Colorado Green May/June 2019

MAY/JUNE 2019 | VOL 35, NO 3 WWW.ALCC.COM

The ELITE Awards Industry Awards Jake’s Designs cuts turnover

years 2019

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In this issue

May/June 2019 | Vol 35 | No 3

Industry Awards 31 48

ALCC awards

The ELITE Awards Volunteer Service Awards Scholarships

Association Awards

CNGA, GreenCO, CALCP, ASLA/CC, GCC and ISA-RMC

31

32 Profile

24

Turning a hobby into a successful niche business Stephanie Selig’s small steps made a big difference

BY CHERIE COURTAIDE

Business Sense

26

How Jake Harris reduces employee turnover He shows them the love

BY LYN DEAN

6

www.alcc.com

25

46

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In this issue

May/June 2019 | Vol 35 | No 3

Departments

010 13 61

Perspective Green News & Notes Ad Index

Milestones

22

21 22

Awards over the years Colorado Garden Foundation celebrates 60 years

Mission to support sustainable horticulture still going strong

Workforce

28

Arvada West hort program is taking off

Rachel Miller has a classroom and space to grow

BY BECKY GARBER-GODI

Top Plant Picks

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28

60

CSU Research

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Plant native: save the birds and the bugs

Cover photo: Candelas, Environmental Designs, Inc.

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publication ALCC servingindustry the green in industry in the Rocky Mountain region Official publication Official of ALCC servingofthe green the Rocky Mountain region

Perspective

C O L O R A D O

Choose the high road

L

Official publication of ALCC serving the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region

ow unemployment and unprecedented growth are a good thing for Colorado, but the resulting labor shortage continues to threaten the landscape industry’s ability to provide services. The issues with the H-2B visa program further John McMahon complicate the situation; in many cases leaving business owners scrambling to fill their crews and fulfill contracts. Unfortunately, some business owners have resorted to extreme measures.

Whether you call it poaching employees, stealing labor or raiding talent, luring employees away from colleagues continues to be a problem as the workforce shortage grows. In these challenging times, it’s important to remember that we are stronger if we work together and support each other.

I urge you all to retain your professionalism and work for the betterment of the industry.

Think about ways we can recruit talent and resist the temptation to poach employees from fellow business colleagues. Offering financial incentives for employee referrals or signing bonuses may help with recruiting, but it’s important to set ethical parameters and respect your industry peers.

In times of conflict, the situation can be resolved by simply picking up the phone to discuss it. Communication keeps us connected and unified as an industry. If we work together, we might find solutions that help us face the labor shortage and keep our own teams strong. Some employers are exploring non-compete agreements—but be sure to consult with your legal counsel when considering this.

As always, continued involvement with ALCC and our Landscape Career Pathways program is a good way to help close the labor gap. Helping to attract and train new industry professionals can reduce the need to continue pulling talent from other teams.

John McMahon, CEO, ALCC

Winger Photography, LLC Landscape Photography

Photographing Award Winning Landscapes wingerphotography.photoshelter.com

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Colorado Green Production Team

C O L O R A D O

EDITORIAL

ALCC CEO John McMahon Editor Lyn Dean Official publication of ALCC serving the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region Communications Director Cherie Courtade Circulation and Adminstration Rachael Coleman DESIGN

C O L O R A D O

Graphic Design Tracy Gulden ADVERTISING SALES

Sales Director Amy McCraken (303) 478-7895 Official publication of ALCC serving the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region AmyM@EvergreenCustomMedia.com Sales Director Martha Dickenson (303) 257-6499 Mimi_nwp@yahoo.com

Published by ALCC for the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region

ALCC

President Matt Hiner Hiner Landscapes, Colorado Springs Vice President Michael Moore Diggable Designs LLC, Lakewood Secretary/Treasurer Steve Steele Keesen Landscape Management, Inc. Englewood Past President Mike Ransom Lifescape Colorado, Denver

Colorado Green (ISSN0195-0045) is published bimonthly by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, Inc., 1660 S. Albion St., Suite 831, Denver, Colorado 80222, phone: 303-757-5611, fax: 303-757-5636. Colorado Green is distributed to contributing members and professionals throughout Colorado, and educational and governmental institutions across the state. Subscription rates: $27 per year; $6.75 per copy. Colorado residents only, please add 3.5% sales tax. Postage paid at Denver, Colorado. Publisher assumes no responsibility for safekeeping or return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts, and reserves all rights to edit material submitted for publication. Approval for publication of copyrighted material submitted to Colorado Green is the sole responsibility of the advertiser/contributing authors. ©2019 by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. All rights reserved. Reproduction of materials contained herein allowed only with permission of the publisher. Post master: Please send Form 3579 to ALCC, 1660 S. Albion St., Suite 831, Denver, Colorado 80222.

For advertising inquiries, please call Amy McCraken at 303-478-7895, or email amym@evergreencustom media.com.

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Photo courtesy Arbor Valley Nursery

Green News& Notes

Arbor Valley Nursery’s new Fort Collins location

Arbor Valley celebrates new Fort Collins location

A

rbor Valley Nursery opened a new location in Fort Collins and hosted a grand opening event in February. More than 60 people attended from across the green industry — landscape professionals, retail nurseries, CSU faculty, wholesale nursery peers, and event sponsor Wagner Equipment Co. The family-owned business first opened its doors in 1980 and has grown over the decades to three Colorado locations—Franktown, Brighton and Fort Collins. The new location at 4701 E Prospect Road in Fort Collins, is managed by Derek Meusch, CCNP.

May/June 2019 Colorado Green

13

Green News & Notes

CSU places sixth as 2019 NCLC host

Karen Lamb, center, placed 1st in Business Management.

CSU students at NCLC closing ceremonies

olorado State University (CSU) hosted the 2019 NALP National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) in March. More than 800 students gathered from approximately 65 two- and four-year colleges to participate. CSU placed sixth overall.

CSU’s Karen Lamb placed first in Business Management. Other CSU students placing in the top five of their events include: Chris Tragakes, Construction Cost Estimat-

ing; Axel Anderson and Spencer Bernard, Irrigation Assembly and Irrigation Troubleshooting; Kelci Van Treese, Landscape Lighting and Jordan Salisbury, Small Engine Repair.

As event host, the CSU community coordinated and filled more than 250 volunteer slots and provided indoor and outdoor venues for 29 competition events, workshops, a career fair and more. Michigan State University will host the 2020 competition.

Zach Johnson and Elizabeth Hobbs of CSU accept plaques from Doug Halsey, NCLC chairperson.

Photos courtesy National Association of Landscape Professionals

C

Design competition

DeBaise is new GCC Association Director

he Garden Centers of Colorado (GCC) board of directors recently announced Cheryl DeBaise as the new association director for GCC. DeBaise, Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Institute for Organization Management (CIO) has over 25 years of experience with nonprofit organizations. She has a track record of significant accomplishments in membership retention and recruitment programs, board and governance management, fundraising and more. DeBlaise has worked for national, state and local associations during her career.

Before joining GCC, she served as president of

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American Bearing Manufacturers Association, CEO of the National Demolition Association and SVP of Government Affairs with the National Association of Home Builders. In addition, DeBaise co-founded Organization Management Group, where she served as executive director for four associations.

As GCC’s new executive director, DeBaise will serve through her association management company, C&A Management.

DeBaise lives in Arvada with her husband and daughter.

Photo courtesy Cheryl DeBaise

T

Hardscape installation competition

Cheryl DeBaise

Green News & Notes

Timberline receives Donor of the Year for Ronald McDonald House Charities

Photo courtesy Hunter Industries

Photo courtesy Timberline Landscaping, Inc.

DBC’s Mark Rae receives Hunter Trailblazer Award

T

Timberline team accepts the award

M

Mark Rae (at right) accepts the award

ark Rae of DBC Irrigation Supply was recognized with the Hunter Industries Trailblazer Award in

March.

As Hunter explains, “The Trailblazer award is one of the industry’s most coveted.

Recipients must rise above and beyond industry peers not just in the market and product knowledge, but also add true value to the irrigation industry.”

The Hunter team in Colorado chose Rae for the award. “Mark was selected for the Trailblazer award for his outstanding customer service and commitment that he provides to his customers,” says Matt Stratton, a sales manager for in A Colorado.

C OHunter L O R D O “We give these out annually to only a few select recipients. Hunter gives out only 20-30 Trailblazer awards globally.”

Award recipients are presented with a dramatic wildlife print from photographer Thomas Mangelsen’s “Images of Nature” photo gallery for their hard work and dedication.

imberline Landscaping, Inc., Colorado Springs received the Donor of the Year award for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Southern Colorado at the RMHC’s annual appreciation dinner.

Timberline Landscaping donated snow removal services, the design and landscaping of the back yard at the new RMHC location, as well as maintenance services, to support their mission of keeping families with sick children together.

The landscape design was inspired by Neil Emick and his desire to provide an area of peace and respite to families staying at the RMHC. After spending time at the Denver House and experiencing the loss of his daughter, Emick understood the value of an outdoor space. Said Tim Emick, Timberline owner and uncle to Neil Emick, “We’ve lost a couple of young ones along the way. We want to give back.”

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May/June 2019 Colorado Green

15

better

by nature

Being a member of ALCC has helped me get my foot in the door with other landscape professionals and has provided me a sense of community. It is such a relief to know people who understand my challenges and inspire me to be a better business owner.

In return, I’m ready to support them any way I’m able.

Mike Moore, CEO/Owner

Diggable Designs Landscape Construction, LLC ALCC member since 2010

ALCC is committed to helping landscape companies succeed Demonstrate your professionalism

Show the public that you strive to do business ethically and responsibly.

Build relationships that build your business

Success can depend as much on whom you know as what you know. ALCC can help you make the right connections to grow your business.

Get valuable education and training

Take advantage of educational opportunities that have been designed by landscape contractors for landscape contractors.

Shape the course of the industry Join ALCC and experience firsthand what makes our members better by nature

ALCC influences policy at the local, state and federal level.

The more members we have, the stronger our voice is— and the easier it is to protect and advance your business and the future of our industry.

Visit ALCC.com/membership or call 303.757.5611 to learn more

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Milestones

Awards over the years B

By Cherie Courtade

efore Colorado Green began, ALCC was recognizing Colorado landscape excellence. The purpose of the first awards program, known as the Environmental Improvement Awards, was to recognize and encourage professionalism in the landscape industry. That effort began modestly, with just two or three winners each year, chosen from just a few entries.

But in 1979, when Colorado Green launched, the magazine gave those award-winning projects even more exposure when they were featured in “photo essays” showcasing the landscapes. Back then judges traveled to the half-dozen or so award entry sites in late summer/early fall to evaluate and photograph them.

.....................................................................................................................

Environmental Improvement Awards Excellence in Landscape Awards The ELITE Awards .....................................................................................................................

1981 1981 1984

1986

1992

2015

In the late 1980s, the new Excellence in Landscape Awards were launched. Interest in the awards grew, and the program expanded to 37 categories. By then, judges gathered at the home of Stan Brown, Alameda Wholesale Nursery, to view slides of the entries and select the winners.

Those judges evaluated 100 entries in a year by the 2000s. The pages of Colorado Green were often filled with photographs of stunning

1996

2016

landscape work, no doubt influencing and inspiring peers to “up their game” and be recognized among the best.

The awards program took time off from 2013-2014 while ALCC retooled the program with an added emphasis on strong business practices and water conservation. The updated program, renamed The ELITE Awards (Elevating the Landscape Industry Through Excellence), included new categories like cus-

2017

tomer service and sustainability.

This new focus on the business and on measurable results has allowed Colorado Green to take a deep dive into the winning projects and tell the story behind the photographs of beautiful landscapes. More than just photo essays, the magazine continues to celebrate the expertise and accomplishments of landscape professionals. |CG May/June 2019 Colorado Green

21

Milestones

Colorado Garden Foundation

Photos courtesy ALCC

Mission to support sustainable

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Milestones

celebrates 60 years horticulture still going strong

support the Foundation’s mission of supporting programs that instill in our youth the importance of sustainable horticulture,” said Jim Fricke, CGF executive director. “We look forward to seeing this support come to life in the gardens that they create.”

The Colorado Garden Foundation was created to raise funds for horticultural projects. In its first year, its purpose was to raise funds for the Denver Botanic Gardens. The foundation held its first garden show that same year. The show began with fewer than 50 participating companies and has grown to feature 625 companies in 2019.

The first ten years featured gardens only before adding home services to the program to become the Colorado Garden & Home Show as it is known today. |CG

CGF supports Pathways schools The Landscape Career Pathways Program benefitted from Colorado Garden Foundation’s grant program in 2019. Lone Star School Agriculture Department received a grant of $6,750 that will be used to build a greenhouse where students can learn horticulture through hands-on experience growing plants.

SaraLynn Vetter, who leads the Lone Star program, is an enthusiastic supporter of the Landscape Career Pathways Program.

She has regularly attended annual teacher training sessions led by ALCC volunteers and she provides opportunities for students to learn about the green industry. Though her high school has only a few hundred students in rural Otis, CO, Vetter has made the effort two years in a row to bring students to High School Day at ProGreen EXPO. She wants them to learn more about careers in the green industry and meet with industry professionals.

Lone Star’s Limon School District also received a $15,000 grant. Colorado FFA Foundation, which has worked with the Career Pathways program to support students interested in horticulture, received a $4,000 grant.

Ph oto gra ph y

SaraLynn Vetter

Ph oto cou rte sy W ing er

T

he Colorado Garden Foundation (CGF) celebrated its 60-year anniversary this year and awarded more than half a million in horticultural grants during the Colorado Garden & Home Show, February 9-17.

More than $513,000 was awarded in grants to 62 organizations at the grant ceremony.

This year’s two major grant winners were the Denver Botanic Gardens and the WOW! Children’s Museum.

Each year, 100% of show ticket proceeds go toward funding horticultural grants and scholarships. In its 60 years, the foundation has contributed more than $9 million across the state, including matching grants by show sponsor Bellco of more than $185,000 to date.

“These grant recipients

May/June 2019 Colorado Green

23

Profile

Turning a hobby into a successful niche business

Stephanie Selig’s small steps made a BIG difference

L

andscape companies come in all sizes and specialties. One often overlooked segment is that of the one-person business which serves a niche market. Stephanie Selig of Fort Collins represents that latter model.

Her professional career in the green industry was borne out of a lifelong hobby. She grew up in a family that kept a large garden and greenhouse, and it instilled in her a love of plants. After years as a stay-at-home parent, when her children started school, she decided to turn her hobby into a small business. That company, Patio Plants Unlimited, specialized in container gardening and small gardens. She also can create an outdoor room on a patio, deck or balcony.

Happily for Selig, with experience she has learned her worth and grown her business.

Stephanie Selig 24

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In 2006, she began with about five clients, though notes that “when you are just getting your business started, you are practically giving yourself away.� Many of her clients are older adults who want a beautiful garden but may no longer be able to do the physical labor required to maintain it.

Happily for Selig, with experience she has learned her worth and grown her business. Selig now manages about three dozen recurring clients with maintenance services.

Upgrade knowledge and skills using multiple resources

After a few years in business, Selig realized that pursuing formal education related to her work could provide validation of her qualifications. She had hands-on experience and satisfied clients but understood that having a degree would demonstrate to prospective

Photos courtesy Stephanie Selig

By Cherie Courtade

Profile customers that she had the knowledge to do the job properly. She enrolled at Front Range Community College (FRCC) and earned an AAS degree in horticulture.

Her horticulture degree, and the knowledge that came with it, enabled her to expand her service offerings to include landscape design. She provided designs for the DIY homeowner and called the new business Landscape Design by Stephanie Selig.

In spring 2018, Selig rebranded and combined her two businesses into one company, Sundrops & Starflowers. The combined company offers container gardening, automatic drip irrigation design and installation, landscape design, garden maintenance, and small garden installation.

Her experience with drip irrigation systems helps her clients keep beautiful plantings and save water. That specialized knowledge has come from multiple sources, including classes at area nurseries, an irrigation course at FRCC and plenty of experiential learning with her personal landscape projects.

Learning the business of business

Of course, as an entrepreneur, Selig is not just a horticulturalist. She is also the accountant, appointment maker and sales team. She

learned the business side of the company with the help of the Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC), enrolling in classes and taking advantage of their free consulting services. The relationship with her SBDC consultant continues with annual check-ins.

“Unlike a friend giving advice, this person isn’t afraid to hurt your feelings and can speak frankly,” Selig explained with a laugh.

Her consultant has given her advice on what she needs to do—or stop doing—in order to make her business successful.

Another right hand

Today she is no longer a one-woman team.

Selig has hired an assistant, Chesney Babbitt.

A CSU student of environmental horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design, Babbitt began as a summer intern in 2017 and continues to work part-time, helping with every aspect of the business. “She truly is my #1 assistant, my right-hand person,” Selig says.

With a combination of experiential learning, education and community resources, Stephanie Selig has succeeded in building a business out of her passion. Along the way, she’s learned to adapt her operations to fit her capacity and continue to offer services that reflect her passion. |CG

—Cherie Courtade is ALCC’s communications director

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Business Sense

How Jake Harris reduces employee turnover

Jake’s Designs’ team

By Lyn Dean

Photo courtesy Jake’s Designs

Photos courtesy Jake’s Designs

He shows them the love

W

hat if prospective employees sought out your company? Could that even be a possibility? Five years ago, Jake Harris, owner at Jake’s Designs, Colorado Springs was struggling to attract and keep good people—a common challenge within the industry.

He wondered how he could make his company the best place to work in Colorado Springs and attract and retain good people.

Harris is committed to creating a culture that is kind and respectful. His mom, a key role model, had a successful business for 39 years. “She knew how to make people feel valued and loved,” he says. “I want our clients to feel that way about our company.” He knew that if he wanted his customers to feel good about the company, then he had to start with his employees.

Weekly Absolute Badass award

To recognize and reward employees who go above and beyond to serve customers, Harris implemented the AB program—a weekly award of $100 cash in the form of a 100-dollar bill.

Anyone from among the 20-24 employees–from new hires to foreman and managers–is eligible for the award. When the program was founded three years ago, AB stood for “atta boy” for

26

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going “above and beyond.” AB has since been nicknamed “absolute badass.”

One day when presenting the award, Harris says, “I let the employee know they were an absolute badass in my mind and it just kind of stuck!”

How does the program work? All employees are encouraged to participate by nominating a fellow employee or someone on their team who went above and beyond for the customer or a fellow employee. The nomination is about anything someone did that stands out and helps the company improve. On paper, employees write the name of someone and a brief description of the observed AB activity, then deposit the paper into a company mailbox created for the award. Each Friday morning, Harris looks through the current week’s batch of papers and determines the award recipient.

“I reach into my wallet and pull out $100 in cash, giving it to the person and providing verbal recognition in front of the crew,” he says.

“It boosts employees to get a cash bonus in this way, but the recognition is just as important.” He adds that consistency is key to the success of the program.

Harris also wants us to know that the $100 is from his own pocket, not from the business.

He is careful to recognize people throughout the company in different positions, and yes, a person can win the award more than once.

Anyone can nominate someone. For example, people on crews can nominate project managers, and they do.

Through this program, Harris believes he is developing a company culture that celebrates teamwork and helping others.

Is it working?

“Since the program started, we’ve had great people advance to foremen and managers,” says Harris. “Our upper level positions have low turnover. Entry level retention rate has tripled from five years ago when people might stay only three weeks before moving on.” Harris notes that even if an entry level person does not win the award, they know the company respects and appreciates the people.

Spreading the word

The culture of appreciation at Jake’s Designs is slowly spreading outward. “At our all-company staff meetings, held about every two months, we talk about how to spread the word,” says Harris. For example, when upper level employees are getting materials from various suppliers, they tell suppliers and clerks how happy they are to work at Jake’s Designs.

In addition to the AB program, Harris also has put in place other employee benefits such as

Jake Harris

Photo courtesy

Business Sense

company matched individual retirement account (IRA) contributions after two years with the company.

The AB 100-dollar bill also spreads the word in a tangible way—by being seen. “When someone on a crew offers to buy a round for friends at the end of the week and then pays with a 100-dollar bill, the friends notice and ask about it. Our employee gets to say his boss gave it to him for winning this week’s absolute badass award.”

“So far, getting the word out seems to be working,” says Harris. “We have not had to run a lot of ads to get good people. I want to hire good people and then get out of the way.

I also learned from my mom to enjoy the ride and not just focus on the end goal.”

Is the company’s success with employees translating to the “warm, fuzzy feeling” Harris wants for his customers? “Our main goal on every job is to put out a great product, of course, but in the end we must ensure that the client is wild about the experience we gave them in working with us,” says Harris. He admits if the experience isn’t good, it doesn’t matter how good the work looks. Every employee is made aware of this. “And yes, we have had unhappy customers in the past, and I think everyone has at one point or another.”

Harris believes these situations were caused by either poor communication or miscommunication.

When this happens, Harris calls an onsite meeting with the project manager and the client. “We talk openly and work through whatever issues there were. This is effective because it shows the customer, we really do care. Most of the time we all walk away feeling great about the resolution that was reached.

It’s simple!”

Harris adds that the company’s online reviews speak for themselves. |CG —Lyn Dean is editor of Colorado Green magazine.

EXCELLENCE Here at Alameda Wholesale Nursery, we strive for excellence in customer service, plant selection, plant quality and all other aspects of our business.

That is why we have been proud to sponsor the ELITE AWARDS PROGRAM! CONGRATUATIONS!!! to this years winners!!!!

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May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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Workforce

Arvada West hort program is taking off Rachel Miller has a classroom and space to grow

By Becky Garber-Godi

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very day kids come into class excited to see how their seeds are growing!” says Arvada West (A-West) High School teacher Rachel Miller. She was recruited to launch the first Ag-Ed program at the school, under which ALCC Landscape Career Pathways resides. This is her third year at A-West as the Ag-Ed teacher, but only the first year there’s been space in her classroom to grow plants. Her classroom the previous two years was the computer lab.

The 2018-2019 school year has looked up for Miller and her horticulture program. Her classroom has roomy tables well-suited for hands-on projects, and natural light for students to grow seedlings.

The back door opens to a wide-open area where there’s a hoop house and a lot of lawn area where her next project will be installing raised beds to grow veggies. Future plans call for creating demonstration gardens for low-water plants and areas where students will practice handson landscape and irrigation skills.

“Every day kids come into class excited to see how their seeds are growing!”

A devoted horticulturist, Miller said she found her passion almost kicking and screaming when she was in high school. In her junior year she was assigned to take a horticulture class, and try as she might, she couldn’t get out of the class. “I didn’t even know what horticulture was, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me! I fell in love with horticulture and FFA.”

2019 Career Pathways Sponsors Strategic sponsor

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Signature sponsors

She also has students who, like she did, pushed back when placed in hort classes. She shared about one student who had to take Miller’s class last fall because there was no other elective he could take during that class period. He wasn’t happy at the time, but became engaged, and in spring semester he enrolled in two of her classes.

Not everyone will have this experience, says Miller. But she also recognizes that even if students don’t make the green industry their career choice, they will have gained skills to garden and do related tasks they can use the rest of their lives.

Miller earned an associate degree in her home state of North Carolina and also a degree from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University in Greensboro. She then taught high school horticulture and led her school’s FFA program in North Carolina for five years.

Miller says she loves that she is now in Colorado. “It’s wonderful!,” she says.

She looks forward to building the horticulture program at A-West now that she has her own classroom and a dedicated outdoor area where students can learn to grow plants and to learn other landscape skills. |CG

—Becky Garber-Godi launched the ALCC Landscape Career Pathways program and continues to help connect students and teachers with learning and career opportunities in the green industry

Miller started FFA leadership program at Arvada West.

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Workforce

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The ELITE Awards Presented by

Presenting sponsor:

Media sponsor:

Photos courtesy Travis Yaggie

Event sponsor:

Cocktail reception sponsor:

SILOAM STONE, Inc. May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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2019

Awards

Landscape Construction

Designscapes Colorado | An Eclectic Hideaway

Photo courtesy Designscapes Colorado

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he Centennial homeowners wanted to maximize lawn space for their active son, maintain privacy, install a Bali-inspired spa, establish a place to grow their own vegetables, and make their upper-level garden attractive and usable.

An existing retaining wall was lowered from eight feet to five feet to both enhance sight lines and allow the patio area to feel open to the upper level landscape of native trees, vibrant shrubs and creeping perennials.

The design had to consider the upper neighbor’s mountain view, which meant trees selected for the client’s upper garden would not compromise the neighbor’s view when mature but also provide adequate privacy for the client. Views from the kitchen and living room are now framed by trees, boulder outcroppings, flowering shrubs and perennials, drawing you out to use the spa and fire pit.

Maintenance

Photo courtesy Weisburg Landscape Management

Weisburg Landscape Maintenance | La Bellezza at Peregrine HOA

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he Weisburg team has managed this Colorado Springs property since 2008.

They have improved the property each year by implementing changes in design and practices, including regular, detailed reporting to the HOA. Plant selection was and continues to be a critical piece to success, as the property faces challenges with wildlife—deer have eaten “deer-proof” plantings, and rabbits devour the bluegrass.

The company’s base contract includes standard weekly services (mowing, selective pruning, weeding), as well as aeration, weed/feed, deadheading and irrigation checks, activation and winterization. Summer/fall pruning, cleanups and winter inspections are billed separately for time and materials for better tracking.

During the annual inspection, an HOA rep, property manager, builder rep and a Weisburg staff member walk the entire property, identifying what worked and what didn’t. Based on the outcome, Weisburg makes recommendations for improvements.

2019

Design/Build Project Budget under $150k Zak George Landscaping | Jordan Retreat

Photo courtesy Zak George Landscaping

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he goal of the project in Fort Collins was to create a backyard retreat that was both rustic and formal, suitable for outdoor family get-togethers as well as large parties. Design challenges included scaling the dominance of the two-story house to lawn level. Three timber pergolas and large patios at different levels appropriately carried out the height transition.

Another design challenge was integrating four exit doors to the backyard, each elevated three feet above grade, into the new outdoor space without restricting flow and ease of movement through the landscape.

Multiple patios radiate from the central focal point of the outdoor kitchen, creating an open flow between gathering areas. For some seclusion, a pergola covers the hot tub patio. A granite boulder water feature is situated so that the water sound can be heard from all surrounding patios.

Awards

Design/Build Project Budget $150,000+

Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. | Fossil Lake Ranch Estate

Photo courtesy Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc.

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indgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. received The ELITE Award for Design/ Build for budget $150,000+ for Fossil Lake Ranch Estate, Fort Collins.

The design challenge was to anchor a sprawling home to a large corner lot while creating intimacy in a yard that is visible from the street.

The client wanted to create an oasis for outdoor living—a place where their active, young children and dog could play and they could entertain guests. They wanted a mature, sophisticated landscape to complement the traditional-style home.

The smaller backyard became a courtyard and retreat for dining and entertaining, with several hardscape elements and plants to create privacy.

Tall hedges, a brick-walled fireplace and trees created screening. A water feature adds to the ambience, and pavers complement the color palette of the home. The water feature required complex plumbing and filtration that were built into the wall systems and hidden from view.

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2019

Awards

Use of Color | Judges’ Choice

Sustainable Landscapes-Colorado | Streets at Southglenn

Photo courtesy Sustainable Landscapes - Colorado, LLC

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Use of Color | People’s Choice Environmental Designs, Inc. | Candelas

T Photo courtesy Environmental Designs, Inc.

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he immense scope of the plantings at Streets of Southglenn includes 13,000 square feet of annual and perennial beds, 400 hanging baskets and 40 containers. The client wants the floral program to create an ambience that gives shoppers, diners and visitors a “sense of arrival,” and the theme must change each year to create a sense of anticipation.

The company’s soil preparation and fertility practices promote faster growth to quickly fill in planting gaps of 9-18 inches—a plus for property owner. Hydrozones were a must, and appropriate irrigation technology reduced water waste and optimized plant health, but could not give the appearance of overwatering. Hanging baskets and containers were watered by hand every day by a small crew. Both the annual and perennial selections support pollinators.

he customer wanted high-impact curb appeal at both entry monuments to this new housing development close to the former Rocky Flats nuclear plant. Environmental Designs overcame poor public image by showing that the area could be beautified and environmentally suitable for life. Water conservation, preserving native plant diversity and enhancing wildlife habitat were the goals.

Nearly 7,000 annuals and perennials were planted in this high-plains eco-region with low precipitation and high winds. Challenges of the site were overcome with soil modifications, careful plant selection for beneficial wildlife, including perennials for pollinators, and avoiding overplanting to reduce water waste.

2019

Awards

Irrigation Management

Environmental Designs, Inc. | Centerra Metropolitan District

Photo courtesy Environmental Designs, Inc.

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enterra Metro District has worked closely with Environmental Designs, Inc. (EDI) since 2015 to fully repair and maintain their irrigation systems. In 2017, Centerra contracted with EDI to perform detailed irrigation management services.

Before 2015, the irrigation system was in a state of disrepair and was highly inefficient. In four years, EDI has successfully brought Centerra’s systems back to original specifications and increased efficiency through smart irrigation technology. This has brought savings of well over five million gallons of water per year in 2017 and 2018, which represents a 24 percent decrease in consumption from the city-mandated budget.

Innovation

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BestYard.com | Landscape Contractor Storage Yard

Photo courtesy Bestyard.com

ith continued development in Douglas County, BestYard.com identified a need for landscape contractors: a facility that meets strict zoning requirements, where they could rent space and safely store equipment needed to run their businesses.

After a 10-year rezoning effort, BestYard offers the first outdoor storage yard for multiple landscape contractors in Douglas County. The 7.5-acre facility is screened from public view with 5-foot landscape berms and 6 to 10-foot fencing, and is landscaped with grasses, 70 trees and 350 shrubs. There are front and rear detention ponds to hold and filter water runoff to meet Colorado water quality and environmental standards. This zoning, with visual and audio screening, provides landscape contractors a haven to conduct operations without being in violation of zoning laws.

The site provides on-site offices, storage sheds, space for trucks and equipment, dumpsters and more to support efficient business operations. By locating their base of operations alongside colleagues, tenants can share client referrals, ideas, knowledge and equipment.

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2019

Awards

Community Stewardship

Environmental Designs, Inc. | International Hearing Dog

I Photo courtesy International Hearing Dog, Inc.

nternational Hearing Dog, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that pairs trained shelter dogs with hearing impaired people. They needed new outdoor space in which to train dogs as well as space to display donor bricks. With vendor donations, along with employee volunteers and resources from Environmental Designs, the company was able to provide International Hearing Dog with both the new training space and the donor brick area—pro bono.

Customer Service

BrightView | Customer Service

Photo courtesy BrightView

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rightView was nominated by customers for their award. Clients praised their professionalism, quick response time, and knowledgeable and committed staff. The Front Range team prides itself on building and maintaining trust-based professional relationships by actively listening to customers’ landscape goals and offering honest recommendations based on what is best for their landscape.

Continuous improvement and innovation help the company achieve client goals. When new opportunities arise to do jobs more efficiently, by making adjustments to current programs or through the use of new technology, large-scale training of employees is conducted.

BrightView asks for feedback on an ongoing basis and makes adjustments when clients aren’t happy. If a client surveyed says they are less than moderately satisfied, they are flagged for follow up by account or branch managers to determine how to improve client service satisfaction.

2019

MVP

Katie Moore | Native Edge Landscapes, Inc.

Photos courtesy Travis Yaggie

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rom timely execution of daily tasks to implementing improvement initiatives, Katie Moore takes a proactive approach to her work. She is able to balance the daily ‘tyranny of the urgent’ with long-term strategic initiatives while maintaining a contagious sense of humor.

Coworkers agree that her presence lightens up any room no matter how challenging the issues may be. She also works outside the office to earn related certifications and take continuing education classes.

Moore juggles many roles at Native Edge Landscapes, Inc. under the official title of safety coordinator and HR manager. Her accomplishments as safety coordinator have created a more safety-conscious company culture that has positively impacted the company’s bottom line as the company’s EMOD (Experience Modification rating) improved by over 20 percent in just the last year.

As HR manager, Moore’s accomplishments have helped streamline people processes and systems and improved overall employee engagement and retention of key personnel.

Awards

2019

Awards

May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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The ELITE Awards Finalists Landscape Construction

Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. | Fossil Lake Ranch Estate

Photo courtesy Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc.

Community Stewardship

Landscape Construction

Singing Hills Landscape, Inc. | Kearney Street Colonial Revival

Photo courtesy High Country Landscape, Ltd.

High Country Landscape | Climbin’ for the Kiddos!

www.alcc.com

Photo courtesy Singing Hills Landscape, Inc.

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he homeowners wanted a landscape where they could entertain and enjoy their garden all while making sure the new landscape melded seamlessly with their meticulously maintained historic house in Denver. Singing Hills transformed a turf-heavy front yard and a cramped backyard into a garden oasis with lots of room for entertaining guests. Project challenges included drainage and access issues to the yard, as well as constructing new retaining walls and patio areas that needed to look as if they had always been integral to the historic property. Material selection and researching historic installation created a stunning result true to the historic nature of the property.

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ossil Lake Ranch Estate is a grand landscape and hardscape installation for a private residence. The homeowner wanted the lush look of Cherry Creek on this corner lot in Fort Collins. They also have two young children, a dog and love to entertain. The front yard area was softened with rolling contours, and details break up and add interest to the expanse of concrete driveway. The courtyard in the back was designed to be a cozy retreat incorporating a fireplace and walls as well as tall hedges for privacy. Through careful design and scrupulous implementation, Lindgren brought to life a landscape that meets the family’s desire to play and entertain.

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atrick O’Meara, owner at High Country Landscape, Ltd., also uses his status as an ISA certified arborist to raise awareness about the landscape industry and safe arborist practices by volunteering at schools and charities, and for TV appearances.

He also donates his time and services to The Gathering Place, a shelter for abused women, by trimming and pruning trees on their children’s playground. O’Meara also provides his tree work services as silent auction items. Bids have earned several hundred dollars for the charity. He hopes his work results in greater awareness of safer arborist practices and inspires others to help in their own communities.

The ELITE Awards Finalists Maintenance

Photo courtesy Lifescape Colorado

Lifescape Colorado | High Style in The Pines

Use of Color

Photo courtesy Tree of Life Landscapes

Tree of Life Landscapes | Arabesque

Maintenance

Lifescape Colorado | Sentimental Serenity

Photo courtesy Lifescape Colorado

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ifescape did the design/build for this custom home in Denver and during that time, the husband passed away tragically. The landscape then became a tribute to him, and a sanctuary for his grieving widow. Bright color contrasts, meticulous order, vibrant growth and highly personalized service are critical to success. Several sentimental items are incorporated in the landscape including a rock fountain with antiquated systems that was revived by Lifescapes. An Austrian pine given to the wife by the husband’s company was planted and thrives within a birch tree grove.

Welcoming pink and white Sunpatiens provide feminine beauty at the home entrance. The boxwoods, spiral topiaries and hydrangeas are obsessively manicured for an orderly and thriving appearance.

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omeowners wanted a strong “wow” factor on their large, exposed and severely sloped lot in Castle Pines, which had been vacant for several years allowing severe weed growth. The Lifescape team is in constant attack mode with weed seed in beds, turf and natural areas. For steep slopes, the team developed specialized equipment to nurture and maintain the native turf while decreasing erosion. Nature trails surrounding the entertaining area are maintained carefully, cleared just enough to feel like Colorado hiking trails. Proper pruning and tree care help preserve many native trees critical to privacy and composition of design. Smart irrigation ensures early green up to bring landscape back to life in spring and adjusts watering daily. Frequent hail storms require constant hail remediation techniques.

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or their renovated landscape, owners of this modern Boulder home wanted a plant palette suitable to Colorado’s dry climate and one that would be compelling year-round.

Tree of Life Landscapes redesigned the front entrance to their home using granite boulders, stone steps, and full xeric plantings that focused on warm colors. Year-round interest was found in contrasting textures and seed heads, and grasses as a backdrop to the drama of the colors. The colors change throughout the growing season as each area comes to life. Even in the winter, plantings have textural and color interest that is not reliant on evergreens. Homeowners got what they wanted: a garden full of color and life that respects the constraints of Colorado’s climate.

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The ELITE Awards Finalists Design/Build Project Budget $150,000+

Photo courtesy Lifescape Colorado

Lifescape Colorado | A Twist of Sophistication

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he empty-nest homeowners’ vision for this Broomfield property was a clean, con temporary style combined with the functionality to accommodate small intimate gatherings as well as larger parties. The compact courtyard area between the main house and guest house is a hub for activities in the pool, fire pit area, spa, outdoor kitchen, dining and living room. They envisioned art throughout the courtyard space, including a custom water feature and sculptural features designed and built by Lifescape Colorado. The surrounding landscape complements the home’s modern architectural style, and trails and paths lead guests around the property. A blend of native turf created a lush green landscape without high water use.

Design/Build Project Budget $150,000+ Designscapes Colorado | Front Range Rustic

Design/Build Project Budget under $150k

Photo courtesy Native Edge Landscapes, Inc.

Native Edge Landscapes, Inc. | Boulder County Modern Residence

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Photo courtesy Designscapes Colorado

erched on top of a steep hillside, the challenge of the landscape for this Golden home was to create an inviting outdoor living space that was connected to the lower rec room inside the home. Rustic pavers throughout the space allow the kids to move safely between the indoor game room and pool, as adults prepare lunch in the outdoor barbecue area. Near the pool, a staircase leads guests to a tranquil area of the landscape where family and guests can relax and admire the rustic retaining wall filled with native Colorado plantings. The space is the perfect Mediterranean-style destination for both adult entertainment and a kid paradise.

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omeowners of wanted to establish a comfortable outdoor living area in a rural setting. But they also wanted to introduce a formal front entry with a water feature and linear planting design, which Native Edge designed and built. An added adventure was designing for an active family, and, yes, chickens.

In contrast to the formal front, the design of the back and side yards reflect the rural setting with an extensive chicken coop planted with native fruit-bearing shrubs and fruit trees creating a southern border. Western views of the foothills can be enjoyed over a foreground of lawn. The relationship of interior living space and the exterior patio and fire pit make outdoor living easy and essential.

The ELITE Awards Finalists Design/Build Project Budget under $150k

Photo courtesy TLC Gardens. LLC

TLC Gardens, LLC | Willow Sanctuary

Design/Build Project Budget under $150k Sunflower Landscapes | Wildroot

Photo courtesy Sunflower Landscapes

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he Black Forest homeowners wanted usable spaces for entertaining large groups.

This project provided the total outdoor living experience for the homeowners, including a firepit, fire place and grill area. The covered area and patios provide plenty of room for guests.

Sunflower dealt with a grading and draining challenge by creating a retaining wall and using some of the existing boulders. Unfortunately, the drainage ran through the heart of the outdoor space.

The team took advantage of this challenge to create a dry creek bed to carry out the drainage. The dry creek bed flowed through the paver walkways in two spots and large flat stones, used as bridges, helped bring the design together, exceding homeowner expectations.

TLC

Gardens created an outdoor environment to match the Frank Lloyd Wright interior style and the contemporary architecture of this Boulder home. The design preserved and illuminated a stunning, mature willow tree while providing a pattern layout that separates public and private spaces and mirrors the home’s interior. TLC Gardens and their subcontractors incorporated landscape elements including: a stone water feature tied to master bedroom views; a custom deck; an integrated spa; master bedroom sun lounge with privacy screens; steel panel lighted accent for outdoor entertaining; all season plantings fitting each micro-climate area; a high efficiency irrigation system, and low voltage landscape lighting. After completion, the outdoor spaces were seamlessly tied to the view corridors of the home.

MVP

MVP

Steve Bugas | BrightView

Mike Moore | Diggable Designs

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teve Bugas exemplifies doing quality work and doing it the right way. He achieves and maintains safety levels, and his seemingly limitless source of landscape knowledge benefits the entire team, making him the guy other employees approach with questions.

He is known as the “village caretaker” by his branch’s longest-standing client, Founders Village in Castle Rock. Along with managing the most detailed and unique set of services Brightview encounters on a property, Bugas has collaborated with Eccles Design Inc. on a maintenance program that ensures the greatest plant health and appearance of the community, while coming in under the Town of Castle Rock’s water budget year after year. His work ethic and the amount of work he does are unparalleled.

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ike Moore organized a volunteer effort at Green Mountain High School for the past three years as part of the ALCC’s annual Day of Service. Denver chapter volunteers created an outdoor learning lab by transforming an unused grassy area into a place where students can learn landscape skills by doing them. Moore led planning for the project, working with staff, volunteers, suppliers and school faculty. His company also provides support after the initial project, helping finish up work that didn’t get completed on the project day.

Green Mountain faculty member Courtney Mayo, who heads the landscape program, said Mike’s dedication to this project has been unmatched. He has continually gone above and beyond by donating his time and knowledge. Moore has inspired both students and other landscape companies, through his volunteer efforts.

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The ELITE Awards Finalists Innovation

Photo courtesy Native Edge Landscapes, Inc.

Native Edge Landscapes, Inc. | Turner Residence

Innovation

Innovation

Timberline Landscaping, Inc. | Safety Program

Photo courtesy Tree of Life Landscape

Tree of Life Landscape | Griffis Union Station

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Photo courtesy Timberline Landscaping, Inc.

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ith explosive growth at Timberline over the last few years, current staff was no longer able to effectively run a safety program while performing their other duties. Their EMOD (experience modification rating) was up over one, and they encountered several severe on-the-job injuries. Timberline needed a solution. The company created a safety committee and a new full-time position for a safety coordinator. The results of work by the committee and the safety coordinator have reduced the EMOD rating by nearly half and saved over $30,000 in premiums. Timberline has used the savings to provide further training, and host safety celebrations and drawings for prizes for employees. Employees are better able to work safely, and customer service is enhanced.

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ative Edge Lanscapes, Inc. had a water problem! While maintaining this Boulder residence, they noticed plants were not being watered properly because water was not coming out of the sprinklers. A 14-foot tall wall separating the garden area from the primary water source had sunk, crushing the original pipe.

Native Edge’s solution was both functional and attractive: a working trellis made of copper pipe.

The copper trellis blended with the surrounding design and décor of this multi-million-dollar home. This innovative solution met homeowner irrigation needs, offered a growth opportunity within the company, broadened employee skills sets and empowered employees to come up with solutions to problems presented on the job.

At

Griffis Union Station apartment complex adjacent to Denver’s River North (RiNo) area, the landscape was suffering from long-term overuse by dogs.

The smell of pet urine was prominent upon leaving the building, most existing plants had died and residents were no longer using the outdoor spaces. In the courtyard, Tree of Life Landscapes designed and fabricated steel fences that matched established architecture and provided barriers to dog damage to the new plantings. In the central open area, Tree of Life installed urine-resistant Dog Tuff™ grass along with creating a fenced reflection garden beneath established Redbud trees.

Now plants thrive, dogs play and people gather in garden spaces away from dogs.

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May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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ALCC Volunteer

2019

Service Awards

ALCC Volunteer Service Awards Garber-Godi earns Bob Cannon Lifetime Achievement Award

Photos courtesy Travis Yaggie

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his year, the Bob Cannon Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Becky Garber-Godi, who has served ALCC and the Colorado green industry in many capacities. She has been involved with ALCC since the 1980s, when she worked with then-executive-director John Duke as the organization grew from 35 members to over 300.

Garber-Godi influenced a large part of that growth—sometimes in the background, other times leading the charge. While ALCC staff and directors have come and gone, she has been a consistent part of the family, either as staff or as an employee of an ALCC member company.

She has the unique experience of working with every executive director or CEO in the association’s history.

On ALCC staff, she has worn many hats, running the certification testing program in the early 2000s, taking the helm at Colorado Green magazine, managing public relations efforts, and building the Landscape Career Pathways program.

The length and depth of her experience give her an exceptional ability to facilitate making connections between industry professionals that benefit not only the individuals but the industry as a whole. Whether she is connecting a supplier with a teacher who is building a learning area for students or pairing a rookie business owner with an experienced mentor, her dedication, thoroughness, extensive knowledge, and ability to build relationships have helped many in the industry find success.

John Duke, Becky Garber-Godi and John McMahon

Haugen receives Outlook Award

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Matt Hiner and Eric Haugen 46

www.alcc.com

he Outlook Emerging Leader Award recognizes an “up and comer” in the landscape industry and in ALCC. The award acknowledges an individual under 40 years old who has made a significant contribution to the industry and to ALCC. This year’s recipient Eric Haugen, from LandCare Management in Arvada, became involved in ALCC as a young man and credits a meeting with former ALCC Board President, the late Todd Williams, with inspiring him to volunteer in the industry and further his own professional development. His career motto is to “never stop learning,” and he continues to do so while he serves the industry.

Haugen is a Landscape Industry Certified Technician and encourages his staff to pursue certification. Certification is part of his company mission—not just as a marketing tool—but as a way to increase the quality of services and the confidence of his staff. His goal is to overcome the perception that landscaping is a “nonprofessional” industry.

He serves on the ProGreen EXPO board of directors and became the current board chairman in 2018. The position is another learning experience in the art of leadership and he, no doubt, will use those skills to benefit the industry in years to come.

ALCC Volunteer

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2019

Service Awards

Alderman is Stanley Brown Award recipient

he recipient of the Stanley Brown Associate Member Distinguished Service Award must be an associate member leader who has helped make the industry more professional, is known for outstanding association service and has been a loyal supporter of ALCC and Colorado’s landscape industry. John Alderman, owner of DBC Irrigation Supply, Denver, received the award this year for his tireless efforts to move the industry forward.

Through DBC, Alderman supports the growth of the green industry in Colorado in myriad ways: volunteering at Arvada West to plan outdoor learning areas for the Landscape Career Pathways program, hosting Irrigation Boot Camp at his facility, and encouraging staff to volunteer as he does. He believes it is “important to give back to an industry that has provided so much” to him, his immediate family and to the whole DBC family.

Other DBC employees follow Alderman’s lead. In Colorado Springs, DBC worked with the local school district and Timberline Landscaping Inc. to create the industry’s first high school internships. The company also supports ALCC Day of Service projects, which have helped improve Landscape Career Pathways programs by putting students side-by-side with professionals.

Alderman’s also serves on the board of Colorado Garden Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships for horticulture in the state.

ALCC partnered with the Foundation to provide nearly $25,000 in grants that will help Career Pathways high schools.

John Alderman with Stanley Brown, Jr.

Jewell receives John Garvey Person of the Year Award

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Kimberly Jewell and John McMahon

he John Garvey Person of the Year Award recognizes a person who went the extra mile to complete a project or solve a problem. Kimberly Jewell, GroundMasters and Snow Management Services, took home the honor this year for her advocacy work on behalf of those who provide snow management.

Jewell saw a problem with the way snow management contacts are written: much of the liability and risk laid with the snow removal contractor and very little with the property owner. This moved her to become involved in 2018 efforts to pursue legislation in Colorado that would indemnify snow and ice management firms. She worked as a member of both ALCC and ASCA (Accredited Snow Contractors Association) to influence legislators to pass the Snow Removal Liability Limitations Act Without her, this legislation would likely not have been approved.

She spearheaded the efforts—mobilizing competitors and other companies to bring the cause of snow service companies to the statehouse. As a result of this legislation, snow management companies no longer bear the burden of liability when it comes to contracts. Jewell also helped educate ALCC and ASCA members about the legislation and how to modify contracts by participating in an ALCC/ASCA seminar last summer.

Jewell considers her work on the snow removal liability legislation the best thing she’s ever done in her career, as it helps the whole snow management industry. She enjoys volunteering her time and believes life’s lessons come not only by learning but by “doing.”

May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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ALCC Scholarships

2019

CNGA Awards

ALCC Scholarship Awards

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Photo courtesy Travis Yaggie

cholarships awarded each year by ALCC benefit students at Colorado State University (CSU) and Front Range Community College (FRCC).

One scholarship is granted in the name of JBK Landscape, another in memory of Todd Williams, and the remaining scholarship funds are given in ALCC’s name.

Emma Smith, sophomore at Colorado State University, majoring in Landscape Design and Contracting with a minor in floriculture, received both the JBK and Todd Williams scholarships. Smith is active in the student organization for landscape or SOLDAC at CSU. She helps to design for a friend’s landscape business. She also works part-time at a Fort Collins nursery. Those who recommend her praise her broad range of skills, desire to learn about the green industry and willingness to share her knowledge.

Erik Howshar is a sophomore at FRCC majoring in horticulture and land-

scape technologies. Howshar participates as a community garden member and works at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Those who recommend him note his class participation, positive attitude and passion for the green industry.

Justin Salisbury is a sophomore at FRCC, majoring in horticulture and landscape technologies with a specialization in landscape design. Salisbury is a two-time ALCC scholarship recipient. He plans to operate a landscape design/build company in the future with his business partner, fellow scholarship recipient, Erik Howshar. Those who recommend Salisbury praised his maturity and professionalism.

Morgan Wolfe is a freshman at FRCC, majoring in horticulture and landscape technologies. She has volunteered in many Denver area green initiatives, including Denver Digs Trees and The Parks People, which spurred a career change from the restaurant industry to the green industry. Those who recommend her note her thoughtful insights and questions as they relate to coursework and strong management skills.

Brandon Todd Sandoval is a sophomore at FRCC, majoring in horticulture business management. He comes to the green industry after being a partner in a security company. At FRCC, he has made the president’s list and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. One educator who recommended him was inspired by the fact that Sandoval “sees this industry as much more than a career. He sees work in the horticulture industry as a calling.”

Justin Salisbury and Erik Howshar

CNGA Awards Blomquist named CNGA Person of the Year

Bridget Blomquist 48

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Photo courtesy CNGA

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ridget Blomquist, Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), was named CNGA’s 2018 Person of the Year. A graduate of Colorado State University’s (CSU) horticulture program, Blomquist is one of DBG’s shining stars. She currently cares for the All-America Selections Garden and the Perennial Garden at DBG. She also serves on the Trial Garden Committee for CSU and is an enthusiastic supporter of local growers and plant producers. Every project she works on and each organization she collaborates with is better because of the integrity she brings.

CNGA

2019

Awards

CNGA 2018 Horizon Awards Six honored with CNGA Horizon Awards

The Horizon Award acknowledges individuals who have been in the industry less than five years, exhibit the qualities and high standards exemplifying Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association (CNGA), and during that time have made a significant contribution to a CNGA firm. Six people received awards in 2018.

As

Photos courtesy Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association

Daniel Corse

Photo courtesy Eli Herrera

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aniel Corse is the perennial department manager, Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, Arvada. A self-starter, Corse has earned the respect of fellow workers by creating an efficient and customer friendly operation. He is an enthusiastic gardener and continues to self-educate himself in all aspects of horticulture.

Julie Echter

M Mike Schleining

ike Schleining, sales and marketing manager, Arbor Valley Nursery, Brighton, has an exceptional attitude and solid leadership skills. He has stepped into numerous roles within the company, community and industry, with a talent for helping, teaching and leading those around him. He is the company’s youngest person ever to become a Colorado Certified Nursery Professional. Schleining’s knowledge and willingness to help have earned him the respect of teammates throughout the company.

B Brian Steele

M Melissa Streitmatter

elissa Streitmatter excels as a member of the production crew at Fort Collins Nursery. In 2017 she curated and edited the entire plant catalog to integrate with The Perfect Plant database, working independently, accurately and efficiently. In 2018, she quickly learned a variety of retail skills that make her a more versatile employee, earning year-round work in a position that is traditionally seasonal. Her personality, aptitude, care for coworkers and customers, and powerful work ethic make her a valuable asset for the nursery.

a third generation family member, Julie Echter has been around the business—Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center—all her life.

In charge of the hard goods department, she brings great energy and a fresh look to displays throughout the store, including a new look in signage and website development. She excels at fostering customer relationships and recently created a public relations win for Echter’s by organizing a tree giveaway on Christmas Eve and managing TV coverage with three local stations. rian Steele, potting team manager at Britton Nursery, Colorado Springs, leads the potting crew, soil mixing operations, tractor operations, special projects, facilities, equipment maintenance and repair and training new team members. He is a gifted leader and brings an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun everywhere he goes. He is a go-getter and willing to learn anything that is thrown at him. Brian is a mover and shaker and brings a special level of energy to all aspects of his job.

K Kevin Williams

evin Williams, horticulturist with the Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), has taken on several high profile projects including: installation of the Steppe Garden, renovation of the lilac collection, expansion of the dwarf and unusual conifer collection (including learning to graft conifers), and replanting of a naturalistic prairie along Josephine Street. Williams has spearheaded multiple native plant collection trips.

He also heads up DBG’s intern program.

May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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CNGA

2019 Awards

CNGA Awards

Two receive Exemplary Service Awards CNGA awarded two Exemplary Service Awards for 2018. The award recognizes an individual in the industry and employed by a CNGA member firm. The individual exhibits the qualities and high standards exemplifying CNGA, has made a significant contribution to a CNGA firm and represents the best of the industry.

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ohn Navant, Water World in Federal Heights, has worked in the horticulture industry since high school in numerous roles including assistant nursery manager, nursery manager, head horticulturist, committee work, instructor, test proctor, tour guide and volunteer. He has written articles for the Denver Post, and for CNGA’s website and member magazine. Currently, as head horticulturist, he guided Water World’s registration with the Rocky Mountain Audubon Society as a Gold Habitat Hero Site.

John Navant

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obbi Sexton, propagation manager at Harding Nursery, Colorado Springs, puts full effort into the tasks at hand and is always willing to help anyone any way she can. Currently, she is propagating plants for Plant Select program as well as for Harding Nursery, and has designed and constructed a geothermal heating system for her propagation greenhouse. Sexton enjoys educating her staff and encouraging them to learn more. She has been in horticulture since 1980 and has been a Colorado Certified Nursery Professional for over 20 years.

Bobbi Sexton

Photos courtesy Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association

Tonning receives Special Recognition Award

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ear after year, Tracey Tonning, Alameda Nursery has donated countless hours and time making donations for the Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation Silent Auction at the annual Industry Celebration. For more than ten years, Tonning has provided home-baked chocolate chip cookies that have become one of the most sought after and most competitive bid items. Over the years, her donations have raised more than $4,600.

Tracey Tonning

GreenCO &

2019

CALCP Awards

Legislator of the Year

Kraft-Tharp is GreenCO Legislator of the Year

Photo courtesy ALCC

R Representative Kraft-Tharp and Jay Hicks

epresentative Tracy Kraft-Tharp was recognized as the 2018 Legislator of the Year by Green Industries of Colorado (GreenCO).

Kraft-Tharp sponsored the sales tax legislation bill to simplify the system in Colorado.

Though this bill was signed into law, she continues to work on legislation in the 2019 session to make it more streamlined to operate in the state of Colorado, as it relates to tax collection and remittance. She also was a supporter of additional GreenCO priority bills for 2018. These included, the Colorado Nursery Act, the Snow Removal Liability Bill and Worker Compensation reform legislation.

Those who work with her find Representative Kraft-Tharp is open and receptive to GreenCO policy issues and works with GreenCO’s lobbying team to pass or help to amend impactful bills to better focus on the business’s needs.

CALCP Award

Walker honored with Golden Gun award

Photo courtesy CALCP

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hia Walker, Colorado State University Extension, received the 2019 Golden Gun Award from Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professionals (CALCP). The award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding service to the industry.

After moving from Wisconsin to Colorado in the mid-eighties, Walker worked at a disease clinic, an experiment station in Lamar and now serves as the Extension Specialist in Pesticide Safety Education at CSU Fort Collins campus.

Walker’s involvement on the CALCP board began in 2010 and continues today. She can always be counted on to deliver a timely CEC (continuing education credit) talk on a variety of subjects. Her knowledge and experience on many aspects of ornamental and agricultural pesticide practices make her a valued CALCP member.

Through Walker’s efforts on behalf of pollinator safety, Drift Watch and applicator safety techniques, the industry has been made better.

L-R: Emilie Hudson, Chris Walton, Chris Martin, Thia Walker, Dan Defibaugh, Will LaPoint, Rick Roehm, Wade Grove and Luis Estrada May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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ASLA

2019 Awards

Photo courtesy Architerra Group

2018 ASLA Colorado/Wyoming Design Awards

Discovery Park, Parker, Architerra Group

American Society of Landscape Architects, Colorado Chapter, announced recipients of the 2018 Colorado/Wyoming awards at the Annual Design Awards Event. Entries are judged by a jury of noted design professionals from another state’s ASLA chapter. The awards showcase projects demonstrating careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design for our cultural and natural environment. Projects receiving awards will be featured on the ASLA Colorado website throughout the year in 2019.

Design over $500,000 Construction Budget

Honor Awards Design Workshop for A Community Grove: Joplin Library, Joplin, Missouri Design Workshop for A New Denver Icon: 1144 Fifteenth Street, Denver, Colorado Architerra Group for Discovery Park, Parker, Colorado Design Concepts for Inspirational Playground, Bellevue, Washington

Merit Awards Civitas for Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum, Raleigh, North Carolina Civitas for Charles Schwab Regional Campus, Lone Tree, Colorado Civitas for Julian B Lane Park, Tampa, Florida Design Workshop for Festival Park, Castle Rock, CO Norris Design for Midtown Amenity Center, Adams County, Colorado DHM for Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray, Colorado DHM for Ridgeway Streetscape, Ridgeway, Colorado Wenk for Shoemaker Plaza, Denver, Colorado Matrix Design Group for USAFA Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Design under $500,000 Construction Budget

Merit Awards Didier Design Studio for Sensory Garden, Denver, Colorado Dig Studio for The Square on 21st, Denver, Colorado Civitas for Valentia Promenade, Denver, Colorado

Planning & Analysis

Excellence Award Dig Studio for Heron Pond Master Plan, Denver, Colorado 52

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ASLA

2019

GCC

Research & Communications

Merit Awards Design Workshop for Codify Design Workshop for Planning Advisory Service Report

Residential Design Over $100,000

Honor Award and Land Stewardship Designation Design Workshop for Charlie Mountain Ranch, Old Snowmass, Colorado

Landmark Design

Landmark Award Civitas for Commons Park, Denver, Colorado

Rotating Category: Urban Green Infrastructure

Honor Award Stream LA for The River Storm North Outfall, Denver, Colorado

Merit Award Norris Design for Panama Grand Park, Panama City, Panama

GCC Award

Gardner takes first in GCC potting competition

B

Kerry Poppe

Graham Gardner May/June 2019 Colorado Green

Photo courtesy ProGreen EXPO

Photo courtesy ProGreen EXPO

olstered by its popularity in 2018, Garden Centers of Colorado (GCC) hosted its second annual Potting Challenge during ProGreen EXPO. In this fast-paced competition, trade show attendees show off their design skills creating beautiful and practical containers. Judges looked for creativity, aesthetics and adherence to the theme.

For 2019, participants in each round were given a decade that should be reflected in the container garden’s design. Competition host Kerry Poppe, Creek Side Gardens, Littleton, wore a costume from the time period; qualifying rounds featured the 1920s, 1950s, and 1980s.

This year’s winner was Graham Gardner, Denver Parks and Recreation. A runner-up in the inaugural competition, Gardner returned in 2019 with the experience and enthusiasm to take home the top prize.

Scott Behnke, lawnCARE solutions, LLC, Littleton, placed second in the competition and Hailey Parsons, The Tree Farm Nursery & Garden Center, Longmont placed third.

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ISA-RMC

2019

Awards

ISA-RMC Awards

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James Klett, Ph.D.

O’Meara received Arborist of the Year Award

atrick O’Meara, High Country Landscape, Ltd., received ISA-RMC’s Arborist of the Year Award for contributions to practical arboriculture within the Rocky Mountain Chapter, which includes arborists from Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming.

O’Meara’s dedication to safety and camaraderie in the industry are exemplified by the way he reintroduced a fellow arborist to tree work when the person left the job after witnessing a fatal job-related accident. O’Meara worked closely with the man for several months while he regained his confidence and began healing from the emotional trauma. O’Meara has since introduced the man to a band of arboricultural professionals who also partner with the arborist, who has been able to consistently and safely work again.

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established the Plant Environmental Research Center (PERC), and the annual and perennial trials gardens on the CSU campus—public gardens allowing in-person visitation. He also contributes his expertise as horticulture advisor for the Colorado Garden & Home Show.

Klett has served as ISA-RMC president, state director, advisor to the regional plant appraisal committee and education committee. Internationally, he served as the chapter representative to the international board and on the Arboriculture Research and Education Academy.

He continues to spread his horticulture passion and expertise as a steadfast contributor to many industry publications.

Photo courtesy Colorado State University

ames Klett, Ph.D. received the 2018 Gene Eyerly Award from the International Society of Arboriculture, Rocky Mountain Chapter (ISA-RMC) for his years of extraordinary dedication to the tree industry.

Since joining Colorado State University (CSU) faculty in 1980, Klett has been deeply involved with Rocky Mountain area horticulture and has shared his knowledge and love of plants with students, green industry professionals and consumers. He works with trade associations throughout the green industry, coordinates training and ensures that top speakers and topics are selected at conferences throughout the state.

At CSU, Klett assisted in resurrecting the urban and community forestry course. He also

Also notable are O’Meara’s contributions to promoting the profession more publicly.

Dressed in full climbing gear, he gives presentations in local schools and appears on local TV news shows, sharing his passion for arboriculture, and the importance of using proper safety gear and hiring certified arborists. He has also sponsored events including a Boy Scout recreational climb and the RMC Tree Climbing Competition, volunteered at Saluting Branches local events and has donated arborist time to raise funds for schools and nonprofit organizations.

He is passionate about engaging young people and showing them the potential of an arborist career. Those who know O’Meara can’t miss his tremendous love and passion for his work.

Patrick O’Meara with Sara Davis, past president; Natalie McNeill, president, and Teddy Hildebrandt, president-elect.

Photo courtesy ISA-RMC

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Klett receives Gene Eyerly Award

ISA-RMC

2019

Awards

ISA-RMC Gold Leaf Awards

City of Lone Tree

City of Arvada

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Nicole Plese, ISA-RMC executive director, presents Gold Leaf Arbor Day award to Ian McDonald, City of Arvada.

eck Elementary and the Arvada Parks Department celebrated their 32nd consecutive Arbor Day tree planting event in 2018. Each year, 5th and 6th graders from Peck come together with city Parks employees to plant trees throughout Arvada. Two to three weeks before Arbor Day, forestry staff visit the school to provide information about the trees, and the students make informational posters which they bring to the Arbor Day celebration.

2018 was also the 27th year that Arvada has been named as a Tree City USA.

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Olivia Montoya accepts the Gold Leaf Arbor Day award from Sara Davis on behalf of the City of Lone Tree.

he City of Lone Tree was recognized for the 11th time as a Tree City USA community by having an Arbor Day observance and proclamation as well as a tree board, a tree care ordinance and a comprehensive community forestry program. The Arbor Day celebrations offered a variety of free activities for residents.

ISA-RMC Award

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Saluting Branches

Photos courtesy ISA-RMC

aluting Branches completed its fourth annual day of service during 2018, at 53 veteran cemeteries across the United States, with approximately 3,000 volunteers.

In Montana, ISA-RMC and Association of Montana Turf, Ornamental and Pest Professionals (AMTOPP) co-hosted a Day of Remembrance at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City. Volunteers planted 11 new trees, removed four old trees, fertilized grass and trees and pruned branches to make mowing easier. They also completed a tree inventory, which identified the need to diversify the cemetery tree population, and conducted a partial irrigation audit. Twenty-four people from around the state participated in the event.

In Colorado, 106 volunteers planted 60 trees and shrubs, removed a few trees and delivered roughly 2,000 gallons of fertilizer at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver. This was Fort Logan’s third Saluting Branches event.

A new, second site for Colorado is the Veteran Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction, where 40 volunteers planted 60 trees and removed more than 50 small, dying trees.

Saluting Branches volunteers planted a tree May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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Top Plant Picks: CSU Research

Try these underutilized woody plants

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ach year researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) evaluate over 1,300 taxa of woody plants for adaptability, flowers, fruit, pest problems and more. Students help maintain the test sites with support from Colorado Horticulture Research and Education Foundation (CHREF), J. Frank Schmidt Charitable Trust, Bailey Nursery

Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Obelisk’ Standing Ovation™ Serviceberry

Cornus mas – Cornelian Cherry Dogwood This plant can be grown as a shrub or small tree to about 15 feet tall. It is pH adaptable and prefers a well-drained soil. Yellow flowers in March are a first-of-spring. Foliage is attractive and has prominent veination.

Photos courtesy Colorado State University

This very cold hardy plant has multiple seasons of landscape interest. White flowers in spring turn to edible berries in June, and dark green leaves turn red to orange in fall. This serviceberry has a uniform upright/oval growth habit and is a selection of our native Colorado serviceberry.

Inc., Colorado Agriculture Experiment Station and numerous local and national nurseries. Visit these woody plants in person in Fort Collins and/or view and learn more online at www.woodyplants.colostate.edu.

Here are eight woody plants worth considering for Colorado landscapes.|CG

Tips & Tricks: Can be used to make an informal hedge/ screen or use it to add height in small gardens.

Zone 2

Tips & Tricks: The red fruit in August is sparsely produced due to early flowering which may be affected by spring frosts.

Zone 4 May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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Top Plant Picks: CSU Research

Sorbus aucuparia ‘Michred’ Cardinal Royal® European Mountain Ash

Syringa reticulata subsp Pekinensis Pekin Lilac

This very cold hardy plant—a selection from North Dakota State University—grows to about 25 feet tall and wide and is very adaptable to Colorado’s alkaline clay soils. It develops a dense, oval-to-rounded growth habit. White flowers appear before leaf emergence in April. Dark green leaves turn golden yellow in fall. Prairie Gem develops sparse fruit.

This plant has an upright oval habit, grows to about 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and is adaptable to alkaline soils. Leaves are dark green above and silvery beneath. Showy white flowers in May are followed by red fruits in September which persist into winter. Fall foliage color is red to yellowish.

This plant is generally grown as a multi-stem large shrub, growing to about 15 feet tall and wide. It is adaptable to alkaline clay soils and has an upright arching habit. Showy yellowish-white flowers bloom in May into June.

Tips & Tricks: This plant is a good choice under power lines or in smaller spaces.

Tips & Tricks: This plant performs best on either a north or east exposure.

Tips & Tricks: Ornamental bark exfoliates in brown flakes or sheets.

Photos courtesy Colorado State University

Pyrus ussuriensis ‘MorDak’ Prairie Gem® Ussurian Pear

Zone 3

Zone 4

LEGEND

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Full sun

Useful for containers

Adapts to part shade

Xeric

Prefers shadier conditions

Requires moisture

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Requires more moisture

Zone 4

Top Plant Picks: CSU Research

Heptacodium miconioides – Seven-son Flower

Acer grandidentatum ‘Manzano’ (Manzano Bigtooth Maple)

Maackia amurensis – Amur Maackia

This plant can be grown as a small tree or shrub maturing to about 20 feet. It has fragrant white flowers in August into September in clusters of seven with calyxes that turn a showy red in September. Leaves have prominent veining and little fall color.

This is a slow-growing maple that matures to about 25 feet high and 20 feet wide. It is a selection from the Manzano Mountains in New Mexico, is adapted to alkaline soils and has reliably excellent red-orange-yellow fall foliage color.

Growing to about 25 feet in height, this small tree is easily transplanted and adaptable to alkaline soils. New leaves are silvery-green, and white fragrant flowers emerge in June or July. As a legume, it can use atmospheric nitrogen and produces a green to brown pod fruit 2-3 inches in length. There is little fall foliage color.

Tips & Tricks: The plant performs best in morning sun and afternoon shade and the bark exfoliates on larger stems.

Tips & Tricks: This plant is more tree-like than Bigtooth Maple but may be limited in availability.

Tips & Tricks: Plant has olive green to brown bark which peels with maturity adding winter interest.

Zone 2

Zone 4

Zone 4

Contributed by James E. Klett, Ph.D. Colorado State University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture May/June 2019 Colorado Green

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Top Plant Picks: Plant Select®

Photos courtesy Gary Epstein

SUCKER PUNCH® is vivid and hardy

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UCKER PUNCH® red leaf chokecherry (Prunus ‘P002S’ PP25,767) adds interest to landscapes with its foliage color and its improved tree form— compared to all other red leaf chokecherries—while offering owners reduced maintenance.

SUCKER PUNCH® red leaf chokecherry’s roots trace back to a garden of royalty in Persia in the 1800s. While the plant has a history of being hybridized with plums in Europe and then brought to the U.S., other breeders were interested in hybridizing the red leaf Persian import with hardier U.S. native species. It is theorized that pollen from this plant came to fertilize a western native chokecherry (Prunus virginiana).

The first red leaf chokecherry was discovered in North Dakota and became a cultivar named the Schubert chokecherry, which was officially introduced in 1936.

Genetics from those plants spread to another nursery in Helena, Montana where it

was noted that one chokecherry seedling never suckered. Fort Collins horticulturist Scott Skogerboe propagated and verified those plants were sucker-free, confirming the plants to be a superior selection over the Schubert chokecherry and the Canada Red chokecherry, which naturally suckers.

SUCKER PUNCH® offers long clusters of small white fragrant flowers in early spring alongside the new growth of green leaves, which quickly mature to a vivid dark red color. The round, robust, upright branching of the tree’s canopy provides an attractive form in the landscape. The western native heritage of this red leaf chokecherry offers a hardier, more droughttolerant plant that is habitat friendly and appropriate for steppe climates. Plant this hardy tree in your landscape and enjoy it for years to come.|CG

For more information, explore www.plantselect.org 60

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Size: 20-25’ tall x 15-20’ wide Flowers: white, early spring Leaves: new growth emerges green, then turns dark red Form: tree Light: full sun Culture: clay, loam, sandy Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8 Habitat value: native across North America, good food for bees and birds Design/maintenance tips • The growth habit with balanced branch structure reduces pruning needs.

• It is attractive and adapts well in highelevation landscapes.

• Use as a substitute for all Canada red chokecherry plantings.

— Contributed by Ross Shrigley and Emily Goldman for Plant Select®

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61

Parting Shot

Plant native: save the birds and the bugs

By Lyn Dean

R

eclaiming biodiversity lost to development and growth is something in which we can all participate—whether it’s within your backyard or your company’s next landscape design. Scientists and horticulture experts from around the world are reaching similar conclusions about the value of native plants in ecosystems.

It’s not simply that native plants are naturally adapted to the soil, climate and other environmental conditions; they are key players in local ecosystems, which are made up of myriad fauna and flora species, also adapted to the conditions. In fact, all evolved together creat-

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ing a complex and mutually beneficial system.

Research by entomologist Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware, indicates caterpillars and other insects are more abundant on native plants compared to non-native species in urban areas. As a consequence, more insect-eating birds were observed on native plants, and more nesting activity of birds occurred in areas with more native plants—the plants that provide more bugs as food for the young.

A 2016 study by Audubon scientists reported one third of North American bird species have declined in the past 50 years and are at risk for extinction. With continuing devel-

opment, saving natural biodiversity is critical.

Colorado State University Extension experts note that native plants require less water, fertilizer and maintenance—though it is important that they be placed correctly. They also warn against taking a native plant from the wild, because it reduces biodiversity and disturbs the area, potentially leaving it vulnerable to invasive plants.

Once established, native plants may attract a variety of wildlife including birds, bees, butterflies and other native pollinators as well as mammals. Planting natives, even on small scale, helps maintain biodiversity. |CG

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*For complete details, check with your local Cat dealer. Financing offer valid from February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 on select models of new machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division only (mini excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, multi terrain loaders, compact wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, small dozers, small wheel loaders and telehandlers). Offers do not apply to Cat Utility Vehicles. To be eligible, a sales contract must be signed during the offer period. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Offer is available to customers in the USA and Canada only and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Prior purchases do not qualify. Offer subject to machine availability. To receive the financing offer, all balances must be financed through Cat Financial, subject to credit approval through Cat Financial. Financing rate is subject to approval and not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Final machine prices are subject to change. Payments are based on an installment sales contract with 48 monthly payments and $0 down. Payment amounts are based on specific machine model and configuration. Payments may vary. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options or attachments.

Offer is subject to change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. This offer has no cash value and is not transferable. **The cash back offer is only available on mini excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, multi terrain loaders and compact wheel loaders and is based on a predetermined amount for each machine model that is applied to the sale price. Cash back amount varies by model. Customers can apply cash back offer to the sale price of the machine only. The cash back offer can only be redeemed at a participating Cat dealer and must be redeemed on the date of purchase. Machines sold in Canada by authorized dealers are priced in Canadian dollars and the sale price and cash back offer may take into account the exchange rate of Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars. The two-year standard warranty is only available on Cat mini excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders and multi terrain loaders.