The Growing Concern December 2024

Growing Concern

The

DECEMB ER 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

Central Ohio Evening Meeting

Using Social Media in Your Business / January 16, 2025 / Columbus, OH (See page 7)

Landscape Design & Enhancements Clinic

Foundations of Resilient & Dramatic Plant Combinations / February 13, 2025 / North Ridgeville, OH (See page 28)

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PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

FAREWELL & THANK YOU!

CAMERON MANERI Cleary Brothers Landscaping

Where has the time gone? As 2024 comes to a close, my time as Board President of the Ohio Landscape Association also ends. Reflecting back on my tenure, I’m overwhelmed with emotion. Never in a million years did I imagine that “I” would be writing articles for The Growing Concern, or engaging at this level with so many incredible people. The support within this association – from Columbus to Cleveland (and all surrounding areas) – is unmatched. We are growing rapidly, and it’s been an honor to be a part of that growth.

First and foremost, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged, supported, and motivated me during my presidency.

To my fellow board members, thank you for all you do. I am truly fortunate to have had such an amazing team of industry professionals surrounding me.

To those of you who joined as new members this year, my advice is simple: Stay involved, attend networking events, and make as many connections as possible. This is more than an association – it’s an extended family.

And finally, to ALL of our members... I appreciate each and every one of you who continue to support this great association. Whether you attend evening meetings, send your employees to educational events, sponsor events, volunteer, etc., your continued loyalty to this organization means the world – not only to me – but to our staff. You are the reason we exist!

That said, as I step down, I feel an immense sense of satisfaction with what this association and our board of directors was able to accomplish in 2024. We worked extremely hard this year to strengthen our educational programs, engage our members, place an emphasis on giving back to the community, and advocate on your company’s behalf.

Our Education Committee put on a series of sold-out classes this year, so much so that we had to offer additional days.

There’s much more to come in 2025, as we look to expand our current course offerings!

Our Programs Committee – responsible for the OLA’s evening meeting schedule – organized two fantastic facility tours and continues to attract great speakers while offering a number of networking opportunities. Note: If you haven’t attended an evening meeting as a member, I highly encourage you to join us at the next event. Evening meetings are free to members and are one of the best opportunities the OLA continued on page 6 provides to interact with your peers.

The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS D E C E M B E R 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 A L G REEN I N D U ST 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: Landscape Ohio! Awards Merit Award winner in the category of Residential Installation, submitted by KGK and Company.

FEATURES

3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Farewell, and Thank You!

8 PERENNIAL FOCUS

The Holiday Bookshelf: 2024 Edition

12 FISCAL FITNESS Year-End Reviews

16 FOR SAFETY SAKE

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.

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.

OFFICERS President Cameron Maneri

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

President – Elect Ryan Drake

Associate Director Rick Doll

24 FEATURE ARTICLE

Treasurer Brandon Barker

Membership Coordinator Melissa Roberts

30 DIRECTIONS 31 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 31 ADVERTISING INDEX

Immediate Past President Stephanie Gray, LIC

Safe Winter Driving

20 PLANT OF THE MONTH Mistletoe

2024: Reflections on the Year

4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

DIRECTORS Amy Gatoo Philip Germann Matt Malone Tim McCaskey Bob Ramser, LIC Tom Rieder, LIC

ENVIRONMENTALLY

FRIENDLY PAPER FROM RESPONSIBLE SOURCES. PRINTED USING SOY & VEGETABLE BASED INK.

C AL ENDAR OF EVEN TS U P C O M I N G O L A M E E T I N G S , E D U C AT I O N S E M I N A R S & E V E N T S

DECEMBER

JANUARY 2025 cont...

DECEMBER 3 (Central Ohio) SANDLER SALES TRAINING CLINIC

JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 9, 2025 STAFFING OF OLA DISPLAY: GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Our industry faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to engaging and converting modern buyers. To address this and help you thrive in today’s market, Sandler Training will be leading an insightful, interactive sales talk tailored exclusively for the OLA.

DECEMBER 5 DORMANT PRUNING Our Dormant Pruning clinic is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for your crews to learn proper pruning techniques. This year, we will be combining our NE Ohio and Central Ohio clinics into one event - held at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio - so that we may take advantage of the vast amount of plant material available on site.

DECEMBER 13 28th ANNUAL LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS DEADLINE The entry deadline for this year’s award program is fast approaching. For more information on how to enter, including rules and entry forms, visit www.ohiolandscapers. org/awards-program.

JANUARY 2025 JANUARY 16, 2025 CENTRAL OHIO EVENING MEETING Using Social Media in Your Business Done the right way, social media marketing can help your business gain exposure and generate leads. Join the OLA as we welcome Caleb Auman, Hardscape Contractor, Educator (The Hardscape Academy), and host of the Kid Contractor Podcast at the Grange Audubon Center in Columbus, Ohio. See page 7 for more information.

JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 30, 2025 SET-UP OF OLA GARDEN DISPLAY: GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW If you are interested in volunteering to help construct this year’s OLA garden, please contact the OLA at 440.717.0002, or register online at www.ohiolandscapers.org/committees using the “Join a Committee” option. This is a great opportunity to work alongside others in the industry, as well as contribute to the association.

This is a great opportunity to help promote the industry, our association, and your company. If you are interested in volunteering to help staff the garden during show hours, please contact the OLA at 440.717.0002, or register online at www.ohiolandscapers.org/committees using the “Join a Committee” option.

FEBRUARY 2025 FEBRUARY 13, 2025 LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ENHANCEMENT CLINIC Kickstart the new year with a masterclass in plant community design. Learn to strategically place shrubs, trees, and perennials to create stunning visuals and resilient landscapes. Instructed

by Kevin O’Brien of Lifestyle Landscaping. See page 28 for more information. Registration opens January 1, 2025.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025 OLA COMMITTEE MEETINGS Joining an OLA committee is a wonderful way to get involved – not only within the association – but in the industry you love. It is also a great way for a potential board member to get a feel for the association’s work and needs. Join us for our kick-off meeting. RSVP required. Call the OLA office at 440.717.0002 or sign up online at www.ohiolandscapers. org/committees.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025 OLA EVENING MEETING (NE Ohio) Foundational Business Building Blocks & Differentiation in Our Industry Join the OLA as we welcome Ben Gandy of Envisor Consulting who will look to help you paint a clearer picture of the fundamental building blocks of business and how to create clarity when it comes to the next steps in maturing your business. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts., OH. Registration opens January 2025.

UPCOMING IN MARCH & APRIL 2025 - CREW LEADER TRAINING (ENGLISH) See page 29 - CREW LEADER TRAINING (SPANISH) See page 29 - TURF INSTALLATION CLINIC

The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 5

PR E S IDENT’ S C OL UMN continued from page 3

Our PR & Marketing Committee has now launched two successful projects with the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District. In doing so, the OLA was honored as one of two first-year recipients of their newly created Community Champion Award. Additionally, the committee along with other OLA members helped train students in the Westlake School District for this year’s Landscape Olympics.

Finally, our Legislative Committee (led by Sandy Munley) – along with members of the OLA – continued to advocate for the H-2B visa program by traveling to Washington, D.C. Our representation in these efforts has been remarkable.

As I conclude this reflection, I feel a mixture of sadness and hope. This will be the last farewell article written by any OLA President under Sandy Munley’s leadership as Executive Director. It’s an honor to recognize Sandy, who has not only been a remarkable leader, but a friend and inspiration to us all.

It goes without saying that Sandy is a once-in-a-lifetime individual. She’s poured her heart and soul into this association, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every member has what they need. Along the way, she’s built meaningful relationships – both locally and nationally – that will serve this organization well in its future endeavors. Her relationships extend far beyond that of your typical executive director.

She knows members’ children’s names, their birthdays, and special events within their organizations. Sandy has built this association on more than just a mission to be the best; she has created an extended family.

With that said, Sandy, I wish you the very best in your retirement, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me and for this association. I know I speak for everyone when I say you will truly be missed. As you prepare to embrace a new chapter – one filled with more time as Grandma – I feel hopeful for the future of this association.

The camaraderie you’ve fostered will live on, and our mission to *elevate* the industry, *educate* our members and the public, and *advocate* for our cause will continue to drive us forward.

As I sign off for the final time: Thank you to each of you for an unforgettable year. And, thank you to Sandy “Mama Bear” Munley for your dedication to making this association one of the best in the nation. May your retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and all the wonderful moments ahead.

6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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Utilizing Social Media to Promote Your Landscape Business When your small business is up against brand power, you need to leverage all the fast-acting marketing avenues you can. Fortunately, advertising your brand and connecting with potential leads is easier than ever, especially if you enlist the help of social media.

Social media marketing is crucial to reaching potential customers for your landscaping business. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok offer a direct way to showcase your work, client testimonials, and expertise.

However, simply having an online presence is not enough. Staying updated with the latest social media trends is also important because it ensures your content remains engaging and relevant, attracting more clients.

Join us on January 16, 2025, as Caleb Auman (The Hardscape Academy, The Kid Contractor Podcast, Auman Landscapes, LCC) discusses his use of multiple social media platforms to engage potential clients as well as help like-minded business owners succeed.

Topics of discussion will include: • Why Your Business Needs To Utilize Social Media • Creating A Social Media Marketing Strategy • The ABCs Of Social Media • The Do’s And Don’ts Of Social Media • Social Media Pitfalls

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PEREN N I AL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

THE HOLIDAY BOOKSHELF 2024 EDITION

GROUNDCOVER REVOLUTION: How To Use Sustainable, LowMaintenance, LowWater Groundcovers To Replace Your Turf Jentz, Kathy Cool Press Springs, 2023 Beverly, MA

The first chapter of this book says it all. The author immediately poses the question: Why replace turfgrass lawns? Other than the time and cost of maintaining a lawn, there is also the reality that many lawns are so compacted

8 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

that they do not absorb rainwater; instead, the water runs off into the sewers and waterways, meanwhile polluting them with herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Then, there are steep slopes where the grass keeps the slopes from eroding but trying to mow them is extremely problematic.

The second chapter touts the benefits of groundcovers. For those seeking low maintenance, weed suppression should be at the top of the list. As a reader of this review, you need to know that I firmly hate the notion of the “perfect” lawn. Why does it have to be perfect, i.e. no weeds. That notion is at the top of the list of rationales for using herbicides. If the correct groundcover is chosen, however, it will create a solid mass of roots that shade the ground and thereby prevent weed seed germination. Ms. Jentz is happy to be more specific about which groundcovers to continued on page 10 use for specific purposes in chapter 5.

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I’m sure that most of you know you are batting your head against a wall if you try to grow grass in deep shade, usually under older trees with large canopies. Groundcovers can and should be your answer. Additionally, groundcovers provide wildlife support in the form of flowers that supply nectar and pollen for beneficial insects and food and shelter as well as nesting material for birds. Groundcovers also absorb stormwater, act as a filter for pollutants, combat erosion, and collect organic debris that breaks down and adds to the health of the soil.

Instead of paying for brown mulch, why not use a green mulch, i.e. a groundcover that holds in moisture and insulates the ground from temperature extremes? Less profit perhaps for a landscape contractor but much healthier for the environment. There are many areas in a landscape that are difficult to maintain; many of these are mentioned by the author and are, of course, a natural for the inclusion of groundcovers. I was surprised to learn that Epimedium is so tough that it can hold its own and even swallow the ubiquitous English ivy.

The chapter on installing and maintaining groundcovers is mostly common sense but for those who have never done this, it will be quite helpful.

Selecting the right groundcover will be the most important part of the process. There is a very helpful chart in addition to her top forty groundcover profiles. The profiles describe the plant’s attributes as well as precautions or drawbacks plus the ideal growing conditions and care instructions. Each profile shows symbols that are applicable: desired light, drought and soggy soil tolerance, disease and deer resistance, soil and salt tolerance, whether evergreen, wildlife benefit, whether a leaf swallower, whether fast spreading or flowering, if tall, foliage interest, and resistance to fire. In addition, there is a small chart showing height, winter hardiness, bloom time, spread speed, soil type and native range.

The profiles include many well-known groundcovers but also some not-so-well-known such as Packera. Additionally, some of the profiles included information that I did not know, not easy to do since I’ve been in the business for forty-seven years. Groundcover Revolution is a valuable book for everyone in the green industry.

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THE COMPLETE BOOK OF GROUND COVERS: 4000 Plants That Reduce Maintenance, Control Erosion, And Beautify The Landscape Lewis, Gary Timberland Press, 2022 Portland, OR

This book is excellent to use as a resource after reading the Kathy Jentz book because it includes so many more possibilities. As you might expect, considering the number of plant profiles, this book is considerably larger than the Jentz book.

I loved Gary’s preface in which he says that he wrote the book in an attempt to bring groundcovers out of the utilitarian shadows (using them as a solution) and into the light as valuable plants for their own use in design.

In his introduction, he differentiates rhizomatous plants from stoloniferous ones, important information since rhizomatous plants tend to spread more quickly. He also advocates for the environmental benefits of groundcovers.

His chapter on installation and maintenance is similar but a bit more detailed.

In the chapter on designing with groundcovers, I was happy to see that Gary emphasized the importance of the type of foliage as well as the importance of foliage over flowers. He also discusses design strategies such as creating smooth transitions from one space to another, using them to influence and enhance the visual experience, guiding physical movement through the garden, emphasizing garden features, adding multi-season interest, enlivening small and tight spaces, replacing lawn, supporting wildlife, covering walls and hardscape, and even creating green walls. There is a long section about combining groundcovers and excellent photographs to demonstrate how different species and cultivars of a genus can be colorful and highly textured. Several lists will be helpful: fragrant and aromatic groundcovers, good companions for bulbs, dry

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shade lovers, moist or wet soil lovers, sunny slope stabilizers, hell strip (treelawn) survivors, saline tolerant groundcovers, WE ARE THE WORLD LEADER IN THE those that want either acidic or alkaline soil and a very long MARKETING AND SALES OF BUSINESSES list of those resistant to deer and rabbits. I’ve added post-its to AND MERGERS & AQUISITIONS the book where the lists are, particularly the one on deer and FOR WHEN YOU’RE TIRED OF TAKING CARE OF OTHER’S TAKINGPASTURES CARE OF OTHER’S PASTURES AND YOUR READY TO ENJOY YOUR OWN. ANDGREEN READY TO ENJOY OWN. rabbit resistance. My list that I’ve compiled overFOR theWHEN yearsYOU’RE isn’t TIRED OFGREEN nearly as complete.

The bulk of the book consists of profiles of 4000 groundcovers.

If you are looking for something unusual, you will find it here. There were many groundcovers with which I was not acquainted so reading this book was quite enlightening.

Many had accompanying photographs.

I highly recommend purchasing or at least reading both books because they complement each other. If you are considering selling your business, talk with Reiner Mueller to receive a no-cost valuation analysis on WE ARE THE WORLD LEADER IN your business at 440.527.0521 | www.TransworldCleveland.com THE MARKETING AND SALES OF BUSINESSES Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., AND MERGERS & AQUISITIONS Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance writer, and lecturer40+ whose years of experience | 10,000+ businesses sold | 600+ Brokers | 250+ offices worldwide If you are considering selling your business, talk with Reiner Mueller to specialties are perennial gardens and four season landscapes. In addition to receive a no-cost valuation analysis on your business at being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member 440.527.0521 | www.TransworldCleveland.com 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).

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FOR WHEN YOU’RE TIRED OF TAKING CARE OF OTHER’S GREEN PASTURES AND READY ENJOY YOUR OWN. | December 2024 | 11 The TO Growing Concern

F ISCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

YEAR-END REVIEWS As we wind down the 2024 year, here are some important considerations investors should work on as the holidays quickly approach. There are several reasons to make year-end financial and estate planning a priority, because when the year turns over there is no going back.

TAX ISSUES Probably the most complicated and time-consuming issue, but the one that can cost you, or save you, the most money.

Some clients may need to generate gains or losses this year while the tax environment is still favorable.

Another issue in this category is the Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from qualified retirement accounts.

Clients over 73 years old must take their RMD this year or face stiff tax penalties of 25%. Also be aware of required distributions from Beneficiary IRAs.

MUTUAL FUND DISTRIBUTIONS As a general rule, don’t buy a mutual fund near the end of the year, without first checking when, and if, the fund will

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be paying out a capital gain for the year. If you buy Fund ABCDX on December 5th and they distribute a capital gain for the year on December 15th, you are responsible for the tax on this year’s whole capital gain, even though you held the fund for only 10 days. Remember, a tax-sheltered account, such as an IRA, SEP, 401(k), etc. will not have this tax consequence.

REVIEW YOUR WILL, BENEFICIARIES, POWER OF ATTORNEY AND INSURANCE POLICIES Double-check that changes or updates are not needed on your accounts. It’s all too common to leave an ex-spouse, for example, assigned accidentally. continued on page 14

F ISCAL FI TN ESS

continued from page 12 If you become incapacitated, do you have arrangements for someone to handle your medical and financial affairs?

Make sure you have the right amount of insurance for your needs. The insurance industry has become quite competitive, and you can easily compare rates and possibly save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

BUDGET/GOALS The holidays can be a busy time, but also a good time to set a budget. This is the time of the year when lots of your money is being spent. No better time to look at your finances than now. Think of ways to cut down on some of your expenses and/or plan on contributing more to retirement or college savings plans.

Set financial goals, but also personal, professional, entertainment and educational goals. This is a great time to do that.

ANALYZE PORTFOLIO This is important because any mix of investments will get out of whack over time. One stock may have had a spectacular run and is now a large percentage of your portfolio. Your bond investments/funds won’t grow at the same rate as your

14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

stock, your U.S. and foreign investments will post differing returns, and funds following different investment styles will behave differently from each other, too.

That shifting mix matters. You had a reason for dedicating a certain portion of your portfolio to U.S. growth stocks, blue chip stocks, fixed income, a certain portion to foreign, and so on. You built your portfolio to reflect your investment goals and the level of risk that you’re comfortable with. But if your portfolio has drifted far enough away from that original mix, it will no longer be the same fit for you.

And now with interest rates dramatically higher than a couple years ago, it might be time to look at US Treasuries to grab some yield and provide some stability to a portfolio. As of November 5, 2024, the 2-year Treasury Notes annual yield was 4.22%.

ROTH IRA CONVERSION If you are unable to contribute to a Roth IRA directly because you don’t qualify, you may benefit from contributing to a Traditional IRA, then converting the funds to a Roth IRA. Another option is to convert existing IRA assets to a Roth IRA. The conversion amount is considered income for the year, so a tax professional could run scenarios to determine when

a person will bump into a higher tax bracket and determine the proper amount. Another thought is to plan to spread conversions out over several years to minimize the tax impact.

Scenarios illustrated are hypothetical in nature, results may vary. Investing

CHARITY/GIVING

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

If you itemize your deductions, you can claim the money you have given to charity. Donating highly appreciated stock can give you the full deduction and avoid the Capital Gains Tax.

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

SCHEDULE REVIEW

Michael J. Donnellan specializes in stock selection and retirement planning.

Arrange meetings with your financial professional. Make it a priority and prepare by creating a list of topics to help get the most out of your discussion.

Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments at the M3 Wealth

is subject to risk which may involve loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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Phone number (440) 652-6370

Is your risk tolerance the same? Are your financial goals and time frames different than they were when you first made your plan? Most investors have changing needs and it is important to be on the offensive, instead of being reactionary.

Email: donnellan@m3wealthmanagement.com Securities and advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & Company Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB 10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

As always, talk to your financial professionals and tax advisors, to determine your specific needs and goals.

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The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 15

F OR SAFETY SAK E

SAFE WINTER DRIVING Well, the weather in Ohio is about to change and I don’t know about everyone else, but I get pretty nervous driving in winter weather conditions. The cold, blizzards, blowing wind, ice and slippery conditions are some of the hazards that make me anxious. However, to make this time of the year more bearable, I like to ensure I am prepared for the unexpected. You and your company should do the same thing: prepare your staff by reviewing safe driving techniques, create an emergency kit and prepare your company vehicles.

Safe driving in the winter requires extra caution and preparation due to challenging conditions like snow, ice and reduced visibility. Developing a program to assist employees with the unexpected is a great way to prepare them if they are caught in one of those scary situations. Prepping your fleet vehicles or personal cars, ensuring emergency equipment is available, and training employees on safe driving techniques can help lower anxiety when confronting these conditions.

VEHICLE PREPARATION Tires: If possible, install winter tires, as they provide better traction in the snow. If not, check the tread depth to ensure proper grip when driving through the snow. Tires need more tread depth in wintry conditions to maintain traction. It is recommended that tires have at least 5/32” of remaining tread depth because it allows snow to be compressed in the grooves and released as the tire rolls, improving stability.

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Battery: Ensure your battery is fully charged and in good condition, as cold weather can reduce its cranking amps.

Many batteries have a lifespan of only 3-5 years, and as they get older, they may struggle to start the vehicle in colder conditions. If your battery is approaching its expected service life, consider installing a new one so the car will start reliably and not leave you stranded.

Fluids: Keep your fluid levels at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This includes antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, oil and gas or diesel. Do not allow these fluid levels to get too low, as this may cause them to thicken up and in some cases, freeze.

Lights: Ensure all headlights, taillights and signal lights are working and clean. Properly working and clean lights ensure you can see and other drivers can see you. continued on page 18

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EMERGENCY KIT PREPARATION An emergency can occur at any time during winter weather.

Preparing for those emergencies with a survival kit is vital to employee safety. Be sure you have a kit for each vehicle in your fleet. The contents of an emergency kit can vary, but at a minimum, it should include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Blankets, A first-aid kit, Flashlight (with working batteries), Jumper cables (also consider stocking vehicles with a portable car battery jumper), Ice scraper with snow brush, A shovel along with traction material (such as sand or kitty litter), Bright cloth or emergency flares, Fully charged phone with charging cable & backup battery, Snacks and water.

SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES It’s crucial to practice winter weather maneuvers on ice or snow, but always in a safe environment like an empty parking lot during daylight. This allows you to rehearse maneuvers slowly, such as steering into a skid to understand how your vehicle reacts. Driving the vehicle in icy conditions in the parking lot

18 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

can also give you a better understanding of stopping distances.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes it is better to stomp on them and if you have non-anti-lock brakes, it’s better to pump them.

The parking lot is a great place to practice.

When driving in wintry conditions, remember to drive cautiously. Prep for the drive by setting up your GPS or music choice while parked to avoid the temptation to do so while driving. Check weather forecasts before heading out and identify road conditions that may be hazardous. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination; do not rush. If possible, avoid driving if a severe storm is expected.

Once you leave, keep a safe driving distance from the car ahead of you to allow more time to stop. If you encounter any slippery roads, slow down to maintain control of the vehicle. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly to avoid skidding, as abrupt actions can cause you to lose control. Avoid using cruise control, as it can make it harder to control the vehicle. If you find yourself in a skid and driving a front wheel drive vehicle, ease off the gas and steer into the direction you want to go. If you are operating a rear-wheel vehicle in a skid, maintain steady pressure on the accelerator, turn the steering wheel in the same direction the rear end is moving and correct the course once the skid has ended. Lastly, keep an eye open for black ice. Black ice is hard

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to see as it blends with the road. Be cautious in areas prone to it, such as bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. If you hit black ice, remain calm, and do not brake suddenly. Instead, keep the wheel straight and let the car pass over the ice.

If you find yourself stranded, it’s crucial to stay calm. Your vehicle can provide warmth, so stay inside. Remember to run the engine intermittently for heat and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use your cell phone, bright cloth or emergency flares to signal for help.

Staying calm in such situations can help you make rational decisions and take necessary precautions for safety.

By preparing your vehicle, adjusting your driving habits, and staying aware of changing conditions, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter driving. Remember to prep your vehicles for the winter weather, supply each vehicle with an emergency kit and train employee on safe driving techniques. All these practices will prepare your team for the winter. Always prioritize safety, and remember that arriving late is better than not arriving at all.

If you need help identifying potential hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, Risk Services Specialist at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick. com or 330.819.4728.

The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 19

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

MISTLETOE As humans, many of us place value on the concepts of ceremony and tradition, especially around this time of year. With that said, many of the ceremonies/traditions we celebrate are rooted far beyond what we think, often having been borrowed from other cultures. With Christianity being one of the later religions to develop, many traditions thought to be Christian were actually adapted from others.

Take for instance the incorporation of Mistletoe in our holiday ceremonies. Druids of ancient Britain viewed Mistletoe as a sacred plant symbolizing peace. The Norse saw it as a symbol of love, as did many Germanic tribes. Romans adopted the symbolism from these cultures and soon sprigs of Mistletoe hung in Roman doorways to protect the house (believing the “pagans” would not attack since it was a symbol of peace).

As Christianity developed it too borrowed the hanging of Mistletoe and associated it with the newly invented holiday (336 CE) of Christmas (which lined up, interestingly, with the pagan celebrations of the winter solstice). Soon in much of Europe the hanging of Mistletoe in a doorway would prevent witches (pagans) from entering the house.

20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

In the Middle Ages it was thought that the plant sprouted from bird droppings (kind of true, the bird ate the seed) and came to represent love and fertility. We don’t know about you, but we’ve never seen animal poop and thought, how romantic, regardless of what grows out of the poo.

Fast forward to today and the lore of kissing under the Mistletoe is forever engrained in songs reminding us each December to hang a fake plastic ball of dull green with white fruits over a doorway in our house for a month.

But what is Mistletoe and why is it so tied to humans? continued on page 22

The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 21

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

continued from page 20 Mistletoe is a common name for a group of plants which live their life cycles as obligate hemiparasitic plants. To break that down, “obligate” means they cannot reproduce without infecting a host. “Hemiparasitic” means they can still photosynthesize but must take water and nutrients from their host.

The original plant to be called Mistletoe is Viscum album now known as European Mistletoe. The name originated as Mihstilaz, which came from the Proto-Indo-European root meigh (urine) and Old English tān (twig). The name was given because a bird (today called a Misel Thrush, related to our robin) eats the berries, flies to another tree and defecates the sticky seed which then propagates on the new branch. A very observant if not somewhat vulgar naming for a plant that now represents love.

There is a red fruited species (Viscum cruciatum) occurring from Southwest Spain and Southern Portugal into Morocco and Northern Africa. If your family tradition uses a bough of red fruited Mistletoe rather than a white fruited, then your tradition may have originated there rather than in Northern Europe.

There is a species native to Ohio called Phoradendron leucarpum but is only found right along the Southern border becoming more prevalent as you head south into Kentucky.

At this point in our understanding, the habit of Mistletoe has evolved over 10 different times in vascular plants with the two main families of Loranthaceae and Santalaceae. In the former there are over 900 identified species in the world mostly being tropical and subtropical. There are at least 85 species in Australia alone.

Most Mistletoes produce varying amounts of chlorophyll making some species deep green while others give up, rely on the host to provide what they need, and turn oranges and yellows.

As mentioned, most are spread through bird droppings with the seed sticking to the branch with others being regurgitated by the bird or simply stick to the beak until the bird wipes it off on a suitable branch. At first it grows independently, but soon forms a root like structure, penetrates the trees vascular system, and taps into the flow of water and nutrients.

Mistletoes have varying levels of toxicity to humans and animals.

The European is more toxic than American but both are of concern if ingested. Most often they may cause blurred vision, diarrhea, and vomiting. Sometimes they may impact cardiac rhythms. It is important to note, that for centuries parts of the plants have been carefully used as medicine with strong evidence indicating future use in the treatment of cancers, epilepsy, and other significant human ailments.

While often thought of as bad due to their parasitic habit, some species of Mistletoe are significant keystone species in their ecosystems. A broad range of animals depend on Mistletoes for food and shelter. Many insects rely on the pollen of flowering species. Several species of birds across the world will nest exclusively in the masses of Mistletoes.

For most of us in Ohio, we don’t need to have much concern about Mistletoe in our trees, at least for now. Surely the species will move northward as our climate continues to warm, but for now, we suggest you keep the family holiday party lively by discussing the origins of ye old pee branch.

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 is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.

22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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FEATURE ARTI CLE

2024 Reflections on the year

As you lead your business, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next and never pause to reflect on how far your organization has come. “Many times as business owners, driven by long-term goals and future plans, we forget to step back and consciously celebrate the smaller yet very important accomplishments along the way,” says Andrew Ziehler, owner and CEO of Ziehler Lawn Care, based in Centerville, Ohio.

“I do believe one should take some time to sit back and reflect on the accomplishments of a full year,” says Ziehler. “My wife and I set multiple days aside per year for the business, as well as our family, for reflection and celebration, which really helps fuel the mind and body.”

REACHING OR EXCEEDING COMPANY GOALS Overall, the companies NALP spoke to say that 2024 was a good year for their businesses, and many either met or exceeded their goals for the year.

Some of Ziehler’s goals include growing their leadership within, rebuilding their sales team from the ground up and reaching 16% revenue growth. He says they are on track with developing leaders from within and their sales team has exceeded their overall revenue goals. He says they are on track with their overall revenue growth.

24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Despite a slow start in February, March and April, Kevin McHale, principal of McHale Landscape Design, Inc., based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, says they are on target and are looking for a slight increase in their top and bottom lines.

Jason Cromley, CEO of Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc., based in Hilliard, Ohio, says they initially aimed for a 25% increase this year. “As the year started, it really looked like everything was on point,” Cromley says. “We were hitting budgets, and then for some reason or another, we just got some really slow clients, and so we’ve had to re-forecast our budget.

We’re not going to hit our target goal. We’ll still see an increase of at least 10% from last year, just not the 25% we were thinking.”

Cromley added that while they fell behind in reaching their revenue goal, they’ve succeeded in their objectives of improving their software integration and sales training, which will benefit them going into 2025.

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• Prioritize workplaceCOMPANY flexibility. Workers prefer jobs KEYS TO MEETING OBJECTIVES flexibility that Inc., offerbased more Josh that Wise,provide CEO ofmore GrassRoots Treeover andthose Turf Care vacation days.

To the extent possible, give workers say in Acworth, Georgia says having a clear vision and missiona for in their schedule, work workareorganization, the company and making sureconditions, the right people in the right work location, and work tasks. seats has allowed them to reach this year’s goals.

• Match tasks to abilities. Use self-paced work, selfand less repetitive tasks. success,” “Ourdirected people rest andbreaks, our culture drive the company’s • Avoid Wise says. prolonged, sedentary work. Prolonged, sedentary work is bad for workers at every age. Consider sit/stand and walking workstations workers Gillyworkstations Artigues, president of Pleasant Places,forInc., basedwho in traditionally sit all day.

Provide onsite physical activity Charleston, South Carolina, agrees that the commitment of or connections to this low-cost community theiropportunities people has helped them succeed year. He says the based options. addition of several new estimators also benefitted them as they • Manage Including noise, slip/trip hazards, and expanded intohazards. new markets. physical hazards – conditions that can challenge an aging workforce that, more.

“It’s important if you want to grow, you have to be able to •get pricing Provideoutand design ergo-friendly work environments. quickly,” Artigues says. “Whether it’s an original tools, floor surfaces, RFPWorkstations, or a plan revision or a change order, youadjustable have to beseating, able to better illumination where needed, and screens and churn these out or somebody else is going to.” surfaces with less glare.

•Ziehler Utilize and new teamwork strategies for agingsays itteams hasn’t been technology, a large acquisition, associated problem solving. closest to the or special marketing that has helpedWorkers them be successful.“Our problem are often best equipped to find the ability to achieve goals comes down to how well fix. we execute at getting the right team in place at all levels of the business

•withProvide promotion and lifestyle a culturehealth that supports our values, strategic interventions direction and including physical tobacco accountability towards activity, results,” healthy Ziehler meal says.options, “We have been cessation assistance, risk factor reduction and screenings, working on this for years and will be focused on this piece for coaching, onsite medical care. Accommodate many years downand the road.” medical self-care in the workplace and time away for healthMcHale visits. credits his team’s dedication, loyalty and Similarly, •hardInvest inallowing trainingthem andto reach building work for their worker goals. skills and competencies at all age levels. Help older employees adapt to WITH new technologies, often a concern for employers DEALING CHALLENGES and older workers.that landscape companies faced this year Some of the challenges •included Proactively accommodations and the extrememanage weather,reasonable labor shortages and sales slowdowns. return-to-work process after illness or injury absences.

•Les Lightfoot, Require aging workforce skills in training for founder of LEI management Ground Groomers Houston, supervisors.

Include the most effective ways to Texas, says that this year’sa focus intenseonstorms in Houston pushed manage a multi-generational workplace. their operations to the limit, but their team adapted in real-time to the extended periods of rain.

“The intensity of the storms disrupted our usual operations and This article appeared onmanage the The National for required us tofirst rethink how we schedules andInstitute resources,” Occupational andit Health’s (NIOSH) website, located at Lightfoot says.Safety “While was a tough situation, it also gave us www.cdc.gov/niosh.

NIOSH’s mission is to develop new knowledge valuable insights into our processes and highlighted areas where in of occupational safety and health and to transfer that wethe canfield improve.

We have learned a lot about being more agile knowledge into practice.

Their vision: Safer, Healthier Workers. and proactive, which will help us handle similar challenges continued on page 26 more effectively in the future.”

The Growing Concern | September 2021 | 23 The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 25

F EATURE ARTI CLE

continued from page 25 Meanwhile, McHale says they experienced unprecedented hot weather. “We had several days of over 100 degrees in June,” McHale says. “It was hard on the landscapes and hard on our people. We had several shortened work weeks and work days due to the extreme heat. We exceeded budgets in order to perform drastically needed supplemental watering.”

by competition. We need to figure out how to effectively sell the value of our services at our pricing.”

McHale says while they’ve been able to stay fully staffed for most of the year as their maintenance division is growing rapidly, he expects recruiting talent will continue to be challenging.

Cromley says he realized his sales team had become too transactional and less relationship-focused with the client.

Wise says labor shortages were their biggest issue as they operated understaffed most of the year. Cromley says they received their H-2B workers two months behind schedule. He says they tried to hire as many qualified candidates as they could, but they did not settle for just hiring warm bodies.

Lightfoot also says the labor market and the H-2B program continue to be an ongoing challenge for them.

On the sales side, Tyler Stocking, director of business strategy and impact for Gachina Landscape Management based in Menlo Park, California says their biggest struggle has been growing their maintenance revenue.“We are well prepared to take on new work,” Stocking says. “We are being underpriced

26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Likewise, Ziehler says their closing percentage for new customer acquisition has made it difficult to grow their overall customer count at their preferred rate.

“As you get bigger, that’s one of those things that you kind of assume that you’ve told everybody how to do it, but they don’t always do it,” Cromley says. “And then you’re this big, and you’re looking around, and your friends are calling you, like, ‘I haven’t heard back from your person in two weeks.’”

He started investing in sales training to ensure they are not missing out on revenue dollars.

“We missed out on opportunities,” Cromley says. “If we would have done a better job with customer service, callbacks, quicker turnaround times, we could have closed more jobs.”

PLANS FOR 2025 Despite these challenges, these lawn and landscape companies are optimistic for next year and have ambitious plans.

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Cromley says that their investment in maximizing the last 10 years,” McHale says. “We also anticipate and are Through a national network of volunteers, their software www.ProjectEverGreen.org 888.611.2955 SnowCare for Troops provides complimentary usage will put the team ahead for next year. He notes the hopeful that we will close on at least one TO or two acquisitions in HOW REGISTER removal services to eligible military efficiencies you gainsnow in the field are not by a drastic percentage. our market.” www.ProjectEverGreen.org families with aThrough deployed service member. a national network of volunteers, A lot of it happens on the backend with the technology piece.

888.611.2955 SnowCare for Troops provides complimentary Lightfoot says their overarching goal as a company is to keep to billing eligible military PRESENTEDservices BY “Your morning rollout, yoursnow end ofremoval day closeout, your innovating and finding better ways to serve their customers families deployed service process, your sales process, how you with get a acontract turned in, member. and their team. In the last quarter of the year, they always ask how you get things ordered,” Cromley says. “That is where a lot these three questions to set specific targets for the next year: of time and efficiencies are actually lost on the administrative • How do we increase the quality of our customers’ and side of things.” He says their sales training efforts will also allow PRESENTED BY employees’ experience? them to keep customers happy and investing in their landscapes.

• How do we best have clear communication so we set realistic expectations and keep everyone on the same page?

“These last two years have been a reminder of you got to go • How do we add value to our team and customers’ lives? back to your selling skills,” Cromley says. “You got to go back to what you started your company with. Never being “The journey is as important as the destination, and by staying complacent, never being too comfortable, always knowing true to our core values, I am confident we will achieve our that the people who hustle every single day, whether you’re objectives by year’s end,” Lightfoot says. “With the dedication ahead in the race or behind, you can never stop hustling to of our team and the trust of our clients, we are setting the make sure that you’re putting forward your best effort. Your stage for long-term success.” clients are watching even when you’re not looking.”

Ziehler says they plan to increase their growth rate in 2025 and will continue to invest in growing and retaining their team members. McHale says they are budgeting for 8% growth next year. “We have consistently grown 5-10% annually over

This article was written by Jill Odem, Senior Content Manager for NALP. The National Association of Landscape Professionals (Landscapeprofessionals.org) is committed to advancing the industry and helping their members succeed through advocacy, education, networking, training, and professional development.

The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 27

HO

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OLA MEETINGSSERIES SERIES OLA EDUCATION

F EATURE ARTI CLE

EVENT INFORMATION DATE & LOCATION FEBRUARY 13, 2025 LCCC UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP RIDGE CAMPUS 32121 LORAIN RD. NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH 44039 AGENDA REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST 8:30 AM TO 9:00 AM CLINIC 9:00 AM TO 3:30 PM

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ENHANCEMENT CLINIC

Foundations of Resilient and Dramatic Plant Combinations

Kickstart the new year with a masterclass in plant community design. Learn to strategically place shrubs, trees, and perennials to create stunning visuals and resilient landscapes.

Deepen your plant knowledge with profiles of hardy favorites and discover the art of matrix planting. This session is packed with actionable techniques and a focus on ecological sustainability - setting you up for design success all year.

• • •

Refresh Your Plant Palette: Learn about underutilized but hardy plants, perfect for adding variety to your designs.

Maximize Landscape Impact: Create spaces that wow clients, support pollinators, and improve rainwater infiltration.

Lower Maintenance Costs: Design plant communities that simplify upkeep and reduce long-term costs.

Build Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals who share your commitment to excellence.

LUNCH (INCLUDED) 12:00 PM TO 12:45 PM

•

COST TO ATTEND OLA MEMBERS BEFORE 01/30/25 - $149 AFTER 01/30/25 - $179

NOTE: In addtion to this course, the OLA is planning to hold a Hands-On Plant Design Lab in the Summer of 2025 taking skills learned from the couse into the field with handson mock bed planting experience. Attendees will experiment, iterate, and refine real-time plant combinations with guidance and group feedback.

NON MEMBERS BEFORE 01/30/25 - $199 AFTER 01/30/25 - $249

Kevin is a landscape designer specializing in creative & naturalistic residential gardens. His projects have earned awards at the local, state and national level via the OLA, The Ohio Nursery& Landscape Association, The Perennial Plant Association, National Association of Landscape Professionals and the American Horticultural Society. He has been featured in Lawn & Landscape Magazine, Grounds Management Magazine, Cleveland Magazine, Cleveland Home Décor, Green Industry Pro Magazine, Landscape Contractor Magazine as well as local news media.

Kevin enjoys sharing what he has learned over his career to further elevate the art and craft of landscape & garden design. He has spent the past 20 years at Lifestyle Landscaping, Inc. North Ridgeville designing and selling residential work.

INSTRUCTOR KEVIN O’BRIEN: LANDSCAPE DESIGNER / LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPING

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.

2025 LANDSCAPE DESIGN CLINIC / REGISTRATION CLOSES 02/06/25

(Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

Zip

Fax (______) Email

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FEE

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Charge to my:

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The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 28

OLA EDUCATION SERIES REGISTRATION OPENS 01/01/25

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DATE & LOCATION MARCH 31, 2025 INDIANA WESLYAN UNIV. 4100 ROCKSIDE ROAD INDEPENDENCE, OH 44131 APRIL 1, 2025 WOLF CREEK COMPANY 6700B HUNTLEY ROAD COLUMBUS, OHIO 43229 APRIL 2, 2025 (SPANISH) WOLF CREEK COMPANY 6700B HUNTLEY ROAD COLUMBUS, OHIO 43229 AGENDA REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM CLINIC 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM LUNCH (PROVIDED) 11:30AM - 12:15PM COST MEMBERS BEFORE 03/17/25 - $199 AFTER 03/17/25 - $229 NON MEMBERS BEFORE 03/17/25 - $249 AFTER 03/17/25 - $279

CREW LEADER TRAINING

Preparing Your Crews for 2025 NEW THIS YEAR: We’re happy to announce our first CENTRAL OHIO SPANISH SPEAKING ONLY CLASS ON APRIL 2nd as part of a pilot program to determine the interest in holding Spanish courses.

Landscape crew leaders have to wear two hats: worker and leader. They also must walk a fine line in working side by side with other employees, having to direct, motivate and critique at the same time. Managing former peers and friends can be difficult and dealing with issues takes skills that can only be developed by stepping out of the work environment, learning best practices, applying it through role play, and then going back and applying it on the job. In this seminar, crew leaders will learn how to: • • • • •

Act as a “worker-leader” Supervise friends and peers Communicate with their superiors Generate accountability Motivate and delegate responsibilities

• • • • •

Implement and follow schedules Budget and complete jobs on time Manage problem behavior Produce client focused work And more....

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ARMANDO ACTIS / PROFESSOR Professor Actis provides management, inside sales & public relation training based on his education & experience in the landscaping & construction industry at Rendel’s Inc, where he is currently the Training & Project Manager for the Joliet Branch. He provides end user operation, application and maintenance training - training anyone from the casual user to the professionals in OSHA, safe & correct usage of landscaping and construction equipment. He was Equipment Manager and judge for ILCA’s (Illinois Landscape Contractors Association) Certified Landscape Technician exams at Joliet Junior College.

Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.

2025 CREW LEADER TRAINING CLINIC / REGISTRATION CLOSES 03/24/25 (Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

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CLASS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND:  MARCH 31 (Cleveland)

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The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 29

REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION

D I RECTI ON S

MILESTONES It is that time of year again! With the holidays upon us, the OLA would like to thank all of our members for their continued dedication to the industry and our organization. At our annual meeting on November 20, 2024 we applauded members celebrating significant membership milestones.

Additionally, the annual meeting is also when we announce the results of the election of board members that will serve in 2025. Congratulations to all! Happy Holidays to you and your families!

60-Year Member

25-Year Members

10-Year Members

The DiSanto Companies, Inc.

40-Year Members

Chesterland Nurseries Ditch Witch Mid-States Eastside Landscaping, Inc. Mueller Lawn and Landscape The Lawn Barbers, Inc. VanCuren Services, Inc.

Abate Landscaping and Greenhouses Supers Landscape, Inc.

20-Year Members

Boulders Direct CC’S Landscaping, Inc. Chardon Welding, Inc. Columbus Hardscapes Earth & Waterscapes, Inc. Hedge Landscape, LLC Mentor MFG Millcreek Gardens, LLC Rocscape Landscaping, LLC Schonhut Landscape Services

50-Year Member Marshall Equipment Company

35-Year Members American Turf Landscaping Fleck & Sons Landscape Service Ianiro Landscape Development Impullitti Landscaping, Inc. Sohars/RCPW, Inc. The Yard Works, Inc. Turfscape, Inc.

30-Year Members Avon Landscaping, Inc. Best Truck Equipment Calanni Landscaping, LLC Hobby Nursery Hunter Green Services, Inc. New Beginnings Landscape, Inc. Oberlander’s Tree and Landscape, Ltd. Ohio CAT R.B. Stout, Inc. Vizmeg Landscape, Inc.

Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape, Inc. GreenSource, LLC Huggett Sod Farm Lewis Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. Moscarino Outdoor Creations, Inc. SACS Consulting & Investigative Services

15-Year Members Cardinal Building & Design Co. D. Peterman Landscaping & Snow Plowing Forever Green Lawn Care, Inc. Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc. MRLM Landscape Materials/JTO, Inc. Pouly & Cruz Company, LLC Rice’s Tree Service & Landscaping Sharp Edge Tree & Landscape The Arms Trucking Co. Thompson Landscape & Design Western Reserve Landcare, Inc. Wightman’s Landscaping

2025 OLA BOARD OFFICERS

President - Ryan Drake / J.F.D. Landscapes President-Elect - Brandon Barker / J. Barker Landscaping Treasurer - Matt Malone / Kurtz Bros., Inc Corporate Secretary/Exec. Director - Sandy Munley / OLA Immediate Past President - Cameron Maneri / Cleary Brothers

30 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

5-Year Members Alexis Property Management, LLC BruZiv Landscaping Cleary Brothers Landscaping Consumers Builders Supply Five Seasons Landscape Management, Inc. Frieden Landscaping GM Landscaping & Design Independent Tree JTI, Inc. Kipton Stone Quarry Landskeepers Commercial Landscape Mahon Property Maintenance, LLC Pioneer’s Pride Sintsirmas & Mueller Co. LPA Thrive Lawn & Plant Healthcare

2025 OLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeffrey Ardo / En Garde Deer Defense Jason Deuble / Brothers Grimm Landscape Amy Gatoo / Sajovie Brothers Landscaping Tim McCaskey / McCaskey Landscape & Design Tom Rieder, LIC, Ottawa Landscapes

ADVERTI SI N G I N DE X WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The OLA is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: REGULAR MEMBERS ARO Landscaping LLC 13832 Upper Lewisburg Salem Rd Brookville, OH 45309 (937) 770-4088 Rachel Osswald Busy Bee Groundskeeping 1480 S. Carpenter Rd. #175 Brunswick, Ohio 44212 (216) 904-3213 Dominic Montemarano DLL Landscaping & Tree Service 3080 Lamb Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43219 (614) 471-8733 Stephanie Richardson

Lawns By Lucas 1064 Glendalough Ave Grafton, OH 44044 (440) 657-9969 Lucas Edgell Purgreen Group P.O. Box 341 Chesterland, OH 44026 (440) 256-1800 John Schwartz The Grounds Guys of New Albany P.O. Box 996 New Albany, OH 43054 (614) 620-1883 Lisa Garner

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Jared Reynolds Insurance 536 Main St. Zanesville, OH 43701 (740) 588-9090 Jared Reynolds

Holden Forests & Gardens 9500 Sperry Road Kirtland, OH 44094-5172 (440) 946-4400 Mary Lineberger

Techo-Bloc MID 2397 County Road Waterloo, IN 46793 (877) 832-4625 Roxanne Landry N

CIATIO SO

O

C

GIVE BACK TO YOUR INDUSTRY

BY JOINING AN OLA COMMITTEE!

AS

Grodhaus Landscape Design 151 W Lincoln Ave. Delaware, OH 43015 (614) 935-7205 Thomas Grodhaus

MM

EES

IT T Joining an OLA committee is a wonderful way to get involved – not only within the association – but in the industry you love. From our Annual Scholarship Golf outing through to our legislative endeavors, the OLA has a committee for everyone! Committees typically meet anywhere from monthly to 4 times a year – depending upon the committee and its initiatives. We’d love for you to consider getting involved! Sign-up now at www. ohiolandscapers.org/committees.

19

Abraxus/Royalton Supply Landscape Center

23

ACME Fence & Lumber

2

Botson Insurance Group, Inc.

15

Boyas Recycling / Pete & Pete

11

Briar Rose Nurseries

23

Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.

32

Ditch Witch Mid States

17

Kurtz Bros., Inc.

25

Lakeside Sand & Gravel

21

MRLM

21

Mock Consultation Services

19

O’Reilly Equipment

27

Snowcare For Troops

11

Transworld Business Advisors of Cleveland West

13

Valley Automotive Group

9

Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

6

Zoresco Equipment Company The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 31

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cleveland, OH Permit No. 2280

9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517

12/24

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