12 March 2020 The landscaping and nursery industries face tough challenges every day, specifically because of our dependency on the whims of Mother Nature to cooperate. But there are many more issues that we must face each day that threaten the future of these industries. In order to be successful, we must look at these obstacles as challenges and not problems. I write this not to ask anyone to feel sorry for our industry, as we have wonderful business owners, employees and friends that work in tandem to make our great state a beautiful one. I write in hopes that readers will recognize the dedication and knowledge that go into making the landscape and nursery industries what they are. Likely the greatest challenge both landscapers and growers face now, and for years, is the lack of a quality labor force. Although it is often thought that our employees are “cheap labor,” nothing could be further from the truth. Because there are so few people that want to work in the tough conditions we face (long and hot days, inclement weather, time, etc.), the salaries provided per hour are actually much higher than the current minimum wage. But the salaries are not the most challenging issue when it comes to personnel. With the unemployment rate at an all-time low (a little over 3.5 percent at time of printing),
GardenerNews.com The NJLCA Today By Gail Woolcott Executive Director
Rising to the Challenges
employees are rare. Take into consideration the hard work required and hoping to find long-term, quality employees and there is little chance of finding them in our industry. Therefore, many employers find themselves depending on the H-2A and H-2B temporary visa programs. I have written on these programs in the past and won’t belabor the issue, but suffice it to say, we are in big trouble in the labor department. Answers to this challenge are not readily available, but the NJLCA is trying to find sources of reliable employees for our industry, including apprenticeship programs, internships with local trade schools and colleges and increasing the awareness of the many opportunities in our industry through public education. There is also continuous regulatory pressure put on our industries. From equipment bans and limitations to pesticide regulations, many companies are having to hire
full time employees just to comply with all of the state and federal requirements. Not only do we need to comply with the many rules of owning any business, but the intricacies of a business that relies on equipment and lawn care treatments that are constantly being bombarded with bad press. As individuals, we understand how consumers want to be sure to enjoy a safe living environment, but we find that many of those same individuals require their properties to look perfectly coifed. At NJLCA, we are in favor of providing the best possible outcome on properties, with the least amount of impact on the environment. We are strong proponents of integrated pest management. Solutions are continually being sought for advanced products and equipment that will impact our environment the least. We encourage our contractors
and growers to look at organic options and use common sense when choosing the remedy vs. the impact. Unfortunately, there are many consumers that need to understand to leave it to the professionals when pesticides and lawn care treatment is required. These trained professionals are able to know the correct product to use at the right time in the exact amounts required. Finally, the last challenge I would like to discuss is professionalism. Professionalism in itself takes hard work. Our industries need to keep on top of all industry developments to be sure they are following best practices. They need to make sure they are following proper business protocols, human resource laws, tax codes, insurance and licensing requirements and more. Unlike a plumber, who is viewed as a professional because he or she has knowledge that the consumer does not have, a landscaper or
grower is thought of as just someone who mows the lawn or puts seeds in the ground. This is in no way the case. Our industries need to be highly technical and know the why, what and how of each thing they do. We are as professional as a plumber or an electrician and need years of learning and wisdom to do what we do properly. The next time you look to hire a landscape or nursery professional, please understand that you will get what you pay for. The cheapest price is not the best option and that individual is not spending the time to hone his or her craft, nor follow the letter of the law.
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Editor’s note: Gail Woolcott is the Executive Director for the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. She was presented with a community service award from the Borough of Fairview for her assistance in leading the 9-11 Memorial Park project and the Legislative Champion of the Year award from the Federation of Employers and Workers of America. She is currently the State Licensee Chair on the National Association of Landscape Professionals International Certification Council.
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