Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common and expensive occupational health problem in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Causes of musculoskeletal injuries (also known as repetitive-stress, repetitive-strain and repetitive-motion injuries, and cumulative-trauma disorders) include repetitive motion, heavy lifting, awkward posture or a combination of these factors. In the landscaping industry, tasks such as lifting and carrying, using powered and non-powered tools, reaching, bending and pushing and pulling heavy loads throughout the day can lead to musculoskeletal injuries – most commonly, sprains to the back, neck and shoulders.

Landscaping Tips - Is it a cactus....?

The seasonal events in the life cycle of plants are regulated by a number of environmental cues including temperature and day length. How do plants survive during colder temperatures? Woody plants start preparing for winter by shunting the water in their twigs, branches and trunks to their core and root system. This movement of water is triggered by certain chemical compounds. As a result, the plant cells contain higher concentrations of sugars, salts and organic compounds which lower the freezing point of cells and tissues enabling them to survive lower temperatures.

Operating trucks or truck-trailer combinations loaded with landscaping equipment and materials involves many potential hazards for crew members and those with whom they share the road. Overloading or neglecting to properly secure equipment, materials and plants in a pickup bed or trailer can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. Landscape companies can be held liable in court, and drivers can face criminal negligence charges.

Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island date palm is an easy to recognize landscape palm found throughout the lower elevations of Arizona. The palm is easy to care for and should be trimmed once a year in late spring or early summer after the fruit is produced.