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Reports on developments regarding landscape management. Statement that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not set any stop sell or stop use date for products containing clopyralid as originally printed in a story in the February 2004 issue; Scheduled conference of the American Society of Irrigation Consultants on May 1-4, 2004; Acquisition of three companies by the Davey Tree Expert Co.

Reports that San Diego, California-based Heaviland Enterprises conducts meetings that do not waste time because of planning. Agenda provided for everybody; Prayer before the meeting; Start on time; Each manager prepared to provide a brief update on his/her department or division; Maximum meeting duration of one hour, even with six managers reporting. INSET: What we liked about the meeting.

Points out that landscape company managers and supervisors above the crew level are only justified if they are able to use their intellect and experience to manage costs. Importance of linking pay to responsibility; Need for planning; One of the techniques for improving margins without hurting quality.

Points out that the "Environmental Guidelines for Responsible Lawn Care and Landscaping," will become extremely important to those in the green industry. Goal of educating homeowners about environmentally sound landscaping and lawn care principles; Efforts by the non-profit Center for Resource Management.

Discusses the changes in landscape industry and landscape education curriculum in the U.S. Focus on the business side of landscaping; Student profiles; Specialization in the landscaping industry.

Presents the opinion of Bob Dolibois, president of the American Nursery and Landscape Association, on the changes in the lawn care and landscape industry in the U.S. Emergence of design, maintenance and installation business; Regulations of the industry.

Discusses the changes in the lawn care and landscaping industry in the U.S. in the past 10 years. Ability to attract and retain a reliable workforce; Job stability; Use of technology in business operations; Professionalism of employees and owners.

Reports on the 2004 Professional Lawn Care Association of America's Management Forum held in Boca Raton, Florida. Showcase of technology solutions for the lawn care business; Guest speakers; Highlights of the event.

Reports on the Green Industry's opposition to the Maryland House Bill 84 that proposes to tax landscaping, lawn and grounds care services. Provisions of the bill; Impact of customers.

Reports on the meeting of business, government and environmental groups in Houston, Texas to adopt a common set of environmental guidelines for responsible lawn care and landscaping. Organizers of the event; Contact information.

Reports on the techniques for successful composting of waste materials in the U.S. Names of the researchers spearheading the study; Illustration of the type of environment that bacteria must thrive for composting to take place; Nature of the thermophilic organisms and their contribution to recycling biodegradable waste; Ways of optimizing conditions in the composting environment; Contact information.

Reports on the revision of the Certified Grounds Manager program of the Professional Grounds Management Society. Goal; Reason for revision; Scope of alterations.

Lists winners in the 27th annual Professional Grounds Maintenance Awards contest in the United States. Award categories; Properties which won awards.

Reports on Audubon International President Ron Dodson's career in the golf course management industry. Dodson's career highlights; Business philosophy; Contributions to the Cooperative Sanctuary conservation program; Comments from colleagues on Dodson's personality.