The Growing Concern January 2025

Growing Concern

The

JANUAR Y 2 0 2 5

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

NE Ohio Evening Meeting

Foundational Business Building Blocks / Febuary 19, 2025 / Broadview Heights, OH (See page 7)

Crew Leader Training Clinics (English & Spanish)

March 31, 2025 (Independence, OH) / April 1 & 2, 2025 (Columbus, OH) (See page 29)

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PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

RYAN DRAKE

J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc.

THE OLA IS TURNING 60!

Buckle up and strap in for a year like no other with the OLA! 2025 has so much going on; it is going to be one heck of a busy year.

With the OLA founded in 1965, we will be celebrating a big birthday this year! We will be commemorating 60 years of elevating, educating, and advocating for the Green Industry, here in the great state of Ohio. What an incredible accomplishment to be going strong 60 years later and still on our way up!

thankful for her service. That being said, it’s not just Sandy who makes the OLA engine go. Rick Doll (Associate Director) and Melissa Roberts (Membership Coordinator) continue to make significant contributions and are integral to our success in 2025 and moving forward.

One of the most incredible things about our association is our youth, which for a 60-year-old organization sounds like an oxymoron. For the past few years, our board has been comprised of younger members, which has been an invigorating source of energy, passion, and ideas. I feel honored and privileged to be leading such a hard-working and incredible group throughout the 2025 season.

This association exists for one reason and one reason only – to benefit you, our member. Without you, we’re just a group of people complaining about the lack of H2B visas. Your passion and involvement are the fuel that encourages us to make this association the best it can be. To that end, I implore you to get involved! Join a committee, help support our newer members, and keep sending your teams to educational events. The more involved you and your team are, the more you will get out of your membership! The comradery amongst our members is something I take great pride in. I would put our association up against any other, while advocating to anyone for our cause, continued on page 6 knowing we all have each others’ backs.

Another one of the many reasons our association is so strong and enduring is our staff, led by Executive Director Sandy Munley. Sandy has been at the helm for over half of the OLA’s existence – a commendable feat – and we could not be more

The Growing Concern | January 2025 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 5 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 Ryan Drake, J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc. Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb COVER: Landscape Ohio! Awards submission in the category of Residential Installation, submitted by Landscapes By Terra.

FEATURES

3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN The OLA is Turning 60!

8 PERENNIAL FOCUS

Do You Know These Natives?

12 FISCAL FITNESS Why Stocks?

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 Ryan Drake

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

President – Elect Brandon Barker

Associate Director Rick Doll

24 FEATURE ARTICLE

Treasurer Matt Malone

Membership Coordinator Melissa Roberts

30 DIRECTIONS 31 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 31 ADVERTISING INDEX

Immediate Past President Cameron Maneri

Employee Engagement in Safety

20 PLANT OF THE MONTH Quercus montana: Chestnut Oak

The Illusion of Growth through Diversification

4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

DIRECTORS Jeffrey Ardo Amy Gatoo Jason Deuble, LIC, OCNT Fred Krause Tim McCaskey Tom Rieder, LIC

ENVIRONMENTALLY

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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

JANUARY 2025

FEBRUARY cont...

JANUARY 16, 2025 CENTRAL OHIO EVENING MEETING Using Social Media in Your Business

FEBRUARY 19, 2025 OLA COMMITTEE MEETINGS

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. Register online @ www.ohiolandscapers.org/meetings.

JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 30, 2025 SET-UP OF OLA GARDEN DISPLAY: GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW This is a great opportunity to work alongside others in the industry, as well as contribute to the association. 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.

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

FEBRUARY 27, 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.

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, prior to our evening meeting. RSVP required. If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact the OLA at 440.717.0002, or register online at www.ohiolandscapers.org/ committees using the “Join a Committee” option. See page 31.

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. See page 7.

MARCH 2025 MARCH 31, 2025 (NE OHIO) CREW LEADER TRAINING (ENGLISH) Crew Leaders work side by side with employees while having to direct and motivate them. They will learn how to effectively manage their team, handle tight deadlines, all while increasing customer satisfaction. See page 29.

APRIL 2025 APRIL 1 & 2, 2025 (CENTRAL OHIO) CREW LEADER TRAINING (ENGLISH & SPANISH) We’re happy to announce a Spanish speaking option of this course, as part of a pilot program to determine the interest in holding Spanish courses.

Crew Leaders work side by side with employees while having to direct and motivate them. They will learn how to effectively manage their team, handle tight deadlines, all while increasing customer satisfaction. An English version of the course will be held on April 1st, and an ALL SPANISH version of the course will be held on April 2nd. See page 29.

The Growing Concern | January 2025 | 5

PR ES IDEN T’S COLUM N continued from page 3 As for me, I feel fortunate to have the perspective I do of our industry and as part of this association. While I’ve been working in the industry since 2007, as an employee/son of a family-owned small-business owner, I’ve really been in the industry almost my entire life. My parents have a photo of me loading up my John Deere pedal tractor onto a trailer to go to work when I was younger. I can remember using black trash bags as pond liners when I was out in the backyard, digging my own ponds as my father’s crews were doing a little more professional pond install in the same yard. I can’t tell you how many die-cast Bobcats or Tonka trucks I had, but it was quite a fleet, though the real ones are really much more fun to use!

And, looking back, I would’ve given anything for an electric backpack sprayer as a kid, because hand-pulling weeds was never a fun task.

To that end, I love this industry and enjoy the hard work that comes along with it. There are few professions in this world that offer the same satisfaction as completing a beautiful landscape install, clearing snow from a lot, or laying down some precise stripes on a lawn gives.

Part of what makes me so excited for our future is that younger

6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

generations are finally beginning to recognize these things about our industry, but it is on us to continue to spread that message. There are quality, fun, lucrative careers to be had.

Our PR & Marketing Committee has done a spectacular job at getting the word out to local schools, including BrecksvilleBroadview Heights; what a success that program has been. We also have the top college program in the nation, Cuyahoga Community College, right here in our backyard!

In closing, we have an incredible foundation to work from, thanks to all those who have come before us, those who continue to strengthen our industry, and those coming in the future to take us to new heights. I could not be more grateful for all that I’ve learned from our past – and current – board members, as well as others I have met throughout the industry. It will be a sincere honor to serve as President of our association for 2025. It is hard for me to imagine being here – now – from just being a kid who loved to play in the dirt... and still does.

We wish all of you a wonderful and successful new year. As a board, we are fired up and ready to go for 2025, and we hope you are too!

OLA MEETINGS SERIES OLA EVENING MEETING SERIES

DATE & LOCATION FEBRUARY 19, 2025 ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE 5025 EAST MILL ROAD BROADVIEW HTS., OHIO 44147 AGENDA REGISTRATION / NETWORKING FOOD / CASH BAR 6:00 PM TO 7:00 PM PROGRAM 7:00 PM TO 8:45 PM COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: NO CHARGE NON MEMBERS: $50 REGISTER TO ATTEND BY FEBRUARY 12, 2025

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Foundational Business Building Blocks & Differentiation in our Industry Everyone has good ideas. Some have more than others. Yet, to be actionable and make a meaningful difference in your business, ideas need context. They need to be associated with a framework so they can be prioritized and sequenced with an understanding of the proper roles and metrics to make them sustainable.

Join the OLA as we welcome Ben Gandy, Principal of Envisor Consulting, who will help to paint a clearer picture of the fundamental building blocks of businesses and the clarity necessary to take the next steps in maturing that business. Ben wants to help you put your great ideas to work and build differentiation in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Topics of discussion will include: • Keys to growth, profitability and quality of life in business.

• Developing and maturing processes and people.

• Reinventing your business by assessing the organization against known frameworks.

• Success can be simple, but not easy. Gain clarity on the who, what, and when.

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Ben has developed operating systems and implemented key strategies that have propelled several businesses to profitability, market leadership, and successful transitions, including Scapes Landscape, one of the top 100 companies in the US. His lean production expertise is unparalleled, having spent several years working with the nation’s largest landscape provider deploying their progressive initiatives on a national level. He has been to virtually every landscape market in the US, implementing lean on a cultural and practical level.

A longtime member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), Ben has a down to earth, practical approach. He is committed to simple solutions that drive results.

SILVER SPONSORS

In addition to our primary presenter for the evening, the OLA will welcome Dorinda Byers, Deputy Director on the Ohio Performance Team at the Ohio Auditor of State to give a brief, 15-minute presentation covering the purpose and functions of Ohio’s Auditor of State’s office.

GUEST SPEAKER

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DORINA BYERS / AUDITOR OF STATE (OHIO) With more than 20 years of experience, Dorinda possesses a proven track record of increasing organizational effectiveness, shaping cultures, strengthening teams, and positioning clients for sustainability and growth. Dorinda’s diverse employment background includes workforce, outreach, sales, and economic development in community colleges, manufacturing, and universities. She holds a Master’s degree from Muskingum University and a Bachelor’s from The Ohio State University.

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PEREN N I AL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Eupatorium perfoliatum.

DO YOU KNOW THESE NATIVES? Many clients ask for natives in order to help the environment even though natives may not be the best answer for a particular situation. However, there are many natives available with which many designers and gardeners are not familiar. I am making it my mission to acquaint you with some of these. This time, I will discuss perennials for sun. Next time will be native perennials for shade.

Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) is a species of a genus that is best known for Joe Pye Weed but this native sports white flowers instead of purple or pink. It’s a large (5 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet in diameter), hairy plant that grows in clumps, and produces small, white flowers in late summer and fall.

Although usually found in wet soils, it will also thrive in irrigated gardens. In very wet soil, it will travel. Happily, it is a pollinator magnet and is deer resistant.

Similar in size and cultural requirements are Eupatorium maculatum/fistulosum ‘Bartered Bride’ and Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’. Although all three will grow in partial

shade, bloom is best in full sun. ‘Chocolate’ has the additional virtues of better shade tolerance, slightly shorter at only 5 feet, and chocolate-tinged foliage (more so in shade than in sun).

Any of these are back of the border plants and work well with ornamental grasses and Echinacea.

I was not well acquainted with Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) until a few years ago when I ordered and planted it in a section of my west bed that is sunny and very dry. The thimble shaped flowers of Purple Prairie Clover sit atop a spray of stems with delicate foliage and stay in bloom well into August. Its deep taproot ensures a long-lived plant. continued on page 10

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The Growing Concern | January 2025 | 9

PEREN N I AL FOCUS

Eupatorium ‘Bartered Bride.’

Dalea purpurea with Allium sphaerocephalum buds.

Closeup of Dalea purpurea with ornamental grasses.

Geum triflorum blossoms.

Geum triflorum deadheads.

Geum triflorum massed.

continued from page 8 This perennial would work well in many sites such as sunny perennial borders, native plant gardens or naturalized prairie areas.

The flowers offer a popular source of nectar for bumble bees and other pollinating insects. The delicate foliage is host to a few small butterfly species such as the Southern Dogface, California Dogface, and Reakirt’s Blue butterflies, as well as several small moths. One of the most widespread of the Prairie Clovers, Dalea purpurea is a standard component in prairie restorations, but it is uncommon in areas that have been disturbed by modern development. Root division can be tricky as it does not like disturbance after it has become established. Prairie Clovers are legumes and act as a natural soil fertilizer when the spent plant material is left to enrich the soil.

Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke) is a distinctive prairie wildflower with irresistible pink feathery seed heads. Each flowering stem holds three nodding pink bell-shaped flowers.

Once the flowers are fertilized, the real show begins as the nodding blooms transform into upright clusters of wispy pink plumes. A massed planting creates a pinkish haze that can last for a month. The basal leaves are fern-like and deeply serrated with hairy margins. While not truly evergreen, the leaves can persist through winter, turning attractive shades of red and crimson. Plants spread slowly by rhizome to form a groundcover and are perfectly suited for dry rock gardens.

Prairie Smoke is also effective planted in groups in a perennial bed, but it does not like to be overcrowded by taller perennials.

Excellent for hot dry spots, it thrives in any well-drained soil.

Wet and soggy winter conditions may cause the plants to die.

The timing of bloom of this Geum is such that it bridges the period between spring blooming bulbs and early June perennials such as hardy geraniums. The divided foliage is very attractive for the rest of the summer and fall.

All three of these perennials are hardy to at least zone 5 and there is one for each season.

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).

10 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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The Growing Concern | January 2025 | 11

F ISCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

WHY STOCKS? Why do people buy stocks? There’s really only one answer.

To make money!

guarantee that the company whose stock you hold will grow and do well, so you can lose money you invest in stocks.

Whether an investor is looking for capital appreciation, which occurs when a stock rises in price, dividend payments, which come when the company distributes some of its earnings to stockholders or the ability to vote shares and influence the company, the bottom line is making a profit.

If a company goes bankrupt and its assets are liquidated, common stockholders are the last in line to share in the proceeds. The company’s bondholders will be paid first, then holders of preferred stock. If you are a common stockholder, you get whatever is left, which may be nothing.

Stocks offer investors the greatest potential for growth (capital appreciation) over the long haul. Investors willing to stick with stocks over long periods of time, say 10-20 years or more, generally have been rewarded with strong, positive returns.

Even when companies aren’t in danger of failing, their stock price may fluctuate up or down. Large company stocks as a group, for example, have lost money on average about one out of every three years. If you have to sell shares on a day when the stock price is below the price you paid for the continued on page 14 shares, you will lose money on the sale.

But stock prices move down as well as up. There’s no

12 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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continued from page 12 Market fluctuations can be unnerving to some investors. A stock’s price can be affected by factors inside the company, such as a faulty product, or by events the company has no control over, such as political or market events.

Stocks usually are one part of an investor’s holdings. If you are young and saving for a long-term goal such as retirement, you may want to hold more stocks than bonds. Investors nearing or in retirement may want to hold more bonds than stocks.

The risks of stock holdings can be offset in part by investing in a number of different stocks. Investing in other kinds of assets that are not stocks, such as bonds, is another way to offset some of the risks of owning stocks. That is called diversification.

Diversification applies to both the stock and bond portions of a portfolio. On the stock side, it means owning shares of U.S. and international companies of different sizes and in different sectors. Bonds can be government bonds, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds, among others.

Having a balance of lower-risk assets like bonds and higherrisk assets like stocks allows a portfolio to grow while providing a cushion against volatility. While stocks offer higher expected

14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

returns over the long run, they can experience substantial short-term swings. High-quality bonds, on the other hand, tend to generate lower returns but may provide stability. A diversified portfolio reduces overall risk while still allowing for long-term growth potential. Of course, a diversified portfolio approach may underperform relative to a winning investment, but it may provide stability and can help you sleep at night.

Markets are fundamentally run by humans, which means anxiety, fear, exuberance, and other emotions come into play. Markets go up, down, and sideways—sometimes for no apparent reason. It might be wise for beginners to accept what they can and can’t control and try to avoid making potentially irrational, emotion-driven decisions (among other common trading mistakes).

It’s also a good idea to carefully plot your short, medium, and long-term goals and time horizons; recognize the difference between “investing” and “trading”; define the type of investor or trader you are; and develop a profile that best suits your goals and comfort with risk.

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

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FOR WHEN YOU’RE TIRED OF TAKING CARE OF OTHER’S GREEN PASTURES AND READY TO Growing ENJOY YOURConcern OWN. | January 2025 | 15 The

F OR SAFETY SAK E

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN SAFETY Employee engagement in workplace safety is critical for maintaining a safe and productive environment.

When employees actively engage in safety efforts, they’re more likely to follow protocols, identify hazards and contribute to a culture prioritizing well-being. Employee engagement will differ from company to company depending upon factors such as culture, leadership, employees and the current safety program. Regardless of the type of safety program you have, involving employees in it will show the company’s dedication to safety in the workplace. An effective way to protect employees is to involve them in your company’s safety program. There are a number of ways to do this, so it is important you find out what works best for yours.

INVOLVE EMPLOYEES IN SAFETY PLANNING Active participation in the company’s safety planning meetings and risk assessments will allow workers to voice their concerns of others and suggest improvements. Many employees have firsthand knowledge of tasks and job functions and can highlight potential risks, hazards and offer better solutions others may overlook.

EMPOWER EMPLOYEES TO SPEAK UP There are many ways to encourage employees to report hazards, near-misses and unsafe behaviors. The key is to

encourage reporting without fear of reprimand. Suggestion boxes, computer reporting software, safety meetings and toolbox talks can all be used to address safety concerns and make employees feel comfortable contributing to safety.

PROVIDE SAFETY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Develop a training program that offers guidance and knowledge to employees. Training is required in many situations for compliance but it should be more than that.

The main focus of training is to encourage employees to work safely to eliminate injuries. Remind them that nobody wants continued on page 18

16 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

FOR SAFETY SAKE

continued from page 16 to get hurt at work and safety training is key to preventing injuries. Regular, interactive training keeps safety top-of-mind and helps employees retain knowledge. Customize the topics for different departments or areas.

SET CLEAR, ACHIEVABLE SAFETY GOALS Goals can be a great way to encourage employees to get involved in safety. Recognize individual and team efforts to meet these goals, which can help keep everyone motivated.

However, avoid setting goals that focus on injury reduction as this might discourage employees from reporting.

Acknowledge employees who consistently follow safety practices and contribute to safety initiatives. Rewards can range from public recognition to tangible incentives.

ENCOURAGE POSITIVE PEER INFLUENCE Create a culture where employees remind each other about safety practices and help correct unsafe behaviors. Focus on the point that safety is everyone’s responsibility and not one department or person. No single employee should be policing safe work practice, but it should be a responsibility of everyone. Reinforce to staff that reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors is key to prevention and keeping an overall safe workplace. When safety is part of the team’s shared responsibility, compliance improves naturally.

18 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE Probably one of the most important parts to a safe workplace is leading by example. When leaders consistently demonstrate commitment to safety, it sends a strong message. Regardless of who enters the work area, ensure employees wear required PPE and follow safety guidelines such as staying within marked walking areas. Engaged leadership shows that safety is a priority and not just an obligation. Employees who regularly do not enter the work area and are seen not following safety rules shows to employees that safety is not a priority.

REGULARLY COMMUNICATE INFORMATION Keep safety visible with bulletin boards, digital displays, posters or company newsletters. Regular reminders reinforce the importance of safety in the workplace. The safety message should be changed periodically (weekly or monthly). Use these communication channels to reinforce safety guidelines, such as PPE usage, Safety Data Sheet information or review of safe work practices.

EVALUATE AND ACT ON FEEDBACK Regularly request feedback on safety processes and be proactive in implementing suggested changes. When employees see their feedback leads to improvements, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Regardless of how small a safety

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suggestion may seem, always get back to the employee with a response. Ignoring requests can demonstrate a non-caring attitude toward safety.

Encouraging employee engagement into your company’s safety program is a great way to demonstrate how important safety is in the workplace. When developing a strategy that is specific to your culture, be creative, think outside the box and include employee suggestions. Once you’ve come up with a strategy that fits your organization, communicate it with employees. Share the philosophy that safety is the number one priority. Remember, in a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute to safety, they’ll be more likely to stay actively engaged in creating a safe environment.

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 | January 2025 | 19

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

QUERCUS MONTANA

CHESTNUT OAK

We’re kicking off 2025 with an excellent shade tree and will continue the year by focusing on climate change-adaptable shade trees for our landscapes. Why do we want to focus on this, you wonder? Well, it doesn’t look like we’re going to meet our goals for slowing down the rate of change any time soon, but planting more trees will certainly help!

As the annual temperature median continues to rise, our landscapes will experience a longer frost-free period, hotter and dryer months in summer, and more intense storms when it does rain. So, this year we want to focus on trees that will be able to adapt to the hot/dry summers, intense storms, keep their cold hardiness, and yet continue to look good the whole time.

Starting us off is a champion of the East, Quercus montana.

While the name makes us think this tree must be native to the West, it is a reference to its preference for rocky soils that are very well-drained (montane habitat). These trees are found throughout the tops of the Appalachian Mountains and into the Ohio Valley. The native range covers around half of the state, but it will grow great anywhere in Ohio.

20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

This is what we would call an upland Oak, as opposed to Oaks that specialize in lower/wetter areas (think Q. palustris – Pin Oak). A focus on the habitat they grow in helps us realize the utility of the tree for urban settings. If they thrive at the top of a mountain, they are likely to be rather drought tolerant, given the soils found there. One of the most successful uses we’ve seen for this tree is parking lot islands where you know the soil is absolute rubbish. In fact, on your next visit to Stan Hywet, you can see two of these planted in rather small triangles in the main drive doing just fine.

You may have heard of this tree by another name, Quercus prinus, which was often used for this and a similar tree, the Swamp Chestnut Oak (now Q. michauxii). continued on page 22

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W W W. W I L L OWAY N U R S E R I E S . C O M The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 21

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

continued from page 20 Both trees look very similar, especially in the leaf, and some botanists argue they are the same, but it is much more common to see one in the lowlands and one in the highlands.

Quercus prinus doesn’t reach crazy heights on top of mountains (60’), but when planted in a landscape setting, you can expect it to push towards 100’, but don’t hold your breath – it isn’t the fastest-growing tree. When the tree does mature and get some size, the bark is one of its most notable features. Deep fissures form in the dark brown bark and look almost black creating a very rough texture. Trees in nature tend to branch low, but they are easily limbed up to provide clearance as needed. The low branching kept them from being an ideal timber species, but the wood is very similar to White Oak (Q. alba) and is highly rot-resistant. Thousands of miles of old train lines in America have a lot of their ties made from Chestnut Oak. As is true for all of our native Oaks, this tree is monoecious (male and female flowers separate, but on the same plant) and bloom in May. The male flowers are long, pendulous catkins and trees rely on wind to help disburse the pollen. However, if you are a tree climber, you know that these flowers are also visited by many pollinators in the spring, as well. With the insects buzzing around and the emergence of hundreds of caterpillar species, Oaks are a crucial part of migratory bird support. Right when the Warblers, Vireos, and Thrushes are coming through Ohio, our Oaks are in full bloom and buzzing with all the food these traveling birds need to make it to their summer breeding grounds up North. This is one of the major reasons to plant more Oaks, to help support the declining bird populations.

acorns in the fall. Unfortunately for this setting, the acorns on Chestnut Oak are one of the largest of all Oaks, maybe only Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa) is bigger. Perhaps with large enough rightsof-way, islands, and parkways, this concern can be diminished.

Or, bombs away – don’t park under it for a few weeks!

Fall color is not shabby for an Oak, often showing some hints of red/orange before doing the whole “look at me, I’m a brown leaf” thing that Oaks like to do. The common name of Chestnut Oak comes from the leaf having a wavy/undulate margin that looks similar to American Chestnut (Castanea dentata). It is a very attractive leaf, sometimes confused as Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor) but not nearly as lobed, or fuzzy underneath.

Since this Oak is plenty hardy down into Alabama and Georgia, you know it will be ready for warmer temperatures and humidity up north, and being cold hardy all along the North coast of Lake Erie, it has plenty of winter hardiness, as well.

Next time you need a shade tree, consider reaching for Quercus montana when you have disturbed/urban soils. Perhaps, if you need a shade tree and the area is on the wet side, consider its lowland cousin, Quercus michauxii. Both of these Oaks will provide great carbon storage, cooling shade, and provide much needed food for all the cool migrating birds each year.

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

We mentioned planting these in parking lot islands, and one of the concerns that can come up is the fact that Oaks produce

22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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FEATURE ARTI CLE

The Illusion of Growth Through Diversification Many business owners in the green industry share a common goal: to grow an amazing, profitable business that stands out as a leader in the market. But in the face of stiff competition, the urge to offer more services – lawn care, tree care, landscape design, maintenance, irrigation, and more – can seem like the best way to differentiate and attract more customers.

As Jeffrey Scott points out, “Business is a game of margins, not a game of volume. Companies fail because of thin margins.

Frankly, successful companies are profitable companies.”

In other words, adding services may increase your top-line revenue, but if it spreads resources too thin or adds complexity without corresponding profitability, it could be a losing strategy.

UNDERSTANDING POSITIONING: THE KEY TO STRATEGIC GROWTH One of the most important concepts in marketing is positioning. Simply put, positioning is about defining what services you offer and who you offer them to. It’s the foundation of your brand’s identity and dictates how potential customers perceive your business.

Imagine you’re standing in a vast grass field with a shovel.

Each time you add a service, you dig yourself a new hole. If

24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

you add too many diverse services, you end up with a lot of shallow holes spread across the field – representing a brand that tries to do everything but excels at nothing. You’re “Just Another Landscaper.”

On the other hand, if you focus on a core set of services and dig deeper into those areas, you create a stronger, more defined brand.

From the marketing perspective, too much horizontal diversification – offering too many unrelated services – can dilute your brand. It can make it harder for customers to understand what you do best and why they should choose you over a more specialized competitor.

Jeffrey sees this issue frequently: “Diversification, if not done smartly, can lead to higher equipment costs, underutilized assets, and ultimately, lower profitability.”

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THE HIDDEN COSTS OF DIVERSIFICATION Over-diversifying doesn’t just hurt your brand; it can also strain your resources and lower your overall profitability.

Each new service you add requires new equipment, specialized staff, and often, a different approach to marketing and customer service. This can lead to higher operational costs and complexity that your business might not be able to sustain.

Jeffrey shared an example: “I’ve seen more diversified companies tend to have higher equipment costs, meaning they don’t make full use of their equipment as they would if they were just all in on one thing.” The same principle applies to your team, technology, and even your company culture. When your resources are stretched across too many areas, none of them get the attention they need to truly excel.

WHEN TO SAY “NO” TO NEW SERVICES One of the most challenging aspects of running a business is knowing when to say “no.” It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching a new service, especially if customers are asking for it. But just because you can offer something doesn’t mean you should.

In our podcast, I brought up the idea of focusing on vertical positioning – deepening your expertise in a specific area – rather than broadening your service offerings.

For example, if you’re already offering tree care services, you could expand into more specialized areas within that field, such as plant healthcare or root excavation, rather than branching out into entirely new services like irrigation or lawn care.

Jeffrey agreed, highlighting a key consideration: “You can sell more services to the same client or have one service and sell it to more different kinds of clients.”

“But when you go for new services and new clients, that’s like a whole new business.” The takeaway here is that strategic growth often means doing more of what you’re already good at, rather than trying to do everything.

THE SIGNS OF OVER-DIVERSIFICATION How do you know if your business is suffering from overdiversification? Here are some signs Jeffrey and I discussed: continued on page 26 The Growing Concern | January 2025 | 25

F EATURE ARTI CLE MAKING TOUGH DECISION So, what do you do if you realize your company is overdiversified? The answer might be tough, but it’s necessary: you need to prune.

Jeffrey introduced a concept called “Fix, Fire, Fill,” which he uses to help businesses evaluate their service divisions. “You have to look at your divisions and decide which ones need fixing, which ones should be cut, and which ones you should focus on growing,” he explained. Sometimes, this means letting go of services or clients that aren’t profitable, even if they’re bringing in revenue.

For example, one of Jeffrey’s clients had a garden center that was bleeding resources. After a thorough analysis, they decided to shut it down and redirect their focus to a more profitable division. Another client found that they were great at flat work but not as strong at building walls, so they chose to subcontract the wall work and focus their resources on what they did best.

STRATEGIC GROWTH FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS

continued from page 25 High Operational Costs If you’re running multiple CRMs, have diverse equipment needs, or are struggling to keep up with the expertise required for each service, you might be spread too thin.

In the end, the goal isn’t just to grow your business – it’s to grow it strategically. By focusing on what you do best and being selective about the services you offer, you can build a stronger brand, increase profitability, and create a more sustainable business.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s natural to want to do more. But sometimes, doing less – and doing it better – is the key to long-term success. If you’re feeling the pressure to add more services, take a step back and consider the impact on your brand, your team, and your bottom line.

Diluted Brand Identity If your marketing materials are trying to communicate too many different things, or if your customers don’t seem to understand what your company does best, it’s a red flag.

As Jeffrey wisely put it, “Successful companies are profitable companies.” And in many cases, focusing on profitability means resisting the urge to diversify too much.

Internal Cultural Divide Different service divisions can create silos within your company, making it harder to maintain a cohesive culture.

This can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of collaboration between teams.

If this conversation has sparked some thoughts about your own business, I encourage you to reach out to industry experts like Jeffrey Scott. He can help you look more closely at your company’s health and guide you to make more profitable decisions.

Stagnant Profit Margins If your revenue is growing but your profit margins are not, or if some divisions are dragging down the overall profitability, it’s time to reassess your service offerings.

This article was written by Chad Diller, Landscape Leadership President, for

26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

the Landscape Leadership Blog, located at www.landscapeleadership.com/blog.

Landscape Leadership helps you reach your business goals with marketing sales programs tailored to your green industry company.

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OLA MEETINGSSERIES SERIES OLA EDUCATION

F EATURE ARTI CLE

EVENT INFORMATION DATE & LOCATION FEBRUARY 27, 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 LUNCH (INCLUDED) 12:00 PM TO 12:45 PM COST TO ATTEND OLA MEMBERS BEFORE 02/13/25 - $149 AFTER 02/13/25 - $179

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.

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.

INSTRUCTOR

NON MEMBERS BEFORE 02/13/25 - $199 AFTER 02/13/25 - $249

KEVIN O’BRIEN: LANDSCAPE DESIGNER / LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPING 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.

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY FEBRUARY 20, 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 02/20/25

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

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5.75 CEU’S

The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 28

OLA EDUCATION SERIES REGISTRATION OPENS 01/01/25

Sponsored by

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....

INSTRUCTED BY

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)

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The Growing Concern | December 2024 | 29

REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION

D I RECTI ON S

NEW YEAR, NEW OLA BOARD! As we welcome in the new year, it brings changes to our Board of Directors.

A fun fact about this year’s Board is that we have four Board members who are second generation Board members!

Ryan Drake’s father, Joe Drake, served on the OLA Board from 1998 to 2003 and was OLA President in 2001 and 2002. Ryan is now the second OLA President who is a son of a Past President. The only other individual who accomplished this was Tom Strnad (President in 1994) whose father was Norman Strnad (President in 1971 and 1972).

Brandon Barker’s father, Jeffery Barker, served on the OLA Board for one year in 1992. Brandon has been on the Board since 2021 and is our current President-Elect.

Matt Malone’s father is Greg Malone. Greg served on the OLA Board from 2006 through 2010. Greg was OLA President in 2009. Matt is our Treasurer for 2025.

SANDY MUNLEY

Executive Director / OLA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeffrey Ardo, En Garde Deer Defense, LLC Jason Deuble, Brothers Grimm Landscape & Design Co. Amy Gatoo, Sajovie Brothers Landscaping, Inc. Fred Krause, Turfscape, Inc. Tim McCaskey, McCaskey Landscape & Design Tom Rieder, LIC, Ottawa Landscapes, LLC Bob Ramser was elected to the 2025 OLA Board of Directors, however, he now has work commitments that require a lot of travel and he didn’t feel he could fulfil his role properly on the OLA Board. As per our ByLaws, in that situation, the Board appoints an individual to replace him for the remainder of his term. Filling Bob’s remaining year is Fred Krause. Thank you, Bob, for all you have done for the OLA!

Here is the lineup for the 2025 OLA Board:

Also leaving the Board are Stephanie Gray and Philip Germann. Stephanie served on the OLA Board from 2018 through 2024 and was OLA President in 2023. Philip filled an open seat on the Board last year and also served in 2018 and 2019. You both have contributed so much and we appreciate you both! We certainly hope you will continue to be active.

OFFICERS President - Ryan Drake, J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc. President-Elect - Brandon Barker, J. Barker Landscaping Co. Treasurer - Matt Malone, Kurtz Bros., Inc. Secretary - Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Immediate Past President - Cameron Maneri, Cleary Bros. Landscaping

Some associations struggle to get the younger members involved. We are so lucky to have many of our younger members not only involved by attending OLA functions, but participating in our leadership as well! We will be holding the kick-off committee meeting & dinner on February 19th.

Let me know if you are interested in getting more involved!

Tim McCaskey’s father, Jim McCaskey was OLA President in 2010. Jim served from 2006 to 2011. Tim joined the Board in 2023.

30 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

ADVERTI SI N G I N DE X

The OLA is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association:

23

Abraxus/Royalton Supply Landscape Center

REGULAR MEMBERS

25

ACME Fence & Lumber

2

Botson Insurance Group, Inc.

9

Boyas Recycling / Pete & Pete

9

Briar Rose Nurseries

27

Cleveland Magazine

19

Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.

32

Ditch Witch Mid States

13

Kurtz Bros., Inc.

15

Lakeside Sand & Gravel

6

Mock Consultation Services

19

O’Reilly Equipment

23

Snowcare For Troops

15

Transworld Business Advisors of Cleveland West

17

Valley Automotive Group

11

Valley City Supply

21

Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

11

Zoresco Equipment Company

Peter A. Wimberg Co. – dba Wimberg Landscaping 1354 US Route 50 Milford, OH 45150 (513) 271-2332 Connie Brasington

CIATIO SO

C

O

N

GIVE BACK TO YOUR INDUSTRY

BY JOINING AN OLA COMMITTEE!

AS

Taylor Landscape & Design 8212 Wyatt Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147 (440) 447-7160 Michael Taylor

MM

IT T E E

S

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 golf to our legislative endeavors, the OLA is always looking for committee volunteers to help further the cause.

Committees typically meet anywhere from monthly to 4 times a year – depending upon the committee and its initiatives.

Our current list of committees include: • Awards • Education • Garden Show • Golf Outing • Legislative • Membership/Growth • Programs • Public Relations/Marketing/Social Media In addition to helping the OLA carry out its mission to Educate, Advocate and Elevate Ohio’s Green Industry, joining a committee is the first step in being considered to serve on the OLA’s Board of Directors.

Our annual committee kick-off meeting will take place on February 19, 2025, prior to the commencement of our evening meeting. Food will be served. If you would like to join us, please register at ohiolandscapers.org/ committees, or call the OLA office at 440.717.0002.

The Growing Concern | January 2025 | 31

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