Top headlines in landscaping from June 2025

Fairway has expanded into the Atlanta market with the latest addition of Simply Green to its brand portfolio.

“Expanding our footprint in the Atlanta area is strategic to our growth strategy and complementary to our existing service areas,” says Greg Harbison, CEO of Fairway. “We are thrilled to bring such a high quality and growing business as Simply Green into the Fairway family of brands.”

Founded in 2004 by Don Smith, Simply Green is best known for how it leverages plant growth regulators in its lawn care services.

“We were very exclusive with the business we would join,” Smith says. “We were impressed from the start with Fairway’s openness and mutual value to provide the best experience for customers and employees alike. We knew quickly we had found our new home.”

Greg Clendenin and The Clendenin Consulting Group served as the sole financial advisor to Simply Green.

Mark Tipton stepping down as Aspire CEO

Eli Zevin, a longtime ServiceTitan leader, is now leading Aspire as its general manager.

Mark Tipton is stepping down as Aspire’s CEO, effective at the end of September.

The company released the following statement this week making the move official:

“Mark Tipton recently stepped down as Aspire’s CEO, and will be leaving Aspire at the end of September 2025. Eli Zevin, a longtime ServiceTitan leader, is now leading Aspire as its general manager. For nearly a decade Eli has supported contractors across various trades and business sizes at ServiceTitan. Over the coming months, Mark and Eli will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. Aspire and the success of its customers are a top priority for ServiceTitan, and the company is committed to the continued innovation of the Aspire platform, while supporting the businesses and contractors who rely on it every day.”

Schill Grounds Management acquires Gelderman Landscape Services in Canada

Gelderman provides landscaping and snow and ice management services to commercial clients across the area southwest of Toronto known as the “Golden Horseshoe.”

Schill Grounds Management has acquired Gelderman Landscape Services to grow Schill's footprint in Ontario, Canada.

Gelderman provides landscaping and snow and ice management services to commercial clients across the area southwest of Toronto known as the “Golden Horseshoe.” Gelderman’s territory spans from Burlington and Hamilton in the south, to Mississauga in the northeast near Toronto, Kitchener and Waterloo in the west, and Guelph in the north.

This is Schill’s second purchase in the province of Ontario, and comes a couple years after Schill entered the Canadian market through its acquisition of TLC in the Toronto and London area in southern Ontario. Gelderman team members and clients gain Schill's support by leveraging Schill’s resources, and the integration is underway to combine systems such as operational and invoicing tools, financial platforms and insurance. Gelderman also gains a network of almost 30 service base locations across the upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions to meet the needs of customers that have numerous locations, as well as legacy TLC operations in southern Ontario.

Gelderman will maintain its brand and market presence in the Golden Horseshoe region.

Tracing its roots back to 1955 when a Dutch immigrant started a landscaping business with just $7 worth of tools and a Jeep, Gelderman remains a family business that has been run for many years by third-generation owner Nathan Helder. Gelderman has since grown to offer comprehensive commercial landscape design and build services, property maintenance, irrigation, snow and ice removal as well as residential services including in-ground pools, fencing, decks and water features.

“The Gelderman family started the business with very humble means, and Nathan leads a highly talented management team that has achieved impressive growth across the Toronto area,” says Jerry Schill, founder and CEO of Schill Grounds Management. “We are delighted to be a trusted partner of the Gelderman team as we come together as a full-service grounds management provider that delivers even more value for our clients and employees.”

Gelderman's 110 employees are joining Schill, which brings Schill’s total headcount to about 1,400 people. Schill ranks No. 30 on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list.

“This strategic move will combine the strengths of both companies to better serve our clients, partners, and stakeholders, and to drive growth and innovation within our industry,” Helder says. “This partnership represents a significant milestone and will bring about a range of benefits, including enhanced technology, increased operational efficiencies and expanded market reach.”

The Bruce Company names Seth Nicholson as CEO, President

Seth’s father, Bliss, is the company’s outgoing CEO and takes the role of executive chairman of the board of directors.

Seth Nicholson has been appointed CEO and President of The Bruce Company, taking over for his father, Bliss Nicholson.

Bliss, the company’s previous CEO, takes the role of executive chairman of the board of directors. After founder Lee Bruce stepped back in 2008 in a leadership transition, Bliss oversaw significant company growth. The team now has over 350 employees and a presence across design/build, grounds management, retail, wholesale and nursery operations. It is the largest landscape services business in Wisconsin.

As chairman, Bliss will continue to shape the company’s long-term vision and execution of its 10-year plan.

Seth, 49, started working at the company when he was 12 years old and most recently was president and COO. He is past president of the Wisconsin Nursery and Landscape Association and is active in many national executive groups including business peer groups and industry associations.

“Bliss’s remarkable 54-year journey — from field operations to executive chairman of the board — reflects the spirit of hard work and loyalty that defines us,” Seth says. “Our goal remains clear: to serve our customers, empower our team, and grow purposefully as we head toward our 100-year milestone."

In addition to the garden center that began in the 1950s in Middleton just outside of the City of Madison, the company provides landscape construction and grounds management to many of the area’s companies. It also operates a wholesale landscape supply and a nursery operation for local landscapes.

The Bruce Company has earned a perennial spot for many years on Lawn & Landscape Top 100 list, including a No. 100 ranking in 2025. Madison Magazine has named Bruce the Best of Madison for 18 years. Other awards include InBusiness Magazine’s Executive Choice Award and The Wisconsin State Journal’s People’s Choice Award.

“We are confident Seth, alongside the executive and operations teams, will continue to support our employees’ mission to remain the area’s outdoor living experts who give gardeners and businesses smart choices to create extraordinary memories in backyards, neighborhoods, corporate campuses, and healthcare healing centers,” Bliss says.

Seth leads Bruce’s plan to develop 14 acres of its land in its hometown of Middleton into a needed apartment complex for about 800 residents that will become the face of the city’s proposed Garden District with added access to recreational parkland along nearby Pheasant Branch Creek.

The Bruce Company’s Garden Center and Landscape Design Studio will remain on-site, serving as the welcoming front door to this new district and continuing to offer the expert service and distinctive products that have made the company a destination for generations.

“We’ve always been committed to staying in Middleton,” Seth says. “It’s our home — and we look forward to helping shape its future as we develop our own.”

Bartlett Tree Experts acquires Ramapo Tree and Shrub Care in New Jersey

The owner of Ramapo Tree and Shrub Care, Colin Milde, has been in the tree care business for over 40 years.

Bartlett Tree Experts has acquired Ramapo Tree and Shrub Care in New Jersey.

“We are excited to grow our business in Northeastern New Jersey with the acquisition of Ramapo Tree and Shrub Care; a quality company that shares our passion for trees," says Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts.

“As we continue to grow strategically in key markets, property owners of Bergen County in the Garden State will benefit from the unmatched scientific plant health care services that Bartlett provides, along with the diagnostic support of the R.A. Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories.”

The owner of Ramapo Tree and Shrub Care, Colin Milde, is a board-certified master arborist (BCMA) with ISA who has been in the tree care business for over 40 years. Milde is also a New Jersey licensed tree expert, registered consulting arborist with ASCA, certified tree care safety professional with TCIA and a pesticide applicator for turf and lawn. Milde began his distinguished career in arboriculture as a climber. He launched Ramapo Tree and Shrub Care with his wife, Christie, in 2000.

With the acquisition, Milde has joined Bartlett’s local office in Waldwick, New Jersey, as an arborist representative, along with his team of plant health care specialists, arborist climbers and grounds crew members.

In making the decision to join Bartlett for a greater range of scientific tree and shrub services in Bergen, Morris and Essex counties, Milde found the ideal cultural fit. Bartlett ranks No. 7 on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list.

“I am happy to join Bartlett Tree Experts, a family business that has been a leader in scientific tree and shrub care for 118 years," Milde says. "With 17 Ph.Ds. engaged in groundbreaking research and diagnosis of plant health care concerns, Bartlett’s arboricultural research facility supports all its offices in delivering the most advanced tree care solutions available. Our customers can rely on local attention from highly skilled arborists, and Bartlett’s long-standing commitment to service and safety.”

“We are thrilled to have Colin and his team of field arborists from Ramapo Tree and Shrub join our operations in Waldwick, New Jersey," says Wayne Dubin, vice president of Bartlett’s New Jersey operations. “Both companies share a passion for prioritizing the needs of the customer and their landscape’s trees and shrubs.”

Davey Tree names Chris Bosch new health and safety director of utility solutions

Bosch joined Davey in 2018 as a senior supervisor with the Eastern Utility service line.

The Davey Tree Expert Company has promoted Chris Bosch to director, health and safety, utility solutions.

“Chris has strengthened safety programs and provided expertise on many topics to clients and operations,” says Phil Snyder, vice president, health and safety. “Through this position, we look forward to watching Chris continue to evolve resources and skills for the utility services team.”

Bosch joined Davey in 2018 as a senior supervisor with the Eastern Utility service line. Most recently, Bosch served as manager, health and safety, utility solutions where he served as a safety representative and oversaw safety training and compliance activities for utility operations. Prior to joining Davey, Bosch had 13 years of experience in management, public safety and training.

Bosch is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, Tree Care Industry Association Certified Treecare Safety Professional and Certified Utility Safety Professional. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Troy University and a master of business administration degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

Photo courtesy of Kioti

Kioti rolls out CS30 Series sub-compact tractor

The CS30 Series' climate-controlled cab is equipped with heat and air conditioning, allowing for year-round operation in any weather condition.

Kioti Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, has launched the CS30 Series sub-compact tractor, featuring a factory-installed, climate-controlled cab and a focus on increased torque.

The CS30 Series' climate-controlled cab is equipped with heat and air conditioning, allowing for year-round operation in any weather condition. The seating improves operator comfort even during long workdays. The optional integrated AV system, which is equipped with smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera, enables operators to stay connected and in control. Other features include storage space and reductions in noise and vibration.

Ergonomically designed for an enhanced experience, the CS30 Series features an improved lever layout that allows for more comfortable operation. Twin hydrostatic pedals make it easy to switch between forward and reverse movements. The push-button four-wheel-drive, power steering and tilt steering wheel further enhance machine operation.

The CS30 Series features a 1.2L Kioti diesel engine, boasting 24.5 horsepower and a torque at 51.63 lb.-ft.

The machine also features mid and rear PTO, allowing operators to use multiple attachments simultaneously for increased versatility while working. For added convenience, the optional quick-connect systems simplify attaching and detaching implements like loaders, backhoes and mid-mowers.

The Kioti Connect TMS system delivers real-time alerts and vehicle data, delivering machine updates in real-time. The illuminated digital instrument panel provides operators with information at a glance including vehicle status, warnings and TMS alerts.

Steel Green adds Razor Tracking GPS Fleet Coordination to 2025 equipment

Customers with older equipment will also have the option to purchase Razor Tracking for their machine.

Steel Green Manufacturing has added Razor Tracking GPS Fleet Coordination to all its new 2025 equipment direct from the factory.

With the Razor Tracking software platform, Steel Green’s customers can now see where their equipment is on the job site, have access to when spray applications were completed, keep maintenance records and more.

Every new machine comes with a free year of Razor Tracking service, so customers can experience the benefits firsthand and can continue to renew each year they own the machine, if they wish. Customers with older equipment will also have the option to purchase Razor Tracking for their machine.

Steel Green Manufacturing designs and produces a lineup of high-capacity zero-turn spreader/sprayers. Steel Green machines have plenty of customization and upgrade options that allow turf professionals to tailor their machines to match their needs.

Razor Tracking streamlines fleet management through dispatching, driver location insights, details on equipment performance and video telematics for all industries. The company’s real-time vehicle tracking ensures crew members are on the correct jobsite and operating the equipment to increase transparency. Managers can also activate alerts for theft protection and weather map overlays.

“By integrating Razor Tracking into our 2025 spreader/sprayer lineup, we’re giving turf professionals real-time visibility of their fleet, allowing them to optimize routes, monitor equipment performance and improve overall productivity,” says Matt Smith, vice president of sales at Steel Green Manufacturing. “At Steel Green, we’re dedicated to innovation, and with Razor Tracking, we’re raising the bar on what it means to get the job done right.” “We’re excited to partner with Steel Green Manufacturing and the expansion of Razor Tracking with the first installation on equipment at the factory,” says Eric Mauch, managing partner of Razor Tracking. “With our GPS Tracking technology, it will serve as an extremely valuable tool for customers to track and manage their equipment all on one platform for multiple jobsites.

Turf Masters acquires Brothers Pest Control in Florida

Turf Masters Brands now operates 40 locations across 12 states and employs over 1,100 team members.

Turf Masters Brands has acquired Brothers Pest Control, a provider of lawn care, tree care and pest control services based in Land ‘O Lakes, Florida.

With the addition of Brothers Pest Control, along with two other recent acquisitions in Georgia, Turf Masters Brands now operates 40 locations across 12 states and employs over 1,100 team members. The company ranked No. 25 on Lawn & Landscape’s recent Top 100 list.

Brothers Pest Control serves homeowners throughout the greater Tampa area and expands the Turf Masters Brands footprint into the west coast Florida lawn care market.

Following the acquisition, Brothers Pest Control will continue to serve its customer base with the same team members and brand name.

“The company is known for their high-quality service standards, and we are thrilled to welcome the Brothers Pest team to the Turf Masters Brands platform,” says Jon Clift, CEO of Turf Masters Brands.