Liberty Landscape, Trad's Garden Center in Jacksonville announce changeover

Liberty Landscape Supply announced it is close to finalizing the acquisition of Trad’s Garden Center in Jacksonville.

Liberty, which has two locations in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, said the deal is expected to closed on Nov. 1 to take over Trad's at 8128 San Jose Blvd.

The garden center has been owned by the Trad family since Betty and Lou Trad opened the business in 1971. The family later launched Trad’s Pest Control, which will continue to be managed by Denise Trad Wartan, Betty and Lou Trad’s daughter.

After decades of selling plants and trees throughout Jacksonville, the Trad family sought a new owner who would maintain operations at its current site, according to Liberty's announcement.

“We are excited and honored to have the opportunity to capitalize on the goodwill the Trads have created in their community," said Liberty owner Mike Zaffaroni. "Rarely do you have an opportunity to build your business on the backbone of an established location like Trad’s Garden Center.”

Liberty, formerly Fernandina Mulch & Stone, has 12 years of operating experience in Northeast Florida beginning with its first location in Nassau County in 2007 followed by a second in Jacksonville a decade later. The company offers a selection of plants, trees, mulches, soils, gravel and other landscape products, as well as delivery service and design and installation.

Employees of Trad’s will have the option to transfer to Trad’s Pest Control or retain their positions at the garden center under Liberty’s ownership.

“We are grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition ownership of the garden center to someone who shares our commitment to providing the community with excellent service and quality products," Denise Wartan said.