The AUG.19 issue of The Landscape Contractor magazine

Beyond Arborvitae

Good Fences...

MIDWEST TRADING HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES, INC.® a Midwest-Orum Company

August 2019

CONTENTS Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

8

FOCUS: Creating Screens Beyond Arborvitae: 10 Screening solutions for modern landscapes

Good Fences Make Great Neighbors

26 When only a fence will do...

Gateway to Tree Science A new teaching tool at The Morton Arboretum

10

32

EN ESPAĂ‘OL

Water and Plants 36 El agua y las plantas

Water and Plants 40 Summer irrigation update

Tried and True — Fresh and New 44 There are many choices, here are a few to consider

26

Diseases & Pests 54 Gypsy moth and Bur oak blight

Member Profile 56 Archer Creek Landscaping, LLC

Revisiting Your Plant Palette 62 Pulmonaria

On the cover... Grant and Power Landscaping, Inc., received a Gold award for Residential Landscape Construction with this 2017 project.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

32

62 3

CONTENTS

Calendar

DEPARTMENTS

ILCA Calendar

4 From Where I Stand 5 President’s Message 6 New Members 50 Classified Ads 58 Advertisers Index 61

Photo Credits ILCA Awards Program Nina Koziol Kellygreen Design The Morton Arboretum Travis Cleveland Bill McNee

8-9, 30-36 10-25, 44-48 26-30 32-35 54 54

AUGUST August 1, 2019 Summer Field Day Goodmark Nurseries Wonder Lake August 29, 2019 Turf Education Day (TED) Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe

Aron Ciwan 56 Midwest Groundcovers 62

The official publication of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), The Landscape Contractor is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. The Landscape Contractor carries news and features relating to landscape contracting, maintenance, design and allied interests. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication.

Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. WWW.ilca.net

SEPTEMBER

Volume 60, Number 8. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

September 12, 2019 ILCA Golf Outing Village Links of Glen Ellyn Glen Ellyn

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630) 637-8632 PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products

ILCA Staff

Magazine Staff

Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@ilca.net

Rick Reuland Publisher/Advertising Sales (630) 637-8632 rmgi@comcast.net

Education Manager AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@ilca.net

Debbie Rauen Advertising Sales (817-501-2403) debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com

Events Manager Terre Houte thoute@ilca.net Office Manager Alycia Nagy anagy@ilca.net

v Senior Writer

October 22, 2019 The Impact Conference Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe

treethyme@aol.com Patrice Peltier

Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

v

Feature Writer

2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523

October 3, 2019 Women’s Networking Group Fall Event Chandler’s Chophouse Schaumburg

Becke Davis

Membership & Marketing Manager Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

ILCA

OCTOBER

Meta Levin

meta.levin@comcast.net Nina Koziol Feature Writer

n.koziol@att.net Heather Prince

Follow—

Feature Writer

princeht@sbcglobal.net @ILCAlandscape

4

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

facebook.com/illinoislandscapecontractorsassociation

From Where I Stand — Most people cock their heads

when I tell them I love the politics of Springfield much more than the politics of Washington. In Washington, it seems like something is happening all the time, when, in reality, nothing is ever really happening. Conversely, Springfield appears to be mired in gridlock and inaction when, in reality, stuff is happening all the time that has a dramatic impact on Illinois citizens and businesses.

Springfield also makes sense in its own perverse way. It has it’s own laws of the street. It is not as hyper partisan as Washington DC. A downstate Democrat is wildly different from a Chicago progressive. Compare that to the unfortunate McConnell-Pelosi era where you are either Blue or Red, no exceptions.

We all remember the Schoolhouse Rocks cartoon, “I’m Just a Bill.” In the short cartoon, a despondent bill is sitting on the steps of the US Capitol hoping to one day become a law. I’m Just a Bill is a fun and frivolous way to learn about the legislative process. My only gripe is that it makes it appear that the bill does all the work.

In reality, bills are passed by people. Yes, the language of the bill does matter, but there have been thousands upon thousands of eloquently drafted bills that have died merciless deaths. Today, I want to tell the story of another little bill - HB269 and how he became a law.

HB269 was born out of years of exhaustive research into methods to stop black market landscape contractors from harming employees, driving down prices, engaging in illegal and unsafe business practices, and bottling up hundreds of skilled laborers. This research led us to an obscure little agency named the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission (IWCC).

Way back in 2016, ILCA met with the IWCC Chairman, legal counsel, and the head of compliance. We detailed the issue of comp abuse in our industry and they listened and offered solutions. They agreed to work with us on a method to identify and punish violators. That effort was dubbed The Empowerment Packet and laid out a framework for legal businesses to identify and report compensation insurance scofflaws.

During subsequent conversations between ILCA and the employees who helped us craft the Empowerment Packet, we got great exposure into the interworking of the IWCC. We found out they were severely understaffed. At one point they had four inspectors servicing a state of 13 million people. Some of these inspectors were sitting on hundreds of open cases and lacked the time, resources, and support staff to pursue them. These were extremely well-intentioned individuals, they were just stuck enforcing an imperfect law that gave them tremendous authority, but only if they could escape the cobweb of bureaucracy. The promise of better enforcement was there. It became obvious the ILCA had to wield the machete to slice through the red tape.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ILCA, President Tom Lupfer was concerned that our Political Action Committee was ill-prepared for our next Springfield scrap. He formulated a small subcommittee tasked with building our war chest. The wounds of the service tax scare were fresh and Tom didn’t want ILCA to get rolled because we lacked the resources to fight back. Tom also harkened back to his days in politics to find a familiar phrase - “You never want to be nobody that nobody sent.” In Springfield, who sent you is more important than who you are.

A few months after the subcommittee’s formation, member Jim Cirrincione of Hinsdale Nursery held a fundraiser in his backyard for House Minority Leader Jim Durkin. ILCA sponsored the fundraiser.

Tom and I attended and got excellent face time with the Leader. We explained our issues with comp and how 40% of our industry was operating without it. He told us to reach out to Rep. Keith Wheeler and speak to him. He knew Rep. Wheeler was a fair guy who was dedicated to making the comp system work for more small businesses.

We met with Rep. Wheeler on a snowy morning at Panera with a handful of local ILCA members. Rep. Wheeler loved what he heard, but knew a Republican lawmaker was not the best choice for a bill sponsor.

He encouraged us to speak with Rep. Jay Hoffman, a downstate Democrat who he served with on the Labor Committee. He felt Rep. Hoffman would be the right person to carry our issue forward. If it came back to Rep. Wheeler, he said he would support us.

A few days later, I was trucking down to Belleville, IL, just outside of St. Louis. Our lobbyist Dave Manning arranged the meeting and I reached out to a few members who I rarely get a chance to see. Rep. Hoffman allowed us to lay out our itemized list of alterations that we drew directly from our interactions with IWCC staff and scrutiny of the law. At the tail end of the meeting, he leaned back in his chair, sat quietly for a moment as he digested the issue, then looked me square in the eye and told me to write something up.

Writing a bill sounds glamorous, but I wasn’t Thomas Jefferson sitting in a candlelit study with a quill pen. It’s more hunting and pecking through the dense legalese of a bill to find the sections that can be enhanced to deliver the preferred outcome. Once our language cleared the Legislative Reference Bureau, it was filed with the Clerk on January 10, 2019. We were assigned the number House Bill 269 or HB269. That letter and number sequence would become our obsession for the next five months, Once the bill was filed, our Regulatory and Legislative Committee take over. They meet weekly, yes, weekly during the legislative session.

They track our bill progress and both give and take direction from our lobbyist. They make sure he is prepped for any testimony that is necessary during the Committee hearings or for any one-off questions he may receive from a legislator.

A bill in the General Assembly has to be assigned-to and heard in committee. Committee members want to know why this bill is necessary, who is pushing it, who agrees with it, who disagrees with it, and what exposure they have with their vote. Every year, there are dozens of bills aimed at tweaking the worker’s compensation system in Illinois.

Our bill was a unicorn because enforcement is rarely the issue du jour.

This caused a lot of eyebrow raising because it could unite both labor and business groups and Democrats and Republicans. All could get on board with punishing the bad guys while helping to protect Illinois workers. However, it’s never as easy as it seems.

At quick glance, labor unions lined up behind the bill. ILCA has teamed up with labor groups before on legislation, but we are usually on opposite sides of many issues. Labor groups in Illinois are incredibly powerful so having them onboard is certainly a good thing. With that said, many business and trade groups saw Rep. Hoffman’s name attached to a comp bill and reflexively signed-up to oppose. When groups are dealing with thousands of pieces of legislation, there is no time to read every word. Normally, groups see the summary and sponsor and make snap judgements. This is when lobbyist Dave Manning goes to work.

Lobbyists in Springfield have a strong kinship. Lobbyists get a horrible wrap as spin artists and conmen when it could not be further from the truth. Lobbyists have to maintain the highest degree of integrity

The Little Bill That Could

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

5

From Where I Stand —

A L L TO G E T H E R B E T T E R W W W. M A R I A N I P L A N T S .COM

866-627-4264

when they explain legislation. They need to trust that the group who hires them will not force their lobbyist into a situation where he negotiates in bad faith or lies to an elected official. There is a massive chasm between a lie and spin. Spin is expected, lies are suicide.

We communicate with Dave constantly, and he holds us to a high standard that we will be practical and ethical in our dealings. Dave puts his reputation on the line when he tells someone, “Trust me”.

Dave worked the skeptical lawmakers and business groups and talked them through the finer points of the bill. He went down the list and flipped nays to ayes. If you follow the progress of HB269, you will see a number of business groups who initially opposed, remove their opposition after effective lobbying from Dave. Each and every one of those conversations pulled our bill out of the fire.

On April 11, 2019, the bill passed the House. In the end, Rep. Keith Wheeler stayed true to his word. He addressed his skeptical colleagues on the Republican side and spoke glowingly of what we were doing and recognized the ILCA for effort. The bill passed the House 104-10. Now, our bill was on its way to the Senate.

Dave had arranged for a fantastic sponsor in Linda Holmes who is a member of the Labor Committee. ILCA has always had a great relationship with Senator Holmes since she began her legislative career in 2007. Senator Holmes helped shepherd the bill through many of the same whitewaters we travailed in the House. Once a bill crosses houses, some business groups who laid dormant spring to life. Dave once again had to go to work on some of the business groups who started to pay attention the further the bill advanced. I was in Montana at a conference on the day the bill was voted upon.

Hundreds of miles away, deep in the mountains, I was working with Dave to satisfy the last few holdouts. On May 17, 2019, our bill passed the Senate 57-0.

On July 12, 2019 Governor Pritzker signed our bill into law becoming Public Act 101-0040. There was no ceremony or press conference. We did not pass out ceremonial pens or smoke cigars.

It did not make the papers and most Illinois voters will forever be in the dark on the enforcement powers of an obscure state agency. Yet, ILCA celebrated. A tiny percentage of the 9,000 bills written each session become law. ILCA managed to deftly navigate the political process because we saw a problem worth fixing.

Bills becoming law are often referred to as a sausage making process. Meaning, the end product masks how disgusting the process is to make it. I don’t like that unseemly metaphor. That debases the political process when, in reality, it can be quite beautiful. Other metaphors fall short, as well. Politics is not a game or project management or negotiation. Those all imply that you have some sort of power and leverage at every step of the process. You don’t.

I liken politics to some medieval quest. You need companions of various skills and abilities. You will meet tremendous obstacles, ferocious beasts, and you will need to understand when to attack and when to retreat. The quest requires skill, dexterity, strength, and luck. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you fail. On those rare occasions, when the stars align, your aim is true, your motives are pure, your persistence is undaunted, and your team is steadfast, then maybe, just maybe, you can make the world a better place. And, on every journey, it never hurts to be somebody who somebody sent.

Scot Grams July 21, 2019

6

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

President’s Message — You never know who you will inspire… I moved to the United States in

1985 after graduating from the Autonomous University Chapingo (UACH, in Mexico) as an Agricultural Engineer. Looking to continue my career in research, thinking about my professional development and passion love for nature, led me to landscaping.

Landscaping is science and technology applied with creativity and aesthetic expression in outdoor spaces, What a challenge! It didn’t take long to realize that it wasn’t going to be easy, but who said it would be?

With the proper mix of desire and strong will… nothing can stop you. Fortunately, I found mentors along the way who helped me in my development. Allan Pezza / Pezza Landscaping; Jim Callahan / Green-up Landscaping; Robert Aldelizzi Sr. / Countryside Landscaping; Raul Del Toro / Del Toro Landscaping. and Ronald Plunk / Allied Landscaping were just a few of my mentors. For nearly adecade I worked as a: laborer, foreman, driver, operator, and project supervisor in residential, commercial, and governmental projects. I must thank these men for my opportunities to learn the landscaping basics.

You never know who you will inspire or where they will end up, in my case and thankfully so it has brought me here in front of you!

Collective efforts create change such as we’ve seen in the proposed legislation in HB269.

Thanks to these efforts from the Association’s members and others, it was finally signed by Governor Pritzker on July 12. This law intends to protect workers in cases of accidents and regulates companies in the industry. This is a clear example that teamwork gets objectives achieved. Congratulations to all who contributed their grain of sand!

We still have a long way to go and problems to face, but working together, I’m sure we will achieve them!

Together as a team... YES, WE CAN!

President

Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com

Vice-President

Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com

Secretary-Treasurer

Scott McAdam, Jr. McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com

Immediate Past President Tom Lupfer Lupfer Landscaping (708) 352-2765 tom@lupferlandscaping.com

Directors

Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com Jennifer Fick Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply (847) 683-3700 jennf@wilsonnurseries.com

José M. García President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

Allan Jeziorski Hartman Landscape (708) 403-8433 allan@hartmanlandscape.net

Jeff Kramer Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com

Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net

Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-8160 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

Uno nunca sabe a quién vas inspirar ¡y a dónde llegarás!

Me mudé a Estados Unidos en 1985, graduado como Ingeniero Agrónomo en la Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (UACH), para seguir mi carrera y desarrollo profesional en investigación.

La pasión y gusto por la naturaleza me llevaron al Paisajismo.

Ciencia y tecnología con creatividad y arte en exteriores... ¡Qué cambio! Pero al poco tiempo vi que no iba ser fácil, pero, ¿quién dijo que lo sería?

Con hambre y el férreo deseo de salir adelante nada es imposible. Yo tuve la fortuna de encontrar mentores como: Allan Pezza / Pezza Land; Jim Callahan / Green-up Land; Robert Aldelizzi Sr . / Countryside Land; Raúl Del Toro / Del Toro Land y Ronald Plunk / Allied Land, entre otros. Por casi una década trabajé como Peón, Capataz, Chofer, Operador y Supervisor en trabajos Residenciales, Comerciales y Gubernamentales. No fué nada fácil pero aprendí lo necesario. A ellos también les agradezco!

Nunca sabe uno a quién va inspirar y a dónde llegará esa inspiración; en mi caso me ha traído aquí, frente a ustedes.

Es así como los esfuerzos producen el cambio; como la propuesta de ley BH269, el esfuerzo colectivo de algunos miembros de la asociación y otros más logramos que el gobernador Pritzker finalmente la firmara el pasado 12 de julio. Ahora pasa a ser una Ley que protege a los trabajadores en caso de accidentes y establece regulaciones a compañías. Es un ejemplo claro: cuando se trabaja en equipo se logran los objetivos. Felicidades! a todos los que aportaron su granito de arena.

El camino por recorrer es largo y hay mucho que enfrentar pero trabajando unidos y en equipo,lo lograremos!! …¡SÍ SE PUEDE! Espero hayan disfrutado el Summer Field Day y nos vemos en agosto 29 en el Turf Educational Day. Gracias, José M. García, Presidente de la Asociación de Contratistas de Paisajismo de Illinois.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

7

Topiarius • Chicago Through the Looking Glass

What would happen if a group of carpenters walked into a job site in Lincoln Park and were directed to build a private garden by Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz? Radical changes in scale would be expected to be sure!

A whimsical front fence sets the tone immediately with a humansized keyhole entrance. While the shape of the entrance may be expected with Alice and the Wizard directing the team, the high polished stainless steel front adds that special bit of magic that is spread across all the carpentry elements.

Once through the door, make sure to turn around. The ‘backside’ of the fence holds its own. Like in fantasy tales, the mechanics are hidden.

The built structures throughout the garden, including these linear panels, used timber framing joinery and were put together using glue and dowels which were secured by counter-sinking the fasteners and plugging all the holes. The keyhole door showcases the signature color in the garden with a bright rich orange on a cedar bead board with stainless steel hardware.

The change in scale continues with the stepped arbor towering along the north side framing the views from inside the house. The repeating pattern of the sections are reminiscent of the linear panels at the front of the house and will showcase the wisteria and vines as they grow creating a green floriferous backdrop.

As one travels into the garden, there is a raised circle vegetable garden 15’ in diameter. Divided into four sections for accessibility, each bed is punctuated with a trellis standing 8’ tall that continue the stepped theme. Each visit can be made new as the growth of vegetable plants creates the surprise discovery of last “room.”

At center stage, at the back of the lot behind the vegetable garden, is a stepped open pergola, with a playful hanging swing chair configuration. The structural design of the pergola accounted for the height and weight of adults in the swings, but it requires a childlike attitude to converse while swinging which is ultimately what one should feel when living in a garden.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

9

Landscape Solutions —

Beyond Arborvitae:

Screening Solutions for Commercial and Residential Landscapes

by Heather Prince

How do we hide the neighbors, the gas station, the

water tower, the RV parked next door, the dumpsters outside the office, and all the other views our clients want to avoid at home and at work. Many times, we turn to tried and true favorites like Emerald Green arborvitae, Captain yew, or Autumn Jazz viburnum, and often they are successful. At least for a while. Then one in the middle dies, they get winter burned, grow too big or get a new nasty pest. What else can we offer clients that is durable, low maintenance, versatile, and above all, beautiful?

Let’s talk layers. It’s been a common theme in recent years to layer plants to offer diversity in species, richness in textures, and ease of replacement if something doesn’t make it through the Polar Vortex. When it comes to screening, we’re talking about building walls to enclose spaces and con-

10

trol views. In some spaces, you have enough depth to layer in trees, shrubs and evergreens in successive waves to create garden rooms and endless surprises. You can build a fourseason experience with a wide range of textures and colors to hold the eye and beckon clients and guests to explore the space. However, in many situations, you’ve got three to four feet between the lot line and the patio with an urgent need to create privacy between your clients and the trampoline next door.

There are many other plants available that are narrow, upright, and when planted in their preferred conditions, successful. Here are some options in trees, shrubs, evergreens, and vines that might inspire you and your clients to try something different. (continued on page 12)

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

International 48 x 14, LS 9358

Design: Steven R. Williams, Landscape Design, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Fine planters and garden ornaments for legendary gardens

Shawnee 24 Planter, LS 9014 with Old Bronze Wash, LS 0032

L O N G S H A D OW

ÂŽ

. COM

Hand Crafted in Southern Illinois by Classic Garden Ornaments, Ltd.ÂŽ

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 10)

Labor and time saving jobsite solutions Contact us for a demo or rental

Trees

LOCATIONS Central Office

18405 115th Avenue Orland Park, IL 60467 Phone: 708-349-8430 Fax: 708-349-4230

West Branch

420 Nolen Drive South Elgin, IL 60177 Phone: 630-883-3320 Fax: 847-695-9105

North Branch 26354 N US Highway 12 Wauconda, IL 60084 Phone: 847-469-0120 Fax: 847-526-8054

HOURS

Orland Park & South Elgin Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mar - Nov) 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Dec - Feb) 7:30 AM - NOON Sat (Mar - Nov)

Parkland Pillar birch Betula platyphylla ‘Jefpark’ Height: 30 to 40 ft Width: 6 to 8 ft Sun: full sun Water: average to moist Bark: white bark that doesn’t really peel Foliage: crisp green wavy leaves in season that turn a golden fall color Notes: A selection from Bailey Nurseries that has been developed for urban conditions. This slender birch is fast growing and tolerant of heat, drought, and alkaline soils. An elegant solution to tight spaces and dense enough in twig to provide coverage in winter.

Wauconda

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon - Fri CLOSED Sat

CONTACT US!

www.martinimplement.com rentals@martinimplement.com

12

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

13

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 12) Firespire® musclewood or hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana ‘J.N. Upright’ Height: 20 ft Width: 8 to 10 ft Sun: full sun to full shade Water: average to wet Bark: smooth elegant grey bark that becomes fluted with age Foliage: small green leaves turn fiery orange in fall Fruit: features winged nutlets that also turn orange in fall before shattering and disappearing Notes: A new introduction from Mike Yanny at J.N. Plant Selections in association with Johnson’s Nursery in Wisconsin, Firespire® deserves attention for its incredible flexibility in siting. This tree is a true full sun to full shade plant, which can make it a great pick for a hedge on a property with a mix of sun and shade. It also is very tolerant of water and has consistent stunning fall color.

14

Rohan Obelisk beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Rohan Obelisk’ Height: 25 to 30 ft Width: 8 to 10 ft Sun: full sun Water: average to moist well-drained Bark: smooth silvery grey bark Foliage: dark burgundy leaves have a ruffled edge and turn coppery in fall Notes: Rohan Obelisk is a bit smaller than Dawyck Purple and has more ruffle in the leaf texture giving it extra dimension.

Beeches prefer good soils and will not tolerate heavy clay. If you’re looking for a rich burgundy color in the landscape, this is a good choice.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Slender Silhouette sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’ Height: 40 to 50 ft Width: 3 to 4 ft Sun: full sun Water: average to wet Bark: smooth grey bark Foliage: large starry leaves turn yellow, orange, and burgundy in autumn Notes: A pillar-shaped sweetgum, Slender Silhouette can make a dramatic hedge in the fall. This cultivar is more tolerant of clay soils and has few seeds. It can be a statement specimen, or a wonderful screening tree for a tight space that’s wet.

Regal Prince oak Quercus × warei ‘Long’ Height: 40 to 60 ft Width: 12 to 18 ft Sun: full sun Water: average to moist well-drained, but tolerates dry Bark: corrugated bark as it ages Foliage: large, glossy dark green lobed leaves with a silvery underside turn yellow-brown in fall Notes: A tidy cultivar with excellent resistance to powdery mildew and borers. Tightly branched, it can be quite showy with the pale undersides of the large leaves. A cross between English and swamp white oak, it is very adaptable to a wide range of soils and grows quickly. It’s an easy way to add an oak to a small yard or property.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

15

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 15)

Shrubs

Standing Ovation™ serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Obelisk’ Height: 12 to 15 ft Width: 3 to 4 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist Bark: attractive pale grey bark Foliage: small blue-green leaves that turn a pumpkin orange in autumn Flowers: starry white clusters of flowers in early spring that become delicious edible blue berries Notes: For a lace curtain effect, try this serviceberry. Its pillar form means you can use it as a hedge, and it features exceptional fall color. The berries are almost immediately consumed by birds, but are a delicious snack.

Low Scape™ Hedger chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa ‘UCONNAM166’ Height: 3 to 6 ft Width: 2 to 3 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist Bark: smooth silvery stems Foliage: small glossy dark green leaves turn brilliant orange-red in fall Flowers: clusters of white flowers in spring Notes: This new variety of chokeberry makes a lovely small hedge that can be sheared or left natural. With little to no fruit, it’s a good choice for clients concerned about berries. The real show is in fall, when the foliage turns a bright orange-red. This could be a good alternative to boxwood.

25715 S. Ridgeland Avenue Monee, IL 60449 16

708.534.1070

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Purple Pillar® rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus ‘Gandini Santiago’ Height: 10 to 12 ft Width: 2 to 3 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained, but tolerates dry Foliage: pleasant green lobed leaves, but little to no fall color Flowers: large, semi-double pinkish lavender flowers with a dark magenta splotch in the center that bloom July and August Notes: A truly columnar rose of Sharon that’s sterile! An old-fashioned favorite, rose of Sharon is getting more attention from plant breeders with improved varieties. This is a terrific option for clients who want a tropical feel or are looking for a big splash of summer color.

Info@RainbowFarmsMulch.com

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 16)

Straight Talk™ privet Ligustrum vulgare ‘Swift’ Height: 10 to 12 ft Width: 2 to 3 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average Foliage: small glossy green leaves, but no appreciable fall color Flowers: lightly fragrant white flowers in late spring Notes: Densely packed twigs mean this new privet provides privacy even in winter. Its tight, columnar shape makes it a perfect hedging plant in a tricky site. Expect little, if any berries.

Allegheny viburnum Viburnum × rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’ Height: 8 to 10 ft Width: 8 to 10 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained, tolerates dry Foliage: huge long dark green corrugated leaves with pale undersides Flowers: flat white flower clusters in May that may produce berries if other viburnum are present Notes: Yes, it gets eight feet wide, but like all viburnums, it responds well to pruning. I’ve included this because of its unique winter habit. Allegheny’s leaves are marcescent, which means that they dry and hold on the plant all winter before falling when it buds out in spring. It provides a truly interesting screening effect and is not bothered by viburnum leaf beetle.

sign up

at dotynu rseries.co m to recei ve our

dotynurseries.com

email ne wsle t ter

Shade TreeS • OrnamenTalS • evergreenS • ShrubS Ryan Doty sales@dotynurseries.com

18

P 630 365 9063 F 630 365 9081

45W121 Beith Road Maple Park, IL 60151

You’ll be proud to have us on your clients’ properties.

From canopy to roots, caring for your trees isn’t something we just do, it’s our specialization, our area of expertise, our passion.

847.440.5344 • Tree and Shrub Pruning • Deep-Root Fertilization • Certified Arborists • Insect and Disease Management

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Available in Stainless Steel!

From Landscapers to Dump Bodies, We’ve Got You Covered!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR WORK-READY TRUCKS & A LIST OF STOCKING DEALERS

MONROE

1051 W 7th St Monroe, wi 53566 800.978.8785

Joliet

812 Draper ave joliet, il 60432 800.892.7052

WWW.MONROETRUCK.COM

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

19

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 18) Cupressina Picea abies ‘ spruce Cupressina’ Height: 20 to 30 ft Width: 5 to 6 ft Sun: full sun Water: average to dry Needles: dark green needles Notes: A beautiful selection of columnar spruce that is fast growing and tightly shaped. This is an elegant option for a pillar-shaped evergreen that withstands snow loads, heat, and humidity.

20

Star Power™ juniper Juniperus x ‘J.N. Select Blue’ Height: 12 to 15 ft Width: 6 to 8 ft Sun: full sun Water: average to dry Needles: large, silver green needles with a white stripe giving it a starry texture Notes: This new juniper is another terrific plant from Mike Yanny. It keeps a perfect tear-drop shape and offers a starlike, almost delicate texture. A tough, hardy juniper for a sunny dry spot, this one shouldn’t need any pruning to keep its tight shape.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Stowe Pillar white pine Pinus strobus ‘Stowe Pillar’ Height: 10 to 12 ft Width: 3 to 4 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Needles: long, soft, blue-green needles Notes: Looking for a soft, narrow conifer with a lovely blue-green color? Stowe Pillar is a stellar option for small spaces that move from sun to part shade. Very tightly shaped, it makes a good hedging plant.

Cupressina spruce

Buy Direct From The Manufacturer Contract Grinding & Screening

mulchcenter.com | Pickup or Delivery | 847.459.7200

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 20) Boulevard falsecypress Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Boulevard’ Height: 6 to 10 ft Width: 2 to 4 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Needles: soft blue needles in spring and summer turn plum-colored in winter Notes: A slow-growing pyramidal cultivar of falsecypress, Boulevard offers a surprising needle color in the garden. The blue-grey needles are soft to the touch. This is a terrific specimen plant, but also makes a lovely, unusual screen.

Forever Goldy arborvitae Thuja plicata ‘4EVER’ Height: 10 to 12 ft Width: 3 to 4 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Needles: feathery brilliant golden needles with a touch of lime green in season that turn orange fall through winter Notes: A nifty compact western arborvitae that really wows with its winter foliage of pumpkin orange. The bright yellow needles stand out in the landscape and can be a statement hedge.

Over 600 acres of nature at its finest.

Our plants are grown and acclimated in the Midwestern soil and climate, so you get an expansive variety that is hardy and resilient.

Trees, Ornamentals, Evergreens, Shrubs, Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcover.

Over 500 Varieties of locally grown plants.

Over 600 Acres

of field & container production.

Main Office & Sales Yard 7200 S. Madison • Willowbrook, IL 60527 630-323-1411

Over 10 Acres of holding yard.

Little Rock Farm 2353 Creek Road • Plano, IL 60545 630-552-8314

For sale updates and availabilities, sign up for our email newsletter.

22

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Growing Nature’s Best HinsdaleNurseries.com

We've got you covered this season MAKE FAST WORK OF YOUR LANDSCAPE PROJECTS – Alta Equipment Company has you covered this season with our wide variety of Compact Equipment. Carrying equipment from Takeuchi, Toro, Avant, Finn, Gehl, Volvo and more, Alta is here to provide you with your rental, sales, parts, and service needs.

LANDSCAPING Made Easy • • • • • •

Compact wheel loaders Skid steer loaders Mini excavators Bark blowers Trenchers Thousands of attachments

Call us at 844.Go2.ALTA or visit us online at ALTAEQUIPMENT.COM Bloomington| Ottawa | Peotone | Spring Grove

Landscape Solutions — Vines

Dutchman’s pipe Aristolochia macrophylla Height: 15 to 30 ft Width: 15 to 20 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Foliage: large, heart-shaped deep green slightly felted green leaves with no appreciable fall color Flowers: interesting little green flowers shaped like a Dutch smoking pipe in June Notes: A fast moving twiner, this heirloom vine was used by Victorians as a screen on porches as it quickly filled a string trellis and provided instant cooling shade. It is the host plant for pipevine swallowtail butterflies and is an easygoing quick screen with very cool flowers.

24

Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris or Schizophragma hydrangeoides Height: 30 to 40 ft Width: 6 to 8 ft Sun: part shade to full shade Water: average to moist well-drained Foliage: dark green glossy heart-shaped leaves Flowers: bright white lacey leaves in summer Notes: There are two species of climbing hydrangea commonly found in the trade. They flower similarly and there are some variegated cultivars as well.

This is a shade lover that grabs with tiny rootlets. It’s relatively slow growing, but can be trained on walls, fences, or sturdy trellises. In bloom, it’s a traffic stopper.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Hops Humulus lupulus Height: 15 to 20 ft Width: 3 to 4 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Foliage: pretty green leaves with a golden colored cultivar Flowers: clustered flowers used to brew beer Notes: There are a few cultivars of hops available, including one with a chartreuse foliage. Hops will die to the ground over the winter, scrambling up a support each spring. If you’ve got a client who brews their own beer, this might be a fun addition to their garden.

Honeysuckle Lonicera sp.

Height: 10 to 15 ft Width: 3 to 6 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Foliage: plastic-like rounded leaves with a silvery cast Flowers: clusters of fragrant tubular flowers that can be yellow, orange, red, or pink, depending on cultivar Notes: An easy twining vine, honeysuckle blooms profusely from June through August delighting the hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s not as fussy as clematis can sometimes be and who doesn’t enjoy hummingbirds?

Star Showers® Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Monham’ Height: 30 to 50 ft Width: 5 to 10 ft Sun: full sun to part shade Water: average to moist well-drained Foliage: brilliant white variegated palmately compound leaves that turn shades of pink in the fall Notes: Virginia creeper is a tough, tolerant, fast-growing vine that climbs by rootlets. Star Showers is a lovely variegated form that can brighten a shady corner and cover quickly.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

25

Landscape Solutions —

Good Fences Make Great Neighbors

by Nina A. Koziol

Who doesn’t like a little privacy?

In Chicago, some homes are so tall, narrow and crammed together, that homeowners feel like they’re living in a fishbowl. A good fence, however, creates some privacy and frames the landscape no matter how big or small the property.

There’s a mind-boggling assortment of fence styles, materials and prices. Homeowners—the do-it-yourselfers—armed with the requisite building permit, a post-hole digger, some friends with strong backs and a few weekends can find a half-dozen styles of wooden stockade, aluminum or vinyl picket fences at local home improvement centers. Oftentimes, a landscape contractor or designer arrives on a site where there’s an existing fence and must work with it.

“We don’t do any fencing,” said Ashley Marrin of BretMar Landscape, Inc., in Homer Glen. “We work with fencing companies like Cedar Rustic. We will sometimes specify the design. For example, when we’re doing pools, we’ll help the client lay out the fence so it all comes together nicely.”

26

Fence Designs

Will the fence be decorative, block an eyesore, or be used for security? The homeowner often has an idea of what he or she wants before a landscape contractor gets involved.

There are several considerations before designing or helping select a fence for your clients. There’s the architecture of their home. Will a split-rail fence be too informal for a Tudor-style home? Will wooden pickets or Victorian-style iron be out of place in front of a ranch house? Would intricate ironwork designs be overkill around a simple turn-of-the-

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

century farmhouse? Probably yes to all.

“A good landscape architect will pull the features from the building so the fence is in keeping with the house,” says Leo Kelly, president of Kellygreen Design, Inc., of Palatine.

“A fence should never overtake or compete with the house— you just want to enhance it.” His firm built the walled gates, doors and trellis panels for the English Walled Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.

For a project in Chicago, Pamela Self of Pamela Self Landscape Architecture in Barrington designed a privacy fence that was not completely solid. “The clients wanted some privacy but not a solid fence. The fence is made of two panels with tubes that are two inches apart. As you walk by the fence, the “images” change.” Self said. “One of the main priorities was to work with the metal contractor and the audio contractor to get the camera and the gate working. The powder-coated metal gate is always locked and there’s an intercom system.”

Materials

Chicago has always been a strong market for wood fences, but there has been an increasing demand for lower maintenance products such as aluminum, powder-coated iron and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fences.

More costly iron fences are sporting more than just basic black. Some fence contractors offer custom colors and finishes in dark green, bronze, brown and even purple.

Good wood fences may have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the wood and the amount of maintenance they receive. Ornamental iron can last a lifetime but many factors affect the life of the fence including the climate, soil conditions the material used and the maintenance.

Kelly prefers western red cedar for his projects because of its long-lasting durability. “It’s stable in our midwestern envi (continued on page 28) The Landscape Contractor August 2019

27

Landscape Solutions —

(continued from page 27) ronment. It can be stained beautifully or left to go to a soft gray. And, when it’s kept clean, it can last for a long time.”

Besides the traditional white pickets or rural board-style vinyl fences, contemporary designs are available in faux wood grain and stylish colors like desert tan. Manufacturers claim these products are engineered to last, and markets with harsh environments (like the upper Midwest) increasingly are using these materials.

Maintenance The demand for vinyl fences has grown in recent years.

The reason is simple—homeowners age 40 and older don’t want the maintenance. One minor problem is the use of well

28

water for lawn irrigation. Where the water hits the fence, there’s often a build-up of orange iron-colored stains that must be removed. One downside is that the vinyl may have a tendency to look chalky over time. It may not look as shiny after a while, but it retains a painted look.

“Wood fences can be stained as a first line of defense to give you protection and some color options,” Kelly said.

“Wood fences can also be painted, but there is extra work involved. If it’s going to be painted, western red cedar has to be primed first. Treated lumber is a good structural material, but it is not as good of a choice for aesthetically crafted architectural screens.”

For iron fences, rust should be cleaned off, primed with paint and touched up. Badly rusted and flaking iron fences may need to be sandblasted or wire brushed to remove the rust before painting with a rust inhibitor.

And, when you’re designing a fence, where will the snow go? “You don’t want snow shoveled onto the fence, but often people don’t think about that when they’re siting the fence,” Kelly said. The extra weight of snow and ice can be a problem for some fences.

Add Ons

“The clients are typically more involved directly with the fence contractor,” Marrin said. “Most of the time the client has purchased something online—like an arbor or trellis panels—and we put it together for them and charge for the labor.

There are so many options out there.”

Some homeowners are asking contractors to build arbors into their fence or create a matching pergola over a patio. (continued on page 29)

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

CONTRACTOR RENTALS: WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

ironrental.com \\ 630-320-0860

Landscape Solutions — (continued from page 28) And many contractors are custombuilding fences based on the homeowner’s wish list, needs and budget.

There’s also a demand for fancier, more elaborate fences. People want better quality and more styles of fence with fancier post caps. And sometimes, it’s not a fence, but stand-alone trellis panels that act as a fence.

“You can punch things up and paint them a different color,” Kelly said.

For one free-standing trellis project, designed by Hursthouse, Inc., Kelly added copper pipes and the homeowner painted it. “It’s a bright blue now so it really pops out,” Kelly said.

Think Outside the Box

Not everything needs to be a fence.

Trellis panels can create the feeling of a fence and provide some privacy and may not require any permits.

30

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

“Every project has a place for a custom trellis or a wall planter. There are always opportunities on a project,” Kelly said. For one project, he built lattice panels that curve with the walkway. “It’s more expensive but lattice allows you to do that. Even if you don’t have a client with a huge budget, you want to separate yourself from the pack and put in something different.

Show the client that there are more opportunities and you can be more creative.”

What about those chain-link fences that seem to be everywhere in older suburbs and cities? For one project, Kelly made panels and a gate cover that were attached to the chainlink fence to disguise a dog run. For another project, he created freestanding trellis panels that were four feet wide and eight feet tall. They served as a partial fence and a place to grow ornamental vines.

Permits

Most municipalities require a permit for fence installation. Every city has their own ordinance. Anything over 5 feet tall generally requires a permit. Many contractors will obtain the permit, while others leave it to the homeowners.

“Eighty percent of the time I pull the permit, or it’s done by the engineer or landscape architect,” Kelly said. “In some cases, it can take up to a year to get a variance and you have to wait for the review. In that case, you have to convince the client it’s not you, it’s the municipality.”

If you’re doing the installation, get the necessary permit from your city building department and follow the fence size limits and installation instructions. Many municipalities require homeowners to put the “wrong” side of a fence (the side that shows the support posts) facing their property and not the neighbors. Lacking a permit or improper installation may invite fines and require removal of the fence.

We’re Bartlett Tree Experts, a 100+ year old tree care company with global reach and local roots. Our services include: •

Tree Pruning

•

Plant Health Diagnostics

•

•

Fertilization & Soil Care Insect & Disease Management

FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR TREES.

Call 877.BARTLETT (877.227.8538) or visit BARTLETT.COM

NORTHBROOK •■BOLINGBROOK • LAKE BARRINGTON • CHICAGO

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

31

Special Report —

Gateway to Tree S A New Teaching Tool at the M

by Heather Prince

There’s a valuable and exciting new trail at The

Morton Arboretum designed to teach us about one of the most mysterious plants – trees. On June 8th, the Arboretum unveiled the Gateway to Tree Science. The Arboretum is devoted to tree science with a robust research department. We talked to Nicole Cavender, PhD, the Vice President of Science and Conservation about this new living exhibit.

The Gateway to Tree Science has been developed to teach homeowners how trees work, inform professionals of proper

32

techniques, and to inspire younger generations to consider careers in tree science and arboriculture. “The Arboretum has for many years been engaged in research and we do a lot of basic biology and applied biology, especially in arboriculture.

However, most people who come here don’t realize we do this research. We have wonderful display gardens and many ways for people to engage with plants and trees, but there’s not a strong awareness of the research we’ve been engaged in for decades. In the last ten years, we’ve reinvested in our research

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Science:

orton Arboretum and conservation efforts through our Growing Brilliantly campaign. That has allowed us to expand our work. One of the things we wanted to accomplish is to better demonstrate to our visiting public and green industry audience, as well as our next generation audience, some of the work we do in research in an applied context. To allow people to experience science real time in a demonstrated way,� reported Cavender. (continued on page 34)

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

33

Special Report —

There’s a lot to see and learn

The exhibit covers several acres and features a trail looping through five different areas of tree science including: • Choosing the Right Tree – showcases how to pick the right tree for the right spot including wet or dry areas, mature size, and ecosystem benefits.

• Caring for Urban Trees – demonstrates pruning, cabling, tree selection for power lines, and more techniques and best practices.

reach to schools. “We just released Canopy Career Chronicles on our website to encourage middle school and high school students to consider careers in trees. It tells stories of how people found their way into tree science and horticulture. We also want to send people to our Plant Clinic for more resources.”

This exhibit was driven by the scientists wanting to share their research with the public. “It took us five years to develop it from a concept to reality. The unique thing about this exhibit is that it was sparked by the scientists,” shared Cavender. It gives us an important teaching tool for the green industry and to educate homeowners on the role of tree science and how it benefits all of us. “There’s still a lot of mystery to trees. They’re hard to study.

The underground world is at least 50% of the tree and it is still a big mystery. One of the things we’re trying to do is improve the technology to study trees. Sometimes sampling germplasm on trees is challenging. They can be hard to get to. So, we’re looking at drone technology and robotics to see if we can harvest seeds. It hasn’t been developed yet, but we’re working on it.”

Another research aspect is tree health. Cavender observed, “How do you know if a tree is really healthy? Trees are fine, and then suddenly they’re not. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have the indicators early on that a tree is in decline and figure out how to potentially save that tree? How do we do that? One of the ways is to monitor the flow of water through their vessels and get a rhythm of these trees so we can tell if something changes and address it.”

The Gateway walks you through the five areas with real trees planted in different situations and allowed to grow over time as a living experiment. It starts with picking the right tree.

“We promote planting the right tree for the right place. For power lines, we worked with ComEd and set up a demonstration to show the different cycles of pruning and what it looks like. It also shows that if you pick the right trees that don’t

• Addressing the Challenges of Urban Soils – is a living experiment in which trees are planted in different soils and different arrangements to see what they do over time.

• Cultivating Resilient Trees – walks through tree breeding for different traits, pests and disease resistance and new varieties.

• Laying the Groundwork – shows the Arboretum’s applied research and conservation work and exhibits the phylogeny of oaks an example of species taxonomy.

“There’s a story to tell. You can take it in pieces, you can take it all at once. It walks you through some of the areas of science we engage in. It’s designed to provide knowledge and insights in how trees work and the ways we experiment on them as well as applications that can be taken home,” observed Cavender. “In terms of the green industry, we’re hoping to encourage people to consider tree science and arboriculture as a possible career track. Expose them to the applied science of trees with pruning techniques, soil amendments, picking the right tree, cabling trees, what does a root look like, etc.” The Arboretum has been active in promoting STEM careers and out34 The Landscape Contractor August 2019

grow as tall, then you don’t have to worry about them getting pruned,” commented Cavender. “We show that here’s a tree that’s really wide that needs a lot of space. Here’s a tree that’s smaller in stature. We have tools here at the Arboretum to help them figure out the right tree for their space.”

It also gives an opportunity to plant trees in different soils and see what happens. As we become a more urban and suburban society, how do we manage our urban forests best? “The world is changing. It’s becoming more urbanized. We’re going to need to figure out how to grow trees in that urban environment.

We’re going to need to supply more arboriculture and care to those trees. We’ve demonstrated in the Gateway proper pruning on one side of the path and incorrect pruning on the other side.

Over the years, you’ll see a huge drastic change as the trees grow. We are demonstrating what good structure looks like.”

The Arboretum has planted tulip trees in a host of soil situations.

“In the urban soils section, we’re demonstrating how trees grow in different types of engineered soils as one of the experiments.”

There is also a section where the same tree is planted with a variety of different amendments to see how they thrive or don’t, Cavender reported, “We’ve had areas we’ve compacted like you would at a construction site, and we added different amendments on them to see if they work. We’re already seeing results, especially on the tree with biosolids.” With new research developing, it provides a chance to try different amendments and see how they perform. The Gateway allows scientists a place to experiment and the general public to benefit from ongoing research. As green industry professionals, it gives us the ability to experience results in a neutral, science-based environment. Right now, “We wanted to stick to the basics – good pruning, good planting techniques, good mulching, and good amendments. There are other really cool questions we can address within the exhibit, but that’s down the road,” observed Cavender.

In our discussion, we also talked about the ongoing research being done by the Arboretum’s team of scientists. As trees are

being studied and new science develops, the Gateway gives the Arboretum an outdoor laboratory to share their findings. You can check out all the Arboretum’s scientists and their work on the Science & Conservation section on their website, but we discussed some who have impacted the Gateway especially. “Dr. Chuck Cannon, the Director, Center for Tree Science, is working on the tools and technology to study trees. He’s helping coordinate efforts with interdisciplinary partners, like engineers, to help think through what are the tools we need to better measure trees.” Some of these tools are demonstrated in the Gateway.

Dr. Andrew Hipp, Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics and Herbarium Curator studies the origin and evolution of plant diversity. His research is reflected in the “exhibit on the phylogeny of oaks to showcase oak evolution. To study a species, we need to know what a species is, which is very basic, but it’s important to know the differences in populations,” commented Cavender.

There are scientists who are looking at arboriculture best practices and tree root health and development. “One of our research specialties is structural integrity like ice loading and structural pruning techniques. Dr. Jake Miesbauer works with how to think through reducing risk. With summer storms and winter weather, how do we reduce risk in trees? There’s a lot of physics involved and Jake, as an arborist, has a deep background in tree care,” discussed Cavender. “Root biology is an important aspect of arboriculture. Dr. Gary Watson is our senior scientist, but we also have Dr. Luke McCormack who is studying fine roots and how they work. He has a number of experiments set up throughout the Arboretum. He works closely with Dr. Meghan Midgley, our soil ecologist.” Midgely is looking at how plants interact with the soil environment and consequences of both natural and human activity.

The Gateway to Tree Science offers many opportunities to educate our clients and our colleagues not only on best practices, but how trees grow and respond to different environments. It’s a terrific tool to increase knowledge and experience living experiments.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

35

Enfoque: Sección en Español

El Agua y Las Plantas

Por Meta L. Levin

Todos sabemos que el

agua es crucial para la vida en la Tierra.

Los insectos la necesitan. Los animales la necesitan. Las plantas la necesitan.

Pero todos la necesitan en cantidades diferentes.

El objetivo es usar el agua de la forma más eficiente posible.

Esa es la clave del diseño de los sistemas de riego. Gracias al diseño adecuado, el conocimiento de las plantas y la tecnología, el mundo del riego está cambiando para mejor.

“Es necesario comprender las plantas para saber qué cantidad de agua regarles y con qué frecuencia”, afirma Luke Thomas, Gerente de Riego de Acres Group. También hay que estar consciente del lugar de residencia y el clima. “En Chicago, tenemos una estación lluviosa que se convierte en estación seca. En invierno hay congelamiento”.

Y luego está la cuestión de en qué dirección está orientado el paisaje

36

ajardinado. “El lado sur (del jardín) se calentará y el agua se evaporará más rápidamente”, asegura Thomas. En algunas áreas, un diseñador paisajista debe concentrarse en plantas que puedan sobrevivir los cambios climáticos más severos.

Conservar el agua es bueno por muchos motivos, entre éstos, el costo, así como el hecho de que en algunas áreas el agua se está convirtiendo o se prevé que se convertirá en un recurso escaso.

Sequías o tormentas pueden causar estragos en terrenos con jardines cuidadosamente diseñados.

El tipo de tierra también preocupa a los diseñadores de sistemas de riego.

No es secreto que las plantas absorben agua por la raíces. Los sistemas de riego deben, por consiguiente, asegurar que el agua alcance la profundidad suficiente para abastecer el sistema radicular de la planta. Conocer el tipo de suelo y cómo absorbe o no absorbe el agua, cuánto tiempo podrá retenerla o no, es imperati-

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

vo para lograr el riego adecuado.

El lugar donde se colocan las plantas es importante. Por ejemplo, Thomas señala los edificios con muchos vidrios. “Los rayos solares se reflejarán desde el edificio”, afirma. De más está decir que eso afecta el calor y la velocidad de evaporación del agua.

En el lado norte de un edificio, las plantas que están contra una pared podrían no ver nunca el sol. Cuando la temperatura desciende a bajo cero, el agua se congela. Usted puede tener dos plantas de la misma especie, si una crece en el lado norte y la otra en el lado sur, requieren de diferentes tipos de riego”, asegura Thomas. “Las plantas que están destinadas a crecer en el clima del lado norte de un edificio, tienen ADN programado para aceptar fluctuaciones del lado norte”.

Diseñar un sistema de riego eficaz para todo eso, puede ser un desafío. “Se trata de la frecuencia de los riegos y

las cantidades de agua”, indica Thomas.

“Podemos fijar y de hecho fijamos como objetivo ciertas áreas”.

Thomas observa las hidrozonas, centrándose en los microclimas alrededor de los edificios para enfocar los materiales de las plantas de forma diferente. “Hace treinta o 40 años, hacer esto no era fácil”, asegura Thomas. No obstante, en la actualidad, los especialistas en riego pueden fijar áreas como objetivo utilizando sensores de humedad, satélites, controladores inteligentes y otros instrumentos para enfocar diferentes áreas.

“En el pasado, solo queríamos regar las plantas” afirma. Aunque de alguna manera, el diseño siempre ha sido un factor importante. Los especialistas en riego fijaban las plantas como objetivo principalmente por la orientación de los cabezales de los aspersores.

Actualmente, los diseñadores de sistemas de riego desean asegurar no solo que el agua llegue al nivel de las raíces,

Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.

Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente.

Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.

Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com

TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR. The Landscape Contractor August 2019

37

Enfoque: Sección en Español sino también esperar para volver a regar hasta que las plantas hayan absorbido toda la humedad. “Deseamos que las plantas sean lo suficientemente fuertes como para sobrevivir a una sequía” afirma. Los controladores inteligentes pueden detectar la humedad en el suelo e indicar si se necesita más riego.

Han estado presentes en los últimos cinco años.

Cierta tecnología ha estado disponible por unos 20 años, pero únicamente para proyectos de paisajismo grandes. En la actualidad, incluso los dueños de casas pueden tener acceso a ella. En los últimos dos años, los satélites se han vuelto más útiles, especialmente para agricultores que pueden utilizar los datos que proporcionan para enfocar los riegos con más precisión en los lugares y en los momentos en que se necesitan.

Utilizando el Sistema de Información Geológica, estos satélites pueden tomar fotografías infrarrojas desde arriba, lo que indica a los agricultores qué plantas están más estresadas. Con más frecuencia están utilizando sistemas de riego computarizados que les indican automáticamente dónde deben regar más.

Si bien no están disponibles para uso residencial, está dentro del ámbito de las posibilidades que lo estén algún día. Ya los sistemas de riego de alta tecnología utilizan información de los meteorólogos.

Utilizando tecnología, los especialistas en riego de jardines residenciales y comerciales pueden fijar los controles y la tecnología hace el trabajo.

La tecnología no es lo único que afecta la irrigación. El agua se puede percibir como un lujo. En algunos lugares del mundo, es escasa. Usarla para plantas ornamentales se percibe como desperdicio de un recurso valioso. Hay cierta preocupación de que eso pueda ocurrir aquí.

“Los fitogenetistas han estado trabajando durante años para crear plantas más tolerantes a la sequía”, informa Thomas. Estas serían plantas que no solamente usen el agua de forma más eficiente, sino también que la usen menos.

Algunas de estas técnicas, como el riego por goteo, pueden ser beneficiosas para árboles y arbustos, aunque no son populares en el mercado de Chicago, asegura Thomas. Por otra parte, señala lugares en el suroeste, como California y Texas, donde se utilizan más.

38

“Todos quieren plantas que requieran poco mantenimiento” asegura Thomas. Esto incluye agua.

Quieren plantas que necesitan menos agua. “Esto no es algo nuevo”. No obstante, actualmente hay más fitogenetistas concentrados en cultivar plantas que satisfagan esos estándares. La ciencia y la tecnología están permitiendo a los cultivadores hacer más cosas que hace una década.

Thomas está viendo más de sus clientes interesados en aprender sobre el agua. La cultura está cambiando y la tendencia es educar más a las personas sobre la gestión del agua. No obstante, la mayoría de los clientes no están interesados en saber cómo funciona todo. “La nueva tecnología no es comprendida por mucha gente”, piensa Thomas. Aun así, hay cierta curiosidad sobre ella. Muchos de los clientes residenciales están animados por la capacidad de descargar una aplicación, lo que les permitirá monitorear sus sistemas de riego, especialmente la tecnología que les permite recibir actualizaciones en sus teléfonos.

Algunas aplicaciones pueden incluso mostrar a los clientes sus ahorros. Eso los entusiasma. Pueden ver que los montos de sus facturas del agua están disminuyendo. En algunos casos, hasta en un 50 por ciento, debido a que el riego de la propiedad se hace de forma más eficiente.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Para que crezca su negocio, unase a...

Servicios y Beneficios • Certificaciones • Seminarios

• Talleres de Trabajo • Publicaciones • Capacitación • Videos • Eventos • Programa de Seguros • Trabajadores Temporarios • Subasta de Herramientas de jardinería

El Paso al Professionalismo.

Llame al 630-472-2851

Para mas informacion sobre como inscribirse miembro.

Irrigation Update —

WATER and PLANTS

By Meta L. Levin

We all know

that water is crucial to life on earth. Insects need it.

Animals need it. Plants need it. But they all need it in differing amounts.

The goal is to use water as efficiently as possible.

That is the key to irrigation design.

Thanks to good design, plant knowledge and technology, the irrigation world is changing for the better.

“You have to understand the plants before you know how much to water and how frequently,” says Luke Thomas, Acres Group’s Irrigation Manager. You also must be cognizant of where you live and the climate. “In Chicago, we have a drastic wet season that turns into a dry season. In the winter it freezes.”

And then there is the question of which direction the landscaping is facing. “On the south side (of the garden), it’s going to get hot and the water will evaporate faster,” Thomas says. In some areas a landscape designer must focus on plants that can survive more severe climate changes.

Conserving water is good for many reasons, among them the cost, as well as the fact that in some areas water is

40

becoming or is predicted to become a scarce resource. Droughts or storms can wreak havoc with carefully designed landscapes.

Soil type also is of concern to irrigation designers. It’s no secret that plants take in water through their roots.

Irrigation systems must then ensure that the water reaches deep enough to affect the plant’s root system. Knowing the soil type and how it does or does not absorb water, how long it is likely to hold it or not, is imperative to proper watering.

Where plants are placed makes a difference. For instance, Thomas points to buildings with lots of glass. “The sun’s rays are going to reflect off the building,” he says. Needless to say, that affects heat and the speed at which water evaporates.

On the north side of a building, plants that are up against a wall may never see the sun. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water freezes. “You can have two plants of the same species, if one grows on the north side and the other on the south side, they require different watering,” says Thomas. “Plants that are meant to

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

grow in the climate on the north side of a building, have DNA programmed to accept north side fluctuations.”

Designing an effective irrigation system for all of that can be challenging.

“It’s a matter of watering frequency and water amounts,” says Thomas. “We can and do target certain areas.”

Thomas looks at hydro zones, focusing on micro-climates around buildings to target plant material differently.

“Thirty or 40 years ago this was not as easy to do,” says Thomas. Now, however, irrigation specialists can target areas using moisture sensors, satellites, smart controllers and other tools to focus on different areas.

“In the past we just wanted to get water on the plants,” he says. In a sense, though, design always has been around.

Irrigation specialists targeted plants primarily by which way they aimed the sprinkler heads.

These days irrigation designers want to insure that not only does water get down to the root level, but that they also wait to water again until plants have absorbed all the moisture. “We want the (continued on page 42)

DON’T WASTE A GREAT LAKE

Follow us on social media:

Make Ewing Your #1 Landscape Supply Resource As the largest family-owned supplier of landscape and irrigation products in the country, Ewing offers superior products, education and service to make projects of any size a success. With deep industry expertise and a diverse inventory, customers have relied on Ewing for nearly 100 years to help create and maintain healthy, beautiful landscapes.

Find out how Ewing can help with your next project.

Elgin 318 Arrowhead Dr. Elgin, IL 60136 847.551.0023

West Chicago 1130 Carolina Dr., Ste. F West Chicago, IL 60185 630.562.4005

EwingIrrigation.com

Crown Point 515 E 110th Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307 219.206.2378

Irrigation Update

plants to be stronger, so that if a drought comes, they can survive it,” he says.

Smart controllers can sense moisture in the soil and tell if more watering is needed.

These have been around for about the last five years. Certain technology has been available for the last 20 or so years, but only for larger landscape projects.

Now, even residential homeowners can have access to it. Within the last two years satellites have become more useful, particularly for farmers who can use the data they provide to precisely target watering when and where it is needed.

Using the Geographical Information System, these satellites can take infrared photographs from above, which will tell a farmer which plants are more stressed.

More and more they are using computerized irrigation systems that automatically tell them where they need to water more.

While not available for residential use,

it is within the realm of possibility that it will be some day. Already high tech irrigation systems use information from weather forecasters. Using technology, residential and commercial landscape irrigation specialists can set the controls and the technology does the work.

Technology is not the only thing affecting irrigation. Water can be seen as a luxury. In some places in the world, it is in short supply. Using it for ornamental plants is seen as wasting a precious resource. There is some worry that will happen here.

“Plant breeders have been working for years to create more drought tolerant plants,” says Thomas. These would be plants that not only use water more efficiently, but also use less of it.

Such techniques, such as drip irrigation can be beneficial to trees and shrubs, although it is not popular in the Chicago market, says Thomas. Instead, he points

It’s Time to Join I L C A visit ilca.net

1-815-737-8758 42

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

to locations in the Southwest, such as California and Texas, where it is more heavily used.

“Everyone wants plants that are low maintenance,” says Thomas. That includes water. They want plants that will use less water. “This is not something new.” Now, however, there are more breeders concentrating on growing plants that meet those needs. Science and technology is allowing growers to do more than a decade ago.

Thomas is seeing many more of his customers interested in learning about water. The culture is changing and the trend is to educate more people about water management. Most clients, however, do not want to know how it all works. “The new technology is going over a lot of people’s heads,” says Thomas. Still there is a curiosity about all of it. Many of his residential customers are excited about the ability to

download an app, which will allow them to monitor their irrigation systems, especially the technology that allows them to get updates on their phones.

Some apps can even show customers their savings. That excites them. They can see that their water bills are decreasing. In some cases, as much as 50 percent, as watering the property becomes more efficient.

7463 West Ridge Road P.O. Box 189 Fairview PA 16415 800.458.2234 Fax 800.343.6819 e-mail: info@FairviewEvergreen.com FairviewEvergreen.com

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

43

Special Feature —

Tried and True — Fresh and New A quick look at some great plants for your landscape projects

by Nina A. Koziol

Plants come and go. Some

are real keepers in residential and commercial projects. And some turn out to be rogues.

“There are always changing trends in plant material,” says Eric Bruss of Bruss Landscaping in Wheaton. “I’ve been in retail garden center and landscaping all my life. The difference nowadays is that the plant market is marketing driven.

Every year there are 15 to 20 new plants and the varieties are always changing.

Now consumers are seeing ads on t.v. for

44

Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’

hydrangeas and other specific varieties of plants and they’re saying, ‘ooh, I want that.’” But, as Bruss cautions, “In every design, if the landscape architect is doing it correctly, it should always have plants for that particular project.”

Here’s a look at some oldies, goodies, newbies and underused great plants for your projects.

We’ll start with Phil Douglas, director of plant collections at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, who shared some of his tried-and-true trees.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’ (Appalachian Red Redbud) “Although the breeding of Cercis has developed countless forms, foliage, and flower colors, Appalachian Red stands out for its fuschia-pink flowers in spring,” Douglas said. “This cultivar still stands out among newer selections and is a recognizable selection in the spring landscape.” It was originally discovered growing along a road in Maryland.

Overall height is 15 to 25 feet tall.

Acer ‘White Tigress’ (Manchurian Striped Maple)

Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ‘Morton’ Accolade® Elm

“A likely hybrid of Acer tegmentosum, selected by Tim Brotzman, this tree is beautiful year ’round,” Douglas said.

“It has excellent near-white bark striping. Gorgeous yellow fall color makes it really stand out in the shady border, or as an accent. And, White Tigress has proven to be easier to establish and a tougher grower than its native counterpart, Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple).

“Derived from a seedling grown at the Morton Arboretum in 1924, this Chicagoland Grows introduction is disease-resistant and a vigorous grower,” Douglas said. “It’s an excellent replacement for American elms.

This cultivar still stands out among newer elm introductions for its ease of transplant and disease resistance.” This highly touted selection demonstrates very good resistance to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle. It’s useful as a street, parkway, or shade tree. Glossy green leaves and yellow fall color are a plus.

M. virginiana var. australis ‘Henry Hicks’ (Henry Hicks Sweetbay Magnolia) “This is a selection made by the late Dr. Joseph McDaniel,” Douglas said. “It is semi-evergreen in mild winters, and has glossy green foliage throughout the growing season. Fragrant white flowers appear through the summer. This cultivar is perfectly hardy in Chicago, and blooms consistently year to year.”

Perennials — New and Underused Richard Hawke is the plant evaluation manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden and he has seen thousands of perennials come and go during his plant trials. Some perennials are workhorses. Some are duds. And some, like Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ are often just overused or have developed disease issues or both. “There are bread-andbutter plants that have been around for a long time and they’re good, but there are newer plants that can serve as replacements,” Hawke said.

Achillea millefolium ‘Balvinrose’ New Vintage Rose(™) “This is a nice replacement for Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika.’ It has good color and is very floriferous,” Hawke said. “It has a nice form and is consistent. Keep in mind that it can be

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

45

short-lived in wet sites.”

Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ This is a good replacement for Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm,’ which has suffered from fungal disease and overuse—just look at practically any gas station lot and you’ll probably see it paired with feather-reed grass.

“American Gold Rush is the best I’ve ever seen,” Hawke said. “I’ve grown it and evaluated it and it’s possibly one of the best perennials ever.” High praise for this long-blooming perennial that is

resistant to leaf spot.

Salvia x sylvestris ‘Little Night’ This new, dwarf meadow sage was selected for its tight mounding growth habit and fantastic deep indigo blue flowers. Hawke describes the flowers as a dark violet-blue with burgundy calycesthat put on a show from early June to mid-July. It’s tight mounded habit and long bloom time set it apart from Salvia sylvestris ‘May Night.’

Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Fontana’ The straight species of bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is an excellent plant. But this new selection takes its great qualities a step further, Hawke said. Blue flowers appear from late May to late June with purple stems. Foliage turns bright yellow in fall. Full sun to part shade.

Supplying All Your Landscape Needs So the World Builds Better

•

DE L I V E RY AVA I L A B L E

Since 1934 • • • • •

Outcroppings and Boulders Concrete & Clay Pavers Retaining Walls Ponds & Low Voltage Lighting Seeds & Fertilizers

• • • • •

Bluestone - Nominal & Dimensional Limestone Sills & Counter Tops Mulch & Decorative Stone Masonry Products Building Stone

®

1300 ROUTE 31 • SOUTH ELGIN, IL 60177 (Corner of Route 31 & McLean Blvd.)

46

847-888-6133 • www.foxriverstone.com The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Daisy Duke’ Daisy May® Snowcap daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Snowcap’) has been a popular daisy for years. But it’s about to be shoveled aside for the newer Daisy Duke. It’s touted as an outstanding dwarf variety with an abundance of large, long-lasting pure white flowers that cover the compact, green foliage.

“The flowers are over three inches wide and the plant blooms from late June through late July,” Hawke said.

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’

Johnson’s Blue geranium has been a tried-and-true cultivar for decades. But Hawke notes that it’s a lax plant with a penchant for floppiness and a fairly short bloom period. He evaluated more than 180 perennial geraniums and although he has several that he admires, Azure Rush is one of his favorites. “There’s no maintenance required and it’s sterile,” Hawke said.

Imperial Gem lavender is a good replacement for Hidcote lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’). “It has dark lavender flowers and blooms in June and July. Plants can reach 22 inches tall when in flower and 40 inches wide,” Hawke said.

Looking for Quality Compost? We Have It! •

•

•

•

•

STA Compost Increased Water Holding Capacity Increase organic matter Improve the soil OMRI listed

630-858-8070

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

47

Geum ‘Sangria’

Spiraea ‘Double Play Candy Corn’

Geums (or avens) have been popular perennials. Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ is an old workhorse that’s been sold at big-box stores for a few decades.

There have been many newer (and better) introductions. Hawke touts Geum ‘Sangria’ for its bright orange-red flowers that appear from mid-June to midJuly. Plants can reach 35 inches tall by 30 inches wide.

“This is another Ranney introduction,” Douglas said. “This sterile clone of Spiraea japonica emerges bright red and fades to an attractive yellow. The foliage colors are really unlike any other shrub, and truly stand out in the landscape.”

Hydrangea serrata ‘Tiny Tuff Stuff’

New, Underused Shrubs

“In our alkaline clay soils, Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea) doesn’t perform very reliably. Tiny Tuff Stuff continues to impress me with its hardiness, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. It’s not your typical finicky hydrangea—this pink flowering cultivar consistently reblooms.”

Chaenomeles ‘Double Take Scarlet’ “This is a Dr. Tom Ranney introduction,” Douglas said. “This new cultivar—and the series—takes quince flowering to the next level. These plants are covered with vibrant red flowers in early spring, and have clean foliage all year long.”

For more on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation program, visit chicagobotanic.org Search the Morton Arboretum’s plant list at https://www.mortonarb.org/treesplants/tree-plant-descriptions

Calycanthus floridus var. purpureus ‘Burgundy Spice’

What’s your favorite plant for 2019?

Drop a line at n.koziol@att.net

“This is a new introduction from Rich Hesselein at Pleasant Run Nursery. The deep purple foliage of this plant keeps its coloration throughout the growing season. Maroon flowers compliment the foliage in late spring and last through the summer,” Douglas said. “This plant is a great ornamental improvement over the species.”

48

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

SNOWFIGHTERS

INSTITUTE www.snowfightersinstitute.com

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SNOW MANAGEMENT? SIGN UP FOR OUR UPCOMING 2019 IN-HOUSE EVENTS!

FORUM FOR SALES

GROUNDS & INSTITUTIONAL

August 26th - 29th

September 9th - 12th

SNOW MANAGEMENT

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

For more information or to register, call us or visit our website at: (814) 455-1991

www.snowfightersinstitute.com

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

49

New Members — CONTRACTORS

SUPPLIERS

Accent Landscape Design Nago Cruz 33846 N Wilson Rd Ingleside, IL 60041 Email: nago@accentlm.com Phone: 847-254-9005 www.accentlm.com

HydroBlox Midwest Mike Dikelsky 1405 Braxton Rd Libertyville, IL 60048 Email: mike@hydrobloxmidwest.com Phone: 847-450-7772 www.hydrobloxmidwest.com HydroBlox is a revolutionary, proven drainage system that takes the place of most French Drain applications.

HydroBlox is made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastics.

Stevenson Horticultural Service, Inc. Pete Stevenson 11313 C Crimmins Rd Newark, IL 60541 Email: info@stevensonhorticultural.com Phone: 815-695-1096 www.stevensonhorticultural.com Landscaping company based in Newark, IL since 2006 specializing in landscape installations, tree care, hardscape installations, and offering image based landscape design.

50

King Nursery Claudia McReynolds 6128 E. Sandwich Road Big Rock, IL 60511 Email: claudia820@ameritech.net Phone: 630-554-1171 www.kingnurseryil.com

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Klingstone Paths Alex Joyce 933 West Gordon Terrace, Unit 1 Chicago, IL 60613 Email: ajoycekstone@gmail.com Phone: 773-576-2598 www.klingstonepaths.com Profits Plus Mindy Maggio 105 E Berkshire Ln Mount Prospect, IL 60056 Email: mindy@profitsplus.net Phone: 847-220-4640 www.profitsplus.net Profits Plus is a company that is dedicated to saving you time and putting more money in your pocket. We will expertly handle your insurance renewal process and help you find the right coverage at the best price and it will cost you absolutely nothing.

We are experienced wholesale growers producing thousands of acres of quality, northern Illinois-grown nursery stock.

A wide variety of shade trees, intermediate trees, shrubs, evergreens, broadleaf evergreens, vines, groundcovers and perennials are available.

Clavey’s Nursery, Inc. Doty Nurseries LLC Fox Ridge Nursery Goodmark Nurseries, LLC GRO Horticultural Enterprises Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. J. Hill Nursery Kaneville Tree Farms, Inc. Kankakee Nursery Co. Midwest Groundcovers Poul’s Nursery, Inc. Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. The Fields on Caton Farm, Inc.

12

Visit our website for a complete inventory listing by nursery–quickly find the hard-to-get items you need!

www.ogaoni.com

2018_LandContrator_Ad.indd 1

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

51

6/13/19 10:23 AM

New Members

Attention Landscape Contractors:

SUPPLIERS

Remember to Support ILCA Supporters!

These include:

• Members & Advertisers who supply goods and services • Members who sponsor ILCA programs and events

Syngenta Professional Solutions Brian Winkel 835 Myers Road Sugar Grove, IL 60554 Email: brian.winkel@syngenta.com Phone: 630-391-2170

Where will you find them?

• ILCA Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide

• The Landscape Contractor magazine advertising • The Landscape Contractor magazine reports of events with

sponsor acknowledgments

• www.ilca.net member lists – Finding a Landscape

Contractor & Suppliers to the Trade

Successful suppliers know— industry leaders read this magazine.

Save the Date — Aug. 10, 2017

JAN.17_TLC.indd 1

12/14/16 9:52 AM

• Sales and marketing statistics show that the single best way to reach buyers is through highlytargeted specialty magazines.

• This award-winning magazine is frequently hailed as the best magazine of its kind. Put your ad message in this very flattering environment.

Save the Date — Aug. 10, 2017

• The Landscape Contractor has an affordable advertising program for every budget.

For immediate attention CALL Debbie at 817-501-2403 or email — debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com 52

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Diseases & Pests —

Pest of the Month: Gypsy Moth Disease of the Month: Bur Oak Blight

by Heather Prince

Pest of the Month: Gypsy Moth

Gypsy moth larvae are severe tree defoliators that can consume an urban forest quickly. Oaks are their favorite meal, but they can be found on about 500 species of woody plants. Mature females are laying egg masses right about now. Larvae will emerge from the mass in the following early spring. Each larva has hairs running down its entire body and are grayish in color with five pairs of blue spots and six pairs of red spots on their body with yellow markings on their heads. They feed on leaves and then transform into the pupa stage in Gypsy moth larvae midsummer, to emerge as adults usually beginning in July. Females do not fly and will typically lay their eggs near areas where they were feeding like tree trunks, picnic tables, grills, and firewood.

Treatment:

You’ll often see gypsy moth traps at public gardens such as The Morton Arboretum as they track how many adults are out and about.

Caterpillars feeding on leaves can be controlled Bur oak blight with carbaryl, spinosad, and pyrethroid insecticides. You can scrape egg masses off and dispose of them. There are also several natural enemies include bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), viruses such as Gypchek, and predatory insects such as parasitic wasps.

Disease of the Month: Bur Oak Blight

Bur Oak Blight is a late season fungal leaf blight disease caused by the pathogen Tubakia iownesis. This is a relatively new disease that will only infect Quercus macrocarpa var.

University of Illinois Extension Service https://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/ horticulture/index.php 217-333-0519

54

oliviformis. Wet springs have likely created a favorable environment for this disease. Bur oak blight has both a spring and summer infection cycle. The spring infection cycle is the most important in terms of disease spread.

The pathogen over-winters on diseased leaf petioles that remain attached to the tree.

During wet, spring weather, fungal spores splash to newly expanding leaves. Petiole death eventually kills the leaves, but more importantly, it prevents diseased leaves from falling naturally, causing them to remain after healthy trees have dropped leaves. The following spring the cycle begins again.

Summer infection repeatedly attacks mature leaves, first appearing as purple-brown spots on the underside leaf veins in June.

In July, the spots expand, and purplish splotched veins appear on the upper leaf surface. By August and September, leaf veins are killed as the infection progresses and a characteristic wedge-shaped dead area develops on the leaf. In severe infections, you may see extensive defoliation.

However, the summer infection is not as important as the spring cycle.

Treatment:

If you suspect this disease, send samples to the University of Illinois Plant Clinic for testing. For high value trees, Iowa State University has found trunk injections of propiconazole to be effective. Injections should be made in late May or early June just after the leaves have fully expanded. The recommended application rate is 8 to 10 mls per 1” DBH. Higher applications rates reportedly resulted in phytotoxicity to leaves. The rate will also need to be adjusted if the tree has significant branch dieback in the canopy. One application should last several years. Iowa State currently recommends repeat application only if a severe outbreak re-occurs.

Additional resources:

The Morton Arboretum http://www.mortonarb.org/Plant Clinic: http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/ tree-and-plant-advice/ 630-719-2424

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information Service: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/ plantinfoservice 847-835-0972

2019

Too Many Hydrangeas?

FIRE LIGHT®

Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPFL’ #25,135, cbr#5160

Some say there are too many new hydrangeas, that is until they discover Fire Light® hydrangea.

That’s because it flowers early and quickly changes to the richest colors. Growers appreciate its superior stem strength and fast finish time. It’s everything you’d expect from the people that brought you ‘Limelight’.

10’

FIRE LIGHT® FULL TO PART SUN USDA ZONE 3, AHS 8 6-8' tall and wide

• DEEP PINK-RED FLOWER COLOR • PRUNE IN LATE WINTER • FLOWER COLOR IS NOT AFFECTED

BY SOIL PH

Available from these suppliers Alsip Home & Nursery St. John • 219-365-0882

Kaknes Landscaping Supply Naperville • 630-416-1002

Rolling Hills Nursery Prairie View • 847-343-1354

CJ Fiore Prairie View • 847-913-1417

Lurvey Landscape Supply Des Plaines | Park City | Volo www.lurveys.com

Siteone Landscape Supply siteone.com

Goodmark Nurseries Union • 630-461-3050 provenwinners-shrubs.com

ILCA Aug_SMN Fire Light.indd 1

Midwest Groundcovers St. Charles • 847-742-1790

Stoneleaf Nursery Eureka • 309-261-7008

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

55 7/8/19 11:15 AM

New Member Profile Snapshot

Archer Creek Landscaping LLC 7025 W. Iles Avenue New Berlin, IL 62670 (217) 502-0089 www.archercreeklandscaping.com

by Meta Levin

“I had a music studio in my house and I

realized that I was in the business of creating a song in the garden,” says Danette Collette, founder and owner of Archer Creek Landscaping LLC in New Berlin, IL. Collette started her landscape company, in large part, because she couldn’t find a good landscape contractor to work on her own property. She was a stay-at-home mom when, in 2007, she became a Master Gardener. In 2009 she went back to school, studying horticulture and landscape design at Lincolnland Community College in Springfield.

And in 2011 she began providing landscape designs for a local landscape contractor. By the time he moved away, she had customers who still wanted to work with her. In 2012, she had a small business, less than $50,000 annually for the first few years. In 2014, however, she got serious, turning it into an LLC. In the early years, Collette was out there every day, working alongside the men, as well as designing jobs. One of her first employees, Shane Akers, who had experience in the industry, provided guidance on the work.

Akers is still with Collette, serving as her foreman and “the brains of the operation,” says Collette. “He is all about quality and craftmanship. There is only one way to do a job and that is the right way.”

She also relies on Jessey Webb, who she hired in 2014 and who serves as the head of maintenance. “He does an amazing job and prunes shrubs like no one else,” she says. “One customer asked if he would sign his shrubs.”

Her son and one of his friends were among her first employees. Her son, who is preparing to graduate from college, no longer works for the business. Her daughter, an airline dispatcher, living in St. Louis, occasionally comes home to help, as she did with a recently purchased and installed computer system.

This was a banner year for expansion. Not only did sales double, but Archer Creek Landscaping got several new trucks, 56

as well as the new computer system.

Collette now employs 10 people and she points to her staff as the reason for her success. In addition to Akers and Webb, she has Eve Mudd, a plant health specialist. “We take plant health seriously,” says Collette. Aker’s son, Shane, Jr., also works for Archer Creek, as do Chris Belford, Andrew Duffey, Tony King, Bobby Seitz and Charlie and Justin Stone. “I have an amazing crew,” she says.

Archer Creek Landscaping LLC is known for the high quality of its work, as well as Collette’s willingness to listen and individualize the gardens she designs. In fact, she invites clients to show her something personal that they might want to incorporate into the garden. “They hold a rock and tell me a story about it,” she says. One man gave her pavers that had come from his father.

Collette designs the gardens with the stories in mind. “I want something interesting in the design, something that represents them (the clients),” she says. “I make it personal.”

To do that she creates a first draft of the design based on what they have told her, then works with them to make it into something that reflects their wants and needs. “I want all of my landscapes to be different,” she says.

Collette wanted to belong to an industry association that reflected her emphasis on quality. When she found ILCA, she says that she knew she had found what she was looking for.

“It is more about excellence,” she says. “ILCA has better programs and better educational offerings. We need that constant education.”

She sent Akers and some other employees to Foremanship Training. They thought it was a great program and she was pleased. They also attended last fall’s Turf Education Day at Chicago Botanic Garden, where she found her message.

“Chicago Botanic Garden is my happy place,” she says.

“Now I have a billboard that says, ‘Where is your happy place?’ My goal is to help people create those spaces in their own yards.”

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

&

ois

si-

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Chicagoland Certified Sales Arborist

Turfgrass Management or related experience is preferred. Applicant must have a thorough knowledge of all landscape plants, diseases, and maintenance methods. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Daily responsibilities include customer correspondence, site evaluations, proposal generation and project management for sold opportunities.

We have a need for another Certified Sales Arborist. Assist in daily operations, responsible for sales and client contact in an established territory.

Qualified candidate must have the ability to identify plants, insects and disease. Sales arborist would be responsible for providing daily work and scheduling for 6 crew members.

Full benefits include company vehicle, 100% paid medical and dental insurance for employee and family and 100% paid life insurance policy for the employee! A retirement program is also available.

This is a salary plus commission position.

Submit resume to info@winklerstreeservice.com.

Discretion assured.

Green Grass Landscape Architecture & Construction, an ever growing and expanding design/build firm serving the Western suburbs since 1997, seeks to fill two positions.

Green Grass, Inc. focuses on providing a full spectrum of landscape services while specializing in high-end residential design, construction and maintenance.

RESIDENTIAL CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Green Grass is seeking client relationship manager for existing residential maintenance and construction client base. Customer service and communication is key. Proficiency in CRM systems, word, excel and ability to multitask required. Degree in Horticulture,

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER Applicant is to be well-versed in all landscape construction methods and possess the ability to interpret and implement site engineering, hardscape and landscape plans. Applicant must also have a working knowledge of plants, basic understanding of landscape design, excellent on-site client communication skills and experience with project management including but not limited to material procurement, sub-contractor sequencing, code compliance/inspections and time tracking. Role includes working with the design/sales team from project kickoff to project completion, with the goal of exceeding client expectations. Ability to multi-task, maintain a high level of organization while working in a fast-paced environment and problem solving are keys to this position.

Proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Preferred applicant is to have a BLA or related horticulture degree but experience in the landscape industry is paramount. All experience levels are to be considered.

Please email resume and salary requirements to contact@greengrasslandscape.com. All inquiries are kept confidential.

HELP WANTED We’re on the hunt for; •

Landscape Account Managers (Illinois & Wisconsin Region)

• Field laborers and Team Leaders (Illinois & Wisconsin Region) Submit your resume to Sandra@sebert.com Enter in the Subject Line: ILCA Post / (the position that you are seeking) Or call 630.497.1000 Several branches In the Illinois Region Bartlett, Elk Grove, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Roscoe, Marengo Wisconsin Region (Pleasant Prairie & Milwaukee) Work for a fun green roof, green wall and landscape construction company!

Previous Experience -2-5 years in a related field preferred (foreman, project leader, or technician in a related field) -4-year college degree in Horticulture preferred Necessary Skills -Crew management and organization for green roof and commercial landscape and paver construction -Soil sampling and diagnosis -Construction and Maintenance-related gardening and horticulture skills -Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel)

k,

The James Martin Associates Team is currently seeking candidates for the following positions:

Commercial Account Manager Irrigation Technician Design Sales-Project Director

Call Keri for more information at (847)876-8017 Or visit JamesMartinAssociates.com/careers

Landscape Architecture • Construction • Maintenance • Snow Management

58

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

-LMN and LMN Time (training will be provided) -Comfortable with Phone and Email Correspondence, politeness is very important to Intrinsic!

-Quality oriented and a great attention to detail -Able to seamlessly and politely coordinate with roofers, general contractors, designers, and owners -Understanding of construction project sequencing

This position is responsible to prepare, maintain and culture all plant material to include but not limited to: plant removal, plant installation, transplanting, pruning, cutting, mulching, aerating, weeding, seeding, sodding, edging, trimming, watering, application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides as needed, and turf & prairie seeding.

For more information go to: www. woodridgeparks.org/jobs.htm.

This full-time position would coordinate maintenance crews, interact with designers and production manager, and have direct contact with our current customers as well as our growing list of new clients. Our maintenance crews are involved with landscape property maintenance including landscape and hardscape, but no turf management or mowing.

Certifications -Achieve OSHA- 30 within 2 months -Achieve ICPI Certification within 12 months -Achieve or Maintain GRP Status within 12 months Tasks -Polite and knowledgeable interaction with employees, clients, vendors, and co-workers -Organize and Manage Construction Crews -Schedule all construction activities -Assist Project Manager with Submittals and Material Selection/ Purchasing -Execute and improve corporate safety program as well as site specific safety plans for individual jobsites -Weekly Construction Meetings -Report to Intrinsic management team -Evaluate performance of construction programs to manufacturer requirements -Evaluate performance of specific projects -Create and follow through with Purchase Orders, Job Estimates, Change Orders, and Invoices -Organize Electronic and Physical Files -Maintain Online Calendar -Timesheet and Job Activities Reconciliation -Job Costing and Critical Review Compensation -Competitive salary, bonus available for exceptional performance -50% of Personal Health Insurance up to $500 per month -2 weeks paid vacation Please send resumes to: greenroofer@intrinsiclandscaping.com

Hiring Permanent Part Time Landscape Staff (25 hours/week) This position will report to and work with the Landscape Specialist and Natural Resource Manager on general landscape maintenance, horticulture work, and natural area restoration. They will maintain all plant material (annual & perennial plants, shrubs, trees).

This will include but is not limited to: plant removal, plant installation, pruning, mulching, weeding, seeding, sodding, edging, trimming, watering, application of fertilizers and pesticides (once licensed) and participation in prescribed burns. For more information go to: www.woodridgeparks.org/jobs.htm.

Mechanic We are looking for a professional mechanic to add to our staff with 5+ years of experience. This is a full time position, year round.

Mainly truck maintenance and some small engine work.

Job Requirements Must be able to work on: Brakes, suspensions, electrical, diagnostic, preventive maintenance, No need for your own tools, we have all the tools needed. Certification is not required.

Extensive horticulture knowledge is required.

We provide health insurance, paid holidays and vacation, retirement plan, and overtime pay. Pay is commensurate with experience.

Please email your resume to: info@stuberlanddesign.com NURSERIES DIRECTOR IMMEDIATE OPENING The main objectives are to oversee all operations of Goodmark Nursery, LLC. and South Branch Nurseries, Inc., produce annual budget for both locations, oversee all sales for both locations, forecast five year landscape and nursery trends in order to line out appropriate material, manage harvesting schedules, continue to explore new and improved varieties of material to grow, and train and develop nursery staff.

Must have the ability to effectively coordinate and complete numerous activities simultaneously, identify problems and work in conjunction with others to implement effective solutions. Independent judgment to develop creative solutions to spontaneous problems is required. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and must be able to work effectively under pressure.

SEND RESUME TO julie.ellinger@acresgroup.com or call 847-487-3257

Send resumes to: info@suburbanlandscaping.net

CLASSIFIED ADS CLOSING DATES & RATES

Experienced Landscape Maintenance Manager

September 2019 issue ads: August 15, 2019 October 2019 issue ads: September 15, 2019

Stuber Land Design, Inc. has an opening for a Landscape Maintenance Manager in Tremont, IL. Our company has successfully served a large geographic region of central Illinois for 25 years and we are looking forward into the future. We enjoy a positive work environment and many loyal employees with over 10-20 years of service. Come join our team of professionals!

PLEASE NOTE: “HELP WANTED� AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Magazine Cost is $5 per line Minimum charge $50 Website Cost is $12 per line Minimum charge $120 (About 6 words/line) Submit your ads online at ilca.net or call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

59

Special 10th Anniversary Edition Don’t be left out of this exhaustive reference guide.

Call Debbie today 817-501-2403

debbie.landscapecontrator@yahoo.com

Advertisers 1st Choice Equipment ..............................................43

Attention Advertisers:

Alta Equipment ......................................................23 Bartlett Tree Experts ............................................31 Breezy Hill Nursery ................................................42 Cassidy Tire ...........................................................57 Chicagoland Gardening .........................................61 Clesen Wholesale ....................................................50 Compost Supply ......................................................47 Deerpath Nurseries ..................................................45 DitchWitch Midwest.............................................53 Doty Nurseries LLC ...............................................18

offers some extraordinary MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES. Just one call opens the door to enhanced sales and marketing success.

Ewing Irigation & Landscape Supply ......................41 Fairview Evergreen Nurseries ..............................43 Green Glen Nursery ..............................................63 Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. .....................................22 Homer Industries ...................................................17

Call Debbie to get started!

817-501-2403

Iron Rental ..............................................................29 James Martin Associates ........................................58 Lafarge Fox River Stone ...........................................46 Longshadow Planters ............................................11 Mariani Plants ..........................................................6 Mariani Plants .........................................................37 Martin Implement ..................................................12 McGinty Bros. ......................................................25 Midwest Groundcovers ..........................................13 Midwest Trading ....................................................2 Monroe Truck Equipment .......................................19 OGA .......................................................................51 Rainbow Farm .........................................................16 RWC Insurance Group ............................................31 Snowfighters Institute ............................................49 Spring Meadow Nursery .......................................55 The Care of Trees ..................................................18 The Mulch Center .................................................21 Unilock, Inc. ...........................................................64

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

61

Revisiting Your Plant Palette — Pulmonaria

By Patrice Peltier

Pulmonaria

are wonderful, clump-forming perennials in the shade garden. They are among the earliest flowering plants in the garden,” according to Kathy Freeland. She thought their interesting, silver-speckled foliage looked like it had been dusted with sugar. “A more prosaic suggestion is dripping aluminum paint on the foliage while painting screens on the window above,” she wrote with characteristic humor.

In the late 1990s when Freeland was writing for The Landscape Contractor, her employer was selling Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Mrs. Moon’ and P. ‘Sissinghurst White.’ Freeland recommended both, along with P. ‘Berries and Cream’ (“What a great plant this is,” she wrote. “The leaves have a glistening silver center and wavy margins.”) and P. ‘Excaliber’ (“Pure silver leaves with a dark green edge light up any shady garden better than moonlight,” she wrote.).

These days, the seed-grown Mrs. Moon has so many variations it no longer exists in its original form, according to Christine Darbo, inside sales representative at Midwest Groundcovers. The company continued selling Sissinghurst White until 2016 when it was discontinued due to lagging sales. Today its biggest seller is P. ‘Trevi Fountain,’ according to Shannon McEnerney, Product Manager.

Whichever Pulmonaria you choose, and there are many, these plants need well-drained soils with consistent moisture. “Pulmonaria requires an adequate supply of moisture. Do not allow them to dry out,” Freeland advised. The plants flourish in part to full shade.

Their foliage may scorch if grown in too much sun.

Freeland recommended Pulmonaria for their early, bellshaped flowers which — depending on the cultivar -- often change hues from bud to blossom and again as the flowers mature. She also appreciated the way the plants’ eye-catching, silver-spotted foliage could light up a shade garden.

“Pulmonarias are lovely spring perennials with colorful foliage that can bring a spot of brightness to the shade garden even when there are no flowers on the plant,” she wrote.

Freeland suggested using the plants as a groundcover or as a border and combining them with spring bulbs, Dicentra and Iris.

62

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Mrs. Moon’ Height: 8-12” Spread: 24” Bloom time: April-May Bloom color: Pink maturing to blue Foliage: Silvery spotted, oval

P. ‘Trevi Fountain’ Height: 8-12” Spread: 18-24” Bloom time: April Bloom color: Cobalt blue Foliage: Silvery blotches

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Mrs. Moon’

P. ‘Trevi Fountain’

P. ‘Sissinghurst White’ Height: 8-12” Spread: 12-18” Bloom time: April/May Bloom color: Pink buds opening to white flowers. May age to pink.

Foliage: Oval, silvery spotted P. ‘Sissinghurst White’

Editor’s Note: Honorary Lifetime ILCA Member Kathy Freeland, a certifiable plant geek, was a regular contributor to The Landscape Contractor starting in the late 1990s. She introduced readers to strange and sometimes exotic plants, frequently offering suggestions on how they might be employed in the landscape. In a world of euonymous and impatiens, she offered a path less travelled. Twenty years later, we offer a look back at how some of her recommendations have stood the test of time.

The Landscape Contractor August 2019

Unleash your

CREATIVITY Your clients rely on you to show them what’s possible.

UNLEASH YOUR IMAGINATION with Unilock pavers and walls to create brag-worthy, one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces that build your company’s reputation for style and quality.

Only Unilock offers EnduraColor™ Plus Architectural Finishes.

From the sleek modern lines of Umbriano®, to the historic street paver feel of Town Hall®, this exclusive collection sets a new standard for everlasting beauty.

Learn more about how Unilock products can help your projects stand out - Local territory managers in your area are only a phone call away.

UNILOCK.COM

|

1-800-UNILOCK

The unsurpassed strength and timeless beauty of Courtstone ® makes it the ultimate driveway paver. Cast from hundreds of real European cobblestones, Courtstone ® offers an old world look build for modern times.

Add a contrasting Umbriano ® walkway for a one-of-a-kind grand entrance.