Acquisition Bolsters Deere in Florida

The international reach of John Deere Landscapes continues to grow  – this time in Florida.

The prominent supplier of landscape and irrigation products recently announced its acquisition of a major distributor of trees and nursery stock. All 10 locations of The Treehouse were purchased by John Deere Landscapes in December 2002 – in an effort to provide expanded supplies and services for customers.

“By acquiring The Treehouse operation, John Deere Landscapes can now offer professional contractors a ‘total package’ of landscapes supplies and plant materials,” asserted Mike Stein, Florida region vice president for John Deere.

This 10-site purchase brings the total number of Florida-based John Deere Landscapes locations to 40. And the industry supplier sees the year-end acquisition as a step in the right direction – with added customer accessibility to much-needed supplies and services.

“In this area of the country, landscape contractors provide full-service installations for residential and commercial sites,” Stein noted, referring to the Sunshine State “Now they will be able to access all necessary field supplies from their local John Deere Landscapes branches, including irrigation and lighting equipment, seed, sod, fertilizer and trees and nursery stock.”

Throughout its 13-year existence, The Treehouse became a top nursery choice for many of Florida's contractors. Offering more than 125 varieties of trees and palms, express loading and pre-dug trees, the company seemed a perfect fit when John Deere Landscapes looked to expand nursery offerings in Florida. Adding the acquired company’s assortment of palms, hardwoods, oaks and ornamentals – plus allied products such as staking systems, tree straps, twine, stretch wrap, chokers, air tarps and other necessities – John Deere Landscapes will now be set to offer it's Florida customers even more.

The 10 outlets in The Treehouse purchase are located in Boynton Beach, Ft. Myers, Kissimmee, Naples, Odessa, Parrish, Sanford, Venice, Vero Beach and Winter Garden.

Founder of The Treehouse, Bill Robinson, cites convenience, selection, quality and customer service as the driving forces behind his company's success. “Just as important as the quality of our product is the quality of our customer service,” Robinson stated recently. “Our managers will ensure (customers) receive the excellent service (they) deserve.”

And John Deere Landscapes President Dave Werning agrees.

“This relationship-driven, customer-focused attitude is part of what made The Treehouse the newest member of the John Deere Landscapes family.”

Now Robinson will jump aboard John Deere Landscapes' executive team. His new duties include overseeing grower relationships and managing forward planning for nursery operations.

“With the resources, locations and ideals that The Treehouse brings to John Deere Landscapes,” Werning added, “we have all the ingredients we need to work together toward even greater success.”

The author is Assistant Editor – Internet for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.