Cherrylake’s strength comes from our scale and vertical integration within the ornamental horticulture and landscaping space. This strength allows us to innovate and drive change within the industry. We are committed to reducing waste, increasing efficiencies, and promoting the adoption of sustainable agricultural and landscaping practices to increase value for our customers, communities, and the environment. 

One example of this drive for innovation can be found in the recent adoption of electric equipment by our landscape maintenance group. Over the past few years, we've been tracking the progress of electric-powered equipment technology. Initially, skepticism loomed, driven by battery longevity, costs, and operational concerns. However, as technology and market expectations have evolved rapidly, we are now preparing to convert our equipment fleet to electric handheld equipment and mowers over the next several years. 

Studies have illuminated the eco-friendly advantages of electric mowers, showing that just one hour of mowing with a gas mower is as polluting as driving 300 miles in a car, and one hour with a gas leaf blower is equivalent to 1,100 miles. Collectively, gasoline-powered lawn mowers and garden equipment emit 30 million tons of pollutants yearly in the USA, accounting for a quarter of all non-road gasoline emissions. 

While the reduction in carbon emissions is a clear benefit of electric equipment, the decrease in noise pollution is an equally important yet often overlooked advantage. Electric mowers operate at nearly 20 decibels less than their gas counterparts, enabling earlier work start times in noise-regulated residential areas. This shift is particularly beneficial in Florida, where early completion of tasks is crucial to avoid the midday heat and frequent afternoon rainstorms. Additionally, as remote work becomes more prevalent, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the remote workforce by 2025, community and property managers are increasingly favoring companies that adopt quieter, electric equipment. Cherrylake recognizes the significant first-mover advantage in this transition.

The transition to electric mowers initially presented a financial challenge, with costs nearly double that of gas-powered alternatives. However, when considering the comprehensive life-cycle costs, including fuel, maintenance, and downtime, the long-term financial benefits become undeniable. We've found that the initial investment pays dividends within the first 18 months, marking the beginning of real savings.

In our pursuit of the ideal electric mower, we've conducted extensive research and trials, ultimately selecting the 60" Toro Revolution for its exceptional power and user-friendly operation. Our crews are also now equipped with electric string trimmers, edgers, hedgers, and backpack blowers. Despite the increased weight of the backpack blower batteries, the trade-offs in noise reduction, carbon emission reduction, and overall lifecycle costs make electric equipment a superior choice.

In FY2023, we embarked on testing this electric equipment, outfitting several crews with pilot units. Our goal is to transition all of our crews to electric equipment over the next several years, eventually converting our vehicle fleet as soon as electric trucks become available and affordable.

At Cherrylake, our journey toward sustainability is a continuous one, marked by strategic investments, innovative practices, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. We stand at the forefront of industry transformation, ready to navigate the evolving landscapes of technology and sustainability.

This article was written with contributions from Marvin Carlton, Account Manager & Plant Health Leader