The Growing Concern October 2022

TheConcernGrowing

LISTEN, DIGEST, AND REPEAT

As business owners, when it comes to changing our processes based on the suggestions of others, we sometimes need to remind ourselves that saying “no” or “we’ve always done it this way” can be detrimental to the development of those around us. Maybe not all of the time, but certainly some of it.

I say “not all of the time” because it really depends on the suggestion being made and the history behind the current process. Take for example the inauguration of a president. This is something that most people would agree we do a certain way because it is steeped in historical significance. And, while there may be minor variations across the globe, most inaugurations follow suit to some degree, based on the pomp and circumstance surrounding the event. But what happens when we bring it down a notch to smaller organizations like ours though?

From the perspective of a leader – perhaps an owner, or manager – you may feel that being asked to change a process feels a lot like criticism of something that you have been doing for a long period of time. In some situations, you may have already tried the suggested way with no success. In others, you may be afraid of losing control, or maybe you’re just not willing to step out of your comfort zone. While there are plenty of reasons why someone may say “we’ve always done it this way,” understand that from my perspective, answering every request this way can be devastating.

WE’VE ALREADY TRIED IT

On one hand, there is nothing wrong with not wanting to go down the same beaten path when prior attempts have proven unsuccessful. Most of us would agree that there’s really no time or reason to “do it again” just for the sake of appeasing

BRIAN MAURER, LIC Brian-Kyles

someone. That being said, I have learned firsthand that my role as a leader is to be more of a mentor and coach, and less that of a boss. I may have done something in the past with limited success, time passes, and someone approaches me with a suggestion to try it again. My job – as a mentor and coach – is to listen, digest, and repeat. Only at that time can you address the individual with respect and communicate to them that while they may have a great idea, it might not work because you’ve tried it before, and it held back the rest of the organization.

On the other hand, when an employee comes to you with a suggestion, I challenge you to be open minded and to listen from a positive perspective. I have worked hard to change my approach to this and have found that the outcomes may be different than I assumed. Just because I had performed a process with the same idea in mind and it didn’t work doesn’t mean I had all the ideas and/or details necessary to make the change successful. Perhaps what they bring to the table, or what they see from their perspective, is what is needed. And, perhaps by the end of the conversation you both can agree that the “old” approach was flawed.

In the end, I’ve seen many instances – even on my own team – of people who feel as if they need to be “in charge,” or immediately spout off “we’ve always done it this way.” Most of the time, this happens even before someone can finish their sentence. This type of leadership is tough to survive under, and most often great people quit and move on as they no longer feel that they bring value to the organization. The phrase “we’ve always done it this way” is generally used to establish control when control is generally not needed.

PLANT OF THE

OHIO’S PROFESSIONAL GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

9240 Broadview Road

Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

Phone: 440.717.0002

Toll Free: 1.800.335.6521 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com

DESIGNER / EDITOR

Rick Doll, Jr.

REGULAR WRITERS

Michael J. Donnellan, M3 Wealth Management

Dr. Jim Funai, PhD., Cuyahoga Community College

Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Brian Maurer, LIC, BrianKyles

Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of magazine publication. For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, 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 Brian Maurer, LIC

President – Elect

Stephanie Gray, LIC

Treasurer

Cameron Maneri

Immediate Past President

James Funai, PhD

DIRECTORS

Brandon Barker

Ryan Drake Tina Graver, LIC

Rob Morel

Bob Ramser, LIC

Kate Stone, OCNT

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley Communications & Events Manager Rick Doll, Jr.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

UPCOMING OLA MEETINGS, EDUCATION SEMINARS & EVENTS

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 6, 2022

CENTRAL OHIO FACILITY TOUR (Environmental Management Inc.)

Adhering to an impeccable business model, Environmental Management Inc. (EMI) has become the largest individually owned landscape firm in Ohio. Join us as we tour EMI’s facility, located in Plain City, Ohio, to find out what has made them so successful for 30 years.

OCTOBER 13, 2022

PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY

Plant Healthcare (PHC) services are a great way to enhance your landscape business by providing higher quality service to clients. This event is an educational opportunity for in-field technicians to learn more about plant healthcare topics. Held at Secrest Arboretum, located in Wooster, OH.

OCTOBER 20, 2022

WOMEN IN LANDSCAPE MEET-UP

Our Women in Landscape Group was created for the purposes of connecting, empowering, and advocating for women in the industry, while amplifying the voices of our current & future leaders. Held at River Tap & Social, located in Rocky River, OH. See page 16.

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 17, 2022

OLA ANNUAL MEETING

Corey J. Halstead is co-owner of Halstead Media, a leading provider of marketing & recruiting solutions for lawn, landscape, pool, and outdoor living businesses. Corey will be discussing recruitment marketing, including how to attract top talent, manage applicants, and make better hires, faster. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside. See page 7.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 6

DORMANT PRUNING (NE Ohio)

Dormant Pruning of landscape plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to learn the proper pruning techniques. Held at Willoway Nurseries in Avon, Ohio. See page 17.

DECEMBER 8

DORMANT PRUNING (Central Ohio)

Dormant Pruning of landscape plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to learn the proper pruning techniques. Held at Premier Plant Solutions in Hilliard, Ohio. See page 17.

DECEMBER 16 26th ANNUAL LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS DEADLINE

Now is the time to start prepping your entries for this year’s awards program, as the entry deadline is fast approaching. For more information on how to enter, including rules and entry forms, visit www.ohiolandscapers.org/awardsprogram.

JANUARY 2023

JANUARY (DATE TBD)

OLA EVENING MEETING

Rachel Shepard, Executive Chairman and CEO at LonaRock, LLC will discuss how your company can become an ideal business banking client, how to understand key credit parameters and what roll your bank plays in your company’s succession plan. Registration opens November 2022.

Now is the time to begin preparing your entries for this year’s 26th Annual Landscape Ohio! Awards program!

This Annual Landscape competition was created by the Ohio Landscape Association to increase awareness of quality landscaping and how it improves our environment.

Our awards program recognizes designers, installers, and property owners and is the only green industry awards program in Ohio to successfully promote award winners and the industry to the public through a unique partnership with Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine. All award winning projects are featured in the fall/winter issue of Landscape Ohio! Magazine, a unique insert placed in the September issue of Cleveland Magazine, a publication reaching over 282,000 readers.

Additionally, award winning projects are recognized at our annual awards gala, placed online for consumers to review, and may potentially be used for the cover of The Growing Concern

This year’s deadline to enter is December 16, 2022, at which time all entries MUST be recieved at the OLA office.

For full details and tips on how to enter, please visit www.ohiolandscapers.org/ awards-program or call 440.717.0002.

Because your company deserves the recognition.

continued from page 3

LOSING CONTROL

The fear of losing control can be both rewarding and overwhelming, depending on the individual. For a person like me who realizes I can’t be everything to everyone all of the time, odds are there are plenty of great people out there who can bring value to my organization by having these conversations.

I look at it from this perspective…the fear of losing control can be rewarding when that control is passed along to someone who shows ownership and wants to elevate themselves. Therefore, in the scenario where someone suggests something that has been done before, I immediately encourage the conversation in effort to flesh out the pros and cons. In the end, the results may turn out better than before just by making a few adjustments that I hadn’t thought of.

STEPPING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Finally, when it comes to the concept of change, there’s always going to be an aspect of it that forces us to step outside of our comfort zone. This tends to be most prominent with individuals/owners who are following the same routines or performing the same processes as they were 20 years ago.

In our case, many people in my organization were barely alive, or out of intermediate school, when some of our processes were implemented. Just think to yourself about how much fruits and vegetables would cost if we were still using the same equipment, technologies, and processes that they used 20 years ago! The amount of labor force that was needed back then far exceeded that in today’s world, but with a much lower labor rate and a much higher labor pool. It is likely that those that were unwilling to move outside of their comfort zone are no longer in a field of their own and have also sold off their farms acreage to those who were. Which one of these do you want to be?

In closing, we – as leaders – need to be listeners first. This is the only way to ensure that we are putting the best people in place to succeed as a team, company, and industry! Without listening, digesting, and repeating, we may never know who is bringing us down or who has the ability to elevate us. Open up to your teams, be inquisitive of their thoughts in a positive manner, and offer/invite those open conversations in order for everyone to be successful!

OLA MEETINGS SERIES

DATE & LOCATION

NOVEMBER 17, 2022

ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE

5025 EAST MILL ROAD

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH

AGENDA

REGISTRATION / NETWORKING FOOD / CASH BAR

6:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

OLA ANNUAL MEETING

7:00 PM TO 7:30 PM PROGRAM

7:30 PM TO 9:00 PM

COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: NO CHARGE NON MEMBERS: $50

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY NOVEMBER 10, 2022

EVENT INFORMATION SPONSORED BY EMERALD SPONSORS

OLA ANNUAL MEETING Recruitment Marketing: Attracting Top Talent, Managing Applicants & Making Better Hires, Faster.

In a market saturated with job opportunities it can be hard to stand out as an employer. Today’s hiring market requires owners and HR personnel to think like marketers, employing techniques from other disciplines to attract candidates.

Recruitment marketing is a new way of looking at and solving a traditional problem, combining tactics to “market” your company and culture to prospective new hires. The aim is not only to drive qualified individuals to apply for open positions, but also to keep your company front of mind as they search for job opportunities in the future.

Join us, November 17, 2022, as Corey Halstead - co-owner of Halstead Mediadiscusses various aspects of Recruitment Marketing, including;

• The secrets of employer branding to attracts key talent.

• How to target & reach talent using digital marketing strategies.

• Why leveraging recruiting technology is critical to saving time & resources.

• How to effectively pre-screen applicants.

• How to use text-messaging to communicate with candidates for better response rates and faster hires.

PRESENTED BY COREY HALSTEAD / CO-OWNER HALSTEAD MEDIA

GOLD SPONSORS

BROS. INC.

SPONSORS

Born into the landscape industry, Corey began working in commercial landscape maintenance at the early age of 14 in his uncle’s business. Transitioning to the landscape and pool construction side in his early 20s, Corey worked his way from installation crew member, to project manager and design/sales roles, eventually switching to the product side of the industry with pavers and walls. Settling into sales and marketing responsibilities in latter roles, Corey combines his hands-on industry experience, with the unique understanding of both the B2B and B2C channels in the business. With over 8 years driving measurable marketing ROI for leading landscape contractors and pool builders, garden center and hardscape dealers, and outdoor living building product manufacturers, Corey heads up sales, marketing, and education at HALSTEAD.

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD

Bobbie’s Green Thumb

One of my back beds in late September 2018, filled with Dendranthema ‘Warm Igloo’, Sedum hybrid, Solidago, Anemone hybrida ‘Alba’, and Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’ as well as a yellow juniper and a non-blooming hydrangea.

THE FALL GARDEN

By the time October and November arrive, many people have given up on their gardens, when in fact, it is actually a time of glory in the garden. The air is crisp, sunny days are interspersed with rainy ones (finally) and Indian Summer has come and gone.

The fall perennial garden, although not lush like the summer garden, is still a thing of beauty, particularly if shrub roses, subshrubs, vines and woody ornamentals that berry have been incorporated. There is an extensive range of plants that add color, structure and interest to the fall garden. Giving attention to the fall season in our designs will provide an uplifting and exciting landscape. Let’s discuss some exceptional plants that should be part of it.

The list of fall-blooming perennials is quite long: among these are Aconitum (Monkshood), Anemone japonica (Japanese Anemone), Boltonia (Bolton’s Aster), Eupatorium fistulosum (Joe Pye Weed), Sedum, and Tricyrtis (Japanese Toad Lily).

Other perennials for the fall garden are Asters, Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives), Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’, hardy

geraniums like ‘Dilys’ and ‘Rozanne’, Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) and the very late blooming but extremely hardy Chrysanthemums such as Dendrathema ‘Sheffield Pink’ and ‘Mei-Kyo’.

I’m sure that many of you are familiar with the New England Asters such as Aster novae-angliae ‘Hella Lacy’ (purple) and ‘Alma Potschke’ (hot pink) but they can grow quite tall unless cut back in June, There are some shorter cultivars such as ‘Purple Dome’ and ‘Vibrant Dome’. Be aware that these Asters are rhizomatous, so give them plenty of space unless you are prepared to dig some up each year. Most Asters require full sun.

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ (Chocolate Snakeroot) usually doesn’t start blooming until late September or early October. It has fuzzy white flowers on three to four feet stalks and is distinguished earlier in the year by its dark stems and foliage. Give it full sun or partial shade but be aware that the foliage will be greener in the sun.

I love Allium tuberosum except for its prolific seeding. This can be avoided, however, by assiduous deadheading at the expense of

The golden foliage of Iris siberica provides an excellent background for the creamy seedheads of Allium tuberosum that echo the color of the Miscanthus ‘Adagio’ inflorescence.

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the beauty of the heads during the winter. These Garlic Chives have the typical grassy foliage of alliums but do not bloom until early September and carry their blooms into mid-October. By November, the seedheads begin to lend interest to the garden. Like other Allium, give this one full sun.

Most hardy Geraniums bloom in the spring and early summer but Geranium ‘Dilys’ starts blooming in mid-summer and doesn’t quit until frost. Its small magenta blossoms on loosely weaving stems are quite welcome in October and November. This is a plant to use at the front of the sunny border, either by itself or in between a low clumping perennial such as Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ or ‘Millenium’ or one of the Heuchera. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and ‘Azure Rush’ (hard to distinguish between them) also start blooming in mid-summer but the flowers are larger and are on taller stems, 12 to 18 inches instead of 8 inches. They, too, will bloom until late in the fall.

I rarely plant Chrysanthemums because few of them seem to be hardy. However, there are a few very old cultivars which are reliably hardy. Dendrathema ‘Sheffield Pink’ has pink buds but peachy-apricot blossoms which do not even begin blooming until late September/early October. In full sun, it will grow 2 feet tall and wide. It is quite lovely and a favorite of mine. I’ve also had Dendrathema ‘Mei Kyo’ (rosy-pink) and ‘Bronze

Elegans’ for several years. They bloom a bit later than ‘Sheffield Pink’ and are more of a pompom-type bloom while ‘Sheffield Pink’ is a quill type. If unpinched, they will grow to 4 feet but if pinched early, will only be 8 inches.

Most of the ornamental grasses are at their prime in October and November. They vary in height, foliage color and inflorescence color. Miscanthus sinensis (Maiden Grass) can be 3 to 6 feet tall with white or rosy feathers; Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) can be 4 to 6 feet tall with pale yellow or rose panicles and the foliage can be blue (yellow after frost) or red. Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) and Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) not only bloom in the fall but their foliage becomes bright orange. These are all grasses for sun. For shade, the best fall bloomer is Calamagrostis arundinacea ‘Brachytricha’ (Fall-Blooming Reed Grass) which has dark bottle-brush type inflorescences, at its best when backlit. This grass will be 3 to 4 feet tall when in bloom.

Although technically not perennials, subshrubs such as Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush), Callicarpa (Beautyberry) and Lespedeza thunbergii (Bush Clover) should be an integral part of the fall garden. The older cultivars of Buddleia grow quite tall but there are now several cultivars that only grow from 2 to 4 or 5 feet tall. They don’t have to be deadheaded to rebloom but

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ as a walkway edging in mid-Octber.

Geranium ‘Dilys’ weaving through Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ and Heuchera ‘Mahogany’ in July.

PERENNIAL FOCUS

I specifically planted Chrysanthemum

‘Bronz Elegans’ in front of the pedestal to echo the color of the copper urn.

their appearance will be improved if they are. Buddleia will begin blooming in mid-summer; Callicarpa actually blooms in May and June but doesn’t berry until September, and Lespedeza blooms in late August/early September. All will continue to bloom or berry until frost.

There are other options to bring interest into the fall garden. Among them are shrub roses for their low maintenance requirements and their long bloom. The Carpet and Drift series of roses are particularly floriferous as are the Meidilands; their massed color in the fall landscape is particularly vibrant. Some vines, such as the late blooming Clematis tangutica and orientalis, have golden yellow bells in September and October. And don’t forget to use woodies such as Viburnums, Malus (Crabapple) and Crataegus (Hawthorn), to mention a few that have berries in the fall, as background for the perennials and grasses.

With all of these suggestions, I know that you can make the fall garden a beautiful and exciting experience.

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).

Geranium ‘Dilys’ acting as a groundcover and providing spots of color in September.

In October, the berries of Callicarpa are a stunning magenta.

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

FINANCIAL ROAD MAP

Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much or little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities.

There is no guarantee that you’ll make money from investments you make. But if you get the facts about saving and investing and follow through with an intelligent plan, you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your money.

No one is born knowing how to save or to invest. Every successful investor starts with the basics. A few people may

stumble into financial security—a wealthy relative may die, or a business may take off. But for most people, the only way to attain financial security is to save and invest over a long period of time.

Current market conditions make saving and investing a daunting task. Now is the time to plan or update your investment goals. The stock market can be an intimidating and volatile place to invest. The important thing is to map out your direction. Similar to planning a trip, you need a map, directions, and the resources to get on your way.

On this financial road trip, start by mapping your goals. Are you saving for a house, college education, retirement planning or trying to grow or protect your nest egg? You

could also rely on a financial advisor as your GPS, routing you the best way to reach your destination, and making recommendations along the way.

Develop your plan by investing your assets, whether it is in real estate, the stock market, bonds, hard assets, etc. Younger investors should be investing on a regular basis and keeping a balance of cash as an emergency fund.

Treat your savings as an expense. That means set aside a set amount each month for savings or investments. Save as much as you can in a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) or IRA. Diversify your assets. Review and rebalance your portfolio on a regular basis.

Recently the road has been bumpy, with many different routes to take and roadblocks along the way. The important part is to stay focused on your journey. The stock market has risen considerably after the economic meltdown and the pandemic. Now the US economy is facing a period of inflation and rising rates, with the possibility of a recession. Stock market volatility does create opportunity, though. Use pullbacks to pick up quality stocks at lower prices. Your financial advisor, just like your GPS in your car, is valuable at a time like this.

Remember, a roadmap is a useful tool to build your own financial plan and track your progress toward your financial

and life goals. It allows you to get organized by breaking down the steps needed to achieve your short- and long-term financial aspirations.

If you need help, contact your financial advisor or me if you need a second opinion or are looking for an advisor. Investors have different goals or destinations and advisors will have plans/ideas specific to your individual situation.

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.

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. Trust services are provided by third parties. Neither our firm nor our financial professionals can serve as trustee

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

Phone number (440) 878-9676

FOR SAFETY SAKEOLA NETWORKING EVENT

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

OCTOBER 20, 2022

OLD RIVER TAP AND SOCIAL 19245 DETROIT RD, ROCKY RIVER, OH 44116

AGENDA NETWORKING & DISCUSSION

6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM

COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: NO CHARGE NON MEMBERS: NO CHARGE

FOOD/BEVERAGE: ATTENDEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN FOOD AN BEVERAGE PURCHASES.

NOTE: NON-MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THEIR FIRST MEETING FREE OF CHARGE. THEREAFTER, THEY WILL NEED TO HOLD A CURRENT MEMBERSHIP IN ORDER TO ATTEND.

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY OCTOBER 13, 2022

WOMEN IN LANDSCAPE Professional Networking Event

Women started owning landscape maintenance companies 40 or more years ago. At the time, society was slowly changing toward respecting women working. However, the green industry has been slower towards embracing these gifted women - a group that shares strong qualities, such as tenacity, determination, and the strength to rise above any discrimination they receive in the landscaping industry.

The OLA’s Women in Landscape Group was created for the purposes of connecting, empowering, and advocating for women in the landscape industry. We want to help drive the change necessary to recruit and retain female professionals while amplifying the voices of current & future women leaders. If you are female, you are invited to join this FREE networking group. (Note: Based on group consensus, males may be invited to join from time to time.)

Our third and final meeting of the 2022 schedule will be informal events used to determine future topics of conversation for the group. Sign up online at ohiolandscapers.org/meetings.

ABOUT OLD RIVER TAP & SOCIAL

Old River Tap and Social transformed a former long-time bar/restaurant into a cool industrial modern spot with two distinct spaces. The Tap Room, upfront, is perfect for your lunch or night out with comfortable seating spread across our bar, tables and open drink rails. And our Social Room in back provides just the right amount of fun to enjoy a game of cornhole, some table games or grab a seat at our open air bar to watch the games on TV.

FOR SAFETY SAKEOLA EDUCATION SERIES

& Hosted by

SPONSORED & HOSTED BY

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

NORTHEAST OHIO

DECEMBER 6, 2022

WILLOWAY NURSERIES

4534 CENTER RD. AVON, OH 44011

CENTRAL OHIO

DECEMBER 8, 2022

PREMIER PLANT SOLUTIONS

6981 SCIOTO-DARBY RD. HILLIARD, OH 43026

AGENDA

REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST

8:30AM - 9:00AM

CLINIC

9:00AM - 12:00PM

COST MEMBERS

11/22/22

11/22/22

NON MEMBERS

DORMANT PRUNING CLINIC

The most important landscape maintenance practice is the control of plant size by the correct method of pruning to retain the natural branching characteristics of the plants and integrity of the landscape design. Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to get back to the basics and learn the proper way to prune in time for winter and early spring pruning.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar will include a lecture as well as hands-on training. Attendees will need to bring their own notepad and pen, hand pruning shears, a small pruning saw, and long handle lopping shears, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training.

INSTRUCTED BY TINA GRAVER/ BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS

After earning both her B.A. in Botany from Ohio Wesleyan University and her Master’s in Environmental Science from Indiana University, Tina decided continued her education by earning a Plant Health Care Certificate from the University of Maryland. She has also earned designations such as Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Care Safety Professional, and is Ohio-licensed in Pesticide Application. In her role as Thrive’s Lawn and Plant Health Care Coordinator, Tina was instrumental in analyzing and revitalizing Thrive’s Lawn and Plant Health Care programs. She is now a Arborist Plant Healthcare Specialist with Bartlett Tree Experts.-

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Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds, or credits will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less 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 early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.

5 STEPS TO PLOW SELECTION

Selecting a plow for your pickup truck can be a big decision, especially for smaller companies involved in snow and ice removal. Ultimately, there is no such thing as the perfect plow. Snow professionals own such a diverse array of vehicles and plow in so many different environments, that finding one perfect plow is impossible. That’s why so many plow manufacturers offer a wide array of models to choose from. Each plow has its unique set of features and, of course, in most cases, the more features on a plow, the more expensive it is. Most plow manufacturers and dealers are more than happy to help you match a plow blade to your truck. The most important thing is to get a plow that suits your needs. Here’s a step-by-step plan to get you started:

1. CHECK THE WEIGHT

Check the weight of the blade you are considering and make sure it works with your vehicle. Weight is a major factor when considering a plow. Most plow manufacturers offer an extensive line of snowplows for a variety of vehicles. Plows start at widths of 6½ feet for Jeeps and small pickups and go up to 9- and 10-foot-wide plows for dump trucks.

Most standard pickup trucks are best suited to 6½- and 7½-foot plows, half-ton trucks use 7 or 7½-foot blades and ¾- and 1-ton trucks typically use 7½-foot and 8-foot blades. The heavier the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck, the wider the plow blade the truck can handle.

from page 18

Overloading the front of a vehicle with a plow that is too heavy can stress the front axle and suspension and diminish braking effectiveness.

2. CONSIDER THE MATERIAL

Once you’ve determined how heavy and large a plow you can mount on your vehicle, select the material. Plows are most commonly constructed of steel, but many manufacturers now offer polyethylene plows.

Steel plows are often considered the mainstay of the industry, known for their durability and wide range of uses. However, polyethylene plows have become more widespread in recent years, known for how quickly snow rolls off the blade, which increases snow removal efficiency. Further, the moldboard of a polyethylene plow will not rust, corrode or require painting the way a steel plow might.

Some plows and plow materials seem to stand up to abuse better than others. However, unless you plan to plow like an animal, any of the products from mainstream manufacturers should hold up fine.

Remember, even the heaviest duty plows will not hold up to abuse. Plows are designed to push snow, not to be bulldozer

blades. When a plow encounters an immovable object, something has to give. This is why plows have a “trip” feature. When the moldboard itself hits an immovable object, it will bend, or a part of the framework will bend. The worst-case scenario would be if the truck frame itself bent as a result of the plow striking an object.

3. PLOW TYPE, OPTIONS

Plow manufacturers have been very creative in recent years, designing a variety of plow types for various applications. For example, snow removal professionals can now incorporate side- and rear-mounted plows onto their service vehicles. Plows are also available that reverse to provide both a push and pull action. Additionally, “V” plows, which are made up of two wings that can be independently adjusted, are an option. V-plows are generally more efficient than straightblade plows, but they are also more expensive and take a little practice to operate well.

Snow plows are available with a range of options, such as different mounts and various mechanisms for plow control. All of these options come with their unique advantages and costs. Ultimately, the best strategy is to investigate the options by talking with a variety of dealers and/or manufacturers and then selecting the plow and options that best fit your truck.

Finally, bear in mind that this article was written with the pickup truck in mind. However, a whole host of heavy-duty plows, such as box plows (sometimes called pusher plows) are available for use with heavy equipment, such as skid-steer loaders. Oftentimes these larger plows can be more efficient at removing snow and are a great option for large properties.

4. HYDRAULIC OPTIONS

Consider the hydraulic system on your new plow as well. Most hydraulic systems fall into two types. One is a self-contained, 12-volt unit, the other being a hydraulic pump under the hood driven by a belt and powered by the vehicle’s engine.

The 12-volt design uses an electric motor to turn a hydraulic pump. The motor and pump are typically mounted on the lift cylinder as one large assembly. The control valves are part of this unit, too. There are toggle switch controls in the cab, touch pads or mini joysticks to move the plow up and down and left to right. Most new plow models are completely removable from the vehicle when the plow is not in use. The headgear, plow lights and plow pump all come off the vehicle by removing pins.

The engine-driven systems are mounted on the vehicle’s engine, which drives the pump. The hydraulic fluid flows through hoses and lines to the lift and angle cylinders. A drawback to this unit is that it is pumping all the time, whether you are plowing or not. Some of these pumps have an electro-magnetic clutch that engages the pump. This helps some, but the shaft is still turning and wearing. Many owners remove the drive belt for the pump every spring and put it back on every fall.

5. CONSIDER THE DEALER

The next most important factor when choosing a plow is considering the dealer you buy from. Dealer service is very important when choosing a plow.

Keep in mind that no matter how heavy duty the plow is, sooner or later it will break and need parts. Most of the time you will need the parts and/or repair in a hurry, as Murphy’s Law dictates that the plow will break in the middle of a huge snowfall. As a result, some dealers remain open 24 hours a day during storms.

Parts availability is a major issue. Just because a dealership sells a particular plow brand doesn’t mean it can get parts as fast as you need, when you need them most. Make sure the dealer has a solid understanding of the plow you are purchasing.

When selecting a plow, you are also selecting a dealer, so make sure you determine how far that dealer is willing to go for you. Does the dealership extend its hours during snowfalls? Does it keep extra mechanics on duty?

PLOW DOS AND DON’TS

Once you have that shiny new plow, don’t overlook maintenance. Here are some tips on keeping your plow as like new as possible:

Do:

• Inspect your plow often, looking for cracks in the moldboard, cracked hoses, leaky fittings, etc.

• Check your hydraulic fluid often and change it after every season.

• Rinse the salt off your blade and truck as often as possible.

• Check the adjustment on your trip springs often.

• Change the cutting edge when it is worn.

• Paint your plow when it needs it (in the case of a steel plow).

Don’t:

• Abuse your plow or plow anything other than snow.

• Wrap a tow chain or tow strap around your blade.

• Mix hydraulic fluid types.

• Let cracks in metal go unattended; repair and/or weld them immediately.

• Plow with missing trip springs or other parts.

• Plow at speeds of more than 20 mph.

• Transport your blade at speeds faster than 45 mph.

This article was edited by Chuck Smith for Snow Magazine, the leading business management publication serving the commercial and residential snow and ice removal industry. The author is snow manager, Green Earth Landscaping and Design, Hackensack, N.J. He is author of The Snowplowing Handbook. For more information, visit: www.snowplowing-contractors.com.

SM is published eight times a year, and their website covers the latest news in the snow management industry, legislation and insurance updates, and provides educational resources for business owners and contractors. See more at www.snowmagazineonline.com.

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We’ll partner with you to provide expert advice on the best lighting solution to fit your project and budget. Our team also offers design and technical support at no additional cost. And to ensure the job gets done on time, our warehouse stocks a huge inventory of products ready for same-day shipment.

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JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

GREAT WESTERN PLANT EXPLORERS

THE 1980 SINO-AMERICAN BOTANICAL EXPEDITION

So far this year, we have discussed plant expeditions spanning both the 19th and early 20th centuries, as these were times of great industrial expansion, increased imperialism, and a society thirst for exotic plants and animals. However, this month, we are going to look at a very recent plant introduction, from 1980.

Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-Son-Flower) was first described in 1907 by a plant explorer we spoke about earlier this year, Mr. E.H.Wilson, of the Arnold Arboretum. He found the plant in July of 1907, on a cliff 3,000 feet above sea level, in the Western Hubei province of China. Taking samples in both July and October of that year, he delivered them back to the Arnold Arboretum, and in 1916, Alfred Rehder – also of the Arnold Arboretum named the plant Heptacodium miconioides. This name was in reference to this plant’s tendency to adorn 7 flowers (Hepta = 7, and codium = flowers) at the tip of each inflorescence. Additionally, Miconioides means “looks like Miconia,” which is a tropical tree with very similar leaves. The challenge at the time was that Wilson was unable to find

any viable seeds on the specimens he found, and these were the only ones he had come across on his expedition.

That being said, without viable propagation materials, the plant faded into the herbarium as the two dried-up samples and were lost to history, other than the plants enjoyed in Chinese gardens, though they were quite rare there, as well. It wasn’t until 1980 that western gardens would come across this magnificent tree again.

The Sino-American Botanical Expedition was a cooperative effort of both American and Chinese scientists to share the flora of China. On the American team were Stephen continued

American members of the SABE team pose before the Dawn Redwood. From left to right, David Boufford, James Luteyn, Bruce Bartholomew, Stephen Spongberg, and Theodore Dudley.

continued from page 24

Spongberg of Arnold Arboretum, Theodore Dudley of the U.S. National Arboretum, Bruce Bartholomew of UC Berkeley, David Boufford of Carnegie Museum, and James Luteyn of the New York Botanical Garden. While visiting the Hangzhou Botanical Garden on November 1st, they were stopped in their tracks as the saw a living specimen of Heptacodium, a plant none of them had ever seen except as a dried-up sample and/or through reading about its potential existence.

The Chinese scientists thought it was in their interest to have institutions from around the world propagating their treasured tree, as they knew it was in danger of extinction in the wild, thus they agreed to allow the Americans to collect seeds from the tree to bring home for propagation. Their records indicated that this specimen was transplanted from a nature preserve 500 miles south of their location. Seeds from this expedition went to Arnold Arboretum and The National Arboretum, where they began growing out seedlings, which are now beautiful mature plants in both collections.

Dr. J.C. Raulston (NC State) got cuttings in 1983 and you can find his original specimens at the Raulston Arboretum. Charles

Tubesing (you likely know from Holden Arboretum) also received plants from this collection in 1983 when he was a plant propagator for the University of British Columbia. He found the plants grew well outdoors and were quite winter hardy.

That very tree still exists today, and in 2003, Jim got to see the same specimen at the botanical garden while doing a study abroad with The Ohio State University.

What is most fascinating about this plant’s journey is that ALL specimens in North America can be traced back to the first two seed lots collected in 1980. This means the genetic diversity is nearly zero among all Heptacodium you see. Why is that fascinating? Well, with so little genetic diversity in the population, even seed-grown specimens will show little variation in features. So, we now see a named cultivar has entered the market called ‘Temple of Bloom’ which supposedly has a slightly longer bloom time and deeper red sepal. This plant comes from the same exact genetics, it is highly unlikely that it has any better features than any other unnamed specimen. The power of marketing has never been so obvious, or perhaps so dangerous to unnamed plants of exact equal value.

Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-Son-Flower).

So, why do we love this plant? We call it the crepe myrtle of the north. A member of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), it has familiar traits, namely the trumpet shaped flowers which are profuse at the tips of the branches. What makes this plant unique is its bloom time. Late August into September you will see white flowers all over the tree, and as the petals fall to the ground, the sepals left behind (another familiar trait) will turn to a deep, crimson-red through October, giving the look of a second full-round of flowers. This is a time of year where very few woody plants are flowering, so you’re providing a huge boost to the pollinators looking to increase their winter supplies.

Like Crepe Myrtle, you also get beautiful bark with these small trees. The bark is light-brown, and with a little age, starts to peel in long strips along the branches, adding interest especially for winter. This is a perfect specimen for some well placed up-lighting in the garden.

These are best planted in full sun to get the most out of the flowers, but we do have one at home that never sees direct sun yet still performs quite nicely. Plants seem to top out in

the 10 to 15 foot range and are best treated as multi-stem, specimen trees. Soil isn’t a major concern, keep it out of wet/ anerobic areas and it should do great. We’ve done some light structural pruning on them but, in general, they are very low maintenance plants.

We might have initially been a little concerned about the invasive potential, given the family, but to this day they seem quite free from seedling development (perhaps a reason they are so rare in their native range).

This is certainly a plant to add to your gardens!

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 house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in

Plant Care.

5 WAYS

Landscape Business Owners Can Cope with Inflation

Inflation is causing massive problems for small businesses, which includes landscapers. Costs are rising and interest rates haven’t stopped growing. It has created a difficult environment not only for landscapers to work in, but also for their customers to afford the landscaping services they were once purchasing.

Workers are looking for higher wages to help combat inflation in their home, which is driving up expenses for landscaping businesses that are already struggling to find workers. Even the most entry-level jobs are seeing increases in wages. When you couple that with the rising costs of doing business from suppliers, owners have to find ways to cope with inflation in order to keep their business turning a profit.

There are a number of ways landscaping businesses can fight inflation and maintain profits. With pros and cons to all options, it’s a difficult decision, so owners will need to choose wisely.

UPSELL SERVICES BY OFFERING BUNDLED PACKAGES

It may seem obvious to try and sell more services to increase revenue. However, upselling a package of services does two specific things; increases revenue for each client who purchases them and decreases some of your operating expenses, such as the cost of driving.

If a customer has already hired you to cut their lawn, then adding on pressure washing, weeding, or pool maintenance is a way to keep your crews at one location longer. In turn, the revenue per customer increases while driving expenses may decrease. In fact, bundled services can be completed in less time because the crew is already on-site with easy access to equipment. It’s one set-up time to complete multiple jobs, as opposed to having to reload equipment and move to another location.

With more options, customers may also stay with you because of the value they get from your service. Diverse needs make you a one-stop shop and if they need to cut back on a service, you have multiple services with them to fall back on.

FIND AREAS TO START CUTTING EXPENSES

Reducing expenses may just be a necessary issue. The problem is that the first thing people think about when thinking of cutting costs is – reducing wages, or firing staff.

continued from page 28

Cutting expenses doesn’t have to be that. It may just mean you need to look at your business and make changes in how you operate. For example, examine how your business would run with your staff working remotely. Do you need in-office staff or can certain people work from home? A reduced staff in the office may allow you to reduce the size of your office space, which reduces rent, utilities, and office supplies. It also has the additional effect of making staff happy that they get to work remotely.

It’s also a great time to look at subscriptions to services your company may use or be paying for. Dig into your management software and get a better idea of your expenses. Perhaps the dump runs you are doing every day or week is costing too much and it would just be cheaper to buy your own dumpster.

RAISE YOUR PRICES SLOWLY AND WITH FULL TRANSPARENCY

Customers never want to hear that their landscaping service is going to cost more. But the reality is that you may need to raise your prices to cope with inflation. How much you raise your prices may mean you need to do it slowly over time and not all at once so as to shock your customers.

If you have cut all unnecessary costs, increasing prices may be all you have left. Try to impact your customers as little as possible and be open with them through correspondence that their rates will increase at a certain time. Convey to them that the quality of the service won’t suffer. However, be sure the quality doesn’t decrease because a customer will leave quickly if they notice their rates went up but the services they are paying for are not at the same level they had once before.

ANALYZE THE SERVICES YOU OFFER

One of the main Key Performance Indicators to be looking at while coping with inflation is profitability by service type. Many landscaping businesses offer a large variety of services and some even offer specialty services. It may be time to branch out, or reduce the number of services (or service areas) you offer.

During this time of inflation, you want to focus on the services that are generating you the most revenue. If design/ build projects are earning you more revenue than your maintenance program, it may be time to move off that service temporarily if it’s not driving enough revenue. That way, you can reallocate your crews as needed to focus on the services that generate more revenue.

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On the other hand, there may be services you don’t offer that could be easy to start with that have little start-up costs and large margins. It’s time to dive into your business KPIs and see what’s really going on.

IT’S TIME TO BOOST THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR BUSINESS AND AUTOMATE

Coping with inflation can be challenging, but it’s also a time to really dive into your business and see where you can make adjustments. Are you spending hours on manual tasks that could be easily solved with landscaping management software? By finding more efficient means of either delivering service or reducing manual tasks for your office, you can find more time to take on other jobs.

More efficient companies are automating their workspace in order to focus more on the services they deliver. With all of the landscaping management software options available out there, you may be able to let your office work remotely, while having the management tools to run your business completely.

This article appeared on the DynaScape blog located at www. dynascape.com/blog. DynaScape helps customers transform every aspect of their business with industry-leading landscape software.

Physically remove the hazard.

Replace the hazard

Isolate people from the hazard

Change the way people work

Protect the worker with Personal Protective Equipment

HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROL

One of the keys to a safe workplace is evaluating, identifying, and eliminating hazards. There is a step-by-step process available called the “Hierarchy of Controls.” The hierarchy of controls can be an effective tool to reduce the frequency and or the severity of injuries at your workplace and ultimately help reduce workers’ compensation costs.

The chart (above) identifies the preferred way to control a hazard from the most effective which is elimination. Then the order follows the next preferred method using Substitution, then Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls then the least effective, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Let’s take a deeper look into each “Hierarchy of Controls.”

1. Elimination – This is where the hazard is removed. This can be achieved by either changing the work process like removing a sharp or heavy object. As you can see, this is the preferred control method because it completely removes the hazard from the employee.

2. Substitution – The second preferred method relies on substituting the hazard with a safer alternative. For example, eliminating a chemical by using those made from eco-friendly or plant-based products. If you choose substitution be sure to review and understand the new potential risks of the product, if there are any.

3. Engineering Controls – This option prevents/reduces the hazard from coming into contact with the employee. Some examples of engineering controls are workspace or equipment modification, creating protective barriers or installing ventilation.

4. Administrative Controls – This option for reducing workplace hazards relies on work practices that reduce duration, frequency, or intensity of the job. Examples include work process training, job rotation, adequate rest breaks or adjusting line speeds.

5. Personal Protective Equipment – The last option which is the least effective is PPE. This is where employees are required to wear items, such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, and respirators. Many times, PPE will be used temporarily while other controls are under development.

Before implementing, you must first identify the hazards. A good way to achieve this is to create a team with areas of expertise (Maintenance, Department Managers/Supervisors, Employees, EHS, etc.). Once the hazards are identified, the team should discuss the “Hierarchy of Controls” and identify the most effective means of dealing with the hazard. Then, work your way down until you find a solution.

For more information, please contact Sedgwick’s Andy Sawan at 330.819.4728 or andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com

SANDY MUNLEY Executive Director / OLA

GREAT LAKES LEADERSHIP

The OLA has been very fortunate over six years to be a part of the Great Lakes Nursery and Landscape Association Leadership Council. This group includes the eight states and one province that touch at least one of the Great Lakes. It is limited to one association per each state or province.

Currently the members of this group include Illinois Landscape Contractors Association; Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association; Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association; Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association; New York State Nursery & Landscape Association; Ohio Landscape Association; Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association; Wisconsin Nursery and Landscape Association; and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association.

As a group, we get together once a year. Ideally, the President, President-Elect, and the Executive Director from each association attend. Last year, we hosted the conference here in Cleveland. This September, Brian Maurer, Stephanie Gray, and I attended the event in Chicago, hosted by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

The conference starts with cocktails and dinner, followed by a day and one half of sharing and learning from one another.

Some of the topics addressed are association specific and part are industry specific.

We learn so much from one another. It is reassuring to know that although we may be in different geographic areas, we all suffer from the same or similar problems both in the green industry and as associations. Some of the topics discussed this year included supply chain issues, price uncertainty (inflation), lack of workforce, and burn-out.

It is inspiring to learn how others are handling issues. We came home with a list of takeaways and a real appreciation for the passion each group has as they work to make the green industry even better! We are already looking forward to next year when we will meet in Minnesota.

Just a quick reminder – this is dues renewal month. Our membership year runs November 1 through October 31. Remember to keep current by paying dues by November 1, so that you don’t miss out on our upcoming evening meetings and educational events! Check the calendar of events on page 5.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

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