2 minute read
Executive Director message
Fall quickly came this year, after a hot, but fortunately, wet summer. Drought was the last thing on anyone’s mind in the spring and summer of 2022, but it’s always out there, hovering in the background noise.
Respecting the water supply
I subscribe to the University of Georgia’s daily climate blog, On The CASE…Climate and Agriculture in the SouthEast and can see a quick view of climate conditions regionally and throughout the US. The southeast US has been spared the ongoing, creeping drought found throughout much of the western part of the country, but don’t let that create a false sense of security. During World Water Week, Aug. 23 - Sept. 1, 2022, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension reached out to Georgia residents and businesses to adopt practices that respect the importance of water quality for recreation and drinking water. These recommendations, which all landscape professionals recognize as best management practices, will protect water resources and could reduce costs of lawn maintenance and drinking water treatment and include: > Test your soil. > Plant the right plants in the right place. > Fertilize only as needed to maintain the health of lawns and landscape plants. > Build up organic matter in the soil by adding mulch each year. > Diagnose symptoms of plant stress. > Never fertilize during excessively dry periods. > Do not apply fertilizer before windy or heavy rainfall days. > Do not overwater. > Fertilize ornamental plants in spring when growth begins. > Aerate lawns at least once a year. > Leave grass clippings on the lawn with a mulching mower.
It’s also important to remember that what happens on the surface doesn’t always stay on the surface. Pollution from our land-use activities can make its way into our groundwater resources that are important to millions of Georgia residents with drinking water wells. By designing an efficient landscape and fertilizer plan, you can save on maintenance costs while protecting water quality in the community.
Battery power
A hot topic which is getting hotter is the gas to battery powered equipment movement. We’ve seen that most recently in 2022 with the exploratory outreach the city of Decatur made to stakeholders, veiled in the “noise ordinance” issue. Throughout the summer, Decatur held listening meetings to collect feedback, and we anticipate a proposed new ordinance and public comment period in 3rd quarter 2022. UAC will continue to advocate for a reasonable approach that does not harm professional landscape companies and will keep you advised.
According to Lawn & Landscape’s 2022 Battery Powered Equipment Survey, 30% of those surveyed responded that they currently do not use any battery powered equipment, compared to 42% in 2021. Whether using battery powered equipment now, or contemplating for future use, there’s a strong consensus that they would be more open to it if technology that met their needs existed.
Those advancements are coming, and we look forward to seeing what’s ahead.
Upcoming events
We’re looking forward to seeing you this fall and winter at UAC Networking Dinners, Lunch & Learns, Sporting Clay Tournament and kick-off for 2023 at the Tucker Brewing Company! Look for more info and new events on our website: urbanagcouncil.com
Have a wonderful fall and joyous holidays as we ring out the year!
