L&L Insider: Landscaping news from last month

Visterra Landscape Group acquires Texas Landscape Group

Texas Landscape Group marks Visterra’s fifth partnership of 2025 and 11th since its founding in 2022.

Visterra Landscape Group announced it has partnered with Texas Landscape Group (TLG), a Houston-based provider of commercial landscape services. The partnership expands Visterra’s footprint across Texas, establishes Houston as a major regional operation and creates one of the state’s largest commercial landscaping platforms with operations spanning all major metropolitan areas across the state.

Founded in 2013 by Carla Sebesta and Jeff Washbrook, TLG has become Houston’s expert in large-scale Homeowners Association landscape management and enhancement services. Over the past 12 years, TLG has expanded from a small startup to a market leader with four branches across the Houston MSA and hundreds of employees, many of whom have been with the company since its founding.

“After building TLG for more than a decade, Jeff and I knew that joining forces with Visterra would allow us to continue our legacy while expanding opportunities for our people, customers and the greater Houston community,” says Carla Sebesta, co-founder of TLG. “Visterra’s investment allows us to keep our identity, our culture and the relationships we’ve built, while gaining access to new capabilities and resources that will take our business — and our team — to the next level.”

Alan T. Handley, President and CEO of Visterra Landscape Group, calls the partnership a pivotal moment in Visterra’s history.

“Carla, Jeff and their exceptional team have built one of the most respected landscape companies in Texas. Their deep expertise in managing large-scale properties and communities, combined with a strong people-first culture, makes TLG a perfect fit for Visterra,” Handley says. “This partnership more than doubles our presence in Texas and positions our combined organization at the forefront of servicing the vast communities, clients, markets and stakeholders across the Lone Star State. We are thrilled to welcome all TLG employees and customers alike as we ignite the next chapter of the TLG legacy.”

Texas Landscape Group marks Visterra’s fifth partnership of 2025 and 11th since its founding in 2022. Visterra’s growing family of partner companies includes Outdoor Pride, Riverside Services and Herzog Landscape Solutions in the Northeast; Dyna-Mist and Texas Landscape Group in the South; and Oberson’s, GroundsPRO, Full Care, H&M Landscaping, Cru Cutters and Loyet Landscape serving the greater Midwest.

Visterra debuted on the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 list this year with a ranking of No. 31.

WorkWave appoints Ortwerth to chief revenue officer

John Ortwerth will be responsible for overseeing all global revenue-generating functions, including sales and business development.

WorkWave has appointed John Ortwerth as its new chief revenue officer.

‘“I am honored to join WorkWave as chief revenue officer and can’t wait to work closely with the team as we grow our portfolio, welcome new customers to the WorkWave family, deepen our client relationships, expand our partner strategy and continue to help mobile service businesses thrive,” Ortwerth says.

Ortwerth brings a wealth of experience to WorkWave, including over 15 years of leadership experience in high-growth SaaS environments. For the past decade, he has led teams at Paycor, most recently as senior vice president of sales. He has expertise in building and scaling organizations for sustained growth, including developing enterprise, SMB and new market teams.

“John’s extensive background in scaling SaaS organizations and fostering lasting client relationships makes him the ideal leader to drive our revenue growth. His experience in building high-performing teams, combined with his dedication to customer success, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our market presence and deliver unparalleled value to our clients,” says Kevin Kemmerer, CEO of WorkWave.

Davey Tree’s SEED Campus to host North American Tree Climbing Championship

The winners of the 2026 NATCC will go on to compete in the 50th Annual International Tree Climbing Championship in St. Louis.

The International Society of Arboriculture is partnering with the Ohio Chapter ISA and The Davey Tree Expert Company for the upcoming NATCC in May 2026. The Davey Tree SEED (Science, Employee Education and Development) Campus is nearly 200 acres dedicated to specialized training and research facilities. At this facility, the NATCC will highlight arborists’ climbing prowess, innovative techniques, safety practices and cutting-edge equipment.

“Davey Tree has been a longstanding Gold Canopy Partner with ISA, and we are so excited to partner with them through one of our Tree Climbing Championships,” says ISA CEO and Executive Director Caitlyn Pollihan. “We appreciate Davey’s generosity in opening up the SEED Campus for the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship, and we look forward to promoting arboriculture through this competitive and educational platform.”

The SEED Campus opened in the summer of 2025, and the facilities include a 70,000-square-foot training center with new classrooms, laboratories, offices, event center and a 10,700-square-foot indoor, at-height climbing training center. Research opportunities at the campus include a 35-acre dedicated tree research area in addition to environmental research at an on-campus bog, solar panels, golf turf and more.

“As proud ISA partners, Davey is thrilled to be hosting the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship at our Kent, Ohio, campus,” says Chairman, President and CEO Pat Covey at Davey Tree. “Our new SEED Campus was built to revolutionize training and research in the industry, and we’re looking forward to welcoming ISA members and the public to experience it firsthand. ISA continues to be a driving force for growth and excellence in arboriculture, and we’re proud to support its mission.”

NATCC is open and free to the public. This will be a rare occasion where the SEED Campus will welcome individuals beyond the Davey Tree staff.

“Bringing the North American Tree Climbing Championship to Ohio is an honor for the Ohio Chapter ISA and a testament to the strength of our arboriculture community,” says Ohio Chapter ISA Executive Director Dixie Russell. “We’re proud to have the new Davey SEED Campus that provides a platform that celebrates both the science and the athleticism of professional tree care.”

The NATCC will feature events such as aerial rescue, work climb, ascent, belayed speed climb and throwline. These events will highlight skill, technique and athleticism while reinforcing the critical importance of safety and proper tree care.

First, second and third places will be awarded for both men and women in each event. The competitors' total scores for all five events are then combined, and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters' Challenge.

The Masters' Challenge consists of one event with scores based on technique and skill. The competitors in this round with the highest score are named the male and female NATCC Champions. The winners of the 2026 NATCC will go on to compete in the 50th Annual International Tree Climbing Championship in St. Louis, Missouri.

Kawasaki Engines to launch new technical training center for dealers

The center is scheduled to open in January 2026 at division headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Kawasaki Engines is announcing the upcoming grand opening of its new Technical Training Center, designed to deliver a more advanced and immersive educational experience to its dealer network.

Scheduled to open in January 2026 at division headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., the facility marks a significant investment in the continued education and support of Kawasaki Engines dealers and technicians. The new center will allow for in-depth, hands-on training that expands beyond the capabilities of the meeting spaces currently used to conduct training sessions.

“At Kawasaki Engines, we’re committed to equipping our dealer network with the tools and knowledge they need to deliver world-class service,” says Nelson Wilner, senior vice president and general manager of the Engines Division. “This new center allows us to elevate the training experience, helping dealers stay ahead of the curve on both technical advancements and customer support.”

The facility will host the company’s two flagship training schools, Update School and Hands-On School, as well as advanced engine system and diagnostic classes that expand on these two core sessions. Advanced training will include engine teardown classes, electronic fuel injection system diagnostics and failure analysis, which will provide technicians with in-depth, real-world experience in a fully equipped environment.

Students will be tested and certified upon completion, ensuring consistent service quality across Kawasaki’s network of more than 7,700 dealers.

Beyond the classroom, the training center will feature a modern reception area and cafeteria for staff and students, connected teaching and shop spaces, and office space with workstations — all designed to enhance flexibility and the overall learning environment.

The Technical Training Center underscores Kawasaki Engines’ long-term commitment to delivering a deeper training experience, while existing training sessions held at external venues will continue to provide added flexibility and reach.

Diamond Landscaping acquires Arizona Outdoor Designs

This is the company's sixth acquisition since Kian originally partnered with Diamond Landscaping in December 2021.

Kian Capital-backed Diamond Landscaping, a luxury residential landscaping company, has completed the acquisition of Arizona Outdoor Designs (AZOD). AZOD is the sixth acquisition since Kian originally partnered with Diamond Landscaping in December 2021.

AZOD is a provider of luxury residential landscaping services in the greater Scottsdale area, including North Scottsdale, Desert Mountain, Paradise Valley, Carefree and Cave Creek. Founded in 1998, AZOD’s services include landscape design and installation, recurring monthly maintenance, enhancement services, architectural designs, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, as well as water features.

“Diamond Landscaping has built a reputation for providing a premium, white-glove service to customers while remaining focused on developing and retaining talented employees, which aligns perfectly with our core values at AZOD,” says AZOD Founder & Co-Owner Rich Dobbs, who will stay on with the company along with his full leadership team. “This partnership is highly complementary, and one we feel confident will facilitate continued momentum and expansion as we enter the next chapter for the company.”

This move serves as an entry point into Scottsdale, a new high-end market for Diamond Landscaping, which enables the platform to establish a presence in the highly attractive Arizona market.

“AZOD is a fantastic company serving one of the nation’s most attractive markets,” says Diamond Landscaping Founder & CEO Brian Diamond. “By joining forces with Rich and his talented team and extending our reach into a new geography, we’re taking essential steps towards our goal of building the nation’s leading luxury residential landscaping platform.”

Looking ahead, Kian and Diamond Landscaping will continue to seek strategic add-on acquisitions with market-leading operators serving key high-end residential landscaping markets across the U.S.

APHIX acquires Parks Landscape Group

This move strengthens APHIX’s presence and service capabilities across the Kentucky region.

APHIX is proud to announce the acquisition of Parks Landscape Group, a premier landscaping company headquartered in Versailles, Kentucky. This strategic move strengthens APHIX’s presence and service capabilities across the Kentucky region, furthering its commitment to delivering exceptional landscape solutions to commercial clients.

Founded in 2003 by Scott and Summer Parks, Parks Landscape Group has built a reputation for providing customized, high-quality landscaping services across diverse markets, including equine, commercial and HOA properties. Over the past two decades, the company has cultivated enduring relationships with clients who value its deep understanding of the region’s unique landscapes and industry needs.

“Parks Landscape Group’s legacy of excellence and client care aligns perfectly with APHIX’s values,” says Allen Sweeney, APHIX CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome the Parks team into the APHIX family as we continue to grow our footprint in Kentucky and beyond.”

This acquisition underscores APHIX’s ongoing commitment to expanding its regional reach and delivering comprehensive, high-quality landscaping services that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

APHIX ranked No. 87 for their first time on the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 List this year.