Nursery & Landscape Notes Summer 2020

Summer 2020

Publication of the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

Summer Weather

Safety & Preparedness Sales Bloom at Guilford Garden Center Summer Safety Tips for Outside Workers

DRAW A BEAD ON FIRE ANT PRESSURE

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A single broadcast application of Topchoice from Bayer controls existing fire ant colonies and helps prevent new infestations for up to a year.

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Summer 2020

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COMMENTARY President’s Message

5

Executive Vice President’s Message

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NCNLA NEWS NCNLA Member Spotlight: Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery

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NCNLA Student Spotlight: Hunter Hall

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NCNLA News

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In Memoriam

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AROUND OUR INDUSTRY Industry News: Sales Blossom at Guilford Garden Center with Indoor Plants

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Best Practice: Summer Safety Tips for Outside Workers

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INDUSTRY RESEARCH A New Disease and an Old Slimy Bacteria

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New Members

31

Calendar of Events

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Advertisers’ Index

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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS 16 Hurricane Season May Bring More Storms in 2020

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 3

Bred for success

SUNJOY MINI MAROON

®

Berberis

This sterile, rust resistant, ornamental

Available from these suppliers

barberry has been bred for your success.

Johnson Nursery Company Willard NC • 910-285-7861

A member of the SUNJOY line of non-invasive, dwarf barberry, MINI MAROON® features

Pender Nursery Garner, NC • 919-772-7255

the burgundy-purple foliage and low-

Piedmont Carolina Nursery Colfax NC • 336-993-4114

maintenance ease that makes this plant an attractive choice for commercial and residential landscapes.

• Sterile

SUNJOY MINI MAROON® Berberis thunbergii ‘NCBT1’ USPP 30,330; CBRAF Full Sun • USDA Zone 4-8 2-3' Tall and Wide

• Dwarf • Rich color • Rust resistant

5'

www.provenwinners-shrubs.com

Published by North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

NCNLA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NCNLA Staff Richard Lawhun Executive Vice President Kathryn Stansbury Director of Business Development Victoria Torino Chief Financial Officer Cindy Whitt Director of Marketing & Communications Christine Wilks Director of Lifelong Learning Nursery & Landscape Notes is published quarterly by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. especially for nursery production, nursery research, interior and exterior maintenance and design build contractors in the landscape industry. The publication is distributed to approximately 1,200 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES is provided as a member service.

2020 NCNLA Board of Directors Hugh Crump President Greenline Design, Inc. Charlotte, NC Leslie Herndon Vice President/Secretary/ Treasurer Greenscape, Inc. Holly Springs, NC Jamie Thomas Past President Swift Creek Nursery Clayton, NC Jeff Allegood Old Courthouse Nursery, LLC Warsaw, NC

Kevin Cagle Greenthumb Nursery, LLC Ether, NC

I

n life it seems the one thing we can be sure of is that we never know what opportunities or challenges will come next. In the first half of

the year we saw our fair share of challenges. I hope you have also found some opportunities. I have been inspired by the way we continue to make lemonade out of life's lemons. During times like this, I think about what we do, and more importantly, why we do it.

Tim Johnson, II Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC

It is easy to identify what we do and, for the most

Trey Warrick Scottree & Shelby Nursery, Inc. Shelby, NC

and businesses. I find the challenge is discovering

William "Bill" Bynam SiteOne Landscape Supply Pineville, NC John Clark Pro Green, Inc. Morganton, NC

Educational Advisors Justin Snyder Alamance Community College Graham, NC

Discovering the Why in What We Do

Dr. Joe Neal NC State University Raleigh, NC

Advertising

For advertising inquiries and publication schedule, please contact Cindy Whitt at cwhitt@ncnla.com or 919-819-9119, ext. 102.

The inclusion of products or brand names in this publication is not an endorsement by the editor, or the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.

Mission: To provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy.

Vision: To promote and protect the interests of North Carolina's Green Industry.

Hugh Crump Greenline Design, Inc. Charlotte, NC

part, how we perform when it comes to our jobs the why. Knowing and being able to communicate your why can be more important than what we do. Being able to communicate the why can be the element that helps your team or teammates better understand you and gives greater purpose to what they do. I also think the why can give us a greater connection in our customer and client relationships. It helps them know our purpose going beyond the simple sale.

In my mind at NCNLA, our what, how and why are very simple:

I have been inspired by the way we continue to make lemonade out of life's lemons. During times like this, I think about what we do, and more importantly, why we do it.

WHAT: We offer education, information and advocacy for the green industry.

HOW: We accomplish this with an engaged membership and talented, well-equipped staff.

WHY: We exist to serve and support our members and the industry.

I hope that knowing NCNLA’s why makes the what more meaningful for all of us.

Connect to NCNLA  facebook.com/NCNurseryandLandscapeAssociation/  twitter.com/tweet_ncnla 

instagram.com/ncnla ncnla.com | BuyNCPlants.com GreenandGrowin.com | NCGreenprints.com

©2020 NCNLA.

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 5

January 11-15, 2021 | Greensboro, NC

Sow the Seeds for Success

www.greenandgrowin.com 6 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

NCNLA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

O

ur hopes of this past spring have given way to the reality that the COVID-19 curve has not flattened over the past few months.

We continue to face unprecedented guidelines and procedures as we perform our daily tasks and seek some semblance of normalcy. As you can imagine, the current environment places a tremendous burden on the process of organizing an annual event that attracts more than 4,000 attendees.

Currently, we are planning an in-person Green & Growin’ 21 with the hope of less-restrictive public safety guidelines in January 2021. We are also evaluating other delivery methods in case an in-person event cannot be held. Green & Growin’ is essential to the financial well-being of NCNLA, and we will do our best to offer attractive options that protect the health and safety of our members and attendees.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we deal with this challenging and unfamiliar situation. Additional guidance will be provided as soon as possible. Meantime, here is some information you may find helpful.

What are the dates for G&G’ 21?

G&G’ 21 is scheduled for January 11-15, 2021 in Greensboro, N.C. As in past years, Specialty Classes/ Certifications will be offered on Monday; General Education Sessions will be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday; and the Marketplace will be held on Thursday and Friday.

What is the status of G&G’ 21?

Currently, we are planning an in-person event that complies with less-restrictive safety guidelines that we hope will be in place in January 2021. Meantime, we continue to monitor the public health environment and government recommendations/ restrictions to ensure that we have the information needed to make an informed decision that is both in the best interests of the presenters, exhibitors and attendees and complies with government directives.

When will registration open?

Registration for G&G’ 21 is scheduled to open on Monday, November 16, 2020.

What are the options for holding G&G’ 21 if it cannot be held in person?

Since we are unable to predict what safety guidelines may be in place this January, we are exploring the option of offering online education

and a virtual tradeshow. We are also exploring the possibility of holding the tradeshow under current social distancing guidelines. In this scenario, the number of exhibitors will be restricted, and space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

When will the final decision be made regarding the status/format of G&G’ 21?

Our current timeline calls for a final decision no later than the opening of registration on Monday, November 16, 2020. However, this date may change as we continue to monitor the situation and hold ongoing discussions with the Sheraton Greensboro and the Greensboro Coliseum. Meantime, we continue to plan G&G’ 21 under the assumption it will be an in-person event.

If G&G’ 21 is canceled or offered in a different format, will I receive a refund?

Attendees – By the time registration opens, we will know the format for G&G’ 21. Therefore, attendee refunds will be subject to current policies as outlined on the G&G website. If the public health environment worsens during the timeframe between registration and the event, we will revisit the policies to ensure everyone is treated fairly.

Exhibitors – As mentioned above, we are planning an in-person event and following current deadlines for booth payments. If G&G’ 21 is canceled, you will be given the option of receiving a full refund OR rolling over your payments to G&G’ 22. G&G’ 20 payments that were previously rolled over to G&G’ 21 are not eligible for a refund and will be rolled over to G&G’ 22. If G&G’ 21 Marketplace is offered in a different format, you will be given the option to participate at a yet-to-be-determined fee. If you choose to participate, you will be given the option of receiving a refund of the difference in cost OR rolling over the difference to G&G’ 22. If you choose not to participate in the new format, you will be given the option of receiving a full refund OR rolling over your payment to G&G’ 22. Refunds for G&G’ 21 will be issued by check.

Richard Lawhun NCNLA Executive Vice President

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we deal with this challenging and unfamiliar situation.

Additional guidance will be provided as soon as possible.

What are the best sources for information and updates?

We will post regular updates on www.NCNLA.com and www.GreenandGrowin.com. We will also include updates and other information in our bi-weekly e-newsletter, eNEWS.

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 7

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Five Minutes with Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery

Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery Lewisville, NC Founder Joe Marion In business 56 years NCNLA member 39 years Number of employees 5 full time and 4 seasonal Services Wholesale and retail plant nursery Favorite NCNLA benefits Green & Growin’, networking and educational opportunities

Joe and Esther Marion.

Michell Phelps, Tommy Phelps and April Smith.

How did you get into the business?

the most important things happen after hours. These would include paperwork, ordering and watering the plants — the jobs most people never see.

My wife, Esther, and I started the company in 1964. It began as a landscaping company, and then we added a nursery division to sell plants to fellow landscapers.

As the years progressed, the nursery division grew larger and we began to also accommodate residential customers. Eventually the landscaping division was phased out to focus our total attention on the public and their nursery needs.

Today, Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery has become a family operation with daughters, Michelle Phelps and April Smith, and son-in law, Tommy Phelps. They each take a different role in the company including financial affairs, sales and production.

What’s a typical day like for you and your staff?

A typical day starts early, before the opening of the gate. We make sure all stock is out and everyone is ready to assist customers with phone calls and counter sales. Between loading orders, we restock as necessary or unload deliveries to the nursery. There is always something to do, whether it is customer-based or maintenance for equipment or property. Of course,

8 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

The most rewarding part of being in the nursery industry is the satisfaction of a repeat customer. You always want a customer to enjoy their purchase and tell others. Word of mouth is a wonderful advertising tool. It is great to see new generations visiting the nursery because their parents or grandparents were satisfied customers. If they passed down excellent experiences to their families, we must be doing something right. It is also wonderful to have customers come back and express their satisfaction for the new landscaped area we helped them create.

Making people smile is extremely rewarding!

What is your company best known for?

We are a local family-owned business and our goal is to bring a variety of plants, shrubs and trees to our customers at an affordable price. We sell to the general public and wholesale to landscapers, lawn maintenance companies and fellow nurseries.

What issues are you concerned about as a company in the green industry?

The nursery industry has concerns just like any other industry. We are now living with changes in our lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the nursery industry has always dealt with diseases and pest concerns.

There is always a chance a new problem could wipe out a plant species or cripple the production. That is why it is important that a nursery is inspected by the state. At Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery, we always keep our nursery sprayed for harmful pests and possible diseases. You must be proactive and in compliance to have a healthy environment for growing and selling plants.

What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?

Being a member of NCNLA has been a great help to my business throughout the years. I started going to Green & Growin’ in 1967 and have not missed one yet!

What advice do you have for someone interested in or just starting out in the industry?

When you start a nursery or landscaping business, it is important to be active in political elections to ensure you elect people who represent your needs. And always attend trade shows for new ideas and the latest trends so your business can stay up to date.

Joe Marion then and now.

Get in touch 336.766.6513 | www.joeslandscapingandnursery.com/ SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 9

NCNLA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Student Spotlight: Hunter Hall Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals with this new section featuring college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

Hunter at the Perennial Plant Association's National Symposium in 2019.

H

unter Hall is a native of Hillsborough, N.C., enrolled at the University of Mount Olive as an Agriculture Production Systems major with plans to graduate in December 2020. She has gained industry experience by interning at Hoffman Nursery and working for South Wind Produce, both in Rougemont, N.C. She is the recipient of the 2018 NCNLA Larry D. Edwards Memorial Scholarship and the 2019 Perennial Plant Association Scholarship. She is also a 2019 National FFA American Degree Recipient and 2020 AmericanHort Scholar.

10 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

How did you discover horticulture?

I discovered horticulture my freshman year of college in an Introduction to horticulture course. Prior to this class, I had never thought about taking a horticulture class, but it was required for my major. To my surprise, I absolutely loved it! My instructor encouraged me to apply to the internship program at Hoffman Nursery and I spent an incredible summer learning all about ornamental grasses, perennials, the nursery industry and horticulture as a whole. While these experiences are what led me to discover horticulture, I enjoy discovering new aspects of the industry and learning new things every day.

What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry?

As a visual learner, some of my most valuable experiences have been teaching moments where I learned a “why?” and was then given the opportunity to learn the “how?” with guidance from my teachers, supervisors or peers. In school, this has been as simple as learning how to pinch back flowers in the greenhouse, or as hard as identifying hollies around campus for the first time with my notes in hand. During the summers, these experiences have ranged from collecting and cleaning Carex seeds at Hoffman, to knocking on watermelons to see if they were ready to be harvested at South Wind, to a thousand things in between. These experiences have taught me skills that you cannot learn sitting in a classroom, for which I am very thankful.

What were your favorite college classes?

My favorite college class by far was my plant identification course. When I attended my first industry event a couple years ago, I admired the fact that everyone spoke of plants by their scientific name, and everyone knew so many! I wanted to have that knowledge, too, and this class gave me an opportunity to learn it. This class was structured around the NCNLA Certified Plant Professional Exam, so in addition to learning nearly 300 plants, I was also able to become a Certified Plant Professional. Plant ID has now become a favorite subject of mine, and I love teaching my friends and family while taking every opportunity to learn more.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am not sure yet what the future may hold! While I plan to work, I am still trying to find my niche in the industry.

When I figure that out, pursuing a master’s degree may become an option.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?

Make connections and network within the industry every chance that you get! You will meet incredible people who will introduce you to more incredible people. There is so much opportunity within this industry, and the people you meet will support you and help in any way they can.

When I was born, my granny planted a flowering dogwood for me in her backyard.

Growing up it was always “Hunter’s tree,” and it has remained my favorite ever since.

What is your favorite plant?

While there are a few that I could choose from, I think my favorite plant of all is Cornus florida. When I was born, my granny planted a flowering dogwood for me in her backyard. Growing up it was always “Hunter’s tree,” and it has remained my favorite ever since. As a plus, it is the state flower (or bract, I should say), and its blooms confirm that spring has arrived, which is my favorite time of year.

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 11

MEMBER NCNLA NEWS NEWS Education CEU Credit Requirements

Many state boards and associations in the industry are updating or amending their continuing education (CEU) requirements to relax reporting deadlines and requirements to accommodate restrictions of gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NC Pesticide License

www.ncagr.gov/SPCAP/pesticides/license.htm There are no plans to extend credits deadlines for 2020. Applicators will be allowed to earn credits online due to the lack of in-person classes.

International Society of Arboriculture

Visit www.ncnla.com/ceus for periodic updates.

www.isa-arbor.com

NC Irrigation Contractor License

The International Society of Arboriculture has extended the reporting deadline from June 30, 2020 to October 28, 2020.

www.nciclb.org

Continuing education is being waived for 2020. Any credits that are earned in 2020 will be carried over to 2021.

NC Landscape Contractor License www.nclclb.com

The Landscape Contractors’ Board has enacted an emergency rule that removes the usual credit requirement for renewal. No credits are required to renew for Aug. 1, 2020.. Any credits taken this year, including the credits from Green & Growin’ 20, will be counted for next year’s seven-hour credit requirement for Aug. 1, 2021 renewal.

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If you have additional questions, please visit the board websites listed above to contact them directly.

Online Learning

NCNLA is excited to announce that this summer we will launch online solutions such as webinars and webcasts to help members meet their CEU requirements in 2020 and 2021. Watch your email and our website and social media accounts for details.

MEMBER IN MEMORIAM NEWS Libby Wilder, of Knightdale, N.C., passed away June 3, 2020. She was a full working partner with her family at Wilder’s Nursery and served as administrative assistant for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen for 15 years, which later merged to become the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA). She was married to Bill Wilder, the first Executive Director of the association.

In 1999, NCNLA created an award in her honor to recognize women who exemplify her dedication to the industry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knightdale Baptist Church or the Bill and Libby Wilder Horticultural Science Summer Institute Endowment at North Carolina State University. Her obituary can be found here: https://www.poolefuneral.com/tributes/Libby-Wilder Dr. Walter (Walt) Arthur Skroch, Weed Science Extension Professor Emeritus of the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University, passed away June 13, 2020.

He joined NC State in 1964 and served until his retirement in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of innovative work in weed management. He developed the new and radical (at the time) concept that some “weedy” vegetation in the field can actually be beneficial to crops with his signature question: “What is a weed to a tree?”

Dr. Skroch developed the widely adopted living ground cover suppression program for southern Appalachian Fraser fir Christmas

tree production that has saved millions of tons of soil from eroding, reduced vegetation management costs, reduced pesticide use and increased biodiversity. For his unique work, he was inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2015.

His extension publications on weed management in nursery crops were widely adopted and still serve as a template for nursery crop and landscape weed management guides. He served on the North Carolina Pesticide Technical Committee to help draft the N.C. Pesticide Law of 1972, which became a model for the nation. In addition, he developed the original state and national core manuals for pesticide applicator certification.

Dr. Skroch advised 16 graduate and Ph.D. students and innumerable extension educators. He was a Fellow of the Weed Science Society of America, founding member and past president of the Weed Science Society of North Carolina (WSSNC), and an active member of the Southern Weed Science Society. He received the Outstanding Extension Educator award from the American Society for Horticultural Science, Outstanding Extension Worker from NC State, the Porter Henegar Memorial Award from the Southern Nurserymen’s Association and Distinguished Service award from the WSSNC. His obituary can be found here: https://www.legacy.com/amp/ obituaries/newsobserver/196346698

NCNLA’s mission is to provide essential value to our members through education, marketing, and advocacy

ncnla.com

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 13

Grown with love…sold with pride.

Past, present & future varieties.

• Cold Hardy Zone 6 • Cold Tolerant Zone 7 • New Hybrids Zone 8 & 9 • Liners and 1, 3, 5, 7, 15 & 20 Gallons Available • Wholesale Only

805 Oakbury Court • Greensboro, NC 27455 phone: 336·643·3727 or 800·758·8121 fax: 336·643·0840 • www.camtoocamellia.com email: camtoo@earthlink.net One of the world’s largest camellia nurseries.

7801 Clinard Farms Road High Point, NC 27265 WWW.GOSSETTSNURSERY.COM

(336) 454-2548 1-800-487-2555 sales@gossettsnursery.com Located: 5 miles west of Greensboro, on NC 68, two miles south of I-40

14 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

MEMBER NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS

Sales Blossom at Guilford Garden Center with Indoor Plants

By Alexia Bucciarelli

T

here is no debate that the green movement is having its moment in the sun. Houseplants have always been popular, but in the digital age, social media puts the spotlight on what exactly was trending yesterday, what’s hot right now and what will be tomorrow’s new darling.

“Houseplants 102 delves into some of the tougher plants, bugs and troubleshooting.”

"String of pearls, Pilea, Monstera, fiddle-leaf fig and new varieties of Philodendron are the trendiest,” said Christina Larson of the Guilford Garden Center in Greensboro, N.C.

This combination of longtime collectors and eager new plant lovers has forced a definitive spike in the market over the past three years.

According to Larson, 2018 saw a sales increase of 27%, while 2019 brought a jump of 43%.

Younger generations are, not surprisingly, the driving force behind these trends. Millennials work in open-plan offices with clean lines and “living walls” brimming with plants and greenery — and they want their homes to promote the same environment.

Green spaces are particularly beloved for the unique ways that they instill feelings of peacefulness and calm. Popular Instagram hashtags like #PlantLove, #PlantsOfInstagram and #PlantHoarder show that beauty reigns supreme. Guilford Garden is no stranger to this trend.

“Our houseplant room has an #UrbanJungle sign above the door for Instagrammers,” said Larson.

Plant groups are sprouting up on Facebook, too, as newcomers to the green movement look for dedicated communities where they can buy, sell and get inspiration about plants. Young customers want to learn to help their plants thrive, and sellers are responding in kind.

Guilford Garden has held classes and workshops, including one from a guest instructor on the Japanese art of Kokedama.

"Houseplants 101 and 102 were very popular courses — 101 being very introductory and including hard-to-kill plants like Sansevieria,” said Larson.

“One of the keys to keeping this going is to vary the buying of new and different plants,” she adds.

Given that millennials are known for delaying major life events like homeownership and having babies, it makes sense that 70% of millennials consider themselves “plant parents.” Whether they want something to nurture or just love a pop of color, the younger generations cannot get enough of #PlantsPlantsPlants.

#PlantLove #PlantsOfInstagram #PlantHoarder

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 15

Summer Weather Safety & Preparedness Hurricane Season May Bring More Storms in 2020

A

North Carolina State University researcher predicts that the 2020 hurricane season will be more active than previous years. This season will see 18 to 22 named storms forming in the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, according to Lian Xie, professor of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at NC State.

The number of predicted storms is above the usual average. From 1951 to 2019, the average number of named storms was 11, while 1995–2019 saw an average of 14. Xie’s methodology predicted how many storms will form in each ocean basin this season, based on an evaluation of more than 100 years of historical data on Atlantic Ocean hurricane positions and intensity, weather patterns and sea-surface temperatures.

The Atlantic hurricane season is June through November. While deadly storms can occur at any time during the season, the peak time for North Carolina is mid-August to late October.

Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared for hurricane season can help you minimize potential damage to your operation and crops. Here is information on how to 16 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

Hurricane Warning vs. Hurricane Watch A hurricane warning means that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the area. The warning is issued 36 hours in advance of anticipated storms so people can prepare, because it can be difficult to do so once a tropical storm force of sustained winds reaches 39–73 mph. During a warning, it is important to complete preparations for the storm and leave the area if advised to do so by local officials.

A hurricane watch means that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the area.

The watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the potential onset of tropical storm force winds.

During a watch, prepare your business and home and review your evacuation plan in case a warning is issued by local officials.

prepare before a hurricane and key items to consider during and after a storm. Use these lists as a starting point for taking the appropriate actions for your business.

Steps to Take Now

Make sure buildings and nursery infrastructure have been maintained and are constructed to meet local building codes. Clear ditches of weeds and debris so maximum drainage can occur. Check interior roads for any areas that need repair to allow access to all areas of the nursery.

Make sure all windows, doors, siding and roofing are secured according to building codes. Once wind gets under loose building materials, they will rip off. If you have portable sheds or trailers, tie them down securely. Evaluate whether you should remove the coverings of greenhouses and shade structures prior to a storm. Is it better to let the roofs and sides be torn off or allow for less resistance? Each grower must make their own decision. Prior to a storm, determine whether you have sufficient materials to minimally repair facilities.

Check all equipment to make sure it is serviced and evaluate your potential needs so that you have adequate supplies on hand. After a hurricane, normal deliveries may be disrupted for days or even several weeks. Make sure you have fuel and other supplies such as potting soil, fungicides, etc. You can also consider having minimal building materials available for structure repair.

The Atlantic hurricane season is June through November. While deadly storms can occur at any time during the season, the peak time for North Carolina is mid-August to late October.

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 17

Casey Nursery cleaning up after Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Put your business documents and insurance policy on a cloud-based server or a USB flash drive in case you need to access them and cannot get to your office.

Overturned materials at Superior Plants Nursery after Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Make arrangements for power. Power lines may be disabled for days or weeks, jeopardizing your irrigation systems. Develop a plan for irrigation, running office functions, running propagation areas, etc.

Review business insurance policies to ensure you have enough coverage. Sign up for crop insurance if you do not have it. It is a requirement to participate in any federal disaster programs. You must sign up for the program well before a storm threat because there is a 30-day hold.

Put your business documents and insurance policy on a cloud-based server or a USB flash drive in case you need to access them and cannot get to your office.

Update contact information for your employees and suppliers so you can communicate with them about the status of operations in the event of an emergency. Develop a plan for employee responsibilities such as insurance communication, crop and/or greenhouse mitigation and other tasks that will need to be completed in the event of a hurricane.

Create a kit of emergency supplies, including first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, tarps, rope and other materials needed to ensure the safety of employees and your operation during a storm.

Steps to Take Right Before a Storm

18 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

Allow plenty of time to get prepared. Do not run the risk of not getting everything done.

Put your emergency plan for employees into action and provide updates on what you need from them.

Inventory your plants, fertilizers, pesticides and equipment. This will help in the event you need to file a claim or determine the damage you have. Also, it will allow recovery of some lost items. Consolidate the serial numbers on your equipment.

Secure all loose items, including nursery containers, stakes, etc. Tie down everything possible. Secure all equipment in an area not likely to be damaged.

Lay down plant material with the bottoms toward the direction of the winds.

Winds in excess of 100 mph will strip foliage from plant materials. Plants may

What’s in a Name?

In 1953, names were given to tropical storms and hurricanes to reduce confusion when advisories on multiple storms were broadcast on the radio. Now, an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization establishes the names in advance. For hurricanes in the Atlantic, a list of male and female names is used on a six-year rotation.

If a storm becomes deadly or causes major damage, the name is retired from rotation. The names Florence and Michael have been retired because of the damage these 2018 hurricanes caused in North Carolina.

2020 Storm Names

Arthur

Laura

Bertha

Marco

Cristobal

Nana

Dolly

Omar

Edouard

Paulette

Fay

Rene

Gonzalo

Sally

Hanna

Teddy

Isaias

Vicky

Josephine

Wilfred

Kyle

NASA image of hurricane on the horizon.

SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 19

Emergency Contacts Keep a list of emergency contacts on hand in case you do incur damage during a storm. Include your insurance company agents, suppliers and construction contractors. Here are a few additional North Carolina contacts to add to your list.

checklist

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov Mobile app available

be blown down anyway, so they may survive better if you lay them parallel to the expected wind direction.

Ready NC

www.readync.org P: 919-825-2500 Mobile app available

Remove greenhouse plastic and shade cloth, if possible. Secure greenhouse vents, tape shutters closed and turn on exhaust fans to create a vacuum in greenhouses without plastic.

Irrigate plants fully and fill available containers with water for use later.

NC Farm Bureau

Turn off gas lines, water and electricity.

www.ncfb.org P: 919-782-1705

Inspect for any dry or weak tree limbs that could fall on your crops, buildings or greenhouses.

NC State Extension Agents Barbara Fair Extension Horticulture Specialist bfair@ncsu.edu P: 919-749-2011

Steps to Take After a Storm

Anthony LeBude Nursery Crops Extension Specialist anthony_lebude@ncsu.edu P: 828-684-3562 Amanda Taylor Area Specialized Agent, Nursery and Greenhouse, Western Region amanda_jo_taylor@ncsu.edu P: 828-475-2915 Danny Lauderdale Area Specialized Agent, Ornamental Nursery and Greenhouse, Eastern Region danny_lauderdale@ncsu.edu P: 252-237-0111 Stacey Jones Area Specialized Agent, Commercial Nursery and Greenhouse srjones5@ncsu.edu P: 704-223-8976

Secure the site and inspect your property closely. Pay attention to downed power lines, leaking gas, broken water lines, damage to foundations, etc. Notify the proper authorities of any damage, power outages or gas and sewage line breaches.

DO NOT approach downed power lines.

Call your power company and report downed lines or loss of power.

Photograph and document damage before you start cleanup.

Secure your structures and buildings. Make any necessary repairs and take steps to prevent further damage: cover damaged roofs to protect crops and equipment, remove standing water and clean equipment.

Begin salvage and care of your plant material to prevent further damage. Stand up all plant material as quickly as possible to prevent burning from lying in the sun.

Move damaged crops to another area. Replant any material, as needed. Prune to correct any damage. Re-stake material as quickly as possible.

Irrigate plant material to flush any salt residue. (If you are near the coast, remember that the force of hurricane winds can carry salt spray for miles.)

Contact your insurance company and other emergency agencies designated in your ppreplanning. If necessary, notify disaster assistance agencies of your needs.

If you have crop insurance, you may qualify for disaster assistance or low-cost loans.

Notify your customers of your situation. As quickly as possible, let your customers know how well you survived the storm and when you anticipate servicing their accounts.

Information was compiled using resources from Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association; Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers; and Greenhouse Grower magazine.

20 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

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22 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

BEST PRACTICE

Summer Safety Tips for Outside Workers

P

rotect outdoor workers this summer with guidelines to prevent heat illness and skin damage. A safe workplace environment keeps employees healthy and reduces the risk of lost productivity.

Strategies to Limit Sun Exposure

Outdoor workers spend a lot of time in the sun.

Promote sun protection for your employees with the following guidelines:

Encourage employees to wear sun protection items, including:

Decrease UV reflection and exposure by covering bright surfaces like concrete or shiny surfaces at work sites.

Heat Safety Tips

North Carolina temperatures are at their hottest in July and August, so it is important to keep outside workers safe from the heat. The risk of heat illness increases for employees doing heavy work, or employees who may be inside of equipment with little ventilation. Establish a heat illness prevention program for employees that teaches your employees to:

protective clothing with a tight weave or high SPF fabric

Learn the signs of heat illness or overexposure

sunglasses with UV protection and/or side panels

Know what to do and who to call in an emergency

hats with wide brims that shade the face, ears and back of the neck

Drink water every 15 minutes

Rest in the shade to cool down

Remind employees to wear broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply it throughout their shifts.

Wear a hat and light-colored clothing

Schedule breaks in the shade throughout the day, and especially on a work site with limited covered or shaded areas.

Heat Exhaustion

If a work site has no shaded or covered areas nearby, provide tents or cooling stations.

North Carolina temperatures are at their hottest in July and August, so it is important to keep outside workers safe from the heat.

Signs of Heat Illness Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those who are elderly, have high blood pressure and SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 23

Sunscreen Safety

If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke, which is much more dangerous.

It occurs when the body temperature reaches 104oF or higher. It can damage the brain and nervous system, circulatory system as well as major organs.

SPF refers to how long a person will be protected from a burn. So, SPF 15 means a person can stay in the sun fifteen times longer before burning. SPF only provides UVB protection.

To protect against UVA, use products with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone.

Wind, humidity, perspiration or improper application can affect how well sunscreen works.

Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Toss old sunscreen because it loses potency after one or two years.

those working in a hot environment for a long period of time.

Loss of consciousness (coma)

Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures

Symptoms:

How to Help

Headache

Nausea

Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

Dizziness

Call 911 for emergency medical care.

Weakness

Thirst

Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive.

Heavy sweating

Elevated body temperature

Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.

Decreased urine output

Cool the worker quickly with a cold water or ice bath if possible; wet the skin, place cold wet cloths on skin or soak clothing with cool water.

If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke, which is much more dangerous. It occurs when the body temperature reaches 104oF or higher. It can damage the brain and nervous system, circulatory system as well as major organs.

Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.

Place cold wet cloths or ice on head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water

Symptoms:

Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ReadyNC.

Heat Stroke

Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech

Rapid and/or strong heartbeat or pulse

24 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

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INDUSTRY RESEARCH

A New Disease and an Old Slimy Bacteria Bright black discoloration of the stem under the bark caused by C. theobromicola. Photo: Dr. Raj Singh

S

ummer is here and with it comes a variety of pests and problems. I will be covering two issues in this update — one is a relatively new disease to the nursery trade,boxwood dieback, and the other is a persistent issue for our industry, Nostoc.

If you are a boxwood grower, I am afraid I have bad news for you. There is a new disease called boxwood dieback, which is caused by Colletotrichum theobromicola. The discovery of this foliar fungal pathogen was made in Louisiana in 2015. Before this discovery, many thought the issue was Phytophthora root rot or Volutella blight. Dr. Raj Singh, Associate Professor with Louisiana State University Ag Center, discovered this in a landscape bed and has been leading the effort to research this disease.

Stems and branches are the main parts of the plant affected by this disease. The foliage dies in random patches and turns tan, but stays on the plant. There will be black discoloration under the bark on the twig, which can spread into the woody tissue. Dieback can spread from plant to plant through improper pruning practices or by spore movement during rain or irrigation events. It can also spread to new locations through liners.

As a new disease, management strategies are limited, and prevention is our best tool right now. Growers should practice proper cultural management to reduce the development and spread of the disease.

Liners should be screened for symptoms upon arrival and scouted for signs as they grow. Isolate plants suspected of having dieback to reduce disease spread. Pruning out dying branches is not effective. Testing should be done for correct diagnosis.

Once dieback has been confirmed, plants must be removed from the property. They cannot be placed in cull piles for fear of spreading the disease.

For a more in-depth look at this disease and the latest research into control strategies, watch the webinar Dr. Singh recorded for my new grower website: https://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/greenhouse-and-nursery-program-central-region/ webinars-and-publications/

By Stacey Jones Area Specialized Agent, Commercial Ornamental Nursery and Greenhouse, Central Region

Nostoc

Nostoc is a cyanobacterium that is sometimes also called blue-green algae. But do not let the name algae fool you; these are nitrogen-fixing, photosynthetic bacteria. They are primitive organisms, and members of this group hold the record for being the SUMMER 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 27

Nostoc. Photo: Dr. Joe Neal

oldest known fossils, around 3.5 billion years old. Our atmosphere is made up of oxygen first created by ancient cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria is one of the biggest and most significant groups of bacteria on Earth. They are fascinating, and I could write a whole article on these bacteria, but we are here to talk specifically about Nostoc.

Cross section of a symptomatic boxwood twig infected with boxwood dieback showing discoloration extending to the center of the woody tissue. Photo: Dr. Raj Singh

Nostoc is made of a series of bacteria that grow on wet surfaces. They need moisture to survive. Under dry conditions, they are flaky and hardly noticeable. But when they come in contact with water, they become a slimy mess creating a slipping hazard for employees and customers. They can grow on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, gravel and black plastic. To protect from drought and extreme temperatures, Nostoc secretes polysaccharides from their cells. This forms a protective coating that helps them survive and makes them hard to manage in nursery situations.

Water and nutrient management are vital in preventing this problem. Nostoc will develop in higher amounts in

28 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SUMMER 2020

the presence of phosphorus fertilizer. This issue shows up more in the summer when watering is increased.

Nostoc is especially bad where the ground is hard and inadequately drained. Reducing the amount of water on surfaces will go a long way to lowering Nostoc. Improved drainage also helps. Try to reduce compacted areas where water does not drain.

Dr. Joe Neal, an Extension Specialist in the Horticulture Department at NC State, has been researching chemical control strategies. He recorded a webinar for my new website with his findings. For more information, please watch the webinar and email me at stacey_jones@ncsu.edu if you have any questions. https://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/greenhouse-and-nursery-program-central-region/webinars-and-publications/

References: Singh, R. (2019). Boxwood Dieback. Northeast IPM Center. https://www.ncipmc.org/projects/pestalerts1/boxwood-dieback-colletotrichum-theobromicola-delacr/ Franklin, J. N. (2019, May 9) Nostoc. Clemson University Home and Garden Center. https://hgic.clemson. edu/factsheet/nostoc/

Dudek, T. A. (2011, August 25) Nursery Growers Should Watch for Blue-Green Algae in Container Growing Areas. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/ nursery_growers_should_watch_for_blue_green_algae_ in_container_growing_area

Random dieback of twigs with light-tan-colored foliage caused by boxwood dieback.

Photo: Dr. Raj Singh

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NLN CALENDAR OF EVENTS NCNLA Events

Statewide Events

Green & Growin’ 21

JoCoPlants Show

Jan. 11-15, 2021 Greensboro, NC www.greenandgrowin.com

Aug. 12, 2020 Raleigh, NC www.jocoplants.com

CANCEL

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National Events

Welcome New Members!

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State

Mem. Type

Cub Cadet

Valley City

OH

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Lucas Lawn & Landscape, Inc.

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GIE+EXPO

As of June 15, 2020

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Certified Plant Professional NCNLA hoped to offer the CPP and CYPP tests this fall, but due to current restrictions we cannot offer in-person testing. If you passed one section of the exam and were waiting to take the other portion, you will not be subject to the deadline for completing both components. We are planning to offer online testing in the future and will release information when it is available.

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