UAC Magazine - Spring 2020

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed

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UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

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SPRING 2020

Advocate. Educate. Promote.1

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

THE VERSATILITY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS.

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PROFITABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND VERSATILITY.

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When you also include the full support of an extensive network of servicing dealers – it all adds up to make these machines a wise investment.

Find your local parts and servicing dealer today at z-spray.com/find-a-dealer

Join our Team of Certified Turf Professionals in

Celebrating 35 Years as Georgia’s Premier Sod Supplier

Pallet or Truckload Delivered, Including Monday AM and Saturdays

Harvested Daily & Cut to Order

• NGTurf.com

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

770-431-1343

10+ Sod Varieties

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UAC NEWS

UAC Magazine Official publication of the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council

Board of Directors Todd Jarrett, President

Arbor Hill Nurseries Matt Lowe

Swift Straw Josh Morrow

Athletic Fields, Inc. Ken Morrow

The Turfgrass Group Chris Nelson

Chattahoochee Nature Center Bob Scott

Irrigation Consultant Services Ray Wiedman

Outdoor Expressions Ron White TurfPride

Ex Officio

SPRING 2020

UAC NEWS

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Executive Director message

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What did you miss? Landscape Pro University & Expo

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What did you miss? "Expanding your business financial literacy"

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Plants Creative Landscapes Knowing when to make a change

11 Woodworth honored Distinguished Professional Award

REGULAR FEATURES

12 Me & my mentor Fraud protection, PNC Bank 14 A peek inside NG Turf

Staff

24 Safety works UAC Safety School

A member of:

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

GEORGIA

Ellen Bauske

UGA Extension Public Service Assistant Bodie Pennisi

UGA Extension Horticulturist Clint Waltz

UGA Extension Turf Agronomist Mary Kay Woodworth

Executive Director Kathy Johnson

Marketing Director & Editor

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URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE

Atlanta Botanical Garden Georgia Agribusiness Council Georgia Arborist Association Georgia Association of Water Professionals Georgia Green Industry Association Georgia Tree Council Georgia Water Alliance National Association of Landscape Professionals National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture Nursery & Landscape Association Executives Southern Nursery Association Tolar Capitol Partners

Georgia Urban Ag Council PO Box 3400 Duluth GA 30096 Phone: 706.750.0350 New Fax: 404.900.9194 numbers!

Email: office@georgiauac.com Web: urbanagcouncil.com All contents copyright 2020

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GALA It's your time to shine

18 Pest 411 Chilli thrips 20 Save the date 22 Pro Project Unique Environmental Landscapes 26 What the tech? How to crush social media in 10 minutes per day 58 Directory of advertisers

BUSINESS 28 A hard look at the value of soft The importance of soft skills 30 Communicate, measure and weed Three principles of fairness

INDUSTRY 34

Final report

Senate Study Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Landscape Workforce Access

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Capitol Connection UAC member survey results

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New plant pathologist Bochra Bahri joins UGA turfgrass research team

URBAN AG

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Pollinator plant availability State focuses on pollinator protection

44 What's your flavor? Bee preferences to crape myrtle cultivars 46 Year of the lantana A luscious group of colors 48 Lacebark elm Offering fall and winter magic 50

Standing against the wind Tree and storm wind loads

UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters, It’s March 2, 2020 as I write this letter, and since January 1, we’ve had almost 19 inches of rain, with 3-4 more inches expected this week.

Our annual average rainfall is about 55 inches, so we are well ahead of the average – as if I need to state the obvious! Let’s all hope that we dry out and have a busy and prosperous spring work season and we get the rain throughout the late summer to sustain all the installations and maintenance jobs.

UAC is proud to announce that we are sponsoring the 2019-2020 Georgia FFA Landscape Management Proficiency Awards Program, which recognizes students who excel in the areas of planting and maintaining plants and shrubs, landscaping and outdoor beautification, grounds keeping, sprinkler installations and improvement of recreational areas.

While on the topic of water, UGA’s Urban Water/Irrigation Management Agent Rolando Orellana has proposed an irrigation demonstration area to be installed at the UGA Griffin campus this spring.

The top three students in this competition and the first-place winner’s teacher will be recognized with cash awards and plaques and the top student will also receive a financial award to offset travel expenses to the national FFA competition.

This project will be used to educate industry, homeowners, master gardeners and students on water conservation, landscape watering principles and best irrigation techniques.

UAC is also pleased to announce that our industry will be part of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Mobile Classroom.

This site will be equipped with the latest technology available from a variety of manufacturers, and UGA scientists will research water-related issues that impact Urban Agriculture, including research on turf and ornamentals with drip and overhead systems.

Rolando and the UGA Griffin team will be soliciting both financial and in-kind donations, and we look forward to participating in this much-needed training project!

This innovative, technology-based mobile classroom will educate young people about the importance of Georgia agriculture – including horticulture, landscape and turf!

The mobile unit is under design and will literally be driven across Georgia to reach elementary age children in their own communities. Our “ag-sector” will highlight areas of our great industry to appeal to and educate youngsters about what our industry is and does, and what their roles can be in the future.

Finally, thank you to all the UAC member companies who have gone above and beyond their membership investment commitment and become SEED Sponsors (Support, Energize, Enable, Develop). These financial contributions assist our operations and initiatives, and at the same time promote these companies with a listing on all our print information and emails!

If you’d like to add your name to this list, please contact me today!

706.750.0350 or mkw@georgiauac.com

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Workforce development continues to be a top priority for UAC. We know that one of the most promising avenues to find future employees for our industry is to maximize the strength of Georgia’s high, middle and elementary school students, like those who are currently involved in FFA. While the letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America, FFA recognizes that these letters are a part of their history, but FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more.

Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director

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UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? Landscape Pro University & Expo

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

January 29 Cobb Galleria Atlanta GA

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UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? Lunch + Learn Presented by PNC Bank

"Expanding your business financial literacy" February 12 Snellings Walters Insurance Agency Atlanta GA See the article on fraud

Shaun Vernon discusses how PNC Bank can help landscapers and growers with their unique challenges and situations.

Succession planning an important consideration for your business, too.

SEED sponsorship opportunities support | energize | enable | develop

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

protection by PNC Bank on page 12.

seed support | energize | enable | develop

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

Thank you to all of our SEED Sponsors!

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Buck Jones Nursery Plants • Sod • Landscape Supplies

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Athletic Fields, Inc. | Chatham Landscape Services | Ed Castro Landscape | Falling Leaves Lawn Care | Georgia Crop Improvement Association | Greenwood Group | Hunter Industries | Landmark Landscapes | Legacy Turf Farms | Outdoor Expressions

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706.750.0350 | office@georgiauac.com | urbanagcouncil.com

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

tree_logotypeUpdateGENERIC.pdf

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UAC NEWS

Knowing when to make a change

Rebranding can improve your company culture and revenue

by Jimmy Miller When Pam Dooley first started the process of a rebrand in 2016, she simply wanted to redesign her website. Its outdated appearance made navigating the site an exercise in patience. But after a few conversations with some experts, she realized her company’s problems were rooted deeper than just the website.

“They were like, ‘Who are you?’ and I said, ‘What do you mean, ‘Who are we?’” Dooley says. “They made me realize that the ~ Pam Dooley, Owner website was the very end of the process.

There was no way that we could develop any website that connected with people that we want to attract without knowing who we were.”

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

“We were at the 10-year mark, and I did not believe that our current identity was attracting those employees and customers that we wanted to serve.”

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Dooley says prior to the rebrand, her company – Plants Creative Landscapes, based in Decatur, Georgia – was stagnating. It started in 2005 and just hit a wall a decade later.

“We were at the 10-year mark, and I did not believe that our current identity was attracting those employees and customers that we wanted to serve,” she said.

The rebranding process took several years.

Dooley says the company saw its top line blossom by 42 percent in two years and its bottom line also steadily rise over several years.

Even now, Dooley says the company’s top line revenue of $5.2 million should jump to $5.5 million in 2020. Growth is still happening at the remodeled Plants Creative.

But the rebranding process wasn’t just changing the company logo and slapping it on all their trucks. It took a deliberate, step-by-step process to develop a strategy they still use today.

Getting to know who you are At Compass Creative, which Dooley worked with on the rebrand, creative director Diego Lopez says many companies think their websites are good enough because they generate new client leads. But Lopez and the rest of the Compass team usually turn around and ask if the company’s website generates leads from clients they aspire to serve. Typically, the answer’s no. That’s where a rebrand can help.

“Not a lot of landscapers know how to communicate what makes them different than the next guy.” ~ Diego Lopez, Compass Creative He says companies should determine their short- and long-term goals, and how they believe their website will help them achieve those goals. There should also be time spent evaluating the company’s identity and whether its logo and brand are consistent across all assets like trucks, fliers, social media and on the website.

Lopez says Compass often spends three or four weeks with a client getting to know them, though that might not be an industry precedent.

He also adds that Compass dives into the client’s company culture and creates a full marketing analysis.

Based on that initial phase of brand discovery, Compass makes recommendations from there.

UAC NEWS Lopez says that largely, there are three types of clients: those who adopt any suggestions; those who are skeptical but can be swayed; and those who are unwilling to make any changes at all. It’s the latter type of clients that Lopez says are most difficult to deal with, though some form of skepticism is expected. For any consulting company to come out and spend time evaluating a company, it costs that company money. Compass, for instance, charges $5,000 for this initial discovery process alone. “(People say), ‘I’m paying you for you to get to know me? That’s kind of weird. But in retrospect, companies see this as one of the most valuable pieces,” Lopez says. “You start by not prescribing solutions, but by diagnosing what the problems might be.”

Doing the homework For the rebrand to work, Dooley had to do her homework – she had to identify companies that she felt aligned closely with the kind of business she wanted Plants Creative to be.

She came back with Southwest Airlines and Starbucks, which Dooley says emphasize charity work and community involvement. She says anybody looking to hire a consulting company should find someone who will keep you just as accountable and force you to consider your company’s mission.

“It was so much more than just marketing or branding – they were really encouraging us to go deep,” she says. “They became really, really thoughtful, strategic partners.”

~ Pam Dooley

The big reveal When Dooley first looked at a redesigned logo two months into the rebranding process, she didn’t really care for it.

Ultimately, Lopez says the new logo embodied more of what Plants Creative stood for. The original company logo included a harsh neon green and burnt orange color scheme that didn’t quite capture the warm, welcoming feeling Dooley had said she wanted her company to be about.

She wanted Plants Creative to shift from a transactional commodity landscaping company where they never said no to anybody to being able to have the quality team and customer base they desired. The new brand has attracted those people, she says.

Plants Creative also adopted a team mantra – “Putting you in your landscape” – and created a uniform color scheme across all its merchandise, trucks and advertisements. The company leaned hard into its rebrand, from the company T-shirts to a sign placed in serviced yards that read, “Another job by Plants Creative Landscapes.”

That’s not to mention that Dooley finally got her revised website after months of determining the company’s rebrand.

“Companies very quickly realize that what they need might not just be a website,” Lopez says.

“I’m not saying every company needs a rebrand, but very often, we need to take a couple steps back before we get to the website.”

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

“We continue to grow into that brand that they created. It felt like an identification of who we are and also an evolution of who we continue to be.

We’re attracting a team and customers who really fit us.”

In the big branding reveal meeting, Compass team members showed Dooley what seemed like hundreds of logo variations. They had taken parts of logos and colors from other companies she liked and showed how they transitioned from those mockups to the final Plants Creative emblem. She told herself to simmer on it, giving it time to grow on her.

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UAC NEWS

Getting Social Joanne Augustin was hired to develop Plants Creative's social media presence. Joanne is one of the industry’s few social media specialists, but she’s got plenty of advice for companies who can afford to hire a specialist – and those who can’t. Here are three of her tips:

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Develop a plan and be consistent. Stay top-of-mind by setting expectations with your current customers on how frequently they’ll see you online. Additionally, take the time to sit down with key players in your company and discuss your company’s brand story. Augustin recommends figuring out who your customer is lifestyle-wise. Are they a Starbucks person, or are they a local coffee shop person? Create content based around that and that’s how you build your tribe.

Don’t shy away from video.

Augustin says videos continue to thrive on social media, but thinking outside the box is essential. Plants Creative has done giveaways, like a new grill for a lucky winner on Father’s Day, and has announced the winners via Facebook Live. The videos don’t have to be shot on big, fancy cameras – often times, they’ll just shoot videos on smart phones. They’ve also done videos where property care managers offer 10 minutes of tips in the field for weeding or quick testimonial videos from customers and employees alike.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

2.

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Tell us what’s new. Plants Creative just launched their solar-paneled trucks, and showcasing things like that to the public allow possible clients to see what’s happening at the company. Another good opportunity for this is highlighting your company’s philanthropy, even if it’s internal.

For instance, Plants Creative offers to donate money to an employees’ favorite charity on his or her birthday. “Things like that are really important to show that we’re not just about the product or service,” Augustin says.

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Don’t go through the motions Dooley knows the process of rebranding can be expensive. Her advice? Pony up the big bucks and expect the process to take time.

“When you find somebody that you just trust, that you believe has the ability to guide you through the process, I would go all in,” Dooley says. “I have so many people go, ‘I just can’t spend that,’ and I get that because we couldn’t spend that four years ago. But it just gains so much momentum and if you try to cut any part of the process out, I just think that it limits the return.”

The returns are still coming in. Plants Creative hired Joanne Augustin, a social media strategist, earlier this spring as a way of promoting the brand more online. They’re focused primarily on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest, which is where they feel many of their possible clients post and interact. Dooley wanted people to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their company and educate clients enough on landscaping that they establish themselves as clear-cut experts.

Augustin says she acknowledges many landscaping companies don’t have one person dedicated solely to social media, but she hopes it grows across the industry because establishing genuine connections with clients is critical in the digital age.

“Social media is a great opportunity for us to connect directly with our customers and build meaningful relationships,” Augustin says.

“That’s the goal: We want to not only share some of the great design projects and just our services in general, but we also want to inform customers on managing their own landscapes and how they can do a few tweaks here and there.”

Plus, Plants Creative still has an ongoing relationship with Compass. They have monthly calls to exchange new ideas and go over what hasn’t worked so well. Dooley, as well as People Experience Manager Hope Smith, often sit in on the conversations with Lopez and his team.

UAC NEWS Looking back, she says there are parts of the process that she understood the “how,” but not so much the “why.” Why would they want to shift away from the brown and green color scheme she saw from other companies in the area? And why would she need to think about companies in other industries that inspire her?

But by the end, she was able to follow the evolution in thought process that’s promoted the Plants Creative messaging.

“As you grow, you start saying no in order to say yes to the right people,” she says. “That’s what it was for me,” she said.

Originally published by Lawn & Landscape in September 2019 at www.lawnandlandscape.com.

Reprinted with permission.

Plants Creative also adopted a team mantra – “Putting you in your landscape” – and created a uniform color scheme across all its merchandise, trucks and advertisements.

Woodworth honored

UAC Executive Director receives UGA Distinguished Professional Award Congratulations to UAC's very own Mary Kay Woodworth for receiving the

Distinguished Professional Award at the Agricultural Economics Association of Georgia annual luncheon at UGA in February. Mary Kay was recognized for her leadership that has advanced urban agriculture issues on many fronts. These include water conservation, workforce access and development, and drought mitigation, among others.

UAC is proud to partner with UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Extension to advance professionalism in the urban ag industry.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award – I never thought that I’d be recognized by an organization of economists! All kidding aside, the work that our UGA and state economists do is what arms us with important data to show our industry’s impact and value to Georgia. This data helps our elected officials and public policy makers to understand and make informed decisions on laws and regulations that impact Georgia businesses and citizens every day. "

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Mary Kay's outstanding work on drought mitigation established rules for limited outdoor water use for new landscape plantings.

Without this step, nurseries, sod producers, and landscape installation companies would have taken an even larger economic hit during water shortages. Her conservation success was later used in shaping Georgia’s Water Stewardship Act in 2008, which included outdoor water use protections and improved water management learned from the drought.

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ME & MY MENTOR

Fraud protection

Five ways to keep your company safe

by Aneury Hernandez and Shaun Vernon, PNC Bank Q. "What are the most important things I need to do to protect my company from fraud?"

Georgia is the number one state in the United States for fraud, and at PNC Bank we believe in protecting our customer’s accounts. Below are some tools customers should use to minimize the threat of being a fraud victim.

1.

Stay away from using debit cards for the business. When a debit card gets compromised it allows a fraudster to have direct access to your operating account.

Minimize check usage. The United States is one of three countries still using checks. 70% percent of organizations experience check fraud. If you have employees who can’t open a checking account, try the pay card solution. The pay card will allow you to pay your employee on a Visa card, preventing

2.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Aneury Hernandez

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your payroll account number from being exposed.

For businesses that write a high number of checks monthly, we highly recommend the Positive Pay solution. You provide your bank with a transmission of your check issue data and they match it against the checks presented for payment. If someone attempts to cash a check that isn’t on the file you uploaded the check will be declined.

3.

Shaun Vernon

As a VP Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager in the greater Atlanta area, Aneury Hernandez serves as a liaison to resources that help deliver services to support your business and its specific needs.

Aneury addresses the credit and cash flow needs by understanding you and your business.

Shaun Vernon serves as a VP Food, Beverage, and Agriculture Business Banker at PNC Bank. He is a dedicated consultant for mid-size and large companies, offering his clients an array of financial solutions and services to assist with operational efficiency, optimizing cash flow and overall growth.

Aneury works with a team of specialists to help deliver solutions to simplify the financial challenges that many business owners may face.

Prior to his current role, Shaun worked with JP Morgan Chase as Business Banking Relationship Manager. Shaun has been in the banking industry for a total of 15 years in multiple roles including Branch Banking Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, Small Business Specialist, and Senior Small Business Banker.

Prior to joining PNC Business Banking, Aneury worked with Capital One Bank as a Business Banking Relationship Manager with a strong focus in lending. Prior to that he worked with Citigroup in New York as a Business Banker. Aneury comes as a seasoned industry expert with over 20 years of banking experience.

Cell: 917.557.5680 Email: Aneury.hernandez@pnc.com

Shaun also travels the southeast region to speak with entrepreneurs regarding their goals and challenges within their respective industries.

Cell: 404.287.4945 Email: Shaun.vernon@pnc.com

ME & MY MENTOR

4.

A second Automated Clearing House (ACH) tool we highly recommend is ACH Debt Authorization.

This solution allows you to set up which vendors or individuals can debit your account via ACH. If a non-authorized individual or company attempts to ACH debit your account you will receive a notification, at which time you can authorize or decline the ACH attempt. If you chose to decline the ACH transaction, it will be returned to the sender.

If you are a victim > Contact your banks and creditors by phone > >

Contact local authorities and file a police report.

Call the fraud units of one of the major credit bureaus:

• • • •

5.

Another fraud solution we provide is Universal Payment Identification Code (UPIC). This feature will mask your business checking account. Called a ghost account, it serves as a pass-through account. You can offer your customers the option of sending ACH payments while protecting your sensitive bank account information from being displayed on customer-facing billing material or internal documents. For example, you can display the UPIC account number on a billboard without your main account being victimized. UPIC is a very powerful fraud-prevention tool.

and in writing and report the crime.

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 Innovis: 1-800-540-2505

Request a “fraud alert” be placed on your credit file and order copies of your credit report to check whether any fraudulent accounts were opened without your knowledge or consent. If you suspect fraud, issue a security freeze to prevent the opening of new accounts by creditors who require a credit score/credit report.

>

Go to another computer/device and change your PIN codes and passwords immediately.

Ask our Certified Turf Professionals about 30-day credit terms.

Georgia’s Premium Sod Supplier for 35 Years

NGTurf.com • 770-431-1343

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

We Are Here to Help You Grow!

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A PEEK INSIDE UAC NEWS

A peek inside...

NG Turf

Join us as we take a peek inside the operation and the people of UAC member company NG Turf.

What we do Premium supplier of sod for Metro Atlanta and the Southeastern United States.

How we got started Aaron McWhorter founded NG Turf in 1985 with just 25 acres of Bermudagrass near the town of Whitesburg in Carroll County.

From left. Top row: Mark McWhorter, president NG Turf; Aaron McWhorter, Founder & CEO NG Turf; Jutt Howard, Vice President of Business Operations. Bottom row: Merett Alexander, Vice President of Marketing & Golf Course Sales; Linda McWhorter; Natalie Howard, Special Projects Coordinator

Meet our team Scott Lanier

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Outside Sales Representative, Certified Turf Professional

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Responsibilities: Customer service is job one and for me that means quality checks when current customers get sod. I also call on potential customers and listen to their needs.

NG Turf attends several trade shows, so you’ll likely see me there educating people about our sod varieties. Favorite part of job: Seeing the results when the job is complete.

It is always very satisfying to see smiling faces when landscapers transform a home from dirt to an instant lawn! Last job before this: I worked for 32 years at Frito-Lay. The first 10 years were spent running a route, the next 15 years as a district sales manager and the last seven years as an operation manager. What I do when I’m not at work: I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife Tona and I enjoy spontaneous weekend trips to the North Georgia mountains, fishing and doing projects around our house.

Since then NG Turf has grown, with the whole family playing a part. Aaron’s children Mark, Merett, and Natalie finished school and returned to the farm to learn and grow the family business. > Merett is vice president of marketing and golf course sales. > Mark is president of NG Turf and oversees turfgrass production on all of the farms. > Natalie is a project manager for our sister company Sports Turf and coordinates special events for both companies. > Jutt, Natalie’s husband, is vice president of business operations.

Now, 35 years later, NG Turf has four Georgia locations: Calhoun, Clarkesville, Fort Valley and the home office in Whitesburg.

How we do it Many of our staff are on the farm, cutting sod fresh to order before daybreak. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. but by that time pallets and mega rolls are already stacked and ready for delivery or pickup. With more than 20 trucks at our four locations, delivery is fast and convenient.

When a customer calls, they will likely be speaking to a Certified Turfgrass Professional, which signifies their completion of a rigorous turfgrass program facilitated by the University of Georgia and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. For customers, it means each salesperson is also an expert in turfgrass growth and maintenance, including fertilization, water, disease and pests. All of us at NG Turf are blessed to serve our customers and to contribute to Georgia’s beautiful landscape.

A PEEK INSIDE

What sets us apart

1.

NG Turf delivers as little as one pallet of sod and we can place it anywhere on a jobsite. Many companies require a three, four, or even ten pallet purchase before scheduling delivery.

2.

NG Turf grows ten varieties of turf, which allows clients to choose the best sod for their area.

3.

Because we have four farms in Metro Atlanta and across North Georgia, we can quickly deliver fresh sod six days a week, including Monday morning. Pickup is also available at all our farms.

4.

NG Turf also warranties our sod for a full year from the date of purchase.

As a premium sod provider, we are well-known in the industry to produce mature sod with excellent tensile strength and consistent color.

Within a year after purchase, if the sod does not root-in and thrive, we will provide replacement grass and a visit from one of our Certified Turf Professionals – at no cost. Our highest priority is 100% satisfaction for you and your clients.

5. 30-day credit terms are also available to approved landscape professionals because we understand that flexibility is important when building a business.

Why UAC is important to us Aaron McWhorter, Founder & CEO

Sales Manager, Certified Turf Professional Responsibilities: I manage the sales team, which is made up of nearly a dozen people. I also organize the daily harvest and delivery schedules. Favorite part of job: On any given day, NG Turf has more than 20 trucks loaded with 10 grass varieties from four farms. It’s a juggling act, but the real challenge comes when a landscaper’s needs change. Rearranging the harvest and delivery schedules to help them is like a puzzle. We move the pieces around to get the sod cut and delivered on time - it’s such a beautiful picture when it all comes together. Last job before this: I was an administrative assistant at an Atlanta real estate firm. What I do when I’m not at work: I have two young boys and I love being outdoors so that’s usually where you’ll find me- outside with the kids.

Kayla Huffmaster

Sales Representative, Certified Turf Professional Responsibilities: Manage and process turfgrass orders, follow up with clients and assist the farm manager with administrative duties. Favorite part of job: I love working in the ag industry where there is something new to learn each day. I actively participate in field trips and observe turf management practices that we use on the farm to produce a high-quality sod. Working at NG Turf gives me hands-on experience that I feel is key to providing the best customer service possible.

Last job before this: Sales Account Manager, Southern Eco-Scapes. What I do when I’m not at work: I spend most days with my husband and two children helping on our own farming operation. We grow row crops including cotton, soybeans, and corn. Between the kids and farming, I stay very busy! I also enjoy playing music with my family.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

The Georgia Urban Ag Council has been a valued partner to Georgia’s landscape industry for years.

Their dedication to educating and advocating for the state’s agricultural and horticultural communities is unparalleled. From education to networking, I cannot begin to express the value Georgia sod farmers and landscape professionals receive from the Georgia Urban Ag Council.

Michelle McDonald

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A PEEK INSIDE UAC NEWS

Shannon Estes (a.k.a. the newlywed)

Sales Representative & Marketing Assistant Responsibilities: I help customers select the right sod for their yard or project, including processing and tracking orders, and following up to make sure they are satisfied.

I also assist the marketing department with daily emails, some graphic design and community outreach. Favorite part of job: I love talking to our customers, especially when they call in with a problem. If I can share my turfgrass knowledge or help them select the right kind of grass for their yard, it’s been a good day. Last job before this: I cared for two kids as a full-time nanny. What I do when I’m not at work: I have three fur babies who I love to take on adventures. I also enjoy relaxing around the house with my husband.

Tee

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

NG Turf Mascot Responsibilities: Greet customers, sniff out treats, keep Aaron on schedule. Favorite part of the job: Open-air car rides with the boss, wandering endless fields of green grass. Last job before this: Puppy. What I do when I’m not at work: Protect the homestead from cats and critters.

Diamond Sponsor

seed support | energize | enable | develop

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URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

NG Turf proudly supports the Georgia Urban Ag Council and the green industry.

GALA

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Get ready! UAC's Georgia Landscape

Awards (GALA) are coming for 2021. That means this is the year to photograph all of your best projects while they're at their peak.

Entering has never been easier Details, worksheets, success tips, past winners, entry form - it’s all online: urbanagcouncil. com/gala-georgia-landscape-awards.

Reap the rewards Award winners will be honored by their peers at the annual awards banquet and ceremony on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall.

PLUS:

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We’ll help you promote your winning projects by posting them on our Houzz, Instagram, and Facebook pages and tagging your company.

Grand award winners will be featured on UAC’s home page for one year.

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A photo gallery of distinction and grand projects will be added to UAC’s website.

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GALA projects are featured in UAC Magazine (see the "Pro Project" on page 22), on our Georgia Landscape Pro consumer blog, and in our My Home Improvement magazine ads.

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A “GALA WINNER” graphic badge will be placed on your company’s UAC web profile and you’ll get a “GALA WINNER” graphic badge to use on your website, correspondence, and business promotions.

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We’ll provide a press release template to help you spread the word about your winning projects.

And it only rolls around every other year It's not too early to get started

Photos: Gather up to 12 photos to tell your project’s story, focusing on "before" and "after" shots.

Important dates and deadlines Early Bird deadline

5:00 pm | Friday, January 15, 2021 Final deadline for entries

5:00 pm | Monday, February 1, 2021 Judging of entries

Mid-February 2021 Worksheet: Our GALA worksheet Notification of awards walks you through Late February 2021 everything you need to do. Start it anytime Awards banquet & ceremony and save it on your March 23, 2021 computer so you can add info as you gather it, as time permits. When you’re done, use it to Don't fill in the blanks on the online form. Download miss your worksheet and get started today!

Online form: Once your worksheet is complete, use the information to complete the online GALA entry form: urbanagcouncil. com/gala-georgia-landscape-awards.

You can copy and paste information from the worksheet into the appropriate places on the form.

Be sure to save the worksheet as a record of your entry. Use what you’ve written about your project to promote your company in other ways!

Picture your team in the winners' circle.

>>>>>> Enter early and save $$ on your entry fee! <<<<<<

this chance to show off your work and reward your team!

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

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Your time to shine

17

PEST 411

Chilli thrips

Biology and management in the nursery

by Alejandra Monterrosa and Shimat V. Joseph, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia darker wings. The antennae have eight segments with alternating patterns of dark and pale yellow.

Life cycle

Fig. 1. Adult chilli thrips.

Andrew Derksen, USDA-APHIS

This pest has become increasingly problematic in nurseries because of its wide host range, small size, rapid reproduction and development.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Fig. 1) is one of the recent invasive thrips species in the United States. This thrips first created

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economic problems in Asia, Australia, Africa and Oceania where they attack several crops such as strawberries, cotton, tea, citrus and chilies. They infest more than 150 crops. This pest has become increasingly problematic in nurseries because of its wide host range, small size, rapid reproduction and development.

They have unique ability to quickly adapt in a new region. Chilli thrips was first noticed in the United States in Florida in 1991 but did not immediately establish. In 2005, this pest was observed on roses in Florida. This pest is also established in Hawaii and throughout the Caribbean Islands. In Georgia, chilli thrips was first reported in 2007.

Identification and biology Chilli thrips is small in size, about 2 mm in length. It has a pale-yellow body with a pair of

Chilli thrips lay eggs inside of plant tissue 4 that is above the soil.

The eggs hatch in about six-to-eight days in 4 summer months.

Newly hatched larvae go through two larval 4 stages, which all together lasts about a week.

During these two stages they feed on the 4 new growth of the host plant.

After completing larval stages they enter 4 into a prepupal stage that lasts for about a day then they go through a pupal stage which lasts about three days.

The pre-pupal and pupal stages are inactive 4 stages thus the thrips do not feed on plants.

Chilli thrips pupae are found in the cracks 4 and crevices or leaf litter on the plant. They are rarely found on the potting soil media.

Thereafter, they molt into adults. A female 4 chilli thrips produces about 60 to 200 eggs in her lifetime.

The life cycle can last from 14 to 20 days.

4

Host plants Prior to U.S. introduction, host range of chilli thrips was about 40 plant families. Now, chilli thrips are found on additional plant taxa. The main wild hosts are Acacia, Brownea, Mimosa and Saraca.

Chilli thrips are serious pests of different plants in different regions of the world. In Asia, chilli crops on the Indian subcontinent, tea and citrus in Japan, as well as sacred lotus in Thailand.

Other major economic hosts include banana, cocoa, corn, cotton, grapes, kiwi, melon, peanut, pepper, strawberry, and roses. Recently added hosts are avocado, cashew nuts, canistel,

PEST 411 dragon fruit, miracle fruit, sapodilla, guava, litchi and mango. This shows that its host range is expanding as this pest is exposed to new plant species in new region.

Biological control is one effective way to reduce chilli thrips population such as the minute pirate bug, Orius laevigatus, Monitoring and management as well as the lady Monitoring for the early incidence of chilli bird beetles. There thrips on the plants is the key. are also several Chilli thrips are attracted to yellow or blue mite species such as sticky traps (Fig. 2). The sticky traps should be Amblyseius degenerans, monitored and replaced every 7 to 10 days.

Shimat Joseph Amblyseius cucumeris Beating the plant branches to white paper or and Amblyseius swirskii Fig. 2. Chilli thrips are attracted to yellow or fabric would also help to determine if there is blue sticky traps. as well as nematode, an active population of chilli thrips.

Steinernema feltiae, that are effective in reducing chilli thrips population Once thrips are found, it is critical to identify on plants. Another way to control them is the thrips because there are other species of through the use of insecticides. Imidacloprid, thrips found on the same types of plants such thiamethoxam, triazophos, acetamiprid, as western flower thrips or greenhouse thrips. acephate, thiacloprid and bifenthrin can reduce Removal of weeds around infested plants can thrips population. help lower population size of thrips.

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UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

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19

SAVE THE DATE

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

UGA Turfgrass Field Day and Exhibitor Tradeshow

AUG

5

DATE: Wednesday, August 5 PLACE: UGA Griffin campus

1109 Experiment Street Griffin, GA 30223

Attendee registration begins in June 2020, but exhibitors can register now: urbanagcouncil.com/turfgrass-research-field-day

UAC Sporting Clays Tournament

OCT

28

Blast your troubles away | Win prizes | Eat BBQ GEORGIA

DATE: Wednesday, October 28 TIME: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: Blalock Lakes

JAN

15

FEB

GALA

1

4075 New Corinth Road Newnan GA 30263

Georgia Landscape Awards

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

Plan ahead: photograph your entries this year!

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Early Bird deadline: Friday, January 15, 2021 Final deadline: Monday, February 1, 2021 Awards ceremony: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 See page 17 for details and deadlines!

Upcoming UGA webinar

CEU-granting distance education for green industry professionals Influence on Landscape Management Practices on Household Pests and Identification and Management of Nuisance Insects, and Other Arthropods in Turfgrass May 14, 2020 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Influence on Landscape Management Practices on Household Pests Dr. Daniel Suiter, Dept. of Entomology, University of Georgia

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The outdoor landscape can provide conducive conditions for many arthropods, which can be household pests. This webinar will discuss landscape practices such as placement and type of plants, mulch, and water near the house’s foundation, and how these practices can be changed to reduce and eliminate the incursion and spread of household pests.

Identification and Management of Nuisance Insects, and Other Arthropods in Turfgrass Dr. Tim Davis, County Coordinator and Agent — Chatham County, University of Georgia

This webinar will examine insects and other arthropods that are commonly found in turfgrass but are not detrimental to the grass itself. Fire ants may top the list, but other insects include burrowing/ground bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and other nuisance pests (e.g., spiders, centipedes, millipedes, etc.). Turfgrass managers need to be able to identify these species, where they live in the turfgrass system (e.g., canopy, soil surface, soil, etc.), and if they provide any ecosystem services (e.g., predators to damaging insects).

For more info, contact Beth Horne at 770-228-7214 or bhorne@uga.edu.

To register for a webinar go to GTBOP.COM

INVINCIBELLE Ruby ®

2020

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UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Glorious, two-toned, bright ruby red and silvery pink blossoms are set against handsome, dark foliage, delivering season-long color and no-nonsense, easy-care quality. A strong rebloomer, Invincibelle® Ruby hydrangea can be cycle pruned to deliver multiple shipments of budded plants.

21 Apr-May-June_Georgia UAC_Invincibelle Ruby.indd 1

2/3/20 1:28 PM

SAVE THE DATE PRO PROJECT

Texture and color bring balance to all seasons Project by Unique Environmental Landscapes unique-environmental.com

Before

During a renovation to the front of the house, the homeowner had created the “skeleton” of a courtyard but didn’t know how to pull it all together through landscaping. Her goal was for the area to be inviting 12 months out of the year.

We convinced her to keep the fatsia from the original landscape. Our design was about textures, color and balancing during the seasonal changes. The fatsia just fit the style of the house as well as contributed great texture to the area year 'round. The remainder is a fun blend of perennials, ground cover, and traditional plants.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

The photo above of the courtyard in the spring shows off the blending of textures and colors. You can also see the Fatsia, which was part of the original planting.

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Before On the left side of courtyard we used Creeping Jenny to create a bright sunlit effect in this shaded area. We used flowering plants but we also let the texture and color of the plant material add seasonal interest throughout the year.

PRO PROJECT The photo below shows off the summertime plantings and also how we used variegated and bright colored plant material to contrast the rich green of the surrounding area.

Before

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

AWARD WINNER: Distinction

Entry into the courtyard area.

The trellis in the back is planted with Evergreen Clematis to screen off the utility meter.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Photo showing off the accenting plant material, with a mix of Mojo Pittosporum and Lonicera.

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SAVE THE DATE SAFETY WORKS

UAC Safety School

What do your employees need to know right now?

Keep your employees safe this spring.

Every work day comes with safety concerns.

As a business-level UAC member, did you know that you have ready-to-go safety training available to you through UAC's Safety School?

Sponsored by Snellings-Walters Insurance Agency, Safety School makes it easier to keep your employees - and your company - safe.

Safe use and storage of flammable/combustible liquids

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

OBJECTIVE: To explain the significance of flashpoints and the safe storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.

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Each Safety School topic includes a trainer document, which guides the instructor through the training session, and a slide presentation to show your employees. All of this is available in both English and Spanish. Also included is an attendance sheet so you have a record of who received the training and when. Here are just some of the topics available to you:

Hardscape installation safety OBJECTIVE: To identify potential hazards during hardscape installation and provide prevention and protection strategies.

Small engine safety

Building an effective first aid kit

OBJECTIVE: To make employees aware of potential hazards and methods for operating small-engine equipment safely.

OBJECTIVE: To ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary supplies to aid most minor on-the-job incidents.

SAFETY WORKS

Overhead power line hazards

Pesticide disposal

OBJECTIVE: To educate employees on the hazards of working near overhead power lines.

OBJECTIVE: To learn the safe and legal disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers.

Get the training Ladder safety OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the safe use of ladders that are used primarily for construction and/or maintenance jobs.

Visit UAC's Safety School to get training materials (training notes, slide presentation, attendance sheets) on a variety of safety topics.

Log in and start your safety training today!

UAC Safety School is available online to all business-level UAC members.

Here's how to access: > Go to urbanagcouncil.com > Use the "MEMBERSHIP" menu tab

> Log in as a member > Use the email address and password that is associated with your UAC membership

Struck-by safety OBJECTIVE: To make all employees aware of the hazards of struck-by incidents and how to prevent them on the job site.

> Need help? Contact us:

Call 706.750.0350 or

email office@georgiauac.com > Scroll to the "Safety" category on that list and click on "Visit UAC Safety School"

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

> Click on "Members-only content"

25

WHAT THE TECH?

Got a minute?

How to crush social media in 10 minutes per day

by Sara Crawford, Digital Content Strategist, WT Digital Agency It’s easy to let social media marketing take over your whole day. You log on

to update your Facebook, and the next thing you know, you’ve been scrolling down your News Feed for an hour.

An hour you could have spent doing something more productive.

Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Combing through the endless sea of content and interactions on social media may be the last thing any of us want to do with our time. It can be tempting to just ignore social media altogether. But you really shouldn’t.

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It also takes time to pay attention to your audience, interact with their posts, and reply to their comments. Even if you don’t waste any time, social media can feel like an overwhelming, timeconsuming activity.

Combing through the endless sea of content and interactions on social media may be the last thing any of us want to do with our time.

It can be tempting to just ignore social media altogether. But you really shouldn’t.

Social media is a helpful tool. It’s an important way to grow your company’s audience and brand. It’s also a great way to promote your content. Engaging and interacting with your followers can increase your traffic and help to build your brand.

The trick is to get on social media for short periods of time every day.

Here are some tips that will help you stop wasting time.

Make sure you’re on the right platform. According to SmartInsights, there are currently 2.789 million users who are active on social media. That seems like a great thing as there are always new customers waiting to be introduced to your brand.

1.

If you try to be on every platform, though, you run the risk of not making much traction on each platform. It’s not possible to keep up with every form of social media and run a successful business.

That’s why it’s a good idea to focus on the most popular social media platforms and the best platforms that are good for your business. If you have a lot of interesting images, for example, Instagram and Pinterest might be great options for you.

The most popular social network is still Facebook. So while you want to schedule content to other social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, you don’t need to check them as often as you might check Facebook.

2.

Use a tool like Hootsuite to schedule posts and keep track of your social media activity. Tools like Hootsuite or Zoho Social can help you to schedule social media posts. They can also show you comments, brand mentions, and direct messages all in one place. This way, you won’t have to sign on to each platform and spend ten minutes checking each one.

Each tool like this has its own features that makes it convenient. For example, Hootsuite has a feature that allows you to assign social media tasks to different members of your team.

3.

Use Feedly to curate content. While it’s good to post your own content, if you want to post on social media every day,

WHAT THE TECH? you will probably need to share other people’s content in addition to posting your own.

To stay on top of the best content relevant to your niche, you’ll want to follow different brands and blogs. You can create collections around a certain keyword, and once you do, you’ll get suggestions of different content you can follow.

This is a great way to stay on top of the best blogs in your space. Then instead of checking multiple blogs a day, you can get the top content sent right to you or check one dashboard to see content from multiple sources.

a blog post two months ago doesn’t mean you can’t share it again. Many people may have missed it the first time and those who read it might welcome a refresher.

Conclusion Social media can be overwhelming, and it can feel like you are drowning in a sea of endless content. Fortunately, there are several tools that can help you manage your social media time better. That way, you’ll be able to keep up with your social media presence without taking away too much time from your actual business.

About the author

4.

Batch and schedule content.

Spend once a week or once a month scheduling out your content. Leave some room to comment on newsworthy stories in your niche, but you plan and schedule most of your content all at once. Then you’ll only need to spend five to ten minutes a day just checking in.

You also want to reschedule content that’s already been posted. Just because you shared

Sara Crawford is an author and Digital Content Strategist for WT Digital Agency. In love with the written word, she strives to provide quality content for all of her clients.

E: sara@wtmarketing.com P: (404) 348-4921 ext. 112

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

27

BUSINESS

A hard look at the value of soft

The importance of soft skills in the workplace

by Erin Saunders, ON Services Have you ever had that person on your team who was just a great person to work with? They always

Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

While cognitive skills are important, they are becoming increasingly less predictors of how people succeed at work.

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need to manage change, help resolve conflict, and work well with all types of personalities and team members. is one of the most important soft 4Attitude skills. Those with a positive attitude demonstrate

had a great attitude, you knew you could count on them to pitch in no matter what the task, and they were excellent at getting along with the rest of the group.

two characteristics that make them valuable team members: confidence and adaptability.

Imagine what it would feel like to have a whole team of people like that.

Those people have the technical skills they need to do their jobs, but what you really value them for is their soft skills.

>

> The confidence is less about technical

confidence, but more about a “can-do” attitude. People with confidence are open to trying new things and to learning. They are comfortable risking failure, because they are confident they will learn and grow from the experience.

Adaptability is demonstrated by being open to change. People who are adaptable understand that change is a constant part of maintaining a successful and adaptable business. They are easily able to be flexible and help others understand the need for change.

is another critical soft skill. There 4Leadership are many attributes people attach to leadership,

Research has shown that 85% of our success at work comes from soft skills—things like communicating effectively, working as part of a team, collaborating effectively, and navigating conflict. (Deming, 2017).

Yet, as we hire people and even as we think about our own development, we tend to focus on the technical or cognitive skills. While cognitive skills are important, they are becoming increasingly less predictors of how people succeed at work.

but one of the most important is empathy.

> Empathy is the ability to truly understand

how another person may be feeling, and to try to understand their point of view.

When you are able to put yourself in others’ shoes, you can understand their motives and connect with them on a personal level. The Communication Guys explain, “Leadership is servanthood with vision.” (Barrett, 2020)

intelligence in the office is another 4Emotional key soft skill. It requires that you have self-

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are things like attitude, leadership style, emotional intelligence, creativity, flexibility, and communication skills. They are the less technical, but still very teachable skills people

awareness, situational awareness, and people awareness.

>

Self-awareness is about understanding yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, what motivates and de-motivates you and what you value in your life. Self-management is the ability to use the self-awareness you have to better manage your weaknesses.

BUSINESS

>

>

Situational awareness is about understanding your work environment. For this awareness, you must be able to observe what’s going on the environment and understand any context that’s affecting it.

People-awareness is understanding how people may be feeling or reacting to the work environment. There again, you’ll need to have strong skills in listening and empathizing with people.

is an increasingly valued soft skill.

4Creativity You’ve heard the phrase “think outside the

box.” That’s really office jargon for “how creatively can you brainstorm to innovate and problem solve?” Hot Cheetos were invented by then Janitor Richard Montanez at Frito-Lay. He’s now the vice president of multicultural sales at PepsiCo, the holding company of FritoLay. (Crockett, 2017) Richard had the soft skill of creativity.

Much of the technical work in our industries is performed by computers that can analyze systems, data, and processes much faster than we can. Because of that, the value is shifting from technical skills to creative skills, something computers can’t do.

4

Building your team How do you build these soft skills with your teams? Start with hiring for soft skills. Make screening for things like leadership style and communication abilities part of the interview

Hiring people who have both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to be good team members helps build a strong team.

Existing team members Coaching for interpersonal and leadership skills can be challenging. Often it requires a shift in culture to let people know that not only are the technical skills important, but how they communicate, function as a team, and lead others directly or indirectly are new expectations that you will be working to help the team develop. Share learning moments and resources. There are a lot of resources about how to build soft skills. Some good ones include The Communication Guys Podcast, Daniel Goleman’s book on Emotional Intelligence, and Crucial Conversations book or training from Vitalsmarts. These are great tools for how to be better at communicating and listening to others.

Take a look at yourself Finally, consider your own soft skills.

Understand what you need to develop and be transparent and honest with your team about the things you are working on. Demonstrating transparency and being open to feedback will go a long way in helping connect you with your team and will demonstrate some of your own strong communication skills.

About the author Erin Saunders is Regional Human Resources Business Partner with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon.

P: 770-326-9517 E: erin.saunders@leica-geosystems.com

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Strong communication is the original soft skill. This is an area where we can all constantly work to improve. Strong communicators can clearly and thoughtfully express their ideas.

They listen well, make others feel heard and valued. They are able to help people find common ground, can manage through conflict, are optimistic and solutions-focused and are comfortable with constructive disagreement.

Strong communication skills have been valued for decades and will continue to be core skills for success. As the world gets more complex, companies need people who can talk about it.

process. Ask for specific examples of when someone has experienced conflict in the past and how they resolved it. Ask for examples of how they have managed through change. Talk about times they had to creatively come up with a solution. Find out how they have learned and developed in the past to become better at their jobs, better at communicating, or have shown curiosity about something professionally.

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BUSINESS

Communicate, measure and weed The three principles of fairness

by Christopher Brown, CEO/Co-Founder of Teed & Brown, Inc. had made efforts to create a healthy, productive work environment for everyone, yet something wasn’t working. These employees were being paid a fair, competitive wage. They had ample opportunity to improve their lot by reaching milestones and accomplishing goals, each with a raise tied to it. So, what went wrong? Why did they feel like they needed to take such a drastic step?

In a nutshell, they felt as though they were being treated unfairly. And we could have prevented that.

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

These employees were being paid a fair, competitive wage. They had ample opportunity to improve their lot by reaching milestones and accomplishing goals, each with a raise tied to it. So, what went wrong?

Since then, we have developed these three key

Principles of Fairness:

1. Communicate the process 2. Measure and quantify

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

3. Weed out the underperformers

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You may think your workers are happy, but taking actions to ensure they feel they've been treated fairly can keep your business running smooth.

Communicate the process. Do your employees know what everyone else is earning?

Many of you might be tempted to say “no.”

And you may be right, but probably not.

I was ironically sitting in a class on Organizational Behavior one Friday last fall when my phone buzzed with a text. It was my business partner.

Human beings are nosy creatures and we like to share personal information. Your employees are talking, and they are probably talking about salary. Before you try to crack down on such chatter, know that it’s illegal in most circumstances to prohibit employees from sharing salary information with other employees, and it has been since the National Labor Relations Act was passed 84 years ago in 1935.

“We’ve got a problem."

“What’s going on?”

“We have a revolt on our hands.”

I excused myself from class to give him a call. As it turns out, approximately ⅓ of our company had just walked into the office and demanded a pretty significant raise. Over the years we

Did you just recently hire someone who is getting paid more than someone else in your company? Why? You may have a good reason. Perhaps the new person has extensive experience, or specialized training. There

BUSINESS isn’t a company in the world that starts every single employee at the same salary, and people understand this.

“Your production level is 8% lower than average and your customer satisfaction scores are 5% below average.”

But they also need to understand why someone else is getting paid more than them. Just put yourself in their shoes. You’re getting paid $14/ hour and you’ve been there for two years. The boss just hired a new person at $14.50/hour and that person seems to be doing the same work as you. How would you feel?

“Yeah, but...”

If you’re like most of us, you’d probably be annoyed. And you’d probably tell other people in the company just how annoyed you are. You may even get a bunch of other people to be similarly annoyed. But instead, imagine you knew that this person had a relevant degree plus 10 years of experience at a similar company and was temporarily helping your team before moving into a more senior position. Now you might be fine knowing that they’re being paid more. Because now it seems fair.

Measure and quantify. When you give an employee review, how much concrete, quantifiable data do you use? Consider these common exchanges.

“You’re taking too long to get jobs done.”

“Yeah, but I’m trying to do a great job so the customers will be happy.”

“Your energy is really low lately.”

“Yeah, but I’m tired from all the hours you have me working.”

But imagine this instead.

But there’s another benefit to this principle. By measuring and quantifying, you can find those people who have been flying under the radar.

We have several employees who quietly outwork everyone, but we might not have noticed if we weren’t measuring output. We take great care of them. Similarly, we’ve had a few self-proclaimed superstars who did initially seem impressive.

But the numbers told a different story. They’re working for someone else now, which leads into the next principle.

Weed out the underperformers. Let’s say you have a perfectly fair system in place, and everyone understands and agrees. Can you expect to have any further fairness-related problems?

Oh yeah. You’d better believe it.

The fairest system in the world becomes unfair very quickly when underperformers don’t really earn their salary.

The rest of the crew sees it and asks a very simple question. “Why is that person getting paid the same as me?” All of a sudden, things are unfair again.

This aspect of managing fairness requires active, constant attention on your part. You’re paying everyone a fair wage for their position. But are they earning it? If someone is an underachiever, you need to get them out. Sure, do your best to light a fire under them and let them know they need to step up their game.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

I’ve probably heard “yeah, but” 1,000 times over the years. Certainly, you can argue back against these excuses, but do you think they’ll agree with your criticisms? We all have an incredible capacity for self-delusion. We think that we’re contributing more than we are and that most criticism is unwarranted. When the criticism is largely an opinion, it can be disregarded. And when your employees are judged based on your opinion, they’ll just feel like the victim of an unfair system.

But what? There’s not much to debate when you’ve measured and quantified. People can argue against opinions, but they can’t argue against facts. So take some time to think through every metric on which you judge employee performance. Can you measure it?

If you can, then do it. Keep track and provide that information to the employees during their reviews.

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BUSINESS didn’t use more concrete measurements 4 We with our reviews and discussions, so people

If they improve, great. If not, it’s time to part ways. Keeping them around is simply unfair to everyone else. I know this sounds simple, but it’s hard to fire people in the middle of a busy season when work needs to get done.

felt picked on when we gave them subjective feedback. They just disagreed and became disgruntled instead of accepting it and improving.

we had several slackers in our midst 4 Finally, who we kept too long because we had so

You’ll be tempted to keep all hands on deck. Don’t. The tradeoff in employee morale isn’t worth the extra warm body in the truck.

much work to get done. Bad mistake. We would have been better off turning down new business instead of holding onto bad apples.

So what happened?

If you want to achieve true organizational success, you need to create and foster a fair work environment. But that’s only half the equation.

It also has to be perceived as being fair by those involved. That will take some thought, planning, and strong communication on your part.

It took some investigating to figure out what had triggered our mini revolt. We soon learned that it was a combination of us falling short on all three principles. didn’t properly communicate the 4 We process of pay determination, so many

Originally published by Lawn & Landscape in January 2020 at www.lawnandlandscape.com. Reprinted with permission.

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INDUSTRY

Final report

Senate Study Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Landscape Workforce Access At press time for this magazine, UAC is crafting resolutions urging Congress to expand the eligibility requirements of the H-2A and H-2B guest-worker visa programs to be offered in the Georgia House and Senate this legislative session. These serve as messages urging Congress to make much-needed changes to these federal guest-worker programs so that they may be more useful for the businesses of Georgia struggling to find a viable domestic workforce. If passed, the Secretary of the Senate and House Clerk would be directed to make copies of the resolutions available for distribution to the President of the United States, the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of Georgia’s Congressional delegation.

Portions of the final report are excerpted here. To view the full report, visit: www.senate.ga.gov/committees/Documents/ AgricultureForestryandLandscapeWorkforceAccessfinalreport.pdf

The Senate Study Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Landscape Workforce Access (Committee) was created with the adoption of Senate Resolution 460 during the 2019 Legislative Session.

•

• •

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

The Committee was charged with exploring new employment initiatives in technical schools, youth career development programs, coordination among state agencies, and other such efforts to improve workforce availability in Georgia.

34

The Committee was comprised of the following members: • • • • • •

Senator John Wilkinson of the 50th; Senator P.K. Martin of the 9th; Senator Frank Ginn of the 4 7th; Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black; Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler; State School Superintendent of Education Richard Woods;

Mr. Charles Hall, Executive Director, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; Mr. Brent Galloway, President, Georgia Cattleman's Association; and Ms. Mary Kay Woodworth, Executive Director, Georgia Urban Agriculture Council.

Senator John Wilkinson, Chair of the standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, served as Chair of this Committee. The Committee met four times during the interim in Room 450 of the State Capitol in Atlanta, the Georgia Forestry Association, and the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. The Committee received public testimony and comment from an array of industry participants, educators, and state agencies. Speakers included: • •

Dr. Roger Tutterow, Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University; Dr. Genti Kostandini, Associate Professor Agricultural & Applied Economics at the University of Georgia;

INDUSTRY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mr. Mark Thelen, President and CEO of Landmark Landscapes; Mr. Jim McCutcheon, CEO of HighGrove Partners; Commissioner Mark Butler, Georgia Department of Labor; Ms. Farrah Newberry, Georgia Milk Producers, Inc.; Mr. Pete Gelber, Barrington Dairies; Mr. Tim Lowrimore, lnterfor; Mr. Preston Mobley, IFCO Seedlings; Mr. Tommy Peagler, Coastal Pines Technical College; Mr. Garrett Boone, Director of the Georgia Muse um of Agriculture; Ms. Lanie Riner, President of Thunderwood Farms; Mr. Kevin Koeppler, General Manager at Sunbelt Greenhouses; Mr. Aaron McWhorter, President of NG Turf; Mr. Ben Evans, Manager of Coffee County Gin; Mr. Marshall Spivey, CFO at Premium Peanut; and Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean and Professor at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Testimony from UAC members

Mr. Aaron McWhorter of NG Turf expressed in his testimony that current conditions are part of a supply and demand cycle. He expressed their difficulty finding midlevel operators and supervisors. He also stressed the lack of personal accountability among his employees and applicants.

Findings and recommendations The Committee received testimony from the public and interested parties, including representatives from the agricultural, forestry, and landscape industries, along with educators, economists, and government officials. Based on the foregoing testimony and supporting documents, the Committee issues the following findings:

The Committee finds that federal H-2A 4 and H-2B guest worker visa programs are complicated, cumbersome, and expensive for small businesses.

The Committee finds that federal guest 4 worker programs, like the H-2A and H-2B programs, can help farmers and agribusiness that otherwise cannot find an available workforce. The programs, however, are limited in scope and burdensome for some employers to navigate.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Mr. Mark Thelen of Landmark Landscape gave testimony expressing his company's challenges recruiting and retaining a solid workforce. Some of the major challenges he mentioned were enticing people who weren't interested in seasonal work in lieu of full year employment. He expressed that having a drug free workplace was a major challenge because it so drastically diminished the applicant pool. He expressed marijuana usage as a major problem with youth. Additionally he expressed that most laborers won't show up for work consistently even with a pay starting at $13 per hour.

Mr. Jim McCutcheon echoed the sentiment that a having a drug free workplace significantly diminishes the labor pool. His estimate is that 70 percent of applicants won't pass a drug test. He explained that they start their employees at $14 per hour but still have trouble filling all of the jobs.

He estimates that they are 10 to 20 percent understaffed every week costing his company over $1 million last year.

35

INDUSTRY The Committee finds that some employers The Committee recommends the Georgia 4 4 are having difficulty finding applicants for General Assembly pass resolutions urging available seasonal and full-time positions.

Congress to make changes to the federal H-2A and H-2B guest worker visa programs so that they may be more useful for the businesses of Georgia struggling to find a viable domestic workforce.

The Committee finds that Georgia students' 4 participation in the University System of

4

Georgia and Department of Education 4-H and FFA programs indicates an interest in building careers in agriculture, forestry, and landscape businesses.

The Committee finds that some employers are paying employees in cash, with no taxes withheld. This practice is drawing workers away from businesses that do withhold taxes.

The Committee recommends the State 4 provide a grant program to industry sector

non­government organizations to initiate or assist in industry employment initiatives.

The Committee recommends that the 4 University System of Georgia and the

Georgia Department of Education continue to advance jobs and career opportunities in the landscape, agriculture, and forestry industry by promoting degree programs and initiatives within secondary schools. Further, the Committee recommends the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia encourage technical colleges and higher education institutions to address the education necessary to prepare students for leadership roles in these industries.

Based on the testimony and findings, the Committee issues the following recommendations: The Committee encourages the Georgia 4 Department of Labor, Georgia Department

4

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

36

of Agriculture, and Georgia Department of Economic Development to coordinate in developing programs to improve workforce recruitment by identifying and encouraging workers from the region to come to Georgia for job opportunities.

The Committee recommends the Georgia Department of Labor and the Georgia Department of Agriculture coordinate to develop a program to help qualified businesses navigate the application process and compliance with H-2A and H-2B federal guest worker visas.

ANNUAL

The Committee recommends the Department of Revenue partner with state and local government agencies to develop recommendations and procedures to curb or eliminate the practice of employees earning cash and not remitting taxes upon those earnings.

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INDUSTRY

UAC works closely with Tolar Capitol Partners, monitoring and reporting weekly during each legislative session through Capitol Connection updates. These e-newsletters also include short surveys to "take the pulse" of

our UAC members on important issues. If you work for a UAC member company and would like to be added to this email list, please contact us at office@georgiauac.com.

Here are some recent survey results from UAC members:

Q

Please select from the following to indicate which is the most important issue for you as a Georgia UAC member.

RESULTS: Workforce/immigration issues...................................................................................42% Water rights.................................................................................................................15% Protecting existing sales tax exemptions and reduced property taxes.....................15% Environmental stewardship initiatives......................................................................14% Education and research funding in the state budget..................................................14%

As lawmakers dissect the state budget and look for sources of revenue, talk of legalizing gambling has grown. Please select from the following to indicate which best represents your interest in gambling/gambling facilities.

Q

RESULTS: Forget it...I do not support efforts to legalize gambling............................................48% UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Let Georgians vote to legalize gambling....................................................................33%

38

I support gambling only if the state taxes go to education or healthcare.................19%

Q

As state budget discussions dominate the Capitol conversations. Which of the following best summarizes your budget perspective?

RESULTS: Make sure teachers get the $2000 raise Governor Kemp recommended..................48% Fund necessary state services...teachers and others need to wait for raises............32% Find a way to increase tax revenue so we can fund state priorities..........................20%

INDUSTRY Everyone seems to have an opinion about Daylight Savings Time...should it stay or should it go? Lawmakers are even taking a look at ending the twice a year practice. What do you think?

Q

RESULTS: It's more trouble than it's worth. I hope lawmakers end Daylight Savings Time....68% Daylight Savings Time is fine with me.......................................................................32%

Currently, Georgia laws requires that if you are a licensed Pesticide Contractor and apply any pesticide to the property of another person or business, you must have at least one full-time Commercial Pesticide Applicator licensed at each of your business locations. Depending on the category of license, a minimum number of pesticide recertification credits is required for recertification (insuring that the applicator is up-to date on products/techniques, etc.).

Q

RESULTS: This is adequate for staff and the customers we serve..............................................64% Each individual who applies pesticides should be required to be licensed..............26% Requiring additional staff to have this license would benefit all parties..................10% Tolar Capitol Partners provides background and status information on key issues, prompting action from our members when needed and lobbying on behalf of our industry. tolarcapitolpartners.com

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39

INDUSTRY

New plant pathologist

Bochra Bahri joins UGA turfgrass research team

by Sharon Dowdy for CAES News Bochra Bahri has joined the University of Georgia as an assistant professor of plant pathology.

Based on the UGA Griffin campus, Bahri will conduct research on turfgrass and forage diseases that affect growers in Georgia, the nation and around the world.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

As the newest member of the University of Georgia Griffin campus faculty, Bochra Bahri’s research will be focused on fighting turfgrass diseases including dollar spot. She is working closely with other members of the UGA turfgrass team members based in Griffin, including plant pathologist Alfredo Martinez and turfgrass breeders Paul Raymer and David Jespersen.

40

A native of Tunisia, Bahri earned a degree in engineering from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia. She traveled to Paris for graduate school, completing a master’s degree in plant protection and environment from AgroParisTech and a doctorate at the University of ParisSud XI.

“For my PhD, I worked on wheat yellow rust disease and studied the pathogen structure in the Mediterranean area and tried to understand how the pathogen evolved according to the climate and its host,” she said.

While many American students would consider studying in Paris a dream opportunity, Bahri was accustomed to Paris because she visited often to see family there. Her dream opportunity came in April 2006 when UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences plant genetics Professor Katrien Devos hired her for a position in her laboratory in Athens, Georgia.

While working on a six-month post-doctoral position at the Aarhus University in Denmark, Bahri applied for a position in Devos’ laboratory on the UGA campus in Athens.

“I had also applied for a position as an assistant professor in my home country. I was used to working with plant pathogens, but plant genetics is Dr. Devos’ area. It was a big step to work in a new area, a new country and where everyone spoke a new language,” said Bahri whose native language is French.

After spending nine years studying in Paris, Bahri said Athens looked and felt like “paradise.”

“It’s cold and dark and grey all the time in Paris.

I loved Athens,” she said. “It is sunny, dry and hot like Tunisia, and there’s not all the pollution and rain.”

After working with Devos for a year, Bahri returned to her home country to teach at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia. She continued her research projects with Devos by coming to the U.S. for periodic six-month visits until she applied for and accepted her current position with UGA. Although she enjoys teaching, her heart lies in research.

“I prefer research, but I’m happy that my new position at UGA allows me to teach 10% of my time,” she said. “I have a postdoc student joining me in January and an advanced high school student will work in my lab in the spring through UGA-Griffin’s partnership with Pike County High School.”

For now, Bahri’s research is focused on fighting turfgrass diseases including dollar spot. She is working closely with other members of the UGA turfgrass team including plant pathologist

INDUSTRY Alfredo Martinez and turfgrass breeders Paul Raymer and David Jespersen.

She continues to study switchgrass as a forage with Devos and is also developing a collaboration with UGA wheat breeder Mohamed Mergoum, who is also based in Griffin, to study wheat as a forage crop. Bahri also continues to work with the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia and the National Agronomic Institute of Paris-Grignon to continue her studies of wheat yellow rust and identify resistant genes in Tunisian Durum wheat germplasm.

UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day and Exhibitor Tradeshow

To learn more about the UGA Turfgrass Team, 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.

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URBAN AG

Pollinator plant availability

State focuses on pollinator protection

by Merritt Melancon, Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News of Georgia has strengths; the Department of Agriculture has strengths and the private sector has its strengths. We have a better chance of meeting our goal of providing more pollinator habitat if we work together.”

The collaboration will connect Georgia’s robust greenhouse industry with experts in native plant cultivation and pollinator health to produce more ready-to-plant natives and to encourage Georgians to turn part of their home landscape into pollinator habitat. This year the groups will be reaching out to greenhouse growers to encourage them to produce specially selected landscape plants. Next year the focus will be on teaching gardeners how to incorporate and maintain the pollinatorfriendly plants.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

The first annual Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year chosen by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia are (clockwise from top left) Conradina (Conradina canescens), also known as wild rosemary; Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia); Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa); and Downy Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris).

42

As part of an ongoing effort to help support Georgians use more native plants in their landscapes, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has partnered with the State Botanical Garden at the University of Georgia, the Georgia Green Industry Association and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to launch the state’s first Pollinator Plants of the Year Program.

“We are excited to be part of the effort to get this amazing program in place for Georgia gardeners,” said Becky Griffin, UGA Extension school and community garden coordinator and pollinator protection expert. “Extension has strengths. The State Botanical Garden

The State Botanical Garden at the University of Georgia announced its first Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year at the Georgia Green Industry Association Wintergreen conference to encourage green industry professionals to suggest that businesses, parks, schools, city and county governments, and home gardeners add pollinator-friendly native plants to their landscapes.

The plants were selected by a committee made up of horticulturists, ecologists, entomologists and industry professionals. Each plant had to be aesthetically pleasing, marketable and, most importantly, provide shelter and food for a number of native Georgia pollinators.

“This program brings together conservation and horticulture, which don’t function independently—one supports the other,” said Lauren Muller, conservation outreach coordinator at the State Botanical Garden and coordinator of the Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year program. “It is important for people in

URBAN AG the green industry to think about conservation, the work we are doing and how we can tie it back into the larger ecological system.”

gardeners) can’t go to a local outlet and find that (plant) they’re looking for, it creates a negative feedback loop.”

2021 Pollinator Plants of the Year

The partnership behind the Pollinator Plants for the Year is part of a large scale partnership between State Botanical Garden and UGA Extension. Pollinator protection experts with Extension have merged their Pollinator Spaces project with the garden’s Connect to Protect pollinator protection efforts. The program will continue under Connect to Protect and help build a stronger pollinator protection movement across the state, Griffin said.

bloomer: Conradina (Conradina 4Spring canescens), also known as wild rosemary, is

a fine-textured, evergreen, woody shrub in the mint family with aromatic, needle-like leaves.

In spring, the plant is covered in small lavender flowers with purple-spotted throats. It supports many native bees and other pollinators and is ideal for container gardening or garden walls.

bloomer: Sweet Pepperbush 4Summer (Clethra alnifolia) is a small, deciduous,

densely branched shrub ideal for rain gardens.

Panicles of white flowers give off an intoxicating fragrance in the heat of summer and support many native bees.

bloomer: Downy Goldenrod (Solidago 4Fall petiolaris) - not to be confused with ragweed,

the true culprit in many allergies - is one of the shorter goldenrods, standing between one and three feet tall. From August to October, the flowers bloom in dense, spiky clusters, creating a gorgeous yellow plume. This is an excellent plant for bees, wasps and at least 112 species of butterflies and moths.

native: Butterfly Weed (Asclepias 4Georgia tuberosa) is a drought-tolerant, herbaceous

These plants should be available in Georgia garden centers in late 2020 and early 2021.

“This is great because, as an agent, it’s discouraging when you get a call from someone asking where they can find these (native) plants and we have to say, ‘Good luck! You can start them from seed if you want,” said Ashley Hoppers, UGA Cooperative Extension agricultural and natural resources agent for Fannin County. “It really stifles their desire to plant natives because it’s hard. If (home

Pollen Nation will provide green industry professionals with marketing and educational materials and consumers a website with tips on the best pollinators for their landscapes, including the Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year. That program will launch in March.

Programs and partnerships like the Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year program and Pollen Nation not only benefit members of the green industry, but also consumers and the environment, according to Jeremy Oxford, chairman of the Georgia Green Industry Association, which hosts the Wintergreen conference. “Connecting the dots between the environmental benefits of pollinator plants and Georgia’s nursery industry creates a winwin relationship,” Oxford said. “The Georgia Grown program and pollinator awards highlight the best of these plants so that growers can make them easily available to the consumer.“

For information on acquiring Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year or Connect to Protect visit botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/ connect-to-protect.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

perennial wildflower that reaches one to two feet tall and is excellent for sunny borders, meadows and containers. This plant serves as the larval host for the Monarch Butterfly, Grey Hairstreak, Queen Butterfly and Milkweed Tussock Moth and provides abundant nectar for many insects and hummingbirds.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture Georgia Grown’s Pollen Nation program will also join that effort. The program’s goal is to encourage the creation of pollinator gardens and the propagation of native plants, and to help support the green industry through increased plant sales of pollinator-friendly species, said Matthew Kulinski, deputy director of marketing at the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

43

URBAN AG

What's your flavor?

Bee preferences to crape myrtle cultivars

by S. Kristine Braman, James C. Quick, Bodie V. Pennisi, and Maria Putzke; University of Georgia Crape myrtles, Lagerstroemia spp., is a popular landscape shrub to small tree. Native

Photo by James Quick

We studied pollinator preference by examining bee visitation to 40 crape myrtle cultivars in north Georgia, established at the University of Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville since 2004. We observed the plants for pollinator visitation during July and August 2015–2016.

to China, Japan, and Korea southward to Oceania, they have been cultivated in the United States for more than 175 years.

Cultivars range from three-foot shrubs to 30-feet tall trees, graced with large panicles of white, pink, lavender, purple, or red, and many colors in between.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Among cultivars, there is a wide range of tolerance to key pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew, flea beetle, crape myrtle aphid, and Japanese beetle.

44

The flowers are not only widely admired by humans but can serve as a nectar source for pollinators. With recent decline in pollinator health and diversity, pollinator visitation should be a consideration (along with pest susceptibility and horticultural attributes) when making a choice among different crape myrtle cultivars for home and commercial landscapes.

It is a priority that we begin evaluating products that can control key pests while also having minimal negative effects on natural enemies and pollinators. Although prone to these few key pest problems, for which systemic insecticides are sometimes applied, crape myrtle also supports predaceous insects and is attractive to pollinators. This non-native plant provides pollen for native bee species and honey bees;

a study done in Florida found that bees varied in their cultivar preference among 14 cultivars.

We studied pollinator preference by examining bee visitation to 40 crape myrtle cultivars in north Georgia, established at the University of Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville in 2004. We observed the plants for pollinator visitation during July and August 2015–2016.

Favorite flavors We found that bee species varied in plant preference.

two most visited cultivars among 4 The all bees during the two years of study,

including honey bees, carpenter bees, and several small bee species, were ‘Seminole,’ a large shrub with pink flowers and ‘Victor,’ a small shrub with red flowers.

bees, however, were most 4 Bumble commonly observed visiting ‘Apalachee,’ a large shrub with lavender flowers.

‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Raspberry 4 ‘Biloxi,” Sundae’ were visited least often by all bees.

Height matters Plant height also significantly influenced bee visitation.

all cultivars, bees were most often 4 Among observed on the small shrub category, followed by medium and large shrubs, with fewest observations on the small tree category.

bees, however, were more 4 Bumble frequently observed on the medium shrub cultivars, followed by large shrubs, then small shrubs and finally small trees.

bees were most frequently observed 4 Honey in the small shrub category, followed by

large shrubs, then medium shrubs and small trees.

URBAN AG bees were observed in similar 4 Carpenter numbers among small, medium and tall

shrubs, and less frequently on the small tree cultivars.

Summer dining visited crape myrtles in early August 4 Bees during both years of study, with small bees being most numerous.

bees were also frequently observed 4 Honey visiting crape myrtle flowers.

Color preferences

bees (honey bees, bumble bees, 4 Total small bees, and carpenter bees) varied

significantly in number observed among the different flower color categories.

pink, dark purple, and white were the 4 Dark flower colors most frequently visited. bees, however, were most frequently 4 Honey seen on pink-flowered cultivars, while

bumble bees were most numerous on lavender-flowered and dark purple cultivars.

What it means for us Previous work has suggested that suburban landscapes in eastern North America have the potential to host relatively diverse and intact bee communities. An increasing understanding of pollinator attraction to urban plantings is providing consumer options.

Cultivars were not equally attractive to all bee categories and could potentially be more narrowly selected based on the target of conservation efforts.

‘Seminole,’ ‘Apalachee’ and ‘Victor’ were the top three crape myrtle flowers for attracting bees.

Crape myrtles, which have become a dominant feature of southeastern landscapes, offer the opportunity to provide a forage resource for native and honey bees, especially during later summer time periods when fewer floral resources are available. Crape myrtles can bloom as early as May in the deep south and can continue into the fall in more northern limits of the range that may also expand with changing climate. They bloom on new growth, and specific crape myrtle flowering times could be adjusted by pruning in order to be accessible to bee species at the most opportune times.

The growing body of knowledge detailing pest management needs of various cultivars, horticultural attributes, and comparative attractiveness to pollinators offers the consumer choices in plant preference that minimize the need for intervention for insect or disease suppression and increase the likelihood of bee and other beneficial insect conservation.

‘Victor,’ ‘Seminole,’ and ‘Apalachee,’ the most frequently visited cultivars among the 40 in our study have demonstrated fair to good disease resistance but are moderately susceptible to Japanese beetle and other insect pests that frequently require management.

UGA Cooperative Extension Circular #1185

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Many factors contribute to plant attractiveness for pollinators and other beneficial insects in urban and rural settings. Our current findings demonstrated the influence of cultivar, flower color and plant height on bee visitation among crape myrtles.

Photos by James Quick

45

URBAN AG

Year of the lantana

A luscious group of colors

by Norman Winter, The Garden Guy Hats off to the National Garden Bureau for designating 2020 as the Year of the Lantana. If you are looking for a flower that

gives vibrant color from late spring though frost the lantana is probably the plant for you. This does come with a WARNING: you will mostly likely have tigers, zebras and some flashy ladies hanging around your garden all growing season.

The passion for pollinators is skyrocketing and you could hardly do better than lantana. My suggestion would be to pair it with salvia, the 2019 Plant of the Year and you’ll want to invite the neighbors over for not only the beauty but to experience the Serengeti-like activity in the garden.

The lantana is related to the verbena (in fact has a common name of shrub verbena). In the last decade the number of varieties has exploded, making you scratch your head when trying to choose.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

The Garden Guy like those 24 to 30-inches in height with an equal width especially since I will be combining with Rockin salvias, Blue Boa agastache and Vermillionaire cuphea. My son, on the other hand, works with varieties that require a small chainsaw or hedge trimmer and that’s okay, too.

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Today’s newer varieties have been selected for non-stop blooming vibrant colors that will make your landscape look like Carnival in Rio. I can hardly wait for spring. There is no telling what varieties will be available. Their incredibly long season of bloom makes them at the top of the list of value for your garden dollar.

Keep your eyes open for the Luscious series coming from Proven Winners. This group that boasts 10 colors has garnered an unbelievable 231 awards from trial gardens throughout the country, east to west and north to south.

Included is this year’s new Luscious Goldengate that has already won 22 awards.

The Garden Guy is going bold and can hardly wait to get the iridescent orange Marmalade, the Berry Blend featuring shades of fuchsia with red and yellow, and Citrus Blend a shocking red, orange and yellow. These will go in the back yard with an assortment of salvias, including this year’s new Rockin Blue Suede Shoes.

Besides the ability to withstand torrid heat and a wide variety of soil conditions the lantana seems to be a real favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s not uncommon to go to a garden center that has several lantanas and get the feeling you are on a National Geographic photographic shoot.

Remember sunlight is a key ingredient for the real blooming to occur. While they aren’t finicky on soil but I seem to always have clay so I like to incorporate a little organic matter to help with not only drainage but good root expansion for the new plants. Plan on spacing your pants 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on your variety.

Throughout the season don’t be afraid to prune a little as needed to maintain size or shape or to stimulate new growth and more blooms especially during the August blitz of heat.

Fertilizing is no big deal with lantanas but they do respond with a light application as a little pick me up in mid-summer. Those in containers being watered daily need regular fertilization.

As a pollinator lover here is a hearty thank you to the National Garden Bureau for making 2020 The Year of the Lantana and from this growing season onward may we always include them in the landscape.

About the author Norman Winter is an author and speaker on horticultural topics.

Follow him on Facebook: Norman Winter The Garden Guy

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Lantanas will bring in butterflies like the Zebra Swallowtail.

The National Garden Bureau has designated 2020 as The Year of the Lantana.

The Luscious series of lantana from Proven Winners has won 231 awards. This Berry Blend is one of 10 colors.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners

Luscious Citrus Blend features red, orange and yellow.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners

This Luscious Marmalade lantana was lunch for this American Lady butterfly.

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Lacebark elm

Offering fall and winter magic

by Norman Winter, Horticulturist, Author and Speaker The lacebark elm met Old Man Winter’s confrontation head on and won

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this past winter in the Chattahoochee Valley area of West Georgia. While record cold took its toll by freezing leaves to the tree these small elms decorated neighborhoods with soft orange and yellow.

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The lacebark elm, Ulmus parvifolia, is from China and Korea. Lest you think badly about bringing The bark exfoliates revealing shades in foreign substitutes of orange, brown, gray and olive know that this one green. Not too many trees can match is resistant to the this one in color and design.

Dutch elm disease that wreaked havoc on our native American elm. It is also resistant to Japanese beetles that have become a recent scourge in our area. To be honest, this is one of the most problem-free trees for the landscape.

It is also a manageable size that over time can reach 50 feet tall and as wide.

As the leaves fall, they create a yellow carpet that is worthy of a capturing with the camera.

This past year - for whatever reason - the bark, which always catches my eye, was even more beautiful. Perhaps the bone chilling 22 degrees had an influence. More than likely it is just me rediscovering their incredible beauty.

The bark is where it beats the hybrid red maples. While it’s called lacebark, which is most appropriate, it would also make the perfect

pattern for a camouflage outfit. The bark exfoliates revealing shades of orange, brown, gray and olive green. Not too many trees can match this one in color and design.

At the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah GA where it got its start as a USDA Plant Introduction Station, there was an old specimen that had stood the test of time. It was like a living monument to a great and wonderful era of plant exploration.

After a dozen years they are about 20 feet tall and 18 feet wide, offering a perfect size for the urban environment. In the summer their leaves are dark green and handsome leading up to the fall fling. Some trials report that the color on this species is better in the south but certainly this is not a deterrent in its colder zone 5 or protected zone 4 regions.

In the south the Drake is among the most popular varieties as it is considered semievergreen. Northern gardeners instead choose Emerald Isle and Emerald Vase in addition to a new release called Burgundy. The Bosque variety with its straight central-leader would be excellent for parks, street-side and shopping centers.

Once you select the variety for your region choose a site with plenty of sun. The soil should be fertile and well-drained. They are not picky about soil pH which is great for everyone. Even though they are quick to acclimate dig your planting hole two to three times as wide as the root ball. This really allows for the quickest rootexpansion into the adjacent soil. The lacebark is considered a fast grower for a really quality tree.

The winter reveals whether we planned for form and structure in our gardens and the use of bark is important. If we choose the right trees like the lacebark elm, we will realize that even though they are deciduous they will make a dramatic landscape impact.

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Looking through the canopy of the lacebark elm reveals wonderful color and structure.

In addition to yellow the lacebark may yield a soft orange for fall foliage.

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Standing against the wind Tree and storm wind loads

by Dr.. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care, University Hill Fellow, Warnell School, UGA Trees must withstand wind to survive.

Wind and gravity both impact trees in storms, but the dominant load is from wind. Storm winds push on tree crowns and stems causing their root plates to wobble, and all tree parts to twist and bend leading to either tree or soil failure. Trees sense structural stress and attempt to minimize failures through adaptive growth.

Trees modify their structure over time as they are challenged by wind. Trees are biologically designed to sustain average wind loads plus a small safety factor. What are the mechanical loads applied by storms to trees?

Sailing along

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A tree has a large sail area (leaves, twigs, branches) held high upright into the air by a tapered mast (stem). The stem is held aloft by a thick horizontal mat of large structural roots at the stem base which forms a root plate. Rapidly tapering roots growing away from the stem base provide a tree with both a structural framework and an absorbing surface. The center of gravity

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(effective weight center) of a tree is usually somewhere in the middle of a stem above the root plate and below the crown base. Gravity is pulling down on the tree all over, but has a total effect focused at the center of gravity. Wind is pushing the tree around its center of gravity.

The weight of a tree is pulled down onto the soil surface. As long as its center of gravity remains positioned above its supporting base, the stem is usually stiff enough to keep a tree upright. If the center of gravity for a tree is not positioned over its supporting base, gravity may topple a tree if the tensile and compressive strength of the stem and root base are compromised or inadequate.

Storm winds can push the center of gravity in the stem out from over its supporting base. The combined result is wind moving a tree laterally and gravity pulling a tree downward, providing a rotation force acting to roll a tree out of the ground -- a load wheel. Figure 1.

Gravity Trees seldom fail under their own weight -- external loads stress and strain a tree until failure. Gravity loads trees in tandem with wind to initiate failures, but wind loads greatly exceed gravity loads in most situations. Wind is an acute mechanical variable for which trees must constantly adjust growth processes. Gravity is a chronic stress and strain with which trees must cope. Adding mass to a tree in the form of growth (tree size, extent, and reach), or through applied water, ice or snow loads, can magnify gravity’s impact on a tree, causing fiber creep (permanent tissue changes) and failures. But, it is storm winds which push tree structures to their limits.

Impact trinity Figure 1: Storm wind forces, and to a lesser degree gravity, act to rotate a tree out of the soil as a combined load wheel.

In order to more clearly understand storminitiated failures in trees, wind loads must be fully appreciated. Wind has three primary components which impact trees:

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1.

velocity or speed (mile per hour or feet per second);

2.

acceleration (velocity changes over time or velocity squared); and,

3.

throw weight (mass of moving air and its contents).

Wind speed is a simple concept easily measured and applied against a tree. But, it is not solely wind speed which pushes trees to catastrophic failures.

Dynamic pressure Wind acceleration is a dynamic load variable which is not easily measured. How fast wind speeds change through acceleration and deceleration place constantly changing loads on trees. The duration of time between minimum and peak velocity (gusts), and then peak velocity and minimum velocity (calms) greatly impact trees. Is the changing wind load applied over one second or one hour? A load gently applied over time can be more easily dealt with in a tree than a hammer blow of wind applied suddenly.

Rapid changes in wind velocity impact trees proportionally to wind velocity squared.

Another component of wind impacting trees is the mass of the wind stream, sometimes called the throw weight of the wind. Wind propelling rain, ice, snow, soil, or debris is heavier (has more mass) than atmospheric gas components.

For the same wind velocity, the more materials in the windstream, the more impact this wind will have on a tree. There is a weight class difference among storm winds which all impact

(NOAA data)

Figure 3: Estimated average number of wind events each year with sustained winds greater than 50 miles per hour. (NOAA data) trees differently. In addition to twisting and bending loads applied by “heavier” winds, tissue scouring from wind-bourne debris can greatly damage trees.

Drag Once the dynamic nature of wind is appreciated, tree resistance or drag can be considered. Drag is caused by air hitting and moving past a standing tree. Drag represents the resistance or friction of a tree to wind. Force on a tree is generated due to the velocity of

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Wind at increasingly greater velocity does not exist in a perfect linear, laminar, and continuous flow. Storm winds are not equivalent to wind tunnel winds. Not only are storm winds gusting in large wave forms, wind can show many smaller periodic patterns which constantly and quickly load and unload trees. Wind is a complex of pulsing and rotating pressure waves with multiple periods. Sometimes these wave peaks or pulses of wind combine to generate extraordinary gusts, other times the calms between the different wave patterns combine to generate relatively still periods.

Figure 2: Average number of days with thunderstorm events per year.

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Figure 4: Beaufort Wind Scale with tree impacts.

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Figure 5: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale with tree impacts.

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Figure 6: Estimated maximum wind speed at various distances inland from a category 3 hurricane landfall.

(NOAA data)

wind and air density striking and moving past tree surfaces.

Because a tree is not a solid unmoving object but a flexible, bending, porous object, only a part of the total wind force is applied to the tree (a portion represented by a drag coefficient).

The faster wind velocity (V), the greater the pressure placed onto a tree (V2) -- but the smaller drag coefficients can become to some minimum point.

Trees reconfigure stem, branches, twigs, and foliage under increasing wind loads by falling back against the wind or streamlining, including changes in stem and branch flexing/twisting, twig and foliage folding/ rolling, generating a smaller frontal area, and effectively increasing crown porosity. The frontal area of a tree can be reduced by more than 50% as wind velocity increases. Because of trees reconfigurating in wind, drag coefficients change (decrease) with increasing wind velocity. There is great variability in tree drag coefficients

across the research literature (range = 1.35 0.10). Here a drag coefficient of 1.0 is used to simplify understandings of storm wind loads.

Wind hammer Wind loads on trees can be summarized as a constant pressure with additional pulsing of short wind bursts and a rolling shock wave of high pressure wind occasionally applied. This variable wind load is applied to trees through acceleration and deceleration around an average value with a variable weight windstream.

Trees in storms are hammered with a dynamic combination of blows. Note the average wind velocity values and gust peaks measured for media meteorology information do not adequately represent the full dynamic nature of storm winds on trees.

For example, it is both gusts and calms which impact trees. Trees bend and twist back against the force of wind and rebound in calm periods between gusts. Winds load and unload trees in different ways, over various time frames, and on different tree parts. Dynamic storm winds are more difficult to successfully resist over time than a simple straight wind. The periodicity of tree swaying, coupled with the frequency of wind pressure peaks, can generate tremendous synergies of load and resistance in trees.

Storming As small-scale winds differ over time, large scale meteorologic events differ in the amount and intensity of energy applied to trees and landscapes. The four major forms of storms considered when examining tree impacts are thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and derechos (horizontal rolling squall lines with clusters of downbursts). Ice storms, snow loads, and lightning are additional tree-damaging features of storms. Every storm event has a different size, power, duration, and residual impact on trees. Different areas of a landscape receive different combinations of storm wind energy not predictable based solely upon typography, aspect, openness, or history.

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T-Storms Thunderstorms can be found across the continent. Thunderstorms generate updrafts in the atmosphere, large columns of falling rain and air, and ground-level winds. The straight line winds in a thunderstorm can be caused by downbursts of various sizes: microbursts (<1 mile diameter & 160 mph maximum winds); macrobursts (>2.5 miles diameter & 130 mph maximum winds); and, derechos (band of downburst clusters >240 miles long & >100 mph maximum winds).

Figure 2 is a map of the average number of thunderstorm days across the continental United States. Hot, humid air running into colder air masses tend to generate storms with massive air flows. Note the Southeastern and Central United States have many events per year which could potentially overload and damage trees. Florida leads the nation with thunderstorm days. Figure 3 provides an estimate of the average number of storms each year with sustained winds greater than 50 mph.

Beaufort Scale Winds in thunderstorms are usually reported in average miles per hour and peak gust speeds.

Historically, wind from thunderstorms were classified by a 0-12 numerical force scale. These classes comprised the Beaufort Wind Scale

Moving up As wind velocity climbs past 73 miles per hour, a different wind classification system is used instead of the Beaufort scale. The hurricane “category” value is listed by the public and in the simplest weather forecasts. This classification system is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Figure 5 provides a summary of the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Scale with category number, wind speed in miles per hour, midpoint velocity range wind pressure value in pounds per square feet, and potential tree impacts.

Note the wind pressure value represents a drag coefficient of 1.0. This hurricane scale has a noticeably uneven level of increasing wind velocity classes topping out at greater than 157 miles per hour in a category 5 hurricane.

For example, a category 3 hurricane would have top sustained winds of 111-129 miles per hour.

A category 3 hurricane would be expected to

Figure 8: General trend line for tornado numbers. (NOAA data)

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Figure 7: Estimated sustained ~60 mph wind speed line for inland areas after a category 3 hurricane landfall. (after NOAA data)

developed for mariners. Figure 4 provides potential tree impacts from Beaufort Wind Scale forces. For example, a “force 8" wind is called a “fresh gale” and has a velocity between 39 and 46 miles per hour, breaking twigs on some trees.

A force 12 wind is 73 miles per hour or greater, which begins the hurricane classifications.

Note the wind pressure values represent a drag coefficient of 1.0.

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URBAN AG strip leaves and topple trees with large sail areas.

Trees with full frontal exposure to category 3 winds would be expected to fail.

Inland winds

Figure 9: Average historic number of tornadoes per year. (after NOAA data)

One poorly understood and planned for aspect of a hurricane landfall is how far from the coast wind damage can occur as remnants of the storm moves inland. Hurricanes can spawn other types of storms (like tornadoes) and other types of winds (isolated thunderstorm events), but the primary hurricane winds generated over the ocean decline with landfall. The declining wind speeds do not drop instantaneously. Figure 6 shows how many miles inland maximum hurricane winds could be felt and at what velocity for a category 3 storm.

The time between landfall and maximum wind impact on any tree will depend upon the ground speed of the storm as it moves inland and the distance inland of a tree. Figure 7 shows the distance from the coast where a category 3 hurricane landfall would still generate 60 mph sustained winds as it moved inland. Of course, higher category storms would deliver faster wind speeds farther inland.

Tornadoes

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Figure 10: Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale with tree impacts. (used after 2/1/2007) (NOAA data)

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Figure 11: Coder Storm Intensity Map of potential risks for tree damage. Zone 10 represents the greatest storm intensity area, leading to the greatest risk of tree damage.

Tornadoes can be a component of many types of storms. This intense, high velocity, rotating storm event plagues trees. The top momentary wind speeds can be tremendous. Direction of the heaviest winds change with passage of the storm. Trees near the direct track of a tornado must withstand the bending loads applied by winds as well as twisting (torque). In addition, tornadoes are often accompanied by heavy rains, damaging hail, and intense lightning activity, all of which impact trees.

Tornado events are on the rise in the United States. Figure 8 provides a trend line for increasing tornado events over the last 55 years.

Note since 1950, tornado events have increased roughly seven-hundred percent (7X). Figure 9 is a map developed from storm data from the last 45 years showing the average number of tornadoes per year for the continental United States. The map categories are broad, but

URBAN AG demonstrate a concentration of storms in the legendary “tornado alley” of the Great Plains.

Measured tornadoes The wind force scale used with tornadoes is called the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. Figure 10. Note the EF scale stops measuring wind gust velocity at 200 mph, at EF-5. Remember actual wind speed values can vary widely for the same storm event and same gusts depending upon the technique used to measure wind velocity and the statistical means used to describe wind velocity. A wind speed value could represent a maximum gust or a variety of average speeds.

Common measures include fastest mile, greatest 3-second gust, or average velocity over 5 or 10 minute intervals.

Storm intensity zones In trying to summarize storm winds and associated damage to trees, a storm intensity map of tree impacts was developed for the continental United States. This map was created using cluster analysis of average historic data for thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning ground strike frequency, ice glazing events, snow fall accumulation values, and general wind speed values. Figure 11 is a map of storm intensity as it relates to potential tree damage.

The range of storm intensity impacting trees is categorized into zones from 0 to 10. Note these zones include both wind and gravity related tree structural impacts. The most intense area of potential tree damage from storms is in zone 10, the southern tip of Florida.

Gusting In all of the meteorological scales presented here, wind speed in miles per hour is a common means of demonstrating storm strength and potential for tree damage. Unfortunately, for

most people listening to media reports of storm conditions, both wind speeds and associated tree impacts can be underestimated. The traditional way of presenting wind speeds to a general audience has been a ground measurement in miles per hour taken at an airport or in an open field averaged over some time period (usually every 10 minutes to one hour). This average wind speed is helpful in appreciating the intensity of any storm.

Remember it is gusts and calms which are critical to understanding wind loads and associated risks of tree damage. An average wind speed of X could have individual gusts of 1.5X to 2X hidden within the wind speed value.

For example, an average wind speed may hover around 50 miles per hour for a period of time in the middle of a big storm. It is entirely possible for maximum wind speeds to have reached 75 to 100 miles per hour in short duration gusts.

Force not speed Storm wind loads on trees are not well represented by wind velocity values in miles per hour. Wind impacts on trees are directly related to the force or pressure which wind applies to tree parts. The pressure of wind applied

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

The value of this storm intensity map is in appreciating areas which share common storm intensity and associated risks of tree damage.

For example, most of Georgia is in the same zone as most of Kansas, the heart of tornado alley. The storm types may be different, but the total yearly damage impact potential on trees from storms is roughly the same.

Figure 12: Estimated wind pressures in pounds per square feet (lbs/ft2) calculated under standard conditions for various wind velocities in miles per hour (mph). (drag coefficient = 1.0)

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URBAN AG to a tree can be estimated by multiplying the mathematical square of wind speed times onehalf the density of air moved. Pressure of wind on trees is usually calculated at some standard temperature (like 68oF) at sea level. A simplified formula for quick estimates of wind pressure is given below: wind pressure on tree in pounds per square foot = (0.013) X ( wind speed in mph X (0.45) )2.

Figure 12 presents a comparison between wind velocity in miles per hour and wind pressure in pounds per square foot created using the simplified formula above. Wind pressure values have been added to previously reviewed storm wind classification scales to help people appreciate the magnitude of force applied to trees. Note as wind speed doubles, wind pressure against a tree per square foot of frontal area would not simply double, but quadruple.

Remember wind pressure values represent a drag coefficient of 1.0.

For example, if wind velocity is 20 miles per hour, wind pressure applied to the front aspect area of a tree is 1.1 pounds per square feet. If storm winds then accelerate and level off at 40 miles per hour, the wind pressure is 4.2 pounds per square feet. A small increase in wind velocity

can have great impacts on wind pressure applied to a tree. Figure 13 provides a graphical view of greatly increasing wind force generated with increasing wind velocity.

Tree damage Summarizing and simplifying all proceeding storm wind scales and load values produced and reviewed here, several features are clear.

A tree wind damage assessment is needed to help tree health care professionals focus on tree damage potential, not storm severity. Figure 14.

Presented in the assessment are wind velocity in miles per hour, wind pressure as applied to trees in pounds per square foot, and potential tree damage. Remember, this assessment is only a guide and tree loss can occur at any wind speed, or under calm conditions, for many reasons other than wind loading. In addition, wind pressure on trees coated with ice can double or triple the stress and strain developed.

Because wind speed does not represent the actual wind force applied to a tree, wind pressure values should always be used. Wind pressure values here are in pounds per square feet of the tree’s front aspect to windward with a drag coefficient of 1.0. Wind pressure values help remind professionals about the tremendous increase in forces applied to trees as wind speeds climb. Wind speed in miles per hour is a common and relatable value. Wind pressure values should be used for tree risk assessments because they show the true extent of loading and resistance in trees.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Structural thresholds

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Figure 13: Estimated pressure of storm winds at different wind speeds applied to trees. (drag coefficient = 1.0) wind pressure in pounds per square feet = (0.013) x (wind speed in miles per hour x (0.45))2

There are two critical storm load thresholds in trees, T1 and T2. The first limiting threshold (T1) is reached when wind speeds approach and exceed 56 miles per hour (~8 pounds of wind pressure per square feet). T1 is where the drag reconfiguration in a tree has been reached and cannot significantly be reduced any further without tissue loss (i.e. front impact of the wind on a tree has been minimized).

Up to this threshold level, leaves are blown back against the wind, then rolled creating less drag or resistance. With increasing wind velocity, peripheral twigs and branches are

URBAN AG reconfigured in the crown as they fall back and are bent against the wind. Finally, all crown reconfiguration through reduction of wind resistance occurs. Any more reduction in wind resistance will mean breaking of twigs and branches.

structural loading from storms. We will continue to be surprised and inspired by trees surviving storms which stripped human structures from the soil surface. Storm wind loads on trees must be accounted for in assessing tree structure and appreciating risks.

It is wind load, not tree resistance, which must play a greater role in our observations and understandings of trees standing against the wind.

The second constraining storm load threshold (T2) is reached in a tree around 96 miles per hour (~24 pounds of wind pressure per square feet) when the mechanical safety factors of tree structure have been reached for most trees challenged by wind under “average” or normal situations. At this threshold, major damage is being initiated and resistance success by trees against increasing wind pressure is only through sheer luck of position, buffering of wind loading by surroundings, or having been challenged by these wind forces over many seasons.

Conclusions Trees are amazing for their successful growth and longevity under conditions of severe

Figure 14: Coder Tree Wind Damage Assessment showing wind velocity in miles per hour, wind pressure in pounds per square foot, potential tree damage, and two wind load thresholds where tree resistance to loads change rapidly.

More tree health publications are available at Warnell Outreach Publications website: warnell.uga.edu/outreach/publications

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CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions. The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc.

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Corporate HQ/MFR: Greene County Fertilizer Company • 1490 Airport Road • Greensboro, Georgia 30642 Our bio-based fertilizers & specialty fertility products are blended to feed plants, improve soil fertility and build topsoil.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Starter Fertilizer GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N).....................16.0% 16.0% Ammoniacal Nitrogen Available Phosphate (P2O5).......21.0% Soluble Potash (K2O)..................2.0%

Concentrate

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ADVERTISERS

Directory of advertisers Company/Website:..................Page #

Arbor Hill Nurseries.............................. 27 arborhillnurseries.com Atlanta Best Media.............................. 32 atlantabestmedia.com Blalock Machinery................................ 2 blalockmachinery.com Frank A Smith Nurseries....................... 39 fasnurseries.com Greene County Fertilizer Company........ 57 greenecountyfert.com Legacy Turf Farms................................ 59 legacyturffarms.com Mid Tenn Turf....................................... 19 midtennturf.com NG Turf.......................................3, 14, 21 ngturf.com Progressive Turf Equipment.................. 33 progressiveturfequip.com Proven Winners................................... 21 provenwinners-shrubs.com

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Snellings Walters................................. 58 snellingswalters.com

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Sunbelt Turf......................................... 49 sunbeltturffarms.com Super-Sod........................................... 60 supersod.com WebTech............................................. 37 wtmarketing.com

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

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GOAL: Happy Customers

SOLUTION: Use Super-Sod Grasses

TifTuf Bermuda, Drought Tolerance Just Got a New Standard

Zeon Zoysia

h The most drought tolerant turf. h TifTuf uses 38% less water than Tifway and will pay for itself in reduced water bills.

h Dark green and medium-fine textured; it’s easier to maintain than other fine-textured types.

h Maintains acceptable turf quality and aesthetics under drought stress.

h Shade tolerant; a turfgrass that’s widely adaptable to full sun or moderate shade.

h Super-Sod now grows Zeon Zoysia.

h Makes a lawn with a lush, dense growth habit.

UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

We’ve Got You Covered

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h Pick up sod from more locations than anyone h Full truck loads and small quantities delivered

h Request a Free Quote on supersod.com

1-888-360-1125 Cartersville 54 Brown Farm Rd. SW 770-382-7284

Alpharetta 370 McFarland Parkway 770-274-2262

Marietta 5058 Canton Rd. NE 770-516-3255

Forest Park Atlanta Farmers Market 16 Forest Parkway, Shed 39 404-363-1932

Gwinnett / Lawrenceville 609 Airport Rd. 770-277-7745

Ft. Valley / Perry 158 Sod Farm Rd. 478-825-7422