns was acquired from BrightView Holdings, a commercial landscaping services company in the United States. BrightView ranked No. 1 on the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 list in 2023; U.S. Lawns ranked No. 16.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, U.S. Lawns offers services for commercial property needs, such as irrigation and landscaping. With a national network of landscape professionals, the company currently has more than 200 locations spanning 37 states.

“This investment brings a unique opportunity to join together the expertise of the U.S. Lawns network in landscape management and Clintar, a snow management and landscape brand that we acquired in 2020 to create a new powerhouse in the landscaping industry,” says Riverside Micro-Cap Fund Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “By leveraging EverSmith’s deep franchise development know-how, we expect to expand the national footprint and accelerate new business acquisition for the landscape brand.”

Riverside has invested in a cadre of franchise companies since its inception in 1988.

With the acquisition, Ken Hutcheson, the current president of U.S. Lawns, is appointed as president, landscaping and snow services, for EverSmith Brands. Hutcheson’s expanded responsibilities will include bringing together the U.S. Lawns and Clintar teams.

“Our goal is to take advantage of available possibilities by leaning on U.S. Lawns’ expertise to build an even stronger position in the landscaping industry,” says EverSmith Brands CEO Rob Gannett. “U.S. Lawns’ regional account relationships and local lead generation activities are already strong — the company is well-positioned for success, and we look forward to being a part of it.”

Senske Services acquires Pro Turf & Pro Pest Solutions

This acquisition marks Senske Services' inaugural foray into the midwestern United States.

Senske Services has acquired Pro Turf & Pro Pest Solutions.

With a legacy spanning over 25 years, Pro Turf & Pro Pest Solutions has offered comprehensive residential and commercial services. The company has served customers throughout Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. With branch locations in cities such as Kansas City, Omaha and St. Louis, this acquisition marks Senske Services' inaugural foray into the midwestern United States.

Senkse Services ranked No. 45 on our Top 100 list last year.

Co-owners Scott Doss and Staci Doss, who started Pro Turf & Pro Pest Solutions in 1997 from a 2-car garage, have steered the company's growth to nearly 20,000 customers. Scott Doss will continue to spearhead the day-to-day operations, ensuring a seamless transition for clients and employees alike.

"It felt like the right time to take advantage of the acquisition activity within the industry," Scott Doss says. "We explored various potential partners and found that Senske was the ideal match. Our priority was to take care of both customers and employees, and Senske's proven track record reassured us in this regard.”

"Scott and Staci have built a tremendous organization," says Casey Taylor, CEO at Senske Services. "The team at Pro Turf is incredible, and we are excited to welcome the 75 employees to the Senske Family of Companies."

SavATree merges with 3 tree companies

SavATree strengthens its presence in New Jersey, Colorado and Montana.

SavATree has merged with Ken’s Tree Care, T4 Tree Services and Yellowstone Valley Tree Surgeons.

“In joining forces with Ken's Tree Care, T4 Tree Services and Yellowstone Valley Tree Surgeons, SavATree is not only deepening its presence in key markets but also partnering with companies with decades of arboricultural expertise and caring for the environment. These partnerships are a testament to our shared commitment to elevating the standard of tree care service in the U.S.,” says Carmine Schiavone, CEO of SavATree.

Ken’s Tree Care, based in Northvale, New Jersey, has been in business for more than 40 years.

“Our commitment to tree preservation and customer service have been the driving forces behind our growth in Northern New Jersey. Joining forces with SavATree allows us to expand our reach, capabilities, and services while maintaining the personalized service that has been our hallmark," Founder Ken Barber says. T4 Tree Services is located in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Fairwood Brands acquires Bear Creek Landscaping; names new CEO

This marks the brand’s seventh acquisition, while Mike McRae was recently named CEO.

Fairwood Brands has acquired Bear Creek Landscaping and Construction.

The Bear Creek team offers a host of services, including construction, landscape renovation, lawn maintenance, deck build and repair, irrigation services, water feature creation and outdoor lighting.

Bear Creek is now part of Fairwood Brands, which maintains outdoor spaces nationwide. It was created in early 2023 by Columbus-based investment company Crane Group, in conjunction with Appalachian Capital Holdings, when they acquired companies around the country and created this new parent company.

“Bear Creek is an exciting addition to Fairwood Brands — one that broadens our geographic footprint and adds new product and service capabilities to our group,” says Crane Group Senior Vice President Dan Crane. “They’ve built an excellent team of pros known for their quality work and customer service, and we are excited to welcome them to the Fairwood Brands family.”

The Bear Creek team says their company’s values align with those of Fairwood Brands, says Bear Creek CEO, Mike Clifford. “Both organizations represent consistency and quality, which is what Bear Creek has focused on since our inception.”

Additionally, Fairwood Brands has named Mike McRae its chief executive officer.

Prior to joining Fairwood Brands, McRae served in leadership roles from CFO to CEO for multiple companies across several industries.

“Mike’s values align with ours — as does his vision for building Fairwood Brands into the nation’s premier company for creating and maintaining luxury outdoor spaces,” Crane says.

Mariani Premier Group acquires Galbraith Grounds Management

Headquartered in Atlanta, GGM was founded in 2000 by Marc Galbraith.

Mariani Premier Group has acquired Galbraith Grounds Management, a boutique landscape management firm specializing in the construction and care of Atlanta’s residential landscapes.

The move marks the 18th acquisition from the Mariani Premier Group, which ranked No. 11 on our Top 100 list last year.

Headquartered in Atlanta, GGM was founded in 2000 by Marc Galbraith. The company provides property care maintenance and enhancements to a wide array of estate and residential home clients.

“We are very happy to welcome GGM to the Mariani Premier Group’s distinguished list of companies,” says Mariani Premier Group Chairman Frank Mariani.

“When we consider which companies would make sense for the Mariani Premier Group to acquire, we look for leaders who share our values and commitment to exceptional client experiences,” says Mariani CEO Bryan Christiansen. "The team at GGM certainly meets our high standards.”

“Joining the Mariani Premier Group will allow us to continue our growth and secure our long-term future,” Galbraith says. “I applaud Frank Mariani for his industry leadership and the incredible vision he's brought to this endeavor. I am thrilled to be joining this meteoric ride.”

GGM will join 17 other residential landscape companies that currently comprise the Mariani Premier Group’s family of brands, including Berghoff Design Group in Phoenix, R.P. Marzilli & Company in Massachusetts and Designs By Sundown in Colorado.

Davey Tree adds Lewis Tree Service

Lewis Tree has provided full-service residential and commercial tree care for almost 30 years in the greater Santa Cruz area.

The Davey Tree Expert Company has added Lewis Tree Service of Santa Cruz, Calif.

Lewis Tree has provided full-service residential and commercial tree care for almost 30 years in the greater Santa Cruz area. Founder Nathan Lewis previously worked for Davey Tree Surgery Company, a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company, prior to establishing Lewis Tree. Lewis Tree’s employees will be continuing work with Lewis Tree as part of Davey’s residential/commercial service line.

“I’m excited for my team to become part of Davey,” Lewis says. “The Lewis Tree team will not only continue to provide the quality care our company is known for but will now also have career advancement opportunities and the added support services Davey offers, which will all help us better serve our clients. Our team will now have access to the Davey Institute, Davey’s industry-leading research and diagnostic laboratory, which will help us make the best science-based decisions for our clients’ properties.”

“Nathan and the Lewis Tree team have values similar to Davey’s, and they also provide clients with exceptional service, so adding the Lewis Tree team to the Davey family will be a great fit,” says Travis Evans, market manager, Bay Area R/C operations. “I’m looking forward to working with this team and providing them with opportunities to grow in their careers, participate in our educational programs and become employee owners of our company.”

Visterra Landscape Group acquires GroundsPRO

The company will continue to be led by its founder, Tony Wilson.

Visterra Landscape Group, a commercial landscaping platform, has acquired West Chester, Ohio-based GroundsPRO, a full-service commercial grounds maintenance provider serving the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana markets.

Alongside existing Visterra partner company Oberson's, the move creates a provider of commercial landscaping, street sweeping and critical winter services for property managers, commercial organizations and public institutions.

The company will operate as GroundsPRO across the majority of its service areas and will continue to be led by its founder, Tony Wilson, who will also serve as Visterra's Midwest regional president. Jeff Hahn of GroundsPRO will provide leadership as senior regional manager, and Oberson's founder, Chad Oberson, will lead Visterra's landscape construction and regional sales efforts while supporting M&A activity across the Midwest.

"Welcoming GroundsPRO is an exciting milestone for Visterra," says Visterra CEO Alan Handley. "This partnership perfectly aligns with our focus on working alongside founders and owners of culturally compatible, high-caliber commercial landscaping providers to provide the resources needed to expand offerings, optimize service delivery, and further enhance safety practices to continue to deliver an unmatched customer experience."

"We are thrilled to join the Visterra platform — and leverage the outstanding resources and network it affords — to serve our valued customers with even greater capabilities while investing and growing the business across the vibrant Tristate region," Wilson says. "The mutual respect and friendship Chad Oberson and I have built further confirms the natural fit for our companies to continue growing together under the Visterra umbrella."

"This partnership with GroundsPRO will allow us to offer meaningful new opportunities for employees and underscores our commitment to serving the customers of both businesses, who will now benefit from an even greater level of trust and assurance that their commercial landscaping partner is stronger than ever," Oberson says.

Greenwise Organic Lawn Care merges with The Green Team of Wisconsin

In its partnership with The Green Team, Greenwise expands its service area to the Milwaukee market.

Greenwise Organic Lawn Care, a sustainability-focused lawn and landscape service provider serving the Chicagoland area, has merged with The Green Team of Wisconsin.

In its partnership with The Green Team, Greenwise expands its service area to the Milwaukee market, increasing the reach of its organic and sustainable service offering.

Founded in 2007 by Bradley Blaeser, The Green Team provides natural lawn care, landscape maintenance and landscape design-build services to residential, commercial and municipal clients. Bradley has joined the Greenwise team and will continue to work with both new and existing clients.

“When I started The Green Team of Wisconsin in 2007, I set out to build a team that would provide innovative eco-conscious landscape services," Blaeser says. "Over the last 17 years, we’ve become a local leader of environmentally responsible landscape services in southeastern Wisconsin, serving residential, commercial and municipal clients. In joining Greenwise, we are stronger than ever and well positioned to continue to increase our service offerings and expertise.”

“We are excited to expand our reach to the Milwaukee area," says Greenwise President and Owner Austin Hall. “Once I met Bradley and his team, the strong fit between our companies’ cultures and values became immediately clear. In bringing together our two companies, we are doubling down on our commitment to innovating in the landscape industry. We look forward to serving the Milwaukee community with a focus on high-quality service and safety for people, pets, and the environment.”

Greenwise plans on continuing to expand its presence in the Midwest and other regions through partnerships with organic and sustainable lawn and landscape service providers.

LMC Landscape Partners acquires Cutters Edge Total Landscape Solutions

This marks LMC's inaugural venture into the state of Florida.

LMC Landscape Partners, a Trivest Partners portfolio company, has acquired Cutters Edge Total Landscape Solutions based in Davie, Florida. This marks LMC's inaugural venture into the state of Florida, further expanding its portfolio.

Founded by William Quigley, Cutters Edge has been serving the southern Florida market in landscape maintenance, design, tree care, irrigation, plant health care and related services for over two decades.

In this strategic partnership, Quigley will join the LMC leadership team as regional vice president of Florida operations. LMC is excited to integrate the Cutters Edge team, recognizing the benefits of partnering with a company that shares the same values of hard work, integrity and excellent customer service.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Cutters Edge team into our growing family of brands. William has dedicated more than 20 years to providing exceptional landscaping services to commercial clients throughout South Florida and we are committed to upholding his well-deserved reputation for superior quality and professional service,” says LMC CEO Trey Brock.

“Cutters Edge is a leader in terms of delivering exceptional landscape services to commercial customers. William and his team are an excellent fit with the existing LMC family of brands and provide a strong base for expansion in Florida. We’re excited to support their growth,” says Steve Reynolds, Partner at Trivest.

Cutters Edge joins the LMC family of brands, which also includes Woodlake Outdoor, LMC Houston, ALM Commercial Landscaping and Owens Landscape Construction.

Former president, CEO of Ewing Outdoor Supply dies

Raymon Alan “Ray” York was 86 when he passed away on Jan. 24, 2024.

Raymon Alan “Ray” York, former president & CEO of Ewing Outdoor Supply and Landscape Products, passed away Jan. 24, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 86.

York was born Aug. 4, 1937, in Wichita, Kansas, and grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho. York will be remembered as an innovative, ground-breaking businessman, an advocate for continual education and a leader in the green industry. He was passionate about his family, his extended family of employees and Ewing’s customers, and was known to personally scout new business opportunities in communities in need of a dedicated, reliable green industry distributor.

He and his wife and business partner of 63 years, Susan “Sue” Ewing York, met at Stanford University in spring 1959, a few months before he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. The Yorks married in November 1960, a few months after her graduation from Stanford. She joined him in Idaho, where they worked side by side at his family’s meat packing plant and started their family, welcoming twin sons, David and Douglas, in November 1961 and younger son, Richard, in January 1963.

In December 1963, they returned to San Francisco to take over Ewing’s daily operations from King William Ewing, Sue’s father and the company’s founder.

Together, they laid a foundation that fostered Ewing’s growth from two brick-and-mortar stores serving the landscape, golf and industrial industries in the Bay Area into the more than 100-year-old, fourth-generation national distribution powerhouse that it is today.

York is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen “Sue” Ewing York; sons David (Julia), Douglas (Kelli) and Richard (Victoria) York; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his sister, Marjorie Crosby.