Landscape Nevada October 2019

Official Publication of the Nevada Landscape Association | www.nevadanla.com

OCT 2019

501c3 # C7527-1990

IN THIS ISSUE...

Golf Tournament Results l 4 Tips for Growing Your Business l 6 Shear Madness l 10 Heroe’s Remembered l 12

RV

ICES

BUS

I NE

IC ES

RV IN

G

NC

RV

IC ES

FI NA

including insurance, financing services and a wide array of

SE

INSU RA

SE

S

I NSU

E

selection of business tools

IC E

LCIS 360 NC

www.nevadanla.com l oct 2019

TURF & HARDSCAPES

LCIS360 is hand-picked SS

RV

RA

E

SE

SE

NC

NEW! INSURANCE & BUSINESS SERVICES

We are your one stop shop!

A Letter From The President

We have all your project needs:

consulting services, training programs, legal consultations, HR programs, and more.

Find out all the benefits of being an LCIS customer.

Call (800) 628-8735

or go to www.lcisinc.com for more details.

• Full selection of Decorative Rock, Soil & Construction Aggregate • Largest Selection of Pavers & Retaining Walls in Northern Nevada • Hardscape Supplies, Fertilizers & more • Sod, of course!

775.356.8873

Specialized Insurance & Business Services for Members of the Green Industry Proud Member: ALCA, CLCA, ALC, ILCA, TNLA, NAPWL, NLA, NCNLA, SNLA, UNLA CA LIC # 0755906

465 Tacchino St. Reno, NV 89512 www.westernturf.com

As always I thank you all for your continued support of the Nevada Landscape Association!

Because of your support, our annual golf tournament, our only fund raising event, was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated! Lake Ridge Golf Course was set up beautifully for the tournament and we had great weather. What happened there will be posted on social media (This is not Vegas.... Lol)!

I would also like to personally thank all of you who came out to support this year’s charitable event. Heroes Remembered Blood Drive, held at the Atlantis on September 11th in support of our good friend Pam Bedard (with a ‘True Grit’ like attitude) had great participation, lots of fun, and a few tears as well! Thank you all who rolled up your sleeves and gave such a precious life resource. We exceeded our goal, thanks to you!

Looking forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Trophy Awards dinner - November 8th at Silver legacy. Cocktails at 6pm with dinner and awards presentations to follow!

Subject to terms and conditions and participation eligibility requirements.

Greens and fairways Your President Gregg G. Gehlert

IT’S ONE INNOVATION WE WISH OUR COMPETITORS WOULD IMITATE.

In 2007, we opened our recycling plant to lessen the impact of plastic in landfills.

Over a decade later, millions of pounds of plastic driplines have been salvaged from farms and incorporated into the production of our landscape driplines through a process perfected by Netafim.

TECHLINE

®

Kurt Dyer Director Northern Nevada Pest Control (775) 857-1245

Rick Clark Past President Omega Landscape Solutions (775) 376-3334 Brian Dean Director Gail Willey Landscapes (775) 853-8733

Sean Gephart Director Nevada Department of Agriculture (775) 353-3640 Leon Villegas Director Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply (775) 355-9530

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & SUBMISSIONS Write to Landscape Nevada at the address above or contact Julia Gardner at info@nevadanla.com or (775) 673-0404.

SEPT 2019

Outdoor lighting accentuates special features in the landscape and creates more useable space. lts l 4 Golf Tournament Resu Business l 6 Tips for Growing Your 10 Shear Madness l

(888) 638-2346 | WWW.NETAFIMUSA.COM

www.nevadanla.com pe Association | of the Nevada Landsca

990 501c3 # C7527-1

IN THIS ISSUE...

Mark Thompson President Elect Reno Green Landscaping (775) 852-8952

LANDSCAPE NEVADA is the official publication of the Nevada Landscape Association, P.O. Box 7431, Reno, NV 89510-7431, phone (775) 673-0404, fax (775) 673-5828, website: www.nevadanla.com, email: info@nevadanla.com.

Nevada Landscape Association

Official Publication

Dani Davis Director Reliance Grounds Management (775) 360-6960

Gregg Gehlert President Signature Landscapes (775) 870-2932

Pamela Bedard Director Affiliate Member (775) 560-5192

Gregg Gehlert

Today, Netafim is still the only industry manufacturer to commit to an end to end cycle of sustainability.

NEVADA LANDSCAPE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SPECIAL THANKS Leslie Lyles for newsletter submissions and editing.

MISSION STATEMENT The Nevada Landscape Association provides leadership by promoting professionalism and integrity within the Green Industry through education, high standards and community involvement. We guide policy and uphold responsible resource management for the beautification and enhancement of our community.

PUBLISHED BY Just Imagine Marketing and Design www.justimaginemktg.com

501c3 # C7527-1990

www.nevadanla.com

3

Photo courtesy of Lakeridge

I would like to thank our major golf tournament sponsors

By Dani Davis Reliance Grounds Management

T

he Nevada Landscape Association’s 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Lakeridge was held on Friday, August 30, 2019. It was a huge success as our participants turned out for an afternoon of golf and fun in great weather and a beautifully conditioned golf course.

A highlight of the day was on the 18th hole where Launching for Charity set up a cannon. Golfers got an opportunity to launch a ball about 450 yards leaving about 100-125 to the green for a donation per team. The cannon can launch up to 1,200+ yards with accuracy!

The first-place winner of the golf tournament was team Simplot, Mark Stutsman, Mike Baty, Spencer Nelson and Mario Garibotti with a final score of 53. Thank you so much to all of our sponsors: Western Nevada Supply, City of Reno, Reno Green Landscaping, Reliance Grounds Management, Signature Landscapes, City of Sparks, Washoe County Republican Party, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, The ROW, Bighorn Tavern, Greenhouse Garden Center, D&S Towing, Geotech Supply, Nevada Blue, Outdoor Power, Reno Buick GMC, Reno Tahoe Magazine. We’re already planning for next year’s golf tournament, so start perfecting that swing for 2020!

Until next year, Fore!

All Seasons Lawn & Landscape has been our drink cart sponsor for three years running!

Western Turf & Hard Scapes has sponsored our lunch & breakfast for the past three years as well. Thank you!

www.nevadanla.com l sept 2019

Grow Better, Grow Bigger

Reliance grounds Management golf cart sponsor Western Nevada Supply for amazing raffle prizes, and ongoing support MorRey Distributing for their generous donation and sponsorship

February 27th, 2020 Nevada Landscape Assocation’s 29th Annual Trade Show and Conference 24 Seminar Opportunities 4 Conference Tracks CEUs available for:

Northern Nevada pest control was one of our driving range sponsors Signature Landscapes also provided driving range sponsorship.

Reno Green LANDSCAPING sponsored a hole

ISA, QWEL, LIC, GCSAA, and Pest Control Operators for Nevada and California

Tickets $85 for NLA Members, $100 for NonMembers Regirstration at 7am, Seminars begin at 8am

Golf Headquarters Sommerset Golf Course Antonucci Lawn & Garden and Reliance Grounds Management

Rob McCalla Reliance Grounds Management

Sierra Sage Golf Course The Cannon Launch for charity And a special thanks to Lakeridge Golf Course for their set up and dedication, as well as providing the NLA with an outstanding tournament event!

Reno Green Landscaping

4

Landscape Nevada

Team Simplot - Tournament Winners

Hope to see you all again next year.

Reno-Sparks Convention Center 4590 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89510

Nevada Landscape Assoc.

PO Box 7431 Reno, NV 89510 Ph:775-673-0404 | Fax:775-673-5828 Email: president@nevadanla.com

www.nevadanla.com

5

2. Broaden Your Service Offerings Once you’ve developed some additional knowledge, consider adding new services to your offerings to broaden your customer base and prospect pool.

Services such as landscape, holiday or event lighting, pavers or pest control, are great add-ons that can deepen your relationships with current customers and will give you access to new clients as well.

3. Listen to What Your Customers are Really Saying

4 F

Rule number one in business is to always listen to your customer. They might be saying they want a newirrigation controller, but what are they really asking for? A more sustainable landscape? A lower water bill? By asking questions and learning what your customer’s needs are, you can provide them with solutions to their concerns and needs that will be more likely to result in repeat business.

Keep an open dialog with your customers. Check in with them annually or after each job, depending on the customer, to stay top of mind and to be able to fulfill any needs.

By Shreena Amin Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply

rom seasonality to competition, there are a variety of variables that can affect your landscape business’ level of success. But these four tips can help you grow your business regardless of factors outside of your control.

There’s no such thing as having too much knowledge, especially when it comes to your business. Being in a position to educate your employees and customers will elevate you as an industry expert.

In the landscaping industry, there are a variety of formal and informal educational opportunities, depending on the level of training you’re looking for. If you want an in depth training session on irrigation, you can sign up for one of Ewing Education’s courses or an industry association and manufacturer class. But if you’re looking for a quick run down of how a new product works, Ewing’s knowledgeable employees can help you right at the counter.

Landscape Nevada

Marketing is an important function for any growing business. While marketing can often be thought of as an expensive cost for a business, it doesn’t have to be.

There are some effective strategies that are low cost or even no cost.

Tips for Building Your Landscape Business

1. Get Up to Speed on New Products and Trends

6

4. Market Your Business

For example, adding your company’s name, contact information and some service offerings to your truck is a great way get your name out there. You can also ask satisfied customers for referrals through word-of-mouth or social media.

Having robust and up-to-date social media profiles, such as Yelp and Facebook, will help customers find you online, connect with you and can leave glowing reviews about the great work you do.

This article was originally published

by Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply.

Find more landscaping tips and solutions at EwingIrrigation.com/news. www.nevadanla.com

7

calendar of events Nov. 8: Celebrate the 2019 Trophy Awards

Presentation & Walk – Presentation at University

Feb. 11: Landscape Water Management – Jenn

Winners – at the Silver Legacy located in

of Nevada Cooperative Extension on Energy Way and

Fisher, Cooperative Extension

Downtown Reno, cocktails start at 6 p.m. To RSVP

walk at Dick Taylor Memorial Park

email the President@NevadaNLA.com.

November 13, starting at 12 noon: Insect Pests

Feb. 13: Garden Center Basics – Heidi Kratsch, Cooperative Extension

Feb. 27: Grow Better Grow Bigger – Nevada

– with Jeff Knight, State Entomologist with NDA

Landscape Association 29th Annual Trade Show

(only 20 slots available),

held at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. Email

December 11, starting at 12 noon: Soil Health

the Presidnet@NevadaNLA.com for more

– Effects of Conversion Practices on Soil Properties,

Feb. 20: Sustainable Turfgrass Management –

information.

Chris Savastio with NRCS

Wendy Hanson Mazet, Cooperative Extension

NLA Monthly Board of Directors Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of Every Month: – 4955 Energy Way, Reno, NV. All members of the NLA are encouraged to attend.

GREEN INDUSTRY CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES (GICES) University of Nevada Cooperative Extension 4955 Energy Way, Reno (All events are held at our office unless otherwise noted.)

Tree Identification Presentation and Walk for Arborists with Rod Haulenbeek and Wendy Hanson Mazet (certified arborists):

October 9, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Fall ID Tree

Save the Date: GREEN INDUSTRY TRAINING 2020 [Tuesdays & Thursdays] Jan. 28 – Mar. 5, 2020

Feb. 18: Noxious Weeds & Weed Law with Nevada Department of Agriculture

Melody Hefner, Cooperative Extension

Mar. 3: Applying IPM Principles*^ Melody Hefner, Cooperative Extension

Mar. 5: Green Industry Training Exam (optional)

Jan. 28: Plant Disease Basics – Shouhua Wang,

* ISA CEUs have been requested for this class.

Nevada Department of Agriculture

^ Pesticide Applicator CEUs have been requested for this class.

Nevada Department of Agriculture

Contact Jenn Fisher at 775.336.0249 or email:

Feb. 4: Pruning Landscape Plants – Leslie Lyles,

fisherj@unce.unr.edu for more information on upcoming

Stewardship Horticultural

Feb. 6: Understanding Soils and Fertilizers – Heidi Kratsch, Cooperative Extension

classes or events. For Cooperative Extension classes, persons in need of special accommodations or assistance must notify Jenn at least three days prior to the scheduled class.

Using a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to pruning destroys the natural beauty and function of many plants in the landscape. Remember: 3 For spring blossoms DO NOT prune spring flowering plants in the Fall (Forsythia, Lilac, flowering almond, quince, some spiraea…)

3 Ornamental grasses provide winter interest – do not cut down until late winter 3 Many shrubs provide winter interest and food for wildlife. Do not prune plants with ornamental fruits or seed pods (Caryopteris, rugosa rose, snowberry…)

3 Before sending crews out to prune, make sure they can identify their plants and know what should and should not be pruned!

8

Landscape Nevada

October%16<17 Nugget%Casino%Resort,%Sparks,%Nevada

Feb. 25: IPM Basics & Pesticide Safety*^

(except Feb. 27), 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Jan. 30: Insect Identification – Jeff Knight,

2019%Nevada%Weed%Management%Association% Conference

Topics%include: Noxious Weed%ID%and%Biology%•% Pesticide%Application% Mapping%•%Restoration Laws%and%Regulations%•% Integrated%Pest%Management%

Nevada%Pesticide%Applicator%Continuing%Education%Units% (CEUs)%will%be%offered%

Register(online( at(www.nvwma.org Or(email(Kevin(Burls(at( nvwmatreasurer@gmail.com www.nevadanla.com

9

Shear Madness “So, if hedge shearing is not an optimal pruning method for many large-leafed shrubs with long internodes, how should they be pruned?”

So, if hedge shearing is not an optimal pruning method for many large-leafed shrubs with long internodes, how should they be pruned? First, evaluate the actual need to prune – WHY must the shrub be pruned? Does it have space to grow naturally or is it blocking a view or access? If there is a genuine need to prune, often a simple and quick hand pruning will bring the shrub into a manageable size.

Selective hand pruning is a little used method of pruning that many companies falsely believe requires far too many man-hours and trained staff to be effectively used. But truthfully, if used correctly, it can be done less frequently than shearing because plants do not regrow as rapidly and retain a natural look that does not make the shrubs appear to be neglected in between pruning.

To effectively manage shrub size by hand pruning, simply select the tallest or longest branches on the shrub and cut them back to the interior of the plant at a branch union. Then continue to select the next longest, prune it to an interior branch or bud and repeat until the entire shrub is a smaller size. The result of this method is that while the shrub size is significantly reduced, the shorter, lateral branches now are the

H

edge shearing is one of the most over-used and abusive forms of pruning used in landscape maintenance. Overused because it is usually considered the easiest and quickest method of pruning but creates a ubiquitous meatball or poodle cut look to all shrubs regardless of species. It is abusive because many plant species do not thrive when hedge-sheered and some can be damaged by this aggressive method of pruning.

While hedge shearing can be an appropriate method of pruning for plants that have short internodes (distance between leaves/ buds is less than an inch) it is detrimental to plants with large leaves and long internodes. Hedge shearing is also a method that locks companies into a routine of periodic shearing because the sheared shrubs start to look messy as they outgrow the formal look. Not only that, but hedge shearing ultimately does not control plant size as all new growth is above the pruning cuts and as the plant produces new denser growth, any remaining

10

Landscape Nevada

So what does it take for a company to readjust to a new pruning style that does not use “one-size-fits-all” universal pruning techniques? First, it requires the desire to provide a level of excellence that surpasses the landscape maintenance of so many competitors. Second, it requires that you identify your most talented, faithful and conscientious employees that are worth a small bit of investment in training them to know the timing of pruning various shrubs and the knowledge of how to implement hand pruning. Since different shrubs have different pruning schedules, these employee’s time can be well managed with a rotating pruning schedule that allows them to budget their efforts throughout the year on hand pruning along with the other tasks required of them. Utilize your best employees to arrive on a site prior to the regular maintenance crew and let that crew follow up with a quick cleanup of the site. And the biggest pay off?

Each red slash shows a previous hedge shearing. The plant continues to get larger over time until it outgrows the space. This method of pruining does not control plant size in the long run.

You’ll provide an excellence of service that the average maintenance company doesn’t, and your clientele will appreciate having an optionfor a healthier, more natural looking and beautiful landscape.

For information and staff training on targeted hand pruning, check out the upcoming Nevada Landscape Association Conference & Trade show early next year.

BEFORE AFTER

interior leaves die from lack of light. This necessitates that each subsequent pruning be done a little further to the outside of the previous and with each shearing, the plant gets slightly larger.

One of the biggest reasons hedge shearing does not control plant size is that the shearing releases growth hormones and causes rapid regrowth of multiple new stems. Much of a plant’s growth is regulated by hormonal concentration in the apical meristem (the tallest actively growing tip of a branch) that suppresses growth of the lateral meristems below it. When most of the growing tips are cut off at once, growth hormones are released to multiple buds below the new cuts resulting in multiple new branches replacing each sheared branch. (See bottom left photo). With no hormonal growth regulators, the new regrowth is rapid and dense, and the formal sheared look is rapidly lost – thus the need to sheer multiple times a season.

“new” tallest branches and the shrub retains its natural shape and texture.

The new tallest branches take over the hormonal growth regulation of the shorter branches around them and the plant does not experience a new rampant growth response as it would with shearing.

A “witches broom” effect occurs when one cut branch tip results in multiple new branches. The new dense growth cuts off light and kills interior foliage.

Targeted hand pruning of burning bush. The tallest branches are cut back to the interior of the plant and leaves a natural look and effectively controls plant size over time.

www.nevadanla.com

11

HEROE’S REMEMBERED

member profiles LandArt 4600 Kietzke Lane, Bldg B Suite 113

NLA BOARD MEMBERS AT THE BLOOD DRIVE

Reno, NV 89502

Below from left to right: Mark Thompson, Reno Green Landscaping; Pamela Bedard, City of Reno; Gregg Gehlert, Signature Landscapes; Dani Davis, Reliance Grounds Maintenance; Kurt Dyer, Northern Nevada Pest Control; Sean Gephart, Nevada Dept of Agriculture; Rick Clark, Omega Landscape Solutions

Phone: 775-686-6777 Email: ron@landartwest.com Website: www.landartwest.com A Firesky Outdoor Design Build company, LandArt consists of an exceptional team of Landscape Architects, Planners, Arborist, Landscape Contractors

Why?

and Realtors led by Landscape Architect and Artist Ron DuHamel. The mission at LandArt is to help lead others in the pursuit of their dreams to build great landscape projects.

Landart specializes in outdoor living areas, pool designs, outdoor kitchen, shade stuctures, driveways, front yard remodels, low water use landscapes,

da Supply

stern Neva

ger, We ry Messen n e H , is v a Dani D la Bedard and Pame

A

Hero can give something of value to

Dani Davis, L Landscape eon Villegas, Ewing Irri Supply and Pamela Be gation & dard

395 Sondrio Way, Reno, NV 89521

blood is a perfect example of this selfless

Phone: 775-745-5446

On September 11th, the Nevada Landscape

Fax: 775-384-1589

Association held their charitable event, in partnership

Email: Luke@ landscapingreno.com

with Heroes Remembered, with a blood drive to honor

Website: www.landscapingreno.com

the heroes in our lives. Participation in the blood drive exceeded our goals and will go to help so many in our community in need of a life-saving transfusion. Hats off to all who came out and rolled up your sleeves! illa, R

rounds eliance G

Jose Pad

outdoor spaces together, making the landscape an extension of your house.

Haymond Horticulture

another in order to save lives. Giving

act.

and theme type gardens. The designers at Landart blend indoor and

For 8 years, Luke Haymond, owner and founder of Haymond Horticulture,

Jason Ahles, City of Re

no

has been operating in the Reno/Sparks area. His beginning started with a Horticulture degree from UNLV and partnership with Schilling Horticulture

ent

Managem

Group in Las Vegas. Along with his Horticulture degree, he is a Certified

1

Gain practical knowledge and skills to meet

2

Your name and business information are

3

Use the QWEL logo on your trucks and business cards to market your qualifications.

the demand for water-efficient, sustainable landscapes. posted on the QWEL website.

How? Sign up for classes at www.QWEL.net or call 775-784-4848.

$25 discount for NLA Members.

(Use code: NLAMember) FREE exam for NLA Board Members ($50 value) (Use code: NLABoard) Co-sponsored by Truckee Meadows Water Authority & Nevada Landscape Association

Arborist and Certified in pavers and walls.

Haymond Horticulture believes in transforming landscapes into personal outdoor retreats. Services provided include design, installation, and renovation of both landscapes and xeriscapes. The team at Haymond Horticulture are partnered with Hunter Industries for Irrigation design, installation, and maintenance. They create beautiful effects using craftsmanship installation and superior quality products from FX Luminaire.

Hardscape installation includes paver and flagstone walkways and patios, retaining and freestanding walls, raised beds, firepits, waterfalls, streams,

An EEO/AA Institution

and stone fountains.

12

Landscape Nevada

www.nevadanla.com

13

board member profiles Sean Gephart Agriculturist IV

Nevada Department of Agriculture

People. Knowledge. Relationships.

Keeping our promises since 1963.

Leon Villegas Leon Villegas Leon’s Green Industry career began in high school, working as a member

Sean Gephart is the Noxious Weeds Coordinator for the Nevada

of the maintenance team for Reno Lawn & Landscape. He later pursued

Department of Agriculture (NDA). Prior to the positon, he spent 11 years

an interest in graphic design at Primary Image, Inc. and the Art Institute

with the agency’s Environmental Services Program acting as lead EPA

of Seattle, where he studied graphic design before returning to Reno.

inspector and Worker Protection Coordinator. Before joining the de-

Leon returned to his Green Industry roots in 2002 as a delivery driver for

partment, Sean spent fifteen years in the horticulture and pest control

Ewing’s Reno location, and has worked his way up to Account manager.

industries during which time he acquired the distinction of Certified

He now serves Ewing customers throughout Northern Nevada. Outside

Nursery Professional, Certified Landscape Technician, Certified Arborist,

of work, Leon is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys boxing, computers and

and Certified Crop Advisor. He holds a Bachelors of Liberal Arts from UNR

geometry and is a huge music fan.

specializing in Environmental Law and Policy and Associates degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

Leon holds certifications in Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL), Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and Hunter Irrigation.

irrigation | outdoor living | landscape | equipment | irrigation | outdoor living | landscape | equipment | irrigation | outdoor living | landscape | equipment |

Offering the industry’s most comprehensive selection of landscape and irrigation supplies, Horizon is the one stop shop for over 27,000 green industry professionals. We carry professional-grade products in irrigation & drainage, landscape, safety, lighting, outdoor living, outdoor power equipment and equipment parts & service.

Visit us online or stop in to your local Horizon store.

Henderson 702.435.9471 371 Julia Street

Las Vegas 702.362.4224 8298 Arville Street

Las Vegas North 702.656.8150 6164 W. Alexander HorizonOnline.com shop online at 247.HorizonOnline.com

70 DIFFERENT

LANDSCAPE

MATERIALS

MON-FRI: 7AM - 5PM SAT: 8AM - NOON 2050 KLEPPE LANE SPARKS, NEVADA LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1979

775.324.2772

OXBORROWLANDSCAPE.COM 14

Landscape Nevada

www.nevadanla.com

15

Nevada Landscape Association

P.O. Box 7431 Reno, NV 89510-7431

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RENO, NV PERMIT NO. 200