Inside Scoop – October 2025

October 2025
In This Issue

Cassidy Lundin
Terra Landscape

From the President – October 2025

As I write this on a Friday afternoon, I think I can safely speak for many of us when I say we’re eagerly awaiting what’s forecast to be the first significant rain of the season. The start of the rainy season marks the beginning of the end of our long, grueling irrigation stretch—a welcome change of pace. And somehow, Halloween is already around the corner. If you have a daughter in elementary school, chances are you’ve been hearing all about K-Pop Demon Hunters—apparently this year’s must-see costume theme!

Looking ahead, I’m excited for our upcoming October 23rd luncheon, where we’ll host a panel discussion on safety—a topic that lies at the heart of every successful landscape company. Our discussion will explore why a safety program tailored to landscaping tasks is essential and, more importantly, what actually works in the field.

We’ll share real-world examples from member companies and hear lessons learned from challenges they’ve faced and overcome. Attendees will walk away with clear, actionable steps to strengthen their own safety programs—steps that protect employees and clients, reduce accidents and liability, and even improve morale, retention, and financial performance.

Topics will include: Why a Safety Program Matters, Key Elements of a Successful Program, Practical Implementation Approaches, Case Studies & Best Practices, and Action Planning.

I hope to see you on October 23rd—let’s continue learning from each other and keeping our crews safe!

Cassidy Lundin
President, CLCA East Bay Chapter

Building Meaningful Landscapes in a Changing California

by Loren McIrvin

California’s landscapes are evolving — and so must our approach. With AB 1572 and a Mediterranean climate defined by drought, fire, and limited water, it’s time to design and maintain landscapes that do more than decorate — they must function, educate, and regenerate.

A meaningful landscape balances beauty, ecology, and utility. It filters stormwater, cools the urban heat island, supports pollinators, and invites people to connect with nature. Every property — from schools to business parks — can tell a story that reflects environmental stewardship and community care.

The industry’s next chapter lies in regenerative and ReScape-aligned practices. By selecting climate-adapted plants, enriching soils with compost, and using smart irrigation, we move from maintenance to management — from sustaining to restoring. Healthy soils and diverse plant palettes create resilient systems that thrive with fewer inputs and deliver lasting value to property owners and communities.

We must also embrace fire-smart and water-wise design as standard practice. Thoughtful spacing, plant selection, and defensible zones not only protect property but also improve long-term safety and sustainability.

Equally important, landscape professionals have a responsibility to educate and collaborate. Our clients, tenants, and visitors are part of the story. By sharing the “why” behind design choices, we help people see landscapes not as expenses, but as living investments that contribute to public health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

As our cities grow denser and our resources more limited, meaningful landscapes remind us that every outdoor space — large or small — can make a difference. When we design with purpose, maintain with intelligence, and partner with intention, we create landscapes that serve all who experience them.

Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc.

Upcoming Events

CLCA East Bay Chapter Events for 2025

East Bay Chapter Safety Program Luncheon
Thursday, October 23rd
11am-12:30pm
Los Positas College, Livermore
Join us for a facilitated panel discussion on why a Safety Program tailored to landscaping tasks is critical and what works in the field. Hear real-world examples from member companies and learn from challenges they have overcome. Attendees will identify and take back steps to creating a safety program that protects employees and clients, reduces accidents, injuries, and liability, improves morale and retention and has financial benefits: fewer claims and lower insurance costs.

Cost includes lunch:
CLCA Members $25
Non Members $40

Click HERE to Register by October 17th
CLCA Convention 2025
November 5-8th
Join us at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
Register Now!

View Our Calendar

Landscaping and Horticulture Safety

Landscape and horticultural services encompass a wide range of services. Included in this category are companies engaged in landscape design and architecture; soil preparation and grading; irrigation systems; tree, shrub and lawn planting; hardscape construction including: retaining walls, pathways and patios; lawn care and landscape maintenance; arborist services including tree trimming and line clearance.

Landscaping and horticultural service workers are at risk of injury from a wide variety of potential hazards in this industry, including exposure to chemicals, noise, machinery, lifting, construction, and weather related hazards. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every 100 employees in the landscaping services industry 3.2 employees were injured in 2021. This page helps identify potential hazards and possible solutions to specific activities within the landscape and horticultural services industry.

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