Clean Scapes Landscaping Finds Versatility in Compact Articulated Loaders for Urban Tree Care Work

Material handling in urban tree care presents unique challenges, particularly when working around high-end commercial properties and golf courses. Clean Scapes Landscaping, a Texas-based landscape and arborist company, has found success using compact articulated loaders to address these challenges while helping protect sensitive surfaces.

Building a Comprehensive Operation

Clean Scapes maintains one of Texas’s largest commercial landscape operations, with 30 to 40 maintenance crews, eight enhancement crews and specialized divisions for irrigation and chemical applications. Their arborist division has grown significantly under Director Greg Fox’s leadership.

“When I took over the arborist division seven years ago, we had just three crews in Austin,” Fox said. “Today, we’re running seven crews in Austin and three in San Antonio, with specialized equipment that’s changed how we handle materials.”

Looking for ways to reduce their reliance on manual labor involving moving material with tree dollies and wheelbarrows, the team explored mechanized solutions to improve efficiency.

Equipment Selection Process

The company initially tested a Vermeer ATX530 compact articulated loader. While effective, they saw potential benefits in adding a larger machine to their fleet.

“We evaluated various options, including traditional skid steers,” Fox said. “But working on finished surfaces, especially golf courses and high-end commercial properties, required different solutions. That led us to test the ATX720 with turf tires.”

The decision to add the ATX720 came after analyzing operational requirements. “I like the stability a little bit more on the ATX720 and the bigger sizes,” Fox noted. “It can do everything the ATX530 can do and then it can do a little bit more. So I’d rather have too much than too little.” Fox plans to maintain both machines, explaining that “We’ll keep the ATX530 for really tight areas. It gives us more flexibility to get into tight courtyards or other situations where the ATX720 would be right on the verge.”

Practical Applications

The articulated design and turf tires allowed crews to work efficiently while minimizing ground impact on premium properties.

“The reach and maneuverability transformed our material handling,” Fox said. “With high-walled trailers, the compact articulated loader’s reach lets us place material precisely. When loading chipper trucks, we can cut material to size and stack it efficiently.”

While lift capacity often drives equipment selection, Fox emphasized considering total operational impact. “A tracked machine might lift more, but surface damage requires multiple follow-up visits for power washing. That impacts both efficiency and client satisfaction.”

Storm Response Capabilities

Weather events in 2024 tested the equipment’s capabilities. When a derecho struck Texas in April, followed by Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Houston, material handling equipment proved crucial to emergency response.

“These weather events created extraordinary demands,” Fox said. “The derecho damaged 35% – 40% of the tree canopy in affected areas. We needed equipment that could handle volume while protecting storm-damaged properties.”

The compact articulated loaders proved particularly effective during post-hurricane cleanup on golf courses and parks. “The combination of capability and surface protection simplified many complex jobs,” Fox noted. “We established efficient material handling routes while minimizing additional property impact.”

The company’s response to these weather events demonstrated the importance of equipment versatility. Clean Scapes mobilized quickly, prioritizing critical infrastructure like shopping centers and grocery stores. Their ability to work efficiently while helping protect surfaces proved especially valuable during the recovery phase when property owners focused on both cleanup and preservation.

Fleet Management Approach

The company’s fleet strategy includes maintaining both compact articulated loader sizes to optimize versatility. This allows them to effectively handle jobs ranging from tight urban spaces to expansive commercial properties.

“Multiple machine sizes provide operational flexibility,” Fox said. “We can work in tight urban sites or large commercial properties, selecting the right equipment for conditions.”

They have a variety of equipment including trucks, chippers and other tools. Each tree care crew works with a truck and chipper and uses the compact loaders when they need to move heavy materials. This flexible setup means they can easily add or remove equipment based on what each job needs.

The company’s ability to maintain this versatile fleet is strengthened by their strong relationship with Vermeer Texas-Louisiana. The dealer’s support helps make equipment available when needed, even during emergency response situations like the hurricane cleanup in Houston.

Training and Maintenance

The company implements quarterly training programs covering maintenance practices and operational procedures. Regular training helps maximize equipment life and operational efficiency.

“Consistent training reinforces best practices,” Fox noted. “It helps crews work efficiently while protecting both equipment and client properties.”

These training sessions often include representatives from Vermeer Texas-Louisiana who provide additional technical insight and operational tips. The dealer’s commitment to participating in training and providing support has been instrumental in helping Clean Scapes maintain high equipment reliability while maximizing operator proficiency, particularly during emergency response situations. Whether arranging equipment delivery to jobsites or providing technical support, the Vermeer team has consistently demonstrated their dedication to helping Clean Scapes serve their customers effectively.

Industry Considerations

Clean Scapes’ experience reflects broader industry trends toward specialized equipment serving multiple roles. Urban development and elevated property care standards drive demand for equipment delivering both performance and property protection.

“The industry continues evolving,” Fox said. “Clients expect premium property maintenance with minimal disruption. Equipment selection directly impacts our ability to meet those expectations.”

More contractors are looking at their equipment choices differently as they focus on protecting properties and the environment. In the past, many just picked the most powerful machines. Now, with customers wanting less damage to their properties and changing work conditions, contractors need to think differently about what equipment works best.

Operational Impact

As Clean Scapes expands operations across Texas, their equipment strategy focuses on versatility and property protection. Their experience with compact articulated loaders has influenced equipment selection across all divisions.

“We evaluate equipment based on total operational impact,” Fox noted. “Beyond basic specifications, we consider how equipment choices affect our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality service.”

This comprehensive approach to equipment selection reflects a broader understanding of operational efficiency. While initial equipment costs and basic specifications remain important considerations, factors like surface protection, versatility and long-term maintenance requirements play increasingly significant roles in equipment decisions.

For contractors evaluating similar equipment choices, Fox emphasized the importance of considering the complete operational context. Equipment that minimizes property impact while maintaining productivity can help significantly reduce follow-up work and enhance client satisfaction.

Kennedy Phillips is a brand experience lead at Vermeer Corporation.