MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

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Our industry is one that encourages growth. Without growth plants die and without opportunity, people move on to something else. In order to meet that demand, commercial landscape companies have grown to incredible levels all around us. Recently, Landscape Management magazine put out their top 150 landscape companies (based on gross receipts). Bright View came in with an astounding $2,346,000,000 and maintained its position as the world’s largest landscape company. Moving down the list you will find that nearly 10% of the top 150 are in California. It should be noted that another 10 companies in SoCal would have made the list if they decided to participate. No doubt the California weather plays a significant role in the growth of these companies. The surge in homebuilding and expansion into inland areas have also created a need for more landscapers. The question is simple- is this the best model moving forward?

In this copy of the Pollen press, Mike Evans gave some interesting insight into where he thinks the industry is going. He believes, and I agree, that people want to reconnect with nature. They want to be involved with the soil and plant life around them. Commercial, aka production landscape, is no doubt different from home gardening. Large landscapes require more labor, “bulletproof” plants, and a process that is repeatable for a large workforce. This is the rub, how are these top 150 commercial landscape providers going to meet the old but refreshed interest in one-to-one plant and people relationships?

I recently commented to a landscaping friend of mine, “being a landscape contractor is about the hardest job in the world right now.” He laughed but agreed. These large companies have become the backbone of our suburban lifestyle all while taking on wage hikes, managing through covid, drought, fires, assembly bills, supply shortages, and an increasingly educated customer base.

Big is not bad and big is not better but it feels as though our industry is having an identity crisis. I recently asked Monarch staff members to remember why they stepped into the green industry. Most responses were the same, I love nature, plants, being outside, and learning new things. It’s easy to move away from our first love over time. We have bills to pay, kids to feed, and thirsty cars to gas up. The danger is that if we continue to move towards top line dollars and away from healthy relationships with our plants and people we will surely fail.

The green industry has an incredible opportunity to care for the environment around us. All while reducing green waste, water, noise, and pollution and enhancing the quality of life. What a cool gig we have. Let’s make sure we remember why we got into this business in the first place!

 

Get your hands dirty,

Matt Davenport

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The End is Always the Beginning

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Recently, I had the privilege of listening to a friend reflect on how rejection can lead to new direction. This rang true for me as I realized that rejection acted as the launching pad for my current trajectory. As for many in this industry, the landscape has a way of choosing you rather than you choosing landscape.

After college, I worked at the mall. The reality is I was disenfranchised after being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers which effectively meant my childhood dream was out of reach. As a young person in need of opportunity, the mall was a great place to experience low-risk failure. After a few months, I was craving Vitamin D and learning what was important in my work life.

In my pursuit of sunshine and fresh air, a friend from church fortuitously offered me a position at a landscape company. I spent 9 years at that company, going back to school to become a horticulturist and arborist all while learning what it takes to run a business.

Avoidance of rejection is avoidance of exploration, whether personal or professional. Had I not been rejected by the NFL and sent floundering to the mall, I may never have discovered a love of landscape. The truth is that the familiar path can feel comfortable and steady, but the constant pacing is causing erosion beneath our feet. It’s hard when your dreams aren’t what you expected but sometimes to find a new path you must either be rejected or do some rejecting.

All great people through history have failed. Not just failed but monumentally, historically, and all-time failed. These are the heroes we admire for their perseverance, the ability to see a new way out when the door closes behind them. They failed because they tried, they risked, they pivoted. If you want to do great things in your life, you will fail. And you will win.

2022 has risk and rejection written all over it. Embrace the turbulence because you are about to reach new heights.

 

Get Rejected,

 

Matt Davenport

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Change

Change. We don’t like it and we live in denial acting as though this time it will be different.
People change, contracts change, industries change, and we know this. So why are we so resistant?

 

Nature is always a good model for us. Change is slow, predictable, and often glorious. The
mixture of leaf colors that show up in the autumn is the result of a chemical change that takes
place between the long hot summer and winter. The leaves have served as high-powered kitchens
to produce food for tree growth. Due to shorter days and cooling temperatures, the food-making
process slows and the “green magic sauce” called chlorophyll breaks down allowing for other
colors to have a chance to show off in the fall. Ultimately, these color-changing leaves will land
on the forest floor, a parking lot, or in the front yard for the kids to jump in.

 

Change is not only inevitable, but it is also necessary for making room for future growth and
opportunities. The next time you see a glowing tree in October or a naked tree in January, take a
moment to stop and appreciate that submitting to the process can be both fun and painful at the
same time. Like the trees we all enjoy, change is only embraced when we have a clear vision for
our life. While the tree stands defoliated in the winter, it can only be thinking of those hot
summer days where it will be standing tall and providing shade for others.

Stand Tall!

Matt Davenport

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Plant for the Long Term- OC VIEW January / February 2018

PLANT FOR THE LONG TERM

Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach said, I have a lot to learn about NASCAR. But I’ve learned if you have the right people in the right places doing the right things, you can be successful at whatever you do. The same can be said about landscape. If the right plants are planted in the right area with the right amount of water then success is inevitable.

There are several factors to consider when “reskinning” your community landscape. First and foremost, assess the irrigation system for breaks, spacing, efficiencies and opportunities. The irrigation system will be key in setting future planting up for success. Future water savings may pay for the renovation in less than 5 years!

Secondly, plant choice is critical for both form and function. We often plant for form but don’t consider the long-term functionality of the chosen material. Function should be considered priority followed closely by form. You may have noticed landscape line items rising at an alarming rate. Here’s why- water rates have doubled, materials have increased 25-50%, the affordable care materialized, cost of living expenses continue to climb and most recently minimum wage hikes have gone into effect. In 2020, a landscape laborer will cost the average consumer upwards of $55,000 per year. In contrast, the same service cost consumers 10-15 thousand dollars less 5 years ago. This increase in labor cost must be considered when it comes to plant choice. Plant growth rates drive labor and if plants are chosen soley on the color of the flower one may be setting the community up for significant increases down the road.

Thirdly, plant sizing is one of the most overlooked opportunities in the industry. Larger plants have larger price tags. Many studies have been done regarding plant performance based on initial planting size. In many cases, a smaller gallon size plant will outperform a 5 or 15 gallon plant over time. This is often the case with trees as well. The smaller unit sizes will reflect better long-term performance for less money up front.

Lastly, spacing a plant appropriately allows for the material to reach maturity without much maintenance. Proper placement will look sparse at first. Our eyes have been conditioned over time to desire instant gratification. However, this sparse look will soon establish and heavily reduce the need for constant thinning, shaping and labor.

Plant type, placement, sizing and spacing done right will create an efficient landscape that stabilizes cost over time while adding beauty and value to your community.

Matt Davenport

 

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Water Drought Alert Updates 

Water Drought Alert Updates


[divider scroll_text="Water Drought Alert Updates"]
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“Educational Field Session with Monarch”

Educational Field Session with Monarch

Howdy,
Monarch provided a brief overview on the importance of HOA leadership, water usage, water budgets and the opportunity we have as an industry. Special thanks to Dr. Quinn and Dr. Haver

 

[divider scroll_text=”Educational Field Session with Monarch”]

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Certified Arborist in Orange County, Ca.

ISA_Certified_Arborist_Company

 

 

 

 

 

We have multiple certified arborist on staff. Our multidisciplinary

approach to trees allows us to be the most comprehensive landscape consulting firm in Orange County.

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Monarch Design

Exciting developments have led Monarch into doing more design and landscape architecture for Homeowners Associations and Business Parks in Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita and Huntington Beach. Keep us mind for everything landscape. 

Internet marketing
Linkalizer – Marketing on the internet.

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CACM Article on Teamwork by Matt Davenport

  • Teamwork Article in CACM

    Matt Davenport breaks down how to make your association function and achieve.

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