Issuu

MARCH/APRIL 2018

GROUNDWORK A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E L A N D S C A P E C O N T R A C T O R S A S S O C I A T I O N M D •D C •V A

Remember the Winter Vortex of 2014? Alert: New Invasive Pest Detected in Virginia Did You Know? A Professional Answers Common Lake and Pond Questions How to Discover What Truly Motivates Your Team Members

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March /April 2018 5

President’s Message

Plant of the Month—Red Star Cypress

2017 Grand Award—Bennett Point Residence

10 Remember the Winter Vortex of 2014? 13 Alert: New Invasive Pest Detected in Virginia 14 Did You Know? A Professional Answers Common Lake and Pond Questions 18 Member Profile—Estes Environmental, Inc. 19 How to Discover What Truly Motivates Your Team Members 22 Advertising Information

LCA MINI-WORKSHOP State of the Industry Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Leaders share how the market has changed their business and strategies for success in the future. More information on page 16 On the cover

Bennett Point Residence

Plant of the Month

Walnut Hill Landscape Company, Inc. Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build) Red Star Cypress

—GRAND AWARD—

“Feature” and “Plant of the Month” articles can also be found online for LCA Members under the GROUNDWORK link in your Profile Home page at www.lcamddcva.org

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MAR/APR 2018

CALENDAR OF

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Josh Kane, CLT—President Kane Landscapes, Inc.—(703) 803-3146 Kevin O’Neill—Immediate Past President Great American Landscapes, Inc.—(301) 972-5681 Aaron Raines—Vice President Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC —(410) 833-9640

MARCH 21

LCA Mini-Workshop: State of the Industry Panel

Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery County Campus, Rockville, MD

MAY 30

New Trends in High-End Residential Landscape Architecture, Sponsored by McHale Landscape Design, Frank Mariani Presenting

McHale Landscape Design, Upper Marlboro, MD

J&G Landscape Design, Inc.—(301) 476-7600 Manor View Farm, Inc.—(410) 771-4700 Michael J. McCartin

Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, Inc.—(301) 937-0400

Certification Classroom Training

Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood, MD

Certification Hands-on Training

Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood, MD

JULY

Kevin McHale

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.—(301) 599-8300 Barry Schneider

Surrounds, Inc.—(703) 430-6001 Jeff Topley

Certification Written Test

Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery County Campus, Rockville, MD

AUGUST

BrightView—(301) 252-8035 Chris Vedrani, CLT

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.—(410) 857-4744 Jeff Waters

Certification Field Test

LCA 2018 Excellence in Landscape Awards: Entry Submission Deadline

Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood, MD

SEPTEMBER Ruppert Landscape Sponsored Meeting

Ruppert Landscape, Laytonsville, MD

OCTOBER TBD

Paul Jester

Colin Jones

TBD

Wray Brothers Landscapes—(301) 654-5845 DIRECTORS

JUNE

Matt Glover, CLT—Secretary/Treasurer

LCA Mini-Workshop: 10 x 10 Designs

Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery County Campus, Rockville, MD

P: (301) 948-0810 F: (301) 990-9771 E: lca@mgmtsol.com W: www.lcamddcva.org. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm (EST).

Certification 2018

Landscape Industry Certified Technician—Exterior Written Test

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Field Test

LCA STAFF Thérèse Clemens, CAE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lynn Turner SENIOR MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER / OPERATIONS Julie Hill MARKETING DIRECTOR Dawn Rosenfeld ACCOUNTANT Lynne Agoston DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL SERVICES Kristen Jones, CMP MEETING PLANNER Barbara Bienkowski, CEM EXHIBITS/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Brandon Lawrence EXHIBIT COORDINATOR Jeyin Lee MARKETING COORDINATOR G R O U N D W O R K , the official publication of the Landscape Contractors Association, MD•DC•VA, is published bimonthly by LCA, 9707 Key West Avenue, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850.

SAV E TH E DATES

Training Sessions 1 and 2

SiteOne Landscape Supply—(301) 421-1220

MAR/APR 2018

LCA is not responsible for opinions expressed and facts presented by contributing authors. Editorial Deadline: The deadline to submit copy is the first of the month for the following bimonthly issue and is on a space– available basis. Advertising & Classifieds: All ads must be high-resolution PDF and pre‑paid. Contact Barbara Bienkowski at bbienkowski@mgmtsol.com for more information and the deadline schedule. Copyright © 2018: Landscape Contractors Association, MD•DC•VA. Reproduction of any material allowed only with prior written permission from LCA. LCA’s core purpose is to advance the success of its members and provide a community for green industry professionals.

President’s Message Spring’s Here—Just Keep Calm! O ut bu r s t s , s n ap judg ment s, a nd lousy execution are Josh Kane, CLT 2018 President just some of t he poor responses we have all used at some point in our careers while under the stress of the spring rush. The ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct connection to you and your company’s performance. So, how can we stay calm and help those in our company keep from feeling like the wheels are falling off while traveling in the fast lane that we call the spring rush?

Stay Positive:

When things are going well, your mood tends to be good. And staying positive is relatively easy. You are pleasant to be around, things are getting accomplished, and you’re praising your team. The ball keeps moving forward with little effort. When things are going poorly, your mind can easily become flooded with negative thoughts. Thinking positively and being appreciative become more difficult, and tasks tend to slow down as you dwell on the problems you’re facing instead of the solutions. In these difficult moments, put the effort into consciously selecting something positive to think about, no matter how small. Perhaps it is the jobs that were completed without any issues that week, the great project your company just landed, or just knowing that this too shall pass.

Be Healthy:

During sleep, your brain figuratively recharges. Sleep deprivation will raise the level of stress hormones, making you feel more stressed. When you feel like you have too much on your plate to get a decent night’s sleep, think again. You are actually making things worse. Eat balanced meals and limit caffeine intake. Besides feeling better rather than bloated, excessive caffeine puts your brain into a hyper-aroused state, which means your emotions often have more control than you would like. Get some exercise. Physical activities produce endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers, and improve the ability to sleep. Get outside and just enjoy nature—it’s not just your job.

Appreciate What You Have:

Research from the University of California, Davis found that people who worked daily to cultivate an attitude of appreciation experienced improvements in their mood, energy, and overall physical well-being. Take time to appreciate your family and all those on your team who are working alongside you and are dealing with the same stress that comes with spring.

Disconnect:

As great as technology is at making our jobs easier, it has set the expectation that everyone should be available 24/7. How many times have you been going along fine, enjoying your time outside of work, and then you check your email, only to read how upset GROUNDWORK

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someone is and that he or she wants to hear from you immediately. Take the time to truly disconnect and turn off the phone. These breaks will reduce stress, provide a mental recharge, and allow you to truly enjoy the activity you are doing.

Have a Support Team:

You do not know everything, and you cannot do it all alone. Make sure to have someone either at work or at home, or a peer in the industry, who is rooting for you and is willing to listen. Talking about your worries provides an outlet for anxiety and stress and will offer you a new perspective on the situation. Attending an LCA event is a great way to meet others who are going or have gone through the same issues you are facing. What makes the green industry great is that so many of these wonderful people are willing to help, even in spring! Make sure to meet some of these great people, take a break, and learn something that will make next spring that much easier. • March 21—State of the Industry Mini-Workshop • May 30—New Trends in High-End Residential Landscape Architecture, sponsored by McHale Landscape Design, Frank Mariani presenting Sincerely, Josh Kane, CLT LCA President

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You’ll find the perfect shrubs for challenging landscapes in the Low Scape® aronia series. Low Scape® Hedger offers a short, columnar habit that is perfect for a formal hedge, bursting with white spring flowers. Low Scape® Mound has a tiny, mounded habit with loads of white spring flowers and purple-black fruit in summer. Best of all, they will both thrive almost anywhere, cold climates and hot, wet soils and dry, sun and part shade.

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Johnson Nursery Company Willard, NC • 800-624-8174

Shreckhise Nurseries Grottoes VA • 540-249-5761

Eastern Shore Nursery Melfa, VA • 757-787-4732

Piedmont Carolina Nursery Colfax, NC • 800-337-1025

Spring Run Farms Coatsville, PA • 610-380-1402

Huber Nurseries Manheim, PA • 717-898-9115

March April-Groundwork_SMN Low Scape.indd 1

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2/12/18 2:46 PM

Plant of the Month

A Water-Loving “Star” for Your Landscape By Joel Hafner, CLT, CLP, Fine Earth Landscape, Inc. Chamaecyparis thyoides

In the never-ending quest to find upright evergreens that are deer proof and offer some variety and texture among the already overused Cryptomeria, green giant arborvitae, Leyland cypress, and emerald arborvitae, I thought I would share a tree that should be used more in the landscape: Chamaecyparis thyoides. Common names for this tree include white cypress, Atlantic cedar, and swamp cedar. The tree is a columnar evergreen conifer and grows with much the same habit as green giant arborvitae. It typically develops a straight trunk and can grow to 30–50 feet. What makes this particular conifer unique is that it is native to swampy regions and bogs, and, as we all know, there aren’t many conifers growing in wet, low-lying areas. Hardiness zones for C. thyoides are from 4 to 8, and it is native to North America along the Atlantic Coast, being found from Southern Maine to

Georgia and along the Gulf of Mexico coast from Florida to Mississippi. There are many cultivars of C. thyoides, and while the native species can get much too open, there are those cultivars that stay much denser and have some pretty unique colors as well as interesting growth habits and varying heights. I want to focus on one of these cultivars: ‘Red Star’. ‘Red Star’ will grow to 15–25 feet tall in about 10 years, with a mature spread of 6–8 feet. This conifer is compact and dense with a columnar growth habit. Summer foliage boasts a blue-green color with a winter color of plum-purple. This tree is best in full sun in a moist location. Some people mistake this cultivar with one called ‘Ericoides’. However, where ‘Red Star’ in 10 years can grow as high as 20 feet, ‘Ericoides’ in 10 years will only be 5 feet tall, so be careful from whom you are getting your stock. GROUNDWORK

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C. thyoides ‘Red Star’ is still much underlooked in the industry. Few pest problems and nice, attractive foliage in summer and winter, combined with a moderate to fast growth habit and the ability to be planted in a wet area, make this tree a valuable asset to the industry. We really do need some variety, and this specimen provides just that.

2017 Grand Award

Bennett Point Residence Walnut Hill Landscape Company, Inc Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build)

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After searching for several years to find the right location for a weekend retreat, our client found a property situated along the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The client wanted a pool, outdoor entertainment area, cabana, and parking area. The driveway was relocated in such a way to draw visitors toward the front door of the house and into a clearly defined parking area. The swimming pool, patio, and cabana were all positioned to maximize the view of the water. Working with the clientâ€™s architect, we decided on a cabana that created an open seating area with fireplace, bathroom, and guest bedrooms above. Large mass plantings of shrubs, perennials, and grasses provide year-round color and texture interest.

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Remember the Winter Vortex of 2014? By Stanton Gill, Extension Specialist in IPM and Entomology for Greenhouses and Nurseries, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland; Professor, Landscape Technology, Montgomery College In February 2014, I wrote an article on the impact of the polar vortex that grabbed us like a cold metal vise that winter. A hot, dry California; a cold, wet England; a warm Alaska; a cold central Floridaâ€”what a wild winter North America and Europe experienced that year! Why? Because of something called a shifted polar vortex. Does this sound somewhat familiar to this winter, particularly the early part of January? Prior to the winter of 2014, most people hadnâ€™t heard of a polar vortex. The polar vortex, which is normally tucked away much closer to the Arctic, has swept through several times this winter, bringing cold temperatures and snow to large segments of the eastern United States. In 2014 and again in 2018, Florida has seen freezing temperatures, and Georgia was caught completely off guard in January with snow and cold temperatures. Virginia Beach received 11 inches of snow, a rarity in this part of the country. Ocean City, Maryland, received 7 inches of snow during the same storm. Contrast this weather to the summer of 2013, which was the fourth hottest year on record. The summer of 2017 really was not that badâ€”kind of cooler than normal with lots of rain up until July. Meteorologists have been predicting that we will have wild weather patterns and more

violent weather. It looks like they were right on the money. The Midwestern part of the United States suffered temperatures in subzero range for extended periods of time in 2014, and we experienced the same weather again this past January. Grape and apple growers in the Midwest have reported major damage on bud wood in orchards and vineyards. Temperatures fell to unprecedented levels, and consequently, low-temperature records were broken across the United States, leading to business, school, and road closures as well as mass flight cancellations. The airline stock took a dip in the market when all of the delays occurred in 2018. People receiving their heating bills in February were stunned. Record amounts of deicing salts have been applied to roadways and sidewalks this winter. Articles have appeared in electronic and print press talking about the overabundance of salt showing up in rivers on the East Coast in 2018. Many landscape companies started the winter using plant-safe deicing salts, such as calcium chloride. As the cold periods continued, however, the calcium chloride supplies were in shorter supply, and many people applied sodium chloride, which is much more damaging to plants. GROUNDWORK

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Some landscape companies found supplies of potassium chloride in the South that they started using in February to keep the ice in check. The highway departments in Maryland reported that by the end of January 2014, they had applied over 280,000 tons of salts to Maryland highways. So far in 2018, we have exceeded this rate. Cars were caked in a fine white powder that persisted for weeks on end. This was good news for car wash businesses, and they have been doing a brisk business this winter. It was a great photo opportunity to shoot pictures of plant material covered with salt residues that looked like decorative snow flocking. We should mention that road deicers often consist of both salt and sand, with the salt component consisting mostly (98.5 percent) of common sodium chloride with traces of other mineral salts. Purdue University reports that nationwide each year, more than 15 million tons of salt are used to de-ice sidewalks, walkways, and driveways. The worst part was that this extended winter cold required repeated applications, sometimes five or six times a week. There is an enticing book titled Salt that reviews the history of salt in modern society. I know it sounds deadly boring, but the book is a delight to read. Salt for centuries was the essential material to preserve

Remember the Winter Vortex of 2014? continued food and used as an important food spice. Nations went to war over ownership of lands rich in harvestable salts. Many cities were established near salt mines to supply this valuable mineral. Salt, in ancient societies was the equivalent in importance of oil and other fossil fuels in our current societies. It is rather humorous to think we now use salt to keep us mobile in our modern societies. The benefits of using salt to prevent cars from sliding and people slipping and lawyers getting richer cannot be denied. Salt use also has a darker side—it is not beneficial to plant material. Salt’s toxic impact on plants has been known since ancient times, when it was used for biological warfare to destroy an enemy’s fields and crops.

Why Are Salts Toxic to Plants?

First off, calcium chloride (melts ice down to -25 °F) and potassium chloride (melts ice down to 12 °F) do the least damage to plants, but the chloride can cause some damage to plants. The mostly commonly used salt, because of its low cost, is sodium chloride. When sodium chloride dissolves in water, the sodium and chloride ions separate. When this happens, the sodium ions in the salt replace the other nutrients in the soil that plants need (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), so these nutrients are unavailable to the plant. When this occurs, plants may develop deficiency symptoms, particularly those associated with potassium deficiency. Salt also absorbs the water that would normally be available to roots, which dehydrates the roots, changes their physiology, and causes additional plant stress.

'Nellie Stevens' showing winter leaf damage.

Back to the chloride, roots absorb the chloride ions and transport them to the leaves, where they accumulate and interfere with chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. An alternative deicing product that does little detectable damage to plants is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a salt-free melting agent made from limestone and acetic acid. It is effective in melting salt down to 0 °F. It is probably a good idea to stock up on material like this for upcoming years. It costs more, so less expensive materials are used on most highways and sidewalks. It is often difficult to diagnose salt damage on deciduous trees and shrubs while plants are still dormant. Unfortunately, damage symptoms show up later in the spring and early summer. Usually, leaf buds facing the road are killed or are very slow to break dormancy, budding and leafing out in spring. Flower buds facing the road or sidewalk often fail, but the unaffected side of the tree or shrub flowers normally. Plants such as maples, redbuds, hornbeams, dogwoods, beech, crabapples, sycaGROUNDWORK

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more, London plane, cherry, oaks, and shadbush are very sensitive to salt damage. In evergreens, damage usually appears in late winter as needle browning that starts at the tips. White pines are very sensitive to high salt levels. White pine plantings have been growing in popularity in the last 10 years, and many are planted near roadways where salts splash into root zones. In March, you can take soil samples and check for salt levels. Sample areas near parking lot sidewalks, where runoff of the salts is likely to occur.

Salt Happens—So What Can You Do for Your Customer?

Additives to the soil, such as organic matter, activated charcoal, and gypsum, can help with rectifying soil salinity problems. However, these are not quick fixes, and if the salinity levels are extremely high, no amendments will reverse the situation. All additives, regardless of the material used, need to be incorporated into the soil, usually in the root zone. Having to incorporate the amendment is one of the limiting factors

Remember the Winter Vortex of 2014? continued with water. Rates for gypsum applications depend on the salinity of the soil. However, rates are in the range of 10â€“50 lb per 100 sq ft of root zone of the plant.

Cold Injury?

The temperatures in January dipped several times to the single digit range. Plant material that was at the edge of the hardiness zone will likely show injury this spring and summer. We would suspect that many crape myrtles will suffer branch dieback, but generally, the root systems should survive. Many homeowners planted figs into their landscapes, and they can expect branches to die back from the cold temperatures. Leyland cypress may show branch dieback, and hardy orange may not be so hardy this winter. Nandina and Chinese holly will likely suffer scorched foliage and dieback. Cryptomeria and Chinese fir may also show some scorching from the low temperatures.

Osmanthus 'gulftide' with no winter damage.

in using soil additives to mediate salt problems. Although a few reports suggest surface applications can be helpful (particularly for gypsum), the general consensus is that the additives need to be fully incorporated into the soil to be effective. Since plants growing in soils rich in organic matter show increased tolerance to salt, a program to increase organic matter in areas prone to road salt is a good preventative plan.

Gypsum (CaSO4â€˘ 2H2O)

Gy psu m i s t he most com mon additive used to counter salinity problems associated with sodium chloride. Gypsum separates into calcium and sulfate in the soil. The sulfate forms sulfuric acid in the soil and helps to neutralize any effect that calcium may have in raising the soil pH. The calcium replaces the sodium on the cation exchange sites. The sodium and sulfate form sodium sulfate (NaSO4), which is a product that can be leached from the soil GROUNDWORK

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In the spring/summer of 2014, after the excessive cold, we saw a dramatic increase in the number of trees damaged by ambrosia beetles. The winter cold stresses the susceptible trees and makes them more susceptible to ambrosia beetle attack. Keep a close eye on European beech, redbud, dogwoods, Sytrax, and yellowwood for activity from ambrosia beetles in April and May. Much of the winter cold injury will show up as plants start breaking dormancy this spring, and memories being short lived for many, people will puzzle over why plants are showing dieback this spring. Spring will be here soon, and most people will be glad to move out of the polar vortex and into more pleasant weather.

Alert: New Invasive Pest Detected in Virginia The Virginia Depa r t ment of Ag ricu lt u re a nd C o n s u m e r S e rvices (VDACS) just announced t he detection of a new invasive insect pest in Winchester, Virginia. In early January, VDACS inspectors discovered the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, at a stone yard in Frederick County near Winchester. SLF is native to China, India, and Vietnam, and prior to the January detection, it was not known to occur in Virginia. Both SLF egg masses and dead adults were detected at the site.

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SLF feeds on more than 70 plants, including grapes, stone fruits, hops, and ailanthus (Tree of Heaven). The insect causes damage to plants because of its feeding method, the rapid buildup of large populations, and the production of honeydewâ€”a byproduct of its feeding activity that serves as a medium for fungal growth. SLF can also be a nuisance pest to homeowners when found in large numbers.

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The first U.S. detection of SLF occurred in 2014 at a Pennsylvania business that imports stone products. Stone products from that business went to the Winchester site. VDACS inspectors had been monitoring the Winchester site since 2015, with no positive detections until a routine follow-up survey in January. Inspectors then found SLF on ailanthus trees located on the property. Early detection is vital for the management of any newly introduced plant pest. VDACS is now conducting a survey in the surrounding area in an effort to determine the extent of the infestation. VDACS is also working with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to determine management and control strategies for SLF. For more information on SLF in Virginia, see vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml or contact Debra Martin, program manager in the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services, at (804) 786-3515.

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15601 Manor Rd, Monkton, MD 21111 410-771-4700 fax 410-771-8246 sales@manorview.com

www.manorview.com

MAR/APR 2018

Did You Know?

A Professional Answers Common Lake and Pond Questions By Kara Sliwoski, SOLitude Lake Management Despite the beauty, recreational space, and natural wildlife habitats that our nearby waterbodies provide, lakes and ponds are often plagued by various ailments that can detract from their aesthetics, health, and functionality. The following are a few responses to common questions often asked by those who may own or manage a lake, pond, or wetland property.

Why is our pond green?

Without proper water quality testing and analysis, it can be difficult to determine the exact causes behind a green pond, but the green you’re see-

ing may be algae. While algae look similar to some aquatic plants, they lack true roots, stems, and leaves and can be present in one of two forms— microscopic or filamentous—or both. Microscopic algae are singlecell plants suspended within the water column, usually resulting in a “pea-soup” look. Microscopic algae, specifically cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae), are capable of producing toxins, which can be detrimental to human and wildlife health. Filamentous algae have a “stringy” look and often create large mats on the water’s surface or along the bottom. Additionally, some common floating

Watermeal

While algae is often blamed as the cause of a green pond, there can be many other explanations for the color change. Professional water quality monitoring and analysis can reveal data about the condition of a waterbody and be used to develop a comprehensive management plan to restore the health and beauty of the ecosystem.

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green plants, such as watermeal and duckweed, can also cover a waterbody’s surface. Excessive algae growth is usually the result of an increased nutrient input, such as fertilizer or agricultural runoff; however, other causes are possible. A professional lake or pond manager can help accurately identify the source of the problem and develop an effective management plan.

How do we get rid of algae?

Algae blooms can be the result of various factors, but are usually due to excessive nutrient loading from fertilizers, sewage, and animal waste. Identifying and quantifying nutrient sources, both internally and externally, is the first step in developing a successful algae management plan. The original nutrient source should be addressed, if feasible, to minimize the potential for future algae issues. Appropriate proactive management should follow to ensure long-term results. Nutrient inactivation treatment can be performed by a licensed professional to remove available nutrients from within the waterbody. In some cases, installation and use of an aerator can aid in algae growth mitigation. Aeration systems increase available dissolved oxygen within the water, thereby supporting the breakdown of organic matter and consumption of excess

Did You Know? continued nutrients and potentially discouraging algae growth. Aeration systems are available as submersed diffusers or as floating fountain features. Algaecide treatments conducted by licensed applicators can occasionally be necessary, in combination with other efforts, to overcome algae issues as well.

Why is our waterbody murky?

If the water is murky and a brown or tan color, sediment particles are likely suspended within the water column. This often happens after a large rain event, so shoreline areas should be inspected to identify places of erosion where sediment has

been entering the water. Ideally, this sediment input should be addressed and minimized, as runoff sediments often carry nutrients too. In some cases, murky water can also be due to an algal bloom, as algae is not always green. Some algae species are actually red, brown, or golden and can bloom at various times throughout the year.

How do we treat invasive aquatic plants like milfoil?

Milfoil is a non-native, invasive plant that plagues many lakes and ponds throughout most of the United States. Milfoil plants have feather-like leaves and are capa-

ble of thriving in a wide range of aquatic habitats. Other common invasive species include hydrilla, curlyleaf pondweed, fanwort, brittle naiad, purple loosestrife, and common reed. For all these species, milfoils included, various management options are available, but most common is aquatic treatment using EPA-approved herbicides. Treatment is usually performed via boat and subsurface injection to target growth areas. Physical removal using a mechanical harvester or hydro-rake can be used for some species (e.g., common reed); this is not recommended for species like milfoils, as they spread through plant fragmentation. Smaller scale options, such as bottom barriers, are also available but have site- and plant-specific applicability.

Our pond has a lot of cattailsâ€” how can we manage them?

Cattails can either be beneficial or a nuisance, depending on the size of the waterbody where they are located. If in scattered patches along the shoreline of a larger lake, cattails can provide great habitat for wildlife and are often encouraged. However, contiguous dense and encroaching growth can be a nuisance and a potential threat, especially to remaining openwater habitat in small shallow ponds. Cattails can be managed through physical removal using a hydro-rake or aquatic herbicide applications by a licensed professional.

What about permitting?

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Many nuisance and invasive species, like Eurasian Watermilfoil, can be found crowding out native vegetation in nutrient-rich lakes and ponds across the Northeast. An Integrated Pest Management plan will comprehensively address the problem while minimally affecting native and beneficial wildlife.

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Many states have heavy environmental regulations, so aquatic management tasks are often subject to some degree of permitting. It is important to keep this in mind when considering appropriate options, and always consult your lake or pond management specialist as well as your local

Did You Know? continued municipality and state environmental agency before beginning any work.

2018

Various management options exist for ailments impacting our lakes and ponds, but the most important element is prevention through diligent, proactive attention to your waterbody. It is crucial to seek out professionals to conduct regular inspections, accurately identify problems, and develop an ecologically responsible management plan for the aquatic ecosystem. Early detection of problematic aquatic plants and conditions can help prevent irreversible imbalances in your lake or pond while enhancing its health and natural beauty.

Excellence in Landscape Awards

Be Inspired and Prepare It’s not too early to start taking photos of your 2018 Excellence in Landscape Awards submissions. The judges enjoy seeing your projects in all four seasons, so today is a good day to capture photos of your emerging spring residential and commercial buildings!

Kara Sliwoski is an experienced aquatic biologist and territory leader at SOLitude Lake Management, an environmental firm providing sustainable lake, pond, wetland, and fisheries management solutions. Learn more about this topic at www.solitudelakemanagement.com/ knowledge.

LCA MINI-WORKSHOP:

Ask questions and hear the perspectives of industry leaders in landscape architecture, landscape contracting, and industry suppliers.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Panelists:

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 9:30 am–Noon

•

Don Smedberg, Site One Landscape Supply

•

Mark Gionet, ASLA, AICP, LSG Landscape Architecture

(Networking lunch included at noon)

•

Michael Martin, Live Green Landscapes Associates LLC

Johns Hopkins University

•

Kevin McHale, McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Montgomery County Campus

•

Tom Barry, Ruppert Landscape

9605 Medical Center Drive

Thank You to Our Exhibitors:

Rockville, MD 20850

Babikow Greenhouses Country Springs Wholesale Nursery

JK Enterprise Landscape Supply, LLC LandOpt

MAR/APR 2018

Over 1,500 choices delivered to you. perennials, natives, ferns, grasses, vines, herbs, ground covers, pansies, dahlias, cannas, green roof and environmental planning material.

www.cavanos.com â€˘ 410-592-8077

Member Profile Estes Environmental, Inc.

ees to expand their resumes and our portfolio with certifications in the industry. 5. Do you use social media?

No, but it’s a goal for the future.

1. Where is your company’s headquarters located? How many other locations do you have?

Our corporate office is in Mount Airy, Maryland, with a location in Odenton, Maryland, as well. 2. How many employees does your company have?

50 3. How long has your company been in business, and how did the company get its start?

Estes Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. has been in business since 1989 and family owned and operated for almost 30 years. We have expanded over the years to include residential, commercial, and government work, adding our sister company, Estes Environmental, Inc., in 2006. 4. Why did you decide to join LCA?

One continuous goal we have is to always stay active in all aspects of our industry. Being an LCA member allows us to use the resources available and enables our employ-

6. Does your company have any specialty areas?

Maintaining high-security sites has been our focus and specialty for over 12 years. We also perform softball and soccer field maintenance.

9. What is your company’s biggest claim to fame?

Launching a sister company in 2006 brought our team and abilities to a new level. We have expertise in all aspects beyond our own industry. Our staff includes experts with experience in human resources and administration, quality control, safety, and operations. 10. What are your company’s biggest challenges?

Hiring new talent. 7. Do you do residential or commercial? Do you do both install and maintenance?

11. What landscaping trends do you anticipate for the future?

Yes, we service residential, commercial, and government, as well as handling install and year-round maintenance.

Smaller turf areas with increase in low-impact environmental areas.

8. What’s changed about your company in the last five years?

30% increase in portfolio.

We have developed policies and procedures as well as revamped our mission, vision, and core values. We have been more focused on coaching up at all levels. We have crew leader meetings regularly and focus on management and leadership skill development. We format it as a “lunch and learn,” and employees take away resources, assignments, and teambuilding skills to enhance their crew leadership in the field.

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12. Where do you expect your company to be in five years?

Do you really know what motivates your employees? In the consulting and training programs I conduct with my clients, I find that most business owners and managers don’t really know. While it’s true that you can’t really motivate your employees—they have to motivate themselves—there are some things you can do to create the proper environment for employees to provide their own self-motivation and to do what is expected of them. Charles Faulkner, business writer, suggests there are two forms of motivation that most people have. They are: 1. Away from what we want direction 2. Toward what we want direction Let’s take a closer look at both of these approaches to maximizing your employee’s motivation. Away from what we want motivation: For example, the guy that won’t start doing something until, in his mind, he sees things like his boss yelling

at him and threatening to fire him. His motivation direction is away from pain, discomfort, and negative consequences. Toward what we want motivation: An example is the person who moves toward pleasure, rewards, and goals (e.g., recognition, vacation, higher commission check, bonus). Most people are motivated to some degree by both forms of motivation—depending on the situation (i.e., work or personal). Typically, however, they are motivated most by one or the other. What’s important here is to know what type of motivation works on each one of your employees and team members (your boss included). The benefit is that you will be able to motivate them most effectively. How do you find out what motivates them? Ask them. Remember, the number one stumbling block to knowing what your employees are thinking and feeling is not the generation gap but the

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communication gap. Sit down with each of your employees and ask them what they like about their jobs. Find out how they feel about interacting with their customers and how they like to be shown appreciation for a job well done. Keep in mind that, depending on their viewpoint and life situation, their answers may vary. One month it may be recognition; another month it may be money. Also, inquire about how they want to be treated when they make a mistake. Once you find out what some of their self-motivators are, make it a point to use them. By doing so, you will be on your way to creating a more customer-oriented team. Once you know what type of motivation works for each person, use it consistently. The results will amaze you. Below is a short questionnaire you can use with your employees and managers to assess what truly motivates them.

How to Discover continued Name:

After you complete this questionnaire, please discuss your answers with your supervisor.

Title: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Good wages

Financial bonuses

Personal loyalty to employees

Tactful disciplining

Full appreciation and recognition for work done

Time off with pay

Flexible work schedule

Job security

Help with personal problems

Training and development

Feeling “in” on things

Promotion and growth

Good working conditions

Social interaction on the job (e.g., celebration of birthdays, company picnics)

Interesting work

Working for an ecologically friendly company

Tom Borg is a team performance and customer experience expert who works with small bu s ine s s e s and organizations in the Green Industry to improve customer acquisition and retention. He helps these organizations through his consulting, speaking, training, and mentoring. To ask him a question or to hire Tom, please contact him at (734) 404-5909 or tom@ tomborg.com, or visit his website at www.tomborgconsulting.com.

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Providing Native & Wetland Plants to the Industry From Plugs to Containers We Grow It All Grasses · Sedges & Rushes · Perennials · Ground Covers · Shrubs · Trees · Vines 116 Chiefs Mountain Lane Port Deposit, MD 21904 Tel: 410-658-7331 * Toll-Free: 866-530-8902 Fax: 410-658-7333 info@chiefmountainfarms.com www.chiefmountainfarms.com

Babikow Since 1875

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Spring Fling Friday, April 6, 2018 7838 Babikow Rd. Baltimore, MD 21237 Tel: 410.391.4200 Toll-Free: 800.835.7617 Fax: 410.574.7582 Email: Babikow@Babikow.com Web: www.Babikow.com