The Scoop Online - October 2010

THE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Insights and Information for Green Industry Professionals

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 10 October 2010

Event Connects Kids and Environmental Landscapes PAGES 48-49

Invasive Species Conference Comes to St. Paul in November PAGE 14

Simplify Maintenance With Better Landscape Edging Techniques PAGE 31

Focus on Plowing and Planning PAGES 36-45

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Rebates range from

$1500 − $5500 on your choice of Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles.

A sampling of eligible vehicles include: Avenger/Sebring, Caliber, Caravan Town & Country, Dakota, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro, 300, PT Cruiser, Dodge RAM, Charger, Magnum and Compass/Patriot.

Available to all MNLA members! Contact Mary at the MNLA office for more information 651-633-4987.

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From the Executive Director . . . . . . 9 Sustainable Environment . . . . 12-15 Nursery Management . . . . . . . . . . 16 Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 Arborists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 MDA Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Stormwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Green Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 28, 29 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 44, 47 Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Hardscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Landscape Management. . . . . . . . 36 Planning and Plowing . . . . . . . 38-43 Landscape Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Nursery Growers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-51 Plant of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Careers Promotion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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www.MNLA.biz | OCTOBER 2010

ADVERTISER INDEX A Top Notch Equipment - 15 AgStar Financial Services - 24 Belgard Hardscapes-Northfield-Bend - 21 BFG Supply - 29 Bridgewater Tree Farms - 25 BW Insurance Agency - 18 Carlin Horticultural Supplies /ProGreen Plus - 23, 35 Carver-Hennepin Insurance Agency LLC - 13 Casualty Assurance - 51 Central Landscape Supply - 12 Central Wisconsin Evergreens, Inc. - 19 Cherokee Mfg. - 34 Copeland Buhl & Company P.L.L.P. - 36 Crow River Greenhouse & Nursery - 22 Crysteel Truck Equipment - 14 Cushman Motor Co., Inc. - 42 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. - 45 Floral Plant Growers-Natural Beauty - 12 Fury Motors - 17 Garden Centers of America - 4

Gardenworld Inc. - 16 Gertens Wholesale - 47 Haag Companies, Inc. - 55 Hal Tiffany Agency - 14 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies - 27 Hermes Nursery - 7 J.R. Johnson Supply, Inc. - 44 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet - 5 JRK Seed and Turf Supply - 13 Kage Innovations - 28, 34 Klaus Nurseries - 36 MN Equipment Solutions - 16 Natural Industries, Inc. - 43 Out Back Nursery - 24 Scharber & Sons - 7 Specialty Turf & Ag - 39 Stonebrooke Equipment Inc. - 18 The Builders Group - 37 Western Products-Douglas Dynamics - 11 Ziegler Cat - 3

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Upcoming Events October 7 – Portfolio Design & Promotion. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

Sponsored by Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supply.

November 8-10 – Minnesota-Wisconsin Invasive Species Conference. Crowne Plaza Riverfront, St. Paul. For more information, visit www.minnesotaswcs.org.

14-17 – 2010 GCA Holiday Tour. St. Paul Hotel, St. Paul. For more information, call 888-648-6463 or visit www.gardencentersofamerica.org.

17 – Low Voltage Irrigation: Two Wire Systems (PLT Relicensure). St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud. For more information, see page 30 or visit www.mnla.biz.

18 – Central Landscape Supply Show. St. Cloud Civic Center. For more information, call 320.252.1601 or 1.800.772.3888.

19 – Pesticide Recertification. University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul Campus. For more information, see page 30 or visit www.mnla.biz.

December 2 – Lunch ‘n Learn: Invasive Plants in Minnesota. Rose Vine Hall, Roseville. For more information, see page 30 or visit www.mnla.biz.

January

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4 – Super Tuesday. Minneapolis Convention Center. For more information, see page 26, or visit www.northerngreenexpo.org 5-7 – Northern Green Expo. Minneapolis Convention Center. Exhibit contracts available online at www.NorthernGreenExpo.org or call 651-633-4987.

19-21 – Mid-Am Trade Show. Navy Pier, Chicago. More information available online at www.midam.org.

21 – MNLA Certification Exam. Hennepin Technical College, 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. For more information, visit www.MNLA.biz.

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www.MNLA.biz | OCTOBER 2010

Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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 • GardenMinnesota.com

MNLA Mission The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help nursery and landscape related companies in Minnesota and the surrounding region operate their businesses more successfully.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bert Swanson, MNLA-CP, President Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. 218-732-3579 • btswanson@gmail.com Debbie Lonnee, MNLA-CP, Vice President Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com Heidi Heiland, MNLA-CP, Secretary-Treasurer Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com Van Cooley, Past President Malmborg’s, Inc. 763-535-4695 van@geraniumsbygeorge.com Randy Berg, MNLA-CP Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 rberg@smig.net Scott Frampton Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 sframpton@landscaperenovations.com Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC Irrigation By Design Inc. 763-559-7771 • timm@ibdmn.com Bill Mielke Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. 952-445-3630 bill@wilsonsnurseryinc.com Herman Roerick Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 hermanr@centrallandscape.com Bob Fitch MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • bob@mnla.biz Staff directory and member services directory near the back cover.

The Scoop is published 12 times per year by the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Address corrections should be sent to the above address. News and advertising deadlines are the 5th of the month preceding publication.

DC UPDATE | The Scoop

Business Associations Fight 1099 Rule ssociations and other business organizations continue to call for the repeal of new Form 1099 reporting requirements that would prove burdensome for small businesses. Enacted as part of the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed by Congress in March, the Form 1099 requirements force all businesses and tax-exempt organizations to issue a Form 1099 to vendors from whom they buy goods totaling $600 or more annually. The change, scheduled to take effect in 2012, could result in businesses having to issue hundreds or even thousands of forms each year, track cumulative payments to vendors, and obtain tax identification information from each vendor.

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In mid-September, two Form 1099 amendments were debated as part of consideration of the small business lending bill. Unfortunately, ANLA and other repeal proponents were unable get the 60 Senate votes necessary to invoke cloture on the Johanns Form 1099 repeal amendment. But the good news was that Democrats were also unable to get 60 votes to invoke cloture on the alternative Nelson amendment, which would have slightly softened the impact of the measure but does not go nearly far enough.

These votes do not represent the end of the road for the repeal effort. There is solid Republican support for repeal, and pretty broad Democratic support as well. q

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OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 100,000 Garden Minnesota Yearbooks will be distributed across the Greater Twin Cities Area via the Star Tribune.

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Finally, some good news.

Total distribution: 140,000. Other channels include St. Paul Home & Patio Show, Minneapolis Home & Garden Show, Minnesota Association of Realtors, Living Green Expo and the Minnesota State Fair. Contact MNLA Advertising Sales Representative Erica Nelson at 952.903.0505 x 3 or erica@pierreproductions.com to reserve your full color ad today! Deadline: December 10. Ad options as low as $450.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | The Scoop

The Inside Scoop on MNLA Industry Marketing

By Bob Fitch, MNLA Executive Director ach year at the end of September, the president, vice president and executive director from Ontario and the eight states bordering the Great Lakes meet to discuss issues of common interest for our organizations. For this Great Lakes Nursery & Landscape Association Bob Fitch Leadership Conference, I have to annually prepare an updated profile of our association. In the profile, I discuss MNLA’s many strengths:

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• Total number of members and the diversity of our business member companies.

• MNLA’s fiscally-responsible budget.

• e role and responsibilities of our dedicated staff.

• e great independent contractors we work with: Boland & Associates; McGrann, Shea, Carnival & Lamb; and Pierre Productions and Promotions.

• e tremendous volunteer leaders on our Board of Directors and in our committee system who push the association forward.

• e success of our partnership with the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation in presenting the Northern Green Expo.

• e strength of e Scoop and our Outdoor Living catalog series.

• e growing communications role of our websites, e-newsletters and social media activity.

• e evolution of improvement in our MNLA Certified Professional program.

• e long-time achievements in our government relations program.

• e ongoing importance of our education seminars and tours.

• MNLA’s member services such as workers’ compensation insurance,

ANLA discount shipping program, tuition discounts, Chrysler/Dodge/ Jeep vehicle fleet program, garden center carryout trays, discounted credit card processing and much more.

But what always strikes me as I update the profile is the long list of programs we have to market our members’ products and services to the public. For some reason, I’ve always felt like I have to apologize for our industry marketing/public relations programs. I have this underlying feeling that – because we don’t do mass consumer advertising via TV, radio or billboards – we’re not doing our best for our members.

Well, the list I updated for this year’s profile demonstrates that my feeling is wrong.

No, we don’t do mass consumer advertising. With the wide variety of products and services our members are selling and the lack of a coordinated means of fairly collecting dollars from our diverse membership for such advertising, there just isn’t going to be a mass consumer campaign.

However, it is amazing how much MNLA does accomplish in the realm of marketing and public relations thanks to incredible donations of time and talent from the members and superior management by our staff team of Jon Horsman and Sue Flynn. We are leveraging the limited financial resources we do have via creativity and relationships. Take a look at what MNLA does to promote our members: • GardenMinnesota.com. Nearly every part of this website brings consumers back to the directory of MNLA member garden centers and landscape professionals. We introduced a major revamp of the site in 2009 and are very close to introducing site modifications that

will further increase its value for members. GardenMinnesota.com includes promotion of “Outdoor Living Experts” (i.e. certified or licensed professionals); photos of landscape award winners; a seasonal calendar of gardening and landscaping advice; and fresh content written exclusively for the site by industry professionals.

• Garden Minnesota Yearbook.

Circulation for this magazine-style publication will increase 40 percent in 2011. It will be a great advertising vehicle for members in the Twin Cities with delivery of 100,000 qualified homeowners via the StarTribune. Additional distribution is through the Minnesota Association of Realtors, the Minnesota State Fair, the Living Green Expo, and major home/garden shows. e annual publication includes feature stories and information intended to create demand from consumers for the products and services offered by MNLA members.

• Arbor Month Poster Contest.

MNLA is now in its ninth year as Minnesota coordinator for this program. It emphasizes the value of trees to elementary-age school children.

• Landscape Awards. e program honors excellence in landscape design, landscape installation and landscape management. Award winning projects are promoted by the association via GardenMinnesota.com, press releases, Garden Minnesota Yearbook, Midwest Home magazine; and a display at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

• Midwest Home Landscape Design Awards. is brand new awards program recognizes a OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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designer’s overall portfolio of work.

One goes to an up-and-coming designer, while the other honors established talent. Midwest Home Magazine produces an editorial feature on each designer in their June/July issue.

• Minnesota State Fair. MNLA built an outdoor landscape and garden in 2007 at the State Fairgrounds. It is our premier faceto-face event with the public. is year, we were featured on three television stations and the region’s most-recognized radio station.

• Minneapolis Spring Home & Garden Show and St. Paul Home & Patio Show. anks to the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, Garden Minnesota Yearbook is distributed at these events.

• Holiday Events. MNLA annually decorates the State Capitol Rotunda with Christmas trees and poinsettias.

Letters are sent to legislators and key agencies announcing the decorations

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as a means of raising awareness about MNLA. We partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities for innovative decorations each year and they utilize the partnership to inspire youth to garden for themselves.

• Green for Life. We held this public service/public relations event for the first time in September 2010. About 70 members planted trees at schools across Minnesota. Media coverage was obtained both through major metropolitan outlets as well as for individual member-companies on a local basis. e emphasis of the program was on the environmental benefits of trees, with secondary messages that trees can be planted in the fall and that green industry careers are viable options for students.

• Trees for Life. e mission of the new Northern Trees for Life Coalition is to educate citizens and opinion leaders about the value of

preserving mature trees and planting new trees. Initiated by the MNLA Commercial Arborists Committee, all industry professionals and concerned citizens are invited to help with outreach efforts.

Most of these projects come together because of great leadership from the members of the Public Relations Committee, State Fair Sub-Committee, Publications Committee, Landscape Awards Committee, volunteers from member companies, Minnesota Grown, and the Minnesota Horticultural Society.

If you serve the general public, I encourage you to take a look at MNLA’s public relations programs to see how you can leverage your association membership to increase or improve your company’s own marketing and hopefully generate new sales. q ________________________________ Bob Fitch is executive director of MNLA. He can be reached at bob@mnla.biz.

The Scoop | SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

The Harvest

By Catherine Rose, CR Landforms, Inc. ere it is October, harvest season! Time to pack out the gardens, winterize greenhouses, drain irrigation systems and tackle a large list of various other items in preparation for the winter months ahead. This agenda has become a sort of seasonal habit just like harvesting the food from my garden. As I harvest, I'm also preparing for the next season, which I'm sure happens to most of us in this industry.

This year the economy did affect my business and I have been working on some options during this harvest season.

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Before I can make changes, I do an assessment on my financial harvest, looking at my profits and losses, along with the balance sheet and a few other reports. Then I write down my options for improvement. Next, I go on to look at the quality of work done for the year, and again write down any options for improvement. Then I take a look at my relationships and/or communications with my clients and next my crew and see if I've met my requirements for an appreciation for their integrity and mine. The biggest question

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I ask is if I'm happy with the results from each of these areas for the year, and most importantly, if I'm happy doing the work!

And the word I utilize the most is “Options!�

This process has taught me to appreciate how lucky we are to work in the industry of landscaping! In the world today, there are many that feel the constraints of their industry.

Examples include builders, bankers, automobile dealers, etc.; while we may be affected by their constraints, we have the ability to morph into other aspects of the landscape industry without massive reconstruction or the financial debt normally associated with a business change. We have options! Why? Because we know plants!

We know how to grow! We have an understanding of plants and their needs and there will always be folks needing that information. A lot has changed in the past few years, including how folks buy plants and the questions they ask. Folks want to know the benefits of the plants and we need to start telling them we know the answers. Maybe we don't make a fortune working with plants and clients in the same way, but there are

many options to making it work for all that are interested.

There are so many plants and so many different ways to work with them. Everything from herbs to trees, we can adapt and learn more each day and still never know it all. Now the trick is to stay positive so we don't cast the curtain of doom over our eyes ‌ we want to keep our options visible!

As an example, let's say you are a lawn care company. Your client of five years has two acres and asks if there isn’t a way to cut back on mowing. You do a little research. Visit the MNLA Online Environment Resource at www.MNLA.biz, look at low input lawns, take that info and maybe you become inspired and do a bit more research to find a program called Backyard Harvest where the client can have a portion of the lawn turned into a garden where they receive the fruits of someone else's labor. You may have to cut back on the amount of lawn you're mowing, but you still have a client and probably one that will appreciate you more and who knows, maybe you'll receive some produce from the garden as a bonus!

If you are into any aspect of gardening, you can teach during the winter months and build relationships with those students.

Who knows how much work they may lead you to.

There has been a seemingly large demand for fruits and food plants in the past years. Just ask Bailey Nurseries how fast they sell out on their fruits. If we know how to grow, then we also know how to harvest! Harvest clients, harvest quality, harvest knowledge, and harvest fun!

May you have a fruitful harvest! q ________________________________________________ Catherine Rose is a member of the MNLA Sustainable Environment Committee and can be reached at cathy@naturesnestfarm.com.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

First Minnesota-Wisconsin Invasive Species Conference in November

By Belle Bergner, MNWIISC Conference Administrator he first collaborative Minnesota-Wisconsin Invasive Species Conference will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota on November 8-10 at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel. The purpose of the conference is to exchange information on all invasive species topics, especially strengthening awareness of invasive species issues, prevention, and management. This is an all-taxa conference covering invasive aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals, pests, and pathogens.

Conference organizers expect a broad audience including researchers, land managers, natural resource professionals, university personnel, landscapers, nursery, agriculture and forestry employees, environmental specialists, lake association members, woodland association owners and agency and nongovernmental organizations. Posters and presentations will be given from all of these sectors.

Exhibitors will showcase the latest products and services to control and manage the spread of terrestrial and aquatic species

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across the Upper Midwest. Invasive species management companies, ecological restoration firms and nonprofit organization exhibits will provide attendees the opportunity to talk with professionals who have solutions for all invasive species management needs.

The conference host organizations are the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council, the Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin, the Midwest Invasive Plant Network, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society – Minnesota Chapter.

“Registrations have been coming in at a swift pace since registration opened in early August. Due to recent invasive species regulations in both states, more people are looking for guidance on invasive species management than ever before. We are expecting 500-600 people to attend this first joint state conference,” says Kate Howe, coordinator, Midwest Invasive Plant Network and MNWIISC Program Committee Chair.

“Invasive species are a growing threat to the health of natural systems in the Upper Midwest. This conference will offer the chance for managers and researchers from Minnesota and

Wisconsin to share ideas about their common invasive species challenges and how we might do a better job at costeffective control and management,” says Steve Chaplin, senior conservation scientist with The Nature Conservancy and MNWIISC Co-Chair.

With six concurrent sessions throughout the conference and two plenary sessions, there will be over 170 oral and poster presentations to choose from.

MNWIISC Co-Chair Laura Van Riper, terrestrial invasive species coordinator with Minnesota DNR, also added: “This conference will be an amazing opportunity to learn from others working with invasive species. There will be talks and posters from people throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as presenters from 10 other states. From management techniques to the newest research and technology, there will be topics of interest to everyone.”

Conference information including links to registration and lodging is at www.minnesotaswcs.org. Click on the conference logo on the right side of the home page.

Additional Conference Information: The Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront provides a beautiful setting for the Minnesota-Wisconsin Invasive Species Conference, with spectacular views of the Mississippi River and a central location in downtown St. Paul.

Special events to note include: on Tuesday evening, a reception will be held in the stunning “Windows On The River” on the 22nd floor of the hotel.

Complimentary refreshments will be served as attendees network and socialize while taking in a breathtaking panorama of St. Paul and the Mississippi River Valley.

Monday Opening Plenary Speakers include: W. Lindsay Chadderton, The Nature Conservancy - Great Lakes Program; Troy Weldy, The Nature Conservancy – New York Chapter, and Janet Clark, owner of Sweetgrass Consulting, Midwest Invasive Plant Network board member, member of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee of the National Invasive Species Council, and former director of the Center for Invasive Plant Management.

The Tuesday Lunch Plenary will feature Dr. Lee Frelich, director of the Center for Hardwood Ecology in the Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota.

A block of rooms have been set aside at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront (11 E. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55101) at a discounted rate of $89 per night. The room block will be removed three weeks before the conference, after which time the discounted rate or room availability cannot be guaranteed. Book your rooms now by calling 800-593-5708 and mention the conference name to receive a discounted reservation. Blocks of rooms have also been set aside at three hotels in Hudson, Wisconsin for Wisconsin government staff that must stay in state. Hudson is a considerable distance from St. Paul and attendees are encouraged to stay on site at the Crowne Plaza.

Come early and stay late! Enjoy all that the Twin Cities have to offer. The MNWIISC group reservation is available from November 5, 2010 through November 14, 2010. q

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | NURSERY MANAGEMENT

The Business Waste of Over Processing #8 in a Series by Craig Chilstrom, Prairie Edge Nursery significant factor to focus on in creating a lean business model is eliminating everything possible from a process that the customer is unwilling to pay for. This is where the waste of over processing fits in. Any step or input that adds cost, but does not produce a result the customer values, should be considered over processing.

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Craig Chilstrom

Examples of over processing in the green industry include: • • • • •

Watering plants in excess of what is necessary.

Using a larger container than necessary.

Spacing in excess of what is necessary.

Fertilization in excess of actual requirements.

Mowing grass before it reaches height that requires cutting.

Over processing is important to the concept of perceived quality. The best way to explain this is to use the example of a banana. Exactly what is a quality banana? The answer is dependent upon personal taste and the intended use of the banana. Some people like to eat bananas while still slightly green. Some people like to eat bananas when the skin is fully yellow. Both of these are matter of personal preference, but also of perceived quality. If your customer’s intention is to make banana bread, then a banana that is overripe and soft is what they would consider a quality banana. If you as the processor are continuously culling overripe bananas, you are over processing and losing a sales niche. If customers are buying bananas today, but do not intend to eat them for several days, then bananas that are very green are the desired quality banana. The point is that what your customer perceives as quality and is willing to pay for, depends upon the intended use and on individual preference. As suppliers of goods and services, it is important for us to understand what our customers perceive as quality and then provide them with that quality, without over processing, at a cost that they perceive as a value. Putting additional costs into the product, which the customer is unwilling to pay for, comes directly from your bottom line.

For the contractor, caution must be taken when determining what a waste actually is, or what is actually necessary to the long term success of a product or project. If a process is necessary, but the consumer does not see its value, then it is 16

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your responsibility to educate the customer so they understand the value of what you are doing. In today’s competitive bidding environment, it is critical that the consumer understands the value of everything you propose so they can make informed decisions based on facts and information that describes your quality, and not just a competitor’s lower price.

This provides them with exactly what they value and are willing to pay for. If the customer is unwilling to pay for a process or a product that is essential to prevent the long term failure of the project, it would be in your best interest to decline doing it. Your reputation and long term success may be at stake.

"A tool that growers can use to control costs as a result of overprocessing is a detailed statistical approach to cost control."

A tool that growers can use to control costs as a result of over processing is a detailed statistical approach to cost control.

Looking at all inputs to find the optimum results by eliminating over processing will reduce the costs involved, and will reduce variability in producing the end product. There are

many variables to look at such as media, fertilization, irrigation, disease and insect control, labor, heating, space requirements, and the timing of all inputs in the growing process. It is important to look at these inputs statistically via detailed costs of all time and materials and then manage these without over processing, to find the optimum output combination that creates the end result your customer is seeking, at the minimum cost to you. Without a statistical approach to analyzing the data, which includes a review of all the numbers involved in all the processes, you are guessing and may be over processing. This puts excess costs into the product, resulting in over pricing your product or service.

Over processing is a business waste that consumes resources without producing an end result the customer values and is willing to pay for. q ________________________________________________ Craig Chilstrom is a member of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be reached at cchilstr@Wildbluecoop.com.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | CERTIFICATION

Magic from the Manual: Soil Texture Versus Soil Structure

By Bert T. Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. any decisions a nursery or landscape manager makes are dependent upon knowing characteristics of the soil in which the plants are grown. Soil is a diverse and dynamic system consisting of air, water, mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. It supports plants and their roots, and it supplies nutrients and water for plant growth. Healthy soil also supplies Bert Swanson oxygen to plant roots. Various parent materials from glacial deposits, wind blown particles, river deposits, volcanos, etc., are the basis from which soils are formed. The ongoing process of soil formation takes hundreds or thousands of years and is influenced by rainfall, temperature, and plant and animal life. The physical and chemical properties of soil are determined by these soil-forming processes. Critical soil characteristics for plant growth include

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texture, structure, drainage, aeration, water holding capacity, nutrient holding capacity, compaction, pH, and salinity.

Thus, the type of soil will dictate the type of crops that can be grown, and the management practices required to grow them successfully.

CERTIFIED

Professional A good growing soil is composed of approximately 50% solids, 25% moisture, and 25% air. Approximately 95 to 99% of the solid component consists of sand, silt, and clay particles and one to five percent consists of organic matter. The water component or soil solution, includes a soluble salt concentration of 100 to 1000 parts per million, which contains many of the nutrients necessary for plant growth. The air component contains the high concentrations of 0.3 to 0.6% carbon dioxide which is approximately ten to 20 times more than the air people breathe. It also contains oxygen, which is essential for root respiration and growth. If the normal 15 to 20% soil oxygen

level is reduced to ten percent by excessive moisture or compaction, root injury can occur. Root growth stops at three percent soil oxygen, and roots are killed if soil oxygen further decreases or remains at this level for a short period of time. For optimum plant growth, all soil must maintain adequate moisture, but at the same time, provide adequate aeration.

Soil Texture One of the most important physical properties of a soil is texture. Soil texture is the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles that make up a soil. By definition, these particles are distinguished solely by size. Clay particles are less than 0.002 millimeters, silt is 0.002 to 0.05 millimeters, and sand is 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters in size. The relative size of these particles is depicted in Figure 1. The 12 different textural classes of soil are based on their different proportions of sand, silt, and clay, and are identified as follows: clay, sandy clay, silty clay, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam and silt. Soil scientists use a textural triangle to delineate these soil textural classes as shown in Figure 2. The percent of sand, silt, and clay is measured in the laboratory and then the respective percentage lines are followed to their intersections on the triangle. For example, a soil with 20% clay, 60% silt, and 20% sand is classified as a silt loam.

Note that a soil classified as a "loam" has roughly equal proportions of silt and sand and less than 25% clay. Soil is often called "loam", when it may, in fact, have quite a different texture.

Even though the exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay for a particular soil may not be known, a good idea of the textural class can be determined by a “feel� test. First, moisten a small handful of soil and knead it until the soil has the consistency of putty. Then squeeze the ball of soil between thumb and forefinger to push out a ribbon. A soil that sticks together for a ribbon one to three inches long indicates a high clay content and is fine textured. A soil that feels gritty with low cohesion indicates a high sand content and is coarse textured. A soil that feels silky and forms a ball, but does not feel sticky, is medium textured and indicates a high silt content.

Soil texture is important because it influences water and nutrient holding capacity, drainage, aeration, susceptibility to compaction, irrigation and planting practices, and erodability.

For example, coarse-textured soils such as sand, loamy sand or sandy loam, have a low water holding capacity, drain quickly, and are low in nutrients, especially nitrogen and potassium.

These soils usually require irrigation to be productive.

Medium-textured soils such as loam and silt loam usually have good drainage and adequate water and nutrient holding capacity. Fine-textured soils such as clay loam and clay, have a high water and nutrient holding capacity, but are usually poorly drained and are difficult to manage when wet. These soils must often be tiled to improve crop productivity. The water holding capacity of a soil as influenced by texture is illustrated in Table 1.

When a soil has an organic matter content of greater than 20 to 30%, the soil is referred to as "organic soil". Soils with an

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Table 1. Soil texture and soil water-holding capacity.

Texture

Inches of Water/Foot of Soil

Loamy Sand

0.6 to 1.0

Sandy Loam

1.0 to 1.3

Loam

1.7 to 2.3

Silt Loam

2.0 to 2.8

Clay

2.0 to 3.5

performed with minimal problems and enable plants to establish extensive root systems.

While soil texture is generally considered a fixed property that cannot be changed, soil structure can be modified, for better or worse, in a relatively short period of time. Working or traveling over a wet soil can cause compaction and it will destroy good soil structure. Compaction crunches soil aggregates, therefore, compacted soils have much less pore space and a greater amount of solid particles per unit. This decreases soil oxygen and therefore, restricts root growth. To prevent compaction from occurring, allow soils to drain after a rain or irrigation before working the soil or driving on the soil.

The amount of time to wait after a heavy

organic matter content greater than 60 to 80% are referred to as peat and muck.

These soils are usually low in phosphorus and potassium, and may or may not provide significant amounts of nitrogen.

They are usually found in low-lying areas, they are slow to warm up SOIL in the spring, and unless special measures are taken, they are TEXTURE poorly drained.

ARTICLE Soil texture is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to change. To add enough sand or loam to a field or even to a landscape to provide a meaningful change across the entire area and to a significant depth would require exorbitant quantities and would most likely be cost prohibitive.

SAND

RELATIVE SIZE

DIAMETER OF PARTICLE (Millimeters) 0.05 – 2.0

SILT

0.002 – 0.05

CLAY

LESS THAN 0.002

Soil Structure The manner in which sand, Figure 1. Relative sizes of sand, silt, and clay particles silt, and clay particles are held enlarged 500 times. together is referred to as soil structure. Decayed organic matter and humic acids interact with mineral particles to form structural aggregates of various shapes and sizes.

Soil structure may affect pore size distribution and therefore, affect the ability of a soil to drain and provide adequate aeration. A soil with 60% stable aggregates, which are aggregates that do not break down easily, is considered to have good structure. A good soil structure, often referred to as good tilth, Figure 2. Soil Texture Triangle. After measuring the percent will allow cultural sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample, the texture is determined operations to be from the Soil Texture Triangle.

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rain will depend upon how the soil texture allows the soil to drain. For example, a sandy soil may require one day to reach a proper moisture content, whereas, a clay soil may require a week or more. Soils can range from being very poorly drained, where a soil is saturated with water much of the time, to excessively well drained, which is a droughty soil. Poor drainage is a leading cause of transplant failure. Poor drainage is most likely to be a problem on heavy clay soils, and in low areas. The poorest drainage occurs when there is a water table near the surface. Certain plants, like yews and rhododendrons, are particularly sensitive to poor drainage.

Deep tillage of two to three feet, berms, tilling, large planting holes, and turf aeration will facilitate drainage and aeration of compacted soils. q ________________________________ Bert Swanson is a member of the MNLA Certification committee and can be reached at btswanson2@gmail.com.

Certification Examination Questions 1. T F Soil is a diverse and dynamic system consisting of air, water, mineral particles, organic matter and living organisms.

2. A good growing soil is composed of approximately: A. 25% Solids, 50% Moisture and 25% Air. B. 60% Solids, 25% Moisture and 15% Air. C. 50% Solids, 25% Moisture and 25% Air. D. 40% Solids, 30% Moisture and 30% Air. E. 25% Solids, 25% Moisture and 50% Air. 3. T F Soil Structure refers to the size of the soil particles.

4. T F Root injury can occur if the soil oxygen level drops to 10% or less.

5. T F Poor drainage is most likely to be a problem in sandy soils and in low areas.

Answers 1. True; 2. C; 3. False; 4. True; 5. False

CERTIFICATION | The Scoop

Plants Wind Down, Time to Study Up

By Tim Vogel, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. s we get into late summer it seems natural to let our attention follow the season as our plants have begun to turn the CERTIFIED corner from the height Professional of summer to the slow steady decline into dormancy and winter rest. Maybe we begin to see the once beautiful healthy green leaves fade a bit, some powdery mildew or leaf spot could be setting in, and thoughts turn to keeping our plants in condition to return the following year. There was certainly a noticeable flavor of seasonal change to the questions at the MNLA garden display at this year’s State Fair. Lots of questions about pruning, over-wintering, how do we get our hydrangeas to flower next year, should I cut my perennials or roses back in the fall or in the spring?

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In your very reading of this article in the Scoop, there is the very good chance that you are somewhere connected to the green industry, and that usually means contact with customers, or the general public; and that means questions. Every body has them at one level or another regarding plants; and no one knows it all, there is always a twist to nature that can defy predictability.

MNLA Certification is designed to: • help set the bar for standards in professionalism • encourage continual growth/improvement in individuals in the industry • to recognize those individuals who pass the test This is not an easy exam to pass, the range of materials will fill a large binder; topics cover plant growth and development, plant ID, standards in the industry, pesticide/herbicides,

greenhouse management, dealing with customers, garden centers, landscapesthese are just some of the categories covered. Successfully passing the exam requires discipline to study the materials as questions come from all over the text.

The rounded education that certification gives, produces a measure self confidence in the individual dealing with questions, and also from the customer’s side of things when asking the question. As an employer looking over resumes, noticing the MNLA Certification does speak well, it represents hard work and experience, the discipline to study, and the drive to continue learning.

If you are considering certification, maybe considering the confidence factor will help decide to pursue it. q ________________________________ Tim Vogel is a member of the MNLA Certification Committee and can be reached at tim.vogel@baileynursery.com.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | ARBORIST

New Technologies Helping to Solve Old Problems

By Tony Kunda, Rainbow Tree Care avey Tree Company recently welcomed researchers and professionals from around the world to its Kent, Ohio headquarters for a week-long symposium on Tree Biomechanics. One of the goals of this gathering was to provide a location through which researchers could share their knowledge and the direction of their studies. In the long term, ideas and data collected from this symposium will help foster a better understanding of trees.

Tree Biomechanics is the study of how an external force, such as wind or heavy snow load, affects the structure of an individual tree. University professors, graduate students and industry professionals are looking at this issue in many different ways. Some are studying stem failures while others are focusing on roots or individual branches.

Technology is now playing a large part in these studies. A team from the University of Connecticut is using motion capture devices, usually only seen in the movie industry, to study how different branches react and affect the tree as a whole. How limbs release energy through the mass damping effect is currently being studied.

D

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Rutgers University sent faculty and students to the symposium. They used an air spade to uncover a large portion of the roots of several different trees. After uncovering the roots, tensiometers were set up on individual roots to measure compression and tension of root fibers as the tree was put under strain. They also are currently measuring the difference in root growth due to prevailing winds from one direction.

Tensiometers were used by several other groups to measure branch and stem stress. The University of Florida used pull tests to determine the relative breaking strength of different branches that were attached to the trees at different angles. Horizontal attachments are proving to be much stronger than attachments that are more vertical. The wind machine was not brought to Ohio, due to its size, but Ed Gilman did share some results. Video of this amazingly powerful machine, capable of producing sustained 100 mile per hour winds, is available on YouTube, by searching “Ed Gilman’s Wind Machine.”

Technology is helping several researchers from Germany non-invasively assess amounts of decay inside of trees.

Sonic tomography and electrical impedance tomography are now giving us the ability to see inside of living trees.

Sonic tomography uses the difference in the speed of sound waves that passes between healthy and decaying wood.

Electrical impedance tomography uses the same principle but instead uses the difference in electrical resistance. The combination of both technologies together is giving the best results.

Ohio is an area that has a large population of emerald ash borer beetles.

Because of this, some research has been focusing on how this insect affects tree biomechanics. Davey researchers have been documenting an interesting effect on tree strength that has not yet been explained. They have been doing pull tests on non-infested, infested for 1 to 2 years, and infested for 2 to 4 years trees.

The study size is currently at 364 trees.

They have found that the heavily infested trees are failing in their stems at a much higher rate than was expected.

More than one researcher brought up how their studies are producing as many questions as answers, and gatherings such as the one in Ohio help greatly through the sharing of ideas and technology.

Results from this intensive week of study, including the work of many other people not mentioned, will be published in industry journals as they become available. I hope to update The Scoop readers in the future with the results.

The Green Industry stands to gain significant knowledge in the understanding of trees through the efforts of the people at this symposium. q ________________________________ Tony Kunda is a ISA Certified Arborist and can be reached at TKunda@rainbowtreecare.com.

MDA UPDATE | The Scoop

Nursery Advisory Committee Meets

By Mark Schreiber, Minnesota Department of Agriculture he Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Regulatory Advisory Committee met August 17th, at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture offices in St. Paul to receive and discuss pest updates and reports concerning the field season and operating budget. The meeting was attended by representatives of various green industries, state agencies, and University of Minnesota.

Gypsy moth continues to be found in large numbers in northeastern Minnesota, but as yet no counties have been quarantined. Sprays were conducted in 2010, generally successful and more will likely be required in 2011. Of interest was the announcement that a biological control agent, the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga. Typically, biocontrol agents are released only when host populations are sufficiently established to allow reproduction and spread of the biocontrol agent. Gypsy moth is in Minnesota beyond eradicative levels.

Emerald ash borer has not been recovered outside the existing quarantine areas. This is likely the results of intense regulatory efforts to contain the movement of ash wood from the quarantine zones as well as excellent public outreach. The survey will continue through the summer months. The use of “sink trees� (healthy ash left in areas where ash have been removed) shows promise. Trees left standing have become infested. These trees will be removed and disposed of later which effectively eliminates a generation of this invasive pest.

Japanese beetle has made its presence felt in many communities, primarily in the 10 county metropolitan area.

Most discussion centered on whether Minnesota should continue to designate Japanese beetle as a regulated, nonquarantine pest or deregulate it and consider it a quality pest.

Concerns were raised that full deregulation could result in more Japanese beetle-infested stock shipped both inter- and intrastate. Others were concerned with control costs, especially those facing growers and retail firms with limited treatment options, if the beetle remained a regulated pest. No decision was made at the meeting. The MDA will prepare a summary report on the regulatory options and potential impact on the movement of nursery stock for industry review before a final decision is made.

The 2010 nursery program currently is understaffed by two positions. It is anticipated that the positions will be filled prior to the 2011 inspection season. All growing acreage will be inspected in spite of the staff shortage thanks to the efforts of the remaining staff. Viruses in various perennial plant species is the most significant disease issue found this inspection season.

The staff is working with various producers to reduce this serious pest problem.

The committee heard that effective January 2011, tree care and tree trimming firms would have to pay a $25 registration

T

fee. The fee was implemented to offset administrative costs in printing the forms, maintaining the database and updating the website.

Finally, it was revealed that for the first time since the program became fully funded by industry revenue in 2005, the operating budget exceeded revenue. However, with actual expenses in fiscal year 2010 of $736,808 and revenue of $733,111, the deficit was only $3,697 or about 0.5%. No fee adjustment is anticipated at this time, especially with savings realized by the two vacancies. One committee member reported the nursery industry may have seen the worst in terms of the recession. There are small indications of stability and even some reason to be optimistic that there might be some slight growth in 2011. Should this become fact, the minimal deficit may disappear and the budget again be in the black.

The committee recommended the next meeting occur in February, 2011. If you have any questions about this information or wish more detail, please contact Mark Schreiber at mark.schreiber@state.mn.us or telephone 651-201-6388. q

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

The Scoop | STORMWATER MANAGEMENT TM

Stormwater Management Through The Use of Permeable Paver Systems

By Tim Oberg, Southview Design hat is stormwater management?

Well, that is a loaded question. In some places, it means that any water that falls on your land cannot leave your land. That can be pretty tough to comply with, especially with the rains we have had this summer. A more practical answer to what stormwater management is Tim Oberg might be: “to control stormwater so that the runoff does not pollute our lakes and streams.” That definition is one that might be easier to comply with and one that we would all like to see happen. We all like our lakes and streams to be clean and fresh so we can enjoy “the great outdoors.” We want to fish, swim, boat and ski just to mention a few. So how do we accomplish this part of stormwater management? There are many ways: we can use rain gardens, bioswales, sediment ponds or, permeable paver systems.

W

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

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs

If you are not familiar with permeable paver systems, they are pavers that allow water to pass through the spaces between the pavers and to be dealt with under the surface. The pavers can be concrete, clay or composite, but the system is the same. The system of construction is the vital part when using permeable pavers. The pavers are constructed on poorly-graded, crushed, clean aggregate that has void space for water to be collected. There are three types of systems for permeable paver systems; full exfiltration, partial exfiltration and no exfiltration. The soil and water table in the area where the pavers are being installed will determine which system will be used. Each site where permeable pavers are installed has to have its own engineering to determine which system will work and then only that system can be installed. If we as contractors don’t determine which system will work and we install the wrong system it will fail, even if we installed it right! If we continue to install the wrong system and they continue to fail, it won’t be long before municipalities will no longer 24

www.MNLA.biz | OCTOBER 2010

allow permeable paver systems to be used.

So then how do they work? Water passes through the spaces around the pavers into the aggregate base. The base will have up to 40 percent void space for the water to be collected. The water is then dealt with. In a full exfiltration system, it will go back into the ground and replenish the aquifers. In a partial exfiltration system, some of the water will go back into the ground and some will be directed elsewhere, possible a rain garden or bioswale. In a no exfiltration system, all the water is collected in the aggregate and is redirected to somewhere else. Once the water is collected, it can be redirected to a storage facility for use in irrigation. The water can also be redirected to the storm sewer system (depending on the municipality) because it has been cooled, cleaned and slowed down.

Part of stormwater management is to stop pollutants from entering our lakes and streams. Part of stormwater management is to stop hot water from entering our lakes and streams (water is heated up by traveling over hot driveways and down hot streets and gutters). Another part of stormwater management is to slow water down so as to avoid the flash flood problems that exist with sudden downpours. Permeable paver systems can help with all of these

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Int e rl

ock ing C

on cre

te Pav em ent

Ins titu te

problems. They will slow the water down by having it pass through an aggregate filter system that will also remove the majority of first flush pollutants so they don’t enter the lakes and streams. By slowing the water down and filtering it, it is also cooled so it does not harm the delicate eco-system in the streams.

Permeable pavers can be a big help in stormwater management if properly used. They can also help with hard cover issues because the system can be built to handle vehicle loads, so they can be used for driveways and streets.

We all want to do our part to make sure that our lakes and streams stay clean so we can continue to enjoy them. So take it upon yourself to get educated about the value and use of permeable paver systems. Make sure you are part of the solution and not part of the problem. q ________________________________ Tim Oberg is a member of the MNLA Stormwater Task Team and can be reached at Toberg@southviewdesign.com.

Bridgewater Tree Farms Currently Digging Evergreens Please call for Field Direct Pricing.

Delivery Available 5’ to 14’ Spruce & Pine 5’ to 9’ Techny Arborvitae

Carefully grown on heavy southern Minnesota loam soil.

Just off Interstate 35 in Northfield, Minnesota.

Dave Maloney office (507) 663-0393 • cell (612) 221-0514 or email davem@bridgewatertreefarms.com OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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January 4, 2011 Minneapolis Convention Center Register for these programs online at www.MNLA.biz!

Landscape Design Basics 8AM - 5PM

Wish you had a better understanding of landscape design basics, but don’t have time to head back to school? Take advantage of this intensive course on sustainable landscape design to learn about the techniques of the design process, the development of good bedlines, and mixing and matching wellchosen plants. The day-long seminar will focus on the principles and theory of sustainable design, site information collection, concept plan and draft design development, and plant selection. This seminar is geared toward anyone who works with landscape designers and architects including landscape contractors, nursery and garden personnel, maintenance personnel, and golf course superintendents.

The class includes lecture periods as well as in-class exercises that will help attendees to develop a better understanding of good design.

The Trend Towards Green Tree care, golf course, turfgrass, landscape and garden center professionals will all benefit from attending this entire program as means of gaining a comprehensive understanding of organic issues and practices. Topics will include: A Review of Organic History/Techniques; Integrating Organic Programs into Commercial Tree Care Services; From Tomatoes, to Mulch, to Compost: Consumers are Expanding their Green Horizons; An Organic Golf Course; and The Use of Organic Fertilizers & Biostimulants on Turfgrass.

8AM - 3:30PM

Stormwater Solutions: Rain Gardens & Permeable Pavers 8AM - 4PM

This class will focus on stormwater solutions specifically as it relates to rain gardens and permeable pavement systems. We will cover soils, plant communities and construction and maintenance of rain gardens. Then, we’ll finish up the day with an overview of permeable pavement systems including how to choose the correct system based on soil conditions.

Low Voltage Irrigation (PLT Relicensure) This class provides eight hours of continuing education credits for the Power Limited Technician license, with material orientated specifically towards the irrigation specialist. The 8 hour class will contain: 2 clock hours of specific National Electrical Code (NEC) training; and 6 hours of technical training. The sixhours of technical training will consist of topics such as: Basic components and testing equipment, troubleshooting, locating equipment, irrigation system communications, wire types and sizing, and connections at the controller. Walk away with greater knowledge about the National Electrical Code, wiring methods, troubleshooting, locating equipment, communication methods, and wire connections and grounding in addition to gaining continuing education credits toward your PLT license.

8AM - 5PM

Register now!

All programs just $99 for MNLA/MTGF members when registering by Dec. 9. Registration fees increase after Dec. 9. No onsite registration. Note that registration fees are separate from those for the Northern Green Expo.

Register for any of these programs online at www.MNLA.biz or call 651-633-4987 for more information!

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www.MNLA.biz | OCTOBER 2010

Christy Webber Christy Webber is president and founder of Christy Webber Landscapes, a $20 million Chicago-based landscape contracting firm. The firm has more than 250 employees providing landscape design, construction and maintenance to residential, commercial and municipal clients. Recent landscape construction projects include Kennedy King College, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing addition. The company maintains some of Chicago’s most prestigious landmarks, such as Millennium Park, the Museum of Science and Industry and O’Hare and Midway airports. In addition, Christy Webber Landscapes continues to serve hundreds of residential design and maintenance clients, some of which have been with Christy since her early days. In 1998, Christy became the first woman in the state of Illinois to become a Certified Landscape Technician (CLT), the designation that recognizes proficiency in the landscape workforce.

She has subsequently been inducted into the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame and selected as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Week 2009 “Entrepreneurial Success of the Year.” Her company has received numerous distinctions as well, such as repeated inclusion on both Inc. Magazine’s “Inner City 100” list of America’s fastest-growing urban businesses and Lawn and

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Landscape Magazine’s Top 100 companies. Christy formed Chicago Greenworks in 2006 to develop a 12.5 acre eco-industrial park named Rancho Verde. Christy Webber Landscapes’ Rancho Verde headquarters has since won numerous awards for its innovative, environmentally sensitive approach to the redevelopment of a brownfield site. The building is certified LEED Platinum, the highest classification granted by the US Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Landscape Projects: Lessons from the Field Webber has worked in the landscaping field for over 20 years, yet she still has a passion for transforming clients’ spaces. As president of a $20M landscaping contracting firm with over 250 employees, there isn’t much Christy hasn’t seen. Join her as she shares some of the most valuable “lessons learned” over the years.

Growing Your Landscape Business Webber is meeting the challenge of greening the “green” industry head on, and she’s doing it with a healthy bottom line. Starting from her kitchen table, over the past 20 years she has built a successful urban landscaping business with a LEED Platinum rated green building headquarters. From propane mowers to GPS routing, she’ll share her strategies for operating successfully in this new economy.

Fall into Spring Terms Early Order Programs for BASF and Syngenta start October 1st!

Contact your BFG sales representative or your local BFG service center today for more details on the BASF & Syngenta Early Order Programs!

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LOW VOLTAGE IRRIGATION: TWO-WIRE SYSTEMS November 17, 2010 | 8:00am—5:00pm | St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud

This class provides 8 hours of continuing education credits toward the Power Limited Technician (PLT) license, with material specifically oriented toward the irrigation specialist. (DOLI Class #: 100628.01) The 8 hour class will contain 3 clock hours of specific National Electrical Code (NEC) training; and 5 hours of technical training. The 5 hours of technical training will include: Components of a Two– Wire System; Wire Connections and Grounding; Controllers and Operating Systems; System Troubleshooting; Component and Accessory Troubleshooting; and Locating Equipment.

PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION November 19, 2010 | 9:00am—3:45pm | Continuing Education Center, University of MN, St. Paul

MNLA and the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) are excited to present this Pesticide Recertification session. The session will be applicable to those seeking to gain recertification credit for category A (general) and E (turf and ornamentals). This will be your last chance to recertify for 2010— so register today!

There will be two tracks available at this session, one for those interested in turf related topics and one for those interested in woody plant topics as they pertain to pesticides.

A more complete schedule is available online at www.MNLA.biz.

LUNCH & LEARN: INVASIVE PLANTS IN MINNESOTA December 2, 2010 | 12:00pm—2:00pm | Rosevine Hall/Grumpy’s Restaurant, Roseville

Can’t give up a full day? We have the solution for you! Learn while you eat lunch.

Growers, garden centers, and landscape professionals are invited to attend this lunch, presentation, and discussion on invasive plants. Presenter Laura Van Riper from the DNR will present a short talk entitled, “Impacts, Identification, and Management of Invasive Plants in Minnesota.” The presentation will be followed by a Q & A session as well as discussion time.

Note: Lunch is not included with the seminar but will be available for purchase.

More details and registration for these and other programs available online at www.MNLA.biz or call 651.633.4987!

Sponsorships are available for these seminars. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 or e-mail betsy@pierreproductions.com.

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LANDSCAPE DESIGN | The Scoop

Landscape Edging – Not the Star of the Show; but Very Important and Too Often Gets a Bad Wrap

By Jim Calkins

maintenance landscape that requires constant effort to maintain attractive, clean bedlines. Unless mandated by the client, this type of planting bed management should be avoided and a suitable edging should be specified.

decay should be obvious. Being inconspicuous and in harmony with the materials used in the home and the greater landscape should also be obvious, but too often apparently isn’t.

Like mulch, landscape edging should never be the star of the show. It should never call attention to itself by standing out like a sore thumb.

Landscape edging should simply do its job quietly and unobtrusively.

s is often the case with any project, when it comes to creating successful landscapes, it is frequently the simple things that make all the difference. Landscape edging is a perfect example. Selected and installed properly, landscape edging can significantly enhance a landscape and simplify maintenance.

Installed incorrectly or haphazardly, the same edging can quickly result in an aesthetic and Figure 2. Here a planted bed has maintenance been edged with glacial boulders, but nightmare and, the bed has been extended to include therefore, a seriously Figure 1.

A landscape bed edged with glacial the boulders to create a mow strip, flawed landscape. boulders that fails the low maintenance test; edged with black plastic edging, Though it may seem maintenance of the turf along the boulder edge between the boulders and the lawn. inconsequential and requires string trimming, an added maintenance step. e result is a beautiful, clean, and mundane to some, easily maintained bedline and no choosing the correct need for string trimming which would When selecting a edging material for a given project and have otherwise been required had the landscape edging material, how the edging is installed should be boulders had abutted the turf. Nicely it is important that it be important considerations in every done! durable and resistant to landscape design project and should be damage by the elements and carefully addressed by the landscape decay, attractive without being designer and installer. obtrusive, sympathetic to the First let’s consider the types of edging style of the landscape and other commonly used in residential and elements like the construction commercial landscapes. Among others, materials used in the home, and various types of metal (steel or designed and installed to allow a aluminum) and plastic edging, bricks or mower’s wheels and deck to pass pavers, landscape timbers, stones, over it without damaging the concrete edging, or even no formal edging. Regardless of the edging at all are commonly encountered. material used, if it meets all of Each has its advantages and these requirements it passes the disadvantages, but the appropriateness suitability test. If it fails any and success of any edging material must measure, it should be rejected Figure 3. Note the concrete edge designed into these ultimately be weighed against its ability and a different material should concrete steps which creates a clean edge and serves as a to endure and function properly in the be used. That landscape edging mow strip along the edge of the steps; a nice clean look landscape with minimal aftercare. The be durable and resistant to and maintenance has been made easier by eliminating no edging at all option results in a high damage by the elements and the need to string trim along the steps.

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In this regard, though some used in the planted beds within the beds may disagree, concrete, curband out of the adjacent turf. If the like edging tends to be edging used in a landscape fails to dreadfully commercial confine the turf to one side of the edging looking and obtrusive in and the mulch to the other, the integrity residential landscapes and of the bedline, and the design itself, will should generally be avoided. be lost and maintenance of this critical The same is true for most boundary becomes problematic – grass fancy edging designs. When must be pulled or treated with herbicides choosing landscape edging, to remove it from the planted beds and function should be mulch must be raked back into the beds Figure 4. Edging gone bad – here the edging has been paramount and, from a visual on a regular basis. In situations where heaved out of the ground and pulled apart at the seams standpoint, less is more. It is stone or other inorganic mulches are resulting in an edge that isn’t maintainable and the landscape plantings and used, failure of the edging to keep the laughable aesthetics. Another failed design caused by other landscape features, also mulch in bounds is of even greater poor installation technique; the edging wasn’t staked carefully designed to create a concern; if the mulch material gets out and the adjoining sections were not screwed together. unified whole, into the lawn, it can be more easily solutions that that should be picked up by a mower and become a eliminate the need for the celebrities projectile that can cause property damage string trimming are in wellor injury. much easier to designed So, for most clients and landscape maintain and result in landscapes. situations, and considering the more environmentally Finally, in my functional, maintenance, and aesthetic sound landscapes. book, the criteria already discussed, what kind of Clients will almost ability to run a edging most often fits the bill, especially always appreciate mower along when budgets are tight and cost is a landscapes having a the edge of the factor? Without a doubt, I believe black lower maintenance planted beds in Figure 5. If mulch rings around trees in plastic edging is the most versatile and threshold and will order to mow turf, a must for easy maintenance and to cost effective option. It is cheap and appreciate your the turf right up protect the tree from mower and string attention to this to the edge of trimmer damage, are too small resulting in kind of detail. the planted beds tight curves, the edging will tend to heave is a must for all out of the ground as has occurred in this Landscape landscapes and landscape. As a result the edging becomes edging has three especially low conspicuous and susceptible to mower primary maintenance damage. For the same reason, tight curves functions. First landscapes. in bedlines should be avoided and extra edging defines stakes should be used to anchor curved Any edging that the bedlines sections of edging which are more likely to extends above developed on be affected by frost heave. the level of a paper during the mower deck, design process Figure 6. Another example of edging that was and would thus require string trimming, in the real world – i.e., the installed installed too deep and has failed its primary should be eliminated from consideration landscape. It is the bedlines that function, keeping the turf from growing into the or be enclosed within a secondary, edged create the foundation of unity in a planted bed. mow strip (Figures 1 and 2). Mow strips landscape and clean, flowing can, and should, be designed into bedlines, as defined by the edges of landscapes in whenever possible to ease the planted beds, are critical in achieving long-lasting and can do the job maintenance requirements associated this goal. Though less common in unobtrusively in just about any landscape with managing turf in areas that are American landscapes, carefully designed and achieve stable, maintainable bedlines otherwise inaccessible with mowers. beds with clean, crisp edges is also a and a clean, crisp, tidy, professional look.

Concrete aprons adjacent to structures critical element of formal landscapes Some would argue, however, that black and other landscape elements like steps having rectilinear or geometric bedlines. plastic edging isn’t the best choice are great examples (Figure 3). There Second, landscape edging should keep because of problems they have observed should never be a need for a string the adjacent turf (or other ground cover) where this type of edging is used – trimmer in a thoughtfully and properly from creeping into the planted beds. primarily frost heaving (Figure 4), poor designed landscape. Landscape design Third, edging should confine the mulch containment of mulch and invading turf, 32

www.MNLA.biz | OCTOBER 2010

and mower damage (Figure 5).

Let’s consider these concerns further.

within the planted bed (Figures 6 and 7).

When making connections, cut off a section of the tube along the top of one of the sections of edging to allow for an overlap of the ends of the adjoining sections. Insert and center the connector tube and screw the overlapping sections of edging together to create a snug, solid connection (Figure 8). Fifth, stake the edging in place as you move along the trenched bedline using a minimum of four stakes per 20 foot section of edging.

For clay soils, and sharper curves, use extra stakes. Insert the stakes near the bottom edge of the edging and as

Whether the job is planting a container grown plant, building a retaining wall, or laying sod, proper installation technique is always important for both short and long-term success. Installing landscape edging is no different. In fact, most of the problems typically cited in arguments against black Figure 7. Yes, there is edging in there; turf to the left plastic edging are the result of and a planted bed with rock mulch to the right. In this poor installation and this is also case the edging was installed too deep with the top of true for any other type of the edging flush with the soil surface which landscape edging. And while has allowed grass and white clover to grow the typical homeowner might right over the top of the edging into the have an excuse, there is no planted bed. excuse when professionals are involved and, still, problems a square spade, dig a proper persist. In the minds of many, sloppy trench with a clean vertical face homeowner and professional installs on what will be the turf side of have, unfortunately, given black plastic the edging. The curves of the edging a bad name. This is, however, a trench should be as perfect and bad wrap. In reality, properly installed, beautiful as those on the design. black plastic edging should remain in Third, lay out the edging along place as installed for decades and should the trench together with the never heave or otherwise move from the connectors, stakes, and tools Figure 9. When abutting sidewalks or patio, cut the position in which it was originally needed for the job. Fourth, edging to fit properly and screw the edging to a stake cut installed. The edging in my own choose a starting point, often from treated lumber to stabilize the edging where it landscape looks the same as it did when the edge of a hardscape, but not meets the hardscape. e edging should be set slightly installed 22 years ago and other always, and begin aligning the deeper than the surface of the hardscape to avoid installations for much longer than I edging in the trench and adding damage from snow removal equipment. would like to think is possible. To on additional sections of edging achieve this end, consider these design as needed. The bottom of the perpendicular to the edging as possible. and tube along the Sixth, backfill the trench with soil and installation top of the compact the soil against the inside of the tips: First, edging should edging. By the way, this is the only time design be aligned I would use the terms “compact the soil” bedlines with with the in a landscape setting. Be careful not to big sweeping surface of the compact the soil as you move away from curves and soil on the the edging in either direction. When transfer the turf side of finished, the soil on the planted bed side design to the the edging. of the edging should slope down to meet landscape site Setting the the edging about two inches below the with care. edging too bottom of the tube at the top of the Second, use a low will allow edging to allow room for mulch such high quality, the turf to that it isn’t piled higher than the top of reputable, grow over the the edging. Seventh, fill any gaps commercial top of the Figure 8. Where sections of edging abut one another, between the soil and the edging on the grade edging; edging and cut off the tube at the top of the edging on one section to turf side of the edging with soil; these don’t skimp limit the allow the lower portion of the two sections to overlap; gaps should be small if the trench was and use the ability of the insert and center the connector tube and screw the dug carefully and the edging was cheap stuff. edging to overlapping sections together or pound a stake through carefully conformed to the contours of Third, using the overlap to create a solid and permanent connection. retain mulch OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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damaged during snow removal. Finally, sprinkle the length of the newly installed edging with water to settle the soil and fill any gaps that appear. Ideally, it is best to install edging on a warm day so the material is flexible and can be fit to the shape of the bedlines more easily. In cooler weather, rolling the edging out in the sun on a dark surface can help in this regard.

Figure 10. e finished job; note the perfect fit. the trench. Large gaps will likely degrade the integrity of the bedline as designed and laid out. Eighth, where edging abuts hardscapes like walkways, driveways, and patios, cut the end of the edging to fit the shape of the hardscape and screw the end of the edging to a stake cut from treated lumber pounded into the ground immediately adjacent to the hardscape (Figures 9 and 10). When done, the edging should be aligned slightly below the level of the top of the hardscape where the two meet to reduce the chances that the edging will be caught and

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Based on my discussions with others, I appear to be one of the few who really enjoy installing black plastic edging. While it can be hard work, especially on a hot day and when working with hard clay or rocky soils, properly installed edging is a beautiful thing to behold and one can have a true feeling of a job well done. In many ways, that is what the landscaping profession is all about. As landscape designers, it is our responsibility to select edging materials that will function properly, provide clear specifications for its installation, and ensure the job is, indeed, done right. As landscape installers, it is our job to follow the installation specs closely and do the job right. Working together, the result should be an edging job that will last for many years and that will help ensure the success of the landscape as designed. If we fail to do our part, we should, indeed, be held responsible, but let’s not let the edging, regardless of the type used, take the bad wrap. q ________________________________________________ Jim Calkins is a member of the MNLA Landscape Design Committee.

HARDSCAPES | The Scoop

4 Traits to Build Your Hardscape Career

By Matt Mallas, Hedbeg, Landscape & Masonry Supplies hat is the path to getting involved in the landscape and hardscape industry? This is a question that many industry members ask. Although this article may be geared towards newcomers and potential people entering our industry, I believe it can also be used by its current members.

While we all try and map a clear course, there is no clear cut path. I never imagined that I would be making a career in the landscaping industry. For me, it started as a summer job while going to school and 15 years later, I am making a career of it. I think there are four traits that can help you get to where you want to go: Continuous Learning, Goals, Patience and Mentors. The items listed below are not the only keys to a career, but are good building blocks in creating a career path.

Continuous Learning. Whether you have gone to high school, a 2-year or 4-year program, you can never stop learning. This learning does not have to be in the classroom. It can be hands-on, trade publications, contractors or industry peers. Having been on the distribution side of business has allowed

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me to learn more about installation than some learn in their whole lives of installation. Even though I didn’t have the first clue about what problem a contractor was facing when they came in, I would listen to the problem and try and understand it. Then the next time I would see them, I would ask how they took care of it and keep it for the next customer that encountered the same problem and be able to at least offer a solution.

Goals. You need to create goals for yourself personally. Never lose sight of your goals. The key is to not keep these goals to yourself. Share them with coworkers and your leader/supervisor. Your enthusiasm and goals will help show that you want to continue to grow and learn.

It shows that you believe in the organization and company. It is just as important for leaders to share their goals with employees and team members. For me, if Steve Hedberg hadn’t shared his goals and opportunities for me within his company, I probably would not have stayed as long as I have. But he would pull me aside from time to time and let me know where he thought my potential was.

Patience. Although this is one of the hardest for me to learn, it has also

been one of the most rewarding. Time frames are not the same for everyone.

Just because you may not have been given the position you were searching for doesn’t mean the current position is any less desirable. In most cases, the position you are in now will help you understand more of the dynamics of the position you are working towards. Sometimes, by missing out on the position you thought you wanted, life presents an even better offer.

Mentors. Mentors will help you reach your potential and help you hold yourself accountable. I wish I had found more mentors sooner in my career. They can be a co-worker, industry peer or someone from outside our industry. The more the better. They can give you a fresh perspective when you think you have exhausted all other avenues. I would suggest a broad age range of mentors. This will help give you insight into what did and didn’t work for them or even the latest technology trends. q ________________________________ Matt Mallas is a member of the MNLA Landscape Education Committee and can be reached at mmallas@hedberglandscape.com.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

Managing Expectations for a Really Successful Business

By Steve Hoogenakker, Concierge Landscape Environments o be a successful green industry business, it’s important to set the proper expectations with clients. Set them too high, and you will only disappoint clients, leading to cancellations and difficulty collecting payment. Set them too low, and you’ll never get the business. So what do you do when someone else sets the expectations before you get there?

Steve Hoogenakker When a member asked me to address the belief of homeowners, that HOA living is maintenance free living, the zippy Green Acres theme song came to mind immediately. “Green Acres is the place for me, farm livin’ is the life for me… It continues on “The Chores.. The Stores.. Fresh Air… Town Square…” If you’re over 40, you will have that tune stuck in your head for awhile!

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I mean, the whole premise of the show was about Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor moving from a complicated city life to their own piece of “the promised land” to enjoy nirvana. Nearly all the comedy revolved around the Douglas’s interactions with “real” people and misconceptions about a simple lifestyle they thought they would enjoy.

This isn’t much different than the belief that moving from a single family home to an HOA would make life carefree. Well, without the comedy and Arnold Ziffle, my favorite pig.

Where does the thinking come from?

In general, many developers sell units implying the association repairs everything and pays for everything, via dues.

They don’t explain that some items, like a leaky or clogged kitchen sink or a low battery in a smoke detector is the homeowner’s responsibility.

If you think that homeowners are entirely responsible for this thinking, you’d be wrong. In a quick search of one local real estate’s company, using the term “maintenance free”, there

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were over 1,200 homes for sale! There were even 4 farms listed as maintenance free. Maintenance free, are you kidding?

Now, that’s funny.

Senior communities tout the maintenance free benefits, and for good reason. Many of the seniors have health problems that keep them from doing a lot of maintenance. Town home living is meant to be easy, expectations are sure to be high.

Think about the term “maintenance free” during the winter. I’m sorry to say, snow season is expected to make another surprise entrance soon. One of the biggest benefits of living in an association is that the lawn care is done, the driveway is plowed and the sidewalks are shoveled. Is there some maintenance required by the homeowner if the downspout is spilling water that freezes onto a sidewalk? It’s certainly not in the contract, but some common sense is in order here. What would a good neighbor do? What if you had a pregnant daughter coming to visit? Do they say well, it’s not my responsibility; C’est La Vie or do they get out there and do something about it? At the very least, call

and let the contractor know about the dangerous situation or make sure the outside lights are working.

As a green industry professional, it’s in your best interest to understand the dynamics of client expectations and interactions. The best contractors first think like a homeowner, then structure their communications, contracts and literature in language like a homeowner might use.

Action steps you can take when expectations are too high: 1. Whether you’re bidding for a new customer, or reviewing a current customer, Ask to speak with the board to discuss last season’s successes/failures. Use this opportunity to educate the clients and dispel any myths.

2. Review contract language. Make sure there are common sense statements, such as; “Contractor is not on site 24 hours a day, therefore, it’s the association’s responsibility to call when ice management is needed.” Stay away from language like “ice removal” unless you’re

prepared to actually remove all the snow/ice off site.

3. Ask the board to put some common sense items in their newsletters. It’s in their best interest to keep expectations reasonable because it’ll keep the phones quieter.

4. Let the client know that association living isn’t responsibility free either.

We’re in an extreme climate, it will take concerted efforts of client and contractor to make the season successful.

Finally, if you have a hundred accounts, you know you have a hundred different sets of expectations. If you have 50 employees/subcontractors, you also have 50 sets of expectations. You can’t afford an employee who says “Good Enuff ”! Start communicating your requirements now. Winter will soon be over, and if you follow the steps above, you’ll be singing “Green Acres, We Are There!” q ________________________________ Steve Hooganakker is a member of the MNLA Landscape Professional Advancement Committee and can be reached at Steve@Landscape.Pro.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | CONTRACTORS

Going Green in the Snow & Ice Management Industry

By Ellen Kobach and Brian Birch, SIMA anaging snow and ice during harsh winter conditions is challenging work. From unpredictable weather patterns to dangerous conditions, snow and ice professionals face many difficulties while maintaining safety for the public during the worst winter weather. In addition to these existing challenges, a whole new set of issues is arising regarding environmental stewardship and conservation. The increased pressure and paradigm shift that is taking place in the US (and is occurring at a faster pace in many countries across the globe) related to environmental concerns will continue to effect the industry as these concerns reach the public and government levels.

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The “green movement” is a hot topic in today’s society, and the call for conservation of resources and reducing practices harmful to the environment is both widespread and enduring. It is more than just a trend! The snow and ice management industry is no stranger to these demands, as the use of heavy equipment and deicing/anti-icing materials is paramount to keeping streets and parking lots clear of snow and ice. In this industry, it is a balancing act of managing the impact snow and ice professionals have on the environment with the need for pedestrian and motorist safety during winter.

Fortunately, there are a number of best practices and new technologies that can help reduce harm to the environment while still providing top notch safety to the public during winter weather.

What can you do to make your operation Green? There are many steps snow and ice professionals can take to help lessen harmful impacts on the environment. The following are ideas specifically for the snow and ice industry 38

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suggested by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO): • Evaluate your equipment: Conducting a fleet inventory can help to set goals for reducing energy use and air pollutants. Consider the number of vehicles and amount of fuel they use. Make sure the most efficient vehicle is being used for each job, and eliminate any unnecessary equipment. When purchasing new vehicles, consider fuel efficiency and/or alternatively fueled vehicles.

• Perform regular vehicle maintenance: A simple way to reduce emissions, regular maintenance is important to ensure that each piece of equipment is running as efficiently as possible. is includes changing oil and filters regularly, consistently checking tire pressure, and making sure engines are operating in correct temperatures.

• Consider alternative fuels: As governmental standards become stricter regarding air emissions, fuel technology continues to improve. ere are several options to replace or supplement current fuel usage, including diesel, biodiesel, and ultralow sulfur fuel.

• Train drivers to operate vehicles efficiently and correctly: Ensure that drivers know the proper way to operate vehicles. Route planning using GPS or other software can

help to maximize efficiency when operating vehicles. Instituting a strict no-idling plan will also help to decrease fuel use and unnecessary emissions.

• Create a plan for reducing salt use: Calibrating spreaders can help monitor usage and ensure salt isn’t being wasted, and pre-wetting salt can also decrease the amount needed. Training on correct salt usage and application rates is also an important step towards using the minimum amounts of salt to achieve maximum results.

• Consider alternatives to salt: While not necessarily meant to replace salt, there are many alternatives that can supplement the use of road salt. Certain alternative deicers can have less of an impact on the environment. Review the available materials out there in order to make an informed decision about using alternative deicers. Anti-icing using liquid materials is also a good option to consider.

• Winter operations facility management: Salt, sand, and other chemicals should be stored correctly to minimize contamination, and covered storage for dry chemicals is recommended.

General tips for keeping winter facilities environmentally friendly include litter control, monitoring water usage, and consistent and accurate recordkeeping for materials and site management.

Considering these steps towards improving snow and ice management operations can have a beneficial impact on the environment, whether it be reducing emissions or lessening the spread of chemicals. Many small things, such as optimizing routes, eliminating idling, and regulating salt usage are easy ways to reduce impact on the environment.

environmentally respectful and conscious contractor can be a huge advantage, and one more selling point with a new prospect or existing customer. There are already contractors in the US and Canada who work with clients who have special needs related to environmental impact.

Making Green with Green As the industry moves forward and snow and ice contractors feel increased pressure from clients and the general public related to the environment, it will be challenging to change existing business processes to become more respectful of our surroundings. However, a second paradigm shift may help facilitate this transition; viewing ‘Green’ in snow and ice as a way to add, not detract, from the bottom line.

Marketing As the green movement progresses, smart professionals will start to use it as a business advantage. Being a more

Financials Environmental stewardship in snow and ice means using the right amount of product to get the job done. Using less product can translate directly to cost savings, and make a company more efficient. It also can lead to less risk and dependence on the rollercoaster of supply and demand that every snow and ice contractor has had to navigate over the past few years. As described earlier, managing and reducing fuel usage can have a dramatic impact on the carbon footprint of the snow and ice organization, as well as the bottom line.

Community Many businesses find great value in giving back to the communities that

support them; why should snow and ice contractors be any different? There is no better way to give back to the community than doing all that is in your power to respect the environment in which it stands. Being a proactive member of the community and getting involved locally can not only provide for new business opportunities, but will increase rapport and respect with members of the community. Also, knowledgeable contractors can help local and regional green initiatives understand the need for snow and ice removal chemicals and applications, providing expert advice on the balance of safety and environment.

Like any other industry, snow and ice operations must also do their part to lessen negative impacts on the environment. By adopting some of these practices, snow and ice professionals can not only save money, but can also act as a leader to the industry regarding environmental initiatives.

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The Scoop | CONTRACTORS

Snow & Ice Removal: Are You Up To The Challenge?

The Challenge The removal of snow and ice during winter months in North America can be some of the most difficult and stressful work maintenance or facilities supervisor will manage throughout the year. Challenges to this work include managing a crew or number of crews, large storms with significant snow and/or ice, fatigue from long hours, and hazardous conditions for both employees and patrons/visitors to the location. Finally, the good supervisor will be asked to tackle these problems all while staying within or below budgeted constraints. Even with budget considerations, snow and ice management at your facility must be examined with the overall goal in mind; maintaining a safe environment for pedestrians and vehicles, allowing people to go about their daily lives and limiting risk for your employer.

The Budget Before going head on with a storm, a number of items should be evaluated to ensure you are making informed decisions that will work with your budget and with the desired outcomes specified above.

In-House vs. Contracted Work You may have already made the decision to do all the work in-house, not subbing work out to professional snow and ice management companies. Either way, there are some pros and

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cons by each method, and some things you should take into account: In-House Pros: - More control over crews/timing of removal - Possible cost savings, but only if your crews are properly trained - No outsourcing of risk to a third party - No contracts to sign with a third party for Snow & Ice Management Association, Inc. - No bidding procedures In-House Cons: - You must have proper equipment, and more importantly back-up equipment in case of equipment failure - Purchasing of de-icing or anti-icing materials must be made in advance for at least portions of the season, ensuring you do not run out midstorm - Implementation; you must coordinate 1 or more crews, ensuring you are adhering to all

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state and federal laws governing this type of work Training; you are responsible for proper training and planning for snow and ice events Potential of property damage that your employer will be responsible for repairing You will be responsible for monitoring the weather and determining the needed staff/equipment is prepared Added risk if safe conditions are not provided for patrons of the grounds (exposure to slip and fall claims)

Working with a Contractor Pros: - You are hiring a specialist to do the work, so you don’t need to be the expert. Questions to ask include; is the contractor a Certified Snow Professional? Are they a member of the Snow & Ice Management Association?

- Long term may result in possible cost savings for the organization if

you form a strong relationship with a solid, dependable contractor.

Locking in a good contractor for a 2 or 3 year contract with defined costs will make budgeting for snow & ice much easier.

- Risk management; if you hire and sign a contract that defines the relationship between you and the contractor, it will outline specific guidelines of who is responsible for what, meaning a certain degree of risk will be passed to the contractor. is could be a key factor in cases of slip and fall claims or property damage claims.

Working with a Contractor Cons: - Loss of some control - Hiring/bidding process can be time consuming - Costs can be high depending on pricing structures, amount of winter weather, etc.

If or when you decide to outsource all or portions of your snow removal operations to a contractor, you should

LANDSCAPE AWARDS 2011 | The Scoop

Top Five Reasons for Entry Disqualification f you’re an MNLA member, you are eligible to submit one entry per designer or project manager in the the MNLA Landscape Awards. Any project that shows outstanding design, installation or management should be entered; the size and cost of a project are not part of the criteria for judging. Judges consider the quality of the workmanship of the project, and work from digital photos, a written narrative, and a work performance chart without knowing who entered the projects. Leave yourself enough time to fully complete your application by starting as soon as possible! Completed applications are due at the MNLA office no later than November 17, 2010. e awards will be presented at the

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MNLA Landscape Gala on March 5, 2011 held at 317 on Rice Park in Saint Paul. A complete Landscape Awards Application can be found online at MNLA.biz.

While filling out the Landscape Awards application, it is worth your time to carefully read all parts of it. Too often, entries are rejected because instructions are not followed.

Landscape Award Committee members have noticed these top reasons for entry disqualification: 1. On Installation entries, NOT providing 10 photos of the DURING phase of construction.

2. Not including all entry elements required.

Landscape Awards 3. Company logos on plans or Program Sponsors on company trucks in photos.

4. Lack of signed permission slip from property owner.

5. Not indicating which areas of the project for which you were responsible.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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always require a formal bid, a defined contract agreeable/amended by both you and the contractor, and proof of all insurances including general liability insurance.

The Tools Working through a winter storm will be one of the most difficult events you’ll manage throughout the year. A large winter storm bringing significant snow or ice will result in long hours, fatigue, equipment breakdowns, and potentially hazardous situations for the people on your grounds. Add to that the desired level of service that most individuals are accustomed to in our culture, and you are faced with removing snow and ice in the most efficient and cleanly method possible in order to perform and meet your defined goals.

Equipment Matching equipment to the work load is critical. First and foremost, you always need to be prepared for equipment failure; there is nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of a large storm and losing one or more of the tools you need

to get the job done. The students at the university won’t stop going to class (at least not for snow), the hospital won’t close down, and the businesses in your office buildings won’t be okay with starting work late because they can’t get in the parking lot!

Generally, the equipment used for snow and ice removal includes: - Pick-up trucks - Skid steers/compact equipment - ATV’s - Front end loaders/large equipment Plows The snow plow manufacturing industry has made significant advances in construction and design of plows, and now in general the following plows, along with proper techniques, can help you make your operation more efficient: Straight Plows When you have a straight plow, angle the blade away from the building as you make your first pass. Subsequent passes should be made away from the building and toward the outer perimeter. The

general rule is to never angle your blade towards a building. The goal is to get the snow as far away from the buildings as possible.

V-Plows • Use a V-position to make an initial break through. is position is also effective for hard packed snow, ice and deep drifts.

• Set the blade in the straight position or angled position for general, wide path plowing or stacking.

• Use the scoop position for clean-up and carrying snow with minimum spillage.

Pushers/Box/Containment Plows • When using a snow pusher, be sure it’s attached according to the manufacturer’s specifications. ese specs are designed to provide the best performance, wear tolerance and safety.

• A snow pusher on a loader, backhoe, skid-steer or compact utility tractor can quickly and efficiently move large volumes of snow.

• Snow pushers contain snow and don’t create as much of a windrow, which eliminates the need for repeated plowing of the same area to clean up spillage.

• By utilizing the loader’s lifting capabilities, snow pushers can be used to stack huge piles of snow.

And, by removing the snow pusher attachment you’re left with a loader capable of loading trucks in case the snow must be hauled away.

De-Icing and Anti-Icing Historically, snow and ice removal has been achieved with over-use of chemicals and the use of shovels, plows, and other equipment. In recent times, granular materials have become a popular and effective method for maintaining safe conditions during and after a storm. A quick review of current terminology provides a simple breakdown of the options that are currently available on the market: De-Icing: Deicing is the reactive application of ice control products to driving or walking surfaces, to melt existing snow and ice. Deicing is

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performed after snow removal operations to melt any remaining snow and ice.

Anti-Icing: Anti-icing is the pro-active application of ice and snow melting products to driving or walking surfaces prior to a snow or ice storm. Anti-icing helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, allowing snow and ice to be cleared more easily. When used effectively, anti-icing can create some of the safest conditions in the winter, and be a cost-effective alternative to de-icing.

Understanding the difference between anti-icing and deicing can yield insight into the different approaches utilized by professional snow removal services. In general, materials used in de-icing and/or anti-icing include: Sand: Although sand can provide some amount of traction, it technically is not a de-icing material, since sand in no way melts snow or ice. A common misperception is that sand is the best alternative for snow and ice control due to its low cost and common use. Sand may also have environmental impacts related to drainage that must be considered.

Salt: Sodium Chloride, or rock salt, is the most common deicer in use today. Generally this product is effective, though not at all conditions. In very cold conditions (typically less than 23 degrees F), salt begins to lose its effectiveness and is either not used or is overused in an attempt to make up for reduced performance.

Sand/Salt Mix: Another common practice is to mix sand and salt together for de-icing. This method is effective in maintaining some traction, due to the sand, but it will reduce the amount of salt that can be applied to an area, so less deicing occurs while environmental concerns and clean-up costs associated with sand rise.

There are many other products in use in todays market, and each of these differ in effectiveness, cost, availability, and environmental impact. Talk to your in-house snow removal specialist or private contractor to determine your needs. These products include: • • • • • •

Calcium Chloride Magnesium Chloride Potassium Chloride Urea Calcium Magnesium Acetate Potassium Acetate

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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THE SCOOP | MINNESOTA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

October/November Classes at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society lasses are sponsored by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, but are held at various locations, as noted. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is requested. To register, call 651-643-3601 or 800-676-6747, ext 211.

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Tree and Shrub Pruning You Can Do Now! Tuesday, October 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Location: MSHS classroom, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville.

Proper pruning is essential to maintain healthy trees and shrubs. Find out why you should prune your trees, the right time of year, which tools work best, and several basic steps to get the job done. This class will include a how-to demonstration. Dress for a short walk to look at specific situations. Get your questions answered about your specific problems at home. You will take home a useful handout for future reference. Instructor: Amy Caldwell has a degree in Urban Forestry from the U of MN. She is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist, an employee with the city of Roseville’s Muriel Sahlin Arboretum, and a consulting arborist with Caldwell Landscape Services.

Vegetable Storage for Winter Consumption and Soup Ideas Saturday, October 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. Minneapolis Farmers Market, 312 E. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis.

Instructor: Marty Bergland is a lifelong gardener and Master Gardener in Wright County. She is owner of Heirloom House-MN and co-owner of Grow-Harvest-Eat.

H2Oh in the Garden: Adventures in Backyard Water Gardening Tuesday, October 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmember. Location: MSHS classroom, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville.

Anyone can have a container water garden or pond in their yard. This class will cover one gardener's adventures with container water gardens and the installation of two small ponds with a waterfall, including step by step photos. Choice of site, containers, liners, pumps, and plants (including lilies and lotus) will be covered, as well as tips and lessons learned. Plan ahead for the coming season with this visual and sometimes humorous DIY talk. Instructor: Eric Johnson is a garden writer and photographer and frequent contributor to Northern Gardener Magazine. He gardens in a small space in south Minneapolis and blogs about it at www.gardendrama.com.

Vermiculture—Start Your Own Worm Compost Bin Tuesday, October 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Location: MSHS classroom, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville.

Find out how to turn food scraps from your kitchen into a resource for your indoor and outdoor plants. Those little red wiggler worms can turn your food scraps into a humus rich in nutrient and a worm tea that plants love. Learn how to build an inexpensive worm bin using storage bins, leaves and a drill.

It is a project you can start now, and one that you can do with your kids. They will love the worms! Instructor: Ginny Black works for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as the Organics Recycling Specialist for the State and assists the private, public and non-profit sectors in reusing and recycling food residuals and nonrecyclable paper. She gives frequent presentations on backyard composting and worm compost.

Create a Cast Bird Bath or Stepping Stone Tuesday, November 9, 6 to 7 p.m. and Friday, November 12, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (2 sessions). $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers.

Location: Garden Treasures workshop, 545 Cross Street, Anoka.

Great gift idea: Create a beautiful and functional cast bird bath or stepping stone out of cement with a large leaf imprint.

All materials included, but be sure to "dress for mess." You will paint and finish your birdbath on Friday November 12th. We have moved this class to Sally and Charlie's large workshop for the winter. You can also purchase a rustic stand for your birdbath. Cost for the stand is $25. Instructors: Sally Lehn and Charlie Johnson of "Garden Treasures." Together they have five years of experience teaching and creating all kinds of treasures for your garden. q

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | The Scoop

Comprehensive Safety Analysis - CSA 2010 Updated Motor Carrier Regulation Program

By Adam Tripp, TBG Loss Control Representative ave you heard of the new Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010? There is a new program regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that focuses on reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities that commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) are involved in. In particular it aims to be a tool to proactively address and correct commercial motor vehicle industry safety issues before they turn into an accident, injury, or fatality. This program will affect any landscape company operating vehicles falling under CMV regulations.

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In the spring of 2009 the CSA 2010 included Minnesota as a test state for the program. Its goal is to have the program operational by the summer of 2010 and should produce a safer system of roadways. The CSA 2010 will attempt to better use current resources by adapting to an ever changing

transportation environment, identify/fixing risk taking behaviors, using new technology to constantly update safety performance data, and be fair and unbiased towards all those affected by the program.

There are three major components of the new CSA 2010 program. First, the old SafeStat program is replaced by a systematic Safety Measurement System (SMS). The SMS identifies particular carriers/drivers in need of a safety intervention based off of information/data collected by the CSA 2010 program.

Data is collected in a number of ways including but not limited to; roadside inspections, safety-based violations, statereported crashes, and the Federal Motor Carrier census that quantifies a performance in the BASICs program (Behavior Analysis Safety Improvement Categories). The BASICs Continued on page 53

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | NURSERY GROWERS

The Art and Science of Grafting Lilacs

By Vickie Pondell-Hines, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. he art and science of grafting is the process of joining two individual plants and allowing them to grow as one. The roots of the plant are the stock or understock. The top is the scion or graftwood. The stock and scion must be closely related and compatible. The purpose of grafting is to asexually propagate plants efficiently, create unique varieties, and provide a plant the traits of the roots such as salt tolerance, cold hardiness, or size. The process must be done when the rootstock and graftwood are dormant.

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One of the most unique varieties to top graft is lilacs such as meyeri Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’. The majority of understocks are Japanese Tree Lilac Syringa reticulata. This gives the plant a unique “Shrub on a Stick” look. The ideal conditions for grafting are in early April when humidity is low and there are morning temperatures of at least fortyfive degrees. If it is any colder, the sap will not run.

the current year’s growth. It is chosen for straightness and caliper that matches the understock One week before grafting, the scion is placed in a cooler to thaw.

When it is taken to the field, it is placed in a plastic bag and a box with a moist rag to prevent desiccation.

The Grafting Process

six buds. When the graft is complete, there should not be any light between the scion and stock. The tier paints a wax sealer on top of the graft to keep it moist.

The union is securely wrapped with plastic to prevent dehydration. At the end of the day, white plastic bags are fastened over the grafts. This absorbs heat and raises the humidity to cause a mini greenhouse effect allowing the buds to break sooner.

The bags stay for 4-5 weeks until the buds start to swell and break, any longer and the buds may burn.

The secret to the success of grafting is experienced people.

After the graft has taken, thick Nurseries course branches must be need to continually removed from the tree. retain the All buds and branches one foot same below the graft also need to be workforce cleaned to prevent competition. In Inserting the Graftwood into the each year the early fall all the small branches understock and train a and stakes need to be removed for few additional crew members. Grafting harvest. must be done in teams of two, matched by ability. One person grafts and the other ties.

The tongue and whip method is used for top Preparation of the Understock grafting lilacs. The first step Before grafting begins, the understock is to sever the understock must be prepared. with pruners It is grown for two at 3 or 4’ to years and staked to match the grow straight. caliper of the Large, course graftwood.

The finished product of grafting-a Dwarf Korean Lilac branches are The on a Japanese Tree Lilac removed through understock out the season to should be at The science of grafting creates a new eliminate scarring least ½” caliper. Then it is variety with a one year top and a three and competition spliced at a forty-five year root. The top has the traits of the Making the cut on the understock for nutrients. The degree angle to match the shrub and the bottom is a sturdy tree small branches are scion. A one inch incision is that does not sucker. This beautiful, left on to encourage caliper. made in the center of the root stock. A distinctive tree is a work of art. q matching incision is also made on the Taking Graftwood ________________________________ scion. The graftwood is slit at a forty-five Vickie Pondell-Hines is a member of the During the fall, graftwood is degree angle and positioned inside the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be harvested dormant and frozen over the opening with the buds facing up. The reached at winter. The prime wood is selected from excess wood is reduced, leaving four to vickie.pondell@baileynursery.com.

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MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM | The Scoop

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum October Events all is a great time to visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, whether you're taking a gardening class, strolling the grounds, browsing a book sale or peering at pumpkins. Here's what's in store for autumn arboretum visitors.

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Pumpkin Palooza Sept 25-Oct 31.

A celebration of the amazingly diverse cucurbit (aka pumpkin & squash)! Pumpkin Palooza features a huge display of hundreds of varieties of pumpkins and squash inside the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center, and fanciful arrangements throughout the grounds. Don't miss Pumpkin Palooza weekend Oct. 3031 featuring daily special events such as pumpkin carving from 1 to 3 p.m., mini-pumpkin head crafts from noon to 4 p.m. and "Bill's Big Pumpkins" documentary (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.

Snyder Auditorium). Pumpkin growers John Thull and Jennie Bradley will be on hand to share growing tips from 1 to 3 p.m. both days. On Ar-BOOO-retum Sunday, Oct. 31, the Arboretum is offering free admission to anyone arriving in costume. Also on Sunday, enjoy a Spooktacular concert by Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the MacMillan Auditorium. Free with gate admission.

"Bulbs: Fall Planting for Spring Color" Class Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m Fall is the time to plant tulips, daffodils and interesting minor bulbs such as scilla, glory-of-the-snow and dwarf iris for spring blooms. Learn which bulbs are hardy for Minnesota gardens. Instructor is botanist Shirley Mah Kooyman.

Meets in Snyder Building. Fee: $30 member/ $40 nonmember. Register at www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1422.

Autumn Foliage Ambles Saturdays, Oct. 9 & 23, 10 a.m.

Watch the fall foliage as it shifts from early sumacs to late oaks and tamaracks. Witness life's pace slow as plants and animals prepare for winter. Join a leisurely walk with naturalist Matt Schuth through various Arboretum natural areas. $10 member; $12 non-member. Call 952443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu.

There's something for everyone at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

- Barb DeGroot, PR Specialist, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, degro035@umn.edu The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. Admission is $9 adults, free for ages 15 & younger and always free for members. q

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The Scoop | STATE FAIR

2010 MNLA State Fair Display Garden t was another successful year for the Minnesota State Fair with record breaking attendance on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. The MNLA Display Garden was at its best this year too! The rain and warm weather this summer made for perfect growing conditions and the garden was in full bloom!

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Hort Students Help: This spring, horticulture students from Dakota County Technical College and Hennepin Technical College did the spring clean up and soil preparation as part of a volunteer internship. The students had the opportunity for hands-on experience and to learn from seasoned professionals, and MNLA was thankful for their help in getting the garden ready for the season.

State Fair Orientation BBQ: We had a beautiful day for the second annual orientation BBQ. Even more MNLA fair volunteers than last year came to meet and mingle during lunch.

They had an opportunity to familiarize themselves with new plant materials and features of the garden, and to also gain some tips on the best way to make a positive impression with the public. “The Dirt" Demonstration State: Besides being the booth captains this year, Douglas Owens-Pike, Energyscapes Inc., and Jim Calkins put on twice-a-day talks at the new demonstration stage, "The Dirt", in the Ag-Hort Building. Topics like Basic Landscape Design Principles, No Mow Lawns, and What is a Rain Garden? were very popular with fairgoers.

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Tree-Wrapping for EAB Public Awareness: The State Fair is home to 700 ash trees. Last year, the Fair chose to treat every ash tree on the fairgrounds for emerald ash borer (EAB). Yellow ribbons were wrapped around trees near the entrances and the MNLA Display Garden to help fair-goers become more aware of the number of ash trees in their environment,

and to highlight the importance of consulting with a tree care professional before making a decision on their ash trees.

This year the campaign continued as Commercial Arborist Committee member, Dave Nordgaard, volunteered to again go around with brightly-colored ribbon and wrap the ash trees with our message. As Dave said during his TV interview, "Trees are very valuable to us. Assess how valuable your tree is to you and maybe it's worth getting it protected, rather than losing it to emerald ash borer."

Media Success This Year: MNLA was very successful in reaching the local media at the Fair this year.

On KARE-11’s 6:00 newscast on August 23rd, a visual of ash trees being wrapped with yellow ribbons at the State

Fairgrounds was the lead-in to the newscast. Kudos to Dave Nordgaard, an ISA certified arborist at Top Notch Equipment, along with his granddaughter Grace, for telling the story brilliantly! The same story ran again on their 10:00 newscast. KSTP channel 5 also ran the story.

Public Relations Committee member, Rachael Ackerman, Bailey Nurseries, was interviewed by Dale Konetschka, Fox 9 Morning News, giving details of the new plants and features of the MNLA Garden, and relaying our message to the public of "Hire an MNLA Expert."

MNLA was also invited by S&S Trees to appear on their afternoon radio show on WCCO for three Saturdays prior to and during the Fair. Rachael Ackerman and Jim Calkins joined MNLA Communications Director Jon Horsman to tell the story about MNLA and its State Fair Garden and to help consumers with their garden and landscape questions.

Our garden was also the cover model for the State Fair Blue Ribbon Book. It's clear we're not the only ones who think this garden is a beautiful showcase of a professional organization. q

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hanks to these members who’ve given time, talent and treasure to the State Fair Display Garden:

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Purple Ribbon Bachman’s, Inc. Bailey Nurseries Energyscapes, Inc. Gertens Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens Irrigation by Design Landscape Renovations Minnesota Valley Companies Rush Lake Gardens Wilson’s Nursery, Inc.

Blue Ribbon bobby jensen’s Landscape Junction, Inc. Brian’s Lawn & Landscape Central Landscape Supply Central Wood Products Cross Nurseries Dakota County Technical College Field Outdoor Spaces Grove Nursery, Inc. Hedberg Landscape Supply Hennepin County Technical College Hoffman & McNamara Holasek Greenhouse

illumiscapes Landscape Alternatives Lawn King e Lawn Ranger Malmborg’s Greenhouse Mark’s Gazebo Mickman Brothers Midwest Fence Minnesota State Fair Natureview Landscaping, Inc. Outback Nursery & Landscaping Outdoor Environments, Inc. Plants Beautiful Nursery e Pond Masters Resource Recovery Technology Rochester Concrete Products Rum River Tree Farm and Nursery Scherer & Sons Trucking SP Hanily Construction Sylva Corporation Terra Products Timberwall Landscape & Masonry Products Inc. Tonkadale Greenhouse Top Notch Treecare Wheeler Landscape Supply

Special Thanks e display garden could never have come together without the tireless efforts of Bill Mielke of Wilson's Nursery. Without his leadership, management, and attention to detail, this project could not have happened.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations. or our agency, and Auto-Owners Insurance, 99.9% just isn’t good enough...we want to provide our customers with 100% service!

Contact our agency about our “Super Outstanding Service” today—we’ll work hard to exceed your expectations!

We have coverage for growing stock!

Tom Stuewe, CIC 952/556-4864 t.stuewe@casualty-assurance.com

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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CLASSIFIED FOR SALE Dansplants.com your one stop source for great container grown nursery stock from Northland Farms, Alta, Kraemer's, Stockdale, Barr Evergreen and Van Meter Nurseries. dflotterud@aol.com, P:612-867-5728 or F:888-396-8733

651-633-4987 Executive Director Bob Fitch • bob@mnla.biz Membership Director & Trade Show Manager Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz Education & Industry Advancement Director Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Communications Director Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz Executive Assistant Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Accountant Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz Receptionist Jessica Pratt • jessica@mnla.biz Advertising & Sponsorship Sales Pierre Productions & Promotions 952-903-0505 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Manager, betsy@pierreproductions.com Erica Nelson, Advertising Sales, erica@pierreproductions.com Government Affairs Consultants Boland & Associates John Boland, Legislative Affairs McGrann, Shea, Carnival, Straughn & Lamb Doug Carnival, Regulatory Affairs

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GR EN E

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Over 2,000 industry professionals receive THE SCOOP each month. Put your message in their hands!

Display ad as low as $190.

Classifieds $3 per word ($30 min). Call Betsy today 952-903-0505 ext 1 or betsy@pierreproductions.com

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In addition to association activities, the MNLA staff provides management for:

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Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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.GardenMinnesota.com www.NorthernGreenExpo.org www.TheLandLovers.org

Order forms or links for many of the services listed below can be found at www.mnla.biz Companies endorsed by MNLA:

BBS – Better Business Solutions Telecom and Credit Card Consulting 651-330-9804 877-272-0741 (Toll Free) Business Legal Services (Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC) 651-331-6500 Business Succession (AgStar) 507-386-4620 Credit Card Processing (Approval Payment Solutions) 763-521-7851 Fuel Discount Card (Speedway/SA/Marathon) 651-454-7776 ext. 203 Fuel Savings (Holiday Stationstores) 952-830-8889 Horticultural Books (MN State Horticultural Society) 651-643-3601 Small Business Resource Group 651-783-5754 Workers Compensation Insurance (The Builders Group) 651-203-6793 Contact the MNLA office at mnla@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 or toll-free 888-886-6652 for information on the following products or services.

Catalogs/Outdoor Living publication series Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge Fleet Program Educational Programs/MNLA Academy Employee Recruiting/ Greenworks On-Line Job Board Employee Training Manuals (PLANET) Garden Center Plant Posters Garden Center Carryout Trays Irrigation References. (“industry references” at www.mnla.biz.)

Northern Green Expo Trade Show Booths MNLA Certified Professional manuals, exam Sales Tax Rules / Nursery-GreenhouseLandscape (“industry references” at www.mnla.biz.)

Spanish Pocket Reference Guide

Continued from page 45 program identifies and measures unsafe driving tendencies, evaluates hours-of-service related to fatigued driving, driver competency/fitness, use of controlled substances/alcohol, vehicle maintenance schedules, proper cargo securement/handling, and crash indicators.

A scaled rating will be given to each carrier that is the summation of the scores in each category. This safety fitness determination (SFD) will lead to a rating that is indicative of their safety performance and will place the carrier in one of the following categories; safe/continue to operate, safety deficiencies, marginal, or unfit. This will be based on a continual evaluation process and will determine appropriate levels of intervention.

PLANT OF THE MONTH | The Scoop

Plant of the Month

Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’

By Rick Reimer, Dundee Nursery & Landscaping Co. here is a bit of confusion about the correct name of the Ornamental Onion known as ‘Summer Beauty’. This perennial has been known as Allium tanguticum ‘Summer Beauty’, but I believe the consensus is that the correct name is Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’.

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In the second component of the CSA program, the information will then be used to evaluate which carriers need what type of safety intervention. If a carrier is deemed unfit to operate they will need to correct the deficiencies before resuming operations.

From the information collected during the evaluations, the third and final stage of intervention takes place if necessary.

There are three categories of intervention including early contact (warning letters, evaluation of BASICs scores, and roadside inspections), investigation (offsite and onsite investigations to varying degrees), and follow-on (cooperative safety plan, notice of violation, notice of claim, and out-ofservice orders). Depending on the severity of a carrier’s deficiencies, appropriate actions will take place on a systematic basis.

The foundation to being a safe carrier/company is to be proactive and educate yourself about how the new changes affect you. A good way to do this is to tap the resources available to you and have a detailed fleet safety program in place. Available resources for information include your insurance agency, MNLA or other associations, and your local MN DOT district office.

Resources for this article and further details about the CSA 2010 can be found at: • http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/ • http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/ DriverInfoforCarriers.pdf • http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/images/Model_FullSize.gif • http://www.dot.state.mn.us/information/talk.html. q ________________________________________________ The Builders Group (TBG) is a self-insured workers’ compensation insurance fund that has been protecting Minnesota’s construction industry for more than 10 years. For more information, go to: www.tbgmn.com.

There is, however, no confusion about the garden worthiness of ‘Summer Beauty’. This plant is one of the first perennials to emerge in spring. The leaves are a vibrant, bright green - just what is needed after a long winter! In mid to late July, lavender-pink two-inch flower clusters are held above the one-foot tall mound of foliage. When the bloom season is over, all that is required is a little dead heading and ‘Summer Beauty’ looks great until frost.

The flowers of Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’ make long lasting fresh or dried cut flowers. The blooms are sterile, so unwanted seedlings are not a problem. I know of no insects or disease that are problems. ‘Summer Beauty’, like most Ornamental Onions is highly resistant to deer and rabbits. All that is required to grow this trouble-free plant is full sun and well-drained soil.

‘Summer Beauty’ combines well with many other perennials.

Possible combinations include grasses, Russian Sage, Liatris and Monarda. q ________________________________________________ Rick Reimer is a member of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be reached at nursery@embarqmail.com.

OCTOBER 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | MNLA FOUNDATION

Attention Garden Centers!

By Jodi Larson, Green Industry Student Awareness Project Coordinator ver the years, do-it-yourself lawn and garden projects have increased in popularity.

Many of these people come to you, looking for supplies and advice. For some of those individuals this becomes a beloved hobby. What many people don’t know is how they can transform this passion into a career.

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That is what theLandLovers.org website is all about…reaching out to the community to increase awareness about green industry careers and show people how to take that next step.

As one of our attempts to reach out to this group of people, we’ve created new table tents. These table tents are ideal for check out counters, to draw attention as people wait in line to make a purchase. They are attractive, don’t’ take up much space and come with post-it take-aways for those interested in finding out more.

Now all we need is you! Will you display these on your check-out counter?

Contact me today to get your table tents: Jodi Larson at 651-633-4987 or jodi@mnla.biz.

Approval Payment Solutions For landscape contractors and lawn care companies, credit cards offer a way to get the money upfront and avoid invoicing hassles. Garden centers and nurseries can gain an additional customer base by offering credit cards as a method of payment. Approval Payment Solutions has partnered with MNLA to offer no monthly minimum charges and low set-up fees.

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www.MNLA.biz | OCTOBER 2010

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