Ultimate Backyard Lancaster: A ‘Once-in-a-Career’ Hardscaping Project
Jeremy Martin, owner of Willow Gates Home & Landscape, first received a call from his client about the “Ultimate Backyard Lancaster” project in summer of 2023. Martin was on vacation at the time, but he was so intrigued by his client’s description of their dream project that he felt compelled to respond immediately. “It was…
AI in Hardscaping: Blending Innovation with Education
As AI tools become increasingly accessible, hardscapers look to harness these powerful new tools without sacrificing the foundational knowledge that separates professionals from hobbyists. AI as a Workflow Enhancer For many in the industry, AI has already moved from experimental to essential. Weston Zimmerman, founder of SynkedUp, calls AI “an accelerant to the things that…
The 5 Cs: Hardscaping Skills You Can Hone Before You Get Started
If you’re thinking about breaking into the hardscaping industry, you might be wondering if you have what it takes to succeed. The good news is that many of the most critical skills aren’t about knowing how to lay pavers, they’re transferable skills you may already possess or can develop right now. Let’s call them “the…
How Smart Hardscaping Solutions Solved Big Challenges at America’s Most Famous Battlefield
When visitors arrive at Little Round Top in Gettysburg National Military Park, they’re stepping onto hallowed ground. But with over a million visitors each year, the site – one of the most pivotal sites of the Civil War – needed infrastructure upgrades that could handle massive foot traffic while respecting the history beneath their feet.…
Beyond the Classroom: Why One Professor Takes His Students to Compete at Hardscape North America
Brigham Young University’s landscaping program works to shape the next generation of outdoor design professionals. These students have the opportunity to not just learn in the classroom, but to also gain experience on a national stage. Greg V. Jolley, PLA, ASLA, Professor of Plant and Landscape Systems, often brings a team of students to the…
Entrepreneur vs. Employee: Which Path is Right for Aspiring Hardscapers?
Every hardscaper faces a big decision at the start of their career: should you begin by building your own business or gain experience by first working for someone else? Both routes have their pros and cons. Running your own company means independence, but also risk; working as an employee offers stability and mentorship, but less…
Want Hands-On Experience with Hardscaping Equipment? Tell Your Instructor About Tools for Schools
When landscape constructions students at SUNY Cobleskill stepped onto the historic grounds of the Lasell House in Schoharie, New York, they weren’t just on a class field trip. They were there to build something that would last. Working with the Daughters of the American Revolution, the students got to lay out plans, prepare the base,…
The Surprising Skill That Will Set You Apart in Hardscaping: Making a Phone Call!
If you’re looking to break into the hardscaping industry, you might have been focused on learning the technical skills, such as how to lay pavers, build retaining walls, operate equipment, or studying materials or sales techniques. But there’s one skill that could set you apart from other job candidates and make you incredibly valuable to…
An Oasis of Opportunity at SkillsUSA 2025
Every year, the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) looks forward to one of the most exciting events in the trades: the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. SkillsUSA brings together an estimated 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 650 national corporations and trade associations. With over 6,500 students competing in 114 hands-on…
Questions That Get You Hired: Interview Advice for Aspiring Hardscapers
You’ve polished your resume and made it to the interview round. As the interview winds down, the hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” Why Questions Matter More Than You Think When a candidate comes to an interview with prepared questions, it sends several powerful signals to potential employers. “It shows that…
