ALCA May/June 2022

The

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

May/June 2022

ALCA Trade & Car Show Professor Plum in the Conservatory COVER PHOTO: AGAVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTING

RIVER ROCK

DECOMPOSED GRANITE

GROUND COVER

SURFACE BOULDERS

RIP RAP

HUGE SELECTION of boulders and decorative rock

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2815 E. Rose Garden Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85050

PHOENIX

QUEEN CREEK

DEWEY

(928) 776-2999

(602) 569-8722

(480) 888-0487

(928) 632-5320

1566 W. Ocotillo Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

REQUEST A QUOTE AT

14900 Hwy. 169 Dewey, AZ 86327

mdirock.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

May/June 2022

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 ALCA Sponsors.................................................................... 4 ALCA Trade and Cool Car Show........................................... 5 CEO’s Message................................................................... 6 Calendar of Events............................................................... 6 New Members..................................................................... 7 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Agave Environmental Contracting, Inc................................................................... 8 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - DBL, LLC............................. 9 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - DTR Landscape Development, LLC............................................................... 10 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - ALA, Artistic Landscape Architecture, LLCs............................................... 10 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Flowing Wells Landscape & Pools............................................................................. 11 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - HMI Commercial Landscape... 11 2021 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Stone Creek Landscaping & Design........................................................ 11 2021 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors................. 11 2022 Board of Trustees and CEO........................................ 12 Professor Plum in the Conservatory…................................... 13 ALCA Member Profile: Belgard............................................ 14 A022 ACLP Schedule......................................................... 15 ALCA Member Profile: Mountain States Nursery.................... 16 ALCA Member Profile: Southwest Sod.................................. 17 Member Updates............................................................... 18 Member Mixer................................................................... 20 Plan for the Profit Opportunity.............................................. 21 ALCA Workshops............................................................... 21 Resource Guide................................................................. 22

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PUBLICATION

President

Advertising

Immediate Past President

Association Outsource Services, Inc. (916) 961-9999 www.aosinc.biz

Dwight Faires Creative Environments Marty Monroy Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock – a SiteOne Landscape Supply Company President Elect

Nickie Velten DTR Landscape Development, LLC

Secretary Kim Kleski

Kleski & Associates

Treasurer

PMD Certification Exam Preparatory Courses Conducted Weekly

Ornamental & Turf Right of Way Aquatic Core Exam

Get Knowledge!

Call

602-452-2900 Or Check Schedule And Register Online

www.MetroInstitute.com

Printing Diversified Print Solutions

Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association 5425 E Bell Road, Suite 105 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Phone: 602-626-7091 www.ALCA.org

Steve Shields

Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety

Chief Executive Officer Judy Gausman judy@ALCA.org

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@ALCA.org.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Greetings & Welcome to Spring!

W

ell, where do I begin? How about a BIG Thank You to all who participated in our annual Trade Show / Car Show. Mother Nature blessed us with a picture-perfect day with the best weather possible. First, I was beyond impressed with the cars that were on display.

Thank you all for sharing your rides. True car lovers would be impressed.

I must say the Pat Tillman car was my favorite.

To all the associate members/vendors, thank you for putting up your displays. I do hope this proves to be beneficial to all of your company’s successes. And for all those who attended to see what additions could be added to your business models, I do hope you found new information that will bring positive change to your businesses and profits!

Dwight Faires 2021 ALCA President

Change (Definition of Change) #2 Webster-Dictionary

To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one’s occupation, to change one’s intention.

On the subject of change, joining our organization is ALCA’s Business Manager Barb Shehan. She and her family just relocated here from California. She is already making great strides in learning her role and, I agree with Judy, she will be a welcome addition in keeping ALCA strong and organized. Please give her a call or send her a welcome email at Barb@ ALCA.org. Better yet, come say hi to her in person at the next ALCA Mixer.

Until Next Time Dwight Faires, ALCA President

31st Annual Desert Horticulture Conference May 13, 2022 Live online

Presentations available until June 24, 2022

Sponsors Welcome https://cals.arizona.edu/deserthort

Advance Your Nursery and Landscaping Career Earn Your Arizona Certified Nursery Professional (ACNP) Designation

Set yourself apart in the nursery and landscaping industry by completing the Arizona Certified Nursery Professional (ACNP) program! This online course is one of the most popular educational programs in the industry and is offered in partnership with the Arizona Nursery Association (ANA) and the Maricopa Community Colleges. The course was created as an online study guide designed to increase your horticultural knowledge and to help prepare you to pass the Arizona Certified Nursery Professional (ACNP) exam.

Prepare to earn an industryrecognized credential certified by the Arizona Nursery Association

Potentially earn credit for prior learning from Mesa Community College

Learn on your own time and conveniently access this online, non-credit course from anywhere

Get Started Today! mcorcollege.com/aznursery For registration or online course issues, please contact Dana Redford at dana.redford@maricopacorporate.com For all other questions, contact the ANA office at 480-966-1610.

Special Thank You to our ALCA Sponsors PLATINUM SPONSORS All Season Wholesale Growers

LeBaron and Carroll, LLC

Arizona CLA

Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

Belgard Hardscapes

Northwestern Mutual

Civano Growers

Rain Bird Corporation

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock – a SiteOne Landscape Supply Company

Sims Business Systems

Evergreen Turf, Inc Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety Horizon Distributors, Inc

SiteOne Landscape Supply Southwest Sod, Inc Sunrise Nursery, LLC The Synthetic Grass Store/Arizona Turf Masters The Toro Company / Irritrol / Unique Lighting Systems

Hunter Industries / FX Luminaire

GOLD SPONSOR RDO Equipment Co

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May/June 2022

West Coast Turf

ALCA TRADE SHOW

ALCA TRADE SHOW ALCA held its annual trade show in March at SRPs PERA Club outdoor park. New to the event was a cool car show and the weather could not be any more beautiful for the 300 members and guests who enjoyed a BBQ, drinks, fabulous door prizes and fellowship with friends and peers in the landscape industry.

The lucky winner of the 50/50 split the raffle was Claudia Amaya with Cutting Edge Curbing Sand and Rock in the amount of $540. The other half went to World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization that serves people in greatest need around the world, to relieve their suffering and to promote the transformation of their condition of life.

ALCA remains dedicated to helping landscape contractors by promoting continued education, effective business practices and networking opportunities, and ensuring responsible legislation to enhance the professionalism of members and the public’s perception of landscape contractors and the Green Industry.

Thank you again to all of the exhibitors who supported this event. Please support the ALCA associate members that continue to support all of us throughout the year.

A to Z Equipment All Season Wholesale Growers Arborjet Arid Solutions Nursery Arid Zone Trees Arizona CLA Arizona Olives & Ornamentals Arizona Wholesale Growers Artificial Grass Superstore BASF Bayer Belgard Brown & Brown Insurance Civano Growers Courtesy Automotive

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Desert Tree Farm DIG Corporation Enterprise Fleet Management Evergreen Turf Ewing Irrigation Harrell's LLC Hill Spring Financial/Latitude Retirement Horizon Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire Hydrorain/Superior Sales Infinity Insurance Partners Kalamazoo Materials

Kichler Landscape Lighting Logo Pros Mountain States Wholesale Nursery PCA Human Capital Management Rain Bird Sanderson Ford/Parts Mart Shine On Lighting Sims Business Systems SiteOne Landscape Supply SmartScapes Sonoran Lighting Supply Southwest Sod, Inc Sprinkler World

Stotz Equipment Sun Country Truck Sunrise Nursery Synthetic Grass Store/AZ Turf Masters Target Specialty Products Toro/Irritrol/Unique Lighting Systems Tree Theory WAC Lighting Welborn Financial/Northwestern Mutual West Coast Turf

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CEO’S MESSAGE

Welcome Barb Shehan, ALCA’s Business Manager

It

is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able to adapt to and to adjust best to the changing environment in which it finds itself……so says Charles Darwin in his “Origin of Species.”

I know that we can all relate to Darwin especially over the past couple of years and change does not end with the endemic.

ALCA has had changes in staff. After three and a half years Courtney Nielsen’s last day with ALCA as the administrative assistant was March 4.

Due to medical issues, Courtney will be spending time with her two children and husband and taking care of her health. She has not only been excellent at her job; she has been a joy to work with and will be missed dearly.

I am pleased to welcome Barb Shehan as ALCA’s Business Manager. Barb will be in charge of the office administrative duties as well as ALCA’s social media and taking over some of the event planning roles. You may reach out to Barb at Barb@ALCA.org.

Barb and her family are recent transplants to Arizona and she says that she could not be happier Judy Gausman to be here. Born and raised in San Jose California, ALCA CEO Barb attended and earned a degree from California State University Chico. Over the course of her career, she has gained a diverse business background. She has worked in a large corporate environment as an Engineering Program Manager, as well as most recently managing her family’s small retail business.

On a more personal note, Barb and her husband Jason have been married for 11 years and have to two children. Their daughter Madison is 10 and in the fourth grade and son Ryder is 7, in the second grade. As you can only imagine, they keep busy with their kid’s hobbies and as a family are avid boaters. They are looking forward to checking out the lakes local to the area.

Barb has a personal interest in health and wellness and spends her free time on the yoga mat, the hiking trails, in her garden or kitchen. She has always had an interest in horticulture and is really looking forward to learning more from all of you!

The Board of Directors, Heather and I are very excited to have Barb on the ALCA team!

Sincerely, Judy Gausman, CEO

2022 Calendar of Events MAY 10 12 12 13 17 18 19 20 21 26 30 31

Pre-Cert Applicator Training – ALCA Office ALCA Golf Tournament ACLP Irrigation Desert Horticulture Conference Pre-Cert Applicator Training - Online ALCA Member Mixer – Sponsored by Belgard Hardscapes ACLP Turf Care & Installation ALCA Board Meeting ACLP Turf Care & Installation ACLP Planting & Tree Staking Memorial Day – ALCA Office Closed Deadline for the Excellence in Landscaping Awards applications

JUNE 15 16 18 23 24

ALCA Member Mixer ACLP Tree & Shrub Pruning ACLP Tree & Shrub Pruning ACLP Annuals & Perennials SLM – Sustainable Landscape Management

JULY 4 Independence Day – ALCA Office Closed 14 ACLP Safety & Tools 16 ACLP Safety & Tools 19 ALCA Board of Directors Meeting 20 ALCA Member Mixer 21 ACLP Turf Care & Installation *Dates Subject to Change*

ARIZONA WHOLESALE GROWERS “Growing Forward” since 1982

Now with nearly 150 acres of premier growing facilities we are providing the Valley with the widest selection of shrubs, trees, ornamentals, small and specimen size Agaves, Aloes, cacti and succulents.

We know that for you, Time is Money, so we are focused on improving your purchasing experience; with an expanded pre-pulled order area, increased delivery capacity, and enhanced ‘Plant Locator’ services to find the plants you need even if we don’t have them in stock.

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: 1634 W Park View Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85085 (623) 581-3100

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May/June 2022

4204 E. Lone Mountain Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (480) 488-1968

NEW MEMBERS Bayer

DECORATIVE ROCK SAND BOULDERS

Now part of the Site One team, Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs. We are a hauling company with a fully stocked retail yard and a proud distributor for Belgard, Southwest Sod, Evergreen Turf, Phoenix Paver, and AZ Best Block. We carry over fifty colors of landscape rock, river products, soil mixes, rip rap and boulders. Our knowledgeable sales staff will insure that your order is accurate and our experienced drivers will get your materials to you on time. Our certified scale ensures that you are receiving the correct amount of material ordered.

Call or come by today.

Monday-Friday 6A-5P Saturday 7A -3P 7540 N 67th Ave, Bldg. A Glendale, AZ 85301 Office 602-353-1020 Fax 602-353-1027

CEMENT PRODUCTS BLOCK TOP SOIL RIP RAP ABC CURBING PAVERS MULCH / SOD MIX IRRIGATION RIVER ROCK WEED BARRIER FLAGSTONE SOD & TURF BAGGED GOODS WINTER SEED BEACH PEBBLES HAULING

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STABILIZED INFILL

Variety ‘AZT’

Quality, Uniform, Desert Adapted Trees

SIMPLY THE BEST Prosopis Hybrid ‘AZT’ Thornless Mesquite 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 Cercidium Hybrid ‘DM’ Desert Museum Hybrid Palo Verde* *AZT propagates the ‘Desert Museum’ with the guidance and permission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

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

Doug Clark 35306 N 31st Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85086 (623) 203-3397 douglas.clark@bayer.com www.backedbybayer.com Bayer has a long heritage of using science to help create a better life.

We work collaboratively with customers and partners across turf, golf, production ornamentals, vegetation and pest management industries to deliver innovative and inspiring solutions that help foster healthy environments where we all live, work and play.

Associate Class 1

Carbajal’s Round UP LLC

Jose Carbajal 3229 W Palo Verde Dr Phoenix, AZ 85017 (602) 531-5406 desertheet85@gmail.com Carbajalsroundup.com We are a father and son locally owned and operating company for the past 30 years. We service all parts of the valley providing everything from landscape design all the way to general maintenance.

ROC 195832 | Contractor Class 1

Cora Construction

Robert Fausto 2302 E Chicago St Chandler, AZ 85225 (602) 567-7557 coraconstructionllc@gmail.com www.coraconstructions.com We are a minority, engineering owned company which designs, builds and maintains residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

ROC 330813 | Contractor Class 2

Custom Desert Landscape

Sarah and Frank Marquez PO Box 943, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 (602) 410-0045 | sarah@cdl-az.com We provide general landscape maintenance, design, tree care, installation, enhancement, masonry and porter service.

ROC 334214 | Contractor Class 4

Manzanita Landscaping

Daniel Martin 2531 N Highway 89 Chico Valley, AZ 86323 (928) 848-8025 daniel@manzanitacompanies.com www.manzanitalandscapinginc.com Manzanita Landscaping is a full-service design, installation and maintenance company operating out of Earthwork’s Nursery in Chino Valley. We provide landscape services for the greater Prescott area.

ROC 275226 | Contractor Class 4

North Valley Lawn Care

David Friedman 16845 N 29th Ave, #27 Phoenix, AZ 85053 (602) 245-5486 northvalleylawncareaz@gmail.com We provide full-service yard maintenance, including but not limited to planting and landscaping services.

Contractor Class 2

Paideia Academies

Sean Kelly 7777 S 15th Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 343-3040 skelly@paideiamail.com Charter School in Phoenix Affiliate

Pebble Creek Golf Resort HOA #1 Trae Johnson 3645 Clubhouse Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395 (623) 535-8871 traejohnson9876@live.com We are an HOA 55+ housing community of over 6,000 homes, containing 3 golf courses.

Affiliate

Rock Pros USA

Chandler Shepherd 5332 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205 (480) 591-5151 Chandler@RockProsUSA.com www.rockprosusa.com Aggregate supply Associate Class 3

Sonoran Lighting Supply

Michael Borgeson 2920 E Mohawk Ln Phoenix, AZ 85050 (602) 492-1457 mike@sonoranlightingsupply.com sonoranlighingsupply.com We are an Arizona wholesale distributor of low and line voltage landscape lighting products. We have an extensive inventory of major brands with over a decade of experience in the field working with contractors, lighting designers and specification.

Associate Class 2

Quality Care Landscape Management

Mattheu Raiola 16165 N 83rd Ave Suite 200 Office 229 Peoria, AZ 85382 (602) 298-0260 mraiola@qclandscaping.com qclandscaping.com Since 1998, we’ve provided excellent lawn maintenance services across the entire Valley of the Sun, We do it all, from tree trimming to creating a brand-new landscape.

ROC 283562 | Contractor Class 3

Verbalaitis Landscape Consulting LLC

Victor Verbalaitis 4232 E Maya Way Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (602) 689-2932 hugh@vlc.company vlc.company We are a landscape company that emphasizes the design build approach to our installations.

Providing landscape consulting, design and installation to our customers.

ROC 331130 | Contractor Class 2

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ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2021 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Agave Environmental Contracting, Inc

Sponsored by:

Sterling Grove at Prasada Commercial Installation Over $3 Million Award of Distinction

Gainey Center I Commercial Installation Under $50,000 Judges Award

Trilogy Vistancia West 48 (Dog Park) Commercial Installation $300,001 - $500,000 Award of Distinction

Heritage Asante Commercial Installation Over $3 Million Award of Distinction

Fincher Fields at Solana Town Center Commercial Maintenance $100,001 - $150,000, Award of Excellence

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Whitewing at Whisper Ranch - Phase 1 Commercial Installation $300,001 - $500,000 Award of Distinction

Doubletree Canyon Commercial Redesign Over $100,000 Award of Distinction

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2021 Excellence in Landscaping Awards DBL, LLC

Sponsored by:

Northsight Corporate Center Commercial Maintenance $25,001 - $30,000, Judges Award

SGA Corporate Center – Kierland, Commercial Maintenance $20,001 - $25,000, Award of Excellence

San Tan Village Marketplace Commercial Maintenance $75,000 - $100,000 Award of Excellence Rio West Business Center Commercial Maintenance $50,001 - $75,000, Award of Distinction

VERMEER CTX100 MINI SKID STEER

Scan the QR code to learn more.

Designed with professional landscapers and tree care contractors in mind, Vermeer mini skid steers (or compact utility loaders) fit into small spaces and are lightweight. With a wide variety of attachments available – and a universal mounting plate for quick hookup – these mini skid loaders are ready to tackle your jobsite tasks.

Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufactoring Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. ©2022 Vermeer Sales Southwest. All right reserved.

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ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2021 Excellence in Landscaping Awards DTR Landscape Development, LLC

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

ALA, Artistic Landscape Architecture, LLC

Shehab Residence, Residential Redesign Under $50,000, Judges Award

Town of Gilbert Public Safety Training Facility, Commercial Installation $500,001-$1 Million Award of Distinction

Addis Residence, Residential Installation $50,001 - $70,000, Judges Award

~KURAPIA~ DROUghT TOLERAnT gROUnDCOVER SOD

Less water + less fertilizer = more $ in your pocket and a “greener grass” for the environment

• A turfgrass alternative changing the industry • No need to sacrifice lawns to save water on landscape

• Extreme salt tolerance

• Grows low to the ground rarely exceeding 1”

• Advanced striping ability

• Dark green year round, and if left un-mowed produces

• Shorter dormancy period

small white flowers May-November

• Versatile mowing heights

QUALITY, VARIETY, SERVICE, SOD westcoastturf.com 888/893-8873

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May/June 2022

Ask us about other water saving turfgrasses

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2021 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Flowing Wells Landscape & Pools

Sponsored by:

2021 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales

We provide construction and landscaping equipment, rentals, sales & service.

(480) 635-3880 | www.a-zequipment.com

Kalamazoo Materials

Via Montoya, Residential Installation $175,000 - $300,000, Award of Distinction

Kalamazoo Materials has been in business for over 30 years and is the largest decorative rock producer in the southwest with mines that encompass Arizona and Nevada. They currently have nine mine locations with over 20 different colors. Kalamazoo quarries produce the highest quality, true inert decomposed granite that won’t weather or melt over time.

(520) 575-9604 | www.kalamazoomaterials.com

Lang & Klain, PC

HMI Commercial Landscape

Sponsored by:

We are a responsive law firm focusing on construction law.

(480) 947-1911 | www.lang-klain.com

Midway Commercial/Fleet

Midway Commercial Truck, Fleet and Government Vehicle Division is dedicated to providing its customers with the finest new and used Chevrolet and Isuzu commercial trucks and commercial vans in Phoenix, AZ and serving throughout Arizona.

(602) 588-1700 | www.midwaycommercial.com

SiteOne Landscape Supply

SiteOne has everything you are looking for with a wide selection of irrigation, lighting, turf and landscape maintenance, nursery and pest control supplies.

1-800-SITEONE / (800) 748-3663 www.SiteOne.com

Southwest Sod

Phoenix Biomedical Campus, Commercial Maintenance $75,000 - $100,000, Award of Distinction

Southwest Sod was founded in 1985 and is a local, family-owned and operated sod farm located in Maricopa, Arizona. Our farm produces the highest quality turf grown on native soil to complement our western desert climate in the greater Phoenix area as well as Tucson, Arizona.

(602) 271-4266 | southwestsod.com

Target Specialty Products

Stone Creek Landscaping & Design

Sponsored by:

For over 80 years Target Specialty Products has been and continues to be a leading value-added service provider of pest control and pest management solutions, turf and ornamental solutions, application equipment, supplies and education and training programs.

(800) 352-3870 | www.target-specialty.com

Murphy Residence, Residential Redesign $50,001 - $100,000, Judges Award May/June 2022

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2022 Board of Trustees and CEO The ALCA Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining the prosperous growth and representation of ALCA members. The Board’s primary responsibilities are to look beyond the day-to-day operations and create long range goals for the association. The Trustees consists of past and present Board leaders whose hard work, dedication and vision have been instrumental in the success that ALCA has achieved today.

Below are the members of the ALCA Board of Trustees.

Tree Relocation Service 90” Tree Spade Please contact Bonnie Ervine phone 602-541-7762 fax 623-772-0205

ISA Certified Arborist on staff.

We locate plant material of all types and sizes.

President Robin Franklin Sun Country Landscape, Inc

President Elect Rod Pappas Xeriscapes Unlimited Inc

Secretary Glenn Fahringer Earth Care “For All That’s Green” Inc

Barb Stropko New Desert Gallery, Inc

Bill Krause Terra Designs Inc

Michael Rockwell

Bob Underwood AAA Landscape

Craig Potter

Dale Micetic

Ed Macias Service Direct Landscape, LLC

Judy Gausman CEO

THE CONSCIENTIOUS MOVERS Aussie Out. quarter page ad

AZ Contractor #ROC 230352 112619.pdf 1 11/26/19 8:52 AM

No Worries Mate!

Australian Native Plant Growers Extensive Eucalyptus Plantation Paul D. Chambers, C.H.

623-780-8500 AustralianOutbackPlants@gmail.com

Specializing in: ♦ Eucalyptus papuana ‘aparrerinja’ ♦ Eremophila – emu bushes ♦ Callistemon varieties ♦ Acacia species ♦ Casaurina “cousin it” ♦ Melaleucas

To schedule delivery or walkabout: Dani, Horticultural Sales Specialist

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ALCA BULLETIN BOARD

Professor Plum in the Conservatory…

Article provided by Cindy Odgers …with the rope! Ever play a game of Clue?

The game has suspense, intrigue and encourages players to solve a crime logically. Troubleshooting plant problems is a lot like a game of Clue except rather than discover a murderer, one must discover what or who is troubling one’s plants. Observing,

documenting and following the clues combined with logic and reasoning will typically lead to a solution (or solutions).

Inexperienced observers often think that they have encountered a serious problem, when, in fact, the “symptom” that alarms them is only a normal feature of a plant, a seasonal change in its appearance, or the sign of a nonparasitic agent. Distinguish what is normal and what is abnormal. Recognizing the appearance of healthy plants at different stages of growth and seasons is as important as recognizing the symptoms of particular disorders.

Most experienced plant problem solvers start with a check sheet or list of questions to follow when attempting to diagnose a plant problem.

ALCA’s ACLP workshop on Plant Problems has an In-pocket Plant Diagnosis Checklist included on its resource page. Tools that can be helpful in collecting and recording information include but are not limited to a hand lens, trowel, knife, hand pruner, small saw, collecting bags both paper and plastic, tape measure, shovel or spade, soil auger or profile tube, soil-moisture meter and a camera.

The best tool to use when one begins, is a good pair of eyes. Observance is key to finding the answers and collecting the information being sought.

Name that plant. Correct identification of the plant in question is a must.

• What does a healthy plant look like?

• What are common problems if any for the plant?

• What can be seen on the plant that does not look normal? Check out the leaves, stems, roots, fruit and flowers if appropriate.

• What is the overall health of the plant?

• Is the plant exhibiting signs (the presence of a biotic organism) or symptoms (plant response to an organism or abiotic issue)?

• How do adjacent plants look? Are any plants exhibiting anything similar to the plant in question?

• What is happening on site?

• Who is responsible for the usual care of the plant that could provide information?

• • • •

When was the problem first observed?

When were signs or symptoms first noticed?

What is the cultural history of the plant?

What is the environmental history of the plant?

• What does the owner think might be the problem?

• Are there additional questions/thoughts once the previous questions have been answered?

• Would samples (soil, water, tissue) be of use or value?

• What other diagnostics could be helpful?

An important clue about the causes of symptoms are the patterns in which they occur across the site. Biotic or living agents such as insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, viruses and wildlife generally produce no uniformly repeated pattern of damage.

Symptoms may be limited to one species of plant and the damage is progressive with time.

Abiotic (nonliving) problems develop from environmental (temperature, wind, moisture), site (soil, compaction), cultural (pruning, mower blight), chemical (spills or drift), or nutritional (excess or deficiency) problems resulting in damage that is likely on more than one species. Large areas of plants may be affected and damage often appears on leaves of a certain age.

If a solution is still not found, then a professional landscape diagnostician can help. A great resource is the University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension Service.

Diagnosing plant problems can be challenging and some problems may be a combination of several factors. It is much easier to say what the problem is not, rather than what the problem is and not all plant problems can be solved. Sometimes the best solution is to remove the plant and replace it with a healthy plant selected for site compatibility and disease/pest resistance. However, in the majority of cases, one should be able to find a solution that works to return the plant back to a picture of good health!

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ALCA MEMBER PROFILE BELGARD

Belgard

At

Belgard, we believe successful businesses are built on strong partnerships. That’s why we constantly strive to improve the benefits of our world-class contractor program and provide the hardscapes market with innovative design forward products.

Why choose Belgard?

Belgard is locally manufactured and nationally backed. We have a team of hardscapes experts ready to assist you with product and installation training. In

2021 we launched a new Contractor Program that offers Contractor Rewards, On Demand Training with Belgard University and Belgard Design Studio all at no charge to the contractor.

Belgard strives to be the innovator in Hardscapes. Our R&D team is continually looking for ways to improve our products, design new products to reduce installation times and stay ahead of design trends.

To see the latest Belgard has to offer visit the Belgard Solutions Center. 3,000 sq ft of lifestyle hardscapes on displays in air-conditioned comfort.

Two conference rooms available to reserve to meet your customers to make design decisions and a training with demo pit.

For more information on Belgard Products and programs visit www.Belgard.com Visit the Solutions Center 1919 W Fairmont Dr Suite 5 Tempe, AZ 85282 Tues-Fri 10:00 am – 4:00 pm And by appointment

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May/June 2022

JOSHUA TREE Path Light

• Available in Black Aluminum (Cerakote®) • Available with One or Two G4 Rectangle Wafers • Includes LightingShrink Professional Crimp & Heat Shrink Cable Connector & ABS Mounting Stake

ALCA_202205.indd 1

3/25/22 9:13 AM

May / June 2022 ACLP Schedule

Cost: $60/ALCA Member

$120/Non‐Member Register: www.ALCA.org/Calendar Loca�on: ALCA Office—5425 E Bell Rd #105, Sco�sdale AZ 85254 ** Workshops are non‐refundable ‐ Limit to the rst 22 students ** *If you cannot a�end in person, Zoom is available.

Please note the Randolph Center in Tucson is closed un�l further no�ce.

Irriga�on—IA = 4 CEUs

       

Common irriga�on components Basic hydraulics Precipita�on rates Irriga�on controller programming Mul�‐meter demonstra�on Drip irriga�on and smart controllers Pipe repairs & adjus�ng sprinklers Troubleshoo�ng valves, controllers and sprinklers

Turf Care and Installa�on

Iden�fy the varie�es of turfgrass used in the Desert Southwest Demonstrate mechanical steps to properly install sod Discuss proper cultural prac�ces including mowing techniques, thatch removal, overseeding, fer�liza�on and irriga�on for various turfgrass varie�es  Explore problem solving strategies for common turfgrass diseases and pests   

Plan�ng & Tree Staking — ISA = 3.75 CEUs

Tree and shrub selec�on: right plant ‐ right place How to inspect nursery stock for root and structure defects Steps to plan�ng a tree: AZ811, soil percola�on tes�ng, plan�ng hole, amendments, tree well, irriga�on, and surface mulch  Tree plan�ng and staking demonstra�on  Effects of staking on plants   

Tree & Shrub Pruning — ISA = 3.5 CEUs

Provide basic plant biology as it pertains to pruning, decay, disease and wound closure  Discuss the safe use of basic pruning equipment  Dis�nguish types of pruning: crown cleaning, thinning, eleva�ng, reduc�on and restora�on/rejuvena�on  Describe & demonstrate shrub renova�on pruning 



May 12

ALCA Office or Zoom 7:30 AM—12:30 PM

Dates to choose from:

May 19 or 21

ALCA Office or Zoom 7:30 AM—11:30 AM

May 26

ALCA Office or Zoom 7:30 AM—11:30 AM

Dates to choose from:

June 16 or 18

ALCA Office or Zoom 7:30 AM—11:30 AM

Explain common pruning mistakes and how to avoid them

Annuals & Perennials      

Discuss selec�on and transporta�on of annuals June 23 Explain bed prepara�on for annuals or herbaceous perennials: soil prepara�on, calcula�ng amendments or mulch ALCA Office or Zoom Iden�fy the blooming season for common annuals and 7:30 AM—11:30 AM herbaceous perennials Discuss proper plan�ng techniques Discuss ower bed maintenance including irriga�on, fer�liza�on, pruning, deadheading and mulching Troubleshoot common color bed diseases, insects, weeds & abio�c problems

What is the ACLP cer�ca�on process? Anyone may a�end the workshops to increase their knowledge and skills. To become ACLP cer�ed, each student must par�cipate in all 10 workshops and pass the exams. Students will be declared an AZ Cer�ed Landscape Professional when he/she receives a minimum score of 70% on each of the exams.

Ques�ons: Contact the ALCA office at (602) 626‐7091 or email Heather@ALCA.org Arizona Landscape Contractors Associa�on • 5425 E Bell Rd, #105 Sco�sdale, AZ 85254 (602) 626‐7091 • www.ALCA.org

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE MOUNTAIN STATES WHOLESALE NURSERY

Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

M

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May/June 2022

20 20

at maturity but can be pruned and maintained to be a medium sized shrub. The silvery evergreen foliage and salmon-colored blooms which appear sporadically in winter make this plant stand out amongst the crowd in the cooler months. The best quality is that it produces very little seeds and overall can handle poor soils in a wide range of exposures.

The Galphimia gracilis, or Shower of Gold, is native to Eastern Mexico and is a wonderful background plant here in the Southwest offering plentiful clusters of vibrant golden flowers from spring through fall. This fast-growing medium sized shrub reaches about four to six feet tall and wide in warm season. It can be trimmed all the way down to the ground in early spring if not frost damaged to provide a nice compact form. Overall, this plant loves the intense heat and would appreciate regular watering until it has been established in the landscape becoming more Larrea tridentata drought tolerant.

The Larrea tridentata ‘Yuma’ Eremophila pterocarpa Galphimia gracilis or Upright Creosote was discovered by our owner Ron Gass order to provide a premier selection of plants for years ago traveling through Yuma and noticed nurseries, landscapers, architects, municipalities, the upright habit of the Creosotes in the area. and more. These are ever-evolving processes, and This unique form grows ten feet plus and five we continue to rely on the past and future genera- to six feet wide when mature and becoming tions at MSWN to help us succeed. thicker over time. It performs best in full sun with Over the past couple of years, we have had well-draining soil and favors being on the drier some astounding, hardworking and distinguished side. Light pruning is necessary from its natural personnel hang up their gloves. These trail blaz- upright form. ing colleagues have paved the way and nurtured Over time we will be introducing new and countless great connections to make MSWN what improved varieties and selections that are tested is it today here locally and across the southwest to perform in our hot and dry climate. As always, region. We would like to welcome the many new we will have more information available on our Galphimia gracilis faces to our team as we start to turn a new leaf website at www.mswn.com. into this next decade. As we transition and pass the torch onto the next crop, we are preparing for the constant rise in demand and need for the plants we grow. We have been busy bees propagating, planting, shifting and filling containers up at our Glendale and Cochise yards as we jump into the spring season. Our dispatch team has been hard at work accommodating deliveries from Texas to California and up into Nevada and Utah. We have also been filling our trucks with orders for local deliveries and throughout the state. We have Mountain States Wholesale Nursery offers over 400 taxa our own fleet of trucks and drivers who work including desert adapted trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, diligently to get the plant orders to you as soon as accent and flowering perennials, groundcovers and vines.

We specialize in providing landscape plants that fuse natural we can. As we strive to grow as a company, we will beauty with water efficiency. It is our goal to provide quality continue to contract out additional resources as plant material that integrates the spirit of landscape design, needed in order to provide elite customer service. while reflecting the beauty of the natural desert.

Most importantly we would like to highlight mswn.com three plants that we offer, each having their own Mountain States Wholesale Nursery distinctive qualities: Eremophila pterocarpa, 13803 W Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ 85307 Galphimia gracilis and Larrea tridentata ‘Yuma’.

623-247-8509 The Eremophila pterocarpa, or the WingedWe invite our wholesale customers to visit our nursery, explore fruit Emu bush, is an Australian native which the variety of plants collected from the deserts of the world provides year-round interest, can handle extreme and the innovative introductions produced at our growing heat and is very drought tolerant. This larger grounds in Glendale, AZ. shrub reaches about six to eight feet tall and wide

196 9

ountain States Wholesale Nursery would like to extend our appreciation to all that have supported and continued to encourage us as a company. Without your support, we would not be able to be a top tier producer and wholesale supplier of drought tolerant and desertadapted plants for over 50 years. The past two years of a global pandemic have introduced many challenges for everyone. We have been working tirelessly to adapt to our ever-changing world while striving to become a more self-sufficient company. This has been accomplished through a focus on in-house propagation and production in

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE SOUTHWEST SOD

Southwest Sod

W

hich turfgrass do I like best? Well, that is like asking me my favorite type of tractor. All of our hybrid Bermuda grasses are top notch, which is why we have carried each variety for years.

As farmers, we are not into fads or shiny, new trends. Our products are incredible, and these varieties have stood the test of time, much like our company, having operated in the Arizona desert for more than 30 years.

As I look out at our beautiful green fields, I cannot help but think of a recent project, where a customer needs a variety that looks good, is easy to maintain, and can withstand high traffic and dogs. For this application, Midiron was the variety recommended, and the product has worked very well for our customers. We have recommended Midiron for years as a great option for homeowners, schools, commercial job sites, or areas where soil quality may not be ideal. With the proper care, Midiron can really enhance your client’s property. It also works like magic with dog urine!

Other customers like to have the best yard on the block, with the deepest green color and a soft blade structure. In these situations, Tifway is out go-to variety. While Tifway does require more attention than our other varieties, the end result can be very impressive. You may have seen Tifway on the golf courses as this variety is often used on the fairways. Others have used Tifway as a variety for ballparks because of its good looks. But we sure enjoy watching Tifway grow and thrive in our Southern Arizona fields.

Sometimes Tifway gets all the attention, but Tifgreen should not be overlooked. This variety is one of our greatest hits. Put another way, it is one of our original varieties, and we sure are proud of the many contributions this turfgrass has made throughout our State. Golfers are happier because of Tifgreen and homeowners love this variety too. Like Midiron, this variety is tough and able to withstand the wear and tear of being a popular platform for kids, pets, and golfers alike. But, Tifgreen also has a nice, fine blade and is a shade greener, and a deeper green than Midiron.

Midiron and Tifway need to be mowed once a week to an inch in height.

Tifgreen enjoys being mowed two or three times a week. If the grass is allowed to grow for longer periods of time the mower will scalp the turf.

This makes the sod susceptible to disease. The sharpness of the mower blades makes a big difference in the health of the plant stock.

A well fertilized yard strengthens the plant as well as protects your lawn from drought, disease and weeds. In the spring and summer season when daylight increases, we suggest an application of something similar to 21-0-0 on a monthly basis. Nitrogen is the primary ingredient because the blades absorb a substantial amount of sunlight that helps your lawn maintain its deep green color. In the fall, overseeded sod prefers 16-20-0. It is a nitrogen and phosphorus blend. The shorter daylight hours mean the sod needs a nutrient source (phosphorus) to recharge its chlorophyll reserves. We recommend an application ever 4 to 6 weeks.

If you have raised these varieties as long as we have, you would have a hard time picking favorites too. These turfgrasses have enhanced curb appeal of our customers’ yards, and of course the safety and security this soft, natural platform has provided to many growing families and students alike. Call us if you have a question regarding our turf. Our varieties love the sunshine and do not like to be hidden beneath a tree. As you know, we enjoy watching the grass grow, so you don’t have to!

For more information, please call us anytime at (602) 271-4266 or visit our website at southwestsod.com.

Professional, Personalized, and Experienced Guidance in the Sale and Acquisition of Arizona Businesses

Call me for a free one- hour consultation to discuss your business MACOR ASSOCIATES, INC. 602-989-9960 jmagrogan@macorassociates.com www.macorassociates.com

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Jim Magrogan

Designated Broker

THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA MEMBER UPDATE Vermeer Southwest Acquires Vermeer Rocky Mountain and will Become Vermeer Mountain West

Jamie Hanson Earns Vermeer Southwest has acquired and is combining forces with Vermeer Rocky Certification as an Administrative Law Specialist Mountain to become Vermeer Mountain West.

Combining these two adjacent and tenured Vermeer industrial dealers creates a contiguous network of nine dealership locations spanning the mountain west region of the United States. Kyle Pieratt, who served as president and CEO of Vermeer Southwest, will continue to lead as the president and CEO of Vermeer Mountain West. The dealership will be headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with branch locations in Tucson (AZ), Las Vegas (NV), Albuquerque (NM), El Paso (TX), Salt Lake City (UT), Boise (ID), Billings (MT) and Spokane (WA).

Vermeer Rocky Mountain was previously owned by Berry Roberts, who led the organization through its second generation of Roberts family leadership.

Berry will serve as a trusted advisor for the company with key Vermeer Rocky Mountain customers as he transitions into retirement.

“We want to thank Berry and his family for the legacy they built in the Rocky Mountain region, and we look forward to continuing to build on this foundation,” said Pieratt. “Combining forces in a larger geographic region creates numerous opportunities for us to grow in how we serve our customers. With our new scale comes the ability to make strategic investments to better provide our customers with the equipment they need, when and where they need support, while seamlessly delivering the Vermeer brand promise built on our core value of customer service.”

Jason Andringa, President and CEO of Vermeer Corporation, commented, “As these two storied dealerships come together under a common vision to serve Vermeer customers across the Mountain West region, we see nothing but success ahead for the dealership, the team and the customers who count on them.”

To learn more, visit vermeersouthwest.com or vermeerockymountain.com.

Lang & Klain partner Jamie Hanson has been certified as an Administrative Law specialist by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.

Jamie is a member of the first class of Administrative Law specialists. The State Bar of Arizona established that area of certification in 2020.

Jamie Hanson His expertise in administrative law and related proceedings is firmly rooted in his service as Chief Counsel of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (2015-2017) and his extensive experience in advocating for contractors in ROC licensing and disciplinary matters and in representing Arizona businesses before a variety of regulatory agencies.

A Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree in Construction Litigation, Jamie is a member of the State Bar's Construction Law Section and an Executive Council member of the Bar's Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice Section.

He is active in the construction industry, with trade memberships including the American Subcontractors Association of Arizona, Mechanical Trade Contractors Association of Arizona, Ceramic Tile & Stone Association of Arizona, Arizona Landscape Contractors Association, and Southwest Business Credit Services.

CIRCLE K PRO Becomes an ALCA Member

Circle K Pro is proud to partner with ALCA as an associate member to provide an exclusive offer to ALCA members of 7¢ rebate on every gallon you fuel with Circle K. ALCA is a great organization that allows us to connect with your business and with the industry.

Circle K has the largest network in the valley with more than 600 stores across the state of Arizona and over 6,000 locations nationwide. Our vast network allows our business partners, like you, to experience maximum total cost savings and a fuel quality guarantee when you shop with Circle K. We also want to earn your trust and become a partner you can trust when it comes to managing your fleet expenses. Our Circle K Pro Partner program allows drivers an easy fuel solution to save time and money as well as secure transactions to protect from card fraud.

We look forward to connecting with other members as participants in ALCA events. Partnering with ALCA and its members will allow us to better serve our customers. We would love to discuss with members how we can provide a better fueling solution for your business.

Please contact fleet@circlek.com to learn more about our company and partnership with ALCA. Josh Godwin, our Inside Sales Manager, is Circle K Pro’s contact point for all your fleet needs. Josh can be reached at josh.godwin@circlek.com.

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P 602-437-5194 F 602-437-4719

nursery@aridsolutionsnursery.com 3815 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040

“Your success is our success” 1 gallon thru 36 inch box Stop by and see all the new exciting changes we have made.

22PILC001-14-No Matter The Project - Rock & Stone-1

ALCA BULLETIN BOARD

Member Mixer

T

hanks to ALCA Platinum Sponsor Evergreen Turf for sponsoring the February 16 member mixer at Lucille’s BBQ at Tempe Marketplace.

Evergreen Turf was established in April of 1999 by Jeff Nettleton and Jimmy Fox as a small, friendly, locally owned and operated Arizona sod farm.

The idea back then was to provide Arizona homeowners and landscape contractors with an elite, golf-quality product.

for the family or an entire golf course, Evergreen Turf can help you make it happen.

Lots of raffle prizes were given away including an oak flag made by Evergreen Turf’s very own Dave Thomas. Congratulations to Dwight Darrell with Greenway Print Solutions who took home the prize.

The 50/50 raffle was split between Mariah Downen with Sun Country Landscape and Evergreen Turf’s charity, American Service Animal Society – Dogs 4 Vets. Each received $360.

ALCA President Dwight Faires (L) presented Dave Thomas and Candy Rangel with a certificate of appreciation.

IMPROVING

PROFITABILITY AND PERFORMANCE • Up to 220 lb. hopper capacity • Up to 60 gal. spray tank • Spread width from 4’ to 25’ • Spray width up to 11’ • Spot treatment wand

The Right Machine for the Job

Maximize productivity in large areas or make quick work of small yards; Z Turf Equipment has the perfect stand-on spreader-sprayers for your unique application needs.

Making Life Easier Locally Owned, Family Operated... Since 1960 Since then, Evergreen Turf has become the premier producer of Arizona sod. From residential backyards to professional ballfields and stadiums, elite golf course greens to backyard putting greens, Evergreen Turf offers the best possible selection of sod grass varieties for Arizona.

Evergreen Turf offers a wide selection of sod grass varieties perfectly suited for Arizona’s climate. Whether you wish to sod a small play area

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May/June 2022

Your One Stop Shop Rentals • Sales • Parts • Service Call, Text or Visit... Four Valley Locations West Valley

803 E Van Buren St. 623-925-0200

East Valley

1313 E Baseline Rd. 480-539-8700

North Phoenix

15634 N 32nd St. 602-992-1150

a-zequipment.com

Central Phoenix

4050 E Indian School Rd. 602-955-5100

ALCA BULLETIN BOARD

ALCA WORKSHOPS

Plan For The Profit Opportunity

Do

you remember hearing contractors say they have reached their annual breakeven sales point, and now they have flexibility in pricing? And then saying they’ll drop their prices and make some real money? What on earth are they talking about?

Let’s say we’re halfway through the 10th month of the fiscal year, and we’ve already sold enough to satisfy our budget. We’ve also controlled our costs as planned. Sales and revenue have already produced enough gross margin to pay all the administrative overhead, the fixed expense of the company. Revenues may rise or fall, but the fixed costs don’t move much. Support overhead will move in proportion to direct cost for any additional business completed in the rest of the year.

What all this means is that the company can offer substantially lower prices on additional work and end up making profit at a rate greater than in the annual budget forecast. Here’s how the budget and changes might work: BUDGET

+ADDITIONS

= YEAR END

ACLP Irrigation

On February 17, James Carr of BrightView Landscape Services presented ACLP Irrigation Total direct job cost 255,000 51% 16,500 271,500 51.2% to more than 60 students in-person and online.

After James covered the basics, students made the Gross margin 245,000 49% 13,500 258,500 48.8% rounds to 3 break-out stations for some hands-on Support overhead 50,000 10% 3000 53,000 10.0% instruction and live water demos. Tony Acosta of Genesis Landscape Solutions presented Valves; Admin. Overhead 150,000 30% 0 150,000 28.3% Daniel Porter with Rain Bird presented ControlTotal overheads 200,000 40% 3000 203,000 38.3% lers and Doug Donahue with Ewing Irrigation and Net profit 45,000 9% 10,500 55,500 10.5% Landscape Supply presented Pipe & Sprinklers.

Our overall net profit as a percentage of revenue increased with only $30,000 of additional busi- Students attending virtually were able to access the ness completed, because the net profit on the additional work completed, shown above as normal breakouts via recording to round out the instrucpricing, was 35%. If you can surpass your budget benchmarks and sell some more at normal prices, tion. Thank you to the students and presenters for another great Irrigation training opportunity. the net profit adds up fast.

Revenue

500,000

100%

30,000

530,000

100%

It all comes about because of that zero in administrative overhead additions. Making budget paid that off for the year. Imagine how much room that leaves for incentive pricing in case you’d like to expand the program of existing customers or appeal to others who have not yet tried your service.

The principle illustrated here works for many different types of business, but it is perilous to judge by instinct the point at which most of the gross margin begins to drop to the bottom line. Beware of the limitations and prepare for the opportunity: • Additional work that is aggressively discounted from normal must be completed in the current fiscal year. This pricing advantage does not survive into the following fiscal year.

• Don’t add to fixed overhead in order to accommodate additional work.

• Be careful not to create a new standard and expectation of discount pricing for the coming year’s normal program.

• Try to make additional work congruent with your normal work program, that is, watch your expenses and keep them as expected.

• The abbreviated budget and operating statements can illustrate the principle, but details count and must be managed.

• This strategy argues for a cautious budget with diligent cost control in order to allow for the tail-end opportunity.

• Trusting your instinct for the timing could be costly. Make sure your records are designed and maintained in a way that the profit opportunity is plain to see.

• Concern about determining the breakeven point of sales is not because the goal is to break even, but to know where in the fiscal year profit can be managed and optimized. Profit is not merely a residue of doing business—it’s a decision based on detailed knowledge.

Tom Farley is a management consultant, principally to the Green Industry, whose formal education includes economics at Amherst College and graduate studies in law at the University of Michigan.

Raised in the nursery business, he later spent twelve years managing diversified landscape contracting, growing and maintenance contracting operations. Since 1985 he has applied his experience on behalf of clients, large and small, that seek professional advice shaped by first-hand knowledge. He has lived in New River for over 20 years and has recently joined us at ALCA. Text 623-377-2043 or e-mail ftom51586@gmail.com.

ACLP Planting & Tree Staking

ACLP Planting & Tree Staking was presented both in-person and online to nearly 90 students in February. Rick Robinson and Mike Gonfel with Stillwater Landscape Management, LLC and Shannon Scott with AAA Landscape were the instructors for the two workshops. After the workshop, students participated in an Acacia aneura tree planting and staking demo at the ALCA office or accessed the demo via recording.

Time to go plant some trees!

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RESOURCE GUIDE/AD INDEX BUSINESS BROKER

LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

Macor Associates, Inc. (602) 989-9960 | macorassociates.com Please see our ad on page...................17

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Landscape Materials (602) 353-1020 cuttingedgecurbing.com Please see our ad on page.....................7

EDUCATION

Arizona Nursery Association (480) 966-1610 | azna.org Please see our ad on page.....................4 IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873) horizononline.com Please see our ad on page.....................2 Hunter Industries (760) 744-5240 | hunterindustries.com Please see our ad on page...................23 LANDSCPAE CERTIFICATION TRAINING/TESTING

Metro Institute (602) 452-2900 | metroinstitute.com Please see our ad on page.....................3 LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales (480) 539-8700 | a-zequipment.com Please see our ad on page...................20 Stotz Equipment 623-936-7131 | stotzequipment.com Please see our ad on page...................13 Vermeer Southwest (480) 249-5111 vermeersouthwest.com Please see our ad on page.....................9

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Material Delivery, Inc. dba MDI Rock (602) 569-8722 | mdirock.com Please see our ad on page.....................2 Pioneer Landscape Centers (480) 739-6505 | pioneerco.com Please see our ad on page...................19 LIGHTING

Brilliance LED, LLC (800) 867-2108 | brillianceled.com Please see our ad on page...................14 NURSERIES

All Season Wholesale Growers (602) 276-0230 | allseasongrowers.com Please see our ad on page.....................3 Arid Solutions Nursery (602) 437-5194 aridsolutionsnursery.com Please see our ad on page...................18 Arid Zone Trees (480) 987-9094 | aridzonetrees.com Please see our ad on page.....................7 Arizona Wholesale Growers (623) 581-3100 azwholesalegrowers.com Please see our ad on page.....................6

Australian Outback Plantation (623) 780-8500 australianoutbackplants.com Please see our ad on page...................12 Mountain States Wholesale Nursery (623) 247-8509 | mswn.com Please see our ad on page...................16 V&P Nurseries (480) 917-9847 | vpnurseries.com Please see our ad on page...................23 SUPPLYING LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

Wilbur Ellis (480) 921-8500 | wilburellis.com Please see our ad on page...................22 TREE MOVERS

AZ Big Tree Movers (602) 541-7762 Please see our ad on page...................12 TREES

Western Tree Company (602) 243-6125 | westerntree.com Please see our ad on page...................22 TURF/SOD

Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199 | evergreenturf.com Please see our ad on page..... Back Cover Southwest Sod (602) 271-4266 | southwestsod.com Please see our ad on page...................17 West Coast Turf (888) 893-8873 | westcoastturf.com Please see our ad on page...................10

AD INDEX

A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales........20 All Season Wholesale Growers..............3 Arid Solutions Nursery........................18 Arid Zone Trees.....................................7 Arizona Nursery Association..................4 Arizona Wholesale Growers ..................6 Australian Outback Plantation..............12 AZ Big Tree Movers.............................12 Brilliance LED, LLC..............................14 Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Landscape Materials.................7 Evergreen Turf, Inc................ Back Cover Horizon.................................................2 Hunter Industries.................................23 Macor Associates, Inc.........................17 Material Delivery, Inc. dba MDI Rock......2 Metro Institute.......................................3 Mountain States Wholesale Nursery....16 Pioneer Landscape Centers.................19 Southwest Sod....................................17 Stotz Equipment..................................13 V&P Nurseries.....................................23 Vermeer Southwest...............................9 West Coast Turf..................................10 Western Tree Company.......................22 Wilbur Ellis..........................................22

GROWING NATIVE DESERT TREES & ORNAMENTAL SHADE TREES

24” Box up to 48” Box Arizona Certified Nursery Certifiable to ship out-of-state Contract Growing for Large Projects SALES:

Hunter Hawkins 602.625.1566 hunter@westerntree.com

Mo Ibarra 602.763.8004 mo@westerntree.com

Eric Johnson 602.738.8733 ej@westerntree.com

Office 602.243.6125 • Fax 602.243.3764 3401 E. Southern Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040

www.westerntree.com

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V&P NURSERIES PROUDLY SERVING THE SOUTHWEST WITH SUBTROPICAL AND DROUGHT­ TOLERANT PLANTS SINCE 1978

I ALCA ARIZONA LANCSCA CONTRACTORS 4.S�O

IN THIS CASE, IT’S OK TO BE CALLED A KNOW-IT-ALL. HUNTER UNIVERSITY.

Your Name

has successfully completed the

Hunter Advanced Product Specialist ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAM

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

PHIL ROBISCH, CID, CLIA, CLWM

TODD D. POLDERMAN, CID, CLIA, GRP

Product Training Manager

Vice President, Marketing Landscape Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting

Become a Product Specialist. Boost your irrigation IQ with the no-fee Product Specialist Program from Hunter University. From best-in-class rotors and sprinklers to industry-leading valves and controllers, you’ll discover the features, benefits, and competitive advantages that make Hunter core and advanced products the most reliable in the industry.

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation® Learn More: training.hunterindustries.com