Landscape Gardener Crew Leader Landscape Plus jobs strathmore

Landscape Gardener Crew Leader

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Landscape Gardener Crew Leader

Key Responsibilities: 

Summer Focus

  • Maintain and care for existing landscapes, including but not limited to, lawn, shrubs, trees and flower beds
  • Plan and manage all daily labour, equipment, and material requirements to complete daily objectives in a timely manner
  • Use a variety of equipment and tools to complete tasks
  • Communication with clients to ensure their needs and concerns have been addressed

Winter Focus

    • Snow clearing – manual labour and equipment operation
    • Ice management

Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent problem-solving and time management abilities
  • Ability to work both independently and with a team in a fast-paced often changing environment
  • Critical thinker – capable of adapting to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
  • Demonstrates success with customer experience management
  • Demonstrates accountability for workmanship with a focus on quality and details

Working Conditions:

  • Love of working outdoors is essential and the willingness to work in inclement weather conditions
  • Able to walk, stand and crouch for extended periods of time.
  • Can lift a minimum of 50 pounds
  • During the peak season is willing to work extended hours
  • Full time, permanent, year-round (spring, summer, fall weekdays and winter as needed)

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience as a landscape gardener crew leader
  • Landscape Journeyman or Horticulture Diploma an Asset
  • Capable of operating required equipment and tools in a safe and responsible manner
  • Alberta Class 5 drivers’ licence, a safe/clean driving record and reliable vehicle
  • Effective communication skills (both verbal and written – English)
  • Detail oriented

Wages:

  • $20 – $24/hr, dependent upon experience
  • Health spending account after 6 months

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email  info@landscape-plus.net your cover letter and resume.

Landscape Plus has been a leading landscape construction company located in Strathmore, AB for 31 years.  Landscape Plus is recognized for taking care of its employees, customers, and landscapes. Our area of expertise is creating healthy and appealing landscapes for residential and commercial properties.  Landscape Plus is a growing company and looking for individuals who are passionate about positively sustaining the environment and providing our customers with exceptional landscapes. Our core values align with the acronym G.I.V.E. – Gratitude, Integrity, Value, Excellence.

Add a Rain Sensor to Your Irrigation System

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Watering in the Rain: Why is my sprinkler coming on when it’s pouring rain?

Have you ever seen sprinklers running when it’s raining? The worst is when there is enough precipitation that the ground is saturated. The rain combined with the irrigation is causing the water to pool or run off wastefully.

So why does this happen on some properties and not on others? The solution is quite simple. A rain sensor added to your irrigation system can monitor the moisture levels and ensure that it is only watering when moisture is required.

We install, service and maintain irrigation systems and rain sensors in Strathmore and surrounding area.

I have an irrigation system but it doesn’t have a sensor, can I have one added after the fact?

The good news is that we can retrofit your system to work with a sensor.

But water is still relatively cheap, will adding a sensor really pay off?

A lot of factors play into this, including the cost of water in your area, how much rain you typically receive and the area that you’re watering.

We realize that overuse of water the odd time may not counteract the cost of a unit, but there is more to the story than a few bucks saved on your annual water bill.

Overwatering can lead to flooding and undesirable runoff that can cause long-term problems. If there isn’t proper drainage, too much water can be harmful to plants, foundations and structures.

Keep in mind that the cost of water is only going up, and that a sensor will save you for many years to come.

The added bonus of a rain sensor is perception – do your part for the environment and stop watering in the rain!

I have a sensor but my sprinklers still kick in when there is rain forecasted for a few hours later.

Spoiler alert! A rain sensor is not able to predict that it will be raining in a couple of hours.

wiresless rain sensor Landscape Plus Hunter Rain Clik photo
Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor Unit

What is the quality of the unit and will I have an ongoing maintenance cost?

The unit installed by Landscape Plus professionals is an industry-leading wireless sensor that will do the job well and not become a make-work project for you.

 

What does it cost to get a rain sensor added to my irrigation system?

At Landscape Plus, we can provide and install a wireless unit to an existing irrigation system. We recommend including one with all new irrigation systems. Click here to order now!

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Real vs. Artificial: Choosing a Christmas Tree for Your Home

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There really is nothing like having a fresh Christmas Tree in your home. The scent of a real tree creates an ambiance that sets the tone for the holiday season. There are also many practical reasons which make a real tree the better purchase over an artificial one.    

Environment & Economy

The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often, Christmas Trees are grown on soil that does not support other crops. 

Tree farms provide oxygen, diminish carbon dioxide, and create jobs. Artificial trees are mostly imported from overseas and often are made from metals and plastics. The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Many artificial trees are not standing the test of time and are being discarded on landfills in favor of newer models. 

Christmas trees provide jobs from the growers to the farm hands as well as in related industries such as transportation, equipment supply all the way down the chain to local tree lots.

Renewable & Recyclable 

Christmas Trees are grown on farms just like any other agricultural crop. To ensure a constant supply, growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest. Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they are readily broken down into mulch or other earth-friendly products. 

Tradition & Our Homes

Our homes and traditions grounded us in 2020. Taking the family out to choose a fresh tree is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday season. Then to gather together to decorate a fresh tree helps to continue those holiday vibes.  

Did you know there are many health benefits associated with real Christmas Trees in the home?

Studies show that a real tree can decrease your chances of getting a cold or flu by boosting your immune system. They deodorize and purify the air in your home by absorbing toxins. UK studies go further and link them to improved mental health and reduced anxiety. 

The Gift of Giving

At Landscape Plus, 2019 marked the launch of online tree orders with an option for delivery. We noticed there were some customers who really appreciated the delivery aspect of this service. Christmas enthusiasts who loved the ambiance of a real tree but lacked the ability or resources to obtain one. The crew at Landscape Plus had unintentionally filled a void in Christmas Tree sales, happily delivering to people with mobility issues or without a vehicle to transport a tree.  

As we prepare for the 2020 holiday season, it’s no surprise many budgets have been cut and spirits are low. The elves at Landscape Plus are therefore calling on local support to help provide some Christmas spirit for a deserving recipient in our community. Click here to learn more.

We encourage you to act fast. Sales of real trees typically start in late November, and another shortage in supply will likely mean another sold-out year.

Thank you for your continued support and all the best to you and yours this holiday season.

 

SOURCES: Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, Smithsonian Magazine, National Christmas Tree Association, Kansas State University

Landscape Plus has proudly served the Wheatland and Calgary area since 1992. 

garden heat wave landscape plus tips

Taking care of your garden during the heat

Posted by Landscape Plus on

flowers in albertaHow to care for your garden during a heat wave

Your garden may not be enjoying this heat as much as you are so we are providing a few tips to help keep it healthy.

For the hot and dry month of August, here are some suggestions to keep your plants and grass in good condition.

The running times from irrigation controllers should be increased so things don’t dry out. It is also better to run for longer times less frequently than run the zones every day for shorter times. A deep watering encourages deep roots which in turn make for a stronger plant that can resist droughts and diseases easier.

Bark mulch can also help to keep the plants moist during the hot summer sunny days. Three inches minimum depth is recommended.
New sod needs to be watered immediately after laying. It should be watered until the ground under the sod is wet. Keep the ground under the sod moist and you will see new roots in 5 days!
New plants need to be hand-watered regularly until the root system has established itself. The first week daily watering, the second week every second day, the third week every third day during the hot days or months.

Move potted plants to a shaded area or for larger pots cover with a lightweight piece of fabric.

Finally, early morning or when the evening starts to get cooler is the best time to water or to do any weeding and light clean-up.