UAC Magazine - Winter 2022

AUGUST

31, 2022 LANDSCAPE PRO

UNIVERSITY

Attendee brochure inside!

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed

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56 WINTER 2022

Greener. Smarter. Stronger.

WINTER 2022 |

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SCAN ME TO LEARN

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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

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Bermuda | Zoysia | Fescue | Centipede 770-431-1343 • NGTurf.com WINTER 2022 |

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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

Staff Mary Kay Woodworth

Executive Director Kathy Johnson

Marketing Director & Editor

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

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 COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

WINTER 2022

UAC NEWS

5

Executive Director message

6

Landscape Pro University Attendee brochure

12 What did you miss? Sporting clays, design workshop, field day 14 Leadership award UAC board member is recognized 17

Nature's Turf launches pest control division

18 Unlimited Lawn Care acquires Four Season Services

REGULAR FEATURES

20 Pro Project Gibbs Landscape Company 22 Have you met... Matt Whiddon, Atlanta in Color 24 Pest 411 Azalea bark scale 27

Save the date

28 What the tech? 4 reasons to update your website videos and photos 30 Safety School What do your employees need to know right now?

58 Directory of advertisers

BUSINESS 32 Labor mark-up The right way to calculate labor cost 34 The Great Retention How to keep your employees in times of change 36 Marketing 101 Series, Part 3 Why do I need an integrated mktg plan?

40 Is your marketing working? Part 3 Your 2022 marketing budget

INDUSTRY 42

Transition to zero emissions equipment CARB regulations

43

Job well done UGA's Ellen Bauske retires

44 Repurposing leaves Turning this year's leaves into next year's soil

URBAN AG

46

2021 Classic City Awards Plants that can take the heat

50 The science of light, part 1 Shade management beneath trees 56 Invasive tegu lizards Public help needed to control wild population

UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters,

Happy New Year!

Whew…2021 is finally behind us. No matter your political affiliation, I am confident that you will agree that 2021 was a VERY interesting year, with unpredictable and surprising twists and turns weekly.

We look forward to seeing our members and engaging in person many times in 2022!

Throughout the ups and downs brought on by the pandemic, mandates, and more, the economy was always at the forefront of my mind, and, as I do every year, I read Kiplinger’s economic predictions, and keep my fingers crossed.

UAC is presenting our annual Landscape Pro University on August 31 at the Cobb Galleria Centre – fully in person. SiteOne Landscape Supply’s Supplier Expo will be offered at the same time as the education.

Here are Kiplinger’s predictions for 2021, from late November: GDP: 5.6% in ’21, 4.0% in ’22 JOBS: 4.4% at end ’21, 3.5% at end ’22 INTEREST RATES: 10-year T-note rates rising to 1.7% by end ’21, to 2.3% by end ’22 INFLATION: 6.6% at end ’21, 2.8% at end ’22 BUSINESS SPENDING: Though next year will not see business spending grow by the lofty 13% expected for 2021, investment in equipment should still rise by a robust 7%, and software 5%.

ENERGY: Crude oil trading $75 per barrel this winter, perhaps in a range of a few dollars above or below that mark.

HOUSING: With mortgage rates still rising, inventory close to record lows, and home-buying sentiment at multidecade lows, sales are likely to trend down over the next few months.

RETAIL SALES: Retail sales excluding gasoline should rise by 18% this year.

TRADE DEFICIT: Supply-side headwinds will keep trade growth subdued

Source: https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts

Looking at the predictions and considering the inflation view just a few weeks after these were published, and prior to this publication date, it will be interesting to see how accurate these indeed are. Our hope for our members is that they maximize their profits today and sail through 2022 – and the pandemic instability sails away, too.

This year, we are offering five full hours of education and three ways to participate: 1. Landscape Design Seminar: Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape...a NatureInspired Approach 2. Georgia Pesticide License Review for Exam 3. Green Industry Conference: Mix or match topic areas hourly to get just what you need – across Agronomics, Hort/Plant Health, Business, Irrigation/Lighting, Hardscape and Belgard U classes You'll find complete information, including schedule, session descriptions, speakers, pesticide and continuing education credits, and travel info on pages 6 - 11 in this issue.

March 22 will bring us back to Piedmont Park for a Spring Fling Dinner, and April 19 we return to Topiary Courtyard for the always popular Springtime in the Courtyard networking and dinner event.

Speakers for both events are yet to be determined.

Look for another social/networking event in early 2002 at a local brewery!

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Mary Kay Woodworth | Executive Director

WINTER 2022 |

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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

Looking to make a greener world?

This is where you start.

A U G U S T 3 1, 2 0 2 2

J A N U A R Y 2 6, 2 0 2 2

COBB GALLERIA | ATLANTA GA

COBB GALLERIA | ATLANTA GA

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URBAN AG COUNCIL

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

GEORGIA

Select the track that works for you: 1. Landscape Design Seminar

8:00 am - 3:25 pm

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. All drafting supplies, paper and materials are included.

> Selling it...tips to move your customer to buy > Top 10...best practices for an eco-friendly landscape > The foundation...Environmentally sensitive site and client analysis > Bold yet efficient...quick and easy design graphics for massing annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees > Incurves and outcurves...creating a consistent visual theme using a curvilinear technique > Drift design - a nature inspired paradigm that creates a unity and movement > Putting it all together...a final project that ties it all together Instructor: Dr. Richard Ludwig

2. Georgia Pesticide License Review for Exam

8:00 am - 3:25 pm

This 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 session also is open to licensed applicators who would like a refresher course. The entire review training consists of five sessions, beginning at 8:00 am and ending at 3:25 pm.

• Optional: Participants are encouraged to purchase both study guide manuals (National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core and Category 24 Ornamental and Turf Pest Control) and follow along during the training. Order these manuals at www. gapestexam.com/examInfo.cfm. Please allow 7-14 days for delivery. Upon completion of the review, participants may register to take the exam through a local technical college testing center in Georgia: www.gapestexam.com.

Instructor: Tim Daly, ANR County Extension Agent, Gwinnett County, GA CREDITS: AL: 10, OTPC, OTPS; GA: 5; ISA Certified Arborist: 5; ISA SCMA Mgmt: 5; SC: Core: 2 Cat 3:3; TN: C03 - 5, C10 - 5, C12-5

3. Green Industry Conference - Mix or match topic areas hourly!

6 | UAC MAGAZINE

8:00 am - 3:25 pm

LANDSCAPE PRO UNIVERSITY

Green Industry Conference Schedule 7:00 am - 8:00 am

Registration

8:00 am - 9:00 am AGRONOMICS: Turfgrass Water Conservation for the 21st Century We’ll look at old policies and new ways - research that leads to new grasses and technologies for improved performance and technologies. Water use efficiency and pest management will be discussed.

Instructor: Dr. Clint Waltz, UGA CREDITS: AL: TOTAL 10 , OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape: SC: Core: 1

HORTICULTURE/PLANT HEALTH: Selection, Installation and Establishment of Young Trees When properly selected, placed, planted and cared for, trees can be the focal point of your client’s yard; however, if improperly placed, planted or cared for, trees can also be the costliest mistake you can make in the landscape. This presentation will explain how to choose and care for a landscape tree given site and functional limitations so it will become the landscape centerpiece you want it to be.

Instructor: Dr. Jason Gordon, UGA CREDITS: AL: TOTAL 10 , OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1, ISA BCMA Practice: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 – 1

BUSINESS: From Pandemic to Brown Bottle Flu - Personnel Management Your biggest and most import asset is your people. Learn how to better manage situations that will lead to improved morale and productivity. Every company has issues with people, every day, every week. The key is having a set of policies and procedures and adhering to them consistently. We will discuss the ways to build a better work force through effective personnel management. Do not let your people down. Learn how to build them up.

Instructor: Rex Bishop, Tea Olive Productions

IRRIGATION/LIGHTING: Irrigation from the Ground Up: Train Wreck to High Tech Although smart controllers are great products and definitely a way to save water, if your irrigation out in the field (heads, valves, nozzles, etc.) is in bad shape, it’s like the old saying - “putting lipstick on a pig.” In this session we’ll discuss basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and product upgrades that will bring a system from water waster to water saver, and smart controllers.

Instructors: Reid Garner, Hunter Industries & Rolando Orellana, UGA

HARDSCAPES: Introduction to Limestone Hardscape Materials Instructor: Kevin Brannon, Polycorp

BELGARD U: Paver Overlays In this course Belgard will cover several techniques for overlaying existing and new concrete slabs with full thickness and thin pavers, including Sand Set techniques, mortar overlays and the newest product Dribond setting bed overlay. Overlaying existing concrete is a quick and effective way to bring new life to an old concrete slab without the mess and time to demo the old slab.

Driveways, patios and pool decks are all great applications for paver overlays. This course will cover all you need to know to successfully complete all three types of projects.

Instructor: Andrew Harris, Belgard

9:10 am - 10:10 am AGRONOMICS: Adjuvants 101: Understanding the “Extras” in Your Tank This presentation will cover the types of adjuvants used with herbicides and the effects on spray retention and absorption by plants.

We will also discuss amendments that can be used to help alleviate herbicide antagonism from high pH and hardness levels. Other topics that will be covered will include the interaction of adjuvants with spray volumes, drift retarding agents, and herbicide formulations.

Instructor: Dr. Patrick McCullough, UGA CREDITS: AL: TOTAL 10 , OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape; SC: Core: 1; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

HORTICULTURE/PLANT HEALTH: Troubleshooting Problems in the Landscape Focusing on planting depth and drainage problems, excessive pruning and crowding, pH, nutrient imbalances, PGR toxicities, herbicide drift, abiotic stresses, etc.

Instructors: Dr. Bodie Pennisi & Greg Huber, UGA CREDITS: AL: 10, OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1; ISA BCMA Practice: 1; ISA Aerial Lift: ; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

WINTER 2022 | 7 For updates and to register online: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university

LANDSCAPE PRO UNIVERSITY BUSINESS: How to Analyze and Improve your Profitability Do you know your key indicators to measure for profitability? Do you use them on each job? We will discuss those key numbers, how to measure and how to improve. Without constant analysis and review you can quickly become unaware of your finances.

Each job, task and endeavor your team does should be measured. Otherwise, you are just running an expensive hobby with no future for growth and improvement. Be ready to share your experiences.

Instructor: Rex Bishop, Tea Olive Productions

IRRIGATION/LIGHTING: Pumps…When, Where and How Instructor: Mike Yarussi, Munro Companies

HARDSCAPES: Hands-On Install of Natural Stone Veneers Instructor: Kevin Brannon, Polycorp

BELGARD U: Paver Install 101 In this course Belgard will cover everything you need to know about the basic paver installation process starting with excavation, base installation, bedding sand, paver laying/cutting/compaction, edge restraints and joint sand installation. This is a fantastic starting course for those new to paver installation as well as a refresher overview for the experienced installer.

Instructor: Andrew Harris, Belgard

10:10 am - 11:10 am

SiteOne Supplier Expo & Break

11:10 am - 12:10 pm AGRONOMICS: Turfgrass Today An overview of the 2022 sod production survey; 2021 insect survey, update on glysophate, robotics and pest management year in review.

Instructor: Dr. Clint Waltz, UGA CREDITS: AL: TOTAL 10 , OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; SC: Cat 3: 1 ;TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

HORTICULTURE/PLANT HEALTH: Fine-Tuning Your Pruning Program Organizing your tree and ornamental pruning program for maximum efficiency will help you better serve the customers, plants and the bottom line. Fertilizer, plant health troubleshooting and growth regulators will be discussed. Hands-on instruction from The Pruning Guru, Rick Smith!

Instructor: Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru CREDITS: AL: 10, OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1; ISA BCMA Mgmt: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics: SC: Cat 3: 1; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

BUSINESS: Recruitment and Retention in Today's World People are the keys to success of any organization. Every company in today’s work environment needs more employees. Not just bodies but motivated well trained people who are willing to go the extra mile for themselves and for the company. We will look at ways to find and keep good people so your organization can grow and prosper. Remember you must find them, hire them, and keep them. Do you pay enough, train enough, take care of them enough?

Instructor: Rex Bishop, Tea Olive Productions CREDITS: NCLCLB: 1 hour business

IRRIGATION/LIGHTING: Troubleshooting a Two-Wire Irrigation System Instructor: Dirk Hessman, SiteOne

HARDSCAPES: Intro to Iso-Kern Fireplace and Outdoor Kitchens This presentation gives the in-and-outs of choosing a fireplaces, the environmental effects on the fireplace specified and how to design into projects. We will cover the types of fireplaces Isokern offers, why we are the superior brand of modular masonry fireplaces and how to choose the appropriate Isokern for your project.

Instructor: Shirley White, Earthcore Industries

BELGARD U: Permeable Pavers In this course you will be exposed to the fastest growing segment of the paver industry, Permeable Pavements. The course will cover the base line installation of Permeable paver systems, their components and the necessary steps installers need to take to successfully install structural and beautiful Permeable Pavements.

Instructor: Andrew Harris, Belgard

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

SiteOne Supplier Expo & Lunch

8 | UAC ForMAGAZINE updates and to register online: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university

LANDSCAPE PRO UNIVERSITY 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm AGRONOMICS: Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Science, Client and Compliance Meeting client expectations while following the science of best practices in horticulture and keeping up with a multitude of regulations can be daunting for the landscape practitioner. This session will highlight some of the most common regulatory requirements for the landscape professional and provide examples of how client expectations, regulations, and best practices in horticulture may collide. Requirements for pesticide application, (including pest and disease id and management) will be covered.

Instructor: Greg Huber, UGA CREDITS: AL: 10, OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1; ISA BCMA Mgmt: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; SC: Core: 1; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

HORTICULTURE/PLANT HEALTH: Water Management in the Landscape for Better Plant Health In many instances, outdoor water use can be controlled and minimized with proper landscape design and plant selection. Learn how appropriate plant choices, healthy soils with appropriate grading, use of mulches, and limiting the use of high water-using plants can significantly reduce the need for supplemental irrigation. Dr. Ruter will discuss the best plants from the Trial Gardens at UGA during the 2021 growing season and present information on selecting drought-tolerant species and other methods to help save water in the garden.

Instructor: Dr. John Ruter, UGA CREDITS: AL: TOTAL 10 , OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape; SC: Core: 0.5; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

BUSINESS: Safety Culture is Vital to Success Every organization must provide a safe work environment for their employees. It is not only the law but is necessary for the health and safety of your staff and customers. OSHA fines for non-compliance can be quite large and build up quickly. We will take a quick look at how safety encourages a more productive workforce, eliminates and lost time and saves you money. Employees much prefer a safe work environment, sometimes we must remind them what that looks like.

Instructor: Rex Bishop, Tea Olive Productions CREDITS: NCLCLB: 1 hour business

IRRIGATION/LIGHTING: Landscape Lighting 101 Instructor: Jason Radake, Hunter Industries

HARDSCAPES: Natural Stone Patio Installation Instructor: Brian Bishop, Universal Stone Imports

BELGARD U: Paver Cleaning and Sealing This course will explore the revenue generating market for all hardscape companies to add cleaning and sealing of hardscapes to your business offering. Cleaning and sealer for new and existing hardscapes brings new life and renewed beauty to your client’s patios, driveways and pool decks. This course will cover all the needed steps to successfully clean and seal all types of hardscapes (Stone, pavers, concrete slab) using the Techni-seal line of Professional Grade Cleaner and Sealers.

Instructor: Andrew Harris, Belgard

2:25 pm - 3:25 pm AGRONOMICS: Army Worms and Other Emerging Pests …How to Deal with Them Dr. Joseph will talk about the lifecycle, ecology, and seasonal occurrence of fall armyworm and other emerging pests, such as rhodesgrass mealybug or other scales. Particularly, Joseph will discuss the management options for these pests in the turfgrass.

Instructor: Dr. Shimat Joseph, UGA CREDITS: AL: TOTAL 10 , OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape; SC: Cat 3:1; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

HORTICULTURE/PLANT HEALTH: Identify, Control and Eradicate Non-Native and Invasive Species Non-native invasive plants have detrimental impacts upon natural areas. Learn what the impacts are, the importance of managing them, and how to do so. The presentation will address non-native landscape ornamentals that have “escaped” into natural areas and out compete the native vegetation. Treatment options (herbicide use) will also be discussed.

Instructor: Brian Arnold, Songbird Landcare, LLC CREDITS: AL: 10, OTPC, OTPS over Agronomics & Hort topics; GA: 1; ISA Certified Arborist: 1; ISA BCMA Mgmt: 1; MS: TOTAL 5 over Agronomics & Hort topics; NCLCLB: 1 hour landscape; SC: Core: 1; TN: C03 - 1, C10 - 1, C12 - 1

BUSINESS: The Ultimate Customer Experience WOW! That is what customers want, to walk away feeling wowed and overwhelmed by their experience. They want to look at the services you provided and see excellence beyond their expectations. They want good surprises! Do you give that kind of service?

Have you empowered your people to go the extra mile to provide services that wow their customer? Will your customers call on you every time they need something? And do not forget your employees are your internal customers - what have you done lately to wow them? What companies that you deal with wow you? Hopefully when you leave you will have new tools to wow everybody.

Instructor: Rex Bishop, Tea Olive Productions

WINTER 2022 | 9 For updates and to register online: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university

LANDSCAPE PRO UNIVERSITY IRRIGATION/LIGHTING: Landscape Lighting...Blending Techniques with Technology to Boost Profits Instructor: Ross Butler, SiteOne

HARDSCAPES: Combatting Silica Hazards and OSHA regulations on a job site Instructor: Vince Hollis, iQPower Tools

BELGARD U: Belgard Modularity Product Line

In this session come learn about the newest innovation coming to the hardscapes market as Belgard presents the Modularity product line. Belgard is bringing simplicity back to the market place with the Modularity line of products that are all designed to work seamlessly together to allow the installer to create beautiful and creative hardscape installations with ease and function. Come see what new products and innovations are being brought to the marketplace in 2022 by Belgard Hardscapes.

Instructor: Andrew Harris, Belgard

4COVID protocols

Your safety is important.

Landscape Pro University and the Cobb Galleria Centre are working together to create a safe meeting environment for conference attendees. The responsibility of this safe meeting environment is shared amongst us all.

Landscape Pro University actions to support the conference: • • • • • • •

We will follow required CDC. state, local, and venue requirements at the time of the event to reduce the risk of contracting/ spreading COVID-19.

Masks are currently not required at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Updates will be provided as new information is obtained at urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university-covid.

We will have some disposable masks available onsite, for anyone who needs one, or you are welcome to bring your own.

Hand sanitizers will be made available in common areas.

The Cobb Galleria Centre will be continually cleaning meeting spaces and common area during the day. Please visit cobbgalleria. com/reopening for Cobb Galleria Covid-19 protocols.

Post-Event: If there is any known exposure at the conference, we will inform conference attendees as soon as possible.

Each attendee must sign and return the Covid-19 waiver.

4Travel

Map, driving directions, and parking instructions can be found here: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university NOTE: $10.00 per vehicle parking fee IS NOT included in registration.

4Cancellations and additional expenses

Cancellations must be received 14 days prior to the event date for a full refund. No Shows will not be refunded.

Transportation, lodging, parking and activities other than those listed on the agenda will be at your own expense.

4Registration

> The morning break, lunch and entry to the SiteOne Supplier Expo are included in registration fee. > Registration and check-in will begin at 7:00 am; sessions begin at 8:00 am.

To register, complete the form on the following page then:

Scan/Email: office@georgiauac.com FAX: 404-900-9194 Mail: Georgia Urban Ag Council | PO Box 3400 | Duluth GA 30096 (must be received by August 19, 2022) Or register online here: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university

4Location Cobb Galleria Centre | Two Galleria Parkway | Atlanta GA 30339 Not a UAC member? Join today and register all your employees at the member rate! urbanagcouncil.com

10 | UAC ForMAGAZINE updates and to register online: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university

LANDSCAPE PRO UNIVERSITY

Registration form

To register online: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-pro-university

Attendee info LANDSCAPE PRO

UNIVERSITY

AUGUST

31, 2022

First__________________________________________ Last ________________________________________________________________ Company___________________________________________ Job Title________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________________ State_______________ Zip__________________________ Phone__________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________ Pesticide License State & Number (if those credits are wanted) ________________________________________________________________

What is your primary business?

c Landscape design

c Athletic/parks/rec mgmt.

c Nursery/grower

c Irrigation

c Landscape construction c Sod production

c Turf care

c Sports turf management

c Lighting

c Other:

c Landscape management c Tree care

c Golf course management

c Educator

_________________________

Select your track and payment category: Landscape Design Seminar:

c UAC members.............................. $249 c Non-members............................... $299 c 21,500 SiteOne Partner Points

GA Pesticide License Review:

Green Industry Conference:

c UAC members.............................. $109 c UAC members.............................. $109 c Non-members............................... $149 c Non-members............................... $149 c 10,000 SiteOne Partner Points c 10,000 SiteOne Partner Points To use SiteOne Partner Points, select SiteOne Landscape Supply Partners Program member at online registration, or contact your SiteOne branch.

If you selected “Green Industry Conference” please choose one session in each time slot: 8:00 am - 9:00 am c Turfgrass Water Conservation for the 21st Century c Selection, Installation and Establishment of Young Trees c From Pandemic to Brown Bottle Flu - Personnel Management c Irrigation from the Ground Up: Train Wreck to High Tech c Introduction to Limestone Hardscape Materials c Paver Overlays

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm c Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Science, Client and Compliance c Water Management in the Landscape for Better Plant Health c Safety Culture is Vital to Success c Landscape Lighting 101 c Natural Stone Patio Installation c Paver Cleaning and Sealing

9:10 am - 10:10 am c Adjuvants 101: Understanding the “Extras” in Your Tank c Troubleshooting Problems in the Landscape c How to Analyze and Improve your Profitability c Pumps...When, Where and How c Hands-On Install of Natural Stone Veneers c Paver Install 101

2:25 pm - 3:25 pm c Army Worms and Other Emerging Pests c Identify, Control & Eradicate Non-Native and Invasive Species c The Ultimate Customer Experience c Landscape Lighting...Blending Techniques with Technology c Combatting Silica Hazards & OSHA Regulations on Job Site c Belgard Modularity Product Line

11:10 am - 12:10 pm c Turfgrass Today c Fine-Tuning Your Pruning Program c Recruitment and Retention in Today's World c Troubleshooting a Two-Wire Irrigation System c Intro to Iso-Kern Fireplace and Outdoor Kitchens c Permeable Pavers

Questions?

Call 706.750.0350 or email office@georgiauac.com Please complete separate registration forms for each attendee. If registering more than one person per company and paying as a group, just complete payment info on one registration.

Payment method c A check payable to Georgia UAC is enclosed.

Please charge my

c Discover

c MasterCard

c Visa

c American Express

Name on card_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing address for card________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________________________________________ State_________________ Zip____________________________________ Card #_____________________________________________________________________________ Exp Date:_____________ _Security code:_______________

WINTER 2022 | 11 Mail: Georgia Urban Ag Council, PO Box 3400, Duluth GA 30096 | Email: office@georgiauac.com | FAX: 404-900-9194

Must be received by August 19

UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? UAC Sporting Clays Tournament | October 28, 2021 | Blalock Lakes

12 | UAC MAGAZINE

UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? Landscape Design Workshop | October 6 & 7, 2021 | Roswell GA

Sod Producers + Landscape Field Day & Southeastern Turfgrass Conference November 2 - 3, 2021 | Tifton GA

WINTER 2022 |

13

UAC NEWS

UAC board member presented with leadership award Pam Dooley, owner of Plants Creative, recognized

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by Lawn & Landscape

"I'm creative and visual, and I love being able to help people see what they don't see helping them envision a space and getting to know what really matters the most to them." ~ Pam Dooley, Plants Creative

Perhaps Dooley’s competitive spirit is rooted in her growing up years as a competitive volleyball player where she grew up in Gas City, Ind. She worked summers at a local garden center — and eventually accepted a college scholarship from the University of Georgia that brought her south. Her nickname on the court: Plants.

When the Olympics came to Atlanta in 1996, Dooley helped install and maintain the interiorscaping at the athlete’s welcome center. “I was always pulled back to horticulture,” says Dooley, sharing how working at the garden center felt “authentic.” Out of college, she accepted a position at a South Carolina nursery, Happy Plants, in Easley.

“I love creating, I love life,” she says. “I love flowers and helping people design their spaces. I’m creative and visual, and I love being able to help people see what they don’t see — helping them envision a space and getting to know what really matters the most to them.”

She also likes to push boundaries, whether it’s shifting maintenance to robotic-mowers-only or opening a new branch during the pandemic.

“Crazy Ideas” is embossed on the cover of several journals on Pam Dooley’s home office desk in the lakefront community of Blue Ridge, Ga. The pages are filled with notes-to-self, reflections, remarks related to books she’s read and — of course — crazy ideas. Also on the desk is a stuffed lion slightly larger than the size of a coffee cup.

“I’m a Leo,” explains Dooley, owner of Plants Creative Landscapes, a residential design, build and maintenance firm based in Decatur, now with a branch in Blue Ridge since Dooley and her partner, Michelle Nelson, made a fulltime move to their weekend retreat.

“Lions symbolize courage, determination, pride, strength, wisdom and loyalty — six significant traits in my life in leadership,” Dooley explains of the gift from Nelson. “When I’m at my best, I’m a fierce lioness.”

14 | UAC MAGAZINE

Christy Geiger, executive leadership coach at Synergy Strategies, says Dooley is always “learning and upgrading,” and their first call together when Dooley reached out about coaching revealed a mission-driven personality. “Yet, she is very human-centric and compassionate, real and approachable,” Geiger says, remarking that the journals she keeps — and usually writes in well before the sun rises — are evidence of a thinking, introverted side that might surprise those who know her in the industry. “It might seem like she is gregarious as such a strong leader, but she needs her time to think, process and fuel,” Geiger says.

Plants is her name, and creative is how Dooley makes a marked impact on her team, clients’ properties and the industry as a whole. Geiger says, “She develops community wherever she goes.”

Planting a seed

Dooley opened Plants Creative in 2005 after spending time working at a commercial landscape maintenance firm in Tucker, Ga. There, she was responsible for

UAC NEWS overseeing homeowner’s associations accounts that included spaces like entrances and common areas, and large spans of turf on industrial properties.

Her favorite part was working with the customers.

“I had a very strong knowledge of plants, but knew nothing about turf or irrigation,” she says, sharing how the learning experience showed her that her passion simply wasn’t commercial maintenance. “Spaces for people are intimate and unique,” she says.

Plants Creative is purely residential for this reason. The early days were centered on maintenance, as Dooley built the business one account at a time. “I called our Realtor and asked if he’d let me mow his lawn, and would he pay me $35 to do it,” Dooley says. He’d overpay Dooley and self-fund cleanup certificates for closing packets that allowed Dooley to get her foot in the door with new homeowners.

In 2008, he called Dooley and said, “I found your next location. Bring your checkbook and meet me.”

Dooley’s reply? “I’m not looking.”

But she did anyway, trusting his instinct on a commercial property. She went under contract that day and moved on to build the Plants Creative headquarters from scratch from 2008 to 2011. It’s a proud career milestone for Dooley. “And it was during a time when banks were collapsing, so I had to go through the [financing] process three times because the first two banks went out of business during the recession,” she says.

During that time, after joining a peer group, she dove head-first into budgeting and forecasting, benchmarking and accountability. “Just to show up prepared for that group, there were a lot of lessons learned,” she says, adding that a valuable side benefit was the travel. “I love the blend of working and playing. And that’s what I enjoy about the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) trips and Leadership Forum. It’s time to connect to the industry — and I love experiences and to get into the culture and find non-chain places to hang out.”

As a current board member of NALP, serving the industry organization is about “what I can learn and what I can give, what I can continue,” Dooley says.

“I’m just so passionate about the professionalism and opportunities in our industry.”

Opportunities are what Dooley intuitively seeks. So, in 2017 when a property became available two miles from Plants Creative’s main shop, she jumped on it as

2021 Leadership Awards

Presented in partnership by Lawn & Landscape and Syngenta

For more than 19 years, the Lawn & Landscape Leadership Awards have been presented annually to industry professionals in the green industry who have demonstrated the strongest leadership skills in the world of landscaping and lawn care. They have worked relentlessly to make the industry better for their colleagues and companies, and the world around them a better place. Join us in congratulating this year's class.

Daniel Currin CEO, Greenscape

Dean Desantis President and Owner, Desantis Landscapes

Pam Dooley Owner, Plants Creative

Paulita LaPlante Emerging Leader Award Recipient CSO, Prescription Landscape

a way to expand. She sold “her baby”— the original headquarters she constructed from scratch — which showed her people that she was serious about growing and changing.

In fall 2020, she executed on another key business decision — the last during a recession, and this one during a pandemic. “We found two acres of commercial property in Blue Ridge, which we built up as a branch because we want to continue expanding across Georgia,” Dooley says.

Mary Kay Woodworth, executive director, Georgia Urban Agriculture Council, calls Dooley a visionary.

“She is always thinking a year or two or five ahead of where we are in the lifecycle as an industry,” Woodworth says.

Always innovating

A prime example of Dooley’s trailblazing nature is her move toward robotic mowers. Woodworth happened to be one of first clients to have autonomous mowing.

WINTER 2022 |

15

UAC NEWS “As an industry, we have huge labor issues and she was one of the first in our market to introduce automowers,” Woodworth relates. “She shared her vision of what she was thinking and how they would help homeowners with their lawns.”

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“I’ve always looked outside of the box in how I want Plants to be, how we want to serve customers, and I have always challenged the boundaries — and it’s not even intentional, it’s just how I’m wired.” ~ Pam Dooley, Plants Creative However, her moves are focused and strategic. With the robotic mowers, Dooley recognized that they would be attractive to the next generation of employees who are tech-savvy. Plus, they are more sustainable.

But when rolling out the service, there was no model for how to price robotic mowing. Plants structured robotic mowing as a “must” for maintenance clients who want less than a weekly service.

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Dooley recognizes that auto mowers don’t work on every property, mainly those with obstructions or terraces. “Then, we sell a weekly visit, and we will support that with battery-powered push mowers and offer a bit more than the auto mowers there,” she says.

“But we are now getting to the point where we are not buying gas-powered mowers.”

Dooley surrounds herself with people who are just as interested in leveling up, Geiger says. “Pam does not get stale or stagnant, and she holds herself and her team to a high standard,” she says. “She pushes them to their highest potential, but she is real and personable with them.

Dooley says, “It’s really about the people. And it’s about impact. I am passionate about helping people accomplish their goals, and a way for them to do that is how I lead them and help them grow.”

In fact, Dooley’s ongoing evolution is now centered in her new hometown at Blue Ridge, where she says she’s back in startup mode with the Plants Creative branch. She’s selling, managing production, scheduling, handling business development. It’s like when she started the company. But it’s different because she’s coming at it after 16 years of innovating the Plants Creative brand.

She’s keeping it simple. “We offer three options in our property care division — that’s it, and we are reminded to stay focused and provide the services we know we will grow into the future.

Clarity comes with experience

“I’m growing myself along the way,” Dooley says. She’s anticipating a wedding next year when she and Nelson, her partner of 19 years, will get married. And she looks forward to weekends on the lake boating, spending time with friends and family. “I like to float, swim and listen to music,” she says, revealing the work-hardplay-hard mentality that her coach, Geiger, appreciates about her.

Ultimately, Dooley just wants to make dreams come true. She says, “That’s what inspires me.”

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16 | UAC MAGAZINE

Reprinted with permission from the September 2021 article from Lawn & Landscape. Visit lawnandlandscape.com for more information.

UAC NEWS

Nature's Turf launches pest control division from Lawn & Landscape

Nature’s Turf, a lawn care service provider in Metro Atlanta, has added home pest control and termite protection to its service line.

Nature’s Turf was founded in 1977 as a landscape construction company and evolved over the years to a specialized lawn treatment service company. It is family owned and operated by brothers, Adam and Phil Jackson.

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“We decided pest control was the next best step to evolve our business and make it easier for our client base to solve multiple issues with one company.” ~ Phil Jackson The brothers also acknowledged that successful lawn and pest operations throughout Florida helped identify that the consumer is interested in bundling both lawn and pest with one company. Additionally, the company has hired industry expert Zack Horne to head the new pest control division.

“We knew finding the right person was critical in having success with pest control and I’m excited to have Zack and his 12+ years of experience to lead the division,” said Adam Jackson.

Nature's Turf is family owned and operated by brothers Phil (left) and Adam (right) Jackson.

“We think that adding pest control onto our current lawn care offerings will allow us to continue to see double digit growth going into the coming years," Phil Jackson said.

Reprinted with permission from the September 2021 article from Lawn & Landscape. Visit lawnandlandscape.com for more information.

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 WINTER 2022 |

17

UAC NEWS

Unlimited Lawn Care acquires Four Season Services from Lawn & Landscape

Unlimited Lawn Care has acquired Georgia-based Four Season Services Inc. This acquisition reinforces Unlimited Lawn Care’s presence in Georgia, a traditional stronghold for the company.

Unlimited Lawn Care has been providing a complete range of lawn care services including mosquito defense, tree and shrub care and professional lawn services in Georgia for over two decades. The company offers lawn care services to both residential and commercial properties.

Unlimited Lawn Care's growth and expansion strategy have led to the acquisition of Four Seasons Services, a company that specializes in fertilization and weed control. This company has been a solid consistent player in the industry since its creation in 1991.

“We are excited to add the resources of a reputable company like Four Season Services to our expertise,” said Scott Whitehead, the CEO of Unlimited Lawn Care. “We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in both our personnel and the quality of services we deliver. This acquisition will help us meet and exceed our customers’ expectations as well as upgrade the level of the tree and lawn care that they've grown accustomed to over the past two decades.”

Going forward, Unlimited Lawn Care has several more acquisitions in the pipeline. For more information about the company or its services, visit www. unlimitedlawncare.com.

“We are excited to add the resources of a reputable company like Four Season Services to our expertise.” ~ Scott Whitehead, CEO Reprinted with permission from the September 2021 article from Lawn & Landscape. Visit lawnandlandscape.com for more information.

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.

18 | UAC MAGAZINE

Cut grass, not your profits

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Feel free to go on-line or call your Progressive Dealer now to find out how Progressive mowers will add to your bottom line AND why a Progressive Turf mower will help you cut grass and not profits.

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WINTER 2022 |

19

SAVE THE DATE PRO PROJECT

Vivid color and abundant texture Project by Gibbs Landscape Company

GALA AWARD WINNER: Distinction

This project is ever evolving. The owner wants a variety of colors and textures; a wide array of premium-quality plants are chosen to ensure this.

The textures need to be mostly flowering. The beds and pots are packed full of plants, so keeping up with the maintenance is the most challenging aspect of this project. We must watch for disease and insect constantly and the pruning is never ending. We need to make sure the containers last until late October.

Large sweeps of Shasta daisies provide a backdrop for the brightly flowering pool beds.

20 | UAC MAGAZINE

Combinations of yellow, white, reds, rose and oranges are used throughout the garden.

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

SAVE THE DATE PRO PROJECT

The soft texture of the lambs ear combined with the brightness of blue petunias, new gold lantana and lipstick pentas really make this container beautiful.

Our customer loves an array of colors and orange is her favorite. This combination of purple and soft orange Crossandra was lovely.

Howdy! This container welcomed home our client and greeted visitors with cascading petunias!

These zinnias provided an abundance of flowers all through the summer.

WINTER 2022 |

21

HAVE YOU MET

Have you met...

Matt Whiddon Atlanta in Color

Seasonal Color Specialists

Contact info: Address:

Phone: Email: Web:

PO Box 121 Fortson GA 31808 404-965-8337 matt@atlincolor.com atlincolor.com

22 | UAC MAGAZINE

My first job in the green industry was...with Gibbs Landscape Company. I was a supervisor in the floriculture department. Jim Gibbs was partially retired by that time but his mastery of color still flowed through the designs we implemented.

My biggest challenge in my career has been… working with the Columbus Botanical Garden to produce and implement a 10-year masterplan.

The person who has most influenced my career is…..my father. Dad is my #1 encourager and cheerleader. He has strong people and business skills and I like to believe that much of my success has come from watching him over the years.

My biggest career success so far has been….. my employees. I’ve been in business for over 22 years and am blessed to have a number of employees who have been with me for nearly 20 years now.

The thing I like most about my career is….. bringing joy to people’s lives through the work that we do. Nothing beats that.

My least favorite part of my job is…firing people.

One piece of advice I would give to someone entering the green industry today is…to make sure you are willing to work hard and get dirty. If so, you will enjoy and be rewarded for the work that you do.

The one thing most responsible for my success is…communication. We have had our ups and downs but no matter what is going on I always try to communicate.

If I could change careers, just for a month, I would…be a Minister of Music.

One thing that really annoys me is…a client who pays little but expects the moon.

When I’m not working, I like to…spend time with my wife Odona, and our three boys, Jonah (16), Micah (9), and Levi (7).

One thing most people don’t know about me is… that I have a good sense of humor. Most people just know me as a quiet, reserved person.

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23

11/5/21 1:48 PM

PEST 411

Prune now to reduce infestation Scout for scale insects on azalea bark

by Shimat V. Joseph, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia

Azalea bark scale (ABS) (Eriococcus azaleae) (Fig. 1) poses a serious threat to azaleas, rhododendron, and pieris or andromedas in Georgia.

They are also reported on blueberry, hawthorn, huckleberry, poplar, and willow. Often, ABSs are mistaken for mealybugs because of their elongated, white-fussy appearance.

ABS is a soft scale, meaning the nymphs and females secrete waxy crust (protective coating) on their body and cannot be separated from the scale insect, unlike armored scale insects.

Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Fig. 1. Females of azalea bark scale.

Lifecycle

Females of ABS lay purple-colored eggs in white, feltlike eggmasses or ovisacs during the spring (Fig. 2).

The purple-red colored females reside inside the ovisac, which is about 3 mm long. The eggs hatch by midMay. The egg hatch may last for two to three weeks in May. The first nymphal stage of the ABS is referred to as "crawlers," which emerge from the eggs. The redcolored crawlers are the only mobile stage of the ABS as they have legs and antennae. The crawlers also lack the white crust covering. They walk around searching for a suitable spot to settle. When they find a crack or crevice on the bark surface, they settle on those areas and begin feeding by inserting their long, thread, or needle-like mouthparts into the bark, reaching phloem tissue. Phloem tissue is where the food is transported within the plant, and it runs along the stem beneath the bark. They are also found in areas where the azalea branches fork. They shed their legs and antennae and grow into the 2nd and 3rd nymphal stages.

The scale can undergo two generations per year in Georgia. The females mature by September, and they lay eggs in the ovisacs. The emerging, secondgeneration ABS nymphs overwinter within the cracks and crevices in the stem (Fig. 3).

24 | UAC MAGAZINE

Damage

When azaleas lose leaves or experience branch dieback, ABS could be the reason. Sometimes the leaves will turn yellow, especially on the dying branches (Fig. 4).

The white crusts of the scale insects will be visible on branches.

The developing nymphs and females excrete sugary, syrupy liquid on the bark and leaves, often called honeydew. As time passes, the surface of the bark and sometimes the leaves turn black because they get infected with a black sooty mold fungus (Fig. 5). This fungus feeds on the sugary secretions on the surface of the bark and leaves.

At this point, we usually notice that the azalea plants look different and have some serious problems. The white crusts of scale insects are easily visible when the azalea bark completely turns black (Figs. 6 and 7). The ABS infestation rarely kills the plant, but can kill if the infestation is extremely severe and not controlled.

PEST 411

Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Fig. 2. White, felt-like ovisacs of azalea bark scale.

Management

Chris Hardin, University of Georgia

The scales often attack weak, non-vigorous plants.

Keeping plants healthy with proper fertilization and vigor will improve tolerance to the ABS infestation.

In the spring, adding a high dose of nitrogen fertilizer could enhance the aphid problem; thus, applying slowrelease fertilizer would help to improve plant vigor and reduce aphid problems. Pruning and removal of affected branches (leaves and stems) in winter will help reduce the severity of the ABS infestation. Several predators and parasitic tiny wasps attack the ABS and reduce their populations. Delaying the spray of contact insecticides will enhance the activity of predators and parasitic wasps of the ABS. If the infestation is not severe, the ABS can be physically removed by scraping the scale insects from the bark surface using a brush or figurenail.

Fig. 3. Azalea bark scales on azalea stems in November.

A spray of horticultural or summer oil after the azalea blooms in the late spring is advised for the ABS control. If the infestation is severe, a second application might be necessary within the same season. The efficacy of the oil spray can be monitored on the second generation in September or the spring in the following year. If the oil spray application was effective, the production of the new white crust would be reduced. Contact insecticides, such as pyrethroids, can also be used. The contact insecticides (oils or pyrethroids) target the crawlers and young, developing nymphs.

Fig. 4. Thinning or loss of leaves due to azalea bark scales infestation on azalea.

The white crusts of old ovisacs do not peel off naturally, and they can still be attached to the bark regardless of whether the scale insect is dead or alive.

Chris Hardin, University of Georgia

Chris Hardin, University of Georgia

Fig. 5. Infection of sooty mold fungus on honeydew excreted from azalea bark scales on azalea.

WINTER 2022 |

25

PEST 411 The ovisac of dead scale insects will not be juicy when crushed. If the scale insects are still alive, the scale insects will be juicy when crushed, suggesting that the oil or pyrethroid insecticide spray application did not adequately control the ABS, and a follow-up application might be necessary. Avoid spraying when beneficial insects, such as pollinators, are active.

Chris Hardin, University of Georgia

Fig. 6. The bark of the azalea stem completely turns black due to sooty mold fungal infection.

The use of systemic imidacloprid is effective when applied as a soil drench. The drenched imidacloprid solution in the soil is picked up by the roots and intoxicates the ABS feeding on the bark. Because imidacloprid can affect the pollinators and other beneficials, label directions must be carefully followed to minimize nontarget exposure. Application of insecticides should be avoided when the azaleas are in bloom. Any direct spray exposure from the insecticide residues can negatively impact the beneficials. Insect growth regulators, such as pyriproxyfen, are effective against the ABS as they affect the development of nymphs, egg production, and viability of eggs.

Chris Hardin, University of Georgia

Fig. 7. Sooty mold fungi on leaf and stem.

ugaurbanag.com/certification

26 | UAC MAGAZINE

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

SAVE THE DATE

Peek into the future of your industry

FEB

Meet the students, see what they're learning Networking + Education Dinner

22

DATE: Tuesday, March 22 PLACE: Chattahoochee Tech

980 S Cobb Drive SE, Marietta GA 30060

Spring Fling Dinner Networking + Education Dinner

MAR

22

DATE: Tuesday, March 22 PLACE: Piedmont Park's Magnolia Hall

Atlanta GA

Springtime in the Courtyard Dinner Networking + Education Dinner

APR

19

DATE: Tuesday, April 19 PLACE: Topiary Courtyard

3045 Jones Mill Road | Peachtree Corners GA 30071

UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day

AUG

DATE: Wednesday, August 3 PLACE: UGA Griffin Campus

1134 Experiment Street, Griffin GA 30223

3

Stay tuned for details!

Landscape Pro University

AUG

31

TIME:

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

a Nature-Inspired Approach

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

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CEUs | PESTICIDE CREDITS Complete attendee brochure on pages 6 - 11 WINTER 2022 |

27

WHAT THE TECH?

Keeping your site current

4 reasons you should update website videos and photos

by Zacharius Hulme, Writer, Manta Small Business Insights

Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

Launching a website for your business is a monumental step, but once the website is launched, proper management is essential to keep your website up to date. Along with basic information like business hours and location, you should consider updating the videos and photos on your website.

There are numerous reasons to update a website’s media. Along with the new content, you can help boost your visitor count and ensure your digital footprint remains up to date.

1.

SEO changes

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is one of the more important aspects of people finding your website. Along with the text you use on your website, the videos and photos you put on your website can impact SEO. For every new photo you add, you can put dates, metatags, and information that goes directly into the SEO.

28 | UAC MAGAZINE

When people do internet searches, image and video search options are a part of the mix. The newer your content is, the more likely it will pop up in specific searches. Some users can search by the most recent posts. Keeping your photos up to date will impact your visibility through those results.

Professional website designers will also help you set up the metatags and SEO information on your files. Deep details like the image and video description will help the media content stand out.

WHAT THE TECH?

2.

Outdated business photos

A website or social media page often provides the first impression of your business. If customers see outdated photos and videos, then they may not think your business is still open or up to date.

Pay attention to the little details. You don’t want to confuse customers or showcase an element that doesn’t properly represent your business.

3.

Video quality

Video quality has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. What seemed like cutting-edge video five years ago now looks outdated and low quality.

In short, anything that isn’t at least full HD is not good enough quality for modern standards. Full HD resolution is considered a video with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

Creating new video content has become easier as well.

Many modern phones will automatically record video footage in full HD and even 4K quality. While you plan out new videos, you’re better off taking down old video content and replacing the content with text boxes or professional graphics.

Once you have new videos, you can find modern video streaming services to upload the content to as well.

Newer video services will help you host videos and control all of your video content.

4.

Device compatibility

Along with upgrades in video quality, you also have to consider modern-day compatibility. Many older video formats and photos will not load on newer devices. For example, Adobe Flash and Java Script are outdated pieces of software that will not load. In short, the broken content will make your website look like it is no longer in operation.

Photos with low quality will load up blurry and pixelated on high quality screens. Older videos may play distorted or have errors. Upgrades to your videos, photos, and web designs will make a big difference in accessibility to your website and reaching customers.

Originally published October 2021 For more, visit manta.com/resources

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29

SAVE THE DATE SAFETY WORKS

UAC Safety School

What do your employees need to know right now?

Keep your employees safe this winter. Every work day comes with safety concerns. As a businesslevel UAC member, did you know that you have ready-to-go safety training available to you through UAC's Safety School? Sponsored by Snellings-Walters Insurance Agency, Safety School makes it easier to keep your employees - and your company - safe.

Cold weather safety OBJECTIVE: To recognize the symptoms and to know the results of overexposure to the cold, and to take precautions to prevent overexposure.

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:

Avoid illness with personal hygiene

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the importance of personal hygiene to job health and safety and to explain basic handwashing procedures.

Staying safe on the roads

Building an effective first aid kit

OBJECTIVE: To help company drivers understand the risks and how to adjust their driving behaviors during adverse weather conditions.

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

30 | UAC MAGAZINE

SAFETY WORKS SAVE THE DATE SAFETY WORKS

Pruning safety OBJECTIVE: To help workers recognize, prepare for, and prevent hazards common to pruning.

Preventing slips, trips, and falls OBJECTIVE: To point out the most common – and preventable – causes of serious injury and death related to slips, trips, and falls.

Leaf removal safety OBJECTIVE: To be able to identify and prevent the potential hazards associated with fall leaf removal.

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: >

Go to urbanagcouncil.com

>

Use the "MEMBERSHIP" menu tab

>

Click on "Members-only content"

>

Log in as a member

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

>

>

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" WINTER 2022 |

31

BUSINESS

Labor mark-up

The right way to calculate labor cost

by Jeffrey Scott

The ratio of hourly rates vs. hourly costs Here is an example from one of my peer group studies.

We measured install hourly rates vs hourly costs. Specially, we looked at the ratio of hourly rates vs. the hourly unloaded cost.

In one of my groups, the ratio ranged from 2.2 to 4.1.

These ratios are in essence the mark-up on their labor. Some marked up labor 2.2 times. Others marked up labor 4.1 times.

What is the right way to calculate the mark up on your labor cost, in order to recover the appropriate overhead? It’s not a question that gets deep enough attention.

I see many companies with low labor mark ups who are still wondering why their business model is not producing enough profit or cash.

As the guru of benchmarking, I wanted to get to the bottom of this. Therefore, in my Leader’s Edge peer groups, I have been shining a light on this metric.

That's surprising, that some companies mark up their labor twice as much as what others do!

Caveat: If you use multiple overhead recovery (MORS), you may decide to recover more overhead in your materials or equipment. But (but!) labor is the most important place to recover one's overhead, so be careful how you apply MORS in your budget.

I started investigating how contractors charge for their hour of time vs. what they pay for that hour.

The results are surprising, and eye opening for those involved in these studies. is a broad variety of hourly rates (charged to 4 There the client) among the companies I measure. there is also a broad variety in the costs of 4 And labor.

4 But these two don't always correlate.

Let me explain.

32 | UAC MAGAZINE

Subscribe to Jeffrey’s Growth Tips for free and discover how to fix, grow or exit your landscape lawn, or irrigation business. You’ll learn business strategies that will help you get results and discover ways to live a better life. jeffreyscott.biz/blog

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WINTER 2022 |

33

BUSINESS

The Great Retention

How to keep your employees in times of great change

by Erin Saunders, Leica Geosystems

Noise of “The Great Resignation” is everywhere. It leads news headlines. A google search yields over 200,000 results.

Microsoft’s highly-cited Work Trend Index tells that 41% of employees are considering changing roles this year.

This is a frightening statistic for many employers as turnover can cause strain on the employees who are left, and hiring replacements can be costly.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

The good news is that employers do have direct impact on turnover. There are things an organization can do on an ongoing basis to help keep their employees engaged, motivated, and committed.

With a little intentional culture building, employers can turn the Great Resignation into the Great Retention. care about your people.

4 First, Truly connect with them, Try to understand and meet them where they are, not where you are.

People are comfortable sharing at different levels, and care about different things. Taking time to build relationships with your teams is one of the most important tools you can have as a leader. It creates mutual respect, builds trust, and makes it more likely they will work to follow you in times of change. them feel a sense of status and respect 4 Help for the work they do.

Status is that feeling we get when we know we’ve done a good job and are recognized for it. Feeling respected at work is important to everyone, and recognizing people for their good work goes a long way in impacting employees’ sense of status.

34 | UAC MAGAZINE

>

Look for wins within your team, and then make sure you’re calling them out and recognizing them.

smart people and trust them to do 4 Hire good things.

Having a sense of autonomy and ownership over one’s work is a huge motivator for employees.

>

>

Even when you must be directive about the types of work people are doing, give them flexibility and choices in how they work whenever possible.

Ask for input often and recognize and implement good ideas.

employees know what to expect.

4 Help We are coming off 18 months of uncertainty, and

certainty is something our brains crave. Anyone who has ever been sent an ambiguous meeting request knows how uncomfortable uncertainty can feel.

> >

Be clear about what your shared goals are.

>

Communicate more in times of change, and check in with your people to understand where more information or support may be needed.

Ask questions of your team to make sure they know what’s expected.

BUSINESS transparent about how decisions are made.

4 BePeople innately feel a sense of equity and equality in social and work interactions. We like for things to be fair. In order for things to feel fair, we need to understand how decisions are made, and what impacted them.

> >

If you are held to a budget when it comes to increases for the year, communicate that.

If someone else was promoted because they were highly qualified, communicate the "why" behind the decision and then have a developmental conversation about how the employee who wasn’t promoted can work to be a better candidate next time.

your employees understand how they can 4 Help grow and develop.

>

For employees who are “well placed” (HRspeak for those who are performing well and don’t aspire for other roles), understand if there’s anything they want to do differently to continue to develop in their current roles. > Having transparent conversations and understanding what motivates your employees will help you get ahead of people who may be considering leaving.

It’s hard to leave a role where you feel valued, recognized, part of a team, see growth, and have flexibility over how you achieve your goals. By showing your team you care, allowing autonomy, creating certainty and showing opportunities for growth, you can help your teams feel loyal and engaged.

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

Even in small organizations, growth and development is often something that is important to people.

The main way people learn on the job is to experience something that’s new or different.

>

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

Meet with your people to understand their career goals.

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WINTER 2022 |

35

BUSINESS

Marketing 101 Series: Part 3

Why do I need an integrated marketing plan?

by Trip Jobe, CEO, Rand Inc.

Would you ask your operations teams for individual plans and then let them go out and execute without any coordination amongst themselves? Most of you thankfully said no! But when it comes to marketing and outsourced agencies, we see more companies that send each person or firm off on their own.

Someone will say, "but this firm handles our website and that firm does our digital and social, they don’t connect." It would be like saying your warehouse leader doesn’t connect to your client site leader.

The biggest misperception of marketing is that it’s about the tactics we employ – that couldn’t be further from the truth. Effective marketing’s goal is to attract, engage and produce loyal customers for your business.

36 | UAC MAGAZINE

Unfortunately, many business owners think it’s the tactics that create the leads and potential business. I will take a strong customer-focused strategy and poor tactics any day over bad strategy and popular tactics.

It’s not about adding lots of random subscribers to your newsletter or getting Google page one for a term no one searches for. Unless you are selling umbrellas in a rainstorm, very few marketing tactics capture an immediate hit. This is especially true if you focus more on the commercial side of the business, where buying cycles tend to last much longer.

BUSINESS BUSINESS

The Marketing & Sales Funnel

What does an integrated marketing plan mean?

The most successful marketing plans have a clear strategy and objectives that fit your market and customers. From here, you can develop plans and tactics that bring customers through the marketing funnel at their pace.

The key is understanding that customer journey and how you can take someone from initial awareness and interest (through your digital ads and website) to evaluation and engagement (newsletters and webinars) to a purchase decision (buying offer or seasonal reason to act now).

We want to see these two areas coordinate and work together. Similarly, we need to know when the best time to start actionable campaigns that build on the email and social content. It’s too late to talk about Bermuda aeration in your summer newsletter. You want to engage with this content in late winter to make clients aware then follow up with either a call to action and potentially offers in early – mid-Spring.

We all know that excess seasonal products get discounted (think Christmas décor on December 26); services that don’t get done in-season are straight lost opportunities.

The difference between individual and integrated marketing plans

For example, if the agency responsible for my SEO and website is just focused on brand awareness, they may try to boost my web visits by buying google ads for customers outside of my area or without a real need to purchase. These visits don’t help create potential customers who want to know more about our expertise or when to apply certain products or services to their property. At the same time, if my marketing team creates a newsletter and social media content that doesn’t share the keywords and tags that our website has, we can lose the opportunity to gain stronger connections between website, email, and social posts.

WINTER 2022 |

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BUSINESS

Alignment starts with communication If you are not sure that your marketing firms are coordinating with each other, call a time-out.

It’s better to not spend for a month and figure out where everything is than to keep throwing money at something you don’t have a good handle on.

We are often asked, but doesn’t it take time and cost more money to develop that integrated marketing strategy? It absolutely takes more time, but we’ve seen it prove to both cost less over time and outproduce the fire-ready-aim approach. If you’ve ever had a strong operations leader approach you about doing a study to find out if there are better ways to align a warehouse or equipment, you know that the first month may be difficult, but you gain the benefits for years to come.

SEED sponsorship opportunities support | energize | enable | develop

As you start a new year, take time to consider each of your marketing programs and how they work together.

If you work with multiple outside firms, see if you can bring them together or on a video call to get them aligned with YOUR goals, not theirs. We wish you a happy and prosperous 2022!

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

Thank you to all of our SEED sponsors!

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

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39

BUSINESS

Is your marketing working? Part 3

How you should look at your 2022 marketing budget

by Trip Jobe, CEO, Rand Inc.

Per Gartner’s CMO survey, marketing budgets fell in 2021 as a percentage of total revenue from 11% to 6.4%. We have talked to several leaders who are still evaluating their marketing budget plans for 2022. The one thing we know for certain is that it’s going to be a fluid market with both opportunities and challenges.

So, I want to give you some different ways to look at your marketing spending in 2022.

Starting with the concept of budget

I understand the need to have a plan, and you should have one. However, it is more critical than ever in these uncertain times to have flexibility.

My experience is the best business leaders approach the budget to be approximately right in November, but adapt and update as we move through Q1, Q2, and Q3. In this manner, you can hold back 10-15% of the budget as “uncommitted” early on and it can be flexed in or out based on results.

40 | UAC MAGAZINE

If you take this approach, also be willing to ask for the ability to flex extra money, if results are exceeding plan!

The key is showing leadership that 98% of your budget isn’t spent on day one and gives them more confidence in committing to your proposed investments in marketing. Occasionally, I encounter a leader who will stop spending to stay within budget even though the programs are bringing in sales above budget! This is so crazy and makes little sense. All it does is verify the stereotype of marketing as an expense item.

Just as important is the need to build your marketing plans in a way that aligns with how you plan to grow in 2022. I’m sorry marketing leaders, but we don’t grow based on 10% email, 30% SEO, etc. We grow based on a matrix of our customers and products and services.

BUSINESS The marketing mix is used to unlock the potential within these areas. Too often, I see businesses plan to launch a major new product or service and only plan <5% of their budget to the product. Then they wonder why it didn’t gain legs quickly.

Instead, you need to align with your sales and ops organizations, gain a strong understanding of growth expectations and what will be driving that growth. In this approach, you take an aligned plan to your C-Suite that shows your budget as a critical part of meeting and exceeding revenue goals, not about tactics. One key for marketers is to think and talk more like the C-Suite in communicating your budget requests and goals. What are some ways to accomplish this?

that we have 15% of the budget allocated towards initiatives focused on growing new customers. If the question is, “how much are you focused on driving new products and services?” I can answer that we have 25% of the budget targeted to new products and service campaigns. Why is that important? Well, it should align with your revenue growth as depicted in this chart:

Sales/Business Budget Primer

How do we go from $100M to $115M?

Frame marketing budget by segments

I believe in categorizing your marketing spend to align with your business goals NOT the tactics that you use.

We’ve seen so many examples of marketers listing their budget as 20% on website, 10% of communications, etc., and wonder why they get challenged on the effectiveness of these tactics. Does your website focus on new or existing customers? Do you need to augment the site to enter a new market? How will your event and email programs focus on new product launches? These are just a few examples.

Think of categorizing your marketing spending as shown in the Marketing Budget Primer diagram below.

Aligning marketing spend

In this format, I can look at how our marketing budget is designed to drive business. If asked, "how does our plan achieve growth in new customers?” I can respond

Of course, you need to be able to answer questions on how much spending is devoted to the website, PR, or email, but is that as critical to the C-Suite as the segments that you are driving? By starting with growth drivers, you take away the bias around your marketing mix. Think about how the manufacturing team segments their budgets each year. An example is 45% for people and training, 10% for safety, 20% for preventative maintenance, 25% productivity improvements. It sets the stage for good discussions about whether your efforts are aligned with the needs of the business.

Marketing Budget Primer

WINTER 2022 |

41

INDUSTRY

Transition to zero emissions equipment

California Air Resources Board small off-road engine regulations by the National Association of Landscape Professionals California's landscape industry is a $9 billion industry annually with more than 55,000 companies employing over 133,000 employees; 99% of these businesses are considered small businesses and a vital industry for entrepreneurs throughout the state of California, many of which are Latino, or minority owned.

The comments then specifically articulate issues with the electric equipment performance, cost and lack of infrastructure to support. Our solution is a delay for “commercial grade equipment” which makes up only 15% of carbon emitting equipment in California.

Additionally, we note the need for more funding.

In October 2021, California Governor Gov. Gavin signed a bill that would require new small off-road engines (SOREs), used primarily for landscaping, to be zero-emission by 2024. The legislation comes with $30 million in funding to help aid the transition.

On December 9, 2021, CARB met to discuss the transition to ZEE and ban the sale of all SORE gaspowered landscape equipment beginning 2024. The meeting lasted nearly six hours starting with CARB staff presenting the item and their proposal to the Board. CARB staff provided the board with some of the concerns stakeholders have expressed and what the staff responses were in regard to the concerns. NALP, along with 60 others, testified with a two-minute limits.

More than 40 testified against the rule and proposal; however, the proposal was still approved by the Board.

The National Association of Landscape Professionals submitted a request to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to support an amendment to the ISOR and delay implementation of the transition to Zero Emissions Equipment (ZEE) ONLY for commercial/ professional grade small off-road engines (SORE) prior to the deadline at midnight on November 29, 2021. The comments are the culmination of all the arguments NALP has been making since April 2021 and is supported by both qualitative and quantitative data.

The Board, in acknowledgment of industry concerns, will be amending the rule in a final 15-day open comment period to create a “industry task force” to review implementation and report to the Board next year, which will allow them to make changes if needed to extend the timeline for certain industries or specific equipment beyond 2024. NALP anticipates being part of this task force. Additionally, CARB is committed to assisting in providing additional funding for rebate programs for small businesses and NALP will continue to work with CARB on funding and implementation.

The message remains the same: We share Governor Newsom and other California policymakers’ intent to reduce carbon emissions from gas-powered landscape equipment as quickly as possible.

Still, we must do so in a responsible manner that mitigates the negative financial impact on the landscape industry.

42 | UAC MAGAZINE

California will now have to apply to the EPA for a waiver and NALP has already begun those discussions regarding our concerns. No other state or locality can ban the sale of this equipment at this time due to federal preemption pursuant to the Clean Air Act. This issue remains a top priority for NALP and we will continue to provide updates as we advocate on behalf of the industry for responsible policies to transition the industry to non-carbon emitting equipment.

INDUSTRY

Job well done

UGA's Ellen Bauske retires Effective December 2021, Ellen Bauske, Senior Public Service Associate Plant Pathology, Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture (GCUA) and longtime Georgia Urban Ag Council board member has retired.

Ellen Bauske joined UGA’s Center for Urban Agriculture in 2005. Recently she was a member of the Department of Plant Pathology, where she coordinated Center programs in urban water, safety training, local food, turfgrass, and arboriculture. Her primary charge was to increase the impact of UGA Extension outreach in Georgia’s urban areas.

Bauske focused on the development and implementation of programs to deliver training through the county extension system. To do this, she worked with specialists, county agents and Master Gardener Extension volunteers, urban ag industry representatives, and others.

Thousands of landscape and tree care workers have participated in her safety training programs and Hispanic worker outreach programs. Master Gardeners throughout the southeast have benefited from her programs in IPM, tree care, and water conservation.

Quick to adopt new technologies and methods, Bauske led the charge in distance learning and other innovative outreach efforts.

Bauske is widely regarded as the “mother” of the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH).

This first-of-its-kind, national level collaboration of industry and academia, has worked to elevate the image of consumer horticulture as the cultivation, use and enjoyment of plants, gardens, landscapes and related horticultural items to the benefit of individuals, communities and the environment.

Her work on training saw safety for arborists and related professionals was exemplary in its quality and reached far beyond the scope of Georgia.

Throughout her career, Bauske received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. She has been the recipient of the University of Georgia’s Walter B.

Hill Award for Public Outreach, and the Outstanding Extension Specialist award from the American Society for Horticultural Sciences.

Bodie Pennisi, professor of horticulture and Extension landscape specialist, reflected, “Ellen’s tireless efforts, great ideas, and willingness to help has made her a tremendous team partner for outreach and research projects. She has always gone out of her way to mentor young faculty and help further their professional development. Ellen’s vision for NICH has shaped the national conversation on consumer horticulture and will have strong impact for years to come.”

Josh Fuder, an ANR county agent from Cherokee county, said, “I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Bauske as a member of the Saw Safety Team and the Agent Writing Team. Dr. Bauske is a dynamic professional that embodies the mission of Extension.

Her leadership, creativity, and support made my job and that of many agents better!”

Clint Waltz, professor and Extension turfgrass specialist, shared, “By making it a priority to use county extension agents, Dr. Bauske effectively blended the county delivery system and timely training topics for the green industry. Her programs utilized the expertise of many to keep an industry safe, productive, and profitable.”

Mary Kay Woodworth, Executive Director of the Urban Ag Council, noted, "In all aspects of her work, Dr. Bauske demonstrated remarkable leadership, initiative, and organizational abilities. Due to her public and private sector experience, she was uniquely qualified to understand and bridge the gap between the goals and missions of the University and those of the urban ag industry's business owners and leaders."

WINTER 2022 |

43

INDUSTRY

Repurposing leaves

Turning this year's leaves into next year's soil

by Unique Environmental Landscapes

We had a beautiful fall leaf color season in 2021 with the brilliant reds, orange, and yellows. Once the leaves fell to the ground, they offered a whole new benefit to landscaped areas.

The leaves of one large tree can be worth as much as $50 worth of plant food and humus. Pound for pound, leaves contain twice the mineral content of manure.

Isn't that amazing! Nature builds soil this way and so can you.

Unique Environmental’s maintenance crew mulches up as many leaves on our properties as possible, turning this natural food back into the landscape.

The leaves we vacuum up also get recycled at our main office. Our two 16-foot leaf vac trucks roam the properties, collecting all the leaves and bringing them back to dump into our compost area. This year’s leaves will make next year’s compost soil that will be incorporated into our landscape projects.

Letting as many leaves stay on your properties, mulched up or naturally decomposing, adds multiple benefits back into the landscape.

Read more about how to collect and use leaves: almanac.com/what-do-fall-leaves

Leaf trucks ready to roll out!

All photos courtesy of Unique Environmental Landscapes

44 | UAC MAGAZINE

Collecting and mulching leaves on-site

INDUSTRY

Composting leaves & soil creation

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2021 Classic City Awards

UGA Trial Gardens names the plants that can take the heat

by Leslie Matos for CAES News

The Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia have announced the 2021 Classic City Award winners from the hundreds of varieties tested over the long, hot summer.

2021 challenges

Each year breeders send plants to the UGA Trial Gardens for evaluation throughout the summer to see how they will perform.

Summer 2021’s hot temperatures and inconsistent precipitation posed challenges for some plants. With warmer night temperatures, plant respiration is affected, which means that “certain plants just aren’t going to grow as vigorously, look as healthy or flower as much because they just prefer cooler temperatures,” Ruter stated.

The Trial Gardens are known as the “go-to research trial garden to test plants for the combination of heat and humidity,” said John Ruter, director of the Trial Gardens and 2021 UGA Inventor of the Year. “If they want to test them for heat and humidity, they send them to us.”

Inconsistent rain spells also contributed to stress in the plants. Managing water was important this season as there were “very wet spells and then we would go bone dry,” said Ruter. “They would prefer regular rainfall and sunshine as opposed to feast or famine when it comes to water and sunshine.”

In Summer 2021, close to 400 varieties of plants were assessed throughout the season for the Classic City Awards.

With these conditions in mind, the Trial Gardens chose plants that performed well throughout the summer.

“The Classic City Award is the highest award we give,” said Ruter.

“We’re looking at flower power, insect and disease resistance, vigor — and we put all these things together in a rating,” said Ruter.

And the winners are...

Begonia DAYSTAR™ 'Primrose' by Terra Nova

Calibrachoa Bloomtastic 'Rose Quartz'

by Dummen Orange

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“With so many great selections this year, our favorite is the early-blooming, long-lasting DAYSTAR 'Primrose.' These delicate pastel blooms stand out against the bold crimson and dark-green cascading foliage. This begonia hybrid is made for baskets and containers and stands up during hot days, sun and heavy rains.”

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The following are the top 12 performers of the year with descriptions from the judges:

“The Dummen Orange Bloomtastic calibrachoa series was fantastic overall! Each of our calibrachoa trials was evaluated in a container and hanging baskets. The plants trail nicely with an open and attractive branching structure and healthy foliage.”

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Catharanthus Soiree Kawaii® 'Coral' by Suntory

Coleus Colorblaze® 'Torchlight' by Proven Winners

“The 'Coral' cultivar provides a sea of color, a knock-out in hot and humid weather and tolerance of clay soils. The flowers are small but mighty, and the foliage is bright and eye-catching. Suntory recommends planting multiple colors together in a single pot and watch how they grow into a bunch and complement one another.”

“Their versatility and ease of growth make gardening easy, and their colors continue to amaze. The Colorblaze™ ‘Torchlight’ can provide a gigantic display up to 48 inches or be pruned into a more compact plant. Foliage looks excellent under sunny, hot conditions without fading. Coleus also makes a great addition to a vase for creative floral table arrangements.”

Great Myrtle® ‘Cherry Delight’ by GardenChoice

Heliotropium Augusta® ‘Lavender’

by Proven Winners

“These darling shrubs can be contained in planters or function as foundation plantings around the house wherever the sun is plentiful. The Great Myrtle® is a genuine mini and can be cut back to the ground each year to produce a lush and compact flowering shrub the following season. They will complement or provide an alternative to a fussy rose garden or hot, sunny slope with less maintenance for the landscaper.”

“This hybrid is well-behaved and will fill a small space with light-purple, fragrant flowers all summer long. Pollinators will appreciate the aroma and provide lots of activity in your garden. Tolerant of heat and humid weather, Augusta® ‘Lavender’ goes perfectly with a rocking chair and a glass of lemonade.”

For more information on the 2021 Classic City Awards and the Trial Gardens, please visit ugatrial.hort.uga.edu.

Leslie Matos is a UGA public relations major and student writer for the CAES Office of Marketing and Communications.

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Impatiens Beacon® 'Formula Mix'

by PanAmerican Seed “There was a time when impatiens were not available due to a myriad of pathogen issues. Thanks to the Beacon ‘Formula Mix’ from PanAmerican Seed, our impatiens bed was brimming with great color. The deep-green foliage complements the bold colors of violet, white, red, rose and coral. Plants maintain uniformity while filling the space nicely and rounding out the edges of the bed.”

Petunia Durabloom® 'Electric Lilac'

by Dummen Orange “The Durabloom® ‘Electric Lilac’ has shown impressive resilience under all types of weather. Petunias are always the first plants to grace the garden in springtime and the last to be removed for fall. While the series had a good performance overall, ‘Electric Lilac’ continues to shine in hanging baskets and large containers and belongs at the top of the list!”

Lantana Gem™ ‘Compact Pink Opal’ by Danziger “For the second year in a row, the Gem™ series is true to its name. Each plant is nearly a perfectly spherical shape, and the blossoms fill the beds with color. The plants grew with ease and began to flower earlier than all other lantanas in the garden. The plants did not overwinter. A selection of lantana that is a sturdy and reliable annual for beds or containers.”

Rex Begonia Jurassic™ Series by Ball Ingenuity “The Rex begonias from the Jurassic series by Ball Ingenuity showed us all what Rex begonias are capable of in the landscape. Each one is capable of overflowing in a hanging basket or adding a burst of colorful foliage to a woodland garden display. In addition, these plants are fun and easy to care for, with minimal irrigation needed.”

Tropical Hibiscus ‘Hot Shot’ by J. Berry Genetics “These plants are as lovely as they are tough. Planted in various microclimates around the garden, the plants provided nonstop deep-red flowers from start to finish.

This hibiscus will put on a show on a sunny roadside with heavy traffic or potted in containers. The plants bloom continually and maintain an upright form without staking or manipulation.”

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Grand Finale Award: Marigold ‘Sumati Orange’ by AmeriSeed "Our Grand Finale winner of the Classic City Awards is the ‘Sumati Orange’ Marigold from AmeriSeed. All through the early spring, summer sun and fall, these marigolds have flower power! Plants grown from seed are healthy, quickly germinating, and ready for planting in two to three weeks. Stems are tall and perfect for cut-flower production."

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The science of light, part 1

Shade management beneath trees

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

One key concern in sustaining top performance in trees and ground covers under shade of over-story trees is the effective management of light energy.

In addition, shade stress can only be appreciated by understanding photosynthesis and the requirement for light in plants.

Overstory trees paint the site below with highly variable shade patterns. These patterns change over the day and growing season. Figure 1 demonstrates the changing sun position in the sky over growing season days. Mapping shade patterns on the ground surface behind a tree (or other obstacle) is key to understanding shade impacts.

The basic functions of tree life requires maintenance of a clear and distinct gradient between living tissue and the outside environment. This gradient is maintained by a water supply system (wet inside/dry outside) and an energy concentration system (energy dense inside/ energy sparse outside). This wet energy environment inside is sustained by use of carbon – carbon dioxide (C-CO2) inter-changes in an oxygenated space powered by light -- photosynthesis. Photosynthesis means “light construction.” Photosynthesis is a multistep process where light energy is used to weld carbon dioxide derived carbons together and store protons (H+). Oxygen is produced as a by-product from processing raw materials CO2 and H2O. The carbon containing materials produced comprise more than 99% of everything visible in a tree. These carbon chains

Attempt to draw onto a landscape area a shade field where, as the sun moves during the growing season, shade is projected onto other plants and soil surface.

Depending upon whether this shade field is direct shade, diffuse shade, or combined with sunflecks will determine how well other trees and plants will perform. It is important to understand the shading process in order to effectively manage trees on any site.

Fig 1: Generalized pathway of the sun during growing season (between the two dotted lines). The shade field is the opposite side of the tree/buildling from sun. (this example for Atlanta GA)

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Tree life

Fig 2: Light energy capture and carbon fixation process (photosynthesis) inside a tree chloroplast. (after Taiz & Zeiger 2006)

URBAN AG are formed, transported and used within a mineral water bath inside living tree cells. Figure 2.

Most photosynthesis in trees occurs in leaves, primarily in leaf mesophyll cells. Some photosynthesis does occur in leaf petioles, fruits, buds, flowers, twigs, branches, stems, and roots exposed to light. Tissues with green coloration can photosynthesize, but may be limited by carbon dioxide (CO2) availability or by the quality and amount of light present. This non-leaf photosynthesis partially uses CO2 respired (released) inside tree tissues, thus recycling captured carbon.

Light resources

Sunlight is the ultimate power source in trees. But not all light is usable in trees for sustaining life. Only a narrow band of light energy can be absorbed and converted into chemical energy. Figure 3 shows the spectrum of sunlight we can see and among which is specific energies of light trees can use in photosynthesis. The shorter the wavelengths, the higher the frequency and the more energy light contains which impacts tree tissue. Well beyond biologically useful light energy wavelengths are x-rays of very shortwave radiation, and radio waves of very longwave radiation.

Fig 3: Light radiation wavelengths, frequencies, common names, and energy of one photon. (modified from Taiz & Zeiger 2006)

Sunlight (photons) of various energies strike the Earth in a massive river of light. Figure 4 shows the relative amount of sunlight striking the Earth’s surface at each wavelength. The only light energy usable by trees for photosynthesis are in the blue and red areas of the visible spectrum. The blue end of visible light (shorter wavelengths) have more than 1.5 times more energy per photon than longer wave-length red visible light photons. Most sunlight striking Earth’s surface does not significantly impact tree growth except for changes in temperature (longwave radiation -- sensible heat) and damaging radiation (UV).

Light chemistry

Photochemical reactions involve a photon of light crashing into an organic material. The energy exchange in these collisions propel electrons into higher energy positions. These electrons fall back to the state they were in before the collision within a nano-second (10-9 second). This short amount of time is not sufficient for chemical reactions within a leaf to harvest energy from the collision. The fast return of an energized electron to its previous energy state is accompanied by released energy dissipated as heat and/or generation of a photon of a longer (lower energy) wavelength called florescence.

Fig 4: Relative amount of sunlight striking the soil surface by wavelength, and the absorbance of chlorophyll. A general curve with no atmospheric absorbance is shown. (from Taiz & Zeiger 2006)

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URBAN AG In photosynthesis, electrons are inserted into a chlorophyll gun which uses sunlight energy to fire an electron into a higher energy state. As soon as an electron is available, it must be used. Once it has been boosted to an elevated energy state, it must be quickly moved away along a series of transport molecules to prevent the boosted electron from falling back to where it was and giving up all its added energy as heat or as a photon (fluorescence).

Photostart

Fig 5: General structure for chlorophyll. There are 33 carbons in the chlorophyll head and 21 carbons in the tail. Four nitrogens (N) and one magnesium (Mg) are enclosed within the chlorophyll head.

To start electrons moving in photosynthesis, electron ammunition is needed. In an electron barren environment, where can these be found? In photosynthesis, electrons are generated for use by splitting water. Water is split into its component parts including oxygen given off as gas, protons (H+), and electrons. The process of splitting water to begin photosynthesis is one of the most difficult and unique in all life on Earth. Humans can split water into its component gasses with input of great amounts of energy. Trees accomplish this process of water decay, to a much greater extent and at room temperature, using specialized machinery.

Starting line

To start photosynthesis in a tree, two water molecules (H2O + H2O) are split at the same time. This produces one molecule of oxygen (O2), four protons banked within the chloroplast, and four available electrons.

This water splitting site (or oxygen generating site) acts as a bio-capacitor, briefly holding electrons. The four electrons are forwarded one at a time as ammunition into the chlorophyll boost gun. These electrons are now available to be energized by light. One oxygen molecule (O2) is generated once every four times this chlorophyll system fires.

Chlorophyll magic

Fig 6: Simplified view of light wavelength absorbance by chlorophyll and its fluorescence. (from Taiz & Zeiger 2006)

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Light energy is used to boost the energy level of these electrons using a pigment called chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll captures light of two narrow wavelengths and quickly transfers this light energy to electrons and onto surrounding materials. Chlorophyll has a compound ring structure. Chlorophyll is a carbon matrix surrounding a magnesium (Mg) atom in a four nitrogen (N) setting. This chlorophyll “head” has many loosely bound and easily movable electrons.

Chlorophylls have a long (21C) tail section which attaches chlorophylls in place onto proteins of a chloroplast. The functional component of a chlorophyll molecule is an energy race track surrounding a magnesium atom. Figure 5.

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Reddish blue/bluish red?

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy in narrow wavelength zones. Light with too much energy (violet wavelengths and smaller) break chlorophyll apart. Light with too little energy (far red wavelengths and longer) can not activate chlorophyll and just generates heat in tissues.

The wrong light means chlorophyll damage and repair is a continual maintenance task. Chlorophyll is a big, breakable molecule which must be constantly repaired at great expense. As much as 30% of all energy captured by leaves is used to fix broken chlorophyll.

Figure 6.

As & Bs

There are two forms of chlorophyll in trees – chlorophyll “a” (Chla) is a full sun pigment and chlorophyll “b” (Chlb) is a shade pigment. Actually, both are usually present in all leaves and the proportion between the two shifts with changing light resources. The two forms of chlorophyll differ only in two hydrogens and one oxygen at one point opposite from the tail across from the pigment’s magnesium head. This subtle difference of three atoms out of 129 atoms, all in the same configuration, changes the absorption of each chlorophyll slightly.

Chlb is more efficient at processing light which has already passed through other leaves. Chla is more effective capturing (absorbing) direct sunlight.

Figure 8.

Fig 7: Relative absorbance values for chlorophyll a (chla = full sun pigment), and for chlorophyll b (chlb = shade pigment). General light color descriptors for wavelengths are given.

Chla is best at collecting light wave-lengths of 410, 430, and 660 nm. If chla filters out all usable light, then what will lower positioned chlorophylls and leaves use?

Chla captures only a tiny amount of light energy with much usable energy still remaining.

Chlb is best at collecting light wavelengths of 435, 455, and 640 nm. Chlb absorbs at slightly different wavelength peaks than chla to avoid self shading effects. Chlb absorbs at slightly longer wavelengths in the blue light zone and at slightly shorter wavelengths in the red light zone (i.e. more shaded conditions).

Chlb absorbance peaks nestle just inside chla absorbance peaks by about 20nm.

Banging around

As a photon of appropriate energy (wavelength) slams into a chlorophyll, the chlorophyll shifts its bonds making the area around the magnesium head center similar to an electron raceway or relay, quickly and easily allowing electron energy to transfer to surrounding materials. Energy captured by one

Fig 8: Light energy capture and energy transfer by resonance in chlorophyll antenna, and then electron transfer. (from Taiz & Zeiger 2006)

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URBAN AG chlorophyll is continually passed from one chlorophyll to another until the light energy can be harvested (i.e. an energized electron removed as chemical energy).

Most chlorophylls serve as an antenna or photon net. These nets are composed of arrays of 100-250 chlorophylls which relay energy of photon absorption to reaction centers. Each chlorophyll only absorbs a few photons per second.

Only a few chlorophylls are involved with the final electron conversion to chemical energy. Most chlorophylls just move energy from a photon along to photosynthesis reaction centers. In these reaction centers, captured light energy is used to fire electrons into higher energy states, which then can be used by biological machinery.

Within a tree leaf, photosynthesis is not limited by reaction centers firing electrons, but by having enough photon impacts (i.e. enough light) to keep the system energized. Many servant chlorophylls absorbing light are needed to keep a select few reaction center chlorophylls firing electrons for chemical energy capture. It takes roughly 2,500 chlorophyll molecules absorbing 10 usable photons in a tree leaf to generate one oxygen molecule (O2). Figure 8.

Changing leaves

Leaves develop photosynthetic systems carefully tuned for the light environment in which they grow. In some species, leaf preparation begins in the bud as the light environment is sensed. Shade tolerant trees, and trees which have grown up in shade of other trees, can have photosynthetic machinery slowed or damaged by too much additional light. Trees develop two primary types of leaves, continuously change chlorophylls, and constantly shift light harvesting machinery positions to assure photosynthesis is tuned to current light availability.

PAR! Light resources on a site are critical to powering photosynthesis. In trees, it is the arrangement of light absorbing arrays (leaves) which can prevent other plants from receiving enough light for surviving or thriving on a site.

For example, it is estimated 25% of turf acreage in the United States is under shade. The definition of shade used here will be the filtering or blockage of light of

54 | UAC MAGAZINE

physiologically active wavelengths. Approximately 50% of all incoming solar radiation is in the wavelength range of 400-700 nm (called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)) with only about 1% used in photosynthesis. All trees use PAR to make food (carbohydrate (CHO)). If photosynthesis rates drop below tissue respiration requirements, trees decline and die. A positive net photosynthesis rate must be maintained or trees will not be able to sustain themselves against other plants and the environment.

Light thresholds

As PAR strikes and passes through leaves, a minimum level of light is required to activate the photosynthesis machinery. The more PAR, the greater the photosynthetic rate climbs to some maximum rate. PAR above this amount does not provide any more value to a tree. The maximum light which can be utilized depends upon each tree’s photosynthetic equipment and its maintenance. Trees reach a photosynthetic optimum around 75oF, and are limited by temperatures >90oF. Trees can tolerate, survive and thrive at various full sun levels of light. Most trees do well with 90% full light and easily move through their life cycles.

From 66% - 90% full sunlight shade tolerant trees can perform well and shade intolerant species can survive. From 33% - 66% full sun only the most shade tolerant trees thrive, while most trees have many stress issues beside dense shade. Below 33% full sunlight all trees have major issues and usually decline and die.

At some point, based upon tree/site conditions and genetics, the cost of maintaining positive photosynthesis becomes too great.

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

Part 2 of this article will appear in the Spring 2022 UAC Magazine.

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

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Invasive tegu lizards

Public help needed to control wild population

by Courtney Cameron, Rick Lavender for CAES News Lance McBrayer, a Georgia Southern professor coordinating the project, said that while trapping continued at key sites in spring and summer 2021, arrangements of game cameras also will be rotated every few weeks to as many new places as possible. The goal is twofold, McBrayer explained.

“We’re trying to establish if we can reliably detect tegus with this method and also see if the tegus have moved farther away from the main area we’re trapping.”

If a tegu is spotted, traps will be set to try and catch it. The key, McBrayer added, is the involvement of Tattnall and Toombs-area residents.

He’s looking for owners of at least 5 acres of likely tegu habitat who are willing to allow the Georgia Southern crew to temporarily set game cameras on their property.

Argentine black and white tegus, the largest of all tegus, can reach 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is assisting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) in the effort to find and remove tegus from the wild in southeast Georgia, and the public’s help remains critical to keeping these big, South American lizards from getting a toehold in the state.

Since 2018, GDNR, Georgia Southern University and the U.S. Geological Survey have been working to assess and remove what is considered a wild population of Argentine black and white tegus in Tattnall and Toombs counties.

This species, the largest of all tegus, can reach 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more. Adaptable and hungry, Argentine black and white tegus are a significant threat to native wildlife, from gopher tortoises to ground-nesting birds such as bobwhite quail, wild turkeys and whip-poor-wills.

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The need for public involvement to help eradicate these invasive lizards is not new, said Derrick Bowen, Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for UGA Cooperative Extension in Tattnall County.

“We have done our due diligence in spreading the word about the Argentine black and white tegus to the public. This trapping project is an ambitious, proactive response to control this invasive species and the Tattnall County Extension office is here to support and provide any assistance along the way,” Bowen said.

Residents have responded to the call to report sightings of tegus in the wild, dead or alive. Of the seven tegus collected last year in Tattnall and Toombs counties, the public found or killed three. The seventh was a large tegu detected by a game camera on a Tattnall County farm and later trapped.

While it’s not known where the tegus in Toombs and Tattnall came from — tegus are popular as pets — it’s clear they spell trouble in the wild. Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section, said tegus are generalists in habitat, diet and the temperatures they can survive.

URBAN AG “They can live almost anywhere and eat almost anything,” Sollenberger said.

The problem is not only their appetite, which favors eggs — including those of protected species such as American alligators — but can vary from pet food and plants to fruits, vegetables and small animals. There is also concern tegus could spread exotic parasites to other wildlife and cause bacterial contamination of crops. Research also shows that these reptiles, like most, carry salmonella.

Once tegus are established, eradication is almost impossible. Florida has three confirmed populations in the wild. Trapping at one site along Everglades National Park can yield hundreds of tegus per season.

What can you do?

tegus seen in the wild, alive or dead. Note 4 theReport location, take a photo if possible and report the animal at gainvasives.org/tegus, 478-994-1438 or gainvasives@dnr.ga.gov.

LANDSCAPE PRO

UNIVERSITY horticulture plant health

In Toombs and Tattnall counties, keep pet food 4 inside, fill holes that might serve as shelter and

turfgrass

4 Note that as a non-native species, tegus in the 4 wild in Georgia are not protected by state wildlife

irrigation

clear yards of debris such as brush piles that can provide cover for tegus.

Be a responsible pet owner. Do your research before buying an exotic pet, and don't let it loose.

laws or regulations. They can be legally trapped or killed year-round. However, animal cruelty and local ordinances apply, as do appropriate safety precautions.

4

Tattnall and Toombs county landowners interested in allowing tegu project game cameras on their property should contact Lance McBrayer at 912478-5111 or lancemcbrayer@georgiasouthern.edu.

Learn more about invasive tegus at georgiawildlife. com/tegus. To report tegu sightings, contact the local UGA Extension offices in Toombs and Tattnall counties.

About the authors Courtney Cameron is a digital marketing intern for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Office of Marketing and Communications. Rick Lavender is the communications and outreach specialist for the Wildlife Resources Division at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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