The Growing Concern November 2020 by Sandy Munley

Growing Concern

The

NO VEMB ER 2 0 2 0

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O H I O L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

OLA Annual Meeting: Developing Your Strategic Business Model November 19, 2020 / Webinar featuring Mike Rorie of GIS Dynamics / PAGE 7

OLA Education: Dormant Pruning Clinic

December 1, 2 & 3 2020 / New Format: Webinar & Hands-on Training / PAGE 29

SWITCH TO THE GREEN INDUSTRY RISK EXPERTS NOW! Before your crew gets busy. EASIER, SAFER AND BETTER WITH BOTSON! At Botson Insurance we see beyond insurance to provide you with practical solutions to the problems that face the Green Industry—and we may be able to save you money while doing it.

(440) 537-2292

greg@botsoninsurancegroup.com

✓

Lowest General Liability Rates in Ohio up to 50%-80%

✓

Faulty Workmanship Coverage for as little as $425 per year

✓

botsoninsurancegroup.com

We’v protect e been in Industry g the Green great ra and providing tes for 2 8 years!

Over 160 Green Industry professionals in our program.

GREG BOTSON MORE THAN A TRUSTED ADVISOR

EASIER

Provided expert advice and built strong client relationships over 28 years.

SAFER

Free distracted driving and safety seminars, resources, training and more.

BETTER

Replacement cost coverage on equipment and more flexible driver requirements.

PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

DOMENIC LAURIA Vizmeg Landscape, Inc.

BUILDING ON THE GOOD For many of us, it’s easy to constantly focus on those things we feel the need to improve, whether it’s in our businesses, or personal lives. And while focusing on what we need to improve isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s important to always be looking for avenues to better ourselves – we need to take the time to celebrate our victories, as well. I tend to believe that the reason many of us focus on our pain points – the things that cause us the most amount of stress in our lives – is because we want them to go away. We want to solve the issues that create the most stress, so that life is more enjoyable. That being said, one thing I’ve come to realize is that there are always more problems waiting to be solved, which is okay, because we are problem solvers! It’s what we attribute our successes to… especially in this industry. The downside is pretty obvious though. There just isn’t enough time in the day to solve all of our problems. So, it’s important to slow down and celebrate our ‘wins’ at various times throughout the day, week, month and year. For those of you who don’t know, I’m Italian. Growing up, that meant eating dinner together as a family, every night – no

questions! Now that I have a little one of my own, I would love family dinners every night. But, I also think it would be extremely unfair for me to ask both my wife and daughter to wait till I get home to eat, because more often than not, I get home pretty late. Needless to say, it weighs on me. Rather than dwelling on it, I prefer to focus on the times when I can be there, living in the moment and enjoying it. And while I know it isn’t some major accomplishment, that I don’t deserve some sort of award, and that it doesn’t solve any of the challenges I face every day at work, it is something good in my life that I take the time to acknowledge. The fact is, there are so many things that happen to all of us on a day-to-day basis that are good, yet many we ignore because we take them for granted. It kind of begs me to ask, why? continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 WWW. OH I OLA N D SCA P E R S. OR G OH I O’ S P R OF E SSI ON A L G REEN I N D U ST R Y A SSOCI 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 and www.myohiolandscape.com DESIGNER / EDITOR Rick Doll, Jr. REGULAR WRITERS Adam Capiccioni, Ohio CAT Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Dr. Jim Funai, PhD., Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb COVER: 2019 Landscape Ohio! Awards Merit Award winner, The Pattie Group, for their entry in the category of Residential Installation.

FEATURES

3 8 12 16 20 24 30 31 31

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Building On the Good

PERENNIAL FOCUS

Some Things Never Change: Landscape Maintenance

FISCAL FITNESS

Year-End Financial Checklist

FOR SAFETY SAKE

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of publication. For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, 1.800.335.6521, or email Rick Doll Jr. at rick@ohiolandscapers.org. DISCLAIMER The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests 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 Domenic Lauria

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

Sorbus alnifolia: Korean Mountainash

President – Elect Dr. James Funai, PhD.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Treasurer Brian Maurer, LIC

Communications & Events Manager Rick Doll, Jr.

Identifying and Reducing Worker Fatigue

PLANT OF THE MONTH

New Normal: What Practices Landscape Pros Might Keep After COVID-19

DIRECTIONS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS ADVERTISING INDEX

4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Immediate Past President Adam Capiccioni DIRECTORS Keith Clapper Ryan Drake Stephanie Gray, LIC Cameron Maneri Rob Morel

C AL ENDAR OF EVENTS U P CO M I N G O L A MEETINGS , EDUC ATION SE MI N A R S, A ND O TH ER GREEN INDUS TR Y EVE N T S

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 19, 2020 OLA ANNUAL MEETING (WEBINAR) In addition to the items we normally cover in our Annual Meeting, Mike Rorie, CEO of GIS Dynamics, will discuss the process of defining how your organization creates, delivers and maximizes value for its customers, employees and stakeholders. Note: Due to state social distancing guidelines, this event will be held via webinar in order to accommodate all of our members. See page 7 for more details.

DECEMBER DECEMBER 1, 2 & 3, 2020 DORMANT PRUNING (NEO & Central Ohio) Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to learn the proper pruning techniques. Held at Willoway Nursery and Premier Plant Solutions. Note: Due to state social distancing guidelines, the large group classroom portion of this event will be held via webinar. The hands-on portion will be held in-person, in small group settings. See page 29 for more details.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 SALES TRAINING: SELLING VALUE, NOT PRICE Join us as Marvin Montgomery, better known as the “Sales Doctor,” conducts a 2-hour webinar focused on Key Selling Techniques that will enable your staff to become effective at selling the value of your services, instead of discounting the price on them. Note: Due to state social distancing guidelines, this event will be held via webinar in order to accommodate all of our members. See page 28 for more details.

JANUARY JANUARY 21, 2021 OLA MEETING (WEBINAR) Kevin Kehoe, Founder of The Aspire Software Company and President of Kehoe Co. will discuss Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and what both business owners and their managers should be looking for – outside of standard financials. Note: Due to state social distancing guidelines, this event will be held via webinar, in order to accommodate all of our members. For more info visit ohiolandscapers.com/meetings

The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 5

PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N continued from page 3

Life’s lessons, like the ones where you mess up so badly it hurts, are always the hardest. But, they are also the ones we make sure never to repeat, because we never want to feel that way again. In my opinion, this is why we focus so much time and energy on the negative ‘what ifs,’ instead of the tangible positives. Think about it. What keeps you up at night? Is it the stress of what is going to come tomorrow, or is it that awesome experience you had earlier today? As humans, we do not like to feel uncomfortable, so most of us put too much energy into those things we can’t immediately control, failing to stop and realize that life will continue to move on, regardless. Once we accept this, and begin putting the same amount of time and effort into the positive things, it’s almost as if they start to happen automatically – the power of perception. There are different ways to acknowledge the good things that happen throughout your day and I’d urge you to do some research on what method might work best for you. Some people I know keep journals that they work on every

6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

night, before bed. Others start their day off reciting three to five things they are grateful for. There are plenty of options available to help us all appreciate the good things we have in our lives, without having to constantly acknowledge the bad. In closing, a bit of a fun fact, if you will… There is something in our brains called the reticular activating system (RAS). It goes something like this: When you decide to buy a car, or start looking for a new car, studies show people reported suddenly noticing that car all over the place. That is RAS. It works in the scenarios I mentioned above, as well. The more you acknowledge the good things that happen in your life, the more your brain will go on auto-pilot and start incorporating them more frequently, allowing you to appreciate ‘the simpler things’ – the ones you may currently take for granted more often. And once you start to realize them, that’s when you have the opportunity to build off them. Have a great November!

OLA MEETINGS SERIES

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION NOVEMBER 19, 2020 OLA WEBINAR/VIRTUAL MEETING AGENDA OLA ANNUAL MEETING 3:00 PM TO 3:30 PM PROGRAM 3:30 PM TO 5:00 PM COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: NO CHARGE NON MEMBERS: $30 REGISTER TO ATTEND BY NOVEMBER 12, 2020

SPONSORED BY

PLATINUM SPONSOR

OLA ANNUAL MEETING

Developing Your Strategic Business Model: A Roadmap For Success

Due to current Covid-19 Social Distancing Guidlines, the OLA will be holding this year’s Annual Meeting live, via webinar, on November 19, 2020. Our special guest presenter for this meeting will be Mike Rorie, CEO of GIS Dynamics, who will discuss the process of defining how your organization creates, delivers and maximizes value for its customers, employees and stakeholders. It goes without saying that having a well-defined business model is essential in taking your company to the next level of growth. Mike will cover the three key decisions that form the foundation for developing an effective business model, how to implement systems that drive this business model towards helping you gain a competitive advantage, as well as how to innovate and evolve your business model to help it become “future proof.” NOTE: The start time for this event will be 3pm, instead of the normal 6pm start time.

GUEST SPEAKER

MIKE RORIE / CEO GIS DYNAMICS (PROPERTY MEASUREMENT SOLUTIONS) As CEO of GIS Dynamics and current Board Member of Ground Systems of Cincinnatii, Mike

EMERALD SPONSOR

specialtizes in industry consulting for strategic growth and organizational development. He has worked in the commercial grounds industry for over three decades, growing his first company, GroundMasters, into a five-city, regional platform that served over 1,200 customers, before selling it to a national provider in 2006. Since June 2010, Mike has been involved in the information and technology services industry with GIS Dynamics, providing

GOLD SPONSORS

business solutions for contractors across the country.

ABOUT GIS DYNAMICS

KURTZ BROS., INC BRONZE SPONSOR

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS YEAR’S MEETING SCHEDULE ARE NOW AVAILABLE. CALL 440.717.0002 FOR INFO. 1.5 CEU’S

GIS Dynamics was founded in 2005 as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) company providing custom solutions to a variety of clients. In 2009, a GIS project for a New Jersey landscaper was the catalyst for what GIS now focuses on, Software as a Service applications Go iLawn (www.GoiLawn.com) and GoiPave (www.GoiPave.com). These web based applications are designed to help lawn and landscape, snow removal and pavement maintenance contractors measure properties online to expedite the estimating and proposal process. The sites combine high resolution aerial photography, property measuring tools and property information in one easy-to-use format, allowing contractors to view and measure properties and generate proposals.

PRESENTED BY

PEREN N I AL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD The tools of the trade (top to bottom): Long Handled Pruning Sheers; Bypass Hand Pruners; Mini-scythe; Folding Handsaw; Loppers; Bypass Pruner; Hori (not pictured).

Bobbie’s Green Thumb

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

The best designed gardens will become ‘Gardens from Hell,’ if not properly maintained. The weeds creep in; birds drop unwanted seeds of trees (commonly called ‘volunteers’); and plants become larger than the catalog says they will. It really is a never-ending battle. The keys to good maintenance are the proper tools, timeliness, and an eye that discerns what doesn’t belong. Recently I was mapping a garden for a future design and noticed that some type of bramble had established a foothold. Naturally, the homeowner never saw it, much less recognized it. So, what tools do we need? Sharp pruners and loppers, a wrist brace, a small handsaw, a hori (instead of a trowel), a kneeling pad, and perhaps, a mini-scythe. You may be thinking that loppers and handsaws aren’t needed in a perennial garden, but the new perennial garden is usually a mixed-border that incorporates woody plants among the herbaceous plants.

8 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

There are many pruners on the market. The most important factor is that it fits your hand comfortably. Having small hands myself, I find that the Corona FlexDIAL Carbon Steel Bypass Hand Pruner works best for me when pruning the small branches of woody plants. For deadheading perennials or cutting them to the ground in spring, I use the Dramm Colorpoint Bypass Pruner. It doesn’t open as wide as the Corona and is lighter. For larger branches of woody plants, I use loppers. In those instances where loppers are not sufficient, the handsaw is the tool of choice. continued on page 10

WWW.PREMIERPLANTSOLUTIONS.COM

Rooted to Grow

Avon | Broadview | Hilliard

PEREN N I AL FOCUS continued from page 8 Repetitive motion is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. With so much pruning to do in spring, I find a wrist brace is particularly effective in counteracting the repetitive motion and have learned to use it year-round. I find that my hand does not tire as easily, or ache later that evening, when using the brace. I gave up using a trowel years ago when I realized that it exerts pressure on the wrist and elbow. The hori (Japanese digging knife) is ergonomically designed for stabbing it into the ground to release roots. It is quite a beneficial tool, while having the side benefit of offering a release for aggression! Weeding needs to be done year-round, but fall is a great time to get ahead of them. The more weeding you can do now the better, because spring is so busy with other chores. A kneeling pad isn’t essential, but it does cushion the knees. If you are bending over to pull weeds, you are exerting unnecessary pressure on your back and will fail to see some of the smaller weeds, or the ones that mimic nearby perennials. I use a mini-scythe instead of pruners to cut down ornamental grasses in the spring. For properties with extensive use of grasses, a weed whip might be more time effective. The timing is crucial. Early March is usually the best time because the new foliage is yet to emerge. If you wait, you will also be cutting the new foliage. Remind yourself of the timing by planting early-blooming bulbs such as Narcissus and Scilla sibirica between the grasses. If you wait too long to cut down the grasses, you or your client will miss the bulb bloom.

Pruning perennials depends on their bloom time. If they bloom in Spring, e.g. Phlox subulata, wait to prune until after bloom. Pruning then will help keep them denser. If they bloom in the fall but tend to get too tall and floppy, e.g New England Aster or Helenium, prune them in half the first week of June. Some perennials, such as Nepeta and Coreopsis, that will rebloom in flushes throughout spring and summer, can be sheared back by a third after each flush.

Phlox subulata definitely benefits from a haircut after bloom and keeps it from creeping out into my neighbor’s driveway.

Side by side pots of Helenium at a nursery in September show the difference between what was pruned in June and what was not.

If I wait too long to scythe back the Pennisetum, I miss the bloom of the Narcissus and Scilla sibirica.

10 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’ in bloom again in late July after shearing three weeks earlier.

For subshrubs (perennials with a woody structure), e.g., Perovskia, pruning too early is disastrous. Even though you may see new foliage in the earlier days of April, I would suggest that you wait at least two more weeks and, even then, don’t prune further down than one foot; otherwise, a hard frost could kill the whole plant. Once the frost-free date is past, you can prune further down if you want to keep the plant from getting too large.

In early spring, the silvery stems of Perovskia beg us to prune them, but it is prudent to wait until at least late April.

Pruning shrubs appropriately depends on when they bloom. Spring bloomers, such as Deutzia ‘Chardonnay Pearls,’ should not be pruned until after the bloom. Summer bloomers, e.g. Clethra and Hydrangea paniculata, should be pruned in the early spring. Finally, I beg you to give up the notion of fall cleanups. Cutting everything down in the fall deprives birds and pollinators of food and shelter during the winter. Additionally, it gives the impression that the garden is dead when it is only dormant. Let ornamental grasses sway in the wind and let deadheads and stalks, covered with snow or ice, be wintry sculptures that gladden the heart.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance 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’s new book, Garden Renovation: Transform Your Yard into the Garden of Your Dreams, was published in November 2017 by Timber Press.

The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 11

F I SCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN King Financial, Inc.

YEAR-END FINANCIAL CHECKLIST So many people can’t wait for this crazy 2020 year to end, so here are some important considerations investors should work on as the holidays quickly approach. There are several reasons to make year-end financial and estate planning a priority, because when the year turns over there is no going back.

TAX ISSUES Probably the most complicated and time-consuming issue, but the one that can cost you, or save you, the most money. Some clients may need to generate gains or losses this year while the tax environment is still favorable. Another issue in this category is the Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from qualified retirement accounts. Clients over 72 (new rule for 2020) must take their RMD this year or face stiff tax penalties of 50%. Also be aware of required distributions from Beneficiary IRAs.

MUTUAL FUND DISTRIBUTIONS As a general rule, don’t buy a mutual fund near the end of the year, without first checking when, and if, the fund will be

paying out a capital gain for the year. If you buy Fund ABCDX on December 5th and they distribute a capital gain for the year on December 15th, you are responsible for the tax on this year’s whole capital gain, even though you held the fund for only 10 days. Remember, a tax-sheltered account, such as an IRA, SEP, 401(k), etc. will not have this tax consequence.

REVIEW YOUR WILL, BENEFICIARIES & INSURANCE POLICIES Double-check that changes or updates are not needed on your accounts. It’s all too common to leave an ex-spouse, for example, assigned accidentally. Make sure you have the right amount of insurance for your needs. The insurance industry has become quite competitive and you can easily compare rates and possibly save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. continued on page 14

12 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Since 1986, VanCuren Tree Services has been Northeast Ohio’s complete tree care specialist. We provide comprehensive services for any residential, commercial, or utility tree care need. The tree professionals at VanCuren Tree Services have helped home and business owners throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio maintain the beauty, vitality, and safety of their trees. We are proud to offer a full range of tree care services, from tree and stump removal to storm damage clean up to utility work and beyond.

To find out more about what VanCuren has to offer, visit our website at www.vancurentreecare.com, or call us at 440.338.5005 today for a free consultation. • Complete Tree Maintenance Programs

• 75’ Bucket Trucks

• Certified Arborists on Staff

• Deep Root Fertilization

• Tree Removal

• 24-Hour Emergency Service

• Tree Trimming

• Stump Grinding

• Land Clearing

• Tree Moving

• 178’ 50 Ton Crane SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Michael Sowul, Certified Arborist James DiRosa, Certified Arborist David R. Van Curen

PHONE: 440.338.5005 FAX: 440.564.9319

Your Complete Tree Care Specialists www.vancurentreecare.com

F I SCAL FI TN ESS continued from page 12

BUDGET/GOALS The holidays can be a busy time, but also a good time to set a budget. This is the time of the year when lots of your money is being spent. There’s no better time to look at your finances than now. Think of ways to cut some of your expenses and/or plan on contributing more to retirement or college savings plans. Set financial goals, but also personal, professional, entertainment and educational goals. This is another great time to do that.

ANALYZE PORTFOLIO This is important because any mix of investments will get out of whack over time. One stock may have had a spectacular run and is now a large percentage of your portfolio. Your bond investments/funds won’t grow at the same rate as your stock, your U.S. and foreign investments will post differing returns, and funds following different investment styles will behave differently from each other, too. That shifting mix matters. You had a reason for dedicating a certain portion of your portfolio to U.S. stocks, a certain portion to foreign, and so on. You built your portfolio to reflect your investment goals and the level of risk that you’re comfortable with. But if your portfolio has drifted far enough away from that original mix, it will no longer be the same fit for you.

ROTH IRA CONVERSION If you’re unable to contribute to a Roth IRA directly because you don’t qualify, you may benefit from contributing to a Traditional IRA, then converting the funds to a Roth IRA. Another option is to convert existing IRA assets to a Roth IRA. Scenarios illustrated are hypothetical in nature, results may vary. Investing is subject to risk which may involve loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Many clients have seen their incomes slashed this year due to Covid-19. This could be an opportunity to convert, possibly paying less tax this year.

CHARITY/GIVING If you itemize your deductions, you can claim the money you have given to charity. I have recommended clients donate highly appreciated stock, which gives them the full deduction and avoids the Capital Gains Tax.

SCHEDULE REVIEW Arrange meetings with your financial professional. Make it a priority and prepare by creating a list of topics to help get the most out of your discussion. As always, talk to your financial professionals and tax advisors, to determine your specific needs and goals.

The M3 Wealth Management Office does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Michael J. Donnellan specializes in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments at the M3 Wealth Management office at 17601 W. 130th Street – Suite 1 in North Royalton, Ohio. Phone number (440) 652-6370 Email: donnellan@m3wealthmanagement.com Securities and advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & Company Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB 10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (800) 478-0788

SCA

S S I F I E

NEW

ONLINE JOB BOARD Looking to place Help Wanted ads, review resumes, or post your own resume online? Our new and improved career center makes it simple. JOB PROVIDERS Members can now post help wanted ads FREE OF CHARGE, and for a nominal fee, have that same posting added to the Google Jobs Board. JOB SEEKERS Post, edit and store the most recent version of your resume in our system so that companies in need of qualified candidates can find you via a simple search. NEW FEATURES Jobs can now be listed and search by desired job type, compensation package, employment duration, and more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.MCJOBBOARD.NET/JOBS

The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 15

F OR SAFETY SAK E

IDENTIFYING AND REDUCING WORKER FATIGUE A career in landscaping can be very rewarding, offering both physical and mental challenges, and work that’s always changing. However, we know the nature of this work also brings risks to worker safety and health. Physically demanding work creates risk for injury, while tight work schedules and varying job locations can lead to extended shifts, irregular work hours and long commutes. These factors – and others – are what make your laborers among the most at-risk employees in any industry for experiencing fatigue on the job.

WHAT IS FATIGUE? In the simplest terms, fatigue occurs when we are low on energy. In more scientific terms, fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion suffered as a result of exertion. As stated, fatigue can be physical, or mental, and often occurs as some combination of the two. Many additional factors can contribute to fatigue, including lack of sleep, disruption of sleep patterns, diet, times of emotional stress and chronic health conditions such as diabetes.

16 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

It’s estimated that fatigue is a contributing factor in at least a third of all occupational injuries. When fatigued, our situational awareness suffers, along with our memory, concentration and ability to quickly make decisions. Several studies have compared the performance effects of fatigue to being under the effects of alcohol. OSHA notes that working 12 hours a day is associated with a 37 percent increase in injury risk. “This is why it’s so important to reduce fatigue on sites and in all workplaces,” says LHSFNA Labor Co-Chairman Armand E. Sabitoni. “With safety as the goal, everyone can take steps to maintain the level of situational awareness on site and limit continued on page 18 incidents related to fatigue.”

Flagstone Wallstone Outcropping Boulders Chunks Step Treads

(Sawn, Snapped, Irregular)

Travertine

REAL STONE

Natural Stone Veneer Barnstone Decorative Gravel

REAL STYLE

ADDRESS: 9718 AVON LAKE RD, LODI, OH 44254 PHONE: (330) 948-1006 EMAIL: DOUG.FRANKBROS@GMAIL.COM W W W . F R A N K B R O T H E R S . C O M

Beauty Fences of

Quality

• Cedar fences (Many styles available). • Aluminum & Vinyl fences (In stock). • Several styles and colors to choose from.

Wholesale Prices to OLA Members, or Professional Installation by our Crews. 1053 Bank St. Akron,OH 44305 330-784-0456 www.acmefence.com The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 17

FOR SAFETY SAKE continued from page 16

RISKS FOR FATIGUE A National Safety Council (NSC) study on fatigue concluded that 100 percent of laborers had at least one risk factor for onthe-job fatigue. If that sounds hard to believe, consider that the following all make it more likely they’ll become fatigued: • Physically demanding labor, especially work including repetitive tasks • Constant communication with fellow crew members about complex tasks • Extended shifts of 10 hours or more • Working 50 hours or more in a week • Shifts at irregular times, including night or early morning • Having less than 12 hours to recover between shifts That list is pretty much the everyday life of our laborers, at least during many times of the year. Extended shifts, working at irregular times and long commutes all contribute to fatigue because they make it more difficult for workers to get the rest they need to recharge. In the NSC survey, 75 percent of workers said the demands of the job affected their level of fatigue. Another series of worker surveys found that workers often felt fatigued “to the point that they had safety concerns” after working 10 hours a day for 3 to 4 days in a row.

18 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Results have also shown that laborers working long weeks, having fewer than 12 hours between shifts, or engaging in shift work all made it more likely that these workers didn’t get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. There are only so many hours in the day, especially when workers also have other responsibilities after they get home, like spending time with their families, etc. The NSC survey also revealed a significant gap between how workers and management feel about fatigue. Almost all employers (98 percent) said fatigue was a safety issue, but only 75 percent of workers said the same. It’s hard to say for sure why this safety climate gap exists. One possibility is that some workers believe being fatigued is just part of the job – they know the work is hard and don’t shy away from that.

PREVENTING FATIGUE It’s our job, as safety professionals, to first educate our workers that fatigue leads to a greater risk of injury for them and their coworkers, and then to find ways that both the employer and workers can identify, prevent and lessen fatigue on jobsites, so that everyone is assured they are working in the safest environment possible.

1-866-666-SALT (7258) DRY BULK SALT & BAGGED MATERIAL 24 hour / 7 days a week availability 10-25 ton dry salt—same day delivery pick up of bulk salt every order weighed and ticketed state

- approved scale / delivery of bagged salt or deicing material

pickup

volume discounts available we supply clearlane™ enhanced deicer by cargill a sodium and magnesium blend

bagged deicing chemicals

DOME LOCATION 11444 Brookpark Rd • Brooklyn, OH, 44130

ROYALTON SUPPLY LOCATION 11528 Royalton Rd, North Royalton, OH 44133

RECOMMENDATIONS Things employers can do to help reduce fatigue:

Things workers can do to help reduce fatigue:

• Build fatigue management into the planning stages of each and every job. • Arrange your workers’ daily schedules to ensure you are providing sufficient rest opportunities. • Consider shorter “night work” schedules for employees such as those working in snow removal. • Limit the number of consecutive shifts of “night work,” and require a minimum number of hours prior to reporting for the next shift after working 10 hours, or more. • Implement procedures to that help monitor and manage fatigue risks. • Train workers about the safety risks of fatigue and how to identify them. • Include fatigue in root cause investigations following on-the-job incidents. • Provide a way for your employees to anonymously report problematic work schedules.

• Use off time responsibly to ensure fitness for duty. • Follow any near-miss or other reporting policies. • Take steps to protect your sleep by maintaining a regular sleep schedule aimed to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Make changes to your sleeping area or adjust your household routine if necessary. • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before sleep. • Look for early signs of fatigue in yourself and those around you, such as fidgeting, rubbing of the eyes, frequent blinking or staring blankly. OSHA does not have a specific standard related to fatigue, though the agency does recognize it as a potential workplace hazard, so employers should take steps to reduce its effects whenever possible. And, while it may be impossible to eliminate fatigue from the workplace, that doesn’t mean steps shouldn’t be taken to limit it.

This article was published by the Laborer’s Health and Safety Fund of North America, August, 2019; Vol 16, Num 3. The Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America is committed both to healthier laborers and healthier employer bottom lines. They are dedicated to enhancing jobsite health and safety while bolstering the health of laborers and their families. Find out more at https://www.lhsfna.org. The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 19

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

JIM FUNAI, Ph.D Cuyahoga Community College Korean Mountainash is a medium sized tree with interesting ornamental features. The tree flowers white in spring and the white flowers are followed by red fruit.

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

SORBUS ALNIFOLIA KOREAN MOUNTAINASH

We love stumbling across plants that don’t make sense when it comes to the genus they are in, visually, or at least at first glance. These plants are ‘stumpers’ for most plant nerds, challenge our students’ ID skills, and more times than not offer us all a chance to learn about a new species we may have not known about previously. A perfect example of this is the Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium), which could not be more appropriately named, as its leaves look exactly like those of a Hornbeam. At first glance, one would be certain that it is a Hornbeam (Carpinus), but something should register with the viewer quickly. “This plant is opposite… Carpinus is alternate… is there an opposite leaved Hornbeam?” The answer to that would be… NO. If the observer is lucky, the plant will be in-fruit and they would quickly notice the ‘helicopters,’ quickly suggesting Acer. We

have one of these in our collection at home and love seeing it stand in stark contrast to the other trees that make up our Maple collection. In this regard, we’d like to share with you another tricky plant, the Korean Mountainash (Sorbus alnifolia). Off the bat, the specific epithet hints at the ID challenge it presents. Alders (Alnus) have a simple leaf with serrated margin, and this Mountainash has leaves that look like that of an Alder (alnifolia). This is much continued on page 22

20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Come Check out all the fresh Plant Material!

Check us out on the web at www.davistreefarm.com sales@davistreefarm.com

6126 Neff Rd. Valley City, OH PH: 330-483-3324 Fax: 330-483-4483

REPAIRS - SALES - PARTS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Most makes and models

Al Pniewski & his son, Allen Jr., look forward to serving your lawn equipment needs in their new location!

12126 York Rd., Unit A, North Royalton, OH 44133 440.230.3807

w w w. A 1 p o w e r. u s

Large selection of new machines year round The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 21

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

continued from page 20 unexpected, as most of us have only come across the more common European Mountainash (Sorbus aucuparia), which has a pinnately compound leaf. Further, if you are familiar with the European Mountainash, you’d probably question why we would even mention it, as Mountainash tend to be riddled with fire blight, scab, and borers… so badly, that they often die within 10 years of being planted. To begin, let’s focus for a moment on the common name, Mountainash. Plants in this genus are not related to Ash (Fraxinus), but the leaf does somewhat resemble an Ash leaf, thus the name. And, as you might expect, “mountain” is a reference to the preferred habitat of these plants. Cooler temperatures, especially at-night temperatures, are crucial to keeping these plants stress free. In contrast to the difficulty most Mountainash face in Ohio, the Korean Mountainash can excel, given the proper conditions. Perhaps the most tolerant of the Sorbus species, and hardy here, the Korean Mountainash will grow in dry to moist soil, though we strongly recommend you ensure it drains well. Heavy clay soils will likely cause too much stress.

22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Also, keep it off the street, or any hardscape that will be salted for that matter, as this tree does not show great tolerance to salt use. In its native range of Eastern China, Korea, and Japan, Korean Mountainash is often found on steep slopes and ravines, in mixed pine/deciduous forests. It is often found in partial shade, but will flower stronger in full sun. Given that Ohio tends to push it when it comes to summer heat, we suggest placing this tree where it will get full sun until mid/late afternoon, but also receives intermittent breaks from the direct sun, as well. It would also be ideal to keep it away from hardscapes and buildings that would radiate heat at night so that it can cool off as much as possible, daily. We do not mean to give the impression that this tree is super picky; it just performs best with attention given to what causes the most stress. Korean Mountainash is a fairly quick grower, reaching into the 30 to 45 foot range, with a width closer to 20 to 25 feet. When young, the habit is more pyramidal, maturing to an upright, oval-shape. Leaves are alternate, and we tend to think they look more like a serrated Beech (Fagus) leaf, rather than

Alder, with strongly-parallel veins. During the growing season, the leaves are a deep, somewhat-glossy green, which serves as a beautiful backdrop to the large clusters of white flowers that are reminiscent of a Hawthorn (Crataegus), blooming in midto late May. Flowers give way to late summer/early-fall fruits, much like the rest of the family (Rosaceae). These clusters of fruits again are reminiscent of many Hawthorn clusters. Most literature describes the fruits as being a pinkish-red, but most that we have encountered seem to be more on the red-orange side, with perhaps a blush of lighter-pink on the side facing the sun. These fruits will come into their prime towards the end of summer, into fall, and will be highlighted by the usually brilliant, golden-orange/yellow fall foliage. Fruit will usually persist after leaf drop into early winter and will serve as food for overwintering birds. The plant is often low branched, but can be limbed up either at the nursery, or over time in the landscape. As always, talk with your nursery supplier about the form they are training their plants into so that you avoid any job site surprises. The bark is a pleasant, smooth-gray, reminding one of Beech bark, and is quite striking in the winter, especially with a wash of light into the canopy highlighting the fruits and bark. This is a showpiece plant, worthy of many residential landscapes, especially in the back yard where it can be enjoyed year-round through a window, or within view of the patio, or deck. What client would not love a small tree that is loaded with flowers in spring, beautiful clusters of bright fruit in late summer, brilliant fall color, and fruits hanging on into winter with smooth, attractive bark? This is a true four-season plant, worthy of much more use in our landscape designs.

Jim Funai, PhD. is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor

15 6 5 6 c h i l l i c o t h e r o a d chagrin falls | OH | 44022

( 4 4 0 ) 3 3 8 - 8 10 0 a r t fo r m n u r s e r i e s .c o m

house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.

The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 23

F EATURE ARTI CLE

NEW NORMAL:

WHAT PRACTICES LANDSCAPE PROS MIGHT KEEP AFTER COVID-19 COVID-19 has changed many landscape and lawn care businesses’ routines. Some new operating methods are so successful, they may stick – even after the virus is gone.

STAGGERED START TIMES Rossen Landscape, based in Great Falls, Virginia, has implemented staggered start times with crews leaving at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 7:45 in the morning. There are no more than two crews in the yard at any given time. “We’re getting out much faster than we usually get out because there’s no traffic jam in the yard,” says Jeff Rossen, founder of Rossen Landscape. Rossen says the downside to staggered start times is the fact that they no longer have their morning huddle where the team stretches, and he delivers a message for the day. When the virus is no longer an issue, he says they might stagger start times for four days a week, and huddle once a week so they can get their messages across to the crews in-person. Bauer & Gudeman, Inc. based in Bloomington, Illinois, and DeSantis Landscapes, based in Portland, Oregon, have also been staggering start times.

24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

“Many of our employees have stated that they appreciate staggering start times because it makes them feel safer,” says Will Gudeman, account manager with Bauer & Gudeman, Inc. However, Gudeman says they will eventually eliminate staggered start times. “Definitely staggered start times have helped to practice social distancing in our branch yards,” says Dean DeSantis, owner of DeSantis Landscapes. “Start and end times are the busiest in the yard so doing 4 separate start times at each yard, in addition to everyone but the driver directly reporting to job sites, has significantly reduced the number of people congregating there at any one time.”

REPORTING DIRECTLY TO JOB SITES DeSantis says they implemented a one person per vehicle policy in mid-March and all staff members, other than the driver of the company truck, are required to drive their continued on page 26 personal vehicles to job sites.

klynnurseries.com Over 1800 Different Species And Cultivars To Meet Your Needs!

Custom Cut Stone Fabrication

bamboo grasses perennials ferns

Valley City Supply specializes in custom cut limestone and sandstone fabrication and engraving. SAVE on time and labor and let our expert stone fabricators help put the finishing touches on your projects!

vines roses dwarf conifers bog & marginals shade & ornamental trees

◆ Wall & Pillar Caps ◆ Step Treads ◆ Hearth Stones

◆ Pool Coping ◆ Fire Pit Caps ◆ Water Feature Spillways

Visit Our Website For Product Availability, Our 2020 2016 Catalog, Quote Form, And More!

(contact us to receive your username and password.) klyn nurseries, inc.

1-800-860-8104 klynnurseries.com

Call Today! 330-483-3400 • ValleyCitySupply.com 0116 Klyn Half.indd 1

12/16/2015 3:27:07 PM

TThe Growing Concern | November 2020 | 25

F EATURE ARTI CLE continued from page 24 “We reimburse employees for mileage on their personal vehicle, but that cost has been offset by a reduction in travel time expenses,” DeSantis says. “There have certainly been challenges with those employees without a driver’s license or their own personal vehicle. We’ve had a handful of these folks who we had to do a temporary layoff with because of this policy.” Rossen says their design/build employees currently have the option of reporting directly to the job site, but are not required to. “Our crew members are really enjoying showing up to their jobsite first thing in the morning instead of coming to our main shop,” Gudeman says. “We didn’t know what to expect with that but it’s working.” Gudeman adds that from now on they will eliminate drive time by having their staff show up directly to the job site.

REMOTE WORKERS DeSantis says his management staff has become more accustomed to working remotely, but there’s no doubt they are missing the social aspect of the workplace. “We are fortunate to have a group of folks who really enjoy working together and I sense a bit of sadness and loneliness that we can’t be with one another,” DeSantis says. “It’s been really satisfying to see these folks reaching out to one another through phone check-ins, group text chats and virtual happy hours to stay connected and have fun together.” Rossen says that having their workers work remotely has helped streamline matters and they now know which employees are capable of working from home and are able to be responsible with their new level of freedom. “We’ve certainly recognized that for some people a work-fromhome arrangement could definitely work, even if it was just a couple of days a week.” One thing Rossen says has been a hit with the team is hosting – every Friday afternoon – the Rossen Landscape Water Cooler where they share everything from stories of past successes to pictures from recent vacations. “We’re team building where we otherwise wouldn’t have been, every week, and just trying to keep the team connected,” Rossen says.

26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

TECHNOLOGY USED Rossen says that their online meetings through Microsoft Teams has surprised him the most with its effectiveness. “My supervisors are having meetings sitting in the truck and not coming back to the office, and not having to drive back out to the site,” Rossen says. “We’re saving an hour on any meeting day from the guys coming back from the field. They’re just doing the calls from the field.” Rossen says the company had Microsoft Teams prior to the pandemic, but now they are really utilizing it. Gudeman says they have been using LMN’s capabilities to its fullest as well during this time. He says they’ve also had several Zoom calls with HOA clients so all the board members can be present without having to gather together in-person. Due to the virus, DeSantis says they’ve started using Aspire’s Site Audit tool in full force to show property and facility managers what is happening on their sites. “It embeds photos and text into a report that can be shared with the crew and/or client to show areas that are looking great, issues that need to be addressed or enhancement possibilities,” DeSantis says. “We established a requirement for each of our account managers to complete a set number of site audits based on the account or portfolio value. We have received great feedback and appreciation from our clients for sending these and as a bonus, it has led to a number of new enhancement sales as well.” DeSantis says he has also taken to recording videos to share with his team. He will upload them to a private channel on YouTube and then send a link out via text to every employee. “I really like it,” DeSantis says. “I’ll definitely keep doing that moving forward. With around 100 employees it was already difficult to get consistent messaging out to everyone and this has proven to be a great way to do that.”

OTHER PRACTICES HERE TO STAY Rossen says crew members have liked wearing neck gaiters when applying mulch or mowing and he says he expects they’ll keep wearing them for tasks like that even after masks are no longer required in public. “We are focusing on keeping the same employee in the same truck or using the same equipment during the workday to limit the number of people touching everything all of the time,” Gudeman says. DeSantis says he’s been sending email updates to their entire maintenance client list, which he didn’t do frequently precovid. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from these and this more regular communication from me is clearly valued,” he says. “I plan to implement a practice of sending out a quarterly update to all of our clients from here on out.”

This article was originally posted by Jill Odem to the NALP’s news blog. The National Association of Landscape Professionals is the national trade association representing nearly 100,000 landscape industry professionals in the United States, Canada and overseas. See more at https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org.

BUYANSKY BROTHERS Dyed Black & Brown Mulch Screened Topsoil Double Shred Organic Bark Mulch * Volume price discounts available

Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm Saturday 8am – 12pm 9400 Broadview Rd. Broadview Heights, OH

(216) 524-3100

The Landscape Materials You Need, From a Name You Can Trust MATERIALS •

Black, Brown, Red Mulches

•

Natural Organic Bark Mulch

•

Screened Topsoil

•

Leaf Humus

•

Limestone and Wash Gravels

•

Recycled Concrete

•

Aggregates

•

Granite and Sandstone

•

Boulders

•

Seed & Straw

BUYANSKYMATERIALS.COM The Growing Concern | November 2020 | 27

FOROLA SAFETY F EATURE ARTI CLESAK E EDUCATION SERIES “If you want to improve your results utilizing simple tools that you can immediately apply, make Marvin your first call.” - Sam A. Misseri, Vice President - Business Development

GET MARVINIZED! EVENT INFORMATION DATE & LOCATION DECEMBER 17, 2020 OLA WEBINAR

AGENDA PROGRAM 3:00 PM TO 5:00 PM COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: $49 PER PERSON NON MEMBERS: $79 PER PERSON REGISTER TO ATTEND BY DECEMBER 10, 2020

SALES TRAINING CLINIC Selling Value, Not Price.

Marvin Montgomery, better known as the “Sales Doctor,” will conduct a 2-hour webinar focused on Key Selling Techniques that will enable your staff to become effective at selling the value of your services, instead of discounting the price of them.

Key Learning Points • Improve basic fundamental selling skills • Raise the level of confidence during a sales call • Understand the Power of Attitude • Clarify customer’s reasons for price resistance

• • • •

Examine 3 options to respond to price resistance Learn options & alternatives to discounting price Learn what justifies an adjustment on the price Increase profit to your company’s bottom line

Each participant will receive training materials for review and follow-up, as well as a Personal Action Plan to be completed after the training that should be shared with their manager in order to hold participants accountable.

INSTRUCTED BY

MARVIN MONTGOMERY / MARVIN MONTGOMERY & ASSOCIATES For more than 30 years, Marvin Montgomery has earned widespread national recognition and praise for his informative, practical and stimulating programs that reflect his basic philosophy: “Preparation and practice are the keys to sales success.” Marvin’s captivating presentations have assisted hundreds of organizations to meet or exceed their sales goals using his training programs that focus on “How to Become a Trusted Advisor.” Many of Marvin’s clients have said that getting “Marvinized” has truly made a difference in their company and Marvin has become a mandatory part of company training.

The Growing Concern November 2020

Articles inside

FISCAL FITNESS