Columns

NightLighting_Iss3_26
Brilliance LED trainer Kevin Smith walks through how to match low-voltage fixtures to every application — from path lights and accent lighting to tree fixtures and advanced techniques — for professional results that reduce callbacks.
LegistlativeUpdate_Iss2_26
IA policy director Andrew Morris explains how drought restrictions have grown more complex in 2026 — and urges contractors to learn the rules, engage with utilities and share field experiences with the IA.
TCOBusiness_Iss3_26
Marketing consultant Kyle McCarthy argues that the most successful irrigation and lighting contractors in 2026 aren't generating the most leads — they're generating better ones and converting them into higher-value work.
IrrigationPipeline_Iss3_26
Irrigation Pipeline columnist Christopher Pine urges contractors to move from passive awareness of water policy to active engagement — arguing the industry's future depends on its voice being heard.
natasha-updated-web
IA CEO Natasha Rankin reflects on Smart Irrigation Month, the expanding role of water reuse, and how professional expertise — not technology alone — drives lasting impact for communities across the green industry.
IrrigationPipeline_Iss2_26
Irrigation Pipeline columnist Christopher Pine breaks down the real meaning of troubleshooting — a strategic process of isolating where problems aren't before diagnosing what they are.
night-lighting-june26
Brilliance LED trainer Kevin Smith walks through the lighting strategies, fixture choices and smart technology that restaurants, hotels and commercial buildings should deploy to maximize safety, curb appeal and energy savings.
TCOBusiness_Iss3_25
Business consultant Tom Borg makes the case for replacing annual performance reviews with short, ongoing conversations — showing how regular feedback reduces confusion, improves quality and builds stronger irrigation and lighting teams.
LegistlativeUpdate_Iss2_26
IA policy director Andrew Morris flags three key trends landscape irrigation contractors must watch: WaterSense program support, state product regulations and nonfunctional turf restrictions taking effect.
natasha-updated-web
IA CEO Natasha Rankin urges irrigation and lighting professionals to embrace the season through preparation, preventive maintenance, sharp troubleshooting skills and a commitment to Smart Irrigation Month.
NightLighting_Iss1_26
Kevin Smith reviews 2025 landscape lighting trends, from black fixtures and strip lighting to smart controls and social media etiquette for contractors.
IrrigationPipeline_Iss1_26
As irrigation season kicks off, columnist Christopher Pine urges technicians to revisit the hydraulic, electrical, layout and scheduling basics that drive every field decision.
TCOBusiness_Iss1_26
Bad hires cost small businesses thousands. Consultant Tom Borg breaks down the full financial impact of poor hiring decisions and shares proven strategies to reduce costly turnover.
admin-ajax-topaz-standard v2-2x-faceai
IA CEO Natasha Rankin highlights three practical strategies for contractors this season: smarter activations, combined irrigation and lighting work, and profitable retrofits.
NightLighting_Iss4_25
Mentorship programs and educational opportunities help landscape lighting professionals pass on essential skills while attracting new talent to the industry.