FINISH THE LAST QUARTER STRONG
2020 has already been a strong sales year. The actions you take in the last quarter can have an oversized impact on your bottom line. 
 
Here's how to boost the last 3 months of the year:
 
Keep selling.Find extra work that can be done on properties you already visit regularly (enhancements). Sell new services like landscape lighting, drainage, water features and more.   

Use overtime. Don't be afraid of the cost of extra hours to get another job or two done. Do the math. It's easy to recover the additional cost for a short burst. Also consider special incentives for your team to encourage them to sell and produce more. 
 
Raise rates now. Take your annual price increase now, when demand is high. Adjust for rising material costs too.
 
The Team at North South Supply
CHECK OUT THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL OFFERS
Learn how to save $$ on your upcoming projects with our special offers. Click here for details.
MANAGING INDUSTRY PRICE INCREASES
Manufacturers of plastic pipe, fittings and wire have been forced to raise their prices due to volatile increases in raw material costs, rising freight costs and limited raw material availability.  
 
Please be prepared to adjust your pricing upward in response to inflationary pressures.

Price increases are an opportunity - not a penalty.  They're an opportunity to readjust your profit structure.
 
In the months ahead, we encourage you to adjust your bid prices with current cost data. Check with your North South Supply representative on large project needs.
HOW TO INTEREST CUSTOMERS IN LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
Today’s homeowners see their landscapes as a source of pride,a refuge for relaxation and a place to enjoy good times with family and friends.


BEAUTIFICATION: Focal points stand out and become more beautiful. Textures not seen in daylight become eye-catching detail. Architectural features can be accented, which brings the building and
the landscape together for a resort-like feel.

USABILITY: Landscape lighting enjoyably extends the time spent outdoors. Now patios, pools and children’s play areas become entertainment venues, or just relaxing places to unwind.

SAFE PASSAGE: Hazards such as steps, low-hanging or thorny vegetation, abrupt changes in elevation or debris in a walkway can all be avoided with properly placed landscape lighting. Guests can be
safely guided away from hazards.

SECURITY: It’s a proven fact that a well-lit landscape will deter potential intruders by eliminating dark areas and shadows that would conceal movement around the property.

VALUE: Landscape lighting not only brings a property to life, it also provides excellent return on investment by creating a stunning first impression when viewed by visitors.
FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND, HIRE & RETAIN EMPLOYEES
It's tough to find good people in today's busy market.
 
There are hundreds of employers seeking the same applicants you're going for. Your competition isn't just other contractors; it's everybody who is looking for people who are willing to work hard.

A recent survey of landscape contractors indicated that the biggest challenge in recruiting is not having enough candidates from which to choose. Digging deeper, it's not just a lack of candidates, it's a lack of QUALITY candidates.

If you want to attract and hire the best, you need a plan. We've partnered with ADS to bring you a series of guidebooks that can help you recruit more effectively. Download the PDFs here: 
 
ZURN PRESSURE-REDUCING VALVES (PRVs) INCREASE LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY
Improving the efficiency of an outdoor irrigation system is an important factor in water conservation. 
 
Many existing lawn sprinkler systems are operating at water pressures exceeding pressures recommended by sprinkler manufacturers. Higher operating pressures create system inefficiencies due to excessive flow rates, misting, uneven coverage and water waste when watering areas outside the landscaping. Lower water pressures generate appropriate water droplet size from the spray heads and provide a more uniform distribution of water across the landscape increasing the irrigation system's performance.
 
The most straight forward method of lowering water pressure to an irrigation system is accomplished by adding a single water pressure reducing valve (PRV) at the point of connection (POC) to the irrigation system. The single PRV installed along the POC line will regulate variable high inlet water pressures to a constant lower optimal water pressure for the entire irrigation system. This allows the installed spray heads and drip emitters to operate in their recommended high efficiency pressure range. Increased water efficiency will be immediately realized by the irrigation system with this one change. Therefore, irrigation systems that experience high inlet pressures would realize significant water savings when designed or retrofitted with a PRV installed along the POC to the mainline. This technique for lowering water pressure to an irrigation system is common practice for both landscape irrigation designers and landscape contractors.
 
Zurn Industries promotes efficient landscape watering using Zurn Wilkins Pressure Reducing Valves. For more information on Pressure Reducing Valves, visit zurn.com or our irrigation playlist on YouTube at OneZurn.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING TECHNIQUE: UPLIGHTING
Uplighting trees is an art form that enhances any lighting installation. No two trees are the same, so use these guidelines to inspire your designs:
 
SMALL DECIDUOUS TREES
Most small, deciduous trees only need one accent light, but it's important to take viewing angle into account. If viewed from two angles, the tree may benefit from two accent lights. The fixture should graze the trunk and point up into the canopy for maximum effect.
Recommended fixture: Small VLO accent 35° or Gen 1.5 Accent 35°

MEDIUM DECIDUOUS TREES
Cross-lighting: While it is possible to use one 60° accent, it is better in most cases to use two 35° lights because they will direct more concentrated light into the canopy. Position the accent lights so they graze the trunk but are focused on the canopy.
Recommended fixtures: One small VLO 60° or two small VLO 35°

LARGE DECIDUOUS TREES
Different angles: A large tree (60-100 feet) will require a combination of accent lights with different angles.
Place one 15° accent light at the base of the tree, highlighting the trunk up to the point where the branches begin. Place 2-3 accent lights (35° or 60°) away from the trunk pointing into the canopy. Place 1-2 accent lights in the canopy, pointing up.
Recommended fixtures: Large VLO 15° for the trunk, large VLO 35° or 60° for the canopy