ALCA Influence March April 2013 by Association Outsource Services, Inc.

ALCA

A R I Z O N A L A N D S C A P E C O N T R AC TO R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

INFLUENCE

March/April 2013

PAID

PERMIT NO. 2840 SACRAMENTO, CA

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

The

Pruning Shrubs Renovations Style ALCA Field Day April 13 cover photo:

Xerophytic Design, Inc.

Photograph provided by David Hewitt

Introducing our new distribution territory.

Target and Ehrlich Distribution have combined to create the only distribution service you’ll ever need. Target and Ehrlich Distribution have merged their East and West Coast operations to provide, under the Target Specialty Products name, one of the largest distribution networks in the nation. And we’re not just catering to the big guys. We provide wholesale distribution of specialty agricultural and pest control chemicals to any business, anywhere, large or small, with same day/next day service. We have the experienced and highly trained staff to provide you with all the help you’ll need to better serve your customers. Contact us today. It’s a whole new world.

target-specialty.com | ehrlichdistribution.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

March/April 2013

The

ALCA

ARIZONA LANDSCAPE C O N T R A C T O R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

INFLUENCE

President’s Message............................................................. 4 CEO Message..................................................................... 6 ALCA Field Day................................................................... 6 ALCA Calendar................................................................... 8 ALCA Sponsors.................................................................... 8 New Members..................................................................... 8 ALCA Excellence Awards.................................................... 10 ALCA Profile: Southwest Sod............................................... 13 ALCA Profile: DIRT.............................................................. 14 ALCA Profile: Ewing........................................................... 15 Violence In Your Workplace................................................ 16 Pruning Shrubs Renovation Style.......................................... 17 ACLP Workshops............................................................... 18 Member Updates............................................................... 19 ALCA Golf Tournament - May 10......................................... 19 ALCA Mixer...................................................................... 21 Resource Guide................................................................. 22 2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Matthew Johnson President Elect

Tony Acosta

Asset Landscaping

Vice President

Robert Clinkenbeard ILM

Secretary Kim Kleski

AZTEC Engineering

Treasurer

Steve Shields

Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety

Chief Executive Officer Judy Gausman

judy@AZLCA.com

PUBLICATION Advertising

Association Outsource Services, Inc. (916) 990-9999 www.aosinc.biz

Design

Lori Mattas

Printing

Copeland Printing

Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association 5425 E Bell Road, Suite 105 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Phone: 602-626-7091 Fax: 602-626-7590 www.AZLCA.com

The ALCA Influence is the official publication of the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association. ALCA and The ALCA Influence assume no responsibility for the statements or opinions appearing in articles under an author’s name. The services of an attorney or accountant should be sought in legal and tax matters. For editorial information, contact the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association, 5425 E. Bell Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254; telephone, (602) 626-7091; facsimile, (602) 626-7590; e-mail, judy@AZLCA.com.

March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Spring is in the Air

T Matthew Johnson 2013 ALCA President

his spring is looking more and more like the perfect time to implement SLM standards after hard pruning or renovation pruning of the frosted out species. Of course the shrubs that are most often sheared to an inch of their life are the ones only slightly impacted by the frost. Sustainable Landscape Management is off to another great start! Not only are we still getting more contractors certified, but CEU’s are getting credited toward the renewals already. The SLM Committee has already defined some goals for this year and is developing an action plan to implement them. Interested in helping make a difference in Arizona’s landscape? Call the office to get on the invite list for the next meeting! On the political front, we have teamed up with the AzPPO which represents a significant number of pest and weed control companies. Our combined efforts are directed at effecting change to laws that will certainly change how we manage pests and weeds. By combining resources, we are determined to protect the public, satisfy EPA regulations, and make reporting something manageable. There are numerous components to this effort, and we seem

to have some good momentum. We will publish more information via Twitter, Facebook, and email when more information and contact with your state officials are needed. Stay tuned! Do you hesitate to empower your workforce with education? An educated employee can gain the knowledge and confidence needed for today’s demanding customers. When you have an educated, confident employee, your customers feel reassured that you are properly managing their landscape and you can direct your own time to focus on those things you never seem to be able to find time for. ALCA has improved the educational opportunities by adding more days, locations, and an overall improved program through ACLP and SLM. Soon it will be summer and those cool days and cooler nights will be replaced by warmer days, mass plant replacements, and spring renovation pruning. Take some time to plan your goals now. Educate yourself, your staff, and your customers this year. More on that to come! Please stay safe and we wish you a prosperous season.

Matthew Johnson, ALCA President

THE REAL DEAL.

We’re more than a product source, we’re your business resource. FIND US:

www.ewing1.com

Check out our partner program TALK TO US: 800.343.9464 and take advantage of money-saving offers!

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T March/April 2013

SYNC INTO WATER CONSERVATION WITH SMART CONTROLLERS Adjusting to weather changes has never been easier with Hunter’s full line of smart controllers.

PRO-C—Professionalgrade control for residential and light commercial

I-CORE—Versatility to fit any size commercial site

ADDED BONUS:

TRUE ON-SITE DATA NO SUBSCRIPTION NO FEES

X-CORE—Residential controller with seriously smart capabilities

MAXIMUM WATER SAVINGS

SOLAR SYNC makes smart control available to any Hunter AC powered controller. .

ACC—High end control for huge commercial systems

HUNTER: WHERE INNOVATION

MEETS CONSERVATION

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation Learn more. Visit hunterindustries.com

45% dimming 36% dimming 60% dimming

Match your light to

FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE 91% dimming

Luxor is a revolution in LED landscape lighting control. Its ZD™ Technology provides both zoning and dimming capabilities, so designers can preset designated vignettes, as well as daily illumination sequences for both facade and function. Don’t just light your next project, bring it to life. With Luxor, it’s easier than ever. The intersection of art and engineering. ation uc

nference Co

Winner of the 2012 IA Show People’s Choice and Best New Product Awards (specialty category).

call 760.744.5240; visit FXL.com/luxor

FX_CLCA_Ad_Luxor_halfAward.indd 1

1/25/13 8:59 AM

CEO’S MESSAGE

Let ALCA Plan and Host Your Company Picnic

S Judy Gausman ALCA CEO

pring is in the air, and that means it is time for ALCA Field Day. Field Day has been one of the tried and true events that has lasted throughout ALCA’s history. Think about it; wouldn’t this be a great opportunity to have ALCA plan and host your company picnic? On Saturday, April 13th, family and friends in the green industry will be invited to take a break from their everyday work grind and enjoy an action packed day full of friendly competitive events. Once again, Field Day will be held at the beautiful PERA Club located at 1 Continental Drive in Tempe (near the 202 and Scottsdale Road). ALCA’s Associate members will host a variety of interactive and competitive individual and team events. Some of the contests include a tennis ball launch, wheel barrow race, golf chipping, pipe throwing, basketball free throw, and bean bag toss contests. Test your knowledge on plant identification and then test your operating skills on the Bobcat. Looking for a team challenge? Well, start recruiting your team members for the volleyball tournament and strategize for the

infamous Tug-O-War contest. Don’t think this is just for adults; children are welcome to participate in all of these events as well as spend time in the petting zoo with all of the little rabbits, chickens, pigs, goats, and donkey. Are you the chef in your home? Then you will want to enter into the chili cooking contest, but save room for the gourmet barbeque…….that would include hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixin’s. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and finish around 1:30 when the winners of the contests are announced, awards are given, and the fabulous raffle prizes are drawn. Each year, landscape contractors, members of the green industry, employees and their families enjoy a memorable fun-filled day at the ALCA Field Day. And so I ask the question again, why not have ALCA plan and host your company picnic? See you on April 13th! Judy Gausman ALCA CEO

You are invited to attend

ALCA Field Day WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2013 10AM—2PM WHERE: SRP Pera Club - 1 E Continental Dr, Tempe HOW MUCH: $3 (children 3 to 12) & $6 (Over 12 years) Enjoy fun and friendly competition with events for you and your families!     

Volleyball. Golf chipping shot Bobcat challenge Wheel barrel race Petting zoo

    

Tennis ball launch Basketball free throw Bean bag toss Plant identification and much more!

Enter in the Chili-Cook-Off competition and cast your vote. Enjoy a BBQ picnic AND… Be sure to stick around for a chance at fabulous prizes.

RSVP at www.AZLCA.com/Calendar Or call the ALCA office at 602-626-7091 6

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T March/April 2013

LEAVE NOTHING BEHIND BUT THE FINEST CUT POSSIBLE.

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

657A Quik-Trak

†

• 23HP (17 kW)* engine • 54" 7-Iron commercial mower deck • Forward speed up to 8.5 mph

ZTrak™ Z950A

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE

• 27HP* air-cooled gas engine • 60" Mulch On Demand™ mower deck • Thick-gauge steel channel mainframe

Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Valid only at participating US dealers. *The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s web site for additional information.

†

AH2KKCU1AA48339-AZM7X40304AI-4C-00385674

There’s a new grass in Town!

less waTer + less FerTilizer = More $ in your pockeT and a “greener” grass for the environment

Platinum t.e. now available!

Find out more at www.westernsod.com 800/832-8873

• • • • • • • •

Extreme salt tolerance Advanced striping ability Shorter dormancy period Shiny exceptionally dark green color Versatile mowing heights from ¼” – 1” Superior low light intensity tolerance Uses 66% less nitrogen than bermuda Excellent drought and wear tolerance

From the growers of bobsod— the Official Turf of the D-backs and Chase Field

March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

MEMBER UPDATES

2013 Calendar of Events

New Members

March

Flowing Wells Landscape & Pools

Rock Farm

Ironwood Landscape Services

RRS Landscape Services, LLC

9 ACLP Annuals & Perennials Workshop, ALCA Office 13 ACLP Annuals & Perennials Workshop, ALCA Office 14 ACLP Annuals & Perennials Workshop, Prescott 16 ACLP Annuals & Perennials Workshop, Tucson 20 Phoenix Member Mixer 21-22 ACLP Exam Retakes 26 ALCA Board of Director’s Meeting 28 Tucson Member Mixer

April 6 10 11 13 17 27

ACLP Turf Care & Installation Workshop, ALCA Office ACLP Turf Care & Installation Workshop, ALCA Office ACLP Turf Care & Installation Workshop, Prescott ALCA Field Day, SRP Pera Club Phoenix Member Mixer ACLP Turf Care & Installation Workshop, Tucson

May 2 10 14 15 18 21 22 23 23 25 27

Tucson Member Mixer ALCA Annual Golf Tournament DIRT University Phoenix Member Mixer ACLP Tree & Shrub Pruning Workshop, ALCA Office ALCA Board of Director’s Meeting ACLP Tree & Shrub Pruning Workshop, ALCA Office Tucson Member Mixer ACLP Tree & Shrub Pruning Workshop Prescott ACLP Tree & Shrub Pruning Workshop Tucson Memorial Day, ALCA Office CLOSED

Jason Skrnich 60 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 900 Tempe, AZ 85281 Phone: 480-947-1500 Fax: 480-429-0523 Email: Jason@flowingwellslandscape.com Profile: Residential Landscape Construction, Design & Maintenance; Water Feature/ Swimming Pool installation Don Wood 25256 N 11th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85085 Phone: 623-581-3307 Email: donironwood@gmail.com Profile: Landscape maintenance and installation.

Masterscapes, LLC

Jeremiah Padilla 22202 N 19th Ave, Ste B Phoenix, AZ 85027 Phone: 623-780-0474 Fax: 623-780-0434 Email: jp@masterscapesaz.com Profile: We are a landscape design and installation company.

Pima County JTED

Nicole Harrington 2855 W Master Pieces Dr Tucson, AZ 85741 Phone: 520-352-5833 Email: nharrington@pimajted.org

Russell Critser 10291 N El Mirage Rd El Mirage, AZ 85335 Phone: 623-536-3261 Fax: 623-536-3269 Email: acritser@rockfarmllc.com Profile: We have 2600 acres of boulder property specializing in Surface Select Boulders at wholesale prices. Gary D. Huff 294 Brandon Circle Prescott, AZ 86301 Phone: 928-848-2058 Email: RRSLandscape294@q.com Profile: Tree care, injection, deed root & foliar feeding, irrigation analysis, weed control post/pre-emergent, landscape install and maintenance

Don Sanderson Ford

Todd Knudson 6400 N 51st Ave Glendale, AZ 85301 Phone: 623-842-8600 Fax: 623-930-5967 Email: tknudson@sandersonford.com Profile: Family owned Ford dealer with sales & service; actively supports the military & community organizations

Titan Landscape

Don Mady PO Box 73 Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Phone: 520-308-8744 Email: don@titanlandscape.biz Profile: Landscape maintenance provider

Special Thank You

to our ALCA

Sponsored by Horizon Distributors

Award of Excellence

ISS Grounds Control – Patrylak Residence

Award of Distinction

Zona Works Photograph provided by Gary Michael Rab – Welling Residence - Backyard

The design challenge for the Welling Residence was to create a backyard for all seasons. The diving pool plus a few native palo verdes and assorted agaves & yuccas were already in existence so a few key additions for a successful all-season backyard were needed. The key feature for wintertime is the heated spa with therapeutic jets. The spa sits on an upper patio; the entry to the spa has three steps that are nestled amongst boulders and accent plants and perennials. For summertime the key is the covered ramada for poolside shade. Constructed in Santa Fe style, the ramada matches the house architecturally. As to the ground surface, travertine tile on a concrete base was the solution for an old world look and durability. 24 tons of surface select boulders were installed with a crane set. The effect is priceless in terms of fitting with nature & the scale of everything else we built.

The project had been landscaped by the builder during construction; however the homeowner was unhappy with the boring look & flow of the terrace, especially the haphazard look of the planting as well as the staining of the pavers. We redid the patio to give some visual interest while still keeping functionality. Most of these terraces were mounded by the builder (to provide planting depth) & this allowed water from the drip system to flow through the soil & stain the pavers. Since we wanted to keep some of the major accents we used stacked paver to keep planting depth, while removing the soil next to the pavers. This, along with a border of steel header and Mexican Beach pebbles, protected the paver areas from future staining. We cleaned & sealed the pavers to bring back some of the original color. We left as many of the specimen plants as possible while introducing a colorful, new, more formal (at the owner’s request) planting scheme.

Judges Award

Horticulture Unlimited, Inc. Sadker Residence Judges Award

Think Green Irrigation & Landscape Chandler Project

Award of Distinction

Enchanted Garden Landscape, Inc. Photograph provided by Christopher Rossi– Eckert Residence

Judges Award

Landscape Design West, LLC - Shelly Abbott, MLA, APLD / Sonoran Gardens, Inc. Photograph provided by Shelly Abbott The Davis Residence Contemporary Desert Landscape

This lush, high desert landscape features native re-vegetation plants, such as Jojobas and Yucca bacattas. Color accents are introduced to compliment these native specimens. Layers of color weave down either side of the pathway leading to the entry courtyard. Desert and color accents provide interest along the journey, pulling you toward the ultimate destination. Once inside the garden, combinations of more lush plantings are grouped in patters and sizes to match their planting space. Pots provide definition of spaces and accent the setting with seasonal color and interest. Furniture and plantings are positioned to create calmness while providing interest by varying forms, textures and colors. The setting inside contrasts with the distant, borrowed native desert scenery outside the walls provides year round fragrance and color for the residents of this garden. March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

Boulders. Granite. Rip-R ap. Dirt. Sand. Topsoil. Mulch. Custom Mulch Blends.

www.we-rock-az.com

Call us: 602-569-3000 mark@we-rock-az.com candy@we-rock-az.com

We grow success Waldrons Farm provides plant materials for an entire project: whether a single residence, a golf course or a complete master planned community. Call us today for an estimate on your next project, or for availability on our extensive inventory. Check out the new waldronsfarm.com!

6414 South 26th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85042 602.276.8076 phone | waldronsfarm.com

Waldrons ALCA bwqtr Sept Oct 2011.indd 1

7/19/2011 11:13:24 AM

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE

Southwest Sod In today’s volatile, uncertain market, you need a turf provider you can trust, who works side-by-side with you to get the job done. In 1985, two brothers decided to start that kind of company—a company that put the customer first, sold a quality product and set the industry gold standard for customer service. Southwest Sod has been doing that for almost thirty years. We are still doing it today and are doing it better than ever, finding new and improved ways to serve Arizona’s landscape professionals. Whether your project is commercial or residential, we have the turf products you need. We meticulously cultivate and groom our hybrid bermuda, so that when you need it, it’s ready. Midiron, our most popular variety, is the workhorse of the turf world. Not only can it withstand the brutal Arizona heat and heavy foot traffic of high use commercial and residential areas, it transitions easily and recovers quickly. Best of all, it is low-maintenance. Some customers want a more manicured look. Tifgreen is ideal for them. It tolerates heat and traffic like Midiron, but its slender green blades offer a softer, tighter look. Unlike its rough and ready cousin, it can sustain, though doesn’t require low mowing heights. Tifway 419 offers the best of both worlds. The dense texture and medium-fine leaves combine with the hardiness and aggressive growth patterns of Midiron to make this the perfect variety for active residential areas or sports fields. Our sandbased option provides the perfect playing base for competitive applications, like the infield at Grand Canyon University. We also offer Santa Ana, a luxurious turf well suited for customers wanting a rich look without the maintenance needs of other varieties. And if you don’t need cut-to-order turf and would prefer hydrostolenizing, hydroseeding or desert revegetation, we have that too, along with an experienced delivery and installation team who will get your job done on time. At Southwest Sod we believe that by providing a collection of top-notch turf products, we’re not only serving you, we’re also serving our community. Turf has numerous health and environmental benefits. Not only does turf store billions of tons of carbon each year it also produces oxygen. 55 square feet of turf releases enough oxygen for one person for 24 hours. It also has economic benefits. A standard front lawn has the cooling impact of 8.5 tons of air conditioning—something we can’t get enough of in Arizona. So whether your goal is beauty or environmental impact, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced sales associates and business development specialists are always standing by to answer your questions, give you a bid or troubleshoot with you. We regularly visit our jobsites and know our customers personally. Contact us at (602) 271-4266 or www.southwestsod.com, and we’ll work together to get the job done—that’s a promise you can count on.

March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

Ewing

Sustainability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Not Just a Passing Fancy By Doug Donahue, Water Management Sales, 480-619-9943

Ewing

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE

Sustainability – Not Just a Passing Fancy By Doug Donahue, Water Management Sales, 480-619-9943

Every once in a while, a guy just needs to get on a soap box and shout about something. This is one of those times. As I write this, it’s raining outside. Not a big deal in some parts of the country, but it is a big deal here. In 2011, the Phoenix area received 4.66 inches of rain. In 2012, we had just 4.27 inches. Both years were well below our annual average of about 8 inches. I’m concerned that talk of sustainability as it relates to water, seems to go in one ear and out the other. Many people don’t seem to care. Recently, I sat in on a fascinating presentation on water and sustainability at ASU’s Decision Theater. The presentation included information on historical rainfall and reservoir levels and historical water usage. The water usage was broken down by domestic and agricultural usage. The domestic usage was further broken down based on water used inside the home versus outside. The presentations conclusion clearly showed that we are in trouble from a sustainability standpoint. Now I don’t mean to be an alarmist here, but rather a realist. As further evidence of our situation, a recent article in the Arizona Republic reported 2012 as the warmest year on record by one full degree! The article indicated that breaking temperature records by an entire degree is unprecedented. As professionals in this industry, we have got to do everything that we can to preserve our most valuable natural resource. We have to be good stewards of the water that we have available professionally, with the landscape and irrigation systems that we install, and personally, doing everything we can to conserve water at home. So, where do we begin and what can be done? First of all, I commend ALCA for the leadership role that they’ve taken with their Sustainable Landscape Management training. In 2012, ALCA put on over 20 SLM workshops, training over 400 landscape professionals. Included in this valuable training is a presentation on sustainable irrigation. SLM training continues in 2013 and I highly recommend it. Beyond the SLM training, there are many resources

and many things that can be done with both new and existing landscape projects. Water audits, smart controllers, pressure regulating sprayheads, and high efficiency nozzles are just a few of the ways that we can make better use of our water. There are even municipalities that offer lucrative rebates for the use of these water efficient products. Here are a couple of things to consider. The first has to do with evaluating water efficient products strictly in terms of return on investment (ROI). We are very fortunate to have reasonable water rates in this area. Because of this, the payback on water management products may not be as short as what we’d like. It may be difficult to justify the additional expense of water management products in terms of ROI. That being said, I firmly believe that we need to market these products to our customers not just based on ROI, but because it’s the right thing to do. As a landscape professional I hope that you’re promoting water management products to your customers because of the water savings potential. Another thing to consider is the use of smart controllers. I’m a big fan of smart controllers and think that they have the potential to save lots of water. They are not however always the first thing that should be done to save water with an existing system. Adding a “smart” controller to an “idiot” sprinkler system will not have the desired result. Look first at the sprinkler system itself. Try to solve issues with high pressure, poor spacing, and inefficient nozzles. After addressing these issues, the installation of a smart controller is certainly appropriate. In case you can’t tell, I’m passionate about water management. I enjoy visiting residential and commercial properties, helping to identify areas for water savings in the landscape. I do this because it is the right thing to do. It’s very rewarding work. I’ll get off my soapbox now. Please feel free to contact me or your local water management specialist if you’d like to learn more about how to save water on your properties.

March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

SAFETY

Violence In Your Workplace By Adam S. Kunz, Esq. and Jaburg & Wilk, P.C.

his will be a series of articles to inform you about workplace violence issues and invite you to take responsible precautions. There has been significant press and public debate about recent shootings and I am going to give it to you straight. You should be thinking about violence in your workplace. Everybody is thinking and talking about it. If you don’t consider and prepare and it happens in your workplace, it will be catastrophic, which may be heightened by your lack of preparedness. People could die and you and your company may be at risk. You don’t need to panic or live in fear as workplace violence is relatively rare and you will very probably never face it. You do need to understand, have a prevention plan, and know how to handle an emergency if it does occur. There is not only training available but also good resources to educate you and your employees. ALCA will be cooperating with other trade associations to inform you about opportunities to attend training seminars and receive additional educational material. On March 13, 2013, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, a presentation about workplace safety and guns will be held at the offices of Jaburg & Wilk P.C. in mid-town Phoenix. Registration is limited to the first 20 registrants. RSVP is required. E-mail info@ jaburgwilk.com and reference “Guns in the Workplace Seminar.” (Additional seminars may be offered if people are interested) The current media focuses on the most frightening types of work-

22nd Annual Desert Horticulture Conference May 17, 2013

Casino Del Sol Resort Tucson, AZ

Registration Now Open "Early Bird" discount before May 1st Multiple registrations discounted Students -‐ Submit your posters!!

Sponsor's Welcome

http://cals.arizona.edu/deserthort

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T March/April 2013

place violence involving an “Active Shooter”. This is a definition given by law enforcement and security professionals, including the Department of Homeland Security. An “Active Shooter” attempts to kill multiple people in a confined space or populated area, such as a mall, school, or your workplace. Sometimes the Active Shooter has specific targets, and then moves to random killing without a pattern, while other times the victims are selected completely at random. An Active Shooter typically keeps killing until stopped, or at least confronted by deadly force, and often ends the attack with suicide. In the workplace, there are frequently signs of trouble before an attack. Some obvious indications include severe mood swings, notably unstable emotional responses, explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation, talk of severe financial problems, unprompted talk of violence or expression of sympathy with violent actions, and talk of “putting things in order” or suicide. More subtle patterns can include unexplained increase in absenteeism, depression and withdrawal, repeated and increasing violation of company policy, and increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. Either your HR Department or responsible manager needs to take action including referrals to health care professionals, employee assistance programs and/or disciplinary action. Just as you conduct fire drills and have a plan of evacuation, you need to plan for the worst case scenario. The Department of Homeland Security’s basic plan outline is simple: Get Out, Hide Out, Act Out. The first priority is to escape the zone of danger. If that can’t be done, lockdown, barricade the doors, and avoid the danger by hiding. If the Active Shooter is coming through the barricade, fight for your life. Gang up, tackle, throw heavy things, improvise weapons and do whatever it takes to take down the threat. There are measures you should take in your workplace to plan, harden the targets, practice escapes and even barricades. It starts with you being aware and seeking information, and then taking thoughtful and appropriate precautions. Future articles will be more specific in particular areas you need to know about, such as what are the trends and historical events, how to spot trouble and what to do when you see it coming, how to make a plan for your business, how to interact with law enforcement in preparing for and during a crisis, how to reduce your risks and liability, and the laws and issues about guns in the workplace.

TECHNIQUES

Pruning Shrubs Renovation Style Article provided by Sarah Maitland, Carescape, Inc.

enovation pruning is a practice that has become a way for Arizona landscapers to promote healthy, seasonal growth and enhanced blooming. Renovation allows the plant to re-grow in its natural form following a hard cut back which forces the plant to send out new, robust growth that is healthier than the older growth that was removed. Shrubs allowed to live in a natural state are likely to live longer and use less water. It has become a common practice in our industry to continually shape shrubs according to weekly, bi-weekly or monthly trim cycles. This chronic shearing has left our landscapes with lollipop, cubes and squares. A plant’s natural response to pruning is to replace the foliage that is removed. This results in excessive growth at the tips and eventually excludes light from the interior of the plant. It may eventually develop a thin layer of leaves on the outer canopy giving the shrub an unhealthy, transparent appearance. We renovate these shrubs to give them new life. Hard pruning prior to a seasonal flush of growth is a good way to restore plants to a natural growth habit. Renovation pruning can extend the life of older shrubs that may have become oversized, leggy, and no longer fit in the landscape. As you know, recently the Valley experienced several consecutive nights of some of the coldest temperatures on record. To remove the frost damage, we renovate. After danger of frost has past, somewhere around February 15th, those sensitive plants like Lantana and Bougainvillea can be renovated. We typically remove one-half to two-thirds of the existing plant material. That amount is determined by the height, species, location and available space. In some circumstances shrubs need to be salvaged and radical pruning is necessary, sometimes 6-8” above the ground. Refer to ‘Salvaging Sheared Plants’ compiled with the help of Desert Botanical Garden horticulture staff, Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, and Integrity Tree Service. http://itreeservice.com/pdfs/salvaging_sheared_plants.pdf. All plants have regular cycles of growth, dormancy and blooming. Follow those cycles to determine the correct time for renovation pruning and follow up trimming to optimize the plant’s health. Implementing this will require education and training of our employees to identify shrubs in the field. Refer to Sustainable Landscape Management: Standards for Landscape Care in the Desert Southwest for a recommended schedule. Renovation is recommended every 2-3 years. Redbirds, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, go dormant in the winter and respond well to annual cut backs as low as 12” in December and January. Summer blooming shrubs respond best if renovated in late winter and early spring just prior to a flush of new growth. This allows plants to grow naturally and bloom throughout the summer and fall. Spring blooming shrubs, like Senna, bloom on last season’s growth and should be pruned shortly after they bloom. This will eliminate seed pod litter, allow for growth through the summer and provide flower buds for next year. There are some shrubs that do not respond well to renovation; examples include Juniper and Rosemary. One drawback is the brief period of ‘sticks’. Renovation pruning changes the appearance of the landscape drastically. Homeowners are often shocked, furious and think the plants are being killed. We need to communicate with our clients and let them know ahead of time what we are doing. It is important to stagger your renovations by species to avoid a totally bare landscape. Renovation pruning will result in fewer trips to the landfill and less noise from power equipment in the future and a great way for people to enjoy seasonal color. Renovation pruning is a good thing. We need to support this method of Sustainable Landscape Management.

March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

ACLP

Arizona Certified Landscape Professional Program (ACLP) Please register online at www.AZLCA.com/calendar.

Annuals & Perennials Workshop

Turf Care and Installation Workshop

March 9 and March 13, 2013 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. ALCA Office, 5425 E Bell Rd, #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 March 14, 2013 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Carescape, 6752 Intercal Way, Prescott, AZ 86301 March 16, 2013 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Pima Community College, Bldg CC, Amethyst Community Room, 1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85709 Workshops include classroom instruction, study guide and written exam. Early Bird Registration: $60 for ALCA Members / $120 for Non-Members Late Registration: $75 for ALCA Members / $150 for Non-Members

April 6 and April 10, 2013 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. ALCA Office, 5425 E Bell Rd, #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 April 11, 2013 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Carescape, 6752 Intercal Way, Prescott, AZ 86301 April 27, 2013 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Pima Community College, Bldg CC, Amethyst Community Room, 1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85709 Workshops include classroom instruction, study guide and written exam. Early Bird Registration: $60 for ALCA Members / $120 for Non-Members Late Registration: $75 for ALCA Members / $150 for Non-Members

What is it anyway? Through this course, students will learn how to create and maintain functional and pleasing color bed displays with annual and perennial plants. What will we learn and do? • Selection, pre-planting treatment and transportation of annuals • Bed preparation for annuals or herbaceous perennials including soil preparation, calculating amendments or mulch needed • Understand the blooming season (cool or winter, hot or summer flowering plants) for common annuals and herbaceous perennials • Proper planting techniques • Pre and post irrigation techniques • Maintain a flower bed including irrigation, fertilization, pruning/deadheading, insect and disease control, weed control and mulching • Basic trouble shooting • Container/plastic recycling • Identify and correct common disease, insect and abiotic problems • Frost preparation What will we need? • A pencil—a study guide will be provided for you. • A Calculator. Are there CEU’s available for attending this workshop? • Yes. You will receive 4 CEU’s towards the Sustainable Landscape Management certification. You may also receive 4 CEU’s for ACLP certification received after June 2012.

What is it anyway? Through this course, students will learn ways to identify turf grasses, basic mechanical steps required to install sod and basic maintenance practices. What will we do? • Understand the varieties of turf grasses used in the desert southwest and identify them. • Conduct a satisfactory sod installation using basic mechanical steps. • Proper mowing techniques, thatch removal, over seeding, fertilization and irrigation requirements for various turfs. • Problem solving strategies for common turf grass problems. What will we need? • A pencil—a study guide will be provided for you. • Small magnifying hand lens. Are there CEU’s available for attending this workshop? • Yes. You will receive 4 CEU’s for the Sustainable Landscape Management certification. You may also receive 4 CEU’s for ACLP certification received after June 2012. Instructors: Ursula Schuch, PhD – Annuals and Perennials Dr. Schuch is a Cooperative Extension Specialist and Professor in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona. Ursula Schuch earned a MS degree in forestry and a Ph.D. in horticulture. David Jernigan – Annuals & Perennials Jernigan began his career by installing his first landscape project in Marion, Indiana in 1977. He is certified by the ISA, earned his pesticide applicators certification and his ACLP designation. His company “The Gardener’s Touch” specializes in upscale residential landscape maintenance in the central Phoenix area. T.J. Winzeler – Turf Care and Installation Winzeler is an Account Manager with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance. He has an extensive background in agronomy, having worked in the golf business for 15 years. T.J. possesses a B.S. in Natural Resource Management and a minor in Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University. Don Mady – Turf Care and Installation Mady attended the College of the Finger Lakes where he studied Horticulture Sciences and Conservation Recreation earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Don became a NYS certified nursery/landscape professional and an International Arborist Society Certified Arborist. Don has earned his ALCA, ACLP and SLM certifications. Currently, he is involved with Titan Landscape in Tucson, a new landscape maintenance company who specializes in master planned communities. Rick Cober – Annuals & Perennials/Turf Care and Installation Rick Cober earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Horticulture from the Arizona State University in 1979. He is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist WE 3474A and a consultant for nursery greenhouse and plant propagation, arboriculture and herb and vegetable gardening.

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T March/April 2013

Evergreen Turf

Smartscape

Evergreen Turf is pleased to announce the return of Dave Thomas to their AllStar Line-up! Dave left Evergreen six years ago to become a project manager for SiteWorks. While at SiteWorks Dave managed many high visibility landscape and sports field projects such as the Goodyear Spring Training Facility, home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. Evergreen Turf’s President, Jimmy Fox, is thrilled to have the “new and improved” Dave Thomas back, “Dave has always been a dynamic salesman. His recent experience with project management will make him a great asset not only for us, but for our customers as well.” Dave’s focus will be sales to landscape contractors and sports field, bringing added value to these customers with his wealth of landscape construction experience and turfgrass installation techniques. Evergreen Turf is an Arizona sod producer catering to the professional turf market. Evergreen grows ten different varieties of sod and carries the distinction of being the “Official Sod Supplier” for the Arizona Cardinals. For more information call 480.456.1199 or email Dave at dave@evergreenturf.com.

Smartscape, a training program for landscape professionals, is back for the Spring 2013 session! Classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 19 to March 14, 2013, from 3:30- 6:00 PM. All classes will be held at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension office in Maricopa County (4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040). Learn the fundamentals of proper irrigation and horticultural practices for landscapes in the desert southwest. During the eight-class Smartscape series, registrants receive a total of 20 hours of instruction by experts in the landscaping industry. For just $75, each registrant receives a notebook with valuable green industry information

MEMBER UPDATES and snacks and refreshments at each class. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, a Smartscape lapel pin, and two Smartscape vehicle decals. Additionally, graduates have the option of being included in the Smartscape Certified Professional Online Directory, hosted by our sponsor, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. Hurry, don’t delay. Only 5 people per company may attend, and class fills up fast at this location! Visit www.smartscape.org for more information or to register online. Questions? Contact Kelsey Morton at kelsey.morton@email.arizona.edu or (602) 827-8200 x395.

2013 Hunter Catalog Now Available Online The 2013 Hunter irrigation catalog is now available. The new design includes information on the latest Hunter products including the 35 ft. MP Rotator and the Roam XL remote, as well as updates on existing products. The catalog also includes in-depth charts that contain product features, advanced features, operating specifications and specification builders. The 2013 catalog was designed to not only provide easy access to Hunter products in a printed format, it was also designed to work seamlessly with computers and mobile devices like smartphones

and tablets. According to Hunter’s Vice President of Marketing, Gene Smith, “This catalog was created with two main goals in mind. The first was to provide our vast product information and performance data as logically as possible. The second was to deliver this information in a way that minimized the use of paper, and maximized interactive compatibility so our customers can get the information they need anytime, anywhere.” The new catalog is available now as a downloadable or interactive PDF. To access it, go to hunterindustries.com.

2013 ALCA Golf Tournament Proceeds benet the Sky Blu Underwood Scholarship Fund

WHEN: Friday, May 10, 2013—9 am shotgun start WHERE: Quintero Golf Club—16752 State Route 74, Peoria WHAT: 18-hole scramble with a fun and challenging format for all levels of play. COST: $100 per player T REGISTER: (602) 626 - 7091 Lunch, prizes, and awards immediately following the tournament.

March/April 2013

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

You worK in all conditions... So does it.

Irrigation Controller

save

• No need for direct sunlight, batteries, or wires • Patented ambient light powered technology • Simple to set historical ET programming • Available with an anti-siphon valve, manual valve actuator or in-line valve

Register for a chance to win the LEIT-1 Scan the QR code or visit: leit-1.digcorp.com/register Winner will be notified April 30th 2013

Document1

2/29/04

2:44 AM

Page 1

Variety ‘AZT’

Quality, Uniform, Desert Adapted Trees

SIMPLY THE BEST Prosopis Hybrid ‘AZT’ Thornless Mesquite

OPM License Exam Preparatory Courses Conducted Weekly

W eed & Right of W ay Turf & Ornamental Aquatic W eed Core Exam

Cercidium praecox ‘AZT’ Sonoran Palo Verde Olneya tesota ‘AZT’ Desert Ironwood Cercidium Hybrid ‘AZT’ Thornless Hybrid Palo Verde Chilopsis linearis ‘AZT Bi-Color’ Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis ‘AZT Desert Amethyst’ Desert Willow

Get Knowledge!

Cercidium Hybrid ‘DM’ Desert Museum Hybrid Palo Verde* *AZT propagates the ‘Desert Museum’ with the guidance and permission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Call

602-452-2900 Or Toll Free

877-533-2900 w w w .M etroInstitute.com

Specimen Trees for Desert Landscapes

ARID ZONE TREES

phone (480) 987-9094 fax (480) 987-9092 e-mail: e-mail:information@aridzonetrees.com aridzonetrees@msn.com

WWW.ARIDZONETREES.COM

MEMBER MIXER

Horizon Sponsors First Mixer Of The Year Thank you to Horizon Distributors for sponsoring the ALCA mixer on January 30th at Aunt Chilada’s. With over 80 guests in attendance, January 30th’s mixer was a big hit. Several new members and guests attended to network with fellow green industry members. Horizon representative Bob Franchetto spoke about the company’s 24/7 program. Horizon is the only full-service landscape and irrigation distributor specializing in every major area of products and services that your business needs. They help you cover a lot of ground by offering high-quality professional products from respected manufacturers. All under one roof, in a location near you. They also offer tools and resources designed to give you the edge you need to succeed. Visit the Horizon website for more information: www.horizononline.com.

NETAFIM DRIP HELPS US SUCCEED A 500-unit HOA community was thrilled when we cut their water and maintenance costs by converting the irrigation system to Netafim dripline. Without Netafim’s proprietary capabilities, we could not have accomplished what we did.

Myron Baker Viridian Corporation San Diego, CA

Build a great reputation and expand your business with Netafim, the most reliable dripline in the industry. Flexible, easy to install and delivering years of trouble-free performance, Netafim dripline products can help you succeed. NOW MADE WITH POST CONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL

CONVERT SPRAY BEDS TO DRIP, DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE

AZ Lndscp.Cont.Assn.7.375x4.875.indd 1

WWW.NETAFIMUSA.COM March/April 2013

1/29/13 10:41 AM THE ALCA INFLUENCE

RESOURCE GUIDE/AD INDEX CHEMICAL PRODUCTS / RELATED SERVICES Bayer Professional (800) 331-2867 • www.backedbybayer.com Please see our ad on page..................................................23 EROSION CONTROL/HYDROSEEDING Western Sere (888) 448-SERE (7373) • www.westernsere.com Please see our ad on page....................................................3 HIGH QUALITY WHOLESALE GROWER Mazatzal Tree Farm (602) 569-6595 Please see our ad on page....................................................9 INSURANCE SERVICES Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. (800) 628-8735 • www.lcisinc.com Please see our ad on page....................................................9 IRRIGATION PRODUCTS/SYSTEMS DIG Corporation (800) 322-9146 • www.digcorp.com Please see our ad on page..................................................20

Ewing Irrigation (800) 343-9464 • www.ewing1.com Please see our ad on page....................................................4

Target Specialty Products (800) 767-0719 • ehrlichdistribution.com • target-specialty.com Please see our ad on page....................................................2

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873) • www.horizononline.com Please see our ad on page....................................................9

LANDSCAPING BOULDERS AND GRANITE We Rock AZ, Inc. (602) 569-3000 • www.we-rock-az.com Please see our ad on page..................................................12

Hunter 760-744-5240 • hunterindustries.com Please see our ad on page.....................................................5 Netafim (888) 638-2346 • www.netafimusa.com Please see our ad on page..................................................21 LANDSCAPE CERTIFICATION TRAINING/TESTING Metro Institute (602) 452-2901 • www.metroinstitute.com Please see our ad on page..................................................20 LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT Arizona Machinery (602) 917-1530 • www.arizonamachinery.com Please see our ad on page....................................................7

LIGHTING Brilliance LED, LLC (800) 867-2108 • www.brillianceled.com Please see our ad on page..................................................22 FX Luminaire (858) 535-8000 • www.fxl.com Please see our ad on page....................................................5 NURSERIES All Season Wholesale Growers (602) 276-0230 • www.allseasongrowers.com Please see our ad on page....................................................3 Arid Zone Trees (480) 987-9094 • www.aridzonetrees.com Please see our ad on page..................................................20 Cox Cactus Farm (480) 220-1848 • www.coxcactusfarm.com Please see our ad on page..................................................22 POTTERY International Wholesale Pottery (602) 454-0528 • www.iwpottery.net Please see our ad on page..................................................20 SOD/TURF Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199 • www.evergreenturf.com Please see our ad on page.................................... Back Cover Western Sod (800) 832-TURF (8873) • www.westernsod.com Please see our ad on page....................................................7 SUPPLYING LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS Wilbur Ellis (480) 921-8500 • www.wilburellis.com Please see our ad on page..................................................12 TRUCKS Chapman Chevrolet & Isuzu (866) 412-2712 • www.chapmanchevrolet.com Please see our ad on page....................................................8 Sun Country Truck Equipment (602) 438-4956 • www.suncountrytruck.net Please see our ad on page....................................................8 WHOLESALE NURSERY & CUSTOM GROWER Waldrons Farm (602) 276-8076 • www.waldronsfarm.com Please see our ad on page..................................................12 AD INDEX All Season Wholesale Growers.................................................. 3 Arid Zone Trees....................................................................... 20 Arizona Machinery.................................................................... 7 Bayer Professional.................................................................. 23 Brilliance LED, LLC.................................................................. 22 Chapman Chevrolet & Isuzu....................................................... 8 Cox Cactus Farm..................................................................... 22 DIG Corporation...................................................................... 20 Evergreen Turf, Inc.....................................................Back Cover Ewing Irrigation......................................................................... 4 FX Luminaire............................................................................. 5 Horizon..................................................................................... 9 Hunter....................................................................................... 5 International Wholesale Pottery................................................ 20 Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc......................... 9 Mazatzal Tree Farm.................................................................... 9 Metro Institute......................................................................... 20 Netafim................................................................................... 21 Sun Country Truck Equipment................................................... 8 Target Specialty Products.......................................................... 2 Waldrons Farm........................................................................ 12 We Rock AZ, Inc...................................................................... 12 Western Sere............................................................................ 3 Western Sod............................................................................. 7 Wilbur Ellis.............................................................................. 12

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

T March/April 2013

Take a good look. You may never see them again.

{fig. w-42}

{fig. w-76}

Digitaria sanguinalis

Eleusine indica

Specticle from Bayer provides effective, long-lasting pre-emergent weed control. Specticle gives you superior control of crabgrass, goosegrass and Poa annua as well as 75 other troublesome grasses and broadleaf weeds. Get ready to achieve more with Specticle. For more information, visit www.BackedbyBayer.com/Specticle. ÂŽ

Apply less. Achieve more.

Specticle G is now available as a spreadable granule. Bayer CropScience LP, Environmental Science Division, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. 1-800-331-2867. www.BackedbyBayer.com. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Specticle are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered in all states. Always read and follow label directions carefully. ÂŠ2013 Bayer CropScience LP.