The Scoop Online - March 2017

Millennials in the Garden

Also Inside

Growing Results with Social Media

Pruning Clips Disease Triangle Salt Tolerant Turf

CELEBRATING SUCCESS From Landscape Award-Winning Projects to Northern Green 2017

Vol: 40 No: 3 Mar 2017 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

ENJOY LIFE

STILLWATER 8400 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 748-3158

AP

ARS

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1987 - 2017

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TM

PLYMOUTH 1205 Nathan Lane North Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 545-4400

HARD

Join us January, February, and March for our Second Annual Master Class Series. Classroom training with industry professionals, two days a week and FREE to you, our valued customers. After listening to you, we have replaced Hedberg Education Day with this longer, more in depth training series. Over a dozen classes, covering a wide range of topics, are sure to make your 2017 season a successful one. Register today at www.hedbergsupply.com/mcs.

THE W NG AY DI

IN

For all of your hardscape needs, come to Hedberg Supply. Here, you will find more than just great products and unmatched inventory. Accurate orders, timely deliveries and proactive service will help keep your jobs running smoothly, and help you be more successful.

Ask your Hedberg Sales Representative about our Landscape Early Buy Program!

0 ES F O R 3

FARMINGTON 4375 170th Street West Farmington, MN 55024 (651) 423-5048

CHANHASSEN 10008 Great Plains Blvd.

Chaska, MN 55318 (952) 444-3531

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Volume 40 No. 3 Mar 2017

CONTENTS 17

23 28

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 Northern Green: A New Energy in 2017 Cassie Larson reports on the new elements of Northern Green.

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23 Growing Results Through Social Media Leveraging the power of social media in Government Affairs.

13 The Disease Triangle Kent Honl explains the Disease Triangle and why it’s vital to educate clients about it.  

17 Millennials in the Garden The changing of generations bodes well for both retail and wholesale plant purveyors, because Millennials value plants for their positive impact on health and the environment, indoors and out. 

26 Basic Steps to Becoming a Pesticide Applicator Follow these basic steps to get yourself or employees certified before the spring season hits.    

28 The Search for Salt-Tolerant Turf

38 Minneapolis Sick/Safe Leave Update Where we’ve been and where we’re going 52 2017 Hardscape Challenge Champions AB Hardscape takes home the trophy.

55 Welcome New Members 56 Northern Green Review Follow-up photos from Northern Green 2017 highlight new events and returning favorites.

Jim Calkins investigates the small but growing body of research that explores the salt tolerance of turfgrass varieties.   

41 Pruning Clips: Snapshots of the Art, Science and Practice of Pruning Renovation

Four more 2017 Landscape Award-winning projects are featured. 

The Scoop, March 2017, Issue 3, is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2017, 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.

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

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.

Robert Schutzski explores the variety of situations that lead to plant renovation, rejuvenation, or renewal.    

48 MNLA Landscape Award Winners, Part II

march 17

MNLA .biz

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AD LIST MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here!

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

MISSION: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape

A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 51 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. .................................................................................. 31 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................. 11 Bridgewater Tree Farms ................................................................................... 27 Bullis Insurance Agency .................................................................................... 16

Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 37

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

County Materials Corporation .......................................................................... 15

scott frampton, vice-president

Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 52

herman roerick, president

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

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic, secretary-treasurer Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

randy berg, mnla-cp

Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 15 Fahey Sales Agency, Inc. .................................................................................. 20 Ferguson Waterworks ....................................................................................... 16

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

Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 22

matt mallas

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply .................................................. 2

Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com

mike mcnamara

GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3

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

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies .......................................................... 4

john o'reilly

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 32–33

Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.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

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

Kahnke Brother Tree Farms .............................................................................. 51 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 20 Midwest Transmission Center / DBA Clutch & U-joint Proven Force ............... 31 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 16 Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7 Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 37

STAFF DIRECTORY

RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 27

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

Reliable Property Services ................................................................................ 52

executive director:

membership director & trade show manager:

Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz communications dir.: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz education/cert. manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Government Affairs Dir.: Alicia Munson • alicia@mnla.biz

regulatory affairs manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz administrative asst.: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz foundation program coordinator: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@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

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Volume 40 No. 3 Mar 2017

➾ G OS C

MNLA .biz

march 17

Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 39 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................................... 55 The Builders Group .......................................................................................... 37 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ............................................................................ 12, 35, 54 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 51 Unilock ............................................................................................................. 40 Versa-Lok Midwest ..................................................................................... 21, 53 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

➾ C ALE N DAR

MAR8

MNLA Event

MAR8

VERSA-LOK MIDWEST: HANDS-ON WALL AND PAVER TRAINING

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GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL St. Paul

West Saint Paul Armory

MNLA.biz

Versa-lok.com

This annual government affairs event is an opportunity to make personal connections with legislators that will provide greater political strength to MNLA as an organization and, thus, ultimately to your business.

Contractors are invited to learn installation techniques, engineering fundamentals, feature design and tips for accurate estimating from authorized VERSA-LOK technical experts.

MAR 14–15 55TH ANNUAL SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE Bethel University Arden Hills Umn.edu The Shade Tree Short Course is two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry and arboriculture. The conference includes general and concurrent sessions each day, as well as a vendor area with mini-sessions covering a variety of topics.

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

MAR30 ➾

WEBINAR: JAPANESE BARBERRY PHASE-OUT and the Updated 2017 Noxious Weed List

MNLA .biz

march 17

MAR30 HOT LEGAL TOPICS FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP ONLY

➾

Roseville Oval Roseville

Roseville

MNLA.biz

1:00 PM

MNLA.biz

MNLA.biz

This 3-hour program by Bryan Zlimen, Attorney at Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC, will highlight the important legal topics that will impact our industry in 2017.

Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day training only program. This workshop does not include an exam and is for those applicants who desire training and time to study before taking the exam.

Learn about updates to the noxious weed lists in 2017. We will also discuss banned barberries and suggest alternatives for your plant palette.

8

APR5–6

MNLA Event

2017 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS • PARTS

MAR28

MNLA Event

➾

MAR 22–23

➾

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM

MNLA.biz Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day training program. Day 2 includes the exam proctored by the MDA.

MNLA Event

MNLA.biz This guided walking tour will highlight the good and bad of urban tree performance, planting and maintenance.

➾

Minneapolis

Bachmanswholesale.com

WEBINAR: IRRIGATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR HEALTHY LAWNS AND WATER SAVINGS

Join us for the Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes Annual Spring Open House at Bachman’s Cedar Acres Garden/ Hardscapes Center in Farmington.

MNLA Event

APR12 URBAN TREE WALKING TOUR

Bachman’s Cedar Acres, Farmington

In the digital age, finding your place online is crucial to success.

Learn how to set your business apart in an increasingly competitive world. This webinar is being provided by Houzz.

St. Paul

APR7

BACHMAN’S SPRING OPEN HOUSE

MNLA.biz

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

MNLA Event

MAR29

WEBINAR: HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE YOUR BRAND IN THE DIGITAL AGE

➾

WEBINAR: 10 TOP ANNUAL PERFORMERS MNLA.biz In this webinar, Steve Poppe will discuss the top annual performers at the University of Minnesota Morris West Central Research and Outreach Center.

MNLA.biz This webinar by Sam Bauer will discuss factors to consider in reducing water use in the landscape including management practices and soil improvement, auditing and installing technology for in-ground systems, and drought tolerant lawn grasses.

APR9

KEY:

Event Education

➾

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

march 17

MNLA .biz

9

➾ F R OM THE EXECUTIVE DI R EC TO R

Northern Green: A New Energy in 2017 The green industry education and trade show held January 10–12, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, now known simply as “Northern Green,” had a new energy.

Cassie Larson

MNLA Executive Director

The refreshed name highlighted the changes at the largest green industry show in the northern region.

The event continues to serve outdoor environment professionals who need a personal and professional recharge.

The event is a value-driven platform for education, See photos from Northern Green innovation, and community. Northern 2017 on pages 56–62.

Green offers high quality learning, showcases dynamic product offerings, and creates fun and fluid opportunities to connect.

So, what was new in January 2017 at Northern Green?

• Interactive trade show elements including a Preview Party, more campfire experiences, a Hardscape Challenge, a Climber’s Corner, and an Innovation and Inspiration theater • Revised education opportunities including day long master classes, CEO premium content, and an interactive track 10

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• Comedy and pizza night featuring national headlining comedian John Heffron • A new schedule: Tuesday–Thursday • Updated registration packages/options • Multiple keynote speakers that inspired “Northern Green has been a leading conference in our region for 13 years, and we want to ensure it remains a must-attend event for years to come,” said MNLA President Herman Roerick. “The new name and look and exciting new elements reflect our rapidly changing industry and brought a new energy to the event this year!”

Be sure to mark your calendar to join us January 2–4, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center for Northern Green 2018! Note: The earlier dates are a one year adjustment due to the “Big Game” being hosted in Minneapolis in 2018.

CASSIE LARSON can

be reached at: cassie@mnla.biz.

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THE DISEASE TRIANGLE Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an evolving science and art that gives us powerful tools to understand pests and diseases and manage them in the most effective ways in landscapes.

Kent Honl | Rainbow Treecare

➾ T H E DISEASE TRIANG L E

O

ne of the most useful concepts of IPM is the Disease Triangle.

The Disease Triangle simply tells us that a disease does not exist apart from the interaction of a host and a causal agent within an environment that favors infection. A causal agent can be a pathogen (fungus), pest (insect), or a non-living factor.

On the surface, this idea seems too simple to be of any practical use. But if we look at this idea in greater depth through some examples, we can see how the Disease Triangle can inform everything we do in our practice as tree care professionals.

Let’s start by considering a crabapple tree in the middle of the winter. We know this tree is a potential host for the apple scab fungus, which is confirmed when your client reports that leaves turned yellow with brown spots and fell off the tree in the middle of last summer. At this point in the season, the fungus is lying dormant in fallen leaf tissue under the tree. The host and the pathogen corners of the Disease Triangle are accounted for, but as yet there is no apple scab disease.

As springtime arrives, changes in the environment begin to happen that activate both the host and the fungus. Newly formed leaf tissue emerges from the crabapple buds. Warm temperatures along with rainfall help generate spores from the overwintered fungus. As apple scab spores land on the new crabapple leaf tissue, the Disease Triangle is complete: the host has been infected by a pathogen as the environment became conducive for infection.

The reader might still be thinking, “So what? How does this make a difference in how I manage diseases in the landscape?”

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Treating a Pathogen: Got a Problem, Take a Pill

In our culture we tend to rely on a “Got a Problem, Take a Pill” approach to many situations. When we find a disease or insect infestation on the trees we manage, our first response may be to reach for the spray hose. We may be missing opportunities to increase the effectiveness of our treatments if we don’t think it through further.

The Disease Triangle reminds us that the pathogen corner of the triangle is not the only area open to our influence. We can lessen the severity of disease, or even reduce the likelihood of disease occurring, by taking the right actions in the other corners of the Triangle.

Change the Environment:

Though we may need to apply fungicide sprays to control a pathogen, we may also be able to modify the environment in ways that reduce the ability of the pathogen to infect the host. In the case of the crabapple we considered, removal of fallen leaves from under the tree can reduce the amount of spore production in the immediate vicinity of the tree and lessen the level of infection.

Many diseases invade trees that are stressed and weakened by adverse conditions in the urban environment. The right cultural practices can go a long way toward reducing or eliminating disease.

Changing the pattern of sprinkler irrigation to avoid wetting needles of disease-prone spruce trees is an essential step in managing needle cast fungal disease in spruce trees. Other important cultural practices that improve the environment for a tree include mulching

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It is vital to educate clients about the Disease Triangle and what they need to do in improving the situation for their trees.

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and irrigating with a soaker hose to keep foliage dry while supplying the tree with adequate water.

Change the Host:

Remember that all three corners of the Disease Triangle work together. Making positive changes in the environment of a tree goes hand-in-hand with increasing the vigor of the tree and making it less prone to pest attack. Application of a tree growth regulator such as Cambistat can induce a number of responses in the host tree that increase its resistance to drought, fungal disease, and construction injury. Proliferation of fine roots may be one result that follows the application of a Cambistat. With this in mind, you may need to modify the soil environment by de-compacting the soil with an AirSpade to provide a place for new roots to grow.

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There is no way to spray your way out of a needle cast situation if the client has not made the adjustments to irrigation or taken actions to increase ventilation and light around their trees. It is vital to educate clients about the Disease Triangle and what they need to do in improving the situation for their trees. They become partners in managing the health of the landscape. It takes the pressure off you as an arborist to deliver miraculous results with sprays, and increases the chances the treatments you do perform have increased effectiveness.

Many clients will be enthusiastic in doing what they can to aid your efforts, and will respond positively to the education you provide them.

KENT HONL is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and works for Rainbow Treecare. He can be reached at khonl@rainbowtreecare.com.

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âžž S E CT I O N TITLE

MILLENNIALS IN THE GARDEN As Baby Boomers have retired and downsized, their long-standing financial support of the nursery industry has fallen off. But a new generation of gardeners called Millennials is poised to pick up where Boomers left off — grabbing their shovels, growing their own food, decorating their spaces with plants and re-invigorating the nursery industry.

Elizabeth Petersen | Article first published in Digger, a publication of the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

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➾ MI LLEN N IALS

T

he changing of generations bodes well

purveyors, because Millennials value plants

To meet the needs of Millennials, though, the industry needs to understand them: what they value, how they operate and the ways they communicate. By doing so, they can direct marketing and design retail shopping experiences more effectively.

for their positive impact on health and the

Who are Millennials?

environment, indoors and out. Plus,

The term “Millennials” applies to the first generation to reach adulthood in the 21st century. Born after 1980 and as old as 36 now, Millennials are quickly becoming the dominant demographic group among American consumers and are reaching their prime earning — and spending — years. Last year, in fact, five million of the six million “new” gardeners were 18–34-year-olds.

The 2017 Garden Trends Report, published by Garden Media Group, offered these important insights that help explain what this generation wants from the green industry:

for both retail and wholesale plant

Millennials are a larger generation than Baby Boomers. Currently they comprise about one-quarter of the U.S. population and already have a collective buying power of $200 billion annually, according to Katie Dubow of Garden Media Group. And the buying power of this younger generation will only increase as they age, buy houses, settle down and earn more money.

• Millennials appreciate outdoor, natural spaces and plants for their contributions to mental and physical health, since plants help provide fresh air, clean water, and a connection with nature.

• Since they value clean, healthy, and local sourcing, Millennials want organic/green solutions to soil health and fertility.

They seek ways to support ecosystems and save the world.

• Millennials appreciate a less-is-more aesthetic, so they want big impact in small spaces. Dwarf plants that produce crops of healthy, flavorful food (blueberries and herbs, for

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instance) allow Millennials to grow their own while also maintaining tidy spaces.

• New technology for indoor gardening appeals to Millennials, who want to grow indoors, under lights or in water yearround, 365 days a year.

• Millennials want to stand out from the crowd and express themselves in unique ways, so they value brands that allow them to personalize their spaces and gardens to match their individual quirks.

• As they build families, Millennials view gardening as a shared experience with their kids.

All tech, all the time, all around

Technology-savvy Millennials engage with content an average of 18 hours per day and in new ways, Dubow said, which creates “even more touchpoints for garden businesses to reach them.”

Constantly connected, they want information, and they want it fast, in short, crisp, visually appealing and moving servings.

They also use digital devices to share pictures, inspiration and experiences, and they plan before they purchase, by reading and sharing reviews online.

“Millennials are driven by opportunities to create memories they can share. They will even pay more if it means they’ll have a ‘share-able’ experience,” Dubow said. “Make it easy for them to snap photos of potential purchases, and create vignettes in-store that are ‘Instagramable.’”

All this sharing makes Millennials influencers: they interact with everyone in their social sphere, including parents, friends, relatives, and co-workers, on what brands and products to buy.

“For Millennials, the first step in the buying process is discussing potential purchases or decisions with friends and digital fans via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, texts or Snapchat,” Dubow said.

Sixty-six percent will look up a store on their phones.

Reaching Millennials on multiple platforms of social media, then, is essential for garden businesses. The place to start is with strong, frequently updated websites.

“The worst thing for marketing in the digital age is a bad website,” explained Jonathan Pedersen, Monrovia’s vice president of business development.

“Digital viewership is surpassing all other media,” Pedersen said, “but it is better to turn off a website than to have a bad one, since Millennials are ruthless when it comes to digital content.”

Monrovia’s research found that 60 percent of consumers, especially Millennials, are extremely brand conscious. As a result, Monrovia has changed its marketing approach from advertising in magazines to taking the message directly to the appropriate demographic with targeted, cross-device digital marketing.

Marketing to Millennials

Millennials feel uplifted and validated when followers like their selfies, tweets, and posts, Dubow said, but thy become uneasy and feel left out when not kept up-to-date with social happenings.

Garden brands that cultivate a digital audience can tap into consumer

insights and authentically engage with consumers. Brands should remember to “thank” fans by “liking” mentions of their products or store experiences.

This approach to marketing provides businesses with immediate feedback about the impact of their digital marketing, which allows them to quickly change messages based on customer response.

Targeted digital marketing allows Monrovia to identify potential customers by zip code and to help customers find plants they are searching for nearby.

“Geo-enabled” codes can identify where the customer is, provide directions to the closest garden center and even offer coupons instantly online.

They can also help potential customers by providing a mobile advantage: scannable codes on every tag can provide detailed, specific information about a given variety of plant.

Static, still-life images just don’t make it anymore, Pedersen said.

“All ads need to have movement,” which doubles “click-through” rates.

Monrovia has launched a series of informational videos called “Know it. Grow it.” The short, fast (less than one minute each) videos demonstrate a range of gardening basics form how to prepare soil to how to plant a shrub, a Japanese maple or a hanging strawberry basket. The videos “generate views quickly,” Pedersen said, citing as an example seven million views of one video in just two weeks.

“Use content to inspire consumers, aid in planning, and enable success,” he recommended.

Another crucial part of digital marketing is third-party endorsements. Blogs work well to get reviews for plants, so growers should connect with online garden writers. A garden-specific blog is OK, Pedersen said, but a family-and-homemaking blog draws a wider audience.

Put in practice

Eve Hansen coordinates social media and events for Al’s Garden Centers, which has three locations in the suburbs around Portland, Oregon.

Al’s uses its website and other social media in a variety of ways to provide tips and inspiration from “Al’s Experts,” who promote events and educate gardeners with video tutorials and growing guides.

Hansen also posts a weekly e-newsletter on Facebook, where she can track which demographic of customer views what notices and at what times of the day.

She posts current, relevant photos and videos to Instagram at least once a day, often two or three times a day, in an effort to attract new viewers and target their viewing habits with appropriately times reminders and notices.

In addition, Hansen posts to Pinterest and YouTube and uses a social media organizational app to help reach these media outlets simultaneously.

Her goal is to convince beginning gardeners that “they can totally do this,” she said. “People can be intimidated, but they are used to having access to all sorts of information at their fingertips, on their phones.”

Millennials also like hands-on events that provide information and socializing simultaneously, and workshops designed to match what is trending on Pinterest are very popular, Hansen said. march 17

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➾ MILLENNIALS

“Millennials are intrigued by learning to grow their own things, and they want to learn the basics. They show up to workshops with their phones in hand, and they come to the store with phones open to ideas they have found online.”

5 tips for marketing garden brands to Millennials

1. Provide options to show off their style. Carry as many colors, patterns and design variations of a product as possible.

Even better, give them modular pieces that can shift with their mood.

2. Streamline purchasing. 41 percent of Millennials have already made purchases with their smart-phones, and that number will continue to grow. Since millennials always have their phones with them, buying is only a click away.

Optimize your site to provide the best mobile experience possible, meaning everything done on your desktop site should be available in the mobile version. Add a one-click purchase feature like Amazon.com or some other form of e-commerce.

3. Share your knowledge. Millennials are big DIYers who are just learning how to garden and are hungry for information. To establish yourself as a gardening expert and trusted friend, prepare a content marketing plan that can answer questions Millennials are asking about gardening. Start a blog, teach simple tips in Instagram videos, and answer all questions asked of your brand on social media.

4. Appeal to parents. A record 36 percent of Millennials move back home after college, partly because of the economy and partly because it’s now cool to be friends with Mom and Dad. To leverage this relationship and get Millennials in the garden, host digital or in-person workshops geared towards parents and their 20-something Millennials. Make these events fun, practical and straight to the point. Also, market to parents to make sure that when they recommend a garden brand, it’s yours.

5. Focus on the future. Having a trusted, long-term brand isn’t enough to win over Millennials. This generation is more interested in what you can offer now, but also how you can make the future greener and cleaner. To refine your Millennial messaging, focus on long-term goals. Answer these questions about your brand with Millennials in mind: “Why is this important to me right now?” and “What can this product do for me in the future?”

Adapted from 2017 Garden Trends Report by the Garden Media Group

Elizabeth Petersen writes for the garden industry and teaches SAT/ACT test prep at www.satpreppdx.com. She can be reached at gardenwrite@comcast.net or satpreppdx@comcast.net.

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➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

Growing Results Through Social Media Effective communications strategies have always been a critical element of successful government affairs efforts, but now more than ever, advocates are recognizing and leveraging the power of social media to advance their initiatives.

Alicia Munson

MNLA Government Affairs Director

Platforms like Facebook and Twitter provide constant access to a huge number of people who can be reached quickly and cost effectively. For instance, boosting a Facebook post to reach a broader audience starts at just $5.00, offering advanced mechanisms for strategically targeting specific stakeholder groups.

From there, analytics can be monitored to determine effectiveness and messages honed to garner even more appeal and support.

An important element of those social media communications strategies is the “hashtag” — a brief, branded statement starting with a pound (#) symbol. Think #MAGA (Make America Great Again) or #ImWithHer — President Trump and Secretary Clinton’s respective social media “calling cards.” No matter which side of

the aisle you’re on, you must admit that both messages had an impact on the national dialogue during our last election cycle.

Hashtags allow people to search for and receive updates about all the posts associated with that hashtag, as well as elevate the profile of an issue as more people begin using it in their own posts and following along with the conversation.

That’s why MNLA’s Government Affairs Team developed the #growresults initiative this year — to demonstrate the breadth of Minnesota’s green industry, raise awareness about our priorities, and engage industry stakeholders via social media.

The initiative began during Northern Green 2017, where we hosted a photo booth in our Legislative (Our photos continue on page 24, story continues on page 27.)

Meet Jeff Hafner from District 33A, who’s advocating for funding to manage Minnesota’s #EmeraldAshBorer crisis #mnleg #invasivespecies

Claire Anderson from District 54A is #advocating for #pollinator #habitat this session — an area where the #green #industry can play a positive role in the overall health of these important species #mnleg

Meet Nick Sargent from District 25A! Nick is #advocating for increased liability protection for snow & ice management professionals who apply anti-slip and de-ice products

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➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

Meet Jeff Pilla from #mnleg District 58B, who’s #advocating for Uniform State Labor Standards that will maintain straightforward business regulations across Minnesota #growresults

Did you know that 137 of Minnesota’s 201 #mnleg districts are located in counties quarantined for #EmeraldAshBorer?! Lara Newberger from District 35B is #advocating for funding to the #EmeraldAshBorer crisis

Jake Mathre from #mnleg District 60A supports #water #conservation efforts in #landscape #irrigation — protecting this important natural resource in our state #growresults

Jon Horsman from #mnleg District 66B is #advocating for ongoing funding to manage invasives throughout Minnesota#growresults

Jim Calkins from #mnleg District 44B is advocating for #bipartisan #collaboration across party lines for the good of the state #growresults

Kelly Osborn from #mnleg District 37B wants legislators to understand the #greenindustry’s role in developing crucial #habitat that can help protect #pollinator species! #growresults

Today’s #growresults photo features John Moe from #mnleg District 36B, #advocating for increased #pollinator #habitat to help support and sustain these crucial species

Meet Tom Olson from #mnleg District 31B, who’d like to see regulatory changes benefiting #landscape lighting professionals in Minnesota #growresults

Scott Frampton from #mnleg District 54B is passionate about #workforce development — ensuring a strong base of dedicated #greenindustry professionals providing high quality services for their clients

Meet Jeff Palmer from #mnleg District 30A, who’s advocating for funding to protect Minnesota’s community forests from the #invasive #EmeraldAshBorer #growresults

Jay Gunthy lives in #mnleg District 47B, and this session, he’s focused on #water #conservation in #landscape #irrigation #growresults

Meet Laura Wagner from #mnleg District 61B! Laura supports Uniform State Labor Standards — ensuring equity for small businesses across Minnesota #growresults

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Rob Nesser lives in #mnleg District 39A, and wants legislators to prioritize funding for #EmeraldAshBorer management — preserving and protecting Minnesota’s #community #forests! #growresults

Loan Huynh from #mnleg District 46A is an #advocate for #reforms to temporary worker visa programs. Our #greenindustry relies on temporary workers from around the world

This session, Rob Simon from #mnleg 40A is hoping for efforts to professionalize the #landscape #irrigation industry through incentives for certification and training #growresults

Josh Schimmel lives in #mnleg District 29B, and is #advocating this session for increased funding to address #invasivespecies and noxious weeds like palmer amaranth #growresults

Meet Chad Bischoff from #mnleg District 58B, who’s #advocating for Uniform State Labor Standards this session to ensure a consistent marketplace for small businesses across the state #growresults

Megan Beisner from #mnleg District 60A wants elected officials to prioritize increased #pollinator #habitat — keeping these critical species vibrant and healthy in our state! #growresults

Meet Steve Schomaker from #mnleg District 30A, who’s #advocating for funding to manage #EmeraldAshBorer, which puts 1 billion ash trees statewide at risk of infestation and removal #growresults

Russ Jundt lives in #mnleg District 31B, and it’s his mission to #protect Minnesota’s waters through #conservation in #landscape #irrigation #growresults

What better way to cut down on chloride levels in waterways than best management practices for ice management pros?! Eric Dahlstrom from #mnleg District 30A is #advocating to connect BMPs with liability protections

Meet Cindy Grady from #mnleg District 39B. She hopes that BMPs tied to liability protections for ice management pros will help reduce chloride in Minnesota waterways #growresults

Kent Honl of #mnleg District 63B is passionate about protecting the state’s community forests, so he’s #advocating for funding to manage the #EmeraldAshBorer crisis #growresults

Lindsey Mike lives in #mnleg District 43A, and is #advocating for #pollinator #habitat development to help these species continue flourishing in Minnesota #growresults

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➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

(Continued from page 24.)

Action Center. Attendees were given an opportunity to discuss issues of significance to them, and then have their photo taken with our green “poster.” Nearly fifty people representing a diverse array of industry segments participated, and in mid-February, we began sharing their photos each day for six weeks along with a one-sentence description of their industry priority — from pollinator habitat to invasive species to water quality to workforce.

To grab the attention of our primary stakeholders — people at the Capitol — we also used the hashtag #mnleg (Twitter lingo for Minnesota Legislature), which elected officials, staffers, lobbyists, and administrative personnel track to gain insider information, and connected the entire series together using #growresults.

This all led up to our 2017 Green Industry Day on the Hill on Wednesday, March 8th. By creating a social media buzz before the event, legislators and their staff were more likely to be informed about green industry issues upon meeting in St. Paul, allowing for more meaningful, in-depth conversations in person.

Ultimately, the goal of leveraging social media in such a way is to spark more frequent communication between green industry professionals and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels who rely on social media for information gathering, information-sharing, and relationship building — making it easier (and less intimidating) for us to consistently connect and provide an opportunity to highlight important issues.

If you haven’t yet “liked” MNLA on Facebook (@MNLA1) or followed us on Twitter (@MinnesotaNLA), I strongly encourage you to do so! Social media’s prominence is not likely to fade anytime soon, and with your engagement, it can be a strategic mechanism for growing results in government affairs.

ALICIA MUNSON can

be reached at:

alicia@mnla.biz

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âž¾ S A LT

THE SEARCH FOR

SALT-TOLERANT TUR

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Dr. James Calkins | Research Information Director, MNLA Foundation

URF

Too often we forget that a tremendous amount of deicing salt is applied to our highways, streets, driveways, and sidewalks to make these surfaces safer for vehicles and pedestrians during the winter months by lowering the freezing point of water.

Figure 1. Salty Pavers — Deicing salts are widely and effectively used to manage snow and ice on roadways, sidewalks, and other hardscapes in cold-temperate regions. Their use has increased substantially over the past seventy years even though these materials can damage vegetation and the environment. Although the negative impacts of deicing salts can be partially mitigated by using them properly, these salts tend to accumulate in the environment and continued research is needed to find alternative methods of snow and ice management that are cost effective and environmentally sound (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

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➾ S A LT

S

odium chloride (NaCl) is the primary deicing salt used for this purpose and, although the amount of road salt applied varies from year to year based on weather conditions, it is estimated that between 15 and 22 million tons are applied each year in the 26 states impacted by snow and ice including Minnesota where about 350,000 tons are used in the seven county, Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area alone each year based on 2007 reporting (government entities — 265,400 tons/season; commercial snow and ice management firms — 66,349 tons/season; homeowners and commercial property managers/packaged NaCl — 17,460 tons per season). It is interesting to note that the use of road salt was relatively uncommon until just after World War II and its use has subsequently increased steadily and substantially over the past seventy years.

Unfortunately these salts, and in some cases deicing salt additives, can be damaging to the environment on both a micro and macro scale as designed landscapes and native ecosystems can suffer negative impacts. The likelihood of impacts has increased with increased deicing salt use and accumulation in the environment. In the case of NaCl, both the sodium and chloride ions are of concern and the desiccating effects of salt spray, generated by traffic on roads with faster speed limits, and salt carried in runoff from snowmelt and winter and spring rain events are problematic from a landscape and environmental perspective. Most notably, salt-sensitive landscape 30

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plants located near roadways and other hardscapes treated with deicing salts, including salt-sensitive turf species, and aquatic ecosystems that receive saline runoff are often the most vulnerable to the damaging effects of deicing salts.

My street is a good example. So far this winter, I have swept up just short of a 5-gallon bucket of salt on three separate occasions when the salt truck accidentally dumped a heap of salt at the end of my street and in one case in my yard adjacent to the street. Although I gathered up as much of the salt as possible, it will not be surprising if the plants in this area are negatively affected. Of course much more salt is applied to the street and the runoff from the roadway flows directly into a nearby wetland and ultimately Minnehaha Creek which is less than a hundred yards away and is already listed as impaired for aquatic life as a result of elevated chloride levels.

When turf and other landscape plants are injured or killed as a consequence of the osmotic, nutrient availability, soil structure, and toxic ion effects of deicing salts, their aesthetics are negatively impacted, they lose their erosion control abilities, the ground they occupy is more likely to be invaded by weeds, and these plantings may ultimately need to be replaced incurring a significant and recurring expense. As a pollutant in aquatic systems, the chloride (and sodium in sodium chloride) in deicing salts accumulates over time and can become toxic to aquatic plants and animals resulting in these waters becoming impaired for aquatic life. Groundwater resources are also impacted with implications for human health.

Clearly the impacts of deicing salts are of concern and cannot be ignored. Given, however, that these materials are generally effective, readily available, and relatively cheap, and because the use of deicing salts to manage snow and ice is a public safety issue, the application of deicing salts for snow and ice management isn’t likely to be abandoned anytime soon. Nevertheless, the search for alternatives to deicing salts that are cost effective and environmentally friendly is ongoing and the development of research-based best practices focused on the application of deicers can hopefully play a role in reducing their use and immediate effects. At the same time, from a landscape perspective, the development and selection of salt tolerant landscape plants, including turf selections that are salt tolerant, is also a research priority and an important step in the right direction in the ability to create more successful and sustainable landscapes.

Recognizing the benefits of turf in managed landscapes and the need for improved salt tolerance in locations where elevated salt levels are problematic relative to the establishment and long-term performance and survival of turfgrass, a relatively small but growing body of research has investigated the salt tolerance of turfgrass varieties and these research efforts continue today. In recent years, three studies performed by University of Minnesota turfgrass researchers Joshua Friell, Eric Watkins, Brian Horgan have evaluated the salt tolerance of seventy-five cool-season turfgrasses representing nine species, under controlled and field conditions. They have also assessed the suitability of a variety of turfgrass mixtures for use along roadsides in central Minnesota.

The first study (Salt Tolerance of 75 Cool-Season Turfgrasses for Roadsides; 2012) was a field study designed to evaluate 75 improved turfgrass cultivars representing 14 species of cool-season turfgrasses

planted at two sites in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

The two sites — Larpenteur Avenue in Roseville, MN (including boulevard plots between the road and a sidewalk and plots opposite the sidewalk from the road), and Interstate 94 in Albertville, MN — were chosen based on differences in road salt application, traffic volume, and soil type. Road salt was regularly applied before, during, and after winter storm events. The turfgrass species studied included Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), perennials ryegrass (Lolium perenne), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), prairie junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans), Idaho bentgrass (Agrostis idahoensis), hard fescue (Festuca trachypylla), sheep fescue (Festuca ovina), Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. falax; synonym — Festuca rubra var./ssp. commutata), slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis), and strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra). Following seedbed preparation in the fall, the plots were seeded by hand, raked to ensure good seed/soil contact, mulched, and irrigated. Maintenance was limited to occasional mowing. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, and extractable phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Turf establishment during the fall was monitored based on ground cover and density on a scale of 1–9 (1 = no germination; 9 = dense turf canopy). Assessments of turf survival were initiated the following spring (April) based on a scale of 1–9 scale (1 = complete death of the existing turf; 9 = no salt damage).

Significant cultivar effects for establishment and spring survival were observed. Perennial ryegrass was the top performer for establishment, but exhibited poor winter survival. All cultivars of alkaligrass had good survival at both locations indicating good salt tolerance, but previous research has indicated that alkaligrass does not persist well under low input (water and fertility) conditions.

As a result, the authors suggest that alkaligrass would be best used together with other species that are more tolerant of low-input conditions. In general, the fine fescue cultivars performed well based on establishment and winter survival with slender and strong creeping red fescue being top performers. ‘Shoreline’ slender creeping red fescue, ‘Navigator’ strong creeping red fescue, and a sheep fescue from the University of Minnesota turfgrass breeding program were among the top performers. These species also tend to be more tolerant of shade and low-input conditions. None of the Kentucky bluegrass cultivars studied performed well based on establishment or survival and Kentucky bluegrass is, therefore, not recommended for difficult sites like roadsides. The research findings indicate that turfgrass mixtures for roadsides should be chosen carefully because the performance of several species was site-dependent. The authors believe the findings should be useful in future research and specifically the evaluation of turfgrass mixtures variously composed using the best performers from this trial.

In the second study (Salt Tolerance of 74 Turfgrass Cultivars in Nutrient Solution Culture; 2013), the relative salt tolerance of 74 cool-season turfgrass cultivars was evaluated under controlled conditions. The turfgrasses studied were grown from seed in sand in pots suspended in a nutrient solution for 12 weeks before being march 17

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➾ S A LT

successively exposed to increasing salinity levels of 4, 14, and 24 dS/meter (decisiemens/meter; a measure of electrical conductance which increases as the salt concentration increases). Digital images of the plants were analyzed to determine percent green tissue following exposure to each salinity level for a period of two weeks.

Cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) proved to be the most salt tolerant (‘Wolfpack II’ and ‘Jaguar 4G were the most salt tolerant) and so were many fine fescue selections including ‘Sealink’, ‘Seabreeze”, and ‘Shoreline’ slender red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis). Once again, the authors believe the turfgrass cultivars that exhibited good salt tolerance have the potential to be good choices for use in salt-tolerant seed mixes and may be useful to turfgrass managers and in turfgrass breeding programs where salt tolerance is a goal.

The objectives of the third study (Cool-Season Turfgrass Species Mixtures for Roadsides in Minnesota; 2015) were to assess the performance of cool-season turfgrass mixtures based on survival along roadsides in central Minnesota, to quantitatively assess the influence of individual species on the survival of turfgrass mixtures, and to ultimately identify a suitable mixture of turfgrasses for use on roadsides in central Minnesota. Fifty-one cool-season turfgrass mixtures, representing nine turfgrass species, and planted at two locations in the northeastern quadrant of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (Larpenteur Avenue in Roseville, MN, and Anoka County Highway 14 in Centerville, MN). The nine species used to formulate the turfgrass mixtures included creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, alkaligrass, strong creeping red fescue, slender creeping red fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, tall fescue, and Chewings fescue. Each species was represented by a single cultivar selected based on its proven ability to survive on central Minnesota roadsides and an assessment of their salt tolerance. The experimental 34

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turf plots were located between the curb and a sidewalk and a bicycle trail, respectfully. Seedbed preparation included removal of existing weeds with herbicides, cultivation, and the application of a starter fertilizer. The plots were seeded by hand in the fall, raked to ensure good seed/soil contact, covered with erosion control blankets, and irrigated as needed during establishment. Following establishment no additional fertilizer or irrigation was provided.

Soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, and extractable phosphorus and potassium. Turf survival was monitored for two growing seasons based on percent green/living cover using digital images the first year and a grid-intersect method the second year. Weed cover was also assessed on a scale of 1–9 (1 = 100% weed cover; 6 = 33% weed cover; 9 = no weeds). Several turfgrass mixtures that exhibited superior performance to the existing Minnesota Department of Transportation seed mixture for roadsides in central Minnesota were identified. Based on the findings, a seed mixture containing 20% slender creeping red fescue, 40% hard fescue, and 40% sheep fescue should have the best chance of survival and should be the best choice for roadsides in central Minnesota. The findings should result in improved turfgrass mixtures for use in Minnesota and provide the basis for further research designed to better understand the factors involved in turfgrass survival under challenging roadside conditions.

In a subsequent study (Sod Strength Characteristics of 51 Cool-Season Turfgrass Mixtures; 2016), the same researchers joined by University of Minnesota research scientist Matthew Cavanaugh studied the tensile strength and work required to tear sod composed of mixtures of nine cool-season turfgrass mixtures that had previously been determined to perform well on roadsides in central Minnesota. The nine species used to formulate the turfgrass mixtures included Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, creeping bentgrass, alkaligrass, slender

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➾ S A LT

creeping red fescue, strong creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue. Although Kentucky bluegrass is not the best choice for roadside turf based on salt tolerance, Kentucky bluegrass has been historically included in sod mixtures based on its rhizomatous growth habit and resulting sod-forming ability. Conversely, the fine fescues, which have been demonstrated as the better choice for roadside turf, have not been used in sod production based on their perceived inability to produce sod with sufficient strength to handle harvest and handling (shipping and installation). Fifty turfgrass seed mixtures and the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s standard salt-tolerant seed mixture were included in the study. The resulting 52 sod treatments were seeded at two locations (Rosemount Research and Outreach Center in Rosemount, MN, and the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus) in early September and were harvested 22 months later. The soil at both locations is a Waukegan silt loam. Sod tensile strength was determined using a custom-built tensile strength testing device. Thatch depth and the final species composition for each sod plot. The research findings indicated that turfgrass mixtures composed of salt-tolerant fine fescues can indeed form sods with strength equal to or greater than Kentucky bluegrass sod. In addition, many of the experimental sod mixtures exhibited mechanical properties that were superior to the Minnesota Department of Transportation sod standard. Interestingly, turfgrass mixtures that were initially different but transitioned to similar or identical species compositions often had different mechanical properties. It was suggested that further research might provide a better understanding of the factors that determine sod strength. It was also suggested that further research might focus on production time and its effects on sod strength as the 22-month production time is longer than the time required to produce Kentucky bluegrass sod (15 months).

When selecting turfgrasses for use along roadsides multiple stressors need to be considered including heat, drought, poor nutrition, snow and ice damage, and salt stress. As a group, the fine fescues appear to be some of the best choices for salt tolerant turf; these species include slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis), strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra), sheep fescue (Festuca ovina), Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. fallax), and hard fescue (Festuca trachyphylla). Of these, slender creeping red fescue and strong creeping red fescue appear to be the most salt tolerant species.

These types of research have the potential to benefit the nursery and landscape and turf industries and the environment and sod growers are already producing salt-tolerant sod based on the research findings described. This is good news and highlights the value of the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Program ((Department of Horticultural Science; http://turf.umn.edu) and similar programs across the country. Without a doubt, these programs are valuable resources for the Minnesota nursery and landscape industry from an education, research, and profit perspective.

Friell, J., E. Watkins, and B. Horgan. 2013. Salt-tolerance of 74 Turfgrass Cultivars in Nutrient Solution Culture. Crop Science 53(4):1743-1749. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/abstracts/53/4/1743 (abstract only) Friell, J., E. Watkins, and B. Horgan. 2015. Cool-Season Turfgrass Species Mixtures for Roadsides in Minnesota. Ecological Engineering 84:579–587. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S0925857415301968 (abstract only) Friell, J., E. Watkins, B. P. Horgan, and M. Cavanaugh. 2016. Sod Strength Characteristics of 51 Cool-Season Turfgrass Mixtures.

Agronomy Journal Online; October 6, 2016. 9 pages. https:// dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/aj/abstracts/0/0/agronj2016.05.029 5?access=0&view=article (abstract only) Sander, A., E. Novotny, E. Mohseni, and H. Stefan. 2007. Inventory of Road Salt Use in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Area. Project Report No. 503. University of Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.

Prepared for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Local Road Research Board. 46 pages. https://conservancy.umn.edu/ bitstream/handle/11299/115332/pr503.pdf?sequence=1

For additional information about deicing salts, the effects of deicing salts on the environment, and the salt tolerance of cool-season turf, consult the following references: Koch, M.J. and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Salinity Tolerance of Cool-Season Turfgrass Cultivars Under Field Conditions. Applied Turfgrass Science 8(1) http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/ATS-2011-0725-01-RS. https:// dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/ats/abstracts/8/1/2011-0725-01-RS Zhang, Q., A. Zuk, and K. Rue. 2013. Salinity Tolerance of Nine Fine Fescue Cultivars Compared to Other Cool-Season Turfgrasses. Scientia Horticulturae 159(30):67–71. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/pii/S0304423813002021?np=y Wang, S., Q. Zhang, and E. Watkins. 2011. Evaluation of Salinity Tolerance of Prairie Junegrass, a Potential Low-maintenance Turfgrass Species. HortScience 46(7):1038-1043. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/ content/46/7/1038.full.pdf+html Brown, R.N. and J.H. Gorres. 2011. The Use of Soil Amendments to Improve the Survival of Roadside Grasses. HortScience 46(10):1404-1410. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/46/10/1404.full.pdf+html Dindorf, C., C. Fortin, B. Asleson, and J. Erdmann. 2014. The Real Cost of Salt Use for Winter Maintenance in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Fortin Consulting, Inc./Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; October, 2014. 26 pages. https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/ files/wq-iw11-06bb.pdf Cavanaugh, M. 2015. Salt-Tolerant Roadside Grasses: Does Anything Actually Survive? University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science, Turfgrass Science Program; January 19, 2015. http://www.turf. umn.edu/news/salt-tolerant-roadside-grasses-does-anything-actuallysurvive Minnesota Department of Transportation. 2014. Chloride Free Snow and Ice Control Material. TRS 1411; October, 2014. 50 pages. http:// www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TRS/2014/TRS1411.pdf

Citations: Friell, J., Watkins, E., & Horgan, B. 2012. Salt Tolerance of 75 Cool-Season Turfgrasses for Roadsides. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B: Soil and Plant Science 62(Supplement 1):44-52. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09064710.2012.678381 (abstract only) 36

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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.

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➾ LE G AL ISSUES

Minneapolis Sick/Safe Leave Update In May 2016, the City of Minneapolis passed a highly-publicized ordinance requiring most employers to provide paid sick and safe leave for many employees. The ordinance resurfaced in Minnesota headlines the third week in January when a Hennepin County judge prevented the City from enforcing the ordinance against nonresident employers when it goes into effect in July.

Alexandra Zabinski

Law Clerk Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

Recap: The ordinance

Minneapolis Ordinance No. 2016-040 requires employers to provide their employees with 1 hour of paid sick/ safe leave for every 30 hours worked, with annual caps and some rollover. Leave can be used for various illnessor safety-related events, including illness of an employee or family member and school closings. The effective date is July 1, 2017.

The ordinance’s most controversial provision was its expansive scope. Paid leave was mandated for all employees who worked at least 80 hours in Minneapolis per calendar year. In practice, this provision included vast numbers of nonresident, out-of-state, and even foreign businesses.

The ordinance’s most controversial provision was its expansive scope. Paid leave was mandated for all employees who worked at least 80 hours in Minneapolis per calendar year. In practice, this provision included vast numbers of nonresident, out-of-state, and even foreign businesses.

Lawsuit and request for injunction

In October 2016, a coalition including the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and several businesses sued the City of Minneapolis. The coalition sought to invalidate No. 2016-040, arguing that the ordinance was preempted by state law and overreached municipal power. The case is currently pending in Hennepin County. In the meantime, the coalition requested an injunction, which is an order preventing the city from 38

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enforcing the ordinance against employers until final resolution of the case, which could take months or even years.

The decision on the injunction

On Thursday, January 19, the Court issued an order forbidding the city from enforcing the ordinance against employers who don’t reside within city boundaries. In other words, the court agreed with the coalition that the ordinance overreached municipal power with regards to nonresident employers. However, the order doesn’t apply to resident employers, who will still be required to comply with the ordinance beginning July 1, 2017.

The Court acknowledged that within the city’s boundaries, the ordinance was a valid regulation to minimize the spread of disease. Accordingly, the ordinance can be enforced against employers who reside in Minneapolis.

No finding of preemption

The Court rejected the preemption arguments, finding that the ordinance did not conflict with current state law and that state law did not so fully occupy the field of private-employer-provided paid leave as to evince an intent to foreclose municipal regulation in this area.

What the decision means

For Minneapolis-resident employers, the ordinance will still be effective July 1, 2017. For nonresident employers, the ordinance can’t be enforced for now. When the case reaches final resolution, the ordinance may be upheld, overturned, or modified.

2017 Model Year Exclusive Allowance. Save up to $6,800 on select GM models.

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and GM Fleet and Commercial are proud to offer a money-saving partnership which will save MNLA members thousands of dollars! You will receive a credit on your purchase of up to $6,800 on select 2017 GM models. For more information, contact Mary Dunn at mary@mnla.biz.

For Minneapolis-resident employers, the ordinance will still be effective July 1, 2017.

For nonresident employers, the ordinance can’t be enforced for now. When the case reaches final resolution, the ordinance may be upheld, overturned, or modified.

GM Fleet third square.indd 1

11/22/2016 9:48:19 AM

This ruling could spell trouble for the City of St. Paul, which enacted a virtuallyidentical ordinance in September 2016, including purported applicability to all employees who work 80 hours per calendar year in St. Paul. Based on the Minneapolis ruling, there may be challenges posed to the St. Paul ordinance in the near future. on business matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding business law, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651331-6500 or info@zmattorneys.com.

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES GENERAL INFORMATION

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âžž S E CT I O N TITLE

BACK TO NORMAL Pruning is simply a method of modifying plant growth to enhance health, vigor and/or performance for a given purpose. Methods used and techniques applied are governed by the purpose that the plant serves.

Dr. Robert E. Schutzki | Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University Originally published in The Michigan Landscape magazine, a bimonthly publication of the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association (mnla.org).Â

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➾ P RU NIN G CLIPS

F

or example, pruning practices at nurseries focus on initial growth and structural framework. The intent is to produce a saleable plant with attractive form, branching structure, foliage and any other aesthetically appropriate characteristics for the given species. Managing plants in the landscape is guided by design intent and the role that each plant serves in contributing to aesthetic appeal and the other functions of the landscape. Although the cultural practices performed when producing and subsequently using plants are related, there are times when practices must be employed to ease the transition from production to establishment in the landscape.

Nurseries produce evergreen trees with dense branching and conical shapes (Fig. 1). Pruning shapes the crown and enhances branch/ foliage density. Christmas tree producers follow a set of standards established by the USDA for marketing trees that includes such characteristics as: crown taper; the amount of foliage on the tree; the number and size of branches within a whorl; distance between whorls; number and arrangement of branchlets on a stem; and needle arrangement (Fig. 2). These specified characteristics vary slightly with species to align with their overall form, growth patterns and foliage. What happens in the nursery or plantation sets the stage for their later use; however, production form does not always seamlessly translate into future landscape form. “Back to Normal” takes a look at evergreen trees, specifically pines and spruce, from production to establishment in the landscape (Fig. 3) and later to their return to normal growth patterns (Fig. 4 and 5).

Fig. 1 — Pine from the nursery.

Fig. 2 — Fraser fir from a Christmas tree plantation.

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Fig. 3 — Establishment in the landscape.

Fig. 4 — White Pine crown distortion due to resuming normal growth patterns.

Fig. 5 — Norway spruce resuming normal growth pattern in the landscape.

The intent is to produce a saleable plant with attractive form, branching structure, foliage and any other aesthetically appropriate characteristics for the given species.

The White pine in Fig. 6 is an example of the crown distortion that can result when trees resume normal growth following establishment. The lower half of the tree exhibits the shape produced in the nursery.

Once established in the landscape, it returned to its natural growth rate and resulted in a wide spreading sparsely branched upper crown (Fig. 7). Shoot

Fig. 6 — White pine emerging from transplant shock.

Fig. 7 — Normal shoot extension resulting in decreased crown density.

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➾ P RU NIN G CLIPS

Fig. 8 — Spruce with disproportional crown development.

Fig. 9 — Thin upper branch density.

Fig. 10 — Distance between whorls managed during production.

Fig. 11 — Normal terminal and lateral growth.

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Fig. 12 — Managed terminal and lateral growth.

elongation returned to its normal size, growing drastically out of proportion to the sizes managed during production. The same is true for the spruce in Fig. 8. The lower branch density of the tree differs from the more recently produced top (Fig. 9). This tree seems to display two distinct crown types.

Transitioning evergreen trees back to natural growth takes place when the trees emerge from the lag phase typical of transplant shock. This may happen 3 or 4 years from planting and usually falls on people maintaining the landscape. Unfortunately, it may be left to those unaware of the need or to those not well versed in horticultural practice. Hopefully, it falls on professionals who are still in contact with clients or others who have maintenance contracts.

The first step in transitioning these plants back to normal is to examine the distance between whorls managed in the nursery (Fig. 10). This distance significantly contributes to crown density and, in most cases, is maintained fairly consistent throughout the production cycle. Transitioning involves managing a gradual increase in terminal and lateral extension over successive years (Fig. 11 and 12). By doing so, we can avoid the disproportionate growth and the distorted crowns. Controlling terminal and lateral growth responses will help to minimize “hourglass crowns” (Fig. 4).

Pines are considered whorled evergreens, meaning that they form clusters of buds on the top of their branches (Fig. 13). Buds break, expand and give rise to shoots at that whorl. Elongating shoots are often referred to as candles (Fig. 14). These succulent shoots grow

Fig. 13 — Terminal bud cluster on pine.

Fig. 14 — Candles.

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➾ P RU NIN G CLIPS

Fig. 15 — Elongating candles forming terminal and lateral shoots.

Fig. 16 — Pruned terminal and lateral candles.

Fig. 17 — Bud formation following candle pruning.

Remember, pruning eases the transition of these trees as they make their way in the landscape.

Fig. 18 — Bud formation following candle pruning.

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Fig. 19 — Terminal and lateral bud formation on spruce.

Fig. 20 — Terminal and lateral growth on spruce.

and at an appropriate time, needles unfold and clusters of new buds form on top. No lateral buds form along the elongating shoots. As a result, pines must be pruned during the candle stage (Fig. 15 and 16) to encourage new bud development at the top of the pruned stem (Fig. 17 and 18). Pruning shoots after they have hardened will not generate new bud formation and the shoot will eventually die.

Reduce the length of these new shoots to bring them more in line with previous growth.

Spruce, firs and several other conifers form both terminal and lateral buds on their shoots (Fig. 19). Both terminals and laterals break bud and grow in spring (Fig. 20). These plants are usually pruned in winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Transitioning spruce back to normal is much easier due to the presence of lateral buds along their shoots. We can come back in subsequent seasons to correct imbalances in crown formation (Fig. 21).

Take a look at evergreen trees in the landscape this season. See any “hourglass pines” or any “back to normal” trees? Remember, pruning eases the transition of these trees as they make their way in the landscape.

Pruning Clips is a series focused on mastering the art, science and practice of pruning. Look for more Pruning Clips to follow.

DR. ROBERT SCHUTZKI is

an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at MSU. His research interests include plant exploration, plant evaluation and landscape development. All photos used in this article are used by permission of Robert Schutzki and may not be reused in any way without express written permission.

Fig. 21 — White spruce left unpruned.

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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S

2017 MNLA LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS PART II Look for more winning projects in upcoming issues!

Several members of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) were recently honored with the 2017 MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape. Twelve projects received awards, and you can view all submitted photos and read the project descriptions by visiting the project gallery at tinyurl.com/ LandscapeAwards2017. Congratulations to the companies and personnel behind these projects!

All winning projects were displayed in the Innovation & Inspiration Theater during Northern Green 2017, recognized at the Green Industry Awards Celebration, and were presented in special sessions on our giant screen in the trade show floor. All winners receive the posters shown at Northern Green and many other marketing assets as well. MNLA creates a video and a plaque for each award given, plus delivers a linkable project page in our gallery, a sample press release, a winner’s crest, guidelines for pitching projects to local home magazines, and tips for marketing to other media.

DID YOU KNOW? Entries are NOT judged against each other. In any given year, ALL entries could win awards, or NO entries could win an award. Each entry is judged against the standards of excellence. Judges must decide whether an entry, in their opinion, meets or even exceeds those standards.

Firm: Ground One Enterprises Project: Godes Residence Entrant: Nathan Anderson Team members: Nathan Anderson — landscape architect; Patrick Weiss — project manager; Andres Morales — foreman Subcontractors: Sport Court MN, sport court installation 48

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Firm: Mom’s Landscaping & Design, LLC Project: Taunton Residence Entrant: Heather Grossmann

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âž¾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S

Firm: Yardscapes Inc. Project: Cedar Lake Ave. Residence Entrant: Clayton Johnson

Firm: Southview Design Project: Going Native Entrant: Meg Arnosti

THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 AWARDS SPONSORS:

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➾ ME MBER N EWS

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Carr’s Tree Service Jake Carr Ottertail, MN, 218-367-3355

Shane’s Landscaping LLC Shane Erickson Erskine, MN, 701-741-0790

LA Lawn Care, Inc. Trevor John Cross Lake, MN, 218-692-1107

United Farmers Cooperative Cheri LeBrun Winthrop, MN, 507-647-6600

Pierson Garden and Landscape LLC David Pierson Minnetonka, MN, 612-251-9910

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➾ NORT HERN GREEN

GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATION

Sponsored by Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply

➋

➊

➍ 1. The giant screen in the Innovation & Inspiration Theater displayed the projects beautifully. 2. Plenty of food. 3. MNLA President Herman Roerick with new Hall of Fame inductee Van Cooley. 4. MNLA Foundation scholarship winner Kyle Lemke with sponsor Karen Filloon of Southview Design. 5. Resultants for Business’ Terri and Steve Wilcox, facilitators of the Green Industry Leadership Institute, flank graduate Elise Eide from Hedberg Supply. 6. Roerick congratulates Jim Saybolt of biota on their Landscape Awards. 7. Nathan Anderson accepted two Landscape Awards for Ground One Enterprises. 8. Thomas Hoese of Magnolia Landscape & Design Co. accepts Landscape Award from President Roerick.

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GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATION

Sponsored by Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply

➋

➊

➌

➍ 1. Roerick with Landscape Award winner Clayton Johnson of Yardscapes Inc. 2. Roerick with Landscape Award winner Meg Arnosti of Southview Design. 3. Roerick with Landscape Award winner Heather Grossmann of Mom’s Landscaping & Design, LLC. 4. Roerick with Landscape Award winner Matt Burton of Southview Design. 5. Colleen Moran, Mike Horn, and Heidi Heiland

6. Roerick with Landscape Award winner Becca Bastyr of Mom’s Landscaping & Design, LLC. 7. Roerick with Landscape Award winner David Kopfmann of Yardscapes, Inc. 8. President Roerick congratulates Faith Appelquist of Tree Quality LLC, MNLA’s 2017 Volunteer of the Year.

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➾ NORT HERN GREEN

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

Sponsored by Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Bailey Nurseries, Inc., Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply, Hoffman & McNamara, Irrigation By Design, Wilson’s Nursery, Inc., Ziegler Cat, and Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

➊

➋

➍ ➌ 1. Minneapolis City Council member Jacob Frey joined this year’s Legislative Breakfast panel to discuss crucial issues like pollinator habitat development and employment regulation. 2. Event attendees met and mingled before enjoying the hot breakfast buffet. 3. Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President of Industry Advocacy & Research at AmericanHort, shared his knowledge about federal issues like reform to temporary worker visa programs and gave insight into the new Trump administration. 4. MNLA Government Affairs Committee member Mick McGuire and Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee Board member Karen Zumach had a laugh in between their conversation about Minnesota’s Emerald Ash Borer infestation — funding for which is one of our top legislative priorities this year. 5. Minnesota

Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Andrea Vaubel spoke about the critical importance of preserving our state’s ground and surface waters — a key natural resource for the green industry. 6. MNLA Government Affairs Director Alicia Munson addressed the crowd of over fifty attendees, encouraging them to submit audience questions for a Q&A with the panel. 7. While he’s recently retired from the Minnesota House, Representative Denny McNamara demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the green industry in attending the event — during which, he reviewed MNLA’s 2017 legislative agenda, highlighting policy priorities such as Uniform State Labor Standards and liability protections for ice management professionals. 8. New member of the Minnesota House, Representative Fue Lee, listened in on the panel discussion to gain insight into issues he’ll address at the State Capitol.

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COMEDY NIGHT

Sponsored by Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Central Landscape Supply, Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply, and Rock Hard Landscape Supply

The Northern Green team has upped their game and presented a professional and well-put-together event.

Can’t wait to see what next year brings!

— An attendee

Keynote sponsored by Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Bailey Nurseries, Inc., Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply, and Ziegler Cat

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➾ NORT HERN GREEN

NORTHERN GREEN TRADE SHOW

Exhibitors were easy to talk to and full of information.

— An attendee

Urban Ecosystems designed and hosted a virtual reality demonstration in the Tech Lab.

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Rainbow Treecare gave daily demonstrations in the Climber’s Corner.

NORTHERN GREEN TRADE SHOW

I always enjoy Northern Green, but especially appreciated the opportunity to have classes on the tradeshow floor. I was glad to drop into a campfire session or go to a seminar at the big stage. The greatest benefit I derive upon attending is the inspiration/educational classes. — An attendee

The Plant Fashion Show was the most talked-about session at the trade show! Thanks to Katie Feckers, Nelson Nursery and Kelsey Sparks, Green Barn Garden Center.

Northern Green generously supported by Bailey Nurseries, Inc. and Ziegler Cat

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➾ NORT HERN GREEN

NORTHERN GREEN TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PARTY

Be sure to mark your calendar to join us January 2–4, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center for Northern Green 2018! Note: The earlier dates are a one year adjustment due to the “Big Game” being hosted in Minneapolis in 2018.

Northern Green is presented by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) and the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF).

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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 ¼ 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!

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

Research for the Real World

Career Development & Promotion

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Scholarships

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