Snow, Debris Cleanup Easy With New John Deere Angle, Pickup Brooms

John Deere is updating its line of Worksite Pro attachments with three new angle and five new pickup brooms. The BA72C, BA84C and BA96C angle brooms and the BP72C, BP84C, BR60C, BR72C and BR84C pickup brooms were designed for effortless cleanup in turf, snow and construction applications. Like all Worksite Pro attachments, these angle brooms are optimized to work with John Deere skid steers and compact track loaders. They’re also compatible with most competitive models.

“With new OSHA silica dust exposure rules, contractors are in need of attachments with options that meet these requirements and make contractors more competitive bidders,” said Jessica Hill, program manager, global attachments, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “We designed a new class of brooms to deliver more durability and job site protection to help our customers get the most of out of their investments.”

The new pickup brooms are superior solutions for dust mitigation challenges and restrictive barriers, like curbs and sidewalks. These pickup brooms feature a 660-mm (26-inch) diameter brush with standard 50/50 poly-wire segments and optional all-polypropylene brush segments, allowing operators to customize the attachment to their job site. The BR models use bolts for precise brush-contact adjustment, while the BP models incorporate a tool-free system for fast, easy adjustment. BP models feature a 12.7-mm (0.5-inch) single-bevel cutting edge; BR models have a 15.9-mm (0.625-inch) double-bevel cutting edge. Optional 95-liter (25-gallon) broom-mounted or 113.5-liter (30-gallon) roof-mounted water-tank kits are available for dust-suppression applications.

An adjustable baffle on BP pickup broom models increases hopper capacity by 22 percent, offering greater sweeping impact in each pass. A front caster wheel on BP models allows the brush to follow ground contours, while a front bumper on BR models provides extra strength and protection when sweeping close to walls or obstacles. An optional 510-mm (20-inch) gutter brush with wire bristles can be mounted on the right or left side of any model pickup broom for collecting material close to curbs.

Ideal for turf and snow removal applications, the BA model angle brooms feature a hydraulic-angling range of 30 degrees to the right or left of the machine. The 810-mm (32-inch) diameter brush features standard 50/50 poly-wire segments, a well-suited combination for dirt and debris cleanup on hard surfaces. Optional all-polypropylene brush segments are available for work on softer surfaces. Brush-core removal for bristle replacement is quick and easy, with no tools required. Foldaway storage stands help the brush maintain its round shape when not in use.

An optional hood extension provides 180-degree brush coverage, while a rubber deflector prevents snow from blowing back onto the machine when winter strikes. An optional 114-liter (30-gallon) roof-mounted water tank kit is available for applications that require dust suppression.

For added performance and durability, both the pickup broom and angle brooms feature a heavy-duty, high-torque, bidirectional motor coupled to the brush core through a 63.5-mm (2.5-inch) hex hub. The attachments’ motor and bearing are protected within the broom-frame structure. Motor and bearing separate from the brush core without having to disconnect any hydraulic hoses, eliminating the risk of oil spills or contamination.

The new pickup and angle brooms are backed by John Deere parts, service and warranty coverage.

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Bergen County NJ Deer Population – How Residents Can Protect Their Landscaping

If you live in Bergen County, chances are you’ve noticed quite a few deer roaming in your local park, along the side of the road or even in your backyard. That’s no coincidence; in recent years the Bergen County NJ deer population has experienced a notable spike, making deer remarkably abundant and destructive to Bergen County landscaping.

What is being done about Bergen County NJ Deer

In response, local governments continue to debate the best methods for managing the rising deer population. However, whatever solution they move forward with, it’s unlikely that there will be immediate results. As a result, homeowners will still have to take some action to protect their lawns and gardens from these hungry herbivores, or risk losing some of your favorite plants and flowers.

The good news is that keeping deer off your lawn can be easier than you think! With a few strategic alterations to your yard, you can continue to enjoy your landscaping without fear of it falling victim to a herd of hungry deer. We have written in the past on garden deer control in Bergen County.

What can you do about Bergen County NJ Deer

First and foremost, reducing the visibility of some of your more enticing plants will help protect them. Hiding your garden with a decorative fence or hedges can help deter deer from wandering into your yard. It might sound silly, but if a deer cannot see your delicious looking plants, they’ll be less inclined to venture into a yard where they’re not sure what’s on the other side. Garden fences and hedges have the duel benefit of barricading deer and other critters out of your lawn, while adding a pleasing aesthetic to your home.

Putting a little extra thought into the plants that will make up your garden will also help protect your garden. Deer prefer to munch on delicate, aromatic plants such as flowers and leafy bushes. They are often attracted by the fragrant scents given off by these plants and simply can’t resist the urge to eat them! On the other hand, deer shy away from plants with thorns or plants that have strong odors, like herbs, peonies and lavender. Deer will also avoid poisonous plants, such as poppies, foxgloves and daffodils.

When planning your garden, a good rule of thumb is to keep the plants that deer prefer close to your home, while planting prickly and strong scented plants around the perimeter. This will protect your garden for two reasons. First, the strong scented plants will help mask the aroma given off by the plants that deer prefer to eat. Secondly, deer are cautious creatures that prefer enjoying a meal where they can quickly run for cover if needed. They are much less inclined to venture up to a home that is unfamiliar and out in the open.

Another way to deter deer is to add obstacles to your yard. Adding layered terraces, decorative rocks, or sunken beds are various hindrances that deer would rather not navigate through. Even a pile of firewood, a compost heap, or you child’s playground set can be enough of an obstruction to encourage deer to graze elsewhere. Additionally, if you have a raised deck, it’s not a bad idea to keep your potted plants there. Deer will avoid climbing stairs, even for their favorite floral treats, so placing those plants up higher will likely keep them safe.

How we help with your Bergen County NJ deer problem

If your yard doesn’t have the capacity to incorporate landscaping hurdles to ward off deer, you can still install various deterrents that can scare deer away. Motion activated lights or sprinklers that go off when deer enter your property can startle deer and encourage them to look for food elsewhere. Wind chimes are another good option because they make unexpected and unfamiliar noises that will keep deer from wondering too far into your yard.

Finally, if all else fails, an effective deer repellent will do the trick. Deer repellents emit smells that signal to the deer that there is nothing good to eat there. They help mask the scent of more appetizing plants, and urge the deer to move on. Many deer repellents also have a bad taste, so if a deer does get curious enough to try the repellent out, they’ll quickly discover that it was not worth the risk. Spraying deer repellent around the edges of your property can prevent deer from even entering your garden in the first place.

The deer in Bergen County play a great role in making the area unique and beautiful. But, they can be destructive to your home and all of the hard work you put into it. However, with the right tools and techniques, you and your garden can happily coexist with these gentle creatures. If you would like help controlling destructive deer in your Bergen County, NJ yard, contact us!

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EIA Fuel Forecast Calling For Higher Prices In 2019

A fuel price forecast published by the U.S. Energy Administration in November 2018 expects gasoline prices to average more than $2.75 per gallon in 2019, and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is reminding professional landscape contractors to prepare now for another cutting season with high gasoline prices.

“No contractor likes to think about all the money their business has to expend just to purchase fuel, and we certainly hear more complaints from contractors when gasoline prices start to approach that $3.00 per gallon mark when it turns from a nuisance to a cost that sometimes they financially can’t bear,” said Jeremy Wishart, director of off-road business development at PERC. “But contractors don’t have to feel helpless against the fuel price posted at their local gasoline filling station if they switch to mowers powered by propane, which consistently costs between 30 and 50 percent less per gallon than gasoline. That price margin only widens when gasoline prices rise like they’re going to do again next season.”

In addition to a lower price per gallon of fuel, contractors can usually lock in a set fuel price with their local propane supplier, in order to pay the same rate for fuel all year long.

Whether a contractor is ready to make the switch to propane, or is simply interested in learning more about propane-powered equipment in advance of the 2019 season, the Propane Council has resources available to inform and support these businesses in a variety of ways:

PERC’s propane mower cost calculator details for contractors how much they could be saving with propane. The calculator allows contractors to input operational data specific to their fleet, so the results are unique to each equipment fleet.

PERC’s Propane Mower Incentive Program is available all year long. Contractors can receive $1,000 for every qualifying commercial propane mower purchase (up to 20 units) or $500 for  each EPA-certified conversion kit. For a limited time, PERC is offering an additional $500 for each propane mower (a total of $1,500) or conversion kit ($1,000) purchase through Decemeber 31, 2018. Contractors can qualify for the extra incentive by utilizing the special code “2018GIEPERC” during application.

PERC’s equipment dealer locator helps contractors connect with a local resource who can also help them get in touch with a propane retailer. Equipment dealers listed on the free online locator tool are pre-screened, so contractors know they are contacting a partner who not only sells propane mowers, but is also knowledgeable about propane equipment.

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Lawn Care Pro Wins Toro Mower Giveaway

Andrew Schroeder of Schroeder’s Outdoor Services LLC in Gibsonburg, OH has been named the winner of Toro’s 2018 GIE+EXPO giveaway. Schroeder picked up his brand new Toro® Z Master® 3000 Series zero-turn mower equipped with the MyRIDE® suspension system from his local Toro dealer, Willie’s Sales and Service in Fremont, OH. Willie’s has specialized in lawn and garden equipment sales and service for over 60 years.

Andrew Schroeder of Schroeder’s Outdoor Services LLC, Toro’s 2018 GIE+EXPO prize winner takes delivery of his new Toro Z Master 3000 Series zero-turn mower with MyRIDE from Willie’s Sales and Service.

“We already run a lot of Toro mowers, so I was very excited to learn that I had been selected as the prize winner and can add this Z Master to our fleet,” said Schroeder. “I’m really looking forward to putting this new mower to the test in the spring.”

Schroeder’s new Z Master 3000 Series zero-turn mower is powered by a 25 hp Kawasaki® FX 708cc engine, and features Toro’s TURBO FORCE® cutting deck with heat-treated high-strength steel blades and a patented adjustable discharge chute. Additionally, the MyRIDE suspension system offers the operator up to 3.6 inches of travel and is designed to reduce impacts, bumps and vibrations to the operator. The operator can easily adjust the rear shock ride settings to account for their personal ride preferences without the use of tools.

“We’re thrilled that Andrew has taken delivery of his brand new Z Master zero-turn mower,” said Chris Vogtman, Toro senior marketing manager. “All of our products are designed to be there for our customers every step of the way, from start to finish, and the 3000 Series with MyRIDE is no exception. We wish Andrew many productive and comfortable mowing sessions with his new MyRIDE-equipped machine.”

The mower is valued at $10,999. For more information about the Toro Z Master 3000 Series zero-turn mower, visit the Toro website or your local Toro dealer.

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Plowsite: This Week’s Cool Threads

From accepting credit card payments to mixing brine, popular questions posted by the ice and snow management professionals on PlowSite forums this past week.

Business Fundamentals

• A PlowSite Fanatic from Grand Rapids, MI wants to know if other snow and ice management professions are accepting credit card payments, and if so, are you adding a 3% surcharge. What has been your customers’ response? Share your thoughts…
• A PlowSite Veteran from the Kansas City Area had a situation where someone slipped, fell and was knocked unconscious shortly after he plowed and salted a parking lot as a favor to family. He’s wondering what his liability is. Share your thoughts…

Networking

• A Junior PlowSite Member from Upstate New York ordered door hangers to market his snow removal service, but the delivery was delayed. Now that they’ve arrived, he wants to know if he should distribute them now, or would it be a waste of money because it’s too late to drum up new business this season? Share your thoughts…

Commercial Snow Removal

• A PlowSite Member from north Iowa is going to buy back blades for a 3/4 ton truck, and is leaning toward a 14 foot model. He’s looking for suggestions on which brand to purchase. Share your thoughts…

Ice Management

• A Junior PlowSite Member is looking for some advice on making the brine mixing process faster and more efficient. Share your thoughts…

PlowSite is the largest and most active online forum servicing snow and ice management professionals.

As the only resource of its kind in the marketplace, PlowSite has been a coveted place for snow and ice management professionals seeking peer-to-peer networking, business guidance and insight into industry best practices and trends since 2000.

Join your industry peers in this growing, dynamic community today:
Register For FREE!

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LawnSite Forums: This Week’s Hot Threads

From selling your lawn care business to help with estimates, here are some questions from the landscape professionals on LawnSite forums this past week.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

• A LawnSite Member from Rochester Hills, MI is wondering how much a lawn business with around 70 accounts would be worth in his area? Share your thoughts…
• A LawnSite Member from Florida is looking to sell his landscaping business that has around 150 residential accounts, sales of $200k, and four employees. He’d like to know how long he should expect it to take to sell the business, and if he’s more likely to sell it after the holidays. Share your thoughts…

BIDDING, ESTIMATING AND PRICING

• A LawnSite Member who is new to the industry is looking for help on quoting a fall clean up for a customer. The yard is approximately 17,000 square feet, flat, and is fenced on one side. There are a lot of leaves that he will pile curbside for the city to pick up. Share your thoughts…
• A LawnSite Member from Harker Heights, TX wants to know how other professionals charge for leaf cleanups. Do you charge hourly, or by square footage? Plus, he’s looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced leaf vacuum. Share your thoughts…
• A LawnSite Member from north of Boston wants to know if anyone estimates jobs solely on square footage. His goal is to simplify/expedite the billing/estimating process and delegate it to the office/operations staff. Share your thoughts…

Do you need feedback on a professional challenge you’re facing within your landscaping or lawn care business? Tap into the wealth of knowledge at LawnSite, the largest and most active online forum serving green industry professionals.

As the only resource of its kind in the marketplace, LawnSite has been a coveted place for landscape professionals seeking peer-to-peer networking, business guidance and insight into industry best practices and trends since 1995.

Join your industry peers in this growing, dynamic community today:
Register For FREE!

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Ready To Go Commercial?

Courtesy of Buyers Products & SIMA

Consider these points to help you decide where to upgrade your fleet.

What’s your next step?

Grow my commercial (lot) business.

More area in less time is the key to success when clearing lots.

TIP: A plow with expandable wings allows you to efficiently plow large areas and still move between jobs quickly.

Become a dependable subcontractor.

You need equipment that’s reliable push after push.

TIP: If you need a new plow but you’re using a lighter truck, check out some straight blades that are optimized for lighter trucks. Many commercial-use plows have been released with weight strategically removed to accommodate lighter trucks.

Grow my driveway business.

If driveways are still your bread and butter, think about a V-plow. A V can work well in tight spaces and also clear large swaths quickly when fully extended.

TIP: Make sure the V-plow you choose has double-acting angle cylinders. They’re essential for back dragging up against garages in straight driveways.

What’s your biggest pain point?

Constantly having to reload material.

Time is critical during a storm. Stopping to refill your spreader just gives the snow and ice more time to take hold.

TIP: A spreader with a double-walled poly hopper is lightweight but spacious. You can have up to 2 cubic yards of material capacity in the back of a pickup.

Salt freezing overnight in my hopper.

Any auger spreader needs dry, free-flowing material to work smoothly. It’s critical that you unload your spreader at the end of the day. Luckily, many spreaders offer easy swing-away or removable chutes to make bulk unloading a breeze.

High price of salt.

If high salt prices are eating into your profits, it might be time to consider a system to pre-wet your spreading material with brine prior to application.

TIP: Pre-wet reduces bounce, and help conserve salt. See Just Add Liquids.

What’s annoying about your current plow?

It’s a pain to get on and off the truck, especially when it “slumps” into the ground.

Adjusting the mount height of your plow is a common struggle, especially if you dismount on bare ground and then the ground “slumps.”

TIP: You might want to think about a plow with easy height adjustment to take the hassle out of mounting.

It’s awful on gravel and uneven surfaces.

Gravel driveways, ripped up parking lots, etc. can cause your blade to trip. Constant tripping makes it hard to keep the snow in front of your plow and forces you to waste time repeating the same push.

TIP: If you’re running into these problems, consider a trip edge plow.

Takes many passes to clear a lot/doesn’t provide an even scrape.

Uneven scraping can make it impossible to do an efficient clean-up. Worse still, uneven scraping causes uneven wear, forcing you to replace your cutting edge more often.

TIP: Many new plows offer solutions like SnowDogg’s Floating A-Frame to help remedy this issue.

For more plow and spreader tips, check out the Buyers Products Youtube channel. It’s regularly updated with new product videos, tips, tutorials, and more. Subscribe to receive notifications each time a new video goes live. 

This article was featured in the Snow & Ice Management Association’s SB In Focus issue focused on transitioning from a residential to commercial snow company. Read the whole issue, sponsored by Buyers Products, here.

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Deep Root Fertilization Services Bergen County NJ

As lush days of summer come to a close, winter frost creeps into Bergen County, New Jersey causing deciduous trees to lose their leaves and go into a dormant state. Just because a tree is in a dormant state, that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Fertilization is crucial to the functionality and growth of all trees. Even with increasingly colder weather, fall is the ideal time to feed and revitalize your trees with the aid of deep root fertilization as root development is increased in the fall.

What is Deep Root Fertilization?

In order to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful, the soil around your trees and shrubs must be healthy too. Deep root fertilization is the most precise way to achieve this goal, setting your lawn, shrubs and trees up for success. The process of deep root fertilization includes injecting organic fertilizer directly into the root of a tree or shrub, using pressure. The deep root fertilization formula includes nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and polyphosphate (which helps to ward off summer diseases), and the pressure improves aeration. Adding this nutrient rich fertilizer directly to roots encourages them to develop quickly because the added nutrients, increased oxygen content, moisture in the soil, and microbial activity create a perfect environment around the roots. Not only will the shrub or tree withstand winter and flourish the next spring, increased root activity translates into growth above ground when the tree awakens in spring.

When is the Best Time to Deep Root Fertilize?

To have your landscape looking top notch by April, one of the best times to deep root fertilize is late fall, before the onset of winter freeze. In nature, fallen leaves decompose into topsoil with necessary nutrients needed for a healthy tree. Unfortunately, in Bergen County and other urban and suburban environments we take pride in a leafless lawn, which in turn prevents leaves from decomposing into nutrient-rich topsoil. By bulking up the soil with nutrients found in deep root fertilization, it creates a nutrient stockpile that will protect the tree and the rest of the landscape in the grueling cooler months to follow. Another great time to fertilize trees is late March and early April when spring thaw begins awakening trees that have been dormant over the winter.

Benefits of Deep Root Fertilization

Healthy tree roots are important for healthy outdoor foliage. The benefits of deep root fertilization include:

• More striking trees and shrubs
• Oxygenation of the soil
• Foliage that is more resistant to disease and pesky insects
• Improved property value with more attractive, stronger trees
• Reduces soil compaction so there is more room for water and oxygen
• Encourages root growth and improves the overall health of the tree

Professional Deep Root Fertilization

In order to obtain the best results fertilizing and nourishing your tree’s root system, having a specialist inject the fertilizer is the best course of action. Borst Landscape offers a professional deep root fertilization service that will ensure the roots absorb the nutrients. We also provide personalized advice in maintaining the overall health of the tree.

Borst Landscape offers both residential and commercial landscaping services throughout Bergen County, New Jersey that include design and overall maintenance. If you’re a homeowner worried about the state of your Red Oak, Borst Landscape has an in depth year long Residential landscape program  that includes specifically deep root fertilizing as well as overall maintenance. The Commercial landscape services provided by Borst include snow and leaf removal. Borst offers individual services for any business or company that might be concerned about the root system of their outdoor plant life.

To ensure the majestic beauty and long lasting health of your tree or shrub, deep root fertilization properly distributes nutrients for a glorious spring. Contact Borst Landscape if services such as these interest you or your business in Northern New Jersey, or if you simply have landscaping questions.

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