Learn about the relevance of a product's carbon footprint to the environment, and how Unilock is utilizing the information from their Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Working hard to keep their businesses running smoothly, landscape contractors are often forced to balance many roles throughout each day. When the heat is on and the season is at its busiest, the landscape construction industry can be demanding to say the least. Unilock Territory Managers help keep business operations moving smoothly. Let’s have a look at some of the contractor support services that Unilock offers day in and day out.

Shortly after Unilock began manufacturing concrete paving stones and retaining wall systems nearly 50 years ago, we determined that offering contractor training was essential. Our Contractor Advantage Seminars were born from the deep respect we have for the manufacturer/installer partnership that is part of our DNA. So each and every year, we work hard to produce seminars that bring real value to our customers, as well as drive the overall industry forward. It’s not just something we do each year; it’s something we are determined to do better each year.

In your leading lawn maintenance company, you’re likely often looking for ways to increase your bottom line.

Like most pool construction companies, you’re always looking to increase your bottom line. Maybe you’ve considered hardscape installation in the past. Maybe you’ve even tried it, only to suffer losses and issues.

As an excavation contractor with an established foothold in your region, you have proven your company’s worth for preparing properties for landscape renovations or solving drainage issues, but the limitations of the business model may have you considering an expansion.

As an established concrete contractor always looking for ways to increase your bottom line, you could be facing an opportune time to expand your offerings with concrete pavers and segmental retaining walls. From outdoor kitchens with all the amenities, to elaborate patio settings that resemble indoor gathering spaces, contractors who leverage their existing skills, tools, equipment, and resources to capitalize on this market stand to see a fruitful payoff as a result.

As a home builder, you are in a unique and opportunistic position to expand your business in the hardscape industry. Increasing saleable square footage with hardscapes can boost your bottom line and provide numerous benefits. And Unilock can help you with the process.

For commercial contractors facing headwind pressure as property owners rethink their commercial development and leasing strategies, there is opportunity in becoming known as a trusted expert in the materials and methods that will deliver on every customer’s expectations for safe, attractive, welcoming, and functional outdoor spaces.

The bad days are few and far between, but they do happen in this business. When the heat is on at the height of summer, when equipment fails, a crew member calls in sick, or a delivery is late—particularly when those things happen all at once—that’s right about the time you forget about why you went into hardscaping. It’s those times you forget about the wonderfulness of working outdoors, of having your own crew, and of all the effort that went into building up your expertise and skills.

While the world has gone more digital than ever before, there are many aspects of the landscape contracting industry that still depend upon meaningful business relationships. For the average landscape contractor, creating a strong relationship with a local dealer is crucial to maintaining job efficiency and a competitive advantage in their area. This relationship can also lead to referral generation as well as easier control over the details of each order. When this relationship exists between your business and a local supplier, it helps appeal to homeowners, as well as ensure preparedness when challenges arise. Let’s dive deeper into the importance of positive, strong dealer relationships for contractors.

Modern style is taking over the landscape design industry. Homeowners are asking about bringing clean edges and a simplified look to their outdoor living spaces, and manufacturers are responding with a myriad of related cutting-edge products. The missing piece could be landscape designers and installers if they’re not prepared to fulfill homeowners’ requests for modern designs.

Achieving work-life balance sounds like a fantasy to many business owners in the landscaping industry. Often working 15-hour days during the busy season, many express that they are constantly on the edge of burnout, with little time for a weekend away, let alone a real vacation.

While some landscape contractors are beginning to tap into more specialized service offerings, the vast majority are still trying to do it all. Many businesses try to be everything for everybody; they fear turning down work and missing an opportunity to book out their season. But in this effort to be a one-stop shopping experience, they do a little bit of everything, but specialize in nothing.

The giant doors swing open and the anxious crowd begins to push forward as they shuffle their way into the monstrous convention center. Like kids in a candy store, landscape/hardscape professionals scatter around looking for the vendors they came to see. Maybe they came out to test drive the as-of-yet-unreleased, brand-spanking new mini-excavator, or perhaps they’re looking to speak with someone from the hottest 3D landscape design software and see it in action with a hands-on demo. Whatever the reason, both novice and seasoned professional contractors are excited to be at the event.

High-performing contractors share a common, once-a-year habit: They efficiently use winter downtime to sow the seeds for success when the busy season picks up again. The winter offers an opportunity to take stock of where your business is at the moment and where you want it to be.

When it comes to curb appeal, most homeowners who pay even the slightest attention to detail know that a lush, green lawn and well-planned landscape make a big impact. In fact, an attractive landscape ranks as one of the top features that homebuyers consider when they’re in the market for a new property.

Weather – it can make or break the progress of a job. The effects of weather can completely alter the course of a landscape construction project. It can impact employee management, material costs, equipment repair expenses, client relations – basically, anything involved in the construction process.

Many landscaping companies schedule their winter seasons with snow removal operations as a way to ensure a year-round revenue stream. But what about all the days in between snow events or those businesses that choose not to offer snow and ice services? Regardless of how you choose to operate, there are a number of ways to utilize the winter months to better prepare your business for the fast approaching spring.

Many hardscape contractors have launched their companies and found success with a focus on residential hardscape projects. These same contractors are often curious — albeit mystified —about the world of commercial hardscape projects. How can we land them? Are we qualified for them? Do we even want them? These are all questions that ought to be analyzed thoroughly before diving in head first to take on both residential and commercial projects.