The Growing Concern September 2023

Growing Concern

The

SEPTEMB ER 2 0 2 3

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

OLA Plant Healthcare Clinic

September 13, 2023 / Secrest Arboretum (Wooster, OH) / PAGE 7

OLA Central Ohio Facility Tour

October 12, 2023 / Peabody Landscape Group (Columbus, OH) / PAGE 33

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PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

STEPHANIE GRAY BrightView Landscape

COPING WITH LESS LABOR Over the past few months, I have written about the need to build, and/or maintain, a winning culture and how being a leader can bolster employee retention. But how does one go about finding these employees to begin with? Is it even possible?

In the midst of navigating global challenges such as a pandemic, supply chain issues, and inflation, it can be equally as challenging to find top talent. However, as leaders, it’s essential to adapt to change and build a winning culture to ensure the success of your business. In this article, I’d like to explore some strategies for finding employees in challenging times, and why it’s critical to break away from the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality.

In today’s economy, finding labor can be a challenge for businesses, particularly in the green industry. With a declining birth rate and people waiting longer to have children, there are concerns that there won’t be enough labor to go around.

However, businesses have adapted to this challenge by embracing newer technologies. For example, restaurants are using screens to automate the ordering process and save on labor costs.

In the green industry, significant advancements in robotic technology have been made in recent years, from robotic mowers

and arms that lay pavers, to nursery machines that spray entire fields. As an industry, we can continue to automate our processes and procedures while still providing exceptional customer service. By embracing these technological advancements, we can overcome the portions of the labor shortage and continue to thrive.

If you struggle with a shortage of labor in your company – which most of us do – another option is to consider subcontracting or outsourcing some of the work previously done in-house.

This can be a great option for companies looking to continue growing despite labor shortages. By networking through OLA association events or word of mouth, you can find a trusted partner who shares your values and ideals. This can benefit both organizations and lead to overall growth. For example, a smaller partner company could take over smaller maintenance jobs, or a partner company could be brought in to perform spraying or fertilization services. Additionally, subcontracting can be useful in construction projects, such as having a smaller company construct the wall or paver portion of an outdoor area. Don’t let labor shortages hold your company back – explore the benefits of subcontracting and outsourcing. continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | September 2023 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3 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, Jr. REGULAR WRITERS Michael J. Donnellan, M3 Wealth Management Dr. Jim Funai, PhD., Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Stephanie Gray, LIC, BrightView Landscapes Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb COVER: 2023 Landscape Ohio! Honor Award winner, in the category of Specialty Gardens, Lifestyle Landscaping, Inc.

FEATURES

3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Coping With Less Labor

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.

16 OLA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING

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.

20 FOR SAFETY SAKE

OFFICERS President Stephanie Gray, LIC

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

President – Elect Cameron Maneri

Associate Director Rick Doll, Jr.

8 PERENNIAL FOCUS

7 Great Fall-Blooming Flowers For The Perennial Garden

12 FISCAL FITNESS

Greed and Fear With Market Volatility Results & Pictures

Tips For Safe & Effective Aerator Use

24 PLANT OF THE MONTH

Araucaria columnaris: Cook’s Pine

28 FEATURE ARTICLE

Entering An Awards Program: Why It’s Good For You & Your Business

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

Treasurer Ryan Drake Immediate Past President Brian Maurer, LIC DIRECTORS Brandon Barker Matt Malone Tim McCaskey Bob Ramser, LIC Tom Rieder, LIC Kate Stone, OCNT

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C AL ENDAR OF EVENTS 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 SEMINARS & EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY This full-day workshop combines all aspects of Plant Health Care (PHC) for both technicians and managers, with live demonstrations of PHC techniques. Held at Secrest Arboretum, located in Wooster, OH. See page 7 for more info. (Capacity Limited)

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OCTOBER OCTOBER 12, 2023 CENTRAL OHIO FACILITY TOUR (Peabody Landscape Group) Since 1982, Peabody Landscape Group has been a leading landscape company in Columbus and Central Ohio. Through careful listening, Peabody’s landscape architects and designers have identified and transformed their client’s landscapes into beautiful, functional outdoor living environments. Join us as we tour Peabody’s headquarters, located in Columbus, Ohio, to find out what has made them so successful for over 40+ years. See page 33 for more information. (Capacity Limited)

OCTOBER 26, 2023 STONE VENEER CLINIC (NE Ohio) This hands-on clinic will teach the basics of mixing mortar, installing and grouting stone veneer. The techniques you will learn can be applied to both manufactured and natural stone. The demand for veneers has increased and this is a great opportunity to learn how to apply it in house. Sponsored and hosted by Valley City Supply in Valley City, OH. See page 32 for more information. (Capacity Limited)

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continued from page 3 In today’s fast-paced business world, the need for efficient and effective processes is greater than ever. While it may seem risky to let go of certain tasks, embracing technology and seeking outside resources can greatly benefit a business.

Quality and customer service are key factors in retaining customers, and by utilizing specialized professionals for tasks such as marketing and website monitoring, a business can achieve greater efficiencies. In addition, by freeing up time for employees to focus on other important tasks, such as HR and other business-related responsibilities, a business can improve overall productivity and success. As a reminder, our member benefits include discounted marketing, web design, and HR materials and assistance. Let’s embrace technology and outside resources to take our business to the next level.

on your internal staff and allow them to focus on other areas of the business. As a reminder, Heartland has added a new service that helps our members find employees, which may be a great option for you.

There are a few other approaches you can take when you find you are struggling to find employees. First, consider advertising your job openings on various social media platforms and your company website. It’s essential to provide clear job descriptions and instructions on how to apply.

Additionally, you can partner with a recruitment agency that specializes in staffing, which can relieve some of the pressure

It’s important to note that there is no one “magic bullet” to finding talent, but utilizing a combination of these strategies and creating a great work environment with competitive compensation and job opportunities can help attract and retain top talent.

6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Other effective methods include networking by attending industry events and trade shows to make connections and get your company’s name out there. Another approach is to partner with colleges and universities, offering to host classes and providing hands-on work opportunities for students.

Offering internship or apprenticeship programs can help develop skilled employees. Encouraging employee referrals and utilizing online platforms such as social media and LinkedIn can also be effective.

- Stephanie Gray LIC

OLA EDUCATION SERIES

P LA NT

H E A LT H C A

Sponsored by

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 SECREST ARBORETUM WELCOME & EDUCATION CTR. 2122 WILLIAMS RD., WOOSTER, OH 44691 AGENDA ARBORETUM TOUR (OPTIONAL) 8:00AM - 9:00AM REGISTRATION/BREAKFAST 9:00AM - 9:30AM CLINIC 9:30AM - 3:25PM LUNCH (INCLUDED) 12:30PM - 1:00PM COST MEMBERS BEFORE 08/30/23 - $99 AFTER 08/30/23 - $129 NON MEMBERS BEFORE 08/30/23 - $149 AFTER 08/30/23 - $179

E DAY

PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY

Plant Healthcare (PHC) services are a great way to enhance your landscape business by providing higher quality service to clients, opening additional revenue streams and giving your company an advantage over the competition. Designed for both business owners and employees, this clinic will focus on live demonstrations of proper planting techniques and how to determine what to do when elements - such as pests and diseases - take their toll on your plant material. Attendees will have access to a wide range of plant material including trees, shrubs, perennials..

EVENT TOPICS

Pre-Conference tour of Secrest Arboretum • Lead by Arboretum Curator, Jason Veil Classroom Learning Sessions • Introduction to Plant Healthcare (Integrated pest management vs. Plant Healthcare) • Scientific focus: Beech leaf disease & other diseases/pest to be on the lookout for.

Outdoor Learning Sessions • Root Collar Health & Air Spading • Proper Tree Planting • Pest vs. Disease Identification • Right Plant, Right Place: Choosing the Correct Site for Plants.

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.

2023 PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY / REGISTRATION CLOSES 09/06/23

(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 FEE

NAME OF ATTENDEE (S)

$

$

$

$

TOTAL DUE

 Check No. (Enclosed)

Charge to my:

 MasterCard  Visa  AMEX  Discover

Acct. No.

Exp. Date

Name on Card

Signature

Security Code

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card 5 CEU’S

REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION

PEREN N I AL FOCUS

7 GREAT FALL-BLOOMING FLOWERS FOR THE PERENNIAL GARDEN Fall flower gardens can be spectacular with bold combinations of jewel-toned colors, including purple, rust, scarlet, and gold. To ensure your clients have an abundance of flowers in the fall, you need to do some planning early in the gardening season.

For fall flowers to thrive in your client’s garden, plant them in the spring or early summer, so they have time to become established. Besides selecting plants that have a late bloom period, check their growing zones to be certain they will bloom in your area before frost hits. Here are 14 fall-blooming perennials in a variety of colors for your garden.

AUTUMN CROCUS You might be familiar with the spring-blooming crocus, but this little beauty does not put on its show until fall. Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) grows best in partial shade, and a little dampness is welcome. It grows only a few inches tall and makes a wonderful carpet scattered under trees and along walkways.

For healthy plants, reduce watering in midsummer when the foliage starts to die back and yellow, and resume watering to keep the soil moderately moist in the late summer.

8 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

• • • •

USDA Zones: 4 to 8 Color Varieties: Yellow, white, burgundy, purple, pink Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-draining continued on page 10

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PEREN N I AL FOCUS continued from page 8

BALLOON FLOWER

JAPANESE ANEMONE

Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is in the Campanulaceae family, but its flowers are a bit more dramatic.

While it mostly blooms in the summertime, it also can bloom in the fall if you deadhead it (remove spent blooms). It starts off as a puff or bubble and pops open when it is ready to bloom. Balloon flower is a profuse bloomer. And the plants spread slowly, filling in without becoming a nuisance. Other than cutting the plants back in the spring or fall, virtually no other maintenance is required.

Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida) starts blooming in late summer and goes straight through until frost. The paperlike blooms are white or pink with yellow stamens in the center, and they’re known to attract butterflies. This plant requires little maintenance once it’s established, though some taller plants might need staking to prevent flopping.

Plus, if you live in a cooler part of its growing zone, it can be helpful to add a layer of mulch prior to cold weather to keep the roots warm.

• • • •

• • • •

USDA Zones: 3 to 8 Color Varieties: Lavender-blue, pale pink, white Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: Loamy, well-draining

USDA Zones: 4 to 8 Color Varieties: White or pink with yellow center Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: Rich, humusy, moist, well-draining

GOLDENROD

TURTLEHEAD

Goldenrod (Solidago) is one of the last flowers to bloom in the fall, with its bloom period generally stretching from August to October. There are more than 100 species in the goldenrod family. The plants typically reach around five feet tall and display clusters of tiny yellow flowers at the tops of their stems when they are in bloom. Bees and butterflies love these flowers. Goldenrod is fairly low-maintenance and can be an aggressive spreader in the garden. So if you want to control its spread, remove the flower heads before they go to seed.

Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) got its common name from its blossoms, which are shaped like turtles’ heads. It is a fallblooming perennial that does not handle excessive dry heat well. But it is perfect for a damp area in your garden.

Turtlehead is not unruly. It grows in a dense clump with attractive foliage and flowers that bloom for weeks. You can prune it lightly to shape it in the late fall or spring.

Hummingbirds and butterflies visit it for nectar.

• • • •

USDA Zones: 3 to 9 Color Varieties: Yellow Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining

10 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

• • • •

USDA Zones: 3 to 8 Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, lavender Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining

SNEEZEWEED Sneezeweed (Helenium) blooms look like small, russet-toned coneflowers. Many can grow quite tall and will need to be staked or pinched. The plant likes cool feet and hot heads, meaning you should use mulch to keep the roots cool but plant it in full sun to keep the top of the plant warm. Plus, while the plant prefers good drainage, it can tolerate poorly drained soil, such as clay.

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• • • •

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USDA Zones: 3 to 9 Color Varieties: Red, yellow, orange, gold, copper Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining

STONECROP Stonecrop (Sedum) comes as close to perfection as any plant can. It looks good all year, requires minimal maintenance, and attracts few problems. The only drawback of stonecrop is it’s not deer resistant. Pruning your plant in early July can encourage bushier and sturdier growth.

• • • •

USDA Zones: 3 to 9 Color Varieties: Yellow, red, pink, white Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: Loamy, sandy, well-draining

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This article appeared as part of a larger story covering the 14 Best Fall Blooming Perennials. To read the entire story, visit www.thespruce.com. From decorating to gardening, and entertaining to home repair, The Spruce offers practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help homeowners make their best home.

0116 Klyn Half.indd 1

The Growing Concern | September 2023 | 11 12/16/2015 3:27:07 PM

F I SCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

GREED AND FEAR WITH MARKET VOLATILITY Research in the field of behavioral finance suggests that much of an individual investor’s performance can best be explained by his natural behavior. Investors – if left to their own devices – tend to succumb to their natural emotions of fear and greed, causing damage to their portfolios.

One of the most common reasons that investors fail to beat the market return over time is the lure of the big score. “I knew I should have bought Amazon when it went public” or “if only I had put money in XYZ Fund last year when it was up 50%” are common laments. This psychology often leads to chasing returns or investing in what was hot in the prior year or quarter. As a result, the average investor frequently turns to high-volatility stocks or mutual funds that have big swings in returns.

The volatility of returns is most often associated with risk and also plays into the emotional side of investing, leading investors to make the wrong decisions at the wrong time. A high-volatility investment will stand out from its peer group based on stellar returns in a given year and will attract significant new assets – only to end up trailing the index for the next several years.

12 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

High-flying tech stocks in the last decade were the ones that declined the most in the 2022 market pullback. The “dot com” bubble in the late 1990s and the Bitcoin craze a couple years ago are other examples of greed and the fear of missing out.

When the magazines, financial shows and social media are ablaze with the news, it means the market is probably near a peak. Be careful not to get caught up in the wave of greed and the ensuing bubble.

Just as the market can become overwhelmed with greed, the same can happen with fear. When stocks suffer large losses for a sustained period, the overall market can become more fearful of sustaining further losses. But being too fearful can be just as costly as being too greedy.

The same can be said of the prevalence of fear following a stock market bust. In a bid to stem their losses after the “dot com” bubble burst in 2001 and the recession of 2008-2009, investors quickly moved out of the stock market in search of continued on page 14 less risky buys.

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F ISCAL FI TN ESS

continued from page 12 Money poured into cash and low-risk and low-return securities. This mass exodus out of the stock market shows a complete disregard for a long-term investing plan based on fundamentals. Investors threw their plans out the window because they were scared, overrun by a fear of sustaining further losses. Granted, losing a large portion of your equity portfolio’s worth is a tough pill to swallow, but missing out on a recovery could be even worse.

Just as scrapping your investment plan to hop on the latest getrich-quick investment can tear a large hole in your portfolio, so too can getting swept up in the prevailing fear of the overall market by switching to low-risk, low-return investments.

The best strategy is to stay the course in respect to diversification.

If the markets look a little too expensive, and other investors seem “fat, dumb and happy,” get defensive and move some assets into cash or bonds. When everyone is panicking in a declining market look to buy. Bottom line, greed and fear can help investors judge market fluctuations.

Make sure your assets are properly diversified, though. It is sometimes advantageous to be overweight or underweight in certain sectors at different times, but they should periodically reviewed to keep a reasonable balance. For example, home builders and financial stocks may outperform when interest rates decline, but may be a lagging sector in a rising interest rate environment. Chasing performance often leads to disastrous

14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

consequences in a portfolio. Sometimes when a sector, or even a single stock, has a big run, it will become a larger percentage in a portfolio. It is then important to rebalance. It is important that certain sectors or individual stocks do not dominate the overall portfolio.

Every investor has different goals and strategies. I believe it is important for the investor and their advisors to develop rules and strategies to help reduce risk. As always, consult with your financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

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

The M3 Wealth Management Office does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice.

Michael J. Donnellan specializes in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments at the M3 Wealth Management office at 17601 W. 130th Street – Suite 1 in North Royalton, Ohio.

Phone number (440) 652-6370 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 (800) 478-0788

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The Growing Concern | September 2023 | 15

Provide health promotion and lifestyle interventions

CONGRATULATIONS

to the

WINNING TEAMS Jim Schill Schill Grounds Management

1

Britt Stantz Schill Grounds Management Keith Clapper Schill Grounds Management Brian Beal Schill Grounds Management

Mitch Flemming CUI Services

2

Bryan Gray CUI Services Carl Rolla CUI Services Nick Holmes CUI Services

23rd Annual

OLA Scholarship Golf Classic

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DINNER SPONSOR

Thank You

LUNCH SPONSOR

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Sponsors

16 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

COMMEMORATIVE GIFT

Photos from this year’s event can be seen at www.ohiolandscapers.org TEE SPONSORS A & A Hydraulic & Equipment Acme Fence AGC Arms Trucking Belden Brick Boulders Direct Buyansky Outdoor Supply Cenweld Truck Bodies & Equipment Cleveland Magazine Earth ‘N Wood Frank Brothers Innovation Earthworks & Design Co. Irrigreen J. Barker Landscaping (2)

JFD Landscapes Kurtz Bros.

Leppo Rents / Bobcat M.H. Eby, Inc. M.J. Design Associates, Inc. Mapledale Farm Marshall Equipment Minute Men OhioComp O’Reilly Equipment Ohio CAT Oliger Seed Company On the Other Side PC Services, LLC Rainbow Sprinkler Systems

Ready Field Solutions Schill Grounds Management (2) SiteOne Landscape Supply Spena Landscape Contractors T & S Power Equipment The Huebler Family Three Z Turfscape Valley Truck Centers (5) Van Ness Stone, Inc. Village Outdoors Working With Nature Young Trucks

DOOR PRIZE & RAFFLE DONORS A & A Hydraulics Belden Brick Company Brian-Kyles Brightview Cleveland Quarries Earth ‘n Wood Emmett Equipment Frank Brothers

Grace Brothers Landscaping, Inc. Hoppy Dude Brews Irrigreen J. Barker Landscaping Co. J.F.D. Landscapes Kurtz Bros.

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ALL ROADS The Growing Concern | September 2022 | 17

THE 23rd ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC

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The Growing Concern | September 2022 | 19

F OR SAFETY SAK E

TIPS FOR SAFE & EFFECTIVE AERATOR USE Safe operation of aerating equipment means a healthy lawn and a healthy operator. Follow these tips for safe and effective lawn aerator use.

The use of aerators is often a key part of a spring lawn renovation plan. Aerating equipment will help the soil to better accept nutrients and water, providing a lush lawn.

Aerators are available in walk-behind, stand-on and tow (behind lawn tractors or ride-on lawn mowers) models.

Attachments are also available. Aerators have either hollow tines that puncture the ground and eject cores of soil, leaving small holes in their place, or spikes that push holes into the soil without removing cores. The small cores produced by hollow tines will typically fade back in a short period of time.

Safe operation or aerating equipment means a healthy lawn and a healthy operator. Follow these tips for safe and effective lawn aerator use.

THE RIGHT SOIL CONDITIONS Aerating should only be done to established lawns and large grass covered areas. The ground should be soft and moist. To test the conditions, and to see if watering is needed before starting the aerating, poke the ground with a hand spade. If you can easily penetrate 2-3 inches with little effort, then you are good to go.

If it’s a struggle, the lawn requires watering. Watering should be done 1-2 hours before aerating. Avoid aerating if the ground is muddy and soil doesn’t easily crumble in your hands.

ADDED WEIGHT Some aerators come with weights that can be added for improved control and better penetration. They may also feature a designated space to mount your own weights or sand bags. The added weight can be helpful for penetrating continued on page 22

20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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continued from page 20 heavy, clay-based soil. Check the length of the cores. If the cores ejected are only one inch long, add weight until a core is produced closer to three inches.

•

INSPECT THE AREA AND GO

• • •

Inspect the area and remove any rocks, wire and other objects that could present a hazard before starting. Look for and note any objects that need to be avoided but cannot be removed (sprinklers, valves, etc.).

•

•

Once the area is clear and ready to be aerated, start the engine and adjust the throttle to a comfortable walking speed that allows you to maintain control of the equipment at all times.

Stop and check over the aerator if you run over or into an object.

• • • •

Aerate in straight lines whenever possible and avoid sudden turns or maneuvers. As you aerate, move slowly on slopes and work across them rather than up and down. Avoid operating on slope grades that exceed 25%. Do not use the aerator on any surface other than grass and especially avoid running it over hard surfaces like sidewalks and driveways when the tines are down or engaged.

•

ADDITIONAL DOS AND DON’TS Here are some additional Dos and Don’ts to keep you operating your aerator in a safe and effective manner.

22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Do keep unsupervised children and animals away from the equipment at all times.

Do use safe lifting techniques when loading and unloading equipment from the trailer or vehicle.

Do keep hands/feet away from moving or rotating parts.

Do stop the engine when refueling.

Do check the equipment for any loose or damaged parts before each use and repair when necessary before operating.

Do remove the spark plug wire before beginning any service on the aerator.

Don’t leave the machine standing on a slope unattended.

Don’t run the engine in an area that is not ventilated.

Don’t remove guards when operating the aerator.

Don’t modify equipment in any way or use it for purposes other than aerating.

Don’t remove any warning or safety decals on the equipment.

This is just a quick overview of basic safe operating procedures.

As always – read, understand and follow the instructions in your safety instruction manual.

This article appeared on the Green Industry Pros website, located at www. greenindustrypros.com. Green Industry Pros magazine is a national publication that keeps landscape contractors and equipment dealers on top of the latest products, trends and business strategies that will help them grow their companies.

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PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

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SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

ARAUCARIA COLUMNARIS

COOK’S PINE

This month, we can’t help but be inspired to share some plant nerdery from the islands of Hawai’i. While these two trees are not hardy for us in Ohio (Zone 9 max), you certainly see them every Christmas season, often after being accosted by a glitter bomb to fancy them up for your holiday cheer.

Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) and Cook’s Pine (Araucaria columnaris) are both tall evergreen trees that look like pine trees but are in their own distinct family (Araucariaceae) related to Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana).

If you ever have or will travel to Hawai’i, New Zealand, Australia, or any of the hundreds of islands between them, you’ll find these giants growing all over. They both can grow to heights over 200 feet but average closer to 100 feet in the landscape. The height they can reach in nature is bewildering considering how many

are purchased each holiday season in little 1-gallon pots to act as living Christmas trees in the home. It is possible to keep the tree happy in the home or in the office where they will have a slower growth rate, so long as you keep the humidity around the plant no less than 50% through winter.

The native range of these plants may be restricted to a few islands and was first reported to Western collectors by Johann Forster, a botanist on Captain James Cook’s 1774 voyage to the South Pacific. As the HMS Resolution approached New Caledonia continued on page 26

24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

continued from page 24 (around 850 miles NE of Brisbane) they found “pine” trees skyrocketing into the clouds. The sheer height and perfectly straight trunks inspired the adventurer to test them for use as ship masts and halyards but found while the wood is strong and lightweight, it couldn’t match the strength of the white pines (Pinus strobis) being taken from “New England.”

Visiting the remote islands of Hawai’i and the South Pacific as a horticulturist is both an exciting and interesting study of culture and the debate of native plants. There are records in the late 1700s that Cook’s Pine was planted in the Hawaiian Islands where it was quickly adopted by indigenous people for many purposes. The tree provided a fast-growing source of strong yet lightweight lumber to build more resilient buildings on the islands. It is likely that the tree had already been established in remote villages prior to Cook’s attempts to Westernize the islands, and some evidence points to native stands prior to the human discovery of the islands.

New Caledonia and surrounding small islands may be the most accepted native range but there is evidence of these trees being transplanted to surrounding islands for thousands of years.

Araucaria species may be some of the first examples of large trees being transferred to new areas for the benefit of human use.

26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

A. Kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’.

Something to consider in the debate of native plants is there are now thousands of years of evidence that these trees are not invasive bullies in their “new” homes and are now “naturalized citizens.” We know that isn’t true of all plants imported to a new region, please don’t yell at us. We hate nasty invasive plants too, we just know there is a difference between native, invasive, and high-quality non-native.

Across native Hawaiian culture, the Cook Pine is very important for lumber but also as a representative of the God Lono, one of the four major gods in their culture. He is the God of agriculture, rainfall, and peace. Many artifacts exist carved from the wood of Cook’s Pine. Interestingly as well, there are historical references that some Native Hawaiians believed Captain James Cook was an incarnation of Lono who came to visit them. Due to cultural miscommunications during his visit, natives killed Cook and his grave can be found on the Big Island near the town bearing his name.

Another interesting tidbit about these trees is that most seedgrown Norfolk Island Pines (which is likely what we see in the store each December) are Cook’s Pine. These trees have an interesting dioecious (male/female on separate plants) habit which is less common in coniferous plants in our

At Cascade Lighting, your success is our top priority and it’s been that way since we set up shop over 20 years ago.

landscapes. The female cones fall to the ground and shatter into thousands of seeds and being the most common of the two in Hawai’i, these are the seeds most exported.

In truth, the size to which we can grow Norfolk or Cook Pine in our indoor landscapes we won’t notice a difference between the two species. Once they start reaching above 15 to 20 feet the habit begins to show. Norfolk will be wider with longer branches while Cook’s Pine will be much skinnier and columnar (hence the specific epithet, columnaris).

While we aren’t sharing a plant you can put into your landscape this month, we know our fellow plant nerds would enjoy learning more about a woody plant we all come across at least once a year.

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The Growing Concern | September 2023 | 27

FEATURE ARTI CLE

Entering An Awards Program

WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU & YOUR BUSINESS

As awards programs start to open up for applications, many business owners wonder if they should sign up. Is it worth submitting your business for those awards and honors? In some cases, you may wonder if it’s practical or if those industry awards programs will generate the kind of interest you need for your business.

However, those company awards programs may create more advantages for your organization than you think in many cases. The business world is full of talented and dedicated individuals. (We’re sure that simply by reading that, a few of your own inspiring role models came to mind.) However, have you considered whether you’re also worthy of recognition?

Sometimes it’s worth putting you and your business out there for recognition and praise – and entering awards can do just that. Whatever industry you’re in, and whatever level or stage you’re at, there’s always the opportunity to enter awards and reap the rewards. Here’s how entering awards can benefit you and your business – whatever the outcome:

IMPROVE VISIBILITY OF YOUR BRAND Awards are designed to shine a spotlight on your work and your business. On the night of, you will be a focal point in a room full of industry professionals. In the days and months following you may make local or national media. And in the years following, you can showcase these independent seals

28 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

of approval, on your website, your social media, and your marketing materials.

So, if you’re looking to improve the visibility of your brand, entering yourself for an award can provide this additional awareness and build your reputation with the right people.

Consider award entries as part of your marketing or PR strategy, and likewise, budget for them accordingly.

And no matter where you finish in the judging, you can receive valuable feedback from heads of industry. Comments from the judges can be valuable in themselves, and they’re something you can share as a business testimonial too.

INCREASE MOTIVATION

ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS

Awards are a fantastic way to recognize your hard work, and that of your team, too. The mere act of entering can provide an opportunity to compound all of the work and take note of the progress you’ve made in a certain area, or over a certain period of time.

Awards are a brilliant way of garnering new business – and you can also participate in this without even entering!

Make sure to communicate your positive feelings with everyone involved – including yourself – and even if you don’t make the shortlist, you can certainly celebrate your own achievements.

STRENGTHEN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

While winning an award can be the catalyst for attracting new business from attendees and potential customers, there’s always the possibility that you don’t get short listed or win the award.

Instead, perhaps consider sponsoring an award instead: it’ll give you the opportunity to have your business attend, and position your brand alongside a specific category or service.

MEET PEERS AND MENTORS

It is common practice for agencies and B2B businesses to use award shows as an opportunity to strengthen their client relationships by inviting their contacts to attend with them.

It’s also an opportunity to have the quality of your work recognized in front of them, and put yourself front-of-mind for new projects or work coming up.

Award shows are often mistaken for being a competitive environment, but for many, they’re a great opportunity to network and meet people you respect within your industry.

Building your entrepreneurial ecosystem is another aspect that can open new doors, and support you as a welcoming community to partake in, and where better to start this than with award-winners and industry leaders?

So, if you have any awards shows coming up, and you’d like to invite a client to work with you more closely in the future, now’s the perfect time to invite them to join you.

Plus, the informality of award shows can provide a more natural type of networking, and you’ll have the opportunity to “talk shop” without it being too imposing. continued on page 30 The Growing Concern | September 2023 | 29

F EATURE ARTI CLE continued from page 29

DEFINE WHAT YOU STAND FOR

DISCOVER WAYS TO INNOVATE

Entering awards can provide a valuable moment to define what you and your business stand for. Many entrepreneurs and founders start their business based on a personal experience, and embedding this deeper purpose in your business can enable you to clarify your values and your message.

We’ve established that awards can provide a brilliant opportunity to reflect on your achievements, build your reputation, and get recognized for your hard work. But have you considered how to best move forward after getting your results?

Being clear on your message will not only strengthen your award application, but also your elevator pitches and marketing materials moving forwards. It may also enable you to differentiate yourself from your competitors and stand out from the crowd, which is incredibly valuable no matter what you do.

ATTRACT NEW TALENT Business awards can provide great validation for future employees – and your awards needn’t be HR-specific, either.

By aligning your business with similar enterprises that also win awards, you may find yourself receiving more speculative applications, and the increased employee morale may also increase your staff retention rate.

Whether you’re short listed, make it through to finalist stage, or find yourself an award-winner, there’s still progress to be made!

The awards application process, and the comments you receive back for your entry, can form the basis of new ways to develop your business. From ways of strengthening your existing products or services, to diversifying your portfolio, you may find the process will boost innovation and add value.

Note: September is the unofficial kick-off of the OLA’s 27th Annual Landscape Enhancement Awards season. Now is the time to begin taking pictures of your 2019-2023 jobs for entry.

The submission deadline for this year’s program is December 15th, 2023. For more info and entry forms, visit www. ohiolandscapers.org/awards-program.

REFLECT ON YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS Whatever the outcome of the awards you enter, the time taken to reflect on your business journey can highlight achievements. It also gives you an opportunity to compare your current situation against previously set goals, and consider how far you’ve come, as well as next steps to become a successful – and potentially award-winning - business.

30 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

This article appeared as part of the Calmer blog, located at www.thisiscalmer.com.

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D I RECTI ON S

DO THE RIGHT THING

SANDY MUNLEY

Executive Director / OLA

As I reflect on my years of working within this organization, I realize that I have come to think of you all as my extended family. Whether we have known each other for decades or just recently met, I feel a deep sense of connection with everyone in this community.

road. We urge our members to focus on the positive and believe that this will attract good things their way. There is plenty of work out there to be had, and we want our members to be known for their ethical behavior in the industry. Let us all work together to uphold the values and principles of our organization.

What makes my job at OLA so special is the people. Our friendships extend beyond work-related events, and I am grateful for the opportunity to know many of you on a personal level. (And, if I don’t know you, I’d like to!) Our industry is comprised of incredible individuals who share a deep love and respect for the earth, and who are dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that bring joy and happiness to others.

At OLA, we believe in upholding high ethical standards to build a community of trust and respect. Our code of ethics has been in place for many years and serves as a great reminder for all members. New members receive a copy in their new member welcome packet. We encourage everyone to review the code on our website under the “About” tab. Upholding our code of ethics is essential to maintaining the integrity of our organization and our commitment to excellence.

I am always thrilled to hear stories of our member firms coming together to support each other. It’s truly heartwarming to see how you share equipment, labor, and expertise. These acts of kindness and generosity perfectly embody the spirit of our community. We are proud to have such compassionate and supportive members and we encourage everyone to continue to lend a helping hand whenever possible. Together, we can achieve great things!

It is brought to my attention that on rare occasions, some members have not been following in this spirit. This is a cause for concern and disappointment. While I understand that losing a contract, not winning a bid, or losing an employee can be difficult, it is important to remember to always take the high

34 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

As individuals, I believe that we all have a responsibility to do the right thing, even when it may not be the easiest choice. I understand that we all have different opinions and perspectives, but at the end of the day, I hope we can all agree that we should strive to be kind, honest, and respectful to one another. Whether it’s in our personal relationships, our professional lives, or in our interactions with strangers, we have the power to make a positive impact on the world around us.

I know you will join me in this call to action – let’s do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Let’s lift each other up and spread kindness wherever we go. Thank you for your consideration and letting me jump on my soapbox for a hot minute!

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