Tennessee Greentimes - Spring 2022

VOL. 23/NO. 1

Spring 2022

The Official Publication of The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association

Carpenter Bees:

Uninvited Houseguests Who Do Not Take a Hint

Preventing Girdling Roots How a Healthy Root System Serves as the Heart and Backbone for a Well-Established Plant

sustainably grown, root pruned plants for..

streetscapes, parks, developments, mitigation, & reforestation 931-205-9783 Sales@BlankenshipFarmsandNursery.com

VOL. 23/NO. 1 •

The Official Publication of The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association

FEATURE Preventing Girdling Roots to Develop A Healthy Root System

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COVER STORY Carpenter Bees: Uninvited Houseguests Who Do Not Take a Hint

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MORE FEATURES Branded! How a Common Marketing Strategy is Changing the Way the Green Industry Does Business Part 2: Trademarks................................................................................................................. 20

DEPARTMENTS From the President................................................................................................................... 6 TNLA Sponsors........................................................................................................................ 6 News from TNLA..................................................................................................................... 8 Index of Advertisers.................................................................................................................. 8

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Spring 2022

FEATURE Congrats Master Nursery Program Graduates

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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 ©2022 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

North Pole Arb

Franklin’s Gem Boxwood

China Girl Holly

Emerald Green Arb

Sullivan Cypress

Winterthur Viburnum

Excelsa Arb

Member of the Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program with University of Kentucky.

OFFICE PHONE: 606-346-0863 • FAX: 606-346-2139 • MIKE’S CELL: 606-706-1620 EMAIL: brownsnursery@yahoo.com

Green Giant & Nigra Arbs

Sprinter Boxwood

American Boxwood

Gem Box Inkberry

Nova Taxus

Uptight Boxwood

Green Mtn. Boxwood

Green Gem Boxwood

Steeds Holly

Popcorn Viburnum

Chicagoland Green Boxwood

Hicksi Taxus

Firelight Hydrangeas & Sprinter Boxwoods

Densiformis Taxus

Pragense Viburnum

Polar Gold Arb & Sky Pencil Holly

Wintergem Boxwood

MIKE BROWN’S WHOLESALE NURSERY, LLC. • 525 HOLTZCLAW LANE • HUSTONVILLE, KY 40437

From the President Michael Gallagher

TNLA would like to thank the following companies for being

Membership Sponsors

PUTTING MEMBERS FIRST

GOLD MEMBERSHIP SPONSORS Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. BASF Blankenship Farms and Nursery Bobcat of McMinnville Botanico, Inc. BWI of Memphis Cherry Springs Nursery Flower City Nurseries Living Earth Nashville Nashville Landscape Systems, Inc. Nufarm Americas, Inc. Putnals Premium Pine Straw, Inc. Randall Walker Farms Riverbend Nurseries, LLC Safeguard Nursery Products Swafford Nursery, Inc. Tennessee 811 Tennessee Valley Nursery Volunteer Turf, LLC Warren County Nursery, Inc. Youngblood Farms

SILVER MEMBERSHIP SPONSORS Bert Driver Nursery Dayton Bag & Burlap Co. Drees Plant Wholesalers Furbee Nursery Sales Old Courthouse Nursery Rusty Mangrum Nursery Samara Farms Turf Mountain Sod 6

tennessee greentimes SPRING 2022

H

ello, Green industry. For those of you who do not know me, I’m Michael Gallagher from Morrison, TN and Owner of Heather Farms Nursery. First off, I hope everyone had a blessed 2021 and a Happy New Year. I believe we are on track for another great year. Our industry is constantly growing, especially with the landscape side these past few years.

The pandemic did not and will not take us down. It has been a privilege to serve alongside of the past presidents that were above me during those tough few years. I hope we have shown you our dedication to putting our members first and to our industry as a whole. Being your new president is truly an honor. I promise to fight for every part of our industry in every way possible.

We have an exciting new year ahead of us with multiple events to attend. Some events are set in stone and others TBA. If you are not a current member of TNLA, I strongly encourage you to check us out on all social media and our website. On our website www.tnla.com, you can join, as well as see the past and upcoming events we will be attending. The TNLA offers multiple benefits for you and your company as well as spotlighting and promoting our members on our platforms.

Working closely with government organizations and many others, it’s a great way to stay up to date with all of the constant changes happening that may affect you and your customers. Whether it be the science or politics we have you covered. Have any questions? We can and will answer them to the best of our knowledge. Want to join the board and serve your industry? Reach out to the office or any of our officers, there are many opportunities within the Association.

In the near future, be on the lookout for upcoming events! Our annual golf tournament, a fishing tournament, and others that are pending to be announced. I hope everyone has a bountiful year, and know that we will prevail. Serving our members and the industry is our number one priority. It may look different than it has in past years due to the pandemic we are finally coming out of but nonetheless we plan to have a new fresh year with new ideas to help our members, the association, and the industry as a whole. I hope everyone is as excited as we are for this year’s adventures!

Michael Gallagher 2022 TNLA President

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News from TNLA

Index of Advertisers

Welcome

Better Bilt Products...................... 26, 27 bbponline.com

NEW MEMBER

BioSafe Systems, LLC....................... 15 www.biosafesystems.com

ASSOCIATE

Blankenship Farms............................. 3 www.blankenshipfarmsandnursery.com

Airtech Tools Terry Raby 5415 Marilyn Drive Knoxville, TN 37914

Join online at

tnla.com

Braun Horticulture Inc....................... 25 www.braungroup.com Brown’s Nursery. . ................................ 5 Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc.......... 25 www.camtoocamellia.com Center Hill Nursery.............................. 9 centerhillnurseries.com Coosa Valley Turf Farms.. .................... 9 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com

Calendar of

Dave’s Sale and Service.................... 22 www.turfeagle.com

EVENTS

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries............ 21 www.fairviewevergreen.com

J U NE 28, 202 2 Tennessee Green Industry Field Day The University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association This will be a virtual event.

Look for more details on the TNLA website (closer to the event time).

www.tnla.com/events

Hoover & Son Insurance. . .................. 22 www.hooverins.com John Holmlund Nursery..................... 13 www.jhnsy.com Leading Edge Communications......... 25 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Neely Coble Co......... Inside Front Cover www.neelycoble.com Norton’s Boxwoods.............. Back Cover Richey Nursery Company, LLC........... 22 www.richeynursery.com Stowers Machinery Corporation........... 7 stowerscat.com Surface Nursery Inc........................... 21 www.surfacenursery.com The Turfgrass Group......................... 11 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Tree Equipment Design, Inc............... 22 www.treeequip.com

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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, Suite 200 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. Karla Addesso Dr. Nick Gawel Dr. John Sorochan TNLA Officers President Michael Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery 1st Vice President Terri Turner Turner & Son’s Nursery 2nd Vice President Jon Flanders Botanico, Inc. 3rd Vice President Osvaldo Lopez Ozzy’s Lawncare & Hardscape Services Secretary-Treasurer Cody Walker Walker Nursery Co. Associate Director Chris Hackler Drees Plant Wholesalers Ex-Officio Morgan Adcock Scenic Hills Nursery Executive Director Louree Walker

CENTIPEDE TIFWAY 419 FESCUE www.CoosaValleyTurfFarms.com (256) 927-4228 • (256) 927-4758 FAX • cvtf@tds.net 900 County Road 492 • Centre, AL 35960

Center Hill Nursery, llC N orNaMeNTals, PereNNials & iNer Grow a Trees T N o C Browse our inventory online at:

www.CenterHillNurseries.com JasoN Poss, General Manager

(615) 597-1888 or centerhillnursery@hotmail.com open M – F, 7aM – 4PM at 897 s Congress Blvd. smithville, TN 37166

Feature

PREVENTING GIRDLING ROOTS How a Healthy Root System Serves as the Heart and Backbone for a Well-Established Plant

By Amy Dismukes, Tennessee State University Extension Area Specialist

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rowers and landscapers are existentially aware of plant roots, but many may not fully appreciate the importance of these vital resources. Plant root functions are comparable to the services provided by our own arteries and veins. The consequences of root rot and vessel blockage are just as significant to plants as they are to each of us. Roots absorb and transfer moisture and minerals throughout the plant, as well as provide support for the above ground portion of the plant or tree, hence their comparable role as heart and backbone. There is a fine balance between the root system and the top of the tree; if part of the root system dies, a part of the crown may also die (Perry 1982).

If roots are not present or cannot function as intended, the tree will eventually die.

Not All Roots are Created Equal There are two general categories of tree roots, woody structural roots and non-woody feeder roots. The health and well-being of both are imperative for maintaining a healthy canopy and plant. In fact, unimpeded root function is as important to photosynthesis and plant performance as is health of the leaves (Perry 1982). Woody structural roots are large lateral roots that form near the root collar at the base of the trunk, contribute to the structural support framework, and help anchor the tree. The abundance and arrangement of these roots will be different for each tree species (Perry 1982). Woody structural roots also serve as a carbohydrate sink and provide a location to store the carbohydrates generated from photosynthesis for future use by the tree.

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Woody roots generally can be found 8 to 12 inches below the soil surface and these roots can extend well past the drip line of the tree. In mature landscape trees, woody roots may become visible above the soil line. In trees that form taproots, which are thick, long roots that penetrate straight down into the ground, the taproot may be among the longest woody roots. For oaks growing in optimal soil conditions, the taproot may extend nearly as deep as the tree is tall. Not all tree species form a taproot, which may make these species less stable in heavy winds, light soils, or if a root rot fungus becomes established.

Non-woody roots, also known as feeder roots, are fibrous to hairlike roots that extend away from the sides of larger, woody roots. Feeder roots penetrate into and spread mostly through the upper soil surface and may emerge into decomposing leaf litter, or humus, when this organic layer is present. Feeder roots make up the largest surface area of the tree root system. These fine roots are critical for tree growth and development.

Fine roots connect to the leaves through an elaborate plumbing system that extends across larger transport roots, trunk(s), branches and twigs. Nonwoody roots are much smaller in diameter than woody structural roots, yet they perform critical functions for the tree. Feeder roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil and then transport those resources to the tree; similar to the way that your heart pumps oxygen, nutrients, and blood, feeding your body. Most trees also have root hairs that extend away from the feeder roots, further increasing the root surface area and vastly enhancing the nutrient and water uptake capability of the tree. If the soil conditions are healthy, the surface area covered by feeder roots can grow far beyond the drip line, often extending out as far as the tree is tall.

31°28’36.5” N x 83°31’33.3” W

Marks the Spot

UGA Tifton, GA

Feature Continued

Healthy Roots are Happy Roots All roots require oxygen, water, space, and food to survive. Changes in soil depth around established trees can cause injury to root systems by inhibiting access to these resources. By understanding root-system basics, we can also understand why the addition of soil over a root system drastically reduces the amount of oxygen, nutrients and water that are available to the roots, thereby inhibiting root growth. When root growth is inhibited, damage will become visible in the tissue above ground. Root inhibition is also commonly caused by roots that girdle or encircle each other. Roots that girdle the main trunk can eventually expand laterally to kill the tree.

When Roots Go Wrong… What are Girdling Roots?

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Girdling roots are lateral woody roots that emerge at or slightly below the soil surface and impose upon at least one side of the main trunk and impede root functioning. As the tree grows, the increase of secondary wood production increases both the root and stem diameters. As these two portions squeeze against each other, movement of water and nutrients to the leaves is restricted (PHOTO 1). Affected trunks and stems will eventually become weakened. Bark above girdled roots may split or crack (PHOTO 2). The tree may die from the girdling roots alone, or in conjunction with environmental stressors or insect pest and plant disease activity. Dieback due to circling or girdling roots may first become evident after a severe drought. Girdling roots may grow around or constrain other roots as well, but trees may survive loss of a lateral root if others nearby continue to provide anchorage. A girdled taproot may result in loss of tree stability across time. Cultural practices like fertilization, irrigation, and pruning will not offset the slow growth and premature tree death caused by girdling roots. The level of threat imposed by a girdling root depends on two major factors: the size (diameter) of the root, and the corresponding amount of trunk or stem circumference and crown being impacted.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Girdling Roots One of the most obvious symptoms of root girdling is a visibly flattened or depressed trunk, which may occur on one or multiple sides of the shrub or tree (PHOTO 3). Non-girdled trees rarely show this abnormal development. The appearance of this condition indicates that something is pressing on the trunk, the cause of which may be hidden below ground.

When properly planted, trunks of trees flare out where the main stem enters the ground (PHOTO 4). Girdling roots will prevent the collar flare. There are many other symptoms of girdling roots that may be observed in affected trees (TABLE 1). Many of these symptoms can also be characteristic of other factors including drought, excessive water, and nutrient imbalances. The only sure way to determine if a girdling root is the cause of a problem is to examine the root system and its relationship to the tree trunk. Sometimes this requires excavation or use of an air spade. But the best practical option is to closely examine the tree roots at the time of transplanting, before the tree is ever installed.

PHOTO 1: Root girdled trunk PHOTO 2: Pressure ridges and cracks in bark can result from forces imposed by girdling roots below ground

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TABLE 1: Trees and shrubs may demonstrate that there are problems related to girdling roots in several different ways. Many of these symptoms also are induced by other problems, so excavation and examination of the area around the main trunk just beneath the soil may be necessary for accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of circling / girdling roots can include: • leaf scorch • premature fall coloration • early leaf drop • foliar decline or discoloration that may be restricted to one or a few branches • abnormally small leaf size • excessive twig dieback • an appearance of large, dead, or leafless branches (flagging) in the crown

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• a thinning crown • overall tree stunting • loss of structural integrity / tree leaning

PHOTO 3: The flattened left side of this tulip poplar trunk is due to root girdling.

PHOTO 4: Oak crown flare

• increased susceptibility to environmental extremes and other biotic problems

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Feature Continued

NATURE vs NURTURE? Balancing Genetic Tendencies with Cultural Best Practices Many tree roots, like those of pine, magnolia, and sugar, red and Norway maples (TABLE 2) tend to circle naturally. For other plant species, cultural management and poor growing practices can lead to situations that enhance the likelihood of girdling roots. Their formation can be triggered by delays in nursery and transplanting practices. If held too long in liner pots and containers, roots may begin to circle, eventually leading to girdling and death of the tree (PHOTO 5). Poor planting techniques may also cause roots to girdle. For example, burying root collar tissue by planting too deeply, or by placing too much soil or mulch on top of the root can lead to girdling roots. Rather than providing a protective blanket of soil, when root systems are buried, less oxygen is available and less water may be able to reach the roots. Soon after planting too deeply, or mulching excessively (e.g., volcano mulching), roots will begin to grow towards the surface of the soil and may begin to encircle the trunk (PHOTO 6). In this way, the more deeply buried the roots are, the fewer healthy roots will be available to feed and anchor the tree, leading to slow growth and failure to establish. Additional practices also can adversely affect natural growth. These include planting trees and shrubs in a hole that is too small so that roots cannot easily spread out, planting container-grown trees that have roots growing in a circular pattern, and planting a bare root tree by improperly twisting roots to squeeze them into a small hole.

Proper Prior Planning and Problem Prevention To prevent girdling, it is easiest and far less expensive to closely inspect a tree or shrub’s root system at time of planting. Bare-root plants are a great option to eliminate girdling roots at time of planting. If a planting hole is not dug widely or deeply enough, installers may twist plant roots into the hole in order to make the plant fit, rather than fixing the planting hole size. This behavior can cause otherwise well-distributed roots to encircle the trunk, eventually growing into girdling roots. Another

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major cause of girdling roots is planting trees and shrubs into very compacted soil, from which the new roots have difficulty growing away from the planting hole and into the surrounding hard soil. Roots can circle at the bottom of a hole dug in compacted soils in a manner that is similar to being grown in an undersized container. Eventually, several of these roots can begin girdling the trunk. The root system of bare-root plants must be protected and kept moist if not installed immediately. Soak roots in water, for up to 24 hours for large root balls, before planting.

Container-grown nursery plants may require special handling to ensure proper growth and survival. Plants should be watered before attempting to remove from the container around the roots. For container grown red maple, live oak, and other tropical trees, using a sharp digging spade to shave an inch of roots from the bottom and around outer edge of the root/substrate mix improved root quality (Gilman et al.

2010). For roots that may not shave easily, look for and cut any visible girdling roots using a sharp, sanitized knife. Make an additional three or four vertical, ¼-inch deep cuts down the outside of the root system to stimulate new growth (Klingeman, et al. 2008). Loosen the root ball to open newly exposed roots to the soil. Circling roots that are two or more years old will be woody and may have to be cut and removed from the root system.

Another major cause of girdling roots is planting deep (PHOTO 7) or in compacted soil in which the new roots have difficulty growing.

Roots can circle at the bottom of the planting hole, not unlike those growing in an undersized container. Eventually, several of these roots can begin girdling the trunk. Deep planting and volcano mulch have also played their own role in the development of circling roots on many different tree species in landscapes.

There is a standing debate about whether to remove B&B materials (i.e., the wire basket, burlap, pinning nails, ties, etc.), or if the wire basket and burlap can be left in place while setting the plant. A good recommendation at time of transplanting is to: 1. Untie and remove any nylon or webbing ties from around the trunk of the tree; 2. Remove pinning nails; 3. Fold burlap down around the root ball; 4. Remove wire basket if the ball is small. Remove old burlap down

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PHOTO 5: Girdling roots above ground PHOTO 6: Root system of river birch held in container too long PHOTO 7: Braided and twisted roots of tulip poplar, resulting in swollen trunk (planted too deep)

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around the root ball; 4. Remove wire basket if the ball is small. It may not be necessary to remove the basket from larger plants, however, it is good practice to use wire cutters to remove and discard the top section of the basket ring (Klingeman, et al. 2008).

In sum, girdling roots are for the most part preventable. Landscape installers can become familiar with the natural tendencies of the tree and shrub species that they manage. Professionals will also benefit by looking for challenging soils conditions, and closely inspecting (and fixing) girdled, challenged, or compromised root systems at the time of transplanting and installing plants.

References & Additional Reading: Gilman, E.F., M. Paz, and C. Harchik. 2010. J. Envir. Hort. 28(1):13-18. https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/articles/EFG0901.pdf Johnson, Gary R. and Hauer, Richard J. (2000). A Practitioner’s Guide to Stem Girdling Roots of Trees. Univ. MN Ext. Serv. https://hdl.handle. net/11299/49810 .

Perry, T.O. (1982). The Ecology of Tree Roots and the Practical Significance Thereof. Journal of Arboriculture 8(8): 197-211. https:// joa.isa-arbor.com/articles.asp?JournalID=1&VolumeID=8&IssueID=8 Klingeman, W.E., A. Campbell, F. Priestly and L. Knapp. 2008. Best Management Practices for Planting Ornamental Plants. UT Extension Pub. PB 1621 & 1621-S (in Spanish), https://extension.tennessee.edu/ publications/Pages/default.aspx.

TABLE 2: Trees and Shrubs that are recognized1 to frequently develop girdling roots, particularly when liners and plants are started or grown in containers without timely transplanting.

Maples (Acer spp.)

Hackberry and sugarberry (Celtis spp.)

Black Gum / Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) Spruce (Picea spp.)

Dogwood (Cornus spp.)

Pines (Pinus spp.)

Gingko (Gingko biloba)

Poplar (Populus spp.)

Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

Cherry (Prunus spp.)

Holly (Ilex spp.)

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

Oaks (Quercus spp.)

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Common Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)

Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Linden (Tilia spp.)

Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Crabapple (Malus spp.)

Elm (Ulmus spp.)

Mulberry (Morus spp.)

Zelkova (Zelkova spp.)

1 This list is largely adapted from “A Practitioner’s Guide to Stem Girdling Roots of Trees”, Johnson & Hauer, 2000.

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Cover Story

CARPENTER BEES: Uninvited Houseguests Who Do Not Take a Hint

By Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Karen Vail, Professor, UT Entomology and Plant Pathology Department

S

pring is here, and as floral resources become abundant, bees begin buzzing and developing their nests. Most people who spend time outside are familiar with large carpenter bees (Xylocopa species) – their size, loud buzzing, and hovering make them hard to miss. While the behavior and activity of these native bees can be problematic for homeowners, these bee species also provide beneficial pollinator services.

How to Recognize Carpenter Bees • Large bees, 0.75" (20 mm) or more in length • Dark/black abdomen [Photo 1] o Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees [Photo 2] o The adult abdomen is less hairy than bumble bees o Carpenter bees have a “shiny hiney”, with little to no hair [Photo 1] • Light patch on the “face” of males [Photo 3] o Males cannot sting but can appear intimidating when hovering around people near nesting sites or females • Xylocopa virginica and Xylocopa micans both occur in Tennessee.

Other species may be present in other regions

Reproductive Habits and Resource Use Rather than living in colonies, like honey bees and bumble bees, female carpenter bees create nesting galleries in wood. Carpenter bee entrance holes excavated by females are very clean and circular, around ½" (12 mm) in diameter [Photo 4]. From the entrance hole, the colony-founding female will turn and chew one or more tunnels that are often 4 – 7" long, but can extend several feet after reuse and expansion over multiple years.

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A tunnel consists of a series of cells, each provisioned with a ball of pollen mixed with nectar, and a single egg [Photo 5]. Each cell is sectioned off with a division of chewed up wood pulp. After hatching, the larva consumes the provisions and progresses through multiple larval instars before pupating into an adult. Adults emerge in the summer and forage on floral resources before overwintering in galleries. In the spring, males typically emerge earlier than females and establish and guard territories and females.

Given the overlapping housing issues for humans and carpenter bees, many homeowners are surprised that carpenter bees can still be considered beneficial insects for their ecosystem services [Photo 6]. Native bees, including carpenter bees, pollinate approximately 15% of agricultural crops in the US. Carpenter bees are also frequent pollinators of home gardens that include tomatoes, eggplants, and other plants needing sonication for the release of pollen (buzz pollination).

General preferences for carpenter bees include unpainted, untreated, weathered wood from varieties of softwood trees, like cedar, spruce, and pine, that are easier to chew. However, lumber from less preferred hardwood species may be utilized if these are the only available resources.

Carpenter bee galleries in natural wood can be found in stumps, logs, and dead branches. Structural lumber and fence posts are timber products that are frequently compromised.

Carpenter Bee Damage and Management While carpenter bees contribute valuable ecosystem services as pollinators, they also are often considered pests. Our annoyance also stems from sustained infestations, repeated fly-by’s and buzzing, and defecation streaking below nest entry holes [Photo 7]. A single year’s nest building may not result in extensive damage, but carpenter bees continue to expand upon old nests, adding additional galleries in subsequent years.

In time, their activity can weaken structural timbers if not curtailed.

Successful management often requires multiple actions, repeated treatments, and persistent efforts.

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PHOTO 1: An adult carpenter bee (Xylocopa sp.) visits Chastetree (Vitex sp.) flowers in spring (photo by J. Tsuruda) PHOTO 2: Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees (Bombus sp.). This female bumble bee is also foraging on Chastetree flowers at the same time in spring (photo by J. Tsuruda) PHOTO 3: Male carpenter bees (Xylocopa sp.) can be distinguished from females by the presence of a light patch on the male “face” (photo by C. D. Pless and G. Schweiger) PHOTO 4: Female carpenter bees (Xylocopa sp.) excavate nesting galleries in dead wood, but also soffits, eaves, decking, gazebos, and portions of other household structures (photo by J. Tsuruda) PHOTO 5: A gallery tunnel consists of a series of cells, each containing a single egg provisioned with a ball of pollen mixed with nectar, and sectioned off from each other with a division of chewed up wood pulp (photo by C. D. Pless and G. Schweiger) PHOTO 6: Despite damage caused by nesting excavations, male and female carpenter bees also provide ecosystem services as pollinators, like this female on Passion flower (Passiflora sp.) (photo by J. Tsuruda) PHOTO 7: Female carpenter bees also excrete fecal waste from the entrance to their nesting holes that can result in messy and unappealing streaking and discoloration on adjacent surfaces (photo courtesy of UT Entomology and Plant Pathology archive)

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Cover Story Continued Commercial traps are available that provide easy entry holes and less obvious exits. Simple designs utilize a wooden block with an appropriatelysized entrance hole and tunnel to attract and lead the bees to a clear compartment – a destination with no exit. Bees struggle to find a way out and eventually exhaust themselves to death. Additional work is needed to determine how effective these are at eliminating female carpenter bees, which are the individuals that build nests, and whether traps measurably decrease nesting in structural wood.

Non-chemical management also can include inserting a strong but flexible wire into galleries to destroy developing bees. Once cells are damaged, the entrance hole should be plugged and sealed with plastic wood, putty, or a similar substance. If possible, paint the patched surface to further discourage re-entry. This method is more likely to be successful for nests with few and short galleries, and seasonal timing should be considered for effective implementation.

Reducing or replacing exposed wood can help prevent initial probing and excavation. This pro-active approach is most practical when building new structures and refurbishing severe damage. Non-wooden

materials like vinyl are unlikely to encourage nesting. Lumber from hardwood species is generally less preferred than softwoods, but nesting in hardwood can still occur if preferred wood sources or sites are unavailable.

For wooden eaves, siding, or decks with nesting issues, application of registered pesticides that are labeled for carpenter bee control is an option. Dust, spray, and foam formulations are available but insecticidal dusts can be easily blown into an entrance and further spread throughout the gallery by the bees. In addition, dusts will not be absorbed into the wood like the other formulations, and will be available to the newly emerged adult bees. Consult Extension factsheets for pesticide suggestions1 that can be used by pest management professionals (https://tiny.utk.edu/W658) and by homeowners (https://tiny.utk. edu/PB1303). As with the non-chemical wire method, the entrance holes should be sealed after treatment with plastic wood, putty, or a similar substance to prevent re-colonization. However, when applying dusts, wait at least a day before plugging to allow time for the female colonyfounding female to contact and distribute the dust within the tunnels.

PHOTO 8: A giant resin bee (Megachile sculpturalis) foraging on Vitex sp. (Chastetree) flowers (photo by Frank Vassen, CC-BY-2.0) PHOTO 9: An adult tiger bee fly (Xenox tigrinus) can parasitize carpenter bee nests and displace Xylocopa larvae (photo by Christina Butler, CC-BY-2.0)

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Challenges to Successful Carpenter Bee Management

Other Insects Associated with Carpenter Bee Nests

There are no simple, one-time treatments that are likely to provide effective management of carpenter bees nesting in structures. Simply sealing nesting holes without treating or eliminating developing bees can result in those bees exiting the nest by chewing new holes, thereby creating new openings (and opportunities) in the wood. Pesticide reapplication is usually needed for long-term control. Successful carpenter bee management may take several years because their reproductive life cycle spans the calendar year.

As a caution to applicators, the insecticides that may be used for carpenter bees are not specific to just this type of bee so it is highly important to follow the label and adopt practices that prevent and reduce the likelihood of accidental pesticide exposure to non-target insects (e.g., other pollinators). A second reason for plugging and sealing nest entrance holes is to prevent entry and infestation by other pests, and also helps keep insecticides within the gallery. Without sealing, insecticides can leak into the surrounding environment, where other beneficial insects and birds may be foraging, nesting, or visiting.

Although the giant resin bee (Megachile sculpturalis) cannot drill through wood like carpenter bees, this non-native, introduced bee species may occupy abandoned carpenter bee galleries or displace carpenter bees and capitalize on these pre-existing nesting sites. Female giant resin bees are similar in appearance to female and male carpenter bees – at least 0.75" (at least 20 mm) in length and dark in color, but are narrower in width [Photo 8]. Native to Asia, giant resin bees pollinate a federally threatened viny plant (Apios priceana, known as Price’s Potato-Bean) that is native to the southeastern region of the United States, as well as other flowering plants.

The tiger bee fly, Xenox tigrinus, is a parasitoid of the carpenter bee and derives its name from the dark wing stripes resembling that of a tiger [Photo 9]. Tiger bee fly larvae hatch from eggs laid in the carpenter bee nest and feed on the carpenter bee larva or pupa in its cell.

These complex interactions within our landscape ecosystems highlight the need for thoughtful and careful management plans for pests and beneficial organisms. We continue to search for simple and effective solutions to pest activity, but carpenter bee nesting and interactions of these species with humans and other pollinators exemplify how different circumstances may warrant different strategies. In spring, when nesting female carpenter bees are chewing into our homes, it is easy to simply classify them as pests, rather than beneficial pollinators. In reality and like many organisms, carpenter bees have both harmful and helpful behaviors. With a bit of effort, we can employ practices to limit their structural harm in ways that allow their ecosystem benefits to be appreciated.

Did you know?

Unlike large carpenter bees that nest in household structures, soffits, and moldings, small carpenter bee species in the genus Ceratina nest in pithy plant stems rather than household structures. Due to their smaller size (less than 8 mm long) and plantnesting behaviors, small carpenter bees are not considered economic pests.

More information on carpenter bee biology and management can be found in the UT Extension publication “W 876 Nature’s Right-Angle Drill: Carpenter Bees” – please scan the QR code below or visit: https://tiny.utk.edu/W876

1 CAUTION: Some pesticides mentioned in this publication may not be legal outside of TN. If in doubt, please consult your county Extension office or regulatory agency. Furthermore, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR THE PRODUCT YOU ARE USING.

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Branded!

Feature

How a Common Marketing Strategy is Changing the Way the Green Industry Does Business PART 2: TRADEMARKS

By Amy Fulcher, Extension Specialist and Professor, Lauren Fessler, Extension Assistant, and Tammy Stackhouse, former Extension Program Assistant

A

cross the last 10 years, branding programs, which often include the use of trademarks and plant patents, have come to predominate new plant introductions in the U.S. Green Industry.

To continue to propagate and grow the latest plant selections, an understanding of these branding tools, how they are used, and the protections afforded to plant breeders and other plant developers is necessary. In part 1 of this series, we provided an introduction to branding and its benefits and plant patents. In part 2, we’ll cover trademarks, including the delicate balance of being widely recognized by the brand name without becoming generically known by it. We’ll also cover a few case studies to help producers, landscapers and other members of the Green industry navigate this form of intellectual property.

Trademarks Trademarks are defined as, “any word, name, symbol, or device which a person has the intention to use in commerce and who applies to register the trademark to identify and distinguish his or her goods.” Despite common misconception, trademarks identify the source of a product rather than the specific product itself. Trademarks last ten years but can be renewed indefinitely, and that is the reason they have become widely used by the Green Industry.

Two main symbols are used to indicate trademark status. The ® symbol means “Registered” and signifies that the trademark is registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office and the rights are owned exclusively. The ™ symbol indicates that a word or graphic is being claimed by a company or individual to signify the source of their goods, but it has not been federally registered or that registration is still pending.

An unregistered trademark gives very limited rights to the company or individual. Companies or individuals can still sue for common-law infringement within the region that the goods are produced and sold, but they must be able to prove they were the first to use the trademark and that the infringing party’s use of the trademark confuses the public from distinguishing the goods’ source.

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Several rules apply to what can and cannot be trademarked. Varieties and cultivars are treated identically for trademark purposes and cannot be trademarked. In other words, cultivar names are considered generic.

For example, if a new cultivar of hydrangea is created and the name is Hydrangea ‘Joey’s Joy’ then the name Joey’s Joy cannot be trademarked.

Additionally, once a name is established and used by the general public it cannot be trademarked. Moreover, once a trademarked name becomes generally used as the common or generic name for a product, the company risks losing their trademark. For example, thermos, dry ice, and kerosene were once trademarked but are now recognized as generic names. The trademarked name must be unique and never been used as a cultivar name or in connection with a plant patent, utility patent, or certificate for plant variety protection. Descriptive names cannot be trademarked.

The best trademarks are names completely unrelated to the item, for example Cheerios™ and Clorox®. Remember that a trademark should help inform customers where a plant is from, not what the plant is.

® or TM, Does it Matter? ® = Registered trademark Can only be used for a trademark that has been registered with the USPTO. Using a registered trademark without permission is a federal offense and could result in litigation TM = Unregistered trademark For use with trademarks that an individual or company does not intend to register and trademarks for which registration is pending. Affords only slim common law rights within a region.

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Feature Continued A good example of a properly used trademark is American Beauties Native Plants™ (Figure 1). They put American Beauties Native Plants followed by the trademark symbol on all of their plant labels, to identify the source, along with the common and scientific names. This is an appropriate way to use trademarks. Some growers trademark a plant

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name and use it in conjunction with the cultivar name as their name for that cultivar. Using both the trademarked name and the cultivar name on tags and in all advertising should help ensure that the trademarked name is not recognized as the generic name for the plant. This combination on the tag should also help consumers identify the source

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of the plant, but it doesn’t always do that job. An example of this would be Gertrude Jekyll® rose. The scientific name is Rosa and the cultivar name is ‘Ausbord.’ Gertrude Jekyll followed by the registered trademark symbol is supposed to denote the source of the plant, but it is commonly called Gertrude Jekyll instead of ‘Ausbord.’ The trademarked name Gertrude Jekyll® does not help a customer recognize that the source is David Austin® roses. Additionally, the name ‘Ausbord’, while listed online and on plant labels in conjunction with the trademark name, is not widely recognized as the cultivar name for Gertrude Jekyll®.

If you own a trademarked name, keep in mind it is supposed to state where a plant is from, not what the plant is. If you do not own a trademarked name, be sure you use the cultivar name and do not use others’ trademarked names without a license agreement. Remember, anyone can sell under a cultivar name, as long as the plant is not patented, but you need permission to use a trademarked name.

FIGURE 1: A branded Spigelia tag. Photo Credit North Creek Nurseries.

When buying plants, it’s best to keep track of the cultivar name as well as the trademarked name, just like you would stay current on common and brand names for pesticides. This is because two sources could sell the plant under two different names. For example, in 2008 when the patent on Rosa ‘Ausbord’ expired, David Austin® could continue selling the plant as the trademark Gertrude Jekyll® while another company markets it as ‘Ausbord’.

No tags, no containers?

What Should This Grounds Manager Do? A landscape architect solicits bids for plants to landscape a new hospital building. The hospital grounds crew will install the plants. When the order is delivered, the hospital grounds manager notices that plants she knows to be trademarked are not in branded containers and do not have the branding program’s required label.

Even though these plants aren’t going into a retail environment and it takes time to put labels on the plants only to have them removed at the job site, all branded plants should come with their respective containers and tags, regardless of whether the customer is a landscape contractor, in house grounds manager, or retail garden center operator.

The hospital grounds manager should require that the seller provide these items or reject the plants. Contacting the license holder may be appropriate.

Trademark Case Study Problems can arise when a plant becomes known generically by its trademarked name. An example in which this became an issue is the court case Van Well Nursery Inc. v. Mony Life Insurance Co., in which Mony Life Insurance Co. advertised an apple cultivar, ‘Snipes’, by its trademarked name, Scarlet Spur®.

Van Well Nursery Inc. sued the insurance company for copyright infringement but the judge ruled that the cultivar was known as its trademarked name in the public domain so the trademark was cancelled.

This case study illustrates the delicate balance required to use trademarks to outlive plant patents. The Green Industry and their customers must come to associate the trademark with the cultivar name, but not to the extent that the plant becomes known generically by the trademark name.

Branding programs have come to predominate new plant introductions in the U.S. Green Industry. Knowledge of branding programs, both their advantages and the protections provided by them for plant developers is necessary to continue to offer the latest plant selections. In this series we introduced the benefits of branding, plant patents, trademarks, licensing and royalties. We hope this series helped your business navigate the most common forms of intellectual property in the Green Industry.

tennessee greentimes SPRING 2022

23

Feature

Congratulations to the 2021 Graduates of the

Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program and Advanced Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program

By Amy Fulcher, Extension Specialist and Professor for Sustainable Ornamental Plant Production and Landscape Management

The

Tennessee Master Nursery Producer (TMNP) Program and Advanced TMNP are professional development programs for nursery crop producers that are led by the University of Tennessee with support from TSU and the USDA. It is the first program of its kind in the nation and was designed to provide Tennessee nursery producers with up-to-date, science-based information with the goal of enhancing nursery profitability and environmental, economic, and community sustainability. Growers from across the state accessed the latest information on container, field and pot-in-pot production, irrigation, fertilization, substrates, pruning, propagation, integrated pest management, economics, and marketing.

Those in the Advanced TMNP program enjoyed the core and elective module structure which enabled them to complete the program by selecting modules with greater relevance to their business and focusing in on topics such as hydrangea production and succession planning.

Comments from recent graduates include: • “Program should be a must for everyone interested in Horticulture or being in a related field.”

• “Tremendous program with a format that allows me to participate in a time and cost-effective manner. Very progressive for the Southeast region.”

• “Thank you for having this online. I’m a working mother and the self-paced option is the only way I could have participated.”

Growers who successfully complete the TMNP are rewarded! Across the last three years, graduates reported an estimated value of $12,772 per graduate from applying practices learned in the program that, in turn, reduced costs and/or increased crop quality. Additionally, graduates have been eligible for 50% cost share on Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program grants rather than the standard 35%. This enhanced level of cost share is estimated at $492,870 over the 3-year period.

For more information, please visit the TMNP website: www.tnmasternursery.com If you have questions about the Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program, please contact Dr. Amy Fulcher afulcher@utk.edu, 865-9747152. For questions about the TAEP, please contact Grant Pulse, producer.diversification@tn.gov, 615-837-5324.

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tennessee greentimes SPRING 2022

From myself and the TMNP committee, congratulations to the 2021 Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program graduates!

2021 Advanced TMNP Program Graduates Beth Blankenship, Blankenship Farms and Nursery John Cento, Green Industry Valuations Sofia Cruz, Garcia’s Nursery Tommy Culwell, Triple C Nursery Terry Gallagher, Heather Farms Nursery Eric Hildreth, Carpe Diem Farms Rickey Hildreth, Rickey A Hildreth Farms Rusty Mangrum, Rusty Mangrum Nursery Willie Newby, Newby Tree Farms Gerry Nokes, Gerry Nokes Nursery Danny Pirtle, Pirtle Nursery Randy Youngblood, Youngblood Farms

2021 Tennessee Master Nursery Producer Program Michael Allison, Allison Family Nursery Daniel Aune, Vaughn Nursery LLC Jaqueline Denton Amy Dismukes, TSU Nursery Extension Cindy Perry, Perry Farms and Flowers Ashley Roach Phil Scott, Scott Family Farms

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