The Growing Concern April 2024

Growing Concern

The

AP R I L 2 0 2 4

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O H I O L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

Landscape Ohio! Awards Gala

June 28th / Windows on the River (Cleveland, OH) / PAGE 26

PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

EXPLORING THE FUTURE:

ELEVATING OUTDOOR LIVING IN 2024 The landscape industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly redefining what it means to enjoy the outdoors in style and comfort. As we enter 2024, the opportunities to create stunning and functional outdoor living spaces have never been more exciting. In this article, we explore the latest trends and technologies that are shaping the landscape industry, with a focus on the role of hardscaping in developing new outdoor living spaces that blend beauty with functionality.

CAMERON MANERI Cleary Brothers Landscaping

BLURRING BOUNDARIES

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACES

Seamless Integration of Indoors and Outdoors One of the most significant trends driving the design of outdoor living spaces in 2024 is the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas. Homeowners are increasingly seeking to extend their living spaces beyond the limits of their homes, creating cohesive environments that flow effortlessly from indoors to outdoors. This trend has led to the popularity of features such as sliding glass walls, collapsible doors, and strategically placed windows that offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

Maximizing Utility and Enjoyment In 2024, outdoor living spaces are no longer restricted to simple patios or decks. Homeowners now expect multifunctional areas that can serve as an extension of their indoor living spaces, while providing additional utility and enjoyment. This has led to the emergence of outdoor kitchens, which come with built-in grills, sinks, and food preparation areas.

The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces has become increasingly popular in modern architecture. To achieve a seamless transition between the two areas, it’s essential to use durable and visually appealing materials that can create a harmonious look. In this context, high-quality pavers, natural stone, and composite decking materials are often employed to unify indoor flooring with outdoor patios. These materials not only provide an excellent aesthetic appeal but also offer practical benefits such as slip resistance, durability, and easy maintenance. With these materials, architects can create a visually stunning environment that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.

For those who have a passion for hardscaping, the versatility of modular outdoor kitchen kits is a true delight. With these kits, it’s possible to create custom configurations that are tailored to the unique requirements of any outdoor space. When it comes to selecting counter tops, materials like granite or concrete offer both durability and aesthetic appeal. These surfaces are not only functional but also provide a beautiful backdrop for food preparation and entertaining guests. With ample space for cooking and hosting, outdoor kitchen counter tops are an excellent addition to any outdoor living area.

Furthermore, the integration of fire features such as fire pits and outdoor fireplaces adds warmth and ambiance to outdoor living spaces, extending their usability well into the cooler continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | April 2024 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS A P R I L 2 0 2 4 WWW. OH I OLA N D SCA P E R S. OR G OH I O’ S P R OF E SSI ON AL G REEN I N D UST R Y A SSOCI AT I O N OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440.717.0002 Toll Free: 1.800.335.6521 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com DESIGNER / EDITOR Rick Doll REGULAR WRITERS Michael J. Donnellan, M3 Wealth Management Dr. Jim Funai, PhD., Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Cameron Maneri, Cleary Brothers Landscaping Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb COVER: 2023 Landscape Ohio! Awards entry in the category of Commercial Maintenance, submitted by Environmental Management Inc. (EMI).

FEATURES

3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of magazine publication.

For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, or email Rick Doll Jr. at rick@ohiolandscapers.org.

12 FISCAL FITNESS

DISCLAIMER The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

16 FOR SAFETY SAKE

OFFICERS President Cameron Maneri

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

22 PLANT OF THE MONTH

President – Elect Ryan Drake

Associate Director Rick Doll

Treasurer Brandon Barker

Membership Coordinator Melissa Roberts

Exploring the Future: Elevating Outdoor Living in 2024

5 NEW MEMBERS 8 PERENNIAL FOCUS Euphorbia: Spurge Trust Basics

Tailgate / Toolbox Safety Meetings April is Ohio Native Plant Month

28 FEATURE ARTICLE

Business Smarts: The Pros and Cons of a 4-day Workweek

32 FEATURE ARTICLE

6 Signs Your Website Needs Updated

34 DIRECTIONS 35 ADVERTISING INDEX 4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Immediate Past President Stephanie Gray, LIC DIRECTORS Amy Gatoo Philip Germann Matt Malone Tim McCaskey Bob Ramser, LIC Tom Rieder, LIC

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The Ohio Landscape Association would like to welcome its newest members!

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REGULAR MEMBERS

APRIL 5 IRRIGATION CLINIC A hands-on training opportunity for field technicians to learn the basics of irrigation repair and troubleshooting. Participants will learn to identify the components of an irrigation system, operate and adjust irrigation controllers, and troubleshoot irrigation issues that commonly occur on job sites.

JUNE

JUNE 28, 2024 27th ANNUAL AWARDS GALA Join Ohio’s landscape community for an evening out as we reveal the 2023 Landscape Ohio! Award winners. This is a great opportunity for those of you who have been contemplating entering, or for those of you just looking to spend an elegant night out with industry leaders as we celebrate our industry! See page 26.

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PR ES IDEN T’S COLUM N continued from page 3 months. These features, often constructed using fire-resistant materials like natural stone or fire-rated bricks, become focal points that encourage gatherings and relaxation outdoors.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Embracing Eco-Friendly Practices The landscape industry has been adopting sustainable practices and materials due to the increasing environmental awareness among homeowners. In 2024, there will be a greater emphasis on incorporating eco-friendly elements into outdoor living spaces. This includes using water-efficient landscaping and recycled materials in hardscape design.

Incorporating reclaimed or recycled materials like salvaged wood, recycled glass, and repurposed metal can add character and uniqueness to outdoor designs, while also reducing waste and carbon footprint. Additionally, using native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping not only conserves water but also attracts local wildlife, which enhances the overall ecological balance of outdoor environments.

TECH-DRIVEN EXPERIENCES Enhancing Comfort and Convenience Technology is playing a significant role in shaping modern outdoor living spaces, offering new opportunities to enhance comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Smart outdoor lighting systems, automated irrigation systems, and integrated audiovisual solutions are becoming standard features in upscale outdoor designs.

As someone who deeply appreciates the art of hardscaping, I can see the potential for integrating technology seamlessly into hardscape elements such as outdoor seating with built-in USB charging ports, Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor speakers discreetly embedded in retaining walls, or even motorized pergolas with adjustable louvers for optimal shade control.

Advancements in outdoor-rated materials and finishes ensure that hardscape features can withstand the elements while maintaining their functionality and aesthetics over time.

Weather-resistant outdoor furniture, durable paver sealants, and low-maintenance decking materials create outdoor spaces that require minimal upkeep while maximizing enjoyment.

CONCLUSION Embracing Innovation in Outdoor Living Our industry is expected to experience an evolution in 2024, characterized by a blend of innovation, sustainability,

6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

and luxury in outdoor living space design. As someone who enjoys hardscaping, I am excited to see how durable materials, multi-functional layouts, sustainable practices, and technology integration will transform outdoor environments into personalized retreats that reflect the values and lifestyles of homeowners.

There are endless possibilities for creating new outdoor living spaces, whether it’s by seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor areas, maximizing utility with multi-functional spaces, using eco-friendly solutions, or incorporating tech-driven features to enhance comfort. By staying informed about the latest trends and working with skilled professionals, homeowners can bring their outdoor living visions to life while enjoying the beauty and functionality of well-designed hardscape elements.

Imagine a future filled with boundless outdoor living experiences that will enrich our lives, connect us with nature, and foster stronger communities. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your exceptional work and craftsmanship at next year’s award gala.

Submit your best work this fall and let it speak volumes about your passion and dedication.

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PEREN N I AL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Euphorbia polychroma ‘Bonfire’

EUPHORBIA SPURGE There are several species of perennial Euphorbia. They come in varying shapes and sizes but most of them are characterized by bright chartreuse “flowers”, which are really bracts, in April and May. The other shared characteristic is a milky sap in the stems which can cause a skin rash. I, therefore, recommend wearing gloves and long sleeves when working with them.

The Spurge most commonly found in our gardens is Euphorbia polychroma (Epithymoides) known as Cushion Spurge, hardy from zones 4-7. This 12 to 18 inch mound of light green foliage gleams in early spring gardens (mid-April to mid-May in my garden in Shaker Heights) with its bright yellow bracts. It’s almost like looking at a grouping of headlights. The cultivar named ‘Bonfire’ is a welcome addition to this species. Its leaves have red and maroon tinges from the time they foliate and the colors become even more pronounced in the fall. If the cushions become leggy, prune them back after flowering. For

best performance, grow this Spurge in full sun or partial shade and in well-drained soil. I find that it will do quite well even in somewhat dry conditions.

In a hot color, sunny garden, try Cushion Spurge as a foreground plant, mixed with any of the Geum cultivars that bloom in May and June and perhaps, Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’ behind it for later bloom. This Rudbeckia is supposedly perennial although it has not been for me. In sun or partial, try Corydalis lutea behind or beside the Euphorbia continued on page 10

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PEREN N I AL FOCUS

Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’

Euphorbia robbiae ‘Robb’s Spurge’

Euphorbia ‘Fen’s Ruby’

continued from page 8 for summer and fall bloom. This Spurge can be propagated by seed, terminal cutting (after flowering) or division after three years (but be sure to obtain adequate root).

Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’, hardy from zones 5-7, was one of the “hot” perennials about ten years ago. However, it has not been as full or as hardy as I thought it would be. Fortunately, I continually find seedlings in my garden to replace the dead mother plant. Its multi-colored, small ovate foliage is its main attraction because the bracts are relatively inconspicuous. This Spurge grows about 18 inches tall and 15 inches wide and goes totally dormant in the winter. Grow this Spurge in full sun because the leaves will lose their color in partial shade.

The purple color of the foliage lends itself to several different color combinations: red/purple/yellow, red/rose/purple or red/yellow/white. Use your imagination.

Another Spurge, particularly useful in very hot, sunny, dry sites but harder to find, is Euphorbia myrsinites, the Myrtle Spurge, hardy from zones 5-9. This one has blue-gray rounded leaves that appear to spring out of the prostrate stems because the leaves have no stem. The May-blooming chartreuse bracts are found at the end of the stems and are a striking contrast to the color of the foliage. The prostrate nature of this plant

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makes it a natural for placement at the top of a wall or in niches of a wall. It will self-sow but can also be propagated by terminal cuttings. This Euphorbia would look great in front of Coreopsis verticillata or one of the yellow Achillea so that the color contrast of the foliage would continue with one of these summer-blooming perennials. Then, if one of the blueleaved Panicum cultivars were planted behind, the blue of the Euphorbia foliage would be reinforced.

Several hybrids, many with martini “blood” in them, have come to market in the past ten years. They are usually hardy only to zone 6 but have beautiful bracts, several of which are maroon rather than chartreuse. My favorite, so far, was ‘Ascot Rainbow’. Its foliage is a mix of blue-green, and, in the cooler months, some pink and red with a yellow edge. The bract is cream and lime. This Spurge grows twenty inches high and wide and is extremely tolerant of heat and drought. Sadly, I have discontinued using it because it looks terrible at the end of winter when the stems have fallen over and it doesn’t seem to take kindly to pruning.

The above-mentioned Spurges are all clumpers but now I want to turn your attention to a few spreaders for those situations when we need a good groundcover. Euphorbia robbiae (Robb’s

Euphorbia myrsinites ‘Myrtle Spurge’

Spurge) is the one to use in shade. It is a vigorous spreader, more so when given moisture, and grows approximately twelve inches high with the usual chartreuse bracts in May. Euphorbia ‘Fen’s Ruby’ has a terrible reputation because it would cover the earth if given a chance; however, this characteristic is one that can be desirable. I have a client with a dry, sunny bank that slopes down to a ditch. The site was impossible to mow and attracted weeds. No longer! It is now covered with ‘Fen’s Ruby’ which has such a dense root system that it is virtually impenetrable. The foliage is very delicate, almost ferny looking and the bracts are much smaller but still very colorful.

One of the most outstanding attributes of all Euphorbia is that they are not deer fodder. I am sure that you can find a site where one of these Euphorbia will work for you.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).

The Growing Concern | April 2024 | 11

F ISCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

TRUST BASICS Whether you’re seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility — many types of trusts exist, each designed for a specific purpose. Although trust law is complex and establishing a trust requires the services of an experienced attorney, mastering the basics isn’t hard.

WHAT IS A TRUST? A trust is a legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of another. Basically, it’s like a container that holds money or property for somebody else. You can put practically any kind of asset into a trust, including cash, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, real estate, and artwork. The assets you choose to put in a trust depend largely on your goals.

When you create and fund a trust, you are known as the grantor (or sometimes, the settlor or trustor). The grantor names people, known as beneficiaries, who will benefit from the trust. Beneficiaries are usually your family and loved ones or even a charity. The trustee is responsible for administering the trust, managing the assets, and distributing income and/ or principal according to the terms of the trust. Depending

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on the purpose of the trust, you can name yourself, another person, or an institution, such as a bank, to be the trustee.

WHY CREATE A TRUST? Since trusts can be used for many purposes, they are popular estate planning tools. Trusts are often used to:

• • • • • • •

Minimize estate taxes Shield assets from potential creditors Avoid the expense and delay of probating your will Preserve assets for your children until they are grown (in case you should die while they are still minors) Create a pool of investments that can be managed by professional money managers Set up a fund for your own support in the event of incapacity Shift part of your income tax burden to beneficiaries in lower tax brackets

THE DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEE The trustee of the trust is a fiduciary, someone who owes a special duty of loyalty to the beneficiaries. The trustee must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, by preserving, continued on page 14 protecting, and investing the trust assets.

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continued from page 12

LIVING (REVOCABLE) TRUST A living trust is a special type of trust. It’s a legal entity that you create while you’re alive to own property such as your house, a boat, or investments. Property that passes through a living trust is not subject to probate — it doesn’t get treated like the property in your will. The trustee will transfer the assets to the beneficiaries according to your instructions. The transfer can be immediate, or direct that the trustee hold the assets until some specific time, such as the marriage of the beneficiary or the attainment of a certain age.

Living trusts are attractive because they are revocable. You maintain control — you can change the trust or even dissolve it for as long as you live. Living trusts are also private. Unlike a will, a living trust is not part of the public record. No one can review details of the trust documents unless you allow it.

Living trusts can also be used to help you protect and manage your assets if you become incapacitated. If you can no longer handle your own affairs, your trustee (or a successor trustee) steps in and manages your property. Your trustee has a duty to administer the trust according to its terms and must always act with your best interests in mind. In the absence of a trust, a court could appoint a guardian to manage your property.

Provided that you have given up control of the property, all of the property in the trust, plus all future appreciation on the property, is out of your taxable estate. That means your ultimate estate tax liability may be less, resulting in more passing to your beneficiaries. Property transferred to your beneficiaries through an irrevocable trust will also avoid probate. As a bonus, property in an irrevocable trust may be protected from your creditors.

There are many different kinds of irrevocable trusts. Many have special provisions and are used for special purposes.

Some irrevocable trusts hold life insurance policies or personal residences.

You’re encouraged to discuss with your financial professionals along with tax and legal professionals, to determine your specific needs and goals.

Scenarios illustrated are hypothetical in nature, results may vary. Investing is subject to risk which may involve loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The M3 Wealth Management Office does not provide legal or tax advice.

Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. The

Despite these benefits, living trusts have some drawbacks.

Assets in a living trust are not protected from creditors, and you are subject to income taxes on income earned by the trust. In addition, you cannot avoid estate taxes using a living trust.

IRREVOCABLE TRUSTS Unlike a living trust, an irrevocable trust can’t be changed or dissolved once it has been created. You generally can’t remove assets, change beneficiaries, or rewrite any of the terms of the trust. Still, an irrevocable trust is a valuable estate planning tool.

First, you transfer assets into the trust — assets you don’t mind losing control over.

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information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice.

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F OR SAFETY SAK E

TAILGATE/TOOLBOX SAFETY MEETINGS Holding a tailgate safety meeting on a regular basis is an important part of preventing injuries to employees.

They also contribute to a good safety culture and are a vital part of many training programs.

WHAT IS A TOOLBOX TALK? Also known as a tailgate safety meeting, toolbox talks are simply a short safety meeting held at a work site. They are usually held at the start of a work shift before work begins.

Their purpose is to inform and remind workers about safety rules, best practices, and the hazards of the job. Toolbox talks are usually short – normally just a few minutes. Some of these meetings can be longer though. It just depends on what the goal of the meeting is. Some toolbox talks cover a single topic, while others may cover a variety of topics.

WHY ARE TAILGATE MEETINGS IMPORTANT? Unfortunately, many lines of work involve hazards that can cause severe injury or death. Even relatively benign jobs, like

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office work, can result in injuries. A good safety culture is critical to keeping workers safe. Training is a critical part of developing a strong safety culture at a company. Safety meetings are a small, but very important, part of any company’s training program. At the cost of just a few minutes of productivity, employers can reap great benefits from holding frequent safety meetings. Employees are reminded of important safety rules and the hazards of their job. Holding meetings also shows employees that the company cares about their safety, which improves morale and performance. Safety meetings can help employers meet regulatory requirements as well. Finally, the meetings give workers an opportunity to share safety concerns or give suggestions on how to make continued on page 18 their job safer.

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continued from page 16

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MEETINGS BE HELD? The answer to this question depends on many things. In general, the higher the hazard level of the work, the more frequent meetings should be. For example, office workers may just hold safety meetings quarterly, while landscaping and construction workers often hold toolbox talks weekly, or even daily. When more hazards are present, a wider variety of topics should be covered throughout the year. This means safety meetings should be held more frequently.

High-hazard industries like construction, refineries, and heavy manufacturing will usually find that daily safety meetings are the best choice. It is important to review job hazards and safe practices frequently in dangerous environments. It may seem like this would take too much time away from work, but these meetings do not need to be very long at all. In the long run, frequent safety meetings will actually save time. Just imagine how much time will be saved if just one major injury is prevented.

WHAT MEETING TOPICS SHOULD I USE? Once again, this depends on the nature of the work and the hazards present in the workplace. All employers should conduct a hazard analysis of each task. Your training and safety meeting topics will be determined based on the hazard analysis.

After your initial training needs have been met, ongoing training through refreshers and toolbox safety talks should be conducted. These topics should be selected by asking yourself: • • • • •

What topics do you think need to be reinforced?

Have there been any recent injuries or accident trends?

What problems have been cropping up lately?

Have there been near misses recently? What caused them?

Have you noticed any industry trends? What are other safety pros in your industry doing?

Always remember to evaluate the needs of your employees to make sure your training topics are useful and relevant.

WHO SHOULD PRESENT THE TOPIC? Ideally, it is the direct supervisor of the work crew who should be presenting the tailgate safety meeting. Having the direct supervisor present the safety talk tells employees that their supervisor supports the safety program and the topic being discussed. This makes it more likely for the employees to “buy-in” to the safety culture. Oftentimes, however, presentation of safety topics will fall to the safety officer or some other management employee. continued on page 20

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F OR SAFETY SAKE

continued from page 18 While this can still be effective, it sends the appearance that the direct supervisors are not a part of the safety effort. If the employee’s supervisor is not participating in safety, why should they? A better arrangement would be to have the safety office coordinate safety meetings and determine topics to be discussed while the supervisor delivers the actual message.

Sometimes it may be beneficial to allow the employees themselves to present at safety meetings. One of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach it. Having employees participate in safety meetings on occasion will help them learn more about safety and will help improve “buy-in” from the rest of the crew.

WHERE SHOULD I HOLD SAFETY MEETINGS? Toolbox talks should be held in an environment that allows employees to be comfortable and focus on what is being discussed. The location should be quiet and free of distractions.

It should also be free of excessive heat and other factors that could make the employees uncomfortable. A meeting room or break room would be ideal. If employees are able to sit down during the meeting it is even better. Holding meetings in this environment can allow for more visual aides to be used as well, such as photos, videos, and PowerPoint presentations.

compliance with certain standards. For example, OSHA requires that employers inform employees of the hazards of the job and how to address them. Toolbox talks are often an effective way of complying with this standard. Since work environments can change over time, initial training alone would not be enough to satisfy this standard. Tailgate safety meetings are perfect for this because they can be held as frequently as needed to address new or changing hazards day to day, or even hour to hour.

Employers will never be cited by OSHA just for lack of safety meetings. However, they are often cited for failure to train workers on the hazards of their job or how to perform their work safely. This makes safety meetings a vital part of any safety program.

IS DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED? A general rule of thumb for anything safety-related is if it is not on paper, it never happened. If an employer does not have documentation proving that safety training has been done, it is as if the training never happened in the eyes of OSHA. This applies to the courtroom as well. Failure to document your safety training can cause your company major problems.

Safety meetings are often held in the actual work environment as well, although this is not as ideal. This should only be done if the work area is not noisy, too hot, too cold, or distracting. One advantage of holding tailgate meetings in the work area is it can help employees visualize the topics being discussed, which can help with learning. The instructor can also point to specific examples related to the topic in the work environment. Safety is also an important factor when holding tailgate meetings in the work area. The meeting should be held in a safe location away from hazardous machinery, moving vehicles, or chemicals.

OSHA very often will request certain training documentation during its investigations. If you are unable to provide any proof of training, you may be subject to citations and significant fines.

AM I REQUIRED TO HOLD SAFETY MEETINGS?

• • •

OSHA does not specifically require companies to hold safety meetings, but safety meetings are often a vital part of

20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

So how should you document your tailgate safety meeting? Every time you hold a toolbox talk, a sign-in sheet should be used. The sign-in sheet can either be on paper or it can be electronic. It should include the following information as a guideline: • •

The topic(s) being discussed Some details of what was discussed (attaching handouts used or writing a summary are good ideas) The date and time of the meeting The printed name and signature of all attendees The name and signature of the presenter

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The location of the job where the safety meeting is held. If listing the work department is more applicable, you may use that instead.

It cannot be emphasized enough just how important this documentation is.

Safety meeting documentation should be stored on file where it can be easily retrieved if needed.

TIPS FOR HOLDING A BETTER SAFETY MEETING Safety meetings that are haphazardly, or poorly conducted can be detrimental to your company’s safety efforts. It is important to be as effective as possible so that the effort and time spent are not wasted. Here are some final tips for holding better safety meetings: • •

•

Prepare before the meeting and make sure you are familiar with the topic.

Practice presenting if you are uncomfortable with public speaking. The audience will know if you are uncomfortable.

Practice in front of a mirror, or a family member.

Speak clearly and project your voice. Avoid saying “um” or “uh” as much as possible.

•

•

•

• • •

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Make sure your topic is relevant to your audience. You should start your presentations by explaining why this topic is important to them. “What’s in it for me?”

Keep the meetings as interesting as possible. Avoid just reading from a handout. Employees will not learn if the meeting is not engaging.

Don’t waste people’s time. Only spend the time that is necessary to cover the topic. Do not drag it out and make people bored.

Pictures, video, and other visual aids can help the audience retain the information.

Adults learn best when they can participate. Try to get the workers involved as much as possible.

Relax and have fun. Learn to relate with your audience.

They are more likely to listen to you this way.

This article appeared on First American Safety’s web blog, located at 1stamericansafety.com/blog. First American Safety is a family-run small business specializing in industrial safety consulting, as well as the sale of labor law and safety posters. In addition to these items, their site features Safety Program Templates, OSHA News, and access to free Safety Meeting Topics.

The Growing Concern | April 2024 | 21

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

APRIL IS OHIO NATIVE PLANT MONTH In effort to increase public awareness of our native plants and the benefits they provide us, Governor Mike Dewine signed HB 59 designating April as Ohio Native Plant Month in 2019. Ohio was the first state in the nation to make such a proclamation and many states now have efforts to join Ohio in making this designation.

Why does this matter to us? Anyone who has read our articles over the years knows we are not hardcore “natives only” horticulturists. We take a much more balanced approach to plant selections in our landscapes but we can certainly recognize the importance of our native plants.

It can be challenging to hear some of the reasons people sight in regards to “why” native plants. In a more balanced approach, perhaps we can highlight a few ways to help guide this discussion.

Consider how many landscapes in the urban environment are capable of supporting only native plants. With green infrastructure we create incredibly specific growing conditions,

often not found in a native setting. Is limiting the benefits gained through planting worth off-setting by only choosing ill fitted native plants (which often die)? Of course not! There are plenty of ornamental, highly functional, and still able to support wildlife plants that are non-native for these gardens.

If we strictly limit to native plants we will lose much more diversity in our world than we will by incorporating well behaved non-native (exotic) plants.

To be fair, there is also high importance on native plant communities in the correct garden settings (where they can thrive). Yes, there are many intricate food webs (many of which we don’t fully understand) dependent upon our native plant communities. We have surpassed a time where we can continued on page 24

22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Avon 216.986.7033 Akron Gar f i e l d H e i g h t s 330.644.1900 216.986.7032 Hudson St r o n g sv i l l e 330.655.0680 216.986.7050 N o r t h Can t o n Val l e y V i e w 330.499.8309 216.986.7030 Willow ick 216.986.7034

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PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH continued from page 22 One of our most common summer butterflies, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) lays eggs on Tulip Poplar (and other members of Magnoliaceae), making this native tree incredibly important. Native populations of Magnolia can be slim pickings in Ohio, so our abundant Tulip Poplar serves as the keystone host for these beautiful and fun to watch butterflies.

Winterberry is a shrub that gives and gives to wildlife. In spring the flowers serve an important role for many pollinators including being fairly exclusive host for plasterer bees (Colletes banksi). While this bee prefers other species of Ilex, in many parts of Ohio I. verticilata is the only option and can be found working through their flowers. In summer, larvae of Henry’s Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys henrici), Pawpaw Sphinx Butterfly (Dolba hyloeus), Black-dotted Ruddy Moth (Ilexia intractata), and Harris’ Three-spot Moth (Harrisimemna trisignata) all rely on Winterberry to survive. In fall and into winter, any number of birds love to feast on the easy to spot fruits. These are all interactions negatively impacted when these plants are scarce.

Wood Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

reverse the impact of global trade on our ecosystems and are now in an era of learning how to balance out the damage done with the need to slow down rapid climate change.

You’ve heard us share this year after year, and it only becomes truer each year. So, without belaboring our point, we want to share some of the great stuff happening in our state around this important topic.

A visit to www.ohionativeplantmonth.org will help provide some more background to the topic along with many great resources to help us incorporate more natives into the landscape (again, when planting site is appropriate). Starting in 2022 they have also selected four native plants to highlight for the year, which is a pretty fun thing to participate in.

For the year 2024, they have selected Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Wood Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), and Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

Consider for a moment, how quickly we are as a species to plow under wetlands and forests to build the next get one person rich development. We’ll pave giant parking lots, build new retail zones next to existing zones, throw in a ton of low density housing “neighborhoods”, and not think twice about what plants are now missing. These are the opportunities for us to make an impact on the ecosystem and pull in as many of the natives as logically possible. Thinking just about the Winterberry Holly, there are a ton of opportunities to benefit from this plant. It is tough as nails and loves wet soils, yet can withstand nearly any. Temperature extremes will impact it less since it is deciduous. You can find it in all kinds of sizes to match the landscape. You get a ton of ecosystem benefits and all the ornamental beauty it has in winter. Such a great plant to fill in the shrub massing with!

As we continue to share plants each month keep a keen eye out for how we highlight native and non-native but still beneficial plants for your landscapes. The MORE diversity we plant, the BETTER all our landscape ecosystems will be.

Jim Funai, PhD, is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai

While we have written about all three of the woody plants on this list in the past, it is fun to remind ourselves of their beauty and function in the landscape!

24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS GALA

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LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT AWARDS GALA

The Landscape Ohio! Awards Program is an annual Landscape competition, created by the Ohio Landscape Association, in effort to increase awareness of quality landscaping and how it improves our environment. In conjunction with this program, the OLA hosts a prestigious Awards Gala to recognize our designers, installers, and property owners.

The 2024 Gala will be held in the breathtaking Bridge View Room, at Windows on the River, in the heart of Downtown Cleveland. It is a semi-formal event inclusive of a cocktail hour, dinner buffet and awards presentation. This is an excellent chance for industry professionals to get dressed up and celebrate the work being done by their teams and their peers.

In addition to offering a limited amount of tickets to those who did not enter this year’s competition, the OLA is happy to announce that we will be moving our event to a Friday evening, and will be incorporating an event post-party to give everyone the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with those in attendance. SPACE IS LIMITED!

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* Opportunities to sponsor this year’s event are still available and we are always happy to accept the donation of door prizes. For more information, please contact the OLA office at 440.717.0002.

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Due to the nature of this catered event, all sales shall be considered final. NO refunds, or credits will be issued for no shows, or cancellations on the day of the event. If, for any reason, the event is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full.

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FEATURE ARTI CLE

Business Smarts:

THE PROS AND CONS OF A 4-DAY WORKWEEK The vast majority of companies and organizations in the United States still operate on a five-day workweek, but some advocacy groups are pushing through pilots for a 32-hour, four-day workweek without decreasing pay. Hurdles including concerns about staffing, lower productivity, increased costs and complex changes to operations are keeping the shortened workweek from being widely adopted.

If the shortened four-day workweek is widely adopted in the U.S., it would probably take five to 10 years for it to happen, estimate Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes, founders of the research and advocacy organization 4 Day Week Global, which implemented trials around the world. But the two say the conversation has already gone mainstream in five years and more companies adopting the policy could increase pressure on others.

With a slew of workers hoping they’ll someday get a shortened week, many who support working 32 hours at the same pay say they’d also favor four 10-hour days a week because many of them already work long hours.

Per a story posted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), with landscaping being an incredibly

28 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

demanding industry, one possible way to help provide a better work-life balance for you and your crews is moving to the 4-day workweek.

Various industries have been considering and implementing a 4/10 schedule as a way to provide more flexibility to their employees. With many landscape companies often already working 10 hours a day, or close to it, making this change can be beneficial in a number of ways.

THE PROS The main benefit of the 4/10 schedule is the 3-day weekend it provides employees.

“For the employee, the biggest pro was the 3-day weekends,” says Bill Gardocki, former owner of Interstate Landscape,

based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. “For some employees, it allowed them to pick up a part-time job if they wanted. Some decided to take their children out of daycare on Fridays, which saved them daycare costs and gave them more time with their children. The 4-day week gave the employees a mental and physical break from their job. For us as the employer, it basically eliminated overtime and the costs associated with overtime. We asked employees to make any personal appointments on Fridays so as not to affect the workweek. That turned out to be a huge benefit.”

Terra Phelps, the handler for Utopian Landscapes, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, says they noticed their team members were getting burnt out each week and were using their weekends as recovery time vs. quality time. Once they rolled out the 4-day workweek, she says they knew they made the right choice.

“Our teams were coming in smiling at the start of the week vs. groggy,” Phelps says. “It’s usually challenging to get feedback, but the consensus on the 4/10 schedule is that we had to do it. And we’re better because of it.”

Kelly Slater, VP of Pleasant Landscapes, based in Awendaw, South Carolina, says they implemented the 4-day workweek four years ago with the hopes of attracting more local staff and the 3-day weekend seemed like a great incentive for new hires and their existing staff.

“The team loved it,” Slater says. “They had been accustomed to working 8-11 hours per day anyway during our peak season so the official rollout of the new schedule really didn’t change too much for them. I think knowing they had that 3-day weekend to look forward to really improved morale and I noticed a slight increase on their motivation too.”

Not only do employees enjoy this additional time off, but owners have found the downtime helpful for themselves as well. Phelps says this schedule is more sustainable, as she and her husband needed the extra day as well. Gardocki says the schedule freed him up to do his sales work on Fridays.

“Before the 4-day workweek I would do sales and meet customers during the week in the evenings and on weekends,” continued on page 30 Gardocki says.

The Growing Concern | April 2024 | 29

F EATURE ARTI CLE

continued from page 29 Gardocki also states that, “The 4-day workweek freed up weekends for us as owners as well.”

Another benefit of the 4-day workweek is the ability to take care of maintenance and repairs with less downtime. Phelps says they can fix equipment on Fridays and have it ready for Monday without impacting the schedule.

Slater says with the 4-day workweek they can use the fifth day as a buffer day if they run into bad weather.

“It also allows us to take on more business and increase sales without the fear of needing to buy more trucks, tools and hiring additional staff,” Slater says. “In round numbers, we can add 25 percent more business by just having that extra day each week.”

Similarly, Gardocki says he always told crews if they had a rain date during Monday through Thursday, they would work that Friday.

THE CONS The biggest drawback for Gardocki with the 4/10 schedule is the weather. He says if employees already made plans for Friday that they couldn’t change, they’d end up with a skeleton crew. He says makeup days on Friday were occasional but in years with record-breaking rain it would have a much bigger impact.

“We found we needed to make sure customers knew of our 4-day workweek,” Gardocki says. “Almost all customers did not have an issue with it. The key was communication to let them know we would not be on-site Friday, Saturday or Sunday.”

Slater says from a business perspective, there aren’t any cons to operating on this schedule. She says they do have some employees who miss the overtime. Gardocki says if there is an employee who wanted a few extra hours on Friday, they could always find things for them to do like finishing a small job or taking care of equipment maintenance.

Phelps says one con is how call-offs are more cumbersome if a person misses one day out of four versus five, but they do have call-offs less frequently with the 4/10 schedule.

Additionally, some labor groups point out that not all fourday workweek policies favor workers. The California Labor Federation, an organization that comprises more than 1,200 unions across industries, opposes any policy that gets rid of the eight-hour workday, despite the length of the workweek.

“We just think after eight hours, people deserve overtime,” said Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, chief officer of the federation.

“In dangerous, hard jobs, after eight hours, it bears on your body. We’re not in support of contributing to that.”

This article was compiled using information provided by Jill Odem, Senior Content Manager for the National Association of Landscape Professionls (NALP), as well as information provided by Danielle Abril, who wrote an article for the Washington Post, titled “Workers want a four-day week. Why hasn’t it happened?”

30 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

continued on page 32 The Growing Concern | April 2024 | 31

F EATURE ARTI CLE

6 SIGNS YOUR WEBSITE NEEDS UPDATED If it has been a few years since you updated your website, it’s time to take action now. Your website is at the forefront of your business, where potential clients form their first impressions. In this fiercely competitive online arena, ensuring your website not only looks great but also functions seamlessly and provides an exceptional user experience is non-negotiable. Here are six common signs your website needs to be updated.

OUTDATED DESIGN & VISUALS

INEFFECTIVE SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION

In an industry where aesthetics hold significant sway, your website’s design and visuals can have a profound impact. In fact, a study by Stanford University found that 94% of first impressions are design-related—meaning that your website design could either draw prospects in to learn more about your company or turn them away immediately.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the cornerstone of any successful online marketing strategy. It’s not just about having a website; it’s about ensuring that your website ranks high on the search engine results pages (SERPs) for those relevant keywords and queries that your potential customers are searching for.

POOR MOBILE RESPONSIVENESS

A common sign of a poor, or ineffective SEO strategy is a low search engine ranking for key industry-related keywords.

For example, if your landscaping company specializes in “xeriscaping in [your city],” but your website doesn’t appear on the first page of the Google results when your target audience searches for “xeriscaping services in [your city],” it’s a very clear indication that your local SEO strategy needs to be improved.

Nearly 60% of internet traffic is expected to originate from mobile devices this year, a number that continues to grow as time passes. On par with these trends, the lawn, landscape, and outdoor living industry has witnessed a significant shift toward using mobile devices to access websites. As homeowners increasingly turn to their smartphones and tablets to research landscaping services, it’s crucial to ensure your website provides an optimal mobile experience.

32 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

continued on page 35

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Executive Director / OLA Cuyahoga Community College’s NCLC Team (Provo, UT).

OHIO ROCKS AT NCLC! Seven Ohio schools competed in the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) held in Provo, Utah in March. Two of these schools were high schools that competed against colleges/universities.

Participating were Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), The Ohio State ATI, Columbus State Community College, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Owens Community College, Upper Valley Career Center, & Knox County Career Center. Congratulations to all!

Special congratulations to Tri-C! The Tri-C team came in 2nd place overall and were the 1st place two-year school! This is quite an accomplishment because they were competing against many four-year programs with much larger teams.

In all, 49 school competed. Tri-C were defending champions this year as they came in first place overall last year!

Caleb Kautz, a Tri-C student, came in first of 595 competing students! WOW Caleb! Well done! Caleb is a previous recipient of an OLA Scholarship. This is the third consecutive year that a Tri-C student has taken 1st place, and the 5th time since 2014.

This year, their team placed in the top 3 in 12 different events.

34 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Destiny Griffiths, also a student at Tri-C, came in first place over all the women competing, and 5th place overall.

Congratulations - great job Destiny!

Cincinnati State Community College came in 12th place.

Columbus State Community College placed 20th. Owens Community College was 25th. Ohio State ATI came in 47th.

Our two high schools did a great job competing at the collegiate level: Upper Valley Career Center was 29th and Knox County Career Center came in 42nd.

All of these schools are to be applauded for their efforts. It is no small task to prepare for and travel to this competition.

Attending requires a lot of training and fund raising to cover entry fees and travel costs.

We are very lucky to have such great schools teaching horticulture in Ohio! I challenge you all to contact these schools and see how you and your company can help them.

Whether it is by sharing your expertise in a certain area, or with a financial donation, or by recruiting students for their program – we need to be actively involved with these schools and all other schools that provide our future workforce!

F E AT UR E AR T IC L E continued from page 32

OUTDATED CONTENT & INFORMATION Providing accurate and up-to-date information to website visitors is crucial for establishing credibility and trust and ensuring potential customers have access to relevant and useful information about your business. Signs of outdated content can range from expired promotions and outdated service offerings to incorrect contact information, all of which can undermine your credibility and harm the user experience.

Imagine a homeowner browsing your website and they come across a page advertising a promotion for spring planting services, only to discover that the offer expired several months ago. This not only creates a sense of disappointment but also raises questions about the reliability and attention to detail of your business.

SLOW LOADING TIMES Just as clients expect prompt and efficient service in their outdoor projects, they also demand swift performance from your website. Slow loading times can be likened to a planting bed overrun with weeds—they detract from the beauty of your online presence and hinder user experience. Sluggish websites repel visitors and harm your business’s reputation. High bounce rates and decreased user engagement are symptoms of a website plagued by slow loading times.

LACK OF CONVERSION OPPORTUNITIES Conversion optimization is essential for turning website visitors into leads and driving sales. The importance of optimizing conversion opportunities cannot be overstated.

Signs of missed conversion opportunities can include a lack of clear calls-to-action, outdated contact forms, and ineffective lead-capture methods.

Outdated contact forms can present significant barriers to conversion. In the landscape industry, where personalization and customization are key, generic and impersonal contact forms may deter potential customers from reaching out.

Instead, consider implementing interactive forms that allow visitors to provide specific details about their project or preferences, enabling you to tailor your response and services accordingly.

This article was written by member service provided, Halstead Media. To read this article in its entirety, or for other articles specific to the marketing your lawn, landscape and outdoor living space business, visit Halstead’s blog at https://www.halsteadmedia.com/home-pro-blog

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