What began in 1978 with a Ford Pinto station wagon and a lawn mower has grown into one of Northeast Ohio's most respected full-service landscape companies.
Morton's Landscape Development was founded by Barry Morton Sr., who started mowing lawns after work while raising a young family. Those early jobs soon expanded into small landscape projects, eventually evolving into a thriving business built on hard work, craftsmanship and strong relationships.
Today, Morton's operates across three locations and provides comprehensive services including landscape and hardscape installation, maintenance, Air-O-Mulch services, mowing and snow removal, all supported by a strong team culture and ongoing investment in both people and equipment.
"Morton's Landscape Development Company is a friendly team of trained individuals dedicated to our customers through superior communication, with a focus on becoming the most respected company in the green industry," the company told Construction Equipment Guide.
Leadership has since transitioned to Barry Morton Jr., who grew up working alongside his father and now continues the company's legacy with a focus on structure, accountability and continuous improvement. Detailed operating procedures, ongoing training and weekly safety meetings help ensure quality and consistency across all service lines.
The company's growth has been fueled not only by craftsmanship, but by versatility. Operating as a year-round business allows for workforce stability, cross-training and resilience during economic shifts, all while delivering dependable results for customers.
Specialized services further set Morton's apart in the Northeast Ohio market. The company uses advanced application systems, heavy earthmoving equipment and compact machinery to efficiently handle both large-scale projects and precision work. Investments in materials processing equipment also support sustainability and production capabilities.
A strong dealer partnership with Murphy Tractor also has played a key role in operational success, helping optimize fleet performance, maintenance planning and equipment utilization.
"We take great pride in being a small part of our customers' growth," Stephen Schmidt of Murphy Tractor told Construction Equipment Guide. "Our partnership with Morton's is built on understanding their operation, supporting them when it matters most and helping them scale with confidence. Their success is our success, and the best results are always achieved when that success is shared."
From a single truck to a multi-location operation with a fleet of more than 100 pieces of equipment, Morton's Landscape Development continues to raise the standard in Northeast Ohio by combining innovation, strong culture and customer-focused service. With leadership committed to sustainable growth, workforce development and operational excellence, the company is well positioned for continued success in the years ahead. CEG
