Sunny days are here - but snow won't be far behind...

BY KALI PEARSON


Summer is in full swing and landscape professionals are actively designing and installing projects. From gardens and hardscapes to irrigation and lighting systems, ours is a profession that helps people to make the most of their outdoor spaces. But as customers fire up their barbecues with a cold beverage in hand, many professionals are already thinking about the frosty snow and ice season ahead.

Whether you own, operate or work for a business that specializes exclusively or seasonally on snow and ice management, this edition of Landscape Trades is for you. Writer Karina Sinclair has compiled the ultimate snow and ice survival guide to help you get ready and stay healthy this winter season. From sleep, to snacks, to the latest safety advice and gear, this guide has you covered.

We also spoke with some inspiring women in the snow and ice sector about how they charted their own unique paths in the sector. With more women entering the snow and ice management workforce than ever — and playing a role in advocating for changes that will benefit everyone — we are seeing the unique value women can bring to snow and ice management.

This month, we also share advice from business coach Ryan Markowich on how to encourage seasonal workers to return year after year. Dr. Lyndsay Cartwright and her team speak to the role of Halophytes in salt remediation; and Mikayel Ter-Grigoryan, a speaker at this year’s Snowposium trade show, speaks up about his Redefine Blue Collar movement in our Mentor Moment.

As always, you can catch up on industry news and check out some new products (including some of our favourites to make working in the cold a little warmer). Read what our friends at the CNLA have been up to for the industry and travel to Floralies Internationales in Nantes, France with landscape architect Paul Brydges.

We wish you a sunny and productive summer — and a great snow and ice season ahead!

P.S. We’re thrilled to share that Landscape Trades earned an honourable mention at this year’s National Magazine Awards for Karina Sinclair’s article “Changing With the Times”. We are also proud winners of three Silver Laurel Winners from GardenComm for two features: “A Brave New World” in our January issue, “Catching Fire: How Thoughtful Landscaping Can Protect Homes” in our October issue as well as Best Magazine for our October 2023 New Plants and Grounds Management issue.