UAC Magazine - September/October 2015

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Call for entries!

See page 26.

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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UAC Magazine Official publication of the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council

Board of Directors Dixie Speck, President

Solterra Landscape Todd Jarrett

Arbor Hill Nurseries Ken Morrow

Sod Atlanta Chris Nelson

Chattahoochee Nature Center Bob Scott

Irrigation Consultant Services Ray Wiedman

Outdoor Expressions Ron White TurfPride Tony Gibson, Past President

Gibson Landscape Services

Ex Officio Ellen Bauske

UGA Extension Public Service Assistant Bodie Pennisi

UGA Extension Horticulturist Clint Waltz

UGA Extension Turf Agronomist

Staff Mary Kay Woodworth

Executive Director Kathy Gatten Johnson

Marketing Director & Editor

A member of:

Georgia Urban Ag Council PO Box 817 Commerce GA 30529 P: 800.687.6949 F: 706.336.6898 E: info@urbanagcouncil.com www.urbanagcouncil.com All contents copyright 2015

GEORGIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

UAC NEWS

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President/Executive Director message Chattahoochee Nature Center wins award Water Conservation Super-Sod invests in friendly competition Sod Atlanta purchase EDGE Expo Education schedule Train them, keep them EDGE programming to develop employees Solterra wins “Best Landscape Maintenance Company” SEED sponsorship opportunities New levels, pricing, and benefits GALA awards Download templates and get started today GALA awards Where do you shine? Pull-out section: Call for Entries

BUSINESS 36 Risk assessment and preemptive planning Workplace challenges 42 Not big enough for HR policy? Think again!

44 6 wishes of a dying landscaper How do you measure success?

INDUSTRY 46 47 48 50

New outdoor water use rules Drought management from DNR September 2015 legislative update New turfgrass research facility underway UGA groundbreaking Drones used in turfgrass research Cameras document results

URBAN AG

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Dealing with root suckers Keep mowers, trimmers away from trees Leaf spot diseases Fungus won’t kill healthy trees OSHA-approved chainsaw safety training Plants recognize insects, change responses Pro project Container planters to accent and add interest

IN EVERY ISSUE

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Save the date Pest 411 Caterpillars feed on shrubs and trees in the fall Me & my mentor Managing the awards process Safety works OSHA recordables What the tech? Facebook shares the wealth Health & benefits Nothing has changed...everything has changed

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Atlanta Botanical Garden Georgia Agribusiness Council Georgia Arborist Association Georgia Association of Water Professionals Georgia Green Industry Association Georgia Urban Forest Council Georgia Water Alliance PLANET Southeastern Horticultural Society

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE

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UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters, As we are all aware, the biggest challenge for

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Dixie Speck President

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our businesses is the availability of good, reliable employees. Currently, the issue that has the most effect on this challenge is immigration policies.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s harsh, negative comments about the Hispanic population in the U.S. brought the issue of immigration reform to the forefront. Arizona Republican Senator McCain has gone so far as to say, “if the Republican nominee for president does not support comprehensive immigration reform and border security policy, we have no chance of defeating Hillary Clinton and winning the White House in 2016.” Hopefully this will be a catalyst for immigration reform policies that will have a positive effect for business owners.

I urge all of our members to be aware of where candidates stand on immigration and vote for the candidate that you believe will help our businesses meet their staffing needs.

Speaking of opportunities to help our member businesses, the early bird deadline for GALA (Georgia Landscape Awards) is November 20; the final deadline is December 11. UAC’s landscape awards program has been revamped for 2015 so don’t miss out (details on page __).

Schedule a few hours in early September to look through your photos and prepare a description of your best project(s). Get started now, before the busy fall season is underway.

I want to say “Thank You” to our vendor members who do so much to support UAC and therefore all of its members. You can say thanks by looking to UAC vendor members first when making decisions about equipment and service purchases. In my experience, our vendor members are motivated to give you special attention; they want to form lasting relationships.

Look for their ads throughout this magazine and search for them on UAC’s website.

Certiied Tifway bermudagrass available in pallets or mega rolls.

Call now!

Darren Emerick 770.530.5078

The contractor’s choice for quality bermudagrass Customer focused and customer oriented • Farm located minutes from I-75 in Calhoun, Georgia

Ready to deliver to your site Call for pricing and availability

UAC NEWS

Balancing that with the need to train and educate the workforce, we developed a menu of services to meet those needs.

The fall and winter months give our

industry members a small break to reenergize and plan for busy spring and summer seasons.

It’s no coincidence that these months are when UAC schedules the majority of our networking and educational events!

In July, I sent out a “save the date” list of events for our members and their employees to peruse, with a carefully crafted variety of dates, times, locations and topics. Later that day, I received an email from a manager of one of our member companies, respectfully stating that he did not see a single item that was of interest to him, that would be helpful to his job, nor would compel him to spend an evening away from his family.

My initial reaction was to feel frustrated (and a little defensive). Selfishly, I grumbled about the amount of time it takes to develop a series of events that are relevant, and the frustration to then be told that they are not. Upon further reflection, I felt compelled to share the UAC mission and the thought process that goes into the educational opportunities offered by UAC.

evening dinner meetings Our (approximately six per year) are

focused on business owners and the managers who may aspire to ownership.

bimonthly mid-day Lunch The + Learn events range from DOT

and OSHA issues, Workers Comp Mary Kay Woodworth fraud prevention strategies (which Executive Director includes a strong safety training component) to discovering new technology that can improve productivity, lead generation and social media outreach.

EDGE Expo is focused on hands-on, The technical issues, and for the second year also will include Belgard paver installation training and certification, in English and in Spanish.

Safety School, the bimonthly UAC Online Magazine, links to webinars, podcasts

UAC advocates…for the environmental and economic benefits of urban agriculture.

UAC promotes…professionalism among its members by encouraging continuing education, adherence to industry standards, and best management practices.

Ten years ago, the MALTA board (which evolved into UAC) determined that the best way to increase professionalism in our industry was to help our members become better business practitioners. While many of our members had strong hort/tech foundations of knowledge, the skills and challenges of running and managing a business were an educational priority.

While we may not hit it out of the park every time, we do our best to address the needs of you and your employees with education and events that maximize your time and your interests.

We’ll be circulating an online survey later this year that will ask our members to rate our services, and that will help us craft 2016’s schedule.

We absolutely understand the reality of today’s world, where all of us are going, going, going 24/7, and the importance of personal time being a top priority. That’s our reality, too, and we appreciate your help in setting us on the right path with your comments and ideas. Thank you.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

UAC educates….our members with the best management practices for environmental and economic sustainability by working closely with the University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture.

and other “on your own schedule” sources are provided to help our members access the information they need whenever they need it.

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UAC NEWS

Chattahoochee Nature Center wins award Center recognized for water conservation focus

by Lynn McIntyre, Chattahoochee Nature Center You can hardly talk about water conservation without hearing about the

Chattahoochee River. The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) is “the interpretive center for the Chattahoochee,” and serves as the place to learn about this precious natural resource. For the last 39 years, this jewel of a science-based education facility has been diligently doing the job of establishing foundational knowledge and understanding of water’s importance. From K-12 students to adults, these programs are delivered through both passive and active encounters with naturalists, docents and programs that emphasize how we all benefit from water conservation.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

CNC’s education department teaches classes.

Particularly interesting are the middle and high school field study programs called “Project H20,” a study of water quality and watersheds that brings students hands-on biological and chemical assessments experiences. Students study macroinvertebrates as bioindicators and

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Students study water quality and watersheds in Project H20.

conduct chemical testing to measure nitrate and phosphate levels. These exciting S.T.E.M. experiences also prepare them for future decision making about water-related careers.

The entire CNC Discovery Center is designed to interpret the Chattahoochee River watershed.

In the theater the orientation film, “Re-Imagine the Chattahoochee River,” emphasizes water conservation and tells the story of how the river is used and how to conserve it. With over 130,000 visitors each year to the Discovery Center, that makes for plenty of impressions!

Workshops and collaborations with other organizations happen regularly. For instance, the Georgia River Network holds their annual conference here, which focuses on bringing together all the river-keeper organizations with agencies and policy makers to find strategies to advance water conservation and recreation. CNC hosts the annual Water Drop Dash 10K, held by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning

UAC NEWS District, to celebrate “Fix-A-Leak Week,” which increases awareness of reducing waste by fixing plumbing fixtures.

Every August, CNC dedicates a day just for the fun of water! Water Day, held on August 2nd this year, is a celebration of water for families with games, art, bubbles, puppets and documentary films about the Chattahoochee.

In celebration of 100,000 toilets rebated, the Metro Water District, in partnership with TOTO USA, Marine Plumbing Services and Southern Sprinkler Systems, recently awarded the Chattahoochee Nature Center a free water audit and $1,000 in TOTO water-efficient fixtures as the winner of the Great Plumbing Fixture Giveaway. This equated to water savings of 900 million gallons per year. Guided by science, data

and good stewardship, the Metro Water District details 19 measures specific to conservation.

Since 2007, water use in metro Atlanta has dropped by more than 10 percent even as the population has increased by a million.

Individuals are able to learn more about securing a toilet rebate by visiting northgeorgiawater.org/ toiletrebate.

“Approximately 30 percent of water use in the average American home occurs in the bathroom, with more than 15 percent being used by toilets,” said Katherine Zitsch, director of the Metro Water District. “The annual water savings that results from 100,000 inefficient toilets being replaced with high-efficiency and low-flow models is enough to fill the Georgia Aquarium 90 times or 1,363 Olympic size swimming pools.”

Super-Sod invests in friendly competition’s farm Purchase of Sod Atlanta finalized in May Announcement courtesy of Super-Sod

In May 2015 Super-Sod, a division of Patten

Seed Company, joined forces with their friends at Sod Atlanta by finalizing the purchase of the entire sod farm. The purchase marks Super-Sod’s first expansion into Northwest Georgia.

Ken and Josh Morrow, the father/son proprietors of Sod Atlanta, have run their company since 1985 with the same goals and principles as Super-Sod’s Roquemore/Copeland family leadership. The similar business philosophies and mindsets led the principal families of the two companies into a long-time friendship, now solidified in partnership. The Morrows will move

Super-Sod is a family-run business that employs experts in turf and Long-time friends join forces. From left: Josh horticulture. One of Morrow, Ben Copeland, Jr., and Ken Morrow their most popular products has been their Soil3 organic compost, delivered in a cubic yard BigYellowBag, which they make partially from composted grass clippings from their turfgrass production. They continue to develop new garden products, foster gardening and landscaping, and always seek to improve their farming practices, technology, environmental stewardship, and employee knowledge.

Visit supersod.com to learn more about the company and to sign up for their Monthly Lawn Tips eNewsletter. From the website customers can submit quote requests without having to pick up the phone.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Located within the outer Atlanta suburbs and with over 550 acres of turfgrass in production, the farm was acquired to better meet the demand for turfgrass in the North Georgia and Tennessee regions and to bring Zeon Zoysia and other warm-season grass brands into Super-Sod’s repertoire. Both warm-season (Zoysia, Bermuda) and cool-season (Tall Fescue) turfgrasses will continue to be grown at the recently purchased sod farm.

forward with SuperSod in positions of management on the Sod Atlanta property.

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UAC NEWS

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

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Gwinnett Center Duluth, GA

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Wednesday, December 9

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Time

Topic

Presenter(s)

9:00 am -10:15 am

Panel Discussion: Business-Related Issues

9:00 am - 10:30 am

New Woody Ornamental Plants and Their Landscape Applications

Dr. Donglin Zhang, University of Georgia

9:00 am - noon

Tufgrass Weed Management

Dr. Patrick McCullough, University of Georgia

9:00 am - noon

Water Conservation in Turf and Landscape

Dr. Clint Waltz & Dr. Bodie Pennisi, University of Georgia

9:00 am - noon

Turfgrass Disease Management: All You Want to Know About Turfgrass Diseases in Georgia but Were Afraid to Ask

Dr. Alfredo Martinez & Dr. Elizabeth Little, University of Georgia

9:00 am - noon

OSHA Chainsaw Safety Training

Dr. Ellen Bauske, University of Georgia

10:30 am -noon

New Plants from UGA and Beyond

Dr. John Ruter, University of Georgia

10:30 am -noon

Tax Incentives and Their Impact on Your Business

Danny F. Dukes, Danny Dukes & Associates

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Invasive Species: How do they Effect Us and Our World and What Can You Do to Help?

Karan Rawlins, UGA Center for Invasive Plants & Brian Arnold

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Mosquito Biology and Control: A Business Aspect

Dr. Elmer Gray, University of Georgia

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Turfgrass Diseases: A Year in Review

Dr. Alfredo Martinez, University of Georgia

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Synthetic Turf Sports Fields

Dr. Adam Thoms, University of Tennessee

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Soil Moisture Probes: Turfgrass Applications

Carmen Magro, Stevens Water Monitoring Systems

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

2016 Sod Producers’ Survey

Dr. Clint Waltz, University of Georgia

Thursday, December 10 Time

Topic

Presenter(s)

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Zoysiagrass Management and Care

Dr. Clint Waltz, University of Georgia

9:00 am - 10:30 am

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Pruning Demystified

Dr. Bodie Pennisi, University of Georgia & Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Planting Design Strategies for Ecosystem Health and Landscape Beauty: Breaking our Attachment to Turf

Dr. Brad Davis, University of Georgia

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Using Technology to Improve Productivity

Matt Lowe, Swift Straw

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Tree Selection and Care in Urban Settings

Dr. Kim Coder, University of Georgia

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

What Makes your Slow-Release Fertilizer Slow Release?

Dr. Eric Miltner, Koch Turf & Ornamental

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Things that Bug Me: Pests Inside and Outside the House

Dr. Dan Suiter, University of Georgia

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Wildlife Identification and Control

Dr. Mike Mengak, University of Georgia

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Pruning Demystified

Dr. Bodie Pennisi, University of Georgia & Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Landscape Design with Maintenance in Mind

Holly Brooks & Eric King, King Landscaping

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Business-Related Topic

To be advised

UAC NEWS

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

Train them, keep them

Topics and schedule are subject to change.

What’s your #1 challenge as a business owner?

Finding and keeping good employees?

Here’s your answer: invest in the workers you have today so they will still be with you tomorrow.

The NCMA Wall Class is one day of training.

The Paver Installer Course in Spanish (ESL) consists of four hours classroom instruction and a second day of hands-on training outdoors.

Registration for Belgard University is made separately from EDGE Expo registration. Call 800.687.6949.

IF

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GCLP Testing

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The Advanced Residential Paver Technician Course is two days of training in residential paver installation.

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UAC, UGA Cooperative Extension and Belgard are partnering to help you retain those critical workers – the folks out in the field - with two days of education, including special Spanish-languaage sessions.

Please visit website for updates.

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Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Registration for this testing is made separately from EDGE Expo registration. Those wishing to take the exam must contact Tami Boyle at tadams@uga.edu or 770-233-6107 to reserve a seat. Study materials, program details, and program registration are available online at ugaurbanag.com/certification. There is no charge to take the exam but pre-registration is required.

Spanish-language training Basic landscape training in Spanish for Spanish-speaking (ESL) workers only.

Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm Basic Landscape Training – Equipment Use, Safety, More

$45 for both days, $25 for one day Lunch included on Wednesd ay

Sponsorship and networking opportunities* For 2015, the EDGE Expo is ALL about education - quality education that will help grow our industry and, in turn, grow your customer base. You talked, we listened. Table-top displays are in, trade show floor is out. Now, sponsors get exposure and access to industry members for a whole lot less: less time setting up, less time tearing down, less time in traffic, and less time standing on a trade show floor. Create your own EDGE Expo experience from the many sponsorship and networking opportunities available. Visit urbanagcouncil.com/marketing today to learn more or call 800.687.6949. * $100 early bird discount for registrations received by September 15, 2015; additional $100 discount for UAC business-level members.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Belgard Hands-On Basic Paver Installation Training (lunch included)

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UAC NEWS

Solterra wins “Best Landscape Maintenance Company” With 11 years in the competitive landscaping business in Atlanta, Solterra

has built their reputation through a focus on excellent customer service while designing, installing, and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.

Clients and friends voted in droves to clinch the win for Solterra Landscape in the category of Best Landscape Maintenance for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine’s “Best Of 2015” contest.

CEO Dixie Speck said, “With currently over 200 maintenance clients, Solterra’s goal is to give each client a lovely outdoor space. In some cases, it is so the client can enjoy time with family and friends while in others it is to visually enhance

the appeal of their home or business. Beautiful, well-maintained landscaping increases the value of any property.”

Solterra Landscape, along with other contest winners, were featured in the August “Best of 2015” issue of Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and were recognized at the magazine’s annual “Best of 2015” party.

Featured as a Local Expert for Atlanta Home Improvement, Dixie has supplied informational articles for the magazine’s online resource section. In addition, photos of Solterra’s landscapes have regularly been highlighted in articles relating to design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor spaces.

Published since 2001, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine is a comprehensive and trusted resource for remodeling, landscaping, design, and home maintenance.

HUNTER –

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE

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Hunter has developed time-tested products and reliable irrigation systems that professionals know and trust. We’re committed to helping you grow your business by providing the innovative, water-saving products that your customers demand. And, our local sales experts are always there for you in the field with the service and support you deserve.

Hunter – dedicated to professional partnerships.

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

PGP® ULTRA The upgraded PGP packed with professional features

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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UAC NEWS

SEED sponsorship opportunities

New levels, pricing, & benefits for 2015!

support | energize | enable | develop

seed

SEED sponsorships offer our members an additional opportunity to promote their businesses and support UAC at a level beyond the membership dues.

This is an annually renewable program, beginning on the contribution date.

support | energize | enable | develop

URBAN AG COUNCIL

Available to current UAC business-level members only.

GEORGIA

Sponsorship levels and benefits

Contribution

DIAMOND $3000 Company name and logo will appear on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; choice of three full-page color interior ads in UAC Magazine OR web banner ad for six months on UAC website (your choice of issues/months). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $1500.

TITANIUM $2000 Company name and logo will appear on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; choice of two full-page color interior ad in UAC Magazine OR web banner ad for four months on UAC website (your choice of issues/months). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $1000.

PLATINUM $1000 Company name listed on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; choice of one full-page color interior ad in UAC Magazine OR web banner ad for two months on UAC website (your choice of issue/months). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $500

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

GOLD $500 Company name listed on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; one month web banner ad on UAC website (your choice of month). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $250.

SILVER Company name listed on all UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events.

$250

BRONZE Company name listed on UAC printed materials and the UAC website (with link to your website).

$100

Thank you to all of our SEED Sponsors!

Diamond tree_logotypeUpdateGENERIC.pdf

Platinum C

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9:40:37 PM

Buck Jones Nursery

Gold

Envisor Consulting | MNI Direct | NatureScapes Solterra Landscapes | Topiary Courtyard

Plants • Sod • Landscape Supplies

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Grayson, GA Location 770-963-8227 Woodstock, GA Location 770-345-5506 Matthews, GA Farm 800-854-3646 – Wholesale only www.buckjones.com

Contact us today to see how you can become a SEED Sponsor!

800.687.6949 | SEED@georgiauac.com | www.urbanagcouncil.com

NG Turf, Inc.

(770) 832-8608

Sod Atlanta, Inc.

(770) 382-7284

Sumter Sod, LLC

(229) 931-0500

The Sod Source

(800) 658-9324

Tifton Turf Farms, Inc.

(229) 386-8061

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

To order certified Zeon Zoysiagrass for your property, please contact one of these licensed Zeon growers here in Georgia.

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SAVE THE DATE

SEP

1

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

UAC/UGA OSHA-approved workshop: Chainsaw and Ladder Safety DATE: Tuesday, September 1 TIME: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch included) PLACE: Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens | Savannah, GA ISA credits applied for.

SEP

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lunch + learn

Workers’ Comp Fraud Prevention Strategies Proactively manage...or leave to chance?

DATE: Wednesday, September 16 TIME: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: W.S. Pharr/Snellings Walters | 1117 Perimeter Center West

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COST:

UAC networking/education dinner: Dinner with Champions

Sponsored by NG Turf

DATE: Tuesday, September 22 TIME: 5:30 pm networking | 6:30 dinner + presentation PLACE: Heritage Sandy Springs | 6110 Blue Stone Road NE | Atlanta, GA 30328

UAC Georgia Sod & Turf Producers Field Day DATES: Tuesday, October 27 & Wednesday, October 28 PLACE: Perry, GA

3rd Annual UAC Sporting Clays Tournament

NOV

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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NOV

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DATE:

Friday, November 6 8:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: Blalock Lakes | Newnan, GA TIME:

lunch + learn

Found Money

Tax incentives you may have missed DATE: Wednesday, November 18 TIME: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: W.S. Pharr/Snellings Walters | 1117 Perimeter Center West

COST:

DEC

9-10

West Lobby | W101 | Atlanta, GA 30338 UAC members: $20/Visitors: $25 - includes lunch

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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West Lobby | W101 | Atlanta, GA 30338 $25 - includes lunch

UAC EDGE Expo Educational Conference DATES: Wednesday, December 9 & Thursday, December 10 PLACE: Gwinnett Center | Duluth, GA

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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PEST 411

Caterpillar damage

Insects feed on shrubs and trees in the fall University of Georgia Landscape Alert

In the fall, there are several caterpillars that feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs. Although

the leaf damage may look significant, the plants may not be as damaged as one may think. You need to understand the type, size and the growth phase of the plant and the type of caterpillar you have before deciding whether to control them.

Control?

John H. Ghent, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Bagworms are a long-lasting problem since the bags contain hundreds of eggs which will hatch next year.

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Deciduous trees will soon be losing their leaves.

Foliage feeding by caterpillars is likely to cause little injury. The leaves are going to fall off anyway.

Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, Bugwood.org

Walnut caterpillar

For evergreen trees, foliage loss will be more likely to affect the tree and control is more likely to be needed. For evergreen trees, especially avoid defoliation of entire limbs since these often do not recover.

Bagworms are a long-lasting problem since the bags contain hundreds of eggs which will hatch next year. Unfortunately, at this time of year you will need to pick off the bags and destroy them since the bags are sealed now and pesticide cannot easily get inside. Remove the bags you can see right now and plan to check these plants for small bagworms next May. Young trees or trees weakened by other factors may be more likely to be damaged by loss of foliage to caterpillars than younger, healthy trees.

Evergreen shrubs retain their leaves throughout the fall and winter and into next year. Injured leaves on evergreen shrubs will be visible until they fall naturally – which could be a year or more from now. Control decisions on shrubs should be based on the level of aesthetic injury the homeowner will accept.

Deciduous shrubs, like deciduous trees, will be losing their leaves soon and foliage loss to caterpillars in the fall is less likely to cause a lasting problem.

Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, Bugwood.org

Orangestriped oakworm

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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ME & MY MENTOR

Winning ways

Grand winners’ top tips for managing the awards process Q: Every year, I plan to enter UAC’s landscape awards but the deadline comes and goes and I haven’t made any progress.

My company has some great projects this year and I really want to enter. How can I get started and stay on track?

Seasonal color

choice determination is based on square footage, containers, and Project the budget I had to work with, which gives me freedom to incorporate new varieties or cool and interesting plant material. I look for points of interest architecturally/aesthetically that can improve background or foreground shots.

Scott Barnard

Chatham Landscape Services

photos, I wait until late June/early July to let plant material mature. I For also wait a week or two after flower maintenance is performed to let the

plants flush out new growth. Take pics in the mornings or on cloudy days for more vibrant color. If the sun is out, take pics with the sun behind you to avoid shadows.

me, the process begins with scouting the properties in June to see how For they are performing then compiling pics in late June, in July, then again in

September. Organize a file for each entry, have an outside party objectively review pics to help pare down to the best shots of the best projects. This is the hardest part (we designers think they are all great!). I have always handled the entire process myself, including packaging the entries.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

All entries

18

Stephanie Gordon The Fockele Garden Company

Three of the bases that I try to cover when I am managing the process of submitting for an award fall in the category of community development.

In the process, I try to enlist as many people in the company as possible.

The process of submitting for an award and the excitement of receiving an honor can really help us understand the value, quality and nature of our work, to feel like a team, to be proud of our work, and to feel motivated through confidence as we go forward. I try to enlist as many participants as I can.

consult with the marketing department to identify projects with Icomponents that fulfill our current marketing goals. Does the project

showcase existing or new products and services that we are excited about?

with department heads to find specific ways that an award would Iletconsult every employee feel essential. try to emphasize our appreciation for our client, and of our partnership in Icollaborating to create a beautiful award-winning space.

ME & MY MENTOR

Design/Build/Installation

employ a strategy of (3) before pictures, (3) after pictures and (4) We“money shots,” meaning photos that show aspects of the project off to its fullest advantage.

a project after at least two seasons of growth to ensure it Welooksphotograph full and not as if we just left the site. We also try to photograph at peak bloom.

We spend time crafting our narrative to try and tell a story rather than  simply listing the materials used.

Jeremy Smearman Planters, Inc.

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

It’s not too late to make 2015 an award-winning year!

 

Complete Call for Entries application in the center of this issue.

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info: Sample documents Templates Tips and suggestions



See page 25 for complete “how-to” instructions to get everything you need online. No need to log in, available 24/7.

Your source for locally grown groundcovers and perennials...

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770.530.5078 JR Cell: 770.352.4407

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Visit us today!

19

SAFETY WORKS

OSHA recordables

What’s recordable, what’s not

by Lee Lyner, Risk Management Partners, for W.S. Pharr & Co.

Is a cut, a bruise, sprain, or strain an OSHA recordable? And what is an OSHA

recordable incident anyway? If you have ever asked yourself either of these questions, this article will help guide you and clarify the issue.

According to OSHA CFR 1904.7(a) Basic Requirement: You must consider an injury or illness to meet the general recording criteria, and therefore to be recordable, if it results in any of the following: death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness. You must also consider a case to meet the general recording criteria if it involves a significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional, even if it does not result in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

OSHA 300 and 300-A

20

If your company has more than 10 employees you must fill out and complete an OSHA form 300 each year. The 300 log is an annual record of illnesses and injuries for employees. After the completion, this form is submitted to management or your safety team to review and have the company’s highest-ranking official sign and date. The 300-A is the summary of the log; the employer is required to post the 300-A in a visible location at the company by February 1 of the year following the year covered by the form and keep it posted until April 30 of that year.

What’s recordable?

Let’s get back to the recordable topic. When an employee is taken to a healthcare provider and issued a prescription medication, does this automatically become a recordable incident? Not always. It becomes recordable if the prescribed medication is prescription strength. Whether the

prescription is ever filled or taken, whether it’s given once or over a longer period of time, this would still be a recordable incident that must be recorded in the logs.

The next example that is often confusing is when the employee has a loss of consciousness while on the job. An incident is recordable if the employee experiences a loss of consciousness due to: • a workplace event; or • exposure to a chemical or heat; or • being in a confined space or other area that might contain an oxygen deficient environment; or • a blow to the head.

There are some exceptions. The incident is not recordable if: • the employee experiences a loss of consciousness due to participating in a wellness program or a program that would be similar to a wellness program; or • if the employee has epilepsy, diabetes, narcolepsy or other personal health condition that was not mentioned and that caused the employee to lose consciousness.

If you have an employee who is injured on the job and is on restricted work/duty, job transfer, or medical treatment beyond first aid, then the incident is a recordable incident. If an employee is injured and taken to a health care provider, not given any medical treatment beyond first aid and is released to go back to work on the same day or the next scheduled work day, the incident is not recordable.

If the employee suffers a bruise or contusion and the bruise has to be drained by a needle, the incident becomes recordable. Keep in mind that soaking therapy and hot or cold therapy is not recordable.

Have you ever had a splinter? Do you think that an incident involving a splinter could be

SAFETY WORKS classified as a recordable incident? In some cases, the answer is yes. For example, if the splinter requires more than a simple extraction because of the location, depth, size, or shape, it becomes recordable. When removing a splinter by simple means or tweezers, it is not recordable.

A foreign body in an eye that can be removed by using irrigation or a swab would not be considered a recordable incident.

One of the most misunderstood incidents is lacerations. If you have an employee who has a laceration-type injury and the laceration needs treatment beyond first aid, it is a recordable incident. Let me explain what that means in a little more detail. If the laceration has to have stitches, staples, surgical glue (yes, even surgical glue), prescription-strength antiseptic, or if the healthcare provider has to cut away dead skin, the incident becomes a recordable. It is not recordable if the laceration has wound covering, bandaging, liquid bandage, gauze pads, butterfly bandages, or Steri-Strips.

Avoiding recordables

Of course, the best way avoid recordable incidents is to be proactive with your safety through training, audits (sample form on the next page), behavior-based programs, and a leadership commitment. If a recordable happens, complete an in-depth investigation of the incident to find the root cause so it can be corrected and future incidents can be prevented.

Reporting requirements

Employers are required to promptly report: • Work fatalities within 8 hours • Work-related in-patient hospitalizations of one or more employees within 24 hours • Work-related loss of an eye or amputation within 24 hours The above can be reported to OSHA by: • OSHA hot line for emergencies 1-800-321-OSHA • OSHA area or regional office Find yours at osha.gov/oshdir/ga.html • OSHA website osha.gov/pls/osha7/eComplaintForm.html

P

WS HARR &CO.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

A member of Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

Workers Compensation Plan

We offer a unique blend of insurance companies and broker experience assuring you get the most for your insurance dollar.

Contact: Will Pharr

404.354.2036 • wpharr@snellingswalters.com

Michael Parker

404.216.1108 • mparker@snellingswalters.com

770.396.9600

• • • • •

Monthly self-reporting payment plan Ability to earn up to a 15% dividend Competitive rates Aggressive claim management Underwritten by Builders Insurance

Insurance Plan • • • •

General liability, auto, equipment, umbrella 10% discount for Georgia UAC members Flexible payment plans Competitive rates

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Employer-provided benefits Voluntary benefits Competitive rates Dedicated service team

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

W.S. Pharr & Co. is one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the Southeast. We have specialized in the green industry since 1987 and serve over 600 green industry clients.

21

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SAFETY WORKS

22

WHAT THE TECH?

Facebook shares the wealth

Incentive to get into shooting videos

by The Manta Team

With more than 30 million small businesses on Facebook, the social giant is

expanding their platform to take on the reigning video heavyweight, YouTube, and readying their space to pay for video content.

additional opportunity to use video to get the attention of new and potential clients. And perhaps it’s just enough motivation to get you behind the camera?

Here’s the gist: Like YouTube, content creators (that’s you) who upload videos to Facebook will have the potential to earn 55 percent off of ads that run while their video is played.

(The rest of the cash stays with Zuckerburg’s camp.) So, what makes it different than YouTube? Facebook is banking on its colossal reach and a new feature called Suggested Videos.

Essentially, people won’t need to search for your videos or even be a follower—Facebook handles it. Suggested Videos will be a videoonly sub-section of individual users’ newsfeeds that match topics they click on and redirects them to related videos.

Manta is one of the largest online resources dedicated to small business.

We deliver products, services and educational opportunities that are effective, easy to understand and geared to help business owners become more competitive in their respective industries. Are you a small business?

Create your free company profile at manta.com.

Management

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“Earning my certification was an important achievement in my career. The course helped make me more knowledgeable and confident in my position.” landscape industry

Mike Caprio, Landscape Industry Certified, Lawn Doctor Inc., Holmdel, New Jersey

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Whether Facebook takes over the top spot for video creators remains to be seen, but their new endeavor presents

Turfgrass

23

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Nothing has changed...

Everything has changed!

by Michael Parker, CFP

Since its passage in 2010, the

Kathy G. Johnson

Recent Supreme Court decisions have solidified what employers will need to focus on for the remainder of 2015 and into 2016 relating to their health insurance programs.

Affordable Care Act has been fraught with controversy, confusion, changes, and delays. Recent Supreme Court decisions have solidified what employers will need to focus on for the remainder of 2015 and into 2016 relating to their health insurance programs.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

The recent King v.

Burwell case decision keeps the Affordable Care Act fully in tact as it sits. You may be less familiar with the Obergefell v. Hodges case, but it opens the door for health plans to offer coverage to same-sex married couples, who were once unable to obtain coverage. Employers need to be aware of this impact and plan accordingly if they have not already started.

24

Here are five points to be familiar with as you review current offerings or prepare for 2016: Companies with 50 or more fulltime (including full-time equivalent) employees will be subject to 4980h penalties if they do not provide health coverage for employees starting January 2016 (or potentially the end of its 2015 benefit plan year).

1.

2.

Companies will need to compile employee and dependent data for the 1094 and 1095 reporting requirements.

Companies not offering a group health plan but reimbursing employees for individual health premiums need to review IRS Section 4980D (penalties for non-compliance of

3.

healthcare reform are $100 per affected employee per day starting July 1, 2015) and IRS Notice 2015-17 that confirms after-tax reimbursements of health insurance is prohibited. However, an employer can increase an employee’s compensation to assist the employee in purchasing health coverage in the individual market as long as the compensation increase is not conditioned on purchasing health coverage and the employer does not otherwise endorse a particular policy, form or issuer of health insurance.

4.

Starting January 2016 companies in Georgia with 50-100 employees will be community rated and no longer experience rated. This means that employers falling within this range and have had better than average claims will no longer be able to take advantage of those savings under a fully insured platform.

Employers will still have the option to include or exclude coverage for domestic partners, but must now offer coverage to samesex married couples under the same guidelines as traditional heterosexual married couples.

5.

The benefits landscape continues to change and the time of enforcement is upon us. It is important to review the recent changes and the impact it will have on your benefit plans. 2016 is right around the corner and while we cannot see into the future, we can see what is before us today. Protect yourself from penalties and pave the way for a smooth new year.

About the author Michael Parker is a benefits consultant with Snellings Walters Insurance Agency.

P: 404.216.1108 E: mparker@snellingswalters.com

UAC NEWS

GALA

Download templates and get started today urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info

No need to log in. The awards information is available 24/7 just by visiting UAC’s new website.

Scroll down to see all of the information available.

Click to download the Call for Entries (also included in the center of this magazine - photocopy for additional entries).

TIMELINE Click to download the templates and just fill in the blanks for your entry. Instructions and guidelines are included.

Early Bird deadline

Save $25 per entry!

12:00 noon Friday, November 20, 2015 Final deadline for entries

12:00 noon Friday, December 11, 2015 Judging of entries

Mid-January 2016 Click to read tips from the experts: those who have won awards and those who have done the judging.

Notification of awards

Late January 2016 Awards banquet & ceremony

February 23, 2016 Piedmont Park, Atlanta Also: Don’t miss the article, “Winning ways: Grand winners’ top tips for managing the awards process” See page 18.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Take the guesswork out of completing the templates.

Click to view actual documents from past award entries.

Mark your calendar!

25

26

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

GALA

2015 WHAT’S INSIDE

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Call for entries

The tradition started with the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association, then continued with the Georgia Urban Ag Council. For over 20 years, we have celebrated the excellence of our members by showcasing their projects. Now it’s time to kick everything up a notch.

What’s new?

Starting this year, UAC’s landscape awards program will be bigger and better:

New name, new scope. Previously the Professional Landscape Awards, the new name GALA reflects that the awards now encompass projects from across the state and throughout the industry.

Regional judges. We’re casting a wider net when looking for experienced professionals who can assess the details of these entries. Judges will be announced as they are confirmed.

What’s new?

1

What’s the same?

1

Timeline 1 Awards 2 Eligibility 2 Entry procedures

2

Project categories

3

Judging criteria

4

Rules of entry

4

Judging procedures

4

Success tips

5

Entry form

6

Entry deadline/fee

6

Where to send entry

6

Photo checklist

7

Entry checklist

7

Why enter?

8

At-a-glance overview

8

Awards ceremony and banquet at Piedmont Park. The 2015 awards will be announced and celebrated at Piedmont Park’s elegant Magnolia Hall.

Expanded media coverage of winners (magazine, radio, online). From articles in Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and our own UAC Magazine to segments on Walter Reeve’s radio show and project profiles highlighted on the Georgia Landscape Pro blog, your work and your company will gain valuable exposure.

Early Bird deadline

Grand winners featured on UAC’s home page for one year. The projects earning the highest awards will be front and center on UAC’s website.

Final deadline for entries

Expanded entry window (projects can be up to five years old). By popular demand, projects up to five years old now will be eligible for award consideration.

Online submission option. If you choose, you may upload your documents and images to a Dropbox folder (see page 7). Of course, you can still mail your entries if you prefer.

What’s the same?

The nuts and bolts of the awards program (awards, categories, judging criteria) remain the same for 2015.

TIMELINE Save $25 per entry!

12:00 noon Friday, November 20, 2015 12:00 noon Friday, December 11, 2015 Judging of entries

Mid-January 2016 Notification of awards

Late January 2016 Awards banquet & ceremony

February 23, 2016 Piedmont Park, Atlanta

1

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 2015 GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Pull-out section!

27

Awards

Eligibility

Expanded entry window >

Entry submission does not guarantee an award.

Grand Distinction Merit Green Star Community Stewardship Judges’ Choice

• •

•

• •

For projects judged as greatly exceeding all criteria for the category For projects judged as superior in their overall evaluation For projects that meet the standard in the category Special designation that may be given, at the sole discretion of the judges Special designation that may be given, at the sole discretion of the judges Special designation that may be given, at the sole discretion of the judges

Only UAC members in good standing may submit entries (dues must be current).

There is no limit to the number of entries per company, but: 1) each project can be entered in one category only; and 2) multiple entries for one property address will not be accepted.

Previous UAC award entries can be resubmitted if new photos are provided, except: • Projects that previously received a Grand Award cannot be re-entered in the same category.

• Seasonal color entries: properties that previously received a Grand Award may be resubmitted, but the new entry must have a completely new design.

The project cannot be owned by the entering company.

Projects may be no more than five years old.

Entry General statement procedures • Create a general statement of not more than 400 words to summarize how the project meets the •

Prefer to ur upload yo entry?

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 UAC 2015 GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

7 see page

28

judging criteria, the owner’s objectives and specific job challenges. Download and use the template for this document at urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info Statements longer than 400 words will be edited before judging. Be your own editor to make sure the judges hear what is most important to your entry. Eliminate extra words before submitting your statement.

• Do not include your company name in the general statement.

• Please print on plain white paper, identifying the entry by the name of the property owner and include in your entry packet.

• Save this statement as a Microsoft Word file on the CD that will be submitted.

Photographs

Incorrectly formatted photos will disqualify your entry. Please call if you have any questions.

Select a minimum of six and a maximum of ten photos, including “before” and “after” photos taken from the same vantage point for Group 1 entries (see photography tips on page 5).

• Photos may be horizontal or vertical.

• All photos must be digital, in jpeg format.

• Slides and PowerPoint documents will not be accepted.

• Image resolution for each photo must be at least 150 dpi; 300 dpi is strongly preferred.

• The company name must not be visible in any of the photos.

• All photos submitted must be cleared for release upon submission.

UAC accepts no responsibility for copyrights or photographic fees.

• Photos may not be digitally corrected, enhanced, or resolution changed with editing software.

• Rename each photo with the project name and then numbered from 01 to 10.

Example: jonesresidence01, jonesresidence02, etc.

• Save the photos on the CD that will be submitted.

•

2

Photo descriptions • •

Download and use the template for photo descriptions at urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awardsentry-info Limit each photo description to one or two sentences, explaining what the image is and why it is important. Do not include your company name in the photo descriptions.

• Number each description to correspond with each numbered photo. For Group 1 entries, specify whether each image is “before” or “after.”

• If you have a preference for which photo may be used on UAC’s website, please indicate your choice of one horizontal photo in this document.

• Please print the photo description document on plain white paper and include the hard copy in your entry packet.

• Save this photo description document as a Microsoft Word file and include it on the CD that will be submitted.

Prefer to upload your entry?

see page 7

Entry packet • • • •

Complete the Entry Form, Image Checklist, and Entry Checklist on pages 6-7 and include in your entry packet. To submit more than one entry, please photocopy this form.

Write the project name and company name on the CD and enclose in a paper CD envelope.

Each entry must be submitted in its own separate envelope. Multiple entries may then be sent together in a larger envelope.

To qualify for the Early Bird discount, entries must be received by 12:00 noon on Friday, November 20. All entries are due by 12:00 noon on Friday, December 11. Mail to: Georgia UAC, PO Box 817, 1655 South Elm Street, Commerce GA 30529. Call for hand delivery instructions.

Entries may be changed to a more appropriate category at the discretion of UAC’s Board of Directors. You will be contacted if such a change is made.

Group 1

Group 2

Design/Build/Installation

Landscape Management

2. Residential, under $50,000 3. Residential, $50,000 - $150,000 4. Residential, over $150,000 5. Commercial, under $75,000 6. Commercial, $75,000 - $200,000 7. Commercial, $201,000 - $500,000 8. Commercial, over $500,000 9. Seasonal color - residential Includes container designs 10. Seasonal color - commercial Includes container designs

11. Residential 12. Commercial

Group 3 Landscape Lighting 13. Residential 14. Commercial

Green Star 15. Green Star Award

Community Stewardship 16. Community Stewardship Award

Judging criteria and rules of entry on page 4.

3

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 2015 GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

1. Small Space Must be a complete project (not part of a larger project) and no larger than 1,000 square feet. No minimum or maximum dollar limits.

Includes but is not limited to courtyards, rooftops, and storefronts. Container designs should be entered in the seasonal color categories.

Project categories

29

Submissions not following these rules of entry cannot be accepted.

Judging criteria

Rules of entry

Group 1: Design/Build/Installation • Overall appearance, including design • Degree of difficulty • Quality of materials • Appropriate scale and functionality

• Must meet eligibility requirements and follow entry procedures (see page 2).

• For residential projects, both the design and the installation must have been completed by the UAC member company entering the project.

• Copy of the contract’s signature page listing date of installation, actual cost and scope of the project is required. A landscape plan is not required.

• The seasonal color categories include container designs.

Group 2: Landscape Management • Overall appearance • Degree of difficulty • Appearance of turf, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and seasonal color

• Must meet eligibility requirements and follow entry procedures (see page 2).

• Set of specifications (scope of work) required.

• Project must have been maintained by the entering company for at least six months.

Group 3: Landscape Lighting • Overall appearance • Degree of difficulty • Quality of materials • Appropriate scale and functionality • Increases safety and security • Enhances plantings/architecture

• Must meet eligibility requirements and follow entry procedures (see page 2).

Entries must include: • Copy of invoice billed to customer.

• Copy of low-voltage licence and electrical contractor license.

• Design plan with legend showing materials, fixtures, transformer locations.

• Both day and night images taken from the same viewpoint.

Green Star - Special designation that may be given, at the sole discretion of the judges Project must have employed sustainable solutions. Examples include (but are not limited to) the use of native trees and plants, organic fertilizers and pest control, water management, pervious surfaces, rainwater capture, green roof, and right plants in the right place.

• Must meet eligibility requirements and follow entry procedures (see page 2).

• Design/Build/Installation or Landscape Management entries that win a Distinction or a Grand Award are eligible for consideration.

• Provide a statement of sustainable solutions used (download template at urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info).

• Winners will be announced the night of the banquet.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 UAC 2015 GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Community Stewardship - Special designation that may be given, at the sole discretion of the judges

30

For projects that: • Improve the resident’s quality of life • Promote a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment • Contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the community • Demonstrate innovative examples of doing well and doing good Entries must show: • Commitment to volunteerism and service • Consistency in leadership and outreach documented over a three-year period • Demonstrated positive outcome of volunteer activities

Judging procedures

4

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

• Must meet eligibility requirements and follow entry procedures (see page 2).

Entries must include: • Short statement (maximum of 400 words) describing the company’s philosophy on community stewardship (download template at urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info).

• Detailed list of projects, donations, volunteer activities, and civic responsibilities over a three-year period.

• Winners will be announced the night of the banquet.

Entries do not compete against each other; they are evaluated using the judging criteria.

Judges may designate multiple entries to receive awards within any category.

All entries are judged without knowledge of who entered the project.

A panel of professionals representing various aspects of the industry evaluate the entries.

All judges’ decisions are final.

Success tips Choosing a project to enter • Entries are not judged against each other. The type, size and cost of projects are not criteria for judging. Review the judging criteria for your category and make sure you can “sell” the project in each area that will be judged.

• Let it grow. Allow plants to mature before entering. Projects may be up to five years old.

Questions?

Need help with any part of the application process?

Contact us: 800.687.6949 or kathy@georgiauac.com

Entry materials •

Make sure that your entry packet is complete. Some entries require additional documents. See page 2 for entry procedures and follow the checklists on page 7.

General statement •

• •

Make your descriptions clear and concise. This is not a creative writing contest; judges are looking for the facts without any fluff. Dowload a general statement template and fill in the blanks: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info.

Discuss challenges. Judges pay attention to level of detail and degree of difficulty.

Your general statement and photos should tell the judges how well you met the criteria.

Photography • • •

•

Photography is the most important part of your entry. You have a maximum of ten opportunities to convince the judges that your entry deserves an award.

Consider the view from multiple angles to best capture the project in its entirety.

Time of day is important. The light is always most flattering at dawn and dusk. Look up “golden hour” on the web. If you must shoot in the middle of the day, choose an overcast day or use a polarizing filter.

Spend time prepping the area. This is like advertising dollars. Put down fresh pine straw. Replace flowers if needed. Cut the grass. Remove the dead leaves.

5

UAC MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 AWARDS 2015• GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE

• “Before” and “after” shots have the most impact. Take shots from the same angle with some sort of landmark in view to help with visual reference. That makes the transformation easily apparent to the judges.

• Tell the story with your photos. Take a variety of shots, some from a distance, some medium and some close-ups for detail.

• Illustrate your main points. What are the main points you make in your general statement? What are the judging criteria for the category? Make sure your photos give visual evidence of those points.

• Set the stage. Give living spaces more life with staging. A pitcher of water, some glasses and a book on a poolside table or the family dog sleeping on the lawn.

• Clean with a fine tooth comb. For maintenance projects, that one stray leaf or scrap of paper jumps off the screen when the image is enlarged.

• Use a tripod. Most landscapes should be shot with a large depth of field which could mean a slow shutter speed, requiring the stability of a tripod.

• Keep it simple. A few strong elements are more interesting than a lot of small facets. If there is too much going on, the eye doesn’t know where to focus and the impact is lost.

• Capture the project at the peak/grown-in look. Ideally, take maintenance photos so everything looks well maintained but not necessarily right after the turf is cut or the mulch applied. Let things settle out for a more natural look.

• Hire a photographer. It would be a shame to misrepresent your project with photos that don’t do it justice. Just make sure the photographer understands the story you want to tell.

31

GALA 2015 Entry Form Submit this completed form, along with all other required documents, files, and payment, following the entry procedures guidelines on page 2.

Name of firm entering project________________________________________________________________________ (exactly as it should appear on award plaque) Contact individual ________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________ Email_______________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________State ____________ Zip___________________________ Project name ____________________________________________________________________________________ (exactly as it should appear on award plaque) Property address__________________________________________________________________________________ Owner’s name or contract manager___________________________________________________________________ Project designer/landscape architect __________________________________________________________________ List all subcontractors _____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ All of the information submitted is accurate. I certify that the work on this project meets the UAC Code of Ethics.

I release entry materials to UAC for media use and other purposes UAC deems appropriate. I assume all responsibility for copyrights, photographic fees, and client permission for further use of entry materials.

Name (please print)________________________________________________________________________________ Signature________________________________________________________________________________________

Entry deadline and fee

c Early Bird entry (must be received by 12:00 noon, Friday, November 20): $75 per entry c Regular entry (must be received by 12:00 noon, Friday, December 11): $100 per entry Payment method

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 UAC 2015 GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

c Check enclosed (please make checks payable to Georgia UAC; multiple entries can be paid with one check) c Credit card: Name on card: ________________________________________________________________

32

Credit card type: c Visa

c MasterCard c American Express c Discover

Credit card #:__________________________________________________________________________

Expiration date: ____________________________ Security code_________________________________

Email address for receipt:________________________________________________________________

Billing address for card: _________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________________________State ______ Zip____________ For Office Use Only: Date received _________________ Amount received _________________ Payment method _________________

Mail to: Georgia UAC, PO Box 817, 1655 South Elm St., Commerce GA 30529 • Call for hand delivery instructions.

Complete and return this page with your entry 6

Category of project

To submit more than one entry, please photocopy this form.

Group 1

Group 2

Design/Build/Installation

Landscape Management

c c c c c c c c c c

1. Small space 2. Residential, under $50,000 3. Residential, $50,000 - $150,000 4. Residential, over $150,000 5. Commercial, under $75,000 6. Commercial, $75,000 - $200,000 7. Commercial, $201,000 - $500,000 8. Commercial, over $500,000 9. Seasonal color - residential 1 0. Seasonal color - commercial

How long have you managed the property?

Must have been at least six months.

c 11. Residential c 12. Commercial Group 3 Landscape Lighting

c 13. Residential c 14. Commercial Green Star c 15. Green Star Award (Groups 1 & 2 only) Community Stewardship c 16. Community Stewardship Award

Photo checklist Incorrectly formatted photos will disqualify your entry. See entry procedures on page 2.

c c c c

Image resolution for each photo is at least 150 dpi; 300 dpi is strongly preferred.

All photos are digital, in a jpeg file format.

Each photo file has been renamed with the project name and numbered from 01 to 10.

The company name is not visible in any of the photos.

Entry checklist

Prefer to upload your entry?

We’ll set up a Dropbox folder for you to upload all of your documents and photos.

Just email Kathy Johnson at kathy@georgiauac.com for

c c c c c c

Completed Entry Form (pages 6 & 7)

details.

c c c c

Entry fee (see page 6 for amount) Printed copies of the general statement and photo descriptions Green Star or Community Stewardship statement (if applicable) Additional category-specific documents required (see “Rules of entry” on page 4) CD with the following, enclosed in a paper CD envelope: Microsoft Word document with general statement Microsoft Word document with photo descriptions Microsoft Word document with Green Star or Community Stewardship statement (if applicable) Minimum of six, maximum of 10 photographs

Complete and return this page with your entry 7

UAC MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 AWARDS 2015• GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE

Please see detailed entry procedures on page 2. Some entries require additional documents.

33

GALA

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 UAC 2015 GALA: GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

2015

At-a-glance overview

Employee motivation • Give your employees a chance to shine and be part of a winning team.

Early bird deadline

Industry recognition • Show your work alongside the leaders in your industry and be rewarded for your achievement.

• Your work will be evaluated by regional industry experts.

Public recognition • Winners will be published in magazines, radio, and online.

Prefer to ur upload yo entry?

7 see page

Mail or hand-deliver to

12:00 noon, Friday, November 20, 2015 Save on your entry fee! See page 6.

Entry deadline

12:00 noon, Friday, December 11, 2015

Awards ceremony

February 23, 2016 Magnolia Hall | Piedmont Park | Atlanta GA

Online resources What you need to prepare your entry is available 24/7.

No need to log in. urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info • Entry form • Tips and suggestions • Templates for general statement, photo descriptions • Template for Green Star statement • Template for Community Stewardship statement • Sample general statements and photo descriptions

Georgia Urban Ag Council PO Box 817 | 1655 South Elm Street Commerce GA 30529

Call for hand delivery instructions: 800.687.6949

Questions?

We’re here to help. If you’re unsure about any part of the application process, please contact us: • Phone: 800.687.6949 • Email: kathy@georgiauac.com

8

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Why enter?

Association recognition • Winners will be recognized at the February 2016 UAC Awards Banquet.

• Merit award-winning entries will be shown in a slide show during dinner.

• At the banquet, award plaques will be presented individually to Distinction and Grand award recipients.

34

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

35

BUSINESS

Risk assessment and preemptive planning

How to prepare for two continuing workplace challenges

by Lynn C. Stewart, Esq.

Employment issues are newsworthy in 2015. For example,

Kathy G. Johnson

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Even if you can’t formally correct past mistakes without DOL or court oversight, business owners can, and should, make sure they are complying with all relevant employment laws and regulations going forward.

36

a recent July 16th TIME© magazine on-line headline boldly announces: How to Convince Your Boss That You’re an Employee – Not a Contractor.

The TIME© article, written by Eliza Gray, leads with: “Many employers illegally classify employees as contractors to avoid paying them benefits or payroll taxes.” That’s a pretty broad statement – and it is certainly is intended to catch the eye of the reader. The crux of the article is to provide potentially misclassified workers with information about the federal Department of Labor’s (DOL) recently published administrator’s interpretation. Based on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), it explains the DOL’s analysis of when a worker is an employee (almost always in the DOL’s opinion) and when he or she is an independent contractor (IC) based upon the economic realities of the workplace situation.

An IC generally provides services which are not integral to the core business, can work for many different businesses, is not economically dependent on the employer, and is not subject to the employer’s significant control and direction.

Articles such as this in the mainstream media are certainly an important way to educate people

about complex issues, and the reporter noted that “TIME© spoke with employment experts to help explain the rules and answer common questions because “employment law is pretty complicated.”

What’s the problem?

So what’s the problem for Georgia green businesses if their workers follow the advice stated in the article? Well – contrary to the headline – the experts consulted by TIME© were advising workers who believed that they were misclassified to go straight to the DOL and file a complaint, or hire a private lawyer to bring a class action suit – rather than talk to the boss first. That’s right – the best way to “convince” the boss is to hit ‘em with a DOL audit or a lawsuit! (that last bit of advice from plaintiff attorneys may be a bit self serving: the FSLA provides that the employer pays the employee’s attorney’s fees if the claim is the least bit successful).

Unfortunately the tone of the TIME© article, and many of the DOL’s recent pronouncements, presumes that employers who use ICs are knowingly and deliberately trying to game the system for their sole benefit and have to be bludgeoned into complying with admittedly “complicated” employment law requirements.

(Never mind that many workers ask to be treated as independent contractors.) Even the DOL (and the IRS) recognize that it is not always easy to determine whether a worker is correctly classified under a particular statute or regulation without careful analysis of facts.

However, employers are expected to comply with the law (it’s very risky to agree to a worker’s request to be a 1099), and thus Georgia green businesses should carefully review their workforce before they are selected for a bit of expensive “convincing.” It is money and time well spent to have a knowledgeable

BUSINESS HR specialist or legal counsel review and audit your workplace practices now – not when you are scrambling to respond to the government’s knock on the door.

•

•

For starters, go back and review the recent articles I’ve written for UAC Magazine about worker misclassification and independent contractor agreements.

Then, if you have questions about a particular situation, call for assistance – before your workers call the DOL or the IRS gets involved.

Even if you can’t formally correct past mistakes without DOL or court oversight, business owners can, and should, make sure they are complying with all relevant employment laws and regulations going forward.

Changing overtime standards

Also trending in the news is the DOL’s recently announced proposal to modify the overtime standards for salaried exempt employees.

On July 6th the DOL announced a proposed rule that it claims will extend overtime protections to nearly five million white collar workers within the first year of its implementation.

The DOL contends that failure to update the overtime regulations has left an exception to overtime eligibility originally meant for highlycompensated executive, administrative, and professional employees now applying to workers earning as little as $23,660 a year. The DOL cited as examples a convenience store manager, fast food assistant manager, or some office workers on salary who may work 50 or 60 hours a week or more, making less than the poverty level for a family of four, and yet “not receive a dime of overtime pay.” The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking invited interested parties to submit written comments on the proposed rule at www.regulations.gov on or before September 4, 2015.

Key provisions The DOL Notice focuses primarily on updating the salary and compensation levels needed for white collar workers to be exempt. Specifically, the DOL proposes to: •

•

set the standard salary level at the 40th percentile of weekly earnings for full-time salaried workers ($921 per week, or $47,892 annually); increase the total annual compensation requirement needed to exempt highly compensated employees (HCEs) to the annualized value of the 90th percentile of

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

2015 UAC media guide

Download your copy today:

urbanagcouncil.com

37

BUSINESS

•

weekly earnings of full-time salaried workers ($122,148 annually); and establish a mechanism for automatically updating the salary and compensation levels going forward to ensure that they will continue to provide a useful and effective test for exemption.

The DOL’s website has an extensive Q&A devoted to the proposed rule. Here are some responses (modified and highlighted for clarity) which are of particular interest to the green industry:

Q

Who is entitled to overtime pay under federal law?

employees covered by the Fair A Most Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) must be paid at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for any hours they work beyond 40 in a workweek. An employer who requires or permits an employee to work overtime is generally required to pay the employee premium pay for such overtime work.

Q

Who is covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

...Generally, employees of enterprises that have an annual gross volume of sales made or business done of $500,000 or more are covered by the FLSA.

A

Is there a small business exemption from the FLSA or the Department’s proposed overtime rule for white collar workers?

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Q

38

The FLSA does not provide an exemption for small businesses.

Generally, the FLSA and the proposed rule apply to employees of enterprises that have an annual gross volume of sales made or business done of $500,000 or more...

A

Q

How is overtime pay determined?

Unless exempt, employees covered by the FLSA must receive overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times their regular rates of pay.

A

Q

What are the white collar exemptions to the FLSA?

The FLSA’s white collar exemptions exclude certain executive, administrative, and professional employees from federal minimum wage and overtime requirements. Certain computer professionals and outside sales employees are also excluded from these requirements.

A

Q

What determines if an employee falls within one of the white collar exemptions?

Currently, to qualify for exemption a white collar employee generally must: be salaried (paid a predetermined and fixed salary that is not subject to reduction because of variations in the quality or quantity of work performed the “salary basis test”; be paid at least a specific salary threshold of $455 per week (the equivalent of $23,660 annually for a full-year employee) in existing regulations (the “salary level test”); and primarily perform executive, administrative, or professional duties, as provided in the Department’s regulations (the “duties test”).

A •

•

•

Q

I’m paid a salary and my job title is manager. Am I exempt from overtime pay?

Job titles do not determine exempt status, and the fact that a white collar employee is paid on a salary basis does not alone provide sufficient ground to exempt that employee from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime requirements. For an exemption to apply, an employee’s specific job duties and salary must meet all of the applicable requirements provided in the Department’s regulations.

A

Q

When did the Department last revise its overtime regulations for white collar workers?

The Department last updated the white collar overtime regulations in 2004.

That update, which included setting the standard salary level test amount of $455 per week, has been in effect since August 23, 2004.

A

BUSINESS Why is the Department revising its overtime regulations for white collar workers?

Q

...President Obama directed the Secretary of Labor to update the FLSA’s overtime pay protections and to simplify the overtime rules for employers and workers alike...

A

Q

What are the significant proposed changes to the overtime regulations for white collar workers?

To restore the effectiveness of the salary level test, the Department proposes to set the standard salary level at the 40th percentile of weekly earnings for full-time salaried workers. Using 2013 data, the proposed salary amount would equal $921 per week (which is $47,892 annually for a fullyear worker). Should the Department decide ... to set the standard salary level in the final rule at the 40th percentile of weekly earnings of full-time salaried workers, the Department estimates that a 2016 level may be about $970 a week, or $50,440 a year.

The Department is also proposing to set the highly compensated employee (“HCE”) annual compensation level equal to the 90th percentile of

earnings for full-time salaried workers ($122,148 annually). Further, in order to prevent the salary level requirements from again becoming outdated and ineffective between rulemakings, the Department is proposing to automatically update the salary and compensation levels on an annual basis.

Will the Department consider bonuses as part of the new salary level test?

Q

A

www.gclp.info 770/233-6107 beckygri@uga.edu

Test your knowledge > Gain professional credibility > Join the industry elite

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Are you ready to prove you’re the best?

39

BUSINESS In a further effort to respond to changing conditions in the workplace, the Department is seeking comment on whether to allow nondiscretionary bonuses, such as certain production or performance bonuses, to satisfy a portion of the standard salary test requirement. Such bonuses include for example, nondiscretionary incentive bonuses tied to productivity and profitability.

A

Q

Why is the Department proposing to automatically update the salary level and HCE total annual compensation level?

A

...Experience has shown that the salary level test is a strong measure of exempt status only if it is up to date. Left unchanged, the test erodes due to inflation, becoming substantially less effective as wages for overtime-protected workers increase over time.

Automatically updating the salary level and HCE total annual compensation requirement using the most recent data will ensure that these tests continue to accurately reflect current economic conditions.

Q

How is the Department proposing to automatically update the salary level and HCE total compensation levels?

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

A

40

The Department has proposed two different methodologies for updating the standard salary and HCE total annual compensation levels. One method would keep those levels pegged to the 40th and 90th percentiles of earnings for full-time salaried workers, respectively. The other method would adjust the standard salary and HCE compensation amounts based on changes in inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The Department is seeking comment on both methods of updating.

Q A

What are the costs and benefits of the proposed rule?

The Department estimates that average annualized direct employer costs will total between $239.6 and $255.3 million per year, depending on the updating methodology.

In addition to the direct costs, this proposed

rulemaking will also transfer income from employers to employees in the form of higher earnings. Average annualized transfers are estimated to be between $1.18 and $1.27 billion, depending on which of the two updating methodologies is used.

Q

How many employees does the Department think will be impacted by the proposed salary level increase?

A

In the first year, the Department estimates that 4.6 million workers exempt under the current regulations who earn at least the current weekly salary level of $455 but less than the proposed salary level of $921 would, without some intervening action by their employers, become newly entitled to overtime protection under the FLSA. Similarly, an estimated 36,000 currently exempt workers who earn at least $100,000 but less than $122,148 and who meet the minimal HCE duties test but not the standard duties test may also become eligible for minimum wage and overtime.

Additionally, the Department estimates that 6.0 million salaried white collar workers who are currently entitled to overtime due to their job duties, and who earn at least $455 per week but less than the proposed salary level, would have their overtime protection strengthened because their exemption status would be clear based on the salary test alone without the need to examine their duties. This would reduce the number of overtime eligible workers potentially subject to misclassification as exempt by their employers.

Georgia green businesses should be aware of, and plan for, these business challenges. We will keep you informed as the DOL overtime rules are finalized.

About the author

Lynn C. Stewart is a partner with Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, LLP in Atlanta, practicing employment law and counseling, and construction and general business litigation.

P: 404-954-9865 F: 404-681-1046 lstewart@swfllp.com

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

41

BUSINESS

Not big enough for HR policy?

Think again!

by Staci Parker, PHR

I love HR policy!

RULES POLICIES PROCEDURES DOCUMENTATION

HR functions, when approached with a business focus, can be a tremendous asset to the stability of your business. I come from “corporate” HR – the land of rules, procedures, policies, and documentation and I LOVE it.

I understand that the compliance, adherence, and drafting of HR policy Kathy G. Johnson can be tedious for a business owner.

Your business, no matter what size, However, your needs a dose of corporate HR. Here business, no matter is why: HR is HR is HR. You need to what size, needs a protect your business and yourself as dose of corporate a business owner by taking the time HR. Here is why: HR is HR is HR. You today to draft policies that will support need to protect your you in the future. business and yourself as a business owner by taking the time today to draft policies that will support you in the future.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

CORPORATE HR

42

Here are the first “corporate” HR items I encourage you to tackle: Draft an employee handbook. An employee handbook sets expectations, encourages employees to behave in certain ways, helps ensure employees are treated consistently, and emphasizes your employee benefits program. A well-written and enforced handbook can help win unemployment claims and lawsuits.

Invest in creating your own handbook rather than adopting one available “off-the-shelf.” These generic or “borrowed” handbooks from another business owner can cause more harm than

1.

benefit. Take the time to draft policies that reflect your business practices and comply with federal and state law. Publish the handbook and make it easily accessible to all employees. And most importantly, train your managers. They will need to enforce the handbook equitably to prevent potential unfair treatment claims.

Define job descriptions. Job descriptions are a great accountability tool. Properly defining the roles, responsibilities and knowledge needed to perform the job allows you to compare the performance of individuals and eliminate job task-related confusion. With the Department of Labor’s proposed changes to the FLSA exemption it is a good time to review the roles and responsibilities of your employees – especially those who fall into an exempt category today. Job descriptions also can strengthen your recruiting practices by focusing on the skills necessary to do the job, allowing you to target the right individuals for open positions.

2.

3.

Establish an annual review process.

You need to review your people, processes, and pay practices. I recommend an annual review process for most companies. Not only for compliance but also from a strategic standpoint, to grow your HR function as quickly as you grow your business. Recruiting for top talent and the evaluation of existing talent should be an ongoing process based on your turnover, trends, and strategic growth plans. Regularly review your HR processes to ensure hiring, on boarding, and training processes are efficient and aligned to support the business. Compensation and pay practices should be reviewed so your top performers and critical staff are encouraged to continue in their roles. Pay practice reviews are also beneficial in ensuring that no discriminatory practices exist and allows you an opportunity to correct any errors or issues you may find.

Consider these questions during this process:

BUSINESS are your top performers and how do you Who retain them? needs improvement and how will you Who address those issues? does your team look like today and what What skill gaps exist? on your growth strategy, how many people Based will you need and who is in a position to lead these new individuals?

you a company that is easy to work for? Are individuals seek you out for employment Doopportunities?

Or do you find yourself constantly seeking individuals?

your new hire process allow you to bring Does individuals on board quickly and efficiently? your compensation practices reward top Doperformers and individuals in critical roles? pay practices reflect your commitment Doto payyourpeople fairly and equitably?

table discussions and continuing education opportunities offered through local legal firms.

These educational opportunities can alert you to employment trends and regulations that could impact your business and your bottom line.

This list can seem daunting and possibly overwhelming. Consider it a part of the skeletal structure of your business. As you grow, your business bones need to be strong enough to support the additional weight of new employees and increased regulation; it’s much harder to increase your employee base and then layer in the HR structure underneath. Dedicate the time today and I promise you will gain that time back in the future when you are able to move your business forward without the hiccups of implementing HR policy.

About the author

4.

Invest in the training for the person in your organization responsible for your HR functions. You do not have to break the bank for training but it is important to expose your HR point person to new regulations, refresh on current topics, and the opportunity to meet others in similar roles. Consider a lowcost option like a SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) membership, Chamber of Commerce lunch and learns or HR round-

E: sparker@thriveag.com P: 404.213.5837

Staci Parker is a certified Professional in Human Resources and owner of tHRive Advisory Group. tHRive is a human resources consulting group specializing in HR functions including management, organizational development, training and staff development.

THIRD ANNUAL

Sporting Clays Tournament

Blast your troubles away | Win prizes | Eat BBQ DATE: TIME: PLACE:

Friday, November 6 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Blalock Lakes 4075 New Corinth Road, Newnan GA 30263

“Blalock Lakes is the Pebble Beach of sporting clays.”

-- Garden & Gun magazine

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Register online now! urbanagcouncil.com

43

BUSINESS

6 wishes of a dying landscaper How do you measure success?

by Jeffrey Scott

If you die with the most toys and fastest cars, have you succeeded?

Kathy G. Johnson

Research shows that at the end of your life you will measure your success differently.

Research shows that at the end of your life you will measure your success differently. In any event, dying with the fastest cars won’t get you into heaven - and there is always someone with a faster car.

Use this article and the “wishes of a dying entrepreneur” as a checklist to make sure your business is giving you the life of your dreams.

1.

“I wish I let myself be successful.”

Entrepreneurs try hard to bend the will of the universe to their own vision, and yet the world has its own way of working things out. You have a choice of being frustrated or being happy and successful. Aim for success, not perfection.

Bring joy to your life and your fiends’ lives by staying in contact with them.

3.

“I should have had the courage to state what was on my mind.” If you are thinking or feeling something, say it. Don’t worry as much about offending people. Bronnie Ware found that dying people wished they had expressed their feelings more and suppressed them less. This holds true for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Being passive aggressive won’t help the other person and it won’t help you.

“I wish I played more, worked less.”

The old expression that no one ever died wishing they had worked harder is true; a practical “solution” is that of a better work/ life balance. Take time out to enjoy the fruits of your hard labor. This comes from choice, time-management skills, efficiency and priority.

Just because you are working for your family doesn’t mean your family wants you to always be working.

4.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

personal activities do you want to do this What week for yourself? Schedule them before you

44

schedule work.

could you do at work and at home to family activities do you want to do this What What create more happiness? year? Put them on the schedule now, before work takes over. much more could you accomplish if you How aimed for “success” as your goal instead of In a separate study, many dying people said they perfection?

“I should have nurtured my inner circle.” Don’t work so hard that you forgo the relationships that you have built. Take time out to reconnect with people who helped you get to where you are today. This is your inner circle: the friends, family and confidants who helped you along the way.

2.

wished they had spent more time barefoot. How about you?

“Who’s life was I living?” Most expectations are self imposed, coming from self-talk - both positive and negative. Don’t go to your death bed trying to please everyone else but yourself. The key to entrepreneurial success is embracing your own vision and seeing it through.

5.

do you need to reconnect with from your Who past? From your present? expectations do you have for yourself that What you want to fulfill this year?

When is the best time of your day, week, month to do so? (For me it is the weekend.)

BUSINESS would success look like a year from now if What you followed your own compass? have taken more action 6. “Iandshould risks.” The biggest regret you will have on your death bed is not “what you did” but rather “what you didn’t do.” As an entrepreneur, what idea do you have in your brain or your heart that you are holding yourself back from doing?

the two big ideas have you been carrying List around in your head. Talk about them with

someone you trust and make a plan to “Just Do It.”

Breakthrough idea Sometimes you can learn more from the dying than the living.

Take action Score yourself 0 to 10 on each of these regrets and identify one action you can take to raise your score in each area.

Special thanks to Bronnie Ware, who wrote The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying.

Copyright 2015 Jeffrey Scott

About the author Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, consultant, is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the lawn & landscape industry.

He grew his company into a successful $10 million enterprise, and he’s now devoted to helping others achieve profound success.

Over 6000 read his monthly newsletter. He facilitates the Leader’s Edge peer group for landscape business owners; his members achieved a 27% profit increase in their first year.

To learn more visit www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

45

INDUSTRY

New outdoor water use rules

New drought management rules from Georgia DNR

by Mary Kay Woodworth, Georgia Urban Ag Council

On June 24, 2015, the Georgia

The Georgia Urban Ag Council, along with other stakeholders, was very involved in providing guidance and input into the rules, specifically to the area of water use in the landscape.

Declared drought response level 1 Same as pre-drought with addition of a public information campaign to be implemented to encourage conservation. All exemptions allowed.*

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) adopted new Outdoor Water Use Rules for drought management.

The new rules were proposed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) after several months of public comments.

Declared drought response level 2 Irrigation allowed to maintain/manage turf, ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants allowed two days a week on an odd-even schedule listed in complete rule.

All exemptions allowed.* Using water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls is not allowed.

The Georgia Urban Ag Council, along with other stakeholders, was very involved in providing guidance and input into the rules, specifically to the area of water use in the landscape. Our priorities were to ensure:

the protections to commerce listed in 2010 that GA Water Stewardship act were maintained; our industry would not find itself subject to that the chaotic situation previously experienced by UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

haphazard application of local ordinance; and

46

a fair and balanced approach to that conservation was applied to all users.

Declared drought response level 3 Irrigation to maintain/manage turf, ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants not permitted unless it is NEW landscape installation (allowed for 30 days at any time/ day). Exemptions have been modified.**

* Exemptions

Thirteen (13) exemptions from 2010 Georgia Water Stewardship Act are applicable at all four designated levels (below).

pre-drought mitigation and declared During drought response levels 1 and 2 water can be applied at any day or time.

declared drought response level 3, there During are modification to these 13 exemptions.

The new rules are effective 60 days after the approval date. The complete rule will be available on the EDP website at www.epd.georgia.gov. The pertinent information from the rules is outlined below:

Four designations

There are four designations in the new rule: Pre-drought mitigation strategy Daily irrigation allowed to maintain/manage turf, ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. All exemptions allowed.*

These areas are exempted from the 4 pm – 10 am rule (except in level 3) 1. Commercial agricultural operations as defined in Code Section 1-3-3; 2. Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines; 3. Reuse of gray water in compliance with Code Section 31-3-5.2; 4. Use of reclaimed waste water by a designated user from a system permitted by the EPD;

INDUSTRY 5. Irrigation of personal food gardens; 6. Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed, or turf in landscapes, golf courses, or sports turf fields during installation and for a period of 30 days immediately following the date of installation; 7. Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses; 8. Handwatering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container; 9. Use of water withdrawn from private water wells or surface water by an owner or operator of property if such well or surface water is on said property; 10. Irrigation of horticultural crops held for sale, resale, or installation; 11. Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses, or public turf grass recreational areas; 12. Installation, maintenance, or calibration of irrigation systems; or 13. Hydroseeding.

** Exemption modifications

1. Irrigation of personal food gardens is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. If

September 2015

Legislative Update

This rule has the ability to significantly impact all aspects of lawn and landscape care. UAC will keep you informed of implications and best management practices as this progresses. To read the rule: www2.epa.gov/cleanwaterrule/ documents-related-clean-water-rule

3.

4.

5.

6.

US Department of Labor (DOL) overtime pay requirements: The US Department of Labor has proposed potentially devastating changes to the white collar exemptions to federal overtime pay requirements. Currently, a person must satisfy three criteria to qualify as “exempt”: 1) they must make a salary, 2) that salary must be more than $455/week; and 3) their “primary duties” must be consistent with managerial, professional or administrative positions as defined by DOL. DOL is considering raising the minimum salary threshold to $970 per week, an increase of over 100%.

The DOL intends to make them effective in 60 days which is far too little time for research and comment by the companies that will be impacted. The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on the proposed Overtime Regulations changes. Comments are due on September 4, 2015. Submit comments directly to DOL at www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment ;D=WHD-2015-0001-0001

Read more about proposed DOL changes in the article on page 36.

For additional information and links to contact your representatives: www. congressweb. com/pln/109

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Waters of the United States (WOTUS): This revised rule became effective August 28, 2015, and extends the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction to small bodies of water, including ephemeral streams and ditches.

The state of Georgia joins 11 states that filed a federal lawsuit in June 2015, seeking to block the rule. The states claim the rule “represents an illegal broadening of federal authority into the protection of intrastate waters, a duty that should belong to the states.” Currently, 30 states are challenging the rule.

2.

using drip irrigation or soaker hoses, they may be used at any time; Handwatering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.; Irrigation of athletic fields or public turf grass recreational is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., odd/even schedule; Irrigation of golf courses is allowed in accordance with the “Golf Irrigation Prediction and Estimation Worksheet” between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Golf course greens may be irrigated at any time of day; Use of reclaimed waste water by a designated user from a system permitted by the Division to provide reclaimed waste water shall not be allowed for general outdoor watering but may be used for exempted activities; Installation, maintenance, or calibration of irrigation systems is allowed only by landscape and athletic/golf professionals.

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INDUSTRY

New turfgrass research facility underway UGA groundbreaking ceremony held June 24

by Stephanie Schupska, News Editor, University of Georgia Public Affairs Office Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Our turfgrass scientists conduct leading research, provide training to industry professionals and prepare students to be leaders in turfgrass management.”

University of Georgia, Robert Newcomb

The groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Georgia’s new turfgrass research and education facilities included, left to right, UGA doctoral student Becky Grubbs; Pamela Whitten, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost; Griff Doyle, vice president for government relations; Jennifer Frum, vice president for public service and outreach; Rep. Terry England (R-Auburn); Tommy Hopkins, regent of the University System of Georgia; UGA President Jere W. Morehead; Scott Angle, dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Ken Morrow, president of Sod Atlanta Inc.; and Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Dist.50).

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

“In business, you’re only as good as your ability to keep ahead of your competitors. In Georgia, our sod growers and turf professionals are fortunate to have a world-class turfgrass program to keep them ahead of our friends and competitors in other states,” said J. Scott Angle, the college’s dean and director. “Much of the past success of our sod and turf industry is a direct result of the many varieties of turfgrass generated here (in Griffin), in Tifton and also in Athens.”

for a groundbreaking ceremony that brought new turfgrass research and education facilities on the University of Georgia’s campuses in Griffin, Tifton and Athens one step closer to completion.

Local, state, industry and UGA representatives met on the UGA Griffin campus to officially mark the university’s continued commitment to an industry that provides 87,000 full- and parttime jobs throughout the state.

The college has been serving the turfgrass industry for more than 60 years, starting in the 1950s with a warm-season turfgrass breeding program. UGA researchers—known as the Turf Team—continue to develop and evaluate new varieties, searching for those that require less fertilizer and are more drought, disease and pest tolerant. In the college, 10 faculty members focus primarily on turf along with an additional eight researchers who have involvement in turf-related projects.

“Turfgrass is one of Georgia’s largest agricultural commodities, and the future of the turfgrass industry—now valued at nearly $8 billion— is very bright,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “At the heart of the industry’s growth and development lies UGA’s College of

“Our state has a huge investment in human capital and machinery and equipment in the (turf) industry, and to come down here to what I feel like, in a lot of cases, is the home of the green industry in our state means so much,” said Rep. Terry England (R-Auburn), chairman

More than 200 people gathered June 24

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During the 2014 legislative session, Gov. Nathan Deal and the Georgia General Assembly approved $11.5 million for a statewide turfgrass facilities enhancement project. Outdated facilities on UGA’s campuses will be replaced with labs, greenhouses, classrooms and office spaces designed to keep the university at the forefront of turf breeding programs around the nation.

INDUSTRY of Georgia’s House Appropriations Committee.

Turf, he continued, “is just one of those things that gives enjoyment to everybody.”

Additional ceremony speakers included Tommy Hopkins, regent of the University System of Georgia, and Ken Morrow, president of Sod Atlanta Inc. Turf developed at UGA has been underfoot on an international scale—at World Cup soccer tournaments and Olympic venues including the upcoming games in Japan—and gracing fields locally, including Sanford Stadium and the UGA practice facilities.

Ultimately, a turf scientist’s work is about building relationships, said Becky Grubbs, a doctoral student in the college’s crop and soil sciences department.

“In turfgrass science, we do not grow food, and we do not grow fiber. We grow human experiences and human connections,” Grubbs

explained. “We grow the soccer fields that children play on during the weekends, we grow the football fields that we love to visit every fall, we grow the parks that we spread blankets out on to watch fireworks, we grow the yards that we stand on in our bare feet, and we grow the golf courses that someone’s grandfather plays on every Sunday.

Additional ceremony speakers included Tommy Hopkins, regent of the University System of Georgia, and Ken Morrow, president of Sod Atlanta.

“This university has an impressive and undeniable legacy in growing these experiences.”

For more information on UGA’s turfgrass programs, visit www.GeorgiaTurf.com.

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Everything you need to maintain the best turf possible.

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INDUSTRY

Drones used in turfgrass research

Unmanned cameras help UGA scientists document results

By Sharon Dowdy

Georgia House Resolution 744

Sharon Dowdy

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

University of Georgia research technician Clay Bennett “pilots” an aerial drone over turfgrass research plots on the UGA campus in Griffin, Georgia. UGA Extension turfgrass specialist Clint Waltz uses the drone to reduce the amount of time he and Bennett spend documenting data in fields. They also use the drone to gather supplemental data through bird’s-eye-view photographs of research plots.

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created a committee to study the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, in the state.

Created as a result of public concern, the committee will look at the uses of these remote-controlled, airplane-like devices, equipped with cameras and used by law enforcement agencies and other government authorities, to determine whether they invade privacy.

University of Georgia scientist Clint Waltz in Griffin, Georgia, has been using an aerial drone to reduce the amount of time he and his technician spend documenting data in fields.

They also use the drone to gather supplemental data through bird’s-eye-view photographs of research plots.

Waltz is uncovering how his research benefits from the use of his drone, or what looks like a miniature helicopter with a camera mounted underneath it.

“Photo documentation is essential to our research, and the drone can take aerial photos of the effects of different fertilizer and pesticide treatments on various grasses,” said Waltz, UGA Extension’s turfgrass specialist. “It can go up 50 or 60 feet and take a photo, which helps us measure treatment effects.”

Small but powerful

The drone Waltz uses on the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences campus in Griffin is lightweight, weighing under 5 pounds.

“It’s very small, like 2 feet by 2 feet, but it can fly 700 feet away from you. You have to keep it in your line of sight at all times,” explains Clay Bennett, Waltz’s research technician and the drone’s on-the-ground “pilot.”

Technology aiding agriculture

Bennett says he has heard of companies wanting to use drones for commercial applications. “They want to use them as part of their business model.

We want to use it for research – not to make money,” he said.

At UGA, research data is recorded from individual research plots by human technicians who look for differences with the human eye. “Now, I can add one, large image of five treatments replicated on 20 plots. That one image with the sun in the same location can improve our accuracy and recommendations,” Waltz said.

Waltz says that, in theory, a drone could fly over a field of row crops in less than an hour and return to the farmer with a photograph that would help him target pesticide applications.

“This is precision agriculture. The technology already exists in precision ag to use infrared cameras to take photos over fields. These images indicate stressed areas. It takes a photo of hot and cold spots in the field and certain areas show up red, orange, blue or green. It’s not a very pretty picture, but it’s very helpful to farmers,” he said. “An image from our drone is a very high quality image.”

Infrared photos can also indicate dry spots in fields. A drone camera photograph could be used to identify areas on a golf course that need irrigation, Waltz said.

INDUSTRY “A (golf course) superintendent comes to work, sends out the drone to take photos of all of the greens, identifies the dry spots and sends his staff out to apply irrigation just in those areas,” he said. “In the afternoon, he could send it out to take photos of all 18 greens and see the effect of the irrigation. This would also save a lot of labor for his staff.”

Golf course superintendents can also use drones to inspect the condition of their courses. “Maybe there’s frost, and you need to delay opening until 10 a.m.,” he said. “You could report that over social media.”

Clay Bennett

A photo taken from an aerial drone shows the results of a turfgrass fertilization rate study.

Waltz feels aerial images taken by drones could help indicate diseased areas, but not weeds.

“Picking up weed (presence) is difficult because you’re looking at green on green. Disease issues, on the other hand, would be brown and could be identified early,” he said. “A grower wouldn’t have to apply blanket sprays. He could identify the problem area, mark it and spray just that area with a low label rate. The amount of pesticide applied would be reduced, and thus, the cost goes down.”

For sod growers, Waltz sees drones being used to identify “off-variety grass” in fields.

It takes Bennett 15 minutes to fly the drone over UGA turfgrass plots once a week to take photos.

The UGA Griffin turfgrass program purchased its first drone last year for $300.

“That first one had some issues. The one we have now cost $1,200 and we’ve just had to replace one blade,” he said. “The $300 was basically a toy, and the $1,200 model is much more precise.

Now I can turn the camera different angles and

Images from the drone camera are downloaded directly onto a smartphone.

Waltz says aerial technology has come a long way since his college days. “In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, one of my professors was using satellite images and pictures taken from airplanes for similar purposes. That methodology is still cost-prohibitive for turfgrass research. Now, with an inexpensive drone and minimal training, it’s something an individual can do without NASA or hiring a private pilot,” he said.

The drone Waltz uses is the same model that crashed on the White House lawn. “We don’t plan to use it that way, obviously,” he said. “Like many things, drones can be misused. But when they are used responsibly, they have the ability to significantly help agricultural research.”

For more information on UGA turfgrass research, go to www.GeorgiaTurf.com.

About the author Sharon Dowdy is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

“The grower could then pull out grasses that are contaminants or are not the same variety that he’s growing. A drone could fly over a 500-acre sod farm in an hour or two and bring back a photo the grower could use to pinpoint and pull out the impurities,” Waltz said.

even take video. The first one wouldn’t hold still and take good images. The stability of the second one has made all the difference.”

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URBAN AG

Dealing with root suckers

Keep mowers, trimmers away from trees

By Paul Pugliese, UGA Extension, Bartow County Root suckers, or root sprouts, are a tree’s natural response to wounding or stress. Therefore, the best way to prevent them is to minimize or avoid causing wounds or stress to trees.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Mechanical wounds

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Root suckers most commonly occur after the tree base or roots are damaged by a lawn mower, weed trimmer or Faith Peppers heavy equipment.

When plants are wounded, they When plants are produce hormones to compensate for wounded, they the damage. Certain plant hormones produce hormones to compensate for the cause rapid cell division to seal off or damage. Certain plant compartmentalize the wound. These hormones cause rapid plant hormones also initiate new buds cell division to seal off and sprouts. or compartmentalize the wound. These plant hormones also initiate new buds and sprouts.

The plant “thinks” it is under attack, and to preserve itself, it grows multiple new stems.

If the main trunk of a tree is broken or cut down, some trees can even grow suckers from the root system of a stump.

Apple trees, pear trees, crape myrtles and some hardwood trees commonly produce root suckers in response to mechanical wounds.

Prevent root suckers by staying away from the trunk or roots of the tree with a lawn mower or string trimmer. Consider adding an island of mulch around the tree base to protect the roots and to avoid mowing under the tree. Expand the mulch island over time as the tree’s size and root spread increase.

Failing grafts

Root suckers also can grow from grafted trees.

Many ornamental landscape trees and fruit trees are grafted to rootstock to reproduce a certain cultivar or variety. For example, apple trees are grafted to clone specific apple cultivars commonly found at the grocery store. Weeping varieties of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples are usually grafted to clone the genetic mutation that causes weeping branches.

The graft sometimes isn’t perfectly matched for the size or variety of the plant.

If the grafted portions are incompatible, they may fail with time. This is similar to a transplanted organ being rejected by a patient. If the graft fails, the tree may produce root suckers to compensate.

The root sprouts from grafted tree varieties are completely different in appearance from the main stem of the tree. For example, an apple tree may produce an entirely different apple cultivar.

It’s important to prune out root suckers on grafted trees, so they don’t overtake or compete with the primary variety.

Other stressors

Stress to the tree canopy, trunk or roots by insects, disease, mechanical damage, soil compaction or drought may also release latent buds. These quickly grow into long water sprouts on the trunk, in the canopy or may cause the formation of basal suckers.

URBAN AG Excessive sprouting is a sign of serious tree stress problems.

Severe branch pruning and “topping” a tree can shorten the life of the tree. Smaller, younger trees will often produce new branch sprouts or root suckers in response to severe pruning.

When severely pruned, a larger tree may produce new branch sprouts or root suckers, leaf out for a short time and then die suddenly due to a lack of the energy needed to feed and sustain itself.

The way to avoid these types of root suckers is to never severely prune or top out a tree.

Remember, root suckers are connected to the tree, so do not spray the root suckers with a herbicide. Many systemic herbicides can be absorbed into the root system through suckers and potentially cause damage to the entire tree.

For more information on ornamental plant and tree care, see UGA Cooperative Extension publication Bulletin Number 1065.

About the author Paul Pugliese is the agriculture & natural resources agent for the University of Georgia Extension office in Bartow County.

Getting rid of root suckers

The only recourse when root suckers occur to any plant is to continually prune them out.

Once suckers start to form, they usually come back. That’s why prevention is so important.

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URBAN AG

Leaf spot diseases

Fungus won’t kill healthy trees

By Paul Pugliese, UGA Extension, Bartow County All of the rain earlier this spring has resulted in numerous calls to UGA Extension agents about leaf spot diseases on a variety of plants, including oak trees.

Most fungal pathogens that infect This is one of those plant diseases leaves prefer cool, that appears worse than it actually is. moist conditions Fungicide applications won’t cure the during leaf expansion in early spring. As disease once the spots have formed young, tender leaves on the leaves. begin to expand in the spring, they are more susceptible to infections caused by these types of diseases. www.ipmimages.org

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Most leaf spot diseases are very hostspecific, meaning they will only affect one type of plant or a related plant family.

Generally, a disease is not going to move from an oak tree to a maple tree or any other unrelated trees.

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The leaf spot disease seen most often on oak trees this year is caused by a fungus known as Taphrina caerulescens, or oak leaf blister. This disease commonly occurs on most oak species.

The fungus infects young emerging leaf tissue in the spring. The spores form on the leaf surface, are blown to new buds and remain dormant there until the next spring. The fungus has only one infection period in the spring and does not continue to cause new spots later.

The spots start out as small and inconspicuous, with quarter-inch lesions turning light green on young leaves. Cells in the spots multiply more than surrounding cells and result in a raised, blister-like buckling of the leaf later in the season.

As the spots age, their upper surfaces become covered with a buff-white coating of fungal growth that later turns brown. The leaves remain on the tree and usually do not fall prematurely.

In extreme cases, the leaves may appear to be dead or dying.

Fungicide applications are not necessary because the leaf spots are rarely severe and the leaves can still function. Although infections may be extensive in some years, little damage actually results.

This is one of those plant diseases that appears worse than it actually is. Fungicide applications won’t cure the disease once the spots have formed on the leaves.

Also, from a practical standpoint, fungicides are difficult to apply to large trees. For small trees, fungicides containing mancozeb or chlorothalonil can be applied to prevent spotting, but must be applied prior to and during bud break, when dormant buds open and shoots begin to grow, in early spring. Once bud break has occurred and symptoms are visible, it’s too late to spray.

Several other leaf spot diseases also affect oak trees later in the growing season. The good news is that oak leaf blister and other leaf spot diseases will not kill a tree that is otherwise healthy. If a tree dies during the summer, it’s more likely because of drought stress, root damage or other issues not related to a leaf spot disease.

Keep trees healthy by providing supplemental water during extreme drought conditions, adding mulch to the root zone to conserve water and avoiding mechanical equipment injuries to the roots or trunks.

Healthy trees tolerate leaf spot diseases better over the long term. Large trees should be pruned by a professionally licensed, certified arborist to avoid permanent tree damage and stress.

URBAN AG

OSHA-approved chainsaw safety training

by Ellen Bauske and Rolando Orellana, University of Georgia

Made available through OSHA via a Susan Harwood Training Grant, these classes offer excellent cost-effective training for crew leaders and workers. The training is free; $12.50 fee for lunch. Don’t miss this opportunity!

ISA credits applied for.

Please check the registration website for more dates and schedule updates.

To register: http://t.uga.edu/1qh

LOCATION

CLASS

DATE

Chatham County (UAC workshop in Savannah)

Chainsaw and Ladder Safety

September 1

Chatham County

Chainsaw Safety and Right-of-Way

September 2

Brunswick

Chainsaw Safety, Cutting and Technical Tree Felling

September 3

Troup and Spalding Counties Fulton County

Chainsaw Safety, Cutting and Technical Tree Felling

September 24

Chainsaw and Ladder Safety in Spanish

September 30

DeKalb County Douglas County Gwinnett County

Chainsaw Safety and Aerial Lift Operations Chainsaw Safety and Aerial Lift Operation Chainsaw Safety, Cutting and Technical Tree Felling in Spanish Chainsaw Safety

October 8 October 13 November 12

Chainsaw Safety and Technical Tree Felling

December 10

EDGE Expo, Gwinnett County Lowndes County

December 9

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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URBAN AG

Plants recognize insects, change responses Discovery allows breeders to target insect species by the University of Missouri

Scientists and gardeners alike study and examine plants for outward

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

signs of damage caused by disease and insects. Often, this damage takes the shape of areas chewed by insects that Roger Meissen/Bond LSC are easily observed.

However, much of the Bond LSC’s Jack Schultz and Heidi Appel hold model Arabidopsis plants used in many of important responses their experiments. plants make to insect bites takes place out of sight. In one of the broadest studies of its kind, scientists at the University of Missouri Bond Life Sciences Center recently studied how plant genes responded to insects that harm them.

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They found that plants can recognize attacks from diverse kinds of insects, such as caterpillars and aphids, and that plants respond differently to each attack.

Identifying these defense genes could allow plant breeders to target specific insect species when developing pestresistant crops.

“It was no surprise that plants responded differently to having their leaves chewed by a caterpillar or sucked by an aphid,” said Heidi Appel, senior research scientist in the Division of Plant Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, an investigator in the Bond Life Sciences Center at MU and lead author on the paper. “What surprised us was how different plant responses were to each of the caterpillars and aphids. The plants could clearly tell insects apart—they really seem to ‘know’ who’s attacking.”

Results showed that Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant related to cabbage and mustard,

recognizes and responds differently to four insect species. Two caterpillar species were placed on the plants and encouraged to chew on their leaves. Researchers also allowed two species of aphids, or small insects that pierce plants with needle-like mouthparts, to attack the plants.

Then those plants were examined on the genetic level to gauge their responses.

The team, which also included scientists from the University of British Columbia and The Pennsylvania State University, found that plants responded differently to both species of caterpillars and both types of aphids and determined that plants had different genetic responses in all four cases. Additionally, insects caused changes on the signaling level that triggered genes to switch on and off helping defend plants against further attacks.

“There are 28,000 genes in the plant, and we detected 2,778 genes responding to attacks depending on the type of insect,” said Jack Schultz, director of the Bond Life Sciences Center at MU and a co-author on the study. “If you only look at a few of these genes, you get a very limited picture and possibly one that doesn’t represent what’s going on at all. Turning on defense genes only when needed is less costly to the plant because all of its defenses don’t have to be ‘on’ all the time.”

“Among the genes changed when insects bite are ones that regulate processes like root growth, water use and other ecologically significant processes that plants carefully monitor and control,” Schultz said. “Questions about the cost to the plant if the insect continues to eat would be an interesting follow-up study to explore these deeper genetic interactions.”

For more on this story, please see “Harm and Response” at http://decodingscience.missouri. edu/2015/02/12/harm-and-response

Michael Parker Group Benefits Consultant 404.216.1108 mparker@snellingswalters.com Insurance programs administered by UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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URBAN AG

Pro project Floralis Garden Design

The landscape at this residence is simple, cleanlined, and mainly evergreen. The container plantings are meant to accent the landscape, add seasonal color and interest, and highlight areas of interest throughout the property.

A rear column plinth container planted with a textural succulent planting for unique interest along a garden path.

A rear terrace container planting consisting of: Agapanthus, Diamond Frost Euphorbia, White Lantana, Purple Scaevola, and Hens and Chicks.

UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

floralisdesign.com

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A close-up view of the front porch troughs consisting of a semi-permanent container planting of: Autumn Fern, Asparagus Fern, Diamond Frost Euphorbia, Lonicera ‘Baggesens Gold’, Blue Crisp Fern, Dionella, and White Begonia.

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UAC MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015