L&L Insider: Landscaping news from last month

Greenworks Commercial unveils full Optimus lineup

The battery-powered lineup of products includes everything from mowers to handheld equipment and more.

With more than 85 pieces of new, commercial-grade equipment to show off — Greenworks Commercial hosted Lawn & Landscape earlier this month in Morristown, Tennessee, for an exclusive media event.

The 2025 Optimus models offer battery-operated products in just about every category: ride-on mowers including zero-turn; walk-behind mowers; handheld tools including trimmers, edgers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and blowers; charging solutions; and the new Core Battery Collection.

“I’m so happy with every single product,” says CEO Yin Chen. “The most exciting part is we have a full complete solution.”

“Landscaping is not a shiny, Wall Street business,” Chen adds. “Operating costs are so crucial. So we wanted to know how we could give them a solution that’s affordable and makes financial sense for them…we have it all depending on your budget and your circumstance.”.

Chen says the environmental benefits of the new Optimus equipment are equally as important as its power and cost savings.

“It’s about sustainability,” Chen says. “This is all as efficient as possible. Though sustainability is only a byproduct. Because we have to win first. We have to convince the landscaper to go from gas to battery. Not because they’re forced to but because it’s in their interest to do so.”

The Greenworks OptimusZ Zero Turn Mower Platform earned an AGZA Field Tested Certification (AFTC) designation from the American Green Zone Alliance for its line of battery-powered riding and stand-on mowers. The certification recognizes manufacturers and equipment that are capable of commercial work, and which can sufficiently replace gas machines.

Some highlighted models include:

The OptimusZ 9-Series Ride On Zero-Turn Mower. It can provide all-day cutting for up to eight hours and up to 21 acres of mowing on a single charge.

Users save on maintenance time and money since the OptimusZ has no belts, no spindles, no oil, or filters, making it a maintenance-free zero-turn mower for up to 2,000 hours.

The Optimus 82V 22” Self-Propelled All-Terrain Mower. The design enables one-handed operation, yet it offers the power of a 230cc gas-equivalent mower with much lower noise and no toxic fumes.

Powered by two 8ah batteries (included), it can cut up to 1.5 acres with a maximum runtime of 95 minutes.

The Optimus 82V 755 CFM Dual-Port Backpack Blower. It has a maximum blow force of 36 newtons and weighs just 26.3 pounds including two CORE530 batteries.

This blower can operate at a quiet 65 decibels, ensuring compliance with noise regulations. Its three-speed functionality includes low, medium and high with a built-in turbo setting.

When fully charged and run on low speed, the maximum runtime will be more than one hour.

Optimus EnergyCube. An onboard charging solution that keeps all equipment running throughout the day. It can simultaneously charge Optimus Zero-Turn mowers and handheld batteries either at the shop or on a trailer.

Additional new charging solutions include the ChargeLink In-Shop Charger, which can power up to 60 batteries of any amp-hour from a single outlet overnight.

More about the Greenworks Optimus lineup. In terms of handheld equipment, Chen says the Optimus product line is ideal as it all takes the same battery — and those batteries can even be charged on the Greenworks mowers while they are in use.

“We have about 30 skews taking the same battery and that number is quickly increasing,” he says.

And the innovations aren’t stopping with the Optimus line. Chen says in 2026 the industry can expect even more battery-powered products.

“Next year’s UTV will be so cool,” he says. “I’m so excited to share it with everybody… the other area we’re focusing on is robotics. So, we’re doing a lot with robotics. It’s just the start of a big portfolio.”

JCB launches 4TS Teleskid, 400T compact track loader

These are now the largest models in JCB’s compact track loader lineup.

JCB has launched the 109 hp 4TS Teleskid and 400T compact track loader.

As the largest models in JCB’s compact track loader lineup, these machines are a step up from the 3TS, delivering more horsepower and higher torque.

“These machines reflect our commitment to equipping operators with the tools they need to work smarter, not harder,” says Lee Tice, product manager at JCB. “The 4TS and 400T were developed with extensive customer feedback, incorporating updates that deliver more power, greater reach and improved productivity. Whether you’re managing construction projects, tackling forestry challenges or handling versatile applications, these machines are built to exceed expectations.”

Its compact profile – 13,000 pounds SAE operating weight and 6 feet 10 inches in overall height – enables it to navigate tight spaces while handling heavy-duty applications. With a 15-foot lift height, the 4TS is suited for stacking, loading and accessing hard-to-reach areas.

Addressing feedback from 3TS owners, the 4TS is designed to run high-flow attachments even when the boom is fully extended, overcoming a key challenge and expanding its capabilities for complex jobsite operations.

With an operating weight of 12,544 pounds, the 400T is built to handle heavy-duty tasks with power while maintaining the agility expected from a compact loader. Its redesigned chassis and expanded cooling pack eliminate the need for auxiliary coolers, ensuring optimal performance during extended high-flow operations. Delivering more than 40 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow at 4,000 psi, the 400T powers demanding attachments like drum mulchers.

“These machines reflect our commitment to equipping operators with the tools they need to work smarter, not harder.” —Lee Tice, product manager, JCB

“When you need equipment that works as hard as you do, the 400T is the answer,” Tice says. “With its increased engine and hydraulic performance, it’s a true workhorse built for operators tackling the most challenging applications.”

Both models are now available at JCB dealerships across North America, offering operators powerful new options to expand their capabilities and streamline their equipment fleets.

Riverview Landscapes acquires Richard Sperber Landscaping Associates

This acquisition of the East Hampton-based company marks Riverview’s expansion into Long Island and its 17th acquisition since 2022.

Riverview Landscapes has acquired Richard Sperber Landscaping Associates, a provider of commercial and residential landscaping and snow services based in East Hampton, New York.

This acquisition marks Riverview’s expansion into Long Island and its 17th acquisition since 2022. The company recently acquired All State Landscape Services in Connecticut.

Serving Eastern Long Island since 1997, RSLA will become Riverview’s East Hampton branch. Longtime RSLA manager Magally Nunez will assume the role of branch manager while continuing to work with Edgar Vasquez, RSLA’s longtime operations manager.

Ben Tepperman will join the team as Riverview’s East Hampton account manager. He holds degrees in horticulture and brings over 10 years of industry experience.

“Long Island has always been a strategic market for us, and after meeting with Richard and his team, it was clear they were the right partners,” says Liam Burrell, CFO of Riverview Landscapes. “Richard has been a pleasure to work with, and we’re thrilled to welcome Magally, Edgar, Ben and the entire RSLA team to Riverview.”

Clendenin Anthony acted as exclusive financial advisor to RSLA.

Davey Tree promotes Geoff Cowan to vice president role

Cowan is now the vice president and general manager of U.S. Residential/Commercial services.

The Davey Tree Expert Company has promoted Geoff Cowan to vice president and general manager, U.S. Residential/Commercial (R/C) services.

“Geoff has a long-standing history with R/C and brings deep experience to this role,” says Pat Covey, chairman, president and CEO at Davey. “His leadership makes him an ideal choice to oversee U.S. R/C operations, and I’m confident he will continue to drive success and deliver value across our nationwide team.”

Cowan joined Davey in 1983 as a tree care trainee in the West Cleveland R/C office. He has held several positions in the R/C service line, such as district manager, market manager and operations manager. Most recently, Cowan was promoted to vice president, Western operations, R/C services in January of 2025.

Cowan is a former member of the Davey President’s Council, which is a rotating team of managers who meet semiannually for management development and to share ideas to improve the company.

Cowan graduated in 1987 from the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences, which is Davey’s flagship training program in biological sciences, safety, tree and plant care and management techniques. He is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and a multi-year recipient of Davey’s Outstanding Manager award.

Verde Equity Partners acquires English Garden Care

The company has offered landscaping and gardening services to Sacramento clients for three decades.

Verde Equity Partners has acquired English Garden Care, a provider of landscaping and garden management services in Sacramento, California.

For more than three decades, English Garden Care has served residential communities to large commercial and municipal properties. The partnership with Verde ensures English Garden Care will have access to expanded operational expertise, investment in technology, and additional capacity to meet client demands.

“English Garden Care has set the standard for landscaping in Sacramento,” says Tom Heaviland, CEO of Verde Property Services. “We are honored to partner with a company that not only delivers exceptional service, but also enhances the communities where people live and work. Together, we look forward to continuing that tradition while bringing new resources to support growth and innovation.”

Landscape Workshop promotes Cobb, Pettke to major leadership roles

Mark Pettke is now the senior vice president of operational excellence and Bill Cobb is the chief integration officer.

Landscape Workshop has promoted two employees to key leadership positions: Mark Pettke is now the senior vice president of operational excellence and Bill Cobb is the chief integration officer.

Landscape Workshop ranks No. 27 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list.

In his new role, Pettke will oversee the development of leadership, management and technical training programs designed to support the company’s operational teams. His team will coach and support newly placed general managers and account managers and step into interim leadership roles when vacancies arise, ensuring consistent performance and culture across all markets.

Previously serving as regional vice president, Pettke managed the company’s broadest branch portfolio, overseeing seven branches with steady, methodical improvements in performance.

“Mark brings a depth of industry knowledge and a passion for continued growth that has made him an invaluable resource to me and to the broader organization,” says Joe Socolof, director of operations. “His mentorship makes everyone — and the company — better. I look forward to what he’ll accomplish with this broader mandate.”

With over 30 years in the landscape industry, Pettke joined Landscape Workshop in 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Michigan State University.

In his new position, Cobb will lead the integration of new acquisitions into the Landscape Workshop portfolio, with a mandate to align people, systems and processes under a unified operational standard. His role will also include developing training programs that support newly acquired teams and ensuring consistent performance and cultural cohesion across all branches.

CID Capital adds Hittle Landscaping in Indiana

Hittle has served the Indianapolis metro area for more than 50 years.

CID Capital, an Indianapolis-based private equity firm, has partnered with Hittle Landscaping.

Headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, Hittle is a commercial landscaping company providing full-service design, installation, and maintenance solutions that has served the Indianapolis metro area for more than 50 years.

Hittle is CID Capital’s second commercial landscaping platform. CID also has an ongoing investment in the Southeast with Roebuck Landscaping.

“We are beyond excited to partner with Jeremy Hittle and the exceptional business that his family has built over multiple generations. Together, we look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth while preserving the strong culture and values that have defined its success for over 50-plus years,” says Cory Heck, managing partner, CID Capital.

“We are equally excited to partner with Scott DeNardin, CEO, and the rest of the Hittle team,” says Chase Williams, vice president at CID Capital. “Hittle’s commitment to its people, customers, and culture of service positions the company well for future growth. We look forward to working as a value-added partner to the team in a sector and local market we know well, and to supporting Hittle’s next chapter of growth.”

APHIX sold to Gauge Capital

APHIX was previously a portfolio company of Caltius Equity Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm.

APHIX has sold to Gauge Capital. APHIX was previously a portfolio company of Caltius Equity Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm.

Based in Frankfort, Kentucky, APHIX provides comprehensive commercial landscaping with locations in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. During its partnership with Caltius, APHIX demonstrated organic growth and executed an accretive acquisition strategy by partnering with leading maintenance-focused landscaping firms.

Citizens Capital Markets & Advisory served as the financial advisor to APHIX, which ranks No. 87 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list.

“The Citizens team provided invaluable support and significant leverage to the APHIX Management team throughout the transaction process,” says APHIX CEO Allen Sweeney. “Their ability to communicate the company value proposition and their deep buyer relationships were critical in identifying the best partner for APHIX.”