Mike McLoud, nursery manager for Lawrence Landscape Inc., recently attained designation as a certified landscape technician, through the Planet certification program.

McLoud completed a daylong test through the international program that is designed to boost professional standards and improve performance.

Candidates are checked for adherence to best practices and safety ideals.

Among the topics covered in testing: first aid and safety, plan reading, sod installation, irrigation identification and tree planting, staking and guying.