Leaves are drifting toward the ground as Thanksgiving is closing in. So, what better time to reflect and show gratitude? Hitting the pause button before the busy holiday rush is a healthy thing to do, and at Yellowstone Landscape, it’s the right thing to do for some special people
“Gratitude benefits include greater emotional and social well-being.” ~Harvard Health
Those we wish to thank include our clients, employees, and the community members we’re proud to serve. Being trusted partners for our clients means more than we could say in one article. The same is true for every Yellowstone employee who gives their all to deliver premier results to our customers.
The community aspect is something that is toooften overlooked. That’s why we’re putting a spotlight on community enrichment today, because modern landscaping gives back in more ways than most people imagine.
Yellowstone Landscape Branch Manager Q&A
What’s one thing you’re personally most thankful for in your work at Yellowstone?
I’m thankful for getting to spend time outdoors while making things more inviting for other people to enjoy their outdoor spaces. Being outside is a plus for my health and theirs.
How do you see landscapes playing a role in community life beyond appearance?
When a property is being cared for, with no weeds or litter around, people using the property feel more pride in where they live or work. Green spaces that are inviting can host more community events like fall festivals and charity fundraisers.
Nurturing Nature in Our Own Backyard
The word “local” has gained new importance in the past few years, and Yellowstone Landscape is glad for it. There’s nothing more gratifying than caring for landscapes that support local ecosystems. Native plantings are a vital part of this support in the following ways:
- Native species boost a property’s drought resistance
- They provide food and shelter to pollinators
- Naturally nourish the soil
The local environment is protected by using native plants because they don’t waste water and require less fertilizer than non-native species. These plants are visually appealing and attract beautiful creatures like butterflies and honeybees. And local birds and bats are drawn to the area where they naturally eliminate many annoying and dangerous insects, like mosquitoes.
Tangible Impact
A single acre of diverse native pollinator plants can support thousands of pollinators during peak bloom. Of course, that’s only possible when the right plant, right place philosophy is followed. That’s why Yellowstone Landscape provides tailored programs based on the traits of individual properties.
Some of the most popular native plants by region are below:
- Midwest: Prairie Blazing Star, Coneflower, Asters
- Southeast: Milkweed, Coreopsis, Bee Balm
- Southwest: Desert Marigold, Blackfoot Daisy, Salvia
- Mid-Atlantic: Penstemon, Wild Bergamot, Coreopsis
“Every step, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier ecosystem.” Liz Craver, Professional Beekeeper
Continuous Giving Cycle of Biodiversity
A well-planned, diverse landscape has the power of resilience through biodiversity. Each positive action benefits the next action. Increasing local pollinators through inviting native plants leads to better plant health. That ensures more vibrant foliage and blooms.
The result is that the landscape becomes healthier and stronger, able to recover from harsh elements like heat stress, wind damage, and drought.
Yellowstone Landscape Branch Manager Q&A
What native plants do you recommend most often in different regions?
The right native plants don’t only depend on the region. The individual property’s soil, microclimates, and owner goals come into play. But generally speaking, we recommend regionally-adapted wildflowers and low-maintenance shrubs.
How do you explain “pollinator corridors” to clients?
Pollinator corridors are presented as essential green infrastructure with tangible environmental returns. Without pollinator habitats, helpful insects like bees can’t do their work, which produces attractive plants (and food) for people.
Water is Our Most Precious Shared Resource
Yellowstone Landscape is committed to water conservation and protecting local waterways from pollution. Nature guides us with native plant and tree choices that require fewer chemical treatments to thrive, preventing harmful runoff into waterways. Technology also helps us avoid water waste.
Below are four innovations we’re using to conserve community water resources.
- Modern grading techniques to reduce runoff
- Drought-tolerant grasses
- Weather-based controllers
- Drip irrigation
Each of the above cuts down water waste while lowering clients’ water bills.
Local Water Supply Challenges
Nearly everyone across the U.S. has seen their utility bills rise. That’s partially because of the strain brought on by drought and higher demand. The strain gets even worse during heat waves that remove even more moisture from the soil.
These conditions make efficient irrigation systems a must today. Rain sensors and smart controllers ensure irrigation water goes where it should and only when it’s needed. Soil moisture sensors are another feature of modern landscape irrigation that prevent water waste.
It’s estimated that many communities could save millions of gallons of water annually if property owners switched from outdated irrigation to smart watering systems. Even older water features like fountains can be losing massive amounts of water.
Beyond Conservation
Sustainable irrigation accomplishes more than meets the eye. It keeps stormwater on site so that the landscape can filter any runoff and replenish local groundwater. Modern irrigation even mitigates problems due to urban heat island effects.
The ongoing benefits are seen in properly watered plants, shrubs, and trees that stay healthy. And healthy roots enable the soil to absorb, store, and filter water for future needs. This conservation is vital to keeping properties looking their best, even with heavy water restrictions.
Yellowstone Landscape Branch Manager Q&A
Can you quantify average water savings for clients who switch to smart irrigation?
It goes case by case, based on factors like plant types and soil quality. But the last EPA study I read showed up to 40% reduction in water use.
Any recent drought-related client examples where smart irrigation made a big difference?
We maintain a property near the deserts of Las Vegas. And the residents are always impressed with the lush turf in that neighborhood. It wouldn’t be possible with all that region’s strict watering regulations if not for smart irrigation.
What’s one irrigation technology you’re especially excited about right now?
The latest advances in ET (evapotranspiration) sensors and AI-enabled controllers. Because they allow instant adjustments based on hyper-local weather data. Technology like this saves water at every turn, but still gives plants precise moisture.
Investing in People, Growing Our Community
What is community? People. By investing in people, a community can thrive. And that’s why Yellowstone invests in our people (employees) and the people living in the communities we serve. Let’s break those concepts down.
Our employment philosophy includes:
- Year-round work
- Advanced training
- Ongoing safety programs
- Supplying top-tier safety gear
- Continuing education opportunities
- Inclusion - everyone deserves a chance at an honorable career
Going further, our team members have multiple ways to earn performance bonuses, and we celebrate wins with BBQs at local branches. These events give everyone a chance to pause and appreciate one another, in the same way that Thanksgiving dinners do for families.
Employee Growth and Client Appreciation
We’re proud to say every Yellowstone crew member receives encouragement and resources to advance their career. Countless employees have risen from entry-level roles to become branch managers, team leaders, or landscape designers.
“Yellowstone has so many solid people of character, with big hearts.” ~Alpharetta, GA Team Member
A key reason our employees can develop long-term careers is the mentorship program. Managers with over a decade of sustainable commercial landscaping experience are invaluable to new employees.
Local Economy Impacts
Being a national brand and community-focused landscape company, Yellowstone Landscape gives clients and communities the best of both worlds.
Our reach and resources ensure they have a steady supply chain and the latest innovations for budget-friendly, attractive green spaces. As for localization, our managers live in the areas we serve, many having grown up there. Then there’s the economic growth to consider.
Yellowstone puts money back in local economies by supporting neighborhood vendors. Every commercial landscape dollar spent locally on items shown below bolsters the micro-economy:
- Mowers
- Tractors
- Landscape trucks
- Mulch and pinestraw
- Plants, sod, and trees
- Landscape equipment
Sustainability efforts are bolstered by purchasing locally, too, as it reduces emissions from sourcing materials from hundreds of miles away.
Community Investments
Giving back to local communities is not only doing good, but it’s enjoyable for Yellowstone team members. They get as much out of volunteering or mentoring interns as the people they work with. Other community efforts include:
- Pro bono landscape enhancements (e.g., veteran projects)
- Clean-ups for properties assisting the homeless
- Installing fall displays at non-profit properties
- Backpack Giveaways and Back to School Drives
- Sports sponsorships
Yellowstone Landscape Branch Manager Q&A
How many people does Yellowstone Landscape employ?
We have thousands of employees spread across over 80 local branches. Many team members live in these communities year-round, and we ramp up for seasonal need through the H2B program.
What’s a favorite employee success story you can share?
One that always sticks with me is an intern from a couple years back. The young man was really enthusiastic. He couldn’t believe he got a chance to co-lead a project every step of the way - pricing the job, working with vendors on quotes, the review process, and creating a contract.
Which community sponsorships or pro bono projects are you proudest of this year?
Three of our crew members volunteered their time to support a project in the Derbyshire Lincoln Community. It was a good-sized job, spreading a massive pile of wood chips around several trees in the community orchard.
Sustainable Practices as a Legacy
The long view is the right one for the planet and small communities served by landscape firms. At Yellowstone Landscape, we care about those entities and want our legacy to show it. That’s why we aim toward carbon sequestration, clean fleets, and zero-waste strategies. There are hurdles to these aims, but our teams enjoy the challenge.
Some of the efforts toward the goals include efficient routing via logistics technology and using electric landscape equipment when feasible. Efficient routing and electric tools lower emissions. We also advise clients to install trees to help clean the air, add visual appeal, and attract songbirds.
Reducing Waste
Every pile of leaves, limbs, or grass clippings kept out of landfills is a win. That’s why our teams use eco-friendly landscape maintenance. Of course, client needs factor in, but there are always options for reducing landscaping-related waste.
The good news is modern landscape techniques not only reduce waste - they also lead to the healthiest outcomes. For example, mulching grass clippings instead of bagging them saves landfill space while adding nutrients back to the soil, producing lush turf. Proper mowing heights and scheduling ensure the ideal amount of clippings.
“No more than one-third of the grass blades should be cut at a time.” ~University of California
Education and Transparency for Clients
Clients deserve to know what their provider is doing to meet sustainability goals and why they’re taking those approaches.
How does Yellowstone Landscape do this for customers?
- Education sessions with property managers
- Updates on environmental benefits
- Transparent reports
- Sustainability audits
Simple, consistent communication is vital. When our company starts using a new eco-friendly practice, we share the details with clients. We want them informed, and they might see ways they can use the new practice in other areas.
4 Ripple Effects of Sustainable Commercial Landscapes for Neighborhoods
- Improved air and water quality through added greenery that filters pollutants.
- Increased property values as sustainable landscapes enjoy enhanced curb appeal.
- Flourishing wildlife habitat and biodiversity create a virtuous cycle with nature’s guidance.
- Community well-being is lifted by green spaces that invite leisure, exercise, and quiet reflection.
Not to mention homeowners who are encouraged to practice eco-friendly landscape maintenance when they see professionals doing so on commercial properties.
Yellowstone Landscape Branch Manager Q&A
How does a community-focused landscape company reduce greenhouse emissions?
When feasible, electric mowers are used. Plus, Yellowstone is investing in logistic technology to avoid wasted drive time and mileage. Tighter routes mean less fuel usage.
Does Yellowstone recycle or compost clippings and debris?
Clippings often get mulched back into the lawn, since that’s healthier and more sustainable. Lawn debris, such as trimmings and leaves, are dropped off at recycling centers where available.
How does Yellowstone educate clients on long-term sustainability practices?
We always want to be practical. Clients have a budget, so we highlight exactly how sustainable landscaping saves them money while making the property look better.
Current and Future Partnerships
As Thanksgiving draws near, Yellowstone Landscape is saying thank you to all our clients. We’re grateful for your trust. It’s our privilege to serve you and care for your properties, which mean so much to the people you serve.
Our staff members who get the chance to talk with you one-on-one appreciate these closer relationships as well. This time of year reminds us all just how important relationships are.
And for prospective clients, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving too. We hope to partner with you in the coming months and years. If you look at our testimonials, you’ll find current customers who appreciate our collaborative and measurable approach to sustainable landscaping.
You can schedule a consultation with a Yellowstone Local Branch Manager here. And if you’re a current client with an idea for partnering on a community project to give back, get in touch with us today.
Yellowstone Landscape Branch Manager Q&A
What feedback have clients given about your community-focused approach?
What stands out to me is when clients comment on the education we provide. This can be when we do performance updates, in-person walk-throughs, or consult clients on their new sustainability goals. Some of our team members even get to give tips to students and HOA members about gardening.
How is “partnership” defined in practical terms for clients?
Partnership at Yellowstone simply means mutual investment. Everyone wants clear expectations, regular check-ins, and services that help clients achieve their property and business goals.
