Mapledale Farm has stayed strong this season by giving its customers more of what they want and need

By Mary Malik

When your family has run a successful business for over 150 years, you’ve seen, and learned, a thing or two. Dave Johnson, owner of Mapledale Farm in Chardon, has been running this family business since 1982—and he’s discovered the secret to success.

“Call people back, do what you say you’re going to do and treat them fairly,” says Dave. “We take care of our customers and employees. We always have and that’s why we’ve had some of the same clients and employees for over 30 years.”

Mapledale started as a dairy farm in 1874 and today focuses on landscaping maintenance, providing bulk materials including mulch, topsoil, compost, gravel, sand and stone. Landscape supplies and hand tools, PVC pipe and fittings, weed fabric and grass seed are also available.

“Even throughout this pandemic, we’ve listened to customers and responded by offering phone ordering and curbside pick-up for all products,” says Dave. “We also offer gift cards and online bill pay and quotes. Everyone appreciates the convenience and safety.”

With people spending more time at home, Dave and his staff are advising customers on improving lawn and garden spaces and ways to upgrade outdoor living areas for family enjoyment. Mapledale’s Poly furniture is the highest quality, heavyweight and fade, crack and rot resistant. See what’s in stock or place your order and have it in a few weeks.

“Mid-September is the time to get ready for next spring by aerating your lawn, getting lime down and seeding thin areas so grass will come in lush next spring,” says Dave. “Turn your flower and vegetable beds and add leaf hummus now. Hummus needs time to break down and ready those beds for next summer’s vegetables.”

It’s this expertise that Mapledale offers that sets them apart. Dave’s family has been involved in just about every area of landscaping and farming over the years and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge and experiences with their customers.

“Whether it’s design services for a commercial or home landscape project, advice on making your own maple syrup—yes, we do that, too—or recycling bio-fuel we have you covered,” says Dave. “Lance Fay, head of landscape design and construction, and Jeff Winfield, head of grounds/lawn maintenance and turf care, have been with me for over 25 years. Their expertise is unmatched. They’ll guide you through your project and get you the result you’re looking for.”

You see, for Dave, it comes down to listening and serving the client.

“Our community involvement is very important to us for that reason,” says Dave. “It’s one more way we can engage with our neighbors and help where needed.”

Mapledale is a member of the Chardon Chamber of Commerce and Dave is a rotary board member and member of the Ohio Landscape Association along with many other community groups. In fact, just this summer the Chardon Farmers Market lost its location and Dave pitched in and offered Mapledale.

“We helped the vendors out, offered our space and it worked out great,” says Dave.

Mapledale’s willingness to help where needed and serve the community is why they are a 2020 Family Business Achievement Award honoree.

“It’s a nice honor,” says Dave. “My granddaughter is our family’s eighth generation to live on our farm. We pass that family commitment and bond on to our community. We wouldn’t know how to do it any other way.”

Mapledale Farm is located at 9763 Old State Road, in Chardon. For more information, call 440-286-3389 or check the website, MapledaleLandscaping.com.