Indiana Nursery & Landscape News, Sep/Oct 2014

The Official Publication of the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Volume 74 • Issue 5

September/October 2014

www.inla1.org

Cover: Lawrence Village at the Fort, a project by Ski Landscape Corp., was one of the stops on the INLA Summer Tour on August 7. See page 6.

The Soil & Turf Issue

Maintaining Healthy Soil with the Right Soil Amendments Examining Approaches for Restoring Urban Soils Soil Testing and Analysis Sod vs. Seed

INLA Award of Excellence Application Follow us!

Educator Profile 10

Terrestrial Invasives 14

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Volume 74 • Issue 5 September/October 2014

Contents The Soil & Turf Issue 17 Purdue Turf & Landscape Field Day in Review 18 Maintaining Healthy Soil with the Right Soil Amendments

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 Donna Sheets, Executive Director, INLA 317-889-2382 • dsheets@inla1.org 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.

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

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

22 Examining Approaches for Restoring Urban Soils Bryant Scharenbroch and Gary Watson, The Morton Arboretum

26 Soil Testing and Analysis

Gabriel Gluesenkamp, Designscapes Horticultural Services, Inc.

28 Sod vs. Seed

Bob Sharpe, Ameri-Turf, Inc.

Departments 2

President’s Message

4

Calendar

5 5

INLA News New Invasive Species Reporting System Statewide Tree Planting Campaign Partnership Sought Shooting for Scholarships & Summer Meeting Highlights Hot Products Educator Profile: Kyle Daniel, Purdue University Extension Trees in History: I Can Tell A Lie USDA Farm Service Agency Announces Tree Assistance Program (TAP) Sign-up

6 8 10 12

14 14 16

Cover Photo: Lawrence Village at the Fort, a project by Ski Landscape Corp., was one of the stops on the INLA Summer Tour on August 7. Photo courtesy Kate Jones, Blue Moon Farm.

18

Gary Struben, Natural Resources Conservation Services

IDNR Terrestrial Invasives in Indiana Regulations Thousand Cankers Disease Detected in Indiana

30

George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide

31

Advertiser List Toolbox Talks Classifieds

32 IAH Quiz! Earn CEUs by completing the quiz!

22

6

INLA Award of Excellence Application see center insert

President’s Message Summer is coming to a close and the kids are going back to school. What happened to summer? I think as we get older and time goes much faster we forget what an important part of our childhood summer was, and as an adult, how important it is for our business.

This is the season of busy, busy, and more busy. The industry is on an upswing over the last year and I think we can all be grateful to have work and the right people to get it done.

Robert Johnstone

The INLA summer gathering was a great success again with the Shooting for Scholarship event and the Summer Tour. I would like to thank Donna and Julie for all of their hard work in organizing both events. A special thanks to Kate Jones from Blue Moon Farms for getting the tour set up and Dave LaFara with Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply, for helping me with the shooting event. We raised about $5,000 total for the INEF fund! We appreciate all who sponsored and participated in the auction and the events. It can be tough this time of year to find the time to break away, as we are all still very busy in our businesses.

Please see highlights and pictures from the event on pages 6-7.

The winning team is again Dean Ricci and the guys from Ricci Landscape Management — they have a hat trick winning all three years we’ve held the event! I love to look around at these kinds of events and see the members having the time of their life. The social interaction and friendships made at events like this can be very enriching. I remember going to one of my first summer meetings; the people I met there have grown to be close friends. They are the people I count on to bounce ideas about business and the industry. If you’ve never attended the summer gathering, it is a don’t miss event for next year.

As we all look toward 2015 and the end of the 2014 season, I want us to reflect on all of the people in our lives that allow us to be successful and thank them with a special recognition, a card, a lunch, or even just a “thank you.” It might be a crew leader or office staff, or maybe your spouse that takes care of all the things at home so that we can focus on our businesses. Please remember that it takes a team to make our lives work and we all have special teams.

Yours in Rock, Robert C Johnstone robert@fireboulder.com 317-750-7384

It’s never what people do that make us angry; it’s what we tell ourselves about what they did.

–Marshall Rosenberg

2014 INLA Officers Robert Johnstone, President Fireboulder 226 E. Staat Street Fortville, IN 46040 Ph: 317-750-7384 Brian Julius, President-Elect Walnut Ridge Nursery & Garden Center 2108 Hamburg Pike Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Ph: 812-288-6691; Fax 812-288-1580 Erick Brehob Vice President Brehob Nursery, Inc. 4316 Bluff Road Indianapolis, IN 46217 Ph: 317-783-3233

Rich Blankenship, Honorary Secretary Mark M. Holeman, Inc. 7871 Hague Road Indianapolis, IN 46256-1753 Ph: 317-849-3120; Fax 317-578-0439 Donna Sheets INLA Executive Director and Publisher Mailing address for INLA office: 7915 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 Ph: 317-889-2382 or 800-443-7336 Fax: 317-889-3935 • www.inla1.org Email: dsheets@inla1.org

INLA Board of Directors Jim Calvin (2015), Calvin Landscape Ph: 317-247-6316 Kyle Daniel (2014), Purdue University, Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture • Ph: 765-494-7621 Brian Franco (2016), Franco Landscaping Ph: 317-858-3858 Kim Glass (2014), M.J. Schuetz Agency Ph: 317-639-5679

Stay connected to INLA between issues.

Sign up for the INLA monthly eNewsletter at www.inla1.org.

Receive: Latest notices, the digital version of the magazine, reminders for events, and much more.

Gabriel Gluesenkamp (2016), Designscape Horticultural Services • Ph: 812-988-8900 Kate Jones (2014), Blue Moon Farm Ph: 765-675-2413 Dave LaFara (2015), Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply • Ph: 317-228-4900 Mark O’Brien (2016), Cardno JFNew Ph: 574-586-2412 Dean Ricci (2014), Ricci’s Landscape Management, Inc. • Ph: 219-996-2682 Open postion

2

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

3

CALENDAR September 2014 13 Indiana Arborist Association’s (IAA) Tree Climbing Competition

Lafayette, IN • Murdock Park Contact/more information: www.indiana-arborist.org

Educational Conference October 1, 2014

Daniel Trufgrass Research Center Purdue University, West Lafayette

Join us for a full day of educational sessions crafted specifically for all greenhouse and nursery growers.

Topics include: Neonicotinoids, measuring pesticides, efficient greenhouse production, weed control, and so much more.

Educational sessions approved for Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP) credit.

Conference details, registration, and sponsorship information available at: https://ag.purdue.edu/ hla/lopezlab/Pages/ EventsCalendar.aspx or contact: Roberto Lopez rglopez@purdue.edu

24–25 2014 Indiana Society of American Foresters (ISAF) Summer Meeting West Lafayette, IN • Four Points by Sheraton

Contact: Dean Zimmerman, 765-567-2152, dzimmerman@dnr.in.gov

Information: http://indianasaf.net/meet/summer14.html

Maximum CCH credits: 1(2), 12(2), 2(5), 3A(4), 6(5), RT(4)

October 2014 1

Indiana Flower Growers Association Educational Conference West Lafayette, IN • Daniel Turfgrass Research Center, Purdue University The Indiana Flower Growers Association (IFGA) and Purdue Extension are jointly sponsoring this year’s educational sessions that benefit all greenhouse and nursery growers. Educational sessions approved for Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP) credit.

More information: Robert Lopez, rglopez@purdue.edu

2–3

Tennessee Green Industry Expo Nashvillle, TN • Music City Center • The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association and the Middle Tennessee Nursery Association are hosting this new event. The Expo replaces the August MTNA and the January TNLA shows.

More information: www.tngie.com or call 931-473-3951.

13

MRTF Golf Day Zionsville, IN • Wolf Run Golf Club • Enjoy a day of golf and help support turfgrass research and the Purdue turf program.

Contact: Tammy Goodale, tgoodale@purdue.edu or 765-494-8039 or visit www.mrtf.org to register.

15

INLA Award of Excellence Sponsorships Due See center spread for details or visit www.inla1.org.

22–24 Green Industry Conference (GIC)

Louisville, KY • Industry-specific educational sessions along with cutting-edge technology make for the biggest green industry event of the year.

Information: www.landcarenetwork.org/GIC/

November 2014 1

Indiana Native Plant & Widlflower Society (INPAWS) Annual Conference Bloomington, IN Contact: www.inpaws.org

17

INLA Award of Excellence & Special Achievement Award Application Due See center spread for details or visit www.inla1.org.

13–14 MRTF Turf and Landscape Seminar West Lafayette, IN • Registration will open in September.

Contact: Tammy Goodale, tgoodale@purdue.edu or 765-494-8039 or visit www.mrtf.org to register.

2015

Indiana Green Expo Conference and Trade Show

January 21-23 4

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

www.IndianaGreenExpo.com

Advanced Tree 2014:Advanced Tree 2013 COLOR

INLA News

New Invasive Species Reporting System

The Indiana Invasive Plant Committee announed a new invasive species reporting system for Indiana — Report IN — is up and running! The new system can be found at www.EDDMapS.org/indiana. Please set up a profile in this system and start using it. Do you haveAsian bush honeysuckle in your backyard? Report IN! The more reports we get, the better handle we will have on which invasives are where — and where they are not.

Until now reports of Indiana invasives made in EDDMaps.org have gone straight onto the maps and are shown as ‘not verified’ on the report details. From now on, reports will go to verifiers to assure accuracy, so there may be a delay in when the reports are posted.

If you want to make reports from your smartphone, download the Great Lakes Early Detection Network app (just search in your app store for ‘GLEDN’) and you’ll have an easy way to report invasives in the field. All the information is shared between the Report IN website and the GLEDN app, and you can use the same EDDMaps profile for both.

Please share this information widely and encourage others to start reporting invasive species in Indiana. Thanks!

Report IN

Specializing in fastgrowing trees and shrubs Green Rocket Hybrid Cedar® (thuja Plicata x Standishii)

• Evergreen – grows 3 ft. or more per year – 15 ft. in 5 years.

• Use for year-round screens and windbreaks.

• Transplants well in spring, summer and fall (early fall in protected areas only).

• Tolerates drought and moist soil conditions except poorly drained, waterlogged soils.

• Available in five sizes from 16 inches to 6 ft.

Three-year-old Green Rocket planting as a screen from 16”-24” transplants

Statewide Tree Planting Campaign Partnership Sought Tiffany Arp, IDNR, Community & Urban Forestry

Across Indiana, many communities are under-treed. The existing urban forests are aging out or succumbing to various insects and diseases, such as emerald ash borer (EAB). And in many cases, what trees are being planted in their place are monocultures with tree stock procured from non-licensed tree nurseries.

To help combat poor purchasing practices and increase urban forestry awareness, the Indiana DNR Community and Urban Forestry (CUF) Program is coordinating a statewide NeighborWoods Month tree-planting campaign in October. This campaign will bring together municipal foresters and arborists, public works directors, parks departments, and other community organizations with local Indiana nurseries — YOUR nursery.

The CUF program is excited to announce our first partner on this project: Charlotte Creek Nursery. Mike Womack with Charlotte Creek Nursery has graciously agreed to match CUF’s $12,000 in grant funds with up to $12,000 in 1½˝ landscape grade trees to give to municipalities across Indiana! This means we’ll have 240 trees to give to communities that help celebrate NeighborWoods Month in October!

We are interested in working with additional nurseries throughout the state; we have $12,000 in funds, and ask that you match 1:1. For example, if you are interested, but can only donate $1,000 in trees, we’ll give you $1,000 and you’d match it giving the project $2,000 in trees for communities.

Participating communities will come to your nursery to pick up their tree(s).

This gives you invaluable face-to-face networking time with the municipalities’ annual tree purchasers! Additionally, DNR will be posting multiple news releases giving your nursery statewide free advertising and great positive publicity!

If you are interested in participating in this public awareness campaign, please contact Tiffany Arp or Carrie Tauscher with CUF at (317) 234-4386 or email at urbanforestry@dnr.in.gov.

Rosemary Salix (salix elaeagnos ‘rosmarinifolia’)

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• Thrives in moist wet sites but is moderately drought tolerant.

• Great year round windbreak under power lines due to its mature height of 15 ft. tall.

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

5

INLA News

Shooting for Scholarships & Summer Tour Highlights This was INEF/INLA’s third year for this event and a great time was had by all. Robert Johnstone chairs the shooting event and Kate Jones chairs the tour. We thank them both for the time they invested during a very busy season. The day started with the tour which concluded lunch while the shooting event started with lunch and ended with a BBQ dinner and live auction — including cigars! We thank each participant and sponsor for joining us in this event and look forward to next year!

Shooting for Scholarships Winners Winning Team: Ricci’s Landscape Management

Team Winner Ricci’s Landscape Management (3-time winners!) continues to be the team to beat!

Congratulations Dean!

Individual Winner Bob Jackson, Ricci’s Landscape Management Team Tour Highlights Our tour started with a visit to Ski Landscape’s project at Lawrence Village at the Fort. John Wolski gave us a tour and explained that Ski Landscape was involved with the site’s establishment of streets and infrastructure for the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority. This project consisted of 400 trees, 3,000 shrubs, 30,000 perennials, 3,000 rain garden plants, and 25,000 wetland plants. The project at Lawrence Village at the Fort has been nominated for a City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability award in the Land Use Category.

Next stop was Blue Grass Farms with a personal guided tour by Brent Schalk. We loaded up in a 15 passenger van and visited all of his farms while he shared some of their operation techniques and the number of trees they dig and plant each year. They are very busy folks!

Hoosier Park courtesy vans met us at Blue Grass and drove us through their grounds where Melissa Manghelli and her capable staff were putting the finishing touches on their landscape for the biggest race of the year, the Dan Patch. Melissa’s senior crew member, Ralph greeted us in the clubhouse and joined us for a lovely buffet lunch hosted by Hoosier Park. After lunch Ralph and Melissa gave us a few ins (Tour Highlights continues on page 29.)

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Individual Winner: Bob Jackson, a member of Ricci’s Landscape Management’s team.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Thanks to Our Sponsors for Their Continued Support!

Sporting Clay Station Sponsors Belgard Hardscapes County Materials Curley Brothers Edgewood Landscape Supply Estes Material Sales Forrest Commodities, Inc. Fort Wayne Rocks Greendell Mulch & Mix Indiana Flower and Patio Show John Deere Landscapes M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services Reading Rock Techo Bloc Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply Luncheon Sponsor Hoosier Park - Tour Dinner Beverage Sponsor Ricci’s Landscape Management Auction Items Donated Fireboulder with Burner Kit — Fireboulder Water feature boulder – Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply Gift Cards – C.M. Hobbs, Inc. 10 Ceramic Potted Perennials – Mark M. Holeman, Inc. Party in a Pail – Indiana Flower & Patio Show Otter Creek Golf Course Foursome – Brehob Gift Card – Greendell Mulch & Mix 5 Tool Bags – Reading Rock 2 Perennial Grab Bags - Blue Moon Farm Paver Level – Curley Brothers Gift Card – Belgard BBQ Set with Light and Bag Chair – M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services Native Plants – CardnoJFNew Summer Pest Package - John Deere Landscapes

Thank you donors and bidders! You raised $2,221 for the INEF Scholarship Fund from the live auction and approximately another $2,500 from the additional events!

Summer Tour details and more event photos on page 29.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

7

INLA News

Hot Products Brian Julius, Walnut Ridge Nursery & Garden Center In order for us to stay ahead of the game we are always looking for new ideas.

So whenever we go to trade shows or nursery tours we look for new products, marketing ideas, trends, or anything that can make us stand out from everyone else. These are a few of the products and ideas that we have found recently that are working for us. Maybe they will work for you!

The Landscaper’s Buddy

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

INDIANA IRRIGATION 12 Main Street Onward, IN 46967

(574) 626-3398 Distributors of a full line of irrigation equipment

Drip Sprinkler Greenhouse Visit us at www.IndianaIrrigation.com

8

This is a product that we saw at the 2014 Indiana Green Expo trade show in January. It was developed by a third generation tree grower and designed to carry hundreds of pounds of plant or hardscape material at one time with minimal effort! It’s somewhere between a large tree cart and a dolly that can easily move just about anything. We have used it in our retail garden center moving large containers and boulders. The best use so far has been in the landscape department when we need to move large balled and burlapped or container trees. The trees can be easily picked up and moved with two people quickly. It also has over inflated tires so you can take it across a customer’s lawn without concern of damage. We seem to plant a lot of trees in hard to reach areas of people’s homes so its 180 degree turn radius and maneuverability has been a hit with our guys. Check out their website for a video and picture of the Landscaper’s Buddy in action. www.thelandscapersbuddy.com

Ups-A-Daisy

Ups-A-Daisy was a product we found at a trade show a few years ago to complement our container sales area.

I’m sure everyone has had to look around for some gravel or broken pots to put at the bottom of an annual planter you are working on. Ups-A-Daisy is a planter insert that not only provides drainage but also reduces the amount of potting soil needed, reduces the weight of the planter, allows oxygen access to the root system, and avoids the need for fillers.

We have also found them to be easily reusable from year to year in either square or round containers. We have them displayed in different sizes on a nice stand in our container area with our potting soil and other add-on products. www.ups-a-daisy.com

Garden Terrarium Kits

We all have noticed the popularity of fairy gardens and other similar items.

While shopping at a trade show we found Garden Terrarium Kits as a nice addition to that sales area. They remind me of the fairy garden products in scale and look but are very much their own product. The kit comes with everything you need to create your own little selfsustaining ecosystem. Not only are they a great decoration for your office or home but they also can be a hands-on learning tool for children. What a great way to learn about ecosystems and how things grow than to do it yourself. www.gardenterrariumkits.com

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

749 West State Rd. 42 Mooresville, IN 46158 (317) 996-2826 www.greendellmulch.com

Offering quality Greendell Hardwood Mulches plus Sof-step Playground Surfacing Top Soil and Compost Custom Mixes made to your specification.

Boulders, Bulk Aggregate, and Natural Stone for all applications. & Pavers and Walls

Brand

Annuals, Perennials, Trees, and Shrubs

Open 7 days a week in October!

10th Annual Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze We have a 4-acre pumpkin patch for picking your own pumpkins and a 7-acre corn maze including free hayrides to and from the patch and maze.

Group rates are available. Call for more information, (317) 996-2826

Celebrating 45 Years!

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

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INLA News

Educator Profile: Kyle Daniel Kyle is the Nursery and Landscape Specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University. He is responsible for providing technical assistance to the nursery and landscape industry, developing new and enhance existing educational events for the industry, increase the web footprint of the Commercial Nursery and Landscape Industry, write articles/updates, co-teach Ornamental Plant Production, and conduct applied research that aides in making nursery and landscape businesses more profitable, efficient, and sustainable.

What led you to your current position?

I started in the industry at 15, while working for my high school FFA advisor.

We were an installation/maintenance and mowing company with a small container and field nursery, as well as turf production. At the time, I gained an interest in the green industry, but didn’t have plans for college. I also had an interest in emergency medicine and was an EMT prior to graduating high school. When my advisor persuaded me to try one year of college, I went to Eastern Kentucky University with the ever-popular double major of agriculture and emergency medicine. After one year, I decided to focus on horticulture, so I transferred to Western Kentucky University with a major in Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Horticulture.

As I started shadowing in the high schools, I quickly realized I wanted to teach at a university. I visited a couple of programs around the country for a Master of Science, but I decided to stay at WKU for graduate school, where I conducted research on propagation and weed control of blueberries at on-farm trials. When it came time for a Ph.D., I had offers from Auburn University and Ohio State University (OSU). I decided on OSU where I researched glyphosate effects on bark cracking and cold hardiness. I also had the opportunity to be involved in other herbicide trials, fertility experiments, weed control, as well as others. My OSU experience allowed me to travel the country for conferences and conduct trials throughout Ohio, Michigan, and Canada. I developed a great interest in extension and, in particular, the people in the nursery and landscape industry. It was at OSU that I gained knowledge 10

of Purdue and some of their programs and research.

My current position opened while I was in candidacy at Ohio State and was perfectly suited to my interests and experience, so I applied. It has truly been an honor to work with my colleagues at Purdue and the wonderful people in the Indiana green industry.

What have been some of the challenges you have overcome or are working to overcome?

• Due to the size of the state and the many businesses, a challenge is effectively reaching all of the industry.

• Continue increasing the quality of speakers at Indiana Green Expo.

• Capturing and maintaining a web presence.

• Student involvement with the industry.

What has helped you progress in your position?

• It is important to always surround yourself with great people, both personally and professionally. I am fortunate to have great friends and colleagues throughout my life.

• Networking is also very important.

My advisor in high school stressed the importance of networking and, luckily, I listened to at least a bit of advice!

• I always enjoy learning new ideas, research, production methods, etc., which has significantly helped me keep current on my areas of expertise.

• Hard work and determination are always important to be successful in whatever you do. I am thankful to have that instilled in me since I was young.

• Without the support of my wife, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Do you have a pet green industry issue or area that you like to progress or are excited about?

• Education for everyone in the industry, from the seasonal workers to the longtime business owners.

• Students and student experiences with the industry.

• Plant roots in production and in the landscape.

• Glyphosate use in ornamentals.

What sustains your interest in and out of work?

• Spending time with my wife, Tara.

• Travelling, especially to other countries.

• Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.

• Trying new wine and visiting regional wineries.

• Following college football and basketball. And, though I may be vilified in Indiana, passionately following University of Kentucky basketball.

• Reading.

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INLA News

TREES IN HISTORY

Jud Scott, Vine & Branch, Inc.

I Can Tell a Lie! Upon entering the garden, the elder Washington, found his prize English cherry tree flattened by the hand of vagrants! Entering into the kitchen, expressing rage at the act, he was confronted by young George Washington who proclaimed “I cannot tell a lie, it was I who chopped down the cherry tree!” So the story goes, told for centuries to encourage “Parson Weems’ Fable” by Grant Wood - Amon school children to be honest, yet a Carter Museum. Licensed under Public domain total embellishment of the truth. via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.

It seems that Parson Weems, an wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parson_Weems%27_Fable. early biographer, totally fabricated the jpg#mediaviewer/File:Parson_Weems%27_Fable.jpg story. There is no historical evidence that the hatchet ever existed or that the cherry ever fell. Truly young George went on to perform remarkable feats but tree a tree feller he was not.

About the Author Jud Scott is a lover of trees and history and has earned the designation of Registered Consulting Arborist #392 (RCA) with the American Society of Consulting Arborists.

As an RCA, Jud advises attorneys, landscape companies, park departments, developers, architects, and insurance companies, as well as homeowners, concerning their trees and landscapes. Jud can be reached at Vine & Branch Inc., Treeconsultant@aol.com or at 317-846-1935. www.vineandbranch.net

USDA Farm Service Agency Announces Tree Assistance Program (TAP) Sign-up Julia A. Wickard, Executive Director of USDA’s Indiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that orchardists and nursery tree growers can begin applying for benefits under the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which was re-established and strengthened by the 2014 Farm Bill. Signup began Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. TAP provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters.

Eligible tree types include trees, bushes, or vines that produce an annual crop for commercial purposes. Nursery trees include ornamental, fruit, nut, and Christmas trees that are produced for commercial sale. Trees used for pulp or timber are ineligible.

To qualify for TAP, orchardists must suffer a qualifying tree, bush, or vine loss in excess of 15 percent mortality from an eligible natural disaster. The eligible trees, bushes, or vines must have been owned when the natural disaster occurred; however, eligible growers are not required to own the land on which the eligible trees, bushes, and vines were planted.

If the TAP application is approved, the eligible trees, bushes, and vines must be replaced within 12 months from the date the application is approved. The cumulative total quantity of acres planted to trees, bushes, or vines for which a producer can receive TAP payments, cannot exceed 500 acres annually.

For information about TAP contact your local FSA office or Jacob Maxwell, Program Specialist, Indiana State FSA, jacob.maxwell@in.usda.gov, Office: 317-295-5907, www.fsa.usda.gov/in.

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

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INLA News / IDNR

Terrestrial Invasives in Indiana Regulations Kallie Bontrager, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology What do Gypsy Moth, Kudzu, Burning Bush, Tree of Heaven, Japanese Honeysuckle, Garlic mustard, Emerald Ash Borer, and Wintercreeper have in common?

They are all terrestrial invasive species that are being managed in Indiana. An invasive species is defined as an organism that is not native to an area and that causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Terrestrial simply means land based.

Over 80% of terrestrial invasive plants started out as garden flowers, shrubs, and trees, planted to add beauty to a person’s property. Others were introduced to help the environment. Invasive plants often produce a large amount of seeds utilized by birds and mammals as a food source. Other invasive plants grow so fast that they out compete the native plants and take over the environment.

Kudzu was originally introduced into the United States in the late 1800’s to control erosion. Kudzu does control erosion but in the process it grows so fast it takes over an area in a season shading out the native plants and altering the environment.

Japanese Honeysuckle was introduced as an ornamental plant but can get out of control quickly and shade out native plants. Autumn Olive was introduced to as an ornamental, wildlife habitat, a windbreak, and to restore degraded lands. Unfortunately, Autumn Olive out competes native species creating dense

shade interfering with natural plant succession and nutrient recycling. In some areas Burning Bush and Crimson Barberry are a problem in the forest understory.

Callery Pear is coming into open fields and colonizing those fields quickly. These are just a few of the plants that have become and are becoming invasive.

The estimated economic impact to the United States for control and management of invasive plant species and their damage is $138 billion per year. According to an Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (IPAC) report to the Indiana Invasive Species Council (IISC), Indiana land owners and managers spent $5.85 million managing invasive plants on their land and does not include economic damage to land value.

IPAC’s survey of 100 state land managers, private land owners, land trusts, municipalities, etc, represented 650,000+ acres of natural areas in Indiana. State agencies spent $3 million and 120,000 hours by themselves to manage invasive species. Unfortunately, several of the invasive species are still sold in the nursery trade including Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Japanese Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, Burning Bush, Purple Wintercreeper, and Asian Bittersweet.

Other midwest states are also addressing invasive plant species and have created terrestrial plant rules to restrict the trade of invasive species. Indiana is also in

the process of drafting a terrestrial plant rule based on plant assessments recommended by the IISC. IISC was established by the state legislature to enhance the ability of government agencies to detect, prevent, monitor, and manage new and long established invasions, as well as increase public awareness about these growing threats. The IISC is comprised of representatives from DNR, INLA, INDOT, Indiana Department of Agriculture, Indiana State Veterinarian, the Dean of the College of Agriculture from Purdue University, two representatives from industry, two representatives from conservation, land trusts and/or parks and recreation, and one representative from research.

With support from IISC, Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology (DEPP) is working with the INLA to draft the terrestrial plant rule. To this end the input of the nursery industry is needed.

Survey questions were developed by the INLA and DEPP to determine the impact of restricting certain plants from the nursery trade. Your response below is needed and will be used by INLA and DEPP for analysis of the plants considered for the terrestrial plant rule.

Please see the terrestrial invasives survey on page 15. We appreciate your input.

About the Author

Kallie Bontrager graduated from Purdue in 1993 with a degree in Wildlife Science. She’s worked for the Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology as a nursery inspector for 15 years. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors with her husband and son and trains her dogs for agility.

Kudzu on trees in Atlanta, Georgia by Scott Ehardt. Licensed under public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Terrestrial Invasives Survey Please answer the questions relative to the plants below you are growing/selling and email the answers to Megan Abraham at MAbraham@dnr.IN.gov The survey can also be taken online at: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0wBHF5CuTOt0wux If you have any questions or comments please contact: Phil Marshall, pmarshall@dnr.IN.gov; Kyle Daniels, daniel38@purdue.edu or Megan Abraham, mabraham@dnr.IN.gov.

Survey Questions: • What is the monetary value of each crop you grow/ sell that is on the list below?

• How many plants do you have of each species?

• How many years would your production cycle take to phase out each species?

• Are there other states you could sell these species?

If you are out-of-state grower/seller please answer the following: • Which of the above plant species do you sell in Indiana?

• How many plants of each species do you sell in Indiana?

• What is the monetary value of each crop?

List of plants under consideration: Acer platanoides (Norway maple) Alnus glutinosa (Black alder) Celastrus orbiclatus (Asian Bittersweet) Coronilla varia (Crown vetch) Cynachum louiseae (Black swallow-wort) Cynachum rossicum (Pale swallow-wort) Elaeagnus umbellate ( Autumn olive) Euonymous fortune (Wintercreeper) Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) Fragula alnus (Glossy Buckthorn) Humulus japonica (Japanese hops) Hesperus matronalis (Dame’s rocket) Lespedeza cuneata (Sericea lespedeza) Lingstrum obtusifolium (Blunt leaved privet) Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Lonicera maacki (Amur honeysuckle) Lonicera morrowii (Morrow’s honeysuckle) Lonicera tatarica (Tatarian honeysuckle) Lonicera x bella (Bell’s honeysuckle) Phalis arundinacea (Reed canary grass) Phellondendron amurense (Amur cork tree) Phragmites australis (Common reed) Pyrus calleryana (Callery Pear) Rhamnus cathartica (Common buckthorn)

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

15

INLA News / IDNR

Thousand Cankers Disease Detected in Indiana Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology (June 24, 2014) The fungus that causes Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) in walnut trees has been detected for the first time in Indiana.

The discovery of the fungus, Geosmithia morbida, on small weevils, Stenomimus pallidus, that emerged from two stressed trees in a black walnut plantation in Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County also marked another first. It was the first time the fungus was detected on an insect other than the walnut twig beetle.

The fungus was discovered as a result of a survey for insect pests and fungi in Indiana and Missouri. The U.S. Forest Service-led survey was a cooperative effort with scientists at the University of Missouri and Purdue University. The survey did not detect the fungus, walnut twig beetle, or the weevil in Missouri.

Neither this survey nor any other previous surveys have detected the walnut twig beetle in Indiana.

Originally found in New Mexico, TCD affects many types of walnut trees to varying degrees but is lethal to black walnuts, which often are grown in plantations in Indiana but are also common in the state’s urban and rural forests. Indiana joins Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and eight western states with the disease.

State Entomologist Phil Marshall, director of DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, has ordered the plantation quarantined.

The quarantine only restricts movement of black walnut out of the plantation. Movement of black walnut from other areas of Brown County is not restricted.

The DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, DNR Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service ,and Purdue University

are conducting additional studies in the plantation to better understand the disease and insects there.

The trees in the plantation do not currently show symptoms of the disease, according to Marshall. Should the disease status in the plantation change, the trees can be cut and destroyed to prevent spread out of the plantation.

Walnut twig beetles that typically carry the fungus are smaller than a pinhead. They bore into walnut branches, feeding on the tree’s tissues and depositing the fungus that creates a canker, or dead area, under the bark. Multiple feedings cause the formation of thousands of cankers under the bark and destroys the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Gradually branches die, and then the entire tree eventually dies.

Walnut trees affected by the disease typically die within two to three years after symptoms are noticed.

This detection does not change or eliminate the current TCD quarantine that restricts movement of walnut into Indiana from other infested states.

Indiana sawmills, veneer mills, and log buyers must still comply with Indiana’s TCD quarantine before they bring walnut from infested states into their location.

Forest landowners do not need to harvest their black walnut trees as a result of this detection. If you notice a suspicious decline in black walnut trees or otherwise suspect an infestation of TCD, call the DNR toll-free at 1-866-663-9684. If approached by someone offering to remove black walnut trees because of the disease, notify the DNR or a consulting forester to have the tree checked. More information on TCD is at: dnr.IN.gov/entomolo/6249.htm.

Indiana 811 News: New Online Utility Location Requests + Conference Recently, Indiana 811 launched www.811Now.com, a new online service that allows homeowners and contractors who plan to dig at a single address to “click before they dig” to request that member utility companies mark the approximate location of underground lines via a simple online form. 811Now puts Indiana 811’s services at diggers’ fingertips at any time of the day or night.

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

The second annual 2014 Midwest Damage Prevention Training Conference will be held November 5-7 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. Complete inforamtion about the conference can be found at: www.cvent.com/events/2014-midwest-damageprevention-training-conference/event-summary-3e280d3d64ab417cb51458ef14f9059c.aspx.

Awards of Excellence & Special Achievement Awards www.inla1.org

Criteria & Application Forms

The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association’s annual award program includes the Awards of Excellence (nine categories) and three INLA Special Achievement Awards.

Sign up now! The criteria and applications are on the following pages. It’s not difficult, and the rewards and marketing benefits to your business will be immeasurable!

INLA Award of Excellence Winners REceive: > A plaque and special presentation at the Indiana Green Expo. > A presentation binder. > A feature article in an issue of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape News.

Sponsorship Application due: October 15 Award Application due: November 17

INLA Awards Program Guidelines SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS INLA members are encouraged to submit suggestions for these three very special awards— Nursery & Landscape Achievement Award, Award of Merit, and the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Employee of the Year. Please take time to recognize the many deserving members for their contributions to our industry!

> Listing in the INLA annual directory.

Nursery & Landscape Achievement Award To be awarded annually to an individual with good standing in the industry who has given freely of his/her time for the strengthening of the green industry in Indiana. Nominations are voted on by the Awards Committee.

> Posting on the INLA website (www.inla1.org) complete with photos for one year.

Award of Merit To be given annually to a business, institution, job, or individual which the INLA feels has contributed significantly to our industry. Nominations are voted on by the Awards Committee.

> A professional press release about their award > Posting at Mid-Am, the Indiana Flower and Patio Show, and the INLA Summer Meeting

Stuck on how to put it together?

INLA Award of Excellence

presentation consultations available by contacting the INLA office.

suppliers are invited to sponsor an Award of Excellence category Sponsor a specific Award of

Excellence category related to your product. See the benefits your company receives on the enclosed sponsorship form.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape Employee of the Year To be given annually to an individual on staff at an INLA member business where he/she has significantly contributed to the growth of that business and its standing in the community. Five years minimum service required. Nominations are voted on by the Awards Committee. Please provide information about the nominee and his/her contributions.

Awards of EXCELLENCE These awards annually recognize those firms that have enhanced the Indiana environment with creativity and beauty through landscaping and horticulture.

Categories: • Residential Landscape Design/Build • Commercial Landscape Design/Build • Landscape Maintenance Residential • Landscape Maintenance Commercial • Commercial Installation • Garden Center • Hardscape Installation • Hardscape Residential Design/Build • Hardscape Commercial Design/Build Entry Fee: $75

Eligibility: • All INLA active members (except award committee members).

• No winning project can be re-entered for the same category for a period of five years.

• Non-winning projects may be re-entered.

• All projects must include a completed entry form, written description and photos of the project (hard copy and electronic preferred), and entrance fee.

Submission Deadline: November 17 (All entry materials, fees, and forms due.

See enclosed form.)

www.inla1.org 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 PH: 317-889-2382 FAX: 317-889-3935

Dear INLA Members, We are offering sponsorship opportunities to our associate members each year.

You can A) sponsor an entire category for $500 or B) sponsor an individual customer(s) in a specific category for $75 per entry.

By sponsoring a specific category, you receive great benefits (see below). This is an opportunity for your company to show these special customers your recognition of their hard work and how they can be recognized in the industry as a leader.

We invite all vendors and suppliers to participate in the awards sponsorship in some way. Let’s celebrate as many contractors’ projects as possible. We look forward to seeing these wonderful projects in November!

Have a great year!

Robert Johnstone, INLA Awards Committee Chair

Sponsorship Application Form INLA Awards of Excellence

Due October 15

To view previous winners visit www.inla1.org

The INLA is now offering an opportunity for our supplier members to participate in the Award of Excellence program by sponsoring a specific award category (see examples below).

Eligibility: Sponsor must be an INLA member supplier. Only one sponsor per category will be accepted.

Return on your investment: > Company logo and name listed on the winning entry of your sponsoring category. > Company logo and name will be listed on all pre- and post-promotional materials, noted in the Indiana Nursery & Landscape News magazine, and the annual directory. > Encourage your customers to enter — they will realize great benefits! We will supply you with copies of the entry forms to be included with your invoices and placed at your customer counters. > Signage at the Indiana Green Expo.

For example: Residential Design/Build Category Sponsored by: Your Company Name Here

All sponsoring categories are $500 each. Please check the appropriate category you wish to sponsor: _____ Residential Landscape Design/Build

_____ Commercial Installation

_____ Commercial Landscape Design/Build

_____ Hardscape Installation (residential or commercial)

_____ Landscape Maintenance – Residential

_____ Hardscape Residential Design/Build

_____ Landscape Maintenance – Commercial

_____ Hardscape Commercial Design/Build

_____ Garden Center Design Company/Contact Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Fax: __________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________ Payment: Make check(s) payable to: Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association (INLA) or pay by credit card (Master Card, Visa or Discover only). Please provide the following information printed clearly.

Name on card:___________________________________________________________________________________ Card No.:__________________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________________ 3-Digit PIN:________ Billing Address/City:__________________________________ Zip Code:_____________________________________

Mail this form, along with the payment, to: INLA Office, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247, Indianapolis, IN 46237 • Phone: 800-443-7336 • www.inla1.org

Entry Form

INLA Awards of Excellence This program is designed to reward and recognize those firms that have enhanced, through landscaping and horticulture, the environment in the state of Indiana through creativity and beauty.

Eligibility: – All INLA Active members (except Awards Committee members).

– All projects must include a completed entry form, written description and photos of the project (hard copy and electronic preferred), and entrance fee ($75).

– No winning project can be re-entered for the same category for a period of five years.

Non-winning projects may be re-entered.

– All entries must be received by November 17.

www.inla1.org one form per category entry

due November 17

1) project information — Please Print in Bold Project Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Project Location:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Individual(s)/Firm:___________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________ Role in Project:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2) Client’s Authorization: Name (Print)______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ Applicant’s Name (Print):___________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ Applicant’s Signature:______________________________________________________ 3) Please check the appropriate category you are entering: ____ Residential Landscape Design/Build ____ Commercial Installation ____ Commercial Landscape Design/Build ____ Hardscape Installation ____ Landscape Maintenance – Residential ____ Hardscape Residential Design/Build ____ Landscape Maintenance – Commercial ____ Hardscape Commercial Design/Build ____ Garden Center Design

Entry Checklist __ Entry Form __ Description of project __ Photos (hard copy and electronic on CD) __ Entrance fee of $75

Check if we may feature your entry at the Indiana Green Expo — even if you do not win.

4) Mail your entry: Mail this form, along with the written description of entry (at least four paragraphs), photos, photo CD of your project, and the $75 entrance fee (per project, per entry) to:

INLA Office, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247, Indianapolis, IN 46237

Phone: 800-443-7336 • www.inla1.org

Deliveries must be made by appointment only. Thank you.

5) Payment: Make check(s) payable to: Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association (INLA) or Pay by credit card (Master Card, Visa or Discover only). Please provide the following information printed clearly.

Name on card:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Card No.:_____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________ 3-Digit PIN:_______ Billing Address/City:_____________________________________________________ Zip Code:____________________________

INLA Special Achievement Awards

Deadline: November 17

Nomination Form These awards are the most important awards presented by the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association.

Please take time to submit deserving candidates who meet the following criteria.

Fax your nomination to the INLA office by November 17 / Fax: 317-889-3935.

Nursery & landscape achievement award To be awarded annually to an individual with good standing in the industry, who has given freely of his/her time for the strengthening of the green industry in Indiana. _______ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________

www.inla1.org Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 PH: 317-889-2382 FAX: 317-889-3935

Award of Merit To be given annually to a business, institution, job, or individual that has contributed significantly to the industry. _______ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________ Indiana Nursery & Landscape Employee of the Year To be given annually to an individual on staff at an INLA member business where he/she has significantly contributed to the growth of that business and its standing in the community. Five years minimum service required. _______ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________ Submitted by: Your Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Deadline: November 17 Fax completed form to the INLA office at: 317-889-3935 or Mail to: Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association,

7915 S. Emerson Ave.,#247, Indianapolis, IN 46237

Award of Excellence Entry Tips

By Gloria Sooby, Designscape Horticulture Services The production of the Award of Excellence entry is a team effort.

Take a lot of pictures (block out company name, phone, address, owner(s) personal picture). a) Different seasons b) Different angles c) Horizontal — for use in a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors

Award of Excellence Content Suggestions • Entries should be comprised of a written description along with photos and optional plans, sketches, or graphical material. Judging will be guided by the following considerations: • Entries will be judged by submitted material only. Photos/CDs/text/plans, etc. must not include the entrant’s name.

The entrant’s name should only be included on the entry form. Entries are numbered to protect anonymity.

• Photos must be included in print and on CDs. • The more description and detail given, increases your chances. You should submit no less than four (4) paragraphs.

• Type, size or cost of project will not be criteria for judging.

• Judging is based on creativity, selection and placement of landscape material, unusual or challenging circumstances, etc.

• Consistency will be maintained in evaluation between projects within a category.

• Feedback will be provided for non-winners should they request it.

• Keep in mind that the overall goal of the contest is to promote high standards in landscape design, installation, and maintenance.

d) Vertical — Indiana Nursery & Landscape News might need one for the magazine cover, so make it a stunning one!

If project appears in the newspaper, ask publication to email a copy to you.

Each picture should have its own description including plant list, unique requirements of the job, a little history, challenges and solutions.

Remember to include 15 to 25 photos, create it as a sales tool, and HAVE FUN!

Soil and Turf 17 Purdue Turf and Landscape FIeld Day in Review 18 Maintaining Healthy Soil with the Right Soil Amendments 22 Examining Approaches for Restoring Urban Soils 26 Soil Testing and Analysis 28 Sod vs. Seed

Purdue’s Turf and Landscape Field Day in Review On Tuesday, July 15, 2014 the Purdue Turf Program, the Purdue Green Industry Working Group, and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation successfully hosted the Turf and Landscape Field Day. Jackets were needed at this year’s field day as the high temperature was 69 °F which is the coolest field day on record!

The Turf and Landscape Field Day is Indiana’s largest green industry field day. This was the second year with landscape research tours added. Specialists from five different departments in the College of Agriculture shared with green industry professionals their research findings, recommendations, as well as advice on troubleshooting problems.

It was a great opportunity for those attending to receive education, research updates, product updates, and to network with their colleagues and exhibitors in the green industry.

The field day featured 41 exhibitors representing companies from around the region ranging the gamut from equipment, seed, fertilizers, pesticides, landscape plants, hardscape, and more.

The 513 attendees were mostly from Indiana and its surrounding states but many national representatives were also there from various companies to learn more about Purdue’s latest green industry research.

Attendees came from a variety of backgrounds including business owners, managers, and staff of wholesale and retail nurseries, landscape management firms, greenhouse growers, golf course superintendents and staff, lawn care companies, grounds maintenance departments, landscape design and installation firms, garden centers, consulting firms, educational institutions, suppliers, and more! This year’s field day provided three morning research tours and four afternoon tours including a popular weed garden tour, discussion of shop maintenance and organization, and a tour of landscape research plots at the Meigs Farm.

Fourteen different speakers were at the field day including Purdue faculty/staff from Agronomy, Botany and Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and Forestry and Natural Resources. This year’s field day was once again a success and continues to be a leading provider of information and education among the Midwest turf professionals and the green industry. Mark your calendars for next year’s Turf and Landscape Field Day, July 14, 2015.

Thank you all for coming!

Aaron Patton, Turf Extension Specialist Kyle Daniel. Landscape and Nursery Extension Specialist

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

17

Maintaining Healthy Soil with the Right Soil Amendments Gary Struben, State Soil Scientist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Indiana

S

oil is alive! Soil isn’t an inert growing medium, but rather is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Soil is an ecosystem that can be managed to provide nutrients for plant growth; absorb, filter and hold rainwater; filter and buffer potential pollutants; serve as a firm foundation for human activities; and provide habitat for soil microbes to thrive.

The four main components of soil are minerals, air, water, and organic matter.

Mineral matter is comprised of sand, silt, and clay. Water and air occupy the pore spaces — the area between the mineral particles. In these small spaces, water and air are available for use by plants. These small pore spaces are essential to the life of soil organisms, to soil productivity, and to plant growth. The final ingredient of a soil is organic matter. It is comprised of dead plant and animal material and the billions of living organisms that inhabit the soil.

Soil is a naturally occurring mixture of mineral and organic ingredients with a definite form, structure, and composition.

The following is the average composition

by volume of the major soil ingredients: 45 percent minerals, 25 percent water, 25 percent air, and 5 percent organic matter or humus.

Despite the small percentage found in most soils, organic matter is the foundation of a healthy, productive soil. Soil organic matter serves as a reservoir of nutrients for plants, provides soil aggregation, increases nutrient exchange, retains moisture, reduces compaction, reduces surface crusting, and increases water infiltration into soil. Organic matter is the glue that holds soils together. Increasing the organic matter content of the soil is the most important amendment that can be added to improve your soil.

Four Basic Principles to Improve the Health of Any Soil: • Minimize Disturbance: Disturb the soil as little as possible.

• Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered as much as possible.

• Maximize Biodiversity: Diversify as much as possible. Use a variety of plants, including cover crops and rotating garden plants yearly.

• Continuous Living Roots: Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil.

Know Your Soils What kind of soil do you have? Is it clayey or sandy? Is it wet or droughty? Is it flat or steep? In order to best manage your soil and improve it you must know its soil properties.

Soil has both inherent and dynamic properties, or qualities. Inherent soil quality is a soil’s natural ability to function. For example, sandy soil drains faster than clayey 18

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

soil. Deep soil has more room for roots than soils with bedrock near the surface.

These characteristics do not change easily or at all. Dynamic soil properties are those qualities that change depending on how the soil is managed. Soils respond differently to management depending on the inherent properties of the soil and the surrounding landscape.

Soil texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt, or clay in a soil. Loamy soils are the ideal soils preferred by most gardeners and landscapers. A loam soil texture contains about 40% sand, 20% clay and 40% silt. Loamy or silty soils provide the best combination for a balance in pore space that allows water, air and nutrients to move through the soil.

Sandy soils have larger mineral particles and larger pore space. This allows water to move through the soil more rapidly, but stores less water and nutrients making most sandy soils droughty and less fertile. Sandy soils also heat up faster in the day and cool down quicker at night, making plants more subject to heat stress. To improve the water holding capacity and fertility of sandy soils use a soil amendment that will add organic matter to the soil. Mulching sandy soils will also conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

Clayey soils have small mineral particles and smaller pores, but have more total pore space than sandy soils. Water tends to move through clayey soils more slowly.

Clayey soils store water more tightly, which can cause plants to show signs of moisture stress during periods of extended drought.

Clayey soils store more nutrients and tend to be more naturally fertile. Adding organic matter and keeping continuous living roots growing in the soil throughout the year will improve soil aggregation, increase porosity and permeability, and improve aeration and drainage in clayey soils Fibrous organic matter such as peat, wood chips, and straw can be used as a soil amendment more (Maintaining Healthy Soil continues page 20.)

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

19

Maintaining Healthy Soil (continued from page 18) readily on clayey soils than other soils.

Additionally, using gypsum has shown to improve the properties of clayey soils and provides calcium and sulfur. Do not add sand to a clayey, as this creates a soil structure similar to concrete.

Many Indiana soils are wet and have a seasonal high water table at or near the soil surface. These soils are called poorly drained due to the saturation of the soil.

Often these soils are artificially drained by subsurface tiles or ditches and it is important to maintain these to remove the excess water. Wet soils typically have gray colors in the subsoil below the surface layer.

Well drained soils have brownish or reddish colors in the subsoil. For wet soils it is particularly important to control the water from downspouts and driveways to avoid adding more excess water to the soil. Using practices such as rain barrels and rain gardens is an effective method of controlling excess water on wet soils and can also be used on sandy soils as a source of additional water. Raised beds can be used on wet soils to keep plant roots above the saturated soil layers. Mulching holds water in and keeps the soils wetter and cooler, so on wet soils it may be best to mulch later in the growing season when the soils are drier.

It is important to fit the land use and landscaping to the soil. Really steep areas should be kept in permanent vegetation to control runoff and erosion. Plantings on sloping areas should be done on the contour to slow runoff and prevent erosion.

Keeping the soil surface covered is the key to preventing erosion.

The exact composition of soil changes from one location to another. There are more than 500 different soils in Indiana and are some of the most productive soils in the world. To learn more about the soils in your area, you can go to: • USDA’s Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/). From Web Soil Survey you can view soils maps, make thematic maps, run reports and view soil survey manuscripts.

• The SoilWeb App is an online soil survey browser used to access USDA detailed soil survey data for most of the United States on all types of devices, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets. (http://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soilweb/) 20

Soil Amendments A soil amendment is any material added to a soil to improve its physical properties, such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration, and structure. The goal is to provide a better environment for roots. Organic amendments come from living or decomposing plants or organisms, including compost, manure, grass clippings, sphagnum peat, wood chips, hay, straw, pine needles, biosolids, sawdust, and wood ash. Inorganic amendments include vermiculite, perlite, high-heated ceramics, tire chunks, pea gravel, and sand. Many soils in urban areas have been disturbed and adding a soil amendment can help restore their function.

Mulching and amending are different practices. Mulch is left on top of the soil layer, while an amendment is often mixed into the soil. Amendments can be applied on the soil surface if applied in thin layers.

Applying amendments with living plants or residue helps to keep them in place and prevent them from being washed off.

If amendments are mixed into the soil, minimize the disturbance to the soil as much as possible. Some mulch, such as straw, hay and leaves, may be used as a soil amendment after they have decomposed. If amendments or mulches are just dumped on the surface in thick piles or buried in a clump, it could interfere with water and air movement and inhibit root growth.

Mulches can be used to conserve moisture, reduce soil temperature and cover bare spots that are difficult to vegetate.

The Road to Soil Health Applying the principles of soil health will improve soil properties and restore soil function in disturbed soils over time. Using soil amendments can be a tool to improve organic matter content in the soil, which feeds the microbes in the soil and keeps the soil healthy. Healthy soils produce healthy plants, which makes happy and healthy humans!

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Soil Amendment Guidelines Compost is decomposed organic matter.

Compost should go through multiple active heating cycles.

Grass clippings are a good source for composting materials.

Manure should be aged or composted for at least six months before applying.

Use only biosolids that have been treated to reduce the bacterial content.

Avoid application of biosolids to vegetable gardens due to the potential for heavy metals.

Do not use uncomposted wood products as soil amendments because they tie up nitrogen and can cause nitrogen deficiency. Wood products can be used effectively as a mulching material.

Always check the salt content, heavy metal content and pH of any amendment you add to the soil. For example, wood ash is high in pH and salt content.

Apply nutrients and lime to the soil based on a soil test.

Inorganic amendments can be used to increase pore space in compacted soils, but are mostly inert and do not add to the biology of the soil.

About the Author

Gary Struben (gary.struben@ in.usda.gov) is the State Soil Scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the primary federal agency that works with private landowners to help them conserve, maintain and improve their natural resources.

Indiana NRCS leadership has made the relentless pursuit of functioning soil health a priority. Gary’s job as manager of the soil survey program in Indiana is to help people understand soils and assist users in applying soil information.

USDA NRCS - Indiana Website www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/site/in/home/

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

21

Examining Approaches for Restoring Urban Soils Bryant C. Scharenbroch, Head of The Morton Arboretum’s Soil Science Laboratory, and Gary W. Watson, Head of Research at The Morton Arboretum Introduction Soil quality is degraded and the establishment and growth of urban trees is hindered by urban site disturbances. Top-soil scraping and sub-soil compaction are often necessary to prepare sites for infrastructure.

The removed top-soil is a substantial store of soil organic matter and nutrients.

Compaction of the sub-soil destroys soil structure, which is important for soil porosity, aeration, drainage, and root growth.

Soil degradation is not limited to the site development phase. Urban sites are subjected to continued compaction from foot and heavy machinery and also a number of environmental contaminants (e.g., road salts, heavy metals). Furthermore, nutrient restitution is interrupted when tree growth is hindered and leaves and woody debris are removed from the urban landscapes.

For these reasons and many more, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of urban soils are often degraded.

The most common management approaches for restoring soil quality for urban trees include applying organic mulches/ amendments (e.g, wood-chips, compost), adding inorganic fertilizers and/or adding liquid-based treatments to stimulate the soil microbial populations (e.g, compost tea, biological products).

Organic mulches are applied to, or grow upon, the soil surface and included a wide array of materials: shredded white cedar or cypress, chipped or tub-ground hardwood or southern pine bark, pine straw, crushed cocoa-bean hulls, leaf mold, tub-ground construction debris, and compost. Chipped and tub-ground hardwood mulch and compost are two of the most highly utilized organic mulches used in urban landscapes. Both types of mulch have been found to positively impact soil properties and tree growth. Beneficial effects of these organic mulches include: improved soil moisture, reduce erosion, reduced compaction, maintenance of 22

optimal temperature, reduced salt, reduced pesticide use, increased binding of heavy metals, reduction of weeds, improved soil fertility, improved plant establishment and growth, reduction of disease. Some potential problems with organic mulches include: allelopathy, chemical and weed contamination, disease, and N deficiency with green mulches.

Inorganic fertilizers are commonly applied to supplement nutrient cycling in urban landscapes. A substantial body of literature has demonstrated tree growth improvements with inorganic fertilizers.

However, many studies also show negative effects associated with inorganic fertilizers, including: ground and surface water contamination, gaseous losses of soil C and N, and soil salt accumulation. Furthermore, synthetic fertilizers have been found to affect plant resource allocation and may lead to decreases in defensive compounds and increased herbivory. Liquid-based organic products and materials (e.g., compost tea, humic acids, mycorrhizal spores) are gain-

Image 1

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

ing popularity for as a means to possibly applying nutrients and organisms to soils for landscape trees.

The objective of this research was to evaluate hardwood mulch, compost, synthetic fertilization, aerated compost tea, and a commercially available biological product for impacts on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and tree growth (Acer rubrum and Betula nigra) on a disturbed site over five consecutive years.

Materials and methods In spring of 2007 an urban soil research plot was created in the research grounds of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, DuPage County, Illinois, USA. The site was prepared by mimicking the activities of a typical urban site development. The disturbance was performed when the soil was saturated to maximize the impact of the disturbance. The topsoil (0 to 20 cm) was stripped with a bulldozer, and the underlying subsoil compacted (Image 1).

A nominal depth of topsoil (3 cm) was

fruit

Image 2

replaced using a wheel loader and grader.

A rectangular experimental grid with 120 square tree plots (3.05 m by 3.05 m) and 1.53 m inter-plot space was laid out on the disturbed area. Sixty Betula nigra and sixty Acer rubrum, two-year old, three to four cm diameter whips, were randomly assigned and planted in plots (Image 2).

These species were chosen for their ability to tolerate seasonal wetness on the site.

Both exhibit chlorosis with typical urban conditions, including extreme soil pH and compaction. Birch is ectomycorrhizal and maple is endomycorrhizal. After trees were planted, the site was seeded with Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Trees and lawn were irrigated during dry periods in the establishment year (2007). Treatments were applied May through October, annually for four years (2008 to 2012). Treatments and application rates were: • Control, no treatment • Aerated compost tea at 2.45 kL 100 m-2 yr-1 • Commercial biological product applied per label • NPK fertilizer at 1.95 kg N 100 m-2 yr-1 • Compost as a top-dressing of 2.5 cm y-1 • Double-ground hardwood mulch applied to 15 cm y-1 Annual assessments of soil physical, chemical and biological properties as well as, tree growth and health were made each year (2007-2013).

Results and discussion After five years of treatments, we found many significant changes in soil and tree properties. The magnitude of many of these responses increased with time. For instance, changes in soil organic matter were minimal in the first two years, but were strongly significant in years three through five. Of the treatments, compost and mulch had the most dramatic impacts on soil quality. Likewise, tree growth was greatest with mulch and compost (Image 3). A summary of the significant effects we have observed is as follows: Compared to the controls the effects of compost on soil and tree properties included: • Increased plant available water • Decreased soil bulk density and penetration resistance • Increased water-stable aggregates • Increased cation exchange capacity • Increased soil nutrients (N, P, K, and Ca) • Increased soil organic matter, organic C, and particulate organic matter (labile SOM) • Increased microbial biomass and microbial respiration • Increased shoot, root, and total tree biomass (Restoring Urban Soils continues page 24.)

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

23

Restoring Urban Soils (continued from page 23)

Image 3

Compared to the controls the effects of the wood-chip mulch on soil and tree properties included: • Increased plant available water • Decreased soil bulk density and penetration resistance • Increased water-stable aggregates • Increased cation exchange capacity • Increased soil nutrients (K and Ca) • Increased soil organic matter, organic C, and particulate organic matter (labile SOM) • Decreased microbial biomass and possibly microbial diversity • Increased shoot, root, and total tree biomass (Acer rubrum only)

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Compared to the controls the effects of the inorganic fertilizer on soil and tree properties included: • Increased soil nutrients (N and P) • Increased soil nutrient leaching (NO3-) • Increased shoot and total tree biomass (Acer rubrum only) Compared to the controls, significant differences were not found for the soil and tree responses to aerated compost tea or the commercial biological product.

We found that improvements in soil quality were important and likely responsible for the observed increases in tree growth. Most soil properties were significantly and positively correlated with above- and below-ground tree biomass.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Our results confirm many of our hypotheses derived at the onset of the research.

We hypothesized and found that compost and mulch would have significantly greater impacts on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties compared to fertilizer, aerated compost tea, and the commercial biological product. Compost being relatively labile and nutrient-rich, is known for its many positive impacts on SOM and organisms. Our findings confirmed the hypothesis that improvements in soil biochemical properties would be greatest with compost. We found mulch to be a stronger surface buffer and have greater impacts on soil water, and also impact many soil properties, but at a slower rate than the compost treatment. We hypothesized and found fertilizer to increase availability of soil N and P, but also found increased NO3- leaching with this treatment. We confirmed our hypothesis that the effects of aerated compost tea and the commercial biological product would be minimal due to the relatively small amounts of organisms and nutrients being added in these treatments compared to the other treatments and also background soil levels.

An economic comparison of these treatments was performed by evaluating the costs for equipment, materials, labor, and transportation. Of the treatments, mulching and compost were the cheapest at $17 and $22 per kg of tree biomass gained. Fertilizer costs were $27 per kg of tree biomass gained. The aerated compost tea cost $34 per kg of tree biomass gained, and $117 per kg of tree biomass gained, if the cost of the brewer is included. The commercial biological product cost $57 per kg of tree biomass gained.

Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Tree Research & Education Endowment Fund Hyland R. Johns grant and The Morton Arboretum Endowment. We thank J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. for donating research trees.

Conference & Trade Show January 21–23, 2015 Don’t miss Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive green industry educational conference and trade show featuring educators and exhibitors from across the country.

2015 highlights include: • A great selection of educational workshops and certification opportunities.

• The ever-popular, Landscape Challenge returns!

Landscape teams compete to build a 300 sq. ft. landscape/garden project in 4 hours with products from participating exhibitors!

• New Product Display Area (New in 2015!) —

Complete program details available in the INLA News, November/December issue or at www.IndianaGreenExpo.com in early November.

See the latest products available at the trade show all in one place!

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

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Soil Testing and Analysis Gabriel Gluesenkamp, Designscape Horticultural Services, Inc.

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s landscapers we should all know that no matter how beautiful and healthy a tree, shrub, or lawn looks, you can only take that at face value. Even with all the education provided about the importance of soil quality, I still often find myself perplexed in diagnosis after losing a newly planted tree. I tell myself “these failed trees followed the same standard operating procedures as the one just down the street butit looks great!” It’s sad that as a nurseryman and arborist I still don’t always default to thinking about soil quality before new installations. I would like to place blame on all the temporary bandages provided to help aid a struggling plant. If I have a chlorotic hydrangea it seems so easy to send one of our account managers with some muriatic acid to quickly remedy the situation rather than to get to the proverbial “root” of the situation. Sometimes I get so busy and pre-occupied with moving onto the next job I don’t even ask the customer if he or she would prefer another blooming deciduous shrub that has proven more hearty to our alkaline, clay soils than the ‘Endless Summer’ she saw for sale at the nearest big box store.

Often we inherit problems from a previously installed landscape either by the homeowner or their previous landscape company (obviously not an INLA member). However, on new installations I decided a while back that it was my duty as a trusted consultant to at least provide the option to check current conditions on the front end and educate customers for their best course for correction. Whether it be extensive bed preparation or finding a more suitable plant for the existing soil provided.

For $30 (plus your labor to collect, package, and ship) you can get a complete soil analysis of macro and micronutrients (less Ni) along with customized establishment and maintenance recommendations for Lawn & Turf, Garden, Landscape, and Golf Course categories. Here’s a breakdown of what I look for when the report comes back (see sample provided). Note: Sample shown is just one report of three sent by testing company.

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What are we trying to grow?

The big question is what are we trying to grow (or maintain)? I look at this first because although some data provided is equally important across the board, others are more important to what specifically we are growing. In this example the three options selected were trees, broadleaf shrubs, and lawn maintenance. In these three options the common item of importance to me is the organic matter and pH at the top of the list.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Organic Matter, % The percent of organic matter (OM%) lets us know a lot about the current ecosystem in the soil. In this sample the high ranking of OM% lets us know that there is an ample amount of beneficial bacteria in the soil and a good foundation for the opportunity to have healthy growth for all three options selected. If the sample came back at a medium rating or below I would begin to wonder about current abiotic factors such as soil compaction and

non-native subsoil. Both of these factors cause anaerobic conditions which are detrimental to beneficial bacterial and are the most frequent cause of low OM%.

Potential Hydrogen (pH) The pH (potential hydrogen) given is the measurement of acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of the current soil. In our region a high or alkaline pH is common in soil and the majority of the trees and shrubs grown here in our nursery are not bothered much by this 7.7 ppm ranking.

However many common shrubs sold such as evergreen hollies (like China Boy or China Girl) and especially most macrophylla hydrangeas (Endless Summer) are not suited well to establish themselves in these current conditions. If no bed preparation is done prior to planting we often use Holly Tone or even the most commonly used boxwoods (Green Velvet, Green Mountain) to help green them up later in the season. Also our common turf grass of Tall Fescue prefers a more acidic environment (around 6.5 pH) and it would not surprise me to see a more yellow-green blade color in this lawn. This soil test report for turf calls for applications of iron which definitely helps but many know is volatile in our soil and liquid application benefits usually are short lived (2-3 weeks) so it must be applied regularly.

On the opposite side in more shady areas we often will find a low pH (look for thin grass with mossy patches) and for this we generally top-dress lawns with ag-lime or pelletized lime in the spring and fall.

For the chosen options of trees and broadleaf shrubs, besides OM% and pH, I look for a good balance of macro-nutrients (N-P-K). Check to make sure salt content is low, and glance through the micronutrients to make sure there are no ratings on the “Very High” or “Very Low” end of the chart. Being that this test can’t measure Nitrogen if Phosphorus and Potassium are within the medium to high ranking, I generally use a 2-4-3 poultry compost

as a base fertilizer on all plantings. On this report however because of the lower Potassium(K) I would recommend either a triple 12 (which is a fertilizer suggested on another report page not shown) or applications of a concentrated liquid seaweed, sea kelp, or fish emulsion for greeny’s like myself Maple tree injection. Image courtsey of the author. who try to avoid synthetics when possible. The main reason for a potassium (potassium chloride) boost is this macro-nutrient controls the plants All this information aside, I would stoma (among other things) which helps encourage you, as trusted nurseryman regulate and most efficiently consume selling landscape installation or oruse water. I have seen good results in maintenance work, to offer the service our deep root fertilizations of stressed trees of taking a soil sample (or many samples where we mix Organic Gem (hydrolyzed depending on the site size) to your existing fish) to help increase potassium levels to and new customers.

I’ll be the first to say the root zone.

I even still don’t do it as often as I should.

For the third option of turf, if the But in the land of suburbia where native customer’s lawn was not thick and estabsoil is like the mythical unicorn, it can lished I would recommend supplemental often be a great tool to help give you the Phosphorus to help establish a more vigordata you need to save you on warranty ous healthy root system. Phosphorus is a replacements, improper plant siting, and hot topic because of algae bloom but has excessive watering that may come sooner many important benefits to plant and turf than later. The greatest feedback I have growth. (See Purdue Extension link for gotten is that it’s just is one more thing more info https://www.extension.purdue. to show how much we care about our edu/extmedia/AY/AY-334-W.pdf.) We have customers landscape and I have never heard found that the same 2-4-3 application of 2 them tell me that the opposite of caring is a poultry compost at 10#/1000 ft in the good thing. spring and fall has helped raise Phosphorus levels in our customers lawns at a slower Quality Michigan Grown Nursery Stock rate than synthetics Balled & Burlapped 3’ - 16’ but with the benefit Colorado Spruce of sustainability withNorway Spruce out frequent suppleWhite Spruce Serbian Spruce mentation after Black Hills Spruce establishment.

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

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Golf Day

October 13, 2014 Goal: To promote turfgrass research, raise awareness of the Turf Program at Purdue, and provide an enjoyable day of golf at Wolf Run Golf Club Host: Wolf Run Golf Club 601 S 900 E Zionsville, IN 46077 Tournament: Florida scramble format Cost: Entry fee is $125 per person; includes golf, golf cart, driving range, box lunch, games, and a chance at a $10k hole-in-one!

Proper golf attire will be appropriate throughout the day. Absolutely no denim allowed. The field is limited to 120 players and will be filled based on the order in which payment is received.

Sponsorships: Four sponsorship levels — Platinum Sponsor:.................$3,500 (includes team and tee sign) Gold Sponsor: ......................$1,750 (includes team and tee sign) Tee Sponsor:.............................$100 Golf Day Sponsor .....................$25 Registration: Registration materials and additional event details are available at www.MRTF.org

Midwest Regional Turf Foundation www.MRTF.org 28

Sod vs. Seed Bob Sharpe, Ameri-Turf, Inc.

Y

ou may have a love-hate relationship with lawns. Establishing a lawn or turf area can be done in two ways — through seeding or sodding.

Sodding is the best choice to create an instant lawn. Dust, mud, and erosion are quickly taken care of. Sod may be planted anytime as long as there is adequate water.

And sod is basically weed-free.

A new home or commercial property can be “completed” with the use of sod. The lawn areas can take limited immediate use.

Sports facilities, football fields, soccer fields, baseball fields and golf courses can successfully utilize the venue at least 9–12 months sooner with sodding vs. seed.

Seeding has its place, after all sod starts from seed. However due to the central Indiana climate, seeding for the best results should be done in the month of September. The annual weeds have usually run their course by late August and soil temperatures are higher to speed up the germination. Only planting in September of course isn’t practical, so landscape contractors and sports field managers must deal with the poor results of planting seed in other months. The second optimum time is April. However, with the cool soil temperatures by the time the grass seed is germinating, so are all the weed seeds.

Will the new turf have enough stamina to make it through hot, dry summer months?

Spring heavy rains will erode a seeded job but not sod. Plan on over seeding if seed

was planted other than in September. Thus making it more expensive than sod?

With the present day sod harvesting and delivery equipment, sod can be harvested just a few hours prior to delivery.

Fresh sod is very important for a successful lawn. The site should be graded and ready for installation prior to the sod being delivered. Insuring you can focus on installation and watering it as soon as possible.

Utilizing sod will help the environment as it immediately becomes an air and soil conditioner.

Grass will help purify water as it leaches through the root zone. With all the new building and development we have created more hard surfaces, roads, parking lots.

Sodded areas can take on this extra water and help clean it. These filtration properties are also the reason turfgrass is used to help recycle effluent water. Turf farms and golf courses utilize effluent water for irrigation.

This is water that couldn’t be released into streams. The grass will help purify it further and return it to the environment.

Turf areas are natures air purifiers as well. Turfgrass can absorb air pollutants into their leaves and break them down, thereby cleaning and cooling the air. One acre will absorb hundreds of pounds of sulfur dioxide during a year. It’s been estimated 55 sq. ft. of turf will create enough oxygen to support one person the entire day.

Image courtesy of the author.

About the Author Bob Sharpe is General Manager for Ameri-Turf and has 42 years experience growing grass. Warrens Turf dba Ameri-Turf is Indiana’s largest and oldest sod producer.

The farm located in Anderson, Indiana started in 1960 with 75 acres of sod. Today we are currently producing sod on 800 acres. We have two distribution centers in the Indy area carrying sod and landscape supplies. Locations are: 4600 W. 96th St, Indianapolis, and 12595 Cumberland Road, Fishers.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Summer Meeting Tour (continued from page 6.) and outs of the challenges of maintaining Hoosier Park with only a staff of five. Whether you like to gamble or not, this is a great place to dine, watch the horse races, and people watch as Hoosier Park was recently ranked as the “Indianapolis Area’s Most Popular Attraction” by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Our next stop was Willowcrest Park in Anderson. Josh Perkins with Jay-Crew met us at this very unique site. Jay-Crew was the lead on this project, which included excavation, concrete, electrical, masonry, audio/video, a large water feature, softscape, both granite and concrete pavers, pre-burial spots, site furniture, turf, and irrigation. Josh not only explained the scope of work and the challenges of the project, but was very happy to answer all of our questions about the scattered gardens. What makes Willowcrest Park special in the landscape world is that they have created a park that is intended for a much different use than normal. When you think cemetery, this isn’t what you think about. www.willowcrestpark.org Finally, we met back up with John Wolski of Ski Landscape for a tour of his shop. He shared a few innovations they’ve come up with that would be of help to any landscape contractor. John explained how they make mulch from debris and showed us his brand new grinder, very impressive. He also showed us how he transformed silage grinders into mulch distribution bins.

Clever! Thanks John, for sharing your trade secrets.

Above and left: Lawrence Villages at the Fort – a project by Ski Landscape Corp.

Entrance of Blue Grass Farms’ impressive operations.

Above: Touring the grounds of Hoosier Park after lunch.

Water feature and one of the many unique gardens at Willowcrest Park in Anderson — a project shared by Jay-Crew.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

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George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide 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.

Text: © George Brenn

Chapter 6 — Installing and Maintaining Landscape Plants (continued) Pruning young trees – best to prune to establish strong scaffold structure (interior branch arrangement), radially & vertically spaced. AVOID narrow crotch angles (≤ 30°) which lead to branch splitting and potential bark inclusions. If pruning leader, important to observe location of new terminal bud Pruning to balance “root:shoot ratio” is “outdated practice” and rarely needed except in summer extremes Tree Branch Removal – avoid bark stripping, flush cutting, and leave NO stubs Double-Cut Method – eliminates potential of splintering and bark tearing (stripping) Flush Cutting - results in a wound that is much larger than necessary and will likely not heal properly lead to eventual decay.

Stubs – short branch section, beyond branch collar, which is unable to callous over and will eventually decay and afford entry point for insect / disease issues Shrub Pruning – Why – control size & shape, remove dead, damaged or errant growth, increase density When – When does it bloom??

How – PRUNING TECHNIQUES Heading Back – cuts branch tips; makes MANY cuts Thinning – removes some branches; makes LESS cuts Renewal – removes approx 1/3 of largest, oldest branches each year for 3 years Results in fuller, more vigorous shrub with little loss of form and flower (pg 25) Rejuvenation – cut entire plant to ground in early spring; Is easy, ideal method for some shrubs: Buddleia, Redtwig Dogwood, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydr. paniculata, Lonicera, Spiraea, Caryopteris, Hedges – important to prune formal hedge with wider base and narrower top to allow lower branches more access to sunlight.

Espaliers & Topiary – require ongoing pruning; NOT low maintenance

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

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(Additional 30A available.)

Call Rick 317-752-2027

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Toolbox Talks

Three Point Technique safetytoolboxtopics.com

Slips, trips, and falls account for 20 percent of work injuries. This totals 13 million injuries per year.

Climbing into and out of mobile equipment presents a common exposure to slips and falls. Inclement weather, greasy or broken steps, grab handles, and the rush of the work day make this a serious exposure.

scanners, etc. Do the same when you exit. Leave the objects on the seat until you are off the equipment.

In addition, make sure you look before you exit.

The three-point technique is a simple and effective way to minimize the risk of falling. Use this technique if you are entering the cab of a forklift, climbing onto the bed of a truck, or climbing into/onto any other piece of equipment. The technique: When you are climbing, at least three limbs should always be in contact with the equipment. This could be two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. Of course, to use this technique the climber must be facing the equipment. You cannot have three points of contact if you are jumping off or sliding out of the seat.

Other points to remember, include: - Wear footwear appropriate to the job; - Keep the steps and grab rails clean; - Make sure the lights are working so you can see where you are climbing; - Do not use the steering wheel or control handles as handholds.

Before you enter the equipment, place any objects on the seat — log books, production schedules, bar-code

Most slip and fall injuries are minor. However, 15,000 people die each year as a result of these incidents. Old habits are hard to break, but properly climbing onto and off of mobile equipment may prevent you from becoming a slip and fall statistic.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • september/october 2014

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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 Chair - George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery Committee Members - Brian Bunge, LaPorte County Nursery - Wayne Gruber, Gardens on the Prairie - Jim Messmer - Melissa Mravec, Allen Landscape - Jodie Overmyer, Price Nurseries - Dean Ricci, Ricci Landscape Management

IAH Quiz: September 2014

Due: October 15, 2014

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. CIrcle your answers.

1) Which of the following is not a characteristic of a well-prepared Technical Specification?

A____ They are clearly written B____ They are precise in their use of language C____ They repeat information found on drawings D____ They include current and correct practices 2) Perspective drawings are a common form of drawing used in Contract Documents.

A____ True B____ False 3) If the Plant List calls for 45 Blue Rug Junipers, but the Planting Plan shows a place for, and symbols representing a total of 55 Blue Rug Junipers, the contractor is responsible for providing the full number of plants (55) indicated on the Planting Plan.

A____ True B____ False 4) Which of the following is NOT one of the three sections in the standard format for Technical Specifications?

A____ General Information or References & Standards B____ Prices or Costs C____ Products or Materials D____ Execution or Methods 5) A Performance Specification describes in detail WHAT is to be done and HOW to do it.

A____ True B____ False

7) Critical elevations on a landscape grading plan, such as those at the top or bottom of a slope or set of steps are usually shown by the use of __________ .

A____ grade markers or stakes B____ mini-grades C____ spot elevations D____ benchmarks 8) Three documents in a Specifications set are commonly of importance to a landscape worker on the job. Which of the following is not in that group of three?

A____ Technical Specifications B____ Addenda C____ Bid Form D____ Change Orders 9) What piece of information would you NOT normally find in a title block on a landscape plan?

A____ The meaning of a certain plant symbol B____ The date the drawing was produced C____ The name of the project owner D____ The name of the design firm that produced the drawing 10) The Legend on a drawing defines the meanings of symbols used on that drawing.

A____ True B____ False

6) Existing lines of topography are usually shown on a grading plan with broken or dashed lines.

A____ True B____ False

Answers: Please contact the INLA office if you would like to receive the answers or find out your results to any previous IAH quiz.

Name:____________________________________________________________________________ IAH No.:_ _________________________________________________________________________ Phone:____________________________________________________________________________ Email:_ ___________________________________________________________________________ Fax: 317-889-3935 or Mail: INLA, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247, Indianapolis, IN 46237

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