Indiana Nursery & Landscape News, JulyAugust 2016

The Official Publication of the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Volume 76 • Issue 4

July/August 2016

www.inla1.org

Cover: INLA Award of Excellence Winner for Hardscape Residential Design/Build over $50,000 & Residential Design/ Build over $50,000 — Designscape Horticultural Services, Inc.

The Hardscape Issue

An Innovation in Elevation Uncommon Natural Stone Projects How to Catch Rainwater Using Permeable Pavers Project Profiles: Two Standout Projects Recognized by Unilock Are You Making Enough Profit with Your Hardscape Projects?

Follow us!

INLA Summer Tour 6

legislative News 8

IDNR: Pests of Conifers 10

craft beer

Auction Awards Shooting

-and-

guns!

SUMMER TOUR

(not at the same time)

Unwind this summer in beautiful Brown County, IN for our best fundraising and networking event of the year.

Day 1 Thursday August

4TH

- AM Landscape Tour - Lunch at Big Woods Brewery - PM Landscape Tour - Dinner at Designscape featuring craft beer tasting & awards The Indiana Boys

Day 2 Friday August

5th

- AM Shooting for Scholarships Our annual sporting clay shoot educational scholarships. Bring customers, employees, and friends. Prizes available for the best individual or team score.

- Find more details here: www.inla1.org PM Landscape tour (optional)

Landscape Tour

live music Big Woods Brewery

Brown COunty, IN

Landscape Tour Clay Shoot

More info and registration See pages 6 - 7 inside this issue

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Volume 76 • Issue 4 July/August 2016

Contents The Hardscape Issue BUSINESS 14 Are You Making Enough Profit with Your Hardscape Projects?

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News is the official publication of the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (INLA) and is published bimonthly.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 Phone: 317-889-2382 Toll Free: 800-443-7336 www.inla1.org Publisher Rick Haggard, Executive Director, INLA 765-366-4994 • haggard.rick@att.net Editor and Ad Sales Mary Breidenbach, Cumulus Design 317-757-8634 • mary@ecumulus.com Advertising Rates: Media Kit available online at www.inla1.org

Copy Deadline: First of the month preceding the month of the issue. Reprint permission granted if source is indicated.

Views expressed in articles or editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Association or its Directors, but are those of the writer. Trade names used in articles are for identification only. No discrimination is intended toward similar products and the INLA does not endorse the use of the products mentioned.

EDUCATION 16 An Innovation in Elevation — The Silca System® EDUCATION 18 Uncommon Natural Stone Projects Community 22 Project Profiles: Two Standout Projects Recognized by Unilock EDUCATION 24 How to Catch Rainwater Using Permeable Pavers

2

President’s Message

4

Executive Director’s Message OISC Clean Sweep Dates Announced

18

5 Calendar 6

INLA Summer Tour & Shoot Information & Registration

8

Legisative News Green Industry Alliance Update, Spring/Summer 2016 The DOL’s New Overtime Rule Is Here

Subscriptions: Included with membership to the INLA. Nonmembers: $36.00 per year (six issues per year).

10

For questions regarding subscriptions, please call INLA at 317-889-2382.

IDNR Spotlight Pests of Conifers

26

Certification & Education - Certifications - Newly Certified!

- George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide

27

- IAH Quiz! Earn CEUs - Certification Calendar

28

Advertiser List Classifieds Toolbox Talks

Cover Photo: Lake cabin renovation, Nashville, Indiana.

Photo courtesy Designscape Horticultural Services, Inc.

16

Inside back cover — Members’ Gardens at the 2016 IFPS!

22

24

President’s Message Another View from the Ridge!

Brian Julius

It’s hard to believe that summer is already here with thoughts of fall right around the corner. I always love this time of year when it’s still the busy part of the season but we have a little more time to evaluate things. Taking the time to look at the numbers can be an eye-opening experience this time of year, especially when it comes to cash flow.

Making a few proactive decisions mid-season rather, than waiting for the end of the year to look things over, sure can make a big difference on the bottom line.

A few years ago we changed to online business software that has literally put the numbers at our fingertips. I can look at a snapshot of the company on my phone or any other device at any place or time. We can also check our payroll numbers, fleet gas cards, truck GPS locations, and a number of other things. In fact, as I write this we are out of town for the weekend at a baseball tournament for my son and I just got done checking on the day’s activity. While having the numbers available all the time is great, it can be a bit overwhelming if you take it too far, especially when you watch the seasonal fluctuations! It really made all the rain we had this May a little more frustrating, but that’s what makes our business interesting.

It’s also the time of year to start getting ready for our summer meeting. Hopefully you have already signed up and are planning to attend this year’s Shooting for Scholarships and Summer Meeting in Nashville, Indiana, this year. It looks to be an exciting event in a great part of the state on August 4–5. We decided to give the old format from years past a try by making it a two-day event and moving it around the state to highlight members outside of Indy every few years. Some of my best memories of the INLA are going to the summer meetings with my family.

Thursday, August 4, will be a fantastic landscape tour of members’ jobs with lunch at a local brewery in Nashville called Big Woods Brewery. Check out their info at www.quaffon.com.

The evening will wrap up with a dinner at Designscape, our hosts for the summer tour, featuring live music, bonfire, and craft beer tasting. Now that sounds like a good time that we will all enjoy. Friday morning, August 5, will be the sporting clay shoot and awards. All the proceeds from the shoot go to our INEF scholarship fund. So not only is this a great time to spend with friends and colleagues, but it also helps a great cause. If you haven’t signed up yet, go to the website (www.inla1.org) or look for the form in this newsletter (pp. 6–7) and do it right away. This is a can’t-miss event! See you there!

Brian Julius Walnut Ridge Nursery and Garden Center bjulius@walnutridge.com

LARGEST natural stone inventory in Indianapolis available at all 3 locations!

Come pick the best stone while it lasts!

2016 INLA Officers Brian Julius, President Walnut Ridge Nursery & Garden Center 2108 Hamburg Pike Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Ph: 812-288-6691 Brian Franco President-Elect Franco Landscaping, Inc. PO Box 34156 Indianapolis, IN 46234 Ph: 317-858-3858 Dave LaFara, Vice-President Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply 4931 Robison Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 Ph: 317-228-4900 Robert Johnstone, Past President Fireboulder 226 E. Staat Street Fortville, IN 46040 Ph: 317-750-7384 Rick Haggard INLA Executive Director and Publisher 3596 Linkside Court Carmel, IN 46032 Office: 800-443-7336 Cell: 765-366-4994 Fax: 317-889-3935 • www.inla1.org Email: haggard.rick@att.net

INLA Board of Directors Jim Calvin (2018) Calvin Landscape • Ph: 317-247-6316 Kyle Daniel (2018) Purdue University, Nursery & Landscape Extension • Ph: 765-494-7621 Kim Glass (2017) M.J. Schuetz Agency • Ph: 317-639-5679 Gabriel Gluesenkamp (2016) Designscape Horticultural Services Ph: 812-988-8900 Mark O’Brien (2016) Cardno • Ph: 574-586-2412 Dean Ricci (2018) Ricci’s Landscape Management, Inc. Ph: 219-996-2682

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

3

Executive Director's Message I hope that Mother Nature has given each and every one of you the opportunity to have a prosperous spring. I know some areas had nice starts but May was not much to write home about due to the weather.

I am hearing that landscapers have been extremely busy, but it has also left many companies wondering what it really could have been like if they could have had an ample workforce.

I had the opportunity to attend the National Landscape Association of Executive Directors in April this year and was able to connect Rick Haggard with some old friends — Craig Regelbrugge (ANLA / now American Hort), Tony DiGiovanni of Landscape Ontario, Amy Frankman of Michigan, Ben Bolusky (formerly ANLA) of Florida, and others.

Naturally the hot topic that no one, and I mean no one, wanted to try to tackle was the employment issue or lack thereof within our industry. Many of the associations have tried different marketing tools and a few have had some success, but they also disclosed this was a huge cost to each of their associations, and each are hoping that this will increase their membership to defray the cost.

As I mentioned in my last letter, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Districts were/are trying to set up a focus group or focus groups to assist in preparing future employees in our industry with applicable training in their respective career centers. I have been in communication with several companies throughout the northern and central part of the state to garner interest in potentially serving on these focus groups. Without much resistance or hesitation, almost all of the firms I talked to regard this their best opportunity to gain future employees.

I also have agreed to serve on some advisory councils of these career centers to keep the interest and awareness of the overwhelming opportunities that exists in not only today’s market but the future as well. One of my goals as executive director is to increase communication with our membership to keep them apprised of what they can do to interact with these career centers. One such way is to contact a local career center in your area and offer to talk to their class on a given day.

The next event for the INLA is the INLA Summer Tour on August 4 in the Nashville, Indiana, area and the Clay Shoot on August 5 in Mitchell, Indiana. Be sure to look for the information in this newsletter and make your reservations early. This is an excellent opportunity to see some exquisite landscape installations and raise money for scholarships via the Indiana Nursery Endowment Fund. If you are unable to attend the event, you can always send in a donation; just give me a call and I will be happy to assist you.

Please do not forget that our Indiana Green Expo is from January 3–5, 2017, at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Booth space is still available if you would like to reserve space. Due to the consistent traffic of our trade show and excellent educational programs, several companies are returning feeling a need to be a part of our show. We even have a new exhibitor coming to our show this year from Canada.

Just a quick reminder that I plan to visit as many members as I can over the summer, so if you have any particular event during the week or weekend let me know so I can try to be there. Visiting with some INLA’s longstanding firms such as Schneider Nursery in Seymour, with Grant and Margie (Meg) and staff, and Bill Woodruff and Brian Bunge at LaPorte County Nursery in the far northern region of Indiana, just to name a couple.

Another note to pass along: I would ask all INLA members to remember their annual dues renewal was June 30, 2016. Please feel free to email or call me if you have any questions regarding your current status.

I also want to welcome Bob Wasson of Wasson’s Nursery and Outdoor Living to the INLA Board of Directors. Bob has assisted with the Indiana Nursery & Landscape News and the INLA Summer Tour program.

Rick Haggard, INLA Executive Director Email: haggard.rick@att.net • Cell: 765-366-4994 4

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

OISC Clean Sweep Dates Announced What: An Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Project designed to collect and dispose of suspended, canceled, banned, unusable, opened, unopened, or just unwanted pesticides (weed killers, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, etc.) is being sponsored by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This disposal service is free of charge up to 250 pounds per participant. Over 250 pounds there will be a $2.00 per pound charge.

This is a great opportunity for you to legally dispose of unwanted products at little or no cost.

Who: All public and private schools, golf courses, nurseries, farmers, ag dealers, cities, towns, municipalities, and county units of government or others receiving this notice are eligible to participate.

When: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time.

Where:

August 16: Huntingburg Dubois County Fairgrounds August 17: Brownstown Jackson County Fairgrounds August 18: Madison Jefferson County Fairgrounds August 23: Kentland Newton County Fairgrounds August 24: Fort Wayne Allen County Fairgrounds August 25: Danville Hendricks County Fairgrounds How: Complete the Pesticide Clean Sweep planning form to the best of your ability. Mail, fax, or e-mail the completed form to Kevin Neal at the address listed at the top of this letterhead, 765-4944331 (fax), or nealk@purdue.edu no later than Monday, August 1, 2016. Then bring your labeled, leak free, and safe to transport containers to the collection site.

DO NOT mix materials. In case of an emergency, you should bring with you a list of products you are carrying and a contact phone number.

Note: OISC reserves the right to cancel this Pesticide Clean Sweep Project if there is not adequate demand. Participants submitting the planning form by August 1, 2016, will be contacted immediately if cancellation is necessary.

More info at: http://www.oisc.purdue.edu.

CALENDAR July 2016 9–12 Cultivate’16 Columbus, OH • Greater Columbus Convention Center Available CCHs = 3A(8), RT(4) www.cultivate16.org 12

Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day West Lafayette, IN • Daniel Turf Center This one-day event presents Purdue's latest research and education.

Available CCHs = 2(3), 3A(4), 3B(4), 6(3), RT(4) www.mrtf.org

21, 27 Forest Pests Early Detector Training Workshops & 30 7/21: Hammond • 7/27: Columbus • 7/30: Madison Purdue and DNR host the three workshops highlighting pests which present huge risks to Indiana forests.

CEU’s available for ISA-certified arborists.

Contact: Dr. Cliff Sadof (574) 494-5983 or Sara Stack (765) 494-0822.

Growing a diverse selection of native trees and shrubs

26–29 Agribusiness Finance for Non-Financial Managers West Lafayette, IN • Purdue University • Workshop to deepen your understanding of financial management responsibilities and how they fit into broader company goals, the industry, and the marketplace. http://agribusiness.purdue.edu/seminars-and-events/agfinance 28

MRTF Lawn Care Diagnostics Training West Lafayette, IN • Daniel Turf Center, Purdue University Relevant and up-to-date info for lawn care technicians. www.mrtf.org

August 2016 4–5

INLA Summer Tour Brown County/Nashville, IN • Join INLA for best fundraising and networking event of the year! Activities includes a tour of landscape installations, auction, and benefit clay shoot for INLA’s scholarship program, and more.

See pages 6–7 for more information or visit www.inla1.org.

16–18 Independent Garden Centers (IGC) Show Chicago, IL • www.igcshow.com

Specializing in Root Pruning

18–19 Indianapolis Landscape Association 2016 Bus Trip: Louisville, KY Contact: ILA, www.indylalndscape.com 23–24 NALP Field Trip with Marty Grunder Chicago, IL • A two-day, action-packed agenda for landscape contractors of all sizes focusing on sales, scheduling, and a field trip to Mariani Landscape. https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/ 25

2016 IPLLA Summer Field Day Danville, IN • Hendricks Co. Fairgrounds Available CCHs = 2(4), 3A(4), 3B(4), 5(3), 6(4), 7A(3), RT(4) www.iplla.com

Phone: (317) 994-5487

September 2016 7

Indiana Arborist Association Chapter Tree Climbing Competition New Palestine, IN • Southeastway Park www.indiana-arborist.org

27–29 ISA Tree Risk Qualification (TRAQ) Course and Exam Indianapolis, IN • Consists of a two-day educational course and a half-day assessment that includes both a written and field component. www.indiana-arborist.org

Toll free: (866) 766-8367 Fax: (317) 994-5494

www.woodywarehouse.com sales@woodywarehouse.com 3339 W County Road 850 N PO Box 259, Lizton, IN 46149

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

5

craft beer

Auction Awards Shooting

-and-

guns!

SUMMER TOUR

(not at the same time)

Unwind this summer in beautiful Brown County, IN for our best fundraising and networking event of the year.

Day 1 Thursday August

4TH

- AM Landscape Tour - Lunch at Big Woods Brewery - PM Landscape Tour - Dinner at Designscape featuring craft beer tasting & awards The Indiana Boys

Day 2 Friday August

5th

- AM Shooting for Scholarships Our annual sporting clay shoot educational scholarships. Bring customers, employees, and friends. Prizes available for the best individual or team score.

- Find more details here: www.inla1.org PM Landscape tour (optional)

Landscape Tour

live music Big Woods Brewery

Brown COunty, IN

Landscape Tour Clay Shoot 6

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

registration Deadline: July 26, 2016

INLA Summer Tour

REGISTRATION ANd SpONSORShIp FORM Date: Thursday, August 4, 2016 Meet at 8:30am at Designscape

Date: Friday, August 5, 2016 Meet at 8:30am at Designscape

• • • • •

• • • •

Depart on Landscape Tour Private Lunch at Big Woods Brewery Catered Dinner by Upland Brewery’s Executive Chef (Luau Style) Craft Beer tasting featuring four local breweries Music & Bonfire by the Indiana Boys

Lodging: Abe Martin Lodge P.O. Box 847, Nashville IN 47448 Tour Location: Designscape: 2877 S. TC Steele Rd, Nashville, IN 47448 Shoot Location: Sugar Creek: 2191 Bono Road, Mitchell, IN 47446

Breakfast at Designscape Sporting clay shoot at Sugar Creek Catered BBQ Lunch Live Auction Register rooms for you and your guests by calling 877-563-4371. There are rooms reserved under “INLA Summer Tour”

Thursday, August 4th: $85 per person for Thursday event, includes tour, lunch, dinner, & beer samples Shoot registration includes: targets, shells, shotguns (upon request), safety instructions, limited shooting instructions, refreshments, dinner, and prize eligibility.

Friday, August 5th: $600 per team of 5 includes shoot, breakfast & lunch $125 per person includes shoot, breakfast & lunch

Name(s) of individuals or team of 5 attending:

Return by: July 25, 2016 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sponsors will be acknowledged verbally and on signage throughout the program, in addition to an upcoming issue of the INLA Newsletter. Sign up for sponsorships soon and realize the maximum benefit of pre-event publicity!

1) ___________________________________________________

Company: ________________________________________

REgISTRATION: Company: ____________________________________________

2) ___________________________________________________ 3) ___________________________________________________ 4) ___________________________________________________ 5) ___________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ City, St, Zip: __________________________________________ Phone:______________________ Cell:____________________ Fax: ________________________ Email: _______________________________________________

Cell: _____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ ___ We will staff our station Sign me up for the following sponsorships (we have more than one sponsor per category): _____ $250 Station Sponsors — your logo/name on individual station signage. PLEASE PROVIDE A LIVE AUCTION ITEM. (20 opportunities or 2 per station) _____ $250 Friday Breakfast at Designscape (2 opportunities)

Select registration items: No. of People

_____ Thursday Event @ $85/person .................................$ _________ _____ Shoot: Team of 5 @ $600/team................................$ _________ _____ Shoot: Individual @ $125/person .............................$ _________ _____ Friday Event Spectator Only $50/person ..................$ _________ _____ Sponsorship Contribution Total ...............................$ _________ _____ Additional Scholarship Contribution ........................$ _________ Total amount enclosed........................................... $ _________

_____ $500 Lunch at Big Woods Brewery (2 opportunities) _____ $250 Tour Transportation Sponsors (4 needed) Includes signage and an opportunity to do a 5-minute talk about your company/product _____ $350 Dinner Beverage (2 opportunities, alcoholic beverages during dinner only and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day) _____ $700 Dinner Sponsor (2 opportunities)

PAYMENT: ___ Check enclosed made payable to INLA ___ Credit card (circle one): Master Card

Contact: __________________________________________

Visa

Discover

Name on card: ________________________________________ Card number:_________________________________________ Expiration date:_____/_____ 3 digit security code: ________ Billing address if different from above: (address, city, state, zip) _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

_____ $300 Prize (2 opportunities) will be awarded to first place individuals on each team ($50 Visa gift cards) _____ Door prize donations (please describe) ___________________________________________ (Suggestions are coolers, tools, bag chairs, electronic items, event tickets, gift cards, etc.) _____ Live auction donations (please describe) ____________________________________________ (Suggestions are gift cards, landscape material, products, electronics, equipment, etc.)

Please fax, email, or mail to the INLA Office by July 25, 2016 Fax: 317.889.3935 • Email: info@inla1.org Questions: 800-443-7336 or 317-889-2382 • Mail: INLA 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Ste 247, Indianapolis, IN 46237

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

7

Legislative News

Green Industry Alliance Update, Spring/Summer 2016 Rick Haggard, INLA Executive Director To all my fellow Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA) members, I just wanted to give you an update regarding the current status of the Indiana Legislature. As a member of the INLA, a portion of your dues goes toward the Green Industry Alliance (GIA), giving you a voice regarding current legislation in the Indiana General Assembly. The INLA is a founding member of GIA, whose purpose is to have a united voice representing all facets of the green industry. In order to accomplish this task, the Green Industry Alliance hired The Corydon Group of Indianapolis, Indiana, to provide legislative representation in the Indiana General Assembly.

Recently, The Corydon Group has fought off several bills in the General Assembly that would/could have had adverse impact on several INLA members’ businesses. GIA has been with The Corydon Group, which is one of Indiana’s top lobbying firms, for over 10 years. The Corydon Group sends INLA weekly reports of bills introduced or bills reportedly being introduced for upcoming hearings and makes sure representatives testify either pro or con for said bills.

Even though the Indiana General Assembly is not currently in session, there is movement in certain sectors produced from study committees, bills that did not receive a hearing during the last legislative session, and other movement on the federal level that could lead to more of an impact in our state.

I want to touch on a couple of issues developing that we have been aware of regarding our industry. First, proposed edits to the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Manual could potentially have a severe impact on the irrigation sector of our industry. While the INLA has very few true irrigation companies as members, there are many multi-service companies for which irrigation serves as a secondary part of the business model. The proposed changes could potentially force connections of irrigation systems of certain size to be completed by licensed plumbers.

Here is an excerpt of GIA’s response to these changes: 8

“GIA is troubled and the members contained within the alliance can and will be considerably impacted by the proposed edits to the Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Manual. As we read and interpret changes specifically within the section of the manual dedicated to the discrepancies within the Indiana Plumbing Code (IPC) and IDEM administrative rules (beginning on page 22 and through part of page 23) the ability of GIA member companies to continue installing and repairing backflow prevention devices for lawn irrigation as is current practice will be prohibited as only licensed plumbers will be permitted to install and repair these devices. Many of our member companies have decades of experience installing, testing, and repairing backflow prevention devices and use state-permitted testers to do so. The installation and repair of the backflow prevention devices would be the only targeted regular activities of irrigation installation that would require a licensed plumber. The primarily small businesses within the green industry will be forced to increase cost of workforce, sub-contract a duty that they’ve been performing for years, increase prices to consumers, or stop offering a significant portion of their business. To our knowledge, there hasn’t been a single backflow issue surrounding a device installed for irrigation use.”

As of now it appears that GIA’s proactive response has raised awareness. GIA has received a positive response from IDEM and Homeland Security, which is where the plumbers code is.

Another potential issue arising during the upcoming legislative session has to do with immigration reform (again). We are keeping a close eye on this for this issue has been a roller coaster for our industry not only locally, but nationally as well. Whenever there are green industry-related issues nationally, there are certain individuals and groups wanting to make names for themselves. Phosphorous impact was on the radar not long ago and still is being kicked around, but now the chemical Atrazine runoff seems to be gaining popularity or unpopularity in this case. We will see what comes out of the recent studies.

I represent the INLA on the GIA board and am also its current president.

I work closely with Jason Johnson, The Corydon Group’s legislative liaison to GIA, as well as Chris Gibson, Managing Partner of The Corydon Group. Recently, The Corydon Group added Patrick Pfingsten to their team to be the Director of Agribusiness and Communications.

If you ever have any questions regarding activities, feel free to me via email at haggard.rick@att.net or give me a call at 765-366-4994.

The DOL’s New Overtime Rule Is Here – What You Need to Do Now (May 26, 2016) — With 200 days to become compliant with the DOL’s new white collar overtime rules, what can employers start doing now to prepare?

Littler offers a free podcast with Tammy McCutchen, principal with Littler, that discusses the DOL’s recent announcement regarding final salary regulations for white collar overtime exemptions. She explains the five steps employers need to start taking now to ensure they are in compliance with the DOL’s Final Rule: from identifying which employees might need a salary increase, to developing plans to reclassify employees and to communicate the changes; Tammy provides in-depth analysis on the impact the new rule might have on your workforce.

Tammy also discusses necessary policy changes, and how to define compensable work. This is a must-listen-to podcast!

To listen to the podcast go to: http://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/dols-new-overtime-rule-is-here--what-you-need-do-now

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

9

IDNR spotlight

Pests of Conifers

Eric Bitner, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology Numerous species and varieties of conifers are planted in the landscape, enhancing both diversity and aesthetics. Once planted, the goal is to prevent losses due to pest damage.

The term “pest” for this article means insects that are detrimental to the health of the tree.

Knowing which pest or insect is causing damage to a tree is essential to finding a means of stopping or controlling that problem. There are numerous insects that affect the conifers in our landscape. Below is a list of several that would merit attention. Knowing these and other insects is useful for nurseries, applicators, and homeowners to protect their trees from pest infestation. Though not discussed in this article, it is valuable to recognize those insects and mites that are beneficial and to take steps to avoid killing these organisms.

Pine Bark Adelgid / Photo: Vince Burkle

Pine Bark Adelgid Hosts: Eastern white pine, sometimes Austrian and Scotch.

Bagworm / Photo: Vince Burkle

White Pine Weevil Adult / Photo: Vince Burkle

Bagworm Hosts: All species of Christmas tree and ornamental conifers.

White Pine Weevil (WPW) Hosts: Spruce, Pine, Douglas-fir and occasionally true firs.

Scouting: In January or early in the growing season, look for overwintering bags. Foliage will appear desiccated.

Scouting: Look for resinous bleeding in late March or early April to find when adult females are feeding and laying eggs. Adults are ¼ inch long and mottled red-brown with two white spots on the back. Terminals and leader are riddled with holes and the leader develops a shepherd’s crook.

Treatment: Pick off and destroy bags in the fall and winter. It is important to treat in mid-June when the larvae are small and susceptible to insecticides. Larger larvae with bags are not easily controlled. Spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t., Dipel, Thuricide, etc.) in early to mid-June depending on your location within Indiana should give adequate control.

Pales Weevil Hosts: Pines preferred, occasionally other conifers.

Scouting: Small holes chewed in the bark of trunks, branches, or twigs. Check for resincovered wounds on small twigs and dead “flagged” twigs. These are places where weevils are feeding.

Treatment: Dig and remove new stumps where the tree was cut down less than one year ago, “first year stumps.” Spray trees with an approved insecticide in spring when adults are present to prevent injury.

Treatment: Prune out and destroy infested tops in late spring. Make sure stems are cut below where weevils are feeding. Tops must be cut before the weevils make exit holes and leave. Remove all old unattended stands of white pine and Norway spruce that may be harboring populations of WPW. Treat the terminal leader with a registered insecticide before the buds open.

Do not treat the lateral shoots, as they are not the infestation point.

Apply the insecticide no later than late March or early April.

Spruce leader showing shepherd’s crook by WPW Photo: Vince Burkle

10

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Scouting: Check for the white cottony wax on the trunk and twigs. Look for abnormal abundant bud formation that gives the top of the tree a bushy broom-like appearance.

A profusion of twigs on the top of the tree is sometimes called witches’ brooming.

Treatment: This is rarely a pest, and it is uncommon to have damage. If adelgids are present and more than 5% of tops are witches’ broomed, consider treating with an insecticide or oil. Avoid applying excess nitrogen, as this has been shown to increase populations of sucking insects on pines.

Apply dormant oil at a 2% rate in March; this may temporarily slightly discolor the foliage, but this will be covered by the summer’s flush of growth. Applications of a registered insecticide in May can be made instead for good control.

Pine Needle Scale Hosts: Pines and occasionally Douglas-fir, true firs and spruce.

Scouting: Look for small, flat, white oblong scales in the fall and winter. They can look like splotches of white paint. Needles become yellow and drop off. In early May and early July wrap electrical tape, sticky side up, around twigs with high populations of scale. Treat one week after the first reddish-purple crawler is found. This will usually be about mid-May and mid- to late-July.

Treatment: Promote vigorous growth as scales tend to cause more damage in poorly growing trees. Apply 2% dormant oil in (Pests of Conifers continues on page 12.)

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

11

Pests of Conifers (continued from page 10) late March when temperatures are above 45o F. The dormant oil may remove the waxy bloom on the needles and give the trees a dull appearance, but this is temporary and will be hidden by the summer’s flush Pine needle scale of growth. Sprays Photo: Kristi Stultz can be effective if applied after the first crawler is found on the tape. Systemic insecticides applied early spring are also an option. It is thought that applications timed for the summer generation are the most effective.

White Pine Aphids / Photo: Vince Burkle

White Pine Aphid Scouting: Check for sooty mold and yellowing in October to determine presence.

This aphid is more common on the upper sections of the tree. In May and June again scout for the aphids.

Treatment: Avoid applying excess nitrogen as this has been shown to increase populations of sucking insects on pines.

Treat with insecticidal soap or a registered insecticide in May or whenever you find the aphids.

Coolly Spruce Gall Adelgid Hosts: Douglas-fir, sometimes Colorado blue spruce and other spruces.

Scouting: Look for swollen, cone-like galls that enlarge in mid-spring and summer.

Treatment: Avoid planting Douglas-fir within 500 yards of Norway spruce.

Treat with dormant oil in February or March. In severe cases, treat with an insecticide in August or September Galls caused by Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid. just as the galls turn from brown to Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University green and small openings are created for the adelgids to exit. Treatments can also be applied in April, but this is trickier as it needs to be done when the small adelgid is feeding at the base of the needle just before the gall is formed. The adelgids will be covered with a small tuft of wax.

European Pine Sawfly / Photo: Eric Biddinger

Balsam Twig Aphid / Photo: Vince Burkle

Sawflies Hosts: European and redheaded sawflies on Scotch, red, Mugo, Jack, and Austrian.

Introduced pine sawfly on Eastern white pine.

Balsam Twig Aphid Hosts: All species of true fir, especially Fraser and Balsam.

Scouting: All Sawflies: Check the upper sections of pine tree for colonies of sawflies on the tips of lateral branches or on the leader.

Look for defoliation and browning needles that look wilted or straw-like.

Treatment: Spot spray as you find colonies feeding.

Spruce Spider Mite Hosts: All conifers.

Scouting: Start scouting in mid-April and continue scouting once a month until the first heavy frost. Stippling of needles becomes evident on older foliage in early spring. In the summer, the trees can appear dried out. You may also find dirty, fine webbing.

Webbing of Spruce Spider Mite colony

Treatment: Avoid having bare earth under trees as this will reduce the number of predators on the tree and increase the number of Spruce Spider Mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or insecticide/ miticide. Thorough coverage is important. Populations naturally decline during the heat of the summer.

Photo: USDA Forest Service 12

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Scouting: Start in early April to determine the amount of damage present. Scouting for Balsam Twig Aphid can be done at the same time as the Spruce Spider Mite scouting.

Treatment: Maintain the trees in good growing condition and trees should continue to vigorously grow even with populations of Balsam Twig Aphid present.

Chemical Control: Treat between mid-April and bud break. If you wait until after bud break, it is too late for control this season and you should postpone treatment until next year.

About the Author

Eric Bitner is the Nursery Inspector and Compliance Officer for southeastern Indiana working out of Jeffersonville. He has worked for the Division since 2006 and has prior experience in the nursery industry in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Taylor University with a Master’s degree in Environmental Biology and is a ISA Certified Arborist.

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

13

July/August 2016

Hardscapes BUSINESS

14 Are You Making Enough Profit with Your Hardscape Projects?

EDUCATION

16 An Innovation in Elevation — The Silca System® EDUCATION

18 Uncommon Natural Stone Projects Community

22 Project Profiles: Two Standout Projects Recognized by Unilock EDUCATION

24 How to Catch Rainwater Using Permeable Pavers

Education • Business • Community

Are You Making Enough Profit with Your Hardscape Projects?

Jeff Behlmer, Smart Estimators, LLC Whether it’s more the ability to mark up materials or simply better knowledge of installation processes, based on my 20+ years in the landscape design/build field, planting and lighting projects always seem to show better margins than hardscapes. However, the trend recently has been toward more hardscape projects … and the hardscape projects have grown more complex as clients’ needs for more comprehensive outdoor living spaces increases. Blame it on HGTV, more disposable income, or whatever, but the bottom line is most contractors are seeing a larger percentage of their work in hardscapes. So, if hardscapes don’t typically result in as much profit margin but the demand for those types of projects is increasing, a contractor could see their overall profits decrease, even though they are doing more work. Long-term, that can spell disaster.

Profit is the one thing that allows a business to thrive and grow. It is the reward for a well-planned, well-tracked project. String enough profitable projects together and you will have a successful year. By definition, profit is the money left over after all material costs, direct labor costs, and overhead costs are recovered. Whenever a project is estimated, all these components should be accurately accounted for. Labor should be tracked on each project and compared to what was estimated. Predicting how long a task takes to complete becomes more accurate over time, but it takes a while to accumulate enough historical data. Overhead is usually planned out in a budget at the beginning of the year and a portion is recovered on each job. There are several methods but the most popular (though not most accurate) method is an hourly recovery rate.

The part I want to focus on is estimating material costs. Estimating material costs for a hardscape project can be daunting compared to estimating a planting job. Several different components including limestone, bedding courses, sand joints, edging, etc., not to mention calculating several different sizes of pavers can make estimating hardscape projects very complex. However, if one develops or finds an accurate system to estimate hardscape materials, lost profits due to inaccuracies can be fixed very quickly. Whereas labor estimating can take years to perfect and overhead recovery inaccuracies sometimes aren’t even detected until it’s too late to correct, material estimating can improve on your next project.

Whether it’s taking the time to detail out all hardscape materials needed on a spreadsheet and then using a product data guide to figure the materials, finding an estimating software, or asking for the assistance of your hardscape dealer, find a system you are comfortable with. But make sure you are tracking the jobs when completed to ensure your system is accurate. More accurate material estimating can quickly lead to more profits on hardscape jobs. More profitable companies leads to a better industry for all of us!

About the Author

Jeff Behlmer has been a contractor for 20 years and is president of Smart Estimators, LLC, a web-based company that develops estimating systems for paver projects. Smart Estimators can be found online at www.smartestimators.com. Jeff is happy to assist contractors with any estimating questions they may have. He can be reached via email, Jeff@SmartEstimators.com.

14

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

15

Education

An Innovation in Elevation — The Silca System® Shaun Yeary, Greendell Landscape Solutions

I

n the ever-evolving world of Outdoor Living, we’ve mainly thought of raised outdoor living spaces being designed from two different perspectives.

One option would be a raised concrete, clay, or tile patio using some form of retaining wall with an aggregate infill to bring the project to its desired height. The higher the patio the more wall material and aggregate will be needed. Other measures may need to be taken into consideration for drainage, soil stabilization, and maybe toe slope that could cause costs to skyrocket, potentially making the project an unrealistic expense for the homeowner.

Because most us have never had a prospective client experience “Sticker Shock.” NOT! Our second option would be some form of a deck, traditionally framed using pressure treated lumber with lumber decking material. Gaining ground on the decking material are composite materials. Composite materials are basically a blend of wood and plastic, sometimes recycled, with percentages of each varying depending on the quality of material you choose. Some homeowners are willing to pay the high upfront costs for composite materials due to their low-maintenance qualities. Composite costs can often be comparable to the cost of installing tile or pavers depending on which materials are used. Decks can oftentimes be installed in areas where a retaining wall may not be suitable. For those of you who don’t have a flare for dramatics, please skip the next paragraph.

(Begin slow buildup of Foreigner “Juke Box Hero” melody) Now let me blow your mind.

Silca System’s Silca Grates being installed.

Pavers being installed on top of Silca Grates.

16

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

(Kelly Hanson begins to sing) “Standing in the rain. With his head hung low…..”

There is a new system in town. “ Couldn’t get a ticket. Was a sold out show …….”

A system that combines attributes from both option one and option two.

“Heard the roar of the crowd. He could picture the sea…”

A system that allows you to install pavers or tiles on lumber framework traditionally used for decks.

“Put his ear to the wall and like a distant scream…..”

Ladies and gentleman please let me introduce you to the Silca System®.

(Crescendo!) “HE HEARD ONE GUITAR. JUST BLEW HIM AWAY…” (Fade music.)

So what does this mean for a company that installs pavers and retaining walls? I mean, other than the fact that you’ll want to know a good deck guy if you are incapable of building Silca System Silca Grate the supporting framework yourself. It gives 16" x 18⅛" x 1½"

them access to do things they’ve never done before. Access to the previously inaccessible. It’s like handing a hardscaper a Golden Ticket. With some pre-planning this system could allow you to work on into the winter. All you need to do is make sure that the framework is done before the ground is frozen. Imagine being able to add another month of profitable income.

It can be hard to pay those essential employees through the winter without positive cash flow, unless you push snow. But for the majority of folks in Indiana, this past winter left a lot of us sitting on a bunch of salt. (Contact me for better deals on last year’s overstocked bagged salt!)

Remember earlier in this article how I explained that large patios on tall retaining walls can become very costly? The Silca System is an ideal option just for this scenario that will having you search out those homeowners you were incapable of selling an overly expensive raised patio to in the past. Yeah, you’ll have to add some extra supports, but that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the cost savings you’ll have. With the Silca System there is no need for aggregate bases that you have to compact in lifts. We can now do paver or tile installations on second-story decks and walkout basements. For a low patio the cost of the system might be about a wash on labor and materials, but the higher you go you’ll be ahead in the long run.

With the Silca System there are two types of installations.

One is a completely new build. This is ideal because you can build your deck completely to spec. Keep in mind that the grates are designed to be installed on a running bond with your joists 16 inches on center. You can contact me or any other Silca dealer for the structural requirements. Depending on the type of materials, additional support posts will need to be added. The second installation would be on top of an existing deck. This is where

About the Author

I have been in the landscape industry for over 17 years and I’ve just completed my 4th year of employment working with the Greendell Landscape Solutions family. I do not see the people I work with as vendors and clients, but more as partners all with the same goal of running a successful business.

Promoting landscape education and business development through multiple neutral organizations, as well as a variety of opportunities made available by Greendell and its manufacturing partners can be very fulfilling. Call or email me to see how Greendell Landscape Solutions and I can help your business grow — 317-494-1017 • syeary@GreendellLandscape.com

you would have to tear out existing decking material and lay the Silca System over the existing framework.

You really need to pay attention and troubleshoot as much as possible. First, if you can check to see if the joists are 16" on center. If not they will need to be reset, unless you can add some sort of runners going crossways and make sure they are within spec. Which runs us into our second troubleshooting dilemma: the transition from the deck into the home. This will affect what type of pavement you choose as well as how you install the grates.

Keep in mind that they are 1½" tall.

Thicker pavers may not be feasible.

That’s where a porcelain tile or some type of thin-gauged patterned natural stone would come in handy. Last but not least, remember to consult the structural requirements and make sure you place extra support posts where needed. In some cases it may just be easier to take it down and rebuild a new one. One last detail: if you want to install the pavers or use a jointing sand, please remember to use a geotextile on top of the grates under the pavement to prevent it from falling through.

Well … I think I’ve covered pretty much most of the basics on the Silca System. Feel free to go to their website and check it out — http://silcasystem.com/. You can purchase the product online, from a Silca dealer (which Greendell is by the way), or any Unilock dealer. Prices from a dealer will be very similar to buying direct. In fact, it would probably be more convenient to purchas the product from a stocking dealer (). If you have any questions or needs, my contact information is in my bio. Thanks again!

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

17

Education

Uncommon Natural Stone Projects David LaFara (AKA Sir Rock-A-Lot), Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply

H

ello again. While doing my last super informative article, I was in the process of doing a couple of unusual projects. Both turned out to be rather awesome when completed. Thought I’d share.

First unusual project I had a client come in looking for a natural stone birdbath. Sounded interesting. Carve a bowl in an extremely hard stone surface? How hard could that be?

Right. To help show how I did it, I took a few pictures. Nice thing with that is you can’t hear the soap bubble breath audio.

First you need to find a character stone with a flat surface. Since I have three stone yards with vast amounts of quality handpicked product to pick through, no problem.

Next, I outline the shape on top of the rock. My choice of weapon for cutting the bowl is my 14" chop saw. Now I’m sure there are Bird OSHA codes for depths and all, but I think I’ll wing it. I cut across the stone going 2" deep turning the saw and making 1" wide cuts. The blade makes natural ramps on the sides.

Now comes the fun part as I grab my chisel and hammer. I’m sure there are easier ways to do this part, but my mind doesn’t work like that. I now knock out the strips using my 1" chisel. This is also great for taking out the high spots left over. The cool thing is the saw lines add a starburst effect. As you might guess, I did miss the chisel and hit my hand a number of times.

Hey, if I’m not bleeding, I’m not working — just ask my wife. Total time on rock was two hours.

18

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Second extraordinary project While I had my saw out, another project came about. Tiffany’s rock star Chris came up and said he had a client with a large weathered sandstone ledge rock. In this stone he wanted to put a diving board. My mind went back to the Flintstone cartoons and I couldn’t remember any diving boards. Just Betty and Wilma laying out tanning in their saber-toothed tiger swimsuits. Oh, behave.

Task at hand: cut a 1½" trench large enough to fit the board in place. The process was similar to bird bath, just larger.

I placed the board on the stone and traced it out, then cut 1½" strips, 1½" deep. I had a stick marked at 1½" to run in the trench to keep the depth right.

Again out came the chisel and hammer to take out the strips. The high spots will need to be taken down so the board fits flat, lots of handwork on this project.

I had to drill two holes to bolt down the board. This wasn’t a springboard so I needed a heavy duty rubber pad at the end to soften the friction point. So I lay down a rubber pad under the board, bolt it on, and its Yabba Dabba Do time.

This project took eight hours, one 14" masonry blade, two pints of blood, and a bottle of scotch. Again pictures show the process.

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

19

Uncommon Natural Stone Projects (continued from p. 19) There are a lot of other projects you can do as well. Tables, benches, love seats, etc. Hey if you can’t get lucky with your girl on a stone bench, well you’re just not trying.

I love working with stone and trying new types of projects. I’m here if you have something you’re dreaming of doing but don’t feel like getting hurt. Call me.

Until then I think I’ll go watch me some Flintstones.

Always between a rock and a hard place, with a smile!

David LaFara/Sir Rocks-A-Lot

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

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

About the Author

David LaFara (Sir Rocks-A-Lot) developed his love for rocks while growing up in Indianapolis. Leaving Indiana for 20 years, David lived in the Chicago region applying this trade in large outcropping walls, patios, and water features on mainly residential properties. He now works for Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply. Come visit their acres of quality stone products that David personally tags from various quarries.

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Community

Project Profiles:

Two Standout Projects Recognized by Unilock Backyard Entertaining Area in Fishers, Indiana Designed and installed by Aspen Outdoor Designs, Inc. in 2015 2015 Unilock Award of Excellence

Before this became an award-winning project, the design team of Aspen Outdoor Designs had to address the client’s three main objectives — maximize the use of a small space, address the difficult grade change, and design a space that minimized the need for patio furniture.

To maximize the use of a small space, the design team created an outdoor kitchen and bar that overlooks the firepit instead of creating separate spaces. Having all design elements converge on a central point allows everyone using the space to interact more easily.

To address the difficult grade change, the design team incorporated a step-down into the firepit area, as well as a retaining wall behind the kitchen and bar. Utilizing change in elevation within a space can be risky as it tends to divide a space into smaller, less flexible spaces. However, in this case, the change in elevation makes for a quaint feel when sitting around the firepit.

Lastly, to address the challenge of minimizing furniture, the design team incorporated built-in seating around the firepit with the front of the kitchen and bar serving as a “couch-back.” The client can entertain up to 20 people with built-in seating and only 5 bar stools. Additional people can sit on the retaining wall and steps.

The materials used on the project were all furnished by Unilock of Chicago.

Artline pavers with Town Hall accents and Courtstone firepit area make up the paver areas. The firepit and kitchen were constructed using Olde Quarry with granite 22

WInner: 2015 Unilock Award of Excellence

countertops and Brussels Fullnose coping.

Aspen Outdoor Designs would like to thank Unilock for recognizing this project with a 2015 Unilock Award of Excellence.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Stidham Project — Columbus, Indiana Designed and installed by Franco Landscaping, Inc. in 2014 Highlighted in Unilock’s 2016 catalog

I met the Stidhams at the Flower & Patio Show in 2014 and then met with them onsite shortly thereafter. As I drove up to their house, I was in awe of the layout of the property and its potential. After a design agreement was accepted, we started working on a design that was to include a fireplace, built-in grill, hot tub, lighting, water feature pumped from their pond, speakers, pathway to side garden (tranquility garden), landscape plants, and mulch.

After several revisions, on May 14, 2014, the clients signed off on the first phase of the project, which included the back outdoor patio area and dock design.

We started phase one the first of August and the hardscaping was completed by the first of September. The landscaping around it was installed right afterwards in September and it all came together.

Phase two included the “tranquility garden” that was off to the side woods line.

They wanted a place to “stroll’ through the landscape garden on a walking path, along with a place to sit and enjoy the pond below. We installed that garden in the spring of 2015 and had to “re-think” that area due to heavy rain that washed out the walkways.

We made some upgrades and installed new pathways along with a dry creek bed to help control the rainwater.

Franco Landscaping has also designed the “man cave garage barn,” the guest quarters, and the front entrance to the property. All three additional areas have been done with matching columns from the house project. Mr. Stidham had the barns re-done to match, and that meant new landscaping for them along with matching lights.

The front entrance design was planned as a later phase, but got moved up with urgency because a delivery truck took out the front gate and overhead beam! New posts and landscaping were installed to complement the new entrance.

We have one last section to complete (side of house) that will be finished this summer. Franco Landscaping now maintains the lawn and landscaping along with the hundreds of low-voltage lights

see this project in Person! throughout the property. There is talk of restoring the vintage outdoor kitchen on the other side of the property for next year. I can’t wait to get the go-ahead on that as well!

– Brian Franco

Attend the INLA’s Summer Tour August 4, 2016 (Event details on page 6)

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

23

education

How to Catch Rainwater Using Permeable Pavers Shaun Yeary, Greendell Landscape Solutions

A

nd you thought you could get rid of me. Well, not this issue anyway. In the wide, wonderful world of hardscapes, permeable pavers happens to be one of my favorite subjects. “Why is that?” you ask. Sure you can do really beautiful designs with pavers, but to me the cool thing with permeable pavers is what you can’t see.

There’s a whole cool world of infrastructure under there that serves a function almost as important as the pavement itself. Depending on the design and location, it is even more important. All in all, a permeable paver system’s main function is to reduce stormwater runoff.

Alrighty then. Let’s get into it. The majority of permeable paver systems have the same basic design format (Figure 1).

First, you have your subgrade soil excavated to the desired depth. Next will come a geotextile. Heavy duty nonwoven fabrics have a higher flow rate for water penetration and are recommended. Overlap the fabric 12 inches (on clay soils 24 inches) and bring it all the way up the side walls to make it a completely contained system. Next will come several inches of ASTM #2 stone.

The thickness of this layer is determined by several different factors. What type of soil is the subgrade? Is it sand or is it clay? What is the project’s intended surcharge? Is it heavy traffic on a busy road with oversized vehicles like dump trucks and garbage trucks, or is it a residential patio? Another factor can be how much area and potential rainfall will be draining into the system? How much area around the system will drain into the system? Will there be any downspouts or sump pumps to account for? (I knew a guy who built a home that must have been built over an underground stream or had an extremely high water table. His sump pump would run almost continuously. He decided to build a water feature with a large basin in the middle of his driveway. He ran his sump line into the basin and used the excess water into his 24

Figure 1. Typical permeable interlocking concrete pavement cross section.

TechBrief Publication Number FHWA-HIF-15-007, January 2015 U.S. Dept. of Transportation (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete/pubs/hif15006.pdf )

irrigation system. True story!) Anyway, depending on the storage capacity needed, you would increase the depth of your ASTM #2 stone layer.

Compacted ASTM #2 stone has approximately 40% void space, and 1 cubic foot of empty space will hold 7.48 gallons of water. (This is where I run and grab a tape measure and head to the fridge because that’s just hard to believe.) That would mean that a 20' x 20' area 12" deep with compacted ASTM #2 stone would have a capacity of 14,361.6 gallons of water.

Incredible!

Moving on, our next layer of aggregate will always consist of a minimum of 4" of ASTM #57 stone. “Why is that?” you ask.

No clue. Some smart people decided that would be an appropriate depth to create

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

suitable choke points between the ASTM #2 layer and the bedding layer. Recommended compaction is a machine with 11,000 lbs. of centrifugal force.

On to the bedding layer! Your bedding layer is typically a 2" layer of either ASTM #8 or #9 stone. This layer is not compacted.

I always recommend ASTM #9 because it’s also compatible as the aggregate to fill in the joints. What’s the point in using an extra aggregate if you don’t have to? (Rhetorical question!) Once the pavers have been laid, compact the pavers with a compactor of approximately 5,000 lbs. of centrifugal force.

Do this before you fill in the joints to avoid scratching up the pavers really bad with the jointing material on the surface.

Now that you’ve mastered the basic design of a permeable paver system, let’s get

Figure 2. Rainwater harvesting using PICP. / Source: ICPI

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Figure 2 above shows a permeable liner. You definitely don’t want to use a permeable liner in sandy soils if you want to catch any water! I’ve also seen designs call for an impervious rubber liner. Mainly you want to make sure your perforated subsurface drain is at the bottom of the system or you can recess the pipe a bit as shown in Figure 1. It works even better if you slope the subgrade toward the pipe like a funnel. The pipe leaving the system should be solid and, as we all know how gravity works, it should flow downhill. Most rainwater harvesting tanks are going to be a heavy duty plastic.

At some point in the system I would recommend installing an overflow in case it gets overwhelmed. Most of the state of Indiana has clay soil, and I highly advise that any installation have an overflow drain. The overflow will have to daylight somewhere or tie into some other form of drainage system.

Things to note Just because there are different types of ASTM numbered stones doesn’t mean those numbers correlate to the ones at your

local quarry. Check out Table 1 below for the descriptions of the recommended aggregates.

Also, a sturdy pipe such as schedule 80 PVC with holes drilled into it is an option for a subsurface drain under a system.

Schedule 40 should be more than sturdy enough for a residential application. We don’t want to use anything thin that could buckle easily.

I really hope this gives you all a basic understanding of using a permeable system to harvest rainwater. Whether it be to irrigate your lawn or water your garden, it is a great way to prevent the potential problems that impervious pavements can cause. They can also turn unusable space into usable space. If you have any questions regarding this article feel free to contact me using the info in my bio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to and help educate our landscape community. It’s a wonderful industry where I learn new things on a daily basis.

Thank you so much, Shaun

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Table 1. Descriptions of the recommended aggregates / Source: New York Sand and Stone (http://www.nysandstone.com/)

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

25

Certification & Education

George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide

Certifications

George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery, created this study guide to help teach the material covered in the IAH Manual. His intention was to assist those trying to master the subjects within the manual.

Indiana Accredited Horticulturist (IAH)

The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association has developed the Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Program to provide a method of self-study and accreditation for individuals in the nursery industry.

The goal of this certification and accreditation program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, professional employees for the landscape nursery industry. >>> http://inla1.org/iah_cert.cfm

Landscape Industry Certified (CLT)

The INLA offers Indiana green industry professionals the opportunity to become internationally certified through PLANET's Landscape Industry Certified program. Become certified in one or all of the following specialties: Hardscape / Softscape / Ornamental / Maintenance / Turf Maintenance / Irrigation with each specialty having their own written field exam. >>> http://inla1.org/clt_cert.cfm >>> www.landscapeprofessionals.org

Certification Calendar

Upcoming CCHs & Special Dates July 9–12: Cultivate’16 www.cultivate16.org Available CCHs = 3A(8), RT(4) July 12: Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day / www.mrtf.org Available CCHs = 2(3), 3A(4), 3B(4), 6(3), RT(4) August 25: 2016 IPLLA Summer Field Day / www.iplla.com Available CCHs = 2(4), 3A(4), 3B(4), 5(3), 6(4), 7A(3), RT(4)

Text: © George Brenn

Chapter 9: Ornamental Plant Disease Management Much of Chapter 9 involves visual association of disease symptoms and diagnostic indicators. The IAH Manual contains 30 images of various disease symptoms that will aid you in making more accurate diagnosis of various major disease problems of ornamental plants. Reference to images in IAH Manual are in bracket parentheses {x}. Also, Purdue Extension Publication BP-63, Common Tree Diseases of Indiana will aid in disease identification.

Principles of Disease Management – Disease triangle: Diseases require 1) Susceptible Host, 2) Favorable Environment, 3) Pathogen Major control strategy is to eliminate one side of this triangle 1) Manage or eliminate pathogen • Use pathogen-free seed, cuttings, plants; sterilize tools • Sanitation: rake and destroy diseased leaves, remove and discard diseased plant parts • Bury or burn diseased plants • Sterilize soil 2) Manage environment (temperature, moisture, wind, light, etc.)

• Watering practices and timing • Pruning and spacing to improve air movement • Provide adequate drainage 3) Manage host • Plant selection – use disease-resistant varieties • Cultural practices: site selection, establishment procedures, fertilization, pruning, irrigation • Minimize plant stress and damage • Timely applications of pesticides: apply treatment before pathogen has chance to infect plant Fungicides – act as a “protective coat of paint” which makes plant resistant to attack by pathogen.

Fungicides are only effective IF: 1) Correct diagnosis identifies pathogen as a fungus 2) Fungicide is applied correctly (foliar spray or soil drench) 3) Timing & frequency of application is adequate to treat disease Foliar applications make a chemical barrier on leaf, stem, and flower surfaces: need to keep this barrier active and complete: uniform coverage is critical (spreader sticker) Soil drench applications – for soil-borne root diseases: Efficacy impacted by soil type & pH Timing is critical – fungicides usually not effective in controlling disease if pathogen has already infected plant tissues (whoever gets there first, pathogen or fungicide, wins the race) Fungicides biodegrade fairly rapidly, so reapplications are most likely necessary.

Plant growth affects completeness of barrier: newly emerged leaves & shoots are unprotected until sprayed.

If label says reapply in 7 – 14 days, when should you reapply? Weather dependent.

Newly Certified!

Congratulations!

New Initial IAH Alison Brenn, Four Seasons Landscape Nursery 26

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Chapter 9 continues next issue

Certification & Education

IAH Quiz

The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee is pleased to provide you an opportunity to earn CEUs (continuing education units) in each issue of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape News.

The IAH quiz offered in each issue can be completed by anyone who is an “Active” (current) IAH (initial or masters).

Each quiz will be worth a .5 (onehalf) CEU (continuing education unit) for the completion of the bi-monthly quiz with a pass rate of 80%. Over a 2-year period, you could earn up to 6 CEUs if you take and pass every quiz!

The INLA office will grade the quiz.

Questions and answers have been provided by the IAH committee.

Thank you and good luck studying!

The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee

IAH Quiz: July 2016

Due: August 15, 2016

Complete the quiz and mail or fax to INLA by the deadline above. Be sure to write your name, IAH number, and contact information on the bottom of the quiz when submitting. If additional space is needed, please attach the extra paper to this form and submit together. Mark your answers.

1) The very minimum for proper handling of a wire basket on a soil ball is to: A ��� Cut the basket off half-way down from the top B ��� Bend the loops and top wire down and away from the crown C ��� Cut the wires at every weld, but leave the pieces in the planting hole D ��� Complete removal of the entire basket 2) Perennial grasses, like nimblewill, are best controlled with multiple applications of non-selective herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup) applied when the weed is actively growing.

A ��� True B ��� False 3) Summer annual grassy weeds, like crabgrass, are most effectively controlled with postemergence herbicides applied in late September through late October.

A ��� True B ��� False 4) When is the best time to seed coolseason turfgrasses in Northern Indiana?

A ��� April 1 – May 15 B ��� August 15 – September 15 C___ September 15 – October 15 D___ None of the above 5) What is the single best application time to control white grubs in Indiana lawns?

A ��� April-May when grubs are found in ornamental beds and gardens B ��� June when the beetles first start flying C___ Late July shortly after egg laying D___ September after animals start digging for the grubs

6) When should the majority of fertilizer be applied to cool-season turfgrasses in Indiana?

A ��� April 1 – May 15 B ��� May 15 – June 15 C___ July 1 – August 15 D___ September 1 – November 1 7} Why should the amount of perennial ryegrass be limited in the seed mix for a new lawn?

A ��� it out-competes the desirable Kentucky bluegrass as a seedling B ��� it is very susceptible to many diseases in Indiana C___ it is a bunch grass D___ all of the above 8) Which cultural plactice would not be effective at reducing turfgrass weed problems?

A ��� Fertilizing primarily in the fall B ��� Mowing at 3 inches of higher C___ Regular aerification to reduce compaction D___ Irrigating daily 9) The majority of the annual nitrogen should be applied to a cool-season grass in April, May, and June.

A ��� True B ��� False 10) Turf-type tall fescue is said to be the second best turfgrass for lawns in Indiana because of its adaptability and tolerances. This makes it the wisest choice for: A ��� irrigated and heavily maintained lawns in full sun B ��� heavily used athletic fields C___ non-irrigated lawns D___ all of the above

Name:_____________________________________________________________________________ IAH No.:___________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________ Fax: 317-889-3935 or Mail: INLA, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247, Indianapolis, IN 46237 Answers: Please contact the INLA office if you would like to receive the answers or find out your results to any previous IAH quiz.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • July/August 2016

27

Toolbox Talks

How Can UV Rays Damage Your Eyes?

Advertisers Blue Grass Farms of Indiana.................................................13 www.bluegrassfarms.net Bobcat of Indy.................................................................5, 21 www.bobcatofindy.com

www.preventblindness.org

Braun Horticulture...............................................................20 www.braungroup.com

The sun releases energy (radiation) in many forms.

The sunlight we see is one form. The heat we feel from the sun is another. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, a third type, are also invisible to the eye. UV rays cause sunburn. They can also damage your eyes and hurt your vision.

Brehob Nursery..........................................outside back cover www.brehobnursery.com

Types of UV Rays There are two types of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B. Over time, the effects of UV rays may help cause a number of eye problems.

UV-A: Can hurt your central vision. It can damage the macula, a part of the retina at the back of your eye.

UV-B: The front part of your eye (the cornea and the lens) absorbs most UV-B rays, but these rays may cause even more damage to your eyes than UV-A rays.

What Eye Problems Can UV Rays Cause?

• Macular degeneration — a leading cause of vision loss for older Americans.

• Cataracts — UV rays, especially UV-B rays, may also cause some kinds of cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye that focuses the light we see.

• Pterygium — This growth begins on the white of the eye and may involve the cornea. Eventually, the growth may block vision. It is more common in people who work outside in the sun and wind.

• Skin cancer around the eyelids is also linked to prolonged UV exposure.

• Corneal sunburn (photokeratitis) — The result of high short-term exposure to UV-B rays. Long hours at the beach or skiing without proper eye protection can cause this problem. It can be very painful and may cause temporary vision loss.

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays You can protect your eyes in two important ways: • Know the dangers of UV rays.

• Wear proper eye protection and hats that block UV rays.

UV rays can come from many directions. They radiate directly from the sun, but they are also reflected from the ground, from water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces.

A wide-brimmed hat or cap will block about half of UV rays.

A brimmed hat or cap can also limit UV rays that hit the eyes from above or around glasses.

Eyewear that absorbs UV rays gives you the most protection.

All types of eyewear, including prescription and nonprescription glasses, contact lenses and lens implants, should absorb UV-A and UV-B rays. For UV protection in everyday eyewear, there are several options like UV-blocking lens materials, coatings and photochromic lenses. UV protection does not cost a lot of money and does not get in the way of seeing clearly.

Calvin Landscape................................................................28 Fairview Evergreen Nursery.................................................20 www.fairviewevergreen.com Indiana Irrigation Co...........................................................25 www.indianairrigation.com MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc..............................................9 www.macallister.com Millcreek Gardens................................................................19 www.millcreekplants.com Reynolds..............................................................................15 www.reynoldsfarmequipment.com Snowfighters Institute.........................................................13 www.snowfightersinstitute.com Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply...............................front cover www.tiffanylawn.com Unilock................................................................................11 www.unilock.com Wahmhoff Farms Nursery....................................................17 www.mitrees.com Woody Warehouse Nursery, Inc.............................................5 www.woodywarehouse.com

Looking to purchase existing business Landscape, Lawncare, Tree and Shrub Care, or Irrigation Business in Indianapolis or surrounding counties.

Call Jim Calvin, Calvin Landscape 317-247-6316

Advertise in the Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Contact: Mary Breidenbach, 317-757-8634 or mary@ecumulus.com

Mark Your Calendars: AUGUST 4 & 5, 2016

INLA Summer TOur New location • New activities • See page 6 for details!

28

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

INLA Members’ Stunning Gardens at the 2016 Indiana Flower & Patio Show!

Photos courtesy the Indiana Flower & Patio Show

Aspen Outdoor Designs, Inc.

Fiano Landscapes

Brownsburg Landscape Co

Calvin Landscape

Franco Landscaping, Inc.

Nature’s Choice Landscaping

Capehart Landscape and Design

Hittle Landscaping, Inc.

Start To Finish Landscaping

Donna Sheets, Executive Director INDIANA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 July/August 2016 Address Service Requested

MOTHER NATURE’S FINEST,

INDIANA’S BEST. VISIT US ONLINE AT:

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2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! CONTACT US TODAY TO GET YOUR PROJECT STARTED: 4316 Bluff Road, Indianapolis, IN 46217 P: 317.783.3233 or 800.921.3233 F: 317.783.0544

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