The Scoop Online – September 2014

The Value of MNLA Membership: A to Z

Also Inside

A Community-Based Landscape Project

Landscape Trends Member Profile Photo Flashback

CLOUD COMPUTING Is it right for your business?

Vol: 37 No: 9 Sept 2014 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

Volume 37 No. 9 Sept 2014

contents 19

71 36

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

24 Member Profile Barrett Lawn Care, Inc.

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10 The Value of MNLA Membership: A to Z Executive Director Cassie Larson reflects on the benefits of MNLA membership. 

19 White Dots: Consequences of Flat Top Heading Cuts Every cut initiates a response; every cut leads to a set of consequences.   

27 Breeding for Noninvasive Varieties Explore mutagenesis breeding with Dr. Alan Smith and research associate Andrzej Noyszewski of the University of Minnesota.    

36 Case Study: A Cooperative Community-Oriented Landscape How did landscape professionals help a neighborhood shape a strong vision for a community farm and park?   

49 Moving to the Cloud & Understanding Cloud Options Finding the best technology solution for your green industry business. 

55 Snow Industry Benchmark Study Seven things your snow industry business can do to stay ahead of the pack.    Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Management  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Management  Arborists & Tree Services  All

46 Interstate Nursery Inspection Training Report Cooperating professionals promote high standards 61 Out and About Photos from visits to member locations.

64 Green Industry Leadership Institute A mid-year progress report 67 Legal Issues Complying with I-9 requirements 71 Landscape Trends A Research for the Real World report 78 Call For Nominations Submit applications for the MNLA Board of Directors now 86 Photo Flashback Pricing lists of yesteryear

The Scoop, September 2014, Issue 9, is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2014, 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.

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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 & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

heidi heiland, mnla-cp, president Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com

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 • rberg@smig.net

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic

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

patrick mcguiness

Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC 651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

mike mcnamara

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

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

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

cassie larson, cae

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

Staff Directory

executive director:

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

membership director & trade show manager: 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 assistant: Jessica Pratt • jessica@mnla.biz accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz mnla foundation program director: Jodi Larson • jodi@mnla.biz • www.TheLandLovers.org

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

mnla .biz

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ad list

Volume 37 No. 9 Sept 2014

➾ section title

A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 33 Albert J. Lauer, Inc. ........................................................................................... 23 Anchor Block Company .................................................................................... 43 Ancom Communication & Technical Center .................................................... 32 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. .................................................................................. 26 Arborjet ............................................................................................................ 87 Aspen Equipment ............................................................................................... 4 Berger Peat Moss ............................................................................................. 73 Bridgewater Tree Farms ................................................................................... 76 Brock White Company ...................................................................................... 75 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 26 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 54 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 62 D. Hill Nursery Co. ............................................................................................ 59 Dailey Data ....................................................................................................... 16 Dayton Bag & Burlap ........................................................................................ 75 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 47 Evergreen Nursery Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 35 Everris ............................................................................................................... 81 Farber Bag & Supply Co. .................................................................................. 83 Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 41 Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 63 Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 75 Gertens Wholesale ............................................................................................. 2 Glacial Ridge Growers ...................................................................................... 35 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 32 Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. ................................................... 43 Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 79 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ........................................................ 60 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 44–45 Johnson’s Nursery ............................................................................................ 54 Jokela Power Equipment .................................................................................. 16 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 61 Kline Nissan ...................................................................................................... 70 Kubota Dealers ................................................................................................. 85 Landscape Alternatives Inc. .............................................................................. 54 Maguire Agency ............................................................................................... 26 McKay Nurseries, Inc. ....................................................................................... 83 Midwest Groundcover, LLC .............................................................................. 12 Midwest Groundcovers, LLC ............................................................................ 48 Minnesota Propane Association ....................................................................... 81 MTI Distributing, Inc. ....................................................................................... 26 Nuss Truck & Equipment .................................................................................. 54 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 59 Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7 RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 47 RDO Equipment Co. - Vermeer ........................................................................ 73 Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 62 Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 59 Specialty Turf & Ag ........................................................................................... 66 Sterling Arbor LLC ............................................................................................ 68 The Builders Group .......................................................................................... 41 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .................................................................................. 18, 77 Truck Utilities & Mfg. Co. .................................................................................. 61 Unilock ............................................................................................................. 57 United Label & Sales ........................................................................................ 75 University of Wisconsin - River Falls ................................................................. 59 Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 69 Ziegler CAT ..........................................................................................Back Cover

➾ calendar

sept17 sept11 2014 Clean Water Summit

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Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen arboretum.umn.edu/ 2014CleanWaterSummit The 2014 Clean Water Summit will focus on both the costs and benefits of green infrastructure in development projects, including the economic, social, and ecological factors.

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Where Ecology Meets Economy: Season 2 : A Forum for Green Industry Professionals & Land Managers Menomonee Falls, WI www.sewisc.org This event hosted by the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. & Johnson’s Nursery, Inc™ will feature presentations, panel discussions, plus guided tours.

oct 22–24

MNLA Event

oct22

GIE+Expo / Hardscape North America

Category P Only pesticide Recertification Workshop

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Key:

Event Education

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St. Paul, MN MNLA.biz This 2.5 hour class will provide recertification for Category P (Vertebrates and Pest Control) only.

This class is for those who wish to maintain Category P certification and received credit for categories A and E last year or at the 2014 Northern Green Expo.

Generously supported by:

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Louisville, KY gie-expo.com Two tradeshows co-located in one central location, provide your No. 1 opportunity to see what your industry is buzzing about. The 19 acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, within easy walking distance of the indoor exhibits, and the New Products Showcase make these prestigious shows an exceptionally efficient, productive marketplace.

Did you miss a webinar? ALL of our webinars are recorded and available for viewing afterwards. Login to MNLA.biz to learn more! september 14

2014 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

oct2 sept30 MNLA Snow Day –OCT2 Field Field & Cover& Cover Production Tour Production Tour

sept17 MNLA Shootout

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!

SHOOTOUT

South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club 651-633-4987 MNLA.biz 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.

MNLA Event

NOV21

➾ Pesticide

Recertification Workshop

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TIES Conference Center, St. Paul MNLA.biz This workshop meets the MDA Pesticide Applicator Recertification Requirements for categories A (Core) and E (Turf and Ornamentals).

This is the last opportunity to recertify in 2014.

MN State Fairgrounds 651-633-4987 MNLA.biz Snow Day is back! Learn what’s new in equipment and supplies and education to gear up for the next snow season.

americanhort.org

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The AmericanHort Nursery & Greenhouse Grower Tour is coming to Minnesota! Visit americanhort.org for more details.

Generously supported by:

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

jan 14–16

jan13 Super Tuesday Minneapolis Convention Center MNLA.biz Attend one of the excellent pre-Expo education sessions. See more on page 17.

Northern Green Expo

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Minneapolis Convention Center Northerngreenexpo.org Attend the premier event for green industry professionals in the northern region. Exhibit Contracts are available. See more on page 14.

Generously supported by:

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All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. september 14

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MNLA Value From A to Z Whether it’s sharing a story, enhancing your education, or searching for ways to reduce costs on products and/or services, MNLA provides you with a wealth of opportunities to save money, network, learn, volunteer, and make your voice heard. Are you taking advantage of all that your MNLA membership affords? Cassie Larson, MNLA Executive Director

The value of an MNLA membership from A to Z: MNLA has more than 1,100 members whose unique voices are combined to speak loudly in Advocacy legislative affairs. MNLA tells you which legislative issues may affect your business. You can take action on issues of importance to you without ever leaving the office, or you can join us on the Hill to speak to your legislators in person with the back-up of volunteers and staff “in the know” on important topics.

You build credibility by identifying yourself with the leading regional green industry organization.

MNLA Members are encouraged to use the MNLA logo on promotional materials, including their website, in email communications, on business cards and more.

build credibility

Looking for a way to hone leadership skills and give back? Serving on an MNLA committee or task team allows industry professionals to do both!

community service

MNLA compiles the most comprehensive directory of green industry professionals and suppliers in the region — access it online or in print.

directory assistance

Expand your business views by reading about regional and national trends and topics in the Scoop and hear them directly from speakers at the Northern Green Expo.

expanded horizons

filling open positions

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Consistently, the most visited page on the MNLA website is the career center. If you’re looking to hire for a vacated or a brand new position, consider posting your position online.

The cost to MNLA members is only $35 for a 60 day posting.

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MNLA and MTGF play host to the north central region’s largest green industry event, the Northern Green Expo, which features thousands green expo of green industry professionals, hundreds of companies in the trade show, and dozens of educational seminars to fit all green industry professionals all in one place — and our members get a reduced rate to attend and exhibit!

You need knowledge to improve your business and operations — and in turn increase your horticultural profitability as part of our industry’s aim to improve the outdoor living environment. The credibility MNLA Foundation delivers the research-based information and insights you need for your environmental horticulture and landscape business. Our Research Information Director compiles, distills and disseminates easy-to-read information on topics such as: • New plant materials and plant hardiness trials.

• Sustainable landscape design, tree care and lawn maintenance practices.

• Marketing and consumer preferences.

• Plant insect/disease/weed control.

• Water management.

• Nursery and greenhouse production.

Photo credit: Bruce Silcox The industry, your business and even the environment are facing a crisis because so few young people are choosing green industry INVESTMENT careers. The MNLA Foundation delivers tools IN THE FUTURE and promotion to enhance the image of nursery, greenhouse, landscape, irrigation, and tree care professions. The Foundation’s Career Development Program: • Provides educational materials for students at various grade levels and help members establish relationships with schools.

• Informs teachers, guidance counselors, parents, and students about the legitimate career paths available in the green industry.

• Promotes horticulture and landscape programs at area colleges.

JUST IN TIME NEWS/RESOURCES

Know the Lay of the Land

No time to scour the news for the important issues of the day? MNLA saves you time by compiling green industry information for you both in print and electronically in MNLA Enews.

You can read the headlines and decide what’s important to you before reading further.

Need updates on how to comply with sales tax laws, water restrictions or city permitting?

MNLA works tirelessly to keep you up to date on the lay of the land for regulatory compliance.

to leave the class taking ownership of their company’s mission and bottom line, having greater confidence in decision making, and with new skills in identifying and facilitating solutions within their company. In addition, they will develop a network of peer advisors to engage with as they grow and advance in their career. The vision is to create a program where owners can invest in themselves or those individuals within their company that are already providing work direction to others, and are on track to take on even more responsibility within the business moving forward.

Marketing Toolbox

The MNLA Marketing Toolbox hosted on www.

MNLA.biz contains tools for members to use with consumers. Included in this section are the following resources that are available only to members (upon login):

• Advertising Deals • Media Toolkit • MNLA Logos • Plant Something Campaign Materials • PPS Brochure • State Fair Marketing Opportunities • Value of Landscape Design – Flyers • Why Hire an MNLA Member – Flyers Connect by joining one of more than 15 networking groups within MNLA (both industry segment and regional groups) or join an networking online community within the MNLA website.

Sometimes your best resource is a colleague who has gone before you. Join the journeys of other business owners or employees who face the same challenges and accomplishments. Networking meetings and MNLA events are a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills and contribute to the community. The networking opportunities in the MNLA community are endless.

Leadership INSTITUTE

Are you looking for help developing the next leader in your green industry business? Check out the Green Industry Leadership Institute.

This unique program is grounded in leadership development best practices and aims for students

Outreach To Future Employees & Industry Leaders

The MNLA Foundation Academic Awards Scholarship Program rewards outstanding college students who have made horticulture or landscaping their career choice and, furthermore, enhances industry relationships with these students who are future employees and business owners.

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➾ from the executive director

Unparalleled Staff

Vetted Industry Partnerships

The MNLA staff is always willing to go the extra mile to help you find the answers. If you don’t know where or how to find the answer, give us a call — we may not know the answer ourselves, but we will likely know who would know the answer and we’ll save you time by pointing you in the right direction.

MNLA has saved you time by seeking out savings and vetting providers on your behalf.

We’ve done the work for you and are proud to partner with multiple organizations to offer MNLA members the following:

• A self-funded Workers Compensation Insurance Pool from The Builders Group Looking for educational opportunities? Let us be your one stop shop to learn about professional development. MNLA provides in-person Professional education and online learning (anytime, Development anywhere) opportunities for members. We also compile industry events hosted by members and partner organizations of interest to our members into one online calendar to save you time.

Questions Answered

Have a question? Through MNLA, you have access to other business owners and employees who have walked in your shoes! Ask a question to MNLA members in the online website community to get a quick answer.

• Fleet discounts through both Chrysler and GM up to $6,000 • Gas discounts from Holiday and SuperAmerica • Legal services through Zlimen & McGuiness • The BBS Buying Group can help your business reduce the PROFIT being made by your current Credit Card and Phone Service provider.

Web Based, On-Demand Learning

X-Factor

Recognition

SCOOP

Tracking Industry Trends

From live webinars to recorded resources, MNLA boasts a fully searchable online set of on-demand online learning resources for member use.

The friendships created with other green industry professionals will last throughout your career!

The MNLA Landscape Awards is a program of recognition for installed landscapes. Enter your finest projects and be recognized by the industry for the work you do every day.

The Scoop is the monthly member-only magazine that helps keep you up-to-date and in the know on issues, events, and trends in Minnesota’s green industry and across the country.

MNLA’s green industry economic impact study for the state of Minnesota was updated in 2014, and state wage statistics are compiled biannually to assist in your business needs.

YEARLY EVENTS

ZOO

Annual events such as the Widmer Golf Tournament, Shootout, Green Expo, and certification & licensure classes help you learn, network and stay in touch.

The MNLA office is located right down the street from Como Zoo so come visit us. Not much starts with “Z” so give me a break on this one!

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Julie Moir Messervy

Jody Shilan

Kit Welchlin

Fred Rozumalski

Kris Bachtell Greg Pierceall

Chris LeConte

Joe Baer Marla Spivak

John Ball

Allan Armitage

Michael J. Hurdzan

Grow your knowledge with these speakers and more at the 2015 Northern Green Expo!

Generously Supported by:

Steve Bailey

JANUARY 14–16, 2015 Now one week later!

Minneapolis Convention Center

1914 ·CENT ENNIA L·2 014

www.NorthernGreenExpo.org

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Announcing a Call for Entries for MNLA Landscape Awards 2015 On September 15, 2014, MNLA will open its online entry portal and begin receiving entries for the 2015 landscape awards program. You will find the link to the online entry form on the home page of www.MNLA. biz. The entry process will be completely online, making it more streamlined, and saving a trip to the mailbox or the MNLA office. Full entry rules will be posted on the entry form.

As a reminder, there are no categories in the new program. Entrants won’t have to choose where their project fits, and entries will not be judged against each other; every entry will be judged solely on its own merits. Each winner will receive a plaque, marketing materials, a ticket to the MNLA Gala, a crest to display in print and for posting on their website, a link to a video of their project, and a bound photo book displaying the MNLA winning entry.

Landscape Awards

A program of recognition for installed landscapes.

Submitting companies must be MNLA members who offer design, installation, bid/build, design/build, or other landscape specialty to their clients.

The online entry portal will open on September 15, 2014, and the deadline for entry is November 19, 2014.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Committee and can be reached at seth@naturalcreationsmn.com.

J

ust ask Van why he chose CounterPoint and Dailey Data as his POS solution providers for Malmborg’s Garden Centers:

“CounterPoint and Dailey Data have helped us become more profitable by improving our purchasing with detailed historical sales information, as well as controlling our margins by identifying return items and limiting inventory losses with controlled receiving procedures.

“I highly recommend Dailey Data and CounterPoint to others in our industry because they have the hands-on experience to understand the specific needs of the Nursery, Greenhouse, and Garden Center businesses.” ~ Van Cooley Malmborg’s Garden Centers

Want to know more? Call or email for a no-obligation survey and ROI analysis for your company.

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www.MNLA.biz | July 2012

Super Tuesday Preview!

LOW VOLTAGE IRRIGATION TROUBLESHOOTING (PLT RELICENSURE) 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Instructor: Andrew Lindquist

This class provides a total of eight hours of continuing education credits for the Power Limited technician license, with material orientated specifically towards the irrigation specialist. Lindquist will focus on the following topics: wiring, troubleshooting of the controller and circuits, wire location; and grounding.

THE FASTEST GROWING GARDENING TREND: EDIBLES!

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

This day is all about food! Join us to learn how to incorporate edibles into your landscape designs, ways to use edibles in containers and more! We’ll also hear about the hottest trends in fruits and vegetables from local experts.

Join us for a full day of education prior to the Northern Green Expo.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Minneapolis Convention Center

CEO SYMPOSIUM: WHAT I WISH I KNEW…

4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The MNLA CEO Symposium has become the “place to be” on Tuesday night.

This is an opportunity for CEO-level members to connect and network. The evening includes drinks, dinner, and a presentation. This year, in coordination with the MNLA 90th anniversary celebration, our presenters will be the veterans of this great industry. They will share what they wish they knew when they were first starting out, lessons learned, and ‘aha’ moments from their careers.

PRESENTED BY

MTGF will also present a full-day Super Tuesday education program on January 13, 2015. Please watch for details to come in your inbox, the Scoop, and on www.MTGF.org!

White Dots Every cut initiates a response; every cut leads to a set of consequences.

Let’s take a look at one of the potential consequences of heading cuts… more specifically flat-topped heading cuts.

Robert E. Schutzki, Department of Horticulture | Michigan State University The Pruning Clips Series was originally published in the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association’s bimonthly magazine The Michigan Landscape.

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➾ pruning clips

Figure 1: White Dots.

Figure 2: Flat-topped heading cut.

Heading cuts can be any stem cut that is made directly above a lateral bud. Pruning guides recommend that heading cuts be made at a 45-degree angle ¼"above the bud.

Figure 4: Taxus hedge.

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T

Figure 3: Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’.

he angle facilitates wound closure and allows the cut to dry quickly after a rain. If the cut is too close to the bud, wound drying will damage the vascular connections to the bud, resulting in bud loss. Too steep of an angle will expose an excessive amount of wood, delay wound closure and cause possible bud loss. A cut too high will result in a stub that will die and eventually decay. There is also an aesthetic benefit to the angle of a heading cut that is often overlooked, especially when pruning narrow and broad leaved evergreens. Angular cuts minimize “White Dots” (Fig. 1).

Pruning can be likened to haircuts. The best haircut is often the one that does not look like any hair was cut. The same is true for

Figure 5: Taxus hedge.

Figure 7: Angle cut from below – Taxus.

Figure 6: White Dots.

Figure 8: Angle cut from above – Taxus.

pruning. The best pruned plant often looks like it was left untouched. Plant forms are not abrupt in appearance, but outlined by soft textured foliage regardless whether the plant is manicured, managed or left natural. By manipulating the angle of the heading cut, we can come close to achieving that untouched appearance.

“White Dots” can occur on all woody plants, both evergreen and deciduous; however, narrow-leaved evergreens best illustrate the “White Dot” consequence of flat-topped heading cuts (Fig. 2). Taxus are a staple in most landscapes, used as hedges, borders, backdrops and fillers (Fig. 3). Management usually includes maintaining the appropriate height and width for its given location. Due to seasonal demands, pruning is often relegated to the dormant season or after its early summer flushes have ceased. Work is directed at controlling the top and sides (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). The need to complete the work as quickly as possible either by hand or power equipment results in flat-topped cuts and “White Dots” (Fig. 6). By manipulating the angle of the cut, pruning wounds can be minimized along the evergreen façade. Manipulating the pruning shear is simple (unfortunately, not the case for power equipment); when stems are visually in the upper part of the plant, cut the stem from below (Fig. 7). When stems are visually below eye level, cut the stem from above (Fig. 8). The angle of the cut and the remaining foliage will minimize visibility of the wound (Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). The same is true for Junipers (Fig. 11). Approaching the stem at the appropriate angle can maintain a feathered edge and minimize visibility of the pruning wound (Fig. 12).

Quite often we are faced with making drastic cuts to reduce the overall size of plants. This is the case with the Taxus encroaching

Figure 9: Angle cut from above and remaining foliage.

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âžž pruning clips

Figure 10: Angle cut and remaining foliage minimizes the White Dots.

Figure 11: Outlying branches and natural edges of Junipers.

Figure 12: Angle cut from below – Juniper.

Figure 13: Encroaching on hand rail.

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Figure 14: Older wood with minimal foliage.

Figure 15: Older wood.

on the hand rail in Figure 13. It will take a couple of seasons before foliage returns to the façade (Fig. 14). Even though the older wood is exposed, cutting on an angle will reduce the visual abruptness of the wounds (Fig. 15).

We conducted a pruning workshop early this spring and pruned two masses of Taxus. The participants manipulated the angle of their shears and removed a fair amount of wood from each mass leaving that untouched appearance after it was all over. The results were amazing. As mentioned earlier, “White Dots” are due to flat-topped cuts and can occur on all woody plants both evergreen and deciduous. Consider the angle of your stem cuts and see if by entering from above or below you can reduce the amount of “White Dots”.

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

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.

Dr. Robert Schutzki

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➾ Member Profile

member profile Barrett L awn C are Molly Altorfer

Photos courtesy of Barrett Lawn Care

B arrett L awn C are

Company Name: Barrett Lawn Care Owner: Eric Barrett Date company started: 1998 Location: 7524 Lyndale Avenue, Richfield, MN Key Employees: Eric Barrett, Laura Barrett, Mike Fritsche, Derek Tweten, Jim Schuster Number of Employees in Peak Season: 25 in summer; 40 in winter Areas Served: Minneapolis and St. Paul and southern suburbs Member Category: Hardscape Contractor, Irrigation Contractor, Landscape Contractor, Landscape Management (including Lawn Care), Professional Gardening Services, Snow Plowing Website: http://www.barrettlawncare.com

Barrett Lawn Care, based in Richfield, Minnesota, specializes in professional landscaping services, including design and installation; garden management; irrigation and commercial lawn care and snow removal. Laura Barrett, operations director at Barrett Lawn Care, and spouse of owner and founder Eric Barrett, has her pulse on the company’s operations and administration.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Minnesota State University – Mankato and a former practicing chiropractor, Laura has responsibility for day-to-day operations, including scheduling, billing and customer relations. She agreed to sit down with The Scoop to talk about Barrett Lawn Care.

Question: Laura, thanks for taking the time to talk with The Scoop.

Can you give our readers a brief history of Barrett Lawn Care?

Answer: “Eric started the business after college. He had started working for a lawn service in Bloomington and had always mowed lawns in high school. While he was working for the lawn service, he

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“Our employees are great and are trained to go the extra mile.”

had started to take on smaller jobs on the side, with the permission of the company.

He eventually broke away to start Barrett Lawn Care. Over time, he started adding services to grow the business to make it all-inclusive for our customers.”

Question: What types of products and services does Barrett Lawn Care offer?

Answer: “We started out with residential mowing, and then added commercial mowing and maintenance. Then we added pesticide application, and also switched to serving only commercial mowing. Our customers started to show an apparent need for landscaping, so we undertook that as well. Then we incorporated residential landscaping, in addition to commercial landscaping and design. Our garden portion of the business is for residential and commercial customers. The most recent option we have added is irrigation services. We discovered that we needed to have all of these services to provide comprehensive service for our customers.”

Question: Is there a recent project of which you are extremely proud?

Answer: “We undertook a job in the summer of 2012 that turned out awesome.

The homeowners were adding an addition to their house and they had an extremely steep backyard. We came in and completely renovated the backyard and patio. We made a separate lawn and patio area, so the kids had an area to play on their own.

The homeowners loved it and it met all of their needs. It’s beautiful. [See photos].

Question: Can you offer an example of Barrett Lawn Care’s sound business operations?

Answer: “We have analyzed our business to come to a point where we have a strong understanding of our profit and loss

margins. It helps us to know our profitability, monitor where we’re at, and know if a job will be financially beneficial. We know how much it costs to do business. For instance, we also know exactly how much it will cost us to put an employee in a Bobcat for a specific job. Because we know the costs of things going into a project, we are prepared for the job ahead because of our behind the scenes data.”

Question: Can you offer some examples of Barrett Lawn Care’s professionalism, ethical operations or employee relations that help to distinguish the company from competitors?

Answer: “Part of our employee training and mission is that customers should come from referrals. Eric and I live that motto.

Our employees are great and are trained to go the extra mile. They are asked to notice anything on the property that doesn’t look right — whether a window screen is loose or a tree branch is hanging down.”

Question: Several of Barrett Lawn Care’s team members hold industry licensures.

Why do you feel it is important to hold these certifications? How does continued training help your customers and employees?

Answer: “Training is a huge platform for us. Teaching is a passion of mine. Part of every employee’s offer letter informs them that we will help them get their licensure and offer time off to go to class. In the winter we do a ‘book a month,’ and discuss each one as a team. They include books about leadership, customer service, and case studies, so we try to bring things out of those books to better our company. We have also done ‘lunch and learns’ for the opportunity to learn something different.”

Question: What do you think the number one mistake is when people don’t call a

company like Barrett Lawn Care to help with professional services and instead try to tackle issues themselves?

Answer: “When we see customers doing things themselves, they often aren’t using quality products or they may be doing the job incorrectly. For instance, a lot of our irrigation calls are when someone is not doing the job correctly themselves or the system wasn’t watering properly. Then they call the professionals.”

Question: Does Barrett Lawn Care participate in local community service initiatives?

Answer: Yes, we do. We volunteer at the Richfield half-marathon each year and hand out water to the runners. It is a fundraiser for the nature center and we feel it is a way for us to give back. I also serve as the Board chair of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce. We feel it is important to give back to the community in which we serve and to be visible and welcoming. We couldn’t run our business without Richfield residents who support us and surround us.”

Question: In what ways has the MNLA has helped your company? How has Barrett Lawn Care been involved with MNLA? Answer: “MNLA has helped us because they are a resource and are considered the authority in our profession. This summer we are looking forward to helping with the MNLA State Fair booth. We also use the job board a lot because we want great staff who are involved in the industry and who are knowledgeable. The MNLA job board taps into those people.”

Interested in being profiled in The Scoop?

Our writer is always looking for a good story. Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll add you to our pool.

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Ziegler Cat .......................................................3

Mutagenesis Breeding for Noninvasive Varieties of

Popular Landscape Plants

Andrzej K. Noyszewski and Alan G. Smith | University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science

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➾ mutagenesis breeding

Top Takeaways: The goal: prevent seed production and eliminate a plant’s potential to reproduce and spread by seed.

Seedlessness can also be beneficial by increasing flower longevity, eliminating nuisance fruit production, and increasing vegetative growth.

The key characteristics associated with invasive plants are: high seed production, ability to disperse easily, fast growth, and tolerance to a wide range of environments.

Mutagenesis breeding has been used extensively in horticulture to produce plants with novel traits. The mutations produced by highenergy mutagenesis provide new sources of variation from which new plant traits and new cultivars are selected.

Development of seedless varieties creates an opportunity to protect the environment and provide the nursery and landscape industry and consumers with interesting and novel plant material as well as the ability to continue to propagate, sell, and grow popular plants.

Figure 1. A small number of Japanese barberry plants, within a larger population found at Big Bay State Park, Wisconsin. Many plants were located in both heavy shade and in more sunny areas (Photo Credit: Alan Smith, UMN).

Figure 2. Japanese barberry cuttings being rooted after a mutagenesis treatment. Cuttings and seeds were treated to first determine the radiation sensitivity of the species and tissue.

Mutagenesis treatments were at a specific level from which to make selections to insure finding seedless plants. The center is Japanese barberry ‘Rosy Glow’ and the right top corner is Japanese barberry ‘Golden Carousel’ cuttings (Photo Credit: Alan Smith, UMN).

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Note: This month’s Research for the Real World article is generously provided by Dr. Alan Smith, Professor of Horticulture in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota, and Andrzej Noyszewski, Research Associate in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. As most of us are well aware, invasive species are a growing concern in Minnesota and worldwide and the nursery and landscape industry is a key player in preventing the introduction of invasive plant species. Our industry also has an important role to play in educating the public about proper landscape plant selection and landscape management, including the management of invasive species. All aspects of our industry benefit from industry-specific research and the research described herein is a great example of the type of research that can be of tremendous benefit to the nursery and landscape industry and its customers by helping to meet the ever-present demand for new and exciting plants and, relative to concerns about invasiveness, protecting native ecosystems. We thank Alan and Andrzej for accepting our invitation to share their research on the development of seedless varieties of plants that otherwise have the potential to become invasive with us and hope their efforts will be successful.

Dr. James Calkins, Research Information Director MNLA Foundation

I

nvasive plants are of increasing concern to producers and consumers due to their impact on native environments and the economic costs incurred to manage them. Invasive plants are considered one of the least reversible of all human impacts on the environment (Pimentel et al. 2000). The costs associated with invasive plants in the United States are estimated to be $34.7 billion per year (Midwest Invasive Plant Network — Invasiveness Brochure). An invasive non-native plant can be defined as “one that has or is likely to spread into native flora and managed plant systems, develop self-sustaining populations, and become dominant or disruptive to those systems” (Reichard and White, 2001). Prolific seed production is a key characteristic associated with plant invasiveness. Therefore our research goal has been to prevent seed production and eliminate a plant’s potential to reproduce and spread by seed.

Seedlessness can also be beneficial by increasing flower longevity, eliminating nuisance fruit production, and increasing vegetative growth. In this article, we will briefly describe the issues related to invasive plants with a focus on our ongoing research at the University Minnesota that uses mutagenesis breeding to produce seedless and, therefore, non-invasive varieties.

Many invasive plants that are problematic in Minnesota were introduced intentionally.

However, only a small fraction of new plant introductions will become established in a new environment and become invasive (Lockwood et al. 2001). Landscape plants are selected for a specific site for many reasons including their aesthetic value, cost, appropriate use, and hardiness. Plant breeding has established numerous cultivars of many non-native species with these desirable qualities. Non-native plants add novelty and are used to create unique designs, which make them popular with consumers and the nursery industry. Our research is focused on the production of seedless Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry), Acer ginnala (Amur or ginnala maple), Acer platanoides (Norway maple), and Euonymus alatus (burning bush).

These species were selected based on their importance to the nursery and landscape industry and their potential to become invasive. Japanese barberry is a very popular landscape plant in Minnesota and is widely used throughout the North America. It is known for its attractive red, green or yellow foliage, hardiness and production of large number of drupes (usually with a single seed; Lehrer and Brand, 2004). The production of many seeds that are vectored by wildlife is a very efficient dispersal system and combined with a relatively high resistance to shade and drought, Japanese barberry has escaped cultivation and is invading

Figure 3. Amur maple inflorescences from different plants derived from Gamma irradiated seed showing different levels of seed set. The inflorescences were collected at the same time. The left most inflorescences shows a very low level of seed set (many flowers didn’t produce seed) while the right most photo shows an inflorescence with a high level of seed set (with nearly all flowers producing seeds). The number of seeds produced was very consistent across all inflorescences from an individual plant, greatly reducing total number of seeds produced per plant (Photo Credit: Andrzej Noyszewski, UMN).

natural environments in Minnesota and North America (Barton et al. 2004, Gleason et al. 1991). Japanese barberry grows well in shade, open woodlands, wetlands, pastures, and meadows (Figure 1). It alters soil pH, nitrogen levels, and the biological activity of soil. These characteristics can negatively affect native plants, animals and the quality of soil and water (MNDNR — Barberry). Acer ginnala also has prolific seed production and displaces native shrubs, trees, native grasses, and herbaceous plants in savanna habitats (MNDNR — Amur maple). However, its beautiful fall foliage and fast growth in poor soils makes it a popular addition to landscapes. Amur maple has been planted extensively for wildlife and is used for shelterbelts. Norway maple invades native woodlands by out-competing sugar maple and other native trees, forming dense canopies and lowering biological diversity. Its primary mode of invasion is by seed production (MNDNR — Norway maple). Recently, much attention has been focused on burning bush, which is well known for its fall color and interesting winged stems. Burning bush can be invasive, is capable of replacing native shrubs in woodland habitats and changes native plant structure.

Why are some plants invasive? The key characteristics associated with invasive plants are: high seed production, ability to disperse easily, fast growth, and tolerance to a wide range of environments.

Invasive plants thrive in non-native environments because they produce more flowers, fruits and seeds compared to their native competitors (Mack et al. 2000). Seed production is a very important aspect of invasiveness and is a critical consideration when a plant is being intentionally introduced into a new environment. Sexual reproduction is also important to maintaining high levels of diversity within populations that can provide invasive types. Therefore, producing seedless varieties of plants with invasive potential is a sound approach to eliminate the risk of invasiveness. Seedlessness has its drawbacks beginning with a lack of fruit production, which may remove a seed source for some animals.

Calkins 2013, described a number of methods that could be used for the production of sterile plants. In our research, we used both biotechnology (Gardner et al. 2009) and mutagenesis breeding (Smith and Clasen 2011) as an approach for the development of seedless varieties. Our current research and this article is focused on producing seedless plants using mutagenesis. Mutagenesis breeding

has been used extensively in horticulture (Smith and Clasen 2011) to produce plants with novel traits including seedless varieties of orange and grapefruit (Hearn et al. 2004), black nightshade (Ojiewo et al. 2005), chrysanthemum (Broertjes and Dejong, 1984), soybean (Bolon et al. 2005), and verbena (Kanaya et al. 2008).

Invasive plant management occurs at the federal, state, and local levels and includes prevention of introduction, early detection of new populations, control of established populations as well as the prohibition of their production, sales and transport. Prohibition of popular nursery plants with invasive potential will result in the loss of popular plants from the landscape. Therefore, it is important to produce seedless varieties of popular plants that are not invasive.

Mutagenesis breeding begins with the treatment of seeds, cuttings (Figure 2), pollen, plant tissues, or whole plants with a mutagenic chemical or high-energy irradiation that results in random changes to the plant’s genetic material (DNA). In our research, we used high-energy radiation to cause changes in the plant’s DNA that will be stable during propagation. Two types of radiation were used: Gamma and Fast Neutron. Gamma radiation is considered lower energy relative to the higher energy Fast Neutron radiation.

Gamma Radiation produces smaller changes to chromosomes and Fast Neutron produces larger changes to chromosomes that result in more frequent deletions and rearrangements of the genetic material.

Both types of radiation create stable, DNA mutations that can result in seedlessness or other changes to the plant that are maintained during propagation. The DNA damage is irreparable, which is an attractive feature for seedless verities.

We are fortunate to have relatively easy access to a Gamma irradiator located on the East Bank campus of the University of Minnesota (Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences). This location provides us with convenient and relatively inexpensive access to a Gamma radiation source. In contrast, there are very few places to treat plant material with Fast Neutrons. We used the McClellan Nuclear Research Center that is operated by the University of California in Davis, CA. The mutations produced by high-energy mutagenesis provide new sources of variation from which new plant traits and new cultivars are selected.

Establishing a radiation dose, which is a function of the length of time the plant material is exposed and the energy of the radiation source is critical to the success of mutagenesis breeding. Radiation sensitivity is a characteristic of each plant species and the tissue (seed, plants, tissue culture, pollen) that is treated. A radiation dose that is too high kills most or all of the plant material, leaving no plant material from which to select. A radiation dose that is too low does not induce sufficient variation and the plants will be similar or identical to untreated plants. Radiation levels that result in approximately 50% of the plant material being killed provide a level of mutagenesis that will produce of a small percentage of seedless plants.

The variation induced by radiation is random and can create many types of mutations in addition to seedlessness. Therefore, a large number of plants must be treated for a high probability of selecting a seedless variety (Figure 2).

The mutations are irreversible and very stable through asexual propagation by division, cuttings, or grafting. Most importantly the september 14

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âžž mutagenesis breeding

Figure 4. Photos of tobacco flowers (top) and anthers (bottom) not treated or treated with Fast Neutron (FN) radiation. Since our target plants require several years to flower we used tobacco as an indicator to show proof of concept of mutagenesis producing seedless plants. Seeds of tobacco were mutagenized with the other species and grown to flowering. Several seedless individuals were found in a small population of treated seeds. The seedless plants did not produce pollen, as shown on the top right photo (Photo Credit: Alan Smith, UMN).

Figure 5. Amur maple limbs showing alterations that occurred after mutagenesis. Note the changes to shape and arrangement of leaves from mutagenized plants. Photos are shown at the same magnification with size bar shown in the lower left corner. Plants that were not treated were very consistent in their growth and form. 20 and 50 Gy are the levels of mutagenesis the seeds were treated with prior to germination (Photo Credit: Andrzej Noyszewski, UMN).

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mutations are stable during the growth of a plant by a consumer.

The mutations produced by mutagenesis are not exclusive to seedlessness and changes in many traits such as plant architecture, leaf shape, flower color, internode length, or plant height can also occur.

A sufficient number of mutagenized plants must be generated and evaluated to insure a high probability of identifying material that is seedless and maintains other favorable characteristics.

The species we work with have long juvenile periods so full evaluation of a plant’s seedlessness is ongoing. Plants that are producing flowers are evaluated for seed set (Figure 3). However, even if seed set is observed, seed germination tests may be necessary to determine whether the seeds are viable. A complicating factor during selection of seedlessness is the possibility that only a part of the plant will become seedless (chimeric plant). If that occurs, the branches of the plant that do not produce seeds will be used to propagate a seedless variety, just as many sports have been used to produce novel forms of other cultivars. Irradiated plant material evaluation needs to take place over several years to accurately describe the occurrence and persistence of the novel characteristics, including seedlessness.

Seedless plants will be asexually propagated so they can be evaluated in several environments over several years. Multi-year testing is very important to insure that the seedlessness and other traits are stable.

Since the woody perennials we are researching have long juvenile periods we tested our methods on an annual herbaceous plant, Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) that we use in other research on pollination and seed set. Tobacco seeds were mutagenized with the invasive landscape plant seeds and planted and evaluated for seedlessness as well as other changes relative to untreated plants. Several individuals from a small number of plants were seedless (Figure 4). This test confirmed the potential of producing seedless varieties of invasive plants using mutagenesis breeding.

Our evaluations to date have concentrated on novel features and the diversity produced by mutagenesis since the plants are too young to flower. The high level of diversity in flowering, plant height, form, leaf shape, and color relative to non-mutagenized plants indicates a successful mutagenesis treatment that is very promising for the selection of seedless varieties (Figure 5, 6, and 7).

It will be several years for all plants to mature and begin to flower.

However, we are optimistic that the mutagenized plants will be a rich source of variation from which to select novel and smaller forms of these and other plants.

Development of new landscape plants is a constant process and non-native plants will remain a rich source of novel traits, with hardiness and consumer appeal. Unfortunately, a small number of these newly introduced plants have or will become invasive. Development of seedless varieties creates an opportunity to protect the environment and provide the nursery and landscape industry and consumers with interesting and novel plant material as well as the ability to continue to propagate, sell, and grow popular plants.

This research would not be possible without the support of Bailey Nurseries, Inc., the J. Frank Schmidt Family Charitable Foundation, and the Minnesota Agricultural Experimental Station. We also thank Ben Clasen, Alex Hummel, Jamie Knutson, and Camila Alves for their help during the course of this research.

Biographical Notes: Alan G. Smith is a Professor of Horticulture in the Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota. He researches plant reproduction, plant invasiveness, and the controversies surrounding genetically modified plants. He teaches classes in plant propagation, growth and development and biotechnology.

Andrzej K. Noyszewski is a Research Associate in the Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota. He is involved in research on interspecific incompatibility of Nicotiana species and mutagenesis breeding. He is interested in evolution and plant reproduction mechanisms.

For additional details and to learn more about mutagenesis breeding please see: Pimentel D., L. Lach, R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison 2000. Environmental and economic costs of nonindigenous species in the United States.

BioScience 50(1):53-65. http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/1999/01/ environmental-and-economic-costs-associated-non-indigenous-species Reichard S.H, P. White. 2001 Horticulture as a pathway of invasive plant introductions in the United States. BioScience 51(2):103-113. http:// www.bioone.org/doi/pdf/10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051%5B0103% 3AHAAPOI%5D2.0.CO%3B2 Lockwood, J.L., D. Simberloff, M.L. McKinney, and B. Von Holle. 2001.

How many, and which, plants will invade natural areas? Biological Invasions 3(1):1-8. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A10114 12820174#page-1

Figure 6. Amur maple leaves showing diversity of shapes produced after high-energy mutagenesis. Each leaf is from a different seedling. The diversity seen in leaf shape is a good indication that radiation treatment created sufficient mutations in the treated material and equal differences in seed set will occur. Photos are shown at the same magnification with size bar shown in the lower left corner. 20 or 50 Gy is the level of mutagenesis the seeds were treated with prior to germination (Photo Credit: Andrzej Noyszewski, UMN).

Lehrer, J. M., M.H. Brand 2004. Seed production levels and seedling traits of Berberis thunbergii cultivars. Combined Proceedings of the International Propagators’ Society 53. http://www.pubhort.org/ ipps/53/109.htm (abstract only) Barton, A.M., L.B. Brewster, A.N. Cox, and N.K. Prentiss. 2004.

Non-indigenous woody invasive plants in a rural New England town.

Biological Invasions 6:205-211. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023 %2FB%3ABINV.0000022139. 03833.e5#page-1 Gleason, H.A., A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. 2nd ed. New York: New York Botanical Garden. p. 910. (book chapter) Gardner, N., R. Felsheim and A.G. Smith. 2009. Production of maleand female-sterile plants through reproductive tissue ablation. J. Plant Physiol. 166:871-881. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19070936 Calkins, J. 2013. Induced sterility. Scoop. March 8.

Mack, R.N., D. Simberloff, W.M. Lonsdale, H. Evans, M. Clout, and F.A. Bazzaz. 2000. Biotic invasions: causes, epidemiology, global consequences, and control. Ecological Applications. 10(3):689-710. http:// www.jstor.org/stable/2641039 Smith, A.G., B.M. Clasen. 2011. Development of seedless taxa of popular invasive landscape plants. Combined Proceedings International Plant Propagators’ Society 60:69-77. http://www.pubhort.org/ ipps/60/69.htm (abstract only) Hearn, C.J. 1984. Development of seedless orange and grapefruit cultivars through seed irradiation. Journal of the Amer. Soc. of Hort.

Sci. 109:270-273 http://mvgs.iaea.org/PDF/10-CS8-17-293P-SUTARTOPRE-PRINT_reviewed_ by_author.pdf

Figure 7. Japanese barberry limbs showing alterations that occurred after high-energy mutagenesis. Note the dramatic changes to leaf shape and arrangement of leaves on mutagenized plants. Photos are shown at the same magnification with size bar shown in the lower left corner. 50 Gy is the level of mutagenesis the seeds were treated with prior to germination (Photo Credit: Andrzej Noyszewski, UMN).

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➾ mutagenesis breeding

Development of new landscape plants is a constant process and non-native plants will remain a rich source of novel traits, with hardiness and consumer appeal.

WE WERE THERE When you needed to give your crew direction.

When project coordination helped you meet a deadline.

Ojiewo, C.O., S.G. Agong, K. Murakami, A. Tanaka, Y. Hase, and M. Masuda. 2005. Male sterility induced by gamma-ray irradiation of African nightshades (Solanum nigrum L. spp. villosum) seed. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 80:699-704. http://www. jhortscib.org/Vol80/80_6/9.htm

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Broertjes, C., J. Dejong. 1984. Radiationinduced male-sterility in daisy-types of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ram. 1984. Euphytica 33(2):433-434. http://link.springer.com/ article/10.1007%2FBF00021141 Bolon, Y.T., W.J. Haun, W.W. Xu, D. Grant, M.G. Stacey, R.T. Nelson, D.J. Gerhardt, J.A. Jeddeloh, G. Stacey, G.J. Muehlbauer, J.H. Orf, S.L. Naeve, R.M. Stupar, C.P. and Vance.

2011. Phenotypic and genomic analyses of a fast neutron mutant population resource in soybean. Plant Physiol. 156:240-253. http:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21321255 Kanaya, T., H. Saito, Y. Hayashi, N. Fukunishi, H. Ryuto, K. Miyazaki, T. Kusumi, T. Abe, and K. Suzuki. 2008. Heavy-ion beam-induced sterile mutants of verbena (Verbena x hybrida) with an improved flowering habit. Plant Biotechnol. 25:91-96. http://www.oftalmoseo. com/nova/NProxy/link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11032-011-9687-2#close Invasiveness Brochure; mipn.org/ invasivesbrochure.pdf MNDNR Barberry; http://www.dnr.state. mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/ japanesebarberry.html MNDNR – Amur maple; http://www.dnr.state. mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/ woody/ amurmaple.html MNDNR – Norway maple; http://www.dnr. state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/ woody/norwaymaple.html

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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➾ government affairs

Reminder: New Landscape Sales Tax Fact Sheets Available The single biggest difference in the new fact sheets is that there are now two of them, replacing a single fact sheet that was considered confusing by many MNLA members who went through sales tax audits.

Tim Power

MNLA Government Affairs Director

this is a logical split because landscaping maintenance contracts involve mostly taxable services, whereas landscaping construction contracts are improvements to real property, and therefore nontaxable.

• Sales Tax Fact Sheet 121A - Lawn and Garden Maintenance, Tree and Shrub Service • Sales Tax Fact Sheet 121B Landscaping Construction Contracts Another significant change in these new fact sheets is that the planting of perennials joins the planting of trees, shrubs and other woody plants as an improvement to real property and is therefore exempt from sales tax. As in the past, planting of annual plants or vegetables is only exempt for an initial landscaping construction contract.

Seasonal switch-outs of annuals and mulch are a taxable gardening service.

Another service that is specifically called out as nontaxable in both fact sheets is installing, maintaining and repairing underground sprinklers and irrigation systems.

This is welcome news after the scare our irrigation contractors had last winter about the possible taxability of some of their repair services on electronic controllers.

With the repeal of three B2B sales taxes in March, this has become a non-issue going forward. However, repair labor on electronic equipment for businesses WAS taxable from July 1, 2013 until March 31, 2014. If you were a provider or recipient of such services during that time for repairs of things like office electronics, sales tax should have been collected and forwarded to DOR.

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MNLA thanks the following members for their thorough review of the latest drafts of these fact sheets.

Many of them either went through frustrating sales tax audits themselves or commiserated with those who did. Heidi Heiland, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens; Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations; Mike McNamara, Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape; Cory Whitmer, The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center; Jim Saybolt, biota Landscape Design + Build; George Norling, Norling’s Lake Minnetonka Landscapes; and Wendy Mickman, Mickman Brothers.

Look for these new DOR landscape sales tax factsheets at http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/ businesses/sut/Pages/fact_sheets.aspx. The list is alphabetical by subject. Other factsheets you may need to be aware of include: • Fact Sheet 128 – Contractors • Fact Sheet 106 – Farm Equipment • Fact Sheet 152B – Labor-Repair for Businesses • Fact Sheet 164 – Local Sales and Use Taxes • Fact Sheet 121C – Nursery and Greenhouse Production • Fact Sheet 146 – Use Tax for Business Finally, if you are interested in keeping abreast of DOR activity on sales tax issues, sign up for their e-mail updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ MNREV/subscriber/new?topic_id=MNREV_13.

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âžž frogtown farm

a cooperative community-oriented la

Frogtown Farm

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ndscape project

Jake Voit | Arteka Companies All photos are courtesy of Rebar Group.

Project Background: In December 2013, the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation transferred a vacant 13-acre parcel locally known as Frogtown Farm to the City of St. Paul. It was the culmination of a process that had begun five years earlier with the organizing of the site’s neighbors, who had first envisioned a community farm that served the Frogtown neighborhood. The deal was brokered by the Trust for Public Land and was a striking example of a community taking control of its destiny with persistence and a strong vision.

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➾ frogtown farm

Phasing study presented at the December 10, 2013 meeting with community notes.

I

n the summer of 2013, Frogtown Farm selected Rebar, a consultant team based in San Francisco, CA, but with staff working locally in Saint Paul, to develop a master plan for the Farm. Rebar coordinated with the City of St. Paul for the adjacent park design, and led the community engagement process that would determine the design of their plan and how the farm wove into the fabric of the community. The plan, which is called the Framework, is a roadmap for building and growing the Farm over time. Like any plan of action, it should be regularly evaluated to see if the course is still relevant (hence the word “framework” and not “master plan”, which implies a finished blueprint). The Framework includes soil regeneration, modular irrigation, farm buildings, pathway strategies, gathering places, family-friendly education space, business plans, budgets, and many other recommendations for creating a successful farm.

Rebar is a design studio based in San Francisco with experience creating many community farms and gardens. More than half of the team members for this project live in the Twin Cities.

• BLAINE MERKER, ASLA — Principal in Charge • JOHN BELA, ASLA — Lead Landscape Architect • MOLLY REICHERT — Associate AIA — Project Manager • ANTONIO ROMAN-ALCALA — Community Organizer, Farm Program Designer 38

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• JOHN DWYER AIA — Architect • JAKE VOIT — Project Building and Budget Consultant, Farm Program Designer • COURTNEY TCHIDA — Food Systems Expert, Local Urban Farming Consultant Why a Farm

Residents of the Frogtown Neighborhood were motivated to create this robust organizational mission for the vacaßnt property due to concerns about losing the hugely popular sledding hill to possible condo development. Instead of worrying, residents met and started to make a plan to save it. In order to save the sledding hill, they decided to create an entire farm! The grass roots effort evolved into a partnership with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to raise money and acquire the land. Working with the City of St. Paul to take on ownership of the property ensured the land would be held in the public commons rather than private ownership.

The Frogtown Farm non-profit has the following multi-dimensional mission: Frogtown Farm will be a hub for a healthy food system that fills gaps in food production, storage, manufacturing, and distribution. With spokes that reach beyond its acreage and the Frogtown neighborhood, Frogtown Farm will be recognized as a destination for those seeking learning, innovation, reflection, celebration, and authentic

community. Rooted in values of social equity, justice, and inter-connectedness, this urban farm on the hill will serve as a model for multicultural community and a catalyst for economic development, wealth creation, community pride, and sustainability. (frogtownfarm.org) Partnerships for Development Were Needed

The partnership between Frogtown Farm and the City of St. Paul would help ensure the Farm would remain a great community asset for food health, food justice, education, and economic development.

By working together, they will help each other in maintaining the acreage while creating greater value to the community.

In the world of urban farming and land acquisition, determining the start- up capital and on-going cash flow is potentially overwhelming. Partnering to create a more rich value proposition was important for fundraising. Frogtown Farm will add impact in the community that could be leveraged for capital campaigns to acquire the land. Funders were likely much more interested in helping a farm with a robust mission in a disadvantaged community, than just creating a typical park. Having them together also adds an innovation outcome, which is attractive to funders. Of course, the Trust for Public Land leading the fundraising and land brokerage was immeasurably helpful and important.

Blending Community Know-How with Consultant Expertise

During the engagement process a collection of community dreams, farm elements, goals, ideas, and philosophies began to develop. A few examples included: chickens, a café, for profit farm production, community gardens, fruit trees, community center, educational programming, and commercial kitchen.

Next to the community collection of ideas was a second Design Team collection of precedents, research, and experience the stakeholders had to consider for decision-making. Some examples of expertise include: scenarios for different types of buildings, precedents of other successful farms, business models and how to staff them, cost of soil remediation and irrigation, planting all vegetables and annuals vs. perennial food systems, and determining which yields to produce from Frogtown Farm.

It was an art form to effectively present community dreams alongside the outside expertise of the design team. The team’s facilitation strategy had to result in the community knowing they were standing at their side to co-create the design, making a recommendation with them rather than at them. They had to listen well, and then prove they heard them. This would help ensure the community ideas and the expertise were both mutually considered and used for the design.

Empathic Design Process

After research and mapping, the design team needed to get their physical selves into the community with big ears and open hearts.

They needed to listen to as many community members as possible to ensure the Framework Plan for the organization would weave the Farm into the fabric of the community. This process goal would build upon the first five years of engagement and created momentum for more in the future.

The neighborhood was a vital part of the design process.

To understand the complex system they were designing the farm into, they needed to go wide and deep in their engagement with the following efforts and strategies over the quick five-month design process.

Elements of the Engagement Process

“We build community by engaging community. Success is when community members have not just been incorporated into a design process, but have seen the effects of their participation.” — Antonio Roman-Alcala, Design Team Community Organizer Stakeholder Interviews. Frogtown Farm and local design team members listed dozens of people important to learn from in the local food and neighborhood systems. They wanted to know about potential partners, what the community needed and wanted, what other farms were doing, what the multi-cultural social dynamics were, what hornet’s nests they might step into, and anything else the community thought should be known.

For about two weeks, in-person interviews with people on this list were performed. Design team members involved in the community engagement process must to be inherently trustworthy and caring, not just facilitating a data collection process.

Antonio, the Community Organizer, led the effort, using his ability to approach people with a genuinely open heart and the intention of improving peoples’ lives. Molly, the Project Manager, worked with him throughout, bringing her genuine curiosity and willingness to be inspired by each individual’s uniqueness. These types of september 14

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➾ frogtown farm

personality traits are important on a design team for this type of project, especially when designers don’t live in the community, as they allow honest and deep conversations to happen. These conversations help uncover the truth of what the social fabric is so the Framework Plan can be accurate to help the farm fit into that fabric.

Kathleen Anglo, City of St. Paul Landscape Architect leading the design of the Park portion of the project, was the eyes and ears for the City. In her experience, “the idea for the park came out of the neighborhood, so the groundwork was set for the community to be engaged, the community actually described to the city how to get their idea done. The engagement process helps because it’s important to be upfront and transparent, it prevents surprises about what is developed.”

Community Ambassadors. The help of residents was needed to reach a large enough demographic. Community Ambassadors were identified who would become part of the Design Team. Their scope of work included distributing and helping fill out surveys, managing the design process website (Frogtownfarm.wordpress.com), conducting outreach and invitations, and gathering community opinions about the farm. Ambassadors received coaching on how to effectively canvass, invite participation, and listen to residents who were unable to attend community design meetings.

Community Design Meetings. After weeks of conversations in the community, it was time to present and get ideas on a food system map, organizational structures, programming, and business models.

The first community design meeting allowed residents to see these initial ideas visually, and to physically edit the presentation boards.

This was an important activity for cultivating ownership of the Farm design and Framework Plan.

Design team members facilitated groups at each presentation board as they added their ideas and concerns. For example, Courtney Tchida, the team’s local Food Systems Expert and Urban Farming Consultant, created a Frogtown food system map. The map presented an aerial view of the neighborhood with food system elements shown on the map (restaurants, markets, farms, etc). The groups discussed how Frogtown Farm could exist in relationship with those elements. Then they placed post-it notes on the map listing things missing, more ideas, questions, and possible partnerships.

Not only did this help the design team confirm what was accurate, but it provided tangible evidence that the design team was listening.

Another important conversation was about trade-offs; how it’s impossible to have it all, but that great things could still happen.

John Bela and Blaine Merker invented and facilitated a Farm Design Game that asked the community to design their own farm. Teams of people laid out game pieces including a barn, field, orchard, compost piles, and more. Each element had benefits and costs to be tallied at the end. When finished, the tally illustrated the reality of costs, benefits, and other trade-offs to consider. It was an experiential learning exercise that taught tough decisions, systems thinking, scenario planning, and prioritization — all important capacities for the evolution of the Farm’s future.

Design Advisory Committee Meetings. This committee was made up of about 12 interested community members who did additional research and held discussions with the design team and Board of 40

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Directors. Specific tradeoffs that needed deeper discussion were handled in these smaller meetings, which were effective for finding solutions to complex design issues.

Trust for Public Land & City of St. Paul Café Meetings. World Café style meetings were held by the Trust for Public Land and City of St. Paul to gather ideas through community discussion. Design Team members participated with residents. People gathered in small groups and discussed their dreams, ideas, concerns, and possible involvement for the farm. The simple act of sitting in circle and sharing with each other created deeper discussion by the community about their ideas. Great progress was made in identifying patterns of possibilities and dynamics to consider.

Decision Matrix. An important document was created that laid out why decisions were made to include or exclude elements in the Park and Farm. Kathleen Anglo, St. Paul Landscape Architect, found the document very helpful when talking with residents about why the design and plan was decided on because it, “outlined what was heard, what was decided, and why.”

A Few Nuts & Bolts Soil Regeneration

Any urban farm needs to find out how healthy the soil is for growing food. Many are not left in ideal condition for growing food.

Four different soil tests were conducted on the site to gather information on structure, composition, toxicity, organic matter, nutrients and soil biology.

The site’s soil health is important to understand to maintain trust with the community who will eat the food from the farm. The Board of Directors, Executive Director and Farm Managers will need to deeply understand all soil reports, and their implications.

They’ll have to confidently answer health questions in the community.

Recipe and Approach for Rebuilding Existing Soil

This recipe is for the initial rebuilding of the existing soil as Frogtown Farm received it. The four soil reports, mission of Frogtown Farm, and community feedback all inform the recipe.

The following amendments are being added for regenerating the soils for organic management of the farm; 1. Deep Rip the existing soil with a Keyline Plow or similar 2. Till the existing soil to break the thatch layer of grasses with a large tractor tiller, at least 6" deep 3. Add the following amendments to every 1000 square feet of existing soil: • 3 cubic yards of greenwaste compost • 8 lbs soil sulfur • 6 pounds blood meal (12-0-0)* • 10 lbs Feather Meal (12-0-0)* • 10 lbs Steamed Bone Meal (3-15-0)* • 7 lbs Potassium Sulfate (0-0-50) • 5 lbs Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts) * Fish Emulsion and Seaweed can be used if concerned about blood, feather and bone: 1 gal/8000sf.

Be tougher than the toughest work.

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➾ frogtown farm

BUILDING FROGTOWN FARM SOIL FROGTOWN PARK AND FARM, DECEMBER 10, 2013

COMPOSTING

ST. PAUL COMPOST PARTNERS • Battle Creek • Frank & Sims • Midway • Summit Hill

COMPOST PRODUCTION & DELIVERY RAISED BEDS

DEEP RIP OF SOIL

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FIX THE SOIL

GROW FOOD

1. Loosen existing soil 12” deep

1. Add 2” layer of compost to growing areas and mix into the soil with Blood meal or Feather Meal EVERY YEAR

2. On 3 acres, add 400 yards of Compost (16 semi-loads). Mix it 6” deep into existing soil with Sulfur, Blood Meal, Feather Meal, Bone Meal, Potassium Sulfate, & Magnesium Sulfate.

1. Till again all the amendments into the existing soil with large tractor tiller, at least 6" deep 2. Cultivate the soil repeatedly as weeds germinate for the first month or two a. Farm Manager needs to determine exact weed management 3. Add 5 gallons per 10,000 sf of compost tea (660 Gallons for 3 acres) 4. Plant a polyculture cover crop when fields are not in production to hold soil, combat weeds, and add nutrients and organic matter 5. Prepare fields and beds for planting by working cover crops into the soil, or planting through it

2015

2016

Irrigation for Urban Farming

The demonstration and high production fields have a modular irrigation system of overhead rotors and removable drip systems.

The irrigation can be customized each year depending on the crop type and location of those crops. The planting of crops can be done within rotor zones so one planting can be watered by one zone.

Meaning, if some crops like overhead rotors and other do not, the farm manger can customize the irrigation to accommodate those crops. The fields have couplings that drip irrigation can be attached to and then laid on the surface after soil prep, mulching and planting. The overhead I25 rotors are positioned in a grid pattern and on posts up to 10' tall. They will be removable if needed for working in the fields, aesthetics, security, etc. These larger I25 rotors have a radius of 40' to 70' depending on the needs of the Farm Manager and budgets.

Ideas for Community Involvement for Soil Education:

• Educate the community how to manage their soil at home by helping Frogtown with theirs.

• Use volunteers to help with the making and spreading of compost and compost tea.

• Have soil building events that become annual traditions that involve the community and become an important relationship building event.

• Invite ceremonies of local residents to be performed for the land that show respect to the life of the land, and for creating a great harvest.

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More Info Frogtown Farm Framework Plan: http://frogtownfarm.wordpress. com/2014/03/22/the-framework-plan-is-ready/ Follow Frogtown Farm events, ambassadors, and updates at: www. frogtownfarm.org, and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/189394624454/ Jake Voit is Project Manager at Arteka Companies and a contributing author to Designing Urban Agriculture, a consultant at Community Earth, Board Chair at World Café Community Foundation, and Co-Chair at Permaculture Research Institute – Cold Climate. Contact Jake at www.linkedin.com/in/jakevoit.

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➾ MDA update

Interstate Nursery Inspection Training Cooperating Professionals Promote H igh S tandards Josh Plunkett and David M. Simmons

MDA Nursery & Export Unit

Group training holds special meaning to Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) nursery inspectors.

Each summer members of the Central chapter of the Horticultural Inspection Society (HIS) meet for a round of group nursery inspections at one of 12 member states.

This interstate inspection is a way for nursery inspectors to share in the latest pest and disease information.

New state inspectors are introduced to the inspection world outside of their representative states and they are mentored and encouraged to share expertise. Interstate group training is also an effective way to discuss in-depth new and important issues such as A Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC). For the past three years nursery inspectors have provided input into the development of SANC and have received training by the National Plant Board (NPB) to administer this new certification program.

The Central Chapter of the Horticultural Inspection Society was founded in 1970 with the support of the National Plant Board (NPB) and originally consisted of 7 member states. Today HIS represents 12 member states working to implement policies and pest regulations adopted by the Central and National Plant Boards. The purpose of this group is to organize and promote high standards of plant inspections. They seek to provide a cooperative effort toward stimulating interest in professionalizing plant inspection work and to provide a means of disseminating information pertinent to their profession. Nursery inspectors really try to live to their forte “to make professionalism a part of every effort.”s It’s not surprising that this group organized to uphold such high standards is now responding to the ever more challenging task of certifying a more global industry.

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Nursery stock is becoming increasingly more complex for the industry and regulatory agencies due to increased shipping and regulated pest pressure. The NPB and regional chapters of HIS are responding to this challenge by developing a process for incorporating a Systems Approach to Nursery Stock Certification to complement agencies existing programs. The goal of SANC is to: “Develop, promote and implement a risk based nursery and greenhouse certification system utilizing existing state authorities and programs to enhance uniformity, increase efficiency and reduce pest distribution.”

The benefit to this voluntary system hopes to balance and focus resources to better manage risk based commodities such as nursery stock. In the long term; realized benefits will include a reduction in pest risk, cost efficiencies, increased interaction with industry staff and regulators and uniformity among state programs. With these goals in mind Illinois hosted the 2014 interstate HIS event at Kankakee Nursery in Kankakee, IL. Kankakee Nursery was gracious in allowing state inspectors to review operating procedures, inspect their grounds and participate in plant diagnostic demonstrations. Critical control points including growing ranges, liner fields, container blocks, water sources, pesticide application records and nursery equipment were inspected and reviewed by inspectors for the purpose of a detailed analysis emphasized by the SANC program.

To help facilitate and organize this group inspection the Illinois Department of Agriculture provided private industry professionals to provide narratives to our group.

Their specific pathological knowledge of pests and

Report As inspectors visit the facility and conduct compliance inspections or audits, the facility is then eligible to receive certificates of compliance.

States agencies are then able to issue certificates of compliance that are recognized nationally or serve as the bases for international Phytosanitary Certificates. diseases in the area helped facilitate this educational experience. Pests and diseases observed were Fusarium root rot, elm flea weevil, honeylocust pod gall midge, nectria canker, crown gall, hackberry mosaic virus, eriophyid mites and the giant swallowtail caterpillar.

As inspectors visit the facility and conduct compliance inspections or audits, the facility is then eligible to receive certificates of compliance. States agencies are then able to issue certificate of compliance that are recognized nationally or serve as the bases for international Phytosanitary Certificates.

Overall this group experience was well received and proved to be excellent training, integral to the methodology of inspecting and auditing for the purpose of moving nursery stock to the market place. Inspectors gained valuable information that will benefit the green industry in Minnesota and was reassuring to all inspectors of current practices employed.

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Moving to the Cloud Two Colorado green industry test cases.

Lyn Dean | Reprinted with permission from Colorado Green, published by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, Volume 30, No. 4, July/August 2014

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➾ moving to the cloud

Panorama office during last Septembers flood

sooner if the company opens a satellite office in the next two to three years.

Cloud transition

If the current trend in cloud computing continues, more businesses will migrate to the cloud for data storage and to enhance virtual flexibility — the ability to access information from any place, on any device that can access the Internet.

Before moving to the cloud, factors such as cost and timing, need to be considered. Read about the transitions made by two companies — one is starting out and the other is now fully cloud-based.

The transition for employees to the cloud-based email system was not a problem. “There were no training issues,” said Reffel, “Most guys just dug in to it.”

Reffel notes that the company’s computing costs have gone up but are not much more expensive with the new email system. “So far, the email system has been great. It’s been dependable and hosting fees are reasonable,” says Reffel. “And it’s seamless to our customers.”

He also made the decision to provide new upgraded smart phones to the entire management team giving them access to the Internet and email from wherever they are. Additionally, he decided to go with an unlimited plan for talk, text and data. The Reffels found that the cost was only marginally more and it eliminated expensive overages that could sometimes occur on plans with fixed limits on data or texts.

Panorama 100% cloud based

JLS Landscape and Sprinkler Moving in Stages

Reliable storage for all company data was handled solely with an in-house server for about 15 years at JLS Landscape and Sprinkler, Inc. in Sedalia. As storage demands continue to grow and communication requirements change, John Reffel, president, must frequently assess upgrading options.

The company invested in a new server platform and software in 2006 and in 2012 the server was nearly at capacity. More space was needed — and very soon ­— to continue to store valuable company data and communicate effectively by email.

Looking at the options

Reffel and wife Linda, vice president, began investigating options — the cloud versus an upgraded in-house server – and having conversations with their information technology (IT) provider. “We have had the same IT company for nine years,” Reffel says, “It’s important to have a comfortable relationship and trust their input.”

Based on the suggestion of its IT provider, JLS did not move all company information to the cloud. The company has a mixed solution for now that provides flexibility and cost savings. The monthly cost to move everything to the cloud last year did not justify getting rid of the in-house server.

In 2013, email was moved to the cloud. Accounting, company records, customer documents, blueprints and photos remain onsite on a new server with updated software. The new server does not have to accommodate email, which means the server capacity doesn’t have to be as large nor require email related software.

This is not a long term solution for JLS. Reffel expects to get about five years from the new server and is likely to move everything to cloud at that time. The larger scale move to the cloud could come 50

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Three years ago, Pete Storz, president, Panorama Coordinated Services, Inc., Longmont, was faced with a decision — replace the company server or go to the cloud. The current server was reaching its capacity and was likely to fail soon. With input from Panorama’s information technology (IT) provider, a trusted partner for nine years, Storz decided to move all business software applications and data storage to the cloud.

The transition to cloud computing was seamless for employees at Panorama. Anyone who logs in has the same access to software programs and company data as they did with the old server. Each individual computer is now a portal to access cloud-based information and software. “One of the great advantages is all the tools are available from your computer, wherever you are,” says Storz. So far, Panorama has not invested in smaller mobile devices and equipment — such as tablets — for the field. Storz says that could be a next logical step.

Priceless, not pricey

Storz estimates that the company’s IT costs have increased by 20–25 percent since the migration even though investment in computing hardware has declined. For two years, he was not yet convinced that the migration was worth it. However, cloud computing proved its worth to Panorama during the September 2013 flooding in Colorado. Panorama’s office was affected by the flood and could not be used for about a week. During that time, Storz and his team had complete access to all data and software and ran the business from the dining table of a management team member. Disaster recovery was immediate. All company and customer data were safe and unaffected. “We pay a premium for cloud computing and it’s worth it,” says Storz. “It’s like that credit card commercial: ‘monthly fees, this much; complete recovery, priceless.’”

From an accounting perspective, IT went from a capital investment to recurring monthly fees — expense items. Fees are charged

We have had the same IT company for nine years,” Reffel says, “It’s important to have a comfortable relationship and trust their input.”

on a per-user basis. Storz believes cloud computing is the new reality and it comes at premium. As the demand for cloud computing continues to increase, cloud computing providers have to invest in both infrastructure (including hardware, software and Internet service) and skilled IT people to support the demand. The investment in computing hardware has shifted from the businesses that use the cloud to the cloud providers.

Bandwidth and redundancy

Internet service disruption is the major vulnerability for cloud computing. Without the internet, the company is totally down – 100 percent. When Panorama first migrated to cloud computing, it was using a T1 line for internet service. Not long after, Storz and others noticed bandwidth problems. There were more users and internet demand than the T1 line could handle reliably and in Storz’ words, it was irksome when the internet was down or slow.

To help alleviate the problem, Storz added more bandwidth and added cable Internet. With a dual pathway of Internet service — cable and T1 — Panorama has created the redundancy it needs to help protect it from service disruptions.

Learning along the way

When Panorama moved to the cloud, the company began using the Microsoft (MS) Small Business Server (SBS) for remote web access. The suite of MS products that employees use is now entirely cloud-based. The MS remote web access server has worked well for the three years it has been used. With the help of his IT provider, Storz is evaluating a new generation of cloud computing products, since the MS SBS is going away. He is not surprised that things are constantly changing in the world of IT. Storz admits that there were some challenges, early on, using the company’s accounting software in the cloud. He also learned that not all software licenses are transferable to the cloud.

When Panorama moved to the enterprise version of the accounting software for the cloud environment, the software problems were eliminated and so was the software licensing issue.

Enterprise software applications are designed to satisfy the needs of organizations rather than individual users.

A big lesson learned for Panorama was how dependent it is on an Internet signal. There were occasional service disruptions from 10 minutes up to about two hours before a redundant Internet service was put in place. Since then — a few weeks now — there have been no disruptions.

The Power of Cloud Computing The power of the cloud is beyond storage solutions. Cloud computing takes the software off your computer and other device and puts it in the cloud giving you the power to access instantly not only information and data, but your computing programs.

As a user, you access the software in the cloud where it is hosted by remote servers, not your computer or in-house server. All users use the same software online and new users can be added. Rather than purchasing a software license you pay for the right to use the software. This method of software access – software as a service or SaaS – is becoming more common.

Cloud computing calls for a shift from the traditional mindset about software use, ownership and licensing to a model that includes pay for-use, pay per-user, pay on-demand or subscription options.

When software is provided as a service by cloud providers, the provider takes care of software development, upgrades and maintenance. There is no need to load application software on your computer.

Intuit’s QuickBooks is an example of an accounting application that is provided in the cloud. Other examples of cloud-based software service include customer relationship management (CRM) and HR management software. The popular Citrix GoToMeeting software is available in the cloud on a pay on-demand basis. Office 365 is Microsoft’s cloud version of the Office suite of products.

CAD software is a laggard when it comes to cloud computing. One of the reasons is the intense processing power required for full design with these programs. So far, cloud-based CAD programs that exist do not have the full design capabilities as the desktop software does.

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Understanding Cloud Options Finding the best solution for your company.

By Shannon Diederich | Reprinted with permission from Colorado Green, published by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, Volume 30, No. 4, July/August 2014

1

In “the cloud,” you can store and access business information anytime, anywhere.

C

loud computing has nothing to do with the weather, and everything to do with making your business more resilient, efficient and productive. Via the Internet, known as “the cloud,” you can store and access business information anytime, anywhere. It allows you to collaborate seamlessly with employees, clients and vendors directly from your computer, smartphone or tablet.

Cloud services are made possible through maximizing the effectiveness of the Internet and shared resources. Providers use encryption technology that securely transmits computer files, emails and in some cases, entire computing programs, over the Internet. Providers also enable you to download and lease software and other programs often for less than the cost of owning them directly. Service providers store all of these files and programs on their robust and secure servers and data centers.

What’s in it for you?

Cloud computing provides growing businesses, in particular, a variety of benefits, including: • Reduced expenses — Pay only for the services and programs you need, when you need them. When business is slow, you lower the bandwidth and storage requirements needed due to fewer website visits, emails and programs being used. You no longer need to pay for in-house servers, information technology support and power to operate file storage and sharing equipment. You also can lease software at a much lower cost and receive updates automatically. Simply adjust file storage and software needs as your business grows.

• Peace of mind — Transmitting a protected copy of business files to the cloud automatically provides a backup should your company be robbed, or impacted by computer crashes, flood, fire or other natural disasters.

• Anytime/anywhere collaboration — Access the information you need to collaborate with employees, clients or vendors while you are at a job site, airport, at a coffee shop or at home. This boosts productivity and gives you the freedom to conduct business from virtually anywhere.

Cautions to consider

The success of a cloud provider’s business depends on its ability to offer secure and reliable service. While you can set up stronger encryption and private clouds (those customized just for your company inside your firewall), there’s always a chance it could be hacked.

But so can the server or computer inside your office.

No matter if you use the cloud or not, it is important to develop a disaster response plan to ensure you have redundant systems in place to recover critical business information.

Fortunately, most providers today have set up end-to-end encryption technology that automatically scrambles data as it is sent from your office to their data centers. Once received, the providers can

unscramble the data using encryption keys, which specify how the message is to be unscrambled, or encoded. If you are nervous about a third party holding the encryption key, check out vendors such as Vaultive, CipherCloud, TrendMicro and HyTrust, which allow you to hold them instead.

Also at times, providers can experience outages that are beyond your control, which will prevent you from accessing information in the cloud until their system is back up and running. That could be a few minutes, a few hours or a few days. If your business cannot operate if cloud access is delayed, consider using a secondary cloud service provider, or automatically copy the most critical business information to a hard drive or server in the office.

Select the right cloud for you

Depending on the level of security and management needed, be sure to compare public, private and hybrid cloud service options, fees and service agreements.

Cloud type

Description

Public

• Inexpensive to set up and easy to use • Pay for only the storage and service you need • Storage and collaboration resources offered to the public

Private

• Customized and located inside your company’s firewall • Offers the greatest level of security and control • The most expensive option to create and maintain

Hybrid

• Keeps data secure on private server, while exporting other files to public cloud to ensure quick access and backup copy

Do your homework

Before selecting a cloud computing service provider, be sure you investigate and understand: • What security measures it has in place to protect your data.

• How it ensures consistent and trouble-free access to your files.

• How versed it is in data replication standards, advanced encryption and authentication (verifies that data have not been altered or destroyed without your permission).

• Whether the vendor has physically secure and redundant services in multiple locations in case of a service outage.

• Its licensing and payment terms and fees.

• What is done if data is breached or service is interrupted?

• Who has legal responsibility for protecting your business’ and clients’ proprietary information? september 14

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NEW

SCOOP COMING The jobs always stay on track.

safely in control.

In Because January,you’re MNLA will be introducing a redesigned Scoop. Our goal is to provide even greater value to you, the member, through this vital communication service. To do that, we need to know what Contact your current needs are! We would like to gather your local dealer: your feedback on how you read The Scoop, which NUSS TRUCK & EQUIPMENT Burnsville, MN Mankato, MN Roseville, MN content you value most, and what you wish we would 800.552.1189 800.862.6225 800.704.0935 Duluth, MN Rochester, MN St. Cloud, MN us your include. Please take five minutes and give 800.835.6225 800.562.1505 888.310.6225 opinions via a quick 5-question survey found here: www.nussgrp.com http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ScoopFeedback. If you’d rather forward your comments via email, send those to jon@mnla.biz.

Smart Works.

Volvo Construction Equipment

WRITERS WANTED We’re also looking for members who love to write – members who want to share useful information,

âžž section title

7 Things Your Snow Removal Business Can Do To Stay Ahead of the Pack

Snow Industry Benchmark Report In May, we began surveying snow professionals for our second annual Snow Industry Benchmark Report. In the end, we surveyed more than 150 snow industry professionals to discover trends, best practices and determine what makes a snow business successful. In early June, we analyzed the results, creating a nearly 30-page report that includes the raw data as well as an analysis of the results.

David Crary | HindSite Software

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➾ B E NC HMARK REPORT

T

he results were eye-opening. 2014 was a successful year on many levels for a typical snow industry business. Revenue and profit margins were both up. Because of the increased business, the weather was less of a concern. Companies were, on the whole, winning new business through referrals thanks to the service they deliver to existing customers.

But that doesn’t mean all is well in snow businesses. Marketing is still a struggle for many snow businesses. Costs — fuel, deicing material, insurance — continue to pressure margins and impact prices.

And, as anyone who has talked to a snow professional knows, how to improve the efficiency of their snow business continues to keep business owners awake at night.

What else did we learn? And what should smart snow professionals do to improve their business? Here are 7 things every snow business should do after reading the 2014 Snow Industry Benchmark Report:

#1

Create a referral campaign — Marketing still continues to

confound snow professionals; it’s the most cited area of a business in need of improvement. That’s not surprising given most snow businesses are small and don’t have dedicated marketing resources. As a result, many do very little, relying heavily on word of mouth to generate new sales.

Referrals are a great way to grow a small snow business with limited marketing resources. Want to get more referrals than your competitors? Put together a referral campaign for your service business. Some tactics to consider: • Offer a free event or month of service in return for a video testimonial. Hire a professional videographer and create a testimonial video you can feature on your website/social media. You’ll instantly differentiate yourself from 99% of the market.

• Create a competition among your customers. Whoever delivers the most referral leads wins a large prize (iPads are a great giveaway). Use email to remind your customers about your campaign, and thank every customer that delivers a lead.

• Simply ask for referrals and make it easy for customers to refer you to their friends and colleagues. Create a simple web form that your customers can use to submit leads to you. Then, insert that link on your invoices, your website, your social media site, your monthly newsletter, every email you send, etc.

• It doesn’t have to be an elaborate campaign, but if you subtly remind your customers about your referral program periodically, you’ll likely drum up more business without having to spend a lot of time or money on more advanced marketing tactics.

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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.

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➾ B E NC HMARK REPORT

As the 2014 Snow Industry Benchmark Report shows, roughly 30% of respondents are using email to market to their customers and prospects, while 40% are using social media.

But study after study shows that if you want people to act, email marketing is your best bet. increase prices in the 2014–15 snow season. Those who didn’t, cited competitive pressures as the main reason they weren’t raising prices.

This offseason, make sure you review your pricing model.

If you’re like most snow contractors, you’ll have a mix of pricing structures designed to limit your exposure during low and high snowfall seasons. Examine your mix of seasonal and event pricing to ensure that you can weather any storm (or lack thereof ). Determine where you’re at risk and adjust accordingly.

Another tip: In lieu of raising prices, look for ways to be more efficient. Incorporating snow removal software can help you do that.

#4

#2

#3 58

Don’t be afraid of email — Social media is the darling of the marketing world. It’s new, it’s fresh, and everyone is hopping on the bandwagon.

But don’t forget about using email to market your business and communicate with your customers. As the 2014 Snow Industry Benchmark Report shows, roughly 30% of respondents are using email to market to their customers and prospects, while 40% are using social media. But study after study shows that if you want people to act, email marketing is your best bet.

You could use email in your snow removal business to send contracts, detailed service plans, and emails after a snow event detailing what you did and when you did it. It’s a great, automated way to keep in touch with your customers.

Consider your pricing model — Citing rising costs, 55% of

Snow Industry Benchmark Report respondents plan to mnla .biz

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Invest in software — As a snow removal software vendor, we

know software can help businesses grow. Software builds efficiencies, creates consistent processes and helps businesses deliver better service. But how do we prove that?

As we analyzed the results from the 2014 Snow Industry Benchmark Report, it became obvious that software does indeed help companies grow. Amazingly, not one of the respondents that indicated that they use software in the field to manage their business saw their revenue decline (more than 10% of businesses not using software saw revenue decline). In fact, nearly half (45%) indicated that their revenue had grown by more than 20%, which was 5% better than those who weren’t using software. Even more remarkably, we found that 92% of respondents who use software saw their revenue increase, compared to 73% of those who don’t use software.

These findings are consistent with what we’ve discovered in past surveys of both snow industry professionals and green industry professionals. What we call field service software helps businesses grow.

Software truly does offer a competitive advantage — especially considering just 25% of respondents use software. So your first order of business this snow offseason is to investigate snow removal software.

#5

Become active in professional organizations — I’m

extroverted, so I belong to everything I can. Local networking groups, state organizations like the MNLA and national professional organizations like SIMA and PLANET. I know

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➾ B E NC HMARK REPORT

AUTUMN INDULGENCE

From fire pits to fireplaces, our fire features invite you to use your patio long into the evening, and long into the autumn.

The more you can do to keep a competitor off your property, the better. …[T]he number of snow businesses that do it all — plowing, deicing, shoveling, blowing and hauling — is increasing. Not only does a wide range of snow services keep competitors away from your business, but it can also increase your revenue. those groups have helped me grow and improve as a leader, but how can I quantify that?

The Snow Industry Benchmark Report data proves the worth of attending trade shows. Those respondents who indicated they had attended at least one trade show in the past year also tended to have more profitable businesses. If you’re not a member of a local or national professional organization (and nearly half of our respondents are not), go get a competitive advantage and learn from your peers. Your business will thank you for it.

#6

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Expand the services you offer — When I owned a land-

scape irrigation business 10 years ago, the typical green industry business was still fairly specialized. You had irrigation businesses, fertilization businesses, lawn care businesses, arbor care businesses, etc. Today, many of those specialized businesses have expanded to offer a full range of services That’s smart. The more you can do to keep a competitor off your property, the better. As we found in the Snow Industry Benchmark Report, the number of snow businesses that do it all — plowing, deicing, shoveling, blowing and hauling — is increasing. Not only does a wide range of snow services keep competitors away from your business, but it can also increase your revenue.

Be different — Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the 2014 Snow Industry Benchmark Report is just how alike snow businesses are; nearly all service residential properties and few use software. Most use the same marketing tactics and see the same results.

With many citing competition as above average or high, smart snow professionals are spending a lot of time determining what makes them different so they can stand above the pack. We’ve heard that some contractors who focused on commercial properties have begun to focus on residential properties because of the increased competition for commercial work. They focus on small neighborhoods at first, using postcards and yard signs to build awareness. With a large enough volume and tight routes, they can be very profitable, often more profitable than they could servicing commercial properties.

Whatever you do, find an opportunity to be different.

Whether that’s using software to streamline your business,

&

Executive Director Cassie Larson & Membership Director Mary Dunn met with Rayme Beinick at Emerald Green in Delano.

Executive Director Cassie Larson visits Belden Plastics, John R. Johnson and son Brad Johnson.

MNLA Staff stopped in at Midland Nursery and met with Troy Lange, Harvey Foss, and Heather Foss.

MNLA was welcomed at Bailey’s Annual Expo by Marc McCormack and Dan Bailey.

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➾ B E NC HMARK REPORT

Your One Tractor Solution

focusing on email or social media marketing to build awareness, or earning your Certified Snow Professional designation from SIMA, by being different you’ll stand out from the crowd.

What to learn more about the snow industry? Download the 2014 Snow Industry Benchmark Report at http://info. hindsitesoftware.com/2014-snow-industrybenchmark-report.

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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

David Crary is president and founder of HindSite Software. You can reach David at info@hindsitesoftware.com.

Welcome new MNLA members!

Best Cleaners; Eden Prairie, MN; David Colehour, 612-701-9482 Cass Lake Masonry & Landscape; Cass Lake, MN; Anthony Kotla, 612-849-0353 Crown Mechanical; St. Paul, MN; LeRoy Burling, 651-452-2775 Erosion Products LLC; St. Bonifacius; Jake Barber, 952-446-1505 GSC Hardwood; Andover, MN; Greg Carlson, 763-286-6711 K & K; Lindstrom, MN; Brad Kloos Landscapes Unlimited of MN; Prior Lake, MN; Jason Cooke, 612-867-8667 Midwest Groundcover; Plymouth, MN; Justin Crandall, 763-274-9829 Polaris Industries; Medina, MN; Aaron Stegemann, 763-847-8449 Prestige Landscaping Inc; Reedsburg, WI; Jason Sammons, 608-524-1818 SouthWoods Forest Gardens; Prior Lake, MN; Daniel Halsey, 612-720-5001 Stonebrooke Equipment; Burnsville, MN; Mark Holman, 952-224-4440 Superior Lawn LLC; Ostego, MN; Randolph Brenny, 612-964-7539

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➾ G I LI R EPORT

Green Industry Leadership Institute report Jon Horsman

MNLA Communications Director

Justin Dorschied presents his Project Plan.

Even though the Green Industry Leadership Institute is held each month in a fairly typical conference room, it is by no means a typical class. with content and a configuration that will truly impact the participants and their companies. Each student has been growing in their confidence in decision making, increasing their skill in identifying and facilitating solutions within their company, and developing a network of peer advisors to engage with as they grow and advance in their career.

This course has been designed

Several industry leaders were invited to present at various sessions, and came away impressed with the group of students and the facilitators, Steve and Terri Wilcox of Resultants for Business, Inc.: It was great to be a part of all the excitement and learning that was happening in the room. It was obvious

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that the people there were excited to be learning and growing. — Jim Saybolt, CLP, biota | Landscape Design + Build The facilitators seem organized, on topic, and knowledgeable in their field.

— Tami Gallagher, MNLA-CP, Home Sown Gardens, LLC WOW. You picked a winner to educate, teach, and lead the class and to bring out the potential of each person. The knowledge they have is invaluable. I walked out that night after our meeting and thought about how I can do better as a person, business owner, employer, and volunteer. I learned a lot that night.

— Duggan Kelly, Kelly Green Irrigation What specifically have the students been learning?

1st Session: Knowing Your Own Strengths This session used the Strength Finders 2.0 and

How do you capture all that needs to be done, and how do you prioritize? It is critically important to stick to a plan review schedule.

Guest Speaker Matt Mallas and co-facilitator Steve Wilcox.

Strengths Based Leadership 2.0 tools to discover individual strengths, appreciate the differing strengths of others on the team, and learn how to maximize what each person contributes to create highperforming teams and sell projects.

2nd Session: Staying on Top of the Work – Especially in May We reviewed different time management systems in an effort to find what works best for each participant in the work environment they must work within. How do you capture all that needs to be done, and how do you prioritize? It is critically important to stick to a plan review schedule. Plus, they learned to analyze company systems and identify areas for improved productivity.

Co-facilitator Terri Wilcox (inset) inspires lively peer discussion at every meeting.

3rd Session: Communicating Effectively with Clients, Work Crews, Retail Staff, and Your Boss Guest Speaker: Matt Mallas, COO of Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies presented on how he grew in building more confidence and having productive, courageous conversations with clients, direct reports, peers, and bosses. Authentic communication is the linchpin for effective leadership and lasting employee engagement, and this program offered insights and tools to deepen learning and awareness in this critical job skill.

Partner and Sales Manager at Kelly Green Irrigation; and Tami Gallagher, Owner of Home Sown Gardens, LLC. The format was to have a moderator ask this panel questions submitted by program participants.

The course will run through December, and graduating participants will receive their certificate and be an honored guest at the MNLA Awards Gala on Thursday, January 15, 2015.

If you would like to learn more about

4th Session: Seeing Your Company Through your Customer’s Eyes Guest panelists for this session were Jeff Pilla, Director of Retail Operations at Bachman’s, Inc.; Duggan Kelly, Vice President,

the Green Industry Leadership Institute please contact MNLA Communications Director Jon Horsman at jon@mnla.biz or 651-6334987. Applications for the 2015 class will be available on October 1.

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➾ legal issues

Following the Law, One I-9 at a Time Every employer is accustomed to collecting I-9 forms from new hires. On the first day of work you check the new employee’s passport, sign the document and pop it in your files. You know the routine. But are you following best practices? Because the cost of being cavalier about I-9 forms can be steep.

Patrick McGuiness

Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

each year, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security audits thousands of businesses to ensure they’re complying with federal I-9 requirements. And employers who violate the law could be fined as much as $16,000 for a single violation.

What to Expect When ICE Comes Calling

ICE has two ways of checking up on your I-9 compliance. They can either audit a company’s I-9 records, which requires 3-days’ notice. Or they can raid your company without warning. ICE needs a court order to raid a business—and audits are far more common — so I’ll save the story on raids for another article. Suffice to say, if you’re the target of a raid, you should contact an attorney immediately.

If ICE decides to audit your business, you’ll be given a written notice of inspection and three business days to prepare. You must turn over your company’s I-9 forms and any supporting documentation (such as payroll or corporate records). ICE inspectors will review the documents to ensure that your company is complying with the law. If the inspectors find that everything is in order, they will issue a compliance letter to the business. This is the best outcome, and it means that you can carry on with business as usual.

When ICE suspects a violation or is unable to confirm that an employee is authorized to work in the US, it will issue a “notice of suspect documents” or a “notice of discrepancies.” If you receive either of these notices, the business and the employee will have a chance to submit

additional documentation to demonstrate that they are complying with the law.

Finally, in cases where ICE finds a violation, it will either issue a “warning notice” or a “notice of intent to fine.” If you receive a warning notice, you should review your policies. Avoid future fines by making sure that you are in compliance going forward.

If your company receives a “notice of intent to fine,” you will have the opportunity to request a hearing or negotiate a settlement agreement.

Employers typically receive fines for substantive or uncorrected record keeping failures, or for knowingly hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers.

Fines for record keeping errors can range from $110 to $1,100 per violation. The penalties for employing unauthorized workers start at $375 and go as high as $16,000 per violation. In the most egregious cases, employers could face criminal prosecution.

ICE evaluates the severity of violations based on five factors: the size of the company, whether the company made a good faith effort to comply, the seriousness of the violation, whether the violation involved unauthorized workers, and whether the company has a history of violations.

Best Practices

When it comes time for an ICE audit, it pays to be prepared. Here are some best practices for making sure that you’re ready for an audit: 1. Complete I-9 forms in a timely manner. New hires must complete section one before they september 14

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➾ legal issues

Sterling Arbor llc.

Specializing in large, legacy plantings and sourcing trees throughout the country to meet the Landscape Architect’s specifications

ICE evaluates the severity of violations based on five factors: the size of the company, whether the company made a good faith effort to comply, the seriousness of the violation, whether the violation involved unauthorized workers, and whether the company has a history of violations.

start work, and section two by the end of their third day of work. It is often easiest for managers to make a habit of sitting down with new employees and completing the form as soon as they start. Whatever you decide to do, be sure someone at your office tracks I-9s and ensures that all employees fully complete them.

2. Be diligent in preparing I-9s. Make sure you are using the most recent version of the form, don’t accept expired documents, and be sure to complete all the relevant sections. (Including the preparer/translator section if the employee received assistance.)

Boxed Trees

(lined with Rootmaker)

3. If a worker has a temporary work authorization, be sure that it is still valid and note when it expires. When the expiration is approaching, verify the new authorization document. And if a worker no longer has authorization, do not allow them to continue working. (US passports, permanent resident cards, and List B identity documents do not need to be reverified.)

4. Don’t go overboard. It’s your job to fully comply with the law, not to root out unauthorized workers. If a document is listed on the I-9, and it looks authentic, you may accept it. Don’t require specific documents or ask for more documentation than is required by law. If you are too zealous, your actions may appear discriminatory, and you may face penalties from the Department of Justice.

5. And finally, audit your own records. The best why to be sure you are ready for an ICE audit is to periodically go through your records and compile the documents ICE would likely request. Review your I-9 forms to be sure there aren’t errors, and correct and initial any errors you find.

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In 2012, ICE conducted more than 3,000 I-9 audits — a fifteen fold increase from the number of audits in 2007. And there’s no sign that ICE audits are slowing down. Each year they collect tens of thousands of dollars from businesses that aren’t in compliance. But if your company is diligent in maintaining I-9 forms, you can minimize the possibility of a fine, and make sure any audit goes as smoothly as possible.

This article provides general information on employment law and does not list all prohibitions, exclusions and regulations. Do not rely upon this article 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 employment law or other legal matters, please contact Patrick McGuiness at Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

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âžž section title

LANDSCAPE TRENDS Surveys conducted during the first quarter of 2014 by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and Houzz Inc. (an online, collaborative platform for home remodeling and design) provide up-to-date homeowner and landscape architect perspectives and information on industry trends that may be of interest to landscape designers and other green industry professionals. The surveys were conducted online and published earlier this year.

Dr. James B. Calkins

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➾ Landscape survey

T

he ASLA survey is performed annually and is called the Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey. This year the ASLA survey was conducted from January 16 through February 14, 2014, and the results are based on the opinions of 179 landscape architecture professionals that specialize in residential design. Because the ASLA Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey is performed annually, it allows for comparisons from year to year and also makes it possible to elucidate and follow trends. The Houzz Inc. survey was conducted in March (2014) and the findings are based on the responses of 4,569 adults who were currently working on, or planning, a landscape project.

Some of the primary findings include: • The primary motivations behind landscaping projects include making yards more suitable (friendly) for entertaining (56%), making landscapes (yards) more functional (44%), increased property (home) values (34%), creating more living space (27%), addressing changing lifestyles or family needs (20%), reducing landscape water use (19%), and upgrading landscape features (18%); solving existing landscape problems is also an important goal for many homeowners (55%) with flooding or drainage problems being most common regardless of location (43%) and water shortages also being a common concern in the West (30%).

• The top factors cited by homeowners when deciding to hire professional help included good reviews/recommendations (83%), being experts in field (70%), having personalities they can work with (61%), and having completed similar projects (53%); being the least expensive was the fifth priority, but was much less important at only 7%.

Figure 1. Outdoor seating and dining areas, patios and decks, fire pits and fireplaces, outdoor grills and kitchens, and gardens and landscaped spaces remain popular landscape features in designed landscapes, but landscape lighting is high on the list in 2014 (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

• Backyards are getting the most attention from homeowners (72%) followed by front (61%) and side yards (42%) and updating landscapes accounts for the vast majority of projects (68%) compared to complete landscape overhauls (17%) and landscapes associated with new construction (14%); regardless of where they live, the vast majority of homeowners use their backyards for entertaining (83%); backyards also serve as an outdoor eating space (71%), although this is more important for residents in the western and eastern United States (76% and 78%, respectively) than residents in the Midwest and the South (65% and 67%, respectively).

• As a consequence of the focus on entertaining and eating in backyard landscapes, landscape elements related to these uses are popular including patios (69%), landscape lighting (65%), barbeques (48%), fire pits (48%), decks (38%), sound systems (19%), and outdoor kitchens (14%).

• Landscape lighting is a popular feature and LED (lightemitting diode) and solar-powered lights are popular choices; landscape architects rank landscape lighting as the most popular landscape element (98.3%) and homeowners are indeed including landscape lighting in their projects (65%); decks and patios (70%), paths (54%), and landscape

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➾ Landscape survey

(81.1%), permeable paving (78.9%), and spa features (76.4%); many other features are also rated.

plants (trees and shrubs; 49%) are the primary landscape elements that are illuminated.

• For a variety of reasons, including a desire for reduced inputs (labor and maintenance expenses) and helping the environment, most homeowners are including native plants in their landscapes (92%).

• Homeowners interest in growing edible species is high (64%) and this idea is new for a majority of those interested in growing edible plants (70%); herbs and vegetables are the most popular choices followed by fruit trees.

• Traditional lawns remain popular with homeowners across the country (Midwest–88%, East–87%), South–86%), but a little less popular in the West (69%) where drought may be responsible for a growing interest in artificial turf; from a landscape architect perspective, turf (added to the survey in 2013 when it was rated at 52.2%) was again ranked right in the middle (54%) based on current popularity while reduced lawn (as a sustainable design element) was ranked fairly high (72.6%); the popularity of reduced lawn has remained relatively constant for the past five years (70.9–73.9%).

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As noted above, the ASLA survey ranks quite a few other landscape elements and also ranks them within a variety of specific categories like landscape & garden elements, sustainable design elements, and outdoor structures. Interestingly, although most landscape amenities have shown slight increases in popularity compared to 2013, the popularity of the top landscape features, and the rankings of most landscape elements in general, have remained quite stable for the past five years. Exceptions include rooftop gardens, which did not make the list in 2010 or 2011, appeared on the list at 38.3% in 2012, increased to 50.4% in 2013, and have again increased slightly to 53.1% in 2014. Conversely, raingardens have remained quite stable at about 58% and wireless internet connectivity, which had remained fairly steady at about 43–48% over the previous four years, has shown a fairly modest increase in popularity this year rising to 56% in 2014. While the increased popularity of wireless technology seems logical, we will have to wait and see if this is indeed an upward trend.

Although each client is unique and likely has specific desires for their landscape and individual likes and dislikes, being aware of industry trends, understanding your customers, marketing wisely, and finding the right niche can make a difference. Because the desires homeowners have for their landscapes and the types of projects can change over time, understanding these dynamics is important if landscape firms are to have the design and technical knowledge and skills to satisfy the needs of their clients in a superior and professional manner. The popularity of landscape lighting and what appears to be a growing interest in wireless technology are great examples: both have the potential to be significant profit makers for landscape firms that can provide these landscape design and installation services.

For more detail and additional information on the findings of these surveys, the results of the 2014 ASLA Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey and the 2014 Houzz Landscaping Survey can be accessed at: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 2014. Survey Reveals Hottest Outdoor Design Trends for 2014.

• The top-rated landscape amenities (ratings of 90% or higher) based on the perspective of landscape architects that design residential landscapes include landscape lighting (98.3%), seating/dining areas (97.7%), terraces/patios/decks (97.7%), outdoor fire pits/fireplaces (95.4%), low maintenance landscapes (95.4%), barbeque grills (94.3%), gardens/landscaped spaces (94.2%), and outdoor living spaces (outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas; 92%).

Houzz & Home Survey. 2014. Houzz Study Finds Pleasure and Pain Spur Landscape Projects. April 24, 2014.

• Other landscape features that are popular include installed seating (benches, seat walls, etc.; 89.6%), fencing and gates (88.5%), native/adapted drought tolerant plants (88%), native plants (84.5%), drip/water-efficient irrigation (84.5%), outdoor furniture (84.1%), outdoor fountains/ water features (83.9%), pergolas (82.8%), and arbors

For comparative purposes, the results of the ASLA Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Surveys for 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 are available at:

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Houzz.com. 2014. 2014 Spring Houzz Landscaping Trends Study.

Houzz.com. 2014. Transforming the American Home: Findings from the 2014 Houzz & Home Survey.

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 2013. Survey Identifies Top Outdoor Living Trends for 2013.

Brock White is excited to be a part of the Kare11 & BATC Backyard Makeover! We provided a variety of products to various contractors including natural stone, flagstone, cut stone, outcroppings, concrete block, the fireplace and more. Learn about Brock White products used for the backyard makeover at www.BrockWhite.com/Kare11BATC. ELK RIVER 12785 Elk Lake Rd Elk River, MN 55330 763-441-2004 EAGAN 1243 Eagan Industrial Rd Eagan, MN 55121 651-686-5036

➾ Landscape survey

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 2012. Survey Shows Top Outdoor Living Trends for 2012.

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 2011. Survey Shows Top Outdoor Living Trends for 2011.

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 2010. Survey Identifies Hottest Outdoor Living Trends for 2010.

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.

ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS Nominations for Todd Bachman Award due November 14 Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Todd Bachman Award for Innovation in Horticultural Business.

Created by the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and the MNLA Foundation, the award annually recognizes a young individual whose innovation in private enterprise has positively influenced horticulture and/or the green industry in the region.

• A cost-effective, long-term workers’ compensation program for the construction industry of Minnesota.

• Cash Flow Advantage with pay-as-you-go premiums • Customized Loss Control Services designed for YOUR business • Member-focused Proactive Claims Management • 97% of businesses have stayed with TBG these past 15 years because they deliver a long-term solution to the specific needs of our industry.

Contact: Dennis Medo, TBG Director of Insurance 651-389-1043 | Toll Free: 888-824-3923 | dmedo@tbgmn.com

The award recipient will receive a plaque and will be recognized in trade publications. In addition, the MNLA Foundation will make a $1,000 cash award in the recipient’s name to his or her alma mater.

Qualifications for Todd Bachman Award Owner or employee of a horticultural business in the north central region (MN, WI, IA, ND, SD).

Recipient of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or greater in horticulture, business or related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.

Demonstrated innovation in business, marketing, horticultural production, floral, or landscape practices.

For all details and nomination instructions, visit MNLA.biz.

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➾ mnla board

nominations for mnla board Submit N ominations for M N L A Board N ow

As a member-driven organization, the MNLA solicits candidates for the Board of Directors.

The MNLA Nominating Committee is now accepting board nominations through Wednesday, October 15, 2014.

Board members represent the interests of the MNLA membership and help promote the growth and success of the green industry.

2015 MNLA Board of Directors Requirements and Priorities The following criterion for participation as a board member is required in the MNLA bylaws: Eight years of MNLA membership immediately preceding the election Business member status; and Appropriate membership dues paid.

In addition, MNLA seeks to maintain a strong, balanced, strategicthinking board that accurately represents the varied companies found in the green industry. Skills in the following areas will also be considered for new board seats: Leadership experience Dedication to the association Government relations/advocacy Finance experience

Serving on the MNLA Board of Directors is Voluntary, but Requires the Following Time Commitment: A Board term is two years.

The Board meets a minimum of four times per year — generally in March, June, September and December. Responsibilities include reading the agenda and supporting materials prior to attending.

Special meetings, conference calls, electronic votes, and strategic planning sessions are sometimes convened.

Board members receive no compensation for their time.

2015 MNLA Election Timeline October 2014 - Candidates are recommended for the ballot by the MNLA Nominating Committee.

December 2014 – Online board and officer elections are held.

January 14, 2015 – Candidates are ratified at the MNLA Annual Meeting and announced to the membership.

Strategic perspective Entrepreneurship Business ethics Industry experience

If you have any further questions about

Submit Your Nomination Today If you or someone you know is interested in working with others to ensure the growth and success of the green industry, please submit your nomination online at www.

MNLA.biz or via email to cassie@mnla.biz no later than Wednesday, October 15, 2014.

the election process, feel free to contact MNLA Executive Director Cassie Larson at 651-633-4987.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support of the green industry.

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➾ in memoriam

in memoriam The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of landscape sales manager Ken Fields, landscape architect Al Hipps, horticulture researcher Harold Pellett, and arborist Mark Stennes.

Ken Fields Ken L. Fields, age 64, of Excelsior, passed away on June 6, 2014. Employed with Wheeler Lumber LLC for 34 years as Landscape Sales Manager. Survived by wife, Karma; sons, Chris and Mike; mother, Loretta; sister, Kathy Gladem.

Al Hipps Alan George Hipps age 65, of Chaska, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 23. He was surrounded by his life partner Joanne Hipps and sons Jeremy, Jon and Andrew Hipps. Al was born on April 4, 1949, to parents Robert O. and Donna Hipps in Troy, Ohio. Al graduated from Edina High School in 1967. He voluntarily joined the U.S. Army in 1968. In 1969–70 he served in the 4th Infantry “Poison Ivy” Division in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. As a Staff Sergeant, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal for outstanding service.

After his duty in Vietnam, Al attended Iowa University where he graduated in 1973 and earned a degree in landscape architecture. He went on to have a successful career as a landscape architect. He started his own landscaping company called Nature’s Way and most recently was a partner in Gardeneer. In his 40 years as a landscape architect, he particularly enjoyed working with his many clients to create natural landscape designs.

Harold Pellett Harold Melvin Pellett, age 76 of Eden Prairie, passed away July 22, 2014. Born February 17, 1938, in Atlantic, Iowa, Harold had a long and successful career in horticulture, including over 30 years as a professor at the University of Minnesota and a leader in research at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Horticulture Research Center. In 1990, Harold founded the Landscape Plant Development Center with a mission of developing superior cold-hardy landscape plants. In his retirement years, Harold had been an active member of the Gillespie Senior Center in Mound, MN, with recent winters being spent in Sun Valley Park in Arizona. Harold and his wife Shelby were active in the Westona Whirlers Square Dance Club for many years.

Mark Stennes Mark A. Stennes, age 63, of New Brighton, passed away July 22, 2014 after complications from liver cancer. Born in Bemidji, Minnesota to Oscar & Anna Stennes, he graduated from Bemidji High School and went on to Bemidji State University where he met his future wife Diane Dougherty. They married on August 24, 1974. Mark went on to the University of Minnesota to complete his degree in forestry and masters in plant pathology. They decided to raise their family in New Brighton. Mark demonstrated an innovative and passionate approach to tree care in his career. He received MNLA’s Special Service Award in January this year for giving of himself personally and professionally over a long period of time to make the nursery and landscape business a better industry.

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INTRODUCING

Appearing together for the first time in a convenient, liquid pre-emergent herbicide specially formulated for nursery use–the two trusted actives found in Barricade® and Gallery.®*

Two stars just aligned.

Prodiamine • Isoxaben

Gemini™ gives you: • A consistent and prolonged herbicide barrier • Control or suppression of more than 125 broadleaf and grassy weeds • A cost in use per acre that’s competitive with tank mixing

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Always read and follow label directions before sale or use of this product. *Barricade® is a trademark of a Syngenta Finance Corporation. Gallery® is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. © 2014 An ICL Fertilizers Company, Worldwide Rights Reserved.

www.carlinsales.com

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3/18/14 1:51 PM

S337-034843 (Gemini Ad)

Publication

Color: 4/color Non-Bleed

Minnesota NLA The Scoop

Commercial Propane Powered Incentive Size: T - 7.5 x 5

$1500 Incentive for purchase of NEW OEM propane powered mower $750 Incentive for conversion of existing gasoline powered mower to propane.

Propane-fueled commercial grade mowers provide benefits in cost and emission reductions. Research shows that propane engines reduce harmful emissions by onethird compared to gasoline. Other benefits include: • reduced fuel cost • no theft of fuel from the tanks • refueling ease • less equipment maintenance • no ground or air contamination from spillage • and increased engine longevity

Talk to your dealer about going propane today!!

Mowers must be 30 inch width or greater Limit 5 mower incentives per company/person Applications available from info@mnpropane.org

âžž golf recap

2014

A GREAT DAY FOR GOLF!

t Tournamen

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2014 Widmer Golf Tournament on July 22nd! This event is an annual tradition for many and raises money for the MNLA Foundation Research Fund.

Congratulations to our winners!

First Place Team: Scott Richards, Tim Skaar, Gavin Corr, and Randy Thiesfeld (not pictured) from Polar Chevrolet.

Prize sponsored by Bailey Nurseries.

Closest to Pin Winner: Justin Waters of Irrigation by Design.

Prize sponsored by John Deere Landscapes.

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Longest Drive Winner: Travis Lawrence of Rochester Concrete Products. Prize sponsored by GM Fleet and Commercial.

Second Place Team: Dale Johnson of Environmental Landforms, Duane Bacon of D-Bac Contracting, Kevin Scott of Wheeler Landscape Supply, and Jeremy Bickner of Borgert Products.

Prize sponsored by Ziegler CAT.

Longest Putt Winner: Cassie Husemann of JRK Seed & Turf Supply. Prize sponsored by Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery and Hardscapes.

Hit the Green Winner: Scott Frampton of Landscape Renovations. Prize sponsored

by RDO Equipment.

Thank You Widmer Golf Tournament Sponsors!

Beverage Cart:

Prize for Champion Team:

Prize for Second Place Team:

Longest Drive Contest:

Closest to Pin Contest:

Longest Putt Contest:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Dinner:

Hit the Green Contest: WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

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www.MNLA.biz | June 2012

Wisconsin Grown Plants for Northern Landscapes

Hole Sponsors:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

BBS

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▪ BARE-ROOT ▪ SHADE TREES ▪ ORNAMENTAL TREES Malmborg’s Garden Center

▪ DECIDUOUS SHRUBS ▪ EVERGREENS ▪ LINERS Troy Green: 218.230.3223 Tom Bergan: 920.478.2121 750 South Monroe Street, P.O. Box 185, Waterloo, WI 53594

800-236-4242 ▪ Fax: 920-478-3615 ▪ www.mckaynursery.com september 14

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➾ networking news

networking news Top Takeaways:

Rochester Area Networking Group

• Employee benefits discussion and how to recruit employees.

Date: 7/9

• How to better get word out for our future network group meetings - Pass the word to industry colleagues.

Location: Dunn Bros., Rochester

• How we handle job backlogs.

MNLA SUMMER Social Date: 7/17 Location: Summit Brewery in St. Paul

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A group of 60+ MNLA members gathered for a Summer Social at Summit Brewery in St. Paul. It was a fun night of networking, beer and pizza. Money from the purchase of tickets benefited MNLA Foundation College Scholarships.

Cultivate beautiful spaces.

Kubota B50 Series

Load up, dig in and get growing with Kubota B50 Series compact tractors – featuring Kubota diesel engines for smooth-running, high-torque and dependable power. Mechanical cruise control and hydrostatic power steering make for nimble handling and operator comfort. Plus, a strong 3-point hitch with telescoping lower-link arms complements a variety of performance-matched attachments.

See one of these authorized Kubota dealerships near you.

ALEXANDRIA Alex Power Equipment 111 50th Avenue West (320) 763-4994 ANOKA Lano Equipment, Inc. 6140 Highway 10 (763) 323-1720

GLENCOE Arnold’s of Glencoe 655 Lindbergh Trail (320) 864-5531 www.arnoldsinc.com

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

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

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

NORTH BRANCH Olson Power & Equipment 38560 14th Avenue (651) 674-4490 (800) 657-5198 www.olsonpower.com

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, 2014

➾ last word

photo flashback Flashback : Yesterday ’ s P rice L ists

The year 2015 marks the 90th Anniversary of the Association, and we want to celebrate our past and energize our future! This is part of a series of photo flashbacks you will see in the Scoop during the upcoming year that help to celebrate our past.

1957: Jewell Nurseries, Inc.

1965: J.V. Bailey Nurseries

1935: Red Wing Nursery

1973: Donaldsons Sargent’s 1965: Lake City Nurseries, Inc. 86

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IntroducIng

QUIK-

SWITCH IT ON

our new lightweight air-powered device increases productivity.

Precise dose and measurement you can see

one-thumb operation for fast injections durable aluminum body weighing less than 2 pounds

Quick-connect adapter hooks up to air tank

Learn more: call 781-935-9070 or visit

arborjet.com/air