UAC Magazine - March/April 2015 by Georgia Urban Ag Council

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Advocate. Educate. Promote.1

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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UAC Magazine Official publication of the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council

Board of Directors

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Dixie Speck, President Solterra Landscape Todd Jarrett Arbor Hill Nurseries Ken Morrow Sod Atlanta Chris Nelson Chattahoochee Nature Center Bob Scott Irrigation Consultant Services Ray Wiedman Outdoor Expressions Ron White TurfPride Tony Gibson, Past President Gibson Landscape Services

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Ex Officio

32 The things that really matter What influences buying decisions? 34 Foot, meet mouth Eight things you shouldn’t say at work 36 Do you really understand your financials? Reports can tell the future

Ellen Bauske UGA Extension Public Service Assistant Bodie Pennisi UGA Extension Horticulturist Clint Waltz UGA Extension Turf Agronomist

Staff Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director Kathy Gatten Johnson Marketing Director & Editor

A member of:

UAC NEWS

4 6 6 7 11 12 45

President/Executive Director message New UAC website Ready for you and your customers What did you miss? Lunch + Learn Industry Issues, January 2015 2014 Professional Landscape Awards Judges & winners Gibson’s achievements recognized ENR’s Top 20 under 40 SEED sponsorship opportunities New pricing & benefits for 2015 2015 UAC media guide Looking for a way to reach UAC members?

BUSINESS

INDUSTRY 42 43 44 46

UGA Extension gets new leader Perry Johnson Scholarship deadline is May 29 Open to southern hort students Dirr recognized for plant breeding Nat’l Academy of Inventors National Lawn Care Month Educate your clients about their turf

URBAN AG

49 50 51 52 54

What’s the orange goo? Strange fungi grows on hardwood stumps Spring start-up Safely return irrigation systems to operation Need irrigation supplies? UAC members to the rescue The dangers of phenoxy herbicides Protecting trees and shrubs Winter perennial weed Strategies for controlling wild garlic in lawns

IN EVERY ISSUE

14 16 18 20 22 26 28 51

Save the date Have you met...Idith Moran, Gibbs Landscape Company Pest 411 Azalea lace bugs Me & my mentor Ellen Bauske, UGA Center for Urban Agriculture Safety works OSHA and DOT: What you need to know now What the tech? The Jetsons would be proud Health & benefits 2014 tax changes & UAC health program update UAC welcomes new members

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Atlanta Botanical Garden Georgia Agribusiness Council Georgia Arborist Association Georgia Association of Water Professionals Georgia Green Industry Association Georgia Urban Forest Council Georgia Water Alliance PLANET Southeastern Horticultural Society

UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters, Do you know anyone who has “Nature-

Deficit Disorder”? Did you know that experts say “WalkUP” communities are key to Metro Atlanta’s future? What about the difference between structured play and unstructured play, and how each effects a child’s development?

Dixie Speck President

What do these have to do with the landscaping industry? To create and grow in our industry we need to be aware of growing trends and opportunities that involve new plant needs, new design approaches, new equipment and technology, and new regulations. UAC and contributors work diligently to keep up with trends, opportunities, and requirements then find content and experts to educate its members. In this issue, you will find important information on new reporting requirements for

I received an email from a young lady who

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

had taken (and passed) the Georgia Pesticide License exam. She was very grateful that we offered both the training and the exam onsite at the EDGE Expo, and said she never can get an answer to this question: “Why are there so many options for recertification but none for initial certification – and why can’t I do it all at once?”

Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director For a complete explanation of requirements for private and commercial applicators licenses, visit http://agr. georgia.gov/ pesticides-faqs

Not exactly accurate – certification training can be obtained from local cooperative extension agents - but EDGE’s one-stop shop of training on Wednesday and exam on Thursday is certainly convenient for the busy landscape professional – or soon to be professional! I reviewed the Georgia Dept of Ag website about pesticide requirements, and while thorough, the process appeared to be more complicated than it is. A quick Google search brought me to a lawn care forum, where it was boiled down to this (applicable to most who are applying pesticides/ herbicides): 1. You need a Commercial Applicator License and a Pesticide Contractor License. 2. You’ve got to get books for training - (a) General Standards Study Guide and (b) Ornamental & Turf

OSHA and DOT, what to do now to control lace bug damage that plagues practically all azaleas, information to help manage irrigation spring startups, and much more. To all of the 2014 UAC Professional Landscape Award winners, congratulations and thank you for taking the time to share your projects! To everyone else, make a plan to get those awardwinning photographs taken this year (“before”s and “after”s) so you can benefit next year from being a 2015 award winner! And just what are Nature-Deficit Disorder and WalkUP communities? Check them out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_deficit_ disorder and http://news.atlantaregional. com/?p=1000)

3. 4.

5. 6.

You can purchase these books by calling UGA and pay by credit card over the phone. Take your exam from a local technical college for $45 (additional $45 for each fail & retake). Once you pass, pay an additional fee for the license itself: $90 for the Commercial Applicator License (good for 5 years) and $55 for the Pesticide Contractor License (renewable annually) “Start upselling and making more money.” “It means a lot to a customer when you can also chant off every weed that you see on their property when you bid it...”

The last two entries caught my eye. While both are admirable reasons to obtain your license, it’s more important that you will learn how, when and what to apply pesticides correctly! Georgia UAC stands behind rigid enforcement of these pesticide licensing requirements and encourages the Georgia Dept of Ag to strictly enforce them. Additionally, as Federal, state and local governments become more restrictive on pesticide use, it is imperative that you and your employees are knowledgeable and in compliance. This will continue to set professionals apart from non-professionals.

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UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ MARCH/APRIL 2015

To order certified Zeon Zoysiagrass for your property, please contact one of these licensed Zeon growers here in Georgia.

UAC NEWS

New UAC website

Ready for you and your customers

urbanagcouncil.com 

 

Everything you need, all in one place

Easier event registration

 

Landscape grand award winners featured on the home page

Banner ads

More content for consumers

WHAT DID YOU MISS?

lunch + learn I N D U S T R Y I

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

January 2015

Limited seating.

Next event: Wednesday, March 18

Details on page 14 | Register online: urbanagcouncil.com

UAC NEWS

2014 Professional Landscape Awards Judges

Mark Banta

Rick Barnes

Tara Dillard

Banta built Centennial Olympic Park’s operations team from the ground up and is now President and CEO of Piedmont Park Conservancy. He is a past president of Georgia Turfgrass Association and MALTA and has served on the UAC board.

Barnes owned his own landscape company for 12 years and has been a part of the NatureScapes team for 19 years. He is a past Chairman of GGIA, a certified arborist and has made nearly 50 landscape awards submissions during his 31-year career.

Dillard is a nationally recognized garden designer, author, speaker, blogger and TV host. After earning degrees in engineering and horticulture, she began designing and installing lowmaintenance landscapes with an emphasis on the balance between home, garden, and life.

John Hatfield

Stephen D. Pettis

Walter Reeves

Gibson leads Gibson Landscape Services to create landscapes that are the living synergy between people and place. He serves on the UAC board and was just recognized by Engineering News Record as one of the Top 20 Under 40 construction professionals in the southeast.

Hatfield teaches horticulture at Chattahoochee Technical College. He has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Master of Agricultural Education from the University of Georgia.

Pettis is a UGA Cooperative Extension Agent in Rockdale County, where he consults on agriculture and natural resources topics. With UGA degrees in horticulture and plant protection and pest management, he specializes in plant health.

Reeves is retired from 29 years with the UGA Extension Service. He now hosts a call-in radio show, writes a newspaper column for the AJC, manages his extensive website, and writes gardening books.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Tony Gibson

UAC NEWS

Awards

Landscape Management: Residential Distinction Floralis Garden Design.................................................. Landscape Mgmt. - Cahillane Res. Grand The Fockele Garden Company..................................... Robertson’s Lake House

Design/Build/Installation: Seasonal Color - Commercial Merit Unique Environmental Landscapes............................. The Ridge at Vinings Estates Distinction Chatham Landscape Services....................................... Post Alexander

Chatham Landscape Services....................................... Post Riverside Parkway

Grand Award Winners

The Fockele Garden Company

Chatham Landscape Services

Floralis Garden Design

Planters, Inc.

Bennett Design & Landscape

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Robertson’s Lake House

Post Riverside Town Square

Historic Renovation Rome, GA

Post Gardens

Seasonal Container Project

Bell Residence

UAC NEWS Grand Chatham Landscape Services....................................... Post Gardens

Chatham Landscape Services....................................... Post Riverside Town Square

Design/Build/Installation: Seasonal Color - Residential Grand Floralis Garden Design.................................................. Seasonal Container Project

Design/Build/Installation: Commercial, $75,000 - $200,000 Grand Planters, Inc..................................................................... Historic Renovation Rome, GA

Design/Build/Installation: Commercial, under $75,000 Distinction Floralis Garden Design.................................................. Memorial Garden

2014 UAC Professional Landscape Awards

Unique Environmental Landscapes

Bennett Design & Landscape

Planters, Inc.

Ferguson Residence

Highlands Mountain Retreat

Which SIX of these grand award winners won Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice awards? Results in the May/June issue.

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2015

Merritt Residence

Rittenburg Residence

Unique Environmental Landscapes Flaugher Residence

UAC NEWS

Design/Build/Installation: Small-space Merit Arcoiris Design Gardening........................................... Alli’s Residence Distinction Unique Environmental Landscapes............................. Koushel Job

Design/Build/Installation: Residential, under $50,000 Distinction Classic Landscapes......................................................... Country Club Makeover Grand Bennett Design & Landscape........................................ Bell Residence

Unique Environmental Landscapes............................. Ferguson Residence Unique Environmental Landscapes............................. Rittenburg Residence

Design/Build/Installation: Residential, $50,000 - $150,000 Merit Ed Castro Landscape..................................................... Grundy Residence

Russell Landscape Contractors..................................... Hicks Residence

Distinction Ed Castro Landscape..................................................... Whitley Residence Floralis Garden Design.................................................. Mountain Lodge Grand Bennett Design & Landscape........................................ Merritt Residence Planters, Inc..................................................................... Highlands Mountain Retreat Unique Environmental Landscapes............................. Flaugher Residence

Design/Build/Installation: Residential, over $150,000

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Merit Floralis Garden Design.................................................. Rear Yard Renovation Distinction Artistic Landscapes........................................................ Markwell

Judging • All entries are judged without knowledge of who entered the project. • Entries do not compete against each other. • Entries are evaluated using criteria specific to the category. Merit

For projects that meet the standard in the category

Distinction

For projects judged as superior overall

Grand

For projects judged as greatly exceeding all criteria

Community Stewardship

For projects that promote safe, healthy, sustainable communities

Green Star

For the distinction or grand award winners in the installation, management, and seasonal color categories that employed innovative sustainable solutions.

Judges’ Choice

For the grand award winner (or winners) in the installation, management, and seasonal color categories that “WOW”ed the judges

UAC NEWS

Gibson’s achievements recognized ENR Southeast’s Top 20 under 40 announced by Scott Judy

The Southeast’s reputation for population and business growth appears to be playing out again, as metro areas from Miami to Atlanta are driving significant gains in construction activity. As a result, regional construction and design firms are again adding staff, and looking for top-quality workers.

Tony R. Gibson

Landscaping entrepreneur has

led company to commercial success

39, President Gibson Landscape As Engineering News-Record (ENR) Southeast’s  Services latest Top 20 Under 40 class demonstrates, the construction industry has no shortage of young Jonesboro, Ga. professionals capable of leading a company— and the industry itself—to higher levels. From the passionate green advocate in Charlotte, to the doctor of civil engineering in the Atlanta area focused on designing new bioremediation methods, to the business developer in Raleigh who climbed an 19,347-ft-tall active volcano in Ecuador as part of a fundraiser for Water For People, this year’s representatives showcase a wide variety of skill, talent and passion as they work to contribute to their companies, their industry and their communities.

This year’s panel of judges included: Michael Bernos, director of public relations with engineering and architectural consultant RS&H in Jacksonville, Fla.; Cheryl Maze, principal with TLC Engineering for Architecture in Orlando; and a recent Top 20 Under 40 honoree, Ryan Taylor, president of Ryan Taylor Architects, Atlanta.

Today, Gibson Landscape Services is a 130-employee, $12-million-per-year enterprise with an extensive portfolio of award-winning hardscape and landscape construction projects across the Southeast. Among the company’s latest achievements is the recently completed $408-million Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Ga. Gibson regularly returns to his alma mater to share his experiences, helping ensure there will be a bumper crop of new landscape construction professionals to tackle the challenges of the future. Article excerpted from ENR Southeast, published January 26, 2015 at southeast.construction.com. Reprinted with permission.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

As is the case with all of ENR Southeast’s contests, the publication assembled an independent panel of judges to review and rate the more than 60 nominees for this year’s Top 20 Under 40 competition. After assessing each candidate’s work experience, career and industry leadership achievements—as well as their efforts to give back to their communities and industry peers—judges determined the 20 most deserving individuals. The 20 young professionals collectively represent the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

Tony Gibson knows all about growing a Participating in service activities is successful business rewarding. Seeing other embrace literally from the service is thrilling. And making ground up. In 1998, the service part of your company’s newly minted Auburn culture is just being a good citizen. University landscape horticulture graduate Tony Gibson started his company President, Gibson Landscape Services with little more than some graduation money and proceeds from the sale of a truck he’d bought as a teenager.

UAC NEWS

SEED sponsorship opportunities

New levels, pricing, & benefits for 2015!

support | energize | enable | develop

seed

SEED sponsorships offer our members an additional opportunity to promote their businesses and support UAC at a level beyond the membership dues. This is an annually renewable program, beginning on the contribution date.

support | energize | enable | develop

URBAN AG COUNCIL

Available to current UAC business-level members only.

GEORGIA

Sponsorship levels and benefits

Contribution

DIAMOND $3000 Company name and logo will appear on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; choice of three full-page color interior ads in UAC Magazine OR web banner ad for six months on UAC website (your choice of issues/months). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $1500. TITANIUM $2000 Company name and logo will appear on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; choice of two full-page color interior ad in UAC Magazine OR web banner ad for four months on UAC website (your choice of issues/months). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $1000. PLATINUM $1000 Company name listed on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; choice of one full-page color interior ad in UAC Magazine OR web banner ad for two months on UAC website (your choice of issue/months). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $500

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

GOLD $500 Company name listed on UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events; one month web banner ad on UAC website (your choice of month). Total maximum value of additional benefits: $250. SILVER Company name listed on all UAC printed materials, the UAC website (with link to your website), and graphics at UAC-sponsored events.

$250

BRONZE Company name listed on UAC printed materials and the UAC website (with link to your website).

$100

Thank you to all of our SEED Sponsors! Diamond tree_logotypeUpdateGENERIC.pdf

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UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ MARCH/APRIL 2015

SAVE THE DATE

MAR

MEET > GREET >>

A Rollercoaster Called SUCCESS: The Floriculture Thrill Ride Jenny Hardgrave, Simply Flowers

DATE: Tuesday, March 3 TIME: 5:30 pm networking | 6:30 dinner + presentation PLACE: Oeslchig’s Nursery | 2705 Gregory Street | Savannah, GA 31404 Register online now: urbanagcouncil.com

MAR

Safety Zone Awards

• • • • • •

Deadline for entries: Monday, March 16 There is no entry fee Only UAC member companies in good standing may submit entries These awards recognize safety performance from January 1 December 31, 2014 Enter any or all of the award categories Awards given at the May 2015 UAC dinner

Visit www.urbanagcouncil.com for details and entry form.

MAR

lunch + learn I N D U S T R Y I

DOT Resolutions and Regulations

Mark Beverwyk, Risk Management Partners DATE: Wednesday, March 18 TIME: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: W.S. Pharr/Snellings Walters | 1117 Perimeter Center West

COST:

West Lobby | W101 | Atlanta, GA 30338 UAC members: $20/Non-members: $25 - includes lunch

Please register by Thursday, March 12 so we can be sure to have lunch for you!

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

MAR

UAC dinner meeting

Remarkable Companies: Start with “Why?” Mike Iverson, Snellings Walters DATE: Tuesday, March 24 TIME: 5:30 pm networking | 6:30 dinner + presentation PLACE: Heritage Sandy Springs | 6110 Blue Stone Road NE | Atlanta, GA 30328 Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

MAR

26-27

CEFGA CareerExpo DATE: Thursday, March 26 & Friday, March 27 PLACE: Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA

SAVE THE DATE

UAC dinner meeting

APR

Plants and Design in the Landscape

Tom Cox and Shannon Pable DATE: Tuesday, April 28 TIME: 5:30 pm networking | 6:30 dinner + presentation PLACE: Topiary Courtyard | 3045 Jones Mill Road | Norcross, GA 30071

MEET > GREET >>

MAY

DATE: Tuesday, May 5 TIME: 5:30 pm networking | 6:30 dinner + presentation PLACE: John Deere Landscapes | Garden City, GA

lunch + learn I N D U S T R Y I

Allan Webb, Snellings Walters

DATE: Wednesday, May 20 TIME: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: W.S. Pharr/Snellings Walters | 1117 Perimeter Center West

COST:

2 Locations and Growing!

MAY

Preventing Workers Comp Fraud

West Lobby | W101 | Atlanta, GA 30338 UAC members: $20/Non-members: $25 - includes lunch

For the Professional Landscape Trade - Southeast Region

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Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:30 pm 4904 Luckey’s Bridge Road SE, Dearing, GA 30808

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Just 40 minutes West of Augusta.

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Pick up and delivery! Conveniently located!

15 1/20/15 1:43 PM

SAVE HAVE THE YOUDATE MET

Idith Moran

Gibbs Landscape Company My first job in the green industry is... with Gibbs Landscape Company in Smyrna, Georgia.

The biggest challenge in my career has been... I like to believe that I don’t have big challenges in my career because I am patient and persistent. I think that if you analyze the situation and you set goals, it becomes easy to overcome them.

Idith Moran

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Address: 4055 Atlanta Road Smyrna GA 30080 Phone: 770.432.7761 Email: imoran@gibbslandscape.com Web: gibbslandscape.com

The person who has most influenced my career is...Paul Fly,

my boss early in my career when I worked for a renowned concrete company in Atlanta, GA. I worked in the human resources department, supporting risk management. With him I learned to be focused and persistent. He gave me the opportunity to run the program and allowed my creativity to flow. I was like a toddler learning how to walk all on my own, with him right behind making sure that my steps were firm and right. He introduced me to one of my passions in human resources: risk management and health and safety. Thank you, Paul…whereever you are!

My biggest career success so far has been...having the ability to come into an

organization and have an impact on both the employees and management. What I mean is that I enjoy taking the time to assess things

from a different angle and make them better. For instance, I like to come into an organization and perform an audit to find ways to improve the process. At the same time, I bring them up to date with regulations, compliances and technology.

If I had it to do over again, I would... not change a thing! I enjoy what I do and I like to think that my career is a hobby I get paid for. I love my hobby!

The thing I like most about my career is... people! I like employee relations and being both strategic and tactical when I walk into an organization, regardless of the size. I enjoy employee relations because it’s a bridge that allows me to make a difference in someone’s life. My second year at the university I took a course in human resources and when my professor began to define the pure essence of human resources…I fell in love! I enjoy being both the voice of the employee and the employer.

My least favorite part of my job is... nothing… and I am being sincere here. As I said, I have the best hobby in the world and I am lucky enough to get paid for it.

One piece of advice I would give to someone entering the green industry today is...to start off on the right foot. When

I start a job in any organization, the first thing I do is establish a strong bond with the employees through my personality and professionalism. The second thing I do is go out into the field and train for a day or two. When I started at Gibbs Landscape I partnered up with management and asked to join a crew. I went out wearing the company’s uniform and did the job just like any other member of the team. I wanted to know who I was working for. I wanted to understand the business and why we do what we do.

HAVE YOU MET The one thing most responsible for my success is...my father. I am daughter of two

immigrant parents. I remember that my father would drop me off at school and on the way he always made sure to tell me that I had to dream twice as much as he did. I needed to make an impact with my life to inspire those behind me.

If I could change careers, just for a month, I would...not want to change. Honestly, I have passion for what I do. I admire all careers and their functions, but human resources and safety is my calling. It’s what I look forward to every day when I come to work. However, if anyone insisted that I choose something different, I would have to say a worker’s compensation attorney. Early in my career, I was introduced to risk management by accident. I very quickly had to learn the field and the law. Risk management led me to health and safety. I enjoy working with great physicians, attorneys and employees…but having knowledge of the law is my adrenaline.

This is the knowledge that I am able to use to make an impact in my organization.

One thing that really annoys me is...not

having enough hours in the day. I want to always do more and more.

When I’m not working, I like to..Spend time with my family. I have two wonderful children and an amazing husband. I love to cook for them. Recently, I have picked up on cooking French cuisine and I am told by husband that I do a great job (he is a professional chef who specializes in French cuisine). I enjoy it because it is a thorough process, creative and fun!

One thing most people don’t know about me is...I use to draw and paint when I was

younger. I enjoyed doing it because it allowed me to be creative and free on a blank canvas. It was me expressing feelings, emotions and thoughts into one place.

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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PEST 411

Azalea lace bugs

Sucking insects remove sap from plant tissues by Beverly Sparks and Will Hudson, revised by Timothy Daly, University of Georgia

Lace bugs get their name from the

Jim Baker, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org

Lace bugs get their name from the appearance of the area behind their head and wing covers.

Jim Baker, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Sucking insect pests cause damage by removing sap from plant tissues.

CONTROLLING LACE BUGS

appearance of the area behind their head and wing covers. The area forms a lacelike covering over the body of the insect. They are 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length and are partially transparent.

Damage

Lace bug damage appears on the upper leaf surface as white to yellow chlorotic spots. The lower leaf surfaces will be cluttered with black spots and the old cast skins of immature lace bugs. Initiating control in the spring between March and May will reduce problems later in the season.

Sucking insect pests cause damage by removing sap from plant tissues. Symptoms of infestation include wilting of plant tissues, stunting, curling or distortion of new growth, chlorotic spots or stippling of the leaf surface, or a sticky substance or black fungal growth on the upper leaf surface.

Other sucking insect pests • Aphids • Scale insects • Mealybugs • Whiteflies • Spider mites

Notice: Pesticide labels and registrations are subject to frequent revision. Before using any insecticide, refer to the label and confirm that the intended use is in accordance with labels uses and restrictions. See the current edition of the Georgia Pest Management Handbook for current control recommendations.

Content excerpted from the UGA publication Control of Common Pests of Landscape Plants (B 1074). To view and/or download the entire publication, visit http://extension.uga.edu/publications and search for this title.

HOST PLANTS CONTROL Azalea, laurel, pyracantha, sycamore, hawthorn, quince, American elm, apple

Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org

Infestation

(1) Inspect susceptible plant material every week during the growing season for developing lace bug infestations. (2) Wash light infestations off the host plant with a strong stream of water. (3) When chemical control is necessary, use products containing acephate (Orthene), carbaryl (Sevin), malathion, cyfluthrin or bifenthrin. Repeated application at 10- to 14-day intervals may be necessary to maintain effective control. For the most effective control, time applications for early spring when the first generation is present.

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ME & MY MENTOR

Getting spring off to a safe start Checklists to train new employees by Ellen Bauske

Q: I have new employees starting this spring and I need them to hit the ground running. How can I make sure they know how to do their job safely?

•

• It can be a real challenge to get new employees up to speed at the same time you’re gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Language barriers can present a further complication. Safety Checklists for New Landscape Employees was developed with these challenges in mind, and it’s available for you to download at no cost.

Checklists included:

• General Safety Precautions • Equipment Safety • Lawnmower Safety • Pesticide Safety

These checklists can be used to introduce new landscape workers to safe work practices. They ensure that job training includes safety instruction.

How to use this information UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

•

Before new employees start their first assignment, supervisors should discuss the items covered in the these checklists.

•

Safe use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be demonstrated as the supervisor reviews the checklists. Pictures associated with each item reinforce the safety message for employees and provide clarity for non-English speaking employees. After each topic is discussed, the supervisor, and employee or employees sign the sheet and it can be filed, documenting the training.

OSHA approved

These checklists are based on the book Safety for Hispanic Landscape Workers (Bauske et. al. UGA CAES Ext. Bul. 1334) which has been approved by OSHA for use in safety training.

Free downloads

Both the checklist document and the book are available as free downloads, designed to help companies reduce incidents, stay in compliance and create a culture of safety. Safety Checklists for New Landscape Employees: http://extension.uga.edu/publications/files/ pdf/B%201415_1.PDF Safety for Hispanic Landscape Workers: http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail. cfm?number=B1334

Ellen Bauske has served as the program coordinator for the UGA Center

for Urban Agriculture for ten years. She holds a M.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell College. Prior to joining the Center for Urban Agriculture she helped create AWIS Weather Services and served as Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing of that company for seven years. Dr. Bauske has had the great pleasure of working in plant breeding, biological control, IPM and Extension. She currently coordinates urban programs in water issues, safety training, local food, and arboriculture. P: 770.233.5558 E: ebauske@uga.edu

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SAFETY WORKS

OSHA and DOT

What you need to know now by Lee Lyner, Risk Management Partners, for W.S. Pharr & Co.

In this article we will be reviewing the new OSHA reporting requirements along with driver safety rules and other safety tips.

OSHA

The new OSHA reporting requirements for 2015 changed one of the previous requirements and added an additional responsibilities for reporting.

What changed The requirement that changed was previously written like this: an employer must report to OSHA within 8 hours, any workplace incident that results in the hospitalization of three or more employees. As of January 1, 2015, employers are required to report to OSHA any workplace incident that results in the hospitalization of one or more employees. Do not confuse taking your employee to the Emergency Room with having your employee admitted to the hospital. If an employee is taken to the ER and released, you do not have to contact OSHA.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS

ACCIDENT TYPE Fatality 3 or more employees inpatient hospitalized from same incident Additional reporting requirements Amputation

Additional reporting requirements Amputation Loss of an eye

The additional reporting requirement that became effective January 1, 2015 states that the employer must report to OSHA within 24 hours a workplace incident that results in the loss of an eye. If such an incident occurs, you can contact OSHA the following ways: •

Call your local OSHA area office (can be found on the OSHA’s website at osha.gov) • Call OSHA’s toll-free number: 1-800-321-6742

What stayed the same All previous OSHA reporting requirements have stayed the same (see charts below).

DOT

Move over, slow pokes In Georgia, a new law was passed on July 1, 2014 called the slow poke law. House Bill 459 revises O.C.G.A. § 40-6-184 (Impeding Traffic Flow / Minimum Speed Requirement) by adding a new subsection (c). The new subsection prohibits operation of a vehicle in the left-hand lane of a controlled-access highway except to pass another vehicle.

Distracted driving OSHA REPORTING Call OSHA within 8 hours Call OSHA within 8 hours

Call OSHA within 24 hours

NEW REQUIREMENTS (effective January 1, 2015) ACCIDENT TYPE Fatality 1 or more employees inpatient hospitalized from same incident

What’s new

OSHA REPORTING Call OSHA within 8 hours Call OSHA within 8 hours

Call OSHA within 24 hours Call OSHA within 24 hours

In recent news, a driver was pulled over in Cobb County and given a ticket because he was eating a burger while driving. Whether you agree or disagree with this citation issued to this driver, this is an example of distracted driving. Any distraction while you are driving can effect your driving including texting, emailing, shaving, applying makeup and yes, even eating while driving. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. Most people relate cell phones

SAFETY WORKS to distracted driving. Although cell phones were originally invented to help in emergency situations, today we use them for texting, calling, emailing, alarm clocks, and it seems that new features are added daily. If you are driving a CMV you cannot have the cell phone up to your face when driving, you must have a hands-free device. Did you know that even if you are using a bluetooth device with your phone that it will still detract from your driving? The National Safety Council estimates that in a recent year, 21% of vehicular crashes (1,100,000) involved talking on either a handheld or handsfree cell phone. Talking on your cell phone while driving can have dramatic consequences. Here are just a few of the effects: • Delayed reaction time • Visual impairment • Comparable to drunk driving

Driving under the influence Operating a vehicle while under the influence of any drugs can have a negative effect on your driving; even over-the-counter drugs have side effects. If you are taking any medications (prescribed or over the counter) be sure to check the precautions before driving. Some medications mixed with alcohol can result in serious outcomes if you’re behind the wheel. If you decide to drink but think you’ll be okay if you stay below the legal blood alcohol level, think again. Your driving will still be affected.

Seat belt usage Do you make sure that you and others are wearing their seat belts before you start driving? Seat belts have come a long way over the course of vehicle history. If worn correctly (including wearing all components of the seat belt) seat belts will increase your chances of surviving

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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SAFETY WORKS If you violate the HOV lane law you can be charged with a misdemeanor. The first offense can be up to $75.

a crash by over 50%. Seat belts can prevent you and others from being thrown out of the vehicle in the case of an accident. And it’s just as important that the passengers in the back of the vehicle buckle up. If not, they are increasing their chances of being killed in a crash and killing or seriously injuring the front seat passengers also.

Have a safe day and safe travels.

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Not only is wearing your seat belt a safe practice but IT’S THE LAW.

HOV lanes How well to you know the HOV lane rules? HOV lanes are for vehicles with two or more (living and not pre-infant) persons, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and alternative fuel vehicles properly licensed with an AF license plate.

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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WHAT THE TECH?

The Jetsons would be proud

Three trends that will change the way we do everything by Lee Brogden Culberson, Professional Mojo

Trend 1: Automated homes

From clap on/clap off lights to timed irrigation systems for lawns, our homes and landscapes have been automated for many years, but the Internet of Things (the magic dust that makes sensors and systems connect to each other and complete tasks without human input) will turn mere automation into truly smart.

What it means: For example, smart sprinklers

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

cartoon originally ran from 1962-1963 but then ingrained itself into generations of kids thanks to wide syndication. Today, over 50 years later, The Jetsons even have their own Facebook page with almost 1.5 million Likes.

What is it about The Jetsons that keeps a cartoon relevant and a part of the public consciousness? I think it is technology and its use for everyday tasks both in the home and in our business. Finding ways to extend and leverage technology to help us be more productive and more efficient is the pursuit of many, much as it was dreamed about by Martha and George in 1962. While telling Rosie the Robot to clean your home or do your financial books is a way off yet, there are still plenty of exciting trends to help you connect with your customers and improve your business processes.

will test the soil and provide the right amount of water in the right area (not by time, but by actually testing the soil). Or, outside lighting will be controlled by tablets, mobile devices or wearable technology, with the homeowner in control of which light, what area and how bright. Smart sensors will be able to detect water leaks, humidity levels, carbon monoxide, motion, heat and every environmental concern and then communicate with the owner – wherever he or she is. Technology used outside and connected to the inside will provide cost savings, security and convenience for your customers.

Trend 2: Wearables

FitBits and other activity-tracking wearables are commonplace now, but as a business owner who is in the field, how nice would it be to ditch the phone on your hip? That time is now. Smart watches are wearable-technology devices that maintain a wireless connection to your mobile device—usually a smart phone—and can run apps, receive notifications of incoming calls, texts, instant messages, social-network updates, and more, from that device. Some can also let you accept and conduct phone calls right on the watch. Newer models can even act as a phone on their own – without being paired with a digital device nearby.

WHAT THE TECH? What it means: Using wearable technology in the field can free your hands, reduce the incidence of lost devices and improve connectivity among team members.

Trend 3: Mobile

Yes, yes…mobile has been around for a while, but it continues to grow at an astounding rate. According to MarketWatch, 2014 was the first year that people spent more time on their mobile device than on their PCs and the first time more people browsed retail sites on their phones rather than on PCs.

What it means: Expect your customers to

ditch paying you with checks or even credit cards (at least with plastic in hand) and expect to use mobile-friendly apps like ApplePay, PayPal Ebay and other mobile commerce to make payments easy and convenient. If you are still requiring old-

fashioned payment methods, you’ll be behind the times shortly. Shore up your knowledge on mobile commerce and make it fast and easy to get paid. Your bottom line will thank you. No, you can’t order your steak from the computer quite yet or hop on a hovercraft to avoid traffic on 285, but you can start planning for the future of your business, because your customers will be there with or without you. About the author Lee Brogden Culberson is Founder & Partner of Professional Mojo LLC, a full-service marketing company that specializes in telling your business story irresistibly online and in print. P: 678.561.6656 E: lee@professionalmojo.com W: professionalmojo.com

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

HEALTH & BENEFITS

2014 tax changes

Health care law brings updates to tax forms

Health care basics The Affordable Care Act requires that a taxpayer and each member of their family either have qualifying health coverage for each month of the year, qualify for an exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment when filing their federal income tax return.

Along with a few new lines on existing forms, there are two new forms that will need to be included with some tax returns.

ACA changes

This year, there are some changes to tax forms related to the Affordable Care Act. Along with a few new lines on existing forms, there are two new forms that will need to be included with some tax returns.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

While most taxpayers will simply need to check a box on their tax return to indicate they had health coverage for all of 2014, there are also new lines on Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ related to the health care law.

To help navigate these changes, taxpayers and their tax professionals should consider filing their returns electronically. Using tax preparation software is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return as it guides individuals and tax preparers through the process. There are a variety of electronic filing options, including free volunteer assistance, IRS Free File for taxpayers who qualify, commercial software, and professional assistance.

Some moderate-income taxpayers may also qualify for financial assistance to help cover the cost of health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Taxpayers will fall into one or more of the following categories:



Check the box. Most taxpayers will simply check a box on their tax return to indicate that each member of their family had qualifying health coverage for the whole year. No further action is required. Qualifying health coverage includes coverage under most, but not all, types of health care coverage plans. Taxpayers can use a chart on IRS.gov to find out if their coverage counts as qualifying coverage.



Exemptions. Taxpayers may be eligible to claim an exemption from the requirement to have coverage. Eligible taxpayers need to complete the new IRS Form 8965, Health Coverage Exemptions, and attach it to their tax return. Taxpayers must apply for some exemptions through the Health Insurance Marketplace. However, most of the exemptions are easily obtained from the IRS when filing a return.



Individual Shared Responsibility Payment. Taxpayers who do not have qualifying coverage or an exemption

HEALTH & BENEFITS for each month of the year will need to make an individual shared responsibility payment with their return for choosing not to purchase coverage. Examples and information about figuring the payment are available on the IRS Calculating the Payment page.



Premium Tax Credit. Taxpayers who bought coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace should receive Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, from the Marketplace by early February. This form should be saved because it has important information needed to complete a tax return.

If the Form 1095-A is not received by early February, contact the Marketplace where coverage was purchased rather than the IRS. The IRS does not have this information.

Taxpayers who benefited from advance payments of the premium tax credit must file a federal income tax return. These taxpayers need to reconcile those advance payments with the amount of premium tax credit they’re entitled to based on their actual income. As a result, some people may see a smaller or larger tax refund or tax liability than they were expecting. Use IRS Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC), to calculate the premium tax credit and reconcile the credit with any advance payments. For more information about the Affordable Care Act and filing the 2014 income tax return visit IRS.gov/aca. Content from IRS Fact Sheet FS-2015-9, February 2015: 2014 Tax Changes: Health Care Law Brings Updates to TaxForms; Other Benefits Renewed

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HEALTH & BENEFITS

UAC health program update by Michael Parker, CFP©

The 2015 open enrollment for the UAC

health program has come to a close. This open enrollment saw its share of challenges, but that is to be expected with extraordinary growth.

We want to thank all of the UAC members who currently participate in the program and we look forward to continued growth throughout 2015 and into the future.

We are happy to report that the program overall saw only a modest increase in premium rates for its members versus the market. We are also happy to report that the 2015 open enrollment season yielded almost a tripling of the program.

About the author Michael Parker is a benefits consultant with Snellings Walters Insurance Agency.

We plan to add several enhancements to the program this year and will continue to provide information and options that benefit the members. If you have not considered the program before, now is a great time to start.

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

BUSINESS

The things that really matter

What influences a contractor’s buying decision?

According to the results of a survey of landscape

contractors subscribed to Green Industry Pros magazine, three factors strongly influence a landscape contractor’s buying decision:

The equipment and tools used to create and maintain beautiful landscapes are merely a means to that end. Perhaps that’s why so many contractors are so proud of the fact that “they’re still running that same mower they started their business with 15 years ago.”

Durability/ Reliability Productivity/ Performance Brand Loyalty

Those three considerations are closely followed by Easier to Service, Comfortable to Use, Easy to Use, and the Dealer.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Of lesser importance to landscape contractors are the following four factors: Heard Other Contractors Like It, Trade-in Value, Price, Appearance.

In other words, while landscape and lawn care contractors are in the business of creating breathtaking beauty, how they look while creating that beauty matters very little—at least to roughly 90% of the contractors surveyed.

Additionally, because of the time sensitivity of landscape-related work, contractors like familiarity. So long as a piece of equipment is reliable—be it a brand or even specific model—landscape contractors tend to stick with it. The dealership they buy that equipment from is also fairly important. This helps explain why, in all major equipment categories, there continues to be numerous brands, most with less than 50% brand favorability among landscape contractors.

Are big contractors and small ones on the same page? There is very little difference in the responses of landscape companies with annual sales below $1 million vs. those over $1 million. This stands to reason. Whether you’re a massive company with 15 or 20 crews, or a smaller company with just one or two, each given crew is tasked with addressing a specific body of work. To address that work, each crew needs equipment and human beings to operate it. So again, familiarity (reliability, productivity, brand loyalty) is very important to all contractors.

Peer reviews The equipment and tools used to create and maintain beautiful landscapes are merely a means to that end. Perhaps that’s why so many contractors are so proud of the fact that “they’re still running that same mower they started their business with 15 years ago.” So long as that beast still runs good, game on.

There are a couple of areas, however, where big contractors and small contractors differ slightly. One is in the area of peer reviews.

BUSINESS Roughly 44% of landscape contractors with sales below $1 million said “heard other contractors like it” is an important factor (selecting 4 or 5 on scale of 1-5) in selecting a piece of equipment. Just 33% of contractors with sales over $1 million selected a 4 or 5.

Dealer loyalty Bigger and smaller contractors also differ slightly when it comes to equipment dealer loyalty.

Meet the newest member of your team. Dingo

Roughly 75% of smaller contractors scored “my local dealer is really good” as a 4 or 5. Just 65% of larger contractors did. This stands to reason as smaller contractors often rely a bit more on their dealers for service and parts support.

Trade-in value

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Finally, equipment trade-in value is one more area where big and small contractors differ.

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Just 35% of smaller contractors scored this as a 4 or 5, while 45% of larger contractors did.

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This stands to reason as smaller contractors are more apt to run their machines into the ground, whereas larger contractors are more typically on a predetermined replacement schedule. Thus, trade-in value becomes more important to larger contractors as they look to sell their existing depreciated equipment on the used market when they buy new.

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BUSINESS

Foot, meet mouth

Eight things you shouldn’t say at work by Marty Grunder

Here’s the deal, folks. We are always

being watched and listened to – always. More thought and consideration need to go into what we say.

The best thing the owner can do is model the behavior they want to see in their teams. The best leaders lead by example so, lead by example, take heed to all of the above and don’t make excuses.

Why can I say this? I’ve learned the hard way. All eight things referenced below are things I’ve said and I’ve regretted all of them.

The team member list

Here are three statements owners never want to hear their team members say:

That’s not my job. If you truly understand the vision for your landscaping company, you would never say this. Owners of small businesses want teammates who will do whatever it takes to win. We all have to work together and not worry about what our job is and isn’t, and instead, worry about what our internal clients (team members) and external clients (customers) want and need. All of us have parts of our jobs we don’t like; that’s life. Saying it’s not your job won’t endear you to anyone.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

I don’t want to embrace change. Charles Kettering said, “The only thing constant in life is change.” No one likes change. We dread it as it makes our lives more complicated, even only temporarily. Change is the only thing that can make us better. Would you rather have a doctor use techniques from 1971 or 2014? Owners want people running

alongside us that support us, believe in us and are willing to support some of our weird ideas because, quite frankly, some of them have worked.

I’m quitting. Yep, we don’t like hearing that. It’s the owner’s responsibility to have a nice, equitable workplace. It’s the owner’s responsibility to treat you well. And, it’s the owner’s responsibility to talk to you if you aren’t doing a good job and praise you when you are. We never want to hear you say, “I’m quitting!” So, if you have an owner who hasn’t learned how to have a dialog with you, reach out first and ask, “How am I doing? What can I do better?” It’s hard to find good people and it’s hard to find a good job. If the good at your place outweighs the bad, push the issue and talk to the owner. Don’t say, “I quit,” say, “Can I talk to you about some issues?” Then work them out.

The owner list

Here are five statements I have heard owners make that they should never say: Woe is me; I’m not making money. Your team doesn’t want to hear this and won’t understand or relate to it. The owner is the leader. If you’re not making money, it’s not their fault. Everything that goes sideways in your company is your fault, and until you look at things that way, you won’t improve. If you’re not making money, complaining to your team won’t help. Talking to your advisors and your team about improving will.

I built this business from scratch. Really? All by yourself? I don’t think so. You had help, not from the government, but from a team of committed professionals on your payroll. Recognize your team every time you can. Say, “We built this business.”

BUSINESS You did a good job. I hear this so often, but what does it mean? Your team doesn’t want to hear general comments like that. They want sincere, specific compliments. For example, “Jim, you did an awesome job at the Winland residence. There was not ONE detail you missed. The beds were perfect; the lines were crisp; heck, even the door mat was clean.” That’s a well-thought-out compliment that your team remembers and is sincere. It’s something they will share with others.

I’m working hard so I can buy my wife a Lexus (or some other item that doesn’t have anything to do with the business). How does this help your team? Any type of self-aggrandizing comment isn’t appropriate. It’s better to be humble and not share things that don’t help them. Be humble; be classy; keep your personal life to yourself. You don’t need to apologize for what your hard work has gotten you. You just don’t need to brag about it. Your team wants to hear you talk about doing things for them.

Mrs. Jones didn’t pay, so I can’t pay you. That’s an excuse and no member of your team wants to hear that. Why is it their fault you didn’t get a check from Mrs. Jones?

The best thing the owner can do is model the behavior they want to see in their teams. The best leaders lead by example so, lead by example, take heed to all of the above and don’t make excuses. Lou Holtz, the football coach, said it best, “Don’t tell me how rocky the sea is, just bring the darn ship in.” Reprinted from the December 2014 issue of Lawn & Landscape magazine.

About the author

Marty Grunder is a speaker, consultant and author; he owns Grunder Landscaping Co. and writes monthly for L&L. For more information on him, visit www. martygrunder.com.

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Do you really understand your financials? What your reports can tell you about your future by Rod Bailey

Having worked with all types of landscape contractors for several years, Rod Bailey says many simply do not understand their financial reports.

They have not learned that their financials are, and should be, the basis for looking into the future more than the past, and are critical planning, guiding and managing tools.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

~ Rod Bailey

“Most contractors seem to be using QuickBooks’ standard formats and regard their financial reports as an interesting historical track record,” Bailey says. “They have not learned that their financials are, and should be, the basis for looking into the future more than the past, and are critical planning, guiding and managing tools.”

Bailey adds that he’s talking about the two most important reports: The Balance Sheet and the Income Statement, often called the Profit & Loss Report. Let’s take a quick look at the formats that should be used for each.

Report #1: The Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet is linked to a point in time, such as the end of a fiscal year, quarter, or month. It is like a snapshot that shows how things were at that moment. It is a picture of what you own (Assets), what you owe (Liabilities) and what’s left over (Equity, or Owner’s Net Worth).

One reason this report is called the “Balance Sheet” is because it must always be in balance with Total Liabilities & Equity equal to Total Assets. The Balance Sheet equation is Assets minus Liabilities equals Equity.

Report #2: The Income Statement (Profit & Loss Report)

The Income Statement, or Profit & Loss Report, covers a period of time or series of time periods, such as months, quarters or years. If the Balance Sheet is like a snapshot, the P&L might be likened to a movie. The P&L says: Here’s how much money we earned, how much money it cost, and how much money is left over for Profit. The P&L’s basic equation is Revenue (Sales) minus Expenses equals Profit (or Loss). There should be five major sections to a P&L: 1. Revenue (Sales) 2. Direct Costs 3. Indirect Expense (one component of overhead) 4. General & Administrative (G&A) Expense (second component of overhead) 5. Net Profit Certainly each section of the P&L includes the details by type of revenue and expense, Bailey points out. You should also, as shown, have a column to determine the percentage relationship to total sales for comparison to your own history or to other companies in your industry. (NOTE: For those who would like a more detailed “Chart of Accounts”, you can contact Bailey via the email address shown at the end of this article.) “One of the problems I often encounter is a format where Cost of Sales usually includes everything but the kitchen sink, as is typical on tax returns,” Bailey points out.

BUSINESS Example: Balance Sheet ASSETS

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Current Assets Cash and Equivalents Accounts Receivable Inventories Total Current Assets

Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Notes Payable Other Current Total Current Liabilities

162,055.00 103,938.00 17,293.00 283,286.00

Gross Fixed and Noncurrent Assets Less Depreciation and Amortization Net Fixed Assets Other Term Assets Term Notes Receivable Goodwill Total Other Assets

694,813.00 381,790.00 313,023.00

Total Asssets

688,412.00

53,500.00 38,603.00 92,103.00

As shown in the illustration, Direct Costs include only those costs you can track directly to each job you do. They are the items you include on your estimating sheet when you are bidding a job. “Indirect Expenses are those you can’t track to each job, but you can track to each department, service or product line you are producing,” Bailey says. “Computation of the Gross Margin and Contribution Margin are two of the most important numbers you need to determine for planning, measuring and managing your business.”

Long-Term Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Worth (Equity) Capital Stock Beginning Retirement Earning Earnings this Period Total Net Worth (Equity)

140,729.00 309,764.00

Total Liabilities & Net Worth (Equity)

688,412.00

well as the indirect hours paid to direct labor employees for time not chargeable to the jobs such as shop time, training time, vacation, holidays, and in some companies, travel.

Making sense of these two reports

So how do we use all of this information for planning and managing? Bailey says you start by making some important calculations that show the relationships made evident in your financial statements. Then you use these ratios to compare yourself over time, and to compare yourself to others in your industry. Some of these calculations and ratios are from the Balance Sheet, some from the Profit & Loss, and some from inter-statement relationships. Here’s a look at 10 of the most valuable, using data from our two illustrations to provide examples. Balance Sheet Ratios

 Indirect Labor should be tracked and reported in the Indirect Expense Section. It is usually mechanic, supervisory and management as

5,000.00 231,548.00 142,100.00 378,648.00

Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities Example: $283,286 / $169,035 = 1.68

Bailey says anything over 1.0 is good. But if you’re below that, “You better be in the

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

One additional misunderstanding Bailey says he frequently sees is the treatment of Wages and Salaries under a single account titled Labor Expense. All labor, salaries and commissions should be recorded and tracked separately by type. Direct Labor is tracked in the Direct Cost section, which may include some allocation of Managers’ or Owners’ Salaries if, in fact, that person(s) works as “hands on” in the field directly on jobs.

75,689.00 45,045.00 48,301.00 169,035.00

BUSINESS Example: Income Statement/P&L Report

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

REVENUE (Sales) DIRECT COSTS Direct Labor & Burden Materials Subcontractors Other Direct Total Direct Costs

1,300,000.00

100.00%

367,900.00 91,000.00 130,000.00 48,100.00 637,000.00

0.283 0.07 0.1 0.037 0.49

28.30% 7.00% 10.00% 3.70% 49.00%

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN

663,000.00

0.51

51.00%

INDIRECT EXPENSES Indirect Labor & Burden Mechanic Labor & Burden Equipment Repair Equipment & Vehicle Depreciation Fuel & Oil

146,500.00 13,000.00 36,400.00 48,100.00 50,700.00

0.112692308 0.01 0.028 0.037 0.039

11.27% 1.00% 2.80% 3.70% 3.90%

Tools & Supplies Other Total Indirect Expenses

6,500.00 5,200.00 306,400.00

0.005 0.004 0.235692308

0.50% 0.40% 23.57%

CONTRIBUTION MARGIN

356,600.00

0.274307692

27.43%

GENERAL & ADMIN EXPENSE Owner Salaries Manager & Admin Salaries All Other G&A Total G&A Expense

68,900.00 39,000.00 106,600.00 214,500.00

0.053 0.03 0.082 0.165

5.30% 3.00% 8.20% 16.50%

NET PROFIT BEFORE TAXES

142,100.00

0.109307692

10.93%

maintenance business and have very reliable and predictable cash flow,” Bailey points out. “This ratio is regarded as a measure of your ability to pay your bills and stay current.”



Debt to Equity = Total Liabilities / Total Net Worth (Equity) Example: $309,764 / $378,648 = 0.82

Bailey says your banker is going to want to know that you have as much skin in the game as they do. Your ratio ideally should be under 1, and definitely not over 2.

Asset Newness = Net Fixed Assets / Gross Fixed and Noncurrent Assets Example: $313,023 / $694,813 = 0.45

Bailey says this ratio should be in the range of 0.4 to 0.6. “If it’s too high, you might be spending too much on new equipment,” he adds. “If it’s too low, you might be looking at a bunch of tired out junk that you will have to replace within the next few years (depending on the method of depreciation you’re using).”

BUSINESS you need to seriously look at your indirect expenses and identify where you might be going wrong. Perhaps you are spending too much on equipment repairs and tools/supplies, for instance.

Profit & Loss Ratios (as percent of sales)



Gross Profit Margin = Total Revenue (Sales) - Total Direct Costs Example: 100% - 49% = 51%

Bailey says this is usually in the 45-55% range for most landscape companies. For maintenance-heavy companies, it’s often 5055% since they aren’t using as much material. For design/build companies, on the other hand, it’s often 45-50%. “If your gross profit margin is falling below these targets, you may be operating inefficiently or underpricing your work,” Bailey points out.



Net Profit = Contribution Margin - G&A Expense Example: 27.4% - 16.5% = 10.9%

“Net profit is that proverbial ‘bottom line,’” Bailey explains. “A good goal is 5-12%. If you are significantly outside this range, you should understand why. There may be valid reasons, particularly if you are a highly leveraged company with a high Debt to Equity ratio in a high-interest market.”



Contribution Margin = Gross Margin - Total Indirect Expense Example: 51% - 24% = 27%

Bailey says a good goal to shoot for is 22-32%. If your contribution margin is lower than that, it might indicate inefficient operations. Additionally, if your gross profit margin is landing in that ideal 45-55% range but your contribution margin is still falling short,

Inter-Statement Ratios



Return on Assets = Net Profit / Total Assets Example: $142,100 / $688,412 = 20.6%

“This is typically referred to as an ROA,” he adds. “It’s a measure of how effectively you are using your total invested capital plus debt. As

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BUSINESS a contractor, you are a gambler and should expect a high return relative to other more secure investments. A good goal is 15-22%.”



Return on Equity = Net Profit / Total Net Worth (Equity) Example: $142,100 / $378,648 = 37.5%

This should land in the 25-35% range. “This is typically called an ROI,” Bailey says. “It’s a measure of the return earned on the money you and/or other investors have put into the business. It’s a very important number. If it’s not up toward the 30% range, maybe you should just sell your business and put your money into safer investments.”



Asset Turnover = Total Sales / Total Assets Example: $1,300,000 / $688,412 = 1.9

A good goal is 2.5 to 5.0. “This is a measure of how effectively you use your assets to generate sales,” Bailey explains. “A low number like this one (1.9) may indicate that you’ve invested more in equipment and facility than you really need, or perhaps that you’re simply not using your equipment and facility effectively. You may have too much idle capacity.”



Average Collection Days = Accounts Receivable / (Sales / Days in Period)

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Example: $103,938 / ($1,300,000 / 365) = $103,938 / 3,561 = 29.18 days

Bailey says a good target is 25-45 days. “If you sell on 30-day credit terms, this number should be under 30 days,” he explains. “If the number is high, look at your Current Ratio and compare Receivables to Payables. Typically, installation and bid/build contractors show over 45 days, and should examine their credit terms and collection efforts.”

In conclusion

“These are just a few of the many ratios you can compute and analyze,” Bailey reminds. “I regard these as 10 of the most critical. A fuller discussion of ratios, costs and operating data can be found in PLANET’s Operating Cost Study for the Green Industry, updated and published

every three to five years. Other comparative data and ratios are periodically issued by many consultants working with the industry based on their own client experiences. “You should compute and track your ratios at least annually, and preferably most of them on a quarterly basis,” Bailey continues. “Watch for trends in your ratios that may be significant, and use your own experience when you are doing your shortand long-range planning and budgeting. You should also compare your experience to the PLANET Operating Cost Study. “I have included a number of loose guideline ranges that I regard as significant in my computations in this article. You are your own best standard and should check the trends in your data. I do not regard it as essential that you fall within the guideline ranges I have established. But if you don’t, I urge you to understand why. The ranges I have shown represent median experience of contractors in the industry. You may set your targets well ahead of these medians on the belief that through intelligent management you should be able to beat the medians. You are right! If you have any questions please contact me. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit www.greenindustrypros.com

About the author Rod Bailey, Landscape Industry Certified, is a management consultant and the president of Alder Springs Enterprises in Woodinville, WA. He specializes in financial management, strategic planning, organization planning, budgeting and E: rodlbailey@hotmail.com systems planning. P: 206.612.2704

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ MARCH/APRIL 2015

INDUSTRY

UGA Extension gets new leader

Perry Johnson is Associate Dean of Extension by J. Faith Peppers, University of Georgia

J. Scott Angle, dean and director of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, announced the appointment of Laura Perry Johnson as the college’s associate dean of extension beginning January 1, 2015.

Image credit: CAES File Photo

“When I went to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a student in 1983, I had no idea where that would lead me, but it’s my belief in this organization and the work we do that has kept me here.” UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

~ Perry Johnson

Associate Dean for Extension UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

“We are confident Laura will take UGA Extension in new and exciting directions,” Angle said. “Her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the state and the needs of those we serve will be invaluable.”

Background

Perry Johnson most recently was the district extension director for Southwest Georgia, where she managed faculty, staff and UGA Extension programs for 41 counties.

She has been with the CAES for 25 years, serving as a graduate teaching and research assistant, laboratory technician, youth livestock specialist and district 4-H program development coordinator before becoming district director in 2012.

Education

Perry Johnson has bachelor, masters and doctorate degrees in animal and dairy science from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She holds the rank of Senior Public Service Associate within the UGA Public Service Faculty system.

Moving the organization forward

“When I went to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a student in 1983, I had no idea where that would lead me,” Perry Johnson said. “But it’s my belief in this organization and the work we do that has kept me here. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help continue to move the organization forward and enhance our reputation as one of the premiere Extension organizations in the nation.”

About UGA Extension UGA Extension is a statewide network of agriculture and natural resources, 4-H and youth development, and family and consumer sciences experts, with offices in 157 of Georgia’s 159 counties. The organization’s mission is to deliver the knowledge and discoveries from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences to the people of Georgia. About the author

Faith Peppers is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

INDUSTRY

Scholarship deadline is May 29

Meadows Scholarship open to southern hort students The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is now accepting

scholarship applications for 2015 awards. Eligible horticultural students are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is May 29, 2015. The Scholarship Selection Committee will make final selections by July 1, 2015 and recipients will be notified soon thereafter. Awards will be made on July 22, in Atlanta, during the SNA 2015 conference. Danny Summers, executive vice president of the fund, said, “Last year, the fund awarded a total of $18,000 to 12 students. This year, we expect to again award approximately 12 $1,500 scholarships. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over $455,000 in scholarships and

today the fund’s balance is over $850,000. We would like to express our appreciation to all our industry for supporting the fund’s growth and development, and willingness to help us spread the word about this beneficial scholarship.” Created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association (SNA), the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is a 501 (c) 3 charitable foundation providing academic scholarships to horticulture students in the 16 southeastern states. For more information, contact the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund: 678.813.1880 or info@sbsmsef.org.

For eligibility requirements and the application visit www.sbmsef.org.

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INDUSTRY

Dirr recognized for plant breeding

UGA professor inducted into National Academy of Inventors by Terry Hastings & Merritt Melancon, University of Georgia

The National Academy of Inventors has

inducted Michael Dirr, professor emeritus of horticulture in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, into the 2014 class of NAI Fellows.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Dirr, who is responsible for introducing 150 new plant varieties into landscapes Image credit: UGA Public Affairs around the world, is one of only Michael Dirr, professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Georgia two UGA faculty College of Agricultural and Environmental members to be Sciences, was recently inducted into the inducted into the National Academy of Inventors. this year’s NAI class. He is the only plant breeder to be inducted into the NAI in the organization’s history.

“Michael Dirr’s contributions to the field of ornamental plant breeding helped to extend the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ legacy of innovation into the twentyfirst century,” said Robert Shulstad, associate dean for research in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “From hydrangeas and crepe myrtle trees that redefine the suburban landscape, to sorghum and wheat varieties that provide a droughtresistant source of nutrition for developing nations, horticulturist and crop breeders in our college influence communities around the world.”

Election to NAI Fellow status is a professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society. Worldwide, only 414 inventors have been inducted as NAI Fellows. They represent more than 150 research universities and governmental and nonprofit research institutions. Last year’s NAI fellows class included Michael Doyle, Regents Professor of Food Microbiology and director of the Center for Food Safety in the CAES Department of Food Science and Technology. Dirr’s innovative contributions to the horticulture industry are evident in virtually every wholesale nursery and garden center in the U.S., as well as nursery catalogs throughout the world. He is responsible for introducing more than 150 new plants into the horticulture trade, with approximately 50 of them receiving U.S. plant patents. His advancement of the genera of crape myrtle, viburnum, elm, oak, gardenia, loropetalum and distylium has improved these plants and made them more accessible to the gardening public. His signature contribution is the development of hydrangea cultivars with the ability to bloom multiple times throughout the growing season. This trait, along with increased disease resistance, was fundamental to the surge of hydrangea sales in the U.S. Since the late 1980s, sales have quadrupled, with the vast majority of the increase coming since the release of Dirr’s first hydrangea cultivar.

INDUSTRY In 2012, over half of all hydrangeas sold in the U.S. were attributable to Dirr’s cultivars. “Dr. Dirr’s contributions to education, service and research distinguish him as a singular leader the horticulture industry looks up to for inspiration, innovation and guidance,” said Derek Eberhart, UGA’s director of technology commercialization. “His work over the last 40 years has yielded tremendous economic benefit and contributed to the ‘beauty of life’ across the United States and around the world.” Dirr has received both the Garden Club of America’s Medal of Honor and the Scott Medal, given annually to an individual or organization that has made an outstanding national contribution to the science and the art of gardening. Dirr was named UGA Inventor of the Year in 2009. This year UGA is also celebrating the selection of Robert Ivarie, emeritus professor of genetics, as an NAI fellow. “The election of Dirr and Ivarie as NAI Fellows highlights the innovative research conducted at UGA,” said David Lee, UGA vice president for research. “We join NAI in celebrating their contributions to science and society.” Ivarie’s research produced a portfolio of

inventions to genetically engineer chickens as bioreactors for the efficient production of proteins for human therapeutic use. His inventions are now the basis for a platform technology covered by 19 issued U.S. patents and foreign counterparts, along with additional pending patent applications. “Dr. Ivarie foresaw the advantages of producing therapeutic proteins in avian eggs and undertook the challenge of developing an entire suite of technologies needed for industrial-scale implementation,” Eberhart said. In addition to his many patented inventions, Ivarie has a distinguished track record as a researcher and educator whose academic career spans nearly five decades. He served as chair of the UGA genetics department from 2004 to 2009. For more information about academic inventors at UGA, visit the Office of the Vice President for Research at research.uga.edu. For more information about the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences visit caes.uga.edu. About the authors

Terry Hastings is the director of communications for the UGA Office of the Vice President for Research. Merritt Melancon is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

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Download your copy today:

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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INDUSTRY

National Lawn Care Month

Educate your clients about their turf After another chilly winter for much of the

nation, springtime is when many people will roll up their sleeves and spend time in their yards. After tuning up the mower and sharpening the blades, most homeowners seek out the best ways to care for their lawns. But, common lawn care myths and questions abound. In celebration of National Lawn Care Month and to help homeowners get their spring and summer lawn care off to a great start, PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, offers a series of myth-busting tips from the professionals. “Our members are passionate about creating beautiful and healthy lawns and landscapes for homeowners and communities to enjoy year-round,” said Jim McCutcheon, president of PLANET and long-time UAC member. “Whether homeowners hire a professional to care for their yard or learn a few tips from the pros, one of our goals is to provide the best advice possible.”

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Feel free to use the graphics and information on pages 46 - 48 to help your clients understand the role turf plays in their lives and how best to maintain this important investment.

Myths vs. reality

Get your lawn off to the right start with tips from the pros

MYTH 1.

You can water your lawn and landscape any time of day.

Reality: Water is a valuable resource; make every drop count! Watering the lawn in the early mornings or evenings after sunset minimizes evaporation. It’s the best time for water to penetrate deep into the soil.

MYTH 2.

It’s ok to cut the grass very short.

Reality: Most landscape professionals advise against cutting more than one-third of the grass leaf at a time. Mowing at a finished cut height of 3 to 3.5 inches throughout the summer is generally recommended. The lawn will need less water, will be more resistant to weeds and will have a deeper, greener color. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing grass blades. A crisp and clean cut will help prevent a”brown tip” appearance.

MYTH 3.

It’s best to water your lawn every day.

Reality: Watering your lawn every three days is better than daily watering. Deep, rather than shallow watering of your lawn, is recommended to nurture the roots. An inch of water to 12 inches of soil is the preferred ratio for watering actively growing grass. If you want to replace your lawn, you should do it in the spring when plants get ready to bloom. Reality: The best time to sow seed is in the late summer and early fall when the temperatures are more consistent and when highly competitive weeds, like crabgrass, are at the end of their life cycle.

MYTH 5.

Early spring is the best time to fertilize the lawn.

Reality: Since different species of grass prefer nutrients at different times of the year, be sure to use the correct fertilizer, at the right rate, at the

Information provided by PLANET. Learn more at landcarenetwork.org

A garden hose is more costefficient than installing an irrigation system.

MYTH 6.

Reality: Many landscape professionals recommend installing an irrigation system with smart controllers which have sensors that water when needed. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of 15-20 percent on water bills. Converting irrigation spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles will spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, which makes them more targeted and effective.

MYTH 7.

You have to irrigate to have a healthy and beautiful lawn.

Reality: Grasses are built to endure long periods of drought by entering a state of dormancy. When temperatures and moisture levels are at their extreme, the growing point of the grass plant, the crown, will shut off the grass blades, turning them brown. In almost all instances, once the heat and drought stresses have gone, the crowns will begin to send up new shoots. There’s nothing wrong with irrigating to avoid dormancy, but “embracing the brown” for a couple of weeks in the summer is just fine too.

About PLANET PLANET is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices and business professionalism. Visit PLANET at www.landcarenetwork.org.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

MYTH 4.

right time, and in the right place. A slow release fertilizer allows for more even and consistent feeding over a longer period of time than a quick-release fertilizer. And remember to use fertilizers responsibly by cleaning up any that lands on streets, sidewalks or driveways where they can be washed away into lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ MARCH/APRIL 2015

URBAN AG

What’s the orange goo?

Strange fungi grows on hardwood stumps by Jean Williams-Woodward, PhD

I’ve been getting some calls and emails about “orange goo” growing on cut hardwood stumps. It is weird, interesting and looks like an attack of ‘the blob.” So, what causes the orange goo? It’s the yeast, Cryptococcus macerans, growing on the sugary sap flowing from the cut branches or trunk. A few other fungi can also be found mixed in, including some species of Fusarium and Acremonium. The yeast is harmless to the plant; it is just growing on the sap. The orange color comes from the pigment carotene, which is the same pigment that colors carrots orange. Some strains of Cryptococcus macerans could cause disease in humans, so

if you can’t resist touching it, wash your hands! Generally though, it is harmless and just another interesting oddity in the fungal world.

About the author Dr. Jean WilliamsWoodward is a UGA Extension Plant Pathologist in Athens, GA.

David Stephens, Bugwood.org

The yeast, Cryptococcus macerans, is harmless to the plant; it is just growing on the sap.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

URBAN AG

Spring start-up

Safely return irrigation systems to operation by Tom Shannon, Ewing Irrigation

Ready for spring? Get your irrigation systems ready safely with this step-by-step process.

I try to think in a systematic approach called SLOW, which stands for Systematic Logical Operational Wave. Also, “beginning with the end in mind,” as Steven Covey states in The Seven Habits of Successful People, is always a good idea. The first step is to find your water source - a pump or backflow preventer from a city water source - and partially open it to slowly fill the main line. Going slowly prevents water hammer and the subsequent damage to pipes.

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for startup or priming of pumps. Even if you’re dealing with a well, try to throttle back the flow with a gate or ball valve to restrict the flow.

While you are doing this, open up a quick coupler that is the furthest from the source to let the air out of the main line. If you are fortunate enough to have a flush valve installed on the main line, open it until clean, clear, water is observed. Sometimes algae build-up over the winter season can be an unpleasant surprise. Also, systems without check valves can have debris collect through the heads in low spots. If the system was gravity-drained during winterization, it will also siphon in debris. On smaller systems, partially close the flow control on the furthest valve from the source and manually open it to let the air out slowly. Then adjust back to operational flow. If the system was winterized by blowing it out with air, chances are the main will be clean. Once the main is charged, make sure any possible manual drain valves are closed on the main and on any exposed device like backflows, pressure tanks, pumps, and filters.

The second step is to check out the controller to make sure it is powered up. On an indoor plug-in, check the circuit. On clocks with battery back-up, make sure the battery is good, or replace it for the season. Many new clocks have non-volatile memory so this is not necessary. Be sure the date and time are correct for daylight savings time, and reprogram it if the program was lost. Now the fun begins. Most manufacturers offer service remotes that make start-up simple and efficient. Some make universal remotes that adapt to most brands of controllers and are for temporary connections. Other systems have receivers built in permanently and can be shared with one or more transmitters. Finally, some of the new controllers are accessible through smart phones, iPads, Droids, Blackberry phones or laptops. Some give zone descriptions, read amperage, live flows and give alerts for shorts or open wires. One contractor calls it his “employee in a box,” because it can be done with one person instead of two with radios or phones. Generally, you can justify the cost in one start-up and any preventive maintenance program. The labor and water savings are well worth it, not to mention saving shoes.

With a remote start and the furthest valve, turn it on until all air gets out and repeat on and off to be sure the solenoid is functioning properly. Then work your way through the system until all are fired up. Make notes on broken pipes, heads, clogged nozzles, tilted heads, etc. to finish the process. It is also a good idea to flush the drip lines out and clean out any filters for the season. No other time is as important as spring start-up. It

URBAN AG is a proactive way to keep a landscape healthy during fertilization and or new plantings.

Tools for the job

Here are some suggested tools to have for this process:

keys, either universal or a variety of  Meter sizes. locks or specialty wrenches for  Channel filter servicing. volt/ohm meter for circuit testing.  AService remotes drawings (rare) to find quick  As-built coupler sand valve locations. station or manufacturers pump  Pump maintenance manual procedures.  Screwdriver for bleeding backflow ports. About the author Tom Shannon lives in Canton, Georgia and is the Water Conservation Advisor for the Eastern US for Ewing Irrigation, Golf, & Industrial Products.

Need irrigation supplies? UAC members to the rescue.

Who knows you better? These UAC members are just like you: Experienced • Professional • Knowledgeable The next time you need irrigation supplies, look to your fellow UAC members first. Ewing Irrigation

Rain Bird Corp.

Jake Ray jray@ewing1.com For locations visit: www.ewing1.com

Bert Wood bwood@rainbird.com For locations visit: www.rainbird.com

Hunter Industries

Stovall & Co. Inc.

Dan Reeves dan.reeves@hunterindustries.com For locations visit: www.hunterindustries.com

Paul Stovall pstovall@stovallinc.com For locations visit: www.stovallinc.com

John Deere Landscapes

FIS Outdoor Inc.

Randy Moody rmoody@johndeerelandscapes.com For locations visit: www.johndeerelandscapes.com

Jeff Fischer jeff.fischer@fisoutdoor.com For locations visit: www.fisoutdoor.com

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Covenant College Grounds Dept. 14049 Scenic Highway Lookout Mountain GA 30750 (423) 827-8813 Ron Thomas ron.thomas@covenant.edu

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Greenfeet Lawncare

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UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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URBAN AG

The dangers of phenoxy herbicides

Protecting trees and shrubs from collateral damage by Paul Pugliese

Can broadleaf herbicides applied to a lawn effect landscape trees and shrubs?

UAC MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Herbicides in the phenoxy chemical class provide broadleaf weed control in lawns, Kathy G. Johnson pastures, and hay The biggest misconception is forages. Some of the more common concerning where the root zone of a chemicals in this class tree or shrub exists in the landscape. include 2,4-D, MCPP, The roots of mature trees and shrubs dicamba, clopyralid, actually extend well beyond the drip and triclopyr. These line of the canopy. Research has chemicals are shown that absorption roots may considered very safe extend as much as two to three times and have very low toxicity concerns for the canopy width. animals. In fact, many of these herbicides are labeled for pasture use and allow livestock to continue to graze without any restrictions. However, you should always read the label to determine if any special precautions should be taken for specific site uses.

Phenoxy herbicides provide selective weed control, which means they will control many broadleaf weeds without causing damage to the grass. Of course, each product is a little different and some are labeled for very specific turfgrass types depending on their tolerance. So, be sure to check the label for your lawn type (tall fescue, bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, etc.). If your turfgrass is not on the label, never assume that it can be applied to all lawns. Unfortunately, phenoxy herbicides do not discriminate between a dandelion weed or any other broadleaf plant, including many trees and shrubs in your landscape. Therefore, it’s

very important to take extra precautions when applying these herbicides near landscaped areas with ornamental plants. Most people consider the potential for drift damage to nearby plants and avoid spraying herbicides on a windy day. However, there is also the potential for movement of these herbicides through runoff and leaching in the soil. This is why the label of these products usually warns against spraying within the root zone of trees and shrubs and never exceeding the maximum application rates listed on the label. These label precautions often get overlooked by many homeowners and landscapers. The information that is contained on the label can be somewhat vague to inexperienced applicators. The biggest misconception is concerning where the root zone of a tree or shrub exists in the landscape. The roots of mature trees and shrubs actually extend well beyond the drip line of the canopy. Research has shown that absorption roots may extend as much as two to three times the canopy width. In landscapes that contain mature trees and shrubs, phenoxy herbicides may not be the best choice for weed control. These herbicides may be best reserved for wide-open spaces such as athletic fields, parks, and pastures where tree roots are at a safe distance. The high potential for herbicide damage to trees is a great reason to provide a mulch zone that extends well beyond the drip line of the canopy to protect tree roots. If you’re not trying to grow a manicured lawn underneath a tree, then there won’t be any reason to apply phenoxy herbicides there for weed control. Another way to avoid potential damage is to rely less on phenoxy herbicides. There are many

URBAN AG pre-emergent herbicides that can prevent weed problems in lawns. The key with pre-emergent herbicides is to apply them at the correct time in spring and fall. Applications that are applied too early or too late often provide inadequate weed control and require additional herbicide applications to control what was missed. Rotating pre-emergent herbicide classes will avoid the potential for resistant weeds. Also, be sure to water in pre-emergent herbicides according to the label to activate them in the soil. If you use phenoxy herbicides near trees and shrubs, consider spot-spray applications to target individual weeds rather than broadcast applications across the entire lawn; and never exceed the labeled rate. There are other classes of herbicides that have less potential to affect the roots of nearby trees and shrubs as an alternative. If you take the time to identify your weeds, then you may be able to choose more selective herbicides rather than combination products that usually contain multiple chemicals in the phenoxy class. For assistance with

weed identification and specific herbicide recommendations, contact your county Extension office or visit www.georgiaturf.com. Remember to maintain a thick, healthy turfgrass by keeping it mowed at the recommended height, doing periodic soil testing, and using proper timing of fertilizer applications. Fertilizing turfgrass during times of the year when the grass is not actively growing just encourages more weeds.

For more information about the effects of phenoxy herbicides on landscape trees and shrubs, view our webinar about this topic online at ugaurbanag.com/ webinars.

About the author Paul Pugliese is the Extension Coordinator and Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent for Bartow County Extension, a partnership of UGA, The U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Bartow County. P: 770-387-5142

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2015

URBAN AG

Winter perennial weed

Strategies for controlling wild garlic in lawns by Dr. Jialin Yu and Dr. Patrick McCullough, University of Georgia

Wild garlic (Allium vineale L.) is a

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2015

common weed in most turf areas throughout Georgia. It emerges from underground bulbs in late fall and grows through the winter and spring months.

Wild garlic is a winter perennial plant that declines in early summer. This weed species is highly objectionable because it grows faster Mark Czarnota, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org than cool-season turfgrasses after Wild garlic has a similar appearance to mowing and causes wild onion (Allium canadense L.) but unsightly clumps they are easily distinguishable by their in dormant warmleaves. Wild garlic has round hollow season turfgrasses leaves and while wild onion has solid during winter. Wild flat leaves. garlic has a similar appearance to wild onion (Allium canadense L.) but they are easily distinguishable by their leaves. Wild garlic has round hollow leaves and while wild onion has solid flat leaves.

Control options

Mowing is not effective for controlling wild garlic because bulbs or bulblets in the soil will continue to sprout and grow. In addition, the bulbs can remain viable in the soil for years before emergence. Mowing, however, can weaken the plants and help prevent the production of seeds. Chemical control is similar for wild garlic and wild onion. Preemergence herbicides do not provide effective control. Multiple applications of postemergence herbicides over more than

one season are typically required to control wild garlic. Wild garlic has slender and waxy leaves, which may reduce herbicide uptake. In Georgia, herbicides should be timed during winter or early spring before the formation of bulbs. Synthetic auxin herbicides are typically the best herbicides to use in tall fescue lawns for wild garlic control. 2,4-D alone or in three-way mixtures with dicamba and mecoprop (Trimec, Triplet, Weed B Gone, etc.) effectively control wild garlic. These herbicides are safe in warmseason grasses during active growth but should not be applied during the spring green-up. Reduced rates are recommended when spraying to sensitive turfgrasses including centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass. Using PowerZone or SpeedZone, which include carfentrazone and three-way synthetic auxin herbicides, may improve wild garlic control in cold winter. However, turfgrass tolerance to these products may vary and temporary turfgrass yellowing may occur on certain turfgrass varieties. Postemergence control may also be achieved with ALS-inhibitor herbicides. Imazaquin (Image) controls wild garlic on warm-season turfgrasses but should not be used during spring greenup or on newly planted or sprigged lawns. Imazaquin will severely injure fescue and ryegrass. Metsulfuron (Manor, Blade, others) effectively controls a wide number of broadleaf weeds and wild garlic. Metsulfuron can be applied to tolerant warm-season turfgrasses including bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustine, and zoysiagrass. However, applications may temporarily inhibit greenup of centipedegrass and other species during spring transition. Metsulfuron should not be used in lawns with desirable bahiagrass populations. Woody ornamentals should not be planted in treated areas within one year following the metsulfuron application.

URBAN AG Postemergence herbicides for wild garlic control

HERBICIDE

TRADE NAME

RATE (Product/Acre)

TOLERANT TURFGRASS

2,4-D Amine, Weedar 64 and others 2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP Trimec, Trimec Southern, Triplet, Weed B Gone and others

See label

carfentrazone, MCPA, MCPP, dicamba

Powerzone

2-6 pt

Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, zoysiagrass Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, red or fine fescue

carfentrazone, 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba

Speedzone

2-5 pt

imazaquin

Image

8.6-11.4 oz

metsulfuron

Manor, Blade and others

0.33-1.0 oz

glyphosate

Roundup Pro, Touchdown and others

0.75 pt

2, 4-D

Glyphosate may effectively control wild garlic in dormant bermudagrass. To avoid injuring desired turfgrasses that are not completely

See label

Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, colonial bentgrass, red or fine fescue, common bermudagrass, hybrid bermudagrass, zoysiagrass bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass bermudagrass (dormant)

dormant, spot treatments should be used on sensitive turfgrasses.

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