NNLA Member Spotlight: Well Rooted Gardens
For this issue’s member spotlight, we visit with Joel Kayser of Well Rooted Gardens.
Tell us about your business’ background and history. How did the company start and where it is today? Describe your path to get here.
After 4 years of working at a local garden center, I graduated from horticulture school and started Well Rooted Gardens in 2007. Year after year my goal was to grow the company by serving the client and our team first, knowing the reward would follow a high level of customer service. Plant care knowledge has been my passion from the start, which is why I continually put my team through college classes and certifications. I now have 7 crews I lead, engaging in full tree, lawn and landscape maintenance and landscape construction.
What are you known for or what is your niche?
Our motto is Specialized Horticultural Services. We do not want to compete to be the cheapest company, we want to compete to provide the best service, backed by the latest horticultural research. We focus our services heavily in the Ponca Hills area of Omaha and maintain tree canopies and large landscapes areas for larger mature acreages.
What are some highlights of serving your community?
One of our favorite ways to give back has been through serving a community garden project. For several years I have hosted a free Saturday workshop at the Dundee Community Garden teaching edible landscaping and fruit tree pruning methods. We have also hosted edible landscape workshops in Ponca Hills and in Papillion Garden club.
What awards or recognition has the business received?
I am a Certified Arborist, a Certified Nurseryman & Landscape Professional, and our company was a winner in the Best of Omaha in Retaining Wall Construction in 2023.
What are you passionate about professionally?
Mentoring new and upcoming landscape companies teaching them business strategies and how to properly grow in this industry. After 20 years in the industry, I have made plenty of mistakes, and I love to coach new entrepreneurs on what to do or not to do when starting and growing their companies.
What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Working in our landscapes with my wife and 5 children. Every Saturday is garden day in our family, and by summer time we install well over 100 yards of mulch in our landscape. We experiment with training and growing over 40 fruit trees and over 100 edibles, which bring a reward of their own by summer time!
Anything else you would like to tell people about yourself or the company?
The most rewarding thing about the landscape industry is that you can leave a legacy to the next generation through the landscapes and trees we plant, which if done properly, can outlive you.
Joel Kayser, Well Rooted Gardens
wellrootedgardens.com - joel@wellrootedgardens.com - 402-216-8412