Underutilized Shrubs and Trees PLUS
Edimental Gardening
Volutella Blight of Pachysandra
Underutilized Shrubs and Trees
Matt Olson shines a light on a few shrubs and trees that might have flown under your radar.
Researchers at Oregon State University Are Testing Pots Made From Recycled Materials
Oregon researchers are researching alternatives to plastic nursery pots.
Challenging Assumptions
Jerry Olson of the Resultants discusses the importance of challenging assumptions.
Edimental Gardening
Trista shares how to add beauty and flavor to your landscape and table.
Volutella Blight of Pachysandra
This rainy season has led to an increased reporting of Volutella blight of pachysandra from MNLA members. Read about the symptoms and how to control the fungus in landscapes.
Events
Embracing the Opportunities of AI in the Green Industry
Executive Director Cassie Larson discusses how AI can increase efficiency in your business and the green industry.
A Triple Threat to Rocky Mountain Juniper
Learn more about fungal threats to Rocky Mountain Juniper and how to limit infections.
Legislative Report 2024
A breakdown of MNLA’s goals and the results seen during the 2024 legislative session.
Retail Delivery Fee
Learn about the requirements of the newly implemented Retail Delivery Fee.
Meet the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Inspectors
Introducing the new Plant Health Regulatory Inspectors for each of the five territories.
MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
Enhancing lives by creating and maintaining sustainable green spaces
1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986
Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA • Fax: 888-266-4986 • MNLA.biz • NorthernGreen.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Matt Mallas, President SiteOne Landscape Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@siteone.com
Terri McEnaney, Vice-President Bailey Nurseries
651-459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com
Greg Krogstad, Treasurer Rainbow Treecare 952-922-3810 • gkrogstad@rainbowtreecare.com
Kim Gaida-Wagener
Rock Hard Landscape Supply 612-619-3312 • kgaida@rockhardmn.com
Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz
ADVERTISERS
Jeff Latterell HLS Outdoor (612) 791-4643 • jeff.latterell@hlsoutdoor.com
Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC
651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com
Jim Shimon
Willow River Company – Landscaping & Tree Farm 715-386-3196 • jimshimon@willowrivertree.com
Susan Bachman West Bachman’s, Inc. 612-861-7600 • sbachman@bachmans.com
Elizabeth Wynne biota Landscapes 612-781-4000 • elizabeth@biotalandscapes.com
Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz
Director
Illescas • felipe@mnla.biz
Communications
Brianna
Regulatory
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Foundation
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Legislative Affairs Consultant
Doug Carnival
EVENTS CALENDAR
August
Name That Plant
9:00am-12:00pm
Bailey Nurseries
MNLA Night at the Saints CHS Field, Saint Paul, MN
September
12 17
Cannabis Forum
9:00am-3:00pm Roseville Skating Center, Roseville, MN
MNLA Foundation Shootout
9:30am-4:00pm South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club, South St. Paul
October
08
Northern Green OUTDOORS
Aldrich Arena + Grounds Maplewood, MN
November
22
Pesticide Recertification
7:30-9:00am Category P
9:30am-4:00pm Categories A/E Roseville Skating Center – Rose Room
Information on industry events: MNLA.biz/events Free, member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation
Join us to learn more about identifying various vegetation from industry experts at Bailey Nurseries! Space is limited, so sign up soon!
Take a break from your busy season to enjoy a game at CHS Field. We’ve reserved the Craft Beer Bullpen, a perfect space to mix and mingle.
Come to learn from experts in this field as they share the latest challenges, trends, and areas currently impacting cannabis production. We will cover legislative initiatives, new trends in business management, licensing, pests, and much more. You will not want to miss it!
Connect with old friends, create new ones, and have lots of fun at the Shootout! Register as a team, pair, or solo and help raise money for green-industry scholarships.
Expanding the impact of Northern Green, we’re going outdoors! Includes an outdoor trade show and interactive hands-on education for your Northern Green village.
This workshop is in the process of being approved and will meet MDA’s commercial pesticide applicator recertification requirements for Categories A (Core), E (Turf & Ornamentals), and P (Vertebrate Pests).
Volume 47, Issue 8: The Scoop is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2023, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues.
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Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.
Editorial Contributions: You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. Before submitting an article, please contact the editor at brianna@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.
Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director
Embracing the Opportunities of AI in the Green Industry
In recent months, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides across various industries, revolutionizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and opening up new possibilities. The green industry is no exception. While AI holds immense potential to transform the industry, it also brings with it a sense of apprehension. While all new technology comes with fear of the unknown, if embraced, it presents opportunities for efficiency.
One of the most significant sources of fear regarding AI is the uncertainty it brings. Many businesses and employees worry about how AI might change their work, potentially making some roles obsolete or drastically altering job responsibilities. This fear is understandable, given the rapid pace at which this technology continues to evolve. However, it is important to recognize that AI is not here to replace human workers but to augment their capabilities. By automating routine tasks, AI can free up valuable time for humans to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work.
Another common concern related to AI is losing control over decision-making processes. Some worry that relying on AI could lead to decisions that lack the human touch and nuanced understanding that experienced professionals bring to the table. While it’s true that AI systems can process vast amounts of data and make recommendations, the ultimate decision-making power remains in human hands. AI serves as a valuable tool to support and inform decisions rather than dictate them. For example, AI can analyze weather patterns, soil conditions, and plant health data to suggest optimal planting times and maintenance schedules. However, it is the expertise of green industry professionals that interprets this information and makes the final call.
While addressing the fears associated with the AI revolution are important, it is equally important to recognize the vast opportunities AI offers the green industry. Here are a few key areas where AI is already having a significant impact: Monitoring plant health, soil moisture, and nutrient levels, understanding customer preferences and behaviors by analyzing past purchases, inventory management, and equipment performance.
The integration of AI into the green industry is inevitable. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, the industry should work to embrace it as a valuable ally that empowers employees to spend time on higher level initiatives. We recently heard a conference speaker describe AI as “the most eager caffeinated intern you can imagine who can’t wait to help you but doesn’t know enough yet and may get things wrong.” AI “the intern” can shape a brighter future for the entire green industry.
SCHEDULE OUTDOORS
OCTOBER 8, 2024
Aldrich Arena + Grounds
8:30am Registration Opens/Name Badge Pick Up
Check in at the registration desk on the West side of Aldrich Arena where you will pick up your name badge and a lunch ticket.
11:30am – 1:00pm Lunch
Join your peers for lunch inside Aldrich Arena – be sure to bring your ticket provided with your name badge.
3:00 – 4:00pm Social Hour sponsored by MTI
Join your colleagues for cash bars and a bags tournament to finish out the day.
9:00am – 3:00pm Trade Show
Visit with vendors who are excited to assist you in finding solutions to help you and your team succeed! Plus, ever want to test out that mower or drive that skid steer before you made a purchase? There will be both a pavement track and a grass path for you to do just that throughout the event.
9:00am – 3:00pm Village Education, Hands-On Sessions, Contests, and More!
Education sessions are slated to include site measurement for design, roadside/work zone traffic safety, native plant identification, container building demonstrations, irrigation construction demos, hardscapes live –hybrid vs. class 5 compaction plus a handson patio paver build, job-site trailer walk thru, low-impact development, and more!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO OUTDOORS
1 DATE October 8, 2024
2
4 VENUE
Aldrich Arena + Grounds (1850 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109)
3 PARKING
There are large parking lots onsite, and overflow parking across St. Paul Rd at Woodland Hills Church.
SCHEDULE
• Registration opens: 8:30am
• Exhibits open: 9am-3pm
• Social Hour: 3-4pm.
• Interactive, hands-on education for your Northern Green Village will be happening throughout the event!
5 LUNCH IS PROVIDED!
6 RAIN OR SHINE! Dress to participate in handson activities and to visit active job sites.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Underutilized Shrubs and Trees
Matt Olson, Bailey Nurseries
If you’re like me, you have a list of tried-and-true plants that come to mind when designing a landscape. These plants have earned their spot for a good reason, so thinking outside the box is challenging. In the last few years, I’ve worked in nurseries, landscapes, and botanic gardens across the upper Midwest and have seen many plants that fly under the radar but have excellent qualities for landscapes.
Shrubs
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)
This native species delivers four-season interest with stunning blooms, bright red fruit, attractive lobed foliage, and structure. Late spring brings white lacecap blooms, followed by red berries later in the year that persist into winter. Additionally, the foliage turns shades of red fall color. The straight species grows 10-12” tall, but you can find more compact varieties on the market, like Bailey Compact and Redwing®. Viburnum trilobum does well in full sun and is an excellent choice for hedges, mixed borders, and natural areas with moist soil.
First Editions® Iceberg Alley Sageleaf Willow
I’ve seen a lot of cool plants, but this silver-leafed shrub has become a favorite of mine. This unique Salix was discovered at a botanical garden in eastern Canada, where its silver leaves caught people’s attention. In spring, silver catkins emerge
All photos courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.
and provide nectar for early-season pollinators, and soon afterwards, the silver leaves emerge, allowing this shrub to stand out alongside other plants. Iceberg Alley thrives in moist soil but does well in upland areas. Maturing at 3-6’ tall, it’s a versatile plant that can be used in foundations, rain gardens, and borders.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Chokeberry is becoming more common, but it’s still worth mentioning because it has much to offer. This native has showy white blooms in spring, glossy foliage, and black fruit in late summer and fall. It has a leggier habit than many shrubs but also has an attractive vase-shaped structure. In fall, the leaves become beautiful shades of red and orange. A few good cultivars are Autumn Magic and Iroquois Beauty™, which remain 5’ tall or less. These durable plants are typically used for small group and mass plantings, especially on commercial properties.
First Editions® Jade Parade® Sand Cherry
If you’re looking for a durable shrub that tolerates drought, has multi-season interest, and is ideal for mass plantings, check out this Prunus pumila. It can be used the same way as Gro-low sumac, but you also get spring blooms covering the whole plant and attracting pollinators. I can think of several times I’ve been
at a garden center and seen this plant covered in bees while it blooms. During summer, this shrub has glossy bluish-green leaves on upward, spreading stems that make it suitable to fill large spaces. And the show continues in fall when the leaves become bright shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Need a plant for rain gardens? This native shrub loves wet soil and has unusual flowers that attract pollinators. While the species ranges from 6-15’ tall, you can find compact selections that remain 6’ or less, including First Editions® Fiber Optics®, which is ideal for wetland restorations or along streams and pond banks. It also grows well in areas with upland soils that aren’t excessively dry.
Pearlbush (Exochorda racemose)
I didn’t know about this shrub until the last couple of years, but it’s worth adding to your list. In spring, pearl-shaped buds open to reveal white blooms that cover the plant. It’s also a durable plant that requires little maintenance to look good all season.
The species can get large, up to 10-15’, but there’s a compact cultivar called First Editions® Lotus Moon™ that remains 4-5’ tall and 3-4’ wide, making it suitable for small group plantings or using as a specimen along foundations and other areas of the landscape.
Trees
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
From large, tropical-looking leaves to orchid-like flowers, catalpa stands apart from most trees in the Midwest. This species is a durable grower that tolerates drought, salt, and poor drainage, making it a solid tree for the landscape. Catalpa are large and can be weak wooded, so choosing the right spot for them is critical, but they have much to offer when cared for properly. Additionally, their large flowers attract pollinators, and the podlike fruit is unique.
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
With Emerald Ash Borer spreading across Minnesota, hackberry is a hardy replacement that tolerates many difficult environments, like drought, wind, and alkaline soils. It also provides year-round appeal with corky, attractive bark and elmlike foliage that turns soft yellow in fall. Hackberry has a round open form and a moderate to fast growth rate.
These are typically used in lawns or as a street tree, where they’ll grow 50-75’ tall with a 50’ spread.
Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
This small to medium tree is known for its beautiful structure, foliage, and fall color. Katsura is relatively new to the upper Midwest, and I’ve seen impressive specimens being grown in urban areas around Wisconsin. In the last few years, it’s becoming more common around the Twin Cities, where it grows well in sheltered areas that receive a good amount of moisture. Use it as a specimen tree or plant it in small groups to show off its impressive structure.
Kentucky Coffetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
If you’re looking to fill a large space, Kentucky coffeetree is a tough species with deeply furrowed bark and a handsome structure. And while it prefers deep, moist soil, it’s also adaptable to alkaline soil, salt, and drought. These trees are native to the Midwest and have good fall color. Typically, they grow 50-60’ tall with a 40-50’ spread, though some cultivars, like Skinny Latte™ and True North™, have a narrower habit.
First Editions® Matador™ Maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Bailston’) There’s always room for more fall color, and this selection extends the autumn display with deep red foliage that changes
Bluestone Steps Bluestone Machine Cut Steps
Bluestone
color slightly later than other cultivars. Matador™ also maintains an upright, symmetrical form that is right at home in lawns, parks, or along streets.
Musclewood (Carpinus carolinia)
Whether in the landscape or out in the woods, the smooth bark of this native stands out. It’s one of the few trees that grows well in full shade, and you can grow it with a single or multiple stems. With a mature height of 20-30’, this understory species is a slow-growing and durable tree for many types of soil and areas with limited space. And for improved characteristics, you can grow cultivars like Firespire® and Fire King™.
These are just a few plants that bring something unique to the table, so consider them for your next project.
Matt Olson is a Trade Communications Specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
Erosion
Natural
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PARTNERS FUND
You are encouraged to participate in the MNLA Foundation Workforce Development Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below. Your voluntary donation of ½ of 1% (0.5%) on purchases of plants and other nursery, greenhouse and landscape products at these suppliers is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry. On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $5.00. Small, individual contributions add up quickly to make a real difference!
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A Triple Threat to Rocky Mountain Juniper: Cytospora, Diplodia and Botryosphaeria
Tom Creswell, Purdue University
Rocky Mountain juniper, Juniperus scopulorum, has gained some popularity in Midwest landscapes due to cold and drought tolerance, and to the availability of several upright columnar varieties with attractive blue color, including ‘Skyrocket’ and ‘Wichita Blue’. Like many other junipers, J. scopulorum may suffer dieback of small branches and twigs caused by the fungal pathogens Phomopsis and Kabatina. For a full discussion of those problems see the PLR article from 2017: https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/tipblights-of-juniper/.
The more serious threat to this plant comes from fungal canker and dieback pathogens, including Cytospora, Diplodia and Botryosphaeria. All three are common on many woody plants, but Rocky Mountain juniper appears to be especially susceptible. Large branches often die when infected by these pathogens, and as a result the shrubs become so disfigured they are eventually removed.
Like Colorado blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper is better adapted to dry climates in the western states. In humid regions with more frequent rain these dry climate-adapted plants face increased incidence of fungal infections. However, even in the Great Plains region junipers are reported to be frequently damaged by Botryosphaeria and another fungal canker pathogen: Seiridium. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/nac/ assets/documents/research/publicati ons/rmrs_gtr335.pdf).
Diplodia and Botryosphaeria are closely related fungi, produce similar symptoms and are managed in the same way. Both fungi are common in the environment and are spread by wind and water.
Cytospora is less commonly found on Rocky Mountain
Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org
Infected foliage with pycnidia evident.
Juniper twig blight caused by fungus Kabatina.
Photo
juniper but can cause loss of major branches. It is often associated with various stress factors, including drought stress and wounding. There is no ‘cure’ to transform this disease-prone shrub into a fully healthy plant but there are some things you can do to slow down the problem and make them look better.
• Pr une out dead wood a few inches below any dead tissue but avoid unnecessary wounding otherwise.
• C lean pruning tools between cuts, by wiping with a disinfectant wipe or spraying with an alcohol solution.
• Once established, juniper is tolerant of dry weather but tends to be more susceptible to dieback if under stress. Plants may require some irrigation during extended drought but take care to avoid using a sprinkler. Instead, water only on the ground to avoid wetting foliage.
• Juniper generally needs little or no fertilizer, and if plants are fertilized, use a lower amount than typically recommended to avoid rapid growth, which might increase susceptibility. Slow and steady growth is more resilient than rapid growth.
• Fungicides are not generally effective in preventing spread of these diseases in the landscape.
• Plant in well-drained locations in full sun.
Tom Creswell, Clinical Professor and the Director of the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory, has been diagnosing plant problems for 36 years.
Infected branch tips.
Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org
Researchers at Oregon State University Are Testing Pots Made From Recycled Materials
Jooyeoun Jung and Yanyun Zhao, Oregon State University
An estimated 44 million tons of plastic was disposed of in the United States in 2019. We buried 86% in landfills, incinerated 9%, and recycled 5%. In the same year, containers and packaging accounted for 70% of the total plastic waste.
Nursery industry reliance
Greenhouses and nurseries are among the places where plastic containers are being heavily used, particularly in the form of plastic seedling containers/pots. These pots are made of non-renewable petroleum-based materials, such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) which contributes to the ongoing environmental crisis. The daily reliance on these materials gives rise to a continuous threat to our ecosystem, resulting in widespread and detrimental consequences.
In nursery gardens and greenhouses, seedling pots are used to initiate plant growth (from seeds to seedlings) and protect them against pests and diseases under controlled cultivation conditions.
Nursery biopots made with recycled cardboard, hemp hurd, and apple pomace.
Photo courtesy of Oregon State University
Once the seeds turn into seedlings, the used plastic seedling pots retain the residues of soil, organic matter, and agrochemicals. Consequently, these pots require specific procedures for collection, disposal, and recycling. Because of the high cost of these practices, the seedlings pots are often neglected in a landfill or incinerated, which results in the emission of toxic substances both in the soil and atmosphere.
An alternative
The industry needs sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste and an alternative. There is no need to separate biopots before planting and they favor microbial biodegradation.
Fiber-based molded pulp packaging products (MPPs) are among the most promising sustainable packaging owing to their renewability, recyclability, biodegradability, or compostability. The base formulation to produce MPPs, called “pulp”, needs to be developed depending on the desired properties of MPPs. Oregon State University, Department of Food Science and Technology built the pilot-plant scale transfer-molded pulp machine and exchangeable 3D mold for creating nursery biopots.
Lignocellulosic material is the key component in the pulp as the structural matrix of MPPs. Currently, combinations of wood pulp or recycled paper fibers are employed to obtain commercial biopots, where strong chemical uses and energy-intensive procedures for refining wood into pulp and paper fibers are required.
Wood is the most widely used raw material for production of cellulose fibers in the world. However, considering its applications in the construction, furniture, pulp, and paper industries, it is a relatively expensive source (Blanco et al., 2018). Furthermore, because of CO2 and sustainability reasons, there is a general trend to keep wood in its solid form and use it in long-term applications rather than disintegrating it to its biopolymeric constituents (Ahmadi Heidari et al., 2023).
Agricultural and food industries face a huge environmental and economic burden discarding unavoidable losses and byproducts during processing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of pulp for corrugated boxes increased by over 25% between 2020 and 2021.
There are efforts to change from disposing of these wastes to recycling and reusing them, with the benefits of using these wastes as a fiber resource because of their fast annual growth and the smaller amount of lignin. The utilization of these wastes is an environmentally and economically sustainable way to produce lignocellulose materials compared to harvesting grown trees. Hence, OSU researchers are putting lots of effort into utilizing these wastes and creating great value as renewable resources for developing plantable biopots and reducing the use of plastics.
Plantable and biodegradable
Plantable biopots are distinguished from compostable and recycled or bio-based plastic ones since they can be planted into soil, and they’re biodegradable. The other containers must be externally composted or recycled. Plantable biopots reduce the time involved in transplanting and landscape cleanup.
Besides the ecological benefits, they also have economic advantages since there are no costs associated with their disposal.
OSU researchers developed pulp formulation and transfermolded pulp biopots using byproducts from apple juice processing, hemp fiber, and recycled cardboard. Further research is needed to address practical applications to resolve the following limitations,, including increment in water consumption, possible breaking during crop production and transportation, fungal growth, and limited use of plant-based wastes.
Improvements
OSU researchers will improve the present biopot in four ways.
First, the plantable biopots remain sturdy and reduce water consumption until the plants have grown big enough to be transplanted into the ground.
Second, the sprayable coating onto inner and outer surface of biopots prevents fungal growth and improves plant growth.
Third, plantable biopots made of 100% plant-based wastes can be natural fertilizers when they biodegrade.
Finally, the current development competes in price with pots
Baumalight manufactures high quality ground engaging equipment including stump grinders, mulchers, tree spades, trenchers, brush cut rotary cutters and other specialized products.
made from recycled paper pulps. Hence, plantable biopots made of 100% plant-based waste pulp will enhance the productivity and sustainability of nursery crops as well as reducing the dependence on using plastics.
We are expecting that molded pulp packaging manufacturers will adopt pulps made of 100% plant-based agricultural and food processing wastes and produce plantable biopots. Agricultural and food processing industries that produce certain byproducts can also adopt the technology and recycle organic waste into value-added materials. Our work is aligned with the National Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste, especially increasing the recycling rate for all organic waste.
Oregon State University researchers are expanding our research to incorporate various plant-based agricultural and foodprocessing byproducts. We hope to develop other semirigid biodegradable containers or trays for single-use food packaging using a self-designed and built pilot-scale transfer-molded pulp machine.
grants for the multi-state research and extension program for improving production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability of nursery crops over the long term.
References
Ahmadi Heidari N, Fathi M, Hamdami N, Taheri H, Siqueira G, Nyström G. (2023). Thermally Insulating Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogels from Brewery Residues. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 11(29), 10698–10708.
Blanco JA, Page-Dumroese DS, Jurgensen MF, Curran MP, Tirocke JM, Walitalo J. (2018) Modelling the management of forest ecosystems: Importance of wood decomposition. Natural Resource Modeling, 31, e12173.
Lau KQ, Sabran MR, Shafie SR. (2021). Utilization of Vegetable and Fruit By-products as Functional Ingredient and Food. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8.
Jooyeoun Jung is an assistant professor in the Food Science and Technology department at Oregon State University, Jooyeoun.Jung@OregonState.edu.
Yanyun Zhao is the associate dean of faculty affairs and a distinguished professor in the Food Science and
Challenging Assumptions
Jerry Olson, The Resultants
It was a beautiful autumn afternoon, the kind that beckons one to embrace the outdoors. I found myself blessed with an unusually long lunch break, nestled between client meetings in the afternoon and morning appointments. Eager to seize the opportunity and get my exercise in for the day I decided to take a robust bike ride. Cycling for me is both an effort to stay fit as well as time in the outdoors sanctuary for clearing my mind amid the hustle and bustle of work life.
As I mounted my trusty road bike and set off on a familiar route, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Warm sun, crisp air infused with the scent of fallen leaves, and gorgeous seasonal colors accompanied my journey on a trail winding through woods. It was unusually quiet roads for a beautiful day. Just past the midway point of my ride, I encountered a familiar crossroads—a stop sign marking an obscure seldom-used driveway veiled by trees.
Crossing this junction had become almost second nature to me over countless rides. Typically, I would approach and glance around briefly while proceeding with little thought and less hesitation across the driveway. It was a routine that had become
ingrained, a subtle act of unconsidered defiance against the constraints of time and caution. Something I knew better than to do but it had become a habit.
On this particular day, like so many before it, I approached the stop sign with the casual confidence of familiarity. The decision to either halt briefly or glide through was reflexive—a momentary pause called for by the red octagon versus the habit of letting momentum carry me forward. In a heartbeat, I chose the latter, my mind anchored in the rhythm of past successes.
Yet, as I breezed into the intersection, the tranquil harmony shattered abruptly. Emerging from behind the concealing foliage, a car materialized and crossed the trail, catching me off guard. The realization struck too late, and within seconds, I collided with the car, face-planted on the hood, inertia propelled me forward into a chaotic tumble that culminated in a rough landing in the ditch on the opposite side of the driveway.
The impact was jarring, both physically and mentally. The sudden violence of the collision mirrored a stark lesson in risk assessment and the consequences of overconfidence. In that
Freepik
Northern Green 2025 Pre-Conference Sessions
POWER LIMITED TECHNICIAN (PLT) RELICENSURE
PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION (CATEGORIES A, E, & P)
Cat. P: 7:30-9:00am | Cat. A & E: 9:15am-4:00pm 7:30am - 4:30pm
Course Approval Code #: Pending approval from MN Dept. of Labor and Industry
This course has been submitted to the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry for approval for eight hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Technician License, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward the landscape industry.
This course has been submitted to the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), and will meet Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core), Category E (Turf and Ornamentals), as well as an option to add Category P (Vertebrate Pest Control).
Licensed applicators with Categories A and E who last attended a recertification workshop in 2023, and newly-licensed pesticide applicators in 2024, must attend an MDA-approved workshop by December 31, 2025. By attending the Pesticide Recertification class and scanning in and out onsite with staff of MDA, applicators will obtain recertification credit.
split second, the tranquility of my ride was replaced by a flurry of pain and disorientation, a stark reminder of the fragility of assumptions unchecked by careful scrutiny.
In many ways, the dynamics of my biking mishap mirrored the challenges faced in leadership and decision-making within business environments. Much like the strategic and tactical goals I set for my cycling endeavors—monitored meticulously through performance metrics and progress tracking—leaders must navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainties and decision points.
In the realm of business, every decision parallels the choices encountered on the road. Should one accelerate to capitalize on emerging opportunities, or exercise caution to navigate potential pitfalls? Is the team equipped to handle forthcoming challenges, or are there unforeseen obstacles lurking beyond the horizon?
Familiarity breeds confidence, but it can also breed complacency. The countless successful crossings of that seemingly inconsequential stop sign had fostered a sense of invulnerability—a belief that past experiences could reliably guide future outcomes. It was a dangerous assumption, one that blurred the line between intuition and reasoned judgment.
Leadership, like cycling, demands a relentless commitment to questioning assumptions and reassessing risks. In today’s volatile market conditions and rapidly evolving technological landscapes, the stakes are higher than ever. Are market conditions as stable as presumed? Is our technological infrastructure sufficiently robust to withstand unforeseen disruptions? Are our teams as cohesive and adaptable as believed?
The consequences of failing to engage in critical reevaluation can be profound. My own lapse in judgment resulted in a broken neck and an abrupt end to my cycling season. The truth was hard to accept. My assumptions were wrong. I didn’t have the capacity to respond in time to stop myself from colliding with the car. There just wasn’t enough time or space. The reality of the physics did not match my vision of what I thought was possible. The aftermath unfolded in a whirlwind of medical procedures— from ambulance and helicopter rides to intensive care unit admissions and a flurry of diagnostic tests.
As I emerged from the haze of medical intervention, wearing a cumbersome neck brace and armed with a list of physical restrictions for months in the future, I was acutely aware of my fortunate survival. The incident underscored the sobering reality that no amount of past success can insulate us from the potentially deadly repercussions of oversight and complacency.
Reflecting on this ordeal, I recognized the urgent need for leaders to scrutinize their decision-making frameworks with
renewed vigor. What assumptions or strategies do you and your team have that merit reexamination in light of evolving circumstances? Have we become overly reliant on outdated practices or past successes? Are we moving too quickly forward based on past habits without thoughtful consideration of the risks?
In today’s volatile business environment, where shifts in consumer behavior and global economic dynamics can swiftly redefine the playing field, adaptability is paramount. Assumptions once considered gospel may no longer hold true. Staffing projections must evolve in response to fluctuating labor markets. Customer expectations can pivot unexpectedly, necessitating agile responses from businesses striving to stay ahead of the curve. Economic models of recent times might not be valid for the future.
My personal journey of recovery served as a poignant metaphor for the hazards of complacency and the imperative of critical thinking in leadership. Whether navigating the twists and turns of a bike trail or the complexities of corporate strategy, every decision carries weight. Each choice, no matter how routine, has the potential to shape the trajectory of our endeavors profoundly.
As leaders, we must cultivate a culture of continuous assessment and adaptation—a commitment to interrogating assumptions and challenging ingrained habits. The lessons gleaned from my biking mishap underscored the importance of foresight and vigilance. By embracing a mindset of perpetual learning and reflection, we can fortify ourselves and our organizations against the uncertainties that lie ahead.
In conclusion, my biking accident was more than a physical setback; it was a transformative experience that underscored the dangers of complacency and the necessity of challenging assumptions in robust decision-making in leadership. As we navigate the complexities of business and life, let us heed the lessons of introspection and adaptability. By embracing the challenges of uncertainty with clarity and resolve, we can navigate uncharted terrain with confidence, ensuring sustained success and resilience in an ever-evolving world.
Jerry Olson is a Business Advisor with The Resultants working with business owners and their leadership teams to help them move their business forward further and faster. He also facilitates the MNLA’s Green Industry Leadership Institute which is celebrating its 10th year.
TWIN CITIES WOOD PRODUCTS GRINDING
HARD MADE EASY
Hardscaping is a tough business. That’s why SiteOne® brings together the top stone providers in the industry and simplifies the buying experience. We provide the most extensive collection of natural stone and manufactured hardscape products, and we offer them from experts who understand that your project will take a little artistry and a lot of sweat. We take the ‘hard’ out of hardscapes so that you can focus on what you do best.
JANUARY 21—23, 2025
Saint Paul RiverCentre
WWW.NORTHERNGREEN.ORG | INFO@NORTHERNGREEN.ORG | 651-633-4987
MONDAY Pre-Conference Sessions: PLT Relicensure and Pesticide Recertification will be available on Monday, January 20 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
TUESDAY, JAN. 21
Landscape/ Hardscape Contractor
Landscape Design/Landscape Architecture Golf
Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education. From trends to business strategies, find everything you need to thrive!
Management Path Water/ Irrigation
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22
Dedicated trade show day!
THURSDAY, JAN. 23
Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education, plus the trade show will be open in the morning!
TRADE SHOW 9:00am-3:30pm
TRADE SHOW 9:00am-12:00pm BLOCK PARTY 3:30pm-5:30pm
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2025 SUPPORTERS:
Turf, Grounds, & Snow Management Garden Center/ Grower Professional Gardening Services
Management Path Tree Care/ Arborist
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS BACHMAN'S AND CARIBOU COFFEE'S SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
A Commitment to Sustainability
In an era where sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a necessity, Bachman’s Floral, Home, and Garden Center has consistently strived to lead by example. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices has been a cornerstone of our business for nearly 140 years. As we celebrate our 40th year of Wholesale production, we are proud to highlight a unique and impactful partnership with Caribou Coffee, a collaboration that embodies our values of quality, continuous improvement, and community building.
The Genesis of the Partnership
In 2020, Caribou Coffee approached Bachman’s with an idea that perfectly aligned with our sustainability goals: repurposing their used burlap coffee
bags. These bags, made from natural plant fibers, offered an excellent alternative for wrapping the trunks of our balled and burlapped trees at our Lakeville farm. The decision to partner with Caribou Coffee was straightforward, as it presented clear benefits for both businesses and our plants.
The Benefits of Burlap Bags
Traditionally, Bachman’s has used a variety of materials to wrap our balled and burlapped trees including felt and plastic trunk protectors. However, Caribou’s burlap bags presented a superior option due to their biodegradability. Unlike synthetic materials that contribute to landfill waste, burlap naturally decomposes, aligning with our commitment to reduce environmental impact.
Plant Quality
Producing high quality plants and being a partner in successful landscapes is what drives Bachman’s every day. Damage is always a risk when shipping and handling tens of thousands of trees per year – every damaged tree that does not make it into a landscape incurs the waste of the materials spent along the way to bring it to the marketplace. Using this burlap material during transportation ensures that our trees receive the best possible care from the moment they leave our farm until they are planted in their new homes.
Sustainable Partnerships
Our partnership with Caribou Coffee has not only enhanced the sustainability of our operations but also strengthened our community ties. Over the past
All photos courtesy of Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes
four years, we have increased our use of Caribou’s burlap bags from 3% to 13% for our balled and burlapped trees. This shift has significantly reduced our reliance on non-sustainable materials, demonstrating our commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
The repurposing of burlap bags is a practical example of how businesses can collaborate to achieve common sustainability goals. By working together, Bachman’s and Caribou Coffee are making a tangible difference in reducing waste and promoting ecofriendly practices. This partnership is a testament to the power of innovative
thinking and community-focused initiatives.
Looking Ahead
So often when we hear the word sustainability, we think about environmental issues. But really, the definition of sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to also meet their needs. Christian O’Neill—Director of Sourcing & Inventory Management at Caribou Coffee shared, “The thing about sustainability is that this is a journey, not a destination. It’s hard
work, and these are not easy problems to solve for, but it is important work and Caribou has always been good at doing good because it is the right thing to do.”
As we celebrate our milestones and look forward to the future, we invite our customers, partners, and community to join us on this journey. Together, we can continue to innovate, inspire, and make a lasting impact. At Bachman’s, we believe that the power of partnerships and a steadfast commitment to sustainability will lead us to a brighter, greener future.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the content of this advertorial, feel free to reach out to Dave TenEyck, Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes at dteneyck@bachmans.com, or visit www.bachmanswholesale.com.
Edimental Gardening Adding Beauty to the Garden and Flavor to Your Table
Trista Moody, Trio Landscaping
Edimental landscaping marries the idea of traditional food crops with ornamentals in the same space, introducing the unappreciated beauty of things like kale alongside your favorite perennials. It also encourages you to look beyond the face value and to consider the edible potential of common ornamental plants such as hostas or daylilies, and for the more ambitious grower, the potential of shrubs, trees, and ground covers. Regardless of what your experience or goals are, the end result is a landscape that maximizes your space and uses your plants in a multipurpose way, creating not only beauty, but functionality - a true feast for the senses.
Discovering the Hidden Potential of Plants
One of the great things about growing an edimental garden is that your options are limitless. And while some of your plantings may require a little more attention than others, they will also bring you outside to enjoy your space more often. To make it easier to chew, we have broken it down into four key categories you should consider:
Edible Perennials
While homegrown vegetables are delicious, they aren’t the only options that edimental gardens have to offer; many of our favorite perennials make unappreciated and delicious additions to your menu. The spring shoots of hostas can be utilized in stir frys or as a substitute for spinach in recipes, while calendula, rosehips, or echinacea can be steeped into soothing herbal teas,
Making a Difference in Horticulture
Demonstrate your commitment to the future of the region’s green industry — sponsor a student scholarship! The deadline for 2024–2025 participation is August 31, 2024. You can act today by completing the application at www.MNLA.biz/scholarships. Your generosity will be cherished by the student winners — the future of our industry. Contact us with any questions or for additional details at Paulette@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.
or enjoy the sunflower-like flowers or tubers of Jerusalem artichoke. You would be surprised how many everyday perennials have edible parts. Do your research and start experimenting with these unique flavors.
Aesthetic Vegetables
The main attraction of an edimental garden is vegetables that are equally beautiful and tasty. Bright, peppery nasturtiums
climbing across the fence, the pop of color from radicchio, and French beans vining up a trellis or arbor, all bring unique beauty to your space that would otherwise go unnoticed in a traditional garden bed. Some other favorites include onions, rainbow chard, and globe artichokes, but any vegetable can bring in unexpected beauty while creating a space that is uniquely yours.
Fragrant Edible Herbs
Similar to vegetables, herbs make a stunning addition to your landscape. Sage boasts beautiful leaves and flowers while herbs like thyme and oregano can be used as ground cover. Lovage offers up its delicate green foliage, while catmint brings a splash of purple with its lemony mint fragrance. By incorporating herbs like these, you add spice and variety to your food, fill your space with fragrance, and attract pollinators, making them a must-have.
Edible Trees and Shrubs
By taking advantage of the height and canopy of your growing space, incorporating shrubs and trees not only brings different dimension to your space but also the opportunity to enjoy things such as apples or pears, currants, hazelnuts, or some of our past customers’ favorites- serviceberry or chokeberry, all while benefiting from their shade or flowering beauty through the season.
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Echinacea is a great choice for color but can also be used as a soothing tea.
Diana Grundeen
Scarlet runner beans, squashes, and giant onions add variety in texture and take advantage of vertical spaces or as a way to fill in larger beds.
Kiwi and plum trees, raspberries, serviceberry, and chokeberry are great additions to any space.
Incorporating Edible Plants into Your Design
The whole idea of edimentals is to combine ornamental and edible plants to create a single, cohesive and functional landscape. Utilizing your space for all that it offers gives you the chance to get the most out of it regardless of how large or small it may be.
Vertical growing is a great option for things like peas, squashes, nasturtium, and cucumbers. Meanwhile using ground covers such as thyme can fill in space between stepping stones, and lettuces and chards can be used along the edge of bed borders.
To get the most from your edimental garden and to maximize its potential, think of your space in layers and build upon them. The root layer could include carrots, beets, onions, or potatoes. The next layer would be ground cover- thyme, and creeping rosemary, followed by an herbaceous layer with lettuces, kale, or fragrant herbs. Your shrub layer could include berry shrubs such as raspberry or gooseberry, and finally, your canopy is with fruit, nut, and shade trees.
While it may require a little more attention, an edimental landscape pulls you out into your space more and allows you to embrace its full potential by incorporating beauty AND bounty as you explore and experiment with endless possibilities.
Trista is the Administrative Assistant at Trio Landscaping and enjoys using plants for food and remedies. Her own garden is filled with many vegetables, herbs and beneficial perennials.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT 2024
MNLA AT WORK ON YOUR BEHALF
The 2024 legislative session was surprisingly as busy and fast-moving as last year’s session. With single-party control, controversy in the Senate, and being an election year for the House, this was a difficult year where parties did not want to risk much and the political divide was heavily present and responsible for the lack of a Bonding bill. The 2024 session concluded in chaos as the House majority passed a bill of more than 1,200 pages in just minutes right before the Sunday midnight deadline. Here is a snapshot of our work on behalf of MNLA members:
BUSINESS
Pesticide Applicator Test in Spanish
GOAL: Pass a bill that ensures the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers the Commercial Pesticide Applicator License test in Spanish.
For years, MNLA members have expressed concern over the lack of language access for the Commercial Pesticide Applicator examinations, given that a significant portion of our workforce is Spanish-speaking. This year, MNLA built a coalition of five organizations to push a bill that ensures the MDA offers these examinations in Spanish by January 1, 2025. Thanks to the support of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, COPAL, LatinoLEAD, and AgriGrowth, paired with MNLA Government Affairs efforts, we got this bill across the finish line despite concerns expressed by the MDA. This bill will bring fairness and equity to the industry and result in more licensed applicators and increased capacity.
Sales & Use Tax
GOAL: Reform Minnesota sales and use tax related to landscaping, irrigation, and snow & ice removal services.
RESULT: Ongoing
Under the current system, green-industry business owners are subject to constant tax audits due to the complicated nature by which Minnesota taxes these services. MNLA-proposed reforms make the system easier to navigate and will remove burdens on small businesses caused by unnecessary complexities. MNLA conducted a study where we learned that the impact to the state budget would only be 1% of what the department had originally estimated. The Department of Revenue accepted our results and submitted a revised revenue estimate. However, this happened very close to the end of session and the Tax Committee Chairs committed to passing this bill next year.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Salt & Liability
GOAL: Liability protection for snow and ice removal professionals who implement best practices to protect the environment through less salt use.
RESULT:
Heard in SubCommittee
MNLA supports legislation to restrict the use of indemnification and hold-harmless clauses in snow and ice contracts. These are used to compel snow and ice contractors to shoulder all liability from slip-and-fall lawsuits, as they incentivize cost at the expense of safety and the environment. This year, MNLA introduced a proposal to address this issue and the bill was heard by the Subcommittee on Minnesota Water Policy. Our proposal will be reintroduced in 2025, and we are building a coalition of different organizations to support this work.
TAX
Synthetic Turf Systems for Stormwater Runoff
GOAL: Updating the Minnesota Stormwater Manual to reflect new technologies and options to control runoff.
RESULT: Heard in Committee
MNLA introduced a proposal that would have added permeable synthetic turf to the Minnesota Stormwater Manual as an acceptable option to manage runoff. This proposal was heard in the House and Senate Environment Committees and was considered for inclusion in the final version of the Environment bill. The proposal was not adopted in the end but will be re-introduced in 2025 with some changes.
OTHER INFORMATION
Jumping Worms
Starting July 1st, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will add jumping worms to the list of Prohibited Invasive Species. We have been working and will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that our members have input into the implementation process.
Tree Planting Grant
This year, the state legislature allocated $12 million to local units of government for tree-planting grants that have to be used in the private sector. $8+ million was allocated for statewide efforts and will be administered by the DNR. $3+ million was allocated specifically for the metro area and will be administered by the MetCouncil. We will be providing more information as the program rolls out.
MNLA LEGISLATIVE REPORT 2024
THANKS TO OUR MNLA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPONSORS:
Volutella Blight of Pachysandra
Dr. Sharon M. Douglas, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Reprinted with permission from The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Photo credits: David L. Clement, University of Maryland, Bugwood.org
Symptoms and Disease Development
Leaf and stem blight is the most destructive disease of pachysandra in the Northeast. It is caused by the fungus Volutella pachysandrae. Patches of wilting and dying plants often indicate the presence of Volutella blight in a bed of pachysandra. Both leaves and stems are attacked by this fungus. Leaves develop irregular tan to brown blotches, often with concentric lighter and darker zones with dark-brown margins. These blotches gradually increase in size until the entire leaf turns brown or black and dies.
Stem cankers often develop and cause whole plants to die back. These appear as a browning of the stem at the terminal, midstem, or at ground level. Cankers first appear greenishbrown and water-soaked, but eventually turn brown or black and shrivel. As these cankers girdle the stem, they cause the whole plant to wither and die. During wet, humid weather in late spring and summer, affected plant parts can be covered with reddish-orange, cushion-like fruiting structures of the fungus. Spread of the disease within the planting is by means of these fungal spores. Plants often die in patches and the disease commonly produces circular patterns in the bed. Volutella blight is more severe in plantings weakened by winter injury, insect infestation, recent transplanting or shearing, drought, and exposure to full sun.
Control
Control can be accomplished by following a multifaceted approach that includes sanitary, cultural, and chemical controls.
All plant debris and severely diseased plants should be removed and destroyed. The planting should be thinned periodically to prevent dense growth and increase light and air circulation. Among the fungicides registered for use are thiophanate methyl, chlorothalonil, and mancozeb. Plants should be sprayed when new growth starts in the spring and repeated according to label directions to protect newly emerging tissues. Additional applications may be necessary during wet weather. The pesticide label will contain information on dosage rates and safety precautions. Since Volutella blight is associated with plant stress, attempts should be made to control insect infestations and to maintain good growth and vigor by watering during periods of drought and fertilizing in the spring. Since water favors disease development, watering is best done early in the day so that drying occurs. Thick, heavy mulches should be avoided since they hold moisture. It is also important to remove any leaf or plant debris from the bed before growth resumes in early spring.
Summary
Volutella blight is caused by the fungus Volutella pachysandrae Symptoms can vary from irregular, tan to brown blotches with concentric-ring patterns on the leaves to stem cankers that result in extensive wilting and death of large patches of plants within a planting bed. In addition to descriptions of these symptoms, this fact sheet includes a discussion on strategies to minimize the impact of this common disease.
Buried utilities have the potential to be at any depth below the ground’s surface. Click or call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) at least 48 hours in advance (not including weekends and holidays) of when you plan to dig. And remember – ALWAYS check yard markings and GSOC's positive response ticket status before you break ground.
Schaferequipmentcompany.com
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P: (612) 861-2268
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• Decorative Rock, Boulders, Natural Stone
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• Flowers & perennials
We Sell New, Used and Repair:
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P: (612) 866-0430
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MNLA VISION AWARDS 2025
ALL MNLA member companies are eligible to enter and win an MNLA Vision Award!
MNLA Vision:
Enhancing lives by creating and maintaining sustainable green spaces
Entrants will show how their submission fulfills the MNLA vision. What types of entries qualify?
• Equipment
• Products
• Projects
• Processes/procedures
• Displays
• Programs
• Innovations
• Public outreach
• Employee engagement
• ...and more! How are you fulfilling the MNLA vision at your company?
Sample submission elements:
• 3-10 photos of project/program/innovation
• 1-3 photos of the people involved
• 1-5 testimonials from outside the company
• Optional: Up to three videos
Submissions will also include a max. 600-word description of your entry that answers these questions:
• How does this entry enhance lives via creating and/or maintaining a sustainable green space?
• What challenges were there and how were they overcome?
• Why is this project/program/innovation sustainable? (Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.)
Plan to enter by collecting these materials now!
Timeline:
• Entry Portal open first week in December, 2024
• Thu., Jan. 16, 2025: Submission Deadline
• Feb. 7, 2025: Entrant notifications
• MNLA Vision Awards event: Wed., Feb. 26.
Felipe Illescas Government Affairs Director felipe@mnla.biz
Retail Delivery Fee
This July 1st, several new laws went into effect. One of those new laws is the implementation of the Retail Delivery Fee.
The legislature passed legislation creating a Retail Delivery Fee of 50 cents that applies to certain retail delivery transactions in Minnesota. What is Retail Delivery? The state defines it as a delivery to a person located in Minnesota of certain items as part of a retail sale. The fee applies to each transaction where the charge(s) equal(s) or exceed(s) $100.00. Which items does this apply to? It applies to:
• Tangible personal property subject to sales tax
• Clothing
Who is responsible for paying this fee? Businesses with active sales tax accounts are now registered for the Retail Delivery Fee taxline. The Retail Delivery Fee taxline will appear on Sales and Use Tax Returns for periods ending after July 1, 2024.
How to report the fee? You will report the total collected or amount due from the Retail Delivery Fee on the Retail Delivery Fee taxline of your Sales and Use Tax Return. You may report the fee on one return for all business locations. If you do not file or pay this fee on time, you may owe penalties and interest. If you report on a Simplified Electronic Return (SER), use the FIPS code 80010.
But what about businesses that do not need to report the fee?
If you are registered for the Retail Delivery Fee taxline and you do not need to report the fee, you can log in to your e-Services account to remove the taxline. Here is how to do it:
1. In the Sales & Use Tax panel, select Manage Locations.
2. Select the Location Code for the location requiring edits.
3. Select Edit Location
4. Make any edits or enter required information in the General Information and Location 2022 NAICS Code sections.
5. Select Next.
6. In the Retail Delivery Fee End Date drop-down menu, select the year and month when the fee no longer applies. If you are removing the fee because it does not apply to you, select 2024 – July
7. Select Next.
8. I f necessary, add special local or other taxes.
9. Select Next.
10.If necessary, add local taxes.
11.Select Next to review the changes you made.
12.Select Submit
Are there any exceptions? The state provides a couple of retail exclusions and item-specific exclusions as well. For more details, you can visit https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/retail-delivery-fee or feel free to contact me directly at felipe@mnla.biz or 612-418-5382.
Thank you all very much for your work and dedication to the industry.
MNLA Member Services & Discounts How does MNLA save my business money?
1. Money-Saving Partnerships
As a member of MNLA, you can take advantage of vetted industry partnerships we call Member Services.
Save up to $4,000 when you purchase a vehicle with DODGE/ JEEP/CHRYSLER.
Save 30¢/gallon for 90 days, then save 7¢/ gallon at CIRCLE K & HOLIDAY STATIONSTORES
Save 7¢ on every gallon of fuel at KWIK TRIP, plus 10% off most instore purchases.
2. Special Member Rates on Education
Get 2 months and a customized implementation free when you sign up for GREENIUS
Free initial legal consultation plus a 15% discount on all legal fees from ZLIMEN & MCGUINESS, PLLC
Bulk volume discounts on GARDEN CENTER TRAYS with Liberty Carton.
Save on the CAREERS JOB BOARD on MNLA.biz.
Members receive discounts on registration for Northern Green and many other educational programs. Plus the MNLA library of free online education and our partnership with Greenius helps you save money while training your crews.
3. Bottom Line Advocacy Results
MNLA has a long history of green industry advocacy, and has been instrumental in enacting beneficial legislation over the years. Your membership dues help pay for our government affairs program, and without MNLA advocacy...
• You’d be getting double-taxed on the purchase and sale of fertilizers and herbicides.
• Family nurseries in Minnesota would collectively owe over $800,000 more each year in property taxes.
• Minnesota’s nurseries would lose over $500,000 every year in other taxes.
• Minnesota’s garden centers would have lost millions of dollars when Japanese beetle hit hard in 2011.
• The spring of 2020 would have been a financial crisis for the green industry. When ill-advised Covid-19 policy threatened your business, MNLA made sure policymakers knew you were essential and needed the freedom to operate at such a critical time.
Together, MNLA members grow government affairs results. Join us and help build a large united front for lawmakers.
4. Insights from Peers
Sometimes your best resource is a colleague who has gone before you. Many members have stories of finding “just-intime” answers to nagging questions, and saving thousands of dollars as a result. Don’t miss out on your next epiphany!
MNLA Membership Annual Bottom Line Impact
Savings on one Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler vehicle
Savings of 7¢/gallon on 5,000 gallons of fuel
Free two months of Greenius with free customized implementation
Free initial legal consultation, and discounted legal fees from Zlimen & McGuiness
Member rate savings on education events ($30 x 2 events)
Member rate savings on Northern Green registrations ($20 x 3 tickets)
Member rate savings on one MNLA.biz Job Board posting
Annual benefits gained and protected from MNLA’s history of green industry advocacy
$4,000
$350
$849
$325
$60
$60
$49
$3,300
TOTAL $8,993
MNLA’s mission is to help YOU operate your business more successfully. We hope membership in the association helps you connect more, know more, and save more.
Meet the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Inspectors
MDA
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Nursery Program inspects Minnesota-grown nursery stock to certify for sale that all material is free from injurious plant pests and diseases. Annual inspections also focus on preventing the introduction of economically damaging organisms into and throughout Minnesota. This is a vital service to the nursery industry that protects their interests and protects consumers from purchasing plants with harmful pests and diseases.
The MDA would like to introduce the new Plant Health Regulatory Inspectors for each of Minnesota’s five nursery inspection territories.
NORTHWEST
BRITTANY OLSON, the northwest region inspector, holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in plant science, both from North Dakota State University. She grew up in a landscaping family in northeast North Dakota and has continued to work in the horticultural and agricultural industries across the public, private, and academic sectors for the past 18 years. Ten of those years she specialized in wine grapes.
DANI SACKETT, the west metro region inspector, has more than a decade of experience in plant health and diagnostics and is passionate about furnishing her clients with the tools they need to grow healthy plants. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master’s degree in natural resource management from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She worked for the University for seven years doing cold hardiness research and working in the public gardens at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum where she spent a lot of time in public outreach and education. She also has experience working in the private sector with large nursery and tree care companies.
WEST METRO
GABRIELLE RIES, the northeast region inspector, has a bachelors degree in horticulture with a minor in crop and weed science from North Dakota State University (NDSU). She has nearly 10 years of experience working in the agricultural industry in academia and private sectors. She served as a technician for the NDSU soybean breeding lab, various roles with several greenhouse companies, and most recently she was a greenhouse manager for a landscape company in northern Minnesota.
NORTHEAST
MATTHEW MARTIN, the east metro region inspector, offers a passion for plant pathology with more than a decade of experience working with nursery stock in public gardens. He worked full-time for seven years managing a small grains pathology laboratory while going to school part-time to obtain his master’s in plant pathology. Throughout his career, Matthew has also worked at several prestigious public gardens in the Twin Cities as well as the Minnesota State Capitol Complex.
EAST METRO SOUTH
MATT HOFFMAN, the southern region inspector, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in horticulture and ecology. He holds degrees in both fields of study and was an adjunct faculty in the horticulture cdepartment at Rochester Community and Technical College for five years. After college, Matt interned at Everglades National Park in fisheries and then went on to do habitat restoration throughout the Florida Keys and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Matt also worked nine years in greenhouse production at a large nursery and landscape company in southern Minnesota and moved up into a management/head grower position for three of those years. Before becoming an inspector, Matt worked six seasons for the Spongy Moth Survey Program.
LET’S DO THE WORK
Whether it's planned service or a jobsite repair, we’re here to help you do the work. Stop by your nearest Ziegler CAT location for more information on parts, service, and the latest technology .
LEARN MORE: www.zieglercat.com