DISCLAIMER: The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements, or their identification as members of the MNLA does not constitute an endorsement of their products or featured services.
REPRINT PERMISSION: Reprints of original articles may be granted upon request. Contact info@plantingmontana.org with requests.
PRESIDENT
James Hoiland
Green Up Lawn & Landscape
Sprinklers
Great Falls, MT
1st VICE PRESIDENT
John Spray
The Good Earth Works Co.
Billings, MT
2nd VICE PRESIDENT
Aaron Mihelish
Pro Sweep Plus Missoula, MT
3rd VICE PRESIDENT
Ali Zackheim Gardenwerks Helena, MT
2025 MNLA BOARD
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Joe Sansone Oldcastle Polson, MT
PAST PRESIDENT
Peter Hiel
Gardenwerks Helena, MT
SECRETARY
Pat Appleby
Compost Happens Gardening Florence, MT
EDUCATION
COMMITTEE CHAIR
Kristi Browning, CPP Cashman Nursery Bozeman, MT
Introducing our new Executive Assistant
The last few years have been a mixed bag with the pandemic, the recovery, and lots of time for fresh ideas to simmer. MNLA is now poised to embrace growth and expansion; the Board of Directors have hired Corinna Sinclair to fill the role of Executive Assistant to help keep our association running smoothly.
Corinna brings business skills, non-profit experience, and a lifelong appreciation for outdoor living to the position. She is from Big Sandy, MT in the Golden Triangle, having lived there for over forty years - the third generation on the family farm. After years of learning about gardening from her grandmothers and mom, she built her first greenhouse as an FFA project before her freshman year of high school and successfully ran it as a hobby with her mother for over 20 years, selling bedding plants to local gardeners. For many years she drove truck at harvest, rogued fields, and moved equipment for her grandfather, father, and father-in-law.
Her first job off the farm was summer help at the local lumber and hardware store, which she bought in 2004 and operated
NORTHERN ROCKIES TREE SCHOOL CHAIR
Mike Garvey
Garvey’s Urban Forest Billings, MT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gina Albaugh
MNLA Billings, MT
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Corinna Sinclair
MNLA Billings, MT
MT DEPT. OF AG LIAISON
Frank Etzler
MDA Helena, MT
with her family until 2008, turning it over to her sister and mother. Corinna did other odd jobs including auctioneer assistant, CPA assistant, and retail clerk. After attending Northern Montana College she became a mom, a substitute mail carrier, a typesetter at the local newspaper, and a volunteer at church and other local organizations.
Corinna moved to Billings at the end of 2011 and worked for a small event company for two years. Several temp jobs later (an oil company, a lawyer, Billings Clinic, and others) she responded to a Facebook post for a content writing opportunity at Moss Mansion Museum, which turned into a ten-year non-profit stint as Administrative Assistant, Operations Manager, and then Director of Operations. Her duties included event planning and production, IT, office management, content creation for web and social media, scheduling, training, historic preservation and site maintenance, grant writing and administration, museum collection management, and groundskeeping (including the Conservatory garden, her favorite).
Corinna married her second husband, Dayle, in 2015. Her daughter, Jackie, is married with two children and farms between Glasgow and Scobey. Her son, Sean, lives in Billings, works for ALSCO, and does voice work and mixed media art. Both grew up in Big Sandy and attended colleges in Montana. Her stepdaughter Julie lives in Boise, ID with her partner Abrie, her daughter Jaime, and son Jaxon. They enjoy photography, graphic arts, music, and camping and hiking.
“I am so excited to return to an industry that focuses on horticulture,” Corinna writes, ”with a great team of professionals who value education and collaboration. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the board and all the members!”
4 Biophilic Design Ideas for Outdoor Living Spaces
Joe Raboine, Oldcastle APG
Biophilic design is a trend that has been sprouting up everywhere. Based on the idea that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature, biophilic design works to weave elements of the natural world into modern environments. In fact, science has shown that spaces built with biophilic principles provide positive mental and physical health benefits to occupants.
By incorporating biophilic elements and sustainable products into your outdoor living spaces, you can create a space that not only looks good, but is good for you, too. Boost the restorative effects of your backyard with these biophilic-inspired ideas.
1. Construct a Living Wall Plants are an important visual element in an outdoor space; they can also make excellent building materials. Climbing vines with supporting structures or vertical gardens planted along bare fences are creative ways to define your space and add more greenery and privacy in your yard. They are especially useful in apartment gardens or homes with limited outdoor space.
2. Mix and Match Materials Meshing natural materials with made ones further blurs the lines between nature and the built environment, embodying biophilic design. “Entangling” pavers has become a popular style in hardscaping over recent years that blends the use of pavers into landscaping. There are multiple techniques to choose from, including fading, outcropping and stepping-stones. For a sustainable,
eco-friendly lawn and garden solution, consider using permeable pavers, which allow water to seep back into the ground, filtering runoff of pollutants and controlling soil erosion.
Fading Technique: The most common entanglement technique is to allow the pavement to fade into the lawn or planting beds. This creates the visual effect that the vegetation has slowly broken into the hard surfaces. This can be done in formal or very informal ways. But if done well, the effect can be very pleasing to the eye and helps soften the space.
Outcropping Technique: The second most common technique is to use large stone boulders or outcroppings. If buried properly into the landscape, these will provide a sense of permanence and the visual effect that the hardscapes (pavers and walls) and softscapes (landscaping) were designed around the feature. The pavers would then be woven in and around the rocks. This could also include vertical features such as walls, fire pits and even features like outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. The resulting effect can be stunning and can give a sense of timelessness to the space.
Formal Inset Technique: The formal inset technique has been around the longest and is the easiest to accomplish. Whether curved or angular, formal insets into the paved surface creates a more uniform
look, while still allowing for the inclusion of organic elements such as a tree, butterfly garden or water feature.
Stepping-Stone Technique: The stepping-stone technique is becoming increasingly popular with poolscape design. When using the stepping-stone technique, a rising trend is to use artificial turf instead of real grass. This reduces the need for water, a growing concern in certain climates, and eliminates grass maintenance. For the fading and stepping-stone techniques, restraining the edges can be a challenge. To prevent movement, edges would need to be supported
in the same manner as the rest of the installation. For two restraints to work, the gaps in between would need to be at least 6” wide. Restraints with gaps may be required to allow the grass roots to penetrate. A troweled concrete edge is also an option. If using porcelain pavers, one installation option is to use a concrete slab base, in which case the pavers would be adhered to the slab, which would eliminate shifting concerns.
3. Add Elemental Features:
Nature isn’t just plants and earth; it’s also made of other elements such as fire and water. Incorporating water features, like a bubbling fountain or water bowl, or a cozy fire pit into your outdoor living design adds another layer of depth to the space while creating great focal points and gathering spaces for family and guests. As an added bonus, the sound of a water feature can help reduce noise pollution from neighbors or nearby traffic.
4. Change for the Seasons:
Spring and summer are loved for their warm weather and abundant flowers but fall and winter bring a beauty of their own. Instead of enjoying your builtin planters for only half of the year, consider adding plants that thrive during cooler weather. Add shrubs known for autumn foliage and some cold-hardy blooms for a landscape that changes throughout the seasons.
Celebrate your lawn and garden throughout the year by incorporating some of these biophilic designs in your backyard.
July
July
July 24-25 Summer Tour - Bozeman
August 15 12th Annual Billings Chapter Golf Tournament - Billings
August 21 2nd Annual Bozeman Chapter Golf Tournament - Bozeman
September 10 Hardscape Efficiency TrainingBozeman
September 11-12 Northern Rockies Tree School: TPAQ Certificate WorkshopBillings
September 18 Field Day - Billings
GROWERS: Nursery Containers, Wire Baskets/Burlap, Horticulture Tools, Corrugated Tree Protectors, Digging Spades, Osmocote Fertilizers, and Grower’s Mixes.
RETAIL: Chemicals, Grass Seed, Tools/Pruners, Water Gardening Supplies, Garden Hoses, Potting Soil, Bagged Mulches, and Cocoa Bean Mulch.
CONTRACTORS: Edging, Fabrics, Low Voltage Lighting, Retaining Wall Systems, Pavers, Bulk Materials, Safety Supplies, and Wheelbarrows.
NURSERY STOCK: Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, B&B Trees, Perennials, specialty Conifers, Specialty Deciduous, and Field Direct Trees.
Over 900 varieties of trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials.
Plants suited to the rigors of Montana’s climate and synchronized to Montana’s seasons with late spring frosts and early fall freezes.
Timely deliveries to your yard or job site throughout the planting season.
Check inventory availability and order online at:
username: avail password: gnursery
Notes from the Executive Director
Director
Greetings, MNLA Members! While you’ve been hard at work doing what you do best, we’ve been putting together a summer packed with chances to catch up, relax, and have a little fun. From baseball games to golf tournaments, chapter meetings to the Summer Tour, this year’s events offer the perfect break from the daily grind.
We’ll kick off with Family Fun Night at the Billings Mustangs ballpark in mid-July—bring the whole crew for a relaxed evening of fun! Then join us July 24–25 in Bozeman for the Summer Tour, a field trip to some of the region’s premier nurseries, growers, and landscapes. We will once again be offering the Certified Plant Professional exam in conjunction with the Tour; if you have been considering taking the exam or having your team members gain certification, this is the last chance to do so before the next exam offering in January of 2026. August brings our ever-popular golf tournaments in both Billings and Bozeman; these tournaments are important fundraisers that support our scholarship program and chapter activities. Join us for a little fun and help support a good cause! Registration information for all of these events can be found in this
Leaflet, as well as on our website: www.plantingmontana.org.
Chapter meetings are also back in full swing in both Billings and Bozeman. Meetings happen monthly (with a few breaks for summer events) and are open to all industry professionals. These gatherings are a great way to share ideas, talk shop, and grow your local network. If you haven’t attended one yet, now’s a great time to jump in.
As the season progresses, don’t forget to take photos of what you’ve been working on—the Best of Montana Landscape Competition and Container Planting Contest deadlines will be here before we know it, with the intent-to-enter deadline on October 15.
We are excited to announce a new member benefit this year: a parts & service discount at Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service. This MNLA-exclusive discount gives you access to discounts on oil changes, tire purchases, alignments, batteries, and more. To take advantage of
Gina Albaugh, Executive
MNLA
the program, scan the QR code on this page to sign up using our unique link. I would like to extend a special thanks to immediate Past Board President Peter Hiel for coordinating this discount for all MNLA members. We hope you find it beneficial! We are also excited to welcome Corinna Sinclair as Executive Assistant for the MNLA. Welcome, Corinna!! Corinna joined the MNLA in May and will be working alongside myself and the Board of Directors. Be sure to check out the article in this Leaflet to learn more about Corinna and then look
In the Board Room
February 2025 Held in person in Bozeman, MT, President James Hoiland called the meeting to order and welcomed new 3rd Vice President Ali Zackheim. James then led reviews and approvals of previous meeting minutes and January financial reports, including projected net from the Montana Green Expo and Northern Rockies Tree School. The board voted to update bank signature cards and officially approved applying for another Specialty Crop Block Grant. Discussion was held regarding delays in current grant reimbursements due to the federal funding freeze, with additional risk of a potential loss of reimbursement for current grant expenditures. Frank Etzler with the Montana Dept of Agriculture reports a calm legislative session for our industry, with the nursery program running smoothly. Further discussion ensued regarding the continuation of nursery inspections this season if federal grant funding is not unfrozen.
Membership structure was reviewed, with a decision to move to a new format that allows multiple team members to be added under a primary member’s online account. The additional cost of moving to this format was discussed, noting that it would allow digital access throughout a company and would benefit members by giving their team access to all the online content and registration discounts. To partially offset the cost of adding this feature, the Board approved an increase in membership fees for the first time in years. The Board also approved hiring a part-time assistant for Gina to support growing needs. The Board
for her at our events throughout the Summer. I know she’s looking forward to meeting you. Corinna can be reached at: corinna@plantingmontana.org.
We hope to see many of you out and about this Summer—whether it’s at a chapter meeting, Summer Tour, or tee time. As always, I’m just a call or email away if you have questions, ideas, or just want to check in: 406-755-3079, gina@plantingmontana.org. Here’s to another great season!
will be undertaking strategic planning sessions to be held in the months of March and April in place of regular Board meetings. Initiatives and goals were discussed ahead of the strategic planning, with remarks on growing membership, adding additional chapters, and expanding CE credit offerings throughout the year.
The Montana Green Expo and Northern Rockies Tree School conference was reviewed, with discussion following on the schedule and seminar topics for next year. Kristi led discussion on the Certified Plant Professional program, noting that photographs have been added as an additional identification tool for the plant ID portion of the exam.
The board approved allocating $5,000 to the Community Beautification, with remaining auction fundraising dollars to go to the Scholarship Fund. Gina’s annual performance review was completed, with a unanimous vote to extend her contract for another year. Pat made the motion to adjourn, John seconded, motion carried.
March - April 2025 Strategic planning sessions held in lieu of Board Meetings.
May - June 2025 Spring Recess.
How Do Trees Die?
Lindsey Purcell, BCMA
It’s tough out there for trees, especially when they are trying to survive in the “unnatural” urban forests where we live. Trees tend to grow well on more natural, undisturbed sites like arboreal areas, but there is nothing natural about the built environment. Trees planted in suburban and urban areas require supplementary care and maintenance to keep them thriving and not just surviving.
While some tree species can live more than 300 years, 25 to 50 years is the average in our urbanized areas, according to recent research. If urban trees don’t receive adequate care, especially during the establishment period and stressful environmental episodes, they decline and die much too soon.
(Photo 1)
Managing trees in urban forests There are vital arboricultural science principles to be considered when it comes to managing trees in the urban forest. It starts with the understanding that tree growth and development vary widely from site to site and may fluctuate widely on any given site. In fact, the same species with similar growing conditions can respond differently to its environment, especially from belowground dynamics. Individual trees vary in their response to stress factors when there is a change in intensity or the supply of a tree’s basic needs. It’s a generally accepted consensus that trees growing in the built environment are likely stressed by factors not encountered by trees in undisturbed forests and must be managed differently.
There are many causes of tree death, including biotic (biological, living) pests, abiotic (physical, chemical, nonliving) factors and combinations of both. Although insects and diseases are often the
first considered suspects, it is more prevalent that the cause of early tree mortality is environmentally induced. This damaging situation is then often intensified by some opportunistic pest or secondary causal agent.
For example, an adverse environmental factor, such as drought, often is followed by lethal attacks from a secondary agent such as scale insects that may otherwise not have reached the action threshold or need for chemical intervention. Many practitioners of plant health care (PHC) often focus primarily on a pathogen, insect or some biotic factor, when often the issue warrants a much more complex diagnosis and prescription requiring examination of environment, host and causal agent.
Tree mortality Tree mortality is a progressive physiological process. (Photo 2) Despite decades of research on plant tolerance to environmental stressors, especially drought, the physiological mechanisms to which trees succumb are a continuous point of examination. It could be argued the two core causes of trees experiencing physiological death are starvation and dehydration, in other words, lack of nutrients and water. Actually, it’s more complicated than that from a tree’s perspective, but that is the simple statement for decline and eventual death.
The primary factors that can be attributed to tree
Photo 1: Trees with limited soil volume and supplemental irrigation will decline. All photos courtesy of the author.
Photo 2: Trees with limited soil volume and supplemental irrigation will decline. All photos courtesy of the author.
death are carbon starvation and hydraulic failure. When energy resources in the form of complex carbon molecules become exhausted, the tree can no longer support respiration, which is the consumption of carbohydrates to create energy. This happens when the tree has depleted its resources and is unable to manufacture simple sugars or carbohydrates. Carbon is the currency for trees and all plants.
Typically, the decline process begins from concurrent stressful growing seasons leading to an “overdrawn food account.” Dieback and decline infer a reduction in green, leafy tissue that is responsible for photosynthesis, or manufacturing food for the tree. If the tree cannot manufacture food, then the overdraft protection disappears!
Photosynthesis Food sources are created through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process by which phototrophs (organisms) convert light energy into chemical energy, which is later used to fuel cellular activities. The chemical energy is stored in the form of sugars, which are created from the sun, water and carbon dioxide. The manufactured sugars are broken down through the process of respiration. (Image 1) This is another critical physiological plant process.
If the tree can’t break down the sugars for energy, the tree simply runs out of fuel and begins the decline spiral. It’s a sequential process in which photosynthesis creates the energy source and relies on respiration to oxidize the carbohydrates for food. Then, the tree relies on translocation, which requires water and nutrient movement through the plant’s vascular system, allocating these resources throughout the plant.
The process of respiration is constant, even in dormancy, and production of carbohydrates must exceed its energy requirements, especially during times of high biological activity (leaf emergence). Without a surplus or reserve of food resources, decline begins and death can follow unless conditions improve within an acceptable time. This includes proper maintenance and care in providing adequate moisture and nutrition to help maintain healthy growth and energy reserves.
Transport systems Trees have a vascular system with a remarkable transport capacity. The transport system can deliver water rapidly and preferentially to those parts of the crown that are most actively transpiring, or losing, water. This is called translocation, which is simply the movement of something from one place to another, in this case moving water and other soluble products. The transport system is subject to the impacts of environmental stress as well, especially temperature extremes and damaging pests. Damage from insects feeding on the cambium tissue or vascular diseases obstructing xylem is what can lead to hydraulic failure in the tree.
Hydraulic failure is the loss of conductivity or the inability to move water and solutes in the form of usable carbohydrates around the tree system. This means the tree cannot adequately translocate water and assimilates where needed. Water is an important component of many plant processes, and photosynthesis and respiration are no exception. This translocation of critical resources must occur, or the tree declines and can eventually die.
Why do trees die?
So why do trees
die?
The health and survival of trees depends on photosynthetic and respiration rates. Respiration rates are influenced by many internal and environmental factors. Age, health, available resources and tissue hydration are examples of internal factors. Available moisture and soil health are at the top of the list for environmental factors. It is well documented that trees can die of both hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, and during drought, the loss of fluid conductivity and lack of carbohydrate reserves also can co-occur.
Image 1: Respiration is the process of breaking down the food into usable forms.
Their death follows a reverse sequence of physiological processes. Trees die because respiration is terminated. Respiration ceases because carbohydrate production ceases and stored carbohydrates are exhausted. Carbohydrate production ceases because photosynthesis has stopped because of a lack of functional green, leafy tissue. Typically, these physiological factors have been interrupted because of anthropogenic (humancaused) impacts locally or negative environmental changes coupled with diseases and insect damage.
Conclusion The primary management focus for sustainable long-lived trees is to promote healthy growth that supports vigorous plant processes with adequate oxygen, water, soil health and nutrition in a suitable soil volume. Often, this is a seemingly impossible task to accomplish in the urban forest.
Timing is everything for arboricultural practices, and abiding by the physiological demands of the tree is important for sustainable health and growth. Fulfilling the basic needs of trees, such as air, water, soil, nutrition and space, are critical for thriving trees. (Image 2)
Trees in our cities are essential to our quality of life. I consider professional arborists as stewards of one of the most important natural resources in our environment. As such, we must remain vigilant toward the many issues that imperil our community trees and respond with interventions that are ethical as well as current with research and best management practices.
References
Hirons, A. D. & Sjöman, H. (2018). Tree biology. Wiley-Blackwell. Houston, D. R. 1981. Stress Triggered Tree Diseases: The Diebacks and Declines. Information Forestry NE-INF-41-81. Broomall, Pennsylvania: USDA Forest Service.
Koeser, A., Hauer, R., Norris, K., Krouse, R. 2013. Factors influencing long-term street tree survival in Milwaukee, WI, USA. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.
Manion, P. D. 1991. Tree Disease Concepts, 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Pallardy, S. G. (2008). Physiology of woody plants (3rd ed.). Academic Press.
Purcell, Lindsey. 2024. Arboricultural Practices; A science-based approach. Waveland Publishing.
Sinclair, W.A., Lyon, H. H. 2005. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs, 2nd ed. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press.
Lindsey Purcell is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), an American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) and principal with Lp Consulting Group LLC in Bradenton, Florida. He spent many years as an urban-forestry specialist and teacher in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University, and serves as the executive director of the Indiana Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Article reprinted with permission from TCI Magazine.
Image 2: Trees have basic needs in order to thrive in their environment.
Member’s Corner
Welcome New Member!
Don Taylor Tree Services – Rathdrum, ID
Member Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Gardens
Alexandra Brown, Program Development Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Gardens
Nestled alongside the Missoula Fairgrounds, the Rocky Mountain Gardens are a free, public, botanical garden. The 2.5-acre site is comprised of nearly 20 unique garden spaces and provides endless opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration.
The Gardens grew from decades of dreams, and years of careful planning brought these dreams to fruition in 2024. Truckloads of compost were tilled into the compacted soil. Plants showcasing species well-suited to the Missoula climate were planted by the dozens. Day after day, week after week, and with the help of countless individuals volunteering their time and energy, gardens emerged from what was formerly a parking lot. The garden gates opened to the public on September 14, 2024. Despite the waning summer, the community’s response was immediate and dramatic.
These gardens provide a place to gather. Each visitor cannot help but develop a unique relationship to the space. Many are nourished by the
deep calm and subtle sense of awe from just being in the garden. Patterned with the seasons, visits spark unexpected encounters. As we familiarize ourselves with our fellow guests, the sense of community and companionship deepens.
With much room to grow, the invitation remains. Whether you are a visitor, a volunteer, or a student, we invite you to gather and explore your own relationship amongst the plants.
Rocky Mountain Gardens are a project of the Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension. Missoula County acknowledges that these gardens are situated on the aboriginal territories of the Salish & Kalispell people.
Considering Houseplants for Interiorscapes
Decorating interior spaces with live houseplants has become increasingly popular, and it’s understandable! Living plants add energy to any space and with proper plant selection and care, can continue to bring joy and aesthetic pleasure for many years. There are a few key things to consider when adding plants to an interiorscape that will greatly improve chances of success:
Plant Selection
First and foremost, you must decide “what you want” from the plant. Are you looking for something tall to fill a space? Do you want something narrow? Or perhaps you want a plant to sit on top of a shelf and cascade down the side. There are many plants that can achieve any desired look – you just have to decide which one!
will do well in YOUR space. Finding the right plant may seem daunting, but there are plenty of resources to help! The internet is a great place to start, but with all the vast amounts of information –it is easy to get lost in the weeds. Seek out a local garden center or plant shop and visit them in person – generally these people have a wealth of knowledge and experience with the majority of plants you want, they’re also usually inclined to help! Knowing your space, and your capabilities for maintenance and care will greatly help to determine the best plant for your design.
Environmental Conditions
This is where things can become daunting, especially for those not well versed in the varieties of houseplants. Magazines do a great job of “showing off” beautiful plants in gorgeous spaces, but they tend to leave out the reality that – not all plants
How much natural or artificial light does the space get? Is it in a spot that gets direct Southern sun exposure all day? Is it in a corner with no natural light, but has fluorescent lighting on it all day? Do you want a plant that sits above a North facing window? Or how about something to sit on your coffee table in a Western facing room? All these light conditions are suited for very different plants, and it is important to know what you’re working with before choosing a plant for your space.
Rachel Kosch Inside Store Manager – MT Ace The Garden Place
Is the spot where you want your plant directly next to a heat vent? An entryway door that experiences lots of traffic? Frequent, drastic changes in temperature and humidity can be very difficult for delicate tropicals so choosing durable plants is highly advisable. Many tropical plants grow under
the canopy of rainforests and rarely see direct sunlight, so a Southern window would be too intense for them. Setting realistic expectations for your plants and you, will make for a more successful living interiorscape.
Maintenance
All living things require maintenance to survive. The only type of plant that stays beautiful regardless of light, water, and maintenance is an artificial plant. Live plants require regular care which includes watering, proper containers and soil, sufficient light, pest mitigation and pruning. Yes, pruning. Leaves WILL turn brown, they will die. It’s completely natural, and part of the life cycle of the plant. Regular care does not mean “I always water my plants on Wednesdays” it means checking your plants on Wednesdays and examining what they are doing. Are the leaves drooping? Is the soil saturated? Is the soil so dry it is pulling away from the pot? Do you see furry white dots all over the stems? These are all indicators that your plants are using to tell you what they need.
The maintenance can feel daunting at times, and this is where professionals can really be of service. Some companies will come and check on your
plants weekly, for a fee, which alleviates your need for maintenance. However, if you want to be more hands on with the maintenance of your plants – you have to check on your plants.
There are so many varieties of plants that are nearly indestructible and will fit your space beautifully. Having plants is a lot of trial and error, learning what works for you and your space is part of the journey. Researching plant varieties prior to buying them will help set you up for success, while also preparing you for the maintenance each plant needs to thrive.
Don’t be scared to try something new! Ask for help when you need it and talk to your local garden center about what is best for you. Happy planting!
Strategies to Retain New Employees Beyond the First 90 Days
Jill Odom National Association of Landscape Professionals
Onboarding costs your company both time and money, so it only stands to reason that you want your onboarding processes to be incredibly effective at both welcoming and instilling your culture in new hires. If your company culture is strong, chances are you’ll be able to retain these employees past the first three months when your onboarding practices are consistent.
Some of the common mistakes that can lead to early turnover include failing to provide any structure, overwhelming them with too much information on the first day or not helping them integrate with the larger team.
Define Clear ExpectationsThe last thing you want your new hire to feel on the first day is completely lost and uncertain of their responsibilities. Don’t simply tell them to load up with a crew and let them figure things out on their own.
Regardless of their experience, talk to them about what their day typically looks like as well as what to expect throughout a month. Outline a basic 90-day plan for the new employee so they know what they’ll be doing versus simply wondering.
On the flipside, don’t drop every bit of knowledge on a new employee during the first day. While you want to get them up and running quickly, cramming everything they need to know in a single workday can leave them feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Break down the information over a couple of days including safety demonstrations, technical training and going over your various processes. When training, don’t overlook the importance of explaining the why behind certain tasks. When people understand the thought behind it, it makes it much more intuitive.
Use the Buddy System Establishing a connection early on with fellow coworkers can play a major
factor in whether a new employee stays on longterm. One way to help them integrate faster is to assign a buddy or mentor whom the new hire can feel comfortable going to with general questions they might not want to ask their direct supervisor.
This buddy/mentor can also show the new employee around and introduce them to people, giving them a familiar face and aid in getting to know everyone.
You can also combat the sense of isolation by hosting a welcome lunch for your new employees during their first week. Ground Works Land Design creates a video introducing their new hires to the rest of the team by highlighting the person’s interests.
Share Feedback and Appreciation Lawn care and landscaping is demanding work, and those unfamiliar with the field work can become easily discouraged and feel undervalued.
This is why it’s important to have regular check-ins with your new hires and see how they’re doing. You can do these as frequently as every week or every month; just make sure you’re doing these intentionally.
Ask questions such as ‘What can we do better?’ ‘How can we make you feel more comfortable?’ and ‘What has been your biggest challenge so far?’
Also, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with different methods to express your gratitude early on for them joining your company. This could be anything from giving them a goodie bag of their favorite treats to a gift card for dinner to celebrate their new job.
“We’ll send a little card with the flowers that’s at least $100,” says Jason New, principal of McFarlin Stanford. “It’s bigger than what they’ll ever buy themselves. It’s a way of saying thank you and
welcoming the family. We believe that’s a big part of making people culturally feel welcomed to the team that they made the right decision.”
Incentivize Staying Long-Term Another tool to encourage employees to stay on long term is to highlight your career ladder so they know that their position is more than just a job. Discuss with them what steps they can take to progress to the next level and how long that would typically take them to reach it.
If you have employee referral bonuses, opting to pay these out over a period of time can also incentivize new hires to stick around. Hopefully, over this amount of time, they will get bought into your company culture and feel connected to the team before the final payout.
A similar incentive is if you provide profit sharing, you can use this as motivation for them to see the year through. Typically, being able to reap the reward of their commitment and hard work can create buy-in for your organization as well.
Also, offering these types of benefits can help new hires feel valued by the company from day one, making it likely for them to stick around for the long haul.
Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
READY WHEN YOU ARE.
At 2M, we keep the essentials in stock, so you’re never stuck waiting. From irrigation supplies to landscape tools and system components, we’ve got what you need, when you need it. No long lead times, no hassle - just a reliable partner who understands your work and your deadlines.
Swing by your nearest 2M location or give us a call. We’re ready when you are.
Flowering, Ornamental & Fruit Shrubs Roses ~ Evergreens Shade, Ornamental & Fruit Trees
The Importance of Soil Testing and Biological Soil Management
Soil
Testing:
The First Step Toward Healthy Plants
Soil testing is a critical tool for assessing nutrient availability, pH balance, and biological activity. It allows recommendations tailored to your soil’s needs, rather than applying generic fertilizers that may not be effective. For the most accurate assessment, CSI recommends conducting both a Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) test and a Saturated Paste test.
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Test
3 Measures the soil’s ability to hold and exchange nutrients.
3 Identifies the levels of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
3Helps determine soil texture (sandy, loamy, or clay) and nutrient retention capacity.
3 Provides a long-term soil health strategy by identifying deficiencies or excesses.
Saturated Paste Test
3 Measures water-soluble nutrients available for immediate plant uptake.
3Evaluates how efficiently the biological system is functioning.
3Identifies short-term plant nutrition needs, filling gaps as crops grow.
3Indicates whether soil is effectively supplying nutrients or if additional applications are needed.
By analyzing these results, a
soil management plan can be developed that balances longterm mineral levels (CEC test) and short-term nutrient availability (Saturated Paste test).
Customizing Soil Amendments Based on Soil Test Results
Once you have test data, focus on balancing minerals, enhancing biological activity, and supporting microbial life.
Balancing Minerals
If deficiencies exist, dry applications may be applied:
3Gypsum – Improves soil structure and provides calcium & sulfur.
3 HI-Cal Lime – Raises pH and increases calcium availability.
3Potassium Sulfate – Supplies potassium and sulfur for plant growth.
3Tennessee Brown Rock Phosphate – Provides long-term phosphorus.
3Specific Trace Minerals – Tailored to your soil’s deficiencies. Improving Biological Systems
Healthy soil thrives when there is a diverse population of beneficial microbes, ample shelter, and a proper food source.
3 Increasing Microbial Diversity –Using compost, compost teas, and biological inoculants to introduce beneficial bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.
3Providing Shelter for Microbes – Applying compost, biochar, and humates to create a stable environment.
Dane Terrill Crop Services International (CSI), Inc.
3 Feeding Microbial Life – In a perfect system, plants feed microbes through root exudates (natural sugars released by roots). However, until plants reach peak photosynthesis, microbes require external food sources like:
o Fish emulsion
o Seaweed/kelp
o Molasses
o Organic acids
Once the biological system is functioning properly, focus can be shifted to crop growth by using organic fertilizers and foliar applications of minerals, microbes, and biostimulants. If a Saturated Paste test shows deficiencies, supply the missing nutrients to ensure optimal photosynthesis and plant performance.
Overcoming Challenges: Factors Beyond Soil Tests
While soil tests provide valuable insights, external factors can still impact crop success. Weather conditions (excessive rain, drought, heat, or cold), lack of sunshine, and insect pressure can all create stress for plants.
If you observe stunted growth, discoloration, or other issues, investigate. Often, a foliar spray with stress relievers like kelp/seaweed can help plants recover quickly.
Additional Tools for Monitoring Plant Health
Besides soil testing, there are other ways to monitor
TIME TO RENEW
crop health and nutrient availability:
3Tissue Testing – Measures nutrient levels directly in plant leaves.
3SAP Analysis – Provides real-time insights into nutrient deficiencies in plant sap.
3 Brix Testing – A simple, affordable method using a refractometer to measure sugar content in plant sap, helping gauge plant health and photosynthetic efficiency.
Brix readings can be used to track improvement over time or immediately measure the effectiveness of a foliar feed. Compare your readings with available Brix charts online or take a reading before and after applying nutrients to see the impact.
Whether you’re managing a small garden or a large farm, you can unlock the full potential of your soil. By integrating soil testing, mineral balancing, biological activation, and regular plant monitoring, you can create a thriving, resilient growing system. Happy Gardening!
Dane Terrill, Crop Services International, Inc. Many growers reach out, saying, “My garden is too small for you to help.” Whether you’re cultivating food, flowers, turf or fodder, we’re here to support you in any way we can. No matter the size of your operation, Crop Services International treats you like any other farm, and before recommending any products, we require soil test results to understand your soil’s condition and historical dynamics.
Membership Renewals are due July 1st! This is a great time to review your contact info, and add additional contacts or branch locations. Please contact the o ce if we can be of any assistance during the renewal process. Your continued support through membership is greatly appreciated. We could not do what we do without you! Montana Nursery & Landscape Association Growing Your Future. One Seed at a Time. Phone: 406-755-3079 Fax: 406-633-2032
Email: info@plantingmontana.org
By Drew Yancey, PhD
5 Ways to Build a Sustainable Leadership Team
Leadership often must transition from being founder-centric to team-oriented. As companies scale, the centralized decision-making that propelled early success becomes a bottleneck. Effective leadership in this phase hinges on fostering accountability, cultivating alignment, and delegating decision-making authority to the right individuals. Key challenges for scaling businesses include leadership gaps, as the initial leadership team may lack the expertise to manage larger teams or address complex operational needs. Operational inefficiencies often emerge without scalable leadership, causing decision-making to slow and team alignment to weaken. Additionally, rapid growth can lead to cultural fragmentation, where the company’s core values become diluted, resulting in inconsistent practices across teams. Addressing these challenges requires a deliberate approach to building a leadership structure that scales with the organization.
5 Strategies for Building a Scalable Leadership Team
1. Shift from Founder-Centric to Team-Centric Leadership
Founders often struggle to relinquish control, but effective scaling requires empowerment across the leadership team. The founder’s role must evolve into that of a strategic leader who focuses on vision and culture.
Action Steps:
• Delegate Decisions: Clearly define decisionmaking responsibilities for team leaders, allowing the founder to focus on high-level strategy.
• Hire Complementary Skills: Bring in leaders with expertise in areas where the founder lacks depth, such as operations, marketing, or finance.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear protocols for when leaders need to consult the founder versus when they can make independent decisions.
2. Define Core Values as Behavioral Anchors
A cohesive leadership team must operate under shared values that align with the company’s purpose. Core values should be actionable, guiding both decision-making and interpersonal dynamics.
Action Steps:
• Operationalize Values: Translate abstract principles into specific behaviors. For instance, a value like “customer focus” might include responding to client inquiries within 24 hours.
• Use Values in Hiring: Assess leadership candidates for alignment with company values to ensure cultural fit.
• Reinforce Daily: Incorporate values into performance reviews, team meetings, and company-wide communications.
3. Foster Accountability Through Clear Objectives
Accountability is essential for sustaining momentum during growth. A lack of clarity in leadership roles and objectives often leads to misaligned priorities and inefficiencies.
Action Steps:
• Define KPIs for Leaders: Establish measurable objectives for each leader, tied directly to the company’s growth goals.
• Implement Feedback Loops: Regularly evaluate perfor mance against objectives and adjust strategies as needed.
• Create a Culture of Ownership: Encourage leaders to own outcomes, celebrating successes and learning from failures.
4. Invest in Leadership Development
Leaders need tools and training to address new challenges. Investing in their development not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the organization’s resilience.
Action Steps:
• Tailored Training Programs: Offer leadership development programs focused on skills like strategic thinking, team management, and conflict resolution.
• Mentorship Initiatives: Pair emerging leaders with experienced executives to facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Continuous Lear ning: Encourage participation in industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to stay abreast of best practices.
5. Build Resilience for Uncertain Times
The ability to lead through adversity is a hallmark of great leadership teams. Mid-market businesses often face external pressures, such as market volatility and competition, that demand resilient leaders.
Action Steps:
• Scenario Planning: Train leaders to anticipate and prepare for potential disruptions.
• Cultivate Adaptability: Encourage leaders to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Register online:
• Promote Well-being: Support leadership teams with resources for stress management, work-life balance, and mental health.
The Long-Term Benefits of Strong Leadership
A scalable leadership team provides the foundation for sustained growth. Benefits include:
Increased Agility: Leaders equipped to make informed decisions can respond quickly to market changes.
Improved Efficiency: Clear accountability and alignment reduce operational redundancies.
Stronger Culture: Unified leadership fosters consistency in values and practices across the organization.
Who is eligible?
To register for the exam, you must meet the following requirements:
Minimum of 1 year experience working in the horticulture industry
Certified Plant Professionals must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of horticultural subjects including plant identification, soils, fertilization, turfgrass management, proper planting techniques, landscape design and more.
Upcoming
Certification identifies you as a professional, and provides instant credibility with your clients. It increases your opportunities for advancement with many employers, and qualifies you to do expert work and give expert advice.
Greater Innovation: Empowered leaders are more likely to pursue creative solutions and drive longterm success.
Leadership is the linchpin for success. By transitioning to a team-centric approach, defining actionable values, fostering accountability, and investing in development, businesses can build a leadership team capable of sustaining growth and navigating challenges. The journey requires intentionality, but the rewards — both for the
Drew Yancey, PhD is Founder & CEO at Teleios Strategy, a premier strategic planning, leadership development, executive coaching and succession planning advisory firm. With a proven track record in high-performance team building and strategic execution for over 15 years, Yancey solves challenging problems at the nexus of growth, strategy, and innovation. Yancey is also the co-author of “Leading Performance… Because It Can’t Be Managed: How to Lead the Modern Workforce,” and a frequent keynote speaker. Reach him at teleiostrategy.com.
