Raise Your Quality Standard
A few years ago, I came across a collapsed retaining wall. A huge section had fallen away, so that the prep work and build were completely exposed. As a hardscape professional, I recognized in an instant that the reason for the collapse was a completely improper installation.
This retaining wall was built on slag sand—an absolute no no. It had no drain-gravel cavity, no drain tile, and no geogrid or engineered backfill. On top of all this, it was built 7 feet off of a parking lot, meaning substantial surcharge load on the wall, which, if not accounted for, would quickly lead to collapse.
Hence the mess I encountered.
It’s very likely that the company that installed this wall was the low bidder. If that was the case, how much did their client really save?
An Industry-Wide Problem
With all the educational resources and certification programs available to all of us (example relevant to this case: the Basic SRW Installer Certificate), it is amazing to me that we still have companies out there getting away with improper installations such as these. There’s no excuse.
It’s highly unlikely that these installers were certified; they would have known better. In any area where our industry has a low barrier to entry, I question the value of those standards. Why weren’t these installers required to get properly licensed? Why can anyone go out, acquire a wheelbarrow and a couple of shovels, and call themselves landscapers?
Worse yet, what if someone had been injured from the failure of this wall?
We as an industry must demand better than this low standard.
Name It, Believe It, Become It
It’s time that companies of integrity—companies like yours and mine, that perform quality landscaping and hardscaping work—set a different standard.
To start, it’s time we consider ourselves landscape professionals, not simply landscapers.
Words matter. How we name things can set a tone and even help direct what we think and expect. Coffee with milk, or Venti Latte? Fishing charter, or sunset cruise? Landscaper, or landscape professional?
Thinking of ourselves as landscape professionals sets a tone of professionalism, expertise, and quality.
This business needs to be about more than money and getting in and out of projects as fast as you can. We are joining our clients in the process of improving their homes. And quality landscape and hardscape design and installation promote enjoyment as well as safety. It’s important work.
Yes, we need to be competitive, efficient, and productive. But more importantly, we must be knowledgeable, competent, and good stewards in the industry.
As I write this, the 2025 Michigan Green Industry Association Annual Trade Show & Convention is less than a month away; it will include numerous educational seminars on landscaping, tree care, lawn maintenance, hardscaping, and more. A one-stop shop for learning!
Wherever you’re located, now is likely the high season for educational events in your area as well, all geared at keeping you abreast of the most current installation methodologies and best practices.
Go. Bring your team. Follow up and check in on what they learned. Invest in licensing and certification. And make this a practice, not a one off.
Theodore Roosevelt said it best:
“Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has the moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.”
Be proud of what you do, and always do your best to leave a legacy of quality—and not a black-eye—on our industry.
And call yourselves landscape professionals. Because you are.
See you at the top…Matt!
