The Landscape Contractor magazine NOV.22 DIGITAL EDITION

The Impact Conference

ILCA Golf Outing 2022

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

On October 11th, ILCA held its sixth Impact: Building Sustainable Landscapes conference. One change from previous years was a realization that attendees at Impact are not content simply sitting through lecture after lecture. This is an audience that is diverse, passionate, and opinionated. For the first time in many years, we created opportunities throughout the day for attendees to participate in a discussion with each other. Rather than do small roundtables, we reconfigured the rooms so that all the chairs faced one another in a hollow square. In the middle of this square were resident experts we called Thought Leaders.

It was the difficult job of these Thought Leaders to shepherd a discussion without the crutch of a PPT or visual aids. It was simply their skills and wits on display as they navigated discussions on zero engine equipment, natives, building a sustainable work culture, developing sustainable action plans, and other topics. One session was led by radio personality Mike Nowak entitled, “Are We Having Any IMPACT at All?” His session questioned whether, after all these years, sustainable landscaping has made any difference. This was counterbalanced by a morning presentation by Hoerr Schaudt that walked a packed room of attendees through the Post Office project — one of the most daring sustainable installation projects in the world. How could both of these viewpoints exist at the same time at the same conference? I have a theory on that.

is easier than breathing. Making the decision to change, identifying variables to change, and following through is the hard part.

Second, sustainable landscaping is so hard because deep inside our brain we resist change even when we know it’s good for us. It’s human nature. We don’t always diet or exercise. We have our vices. We are lazy and unmotivated some days. When it comes to sustainability, our brain will play one of two tricks on us. First, it will try and say, “The problem of climate change is simply too large so there is no point to get started.”

If you push through that trick, here comes trick #2. Your brain will say, “How do we really know what is sustainable?” If I switch 20% of my fleet to zero emission equipment (ZEE), what happens to the batteries? What happens to the old equipment? What happens if I lose laborers or clients who just go with the other guy?”

Preaching What We Practice

Both of these tactics employed by your brain, on their surface, are valid. Climate change is a massive problem and an existential crisis. Determining what is truly sustainable is daunting and often outside our expertise and control. These tactics are also a complete copout. They are a way for your brain to get you to quit. In the same way your brain will say, “What’s the point in exercise, we are all going to die one day. Eat the Twinkie!”

When we throw out formality and turn conference sessions into a salon of viewpoints and ideas, we needed to brace for the inevitable: people share their thoughts and perspectives. Impact is attended by students, seasoned professionals, growers, designers, LAs, contractors, public works professionals, conservationists, ecologists, academics, authors and speakers. These attendees represent almost every facet of the landscape industry. They all have drastically different ideas on where we exist currently and where we are headed.

For the first time in many years, I found myself speaking in one of these sessions. Of course, I don’t do design-build or maintenance, but I was a Thought Leader for the session on developing a sustainable action plan (SAP) for ILCA. Because of my experience with the sustainable action plan process, I have never felt more prepared and centered in my own perspective. The SAP was a rewarding and eye-opening experience for me. Developing a living plan for the ILCA on how we could become a more sustainable organziation over time made me have to live in this world. I needed to specifically address how my small office could reduce our impact on the environment using our staff and resources.

Throughout this process, I have discovered a few universal truths. First, there is nothing easier than telling other people to be more sustainable and nothing harder than doing it yourself. The SAP process is exclusively about your organization which is freeing and liberating. In the same breath, it is real and personal and involves change and investment. Lecturing others on social media or at podiums is easy. Sending memes or Facebook snark

The Impact Conference can be intimidating. In one room, someone is saying the world is ending and it’s the landscape industry’s fault. In the other room, landscaping is the solution to carbon sequestration, water conservation, and plant health. Are landscape professionals the good guys or the bad guys? Is the landscape industry harbingers of change or getting rich off of landscraping to please affluent clients? At Impact, everyone has an opinion on this. I would say everyone in the greater landscape industry has an opinion on this, as well. Landscape professionals can grow plants, manage ecosystems, and promote pollinator health. They can also drive massive pick-up trucks, generate tons of waste, and cover the ground in chemicals. So who is right and who is wrong.

I noodled on this for awhile. The landscape industry does itself no favors alienating the majority from feeling part of the sustainable landscape movement. Identifying some purity standard will simply slow progress and make the part of our brain that resists change grow louder and more resolute. Further, after undergoing the SAP process, change is really friggin’ hard. Beyond the eventual investments in time and money, it takes the immediate investment of thought, energy, and getting team members on board.

The landscape industry is always slow to change because of the speed of the season and the massive workload that consumes all free thought for eight months. Shaming others or feeling personal guilt is wasted energy. My SAP is not going to change the world or get me a feature in Green Meetings magazine, but it made me feel good and empowered.

I grew up Catholic. I know a thing or two about guilt. It is our stock-in-trade. Like many Catholics, I drifted and found myself at Lutheran, evangelical, community, Methodist, and finally a nondenominational Christian church. I dabbled in agnosticism and was

too big of a Catholic-raised scaredy cat ever to call myself an atheist. The more I looked around the room at the pockets of sustainable acolytes and Impact attendees, I realized the future of sustainable landscaping isn’t one movement, it is sects and factions. It is finding the tribe, experience, and set of principles that feel the most comfortable to us and our lifestyles.

Now, the orthodox purists will say, “SINNER! We are in the midst of an existential crisis. The world is literally burning! The price we pay for cutting corners on sustainability will be measured in the weights of our souls!” Do you know why they say this? Because that is what orthodox true-believers say about everything. There are bound to be those who forcefully speak for a deity who cannot speak back — whether that is God or Mother Nature. There is nothing wrong with orthodoxy, but there is a reason that mega-churches are growing and the Puritans are long gone. People need to feel comfortable and be convinced that salvation is attainable. If not, the deepest parts of our brains will tell us to not even try. Some religions overlap while others remain miles apart on theism, practice, and prudence. The best metaphor I have ever heard for religion is that all religions are spokes on the same wheel. Each leads back to a better understanding and connectedness to a higher power. If you start snipping spokes, the wheel loses strength. If you snip all but one, the wheel doesn’t work. The point for those who believe is finding your spoke and staying on the wheel.

Sustainable landscaping should be no different. There will be atheists who believe climate change is a hoax or not worth getting upset about. Like it or not, that viewpoint is necessary too because it reinforces the faith of believers. There are agnostics who believe we may never know or understand climate and these fluctuations may be completely normal and harmless. Then there is everyone else. We are concerned. We see the data. We see the impact on plants. We see the rise in natural disasters and parts of the world becoming inhospitable. We see animals going extinct. We see habitat being destroyed. Rather than trying to cram yourself into a movement, find your own path to enlightenment. As with religion, some may need structure. Some may need guilt. Some may need rewards. Some may need community. Some may need solemnity and piety. Some may just need good coffee and donuts after the service. Along those same lines, some may need glyphosate. Some may need nativars. Some may need turfgrass. Some may need gas-powered equipment for clean-ups. Some may need pretty annuals. Some may need irrigation systems. There is a sustainable path for all of us.

As someone who is finding my own sustainable path, I now have a better understanding of where I belong. The question is not, “Do I belong?” Rather, it is “Where do I belong?” Once you identify your beliefs, principles, community, and comfort level, you will feel a deeper connection to environmental awareness. You may feel shame. You may feel guilt. This may come from outside forces or deep within your brain. Sustainability needs all of us. I guess if there ever was a sustainable “movement,” it happens when all of our individual spokes meet in the center of the wheel and turn at the same time.

I hope our spokes intersect at Impact next year. The movement is worth the ride.

Sincerely,

Scott

Grams, Executive Director

October 24, 2022

President

Jeff Kramer

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

Vice-President

Ashley Marrin

Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-2225 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com

Secretary-Treasurer

Jim Cirrincione

Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com

Immediate Past President

Scott McAdam, Jr.

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

Directors

Eric Adams

Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com

Kim Hartmann

Rosborough Partners* 847-404-7669 hartmannkim@comcast.net

Ryan Heitman

The Fisher Burton Company (847) 566-9200 ryanheitman@fisherburton.com

Tom Klitzkie

Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.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

Kevin McGowan

Kaknes/SiteOne

31W245 Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563

Mark Utendorf

Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

Hello fellow green industry members!

I had the opportunity to be a part of the Great Lakes Leadership Conference in Chicago. It was three days and included executive directors and leadership of state green industry associations from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, and Ontario, Canada.

What a wonderful event this was. It was great to learn about industry issues from all our neighbors! We discussed many top ics that affect all of us in this industry. We had many peer group discussions throughout the days and each of us where able to take time and discuss issues with all 28 participants!

As each day passed, I learned we all have many of the same hurdles with the supply chain, labor force (lack of), rising costs, regulatory concerns, and more.

We learned what these other organizations and neighboring states are doing to combat these hurdles and overcome some of the changes we have seen. The days were packed with information and ideas to help keep moving this industry forward and continue to help shape the landscape profession of which we are all a part.

One interesting fact about Ontario, they have 3,345 members which is the largest out of all the Provinces. They actually ramp up in the winter for all the snow they get, which is measured in feet, and ramp down for the summer months. About 70% of their income comes from snow removal. Just the opposite of what we have here.

We worked hard all day and looked forward to downtime with each other over great food and drinks. Chicago proved to be a great host city. The food and night life, of course, were awesome.

Looking forward to seeing everybody at the Annual Party on November 10th!

Sincerely, Jeff Kramer

¡Hola, compañeros y colegas de la industria verde!

Tuve la oportunidad de ser parte de la Conferencia de Liderazgo en los Grandes Lagos realizada en Chicago. Se extendió durante tres días e incluyó Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario y New York.

Qué evento más maravilloso. Resultó estimulante aprender de todos nuestros vecinos asuntos relacionados con la industria. Discutimos muchos temas que nos afectan a todos en esta industria. ¡Tuvimos muchas discusiones de grupos de pares todos los días y todos pudimos dedicar tiempo a discutir diferentes asuntos con todos los 28 participantes!

Durante el transcurso de los días, aprendí que todos tenemos que enfrentar los mismos obstáculos con las cadenas de suministros, la fuerza laboral (falta de), los aumentos de costos, preocupaciones relacionadas con regulaciones, etc.

Aprendimos lo que estas otras organizaciones y estados están haciendo para combatir estos obstáculos y afrontar los cambios que hemos visto. Los días estuvieron repletos de información e ideas que nos ayudan a impulsar el avance de la industria y continuar ayu dando a configurar la profesión del paisajismo de la que somos parte.

Un dato interesante sobre Ontario- tienen 3345 miembros que es la membresía más numerosa entre todos los estados. También incrementan sus actividades en el invierno para hacerse cargo de toda la nieve que reciben, la cual se mide en pies, y luego se desaceleran durante los meses del verano. Cerca del 70% de sus ingresos proviene de la remoción de nieve. Lo opuesto a lo que ocurre aquí.

La comida y la vida nocturna por supuesto resultaron fabulosas. Trabajamos ardu amente durante todo el día, esperando con ansias el tiempo de descanso juntos para disfru tar de deliciosas comidas y bebidas.

¡Espero con entusiasmo verlos a todos en la Fiesta anual el 10 de noviembre!

Atentamente, Jeff Kramer

Jeff Kramer

At just a glance, this outdoor kitchen suggests what it’s for. In designing and building this gathering area, the idea that it should appear festive and inviting was never out of mind. From its gracious dimensions to the pergola framing, it

suggests an enclosed feel without limiting the space. From the large fireplace anchoring the far end of space, to the ample barstyle seating; this space inspires fun. Built of stone and cedar, it’s as low maintenance as it is inviting.

Spotted Laternfly Inches Closer to Illinois

by Heather Prince

This July, spotted lanternfly was found in Huntington County, Indiana, just south of Fort Wayne. It had been previ ously identified in Switzerland County in southern Indiana on the Ohio river in 2021. This invasive and major pest of con cern is slowly working its way west from Pennsylvania and getting closer and closer to Illinois.

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a colorful planthopper insect native to China and parts of India, Vietnam, Japan, and Taiwan. It is a member of the Order Hemiptera (true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, aphids, and others) and the Family Fulgoridae. It was first identified as an invasive spe cies in 2004 in South Korea and is considered a serious pest

there. In 2014, it appeared in Berks County, Pennsylvania and its population has exploded through out the state. Lanternfly has now spread to 14 states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Michigan. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with state Departments of Natural Resources to locate and report any sightings of the insect.

Spotted lanternfly feeds on 103 different types of plants, their favorite being tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima.) Other favored hosts include apple, plum, cherry, peach,

Spotted lanternfly perched on a stem. (greatly enlarged)

apricot, grape, and pine. They will also use as host plants if the favorites are not available: American beech (Fagus grandifo lia), American linden (Tilia americana), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), big-toothed aspen (Populus grandiden tata), black birch (Betula lenta), black cherry (Prunus serotina), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), black walnut (Juglans nigra), dogwood (Cornus spp.), Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus), maple (Acer spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), white ash (Fraxinus americana), and willow (Salix spp.).

Spotted Lanterfly Damage

This planthopper is a piercing, sucking insect where the adults and immature nymphs feed on sap from stems, leaves, and the trunks of woody plants and occasionally herbaceous plants. In spring, nymphs are found on smaller plants and vines and new growth of trees and shrubs. Third- and fourth-gener ation nymphs tend to migrate to larger trees to feed on trunks and branches.

The sugary secretions of the nymphs and adult insects coat the host plants in sticky, shiny honeydew and sap may weep from open wounds. The honeydew attracts insects such as

wasps, hornets, bees, and ants who will feed on it. However, it is produced in such quantities that our beneficial insects cannot manage it all. Sooty mold usually develops on honey dew as the season progresses, turning any leaves, branches, and surfaces black. Host plants have been described as giving off a fermented odor when spotted lanternfly is present.

Other insects produce honeydew that hosts sooty mold, but the aggressive feeding of spotted lanternfly can create a sticky black mess not only on plants but patios, cars, trucks, decks, playground equipment, outdoor furniture, and anything else under their favored trees. This is often cause for client alarm and can be difficult to remove. The coverage on plant leaves impedes their ability to photosynthesize, stressing the plant and inhibiting growth.

Lanternfly feeding usually does not kill ornamental plants; however, in Pennsylvania, death of some tree of heaven and flagging on black walnut has been seen. It has killed grape vines. It also has a peculiar effect on honeybees. Since bees will forage honeydew, they will use it to produce honey. Beekeepers have found the honey has a smokey taste and smell and is less sweet than a typical honey. The honeydew tainted product has a darker-brown color and a notable after taste.

Spotted lanternfly in its full color.

The Lifecyle of the Insect

Adults are one inch long and a half-inch wide when at rest. The forewing is gray with black spots and the wing tips have black spots outlined in gray. Hind wings have showy contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black, and the abdomen is yellow with black bands. There are four instars or immature stages. The first three instars are black with white spots. At the fourth instar, they develop red patches filling in between black bands with white spots. When the adult is at rest, particu larly on the gray bark of tree of heaven, their color is a fairly effective camouflage. Freshly laid egg masses appear as if coated with a white substance. As they age, the white turns darker, resembling gray mud, which eventually takes on a dry/cracked appearance. Very old egg masses may look like rows of 30 to 50 brown seed-like structures aligned verti cally in columns.

Eggs are laid in September through December if tempera tures allow. Spotted lanternfly overwinters as egg masses, then the first instars hatch in May through June. Adults are

flying beginning in July and through the fall. There is one generation per year.

The insects at the instar stage will feed on various host plants, depending upon availability. In the early instars, spot ted lanternfly has been found to move up and down the host plant on a daily basis as they feed. The final immature stage, the fourth instar, are typically present in July before becom ing adults. As adults, they are weak fliers, however, being planthoppers, they are very good jumpers and may use their wings to assist in launching significant distances.

Adults may gather in large numbers to feed, making them somewhat easier to spot. In the fall, the adults are fre quently found on their favorite tree of heaven to feed but will disperse widely to lay eggs. The USDA states that dusk is a good time to inspect trees or other host plants for signs of the insect, as they tend to gather in large groups on the trunks and stems of plants at the end of the day.

The adult female spotted lanternfly lays brown/tan, seedlike eggs in rows on host plants and other smooth surfaces. These rows are often oriented vertically, and then covered with a waxy secretion from the female. Researchers in Pennsylvania believe each female lays at least two of those masses each season. As the egg mass ages, the gray waxy coating will crack and resembles dried mud. Eggs are laid starting in September, and this can continue through late November or early December. Eggs overwinter, hatch in May, and the life cycle continues. Based on observations from Pennsylvania, eggs can be found, if this insect is present, between October and May. Egg masses can be found on nearly anything from tree trunks to buildings, vehicles, patio furniture, play equip ment, trailers, wheel wells on vehicles, firewood, decorative containers, fences, and more.

Plant nurseries in areas where populations are high are regu larly inspected and certified before moving material out of state.

This image provides an excellent size comparison.

Managing Spotted Lanternfly

Monitor plants for the insect and report any insects found, keeping which ever instar or adult found in a Ziploc bag for testing. When deciding to treat for spotted lanternfly, make sure you have a confirmed identification. The APHIS site has contact information on reporting.

Fortunately, spotted lanternfly is sus ceptible to insecticides. Once you have a confirmed identification, consider the size of the population, the prevalence of their preferred host plants in the land scape, the size and health of the plants, and the life stage of the insect present. If you have many walnut, tree of heaven, fruit trees, pine or a client with grape vines, it is worthwhile to consider insec ticides. There are currently no known natural predators of spotted lanternfly.

Spotted lanternfly may be killed with low-toxicity insecticides including insec ticidal soaps, neem oil, botanical oils, and pyrethrum. For large infestations, contact or systemic treatments with dinotefuran, bifenthrin, zeta-cyperme thrin, and carbaryl are effective. Sticky bands around tree trunks have been shown to be effective to trap late instars and adults. Scraping and destroying egg masses is also effective in winter.

Additional resources:

• APHIS monitoring site: https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resourc es/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/ the-threat/spotted-lanternfly/spottedlanternfly.

• PennState Extension Spotted Lanternfly Guide: https://extension. psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

• PennState Extension Management Resources: https://extension.psu. edu/spotted-lanternfly-managementresources.

• PennState Extension Management Guide: https://extension.psu.edu/ downloadable/download/sample/ sample_id/20513/.

• Illinois Department of Agriculture Reporting: https://ilpestsurvey.inhs. illinois.edu/pest-information/mostunwanted/

by Meta Levin

August 23,

the 14th Turf Education Day (TED), an annual event put together by ILCA and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The crowd got all they expected and more, from an update on state and local political issues from ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams to a look ahead with Fertilizer of the Future by Craig Shepherd. Participants attended presenta tions by and had access to seven of the top experts in the turf grass field during a

day of learning that ran from 8:15 am to 2:50 pm.

Opening Keynote Speaker Richard Buckley PhD, director of the plant diag nostic laboratory and nematode detection service at Rutgers University, discussed the tools turf managers need to solve turf grass problems. “It is,” he told the packed auditorium, “More difficult han

dling your clients than the grass.”

Buckley introduced the audience to the “disease triangle,” consisting of the host, disease agent and the environment. During his presenta tion he covered basic plant pathology concepts, as well as how to diagnose turf problems using visual and environmental cues.

During a later breakout session, Buckley went deeper into the subject, covering the most common turf diseases. He discussed conditions that lead to (continued on page 16)

(continued from page 15)

disease outbreaks, diagnostic tools and control programs.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker Doug Soldat PhD, Assistant Professor and Soil Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin Madison, dug into the fundamentals of turf grass fertility during his presentation, Doing More with Less. He walked attendees through the essential nutrients required for a healthy lawn and discussed ways to ascertain the amount and kind of fertilizer needed to keep a lawn healthy.

During a later breakout session, Soldat went into Grass Selection 101, talking about various turf grass species and cultivars. He looked at the characteristics of the more com mon species used in lawns and on landscapes, as well as resources for choosing those best suited to the needs of the particular job.

Other breakout sessions included Mike Reed’s Pick Your Poison, talking about understanding pesticide risk and how to minimize it. Reed, Director of Technical Sales and Education at SynaTek Solutions, Inc., also covered Building a Turf & Ornamental Care Program during another breakout session.

Zach Simons, Director of Grounds and Sports Turf at Northwestern University, led attendees through Sports Turf Management during his morning breakout session. He cov ered what he does to care for natural turf fields and synthetic sports turf.

Brad Beaver, Acting Bureau Chief of Environmental Programs at the Illinois Department of Agriculture, gave TED

attendees an IDA Regulatory Update, talking about changes to licensing and certification systems, online options for training and testing and COVID restrictions. He also covered updates on pesticide misuse.

Debunking the Top Three Myths in Mosquito Control was covered by Arunas Damijonaitis PhD from Bayer Environmental Science and Craig Shepherd gave attendees a peek at Fertilizer of the Future. Shepherd, a sales representa tive with Advanced Turf Solutions, talked about improve ments in fertilizers and what actually is in that bag you buy.

Russo Power Equipment served as TED’s premier spon sor, with TruGreen Lawn Care sponsoring lunch, and Weed Man Lawn Care providing breakfast. SiteOne Landscape Supply sponsored the Lawn Care Library.

Sessions were sponsored by ArborJet Ecologel, Conserv FS, Contour Landscaping, Inc., Corteva Agriscience, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Russo Power Equipment, SavATree, SiteOne Landscape Supply and Target Specialty Products. Advanced Turf Solutions, EC Grow, Harrell’s, Rainbow Ecoscience and KO Supply Company sponsored tabletops.

To continue the learning, all attendees received one year of complimentary access to the Lawn Care Library. They were provided with a QR code on the day’s schedule to access the content.

3rd Place — Tyler Burton, Jeff Kerber, Crystal Novy, Keith Schram

1st Place — The Homer Industries team: Josh Brantner, Todd Hahn, Josh Doherty, Jon Lestarczyk

2nd Place — The Alera Group team: Mike Neary, John Fisher, John Kwasigroch, Kyle Lochevar

The Landscape Contractor

GOLF OUTING 2022 —

50/50 Raffle winner: Steve Petraglia – A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design

Wes Arnold contemplates the value of blind luck

Landscape Contractor

Fall Growers Tour

Good to Grow —

The IGIA Grower’s Tour Brings Together Nurseries and Landscape Contractors

Nina A. Koziol

Blend a group of wholesale growers, landscape architects, retail garden center staff and landscape contrac tors and you get an enthusiastic crowd of people interested in the behind-the-scenes process of how plants are grown from start to sale. The Illinois Green Industry Association (IGIA) has hosted Growers Tours for more than two decades and this year, nearly 100 people attended the event, touring Hoffie Nursery in Union, GET Group Nursery in Woodstock, and Goodmark Nurseries in Wonder Lake.

“To get that many growers is awesome and to have all that energy—we have people that come from Wisconsin, Missouri—and it’s really unique because they’re comparing notes on how they do things,” said IGIA’s Executive Director Kellie Schmidt. “Even though they’re wholesale growers and competitors, they all want to raise the level of professional ism.”

This year’s tour was different because IGIA and ILCA will merge in April 2023 to unify the state’s green industry. Landscape contractors were encouraged to attend the tour for a better understanding of how and where plants develop. While there are some landscape contractors who have their own growing facilities, most do not. And those that don’t, are sometimes very unfamiliar with all the intricate steps involved in plant production. “It’s really a great opportunity for people ordering from these wholesalers to understand where their products come from and how the growers bring the products to them,” Schmidt said.

Becky Thomas of Spring Grove Nursery in Mazon is

a past president of IGIA. “When my husband Jamie and I started our nursery in 1999 the very first thing we did was start attending nursery tours. We went to make connections, get new ideas, and see the ways things were done. And we joined both ILCA and IGIA as another way to broaden our horizons.”

Thomas recognizes the value of the tours for both grow ers and landscapers. “Plants are an integral part, the main part, of what a landscaper is installing. Understand where that plant was grown and who grew it for you helps you provide the best experience for your customer. It also helps you plan ahead since a lot of plants are on a multi-year growing cycle. The more you’re aware of what’s growing in the fields and the more you understand the weather experience, you’ll be a little more in tune with the supply chain.”

Kurt Marrin of Bret-Mar Landscape in Homer Glen has attended other Growers Tours as well as this one. “There is a lot to learn and to find out what others are doing and how they are solving problems,” he said. “I’m always looking for new ideas. One nursery used ground-up grass instead of rice hulls to prevent weeds in pots. They had Miscanthus grass on the property that they had to mow and they discovered it worked better than rice hulls. When a pot with rice hulls fall over it spills out, but the Miscanthus doesn’t do that. I couldn’t believe it didn’t spill out.” That’s one new idea he is considering implementing.

Fall Events 2022 — IGIA Growers Tour

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Marrin also took away ideas for his greenhouses. “One grower had a way of stapling the plastic along with rope and the plastic comes off all at once, so it was a time-saver. It was also interesting to see how they do cuttings and turn them into plants and it was a lot simpler than I thought.”

Younger staff members at Goodmark Nurseries led the tours and one was responsible for coming up with the idea for recycling the sterile miscanthus plants. “It’s a cutting-edge thing,” Schmidt said. “He just thought about it, tried it and brought the idea to the owner. There’s a cost savings and it’s sustainable. The tours are about giving new thought leaders an opportunity to show seasoned professionals what they’re doing.”

It was a first-time event for ILCA’s Executive Director Scott Grams. “I loved it. I got to visit three really cool sites and the passion was obvious. It’s definitely an event where people go to learn and network. There was so much network ing, they skipped the roundtables! Kelly did a great job of organizing everything.”

Schmidt’s job takes her throughout the state. “I serve a diverse audience so I get to see all these operations and how difficult each of their jobs are and sometimes buyers don’t see all these angles,” she said. “When contractors come to this type of event it helps them understand why the relation ships with growers are so important and that they’re not just a commodity. I do love my growers and I get passionate about it. I think growers need to see things on the landscape side,

too. They need to see what goes on with the front-line cus tomers.”

Grams was enthusiastic about the group’s demographic as well. “I was surprised at the age of the attendees — there were many younger people there.” And that bodes well for a growing industry.

Looking for education or an event? Visit www.ilca.net

Forging Your Path

By Nina Koziol

For

the

forward-thinking person, it’s easy to picture your career path. But it’s not always that simple for many people in the green industry, especially those who are just starting out. Last month, more than 115 women gathered to hear a panel discussion at the Women’s Networking Group event at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg. They talked careers, challenges and building confidence.

“These events are just growing every time,” said Brenda Ward of Beary Landscaping. Who led the panel discussion. “Attendees are finding value in the camaraderie of other women in the indus try.”

Confidence Builders

Most people are anxious when asked to speak in front of a group. For panelist Pam Dooley of Plants Creative Landscapes in Decatur, Georgia, it was about four years ago when she was asked to do just that. “It was my first time and I was shaking,” she said. “But we’re all human beings and having the opportunity to learn from each other and my desire to learn gave me the cour age to speak.” Her advice: “Meet 15 new people if you can—the networking effect is just powerful.” It makes you more relaxed in front of your peers.

It wasn’t always easy for panelist Tina Shaw of the Integra Group to network. “When I’d come to these events, I’d sit at my table and would run out as soon as it ended,” she said. “But meet ing new people builds your confidence and you never know what you’re going to get out of it.”

For panelist Ashley Marrin of Bret-Mar Landscape, it’s all about supporting each other in a positive way. “Don’t sur round yourself with negative people,” is her advice. The Debbie Downers of the world will only sap your creative and emotional energy. Find people with similar hobbies, it’s always a great icebreaker. “Terre Houte (ILCA) introduced me to people that had similar interests — horses! So, when you’re at these events, look for people who look uncomfortable, looking down, not reaching out. Do that for someone. You may have once been in that posi tion.”

Assert (and Insert) Yourself

Assertive females get a bad rap. That was the panel’s con sensus. “I’ve always been assertive,” Ward said. “I received an award in 8th grade for being assertive.” And, that drew a large laugh from the group. “But some women feel that this may not be a good quality to have.”

There’s a fine line between being assertive and being obnoxious or rude. “There are three “C’s” to assertiveness,” Shaw said. “Confident, Concise and Controlled.” Ward, Dooley and Marrin were all college athletes and assertiveness comes more naturally for them. “I’m assertive and I’m not ashamed to say that,” Marrin said. “Embrace it if you have that trait.”

When Shaw was a vice president at one firm, she was in a meeting with all men and she was the only one who had her laptop. The CEO asked her to take notes and she declined, pointing out that she was the only person called on to take notes. A coworker took notes, but grudgingly. Ward said these situations can leave an awk ward feeling in the air when you leave the room or meeting. One option would be to make a joke about being called on but offering to take notes this time only and let “Joe” or another guy at the table do it next time.

“Women generally are thought of as caretakers or being the mother in leadership roles,” Ward said. Dooley looks at the situation a bit more broadly. “In our meet ings, the expectation is that everybody takes notes.” It becomes a team effort rather than a “why me” situation.

(continued from page 29)

Moving On?

“If you’re bored, it’s time to think about moving on,” Shaw said. “Is there another position in your company that you can work toward? If you love it and enjoy it but there’s no position to move into, you have to be honest and recognize what’s going on.” You may be content in your position. And that’s OK, too.

“The timing is great,” Shaw added. “I like that it’s all women and it makes it easier for networking. The events and topics are always focused on women and what we’re going through and experiencing in our careers.

The discussion covered a lot of ground. “It’s what we hoped for and it’s continuing to grow,” said ILCA’s Executive Director Scott Grams. “There were a lot of new faces and I couldn’t be happier with the panel this year.”

Discover more

The mission of the ILCA Women’s Networking Group is to promote camaraderie and to share industry experiences and leadership skills with ILCA members, while enhancing our professional image. Interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee? visit https://www.ilca.net/wng-mentor ship-program/.

Impact Conference 2022

Nina A. Koziol

When ILCA introduced the Impact Conference in 2017, there were great expectations and the 250-plus attendees at this year’s event were not disappointed. The full-day sessions at the Chicago Botanic Garden last month covered a range of issues from sustainable and ecologi cal practices to design and implementation.

“It’s good to step outside your everyday routine and get new information,” said landscape architect Jennifer Oliver who works for the McHenry County Conservation District. This was her third Impact conference. “You return to your routine more inspired. There’s more networking and it’s ener gizing.”

The program kicked off with a presentation from staff at Hoerr Schaudt who discussed the challenges and design ideas behind The Meadow at the Old Chicago Post Office. The space was transformed into the nation’s largest private roof top garden perched above a modern workplace. “The most sustainable building is the one that’s already built,” said Stan Szwalek, Hoerr Schaudt principal. “There were many design constraints; the building needed a whole new roof because it was never designed for a green space.”

The result is a stunning meadow on top of a building that spans an entire city block and is the size of four football fields. “It’s a park up in the sky,” Szwalek said. The space might look a tiny bit familiar. “There’s a strong parallel with the Lurie Garden, but the intent wasn’t to design a Lurie

Garden-knockoff,” said Ann Weiland, Hoerr Schaudt associ ate principal. Plants appear in large blocks and the overall design is a nod to the building’s Art Deco motifs. There are four plant palettes with 12 to 15 plants in each. “Each palette is unique. We looked at plant hardiness and bloom time and most plants are hardy to zone 4.”

“This was every contractor’s dream project and then January came, with ice, the harshness of the site and the sheer exposure,” said Shawn Weidner, Hoerr Schaudt principal. Enormous amounts of gravel, soil and other materials were delivered by freight elevator and helicopter. “When you’re there in the space you don’t feel like you’re on a roof,” Weidner said. The project was completed in 2020 and is a stunning example of a 10-story-high green space filled with beautiful natives and native cultivars.

“I really enjoyed the keynote,” said landscape architect Jen Czaja of Sebert Landscape. “Early in my career I wanted to do that kind of work. I like to use native plants when I can and I use nativars. I personally don’s see them as an issue.” Others agreed. “The keynote presentation was great,” Oliver said. “I’ve done green roofs and I like how they shared the process from beginning to end.”

Presentations also focused on improving environmental quality using native plants, action plans for sustainability, native plant maintenance, transitioning lawns and the move to

zero-emissions equipment. Father and son team, Paul and Tom Klitzkie of Nature’s Perspective Landscaping in Evanston moderated a group discussion on zero-emissions equipment. “We want to look at commercial viability and find ways to move from our gas-powered equipment,” Paul Klitzkie said.

ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams took part in the discussion. “There are two groups to keep an eye on—the OPEI (Outdoor Power Equipment Institute—www.opei.org) and the AGZA (American Green Zone Alliance— https://agza.net/).” He also recommended that the industry adopt the terminology “ZEE” or Zero Engine Emissions for consistency rather than “electrics.”

(continued on page 34)

Impact Conference 2022

Several attendees noted that their companies either have some bat tery operated equipment or they are exploring what’s available. “We’ve tried a lot of equipment and we’re moving to zero emissions,” said Luis Mata, maintenance operations man ager at Chalet in Wilmette.

Refugia’s Jeff Lorenz shared talk ing points for landscapers seeking to make the shift to ecological designbuild. Break-out sessions and small group discussions discussed creating sustainable action plans and ways that industry can better educate consumers. The small-group discussion format was new this year. “We wanted it to be interactive,” Grams said.

Nathan and Lola Wright, cofounders of Nathan Wright Landscape Design and Nuluum shared their vision of a sustainable business that pays people generously to become

experts at doing what they love. They looked at organizational fears of not having enough time, energy, money, good weather, good labor and ways to address those con cerns. And, Paul Brown, owner of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Kansas City, Missouri, talked about native plants and eco-land scaping challenges. “The loss cycle of pol linators is cumulative. As an installer, plant choice matters. When you walk through with a client, you should know what you want to change—like shrink the lawn.”

Benjamin Vogt, Monarch Gardens in Nebraska, ended the day with a livevirtual and inspirational presentation, “Unlawning Suburbia: Lessons in the Design, Management, and Activism of Prairie-Inspired Yards.”

“I know in Illinois you’re at the forefront of sustainability,” said Katie Miroslaw, a student at the Milwaukee Area Technical College who came with seven attendees from Wisconsin. “I had a friend who attended the Impact Conference last year and said it was a really good pro gram. I came because I’ll be working in the landscape industry and wanted to learn more.” Watch for more information about the presentations in future issues.

Looking for educational opportunities? https://ilca.net/educational-events/

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Young Professionals Discover a Place Where Innovation Comes to Grow

by Nina Koziol

More than 85 men and women came together at Sebert Landscape corporate headquarters in Bartlett last month to see the direction of one very forward-thinking ILCA member. They toured Sebert’s Gold LEED-certified building and discovered what it’s like to be on the forefront of sustainability.

“We’re all responsible to lessen our carbon footprint,” said Jeff Sebert, the company’s president. “When you look at the chemicals and fuels our industry uses, we should be the leader of the green movement and we are to some extent.” A decade ago, an employee suggested that batterypowered equipment would be the way of the future. “He was correct,” Sebert said. And, the company has not looked back.

Attendees toured Sebert’s corporate headquarters where the green roof improves insulation, extends roof life, filters pollutants, and collects rainfall. Solar panels on the building convert electricity from DC to AC. A lush landscape, filled with native plants surrounds the parking lot and building. The 30,000-square-foot building is 10 years old.

“A 5,000 gallon pond takes water off our roof and parking lot,” explained Laura Birtas, marketing administrator. “All of the woodwork and the conference room table was reclaimed and reused.” Some of the material came from ships that sank in Lake Michigan where the cold water preserved the wood. Bamboo, a sustainable wood, was used for the floors, and a water-efficient plumbing system was installed. The parking lot has 5,000 square feet of permeable paving and everything was designed to be easily maintained.

Innovation in Action

Sebert Account Manager Matt Leakakos gave a presentation on one of the company’s three custom trailers, designed in-house, and equipped with a special charging station that can recharge batteries while crews

are at job sites. “It’s kind of unique to us right now,” he said.

The firm’s innovative move into electric equip ment, especially the Gravely 60-inch battery-driven mowers, drew the attention of many, including Romeo Marquez of Gabriel’s Landscape and Tree Service in Palatine. “These tours are nice and the mowers are really intriguing,” he said. “We’ve been to another one of these [Young Professionals] events and it’s helpful to see what’s happening in the industry.”

“All the brick pavers direct water to the pond and native plantings,” Birtas said. “It goes to a fil tration system and we’re basically recycling rain water and reusing it.” The building design and installation involved countless moving parts to meet the criteria for Gold LEED certification. The end result is a breath taking, comfortable facility that attracts out-of-state firms interested in seeing Sebert’s innovations.

Ten years ago, Jeff Sebert called in a company to demo their batterypowered equipment. “We’ve gone to three or four manufacturers when it comes to batteries; we’re looking for long-lasting products and being able to get the equipment when we need it,” he said. There are tax credits available for purchases as the government attempts to move companies away from gas powered-equipment. What about all the existing equip ment? “It’s simply not practical to convert a gas-powered mower,” Sebert said. “You have to start from scratch.”

A demonstration featured Sebert’s mowers and a comparison between the traditional gas-powered mowers and the new battery operat ed commercial mowers: no gas, oil or fumes and little noise. Afterwards, there was plenty of networking with a buffet and open bar — all free — and courtesy of Sebert and several sponsors.

Things to Come

Adam King of King’s Landscape Design in Lemont is a member of the Young Professionals Committee. “When we were planning the event, we were thinking about companies that can push us in the direc tion the industry is going — a company that’s innovative. And, Sebert has done a wonderful job pushing into the future. We don’t have a choice — gas-powered equipment will be done in five to 10 years.”

Sebert’s line trimmers and blowers are also battery-powered. “We’re looking to modernize all of our equipment,” Leakakos said. “We looked at other models, but the batteries comes out of the Gravely mower.” Because each mower holds four batteries and runs on only one, a low battery can be removed and recharged in the trailer without stopping service. “Most other electric vehicle models have a hard stop when the battery goes.” And those batteries typically can’t be removed, so the mower is out of service until the battery is recharged.

Gabriel Marquez is president of Gabriel’s Landscape and Tree Service. “If we’re looking to add another crew or replace equipment it wouldn’t take much. If you’re investing $15,000 in a mower, you

might as well look at the option to move up to electric.”

Local and state governments are moving in that direction and ILCA has been very active working with regulators. King credits ILCA’s Executive Director Scott Grams. “Scott has been very communicative with legislators,” King said. “It’s a very scary switch for people who have invested in new gas-powered equipment. Newer companies buying gas-powered equipment may not be able to make the switch. Sebert foresaw what was happening and they were smart. We are hoping that the young professionals at the event will take the information back to their companies.”

King joined the Young Professionals Committee because his company was struggling to find young talent. “We want to hire young and nurture and train them to work within the com pany culture — give them the skills. I want to provide positive reinforcement that the industry is thriving.”

Participation leads to opportunities. “ILCA is a great orga nization to be part of and a number of our staff are involved,” Birkas said. “We’re so happy to have this group here so we can show what’s possible.”

Curious about what your peers are doing? Join ILCA’s Young Professionals Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/groups/ILCAyoungprofessionals/.

La mosca linterna con manchas unas pulgadas más cerca de Illinois

by Meta L. Levin

Este mes de julio, se detectó la mosca linterna con manchas en el Condado de Huntington, Indiana, justo al sur de la ciudad de Fort Wayne. Fue previamente identificada en 2021, en el Condado de Switzerland en la región sur de Indiana sobre el río Ohio. Esta plaga grave e invasiva que suscita preocupación avanza lentamente hacia el oeste desde Pennsylvania, acercándose cada vez más a Illinois.

La mosca linterna con manchas (Lycorma delicatula) es un insecto saltahojas llamativo, nativo de China y partes de India, Vietnam, Japón y Taiwán. Es miembro del orden Hemíptera (errores verdaderos, cigarras, saltadores, pulgones y otros) y de la familia Fulgoridae. Fue identificada por primera vez como una especie invasiva en 2004 en Corea del Sur, donde se considera una plaga grave. In 2014, apareció en el Condado de Berks, Pennsylvania, y su población ha explotado por todo el estado. La mosca linterna se ha propagado ahora a 14 estados incluyendo Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina y Michigan. El Servicio de Inspección Zoosanitaria y Fitosanitarias (APHIS, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) está trabajando con los Departamentos de Recursos Naturales para localizar y reportar cualquier detec ción del insecto.

La mosca linterna con manchas se alimenta de 103 dife rentes tipos de plantas, siendo su preferida el árbol del cielo (Ailanthus altissima). Otros anfitriones preferidos incluyen el

quero, la vid y el pino. También usa plantas como anfitriones si los preferidos no están disponibles: Haya americana (Fagus grandifolia), tilo americano (Tilia americana), sicómoro amer icano (Platanus occidentalis), chepo americano de hoja den tada (Populus grandidentata), abedul negro (Betula lenta), cer ezo negro (Prunus serotina), tupelo negro (Nyssa sylvatica), nogal negro (Juglans nigra), cornejos (Cornus spp.), campana de nieve japonesa (Styrax japonicus), arce (Acer spp.), roble (Quercus spp.), abedul americano (Betula papyrifera), nogal americano (Carya glabra), sasafrás (Sassafras albidum), guil lomo (Amelanchier canadensis), olmo americano

(Ulmus rubra), álamo de tulipán (Liriodendron tulipifera), fresno blanco americano (Fraxinus americana) y sauce (Salix spp.).

Daño de la mosca linterna

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ha descrito que las plantas anfitrionas generan un olor fermen tado en presencia de la mosca linterna con manchas.

Este saltahojas es un insecto perforador y succionador. Los adultos y ninfas inmaduras se alimentan de savia de tal los, hojas y troncos de plantas leñosas y ocasionalmente de plantas herbáceas. En la primavera, las ninfas se encuentran en plantas y vides más pequeñas y nuevos crecimientos de árboles y arbustos. Las ninfas de tercera y cuarta generación tienden a migrar a árboles más grandes para alimentarse de troncos y ramas.

Las secreciones azucaradas de las ninfas e insectos adul tos recubren las plantas anfitrionas con ligamaza pegajosa y brillante y podría supurar savia de las heridas abiertas. La lig amaza atrae insectos tales como avispas, avispones, abejas y hormigas que se alimentan de ella. No obstante, se produce en tales cantidades que nuestros insectos beneficiosos no pueden manejarla en absoluto. Usualmente, la ligamaza produce moho de hollín a medida que progresa la temporada, haciendo que hojas, ramas y superficies adquieran un color negro. Se

Hay otros insectos que producen ligamaza que aloja moho de hollín, pero los hábitos alimenticios agresivos de la mosca linterna con manchas pueden crear una substancia negra pegajosa no solo en plantas, sino también en patios, automóviles, camiones, cubiertas, equipos de patios de juego, muebles de exteriores y cualquier otra cosa debajo de sus árboles preferidos. Esto con frecuencia alarma a los clientes y puede ser difícil de remover. El recubrimiento en hojas de plantas impide la habilidad de éstas para fotosintetizar, estresando la planta e inhibiendo su crecimiento.

Los hábitos alimenticios de la mosca linterna usualmente no matan plantas ornamentales, no obstante, en Pennsylvania se ha visto muerte de algunos árboles del cielo y decaimiento en nogales negros. Han matado vides de uva. También tienen un efecto peculiar en abejas melíferas. Debido a que las abe jas comen mielada, la usarán para producir miel. Los apicul tores han descubierto que esta miel tiene un sabor y un olor

ahumado y es menos dulce que la miel usual. El producto contaminado con lig amaza tiene un color marrón oscuro y un regusto distintivo.

El ciclo de vida del insecto

Los adultos miden una pulgada de longitud y media pulgada de ancho cuando están inactivos. El ala delantera es gris con manchas negras y las puntas de las alas tienen manchas negras con contorno gris. Las alas traseras tienen parches llamativos contrastantes de color rojo y negro con banda blanca. Las patas y la cabeza son negras y el abdomen es amarillo con ban das negras. Hay cuatro estadios o etapas de inmadurez. En los tres primeros estadios las ninfas son negras con manchas blan cas. Al cuarto estadio, desarrollan parches rojos entre bandas negras con manchas blancas. Cuando el adulto está inactivo, particularmente en la corteza gris del árbol del cielo, su color es un camuflaje bastante efectivo. Masas de huevos recién puestos parecen como si estuviesen recubiertas con una sustancia blanca. A medida que pasa el tiempo, el blanco adquiere un tono más oscuro, semejante a lodo gris, que con el tiempo adquiere una apariencia seca/ agrietada. Las masas de huevos muy viejas pueden parecer hileras de 30 a 50 estruc turas marrones semejantes a semillas alin eadas verticalmente en columnas.

Los huevos son puestos de sep tiembre a diciembre si lo permiten las temperaturas. La mosca linterna con manchas pasa el invierno como masas de huevos, luego los primeros estadios eclosionan de mayo a junio. Los adultos vuelan a comienzos de julio y durante el otoño. Hay una generación por año.

Los insectos en sus primeras etapas se alimentan de las diferentes plantas anfitrionas, dependiendo de la disponibi lidad. Se ha visto que, en las etapas iniciales, la mosca linterna con manchas se mueve de arriba abajo por la planta anfitriona diariamente cuando se alimen ta. La etapa final de inmadurez, el cuarto estadio, ocurre usualmente en julio, antes de que el insecto alcance la edad adulta. Como adultos, vuelan débilmente, no obstante, siendo saltahojas, saltan muy bien y pueden usar sus alas como ayuda para saltar a través de distancias signifi

cativas.

Los adultos suelen congregarse en grupos numerosos para alimentarse, siendo por esto más fáciles de detectar. En el otoño los adultos se encuentran con frecuencia en sus árboles del cielo preferidos para alimentarse, pero se dis persarán ampliamente para poner huevos. El USDA declara que el crepúsculo es un buen momento para inspeccionar árboles u otras plantas anfitrionas con el fin de detectar insectos, debido a que tienden a congregarse en grupos numerosos en los troncos y tallos de plantas al final del día.

La mosca linterna con manchas hembra adulta pone huevos marrones/ bronceados semejantes a semillas en hileras de plantas anfitrionas y otras superficies lisas. Estas hileras con fre cuencia están orientadas verticalmente y luego recubiertas con una secreción cerosa de la hembra. Investigadores en Pennsylvania creen que cada hembra pone al menos dos de esas masas cada temporada. A medida que la masa de huevos envejece, el recubrimiento gris ceroso se agrieta adquiriendo apariencia de lodo seco. Los huevos se ponen a par tir de septiembre y esto puede continuar hasta finales de noviembre o principios de diciembre. Los huevos pasan el invierno, salen del cascarón en mayo y el ciclo de vida continúa. En base a obser vaciones de Pennsylvania, si está pre sente este insecto, se pueden encontrar huevos ente octubre y mayo. Las masas de huevos se pueden encontrar casi en cualquier objeto, desde troncos de árbo les hasta edificios, vehículos, muebles de patios, equipos de juego, remolques, alo jamientos de ruedas de vehículos, leña, recipientes decorativos, cercas y más. Los viveros de plantas en áreas con altos índices de población se inspeccionan y certifican regularmente antes de trasladar materiales fuera del estado.

Cómo controlar la mosca linterna con manchas

Monitoree las plantas para detectar el insecto y reporte cualquier insecto detectado, manteniendo todas las ninfas o adultos que encuentre en una bolsa Ziploc para someterlos a prueba. Cuando decida iniciar tratamiento contra la

mosca linterna con manchas, asegúrese de tener identificación confirmada. El centro de APHIS tiene información de contacto para informes.

Afortunadamente, la mosca linterna con manchas es susceptible a los insec ticidas. Una vez que haya confirmado la identificación, tenga en cuenta el total de la población, la prevalencia de las plantas anfitrionas preferidas por el insecto en el terreno ajardinado, el tamaño y salud de las plantas y la fase del ciclo de vida del insecto presente. Si tiene muchos nogales, árboles del cielo, árboles frutales, pinos o un cliente con viñas, vale la pena consid erar el uso de insecticidas. Actualmente no se conocen predadores naturales de la mosca linterna con manchas.

La mosca linterna con manchas se puede aniquilar con insecticidas de baja toxicidad, incluyendo jabones insecticidas, aceita de Neem, aceites botánicos y piretro. Para infestaciones grandes, contacto o tratamientos sis témicos con dinotefurano, bifentrina, zeta-cipermetrina y carbaril son eficaces. Se ha demostrado que las bandas adhe sivas alrededor de los troncos de árboles son eficaces para atrapar ninfas tardías e insectos adultos. También es eficaz raspar y destruir masas de huevos en el invierno.

Recursos adicionales:

• Centro de monitoreo de APHIS: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ resources/pests-diseases/hungrypests/the-threat/spotted-lanternfly/ spotted-lanternfly

• Guía de la mosca linterna con man chas de la PennState Extension: https://extension.psu.edu/spottedlanternfly

• Recursos de control de la PennState Extension: https://extension.psu. edu/spotted-lanternfly-managementresources

• Guía de control de PennState Extension: https://extension.psu.edu/ downloadable/download/sample/ sample_id/20513

• Informes del Departamento de Agricultura de Illinois: https:// ilpestsurvey.inhs.illinois.edu/pestinformation/most-unwanted/

Reducing Your Impact on the Environment — Using EIQ and Soil Building

By Meta L. Levin

Pesticides have been around since about 2481 BCE. Synthetic pesticides arrived in 1940, but it wasn’t until the book, Silent Spring was published in 1962 that pesticide awareness began. And Mike Reed wants you to be aware and knowledgeable.

Reed, Director of Technical Sales and Education for SynaTek Solutions, Inc. and a speaker at the 2022 Turf Education Day, trav els the country spreading the word that you can reduce your impact on the environment and successfully grow turf grass at the same time. Using healthier methods can benefit the turf, the environment long term, your employ ees and you. “We need to start thinking of ourselves as environmentalists,” he says. Unlike when he first researched this issue, there now are online tools to help you through the process. These include:

1. The USGS National Water Quality Assessment

2. The University of Wisconsin: turfpests.wisc.edu, cosponsored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of Amer ica) and the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association. This site allows you to enter the name of the product you want to use, then provides information to determine the efficacy by pest.

3. Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), Cornell Uni versity College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/pests-and-weeds/envi

ronmental-impact-quotient-eiq-explained/). This site provides criteria you can combine with your knowledge of the efficacy, cost and resistance management to choose a pesticide product that satisfies all requirements. It provides an EIQ-FUR (environmental impact quotient-field use rating). The lower the score, the lower the environmental impact.

Reed points to three prerequisites to use when choosing pesticide and fertilizer prod ucts: efficacy and economics, as well as environmental and health impact. “You want to choose a pesticide that is less toxic to the environment, the consumer and the applica tors,” he says.

Toxicity to the applicator covers both acute and chronic toxicity, while effect on consumers includes food residues, leachabil ity to ground water and chronic toxicity from long term and regular exposure. All are connected, usually through the effect on the environment, for instance leaching into ground water, consequences for fish or bees (which are pollinators of plants that grow many of our foods) and other areas.

For instance, years ago, before DDT was outlawed in the United States (1972), scientists found that eagle eggs suddenly had thinner and more fragile shells, which resulted in fewer eagle chicks surviving. That, in turn, meant the eagle population was diminishing, which then meant there was nothing to keep their prey in check, (continued on page 46)

Mike Reed

is the Midwest’s premier monthly magazine for the landscape, nursery and green industry.

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

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

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

Turf Update —

(continued from page 44)

which affected other areas all up and down the foodchain. Once DDT was out of the picture, the epopulation gradually recovered.

The Cornell website looks at every piece of the puzzle and “comes up with a score,” he says. “The closer to zero, the better.” The idea is to use the least toxic, but still effective, options. That, however, requires some advance planning and patience.

Reed points to a regenerative turf program and soil building to take carbon out of the soil. “For me, the number one focus is on the environment, environ ment, environment,” he says. “How will it impact the environment, the consumer and to make sure that it will have a positive effect with the least amount of negative effect on the environment. We can do this with mainstream products that every distributor can sell.”

Some products are easier to rate than others, however. Weeds for instance. “We spray them and count how many die,” says Reed. Grubs are more difficult because they are underground. “Part of it is picking the products that are going to do a good job and have low environmental impact.”

In looking at fertilizer, Reed believes it is important to understand the products’ characteris tics and, especially, understand what it means to the environment. In the case of fertilizer, solubility – the measure of the ability of a fertilizer or pesticide to dissolve in a solvent, usually water. The higher the solubility, the more leaching and runoff potential.

To reduce potential runoff, leaching and volatil ization (conversion of a liquid chemical into a gas, which escapes into the atmosphere), Reed recom mends using controlled-release nitrogen sources. These include urea, sulfur-coated urea and polymercoated nitrogen.

A few definitions:

1. Biostimulants The Farm Bill passed in 2018 defines biostimulants as “a substance or microorganism that, when applied to seeds, plants or the rhizosphere, stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tol erance to abiotic stress, or crop quality and yield.” They are not classified as fertilizers.

(continued on page 48)

Turf Update —

2. Traditional synthetic fer tilizers – chemical com pounds that are designed to directly feed the plants

3. Prebiotics – compounds used to feed the soil biolo gy, which, in turn feeds the plants/turf. This is part of the soil food web, which is composed of organisms living in the soil.

4. Soil Health Score – this is a measure of the soil’s ability to support life. A low score – one or two – means that the grass is depleted and the plants will struggle and not be able to function as they should, says Reed.

Some European countries are using biostimulants, which some experts claim

reduce the need for fertilizers and pesti cides, while continuing to get good crop results. That includes turf grass.

“When you improve the soil, it is better able to hold onto nutrients and moisture,” says Reed. He notes that he sees nicer lawns in older neighborhoods, because the lawns have topsoil that has been built up over the years. Thus, this topsoil is better able to hold onto moisture and nutrients, which, in turn, increases its ability to nurture grass and other plants.

“Once you have improved the soil, there is the potential to stop using syn thetics and move over to 100 percent organic products,” he says.

Moving from traditional chemical fertilizers and pesticides to using prebiot ics to buildup soil, so that it has a higher soil health score and can better support plant life, is not something that happens overnight. “It’s a process,” says Reed. “It’s going to take some time to build a program to improve the lawn’s ability

to take carbon out of the atmosphere.”

Turf, Reed notes, does a much better job of sequestering carbon from the atmo sphere than trees. More information is available at the University of Guelph’s carbon capture project (https://www. uoguelph.ca/carboncapture/).

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that helps trap heat in the atmosphere. The right amount is instrumental in keeping the earth’s temperature at the appropriate level. Too much, however, causes the average global temperature to rise and is, say scientists, the cause of the current climate crisis.

Reed emphasizes that it takes time to build up the soil and change the way you grow your grass. Turfgrass manag ers dislike change. They believe if it isn’t broken why fix it? “It’s an uphill battle,” he says. Legislation, however, will force that change on a state-by-state basis. “I think legislation is going to be the wake-up call, but we should be able to self-regulate.”

Look Both Ways Before Hiring

Internal, External and Other Solutions to Staffing Shortages

By Jill J. Johnson, MBA

It’s no secret that the staffing shortages facing most businesses today are extremely challenging. It is also highly unlikely that these challenges are going to resolve in the near term. So, what do you do now when you just cannot find the talent you need? It is time to rethink all of your staffing options. The key is to make the most of the staff you have and to augment them with outside resources and technology.

Prioritize Those Who Interface with Your Customer

The foundation of business success is based on your revenue and the stability of your revenue streams. Customer loyalty and retention depends on their satisfaction. Prospects rely on their ability to access the information they need to make informed decisions and gain a comfort level with their options. Organizations with a history of sales success often rely on operational delivery to keep them going when they are short staffed. Yet it is your customer-facing staff who are the most valuable to sustaining enterprise revenue.

Identify staff who interact with your cus tomers along the entire range of their custom er journey. Their success in meeting customer needs and satisfaction as well as prospect demands determine if you can satisfy and keep them. If they have the bandwidth to pro vide exceptional service, they can keep your

customers and expand your prospect pool. Today’s consumers are looking for faster information. Many prefer to get information via video or audio. Adjust to how they want to consume information. Streamline your team’s workload by creating tools and resources to quickly get them the answers they want and need. Ensure they have the tools and resources they need to be more efficient. Clarify what can help them deliver a better customer experience. Remove the roadblocks to their success.

Outsource When Necessary

The gig economy is here to stay. Leveraging external relationships with outsourced resources can help you flex your staffing and can be a valuable way to get the work done. While not as optimal as building your own team, the pressure relief you experience when critical work is being completed can give you the breathing room needed to determine if this role really needs a full-time hire or if it can be permanently outsourced.

For small projects, online resources like Fiverr and Upwork provide you with worldwide access to Gig Workers with specific skills that are needed for shortduration work. Most of these online sites have filters allowing you to clarify what service you need, get information ahead of time on the potential cost, control over where your talent comes from and what languages they speak.

Staffing Agencies can bring in talent to your organization for a project that is going to take a bit longer. While it will be more expensive, keep in mind, you

What do you do when you just cannot find the talent you need?

LONGSHADOW

Hand Crafted in Southern Illinois by Our Artisans at Classic Garden Ornaments, Ltd.®

(continued from page 50)

are not paying any benefits and you will not get hit with an unem ployment claim when you no lon ger need them. Agencies vet the staff who work with you and will help you find the talent you need.

Trusted Outside Vendors can provide key services for you and do bookkeeping, administrative work, sales support, social media, website management, etc. Longterm vendors have deep insight about your history, your team, and your culture. They know your preferred communication meth ods and how you like to work.

Outside vendors are an exception ally valuable safety valve when you cannot find the right perma nent talent.

Do not try to manage too many different outside resources. Focus

on the most critical work they can provide for you and engage in short-duration tests to see if you have chemistry and if they pro vide you with value.

Consider the Potential of Technology Technology and automation use is exploding as companies are seeking opportunities to invest in devices and software to provide options to leverage the staff they already have and enhance their productivity. Autonomous devices include robots, drones, vehicles, floor cleaners and more. These devices can sense the environment around them and operate without human involvement. Other devices such as exoskeletons are able to support a worker’s body and pro vide augmented biological capabilities such as safely lifting heavy objects.

(continued on page 54)

While robotics as a field is advanc ing, they are not truly autonomous of human interaction. They still need people involved in the process to use them. This includes programming, moni toring them and changing batteries as they perform their service. At best this is now “co-botics” and people will never be fully eliminated from the equation and they will work in tandem. As these options expand, you can take advantage of them too, even if you are a small business.

There is growing interest in how data and analytics can be used to manage staff productivity and service delivery. Most technology devices are already collecting data. When combined in the future with artificial intelligence, the possibilities for data analytics appear to be endless. When the data is combined

with AI interpretation, this can provide valuable insight to help streamline your processes and maximize staff efficiency.

Evaluate how you are using the soft ware and technology currently deployed in your business to see how you can maximize their value. The return on the investment (ROI) should be very careful ly evaluated to identify any efficiencies achieved or productivity enhancements. Get your team any needed training so they can effectively work with advanced technologies. You might need a different skillset in your workforce to work with the technology and this may expand your workforce to pull from a broader pool of potential talent.

Final Thoughts

It is clear that the staffing shortages are not going away. We have to find opportunities to gain increased produc tivity from our existing workforce and alternatives for completing the work we need done. Focusing on the needs of your customer-facing team members, making smart use of outside resources and maximizing technology use provide viable options for addressing the issue. When you expand your potential for get ting the job done, you are more likely to find the resources you need.

About the Author:

Jill J. Johnson, MBA, President and Founder of Johnson Consulting Services, is a management consultant, accomplished speaker, award-winning author, and Business Hall of Fame inductee. She helps clients make critical business decisions and develop plans

for turnarounds or growth. Her consulting work has impacted over $4 billion worth of decisions. She has a proven track record of dealing with complex business issues and getting results. For more information, visit www.jcs-usa.com

Poplar Grove, IL 21283 IL Route 76 Poplar Grove, IL 61065

Clinton, WI 11228 East County Road X Clinton, WI 53525 wholesale@breezyhillnursery.com

New Member Profile Snapshot

Ruizscape Construction

43W471 Bahr Road Hampshire, IL 60140 (224) 623-0323 www.ruizscape.com

by Meta Levin

In 2019, Juan M. Ruiz Sr. approached his two sons with a proposition. All three worked in the landscape indus try. Did they want to combine forces and start their own company? They agreed and Ruizscape Construction was born.

Ruiz started what has truly become a family business. In addition to his son, Juan M. Ruiz, Jr., who serves as vice president of operations, and his other son, Chris Ruiz, the company’s senior estimator, several other family members work with them. Ruiz Sr.’s daughter, Angela Ruiz, is admin istrative assistant/accounts payable and his sister, Grace Gonzales, takes care of human resources and accounting.

“Working with family is important to Juan,” says Jessica Poyner, who oversees sales support for the company. “It’s a great dynamic.”

In fact, it was family that got Ruiz Sr. into the landscape industry. His father-in-law, Raul Del Toro, welcomed him into the industry in 1979, “He bestowed his knowledge, experience and expertise in landscape construction,” he says.

During the first year, Ruizscape Construction employed three or four laborers. Now there are 20-25 employees. Ruiz is proud to say that it is a union shop.

“I enjoy coming in, saying good morning and seeing the smiling faces,” says Ruiz Sr.

In her years there, Poyner says she has noticed Ruiz Sr.’s dedication, patience and knowledge. “He takes time with employees to sit down and explain. He emphasizes doing it the right way the first time.”

Specializing in landscape construction for municipalities, IDOT, ISTHA and airports, Ruizscape partners with major contractors and is responsible for projects at such varied sites as O’Hare International Airport and Buffalo Grove Creek along Lake Cook Road. Its services include erosion control blankets, seeding, planting trees and shrubs, excavation of topsoil, building retaining walls, laying brick pavers and

other specialty projects. Several employees are specially trained to work at major airports.

It is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).

At first, the Ruiz family worked out of Ruiz Sr.’s home, bought a little equipment, and gradually added a little more as work came in. By the second year the company bought a farm in Hampshire, IL and set up shop there.

The work continued to flow. “I know a lot of general contractors and they know me,” Ruiz Sr. says. “We just had to prove we could do the projects.” And prove, they did.

Ruiz Sr. is proud of the company’s ability to complete projects “on time and without excuses.” They are, he says, known for their reliability.

Ruiz was familiar with ILCA from previous jobs and joined at the beginning of 2022. “Sometimes I need extra information for bargaining and networking,” he says, noting he hopes that he will gain that through his ILCA member ship. In the meantime, he has attended iLandscape, found the website to be a great tool and is looking forward to attending training himself, as well as sending his employees.

In his time off, Ruiz Sr. likes to fish, especially early mornings on the Fox River. He especially enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and working with his hands. “I enjoy working with my hands and developing machinery that improves landscape construction.”

Primarily, however, he is proud of what Ruizscape Construction has achieved. “We’ve come a long way in the last two years.”

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Landscape Designer

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Landscape Design candidate to join our Design-Build team in a full time, year-round position. Excellent benefits will be provided; compensation based on experience level.

Position requirements:

- Confidence in planning and designing complex residential projects

- Ability to quickly pivot project direction

- Contribute to a team driven environment

The ideal candidate will have:

- 5 years experience with hard and soft scaping (required)

- Knowledge of proper plant siting (required)

- CAD skills (required)

- Hand rendering skills (preferred)

- Project management experience (preferred)

Please send resume and work samples to Michael DiCristina at mdicristina@hinsdalenurseries.com

Landscape Project Manager

Buhrman Design Group (BDG) in Mundelein, Illinois, is a well-established, family oriented, land scape company.

We take pride in being one of the top performers in the residential landscape industry for 25 years. BDG offers excellent pay, benefits, and a stable environ ment where our team thrives on collaboration and encourages continuous learning and growth. BDG is growing and looking to add a Landscape Project Manager to join our construction team. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of landscape construction. This individual should have the ability to be part of a team, lead and manage construction crews in hardscapes, planting, grading, drainage, with overseeing subcontractors as needed.

Landscape Project Manager’s Role Daily and Field Responsibilities:

• Be part of the team to manage landscape construction projects on projected budget.

• Help schedule all construction projects and assign construction crews.

• Manage crews to ensure efficiency and projected completion date.

• Be part of the team to review design plans with crew staff and assist in project layout.

• Help procure and assign special equipment as needed.

• Conduct weekly safety meetings and training to all construction staff. Reinforce safety protocols and introduce new safety regulations.

• General Requirements and Office Responsibilities:

• Organized, responsive, and has excellent communications skills with our clients and company members. (Spanish is a plus)

• Maintain a neat, clean appearance and a clean driving record.

• Daily review of crew time records, work orders, change orders and project billing.

• Help manage hiring and termination of employees and conduct routine performance evaluations.

• Solid verbal, written and computer skills (a plus). What Buhrman Design Group Offers:

• Excellent pay.

• Heath Care

• Matching 401K program.

• Paid vacation time, sick days, and holiday pay.

• Continuing education support.

• Company vehicle, phone, and laptop. Email your resume to: rod@buhrmandesigngroup. com www.buhrmandesigngroup.com

Designer or Design Assitant- working 40 hours/ week on a Monday - Thursday work schedule Reveal Design LLC is a Chicago based land scape and rooftop design build company. www. revealdesignchicago.com

We have a 4 day work week for our staff and crew (Monday- Thursday). We stress a strong work life balance and have a very collaborative office in West Town.

What to expect:

We would want any candidate to meet all the staff prior to any acceptance. The interview process will start with a phone call and then a follow meeting in the office.

What we’re looking for:

• Must be self-motivated and work well with others

• Must be very comfortable with SketchUp and work ing on a Mac/PC

• Attention to detail, and strong organization

• Transportation to and from the Chicago Office (7am-530pm schedule)

What we offer:

• Flexible work schedule (Monday-Thursday) & paid time off

• 401k Match and medical insurance

• Competitive salary based on experience Qualified candidates should forward a resume and portfolio for confidential consideration to: sean@ revealdesignchicago.com

Email to owner directly: sean@revealdesignchicago.com

Client Relationship Manager -

Residential Maintenance

We seek an experienced Client Relationship Manager to join us at our third generation, family-owned company in North Chicago, IL (near Gurnee). In this role, you will grow and maintain relationships with your clients, sell residential landscape maintenance enhancements, and work with our Crew Supervisors to make sure our clients are completely satisfied. Experience in landscape maintenance, sales, and

strong plant identification is a must. This full-time, year-round position offers a robust benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, FSA, paid time off, holidays, and 401(k) with match. If you’re a customer-focused, pro-active team player consider joining us!

Please submit an application through our Paylocity Recruiting portal at https://recruiting.paylocity. com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1205663/Chalet/ClientRelationship-Manager to be considered.

Account Manager

Job Summary: Under general direction, the Account Manager is the consistent Christy Webber Landscapes’ representative that clients trust. The AM ensures that the company’s quality and customer service standards are consistently achieved through proper account management. This includes, but is not limited to, sales, estimating, budgeting, invoicing, and quality control through management of horticul tural practices and site personnel.

Email your resume to jobs@christywebber.com

Landscape Maintenance Account Manager & Sales EverGreen Landscape Associates LLC is seeking a Landscape Maintenance Account Manager to assist in serving our clients in the west and northwest sub urbs.

What we’re looking for:

• Good verbal and written communication skills

• Previous experience in the green industry

• Provide high quality customer service

• Oversee quality of service being provided and communicate with crew leaders

• Sales of additional maintenance contract work and enhancement

What we offer:

• Company vehicle, mobile phone, and laptop computer

• Retirement plan and medical insurance

• Paid time off

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Commission on enhancement sales

Qualified candidates should forward a resume for confidential consideration to: vickid@evergreenlandscape.net.

Assistant Superintendent of Parks

$45,000 – $55,000 - DOQ, plus excellent benefits package

The Assistant Superintendent of Parks is responsible for the overall management of buildings, grounds, and park maintenance activities to provide safe, quality parks and facilities. Responsibilities include working and supervising the day-to-day operations of laborers, seasonal employees, and contractors, as well as on call needs. Successful candidate would

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

have strong mechanical abilities to operate and repair park equipment. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday with evening and weekend hours as necessary to produce exceptional results.

Email ereidy@fspd.org or call (815) 469-3524 for more details.

Designer / Sales Professional

Tentinger Landscapes is currently in search of a Landscape Designer/ Sales Professional. We are a full-service design, build, and maintenance company based in the far Western suburbs. This position meets with leads and clients, produces quality land scape designs, construction documents, proposals, presents to clients, and sells. Involvement in the construction process is necessary to ensure qual ity and delivery of the design intent. This position interacts with the design and operations staff on a regular basis. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop is preferred.

The ideal candidate possesses: -EXCELLENT communication abilities (written, verbal, in person)

-Ability to self-start and find opportunities -Design talent and eye for good aesthetic -Highly organized and detailed, excellent time man agement skills

-Strong knowledge of plant and hardscape material

-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in residential land scape design and construction Email: zack@tentinger.co or call 630.913.5100

HELP WANTED

Landscape Designer - Award Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscape Company - Chicagoland Area

Mariani Landscape is actively looking for a Landscape Designer based at the Westmont, Illinois location. One collaborates with the Design Directors in preparing quality landscape designs, construction documents, estimates and proposals for presentation to clients. This position interacts with the design and sales staff on a regular basis. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp and Lumion preferred with a bachelor’s degree. Visit https://www. marianilandscape.com/ for more information.

Production Coordinator (Construction) - Award Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscape CompanyChicagoland Area

Mariani Landscape is actively looking for a Production Coordinator (Construction) based at the Libertyville, IL location. One is responsible for ensur ing that Mariani quality standards are being met and procedures are being followed on each site in a safe and efficient manner by our crews at all times. This associate is also responsible for training the all crews on policy and procedures, as well as supervising the overall activities of the crew associates. Visit https:// www.marianilandscape.com/ for more information.

Production Coordinators - Award Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscaping CompanyChicagoland Area

Mariani Landscape is actively looking for Production Coordinators (Maintenance) based out of the Westmont & Lake Bluff, Illinois locations. One will be responsible for ensuring that Mariani quality standards are being met and procedures are being followed on each site in a safe and efficient man ner by our crews at all times. This associate is also responsible for training the all crews on policy and procedures, as well as supervising the overall activi ties of the crew associates. Visit https://www.mariani landscape.com/ for more information.

Design Director - Award Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscape Company - Chicagoland Area

Mariani Landscape is actively looking for a Design Director based out of the Highland Park, Illinois loca tion. One will manage the client relationship, from the original sale to project installation, serving as the main point of contact for clients as they begin work ing with the Design Build department. This position is responsible for bringing in new clients, increas ing department revenue and being the main client advocate. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of landscape design and selling experience. Visit https:// www.marianilandscape.com/ for more information.

Call Maria for more information at (847) 876-8042

Or visit jamesmartinassociates.com/careers

jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Project Manager - Award Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscape Company - Chicagoland Area Mariani Landscape is actively looking to hire a Project Manager based in Lake Bluff, Illinois. One shall be responsible to ensure appropriate execution of day to day operations on how a project is man aged after Client awards a job to Mariani Landscape. This associate shall have a thorough understanding of scope of work on the project, cost for specified scope of work on the project and schedule time frames allocated to provide the scope of work on the project. This associate interacts with the design team, construction staff, and administrative support on a regular basis and other departments throughout the company.

Visit https://www.marianilandscape.com/ for more information.

· Address clients’ questions and concerns, as needed.

· Assist Sales team at trade shows, marketing and networking events as needed with a concentration in Chicago.

· Actively pursue annual renewals on accounts sold.

· Other tasks and responsibilities outlined in the posi tion description.

· Report to the CEO and COO to monitor and insure revenue and performance benchmarks.

· Responsible for ensuring delivery of quality ser vices and customer satisfaction.

· Develop long-term relationships with clients to ensure open-line of communication.

· Provide estimates for supplemental work & enhancements to improve the quality of landscape.

· Responsible for monitoring operation expenses. Review financial reports and seek avenues to improve the branch’s bottom line.

· Develop and coordinate plans for the efficient use of personnel and resources.

· Participate in branch recruitment plan to fulfill staff ing needs.

· Train and mentor crew personnel.

1. Minimum five years experience in sales.

2. Two-years experience in field landscape maintenance procedures or equivalent.

3. Two-years experience in field construction procedures or equivalent.

4. Degree in the horticulture-related field or extensive horticulture training.

Major Objectives to be Accomplished:

1. Produce budgeted sales of new maintenance, enhance ment, and snow contracts.

2. Provide accurate job setup and follow-through for all contracts sold.

3. Maintain and grow large profile/portfolio client rela tionships through monthly site visits and timely follow-up on requests.

4. Communication of client needs to maintenance, enhancements, and snow departments, as the primary contact person with the client.

5. Maintain renewal accounts for maintenance and snow clients in your portfolio.

Responsibilities and Essential Task Activities:

Director of Union Construction

Job Summary: The Director of Union Construction will be responsible for coordinating, implement ing, and supervising all phases of the department’s activities to ensure effective, efficient, and profitable outcomes for our clients and the company. The role requires leadership, accountability, and strong com munication skills.

Please send your resume to hr@christywebber.com

Branch Manager- Large Landscape CompanyChicago Branch

This position will oversee and have full control over branch operations. Which includes controlling labor, material, and equipment costs for service lines that include: maintenance, installations, irrigation and snow.

Job Responsibilities:

· Assemble and lead a team of highly motivated, skilled employees for the local market.

· Manage all billing with Accounting Department.

· Manage daily operations in Chicago including; dis cipline, and production.

· Supervise and manage a portfolio of landscape and snow accounts.

· Prepare and present site recommendations for client properties.

· Maintain client relationships and develop new cli ents through networking and sales of new services. Upscale Properties.

· Calling on prospective clients and developing the market.

· Prepare formal estimates and quotes for clients.

· Participate and conduct routine training sessions to maximize production and efficiency. Promote high standards for customer service.

· Develop a safety culture, and create a positive team environment.Requirements:

· Experience as a Landscape Branch Manager

· Adequate computer and technological skills

· Ability to estimate maintenance and installations

· Understand job costing and financial statements

· Managerial skills

Reports To: President/CEO and COO

Job Type: Full-time, M-F, year round Salary: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits: 401(k), Dental insurance, Flexible schedule, Health insurance, Life insurance, Paid time off Vision insurance.

Chicago, IL: Reliably commute or planning to relo cate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience: Landscape development: 2 years (Required)

Send resume to hrBEI@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

Account Manager/Business Development for Large Landscape Company- Chicago Branch Career Opportunity: Account Manager/Business Development for our Chicago Location

Purpose: Maintain and expand the corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and servic es, servicing the customers’ needs, and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Increase knowl edge of customer service techniques and sales of quality products and services. Provide input to sales team mem bers and mentoring of new members as required.

Qualifications:

1. Proactively manage clients’ satisfaction and service delivery by anticipating potential challenges and monitor ing satisfaction.

2. Provide project inspection, advisement, and coordina tion between client and maintenance, enhancement, and snowplow crews.

3. Develop and maintain quality repeat clientele and gen erate yearly renewal contracts.

4. Support public relations program through print materi als, ads, website, press releases, award entries, photogra phy schedules, trade shows, networking events

5. Involvement in snowplowing operations to include new sales, renewals, and liaison between client and snow manager.

6. Solicit new maintenance work through the approved sales process to include referrals and cold-calls, with a concentration within our existing property routes.

7. Majority of enhancement and design/build sales to be generated through current or prospective maintenance clients and through the completion of regular site analysis.

8. Support administration personnel in the collection of accounts receivable generated by your clientele.

9. Participate in all scheduled sales meetings and sales events.

Job Type: Full-time, M-F, year round

Salary: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Paid time off, Vision insurance, Bonus pay, Commission pay. Chicago, IL 60608: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience: Landscape: 2 years (Required)

Send resume to hrbei@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

HELP WANTED

Landscape Operations Manager

Manfredini Landscaping & Design is a full-service landscape maintenance/design build firm that has been serving the north shore for over 50 years. We are truly a family business and are looking for some one who wants to grow with us! Full Time Positions Now Available. Manfredini offers excellent pay, ben efits, positive working environment, and the best coffee! Manfredini landscaping is looking for an operations manager to join our team. The ideal candidate would have prior working knowledge of the landscape con struction & maintenance industry. This individual is responsible for managing, nurtur ing and retaining client relationships as well as pro curing more sales.

Landscape Operations Manager Roles

• Must be Nice!

• Will lead and manage construction crews in hardscapes, planting, grading, drainage, & oversee subcontractors when needed. As well as maintenance.

• Provide quality control on jobs and bid projects.

• Assist in daily scheduling of projects. and expected completed time.

• Conduct weekly safety meetings and training to staff.

• Daily review of crew time records, and project billing.

Email- Nick@manfredini-landscaping.com or call - (224)-504-2979

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Inspiration Alley

Editor’s

Feeling a Bit Edgy?

By Nina A. Koziol

There’s nothing like a good clean edge. That line between the field and the end zone. Where your plantings score. A nice trench along the turf — tidy! Then there are hardscape options to take it up a notch.

A crisp, sophisticated edge

No fuss, no muss.

Metal edge and river stone that links with the home’s siding color The Landscape Contractor

Hurley Gardens

by Heather Prince

Hidden away in the Adare Farm subdivision of Wheaton, is a treasured remnant of the former sprawling estate of Edward Hurley. A gazebo, teahouse, and reflecting pool qui etly dwell with a tennis court amidst single family homes. Step between the high boxwood hedges and walk back into time.

Edward Hurley was one of a select group of wealthy Chicago businessmen who built estates around the present-day Chicago Golf Club, one of the oldest golf courses in the U.S. Hurley made his millions with his invention of the first pistontype pneumatic drill and by 1908 founded the Hurley Machine Co., which manufactured the first self-contained electric wash ing machine. His estate, called Hurley Farm, was 160 acres featuring a large Tudor-style home that has since been moved to the grounds of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center. The cur rent garden structures were built in the Neoclassical Revival style sometime between 1910 and 1913 and were designed by an Italian landscape architect whose name has been lost. The tennis court is a 1960s addition. The Wheaton Park District acquired Hurley Gardens in 1979 and completed extensive renovations in 1992. It was named a historic site in 1991.

At the Creekside Drive entrance, you are greeted by match ing sets of old dwarf Alberta pines and a sign explaining the origin of the gardens. Tall geometric sheared boxwood hedges line the paver walkways. The crisp white stuccoed buildings float above them, anchored by magnolia trees in lawn parterres. As you walk down the path, you’ll pause at four large concrete

Creekside and Adare Drives

Wheaton, IL

Hours: dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted Admission: free

urns filled with flowering annuals. The teahouse rises on your right with an arcade of Ionic columns and lattice work with walls set with decorative ceramic tiles. A brick addition that includes a fireplace is typically locked. Newer benches are placed between the columns as a quiet respite.

The gazebo repeats the Ionic columns, lattice, and tiles, only in a smaller iteration. They frame the long formal walk to the reflecting pool and pergola framed by more boxwood. The reflecting pool originally was a swimming pool for the estate. Annual flowers overflow decorative urns and bloom at the foot of the boxwood, delighting pollinators.

These tantalizing remnants of the larger estate pro vide an example of formal landscape architecture from the Neoclassical Revival period post-1893 Columbia Exhibition in Chicago. The strong axes and tightly sheared hedges direct the eye and encourage staying on the paths. The hedges open at last, releasing you to the pool and the cheerful sound of bubbling fountains. The park district does a wonderful job of maintaining the hedges and planting the containers in layers of summer color. In spring, the pink magnolias soften the strong lines and add a touch of romance. This is an interesting spot to soak in formal landscape architecture, even if somewhat incongruously scrunched between typical subdivision homes. Stop for a few moments to experience the intimate scale of the structures and enjoy the formal restraint of the lines and vistas.

The Legend of Ed Bryant

~ Ed Bryant

As we approach the end of our 50th year, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to highlight the man, the myth, the Legend himself: our founder, Ed Bryant.

Ed was pivotal in establishing the hardscaping industry in North America, bringing the iconic UNI-Stone® from Europe in 1972 and building the first permanent manufacturing plant here. Since then, Unilock has continued to lead the pack, cultivating connections with the very best installers, dealers and project designers. Our company was the first to introduce ground-breaking innovations like face-mix, permeable pavers and coated products, and launched the Unilock Authorized Contractor program more than 30 years ago.

All this was possible because Ed Bryant cultivated a business approach that values genuine, long term relationships over short-term, transactional gain. From highly engaged Unilock staff to powerful decades-long partnerships with others around the globe, our team approach continues to be mutually beneficial for all involved. It’s a mindset that has brought us 50 years of success and will keep us paving it forward for the next 50 years. Ed would be proud.

Nothing great is ever accomplished alone.

Ed Bryant, Unilock Founder November 30, 1935 - January 28, 2021