Despite NC drought, teen's landscaping business is still seeing green after shift in focus

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A recent high grad in Orange County runs a landscaping business and he's staying busy despite intense summer heat and severe drought conditions affecting much of the area.

Saajan Reck, 18, who started his landscaping company a year ago while attending Chapel Hill High School, said demand for landscaping services remains strong.

"I feel like there's always a demand," Reck said. "You just have to go out and find it."

Now a recent graduate, Reck leads a six-person crew that includes two current high school students.

"Business is doing pretty good," Reck said. "This is the good time for landscaping, and we've been pretty busy."

The drought has affected lawns across parts of the Triangle, with some grass turning brown or ceasing growth. In response, Reck Landscaping has shifted its focus toward services such as mulch delivery, mulch spreading and rock work.

Crew members are also dealing with difficult working conditions as temperatures remain high and conditions stay dry.

"Right now, it's very hot and dry," Luke Bartholomew said. "It's hard to stay outside during these conditions, but you just got to push through it."

According to Reck, maintaining lawns has become more challenging during the drought.

"Grass is dying out a lot more, but you just got to keep watering it," Reck said.

Looking ahead, Reck said he hopes to expand the business to Charlotte. He is also studying business at UNC Charlotte.

"The monthly contracts are really good, just steady income at that point," Reck said. "Yearly things are really good for us."