THE NEW JERSEY
Spring 2015
Landscape Contractor
The Official Publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association
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The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is the official publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, dedicated to the professional landscape industry of New Jersey. NJLCA was founded in 1966 as the Bergen County Landscape Contractors Association, and is today comprised of six regions throughout the state of New Jersey. New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association 465 Boulevard, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Phone | 201-703-3600 -- Fax | 201-703-3776 E-mail | info@njlca.org Visit our website at www.NJLCA.org Publisher/Editor Gail E. Woolcott Contributing Writers Joe Bolognese | Mark Borst, CLT | Captain Safety Greg Carpenter, CLT | Demi Fortuna | Bob Hibler Arnulfo Hinojosa | John Raffiani | Jody Shilan | Gail Woolcott NJLCA Combined Board Executive Director | Jody Shilan, MLA President | Tom Canete Vice President | Nelson Lee Treasurer | Richard Goldstein, CLT Director | Anthony Agudelo Director | Tom Barillo Director | Greg Carpenter, CLT Director | Justin Flatow, CLT Director | George Futterknecht, CLT Director | Dan Kindergan Associate Director | Joe Bolognese Associate Director | David Gaynor Associate Director | Eddie Slaska Advisor | Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University Advisor | Dr. Steven Fischer, Bergen Community College Advisor | Dr. James Murphy, Rutgers University The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is published triannually. 500 print copies are distributed to members and over 3,000 digital issues are sent to professionals in the Green Industry of New Jersey, as well as educational and governmental institutions. Subscription rates: $45.00 per year; $15.00 per copy. New Jersey residents only, please add 7% sales tax. To advertise in The New Jersey Landscape Contractor, please contact Gail Woolcott at (201) 703-3600 or e-mail gwoolcott@njlca.org. Article and photo submissions are encouraged and may be sent to NJLCA at the above address. Publisher assumes no responsibility for safekeeping or return of photos or manuscripts, and reserves all rights to edit material submitted for publication. Š 2015 New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
FEATURES 5
Soil Amendments Can Make (or Break) Your Planting and Turf Installations
9 Key Changes of the 2015 H-2B Final Interim Rule 10 Certifications, Licenses and Registrations...Oh, My! 22 How to Build a Backyard Pond
29
4th Annual Golf Challenge
NJLCA News Briefs
IN EVERY ISSUE...
4 Executive Director’s Message 18 Contractor Focus: Chris James Landscaping, Inc. 19 Associate Focus: Traffic Safety and Equipment Co., Inc. 26 Landscape Achievement Awards 28 Calendar of Events 30 Welcome New Members Columns 5 Safety Corner 9 Design/Build Sales 11 Legislative Wing 15 Certifiable 19 Turf Talk 23 Your Equipment 25 Business Brief
PUBLISHED May 2015
NJLCA.ORG
3
Executive Director’s Message
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f you couldn’t tell from the magazine cover, this issue of The New Jersey Landscape Contractor is all about certifications. Why? Because being a certified professional is a great way to differentiate yourself from your competitors, while showing your commitment to your customers, your employees and the industry itself. Some certifications are required by state law, whereby others are elective. However, all of them show that you have taken the required coursework and performed the hands-on training necessary to receive the particular designation. Being certified or having certified employees provides you and your business with many unique opportunities that non-certified companies don’t have. Certifications are something to be extremely proud of and should be promoted every day. For starters, your certifications should be included in every marketing piece or business advertisement that you create. They should be on your business cards, letterhead and e-mail signatures too. You should take every opportunity to let potential customers know that you are a cut above the rest - a professional company with certified employees. From a sales perspective, certifications are great conversation starters. Having an acronym, such as CLT or CLP after your name, gives a client the opportunity to ask you what those initials stand for. Most people have no idea that there are certifications unique to the green industry. They are usually quite impressed to learn what they are and what they mean. You know what else? If that same client meets with another contractor, I can guarantee you that one of the first things that they are going to want to know is if they are certified. Talk about having a leg up on your competition. What about your employees? How many of them do you think want to continue their education and grow with your company? There’s one great way to find out. Offer them the chance to become certified. You’ll quickly discover who your go-getters are and who just wants to get by. Besides separating the wheat from the chaff, your certified employees will inspire your other employees to do the same, especially when they see them moving up through the ranks quicker than noncertified employees. You might even consider adding 4 SPRING | 2015
an incentive to the process by offering raises, paid vacation days or other perks for workers that are successful in obtaining their certifications, since now they will be more valuable to you. A couple of last thoughts about why you should read this issue and think about promoting certifications to your employees. Safety and Insurance - almost every certification program focuses on safety. The
safety of your employees, as well as the health, safety and welfare of the general public. Insurance companies like safety. They like it so much, that they may give you preferred rates because your employees are better trained and less likely to injure themselves or someone else. Speaking of injuries, just as insurance companies like safety, they strongly dislike injuries. Injuries create lawsuits. Lawsuits cost money, a lot of money. Lawsuits also raise your insurance rates, even if the case is settled. On the other hand, certification exams cost very little. One final note, on October 10th, we will be offering our next Landscape Industry Certification Technician’s Exam.
Jody Shilan, MLA NJLCA Executive Director
Safety Corner Ytefas is Bass Ackwards Yes, far too often, working safely is put on the back burner until there is an injury. Then the rush to get something done without taking the appropriate measures to avoid harm or damage becomes an “Oh, s - - t!” moment. Sadly, that is like putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. The problem is that so many look at following safety practices as a cost, not a savings. Let us put that in a different perspective. Safety glasses are $5.00. How much would you pay if you could have prevented blindness? Hearing is another thing because the loss takes place over time. The more exposure one has to loud noises, the more damage one suffers but losing the ability to understand speech can take months or years but that doesn’t make it any less important, not when compared to a pair of foam ear plugs.
Now let’s get beyond the doctor and hospital bills. Add in Workers Comp, increased insurance costs, lost time, lost productivity and guilt. Yes, guilt. Would you want to bear the burden of making the phone call to the wife or mother (or husband or father)?
All injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable. Is that your policy? Captain Safety can only be contacted through Bob Hibler of Gamka Sales Co. in Edison New Jersey. Bob can be reached at 732-248-1400 or you can e-mail him at bob@gamka.com.
Feature Story
Soil Amendments Can Make (or Break) Your Planting and Turf Installations
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by John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinklers
o amend or not to amend-that’s not even a question. If the soil is tired and depleted of essential organic matter, the pH is incorrect for your plant material, compacted, leans towards all sand or all clay then the answer is always “yes”! Soil amendments can be organic or inorganic and are utilized for improving water holding (or drainage), salt leaching, deeper root systems and nutrient enhancement. A soil test from njeas.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab will give you a definitive answer of what is needed (Their slogan-“Don’t guess-soil test!”). In lieu of a soil test, you can do your own pH and soil tests and amend accordingly, so let me be product specific in this limited venue. For the maximum effect, the best time to add these products is after aeration. For Heavy Clay and Compacted Soils: Black Gypsum DG from The Andersons company. It is fast dissolving, loosens clay, increases calcium and sulphur without pH change, reduces soil salinity, improves soil structure and reduces thatch. For Sandy Soils with Low Organic Matter: Humic DG from The Andersons. Also fast dissolving, it stimulates beneficial organisms, stabilizes pH, improves soil structure and enhances air, nutrient and water movement. To add organic matter, regular HUMUS works well, but should be tilled or raked in. Don’t overdo it-too much is as bad as too little. Another product I like for adding organic matter is EASY-FLO pelletized compose-it dissolves fast, works topically and is derived from leaf and yard trimmings-no manure. In closing, one product I like is BIOCHAR. The following says it all: Properties & Potential Soil Impact of Biochar from Gasifiers • Enhances the health of the soil • Increases the pH of acidic soils (since biochar is typically alkaline. • Increases water and nutrient retention. • Biochar carbon is chemically altered during Gasification and is therefore resistant to attack by micro-organisms. • Biochar carbon can remain stabilized for long periods (100-1000 years). Happy amending to all and have a great season. John Raffiani has been in the industry since the late 1950’s, working at his grandfather’s shrub farm/greenhouse. In 1965, he began installing landscaping and irrigation systems in his neighborhood. Since then, he has installed numerous landscape, drainage, lighting and irrigation systems in NJ, NY, MA,CA, AZ and FL.
NJLCA.ORG 5
News Brief
Contractor Focus: Chris James Landscaping, Inc.
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hris James of Chris James LandChris joined the NJLCA in the early 80’s. The old guard scaping, Waldwick, NJ, started taught him about the industry and business. He met Charlie out working for a small landscape VanderKooi at an NJLCA event in 1989, which Chris attributes company in high school part-time, to changing the way his company does business. By the mid then full-time after graduation. He 90’s, he ended up working as one of VanderKooi’s business enjoyed the work and it gave him consultants. Of associations and being involved, Chris says, “I time to pursue his passion of ice made lifelong friends through all the associations. I have visited hockey and skiing. At twenty, Chris landscape and snow companies all around the country. There had the opportunity to purchase the are a lot of smart people in this industry, and by going to GIE business. “That was 34 years ago”, Chris says, “and many good and other events I have met the best of the best.” people have helped along the way.” Of course, we had to discuss the current issues in the indusWhen he purchased the company in the early 1980’s, it was try. Chris is steadfast that labor has been and always will be an a maintenance only business. Chris took a lot of Rutgers Short issue until, as an industry, we can offer a better work environCourses during the winters, including plant identification and ment, better pay and better benefits. “This will only change,” design. He earned his pesticide license as well. Chris never he says, “when we, as an industry, start raising the standards liked school, but he knew he needed to learn more about his and charging accordingly.” In addition, he says, “Snow insurprofession, and found he enjoyed it. Snow and ice manage- ance is going to get unaffordable for many contractors without ment came next as services he began offering, then lawn care, a change in attitude from Trenton, the clients, and the contraclandscape design, construction and irrigation. He says, “The tor. We could see 200% to 300% insurance cost increases in the first five to ten years were learning the trade, the last twenty five coming years. So, let’s all get working on this now.” (And you years have been about learning to be a business owner and run- can certainly start by joining the NJLCA in Trenton on June ning a company. 11th and in DC with PLANET and ASCA on July 21st. Contact Chris James and his staff try to understand client expecta- us at 201-703-3600 for more information.) tions. “I had some So what is very successChris’ advice ful clients, both when someone residential and is starting out in commercial, and the industry or they have taught wants to grow me many things. their business? I have learned He says, “Get to be consistent, involved in your do things right the first time, and that you don’t have to be the industry and association; don’t just show up at the occasional cheapest,” he says. Chris stresses that landscaping firms should meeting. Get on a committee, go to national and local events, offer services clients want, not what you want and instead be a and participate. Run your company as a business; spend time resource for meeting Atheir needs. from Finally, he says, “Never com- during the week working on the marketing, human resources, messAge promise your core value, and learn how to say “No, thank you”.” budgets, and the 1-, 3-, 5-year company plan. Have a training the president When asked about his involvement with the Landscape In- and travel budget. Take a regular paycheck, you are employee Hello and welcome to our first blooms from“Mark bulbs will be a#1 sight sore eyes after another you gray winter. formal Chris James exam, Landscaping ChrisColorful dustry Certified Technician’s reminisces, inforyour company, andSpring-flowering your family deserve it.” bulbs of all kinds are a major contributor to year-round color in any landscape. When planning a newsletter. Our goal is to offer Borst approached me in 1996 and asked if I would help him And the advice that Chris has for everyone in the business? timely information in a quick-read spring bulb display, here are some basic considerations to keep in mind: format, times year. I was all in. I have always bring CLT, now know as three LIC, toperNJ. He concludes, “There are many benefits, and some pit falls, of Blooming period The articles cover landscape felt that without a level of will professionalism how can we (landowning a business. Long expensive It’s important to remember that different bulbs hours, have different blooming learning curve, fickle and seasonal topics relating to times. Mixing early-blooming crocusbenefits with mid-season and then scape contractors) expect be treated weather, etc. The are tulips, worth it all. The joy in watching your home,to property, etc. If you as professionals. Certiexpecting them to bloom together, will lead to disappointment. On the haveto ideas, I would loveatostandard hear fication is a great way ensure of quality and proyour people, and company, overcome and grow, pride in a job other hand, mixing early and late varieties will give you a longer them. Please e-mail me at blooming season. fessionalism, build pride in your organization. Jason Cina, my well done, the great people I’ve met along the way. Surround chrisj@cjlands.com. operations manager,The and of CJL’s present staff are LIC. They yourself with quality people and have a plan in place so they can height Chris6James Landscaping Some bulbs grow taller than others. belong in front. a wife great personal chair on the Facebook – Ifeach you all volunteer to help travel out with test year. In turn, we pay be successful. ThisShorter has varieties allowed me andFormy are a full-service client, you should more balanced look, plants that vary greatly in height shouldn’t be mixed them for the day. Any freedom and peace mind. Try it, haveCJL receivedemployee your chair by nowwho wants to take the test together. Also, very tall bulbssound don’t do as well in of windy spots (blooms andgo away for a week or and the information explaining stems can be damaged from wind gusts). is provided the educational opportunity and budget, if they pass two, don’t call the office, don’t look at or answer e-mail, you may our game. If not, please contact at info@cjlands.com. QuAntity on the first try, they Michelle receive $1,000 bonus, or $500 if they pass be very surprised with the results. If not, you will have a great Bulbs look great in massive plantings of single types, or in beds that on the second attempt. Simply put,a we are a better company starting point for change.” Join us on Facebook, upload combine many varieties. As a general rule, bulbs provide the best display photo of you or a family member because of certification, education, and our people who have To findofout when planted in groups 15 ormore more. about Chris and Chris James Landscapwith your chair, and tag us. I hope you find this fun for the entirebecome certified.” stepped up to embrace learning and plAnting tulips? WAtch out! ing, visit www.chrisjameslandscaping.com. family. And remember, I’m the
Nothing Says Springtime Like Bulbs!
good judge; it’s my 8-year-old granddaughter (aka Simon Cowell) who needs to be impressed!
6 SPRING | This 2015 fall has special meaning for me. As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, I find myself reflecting on our first 30 years
Tulips are very popular spring bulbs, and for good reason. Unfortunately, however, these beauties are also a favorite food of deer, moles and chipmunks. If you’ll be planting tulips, you may want to consider mixing them with daffodils as a means of protection. Daffodils are poisonous to rodents and will help to keep them away. Above all else, keep in mind that spring bulbs need to be planted soon if they haven’t been already. The more time they have to grow roots before the ground freezes, the better. For more information,
News Brief
Associate Focus: Traffic Safety & Equipment Co., Inc. What Pete thinks makes Traffic Safety and Equipment unique is that they are essentially three divisions under one umbrella: Plow and spreader operations, a sign shop, and a safety products division. He says, “These divisions allow us to offer a breadth of products and act as a one stop shopping experience that you cannot get anywhere else.” They have also worked very hard on their websites PlowPartsDirect.com and TrafficSafetyDirect.com to offer information on our products and the ability to order online. Pete says, “Especially Current President and Owner Pete Simpson, Merrill Simpson, Athalia Simpson, and with plow parts, clients can order online and Founder, Angus Simpson select in store pickup and have your parts waiting when you come in!” ver 47 years ago, Traffic Safety & Equipment Co., Inc. startWhen I asked Pete to give us the info on some new technoloed with a single employee and a single purpose. Founder gies, he was excited to say that there are always new and excitAngus G. Simpson wanted to provide clients with quality proding products coming out. “This next winter season,” he says, ucts and services related to his expertise and knowledge in the “we will be offering some new Stainless Steel salt spreaders from snowplow and roadway equipment industry. Western that are electric. I think the costs of these new units 47 years, 3 generations, and thousands of satisfied customwill be a big surprise to our client, in a great way!” ers later, they have a bit larger staff and a bit broader purpose. Pete says that being a part of NJLCA has certainly been a valThe business has expanded to include divisions for traffic safety ue for them, as a way for more people to get to know their busiproducts, signs and graphics and snowplows and spreaders. ness. Furthermore, they have been able to take advantage of the They now offer a myriad of products and services designed to health care options offered through the association, which he satisfy the ever-growing needs of their client base. says have “been a wonderful perk!” Peter Simpson, current President and Owner of Traffic SafeIn closing, Pete says of Traffic Safety and Equipment, “We ty and Equipment explains that they are distributors for Weststrive to provide the personal attention of a local hometown ern and Sno-Way snowplows and salt spreaders and offer sales, business with the pricing and e-commerce convenience of a installation, and repair services for both of those product lines. national parts provider. We take great pride in having been in In addition, they have a complete sign shop and do vehicle letbusiness since 1968 and having many repeat clients for decades. tering for many of their landscape clients. They also supply job I personally would like to keep growing and evolving as a comsite signs, decals, and a myriad of other products. pany and any input our clients can give us to head in the right When asked what most contractors should be thinking about direction would be welcomed. ” to grow their businesses, Pete says, “Adding the spreading of salt If you would like to give Pete your thoughts or find out to your existing plowing operations is a great add-on service. more about Traffic Safety and Equipment, Inc., you can visit In New Jersey, we have a great deal of snow and ice events that require salting more than plowing. A parking lot that might www.TrafficSafetyDirect.com, www.PlowPartsDirect.com or take an hour to plow, may take 10 minutes to salt. It is a revenue e-mail Pete directly at pete@trafficsafetydirect.com. source that I think more contractors should take advantage of.”
O
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Design/Build Sales Certification as a Sales Tool Since this is our certification issue, I thought it would make sense to discuss how to use certifications to help improve your sales. Studies show that when customers are looking for a contractor, certifications and association affiliations play a major role in their decision-making process. Therefore, if you or your employees do have these types of credentials, you should make sure that you publicize them. This means including the certification on business cards, letterhead, website and e-mail signatures. It’s a great way to separate yourself from your competitors, as well as educate your customers. When it comes to marketing and advertising, you should always make it a point to list your certifications, licenses, registrations and affiliations. They instill confidence in consumers and quite frankly, you’ve spent the time, energy and money to obtain these credentials, so why wouldn’t you promote them every chance you get? In addition to letting customers know that you are certified, there is an additional value. When these same homeowners interview other companies, I can guarantee you that they are going to ask your competitors if they are registered, licensed or certified and if they are involved with any professional organizations. Since they probably aren’t, your chances of getting the job just increased dramatically. Consum- “...including the ers will apcertification on preciate the fact that you business cards, letinvest in your terhead and e-mail employees and your in- signatures...” dustry and are in it for the long haul. Think about it, who would you rather hire, Bill Smith or Bill Smith, CLP and proud member of the NJLCA? Jody Shilan, MLA is an award-winning landscape designer and former landscape design/ build contractor. He is the Executive Director of NJLCA, the editor of FromDesign2Build.com and host of Landscape Live! He can be reached at 201-783-2844 or jshilan@gmail.com.
Feature Story
Key Changes of the 2015 H-2B Interim Final Rule
by Arnulfo Hinojosa, Vice President, FEWA
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he following information was provided by Arnulfo Hinojosa, Vice President of FEWA, as summarized from www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/H-2B_2015_IFR_FAQs_Round1.pdf. Duration of Temporary Need: Seasonal need, peak load need and intermittent need are limited to a validity period of 9 months or less. Definition of Full-Time Work: Full time work has been expanded from 30 hours per week to 35 hours per week. Employer-Conducted Recruitment: Includes additional components, including contact with the bargaining representative if the job is unionized, or posting the job opportunity on the employer’s work premises or electronically, such as displaying a notice prominently on any internal or external Web site. May include contact with community-based organizations and additional recruitment, as ordered by the Certifying Officer (CO). Recruitment requirements under the IFR expand disclosures to prospective applicants. Employer is required to update the recruitment report throughout the referral period. Extended Referral Period: Employer is required to accept referrals and hire qualified U.S. workers until 21 days before the employer’s date of need. Employer Assurances and Obligations Fees (Visa/Border Crossing): Employer must cover the cost of visa processing, border crossing, and other related fees within the first workweek. Passport or other charges primarily for the benefit of the workers need not be reimbursed. Transportation to and from the place of employment: Employers must cover the cost of inbound transportation and subsistence for H-2B workers who complete 50 percent of the period of employment covered by the job order, and outbound transportation and subsistence for H-2B workers who work to the end of the job order or are dismissed early. Three-fourths guarantee: Employers must offer employment for threefourths of each 12-week period for certifications extending 120 days or more; certifications covering fewer than 120 days will use a 6-week period. Employer must inform the CO if the certified work period will end early in order to modify this guarantee. Tools and Equipment: Employer must provide all tools and equipment necessary to perform the job to workers free of charge. Revocation: The OFLC Admin. has new authority to revoke approved temp. non-agricultural labor certifications. Arnulfo Hinojosa is the Vice President for the Federation of Employers and Workers of America. He has been approved by the US Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) as an Accredited Representative for FEWA Foundation. This designation takes into consideration his experience and knowledge of immigration law and procedure, and it authorizes him to practice before the Department of Homeland Security.
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Feature Story
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations, Oh My! by Gail Woolcott, Director of Operations
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ertifications, licenses, registrations, there are so many in NJ and throughout the country, it could make your head spin. Some are required, while others are optional. Some take little effort, while others take years of experience. Some require class work, written exams, and even portfolios. Many require handson fieldwork in front of judges or observers. There may even be some that you have never heard of. But at the end of the day, most are in existence to protect you, the consumer, or both. They also help professionalize the green industry. Which is what many of you would like to see, the landscape contractor being seen on the level with an electricians, plumbers, etc, as opposed to a guy with a lawn mower! In this issue, we are going to explore as many of these different licenses, certifications and registrations that we think would ever pertain to you, our readers (and even some that may not!). We’ll start with those that are required in New Jersey, then move on to those that are elective and meant to help you stay ahead of your competition. Why should you care about some of these, especially if they are not required? As our Executive Director likes to say, “If you were a client, would you rather have Bill Smith do your project or Bill Smith, CLT, member of the NJLCA do your project?” The average consumer will most certainly pick the one with credentials, even if they don’t know what those letters mean. So grab a cup of coffee, a beer or a vitamin water, and join me as I try to weave you through all the necessary and optional ways to become more professional!
Required in New Jersey
Business Registration
Filing Fee: $125 for profit business Renew: None, must report if dissolving Exam: None Other requirements: None Website: http://www.nj.gov/njbusiness/registration/ Phone: 609-292-9292
Depending on the type of business you operate, you will need to take one or two steps for your business to be properly documented in New Jersey. Step 1 – Recording new business entities. Applies to all New Jersey (domestic) and out-of-state (foreign) corpora-
10 SPRING | 2015
tions, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. You must file an original formation/authorization certificate with the State of New Jersey. The filing process can be completed online. If you choose not to record your business online, you may download the forms and instructions, which are found in the Business Registration Packet. Step 2 – Registering all businesses for tax & employer purposes. All businesses must file Form NJ-REG to be registered for tax and employer purposes. Online registration available. Filing Form NJ-REG ensures that your business is registered under the correct tax identification number and that you will receive the proper returns and notices. Normally, you will use your federal identification number (FEIN) as the New Jersey tax identification number. A business with employees must obtain a FEIN. If you do not have a federal identification number for your business, you may apply for one as you fill out the online NJ-REG or you may apply directly to the IRS online.
Legislative Wing NJLCA/FEWA Storm DC
For those of you that have seen the NJLCA e-blasts in the past few months, you know that the temporary labor situation has been crazy this spring. In response to a court ruling, the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security temporarily shut down the processing of all H-2B applications that had not already been approved. What this did was cause a major labor shortage to employers that had expected to receive their workers at the beginning of April. On April 15th, NJLCA members joined FEWA to visit legislators in Washington, DC. Executive Director Jody Shilan, Chairman George Futterknecht, (Wood Landscapes) and members Patrick Murphy (Irish Landscape Designs), Joe Ehrenreich (Young’s Landscape Mgmt.). Also joining us were Dominick Mondi (Executive Director of NJNLA/NJGIC), Kurt Alstede (Alstede Farms) and Rob Paton (Rob Paton Landscapes). Since that time (in response to our emails, phone calls and social media efforts), the DOL and DHS have issued an interim final rule and begun processing applications again. According to our good friend, Arnulfo
Feature Story If you are subject to the entity formation/authorization filing in Step 1 above, you may submit both the business entity and the tax registration filings together. The NJ-REG, however, must be filed within 60 days of filing the new business entity if the registrations are submitted separately. If you choose not to register online, you may download the paper forms and instructions, which are found in the Business Registration Packet. Choosing a Name for Your Business Reviewing Names on File: Before choosing a name, you may review business names on file with New Jersey online free of charge. If you want assistance in checking the availability of a business name, you may call the Division at 609.292.9292. Fees apply for this service. A business formed outside of New Jersey must use the exact name that is on the formation document in its home state. If that name is already being used by another business entity in this state, the foreign business will need to establish a secondary or ‘doing business as” name for New Jersey purposes. Only non-New Jersey businesses may use a “dba” name. When a “dba” is designated, online registration is not available. Name Availability Check and Name Reservation Services: You may check on the availability of a business name by calling the Division at 609.292.9292. Fees apply for this service. You may also reserve an available name prior to filing a formation/authorization document. The length of time the reservation is in effect depends on the type of business Alternate/Fictitious Names: These types of names may also be used to conduct business in this state. Alternate/Fictitious names must be registered by completing a form appropriate for the business type. This service currently is not available online. Trade names for sole proprietorships should be filed at the county level at the County Clerk’s office.
Home Improvement Contractor’s Registration Hinojosa, Vice President of FEWA, there are some key changes to the 2015 H-2B Interim Final Rule. See page 9 for the key changes. Coming up, NJLCA will be joining up with ASCA in Trenton on June 11th to talk to our legislators about local issues affecting landscape contractors and snow and ice managers. Please call us at 201-703-3600 and let us know you will be joining us! Finally, on July 21st, we will be joining with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (formerly PLANET) at their annual Day on the Hill in Washington, DC. Once again, we would love to have our members make a big showing so we can proudly represent NJ with our federal legislators. Gail Woolcott is the Director of Operations for NJLCA. She has been with the association since 2006 and was named “Legislative Champion of the Year” from FEWA in 2009.
Fee: $90 Renew: Annual Exam: None Other requirements: General liability insurance Website: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hic Phone: (973) 504-6370
It is required by the State of New Jersey for all contractors doing landscape work, beyond mowing and trimming shrubs on residential properties, to obtain a Home Improvement Contractor’s Registration. Services that fall under this act include “any construction, installation, replacement, improvement, or repair of…sidewalks, driveways, pools, patios, landscaping, etc.” Even if you only plant flowers, shrubs, trees, lay sod, or establish new lawns, you must carry this registration. In order to apply for the license, you
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Feature Story
RESIDENTIAL HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
No Home Improvement Contractor shall offer to perform, or engage, or attempt to engage in the business of making or selling residential home improvements unless registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Contractors must do the following:
Register annually with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Prominently display the Registration Number, beginning with “HIC reg.# ” :
• Within contractors’ places of business; • In all advertisements (Including direct mailings, lawn signs, posters, etc.); • On business documents, contracts and correspondence with consumers; and • On all commercial vehicles.
The word “LICENSE” should not be used. Prominently display their original registration certificate or a duplicate registration certificate issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs at each place of business. All home improvement contracts in excess of $500, and all changes in the terms and conditions of the contract, shall be in writing, and shall include, but not be limited to: • The legal name, business address and registration number of the contractor, and the legal name and business address of any sales representative who negotiated the contract; • A copy of the certificate of commercial general liability insurance for a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence and the telephone number of the insurance company issuing the certificate;
• Description of work to be performed and principal products and materials to be used or installed;
• Statement of any guarantee or warranty with respect to any product, material, labor or service made by the contractor; • Description of any mortgage or security interest to be taken in connection with the financing or sale of the home improvement;
• Total price (including finance charges); • Signatures of all parties involved; • Start and completion dates or time frames; • The Division of Consumer Affairs’ toll-free telephone number:
1-800-242-5846.
•••••• NOTICE TO CONSUMER •••••• YOU MAY CANCEL THIS CONTRACT AT ANY TIME BEFORE MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD BUSINESS DAY AFTER RECEIVING A COPY OF THIS CONTRACT. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL THIS CONTRACT, YOU MUST EITHER: SEND A SIGNED AND DATED WRITTEN NOTICE OF CANCELLATION BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED; OR PERSONALLY DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED WRITTEN NOTICE OF CANCELLATION TO: (Name, address and phone number of contractor) If you cancel this contract within the three-day period, you are entitled to a full refund of your money. Refunds must be made within 30 days of the contractor’s receipt of the cancellation notice. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The information provided by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs in this notice/checklist summarizes some but not all of the various provisions of the laws governing home improvement contractors. For a complete list of the contract and other requirements, please refer to the Contractors’ Registration Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-136 et seq., the regulations governing home improvement contractor registration, N.J.A.C. 13:45A-17.1 et seq., and the regulations governing home improvement practices, N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.1 et seq. Home improvement contractors are encouraged to obtain appropriate legal advice, if necessary.
www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/HIC/
800-242-5846
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Feature Story Certifications, Licenses and Registrations, Oh My! Continued must provide proof of general liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence. When performing any landscape services over $500, you must provide a written contract. You registration number must be on all business documents including your business cards, advertisements, commercial vehicles, contracts, etc. Please review the compliance checklist on page 13 for details on everything needed to comply with this act.
Landscape Architect License
Fees: Application fee - $125, License Fee - $160, Exam Fees – Sections 1 and 2 - $345 per section – Sections 3 and 4 - $530 per section Renew: Every two years, $160 fee, 24 CEU’s Exam: 300 question multiple choice Other requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Landscape Architecture from a college or university accredited by the Landscape Architect Accreditation Board. Engage in landscape architect work for four years after education, of which 2 years must be under the supervision of a certified or licensed Landscape Architect, Professional Planner or Professional Engineer. Website: www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/land Phone: (973) 504-6385
Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification
Fees: $75 exam fee Renew: Every five years, 8 CEU’s. $25 annual fee Exam: 50 multiple choice questions, 1 hour 40 minutes, must receive 75% or higher to pass Other requirements: Website: http://profact.rutgers.edu Phone: 848-932-6373
This 50 multiple choice question exam can be taken online or using paper and pen at specific events. For the online version, applicants are able to read and study an online manual, then take the test immediately following the review or at a later time.
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A person using the title “Landscape architect” and engaging in the practice of landscape architecture in this State is required to submit evidence that the person is qualified to be licensed to practice landscape architecture. P.L.1983, c.337 (C.45:3A-1 et al.)
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Certifiable HATS! We all wear them. Some show your favorite sports team, some for where we work. Hats can show allegiance to organizations (such as NJLCA), and others might share a pride for our country or those who have or are fighting for our freedoms. But one hat that should be a part of every Green Industry Professional is the LICT hat. Landscape Industry Certified Technician is a certification given to those who complete a written and hands-on exam, created by the National Association of
Feature Story Topics on the exam include: • The hazards and environmental impact of applying fertilizers, including Nutrient Pollution, to waterbodies • Best Management Practices for Nutrient Management of Turf • Correct interpretation of fertilizer labeling information • Proper use and calibrations of fertilizer application equipment • Applicable laws, rules and regulations A Certified Fertilizer Applicator must take and pass the exam with a 75% or higher. A Trained Fertilizer Applicator does not have to take the exam, but can only apply fertilizers under the direct supervision of a Certified Fertilizer Applicator that is one site. Trained Applicators must take annual training classes, register on profact.rutgers. edu, pay a $25 annual fee and submit an attestation from the Certified Fertilizer Applicator.
NJ Certified Landscape Irrigation Contractor
Landscape Professionals (formerly PLANET) (Professional Landcare Network). The LICT Exam, administered by the NJLCA once a year, is a great way to insure that your team and team leaders know the proper and safe way to perform their jobs each and every day. The one-day exam (half day classroom style written and half day hands-on multiple stations) is an absolute must for any Green Industry business owner, team leader or team member. Refresher classes will be held soon, so visit www. NJLCA.org for more details and to register today! Joe Bolognese is an inside sales rep for Gamka Sales, Inc. He is a Past Vice President and currently an Associate Director of the NJLCA. He is also Chair of the Education and Landscape Industry Certified Exam committees. He has over fifteen years experience in the landscape and irrigation supply industry and can be reached at jbolognese@njlca.org.
Fees: $45 application fee, $150 exam fee, $300 certification fee Renew: Every two years, 16 CEC’s (8 must be in water conservation) over 2 years. $300 renewal fee Exam: 160 multiple choice questions, 3.5 hours, must receive 70% or higher overall and at least 50% in each section Other requirements: Minimum 3 year’s experience within the past 15 years in the field of landscape irrigation. Field experience acquired after January 1, 1997 must comply with the requirements of P.L. 1991, c. 27 (C.45:5AA et seq.)(cf: P.L.1991, c. 27, s.4). Website: http://www.nj.gov/dep/exams/lic.htm Phone: 609-777-1009
Since 1996, a Landscape Irrigation Contractor, a person who is certified by the Landscape Irrigation Examining Board to perform the construction, repair, maintenance, improvement and alteration of any portion of a landscape irrigation system, including required wiring within that system and connection to the required power supply and the installation and connection to a public or private water supply system under the terms and conditions of a contract, must be certified by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Topics on the exam include: • Irrigation Design • Irrigation Installation • Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management and Conservation • Maintenance and Repair • Federal Laws and Codes • General Business Management • NJ Specific Information
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Feature Story Certifications, Licenses and Registrations, Oh My! Continued New Jersey Pesticide License
Fees: $150 Pesticide Business License, $80 Pesticide Applicator License, $30 Pesticide Operator License Renew: Every five years, either retake exams during the 5th year or earn 8 Core and 16 Category CEU’s, Fees same as initial license fees Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes per exam Other requirements: See below Website: http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/ bpo-pesticide-links.htm Phone: 609-984-6666
There are several different types of pesticide licenses offered in New Jersey. The most common and their information are listed below: Private Applicators: Used only for applicators that are using the pesticides on agricultural commodities they grow. Business Pesticide License: Required for businesses that hold themselves out for hire to apply pesticides. They must have general liability of at least $300,000 combined single limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage. Commercial Pesticide Applicators: Apply pesticides
and uses, or supervises the use of, pesticides on a for hire basis. Must complete the Basic Pesticide Training Course; take the Core exam and one or more category exams. Must complete a minimum of 40 hours “on the job” training with a minimum number of applications (Ornamental – 15 applications, Turf – 15 applications, etc.) or take a category training course in lieu of on-the-job experience. Commercial Pesticide Operators: Must work under the direct supervision of a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Must complete the Basic Pesticide Training Course and perform 40 hours “on the job” training with a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. License is only valid under the company that one is working for and is supervised by. If moving to a different company, candidate must reapply for the Operator license.
Feature Story NJ Plant and Nursery Inspection Dealer Certification Fees: $75 per year for plant dealer (landscape contractor), $75 per year for Nurseries less than 2 acres, $75 per year + $4 each additional acre (or part thereof) over 2 acres. Renew: Annually Exam: None. Other requirements: None. Website: http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ pi/prog/nursery.html Phone: 609-406-6939
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Nursery Inspection program supports the nursery, greenhouse, and landscape industry through the inspection and survey of nursery crops to detect plant pests. This activity, conducted by the Division of Plant Industry, enables New Jersey growers to sell nursery stock in other states and countries and assures consumers that only pest free stock will be offered for sale. A Nursery includes lands, premises and buildings upon, on or in which plants, trees, shrubs, etc. are grown for sale within the state or for shipment to other states or countries. A Plant Dealer is a person or firm who purchases nursery stock from certified nurserymen and offers that stock for sale through a retail outlet or landscaping services, which means that any landscape contractor who installs any plant material, must apply for this certification.
Elective Licenses and Certifications in New Jersey
Landscape Industry Certified
Fees: Varies – Technician $250-350 per designation, Manager $300-400 Renew: $100 fee plus 24 CEU’s within 2 years (8 credits can be service oriented) Exam: Technician – Written and hands-on, Manager Written. Must receive 70% on all sections to pass, but may retake only failed sections. Other requirements: Recommended 2 years experience in the landscape industry. Website: http://www.njlca.org/certification-exam1. html and/or https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/ nalp/certification/categories/manager.aspx Phone: 201-703-3600
Landscape Industry Certified is an international distinction that represents those who are qualified and experienced
in the landscape industry. There are multiple designations that one can choose from in which to become certified. The two most common are discussed below: Landscape Industry Certified Technician (formerly CLT) – Landscape supervisors, foremen, and field technicians who are certified as Landscape Industry Certified Technicians are recognized as qualified professionals. This can mean better wages and enhanced profits as the public becomes more aware of the meaning of doing business with a certified landscape professional. In this exam, the candidate may choose from four designations and become certified in one or all of those designations. They are Turf Maintenance, Ornamental Maintenance, Softscape Installation and Hardscape Installation. The exam is a two part exam, consisting of both a written and hands on portion. See the different designations and their test sections below: Landscape Industry Certified Manager (formerly CLP) - This exam is designed for exterior or interior landscape contractor business owners or managers, or those on the management fast-track. This exam is entirely written and includes seven sections, which are: • Corporate Finance • Exterior Production/Operations and Horticulture or Interior Production/Operations and Horticulture • Human Resources • Leadership and Corporate Citizenship • Marketing and Sales Management • Risk, Law and Contracts • Strategic Planning
Accredited Organic Land Care Professional
Fees: $675 for exam and course Renew: $75 for supporters and $150 for Businesses plus 4 CEU’s per year Exam: 50 question multiple choice questions, must earn 70% or higher to pass. Other requirements: None. Website: http://www.organiclandcare.net/ accreditation/about-accreditation Phone: 203-308-2584
Growing public awareness of pesticide use hazards and new legislation mandating least and non-toxic alternatives,
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Feature Story Certifications, Licenses and Registrations, Oh My! Continued are fueling a new marketing opportunity for organic lawns, gardens, and landscape care. For the Organic Land Care Professional Accreditation, one must take a thirty hour course, and then take a 50 question multiple choice exam. One person in the company must hold a business membership; all others may be supporters. Topics on the exam include: • Organic Land Care Principles and Procedures • Site Analysis • Design and Maintenance • Stormwater Management • Soil Fundamentals • Soil Health/Testing • Soil Biology • Compost • Compost Tea • Mulches • Lawn Alternatives • Invasive Plants • Disease Control • Planting and Plant Care • Intro to Turf • Pest Management for Turf • Pest Management Overview • Pest Management for Shrubs
ISA Certified Arborist
Fees: $150 for members of ISA, $250 for non-members (various fees for designations–see below) Renew: Every three years, may retake exams and pay a renewal fee or earn CEU’s (see below) Exam: Must earn 72% or higher to pass Other requirements: None. Website: www.isa-arbor.com/certification/index.aspx Phone: 888-472-8733
To earn an ISA Certified Arborist® credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. There are six ISA certification credentials, each of which is earned by passing a different exam. ISA Certified Arborist: Requires three or more years practical work experience in arboriculture and/or a degree in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture or forestry. This exam has a member fee of $150 and a non-member fee of $250. In order to keep ones certification, he or she must renew every three years, pay
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a recertification fee of $100 members/$200 non-members and earn 30 CEU’s. ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist: This candidate must have 2000 or more hours experience over two years in electric utility vegetation management or act as a consultant to a utility for 4,000 or more hours over ten years, in addition to the requirements of the Certified Arborist. This exam has a member fee of $150 plus $55-100 and a non-member fee of $250 plus $185-230. To recertify, the candidate must renew every three years, pay a recertification fee of $100 members/ $200 non-members, and either retake the exams or earn 42 CEU’s (30 for Arborist and 12 for the specialty). ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist: Requires three years work experience management the establishment and maintenance of urban trees. This exam has a member fee of $150 plus $55-100 and a non-member fee of $250 plus $185-230. To recertify, the candidate must
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Turf Talk So, as the snow melted and the turf began to breathe again, what was revealed was a mixed bag of turf issues. From the white patches that easily blew away, to the crushed blades of grass to the thick turf, that seemed to be happier than ever. Why such a variety of conditions you may ask? Well, lawns are comprised of many different types of turf grass varieties, all reacting differently to effects of eight weeks plus of snow pack on top of them, for the second winter in a row. Some varieties are barely affected, while the creeping fescues and other shade-loving varieties, really suffer from a lack of oxygen and sunlight for such a long period. This results in snow mold. The condition is also exasperated by high nitrogen fall fertilization. We know many Turf Managers will apply high nitrogen in the fall, but snow mold is a fungus and funguses feed on nitrogen. The situation is compounded even more by low temperatures in the fall. If you get a hard freeze of actively growing turf, your snow mold condition will be exasperated exponentially. You may be thinking, how does one prevent this while fertilizing in the fall? Well, it is all about the timing. Try putting your last application down mid to late October, not November. The high nitrogen fall fertilizer will then have the time to dissipate before our hard freezes occur. Looking forward to late spring, it is always difficult to decide should one put a second application of pre-emergent down or go straight for possible chinch bug infestation. Well, temperatures and rainfall are the best indicators of what to do. If the spring stays cool and moist, the chinch bug population will be lessened. But if it warms up quickly and rain fall is sparse, the chinch bug population will be larger. If you look back at the past two fall seasons, the most common denominator was lack of rainfall. 2013 was very dry and 2014 was much the same. These prolonged dry spells are usually followed by periods of wetter than normal seasons. Hence, the two past winters with frequent precipitation. As spring moves on, we will have to see if our cooler and slightly wetter weather pattern continues. Good Luck and Keep Growing! Greg Carpenter, CLT is co-owner of American Beauty Landscape Design since 1983. He attended the SUNY Farmingdale Turfgrass Program and is an NJLCA.
Feature Story renew every three years, pay a recertification fee of $100 members/ $200 non-members, and either retake the exams or earn 42 CEU’s (30 for Arborist and 12 for the specialty). Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist: This exam takes place in both a classroom and field setting. The candidate must have training in aerial rescue, CPR and First Aid. The exam is $115 for members and $165 for non-members. The certification must be renewed every three years by either retaking the exam or earning 15 CEU’s and paying a renewal fee of $45 for members and $60 for non-members. Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist: This exam also takes place in both a classroom and field setting. The candidate must have training in CPR, First Aid, safety procedures and must be able to complete a thorough truck and tree inspection. The exam is $115 for members and $165 for non-members. The certification must be renewed every three years by either retaking the exam or earning 15 CEU’s and paying a renewal fee of $45 for members and $60 for non-members. Board Certified Master Arborist: This candidate must pass an extensive scenario based exam and abide by ISA’s Code of Ethics. The exam is $450 for members and $550 for non-members. The certification must be renewed every three years by either retaking the exam or earning 60 CEU’s and paying a renewal fee of $250 for members and $350 for non-members.
Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute Certifications
Fees: Includes course and exam - $350 for non-members, $280 for informational members, $245 for active members, $210 for Voting Members (except for the PICP Designation–See below) Renew: Every two years, 8 CEU’s required, a renewal fee of $100 for non-members, $50 for Member, $0 for Voting members. Other requirements: None. Website: http://www.icpi.org/InstallerDesignations Phone: (703) 657-6900
ICPI installers are committed to advancing the segmental concrete pavement industry through education, industry guidelines and greater efficiency. ICPI offers several different designations for those interested; however, all must attend their ICPI Installer Course first. Installer Course topics include: • Job Planning and Documentation • Estimating Quantities • Job Layout and Flow • Soil Characteristics and Compaction • Base Materials • Edge Restraints • Bedding and Joint Sands • Selection and Installation of Pavers • Maintenance and Management • Specialty Applications and Construction Tips • Safety • Estimating and Job Costing • Contract Basics Those with the Residential Paver Technician designation are also
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Feature Story Certifications, Licenses and Registrations, Oh My! Continued taught overlays, multi-level patios, fireplaces, grills, outdoor kitchens, pool decks, material calculations and advanced business practices. Those with the Commercial Paver Technician designation are also given instruction in pavement design overview, stabilized bases and bedding, sand hardness and durability, overlays and inlays, rigid applications, roof plaza decks, crosswalks, concrete grid pavements, commercial installation and mechanical instruction, contracts, master format, general conditions, liens, construction details, plan reading, submittals, retainage, estimating software and on-screen takeoffs, and marketing your company. A Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paving Specialist is also taught job planning and documentation, job layout and flow, estimating quantities, soil and site characteristics, sub-base and base materials, selection and installation, edge restraints, bedding and jointing materials and maintenance. This designation costs $295 for non-members, $236 for informational members, $207 for active members or $177 for Voting Members.
Certified Segmental Retaining Wall Installer
Fees: Varies between $175 – 225 for class and exam Renew: Every two years, 8 CEU’s are required, plus a renewal fee of $70 Other requirements: Five or more projects of 2,500 sq. ft. or more of segmental retaining wall installation experience. (One time requirement) Website: http://ncma.org/education/segmentalretaining-walls/srw-installer Phone: 571-224-0931 The Segmental Retaining Wall Installation program is for professionals committed to industry guidelines for installation. The SRW certification demonstrates knowledge, skills and commitment to the best installation practices. The SRW Installer course is one full day and includes an exam at the end. Topics on the exam include:
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• History and advantages of segmental retaining walls • Role of SRW units and soil reinforcement • Basic soil identification and selection and importance of compaction • Common issues and how to avoid them • Minimum industry standards for SRW installation To receive certification, one must complete the Segmental Retaining Walls Installer Course – Level I/Basic. However, optional courses also include: Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Course – Advanced, Hands-On Segmental Retaining Wall Installation and Hands-On Segmental Retaining Wall Installation Advanced.
Association of Professional Landscape Designers Certification
Fees: $200 Renew: Every three years, 30 CEUs required Other requirements: 4 years landscape design experience and submit drawings, plant list, design intent statement and photos for 3 installed projects. Website: http://www.apldcertification.org Phone: 408-739-5493
The Association of Professional Landscape Designers Certification confers professional recognition to landscape designers based on established standards of excellence. The APLD Certification Review Panel convenes two times each year to review applications for Certified Professional Membership. The review schedule is currently February and September. Applications are due by the 1st of the month.
Certified Nursery Landscape Professional
Fees: $75 for members/$125 for non-members for exam. Renew: Every three years. Requires 16 CEUs (1 CEU = 30 minutes instruction), 4 each in Plants, Environment, Design and Professional. $75 for members/$150 for non-members. Other requirements: Degree in horticulture and three (3) years experience in the landscape-nursery-garden center industry, ten (10) years experience in the industry, or take the CNLP training course. Website: http://www.njnla.org/?AboutCNLP Phone: 609-291-7070
The Certified Nursery Landscape Professional (CNLP) program is an on-going educational program designed to
Feature Story increase the skills of nurseries, garden center and landscape employees throughout NJ.
LEED Green Associate and LEED AP
Fees: Exam is $200 for members, $250 for non-members. Combined LEED AP Exam is $400 for members, $550 for non-members. Renew: Every two years, 15 CEUs required for LEED Green Associates and 30 CEU’s for LEED AP. Other requirements: None. Website: http://www.usgbc.org/credentials Phone: 800-795-1747
The LEED Green Associate exam was designed to test general knowledge of green building practices and how to support other professionals working on LEED projects. According to the US Green Building Council, “LEED credentials show a clear commitment to professional growth, while underscoring your value to LEED project teams and sustainability focused organizations.” The LEED AP certification takes this one step further in giving you credentials in one or more specialties, including Building Design and Construction, Homes, Interior Design and Construction, Neighborhood Development or Operations and Maintenance. Topics on the exam include: • LEED Process • Integrative Strategies • Location & Transportation • Sustainable Sites • Water Efficiency • Energy and Atmosphere • Materials and Resources • Indoor Environmental Quality • Project Surroundings and Public Outreach
Certified Sports Field Manager
Fees: Application is $250 for members, $350 for nonmembers. Exam is $100. Renew: Every three years. Requires three CEU’s (30 content hours of classroom study) and nine industry service points, plus fee of $100 for members, $200 for non-members. Other requirements: 40 combined education and experience points to sit for the exam (see website). Website: http://www.stma.org/csfm-program Phone: 800-323-3875
The STMA states, “Becoming a CSFM is meant to challenge your knowledge of managing sports fields and to draw
upon all aspects of your background in education and experience to prove that you are one of the best in the industry. Meeting the challenge can contribute to your professional advancement in sports field management.” Topics on the exam include: • Agronomics – Basic horticultural calculations, basic soils, turfgrasses and their selection, turfgrass nutrition, water management, and turfgrass cultural practices • Pest Management – IPM, weeds, insects and diseases • Administration – Budgeting, communication, supervision, safety, compliance, First Aid • Sports Specific Field Management – Field design, layout, dimensions, lining/markings, maintenance, playability and aesthetics of baseball/softball fields, football and soccer fields, and lacrosse and field hockey fields.
Golf Course Superintendent Certification
Fees: $250 for exam. Renew: Every five years. Requires 15 points (1 point = 10 contact hours of classroom study and 5 of which must be educational) or 5 points (2 of which must be educational) and retake the exam, plus fee of $175 for members or $245 non members. Other requirements: Must meet superintendent experience and educations point requirements (see website), be currently employed as a superintendent and have a valid pesticide applicator license or pass the GCSAA IPM exam. Website: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/ certification/achieving-certification Phone: 800-472-7878
In order to complete the certification process, it can take up to one year. However, Andy Schuckers, a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and Superintendent and General Manager of Paramus Golf Club (who provided important details for this section, Thank you Andy!) states “The process can take 6 months if the person is really working on it.” Candidates have one year to complete the certification process during which they must: • Complete a self-assessment • Submit a portfolio • Sit for a 211 question multiple choice exam (67% or higher to pass) • Obtain an attestation from current golf course facility Information in this article was obtained from each licensee’s website and documentation. Please always check with them for the latest information.
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Feature Story
How To Build A Backyard Pond
T
Backyard Pond Construction
he first question in pond construction you need to ask is - What type of pond am I going to build? Backyard ponds can be grouped into three categories, by their main focus. The Water Garden is the type of pond made famous by the French painter Monet, who was so fascinated by flowering water lilies that he added a pond to his home in Giverny just to grow and paint them. As the name suggests, the Water Garden showcases plants. The fish and frogs and turtles that also live in the pond are there for biological balance and to control insects. The Koi Pond originated in the Far East, where Chinese and Japanese fish farmers noticed colorful mutations in the fish they raised for food and started developing the highly prized Koi we know today. These large and beautiful fish have distinctive personalities that endear them to their owners over their long lives, which often span decades under ideal conditions. Their digestive tracts are no longer as efficient as their wild cousins; they need to be fed and cared for, and the large amount of food they eat can easily foul the water they live in. Koi Ponds need filtration to stay clear and clean, and their prodigious vegetarian appetites make keeping plants a challenge, so these ponds are definitely all about Koi, no plants or other critters need apply. Finally, there’s the Garden Pond, which seeks to establish a balance of fish and plants, so that fish wastes are consumed by plants and vice versa, keeping the water clean and clear with a minimum of filtration and maintenance.
22 SPRING | 2015
by Demi Fortuna, Atlantic Water Gardens
Plants may float or be planted in pots on a shelf inside the pond, or live in a bog along the perimeter, but regardless of where they contact the water, all will help purify and clarify the water. This is the easiest type of pond to build and take care of, so it’s very popular with both beginners and veteran pondkeepers who enjoy colorful goldfish and beautiful water lilies, without a lot of maintenance. We’ll talk about the basics of building a Garden Pond in the following section.
Where to put the Pond?
Just as in real estate, the next three things you have to consider are...location, location, location. The right spot will make the pond more attractive, easier to maintain and healthier for fish and plants. Elevation: you’ll ideally want a site that is low in the yard, that looks like a natural spot for the pond, but not at the lowest spot in the yard, since you never want runoff (and the fertilizers, pesticides and other stuff that come with it) entering the pond and screwing everything up. Exposure: you want some sun for flowering plants, about 6-8 hours’ worth, but full sun all day can lead to problems with algae. If possible, look for a site that gets some shade late in the day. Full shade isn’t ideal either, both because plants like water lilies won’t flower at all, and because full shade under trees is a maintenance nightmare, especially in the fall. Visibility: you’ll want the pond to enhance the vista from the deck or patio, the living room or kitchen window, or even from a special vantage point in the yard. You’ll also want to make sure the pond isn’t an obvious attractive nuisance, in full view of a local park with unsupervised children or along a walking path, where unintended visitors could get into trouble. MARKOUT - CRITICAL POINT! - Before finalizing the location, call your local markout service or dial 811 anywhere in the country to have your utilities marked out, to make absolutely certain you won’t be hitting a gas or electric line. Not only could it save you the major cost of a utility repair, it could save your life.
Pond Layout
Once you have your location you can work on the outline of the pond. Typically the waterfall or stream will be at the far end of the pond from the primary viewing area, so the height of the falls won’t block the view. For best circulation, locate the Skimmer at the opposite end of the pond from the waterfall or stream, so the whole pond gets good circula-
Your Equipment Need Labor? No Problemo! With the current labor shortage and probably future shortages too, it’s time to think “outside the box” once again and take a good hard look at some alternative solutions. No, I’m not talking about hiring day laborers for cash, or running expensive newspaper and internet ads, hoping to find qualified American workers. “I’m talking I’m talking about changing the way about changing you use your labor the way you use so that you can do more work with your labor...” less people. This means training your employees to use your existing equipment more effectively and purchasing new equipment (and attachments) to replace the need for laborers
Feature Story tion and all the leaves get swept into the Skimmer, no “dead spots”. Use a rope or hose to lay out the shape of the water’s surface, creating gentle curves with no sharp corners or radical peninsulas to block circulation and complicate setting the liner. Leave enough room outside the hose for the mound of the waterfall and plantings behind, and be generous; your pond will look much more natural if you resist the temptation to heap the soil from the pond excavation into a large “volcano”. The best effect is achieved with a gentle mound that spreads out behind the falls and slopes naturally down to the existing grade. Mark the location of the FilterFalls and any perimeter bogs now as well.
When I had my Design/Build business 20 years ago, I had two employees, Mike and Roberto. Mike was a dependable employee (who had no license, of course) but Roberto worked like a machine. Quite frankly, he was a ma-
Setting Grade and Water Level
chine. Roberto el Gato (Bob the Cat or Bobcat) was the nickname of my skid steer. Mike, Roberto and I could pretty much do anything - grading and drainage work, retaining walls and patios, and planting material up to 20’ tall with just three attachments; a 6’ bucket, pallet forks and a backhoe. If I needed anything else, I just rented it. At $600 a month, plus gas and grease, my skid steer allowed Mike and I to do the work of 5 people. Think about it. Jody Shilan, MLA is an award-winning landscape designer and former landscape design/ build contractor. He is the Executive Director of NJLCA, the editor of FromDesign2Build.com and host of Landscape Live! He can be reached at 201-783-2844 or jshilan@gmail.com.
When you are satisfied with the shape, you’ll first need to clear the area. If it’s grassy, scalp off all the sod to at least 2’ outside your line, to accommodate your rock coping and bogs, and level this area. Re-mark the line on the leveled ground with powdered lime or markout paint. You’ll really start to see the outline of your pond, so now is the time to make any changes. When you’re satisfied, find the lowest point of the original grass or ground around the pond-to-be with a water or spirit level. In order to appear natural, the water level should be set 4” below the low spot. Set the top of a 16” long wooden stake to that level as a reference during construction, at the outer edge of the cleared area in a spot you can access with a line level during construction. Make sure the stake is set solidly, as you’ll be using it to set all the other grades, and drive a small common or roofing nail into the top of the stake for your line. Now you need to decide on the design of the inner profile of your pond.
The Inner Profile
This is where most first-time pondbuilders get into trouble, grabbing a shovel and starting to dig without knowing exactly how they’ll be shaping the inside of the pond. Let’s discuss why before we get into how. The inner profile of the pond can mean the difference between a safe pond or one that can trap whatever (or whomever) falls in; one that discourages wading predators like raccoons and herons or invites them in for a sushi banquet; an algae-ridden, mosquito infested hole or a clear, cool haven
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Feature Story How To Build A Backyard Pond (Continued) for its denizens. Proper shelf placement will hide and protect the liner while providing safe access in and out and just the right environment for both plants and fish, and keep maintenance to a minimum besides. There are a number of different ways to set up shelves, but no responsible builder these days slopes the sides inward down to the full depth of the pond, because bowl-shaped ponds are traps. If you fall in, you have to swim to get out; there’s no way to stand on even a shallow slope once algae has grown on it. No one wants liner showing at the edge of the pond, so the rocks at the edge should be set with their bases 8” below intended water level. A drop in water level will only show rock and won’t reveal the liner. From here schools of thought diverge. A great number of ponds are built with shallow steps 6-8” deep, but where raccoons, herons and egrets abound, this is an invitation to dinner. These wading predators don’t just jump in; they need a beach or shallow step to enter the
pond because they fish while in the water, not from above. Where they’re a problem, consider making the first drop 18” deep, rather than 6”. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a huge Blue Heron walking around the pond again and again before flying off in disgust. A perfect depth to set plants on, this “plant shelf ” is also only knee-deep, so getting in or out is no problem for people, even little people, as long as it’s flat and at least 18 inches wide. An added benefit to a vertical drop down to an 18” plant shelf is that there are no shallows for mosquitoes to breed or for string algae to flourish in warm shallows. Moving deeper, towards the center of the pond, inner steps down to whatever final depth you desire can be shallow or deep, but should also be cut vertically down into the soil, no slopes. Check with your local Koi Club or Cooperative Extension for the recommended final depth in your area, and remember to check your building codes to see if you need a permit or fencing.
24 SPRING | 2015
RSVP vs. Rock and Gravel
Where wading predators, mosquitoes and algae are a concern, consider creating a Rock Shelf, Vertical sides, Plant shelf (RSVP) profile. Rather than digging the pond straight down to full depth, as some Koi Pond builders prefer, or making a series of shallow 6-8” rocked and graveled steps that allow waders like raccoons and herons into the pond, RSVP starts with an 8” and 10” shelf to create a vertical, knee-deep drop - no slopes! down to a wide flat shelf at a depth of 18”. Please note: all measurements are from the top of the water level stake, which is 4” below grade to start with. You start by removing 8” of soil everywhere you’ve removed sod, so you’ll need to re-mark your line. Try not to overdig; leave the soil outside your line as flat and undisturbed as possible. Next dig straight down another 10” from the line inward, to create a flat bottom at 18” deep. Move inward again at least 18” to leave a broad, flat Plant Shelf all the way around, then dig down vertically another 6-8” to create two pockets. These act as ‘ponds-within-the-pond’ if you ever need to drain it for cleaning or repair, where fish, plants and bacteria stay undisturbed. Your excavation will be a little more work than the ‘Shallow Steps’ method, but you’ll have a lot more water for your fish to swim around in, and the additional volume will moderate temperatures too.
Business Brief What is the Attitude or Morale in Your Company?
What is the attitude or morale throughout your company? I always feel that this begins with the company owner and managers. As an owner/manager of your company, the way you treat employees and your attitude is what sets the tone throughout your company. It is our job to be the cheerleaders and keep the employees motivated on a daily basis. If they are treated with respect, in return they will treat you with respect, and the makeup of your company will be a much happier one. As the owner/manager, we are the people that motivate and pave the way for the people within the company. I always try to have a positive attitude and treat each employee as I would like to be treated. The return on investment with this process can be very rewarding for both you and the employee. If we create a work environment that the employees enjoy, the yield that we get from the employee will be that much greater. A happy work environment motivates employees to work harder for the company. Do simple things for your employees such as a simple “hello” in the morning, small barbecue after work, or a company outing in which you would close the company for the day and take all employees on some type of an excursion (example: paint ball, rafting, baseball game or a simple cook out). It’s a simple concept. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Treat people as part of the team and motivate the team as a complete company. Mark Borst, BSLA, CLT, is the president/ owner of Borst Landscape and Design, a fullservice landscape design company. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers University and spearheaded the formation of NJ’s Landscape Industry Certified Technician program. He serves on the Advisory Board for Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University, as an adjunct professor for Bergen Community College, as well as being a member of its Advisory Board.
Feature Story Bare Liner vs. Rock-and-Gravel
A lot has been made of the differences in two styles of pond construction, the Bare Liner approach vs. the Rock-and-Gravel style, but as in most debates, a compromise is possible and offers advantages over either. Traditional Koi Ponds are built more like swimming pools, with vertical sides down to 3 feet or more, bare liner on sides and bottom, with bottom drains feeding external pumps and pressurized filtration systems, often including modified sand filters. The Rock-and-Gravel camp prefers a much more naturalistic feel, with shallow steps, all surfaces covered with a layer of gravel and submersible pumps in Skimmers feeding simple biological filters. There are pros and cons to each; most professionals have started to combine the best of each and are building what are known as Hybrid Ponds, like the RSVP style mentioned elsewhere. Koi Ponds introduced the vertical walls that inhibit predators, mosquitoes and algae; pressurized filters and UV Sterilizers that polish water; bare liner bottoms with drains and directional returns that clean continuously and high efficiency pumps that cut operating costs. Rock-and-Gravel Ponds feature high capacity skimmers that house submersible pumps; upflow biological filters that require cleaning only once a season; gravel substrates that offer tremendous surface area for beneficial bacteria and the incorporation of aquatic plants in the pond to achieve biological balance.
Hybrid Ponds blend the best of both camps. A typical Hybrid might have vertical walls, graveled streambeds and planting bogs, a bare liner with a bottom drain, plumbed into a Skimmer equipped with dual high efficiency submersible pumps. Hybrid Ponds avoid the disadvantages of each. They eliminate the need for pressure washing and sump pumping the pump out every few years, without resorting to the massive filtration systems of the Koi fancier. They eliminate shallows and beaches that allow predators, mosquitoes and algae a foothold, but avoid potentially dangerous depths along edges. Demi Fortuna is Director of Product Information for Atlantic Water Gardens, working with contractors and distributors in developing targeted Atlantic sales support materials. He has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of water garden design and construction. For more information, visit Atlantic Water Gardens University at www.atlanticwatergardens.com/university.
NJLCA.ORG 25
News Briefs
Are You an Award-Winning Company
by Jody Shilan, MLA, Executive Director
With all of the competition out there these days, it’s almost impossible to distinguish yourself from other landscape contractors. It seems like every company has a professionally designed website, is search engine optimized and has a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook and Houzz. Like you, their trucks and equipment seem to be newer and cleaner than ever before, and everyone has uniformed employees projecting that professional image clients are looking for. You know that your work is better than your competitors, but you just can’t seem to prove it to potential customers. If only there was something you could do. There actually is a great way to distinguish yourself from your competitors? It’s something that will let clients know that your company is better than the rest. It doesn’t take much time, costs very little, is incredibly versatile and will have a tremendous impact on your company. You can highlight it on your website, promote it in your advertising and marketing materials and use it in your sales presentations as well. Best of all, you’ll be able to get your message across to them in just three words. Interested? I’m sure you are. Those three words are: Award Winning Company. Just let it resonate. Award Winning Company. If you want
consumers to instantly recognize the fact that your work is better than the rest, then you need to become an award winning company. What’s great about this concept is that you only need to win one award to be award winning - just one. Of course, winning an award isn’t that easy, but it’s also not as hard as you may think, especially if you have a great project and follow my suggestions below. As you probably know by now, the NJLCA has a Landscape Achievement Awards program. Although submissions aren’t due until October, you really need to be planning for them now. Why? Because planning ahead gives you the opportunity to select the right project or projects and plan out your entry, instead of scrambling in the fall trying to get it done. Although there is an expense for the submission, keep in mind that all of your photos can be used on your website, in your social media channels and as a thank you gift to your clients. So before you say to yourself, I really don’t have the time to enter, you need to think about this on a much broader scale. With that said, and as someone who has witnessed the judging process, I would like to give you some pointers for your submission.
News Briefs 1. Hire a professional photographer. Period. No matter how beautiful your work is, if the photos aren’t planned properly, the lighting isn’t consistent and the pictures are out of focus, your project will be downgraded significantly. It doesn’t matter how many mega pixels your iPhone has, it can still take lousy photos. 2. Make sure that there is no debris in the picture. This includes leaves, clumps of grass or candy wrappers. On an otherwise perfect property, these things glare out at the judges, becoming significant distractions. The same thing goes for weeds and dead branches. Get rid of them. 3. Adding seasonal color into beds, and furnishings onto the hardscapes, makes the landscape come alive. A quality metal or teak patio set with a colorful umbrella and cushions works perfectly. To get ideas, just check out outdoor furniture catalogues or garden magazines. Oh yeah, don’t forget to add large containers. 4. When putting together your entry, your first slide should be the landscape plan. This needs to be of a professional quality and must be color rendered. It will be the judge’s first impression of your work, so it needs to be impactful. The plan also helps them get oriented. 5. Your second slide needs to be the money shot. Here is where you want to wow the judges. This picture should be taken at a higher elevation, so bring a small ladder with you. You should not zoom in too much or out too much. Again, this is where a professional photographer comes in handy. 6. The rest of the photos should tell the story. Begin with a “before” picture or two, add a few “progress” shots and then some “after” photos. This is where you want to show the scope and scale of the work, as well as some construction details. 7. The last photo can be the same as your second photo (money shot) or another picture that will wow the judges. This photo will be up longer than the rest, as the judges discuss the project and determine your ranking. So, give them a great lasting impression. Remember, you only need to win once to be an award winning company. Best of all you don’t have even have to come in first place. In addition, your winning work will be displayed at our Holiday Gala and Landscape Achievement Awards Dinner on December 2nd and in the January issue of The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine. So start planning and taking photos right now!
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www.NJLCA.org CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 2015 14th Membership Meeting 6 pm Frank’s Truck Center 325 Orient Way Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
June 2015 18th Membership Meeting 6 pm Foley Cat 855 Centennial Ave. Piscataway, NJ 08855
September 2015 10th Membership Meeting 6 pm York Trailers 1212 Rt. 23 North Butler, NJ 07405
October 2015 8th Membership Meeting 6 pm Bobcat of North Jersey 201 Maltese Drive Totowa, NJ 07512
May 2015 21st Membership Meeting 6 pm Morris Brick & Stone 94 Ridgedale Ave. Morristown, NJ 07962
16th 6 pm
July 2015 Membership Meeting Fertilizers at location TBD Sponsored by:
17th 6 pm
September 2015 Membership Meeting Gamka Sales 983 New Durham Rd. Edison, NJ 08817
10th
October 2015 Landscape Industry Certified Tech. Exam Bergen Comm. College Paramus, NJ 07652
June 2015 11th Membership Meeting Tentative
6 pm FDR/Hawthorne Hitch 1173 Goffle Road Hawthorne, NJ 07506
August 2015 13th Membership Meeting 6 pm The Terre Company 206 Delawanna Ave. Clifton, NJ 07011
15th
September 2015 NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge Jumping Brook Country Club Neptune City, NJ
October 2015 15th Membership Meeting 6 pm Garden State Bobcat 45 Route 22 East Green Brook, NJ 08812
Membership meetings are free to attend and open to all landscape professionals, members and non-members alike. Please call NJLCA at (201) 703-3600 or e-mail info@njlca.org to RSVP before attending events.
Agenda Registration & Driving Range Lunch Putting Contest Begins Shotgun Start Cocktail Reception Dinner & Awards
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Total # Dinner Only __________ x $100 =
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• No rain date or refunds. • All must bring a current photo ID on day of event.
Total • Please make checks payable to NJLCA. • For further information contact the NJLCA office at (201) 703-3600 • In the event of rain, please call NJLCA at (201) 703-3600.
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Would you like your foursome to include the players listed above or would you like to be placed in separate foursomes? Please indicate below: (If you do not indicate a preference, we will designate foursomes according to handicap.) q Include above listed players in my foursome q Place above listed players in separate foursomes
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Please join NJLCA and IANJ members and colleagues at the 2015 Golf Challenge on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Jumpin Brook Country Club for a day of golf, friends, food, and awards!
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
2015 Golf Challenge
New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association and Irrigation Association of New Jersey
11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm Golfer Fees: $195 per golfer
Includes: Greens Fees, Cart, Bag Drop Service, Club Cleaning Service, Lockers, Lunch and Dinner
Special Foursome Price - $700 (save $80)! Dinner Only: $100.00 per non-golfer Registration Deadline: September 11, 2015 Dress Code: Golf casual, collared shirts. No cut-offs or blue jeans.
Soft Spikes are now mandatory!
rections: arden State Parkway Traveling Northbound: Exit 100A onto Route East. At the first traffic light make a right turn onto Jumping Brook oad. Entrance is 1/4 Mile on the left. arden State Parkway Traveling Southbound: Exit 100B onto Route East. At the second traffic light make a left turn onto Jumping Brook oad. Entrance is 3/4 mile on the right. om the Trenton, Camden & Philadelphia Area: Interstate 195 East Garden State Parkway traveling North. Then follow the above GSP orthbound directions. om the Delaware Area: New Jersey Turnpike traveling north to Exit 7A, to Interstate 195 East. To GSP Northbound then follow above directions om the Shore Area: From Route 35 & the Asbury Circle travel Route West. Bear left at the third light to continue on 66 West. Go three ore lights and make a left turn onto Jumping Brook Road. Entrance is 4 mile on the left.
News Brief A warm welcome to our newest and returning members... All Wet Irrigation & Lighting D. Panetta Contracting Ken Shadek Donald Panetta Dover, NJ Randolph, NJ Anthony Hall Student Hawthorne, NJ
D & F Landscaping LLC David Fiertner Westwood, NJ
Bartel Landscaping, Inc. Barry A. Telesnick Edison, NJ
DescribeIt Inc. Ryan Yanchuleff Arlington, VA
Beethoven’s Veranda William Wurch North Bergen, NJ
Endless Landscaping Robert Urpsis Colonia, NJ
Cardinal Landscaping Services John Pignataro Madison, NJ
Fleming & Truland PC Joe Truland Jr. Morristown, NJ
Chemtec Pest Control Joe Mullane Saddle Brook, NJ
Goffle Brook Farms & Garden Center Donna Dorsey Ridgewood, NJ
City Green Inc. Jennifer Papa Clifton, NJ
GroundTec Michael Rorvik Colmar, PA
Cowboys Landscaping Clint Williams West Milford, NJ
Hickory Hollow Nursery Keith Kissack Tuxedo, NY
Custom Unique Landscaping Michael Rose Hackensack, NJ
Hios Landscaping LLC Andy Hios Paramus, NJ
Interstate Landscape Contractors, Inc. Dan Reali West Orange, NJ Johnson Landscape Management, Inc. Steven Johnson Chatham, NJ LanDesign, Inc. Randy K. Lesperance Brick, NJ Lundholm Landscaping Rob Lundholm Cape May, NJ Morris Brick & Stone Co. Michael Bizzarro Morristown, NJ
R & B Landscaping Rich Thieling Clark, NJ Palm Sunday. Palm Crosses • Artifi RS Land Design LLCArtificial Hearts • Art Richard Snediker lawn announceme East Brunswick, NJ Specialty ribbon
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30 SPRING | 2015
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Est. 1923 Est. Est. 1923 1923
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