Sustainability is Not Just for Summer: Meet the Earth-friendly practices that protect your landscape through winter.

Greg Gross, branch manager at Eastern Land Management’s “Green Hub” in Monroe, Connecticut, says that sustainable practices during peak growing months is the best way to prepare and protect your landscape for winter. That’s why he’s hosting the firm’s fourth annual Snow Rodeo, a two-day, all-hands winter management training and preparedness program, held this year on October 26-27.

“Winter weather is becoming harder to predict,” Greg says, “so prep, preparedness and contingency planning is more important than ever. The additional stress winter brings to plants and trees, and the operational stress it brings to property and facility managers—cost control, risk management, rising expectations, and liabilities linked to the environment and pedestrian safety—require us to continually improve our game.”

ELM has a long-standing commitment to cut down on chlorides and the firm’s organic-based liquid ice melt products, and its own brine-making facility in Monroe, significantly decreases the amount of traditional salting methods that harm and pollute waterways.

ELM’s snow rodeo addresses these challenges and more, including best practices in storm response, resource allocation, materials and equipment safety, new plow technologies, shoveling techniques, and ways to make sure that plants, landscapes, and people are protected from the hazards of winter.

    • Pre-winter landscape protection with mulching, pruning, fall clean-up, winterized irrigation systems
    • Full property inspection and pre-winter game planning
    • Proactive planning with client to keep commercial properties, college campuses and schools, HOAs, hospitals and senior living facilities safe and accessible, operational, and open
    • Strategies for constant communication, predicted weather events, impending storms, and regular updates
    • Consistent equipment and training on repeat
    • Proprietary weather forecasting, online weather resources, and data models
    • High-performance equipment and advanced technologies
    • Proprietary brine solutions that use less salt per square foot and protect waterways, landscapes and the environment
    • Earth-friendly snow and ice melt solutions
    • Organic, non-chloride applications that reduce corrosion and cost of spring clean- up and repair on architectural building details and hardscape
    • Seasonal snow and ice contract options so you always know how much to budget for winter
    • Hazard mitigation, risk management, pedestrian and vehicle safety, sidewalks and parking lot management that address liability concerns
    • Year-round weather readiness, alerts and warnings
    • Year-round plant health care and sustainable approaches
    • Year-round commitment to do what it takes to keep safety first, no matter the weather, the season or the unexpected

Severe weather is a fact of life in the Northeast. Snow and ice storms, blizzards, freezing temps, and reduced visibility are powerful and damaging. Spring may be the best time to think about what your landscaping and environmental strategies will look like in summer, but failure to prepare can be costly.

To learn more about ELM’s sustainable snow and ice services, winter management and winter safety program, contact ELM President and Advanced Snow Management Professional, Bruce Moore Jr. at (203) 316-5433.

ELM is an active member of the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) and certified as Advanced Snow Management Professionals.

Photo: ELM Monroe Connecticut facility and “Green Hub”, host of ELM’s annual Snow Rodeo and winter safety training event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ABCs of RFPs: What property & facility managers need to know about finding a landscape partner.

Whether you’re a property or facility professional, RFPs – Request for Proposals – will sooner or later fall within your task bucket.

As a procurement tool, RFPs can be a great leveler. But they also don’t tell the whole story; they can feel like tedious wheel reinvention for both parties, and when they’re ‘kitchen sink’ approaches – or ask for everything but, there is no room for differentiation.

We think there’s a better way.

With spring start-up season just around the corner, here’s our advice for tailoring your landscape services RFP to give you the best partner for the job.

RFPs don’t tell the whole story

Service companies that respond to RFPs end up in a pool of commodity contractors who compete on price. When landscape companies compete on price, it’s because they often look for cheaper options to deliver on apples-to-apples specs. The bad news for property and facility professionals who contract landscaping services through RFPs is that you get what you pay for – a hamster wheel of RFP-won contractors who offer price instead of value.  We believe that value is a competitive advantage. When you eliminate value, you lose the upside value brings.

How to make RFPs a win-win   

For both landscape services contracts and complex landscaping projects—those with upgrades, renovations, and performance and environmental improvements—a well-written RFP can be effective at filtering out weak players. To create a consistently good RFP and RFP process, think about making your RFP an RFV – or Request for Value.

In addition to describing what you and your commercial property or facility needs and your expectations for delivery, include your sustainability goals and context for what the landscaping itself will meet, such as: talking points from your site performance plan (are you targeting carbon neutral or qualifying for LEED?), include the ‘need to haves’ and the ‘nice to haves’, criteria for curb appeal and improved asset value, and a realistic deadline for the contractor to respond. Avoid generalities, proof-read for typos, edit for clarity, and eliminate redundant questions and contradictory requirements.

A cautionary note about AI-enabled technology:  When the RFP response process is automated, do the math.  While automation offers efficiencies and fills out things at a much quicker pace, the scope piece when compared to non-automated bids may not add up. Always double check to make sure you’re not getting apples-to-oranges.

If you’re looking to save cost, remember: low-bid doesn’t tell the whole story. The best return on investment is calculated by actual and perceived value, and the long-term value that comes from a strong relationship.

We do our best work when we work with people—face to face, building connections, friendships, and opportunities to gain trust.  Our advice? Use your RFP as a solid starting point. A way to open the door and start a conversation, and a way to make sure you’re getting more than a team of qualified vendors, but a strategic partnership where value is created and delivered every step of the way.

If you’re renewing your contracts, seeking a new landscape partner, or just interested in keeping the conversation going, give us a call to share your thoughts.

{This blog was originally published in February 2023).

 

 

Merritt 7 & ELM Win Another Award of Excellence from National Association of Landscape Contractors

Merritt 7 Corporate Park, a LEED-Gold certified Class A property owned by Clarion Partners LLC and managed by Marcus Partners CT Management, received a Silver Award of Excellence in Landscaping from the National Association of Landscape Contractors (NALP) on behalf of Eastern Land Management (ELM), M7’s landscape partner since 2013.  M7 and ELM received a Silver Award of Excellence in landscaping in 2018.

“The M7 ideas-driven team deserves all the credit,” said Bruce Moore, Jr., ELM president. “It’s a spectacular site with multiple elevations and revitalized open spaces that interweave nature and art, and reduce critical resources such as energy and water. It’s a smart urban showcase for sustainable performance and we’re proud to be part of its award-winning success.”

Key environmental features include its adjacency to the Norwalk River watershed, the use of digital technologies that control and conserve water use, batter-powered noise reducing equipment, green waste recycling, and landscape maintenance practices that support Merritt 7’s climate action goals.

The NALP Awards of Excellence program celebrated its 50th year in 2019, and recognizes the best projects in commercial and residential design, installation and maintenance across the nation. Winners will be recognized at NALP’s annual meeting in Dallas, Tx, Sept 10-13, 2023.

Gensler served as Merritt 7s revitalization partner in 2022.

Merritt 7, located in Norwalk, Connecticut, at 1.4 million sq. ft., is the largest and most prominent corporate park in Fairfield County. It features 35,000 sq. ft. on-structure landscaping, a green roof plaza, and 2,500 linear feet of water-smart streetscape.

Chris Keogh, ELM area manager, oversees ELM’s M7 crew.

About Eastern Land Management

ELM is a premiere CRE landscape and snow and ice management partner based in Stamford CT, with a green hub and snow training center in Monroe CT, and Westchester County service hub in Armonk, NY.

The firm is an active member of NALP, the Snow & Ice Management Association, a member of BOMA SoCt and BOMA Westchester County, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and Westchester County Executives. President Bruce Moore Jr. is a member of the Board of Corporators for First County Bank in Stamford, supports Fairfield County Hospice House, and active in urban renewal efforts and community outreach throughout Connecticut and Westchester County.

ELM received a Fairfield County Sustainability ChangeMaker Award for its work in drought and water management, and since its founding in 1976, has been recognized for its excellence from the industries it serves.

For more information, please contact ELM President, Bruce Moore at (203) 316-5433 or bmoorejr@easternland.com

Bridget Spiegel Joins ELM as Assistant Controller

Bridget Spiegel’s impressive resume in business and accounting did not come with a green thumb when she joined ELM in April 2023. But in the last few months, she’s developed a passion for landscaping that aligns with her passion for the environment.

Bridget is ELM’s new Assistant Controller. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting from Iona College, and several years’ experience in the construction and building industries. “She’s a great fit for our team.” said President Bruce Moore Jr. “She brings strategic thinking and a next-gen spirit that will not only help us shape the future direction of our company but strengthen our administrative foundation.”

A native of New Rochelle, New York, Bridget was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society and says she’s thrilled to work in the green sector and for a company that works towards minimizing our impact on the planet.

“From the firm’s extreme professionalism to its commitment to a truly sustainable future, I’m excited to be part of the ELM community. I look forward to learning more about what I can do to at ELM to support innovation and growth, while picking up a few tips to improve my green game, as well.”

Welcome to the green industry, Bridget.

Jordan Skiba, ELM Intern, Seeds His Climb to The Top

A recent UConn grad with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration is this summer’s intern.

“An intern with a path to the future,” says Bruce Moore Jr. who’s pegged Jordan as someone who adds the kind of high-energy talent that easily translates to a long-game role.

Jordan brings a lot of plusses to ELM: he’s Stamford born and raised. He worked in the hospitality industry through college, has had a passion for landscaping since forever, and likes being hands-on. Plus, he’s smart, a nice guy, and loves sports and family.

Jordan currently has his hands full with research projects, learning the lay of the land, and getting to know people and projects.

Jordan says, everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, he can hardly wait to grow his career while doing whatever it takes to support ELM’s success.

Welcome, Jordan. Go Huskies.

 

 

Green is the color of second chances.

Underutilized office properties have found new life in greener pastures. With the addition of diverse amenities, enhanced sustainability, and tax incentives, landlords find that converting tired properties into dynamic new communities is environmentally more sustainable, more practical, and more cost-efficient than building new.

This is good news on a lot of levels. As sustainability becomes more of a strategic imperative and less of a service, landscaping will play an ever greater role in optimizing the environmental impact of adaptive reuse by decreasing the intensity of carbon, reducing debris and waste, and creating lively outdoor spaces that people want to live, work, shop, socialize, and play in.

Eastern Land Management has worked closely with its CRE clients over the years to green up both old and new properties, helping its clients forge a vision for greener footprints–enhancing plant-filled college campuses, nature-rich downtowns, and pedestrian-friendly outdoor spaces–where our collective passion for nature, excellence and renewal can improve the quality of life.

We think revitalization is the future of urban living with its focus on water, resource and energy conservation,  and drought-tolerant landscaping that is chosen as much for visual interest as it is forage for the birds and the bees.

ELM won an Award of Excellence for Downtown Stamford urban beautification from the National Association of Landscape Professionals in 2022, and a Fairfield County ChangeMaker Award for Sustainability in 2019, but our change journey didn’t stop there. Our diverse segment portfolio is steeped in awards and success stories, with landscaping that compliments riverfronts, waterways, trails and bike paths, corporate plazas and college dorms, university athletic fields, hospitals, HOAs and senior communities; and on-structure ‘green roof’ landscapes featuring recreational amenities and bocce ball courts where you’d least expect to find them.

Nature isn’t nine-to-five and neither are we. We’re working 24/7 to increase asset value through better, faster and smarter ways of delivering value and working with commercial property thought leaders to green light a healthier future.

Bruce Moore Jr., president of Eastern Land Management, is an active member of the greater business communities of Connecticut and NY Metro.  He is a member of SoCT BOMA Board of Directors, and a member of Westchester County BOMA.  To partner with ELM on green building strategies or to learn more, contact Bruce at 203-316-5433.

ELM was a Bronze Sponsor for June 9, 2023, Westfair Communications Annual Real Estate event, “The Conversion of Commercial Properties: What are the creative options?”

Marc Angarano Returns to ELM to Lead North Region Sales

Commercial landscaping sales executive Marc Angarano has returned to ELM to lead the growth of ELM’s regional operation in Monroe, Connecticut. He joins an ELM business development team that also includes Stamford, Connecticut south region sales lead, Ted Marron.

“We’re in a period of great opportunity to create solutions that create value, offer a better use of technology, and ways to drive green performance. With our upcoming 50th anniversary in 2026, Marc will play a critical role in shaping what that looks like,” said company president, Bruce Moore Jr.

Before joining ELM, Marc served as a business development executive with BrightView, and held account and operations management positions with The Brickman Group.

“Marc’s passion for sustainability and his insight on competitive advantage will help us align our mission and operations to directly support our clients’ objectives,” added Bruce.

Please join us in welcoming Marc back to ELM.

Contact Marc at mangarano@easternland.com

Ted Marron Joins ELM as Business Developer

Eastern Land Management, a full-service commercial landscape company based in Stamford, Connecticut and serving Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, is pleased to welcome Ted Marron to the position of Business Developer.

With over 17 years of B2B and B2C sales experience, Ted joins a seasoned ELM management team to offer an unprecendented value proposition and landscape services options.

In his new role, Ted will be managing and strengthening existing client relationships and partnerships in the commercial real estate sector, and work to identify and build client relationships while providing knowledgeable sales support.

“We are excited to have Ted on our team,” said company president, Bruce Moore, Jr. “He brings with him a competitive spirit and accolades earned as a result of his experience, and the strong relationships he’s built in our community. We are looking forward to Ted being part of our future growth.”

Born in Stamford and raised in Trumbull, Ted is active in community philanthropic organizations and believes that giving back is the best way forward.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and says working in the landscape industry gives him an opportunity to offer something tangible, gratifying and beautiful.

 

 

How Colleges Can Optimize the Value of Landscape to Meet Strategic & Academic Goals

As a campus facility manager, you know that staying competitive means continually investing in your grounds. But with undergraduate college enrollment in its steepest decline on record, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and data from the National Student Clearinghouse, making the case for continual improvements gets harder, pushing many facility managers to seek landscape service partners that can identify new ways to keep your campus landscape a high-performing resource.

Knowing how to respond to challenges and how wisely money will be allocated is an opportunity to ensure that the full potential of the value of the investment in landscaping can be realized. To Eastern Land Management, this means delivering more innovative solutions and a value-based approach to landscape and grounds services.

With 48 years’ experience spanning public and private K-12, to land grant and private colleges to the Ivy league in Connecticut and New York, ELM has a long-history as a discreet and unparalleled landscape partner-of-choice. The company’s proactive, professionally managed approach to maintaining campus landscape and grounds is a process that ensures that the school, the land, the natural resources, the landscape and the built environment work in harmony with the school’s commitment to excellence.

Key elements that make us strong campus partners

  • We work with facility managers to reemphasize the flexible space between buildings, and meet landscape, grounds and site objectives at a strategic level.
  • We improve data driven decision-making with technology platforms.
  • We find creative ways to rise to the challenge of deferred maintenance.
  • We advise on energy management programs to reach sustainability goals and drive cost savings.
  • We follow best-practice guidelines in horticulture, plant health care, integrated pest management, and water conservation to break new ground on sustainable solutions.
  • We create a consistent and reliable approach to service excellence, working with facility managers to set priorities and deliver the greatest value.
  • We provide multiple delivery models, including outsourced partner, onsite partner, consulting partner, or in specialized service areas, such as water management and athletic fields.

Leading change in four critical areas

ELM received the Fairfield County ChangeMaker Award for sustainability in 2019, and we continue to support sustainability goals in the following ways:

  • Safeguarding water
    • Reducing runoff
    • Promoting permeable paving
    • Collecting rainwater, where feasible
    • Implementing landscaping that has high rate of absorption
    • Incorporating bioswales and bio-retention areas, and constructed wetlands
    • Utilizing drought tolerant planting
    • Installing high-efficiency irrigation systems and digital water saving technology
  • Conserving resources
    • Reducing green waste
    • Minimizing waste impacts
    • Using renewable, biodegradable, low-impact, and non-toxic materials, as feasible
  • Improving energy efficiency
    • Planting deciduous trees for seasonal shading
    • Using energy-efficient equipment
    • Using renewable technologies
    • Increasing the use of cost-effective tools and alternative fuel
  • Enhancing environmental quality
    • Creating healthy outdoor spaces and landscape solutions that support learning and enhance the quality of life
    • Restoring soil health to improve carbon sequestration, combat soil erosion, retain water and nutrients
    • Using non-toxic products, as feasible, to improve plant health and reduce pests and disease
    • Increasing the use of low-maintenance, drought tolerant perennials, meadows, eco-lawns, groundcover
    • Protecting habitats and promoting biodiversity
    • Using eco-friendly alternatives to salt for winter snow and ice management

At ELM, our goal is to make all the elements of the landscape work together for a more sustainable and resilient future. To learn more, contact sales@easternland.com

 

 

When it comes to landscape and plant health, prevention is the best cure.

Your lawns, trees and shrubs are a growing investment worth protecting.

ELM’s new all-season plant health care program is designed to do that, and more–including scheduled inspections and treatments to keep your soil balanced and nourished, your plants healthy and beautiful, and keep destructive pests at bay, all year long.

Landscapes, like all living things, benefit from good health and if your lawn, plants and trees could use a boost, here’s what we recommend:

  • Early Spring – Apply horticultural oil to control scale and over wintering stages of many insects.
  • Early spring – Inject a balanced fertilizer into the root zone to boost the overall health of the plant and create new top growth. This will provide the plants with the needed nutrients to last the entire season.
  • Spring- Use foliar spray (a practice that involves applying spray directly to a plant’s leaves) to combat insects such as scale, mites, leaf miners, leaf beetles, and webworms just to name a few.
  • Spring- Apply optional fungicide spray as needed and do an overall health assessment and recommendation.
  • Summer- Apply second round of foliar spray to strengthen and protect plants from insects.
  • Summer – Schedule a summer inspection for any signs of fungus or disease and make recommendations for any further applications of fungicide.
  • Early fall – Apply a third and final foliar application of insect control to combat any late season insect damage and to help in the prevention of egg laying on the plants.
  • Fall – Inject a balanced fertilizer into the root area to enhance root growth, improve winter nutrient storage, and a healthier and faster green-up and growth in the spring.
  • Late fall – Apply anti-desiccant for winter burn protection and conserve plant moisture during the cold and windy winter months.

Deer ticks in the northeast are benefitting from warming winters, raising health risks and the potential diseases that they may carry. ELM offers deer repellents, deterrent services, and tick control and prevention—in addition to strategic landscape maintenance practices that reduce tick habitats.

Contact ELM’s plant health care expert Martin Minogue at mminoque@easternland.com, for a complimentary evaluation. And learn why prevention is not only the best cure, but the most cost-effective way to avoid fewer problems with insects, disease and environmental stress in the future.