The Growing Concern June 2025 by Sandy Munley

TheConcernGrowing

A PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Plant I.D. Clinics (NE & Central Ohio)

July 8, 2025 @ Willoway Nurseries (Hilliard) / July 10, 2025 @ Davis Tree Farm & Nursery (Valley City) / PAGE 7

J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc.

PLANNING AHEAD

Congratulations! You have made it halfway through the year! *Cue the party horns and confetti!

Honestly, it amazes me – every year – how quickly it all goes by. One minute, spring is kicking off, daffodils are blooming, and mowers are stuck in lawns due to spring monsoons. Then, before you know it, Labor Day is here and we’re all beginning to plan for when the snow begins to fly.

With the push for Memorial Day over and our sights now set on Independence Day, it’s a great time to reflect on all the “joys” of living in a four-season climate and why they make Ohio’s landscape industry so unique and exciting.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges of dealing with multiple seasons is constantly needing to prepare for the upcoming season while also making sure the current season is running smooth. It’s much easier said than done and is what sets the great companies apart from the good ones. While it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day of landscaping – focusing on

the next day, or perhaps the next week – it’s a real gift to be able to pick your heads up and look further into the future. If there’s no one looking through the binoculars, then you’re destined to hit the iceberg!

Something that we rarely draw attention to is that the OLA is made up of all different types of companies. Some are big. Some are small. Some only focus on landscape construction while others focus on irrigation. We have contractor members, supplier members and everything in between.

While some of our members may only be a couple of guys out performing general maintenance, and others are nationalsized companies with C-suite level executives in an office building somewhere, someone at either of those companies needs to be looking ahead. Whether it’s the guy in the truck looking ahead at the long-range forecast and seeing snow

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RYAN DRAKE

COVER: Landscape Ohio! Awards Merit Award Winner, in the category of Garden Structures & Pavements, KGK and Company.

COLUMN

PERENNIAL FOCUS

Haryd Geraniums for the Shade FISCAL FITNESS

Income FOR SAFETY SAKE

Safely Lifting Large Slabs with Suction Equipment

28TH ANNUAL LANDCAPE OHIO AWARDS

And the Winners Are...

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Gymnocladus Dioicus: Kentucky Coffeetree

FEATURE ARTICLE

Why Pipeline Visibility Is the Secret to Predictable Revenue Growth

DIRECTIONS

OHIO’S PROFESSIONAL GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

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.

Patty Lampert, Ohio Landscape Association

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb

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

President – Elect

Brandon Barker

Treasurer

Matt Malone

Immediate Past President

Cameron Maneri

DIRECTORS

Jeffrey Ardo

Jill Cline

Jason Deuble, LIC, OCNT

Amy Gatoo

Fred Krause, LIC

Tom Rieder, LIC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

UPCOMING OLA MEETINGS, EDUCATION SEMINARS & EVENTS

JUNE 2025

JUNE 6

28th ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

Join Ohio’s landscape community for an evening out as we reveal the 2024 Landscape Ohio! Award winners. This is a great opportunity for those of you who have been contemplating entering, or for those of you just looking to spend an elegant night out with industry leaders as we celebrate our industry! New sponsorship opportunities will be available! Call the OLA office for more info at 440.717.0002.

JUNE 24

WOMEN’S NETWORKING MEET-UP

OLA’s Women in Landscape Group was created for the purposes of connecting, empowering, and advocating for women in the landscape industry, while amplifying the voices of our current & future women leaders. Hosted and Sponsored by Valley City Supply in Valley City, Ohio.

See sidebar (right) for more details.

JULY 2025

JULY 8 (CENTRAL OHIO)

PLANT I.D. CLINIC

This Plant ID Clinic is a hands-on training opportunity for you and your crews that will cover the basics of Plant ID for plants typically used in Ohio. Plants covered include perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, as well as trees and shrubs - both evergreen and deciduous. Sponsored by Willoway Nurseries. See page 7 for more information.

JULY 2025 cont...

JULY 10 (NE OHIO)

PLANT I.D. CLINIC

This Plant ID Clinic is a hands-on training opportunity for you and your crews that will cover the basics of Plant ID for plants typically used in Ohio. Plants covered include perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, as well as trees and shrubs - both evergreen and deciduous. Sponsored by Davis Tree Farm & Nursery. See page 7 for more information.

AUGUST 2025

AUGUST 7

25th ANNUAL OLA GOLF CLASSIC

Join us at Mallard Creek Golf Club for the OLA Golf Classic! Our golf outing was created to help generate funding for our scholarship program, targeting qualified students interested in a vocation within the Green Profession. Call the OLA at 440.717.0002 for available sponsorship opportunities. See page 36 for more information.

AUGUST 27

SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT CLINIC

Whether you’re an owner, operations manager, dispatcher, or anyone in between, the OLA’s annual Snow & Ice Management Clinic is a can’t miss event for any company focused on improving how they handle the “white side” of their business.

COMING IN 2025

- PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY

- NE OHIO FACILITY TOUR

- CENTRAL OHIO FACILITY TOUR

- ANNUAL MEETING/EFFICIENCY

- COLUMBUS MEETING/ROBOTICS AND MORE...

WOMEN IN LANDSCAPE MEET-UP

The OLA’s Women in Landscape Group was created for the purpose of connecting, empowering, and advocating for women in the landscape industry. We want to help drive the change necessary to recruit and retain female professionals while amplifying the voices of current & future women leaders. If you are female, you are invited to join this FREE networking group.

Our next meeting is scheduled for June 24th, 2025 and will be a very informal event.

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

JUNE 24, 2025

VALLEY CITY SUPPLY 1323 W RIVER RD. VALLEY CITY, OH 44280

AGENDA NETWORKING 3:00PM TO 5:00PM

COST TO ATTEND NONE

FOOD/BEVERAGE: PROVIDED BY VALLEY CITY SUPPLY AND THE OLA

SPONSORED BY VALLEY CITY SUPPLY Valley City Supply is a third-generation, family-owned, small business located in Valley City, Ohio. Since 1961, their passion has been to partner with contractors and their clients to help create the home of their dreams. Personal customer service, dedication to their customer’s success, and a commitment to offering exquisite, high quality products to elevate your living is their goal. Every product they offer is something they would put in their own homes. Valley City Supply has been a woman-owned construction supply company since 1994

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on the horizon or the CEO looking ahead at the economic forecast of the nation. Taking an hour a week to plan ahead beats the hours spent dealing with the fallout that occurs when no one does.

That said, I like to think that there are two types of people in the world: Those that are lazy on the front end and don’t want to deal with planning ahead or dealing with issues now, and those that are lazy on the back end and plan ahead so they do not have to deal with the chaos that ensues down the road. The goal – IMO – should be to be the person lazy on the back end, even though things can still go sideways.

Unfortunately, while there is no secret sauce – or none so that I’m aware of – I can say that “pre-kids” it was much easier to work the longer hours and get it in. These days, the kids have forced me to be more efficient with my time. Instead of staying late, or working fuller days on the weekends, it’s become a combination of working during nap times and/ or before they’re up, making sure I am taking care of all the absolute necessities.

After that, regardless of how busy I am, or how ”done” I may be, I still make the time to plan ahead. For me, the key is having time blocked off on my calendar – weekly – to plan ahead for operations. Additionally, I have time blocked off for me, personally, as well. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of times when life happens and I am playing catch up, but the great thing is I have a fresh 24 hours every day to get back on track, God willing.

In closing, while my hopes for these articles is always to provide some sort of tangible takeaway that can help someone out there, I continue to be curious as to how others plan and keep track of everything, while staying focused on the activities that garner the biggest results. By no means have I figured it all out, having tried a number of things in a number of ways. I am still tweaking and learning as I go, as there is always room for improvement.

To that end, I will leave you with one key take-away, in that Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Good luck and happy landscaping.

OLA EDUCATION SERIES

PLANT I.D. CLINIC

Those who should attend are plant installation staff, maintenance staff, garden center staff, foremen, and anyone studying to take the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar is hands-on training with live plant material. Attendees will need their own notepad and pen, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training.

YEAR’S INSTRUCTORS

Rob Raith The Pattie Group

Kevin O’Brien Lifestyle Landscaping, Inc.

Marie McConnell Lake County Nursery

Dr. Laura Deter Chadwick Arboretum

Robin Knaup Premier Plant Solutions

Jason Bornhorst Willoway Nurseries

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD

Bobbie’s Green Thumb

HARDY GERANIUMS FOR THE SHADE

There are a multitude of hardy geraniums but most bloom well only in sun. Thankfully, there are two species that thrive in the shade and, like all other hardy geraniums, impervious to deer browse. Sadly, no local nurseries grow them so I’ve had to purchase them from mail order nurseries. Although that makes them more expensive, they are worth the money because they are tough and perform quite well.

Geranium nodosum (Knotted Cranesbill) has saw-toothed edges on the maple-like foliage. I’ve been growing the cultivar ‘Svelte Lilac’ since the year 2000 and have never had to replant. The pale violet, deeply purple veined, five-petalled flowers start blooming in late May and rebloom throughout

the summer under very old magnolias. This geranium started out as one four-inch pot but has now spread into a lovely clump. It will only be eight inches high but eventually two feet wide.

Another cultivar, ‘Clos du Cordray’, is more brightly colored but will also thrive in part to deep shade. Although described as violet with darker striations, my experience and camera say that it is a strong rose color that ages to rose with a white edge. This one grows fifteen inches high and eighteen inches wide above ovate foliage. It is even more drought tolerant than ‘Svelte Lilac’ but doesn’t seem to bloom as long.

continued

Geranium nodosum ‘Svelte Lilac’ closeup in July.

continued from page 8

The second useful species I’ve found is Geranium phaeum (Mourning Widow). For a time, the cultivar ‘Samobor’ was widely available because its foliage is characterized by large purple markings on the leaves. The small flowers are burgundy, and for me only bloom in May and June, although it supposedly blooms into September. With shorter bloom, I appreciate the color derived from the foliage.

There are several other cultivars ranging in color from white to pale purple to burgundy, but I have not grown them.

If you have shady spots and want some additional color, try these hardy geraniums.

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).

Spreading Geranium nodosum ‘Svelte Lilac’ among Convallaria in August.

Closeup of Geranium nodosum ‘Clos du Coudray’ in June.

Geranium nodosum ‘Svelte Lilac’ with Heuchera ‘Pistache’, Schizophragma ‘Moonlight’, and Saruma henryi still blooming in October.

Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’.

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

RETIREMENT INCOME

Managing your income is always important, but it becomes even more critical during retirement, when your income comes from your savings rather than from wages and earnings. Because your source of income – which you saved so carefully during your working years – is limited during retirement, you need to ensure that it lasts through your retirement years.

The main concern I hear from retirees, and people close to retirement, is how much of their savings they can comfortably tap each year without placing their future lifestyle at risk.

Running some projections in my retirement calculator, $500,000 at retirement would last for approximately 30 years, taking out $3000 per month, with a 6% rate of return. In that time frame the cost of goods and services (inflation) should approximately double. That means the $3000 in spending now would be closer to $6000 25-30 years in the future. But that amount of monthly distribution would deplete the entire nest egg. If that client wanted to never touch principal, that monthly withdrawal would be closer to $2400 per month.

There are many things to do when saving for retirement: creating a plan, choosing investments for that plan, selecting an advisor, etc. The first step is the hardest, but just start! After that it is important to continue investing toward the retirement goal.

One of the biggest questions our clients ask is “How much do I/we need to retire?” The question sounds simple enough, but is complex in so many ways. Each client is different. Spending habits, lifestyle changes, working part time in retirement, health concerns, planning to travel or buy a vacation home, leaving assets to heirs or charities, etc. The list goes on and on.

continued on page 14

The Ohio Landscape Association – in conjunction with Botson Insurance Group - is happy to announce one of its most impactful member

FISCAL FITNESS

continued from page 12

Much of our retirement spending discussion actually takes place before the client retires. Some will say you need to replace 75% of your pre-retirement income. But that is too generic for all clients, who have different goals and risk levels. What we have found is that it works much better to create an actual retirement budget once the client is within shouting distance of calling it a career.

We also have to determine how to draw down the savings in retirement. One client may want the account to continue to grow and draw a smaller amount. Another may want to spend down the account over time. Others may front-load their spending while they have good health and plan to spend less in their older years. Planning for health care and assisted living costs is helpful the sooner you can.

Tax efficiency is another issue to address before retirement. Many clients have saved so well in their retirement accounts but very little outside of that. When it comes time to draw from those retirement accounts, the distributions are taxed at regular income tax rates. But a wise investor who contributed to Roth accounts or after-tax investment accounts can dip into different buckets and manage their tax situation prudently. All of this takes careful advanced planning.

Don’t think of retirement as flipping a switch and immediately becoming a conservative investor. Usually we look 20-30 years into the future. People are living longer and growth is probably a component in any retirement plan. Imagine managing your retirement plan with a dimmer switch, where you can slowly dial down risk instead of flipping a switch.

The phrase “safe high-yield investments” is an oxymoron. Investments that promise fatter yields or hold out the prospect of above-average returns always come with more risk, whether it’s in the form of more volatile returns or loss of principal. If anything, it’s even more dangerous to stretch

for loftier yields and returns today given the wild swings we’ve recently experienced in stock prices, the iffy shape many economies are in around the globe and the possibility of interest rate fluctuation in the near future.

Granted, inflated risks on higher yielding investments may not always be apparent, and many investors lull themselves into a false sense of security by convincing themselves that higher risk isn’t there. But make no mistake, it’s always lurking somewhere, ready to ensnare anyone who forgets there’s no free lunch in the investing world.

Each investor has specific needs, goals and risk tolerances. Keep your portfolio diversified and rebalance regularly.

Like other aspects of financial planning, managing the income you will receive during retirement years requires careful planning. Do not wait until you retire to start making your financial plans. Instead, reassess your financial status during your pre-retirement years. Most importantly, talk to your financial professional to develop rules and strategies to fit your specific needs.

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

SAFELY LIFTING LARGE SLABS WITH SUCTION EQUIPMENT

Working with large slabs in hardscaping can be a physically demanding and potentially risky task. Fortunately, modern suction equipment has revolutionized how professionals lift and place heavy pavers and stones, making the process safer and more efficient. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this essential aspect of hardscaping.

THE NEED FOR PROPER EQUIPMENT

When it comes to handling large slabs, the right equipment is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Traditional methods often involve a lot of manual labor, leading to fatigue and increasing the likelihood of accidents. According to Pave Tool, “Using mechanical aids such as vacuum lifters can save time and reduce injuries.” Suction equipment offers a game-changing solution by allowing you to lift and move heavy materials with ease, reducing strain and improving overall safety on the job site.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Assess the Site Conditions

Before lifting any slabs, ensure the work area is safe and stable. Check for loose soil, debris, and other obstacles that could interfere with the lifting process. Proper planning and site preparation are crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation.

Understand the Material

Different materials have different levels of porosity, which can impact the effectiveness of suction equipment. For instance, granite, with its lower porosity, may require different equipment compared to more porous concrete slabs.

Use the Right Tools

Suction equipment comes in various sizes and capabilities. For larger slabs, consider using a vacuum lifter with sufficient

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FOR SAFETY SAKE

continued from page 16

lifting capacity. Smaller, handheld suction tools can be effective for lighter or more delicate materials. Choosing the right equipment depends on the slab’s weight and size.

SAFETY FIRST

Equip your crew with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and steeltoe boots. Proper training on using the equipment is equally essential to prevent mishaps. Safety gear is not optional; it’s a necessity.

LIFTING WITH SUCTION EQUIPMENT

• Preparation: Begin by positioning the suction lifter on a clean, flat surface of the slab. Make sure the suction pads are free from dirt and debris to ensure a strong grip.

• Lifting: Activate the suction and slowly lift the slab. Always keep an eye on the stability of the load and maintain a steady, controlled motion. Avoid any sudden movements that could cause the slab to slip.

• Placement: Once you’ve transported the slab to its destination, gently lower it into place. Release the suction only after the slab is securely positioned.

CHALLENGES & HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Uneven Surfaces

If you’re working on uneven terrain, consider using a machinemounted vacuum lifter to maintain stability. This will help prevent the slab from tipping or slipping during transport.

Damaged Slabs

Inspect slabs for cracks or defects before lifting. Damaged slabs can compromise the suction and lead to accidents.

Adverse Weather

Wet or windy conditions can make lifting with suction equipment more challenging. In such cases, wait for favorable weather or take additional precautions to secure the load.

BENEFITS OF SUCTION EQUIPMENT

Using suction equipment significantly reduces the physical strain associated with lifting heavy slabs. This not only minimizes the risk of injuries but also enhances productivity, allowing projects to be completed faster and more efficiently. Moreover, with the right equipment, even the largest and heaviest slabs can be handled with precision, ensuring a flawless finish for your hardscaping projects.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Investing in the right suction equipment can make all the difference when it comes to lifting large slabs. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it safely and efficiently.

As with any tool, understanding its capabilities and limitations is key to maximizing its benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to hardscaping, taking the time to learn and implement best practices for using suction equipment will help you tackle any project with confidence.

This article appeared on the Central Home Supply site, and was otiginally published by Pave Tool Innovators, whos mission is to improve the hardscape community through proven innovative solutions, education and superior customer service. For more detailed information and to explore equipment options, visit Pavetool.com.

THE AWARD FOR LIFETIME CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

Mike Rorie

Each year, since 1992, the OLA Board of Directors selects a deserving individual to receive the Lifetime Dedication and Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award. This year, the OLA recognizes Mike Rorie, the 34th recipient of this prestigious award.

Mike Rorie was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to parents Durk and Margaret, with an older sister named Diane. He grew up in several cities, including Shaker Heights, Chesterland, Pittsburgh, and eventually returned to Cincinnati. His passion for driving and machinery began young, sparked by mowing the lawn with a Wheelhorse tractor and secretly driving the family’s Chevy Nova.

Mike attended Madeira High School, spent a year at Stanton Military Academy, then returned to graduate from Madeira. College didn’t resonate with him, and after a brief semester at the University of Cincinnati, he pursued work that matched his love for the outdoors and machinery. At age 20, he started a lawn mowing business.

The company began humbly in 1979 and grew steadily. Key milestones included a partnership with his best friend, using

the Circle Q system for employee development, and reaching $1 million in sales by 1989. Industry mentors like Jim Paluch, Frank Ross, and Ken Hochkeppel shaped his business acumen, particularly in finance and operations. By 1983, the business transitioned to 100% commercial maintenance, preferring large sites over residential work

Mike has actively given back to the industry through his involvement in organizations such as OLA, SIMA, YPO, The Cincinnati CEO Roundtable and NALP (formerly ALCA), where he served on the board from 1992–1998. He built strong relationships and shared his knowledge freely, helping many others grow their businesses.

Mike married Angel in 1979, and together they built a life centered around hard work, family, and shared hobbies. They raised two daughters, Rachel and Alle,

and now enjoy life with their extended family, all living nearby in Cincinnati. One of the many highlights of his career include working with his daughters at Go iLawn and GroundSystems.

If Mike were talking with you now, he would tell you to find something that you have genuine passion for and then become the best you can at that. Careers and going to work are things that go on for most of your life, so do something you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about.

The OLA recognizes Mike for his deep industry impact, lifelong learning, and commitment to helping others succeed. He encourages others to follow their passions and build careers they truly enjoy.

Congratulations to Mike Rorie, recipient of the OLA Lifetime Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award.

AWARD WINNING PROJECTS

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE

SPONSOR: ALVORD’S YARD AND GARDEN

AWARD OF HONOR

The Bremec Group

A Residence in South Russell

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE

SPONSOR: PC SERVICES

AWARD OF MERIT

Environmental Management Inc. OCLC

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY II

SPONSOR: BIGFOOT LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

AWARD OF MERIT

Sasak Landscaping, Inc.

A Residence in Brecksville

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY III

SPONSOR: WILLOWAY NURSERIES

AWARD OF MERIT

Sasak Landscaping, Inc.

A Residence in Brecksville

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY IV

SPONSOR: LAKE COUNTY NURSERY

AWARD OF HONOR

Landscapes by Terra

A Residence in Columbus

AWARD OF MERIT

Environmental Management Inc.

A Residence in Columbus

AWARD OF MERIT

KGK and Company

A Residence in Hudson

AWARD OF MERIT

The Bremec Group

A Residence in Cleveland Heights

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY V

SPONSOR: DAVIS TREE FARM & NURSERY

AWARD OF HONOR

Vizmeg Landscape, Inc.

A Residence in Wadsworth

AWARD OF MERIT

Rice’s Landscapes Redefined

A Residence in Canfield

AWARD OF MERIT

Brothers Grimm Landscape & Design Co. A Residence in Medina

AWARD WINNING PROJECTS

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY VI

SPONSOR: VALLEY CITY SUPPLY

AWARD OF HONOR

Rice’s Landscapes Redefined

A Residence in Poland

AWARD OF MERIT

J. Barker Landscaping Company

A Residence in Bay Village

AWARD OF MERIT

Ottawa Landscapes

A Residence in Columbus

AWARD OF MERIT

Land Creations Landscaping Inc.

A Residence in Hudson

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY II

SPONSOR: PETITTI FAMILY OF FARMS

AWARD OF HONOR

Environmental Management Inc.

Scioto Mile Fountain

AWARD OF MERIT

Environmental Management Inc.

Preston Centre Sunken Garden

AWARD OF MERIT

Brothers Grimm Landscape & Design Co.

Valmark Corporation

WATER FEATURES

SPONSOR: BEDFORD GLENS GARDEN CENTER

AWARD OF MERIT

Land Creations Landscaping Inc.

A Residence in Hudson

AWARD OF MERIT

Landscapes by Terra

A Residence in Galena

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

SPONSOR: WOLF CREEK COMPANY

AWARD OF HONOR

Landscapes by Terra

A Residence in Galena

AWARD OF MERIT

Suncrest Gardens

A Residence in Hinckley

AWARD OF MERIT

KGK and Company

A Residence in Hudson

AWARD OF MERIT Northern Territory Lighting A Residence in Newbury

AWARD WINNING PROJECTS

SPECIALTY GARDENS

SPONSOR: KURTZ BROS., INC.

AWARD OF HONOR

Rice’s Landscapes Redefined A Residence in Canfield

AWARD OF MERIT

Blooming Designs

The Fairlawn Sign

SHOW & DISPLAY GARDENS

SPONSOR: THE GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW

AWARD OF HONOR

Brothers Grimm Landscape & Design Co.

The Cleveland Home & Garden Show

AWARD OF MERIT

Wimberg Landscaping Wasson Way

AWARD OF MERIT

The Bremec Group Garden Center Display

GARDEN STRUCTURES/PAVEMENTS, I

SPONSOR: OBERFIELDS

AWARD OF MERIT

Suncrest Gardens, Inc.

A Residence in Broadview Heights

AWARD OF MERIT

Land Creations Landscaping Inc.

A Residence in Hudson

GARDEN STRUCTURES/PAVEMENTS, II

SPONSOR: UNILOCK OHIO, INC.

AWARD OF HONOR

Landscapes by Terra A Residence in Columbus

AWARD OF MERIT

Executive Landscaping

A Residence in Cortland

AWARD OF MERIT

The Bremec Group

The WKYC-TV3 Cultural Garden

AWARD OF MERIT

Executive Landscaping

A Residence in Cortland

AWARD WINNING PROJECTS

GARDEN STRUCTURES/PAVEMENTS, III

SPONSOR: BELGARD HARDSCAPES

AWARD OF HONOR

Landscapes by Terra

A Residence in Dublin

AWARD OF MERIT

KGK and Company

A Residence in Hudson

AWARD OF MERIT

Executive Landscaping, Inc.

A Residence in Craig Beach

GARDEN STRUCTURES/PAVEMENTS, IV

SPONSOR: VERMEER ALL ROADS

AWARD OF HONOR

Landscapes by Terra.

A Residence in Galena

AWARD OF MERIT

KGK and Company

A Residence in Hudson

AWARD OF MERIT

Brothers Grimm Landscape & Design Co.

A Residence in Medina

AWARD OF HONOR

Ground Works Land Design

A Residence in Westlake

BEST USE OF COLOR

SPONSOR: LOWE’S GREENHOUSE

AWARD OF HONOR

Environmental Management Inc.

Clifton & Palmer

AWARD OF MERIT

Blooming Designs

The Fairlawn Sign

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Each year, the OLA makes available scholarship monies for selected students who are interested in pursuing horticulture in college. Those eligible recipients/applicants include high school seniors who are enrolled in a horticulture program, as well as college students currently studying horticulture. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!

KAMRYN MILLER

$3,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Kamryn Miller is a part of the Class of 2025 at Ottoville High School. Graduating with a 3.852 GPA, she also participated in softball; musical; National Honor Society (NHS); and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Kamryn has worked for Beining Nursery and Landscaping, LLC. since May of 2022. In the fall of 2025, Kamryn will be attending Ohio State ATI, majoring in Horticultural Science. Besides getting to work with plants, one of her favorite things about the Horticulture and Landscape industry is that the people in this industry have a true passion for what they do and are not just after money and fame.

JOSEPH FRITZ

$2,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Joey is currently attending classes at Cuyahoga Community College in the Plant Science and Landscape Technology program. He has been working in the green industry for a few years, and currently works as a foreman at Lifestyle Landscaping. In the future, Joey wants to help usher in more sustainable landscape practices in the Cleveland area.

RAEGAN LANDON

$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Raegan started out working in her family’s landscaping business, prior to working at a greenhouse. After a couple of years, she began attending Columbus State Community College where she studied Landscape Design and Management, using what she had learned from school at work and creating landscape designs for residential homeowners to enjoy. She currently takes care of the perennials, trees, and shrubs at the greenhouse. Raegan’s dream is to continue to do landscape designs for homeowners to be excited about and help them learn more about their landscaping.

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

$750 SCHOLARSHIPS

Hannah Derrickson / Cuyahoga Community College

Alexandria Cerny / Cuyahoga Community College

Mason Cristino / Stow-Monroe Falls High School

Margaret Reilly / Cuyahoga Community College

Josiah Hull / Cuyahoga Community College

JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

GYMNOCLADUS DIOICUS

KENTUCKY COFFEETREE

We first shared this plant back in May of 2015, so we figured it was safe to re-highlight it as we are discussing trees resilient to rapid climate change. Kentucky Coffeetree is a great native tree in Ohio, found in the western and southern counties of the state. Its native range extends north into parts of Michigan, a little into Ontario, heads west to Missouri and Kansas, and south to Tennessee and Oklahoma.

Typically, this tree is found growing in floodplains with rich soils and along streams with well-drained soils, along with a mixed stand of hardwoods. It is interesting that although the plant is found in deep, moist soils in its native setting, we have found this species to be incredibly urban tolerant (which doesn’t make much sense). In truth, it seems these trees do best in soils that have drainage, so a heavy clay is a bad idea, but the garbage that is urbanized soil typically does drain and won’t cause severe issues.

One of the things we enjoy about this tree is its rich history as an important species to Native American tribes and, by default, early settlers within its native range. The common name came from this history, and for some reason, out of all the states it is found, someone decided Kentucky would be the one.

The most well-known use of this tree was as a coffee-esque brewed beverage (minus any caffeine). It is crucial to properly roast the large seeds prior to brewing, as they are quite toxic when fresh. There are many reports of Civil War soldiers on both sides utilizing the seeds in this manner during the war, when coffee supplies were scarce.

Some Native American Tribes (Meskwaki, Ho-Chunk, Pawnee) would harvest the seeds, roast them, and eat them as they were high in protein, beneficial fats, and many antioxidants. The Omaha tribe, among others, used the roots to treat severe bleeding, including injuries, nosebleeds, and complications during childbirth.

Perhaps it is this long history of human reliance on this tree that makes us think of the importance of utilizing it more continued on page 28

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to help us adapt to rapid climate change. As we know, the more tree canopy we can add, especially to the urban canopy, the better we can mitigate the impact of rising temperatures. This certainly should be at the top of our minds since this past April was the warmest on record beating the other top 10 warmest Aprils, all of which have occurred since 2010.

Something to keep in mind when considering this tree is the reason it has the specific epithet, Dioicus. This word references the dioecious trait of having male and female reproductive parts on separate plants. You are certainly familiar with this trait in Hollies (Ilex sp.) where the female plants get the attractive fruit only. For coffeetree the fruit’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As a member of the Fabaceae family (Pea family) fruits come as a pod and in this case, a large (10 inch long) flat, dark brown pod which will hang onto the tree through much of winter.

The source of the name “Gymnocladus” comes from two Greek roots Gymnos (naked) and Klados (branch). German botanist Karl Koch gave it this name because the tree is rather late to leaf out in spring and is often one of the first to drop leaves in the fall. The “naked branch” effect is also exaggerated because these leaves are huge! They are bipinnate (the leaflets, are split into leaflets) with each leaf reaching up to 3 feet long and split into leaflets twice. When these giant leaves fall the branches that are left don’t look like they would be enough for all that canopy making them very stark in outline all winter.

If you don’t want to see or perhaps more likely, have the large seed pods falling on the ground, there are a few male clones that you can purchase. The male clones and species in

general will reach around 45 to 50 feet tall with age (not an underwire tree) and perhaps about 2/3s the height in width. However, remember that even though it is a nice medium sized shade tree, the winter effect is very stark and beautiful!

Flowers are of some interest, males will be around 4 inches long clusters, and females up to 12 inches long, both in a greenish-white color. The female flowers are fragrant when you get close, but you likely won’t have too many noses getting that high into the canopy to sniff them.

We have found many urban sites utilizing these trees to great effect, with one particularly excellent use found on Kent State’s campus along the esplanade. There are several dozen trees mixed with other species allowing each species to take front stage at various times through the seasons. We’ve found that winter is this plant’s time to shine with the stout but sparse branching and the large seed pods hanging and snow gathering along the ridges in the bark, simply beautiful.

So, as you diversify the tree canopy through your projects across our great state, please consider adding the Kentucky coffeetree to the lineup to add some resilience and beauty! The future will thank you for adding more trees that can withstand the difficult changes to come.

Jim Funai, PhD, is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.

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• Prioritize workplace flexibility. Workers prefer jobs that provide more flexibility over those that offer more vacation days. To the extent possible, give workers a say in their schedule, work conditions, work organization, work location, and work tasks.

• Match tasks to abilities. Use self-paced work, selfdirected rest breaks, and less repetitive tasks.

• Avoid prolonged, sedentary work. Prolonged, sedentary work is bad for workers at every age. Consider sit/stand workstations and walking workstations for workers who traditionally sit all day. Provide onsite physical activity opportunities or connections to low-cost community based options.

• Manage hazards. Including noise, slip/trip hazards, and physical hazards – conditions that can challenge an aging workforce more.

• Provide and design ergo-friendly work environments. Workstations, tools, floor surfaces, adjustable seating, better illumination where needed, and screens and surfaces with less glare.

• Provide health promotion and lifestyle interventions including physical activity, healthy meal options, tobacco cessation assistance, risk factor reduction and screenings, coaching, and onsite medical care. Accommodate medical self-care in the workplace and time away for health visits.

• Utilize teams and teamwork strategies for agingassociated problem solving. Workers closest to the problem are often best equipped to find the fix.

• Invest in training and building worker skills and competencies at all age levels. Help older employees adapt to new technologies, often a concern for employers

Proactively manage reasonable accommodations and the return-to-work process after illness or injury absences. Require aging workforce management skills training for supervisors. Include a focus on the most effective ways to manage a multi-generational workplace.

This article first appeared on the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) website, located at www.cdc.gov/niosh. NIOSH’s mission is to develop new knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health and to transfer that knowledge into practice. Their vision: Safer, Healthier Workers.

WHY PIPELINE VISIBILITY IS THE SECRET TO PREDICTABLE REVENUE GROWTH

...AND HOW LEADING LANDSCAPE COMPANIES ACHIEVE IT

Reliable revenue forecasts don’t come from gut feelings—they come from clear, actionable sales data, smart technology, and a company culture dedicated to continuous improvement. For lawn, landscape, and outdoor living businesses, transparent sales processes, powerful analytical tools like HubSpot, and strategic planning— including preparing your business to acquire, merge with, or be acquired by another company—can significantly boost your competitive edge and long-term success.

CREATING TRANSPARENCY IN YOUR PIPELINE

To build a reliable sales pipeline, start by clearly defining your deal stages. Imagine you receive an inquiry from a homeowner interested in a backyard remodel. From the initial conversation to design proposals, contract negotiation, and final signature— each step becomes a clearly marked stage in your pipeline. This clarity immediately highlights where potential projects stall, enabling quick action to nudge deals forward.

Next, leverage meaningful metrics. Tracking deal velocity (how quickly prospects move through each stage), win rates by stage, and average project sizes across maintenance, construction, snow management, and enhancements provides essential data for accurate forecasting. For example, if you notice construction

projects consistently stall during the design proposal stage, you can focus on streamlining that specific process.

Successful forecasting also requires disciplined data management. Instead of letting outdated opportunities clutter your CRM, regularly archive inactive deals and enforce complete data entries for every new deal. Leading landscape companies often appoint a “pipeline steward,” responsible for regularly auditing and maintaining clean, accurate data, ensuring forecasts remain reliable.

Crucially, alignment between marketing and sales teams enhances pipeline accuracy. Define clear lead qualification standards—perhaps through formalized Service-Level

continued on page 32

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Agreements (SLAs)—and use shared dashboards for both departments. Regular joint reviews of funnel performance not only improve lead quality but also foster a collaborative team culture that proactively addresses challenges.

ADVANCED FORECASTING WITH HUBSPOT

Many growing landscape businesses are using HubSpot to transform their forecasting accuracy. By assigning probability weights to each pipeline stage and leveraging AI-driven insights, companies can turn raw sales data into reliable predictions. This allows for smarter, more confident decisions, especially when managing large or long-term project pipelines.

For companies operating multiple branches or services, consolidating pipelines into a single comprehensive view in HubSpot offers critical insights into regional or service-level variations. For example, discovering that your northeastern branches perform better in maintenance contracts than your southwestern locations allows precise, strategic resource allocations tailored to each market’s strengths.

Adopting a dynamic, rolling forecast approach further enhances agility. Regularly updated forecasts help quickly adapt to seasonal fluctuations or economic shifts. HubSpot’s

scenario modeling capabilities allow you to simulate potential impacts – like an unexpected dip in average deal size –preparing your team to pivot quickly and confidently.

Integrating HubSpot with ERP systems, financial platforms, and industry-specific tools like Aspire and Proposify closes the gap between forecasted and actual revenue. Middleware such as Zapier can synchronize data automatically, instantly alerting your team if discrepancies arise. Custom integrations further connect CRM data to actual project milestones, providing visibility across the entire client lifecycle—from initial lead capture through final project completion.

Example 1: A high-end outdoor living company uses a single pipeline divided into six clearly defined stages:

1. New Inquiry

2. Discovery Call Booked

3. Design/Build Proposal Sent

4. Proposal Follow-Up

5. Contract Sent

6. Closed Won/Lost

Each stage has a probability weight (e.g., 10% at Inquiry, 80% at Contract Sent) which drives the forecasting model

in HubSpot. Automated deal creation is triggered by form submissions on the website, and mandatory fields like project type, zip code, and estimated budget are required before advancing to the proposal stage. This setup allows real-time forecasting across lead sources and services, with reporting dashboards filtering by project size and close rate.

Example 2: A commercial landscape and snow company with five branches uses separate pipelines for each location but rolls them into one master dashboard using HubSpot custom reports.

Each branch tracks:

1. Open deals by service line (Snow, Maintenance, Enhancements, etc.)

2. Average close time per service

3. Enhancements upsell by AM

4. Sales rep win rates for new contracts

5. Year over Year Churn/Retention

The centralized dashboard helps leadership spot underperforming territories and proactively allocate estimating or production resources. Regular weekly syncs ensure each branch updates deal stages and closes stale deals, maintaining high forecast accuracy.

Example 3: A full-service company uses one main pipeline segmented by deal type tags (e.g., “Enhancement,” “Seasonal” “Snow Renewal”). HubSpot is integrated with Aspire to sync proposal amounts and actual job values.

The dashboard includes these (and others):

1. Forecast vs. actual revenue by service line type

2. Deal aging reports to flag bottlenecks

3. Custom views for sales reps showing only their active deals and task deadlines

An alert system (via Zapier) notifies reps when a deal sits in a stage too long or when proposal values drop below margin thresholds. Leadership uses this data to refine pricing and staffing plans for the next season.

DRIVING ADOPTION & PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Rolling out new tools and processes successfully requires thoughtful planning. Businesses that implement change with a clear rollout plan—complete with executive buyin, easy-to-follow training, and ongoing coaching—tend to see stronger adoption across teams. Aligning incentives and compensation with data quality can further encourage consistent usage and accountability.

continued from page 33

When considering strategic growth opportunities such as mergers or acquisitions, a consolidated CRM becomes your most powerful tool. Imagine a scenario where your company plans to acquire a smaller, complementary outdoor living business. With robust CRM data, due diligence becomes significantly streamlined, clearly showcasing revenue streams, client relationships, and cross-selling opportunities. Post-acquisition integration also becomes far smoother, as accurate and comprehensive pipeline data ensures seamless transitions and sustained business growth.

By shifting from reactive sales management to proactive, data-driven leadership—fully harnessing HubSpot’s powerful forecasting capabilities—you position your lawn, landscape, or outdoor living business for remarkable success, making your company stand out in today’s competitive marketplace.

This article was posted to the Halstead Media web blog - located at www. halsteadmedia.com/blog - by Anna Halstead, Co-owner of the Halstead Media Group. When it comes to growing your landscaping business, you need a marketing partner that understands your industry. With a team of experts who are deeply invested in the landscape industry, Halstead is a true partner in your business journey, offering unmatched transparency, flexibility, and expertise... every step of the way.

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LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS GALA

The purpose of our Landscape Ohio! Award Program is to recognize and celebrate excellence in the landscape design, installation and maintenance projects for our members. Our award-winning landscapes and designs will be recognized in the Landscape Ohio! and Growing Concern magazines, on our website, and social media. With the help of our partner, Great Lakes Publishing, more than 282,000 readers will read about our awards program, and learn about the Green Industry. We are grateful for the generous support of all our sponsors who made it possible for the OLA community to come together to experience this magical evening.

We also honored Mike Rorie with OLA’s Lifetime Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award. Each year, since 1992, the OLA Board of Directors select an individual to receive this Award, and it’s the highest recognition OLA bestows upon an individual.

If Mike were talking with you now, he would tell you to find something that you have genuine passion for and then become the best you can at that. Careers and going to work is something that goes on for most of your life, so do something you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. To quote Mike, “See those cars in the parking lot full of rust, bad mufflers, and bald tires? That is not what I want employees to be driving. I want all of us to understand that

this business will allow us to have anything we want. . . we just have to build it.”

Mike has proven through the years this was not just something nice to say, because many of the owners of those cars in the parking lot that day are still with the company, and have nicer cars, a beautiful house, maybe a boat, and kids who have gone to great schools. Magic happens when employees become a reason for building a successful business.

OLA also awarded $9,750 in scholarships to students who are or will be studying horticulture. Congratulations to all this year’s recipients who are attending Ohio colleges.

We would not be able to provide this amazing Awards Program and Gala without the assistance of many! Thank YOU to our Judges, Awards Gala Committee, Melissa Roberts, Rick Doll, Paula Welch, Adam Capiccioni, Kate Adams and our Board who did an amazing job this year! Pictures of the award-winning entries can be viewed on our website, https://www.ohiolandscapers.org/awardsprogram.html.

If you would like to participate in next year’s Gala Awards, please let us know. We look forward to connecting with you and building a stronger voice together!