As business owners contemplate the implementation of Plant Health Care (PHC) programs, they often grapple with reservations. Whether it’s concerns over staff expertise or past roadblocks encountered, the decision to embark on this journey can seem daunting. However, the rewards awaiting those who persevere are substantial, often prompting sentiments of missed opportunities in hindsight.
Seizing the Opportunity
The present moment presents an unparalleled opportunity to initiate PHC programs. With urban expansion on the rise and green spaces being repurposed to accommodate housing needs, the disruption of native soil poses significant challenges to maintaining plant health. Soil compaction, nutrient depletion and diminished microbial activity become pressing issues in this evolving landscape.
From my experience in guiding businesses through PHC program development, I’ve identified three significant barriers: identifying a PHC champion, establishing foundational processes and prioritizing soil science.
PHC Champion
Recognizing the pivotal role of a PHC champion is paramount. This individual oversees personnel, processes and product implementation. While industry expertise is beneficial, unwavering determination and an alignment with company values are key attributes of an effective champion. People often make the mistake of hiring someone who is strong in science but lacks the tenacity to overcome obstacles. You have to find someone who is passionate about creating the program and growing your company just as much as you are.
If you question the availability of such individuals, allow me to dispel your doubts. The real challenge often stems from not putting enough effort into the recruiting process. At the heart of any successful recruitment initiative is having someone take full ownership of it. Without a dedicated individual driving the process forward, it risks being overshadowed by urgent tasks, potentially leading to the recruitment of unsuitable team members.
Foundational Processes
A prevalent pitfall in change management is leadership overlooking the critical details required to ensure the success of process changes. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to pinpoint obstacles and remove them from your team’s path. Begin by identifying processes that could hinder your sales and production teams from achieving their goals. I always advocate starting with the sales process and working backward from there.
Facilitate your certified arborists’ efforts to educate customers by streamlining the process—determine what essential information they need to convey first. Simplify the task of estimating work by providing clear guidelines, whether it’s by the hour, gallon or diameter at breast height. In my experience, the most successful PHC programs are those designed for scalability.
Ensure your production staff are equipped to work safely and efficiently. This entails optimizing their setup for mixing tanks and applying products, providing them with the necessary tools and equipment to maximize efficiency. Crucially, foundational processes hinge on having your business management software configured appropriately. Sadly, this aspect is often overlooked, leading to missed renewals, subpar customer service and inaccurate reporting.
Starting with Soil Science
I consistently advise that every plant healthcare program begins with a solid foundation in soil science and a comprehensive understanding of the prevalent tree and shrub health issues in their specific region. This initial step enables the team to ascertain what their customers truly value most and which services should be prioritized for implementation.
This tree underwent meticulous root pruning to eliminate girdling
and advantageous roots, fostering optimal tree health and vitality.
Embracing Opportunity
While obstacles may seem daunting, the rewards of initiating a PHC program far outweigh the investment. I urge business owners to seize the opportunity and embark on their PHC journey today. With profit margins reaching as high as 90 percent, the decision to invest in PHC programs is one that yields substantial returns. By embracing this opportunity, businesses can pave the path to sustainable success in the dynamic realm of plant health care.
Heather Dirksen
Owner of Ascend Tree Business Consulting
Phone: (616) 421–5709
Email: hsterzick@gmail.com
www.treebiz.co