The Landscaping Podcast

Talent isn't enough.Zac Small goes solo this episode to talk about something nobody in the trades wants to admit: That there are talented people everywhere who are completely failing, and it has nothing to do with skill.Zac breaks down the five reasons he sees talented people fall short, from the job site to the leadership seat. This one hits close to home for anyone who's ever watched someone with real ability self-destruct, or looked in the mirror and wondered why they haven't gone further.The five reasons:They can't find comfort being uncomfortable, and growth only lives outside of comfortThey don't set goals, and they don't pursue them; talent without direction is just potential gathering dustThey feel entitled, like success should be handed to them instead of earnedThey have poor role models, and they don't even realize it's holding them backThey mistake difficulty for danger, and avoid every hard thing instead of attacking itThis is one of those episodes you'll want to share with someone on your crew, someone in your circle, or maybe just listen to yourself twice.Shay will be back next week; today, Zac brought the challenge directly to you.The Landscaping Podcast is powered by Landscaping Unlimited, Inc., based in Washington, NC. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more.

In this episode, we get honest about a hard truth...Nobody is coming to save small towns.In big cities, people often look to systems, programs, and government to solve problems; but in small town America, it has always been different.Out here, people have to rely on their neighbors, their community, and each other.This conversation is about small-town grit, responsibility, resilience, and pride. It is about what happens when people stop waiting for outside help and start showing up for the people around them. Because in places like ours, strength is not found in handouts; it is found in hard work, loyalty, and community.If you care about small towns, real people, and the mindset it takes to keep a community alive, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Shay breaks down a truth too many people learn too late: "If you do not take control of your time, your time will control you."He talks about the importance of managing your schedule with intention so your job gets your best, your mind and body are not neglected, and the people you love are not left with the job's leftovers.This episode is about priorities, discipline, and building a life that is in balance.Shay speaks on making room for your responsibilities, your personal growth, and your loved ones, without using “busy” as an excuse.If you have been feeling stretched thin, distracted, or like the days are running you instead of the other way around, this one will hit home.

In Episode 52 of The Landscaping Podcast, Shay and Zac are in the truck, catching up after a busy week and getting into a truth that needs to be said more often:Most people have no idea how deep the green industry really is.Too many people see landscaping as just mowing grass, spreading mulch, or moving dirt.That mindset is shallow, and it’s wrong.The green industry is filled with skill, education, strategy, client management, plant knowledge, equipment knowledge, problem-solving, design awareness, and real-world experience that most of the public never sees.That’s a big part of why this podcast exists.We’re not just here to talk shop; we’re here to raise awareness, pull back the curtain, and help people better understand the intelligence, professionalism, and depth behind this industry.In this episode, we talk about the week, the work, the podcast's bigger mission, and why educating the public matters if this industry is ever going to get the respect it deserves.If you work in landscaping, lawn care, hardscaping, irrigation, or any part of the green industry, this episode will hit home.And if you’re outside the industry, this is one worth hearing.

In Episode 51 of 'The Landscaping Podcast', we’re bringing you the audio from Shay Brickhouse’s first public presentation in the green industry, delivered at the Turf Council of North Carolina meeting.In this talk, Shay breaks down what it really means to build a people-first industry and why the companies that win long term are the ones that take care of their team and their clients better than anyone else.This is a message about more than landscaping.It’s about leadership, culture, trust, service, and why real growth starts with people, not just profit.If you’re a landscaper, business owner, manager, or someone trying to build something that lasts, this episode will challenge the way you think about success in the green industry.If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe, share it, and follow along for more conversations built for the landscaping world.

In this solo episode, Zac talks about something a lot of people never fully give themselves permission to do, be real...Too many people are walking through life edited, filtered, watered down, and afraid to say what they actually think, feel, or believe. They stay quiet to keep the peace, shrink themselves to avoid judgment, and perform instead of live.That is no way to live.In this episode, Zac breaks down why authenticity matters, why your voice has to be used in a way that is true to you, and why freedom starts the moment you stop asking the world for permission to be yourself.He also talks about a recent speech Shay gave, where he let people see the real him.He spoke honestly, directly, and without hiding behind what sounded polished or safe. He gave himself the freedom to speak about people and situations in a way that was genuine to who he is, and that kind of honesty is powerful.Because this truth does not just apply to business, leadership, or public speaking.It applies to marriage.It applies to parenting.It applies to friendship.It applies to your work.It applies to the way you carry yourself in every room you walk into.If you are tired of living half-hidden, tired of censoring yourself, and tired of feeling disconnected from your own voice, this episode is for you.You do not need to become someone else, you need to give yourself the freedom to be heard, and the courage to be seen.

Growth sounds good until it starts costing you your standards, your sanity, and the culture that built your company in the first place.In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast, Shay and Zac break down one of the hardest lessons in business: knowing when to say no.They talk about why not every opportunity is a good one, why knowing your people matters more than most owners realize, and how to scale a landscaping business without stretching your team, systems, or reputation past the breaking point.This episode is for landscapers, hardscape professionals, green industry leaders, and business owners who want real growth, not fake momentum. If you are trying to build a stronger team, protect your company culture, and grow your landscaping business the right way, this conversation is for you.Topics include:When to say no to jobs, clients, and opportunitiesWhy knowing your crew changes everythingHow leadership affects long-term growthScaling a landscaping company without losing controlBuilding a business that grows with strength, not chaos

Zac went solo for this one, because there’s a message he wanted every landscaper and hardscaper to hear loud and clear.In this episode, he shares the exact messages from the ads Landscaping Unlimited ran during the Super Bowl and the Olympics, and break downs why we ran them in the first place...To help elevate the green industry, to tell the story that most people never see, and to give credit to the men and women doing real work with their hands every single day.This isn’t about ego and "Look at us," it’s about taking pride in what we do.These ads, this podcast, our blog, etc they're all about showcasing the craft, highlighting the people behind the projects, and reminding the world that landscaping and hardscaping isn’t “just yard work," it’s service, engineering, art, and responsibility.If you’re in this industry, this episode is a flag in the ground...Stand tall, your work matters, and we’re going to help the world see it.(And if you’re a homeowner or business owner listening in; this will change the way you look at the crews you hire.)

Spring and summer don’t “show up” in the green industry; they hit you like a freight train, whether you're ready or not.In this episode, Shay breaks down how he’s preparing Landscaping Unlimited to dominate peak season in his 11th year as a Licensed Landscaper.From tightening systems and sharpening standards to getting crews, equipment, scheduling, and customer expectations locked in before the phone starts ringing off the hook.Whether you’re a homeowner wondering what to do first or a contractor trying to scale without chaos, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to enter the busy season with confidence.In this episode:-> What gets prioritized before spring demand explodes-> Staffing, scheduling, and systems that keep jobs on track-> Equipment readiness and avoiding costly downtime-> How to set expectations with customers (and protect your reputation)-> The mindset shift that separates year-to-year survival from long-term growthIf you want a spring/summer season that runs smoothly, profitably, and professionally, this is the blueprint...

If you live in Eastern North Carolina and you’ve ever wondered why weeds keep winning, this episode is your wake-up call.Shay and Zac break down pre-emergent vs post-emergent, what they are, how they work, and why timing matters more than “whatever your neighbor sprayed.”We talk soil temperatures, NC State, seasonal windows, and how to build a weed-control plan that matches your property, not a generic internet checklist.Inside, we cover:The difference between preventing weeds and killing what’s already upWhy soil temp is the real trigger (and how to use it)The most common Eastern NC mistakes that waste money and burn lawnsHow do different chemicals/products fit different weeds and seasonsWhy hiring a licensed pesticide applicator protects your lawn, your wallet, and your liabilityHow to spot what your property actually needs (before you spray)Whether you’re a homeowner trying to protect your yard or a contractor trying to tighten your program, this episode will help you stop guessing and start getting results.Listen now and build a weed plan that works in Eastern NC.

In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast, Zac gets real about two things the industry doesn’t talk about enough: Healthy Competition and Business Failures.First, he breaks down why landscapers and hardscapers should be rooting for each other while still competing at a high level.The work is hard enough without personal drama, gossip, and people trying to tear each other down; strong competition makes the industry better, while rude personal issues make it worse.Then Zac shares a recent business failure experienced, what the team learned from it, and why he's talking about it publicly.This isn’t a polished “we win every time” conversation, it’s an honest one because when you’re building something real, sometimes you get it wrong...What matters is how you respond, what you learn, and how you move forward.If you’re a landscaper, hardscaper, business owner, or anyone trying to build with integrity, this episode is for you.In this episode:Why healthy competition is good for the landscape industryHow personal drama hurts business and reputationWhat Shay and Zac learned from a recent failureHow to respond when you get it wrong in businessWhy honesty and humility build long-term trust

Shay records a solo episode from the Big Island of Hawaii and talks about a landscaping truth:Every place on Earth has beauty, and every place also has problems.From comparing Hawaii to North Carolina, to breaking down how climate shapes everything from plant choices to drainage and durability, this episode is a reminder that great landscaping is about working with your environment, not fighting it.Shay also dives into two of the most calming, backyard-upgrading elements you can add. water features and fire features, and why both instantly make an outdoor space feel more peaceful, more inviting, and more livable.

You work hard, long days with physical labor, stress, and responsibility.But here’s the uncomfortable question:Are you giving your best energy to strangers, and bringing the leftovers home?In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast, Zac lays out five practical, no-excuses ways blue-collar men can show up for their wives and kids, even after exhausting workdays.This isn’t about being soft; it’s about leadership.You’ll learn:-> The 10-minute reset that changes the entire tone of your home-> How to remove stress from your wife’s life without being asked-> The 15-minute “deposit” that builds lifelong connection with your kids-> The one question that can save your marriage-> How to lead tomorrow before it creates chaosIf you can grind for strangers all day, you can give your family 30 intentional minutes.Clock out at work.Clock in at home.

In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast (Powered by Landscaping Unlimited Inc.)Shay and Zac get real about what it takes to stay focused on the mission when life doesn’t slow down.Between running a growing landscaping company, managing crews, handling customers, building a brand, coaching sports, volunteering in the community, and still trying to be present husbands and fathers, the pressure is constant.This isn’t a highlight reel episode...It’s a practical, motivating conversation about discipline, mindset, priorities, leadership, and mental toughness, and how we keep moving forward when things feel heavy, noisy, and out of control.We talk about the routines and decisions that protect the mission, the boundaries that keep life from swallowing you whole, and why most people don’t need more motivation; they need direction.And if you’re in a season where you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or like you’re carrying it alone, reach out.Seriously...Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or a guy trying to get your life back under control, we want this podcast to be a place where real conversations lead to real change.That's the foundation of our slogan, 'Real Men. Doing Real Work. Having Real Conversations.'

Snow in Eastern North Carolina isn’t “normal,” which is why it catches homeowners off guard.slick walkways, burst pipes, downed limbs, and damaged properties because nobody has a snowstorm plan.In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast (Powered-ByLandscaping Unlimited Inc.), we break down a no-fluff snow-and-ice game plan for homeowners:How to prepare before the storm hitsWhat to do when conditions are unsafeWhat to tackle after the thaw.We cover practical steps such as property walkthroughs, supply checklists, safe snow removal, protecting landscaping and hardscapes, preventing freeze damage, and reducing slip-and-fall risk around your home and business.We also share recommendations for future storms; what to keep on hand, how to think ahead, and the small actions that save you big money and headaches when winter weather shows up again.In this episode:Post-storm cleanup and inspection tipsHow to be ready for the next one, without panicProtecting plants, turf, irrigation, and hardscapesPre-storm checklist: tools, supplies, and property prepDriveway/walkway safety (and how to reduce liability)What NOT to do with snow/ice removal (common costly mistakes)If you want a calm, practical plan you can reuse every winter, this one’s for you.

In this solo session, which is the milestone of Episode 40, Shay Brickhouse lays it all on the table, addressing the real purpose behind The Landscaping Podcast and the mindset that built it.This show isn’t here for fluff, fake gurus, or highlight-reel nonsense.It’s here for the men in the trenches, the ones building businesses, leading crews, providing for families, and trying to become better while doing hard work in the real world.Shay breaks down the meaning behind the slogan, “Real Men, Doing Real Work, and Having Real Conversations," and why that standard matters now more than ever.If you’ve ever felt like modern life is full of noise but starving for truth, this episode will reset your compass.In this episode:Why The Landscaping Podcast was createdWhat “Real Men” actually means (and what it doesn’t)The mindset behind “Real Work” in business, family, and lifeWhy honest conversations are the missing ingredient in leadershipThe standard we’re building, and who this show has been designed for

In this solo episode, Zac tackles a problem that destroys crews from the inside out; and that's blurred lines between friendship and professionalism.Yes, work can feel like family, and yes, you can build real bonds with the people you sweat beside...But, when “we’re boys” turns into favoritism, sloppy standards, gossip, or disrespect for leadership, the business pays for it. Every time.Zac breaks down how to keep workplace friendships healthy without letting them sabotage the mission with clear expectations, accountability, communication, + what to do when a friend becomes the problem.Inside this episode:Why “friends first” becomes chaos fast on a jobsiteThe difference between loyalty and enablingHow to correct a friend without turning it personalThe warning signs your crew culture is slippingHow leaders set boundaries without becoming a tyrantA simple standard that keeps respect intact: the job comes firstIf you’ve ever felt stuck between being “the nice guy” and being the leader your team needs—this one is for you.

In Episode 38 of The Landscaping Podcast, Zac goes solo and takes you to Green & Growin’ 2026, specifically the Pesticide Applicator School.This wasn’t a “certificate chase.” This was him getting deeper in the weeds (literally), so Landscaping Unlimited has another employee raising the standard of product delivery to clients.Zac breaks down what he learned, why continuing education matters in an industry where shortcuts are everywhere, and how understanding the science, safety, and processes helps him deliver more value to his clients.The Landscaping Unlimited mindset is simple: We can do anything outside, and we’re going to keep earning that claim by learning, improving, and leading from the front.If you’re a homeowner, this is why it should matter to you.If you’re in the industry, this is your reminder that the future of the Green Industry belongs to the crews who keep learning.

Shay and Zac just left Green & Growin’ 26 with one takeaway above all others, and it's that the green industry is growing, fast.This wasn’t just another event.It was a glimpse into the next era of landscaping:Business leaders getting educated, raising standards, stacking credentials, and building real careers, not “seasonal jobs.”In this episode, they break down what they saw across the education sessions and the marketplace, and they get personal about the path they’re on:Shay talks about continuing education for his certifications and licenses, because serious operators don’t coast.Zac shares his experience attending pesticide applicator training and taking the NC pesticide licensing exam, leveling up to serve clients with more skill, more confidence, and more professionalism. This podcast is a call to action:The world belongs to high performers.The people who work hard and sharpen their edge… get what they want.And the ones waiting for life to “calm down” get passed.If you’re ready to take control of your direction, your career, and your standard—press play.(Green & Growin’ 2026 was hosted in Greensboro, NC at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons + Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.)

The green industry is changing fast, and the companies and homeowners who understand tech are about to win a whole lot of their time back.In this episode, Shay and Zac break down the real-world impact of landscaping technology that’s already making life easier:-> Automated irrigation systems that reduce waste and prevent “set it and forget it” disasters-> Customizable outdoor lighting that can be scheduled, zoned, and adjusted on demand-> Autonomous mowers that are quietly reshaping how lawns get maintained, now and in the years ahead.They talk through what’s worth adopting today, what’s still hype, and what the future looks like when your property can water itself, light itself, and maintain itself while you focus on higher-value work (or just enjoy your life).If you’re a landscaping business owner, crew leader, or homeowner who wants less chaos and more control, this one’s for you.