The Scoop Online – April 2015

How Root Grafts Work

Also Inside

Influencing Prevailing Wage

Member Profile Out & About Ask the Expert

MAXIMIZE YOUR RETURN How Quality Employees Contribute to the Bottom Line

Vol: 38 No: 4 Apr 2015 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S O TA N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

THINK BASE THINK GATOR THINK

FOR PAVER JOINTS IN OVERLAY APPLICATIONS

EVOLUTION IN BASE TECHNOLOGY

NO MORE 5” OF EXTRA EXCAVATION EXPENSIVE DUMPING FEES LONG HOURS OF INSTALLATION TRANSPORTING TONS OF AGGREGATE

PAVER APPLICATIONS

PAVERS

GATOR BASE WAY

TRADITIONAL WAY

PAVER

PAVER

GATOR BASE

BEDDING SAND 1/2”

COMPACTED BEDDING SAND 1/2” GEO-FABRIC

CRUSHED STONE 5”

GATOR BASE

COMPACTED BEDDING SAND

COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL

GEO-FABRIC COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL

VISIT US AT ALLIANCEGATOR.COM FOR OUR COMPLETE LINE OF PRODUCTS AND HOW-TO VIDEOS

GEO-FABRIC COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL

To l l f r e e : 1 . 8 5 5 . 8 4 7 . 7 7 6 7

Volume 38 No. 4 Apr 2015

CONTENTS 15

52 26

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 From the Executive Director A Call to Action: Volunteers Needed!

12 Member Profile Glenn Switzer shares the history and focus of Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping.

30

15 Extended Warranties Dr. Calkins explores how performance-based contracts and extended warranties may lead to happier clients and better landscapes.     

20 Investing In Your People MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees member Mike McNamara writes about investing in your greatest asset — your people. 

22 Influencing Prevailing Wage Tim Power tells you how you can influence the prevailing wage rates in your county, and why it’s important for all MNLA members to participate.   

26 Greenhouse Trends: Year-Round Local Foods Learn how the explosion of interest in locally-sourced food and plants has led to change in the greenhouse industry. 

30 How Root Grafts Work Brandon Gallagher Watson explores what happens when trees play footsie.   

45 The Value of This Tree Faith Appelquist discusses tree appraisals.    

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

38 Staying Ahead of Evolutionary Pesticide Resistance Members need to arm themselves with IPM to be successful when managing pests on genetically modified plants.

49 3 Tips for Working with a Lawyer How to make your lawyer-client relationships as effective as possible.

52 Out & About A recap of the 2015 Day on the Hill.

60 MNLA Certified Professionals Join us in congratulating the most recent MNLA Certified Professionals.

62 Ask the Expert Send us your questions using this new member feature.

63 The Powerful Tension Between Relationship Virtues and Commercial Virtues The fine line between helping your clients and becoming a doormat.

The Scoop, April 2015, Issue 4, is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2015, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.

MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

april 15

MNLA .biz

5

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here!

1813 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986 Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreenExpo.org

MNLA MISSION: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery &

A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 68 Alliance Designer Products ................................................................................ 4 Anchor Block Company .................................................................................... 40 Ancom Communication & Technical Center .................................................... 11 Arborjet ............................................................................................................ 67 Astleford Equipment Co. .................................................................................. 23

Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

Borgert ............................................................................................................. 47

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 51

Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com

COWSMO, INC. ............................................................................................... 47

heidi heiland, mnla-cp, president herman roerick, vice-president

Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com

scott frampton, secretary-treasurer

Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com

debbie lonnee, mnla-cp, past president

Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 • debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com

randy berg, mnla-cp

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

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic

Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 56

Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 24 D. Hill Nursery Co. ............................................................................................ 56 Dayton Bag & Burlap ........................................................................................ 56 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 35 Everris ............................................................................................................... 18 Frontier Turf & Ag ............................................................................................. 40 Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 53 Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 47 Gertens Wholesale / JRK Seed .......................................................................... 2 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3

Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 24

mike mcnamara

Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 25

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

Bachman’s Inc. 612-861-7600 • jpilla@bachmans.com

nick sargent

Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com

cassie larson, cae

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ........................................................ 44 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 36–37 Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ..................................................................................... 17 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 39 Kubota Dealers ................................................................................................. 29 Midwest Groundcovers LLC ............................................................................. 14

MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz

Minnesota Propane Association ....................................................................... 48

STAFF DIRECTORY

Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 56

membership director & trade show manager:

RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 11

executive director:

Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz

communications director: Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz education/cert manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz government affairs director: Tim Power • tim@mnla.biz administrative asst: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz advertising sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420

Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com

legislative affairs consultant: Doug Carnival 6

AD LIST

Volume 38 No. 4 Apr 2015

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

MNLA .biz

april 15

Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 51

Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 35 Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 17 Specialty Turf & Ag ........................................................................................... 34 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ............................................................................ 18, 48, 64 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 39 Unilock .............................................................................................................. 59 Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 32 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

➾ C ALE N DAR

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

APR7

JUN18

SUMMER TURFGRASS Maintenance Workshop

2015 MNLA LAWN CARE FORUM U of M Turf Research Facility, St. Paul

Hiway Federal Credit Union, St. Paul

➾

➾

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

Stay current, connected, and informed about lawn care. Revolving stations with topics presented

by U of M professors will cover: turfgrass selection, weed identification and control, calibrating liquid/ granular equipment for fertilizer and pesticides, irrigation/tools, soil testing, and equipment.

This day is geared to residential lawn care and will appeal to both lawn and retail/garden center professionals.

This program focuses on implementation of Best Management Practices for Lawn/Turf care maintenance. It is designed for contractors maintaining private and/or public grounds, employees maintaining park, cemetery, city, and/ or school grounds, and property managers.

MNLA Event

JUL21 ➾

25TH ANNUAL WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT Oak Marsh Golf Course, Oakdale, MN MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Join us as we celebrate the 25th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament and raise money for research!

An awards reception will immediately follow the tournament with a chance to win great prizes.

8

MNLA .biz

april 15

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

MNLA Event

AUG4 ➾

GARDEN CENTER TOUR MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 We will tour several MNLA garden centers in the Twin Cities. Network with other professionals and take away great ideas to implement at your own garden center.

2015 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes

MNLA Event

➾

JUL30 LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR

➾

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

Cultivate15.org Cultivate is the largest horticultural industry event in North America, serving every industry segment from production and retail to installation and suppliers.

MNLA Event

SEPT23

GARDEN PARTY

Kelley & Kelley Nursery & Landscaping, Long Lake, MN MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Visit the private gardens of Arla & Steve, owners of Kelley & Kelley Nursery and Landscaping, for an afternoon tour or join us for an evening reception.

KEY:

MNLA Event

AUG6 Arla Carmichiel & Steve Kelley

CULTIVATE 15 Columbus, OH

This year’s tour will include some recent MNLA Landscape Award winning landscape designs and will focus on outdoor rooms and gathering spaces.

➾

JUL 11–14

MNLA SHOOTOUT

➾

South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Don’t miss this annual sporting clays charity event that raises money for scholarships!

This course runs at a beginner’s level — the focus is on fun. Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Event Education ➾ ➾

All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz.

Did you miss a webinar? ALL of our webinars are recorded and available for viewing afterwards. Login to MNLA.biz to learn more! april 15

MNLA .biz

9

➾ F R OM THE EXECUTIVE DI R EC TO R

A Call to Action: Get Involved!

We need you! Volunteers have played a vital role in the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association since its founding 90 years ago, and continue to be the lifeblood of this organization.

Give Your Time:

• Apply to serve on a committee. Although we have limited space on committees, we accept applications year-round and will contact you when space becomes available! Visit www.

MNLA.biz to find out more about the current MNLA standing committees and their roles.

Cassie Larson

MNLA Executive Director

(CONTACT: CASSIE LARSON — CASSIE@MNLA.BIZ)

• Sign up to participate in an industry networking group. With nearly 13 different groups, there is bound to be one that sparks your interest.

(CONTACT: SUE FLYNN — SUSAN@MNLA.BIZ)

an association would be nothing without its dedicated members, and MNLA has many shining examples of members who have contributed greatly to this industry.

Did you know that as an MNLA member, you have a variety of opportunities to be involved with the association? You can serve on a committee or task team dealing with current issues, advocate on behalf of industry issues, or support the MNLA Foundation with a donation, to name just a few. Plus, when you give your time to make MNLA and the green industry better, you’ll find personal connections, knowledge, and wisdom you won’t gain anywhere else. Personally and professionally, you will grow with MNLA. Have you ever wondered what you could do to be more involved? Below is a list of some volunteer and giving opportunities you might want to consider!

10

MNLA .biz

april 15

• Volunteer for a task team. These groups exist to complete a very specific and outlined task. They have a beginning, middle and end date. So if you›re pressed for time, but want to lend a hand to a specific cause, this might be the place for you.

(CONTACT: CASSIE LARSON — CASSIE@MNLA.BIZ)

• Act as a room captain/moderator for the Northern Green Expo. This entails introducing a speaker, controlling lights, and getting more chairs if needed.

(CONTACT: SUE FLYNN — SUSAN@MNLA.BIZ)

• Go talk to local students about why you chose a green industry career. The MNLA Foundation has a plethora of resources that can help you; from presentations to career fair display kits.

(CONTACT: CASSIE LARSON — CASSIE@MNLA.BIZ)

• Volunteer at the MNLA Community Center at Green Expo and be the face of MNLA. Recruit new MNLA members and/or share your association experience.

(CONTACT: MARY DUNN — MARY@MNLA.BIZ)

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Did you know that as an MNLA member, you have a variety of opportunities to be involved with the association?

You can serve on a committee or task team dealing with current issues, advocate on behalf of industry issues, or support the MNLA Foundation with a donation, to name just a few.

When you need to give your crew direction.

When project coordination helps you meet a deadline.

Two-Way Communications

SALES: 952-808-0033 RENTALS: 952-890-7570 SERVICE: 952-808-7699

sales @ ancom.org • Lobby your legislators on behalf of the green industry and/or participate in the MNLA Day on the Hill in March.

(CONTACT: TIM POWER — TIM@MNLA.BIZ)

WWW.ANCOM.ORG When you need reliable two-way communication.

MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2015 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Give Your Talents:

• Write an article or contribute photos to the MNLA monthly magazine — The Scoop! If you enjoy writing or photography don’t miss this opportunity.

(CONTACT: JON HORSMAN — JON@MNLA.BIZ)

• Do you enjoy educating others?

Volunteer to present a seminar, webinar, or other education to

members.

(CONTACT: SUE FLYNN — SUSAN@MNLA.BIZ)

Give Your Treasure:

• No time to participate, but want to ensure a strong future for the association? Consider a gift to the MNLA Foundation and/or become a scholarship sponsor.

(CONTACT: CASSIE LARSON — CASSIE@ MNLA.BIZ)

HAVE ANOTHER IDEA ABOUT HOW YOU’D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE THAT’S NOT LISTED HERE?

Contact any member of the MNLA staff or MNLA board of directors to discuss your involvement today. We need you!

april 15

MNLA .biz

11

➾ ME MBER PROFILE

MEMBER PROFILE SWITZER’ S N UR SERY AN D L AN DSC API N G

Molly Altorfer

Photos courtesy of Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping

C O M PAN Y SN APSH O T

Company Name: Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping Owner: Glenn Switzer Date Company started: 1926 Location: Northfield, Minnesota Key Employees: Glenn Switzer, Bryan Oliver,

Brandi Albert, Rick Stein Number of Employees in Peak Season: 6 Areas Served: Twin Cities Metro, south and central Minnesota Member Category: Hardscape Contractor, Irrigation Contractor, Landscape Contractor, Landscape Designer, Landscape Lighting Websites: www.switzersnursery.com; www.thegardensofcastlerock.com

Glenn Switzer grew up amidst the landscaping business. You could say that he was born to it.

Glenn’s grandfather, William Switzer, started the business now called Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping in 1926. would grip the nation, he started evergreen and fruit tree sales and was active in the Minnesota Nurseryman’s Association starting in the 1940s. Glenn’s father, Garry C. Switzer, was a landscape architect by trade and brought that expertise to the business. More than 89 years later, Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping is still known for its customer service, commitment to quality, and ingenuity in design — even as it introduces a distinct business mix and new services.

IN THE YEARS BEFORE THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Q: Glenn, thanks for taking the time to talk with The Scoop.

What’s new lately at Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping now that you are the sole owner?

A: “We’ve started in a new direction. We used to have a large retail nursery and did commercial bidding for landscaping projects. In 2006 we transitioned out of the retail nursery. And in 2008 we transitioned out of commercial bidding. Our focus now is on higher end luxury landscapes and thoughtful design. Our next direction is

12

MNLA.biz MNLA .bizapril august january 1514

13

Since the MNLA has always been a part of my life, I know that I can get an answer or get help — and it’s comforting to know that it is there.

Q: What is a recent project of which you are particularly proud?

A: “We just finished a nice commercial office in Northfield. We were able to make it personal and sustainable, with a rain garden, prairie, permeable pavers, and rehab a dilapidated area of Northfield.

We gave it a good pop. And it received a national award for design, which shows that a little extra attention to detail can take a common environment, give it more than the minimum, and it can make a positive impact on the community.”

Q: On the other side of the business, what makes The Gardens of Castle Rock distinct from other wedding venues? to weddings and events. We transitioned the retail center to The Gardens of Castle Rock, a weddings venue and event center.”

Q: Tell us about The Gardens of Castle Rock — both the transition and addition to your business.

A: “This is part of our business mix. It wasn’t imperative, but after transitioning out of retail, I had space and it needed to generate revenue. The space is too beautiful to use as storage space. It is a beautiful pairing for both companies and it allows wedding attendees to mingle with our work.”

Q: What types of amenities does The Gardens of Castle Rock offer would-be couples?

A: “We have booked more than 20 weddings for 2015, and we are already booking for 2016. The environment draws people looking for something different and gives them a space where they can interact with our landscaping. We have four to five different ceremony areas available. We help the couple organize their day and we have wedding coordinators we can recommend who have used The Gardens. We want their day to be perfect,

and it’s great having 200–300 people per weekend interacting with our landscaping.”

Q: What distinguishes Switzer’s Nursery and Landscaping on the landscaping side of the business?

A: “It is the level of the design and the design-to-build concept. I’ve dedicated my life to learning about design and spatial organization. We have a love of design and our crew has a commitment to detail.

The layers of design on each project are a testament to our knowledge and quality.”

Q: What is your idea of the ‘perfect project’?

A: “The perfect project is when I get to create life enhancing outdoor living — the hardscapes and the softscapes. And having a client who is passionate about their outdoor living. You don’t need a large area. Some of the best projects are small.

It’s not about the square footage — it’s about design that transcends.

A: “We offer the whole day and an experience that puts you in touch with your family and with nature. We have the ability to create an experience, and that separates us from competitors like Como Park or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. What we have and the setting is pretty unique.

We have had visitors from as far away as New York visit to see what we offer.”

Q: How has the MNLA helped Switzer Nursery and Landscaping during its years of operation?

A: “Since the MNLA has always been a part of my life, I know that I can get an answer or get help — and it’s comforting to know that it is there. I also think about what has helped me focus on where I want to be. The quality of the speakers at the MNLA Green Expo — like Marty Grunder, Chris Heiler, Tony Bass, Charles Vander Kooi – have helped impact me and our business. Exposure to that kind of industry talent has helped immensely.”

Q: What is your philosophy for design?

A: Our landscaping is not black and white. It is all about spending time with a client, figuring out who they are and then expressing that in an outdoor setting.”

INTERESTED IN BEING PROFILED IN THE SCOOP?

Our writer is always looking for a good story. Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll discuss the next steps.

april 15

MNLA .biz

13

NEW 2015: AJUGA REPTANS 'GOLDEN GLOW'

p.o. box 748 • st. charles, il 60174 847.742.1790 • fax 847.742.2655 www.midwestgroundcovers.com

EXTENDED WARRANTIES Performance-based contracts and extended warranties may promote increased industry accountability, better landscapes, and happier clients.

Dr. James Calkins | Research Information Director, Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association Foundation

april 15

MNLA .biz

15

➾ WA RR AN TIES

mature size without interfering with their neighbors or other landscape features or functions; the plants must now be pruned on a never-ending basis to keep them in bounds, ruining their natural form and appearance.

• A retaining wall or paver patio starts to show obvious signs of settling after five or six years; an insufficient and poorly implemented base is the cause and the cost of the repair will be significant.

• A shade tree begins to show signs of stress after twenty years, just as it begins to fulfil its landscape design functions, and will likely fail completely because it was planted too deeply.

Figure 1. Although contract and warranty timeframes may vary depending on the product or service covered, performance-based contracts and extended warranties have the potential to be valuable marketing tools and industry enhancers (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

J

ust as the housing industry is a driving force behind a healthy and prosperous landscape industry, the landscape design and build sectors of our industry, including do-it-yourself homeowners, are the life blood of the broader nursery and landscape industry.

After all, these are the folks that specify the plants and materials produced by nursery growers and nursery and landscape product vendors and create the designed landscapes that will require care and maintenance for many years to come. Much too often, however, we seem to forget the “many years to come” factor when assessing the success of the landscapes we design and install and the ultimate satisfaction of our clients. The same is true for homeowners, but we, as professionals, should know better and should, therefore, be measured against a much higher standard. Sure, most plants and landscape projects are typically guaranteed for a year or two, but defining the success of a fledgling landscape and our abilities as landscape professionals in such an arbitrary manner and based on such a short timeframe has little to do with the ultimate success of the landscapes we design, install, and maintain or our responsibility to our clients. Consider the following scenarios: • A plant is guaranteed for one year, but, for whatever reason, dies during the winter of its third year. Perhaps the loss resulted from the combination of the heavy clay soil and a wet year or the fact that the plant was only reliably cold hardy to U.S.D.A. Cold Hardiness Zone 5, but was specified for use in a Zone 4 landscape.

• A specimen plant in the entry garden of a residential landscape is still alive after three years, but isn’t performing well and looks terrible. Growth has been minimal, no flowers have been produced since the first year, and the leaves are stunted, chlorotic, and necrotic around the edges because the species requires an acid pH, but was planted in an alkaline soil.

• A landscape becomes a high maintenance nightmare because plants weren’t given enough room to grow and reach their 16

MNLA .biz

april 15

• A mature shade tree is topped in violation of standard pruning practice and becomes a hazard in response to the resulting development of branches with weak attachments and internal decay.

In each case, costs have or will be incurred and the integrity of the landscape design and the client’s expectations have been compromised, but who is to blame and whose reputation will suffer?

In an increasingly competitive market, and an industry that is becoming increasingly complex and serves a clientele with high and growing expectations, perhaps it is time to view warranties and how we measure the success of our work differently. This notion, in the form of extended and enhanced relationships with customers based on a long-term commitment to the work done by a landscape firm supported by carefully-crafted, project-specific performance metrics that are included in extended contracts and warranties, is the subject of a recent article published in Landscape Architecture Magazine. The ideas expressed make it one of the most interesting and exciting articles I have come across in years and an article I would encourage every landscape designer, and all green industry professionals, to read and take to heart. The author, supported by the perspectives of a number of industry experts including several experienced American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) members, highlights a philosophy I believe in wholeheartedly and have always striven to teach students who are preparing themselves for a career in the nursery and landscape industry or, for that matter, any life endeavor.

In short, if we make every effort to do the best job possible in everything we do, we can take pride in the results and should be willing to stand behind the work with supreme confidence as if we had done it for ourselves. Consider the kennel I built for our beloved yellow lab, Emma, as a simple example. Though over-designed and over-built by most standards (we call it the brontosaurus pen), it has served its purpose well and remains in excellent condition long after her time with us. In an industry where recommendations based on customer satisfaction are the primary source of new clients, a standing commitment to quality and a long-term perspective on success has the potential to add significant value. And using this philosophy as a guiding principle should result in a desire to keep current with the latest and best technologies, superior landscape designs and installed landscapes that will achieve their expectations and withstand the test of time, happier clients, an enhanced business and personal reputation, and improved professional and personal satisfaction.

As outlined in the article, performance metrics and performancebased contracts are used successfully in other industries and the same principles can be applied within the nursery and landscape industry if we choose to do so. For example, if you think about it, plant metrics might be used to document the health and quality of the plants used in a landscape installation and as a diagnostic to measure plant and landscape performance in the years after planting. Some specific examples of plant metrics highlighted in the article that might be used to quantify plant health and performance include shoot and caliper growth, leaf color, chlorophyll content, and root growth.

These same measurements and others could also be used to measure the performance of plants during the establishment period and during the life of the landscape. Additional metrics that might be used to evaluate plant health and performance include nutrient content, flowering and fruiting characteristics, insect damage, and the incidence of winter injury. Of course plant performance isn’t the only factor that determines the success of a particular landscape.

Stormwater management ability, irrigation needs, landscape maintenance requirements, and landscape aesthetics are examples of other factors that might be managed or used to measure landscape success using metrics like soil compaction, organic matter content, fertility, pH, salinity, porosity, water holding capacity, invertebrate populations, pesticide use, seasonal interest, and water infiltration capacity. This isn’t a complete list and the metrics that might ultimately be used to measure the success of a given landscape are likely to vary somewhat from landscape to landscape and client to client. It is also important to note that while good metrics are available to quantify some of the factors we might use to measure the success of designed landscapes, suitable metrics for measuring others may not yet be available and their development will require additional thought, study, and analysis to fulfill these needs.

Hopefully this brief discussion of performance metrics and how they might be used from a landscape design, installation, and management perspective has perked your interest and will foster some thinking about how they might be applied in your business.

The ability and willingness to offer extended warranties has already been mentioned as an area where performance metrics might have an impact. The purpose of a warranty is to provide assurance of a firm’s commitment to quality and/or performance and thereby attract potential customers. To this end, it is important to think about the timeframes associated with warranties. In other words, for how long should green industry firms stand behind their products and services?

For example, should a planted tree be guaranteed for one year, two years, three years, five years, or longer? The industry standard is one year, but can we do better? And what about a paver walkway or a modular block or natural stone retaining wall? And don’t forget irrigation systems, landscape lighting, stormwater management facilities, and water features. And, of course, the list goes on. Obviously the time frames may vary depending on the product or work being warranted, and in some cases the warranty may belong to a partner firm, but understanding the risks and potential liabilities and offering the longest warranty possible should be the goal. And in the case of landscape plants it is important to ensure the client takes care of their new plants, especially during the establishment period, april 15

MNLA .biz

17

CHIP IT. GRIND IT.

RENT IT.

TREES, BRANCHES, LIMBS AND STUMPS ARE NO MATCH FOR A BRUSH BANDIT®!

Rent the brush chippers and stump grinders that tree care professionals want to own! Get your spring yard work done faster and more efficiently than ever before with a Brush Bandit® chipper or Bandit stump grinder!

Choose from different styles and sizes to suit your needs. Tri-State Bobcat – your authorized Bandit dealer for Minnesota and Wisconsin. Call today to reserve yours!

www.tristatebobcat.com WITH THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! NOW OPEN! NEW Burnsville Location 1200 East Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 894-0894

Prodiamine + Isoxaben

Little Canada Location 3101 Spruce St. Little Canada, MN 55117 (651) 407-3727

Hudson Location 745 Exchange Drive Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 531-0801

COMING SOON! NEW Hudson Location Hwy 12 and I94 Hudson, WI

DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR WEEDS

What an original idea. To have these two trusted actives found in Barricade® and Gallery®* appear together in one jug. Gemini™ is a convenient, liquid-pre-emergent herbicide specially formulated for nursery use and gives you: • A consistent and prolonged herbicide barrier • Control or suppression of more than 125 broadleaf and grassy weeds Control times two.

• A cost in use per acre that’s competitive with tank mixing

www.carlinsales.com *Barricade® is a trademark of a Syngenta Finance Corporation.

Gallery® is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC.

Always read and follow label directions before sale or use of this product. © 2015 An ICL Fertilizers Company, Worldwide Rights Reserved.

➾ WA RR AN TIES

in order to retain warranty coverage if they are responsible for the maintenance of their landscape. On the other hand, extended warranties tied to maintenance contracts can be a profitable marketing tool and an important source of additional income if landscape maintenance is included in the mix of products and services a firm offers to its clients. Unfortunately, warranties are too often viewed as a liability rather than an opportunity to assure current and future clients of your commitment to quality and performance.

Consider the following warranty statement.

Acme Nursery & Landscape proudly stands behind everything it sells including plant materials, nursery and landscape products, and landscape design, installation, and maintenance work. We know your expectations are high and excellence and customer satisfaction are the cornerstones of our company and the foundation of our success. We sell only the highest quality landscape plants and products that are respectively true to type and documented to be effective.

All perennial plants (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials) that are known to be cold hardy in the area where they are planted are guaranteed for at least five (5) years so long as they are cared for properly. The reality is that plants will sometimes die and those that do will be replaced as soon as possible. Annuals are by nature a special case, but are guaranteed to be true to type, of the highest quality, and healthy.

All hardscapes (patios, walks, decks, retaining walls, etc.) and other landscape amenities designed and installed by Acme Nursery & Landscape are guaranteed for a minimum of ten (10) years from the date of sale or installation, provided proper care, maintenance, and protection have been provided and that hardscapes have not been exposed to stresses beyond their intended design specifications.

Exceptions to this guarantee include vandalism, fire, damage caused by deer, rabbits, and voles, poor plant selections made by the client and improper care (e.g., bad planting technique, over or under watering, improper fertilizer or chemical applications, etc.), disease or insect infestations unless the plants are included in a maintenance contract, splitting or changes in color resulting from the natural weathering of wood products, and acts of God including storm damage (e.g., hail, heavy snow and ice accumulation, wind damage, and lightning). Should these types of damage occur, we are available to provide advice and assistance.

Acme Nursery & Landscape also offers a lifetime guarantee for landscape plants maintained under a landscape maintenance contract.

Special exceptions or protections may apply as agreed upon

by Acme Nursery & Landscape and its customers.

We are the experts and your satisfaction is important to us so be sure to give us a call should you have concerns about the care and maintenance of your landscape.

Five years for plants and 10 years for hardscapes? Much longer than the industry standard, but why not if the materials used were

of the highest quality, carefully selected based on the conditions of the site and installed properly, and the needs and expectations of the client were well-understood and satisfied?

Extended warranties are, in fact, becoming increasingly common and are a way to enhance the perception of your firm and the products and services offered. At the same time, extended warranties are sometimes viewed as risky. In reality, however, it is significantly more likely that landscape plants will die during the first year than in subsequent years. Thus the risk should actually decrease over time.

Does your firm purchase and sell only healthy, high quality plants that are on the upswing and primed to become established quickly?

Do your design staff carefully select only cold hardy, pest resistant plants that are adapted to the conditions of a given site based on a comprehensive and thoughtful site survey and analysis? Are your firm’s landscape design solutions thoughtfully based on a working understanding of the needs of each client and focused on being functional, maintainable, environmentally sound, cost effective, and visually pleasing to ensure they are sustainable? Does your firm design and install hardscapes using only the highest quality materials and the best and most up to date specifications to ensure longevity?

Does your firm build strong relationships with its customers to ensure they recognize and trust your expertise and understand their responsibilities related to maintenance and plant care? If the answer to each of these questions is a confident and resounding yes, why wouldn’t you be willing to offer extended warranties on your work?

It is, of course, important to develop contract language that clearly outlines the responsibilities of the landscape firm and the client and the metrics that will be used to measure success, but this shouldn’t be viewed as an obstacle; rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to build stronger client relationships that last a lifetime. Offering extended warranties has the potential to differentiate your firm from your competitors by showing your firm believes in itself, does high-quality work, and is committed to the satisfaction of its customers. What a great feeling and what a great marketing tool.

Ideally, a nursery grower’s responsibility shouldn’t end the day the plants are shipped, a landscape designer’s responsibility doesn’t end once the design is installed, and the installer’s obligation isn’t satisfied when the job is completed. These responsibilities often overlap and usually encompass a much longer timeframe that is ultimately determined by the success of the landscape measured against the design criteria used to develop the design. Performancebased contracts, clearly-defined performance metrics, and extended warranties have the potential to effectively promote increased industry accountability, better landscapes, increased profitability, and happier clients — outcomes worth considering.

Citation: Singer, M. 2012. Are We Done Yet? Measuring for a Project’s Success is Keeping Clients and Designers Engaged Well after Installation.

Landscape Architecture 102(2):56-62. (Available by subscription only) is the Research Information Director for the MNLA Foundation and can be reached at Research@MNLA.biz.

JIM CALKINS

april 15

MNLA .biz

19

MAXIMIZING YOUR RETURN WHEN

INVESTING IN YOUR PEOPLE As many of us know all too well the most common conversation among green industry managers and leaders the past 12 months has been the shortage of individuals willing and able to work in our great industry.

This problem does not appear to be a quick fad or something that is going away anytime soon.

Mike McNamara | Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping

20

MNLA .biz

april 15

A

nother thing many of us know all too well is that this issue is multi-faceted with some simple and some not-so-simple contributing factors. I am writing today about the topic of compensation in the green industry and how it may be able to play a positive (or negative) role in the recruitment and retention of workers.

I am of the opinion that quality employees that contribute to the bottom line of our companies should earn a wage that they can be proud of. Yes, it’s true that many of us work in this industry for reasons other than money, but getting to spend time in the sun does not put a down payment on a home. Nor does getting to work with plants or customers put our children through college.

While I do believe that individuals should receive a good hourly rate or salary, I also believe as our industry evolves and matures we are going to need to offer more. Benefits such as paid holidays, company funded health insurance, and company contributions to employee health savings accounts (HSA) are just some of the examples of benefits that may need to become more of a norm for not just middle and upper management but entry-level positions as well.

Our company has a profit sharing plan in place that helps our employees save for retirement. This is a plan that contributes to the retirement accounts of workers on all levels of our company and it does not require the employee to contribute any of their own money. There are lots of variations of such plans and they are not reserved solely for middle- and large-sized firms. Our profit sharing plan started when our company had fewer than eight employees.

If we are going to become serious about our worker shortage, or “crisis” as I have heard some refer to it, we will need to offer compensation packages to entry-level individuals that are not only competitive with our industry competitors and colleges but that are also competitive (or better) than those of competing industries and their competing career paths.

This is not about spending more money with no return. This is also not about excessively compensating folks in a last ditch effort to find someone to actually do some work. Individuals need to produce a return that is greater than the total cost to employ them.

I have observed that well-compensated employees understand this, and they strive to make the company and the owner-entrepreneur a return on the risk they take in owning and operating their company.

Another great way to insure maximum return on the benefits we offer is to participate in our state’s prevailing wage survey.

Oftentimes, publicly-funded projects have set “prevailing wage” minimums that companies must pay on-site workers. These are in addition to, and typically well above, minimum wage.

If your company performs any of this type of work you may wonder where these prevailing rates come from or who establishes them. The Minnesota prevailing wages are established by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MN DOLI).

Employers can have a voice in this process by completing a prevailing wage survey. You do not need to have worked on a public, or even a commercial project, to complete the survey. These surveys are made available each April and are typically required to

be completed by the first week of June (not the best timing, but worth the effort). You need not receive a paper survey in the mail to be eligible to complete the survey. You can follow the link below and complete the survey on-line during that time frame at https:// secure.doli.state.mn.us/pwratesurvey.

Take the time to have a voice in the wages our government requires us to pay. Note that this is not an opportunity to record what you wish wages were. This is an opportunity for us to display our wages with honesty and pride. There is a place to record the value of qualified benefits in addition to an employee’s base wage. So if you offer paid holiday, wholly or partly fund employee or family health insurance, offer PTO, have a retirement plan or similar that the company is investing company funds in on the employee’s behalf, record these and/or any other “fringe benefits”. Be proud of the whole package you offer your employees and have a say in setting the wages you may be required to pay.

MIKE MCNAMARA

can be reached at mike@hoffmanmcnamara.com.

april 15

MNLA .biz

21

➾ GOV E RN MEN T AFFA I R S

Prevailing Wage: You Can Influence the Rates in Your County MNLA contractors may have noticed the very high wage rates often required for their employees working on Minnesota state-financed construction projects. This is a frustrating situation for contractors’ employees working on non-state projects, when they are paid significantly less than those working on state projects.

Tim Power

MNLA Government Affairs Director

yet contractors may not know that they have the opportunity to influence those “prevailing wage” rates required for state jobs by filling out a wage survey available from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).

One of the reasons that few contractors participate in DOLI’s wage surveys is that the surveys are often conducted right at the start of contractors’ busiest season in the spring. However, a small investment of your time in early April might yield the significant benefit of morereasonable wage rates for state work in your county in the future.

Another reason contractors might not want to fill out a prevailing wage survey for DOLI is that they are loathe to share payroll information with a state agency that might have regulatory authority over them. Unfortunately, in this case you have to play the game in order to even the playing field for yourself and for other contractors employing the same categories of workers. Otherwise, wage rates will continue to be determined by input from those few who ARE willing to fill out the surveys, and who often pay significantly more than the rates that seem common in our industry.

If you decide to participate, you should first understand Minnesota’s prevailing wage system: • Find basic information about Minnesota’s labor standards involving prevailing wage here: http:// www.dli.mn.gov/LS/PrevWage.asp and http:// www.dli.mn.gov/LS/Pdf/pvwage.pdf.

• Learn about per-project reporting of wages using this example from last year: http://www.dli. mn.gov/LS/Pdf/2014_complete_pw_survey.pdf.

22

MNLA .biz

april 15

• Find existing prevailing wage rates in your own county or region, noting that there are different rates for commercial, highway & heavy and residential, available at the bottom of this linked page: http://workplace.doli.state.mn.us/prevwage/highway.php.

• State work requiring payment of prevailing wage rates also requires that contractors keep certain records and provide payroll records in a particular format: http://www.dli.mn.gov/ LS/PrevWageCA.asp.

Here is an excerpt from DOLI’s Prevailing Wage Frequently Asked Questions page: State law requires each wage rate be based on the actual wage rates paid to the largest number of workers within each labor classification reported in the statewide survey.

An administrative law judge agreed that the calculation to be used is the mode or most frequently occurring wage rate. For example, if the survey data shows that two bricklayers in a county earned $19.40 an hour, another earned $17.25 and one earned $22.67, the prevailing hourly wage rate would be $19.40.

If there is an equal number of workers with differing hourly wage rates, the rules state the highest rate paid becomes the prevailing wage rate. For example, if one worker receives $14.90 an hour, another is paid $16.75 and another gets $15.35, the prevailing wage is $16.75 an hour.

To obtain the necessary database, the Department of Labor and Industry mails surveys to all segments

➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

GOPHER STATE ONE CALL This time and every time.

Protect What Matters

Contractors do not need to have previously done statefinanced construction work to request a survey, but they must either use a mailed survey request already received from MN DOLI or request such a survey mailer from MN DOLI.

of the construction industry. The department recognizes 209 job classes common to the construction industry.

These classifications are divided into six categories: laborers, special equipment, truck drivers, heavy-typeequipment operators, commercial-typeequipment operators and skilled crafts.

www.gopherstateonecall.org

In 2010, more than 20,000 requests for wage rates were mailed to public and private employers throughout the state.

14010591_4.75x4.75.indd 1

2/25/14 8:16 AM

Your One Tractor Solution

30o

58% Grade

One Tractor, Over 30 Commercial Grade Attachments:

Schedule a Ventrac Demo with:

Cushman Motor Company, Inc. 2909 E Franklin Ave • Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-3487 • 1-800-759-5343 www.cushmanmotorco.com 24

MNLA .biz

april 15

Contractors do not need to have previously done state-financed construction work to request a survey, but they must either use a mailed survey request already received from MN DOLI or request such a survey mailer from MN DOLI. Find information on how to request a survey here: http://www.dli. mn.gov/LS/PrevWageSurvey.asp. Last year, the surveys could be returned from April 7th until June 5th. DOLI actually prefers that the surveys be submitted online, but you will need KEY and PIN numbers from the survey request mailed to you by DOLI in order to access the survey.

MNLA’s Government Affairs Committee would love to see greater MNLA member participation in Minnesota wage surveys.

This is the only way you have of influencing the prevailing wages required for statefinanced construction work in your county.

Plan now to participate when your DOLI survey request mailer arrives or request one yourself if you are not receiving them already.

IF YOU HAVE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ISSUES

you’d like to discuss, contact Tim Power at tim@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.

april 15

MNLA .biz

25

➾ G RE E N HOUSE PROD UC TI O N

NEW DIRECTIONS IN GREENHOUSE

YEAR-ROUND LOC

26

MNLA .biz

april 15

PRODUCTION —

Written by: John Erwin Submitted by: John Erwin, Carl Rosen, Joann Slavin, Greg Schweser, Julie Grossman, Mary Rogers, Justin Carlson, and Liz Perkus Departments of Horticultural Science, Soil, Water and Climate, Food Science and Nutrition, and the Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota

AL FOODS!

The greenhouse industry is experiencing incredible change. Many of the changes are because of a renewed interest for locally-produced year-round food, flowers, and plants. That interest is reflected by the incredible increase in farmers markets statewide (now 18 in Minneapolis alone!), and explosion of restaurants and grocery stores that offer locally-sourced food, flowers, and plants.

april 15

MNLA .biz

27

➾ G RE E N HOUSE PROD UC TI O N

L

ast year Carl Rosen (Soil, Water and Climate), JoAnne Slavin (Food Science and Nutrition), Greg Schweser (Minnesota Extension Service), and I (Horticultural Science) wrote a grant to the MnDRIVE Program. MnDRIVE is a landmark partnership between the university and the state of Minnesota that aligns areas of university strength with the state’s key and emerging industries to advance new discoveries that address grand challenges. Our grant was funded! It is entitled “Re-inventing Year Round Food Production in Minnesota”. After the grant was funded, new Horticultural Science faculty members Julie Grossman and Mary Rogers joined the group.

What are we working on?

1. Grocers and restaurant owners across Minnesota identified five “opportunity crops” that they would like to buy in higher volumes that are currently not readily available locally. The crops identified are kale, mini cucumbers, strawberries, spinach, and mesclun mix (arugula, mizuna and mustard greens).

2. Greenhouses throughout Minnesota are trialing those crops in organic and conventional media and amendments. We are monitoring the environments with indoor weather stations, identifying yield over time, and testing harvested material for nutrient content (including Vitamin C, and in some cases, fiber). Greenhouses who are involved include Engwalls Greenhouse (Duluth), Bergen’s Greenhouse (Detroit Lakes), Pork and Plants (Altura), Wise Acres (Plato), Garden Goddess (Milan), Paradox Farm(Ashby), and Lida Farm (Pelican Rapids).

28

MNLA .biz

april 15

3. We are also growing these crops at the U of M to determine how day and night temperature and light affect growth, yield, and nutritional value of these crops. Part of that work is identifying the return on investments for increasing light, and/or carbon dioxide in a greenhouse.

4. Determining how yield, and nutritional value differ between crops that are grown in low input “Deep Winter Greenhouses” compared to conventional greenhouses.

5. Identifying if the nutritional content varies between imported and locally grown kale, cucumbers, strawberries, greens, and spinach.

This is an exciting new project that has the real potential to increase local greenhouse-produced crops year round in traditional and/or non-traditional greenhouses throughout the state! Aside from the greenhouse industry, we are helping those who sell these crops at the retail level (grocers, restaurants, and farmers market suppliers) market their product by providing them with information they can use to increase sales. Lastly, we are helping Minnesota residents by providing more locally-sourced healthy food options with, potentially, higher nutritional value with additional health benefits that may be more sustainably produced.

JOHN ERWIN can

be reached at erwin001@umn.edu

We are resourceful.

We are Kubota.

Standard L3901 Compact Tractor

M9960 Deluxe Utility Tractor

• 37.5 HP Quality Kubota Diesel Engine • Synchro-Shuttle or HST Transmission • Front Loader Quick Mount Attach/Detach Plus a Variety of Performance-Matched Implements Available

• 100 HP Kubota Diesel Engine • 2WD or 4WD and 3 Transmission Options for Made-to-Order Tractor Performance • Spacious Design with Optional High-Visibility Cab

RTV-X900 Utility Vehicle

Z724X Commercial Zero-Turn Mower

• 21.6 HP Kubota Diesel Engine • Exclusive Variable Hydro Transmission • Front and Rear Independent Suspension

• Powerful, Proven Kawasaki Gasoline Engine • 6"-Deep, Heavy-Duty Welded 48" to 54" Mower Decks • Ergonomically Designed for Optimal Comfort with Superior Handling and Drivability

See one of these authorized Kubota dealers near you!

ALEXANDRIA Alex Power Equipment 111 50th Avenue West (320) 763-4994 GLENCOE Arnold’s of Glencoe 655 Lindbergh Trail (320) 864-5531 www.arnoldsinc.com

HASTINGS Niebur Tractor & Equipment 14380 East 240th Street (651) 437-3531 (888) 559-9492

NORTH MANKATO Arnold’s of Mankato 1715 Howard Drive (507) 387-5515 www.arnoldsinc.com

ST. CLOUD Arnold’s of St. Cloud 2995 Quail Road NE (320) 251-2585 www.arnoldsinc.com

KIMBALL Arnold’s of Kimball 701 State Highway 55 East (320) 398-3800 www.arnoldsinc.com

SHAKOPEE Lano Equipment, Inc. 3021 133rd Street West (952) 445-6310

ST. MARTIN Arnold’s of St. Martin 374 Industrial Boulevard (320) 548-3285 www.arnoldsinc.com

www.kubota.com

Kubota Tractor Corporation Markets a Full Line of Tractors and Construction Equipment Through a Nationwide Network of Over 1,000 Authorized Dealers. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2015

TREES PLAYING FOOTSIE —

HOW ROOT GRAFTS WORK Have you ever come across one of the fabled “ghost trees”while walking in the woods? Don’t feel bad if you haven’t, as there are fewer than 250 of these trees known worldwide.

Brandon Gallagher Watson | Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements

30

MNLA .biz

april 15

Graft severing is also bigger in Texas.

G

host trees are trees that completely lack chlorophyll, thus instead of being green their foliage is stark white. This condition is often compared to albinism which causes pale skin and pink eyes in animals. Albino animals are unable to produce the skin pigment melanin and appear whiter than the normal type for the species.

While achlorophyllous plants also appear white, they have a much more serious condition than albinos do. These trees have a genetic mutation preventing the formation of chlorophyll, the molecule that produces their food. So, if these trees cannot photosynthesize, how is it possible they are alive? There are legends from native cultures regarding these trees as forest spirits, but researchers have a less mystical idea. The answer comes not from these trees, but from their neighbors. Turns out, these trees and the trees nearby have root systems that are connected, allowing the sugars produced by a “normal” tree to be shared with their white-leaved companion. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a forest to raise an albino tree.

Shared root systems occur when the roots of two or more individual trees grow into each other. As the roots increase in girth they crush each other’s cortex tissue, eventually becoming grafted together. These root grafts are capable of sharing pretty much anything that can be transferred through a tree’s vascular system.

Photosynthates, water, even inorganic nutrients obtained through a mycorrhizal relationship can all be moved from one tree to the next though root grafts. How common is this phenomenon in the wild?

Much like mycorrhizae, the more we look for them, them more we find them. About 300 species of trees have been shown to form root grafts thus far. The total number is likely much higher but the difficulty of excavating intact root systems is a definite roadblock to wider discovery. Nonetheless, the trees with this ability are thought to have some competitive advantages over purely solo trees.

Many of these roots may have been grafted.

For many years, researchers thought the evolutionary purpose of root grafts were just in the sharing of resources like sugars, water, and nutrients. This makes sense where a gradient of resources exists, such as along a slope. Trees near the moister bottom of the hill can essentially pass water up to trees on the drier top of the hill. The same works for nutrients where trees in richer soils can assist nearby trees growing in poorer soils. Increasingly there is evidence there may be additional benefits as well. Canopy space is limited in any forest setting so there are also advantages to a taller, more vigorous tree sharing carbohydrates to a shorter, less vigorous tree in the understory. Trees found growing in watery sites, such as the black tupelo, were found to have significantly greater ability to form root grafts than trees of the same species growing in upland sites. It is believed this evolved as a mechanism for helping anchor the trees in the muddy ground. Not only would conjoined root systems increase stability in waterlogged soils, but there is evidence they help protect against wind throws as well. A study of hurricane-affected trees in 1993 showed that trees with grafted root systems were better able to resist root plate lifting damage than standalone trees, showing there are mechanical as well as metabolic benefits to grafted roots. All of these interactions are showing that tree populations are more communal than originally thought.

How likely two trees are to form grafted roots depends on a few factors. First, they need to be close enough together for their roots to touch. Next, they need to be of a certain size as it takes time for two touching roots to grow with enough pressure that they fuse and begin sharing resources. The vast majority of root grafts that have been observed are between trees of the same species, (like a red oak to another red oak) but there have been rare instances where two species (like a Douglas fir and a black spruce) have been found with

Left: Trees in close proximity can have shared roots — for better or worse.

april 15

MNLA .biz

31

VERSA-LOK

®

Contractor Sales Yards

New from Willow Creek:

Mocha Slatestone Pavers and CapStone Coping Units

NEW FOR 2015!

Polysweep X-treme Wide Joint Sand For joints up to 4 inches wide Now available in gray Exclusively at VERSA-LOK Contractor Sales Yards

Your locally owned headquarters for landscaping supplies and materials!

• VERSA-LOK retaining walls • Willow Creek pavers and kits • Unilock pavers • SEK Surebond Cleaners & Sealers • Natural stone, flagstone, steppers, wall stone and more • Accessories, including lights, sealers, polymeric sand, edging and geogrid • Easy-in-and-out yards with knowledgeable staff and convenient hours

BROOKLYN PARK (763) 488-1310

OAKDALE (651) 773-7444

BURNSVILLE (952) 894-4401

KIMBALL (320) 398-5415

FARIBAULT (507) 331-3198

VERSA-LOK-MIDWEST.COM

ONALASKA, WI (800) 770-4525

âžž ROOT GRAFTS

Oak wilt moving through root grafts right to left.

Oak wilt center — aerial shot.

Trench line in Texas soils.

Separating grafts in urban areas can be challenging.

There are, of course, situations where sharing with the neighbors can have some negative side effects. Just as water and nutrients can pass from one tree to the next, so could pathogens.

Albino redwood.

adjoining roots. Whether these trees are actually transmitting fluids to one another is unclear and the unlikelihood of even finding them makes studying them difficult to say the least. Studies have shown grafts are more likely to occur in natural stands over plantation settings and soil type can have an influence on the likelihood of graft formation. Trees planted close together in urban settings are known to graft as well, as is commonly found with boulevard American elm trees.

Root graft extreme closeup.

There are, of course, situations where sharing with the neighbors can have some negative side effects. Just as water and nutrients can pass from one tree to the next, so could pathogens. Fungi that affect the vascular system are known to pass from an infected tree to a healthy tree through these underground hallways. In some cases, such as oak wilt, transmission through root grafts is responsible for up to 90% of the new infections. That means a beetle brought the fungus to one tree, and nine of its neighbors were infected through these connected roots. Dutch elm disease is also caused by a fungus, but the infection ratio is almost exactly opposite with nine out of ten trees contracting the fungus through overland spread by bark beetles and one out of ten dying through root graft spread. These stats are likely related to the sites these two species are normally found in, rather than the nature of the pathogen themselves. Oak wilt can be an urban tree issue in some parts of the country, but the vast majority of oaks killed by this are in forest stand or savanna settings. One tree contracts the fungus from a beetle and it quickly spreads to its neighbors. Dutch elm disease, on the other hand, is more common in urban areas and, thanks to prompt sanitation, infected elms are often removed before the fungus can grow into adjacent elm trees. april 15

MNLA .biz

33

Studying the formation, functions, and implications of shared root systems in urban trees could open up a new understanding of how these living communities interact with each other. New sensing techniques could certainly improve how we study underground interactions and perhaps lead to new ways to care for trees.

Proper management of both oak wilt and Dutch elm disease often requires physically breaking the root grafts between an infected tree and a healthy tree. Like many things in arboriculture, this is often easier said than done. In the loamy soils of the Great Plains, root grafts can be severed using a vibratory plow. Trenches are usually cut four to six feet deep between the trees. In urban areas, this can be challenging with the site factors such as buried utilities, sprinkler systems, driveways, and sidewalks. In the hard limestone soils of central Texas, the blade of a vibratory plow just won’t do. Where root graft severing needs to take place, the power of a rock saw is often employed. This is a difficult and noisy operation but necessary to prevent the spread of the oak wilt fungus to healthy stands of trees.

Studying the formation, functions, and implications of shared root systems in urban trees could open up a new understanding of how these living communities interact with each other. New sensing techniques could certainly improve how we study underground interactions and perhaps lead to new ways to care for trees. At the very least, shared root systems serve as a reminder that there are many aspects of arboriculture we are just beginning to discover. And, who knows, it might lead to an albino tree planting craze‌

Brandon Gallagher, ISA Certified Arborist, Creative Director for Rainbow Treecare can be reached at bgallagher@treecarescience.com

april 15

MNLA .biz

35

2012 CHEVY EXPRESS CARGO VAN

A WORK-READY INCENTIVE THAT WORKS HARD FOR YOU.

2012 CHEV Y SILVERADO

for CHASSIS CABS

$

1,000 UPFIT CASH

1

plus RETAIL OFFER

for CUTAWAYS

$

1,000 UPFIT CASH

1

plus RETAIL OFFER

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

$

500 UPFIT CASH

1

plus RETAIL OFFER

Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles for their day-to-day operations. It’s available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable upfit equipment.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify.

1

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

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. ©2012 General Motors

Job # GMC1-12-03178

302

Version # 4

Job Description Chevy Retail Planning Flyer Bleed 8.75” x 11.25” Trim 8.5” x 11” Live 8.25” x 10.75”

Document Name Art Director Control

Mech Scale 100 Print Scale None Stock None

Copy Writer TBD Proj Mgr csenn Acct Svc kdenmark

GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd

Last Modified

Linked Graphics 12KTFLCHEV032.tif 11CHSL00054.jpg HD CC with Dump_psd.psd BusinessCentral_KO.ai GM_business_choice.ai

Colors In-Use RGB RGB RGB

840 ppi 270 ppi 1089 ppi

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

User ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri

4-17-2012 3:37 PM

Printer

Output Date

TITAN

4-20-2012 1:48 PM

RTVd By: None

âžž RE S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D

Staying Ahead of Evolutionary Pesticide Resistance Whether the challenge is weeds, insects, diseases, or other pests, pest management is often a primary production challenge in horticultural and other agricultural production systems and managed landscapes.

Dr. James Calkins

Research Information Director MNLA Foundation

RESEARCH FOR THE REAL WORLD

Information compiled by the MNLA Foundation to help the success of your business today MNLA.biz _________ The Scoop _________ MNLA eNews

38

MNLA .biz

not surprisingly, it is important that growers and landscape managers have a working understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) practices if they are to be successful in managing pests without damaging crop or landscape plants and the environment.

This knowledge includes up-to-date information about pesticides and their proper use and, increasingly, the role of genetically modified plants that have been variously transformed to be resistant to agricultural and landscape pests, the likelihood that pests will, with repeated exposure over time, evolve to become resistant to current pesticide technologies, and how the development of such resistance can be avoided or, at least, delayed to preserve the effectiveness of existing chemical and biological methods for controlling pests.

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) occurs naturally in soils and a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments and some strains produce toxins that have insecticidal activity and have been used as biological control agents to control a variety of insect (Kingdom: Animalia / Phylum: Arthropoda / Class: Insecta) pests including butterflies and moths (Order: Lepidoptera), flies, mosquitoes, and fungus gnats (Order: Diptera), leaf beetles (Order: Coleoptera), sawflies (Order: Hymenoptera), nematodes (Phylum: Nematoda / Several Classes and Orders), and others. The toxins produced by Bt are proteins with a crystalline structure (cry toxins) that function as stomach poisons and must be ingested to have insecticidal activity. Many different strains of Bt and other Bacillus spp. are known that produce a variety of toxins with different insect specificities and a number of Bt-based bioinsecticides have been approved for use in agricultural, silvicultural (forestry), and landscape situations.

april 15

Bacillus thuringiensis has been variously used as an insecticide for nearly 100 years and, depending on the formulation, living Bt, living or dead Bt spores, or the Bt toxins themselves may be applied to plants. Bacillus thuringiensis genes have also been used to create genetically modified plants that subsequently produce Bt toxins that provide protection from a variety of important insect pests that are susceptible to Bt toxins.

Although new strains and formulations are regularly developed and approved for use, Bt-based insecticides and transgenic plants that produce Bt toxins have been used successfully for many years, are only effective on a narrow spectrum of insects, and are generally considered safe for mammals (including humans), birds, fish, and most other non-target organisms. As a result Bt-based pesticides are considered suitable for use in organic production systems. Bt-based insecticides are also biodegradable and only persist in the environment for a relatively short period of time compared to many synthetic insecticides. That Bt sprays persist and are only effective for a few days as a consequence of the effects of UV light, weather, and other environmental and plant factors is also considered a disadvantage and, combined with evidence of increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and other benefits, is one of the factors that has promoted the development and proliferation of transgenic Bt plants. Although a variety of benefits have been ascribed to genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), including transgenic plants, not everyone agrees and controversy is often the norm where genetically modified plants and other organisms are concerned.

As with any pesticide, the development of resistance by the target pest is a concern and Bt-based insecticides and transgenic Bt crops are no exception. Though not

Bt related, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri), a weed that has developed resistance to glyphosate-based herbicides, is a premier example of an agricultural pest that has developed resistance to a pesticide that had previously provided very effective control. The glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth Following the development of transgenic cotton that had been genetically modified to be glyphosate resistant and the subsequent and resulted from the unwise reliance on glyphosate alone for weed control. As a result, Palmer amaranth has become an even more serious pest and is expanding its range; it hasn’t yet been documented in Minnesota, but it is headed in our direction. More information on Palmer amaranth can be found in a previous Research for the Real World article posted in October of last year (2014). Pesticide applicators need to be aware of the threat posed by this concern — the capacity for pests to evolve and develop resistance to pesticides as a result of exposure to the pesticide under field conditions, regardless if the exposure results from spray or granular applications of the pesticide or the production of pesticidal compounds by transgenic plants — and must choose and apply pesticides properly and manage transgenic plants carefully to help prevent the evolutionary development of pesticide resistance by the targeted pests.

Two research papers published in the current issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology (Volume 33, Number 2; February 2015) specifically highlight this concern as it relates to plants that have been genetically engineered to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins that have the capacity to kill insect pests. Initially transgenic Bt plants were typically engineered to produce a single toxic protein and in some cases the targeted insect pests have begun to develop resistance to these toxins. Resistance develops as a result of naturally-occurring mutations that lead to resistant individuals within the broader population (evolutionary resistance).

The first paper highlights the concern that genetically modified plants that produce a single Bt toxin are more likely to foster the development of resistance by targeted pests compared to plants that have the ability to produce multiple toxins capable of killing the same pest (referred to as pyramided transgenic Bt plants). The researchers evaluated 38 studies that reported the effects of 10 Bt toxins produced by transgenic plants and their effects on 15 insect pests and found that insect survival was often higher than the mortality levels needed to prevent the development of evolutionary resistance for both susceptible insects and insects that were resistant to one of the toxins included in the pyramid. Based on their analysis, the researchers suggested these problematic findings were likely the result of similarities in the amino acid sequences of the toxins and that pyramids that impart the ability to produce toxins that are unrelated will be most effective in delaying the development of pesticide resistance.

The second paper focuses on the refuge strategy for delaying insect resistance to transgenic plants that produce Bt toxins. The refuge strategy involves plantings of host plants that do not produce Bt toxins to provide safe-havens for insects that are then available to mate with any insects that have developed resistance to Bt toxins resulting in progeny that lack resistance and are susceptible to the Bt toxins as a method of delaying the development of significant april 15

MNLA .biz

39

Scoop MNLA-April 2015_Fire Kits_OL.indd 1

3/17/15 10:49 AM

Compact

Reliable worksite ability and strength.

Excavators

• Final Tier 4-emission certified engine • Efficient, cool-running engines • Enhanced hydraulics systems

That's our territory.

Compact Track Loaders

• Best-in-class visibility • Larger, quieter operator stations • Hydraulically driven variable-speed cooling system

Skid Steers

• Final Tier 4-emission certified engine • Enhanced lift height to hinge pin • Improved reach at truck beds

0% FOR 48 MONTHS*

E X P LO R E YO U R F RO N T I E R

frontieragturf.com Cannon Falls, MN (507) 263-4238

Rosemount, MN (651) 423-2274

Hastings, MN (651) 437-7747

New Richmond, WI (715) 246-6565

Osceola, WI (715) 294-2191

Turtle Lake, WI (715) 986-4403

*Offer ends 6/30/2015. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Offer includes new John Deere Skid Steers, Compact Track Loaders, and Compact Excavators.

Some restrictions apply. 0% APR for 42 months is available on new John Deere Compact Loaders. Other offers available. See dealer for complete details and other financing options.

➾ RE S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v33/n2/abs/nbt.3100.html (abstract only) For additional information about the insecticidal properties of Bt, the development of Bt resistant pests, and pesticide resistance in general, see the following selected references: Tabashnik, B.E., J.B.J. Van Rensburg, and Y. Carrière2009. FieldEvolved Insect Resistance to Bt Crops: Definition, Theory, and Data.

Journal of Economic Entomology 102(6):2011-2025. http://www. bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/029.102.0601 (abstract only) Carpenter, J.E. 2010. Peer-Reviewed Surveys Indicate Positive Impact of Commercialized GM Crops. Nature Biotechnology 28(4):319–321. http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v28/n4/full/nbt0410-319.html (subscription required) Tabashnik, B.E., T. Brévault, and Y. Carrière. 2013. Insect Resistance to Bt Crops: Lessons from the First Billion Acres. Nature Biotechnology 31(6):510–521. http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v31/n6/full/ nbt.2597.html (abstract only) Figure 1. Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) on Rosa rugosa (rugosa rose); an increasing number of plants are being genetically modified to impart resistance to a variety of plant pests; one method involves the transformation of plants using genes from Bacillus thuringiensis or other species of Bacillus (as is the case for Japanese beetle) that are responsible for the production of toxins that are effective in controlling the pest (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

Tabashnik, B.E. 2014. Defining Terms for Proactive Management of Resistance to Bt Crops and Pesticides. Journal of Economic Entomology 107(2):496-507. http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603%2FEC13458 (abstract only)

populations of insects that are resistant to the Bt toxins. The authors of the study found that natural refuges of suitable host plants other than the species of interest (cotton) did delay the development of resistance, but were not as effective as refuges of non-Bt cotton.

They also suggested that plants that produced two or more toxins, combined with other control tactics, could slow the development of resistance even further.

Once again, it is important that growers and landscape managers understand and apply integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in order to successfully manage pests and prevent or delay the development of resistance to pesticides or toxins produced by genetically modified plants. Additional techniques that can help achieve this goal are not new and include keeping up with the latest developments in pest management research, avoiding the introduction of pests that aren’t already present in a given location, proper identification of the pest and choosing the right pesticides and other pest management techniques, using pesticides properly (proper timing and rates, etc.) and only when necessary and justified, growing and using naturally resistant plants or plants that have been bred for resistance to pests, crop rotation, avoiding repeated use of the same pesticide (rotating pesticides with different modes of action), and using combinations of pesticides with different modes of action.

These aren’t just good ideas; they are the responsibility of reputable growers and landscape managers.

Sanahuja, G., R. Banakar, R. Twyman, t. Capell, and P. Christou. 2011.

Bacillus thuringiensis: A Century of Research, Development, and Commercial Applications. Plant Biotechnology Journal 9(3):283-300. http:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2011.00595.x/full

Gilbert, N. 2013. Case Studies: A Hard Look at GM Crops. Nature 497:24-26. http://www.nature.com/news/case-studies-a-hard-look-atgm-crops-1.12907

Pardo-López, L., M. Siberón, and A. Bravo. 2013. Bacillus thuringiensis Insecticidal Three-Domain Cry Toxins: Mode of Action, Insect Resistance, and Consequences for Crop Protection. FEMS Microbiology Reviews 37(1):3-22. http://femsre.oxfordjournals.org/content/37/1/3 Mendelsohn, M., J. Kough, Z. Vaituzs, and K. Matthews. 2003. Are Bt Crops Safe? Nature Biotechnology 21(9):1003-1009. http://www.nature. com/nbt/journal/v21/n9/full/nbt0903-1003.html (subscription required) Comas, C., B. Lumbierres, X. Pons, and R. Albajes. 2014. No Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Maize on Nontarget Organisms in the Field in Southern Europe: A Meta-Analysis of 26 Arthropod Taxa. Transgenic Research 23(1):135–143. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2 Fs11248-013-9737-0 (abstract only) Burkness, E.C., P. K. O’Rourke, and W. D. Hutchison. 2011. Cross-Pollination of Nontransgenic Corn Ears with Transgenic Bt Corn: Efficacy Against Lepidopteran Pests and Implications for Resistance Management. Journal of Economic Entomology 104(5):1476-1479. http://www. bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/EC11081?journalCode=ecen Jabr, F. 2013. Farming a Toxin to Protect Crops, Pollinators and People (plus comments). Scientific American; September 3, 2013. http://www. scientificamerican.com/article/farming-a-toxin/

Citations: Carriere, Y, N. Crickmore, and B.E. Tabashnik. 2015. Optimizing Pyramided Transgenic Bt Crops for Sustainable Pest Management. Nature Biotechnology 33(2):161-168. http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v33/ n2/abs/nbt.3099.html (abstract only) Jin, L., H. Zhang, Y. Lu, Y. Yang, K. Wu, B.E. Tabashnik, and Y. Wu. 2015.

Large-Scale Test of the Natural Refuge Strategy for Delaying Insect Resistance to Transgenic Bt Crops. Nature Biotechnology 33(2):169-174.

TO COMMENT ON THIS RESEARCH UPDATE, suggest research topics of interest, or pass along a piece of research-based information that might be of interest to your industry colleagues, please email us at research@MNLA.biz.

april 15

MNLA .biz

41

➾ G YP S Y MOTH

GYPSY MOTH UPDATES MINN ESO TA DEPT. O F AG R I C ULT U RE Natasha Northrop

MDA Gypsy Moth Trapping Coordinator

MDA’s Gypsy Moth Program The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is one of North America’s most destructive tree pests. This invasive insect will feed on 300+ species of trees and shrubs. In eastern states with significant infestations, gypsy moth caterpillars have defoliated entire forests and caused millions of dollars of damage to urban landscapes. Minnesota participates in a multi-state effort to prevent and delay this harmful pest from becoming established here.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been the lead agency undertaking the annual gypsy moth detection trapping survey since 1973. Slowing the spread of gypsy moth has been highly successful due to the 100+ treatments that have occurred in the state since the first in St. Paul in 1980.

Male Gypsy Moth

High-risk regulatory sites annually receive two or more gypsy moth detection traps, which are set in addition to traps set on the standard trapping grid that blankets the entire eastern side of Minnesota. Wholesale nursery dealers and nursery growers that report stock sources from gypsy moth quarantined areas or have a history of pest problems are considered high-risk for bringing gypsy moth into the state.

Mills, campgrounds, and other sites associated with the movement or sale of logs, firewood or outdoor items from infested areas for tourism/recreation are also deemed high-risk.

Delta Trap

The western part of the state is only trapped on a rotating basis since the generally infested area is to the east and it is less likely to find moths to the west.

Gypsy moth trapping at your nursery can be thought of as a safety net and as being proactive. Eradication depends on early detection — trapping allows us to find infestations early on so that if something does make it through to your nursery it can be taken care of right away. This also prevents the further spread of gypsy moth through dispersal of infested nursery stock. The more traps at a regulatory site, the easier it is to pinpoint specific areas of the site to be quarantined if moths are trapped and infested stock is discovered.

2014 Trapping Results MDA set 14,701 traps in 2014 yielding only 523 gypsy moths. County Ag Inspectors in 13 counties helped set ~325 additional traps (all negative) outside of MDA’s

42

MNLA .biz

april 15

trapping grid. The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection & Quarantine (USDA, APHIS, PPQ) coordinated with their cooperators to place 68 traps on several federal and tribal lands and areas of high risk, mostly outside of MDA’s trapping boundaries. All APHIS traps were negative.

The majority of the moths trapped were in the “Slow the Spread” (STS) areas of the northeast and southeast corners of the state where gypsy moth is becoming more prevalent. The extremely harsh 2013–2014 winter took its toll on the moths. Yet, some moths persisted, likely the ones that had their egg masses insulated under snow cover.

MDA staff set 375 traps at 68 nursery sites in 2014, yielding 5 positive traps and a total of 6 moths recovered from 3 different nurseries. Only 1 nursery with positive traps was located west of the STS area. No nursery inspections due to positive gypsy moth catches were necessary this season.

Be advised that even though this year’s trap catches were low, Minnesota’s Lake and Cook Counties were quarantined for gypsy moth in 2014 based on criteria from historical data. Gypsy Moth is now considered to be established in those counties. The nursery industry should continue to be responsible for following all requirements when receiving nursery stock from any quarantined county, or shipping from Lake and Cook Counties to non-quarantined areas, so as to not be a vector for this hitchhiking invasive pest to spread.

2015 MDA Gypsy Moth Program Plans MDA’s proposed 2014 treatment blocks, trapping area and grid densities are shown on the map below. The only

treatment planned is an eradication block in Anoka County, where high trap catches let MDA to find egg masses in a residential area.

The annual survey will continue to focus on the eastern half of the state, including the STS areas in the northeast and southeast. It is projected that ~14,000 traps will be set in 2015. High-risk sites, including select nurseries, will once again receive traps to help play a key role in slowing the spread of gypsy moth into Minnesota.

Regulatory Tips for the Nursery Industry Know the locations of gypsy moth quarantined areas. State and Federal gypsy moth quarantines for Minnesota’s Lake and Cook Counties were implemented in 2014.

List all out-state stock sources on your MDA nursery certificate application form.

Verify that all stock received from a quarantined area arrives with proper certification.

Isolate stock received from a quarantined area from other stock on your premises.

Train your staff to recognize all gypsy moth life stages.

Inspect all stock you receive to verify that it is free of gypsy moth.

Consider conducting precautionary treatments of high-risk stock from April to June.

Contact MDA immediately if you find any suspect gypsy moth life stages.

Compliance agreements are available to businesses that regularly import nursery stock into Minnesota from quarantined areas. These agreements stipulate handling practices that minimize the risk of introducing gypsy moth and other invasive species.

To find out more information about gypsy moth, visit MDA’s website: www.mda.state.mn.us/gypsymoth.

“Arrest the Pest” (report suspected gypsy moth finds): gypsy.moth@ state.mn.us or 1-888-545-6684 NATASHA NORTHROP, MDA Gypsy Moth Trapping Coordinator, can be reached at Natasha.northrop@state.mn.us

april 15

MNLA .biz

43

Come Ho m e To

HEDBERG Come Home...

A Company You Have Come To Trust Mention this Ad to a Hedberg team member for 10% OFF of your first order this year! *This does not apply to special quoted projects. Discount CODE 402. Expires May 31, 2015.

Visit hedbergsupply.com for specials and monthly promotions.

PLYMOUTH

STILLWATER

FARMINGTON

1205 Nathan Lane North Plymouth, MN 55441

8400 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082

4375 170th Street West Farmington, MN

763.545.4400

651.748.3158

651.423.5048 TM

THE VALUE OF THIS TREE A highway project is expanded, cutting a path through five civil war era bur oaks; a drunken teenager’s car runs off the road, careening into a tree in a homeowner’s back yard; a tree company cuts down a 50-foot maple at the wrong address. What do these stories have in common? They are all cases where a tree appraisal was needed to determine the damages.

Faith Appelquist | Treequality, Inc

Five oaks tagged for removal because of a major road reconstruction project. An appraisal was done that fairly compensated the homeowners for their loss.

➾ T R E E VALUE

A poorly placed landscape tree in the boulevard and under the power lines has a low value.

A stump was all that remained after a tree company removed this tree from the wrong address. An appraisal was done with Google images and homeowner pictures.

Trees that are mature, properly placed, and well-maintained can increase the value of developed property by 6%–15%.

A solitary, mature tree in the front yard provides numerous benefits and has a high value.

Trees have value apart from the environmental benefits they provide. In most cases, they are too big to be ‘replaced’ by a new tree from the nursery. A tree that has a trunk diameter of four feet and stands 60 feet tall cannot be replaced by a single 4-inch tree from the nursery. They are not the same tree. So, what is the value of that mature tree?

Often when I work with homeowners they have an inflated value of their tree. Think of it as a keepsake diamond ring handed down from your grandmother. You bring it to Antiques Roadshow. The appraiser doesn’t take into account the emotional attachment and values the ring at $500 in diamonds and silver, whereas you feel the ring is worth at least $1,500.

Arborists who assess the value of trees work under a set of appraisal guidelines that are recognized by insurance companies, the courts, and, in some cases, the IRS. The method typically used is a depreciated cost method. This means the appraiser starts with the cost to replace the tree with an ‘ideal’ tree from the nursery, then depreciates or marks down anything that affects its value. Drive a new car off the lot and it immediately depreciates in value. It will never again be worth as much as it was on the show room floor.

The appraiser looks at the species of the tree. Is it a bur oak (high value) or a willow (low value)? Then the appraiser considers the tree

size. Size is not the height of the tree but the width of the trunk.

Is it small enough to be replaceable? Is it too large to reasonably replace? Next comes the condition of the tree. Was it a healthy, structurally sound tree or did it have decay? Finally, there needs to be an assessment of the location of the tree and what it does for the property. Does the tree have a prominent place in the landscape or is it planted under the power lines?

For example, a solitary 36-inch diameter sugar maple which shades a backyard patio is theoretically worth more than a 36-inch diameter red mulberry that recently had a large limb split away and is located in a wooded area.

An appraisal can be done after your trees have suffered damage or have even been cut down, but it’s wise to do it while trees are healthy.

Take pictures of your landscape to make before-and-after comparisons easier and to expedite the processing of insurance claims.

To hire a qualified plant appraiser, check online for the American Society of Consulting Arborists or the American Society of Consulting Foresters, which has a listing of professionals on its website.

46

MNLA .biz

april 15

is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, and ISA Municipal Specialist MN, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist®. Faith can be reached at faith@treequality.com.

FAITH APPELQUIST

COWSMO

Celebrating 25 Years of:

Premium Quality

Countless Innovations THE FINEST QUALITY ORGANIC COMPOST

Satisfied Customers

Our products come in bags for your retail store or in bulk for larger projects: • Organic Manure-based Compost

Add to soil for more nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms.

• Organic Potting Mixes

Three unique compost-based formulations for starting seedlings, transplanting, and filling raised beds/planters.

Bags: 0.6, 1.1, and 1.6 cu. ft. for retail customers Totes: 1.25 cu. yds. for clean bulk containment Bulk: by the cubic yard for landscaping/gardening Order Direct: 608-626-2571 jrosenow@mwt.net or www.cowsmocompost.com

M A N U FAC T U R E R OF P R E M I U M C ONC R E T E PAV I NG S TON E S , SL A B S & WA L L S

Create your own personal touch with the wide

Visit our showroom at: IMS, Suite 12C

variety of high quality Borgert pavers, slabs and walls. Your patio creates the perfect mood

For a dealer near you or for a free Borgert catalog call 800.622.4952

to relax, entertain and just enjoy life itself.

W W W. B O R G E R T P R O D U C T S . C O M

Go Propane and SAVE!!

Up to a $1500 Incentive

• On the purchase of a new propane powered commercial mower. $750 incentive available for conversion of existing gasoline powered mower.

Up to a $2000 Incentive

• On the purchase of a new propane or dual-fueled pickup or conversion of a 2005 or newer model.

Call the MPA for details.

Talk to your dealer about going propane today!!

For more information call the Minnesota Propane Association at 763-633-4271

3 TIPS FOR

WORKING WITH A LAWYER All small-business owners would be well-advised to consult at least somewhat regularly with an attorney. And indeed, sometimes hiring an attorney becomes not just advisable, but absolutely necessary (if, for example, your company gets sued). Either way, it is extremely likely that at some point you, as a business owner, will hire an attorney.

Charles A. Delbridge | Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

➾ W OR KIN G WITH A LAWY ER

T

We can predict, with almost one-hundred percent certainty, that the advice Client 1 gets from her lawyer will be better, faster, and even cheaper, than the advice that Client 2 gets from his lawyer. Lawyers are paid for their time, but their value actually derives from their legal advice and analysis. The more organized that you are in providing information to your lawyer, the more the lawyer will be spending his or her time (and therefore, your money) on giving that legal analysis, rather than on searching through poorly-organized information.

his article will provide some considerations that you should keep in mind when working with your attorney, in order to make that lawyer-client relationship as effective as possible.

#1

Be organized with your information.

Imagine a hypothetical scenario in which two business owners have the exact same problem: a dispute with a customer over a landscaping job. The first business owner (we’ll call her “Client 1”) sets up a meeting with her attorney to discuss the dispute. In advance of the meeting, Client 1 gives the lawyer a brief overview of the facts of the dispute, and some questions and concerns that Client 1 has about the dispute. Client 1 arrives at the meeting with a neatly organized file of documents. She’s brought copies of all of the documents that the lawyer will want to review: written contracts; e-mails and other written correspondence between Client 1 and her customer; notes on any phone calls between Client 1 and the customer regarding the dispute; and any other documents that may bear on the dispute. Client 1 and her lawyer discuss the dispute in detail during the meeting, the lawyer then reviews the documents after the meeting, and finally the lawyer advises Client 1 on how to proceed.

The second business owner (“Client 2”) handles things differently. He sets up a meeting with his lawyer, but doesn’t describe the purpose of the meeting beforehand.

When Client 2 shows up for the meeting with his lawyer, he’s brought some documents, but they are unorganized and perhaps not complete. Client 2 and the lawyer discuss the matter. In the week after the meeting, Client 2 calls the lawyer a number of times, with “just one more thing I forgot to mention” about the dispute. Finally, the lawyer is able to provide his analysis of the situation to Client 2.

50

MNLA .biz

april 15

#2

Have your lawyer prevent problems for you, rather than fix problems for you.

Benjamin Franklin said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Perhaps nowhere is this more true than in the legal context. Legal fees can add up, and there is, of course, a very understandable (and necessary) desire among business owners to keep costs down as much as possible. But when that desire causes you to forgo consulting with an attorney and instead handle a legal issue yourself, the desire to cut costs can be very counterproductive and can result in much greater cost down the line. Take, for example, a business that is planning to terminate a problem employee. The business may consult with an attorney beforehand, and spend money to get that attorney’s advice. Or the business could just proceed with the termination without seeking advice, and perhaps face a wrongful termination lawsuit that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to defend, even though the claims against the company may be groundless. As this example demonstrates, it is typically much more difficult and expensive to fix a legal problem than it is to prevent that same problem.

It should go without saying that you should be honest with your lawyer. However, it is important not just to give your lawyer accurate information; you should also give your lawyer all of the information you have regarding your matter.

#3

Give your lawyer the whole story.

It should go without saying that you should be honest with your lawyer. However, it is important not just to give your lawyer accurate information; you should also give your lawyer all of the information you have regarding your matter. A large part of a lawyer’s job is to filter information; to take in large quantities of information, use that information which is pertinent, and to discard that information which is irrelevant. You may not always know what information is pertinent and which is not, but your lawyer likely will. Therefore, if you have any doubt at all as to whether to tell your lawyer a particular detail of your case, you should tell your lawyer that detail! Err on the side of over-informing your lawyer, rather than holding back information.

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

TM

Conclusion

Hiring lawyers is a necessary and advisable part of conducting a business. But like everything, it can be done well, or it can be done poorly. By following these three tips, you can increase the likelihood that your lawyer will be able to advise you efficiently, cost-effectively, and well.

This article provides general information, and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you would like more information regarding your legal matters, please contact Charles Delbridge at Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-216-7240 or cdelbridge@zmattorneys.com

CHARLES DELBRIDGE is an attorney with Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on civil litigation, employment law, and real estate. He can be reached at 651-216-7240 or cdelbridge@zmattorneys.com.

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

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs april 15

MNLA .biz

51

➾ OUT & ABOUT

&

ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015, teams of MNLA members visited legislators at the annual MNLA Day on the Hill. The groups, consisting of both veterans and first-timers, enjoyed speaking with their representatives on topics ranging from indemnification to plant hardiness and pollinators.

No one goes home hungry from Day on the Hill.

ONLINE READERS: To see what the Day on the Hill is all about, click on the video graphic!

Morning orientation gives you the resources you’ll need for the day.

Rep. Anna Wills stops between meetings to speak with (L-R) Chad Bischoff, Barrett Lawn Care; Joe Bailey, Bailey Nurseries; Diana Grundeen, Trio Landscaping; Gail Nozal, S & S Tree & Horticultural Specialists; and Cindy Grady, S&S Tree & Horticultural Specialists.

L-R: Jack MacKenzie, MGCSA; Michael Orange, ORANGE Environmental; Rep. Linda Slocum; Bob Balgie, Barrett Lawn Care; Van Cooley, Malmborg’s.

52

MNLA .biz

april 15

L-R: Jim Calkins, Sustainable Horticultural Solutions; Sen. David Osmek; Heidi Heiland, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens; Charles Delbridge, Zlimen & McGuiness; Tim Vaughan, City of St. Louis Park; Chris Reifsteck, Barrett Lawn Care.

L-R: Derek Tweten, Barrett Lawn Care, Inc.; Matt Kuha, Irrigation

by Design; Rep. Jerry Newton; David Lange, Lange Nursery and Landscape; Jeff Hafner, Rainbow Treecare.

D W EL IV E ER !

THINK AHEAD

AND SAVE MNLA Fleet Program can save you over

$14,000

CE LAST CHAN TO ORDER 2015’S!

100,000 Miles Powertrain Warranty. RAM Truck Motor Trend Truck of the Year, 2 Years in a row!

#1

Commercial Dealer in Minnesota

FURY MOTORS South St. Paul, Minnesota

Call Dick Reineck for Estimates:

651.251.8214

or email: rreineck@furymotors.com

âžž E ME RALD ASH BORER

Status of Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota EAB Status at the End of 2014

Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture Plant Protection Division

54

MNLA .biz

Emerald ash borer (EAB) was discovered in two new counties (Olmsted and Dakota) in Minnesota during 2014, bringing the total number of known EAB-infested counties to six. The initial Olmsted County find south of Rochester was made in August after a report to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of declining ash trees. Shortly after that, another confirmation was made five miles to the north and just outside Rochester city limits. The initial Dakota County find was made by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) during winter survey of areas bordering quarantined counties. The MDA surveyor noticed ash trees with woodpecking near one of the randomly selected survey points and was able to uncover EAB galleries and larvae in one of the trees.

In addition, there were also a number of new detections in counties already known to be infested. Most of these were located in the southeastern counties of Houston and Winona. In rural areas of eastern Winona County and throughout Houston County, EAB has reached tree-killing levels and rapid decline and death of ash trees not treated with insecticides can be expected. In the Twin Cities, the spread and increase of EAB has been much slower and EAB populations are generally not at tree- killing levels. This difference is likely due to the implementation of management strategies including systemic insecticides and targeted sanitation — these tactics are more amenable to urban areas than rural areas.

To the north, EAB has not been detected in Duluth, despite its occurrence in Superior, Wisconsin. The MDA and others have worked to monitor Duluth for the presence of EAB using purple traps, visual survey and branch sampling with negative results to date.

Sampling efforts will continue to try and detect any active infestations that might have the potential to grow and spread to new areas.

Despite the new detections of EAB in 2014, there is still reason for optimism as Minnesota has done much april 15

better than the U.S. average in terms of limited EAB spread over time. As of the end of 2014, we are going on six years since EAB was first confirmed in Minnesota.

When the progression of EAB in all infested states is compared, the average percent of counties infested after six years is 31%. Minnesota compares favorably with only six of eighty-seven counties (7%) infested. Up-todate results on where EAB is known to occur can always be found at the MDA website.

If the MDA has confirmed EAB in an area, the data should display on our map within 24 hours: http://gis. mda.state.mn.us/eab/ Impact of Winter on EAB

While there are likely a number of factors at play in the slower expansion of EAB in Minnesota, one factor that may be important is winter. The impacts of winter temperatures on overwintering success of EAB larvae

A critical component in preventing the spread of emerald ash borer out of quarantined areas is education. has been studied in Minnesota for several years, and the polar vortex of 2013/2014 provided an opportunity to check experimental results against observations under natural conditions. Field observations were close to experimental predictions with larval mortality as high as 60–70% at some sites.

The topic of cold weather impacts on EAB got a lot of attention in the media and, in response, a publication was drafted to place the potential impact of winter into context and offer some advice on how to incorporate it into a management plan: Publication: “Cold snap is no snow day for emerald ash borer management” www.nrs.fs.fed. us/disturbance/invasive_species/ eab/control_management/cold_ hardiness/bp-EAB-and-extremecold.pdf

Volume Discounts on Garden Center Trays Contact Mary at 651-633-4987 or visit www.MNLA.biz.

GC Trays third square.indd 1

3/26/2015 9:13:39 AM

Regulatory Work

As a result of the Olmsted County find, an emergency quarantine for EAB was declared around Olmsted County by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. After a comment period and public hearing, the Olmsted County emergency quarantine become part of the formal state quarantine for EAB on Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey and Winona Counties in early January 2015. As a result of the Dakota County find, an emergency quarantine for EAB was declared for Dakota County and the same process including comment period and public hearing will be followed to formalize that regulation.

A critical component in preventing the spread of emerald ash borer out of quarantined areas is education. In 2014, the MDA participated in or initiated a variety of outreach events. Specific events and activities are detailed in the Plant Protection Division Annual Report. Based on Minnesota’s experience in comparison to

2015 Model Year Exclusive Allowance. Save up to $6,700 on select GM models.

MNLA and GM Fleet & Commercial have will save you thousands of dollars!

You will receive a credit on your purchase of up to $6,700 on select 2015 GM models. For more information, contact Mary Dunn at mary@mnla.biz.

april 15

MNLA .biz

55

➾ E ME RALD ASH BORER

ions of till reason ota has the U.S. ited EAB the end on six rst . When in all ared, the nties is 31%. avorably even Up-toEAB is ways be site.

ed EAB in d display ours:

Between January and May 2014 the MDA inspected these areas:

100%

% of Counties Infested with EAB by Years of Infestation

80%

• Twin Cities • 451 sites evaluated

U.S. Average (24 states)

• 2,402 ash trees inspected

Minnesota

• 22 trees were revisited — none were EAB positive

60%

• Duluth • 887 sites evaluated

40%

• 1,319 ash trees inspected • 42 trees were revisited — none were EAB positive

20% Updated 12/30/2014

• Southeastern Minnesota

0% 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Years of Infestation

.us/eab/

EAB other states it would appear that Minnesotan’s have done a good job number of factors at play in the slower expansion of EAB in Minnesota, one factor that may be in following theonquarantine e impacts of winter temperatures overwinteringrules. success of EAB larvae has been studied in years, and the polar vortex of 2013/2014 provided an opportunity to check experimental results Along with education and outreach, the MDA alsowith actively nder natural conditions. Field observations were close to experimental predictions larval main70% at sometains sites. quarantine The topic of cold weather impacts on EAB got a lot of attention in the media regulations by working with businesses that have blication was drafted to place the potential impact of winter into context and offer some advice on o a management plan:to move regulated materials out of quarantined areas after a need

treatment This occurs under the terms of a old snap is nofollowing snow day for emerald ashrequirements. borer management” .us/disturbance/invasive_species/eab/control_management/cold_hardiness/bp-EAB-and-extremecompliance agreement between the business and the MDA. During

2014, the MDA had compliance agreements with 36 businesses for movement of materials within Minnesota and 12 joint compliance ted County find, an emergency quarantine for EAB was declared around Olmsted County by the agreements withperiod businesses the the USDA forCounty movement of materiof Agriculture.

After a comment and publicand hearing, Olmsted emergency t of the formal state quarantine for EAB on Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey and Winona Counties in als out of Minnesota. a result of the Dakota County find, an emergency quarantine for EAB was declared for Dakota rocess including and public will beworking followed toto formalize thatand regulation.

Incomment 2015, period the MDA willhearing continue educate remind people restrictions andoutbest practicesareas to prevent theInmovement preventing the spreadof of emerald ash borer of quarantined is education.

2014, the initiated a variety of outreach events. Specific events and activities are detailed in the Plant of invasive forest pests. Additionally, the MDA will work with nual Report. Based on Minnesota’s experience in comparison to other states it would appear that e a good jobbusinesses in following the quarantine rules. to ensure that quarantine restrictions are and individuals nd outreach, followed. the MDA also actively maintains quarantine regulations by working with businesses

ve regulated materials out of quarantined areas after following treatment requirements. This occurs ompliance agreement between the business and the MDA. During 2014, the MDA had compliance sinesses for Monitoring movement of materials within Minnesota and 12 joint compliance agreements with Efforts DA for movement of materials out of Minnesota.

The MDA worked with the USDA to implement EAB survey with purple prism traps again in 2014. Trap placement is based on an EAB risk model developed by USDA that is used to create a map of optimum trap placement. Between the MDA, the USDA and other cooperators approximately 1200 EAB traps were monitored in Minnesota. All traps were negative for EAB. In 2015, the MDA plans to repeat the purple prism trap survey in cooperation with the USDA and trapping efforts are expected to be slightly greater.

The MDA has had good success working with municipal cooperators to implement winter survey for EAB as part of management efforts. EAB winter surveys look for symptoms of infestation (woodpecker damage, bark cracking) on the stems and/or branches of standing trees and follow up on suspect trees to look for EAB tunneling and life stages. In 2014, the MDA applied the same survey technique to search for new areas of infestation both outside and inside quarantined areas. To implement this work, we selected areas bordering known EAB infestations and randomly created survey points along roadways. Survey staff then visited each random point and visually inspected ash trees visible from the road along 100 meters of roadway.

• 263 sites evaluated • 1,294 ash trees inspected • 2 new EAB positive sites found (within quarantine boundaries) During December 2014, the MDA surveyed areas outside the Hennepin/Ramsey quarantine and evaluated 142 sites with 502 ash trees inspected. One positive site was found (Dakota County find).

Additional winter survey in the Twin Cities area, Duluth and southeastern Minnesota is planned for 2015.

Another important means of monitoring EAB distribution is tracking citizen reports of potential infestations. The MDA maintains a reporting system called “Arrest the Pest” for people to report suspected EAB infestations as well as other suspected invasive species. In 2014, the MDA responded to 242 reports of EAB infestations. Nine of those were confirmed as EAB and the rest were identified as problems other than EAB. Some reports were followed up on by Forest Pest First Detectors, who are volunteers trained in evaluating reported infestations of invasive forest pests. The MDA, along with University of Minnesota Extension and the DNR, conduct annual training for First Detectors. As of the end of 2014, there are approximately 500 First Detectors in the state.

Management Efforts

Aggressive management by municipalities and other local entities has likely played a role in the slower-than-expected increase of EAB in the Twin Cities. The MDA has worked with municipalities in an advisory capacity regarding EAB monitoring and management work. A key component of EAB management in Minnesota cities has been the use of monitoring data to develop management activities. With funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the MDA, the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Forest Service are halfway through a three-year project to compare the efficacy of different techniques for monitoring EAB including: • Visual searching for EAB symptoms.

• Removing branches and dissecting to search for EAB life stages.

• Setting purple traps to capture EAB adults.

Preliminary results from one full year of sampling indicate that visual survey is the most economical technique and branch sampling the most sensitive. However, all survey techniques were useful in april 15

MNLA .biz

57

➾ E ME RALD ASH BORER

Although it will take a number of years to determine what impact these organisms are having on EAB populations, a promising development in 2014 was the recovery of adult T. planipennisi in Great River Bluffs State Park.

spread and impact of EAB as there is still much work to do. There are a number of things that people can do to help with this work: • Follow quarantine restrictions — ash material and hardwood firewood need to stay in quarantined areas unless a compliance agreement is in effect with the MDA. discovering the presence of EAB in areas prior to significant canopy decline. We will see if these trends stay the same or change during the remaining two years of the project, but initial results are promising. In 2015, the MDA will continue this work and continue to work with municipalities to provide technical support for EAB management efforts.

Management options in rural areas are more limited than in urban areas because tools like insecticides and targeted sanitation are less practical. However, these areas do provide opportunities to introduce biological control agents for EAB such as the parasitic wasps Tetrastichus planipennisi and Oobius agrili. With support from the USDA EAB Parasitoid Rearing Facility in Brighton, Michigan, and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the MDA, along with partners, has worked to introduce and monitor the establishment of these natural enemies of EAB in infested areas.

Most of our efforts have been concentrated in Winona and Houston Counties, but we are looking for new areas to expand the project into. Although it will take a number of years to determine what impact these organisms are having on EAB populations, a promising development in 2014 was the recovery of adult T. planipennisi in Great River Bluffs State Park. This indicates not only are they establishing in the area but that they also survived polar vortex winter temperatures. The MDA will continue efforts to establish biological control agents in EAB-infested areas during 2015 including the newly discovered areas in Olmsted and Dakota Counties.

• Follow best practices when working in known EAB-infested areas to help slow the spread of EAB. www.mda.state.mn. us/en/plants/pestmanagement/eab/bmpsinfested.aspx • Report suspected EAB infestations. www.mda.state.mn. us/ arrestthepest. An up-to-date map of known infested areas is maintained here — http://gis.mda.state.mn.us/eab/.

CERTIFICATION NEW FORMAT FOR MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM

Summary

Although 2014 saw two more Minnesota counties become quarantined for EAB, there were a number of developments that call for optimism in the ongoing work against EAB: • Ongoing establishment of biological control agents.

• New information on the efficacy of monitoring for EAB. • Documentation of the impact of cold temperatures on EAB. • Evidence that EAB has spread more slowly in Minnesota than elsewhere in the U.S. In 2015, the MDA and partners will continue to work to slow the 58

MNLA .biz

april 15

Beginning in January of 2015, the MNLA Certification exam is now given in a new digital format. The exam applicants take the exam sitting at a computer station and get their tests results immediately upon completion of the exam. Feedback on the new digital format has been positive!

If you are interested in taking the Certification Exam in 2016, you can begin preparing by downloading the study materials for free on www.MNLA.biz.

PUT A

LOCK

ON THAT NEXT JOB. Give yourself an edge the next time you quote a landscaping project.

Give yourself the Unilock® advantage. As the leader in the industry, Unilock’s distinctive products will grab your client’s attention and never let go, with leading edge designs that will help you blow the competition away.

ARTLINE™

The long, clean lines of new Artline™ reflects an emerging trend to minimalist, modern outdoor designs. Look for Artline™ in an exclusive number of colors that can be used separately or combined together to create graphic interest.

Unilock’s unique line of pavers and walls available at: BACHMAN’S Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes 952-469-9665 bachmans.com

ARTLINE™ WITH SERIES 3000® ACCENTS

VERSA-LOK Contractor Sales Yard Oakdale: 651-773-7444 Burnsville: 952-894-4401 Brooklyn Park: 763-488-1310 versa-lok-midwest.com

Recommend Artline™ as part of your next project bid to stand apart from the competition and lock up the job. For sizes, colors and other details for Artline™, please visit Unilock.com

UNILOCK.COM

1-800-UNILOCK

➾ MNLA CERTIFICATIO N

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM 2 0 1 5 M N L A CE RT I F I E D P RO F E S S I O N A L S

Congratulations MNLA Certified Professionals — Passing the Exam in 2015!

In order to become MNLA Certified, the following individuals passed a basic horticultural knowledge examination and an exam in a specialization of their choosing: Garden Center, Grower or Landscape.

Congratulations to all of you for taking that extra step to set yourself apart as professionals and leaders in the green industry!

Passing in January

Passing in March CAITLIN BERGH

KRISTINA LEADER

ALISHA AASNESS

BAILEY NURSERIES, INC.

BAILEY NURSERIES, INC.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – CROOKSTON

KELLY HOOPER

JACOB LOUWSMA

BACHMAN’S, INC.

HORTICULTURE

ERIC JOHN GRAHAM

SERVICES, INC.

BRENT ILIOFF

ALEX NYGAARD

KATHLEEN KUCHAR

BACHMAN’S, INC.

AMERICAN DREAM

BAILEY NURSERIES, INC.

GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES

REID JOHNSON

DAVID LUCKSTEIN

AMANDA PHETTEPLACE

SAINT PAUL ACADEMY

WILD IRIS GARDENING

BAILEY NURSERIES, INC.

& LANDSCAPING

60

MNLA .biz

april 15

PLANET REBRANDS AS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

MARY RANDOMSKY GAYTAN MOTHER EARTH GARDENS

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) board of directors announced that as of April 1, 2015, their association would change their name to National Association of Landscape Professionals.

CHRISTINA RIESSEN BAILEY NURSERIES, INC.

PAUL SCHREINER CURBSIDE LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION

JAMIE STEELE BACHMAN’S, INC.

In a video posted by Landscape Management magazine (https://youtu.be/ o8je2rP9oLk), Scott Jamieson, VP of Bartlett Tree Experts and President-Elect explained why the board started the rebranding process.

We had gotten some input from our PR agency that they were having difficulty describing the PLANET name and what that meant to folks – the media and other stakeholders. So we said, “Maybe it’s time to look at the name.”But a number of us on the board said “Let’s just hold up a minute. It’s not about the name — it’s about the brand, the mission, and our strategic plan.” So we stopped and we went back and we looked at our strategic plan first, and then we decided to embark on a rebranding effort.

The project included input from a cross-section of the membership, and as Jamieson said, “It was this inclusive, transparent process that really made me excited about where we ultimately landed with the name and the brand.”

In a related video from LM magazine (https://youtu.be/NP__rIr4xOQ), Sabeena Hickman, CEO of the association said of the change, “We are very excited about the name, and want to highlight the professionalism and definitely raise the standards in the industry. We wanted a name that was very direct – people know that we are the National Association of Landscape Professionals. We feel that members will be very proud to say that they are a part of this great organization.”

The goals of this rebranding were to be a stronger partner for member’s businesses, to be a stronger advocate for the industry, and to increase recognition and respect for the industry. They remain committed to supporting landscape and lawn care member companies and uniting and advancing the interests of the industry. Their new brand positioning statement says:

GUY MUELLER BROOKSIDE PROPERTY SERVICES

We are the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the only national organization built by the collaboration of landscape and lawn care industry professionals, and we are committed to helping our members achieve success. With a platform for growth founded on educational resources and peer-to-peer sharing on a national scale, we provide members with invaluable access to the best ideas and practices in the landscape industry. With deep relationships with legislators and policymakers, we are the voice of our members and our industry amid an increasingly challenging regulatory environment. And, with a focus on professionalism that is establishing the highest standard in the industry, we are driving consumer preference for our members’ services. We are driving the future of our industry.

april 15

MNLA .biz

61

➾ AS K THE EXPERT

ASK THE EXPERT Do you ever have a question about your green industry business and wish you knew who to ask? MNLA is in a unique position to help you connect with others in the industry that may know how to help, and we’re building a new service for you, our members. Below are a couple of questions we get frequently from MNLA members.

These kind of questions and many others will become part of our “Ask the Expert” feature which will live online and appear in print from time to time as well.

sistance in preparing for the pesticide applicator exam.

If you’re interested in more information, please contact the MNLA office at 651-633-4987 and we’ll notify you of upcoming opportunities for training.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A PESTICIDE LICENSE FOR ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES?

WHERE CAN I FIND COMPILED INDUSTRY RELATED WAGE INFORMATION?

For persons wishing to obtain a license to apply pesticides in the state of Minnesota, a license is issued by The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). MDA issues licenses to Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicators as well as Structural Pest Control Applicators.

Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other products intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate a pest and substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.

If you have an employee who needs to obtain a license for the first time, that employee can apply online through MDA (http://www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/e-licensingoptions.aspx) or fill out a paper application.

The employee must pass an exam to obtain the license.

Prior to taking the exam, the employee must pay a license fee and schedule a time to sit for the exam by calling 651-201-6615 or emailing Pesticide.Licensing@ state.mn.us.

If you need help preparing for this exam, MNLA offers a workshop each spring for those wishing to obtain as-

62

MNLA .biz

april 15

Members often ask if an employee can attend a “recertification” workshop to obtain a license. Unfortunately, the answer is no. They need to go through the testing process to obtain the license.

Every two years, MNLA compiles wage statistics (last available from 2014) available through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. MNLA researches positions that are specific to the green industry or those positions closely related to ones in our industry. The MNLA specific report can be found online here: https://www.mnla.biz/?page=wagestatistics (you will need your member login to access the information). If you want to review complete statistics or dig deeper, go to http://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/oes/.

This new service aims to supply MNLA members with real answers to questions that apply to your business.

We need your help to get this started well. Send us your questions! Use the online form at https://mnnurserylandscape.wufoo.com/forms/ask-the-expert, email jon@mnla. biz, or call 651-633-4987. Your question and an answer could appear online and in print, and become very helpful to the whole MNLA community.

THE POWERFUL TENSION BETWEEN

RELATIONSHIP VIRTUES AND COMMERCIAL VIRTUES I recently attended a conference where New York Times columnist David Brooks was the keynote speaker. One of the main themes of his speech was the tension between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.”

Andrew Sobel

I

n our success-driven culture, he explained, we strive for resume virtues: achievement, recognition, wealth, and other material accomplishments that are admired and lauded. These are in sharp contrast to the eulogy virtues that we hope our friends and family will use to describe us after we die: generosity, kindness, goodness, integrity, and so on.

I found this a very thought-provoking distinction. It raises many questions — for example: Why do we devote most of our lives to the resume virtues, when we know in our hearts that what really matters in the end are the eulogy virtues? How can we better integrate both into our day-to-day living?

A less profound but similarly challenging tension exists in building client relationships. I’ll call them the “Relationship Virtues” and the “Commercial Virtues,” to borrow a turn of phrase from David Brooks.

The Relationship Virtues in business would include the following: • Always putting your client’s interests first • Investing in trusted relationships for the long term • Honesty and openness • A willingness to give trust to get trust (as opposed to cynicism)

• Giving your client a break or concession when they really need it, without fear that they’ll take advantage of you.

• Giving each and every client your very best The Commercial Virtues, on the other hand, might include: • Drawing the maximum revenue and profit from your business relationships (“monetizing” your relationships) • A focus on continuous growth • Always looking out for and protecting–perhaps first and foremost — your and your firm’s interests • Trusting but trusting slowly and verifying–ensuring fiscal and legal checks and balances are in place so you aren’t taken advantage of.

• Differentiating your levels of service and even quality based on the attractiveness and strategic fit of each client.

The pat response to this dichotomy would be to say “Always do what’s right for the client and the rest will follow…” (e.g., clients will reward you, your reputation will grow, etc.). And there is a great deal of truth to that statement. But it’s a little too pat! april 15

MNLA .biz

63

➾ V IRT UES

There are real conflicts. For example, you may focus mainly on the Relationship Virtues, but your client might focus mostly on the Commercial Virtues. The result? You could give what you feel is a temporary price concession to help your client out in a pinch, but they might then treat that as the new, permanent level for your pricing and degrade or ruin your profitability going forward. In other words, they take advantage of your relationship orientation.

Or, a client might ask you to write a proposal and share your approach and methodologies in order to learn more so they can simply be better equipped to do the project themselves.

It works the other way around, also. A service provider, in order to support ambitious growth goals, can easily convince itself that a dubious project is in the best interests of its client.

In other words, advisors and clients sometimes take advantage of each other when there is a mismatch in emphasis between the Relationship and Commercial Virtues.

How do you balance or integrate these two sets of virtues in your client relationships? You do it by allowing a couple of basic principles to guide your behavior:

1. Direct all your actions towards helping your clients succeed, but don’t harm yourself in the process.

2. Ensure your own business is profitable and competitive, but not at the expense of others.

3. If following principles (1) and (2) put you in conflict, withdraw from or try to reconcile the situation while doing the least harm to your client and to your business.

There is no scientific way to perfectly reconcile these potentially conflicting outlooks. You have to balance them fairly and act with honesty, consistency, and transparency.

In plain English: Never take advantage of your client, but never be a doormat either.

helps his clients build enduring relationships with their clients and other important individuals in their lives.

Find out more at www.andrewsobel.com.

ANDREW SOBEL

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER CONTENT Did you know that there are many member-only resources available to you for FREE? You may come across a printed promotion for these member-only resources from time to time in the Scoop but you can access all this great material anytime online once you log in to www.MNLA.biz.

Browse the MEMBERS ONLY dropdown on the far right of the menu bar!

 MISSED LAST MONTH’S SCOOP? READ IT IN The Scoop Archive In fact, if you missed any issue in the last five years, you’ll find links to it from these pages. All issues since 2010 are available in our online magazine format!

 Impervious Cover Requirements for MCWD Cities This resource from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) lists all the cities in the region and their requirements for impervious cover on shoreland, in usage for single family homes outside the shoreland zone, the number of variances the city has approved, and other notes on various topics like BMPs, rate of stormwater runoff, Low Impact Design (LID), innovative stormwater management techniques, pervious and non-pervious pavers, drainage, rain barrels, and hardcover credits.

Members-Only-half-page-City-Permitting-Scoop-Archive.indd 1

april 15

MNLA .biz

12/15/2014 2:31:51 PM

65

➾ NE T WORKIN G N EWS

NETWORKING NEWS MNLA LANDSCAPE DESIGN NETWORKING GROUP DATE & TIME: February 25 2015, 11am LOCATION: MNLA Office

The first hour was spent watching a landscape design webinar by Julie Weisenhorn with the U of M Extension. The presentation was well done but most in the room agreed it was probably more appropriate for those just entering the profession or for do it yourself homeowners as opposed to more seasoned professionals.

The group also talked about communicating with clients regarding landscape maintenance during the design process as well as during and after installation.

Discussion also touched on the use of subcontractors as well as the tightness of the landscape labor market.

We also discussed ideas for future Green Expo Speakers. In general it was thought that, if possible, for designers there could be one speaker of the inspirational sort and one with more of a professional practice background. An inspirational speaker could even be someone from another design profession (architect/artist/etc.) who is able to make the connection to landscape design.

Someone mentioned that there used to be a “technology Friday” at the expo as well.

Maybe a speaker who was design oriented but was using technology in new and innovative ways would be interesting. Also, several people have missed the “My Favorite Plant” seminar during the show.

August, 2015 is...

Member Appreciation Month

Save These Dates!

It’s time to celebrate your awesomeness by joining in the fun during the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association’s Member Appreciation Month. Why? Because you deserve it!

Look for more information in the coming months for Thank You Socials at the following locations: • August 11th in St. Cloud at Central Landscape Supply • August 13th in Waconia at Waconia Tree Farm • August 19th in Roseville at the MNLA office All events will take place from 5 – 8 p.m., and food and adult beverages will be provided!

66

MNLA .biz

april 15

IntroducIng

nutrIroot

™

lIquId soIl applIed fertIlIzer

nutriroot is a unique blend of essential minerals, seaweed extract, humates, surfactants and humectants designed to increase root development and to reduce water stress in trees, shrubs and lawns.

• Promotes root growth • Reduces watering • Improves transplant success

• Protects transplants from drought stress & shock • Feeds roots all season long

find a distributor: www.arborjet.com/distributor Visit www.arborjet.com or call 781.935.9070.

➾ ME MBER N EWS

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Anderson Contracting, Inc Solway, MN Debra J. Kelm, 218-751-8192

Paradis Inc. Brooks, MN Arnie Paradis, 218-686 2520

Kate’s Gardening Service LLC Shorewood, MN Kate Netwal, 612-987-3771

Christianson Plumbing & Heating LLP Albert Lea, MN Kim Christianson, 507-373-1301

Schneider’s Lawn & Landscape Little Falls, MN Tim Schneider, 320-630-7840

Corporate Storage LLC Hammond, WI Bruce Moll, 715-821-0001

LJA Fargo, ND Troy Tooz , 701-293-1350

Titan Companies, Inc St. Paul, MN Bobbie Neuharth, 612-414-8833

Ecoscapes Sustainable Landscaping Eagan, MN Craig Stark, 612-965-0848

Mangold Horticulture Excelsior, MN Justin Mangold, 952-999-1633

Weber Lawn & Snow Service Wells, MN Michael Weber, 507-553-3253

Kari Haug Golf Course Architecture Minneapolis, MN Kari Haug, 612-272-3432

MEMBER NEWS

SILENT AUCTION

After serving as chair of the Trade Show Committee for over a decade, Bill Mielke of Waconia Tree Farms is passing the gavel to Dave Kemp of Catholic Cemeteries. Dave has served on the committee since 2008, and as you can see in the photo, is eager to assume the role of committee leadership.

Mielke’s commitment and service to the MNLA community helped to establish an industry-leading trade show experience. During his tenure as chair, the Northern Green Expo solidified a reputation among green industry exhibitors for its well-run move in and move out procedures. Comments from past Expos confirm the fact that Bill led a team that did an outstanding job taking care of its customers. One exhibitor said, “I have never had such a positive experience checking into a show of this size. I drove in, and had amazing help unloading and delivering show materials to our booth. I was blown away by how easy this was and how helpful everyone was.” Another first-time exhibitor said, “We have been attending the show for many years but this was our first time being an exhibitor. Everything about the experience, from set up to tear down, went better than we dared to hope! Your staff and volunteers were immensely helpful and positive.”

Thank you, Bill, for your many years of servant leadership!

The MNLA Foundation held its first ever Silent Auction at the 2015 Northern Green Expo. Thanks to the generosity of many donors and the vision and hard work of Bert Swanson, Dennis Ullom, Debbie Lonnee, and her assistant Sarah Fowler, the MNLA Foundation was able to raise over $5,000 — enough for five scholarships. We had everything from a fireplace and fertilizer to wine, game tickets, and a vacation package donated. We hope you’ll stop by our Silent Auction at the 2016 Northern Green Expo and win your own item!

april 15

MNLA .biz

69

➾ LA S T WORD

ROOTS IN MINNESOTA C AM PAI G N EN C O UR AG ES T RE E P L A N T I N G A N D CA RE

MNDNR-DIVISION OF FORESTRY, MNSTAC, MSA,

recently consulted with Plymouth based CEL Public Relations on the messaging for a public relations campaign to educate home owners on the value of trees and to encourage tree planting and care.

TREE TRUST, AND OUR OWN TIM POWER

The Roots in Minnesota Campaign is slated to kick off in the Twin Cities metro area on Arbor Day 2015 and expand across the state in 2016. Three “plug and play” campaign toolkits with educational materials have now been created by CEL. MNLA members are invited to purchase a toolkit for the purpose of enhancing tree sales and educating your customers on proper planting and care. The campaign materials most applicable to

MNLA members include: • POS Counter Display • Message Cards with 5 tree planting and care messages • Pop Up Banner with tree planting and care messages • Use of the campaign logo and website for one year You may recognize CEL from the “Trees Pay Us Back (tree tag)” campaign that MNLA played a role in implementing in 2005. The campaign that included hanging large price tags on the trees at the State Capitol attracted so much media attention on Arbor Day 2005 that the idea spread across the US and into Europe.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE about the Roots in Minnesota Campaign and how it could be utilized within your business, contact Kari Logan/VP Public Relations, CEL Public Relations, Inc. at 763-559-6050 or via email at kari@celpr.com.

70

MNLA .biz

april 15

MNLA FOUNDATION Improving the Environment by Investing in Research and Education

1813 LEXINGTON AVE. N | ROSEVILLE, MN 55113 | 651-633-4987 | FAX 651-633-4986 | MNLA@MNLA.BIZ | WWW.MNLAFOUNDATION.COM

PARTNERS FUND

You are encouraged to participate in the Research & Education Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below. Your voluntary donation of Âź of 1% (0.25%) on purchases of plants and other nursery, greenhouse and landscape products at these suppliers is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry.

On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $2.50.

Your individual contribution is small, but collectively these small contributions will add up to make a real difference!

Research for the Real World

Career Development & Promotion

TM

L A N D S C A P E + M A S O N RY

Scholarships

RENT

Rent the best. Rent Ziegler.

Ziegler CAT has the largest rental fleet in the Upper Midwest.

From the biggest machines to the smallest tools, we have it all. Plus, we have something no other rental store has — a full line of Cat® equipment. Our rental equipment is ready to go and comes with Ziegler customer service and product support. Why not rent the best?

View our rental rates online at:

www.zieglercat.com/rental

HERE.

We have the equipment you need to get the job done right: Construction

Landscaping

Compaction

Material Handling

Concrete

Power Generation

Earthmoving

Roadwork