UAC Magazine - Spring 2022

AUGUST

31, 2022 Details inside!

LANDSCAPE PRO

UNIVERSITY

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

THREE WAYS to get the

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed information and training you need!

1. Landscape Design Seminar Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape

2. Georgia Pesticide License Review Full day of preparation to take the Category 24 exam

3. Green Industry Conference Mix or match topic areas hourly

CEUs | PESTICIDE CREDITS

7 Looking to make a greener world?

This is where you start.

12 J A N U A R Y 2 6, 2 0 2 2 COBB GALLERIA | ATLANTA GA

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56 SPRING 2022

Greener. Smarter. Stronger.

SPRING 2022 |

1

144-INCH

LAZER Z DIESEL 12 FEET OF PRODUCTIVITY BUILT FOR LANDSCAPE PROS ®

All-Day Operator Comfort

43.5 HP1 Yanmar® Diesel

Hydraulic deck folds to 83.5”

Over 11 acres per hour2 at 80% efficiency

SCAN ME TO LEARN

MORE

exmark.com 1The gross horsepower of the 3TNV86CT was laboratory rated at 3000 rpm by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1995. As configured to meet safety, emission and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on these mowers may be significantly lower. 2 Many manufacturers use 100% efficiency ratings for sale purposes. Exmark believes an 80% efficiency rating is more representative of actual mowing conditions, as it allows for turns and overlapping. Formulas for calculating acres per hour: 100% efficiency: MPH x width of cut ÷ 99 = acres per hour | 80% efficiency: MPH x width of cut ÷124 = acres per hour

2 | UAC MAGAZINE

For Happy Customers, Use Super-Sod Grasses Zeon Zoysia

#1 In Drought Tolerance TifTuf uses 38% less water than Tifway and will pay for itself in reduced water bills. Maintains acceptable turf qulity and aesthetics under drought stress.

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

Virginia Richmond Virginia Beach

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Asheville Chattanooga

Wilmington

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Athens Atlanta

South Carolina Augusta

Columbus

Super-Sod Farms 100 mile radius

Charleston

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North Carolina

Charlotte

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Raleigh

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We’ve Got You Covered

Norfolk

Super-Sod Farms Pick-Up and Delivery, Varies by Farm

Savannah

Alabama

Georgia Jacksonville Tallahassee

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Florida

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Cartersville 54 Brown Farm Rd. SW 770-382-7284

Super-Sod Stores Pick-Up and Delivery

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

 Request a Free Quote on supersod.com

1-888-360-1125

Frequent Delivery Areas Broader Delivery Areas

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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

SPRING 2022 |

3

UAC Magazine Official publication of the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council

Board of Directors Pam Dooley Plants Creative Landscapes Jennifer Jorge King Green Matt Lowe Swift Straw Josh Morrow Athletic Fields, Inc. Ken Morrow The Turfgrass Group Bob Scott Irrigation Consultant Services Steve Ware Centennial Olympic Park/GWCC Ray Wiedman Outdoor Expressions Ron White TurfPride

Ex Officio

Bodie Pennisi UGA Extension Horticulturist Clint Waltz UGA Extension Turf Agronomist

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

SPRING 2022 UAC NEWS 5

Executive Director message

6

UAC member acquires company Super-Sod purchases Frog Pond Turf

7

Landscape Pro University Three ways to get what you need

REGULAR FEATURES 8

Me & My Mentor Thinking about a career change?

10

Pro Project Ed Castro Landscape

12

Pest 411 Oak lecanium

14

Save the date

16

What the tech? The industry podcasts you need to listen to in 2022

18

Safety School What do your employees need to know right now?

58

Directory of advertisers

Staff Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director Kathy Johnson Marketing Director & Editor

BUSINESS 20

How to identify your ideal client Find your niche and stick to it

22

Multiple competing priorities When everything feels like a priority

24

Attacking inflation Develop a pricing process and plan

A member of: American Hort Atlanta Botanical Garden Georgia Arborist Association Georgia Association of Water Professionals Georgia Tree Council Georgia Water Alliance National Association of Landscape Professionals National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture Nursery & Landscape Association Executives RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) Tolar Capitol Partners

INDUSTRY 28

Remembering Rick Berry A tribute to a friend and nursery leader

32

H-2A and H-2B Clarifying temporary guest worker programs

34

Capitol Connection UAC member survey results

35

LEAF Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness Act

36

SkillsUSA UAC partners with NALP Foundation for landscape competition

38

2022 Sod Producers Report Annual survey examines inventory and price

42

Testing nanobubble technology Oxygenated bubbles may improve soil health

Georgia Urban Ag Council PO Box 3400 | Duluth GA 30096 Phone: 706.750.0350 Fax: 404.900.9194 Email: office@georgiauac.com Web: urbanagcouncil.com All contents copyright 2022

4 | UAC MAGAZINE

URBAN AG 44

What's new? Plant material to try in 2022

48

The Garden Question Podcast Q & A with Craig McManus

50

New UGA Extension Program Certifications reward natural landscapes

52

The science of light, part 2 Shade management beneath trees

56

Blue, green, and grey water Each classification can be used differently

UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters,

2022 started out in an interesting way, with pandemic worries diminishing and then – bang – Omicron!

This resulted in rescheduling of UAC’s annual educational conference, Landscape Pro University, from the original January date. LPU has been rescheduled for August 31 and has added a stand-alone Landscape Design Seminar and a full-day of Spanishspeaking education to the offerings. See details on page 7 or visit the LPU website: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university While the Omicron “wave” may have slowed us down for a short while (although not to the extent that was seen in other parts of the country), March 1 arrived and in most Georgia communities, life is back to normal. That doesn’t mean that Covid’s been forgotten, but a more rational approach to life has returned.

Our annual visit to Topiary Courtyard will return as well on April 19. You'll have a chance to explore the nursery before the dinner and place orders! Two outstanding speakers are lined up for the event: > Brendan Butler, Brendan Butler Landscape Design, will discuss "Modern Landscapes for Urban Areas + Modern Influences in the Southern Garden" > Bill Reynierson, The Green Reyno Nursery and Horticultural Procurement Service will discuss current and future nursery stock and issues.

Also on the horizon is the UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day on August 3. This event only happens in even-numbererd years so you won't want to miss it.

Lawn & Landscape editor Brian Horn addressed this a few months ago, and received feedback from industry experts on the phenomenon: year (2021) was 4 Last incredibly active and 2022

will continue this pace, if not exceed it. While there is a lot of interest from private equity companies, independent companies will also be in on the action.

M&A activity is not as mature as pest 4 Landscape control or HVAC, but it’s getting there. reoccurring and sizeable revenue from 4 The commercial maintenance companies is attractive

to private equity companies, but commercial construction is also on their radar, and residential maintenance is becoming more popular.

are a number of reasons why there is some 4 There much interest, including the reoccurring revenue mentioned above. A lot of Baby Boomer owners want to sell, and some owners in general are looking for an out because of the lack of labor.

tax changes will motivate buyers and 4 Potential sellers to complete deals before the changes go into effect. Also, with interest rates rising, some buyers will try and close deals while they can access funds at lower rates. The rates are going up, but no one knows how high and for how long.

Stay tuned as we bring in speakers and schedule more events for networking to help your company develop and grow. Virtual meetings and talks are fine for rainy days and avoiding traffic, but there is nothing that enhances your business more than the relationships you make, the networking you do, and the wealth of information you gain by in-person events!

Horn’s consensus is that there’s never been a better time to sell. Even if you don’t plan on selling in the near future, hopefully you have an exit plan in place for when you do put the “for sale” sign up. With that said, this opens tremendous opportunity for small and medium sized – and new – businesses. We will continue to bring you information and resources to take advantage of these opportunities!

Visit the UAC website for all the latest info on UAC and industry events: urbanagcouncil.com

Have a great spring and hope to see you soon!

Acquisitions and mergers on the rise

Something that I’ve noticed is that weekly, I open my email to a press release announcing another acquisition. We’ve seen a flurry of that in Georgia and the Southeast and predict that there will be more to come through 2022.

Mary Kay Woodworth | Executive Director

SPRING 2022 |

5

UAC NEWS

UAC member acquires company Super-Sod purchases Frog Pond Turf On December 10, 2021 Super-Sod, a division of Patten Seed Company, purchased Frog Pond Turf from the Baker family. Brad Baker, farm manager of Frog Pond, will

This expansion also marks the opportunity for Super-Sod to bring Soil humus compost sold in a BigYellowBag into the Alabama market, as well as offer Lawn Coach to customers in the area, a subscription lawn care program providing supplies and expertise to keep lawns looking great all year-round.

Frog Pond was established in 1997 by the Bakers (Bill, Kimberly, and Brad) and is headquartered in Opelika, AL. This acquisition marks Super-Sod’s first foray into cultivating Alabama farmland and enables their reach into the Auburn, Montgomery, and Birmingham, Alabama markets, while offering additional supply of Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass to serve their Columbus, Newnan, and Atlanta, Georgia customers.

About Patten Seed Company

continue in that role at Super-Sod managing the 1,411 acres in turfgrass production.

Currently Frog Pond grows Tifway 419 Bermuda sod, Centipedegrass, and Emerald and Meyer Zoysias.

Super-Sod will convert Frog Pond’s acreage into varieties such as TifTuf Bermudagrass and Zenith and Zeon Zoysiagrasses. Operating efficiencies are now available to Frog Pond as it is integrated into SuperSod’s operating model, where farms already located in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee are able to collaborate, learn, and leverage supply from each other serving retail locations throughout the region.

RED SOLO CUP at Red Hare Brewery

Patten Seed Company is a family- and employee-run business that employs experts in turf and horticulture.

Focusing its sod, grass seed, and compost business in the Southeast, it sells sod under the Super-Sod brand. Sod is sold by the individual roll, full pallet, or truckload and is available for delivery or pick-up fresh from its farms and stores to landscapers and directly to homeowners. One of its most popular products has been its OMRI Listed Soil3 organic compost, delivered in a cubic yard BigYellowBag, which it makes partially from composted grass clippings from its sod production. Patten Seed continues to develop new garden products, foster gardening and landscaping, and always seeks to improve its farming practices, technology, environmental stewardship, and employee knowledge.

For more information about the company, visit www.supersod.com.

A RELAX, RECHARGE, AND RECONNECT ALL-INDUSTRY EVENT

Tuesday, June 14 Red Hare Brewery 1998 Delk Industrial Blvd SE Marietta GA 30067 For details and to register: urbanagcouncil.com

6 | UAC MAGAZINE

LANDSCAPE PRO UNIVERSITY THREE WAYS to get the information and training you need!

1. Landscape Design Seminar Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape

2. Georgia Pesticide License Review Full day of preparation to take the Category 24 exam

3. Green Industry Conference Mix or match topic areas hourly

CEUs | PESTICIDE CREDITS

LANDSCAPE PRO

UNIVERSITY

A U G U S T 3 1, 2 0 2 2 Looking to make a greener world?

This is where you start.

COBB GALLERIA | ATLANTA GA

J A N U A R Y 2 6, 2 0 2 2 COBB GALLERIA | ATLANTA GA

Powered by

Powered by

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

THREEurbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university WAYS to get the information and training you need!

1. Landscape Design Seminar: Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape...a Nature-Inspired Approach

This full-day, hands-on workshop is for green industry professionals wishing to create designs that are stunning and earth-friendly. This profit-centered course focuses on marketing and selling your ecologically sound concepts to all types of clients.

2. Georgia Pesticide License Review for Exam

This full-day training is intended for turfgrass and ornamental landscape employees interested in attaining the Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Category 24 License in Georgia. This license is required for anyone who does contract spraying of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides in Georgia for residential, industrial, or business applications. This training also is open to licensed applicators who would like a refresher course.

3. Green Industry Conference

Mix or match 1-hour sessions from these topic areas to get just the information you need:

3 Agronomics 3 Irrigation/Lighting

3 Horticulture/Plant Health 3 Hardscapes 3 Spanish Language

3 Business 3 Belgard University

PLUS: CEUs and Pesticide Credits!

Registration (includes educational sessions, break, lunch and SiteOne Supplier Expo): Landscape Design Seminar: UAC members: $249 | Non-members: $299 | OR 21,500 SiteOne Partner Points GA Pesticide License Review for Exam: UAC members: $109 | Non-members: $149 | OR 10,000 SiteOne Partner Points Green Industry Conference: UAC members: $109 | Non-members: $149 | OR 10,000 SiteOne Partner Points Not a UAC member? Join today and register all your employees at the member rate! urbanagcouncil. com

For schedule and to register online: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university SPRING 2022 |

7

ME & MY MENTOR

Thinking about a career change?

Things to consider before taking that leap from Jonathan Gillespie, Founder, Yardsy

Q. I’m thinking about changing my career path within the industry – what should I consider when trying to make this decision?

For a long time, a career change seemed huge and impossible. I’d spent every working day of my life on a golf course since I was 15 years old. During that time, I’d gained a huge passion for managing turf – the science, the aesthetics and the day-to-day operations.

Luckily, opportunities presented themselves at just the right moments. I was recruited and offered a role as a manager at a successful locally owned Atlanta turf application company. I went from managing a private golf course, in charge of a half -million-dollar annual budget and overseeing 19 bent grass greens to a completely different day-to-day job. It was humbling but I knew it was necessary. I saw this as an amazing opportunity to learn every aspect of the industry that I could.

Changing priorities

Turns out it was a golden opportunity.

A. The idea of turning your life upside down by making a career change can seem overwhelming and high risk, but I’m lucky to have experienced some level of success in my own upheaval.

I was so sold on this career choice, that when I went to college there was zero question about which direction I would head. I was going to earn a degree in Turf Management, specializing in Golf Turf Management.

I dedicated my life to my golf career and never once thought about doing anything else. I didn’t mind putting in the long hours because that was all I knew - but once I had my first son, my priorities switched to focus on my family and work/life balance.

It hadn’t dawned on me to think about a switch in careers, but I started hearing and learning about the landscape industry and how it was growing, especially in Atlanta. I started thinking I could take my skill set from managing high-end turf in the golf industry and translate it to managing turf in the landscape. The only problem was that I had zero connections and zero experience in that realm. I knew turf but didn’t know the landscape industry at all. I was confident I could ultimately start and manage my own turf company but knew I needed to learn as much as possible. I did as much research as I could, but even that did not provide the insight I needed.

Staying open to opportunities

I know its easy to say but it really was a leap of faith and I had to believe in myself that I could succeed.

I was aware that there may be mistakes made, and wrong decisions, but I had the confidence in myself to know that I could correct any mistakes and find success. I had to believe in myself and my abilities.

8 | UAC MAGAZINE

Through this role I was validated in my ability to do great work off the golf course, and I even uncovered a hidden talent that surprised me. For most of my adult life, I considered myself more of an introvert, but through this role I realized that I enjoyed networking and building relationships.

These relationships would turn out to be invaluable to me in the future.

After a couple of years working as a manager and learning the industry, I was approached by a friend who offered to help me get started. Again, I took a leap because I was confident in my ability and knew I could work hard enough to succeed.

I started with a truck and a couple of contacts in the industry, and some friends and family who decided to use my services. I worked hard, producing revenue every day, setting goals, sometimes hitting them and sometimes missing them but I always kept a positive attitude.

I continued to lean on my confidence, even if I was unsure of the unknown. I continued to network, make good relationships and learn - always learning from my mistakes, which were plenty. I wanted to make my clients and partners happy and went the extra mile to make that happen.

ME & MY MENTOR

3.

Relationships are key to success anywhere.

I count every partner I work with as a friend and treat them as such.

Words of advice

At the end of the day, I’d share three key pieces of advice to someone faced with this choice.

1.

Lean on your skill set and expertise. Build from there.

2.

Be confident in yourself. Never underestimate what you can achieve.

After three years, Yardsy has grown 50% year over year and expanded to cover multiple cities in Georgia and Tennessee with no plans of stopping. These key principles ground me when it feels overwhelming, and I’m proud of our accomplishments so far.

On the bright, brisk 30-degree morning of February 1st, 2019, Jonathan Gillespie loaded his truck, checked his equipment, gave a nod of satisfaction, and hit the ignition, starting up his new lawn care company: Verdure Turf. It began with one man and a truck, but soon word spread: there was a new guy in town – a grass whisperer – who took the frustration out of lawn care and redefined what professionalism, dedication and quality looked like. And with him came Skip, the company mascot, who entertained, informed and educated clients in “Skip Notes,” Jonathan’s personalized follow-up emails.

In 2021, the company expanded its service offerings to include all things outdoors: plant and tree healthcare, mosquito control, irrigation maintenance, and even high-quality firewood.

In recognition of its comprehensive offerings, the company rebranded itself as Yardsy. The company continues to grow and expand their professional outdoor services and service areas. We partner with landscapers, commercial property management companies and private homeowners all over Atlanta to redefine what enjoying our outdoor spaces can truly be.

Certiied Tifway bermudagrass available in pallets or mega rolls.

Call now!

Darren Emerick 770.530.5078

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

Ready to deliver to your site Call for pricing and availability SPRING 2022 |

9

SAVE THE DATE PRO PROJECT

Blank slate turned sanctuary Project by Ed Castro Landscape

GALA AWARD WINNER: Distinction

These two empty-nesters with a love of gardens wanted to create a sanctuary of their own, and their yard was a blank slate.

Using materials that blend with the existing architecture, and formal geometry that maximizes the limited available space, this design creates a seamless extension of the elegant residence while fulfilling the client’s wishes for a luxurious, formal garden and outdoor entertaining space.

The front entry formerly had only a small concrete walk leading to the porch. This was replaced with an elegant new gathering space, more appropriate to the scale of the home.

The couple enjoyed garden tours and wanted a formal, outdoor entertaining space to match their stately home. They hoped to create a place for relaxing, dining and entertaining. Also high on their list was hiding the existing unsightly wall along one side of the property, and alleviating some drainage issues in the lower areas of the property.

Before, the subdivision wall and entry sign on the left was an eyesore that dominated the space.

Before 10 | UAC MAGAZINE

The once-imposing brick wall in the background, which was built by the subdivision, has been downplayed and screened using new walls and plantings.

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

SAVE THE DATE PRO PROJECT

Before This area behind the home was once a problem for the homeowners due to poor drainage. The hill drained toward the house, and water had nowhere to go, leading to dead grass and water damage to the home.

To create the formal spaces the homeowners desired, a number of obstacles needed to be addressed. A sewer easement cuts through much of the property, limiting design options for the front and left side yard of the property. To create formal spaces in the remaining areas, a gradual slope had to be leveled, and one corner of the house had to be waterproofed below the new finished grade. Poor drainage behind the home also necessitated a creative solution to make that area usable: an underground catchment area.

Numerous new walls were constructed, which accomplished a number of goals. First, they created an enclosed, seamless extension of the home's architectural style. Second, they provided the level spaces the homeowners desired. And finally, they helped hide the existing wall along the property line, which was poorly built and an eyesore for the homeowners.

SPRING 2022 |

11

PEST 411

Oak lecanium

Scale insect common on urban trees

by Zia Williamson and Shimat V. Joseph, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia

The oak lecanium, Parthenolecanium quercifex (Hemiptera: Coccidae), (Fig 1) is a common scale insect pest attacking oak trees and other woody ornamentals.

Mainly, trees under stress in the urban areas, such as parking lots, are attacked by oak lecanium.

Biology

James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Fig 1. Parthenolecanium quercifex on oak twigs

Female oak lecanium are rounded (a quarter inch in diameter) and dark reddish-brown. Females are stationary and do not move from their spot on the twigs once they mature. Adult male scale insects have a distinctly different appearance and are instead freemoving small brown insects. The white eggs are laid under females settled on the twig hatch into crawlers.

Crawlers are flat and pale white with noticeable legs and antennae. As these crawlers molt and mature into later nymphal stages, they gradually turn more reddish-brown (Fig 2).

In Georgia, oak lecanium undergoes one generation per year, with the stationary adult females feeding on phloem sap before producing eggs from April to May. After laying the eggs, the females die but shelter the eggs underneath her body cavity. The eggs hatch before mid-June, depending on local weather conditions.

These newly hatched crawlers wander and feed on leaves and stem until the fall season, then eventually molt into a second stage on the branches to overwinter.

After overwintering, free-moving males develop into a pupa, emerging as adults in early spring. Females develop into round, hard stationary adults.

Impact

Oak lecanium scale insects, like other soft scale insects, feed on tree sap. They ingest more sugars than they need, which are ultimately excreted as honeydew.

The black sooty mold fungus grows on the honeydew and blocks access to sunlight on the leaf surface (Fig 3), negatively impacting photosynthesis.

John A. Weidhass, Virgina Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

Fig 2. Various life stages of Parthenolecanium quercifex

12 | UAC MAGAZINE

Although lecanium scale insects have a little immediate impact on the trees, twigs and branches may be weakened or killed over the years (Fig 4).

PEST 411 Furthermore, oak lecanium scale infestations may be exacerbated in urban areas due to the increased temperature of the location. This is likely due to the reduced activity of parasitoids that parasitize oak lecanium, leading to high egg production and survival in those areas.

Management

It is important to minimize stress on trees by following proper irrigation and fertilization regimens.

For heavily affected branches, pruning is often recommended (Fig 5).

As a scale insect, nearly all life stages of oak lecanium are protected by a wax coating. Eggs are protected by the body of the deceased mother scale whereas, adult female scales are protected by their wax coating.

Joseph OBrien USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Fig 3. Sooty mold on leaves

The crawler stage of this scale insect is not sheltered.

Because of this, this stage is the most susceptible to contact insecticides. However, emergence models are underdeveloped, making it difficult to time applications.

Current research suggests that scouting for crawlers should occur in mid-April to mid-June.

Crawlers can be detected by wrapping a ring of double-sided tape around branches and checking for their presence.

Spraying of treatments should be conducted when crawlers are moving freely. In areas with intense mosquito management or other consistent spray applications, oak lecanium numbers are often higher due to reduced natural enemies.

Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Bugwood.org

Fig 4. Damage to terminal leaves as a result of Parthenolecanium quercifex

Although any labeled contact insecticide for landscape use is acceptable, horticultural oils have minimal impact on natural enemies.

Systemic insecticide may also be effective as a soil drench around the root zone of affected trees. Because oak lecanium scales feed on the tree's sap, the systemic insecticide will be ingested by the insect and kill the pest.

The application timing is critical when using systemic insecticide. Soil drench application of systematic insecticide many weeks before peak crawler emergence activity provides sufficient time for the product to be translocated throughout the tree to become effective against the pest.

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Fig 5. Various life stages of Parthenolecanium quercifex on a severely infested twig SPRING 2022 |

13

SAVE THE DATE

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

Springtime in the Courtyard Dinner

APR

19

Networking + Education Dinner

Sponsored by

DATE: Tuesday, April 19 PLACE: Topiary Courtyard

3045 Jones Mill Road | Peachtree Corners GA 30071 UAC members: $35 | Non-members: $45

PRICE: SPEAKERS:

Explore the nursery before dinner!

JUN

>

Brendan Butler, Brendan Butler Landscape Design, will discuss "Modern Landscapes for Urban Areas + Modern Influences in the Southern Garden"

>

Bill Reynierson, The Green Reyno Nursery and Horticultural Procurement Service, will discuss current and future nursery stock and issues.

Red Solo Cup at Red Hare Brewery

14

DATE: Tuesday, June 14 PLACE: Red Hare Brewery

1998 Delk Industrial Blvd SE | Marietta GA 30067

Watch for details via email or visit urbanagcouncil.com

UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day & Exhibitor Tradeshow

AUG

DATE: Wednesday, August 3 PLACE: UGA Griffin Campus

3

1134 Experiment Street, Griffin GA 30223

Exhibitors and advertisers register now at urbanagcouncil.com

Landscape Pro University

AUG

31

DATE: Wednesday, August 31 PLACE: Cobb Galleria LANDSCAPE PRO

UNIVERSITY

TIME:

2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta GA 30339 8:00 am - 3:25 pm

GE

THREE ways to get the information and training you need!

ORGIA

Pe

st

ed

its

ved! appro icide Cr

1. Landscape Design Seminar

Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape... a Nature-Inspired Approach

2. Georgia Pesticide Licence Review 3. Green Industry Conference Mix or match topic areas hourly!

CEUs | PESTICIDE CREDITS More details on page 7 or visit the LPU website:

urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university 14 | UAC MAGAZINE

2022

DOUBLE PLAY DOOZIE

®

Spiraea x

Double Play Doozie® is a groundbreaking non-invasive spirea, the first of its kind. Its lack of seed also makes it a perpetual bloomer, putting all of its energy into creating wave after wave of red-pink flowers from early summer through frost.

Ask for it from your preferred wholesale nursery.

Available from these suppliers: Atlanta Growers Douglasville • 678-844-3874 Hahira Nursery Hahira • 229-794-2198 Hillside Ornamentals Byron • 478-956-0945 J & L Growers Moultrie • 229-985-1222 MNI Direct Marietta • 770-578-4599

• Red spring foliage • Sterile • Compact • Quick to produce 5'

DOUBLE PLAY DOOZIE® Spiraea x ‘NCSX2’, pp30,953; cbraf USDA Zone 3-8, full sun, part sun 2-3' tall and wide

Scottsdale Farms Alpharetta • 770-777-5875

www.provenwinners-shrubs.com

SPRING 2022 |

15

WHAT THE TECH?

Plugging in

The industry podcasts you need to be listening to in 2022

by LandOne Software

Over the past ten years, podcasts have exploded in popularity. Entertaining, informative, and free to listen to, they offer hours of inspiration, whatever your interest. What’s more, they are easy to stream and can be listened to almost anywhere – in the truck, at the gym, or even in the shower.

Photo by Vinit Vispute on Unsplash

For landscapers, podcasts offer a treasure trove of expert content to help you discover new topics, stay abreast of industry trends, and gain a more rounded perspective on the green industry. In today’s fast-paced world, podcasts ensure sure you don’t miss a beat.

Commercial Landscaper 4The Dave Anderson and Robert Clinkenbeard talk to

So whether you’re a podcast aficionado or totally new to the scene, these are our favorite landscape and lawncare podcasts of 2022.

in the Green Industry 4Growing A weekly podcast that looks at what it takes to have a

successful career in the landscaping industry, as told by real young professionals.

Why we like it: Produced by the NALP Young Professionals Network, Growing in the Green Industry has a fresh, contemporary take on the future of landscaping.

Our favorite episode: Attracting Young Professionals with Luke Wixo anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals/episodes/ Attracting-Young-Professionals-with-Luke-Wixoe1e8jhu

inspiring entrepreneurs from across the landscaping industry, with the mission of “empowering their listeners to take massive action” as up-and-coming business leaders.

Why we like it: The Commercial Landscaper succeeds in its goal of being genuinely relatable and cuts through the isolation of running your own business.

Our favorite episode: Interview with Kevin Kehoe, Founder of Aspire Software podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interviewwith-kevin-kehoe-author-of-one-hit-wonder/ id1515602983?i=1000544194922

Another industry podcast to add to your list: The Garden Question by Craig McManus Read more about it on page 48.

16 | UAC MAGAZINE

WHAT THE TECH?

Dollar Landscaper Podcast Steel Toe University Podcast 4Million The Million Dollar Landscaper podcast focuses on the 4 A podcast rooted in the everyday business of being a practical side of running a landscaping business. From insurance options to calculating average wages, this business-focused show is packed full of helpful ideas.

landscaper, the Steel Toe University podcast discusses topics like obese workforces, franchising, and diversity.

Why we like it: This super-relatable podcast deals with hard-tonavigate subjects head-on, and never feels preachy or crass.

Why we like it: Every episode of this show is full of advice and tips that you will actually be able to apply to your reallife business.

Our favorite episode: Flying Drones in Your Landscaping Business: Dos and Don’ts milliondollarlandscaper.podbean.com/e/flyingdrones-in-your-landscaping-business-dos-anddon-ts-mdl-episode-186

Our favorite episode: Recovering Equipment Costs steeltoeu.com/blog/stu-100-recovering-equipment-costs

Ryan Knorr Podcast 4The Musician turned Lawn Care Nut turned Youtuber Ryan Knorr talks to a variety of guests from the landscaping community, with a particular focus on all things turf.

4The official podcast for Youtube’s ‘Brian’s Lawn MainFullerton Unfiltered

Why we like it: Ryan is great fun to listen to and always has entertaining, knowledgeable guests.

tenance’, Fullerton Unfiltered gets into the nitty-gritty of running a successful landscaping business, with interviews, advice, and plenty of relatable humor along the way.

Why we like it: Fullerton Unfiltered doesn’t take itself too seriously but is still packed full of helpful advice and practical business tips.

Our favorite episode: TurfCast Ep 22//We’re Back For 2022!! theryanknorrpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ turfcast-ep-22-were-back-for-2022

and Landscape Podcast 4Lawn Produced by the popular magazine, the Lawn and

Our favorite episode: Top 10 Commercial Bidding Tips That Every Contractor Should Know w/ Host Brian Fullerton fullertonunfiltered.libsyn.com/311-top-10-commercial-bidding-tips-that-every-contractor-should-know-w-host-brian-fullerton

4The Landscape Architect podcast takes a deep dive The Landscape Architect

into the biggest issues of our time from the perspective of landscape architecture. Covering everything from the environmental impact of landscaping to the socioeconomic spaces we work in, host Michael Toderan aims to discuss the things that matter.

Why we like it: Well researched and featuring tons of interesting guests, the focus of each conversation may be broad or narrow but is always stimulating.

Our favorite episode: Lys Divine Ndemeye | BA, MLA | Landscape Designer larchitect.org/lys

Landscape podcast covers a huge range of topics relating to the landscape and lawn industry.

Featuring special guests, technical advice, and expert recommendations, this is a well-rounded podcast for those interested in the green industries.

Why we like it: With great guests and well-produced audio, this is an easy-listen podcast with tons of practical information.

Our favorite episode: Avoiding overload lawnandlandscape.com/video/avoiding-overload About the author

LandOne Software: Simple, Accurate, and Profitable Landscape Takeoff Software We serve our green industry by creating software solutions that address real challenges and solve unique problems faced by landscape professionals every day. Our simple software helps professionals quickly generate accurate takeoffs and material lists to efficiently propose and create projects that make sustainable profits. landonetakeoff.com SPRING 2022 |

17

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 SnellingsWalters Insurance Agency, Safety School makes it easier to keep your employees - and your company safe.

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

Biting, stinging hazards OBJECTIVE: To be able to identify and avoid the hazards associated with poisonous plants, animals, reptiles, and insects in Georgia and know how to administer first aid when necessary.

18 | UAC MAGAZINE

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:

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

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

SAFETY WORKS SAVE THE DATE SAFETY WORKS

Building an effective first aid kit

Pesticide disposal

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

Small engine safety 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.

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

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

Here's how to access:

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

>

Go to urbanagcouncil.com

>

Use the "MEMBERSHIP" menu tab

>

Click on "Members-only content"

>

Log in as a member

>

>

Use the email address and password that is associated with your UAC membership

>

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"

SPRING 2022 |

19

BUSINESS

How to identify your ideal client Find your niche and stick to it

by Jud Griggs build project and transforming a boring landscape into a work of art. Others enjoy the repetitive nature of maintenance work. For the number of hours you invest in growing your business, it sure makes it easier if you thoroughly enjoy what you do.

Over time, you become more discerning on the type of work you want to perform. It’s important for you to come to the realization that you cannot be everything to everybody. If you try to do it all, you will forever be a generalist and never an expert in what you do. This will result in lower profits.

Here are three simple steps to narrow the playing field and find the best clients and projects for you and your team.

Finding your market niche.

To become more successful, it’s best to find a niche where you can dominate the market and not have to compete with a multitude of low-priced contractors. The key is to identify the segments of your market that are under-served. Where is there a lack of qualified competitors? Do you or your team have a unique skill set that can translate into filling a market niche? If you find these niches and service them well, you will be able to charge more for your services and become more profitable.

Step 1

By identifying your ideal client and then being diligent in working only with clients who most closely align with your list of qualifiers, your enjoyment factor will go up commensurately with the increase in your bottom line.

Think back to when you were starting your landscape business. Like most start-ups, you took whatever work came your way.

You may mow grass one day, do a fall clean-up the next day or install some new plants for another client on a different day. Your goal was to generate enough revenue to pay your crews and vendors, and make a modest profit.

As your company grew and matured, you started to understand what type of work you were best at, and which projects were most profitable (through job costing). You also started to find out what type of projects you enjoy most; you may realize you like the excitement of designing and selling a design/

20 | UAC MAGAZINE

Identify your “ideal client.”

This is easier said than done. When I go through this process with my clients, I ask them to paint a picture of the “perfect” customer. I have them think back to their favorite projects and identify what aspects of those projects made them successful. Did these projects go well logistically? Were they profitable and why were they profitable? Which clients are most enjoyable to work with?

Step 2

Create a checklist.

From your picture of an ideal client or project, create a checklist. This checklist should create a framework to help you decide if you are going to work with a new prospect or say no. I’ve found that saying no is one of the best ways to achieving success.

This checklist will be somewhat different whether your specialty is maintenance or design/build. Here are some examples:

Step 3

BUSINESS Design/build > > > >

Commercial vs. Residential Disposable income for property upgrades Reside in the established target area Willing to pay a high design fee

Maintenance > > > >

Commercial vs. Residential Single-family residential vs. HOAs Located in defined geographic areas to provide route density Potential for substantial enhancement work

Once you have created these checklists, use them to pre-qualify your prospects. I suggest creating a script that your gatekeeper can follow to determine if the prospect is a qualified prospect.

Most of my clients are in the enviable position of having long lead times for their design/build projects or full books of maintenance clients. This will allow you to be very discerning when it comes to taking on a new prospect.

The checklist you create can also be useful during the renewal process for your maintenance accounts.

How well do your current clients align with the lists?

What you may find is that a number of the clients you

took on when you were first starting your business no longer are a good fit for your business. It may be time to “fire” some of these clients.

By identifying your ideal client and then being diligent in working only with clients who most closely align with your list of qualifiers, your enjoyment factor will go up commensurately with the increase in your bottom line.

Find your niche and stick to it. Specializing in something you do really well, and sparks joy for you, can help you elevate your business and brand.

Reprinted with permission from the December 2021 issue of Lawn & Landscape. Visit www.lawnandlandscape.com for more information.

About the author Jud Griggs is a Design/Build Sales and Marketing Consultant with The Harvest Group. To learn more or talk to Jud about your design/ build business, contact Jud at judson@harvestlandscapeconsulting.com.

The easiest 5% you'll ever save. Sign up for auto-renew now!

UAC business-level members can select the auto-recurring payment option for their annual membership investment and get an immediate 5% discount.

The auto-recurring payment option is available for credit card payments only. Your credit card automatically will be charged on your annual renewal date.

It's easy: First, go to urbanagcouncil.com > Choose the Membership menu, then Member Login.

NOTE: Only the primary contact for your company will be able to manage/renew the company's membership.

Contact us via phone or email if you need help with logging in.

Even easier: Contact us and we'll do it for you! Call 706.750.0350 or email office@georgiauac.com

Planning to renew your membership online?

Did you know that only your company's primary contact can make this transaction?

As a business-level member, your employees also are members of UAC. If you have employees who would like to be added to our system as additional contacts, just let us know. Those additional contacts will be able to log in as a member, edit their contact details, view member-only content and register for events at the member rate.

However, they will not be able to edit or renew the company membership unless they use the email and password of the primary contact.

Need help with login? Call 706.750.0350 or email office@georgiauac.com.

SPRING 2022 |

21

BUSINESS

Multiple competing priorities

Managing tasks when everything feels like a priority

by Erin Saunders, Leica Geosystems

3.

For every task find an actual date and time. This is another trick to help multiple competing priorities feel less stressful. Mapping them to an actual time and day helps you have a concrete time you will get it done. It also prevents others from filling up your time with meetings.

4.

Don’t forget to celebrate progress. Tasks or projects can be lengthy. If you are in the middle of something complex, it can feel discouraging, like you’re not making any progress. Instead of waiting until the end, take note of small milestones you can celebrate. That way you can observe the progress you’re making along the way.

Evaluating your tasks

Photo by Zak Neilson on Unsplash

I was once in a meeting where I heard a co-worker say that he hadn’t made progress because he had “multiple competing priorities.”

It was an extremely busy time for the organization, and I thought that sentence summarized perfectly what many of us were feeling.

When you have many things to do at once, what’s the best way to tackle them without feeling overwhelmed?

Luckily, there are several strategies and practices we can all implement to help us make the overwhelming feel more manageable, to identify what’s really important, and to focus on the right things.

1.

First, make a list of all the things you need to do and write it down. Our brains only have capacity to focus on a few things at a time. When we are trying to remember all the things we need to do, it causes added stress on our brains and on us.

Writing it down allows your brain to relax.

2.

Next, take your list and add it to your calendar. Make meeting slots where you will work on each task.

22 | UAC MAGAZINE

Some things are clear priorities, but often what we spend our time on each day is a little less obvious.

There are some frameworks you can use to help you evaluate and make good decisions about where to focus your time.

first is known as the Eisenhower matrix, 4 The named after the former president who found it

a useful tool. This matrix asks you to look at the urgent vs. the important. If something is both urgent and important, do it right now. If it’s not urgent and not important, don’t do it at all. The things that fall in the middle? You do those after you’ve completed what’s urgent and important.

second framework is commonly known as the 4 The 80/20 rule. It says that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. It’s worth it to analyze what to spend your time on, and think about how it impacts the way you are measured. Also consider the growth and impact for you and the company. What projects are ones where you will learn and develop while furthering the goals of the company? Ideally you want to put your efforts towards activities that have the most impact.

Overcoming paralysis

Projects or tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming to start. This can cause people to freeze or take no action.

There are things you can do to help combat this feeling of paralysis.

BUSINESS look at your list of priorities and estimate you have tasks that you can complete relatively 4 First, 4 Ifquickly, how long they will take you to do. consider knocking those out first. That feeling of progress can help you tackle larger goals. cluster your tasks into groups. If you have 4 Second, to make several phone calls, group those together.

Schedule breaks for yourself. It’s important to give 4 You’ll be much more efficient if you make them all our minds a chance to reset throughout the day. at once.

about what projects might make other tasks 4 Think easier. If you need all the files for your project in

one place and readily accessible to be effective, that might be the first task you achieve.

you could set a timer dedicated to the 4 Finally, task you are avoiding. It doesn’t have to be long, but even focusing for 15-20 minutes can help you make meaningful progress. Don’t forget to celebrate when your time is up!

We live in a busy world and we all have that feeling of “multiple competing priorities,” but when we add a little structure to tackling them, they can feel more manageable and we can make the progress we want to achieve our personal and professional goals.

About the author

Planning for success

Think about how you like to work and design your tasks around that. instance, if you are a morning person, you 4 For may want to schedule tasks that take high-energy or deep thinking early in the morning.

This could be a walk around the block, a quick chat with a co-worker, or a coffee break. We do our best work when we’re not burned out, so make time to reset throughout the day.

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

P: 770.326.9517 E: erin.saunders@leica-geosystems.com

Proud to be an Urban Ag Council member For more than 20 years our Atlanta Home Improvement Community has served 5000+ businesses connecting contractors and service providers with thousands of homeowners.

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23

BUSINESS

Attacking inflation

Develop a pricing process and plan

by Trip Jobe, CEO, Rand Inc.

Nothing can help or harm a small- to midmarket business more than pricing actions.

A recent study of US Small Businesses showed that 74% of owners were concerned with the impact of inflation on their business.

With the recent inflationary pressures, how businesses are handling their pricing will be critical to their success in 2022.

buyer: These buyers expect to pay a fair 4Relationship price, they want to know you care about their business

This article will discuss the current climate and how to look at price actions and give you a longer-term view of maintaining a healthy pricing portfolio of your products and services.

Starting with the current environment: 2021 inflation as defined by the Consumer Price index was up 6.7%.

January 2022 data is estimated at 7.5%. All around us prices have been rising, whether it’s restaurants, groceries, supplies, or housing. Along with that, wages have been going up as the demand is greater than supply and people are changing jobs for $1 more per hour. You can bury your head in the sand and hope your costs will come down, but the reality of the situation is that all phases of the economy have accepted there will be some form of price increases.

buyer: Often called the affluent buyer, 4High-quality these buyers want the premiere service and want to

So hopefully most of you have implemented some form of price increase(s) over the past six months. Before we look at ways to manage your price increases, let’s look at the four most common types of buyers: buyer: Typically focusing only on the variable 4Price costs and not total costs. Most businesses will have

some percentage of these customers, but you can’t let them hold your business back from being profitable.

buyer: Called many things, this buyer wants 4Research to get multiple quotes and look at the total costs. It’s not always about price and the good news is once they decide, they tend to be loyal if all expectations are met.

24 | UAC MAGAZINE

and don’t treat them as a number. This buyer is often a great source to expand your offerings.

feel like they are your best customers. Price is rarely an issue as long as they are treated well.

Develop a price increase process

The best way to improve your profitability is to have a process and plan for managing your pricing. The reactive method is almost always a path to lower margins and further cost-cutting. We advise a process that looks something like this:

1.

Understand all your cost increases.

We often see clients who only think about price increases that were announced to them. They often forget about service fees or higher minimums that may impact their buying power.

2.

Understand your mix of customers. This is so important in determining how you may choose to implement a price increase. If you have customers with whom you have a harder time passing along your increases, it is often better to have a bigger increase, but less frequently.

BUSINESS BUSINESS

3.

Look at your current profit and volume levels by product or service. We commonly find clients who don’t want to increase prices in what they deem commodity products or services. With data like we are seeing now, these cost increases are real and should be increased across your portfolio.

Inflation in 2021 wasn't a one-time increase

4.

Get a feel for the overall market, find where you fit in terms of pricing. This is often misunderstood. If you have a strong brand and high quality, this can be the opportunity to lead to a reasonable price increase in the market. You don’t need to wait until you see the market reacting - act as the leader.

Based on this, you can develop plans to increase your pricing. One sure way to negatively impact your business is a cost-plus approach across all products and customers. Tying price increases to certain costs will typically cause the price and research buyer to demand price decreases when those costs begin to come down. Instead, communicate that you are doing the best you can in a rising-cost environment and you have evaluated all aspects of your business before implementing your updated price structure.

Conduct an annual price band review

Another crucial area you can review annually is your price portfolio. I’ve come across this challenge many times with product-based companies. They often have 4-10 products across a range of prices, from commodity to luxury. A common mistake is to implement a 4% average price increase by raising commodity prices by 2% and raising slower volume premium products by 6-7%. In the graph below, you will see the impact of this type of pricing over 2-4

price increases. The price difference in premium products tends to get too high for anyone but highquality buyers and others trade down to the value tier.

Since these prices have not kept up with overall costs, the company’s overall margins decline.

There are many ways to look at price increases but the number one point is to have a process and follow it consistently. The more rigor you can put into your price analysis, the healthier your business will be. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or you would like more insights on this challenging topic.

About the author Trip is the CEO of Rand Inc., a strategic marketing and analytics firm. Having sat in both sales and marketing leadership roles for large and small firms for 20+ years, Trip is an ambassador for driving sales and marketing alignment to fuel growth.

Email: tjobe@randinc.cc Web: randinc.cc LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tripjobe

Don't create a huge disparity across your product/service portfolio and price your premium products or services out of the market

SPRING 2022 |

25

The secret of our strength is YOU! As a member of Georgia’s premier association for green industry professionals, you have the power to make your industry stronger.

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Meet industry leaders and get your product or service in front of our growing membership

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Reduce your costs UAC Workers Compensation and Health Benefits programs through WS Pharr/Snellings Walters offer competitive rates and outstanding customer service.

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Tell a colleague about Georgia UAC today!

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With your help, we can grow even stronger.

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26 | UAC MAGAZINE

We KNOW the green industry!

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snellingswalters.com SPRING 2022 |

27

INDUSTRY

Remembering Rick Berry

A tribute to a friend and nursery leader

by Allan Armitage

Many years ago, I met an excited gardener who wanted to share her memories of a trip to a place called Goodness Grows Nursery in Lexington, GA. She spoke in almost reverential tones, as if she had returned from Machu Picchu or some other equally remarkable place.

She talked of beautiful displays, wonderful gardens, and perfectly grown plants, but mostly she talked about two young men, Marc Richardson and Rick Berry. She couldn’t wait to get her friends together to go back the next week.

I smiled and listened to her as I had with so many others who had visited Goodness Grows, bought a few plants, and came away with a feeling of being somewhere very special. The more people I talked to, the more it was obvious that the plants were often secondary — they just wanted to walk about, meet people like themselves, and say hello to Marc and Rick.

I am not sure how the term “destination nursery” came to be, but I am sure that Goodness Grows was its embodiment. And, I may add, not only for gardeners and customers in North Georgia. When horticultural colleagues visited from Wisconsin, California, or

28 | UAC MAGAZINE

Ohio, they insisted I take them to this nursery they had heard so much about. And there are more than a few students who were influenced by Marc and Rick after a field trip to the nursery.

Marc Richardson was special, and Rick would wax eloquently about his horticultural skills and his love of the nursery. When Marc passed away in 2008, the horticultural world mourned, but none more so than Rick. As he picked up the pieces of his life, he continued to manage the nursery as demand for Goodness Grows products expanded. The wholesale yard expanded, new greenhouses appeared, and

INDUSTRY growing areas popped up, yet the serenity, the calmness, and the beauty of the retail area never changed. Nor did Rick.

His smile upon seeing you, his enthusiasm for his friends in the industry, and his love of sharing were simply part of his DNA. Even when he was overwhelmed with bad weather, poor health, or inability to find help, he would always have a good word and make you feel like you were his best friend.

Rick passed away in November 2021, and what a legacy the nursery leaves behind. As a horticulturist, I was always fascinated by stories of how plants found their way to the market. Today, there are many hundreds of new introductions every year, but not so in the 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, in the 1980s, the term perennial gardening was hardly even recognized in the South.

I have been around for many years, but I don’t believe anyone influenced the growth of the perennial plant industry in the Southeast more than Rick and Marc and Goodness Grows. They were not only a nursery — to so many of us, they were our lab and classroom.

As I became more involved in the industry, I became fascinated by varieties Marc and Rick had introduced, such as the chance seedling of Veronica which became well known as Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’ in 1982.

Talking with Rick and Marc, I learned about how the nursery promoted other local introductions like Achillea ‘Oertel’s Rose’, and worked with designer Ryan Gainey to introduce Ryan’s strain of hardy chrysanthemums. In the late 1980s, they encouraged the sale of a local Shasta daisy, later to be known as ‘Becky’. And their collaboration with the fabulous Jane Bath resulted in the introduction of one of our truly great plants, Dianthus ‘Bath’s Pink’. I remember ‘Marc’s Apollo’ sunflower, massive and brilliant. There were many others, but the story of their neighbor Miss Ruby Huff was the epitome of who they were and how they expanded gardening horizons.

For years, lantana ‘Miss Huff’ was the definition of southern gardening. They were like magnets for plants that worked, and we were all the richer for them.

SPRING 2022 |

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INDUSTRY I knew Rick had a life other than being a nurseryman, but on one visit a few years ago, he kept me enthralled with his stories of his experiences. I was blown away when he told me he was the mayor of Lexington, GA. Who knew? He served in that capacity from 2016 until his passing.

Originally published by Greenhouse Grower on January 21, 2022. Reprinted with permission. For more, visit greenhousegrowers.com

About the author

The last time I saw Rick was last summer; he was tootling around the nursery on his golf cart with his partner Kurt and their beloved dog Kaydee beside them. I was quickly taken back to the year 2000 and a similar cart, but with Rick and Marc and their two imperial Dobermans. I am a little embarrassed to say that I paid more attention to the various dogs than to the fellows, but as Rick said, “Everyone does, we’re used to it.”

I could write much more about the nursery, as wonderful as it was. I want to remember the man who always had a good word to say about others, and always shared his time and expertise and, many times his plants. I want to remember Rick Berry for his humanity, his compassion, and most of all his kindness to everyone. For anyone who knew Rick Berry, this will not be hard to do.

Allan Armitage was a professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia for 30 years. He recently retired and remains an active consultant, author and lecturer.

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30 | UAC MAGAZINE

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31

INDUSTRY

H-2A and H-2B

Clarifying temporary guest worker programs

by Arnulfo Hinojosa, Federation of Employers & Workers of America

First, some definitions: The H‐2A temporary agricultural program establishes a means for agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.

The H-2B temporary non-agricultural program permits U.S. employers to hire nonimmigrant workers to come to the U.S. and perform nonagricultural services or labor.

job details locally (including the set wage), giving equal opportunity to all local applicants first. All U.S. applicants applying for the positions must be reported to the DOL.

There are many misconceptions about the H-2A and H-2B programs that have circulated both in the media and within the business community. Here is some clarification: misconception: 4Major The H-2A/H-2B workers are employed because

Seasonal businesses have difficulty finding enough local workers, or even keeping them, due to the seasonal nature of their businesses. U.S. workers want full-time, permanent employment.

they are a source of “cheap labor.”

This could not be further from the truth. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) sets the wage that will not adversely affect the local labor market. On top of this fair wage, each employer participating in either program will encounter filing fees to the government and housing cost (H-2A only) for all temporary agriculture workers. There are also additional costs associated with hiring a legitimate agency to help navigate the lengthy government process to obtain approval. If the seasonal workers were available in the U.S., it would be much cheaper for employers to hire locally.

Most importantly, employers cannot legally lay off U.S. workers to replace them with H-2A workers. The DOL and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) work together to ensure that both American workers and H-2A/H-2B workers are protected within the program.

misconception: 4Another The H-2A/H-2B program is an option to provide

misconception: 4Common H-2A/H-2B workers take away potential American jobs.

The DOL regulates the testing of the local labor market. Before obtaining certification to employ foreign labor, each employer must advertise the

32 | UAC MAGAZINE

work authorization to undocumented workers currently residing in the U.S. This is not the case; each worker applying for an H-2A/H-2B visa must do so at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their home country. When applying for a work visa, each applicant must submit digital fingerprints and photos and go through a personal interview with a U.S. Consular official. Any illegal presence in the United States could result in a denial of their visa application.

INDUSTRY perception: 4Mistaken It is perceived that all H-2A/H-2B workers intend to

permanently reside in the United States.

During an interview at the U.S. Consulate, is it up to the visa applicant to prove they do not have intentions on staying in the U.S. permanently.

These workers leave their wives, children, and immediate family at home with an opportunity of making ten times what they could make in their home country in just a part of the year. One of the most significant benefits for the visa worker is that they can legally travel across the border. Many H-2A/H-2B workers have been returning year after year with the knowledge that participating in the guest worker programs is seasonal and that they must return home to participate in the program.

About the author

The H-2A and H-2B programs can be a great solution to your labor problem, but you must be prepared to follow all the rules. This is where FEWA comes in.

We understand the nature of your business and the importance of a dependable legal workforce season after season. Let the FEWA team guide you through the process.

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33

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 or 706-750-0350.

Q

As Georgia's COVID-19 cases continue to spike across the state, what are your feelings about taking precautions?

Took the vaccine and booster...I go where I want, when I want................................................................................... 34% Not interested in vaccines or masks................................................................................................................................. 33% Vaccinated and boosted, but I still avoid going out in public....................................................................................... 19% I often wear a mask in crowds and wish others would do the same............................................................................ 14%

Q

As President Joe Biden begins his second year in office, what grade would you give his administration for his first year?

Three more years like this and we are all doomed....give him an F............................................................................. 67% I hope for better results in 2022...give him a C............................................................................................................... 15% Progress was made, but there is more to do...give him a B........................................................................................... 12% Tough year dealing with Covid and inflation....give him an A...................................................................................... 6%

Q

Several cities, including Miami, FL and Hilton Head, SC, have taken steps to force landscape businesses and homeowners to stop using gasoline powered leaf blowers due to noise complaints.

Do you believe such actions are appropriate?

No...Georgia should not allow local governments to ban these tools.......................................................................... 91% Yes...they should be forced to buy new quieter, electric models..................................................................................... 9%

Q

As gasoline and diesel prices have taken big leaps in recent weeks, how is it impacting your business?

It's ridiculous...everything is going up except my bottom line. STOP! ......................................................................40% Yet another cost of doing business that is hurting my profitability............................................................................. 37% It's not breaking my budget, but I should wish prices would stabilize........................................................................ 12% I enjoyed low gas prices in 2020, so I can manage these higher prices........................................................................11%

Q

The Department of Agriculture collected $1,884,774 from farmers in fees from GATE card holders last year. They expect to use $850,000 to administer the GATE program and use the remaining $1,034,744 for maintenance and upkeep across all state farmers markets. What do you think about how these GATE card fees are being used by the Georgia Department of Agriculture?

Seems like a good plan to help keep the farmers markets in good shape................................................................... 42% Rather see it used for industry engagement and education.......................................................................................... 42% Would be better spent on youth agricultural education programs............................................................................. 16%

34 | UAC MAGAZINE

INDUSTRY Recent action on the leaf blower protection bill has brought out numerous media stories about the issue. With so many sources of news, where do you find the most trustworthy news?

There is no good answer...all news sources are a joke!................................................................................................... 53% Local television news is my go-to for info that I trust.................................................................................................... 21% The AJC or other local paper is my trusted source of news........................................................................................... 20% When I look for the latest news, I trust social media sources......................................................................................... 6%

Q

LEAF: Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness Act In February, the Georgia Urban Ag Council, working with Tolar Capitol Partners, asked Representative Don Hogan to introduce House Bill 1301, the Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness Act (LEAF).

This bill was introduced due to concerns with what has happened in other states and is now being considered by individual jurisdictions in Georgia (Athens-Clark County, Atlanta, Decatur) to ban the use of gaspowered leaf blowers.

As an industry, we support the movement to batterypowered landscape equipment as technology improves.

For most landscape businesses, the battery-powered commercial-grade equipment currently on the market is not viable for high-volume commercial use.

The impact of banning this equipment would affect not only the green industry, but all types of businesses who use this equipment, as well as homeowners. For businesses, the difficulty of operating their businesses across jurisdictions with different rules and/or bans would create chaos and confusion, as we have seen before, with conflicting outdoor water use rules.

4 4

the House by crossover day (March 15), will then go to Senate.

If both House and Senate votes are affirmative (by Sine Die April 4), bill will then be sent to Governor Kemp for signature.

Language in the bill reflects the potential for confusion that would exist with varying regulations that would lead to increased costs for compliance.

Based on UAC member feedback, this is a high priority issue for the industry as prohibitions on gas powered equipment become more prevalent across the U.S.

4 4 4

The cost of doing business will increase, as this would require the purchase of new equipment that at present is significantly more expensive to acquire, more expensive to operate, and is less efficient. The currently available battery operated leaf blowers cause reduce productivity due to limited battery life and will require significantly more time to complete the same task as existing equipment. This in turn could lead to job losses, as these businesses adjust to a greater cost of operating their businesses.

As of publication date (March 10, 2022), this is the status of HB 1301: Representative Don Hogan is still in a holding pattern due to concerns about the impact to 'local control.'

We appreciate the 100+ UAC members that added your name to a list we shared at the State Capitol to showcase industry support.

We hope to overcome obstacles to get a vote on the House floor by, crossover day, March 15. If passed in

On February 15, 2022 UAC’s Mary Kay Woodworth spoke to the House Governmental Affairs Committee.

There would be no prohibition or regulation of the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers during hours allowed for all power equipment.

This bill does not discourage the use of battery powered equipment.

This is an agricultural issue and in need of statewide uniformity. Agriculture has statewide preemption for outdoor water use, fertilizer, pesticides, and genetically modified crops.

Local governments and universities can use whatever equipment they wish.

The bill has broad support from agriculture and forestry groups. Updated information will be disseminated as we receive it.

SPRING 2022 |

35

INDUSTRY

SkillsUSA

UAC partners with NALP Foundation for landscape competition students and instructors in career and technical education and it will be held in Atlanta through 2027, with projected attendance of 20,000 people.

Following the initial “Technology Demonstration” in June 2022, there is a two-year process to be approved for Official Contest status (see timeline below). We look forward to working with NALP on this very tangible way to engage students and expose them to all sectors of the industry!

Sponsor support, both financially and as part of the planning and onsite teams (Atlanta), are paramount to the success of this initiative.

Workforce development is a very high priority for the Georgia Urban Ag Council, and introducing our industry to students, parents and educators is paramount to success in growing our workforce.

We are excited to announce that UAC is partnering with the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation on an exciting new initiative.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. They provide educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.

The NALP Foundation has been working with SkillsUSA for the last several months to develop a landscape-specific competition for their National Championships. Contestants are required to complete a written test on general horticulture, landscape and turf operations, and plant care knowledge; identify live plant specimens; and interpret and evaluate client space and needs, develop a landscape design within given budget, and present to client.

The initial competition will be for high school students; moving forward, we will explore offering to college students (same competition) or middle school students (modified competition).

In June 2022, a Landscape Horticulture “Technology Demonstration” event will be introduced at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) at the Georgia World Congress Center. The conference is a weeklong convention attended by

36 | UAC MAGAZINE

To manage the planning and execution of this event, we are seeking volunteers for the SkillsUSA Landscape Horticulture National Technical Committee.

The National Technical Committee (NTC) will operate at a strategic level, helping to develop contest rules and establish the necessary support for personnel, contest equipment and prizes to introduce the contest to educators and students in June in Atlanta, GA. This group will include a variety of members from the industry, including contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Committee members will also support the competition by being on site in June to help run the competition. The NALP Foundation SkillsUSA Task Group will create a draft of specifications and rules for the NTC to review and approve.

We are also looking for individuals to directly assist in June. The specific needs will be better known once the specs and rules are finalized in the next few months.

SkillsUSA timeline: > > >

>

August 2021: Application for Technology Demonstration event for June 2022 approved by SkillsUSA state directors.

June 2022: Technology Demonstration during SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, GA June 2023: If promoted, Demonstration Contest during SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, GA. A minimum of 15 states must commit to conducting the contest at the state level for a contest to be seriously considered.

June 2024: If approved, Official Contest Status during SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, GA.

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SPRING 2022 |

37

INDUSTRY

2022 Sod Producers Report

Annual survey examines inventory and price

by Clint Waltz, The University of Georgia

The Georgia Urban Ag Council conducted their 27th survey of Georgia sod producers. The purpose of the survey was to determine the status of inventory levels and projected price changes for Spring 2022.

Pricing information included farm price and price for truckload orders to the Atlanta area or within 100 miles of the farm, all costs were reported as price per square foot of sod.

Survey details

Inventory levels

This year, 18 producers participated in the survey, representing farm sizes which were:

than 300 acres (8 participants) 4 less to 600 acres (3 participants) 4 300 to 900 acres (3 participants) 4 601 4 more than 900 acres (4 participants)

The survey obtained estimates of the inventory for bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and tall fescue based on estimated sales for the first five months of 2022 as excellent (more than 10% of demand), adequate (equal to demand), and poor (more than 10% shortage).

% Producers

Figure 1.

Percentage of bermudagrass producers projecting adequate to Projected Adequate to Excellent Bermudagrass Supply excellent supply for the past five years.* 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

92

88

71 55 41

2017

2018

2019

2021

2022

* Projected supply for the first 5 months of the calendar year.

% Producers

Figure 2.

Percentage of zoysiagrass producers projecting adequate to excellent Projected Adequate to Excellent Zoysiagrass Supply supply for the past five years.* 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

81

80 69

8

2018

2019

2021

* Projected supply for the first 5 months of the calendar year.

38 | UAC MAGAZINE

The number of producers growing zoysiagrass (67%) was lower than previous years. Zoysiagrass is a popular species with many commercially available cultivars. There are at least 15 zoysiagrass cultivars being grown in Georgia. Overwhelmingly, 92% of producers forecast a poor zoysiagrass supply in 2022 (Figure 2). Regardless of farm size, most all report having a poor supply moving into 2022.

Of the 18 producers surveyed 10 (56%) were growers of centipedegrass. Thirty percent of the growers had adequate to excellent inventory compared to 55% in 2021, and 80% in 2019. Of the larger growers, 29% with greater than 600 acres expect an adequate centipedegrass supply.

St. Augustinegrass is being grown by 6 of the 18 producers surveyed. One-third reported a sufficient supply.

Similar to previous years, tall fescue was grown by 44% of producers. Despite seed supply issues from Oregon, 63% of Georgia’s tall fescue producers reported excellent to adequate inventory. This is a decrease relative to the previous inventory surveys.

Tall fescue inventory may meet demand, but there is a potential for limited supply relative to the past.

Sod prices

44

2017

Bermudagrass is being grown by 17 of the surveyed producers. Forty-one percent of the producers rated their inventory as adequate to excellent this year (Figure 1). Nearly all (86%) of the growers with greater than 600 acres anticipate an insufficient bermudagrass supply, while 60% of the producers with 600 acres or less project having sufficient inventories. For early 2022, bermudagrass may be in shorter supply than previous years.

2022

Both on-the-farm and delivered prices of all species are expected to increase in 2022. Price increases could range from 11% to 24% over 2021 prices (Table 1).

INDUSTRY While greater than the 2021 price, centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass will have the lowest price increase relative to the other three species. Figure 3 provides a five-year perspective of delivered sod prices.

Table 1.

The average price per square foot for a truckload of bermudagrass delivered to the Atlanta area, or within 100 miles of the farm, was higher relative to 2021 (Table 1). The 2022 survey indicated prices varied from 28.0 cents to 45.0 cents, with an average price of 34.3 cents (Table 2). The average price in 2021 was 28.6 cents per square foot and ranged from 23.0 cents to 36.0 cents.

Turfgrasses

The 2022 average price for a delivered truckload of zoysiagrass was greater than 2021 levels. The average price of delivered zoysiagrass in 2022 was 63.5 cents and ranged from 50.0 to 75.0 cents. In 2021 zoysiagrass prices ranged from 39.0 to 67.0 cents and averaged 52.4 cents.

*

The 2022 average delivered price for tall fescue (41.8 cents) was 20% higher than 2021 (34.7 cents). This year, prices ranged from 35.0 cents to 50.0 cents.

The average price of delivered St. Augustinegrass in 2022 was 56.0 cents and ranged from 50.0 to 62.0 cents. In 2021, St. Augustinegrass prices ranged from 45.0 to 60.0 cents and averaged 50.7 cents.

Projected increases

Regarding grower price expectations, growers are warning of a significant price increase early 2022.

4 4

Eighty-two percent of bermudagrass producers expect an increase in prices during the first five months. This is dissimilar to 2021, where many growers forecast steady prices for the first five months.

For zoysiagrass, 64% of producers anticipate higher prices during the first five months of 2022.

Certification

2022 had 16 producers representing 89% of the respondents with some certified grass on their farm (Table 3). Fifty-three percent of these growers charge a premium for certified grass, down from 82% in 2019. The remaining growers either do not place an added value on certified sod or do not participate in the certification program. In 2022, the typical extra

Bermudagrass Zoysiagrass Centipedegrass Tall Fescue St. Augustinegrass

On-the-farm

Delivered*

2021 2022 % change --- cents / ft2 ---

2021 2022 % change --- cents / ft2 ---

23.5 45.9 27.2 28.6 44.0

27.8 56.5 30.9 35.5 50.0

18.3 23.1 13.6 24.1 13.6

28.6 52.4 32.5 34.7 50.7

34.3 63.5 36.6 41.8 56.0

19.9 21.2 12.6 20.5 10.5

Delivered price includes freight and pallets. The delivered price included the Atlanta area or within 100 miles of the farm.

Table 2.

Comparison: Farm to delivered prices, 2022 On-the-farm Turfgrasses

*

Delivered*

Price (avg.) Range Price (avg.)

Range --------------------------- cents / ft2 --------------------------------

Bermudagrass Zoysiagrass Centipedegrass Tall Fescue St. Augustinegrass

27.8 20.0 - 39.0 56.5 45.0 - 69.0 30.9 20.0 - 48.0 35.5 28.0 - 43.0 50.0 45.0 - 58.0

34.3 28.0 - 45.0 63.5 50.0 - 75.0 36.6 24.0 - 54.0 41.8 35.0 - 50.0 56.0 50.0 - 62.0

Delivered price includes freight and pallets. The delivered price included the Atlanta area or within 100 miles of the farm.

Figure 3.

Historical perspective of sod prices in Georgia, 2017 to 2022.

Five Year History of Delivered Turfgrass

70.0 65.0 60.0 cents / square foot

Centipedegrass prices in 2022 ranged from 24.0 cents to 54.0 cents and averaged 36.6 cents, compared to 2021 when the average delivered price was 32.5 cents and ranged from 26.0 to 40.0 cents.

Change in prices from Spring 2021 to 2021

55.0 50.0 45.0 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0

2017

Bermudagrass

2018 Zoysiagrass

2019 Centipedegrass

2021 Tall Fescue

2022 St. Augustinegrass

cost ranged from 2.0 to 5.0 cents per square foot and averaged 4.0 cents. This translates to between $10.00 and $25.00 on a 500 square foot pallet.

SPRING 2022 |

39

INDUSTRY Table 3.

Percentage of survey respondents that grow certified grass and the additional charge for certified grass Growers with certified grassGrowers that charge a premium Year

%

n*

%

n*

2022 2021 2019 2018 2017

89 85 65 69 71

16 17 11 9 15

53 53 82 55 85

8 9 9 6 11

*

Average Range ---------- cents -----------

4.0 3.0 2.3 2.0 4.0

2.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

-

5.0 10.0 4.0 3.0 10.0

Total number of respondents 18, 20, 17, 13, and 21 for 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, and 2017 respectively.

Table 4.

Historical freight rate for sod deliveries Year

Range

Average

% Change

--------------------- $ / mile --------------------

2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 *

4.00 3.76 3.83 3.00 1.25

- 9.00 – 6.00 - 5.00 - 4.50 – 5.00

5.26 4.24 3.88 3.58 3.50

24.1 9.3 8.4 2.3 -5.4

Delivered price includes freight and pallets. The delivered price included the Atlanta area or within 100 miles of the farm.

The price point where consumers (i.e. industry practitioners and homeowners) value varietal purity is unknown. Anecdotal estimates – informal survey of a several hundred participants – of homeowners and end-consumers suggests the value of a certified grass is likely greater than reported in this survey. When told of the benefits of certified sod, end-users indicated they are willing to pay more (e.g. $20 to $25 / 500 square foot pallet) to ensure varietal purity.

Freight, unloading fees, and fuel surcharge

Freight rates per mile shipped to Atlanta, or within 100 miles of the farm, rose in 2022 (Table 4). Costs ranged from $4.00 to $9.00 and averaged $5.26.

A separate freight rate is charged by 50% of the respondents, about the same as reported for 2021.

If an unloading fee is charged, it may range from $75 to $125. This is the same as 2021. Most producers will make additional drops on a load. In 2022, the

40 | UAC MAGAZINE

low-end charges rose to $40 while the high-end charge remained constant at $150. The average cost for additional drops in 2022 was $83.21; an increase from the 2021 cost of $74.44. One respondent reported adding a $5 per mile fuel surcharge, with a maximum of $50, to a load in 2022.

Markets

The 18 producers that participated in this survey estimated that 44% the grass sold was to landscape contractors (Table 5). This industry segment continues to be the perennial leader and is consistent with national trends where landscape contractors are the largest marketing channel for horticulture and specialty crops (www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/ Highlights/2020/census-horticulture.pdf).

Golf courses took the second position, accounting for 19% of sales in 2022. In a positive response to the pandemic, golfers have turned, and returned, to the game of golf (www.ngf.org). Increased demand has also stimulated revenues, generating on-course upgrades and renovations.

Acreage in production

Over 40% of the producers indicated they planned to add acres into production during 2022. The cumulative total for this year’s increase is approximately 400 acres, down from 600 acres forecast in 2021.

Comparing the responses from this survey with the Georgia Crop Improvement Association’s 2022 Georgia Certified Turfgrass Buyers Guide (www.georgiacrop. com/turf-grass) there has been a 3% to 4% annual increase in production over the past few years.

Summary

Over the past 20 years, the three-year decline in bermudagrass and zoysiagrass inventory is unprecedented. Since 2019, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass ready for harvest in late winter and through the spring are down 47% and 61%, respectively. While producers have been steadily adding acres since the economic downturn of the late 2000s, it was not at a rate to meet current demand.

For those unfamiliar with the cropping system of producing perennial warm-season turfgrasses, it takes time and a multi-year land commitment to produce an economically sustainable quality grass.

2022 will be the second consecutive year of higher sod prices. With thin inventories, it can be speculated that prices will be greater than the increases forecast in this survey. It is hard to predict consumer demand

INDUSTRY for grass in early spring, but if current market forces continue, sod sales will likely remain high, further pressuring inventories and pricing.

Table 5.

Ranking of industry segments for sale of turfgrass 2022 Industry segments

Bullet points from the 2022 Sod Producers Report > 2022 will be a year of higher sod prices. > Supply of turfgrasses may be limited in early 2022.

> Freight rates will increase in 2022. > The average price for certified grass

increased to 4.0 cents per square foot, still an acceptable price to ensure varietal purity.

> Some producers are considering adding acreage into production during 2022.

Landscape contractors Golf courses Existing developers Homeowners Sports/athletic fields Garden centers Landscape designers Brokers *

2021

Rank

Average*

Rank

Average*

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

43.6 18.5 16.0 15.4 13.9 11.6 11.4 7.0

1 3 2 5 7 4 8 6

45.6 14.7 15.2 12.8 10.0 13.3 4.2 10.6

Average percentage of total sales.

About the author

Clint Waltz is Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia campus in Griffin, GA.

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41

INDUSTRY

Testing nanobubble technology

Oxygenated bubbles may improve soil health and sustainability

by Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News

Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA

CAES researchers Mussie Habteselassie, Bochra Bahri and David Jespersen are testing the benefits of using nanobubble-infused irrigation water to more efficiently grow sods and maintain turfgrass.

While the old song “Tiny Bubbles” lauds the happy effervescence of a glass of sparkling wine, new University of Georgia research on nanobubbles seeks to discover whether the tiniest of bubbles can hold beneficial properties for turfgrass.

Led by soil microbiologist Mussie Habteselassie, the Georgia Department of Agriculture-sponsored study will evaluate the potential applications of nanobubble technology to control pathogens and improve plant growth, water use efficiency and soil biological health in turfgrass systems. Other researchers on the project include turfgrass and forage pathologist Bochra Bahri and crop and soil scientist David Jespersen, all with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

42 | UAC MAGAZINE

Using technology that generates oxygenated nanobubbles — which are roughly 2500 times smaller than a grain of salt — researchers will apply nanocharged water to turfgrass root systems through irrigation.

Manufacturers of the nanobubble technology say the technology can improve root aeration, increase water use efficiency by changing surface tension and improve soil health by increasing microbial activity.

“This technology is based on the idea of putting oxygen into these tiny, nano-scale bubbles, which have a higher surface area per unit volume and therefore are more stable in liquid than bubbles with larger sizes, such as in carbonated drinks,” said Habteselassie, a professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences on the UGA Griffin campus.

INDUSTRY

Measuring microbial activity and disease control Researchers will test the technology through laboratory, greenhouse and field studies to measure how using nanobubble technology influences water use as well as turf shoot and root growth.

The study will track changes in activity, abundance and composition of beneficial soil microorganisms that play an important role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.

}

“What this potentially means is that, when you irrigate a field with nanobubbles, you increase the oxygen level in the root area of the turfgrass. More oxygen at the roots means better root development, increased water use efficiency, and also an increase in microbial activity. When you have increased microbial activity, there is better decomposition of organic matter and that releases nutrients and makes them more available to the plant.” ~ Mussie Habteselassie Professor Department of Crop and Soil Sciences UGA Griffin Campus

Previous laboratory studies show that, when nanobubbles burst, they create reactive oxygen species (chemicals that can oxidize and kill microbial cells) which may help to control plant pathogens that cause dollar spot and leaf spot, two costly, common fungal diseases of turfgrass.

Reducing chemicals, water use — and costs “This is where the sustainability aspect comes in. If we can show that this works in turfgrass, it can lead to reduced use of chemicals and fungicides because the radicals released by the nanobubbles are controlling pathogens,” Habteselassie said, adding that the technology has been used for wastewater treatment, surface cleaning and controlling microorganic biofilms in food processing.

If researchers confirm the benefits of the technology, it could lead to reduced use of pesticides, fertilizers, water and other inputs, reducing the cost to grow sods and maintain turfgrass and decreasing the environmental impact of land use for golf courses.

The project is funded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and was developed in response to a request for independent testing of the technology by the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association.

About the author

Maria M. Lameiras is a managing editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Mussie Habteselassie (left), a golf course employee and UGA crop and soil sciences researcher Viktor Tishchenko install sensors in the soil on field test plots at the Rivermont Golf Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, to monitor oxygen, temperature and moisture.

Rivermont course superintendent Mark Hoban agreed to work with UGA on the project in an industry-leading effort to transition into a golf course system that is more sustainable and less reliant on conventional inputs.

SPRING 2022 |

43

URBAN AG

What's new?

Plant material to try in 2022

by Jill Odom, Content Manager, National Association of Landscape Professionals

“New varieties can help solve some landscape challenges, such as needing something that fits into a space without needing a lot of maintenance pruning,” says Jane Beggs-Joles, landscape market coordinator for Proven Winners.

“They also help to set you apart from the competition.

Being up on the newest varieties is one more way to elevate your own brand and not be competing on price.”

Beggs-Joles adds that if you don’t get in the habit of evaluating new plants, you’ll struggle to find a new goto when your old one is unavailable. Also, every year there are new pests and diseases an older variety many not have a resistance to.

Fothergilla Legend of the Small™ Photo: Proven Winners

It has all the charm of full sized Fothergilla but in a smaller package. It has fun flowers, fabulous fall color, and is an all-around handsome plant for either specimen use or as a mass planting.

“Trying new plant material also tells your clients that you’re a professional and that you invest in learning new things,” she says.

It may seem unnecessary to add new varieties to a dependable plant palette, but new introductions can elevate a good plant to a great one.

“Whether that means better disease resistance, rightsizing plants to place, better flower color, longer-lasting flowers, or multiple-season interest, tried and tested new varieties can set you apart as a designer with long-lasting landscape success,” says Ryan McEnaney, marketing and communications manager for Bailey Nurseries. “While not all new introductions live up to expectations, aligning with companies and brands that put in the hard work up front will set you up for longterm success.”

McEnaney says Bailey Nurseries puts a strong emphasis on trialing plants across the country at their production sites and external trial sites.

Gardenia Steady As She Goes™ Photo: Proven Winners

A low-growing evergreen with a long bloom time and good deer-resistance. It flowers right through the heat of the summer. It is recommended only in USDA Zones 7-10.

44 | UAC MAGAZINE

“Any plant that is accepted into the First Editions Shrubs & Trees brand undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it lives up to its unique attributes,” McEnaney says. “Similarly, we set an expectation that each plant selected for the First Editions brand is better than or provides a unique attribute that doesn’t already exist on the market. We are methodical and intentional with each new introduction and take our time to choose only the best.”

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Little Lime Punch™ Photo: Proven Winners

If you like Little Lime™ but want something with lots of different flower colors in fall, Little Lime Punch has flowers that are pink, green, white, Hawaiian-punch red – all there at the same time.

Vanilla Brandy™ Abelia

Pinktini™ Lilac

A compact new introduction for warm climates with green and white variegated leaves that hold up, even through the summer sun and heat. White, slightly fragrant flowers emerge in May and continue through October when the leaf margins turn pink to rose as the nights cool down in fall. At 2-3’ tall and wide, Vanilla Brandy™ forms a perfect mound that doesn’t need to be pruned to hold its shape.

A more compact, tidier version of the classic ‘Miss Canada’ Lilac. Rich pink flowers bloom in late spring on a tightly upright shrub against glossy, dark green foliage. Bred in Manitoba, Pinktini™ is incredibly cold hardy to zone 2. At 4-5’ tall and 3-4’ wide, Pinktini™ Lilac is fantastic for small spaces and early-season blooms in cold climates.

Photo: Bailey Nurseries

Photo: Bailey Nurseries

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2022 trends

There continues to be high demand for compact, lowmaintenance plants.

“Despite digging in the dirt more than previous years, the focus remains on hardworking plants that looks great for long periods of time without a lot of work,” McEnaney says. “This means extended flowering seasons, plants with great leaf texture, diseaseresistance, and plants that offer something unique and beautiful for more than one short season.”

The pandemic has also heightened the focus on the outdoor space and the need for privacy. Larger plants that provide screening hedges and fastigiate plants have risen in popularity.

Little Hottie® hydrangea Photo: Bailey Nurseries

Genetically compact, it maintains its 3-5’ stature after many years of trials across the United States. Its flowers emerge green and turn bright white all summer. Bred in Georgia, it can stand up to warm-climate summers without getting heat stressed or the blooms browning out and has the cold tolerance expected of the species.

Because of its tight branching and strong stems, the plant stays upright and is an easy-care blooming machine in the landscape.

“All of those folks who learned to value their outdoor space in the past year also learned that a little privacy from their work-from-home neighbor would be nice, too,” Beggs-Joles says. “Tall, narrow plants are just the thing to plant along a fence or pathway.”

So, what are some of the new plants to consider testing out? Shown here are a handful to keep an eye for.

This article was written by Jill Odom and originally published in the National Association of Landscape Professional’s The Edge January/February issue.

The University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has developed, in collaboration with the Center for Urban Agriculture, an online, live, interactive training program that allows pest management and Green Industry professionals to obtain continuing education credits (CEUs) virtually anywhere.

May 19 • •

Recognizing and combating turfgrass disease issues: Dr. Phil Harmon, Plant Pathology Dept, University of Florida Green-up 2022 - Forecast for turfgrasses and pest management: Dr. Clint Waltz, Dept. of Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia

July 14 • •

Understanding insecticides and miticides for turfgrass and ornamental plants: Dr. Juang Horng "JC" Chong Chemical and biological approaches to Botrytis management: Dr. James Faust

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Industry update: Turfgrass: Dr. Shimat Joseph, Dr. Patrick McCullough, Dr. Alfredo Martinez, Dr. Clint Waltz Industry update: Ornamentals: Dr. Bodie Pennisi, Dr. Jean Williams-Woodward, Dr. Shimat Joseph, Dr Mark Czarnota

Visit the Center for Urban Agriculture's website for additional information about the Center and all of our activities: ugaurbanag.com 46 | UAC MAGAZINE

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The Garden Question Podcast Q & A with Craig McManus

The Garden Question is a podcast for people who love designing, building and growing smarter gardens that work.

On The Garden Question Podcast, Craig McManus talks with successful garden designers, builders, and growers, discovering their stories along with how they think, work, and grow.

Q Who do you like to interview?

I like to interview people with hands-in-the-dirt A experience who can tell stories with a teacher’s

heart and bring value to our audience.

We will all grow from hearing the millions of landscape and garden stories out there. I want to discover them and provide a conduit for them to be told.

Craig McManus

Founder of McPlants and host for The Garden Question Podcast I’m the Founder and Principal Designer for McPlants, Inc., a boutique garden company that designs and builds smarter landscapes that work, located in Winston, GA.

My philosophy is if you're not learning something new every day in this business you’re not trying.

I began my real-world education in the green industry by working for Pike Nurseries.

I serve on the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional advisory board. A fun fact is that I was in the first class to certify.

It has been a lifetime of learning for me with 1,400+ hours of continuing education, 10+ profession certifications and designations along with a bachelor degree in business from Auburn University. The most important are the years of practical experience helping people create their outdoor dreams.

mcplants.com

48 | UAC MAGAZINE

I have been in the urban ag business for 39 years and have numerous certifications and thousands of continuing education hours. The people I have been honored to interview in the first year’s 52 episodes have been the most enjoyable and educational experience ever.

Q Why did you start a podcast?

I believe we should be growing each other.

A More importantly, I believe we should be

growing the 18 million new gardeners who came on board in the last two years.

Some of these new gardeners will love it so much they will desire to do it every day in our industry.

Some will plant the seed in a child’s heart that germinates into a lifetime pursuit of growing and creating in the outdoors.

I want to contribute in nourishing those desires.

Q What is a podcast anyway?

Podcasting is a world of learning and A entertainment that can be listened to passively

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I invite you to listen to The Garden Question Podcast.

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New UGA Extension program

Green certifications reward natural landscapes

by Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News The program was developed by Camden County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent Jessica Warren and Martin Wunderly, area water agent for UGA Extension’s Northeast District. Both agents had heard of similar programs in neighboring states and saw a statewide need for the program in Georgia.

After successfully applying for a mini-grant from the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, the duo developed the program using research-based materials from UGA faculty and from peer institutions in neighboring states.

The program website hosts educational videos and other self-guided resources for property owners that will guide them on how to implement sustainable green practices in their landscapes, including composting and mulching, creating pollinatorand wildlife-friendly spaces, water conservation and quality, stormwater, controlling invasive species, incorporating native plants and promoting biodiversity.

Camden County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent Jessica Warren worked with Martin Wunderly, area water agent for UGA Extension’s Northeast District, to develop the Georgia Green Landscape Stewards curriculum.

For some residents, a pristinely manicured lawn free of weeds and undisturbed by insects is the ultimate goal. However, a new program from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension encourages creating a more natural landscape that reduces chemical use and incorporates native plants to promote biodiversity and protect the environment.

Launching to the public on March 15, the Georgia Green Landscape Steward certification program provides educational resources to teach Georgians about protecting natural resources, increasing plant and animal biodiversity, conserving soil and water, providing wildlife and pollinator habitat, and improving public and environmental health.

50 | UAC MAGAZINE

“The goal is to improve landscape practices to make them more sustainable and to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and water waste while encouraging habitats for wildlife and pollinators,” said Warren.

“NPS pollution is the main type of water pollution we have and it is becoming harder and harder to control,” said Warren, adding that NPS includes anything from pesticide and insecticide runoff from lawns and oil from roadways to household chemicals and pet waste.

Wunderly — who developed the materials on water conservation, water quality and stormwater — wants residents to know that what they do can make a difference.

Small actions make a huge difference

“It is not just larger or regional landscapes that have an impact. It is a combination of everybody’s lawn being washed off by rainwater and everything being washed into the local stream. You can’t point at one corner of a neighborhood or a city or a region, pollution is coming from everywhere,” he said.

That is why the team made the program easily scalable from large commercial properties to small residential plots.

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Warren said the program is modifiable for all regions of the state, and Extension agents throughout the state have access to resources to help property owners with the steps to complete the certification.

Because people have been spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 crisis, Warren said she has seen an increase in the requests from homeowners on actions they can take to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, including supporting wildlife and pollinators that have been negatively impacted by human development.

Power to the people

“This program gives people something to empower them and to provide simple strategies they can incorporate — for little to no money — and make a positive impact,” Warren said. “Each person can make their property a more natural habitat, then we will see how that creates corridors through the landscape with islands of habitat so that migrating animals and insects can have resources along the way. If enough people create sustainable landscapes, we will begin to see how much habitat that collective effort creates and the impact it will have.”

After participants have reviewed the program materials, they can document the practices they have implemented on their property through the Green Landscape Metrics Scorecard, which provides a checklist for each of the 10 topic areas covered by the program. Each task on the list is worth a certain number of points.

“People who care about their property also care about what people think about their property. As awareness about pollinators and birds and wildlife gets more popular, this signage really helps get people interested and it also becomes a status symbol,” Warren said. “If we can get social pressure in neighborhoods and areas to make changes that will impact our environment and waterways, people will see the implications of their actions more directly. It makes it harder to ignore.”

Full information on the program is available at site.extension.uga.edu/georgiagreen. For assistance with the program in your area, contact your local UGA Extension office by visiting extension.uga.edu/ county-offices.

About the author

Maria M. Lameiras is a managing editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

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“It is all about being mindful of what is on your property and seeing what you can potentially change in your behaviors and practices that will reduce nonpoint source contamination from your property,” Wunderly said. “I like the aspect that this an education program, but at the same time it is getting people to make a difference in their surroundings on their own piece of land. As a whole it adds up. There is this huge force of people who could potentially really help to reduce pollution, improve landscapes and air quality and increase wildlife habitat through these actions.”

“I like the aspect that this an education program, but at the same time it is getting people to make a difference in their surroundings on their own piece of land. As a whole it adds up. There is this huge force of people who could potentially really help to reduce pollution, improve landscapes and air quality and increase wildlife habitat through these actions.” ~ Martin Wunderly Area water agent UGA Extension's Northeast District

Once they have completed the checklist and earned a minimum of 70 points, businesses and residents can submit the form to request Georgia Green Landscape certification. Certification comes with an electronic or mailed paper certificate. Those who successfully receive certification can purchase a weather-resistant Georgia Green Landscape Steward yard sign to acknowledge their accomplishment and spread awareness in their communities.

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The science of light, part 2

Shade management beneath trees

by Kim Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care, Warnell School, UGA

Light power

Light of value to trees can be generally divided into blue range (B = 400-500nm), green inactive range (G = 500-600nm), red range ( R= 600-700nm), and far red range (FR = 700-800nm). The blue range is active in powering photosynthesis and is found in direct and diffuse sunlight. The green range is generally not used by plants and is reflected or passed through to our eyes. The red range is also used in powering photosynthesis and is found in direct sun light. The far red range is used to measure light quality by plants, and affects growth control processes when measured by a sensor pigment called phytochrome.

Tree leaves act as selective filters to incoming sunlight. Tree leaves remove portions of the PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) for use in food production. The more leaves filtering the sun, the less energy available for capture below and the deeper the shade. Blue and red wavelengths of light are used (filtered out), leaving remaining green colors to paint shady areas. Most full-sun plants require at least six hours of full sun every day even if they spend the rest of a day in shade. Perpetual or constant shade is a low energy, stressful environment. Sunflecks are short duration points of light which deliver full sun for periods of 2-10 minutes. Some plant species depend upon these bursts of full sun to survive and may not be able to survive perpetual shade.

Fig 10: Shade terms of the two volumes behind or below a leaf, opposite incoming sunlight.

52 | UAC MAGAZINE

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Shade types

Shade comes in many different forms. Shade varies by duration, timing, density, and source.

perpetual shade can be more damaging 4 Light than six hours of heavy shade. shade has been shown to be worse for 4 Morning understory plants than the same duration of shade in the afternoon.

dense shade has much less energy to power any 4 Aphotosynthesis than a light or spotty shade. number, size, and duration variations 4 Sunfleck can mean the difference between decline and thriving.

and awnings produce a different 4 Buildings quality of shade than tree canopies. Building shade tends to be richer in blue (B) and less far red (FR) than tree canopies.

shade is enriched in far red (FR) and short 4 Tree of red (R) from leaf filtering. Because far red

(FR) initiates tree growth changes, shade quality differences from different shade sources affect plants differently.

Fig 11: Graphical representation of how effective leaf diameter is determined. ELD is an average length of the long and short axis for the largest ellipse scribed inside a leaf outline without crossing a leaf edge.

The shade behind a leaf has two components: a full shade where no direct light is available and a partial shade where more diffuse and scattered light is available.

Based on the diameter of the light-emitting disk of the sun in the sky, and its distance from a leaf, a cone of full shade called an umbra exists for a given distance behind the leaf (Figure 9). Proper terms for these shade areas behind or below a leaf are given in Figure 10. This full shade or umbra cone exists for a distance of approximately 60 times the effective leaf diameter (ELD) of a leaf. Each leaf has a different effective leaf diameter.

ELD & DSED

Effective leaf diameter (ELD) is the average of short and long axis length of the largest ellipse which can be scribed within a leaf which does not cross any leaf edge (Figure 11). Here each leaflet will be considered the same as a leaf.

Figure 12 provides a definition of effective leaf diameter for various leaf shapes. Effective leaf diameter in inches multiplied by 60 yields the direct or full shade effect distance (umbra length or DSED) behind the leaf in inches. Leaves in bundles (pine needles) should have effective leaf diameters calculated by bundle diameter not by single needle width.

Fig 12: Graphical definition of effective leaf diameters (ELD).

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Pruning for effect

Trees can be effectively managed to increase light passage through crowns by reducing foliage density.

Two pruning methods used to reduce shade density are crown raising and crown thinning.

raising is properly pruning lower branches.

4 Crown The distance to leave between the first live branch and soil surface can be estimated by calculating average shade effect distances. Raising allows more blue band light to diffuse onto soil and plant surfaces, and more total light passing through and around the crown.

thinning is the removal of foliage-bearing 4 Crown branches and twigs within the living tree crown, but not affecting total reach and extent of the crown. Thinning can allow more sunflecks of full sunlight and more total light to reach soil and plant surfaces.

Fig 13: Example shade effect components (ELD & DSED) for selected tree species.

Figure 13 provides a list of tree species and their average effective leaf diameters and direct shade effect distance (DSED) behind or below a leaf. Note that the DSED is not a vertical umbra distance, but an umbra which moves behind a leaf as the sun traces an arc through the sky. This arc will never be vertically above the leaf at any latitude greater than the tropics, but always at some angle less than 90o to the horizon.

Direct or indirect?

Figure 14 shows the effect of distance below a leaf upon the quality and quantity of the shade produced. Leaf layers create complex patterns of direct and diffuse shade at any one moment in time. The soil surface beneath a tree will be a mix of direct (full) shade, diffuse (partial) shade, and sunflecks (short duration full sun). Figure 15 shows the direct shade effect distance (DSED) behind or below leaves with various effective leaf diameters. For example, a leaf with a four inch effective leaf diameter (4" ELD) directly influences sunlight below/behind for 20 feet (umbra length or cone of full shade or DSED = 20 feet).

54 | UAC MAGAZINE

Few plants will perform well in direct full shade.

Changing the shade pattern over the day and season by pruning overstory trees can allow more leaves to be successful. Overstory tree pruning using crown raising and crown thinning can help improve light resources below. Note some trees (magnolia and holly as examples) have values within landscapes and growth patterns (low branch skirts) which preclude attempting to increase DSED with crown raising.

Light competition

A critical form of light competition on trees is the presence of vines and epiphytes. Traditional landscapes with large trees may also use ivy, jasmine, grapes, Virginia creeper, or other woody vining plants at the base of trees. Interference for site resources from these plants as shaded ground covers is not intense.

When vines are allowed to climb trees into the sun (or are exposed to full sun), they use more site resources, especially light and water. Vines present both ecological interference and mechanical support problems (in wind and ice storms.)

Some epiphytes like Spanish moss do not actively interfere with tree roots and soil resources, but physically block light from tree foliage. Periodic control and removal is needed.

Thin is in

A major problem in some landscapes is the perception that more trees are better than fewer trees. It is aesthetically better to have a few, great impact,

URBAN AG structurally sound, and biologically healthy trees than many stressed, pest ridden, and poor quality stems.

Trees grow and occupy more space over time. A group of trees planted for a specific shade impact can grow and over-occupy a site. Thinning trees is a good management tool because it removes the poorest trees, leaves the best trees, and releases new resources.

Overcrowding or overstocking leads to premature death, increased pest problems, and less resistance to site stress.

Two means of gauging overstocking of tree stems on a site is using a PAR light meter, or measuring the effective basal area (dbh) in square feet of a site. A PAR meter will demonstrate how much usable light is present (or could be made available) through tree thinning. Basal area measures are an easy means to determine stocking levels and measure thinning impacts. Basal areas between 35 -- 70 square feet per acre (measured with a prism or angle gauge) are appropriate for a tree covered area. Basal areas between 20 -- 40 square feet can be used for open park-like areas.

Fig 14: Diagram of additive effects of several leaf layers upon direct and diffuse shade. In only one spot (#1) does full sunlight strike the soil surface. In two places (#2) a direct shade effect is present at ground level. The rest of the soil surface is covered with diffuse shade.

Conclusion

Shade can be a stressful attribute on a site. Planning for shade patterns and number of leaf arrays over any site can pay tree health and other plant dividends in generating fewer problems and better sustainability.

Use shade assessments to better quantify shade impacts.

All images courtesy of Dr. Kim D. Coder, Warnell School, University of Georgia

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

Fig 15: Calculated value of direct shade effect distance (DSED) in feet for a number of effective leaf diameters (ELD) measured in inches.

DSED ft. = ((ELD in.) X 60)/12 SPRING 2022 |

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Blue, green, and grey water

Each classification can be used differently by the Soil Science Society of America

Photo by Tahlia Doyle on Unsplash

One of the most precious resources on earth is dwindling, and its decline affects the lives of everyone on earth. Its scarcity is costly in economical, biological, and ecological terms.

It’s not oil, but a resource even more valuable: water.

2022 marks the 50-year anniversary of the Clean Water Act. This Act aims to restore and maintain the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the nation’s water resources.

In this article, the Soil Science Society of America takes a look at how managing water in terms of access and freshness is one way to optimize the use of this resource. These classifications are called blue, green, and grey water.

What is blue water?

Blue water is found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

It’s what you see in wetlands, or it can be pumped from below surface aquifers. Available blue water is used for many purposes, including drinking water. It can be used in homes and businesses – like beverage manufacturers.

56 | UAC MAGAZINE

It is also used as irrigation water for agriculture. In fact, agriculture uses about 70% of the blue water – which is why researchers are finding ways to reuse water (which we cover below!).

Blue water is “recharged” by precipitation, either as rainfall or snowmelt. But as we build more cities, we put up pavement and buildings, meaning this water then flows into our stormwater systems. Permeable pavement, green roofs, and other solutions help capture and keep this water clean.

What is green water?

Green water is the water available in the soil for plants and soil microorganisms. It is the water absorbed by roots, used by plants, and released back to the atmosphere through the process of transpiration.

Green water can also leave the soil through evaporation or subsurface runoff, but it is considered productive only when it is used for plant transpiration.

URBAN AG Various factors determine how much water is needed for a plant to grow: the temperature, amount of sun and wind, and how dry the air is. These factors change the amount of green water a crop needs, and therefore how much irrigation might be needed in addition to the rainfall in an area. The overall goal is to get more crop per drop of water and decrease the need for irrigation.

Another benefit of grey water reuse is nutrient recycling. While the water is treated, it still contains significant amounts of nutrients that are needed by the crops. When water is put back into soil, the remaining nutrients go with it. Recycling those nutrients not only helps build crop yields, but it also means the nutrients stay out of surface waters and groundwater where they might otherwise affect water quality.

Some solutions to getting more from green water are reduced tillage and use of cover crops. Cover crops can shade the soil and decrease water loss from the soil surface. Likewise, no-till practices leave crop residue on the soil and prevent evaporation. Cover crops and no-till practices also prevent soil erosion and runoff by holding soils in place and encouraging water to soak into the soil instead of skimming off the surface.

Water is a vital part of human life. Our food supply, among other necessities, depends on water security.

Increasing the amount of green water available to crops and the efficiency with which the plants use it are necessary to secure food for a growing population.

The reuse of grey water is essential, too. Grey water reduces the use of blue water and provides additional green water while lowering energy costs and recycling nutrients.

What is grey water?

To supplement green water, scientists are looking to grey water. The term is typically applied to water that has been previously used and may contain some impurities. Grey water has been used by cities, households, and industries. It is the wastewater that is usually treated and discharged.

The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Follow SSSA on Facebook at SSSA.soils, and Twitter at SSSA_Soils. SSSA has soils information on www.soils.org/about-soils, for teachers at www.soils4teachers.org, and for students through 12th grade, www.soils4kids.org.

Nature makes blue and green water. Humans make – and have learned to reuse – grey water.

POWER UP YOUR SOIL

But how much grey water can there be? As it turns out, there is a lot of grey water out there. It comes from people washing their hands, cleaning their vegetables, or spraying down their driveways. In addition to household wastewater, industries produce a significant amount of grey water in their operations.

A large vegetable-processing plant consumes as much water as a city of 100,000 people. And in many areas, power production will use as much water as irrigated agriculture.

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Reusing grey water can decrease energy consumption—by up to 80%. Because the water has already been pumped from the ground, additional energy that would be used to pull out more blue water is saved. That reuse not only creates more green water for plants, but it also saves blue water while providing multiple other benefits.

Though grey water needs to be treated, it doesn’t have to be treated to a pristine level. Sufficiently treated water can be put on a field, and healthy soil will then finish the treatment by filtering it and removing chemicals, because soil is the world’s largest biofilter!

As with green water, the quality of the soil is an important factor in grey water reuse.

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Developed by Oklahoma State University Tahoma 31® Bermudagrass is among the most winter-hardy of the improved hybrid bermudagrasses on the market today! Developed by Oklahoma State University (as OKC 1131) in response to a growing demand for the next generation of winter-hardy varieties, Tahoma 31 derives its name from the Native American word, Tahoma, which means frozen water. With the additional characteristics of both improved wear tolerance and drought resistance, Tahoma 31 is ideally suited for sport turf, golf courses and high-quality lawns in the Mid-Atlantic & Transition Zone. Through nationwide testing in NTEP, Tahoma 31 excels in key metrics compared to other bermudagrasses including Tifway, TifTuf and Latitude 36.

COLD TOLERANT: Up to 75% more cold tolerant than Tifway, TifTuf & Latitude 36 DROUGHT RESISTANT: 18% less water use than TifTuf EARLY SPRING GREEN UP: Earlier than Tifway, TifTuf & Latitude 36 AVAILABLE NOW: Limited foundation planting material to licensed producers UNIVERSITY APPROVED: Developed by top researchers at Oklahoma State University LEGACY TURF FARMS 850 Indian Mounds Road Cartersville, Georgia 30120 770-607-0491 sales@legacyturffarms.com

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