Azalea culture: A southern love affair
Few plants embody the Southern garden quite like the azalea. Evergreen azaleas have long been a staple in home gardens, and each spring cultivated beauties brighten Georgia landscapes, from Savannah’s graceful squares to backyard borders. The deciduous, native cousins to these showy shrubs are gaining attention among gardeners seeking fragrance, pollinator value and a…
Read MoreSave the date: Spring in the Courtyard 2026
Now is the time to gather alongside your peers for one last networking (and learning!) event before the busy season truly begins. Join us on Tuesday, April 14 for “Spring in the Courtyard” at Topiary Courtyard in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Three experts in sustainable landscape design will lead us through problem solving and…
Read MoreExecutive Director Message
As we head into our busiest season, we want to remind you of the outstanding UAC member benefits designed to support your business’s growth and protection. We are proud to highlight our partnership with TurfTraction, providing members with specialized software solutions to streamline operations and maximize efficiency in the field. Additionally, members can access tailored…
Read MoreWhen Growth Breaks Your Brand: The Hidden Risk of Outgrowing Your Identity
By Kriston Sellier, President of id8 Many landscaping companies do not stall because demand disappears. Growth slows when the business evolves faster than the brand. A company that began as a small local operation may now manage multiple crews, commercial contracts, and specialized services such as irrigation, lighting, or design-build. Some expand into new markets.…
Read MoreManaging rainwater: slow it down, spread it out, soak it in
“The most destructive force in the world is the raindrop!” While applying for an Erosion Sediment Control Certification, the instructor started with that statement. Apparently, lots of folks agree… “While many forces can cause destruction, moving water is widely considered the most destructive force on Earth. It erodes land, causes floods, and its sheer power…
Read MoreWhy Landscape Companies Lose Profitable Jobs
Why Landscape Companies Lose Profitable Jobs (Even When They Have the Best Design) By: Amy Sulka, Sandler Training Who here has ever been in a proposal meeting with a prospective client that felt like it was going really well? The prospect is nodding along to every question. They say something like: “This all sounds…
Read MoreGeorgia Agricultural Hall of Fame inducts leader in horticultural science
The Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame recently inducted a distinguished leader whose career profoundly shaped agriculture, education and industry in Georgia and beyond: longtime University of Georgia researcher, professor, and plant breeder Michael A. Dirr. The 2026 inductees, who were honored at the 2026 UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Alumni Association Awards…
Read MoreNew 2026 Georgia Ag Impact Report Is an Essential Resource for Agriculture Stakeholders
Produced by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the interactive 2026 Georgia Ag Impact Report provides research-backed insights into the value and reach of Georgia agriculture and serves as a practical resource for producers, educators, policymakers and media across the state. At CAES, faculty and Extension professionals work every day…
Read MoreRight tree, right place: Are we learning from our mistakes?
I recently attended and passed a Prescription Pruning Qualification course in Fort Myers, Florida. This class is conducted by the Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and was created by Dr. Ed Gilman. When I returned home, this training caused me to slow down and really look at trees a little deeper…
Read MoreUncovering Homeowner Priorities for Successful Installs
Your job is tough. As a landscape professional, you’re expected to understand the homeowner’s vision, the yard’s limitations and the turfgrass’s needs—long before installation begins. But most homeowners don’t see that. To them, choosing a lawn feels simple: pick a grass, lay it down and it should look great. That’s why many problems start before…
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