L&L Insider: Landscaping news from last month

TruArc Partners acquires Schill Grounds Management

Founder Jerry Schill will continue in his role as CEO of the company.

TruArc Partners, a private equity firm focused on middle-market investments in business services and specialty manufacturing, has acquired Schill Grounds Management from Argonne Capital Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1993 and based in Cleveland, Schill has grown into one of the largest commercial landscaping providers in the upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, serving a diversified base of property managers, homeowners associations and commercial clients. Schill offers a comprehensive suite of landscape maintenance, enhancement and hardscaping offerings across Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ontario.

The company ranks No. 30 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list.

TruArc Partners has prior experience in the commercial services space and will work with Schill’s leadership team to accelerate the company’s organic growth, pursue add-on acquisitions and expand its customer footprint beyond the Midwest. Founder Jerry Schill will continue in his role as CEO of the company.

“TruArc’s experience supporting essential services businesses, together with their collaborative approach, aligns well with our culture and objectives and make them an ideal partner for Schill as we embark on this next phase of our evolution,” Schill says. “I am thrilled to be partnering with them and look forward to taking advantage of the growth opportunities we see across our business.”

“Schill has built a trusted and respected brand with commercial clients across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic,” says Brandon Kiss, partner at TruArc Partners. “We are excited to partner with the Schill team to support the Company’s next phase of growth as it seeks to expand its footprint and service capabilities.”

William Blair & Company and Citizens Capital Markets & Advisory served as financial advisors to TruArc Partners. Solomon Partners served as financial advisor to Schill. Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to TruArc Partners.

Senske’s Emerald Lawns adds Greenup Lawn and Shrub Care

Since 1984, Greenup has offered lawn care, tree care and pest control services to the Houston market.

Senske family of Companies has acquired Greenup Lawn and Shrub Care, a Houston-based lawn care provider with more than 40 years of operating history. Senske is adding Greenup through Emerald Lawns, which is part of the Senske business.

Founded in 1984 by Harold and Susan Zick, Greenup has offered lawn care, tree care and pest control services to the Houston market.

Harold Zick holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Turfgrass Management from Texas A&M University and spent decades leading Greenup’s agronomic practices and business operations, while Susan Zick oversaw customer experience and office management.

“As Susan and I prepare for retirement, it was important to find the right partner — one that would respect what we built, take care of our employees, and continue delivering great service to our customers,” says Harold Zick. “We’re confident Senske is the right long-term home for the business.”

The acquisition further strengthens Emerald Lawn’s presence in the Houston market, which the company entered more than a year ago as part of its broader Texas expansion strategy, complementing its established operations in Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.

Exscape Group adds 3

WinnScapes, Pony Lawncare and Landscaping and Shearer Patio & Landscape Services / Polaris Pools will join Exscape Group.

Exscape Group, a landscape maintenance, design, installation, and snow removal company backed by BHMS Investments, acquired three Columbus-area companies: WinnScapes, Pony Lawncare and Landscaping, and Shearer Patio & Landscape Services / Polaris Pools .

This strategic round of acquisitions marks a major milestone in the evolution of the Exscape Group platform, expanding its footprint from Cleveland into the high-growth Columbus, Ohio market. All three founding owners will join Exscape Group as operating leaders, maintaining continuity with their teams, client relationships and service capabilities.

“These companies represent the best of the Columbus market — deep-rooted reputations, loyal client bases and teams that take tremendous pride in their craft,” says Bill Dysert, CEO of Exscape Group. “We are thrilled to welcome their owners and their exceptional employees into our growing platform. This expansion solidifies our commitment to building the premier landscape group in the Midwest while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that made these businesses great.”

Matthew Mendenhall, principal at BHMS Investments, adds: “Our investment in Exscape Group has always centered on supporting strong operators and acquiring culturally aligned businesses. WinnScapes, Pony and Shearer epitomize quality, leadership, and long-term vision. This is a major step forward in building a regional powerhouse.”

As part of the acquisitions, each founder will continue to lead their current operations within the Exscape Group platform.

“Joining Exscape Group allows us to bring even more resources, training and opportunities to our team while staying true to the values WinnScapes was built on,” says Carl Morris, owner of WinnScapes. “We’re excited about what this partnership means for the next chapter of our company.”

“This partnership accelerates our growth potential and strengthens the services we can provide to customers across Central Ohio,” says John W. Panovsky Jr., owner of Pony Lawncare and Landscaping. “Exscape’ s commitment to people and quality aligns perfectly with who we are.”

“We’ve built a reputation for excellence in landscape and pool design, and partnering with Exscape Group allows us to scale that excellence even further,” says Craig Shearer, owner of Shearer Patio & Landscape Services / Polaris Pools. “We’re honored to join this platform of high-performing companies.”

Massey Services promotes Mumme to divisional VP, commercial services region

In this role, Bryan Mumme will oversee Massey’s commercial division, which extends across 10 states and includes five regions.

Massey Services has promoted Bryan Mumme to divisional vice president of the commercial services region.

In this role, Mumme will oversee Massey’s commercial division, which extends across 10 states and includes five regions — Florida Commercial West, Florida Commercial East, North Texas Commercial, South Texas Commercial and Southeast Commercial.

Mumme is a leader with 28 years of experience in the pest prevention industry, including 19 years with Massey Services. He began his career with the company in 2006 as a commercial pest technician. He was promoted to service manager, and in 2017, to general manager of the Plano Commercial Service Center. In 2019, he was promoted to regional manager of the Texas Commercial Region, where he oversaw 10 service centers.

“Bryan’s commitment to service excellence with our customers is invaluable,” says Tony Massey, president & CEO of Massey Services, which ranks No. 35 on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list. “His passion for our customers, integrity and incredible work ethic have led him to being recognized as one of our top managers for three consecutive years. I am confident he will continue to raise the standard with his strong leadership and attention to detail.”

Bartlett Tree Experts acquire Oregon’s Bartlett Tree Service

Bartlett Tree Service was founded by owner Mike Bartlett in 2000 and is located in the Rogue River Valley of Southern Oregon.

Bartlett Tree Experts, which ranks No. 7 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list, has expanded into the Rogue River Valley of Southern Oregon with the acquisition of Bartlett Tree Service.

Bartlett Tree Service was founded by owner Mike Bartlett in 2000, and with Bartlett’s acquisition and a new office in the southern Oregon area of Medford, residential and commercial property owners will benefit from the scientific tree care solutions of Bartlett Tree Experts’ certified arborists and access to the research and diagnostic support of 18 PhDs at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum.

“We have been interacting with Mike for years which has allowed him to understand the vast resources our company offers to enhance landscape programs in a very unique part of Oregon,” says Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer.

The addition of Mike Bartlett’s business will further support the growth of Bartlett’s scientific tree care services in the Pacific Northwest.

With the acquisition, Mike Bartlett and Scott Thompson have joined Bartlett Tree Experts as arborist representatives, along with 12 crew members in roles such as arborist crew leader, arborist climber and arborist grounds person.

“We are excited to welcome the talented team of arborists from Bartlett Tree Service to Bartlett Tree Experts,” says Kevin Carr, division manager. “Acquiring Bartlett Tree Service will expand Bartlett Tree Experts’ scientific plant health care services for more of the valley’s residential and commercial property owners, which will go a long way toward improving the health and beauty of their trees and landscapes.”

Perennial Services Group recapitalizes with Brentwood, Tenex

The company, formed in September 2022 by CEO Jon Allen and Tenex, ranks No. 21 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list.

Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm, has partnered with Tenex Capital Management to complete an equity recapitalization of Perennial Services Group. Brentwood and Tenex invested in partnership with Perennial’s management team, who will remain significant shareholders in the business going forward.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Perennial is a multi-brand home services platform with 49 branches operating in 15 states. Perennial is focused on lawn care, pest control, landscaping, and arbor services. It ranks No. 21 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list.

The company was formed in September 2022 by CEO Jon Allen and Tenex to create a super-regional company in the Northeast, Mountain West and Midwest. Since its inception, Perennial has grown its customer base nearly 20-fold and has completed 25 add-on acquisitions of established local brands.

Allen will continue to lead the company alongside the rest of the Perennial management team.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Brentwood. Their focus on growth combined with a deep understanding of our business lines and the residential services category will create significant opportunities for Perennial,” Allen says. “We look forward to leveraging their experience and value-added resources to execute against the exciting growth initiatives that lie ahead of us.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Jon, the Perennial team, and Tenex,” says Ryan Foltz, managing director at Brentwood. “We look forward to supporting the company as it continues to invest in leadership, systems, and capabilities that enhance service quality and customer satisfaction while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture that makes these businesses successful.”

Steve Moore, partner at Brentwood Associates, adds, “Perennial has built a scaled, multi-brand platform with strong operating fundamentals and a clear model for partnering with best-in-class local operators,” adds Steve Moore, partner at Brentwood. “We’re excited to partner with management and Tenex to help the Company accelerate organic growth, execute its disciplined M&A strategy, and continue investing in infrastructure and talent.”

The transaction closed on Dec. 23, 2025. William Blair served as lead financial advisor and Piper Sandler was co-advisor on the transaction. Brentwood was represented by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Strauss picks Columbus, Ohio for new U.S. headquarters

The company expects to create 30 new jobs.

Engelbert Strauss, or simply Strauss, will establish its U.S. headquarters, showroom and learning and development center in the Columbus Arena District.

The company expects to create 30 new jobs.

Founded more than 75 years ago, Strauss has grown from a family-run shop in Germany into a global brand known for workwear. The company serves a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, logistics, trades and technical fields.

“Establishing our U.S. headquarters in Columbus is a major step in our international growth,” says Henning Strauss, CEO of Strauss.

“We were drawn to its position as a central business hub, the creative industry here, and the kind of pioneering spirit that matches our culture. This location gives us the ability to grow in the right way as Columbus grows, allowing us to be close to our customers. What’s more: Columbus feels like we are coming home to family. We have found great partners here and at One Columbus in particular.”

The office will also include a branded showroom to showcase the company’s signature products and design ethos to North American clients. The space will bring new foot traffic and a distinctive international retail experience to the Arena District’s evolving commercial landscape.

“Strauss brings international vision and even more creative spirit to the Downtown Columbus business community,” says City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The Arena District has been an economic driver within our downtown for more than 25 years, and Strauss’s decision to grow there will create new jobs and further benefit the energy and vibrancy of the area.”

“Strauss is the kind of company that reflects where the Columbus metro is headed,” says Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership. “They’re an innovative global brand that is excited about calling our city their American home. Strauss could have chosen anywhere, and we are thrilled that the dynamic, mixed-use Arena District in Downtown Columbus came out on top nationally.”

Operations at the new Strauss headquarters will be built out during the first quarter of 2026.

LandCare promotes 2 in Southwest region

The two will be serving as the market VP of the Southwest and the branch manager of Phoenix, respectively.

LandCare has promoted two key employees in its Southwest region: Katerina Villagomez will serve as market vice president of the Southwest, with John Colton Owsley leading as branch manager of the Phoenix location.

Villagomez, an ISA-certified arborist, holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry in Brno, Czech Republic. With over nine years of experience in the landscaping industry, she joined LandCare as branch manager in May 2024, overseeing the Phoenix market.

Villagomez is an active member of LandCare’s Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) and a graduate of the second cohort of LandCare’s Accelerated Leadership Development Program (ALDP), a selective program designed to prepare high-performing team members for leadership roles within the company. In her new role as market vice president, she will oversee LandCare’s operations in Nevada and Arizona.

“Katerina’s promotion reflects her proven ability to lead teams while delivering exceptional results for our clients,” says Alec Ryan, LandCare’s Southwest Division vice president. “Her unique combination of technical expertise as a certified arborist, creative vision as a landscape architect and strategic business development skills positions her perfectly to drive continued growth and excellence in the Southwest region.”

Meanwhile, Owsley holds a bachelor’s degree in sustainability and political science from Arizona State University. He joined LandCare in December 2023 as an account manager, where he maintained strong client retention while playing a key role in the branch’s ongoing market expansion. Owsley graduated from LandCare’s ALDP Cohort II in March 2025.

“John’s positive attitude, reliability and genuine team spirit make him an important and trusted member of our Phoenix team,” Villagomez says. “He truly cares about his team and their success, and his strong work ethic and positive outlook consistently reflect the LandCare culture we’re so proud of.”

LandCare ranks No. 15 on Lawn & Landscape’s Top 100 list.