A few months ago, I had the privilege of judging the Beautification Awards for the recently revived Los Angeles – San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA).  I also had the pleasure of working alongside my long-time friend and fellow judge, Javier Lesaca. We were escorted on the two-day excursion by our driver/navigator Dan Dvorak and photographer Bronwyn Miller.

I have judged awards for many chapters including this one in the past, but what was remarkable this time is that we saw over 65 “winning” properties.  Of course, we were unable give prizes to everyone, but I just wanted everyone to know that the level of competition among all entries – commercial and residential—was staggering.  The differential between first and last was often a few points or less. The properties and companies that won paid attention to detail like I have never seen in over 25 years in the landscape business. As a bit of advice or constructive criticism to those who did not fare as well as they would have liked, it came down to a few details such as messy irrigation installation, anti-siphon valves set too low to the ground, improper tree staking, poor wood joints on fences or planters and unfinished jobs.  With regard to maintenance issues, we observed a fair number of weeds in the color beds, shrub pruning that was not consistent, over watering of lawns and planter areas, overspray on to buildings and hardscapes or dead plants in the landscape. If for next year’s awards contractors correct these few items their scores will surely move them up in the competition.

The bottom line is that both Javier and I were very impressed with the quality of work submitted both in residential and commercial jobs as well as water features, lighting and tree pruning.  And for a newly revived chapter to generate so much enthusiasm and a large number of entries speaks volumes about your Chapter Board and the dedicated members committed to rebuilding the Chapter for the good of the industry.

I hope that all of you entered properties this year do so again next year.  And if you are reading this but did not enter awards this year, plan on entering next year.  It will only get bigger and better with your participation. The process is exciting, the resulting awards banquet was fantastic and the pride and bragging rights you will earn will help you grow your business.

Respectively submitted,

Chuck Carr
Past CLCA State President
Licensed Landscape Contractor