ALCA May/June 2023

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 e-mail barb@ALCA.org.

The Participant hereby irrevocably grants the Company permission to use the Participant’s voice, image and likeness in any photograph, video, internet site, audio-recording, and in any and all of its publications, including website entries (collectively “Promotional Materials”) without payment or any other consideration.

How Engaged Are You?

Thereare only three measurements that tell you nearly everything you need to know about your organizations’ overall performance: employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and company profitability. It goes without saying that no company, large or small, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.

In January, Barb and I had the honor to represent ALCA at the National Association of Landscape Professionals Leaders Forum and enjoyed one of the keynote speakers Paul Epstein, as he talked about creating a culture of engagement. After listening to Paul, I found myself reflecting on how I could better myself in my personal and professional life. Do I see myself as someone who evolves and changes? Do I put myself out there to meet new people and

2023 Calendar of Events

engage in their experiences? Have I given myself the opportunity to learn and grow with someone whether it is a mentor or a collogue?

Believe it or not, I am not one to step out of my box nor do I like change (hence my AOL email address that I still rock to this day)! In order to have continued success, you have to evolve and change your focus. Engage with your community and your environment around you. Engage with your employees and clients. Create the relationship that both people benefit from by continued growth and success. Making this commitment in my professional life will allow me to connect the dots between my role and the goals of our company.

Moving forward, I am going to commit to engage in my surroundings and continue to feed my personal growth and I challenge you to do the same. With that being said, if our paths cross and we have never been formally introduced, don’t be surprised if I come up to you and introduce myself. I am excited to have the opportunity evolve in this industry together. Lastly, thank you to the NALP for hosting a fabulous summit. Barb and I are looking forward to next year!

Cheers, Nickie

Velten

Nickie Velten 2023 ALCA President

MESSAGE

Thank You for Your Support

To ALCA Members, Sponsors & Volunteers,

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support and dedication to ALCA. Your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment truly make a difference and help us achieve our goals.

ALCA Members, you are the backbone of our organization and your continued membership has enabled us to carry out our mission effectively. Your enthusiasm and active participation have motivated us to strive for excellence in all that we do.

Sponsors, your generosity and support have been instrumental in helping us develop and expand as an industry recognized source of education and representation. Your contributions have allowed us to expand our reach, provide better resources, and make a greater impact. We are extremely grateful for your partnership and commitment to our cause.

Volunteers, your selfless service and willingness to give your time and energy is truly inspiring. Your hard work and dedication have enabled us to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. We appreciate your support and commitment towards improving the organization.

Barb Shehan Executive Director

Together, we have achieved so much and we are grateful for your support in making this happen. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with you in the future.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable support and dedication to Arizona Landscape Contractors Association. Your contributions have a positive impact and we are deeply grateful for it.

Sincerely,

Barbara Shehan

Special Thank You to our ALCA Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS

ALCA’s Annual Trade & Car Show

TheArizona Landscape Contractors’ Association Annual Trade and Car Show is an event that takes place every year at the PERA club in Tempe. The event is a fantastic opportunity for people in the landscaping and green industry to come together and showcase their skills and products, as well as to network with others in the industry.

This year’s event was held on March 7 and it attracted attendees from all over the state. The show featured a wide range of exhibitors, including landscape contractors, nursery owners, landscape architects, product specialists, and other industry professionals. Visitors browsed the exhibits to learn about the latest trends, products, and technologies in the landscaping industry.

One of the highlights of the day was the car show! This event is an opportunity for car enthusiasts to showcase their prized possessions, ranging from classic cars to modern sports cars. A new addition to the show this year was the large equipment display. The car show attracted a large number of visitors who came to admire the vehicles on display.

In addition to the exhibits and the car show, the event also included a range of educational opportunities. Many experts in their respective fields chatted with guests on a variety of topics related to the landscaping industry, such as stone cutting, plant selection, and sustainable landscaping practices. These one-on-one conversations with experts in the field helped other industry professionals gain valuable insights that they can apply to their own work.

The event brought together professionals from all aspects of the industry, creating an unmatched opportunity to meet new people and make valuable connections. Attendees exchanged ideas, shared best practices, and built relationships that can help them succeed in their careers.

Overall, the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association Annual Trade and Car Show is an event that should not be missed by anyone in the landscaping industry. Whether you are a landscape contractor, a nursery owner, or simply someone who loves gardening, this event offers something for everyone. So mark your calendars for the next show, and get ready to experience the best of Arizona’s landscaping industry!

Thank You Exhibitors

A to Z Equipment Rental

All Season Wholesale Growers

Arid Solutions Nursery

Arizona CLA

Arizona Olives & Ornamentals

Arizona Stone

Arizona Wholesale Growers

Artificial Grass Superstore

AZ Turf Masters/

The Synthetic Grass Store

Belgard Hardscapes

BioFeed Solutions

BrightView Landscapes

Civano Growers

Courtesy Chevrolet Fleet

Cox Cactus Farm

Cutco Knives

Cutting Edge Curbing

Sand & Rock

Desert Tree Farm

Diamond Advantage

Durango Stone

Echo Enterprise Fleet

Evergreen Turf

Ewing Irrigation

& Landscape Supply

Exmark

Greenworks

Hillspring Financial

Horizon Distributors

Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire

Infinity Insurance Partners

JAIN Irrigation

Kichler

Lovitt & Touche

Madco Rentals

OnSite OilChange Plus

Rain Bird

Rainbow Ecoscience

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Sonoran Lighting Supply

Sprinkler World of AZ

Sun Country Truck

Superior Sales Group

Target Specialty Products

Toro/Irritrol/Unique Lighting

Vermeer Mountain West

Vitsa Professional Outdoor Lighting

West Coast Turf

American Business Branding

Tracy Mawhorter 3116 S Mill Avenue Ste 413, Tempe, AZ 85282 (602) 803-1501 I tracy@abbranding.com

www.abbranding.com

American Business Branding specializes in custom printed and embroidered safety gear, Hi-Vis, and office apparel in addition to promotional items.

Associate Class 1

All Terrain Landscape Creations, Inc

David Ormsby 1751 W Dairy Place, Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 721-6631 l Office@allterraintucson.com allterrainls@msn.com

All Terrain Landscape Creations, Inc creates custom landscape designs and installations. We also offer regularly scheduled maintenance and special cleanups.

Contractor Class 4

Best Sons Construction, LLC

DBA Premier Land Design

Meagan Best

4401 N 40th Street Unit 9, Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 750-8066 I meagan@premierlanddesign.org

www.premierlanddesign.org

Premier Land Design is a commercial landscaping maintenance company.

Contractor Class 1

Branching Out Tree Service

Jim Bredice

7595 N Rasmussen Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 904-3451 I office@branchingouttree.com

www.branchingouttree.com

Branching Out is a locally owned tree service that has been serving the Tucson area for nearly 20 years. We specialize in large removals and pruning.

Associate Class 1

Durango Stone

Frank Cunningham

7946 E McClain Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 438-1001 | Frankc@durangostone.com

www.durangostone.com

Our company is here to serve.  We are quarriers and producers of natural stone products, we produce in Mexico and sell everywhere, focused upon Arizona. In three factories and 20 quarries, we do commodity and custom production.

Associate Class 1

Freedom Tire Guys

LJ Richardson

11046 E Tupelo Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85212 (480) 296-5112 I LJ@FTGAZ.com

www.ftgaz.com

We are a mobile tire and wheel company that services trucks, trailers, cars, vans, etc onsite.

Associate Class 1

Hanson Mortuary and Cemetery

Crystal Howard

6900 E Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (602) 300-1525 I crystalh@hansenm.com

www.hansenmortuary.com

At Hansen Mortuaries & Cemetery, we focus on helping the living successfully navigate that crucial time between the event of death and the onset of grief. We maintain our lawn burial gardens for two mortuaries and a cemetery.

Affiliate

Kredit Sprinkler LLC

Matt Kredit

18219 N 1st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 524-3016 I kredit.spinkler@gmail.com

www.KreditSprinkler.com

Kredit Sprinkler LLC is a 3rd generation family owned/ operated business. We install premium quality lighting, irrigation systems and mist systems. We offer valve/wire locating, troubleshooting conventional and 2-wire systems, also installing the “tech/smart” into lighting and irrigation systems.

Contractor Class 2

Pioneer Landscape Centers

Katie Burkhart

1718 W 3rd Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 (970) 412-5133 l katie.burkhart@pioneerlc.com

www.pioneerco.com

Pioneer is a landscape and hardscape supplier serving the Valley for over 30 years. Pioneer produces 60% of what we sell, owns and operates our own quarries, and trucking fleet. At Pioneer, we make it easy to get the job done.

Associate Class 4

Windmill Outdoor Development

Juan Molina

3716 W Blackhawk Drive, Glendale, AZ 85360 (480) 865-7673 | JCMOLINA@WINDMILLAZ.COM

www.windmillaz.com

We are a landscape-construction company working with residential and commercial clients on jobs like irrigation, design, lighting, paving, stamped concrete, masonry, and similar jobs connected with planting and landscaping details.

Contractor Class 2

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Sponsored by:

Award

Designer: Charles Eisler;

Sponsored by:

Award of Distinction

Designers: Charles Eisler & Jack Dyer;

Designers: Charles Eisler & Jack Dyer;

Photograph by Leslie

Photograph by Leslie Eisler

Photograph by Leslie Eisler

Eisler

Photograph by Leslie Eisler

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Artistic Landscape Architecture, LLC

Sponsored by:

Demer’s

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Artistic

Awards

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Awards DTR Landscape Development

Sponsored by:

2022 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors

Sunrise Nursery, LLC

We specialize in growing native and desert adapted trees, shrubs, and cacti. Our vast inventory includes a product line ranging from 1-gallon shrubs up to 48” box trees.

22439 N 163rd Ave, Sun City West, AZ 85387

(623) 556-0820 | www.sunrisetreefarm.com

Monroy Construction, Inc

Monroy Construction, Inc has built our livelihoods on providing hardscapes for residential and commercial projects. No job is too small or too big for our knowledgeable and experienced crews.

(623) 388-7500

www.monroyconstruction.com

Northwestern Mutual & Welborn Financial

Business, estate planning and wealth management advisors, inspiring and helping clients achieve their goals.

John Hunt | john.hunt@nm.com

(602) 808-3416 | www.johnhunt.nm.com

Kent Welborn | kent@welborn-financial.com

(602) 813-0202 | www.welborn-financial.com

Lovitt & Touche

Commercial Insurance broker providing business insurance and employee benefits.

Patty Cashin | pcashin@lovitt-touche.com

(480) 375-8176 | www.lovitt-touche.com

Midway Chevrolet/Isuzu

Midway Commercial Truck and Fleet Outlet is dedicated to providing its customers with the finest new and used Chevrolet and Isuzu commercial trucks and commercial vans.

2201 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023

(833) 895-6832 | www.midwaycommercial.com

Sunstate Equipment Co

Sunstate has a full fleet of powerful construction and industrial rental tools and heavy equipment from top brands. Our rental experts can help you find the right equipment for your projects today.

(888) 456-4560 | (602) 275-0601

www.sunstateequip.com

Belgard

AtBelgard, 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. We are excited to introduce a digital expansion to our Belgard Contractor Program - Belgard Rooms and the Visualizer in 2023. These new digital tools are in addition to existing program benefits such as Contractor Reward and FREE On Demand Training at Belgard University Online.

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 recently remodeled 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 please 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

LEARN MORE

OPERATOR

MANEUVERABILITY

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

DECORATIVE ROCK SAND

BOULDERS

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

STABILIZED INFILL

Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufactoring Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. ©2023 Vermeer Mountain West. All right reserved.

GENTLE ON TURF AND GRASS With turf tires and four-wheel drive hydrostatic direct-drive motors, hydraulic oil can flow freely to each wheel during transport, which helps reduce ground disturbance on turf when making turns.

COMFORT Options like a heated seat, enclosed and heated or airconditioned cab, and work lights add more comfort for year-round use.

The front-seated position and articulated design allow the machine to make a tight turning radius while maintaining tractive effort and minimizing ground disturbance.

Driving Fleet Excellence Recently,

Enterprise Fleet Management was officially ranked the largest fleet management provider in the United States, according to Automotive Fleet’s 2021 Fact Book.

This marks a significant moment for our business and demonstrates our ability to grow even during some of the most challenging times. More importantly, it’s something that couldn’t have happened without the hard work and dedication of our employees – and our clients.

Our clients are organizations that put their trust in us everyday to do what we do best. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help them meet their vehicle needs and business goals. As we continue to grow, we look forward to further serving our clients and providing them with fleet solutions.

Partnering with Enterprise gives organizations access to a variety of transportation and mobility solutions to keep their businesses moving forward. If you’re currently facing any transportation challenges, we’re prepared to discuss the different options that are available for your specific situation and offer an innovative solution.

Please let me know if you’re interested in learning more and we can set up some time to chat.

Sincerely, Renee Milum (623) 694-4991

Renee.Milum@efleets.com

Rain Bird

The Intelligent Use of Water™

Overthe past eight decades, Rain Bird has strived to deliver products to the market that use water in the most efficient ways possible. Founded in 1933 during the agricultural boom in California, Rain Bird Corporation began with the invention of the original Horizontal Action Impact Drive Sprinkler. The product revolutionized the irrigation industry. Since the beginning, Rain Bird has produced and offered the industry’s broadest range of irrigation products. Decades before the term “water restrictions” became a common term, Rain Bird recognized the need to wisely use and conserve our most precious resource. Rain Bird’s commitment to The Intelligent Use of Water™ continues to influence all aspects of Rain Bird’s business philosophy and resonates through constant innovation and development of water-conserving products that include irrigation sprinklers, drip components, pumps and timer/ controllers. Today, Rain Bird offers over 4,000 water-saving irrigation products that can be found in farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes in more than 130 countries around the world.

A Legacy Continued

In recent years, Rain Bird has introduced dozens of new products with more on the way. Some products are an additional component that increases the efficiency of an existing product. Others are an improved new version of an existing product. And others are an entirely new product in itself.

In 2020 Rain Bird has continued to break new ground in the landscape irrigation industry with the release of the new ESP-LX-IVM (Integrated Valve Module) and IQ™4 Central Control Platform.

Introducing Rain Bird’s new ESP-LX-IVM Two-Wire System

The new ESP-LX-IVM has many powerful and flexible features, starting with the revolutionary new Integrated Valve Module (IVM). This “smart solenoid” stays in constant communication with the controller, providing efficient irrigation and advanced diagnostics. The new IVM now integrates the station-decoder and solenoid as one component reducing the needed wire splices by half, improving installation costs and system reliability. A simple-to-use interface and advanced diagnostics make LX-IVM the best controller on the market. Two models are available, the LX-IVM which supports up to 60 stations and the LX-IVM Pro which supports up to 240 stations. Up to four Two-Wire paths can be connected, plus flow sensing and advanced flow management tools that set new industry standards for state-of-the art water management.

Applications

Rain Bird’s ESP-LX-IVM Series 2-Wire controllers are designed for the largest and most demanding sites, such as housing or condominium complexes, schools, sports fields, parks and public spaces, or large industrial and commercial sites.

Easy to Use

ESP-LX-IVM features an extra-large backlit LCD display and soft key text labels for button functions that change depending on the programming step.

Introducing the Future of Central Control

For years Rain Bird’s IQ Platform has offered professionals some of the industries most powerful tools to remotely manage irrigation systems. Rain Bird is proud to announce that IQ has evolved and progressed along side our commercial controller line-up.

Now, with IQ4 take control of your irrigation business and reputation through full remote access of irrigation systems for healthier landscape from any device capable of web browsing.

IQ4 is equipped with a modern new user interface for simple set-up with streamlined navigation and programming, and automatic weatherbased adjustments. As well it allows real-time access to diagnose and solve problems. The IQ4 Platform offers state-of-the-art monitoring, programming and control features in an easy to learn user interface and provides advanced water management features saving money and time.

Modern User Interface

IQ4’s modern user interface is web-based and is optimized for any device including tablets and offers full control with smart phones.

Streamlined Navigation

The improved navigation system allows easy set-up and programming due to the new capability of group editing.

Tiered User Access

Tiered access allows tighter control of the field along with the ability to perform remote operations on ESP-LX Controllers.

To learn more about Rain Bird Control Solutions, visit www.rainbird. com/professionals/TakeControl.

Or contact Daniel Porter at dporter@rainbird.com or Brandon Grimes at Bgrimes@rainbird.com

Southwest Sod

Our climate can be unforgiving, which can be challenging to the most experienced farmers. Over 38 years we at Southwest Sod Inc. have discovered a balance between key ingredients like the plant stock, water, maintenance, good soil conditions, and fertilizer. This formula has powered our products for decades. Here are a few tips for you.

Water your turf in the early morning to prevent excessive evaporation. As the temperature begins to warm keep a close eye out for a blue/ gray tinted green color. This is your first sign of heat stress. Saturate the area with the garden hose and adjust your sprinklers to help ensure

transition your clients’ lawns. Be on the lookout for an increase in temperature, because once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 65°, you will want to begin preparing the lawn for the summer season.

For grass that has been overseeded, keep the grass mowed back short, leaving only about 50% of the leaf blade. Then you can reduce watering for 5-7 days to 70%-80% of your normal use. This stresses the ryegrass and allows the hybrid to flourish. Next fertilize with a (21-0-0) analysis or fertilizer with a similar rate of Ammonium sulfate and return to regular watering and mowing schedule. Be sure to rake the ryegrass off as it

dies out so that the underlying hybrid Bermuda gets plenty of sunshine and watering. What’s normal? Well, you usually should be watering 10-15 minutes every day and mow once a week. You can transition gradually and still maintain a green yard. If you wish to transition totally, reducing water, be sure to remove all the grass cuttings and excess plant material to avoid plant diseases.

For those lawns that have been not been overseeded, mow your lawn, but be sure to remove only about 1/3 of the leaf blade. Next, carefully rake the yard to remove the cuttings and any dead grass that has accumulated over winter. Fertilize monthly with a (21-0-0) or similar analysis and water twice a week for 15-20 minutes. As your grass comes out of dormancy, be sure to increase your watering schedule to every day for 10-15 minutes.

If you follow those steps, you can bet your client’s lawn will look as if it just came from our farm. We really do have talented team of turf experts, and they would love to assist you in helping make your turf dreams come true. We may just be watching the grass grow, so please call us anytime at (602) 271-4266 or visit us at our website southwestsod.com if you have any questions or if you would like more information on our products. We look forward to hearing from you.

water reaches the root system. A good satura tion level will allow a screwdriver to penetrate the area about 4 inches. Also, if footprints stay in your grass for more than five minutes it is time to turn on your sprinklers. Newly installed yards should be watered 10 to 15 minutes three times a day until the sod takes root. Cut back your watering schedule.

Grass needs water, but it loves fertilizer. A properly fertilized lawn has good density and deep color. Fertilizing not only strengthens the plant, it protects the lawn from drought disease and weeds. For best results you will want to fertil ize your turf once a month. In the summer, think Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) or a similar analy sis. A good nitrogen-based fertilizer will help your lawn maintain its deep green color. In the winter and early spring, Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) or similar is a good fertilizer to use. The shorter daylight hours mean the turf needs additional nutrient source, namely phosphorus.

Since summer is just around the corner, our turf team wanted to share with you how to

• Control Landscape Lighting from Brilliance Smart App

• Made for Indoor or Outdoor Enclosures (IP 61)

• ETL Listed in US and Canada

• NEW! Antenna Promotes Improved Wi-Fi Signal

SMART SOCKET 3.0

Invasive Species Alert: Stinknet

An Eradication Priority species of the Sonoran Desert Cooperative Weed Management Area (SD-CWMA)

By Kim Franklin, Conservation Science Manager, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

By the time you read this, dense stands of bright green stinknet, with its striking yellow flowers, will have turned a drab brown. Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), also called globe chamomile and manzanilla apestosa, is a winter-spring annual native to South Africa, but highly invasive in the Southwest. It was first noticed in Phoenix in 1997, and in Tucson in 2015.

Stinknet has a pungent odor that most people find offensive. Inhalation of the volatile chemicals released upon burning has been implicated in cases of respiratory distress. There are other reports of contact dermatitis from skin exposure to stinknet.

In addition to its potential negative impacts on human health, stinknet presents a grave ecological threat. Nothing eats stinknet, not cattle, or even goats! Although it appears to have some trouble competing with native vegetation, stinknet rapidly fills in open areas, in urban, agricultural, and wildland landscapes. These are areas in which native annual wildflowers might otherwise bloom. Late in the spring, tinder dry stands of stinknet connect distantly spaced patches of native vegetation, providing

fuel continuity, spreading fire faster and farther in a desert that was not meant to burn.

Stinknet proliferates along roadsides, and when drivers pull off the road into patches of seed-laden stinknet, their vehicles break apart seed heads, freeing the tiny seeds to blow in the wind of passing traffic, or hitch a ride on trucks or boots to new residential and industrial locations.

One of the most impactful ways that you can help is by simply NOT contributing to the spread. Clean trucks, equipment, and clothing when you know, or suspect, that you’ve driven through or worked in an infested area. Dewalt makes a portable power washer that uses the same battery as many common landscaping tools, and just a few gallons of water is all that is required to spray down trucks, including the undercarriage. If you’ve been working in an infested area, it’s also important to clean boots and wipe down pants. Anything you can do to prevent spreading the seed from one site to another is a huge help!

Lastly, to report stinknet, please submit your observation at https://www.stinknet. org/ or email Tony Figueroa of Tucson Audubon Society, which is actively working to control stinknet in the Tucson Basin. tfigueroa@tucsonaudubon.org

Photos by John Scheuring

The Benefits of Plant Growth Regulators

Article written by: Alison Herrell, M.S. | Arborologist & PNW Territory Manager with Rainbow Ecoscience

Plantgrowth regulator. That may sound scary or confusing. Why would we want to intentionally stop a tree or shrub from growing? How does that even work? Believe it or not, there are many reasons it may be beneficial to slow the growth of a plant, which include economic, environmental, and plant health factors.

Before we delve into the specifics of plant growth regulators (PGRs), it’s important to know that we already encounter this technology often. PGRs first became popular in floriculture to get uniform plants that would be merchantable in garden centers. Have you ever noticed your house plants start becoming leggy and yellow after they’ve been in the house for a few weeks? That is because the growth regulator applied before you bought them is wearing off.

Early versions of PGRs, Type I growth regulators, were closely related to herbicides and blocked cell division to reduce stem elongation. While Type I growth regulators work well at reducing growth, there can be some unintended consequences of using them including leaf yellowing, distortion, and slight defoliation.

Modern PGRs, Type II growth regulators, work within the plant to regulate the hormone (gibberellin) responsible for cell elongation. This means the plant still produces the same number of cells, leaves, and buds, but those stems are extending 30%-70% less than normal. This reduction in growth can lengthen time between pruning cycles for trees and shrubs growing near infrastructure. For example, the oak tree planted 10-feet from your building or the hedge that gets trimmed multiple times a year.

While PGRs reduce the amount of above ground growth by 30%-70%, they also promote responses that can improve plant health. One positive side effect of growth control is the stimulation of another plant hormone, abscisic acid (ABA). ABA prevents cell dehydration and regulates leaf water loss by allowing stomata in the leaves to respond faster in drought conditions. We also see energy resources being diverted to the promotion of fine root growth when PGRs are applied. This allows a tree to mine more resources from the soil and increases drought tolerance. PGRs also increase the amount of chlorophyll the plants produce, which gives leaves a greener color and allows plant to photosynthesize better. Disease resistance to certain fungal leaf and canker diseases has also been recorded. So, not only can you employ PGRs as a growth management tool, but they can also be employed as a plant health care tool.

The use of plant growth managers can often be overlooked, but when

Less pruning means less wounding for the plant (bonus for the plant), less time your crews need to spend managing your plants (bonus for labor), and less ‘green waste’ to dispose of (bonus for the environment). In 2016, Rainbow Ecoscience performed a series of trials to determine labor savings when incorporating a foliar spray-applied Type II plant growth regulator. The sites selected contained highly manicured shrub hedges from 50-180 feet long and 4-8 feet tall. Over a 12-week period we found pruning time was reduced by an average of 62% when compared to untreated shrub hedges. In another trial, green waste was reduced by 50% over a 12-week period. Managers and crew leaders involved in the trials were unanimous in their positive response to the reduced need to prune. Landscape crews were able to focus on more detail work like weeding and caught up on mowing and edging. They also had less complaints in areas where the PGR was applied.

used correctly, can be a substantial tool to help reduce time spent on pruning while also benefiting plant health. Next time you’re walking through your sites think of those hedges, ground covers, trees, and vines that seem to need constant attention. Now imagine, instead of the plants dictating your pruning schedule, you dictate the plants growing schedule.

Royal Poinciana Untreated

Royal Poinciana Treated

Sweet Viburnum Untreated

Sweet Viburnum Treated

Red Maple Untreated Red Maple Treated

Example of Increased Chlorophyll Production with Plant Growth Regulators

Alison Herrell, M.S.

PMD Certification Exam Preparatory Courses

PMD Certification Exam Preparatory Courses

Conducted Weekly

Conducted Weekly

Ornamen tal & T urf

Ornamen tal & T urf

Right of Way

Right of Way

Aquatic

Aquatic

Core Exam

Core Exam

Get Knowledge!

Get Knowledge! Call 602-452-2900

C Call 602-452-2900

Or Check Schedule And Register Online www.MetroInstitute.com

Or Check Schedule And Register Online www.MetroInstitute.com

Horizon Distributors Acquires

Prowater Irrigation & Landscape Supply

PHOENIX, AZ (March 17, 2023) Horizon Distributors, Inc., a fullservice wholesale distributor of irrigation and landscape maintenance products, announced today that it has acquired the assets of ProWater Irrigation & Landscape Supply, Inc., a Prescott, Arizona-based distributor of irrigation and landscape supply products, effective March 17, 2023. ProWater Irrigation Supply operates two sales and distribution centers serving the Prescott, Arizona and central Arizona market.

“ProWater Irrigation has served the central Arizona market for over twenty years. Adding the ProWater Irrigation team and sales locations to Horizon’s existing Arizona sales center network enhances our presence in the fast-growing Arizona market and provides a strong conduit enhancing Horizon’s service to customers throughout Arizona. Steve and Janice Brooks, ProWater Irrigation owners, will continue working with us to ensure a smooth transition for ProWater’s loyal customers,” said Phil Stephens, Horizon Vice President.

Steve and Janice Brooks added, “Joining the Horizon organization will enhance ProWater Irrigation’s customers’ growth opportunities with expanded product offerings, services and resources. We appreciate the support from the many customers, vendors and dedicated employees that we have had the privilege of working with over the past years. We will work closely with the Horizon team to ensure a strong combined business going forward.”

OnSite OilChange Plus

A big thank you to Rudy Hernandez and OnSite OilChange Plus for sponsoring the February mixer at Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ.

Onsite OilChange Plus comes on site to your home or business and carefully performs the service there while you work or relax. No mess, no hassle and much less interruption to your day. Cars, Trucks, RVs and Fleets!

In addition to raffling off some great prizes donated by Lucielle’s BBQ and OnSite OilChange Plus, proceeds from the 50/50 raffle in the amount of $250.00 was donated to Operation Freedom Paws.

Give Spring Weeds The Boot.

ACLP Annuals & Perennials

On March 9, Ursula Schuch from U of A and Jon Berg from BrightView Landscape Services presented ACLP Annuals & Perennials to a crew of online and in-person students. Ursula Zoomed from Tucson, while Jon presented inperson in the ALCA classroom. Ursula laid the foundation with an introduction to annuals & perennials: how to choose them, prepare the beds, and plant them. Jon shared his perspective and tips as a contractor and presented wildflowers & roses. Ursula then shared how to determine the number of plants and amount of amendments needed, and covered troubleshooting problems in bedding plants. Jon wrapped up the morning by detailing 20 annual plants including pentas, lantana, sweet potato vine and stock, and concluded with some design tips.

ACLP Soils & Fertilizer

Tom Ellis from the Town of Oro Valley presented ACLP Soils & Fertilizer for a group of in-person and online students. Tom shared his love of soils and the ways we help and harm them by the actions we take every day. He explained the physical and chemical properties of soil, urged students to leave some organic matter on and in the soil to improve it, and shared how to identify and correct nutrient deficiencies. Tom’s down to earth approach led students to rethink how to manage soil challenges.

ACLP Irrigation

On Thursday, February 16, 2023 ACLP Irrigation was held at the ALCA office and on Zoom to a group of almost 50 students. Doug Donahue of Ewing presented the main PowerPoint presentation to all students. The in-house students then broke into 3 groups for the hands-on breakout sessions: Tony Acosta of Genesis Landscape Solutions presented Valves; Hunter Williams of Ewing led Pipe & Sprinklers; Ralph Holt of Eco Verde Irrigation taught Controllers. The online students viewed the break-out sessions via video, providing a flexible option for those that couldn’t join in person. Everyone left the workshop having benefited from the combined experience of these seasoned irrigation experts.

Jon Berg

Ursula Schuch

Tom Ellis

RESOURCE GUIDE/AD INDEX

BUSINESS BROKER

Macor Associates, Inc. (602) 989-9960

macorassociates.com

Please see our ad on page 3

FLEET & VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

OnSite OilChange Plus (480) 470-0352

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Please see our ad on page 22

IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873)

horizononline.com

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Hunter Industries (760) 744-5240

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LANDSCAPE CERTIFICATION

TRAINING/TESTING

Metro Institute (602) 452-2900

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LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

A to Z Equipment Rentals & Sales (480) 539-8700

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Stotz Equipment – John Deere 623-936-7131

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Vermeer Mountain West (253) 536-7112 X114

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LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Landscape Materials (602) 353-1020

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LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Material Delivery, Inc. dba MDI Rock (602) 569-8722

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Pioneer Landscape Centers (480) 739-6505

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LIGHTING

Brilliance LED, LLC (800) 867-2108

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NURSERIES

All Season Wholesale Growers (602) 276-0230

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Arid Solutions Nursery (602) 437-5194

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Arizona Wholesale Growers (623) 581-3100

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Australian Outback Plantation (623) 780-8500

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South Coast Wholesale (888) 326-7256

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V&P Nurseries (480) 917-9847

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OLIVES & ORNAMENTALS

Arizona Olives & Ornamentals LLC (602) 833-8252

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SOD/TURF

Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199

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Please see our ad on page Back Cover

Southwest Sod (602) 271-4266

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Please see our ad on page 14

West Coast Turf (888) 893-8873

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SUPPLYING LANDSCAPE

PROFESSIONALS

Wilbur-Ellis Company (480) 921-8500

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TREES

Western Tree Company (602) 243-6125

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Please see our ad on page 5

Managing a fleet of vehicles is demanding enough even BEFORE you have to deal with the headache of getting every vehicle’s oil changed. Wasted manpower, lost time, unpredictable costs—these are exactly the things that