The Landscape Contractor magazine OCT.20 Digital Edition

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October 2020

CONTENTS

Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

8

SPECIAL FOCUS: Snow Business Solutions

11

Getting Ready For and Getting Through the BIG ONE

Straight Talk About Snow Contracts An inside view of what you need to know

Want to get into the Snow Business?

Do it with profit in mind

18

Don’t Wait for Winter to — Prep your winter equipment

Winter Season Weather Forecast A weather pro peeks at the crystal ball

Deicer Discussion: A solid and liquid strategy

12

12

20 28 32

34

28

EN ESPAÑOL

No espere al invierno para preparar sus equipos de invierno 38 Don’t Wait for Winter to Prep Snow Equipment

Winter Beauties: Layers of dramatic bark

42

New Member Profile 54 Tulip Hill Landscaping

42

Diseases & Pests 56 Chickweed and Biscogniauxia

Hidden Landscape Gems 62 Rock Garden at Cantigny Park On the cover... received a Gold award for this 2019 project.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

62 3

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

ILCA Calendar

From Where I Stand President’s Message Classified Ads Advertisers Index

Photo Credits

ILCA Awards Committee Monroe Truck Equipment Tulip Hill Landscaping Cantigny Park

1, 8-9 14 54 62

A Note about COVID-19

4 5 7 58 61

Readers of this magazine should not think we are trying to avoid dicussion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That information has been extraordinarily presented with the COVID-19 daily email from Scott Grams and the dedicated COVID-19 ILCA Facebook page.

The Landscape Contractor magazine will continue to focus on its normal landscape design/construction/maintenance/ and general business content. We hope this approach provides a brief respite from the stresses of the day.

Calendar

OCTOBER October 8, 2020 Women’s Networking Group Webinar Living & Loving the Career & Life You Deserve Helping Women LeadHERS grow & find their purpose, passion, power & path in life

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

Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. WWW.ilca.net Volume 61, Number 10. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

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October 20, 2020 The Impact Conference For more information and to register, visit: www.ilca.net/impact-conference

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products

ILCA Staff

Magazine Staff

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Patrice Peltier

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

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From Where I Stand — Note: This is the special snow issue of The Landscape Contractor

magazine that was put together with the help of the ILCA Snow Committee. The Snow Committee was in the process of planning its Summer Snow Days event when the pandemic began. After much discussion, they felt it was worthwhile to pivot to a special issue of The Landscape Contractor magazine.

Contained in this issue are articles

and content written by and with the help of members of the ILCA Snow Committee. There are also ads targeted towards the 60% of the ILCA membership who push snow. As weeks peel off the calendar, snow will be here before we know it and we want to make sure snow and ice management professionals are ready for what will be a memorable winter season.

Summer Snow Days will return in 2021. We are combining Summer Snow Days and Summer Field Day into one incredible event. This fire & ice approach will make it a one stop summer shop for members of the landscape industry.

Warm thanks go out to the Snow Committee for their flexibility and creativity.

This column is about climate change. Yet, this is not one of those columns about climate change.

I am not going to vociferously deny it, nor am I going to express impotent rage at its undeniable existence. Those columns have been written, hundreds of them, and you can read them at your leisure.

Frankly, the climate doesn’t care if you believe in man-made climate change or not. It’s not going to bother to read the article your uncle just posted to Facebook. It isn’t going to magically stop because another glacier just melted into the arctic sea.

I am good friends with Jeff Stone, the Director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. During our monthly check-in calls during Covid, he has continued to bring us up to speed on the horrific fires ripping across western Oregon. The largest Portland fire of yesteryear torched about 350,000 acres, this one has burned over one million. The timber and nursery industries have been threatened. Landscape crews can’t work because of the air quality as far as Idaho. Jeff has one of the best senses of humor of anyone I know in the green industry, he laughs less these days.

All the way on the other side of the country, another one of my respected colleagues is Russell Wood of the Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association. ANLA members were just smacked

by Hurricane Sally. His growers are underwater with millions of dollars in lost revenue. Contractors can’t work or are repurposing tools and equipment for disaster cleanup. The hurricane season has been so bad in the Gulf this year, they have run out of names for the first time since 2005.

2020, ammirite?

Landscaping has proved to be fairly reliable during the pandemic period. Most ILCA members report increased profits of 5%-15% on average. However, that data was gathered before one of the busiest late summers in memory. I have never seen contractors this busy during August and September with no end in sight. Companies are booking for next year and the durability of our industry has proved to be pandemic-proof. The grass has

grown, the rainwater has to be managed, and millions of Americans have fallen in love with their homes again. Those are all positive things for the lawn and landscape industry.

This is not really a 2020 trend either. We got a boost from the home office/school environment, but landscaping has been surging for the past few decades with the recession nonwithstanding. This is not an industry that is on the precipice of doom or will fight the inevitability of obsolescence. Most of the changes to our industry from robotics to growth regulators to technology are the result of not enough workers versus not enough work.

The green industry will be here to stay...well, maybe not all of it.

Climate change does have one element of the industry in its crosshairs - snow and ice management. Before we talk about the possible impact on white side of the industry, let’s first examine an industry with a lot more to lose — outdoor recreation.

In 2017, the journal Global Environmental Change published a paper called “Projected climate change impacts on skiing and snowmobiling: A case study of the United States.” Climate change can be an abstract issue for many people unless it is contextualized. The research results for the outdoor recreation industry were terrifying. They looked at ten different climate change scenarios and looked at the impact of those models on the seasons when most ski and snowmobiling resorts make their money. If you begin to shave off weeks of lost activity, the financial results are devastating.

For example, the report estimated that by 2050, the outdoor recreation industry would decline by $1.7 billion or 31% if climate change patterns continue. Visits to resorts would decline by 27%.

By 2090, the industry will have declined 60% with visits to resorts declining by 65%. That report caught the attention of the entire industry and the states who benefit from outdoor recreation travel.

Now, the industry has 30 years to tweak its business model. Likely, it will result in increased pricing for lift tickets, hotel rooms, apparel, and equipment over that same period. Outdoor recreation will once again lean towards those who have means and the smaller ski hills and resorts will struggle to maintain profit or close altogether.

But hey, that’s the ski bunnies’ problem. Not a lot of people are going to cry if Vail has to raise the price of a lift ticket or twoweek stay in a mountaintop villa. However, you can see where this is going. What happens to other industries who depend on cold weather? What happens to the snow and ice industry, where margins are already razor thin, work is sporadic, wages are rising, material and fuel costs are volatile, and the customer base is not comprised of the rich and upper middle class?

Unfortunately, I could not find an academic report on the impacts of climate change on the snow and ice management industry. So, we are just going to have to wing it and run fast and loose with the data and the projections. One of the reasons why climate change is so scrutinized is that it is a science overloaded with data. Having access to that much raw data and the ability to crunch and compare numbers opens any science up to mistakes

Survival in Any Climate

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

5

From Where I Stand — and manipulation. That is why it is often best to look at general consensus than to simply take stock in one researcher’s or think tank’s conclusions.

The conclusions for the Midwest are pretty consistent. By 2050, we should brace for warmer, wetter winters. Previous snowfalls will either fall as rain or as rain/ice events. Northern Illinois University published a study this year that projected 28% fewer snowstorms by the end of the century with 33% less snow and a 38% loss in average for the size of the storm. Blizzards are supposed to decrease by 32%. The snow season will start later and end earlier. Also, what we consider a normal winter now with temperatures and snow fall totals will be considered abnormally harsh in 50 years. There will also be an almost complete removal of snow events in the southern tier of the United States.

The timing of the snow season will also change significantly.

Climate change will reduce October storms by 84%. November storms will decline by 48% and April will drop by 61%. The paper does point out that snow will continue to fall in cities like Chicago, New York, and Boston, but the likelihood of the monster snow events of the 1970s will be greatly reduced.

Now, will there be a splash back benefit to the landscape side of the industry? Yes, but companies do need to factor in lost days of production. Growers and landscapers in Illinois know the last five years of sopping wet springs have not been kind to the industry. Contractors are losing weeks to months of lost production and don’t have insulation built into their current pricing.

The NIU projections are using a 70-year snapshot for their research findings. I mean, anyone reading this column will likely be dead. If you aren’t, you either have great genes or my magazine columns are finally breaking through to a younger, hipper audience (Look out, I’m going to get my own YouTube channel next)! Climate doesn’t work that way. This will continue to be the frog in the boiling pot. Snow contractors will shrug off decreased snowfall totals and profits because they will be viewed in oneyear or three-year or five-year snapshots. Over time, many snow operations simply won’t be able to survive on razor thin margins when the business model itself is being betrayed by the climate.

The challenge with snow management is that it’s a profitable and essential service, akin to emergency management until it’s not.

Barring a miraculous scientific and political renaissance, we will continue to hurdle towards a future with a hostile and unpredictable climate. For those in snow operations, the hourglass may have already been turned over. Winners in the industry will defined by utilizing new equipment, technology, and processes to maximize profit and efficiency. Those without a plan or just waiting for that next big white gold event to save their season, may fall by the wayside. This issue is chock full of information so a snow operation can thrive in any climate. Pragmatically planning ahead is key. After all, no one wants to be the skier at the top of the mountain, waiting for it to snow.

Regards,

A L L TO G E T H E R B E T T E R 6

Scott Grams Executive Director, ILCA September 21, 2020

The Landscape Contractor W W W. M A R I A N I P L A N T S .COM

866-627-4264

October 2020

President’s Message — I recently had a refreshing reminder during a walk through with a customer

and Vic Bondi, one of our account managers. We had a lovely site visit and, afterward chatted a bit by our vehicles. I commented that I was upset before the meeting because we were two minutes late arriving. Doesn’t sound like much, but I was taught at a young age that punctuality always set the tone for a meeting. My coworker agreed, and then said, “There are two things in life that cost you nothing, being on time and a positive attitude.”

I’ve had thousands of conversations over the years about how difficult this industry is compared to other industries. And I get it, my team lives it every day. People don’t show up to work, equipment breaks at exactly the wrong moment, banks are more difficult to deal with, regulations are becoming more prevalent, however, we aren’t the only ones.

Think of the hospitality industry and manufacturing to name two, there are many. We all suffer the same challenges in tandem.

What we need to remind ourselves is our end goals, whatever yours are. Improving the lives of your people through growth, continuing education and advancement opportunities or increased revenues because of your quality, integrity and reputation. All of that not only requires a cohesive thought out plan, but a leader to focus the work their consistent support of their team to get it done.

Listen, we all have those days where we just aren’t feeling it. It’s normal, but take a few moments to consider the power of positive thought and action. Think about a work environment, a world, where half of the people were committed to optimism and determination.

Contemplate the power in just those two things combined with accomplishing your goals... growing your sales, improving your quality of products and services, even working on your personal relationships.

My philosophy has been that it all starts with one person making one sincere gesture. So, I challenge you to start today. Tell someone they did a great job because you really mean it.

Encourage someone because you genuinely want to see them succeed. Be kind to a stranger.

And remember what Vic said, “Have a positive attitude.” Oh, and yeah, be on time.

President

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

Vice-President

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

Secretary-Treasurer

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

Immediate Past President

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

Directors

Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com Jim Cirrincione Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com

Sincerely,

Donna Vignocchi Zych President, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association

Jennifer Fick Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply (847) 683-3700 jennf@wilsonnurseries.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 Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-8160 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

Recientemente tuve un recordatorio refrescante durante un paseo con un cliente y Vic Bondi, uno de nuestros gerentes de cuenta. Tuvimos una visita encantadora al sitio y después de charlar un poco por nuestros vehículos. Comenté que estaba molesta antes de la reunión porque llegamos dos minutos tarde. No suena mucho, pero me enseñaron a una edad temprana que la puntualidad siempre marcaba el tono de una reunión. Mi compañero de trabajo estuvo de acuerdo y luego dijo: “Hay dos cosas en la vida que no te cuestan nada, llegar a tiempo y una actitud positiva”.

He tenido miles de conversaciones a lo largo de los años sobre lo difícil que es esta industria en comparación con otras industrias. Y lo entiendo, mi equipo lo vive todos los días. La gente no se presenta a trabajar, los equipos se rompen en el momento equivocado, los bancos son más difíciles de tratar, las regulaciones son cada vez más frecuentes, sin embargo, no somos los únicos.

Piense en la industria de la hospitalidad y la fabricación para nombrar dos, hay muchos.

Todos sufrimos los mismos desafíos en tándem.

Lo que necesitamos recordarnos a nosotros mismos son nuestras metas finales, sean cuales sean las tuyas. Mejorar la vida de su gente a través del crecimiento, la educación continua y las oportunidades de avance o el aumento de los ingresos debido a su calidad, integridad y reputación. Todo eso no sólo requiere un plan de pensamiento cohesivo, sino un líder para enfocar el trabajo de su apoyo constante de su equipo para hacerlo.

Escucha, todos tenemos esos días en los que no lo sentimos. Es normal, pero tómate unos momentos para considerar el poder del pensamiento y la acción positivos. Piensen en un ambiente de trabajo, un mundo, donde la mitad de la gente estaba comprometida con el optimismo y la determinación. Contempla el poder en esas dos cosas combinadas con el logro de tus metas... aumentar sus ventas, mejorar su calidad de productos y servicios, incluso trabajar en sus relaciones personales.

Mi filosofía ha sido que todo comienza con una persona haciendo un gesto sincero. Así que te reto a que empieces hoy. Dile a alguien que hicieron un gran trabajo porque lo dices en serio.

Alienta a alguien porque realmente quieres verlo tener éxito. Sé amable con un extraño.

Y recuerda lo que Vic dijo, “ten una actitud positiva”, oh y sí, llega a tiempo.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

7

Premier Landscape Contractors, Inc. • Lemont Terrace Atop a Garden

Exiting the rear french doors

of this historic Hinsdale home, the owners can now enjoy an evening overlooking their garden on this bluestone lounge patio. With a fivefoot change in elevation, the renovated exterior space required a series of terraces to transition from the patio down to the driveway.

The patio and walls were designed with a symmetrical balance and circulation in mind. Complex, multi-level concrete foundation walls ensure this raised patio will never settle. Newly configured masonry steps now provide a welcoming entry walk into their house from their garage. One key design feature was to minimize the view of hardscapes from the rear yard; this was achieved through layering dwarf shrubs and perennials within the masonry walls and transitioning to fieldstone boulders on the eastern edge of the space.

A key feature the owners requested was a place to garden. The eastern side of the space features a dedicated herb and vegetable

raised planter surrounded in perennials and crushed bluestone chip.

Smooth-faced brick veneer on the masonry walls was selected as a close match to the original house brick from the 1920s. Low voltage lighting fixtures were incorporated throughout the planting beds and under the stair treads to allow the owners to use the patio after dark. Centered on the upper masonry wall rests a low bowl fiberglass planter for a stunning centerpiece of annual flowers. The planter is plumbed for drainage and irrigation. One existing crabapple was thoughtfully preserved and incorporated in the new wall construction.

The transformation from before to after on this rear yard renovation is truly a custom home make-over, one for the owners to enjoy for a lifetime.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

9

Thank you for a successful season!

Look to Henning’s for all your Fall mum & annual needs

Henning’s Chicago Landscape Series Mums

Quinten Henning • Hennings_Farm@comcast.net • 219-869-1159 10

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Special — Snow Business Solutions

Don’t Wait For Winter to Prep Your Winter Equipment

by Brad Beaulieu

The job isn’t over just because the temperatures

drop. Harsh winter weather can have a harsh impact on your equipment, especially without the right maintenance. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, you could bring jobs to a halt and do serious damage to your machines.

“We all know what it’s like getting caught up in the preparation for snow season,” said Brad Beaulieu, Martin Implement.

“But we want to give you a couple of reasons to slow down, make some adjustments, and your machines readyfor a season of hard work this winter.”

SET THE MACHINE UP FOR SUCCESS

When purchasing equipment, make sure your machine is equipped to handle all seasons you plan to work in. Many OEMs offer cold-weather packages for their equipment. This package will vary pending on the equipment and the OEM. It can include items like additional batteries, low temperature oil and block heaters.

“This step comes even before your yearly winter maintenance routine,” said Beaulieu. “This happens at your local dealership. Make sure any machine you’re considering is equipped with the cold-weather package.”

PROTECT YOUR ASSET

Salt can be one of the most corrosive materials your equipment encounters. It can wreak havoc on your machine causing not only downtime, causing downtime and reducing your machine’s resale value as well. Fasteners, hydraulic fittings, hoses and electrical wiring that are unprotected are at a high risk for rust and corrosion.

“To our dealers and customers, we recommend washing equipment as often as possible to rinse off any materials that may have built up on components during operation,” said Dan Kakareka, construction product specialist for New Holland North America. “It’s worth the extra time it takes to clean off the machine after operation to keep it in tip top shape.”

The first visible sign of neglected equipment is rust. It alerts a consumer of poor machine operating conditions. Corrosion can also raise questions about how well the machine was maintained. If you are not the only person operating your snow removal equipment, be sure to train your employees and insist on washing after every use.

12

BATTERIES

The battery is another critical factor. In ideal situations, having access to electrical outlets on a jobsite to plug in your equipment is the best possible circumstance.

“Lately, we’re encouraging more snow removal companies to put ‘access to electrical’ in their bids at time of submission,” said Kakareka.

When the ideal situation is not possible, preparation is essential for winter operation. Perform a load test on the battery before winter hits to ensure it operates at full strength under load. A strong battery will have enough amps to crank the starter in cold temperatures. Some equipment offers a master disconnect switch (standard on New Holland machines). This prevents any draw from occurring when sitting idle, which is important during winter months.

TIER IV COMPONENTS

Tier IV Final components run smoother and have less issues when machines are running at higher temperatures than their higher-emissions counterparts. The basic concept is that higher temperatures equal less soot or particulate matter. The more idle time, the more soot (PM) you will be creating for your aftertreatment system to filter out. For these reasons we recommend running at a higher idle position.

Machines that are equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) can operate as normal. DPF operation does not change in cold temperatures. This after-treatment system is engineered to create its own heat to regenerate automatically, regardless of how cold it is outside; regeneration in cold weather is business as usual.

“Diesel exhaust fumes when exposed to temperatures of 12 degrees or lower for a prolonged period of time,” said Beaulieu. “So we always make sure to recommend to our customers that they should store their equipment in a place that is well insulated, especially to avoid expansion caused when the DEF thaws.”

Systems are in place to thaw the DEF during the warm up cycle. It is recommended that upon shut down, you wait for the pump to clear all of the DEF out of the lines before you activate the master disconnect switch if applicable. If DEF continues to be a concern for you, we recommend check (continued on page 14)

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

SALES | RENTALS | PARTS | SERVICE

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO

PLAN FOR A WINTER STORM. CONTACT ALTA FOR ALL YOUR SNOW REMOVAL NEEDS.

Call us at 844.Go2.Alt a or visit us online at ALTAEQUIPMENT.COM Ot t aw a, IL 815.313.2070 Spring Grove, IL 815.581.0071 Alta.ILCA.Oct2020.indd 1

Bloomingt on, IL 309.585.3800 Sout h Elgin, IL 630.883.3320

Orland Park, IL 708.349.8430 Wauconda, IL 847.469.0120

Gary, IN 708.300.7700

9/3/2020 8:55:51 AM

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

13

Special — Snow Business Solutions ing with your OEM for a unit under the Federal Emissions threshold of 75HP for aftertreatment systems. OEMS offer machines with 74HP to avoid having to use aftertreatment systems like DEF.

FLUIDS

Fluids are equally important to a machine’s health. Filling with the proper cold-weather engine oil, coolant, fuel and hydraulic oil minimizes maintenance problems.

You’ll need an engine oil viscosity that matches the temp outside. A 10W-30 is a common factory fill that performs dowminus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need something for more harsher conditions, use a 10W-40 synthetic oil. This will typically protect you to 35 below.

Antifreeze is just as important for your equipment as

it is for your car or truck. Make sure you top it off before the weather turns. We recommend using Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant in all TIER 4 Final engines.

AMBRA YDROSYSTEM 46 HV hydraulic oil provides good cold-weather performance.

Make sure to keep the fuel tank topped off to minimize condensation buildup in the tank and routinely remove water from the fuel filter.

If there is ever a doubt on what kind of fluid to place in your machine, refer to your operator’s manual for clarification.

TIRES, TRACKS & UNDERCARRIAGE

It’s well known that when temperatures drop, so does the air pressure in tires. One of the first physical signs of cold weather will be your equipment’s sagging tires. Low tire (continued on page 16)

Graphic courtesy of Monroe Truck Equipment 14

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

SPREADERS

PLOWS AND PUSHERS

- 25 lbs - 175 lbs hopper size - Up to 40 ft spread width

- Compact Duty, Light Duty & Heavy Duty

Walk-Behind

Tailgate/Towable

- 3-14 cu ft hopper size - Up to 48 ft spread width

Truckbed

- 1.5 - 6.0 cu yd hopper size - Up to 48 ft spread width

Pushers Plows

- UTV & Truck plows - HD, Speedwing, Power Plow & V-Plows

Hand Pushers/Shovels - 24” - 48” - Select models are wheeled

SNOW BLOWERS

DE-ICERS

Honda

Bulk Rock Salt

- Single-Stage or Two-Stage - Electric or Recoil starter - 20” - 36” widths available

- Comp: Sodium Chloride - Operating Temp: -6F and above

Bulk Snow Slicer

Toro

- Electric, Single-Stage, or Two-Stage - Electric or Recoil starter -18”- 32” widths available

Call us for all your winter needs!

(847) 241-1530

- Comp: Sodium Chloride with liquid calcium chloride pre-wet - Operating Temp: -20F and above

VENTRAC SSV 2100C

The new Ventrac SSV makes it easy and effcient to manage snow and ice on sidewalks. The SSV is a dedicated Sidewalk Snow Vehicle with an industry-first 36” working width in order to allow access to the tightest areas of any property.

The SSV allows more reduction of hand labor and walk-behind equipment than ever before. It’s also designed with a full arsenal of commercial quality snow removal attachments and de-icing options that are engineered to provide a system that can handle any winterstorm. The wait for a proper sidewalk snow machine is finally over.

20175 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL 60074 www.arlingtonpower.com The Landscape Contractor 15 October 2020

Special — Snow Business Solutions (continued from page 14) pressure can result in lower lift and push capabilities, especially for rental customers who intend to use their equipment for clearing snow.

Regular checks and adjustments of track tension is crucial.

Improperly fitted tracks can cause several issues, whether the track is too tight or too loose. A track that is too loose may jump over the sprocket rollers and cause premature wear and tear. Too tight and the undercarriage will wear at a faster pace.

“The undercarriage of your equipment represents 40 to 60 percent of the maintenance costs over the machine’s life,” said Kakareka. “To maximize your machine’s efficiency in the winter, and to extend the machine’s lifecycle, proper undercarriage maintenance is essential.”

Operators should make daily inspections and keep it clean of any mud, snow or debris. Look closely for loose or worn parts. Those responsible for fleets should check the owner’s manual for the proper psi or track tension and adjust the tires or tracks accordingly.

CAB

Sitting comfortably for a long day of being out in the elements is important if you want to perform as well as your equipment. Inspect seals all around the cab for cracking or wear. Perform checks on all the heating and defrosting systems to make sure they are all working as designed. Install a new windshield wiper blade and cold-weather washer fluid at the beginning of each winter season.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachments like snowblowers, snow blades, and angle brooms are some of the most popular and hardest-working tools in the winter and deserve the same attention as the equipment running it.

“We almost always sell our snow removal machines with extra attachments,” said Beaulieu. “Since that’s just part of our customers’ expectations, we have made sure that our team understands and reminds their customers that the attachments needs as much attention as the base machine.”

Visually check the attachment components such as hoses, cylinders and guards, broom bristles, cutting blades, and edges so you can determine if wear is developing or damage has occurred.

CLOSING

If repairs are needed, be sure to bring your machine in for repair before the snow falls. To help stay on top of machine and attachment inspections, create a checklist to be done periodically.

Remember, operators can be in these machines for up to 12 hours a day. Following these steps to making sure the equipment is running at full capacity will make your operator more productive and efficent on the jobsite.

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17

Special — Snow Business Solutions

Getting Ready and Getting Through

by Bob Bertog

“THE BIG ONE!”

After getting my driver’s license the sum-

mer of 1978 and my first plowing experience in the “Blizzard of ‘79” (January 1979) I have learned many different things about a major snowstorm and the different ways to approach them...

Rule #1: All people fighting a snowstorm are human and no amount of “No-Doze,” coffee, iced tea, diet coke, cigarettes etc. will allow the human body to continue to perform regardless of what the person thinks. This not only applies to your operators but also applies to management as well.

Rule #2: In the words of Steven Covey… “Begin with

the end in mind.” At some point Mother Nature will move on after leaving her wrath, but if you go into a major storm knowing that at some point the storm will end, it will help you plan for the “end.”

Rule #3: Leave your ego and your temper away from the

storm. Every property owner, property manager, client, and competitor will be happy to tell you what you are doing wrong (during the storm) and what you did wrong (after the storm), mostly because they have no idea how to manage the situation from the beginning. Imagine your fantasy football record if you could figure it out on Monday morning.

Rule #4: A major snow event can make or break your snow

season, and your annual income statement for that matter.

“Failure to plan is a plan for failure.” A well-advised plan can and should result in a very profitable event for your company.

Here are some of the basics I have learned over the years.

These are the boxes we check for a successful “MAJOR” event.

Gather as much information as you can on the aproaching storm. Use local forecasts (but be careful not to get caught up in their “hype”), NOAA, aka National Weather Service, has some basic information, but you can dig deeper and find some helpful information (and it is free), private meteorological weather services (there are many different services available with various levels of service)

4

Have your account managers contact property managers/Board members for authorization for ice melt applications and relocation of snow (if needed) if it is not already part of your contract, which it should be, but that is part of another topic.

4

Break into petty cash and have someone go to the grocery store for some essentials that most people take for granted. Believe it or not a lot of the workers show up not thinking about nourishment. They figure to go to 7-11 or McDonalds, but guess what… those will be closed. Pick up bottled water, Gatorade, small snack bags, etc. Send extras with your supervisors as they head out. We provide an “essential bag” for anyone who decides show up unprepared.

4

Make an investment before the season in gloves, hats, boots, jackets, etc. It is amazing how many people show up wearing gym shoes for a snow event. This just ends up costing you a lot of money to have them sitting in a truck to warm up, which they never do anyway and it just becomes wasted dollars. They will wait (while being paid) and then end up “Ubering Out.”

4

Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel/motel closest to your dispatch area. We have learned that most crews have about an 8 – 12 hour (max) window of productivity before the body shuts down. Be sure to get a hotel with washers & dryers (mostly dryers).

4 4

Bring all your managers into brainstorming for plans of execution, start time, stop time, etc. The more input the better. A major snow event is a collaborative effort, and everyone feels a part of all the decisions.

4

Gather all your information and pick a start time.

We generally look for when the forecast is calling for snowfall rates of one inch per hour. You must be deployed before this time or you will be late to the game.

Remember most clients will have heard the hype so if there is already three inches on the ground you will be okay. Depending on temperatures you may have to start earlier if they are around 30 degrees. Starting too late can result in equipment and human fatigue/failure.

Keep your clients informed but don’t give them too much information before the storm. Most local weather stations tend to over hype most storms anyway and that will work to your advantage throughout the storm.

The Landscape Contractor 18 October 2020

4

Many operations are dependent on the type of accounts being serviced. Hospitals, Immediate Care Facilities will have a different agenda than most commercial and HOA accounts. Personnel at “zero tolerance” accounts will have to be rotated to provide continuous service, but commercial and HOA accounts will tolerate a break in the service as long as you communicate that it is part of your contract to be able to suspend service as well as conveying to them that there is a human factor in the clean-up operations.

4

Get thru the accounts and have ingress/egress open.

Realize that most people will be home early, and many commercial sites will have let the employees leave early. It will be interesting to see how a significant event will play out after Covid 19 and the successful “work from home” programs have evolved. Then again how many people will look out the window and ask “Where the hell are they?”

My Wall Street Journal is at the end of the driveway and I can’t get to it.”

4

As the storm progresses and the clock keeps winding, start to bring back the crews based on the logistics of the furthest away to return first. Get the crews back and into the hotel. Have food at your dispatch center for them to take to the hotel. Let them get 4-6 hours of sleep, dry their clothes, shower, etc. This will get them back to work energized. During most of these events, it is important to understand that daybreak is around the corner and productivity is much higher during the daytime as most human bodies are hard wired that way. NEVER allow your workers to head back home unless they are local. They will NOT come back to work after having to shovel open a parking spot on Clark St.

4

Stay positive and keep your team positive. This is not easy, especially as the phone starts to ring when the snow ends and the sun breaks. Remind the clients of your plan and remind them of the severity of the situation. It is important to remember that most of these calls are coming from people that have no idea how bad the conditions are outside of their home. This is a test of your patience!!

4

Get your key operators and managers rest as soon you can afford to have them leave the final clean up of the accounts. They will be integral in the next 48 – 72 hours of relocation and hauling of snow. The smaller details of clean up and ice melt can be left to the foremen and the crews.

4

Prioritize your accounts for relocation/hauling based on account history and profitability not on who is screaming the loudest. It is important to remember that every other contractor is facing the same circumstances and the one most prepared will prevail. NEVER fire a client

4

in the middle of an event if they are getting the best of you.

Save that for after you get paid.

The two most important things to remember during a major event. 1. Keep your clients informed of the progress of the storm and your intentions of how you will be handling it 2. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Get your invoices out ASAP before the snow melts and they cannot dispute the services you performed. Have your operators and managers take pictures of the work in progress to avoid disputes over any invoices.

4

Document everything. Most important is to document your weather sources for why you made the decisions you did. I recall one storm when I was in front of a Board meeting and they asked me point blank. “How would you handle a storm if it was the exact same as this one?” (Original forecast was for 1” – 3” and after 6” was on the ground, the forecasters changed the forecast) My answer: “The exact same way that I handled this one if the forecast was as bad as this one.”

Answer from the Board member: “Huh!” The point is that you are dealing with unknowns and you need to communicate what you know to your clients before, during and after the event. This also helps when they start seeing the invoices show up.

4

Keep everything organized. You will be asked to produce proof of service – timesheets, etc. This is also a great tool for when you have to go to the dreaded Board meeting to prove your work. Stay organized, calm and confident and don’t be afraid to ask for your money. Too many times it is easy to give in after the snow has melted. Good luck trying to negotiate your payroll after the snow melts! Keeping your timesheets organized also avoids payroll disputes on payday. Have your foremen be attentive to who’s name is on the timesheet and notations of any of them that decided to “Uber Out.”

4

The snow business is one of the most unpredictable businesses to be in. You are at the mercy of things you cannot control. Why take the risk without the reward? Don’t! Also remember that you will never lose a contract during the summer if you miss the mowing day by one day because of the weather, but if you don’t show up to remove the snow in the winter, you WILL be fired and find yourself needing to replace that contract next year. As we all know, this is a very small industry and news travels quickly. Don’t be known as the contractor that lost a contract because they weren’t prepared for “THE BIG ONE” If you would like more information, insight or just want to share some war stories feel free to reach out to me at: bob@bertoglandscape.com.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

19

Special — Snow Business Solutions

Straight Talk About Sno Custom crafted, these vertical features can elevate your

by Bob Bertog Let’s raise the bar of professionalism in our industry and make more money by showing our clients that we are, in fact, a professional industry that needs to be recognized as one. We are not “grass cutters and snow plowers!”

Whether you are providing snow services for commercial properties or homeowner’s associations it is essential to word your contracts for your protection. The following recommendations in RED are what I believe should be included in your contract. I have included italicized bullet points of why I believe they are important.

Sharing my contract wording and my thoughts will hopefully provide some insight and assist you in making your snow endeavors more profitable. If you have questions or would like to discuss any of the materials, please reach out to me at bob@bertoglandscape. com.

·

Contract Effective Dates: November 15, 2018 through April 15, 2020. · This is very important. You should also include wording if there is an event outside your date parameters, i.e. o Set the expectations that service may be delayed o Set the expectations that any snow services performed outside the effective dates will be at an additional charge. It is very important so set the expectation of additional billing

SNOW MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATIONS: · ·

20

Basic Services: Set the minimum expectations and be clear of your process: · Commercial example (tailor wording to fit to your accounts): o Plow snow from parking areas after an accumulation of two or more inches. Snow will be pushed to the ends of the parking spots in the lot and on the turf areas where possible. o When snowfall occurs during the evening hours, every effort will be made to have the parking areas cleared by 7 a.m. so long as weather and time permit. o When snowfall occurs during the workday, snow will be pushed from aisles, where possible.

The remaining snow will be cleared during the evening hours or a more convenient time for access to the entire property. There will only be one final plowing to clear areas where cars were parked. o In the event of a light snowfall (2” – 4”) and/or high winds, plowing operations will begin upon

· ·

·

·

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

completion of the snowfall and/or winds. This will allow for the entire amount of snow and the drifting in the complex to be completely cleared. o Shovel snow from access walkways after the snow accumulates.

Homeowners Association Example (tailor wording to fit to your accounts): o Plow snow from roads, cul-de-sacs and driveways after an accumulation of two (2) or more inches. o Plowing will be done in the following order:  All roads and cul-de-sacs  Ends of driveways  Driveways  Guest Parking  A second pass to plow where parked cars were moved o Driveways will be cleared with a snow blade – either back dragged out of the drive or pushed side to side. At no time will driveways be hand shoveled. o Shoveling will begin upon completion of the snowfall and will be done in the following order:  In front of the garage doors  Access walks, stoops, and stairs o In the event of a light snowfall (2”- 4”) and/or high winds, plowing and shoveling operations will begin upon completion of the snowfall and/or winds.

This will allow for the entire amount of snow and the drifting in the complex to be completely cleared.

Severe Weather Conditions: If there is ever a time when you want to be clear of what the expectations are and you want to CYA, this is the section to do it. Please note the first bullet point of the wording using “or” versus “and”. It gives you a lot of leverage in the event of severe weather to make the event a profitable one.

Severe weather shall be defined as 8 inches of snow or more, or high winds accompanied by blowing and drifting snow, or an accumulation of freezing rain and ice, or when the wind-chill temperatures are lower than -10° Fahrenheit, or when the duration of the same storm exceeds 24 hours.

During severe weather conditions, Bertog Landscape Company cannot be held to any timetable with regard to shoveling or plowing operations. Every attempt will be made to provide continuous service; however, possible lags in service can result due to traffic conditions,

ow Contracts designs and bottom line

·

· ·

·

worker exhaustion, etc. Bertog Landscape Company will use any available equipment to complete snowclearing operations, without prior consent from site manager.

Note the last sentence of the bullet above. The last thing you want to do is try and track down a property manager in the middle of the storm to get approval to move the snow. It is a good idea to try and get approval prior to an event but you want to cover yourself in case you cannot track down the property manager and there are additional charges.

Drifting Snow: Tailor the wording here to fit your contracts and your company but notice the wording to set the expectation that there will be additional billing if there is a request for removal of drifted snow. We have all had the calls in a one inch storm with high winds….”I have six inches of snow in front of my door and I can’t get out.” and we all know this is not the case. · Clearing of drifted snow on days without snowfall or clearing of drifted snow when accumulations of snowfall are less than two (2) inches, as recorded by the privately contracted Meteorological Service, or clearing of drifted snow after 24 hours from when the storm began, will be invoiced at the hourly rates as detailed under the Contract Rates And Payment Agreements. Clearing of drifted snow will only be completed upon request and authorization of the Management Company or the proper association committee.

Ice Control: If there any part of a contract where you can get in trouble is when there is a service you provide that can relate to a “slip and fall” incident. Feel free to steal this wording for your contract, it will only benefit all of us in the industry.

Ice Control Specifications – general: · In the event of icing or minor accumulations of snow of less than two (2) inches, chemical treatment can be applied. The effectiveness of the chemicals varies with the severity of the icing/snow, the temperature, and the amount of traffic over the affected area. · Prices as quoted under the contract rates include the labor to apply the chemical. · Chemical to be used on roadways will be calcium treated rock salt. o The availability of rock salt is not guaranteed. ·

· ·

· ·

Bertog cannot be held responsible in the event of salt shortage due to disasters at the salt mines or cartage issues and the suppliers impose salt rations where municipalities receive priority. Any additional charges imposed by suppliers because of these situations where salt is purchased at a premium will be passed along to the client at the same percentage imposed by the suppliers.

Chemical to be used on the walkways will be a calcium chloride blend that is safer for the landscapes.

Callbacks for icing that is caused from melting of snow or from downspout runoff will be charged on a time and material basis. Bertog Landscape Co. will not be responsible for icy conditions caused by thawing and refreezing of snow and ice.

Bertog Landscape Co. is not responsible for treating and will not clear or chemically treat areas where there is a parked car.

Severe icing that requires labor to hand chip the ice will be billed to the Managing Agent or Association at the rate as listed under the Contract Rates And Payment Agreements.

Ice Control Specifications – Options: ****We encourage you to review the “SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE LIABILITY ACT” (SB2138) before making a decision on the options.**** http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=213

8&GAID=13&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=91471&SessionID=88& GA=99 · This is the hyperlink to the “Snow Removal Service Liability Limitation Act”. We put it right in the contract so clients can’t use “ignorance of the law” as a defense when there is a slip and fall incident. Share it with your clients so they have information to make an educated decision on how they want to handle icing conditions. After most clients read the sections of the Act, they choose option #2 below. This option is also the most profitable option for the contractor since your labor is already on hand for the plowing/shoveling. Option #1is primarily the option chosen by zero tolerance accounts. Medical centers, nursing homes, shopping centers, etc. · Parking Lot/Roads/Cul-de-sac Options: · Option #1: o In the event of icing or minor accumulations

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

21

Special — Snow Business Solutions

·

·

· · ·

·

·

22

of snow of less than two inches and after the parking lot has been plowed, chemical treatment will be applied to the parking lot(s), roads/ cul-de-sacs. The crews for this option will be dispatched at the discretion of Bertog Landscape Co. The effectiveness of the chemicals varies with the severity of the icing/snow, the temperature, and the amount of traffic over the affected area.

Option #2: o Only after the parking lots have been plowed, chemical treatment will be applied to the parking lot(s), roads/cul-de-sacs. The effectiveness of the chemicals varies with the severity of the icing/ snow, the temperature, and the amount of traffic over the affected area.

Option #3: o Chemical treatment will only be applied, on a first call/first serve basis, upon request of the Management Company or the proper association committee. The client understands that they will be placed on a first call/first serve basis after Bertog Landscape Co. has completed their established salt routes. Bertog Landscape Co. will not be held responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from slippery conditions because parking lots and sidewalks are not being treated on an “as needed” basis. o I call option #3 my “fear factor” option. Your lawyer will like this wording in your contract in the event of a “slip and fall”. You have shifted the liability back on the association or property owner because they are not provided a safe environment for the tenants. You have also set the expectation that it may be a while before you get to them.

Access Walks Options: Same comments as above as related to the parking areas.

Option #1: o In the event of icing or minor accumulations of snow of less than two inches and after the walks have been shoveled, chemical treatment will be applied to the access walks. The crews for this option will be dispatched at the discretion of Bertog Landscape Co. The effectiveness of the chemicals varies with the severity of the icing/ snow, the temperature, and the amount of traffic over the affected area.

Option #2: o Only after the walks have been shoveled, chemical treatment will be applied to the access walks. The effectiveness of the chemicals varies with the severity of the icing/snow, the temperature, and the amount of traffic over the affected area.

Option #3: o Chemical treatment will only be applied, on a first call/first serve basis, upon request of the Management Company or the proper association committee. The client understands that they will be placed on a first call/first serve basis after

· · ·

·

·

·

Bertog Landscape Co. has completed their established salt routes. Bertog Landscape Co. will not be held responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from slippery conditions because parking lots and sidewalks are not being treated on an “as needed” basis.

General Snow Management Specifications: This is the section where you can set any additional general expectations if you have not already done so in other parts of the contract.

Plowing, shoveling and salting crews will be dispatched at the discretion of Bertog Landscape Co. based on current and forecasted weather conditions.

Bertog carries full insurance and will provide a certificate upon request. All employees are covered by workers compensation.

Bertog will not be responsible for the following: decaying cement/asphalt; cracks in the cement/asphalt; scratches or rust marks in the driveways, streets, curbs or sidewalks; damage to any sprinkler heads, splash blocks, holiday lights and cords, dog chains, flower pots in driveway, lawn decorations, plastic outdoor light fixtures, plastic or tin edging along walks or driveways; lost newspapers or any other items covered with snow, from driveways, walks or parking areas; damage to turf caused by melting snow or de-icing chemicals; damage to any utility meters or spigots on the sides of buildings that are not visible because of the snow; damage to directional or informational signs that are immediately adjacent to the parking areas where snow needs to be pushed; any damage to fences caused by the weight of snow that was piled on, against or over the fence. o Believe it or not but we usually add something to the above every year because we get blamed for damage. Every one of the items listed above at one time or another was an issue with a client.

Client understands that plowing and salting at a particular location may not clear the area to bare pavement and the slippery conditions may continue to prevail even after plowing or salting.

This is considered a naturally occurring condition. o Lawyers like the last sentence of the above bullet point.

The client reads it and initials at the bottom of the page that s/he has read it and understands it.

The client will report, in writing, any property damage caused

by Bertog Landscape Co. within seventy-two (72) hours of the conclusion of the storm. Bertog Landscape Co. will repair any timely and properly reported damage in the spring season following completion of the Snow and Ice Maintenance season in which the property damage occurred. o Believe it or not but I got a call from a property manager last month saying the homeowner had damage to the garage from the snowplow. I just referred to this section of the contract and never heard back from them.

Any callbacks for service received prior to 12:00 P.M. will be handled the same day. Callbacks received after the 12:00 P.M. deadline may be handled the following day. Callbacks requesting immediate attention will be charged for time and materials as listed under Contract Rates And Payment Agreements. Other callbacks may be billable depending on existing circumstances.

Any callbacks received after a twenty-four (24) hour period starting at the completion of snow clearing operations will be charged for time and materials as listed under Contract Rates And Payment Agreements o How many times have you received service requests

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Special — Snow Business Solutions

·

· ·

·

·

after you sent all your manpower home for the day after an event.

Any requests for hauling or relocation of snow will be handled on a first call/first serve, time & materials basis.

When it becomes necessary to use loaders with buckets to move snow, Bertog will not be responsible for any damage to turf. When requests are made for relocation of snow off-site, hauling and dumping charges will apply.

Any repair to damage that has occurred from negligent snow plowing operations will be completed by May 15th of the following spring. (Weather permitting) Areas of turf, damaged by snow plowing operations will be repaired with sod and/or seed. The contractor will determine the most suitable repair for the area. When the repairs are complete, the Management Company and/or the Board will be notified so that a final inspection of the complex can be made. Any necessary watering of new sod or new seed will be the responsibility of the property owner or manager.

A parking spot will be made available (if necessary) for the storage of front end or skid steer tractors. Having tractors on-site allows for a quicker mobilization of our units, which results in a more efficient and effective snow plowing operation. o This is an important one and you will get the calls saying “I don’t want to look at that machine all winter.” Be prepared to have to move the machines around the property throughout the winter as a gesture of goodwill on your part.

After the complex has been cleared, the supervisor will make a final pass, to clear all accessible parking spots.

Any callbacks for clean up after the final pass will be billed to the Management Company at a rate of $0.00 per parking stall cleared.

·

You might get some pushback on the next two bullet points but it is easier to take items out of a contract than it is to add them in later.

·

Monthly invoices may reflect a fuel surcharge due to the extremely volatile pricing of petroleum derived products, both motor fuel and petroleum component supplies.

·

In the event the State of Illinois increases the minimum wage (currently $8.25 per hour), the labor portion of the contract price and the hourly price will increase by the same percentage. Example: $8.25 increases to $9.00 = 9.1%, the monthly labor portion of the price of $100.00 would be $109.10.

This contract shall be cancelable by either party with thirty (30) days written notification to the other party.

·

CONTRACT RATES & PAYMENT AGREEMENTS: SNOW MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

Basic Services: Plowing:

$0.00 per plowing operation for snowfalls of 2.0”- 4.0”

$0.00 per plowing operation for snowfalls of 4.1”- 6.0”

$0.00 per plowing operation for snowfalls of 6.1”- 8.0”

Time & Materials Basis for snowfalls in excess of 8”

24

Shoveling:

$0.00 per shoveling operation for snowfalls of 2.0”- 4.0”

$0.00 per shoveling operation for snowfalls of 4.1”- 6.0”

$0.00 per shoveling operation for snowfalls of 6.1”- 8.0”

Time & Materials Basis for snowfalls in excess of 8” A plowing/shoveling operation is defined asa clearing of snow from, roadways, parking areas, access walks and stairs when snow has accumulated to two inches. When snow accumulations from a single snowfall exceed four inches, more than one plowing/shoveling operation will be necessary.

Additional Charges When Applicable These rates generally apply to severe weather and special request for service

Front End Loader – 1-2 yard bucket

$ per hour

Dump Truck - 10 yard capacity

$ per hour

Front End Loader – 2-3 yard bucket Semi-Dump - 20 yard capacity

$ per hour $ per hour

Pick-up truck with plow $ per hour ** All equipment used will have a minimum charge of two hours. Unless otherwise noted, equipment prices include labor. One way travel will be charged.

The above rates apply for operations performed for up to 8 hours – for all work performed over 8 hours add $40.00 per hour.

$0.00 per man per hour for hand labor as described in Section

B, C & D of the snow specifications when the labor is necessary

on weekends and/or holidays.

This is an item you can be flexible with but set the expectation where may be additional charges on holidays and weekends. You can alwayscredit the charges back.

$0.00 per 10 yard load of snow dumped offsite. Loader & truck rates are in addition to this rate. · Cover yourself here in the event you can’t find a place to dump the snow without charges

Ice Control: Parking Lot/Roads/Cul-de-sac Options Option #1: Salting to be completed at the discretion of Bertog $0.00 per salting application

Initial here that you ACCEPT this option

Initial here that you DO NOT ACCEPT this option

Option #2: Salting to be completed only after plowing $0.00 per salting application

Initial here that you ACCEPT this option

Initial here that you DO NOT ACCEPT this option

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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25

Special — Snow Business Solutions Option #3: Salting to be completed only upon request $0.00 per salting application

Initial here that you ACCEPT this option

Initial here that you DO NOT ACCEPT this option

Ice Control: Access Walks Options Option #1: De-icing agents to be applied at the discretion of Bertog $0.00 per 50 pound bag applied (1 bag minimum)

Initial here that you ACCEPT this option

Initial here that you DO NOT ACCEPT this option

Option #2: De-icing agents to be applied only after plowing/ shoveling

$0.00 per 50 pound bag applied (1 bag minimum)

Initial here that you ACCEPT this option

Initial here that you DO NOT ACCEPT this option

Option #3: De-icing agents to be applied only upon request $0.00 per 50 pound bag applied (2 bag minimum)

Initial here that you ACCEPT this option

Initial here that you DO NOT ACCEPT this option

26

Rock Salt (Special Requests): (1 ton minimum) $ 0.00 per ton applied Ice Melt Blend

(Special Requests): (2 bag minimum) $ 0.00 per 50# bag applied Payment Agreements: Invoices for services will be billed upon completion of the

services. Payments are due within fifteen (15) days of

the invoice date. A finance charge of 1.5% per month (18%

APR) will be charged on all past due accounts. Delinquent

accounts will risk having their service discontinued. · We change our terms for the winter to 15 days from the standard 30 days for landscaping. You don’t want to get in arrears for too many events and risk not getting paid.

Bertog agrees to perform all the services as described in this proposal unless otherwise noted and agreed upon by Bertog. The parties signed below agree to the terms of this proposal as described above for the sums as listed. Bertog reserves the right to cancel the terms of this proposal if no response is made to it within 30 days of the date shown on page 1 of this proposal.

Signed:______________________________ Dated________________ Robert W. Bertog, CLP, CSP

For Bertog Landscape Co. Signed:________________________________________________

Accepted by Dated

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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Equipping the Chicagoland Area

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

27

Special — Snow Business Solutions

Want to get into the snow business?

Do it with profit in mind!

by Paul Washburn

Owning a landscaping company in

Illinois gives you the opportunity to add snow removal services to your business, but is this the right decision? It is if you approach this line of work with profits in mind. You might ask yourself, why would I perform a service that I would lose money every time I go to work. This seems like an obvious question but without knowing your costs to plow snow, you could very well join the ranks of those that price their work to get the business and inadvertently do lose money each time they plow.

The best way to avoid this situation is to identify your costs ahead of time. There are two types of costs one must incorporate into their pricing, direct and indirect. Direct costs are those costs that are incurred because of performing the snow removal operation. Some key direct costs are truck payments, truck insurance, business insurance (general liability for slip and fails), snowplow blade costs, truck repairs and tires, fuel, and driver costs. Examples of indirect costs are related to overall cost of running a business such as other insurance, license plates, accounting, advertising, administrative support, rent, telephone, and other utilities. While the direct costs are incurred every time you perform a service, indirect costs stay somewhat fixed and are constantly there even when you do not work and must be covered by the billing generated from plowing, otherwise profits are jeopardized.

Speaking of profits, that is the last thing that needs to be identified to complete our approach to providing snow plowing services. We should identify a rate of profit we would like to generate from our plowing and incorporate this profit into our pricing so as we go to work we not only cover our direct and indirect costs but have a profit left over after each plowing operation to make all this work worth the effort because unfortunately snow removal comes with a significant amount of effort. We must be prepared to work 24/7 and on weekends and holidays as the weather knows no schedule.

I would like to share an example of how to identify your costs and profit to arrive at an hourly truck snowplow rate.

This example can then be used for other types of hourly pricing using the same formula. As I mentioned earlier here is a list of direct costs we should cost out:

28

•

Truck payments

•

Business insurance (general liability)

• • • • •

Truck insurance

Snowplow blade cost

Truck repairs and tires Fuel

Driver payroll

For this example, I have plugged in some estimates for each of these direct costs. You will want to look at your own business and equipment to determine if these costs are right for you.

• Truck payments - $550.00/month •

Truck insurance - $83.33/month

•

Snowplow blade cost - $5,600 (one-time cost)

• • • •

Business insurance (general liability) - $100/month Truck repairs and tires - $2,000/snow season

Fuel – 4 gallons per hour x $2.25/gallon = $9.00/hour Driver payroll - $38/hour (includes burden)

With these costs identified we now must take our pricing down to an hourly level. But what hourly level should we work with? Your location and experience might vary but in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago we on average see seven (7) two inch or more snowplows per season. Based on personal experience I have found each snow event to take (continued on page 30)

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Special — Snow Business Solutions (continued from page 28) an average of 10 hours to clean up each storm. Given these assumptions, an average snow season in the NW Suburbs of Chicago clocks in at about 70 hours per season.

When you step back and think about it this is not a lot of time to generate the amount of revenue needed to cover our costs and profit which is why this exercise is so critical. Using the 70 hours estimate for a snow season, here is what our direct costs look like broken down hourly.

• Truck payments - $550.00/month / 70 hours = $31.43/hour • Truck insurance - $83.33/month / 70 hours = $4.76/hour • Business insurance (general liability) - $100/month x 4 months / 70 hours =$5.71/hour • Snowplow blade cost - $5,600 (one-time cost) / 15-year life span / 70 hours = $5.33/hour • Truck repairs and tires - $2,000/snow season / 70 = $28.57 • Fuel – 4 gallons per hour x $2.25/gallon = $9.00/hour • Driver payroll - $30/hour (includes burden) When we add up all the direct costs, we get $114.80 per hour. The next question we must ask ourselves is what direct cost percentage we want to price our work at. By this I mean, what percent do we want our $114.80 to be of our hourly revenue. For example, if we wanted to make our direct cost percentage to be 70% that means our cost of $114.80 divided by 70% would equal an hourly price of $164.00. Within that formula if we estimated our indirect costs to be 20% and a desired profit of 10% our estimated performance per hour would look like the following: • • • • • •

Hourly price Direct costs Gross Profit

- - -

$164.00 ($114.80) $49.20

Indirect costs Net Profit

- -

($32.80) $16.40

Under this model, every hour we work, we will cover both our direct and indirect costs plus generate a profit of $16.40 to our business.

Now I recognize that this example has a lot of moving parts that everyone must apply to their own operation. My example is meant to illustrate that the plowing prices of the past are not sufficient to support even our simple illustration which is why I urge everyone to perform this exercise before entering the snowplow business.

There are a couple of other items I would like to stress as important to being successful in the snow business and honestly in the landscaping business. Implementing a job costing system that allows you to track revenue and costs by each individual job will prove invaluable in determining your success on a job by job basis along with providing you with much needed feedback when it comes time to renew your 30

contract along with future pricing decisions. Without this information, you may not have a full story as you operate, and your decision making can suffer accordingly. Along with a costing system, consider offering several types of contracts to support your operation. In the snow plowing business, one can offer a season, per push, and time and material contract.

These are not the only ways to sell snow removal, but they are some of the more common contracts.

A seasonal contract is one that comes with a fixed monthly price to the customer whether it snows or not. This contract is commonly referred to as the insurance method which is popular for many condominiums and homeowners’ associations as they can budget on fixed price. This contract can be beneficial to you as it provides a regular stream of income in the event of a light snow season. A per push contract invoices the customer a fixed price for each snowplow operation. This contract allows the customer to pay for work only when performed and in a busier winter can be a benefit to your operation. The last type of contract is time and material where you invoice the customer based on time the work is performed and how much material is used. This contract also allows the customer to pay for only the work performed and again in a busier winter can be profitable to you as well. A blend of these types of contracts when possible is highly recommended as you never know what type of winter season you will experience and some fixed revenue along with upside billing can help you succeed no matter what type of winter we receive.

In closing, it is important to take the time to identify your direct and indirect costs and do not forget to include profit when proposing your snow contracts for the upcoming season.

Remember to implement a costing system that allows you to measure your success and give you valuable benchmarking for future plow operations and pricing. Lastly, consider offering several types of contracts to cover your costs whether it is a snowy season or a dry one. With these items in mind you are better prepared to enter the snow business and achieve the profits you deserve.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

31

Special — Snow Business Solutions

by Steve Mirsky

La Nina conditions are expected this winter,

but it is expected to be weak. This has a distinct influence on the jet stream (figure 1). It is important to note that the conditions are just one piece of the puzzle. But this far in advance of the winter, it is the most predictable piece.

La Nina Patterns be it all (figure 2) or weak (figure 3) often produce above normal snowfall over the northwest part of the state and near normal elsewhere. In similar weak La Nina winters, snowfall in the Chicago area have averaged close to the normal of 36. By using similar years (analogs) the prediction for snowfall in Chicago is 35-40 inches — a bit more in the Northwest (40-

Figure 1

45 inches) and less in Central Illinois (15-20 inches) and less further south.

Temperatures for the winter are expected to average close to normal (figure 4). Monthly, readings are forecast to average near/below normal in the north to near/above normal in the south for December (figure 5). In January, temperatures will be near/above normal (figure 6), but near/below normal (figure 7). Precipitation for the winter season will average close to normal in the far north, but below normal for most areas further to the south (figure 8).

Steve Mirsky is a degreed meteorologist and has been with Weather Command since 1988. Although Steve is interested in almost every aspect of weather, his specialties include consulting for energy companies, winter storms, severe weather and long range forecasting.

Disclaimer: This forecast is subject to the inherent limitations of the science of meteorology. While every attempt was made to provide the most accurate forecast possible, it should not be construed as definitive fact. There is a margin of error in all weather forecasting that must be acknowledged and accounted for.

This forecast is that of the author and does not necessarily represent Murray and Trettel, Inc./Weather Command.

Figure 2 Average snowfall patterns for all La Nina years

32

Figure 3

Average snowfall patterns for weak La Nina years

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Figure 4

Figure 7

Figure 8

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

33

Special — Snow Business Solutions

Deicer Discussion: A solid and liquid strategy

by Peter Liakouras and Kelly Knudson

Mastering the Variables

Remove the notion of granular versus liquid and replace with supplement liquid in order to: • • • • • • •

Pre-treat granular salt at your storage facility Pre-treat granular salt as you are spreading the salt (literally at the hopper) - This yields a tracer (identify where the salt has been applied) - Increases your temperature effectiveness (liquid

begins to work in lower temperatures versus

granular) Overall reduction in salt usage Overall reduction in material cost (liquids are less money than granular)

End users struggle to accept that 100% liquid just doesn’t work. A lot has to do with their customers requesting liquid and the general understanding of liquid. Rather than focusing on why it doesn’t work by itself, the education should revolve around how liquid deicers can help their business.

34

Every storm, every account and every operation is different. One size does not fit all. Optimal results will require both liquid and solid deicers.

Solid deicers cant melt anything until they go into

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

(continued on page 36)

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Special — Snow Business Solutions (continued from page 34) solution and form brine. It is the brine that does the melting.

Dilution is an especially important factor when utilizing liquids.

36

• •

With liquids, reductions are seen in: amount of money spent on granular ice melt costly landscape repairs from bounce and scatter graules

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

•

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The Landscape Contractor October 2020

37

No espere al invierno para preparar sus equipos de invierno por Brad Beaulieu

El trabajo no ha terminado solo porque

las temperaturas han bajado. Las condiciones meteorológicas severas durante el invierno pueden tener un impacto negativo en sus equipos, especialmente si no reciben el debido mantenimiento. No tomar las precauciones necesarias, podría paralizar sus actividades laborales y dañar seriamente sus máquinas.

“Todos sabemos lo que significa verse envuelto en las preparaciones para la temporada de nieve”, dijo Brad Beaulieu, Martin Implement. “Pero deseamos darle algunos motivos para desacelerar y hacer algunos ajustes para que usted y sus máquinas estén listos para una temporada de arduo trabajo este invierno”.

PREPARE SU MÁQUINA PARA EL ÉXITO

Cuando compre sus equipos, asegúrese de que su máquina esté debidamente equipada para resistir todas las estaciones en las que planea trabajar. Muchos OEM (fabricantes de equipos originales) ofrecen paquetes de clima frío para sus equipos.

Estos paquetes varían dependiendo del equipo y el OEM. Pueden incluir artículos como baterías adicionales, aceite para temperaturas bajas y calentadores de bloque.

“Este paso viene incluso antes de su rutina anual de mantenimiento durante el invierno”, afirmó Beaulieu. “Esto ocurre en el concesionario de su localidad. Asegúrese de que cualquier máquina que piense comprar esté equipada con el paquete de clima frío”.

PROTEJA SUS ACTIVOS

La sal puede ser uno de los materiales más corrosivos que afectan sus equipos. Puede causar estragos en su máquina ocasionando no solamente tiempo de inactividad, sino también reduciendo el valor de reventa de su máquina. Sujetadores, accesorios hidráulicos y cableados eléctricos no protegidos corren alto riesgo de sufrir oxidación y corrosión.

“Recomendamos a nuestros concesionarios y clientes lavar sus equipos con la mayor frecuencia posible para eliminar con enjuagues cualquier material que se haya acumulado en los componentes durante la operación”, afirma Dan Kakareka, especialista en productos de construcción para New Holland North America. “Vale la pena el tiempo adicional que toma limpiar la máquina después de la operación para mantenerla en 38

óptimas condiciones”.

Además, el primer signo visible de descuido de un equipo es la oxidación. Alerta al consumidor de condiciones de operación deficientes de una máquina. La corrosión también plantea interrogantes sobre la calidad del mantenimiento que recibió una máquina. Si usted no es la única persona que maneja su equipo de remoción de nieve, asegúrese de capacitar a sus empleaos e insista en lavar los equipos después de cada uso.

BATERÍAS

La batería es otro factor crítico. En situaciones ideales, tener acceso a tomacorrientes en el lugar de trabajo para enchufar sus equipos es la mejor circunstancia posible. “Últimamente, estamos animando a más compañías de remoción de nieve a poner ‘acceso a tomacorrientes’ en sus ofertas al momento de la presentación”, dijo Kakareka.

Cuando la situación ideal no es posible, la preparación es esencial para las operaciones de invierno. Realice una prueba de carga en las baterías antes de la llegada del invierno para asegurar que funcionen plenamente con carga. Una batería potente tendrá suficientes amperios para activar el arranque bajo temperaturas frías. Algunos equipos ofrecen un interruptor maestro de desconexión (estándar en las máquinas New Holland). Esto evita que ocurra cualquier extracción durante los períodos de inactividad lo que es importante durante los meses de invierno.

COMPONENTES TIER IV

Los componentes Tier IV Final funcionan con menos contratiempos y tienen menos problemas cuando las máquinas funcionan a temperaturas más altas que sus contrapartes con más alto nivel de emisiones. El concepto básico es, las temperaturas más altas equivalen a menos hollín o materia particulada.

Cuanto más tiempo de inactividad tenga, más hollín (PM) estará generando para que lo filtre su sistema postratamiento. Por estos motivos, recomendamos operar la máquina a una posición de ralentí más alta.

Las máquinas equipadas con filtros de partículas diésel (DPF, por sus siglas en inglés) pueden operar como lo hacen The Landscape Contractor

October 2020

Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.

normalmente. La operación con DPF no cambia en temperaturas frías. Este sistema de postratamiento ha sido diseñado para que su propio calor se regenere automáticamente, independientemente de cuán fría sea la temperatura afuera; la regeneración en clima frío es normal.

“El DEF (fluido para sistemas de escape diésel) se congela cuando es expuesto a temperaturas de 12

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TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR. grados o inferiores durante períodos prolongados”, asegura Beaulieu. “Por consiguiente, siempre nos aseguramos de recomendar a nuestros clientes que deben guardar sus equipos en un lugar bien aislado, especialmente para evitar la expansión ocasionada cuando se descongela el DEF”.

Los sistemas están en posición para descongelar el DEF durante el ciclo de calentamiento. Se recomienda que al apagar la máquina, espere que la bomba elimine de las líneas todo el DEF antes de activar el interruptor maestro de desconexión, si fuera aplicable. Si el DEF continúa siendo un problema para usted, recomendamos preguntar a su OEM si tiene una unidad bajo el umbral de las Emisiones Federales de 75HP para sistemas postratamiento.

Los OEM ofrecen máquinas de 74HP para evitar tener que usar sistemas de postratamiento como el DEF.

FLUIDOS

Los fluidos son igualmente importantes para la salud de una máquina. Llenarla con el debido aceite The Landscape Contractor October 2020

39

de motor, refrigerante, combustible y aceite hidráulico para clima frío minimiza los problemas de mantenimiento.

Usted necesitará una viscosidad de aceite de motor que coincida con la temperatura exterior. El 10W-30 es un fluido de llenado de fábrica que funciona hasta en menos de 20 grados Fahrenheit.

Si necesita algo para condiciones más severas, utilice un aceite sintético 0W-40. Esto usualmente protegerá hasta 35 o menos.

El anticongelante es tan importante para su equipo como lo es para su auto o camión. Asegúrese de llenarlo antes de que cambie el clima. Recomendamos usar refrigerante de Tecnología de Ácidos Orgánicos (OAT, por sus siglas en inglés) en todos los motores Tier 4 Final.

El aceite hidráulico AMBRA HYDROSYSTEM 46 HV proporciona un buen desempeño en clima frío.

Asegúrese de mantener el tanque de combustible lleno para minimizar la acumulación de condensación en el tanque y elimine el agua del filtro del combustible rutinariamente.

Si alguna vez tuviera duda sobre qué tipo de fluido usar en su máquina, consulte el manual del operador para aclaración.

NEUMÁTICOS, ORUGAS Y BASTIDOR

Es bien sabido que cuando las temperaturas bajan, bajan también las presiones de aire en los neumáticos. Uno de los primeros signos físicos de clima frío son los neumáticos hundidos de sus equipos. La baja presión en los neumáticos puede producir menos capacidades de elevación y empuje, especialmente para los clientes de alquiler que planean usar su equipo para remover nieve.

Los chequeos y ajustes regulares de la tensión en las orugas son cruciales. Las orugas mal ajustadas pueden ocasionar varios problemas, ya sea que la oruga esté muy apretad o muy floja.

Una oruga muy floja puede saltar sobre los rodillos del piñón y ocasionar el desgaste prematuro. Muy apretada hará que el bastidor se desgaste más rápidamente.

“El bastidor de su equipo representa del 40 al 60 por ciento de los costos de mantenimiento durante la vida útil de su máquina”, asegura Kakareka. “Para maximizar la eficiencia de su máquina durante el invierno y extender el ciclo de vida de la máquina, es esencial darle al bastidor el debido mantenimiento”.

Los operadores deben realizar inspecciones diarias y

mantener el bastidor limpio, sin lodo, nieve o escombros.

Inspeccione detenidamente para determinar que no haya piezas flojas o gastadas. Los responsables de las flotas deben consultar el manual del propietario para determinar el debido psi o tensión en las orugas y ajustar los neumáticos u orugas adecuadamente.

CABINA

Sentarse cómodamente durante un día largo afuera con los elementos es importante si usted quiere tener un rendimiento tan bueno como el de su equipo. Inspeccione los sellos alrededor de la cabina para verificar si hay agrietamiento o desgaste. Revise todos los sistemas de calefacción o descongelamiento para asegurarse de que todos estén funcionando correctamente. Instale una nueva hoja del limpiaparabrisas y líquido limpiador para limpiaparabrisas al comienzo de cada estación de invierno.

ACCESORIOS

Accesorios como sopladores de nieve, hojas quitanieves y barredoras orientables son algunas de las herramientas más populares y de mayor uso durante el invierno y merecen la misma atención que el equipo en el que se instalan.

“Casi siempre vendemos nuestras máquinas quitanieves con accesorios adicionales”, dijo Beaulieu. “Debido a que eso es parte de las expectativas de nuestros clientes, nos hemos asegurado de que nuestro equipo de trabajo comprenda y recuerde a sus clientes que los accesorios necesitan tanta atención como la máquina base”.

Revise visualmente los componentes accesorios tales como mangueras, cilindros y protectores, cerdas de escobas, cuchillas de corte y filos para que pueda determinar si se están desgastando o ha ocurrido algún daño.

CIERRE

Si se necesitaran reparaciones, asegúrese de traer su máquina para que sea reparada antes de que caiga nieve. Como ayuda para mantenerse al día con las inspecciones de la máquina y los accesorios, elabore periódicamente una lista de verificación.

Recuerde que los operadores pueden estar en estas máquinas hasta 12 horas por día. Seguir estos pasos para asegurarse de que el equipo está funcionando a plena capacidad hará a su operador más productivo y eficiente en el sitio de trabajo.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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41

Winter Bark

Winter Beauties: Layers of

by Heather Prince

As we enjoy the last hurrah of autumn

leaves in all their wonderful hues of yellow, orange, red, and purple, nighttime frosts begin to herald winter. Winter in the Midwest can have many moods from snow to ice to biting wind, but trees and shrubs can sparkle and shine, even without their leaves. Winter is the season for bark and structure.

How can we add to an indoor view or capture attention in the season’s long low light? Consider adding these trees and shrubs to the landscape for a bit of winter magic.

Trees We often demand that trees have four seasons of interest to charm us all year long. Trees are a big investment in money, but especially in time. They develop their own character and personality with age and in many cases outlive the folks who planted them. How can you enliven clients’ views and layer in more dynamic textures? Consider these seven trees for lovely leaves, pretty flowers, but most importantly – beautiful bark.

grower. The tender twigs are satiny cherry-brown, maturing to golden bark peeling in thin horizontal strips. Larger in leaf and catkin than river or paper birch, it tolerates alkaline soil quite well and is bronze birch borer resistant. You can find it multi-stemmed or single. On a bright winter day, the bark glows against the snow.

Height: 60 to 75 feet Width: 60 to 75 feet Shape: rounded to oval Sun: full sun Soil: average to wet tolerant

Betula alleghaniensis or yellow birch How many paper birch logs have you used in containers or designs? There is something about white birch bark that calls to the rustic and the cozy. But not all birch has to be white or creamy. Yellow birch features silky shimmery golden bark.

It has stopped me dead in my tracks, wondering what is this fairy tale tree? Yellow birch is a hardwood birch that is prized for furniture. It is native to Illinois, and like most birch, a fast

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The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Dramatic Bark Cornus mas or cornelian cherry dogwood This quietly elegant small tree is truly a four-season plant.

Clusters of small yellow flowers typically bloom in March, giving it a cloud-like effect. Bright shiny-green leaves shelter bright-red fleshy fruit that is edible, if extremely tart. In autumn, leaves turn shades of red and purple before falling. Winter highlights its flaky, exfoliating bark and refined architecture. This dogwood is tough, hardy, disease resistant and tolerant of a wide range of soils, including salt. The cultivar Golden Glory is a narrower variety, ideal for small urban spaces. As a multi-stemmed tree, it benefits from being shaped to showcase the bark. It can be a focal point or trained as a hedge, but make sure to look for its distinctive flowers in late winter. What a terrific option for under power lines or in clay soils.

Height: 15 to 20 feet Width: 10 to 15 feet Shape: vase to oval Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to drought tolerant

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

43

Winter Bark Platanus acerifolia ‘Morton Circle’ or Exclamation!™ London planetree This planetree from The Morton Arboretum showcases beautiful sycamore-like bark but is disease-resistant, fast-growing, and has far fewer seeds. I love the peeling bark in many shades of cream, tan, and warm brown. Its leaves are significantly smaller than sycamore and almost silvery in the sun.

With superior disease-resistance, you can enjoy those leaves early in the spring and all through summer. This is a tough tree that handles salt, clay, drought, wet soils, and almost anything thrown at it. Exclamation! is being planted as a street tree, but if you’re at the Chicago Botanic Garden, look for an elegant allee of these trees leading to the Plant Science Center.

Height: 55 to 65 feet Width: 40 to 50 feet Shape: pyramidal to oval Sun: full sun Soil: dry to wet tolerant

(continued on page 46)

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The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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. COM

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

Winter Bark Prunus sargentii ‘JFS-KW58’ or Pink Flair® cherry Cherry bark is so beloved we use it as an adjective to describe other trees. Deep mahogany with horizontal lenticels and a shine all its own, we love cherries for their wonderful bark.

Pink Flair® is a newer offering from J. Frank Schmidt & Co. and its clouds of pale-pink flowers in the spring bely its toughness. This cherry is rated to USDA Zone 3b and Schmidt has tested its hardiness across the U.S. It tends to bloom a week or two later, escaping early frosts. Fall color is a pleasing pumpkin-orange. Try this cultivar for all the romance of cherry blossoms and cherry bark on an enduring tree.

Height: 20 to 25 feet Width: 10 to 15 feet Shape: upright vase Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained

(continued on page 48)

Not an ILCA Member?

This is the time to join!

Call Marissa at 630-472-2851 for membership information.

It will be your best investment in 2020!

46

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Quercus bicolor or swamp white oak Need a fast-growing, wet-tolerant shade tree? Swamp white oak is one of the few native oaks that loves wet feet. Thick dark--green leaves with silvery-white undersides charm all summer before drying and holding on until spring, giving it superior marks for screening out the neighbors. Yet, stop and spend some time with its bark.

Fissuring at a young age, swamp white oak bark becomes flaky and peeling with age, revealing an orange inner bark. This oak is easy-going and tough, handling dry to wet soils (and occasional flooding), salt, and even black walnuts. Plus, oaks feed about 2,300 species of wildlife.

Height: 50 to 60 feet Width: 50 to 60 feet Shape: rounded to oval Sun: full sun Soil: dry to wet tolerant

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

www.1stChoiceEquipment.com 630-510-6050 Affiliated With: Ditch Witch Midwest and Rentals Plus

1555 Atlantic Drive

West Chicago, IL 60185

1stChoiceEquipment.com

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

630-510-6050 47

Winter Bark Syringa pekinensis or Peking lilac There are a variety of cultivars of this easy-going, pest- and disease-free, fragrant flowering tree, but what sets it apart from Japanese lilac tree is the bark. Peking lilac features amber-colored shiny heavily lenticiled peeling bark. It glows against the snow in a winter landscape. Huge creamy-white flowers bloom in June and can perfume an entire property.

However, I love it in winter when the light shines through the elegant architecture and sets the bark alight.

Height: 20 to 30 feet Width: 15 to 20 feet Shape: rounded to vase Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained

Over 600 acres of nature at its finest.

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

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

Over 500 Varieties of locally grown plants.

Over 600 Acres

of field & container production.

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

Over 10 Acres of holding yard.

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

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

48

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Growing Nature’s Best HinsdaleNurseries.com

Ulmus parvifolia or lacebark elm Plant this elm where you can readily enjoy the bark. You’ll almost want to press your nose against it to really experience its myriad textures and idiosyncrasies. It reminds me of brocade in its richness of brown, cream, and grey. Lacebark elm is a mid-sized elm and available cultivars are exceptionally Dutch elm disease resistant. Tough and elegant, lacebark elm tolerates dry soils, clay, and road salt. Elms are another top species for birds and pollinators, so why not also be dazzled by the bark?

Height: 40 to 50 feet Width: 40 to 50 feet Shape: rounded Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to drought tolerant

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

49

Winter Bark Shrubs !

711 S Material Road, Romeoville, IL 800-762-5738 * 815-836-0086 RocksEtc@ATT.net

A WIDE SELECTION OF ROCK, MULCH,

SAND AND MORE IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL YOUR SEASONAL LANDSCAPING NEEDS.

BAG OR BULK, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Shrubs bring color and texture to the mid-ground of our layered landscapes. They soften or screen and increase dimension between trees and the ground layer. In winter, when we may lose our drifts of perennials under snow, shrubs ground the landscape and focus views. With colorful or interesting bark, light is captured, the eye is caught, and the landscape comes alive.

Cornus sp. or red and yellow twig dogwood Dogwood shrubs step out of their leafy skirts and kick up their colorful heels best in winter. Tough, adaptable, sometimes fast growing and spreading, we treasure dogwood for the stems that light the landscape in snow and ice. There are myriad cultivars of dogwood available, but look for tried and true ‘Cardinal’ for height and stems that shade from yellow to deep red; ‘Kelsey’ at only 2 to 2-1/2 feet ; ‘Bud’s Yellow’ for almost-neon yellow stems; or ‘Pucker Up’ for richly textural crinkled foliage and red stems. Site them against evergreens or within grasses for winter drama.

Height: 2 to 10 feet Width: 2 to 10 feet Shape: rounded to suckering Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to wet tolerant

18715 Route 84 N * Cordova, IL 800-736-1356 * 309-654-2261 Sales@XylemLtd.com

High quality delivered in a timely manner at a reasonable price.

50

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

(continued on page 52)

Over 40,000 trees 2� and above

Shade Trees, Container Trees, Ornamentals, Evergreens, Perennials, and Shrubs Questions? Our knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you.

815-653-9293 8920 Howe Road l Wonder Lake, IL 60097 l Goodmarknurseries.com

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

51

Winter Bark Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ or Harry Lauder’s walking stick Harry Lauder’s walking stick or contorted hazel is an old-fashioned Victorian favorite for its sheer weirdness of shape. The twigs are densely contorted, twisted, and gnarled.

Slow-growing, this adaptable shrub should be a focal point or specimen. Be prepared for the foliage to look wilted during the season. The long golden catkins give it an almost chandelier effect in late winter. It is susceptible to Eastern filbert blight, so regular monitoring and removal of infected twigs will allow you to enjoy this horticultural curiosity for many years.

Height: 8 to 10 feet Width: 8 to 10 feet Shape: rounded Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained

Poplar Grove, IL 21283 IL Route 76 Poplar Grove, IL 61065 Clinton, WI 11228 East County Road X Clinton, WI 53525

Lorem Salem, WI 7530 288th Avenue Salem, WI 53168

1-262-537-3326

ipsum

wholesale@breezyhillnursery.com

52

Heptacodium miconioides ‘SMNHMRF’ or Temple of Bloom® seven-son flower On seven-son flower, the vanilla-scented late summer to early fall white flowers fade to vivid red bracts, making it a pollinator powerhouse. However, once leaves fall, the silvery tan bark takes the stage with long peeling strips. Temple of Bloom® is a new cultivar with a smaller size and more organized habit. Prune regularly to shape into a specimen large shrub or small tree and enjoy the textural bark in the winter sun.

Height: 6 to 10 feet Width: 6 to 10 feet Shape: oval to vase Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained Hydrangea quercifolia or oak leaf hydrangea Hydrangeas are enjoying a renaissance with more and more cultivars hitting the market every year. An heirloom favorite, oak leaf hydrangea delivers on four-season interest. Huge deep--green leaves layer over the stems in summer. White panicle flowers fade to shades of pink and mauve in summer. Autumn turns the leaves a deep burgundy wine. In winter, the shaggy cinnamon bark is revealed as sturdy twigs hold the dried flowers aloft for a dusting of snow.

Plan on a rugged coarse texture and enjoy with evergreens for delightful winter dimension.

Height: 6 to 8 feet Width: 6 to 8 feet The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Our model is simple!

We recycle garden and landscape byproducts.

Transforming them into beneficial organic amendments.

MULCH • SOIL • COMPOST • AGGREGATES • Custom soil blends • Contract grinding and screening • Pickup or delivery available

Deerfield 21457 Milwaukee Ave • Deerfield, IL 60015

Volo 27601 W Sullivan Lake Rd • Volo, IL 60041

Call 847-459-7200 or visit mulchcenter.com

Lake Bluff 30334 N Skokie Hwy • Lake Bluff, IL 60044

New Member Profile Snapshot

Tulip Hill Landscaping Brookfield, IL 60513 (708) 670-9592 www.tuliptreelandscaping.com

by Meta Levin

Five years ago, Matthew Loerop learned of a

landscape contractor who was selling his company. Loerop, who was an operations manager for a Melrose Park landscape contractor, made him an offer. He accepted.

So, there he was, standing in his yard, trying to come up with a name for the new enterprise, when he spotted his tulip tree. “It’s a beautiful tree,” he says. “My daughter swings on it.” With that confluence of events, Tulip Tree Landscaping was born. It became official on January 1, 2016.

In the time since then, Loerop has grown the company from purely landscape maintenance to one that now also offers landscape design/build, maintenance, drainage, grading, sod and seed, mulch, ponds and snow removal. About 80 percent of the crew from the original company stayed with him. One remains. He now has five seasonal workers, one full time, and he subcontracts out his maintenance work.

Salvador Patino is Tulip Tree’s new operations supervisor.

“Salvador is a ‘don’t worry, I’ve got this’ kind of guy,” says Loerop. “He can envision the project and the steps needed to complete it at a high level.”

That has been a benefit to Loerop. “Before I had been trying to run the crews and do the business side,” he says. “I had no life.” Now he is able to spend some time with his wife, Elizabeth, an English/Language Arts teacher, and their sixyear-old daughter, Lydia, who wants to go camping and fishing with her dad.

In addition to Patino, Loerop praises the rest of his employees. “The whole crew is awesome,” he says. “It’s been a struggle to find a good crew, but now I have them. They are experts in the field and a joy to work with.”

His design work is done by the designer who worked for his former employer. She started her own business. Loerop liked her work, so he contracts his design needs with her.

54

And there is plenty of work around. “There is a huge demand for outdoor living spaces this year,” says Loerop.

“No one is going anywhere, so they think, why not grill at home?” Homeowners, says Loerop, are looking around their yards and asking about reclaiming old, overgrown areas to make them into something they can enjoy.

Tulip Tree Landscaping also does work for a high-end builder in the area, including grading, drainage, sod installation, plants and hardscapes for the new homes.

It was former ILCA President Tom Lupfer, who steered Loerop to ILCA. “I got to know Tom Lupfer and he told me that I have to join if I want to grow my business and grow it well,” says Loerop. “I respect him.”

After attending iLandscape for a few years, he joined ILCA in 2020. “The pool of knowledge in the group is incredible,” he says. “It’s a ‘We’re all in this together attitude’.” Lupfer’s business is a half mile from Tulip Tree Landscaping, yet the two have shared prices and strategy and Loerop has learned from him.

Most of Loerop’s free time is spent with his family.

In addition, to camping and fishing, he volunteers at his church’s children’s program, Awana, where his daughter can spend even more time with her father.

Loerop takes pleasure in a job well done, not to mention when it results in referrals. “When we get a call saying that someone referred us to them, saying that we were fair, honest and do high quality work, I allow myself to step back and smile,” he says.

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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Diseases & Pests —

Disease of the Month: Chickweed Pest of the Month: Biscogniauxia Canker

by Heather Prince

Disease of the Month: Biscogniauxia Canker

Weed of the Month: Chickweed

As temperatures cool off, cool season annual weeds are beginning to germinate, including common chickweed (Stellaria media).

Chickweed reproduces by seed and normally germinates in the fall, blooms the following spring, and dies off in summer heat. However, it may sometimes weather summer’s heat and drought. It prefers cool, moist, shady, fertile sites as well as compacted soils.

Chickweed forms large, dense patches in mowed areas, but will be more upright if unmown. It will often grow over surrounding low plants. Stems are softly hairy and will root at the nodes when prostrate. Leaves are small, bright green and broadly oval supporting small white five-petaled starry flowers in spring.

Treatment:

Chickweed

Biscogniauxia Canker

Chickweed is shallow rooted and easy to remove mechanically or by hand. For chemical control, apply postemergence herbicides including products containing 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, clopyralid, triclopyr, carfentrazone, florasulam, or penoxsulam in mid- to late-autumn during active growth. To control germination, apply preemergence herbicides such as products containing benefin + trifluralin, dithiopyr, isoxaben, pendimethalin, prodiamine, or pronamide in late summer or early autumn.

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

56

Biscogniauxia canker and dieback is a disease of stressed and weakened host trees that have experienced intense heat, prolonged drought, or any injury to a tree’s root system. While the disease may infect a variety of tree species, oaks within the red oak group are particularly susceptible.

Biscigniauxia canker is a fungal disease that enters the tree through wounds and natural bark openings and is caused by the pathogen Biscogniauxia atropunctata (formerly Hypoxylon atropunctatum). In healthy trees, the fungus survives as small colonies in the bark and sapwood but is kept in check by the tree’s natural defenses. Hot, dry conditions cause water stress within the host trees, causing fungal colonies to begin rapid growth. It then causes a decay of the sapwood, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients through a tree.

Early symptoms of the disease resemble drought stress.

Branches often have wilting, yellowing, or smaller than normal leaves. Affected trees often have thin canopies with visible dieback. Large girdling cankers form as the disease progress down to the trunk, eventually killing the tree. Look for exposed stromata (compact masses of mycelium) that typically appear the year after a severe stress event. Cushion-like fungal stroma form under the bark and exert pressure between the wood and bark of the tree, causing the bark to slough off the tree and revealing a tan to brown colored fungal stroma. Later, the stroma turns silver in color, and finally black.

Treatment:

Unfortunately, there are no control measures for Biscogniauxia canker and dieback on oaks. Management is by prevention and sanitation. Avoid wounding tree bark during the growing season and avoid damaging their root systems. Ensure proper watering during hot, dry weather. Prune out dead or declining limbs with suspected infections to stop the spread. Severely infected trees should be swiftly removed and infected wood should be destroyed immediately.

Additional resources:

The Morton Arboretum http://www.mortonarb.org/Plant Clinic: http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/ tree-and-plant-advice/ 630-719-2424 The Landscape Contractor October 2020

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

TUFF STUFF AH-HA

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Alsip Home & Nursery St. John, IN • 219-365-0882 Cedar Path Nurseries Lockport, IL • 815-838-4900 Foundation Nursery Momence, IL • 815-954-6455 Green Glen Nursery Will Co., IL • 815-723-1140 Kaknes Landscaping Supply Naperville, IL • 630-416-9999

• Huge blooms • Strong stems

Midwest Groundcovers St. Charles, IL • 847-742-1790

• Better bud hardiness • Exceptional rebloomer 5’

TUFF STUFF AH-HA® Hydrangea serrata ‘SMNHSDD’, pp#29,832; cbraf USDA Zone 5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C) Full sun, Part sun, 2 - 3’ tall and wide

Siteone Landscape Supply siteone.com

www.provenwinners-shrubs.com

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

Stoneleaf Nursery Eureka, IL • 309-261-7008

57

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Landscape Account Manager

Commercial Account Sales – Snow & Land

Landscape Maintenance Sales Team Member

Enhancing lives through beautiful landscapes requires a unique passion for a special career.

James Martin Associates, Inc. is looking for someone who is ready to dig in, cultivate, and grow the love of enhancing the natural beauty of our clients’ property. Working with our team of professionals in landscaping and snow services, you will live out your passion while building your client list, loyalty and satisfaction.

What you will be doing...

Account management, client retention, enhancement sales, new contract sales, business development, production layout and overview, along with winter responsibilities for our snow operations team.

Department: Western DuPage Landscape Services Reports to: General Manager Experience / Education: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with minimal supervision. Must possess an intermediate level of horticultural knowledge plus 2 - 4 years of green industry experience in sales, primarily serving commercial maintenance and snow customers.

Purpose: Engage new commercial maintenance and snow accounts.

Principle Duties:

This opportunity might be right for you if: You consider yourself an expert on landscape maintenance standards, and have a strong knowledge of plant material and installation standards.

• Prospect for commercial maintenance and snow clients: • Prepare land and snow proposals • Present land and snow proposals • Maintain relationship with key contacts.

• Have regular, planned contact with prospects and key clients.

• Attend client meetings and functions.

• Respond to all customer quote requests in a timely manner.

• Work with general manager on maintenance sales and snow opportunities as you develop them.

• Prepare all appropriate paperwork to ensure proper documentation and effective handoff to supervisors.

• Quality control during snow removal operations.

Excellence is #1 and you are proud to communicate the benefits of our superior services to existing clients and to convince new clients how we can improve their “point of view”.

You are energized for success and want to earn it by following your passion, commitment to your goals and conviction that James Martin Associates, Inc. is the place where you will realize the best opportunity to achieve and grow your career.

Preferred Experience and Education • Degree in, or equivalent and demonstrated knowledge of landscape management or horticulture.

• 5 years’ experience with landscape maintenance • Excellent verbal and writing skills • Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office programs Please send resumes to: b.mcelroy@jamesmartinassociates.com PLEASE NOTE: “HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES Submit your ads online at ilca.net or call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

Key Skills to Fulfill Job Requirements: • • • • • • • • •

Prospecting Sales Knowledge of landscape maintenance best practices Knowledge of commercial snow and ice control Superior customer service Must work well with the services team Excellent time management Excellent communication both written & verbal Computer skills - MS office professional and LMN a plus

Please send resumes to: resumes@wdlinc.com

Mariani Landscape, a leader in the residential Landscape Design, Build, and Maintenance industry for over 60 years has an immediate opening for an experienced Account Management professional.

This position requires at least 3 years of client sales and service experience within the landscape industry. The ideal candidate will possess a solid knowledge of horticulture, experience communicating with Production teams, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to create beautiful landscapes through attention to details and by partnering with fellow team members and the best vendors/ subcontractors in the landscape business.

We seek a professional and courteous individual with superior multitasking and organization skills. Knowledge of computer based client management programs would be preferred.

This full-time salaried position offers competitive wages, incentive plan, comprehensive benefits, and a spectacular corporate culture that promotes growth, learning, teamwork, and employee satisfaction!

Please email or fax your resume and cover letter outlining your salary expectations to sbetz@marianilandscape.com Horticulturist/Landscape Designer Lakeshore Seasonal Services, headquartered in Valparaiso Indiana, serves commercial and institutional clients throughout Northwest Indiana. Our clients rely on us for creative solutions for new projects, renovations and ongoing grounds maintenance, including seasonal color and holiday decor.

We’re looking for a Landscape Designer and/ or Ornamental Horticulturist to work with staff landscape architects on design/build and landscape management projects.

Experience with Adobe graphic software is desirable, as is a two or four degree in this or a closely related field, but most important is a willingness to learn and grow with our company.

Please send resumes to hfs@lakeseasonal.com

58

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Director of Business Development

Landscape Architect/Designer

Herbaceous Buyer

Purpose: To expand and grow our client base by attracting new customers and increasing the spending of existing customers. Maintain and expand corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and services, servicing the customers’ needs and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Provide input and collaborate with all sales team members and mentoring of new members as required. New sales generation.

Wingren Landscape Downers Grove, IL

Mariani Landscape, a leader in the residential Landscape Design, Build, and Maintenance industry for over 60 years, is currently looking for a Herbaceous Buyer. Based in our Lake Bluff, Illinois facility, be part of one of the best sales and service teams in the industry. If you believe in building long-term relationships, and have a desire to provide the best service to valued clientele, we would like to hear from you.

Qualifications: 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 horticulture related field or extensive horticulture training.

Please email resume to GKruckenberg@ BalancedEnvironmentsInc.com

Wingren Landscape is considered one of the area’s top landscape architectural and design firms. Our goal is to create a unified and stimulating environment where your talents and motivation are rewarded. Wingren Landscape is not just a place to work; it is a place to be creative and successful while at work. Wingren Landscape, Inc. is an award winning full-service landscape company for both residential and commercial properties seeking an experienced candidate for the following full time position:

This associate will be responsible for coordinating the purchasing of herbaceous plant material for the entire company. This associate works closely with the design and sales teams, as well as the greenhouse and purchasing teams, to successfully exceed departmental and company standards for quality and production goals.

Job Requirements • At least 2 years professional experience required, preferably in a purchasing and herbaceous material related position.

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of landscape terminology and herbaceous plant materials.

Landscape Architect / Designer Position Role / Requirements: This person will be responsible for managing all phases of residential design projects of varying types and sizes from initial client outreach to project managing the job to completion. The position involves design, sales and project management.

• B.S. Landscape Architecture or demonstrated experience.

• Ability to produce high-quality creative designs, estimate and sell jobs.

• Intermediate to advanced skill level in Autocad, Adobe Photoshop, and MS Office. Experience with Sketch Up, LandFX and Asset is considered a plus.

• 3 plus years of experience preferr • Excellent communication and graphic skills

Please send your cover letter and resume to sbetz@marianilandscape.com.

Wingren offers competitive compensation and benefit packages.

Please send resume and work samples to: megly@wingrenlandscape.com

OPEN POSITIONS:

Landscape Account Manager Human Resource Associate Bookkeeper Team Administrator Mechanic/Fabricator lidlandscapes.com | (303) 440-7833

jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

59

Classified Ads HELP WANTED Turf Technician Mariani Landscape, a leader in the residential Landscape Design, Build, and Maintenance industry for over 60 years, is currently looking for an Lawn Care Spray Technician.

Based in our Lake Bluff, Illinois facility, be part of one of the best service teams in the industry. If you believe in building long-term relationships, and have a desire to provide the best service to valued clientele, we would like to hear from you.

Responsibilities include apply fertilizer and other chemical products to lawns and landscape beds, and shrubs. We seek a professional and courteous individual with superior multitasking and organization skills.

Job Requirements This position requires at least 2 years of experience. The ideal candidate will possess a solid knowledge of pesticide applications, snowplow experience, Z-Spray/Perma-green experience, possess a pesticide license and valid driver’s license.

This full-time position offers competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a spectacular corporate culture that promotes growth, learning, teamwork, and employee satisfaction!

Please email your resume and cover letter to sbetz@marianilandscape.com Production Coordinator Mariani Landscape, a leader in the Landscape Maintenance industry for over 60 years, is currently looking for a Production Coordinator to join our talented Maintenance Production team.

This position is responsible for the operations and management of residential crews and ensuring 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 position is responsible for leading the maintenance production efforts, including identifying crew scheduling issues in response to client requests, and working with the sales teams to communicate needs and concerns to the crews. The Production Coordinator is responsible for training the crews on policy and procedures, as well as supervising the overall activities of the crew associates.

Please email your resume and cover letter to sbetz@marianilandscape.com

60

HELP WANTED Looking For Individuals with a Strong Background in Irrigation • Ability to read and comprehend the scope of work.

• Properly estimate time and material required for repairs • Communicate with account managers to explain repair situations • The handling of sprinklers, water lines, pumps, valves, and other equipment is required.

• Proper completion of daily time sheets • Manage labors as needed • Perform repairs in a timely manner • Minimum of 2 years of experience • Knowledge with Lake pumps, Pump Stations and Well systems • Experience with 2 wire systems • Irrigation Association of certification (a plus) • Must be able to lift 75lbs., stand, crouch, bend and lift for much of the day.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License with the ability to drive a truck and trailer.

• Ability to operate a skid steer.

• Can effectively communicate with internal team and external clients.

• Spanish is a plus!

• Ability to use technology for administrative purposes. (I Phone and/or tablet and CPU) Please send resumes to evab@groundpros.com Accounting Associate Part Time Accounting Associate Position.

Accounting Associate with an emphasis in AR Collections.

Performs various duties as assigned by Accounting Manager. $18-$22/hr. *Send your Resume to Sandra@sebert.com Maintenance & Enhancements Branch Manager As a repeat Award Winning Company, Premier is looking to grow our Team! We are hiring a Branch Manager for our Lemont location. We offer competitive compensation and benefits with opportunities for growth!

Qualified candidates should email their resume to: hr@premierservice.com

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

HELP WANTED Business Development Manager & Turf Technician Greenwise is Chicagoland’s leading organic lawn care and landscape company.

We offer an exciting opportunity for someone to develop and grow our business and brand in Chicago’s western suburbs. We are seeking a self-starting, independent, organized and personable Business Development Manager who excels at both customer care and sales. Your responsibilities will include sales, marketing and performing turf services for the western territory.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are looking for a long-term business development role with a company that offers a competitive starting salary of $45,000 and full benefits package, including a matching 401(k), and an opportunity to earn bonuses and commissions, Our headquarters are located in Evanston, but you can work independently out of your home.

Your responsibilities for this position will begin February 1. We can hire you for seasonal work prior to Feb 1 for training, turf care and snow removal.

Send cover letter and resume to abby@iamgreenwise.com Accounting Administrator The position of Accounting Administrator will follow company accounting processes to perform general accounting duties.

Responsibilities may include any task related to accounts receivable, accounts payable, ticket collection, invoice reconciliation, data entry, payroll, or other administrative accounting duties.

Send Resume to Sandra@sebert.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

CLOSING DATES & RATES October 2020 issue ads: Sept. 15, 2020 November 2020 issue ads: October 15, 2020 Submit your ads online at ilca.net or Call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

Advertisers

Attention Advertisers:

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These include:

Midwest Groundcovers ...........................................2 Midwest Trading ...................................................41 Monroe Truck Equipment .....................................17 North Shore Truck & Equipment ..........................35 RWC Insurance Group ..........................................49 Rocks Etc. .............................................................50 Russo Power ..........................................................37 Spring Meadow Nursery .......................................57 The Landscape Contractor magazine ....................60 The Mulch Center .................................................53 Turtle Creek Nursery ............................................43

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

Where will you find them?

• ILCA Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide

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

sponsor acknowledgments

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

Contractor & Suppliers to the Trade

Unilock, Inc. ..........................................................64 Xylem Ltd. ............................................................50

The Landscape Contractor October 2020

61

Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

Rock Garden at Cantigny Park

Rock Garden at Cantigny Park 1S151 Winfield Road Wheaton, IL 60189

by Heather Prince

As part of Cantigny Park’s Project New Leaf,

almost every garden space will be revamped and enhanced, finishing in 2022. One exciting new area is the rock and crevice garden located just east of the Visitor Center and south of the new Fountain Garden. “The area where the rock and crevice gardens are was originally the Dry Land garden that had fallen into disrepair. In keeping with the original garden themes identified by Franz Lip, we decided to create a new, immersive Rock Garden,” comments Samantha Peckham, Senior Horticulturist. “The original Rock and Dry Land gardens were very spread out and did not complement the character of other gardens within the Park, so we decided to condense them into one unified composition.” Cantigny worked with Sasaki Associates for design assistance and Damgaard Landscape along with horticulture staff and volunteers for installation. Open since the summer, visitors can experience a huge variety of native plants and alpine varieties within a backdrop of mature evergreens and Japanese maples.

The crevice garden embraces a new walkway, featuring slabs of rustic sold lannon stone laid on edge and filled with soil, sand, and pea gravel. “A group of us visited Lemke Quarry in Lannon, Wisconsin to pick out the stones. It was important for us to be able to feature a stone that is native to the Midwest. Another benefit of the lannon stone is its unique hardness and durability making it a

great choice for walls and ledges,” observes Peckham. Miniature plants are tucked into the unique microclimate and carefully tended until established. For ideas, “We looked at several Wisconsin rock and gravel gardens. We worked with local nurseries to source plant material, focusing on unique and interesting species that will survive our humid summers and cold, wet winters.” In total, the Rock Garden features about 250 plant varieties from prickly pear cactus in the sun to miniature hosta and ferns in the shade.

As the crevice gardens give way to the rock gardens, many native plants, especially prairie species, were installed. “The gravel garden is not purely native plants, but natives and nativars are the focus. We installed some trial gardens in the islands of the FDM parking lot last year and this year we’ve only had to water them once. Gravel gardens once established are much lower maintenance. Instead of only perennials in this garden, we took it a step further and incorporated shrubs and small trees dotted them around the existing evergreens,” explains Peckham. While this summer the new planting areas will be generously watered, by next year, they should require little maintenance. This fall, species bulbs of small stature will be incorporated within the crevice garden to delight visitors next spring. Sasaki designed the gardens to spill out into the lawn, allowing the mature evergreens to create a soft elegant backdrop for events and photos. Make sure to stop in every season as this unique garden grows and thrives.

Shade crevices with Hosta ‘Rainbow’s End’

Echinocereus reichenbachii var. albispinus in the crevice garden

The rock garden, Kniphofia PyromaniaTM ‘Orange Blaze’

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The Landscape Contractor October 2020

THE ORIGINAL FACEMIX

CLASSIC THRUMIX

Less resistant to wear

REFINED SURFACE TEXTURE

CONCENTRATED COLOR THAT LASTS

Facemix manufacturing was a concept we introduced more than twenty-five years ago. Trademarked Enduracolor, this two phase manufacturing process delivers a surface texture that is more refined and resistant to wear than old-style thru mix. With Enduracolor, you don’t need to seal the project in order to protect it from surface wear and color fading. That saves you time, and it saves your homeowners money.

Contact 1-800-UNILOCK or visit UNILOCK.COM to connect with your local Territory Manager.