Tennessee Greentimes - Fall 2019

VOL. 20/NO. 3

Fall 2019

Don’t Miss the

Tennessee Green Industry Expo September 12 – 13 Plus,

5 Steps to Creating a PollinatorFriendly Habitat

532 Harrison Ferry Road McMinnville, TN 37110 tennesseevalleytractor.com 931.474.1201

VOL. 20/NO. 3 •

Cover Story Don’t Miss the Tennessee Green Industry Expo!

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Feature Story 5 Steps to Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Habitat

12

Departments From the President............................................................................................................6 TNLA Sponsors..................................................................................................................6 Industry News...................................................................................................................22 Welcome, New TNLA Members.....................................................................................30 Calendar of Events...........................................................................................................30 Index of Advertisers.........................................................................................................30

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

Fall 2019

Feature Story Turfgrass Management in the Shade

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The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee GreenTimes, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2019 by the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

Tennessee GreenTimes is published quarterly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee GreenTimes allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

GroWers oF QuAlITY TurF sInce 1987 The Tennessee Greentimes is the official publication of The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 115 Lyon Street McMinnville, Tennessee 37110 (931) 473-3951 Fax (931) 473-5883 www.tnla.com Email: mail@tnla.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com

coosA VAlleY TurF FArms llc MeMber of

Editors Dr. Bill Klingeman Dr. Amy Fulcher Associate Editors Dr. Nick Gawel Dr. Frank Hale Dr. John Sorochan TNLA Officers President Jon Flanders Botanico, Inc. 1st Vice President Bert Driver Bert Driver Nursery 2nd Vice President Morgan Adcock Scenic Hills Nursery 3rd Vice President Michael Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery Secretary-Treasurer Cody Walker Walker Nursery Co. Associate Director Justin Woodlee Tennessee Valley Tractor & Equipment Ex-Officio Justin Stelter JS Gardening, LLC Executive Director Louree Walker

TIFWAY 419

Fescue

www.coosaValleyTurfFarms.com (256) 927-4228 • (256) 927-4758 FAX • cvtf@tds.net 900 county road 492 • centre, Al 35960

From the President Jon Flanders

TNLA Would like to

Thank

the following companies for being

Membership Sponsors Gold Membership Sponsors Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. Blankenship Farms and Nursery Botanico, Inc. Flower City Nurseries Living Earth Nashville Living Earth Knoxville Nashville Landscape Systems, Inc. Putnals Premium Pine Straw, Inc. Randall Walker Farms Swafford Nursery, Inc. Tennessee 811 Warren County Nursery, Inc.

Silver Membership Sponsors Carpe Diem Farms Dayton Bag & Burlap Co. Old Courthouse Nursery Scenic Hills Nursery Tennessee Wholesale Nursery Turf Mountain Sod

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

We hope to see you at TNGIE! L

et me begin by promoting the TNGIE trade show – we hope to see you there!

The dates are September 12th–13th, 2019 at the Wilson County Expo Center.

There will be an awards banquet and live band on the night of the 12th at the Capitol Theater in downtown Lebanon, Tennessee. The HRI Golf Classic will be on September 11th at Pine Creek Golf Course. All proceeds go to the HRI Research Institute. Please visit www.tngie.com for the latest information on the trade show and details of special events.

Now, let me quell some rumors. People are hearing there is a ban on Bradford pears coming soon. The reality is that some local government officials are pushing for a ban on Bradford pears. However, TDA is creating a task force to study putting Pyrus calleryana on the Pest Plant Rule. Both TNLA and MTNA will have members on the technical advisory committee considering the rule. This is usually a years-long process with another years-long phase-in period. We intend to make it clear to the Technical Advisory Committee of P. calleryana rootstock’s important use in fruit producing plants such as pears, not just ornamentals like Bradford or Cleveland Pear.

Updates will be provided as the actual work progresses. Please feel free to provide input to your association and/or local congressman and state senators.

Finally, we want to congratulate the three recipients of TNLA’s $1,000 horticultural scholarships. The TNLA Memorial Scholarship went to Samuel Vandergriff. Two scholarships were awarded from the newly created TNLA Floyd MacDonald Scholarship. The recipients were Rhys Fielder and Chasity Phillips. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! Also, please be sure to join us at the Capitol Theater on Thursday, September 12th to congratulate our annual award winners. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a live band provided for your entertainment immediately following the awards presentation. As always, your board is proud to serve the hardworking men and women of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association, since 1905!

Jon Flanders TNLA President

TNLA Annual Business Meeting Friday, September 13, 2019 • 8:00 A.M. Wilson County Expo Center

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Upcoming Event

The Event For All Your Horticulture Needs

Produced By The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association and The Middle Tennessee Nursery Association

Tradeshow Hours Thursday, September 12 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, September 13 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lodging Wilson County Expo Center

945 East Baddour Parkway • Lebanon, TN

September 12 – 13, 2019

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 826 South Cumberland Street Lebanon, TN 37087 (615) 994-3225

We know what it took to build this business.

And we know what it takes to protect it.

504 Autumn Springs Ct, Suite A-9 • Franklin, TN 37067 (615) 778-7667 Tim Kearns www.InternationalInsuranceBrokerage.com

Celebrating 125 years of providing the Silver Lining to our valued customers.

Upcoming Event Continued

Pre-Expo Events Wednesday, September 11

Education Schedule Thursday, September 12

Trade Show Setup:

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tours:

Best Shrubs for an IPM Landscape Strategy*

8:30 a.m.

Blankenship Farms Colorburst Plant Farm, Inc. Faron Green Nursery Turner & Sons Nursery

TNLA/HRI Golf Tournament Pine Creek Golf Course 1835 Logue Road Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 To download application, visit www.tngie.com

9:30 a.m.

Trade Show Hours:

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

– 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Education:

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Special Evening Event: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Reception, dinner, awards ceremony and live band.

2:30 p.m.

Capitol Theatre 110 West Main Street Lebanon, TN 37087

Friday, September 13 Trade Show Hours:

Lucas Holman, Wilson County/UT/TSU Extension, Lebanon, TN

Plant Diseases of 2019* Dr. Alan Windham, UT Extension, Nashville, TN

Back to the Basics Pest Control*

Expo Schedule Thursday, September 12

(Education Badge Required for these sessions)

Dr. Frank Hale, UT Extension, Nashville, TN

Lunch Pest Resistant Plants for Wet Sites and Rainwater Detention* Carol Reese, UT Extension, Jackson, TN

Tips and Tricks for Diagnosing Any Insect, Disease or Weed Problem* Tom Stebbins, UT/TSU Extension Agent for Hamilton County

Evergreen IPM*

3:30 p.m.

Amy Dismukes, TSU Nursery Extension Specialist McMinnville, TN

*One pesticide point is available in C3, C10, and C12 in all sessions.

9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

TNLA Business Meeting: 8:00 a.m.

Friday, September 13

(Trade Show Badge Required)

MTNA Business Meeting: 8:30 a.m.

Paul Pilon:

10:00 a.m.

(Trade Show Badge required)

10:00 a.m.

Pest and Diseases of Perennials in the Landscape Paul Pilon, Perennial Solutions Consulting

For updated information and to download registration: www.tngie.com 10

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

Feature Story

5 Steps

to Creating A PollinatorFriendly Habitat in Landscapes and Golf Courses Dr. Danesha Seth Carley, Associate Professor, Sustainable Managed Landscapes, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University Dr. Terri Billeisen, Extension Associate, Turfgrass Entomology, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, NC State University

I

nsects are the most common and abundant pollinators in the world. Although bees may be the most well-known insect pollinators, there are many other insect species, including butterflies, moths, wasps, flies and beetles, which also play an important role in plant pollination. Due to increased interest in pollinator and wildlife communities in turfgrass environments, a study was conducted a study in North Carolina to examine how pollinator-friendly habitats could be implemented on established golf courses to impact pollinator populations. Findings from this study have applications for aiding pollinator populations in landscape settings, too.

In the spring and summer of 2018, we set out across North Carolina, sampling for pollinators in managed turfgrass environments to determine which insects were already present prior to establishing refuge areas the following season. In the fall of 2019, we returned to these sites to plant pollinator-friendly seed mixes. After some trial and error, we have identified a few key things to know prior to establishing pollinator habitat. Our five summarized key steps to creating pollinator-friendly habitat in landscapes and golf courses are as follows:

1. Identify suitable location and prep the site Select a site on your golf course or landscape that is visible but that is out of the way of foot traffic or errant golf balls. For our research, we selected areas lining cart paths and natural rough areas, especially around tees and along tree lines. If you have a lot of trees on your course or in your landscape, be sure to choose a site that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight a day.

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

2 1 Seed application with spreader

Install signs or barriers indicating newly-planted areas to prevent accidental mowing or spraying

Native Longhorned bee on Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan), at Pinehurst on No. 2

A native Agapostemon bee on Gaillardia, a blanket flower which is native to the southeastern U.S.

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Feature Story Continued liminate plant competition by removing shrubs, small trees E and unwanted plants either by hand cultivation or selective herbicide application. If a controlled spring burn is an option for your site, it can help to eliminate brush cover and undesirable weeds.

After all weed roots are dead, switch to shallow cultivations timed to eliminate freshly germinated weed seedlings — generally two weeks after the first cultivation. If you are planting a large site with pollinator-friendly seeds in the fall, use a harrow or drag to produce a smooth, clod-free seed bed. If your soil is subject to erosion, consider deferring planting until spring and first plant a winter cover crop in the fall.

If necessary, a rototiller can be used to break up the ground and soften the soil. It is important to “till” only as deep as necessary to remove old roots. Four to six inches deep should do the trick. Drag the area to break up any large clumps.

After a final dragging, the soil will be ready to plant.

2. Seed the prepped area Seeds of pollinator friendly plants (there are many regionallyadapted seed mixtures available commercially) can be applied

Daily Regional DeliveRy Tennessee Kentucky

either by hand or spreader (Fig. 1). Scatter the seeds slowly to ensure an even distribution. Sand, compost, peat moss, or moistened sawdust can be added to the seed mix to increase the volume of what you are spreading for small areas. For large sites, dividing your planting area and seed mix into smaller parts can facilitate even seed distribution. Keep in mind that sand may be too heavy of a filler for very large areas.

A surefire method of sowing seeds that encourages an even application: separate the seed you’re planting, no matter the amount, into roughly two equal parts. Put the first half in a clean bucket (or coffee can, or anything else handy), and then add in roughly eight parts of dry filler to one part of seed.

(Always make sure that your filler is dry — especially if it has been stored outdoors. Wet filler tends to clump and can cause your seed to be applied unevenly.)

You’ll have the best chance of an even application if you scatter your seeds in two sowings. To do this, take the container with one half of your seeds and sow them as evenly as possible while walking across your site from north to south.

Then take the other half and apply in a similar manner, this time walking from east to west.

Post-seeding: it is a good idea to pack or roll the newly-seeded area to firm the soil around the seed, reduce moisture loss and

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

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discourage weed growth. For small-sized patches, you can use your feet to compress seeds into the soil. For medium-sized gardens and beds, lay a piece of cardboard or plywood over the soil and walk all over it. This will evenly distribute your weight across the soil, giving the same compression effect as using a professional roller. For large, meadow-sized plantings, you can use a Seed Roller – either as a tractor attachment or as a walk-behind tool.

No matter if you’re planting in spring or fall, there is generally no need to cover the seed. Wildflower seeds are often very tiny, and many require light to germinate. Unlike vegetable seeds, which are typically planted in holes and buried within the soil, wildflower seeds are scattered on top of the soil and left exposed.

3. Irrigation Wildflower seeds and seedlings must stay moist until they are four to six inches tall (usually four to six weeks). Prior to reaching this height, the seedlings are unable to access enough groundwater via their roots to grow. Monitor the seeded area for the first few weeks, especially if the site has not received any rainfall, and wet the soil as needed (1/8 in. should be sufficient).

4. Mowing Unlike other flower beds, wildflower areas can be mowed, which will help prevent quick-growing weeds from excessively shading the new native seedlings. Mow if weedy growth reaches 8–10 inches and cut everything to a height of 4–5 inches. Don’t worry too much about trimming your wildflowers.

The plants should be ok, especially if competition from other weed species is reduced. Stop mowing at the end of the first season. If weeds are thick in the beginning of the second season, mow or spot-mow once or twice. If you choose to mow again to knock back any remaining weeds, raise the cutting height to 10–12 inches.

5. Long-term Management After two or three growing seasons, most native plantings, need to be burned annually for the next five or more years to become well established. Although the practice of controlled burns (prescriptive fire) may not be suitable, or permitted, for many residential and commercial landscape settings, under closely monitored conditions, burning can yield better plant growth and more flowers. If a planting is not periodically burned, a thatch layer can build up over the years, causing some native species to grow poorly or even to die out completely. When this happens, it may be necessary to re-establish the planting. Where allowed and feasible, burning can serve as the single most important management practice for native plantings. Burning in March or April will stimulate growth of native plants and give them a competitive edge over weeds.

Always use caution and common sense when burning.

Follow local fire regulations, obtain permits and have plenty of water, tools, and help on hand.

5 Bumblebee on wildflowers at Pinehurst No. 2

I f burning is not permitted at your site or if you prefer not to use this method, you can mow or manually remove thatch in early spring (late February to mid-April). Last year’s dead stems will not hide the new growth and flowers, and the sun’s rays still will be able to warm the soil.

Of course, there are always challenges when establishing new managed wildflower or native areas. Be sure to mark newly planted sites with flags, a border, or a sign (Fig. 2) to alert maintenance personnel and the public that the area should not be mowed or sprayed. Be sure to monitor the site each week to check for seedling sprouting and growth, adequate soil moisture and any signs of mechanical disruption. It may be useful to take pictures of flowering plants in the spring and summer, along with visiting pollinator species, to include in newsletters to members or communities.

Remember, attracting beneficial insects to a managed turfgrass or landscaped area is easier than you think. Golf courses and managed landscapes provide so many resources in terms of irrigation, fertilizer, and other inputs to encourage healthy turfgrass growth that adding some wildflowers to the environment takes minimal additional effort. The result will be a beautiful, site-enhancing feature that not only provides important refuge for beneficial, pollinating insect species, but an additional conversation piece for your members and community residents as well. C

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

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Feature Story

Turfgrass Management in the

Shade

By John Sorochan, Ph.D., Plant Sciences Department, University of Tennessee

W

hen it comes to managing turfgrass in shade, an understanding of the actual causes of shade is important. Shade is simply the lack of necessary light for optimal turfgrass growth. Reduced light, or shade, results in reduced photosynthesis, in turn causing the induced turfgrass stress.

A simple definition for photosynthesis is light energy plus carbon dioxide plus water yielding chemical energy (carbohydrates) plus oxygen plus water. Light (sunlight) is the ultimate source of most

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Continued on page 18

Feature Story Continued terrestrial life on earth. The sun provides light in abundance and does not appear to be a limiting factor for most turfgrass growth.

However, changes in light, either quantity or quality, have dramatic effects on plants, thereby making it a limiting resource.

The components of light include light quality and quantity.

Light quality refers to the wavelengths of light (measured in nanometers, nm), and range from very short (cosmic or x-rays) to long (radio) wavelengths. Turfgrasses, like all plants, require visible light from 380 to 700 nm in order for photosynthesis to occur. This visible light spectrum (380 – 700 nm) is known as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Within PAR are the blue and red light wavelengths which are important components for turfgrass growth and development. Blue light (≈ 380 – 500 nm) is important for photosynthesis and is the stimulus for short, sturdy growth. Conversely, red light (≈ 600 – 700 nm) is also important for photosynthesis and is the stimulus for turfgrass cell elongation. Green light typically is not important for photosynthesis and is reflected, giving the turf its green color.

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Light quantity is the actual particles (photons) of light providing the energy necessary for photosynthesis to occur. Light quantity (energy) is the most important light component for photosynthesis to occur. The shorter the wavelength, the more energy provided; thus, blue light is more important for photosynthesis than red light.

Variations in light quantity occur with the time of year, latitude, time of day, atmospheric screening, and topography. During the summer, light quantity is greatest, while winter provides the least light energy. Depending on the time of year and latitude, the light quantity can vary greatly. In the northern hemisphere, the further north you go during the summer, the longer the days and greater the light quantity. Between 12:00 and 14:00 the light energy is most abundant and is significantly less during the time of day prior to and after the time when the sun is at its solar zenith. Atmospheric screening reduces light quantity and is caused by anything that has a potential to interfere with the light wavelengths. Clouds, pollution, humidity, and even trees

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Feature Story Continued

are some examples of atmospheric screening that occurs. In addition to atmospheric screening, topography also influences light quantity. A north versus a south facing slope is an example of how topography can limit the turf’s exposure to light energy.

Dr. James Beard estimated that over 25% of all managed turf is under some sort of shade stress. Thus, shade stress likely occurs anywhere turfgrass is managed which can include golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns to name a few. Shade (reduced light) is a reduction in both light quantity and quality.

Simply having shade means not enough light energy is being supplied to the turf for efficient photosynthesis to occur. Reduced photosynthesis results in reduced carbohydrate synthesis,

Figure 1

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Shade and Plant Growth Regulators

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

and in turn causes turfgrass stress conditions resulting in insufficient growth and development. Tree shade greatly reduces both blue and red light quality, with the blue light being affected most. As a result, the short, sturdy stimulus for turfgrass growth is reduced and turfgrasses elongate from the more abundant red light stimulus, and lack the necessary light energy important for optimal photosynthesis to occur.

Morphological changes that occur as a result of shade stress include decreased leaf thickness, decreased density, decreased tillering (rhizome and/or stolon growth), decreased root to shoot ratio, and increased leaf height and elongation. Turfgrass physiological responses to shade include reduced carbohydrate reserves, reduced transpiration, reduced respiration, reduced cuticle thickness, and increased succulence.

Environmental conditions that typically accompany shade stress situations include increased relative humidity, more moderated temperatures, restricted air movement, and potential competition for water and nutrients from tree roots.

Proper implementation of cultural practices can help when managing turfgrass grown under shade stress conditions. Because root depth is limited as a result of shade, a light and more frequent irrigation schedule should be used. However, avoid overwatering! Irrigate only as needed to maintain adequate soil moisture for the turfgrass. Also, avoid excess nitrogen. Too much nitrogen will stimulate increased shoot growth; thus making the turfgrass plant more stressed. A good rule of thumb to go by is to fertilize at half the recommended rate for nitrogen requirements

for the turfgrass species being grown.

If possible, increase mowing height to enable more surface area for light absorption. Unfortunately, for a shaded putting green, increasing the mowing height is often not possible because of the increased demands for faster putting surfaces. Finally, turfgrasses under shade stress conditions have an increased susceptibility to fungal turfgrass diseases.

Because of this, fungicide applications are often necessary for turfgrass survival.

Other management practices which aid in turfgrass shade stress situations include limiting or redirecting traffic, tree canopy and root pruning (which must be weighed against potential consequence of such management actions to tree health), plant growth regulators, and increasing morning light. Limiting traffic is difficult, particularly on putting greens. However, any reduction in wear will help alleviate added stresses to the turf already under shade stress conditions. Trees are usually the major cause for shade problems, especially in golf course situations. Unfortunately, trees are also an important component to the golf course landscape. Trees add depth and aesthetic value to complement any golf course design. However, trees can also grow to exceed their original benefit and cause problems such as turfgrass shade stress. If the tree causing the shade cannot be removed, pruning both the limbs and roots will help reduce some of the problems being caused to the turf. Pruning the limbs will allow for more light to penetrate to the turf surface, and root pruning will lessen the competition for nutrients and water. Several research studies have been conducted to show the benefits of using plant growth regulators (PGRs) on turf under shade stress conditions. The use of PGRs like Trinexapac Ethyl (Primo), have shown to limit shoot elongation and improve photosynthetic efficiency (Fig. 1). Finally, when at all possible, any attempts to provide morning light will greatly help with dealing with shade stress conditions. Morning light is when cool-season photosynthesis is at is greatest, thus enabling maximum photosynthetic efficiency. C

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

21

Industry News

NALP Initiatives to Strengthen our Industry Workforce

A

ccording to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the landscape industry had 71,000 unfilled jobs in 2017 (the most recent year for which data is available). This number quantifies what most industry professionals know all too well – the workforce shortage has reached crisis proportions. The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) is leading efforts to address this problem through the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI), charged with growing the workforce and the industry, and committed to attracting 100,000 people to the industry by 2025.

NALP’s IGI is tackling the workforce shortage in a variety of ways including through extensive messaging to millennials, women, veterans and others to attract them to the profession.

That voice to educate people about the industry has come through social media on the new WhyILandscape channels, partnering with bloggers and social influencers, media relations activities, and advertising campaigns. In fact, advertising drove more than 100,000 people the job board associated with LandscapeIndustryCareers.org over the past year. IGI has created fliers, brochures, presentations, and more than two dozen videos that showcase career opportunities in the industry and they have developed additional resources to support Landscape Career Day, a non-date-specific opportunity to connect students and job seekers with the profession. They are also working with students and educators to promote the importance of the work done by the industry.

NALP continues to work in concert with industry stakeholders to engage in strategic discussions and solution strategies. The association has sponsored two workforce summits for state and national association leaders and they will host the first workforce summit for industry professionals February 12–13, bringing CEOs, senior executives and HR professionals together to identify what changes must be made to business models to successfully combat the employee shortage and how the industry can best compete to attract the best and brightest to the field.

Sabeena Hickman, NALP’s CEO, noted “industry professionals are realizing how important it is to work together in combatting the lack of talent needed to sustain and grow their businesses.

They are recognizing the industry must stand together in

presenting itself to future employees as the competition for talent is not from the landscape company down the street but from manufacturers, construction companies, retailers, etc.”

One of NALP’s newest developments in addressing workforce development is the creation of the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program that will debut in early 2019. The DOL registered program will help attract men and women to the profession and provide extensive training for tens of thousands of people. Through the program, contractors will hire apprentice candidates, ensure they receive 2000 hours of training in 17 competency areas while they are being paid, and support their completion of 144 hours of classroom instruction in landscape maintenance, installation, and irrigation. Companies that offer the apprenticeship program should enjoy a huge advantage in hiring and employee retention. Individuals who complete the program will receive a nationally recognized designation and are expected to receive college credit at more than 300 institutions.

NALP hopes to use the apprenticeship program to help in training and retraining more than 150,000 people over the next five years.

The federal government is investing tremendous resources in apprenticeship offerings, believing these earn-as-you-learn programs will help industries desperately working to recruit the employment help they need. With the re-invigoration of these decades-old programs that have historically been associated with the trades and construction, federal and state dollars are becoming readily available, creating tax credits to companies sponsoring apprentices and funding for apprentice training and related costs. For companies operating in states providing such resources, businesses will be able to train employees at little to no cost.

After the launch of the first apprenticeship program, NALP will turn its attention to the creation of similar programs including those for lawn care technicians, mechanics, etc. These programs are envisioned to be a game-changer for the industry and its ability to attract individuals to the profession.

Those wishing to learn more about NALP’s leadership to address the workforce shortage or the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program can visit

www.landscapeprofessionals.org

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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

Industry News Continued

The Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program

will include on-the-job training instruction in 17 competency areas:

24

• Organizing equipment and loading truck

• Prune shrubs and trees • Install trees and shrubs

• Aerate, vertical mow, and top dress existing turf

• Maintaining equipment

• Apply fertilizers

• Maintain existing landscapes

• Servicing turf and using backpack blower

• Apply herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides

• Program automatic and manual watering schedules

• Caring for shrubs, groundcover, and turf

• Read, analyze, and measure job sites and blueprints

• Adjustment and repair irrigation and/or low voltage lighting systems

• Plant, cultivate, maintain flowerbeds and potted plants

• Renovate, seed, and sod lawns

• Clean paving and hardscaping

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

• Identify plants and flowers

Landscape Management

Apprenticeship Program Sponsored By:

The National Association of Landscape Professionals is pleased to debut the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program, a DOL sanctioned program, designed to help contractors attract men and women looking for on-the-job training and opportunities for career advancement. Federal and state agencies have identified apprenticeship programs as a proven solution for recruiting, training, and retaining top-tier talent.

The program will include 2,000 hours of prescriptive on-the-job training (OJT), 144 hours of classroom instruction and will allow those who participate the opportunity to earn college credit upon completion.

Have questions?

Contact Rex Bishop at 800-395-2522 or email rex@landscapeprofessionals.org

Apprentices Will Learn How To: • Organize equipment, tools and materials for maintenance/management projects and load trucks safely • Maintain tools and equipment; check and advise vehicle maintenance • Mow, edge, and trim turf areas and use backpack blower, using tools and equipment safely • Weed, rake and cultivate shrub, groundcover and turf areas using tools and equipment safely • Plant, cultivate, maintain flowerbeds and potted plants according to correct and safe procedures • Prune shrubs and trees (from ground position) using tools and equipment safely • Install trees and shrubs, and adjust stakes, guy wire and adjust hose ties to prevent girdling • Apply fertilizers as directed • Read, analyze and measure job sites or blueprints and make necessary mathematical calculations Benefits for Business • Highly Skilled Employees • Reduced Turnover • Higher Productivity • Recruitment Advantage

• Apply specific herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides as directed using tools and equipment safely • Renovate, seed and sod lawns using tools and equipment safely • Aerate, vertical mow and top dress existing turf areas using tools and equipment safely • Water, prune, fertilize, mulch, perform leaf removal and otherwise maintain existing landscapes according to specifications • Program automatic and manual watering schedules as specified • Make minor adjustments and repairs to irrigation and/or low voltage lighting systems • Clean paving and hardscaping with hand and power tools and equipment in a safe manner (install or maintain) • Identify correctly the plants and flowers used on projects under maintenance and care Benefits for Workers • Increased Skills • Higher Wages • National Credential • Career Advancement

Employers offering apprenticeships will have a competitive advantage in hiring, opportunities for tax credits and can take advantage of the government’s encouragement for students to consider apprenticeship training instead of college. Employers and apprentices must record all hours of work completed in each of the competency areas. An online tracking system will be provided

by NALP. C

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

25

Industry News

The Advanced Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program Launches

By Amy Fulcher, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor, UT Department of Plant Sciences, and Patty McDaniels, Senior Media Coordinator, UTIA Marketing and Communications

The

Advanced Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program is now available from University of Tennessee Extension. The Advanced Tennessee Master Nursery Producer (Advanced TMNP) program builds upon the foundation of topics presented in the original TMNP Program. Both programs teach Tennessee nursery producers best practices to enhance their profitability and long-term environmental, economic and community sustainability.

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Like the original TMNP program, the Advanced TMNP program is available exclusively online to reach nursery producers and potential producers in a way that fits their schedules. Approximately 98 percent of growers completing the original TMNP Program emphasized the convenience of the online format during exit interviews. Many indicate that due to other employment or commitments on and off the nursery, they could not have participated in a traditional live class requiring travel to the class location and a

rigid starting and ending time. Graduates mention rainy days and “after dark� are favorite times to log in to the program and complete a module or two.

The Advanced TMNP Program topics fall into one of three categories: Marketing and Economics, Production, and Pest Management and are generally more specific topics than the TMNP Program.

Some of the topics in the Advanced TMNP Program are social media; lean flow; patents and trademarks; succession planning; advanced irrigation; pot-in-pot production;

hydrangea production; and Tennessee soils. The most popular topics from the original TMNP Program (disease, weed and insect control) were updated and expanded to include a suite of pest management modules. Exit interviews with graduates from the original TMNP Program guided topic selection and the development of core and elective modules for the Advanced TMNP program. Core modules are required while growers have their choice of elective modules to complete the required 21 hours of instruction.

The elective and core combination will ensure a well-rounded, comprehensive program with the flexibility to allow growers to personalize the program to their businesses. More elective modules will be launched in the future.

The cost of either the TMNP or the Advanced TMNP Program is $125 per registrant. Past participants of the online TMNP Program have estimated that employing the principles taught in the course would “earn� them an average of $11,149 in cost savings and increased plant quality, a return on investment of 8,819%! Similar results are expected from the Advanced TMNP Program. TMNP and Advanced TMNP certification can help producers expand the economic benefits through enhanced levels of TAEP cost share (50 percent rather than 35 percent) in the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP).

All current and prospective TAEP applicants are encouraged to verify their requirements, including TMNP/Advanced TMNP certification, for the TAEP program with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), 615-837-5136, or by email to producer.diversification@tn.gov.

For more details or to register, visit the TMNP online:

Iain Hiscock, 2017 graduate of the original TMNP Program, learned that netting can prevent weed seeds from blowing into container substrate and put that into practice at Commercial Nursery.

RED BOSS SPADES* TREE BOSS

info@redbosstreespades.com

TREE PLANTERS * TREE TIERS

www.redbosstreespades.com

www.tnmasternursery.com The curriculum was developed under the leadership of UT Extension with valued contributions from Tennessee State University. Development of the Advanced TMNP Program was made possible by a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant administered by TDA. C

Proudly made in USA #570-386-3515

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

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Industry News

Meet

Mike Dorsey the new Executive Director of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC)

By Sharon Jean-Philippe, PhD and Mike Dorsey, TUFC Executive Director

The

Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) is pleased to welcome and introduce its new Executive Director, Mike Dorsey. Mike is a communications strategist, a published author and speaker, and former sales professional.

He brings energy and excitement to the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council that will focus on telling the stories of how “Trees” positively impact the life and well-being of Tennessee residents. He’s a proud husband and father who enjoys traveling the world and building meaningful relationships. Mr. Dorsey’s short-term goal as Executive Director is to usher in a narrative that effectively communicates the relationship that the residents of TN have with “Trees” at various beneficial levels. The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council is positioned to serve as the longterm vehicle for information, resources, programs, and education in its role as the intersection of trees and people in Tennessee. This will ultimately lead to a better understanding how well-maintained trees and tree canopies in urban landscapes can improve several health outcomes and quality of life for the residents of the great state of Tennessee.

So what are a few of the TUFC Programs that might be of interest to you?

Consider some of these opportunities: • TUFC oversees the Certified Arboretum Program for the state. The goal of the Certified Arboretum Program is to encourage public areas that meet the specific qualifications to serve as a haven of Tree education to those enjoying the property. This program was recently restructured and streamlined for efficiency. The revised program also includes a membership to TUFC. • The Tree Sanctuary Program is a new pilot program partnership with a Middle Tennessee non-profit that allows TUFC to partner with a popular Tree Sale program and offer the opportunity for Purchasers to also have access to establishing a Tree Sanctuary on their property as well as gaining a membership to TUFC.

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• TUFC has been contracted by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry to manage all aspects of the Champion Tree Program for Tennessee. This program highlights and recognizes the State Champion as well as the National Champion of various tree species located in the State of Tennessee.

• TUFC maintains the Landmark, Historic and Heritage Tree Registry and supports the “If these Trees could talk?” program, which highlights trees within the state that are memorable in some form or have been witness to a historic event.

• TUFC has also been contracted by the TN Dept. of Agriculture Division of Forestry to manage all aspects of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement (TAEP) Tree Planting Grant Program.

TUFC was charged in 2019 with creating an online process and managing every aspect of the program from the Announcement to follow-up after the Planting has taken place.

For more information about the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC), please visit the TUFC webpage, or contact Executive Director Mike Dorsey. C

D & D AGRI

AGRIBUSINESS PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chisholm Downs 1993 H wy . 31 S outH A tHenS , A lAbAmA 35611 e mAil : cdownS @ pclnet . net

c ell (256) 230-5677 H ome (256) 232-8184

info@TUFC.com (615) 638-8027 www.TUFC.com

tennessee greentimes Fall 2019

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Calendar of Events

Index of Advertisers

September 11, 2019

September 12–13, 2019

TNLA/HRI Golf Classic Pine Creek Golf Course Mt. Juliet, TN

Tennessee Green Industry Expo Wilson County Exposition Center Lebanon, TN

Welcome, New TNLA Members!

Active Hills Creek Native Plants Jeff Panter 826 Hills Creek Road McMinnville, TN 37110

Associate Mulch Manufacturing, Inc. Tim Shelton 6747 Taylor Road S.W. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Ozzy’s Lawncare & Hardscape Services Ozzy Lopez 232 Nash Road McMinnville, TN 37110

Norton’s Boxwoods Raymond Norton 204 River Drive Robbinsville, NC 28771

Steve Myers and Son Nursery Steve Myers 6931 Jacksboro Road McMinnville, TN 37110

Digital Marketplace Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more.

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 (Toll Free)

sales @ leadingedgecommunications.com 30

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Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix Inc....................................17 www.barkybeaver.com Boshancee Nursery, Inc.........................................................21 www.boshanceensy.com Braun Horticulture Inc...........................................................24 www.braungroup.com Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc...........................................29 www.camtoocamellia.com Coosa Valley Turf Farms......................................................... 5 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com D & D Agri................................................................................29 Dayton Bag & Burlap Co.......................................................19 www.daybag.com Fairview Evergreen Nurseries...............................................23 www.fairviewevergreen.com Herd Farms Nursery...............................................................29 www.herdfarmsnursery.com Hidden Valley Nursery, LLC..................................................30 www.hiddenvalleynursery.com International Insurance Brokerage, LLC............................... 9 www.internationalinsurancebrokerage.com John Holmlund Nursery.........................................................11 www.jhnsy.com Low Falls Wholsale Nursery.................................................21 www.lowfallsnursery.com masLABOR.................................................................................. 7 www.maslabor.com Mid Tenn Turf..........................................................................14 www.midtennturf.com Motz & Son Nursery...............................................................29 Neely Coble Co........................................... Inside Front Cover www.neelycoble.com Pleasant Cove Nursery Inc....................................................27 www.pleasantcovenursery.com Richey Nursery Company, LLC.............................................21 www.richeynursery.com Smith Seed Services................................................................ 5 www.smithseed.com Surface Nursery Inc...............................................................11 www.surfacenursery.com Swafford Nursery Inc.............................................Back Cover www.swaffordnursery.com Tennessee 811........................................................................24 www.tnonecall.com Tennessee Valley Tractor and Equipment........................... 3 www.tennesseevalleytractor.com Tree Equipment Design, Inc.................................................27 www.treeequip.com Turner & Sons Nursery..........................................................21 www.theturnerandsonsnursery.com Vermeer Heartland..................................................................19 www.vermeerhl.com Wellmaster Carts........................................Inside Back Cover www.wellmaster.ca