The Growing Concern May 2015 by Sandy Munley

Growing Concern

The

May 2015

A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O h i o La n d s c a p e A s s o c i a t i o n

PLANT I.D. Clinic JULY 8, 2015 PAGE 7

OLA Scholarship Golf Classic August 6, 2015 PAGE 29

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President’s column

Customer Service Customer Service: What’s that? Is there such a term used anymore? Like it or not, we are in the customer service industry. On a day-to-day basis, it should be part of our job description, not an every-now-and-again requirement. When you satisfy your customers, they help your company grow by continuing to do business with you, and hopefully, recommend you to friends and associates. Customer service from a buyer’s point of view is expected before, during, and after the purchase. Anything less than that, you might as well kiss them goodbye. This past month I was looking for a cloud-based customer management system to manage our current clientele along with future business. During my search, I discovered a few online demos or trials that ran for approximately two weeks. The goal of these providers is to let you use the software for a short term so that once you gain a feel for what the program has to offer, you will buy their product. I narrowed it down to two companies I thought would be a nice fit for our size operation and signed up for both trials. Over the following three

Steve Moore S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.

days, I received several e-mails and personal phone calls from each provider wanting to know if I had any questions, concerns, or if I was ready to make a purchase. My response to them with every inquiry was “no, not yet, but I appreciate the follow-up.” I didn’t want to tell them that I was really too cheap to purchase during the trial period when I had another week of free time. Who in their right mind would cut off the free trial, and then pay to play early? Not me. Ten days into the free trial period, I received an email from a salesperson from one of the companies with the words “closing your file” in the subject line. He explained in his email to me that it was apparent to him that I am either not interested in his service, or have moved on and purchased elsewhere. Little did he know, up until that e-mail, his company was the one I was going to move forward with.

…the future success of all green industry companies depends on customer service…

To this day, I am still blown away by the sales tactic used to get me to purchase the software. Did he really think by mentioning continued on page 6 The Growing Concern x May 2015 x 3

Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s M ay 2 0 1 5 w w w. o h i o l a n d s c a p e r s . o r g

Ohio’s Professional Green I n d u s t r y A s s o c i at i o n Ohio Landscape Association 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 Fax: 440-717-0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org or www.myohiolandscape.com Editor Darlene Hess, Ohio Landscape Association Regular Writers Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb Steve Moore, S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.

ON THE COVER — Landscape Ohio! Award Winner Green Impressions Landscaping

Features

President’s Column

Customer Service

For Safety Sake

Controls For Noise Exposure

Fiscal Fitness

Perennial Focus

Effects Of Rising Interest Rates

Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ Biokovo Cranesbill

Plant Of The Month

Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffeetree

28 BUY? LEASE? OR RENT? 32 Directions

Legislative Update

Inside Every Issue

5 33

Welcome New Members Advertising Index

Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising rates, please call 1-800-335-6521 Disclaimer The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attest to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

Officers President Steve Moore President-Elect Bryan Taynor Treasurer Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA Immediate Past President Joe Twardzik, CID OLA Staff Executive Director Sandy Munley Communications and Events Manager Darlene Hess Membership Coordinator Sue Whitlam

Directors Eric Brubeck, ASLA Adam Capiccioni Jacob Grimm Nathan Kowalsick Marie McConnell

Ca l e n d a r o f EV e n t s U p c o m i n g OL A m e e t i n g s , e d u c a t i o n s e m i n a r s a n d o t h e r g r e e n i n d u s t r y e v e n t s

JULY

PLANT I.D. Clinic JULY 8, 2015 This is a great opportunity to learn plant material and the type of growing conditions it needs to thrive. Held at and sponsored by Davis Tree Farm in Valley City, Ohio. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-652 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

NALP Renewal and Remembrance Day JULY 20, 2015 Beautification project at Arlington National Cemetery where green industry companies from across our great nation pay tribute to our fallen soldiers by providing lawn care, mulching, pruning, planting and more! For more information or to register, contact NALP at 1-800-395-2522 or visit LandscapeProfessionals.org.

NALP Legislative Conference JULY 20-21, 2015 Influence lawmakers and make a difference in your industry. Held in Washington D.C. For more information or to register, contact NALP at 1-800-395-2522 or visit LandscapeProfessionals.org.

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test JULY 23, 2015 Hands-On and Written Test. Held on the campus of OSU ATI in Wooster. Pre-register by May 20. Written test only will be given July 22 and October 6 at various locations around the state. For more information contact Elliott or Kim Sayers, at the Ohio State ATI Business Training and Educational Services office at 330-287-7511 or 330-287-0100.or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org.

AUGUST

NGLCO Field Day AUGUST 11, 2015 This year’s field day will be hosted by Chalet Debonne Vineyards in Madison, Ohio. For more information contact Annette Howard at 440-241-7969, info@nglco.com or visit www.nglco.com.

SEPTEMBER

OLA 50th Anniversary Celebration September 19, 2015 You are not going to want to miss this event! OLA turns 50 this year, so we will be celebrating in style at the Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio. Join us for a fun evening of food, beverages, live entertainment, dancing prizes, and networking. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OCTOBER

OLA Central Ohio Meeting – Facility Tour OCTOBER 15, 2015 Join us for a behind the scenes tour of Hidden Creek Landscaping’s brand new facility in Hilliard, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

WELCO M E NEW M E M BERS !

The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association:

OLA Scholarship Golf Classic AUGUST 6, 2015

ASSOCIATE MEMBER:

Join us for a fun day of golf, networking, food and liquid refreshments at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

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The Growing Concern x May 2015 x 5

President’s column

One Stop Shop

continued from pg 3 “my file was going to be closed” would prompt me to purchase? I do have to add that when these free trials expire, one loses any information they have entered. Was the tactic to scare me into purchasing out of fear that I would lose the information I had entered? I am sure it was the furthest thing from customer service his management team had taught him. Could he have simply stated “four days remain on your free trial?” Absolutely! This had me really questioning their customer service. If this was the experience I received prior to payment, what should I expect after my payment was processed? I would venture to say that it would not have been pretty. Since the future success of all green industry companies depends on customer service, I encourage you to think of ways to elevate yourself above the competition. Consider the following: What can you give customers that they cannot get elsewhere? What can you give to your customer that is totally unexpected? What can you do to follow-up and thank people even when they don’t buy? Finally, we all make mistakes; know how to apologize when something goes wrong. Most customers will respect a sincere apology. As much as it hurts, it gives us an opportunity to improve, and possibly strengthen our relationship with our customer.

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6 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

OLA EDUCATION SERIES

July 8, 2015

This Plant ID Clinic is a hands-on training opportunity for you and your crews that will cover the basics of Plant ID for plants typically used in Zone 6 in Ohio. Many of the plants that will be covered are on the plant list for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test, including: perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, as well as trees and shrubs - both evergreen and deciduous.

Instructed by

Those who should attend are plant installation staff, maintenance staff, garden center staff, foreman, and anyone studying to take the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test.

8:30 am to 3:00 pm Davis Tree Farm & Nursery Valley City, Ohio

Wendy Moore Davis Tree Farm Bridget Comes Portage Lakes Career Center Russ Luyster, OCNT Impact Grounds Maintenance Qualifies for 5 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified

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GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar is hands-on training with live plant material. Attendees will need to bring their own notepad and pen, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly. Register online by going to www.ohiolandscapers.org and clicking on the EDUCATION button. Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 7 days prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full.

Register On Time, Payment Received on or Before 6/29/15 Register Late, Payment Received After 6/29/15 Firm Address City Phone (______)

OLA Members OLA Members

$69 $99

NON Members NON Members

$99 $129

Contact State Fax (______)

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PLANT ID CLINIC Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, phone or fax • Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org

F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e

Controls For Noise Exposure Loud noise at work can damage hearing. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise at work. An estimated $242 million is spent annually on workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compensation for hearing loss disability. For example, a chain saw has a sound intensity of about 110 dB. Without proper hearing protection, running a chain saw for only 2 minutes can become dangerous to the human ear! To minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers should not be exposed to noise at a level that amounts to more than 85 decibels (dBA) for 8 hours. To create a more healthful workplace, NIOSH recommends removing hazardous noise from the workplace whenever possible and using hearing protectors in those situations where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been controlled or eliminated. This is an approach based on the hierarchy of control.

the loud equipment for quieter equipment may be the next best alternative to protect workers from hazardous noise. If the hazardous noise cannot be controlled through elimination of the source or substitution of quieter equipment, engineering controls may be installed to reduce noise to safer levels or remove noise at the source.

THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROL

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as ear plugs or other hearing protection devices, is the last option in the hierarchy of control. PPE is generally less effective than elimination, substitution, and engineering controls because they rely on human actions to reduce noise. Used in combination with other levels of control, such as administrative controls, PPE may provide worker protection when engineering controls do not adequately remove the noise hazard.

Occupational safety and health professionals use the hierarchy of control (shown in the figure on page 10) to determine how to implement feasible and effective controls. This approach groups actions by their likely effectiveness in reducing or removing the noise hazard. In most cases, the preferred approach is to eliminate the source of hazardous noise. When elimination is not possible, substitution of

8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Engineering controls require physical changes to the workplace such as redesigning equipment to eliminate noise sources and constructing barriers that prevent noise from reaching a worker. If it is not possible to remove the hazard through elimination, substitution or engineering controls, the next step is to reduce noise exposure through the use of administrative controls. For example, an employer may change an employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work schedule to avoid too much noise.

continued on page 10

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The Growing Concern x May 2015 x 9

for safety sake

Hierarchy of Control Apply the highest level of control proportional to the risk level. Apply lower value controls until long-term controls are implemented. Most Effective Remove the Hazard

ELIMINATION

Replace Hazard with a Lower Level Risk

SUBSTITUTION

Make Changes to the Environment or Equipment

ENGINEERING CONTROLS ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS PPE

Change the Way People Work through Policies, Instructions and signs

Protect with Personal Protective Equipment or Clothing

Least Effective

continued from pg 8 NIOSH encourages occupational safety and health professionals, employers, and workers to learn more about controls for hazardous noise exposure. Consult a workplace safety and health professional to determine solutions for your work setting and employees.

SOLUTIONS FOR REDUCING NOISE IN THE WORKPLACE Occupational safety and health professionals and employers can take the following actions to reduce noise in the workplace. Consider these solutions when creating your hearing loss prevention program: • Buy Quiet – select and purchase low-noise tools and machinery • M aintain tools and equipment routinely (such as lubricate gears) • Reduce vibration where possible • Isolate the noise source in an insulated room or enclosure • Place a barrier between the noise source and the employee • Isolate the employee from the source in a room or booth (such as sound wall or windows)

10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

BUY QUIET NIOSH and its partners have led efforts to promote Buy Quiet initiatives including the development of a NIOSH Power Tools Database to make noise data available to tool buyers, users, and manufacturers of powered hand tools. NIOSH held a Buy Quiet Workshop in 2012 and is continuing to develop additional web tools and guidance for use by organizations when implementing Buy Quiet programs. To learn more, visit our Buy Quiet website. Join us to help promote Buy Quiet by raising awareness among workers and employers. Be part of a nationwide effort to reduce noise-induced hearing loss. Read about it on the NIOSH Science Blog and contact the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology, Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch, Hearing Loss Prevention Team at 513-841-4221 to learn more. To learn more about these strategies and review case studies, visit the Industrial Noise Control Manual, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 79-117.

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Fiscal Fitness

Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.

Effects Of Rising Interest Rates After years of a low interest rate environment to help stimulate an economy following the financial meltdown in 2008, most economists and financial professionals are expecting the Federal Reserve (Fed), to begin a series of small interest rate hikes within the next few months. Robert Johnson, Gerald Jensen, and Luis Garcia-Feijoo are authors of a new book, Invest With the Fed which has studied the effects of rising interest rates on investments. Comparing the returns of U.S. stocks against a wide range of other financial assets and analyzing the Federal Reserve’s actions on interest rates back to 1966, the three researchers find that stocks typically aren’t devastated when rates rise. But on average, they show U.S. stocks barely keep pace with inflation during periods of tightening Fed policy—and, surprisingly, Treasury bonds outperform stocks during such periods. General consensus is that stocks will underperform in a rising rate environment as investors start shifting assets to bonds as those rates rise.

…the Fed’s monetary policy is just one of a multitude of factors that influence the stock market… The researchers characterized periods as “expansive” (when the Fed lowers both the discount rate and the federal-funds rate, two of the tools it uses to set monetary policy), “indeterminate” (when both of those rates aren’t moving in unison) or “restrictive” (when the Fed raises both). Each of those three conditions accounts for about a third of all the months between January 1966 through December 2013, so there is plenty of data to compare. continued on page 16

14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 15 Over that full history, the S&P 500 returned an annual average return of 6% after inflation, including dividends. In expansive periods, when the Fed was cutting rates, stocks did even better, gaining 12% annually. During indeterminate periods, when the Fed was on the monetary fence, stocks returned an annual average of 7%. But in restrictive periods, when the Fed was raising rates, stocks generated an annual average return of only 0.8%. Meanwhile, cash and 10-year Treasury notes returned an annual average of 0.9% and 3%, respectively, over the full period from 1966 through 2013. But when the Fed was raising rates, cash returned an annual average of 0.5% and bonds 1%. (All of the above returns are approximated after inflation.) “It’s not so much that bonds do well as the stocks do poorly,” Mr. Jensen says. He explains that during past periods of rising rates, many investors have fled the greater uncertainty of stocks for the relative safety of Treasuries—causing bonds to perform less badly than stocks. Most investors, trained to believe that rising rates are bad for bonds, expect the opposite. Cash also tends to do relatively well while interest rates are going up. Although bonds usually beat stocks when rates rise, they haven’t always. The most extreme exception: the period from 1979 through 1982, when then-Fed Chairman Paul Volcker was increasing rates to snuff out inflation. Stocks outperformed bonds by a wide margin during that time. Of course, financial history never repeats itself exactly. And the Fed’s monetary policy is just one

16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

of a multitude of factors that influence the stock market, so you would be foolish to base your investment decisions on that alone—especially because the central bank’s predictions of what it will do don’t always come to pass. In December 1993, for example, the Fed’s monetary committee said a rise in rates had become more likely “at some point but not necessarily in the very near term.” Only 45 days later, in response to surprisingly rapid economic growth, the Fed began jacking up rates. In 1994, stocks gained 1.3%, cash returned 4%, and 10-year Treasuries lost 8%. Considering that U.S. stocks aren’t far below their all-time peak prices, the past effects of rising rates are another reason for investors to be cautious. Differences in future returns depend mainly on how cheap stocks are in the present. So a rise in interest rates, if it took stocks down a peg, could be welcome for long-term investors. “None of this means you should bail out of the stock market,” Mr. Johnson says. “But people should condition their expectations and temper their enthusiasm.” Always look to rebalance and diversify your portfolio to reduce risk and stay focused on your long term goals.

Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., in Strongsville, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. Phone number (440) 878-9676.

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Presenting the Recent Recipients of the Ohio Landscape Association’s Lifetime Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award. Since 1990, Steve O’Neal has been program coordinator and professor for the SLandscape ince 1990,Design Steve O’Neal and Management has been program Program coordinator at Columbus andState professor Community for the LandCollege. scape Design and Management Program at Columbus State Community College.

In his role there, he has motivated and positively influenced many of the people currently working in the landscape field in Ohio. Alumni of the program speak so highly of Professor O’Neal. Steve keeps his students active with the local & national industry. Students from Columbus State compete in PLANET’s Student Career Days each year and in 2004 they hosted the event, which is a huge undertaking! Mr. O’Neal received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Horticulture and his Masters in Agricultural Education / Landscape Horticulture from The Ohio State University.

Steve O’Neal, MS Steve O’Neal,Recipient MS 2013 Award 2013 Award Recipient

Steve was previously a partner in a landscape firm, worked with Garden Centers and has served as a consultant with numerous well-known landscape companies and on many high profile projects and properties. Steve is active in a long list of organizations and has been a guest speaker around the country. Mr. O’Neal has received: the Distinguished Teaching Award from Columbus State Community College, a Faculty Faculty Recognition RecognitionHonor HonorCertificate Certificatefrom fromthe theCommunity Community College College Consortium, Consortium, is a Faculty is a Faculty Institute Institute Recipient Recipient fromfrom the University the University of Prince of Edward PrinceIsland, Edward and Island, most and recently mostrecieved, recently the recieved, Distinguished the Distinguished Full Professor Full ProfesAward sor —only Award a few – only of these a few areofawarded these areeach awarded year to each Professors year to Professors whom havewhom achieved have achieved their highest theirrank. highest rank. Steve, thank you for your dedication to the students and the industry industry.

hil Fogarty began his career working in the green industry in 1980 when he purchased Crowley’s Lawn Service from entrepreneur, Tom Crowley in 1980. Crowley’s grew substantially over the years offering a variety of lawn, tree, shrub treatments, vegetation control and outdoor pest control. In late 1997, Phil negotiated a merger of the lawn, tree and shrub portion of the company with Scott’s Lawn Care. After 18 months, Phil resumed management of Crowley’s Vegetation Control and established the first Weed Man franchise in Cleveland in early 2000. Mr. Fogarty now operates Growing Opportunities LLC, the Master Franchiser of the Weed Man system in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York. He currently supports 15 franchise partners in over 40 territories. Mr. Fogarty co-hosted a call-in radio show the “Root of the Matter” with Lauren Lanphear from 1991 to 2000 in the Cleveland market where they answered horticulture questions for homowners. Mr. Fogarty is the founding president of the Ohio Lawn Care Association. He is the founding father of the annual volunteer effort at Arlington National Cemetery called Renewal and Remembrance. That event has grown to involve more than 300 volunteers each year! He has served on boards and/or committees for PLCAA, PLANET, Project Evergreen, the Ohio Lawn Care Association, the OSU Extension, AGI, Auburn Career Center, and more.

Phil Fogarty 2014 Award Recipient

Mr. Fogarty is one of the best spokespersons for our industry and always willing to lend a hand or lend a shoulder to anyone in need. In 1994 Phil received the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation’s award for Professional Excellence. He received PLCAA and Landscape Management Magazine’s Environmental Leadership Award in 1999. Phil received PLANET’s Lifetime Leadership Award in 1999, and in 2013, the TOCA’s Communicator Award. Phil, thank you for your dedication to the industry.

Congratulations and thank you both!

Perennial Focus

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’

Biokovo Cranesbill

Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo,’ the 2015 Perennial Plant of the Year, fills all the criteria for this award: multiple seasons of interest, widespread growing range and availability, low needs and freedom from pest or disease problems. In late spring, plants are covered with pale pink flowers that flaunt darker pink stamens. The flower coverage is so great that you almost don’t see the attractive, deeply lobed foliage that becomes reddish in the fall. Although, this European geranium hybrid, hardy in zones 4-8, is naturally occurring; it does not seed. It is rhizomatous (has underground stems) and has trailing stems that root, thus is an excellent groundcover. The rhizomes are easy to pull if ‘Biokovo’ spreads further than you wish. The foliage is only two inches high and the flowers hover just above the leaves. They stay in bloom for about a month. This hardy geranium only needs good drainage, no fertilizer, and a moderate amount of water. In fact, it is somewhat drought tolerant once established. continued on page 22

20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

This hardy geranium only needs good drainage, no fertilizer, and a moderate amount of water.

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Perennial Focus continued from pg 20 I’ve been growing ‘Biokovo’ in my east-facing bed for years where it only receives morning sun, but it can be grown in full sun as well. My Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ grows in the shade of an ancient crabapple with Allium pulchellum, Hosta grandiflora, Hosta ‘Frances Williams,’ Astrantia major, and Convallaria majalis ‘Variegata,’ all perennials that are perfectly happy in relatively dry shade. On the other hand, I grow its cousin ‘Biokovo Karmina,’ a magenta pink, in full sun that I’ve combined with Oso Easy® Cherry Pie Rosa ‘Meiboulka,’ Heuchera ‘Georgia Peach,’ and ‘Berry Smoothie,’ Spiraea ‘Magic Carpet’ and Allium christophii. This is a combination full of color echoes.

I’m sure you can find a place in your landscape for one of these geraniums.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, free-lance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four-season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.

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22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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Plant Of the Month

Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College

Shelley Funai Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Gymnocladus dioicus

Kentucky Coffeetree

Somehow, without rebelling against us or attempting to declare independence from our plant nerd tyranny, you are now enduring our 50th article since starting to write for the great members of the OLA. We are honored to keep sharing our love of plants and the many unique and great species we can use in our landscapes. We encourage you to share your thoughts about any plants we discuss and use it as a chance to expand your plant pallet a bit more each season. With so many great plants available, you can keep each landscape interesting and exciting rather than just repeating the same old stuff. Speaking of tyranny and rebelling, (how’s that for a segue?!), this month’s tree has a common name that dates back to the American Revolution and the settling of the western frontier. As the Europeans ever so delicately shoved their way further west into the continent, destroying as many forests as they could along the way, they learned a great number of survival tricks from the far too patient Native Americans. Many of the lessons learned were plant related and often revolved around what plants are edible and how to prepare them.

roasting and grinding the seeds of this tree (just like coffee) and steeping them in water to create a coffee like hot beverage. The cruel sick joke of this replacement refreshment was the distinct lack of caffeine imparted from the seed. Even worse, should one not properly roast the seeds, they would instead pass along an alkaloid of a different name, cytisine, which turns out to be poisonous to animals, including humans. Kentucky, you can keep your knockoff coffee and all its cruel mimicry.

The name coffeetree comes from the ability to tap into the tree, much like a sugar maple in spring, and pour fresh Columbian Roast out of the bark. You don’t believe us!? You have good reason, it may be more of a French Roast, and we’re not much of baristas over here. Ok, so dreaming aside, the name is due to the frontier practice of

If you are not familiar with this tree, you must find one and enjoy its greatness! We know of some great specimens along the esplanade on the Kent State main campus. The Kentucky Coffeetree does not get the planting respect it deserves in our urban landscapes. This

24 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

continued on page 26

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Plant Of the Month continued from pg 24 Midwestern native was originally found in more alkaline soils towards the moist side of the spectrum, but this tree can adapt better than most to the horrible situations we ask trees to survive in, especially in a more built/urban environment.

both pistil and stamen) and can “pollinate itself.” Right now, Jurassic Park fans are picturing Jeff Goldblum in their heads as he says, “life….uh… finds a way.” (It is always a good time for a Jurassic Park/Goldblum reference).

Gymnocladus is a slower growing tree (maybe a bit over 12 inches a year) maturing around 50 feet tall, slightly less in width, with a very open and irregular branching habit that tends to be a bit upright similar to elm. The bark is a great feature on this tree with long ridges, peeling back some in a recurved fashion giving a very rough texture to the plant. Its leaves are some of the biggest you’ll find in Ohio at up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide! Now, these are bipinnate leaves (twice pinnate), which means the leaflets have leaflets, so the overall effect of a single leaf is more of a young branch with little leaves on it. However, come fall, when the leaflets fall, and eventually the rachis (stem), it looks like 75% of the tree crown is gone and only big burly branches are left behind. We call it the spooky tree as the rough bark and sparse, gnarled branches make it look like a Halloween decoration. Put a spooky owl in there and you’re done with decorations for trick or treat!

In the Dirr manual, he attempts to give some credit to this plant and mentions a pleasant scent to the flowers (great, let me just climb 50 feet up there to smell it), but in truth sells it short by making references to the need for a male variety only. Our argument against that is twofold. One, “life…. uh…. finds a way.” Two, the seed pods are the coolest thing about this plant! Are they “messy”? Sure, but if you have a client who needs the most perfectly arranged unnatural landscape, then this is not the tree for them. The pods are the most bizarre brownish-red flat pouches from about 6 to 10 inches long and a few inches wide. If you crack these pods open, you will find round but flattened seeds about half an inch across that are impossibly smooth, black, and hard as a rock. In fact, when trying to get this plant to grow from seed, we have to use a hammer to crack its shell for better germination. Each plant seems to be on its own rhythm with a year of heavy fruit then a few years of lighter sets. The way the seed pods hang down through the crown all winter with their rough bark and sparse branching, makes the Kentucky Coffeetree way too cool for you not to plant more often.

Gymnocladus dioicus Photo Courtesy: Jean-Pol Grandmont

…this tree can adapt better than most to the horrible situations we ask trees to survive in…

The leaves don’t do much waking up until early May and are one of the first to jump ship in October which means the tree is leafless for about six months of the year. This is a fact not lost on Karl Koch, the German botanist credited with coming up with the botanical name. Gymnos is Greek for naked and cladus for branch. Since this tree is leafless half of the year, “naked branch” seems like an apt name.

Karl Koch didn’t stretch too creatively on the specific epithet either using di from Ancient Greek for two and oíkos for house. This tree’s flowers couldn’t get along so they got divorced and live in separate houses (how Jim explains dioecious plants to his students). The easiest way to describe it to your client is there is a “male” and a “female” plant. Both get flowers, only females get fruit. There is a curious thing that happens though, especially when you see a single plant by itself with no others anywhere near. Fruit appears! How is it possible for a plant that needs a male and female near each other to pollinate and set fruit? We call this phenomenon “Polygamo-dioecious.” This basically means that the plant has the ability to produce a number of flowers that are “perfect” (containing

26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

We feel there are just too many unique features of this tree to be leaving it off our radar. Huge leaves, goofy seed pods, sparse branching, and rough bark, what’s not to love? We have found a few cultivars planted in arboretums in our travels, but it seems most of the trade available plants are straight species. We say, “plant the species, each one is unique and beautiful.” One cultivar available at some growers nearby is ‘Espresso’ which is a “seedless” form. “Life… uh… finds a way.” Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a PLANET accredited, associate of applied science in horticulture degree program, offering many paths to higher education to the green industry. He has an MS from Colorado State and is a licensed arborist. Shelley Funai is the Grounds Manager at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio that offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelly via email at hortsquad@gmail.com

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The Growing Concern x May 2015 x 27

 BUY?  LEASE?  OR RENT? With the current labor shortage in our industry, landscape contractors have had to be creative and find ways to do more with fewer people. For example, the crews responsible for mowing the grass at New Zealand’s Auckland International Airport use a large, one-of-a-kind mower that mows 646,000 square feet of grass per hour. It needs just one person to operate it. Imagine if you had a mower that allowed just one person to do the job of an entire crew. Think about the time and labor you could save. As mowers become more high-tech and efficient, this is becoming more of a reality; contractors can really benefit from these cost-saving advancements.

rates than leasing. Also, you’ll eventually pay the equipment off, which can simplify your business expenses. “When you’re leasing, it’s ongoing, never-ending,” said Steeley Scofield, owner of Scofield Landscaping in Jacksonville, Oregon. “I’d prefer to own my equipment and not have that cost right out of the door.”

Perhaps you’d like to acquire a piece of equipment of this sort. You can go out and buy the machine, or you could lease it for a set amount of time. You could even rent one first to see if it works for you. All choices have their pros and cons, but the decision regarding which method is best rests with you.

But before you run out and buy that gleaming, new machine, ask yourself if you’ll be using it day after day, job after job. Also, ask yourself if that piece of equipment is right for your needs. Will it make your daily work load easier? Can you see it being useful a year or two down the line? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” then hold off, because you don’t want it taking up space and gathering dust in your trailer or warehouse. If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then a purchase is definitely the way to go.

SHOULD YOU BUY? Buying equipment may be the least expensive option in the long run. When you buy, the payments typically carry lower interest

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continued on page 30

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continued from pg 28 On the other hand, some contractors also like the option of buying specifically because they’re not going to be using the equipment on a regular basis. They buy under the reasoning that they’ll take longer to wear out the equipment, and eventually finish paying it off, thus maximizing their ROI. “We purchase equipment we don’t use so often,” said Mark Bella, owner of Bella’s Lawn and Landscape, based in Toledo, Ohio. “We don’t put as many hours on it. We keep it longer and it stays in better shape.” The decision to buy or lease is also affected by the climate. For instance, KEI Enterprises, headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, buys its mowers because it operates on a shorter mowing season than other contractors further south. It snows often in Wisconsin, so the company’s mowers aren’t used as much. “We can get about 2,500 to 2,800 hours out of a mower over seven or eight years,” said Joe Kujawa, KEI’s executive vice president. “We’re not using them nine or ten months out of the year.” As you’re probably beginning to figure out, a key factor in the decision to buy centers around the turnover of your equipment. The average service life of a mower is between two to four years. Will the amount of business you pull in during those years outweigh the amount you pay to own the equipment? At the same time, consider that purchased equipment can be useful even after it’s past the point of repair. Many contractors have a turnover program where they take their worn-out equipment and strip them down for parts they can use on their still-operable machines. It can be a money-saving option for businesses that have their own it would only be effective if you have a lot of equipment that’s of the same make and model. Different brands often use different parts, so if you want to take advantage of this “cannibalization,” plan your purchases accordingly. But then comes the question of whether or not running a unit into the ground is a wise choice to begin with. As equipment ages, breakdowns become more frequent. This can hurt your business, as repairs to the equipment can become expensive, and workers lose hours that would be better spent at a jobsite. Weigh the costs and benefits of a turnover program when you buy equipment. And don’t forget about your immediate needs, either. The upfront costs, such as down payments, are typically higher when you buy a new unit, and that must be factored into your bottom line. Can you afford those costs now?

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SHOULD YOU LEASE? As an alternative to buying, you can lease equipment and pay by the month for a contractually-set length of time. The interest rate on the payments is often higher, but when the lease is up, you can turn in the machine and walk away, or lease a new one. In addition, if you fall in love with the leased equipment, many dealers offer lease-to-buy agreements that let you buy out and keep the unit when the lease runs out. Leases can last up to a year or more. The rule of thumb is to get longer leases for larger pieces of equipment. Earth-moving equipment and large trucks will have the longest leases, for example. Some contractors prefer to lease equipment that they use on a regular basis, because the ability to trade it in after a few years reduces their downtime and saves them money in the long run. This is especially important to Bella, who doesn’t have an in-house mechanic at his company. “We lease the equipment we use a lot, like lawn mowers,” he said. “You get new stuff every two years, keep uptime and minimize downtime.” As you consider leasing equipment, also consider how modern your fleet is, as compared to your competition. While some contractors may find it wasteful to give up a unit that’s still in good condition, you can trade it in for cutting-edge equipment. This will allow your crews to complete jobs faster and give you an edge over your competition. However, make sure you read the fine print on your leasing contract. You should be comfortable with the duration of your lease, and the monthly payments, as well as any amenities that may be offered on the agreement. Also, be on the lookout for whether or not a security deposit is required, and if there are any penalties for putting extra miles or wear-and-tear on a machine. Minor damages can add up at the end of a lease, even if they weren’t your fault. Making sure you need and like the equipment is an even more crucial factor for leasing than for buying. If you dislike your purchased machine, you can at least pay it off quickly and get rid of it. If you wind up leasing a machine which doesn’t work for you, not only does it take up space, but you’ll be paying for it until the lease is up, or perhaps incur a large penalty.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research prior to making those important major purchases or leases. SHOULD YOU RENT? Buying and leasing are great options for landscape contractors who are able to figure out their long-term needs—over months and years. But there are also times when you have to have it now: you need a “quick fix.” A rental could be a wise choice for urgent needs. Suppose a vital piece of equipment on a jobsite breaks down. Even if you have a full-time mechanic at your company, it may take too long to repair the item and get it back onsite in a timely fashion. In a crisis like this, it may be faster and cheaper to rent a unit, so you can quickly get the job back on track. Renting equipment is also good for other short-term needs, such as when you’re at a job and find that your fleet is just a little too small to handle all the work efficiently. In that case, you can rent an additional mower or a trencher or two to finish the job. When you’re done, you just return them. “When we need a second piece of equipment on a job, we’ll rent it,” said Colleen Smith, office manager at Landmark Landscape Contractors in Northampton, Pennsylvania. Renting is also great for the types of jobs that only pop up once in a while, allowing you to take on additional business without having to hire a subcontractor. Maybe your company doesn’t always do trenching, but one job you’re working on calls for it. Renting once in a while is cheaper than buying, if the unit won’t be used enough to earn that money back. “We don’t need an excavator all the time,” said Scofield. “We just rent those as needed.” Another benefit of renting is that you can “try before you buy.” Have you been eyeing a machine for a while, but aren’t sure if you could justify the cost? Rent it for a day or two, and put it

through its paces. If it can get the job done quickly and easily, then you know you can buy or lease it at a later date. It’s a great way to field-test a new brand name or model to see if it would be a good addition to your fleet. Some caution is required, though. The cost of rentals can get high if the jobs you’re using them for run on too long. Also, even though rented equipment isn’t yours, it pays (literally) to take care of it. You don’t want to incur damage fees, or start a bad relationship with any dealer. You may need them again later on down the road.

ADDITIONAL TIPS Even with this advice in hand, it’s important that you do further research, based on your area as well as the current state of your business. Where do you see it going in the foreseeable future? Are you looking to expand the types of jobs your company can take on? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research prior to making those important major purchases or leases. The tax advantages of the different options can also save your company a significant amount of money. It would be well worth it to consult with your accountant or lawyer to see how buying or leasing—or both—can work for you. As you can see, finding the right solution to your company’s landscape equipment needs is a complex one, and unique to your situation. Do the necessary homework so you can spend your money wisely. That way, you can better focus on winning bids and getting work done. Making the right decisions can give you a new lease on your professional life.

Reprinted with permission from Irrigation & Green Industry magazine.

The Growing Concern x May 2015 x 31

Directions

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association

One of the member benefits of belonging to the Ohio Landscape Association often goes unnoticed, but it might be the most valuable benefit we provide. OLA stays active on both the state and federal level to monitor legislation and advocate for your business interests. Most recently, there has been a huge problem getting H2B Visas. I know that many of you reading this may not know what an H2B Visa is. The H2B Visa Program is extremely important to many landscape businesses in Ohio. Approximately one-third of our membership uses the program. Those of you who are able to hire locally are very fortunate. Despite extensive attempts to hire local laborers, many companies are unable to fill their job vacancies and feel it is very important to have a legal workforce. Those companies turn to the H2B Program to find legal, seasonal help. This is not a source of cheap labor. These employers pay thousands of dollars to use the program, must overcome red tape while jumping through multiple hoops to qualify, work with Job and Family Services to find local workers first, and pay workers a substantial minimum starting wage as specified by the government. They deal with language barriers and cultural differences, as well as housing and transportation issues. If they could hire locally, they would be crazy not to. For about a decade, the program has been riddled with uncertainties that make it difficult to plan a business. The number of visas allowed is capped at 66,000. There have been several years

32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

when the cap was reached, and some of our Ohio contractors were shut out. Other years, there have been last minute changes to the rules and regulations governing the program. This year, the problems escalated with a temporary shutdown of the program, the cap being hit, and many other issues. Over the course of these programs, we helped keep companies that we know use the program, informed and provided information to help them contact their legislators. On April 15th, I traveled to Washington D.C. with members for an H2B Fly In. You will be proud to know that Ohio was well represented. We had, by far, the largest group of any state – I was accompanied by 21 of Ohio’s finest, including our OLA President, Steve Moore and 3 Past Presidents. Four from our group were employees, the balance were owners. All were valuable assets to the meeting we had with legislators. We met with Senator Portman and his staff, Senator Brown’s staff and 8 of our congressional offices. We dropped a packet of information with many of the other Ohio offices where we did not have an appointment. continued on page 34

Advertising Index

35 Botson Insurance Group 36 Belgard Hardscapes 23 Cascade Lighting 6 Chagrin Valley Nurseries, Inc. 25 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc. 34 Empaco 6 Irrigation Supply, Inc. 9 Klyn Nurseries, Inc. 27 Kurtz Bros., Inc 21 Lakeside Sand and Gravel 25 Mason Structural Steel, Inc. 21 MDI Products 13 Medina Sod Farm 27 MRLM Landscape Materials 17 Oliger Seed Company 27 O’Reilly Equipment, LLC 17 Three Z Supply 13 Shearer Equipment 17 Sohar’s / RCPW 2 Unilock 11 Valley City Supply 13 VanCuren Tree Service 22 Willoway WDC 9 Zoresco

LOOKING FOR OUR CLASSIFIEDS? Looking for our Classified and Help Wanted ads normally published here? You’ll find them at ohiolandscapers.org or myohiolandscape.com. Interested in purchasing space to run your own ad? The information below should prove useful. HELP WANTED ADS Help Wanted ads are posted on both our industry website ohiolandscapers.org and our consumer website myohiolandscape.com CLASSIFIED ADS (I.E. Equipment for sale) Classified ads are posted on our industry website ohiolandscapers.org COST MEMBERS: $35 plus $3 for each 10 words for 30 days. NON MEMBER: $70 plus $3 for each 10 words for 30 days. PAYMENT All classified advertising must be prepaid. Mastercard or Visa can be taken over the phone. In most cases, online posting will occur within 2 business days once payment is received. Please send all inquiries and ad content to: info@ohiolandscapers.org or call the OLA office at 440-717-0002.

OLA Classified Ad Half Vertical.indd 1

The Growing Concern x May 2015 x 33

2/2/2015 10:35:34 AM

Directions continued from pg 32

Equipment Corporation

YOUR CENTER FOR

PATIO BUILDING

MATERIALS >

Natural Stone

> Bulk Aggregates > Quick & On-Time

Delivery

Servicing NE Ohio

2958 Brecksville, Rd Richfield, OH 44286

330.659.9393

Sales Manager: Greg Schrank

SchrankG@EmpacoEquipment.com

Overall, we had a very good day with a lot of good meetings – and I managed to wear out our group, who were real troopers, keeping a tight schedule to fit in all the meetings. We helped introduce members of the House to a bill that will provide a permanent solution to many of the uncertainties in the program, that is being drafted by Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland. Even if you do not use this program, landscape companies throughout the state will be affected by the labor shortage, so as an industry this is an important issue. Each year, I attend the National Association of Landscape Professional’s Day on the Hill. I encourage you to do the same. This year’s Day on the Hill takes place on Tuesday, July 21st with topic briefings on Monday, July 20th that will explain the issues and process. We go in groups to speak to our legislators so you will not be alone and you do not have to feel intimidated. I will even make your appointments for you. Legislators appreciate the effort you take to come all the way to Washington D.C. to speak with them. As your association, we do our best to speak on your behalf, but because politics is a numbers game, your involvement is critical! To catch the attention of our legislators, it takes a lot of phone calls and letters (whether they are faxed or emailed). And when you make personal visits to our legislator’s offices in Washington D.C., it shows them how important the issues are to you and your ability to make a living. H2B will not be the only topic of discussion. Please call or email me if you have interest in joining me in Washington and I will be happy to tell you more! __________ Another benefit to being a member of OLA is our membership directory. We will be sending out a letter asking you to check the information we have on your company to be sure it is printed correctly in the 2015/2016 directory. Please return any changes you have to us promptly. All members receive a complimentary listing. We also have display advertising available in the directory and I highly recommend suppliers advertise in this booklet. It is referred to often by members and will put your company’s information at their fingertips! Wishing you all a safe and prosperous Spring and I look forward to seeing you soon!

34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

ONLY 30 DAYS LEFT! WE KNOW INSURANCE FOR LANDSCAPERS

With Spring right around the corner, start the season off right. Call Greg today and take 10-15 minutes to review your insurance protection and see if he can help you save up to 30% and give you better coverage like the other 150 clients in his Landscape Insurance Program!

CUSTOM DESIGNED COVERAGE

• Over 150 Landscape & Snow Contractor Companies in our Proven Program • Trucks, Dumps, and Trailer Fleets • Contractors Equipment • General Liability

ODA COMPLIANCE COVERAGE

Avoid suspension of your Applicator’s License! The ODA is now enforcing coverage for claims against faulty workmanship. So before you apply, you must comply!

GREG BOTSON, CIC

440-934-1603 x819 440-537-2292 greg@botsoninsurancegroup.com

JOIN THE PROGRAM TODAY!

Call us TODAY for a quote or go to our website and complete our EASY, ONLINE coverage application! BOTSON INSURANCE GROUP • 36480 Detroit Road • Avon, OH 44011 www.botsoninsurancegroup.com • 440-934-1603

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cleveland, OH Permit No. 2280

9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517

05/15

GROW YOUR

BUSINESS Explore how with a FREE Belgard Guide Book Visit www.belgard.com/gb