UAC Magazine - November/December 2015 by Georgia Urban Ag Council

Special preview issue! URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 & 10

Infinite Energy Center

(formerly Gwinnett Center)

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Advocate. Educate. Promote.1

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UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 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 Matt Lowe Swift Straw 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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Ex Officio

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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 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

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President/Executive Director message What did you miss? Lunch + Learn, UAC networking/education dinners EDGE Expo Belgard University, Spanish-language sessions, GCLP testing EDGE Expo One-page schedule, CEU credits by session number EDGE Expo Course descriptions, Presenters, CEU credits EDGE Expo Sponsor? Supporter? Education Benefactor? Unique wins “Best Landscape Design/Installation” Access your member discount Log in for discounted event rates

BUSINESS Solving the worst labor problems L&L Power Panel discussion Pilfering, theft, and false claims Ideas to reduce workplace fraud Tax deductions and tax credits Are you leaving money on the table? Wrapping up the year Now is the time to finish employee reviews Performance reviews are good for business Millennial mindset Why you need to understand this generation

INDUSTRY 42 44 46 46 47

2015 - 2017 participants announced Advancing Georgia’s Leaders Bilingual online certificate course UGA’s Super Crew now online Spanish-language training at EDGE Expo Waters of the United States update National stay effective 1011/15 UGA turfgrass management course now online

URBAN AG

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Shade tree decline Recognize and eliminate stresses OSHA-approved chainsaw safety training Best of the Best UGA Trial Gardens’ list of the best plants in their class Pro project Midtown balcony project by Bennett Design & Landscape

IN EVERY ISSUE

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Save the date Have you met...Jay Stephens, Davis Landscape Pest 411 Brown recluse spider Me & my mentor Retaining top talent Safety works Fall and winter safety tips What the tech? Build a better email

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

A member of:

UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters, The end of 2015 is near and I hope everyone

is working on wrapping up a good one. One way to accomplish that is to plan to attend the EDGE Expo, December 9 & 10. The EDGE Expo planners are greatly focused on the educational session offerings so that they touch on all of our most challenging issues and training needs at the owner/executive levels and various management/ supervisor levels. Details including schedule, course descriptions, and registration info are included in this issue. Dixie Speck President

Another good way to move your company forward into the next year is to submit your entries for the Georgia Landscape Awards (GALA) which will be awarded during a fabulous banquet event on February 23, 2016 at Piedmont Park. I can say personally that having images of the awards we have won

We’ve had a beautiful start to fall, with

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

warm days, cool nights and plentiful rain. As we head toward the holiday season, consider “gifting” your employees with the investment of education.

Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director

The 2015 EDGE Expo’s educational sessions include some new topics, including research on synthetic turf done by Dr. Adam Thoms from the University of Tennessee; mosquito biology, control and adding on as a service to your business by UGA’s Dr. Elmer Gray; a thoughtprovoking discussion of landscape design and maintenance incorporating less turf area and low maintenance with Dr. Brad Davis, UGA and King Landscaping’s Holly Brooks and Eric King; expert advice on tree selection, protection and maintenance from Dr. Kim Coder, UGA and Jamie Blackburn, Arborguard Tree Services. Belgard is offering several topics – from handson hardscape instruction to cost-estimating and a dedicated ICPI CEU track. We are pleased to offer two days of landscape training taught 100% in Spanish. It has been several years since a Spanish-language training

included on all of our web pages helps us to make a significant first impression to potential clients. The early deadline is Friday, November 20 and the final deadline for award entries is Friday, December 11. This year, for the first time, you can upload your entries on the new UAC website. See details on page 16. If you haven’t been to the UAC Sporting Clays Tournament over the past two years, you have missed a truly good time and an opportunity to earn bragging rights for individual and team winners. Even if you have never held a shotgun, people are there who are happy to help you learn. So, definitely consider joining us for this fun event that also provides a special networking opportunity with other industry business owners and managers. I hope to see you at soon at a UAC event!

has been offered at the EDGE Expo, and we feel that it’s time to offer this important training to your employees – and assist you in investing in them! These sessions are priced at $20 per day to ensure that you can enroll many of your Spanishspeaking employees. Wednesday offers Spanish (ESL) hands-on hardscape installer class (taught by Belgard) and Thursday’s session will be a basic landscape training, taught by Rolando Orellano, UGA Cooperative Extension and Megan Estes, Georgia 811. This class will focus on proper use and maintenance of equipment, best management practices and safety and excavation markings (Georgia 811-Call Before You Dig) will be explained in detail. The complete EDGE Expo program is included in this magazine. Please sign up early to ensure you can get into your desired classes! The other big news about the EDGE Expo is that the format has changed: large, expensive tradeshow is out; tabletop vendor area with close access to attendees, more value for your money, is in. Please make sure to check out this new opportunity!

TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD

GREAT THINGS

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? Worker’s Comp fraud prevention strategies Proactively manage...or leave to chance? presented by Allan B. Webb, AAI, Snellings Walters

lunch + learn

Before the claim:

your posted panel of physicians to Update make sure that it is indeed a “valid panel” as per Georgia rules.

the doctors on the panel to ensure Screen they understand the workers compensation

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

system and will work to advance the interests of employers and legitimately injured employees.

W.S. Pharr/ Snellings Walters

copies of the posted panel in each Deploy truck and require an injured worker to make

a selection at the time of injury by circling the physician, signing, and dating the copy of the panel.

a formal “Return-To-Work” program Establish for injured workers. If the claim ends up

being “medical only” then the impact to your experience mod rating (EMR) is reduced by 70%.

Pre-hire:

After the claim:

communicate to the doctors on your panel so they better understand what the job entails.

impact your EMR.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Report all claims no matter how small. Using a a written job description for each  Create deductible will ensure that small claims will not position in your firm. This can be helpful to

a supervisor to accompany an injured Require worker to the initial medical appointment. This

each new hire with a conditional offer Present can ensure that the story surrounding the injury of employment describing the physical demands does not change later. of the position for which you are hiring. This should be tied to the written job descriptions andDemand that a drug test is performed at the initial doctor’s appointment. Certain medical can be used to begin the process of disqualifying a candidate who cannot meet the physical demands of the job.

Sponsored by A member of

SNELLINGS WALTERS INSURANCE AGENCY

770.396.9600

W.S. Pharr & Co. is one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the Southeast. We have specialized in the green industry since 1987 and serve over 600 green industry clients. • Workers Compensation Plan • Insurance Plan • Employee Benefits

facilities actually believe that drug screening worker’s comp cases has negative consequences because if it comes back positive, and the claim is denied, they may not get paid.

a post-accident incident form to capture Use details of what happened along with witness statements.

UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? UAC networking/education dinner

Confidently compliant: human resources, law & health care Tuesday, August 25, 2015 Heritage Sandy Springs

UAC networking/education dinner Dinner with Champions

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Heritage Sandy Springs Sponsored by

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

BELGARD UNIVERSITY

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ICPI Intro Concrete Paver Installer Course

The two-day classroom-based course equips individuals currently employed in the concrete paver installer industry with classroom training to properly install interlocking concrete paving. Course content: • Job planning and documentation • Estimating quantities, job layout, and flow • Soil characteristics and compaction • Base materials • Edge restraints • Bedding and joint sands • Selection and installation of concrete pavers • Maintenance and management • Specialty applications and construction tips • Safety • Estimating and job costing Course fee: $350 per student NCMA SRW Installer Education Program



8:00 am - 9:30 am

How to be More Productive This class will cover the five most common inefficiencies in hardscaping: • Estimating • Tools and equipment • Staffing • Job layout • Getting paid

Course fee: No fee, but class size is limited.

10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Estimating Labor and Materials for Segmental Concrete Pavements This course reviews how to make accurate cost approximations of labor hours, materials, equipment and subcontractor costs for a job as well as industry standards for productivity.

Course fee: No fee, but class size is limited.

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Spanish-language training

Course fee: No fee, but class size is limited.

ESL Hands-On Paver & SRW Installation Course

The one-day Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer course teaches installers fundamental SRW installation guidelines, material and system component properties.

Course fee: $150 per student

Wednesday, December 9 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm This full-day course is hands-on training outdoors, taught in Spanish by a Spanish-speaking instructor. Content will include installation standards, job layout, paver and SRW base installation and laying techniques, paver cutting and patterns, and joint sand installation. Course fee: $20 early pricing; $25 after November 15

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Basic Landscape Training in Spanish

Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

To register:

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/event-registration/?ee=28 or call 800.687.6949.



GCLP Testing (no charge)

Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Registration for this testing is IA CERTI F RG made separately from EDGE Expo registration. Those wishing to take the exam must contact Tami Boyle at tadams@ GCLP uga.edu or 770-233-6107 to reserve a seat. CA Study materials, program details, and S PE P OFES R program registration are available online at ugaurbanag.com/certification. There is no charge to take the exam but pre-registration is required.

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Course fee: $20 early pricing; $25 after November 15

Registration for Belgard University is made separately from EDGE Expo registration.

This basic landscape training will focus on proper use and maintenance of equipment, best management practices and safety. A combination of visual and hands-on training, including UGA-developed training videos and handouts will be used. The importance of recognizing excavation markings (Georgia 811-Call Before You Dig) will be explained in detail.

LAN

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

R.E.A.P Program This course will help the hardscape contractor to better run their business by following these four principles: • Respond to your customers’ needs • Educate yourself and the end users • Advertise excellence • Perform excellence, install to the highest standards

Wednesday, December 9 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Wednesday, December 9 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday, December 10 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

ICPI CEU Courses (qualify for ICPI continuing ed credits) Thursday, December 10

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Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

Wednesday, December 9 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ICP......ICPI Intro Concrete Paver Installer Course* SRW......NCMA SRW Installer Education Program* ESL......ESL Hands-on Paver & SRW Installation Course

9:00 am - 5:00 pm PA......Pesticide Applicator’s General Standards Training

9:00 am - 12:00 noon 1......GSTMA Sports Turf Education Session 2......Turfgrass Weed Management: Maximizing Your Options 3......Water Conservation in Turf and Landscape 4......Turfgrass Disease Management: From Pathology to Solutions 5......Taming the Danger: OSHA Chainsaw Safety Training 6......New Plants for the Landscape: 2015 and Beyond 7......Business Focus for Green Industry Owners and Managers

12:00 noon - 1:30 pm

Lunch | Table-top exhibits | Networking

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm 8......Spotlight on Turfgrass Today 9......What is an Invasive Species? How Do They Effect Us? 10......Mosquito Biology and Control: A Business Aspect 11......Estimating 101: How Much Should You Charge for That Patio? 12......Hands-On Insect ID Workshop

ICP......ICPI Intro Concrete Paver Installer Course* CEU......ICPI CEU Courses*

9:00 am - 1:00 pm GCL......Georgia Certified Landscape Professional testing* PA...... Pesticide Applicator’s General Standards/Category 24 Exams. BLT......Basic Landscape Training in Spanish 13......Expert Advice for Zoysiagrass and Fertilizer Management 14...... Planting Design: Alternatives and Strategies 15....... Pruning Demystified: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 16...... Selecting, Managing and Protecting Trees 17...... Inside and Outside Pests: Identification and Control 18...... Hands-On Hardscape Training * Registration is handled separately from EDGE Expo. Please see page 8.

Alabama 10 credits D & R and OTPS/OTPC. Must attend both days to receive credit. Georgia Certified Landscape Professional (GCLP) Self-report; maximum of 10 CEUs Georgia Pesticide Category 24 Commercial PA, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17 Category 41 10 Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) 11, 18 International Society of Arboriculture (ISA): Certified Arborist (CA) 13, 14, 17 ISA: BCMA - Management 3, 6, 9, 13, 16 ISA: BCMA - Science 3, 13, 14, 17 ISA: Municipal Specialist 3, 6, 9, 13, 14, 17 ISA: TW Climber Specialist 15 Irrigation Association (IA) 3 National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) 1 CEU per each hour of instruction South Carolina 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16 Sports Turf Management Association (STMA) Send in attendance to further CSFM points Tennessee 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Thursday, December 10 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

CEUs by session numbers

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

1 GSTMA Sports Turf Education Session

Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Performance of bermudagrass vs. synthetic turf: What does the research say? This presentation will cover several facets of athletic field research at the University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety. It will discuss how bermudagrass grown over various root zones performs next to different synthetic turf surfaces as well as how athlete-to-surface interactions vary. This talk will also discuss how surface hardness can vary on both natural turf and synthetic turf surfaces. Finally, I will present data on how different athletic cleats can change forces on athlete’s bodies on both natural and synthetic playing surfaces.

This course will highlight the importance of water conservation as it pertains to standard lawn and landscape maintenance practices. This is a critical issue that must succeed through ongoing education and development of site-specific best management practices (BMPs) for landscape water conservation. The advantages of the BMPs approach with their direct impact on irrigation, cultivation, fertility practices and, pest management will be presented. Other topics which will be discussed are turfgrass and plant selection, irrigation audits, alternative water sources, case studies, application and implementation, and financial impact on consumers. These interrelated topics address sustainability and environmental stewardship. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will understand how specific management practices directly affect landscape water use and be introduced to applied techniques of implementing water conserving BMPs.

Dr. Clint Waltz & Dr. Bodie Pennisi, University of Georgia

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Reducing inputs and enhancing turf performance through site specific management

From pathology to solutions Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Basics on turfgrass pathology, main foliar, crown and root turfgrass diseases will be discussed in detail. Environmental and cultural factors that promote each disease will be reviewed. Turfgrass pathogen biology as well as the different methods of disease control will be emphasized. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion on turfgrass fungicides will be performed. Including mode of action, formulations, rates, new fungicides etc. Fungicide selection for specific diseases will be emphasized.

Credits: GCSAA: .25; South Carolina: Cat 3-1; Tennessee: Cat 3-3, Cat 10-3, Cat 12-3

2 Turfgrass Weed Management

This session will cover weed control programs for turf managers. The seminar will highlight problem weeds, herbicide selection, and emerging issues. Methods to maximize herbicide efficacy and planning resistance management programs will be emphasized.

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: 0.25; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24 - 1; ISA CA: 3, ISA BCMA Mgmt: 1.5; ISA BCMA Science: 1.5; ISA Municipal: 3; IA: 3; NALP; South Carolina: Core-1; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3-3, Cat 10 -3, Cat 12-3

4 Turfgrass Disease Management

Dr. Gerald Henry & Chase Straw, University of Georgia

Maximizing your options Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: 0.25 GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24 - 3; NALP; South Carolina: Cat 3-1; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3-3, Cat 10 -3, Cat 12-3

3 Water Conservation in Turf and Landscape Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Dr. Adam Thoms, University of Tennessee

The spatial variability of soil and plant parameters along with differences in field use that exists on large athletic field complexes may make it very difficult to manage each field under the same management plan. Therefore, the primary goal of site specific management is to define different management zones through the use of precision agriculture concepts, technologies, and products. Continuing research pertaining to site-specific irrigation, fertility, and cultivation practices will be presented along with the future of precision turfgrass management. This presentation will teach attendees how to operate current site assessment equipment/sensors and integrate their use into daily athletic field management practices. Turfgrass managers will learn that the concept of site-specific management simply involves applying inputs to areas where needed, when needed, and in the amount needed, resulting in management on a smaller scale and reductions in overall inputs. Proper and frequent conduction of site specific management may also lead to enhanced field performance and a better prediction of field playability.

Dr. Patrick McCullough, University of Georgia

Dr. Alfredo Martinez & Dr. Elizabeth Little, University of Georgia

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: 0.25; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24 -3; NALP; South Carolina: Cat 3-3; STMA; Tennessee Cat 3-3, Cat 10 -3, Cat 12-3

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

myrtles, distylium, loropetalum, and many others and discuss their planting and performance in the urban landscapes. Dr. Ruter will discuss outstanding plants from the Trial Gardens at UGA from summer of 2015 as well as providing an update on his plant breeding and selection programs.

5 Taming the Danger

OSHA Chainsaw Safety Training Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

The chainsaw is arguably the most dangerous tool that can be purchased and used with no license or training. Don’t risk it. Ensure it is used safely. This training will focus on PPE, safety features of the saw, and maintenance. North American Training Solutions, one of the premier training companies in the US, will highlight limbing and bucking – the two most common landscape chainsaw uses. OSHA has approved the training and participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Axel Avilia, North American Training Solutions

Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Panel discussion of human resource and legal issues Lynn C. Stewart, Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, LLP Human Resources expert

6 New Plants for the Landscape

Many new plants are being introduced to the market. Dr. Zhang will share the selection and breeding of new crape

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: 0.25; GCLP; ISA CA: 2.5, ISA BCMA Mgmt: 2.5; ISA Municipal: 2.5; NALP; STMA

7 Business Focus for Green Industry Owners and Managers

Credits: Alabama; GCLP; ISA credits pending; see website for updates; NALP; STMA

2015 and Beyond Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Dr. Dongln Zhang & Dr. John Ruter, University of Georgia

Tax Incentives and their impact on your business Danny F. Dukes, Danny Dukes & Associates Credits: Alabama; GCLP; NALP; STMA

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

8 Spotlight on Turfgrass Today

Wednesday, December 9 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Turfgrass Diseases: A year in review A review, update and significance of the main turfgrass diseases observed in 2015 as well as disease trends and forecasts for 2016 will be discussed. Dr. Alfredo Martinez, University of Georgia

How Much Should You Charge for That Patio? Wednesday, December 9 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

An entry-level introduction to making accurate cost approximations of labor hours, materials, and overhead assessment for a job. We will cover some industry standards for productivity. A good class to take if you are new to the hardscape contracting business, or a new business owner.

Synthetic Turf Overview of synthetic turf applications. Dr. Adam Thoms, University of Tennessee

Soil Moisture Probes: Turfgrass Applications Soil moisture probes for turfgrass management. Carmen Magro, Stevens Water Monitoring

12 Hands-on Insect ID Workshop

Predicting Turfgrass Inventory and Pricing in 2016 For 22 years the Georgia Sod Producers have conducted an annual survey of turfgrass inventory and prices. The results of this survey will be presented; allowing professionals to budget upcoming projects based on current industry trends.

11 Estimating 101

Dr. Clint Waltz, University of Georgia

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .20; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24 -1; NALP: South Carolina: Cat 3-1; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3 -1, Cat 10-1 , Cat 12–1

9 What is an Invasive Species? How Do They Effect Us?

Wednesday, December 9 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm What is a non-native invasive plant? How do they affect

Wednesday, December 9 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Learn to identify and manage the top 10 insect pest and beneficial groups in the landscape. This hands-on workshop includes updates on, and safe handling of new chemical, cultural and biological tools for healthy, attractive landscapes.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

10 Mosquito Biology and Control

Karan Rawlins, UGA Center for Invasive Plants & Brian Arnold, SongBird Landcare LLC

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .20; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24 -2; ISA CA: 2; ISA BCMA Mgmt: 2; ISA Municipal: 2; NALP: South Carolina: Core-2; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3-2, Cat 10-2, Cat 12-2

A Business Aspect Wednesday, December 9 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

This course will focus on the importance of mosquito biology and taxonomy on an integrated mosquito control program. Content will include information about individual species and how their biology can be used to target control efforts. Specific types of control efforts will be discussed relative to typical small business operators. Dr. Elmer Gray, University of Georgia

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .20; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 41-1; NALP; South Carolina: Cat 8-2; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3-2, Cat 10 -2 , Cat 12-2

Dr. Kris Braman, University of Georgia

Credits: Alabama; GCLP’ Georgia: Cat 24-2; NALP; South Carolina: Cat 3-2; STMA (Additional credits applied for; see website for updates.)

13 Turf Topics

us and our world? What are control and management measures?

Greg Ambrose, Fairlawn Consulting

Credits: Alabama; GCLP; ICPI; NALP; STMA

Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Expert Advice for Zoysiagrass

Determining which cultivar will perform in Georgia’s climate can be difficult. Dr. Waltz will discuss long-term studies on the UGA Griffin campus where they have been evaluating many of the commercially available zoysiagrasses for persistence, performance, proper management, and pest related problems. Specific cultivar performance from various trials will be presented and the impact of diseases, use of herbicides, and proper cultural practices will be emphasized. Dr. Clint Waltz, University of Georgia

Slow-Release Fertilizer Application and Management

Dr. Miltner will answer all of your questions: coated, reacted, stabilized, organic, sulfur, polymer, inhibitor, enhanced efficiency. What does it all mean? What makes your fertilizer work? Walk through the world of fertilizer technologies, from urea reaction products (MU and UF), to natural organics, to sulfur coated and polymer coated fertilizers, to stabilized nitrogen (the new kid on the block). Find out how they are made, how they release nutrients (there are many misconceptions!), how they can promote heathy turf that tolerates weeds, insects, and diseases, and how they limit negative environmental impacts. Learn why it is becoming more and more important to understand what Enhanced Efficiency

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

Fertilizers (EEFs) are and how they work. And since one size does not fit all, find out how to best take advantage of these technologies to fit your operations.

Dr. Eric Miltner, Koch Turf & Ornamental

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .30; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24-2; ISA BCMA Mgmt: .5; ISA BCMA Science: 1; ISA CA: 1.5; ISA Municipal: 1.5; NALP; South Carolina: Cat 3-1: STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3-2, Cat 10 -2, Cat 12-2

14 Planting Design: Alternatives and Strategies Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Rethinking our Attachment to Turf

Dr. Davis will discuss the research behind and implementation of non-turf landscapes such as grass and perennial meadows in our everyday urban and suburban places to better meet both human and ecological needs. This can be good news for the Green Industry as new landscape typologies require new growing operations, new planting techniques, and new landscape management practices. This presentation will cover design strategies for reducing turf and show promising case studies from the United States and abroad.

Dr. Brad Davis, University of Georgia

Planting Design Strategies with Maintenance in Mind

Holly Brooks & Eric King, King Landscaping

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .30; GCLP; ISA BCMA Mgmt: 1.5; ISA BCMA Science: 1.5; ISA CA: 3, ISA Municipal Spec: 3; NALP; STMA

15 Pruning Demystified

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Pruning is one of the most important practices for maintaining healthy and attractive landscape shrubs and trees. Before you make the first cut you need to know some important things: why, when, what and how. We will answer each of these questions, starting with the basics and moving to advanced pruning of evergreens, deciduous shrubs,

Dr. Bodie Pennisi, University of Georgia & Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .30; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24-1; ISA BCMA Pract: 3; ISA CA: 3; ISA Municipal: 3; ISA TW Climber: 3; NALP; South Carolina: Cat 3-1; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3-2, Cat 10-2 , Cat 12-2

16 Selecting, Managing and Protecting Trees in the Urban Landscape Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Living and Dying in Tree-Quarter Time

Dr. Coder will talk about the three major stress problems which impact 80% of all tree growth. Water is at the heart of all three. Tree quality of life and longevity is key to sustainability. Tree owners and their tree health care providers must be proactive in minimizing tree stress and providing space and resources. This talk will review tree health care in a landscape.

Dr. Kim Coder, University of Georgia

Protected, Healthy Trees

Mr. Blackburn will focus on preventing and mitigating tree damage and stress during construction and maintenance. Learn to identify and manage the top 10 insect pest and beneficial groups in the landscape. This hands-on workshop includes updates on, and safe handling of new chemical, cultural and biological tools for healthy, attractive landscapes.

Jamie Blackburn, Arborguard Tree Care

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .30; GCLP; ISA BCMA Mgmt: 3; ISA CA: 3; ISA Municipal: 3; NALP: South Carolina: Cat 3 1.5; STMA

17 Inside and Outside Pests

ID and Control of Pests and Nuisance Wildlife Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Dr. Suiter and Dr. Mengak will discuss the top 25+ insects pests inside and outside that cause concern for homeowners and property managers. The identification of common wildlife damage in a landscape/urban/ homeowner situation and methods for control or damage reduction also will be discussed.

Dr. Dan Suiter & Dr. Mengak, University of Georgia

Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Credits: Alabama; GCSAA: .30; GCLP; Georgia: Cat 24 -1; ISA BCMA Science: 1.5; ISA CA: 1.5; ISA Municipal: 1.5; NALP; STMA; Tennessee: Cat 3- 2, Cat 10 -2 , Cat 12 -2

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

As landscape designers and architects we often, unknowingly, set our own designs up to fail. When we create landscapes that require highly detailed maintenance and in depth horticultural knowledge we create the unachievable. We owe it to ourselves, to the maintenance companies, and most importantly to our client to design with maintenance in mind. Brooks and King will show you practical ways to create a sought after landscape with low maintenance as an achievable goal.

shade trees, and fruit trees. We will also spend some time addressing pest prevention through proper pruning procedures.

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

18 Hands-On Hardscape Training

This course will use a step-by-step process to introduce new techniques that will open your eyes to different ways to approach installation. Seat walls, columns, corners, and steps also will be covered. Attendee participation is encouraged. Grant Miller & Everett Ward, Belgard Hardscapes

Credits: Alabama; GCLP; ICPI; NALP; STMA

Designed for individuals who do not have a commercial pesticide applicators license. Participants will receive pesticide applicators General Standards and Category 24 (Ornamentals and Turf) training.*

Wednesday, December 9 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

General Standards & Category 24 training

Category 24 training

Wednesday, December 10 | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Thursday, December 11 | 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

BLT Basic Landscape Training in Spanish

Rolando Orellano, UGA Cooperative Extension & Megan Estes, Georgia 811

ESL Hands-On Paver & SRW Installation Course

Upon successful completion of the exam, attendees will be given information to apply for pesticide license with the GA Dept. of Agriculture ($95 fee for five year license). You must register for the full two-day workshop to take the exam.

* Registration for the training course does not include training manuals. Manuals can be pre-ordered for an additional charge, for pick-up or delivery. See page 11 to order.

Keith Mickler, UGA Cooperative Extension

This full-day course is hands-on training outdoors, taught in Spanish by a Spanish-speaking instructor. Content will include installation standards, job layout, paver and SRW base installation and laying techniques, paver cutting and patterns, and joint sand installation.

Where to go

Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway | Duluth GA 30097 770.813.7500

Duluth Hwy

Parking

Free on-site parking is available. wa ark

Traveling south on I-85, take Exit 108, Sugarloaf Parkway. Turn right and cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Infinite Energy Center will be on your left.

Inﬁnite Energy Center

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Traveling north on I-85, take Exit 108, Sugarloaf Parkway. Turn right, go under I-85 and cross over Satellite Blvd. The Infinite Energy Center will be on your left.

Holiday Inn

rlo ga

Wednesday, December 9 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

The General Standards exam is designed to test for general knowledge on the use of pesticides. The Category 24 exam includes commercial applicators using or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides, or state-restricted pesticide uses, to control pests in the maintenance and production of ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf.

Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm This basic landscape training will focus on proper use and maintenance of equipment, best management practices and safety. A combination of visual and hands-on training, including UGAdeveloped training videos and handouts will be used. The importance of recognizing excavation markings (Georgia 811-Call Before You Dig) will be explained in detail.

The General Standards and Category 24 exams

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New Techniques for Free-Standing & Garden Walls (Taught in English) Thursday, December 10 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

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PA Pesticide Applicator’s General Standards and Category 24 Training and Exams

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Overnight parking is prohibited.

Visit urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo for updates and to register.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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December 9 - 10, 2015 | Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center)

Sponsor? Supporter? Education Benefactor? Create your own EDGE Expo experience. Dear Industry Supporters, For 2015, the EDGE Expo is ALL about education - quality education that will help grow our industry and, in turn, grow your customer base. You talked, we listened. Table-top displays are in, trade show floor is out. This year’s conference includes two days of targeted education and offers you new opportunities to connect with attendees. Now, sponsors get exposure and access to industry members for a whole lot less: less time setting up, less time tearing down, less time in traffic, and less time standing on a trade show floor. Create your own experience from the options below. Sponsor and supporters will have dedicated table-top display space in the atrium and hallway that connects all classrooms. This will be a central networking space for attendees; Wednesday lunch and all breaks will take place in this area. We think you’ll find the new format a great opportunity to connect with your customers. The EDGE Expo directory will be combined with the Jan/Feb 2016 UAC Magazine, then distributed to expo attendees and mailed to UAC members. All sponsors, supporters, and benefactors will be listed in the directory/magazine. We hope to see you there! 2015 UAC Board of Directors

Dixie Speck Solterra Landscape UAC President

Todd Jarrett Arbor Hill Nurseries

Matt Lowe Swift Straw

Ken Morrow Sod Atlanta

Chris Nelson Chattahoochee Nature Center

Bob Scott Irrigation Consultant Services

Ron White TurfPride

Ray Wiedman Outdoor Expressions

Tony Gibson Gibson Landscape UAC Past President

Sponsorship and networking opportunities

All sponsors, supporters, and benefactors receive these benefits: • Company name/logo and sponsorship level will be published on promotional materials and primary signage for the conference (subject to deadlines) and on UAC’s website, linking to company website (event sponsor receives top billing) and • Excel spreadsheet with 2015 attendee contact information, including industry segment breakdown • Table-top display space for promotional materials and networking in central gathering space (lunch & breaks) and • One full-page color ad in the EDGE Expo directory with premium placement (subject to deadlines) and • Banner ad on UAC website for two months in 2016

Lunch sponsor | Wednesday, December 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500 • Table-top display space for promotional materials and networking in central gathering space (lunch & breaks) and • One full-page color ad in the EDGE Expo directory (subject to deadlines) and • Company name/logo on separate banner displayed during lunch and

Industry supporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500* • Table-top display space for promotional materials and networking in central gathering space (lunch & breaks) and • One half-page color ad in the EDGE Expo directory (subject to deadlines)

Education benefactor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 each# • Speak or show a video to the group for five minutes at the beginning of the session and • Offer product discounts or free gifts to the group

* $100 discount for UAC business-level members. # Industry supporters can become an education benefactor for an additional $150 per session.

Sponsorship availability can change quickly. Please call 800.687.6949 to discuss the current options.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Event sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000

UAC NEWS

UAC member wins “Best Landscape Design/Installation” Recognized by their customers

What sets them apart?

Long-time MALTA/UAC member, Unique Environmental, was voted “Best Landscape Design/Installation” for 2015 in Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine’s annual “Best of ” competition.

Unique Environmental believes not only in creating inspiring landscapes, but also in giving back to organizations making a difference in the communities in which they work such as the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club and more.

It’s been a busy year for Unique. In February, they were big winners in UAC’s annual landscape awards: 1 Merit award 1 Distinction award 3 Grand awards 1 Judges’ Choice award 1 Green Star award In September, one of the company’s projects was featured in the Cobb Life magazine article, “Brighten up your back yard.”

atlanta home

MPROVEMENT

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

S M A R T H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T S TA R T S H E R E

Every month, we showcase great local projects, ideas and resources in our magazine and on our website at

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com Join our community of over 100,000 home improvement enthusiasts!

(404) 303-9333 Like us at AtlantaHomeImprovement Follow us @ATLHomeImprove

Plant or wf o n s d e se Year! w e N e th nd Call to fiw. out ho

UAC NEWS

Access your UAC member discount for events! Log in when registering online to get this member benefit urbanagcouncil.com

Click on the membership tab, then on the “Log in as a member” link.

Your email address and the password from the old UAC website will still work. If you can’t remember your password, click “Forgot your password?” to reset. If you don’t know what email is attached to your membership, contact the UAC office. Once you’re logged in, click on the “News” tab, then the “UAC dinners & events” link. Your member rate will show up when you register.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

SAVE THE DATE

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

Third Annual UAC Sporting Clays Tournament

NOV

Blast your troubles away | Win prizes | Eat BBQ

DATE: Friday, November 6 TIME: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: Blalock Lakes

4075 New Corinth Road, Newnan, GA

Event sponsor:

NOV

lunch + learn

Financial Planning for Your Business Found money: Tax incentives you may have missed Danny F. Dukes, Danny F. Dukes and Associates, LLC

Exit Strategy and Valuation Planning for the Future Gary Rayberg, ROI Business Brokers

DATE: Wednesday, November 18 TIME: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: W.S. Pharr/Snellings Walters | 1117 Perimeter Center West

COST:

NOV

GALA

West Lobby | W101 | Atlanta, GA 30338 $25 - includes lunch

Georgia Landscape Awards GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

Early Bird deadline

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Save $25 per entry! For the first time, you can submit everything online! urbanagcouncil.com/submit-entry-uac-awards

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Or download application and templates to submit by mail: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info/

Questions? Call 800.687.6949 or email kathy@georgiauac.com

DEC

9-10

UAC EDGE Expo Educational Conference

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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Details on pages 8 - 13!

DEC

DATES: Wednesday, December 9 & Thursday, December 10 PLACE: Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Center) Duluth, GA

Georgia Landscape Awards

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

Final entry deadline

For the first time, you can submit everything online! urbanagcouncil.com/submit-entry-uac-awards

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Or download application and templates to submit by mail: urbanagcouncil.com/landscape-awards-entry-info/

Questions? Call 800.687.6949 or email kathy@georgiauac.com

HAVE YOU MET

Jay Stephens

Davis Landscape My first job in the green industry was... like most enterprising boys of my generation, cutting grass in the neighborhood.

The biggest challenge in my career has been...getting through the downturn of 2009/10/11 with many customers defaulting.

My least favorite part of my job is.... administrivia.

The one thing most responsible for my success is...

The people who have influenced my career are... my employees -- every success

building a team that is maniacally focused on our clients.

If I had it to do over again, I would...

If I could change careers, just for a month, I would...

we’ve had as an organization comes from their hearts and hands. not change a thing. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that all experiences can (and should) be learning opportunities.

One piece of advice I would give to someone entering the green industry today is...understand what’s important to each client -- they’re not all the same.

The thing I like most about my career is.... that no two days are the same.

be a park ranger in a national park.

One thing that really annoys me is...apathy.

Jay Stephens

When I’m not working, I like to...

Phone: 678.965.2850

hang out with my family, trail run, travel.

Address: 4347 Brogdon Place Cove

Suwanee GA 30024

Email:

jstephens@davis-landscape.com

Web:

davis-landscape.com

Clear Creek Park in the Historic Fourth Ward was the first phase of the Atlanta Beltline to be completed. Davis Landscape’s scope included landscape installation, irrigation and pump installation, Silva cell installation, partial hardscapes, and first-year maintenance.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Atlanta Beltline Clear Creek / Historic Fourth Ward

PEST 411

Brown recluse spider

Bites often misdiagnosed in the South

by Sharon Dowdy, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences A University of Georgia researcher says brown recluse spiders in Georgia are being wrongly blamed for wounds they don’t cause.

Lisa Ames, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

“Most of the state of Georgia doesn’t even have brown recluse spiders. If the spiders in the state caused all the wounds that are reported as brown recluse bites, they would be some very busy spiders.” ~ Nancy Hinkle UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences entomologist

“Most of the state of Georgia doesn’t even have brown recluse spiders,” said Nancy Hinkle, an entomologist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “If the spiders in the state caused all the wounds that are reported as brown recluse bites, they would be some very busy spiders.”

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Brown recluse is not a Southerner

From 2001 to 2007, Hinkle tracked verified findings of brown recluse spiders in Georgia. The study was prompted by Hinkle’s arrival from California. “When I first came to Georgia, I heard several people say they knew someone who’d seen or been seriously wounded by a recluse,” she said. “I found that odd since the recluse is a Midwesterner, not a Southerner.” The brown recluse is mostly brown but has a darker, violin-shaped design where its legs attach. With its legs extended, it’s only about the size of a quarter.

Hinkle has received hundreds of spider samples from Georgians all across the state. Rick Vetter from the University of California at Riverside identifies the samples. He is the world’s expert on brown recluse spiders.

Only two out of 25 are recluse

Lisa Ames with the UGA CAES Homeowner Insect and Weed Diagnostic Laboratory in Griffin also collects spider samples submitted by homeowners and pest control companies. In 2003, 2004 and 2005 she received an average of 25 samples each year. Only two samples annually were recluses. Through 2007, the UGA scientists had collected only 14 verified brown recluse spiders. And they had confirmed the spider in just 26 of Georgia’s 159 counties, mostly in the northwest. “Another reason for doing this study is to help the medical community rule out brown recluse bites from portions of the state that don’t have the spiders,” Hinkle said. “A diagnosis of a brown recluse bite in Savannah is highly questionable.”

Most likely not spider bites

Hinkle hopes the study will educate Georgia’s medical community and reduce the number of erroneous recluse bite cases. A mark on the skin that looks like a spider bite could be something much more serious. She believes many assumed brown recluse bites could be methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a type of staph infection that’s resistant to antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin. MRSA causes mild skin infections which result in pimples or boils. But it can also cause more serious skin lesions or infect surgical wounds.

PEST 411

Wounds look similar

Peaceful coexisters

“Over the past five to 10 years, the number of MRSA cases has exploded,” Hinkle said. A MRSA infection can look like a brown recluse wound. A brown recluse spider’s bite often isn’t the painful part of the experience. The spider’s venom destroys the tissue at the bite site. Several hours later, a blister-like sore appears and grows. It can become as small as a pin to 8 inches across. Almost all brown recluse bites heal nicely without medical intervention, Vetter said. And in spite of all the horror stories, only 3 percent require skin grafts. Incorrectly diagnosing MRSA as a spider bite, and vice versa, can result in a patient getting the wrong therapy, Hinkle said. “The required treatment for a brown recluse bite is totally different from the treatment needed for MRSA,” she said. “Common antibiotics don’t touch MRSA. And you obviously wouldn’t need to spray insecticides when you aren’t dealing with a spider problem.”

Brown recluse spiders aren’t vicious and are not looking to bite people, Vetter said. A Kansas family collected more than 2,000 brown recluses from their home in six months. “They’ve been living there for eight years and still have shown no evidence of a single bite,” he said. “People tend to overreact and believe the worse.”

Terry S. Price, Georgia Forestry Commission, Bugwood.org

The spider’s venom destroys the tissue at the bite site. Several hours later, a blister-like sore appears and grows.

About the author

Sharon Dowdy is News Editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Same Team, New Home We would like to introduce the TURFGRASS team, a division of Residex serving Georgia’s T&O markets. Bud, Ike and Gary will continue to provide the same outstanding level of service and product offerings as always. We look forward to the road ahead, and welcome the opportunity to grow. Bud Brown 678-274-8079 bbrown@residex.com

Ike Faulkenberry 770-710-2843 ifaulkenberry@residex.com

Georgia’s exclusive distributor of Turf Fuel Premium Plant Nutrition.

Gary Gibson 678-371-0130 ggibson@residex.com

Manage your account online at www.residex.com.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Everything you need to maintain the best turf possible.

ME & MY MENTOR

Retaining top talent

Understanding how to motivate your employees Q: Retaining qualified talented people is tough in our industry. My management team is constantly looking for better approaches to motivate our staff and retain our top talent. What key ideas and/or methods should we incorporate in our approach? A: It’s a fact, retaining top-notch talent is key

to any company’s success. How a company approaches these issues will greatly impact who stays and who goes. Morale and motivation play a large part in why individuals put forth their best efforts and why they remain loyal to their employers. In addressing this challenge, we’ll look to Mark Sanborn, an acclaimed speaker and bestselling author of eight books on leadership, customer service and extraordinary performance.

“Motivation is about getting people to do what needs to be done because they want to do it. People always perform better when they’re acting out of commitment than when they are simply acting out of compliance.” ~ Mark Sanborn

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

The reasons behind the behavior

Let’s begin by addressing the five reasons why people do not do what they are supposed to do. 1. They don’t know what they are supposed to do (communication issue). 2. They don’t know how (training issue).

3. They don’t know why (motivation issue). 4. They can’t do the task because they lack the required skills (ability issue). 5. They won’t do what needs to be done (insubordination issue). Once you understand why an individual is not doing what they’re supposed to do, you’ll be better prepared to address how to develop the right response. For the remainder of this piece we’ll focus on addressing point number 3.

Learn to motivate

When an individual does not know why what they are doing is important (to the company, to the customer or themselves) they become unmotivated. This can have a huge impact on not only the quality of their work but also their satisfaction in their work. This lack of satisfaction may lead to their departure from the company. Mark Sanborn suggests the following ten ways to increase morale and motivation: 1. Personalize motivation to the individual. 2. Define outcomes. Explain: what, why, how, how well and by when. 3. Clarify expectations, including minimum, desired and potential expectations. 4. Explain reasons why the task or activity is important and to whom.

Barry Rinehart, President of Compass Leadership Training, LLC and a Crestcom International licensee, provides management and leadership training and consulting to organizations in the Greater Atlanta area. An experienced leader and strategic thinker, Barry is adept at exploring all angles and is known for taking realistic actions to achieve stated goals. He’s worked with numerous organizations in various industries, demonstrating a strong track record of developing and empowering people to strengthen themselves and their corporation. P: 443.497.0117 E: barry.rinehart@crestcom.com

ME & MY MENTOR 5. Create a motivational environment where employees trust who they work for, enjoy who they work with, and take pride in their work. 6. Use reward and recognition. 7. Remove barriers. Ask employees, “What keeps you from doing better work?” And then focus on removing those barriers. 8. Model the behavior you expect. “There’s no neutrality in leadership. We’re either promoting the right behavior, or we are demonstrating the wrong behavior.” 9. Mentor. This helps a leader know an employee and personalize motivation. 10. Be motivated yourself.

Take a look in the mirror

When companies seek to boost morale, they often overlook assessing themselves first for actions, activities or processes that demotivate their people. Are there things about the company or the leaders that literally shove top performers out the door? If so, these obstacles need to be eliminated. By removing the demotivating

actions, activities and/or processes from the company, your leaders will be better suited to motivate their personnel.

Stay ahead of issues

Small businesses are hurt more by employee departures (than their larger counterparts) due to lack of formal processes and institutional memory. Leaders should conduct regular checks with their employees, discussing what is motivating or demotivating them. This gives the leader a heads up on potential red flags in each key individual’s morale and the ability to plan the correct course of action. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy.” Motivation is different for each and every one of us. To better understand how to motivate your personnel, spend time better understanding them as individuals. In short, once you truly know a person, you’ll know what makes them tick and how to better motivate them.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

SAFETY WORKS

Fall and winter safety tips What to wear, what to carry

by Lee Lyner, Risk Management Partners, for W.S. Pharr & Co.

What to wear

How many times have you left your house and found

yourself thinking later that day, “It’s colder than I thought it would be today. I should have brought my coat”?

If you ever wished you had brought a coat with you on a cold day, you know that pre-planning is very important. Consider these points when getting ready to work in cold weather:



In our industry, where so much time is spent outdoors, there are two major concerns when working in cold weather: frostbite and hypothermia.

Dressing in layers The layers should be light-weight. Several lightweight layers will keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Wearing layers will allow you to remove layers as necessary. If you perspire a lot while working be sure to remove that layer or replace it with a dry one. Wet or damp clothing is about 20 times cooler than dry clothing; it will not effectively keep you warm.



Make sure your footwear has adequate tread to help prevent serious injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Did you know your skin can start to freeze at 28 degrees Fahrenheit?

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

If you have any of the below symptoms on a cold day you may be suffering from hypothermia:

• • • • •

Fatigue Nausea Confusion Light-headedness Profuse Sweating

Hypothermia is a very serious concern during the cold weather months.

Footwear Make sure to wear the proper winter footwear; the soles of your shoes are very important in winter conditions. Make sure your footwear has adequate tread to help prevent serious injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.



Headwear

Your head also should be protected during the cold months. As much as half your body heat can come off the top of a bare head and into the air. A hat can prevent this valuable heat from leaving your body. If possible, choose a hat that covers your ears or simply wear earmuffs.



From 1979 through 2002, a total of 16,555 deaths in the United States, an average of 689 per year, were attributed to exposure to excessive natural cold. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision ICD-9 codes E901.0, E901.8, and E901.9; ICD-10 code X31

Gloves The right pair of gloves can help you keep warm and help prevent injuries to your hands while working. Be careful to choose the proper fit and the proper thickness in the gloves. Gloves that are too thin will not give your hands the proper insulation for the cold weather. Gloves that are too thick can be harmful also, especially due to outside work demands. Make sure the gloves are thin enough to grip tools and/ or controls and not too thick so the glove actually makes it hard to hold items, as this could result in injury or cause a strain.

SAFETY WORKS Make sure employees know not to wear gloves near equipment with rotating parts, putting themselves at risk for entanglement hazards. Keep these hazards in mind when employees wear shirts or jackets/coats with drawstrings or any loose clothing, especially long sleeves.



Safety eyewear One vital element in any safety program is safety glasses, but in the colder months some types of safety glasses may fog and impair vision. Be proactive and have anti-fog wipes on hand before the issue occurs.

What to carry

In addition to dressing properly for winter, we need to make sure we are prepared for a winter emergency in a vehicle. Having winter emergency supplies in our vehicle is something that we may not even think about for most of the year. About 70 percent of the winter deaths related to ice and snow occur

in automobiles. Here in the South, we typically are poorly prepared because we don’t think a winter emergency will happen to us. Keep the following in your vehicle in the winter months in case you are caught in a storm and stranded in your vehicle: • Blankets • Matches • Candles • Snow shovel (can be the collapsible type) • Sandbags • Flashlight (and extra batteries) • Non-perishable food • Bottled water Add more items if you see the need. Put these items in a container to prevent them from rolling or shifting around while you are driving, preferably a cooler to keep bottled water from freezing. Consider offering pre-assembled emergency roadside kits for your drivers to keep in their vehicles.

WS HARR &CO.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

A member of Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

Workers Compensation Plan

We offer a unique blend of insurance companies and broker experience assuring you get the most for your insurance dollar. Contact: Will Pharr

404.354.2036 • wpharr@snellingswalters.com

Michael Parker

404.216.1108 • mparker@snellingswalters.com

770.396.9600

• • • • •

Monthly self-reporting payment plan Ability to earn up to a 15% dividend Competitive rates Aggressive claim management Underwritten by Builders Insurance

Insurance Plan • • • •

General liability, auto, equipment, umbrella 10% discount for Georgia UAC members Flexible payment plans Competitive rates

Employee Benefits • • • •

Employer-provided benefits Voluntary benefits Competitive rates Dedicated service team

Insurance • Risk Management • Employee Benefits

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UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

W.S. Pharr & Co. is one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the Southeast. We have specialized in the green industry since 1987 and serve over 600 green industry clients.

WHAT THE TECH?

Build a better email

How to stand out in the inbox by Jon Lein, Manta Email Marketing Manager There was a time, not so long ago, when

people said email was dead … and then, along came the smartphone. Now even your grandma checks email on her phone, which has led to email becoming 40 times more effective in acquiring new customers than Facebook or Twitter. But, in order to cash in on email’s marketing potential, you need to stand out in a crowded inbox. Here’s how:

First impressions matter. The subject line is your chance to hook the reader. Keep it short—50 to 60 characters is a good number to shoot for. And avoid sales words like “FREE” to keep your messages out of the spam folder.

Keep it clean. Keep copy short with a clear call to action. You only have a reader’s attention for a few seconds, so get right to the point.

Build emails for eyeballs and fingers. Keep in mind that 91% of consumers open email on their phones at least once per day. Increase font size for easy reading on mobile and allow plenty of space around buttons for easy clicking.

Work smarter, not harder. There are plenty of email providers out there with great-looking, customizable templates at no cost. Take advantage of them. This frees up time to focus on what’s important—your business and your customers.

Your Source for Top Quality EMPIRE ZOYSIA

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

turf & construction

Excellent Drought Tolerance Soft Texture with Medium Width Blade Rich Green Color Installed at 2012 Southern Living Design Home Celebrating our 15th Year as Georgia’s Largest Empire Producer

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

BUSINESS

Solving the worst labor problems

Lawn & Landscape Power Panel discussion by Chuck Bowen, Lawn & Landscape

In Fall 2013, Lawn & Landscape convened our third-annual Power Panel, a candid discussion of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing the landscape industry. I asked a group of smart and vocal contractors to sit down and give me some insight into their biggest challenges and how they’re fixing them. This year, the panel included: •

Nick DePasquale, vice president Gothic Grounds Management, Los Angeles

•

Deb Cole, president Greater Texas Landscapes, Austin

•

Taylor Milliken, president Milosi, Hendersonville, Tenn.

•

Seth Nicholson, chief operating officer Bruce Company, Middleton, Wis.

•

James Reeve, president Chapel Valley, Woodbine, Md.

•

Keith Rotolo, vice president Rotolo Consultants, New Orleans

REEVE

We’re having good luck with Craigslist now, oddly enough, and what we’ll do is we’ll put three different ads on there, we have them all worded differently, and it’s fun because some guy will respond to one ad but not the other. They all say Chapel Valley Landscape Company, just different wording. Then of course when they do respond, we perform background checks to assure customer security requirements are met prior to the first contact. We don’t call anybody in or even respond to their email unless they’re clean on a background check. So, that’s gotten us down to about five to one. We hired five guys to keep one. We’re constantly looking at it. It’s a never-ending process. Even if we don’t need somebody, we’re still hiring in a new guy every week and testing him out.

COLE

“I moderated the two-hour talk, which covered everything from labor, pricing, customer education and regulations. What follows is an edited version of our conversation.” UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

~ Chuck Bowen

BOWEN

Are new hires just not clear on what the work is? I mean is it a pay thing? Is it they find something better?

REEVE

It’s a myriad of reasons. Either they get there and they can’t actually breathe on their own, or the guy says, “It’s too hard.” Half of them say, “It’s just too hard. You actually want me to work all day?”

COLE

Yeah, we had one guy walk off the job. He turned around to the crew, and I thought, “I’d want to deck this guy,” and he just walked away and he said, “You guys are crazy for working this hard.”

I almost look at it like we have to figure out a way to sell ourselves to the workforce just like we sell ourselves to the marketplace, and I haven’t figured that out.

REEVE

Have you thought about the concept of a retention bonus, so you give them a window of time over the next three months and, “We’ll give you this for that amount of work, and then in three months, we’ll give you this for that amount of work,” and position it as a dollar amount that they can have if they stay, but do it in windows that they can see in front of them. You can’t do it for a year. That’s too long.

MILLIKEN

We’re doing something similar. It’s just in terms of profit sharing. It’s 90day, 25 percent of a payout for that position. Six months is a 50 percent payout, and 12 months is 100 percent for that position, and then there’s three ways we look at it. It’s not a ton of money, but even some of the entry-level positions after they’ve been there

BUSINESS for a year, if we have a good year they may get $1,500 worth of bonuses. But the core workforce, they’re leaving for the company down the road – it’s crazy lately. I’ve had two people leave because they offered guys without licenses $15, $16 an hour.

ROTOLO

We had this group over the course of about three years with local laborers we hired. Out of that group, there were three of them that were just really good, solid workers, young guys. We moved them up quickly to supervisors, and two of them actually are managers now. One is 25. His market is $850,000. That has set a different tone with a lot of the guys, the guys coming in, because they see this guy. “OK, I’m not stuck behind a push mower forever. There is an opportunity here.”

DEPASQUALE

One thing we do is we pay for referrals. If a foreman brings in somebody, or anybody in the company brings in an employee that sticks and makes it past the 90-day

“We’re constantly looking at it. It’s a never-ending process. Even if we don’t need somebody, we’re still hiring in a new guy every week and testing him out.” ~ James Reeve probation period, they get a token, as well. That’s been pretty effective.

COLE

How much is attractive to them?

DEPASQUALE

It’s gone up quite a bit. Fifty dollars used to work and now it’s $150.

REEVE

We vary that rate based on need. If we get really short, that rate will go up to $300, $400. We probably keep 75 percent of those guys.

DEPASQUALE

We found that the onboarding process is so important, though. If you’ve got a new guy wandering around a yard and he doesn’t know where to go, and there’s cars

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BUSINESS and trucks and people everywhere and he’s just kind of wandering, it’s a horrible way to start your day, to start your first day. So, you’ve really got to have a mentor assigned to them to walk you through the process. We put new employees in a different color hard hat so we can identify new employees.

BOWEN

You redshirt them?

DEPASQUALE

For 90 days and everybody knows they are new. We look out for the different colored hard hats and make sure they are safe and we go out of our way to reach out to them, to welcome them aboard.

BOWEN

Tell us about some of the details behind that program.

DEPASQUALE

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

We’re trying to fight the turnover. It’s been insane for us. A lot of it is we hire them and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, “The guy is only going to last a week, who cares?” But if you act like that, you’re going to lose them. So, we’ve found that we want people to be welcomed and embraced to a nice environment, so we assign a mentor for a crew to work with the new guy. It doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the trainer, but just somebody to look out for him and make sure that he knows where to go, he knows what to do.

A lot of our best foremen are not suited to training anybody. They’re production guys. They want to move. They don’t want a new guy to slow them down, so they’re not always the best guy on the crew to say, “Hey, you have to train that guy.”

REEVE

Interesting. Do you have enough of those to be able to cover …?

DEPASQUALE

No. That’s the challenge. You’ve got to train the trainer, and it’s a groundfloor process. It’s hard work, and if we don’t have guys that are happy to be at work, we lose them, so we’re trying to create a warmer, friendlier environment for the new staff.

NICHOLSON

Not only with the starting process and the more opportunity to get them to stay, but the long-term advantages of getting

them up to speed that much faster. I haven’t thought about it in the matter of retention, which is an interesting concept.

BOWEN

What’s changed in your markets?

COLE

We have felt like growth has been baby steps. We haven’t seen a nice, big chunk of growth. So, we’ve just decided to go the acquisition route.

DEPASQUALE

A lot of companies got very desperate and, before they went out of business, they started doing things at silly numbers. Just to give perspective, in our Las Vegas market, which has been hit hard by the Great Recession, there were several $100 million specialty contractors – you know, the drywall guys, the landscape construction – that we compare ourselves to that just flat out went out of business.

REEVE

Are you starting to see that customer, though, come back around and realize the difference in value?

ROTOLO

That’s one thing that we’ve seen with the economic downturn. A lot of the companies were just throwing stupid numbers on both maintenance and construction. Maintenance rode it out and they’ve kind of gone away now. But, on the construction side, we’re seeing that the big contractors now that were always at our core business, they’re not looking so much at just the lowest price anymore, they’re looking more at value. It’s getting more back to value, so the best value and not just the cheapest price.

BOWEN

How do you educate customers to understand what it is you provide as a company so you can get past that price question?

MILLIKEN

This is brand new for us so it’s to be determined, the exact results, because we just started this year. But, we’re starting to do kind of a quality walkthrough with our customer on new commercial properties and basically scoring the property with them, and then trying to determine what their motivation for change is.

BUSINESS We’re finding more, like you guys are, it’s slow but it’s happening that people are finally turning around to going with a company for service and quality again and not just price point.

BOWEN the new price.

Yeah, it may have in five years dropped 30 percent and they have this new – in their mind, this is the price now, this is the going rate, but it’s not the going rate.

DEPASQUALE

It’s re-education, and it’s tough difficult if you do not have a good relationship and strong communication with your client base. We actually have had several customers that have come back and said, “Hey, we see the value. We see why you’re slightly more,” so we’ve been able to do that still retain work and close new business.

MILLIKEN

What we try to give them is we say, “If you want to be at this price point, here’s the scope that you provided us, these are the things the current vendor is not providing within the scope, which is obvious because this, this, this, or this. We can get to the price point but we’ve got to take out these items,” and that’s how they’re doing it. There’s some blatant disregard that’s going on in our market.

COLE

They don’t understand what we do, they don’t understand what it takes to determine price, and they don’t understand anything to do with the technical side of it. They don’t understand any of it. They also have a need to appear to be smart. So, everything we can do to make them smart and knowledgeable, and that’s not giving them a master’s degree in horticulture, but it’s figuring out what it is that they need to know and then delivering it to them. They’re receptive to that

COLE

Oh, yeah, because if they can be the expert on why to hire the Bruce Company or why hire Greater Texas Landscape, maybe their pricing is a little higher, but in their gut, if they understand it and can explain it to somebody else, they can sell it. Now for GCs with construction, that’s a little different. The kind of resource we provide is, “Let us help you with your budgeting way up front.” We’re their support team.

ROTOLO

We’ll actually go through the process of putting the bid together, but we’ll take pictures of the property and we’ll show them, “OK, here’s the price for what you’re getting,” and just put the basic what you see that they’re getting, or we’ll actually break out the pricing.

BOWEN

Are they receptive to that?

ROTOLO

It depends on the client. Some of them, they just want it as cheap as they can get it. But if it’s a client that’s conscious of their landscaping, conscious of that, it’s a very good tool and they’re pretty receptive.

REEVE

Then they see the progress over three or four years that you’ve made on the property. We’ve also started raising prices pretty aggressively this year. That’s a new thing we’re doing, and we’ve had some pushback from some of our customers, but our market prices are generally starting to rise again. We gave one an option the other day to get 3 percent and roll it over, but if they bid it out they’re going to hit them for 5 percent. They took the three. Originally published June 2014 in Lawn & Landscape. Reprinted with permission. For more, visit lawnandlandscape.com

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

I think most of our customers, the thing they understand most is price. They understand that from morning until night.

education?

~ Nick DePasquale

They want the old quality with

MILLIKEN

BOWEN

“So, we’ve found that we want people to be welcomed and embraced to a nice environment, so we assign a mentor for a crew to work with the new guy..”

BUSINESS

Pilfering, theft, and false claims

Common sense ideas to reduce workplace fraud by Lynn C. Stewart, Esq.

More paperwork and more time away from my core business needs!!

Kathy G. Johnson

While members of Georgia’s green industry are not alone in experiencing instances of employee theft, the very nature of how many landscaping companies operate opens up additional risks.

That’s probably your initial reaction to most of my suggestions regarding employment issues, particularly because you did not start working in the landscape business in order to sit behind a desk and a computer screen all day.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

However, as a risk management tool - designed to save you time, frustration and money - some of that dreaded paperwork can be beneficial. So bear with me and focus on the initial steps you should take to protect your company from workplace fraud.

Thus “office” or “white collar” type thefts such as embezzlement, setting up fraudulent vendors, and stealing cash or using the company credit card for personal purchases is a concern which the Georgia green industry shares with all employers. The ACFE Report states that highly compensated and highly educated individuals (managers, supervisors and executives) caused the greatest losses and cost victims the most money. Indeed companies sometimes go out of business because of a significant loss. The ACFE Report states that asset misappropriation is the most common type of occupational fraud.

anecdotal evidence indicates that Second, smaller dollar losses by pilfering, or the

While members of Georgia’s green industry are not alone in experiencing instances of employee theft, the very nature of how many landscaping companies operate opens up additional risks. There have been numerous articles and seminars providing advice to business owners on this subject so I have distilled much of that information into a list of common sense ways to reduce the impact on your business.

first, a look at the big picture: In their 2014 But Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud

accounting department handles all banking and does both accounts receivables and payables) and a greater degree of misplaced trust (long-time employees are often the ones least suspected of committing crimes).

and Abuse, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) noted that small businesses suffered disproportionately large losses from employee theft, often because of lack of basic accounting controls (the one-person

unreported “use” of company supplies, materials and “borrowing” of tools and equipment is a significant source of workplace fraud in the construction and landscape industries. This “field level” type of asset misappropriation can take many forms: •

•

• •

preferential treatment/gifts/kickbacks from vendors to field supervisors (the vendors will logically try to pass on these hidden costs to the company through other means); filling up personal vehicles with company fuel or selling company fuel and supplies on the black market; borrowing company equipment and supplies to perform unreported “side” jobs; and even using the company truck on weekends to transport personal camping, boating and hunting equipment.

In addition to direct monetary losses, the company’s financial wellbeing can be devastated by lawsuits if the “side” job or “weekend” trip

BUSINESS causes injury – particularly as there is a chance that such unauthorized usage may not be covered by company insurance and the company may have to cover any injury claims out of operating capital. over half of workplace frauds are Third, detected (1) by tips from co-workers, vendors, customers, (2) by confession or (3) by accident; and according to the 2014 ACFE Report 52% of fraudsters are between the ages of 31 and 45 but older workers who steal take more than their younger counterparts. certain commentators note that Fourth, conventional wisdom in fraud prevention circles applies a 10-10-80 rule:

10 percent of people will never steal from their employer, 10 percent will use any available opportunity to steal, and 80 percent of workers can go either way depending on how they rationalize a particular opportunity. (“look how hard I work for the boss for a mere pittance and yet he allows that good for nothing Cousin Joe to fill up his Expedition with gas from the company yard - or on the company credit card - whenever he wants to. So, it really should be ok if I fill up my pickup every once in a while – it’s not as if Ole Daddy Warbucks will notice or care anyway”).

Reduce your risk

So what practical steps can a green industry business owner take to reduce their risk of workplace fraud?

Vet your employees through smart hiring practices. Use job applications, background checks, pre-employment drug testing and references to properly screen employees (but comply with the law). Publish your company policies. Set clear expectations in the employee handbook (have a handbook provision about “borrowing” tools and equipment and “using” company materials and supplies without permission: call it what it is: stealing).

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Consider implementing a code of conduct and state a progressive discipline/zero tolerance policy if caught stealing (and then abide by it). Staff should fear being promptly fired if caught, and the possibility of having criminal charges brought against them if they engage in fraudulent activities. Try to create a positive working environment with open lines of communication, employee recognition and fair treatment. Employees who feel they are treated fairly are more likely to be offended by, and report, instances of a co-workers’ suspicious activities which hurt “their” company.

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UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

DATE: TIME: PLACE:

E X P O

BUSINESS Practice what you preach. Don’t have a “friends and family” plan where nonemployees can use company equipment, supplies and materials and then be surprised when your staff copies your behavior. Remember that your company is a separate legal entity from you personally.

Be aware of warning signs. The ACFE report states that most occupational fraudsters exhibit certain behavioral traits that can be warning signs of their crimes, such as living beyond their means or having unusually close associations with vendors or customers.

Inconspicuously mark your tools and equipment in several locations and provide financial incentives for crews which do the best job of keeping track of their equipment (losing out on a bonus may cause co-workers to question why one employee just happens to “forget” to bring that new blower back from a job located next door to where his buddy works).

Limit who has access to your inventory and tools and keep these areas locked.

Install 24-hour surveillance cameras to monitor inside and outside of your yard and shop.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

10.

Install GPS tracking devices on your vehicles, including trailers.

Spot check the quantity and quality of vendor-supplied landscape materials used on your jobs and compare the actual materials supplied to the invoiced materials.

11.

12.

Monitor your company spending practices. Set up on-line access which only you review or have company bank and credit card statements sent to your home or your accountant’s office so you can compare the actual unopened statements to company maintained records (charging nail salon treatments to a company credit card is a pretty obvious red flag – but only if somebody besides the “charger” actually reviews and approves the statement before it is paid).

Personally respond to customer and vendor payment complaints. If a customer says that their payments were not accurately credited, find out why.

13.

Consult with your CPA as to financial best practices and farm out company financial duties among employees with adequate cross training.

14.

Be aware that creating “phantom” accounts payable or setting up a kickback system from certain vendors is a common form of workplace theft.

15.

Require your key employees to take annual vacations. Other people filling in for staff might discover something suspicious (employees who are stealing can’t afford to have someone else look at the books while they are out of the office).

16.

Consider setting up an anonymous reporting system. Often low-level staff may see something suspicious but don’t know how to report it without fear of losing their job or being shunned by co-workers if their suspicions are publicly reported.

17.

18.

Get an employee practices/fiduciary insurance policy.

19.

Call your workplace practices lawyer for further advice when you suspect a problem.

About the author

Lynn C. Stewart is a partner with Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, LLP in Atlanta, practicing employment law and counseling, and construction and general business litigation. P: 404-954-9865 F: 404-681-1046 lstewart@swfllp.com

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

BUSINESS

Tax deductions and tax credits Are you leaving money on the table? by Danny F. Dukes

1. They are unaware of the true benefits and significance of these tax credits.

Every year, rational and successful business leaders

2. Meeting the documentation requirements can be complex and cumbersome.

sign their tax returns and leave money on the table. What money is available and why don’t they keep it?

3. They don’t know where to find the specialized expertise necessary to qualify their efforts and obtain the tax credits.

Three credits for more cash

The money left on the table generally However, state business tax credits has nothing to do reduce a business’ tax liability directly. with the federal tax They are not deductions and are much return. In fact, the more valuable. complexity of the federal tax code and the federal tax return redirects the tax preparer’s efforts to it.

There are three common types of state tax credits available as a result of the following business efforts/expenses in many states:

retraining or training Job creation Job Optional investment

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Plus, a 25-36% tax bracket means that every deduction on the federal return means more to the tax payer than a state tax deduction because the state tax bracket is generally around 6% on average.

However, state business tax credits reduce a business’ tax liability directly. They are not deductions and are much more valuable. Other reasons businesses innocently walk away from valuable state tax credits are ranked as follows:

Job retraining or training We find that most companies engage in training activities annually and spend significant dollars to retrain employees on new technology, the implementation of new processes or equipment, and/or new regulations. While taking the normal tax deduction for business expenses on the state return and saving 6% in taxes, they could follow qualification guidelines and reduce their tax liability by up to 50% of amounts spent on these training efforts.

Job retraining or training: tax deduction vs. tax credit 20 employees

Cash retained

Tax deduction Tax credit

20 employees X $150 20 employees X $1,250

$3,000 $25,000

Additional cash retained with credits

$22,000

100 employees

Cash retained

Tax deduction Tax credit

100 employees X $150 100 employees X $1,250

$15,000 $125,000

Additional cash retained with credits

$110,000

BUSINESS For example, a company that spends $2,500 on this type of training reduces their tax liability by $150 per employee (assuming the 6% tax rate). Yet, assuming that these expenses qualified for tax credit treatment, they could reduce their tax liability by $1,250 per employee (50% of qualifying expenses), or $1,100 more per employee. See the table on the previous page for examples with 20-employee and 100-employee companies.

Job creation Job creation credits are also common lost money. Companies grow their staff during the year, yet they don’t document and qualify this growth to translate these efforts into tax credits. These credits, again, can reduce their tax liabilities up to as much as $3,500 per net new job created. The lost cash calculation is simple for this type of ignored benefit. It is the number of net new employees added times the per new job benefit. So, if that benefit per job is $3,500 and 10 new jobs were added, the company is walking away from $35,000 left on the table.

Imagine the true five-year benefit of this credit over the remaining four years. Even if the state calculation varies, this is way too much money to leave on the table.

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Ready to get your credits?

So, by now, you may be wondering how companies can qualify for these significant tax credit benefits. The answer is to find a specialty firm that has specific knowledge of the available tax credits at the state level and knows how to qualify your company to benefit from these credits. It can be possible to go back and get previous benefits from prior tax periods by amending those returns. This specialty firm should also work on a success-only basis and only charge when you benefit. The rules and benefits vary by state, but you should not walk away from money that rightfully belongs to your company.

About the author Danny F. Dukes is the managing member of Danny F. Dukes and Associates, LLC, a forensic and financial institution and tax consulting firm founded in 2010 and located in Canton, GA. Please feel free to contact us for additional information.

Optional investment Many companies invest major dollars in equipment that can translate into a successful business model for years to come. What they commonly miss is that many states will reward them for such investments in the form of tax credits that can benefit the company for up to five years. The calculation of the benefits of these tax credits can vary state to state, but let’s look at one model.

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UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

However, unlike the retraining credit, many states that have new jobs tax credits available specify the types of qualifying jobs and only certain businesses qualify for these credits. Common industries rewarded for job creation are manufacturing and tourism. However, the industries that qualify can vary greatly from state to state.

Let’s assume that the business had a $100,000 tax liability the previous year and after adding the new equipment, their tax liability jumps to $200,000. Some states will reduce the additional tax liability by up to 90%. So, the tax savings for this year will be $90,000 with a total tax due of $110,000 instead of $200,000.

BUSINESS

Wrapping up the year

Now is the time to finish employee performance reviews by Staci Parker, PHR

As 2015 comes to a close many of us

of critical talent Retention You compete with other organizations and

begin to set our sights on the New Year and the success it can bring. Before settling in for the holidays, take the time to wrap up all employee performance-related matters. This includes Kathy G. Johnson annual evaluations Help your employees understand or performance what they have accomplished, where review meetings. their opportunities lie, and where you Help your employees want them to go as they head into the understand what they have accomplished, New Year. where their opportunities lie, and where you want them to go as they head into the New Year.

Your business will benefit

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

If you do not currently have a performance review process, I encourage you to consider implementing one in 2016. Here is how a review process can help you, and your business:

to a changing environment Adapt The changing business environment and

economy will continue to create a high demand for qualified and high-performing talent. Performance reviews allow you to assess your workforce potential against the needs of a changing and competitive environment.

scope/ Growing Complexity of opportunities To meet your customers’ ever-changing needs, you will need highly competent, talented professionals. Performance reviews will allow you to assess performance gaps as well as identify low performers who no longer fit the scope of your organization.

industries to attract and retain high-performing individuals. High performers want to know they are top performers and therefore valued by the organization. Take this opportunity to praise and thank them for their work throughout the year. In this environment, retaining your top talent is key to a successful 2016.

Best practices

Not everyone enjoys this process but engaging in performance reviews can be rewarding! Here are my four best practices for effective performance review meetings.

Compare performance to stated goals. Throughout the year, how did the individual measure up to goals? Look at the entire year of performance, not just the recent information available. Metrics can illustrate both the areas that were highly successful and the areas that need improvement. Measuring performance against company goals also can show an employee how they contribute to the overall success of the organization. Be honest in your feedback. Honesty is the best policy, especially when providing feedback related to work performance. When giving negative feedback, focus on specific incidents and examples. Talk about your impressions and feelings, and never make judgments or assume you know why the employee failed to meet goals. If an employee is failing to meet goals or is lacking in a particular area, be honest in addressing those issues and offer suggestions for improvement.

Do not forget about behaviors that impact performance. Tardiness, an inability to get along with co-workers, and lack of attention to detail are all behavioral components of performance. These issues can be addressed within a performance discussion.

BUSINESS Remember that behaviors are choices that can be observable and measurable. They can also affect performance and should be coached when they influence performance. Caution…stay away from the word “attitude.” Focus on specific, tangible behavior characteristics. A “bad attitude” may be demonstrated by a rolling of the eyes, slamming of equipment, or the refusal to communicate with another employee. Attitudes are feelings, behaviors are actions.

Retain all employee performancerelated documents. Documenting and retaining performance reviews can help you identify top talent and support promotion decisions as well as continue the documentation trail for poor performers. As with all documentation, I encourage you to review before placing in the employee file. You will want to check for accuracy and consistency among your managers’ documents before placing them in a permanent file. This process also will allow you assess your managers’ ability to coach and document their teams.

Simple, but consistent

Performance reviews do not have to be fancy. A simple consistent format with key points and an area for employees to comment on their own performance is all you need! If you are considering starting a process in 2016, start with goal setting and communication. A little work on the front end and you are on your way. I hope you all have a happy holiday season and best wishes for a successful and profitable New Year! About the author

E: sparker@thriveag.com P: 404.213.5837

Staci Parker is a certified Professional in Human Resources and owner of tHRive Advisory Group. tHRive is a human resources consulting group specializing in HR functions including management, organizational development, training and staff development.

Performance reviews are good for business By Karen Vujnovic, Manta Staff Writer Imagine a school without grades. It

There’s no doubt that evaluating staff performance is often the bane of one’s job as a business owner. But without feedback from the boss, how would employees know how well they’re doing—and more important, how does their performance affect business? For your business to reach its goals, it’s essential to get the best effort from everyone on your staff. Set expectations and communicate

Manta is one of the largest online resources dedicated to small business. We deliver products, services and educational opportunities that are effective, easy to understand and geared to help business owners become more competitive in their respective industries. Are you a small business? Create your free company profile at manta.com.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

would be hard to determine how well you’re doing, right? Now imagine companies without evaluations for employees. According to a Manta online poll, 43% of small-business owners don’t give their employees annual performance reviews, with 53% stating that they don’t feel they’re necessary.

regularly—whether that means quarterly, monthly or weekly—to let your team know if they’re on par with your business objectives. Let each individual know if they are satisfactorily fulfilling basic job functions or even going beyond expectations. It may be a difficult conversation if an employee’s performance isn’t top-notch, but ultimately they should appreciate the opportunity to improve and get back on track with clear direction and support. Such feedback is vital to employees’ growth and team morale—which ultimately affects your business.

BUSINESS

Millennial mindset for business

Why you need to understand this generation of consumers by The Manta Team

Your business needs a millennial mindset, and here’s why. Around

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

the turn of this century, the oldest of the millennial generation began collecting their college degrees in unprecedented numbers and walked (also in unprecedented numbers) into student loan debt and minimum wage jobs.

They came of age just as the economy tanked. Their futures They grabbed technology by the looked nothing like throat, beat it into new shapes and the rosy American algorithms and changed the future— dream they’d been taking the rest of us, including the promised. So, they business world—along for the ride. grabbed technology by the throat, beat it into new shapes and algorithms and changed the future—taking the rest of us, including the business world—along for the ride. If you and your business are still grudgingly dragging your heels behind this generation, thinking they’re not your market or they’ll respond to traditional tactics, you’re missing out. And you’re not alone. A recent Manta survey revealed that a whopping 85 percent of small business owners don’t market specifically to millennials. Their reasons? Forty-two percent said they don’t consider millennials a primary audience and another 23 percent said they they’re not sure how to market to this particular group.

That reasoning may in part be fueled by assumptions. The stereotype is that this generation (the term millennial generally refers to the generation of people born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s) is full of lazy, narcissistic, entitled do-gooders who would rather live with mom and dad than get a job. As it turns out, that bad economy mentioned earlier just kept an energetic and focused generation home a little longer. A study from The Boston Consulting Group called How Millennials are Changing the Face of Marketing Forever reports that millennials now account for $1.3 trillion in direct annual spending, and this total “does not include millennial-influenced spending, such as spending by parents and grandparents.” And their physical numbers are huge. According to the latest census data, this year millennials will edge past baby boomers as the largest living generation. And by 2020, 46 percent of the U.S. workforce will be millennials. In fact, the millennial market is so sought-after that Whole Foods recently announced a new chain of lowerpriced stores aimed specifically at millennials. “The millennial generation became a hot marketing buzzword because of their unique behaviors and beliefs,” explained Brendan Shaughnessy, brand manager for FutureCast, a millennial consulting firm. “But what has quickly made them the most important consumer generation ever is the impact and influence they hold on like-minded, older consumers to behave and think like they do. Regardless of how big or small a company might be, those that are able to communicate and develop relationships with millennials will also do so with the rapidly

BUSINESS growing group of these millennial mindset consumers.”

prefer to shop local. Shopping local is They a millennial mindset that’s gone viral. But that

Think about that; millennials as the “most important consumer generation ever.” And yet many small business owners don’t see them as a primary market. There’s a disconnect somewhere.

Millennial mindset consumers

Perhaps the disconnect has something to do with the notion that generational change is about age, when it’s really about influence. The millennial generation’s unprecedented influence is creating what those at FutureCast call millennial mindset consumers.

doesn’t mean you shouldn’t engage shoppers online, as well. Research from Accenture shows that a combination of online and in-store shopping options is most effective. Thirty-six percent of retail shoppers surveyed all three generations—baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials—said they will go online to buy from a retailer’s website if they want a product when the company’s stores are closed.

loyal. A 2014 study shows that brand They’re loyalty is important to millennials and is earned

Jeff Fromm is president of FutureCast, lead editor of Millennial Marketing and co-author of the book Marketing to Millennials: Reach the Largest & Most Influential Generation of Consumers Ever. In his book released in August, Millennials with Kids: Marketing to This Powerful and Surprisingly Different Generation of Parents, Fromm defines the millennial mindset this way: “Millennial mindset consumers are shoppers who are not millennials by definition but have adopted the mindset of a millennial when it comes to purchasing habits and behaviors. For example, a 50-year-old man is not a millennial, but he still can be very aware and align with the health trend fueled predominantly by the millennial generation.”

based on product quality, a good customer experience and support for society; 60 percent noted that they are often or always loyal to brands that they currently purchase.

share the love. If they like you— They better yet, if they love you—they’ll share their

experience. Technology and a millennial mindset result in recommendations to friends and family, so make it easy to share using social media.

are pro-social, both globally and They locally. Studies show they expect businesses

Millennial mindset businesses

How can your business develop and display a millennial mindset? Get to know what millennials expect and appreciate from small businesses, and target them that way. Consider:

share your values. Millennials They appreciate and respect entrepreneurship. In fact, a recent survey found that more than 60 percent would like to start their own business someday.

Businesses with a millennial mindset must be open to change and quick to engage—with all generations. Millennial consumer expectations are radically different from any generation before them. Using technology, social media and the stunning impact of influence, millennials are redefining paradigms for all industries. Craft your business’s millennial mindset and this influential group—and their parents, grandparents, kids and friends—will support you. Manta is one of the largest online resources dedicated to small business. We deliver products, services and educational opportunities that are effective, easy to understand and geared to help business owners become more competitive in their respective industries. Are you a small business? Create your free company profile at manta.com.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

In short, people of all ages are starting to act, shop and buy like millennials. Small businesses that display a millennial mindset will be more likely to attract them—no matter their age.

to commit socially and environmentally, and will reward socially-engaged businesses with their dollars, even when that support comes at a higher price point. They’ll also target and punish companies that lack social or environmentally responsibility, and will urge family and friends to boycott them.

INDUSTRY

2015 - 2017 participants announced

Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry by Merritt Melancon, News Editor, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Representing a broad cross section of corporations, businesses and organizations throughout Georgia, 25

The purpose of AGL is to educate and empower Georgia’s agricultural leaders to become effective advocates for the largest economic drivers in Georgia—the state’s agricultural and forestry industries.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

AGL’s 2015 inductees include:

Atkins Danielle Management forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission, Brunswick

Baumann Christopher Region 6 supervisor with the Georgia

professionals have been chosen to participate in the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) 2015-2017 class.

Organized by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the purpose of AGL is to educate and empower Georgia’s agricultural leaders to become effective advocates for the largest economic drivers in Georgia—the state’s agricultural and forestry industries.

leaders, analyzing issues facing their industries and strengthening connections to become catalysts for positive change.

Department of Natural Resources, Rockledge

Black Mallory Industry relations coordinator with the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Albany

Boyer Shane Vice president for corporate lending with AgSouth Farm Credit, Madison

Buford Ashley Majority owner with Braxton Farms, Cordele Hamilton Creasy Rebecca Territory sales manager with Monsanto Company, Lyons

Cronic Michael Broiler manager with Columbia Farms of Georgia, Lavonia

Deal Stan Sales representative with Verdesian Life Sciences,

“We are delighted with the strong group of participants who were chosen in this class,” said Lauren Griffeth, director of AGL. “These individuals are diverse in their skill sets, career stages and geographic locations, and they display a strong, professional commitment to making a difference in the industries they serve.”

Donalsonville

Hines Dortch Amelia State public affairs specialist with the U.S.

Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mableton

Hagen Kyle Technical service center manager with Kubota

This program is designed to bring together leaders from all segments of the state’s agriculture, forestry, natural resources and allied industries.

Tractor Corporation, Suwanee

through personalized leadership development geared toward understanding themselves as

Membership Corporation, Roopville

Harrell Mike Vice president of Stuckey Timberland, Eastman Huddleston David Over 18 months, they will help one another grow Purchasing manager with Carroll Electric

INDUSTRY Jordan Jenna Saxon Jeff  Vice president for forest technology with F&W Director of constituent services with the Georgia Forestry Services Incorporated, Albany

Department of Agriculture, Atlanta

Georgia, Athens

Lawrenceville

Georgia Agribusiness Council, Commerce

Lawrenceville

For more info visit agl.caes.uga.edu.

Kilgore Sidwell Samantha Jason Communications and marketing director for Co-owner of Sidwell Dairy, Madison Association Services Group, LaGrange Stone Brian Jeff Manley Appraisal services manager with Forest General manager at The Rock Ranch, The Rock Resources Consultants, Macon Marable Nathan Tyson Brent  Plant licensing manager with the University of Account manager with Chem-Nut Inc. DBI CNI, McIntyre Washington Anna Brennan Director of member relations and events at the Managing farmer at Phoenix Gardens, Morgan Regina Project manager at Peeples Industries, Savannah Murdock Jay Director of member services with the Farm Bureau, Macon

Riner Lanie President and head grower at Thunderwood Farms, Woodbury

In 1993, community and state leaders across Georgia participated in the first leadership development program, formerly known as “Agri-Leaders.” Since then, 350 business leaders, farmers, foresters, educators and other stakeholders have worked through the program to become more effective leaders and advocates.

Your source for locally grown groundcovers and perennials... STILL inside the perimeter!

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UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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INDUSTRY

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This author will be at the EDGE Expo. Details starting on page 8.

Bilingual online certificate course

UGA’s Super Crew training is now offered online by Bodie Pennisi, PhD., UGA Department of Horticulture UGA’s popular Super Crew training is now available online. The university’s Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the professional landscape industry, proudly offers a new online-based training certificate course called Super Crew.

The Super Crew Employee Training Series for landscape professionals is based on the popular videos which have a long history of use by the industry. Super Crew has been designed to support a company’s The ten titles/modules cover a broad employee training range of topics of importance to the program. The online landscaping field. training modules can be accessed through the website http://t.uga.edu/1Jx. There are two options available: for companies which already have the DVD sets, we offer a series of 10 quizzes (cost is $40 for an individual); and for companies and/or individuals who do not have the hard copy of the DVDs, we offer a classroom, complete with the videos (viewable online) and 10 quizzes (cost is $120 for an individual).

Course content

The ten titles/modules cover a broad range of topics of importance to the landscaping field: • • • •

• • •

Quality Landscape Management Equipment Job and Pesticide Safety Installation and Establishment of Turfgrasses, Annuals, and Woody Ornamentals Pruning Problem Solving Water Conservation

The videos range from eight to seventeen minutes long and involve detailed narration, along with visual footage and examples.

Testing and certification

The program also provides verification of having completed each module with a multiple choice exam corresponding to each video. Each exam allows thirty minutes and three attempts. After a passing score (70%) is achieved on all ten exams, the trainee earns a Certificate of Completion. All ten modules, discussion questions, and exams also are offered in Spanish and you can select your preferred language with both options. This online course offers a great opportunity to provide training for landscape professionals and workers which is both easy to access and thorough. Trainees learn about everything from quality management techniques to proper pruning of crape myrtles to good water conservation practices, which will save time and money for both the company and the client. We encourage you to take advantage of this costeffective training opportunity today!

The videos range from eight to seventeen minutes long and involve detailed narration, along with visual footage and examples.

For more information about this program, contact Bodie Pennisi at bpennisi@uga.edu. To register, visit http://t.uga.edu/1Jx

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INDUSTRY

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Spanish-language training at EDGE Expo At the 2015 EDGE Expo, we are pleased to offer two days of landscape training taught 100% in Spanish. It has been several

years since Spanish-language training has been offered at EDGE, and we feel that it’s time to offer this important training to your employees – and assist you in investing in them! Classes will be offered on Wednesday, December 9 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (price includes lunch) and on Thursday, December 10 from 9 am – 1:00 pm. You can register your employees for one day (either Wednesday or Thursday) or for both days. The cost per employee is $20 per day for registrations received by November 14; $25 per day for registrations received later.

Wednesday session: Spanish (ESL) Hands On Paver & SRW Installation

Instructor: Belgard Hardscapes representatives Thursday session: Basic Landscape Training in Spanish

Instructors: Rolando Orellano, UGA Cooperative Extension and Megan Estes, Georgia 811 See the complete course descriptions on page 8 in this magazine.

To register online: urbanagcouncil.com/edge-expo If you prefer to register offline and pay by check, there is a link on this page to download the complete EDGE Expo brochure.

Waters of the United States update National stay effective 10/11/15

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

A nationwide stay against the EPA Waters of the UAC (WOTUS) rule went into effect

on October 11, 2015. Thirteen states sued the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers one day before it was to go in effect (August 28). This ruling puts implementation of the rule on hold nationally. The following bulletin is from Tom Delaney, director of government affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP):

October 11, 2015 - We received some positive news this morning regarding the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Citing the “whirlwind of confusion” surrounding the WOTUS rule, the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit issued a nationwide preliminary injunction that prevents EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) from implementing the rule while the court reviews the various legal matters raised in the litigation.

The motion for the preliminary injunction was filed by 18 states. The 6th Circuit decision follows a preliminary injunction issued August 28 by the U.S. District Court for North Dakota, in which the judge subsequently clarified that the injunction only applied to the 13 states that were plaintiffs to the litigation. One of the reasons the district court failed to issue a nationwide injunction was out of deference other federal courts including the 6th Circuit, where many, but not all, of the legal challenges to the WOTUS rule have been consolidated by the U.S Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Today’s ruling is not a final decision. The legal challenges surrounding the WOTUS rule will continue to be played out in the courts. However, it is a positive development that means that, for now, the rule cannot be implemented or enforced.

UAC and NALP will keep our members updated on the future of this rule.

INDUSTRY

UGA turfgrass management course now online The University of Georgia has introduced an online English version of its popular turfgrass management course. The certificate course, titled Principles of Turfgrass Management, covers warm- and cool-season turfgrass establishment, growth, maintenance, and troubleshooting. More than 2,050 landscape professionals have taken the course in its print format (English or Spanish).

Those who complete UGA’s course become Landscape Industry Certified by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, SportsTurf Managers Association, and Asociación Española de Greenkeepers also endorse UGA’s certificate program.

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GCLP testing at EDGE Expo! Details on page 8.

770/233-6107

ugaurbanag.com/certiﬁcation

Test your knowledge > Gain professional credibility > Join the industry elite

Get certiﬁed and watch your business grow

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Are you ready to prove you’re the best?

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Shade tree decline

Recognize and eliminate stresses

By Kim D. Coder, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia Many trees in Georgia are showing dieback and decline symptoms. Twig

Robert L. Anderson, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Tree decline is a general loss of vitality throughout the entire tree caused by a systemic disease or by a sequence of stressing events that cause the tree to burn too much food energy.

or branch dieback is initiated in the tree as a response to poor growth conditions and/or pest attack. Usually a combination of physical, climatic and pest problems lead to the tree shutting off some of its outside portions.

UAC MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Tree decline is a general loss of vitality throughout the entire tree caused by a systemic disease or by a sequence of stressing events that cause the tree to burn too much food energy. Many cultural factors as well as past tree abuse predispose a tree to decline. Several factors contributing to this decline include, drought, mechanical injury, chemical injury and pests.

Drought

Drought is a main contributing factor to shade tree decline. Extended drought can influence the health of shade trees by the loss of absorbing roots which are found primarily in the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. Once this soil area dries, many of the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absorbing roots dry out and die. Leaves and stems can also be damaged by drought conditions, especially when there is not enough water available for evaporative cooling and food production. Some types of trees will be inherently more susceptible to drought damage that occurs in mid-spring as compared with a summer drought.

A season-long drought period with high temperatures can adversely effect all trees even if supplemental water is added. Trees may not readily show initial symptoms because of stored carbohydrates and essential elements in the woody tissues. As soon as these stored foods are near depletion, the trees begin to prematurely defoliate. Other drought symptoms can be delayed two or more years making it hard for many to believe that drought was actually the problem. Although irrigating trees during periods of drought is recommended, frequent and shallow watering contributes to shallow root development. This increases the chances for drought injury as well as the potential for winter injury during periods of extremely cold weather. When watering, be sure the moisture reaches depths of at least 5 to 7 inches. Water once every three to four days during periods of severe drought. Watering every day may contribute to the decline of the tree because the activity of many parasitic and pathogenic organisms, like root rot, is stimulated by too much water. The amount of water to apply depends upon soil texture and potential size of the tree rooting area. Clay soils can be easily overwatered which destroys tree roots.

Mechanical Injury

In urban areas, mechanical injury is a major cause of shade tree decline. In subdivisions and new housing developments, shade trees are often abused; roots are torn out of the ground, bark is bruised and the soil around trees is disturbed. Losses from such damage could be minimized or even avoided if people realized that trees may

URBAN AG not survive such treatment and took precautions to avoid abusing them. Many utilities and municipalities are also guilty of tree abuse. When putting in gas and water lines or paving streets, workers damage or destroy roots which disturbs food production, growth control and the tree’s top-root balance. Root loss contributes to the weakening and decline of a tree’s crown. As with drought, these symptoms can often be delayed in appearance by 1 to 2 growing seasons. Some of the worst things you can do to a tree are: add fill around the trunk, cultivate or remove soil from around the trunk, compact the soil, especially when the soil is wet, or damage the bark on the trunk. Each of these events leads to a weaker tree that can lead to other stress factors or pests injuring the tree further.

Chemical Injury

Chemical damage (pollution/pesticides) of trees is very common. Injury to trees from pollution as well as chemical application by homeowners and commercial applicators, are common occurrences. Pollutants are now a part of our urban and rural environment and ecology. Pollutants, such as ozone, sulphur dioxide, fluorides, sunlight-induced nitrates (PAN), road and sea salts and particulate matter (flyash, dust, cinders), all disrupt the life processes of trees. Some pollutants will be concentrated near roadways and factories that are their source. Other pollutants, like ozone, can disrupt tree growth a hundred miles downwind from a city. Pollution acts as one factor in a tree decline problem.

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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Chemical injury can be much more severe when trees are already weakened by other factors. The “spray and pray” concept (spraying a chemical and hoping it will control whatever the problem is) should be avoided. Chemicals are

Online • Start Anytime “Earning my certification was an important achievement in my career. The course helped make me more knowledgeable and confident in my position.”

Mike Caprio, Landscape Industry Certified, Lawn Doctor Inc., Holmdel, New Jersey

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Management Certificate

UGAKeepLearning.com

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URBAN AG not always the answer and may actually create more problems. Good tree management should be practiced first. Use chemicals only as helpers after other management practices have been performed.

defoliation often occurs when a tree is in a weakened condition.

flux Slime Slim flux, called wet wood, is considered a

Pests

All of the factors already mentioned, and others not mentioned, weaken trees and make them more susceptible to pest organisms. Disease organisms are especially likely to take advantage of a weak tree.

cankers Tree Many oak species are lost to Hypoxylon canker,

a disease that is common in both urban and rural areas. This disease can be diagnosed by its grayish to brown felt appearance on the bark. Little can be done to control this disease since the fungus is actually growing into the wood of the tree. The removal of infected trees and pruning of infected branches will remove the fungus innoculum from the area. However, pruning will not solve the problem of low tree vigor. Careful management practices performed to increase tree vigor will encourage tree recovery.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

cankers Twig There are a number of canker-causing fungi

which cause twig dieback in many shade tree species. Most are diseases that take advantage of trees that are in a weakened or declined condition. Prune dead wood and initiate management practices to help the tree recover. Fungicide applications generally provide little protection since tree health is the key to canker disease control.

spots Leaf There are numerous leaf spot fungi which infect

leaves and cause foliage loss from many urban shade trees. These diseases occur annually and may actually go unnoticed most of the time. During periods of stress, there may be an excessive amount of defoliation attributable to foliage diseases. Foliage diseases of large urban trees are not known to cause any permanent damage unless defoliation occurs several years in succession. Excessive

disease of unthrifty or old trees. Symptoms of slim flux include oozing of either a white or brown, smelly substance from wounds, pruning scars and trunk crotches. The slime is toxic to the bark and may kill large patches when it stays on the bark for a long time. Rinsing twice a year may minimize the damage, but determine what weakened the tree initially and provide best management practices to improve tree vigor.

Decline management

What can be done to prevent shade tree decline? The key to good health is tree vigor. • • •

• • • •

•

Provide a site that is suitable for the species involved. Pick a strong species of tree. Provide construction protection for roots and trunks of trees to reduce accidental injury, soil compaction and to allow adequate room for tree growth. Plan ahead for future development. Street maintenance equipment often injures trees after roadways are widened. If twig dieback is observed, proper pruning will reduce disease susceptibility and improve the tree’s appearance. Remove dead or dying branches. When roots are damaged or lost, continue to water and wait one growing season and then thin the crown. This helps the remaining roots sustain the health of the existing foliage. Water, fertilize and care for the tree only when needed. Do not “kill” your tree with kindness.

Give your tree a chance to live a full, healthy life by helping when it has a bad year. Shade tree decline is becoming much more prominent. Being able to recognize conditions which promote decline and taking steps to eliminate stresses before symptoms occur will save many urban shade trees.

URBAN AG

OSHA-approved chainsaw safety training

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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by Ellen Bauske and Rolando Orellana, University of Georgia

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Made available through OSHA via a Susan Harwood Training Grant, these classes offer excellent cost-effective training for crew leaders and workers. Don’t miss this opportunity! ISA credits applied for.

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Chainsaw safety training at EDGE! Schedule on page 9.

Please check the registration website for more dates and schedule updates. To register: http://t.uga.edu/1qh

LOCATION

CLASS

DATE

Hall County

Chainsaw Safety and Technical Tree Felling

November 5

Gwinnett County

Chainsaw Safety, Cutting and Technical Tree Felling in Spanish Chainsaw Safety

November 12

Chainsaw Safety and Technical Tree Felling

December 17

EDGE Expo, Gwinnett County Clark County

December 9

Call now! Darren Emerick 770.530.5078

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UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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Best of the Best

A quick compilation of the best plants in their class by The Trial Gardens at UGA From the boardroom to the classroom, from the greenhouse to the field, people like to know they are working with the best. In our case, the color that fills the greenhouse is only as good as the demand to fill the landscape. That demand is predicated on having the best plants, with the best color, essentially those that perform well over a long period of time with the minimum of maintenance. Thank goodness, our breeders have yet to come up with real plastic plants, so we put up with a few warts and blemishes. Every year we share the half dozen or so finest plants from the Gardens at UGA, and describe them as the Classic City Award Winners. We also expand

that list each year to plants that simply were the finest among their leafy peers, such as the best red-flowered, or white-flowered begonia, or the best blue petunia. At the Gardens at UGA, plants are evaluated every two weeks throughout the season, and then averaged in November. Many cultivars performed heroically, only to give their lives to the challenge of heat, humidity and drought. However, others thrived, and these we share with you. Those that received the mantle of Best of the Best were chosen the good old fashioned way, they earned it. Congratulations to the breeders and distributors who shared these plants with us.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Trial year: 2014

Plant name

Company

Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’

Ball Horticulture Co.

4.94

Angelonia angustifolia ‘Serenita Pink’

PanAmerican Seed Co.

4.81

Begonia ‘Jurassic Pink Shades’

Ball Ingenuity

4.81

Begonia ‘BIG Red Green Leaf’

Benary Flower Seeds

4.81

Begonia ‘Jurassic Silver Swirl’

Ball Ingenuity

4.81

Caladium ‘Highlighter’

Classic Caladiums

4.88

Caladium ‘Scarlet Flame - hanging basket’

Classic Caladiums

4.81

Caladium ‘Candyland - hanging basket’

Classic Caladiums

4.81

Caladium ‘Mt. Everest’

Classic Caladiums

4.81

Caladium ‘Celebration’

Classic Caladiums

4.88

Caladium ‘White Cap’

Classic Caladiums

4.88

Caladium ‘Fireworks’

Classic Caladiums

5.00

Caladium ‘White Delight’

Classic Caladiums

4.81

Caladium ‘Sangria - hanging basket’

Classic Caladiums

4.88

Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’

Caladium ‘Fireworks’

Caladium ‘Highlighter’

Rating

Caladium ‘Celebration’

URBAN AG Plant name

Company

Rating

Caladium ‘Pink Splash’

Classic Caladiums

4.88

Calibrachoa hybrida ‘SuperBells Frost Fire’

Proven Winners

4.81

Calibrachoa hybrida ‘Aloha Tiki Soft Pink’

4.81

Celosia ‘Arrabona Red’

PanAmerican Seed Co.

4.88

Coleus ‘Marquee Red Carpet’

Burpee Home Gardens

4.88

Coleus ‘Marquee Blonde Bombshell’

Burpee Home Gardens

4.94

Coleus ‘Abbey Road’

4.88

Combos ‘Kwik Trial Cherry Blossom Mix - in ground’

Syngenta

4.88

Euphorbia ‘Starblast Soft Pink’

Westflowers

4.81

Euphorbia ‘Star Dust Super Flash’

4.88

Euphorbia ‘Cool Breeze’

4.88

Gomphrena ‘Las Vegas Pink’

Benary Flower Seeds

4.81

Impatiens hawkeri ‘Big Bounce Lilac’

Selecta First Class, Inc.

4.81

Impatiens hawkeri ‘Bounce Pink Flame’

Selecta First Class, Inc.

4.88

Impatiens hawkeri ‘Sun Harmony Salmon’

Danziger Flower Farm

4.81

Ipomoea batatas ‘Desana Lime’

Suntory Collection

4.88

Lobularia ‘Bicolor Pink Stream’

Danziger Flower Farm

5.00

Pelargonium ‘Glitterati Ice Queen’

Hort Couture

4.86

Pelargonium ‘Timeless Fire’

Proven Winners

4.94

Pelargonium hybrida ‘Calliope Lavender Rose’

Syngenta

4.81

Pelargonium hybrida ‘Caliente Fire ‘09’

Syngenta

4.94

Pelargonium hybrida ‘Caliente Pink’

Syngenta

4.88

Pelargonium hybrida ‘Caliente Dark Rose’

Syngenta

4.81 4.81

Pennisetum ‘Black Stockings’

4.81

Petunia hybrida ‘Supertunia Mini Rose Veined Improved’

Proven Winners

5.00

Petunia hybrida ‘Whispers Star Rose’

Syngenta

5.00

Petunia hybrida ‘Supertunia Morning Glory Charm’

Proven Winners

5.00

Petunia hybrida ‘Cascadias Indian Summer’

Danziger Flower Farm

4.81

Portulaca ‘Cupcake Yellow Chrome’

4.81

Scaevola ‘Scalora Amethyst’

4.88

Celosia ‘Arrabona Red

Lobularia ‘Bicolor Pink Stream’

Westflowers

‘Supertunia Morning Glory Charm’

Scaevola ‘Scalora Amethyst’

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Pelargonium x hortorum ‘Sarita Wild Salmon’

For more info, visit ugatrial.hort.uga.edu

URBAN AG

Pro project Bennett Design & Landscape bennettdesign.com

before

UAC MAGAZINE โ ข NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

The construction of this 2,200 square foot balcony project started approximately five years ago. We were hired to salvage as much of the original construction as possible and re-design to complete the installation. We designed the space to complement the existing building faรงade, while using materials that are low maintenance.

A view of the fountain with the fire bowl seating.

UAC welcomes new members

The fire bowl is the focal point of the central deck with seating surrounding it. The edges were softened with raised planters of varying materials, plantings and synthetic turf.

The bench seating showing the scale of the surrounding high-rise buildings.

Lawn Envy, LLC 5990 Parkway North Blvd #14 Cumming GA 30040 (678) 230-1216 Chris Strigle chris@lawnenvy.com

Soil Sense Landscape Group P.O. Box 1653 Kennesaw GA 30156 (678) 483-5185 Donald Clements don@soilsenselandscape.com

The Sod Farm, Inc. 11825 Hwy. 136 E. LaFayette GA 30728 (706) 397-8358 Ebeth Edwards edwardsturf@icloud.com

Rain Bird Corp. 140 Howard St., SE Atlanta GA 30317 (770) 685-0950 Josh M. Legrett jlegrett@rainbird.com

Timeless GRASSES

Fantastic PRODUCTS Soil3 sold in a BigYellowBag hh Bulkhorganichcomposthforhamendingh soilshwhenhcreatinghbedsh&hlawns. hh Soil3himproveshsoilhstructurehandh addshnutrientsh&hbeneficialhbacteria.

Drivable Grass hh Ahpermeablehandhplantablehh concretehpavementhsystem.

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Z O Y SI A

Allett Reel Mowers

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Unparalleled SUPPORT hh Morehlocationshthanhanyone.

1-888-360-1125 Cartersville 54 Brown Farm Rd. SW 770-382-7284

Marietta 5058 Canton Rd. NE 770-516-3255

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Gwinnett / Lawrenceville 609 Airport Rd. 770-277-7745

Ft. Valley / Perry 287 Sod Farm Rd. 478-987-0776

Valdosta 3983 Inner Perimeter Rd. 229-247-6242

Forest Park Atlanta Farmers Market 16 Forest Parkway, Shed 39 404-363-1932

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

hh Professionalhreelhmowershwithh interchangeablehmowinghandh lawn-carehcartridges.

UAC MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015