The Scoop - January 2022 by Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

MEMBER PROFILE

PLANT OF THE MONTH

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

A . R .T. S. WINNERS ALSO INSIDE:

IS MY TREE SAFE?

PLUS:

STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT? YOUR OPINION COUNTS! january 2022 n v45 n1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

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Wholesale Nursery: (651) 463-3288 | (800) 525-6641 | Fax: (651) 463-4747 6877 235th St. W., Farmington, MN 55024 Hardscapes Cedar Acres: (952) 469-9665 | Fax: (952) 469-9674 23004 Cedar Ave. S., Farmington, MN 55024

Contact your sales representative for availability and pricing.

january 2022 n v45 n1

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8 31

Events

10 Statistically Significant? Your Opinion Counts! In his last column as President, Malooly says, “Your opinion truly counts, and MNLA leadership needs your constructive input.”

12 Member Profile Lowes Creek Tree Farm has built their business with

Skin Cancer: Our Industry’s Not-So-Hidden Disease

a belief in common sense and common respect.

19 Employee Rights After Termination If you decide to fire or terminate an employee,

John O’Reilly shares his experience with skin cancer, and urges all green

there are three demands the employee can make

industry colleagues to take precautions before it’s too late. 

Is My Tree Safe?

Jonathan Heaton talks about assessing the likelihood of failure and striking a

post-termination.

20 Plant of the Month Matthew Olson’s pick is a cultivar of Calamintha

target, and the severity of consequences if it did.    

2022 A.R.T.S. Regional Winning Roses

Dr. David Zlesak reports on the 2022 winning roses of the American Rose Trials

nepeta, the 2021 PPA Perennial Plant of the Year.

27 The ROI of GILI Here are five tangible takeaways for a company that

for Sustainability® for our region.    

Tree species diversity is a critical element of minimizing the impact of pests

Collegiate Scholarship Winners

The MNLA Foundation partnered with 16 members to present 23 collegiate scholarships in 2021. 

Leadership Institute.

The High Cost of Urban Monocultures and disease outbreaks on urban canopy cover.   

chooses to send a candidate to the Green Industry

MNLA Foundation Thanks Donors

Your generous contributions enable us to continue to provide research information, scholarships, and career outreach. 

 Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Mgmt  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Mgmt  Arborists & Tree Services  All

Day Week on the Hill This year, our annual advocacy event will feature personal virtual visits with your legislators.

53 Come Visit the Legislative Action Center at Northern Green! The 1405 block of the trade show floor is your onestop-shop for green industry advocacy and MNLA Government Affairs!

Cover photo: A.R.T.S.. Table of Contents Images: Top: iStock.com/ Boonyachoat. Middle: A.R.T.S. Bottom: iStock.com/enjoynz.

january 22 MNLA.BIZ

DIRECTORY

january 2022 n v45 n1

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here! 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 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC, President Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com Randy Berg, Vice-President Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com Matt Mallas, Secretary-Treasurer Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com

Ancom Communications Inc and Midwest Radio Rentals .......... 41 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. .................................................................... 37 Arborjet .................................................................................................. 17 Aspen Equipment ................................................................................. 18 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes ................................ 3 Bullis Insurance Agency ....................................................................... 9 Carlin Sales/ProGreen Plus ............................................................... 38 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................. 41 COWSMO, INC. ....................................................................................... 44 Cushman Motor Company ................................................................. 16 Dayton Bag & Burlap .......................................................................... 38 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. .............................................................. 42

Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com

Fahey Sales Agency, Inc. ..................................................................... 25

Terri McEnaney

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply .............................. 2

Bailey Nurseries (651) 459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC (651) 331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com John O’Reilly Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com Jeff Pilla, MNLA-CP Professional Turf, Inc. (Proturf) 952-469-8680 • jeff@professionalturf.com Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com Cassie Larson, CAE MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz STAFF DIRECTORY Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Associate Director: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz Dir. of Government Affairs: Forrest Cyr • forrest@mnla.biz Education & Cert. Mgr: Gwendolen Nystrom • gwendolen@mnla.biz Regulatory Affairs Mgr: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz Foundation Program Mgr: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz Administrative Assistant: Louise Nemmers • louise@mnla.biz Accountant: Pam Helgeson • accounting@mnla.biz Advertising Sales: 763-295-5420 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival 6

MNLA.BIZ january 22

Frost Inc ................................................................................................. 41

Glacial Ridge Growers ........................................................................ 44 Gopher State One-Call ....................................................................... 16 Green Turf Sod Farms ........................................................................... 4 Ivanhoe Nursery ................................................................................... 22 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet ...................................................................... 28–29 Lano Equipment, Inc. ............................................................................ 9 Maguire Agency .................................................................................... 37 Out Back Nursery ................................................................................. 38 Plaisted Companies ............................................................................... 7 Plantpeddler, Inc .................................................................................. 37 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................... 37 SiteOne Landscape Supply ................................................................ 43 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility ....................................................... 9 Sunbelt Business Advisors ................................................................ 51 The Resultants ...................................................................................... 42 The Tessman Company ....................................................................... 18 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .......................................................................... 34 Unilock Chicago, Inc. ........................................................................... 30 Versa-Lok Midwest .............................................................................. 45 Ziegler CAT ............................................................................. Back Cover

UPCOMING

NORTHERN GREEN 2022

JAN

11 –13

Save the dates for the premier event for green industry professionals in the northern region. Exhibit booths are available. Minneapolis Convention Center ➽NorthernGreen.org.

JAN



GREEN INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Become a stronger more confident leader when you participate in the leadership development program designed with a green industry focus. MNLA.biz

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM

FEB



Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2022. Additional dates: February 11th and 18th and March 4th, 18th, and 25th. Roseville ➽MNLA.biz

LEADING AND WORKING WITH AN INCLUSIVE LENS

MAR



In this engaging and interactive presentation, Dr. Jermaine Davis will equip all employees with practical tips on how to work inclusively and respectfully up, down, and across their organization. MNLA.biz

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE

MAR

15 –16

A two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture, and the green



industry. Minnesota Certified Tree Inspectors will be re-certified by attending the entire short course. ISA Certified Arborist© CEUs are available for most sessions. mnstsc.org

MASTERING FOREMANSHIP SEMINAR

MAR



This workshop offers complete foremanship training. In this dynamic seminar, foremen learn how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins, and increase customer satisfaction. How the customer perceives the foreman’s crew is fundamental to the success of a contractor’s business. Location: TBD ➽MNLA.biz

MAR



HALF-DAY STRING TRIMMER, BLOWER & HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY & MAINTENANCE SEMINAR (ENGLISH AND SPANISH)

This half-day seminar taught by Armando Actis is being offered in both English (morning) and Spanish (afternoon) and will provide contractors important information related to OSHA string trimmer, blower, and hedge trimmer safety and maintenance.

The Scoop, January 2022, Issue 1 is issued monthly,

Location: TBD ➽MNLA.biz

12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2022, 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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813

2022 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA



reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

➽Information on industry events: MNLA.biz/events. Free member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

MNLA.BIZ january 22

Business

 Skills Training

 Networking

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Leadership Development

General

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Statistically Significant? Your Opinion Counts! Timothy Malooly Water in Motion

MNLA Members, this is my last article to you from the role of President of your Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association.

Like, indifferent, or unhappy with my service to you as President, our governance has a built-in term limit preventing MNLA from recycling executive leaders, so off I go in favor of the next generation of industry leaders.

Statistically Significant? Every year the membership reaffirms in various ways that effective advocacy in government and regulatory affairs are among the most important duties to be undertaken at MNLA. One of the most important tasks within our government affairs (GA) program is to gain input from you, the members. This year, two questions on the annual policy survey revealed interesting results that, at first glance, could indicate a departure from past results. 10

MNLA.BIZ january 22

The policy survey includes asking some questions annually to gauge long-term initiatives, trends, and member sentiments. By asking certain questions annually, we formulate a “trends-analysis” to learn if a topic is gaining momentum generally or among certain member subsets (e.g., Twin Cities-based members vs. members from greater Minnesota). This year, the tallies from questions 12 and 13 illustrate, initially at least, interesting departures from the past, and to a casual viewer might leave an impression of a reversal of member sentiment. Both questions ask members whether the role of government includes actively contributing to the costs of healthcare and offering or enhancing government-sponsored retirement funding.



“

I OFFER THIS INFORMATION TODAY TO HELP ILLUSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS BOTH PERSONALLY AS A U.S. CITIZEN, AND AS A MEMBER OF THIS TRADE ASSOCIATION.

When looking at results from question 25, ranking by the respondents of the three most important topics, the three eliciting the highest rankings were those that we’ve come to expect from past surveys.

Your Opinion Counts But are this year’s survey results statistically significant? Is it a true quantitative representation of member sentiment? I think not. Why? Because there were only 27 respondents to this year’s survey, and the questions I’ve highlighted in this article were each skipped by five respondents — a net of 22. So, when making policy decisions on behalf of a member community of over 1,000 com-

”

panies employing 30,000 to 40,000 persons and generating billions of dollars of annual revenue, would it be a responsible practice to make such choices from a response rate of 22? Again, I think not. I offer this information today to help illustrate the importance of your involvement in public affairs both personally as a U.S. citizen, and as a member of this trade association. MNLA enjoys experienced, stable leadership at the GA level; leaders who know that this year’s survey results are barely actionable. Too often decisions are made in public affairs based on whomever shows up. MNLA leadership won’t let that happen — at least not intentionally. That said, the opinions of those who did respond are not being dismissed. But, our policy survey is relevant as a resource to your GA leadership. We may recirculate the 2022 Policy Survey in an attempt to get a statistically significant sample. Your opinion truly counts, and MNLA leadership needs your constructive input to do excellent work on your behalf. A sure way to avoid accidents of decision-making will be for you to contribute when asked. My Gratitude As you read this, I will have returned to the ranks of the general membership, supporting our next generation of industry leaders. The past couple of years have been uniquely challenging for all of us. Despite those unique challenges or, perhaps (in part) because of them, I, like those before me who’ve served as the chair of MNLA’s board, have been honored and humbled to have served you in the role of President. Circumstances of the time

did not allow for much advancement of our industry beyond the-here-and-now urgency of a global pandemic, but I am confident that the results of the work done, and actions taken (during my tenure) will leave a stronger organization for future leaders and initiatives. There are too many individuals to thank who’ve supported me, participated with me in leading this great association — and challenged me along the way. Thanks to all of you, for your faith and trust. A special thank you to past-President and Hall of Fame member, Tim Power for choosing to appoint me to the MNLA board to fill a vacant seat. Without Tim’s decision, I would not likely have been granted the opportunity to serve you as President. I also offer thanks to our MNLA staff led by Cassie Larson. MNLA has a nationally known and respected staff. I am proud to know you all! And additional special thank you to Paul Morlock, Walt Carpenter, Gary Kuiper, Sue Lindstrom, Dale Bachman, and their generation of MNLA Leaders, who enabled a then 28-year-old member to take the helm of MNLA public affairs and with the help of fantastic, dedicated volunteers and staff, build a government and regulatory affairs program that members feel is important and relevant. My hat is off to incoming President Randy Berg and the MNLA board. To a person, your board is made of strong, friendly, capable, approachable leaders. I encourage you to introduce yourselves to all your member leaders. Please support them in their duties. Please consider getting involved, increasing your involvement, and encouraging others to participate in support of your chosen industry. You won’t likely regret a moment! january 22 MNLA.BIZ

MEMBER PROFILE

LOWES Member Profile:

CREEK TREE FARM Katie Mills Giorgio

COMPANY SNAPSHOT Company Name: Lowes Creek Tree Farm Owners: Therese and Tim Olson Date Company started: 1981 Location: Eleva, Wisconsin Number of employees in peak season: 30 Areas Served: Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and surrounding area Member Category: Hardscape Contractor, Landscape, Greenhouse, Nursery Supply Center, Landscape Contractor, Landscape Designer, Landscape Management (including Lawn Care), Nursery Grower, Professional Gardening Services, Retail Nursery/ Garden Center. Website: www.lowescreek-treefarm.com/

MNLA.BIZ january 22

MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO, Therese and Tim Olson decided to purchase a farm—a worn-out soybean farm to be exact—near Eau Claire, Wisconsin. “We were young individuals and we wanted to own our business,” Therese recalled. “We wanted to have a Christmas tree farm.” They spent the next decade, transforming the 290-acre farm into their family business, planting trees, and restoring the soil. Lowes Creek Tree Farm was named for the creek running through the property and has a rich history as being along a stagecoach route that went through the area. “We feel like we are stewards of this piece of land that has such a history. That’s why we started a tree farm to improve the soil and improve the entire habitat of this area.” It took about ten years before the Olsons had any Christmas trees of a height worth selling, so they officially opened their farm to the public in 1991. They also built a very unique hand-scribed log cabin on the property that has become a showcase of the farm and houses the gift shop and farm offices. Once Lowes Creek Tree Farm became known for their Christmas trees, customers also started wanting to purchase other evergreen trees from them. “People gradually began to ask us to plan the trees

“

I DON’T WANT TO SAY THAT WE’RE OLD, BUT OLD-FASHIONED RESPECT FOR THE CUSTOMER IS WHAT WE WANT TO OFFER.

for them, then take a look at their yard so we slowly began offering landscaping services too.” Recently, Therese sat down to chat with us for a few minutes to reflect on the business that she and her husband have built over the last four-plus decades. Q. How would you describe your company? A. We do offer full-service landscaping, starting with creating the initial design with the customer. We have a retail nursery where people can come and purchase from our large selection of potted trees and perennials and shrubs that they are going to plant themselves. Or we can handle the installation, anything from planting one tree to doing a full landscape. We just work with the customer and see what it is that they want. The majority of our business is done in our local area and within about a 25-mile radius of here, or within an hour. We do actually go out to about a 60-mile radius for some of our landscaping. We have the retail center with a wide selection of potted trees and perennial shrubs for the spring, summer and fall. And we do our landscaping as long as we can with good weather before we transition over to strictly being a Christmas tree farm in November. Q. What is something that sets your company apart? A. We kind of operate two different seasons. Like I said, we have our landscaping season so if you come out during the spring or summer then you will see our retail nursery and all of our potted trees, shrubs, and perennials. Then around November 1st we stop our landscaping business and transition over to our Christmas business. We overwinter some of our landscaping products and take them to another area of the farm. Customers come out at that time for fresh-cut Christmas trees. We serve hot apple cider and other food items in our log cabin—which is always a showcase of our property—and we really transform this place for Christmas. Both seasons take a lot of planning. Q. What does it mean to be part of so many families’ holiday traditions as they come out year after year to get a Christmas tree? A. My husband and I work seven days a week,

so we’re almost always here when people are coming at Christmas time. And we are always amazed when another generation comes and brings their family back. It’s also heartwarming to have people who worked with us as college students come back and help us during the Christmas season. It’s a very happy time. Our customers can enjoy being out and away from a busy shopping area and enjoy getting a fresh Christmas tree. We see people running into people they know. Or customers will bring their new baby one year and then we watch as their babies grow up. We’ve always wanted to and worked towards providing an experience for our customers every time they come out to the farm. Q. Can you share an example of your business practices that you are proud of? A. We believe in common sense and common respect. We definitely listen to our employees and our customers. We also have exceptional quality products. We take great care in the way we care for our plants and our trees. People know they are getting a quality product from us. I don’t want to say that we’re old, but old-fashioned respect for the customer is what we want to offer. We also hope to pass on our extensive knowledge that we have gained over the years about plants and landscaping to our customers. So just listening to your customers has been most important. Q. Can you give me an example of how your company demonstrates professionalism, ethical operations, and good employee relations? A. While we use a great seasonal staff, especially with our Christmas season, we do have one employee who started with us when he was in high school, on watering duty. After he went on to college, he started helping with landscaping jobs for us which convinced him to enroll at Chippewa Valley Technical College which offers a program in landscaping and horticulture. I serve on the advisory board there as well. It’s been so valuable to have him working side-by-side with us since. Q. What are the ways that MNLA has helped your company? A. We have been members of MNLA for many

”

years. Even though we are located in Wisconsin, we feel like we’re so close to the Twin Cities; sometimes it feels like we are getting closer and closer. But we noticed that MNLA was offering a lot of educational opportunities. We felt like we could learn something, and we were interested in the programs and information presented in the Scoop. And we appreciate the Northern Green show. It’s just been a great relationship for us to continue to learn things in this industry even after all these years and pass that on in the business. Q. What value do you put on customer service? A. We’ve been very fortunate that our industry is one of those industries that has been thriving for the last couple of years. And we are lucky that so much of our business comes to us through referrals. I’d say that at least fifty percent of our business is with repeat customers and the other half come to us through referrals. I think the reason for that is my husband and I have always been very involved with every customer. We want our customers to know that we are always available. Even when we are working on an off-site job, my husband or I will be on-site with our crew. We value listening to what our customers are envisioning. This can take time. If we are doing a landscaping job, we will usually go to their location to have a consultation and see what they are envisioning for their property but then we invite them to come here to our farm so we can talk specifically about plants and trees, and they can look at the options. Then together we can finalize the design. My husband and I are both very detail oriented and I think that shows in all the landscaping projects we have done. We’re trying to create these beautiful and enjoyable yardscapes for the customers who come to see us, whether it’s one tree or a whole new landscape. Having a connection to us as the owners is important and we remind our employees they are an extension of our business when they are working on someone’s property. That’s very important to us. ➽ INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY being profiled in the Scoop? Our writer is always looking for a good story. Email jon@mnla.biz to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue. january 22 MNLA.BIZ

SKIN CANCER: 

OUR INDUSTRY’S NOT-SO-HIDDEN DISEASE John O’Reilly Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping

iStock.com/Ridofranz

iStock.com/welcomia

“

SKIN CANCER (PARTICULARLY MALIGNANT MELANOMA) IS SOMETIMES CASUALLY REFERRED TO AS THE “LANDSCAPER’S DISEASE” — WITH GOOD REASON. WE SPEND A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF OUR WORK DAYS IN THE SUN, AND LIKELY DON’T TAKE ENOUGH PRECAUTIONS.

Note from the publisher: After a discussion

Left & top: iStock.com/Boonyachoat

on this topic at a recent Communications + Technology Committee meeting, we asked John if we could rerun his article that first appeared in The Scoop in 2015. The concerns addressed here remain important for green industry professionals to keep in mind. As committee member Tony Yost said, “Awareness is key. I’ve had some skin cancer removed as has a friend of mine. My sister was a registered nurse who ran dermatology clinics, so she was always encouraging me to be on the lookout. When we’re young it’s cool to be tan, but it’s not so much fun when you’re at the doctor’s office paying for that tan later in life!” This isn’t my normal SCOOP article, because it hasn’t been a normal few years. But I’m using my 700 or so words here to share an important message – one that I wish I would have paid attention to sooner. A few years ago, one of our longtime customers approached me with a small bandage on her face, talking about a skin cancer she had removed. She was very proactive, encouraging me to have our team’s awareness raised about how easy it is to get skin cancer since “we work outside all the time.” (Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, affecting 1 in 5 adults.1) She wanted to make the point

that as an industry we need to be better about awareness. She was right; she IS right. And while I heard her at the time, I didn’t really LISTEN. I waited a year longer than I should have. Finally, one of our crew guys teased me about “having my ear pierced” — a mole on my earlobe that had gotten large enough to be (really) noticeable. About that same time, I had the annual burn on the tops of my ears, one side developing a “crispy blister” with an early burn that became larger and more irritating than normal. Finally, between my crew guy’s teasing and my wife’s encouragement, I went to a dermatologist. It wasn’t the crispy burn side that was the problem … it was the mole. Skin cancer (particularly Malignant Melanoma) is sometimes casually referred to as the “landscaper’s disease” — with good reason. We spend a disproportionate amount of our work days in the sun, and likely don’t take enough precautions. Melanoma – once it has spread regionally – has only a 63% survival rate (but a 98% survival rate if caught and treated early.) And so, during April 2013 (not a convenient season for a major surgery), I underwent surgery to remove a lymph node and most of my left earlobe (now reconstructed.) They were able to get clear margins on everything.

”

My dermatologist, in our now-quarterly visits, continues to remind me just how lucky I got … melanomas of my size have almost always metastasized. I got lucky. And now I’m trying to “pay it forward” so you might be lucky, too. 1 in 50 Americans will develop Melanoma (the most fatal of skin cancers), and by age 60, rates are twice as high in men vs. women. (Not accounting for any industry-specific “skew” factor.) Simply put, guys, we don’t get checked early enough or often enough. Just in the past two years, I have heard so many stories about others who have had similar experiences … but guys aren’t as good about talking about these things. We’re good at avoiding. What I love about my job is that I get to work outside, wear shorts, enjoying plants and fresh air. I feel really fortunate that I’m not “stuck in a cube” somewhere – I’m active and healthy and enjoying nature almost every day. One of the (very) few downsides of that is that it puts me more at risk for skin cancer, a fact which I should have known and taken steps to prevent. I’m writing this because I didn’t listen to the first three people who told me to have myself checked out. Our industry should do a better job warning people about the possible effects of sun exposure and we should incorporate january 22 MNLA.BIZ

SKIN CANCER

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iStock.com/Boonyachoat

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preventative remedies into our company culture: sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, shady sites for breaks. It’s our “slow season.” If you have ever wondered about a blotch on your skin, NOW is the right time to go see a dermatologist to get it checked out. If you’ve avoided having something looked at because you just don’t know who to call, you don’t have an excuse anymore — I see Dr. Larisa Speetzen at Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park2. Even two years later, I see her every three months. While that sometimes feels like an annoyance in my schedule, it’s far preferable to the alternative. 1. 2.

https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

952.993.3260. If Park Nicollet isn’t your preferred healthcare provider or St. Louis Park isn’t convenient, find someone closer to you. But find someone.

➽ JOHN P. O’REILLY is Vice President of Operations at Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping in Long Lake, MN and can be reached at j.oreilly@ottenbros.com. 16

MNLA.BIZ january 22

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LEGAL ISSUES

Employee Rights After Termination Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC

If you decide to fire or terminate an employee, there are three demands that the terminated employee can make post-termination. These requests are often made via email and may seem like innocent enough requests, however that is not always the case. As a statutory right, former employees are entitled to demand three things: 1. a copy of their personnel file; 2. a statement of the reasons for their termination; and 3. all wages be paid within 24 hours. The average employee is typically not aware of these statutory rights, which is why in many cases it should be considered a warning sign to employers. If an employee is requesting this information, it could be a sign that the employee could be consulting with an attorney. Let’s walk through these three potential requests from terminated employees.

2. Statement of Reasons for Termination Terminated employees may request the “truthful reason” for his or her termination within 15 working days of termination. Minn. Stat. 181.933. Once the employer receives the written notice, they then have 10 working days to produce a written reason as to why the employee was terminated. An employer’s statement of reasons for termination is often “Exhibit A” in a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry demand, or lawsuit. Therefore, it should be carefully drafted. It should be a specific and detailed letter that cites the reasonings behind the termination.

1. Personnel File Minnesota employees have the right, upon written request, to review their personnel file every six months and terminated employees have the right to review their personnel file once per year following termination, for as long as the personnel file is kept. Minn. Stat. 181.961. The employer has 7 working days to produce the file for review or 14 days if the file is maintained outside of Minnesota. Most often the terminated employee will ask for an actual copy, in which case the employer must provide a copy. An employer does not need to provide a current employee with a copy of his or her personnel file, review of the file is acceptable. Ensure that you produce all the “personnel record” documents as defined by Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. 181. 960). Examples of things that need to be turned over would be: payroll records, medical records, timecards, performance evaluations, unemployment documentation, grievances, and time off requests.

3. Payment of All Wages Due and Owing Within 24 Hours With few exceptions, an employee is entitled to pay within 24 hours of a written demand after termination. Minn. Stat. 181.13-.14. This one is pretty cut and dry. If the employee has hours that they worked, but were not paid for, they must be paid. Wages must be paid in the usual manner that they have been paid, unless the employee requests the money be sent through the mail.

➽ THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES general information on business and employment law matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding business law, collections, or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-331-6500 or info@zmattorneys.com.

january 22 MNLA.BIZ

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Plant of the Month:

CALAMINT ‘MONTROSE WHITE’

Matthew Olson

“

MANY FEATURES MAKE THIS PERENNIAL A TREASURE IN THE LANDSCAPE. IF YOU HAVEN’T GROWN IT YET, I RECOMMEND YOU FIND A PLACE FOR IT.

”

The bees first drew me to this perennial at Olbrich Gardens in Madison, WI. Hundreds of them moving swiftly from flower to flower gathering nectar. I had to try growing it myself, and have since learned the many features it has to offer. ‘Montrose White’ is a cultivar of Calamintha nepeta, the 2021 Perennial Plant Association (PPA) Perennial Plant of the Year. Many perennials bloom during late summer, but few of them bloom as extensively as ‘Montrose White’. During spring, clumps of dark green foliage appear, giving way to airy blooms that form in July, continuing until the first frost. The flowers are small and white, continuously being produced on axillary spikes that create a cloud like appearance, similar to Baby’s Breath. It’s a pollinator magnet, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens. A perennial member of the mint family, ‘Montrose White’s’ unique scent wafts several feet away. Deer avoid this plant, and unlike many of its relatives, it doesn’t spread. Owing to its compact stature, ‘Montrose White’ can be grown in a variety of spaces, attaining a height of 18", with a spread of 18–24". Though generally drought tolerant and requiring little maintenance, it prefers full sunlight, but can also 20

MNLA.BIZ january 22

tolerate light shade. It’s an outstanding choice for formal edges, rock gardens, and containers. And it looks exceptionally good when planted in drifts. You can easily propagate them from cuttings or division. This plant is reliably hardy to Zone 4 but can survive Zone 3 with adequate snow cover. You can grow ‘Montrose White’ as a companion plant for Alliums, Prairie Dropseed, and other late blooming perennials. As this plant blooms in fall, the flower color subtly changes from white to pale violet. In late fall, after the leaves have fallen, it still maintains an attractive structure that provides winter interest. Many features make this perennial a treasure in the landscape. If you haven’t grown it yet, I recommend you find a place for it. Do you have a favorite plant you want your colleagues to know about? Contact jon@mnla.biz and start writing!

➽ MATTHEW OLSON, MNLA-CP is a Horticulturist at the Kohler Co. in Kohler, WI, as well as a freelance garden writer. He can be reached at matt@mattolsonhorticulture.com.

january 22 MNLA.BIZ

Ivanhoe’s goal is to provide our wholesale customers with the highest quality trees and

exceptional unmatched value in the Chicagoland area, Minnesota, Ivanhoe’sshrubs, goal is to provide ourservice, wholesaleand customers with the highest quality trees and shrubs, exceptional service, and Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa. We grow and maintain a diverse selection of trees and unmatchedshrubs. value inWe the Chicagoland area, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa.We Wecan growhave and your maintain a diverse selection provide personal, prompt service to every customer. order of trees and shrubs. provide personal, every customer. We can havelocation your order ready forWe pickup in 24 hoursprompt can service arrangetoshipping. Our centralized inready the for pickup in Ivanhoe’s goal is to provide ourorwholesale customers with the highest quality trees and Midwest means lower freight costs. 24 hours or can arrange shipping. Our centralized location in the Midwest means lower freights costs.

Ivanhoe’s goal with the quality trees shrubs, exceptional service, and unmatchedcustomers value in the Chicagoland Minnesota, Ivanhoe’s goal is is to to provide provideour ourwholesale wholesale customers with thehighest highestarea, quality treesand and shrubs, exceptional and unmatched Chicagoland area, Wisconsin, Indiana service, and Iowa. We grow and value maintain a diverse selection of Minnesota, trees and shrubs, exceptional service, and unmatched valueininthe the Chicagoland area, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana and We and aadiverse selection ofoftrees and shrubs. We provide personal, prompt service every customer. We can have your Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa. Iowa. Wegrow grow andtomaintain maintain diverse selection treesorder and I N & F VANHOE URSERY ARMS shrubs. provide We have ready We for 24 hoursprompt or can service arrange shipping. Our centralized in order the shrubs. Wepickup provideinpersonal, personal, prompt serviceto toevery everycustomer. customer. Wecan canlocation haveyour your order ready for pickup in 24 hours or can arrange shipping. Our centralized location in the Midwest means lower freight costs. ready22149 for pickup 24 hours or can60 arrange Our centralized location in the UNDELEIN W.in IL ROUTE • Mshipping. , IL 60060 Midwest Midwestmeans meanslower lowerfreight freightcosts. costs.

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TREE Is My

SAFE?

Jonathan Heaton

iStock.com/artisteer

Bartlett Tree Experts

TREES

The ISA tree risk assessment matrix combines likelihood of failure and impact with the consequences of failure to determine the risk level from low to extreme.

MANY OF US FIELD THIS QUESTION from clients on a regular basis. On both residential and commercial properties, clients have concerns about the safety of their trees. Evaluating this and communicating to clients can be challenging and can create legal exposure for your business; but it’s an important aspect of the service we provide. The first thing to understand and communicate

is that we can’t say a tree is “safe.” All trees pose some level or risk, and all we can do as professionals is to evaluate what level of risk the tree poses so that the client can make decisions about whether that level of risk is acceptable, given the value that the tree provides. There are several methods of tree risk assessment that seek to be as objective and quantifiable as possible. The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) does a good job of helping practitioners to objectively assess risk, while still recognizing the subjective judgements that must be made and the limited information we have available to evaluate risk. 24

MNLA.BIZ january 22

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Obtaining TRAQ requires taking a two-day course and passing a written and practical exam. A recertification course and exam need to be taken every five years to maintain the qualification. The course covers details including the risk assessment process, legal exposures, and important considerations for communicating risk. This article is meant to be an introduction to the process to help you understand how it works, if this qualification is something you may want to obtain, and when to refer clients to an arborist with TRAQ to assess risk on their trees.

decay in the trunk and better inform the likelihood of failure. The right level will ultimately depend on the goals of your client and the tree or trees to be assessed.

Levels of Assessment The risk assessment process starts with deciding which of the three levels of assessment are appropriate for the client’s goals. A Level 1 risk assessment involves a limited visual assessment of a group of trees. Think of relatively quickly walking through a park to check on a large number of trees for issues that indicate increased risk. This is often best for large properties or municipalities. A Level 2 assessment involves a more detailed visual inspection of the tree, checking from all sides if accessible. A Level 3 assessment includes more detailed assessment such as a climbing inspection or using tools such as sonic tomography to measure

Likelihood of Failure When assessing the likelihood of failure, the assessor will take into consideration any defects observed on the tree and other factors that influence how likely it is that the tree will break within normal weather conditions. Defects might include things like a cavity with decay, over-extended limbs and limbs with weak attachments, or a buried root collar and potential root decay. Other factors that might be considered are wind exposure, the species profile, and the load on the defect.

Three Factors to Evaluate Once the appropriate level of assessment is determined, the assessor will evaluate three factors to determine the level of risk: likelihood of failure of the whole tree or part of the tree, likelihood of striking the target or targets of concern, and, if the tree or tree part fails and hits the target, the severity of the consequences.

Likelihood of Striking the Target Targets would be anything that we care about being hit. This would include people,

TREES

“

IF YOU ARE A CERTIFIED ARBORIST WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO EVALUATE RISK FOR YOUR CLIENTS, THE ISA TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION IS A MUST HAVE. IF YOU DON’T HAVE THIS QUALIFICATION OR ARE NOT AN ARBORIST, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REFER YOUR CLIENT TO SOMEONE WHO DOES IF THEY WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE RISK POSED BY THEIR TREES.

”

The cavity and decay at the base of this tree increases the likelihood of failure of the stem.

cars, houses, or anything else of value. When considering the likelihood that the target will be struck if the tree part of concern does fail, several factors need to be considered. For example, is the tree leaning away from the home or towards it? How often are people within the area the tree might fall? Severity of Consequences Next, if the tree part fails and hits the target, consider the severity of the consequences. This is an important consideration when rating risk. A limb may have a high likelihood of failing and of hitting the target, but if the target is an old bench that has little value, the risk will be low. If it is a person, the consequence would be severe, and the risk would be much higher. Factors to be considered are how much damage you would anticipate being done and the cost of the damage. The Tree Risk Assessment Matrix All of these factors are combined using the risk assessment matrix to provide an overall risk rating from low to extreme. If the risk assessment is communicated well with the client, it can be a very valuable tool in helping them to make decisions about their trees. The largest benefit I have found from the process is in helping clients to better understand how to evaluate risk from trees, and to make good decisions on mitigating risk relative to their goals.

A formal risk assessment helps clients understand risk and prioritize needs on their property. This dead black cherry next to apartment homes rated as high risk and a priority for removal.

➽ JONATHAN HEATON is a Board Certified Master Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, and Commercial Arborist Representative, Local Manager with Bartlett Tree Experts. You can reach Jonathan at jheaton@Bartlett.com. 26

MNLA.BIZ january 22

All photos by Jonathan Heaton.

Be Equipped to Evaluate Risk If you are a certified arborist who would like to be better equipped to evaluate risk for your clients, the ISA Tree Tisk Assessment Qualification is a must have. If you don’t have this qualification or are not an arborist, you should always refer your client to someone who does if they want to understand the risk posed by their trees. If you see a tree that has conditions of concern, a good potential conversation might include something like, “I noticed that this tree has some defects that might increase risk. You should consider having this evaluated by an arborist qualified to evaluate risk to help guide your decisions.” This ash had significant defects that would have been observable in a level 1 and 2 risk assessment. If the property owner had this tree assessed and followed the recommended mitigation, this accident likely could have been prevented. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Develop the next leader in your business next year with this proven MNLA program!

A COMPANY’S ROI GILI is a unique leadership program custom-designed with a Green Industry focus. It is open to a select cohort each year. The course meets 10 times during the year, covering topics chosen based on feedback from the MNLA community. It incorporates highly interactive exercises, discussions, lecture-style learning, and project-based activities and sessions. Using these multiple learning methods creates a rich adult-learning environment. GILI will prepare your employee to take a stronger and more confident leadership role in your company and includes these tangible takeaways: 1. The students engage in discussions and learn tips and tricks in improving processes, realizing new strategies, and gaining advice from Green Industry presenters. Students are collecting ideas from others each time they meet. This is a continual improvement opportunity for the company. Sponsors and managers can be key influencers by engaging with the student monthly to hear suggestions and support their leadership development. 2. The projects the students manage and execute are meant to improve their company in a meaningful way. Note that these are projects that affect the entire company, not small individual projects that only help the student get their own tasks done. The process of choosing and developing the project includes rounds of feedback from the sponsor, facilitator and fellow students.

MORE INFO & APPLICATION FORM AT WWW.MNLA.BIZ/LEADERSHIP. For questions contact Jon Horsman, MNLA Associate Director: 651-633-4987 or jon@mnla.biz.

3. Students develop a network of peer advisors to engage with as they grow and advance in their career. This network builds Green Industry alliances, provides feedback on continued development, and expands opportunities for the company. 4. Feedback from sponsors indicate that individuals who have graduated truly appreciate their company’s investment in them, become more confident in their roles, and become more aware of how they affect the organization’s success. 5. Students gain a closer relationship with the MNLA APPLICATION organization and can step into a DEADLINE: volunteer-leadership role in an area JANUARY 20 they feel can make a difference for them personally as well as represent their company on a regional-state level.

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Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles Business is designed for business owners who on their vehicles for their Choice day-to-day operations. It’s available withrely eligible Chevrolet Business Choice is designed for business owners who on their vehicles for their and day-to-day operations. It’ssuch available withrely eligible Chevrolet vehicles offers great incentives as valuable upfit equipment. for theirand day-to-day operations. It’ssuch available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles offers great incentives as valuable upfit equipment. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. upfit equipment. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. 1 1 1

To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. ©2012 General Motors Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. ©2012 General Motors ©2012 General Motors

Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles for their day-to-day operations. It’s available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable upfit equipment. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. 302 302 302

www.jeffbelzerchevy.com Version # 4 Version # 4 Version # 4

Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.inddLinked Graphics Art Director Control Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd 12KTFLCHEV032.tif Linked GraphicsRGB

Retail Planning Flyer Control Art George Miller •Mechgmiller@jeffbelzer.com Scale 100 8.75” 952-469-7076 x 11.25” Bleed Chevy CopyDirector Writer TBD

RGB

12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB HD CC with Dump_psd.psd Linked GraphicsRGB Control Art Director 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Mech TBD Copy Print Scale Scale 100 12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB None BusinessCentral_KO.ai ProjWriter Mgr csenn HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Scale Please 100 GM_business_choice.ai TBD Copy Writer Jeff Belzer Lakeville,Mech MN. call the Commercial Department at 952-469-4444. Print Scale None BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Stock None HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB Acct Mgr Svc kdenmark cube_0758.jpg RGB GM_business_choice.ai Print Scale Trim None 8.5” x 11” BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Mgr Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB All Rebates & incentives to dealer, must qualify for same, prices subject to change. Stock None Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Mgr Svc afinnan cube_0758.jpg RGB Folded Size Prod GM_business_choice.ai RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Stock Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Svc cube_0758.jpg RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB Folded Size None afinnan Mgr TBD 1 RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Finishing Buyer To qualify, vehicles must be None used in day-to-day operations of your business and notArtProd solely for transportation purposes. Must provide Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB None Folded Size None afinnan ProdBuyer Mgr TBD RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing Art Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Colors Spec’d 4C TBD Copy Edit Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB 4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing None TBD Art Buyer Colors Spec’d Family_Option_a3.tif RGB 4C TBD 1PROCS.tif CMYK Copy Edit nminieri/pm Mac with Business Central Special Instr. 4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK 1PROSS.tif CMYK Colors Spec’d 1PROCS.tif CMYK 4C Business Central TBD CopyMac Edit nminieri/pm Special Instr. with 4320Gss.tif CMYK BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications None 1PROSS.tif CMYK 1PROCS.tif CMYK 12KTFLCHEV021.tif RGB Mac nminieri/pm with Business Central Special Instr. None BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications

CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT

Job Description 8.75” Chevy Retail Planning Flyer 11.25” Bleed Trim 8.5” x x11” 8.75” x 11.25” Chevrolet, 50Bleed & Cedar, Box 965, Trim Live 8.5” 8.25”x x11” 10.75”

Publications None

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proof of business.

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Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job Description Chevy Retail Planning Flyer JobJob #Description GMC1-12-03178

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iStock.com/fotostorm

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ROSES

he 2022 winning roses for our region (Köppen climate region Dfb; Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas, and most of Wisconsin) have been announced by the American Rose Trials for Sustainability®. These roses were trialed in 2019 and 2020 at our two regional sites hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension – Clay County (Moorhead, MN), and the Green Bay Botanical Garden (Green Bay, WI). To win a regional award (aka A.R.T.S.® Local Artist award), trial

NEWS & NOTES

MNLA.BIZ january 22

Revising the WOTUS Definition

On November 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army announced a proposed rule to re-establish the pre-2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) which

roses need to score equal to or greater than the average of the two industry standard cultivars planted with them (Double Knock Out® and Sunrise Sunset™) and have the majority of plants surviving at the end of the trial. A.R.T.S.® is a national, scientifically focused nonprofit coordinated by volunteers with expertise in roses and plant evaluation. Volunteers include university scientists and extension educators, public garden professionals, and American Rose Society members. Plants are grown under low input conditions and are evaluated monthly during the growing season for traits associated with plant health, plant form, and flowering. For plant care, beds are mulched, moderately irrigated, no pesticides are sprayed on the roses, there is no deadheading, and no additional insulation is provided for winter protection. Winterkilled canes are removed in spring. There is a minimum spacing of 4’ between plants in order to better observe plant form. Plants of each cultivar are not planted adjacently but are dispersed throughout the planting beds using a randomized design. Each plant

of each cultivar is rated monthly in order to obtain the maximum amount of data and have a more complete understanding of plant performance. To calculate the final cultivar score, year two ratings are weighted twice that of year one to better capture the magnifying impact of regional pest and climatic conditions over time. The result of these trials is that as consumers give their regional winning roses basic plant care, there is a high likelihood of success. To learn more about the A.R.T.S.® program and past winning roses for our Dfb region, please visit www.trustedroses.org. The 2022 A.R.T.S. ® Local Artist award winners for the Dfb region are:

had been in place for decades, updated to reflect consideration of Supreme Court decisions. This action advances the agencies’ goal of establishing a durable definition of WOTUS that protects public health, the environment, and downstream communities while

governments, and a broad array of stakeholders in both the implementation of WOTUS and future regulatory actions. The public comment period is now open and will close on February 7, 2022. “In recent years, the only constant with WOTUS has been change,

supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and other industries that depend on clean water. This proposed rule would support a stable implementation of “waters of the United States” while the agencies continue to consult with states, Tribes, local

At Last™ (‘HORcogjill’) - Spring Meadow

Nursery: This healthy, compact floribunda

bears clusters of sweetly fragrant double apricot blooms throughout the growing season.

Easy on the Eyes™ (‘WEKswechefy’) - Weeks

Roses: Abundant clusters of creamy-white,

semi-double blooms open revealing rich purple centers. This healthy shrub rose has a pleasant fragrance.

creating a whiplash in how to best protect our waters in communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through our engagement with stakeholders across the country, we’ve heard overwhelming calls for a durable definition of WOTUS

Golden Dragon™ (‘ALTdragon’) - Altman Plants: Bright yellow, high-centered blooms stand out against the dark green foliage of this healthy floribunda rose. j Head Over Heels™ (‘BAIeels’) - Bailey Nurseries: Large clusters of double light lavender to pink blooms cover this compact healthy shrub rose throughout the season. The blooms have a sweet fragrance.

i Pink Freedom™ (‘WEKpumpahor’) - Weeks Roses: Fragrant, double-pink blooms open flat to reveal yellow stamens. Bloom clusters are elevated and displayed nicely above this healthy, vigorous shrub rose.

that protects the environment and that is grounded in the experience of those who steward our waters.” “The Army recognizes the importance of our nation’s water resources and the role water plays in our communities across the nation,” said Acting Assistant

Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime A. Pinkham. “We remain committed to working with EPA to develop a rule that is informed by our experience and expertise, as well as that of our coregulators, is mindful of implementation practices, and is shaped by the lived

experience of local communities and stakeholders.” The proposed rule would maintain the longstanding exclusions of the pre-2015 regulations as well as the exemptions and exclusions in the Clean Water Act on which the agricultural community has come to rely. For

more information on submitting written comment on the proposal or to register for the virtual public hearings on the proposed rule, see www.epa.gov/wotus.

Correction

In the November 2021 issue we incorrectly identified Jim Shimon

and Katy Geffre as the winners of the Shootout Grouse Skeet contest. While Jim and Katy did win the Long Shot contest, it was actually Peter Tiede who won the Grouse Skeet contest. Congratulations, Peter, Jim, and Katy!

january 22 MNLA.BIZ

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ROSES

Table 1. Maximum points allocated to each of the contributing traits in the A.R.T.S.® standard monthly evaluation rating. Overall category

Character trait

Maximum point value

Flowers

Bloom coverage

2.00

Bloom shape

0.50

Fragrance

1.00

Shedding of spent blooms

0.50

Hip formation

0.25

Foliage retention

1.50

Lack of chlorosis

1.00

Lack of disease

1.00

Lack of insect and mite damage

1.00

Growth habit

1.00

Lack of dead canes

0.25

Maximum point total

10.00

i Pinkerbelle™ (‘MEIvanae’) - Star® Roses

and Plants: Flushes of fragrant, double multi-

toned pink to soft lavender flowers with subtle darker stipples are produced throughout the season on this healthy hybrid tea.

Foliage

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i The Champion™ Sunblush Rose (‘MEItitka’)

- Greenleaf Nursery Company: This colorful,

healthy shrub rose bears loads of single yellow blooms that transition to pink as they age. The mixture of newly opened yellow and older pink blooms is dramatic.

i The Grand Champion™ Red Rose (‘MEImacota’) - Greenleaf Nursery Company: Healthy, glossy, dark green foliage provides a good backdrop for the double, full red blooms of this robust shrub rose. True Bloom™ True Love™ (‘ALTcaptain’) - Altman Plants: Clusters of bright red, very double blooms cover this dense, low growing, healthy floribunda. ➽ DR. DAVID C. ZLESAK is a Professor of Horticulture at the University of WI-River Falls and on the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees. RANDY NELSON is an Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota Clay County Extension. Both serve on the board of directors of A.R.T.S.® january 22 MNLA.BIZ

2022 GREEN INDUSTRY DAY WEEK ON THE HILL February 28-March 4, 2022

Our annual Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole. This year, our event will be a Week on the Hill and include personal virtual visits with your legislators! This virtual approach enables members to connect with legislators, and educate your elected officials on the Green Industry’s legislative priorities in 2022. Register today! How will this work?

Just let us know that you’ll participate, then we’ll go to work lining up the meeting, and coordinate a time with your state representative and state senator. Given everyone’s busy schedules, it may not be possible to plan a meeting with all legislators, but we will work hard to connect you during the Week on the Hill. When you register, indicate the windows of time you’re available that week. At least one member of MNLA’s Government Affairs Team will attend your meeting, helping foster connections between attendees and legislators and ensuring you’re prepared for successful legislative meetings.

Be sure to register by this year’s deadline – Friday, February 18!

Registrations can be submitted electronically by visiting the Week on the Hill event page on the MNLA.biz event calendar.

We look forward to advocating alongside you Feb. 28-Mar. 4 to grow results in government affairs! Thanks to our MNLA Government Affairs Program Sponsors:

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MONOCULTURES

TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IS A CRITICAL ELEMENT OF ECOLOGY SUSTAINABILITY, THE MOST URGENT OF WHICH IS TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF PESTS AND DISEASE OUTBREAKS ON URBAN CANOPY COVER.

Anyone who has followed the introduction of

Dutch Elm disease (DED) is already painfully aware of how devastating tree pest outbreaks can be. Where I live, in Minneapolis, MN, Dutch Elm disease dramatically impacted canopy cover in the 1970’s and 80’s. Prior to DED, Minneapolis was estimated to have between 200,000 and 600,000 Elms; there are now about 35,000 (that’s just 5 to 17 percent of the original population). The infestation left streets decimated. The cost of the outbreak wasn’t just the destruction of a nice, leafy view, either. Tree and stump removal, trimming, insect and disease control, inspection, and replanting as a result of DED amounted to $8 million in 1978 in Minneapolis alone, and more than $5 million dollars annually for the next nine years. 40

MNLA.BIZ january 22

The single “benefit” of planting a monoculture — those “clean and simple” lines beloved by so many landscape architects that leave me cold — can never outweigh the costs. Too Much of a Good Thing Because they are very tough and can grow in difficult conditions, most U.S. cities spent the last 70 years planting American Elms and American Green Ash and unintentionally testing the notion that they are the optimal urban tree types. Two small insects, each less than .25” long — the Elm Bark Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer — proved that toughness is not enough to save a monoculture. To date, we have lost over 90 percent of these very tough Elm and Ash city trees, and the canopy cover and ecosystem services of hundreds of

communities have been left in shreds. If we plant only one type of tree in one place, hundreds of thousands of times, at some point in the not-too-distant future they will be attacked by a pest or a disease that kills almost all of them. It doesn’t matter how tough the tree is. A fact of modern development is that most trees planted in U.S. cities in the last 70 years that are not planted in parks, botanic gardens, arboreta, or private gardens have died prematurely. What other field of human endeavor in America has failed so spectacularly? Nuclear propulsion? No, nuclear power has powered U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers for hundreds of millions of miles for the last 60 years (that’s over 5,000 reactor years) without a single incident. By this logic tree planting, which is widely agreed to be easy

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to do, has a much worse record of success than harnessing nuclear propulsion, which is widely agreed to be hard to do. I find this outrageous. The High Cost of the Status Quo As trees provide a wide range of ecological, social, and economic benefits, a sudden and large decrease in tree canopy cover has far reaching effects. One such effect is a dramatic reduction in stormwater volume and water quality benefits, which subsequently impact receiving water bodies. It is therefore not surprising that the 1970’s outbreak of DED in Minneapolis correlated with declining water quality in our Chain of Lakes. After canopy cover decreased across 15 square miles of Minneapolis over 20 years following this outbreak, water quality also significantly declined in Minneapolis’ signature amenity. It took tens of millions of dollars to turn the water quality clock back to 1970, pre-DED. Aside from the high direct costs, many indirect impacts result from water quality problems. For example, several studies found that real estate values go down as lake water quality decreases. Krysel, et al. (2003) studied the correlation between water clarity and lakeshore properties, using water clarity as a proxy for water quality. They found that water clarity positively affected prices paid for lakeshore properties located on Minnesota lakes within the Mississippi Headwaters Board jurisdiction. Their results showed that if lakes experienced a one-meter change in water clarity, the “expected property price changes for these lakes are in the magnitude of tens of thousands to millions of dollars.” The change in lakeshore property prices for a one-meter change in water clarity varied from lake to lake. Other researchers also found correlations between water quality in Wisconsin (David 1968 in Krysel, et al. 2003), southeast Michigan (Brashares 1985 in Krysel, et al. 2003), and Maine (Boyle, et al. 1998 in Krysel, et al. 2003). If Minneapolis’ 1970’s urban forest had been more diverse, canopy cover would not have changed as dramatically due to DED. How would the costs that resulted from the water quality decline in Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes and large-scale elm removals compare with the costs of maintaining tree species diversity targets? Today, we’re asking the same question about Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). How can we protect the Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis’

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MONOCULTURES

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Early OrdEr discOunts cOntact us fOr a frEE catalOg 44

MNLA.BIZ january 22

crown jewel, from future impacts of massive loss of tree canopy? Minneapolis currently has about 240,000 total ash trees: more than 30,000 are planted in streets, approximately 10,000 are planted on park properties, and an estimated 200,000 are planted on private property (Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2014) In the words of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, “Whether on public or private land, all ash trees are destined for infestation by EAB.” The number of ash trees that will be lost in Minneapolis due to EAB could therefore very likely be as great as the number of elms lost in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Minneapolis is far from the only city prone to drastic negative environmental and economic impacts from tree pests and diseases. Rauch, et al. (2006) analyzed tree canopies in 12 cities in Eastern North America and found “an overabundance of Acer and Fraxinus,” both of which are susceptible to Asian longhorned beetle and EAB, respectively. They further report that “The most common genus of street tree was Acer. Maples were found in all cities where they comprised from 15% to 57% of the street trees. The next most common genera were Fraxinus and Quercus… In several of the cities surveyed, more than 50% of the street trees could be lost or require protection if these pests become widespread” (emphasis added). The ecological and financial impacts of these pests are enormous. Potential costs associated with removals of urban ash trees alone in the U.S., for example, are estimated at $20 billion to $60 billion, not including replacement costs (Cappaert, et al. 2005 in Rauch, et al. 2006). How far would $20 billion to $60 billion dollars go to increase diversity to reduce such catastrophic tree pest outbreaks? How about an order of magnitude less: $2 to $6 billion? Where do we go from here? Urban foresters recommend setting tree diversity targets to minimize the drastic effects of tree pest and disease outbreaks. For example, the “5-10-20” rule recommends a species, genus, family ratio of no more than 5 percent of one species, no more than 10 percent of one genus, and no more than 20 percent of one family for an urban forest. However, few species can thrive in the limited soil volume provided in a typical urban growing condition, so the level of diversity of healthy urban trees that can realistically be achieved in urban conditions is extremely limited.

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MONOCULTURES

The most significant problem urban trees face is the inadequate volume of soil useable for root growth. Research has shown that trees need approximately two cubic feet of soil volume for every one square foot of canopy area (e.g., Lindsey and Bassuk 1991). Most urban trees, confined to a 4' × 4' × 4' tree pit hole, have less than one tenth of the rooting volume they need to grow large. Improving growing conditions in urban areas is essential for enabling a more diverse array of species to thrive in urban conditions. Techniques to provide rootable soil volume under paved surfaces make it possible for underground urban space that is currently used only for utility chases to also be used to grow larger and more diverse trees. The public urban forest in the U.S. has been broken since 1945, when the advent of new mechanized equipment enabled rapid, severe soil compaction. The solution offered to fix this has always been to increase the number of city trees planted with no regard to changing the planting conditions (also called making the place right for the tree), the soil type, or the tree species being planted. Massive public tree-planting programs designed to address this problem have been repeated over and over again, mostly with massive failures. My point is this: biodiversity not just a shopping list of species. It’s providing adequate soil volume and soil quality so that we can plant a diverse urban forest that is ecologically robust and that can thrive for decades. References: Brashares, Edith Nevins. “Estimating the Instream Value of Lake Water Quality in Southeast Michigan.” Diss. University of Michigan, (1985). Boyle, Kevin J., Steven R. Lawson, Holly J. Michael, and Roy Bouchard. (1998) “Lakefront Property Owners’ Economic Demand for Water Clarity in Maine Lakes.” Maine Agriculture and Forest Experiment Station Miscellaneous Report 410. University of Maine. David, Elizabeth L. (1968) “Lakeshore Property Values: A Guide to Public Investment in Recreation.” Water Resources Research 4.4 : 697-707. Krysel, Charles, Elizabeth Marsh Boyer, Charles Parson, and Patrick Welle. (2003). “Lakeshore Property Values & Water Quality: Evidence from Property Sales in the Mississippi Head-waters Region.” Mississippi Headwaters Board. Lindsey, P; Bassuk, N. (1991). “Specifying Soil Volumes to Meet the Water Needs of Mature Urban Street Trees and Trees in Containers.” J. Arboriculture. 17(6), 141-149. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Ash Canopy Replacement Plan: Frequently Asked Questions. Viewed 05/15/2014 from http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/caring/EAB_Fact_Sheet.pdf. Cappaert, D., D.C. McCullough, T.M. Poland, and N.W. Siegert. (2005). Emerald ash borer in North America: A research and regulatory challenge. American Entomologist 51:152–165. Raupp, Michael J., Anne Buckelew Cumming, and Erin C. Raupp. (2006). “Street Tree Diversity in Eastern North America and Its Potential for Tree Loss to Exotic Borers.” Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 32(6):297–304. Shiffer, James Eli. “Dutch elm disease toll slowed from peak years.” Minneapolis Star Tribune. ( July 28, 2012).

iStock.com/enjoynz

Skiera, B.; Moll, G. (1992). The Sad State of City Trees. Am. Forests. March/ April, 61-64.

➽ PETER MACDONAGH, FASLA is the Director of Science + Design at The Kestrel Design Group. This is part two in a series about species diversity in the urban forest. 46

MNLA.BIZ january 22

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