The Scoop - April 2022

AUTUMN DISASTER

JUDGES’ CHOICE

LEADERSHIP CORNER

CONFRONTING WORKFORCE ISSUES PLUS:

ALSO INSIDE:

STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD OF PRICE INCREASES

LEARNING ABOUT LIGHT

april 2022 n v45 n4

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

april 2022 n v45 n4

12 43

8 26

Events

10 Tackling Workforce Issues Executive Director Cassie Larson discusses work instability and what MNLA is doing to help tackle issues facing the industry.

23 Staying One Step Ahead of Increases in Material and Labor Pricing Escalator clauses can provide a safeguard to the

34

12

Autumn Disaster

Faith Appelquist explores the current and future ramifications of the widespread planting of Autumn Blaze maples.     

contractor while shifting the increased expense to the owner.

43 Green Industry Bowling Tournament MTGF and MNLA raise over $1,800 for a cosponsored scholarship.

49 Are You Too Close for Comfort?

15

Attract and Retain Employees Without Higher Wages Matt Paulsen writes, “Employers need to look at every tool in their toolbox to attract and retain quality employees.” 

Jerry Olson asks, “What decisions, assumptions, strategies, and tactics should you be re-thinking?”

51 MNLA at the Capitol in 2022: Deadline Edition!

Almost 5,000 bills were introduced during the

19

Learning About Light

Cathy Walker reports on a Northern Green session that considered how light affects humans, insects, and plants. 

26

We Forgot How to Promote Our Industry

Matt Cavanaugh challenges us to reset our thinking about younger employees, and to be part of an industry they want to join. 

34

Judges’ Choice: Modern Tranquility in the Woods

One judge loved the “play between the clean, modern lines of the design and the softness of nature around it,” in Ground One’s project. 

current biennium. Here is a brief update on key green industry issues.

55 31 of Minnesota’s 87 Counties Now Quarantined for EAB Jim Calkins reports on the find of Emerald Ash Borer in Le Sueur County in Southcentral Minnesota.

59 HRI Announces Funded Research for 2022 Priorities include quantifying plant benefits, creating innovative solutions, gathering consumer insights, and producing practical and actionable solutions.

62 Our New Staff Members MNLA welcomes Hallie Chasensky, Education and Certification Manager; and Brianna Burns, Communications Coordinator.

 Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Mgmt  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Mgmt  Arborists & Tree Services  All

Cover photo: iStock.com/Vladimir Kononok. Table of Contents Images: Top Left: Faith Appelquist. Top Right: iStock.com/deniskolt.

Middle: Matt Cavanaugh. Bottom: Ground One Landscape Design + Build + Maintain. april 22 MNLA.BIZ

5

DIRECTORY

april 2022 n v45 n4

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here!

1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986 Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

Arborjet .................................................................................................. 14 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes ................................ 3 Bullis Insurance Agency ..................................................................... 29 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ................................ 46 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................. 42 Compeer Financial ............................................................................... 48

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COWSMO, INC. ....................................................................................... 42

Randy Berg, President Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

Davey Twin Cities Wood Products .................................................... 58

Matt Mallas, Vice-President SiteOne Landscape Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@siteone.com Terri McEnaney, Secretary-Treasurer Bailey Nurseries 651-459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com Greg Krogstad Rainbow Treecare 952-922-3810 • gkrogstad@rainbowtreecare.com Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC

Cushman Motor Company ................................................................. 60 Dayton Bag & Burlap .......................................................................... 29 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ................................................................ 11 Environmental Design, Inc. ................................................................ 48 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply .............................. 2 Glacial Ridge Growers ........................................................................... 9 Gopher State One-Call ....................................................................... 16 Green Turf Sod Farms ........................................................................... 4 Haag Companies, Inc. ......................................................................... 31 Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape ........................... 30 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet ...................................................................... 32–33 Keen Edge Company ........................................................................... 18 Klaus Nurseries .................................................................................... 29

651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

Kubota .................................................................................................... 53

John O’Reilly Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com

Landscape Alternatives, Inc. ............................................................. 42

Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com Jim Shimon Willow River Company — Landscaping & Tree Farm 715-386-3196 • jimshimon@willowrivertree.com Cassie Larson, CAE MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz STAFF DIRECTORY Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Associate Director: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz Dir. of Government Affairs: Forrest Cyr • forrest@mnla.biz

Lano Equipment, Inc. ............................................................................ 9 Minnesota Mulch & Soil ..................................................................... 48 Minnesota Propane Association ...................................................... 24 Monroe Truck Equipment .................................................................. 21 Niebur Tractor & Equipment ............................................................. 42 Out Back Nursery ................................................................................. 30 Plaisted Companies ............................................................................... 7 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................... 29 SiteOne Landscape Supply ................................................................ 44 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility ..................................................... 53 Spring Meadow Nursery/Proven Winners Color Choice ............. 50 The Resultants ....................................................................................... 11 The Tessman Company ....................................................................... 58

Education & Cert Mgr: Hallie Chasensky • hallie@mnla.biz

Touchstone Accent Lighting .............................................................. 46

Communications Coor: Brianna Burns • brianna@mnla.biz Regulatory Affairs Mgr: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .......................................................................... 25

Foundation Program Mgr: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

Unilock Chicago, Inc. ........................................................................... 22 Versa-Lok Midwest .............................................................................. 57

Administrative Assistant: Louise Nemmers • louise@mnla.biz Accountant: Pam Helgeson • accounting@mnla.biz Advertising Sales: 763-295-5420 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival 6

MNLA.BIZ april 22

Wheeler Landscape Supply ................................................................. 9 Ziegler CAT ............................................................................. Back Cover

UPCOMING

ONLINE PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

MAY

11 –12

Access Dates: April 27–May 18 • Q&A Dates: May 11–12, 11:30am-12:30pm This series of webinars was created as a review of the study manuals to help applicants



prepare to take the MDA Pesticide Applicator Exam. Register online now! www.mnla.biz/events

MNLA 2022 SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN BUS TOUR

AUG

11 –12

Tour industry sites in the Madison, Wisconsin area with a two-day bus tour including the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the Environmental Research and Innovation Center. More



event details and information will be available soon. There is limited space for this tour.

Register online now!

Madison, WI and surrounding area➽www.mnla.biz/events

MNLA NIGHT AT THE SAINTS

AUG

17

Pre-game meal at 5:30pm; Game starts at 7:00pm



Take a break from your busy season to enjoy a game at the beautiful CHS Field. We have reserved space for our group in the Craft Beer Corner, and we will gather there to enjoy a pre-game picnic dinner. At 7:00pm, we will move to the reserved outfield seats to watch the game. Register now, this event sells out fast!

CHS Field, Saint Paul, MN➽www.mnla.biz/events

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

OCT

07

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2022.



Additional dates: October 21, November 4, November 11. Registration limited.

MNLA Office, Roseville, MN➽ www.mnla.biz/events

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

OCT

21

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2022.



Additional dates: November 4, November 11. Registration limited.

MNLA Office, Roseville, MN➽ www.mnla.biz/events

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

NOV

04

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2022.



Additional dates: November 11. Registration limited.

MNLA Office, Roseville, MN➽ www.mnla.biz/events

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

NOV

11

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2022. Registration limited.



The Scoop, April 2022, Issue 4 is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2022, and may not be used

MNLA Office, Roseville, MN➽ www.mnla.biz/events

NORTHERN GREEN 2023

JAN

11 –13

Save the Date for the premier event for green industry professionals in the northern region. Exhibit booths are available. Registration will open in the fall. www.mnla.biz/events

without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813

2022 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the editor at brianna@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA



reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

➽Information on industry events: MNLA.biz/events. Free member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

8

MNLA.BIZ april 22

Business

 Skills Training

 Networking



Leadership Development

General

MNLA ad 112421.pdf

1

11/24/21

3:39 PM

NATIVE PLANTS MN Dept of Ag. approved plant production “pollinator friendly”

Wildflowers, Grasses, Sedges, Rushes & Ferns Wholesale native plants in 4” pots.

NEW! Some of our natives will now be available in jumbo square pots from mid-June through the growing season.

All native plants are tagged and bar-coded for retail sales.

WHOLESALE

BEDDING PLANTS

Annuals, Baskets, Herbs, Vegetable Plants & Certified Organic Plants also available.

Wholesale Minnesota hardy perennials in 18 count trays.

Special order perennial 32 count trays are also available.

All plants are individually tagged for resale with color photo tags.

All of our plants are produced with sustainable, bee-friendly practices.

Greenhouse 25132 250th Ave. Glenwood, MN 56334 Phone: 320.634.0136 Fax: 320.634.3931 Email: glacridgegrowers@aol.com Website: www.glacialridgegrowers.com

EARLY ORDER DISCOUNTS CONTACT US FOR A FREE CATALOG

C

M

Helping shape the Minnesota landscape for over 75 years.

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

And we’re just getting started.

K

Visit lanoequip.com to learn about our top brands of skid steer loaders, tractors, excavators, lawn & garden gear, and all the attachments you need to get your toughest landscaping jobs done.

For sales, parts, service and rental, we’re committed to the best customer service you’ll find anywhere.

Sales (763) 307-2800 | Parts (952) 658-7430 | Rental (763) 307-2819 Three Locations To Serve You - Anoka, Loretto & Shakopee

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tackling Workforce Issues Cassie Larson

There is not much that is stable anymore. Uncertainty, volatility, and change seem to be the words that best define everything from our daily lives to the workforce to the global economy.

iStock.com/Bulat Silvia

MNLA Executive Director

Workforce and supply chain issues abound. And while there

is little one can do individually to affect global trends, you can certainly make an impact in your own business and MNLA hopes to come along side you in that effort. For now, let’s leave supply chain issues aside and dive into workforce development.

Workforce shortages abound. From the trades to accounting to nonprofits, the shortage of workers is affecting every sector. While there are no quick fixes to this challenge, sometimes it simply helps to know you are not alone. Businesses must be creative in facing the challenges ahead. Retention will be paramount. The mission and culture of your organization will be more important than ever in recruiting. And mechanization and technological advance cannot happen fast enough.

MNLA has been tackling workforce development challenges over the past few years through a variety of programs. Below are just a few examples: Student/Educator Exposure The MNLA Foundation has been developing relationships with high school and grade school students as well as teachers. The development and distribution of horticul-

10

MNLA.BIZ april 22

ture and landscape specific curriculum has provided the opportunity for hundreds of students across the state to gain exposure to the potential of green industry careers.

In addition, relationships with Boy Scouts, FFA, and the MN State Horticultural Society have allowed student experiences with landscape and horticulture that otherwise would not have been possible. Exposure to the possibility of a career is the first stepping-stone.

Career Paths/Organizational Charts One of the hurdles to hiring and retention often expressed in the green industry is the lack of a defined career path and capacity for future personal growth within an organization. Introducing a career path model into the life of the green industry enables the use of occupational standards/ paths as a ‘common currency’ for companies that wish to participate. This provides a mechanism for forging links between academic, vocational, and professional qualification systems, as well as providing individuals, employers, and the industry-at-large with tools for developing and measuring the performance of people. The first step in adopting this concept is introducing an organizational “org” chart. The MNLA Career Development Committee

“

MNLA HAS BEEN TACKLING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THROUGH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS.

”

has developed sample organizational charts available to member companies that can be adapted to your specific business. This helps employees see where they can grow in the future. A path toward growth helps with recruitment.

Leadership Development The Green Industry Leadership Institute (GILI) was developed eight years ago with the intent of helping to develop the next generation of leaders within member businesses.

This program helps with the soft skills needed to be successful as leaders grow in their careers. The program has now served over 100 students. The industry-wide impact of so many young leaders connecting and building relationships and a common language builds strong leaders for companies but also volunteer leaders within MNLA. Scholarships Scholarships continue to be an important tool to support students who have chosen the green industry as their career of choice. The MNLA Foundation provides matching funds to member businesses who wish to sponsor a collegiate scholarship each year. Approximately 20–25 scholarships are provided annually to support students who choose the green industry!

There are a variety of other programs MNLA staff and volunteers work on that address workforce issues, including certain educational events, job description templates available to members, and an apprenticeship program currently in development. While there is not one path forward, hopefully approaching the topic from many angles will help move the needle for the future.

Interested in being involved or participating in any of these programs or initiatives?

Contact any member of the MNLA Board of Directors or MNLA staff and we’ll be happy to help get you connected. ➽ MNLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASSIE LARSON can

No other mower can match the smooth, even cut of a Grasshopper zero-turn mower. In fact, very few carpets can, either. Which is why Grasshopper mowers remain a top choice among turf care professionals.

www.grasshoppermower.com www.edneyco.com (888) 443 - 3639

When the water gets choppy, are you able to adjust course or will you get caught in the storm?

Make Your Business Go Further, Faster™ www.theResultants.com

be reached at 651-633-4987 or cassie@mnla.biz. april 22 MNLA.BIZ

11

autumn

Faith Appelquist Tree Quality LLC

An avenue of Autumn Blaze in an urban area — no thanks. Some cultivars make terrible urban trees in the long-term and perpetuating them as clones only passes on failure-prone trees to the next generation.

An Autumn Blaze with a terminal case of girdling roots foreground, looks vastly different from one that is normal behind it.

iStock.com/elwisz

Autumn Blaze left unpruned are a mess, with an upright structure that can break in the slightest storm.

There are many sci-fi novels where the protagonist “messes” with Nature and the consequences are dire: monsters or murderous hominids are the typical outcomes. Far-fetched as those stories may be, selective breeding has led to some poor cultivars of trees that present us with a nightmarish future.

The future is here with the Autumn Blaze maple. A darling of the nursery industry, it seems like the public can’t plant them fast enough. Autumn Blaze is a cross between a red maple (good fall color) and a silver maple (fast growing). Autumn Blaze does not exist in the wild, and propagation is restricted under its patent.

The Autumn Blaze maple has been sold based on its ‘looks’ or interest: fast growing, brilliant red fall color and the ability to grow in just about any soil. But the love affair does not last long. Soon this tree starts to reveal the monster within. They have the genetics for poor structure. Vigorous upright growth makes branches brittle and prone to failure.

Leaves are often covered with disfiguring maple gall mites, which look like the tree has a bad case of warts. And it’s practically suicidal, commonly forming stem girdling roots that can strangle and kill the tree.

So just when the tree is big enough to start shading the landscape it reveals the telltale signs of stem girdling roots: premature fall color, sparse leaves and splits in the trunk.

Folks, we are planting far too many Autumn Blaze maples…ad nauseam. A landscape dotted with the same tree is a boring monoculture that is susceptible to be wiped out when the next icky bug arrives. A few years ago, I felt frustration with the Autumn Blaze craze, and now I can safely say, without hesitation, that frustration has officially evolved into horror. ➽ FAITH APPELQUIST is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, an ISA Municipal Specialist MN, and an ASCA

A typical branch tear-out in an Autumn Blaze.

A little digging and girdling roots are revealed on an Autumn Blaze.

Registered Consulting Arborist®. Faith can be reached at faith@treequality.com. april 22 MNLA.BIZ

13

ARBORJET EQUIPMENT + FORMULATIONS

WORK BETTER

TOGETHER

work Better together

Prevent and Control Blur Oak Blight and Oak Wilt with FSeries® + Propizol® Fungicide Apply via mico-infusion for fast treatment times and predictable results.

Request Hands-on Training

Contact Jay Goughnour Today.

515.201.2228 • jaygoughnour@arborjet.com

Revolutionary Plant Health Solutions

EMPLOYEES

HIGHER WAGES ↘IN FOCUS

ATTRACT AND RETAIN EMPLOYEES WITHOUT

Matt Paulson

Voyageur Capital Advisors LLC

As the labor pool gets more and more scarce, employers need to look at every tool in their toolbox to attract and retain quality employees.

Financial tools such as profit-sharing or 401k plans can offer meaningful financial benefits to employees while allowing the employer to maintain significant financial flexibility and reduce their tax liability.

They call it the “Great Resignation.” Masses of

iStock.com/jossnatu

people, particularly mid-career workers, are quitting their jobs in a pursuit of something “better.” Perhaps they’re pursuing a different career, or taking some extended time off, or

maybe even trying their hand at day trading cryptocurrencies. Whatever the reason, it has only exacerbated a problem that’s been going on for years within many trades - more than enough work, but not enough quality, reliable

EMPLOYEES

Volume Discounts on Garden Center Trays There are 1,080 trays per pallet. The pop-up tray size is 16" x 12" x 3". Pallets can be delivered for a small fee or you can save delivery charges by picking them up at the Brooklyn Park location. Visit MNLA.biz/GardenCenterTrays to download an order form, or call 651-633-4987.

employees. Certainly, a large part of the problem has been the decades long messaging that working with your hands, as Mike Rowe puts it, is some sort of “consolation prize” to getting a college degree. Yet, without an immediate solution to this messaging problem, what is an employer to do?

To some degree, paying higher wages may help, yet as many business owners will recognize, paying a higher wage represents a permanent increase to overhead; a concerning idea when business can be so dependent on the broader economy. I don’t know many employers who enjoy laying people off. Benefits such as health insurance are in high demand, but can be very expensive. Other increasingly requested benefits such as working from home or flexible work hours is clearly less feasible or impossible for most trade workers. So, what other tools can an employer utilize to attract and retain quality employees while still maintaining financial flexibility?

While the following ideas are certainly not magic bullets, structured properly, they can be very effective tools for business owners to increase the odds of getting and keeping the employees they want, while simultaneously looking out for the long-term well-being of their employees and providing the business owner the ability to significantly defer their taxable income.

Profit-Sharing Plan In one sense, a profit-sharing plan is just as the name implies — a way to distribute profits amongst employees (including the business owner). Yet, contrary to the name, the company isn’t specifically distributing profits. In fact, the company doesn’t even need to show a profit in order to contribute to a profit-sharing plan. Additionally, there is no requirement to contribute to the plan, or to contribute a certain amount. This means that business owners can contribute different amounts each year, or not contribute at all if cash flow becomes an issue. This offers significant flexibility from year-to-year.

Profit-sharing plans allow for a wide variety of ways for employers to determine how to allocate contributions amongst employees.

One common way an employer may choose to allocate contributions is based on an employee’s compensation as a percentage of the company’s total compensation. For example, if an employee’s salary is $50,000 and the entire company payroll is $500,000, that employee would receive 10% of the profit-sharing contribution. Another straightfor-

16

MNLA.BIZ april 22

iStock.com/Visual Generation

“

A FINAL THOUGHT FOR PROVIDING MORE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES WITHOUT GIVING THEM A RAISE IS TO COVER SOME OR ALL OF THE COST OF FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES.

ward formula would be to contribute a fixed percentage of each employee’s salary (in this particular case, a different kind of retirement plan, a SEP-IRA, may be a more suitable choice). Less familiar and more complex formulas allow for contributions that can be more heavily weighted to older or more highly compensated employees. These formulas can be particularly attractive to business owners who are a fair bit older than their employees.

Because of the flexibility in determining how to allocate contributions, profit-sharing plans are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure they are not overly benefiting highly compensated employees. This is known as “non-discrimination testing” and creates additional costs and administrative burden. Much of this is handled for employers by service providers known as “third-party administrators” (TPA).

Another key feature of a profit-sharing plan is that contributions are tax-deductible (up to certain limits). This can be particularly useful in years where owners are trying to lower their tax burden (every year, right?).

Finally, using a vesting schedule within a profit-sharing plan can be an effective tool to keep employees around long-term. For example, if an employee receives a $10,000 profit-sharing contribution and it vests over five years, they would only be able to keep the entire $10,000 if they stuck around for five

years. If they left after one year, they would only keep $2,000 of the $10,000, $4,000 if they left after two years and so on…

While profit-sharing plans are sometimes setup as standalone plans, more often than not, they are integrated with the next idea, a 401k plan.

401k Plan 401k plans are somewhat familiar to almost everyone, yet many employers have never looked into how they work, assume they’re only for larger companies, or have been scared away by stories of high costs and administrative headaches. Some of these concerns may be well-founded. Yet, with a better understanding of the available options, employers can effectively control costs and outsource almost all of the administrative duties associated with operating a 401k plan.

Designed appropriately, a 401k plan provides a great savings vehicle for employees, while also allowing the business owner to defer much of their own income.

One of the most significant features of a 401k plan is that it provides employees with an effective way to maximize tax-advantaged savings. Without a retirement plan through work, employees are generally limited to funding a Traditional or Roth IRA for their retirement savings, which have relatively low

”

contribution limits. A 401k plan, by contrast has contribution limits that are over three times as large as Traditional or Roth IRAs and are not subject to the same income-restrictions. Specifically, in 2022, the maximum employee-deferral in a 401k plan is $20,500 ($27,000 if over age 50), but only $6,000 in a Traditional or Roth IRA ($7,000 if over 50).

According to AARP, employees are 15x more likely to save for retirement if they can do so through an employer-sponsored retirement plan. So, not only does offering a 401k plan increase the amount your employees can save for retirement, but it also drastically increases the likelihood they will save for retirement.

Another key feature of a 401k plan is the ability to make contributions on behalf of your employees, in addition to their own contributions. This often takes form either through non-discretionary contributions (you make contributions regardless of if your employees contribute), or matching contributions (you only contribute if your employees do). Matching contributions can be an effective tool to reward and retain employees, while also requiring them to invest in their own future.

For illustrative purposes, let’s say you offer a dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of salary, vesting over three years. For an employee earning $50,000/yr., they need to put away 10% of their income in order to get the full april 22 MNLA.BIZ

17

EMPLOYEES

match. In other words, if they defer $5,000 of their income into the 401k plan, the employer matches the full $5,000. An instant 100% return on their money! Yet, the employee only gets to keep the full $5,000 from the employer if they stay for three years.

Between employee deferrals and company contributions, up to $61,000 can be contributed to a 401k in 2022 (67,500 if over 50).

These high limits may be particularly attractive to business owners in their peak earning years.

Financial Planning Services A final thought for providing more for your employees without giving them a raise is to cover some or all of the cost of financial planning services for your employees. This is a relatively uncommon benefit, but has been gaining in popularity due to employee demands for greater benefits and an increased focus on “financial well-being.”

The vast majority of Americans do not work with a financial advisor.

There are many reasons for this. Many feel they can do it just as well on their own. Some don’t trust someone else to handle their money. Others don’t think they have enough to work with an advisor and some may feel it’s too expensive. Perhaps, for more than care to admit, it’s because of pride, ego, or embarrassment. Whatever the reason, most end up dealing with it themselves, or, to a varying extent, not dealing with it.

This shows itself in the sad state of the finances of many Americans. We’ve all seen or heard the statistics on credit card debt, lack of retirement savings, or inability to pay for an unexpected expense.

Obvious biases aside, a financial advisor can make a significant difference in the trajectory of one’s financial life. As many readers will know all too well, the DIY-homeowner can make endless mistakes, sometimes significant, when trying to tackle their own home-improvement projects. The reason is often simple, they don’t know what they don’t know. In the case of money, not knowing has a cumulative effect and can mean the difference between a comfortable retirement and a lifetime of financial stress.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard clients say, “I wish I knew this years ago.”

Providing your employees with access to the guidance, support and expertise of a financial professional can put them on a significantly better financial path. In the long run, this could prove to be a vastly greater benefit than a higher paycheck could ever provide.

Summary There are many factors that go into whether or not an employee will stick around for the long term, many of which fall beyond the scope of this article, yet with such a competitive labor environment, business owners need to be looking at all the tools in their toolbox when trying to attract and retain great employees.

And while the ideas presented above are some of the financial tools that I would consider most effective, they are just a few of the options available to business owners. SIMPLE IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Cash-Balance Plans, and others, all have their place, and each option should be considered before deciding what is best for your business.

Keen Edge Company Bill Burke / General Manager | Phone: 262-749-8097 Email: bburke2@keenedgeco.com

Find a dealer at www.wrightmfg.com 18

MNLA.BIZ april 22

➽ MATT PAULSON is President/Advisor at Voyageur Capital Advisors LLC, and can be reached at 612-638-2816 or matt@voyageurcapital. com.

LIGHT Learning About

iStock.com/enjoynz

Cathy Walker Malmborg’s Garden Center & Greenhouse

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / fotogigi85

LIGHTING

MANY GREEN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE LIGHTING EXPERTS. I AM NOT ONE OF THEM. My knowledge of lighting extends to the

rainbow (remember ROY-G-BIV?), and knowing light bulbs come in warm white, cool white, and daylight. However, I began to learn about light in a way I hadn’t before at Northern Green 2022. The first session of Wednesday morning, Nancy Clanton presented the talk, “Designing Beautiful Healthy Lighting…for all!” As the CEO of Clanton & Associates, Inc., Nancy E. Clanton, PE, FIALD, FIES is a LEED Fellow and a nationally-renowned expert on lighting. She posed the question, “How does light affect humans, insects, and plants?”

All life needs daylight and healthy darkness. Humans have a light sensitivity to the color green. Plants need ultraviolet, visible blue, visible red, and infrared for photosynthesis, vegetative and reproductive growth. Animals and insects vary in their light sensitivity. For example, deer do not see past the color yellow. That is why deer hunters wear orange clothing. It’s highly visible to humans, but not deer.

Blue light brightens and the light scatters.

Think of the morning daylight, technology screens, cool white, and daylight light bulbs. Orange light is more mellow and warm. Think of evening sunsets, warm white light bulbs, or the glow of a fire.

Our circadian cycle (sleep/wake cycles) need blue light and the elimination of blue light over a 24-hour period. Blue light absence helps start our melatonin production in the evening, and stops the production with the coming of daylight. This is why when we have a hard time falling asleep in the evening, we are encouraged to turn off the TV and other technology before bedtime.

Warmer lighting in the evening begins the melatonin process.

Plants obviously need daylight for growth and maturity. But too much light can disrupt a plant’s cycle. A street light can delay a tree from losing its leaves up to two weeks. Another study found a soybean field bordering a road with normal street lighting had 40% less yield.

(continued on page 52) 20

MNLA.BIZ april 22

HOW DOES LIGHT AFFECT NIGHTTIME POLLINATORS LIKE MOTHS? Moths get trapped in light — WASTING valuable time that should be spent on pollinating and looking for mates. Thus, the moth population is declining rapidly.

Documentation of Insect Declines Due to Light Pollution Eisenbeis, in Artificial Night Lighting and Insects Attraction of Insects to Streetlamps in a Rural Setting in Germany, noted the decline of insect catches from different decades as reported in three papers. This table helps to show the declines he saw across the decades.

AUTHORS

YEAR

PUBLISHING INFO

INSECTS CAUGHT

NUMBER OF TRAPS

Robinson & Robinson

1950

Entomologist’s Gazette 1:3-20

Over 50,000 moths

1

The night of August 20–21, 1949

Worth & Miller

1979

J. of the Lepidopterists’ Society 33:261–264

Over 50,000 moths

1

May 2–Sept 12, 1978

Eisenbeis & Hassel

2000

Natur und Landschaft 75(4):145–156

6,205 moths

19

May 29–Sept 12, 1997

CATCH SPAN TIMES

Sources: Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting. Catherine Rich & Travis Longcore (eds). 2006. Island Press. Pages 281–304. Gerhard Eisenbeis. Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Mainz University, Germany.

1

5 STEPS TO PROTECT PEOPLE, PLANTS, POLLINATORS, AND OUR ENVIRONMENT FROM EXCESSIVE LIGHTING All light should have a clear purpose and be useful. Can we use less light with luminous markers or reflective surfaces? What is the impact on the environment?

2

Light should be directed only to where it is needed. All outdoor light contains a B.U.G. rating. How much of the light is Backlight (trespass lighting), Uplight (sky glow) and Glare (offensive lighting)? What percentage is actually targeted where it is needed, and how much trespasses onto other space?

3

Use low light levels where possible. Contrast with other surfaces may allow us to use up to 75% less light. Less light is needed when snow is on the ground because of its reflective ability.

4

Light should be used when it is controlled. Use of dimmers, motion detectors or turning the light off when it is not needed may all be a solution (the party is over so turn off the outdoor lighting).

5

Use warmer color lights (orange tones) when possible. Have you noticed with night driving you are “blinded” with the bright white headlights and the warmer orange tones are not as bad? “Adaptive driving beam headlights” are in use in Europe. These headlights have LED lamps that focus the light directly where the drivers need it and can lower the intensity of the light beam. When using blue lighting, minimize its intensity.

HAUL WITH

CONFIDENCE

Maximize your Payload | Z-DumpPRO Built for Landscapers

commercial.monroetruck.com

Laying a Foundation for Inspiration “A beautiful outdoor space should stand the test of time, every time.”

50 years ago, our founder had a dream. When Ed Bryant introduced the UNI-Stone® paver to the North American market, he essentially established the hardscaping industry here. Since then, we have continued to innovate and grow.

As a result, we are proud to have played a part in creating countless beautiful spaces, from backyard patios to landmark destinations across the continent. And we’re just getting started.

We know Ed would be proud.

Ed Bryant | Unilock Founder November 30, 1935 - January 28, 2021

LEGAL ISSUES

Staying One Step Ahead of Increases in Material and Labor Pricing Anna Schwering & Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness, Attorneys at Law

With the busy installation season upon us, many contractors have jobs lined up that were set up last fall. Businesses were flooded with new projects and had to create contracts for said projects.

iStock.com/champc

Anna Schwering & Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness, Attorneys at Law

What happens when the prices for materials rise, and tariffs are placed on certain goods? Or another wave of the pandemic causes a project to be put on hold?

That’s where escalator clauses in contracts can be helpful. While escalator clauses are often used for publicly funded projects, private contractors can certainly benefit from them as well. Escalator clauses can provide a safeguard to the contractor while shifting the increased expense to the owner. In addition, these clauses allow contractors to bid closer to the market value of various items instead of creating higher bids that would protect them from any future material cost increases. Here are

a few options for protecting your company with price change clauses in your contract: Material Price Escalation Clause There are two different ways to approach a material price escalation clause. One is agreeing to an approval from the owner for any increases. In this instance, the contractor gives notice of any increases to the owner and requests approval. In addition, evidence is provided to prove why there was an increase in the first place. A few examples of this evidence include bills of sale, work orders, and invoices. april 22 MNLA.BIZ

23

LEGAL ISSUES

iStock.com/champc

$2,500 Incentive

For complete rules & an application, email admin@mnpropane.org Propane Mowers can operate during most ozone action days or air quality nonattainment days.

Compared with a comparable gasoline mower, propane reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 17%.

Propane mowers reduce sulfur oxide by 16% & nitrogen oxide by 19% vs comparable gasoline mowers.

0

$2,50

Incentives Available

$2,500

Purchase of new, factory direct OEM mowers which are propane powered.* Conversions of existing gasoline powered mowers to propane.*

$2,500

*dedicated propane dual fuel www.discoverpropanemn.com

$2,500

A second way to approach this clause is to agree on what is considered a significant increase in price in the original contract and put a cap on that amount. For example, if the contractor and owner agree that a 10% increase is significant, both parties can agree to cap at 5% of the original budgeted price. That way the contractor wouldn’t be constantly seeking the owner’s approval for every small price increase.

Force Majeure Clause This clause is often referred to as an “Acts of God” clause. This would include any uncontrollable events, such as a pandemic or other severe weather. In a business that is heavily impacted by the weather, this is a very useful clause for green industry contractors to include in their contracts. This clause can also be limited to an extension of time, instead of solely a dollar amount. The benefit of that, is that it helps owners and contractors deal with the impact of longer material lead times. However, an extension of time isn’t very helpful if the contractor has already purchased the materials, or if prices increase again after the extension is up.

Changes Clause This final type of clause gives the parties an opportunity to change the scope of the original contract without invalidating the rest of the contract’s terms. The changes can include an adjustment to the prices in the contract, or an alteration to the time for performance of the project. One great way to keep projects on track and reduce paperwork is to only require written approval for changes above a certain agreed upon dollar amount. Texts, emails, and other written approvals can all work as proof of the approval.

Which of these clauses is the best to use?

Some or all of them. While all of these clauses can be helpful to contractors, there isn’t one that is considered the ‘best.’ It depends on several factors: the type of project, the time it would take to complete, and the required type and quantities of materials needed. Your best option? Talk to your attorney and find out what fits well in your contracts. ➽ This article provides general information on business and collections matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. Anna Schwering is a paralegal with Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC, and a graduate of the Mitchell Hamline Paralegal Certificate Program. Patrick McGuiness is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors and other business owners with a variety of legal issues. He can be reached at pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com.

24

MNLA.BIZ april 22

PROMOTE We Forgot How to

OUR INDUSTRY

Matt Cavanaugh Rush Creek Golf Club

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association publication Hole Notes, and is reprinted with permission. As superintendent at one of the top public golf courses in Minnesota, Matt is part of the green industry. He deals with the same staffing challenges many MNLA companies face, and his approach with employees builds a healthy culture and increases staff retention. Matt challenges us to reset our thinking about younger employees, and to be an industry they want to join.

“

MOST YOUNG ADULTS, REGARDLESS OF GENERATION, NEED A MODEL OF WORK ETHIC AND NEED TIME TO DEVELOP THE WORK ETHIC, REGARDLESS OF PROFESSION.

As a superintendent or as an assistant superin-

iStock.com/Nickbeer

tendent, what are you terrible at, what is the

quality you need the biggest improvement on? what are you terrible at, what is the quality you need the biggest improvement on? Think about it for a second. Check the depths of your soul for the right answer. Never mind, I have seen your soul already and I’m going to tell you where you need the most improvement and I will be blunt. You do not know how to effectively frame our profession of choice in a positive light to young individuals that may want to enter the superintendent profession. Okay, the “you” was a little aggressive. I’ll make it a collective industry “we”. In fact, heaps of turfgrass management negativity have been thrown at the young adults that fill our summer positions. We are the ones who should get them interested in the profession in the first place. It has been happening for years and our industry is now feeling the ramifications of our collective negativity.

Many of us coming through the ranks were also fed the same lines of negativity, and those of us reading this somehow persevered through poor mentorship to continue in the business and regurgitate the same garbage

to our young seasonal employees. Here are a few beautifully negative comments that have been said to current individuals in the turfgrass industry: • At 16, an industry professional told me that I would be crazy to go into this business. “You have no life, and you make no money.” The individual then looked at my boss at the time and said, “you are doing him a disservice by not discouraging him from the business.”

• The superintendent I worked for said “You always have to be working. Even if you need to be somewhere else, you always must show the membership that you are there. You can’t ever leave.”

• “You shouldn’t go into the industry because you are too smart to have to work that hard and make so little.”

• “You shouldn’t go into the profession because you can’t have work life balance and your family will suffer.”

Gosh, I wonder why turfgrass enrollment numbers have declined over the past ten years. There are a multitude of reasons for not having enough individuals coming into the industry. Many of these reasons revolve

”

around blaming others. Let’s look at a few reasons the turfgrass industry likes to use: • Kids do not want to work hard anymore.

This is the easiest thing to blame for young individuals avoiding the industry.

So many assume that young adults are just not cut out for the early mornings and the physical nature of the profession.

In my world I have not seen this. Most young adults, regardless of generation, need a model of work ethic and need time to develop the work ethic, regardless of profession. We need to stop, put down our own phones, and teach young adults instead of degrading them on social media. Our industry thinks we have the sole rights to working hard and that no one else in the world is cut out for it.

• Schools are not doing enough to attract students. What is the number one driver of what a young adult will pick as a profession after high school? Money…what will their salary be after college. Now, some may say it is a passion for doing something. In my opinion that is second because someone may want to choose a major, but then come to the realization april 22 MNLA.BIZ

27

GREEN INDUSTRY CAREERS

“

IN SHORT, BE THE LEADERS THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AND NOT JUST SOMEONE THERE TO MANAGE INDIVIDUALS TO GET A JOB DONE.

that “Hey, I can’t make any money in that.” Our industry is getting better, but the starting pay for individuals entering the work force is subpar and does not excite them, or their parents. As an industry, we need to do better. We need to pay more to the entry level positions and get the grassroots “pull through” of students to these two and four-year turfgrass programs.

• My budget is not big enough for higher pay.

I get it, you have a budget, and you need to stretch it to make it work. Well, maybe you need to reevaluate things. From 2012 to 2016, the fertilizer budget at Rush Creek averaged $43,000. The fertilizer budget for 2022 is $16,000. Changes like this have certainly allowed for a little more wiggle room for the labor budget.

Think about these inputs…can you justify them over a poorly compensated staff?

I am not naive enough to think that every young adult who comes to work at a golf course will aspire to enter the turfgrass industry. However, as an industry we keep putting blame on other people for our labor issues.

28

MNLA.BIZ april 22

We keep thinking that people should come in with a passion, come in with an amazing work ethic and do it for subpar pay. Some may say, “That’s what I had to do.” To me, all of this is bottom-up management instead of top-down management. We need to stop thinking that people are either made for this profession or they are not. Instead, superintendents and assistant superintendents in charge of young adults need to start showing an interest in these young adults and get them inspired. In short, be the leaders that you are supposed to be and not just someone there to manage individuals to get a job done.

I challenge you to think differently. Here are some ideas to help you provide a little spark to a young adult that did not even know a turfgrass career was an option: 1. Show an interest in the individual: It starts here. Get to know the employee a little beyond work. This opens the door for them to get to know you as well. It can soften the “Boss Armor” that can be intimidating to young adults, especially if it is their first job. All of this does not happen in one day, but a continual interest

”

in an employee will show you care more about just them showing up for work.

2. Show a passion for what you do: Passion |’paSHƏn| (noun): An intense desire or enthusiasm for something. You may have lost this along the way, and I recommend you get it back. If you do not show passion for what you are doing, then it will never transfer to someone else to spark interest in the industry. I continually communicate what we are doing to the young adults on the crew. It is often more detail than they want, but over time it shows that I care so much about what I am doing that I am willing to share it with anyone. Young adults like to know the “what and why” of things. They don’t just want to be told what to do. Showing passion gets young adults curious. I assume this is what goes on in their head… “Why does he like this stuff so much? Maybe I would like it too?

At least he looks like he is having fun. My parents don’t look like they have fun at their work.”

3. Be willing to put in the time to teach (train):

This can be combined with passion

Ready for

DELIVERY! New additions to our delivery fleet!

www.rockhardmn.com

3600 W Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN 55337 952-895-7408 4375 170th St. W Farmington, MN 55024 952-207-4456 944 215th St. E Jordan, MN 55352 952-492-2890

www.rockhardmn.com

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

TM

Native Minnesota Woody & Herbaceous (651) 438-2771 • Fax (651) 438-3816

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs

Measuring up to the best for oVer 40 years!

your partner for: • Native and cultivar trees • Shade, ornamental, and evergreens • Superior quality B&B packaging • Air pruning and traditional containers • Caliper sized bare root trees • Prompt and flexible delivery

GREEN INDUSTRY CAREERS

but will take more of a hands-on approach. Be willing to be the individual who shows a new employee how to walk mow greens or cut cups. Spend a morning sitting on a fairway unit with a new employee and talk about the mistakes you have made doing this same job. There is no job more important than teaching and training the staff and this should never stop.

4. Show trust: “I don’t trust anyone until they can prove to me that they can be trusted.” What a pile of crap. This is the bottom-up way of managing. If we want young adults to enter this profession, we need to show trust in them first (top-down management).

I am a firm believer of giving employees, especially new employees, jobs they never thought they would receive. For example, instead of putting someone in the bunkers on their first day, why not put them on a fairway mower day one. I guarantee this will get them hooked early and they will be excited about what they are doing. Do not pigeonhole employees into jobs either. Continue to add new jobs to their plate and watch their interest for the profession grow. “The way to make people trustworthy is to trust them” What a simple concept quoted by Ernest Hemingway that so many of us need to adopt.

5. Be positive and have fun: It is much more difficult to be positive and put on a smile day after day than it is to be negative and put on a frown. It is easier to doubt someone than it is to put trust in someone. It is easier to just put your head down, do the work, and not find ways to keep work fun and interesting for your employees. However, if you want to get more young adults interested in the turfgrass industry you need to show that you are happy and having fun.

I recently had a conversation with a potential turfgrass intern for the 2022 season. This individual was looking to leave their home state and had talked with three other superintendents throughout the country before calling me. During our 45-minute conversation the potential intern threw questions my way as I discussed the internship opportunity at Rush Creek. At the end of this conversation the individual said, “You have said the complete opposite to the other three superintendents I have talked to and have a completely different attitude toward the industry.” This is truly one of the most flattering statements I have ever received. All I discussed were the items listed above and how I will go about providing them during the internship. The other three superintendents laid out an internship plan that sounded more like grunt work and less like teaching, and being the learning experience it should be. Their discussions only fostered doubt and questions about the opportunity and the industry.

This article is meant to challenge the way we think as an industry.

It challenges superintendents and assistants to flip the fact that you think young adults don’t want to work hard and they cannot be trusted.

This way of thinking puts all the weight on the employee and none of it on you. This way of thinking only allows you to continually blame others and use the popular industry phrase “I can’t find employees who want to work anymore.” Well, I see it differently, “I see leaders who do not want to lead anymore.” Be the change that you and the industry need.

hoffMan & McnaMara NurSery ANd LANdSCAPe

9045 180th St. east • Hastings , MN 55033 • phone: 651-437-9463 fax: 651-437-9050 • e-Mail: info@hoffmanandmcnamara.com

www.hoffmanandmcnamara.com

30

MNLA.BIZ april 22

➽ MATT CAVANAUGH is Golf Course Superintendent at Rush Creek Golf Club and can be reached at mattc@umn.edu.

The one-stop-shop for ALL your landscaping needs

Contractors & Homeowners haagcompanies6025@gmail.com

Schaferequipmentcompany.com Tools and Equipment for the Concrete and Masonry Industry • Gilson Mixers • Bartell Power Equipment • Masonry Tools & Equipment • Husqvarna Concrete Saws • Diamond Blades • Jackson Wheelbarrows • Metabo Parts Drill • LB White Heaters • Dryer Vibrators • Wacker Power Equipments • MK Diamond Products • Arbor Tech Mortar Saw • Forms

LARGE SELECTION OF SALES AND RENTAL CONCRETE STAMPS & CONCRETE TOOLS AVAILABLE.

6025 Pillsbury Ave S, Mpls P: (612) 861-2268 F: (612) 869-8021 Schaferquipment55419@gmail.com

We accept:

Jerrysgardenplace.com

KliersNursery.com • Firewood & Accessories • County Retaining Walls • Concrete Steppers • Sod • Topsoil • Mulches • Decorative Rock, Boulders, Natural Stone • Garden Chemicals • Mowers • Trimmers • Other Power Equipment • Flowers & perennials

We Sell New, Used and Repair: • Toro • Lawn Boy • Echo

PICK UP OR SAME DAY DELIVERY SERVICE

5901 Nicollet Ave S, Mpls P: (612) 866-8771 F: (612) 866-2156 Nicollet5901@yahoo.com

landscapeconcretecenter.com

MagnusonSod.com • Fresh Sod cut daily • Rock • Black dirt • Mulches • Driveway class 5

PICK UP OR SAME DAY DELIVERY

LARGE OR SMALL ORDERS FOR FIELD PICK UP AT ELK RIVER FARM PLEASE CALL (612)869-6992

5901 Nicollet Ave S, Mpls P: (612) 869-6992 F: (612) 866-8398 Nicollet5901@yahoo.com

• Keystone Retaining Wall Systems • Borgert Pavers • Cement Block • Decorative Rock • Concrete Tools • Landscaping Tools • Natural Stone • Jackson Wheelbarrows • Stihl Power Equipment • Wacker Power Equipment • MK Diamond Products • Stucco Products • Boulder Creek Products • London Stone 313 West 61st St., Mpls P: (612) 866-0430 F: (612) 866-8642 landscapeandconcretecenter@yahoo.com

Provides plants, Shrubs, Landscaping Hardware and Supplies, Yard Decor, Seeds, Garden Chemicals, Flowers & Perennials, Firewood & Accessories, Fresh Cut Sod Daily, Top Soil, Mulches, Decorative Rocks & Boulders.

PICK UP OR SAME DAY DELIVERY

Jerry's Home & Garden Place 4381 Nicols Road Eagan, MN 55122 P: (651) 454-5311 F: (651) 454-1395 Jerrysgardeneagan@yahoo.com

EXTENSIVE LINE OF PRODUCTS FOR COLORED, STAMPED CONCRETE.

Serving the metro area for generations.

2012 CHEV Y EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2012 CHEV Y EXPRESS CARGO VAN 2012 CHEV Y EXPRESS CARGO VAN

A WORK-READY A WORK-READY A WORK-READY INCENTIVE THAT INCENTIVE THAT INCENTIVE THAT WORKS WORKS HARD FOR YOU. WORKS HARD HARD FOR FOR YOU. YOU.

2012 CHEV Y SILVERADO 2012 CHEV Y SILVERADO 2012 CHEV Y SILVERADO

for CHASSIS CABS for CHASSIS CABS for CHASSIS CABS

$ TO $ 1,000UP CASH $1,000 UPFIT UPFIT CASH 1 UPFIT CASH 1,000 plus RETAILUPFIT OFFERCASH

1 1 1

750 plus RETAIL OFFER

plus RETAIL OFFER

for CUTAWAYS for CUTAWAYS for CUTAWAYS

$ $ 1,000 UPFIT CASH $1,000 UPFIT CASH CASH1 1,000 UPFIT plus RETAIL OFFERCASH

1,200

1 1 1

plus RETAIL OFFER plus RETAIL OFFER

for PICKUPS for PICKUPS for PICKUPS

SELECT FROM ONE OF FOUR ACCESSORY SELECT FROM ONE OF FOUR or ACCESSORY PACKAGES UPUP TO $1,095 TO $ OF FOUR ACCESSORY SELECT FROM ONE 1,095 or PACKAGES UP TO PACKAGES UP TO $1,095 or 1 1

1,000

$ $ UPFITCASH CASH $ 500 UPFIT $500 UPFIT CASH plus500 RETAIL OFFER UPFIT CASH plus RETAIL OFFER 1 1

plus RETAIL OFFER

Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles Business is designed for business owners who on their vehicles for their Choice day-to-day operations.

It’s available withrely eligible Chevrolet Business Choice is designed for business owners who on their vehicles for their and day-to-day operations.

It’ssuch available withrely eligible Chevrolet vehicles offers great incentives as valuable upfit equipment. for theirand day-to-day operations.

It’ssuch available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles offers great incentives as valuable upfit equipment.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. upfit equipment.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify.

1 1 1

To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business.

To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details.

Take delivery by 9/30/12.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details.

Take delivery by 9/30/12.

To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. ©2012 General Motors Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. ©2012 General Motors ©2012 General Motors

Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles for their day-to-day operations.

It’s available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable upfit equipment.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify.

302 302 302

www.jeffbelzerchevy.com Version # 4 Version # 4 Version # 4

Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.inddLinked Graphics Art Director Control Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd 12KTFLCHEV032.tif Linked GraphicsRGB

Retail Planning Flyer Control Art George Miller •Mechgmiller@jeffbelzer.com Scale 100 8.75” 952-469-7076 x 11.25” Bleed Chevy CopyDirector Writer TBD

RGB

12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB HD CC with Dump_psd.psd Linked GraphicsRGB Control Art Director 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Mech TBD Copy Print Scale Scale 100 12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB None BusinessCentral_KO.ai ProjWriter Mgr csenn HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Scale Please 100 GM_business_choice.ai TBD Copy Writer Jeff Belzer Lakeville,Mech MN. call the Commercial Department at 952-469-4444.

Print Scale None BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Stock None HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB Acct Mgr Svc kdenmark cube_0758.jpg RGB GM_business_choice.ai Print Scale Trim None 8.5” x 11” BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Mgr Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB All Rebates & incentives to dealer, must qualify for same, prices subject to change.

Stock None Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Mgr Svc afinnan cube_0758.jpg RGB Folded Size Prod GM_business_choice.ai RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Stock Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Svc cube_0758.jpg RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB Folded Size None afinnan Mgr TBD 1 RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Finishing Buyer To qualify, vehicles must be None used in day-to-day operations of your business and notArtProd solely for transportation purposes.

Must provide Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB None Folded Size None afinnan ProdBuyer Mgr TBD RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing Art Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Colors Spec’d 4C TBD Copy Edit Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details.

Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB 4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing None TBD Art Buyer Colors Spec’d Family_Option_a3.tif RGB 4C TBD 1PROCS.tif CMYK Copy Edit nminieri/pm Mac with Business Central Special Instr.

4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK 1PROSS.tif CMYK Colors Spec’d 1PROCS.tif CMYK 4C Business Central TBD CopyMac Edit nminieri/pm Special Instr. with 4320Gss.tif CMYK BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications None 1PROSS.tif CMYK 1PROCS.tif CMYK 12KTFLCHEV021.tif RGB Mac nminieri/pm with Business Central Special Instr. None BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications

CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT

Job Description 8.75” Chevy Retail Planning Flyer 11.25” Bleed Trim 8.5” x x11” 8.75” x 11.25” Chevrolet, 50Bleed & Cedar, Box 965, Trim Live 8.5” 8.25”x x11” 10.75”

Publications None

Colors In-Use Cyan Colors In-Use

Last Modified 4-17-2012 3:37 PM 4-17-2012 3:37 PMDate Last Modified Printer Output 4-17-2012 3:37 PMDate Last Modified TITAN 4-20-2012 1:48 PM Printer Output

User ma-klane User

John Zadurski 952-469-6818 • User jzadurski@jeffbelzer.com 4-20-2012 1:48Date PM Colors In-Use Printer Output

11CHSL00054.jpg

840 ppi 270 ppi 840 ppi 1089ppippi 270 840 ppi 1089 ppi 270 ppi 1089ppi, ppi461 ppi 464 1112 ppi461 ppi 464 ppi, 421 1112ppippi 464 ppi, 419 ppi ppi 461 ppi 421 1112ppi, ppi 844 419 ppi 1708 ppi 421 ppi 1006 ppi,1708 1004ppippi 844 ppi, 419 ppi 1418 ppi, 1004 1482 ppi ppi 1006 ppi, 844ppi, ppi,858 1708ppippi 860 1418 ppi, 1482 ppi 1006ppi, ppi,605 1004 ppi 606 860 ppi, 858 ppi ppi 1418ppi, ppi,820 1482 ppi 821 ppi 606 ppi, 605 ppi 860 ppi, 858 ppi 3169 ppi820 821 ppi, ppi 606 ppi, 2431 ppi 605 ppi 3169 ppi 821 ppi, 820 ppi 2431 ppi 3169 ppi 2431 ppi

1PROSS.tif 12KTFLCHEV033.tif 12KTFLCHEV021.tif BasePkg_ss.tif 12KTFLCHEV033.tif 12KTFLCHEV021.tif 12KTFLCHEV033.tif

CMYK RGB RGB CMYK RGB RGB RGB

Magenta Cyan Yellow Magenta Cyan Black Yellow Magenta Black Yellow Black

proof of business.

ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri

TITANRTVd By: None TITANRTVd By: None

Mechd By: nminieri

RTVd By: None CD/ACD

COPYWRITER

CD/ACD

COPYWRITER

CD/ACD

COPYWRITER

ACCT SERVICE

PROD

4-20-2012 1:48 PM

AD AD

©2022AD General Motors COPY EDIT

BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT VED THIS WORK.

BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT VED THIS WORK.

BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO VED THIS WORK.

4-20-2012 1:48 PM4-20-2012 1:48 PM 4-20-2012 1:48 PM

Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job Description Chevy Retail Planning Flyer JobJob #Description GMC1-12-03178

PROMASTER VANS IN STOCK! Vehicles ready for work at a moment’s notice.

Professionals trained to keep business owners happy.

Service facilities equipped for commercial applications.

2022 Ram Reg cab – Ready for Plow.

2022 Ram 5500 4x4’s, 108” c/a.

Call for pricing.

2022 Ram 5500 120 c/a, 4x2.

Call for pricing.

COMMERCIAL HEADQUARTERS Jeff Belzer Ram, 21111 Cedar Ave., Lakeville, MN Please Call the Commercial Dept, 952-469-4444 All Rebates & Incentives to Dealer, Must Qualify for Same, Prices Subject to Change George Miller 952-469-7076 gmiller@jeffbelzer.com

John Zadurski 952-469-6818 jzadurski@jeffbelzer.com

PROJECT PROFILE

Judges’ Choice Award Project Profile

Modern Tranquility in the Woods

BY THE TEAM AT GROUND ONE LANDSCAPE DESIGN + BUILD + MAINTAIN

PROJECT PROFILE

E

ach year the MNLA Landscape Awards program judges choose their top three projects as they review and evaluate all entries. These votes are tallied and the winning project is announced first at the Green Industry Awards Celebration held the Tuesday of Northern Green week. This project represents the jury’s favorite project, chosen from all entries that year. The winner of the 2022 Judges’ Choice Award is Modern Tranquility in the Woods.

Project Description Our client recently purchased this home and property in Deephaven. It is situated on a wooded lot at the end of a cul-de-sac. The home was built in the 1980s. The new owners had a much different vision for their new property.

This project had two main landscape design challenges. First, the front entrance to the home was recessed leaving only the three garage doors and driveway as a lackluster entry experience. Second, the backyard had a very nice pool and spa that was situated at a garden view elevation and surrounded by a failing wood deck.

In our first design meeting, we suggested that the front entrance needed to become more prominent. Our suggestion was to move the garage doors to the side of the garage so they were not visible from the street. This architectural change allowed for two things to happen with the landscape.

The home’s entrance was now able to have a formal front walk and larger, more gracious stoop that was not crowded by the driveway.

Important Reminder

NEWS & NOTES

36

MNLA.BIZ april 22

Minnesota landscape operations that install nursery stock are required to have a valid nursery stock dealer certification with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This includes landscapers purchasing nursery stock as needed for

installation and tree spade operators purchasing and selling trees. Nursery wholesalers are responsible to assure persons purchasing stock for resale or installation have a valid nursery certificate. It is a violation to sell nursery stock to an uncertified nursery

stock dealer. To apply for a nursery stock dealer certificate, go to: mda.state.mn.us/ plants-insects/ nursery-certificationplant-regulation. MDA is responsible for the administration of the Nursery Law (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 18H), the purpose of which is to prevent the

It also allowed for the property to have a circular driveway, which are prominent in properties in the area. The circulation, as well as the overall entry experience, was greatly enhanced.

The client wanted a modern, contemporary look and feel for the home. We worked with them to select landscape materials that worked well with the materials on the home.

Additionally, as the new circular drive was added it was necessary to build limestone retaining walls to help slice through the topography. The sizes and colors of the landscape materials lend themselves well to the look of the property. Plantings beds, which are full of color and have different bloom cycles including winter interest, compliment the aesthetic. Landscape lighting was added for wayfinding and to compliment the areas without soffit lights.

The second design challenge was whether or not to use or remove the existing pool and spa. After much discussion it was determined that we were able to provide a strong design

introduction into and the dissemination within the state of harmful plant pests.

To accomplish this, nursery stock produced for sale must be inspected annually and certified free of harmful plant pests. Stock originating outside Minnesota must be

officially certified under all applicable quarantines at origin.

The inspection and certification program provides a vital service to the nursery industry and protects consumers from purchasing problems. Annual inspections serve to reduce losses to harmful pests as problems are

Entry view from the cul-de-sac showing the “before” view of the front of the client’s home. After discussions about expanding the driveway into a circular configuration while reorienting the garage doors to the left side of the garage in this photo, they began to understand how doing so would create a better entry experience.

After the trees were removed, grading was performed so the cube limestone walls could be installed to retain the slope along the edges of where the asphalt driveway would be installed.

solution which took advantage of the odd elevation of the pool area. Concrete walls were poured in place and capped with black colored caps. The simplicity of these materials worked well with the colors and aesthetic of the home. Some of the walls are as tall as fourteen feet and require black cable rail for safety. Similar railings are found on the deck and inside of the home. The color harkens back to the cladding of the windows and metal roof color.

Simple, large format paving tiles were used to accentuate and reconcile the juxtaposition of the odd pool angles with the right angles of the walls and home. One of the pool angles was repeated in a custom built metal fire feature that operates remotely via a phone app. The large pool deck accommodates the multi use of a sunning area, lounging area, and the fire feature area. The custom wood and metal bench that is the backdrop to the fire feature was made by the homeowner and is a testament to his skills. A large deck connects the main level of the home to the pool deck. The cooking and dining area are on the deck, which has close proximity to the kitchen.

The lower level of the home is connected to the pool deck via a set of concrete stairs that walks between the plain concrete walls. This is a main thoroughfare for young guests to go between the outdoor spaces and the

detected and treated before they can cause more serious damage.

The certified stock can move freely within the United States and special certificates are issued for export. A standard of quality is maintained to assure the industry as well as consumers that the product they are

purchasing is viable and in a healthy condition. Persons selling nursery stock in Minnesota must have a valid Minnesota nursery stock dealer or nursery stock grower certificate. They must also sell only certified nursery stock and provide documents to verify certification of

stock offered for sale.

Nursery stock means a plant intended for planting or propagation and includes but not limited to: Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Perennials, Biennials, Grafts, Cuttings, Buds.

Nursery stock does not include: field and forage crops; seeds of

An image of the new “entry experience” for the home, driveway and landscaping showing a new modern mailbox design selected by the homeowner because of their contemporary design aesthetic throughout the home.

indoor game and entertainment area.

The backyard space features landscape lighting for wayfinding as well as ambiance. All green space is irrigated and the containers have xerigation. An outdoor sound system is integrated into the whole space and is controlled by a phone app. Plantings support yet soften the lines in the hardscape as well as the lines of the home. The feeling is as being at a private, modern resort.

Judge’s Comments • I had to look twice to make sure it was the same house and landscape. An amazing transformation.

• A well chosen plant palette, for both cultural and aesthetic reasons. Nice to see some unusual plants being used.

• It looks like a tranquil, welcoming space in the middle of a woods. I love the play between the clean, modern lines of the design and the softness of nature around it.

• The up front planning was critical to completing a plan that met the clients goals. Simple yet elegant!

• Some very interesting challenges with the garage and also the elevation of the pool deck. The solution really helped to address budget concerns, but also improved the overall experience.

03

grasses, cereal grains, vegetable crops, and flowers; vegetable plants, bulbs, or tubers; cut flowers, unless stems or other portions are intended for propagation; annuals; Christmas trees; sod is also not nursery stock but may be inspected for export as needed.

Welcome New MNLA Members Bluebird Gardening LLC; Greenscape Services; Common Ground Gardens LLC

april 22 MNLA.BIZ

37

PROJECT PROFILE

An image showing just how repositioning the garage doors on the end of the garage and the new circular driveway configuration allowed us to create an entirely new “outdoor entry room” into the home.

Another image with more detail showing how plantings frame the new more grandiose entry into the home. Note how the paving accentuates the stone on the facade of the home.

38

MNLA.BIZ april 22

An image showing the back of the home just as home renovation started.

Note the old wood decking that was around the existing pool.

Here’s a “before” image showing the existing concrete pool and large worn-out cedar deck surrounding it. The two large trees off the corner of the pool will be the extent of our landscaped area in the backyard.

An image from inside the home showing how strong the visual connection is between the inside and outside areas.

Here’s another image from the same perspective as the previous image. Note the strong clean lines of the railing and poured concrete walls.

This image shows the deck and railing constructed by the builder as it drops down onto the new paving area around the pool. The large low-maintenance deck is a great “bridge” connecting the home and new expansive paving area around the pool.

This image shows the new expansive relaxation space on the end of the pool allowing room for three separate conversation areas. Note the stairs leading down to the lower-level walkout.

april 22 MNLA.BIZ

39

PROJECT PROFILE

Pool with integrated hot tub and surrounding pool deck. The plantings are appropriate for the sun requirements and require lesser maintenance. Note how the clean lines and large format pavers let the pool shape speak for itself.

Another angle showing the paving area and plantings surrounding the pool.

Note the separate fire pit and conversation areas allowing for gatherings of any size.

Here’s an image showing the poured concrete walls and pool area as the sand fill is being brought in and carefully compacted around the pool.

This image shows the pavers being installed over the bedding layer of chip stone. It’s crucial to keep all of the paving lines straight as we build.

An image showing the steppers connecting the lawn space and new pool paving area. Low-maintenance plantings surround the paving areas all around.

Here’s a close up showing the custom steel gas fire pit. Note the clean paving lines and how the accent paving helps to define the space with the modern free-standing wall. You can also see the lovely wood bench built by the homeowner.

40

MNLA.BIZ april 22

“

THIS PROJECT IS AWARD WORTHY BECAUSE OF THE LARGE SCALE PLANNING MOVES THAT IMPROVED THE ENTRY EXPERIENCE AND TIED THE PROJECT TO THE HOUSE.

”

Judges’ Comments (CONTINUED from page 37)

Here’s an image showing the exterior lighting and new landscape lighting working together to illuminate the “outdoor entry” into the newly renovated home.

Here’s an image showing the dramatic under cap lighting above the poured concrete walls. There is a combination of architectural, accent, and wayfinding lighting at play throughout the site.

• This project is award worthy because of the large scale planning moves that improved the entry experience and tied the project to the house. The detail of the paving, lighting and walls made for a well-crafted solution that met the owners goals for the project. Well done!

• The design challenges for this project were both difficult and addressed very creatively. The hidden front door becomes a welcoming, accessible entry into the home by “simply” moving the garage doors around the corner.

• The odd elevation of the pool and the crumbling wooden deck surrounding it were problematic, enough for the homeowners to consider removing it. By incorporating the poured concrete walls the pool area now looks as though it was always part of the plan.

• The hardscape portion of this project looks to be beautifully crafted. Materials were thoughtfully chosen and fit with the clean lines of the home.

• This project is deserving of an award for the thoughtful attention to details and materials, beautiful workmanship, and the vision to see beyond the challenges of this project. In the end, the landscape created is a tranquil, inviting spot in the woods.

• The functionality of the space works well with the home and landscape. It was updated in a way that brings the spaces into the modern day world, achieving the needs and desires of the homeowner with a modern contemporary look and feel.

• The lines and massing of the plantings fit well with the architecture of the home and the hardscape. The varieties seem appropriate and fit the agenda and goal of the design. ➽ SPECIAL THANKS TO the 2022 Landscape Awards Program Sponsors: Bachman’s Wholesale, Bartlett

A view showing the new gas fire pit area with the free-standing wall looking back toward the home.

Tree Experts, and Gertens Wholesale.

april 22 MNLA.BIZ

41

GET ALL YOUR CONTRACTOR SUPPLY NEEDS! CALL US FOR THE BEST SELECTION IN THE INDUSTRY GROWERS: Nursery Containers, Wire Baskets/ Burlap , Horticulture Tools, Corrugated Tree, Protectors, Digging Spades, Osmocote Fertilizers and Grower’s Mixes.

NURSERY STOCK: Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, B&B Trees, Perennials, Specialty Conifers, Specialty Deciduous and *Field Direct Trees.

RETAIL: Chemicals, Grass Seeds, Tools/ Pruners, Water Gardening, Supplies, Garden Hose, Bird Feeders, Feed and Yard Ornaments.

EROSION CONTROL: Wood Blankets, Straw Blankets, Geojute, Sod Staples, Silt Fence, Grass Seed & Sediment Logs.

CONTRACTORS: Edging, Fabrics, Low Voltage, Lighting, Retaining Wall Systems, Pavers, Bulk Materials, Safety Supplies and Wheelbarrows.

d v c w y c i o h y t

® FEATURINGCHARLESTON CHARLESTON PAVING SYSTEM HIGHLAND STONE® FEATURING PAVINGSTONE SYSTEM® WALL WALL SYSTEM & HIGHLAND SYSTEM!

®

www.centrallandscape.com

1-800-772-3888 | Fax 1-888-257-5577 | sales@centrallandscape.com

4026 County Road 74 South

|

W

St. Cloud, MN 56301

– i t p i o i W a p o

LIFT WITH YOUR FINGER NOT YOUR BACK Exclusive PowerFold® option lifts decks with the flip of a switch.

• Effortlessly raises FrontMountTM DuraMax® decks • Access tounderside of deck for easy maintenance • Shortens length to simplify storage and trailering

Visit your dealer today for a demonstration!

GRASSHOPPERMOWER.COM

ITʼS SO MUCH MOWER®

NIEBUR TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT 14380 E 240th St. Hastings, MN 55033 (651) 437-3531 | (888) 559-9492 nieburtractor.com LOCATED IN MIESVILLE BETWEEN HASTINGS AND RED WING ON HWY 61.

38

www.MNLA.biz | ocTober 2012

BOWLING 2022

iStock.com/Andrii Sedykh

TOURNAMENT RECAP

FOR THOSE ABOUT

TO ROCK

They call it hardscapes but nothing about it is easy. That’s why we’ve brought together the top stone providers in the business and simplified the buying experience. We provide the most extensive collection of natural stone and manufactured hardscape products and offer them from experts who understand your project takes a little artistry and lots of sweat. We took the hard out of hardscapes so you can focus on what you do best.

∏ NATURAL STONE ∏ KNOWLEDGABLE STAFF ∏ SIMPLIFIED EXPERIENCE SiteOne.com/Locations

BOWLING

JUST WHEN IT SEEMED WINTER WOULD NEVER END, THE INAUGURAL GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY MTGF AND MNLA TOOK PLACE ON FEBRUARY 23.

The collaborated Scholarship fundraiser declared a success! With the help

of many sponsors, and generosity of participants, the Green Industry Bowling Tournament raised over $1,800 for a co-sponsored scholarship to a promising industry student.

After each player rolled two games, six five-person teams were created for a “Baker” tournament. After a qualifying round, the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association (MPSTMA) faced off with a landscape team from MNLA calling themselves Mighty Oaks.

They were mighty alright as they had a slight edge from the opening frames. In a Baker tournament, each player rolls two frames — it goes quickly. Midway through the score was tied but then the Mighty Oaks pulled ahead by a few pins. Entering the final frame, Captain Clutch (McDonald) needed a strike to overtake the Mighty Oaks. Not only did he strike, McDonald added a couple more exclamation points totaling three strikes in the final frame and a 183-163 victory for the team representing the MPSTMA and MTGF. An awards ceremony followed in a private room with plenty of pizza and salad for everyone!

Kudos to Paulette Sorenson and Mike McDonald for organizing and creating a great event that surely will catch on with MNLA and MTGF members!

The champion 5-man Baker team representing MPSTMA/MTGF, pictured at bottom right from the left, were: Greg Brodd, Turfco Manufacturing, Capt. Mike McDonald, CSFM; Dave Devlin; Ben Boeding, CSFM, Minnesota Sodding Company, and Derek Hollanitsch, City of Saint Paul.

Over $1,000 in cash and prizes were awarded!



SEE MORE WINNERS ON THE NEXT PAGE!

Top left image: iStock.com/deniskolt april 22 MNLA.BIZ

45

scan to website

Spring INTO ACTION!

Grass Seed Fertilizers Spreaders Seed Cover Arlington Ave W

35E

Maryland Ave W

®

Jackson St

Rice St

Turf, Landscape and Aquatic Supplies

1-855-487-8108 ORDER ONLINE

www.carlinsales.com 1375 Trout Brook Circle, St. Paul, MN Conveniently located off of I-35E between Arlington Ave & Maryland Ave

BOWLING

Second P lace Team

High Score,

nitsch

Derek Holla

r

Mike Zwisle

en’s Low

’s and M Women

First Place

lin

d Dave Dev

Sue Craig an

Score

High Score, Derek Hollanitsch: In a field of 32, Hollanitsch rolled the high game of the night with a 226.

Women's and Men's Low Score: Sue Craig of Plaisted Companies and Tom Redman of MASMA both had the lowest women’s and men’s score but won a trophy anyway! Sue being one of only two women attending, won both lowest scoring women’s and second place highest score team!

Second Place Team: Sue Craig, Plaisted Companies; Jenny Schwab, Plaisted Companies; Jon Horsman, MNLA; Mark Hodowanic, HiWay Credit Union won Second Place prize with a score of 741.

Team

First Place Team: Derek Hollanitsch, MPSTMA; Ben Boeding, MSC; Mike McDonald, MPSTMA; Dave Dalvin, MPSTMA; Greg Brodd, Turfco won 1st Place prize with a score of 799.

Mike Zwisler wins $50 bowling shoes for a 5-pin challenge.

Sue Craig wins an awesome dart board for the 10-pin challenge.

Dave Devlin wins next Strike challenge!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Green Industry Bowling Tournament around the same time next year!

april 22 MNLA.BIZ

47

DON’T JUST SET YOUR GOALS. GO GET YOUR GOALS.

Bulk Residential & Commercial Orders 20

Yard

Order

Minimum

OUR PRODUCTS: LET’S MAKE YOUR PLANS A REALITY, TOGETHER. We see potential in your plans. With a unique perspective born from decades of working in agriculture, we provide insights and expertise through partnerships built on trust and respect. Our financial solutions are designed to give you the tools needed to succeed. And our experienced team will guide you every step of the way.

We Deliver!

WE HAVE THE LARGEST SELECTION OF APPROVED MNDOT PRODUCTS!

Mulch Soil Compost Custom Blends

Manure Sand Clay

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL OF OUR PRODUCT OPTIONS!

Partner with us to make your goals possible.

COMPEER.COM Jennifer Athmann Financial Officer (320) 247-3148

GET A FREE ESTIMATE!

(651) 330-0299 Info@MnMulchandSoil.com www.MnMulchandSoil.com

Jennifer.Athmann@compeer.com ©2021 All rights reserved. Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. NMLS #619731

MOVING BIGGER TREES IS POSSIBLE NOW HIRING

Join our team of tree moving experts and learn how to do the impossible.

Send inquiries to leviwooden@treemover.com

TREEMOVER.COM

EDI North | Scandia, MN Jim Paul | (612) 747-5363 Levi Wooden | (612) 469-3938 jimpaul@treemover.com leviwooden@treemover.com

LEADERSHIP CORNER

COMFORT? ↘IN FOCUS

ARE YOU TOO CLOSE FOR

Jerry Olson The Resultants

One beautiful autumn day, I had a long break between meetings. It was the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and a quick workout in, so I jumped on my bike and headed off on one of my regular routes. Just about halfway, I approached a stop sign at an all-to-familiar, seldom-used, and totally obscured driveway.

Decision time. Do I slow down and stop before proceeding, or do I blow through it?

Like hundreds of times before, I blow through it without even slowing down. As I enter the intersection, and

iStock.com/Rassco

much too late to stop, a car appears on the driveway from behind the trees. I face-plant onto the hood and tumble across the car, landing in the ditch on the other side of the road.

Like so many things in life (including biking), good leadership requires both realistic assessment of risks and honest assessment of abilities to respond to those risks. My collision was a dramatic reminder of this concept.

I love biking. I spend many hours on my road bike each season. I set seasonal (strategic) and weekly (tactical) goals for my riding. I have an app that tracks my progress (KPIs on my scorecard) toward those goals in real time.

When I bike, I continually face challenges and decision points similar to those of business leaders.

Should I speed up or slow down? Is my equipment

in shape to handle the load? Is it smooth sailing around that next corner or is there an obstacle I should prepare for? What are the risks ahead? What mitigation strategies and tactics are available and how costly are they to my progress? How severe might the consequences be of charging full steam ahead?

Often these decisions seem insignificant. Yet, even small decisions can accumulate significant consequences. The more our decisions provide a positive outcome, the more likely our future decisions will be driven by experience rather than productive critical thinking. In other words, “this worked before, so it will work again.” And every time it works, our confidence grows. The hundreds of times I ran that stop sign in the past worked out and thus, gave me false confidence that it would (continued on page 56)

Ready for Prime Time

LIMELIGHT PRIME

®

Hydrangea paniculata

Introducing Limelight Prime® panicle

• Stronger stems

hydrangea, an improved, more refined

• Upright, more compact habit

‘Limelight’ with darker foliage, stronger

• Better, longer lasting flower color

stems, and a more upright, compact habit. Lime green blooms maintain their color longer until transitioning to a rich pink. Landscapes will love Limelight Prime® hydrangea.

10'

LIMELIGHT PRIME® Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPPH’ USPP 32,511; CBRAF USDA zone 3-8, full to part sun 4-6' tall, 4-5' wide

www.provenwinners-shrubs.com • 800-633-8859

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

MNLA at the Capitol in 2022: Deadline Edition!

Forrest Cyr

MNLA Director of Government Affairs

At 11:59pm on April 8, 2022, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned for spring break, after three weeks of committee hearings to pass myriad policy and finance bills. With a record number of bills introduced during the 2021–2022 legislative biennium (almost 5,000 bills!), committee time is valuable, and hearings run long into the night.

Marathon committee hearings are needed to pass bills before the final committee deadline; if a bill is not heard by this crucial third deadline, it cannot move forward for the rest of the session. This three-week deadline period is a vital part of the legislative session and requires long hours to ensure that priority bills are passed. In 2022, MNLA staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that green industry positions were represented with MNLA members and staff testifying before committees in the House and Senate, and lobbying legislators to promote legislation supported by the association.

Out of the 5,000 bills introduced, the 2022 Minnesota Legislative Session saw many bills that impact the green industry, ranging from directing money to the Department of Natural Resources, to replace trees lost to drought and invasive species, to bills requiring cities to allow homeowners to plant and cultivate natural lawns, and many others. Importantly, MNLA worked with legislative allies to promote key pieces of association legislation, including bills to establish construction liability fairness, backflow reform, and salt liability reform. Below is a brief update on key pieces of legislation as of April 8, 2022, and will be updated throughout the session.

Backflow Reform Building on the work done in 2021, MNLA worked with Sen. Jason Rarick and Rep. Peter Fischer to introduce bills to allow MNLA members with proper training to repair and test backflow devices. During negotiations with the plumbers and other interested trade groups, MNLA agreed to amend legislation limiting this allowance to

only backflow devices on irrigation systems, defined as “systems used to apply water to soil and plant material,” as well as outdoor landscape water features. After working with Senate counsel to amend the language, the compromise was also met with resistance from the plumbers. In response, MNLA sought additional language that would also require a third-party accredited irrigation certification in addition to the ASSE training. This additional training requirement approach is akin to the path taken by Ecolab in a similar bill, which allowed backflow repair inside Ecolab automated dishwashing devices.

On March 17, 2022, the bill was discussed by the Minnesota Plumbing Board at length, with Tim Power and Tim Malooly offering testimony to the merits of the bill. Despite indications that the pipefitters and the rest of the plumbing industry felt that the bill was moving in the right direction, significant efforts to lobby against the bill was evident, based on the pushback from the plumbing board. Following this hearing, the bill’s chief author in the Senate, Sen. Rarick, gave the bill a hearing in his committee on March 23, 2022, and included the language in his policy omnibus bill.

Duty to Defend

After much lobbying from MNLA and other groups, Duty to Defend (not requiring subcontractors to assume liability outside the scope of their work) has passed through the committee process in the House and the Senate unanimously, and is on the floor of both bodies awaiting consideration and final passage. MNLA is actively working with the House and Senate leadership to have the bill heard on april 22 MNLA.BIZ

51

LIGHTING

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Bat: iStock.com/Vladislav Popov, Insects: iStock.com/Nadiinko Deer+Bird: iStock.com/IconicBestiary

(CONTINUED from page 20)

Light Sensitivity of Different Species

“

”

MAYBE AS AN INDUSTRY WE NEED TO LOOK AT POSSIBLE OPTIONS TO ELIMINATE EXCESS LIGHTING.

For insects, many are attracted to ultraviolet lighting. Nancy focused on one insect, moths, which are nighttime pollinators. Most moths are attracted to white flowers and help in their pollination. They are also attracted to night lighting and street lighting. Moths spend less time food gathering, pollinating, and finding mates when attracted by these bright lights. Their numbers are significantly declining. Lighting disturbs their circadian rhythm. They are less healthy, reproducing much less, and become easy targets for bats to feed on.

What do people, plants, and pollinators have in common? Too much blue lighting at night. Our night sky is bright with light — but it still is pollution. Due to light pollution, the ability to see the night sky is severely impacted. Check out a U.S. night sky pollution map. The eastern half of our country is lit up all night.

Are there solutions? As an industry we have adopted IPM (Integrated Pest Management) to determine the problem, possible solutions, and the best option for managing pests. Maybe as an industry we need to look at possible options to eliminate excess lighting. What are best practices for lighting? Many of our peers who design and install lighting would have answers to this question.

If the opportunity arises, we could speak to city, county, or state officials on reducing or changing light levels on streets, in parks, etc. The five steps on page 20 were suggested by Nancy to protect people, plants, pollinators, and our environment from excessive lighting, and can be used to guide our discussions.

This session was excellent for someone not well versed in lighting. It is making me question even my interior house lighting. Do I want to use more warm white lights in certain fixtures for evening use? Will manufacturers eventually come out with daylight vs. night lighting settings on the same lighting systems? Will they automatically turn on daylight power in the morning and warm white in the evening?

We need to self-monitor our use of lighting at night, and engage in conversations with other industry professionals. I know that I truly miss the night sky filled with stars!

“

AFTER SIGNIFICANT LOBBYING

BY MNLA’S GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR FORREST CYR ABOUT SALT LIABILITY AND THE SALT LANGUAGE IN THE HOUSE, THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE AMENDED THE SALT BILL TO MAKE THE BILL FUNCTIONAL.

”

the floors, and working with the Governor’s office to ensure he signs the bill.

This bill is in a crucial final stage of the legislative process, one where MNLA members may need to be involved. Despite opposition from the agencies and the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota (AGC), the bill has received overwhelming support.

MNLA members may need to reach out to their members of the House and Senate and to the Governor through MNLA’s VoterVoice platform to secure final passage of the bill.

MNLA members at 2022 Day on the Hill helped this process immensely. During two meetings, MNLA members helped convince Sen. Newton and Sen. Johnson Stewart to co-author the bill, making the legislation bipartisan in the Senate. This was a huge win, and showed the impacts of our grassroots outreach.

Salt Bill: Limiting Applicator Liability When Salt is Applied According to MPCA Guidelines After significant lobbying by MNLA’s Government Affairs Director Forrest Cyr about salt liability and the salt language in the House, the Judiciary Committee in the House amended the salt bill to make the bill functional. Despite objections from the Trial Lawyers in the hearing, the committee overwhelmingly supported amending the bill, changing the negligence standard from “negligence” to “gross negligence.” Rep. Peter Fischer and Rep. Becker-Finn led the way on this effort, using the committee process to build consensus around the bill. The bill remains unchanged in the Senate, and MNLA continues to work to amend the bill to a functioning state.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

➽ CATHY WALKER, MNLA CP, is a long-time employee of Malmborg’s Garden Center &

➽ FORREST CYR can be contacted at 612-248-4463,

Greenhouse and can be reached at cattailcathy@gmail.com.

or at forrest@mnla.biz.

52

MNLA.BIZ april 22

HEROES OF THE JOBSITE

The precision engineered, ruggedly designed Kubota machines. Built upon a single-minded truth understood by operators on jobsites all over the world.

Reliability comes in just one color.

14380 240th St. E. Miesville, MN 55033 651-437-3531 www.NieburTractor.com

PANTONE

38560 14th Ave. North Branch, MN 55056 651-674-4494 www.OlsonPower.com © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material.

For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.

CMYK

Compost and Compost Blends MnDOT 3877 Topsoil Blends Custom Blended Soils

Commercial Yard Waste Drop-Off

We’ll take your yard waste off your hands and turn it into compost and other rich soil amendments.

OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

Engineered Wood Fiber/ Playground Wood Chips Natural and Colored Mulch Bagged Compost Athletic Field and Golf Course Top Dressing

smscorf.com

952.233.9191 • Shakopee, MN

Develop the next leader in your business next year with this proven MNLA program!

A COMPANY’S ROI The Green Industry Leadership Institute (GILI) is a unique leadership program custom-designed with a Green Industry focus. It is open to a select cohort each year. The course meets 10 times during the year, covering topics chosen based on feedback from the MNLA community. It incorporates highly interactive exercises, discussions, lecture-style learning, and project-based activities and sessions. Using these multiple learning methods creates a rich adult-learning environment. GILI will prepare your employee to take a stronger and more confident leadership role in your company and includes these tangible takeaways:

4. Feedback from sponsors indicate that individuals who have graduated truly appreciate their company’s investment in them, become more confident in their roles, and become more aware of how they affect the organization’s success.

5. Students gain a closer relationship with the MNLA organization and can step into a volunteerleadership role in an area they feel can make a difference for them personally as well as represent their company on a regional-state level.

1. The students engage in discussions and learn tips and tricks in improving processes, realizing new strategies, and gaining advice from Green Industry presenters. Students are collecting ideas from others each time they meet. This is a continual improvement opportunity for the company. Sponsors and managers can be key influencers by engaging with the student monthly to hear suggestions and support their leadership development.

2. The projects the students manage and execute are meant to improve their company in a meaningful way. Note that these are projects that affect the entire company, not small individual projects that only help the student get their own tasks done.

The process of choosing and developing the project includes rounds of feedback from the sponsor, facilitator and fellow students.

3. Students develop a network of peer advisors to engage with as they grow and advance in their career. This network builds Green Industry alliances, provides feedback on continued development, and expands opportunities for the company.

A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF THE VALUE OF GILI IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MNLA.BIZ/LEADERSHIP. For questions contact Jon Horsman, MNLA Associate Director: 651-633-4987 or jon@mnla.biz.

EAB

31 of Minnesota’s 87 Counties Now Quarantined for EAB James Calkins

Emerald ash borer found in Le Sueur county in southcentral Minnesota

MNLA Regulatory Affairs

Jim Calkins

Manager

EAB woodpecker damage on a green ash tree marked for removal – Knollwood.

EAB woodpecker damage throughout the crown of a green ash tree marked for removal – Knollwood.

On February 24, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed that emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis) has been found in Le Sueur County in southcentral Minnesota. Le Sueur County is located just south of the Minnesota River south of western Scott County and between Nicollet Country to the west and Rice County to the east. The new EAB infestation was discovered when a tree in Memorial Park in the city of New Prague located just south of the Scott/Le Sueur County border was identified as possibly being infested with EAB. MDA staff found and collected what appeared to be live EAB larvae and the identification was subsequently confirmed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). With the exception of Waseca County to the southeast, Le Sueur County is surrounded by counties that are already quarantined for EAB. As a result of this new find in Le Sueur County, EAB has now been documented in thirty-one of Minnesota’s 87 counties since this devastating, wood-boring beetle from Asia was first documented in the state 13 years ago in 2009. At the same time, and as unfortunate as this and other recent finds are (EAB was documented in five new counties in 2021),

it is important to remember that the majority of Minnesota, including most of the area in quarantined counties outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area and several counties in the southeastern corner of the state, is not yet infested by EAB and efforts to prevent the spread of EAB in Minnesota remain valid and worthwhile.

A map showing the EAB infested and quarantined areas in Minnesota is available at Emerald Ash Borer Status (arcgis.com) and landscape professionals and homeowners are encouraged to report suspected EAB infestations in areas that are outside the quarantined areas of the state to the MDA using the Report a Pest reporting system at 1-888-545-6684 or Report a Plant, Pest, Disease Report a Pest | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us). This is the time of year when EAB infestations are commonly detected as a result of the damage to ash trees caused by woodpeckers searching for EAB larvae in infested trees which tends to be more obvious when there are no leaves on the trees.

The MDA news release announcing the Le Sueur County infestation is available at Emerald Ash Borer Found in Le Sueur County | Minnesota Department of april 22 MNLA.BIZ

55

EAB

LEADERSHIP CORNER

Jim Calkins

(CONTINUED from page 49)

Bark shreds on the ground under a green ash tree marked for removal where woodpeckers have been searching for EAB larvae – Knollwood.

Agriculture (state.mn.us). In response to this new find, an emergency quarantine has been enacted for Le Sueur County to prevent the movement of firewood and ash-tree-related materials that may harbor EAB out of the county and adding Le Sueur County to the formal EAB quarantine has been proposed to help slow the spread of this devastating insect that threatens the approximately one billion black, green, and white ash trees (Fraxinus nigra, pennsylvanica, and americana, respectively) growing in Minnesota’s woodlands and designed landscapes (roughly one of every five trees or 20 percent of all of the trees growing in the state).

The proposed quarantine has been approved and is now effective for Le Sueur County. The quarantine limits the movement of ash trees, limbs, and hardwood firewood out of the counties and the proposed quarantine language can be found at Emerald Ash Borer Program | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us). Additional information about the MDA EAB Program and quarantine is available at Emerald Ash Borer Program | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us).

iStock.com/Rassco

Jim Calkins

Close-up of EAB woodpecker damage on a green ash tree marked for removal – Knollwood.

“

NOW IS THE TIME FOR EVERY BUSINESS LEADER TO THINK DEEPLY AND CRITICALLY TO CHALLENGE ALL ASSUMPTIONS AND PAST EXPERIENCES.

”

continue to work. In reality, each time just brought me closer to the eventual negative outcome.

Good leaders must continually and critically question assumptions and assess risks especially in familiar areas. Think about the current state of the world...is the market really what we assume it is? Is our technology as robust as it needs to be? Are the teams we depend on as loyal and focused as we believe? Is our sales pipeline truly what we think it is?

What decisions, assumptions, strategies, and tactics should you be re-thinking?

What past experiences have you depended on too heavily that should be reconsidered?

Marketing strategies? Sales processes? Staffing projections? Customers’ desires and demands? Supply chain management strategies? Now is the time for every business leader to think deeply and critically to challenge all assumptions and past experiences.

The results of dependence on past experience with little critical thinking can be devastating. On that beautiful autumn day, my biking season ended abruptly with a broken neck. After ambulance and helicopter rides, an intense encounter with 25 members of a Mayo Clinic emergency trauma team, multiple x-rays, MRIs, and a day in the intensive care unit, I was sent home with a substantial neck and body brace as well as a list of restrictions for the next three months. I was very lucky to be alive and walking. ➽ JERRY OLSON, is a Business Advisor with The Resultants. The Resultants are a business advisory team that advocates for the best interest of your business, using a process that has proven time and time again to help companies build value and achieve personal and professional success. In addition, The Resultants have provided

➽ JIM CALKINS can be reached at jim@mnla.biz,

instruction and curriculum for MNLA’s Green Industry Leadership Institute for the past seven

651-633-4987.

years. To learn more about Jerry and The Resultants, visit www.theResultants.com.

56

MNLA.BIZ april 22

VERSA-LOK

®

Contractor Sales Yards

Metro Yards: Summer Hours Mon - Fri: 7a to 5p & Sat: 8a to 12p

NEW VERSA-LOK Square Foot CleanCut ™

™

Your locally owned headquarters for landscaping supplies and materials!

• VERSA-LOK retaining wall systems • Willow Creek pavers and kits • Unilock pavers • Rosetta hardscapes • Porcelain landscape tiles • Decorative rock, mulch, natural stone, steps, wallstone, flagstone and more • Accessories, including lights, sealers, polymeric sand, edging and geogrid • Easy in/out yards with knowledgeable staff and convenient hours

NEW Slatestone™ Smooth

BROOKLYN PARK (763) 488-1310

OAKDALE (651) 773-7444

BURNSVILLE (952) 894-4401

KIMBALL (320) 398-5415

FARIBAULT (507) 331-3198

VERSA-LOK-midwest.com

ONALASKA, WI (800) 770-4525

The Future of Lawn Aeration is Here!

C20 SOIL BUILDER is a natural, plant derived, concentrated carbon food source for soil microbes that promotes root development and folliar health.

No More: • Damage to Preemergent Crabgrass Barrier • No Heavy Aeration Equipment Needed to Apply • No Messy, Muddy Soil Plugs after Application • No Broken Irrigation Heads • No Upturned Invisible Dog Fences • No More Damage to Customer Property!

We’re here to help you!

Fargo, ND (701) 232-7238

Grinding is intended for large jobs throughout the Twin Cities. Our solution will help you recycle wood material into a valuable product.

Our grinding services are perfect for: • Storm debris clean-up • Recycling pruning and other wood debris • Municipal/Commercial compost and mulch programs

Our premium mulch is made locally in South St. Paul, MN. Our color process only uses natural additives, making it a safe product for the environment and end users.

Mulch Options: • Light brown • Northern Cedar • Dark brown • Natural Double Grind • Red • Certified Playground • Caramel • Processed Wood Chips • Black

(605) 368-2586

GRINDING SERVICES

TWIN CITIES WOOD PRODUCTS

GRINDING WOOD services products

Tea, SD

St. Paul

(651) 487-3850

LIGHT BROWN

DARK BROWN

RED

CARAMEL

BLACK

NORTHERN CEDAR

NATURAL DOUBLE GRIND

CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND

PROCESSED WOOD CHIPS

We can offer same day delivery. Ask for details.

Rick Hogan - Assistant District Manager, Sales 651.357.0465 • rick.hogan@davey.com

Theresa Poechmann - Client Experience Coordinator 651.230.5756 • theresa.poechmann@davey.com

davey.com/tcwp

HRI PROJECTS

HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES FUNDED RESEARCH fOr 2022 The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the foundation of AmericanHort, proudly announces the portfolio of research projects receiving 2022 funding. Projects reflect HRI’s research priority areas of quantifying plant benefits, creating innovative solutions, gathering consumer insights, and producing practical and actionable solutions.

HRI is providing a total of $417,039 in financial support this year.

“Now celebrating its 60th year, HRI is more relevant to the success of the horticultural industry than ever before,” said Alan Jones (Manor View Farm, Monkton, MD), HRI president. “The projects selected for 2022 funding represent a diverse selection of research topics showcasing ‘The Power of Plants.’ To date, HRI has supported $9.5 million in research grants and scholarships and looks forward to expanded funding as the endowment continues to grow.”

The Horticultural Research Institute’s mission is to direct, fund, promote, and communicate horticulture research. Supporting research that challenges current methods and bridges the divide between businesses and the consumer is exactly how HRI helps build prosperous businesses, advance the green industry and fulfill its core vision.

QUANTIFYING PLANT BENEFITS Measuring the Benefits of Plants: Improved Cardiovascular Health and Well-being from Visual Exposure to Plants — J. Hollander, Tufts University New research findings and tools in biometrics have advanced this field drastically and offer significant opportunities to better quantify the benefits of plants. These new tools dramatically improve understanding of how the unconscious human mind responds to plants and what that means for cardiovascular health and wellbeing.

These technologies give us the means to compare horticultural elements in ways that were not possible before bringing complex data to bear to quantify the benefits of plants.

CREATING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

GATHERING CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Creation of Emerald Ash Borer-resistant “Lingering Ash” Cultivars for Restoration of Ash as Landscape and Street Trees — S. Merkle, University of Georgia North American ash species are under threat of destruction by the emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis), an exotic wood-boring beetle that has destroyed millions of ash trees. “Lingering ash” trees are individual ash trees that have been identified as potentially EAB-resistant by their persistence in populations where EAB-induced mortality exceeds 99%. Clonally propagating these lingering ash trees or selected progeny from them would allow clonal testing of potential EAB-resistant genotypes to confirm geneticbased resistance and the development of elite EAB-resistant ash cultivars for production by the nursery industry and planting by landowners and municipalities as landscape and street trees.

Enhancing Marketplace Acceptance of Native Plants — A. Rihn, University of Tennessee Traditionally, retailers have not had highly effective marketing of a wide variety of native plants and educating their customers about which plants are native in their region. Some retailers may perceive that consumers may be unaware of the many benefits that native plants provide or that consumers are not interested in environmental benefits. Goal: Take the first step to enhance the marketing of native plants by assessing consumer demand, profiling consumers by their values and native plant acceptance, and identify consumer preferences for native plants to ultimately increase eco-conscious plantings in landscapes that improve environmental health and biodiversity.

HRI projects funded

“HRI supports projects where the outcomes impact the bottom line for industry businesses,” said Jennifer Gray, HRI administrator. “The projects selected for funding encourage innovative solutions, provide practical application, and will garner valuable information companies can use to grow their businesses.”

Questions?

Contact: Jennifer Gray, Research Programs Administrator jenniferg@americanhort.org or 614-884-1155.

Stimulating Adventitious Root Formation in Recalcitrant Woody Plants With Agrobacterium Rhizogenes — H. Liang, Clemson University Some woody plant species are notoriously difficult to form adventitious roots. This project aims to examine the rooting stimulation effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, a soil-borne gramnegative bacterium that induces ‘hairy roots’ in dicotyledonous plants, on cuttings of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and yellow-flowering camellias. The project objectives are to: Evaluate the effect of A. rhizogenes on promoting rooting and identify optimal strains and reveal the physiological and biochemical responses during adventitious root formation induced by A. rhizogenes.

Tulipalins: A Natural Fungicide for Greenhouse Hydrangeas from a Tulip Bulb Waste Stream — T. Gianfagna, Rutgers — The State University of New Jersey Tulip bulbs from cut flower production are considered a substantial waste-stream product.

Tulip bulbs have been found to contain tulipalin lactones, these compounds have anti-fungal properties especially against Botrytis cinerea.

Botrytis is a soil borne fungus that affects greenhouse-grown hydrangeas at several stages of production by damaging the flowers and the leaves. We think that a possible way to control Botrytis would be by using a natural anti-fungal spray or compost containing tulipalin.

Images of People or Plants: Which Sells More Plants? — B. Behe, Michigan State University; J. Mundel, Arizona State University A majority of signage in both the independent retail garden center (IGC) and home improvement centers (HIC) show images of plants, not people.

This is due largely to a desire to show consumers what the mature plant will look like. However, a theory called image congruency states that people identify strongly with products used by people who “look like they feel.” Our objective is to identify which helps sell more plants: images of people congruent with the observer holding a plant or an image of the plant itself.

PRODUCING PRACTICAL AND ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS Improved Irrigation Efficiency Through Modeling and Spatial Distribution Analysis — P. Bartley, Auburn University Improper irrigation management in container production can seriously affect crop productivity and cause issues such as overuse of water resources and nutrient losses to surrounding water bodies. The overall goal of this research is to evaluate and optimize irrigation parameters for specialty crop producers using soilless container cultivation. The results are intended to aid researchers and producers in characterizing irrigation efficiency and dynamic root substrate interactions in order to improve the sustainability of container cultivation of specialty crops.

Top: iStock.com/greenleaf123

april 22 MNLA.BIZ

59

VERSATILITY THAT WORKS We offer new Ventrac tractors and attachments, used equipment, OEM parts, and factory trained service.

WANT A DEMO?

Call us at 612-333-3487 Minnesota’s #1 Ventrac dealer!

Cushman Motor Company 2306 N Washington Ave Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-3487 | 1-800-759-5343 www.cushmanmotorco.com

HRI PROJECTS

MNLA Membership Helps You Save Money on Fuel!

Improving Water Management in Pine Bark Substrates via Pore Size Characterization and Infiltration Testing — R. Stewart, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Containerized nurseries require proper management of water within individual pots to minimize shrinkage or crop loss and to ensure environmental and economic sustainability. It is commonly assumed that soilless substrates are able to receive water through their surface at an infinite rate (in/hr), and that their capacity to retain water remains the same throughout production. In this project we seek to better understand and characterize water infiltration and storage processes in pine bark substrates composed of three different size fractions.

of efficacy and host specificity studies at the CABI quarantine, work in subsequent years will focus on sending the most promising candidate BTM parasitoids to the USDA-APHIS quarantine laboratory in Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts to evaluate possible impacts on non-target species to support an application for a U.S. release permit.

Save 6¢ off every gallon of fuel at Kwik Trip and Kwik Star SAVE ON FUEL & MORE locations.*

Preventing Disease Outbreaks in Ornamental Nurseries: Determining Most Effective Diagnostics Tools and Developing a Rapid Diagnostics Test for Phytophthora Species Infecting Ornamental Crops — J. Del Castillo, University of California Davis Phytophthora species are well-known and recurrent pathogens of ornamental greenhouses and nurseries in the U.S. The development of faster and more specific diagnostics tool is imperative to determine in a timely fashion if plants are infested with Phytophthora and consequently prevent pathogen spread. The objectives of this project are to: 1) Compare and determine the efficacy of the currently available diagnostics tools to diagnose several Phytophthora species and 2) Develop a rapid and more specific Phytophthora genus and species-specific detection tool that can be implemented in the field.

Contact Tanner Benson with questions or to apply (do not apply online): 608793-4826 or tbenson@kwiktrip.com.

HRI projects funded

Management Options for Jumping Worms in Private & Commercial Landscapes and Natural Areas — E. Buchholz, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Jumping worms are a growing concern within the horticultural community throughout the eastern half of the United States. Amynthas spp. have been shown to have a significant impact in the losses of leaf litter and nutrient levels in surface soils. There are no practical methods of control or removal. This research will focus on determining which methods and products can offer a solution.

Periodical Cicada: Study of potential controls for the Tennessee Nursery Industry — D. Airhart, Tennessee Technological University The goal of this research project is preventing or controlling periodical cicada oviposition damage associated with nursery tree crops. To accomplish this goal, two major priorities will be addressed: 1) evaluation of some new or typical insecticide treatments to manage periodical cicada adults to identify more effective management options; and 2) assessment of nursery tree damages by periodical cicada adults (Brood X, 2021) by oviposition, now starting in eastern Tennessee.

Preliminary Study on the Parasitoid Complex of the Box Tree Moth in Asia for a Classical Biological Control Program in North America — M. Kenis, CABI The objective of the project will be to initiate the research and foreign exploration needed to implement a classical biological control program for box tree moth through the introduction of parasitoids from the region of origin to North America for permanent establishment and control. This first stage will consist in surveys and collections of parasitoids in East Asia and in the establishment of parasitoid cultures at the quarantine laboratory of CABI in Switzerland.

After the establishment of cultures and initiation

MNLA Staff

Soil Microbiomes for Plant Health: Exploring Microbes in the Soil for Candidates that Protect Plants Against Root Rot Disease Caused By Phytophthora Cinnamomic — J. Burns, Case Western Reserve University Between 20–40% of crop productivity worldwide is lost to plant diseases every year and plant diseases cost the global economy around $220 billion/year.

While chemical control of many plant diseases is possible, pathogens often evolve and become resistant to these measures. Biocontrol using soil microbial species, or the soil microbiome, has great potential in agriculture and horticulture to reduce our reliance on chemical control, enhance plant health, and maintain global food security. Our goal is to characterize this complex community, which is essential to the future development of “probiotic” products that might enhance plant health. ➽ The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), founded in 1962, has provided more than $9.5 million in funds to research projects covering a broad range of production, environmental, and business issues important to the green industry.

Over $19 million is committed to the endowment by individuals, corporations, and associations. For more information about HRI, its grant-funded research, or programming, visit www.hriresearch. org or contact Jennifer Gray at 614-884-1155.

No annual or monthly fees.

*Must be an MNLA Member and approved on a Kwik Trip fuel account.

STARTING PROMOTION: $0.10 per gallon discount for the first 90 days.

SAVE 10¢/GALLON FOR 90 DAYS, THEN SAVE 6¢/GALLON AFTER THAT!

STANDARD DISCOUNT: Receive a $0.06 per gallon rebate on all gasoline and diesel fuel purchases with no annual fee! Note: Your Fleet Card balance must be paid in full each month.

Contact Becky Burton at 919.714.1069 or bburton@circlek.com.

Convenience, control and a fuel rebate up to 5¢ per gallon!

SPEEDWAY BUSINESS

FLEET CARD When it comes to purchasing fuel and maintaining your company’s vehicles, the Speedway Business Card can help you cut administrative time and expenses, all in one easy-to-use card program.

Contact Ryan Delaney with any questions at 612-212-7496 or Ryan.Delaney@wexinc.com.

Contact Jon at MNLA for more info at 651-633-4987 or jon@mnla.biz.

Top: iStock.com/greenleaf123

april 22 MNLA.BIZ

61

MNLA NEWS

ky

asens

Ch Hallie

OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS We are pleased to introduce you to the newest additions to the MNLA office!

Hallie Chasensky is the new MNLA Education and Certification Manager, and Brianna Burns is the MNLA Communications Coordinator.

Hallie Chasensky Hallie joined MNLA in mid-March and brings several years of industry experience. A graduate of UW-River Falls in Marketing Communications in 2015 and a commercial grower for over five years, Hallie is excited to combine both backgrounds into one where she can manage the educational programming, dig into the Northern Green plan, and so much more!

Hallie lives just outside of the Twin Cities Metro area with her husband and dog.

When she’s not at MNLA she tends to her small-scale flower farm and can be found at local farmers markets. She loves all things outdoors, board games, cooking and reading in her spare time.

Brianna Burns Brianna graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agricultural communications and marketing and has experience in foundation and corporate communications, graphic design, community

62

MNLA.BIZ april 22

Briann

a Burns

outreach event planning, and social media management at organizations both large and small.

Growing up on a farm in southern Minnesota, she spent her summers tending to her large garden with her dad where they grew many varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squashes, and Indian corn she would sell to their neighbors. If she wasn’t too busy playing outside, she could be found ‘helping’ her dad in the shop with various antique tractor restoration projects for neighbors. She was also an active FFA member in high school and went on to receive her American Degree from the National FFA Organization, something less than one percent of members achieve. Agriculture and the green industry have always been near and dear to her and she is excited to put her skills to use at MNLA. Brianna now lives in Inver Grove Heights with her husband, Michael, and cat, Oliver.

She can be found exploring trails, taking her nieces to the park, creating floral arrangements, or curled up with a book.

Partner with the MNLA Foundation INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF THE GREEN INDUSTRY

Your investments to the MNLA Foundation have a real impact on getting students interested and involved in the green industry. Please partner with the Foundation this coming year to help make a greater impact for the good of your company and the green industry! FUNdraising events are only the beginning!

SILENT AUCTION & BOTTLE PULL JANUARY

Northern Green 2023, January 11-12 Minneapolis Convention Center • Donate items to the Silent Auction.

• Donate bottles of spirits to the Bottle Pull.

BOWLING TOURNAMENT

February TBD, 2023 Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, Arden Hills FEBRUARY

WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT

MNLA SHOOTOUT

Tuesday, July 19, 2022 Crystal Lake Golf Club, Lakeville JULY

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Game Unlimited Gun Club, Hudson SEPTEMBER

SPONSOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

• Pledge $500 for a college student, and the Foundation will match it with another $500.

• Pledge $250 for a High School Grant that allows Agriculture program activities to promote careers, and the Foundation will match it with an additional $250.

AUGUST

RESEARCH & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS FUND

Contribute to the Research & Workforce Development Partners Fund at a participating supplier. Your voluntary donation of ½ of 1% on purchases is used to grow a brighter future for the industry, supporting Research for the Real World, Career Development & Promotion, and Scholarships.

ONGOING

Thanks to these Partner Suppliers:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

MORE WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE  Consider giving a gift through your Estate Plan or giving a donation yearly at the time of your MNLA Business Member Dues Renewal.  Donate surplus materials to the MNLA Foundation Surplus Auctions.  Donate materials for student hands-on school agriculture projects.  Give a talk at your community high school or attend career fairs to spread the word about the green industry.

Get involved today! Contact Paulette Sorenson at 651-633-4987 or email paulette@mnla.biz.

0% FOR

48 MONTHS

ON NEW CAT MACHINES ®

ELIGIBLE MACHINES: Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders, Telehandlers

LEARN MORE: www.zieglercat.com/specials Financing offer valid through December 31, 2022. 0% for 48 months with zero down, plus a 3-year/3000-hour powertrain is available only on the following new machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.: Cat backhoe loaders, compact wheel loaders, small wheel loaders, and telehandlers. To be eligible for an Equipment Protection Plan offer (where applicable), the machine must be financed with Cat Financial. Financing, zero down, and published rate terms are subject to credit approval through Cat Financial for customers who qualify. Buyers are not guaranteed to qualify. Higher rates may apply for buyers with lower credit rating or qualifications. Flexible payment terms available to those who qualify. Offer subject to machine availability. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply.