The Growing Concern October 2023

Botson Insurance Group is an expert at insuring companies in the green industry. With over 25 years of experience in protecting landscape contractors, we understand your business and know what it takes to keep you up and running if and when something unfortunate happens. We offer over twenty-five (25) industry specific landscape insurance coverage policies.

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL.

SAFETY CULTURE

Reflecting on my career in the Green Industry, when it comes to safety, I definitely had some bad habits in my earlier days. Not using earplugs and wearing regular sunglasses (instead of safety glasses) were two of my typical faux pas. And, while I’m fortunate that I never had a serious incident resulting in any sort of permanent damage, now using those two pieces of personal protective equipment is second nature to me.

Next time you are out and about, take a good look at the people around you working in the various industries. Safety seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s priorities and is now easily visible in the utilization of cones, reflective vests and/or shirts, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.

Safety is crucial for several reasons, but none is more important than protecting yourself and those around you. Safety measures and proper planning help prevent injuries and accidents and ensure that you and your team leave the same way you started the day. With that in mind, we should all have someone in place who is in charge of safety, and they should be responsible for holding regular safety meetings and distributing relevant information. So, I ask, who is that person on your team?

In addition to keeping everyone safe, focusing on safety with your employees shows them you care about them as individuals. A safety culture can also help with productivity. Studies have shown that safe work environments lead to increased productivity because employees are less likely to get injured or fall ill, which helps reduce absences and downtime.

There are several basic elements of a safety culture; management and worker participation, hazard training and prevention, and continuing education are just a few of them.

Mandating safety rules is the first step in the right direction. Any new rule needs to have buy-in from management and employees and should be clear, concise, and maintainable. To reinforce these rules, let us not forget that actions speak louder than words. Leaders cannot just tell employees to be safe, but must show them. If a manager shows up to a job site or a client visit, make sure they are wearing the correct personal protective equipment, have cones to place behind their work vehicle, etc.

Additionally, a large part of a winning safety culture is fighting the urge to become complacent. Working as a team to

continued on page 6

STEPHANIE GRAY BrightView Landscape

Chainsaw

Populus

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

Stephanie Gray, LIC, BrightView Landscapes

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

Stephanie Gray, LIC

President – Elect

Cameron Maneri

Treasurer

Ryan Drake

Immediate Past President

Brian Maurer, LIC

DIRECTORS

Brandon Barker

Matt Malone

Tim McCaskey

Bob Ramser, LIC

Tom Rieder, LIC

Kate Stone, OCNT

OLA STAFF

Executive Director

Sandy Munley

Associate Director

Rick Doll, Jr.

Membership Coordinator

Melissa Roberts

COVER: 2023 Landscape Ohio! merit award winner, in the category of Landscape Lighting, The Bremec Group.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

UPCOMING OLA MEETINGS, EDUCATION SEMINARS & EVENTS

OCTOBER 2023

OCTOBER 12, 2023

CENTRAL OHIO FACILITY TOUR

(Peabody Landscape Group)

Since 1982, Peabody Landscape Group has been a leading landscape company in Columbus and Central Ohio. Through careful listening, Peabody’s landscape architects and designers have identified and transformed their client’s landscapes into beautiful, functional outdoor living environments. Join us as we tour Peabody’s headquarters, located in Columbus, Ohio, to find out what has made them so successful for over 40+ years. See page 30 for more information. (Capacity Limited)

OCTOBER 26, 2023

STONE VENEER CLINIC (NE Ohio)

This hands-on clinic will teach the basics of mixing mortar, installing and grouting stone veneer. The techniques you will learn can be applied to both manufactured and natural stone. The demand for veneers has increased and this is a great opportunity to learn how to apply it in house. Sponsored and hosted by Valley City Supply in Valley City, OH. See page 7 for more information. (Capacity Limited)

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 (TENTATIVE)

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 Brew Wall, located in Broadview Heights, OH. Visit ohiolandscapers. org for more info.

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

OLA ANNUAL MEETING

Marilee Macaskill, Vice President and Area Director at Dale Carnegie, will be leading an informative discussion covering the importance of employee enagagement within your company and the positive affects it will have on your company’s culture. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside. See page 32 for more information.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

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 Willoway Nurseries in Hilliard, Ohio. Visit ohiolandscapers. org for more info.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 5, 2023

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. Visit ohiolandscapers. org for more info.

DECEMBER 15, 2023

27th 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.

Now is the time to begin preparing your entries for this year’s 27th 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 15, 2023, 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

continuously refine and improve processes helps keep up with the latest trends and technologies. All these items have a direct impact on the bottom line by helping to improve customer and public confidence and can help improve reputation.

A few easy things to address now that the seasons are about to change:

1. Take the time to check and restock first aid kits. Make sure that if any of them are in an office setting, they are easily accessible.

2. Remind yourself, or your safety supervisor to check smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and change them, if needed.

3. Check to make sure all fire extinguishers are charged in both company vehicles and at the office.

4. Update all employees’ emergency contact information.

5. If employees are driving company vehicles, check for insurance cards and current registration. This is a good time to remind employees about wearing seat belts and distracted driving, and with schools back in session, showing a diagram of right of way for cars and school busses will help eliminate any confusion.

6. Encourage field staff to check the tread on those summer work boots. This will help with slip-and-falls as the weather turns colder and precipitation begins to fall more frequently.

7. Review Personal Protective Equipment policies with the entire team.

8. In the office, check office chairs and tighten any loose nuts or bolts. Also, make sure there’s a clear evacuation plan posted in all rooms.

Taking the time to build and maintain a safety culture should be a priority for all companies and is essential for your wellbeing and the well-being of others. Safety measures can also help reduce stress and anxiety by lessening constant worry about potential dangers. On the flip side, it will help the overall bottom line by reducing damage costs and lost time and can help with worker’s compensation and insurance rates.

Remember, safety is a habit that can significantly improve your overall quality of life. I encourage if not challenge everyone to never take a break from it.

- Stephanie Gray LIC

Wallstone

Outcropping

Boulders

Chunks

• Sawn

• Snapped

• Irregular

Barnstone

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

OCTOBER 26, 2023

1323 W RIVER RD. VALLEY CITY, OH 44280

AGENDA (CLINIC 1) REGISTRATION

8:30AM - 9:00AM

CLINIC

9:00AM - 12:00PM

AGENDA (CLINIC 2) REGISTRATION

12:30PM - 1:00PM

CLINIC

1:00PM - 4:00PM

COST MEMBERS

STONE CLINIC Stone Veneer Techniques

Manufactured Stone is available in multitude of colors, shapes and sizes, all meticulously detailed to give you the most authentic representation of real stone. With its light weight and non-combustible materials, manufactured stone can be applied to any properly prepared surface including: exterior walls, fireplaces, chimneys, bars, landscape walls, and more.

This hands-on clinic will teach the basics of mixing mortar, installing & grouting stone veneer, as well as various trouble-shooting techniques. What you will learn can be applied to both manufactured and natural stone. The demand for veneers has increased and this is a great opportunity to learn how to apply it in-house. Stop subcontracting it out, avoid costly job delays and seize this opportunity to increase your profits!

Note: (2) Identical clinics will be held on the same day. The morning clinic will be filled first, followed by the afternoon clinic. Each class will be limited to 25 participants, each of which will be asked to bring their own safety glasses, mason’s trowel and platerer’s trowel/float. Work gloves and Steel toed shoes/boots are highly suggested.

ABOUT THE HOST

NON MEMBERS

BEFORE 10/12/23 AFTER 10/12/23

Sponsored & Hosted by - $89 - $139 - $119 - $169

Since 1961, Valley City Supply has been dedicated to helping contractors and homeowners elevate their living and create the home of their dreams. Their 7,000sqft showroom is located in Medina County, Ohio in the quaint little village of Valley City. As a third-generation, family-owned, small business, they are deeply rooted in the community, and are committed to their customer’s success and providing them with honest service and superior products. Valley City Supply only partners with and sells premier brands that are dedicated to manufacturing high quality products that transform a home’s outdoor living area and interior/exterior style and functionality. They never sell anything that they wouldn’t put into their own homes.

2023 STONE VENEER CLINIC / REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/19/23

(Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

No. Exp. Date Security Code

Name on Card Signature

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card

PREPARING PERENNIALS FOR WINTER

When it comes to perennials, don’t be in a rush to cut things down; hold off until after several hard frosts. Even if the flowers or leaves are dead, the roots reclaim energy from the dying plant for healthy growth in the spring.

Technically, very few plants MUST be cut down in the fall. We enjoy leaving as many flower seedheads standing as possible to add both winter interest and feed the birds in cold weather. If you follow nature’s lead, the decomposing leaves not only insulate the plant during the winter freezes and thaws but also decompose to provide excellent fertilizer.

However, some cultivated plants are more susceptible to problems if the old foliage and dying stems are left to rot. Diseases can overwinter in dead foliage, as can slugs and other pests. Old stems can also get battered about by fall and winter winds, which will damage the plant’s crown and roots. In general, always cut back any infected or diseased plants.

WHICH PERENNIALS TO CUT BACK

The perennials that we recommend cutting back include:

• Bee balm and phlox: Prone to powdery mildew. Cut them all back once the flowers finish.

• Peonies: Keep fungal diseases from spreading by gathering a handful of stems and cutting them off 2 to 3 inches above the soil.

• Hosta foliage: Remove after a hard frost, including any leaves on the ground, as they may harbor slug eggs and prevent new spring growth. Don’t cut the leaves all the way to the ground. Instead, leave about 2 to 3 inches of each stem standing to protect the crown during winter.

• Bearded iris: By cutting the leaves back and destroying them, you can help reduce or eliminate iris borers’ eggs from your garden. Wait until after the first frost because the iris borer moth remains active until then.

If it bothers you to keep the dead and dying perennials standing in your garden bed, perennials that can be cut down in autumn include: Artemisia, Bearded iris, Bee balm, Campanula, Catmint, Clematis, Columbine, Coreopsis, Delphinium, Daylily, Hardy geranium, Peony, Phlox, Salvia, Shasta Daisy, Sunflower, Veronica and Yarrow.

continued on page 10

continued from page 8

Basically, most plants that flower in early spring or summer can be cut down in the fall.

HOW TO CUT BACK PERENNIALS

After several hard frosts, remove spent flowers and stems by cutting stems off near the base of the plant, allowing the crown (base of plant) to remain. Bypass pruners are preferred because they make a clean cut through the stem of the plant, whereas anvil pruners crush the stem, leaving more damage behind.

We usually leave 6-inch stubs so we can find the plants next spring. Don’t go any lower than 2-inches, as you don’t want to accidentally dig into plants that emerge late. You will be less likely to dig into them accidentally before they appear in spring if you can see a portion of their stalks.

Note: Some late summer/fall perennials and biennials may have already started to form leaves for next year at their base of the plant. Examples include yarrow, foxglove, Shasta daisy, and globe thistle. Cut off the stalks without disturbing this new growth.

After cutting back your client’s plants, apply a light mulch. Then, wait to feed until the spring for healthy growth.

LEAVE SOME WINTER INTEREST

Again, try leaving some seedheads standing for winter interest or to feed the birds. Here are some favorites:

• Blackberry Lily: Looks great until heavy wet snow finally knocks it down.

• Ornamental Grasses: They will add movement and sound to the landscape.

• Agastaches, Coneflowers, and Rudbeckia: They will stand through winter for the birds to enjoy.

• Native Sedum, Joe Pye Weed, and Oxeye Sunflower: These can wait until spring to be cut back, when new growth arrives. In addition to the birds, butterflies and beneficial insects shelter in these native plants and leaf litter.

If you simply don’t want certain plants to reseed, snip spent flowers back just below the mound of foliage for a tidy look. Perennials that will self-seed include:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

• Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)

• Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)

PERENNIALS NOT TO CUT BACK

Some perennials, including evergreen perennials such as Epimediums, Hellebores, Heucheras, Hardy Geraniums, Dianthus, Moss Phlox, and Euphorbias, should be left alone. Candytuft, Primulas, Hens & Chicks, Heaths, and Heathers are also considered evergreen and should not be cut back in the fall. Tidy them in the spring as needed.

Also, do not cut back hardy perennials like Garden Mums ( Chrysanthemum spp .), Anise Hyssop ( Agastache foeniculum ), Red-hot Poker ( Kniphofia uvaria ), and Montauk Daisy ( Nipponanthemum nipponicum ). Leave the foliage. It’s important to protect the root crowns over winter. Cutting back the plants severely will simulate late new growth, which will be very susceptible to winter kill. Pulmonaria and Penstemons should also be left in place until spring.

CLEANING UP GARDEN DEBRIS

As with the vegetable garden, any diseased or bug-infested plant material needs to go - far away! Don’t put it in the compost pile. Debris from things like Rusty Hollyhocks, Peonies with powdery mildew, leaf-spotted Delphiniums, and other fungalinfected flowers should be removed from the garden.

continued on page 12

continued from page 11

DON’T FERTILIZE IN THE FALL

Fertilizing in autumn encourages new growth that will just get killed when cold weather hits. Compost is not considered a fertilizer; it is a soil conditioner, so feel free to add that in the fall. If a soil test indicates that you need lime, it can also be applied in the fall.

WEED BEFORE THE FREEZE

Before the ground freezes, do a final weeding. The more weeds you can get out now, especially those with seeds, the fewer weeds you’ll have to deal with in the spring. Edge beds one last time, and your client’s will start the year with a neat and tidy look.

TO MULCH, OR NOT TO MULCH

If your cleint’s are growing plants that are hardy in their zone and live where snow cover is plentiful each winter, you probably don’t have to worry about mulching the garden, though it’s always insurance to give them some extra protection. It’s newly planted perennials that are the exception. Definitely tuck some mulch around them for their first winter.

The purpose of a winter mulch is to keep the soil temperature even and prevent the heaving of roots due to alternate freezing and thawing of the ground. Waiting until the ground is frozen

before mulching is not only best for your plants but also discourages rodents from making a cozy home there. Use a mulch that does not pack down and smother your client’s plants. Shredded leaves, pine needles, straw, or evergreen boughs are all good choices. Snow provides the best insulating mulch, it goes down gradually and melts gradually.

WATERING THE GARDEN

If you live where it has been dry this growing season, instruct your clients to keep watering their garden until the ground freezes. Usually, there is plentiful moisture in the fall, but many areas have experienced drought conditions in recent summers, and the ground is dry. Plants that are waterstressed will have a tough time surviving the winter.

The more work you do in your client’s perennial garden this fall, the less you’ll have to do next spring!

This article was written by Robin Sweetser, who has contributed to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. It appeared as part of the Old Farmer’s Almanac gardening blog, located at www.almanac. com/gardening. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the oldest almanac in the country - started when George Washington was president - and is the best-selling annual periodical in North America - sold coast-to-coast in the U.S. and Canada.

THE SECURE ACT 2.0

The SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act was signed by President Trump before the end of the 2019 year. This year, President Biden signed the SECURE Act 2.0 into law.

Here are the key takeaways from the new legislation.

• The age to start taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) increases to age 73 in 2023 and 75 in 2033.

• The penalty for failing to take an RMD will decrease to 35% of the RMD amount, from 50% currently, and 10% if corrected in a timely manner for IRAs.

• Starting in 2024, RMDs will no longer be required from Roth accounts in employer-sponsored retirement plans (such as in a 401k).

• Catch-up contributions will increase in 2025 for 401(k), 403(b), government plans, and IRA holders.

• Defined contribution retirement plans will be able to add an emergency savings account associated with a Roth account.

• After 15 years, 529 plan assets can be rolled over to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, subject to annual Roth contribution limits and an aggregate lifetime limit of $35,000.

Other provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0 include automatic enrollment requirement for employer-sponsored retirement plans. Most companies will now be required to automatically enroll eligible employees into their retirement plan, helping more Americans reach retirement readiness. Employers who start new retirement plans will be required to automatically enroll employees at a rate of at least 3% but not more than 10%, beginning in 2025.

continued on page 16

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

continued from page 14

Beginning in 2024, student loan payments would count as retirement contributions for the purpose of qualifying for matching contributions in a workplace retirement account.

In addition, employers will be able to make contributions to their company retirement plan on behalf of employees paying student loans instead of saving for retirement.

Another component is to allow plan participants the ability to withdraw up to $1,000 per year from their retirement savings account for emergency expenses without having to pay the 10% tax penalty for early withdrawal if they are under age 59½. The participant has the option to repay the distribution within 3 years. No further emergency distributions may be made during the 3-year repayment period until any amounts previously taken are repaid. Companies could allow employees to set up an emergency savings account through automatic payroll deductions. These contributions would be limited to $2,500.

Big student loan payments keep many workers from being able to save for retirement. SECURE Act 2.0 allows employers to consider student loan payments as elective retirement contributions for the purpose of making employees eligible for matching contributions.

Let’s say someone is making $60,000 a year and would be eligible for an employer match of 10% if they contributed

$500 a month to retirement. But they feel they can’t afford to contribute anything to their retirement account, because their student loan payment is $500 a month.

Previously they would have been out of luck, but under the new rules their employer can still put $500 a month into their retirement account as an employer matching contribution.

While SECURE 2.0 provides increased opportunities to save for retirement, everyone’s financial situation is different. As always, consult your financial advisor or tax professional to understand how SECURE 2.0 changes apply to you.

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.

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 Phone: (800) 478-0788

CHAINSAW CHECKLIST WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE HITTING THE JOBSITE

For arborists and landscapers performing tree pruning, utility line clearance and vegetation management, chainsaws are a necessary tool to get the job done. Yet, proper chainsaw maintenance and repair is equally as necessary to prevent accidents and ensure reliable performance.

Roughly 36,000 people are treated for chainsaw-related injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of whom are experienced tree professionals. As a business owner, the burden of providing your workers with proper, in-depth training around necessary chainsaw safety, maintenance and repairs rests on you.

The following guide touches on some of the most important tips and industry guidelines for maintaining, servicing and repairing chainsaws in tree care settings.

SAFETY FIRST: PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE

Before performing any chainsaw repairs or maintenance, understanding the manufacturer’s instructions should be the first step for every tree care professional to know. Each brand will have its own controls, internal design and service schedule pertaining to components that must be regularly maintained, including:

• The engine: Keeps the chain rotating at a desired pace, either through gas or electricity.

• The chain: Spins around the guide bar and is outfitted with teeth to improve cutting performance and reduce kickback.

• The chain brake: Automatically prevents the chain from rotating in the event of a kickback, reducing risk of injury.

• The lubrication system: Helps ensure the chain moves around the guide bar without unnecessary friction, heat or stuttering.

• The air filter: Keeps the engine from overheating during heavy workloads or periods of prolonged use.

Prior to any work being performed, tree care professionals should conduct a thorough inspection of these core components for any signs of wear, damage or obstruction, as recommended by OSHA. Maintaining a proactive approach of chainsaw inspections will help identify possible issues and will not only help extend the lifespan of the saw, but also help prevent accidents before they occur.

continued on page 20

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

a free consultation.

• 178’ 50 Ton Crane

continued from page 18

OSHA recommends taking the following precautions before getting started:

• Check all controls, bolts, handles and guards for possible safety issues.

• Verify the chain tension is adjusted according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Ensure the fuel and lubrication system is filled to recommended levels.

• Sharpen the teeth on the chainsaw’s chain prior to use.

• Put on personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, work gloves, hard hats, etc.

Tree care professionals should always have a fellow arborist on-site to help monitor performance, whether working at ground level or elevated heights. Additionally, having a second set of eyes available during your tree pruning job helps to minimize the risk of serious chainsaw-related injuries or accidents. As a strict rule of thumb, chainsaws should never be operated above shoulder level and certainly should not have adjustments to the chain made while running.

REPAIR AND UPKEEP BEST PRACTICES

In some cases, on-the spot maintenance may be necessary before starting or while operating your chainsaw. While inconvenient, some mechanical issues can be resolved rather easily, however many may require replacement parts and a safe environment to perform proper chainsaw repairs. One of the more common maintenance concerns tree care professionals will encounter is a dull chain. A dull chain is particularly dangerous, as it can increase the risk of kickbacks and have a negative impact on the saw’s overall performance. Occasional gas leaks, faulty spark plugs, warped guide bars and clogged air filters are other common issues to look for in regular maintenance checks.

If a chainsaw is running rough or having difficulty starting up, an arborist should try to diagnose the root causes before switching out parts or making repairs.

HOW TO SHARPEN A CHAINSAW

Keeping your chainsaw sharp and in working order is not as difficult as it may seem. As noted by Popular Mechanics, there are several different methods of sharpening a chainsaw tree professionals can make use of, such as: filing by hand, using a power sharpener, etc. Bench-top sharpeners may be the most convenient solution, yet arborists who encounter issues in the field will most likely not have that equipment readily available.

In such circumstances, keeping a round file of the proper diameter on hand is a quick solution to sharpening the chainsaw’s cutting edges while in the field.

The steps to properly sharpen the chainsaw are as follows:

• Step 1: Set a sharpening guide on top of the saw chain and rest the file against the cutting edge.

• Step 2: Adjust the file to match the cutting tooth’s angle. Keep in mind, these cutting edges are designed with alternating angles.

• Step 3: Using a slow and steady stroke, push the file forward along the cutting tooth. Repeat this motion five additional times while matching the tooth’s angle.

• Step 4: Move onto the next cutting tooth and repeat steps 1 – 3, making sure the curved edges are clean and shiny.

Chainsaw sharpening and repair, like any other skill, takes time and effort to fully master. However, regular maintenance and inspection of your chainsaw and its core components will help you develop an eye for preventing issues before they arise.

Overall, keeping a sharp chainsaw will help to minimize your potential risk of having a serious injury or fatal accident. When in doubt, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations to remain safe during your chainsaw repairs.

This article was written by Tom Doherty, who leads the NIP Group’s specialty programs division and has driven the development and growth of many differentiated insurance programs (including the TreePro, LandPro and GrowPro programs). It appeared onTotal Landscape Cares’ website, located at www.totallandscapecare.com.

JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

POPULUS TREMULOIDES QUAKING ASPEN

If we asked you to name the biggest living thing on earth what would your answer be? Perhaps you might say the Blue Whale? Maybe dinosaurs ‒ which we all know are alive and well at Jurassic Park, right? Or possibly, being the great plant nerds we all are, you might consider the Redwoods of California? Well, in the fun ‒ but not overly important game of ranking living things by size ‒ it usually helps to add some qualifiers.

Is it the tallest living thing we’re talking about? If so, a tree named Hyperion, a redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in California takes that prize at 379+ feet tall. How about the oldest? That likely goes to “Old Tjikko,” a 9,500+ year old Norway Spruce (Picea abies) in Sweden. Or maybe sheer volume of space? “General Sherman,” another Redwood in California is rocking an impressive 1,385 tons (2.7 million pounds). Truthfully, most of this is just estimates, as the only thing we can truly measure is height, so let’s just agree that all of these plants are equally impressive!

That said, an equally or if not more impressive plant can be found in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah. Meet Pando! Pando is the name given to a massive colony of Quaking Aspen that is estimated to be over 80,000 years old, making “Old Tjikko” a little baby in comparison. Pando, like all Populus tremuloides, forms a grove of genetically identical trunks all growing from the same sprawling root system. In this case, over 47,000 separate tree trunks rise from the ground covering nearly 110 acres, weighing an impressive 13.2 million pounds. There go some of those records we were discussing.

continued on page 24

The common name, Quaking Aspen, comes from the effect of flat, vertical petioles holding the leaves, allowing the leaves to flutter back and forth in even the slightest breeze.

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR SUCCESS

Whether you are an independent garden center, landscape contractor, or re-wholesaler, Willoway has the plants and programs your business needs. Choose from a wide variety of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, seasonal color, herbs, vegetables, tropical plants, and succulents in the sizes and brands your customers want.

Contact one of our helpful sales representatives for more information about how we can partner to grow your business!

EFFORTLESS LOGISTICS Direct ship or pick up

ORDERING MADE EASY Shop online, anytime!

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED

2,000+ VARIETIES Including top brands

SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE Retail, re-wholesale, & landscapers

continued from page 22

But don’t give our friend Pando all the records; we know of several fungal specimens that span over 1,000 acres under the soils of Oregon, and any day now ‘Ol Nessie should be showing up again in Loch Ness to put them all to shame!

From a landscape perspective, Quaking Aspen may not make the top of too many designers’ lists, but it is a tree worth some consideration. Like most plants, there is a time and place for their use. (Yes, we’ll finally concede that even the evil Yucca has a time and place – which was 1980 – when we didn’t know what looked good anyways, or in Arizona where it doesn’t look so out of place!)

The common name for this plant name comes from the effect of flat, vertical petioles holding the leaves, allowing the leaves to flutter back and forth in even the slightest breeze. It makes these trees look as though the entire plant is trembling in place like a dog on the 4th of July. And while all Populus species have this flat petiole and some shaking, this is the most exaggerated of the bunch, and the reason the old French botanist André Michaux named this plant tremuloides, while traipsing through North America in the early 1800s.

With a widespread native distribution from Newfoundland south to Pennsylvania, then moving west to Alaska and Oregon and chasing the mountains south to Arizona, this is one of the most widespread tree species in North America. One reason it is so widespread is its seemingly complete disregard for soil types. Often found in rocky, dry slopes, the tree is just as common on moist loams to heavier clay soils with high levels of moisture.

Much like other members of the family (Salicaceae or Willow family), these trees tend to grow fast and may die young due to insect and disease issues. We find a lot of reference to this whole they will die young bit, including reference from Dr. Dirr stating the trees have no ornamental importance, but question that assertion. Let’s study the way these plant grows, as a continually expanding colony.

Just like a lot of our Birch trees, the ability to keep forming new trunks may be a ticket to keeping the plant alive and well. Perhaps the trick is to treat this like a large – ok, very large (perhaps over 60 feet) – shrub? What if we keep it on the smaller side, remove the oldest trunks as the colony forms, and try to keep the trunks to less than 20 years old or so. This keeps the tree young and vigorous and able to withstand the disease and insect issues that catch up to it in older age.

LAKESIDE SAND& GRAVEL

• Screened Topsoil (Stored in a hoop house on site.)

• Granite & Sandstone Boulders

From 8” to 12’+ priced per ton and per piece on request. 1’-2’ granite and 2’-3’ granite available, presorted, for immediate pick up.

• Mixed Boulders (Available for immediate pick up.)

• Washed Gravel, Concrete & Mason Sand.

• Crushed Gravel & Limestone products available. - ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

• Prioritize workplace flexibility. Workers prefer jobs that provide more flexibility over those that offer more vacation days. To the extent possible, give workers a say in their schedule, work conditions, work organization, work location, and work tasks.

• Match tasks to abilities. Use self-paced work, selfdirected rest breaks, and less repetitive tasks.

• Avoid prolonged, sedentary work. Prolonged, sedentary work is bad for workers at every age. Consider sit/stand workstations and walking workstations for workers who traditionally sit all day. Provide onsite physical activity opportunities or connections to low-cost community based options.

With minimal care, this tree can reward with great physical movement in the landscape, beautiful clear yellow fall color and stark white trunks reaching for the sky. Flowering and fruit is not of note on these trees, so we rely on the colony of white barked trunks in mass effect to add to the ornamental features of the landscape. We can’t recommend that the right place for this tree is in the front yard in a typical suburban neighborhood, but perhaps in a mass planting in the backyard property border, or near a stand of woods it may look right at home. Keep in mind that the tree is not picky about soil types and almost seems to prefer poor soils to fertile sights. You may not be creating the next Pando engulfing a hundred acres, but we urge you to consider the beautiful impact of a mass of white trunks and shaking leaves in the next naturalistic planting you take on.

• Manage hazards. Including noise, slip/trip hazards, and physical hazards – conditions that can challenge an aging workforce more.

• Provide and design ergo-friendly work environments. Workstations, tools, floor surfaces, adjustable seating, better illumination where needed, and screens and surfaces with less glare.

Provide health promotion and lifestyle interventions including physical activity, healthy meal options, tobacco cessation assistance, risk factor reduction and screenings, coaching, and onsite medical care. Accommodate medical self-care in the workplace and time away for

Invest in training and building worker skills and competencies at all age levels. Help older employees adapt to new technologies, often a concern for employers

Proactively manage reasonable accommodations and the

Require aging workforce management skills training for supervisors. Include a focus on the most effective ways to

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 Ornamental Plant Care.

• Utilize teams and teamwork strategies for agingassociated problem solving. Workers closest to the problem are often best equipped to find the fix.

This article first appeared on the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) website, located at www.cdc.gov/niosh. NIOSH’s mission is to develop new knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health and to transfer that

Being Profitable During Fall CleanupS Being Profitable During Fall CleanupS

Depending on your location, the start of fall cleanup season varies, but sooner or later, the leaves will be falling, and customers will be calling. The question is – are you prepared to make the most of it?

Michael Bedell, owner of Bedell Property Management, LLC, based in Milford, Michigan, says since he’s scaled back the size of his company, he has opted to focus on servicing their existing clients. He says less-than-optimal weather has played a part in limiting their availability to seek out additional work.

Similarly, Jenneka, Janna and Jared Temkin, sibling co-owners of J&J Property Pros, based in Salt Point, New York, say most of their fall cleanup work is part of their all-encompassing maintenance package for existing clients, but they will work with new clients that reach out to them through their website.

ESTIMATING EFFECTIVELY

Bedell says the key to estimating fall cleanups effectively is intimately understanding his business’s costs by utilizing a budget and understanding the direct costs of each job.

“For cleanups, we anticipate having to perform the service in less-than-ideal site conditions and offer pricing accordingly,” Bedell says. “Anyone who has made it through a few seasons of cleanups can attest that wet leaves slow down the process.”

Jared Temkin agrees wet leaves are significantly harder to move and can drastically impact your estimate as far as how long the job will take. He advises adding padding to the estimate since you’ll never know what the season will look like.

“Last year, all the leaves were dry,” Jenneka Temkin says. “So one of the estates that took us eight hours literally only took us four. So, there’s a huge difference when you have dry leaves or wet leaves.”

The skill level of your crews will also impact the speed at which jobs can be completed. Jared suggests partnering new employees with more experienced crews, so this isn’t a major issue.

J&J Property Pros opts to do flat rate or fixed pricing rather than an hourly rate. They communicate to the client what all is going into that price.

“We price to stay in business, and that’s what we tell our clients as well,” Jenneka says. “We’re going to bring you quality service with a quality team that’s experienced.”

Considerations that will impact your estimate are factors like if you need to rent any equipment and how much your market can bear.

Where the clients want the leaves blown can impact the cost of the service. The Temkins and Bedell say some customers have wooded areas where the leaves can be blown.

“This not only reduces costs by eliminating hauling and disposal costs but also reduces weeds, keeps the wooded area healthier, and provides a more aesthetically pleasing view for those sites,” Bedell says.

Others may request the leaves removed entirely and this calls for blowing the leave on tarps or a dump trailer, requiring more time and effort. If they do take the leaves off the property, both of the companies say they work with local composting operations.

Bedell encourages finding a mentor to help you with your estimating starting out, so you don’t have to learn everything the hard way.

RIGHT EQUIPMENT

For leaf blowing, different properties will call for different types of equipment to get the job done. Not every site will

be able to accommodate a leaf vacuum, so you may have to tarp the leaves out.

“Make sure you have the right equipment to tackle larger jobs,” Bedell says. “If you don’t, use it as an opportunity to network with other contractors in your local community and possibly work together to complete those cleanups.”

Jenneka says dump trailers are a typical piece they use to get debris off the property. They will also rent leaf suckers. She recommends leaf vacuums if having to clean up a town or village and there isn’t a space to blow the leaves. She says they recently switched to ECHO’s backpack blowers and also use a Billy Goat to move leaves.

“Since we’ve scaled back in the number of accounts we service, we’ve been able to reduce the equipment needed back down to some rakes and tarps, ECHO PB-9010 blowers, a Hurricane 314, a Billy Goat 18HP self-propelled blower, and an UltraVac Bagger for our Exmark LazerZ,” Bedell says. “All the debris (when necessary) goes in the back of our dump truck.”

As for fall cleanup services like cutbacks, the Temkins have started using battery-powered hand tools.

continued from page 27

“Customers come out all the time and say, ‘Oh my goodness, this is great,’” Jenneka says. “We have a lot of eco-conscious clients too. That’s what also encouraged us to move forward and start looking more into the battery power because our clients and we want to be more environmentally conscious. We also just decided to make that choice/change for our team as well so they’re not breathing in the fumes. Because the cost of fuel went up, it’s just been more efficient for us to use the battery powered ones.”

Jared says the team made fun of it at first, but now they prefer to operate the battery-powered equipment, citing less fatigue. J&J Property Pros uses 12 of the large batteries and that takes them through an eight-hour day of work.

BEING EFFICIENT ON SITE

The wind is a major factor when handling leaf blowing. Jenneka says if you notice the wind keeps blowing the leaves in one direction, stop, regroup and reposition to go in the same direction as the wind.

“Work with the wind, not against it,” Bedell says. “Also, formulate a game plan and discuss it with your team. Quality work can be completed only if everyone understands the game plan and works together to complete it.”

If you have to tarp it or vacuum it, make small, manageable piles and then come back to them with the vacuum or the tarp. Jenneka suggests advising clients to have their leaves cleaned up in segments rather than waiting for all the leaves to fall and doing it just once.

“If they do wait for the one fell swoop, you run the risk of if we wait too long and it snows on top of everything that is going be one heck of a spring cleanup,” Jared says.

This article was posted by Jill Odem, content manager for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), to the NALP blog, located at blog.landscapeprofessionals.org. NALP represents nearly 200,000 landscape industry professionals in the United States, Canada and overseas and is committed to advancing the industry and helping their members achieve success.

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

OCTOBER 12, 2023

PEABODY LANDSCAPE GROUP

2253 DUBLIN ROAD

COLUMBUS, OHIO 43228

AGENDA REGISTRATION

5:00PM to 5:30PM

FACILITY TOUR

5:30PM to 7:45PM

NETWORKING/FOOD SERVED

7:45PM to 8:45PM

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

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY OCTOBER 5, 2023

SPONSORED BY EMERALD SPONSOR

CENTRAL OHIO LANDSCAPE FACILITY TOUR Peabody Landscape Group

Peabody Landscape Group was founded in 1982 by Douglas and David Peabody, identical twins, from Norwalk, Ohio – North Central Ohio. They moved the business to Columbus, Ohio in June of that year. The company has grown over the years to become a true full-service landscape company serving all of central Ohio. The brothers decided to separate the business and David became sole owner in 2001.

With over 120 local, state and national awards since 1988 for service, creativity and craftmanship, their team of dedicated and experienced professionals is what makes it all possible.

Peabody Landscape Group is proud of their history and excited for their future working with clients to design, build and maintain beautiful landscapes; both for residential and commercial clients. Peabody Landscape Group was founded on providing its clients with quality in all aspects of the landscape business. The company emphasizes EXPERIENCE * VALUE * SATISFACTION to all clients. They strive to meet and exceed clients expectations from design to final walk-through, and to be honest and forthright in all business matters.

GOLD SPONSORS

Additionally, at Peabody Landscape Group, they believe in the importance of taking care of employees and associates along with giving back and making the community a better place to live. Each year the company has a Spring Kickoff Breakfast, Cinco de Mayo party, Summer Baseball Event at Columbus Clippers, Fall Pig Roast and Thanksgiving Breakfast with Gift Cards for the Holiday as well as a Christmas Holiday Thank you. Some of the charities they have supported over the years are Peloton, Boy Scouts of America, Material Assistance Providers, Keep Columbus Beautiful, Big Brothers & Big Sisters and Salvation Army... just to name a few!

Join us Thursday, October 12, 2023 as Peabody Landscape Group opens its doors on how it operates from its 22 acre facility and give us a peak into what has made them a prominent Landscape Company in Central Ohio for over 40 years. SPACE IS LIMITED.

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

HOSTED BY

Six Services - One Reliable Company.

BUILD HIGH PERFORMING TEAMS

Using The #1 Training Software for Landscapers

Used by the best landscape companies in the industry, Greenius makes it simple and easy to train and develop staff and crews using on-demand training and 360-degree employee reviews whether you’re at the office or in the field.

On-demand Employee Training

D eploy an automated training program that ensures y our teams get the training they need, when they need.

E liminate jobsite bottlenecks and rework incidents.

E xpansive Tailgate Talk Library

K eep your teams focused on the objective and safe on t he job site.

P erformance Reporting

B etter manage your staff with meaningful insights into t heir training, on-the-job performance and create a c ulture centered around continuous improvement.

3 60-Degree Performance Reviews

P inpoint areas for growth and development while u ncovering how you can build a team by using their i mmediate feedback.

A ccess Training on Any Android or iOS Mobile Device

Avoid wasted time between job sites.

GREENIUS 2023 ASSOCIATION MEMBER OFFER:

FREE 2-month license of Greenius Training Software ($250 savings)

FREE Unlimited users 2 months ($200+ savings)

FREE Unlimited Training Courses

FREE Custom Implementation ($347 savings)

Total Association Member Savings: $797

Over 1.3 MILLION Greenius training courses delivered.

Over a QUARTER-MILLION landscaping employees trained with Greenius.

More than 30,000 HOURS of training videos were watched.

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE

5025 EAST MILL ROAD

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OHIO 44147

AGENDA REGISTRATION / NETWORKING

FOOD / CASH BAR

6:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

PROGRAM

7:00 PM TO 8:45 PM

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

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY NOVEMBER 7, 2023

SPONSORED BY EMERALD SPONSORS

OLA ANNUAL MEETING

Culture In Action: Creating A Culture Of Engagement

Marilee MacAskill / Dale Carnegie Training

Great cultures leverage their organization’s unique mission, purpose and values to strengthen their identity, inspire their employees and deliver on their brand promise to customers. It’s what sets you apart from the competition.

Furthermore, a strong culture that fosters teamwork, community and inclusivity increases employee engagement exponentially. Companies with a robust culture have up to a 72% higher employee engagement than those whose cultures are misaligned or need improvement. And we all know... happy employees, who get fulfillment from their jobs, tend to work harder!

Join us, November 15th, 2023, as Marilee MacAskill (VP, AREA DIRECTOR AT DALE CARNEGIE) discusses the importance of and keys to engaging your employees in an effort to create that culture. She will cover:

• The benefits of higher engagement - on profits and culture.

• The average engagement in 2023.

• Key drivers of employee engagement.

• Ways to increase engagement.

• Ways that engagement can help you create the culture you desire.

GUEST SPEAKER

MARILEE MACASKILL / VP, AREA DIRECTOR AT DALE CARNEGIE NE OHIO

Marilee MacAskill has been a training consultant with Dale Carnegie Training since 1995, both in Cleveland, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She a certified instructor of the Dale Carnegie Course and the advanced High Impact Presentations Program. She holds two international sales awards from Dale Carnegie & Associates, and is regularly among the top in sales in the state for the company.

GOLD SPONSORS

Prior to joining the Cleveland Dale Carnegie staff in 1995, MacAskill was Vice President, Account Supervisor for Griswold Eshleman Advertising & Public Relations in Cleveland. She handled such accounts as the Royal Dirt Devil Vacuums, Anchor Hocking glass, and American Harvest.

Marilee has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing from Bowling Green State University (1986). She also participated in the Disney College Program while at BG, and is a 2012 graduate of the Disney Leadership Excellence seminar.

ABOUT DALE CARNEGIE

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR OUR NORTHEAST OHIO MEETINGS SEASON. CALL THE OLA OFFICE AT 440.717.0002.

Dale Carnegie was founded in 1912, inspired by one man’s belief in the power of self-improvement. Since then, it’s evolved into a movement that’s crossed borders and generations, showing thousands of organizations and millions of people how to create positive change and successful growth. Today, Dale Carnegie is a global organization with professional development courses in 35 languages across 80 countries. Over 100 years of proven success has made Dale Carnegie the industry leader in professional training and development.

PRESENTED BY

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

The air is turning crisp and the leaves are beginning to turn. How did it get to be October already? This year is speeding by! Fall also signals the time of year to renew your membership with OLA. I hope that you will continue to be a part of OLA and if you aren’t already a member, that you will consider joining!

There are so many benefits and opportunities that you can take advantage of. Here are a few:

Networking Opportunities: OLA provides many platforms for members to connect with peers, industry professionals, and experts in their field. Renewing membership allows you to continue building valuable relationships and expanding your professional network!

Professional Development: OLA offers training and educational events that can enhance your skills and knowledge in your field. Renewing membership allows you to access these opportunities and stay up-to-date with industry trends and helps you to train your team members!

Access to Resources: OLA provides a monthly publication –The Growing Concern, which contains relevant articles about plant material, finances, safety and running your business. We welcome phone calls to help you find the answers to whatever questions you may have. Renewing your membership ensures you can continue to benefit from these resources.

SANDY MUNLEY Executive Director / OLA

Advocacy and Representation: OLA advocates on behalf of our members, representing your interests to the government and public. By renewing your membership, you support the association’s efforts to protect and promote your profession!

Discounts and Savings: OLA has negotiated discounts and exclusive deals on some products and services for OLA members. OLA members receive discounts to attend our educational classes. Renewing your membership can help you save money on various professional expenses.

Recognition and Credibility: Membership in a reputable association such as the OLA can enhance your credibility and reputation in your field. It demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and adherence to industry standards.

Collaboration: Being part of OLA can lead to collaborative opportunities with other members, such as joint projects, initiatives, or partnerships. Renewing your membership keeps you connected to potential opportunities.

Giving Back and Contributing: OLA relies on your support and involvement to thrive. By renewing your membership, you contribute to the sustainability and growth of the association, allowing it to continue serving the needs of our green industry!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

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

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

REGULAR MEMBERS

Commercial Land Management Services

7693 Corporate Blvd. Plain City, OH 43064 (614) 558-5132

7693 Corporate Blvd. Plain City, OH 43064 (614) 558-5132

Tyler Armbruster

Tyler Armbruster

Yellowstone

Yellowstone Landscaping

7017 Americana Parkway Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (614) 759-7033

7017 Americana Parkway Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (614) 759-7033

John Hike

John Hike

Paradise Landscapes 4108 Camden Avenue

Warren, OH 44055 (440) 320-7010

Paradise Landscapes 4108 Camden Avenue Warren, OH 44055 (440) 320-7010

Charles Miller

Charles Miller

Personal Growth: In addition to professional benefits, association membership can also contribute to personal growth, allowing you to become more involved in causes or activities that matter to you!

Continuing Education Credits: OLA offers continuing education credits that can help you maintain or enhance your professional qualifications. Renewing membership may be necessary to access these opportunities.

Support and Advice: OLA members often turn to their peers for advice, support, and guidance in navigating professional challenges. Renewing your membership keeps you connected to this supportive community.

Pride in Association: Many people take pride in being a part of OLA. Renewing your membership allows you to continue being an active member of that community.

Our board of directors and committee members, as well as the staff work hard to support your career and personal goals. We welcome suggestions and care about you, your business, and team members!

I am looking forward to your continued membership and seeing you at our upcoming fall and winter events!