Nursery & Landscape Notes Fall 2022

Publication of the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

Country Ridge Nursery Roaring River, NC • 336-984-4050

Gossett’s Landscape Nursery High Point, NC • 336-454-2548

Fair View Nursery Wilson, NC • 252-243-3656

Johnson Nursery Company Willard NC • 910-285-7861

Latham’s Nursery Monroe, NC • 704-283-5696

Nursery South Lumberton, NC • 910-734-7449

Panoramic Farm Marshville, NC • 704-233-4600

Pender Nursery Garner, NC • 919-772-7255 sales@pendernursery.com

Piedmont Carolina Nursery Colfax NC • 336-993-4114

Sampson Nursery Godwin, NC • (910) 567-2937

Taylor’s Nursery Raleigh, NC • (919) 231-6161

Turtle Creek Nursery Davidson, NC • 704-663-5044

Nursery & Landscapenotes

Published by

North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

NCNLA Staff

Richard Lawhun Executive Vice President

Katie Rodrigues Director of Events & Education

Kathryn Stansbury Director of Business Development

Wendi Doak Director of Marketing & Communications Rayna Bailey Office Manager

Nursery & Landscape Notes is published quarterly by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (NCNLA), covering news, research, education and business in the nursery and landscape industries. The publication is distributed to approximately 825 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

Nursery & Landscape Notes is provided as a member service.

2022 NCNLA Board of Directors

Kevin Cagle President Greenthumb Nursery, LLC Ether, NC

Tim Johnson, II Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer

Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC

Leslie Herndon Past President Greenscape, Inc. Holly Springs, NC

Dana Massey Plantworks Nursery Rougemont, NC

William ”Bill” Bynam Site One Landscape Supply High Point, NC

John Clark Pro Green, Inc. Morganton, NC

Advertising

Ariel Montanez Pender Nursery Garner, NC

Ed Snyder Greenleaf Services Linville, NC

Trey Warrick Scottree & Shelby Nursery, Inc. Shelby, NC

Justin Snyder Alamance Community College Graham, NC

Anthony LeBude North Carolina State University Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Mills River, NC

For advertising inquiries and publication schedule, please contact Wendi Doak at wdoak@ncnla.com or 919-819-9119, ext. 1002.

The inclusion of products or brand names in this publication is not an endorsement by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.

Mission: To provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy.

Vision: To promote and protect the interests of North Carolina’s green industry.

Connect with NCNLA facebook.com/NCNurseryandLandscapeAssociation twitter.com/tweet_ncnla instagram.com/ncnla ncnla.com | BuyNCPlants.com | GreenandGrowin.com | NCGreenprints.com

Tax Deductible Dues Contributions or gifts to NCNLA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary business expenses. A portion of your dues is not deductible as an ordinary business expense to the extent that NCNLA engages in lobbying. The estimated non-deductible portion of your dues assessment is 20%.

NCNLA EVENTS

Green & Growin’ 23 January 16–20, 2023 Greensboro, NC www.greenandgrowin.com

Certified Plant Professional Exam January 16, 2023 Green & Growin’ 23 Greensboro, NC www.ncnla.com/cpp

Summer Educational Summit

June 15, 2023

NCSU McKimmon Center Raleigh, NC

»Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

June 16, 2023 Lochmere Golf Club Cary, NC

INDUSTRY EVENTS

MANTS

January 11-13, 2023 Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD www.mants.com

ON THE COVER

A fall medley of Kale ‘Redbor’, Dusty Miller ‘Silverdust’, Swiss Chard ‘Bright Lights’ and Pansy Matrix Clear Mix.

Cover photo and description by Dana Massey, Plantworks Nursery. www.plantworks.com

Educational Advisors

Next Up, Green & Growin’

It’s FALL!!! I hope this letter finds you all safe and in full swing as the new season settles in.

I’m writing this letter as hurricane Ian finally departs North Carolina. The storm brought us some much-needed rain and, along with it, a lot of high winds we could’ve done without! I haven’t heard of a lot of damage through out our state — mainly just debris and power outages. We had a few trees fall at our nursery, destroying part of a greenhouse (sad to say, we’re getting used to falling trees and damaged greenhouses). I, for one, am hoping Ian was the last of the 2022 hurricanes — I’m ready for calm

The NCNLA staff and board are busy getting ready for our upcoming Green & Growin’ show, which will take place again in Greensboro, NC, Jan. 16-20, 2023. The education portion of the show will be held at the Sheraton, and then we will move to the Coliseum for the Marketplace trade show. Early-bird registration opens on Nov. 14, so be sure to head over to www.greenandgrowin.com to register before Dec. 11 to get the discounted

KevinThere are so many opportunities to take advantage of at Green & Growin’ 23. From furthering your education during our specialty or general classes, to getting the credits you need for the licenses you hold, to exhibiting and networking at the Marketplace, you won’t want to miss this spectacular event!

I would also like to thank the sponsors of this year’s Green & Growin’, without whom the event would not be possible. If your organization would like to be a sponsor, only a few days remain before the deadline. To reserve your sponsorship package today for this flagship green-industry event,

I hope you all have a great fall season filled with success — and if I don’t

Sow the Seeds of Success at Green & Growin’ 23

Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again! Time to make plans for Green & Growin’ 23, the Southeast’s largest green industry trade show, scheduled for Jan. 16-20 in Greensboro. Visit www.greenandgrowin.com to register for discounted early-bird registration starting on Nov. 14, and take advantage of the event’s wide variety of programs and activities.

General Education

tion. Select from a total of 48 educational sessions across these topics, offering CEUs in a variety of license areas, including landscape contractor, irrigation contractor, pesticide applicator, land scape architect, arborist and more.

Specialty Classes and Certifications

This year’s offerings include:

NCNLA Executive Vice President

This year’s program includes two keynote speakers who are well known to the nursery and landscape communities. On Jan. 17, Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping, will provide the Tuesday lunchtime keynote, “More Than Just a Job: How to Be a Great Team Player.” And on Jan. 18, Kim Eierman, author and founder of EcoBeneficial, will give the Wednesday lunchtime keynote, “Taking Landscapes to the Next Level: From Leveraging Ecosystem Services to Changing Cultural Norms.” Make plans to join us for these entertaining and educational presentations. Lunch will be pro vided on a first-come, first-served basis before the talks begin. If you prefer to do your own thing for lunch, however, you can still join us for the presentations and earn a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) from several different licensing boards — just be sure to have your badge scanned when entering the ballroom.

The educational tracks on Tuesday and Wednesday have been revamped again this year to focus more on the topics our attendees want. Tuesday includes four tracks: management principles; business operations; landscape operations; and pests, weeds and diseases. The four Wednesday tracks cover landscape operations, urban forestry and arboriculture, turf management, and irriga

• NC Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training School: Due to the state/federal holiday on Monday, Jan. 16, this 1½ day class will instead be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday this year. The pesticide applicator’s licensing exam will be offered by the North Carolina Depart ment of Agriculture on Wednesday afternoon.

• Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape: A Nature Inspired Approach: Two of your favorite instructors, Bill Stack and Richard Ludwig, return with a new course offering you won’t want to miss. This eighthour Monday workshop focuses on weaving ecologically sound concepts into traditional residential landscape design. You’ll also receive basic graphics instruction to help communi cate ideas efficiently and boldly on paper.

• Sowing the Seeds of Success with Lighting Design: This new three-hour workshop on Monday morning will be led by Jason Shanabarger of Unique Lighting. Explore different techniques to create a variety of lighting effects — from subtle to dramatic — to create the atmo spheres your customers desire.

• Principles of Pruning: From Theory to Topiary: Another of your favorite instructors, Bryce Lane, is back to lead this four-hour hands-on Monday afternoon workshop, which will equip landscape professionals with practical pruning information, including theory, tools, technique and timing. Learn why, how and when to prune plants, and explore unique and historical pruning techniques to help create and maintain landscapes.

Richard “Rick” Lawhun

•

NC Certified Plant Professional (CPP) Exam:

The CPP exam will be offered on Monday afternoon. The CPP designation illustrates a fundamental knowledge of soils, fertilization, turfgrass management, planting techniques and landscape de sign. Show your customers and colleagues you have the expertise, skills and talents needed to succeed in the green industry by earning this designation.

Marketplace

The 150,000-square-foot trade show floor will be open Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Visit with more than 300 exhibitors, and be sure to stop by the 2,200-square-foot Demonstration Area, where SiteOne Landscape Supply will be offering hands-on demonstrations, twice on Thursday and again on Friday. The demonstrations will provide great opportunities to take breaks from walking the show floor and learn some new skills.

Complimentary lunch will also be provided in the Demonstration Area, so you won’t need to scatter in search of food trucks or offsite restaurants—stay engaged with your colleagues and customers on the trade show floor, and enjoy lunch on us!

President’s Reception

Join us Thursday evening at 8:00 PM for the President’s Reception, hosted by Caterpillar. Network with your friends and colleagues as we recognize the incoming NCNLA president, as well as past presidents of NCNLA, NCAN and NCLGMA. Food, drink and entertainment will be provided, so be sure to join us and party through the night!

Green & Growin’ 23 has something for everyone, so make plans to join us Jan. 16-20 in Greensboro.

As always, stay well and stay passionate about the industry you love!

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT »

Five Minutes with Greenscape Tools and Cline Church Nursery

How did you get into the business?

My brother, Alex, and I grew up in the Christmas tree and nursery stock business. My parents began farming in the late ’70s, and we learned the industry and business from them. We both went to college but since have found our way back to our family farm. Greenscape Tools was founded much later, in 2008, when our great friend and industry legend Mitch Perkins brought the idea and opportunity to us. The tool business was a natural addition to our operations, as we already use many of the tools we sell. I started out in 2008 with a small booth at every NCNLA semiannual trade show, and today we have a small storefront in Fleetwood, a growing online presence and — my favorite — a 30-foot booth at Green & Growin’ every year!

Greenscape Tools and Cline Church Nursery Fleetwood, NC

Part-Owner/Tool Sales/ Wholesale Sales and Garden Center Manager Amber Scott

In business since Greenscape Tools since 2008, Cline Church Nursery since 1977

NCNLA member since Greenscape Tools since 2008, longer for Cline Church Nursery

Number of employees 25-50, depending on the season

Favorite NCNLA benefits

Green & Growin’ Trade Show, Nursery & Landscape Notes

What’s a typical day like for you and your staff?

The field work starts at daylight! Our office is open by 7:30 AM (and even earlier during our harvest and shipping seasons), and we open our Garden Center at 9 AM. It’s a lot of fun most days, with a lot going on. We have a fantastic team made up of extended family and friends who are like family to us.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Definitely the people I’ve met. This industry is made up of “salt of the earth” people. We value a lot of the same things, like family, faith, personal relationships and trust. I also love to learn new things, and Lord knows I have had a lot to learn! I learned so much from my mentor, Mitch; my parents; and friends in the industry, whom I have called on for advice many times.

What is your company best known for?

People stop by our booth in Greensboro for the professional quality of the tools we offer — and I’d like to think for the friendly faces, too! We extend that mission of high quality to our wholesale and retail nursery and Christmas tree operation as well. In fact, many of the customers my parents began selling to almost 40 years ago are still customers today — a testament to the quality of products and services they began with, and that we continue to strive for today.

What issues are you concerned about as a company in the green industry?

I feel many of the longterm issues we face, like labor challenges, regulatory demands and land availability/ affordability, will continue to strain our industry. I would currently label consumer education, though, as one of our greatest challenges. Even in this age, when information is more accessible than ever, there is still a major barrier to getting correct information to the consumer. So many misconceptions portray our industry as bad for the environment or not supportive of our native workforce, but both of those notions are far from the truth. I am an optimist, however, and one thing I love about this industry is our innovative and determined spirit. So we will keep on educating consumers, elected officials and each other to the best of our abilities.

What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?

NCNLA has given us the benefit of networking and forging many longterm relationships with growers and other allied businesses, as well as ongoing opportunities to meet new folks.

What advice do you have for someone interested in or just starting out in the industry?

Work hard, be flexible and definitely get involved. Participate in your local trade organizations and get to know other growers and industry-supporting businesses, as well as your county and area extension agents and specialists. It’s always good to have someone to call for advice. Always look for ways to improve, because there will always be room for improvement!

Certified Plant Professional Update

On Sept. 14, more than 25 individuals sat for the Certified Plant Professional (CPP) exam at Pike Nurseries in Charlotte, NC. Thank you to Annie Saunders and Wayne Jours, of Pike Nurseries’ training team, for their support and assistance in hosting this exam.

Congratulations to the following individuals who earned their CPP accreditation.

William Carroll, Pike Nurseries

Michelle Douglas, Town of Wake Forest

Caitlin Gregory, Oregon State University

Amy Holzman, Pike Nurseries

Stacey Koster, Pike Nurseries

Claire Melvin, NCSU

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association would also like to recognize the following professionals who recently renewed their CPP certifications (as of Oct. 16, 2022):

Will Ammons, Town of Cary Patricia Harriman, New Hanover County Extension

John Mark Swicegood, Just My Style Landscape Services, Inc.

Joshua Wisniewski, Coastal Landscape Nursery

Upcoming CPP Exams

• Jan. 16, 2023: Green & Growin’ 23 in Greensboro, NC

Christine Miles, Pike Nurseries

Jennifer Murray, Pike Nurseries

Christian Provencher, Pike Nurseries

Keith Releford, GTCC

Collin Rufty, Pike Nurseries

Mary Shearer, Pike Nurseries Paul Weathers, Pike Nurseries

For more information about the CPP program, to renew your CPP certification or to register for an upcoming exam, visit www.NCNLA.com or email education@ncnla.com.

Attendees Enjoy Second Annual NCNLA Day at Caterpillar

Industry professionals, students, and NCNLA board members and staff gathered at Caterpillar’s Edward J. Rapp Customer and Training Center in Clayton on Aug. 31 for the company’s second annual NCNLA Day, to learn about a specific segment of the industry and network with peers.

The event began with an NCNLA board meeting and lunch for board members and staff. Afterwards, more than 35 event attendees gathered for an exclusive afternoon of learning about Caterpillar’s newest equipment, live demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes look at factory production and a chance to operate machinery. The afternoon kicked off with a safety presentation by Olivia Lampe, Caterpillar’s customer experience coordinator. Attendees then broke out into two groups for a factory tour, followed by a Caterpillar machine and attachment demonstration. Afterwards, attendees were invited to have a hands-on experience operating some equipment, including a compact track loader, a compact wheel loader with a nursery grapple, and a mini

hydraulic excavator with a Tilt-Rotate System attachment. The day wrapped up with a cookout, cornhole games and a chance for attendees, Caterpillar team members, and NCNLA board members and staff to mingle and network.

“We really appreciate everyone who came out to the event,” said Tim Johnson, NCNLA vice president and secretary/treasurer. “This was a great opportunity to break away from everyday operations and gather together to learn and catch up with colleagues. We would especially like to thank Caterpillar and its wonderful staff for opening their doors for this exclusive event.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT »

Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals by featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

Courtney Bivins

Student Profile

Name: Courtney Bivins

Hometown: Trinity, NC College: University of Mount Olive (UMO), Randolph Community College (RCC)

Graduation dates: UMO: 2023; RCC: TBD

Major/Area of Study: UMO: bachelor’s degree in plant sciences; RCC: certification in zoological horticulture Horticulture-Related Places You Have Worked/Interned:

• Two summer internships at the Trinity High School Greenhouses

• Internship growing hydroponic lettuce at Ingram’s Strawberry Farm in High Point, NC (I was also hired to work there)

• Internship at the North Carolina Zoo Horticulture Department

How did you discover horticulture?

I first discovered my excitement for horticulture when I took an agriscience class during my freshman year at Trinity High School. After that, I took every agriculture and horticulture class the school offered. During my sophomore year, my horticulture teacher asked me to join the Introduction to Horticulture Career Development Event team for the area FFA chapter. And during my junior year, I joined the floriculture team.

What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry, and why?

Internships provided my most valuable experiences in the field. During high school I had three internships: two in the greenhouses through Trinity High School’s Agriculture Department, and one growing hydroponic lettuce at Ingram’s Strawberry Farm. My most recent internship was this past summer with the North Carolina Zoo, where I worked in their Horticulture Department. All of these experiences helped me gain valuable knowledge about this field that I enjoy so much.

Checking a plant, Aframomum melegueta, that is fed to the gorillas at the North Carolina Zoo.

We cut banana leaves to feed to the chimpanzees at the North Carolina Zoo.

Educating students about the hydroponic system during my internship at Ingram’s Strawberry Farm.

What were your favorite college classes, and why?

So far, I think my favorite college classes have been Horticulture Methods and Botany. The labs have been very helpful as well, providing hands-on opportunities to learn. I also enjoyed my internship class, during which I worked with the North Carolina Zoo. Really, though, I enjoy any class in which I am able to learn about plants.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to return to my hometown of Trinity and start my career in the Horticulture Department at the North Carolina Zoo.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?

First, this field takes a great deal of hard work and determination. Also, though, you will come across a lot of people who are willing to help you — be sure to take advantage of the oppor

tunities you are given, even if they are small, because those small opportuni ties can turn into much bigger things.

Fun question: What is your favorite plant, and why?

It’s hard to pick just one plant, as I think all plants are fascinating, but I would probably choose the prayer plant. Often mistaken for the calathea, the prayer plant isn’t a common species. Interestingly, at night its leaves begin to fold up in a process called nyctinasty, which is caused by changes in temperature or light intensity.

Taking cuttings and placing them into flats during a horticulture class at the high school.

Sorting plants from a shipment during my internship at the high school.

North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board

More than 50% of complaints received by the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCLCLB) are for unlicensed practice. If a job exceeds the $30,000 threshold — regardless of the amount of the initial quote — a landscape contractor’s license is required by law. Failure to comply with this requirement might land you in court.

The NCLCLB recently had a case in which an individual was bidding on hardscape jobs and subcontracting completion of the work to an unlicensed entity. Even though the person bidding the job didn’t perform any of the work, he was still in violation of the law for quoting landscape services valued at more than $30,000. The unlicensed subcontractor also violated the law by performing the work. In addition to petitioning the court to issue an injunction against both the individual and the subcontractor for unlicensed practice, the NCLCLB also asked the court to direct the parties to reimburse the NCLCLB for the cost of the investigation. As a result, court costs and attorney fees for both parties ended up being more than the cost of a landscape contractor’s license.

Still not convinced that you should be licensed? Then consider

this: If you’re unlicensed and perform work valued at $30,000 or more, your customer may not have to pay you! In the North Carolina Supreme Court case Brady v. Fulghum, an unlicensed building contractor sued a homeowner for breach of contract for nonpayment. However, the court ruled that the homeowner did not have to pay the contractor — even though the contractor “substantially complied” with the construction contract — since “a contract illegally entered into by an unlicensed construction contractor is unenforceable by the contractor.”

While the courts have not yet applied this case to the practice of landscape contracting and construction, one such case is currently before the court. The property owners in that case, who are under contract with an unlicensed contractor for a project of $30,000 or more, may very well petition the court to uphold the previous judicial precedent established by Brady v. Fulghum. If the precedent is upheld, the property owners would not have to pay the unlicensed landscape contractor, as the contract or agreement would be deemed unenforceable.

For just a few hundred dollars each year, you can avoid these

pitfalls — and gain the support and assistance of the NCLCLB. In addition to protecting you, your license also will help expand your market by allowing you to bid on larger jobs. Plus, the license’s continuing education requirement will imply to potential customers that you have the expertise they seek for their projects. So make a commitment to your business and profession — and avoid potentially costly troubles later — by becoming a licensed landscape contractor today!

North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board

The North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCICLB), established via legislation on Jan. 1, 2009, oversees the licensing of irrigation contractors in North Carolina. The purpose of licensure is to protect the public health, safety and welfare, as well as promote the efficient use of water.

According to the licensure law, which became effective on June 30, 2009, no person shall engage in the practice of irrigation construction or contracting, use the designation Irri gation Contractor, or advertise using any title or description that implies licensure as an irrigation contractor unless the person is licensed as an irrigation contractor. All irrigation construction or contracting per formed by an individual, partnership, association, corporation, firm or other group shall be under the direct supervision of an individual licensed by the NCICLB.

How will a license help my business?

Individuals and companies with North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licens es are viewed in the industry as reliable professionals who adhere to high stan dards. In addition, being licensed by the NCICLB shows the extra time and effort you have put into building your credibility as an irrigator. Furthermore, since the NCICLB encourages North Carolinians to hire licensed profes sionals to perform any irrigation work, project owners are more likely to hire licensed professionals.

Why should I become licensed?

North Carolina General Statute § 89G-(1-13) is a “Practice Act” that

addresses individuals using the Irriga tion Contractor designation, as well as individuals performing irrigation contracting and construction services. All individuals and businesses per forming irrigation contracting and construction services are required to be licensed, unless the work or indi vidual falls under a specific exemp tion pursuant to § 89G-3.

How is the law upheld and enforced?

The NCICLB is notified of potential violations of the law by the public via an online complaint form. Unlawful irrigation activity may include, but is not limited to, unlicensed practice, advertising violations or failure to meet minimum standards. If a potential violation is found, a Notice of Complaint is mailed to the alleged violator, and the case is forwarded to the board investigator, who then follows up by gathering evidence and facts from involved parties. If evidence that an unlicensed individual or company has contracted or constructed irrigation services for which the price of all contracts for labor, material and other items for a given job site exceeds $2,500, the case is referred to the NCICLB legal counsel.

Following review of the investiga tion by the legal counsel, a Notice of Violation may be sent, allowing the alleged violator to settle the matter through a formal settlement agree ment. Complaints may be resolved, for example, by giving the contrac tor the opportunity to address and repair issues. However, if a settlement cannot be reached or the respondent does not agree with the findings of the NCICLB, the case will be set for

hearing. North Carolina General Stat ute §89G-11 allows the NCICLB to assess a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation.

Can I advertise irrigation services if I am unlicensed and only service and maintain irrigation systems?

Yes. However, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 89G-2, no person shall advertise using any title or description that implies licensure as an irrigation contractor unless the person is licensed as an irrigation contractor by the NCICLB. Also, be aware that the price of all contracts for labor, material and other items for that given contract must be less than $2,500.

What are surety bonds and irrevocable letters of credit, and why are licensees required to have them?

A surety bond is a legally binding contract between three parties: the surety (usually an insurance compa ny), the contractor and the project owner (homeowner). The surety provides a line of credit to guarantee payment of a claim, giving the project owner a financial guarantee that the contractor will fulfill its obligations. This binds the contractor to comply with the terms and conditions of a contract. If the contractor is unable to successfully perform the contract, the project owner has the right to file a claim against the bond in order to recoup damages or losses. If a claim is valid, the surety may pay the project owner for the damages or losses, in an amount not exceeding the bond amount.

In lieu of obtaining a surety bond, an irrevocable letter of credit, issued by an insured credit institution

(e.g., bank, credit union, etc.), can be obtained. Such a letter of credit indi cates that funds are held by the credit institution to cover the contractor’s responsibilities to ensure that projects are completed. Irrevocable letters of credit and surety bonds serve the same general purpose in providing a financial guarantee, should a claim be brought against a contractor.

Can licensed Irrigation Contractors install backflow devices?

Yes, but only if the individual holds a Restricted Limited Plumbing Con tractor License issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinklers. This limited license gives contractors the ability to legally install backflows.

To verify that an irrigation con tractor is properly licensed to install backflows, be sure to check the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprin

kler Contractors’ licensee search feature at https://public.nclicensing. org/Public/Search.2023

License Renewal

• In order to avoid late fees, be sure to renew your North Carolina Irrigation License by Dec. 31, 2022!

• To renew your individual Irriga tion License for 2023, 10 con tinuing education (CE) credits, including six irrigation credits and four business credits, are required. CE hours must be ob tained between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022.

• Whenever possible, the licensee should upload proof-of-atten dance forms into his or her on line account — this will expedite the audit process, should the licensee be chosen for review. Prior to uploading, please ensure

that your name and license number are included on all proof-of-attendance forms and that the forms include a signature. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

• For those with a corporate license, don’t forget that the firm license cannot be renewed until you have submitted the required CE proof-of-attendance forms and paid the $100 individual license fee.

• Many virtual and in-person class options are available. All ap proved CE courses are listed on the nciclb.org website, and newly submitted CE courses are re viewed on a monthly basis. Always check your account to ensure that you have not taken and/or reported the same class within a three-year period.

• When in doubt, contact the NCICLB office for assistance at (919) 872-2229.

NCNLA’s mission is to provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy

• Be certain that there is a $10,000 surety bond or irrevo cable letter of trust on file with the NCICLB, and that it remains valid throughout the span of licensure.

Visit www.nciclb.org for step-by-step online renewal instructions.

North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board

3733 Benson Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 872-2229 nciclbadmin@nciclb.org www.nciclb.org

• Upon cancellation of a surety bond, the NCICLB office will issue a 30-day notice before sus pending a license and schedul ing a hearing on the matter. 21 NCAC 23

For further information, contact: Margaret M. Geiger, Board Administrator North Carolina Irrigation Contrac tors’ Licensing Board nciclbadmin@nciclb.org (919) 872-2229

CHAIRMAN

W. Charles Nieman Grounds Guys of North Eastern North Carolina Jarvisburg cnieman@nciclb.org

Highlighted rule of the quarter:

.0504

SYSTEM LAYOUT

(a) An irrigation contractor shall install the irrigation system’s components according to the design specifications and manufacturer’s performance standards.

(b) Microirrigation devices shall be installed at a spacing to meet the maximum irrigation requirements of the plants being irrigated. The flow rate of the microirrigation devices, soil types and plant types must all be considered in selecting the spacing of the microirrigation devices.

(c) Sprinklers shall be installed such that the spacing between sprinklers results in approximate “head-to-head” coverage, but in no event shall the spacing exceed the radius listed in the manufacturer’s specifications. An irrigation contractor shall determine the radius by referring to the manufacturer’s specifications for a sprinkler at a specific operating pressure.

(d) Irrigation systems shall be installed such that they do not spray water onto or over surfaces made of concrete, asphalt, brick, wood or any other continuous impervious material, such as walls, fences, sidewalks and streets. The irrigation system as installed may spray water onto such surfaces due to irregularly shaped hardscapes, wind drift or fixed spray patterns of sprinklers.

(e) Under sloping conditions, an irrigation system shall be installed with check valves to hold water in the piping system.

History Note: Authority G.S. 89G-5; Eff. July 1, 2011;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 22, 2014;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2016.

BOARD MEMBERS

Charles A. Allen IV Grounds Pros OBX Fayetteville callen@nciclb.org

Daniel Baker

Sanford Turf and Irrigation, Inc. Sanford dbaker@nciclb.org

Kurt H. Bland Bland Landscaping Co., Inc Apex kbland@nciclb.org

Steve D. Hill New Leaf Associates, Inc. Raleigh shill@nciclb.org

Charles William Hughes III Charles W Hughes Construction, LLC LaGrange chughes@nciclb.org

Tracy McDonald Cardinal Landscaping, Inc. Cary Phone: (919) 319-8790 tmcdonald@ncicb.org

Chad Poole

Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Raleigh capoole2@ncsu.edu

LEGAL COUNSEL

Alexander Ward

North Carolina Department of Justice P.O. Box 629 Raleigh, NC 27602 (919) 716-6839 award@ncdoj.gov

North Carolina School Updates

Alamance Community College

The Horticulture Technology Department at Alamance Community College is now a North Carolina apprenticeship sponsor, with multiple pathways to support apprentices in the green industry, depending on individual career goals. Apprenticeships, which are established through partnerships between an industry company and an educational institution, offer apprentices the opportunity to earn a living wage while learning via on-the-job training and completing courses toward a certificate or a two-year associate’s degree in applied science. Open to new industry members and industry members who want to gain more formalized training experiences, these partnerships have been designed to

support industry companies of all sizes to enable them to recruit and maintain a trained and educated workforce.

If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice or have a company that might like to sign on as an industry partner, please reach out to Liz Riley at elizabeth.riley@alamancecc.edu or (336) 506-4192.

University of Mount Olive Unveils New UMObile STEM Lab

On Friday, Oct. 14, the University of Mount Olive (UMO) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its bus-based mobile laboratory, UMObile, which is intended to provide educational opportunities in agriculture and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. “Instead of making discoveries in a lab, we want to be able to take all our equipment to where opportunity and discovery truly are: out in the field, within our communities and with all ages of students,” said Dr. Sarah Lahman, associate professor of biology at UMO, of UMObile’s outreach mission.

The idea for the mobile lab came about as faculty members within the UMO School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences were discussing ways to reach a variety of audiences, including students interested in agriculture, as well as conservationists, educators and farmers. “A mobile lab was not the original goal,” noted Dr. Sandy Maddox, dean of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. “But after much deliberation on the specifics of a new biology field lab, the idea of a bus that has been repurposed to house lab equipment became the frontrunner. To date, the concept has been quite successful.”

According to Dr. Lahman, UMObile houses state-of-theart technology, including incubators for tissue cultures; a DNA sequencer; environmental probes; and computers for analyzing, visualizing and sharing results. “These features make the new lab a valuable addition to UMO’s repertoire of educational outreach materials,”she added.

Dr. H. Edward Croom, UMO president, sees UMObile as a great way for faculty to reach students and foster early interest in STEM-related topics, while also promoting the university.

For more information or to schedule a visit from UMObile, visit umo.edu/mobile-lab.

Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Online Reputation?

TIPS ON GENERATING MORE ONLINE REVIEWS — AND DEALING WITH NEGATIVE ONES

A Guide to Online Reviews

If you’re like most business owners, you pride yourself on your company’s reputation. Your branding, your trucks and your team’s involvement in the community all have an impact on your reputation.

However, your corporate image isn’t limited to the physical world — in recent years, your company’s online presence has become an essential part of your reputation. Even so, many landscape companies still have not dedicated resources or attention to curating, maintaining and protecting their online image.

The Importance of Online Reputation and Reviews

As humans, we place great value on the opinions and recommendations of others. While in past generations, people would often get this kind of information from family and friends, these days, ironically, they usually turn to complete strangers online.

According to a recent survey, 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, including 93% of people aged 35-54. [Source: BrightLo cal, Local Consumer Review Survey]

So, if the vast majority of your audi ence is looking to online reviews when researching your company and your competition, shouldn’t you spend some time investing in this area?

Focus on Google Reviews

When it comes to online reviews for landscape companies, you can get reviews on Facebook, Yelp and several other platforms — but for the biggest impact, you’ll want to focus your atten tion on Google. Most of your potential customers are searching for your ser vices on Google, and your reviews can

have an impact on whether or not you are ranked highly in Google searches.

In the spring of 2022, YDOP conducted a nationwide study of more than 40,000 Google profiles in the lawn care and landscaping in dustry, finding that, on average, the top-ranking landscape companies had 21 reviews on Google and a 4.45-star rating. To see the complete findings of this study, visit ydop.com/articles/ guide-to-google-business-profiles-forlandscapers/.

If your Google profile doesn’t meet those thresholds in terms of re view quantity and/or quality, you may not be showing up as highly as you could in search results. And if your lo cal competitors have more reviews or a higher average star rating, you could be losing business to them.

Dealing with Negative Reviews

If you’re like most business owners, there’s not much that’s more infu riating than a negative review about your business. It’s easy to take negative reviews personally — after all, they reflect badly on your company, your team, and your work.

Unfortunately, at some point you can expect to receive mixed or nega tive reviews online. No business is per fect, and every team is capable of an “off” day now and then. Nevertheless, how you handle negative reviews will directly impact your future business and your online reputation.

The best thing you can do in those cases is calmly re spond to the review and try to take the conversation offline — don’t try to defend yourself or argue about specifics. The main goal is to de-escalate the situation and show future readers of the reviews how you handle these types of issues.

Here’s a sample response you can modify and use as a response to negative reviews:

I am sorry to hear about your experience with us. We always strive for the best customer experience, and I would love to see what we can do to correct the situation. Please reach out directly to me at [phone number] at your convenience so we can discuss the situation.

[Your name and position]

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

The best way to defend against negative reviews is to build a large base of positive ones. For instance, one poor review will have a much smaller impact on a business with 100 pos itive reviews than it will on a business with only 10 positive reviews. And if you have 200 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, the negative reviews likely will be seen as outliers and not the norm.

To boost your review numbers, create a plan to ask for reviews from every customer you serve. For design/build landscapers, ask for a review after completing each project, prompting the customer to write about the smoothness of the design process, their experience working with your team and the quality of the finished product. For bonus points, ask them to include photos with their review.

If you have a retail location, consider placing signage at the register that asks for reviews. Add a QR code to the sign that takes people directly to your Google profile, so they can leave a review right then and there.

Additionally, there are software options — great for high-volume businesses — for automatically requesting re views from customers via email and text. Low-tech options, like postcards or phone calls from your team, also can be effective at generating reviews.

Learn from Your Feedback

As a business owner or leader, make sure you are mon itoring your company’s reviews regularly — especially the negative ones. Oftentimes, they can reveal other wise-hidden underlying issues.

For example, if you have several reviews mentioning a lack of communication or poor customer service, you may want to look into your response time, sales process or even the people who answer your phones. And while negative feedback about pricing will happen, having too many such complaints might indicate that your mar keting and advertising efforts aren’t targeting the right people with the appropriate budgets.

Take Charge of Your Online Reputation

You wouldn’t forget to wash your trucks or clean up your retail location, so why should you neglect your online reputation? Take a proactive approach to man aging your online reputation by asking for reviews and appropriately responding to negative feedback. Even if you don’t currently rely on your website, social media or other online channels to generate leads and grow your business, you still need to protect and maintain your

Keynote Speakers

Green & Growin’ 23 keynote speakers will present from Noon-12:50 PM. Lunch will be provided at 11:30 AM.

Education & Marketplace Amenities

Thanks to our sponsors, we can provide complimentary food and beverage again in 2023, so you can spend more time discussing the educational sessions with your peers and more time on the Marketplace floor. (Available daily while supplies last.)

Tuesday: MORNING COFFEE STATION LUNCH AFTERNOON SNACK STATION

NEW Networking Event

Thousands of green industry professionals will gather at Green & Growin’ 23 Education and Marketplace to gain new skills, network and catch up with colleagues. theSow seeds Success OF

SCHEDULE AT A Glance

EDUCATION: Jan. 16-18

Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

Monday, January 16

8:30 AM-5:00 PM Specialty Workshops

Tuesday, January 17

7:30-8:30 AM Check-in & Coffee

8:30 AM-4:00 PM Education Sessions

11:30 AM-12:50 PM Lunch & Keynote Address: Marty Grunder

Wednesday, January 18

7:30-8:30 AM Check-in & Coffee

8:30 AM-4:00 PM Education Sessions

11:30 AM-12:50 PM Lunch & Keynote Address: Kim Eierman

MARKETPLACE: Jan. 19-20 Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center

Thursday, January 19

7:30-9:00 AM NCNLA Membership Breakfast & Annual Meeting

9:00 AM-5:00 PM Green & Growin’ Marketplace 8:00 PM President’s Reception

Friday, January 20

9:00 AM-3:00 PM Green & Growin’ Marketplace 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Women in the Green Industry Gathering

Education

MONDAY, JAN.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

7:30-8:30 AM: Check-in & Coffee

EDUCATION TRACKS MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES BUSINESS OPERATIONS LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS PESTS, WEEDS & DISEASES

8:30-9:20 AM

Budgeting & Estimating Measure What You Manage Nuts & Bolts of Pruning: Theory, Tools, Technique & Timing

9:30-10:20 AM

Valuation of Landscape Contracting Businesses: What’s My Business Worth, and What Are Three Things I Can Do To Increase the Long Term Value?

10:30-11:20 AM

The Importance of Shift, Change, and Innovation in an Uncertain Economy

11:30 AM-12:00 PM — Lunch

How to KNOW How Your Customers Use Your Website

11:30 AM-12:50 PM

Timely Management of Scale Insects

Sowing the Seeds of Success with Lighting Design Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management for Ornamental Plants

5 Steps to Safe Digging Keys to Success: 15 Perennials for Landscapes

Management of Soilborne Diseases in the Greenhouse, Nursery and Landscape

12:00-12:50 PM — Keynote Marty Grunder, President & CEO of Grunder Landscape Company and The Grow Group

More Than Just a Job: How to Be a Great Team Player

It takes a whole team for a landscaping company to succeed. From hard-working field crews and sales professionals to owners, managers, and office administrators, we all play an instrumental role. In this talk, Marty will help you examine your strengths and weaknesses as a team player and identify changes you can make to get the most, professionally and personally, out of your workday. Because when you’re part of a great team, you have more than a job—you have a purpose.

Defining Spaces for Synthetic Grass Red-Headed How to Create a Digital Marketing Strategy, Where to Start?

Education Schedule is subject to change. Professional Credits (CEU) Key Attend the sessions of your choice to earn continuing education credits toward state or national accreditations. Look for the icons below. ● LC Landscape Contractor License (NC) — Technical CEU ■ LCB Landscape Contractor License (NC) — Business CEU ● LA Landscape Architect License (NC)

Practical Aspects of the Use of Plant Growth Regulators 3:00-3:50 PM H-2A Discussion How Healthy is Your Employee Handbook? Segmental Retaining Wall Basics Integrated Pest Management of European Pepper Moth

National Pesticide Safety Education Center Pollinator Collaboration Efforts

● IC Irrigation Contractor License (NC) — Technical Irrigation CEU ■ ICB Irrigation Contractor License (NC) — Business CEU ● PA Pesticide Applicator License (NC)

● ISA International Society of Arboriculture — Certified Arborist ● NALP National Association of Landscape Professionals — Landscape Industry Certified ▲ SAF Society of American Foresters — Certified Forester

Earn CEUs when you walk the Marketplace floor: ● (1) ● (2) All CEUs shown have been applied for and are awaiting approvals. Confirmed CEUs will be listed at www.greenandgrowin.com and in the official event Showbook, available on-site.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18

7:30-8:30 AM: Check-in & Coffee

EDUCATION TRACKS LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS

8:30-9:20 AM

9:30-10:20 AM

10:30-11:20 AM

11:30 AM-12:50 PM

IRRIGATION

Coordinated by the Carolinas Irrigation Association

Business Tax in 4 Steps Defining Your Value Proposition, Discovering Your Path to Productive Solutions

Hardscaping Options and Selections

The Basics and Necessities of Business Contracts

Regulations Regulating Regulation

What Do You Mean Drip Irrigation is Inefficient?

11:30 AM-12:00 PM — Lunch

12:00-12:50 PM — Keynote

Kim Eierman, Founder of EcoBeneficial LLC

TURF MANAGEMENT

Coordinated by the North Carolina Sod Producers Association

Using www.turfFiles.ncsu.edu and Extension Publications

URBAN FORESTRY & ARBORICULTURE Coordinated by the North Carolina Urban Forest Council

Pick it Right - Plant it Right = Successful Projects

Managing Insect Pests in Warm and Cool Season Turf using IPM Techniques

Identification and Management of Difficult Landscape Turf Weeds

Soil Moisture: Top Factor For Newly Planted Tree Survival

ABCs of Young & Small Tree Pruning

1:00-1:50 PM

Schedule is subject to change. All CEUs

Taking Landscapes to the Next Level: From Leveraging Ecosystem Services to Changing Cultural Norms

With increasing development and diminishing natural areas, our landscapes have become the final frontier for environmental improvement. Learn the latest strategies to take any landscape to the next level. Enhancing biodiversity, emulating natural systems, leveraging ecosystem services, mitigating the impacts of climate change, storing more carbon, utilizing informed plant selection techniques, and using cues to care, are some of the strategies Kim Eierman will share.

Perennial Combos for Every Season Grounding and Lightning Protection for Irrigation Systems

Advanced Disease Management in Turfgrass Landscapes

The Past, Present, Future, and Alternatives for Neonicotinoid Insecticides

MEMBERSHIP TYPE (CIRCLE ONE):

Member < 10 $275 (Headquarters/office 10-24 $325 in North Carolina) 25-49 $425 > 50 $525

Associate Member < 10 $275 (Headquarters/office 10-24 $325 outside North Carolina) 25-49 $425 > 50 $525

Supporting N/A $325 Organization Member (Nonprofit associations, nongovernmental/governmental organizations, universities, community colleges and similar entities that share NCNLA’s mission)

Supporting N/A $50 Individual Member (Employees of nonprofit associations, nongovernmental/ governmental organizations, universities, community colleges and similar entities that share NCNLA’s mission that are not Supporting Organization Members)

Student Chapter N/A $275 (Horticulture degree program or related field of study at a North Carolina based university or community college)

Sustaining N/A $50 Individual Member (Members in good standing for 5 or more years, who retired from active employment in the industry)

Total Annual Dues: $

n Showbook trim size is 8.5 x 11 inches.

n Press quality PDF files are preferred.

n All important text or logos should maintain a recommended safety of approximately 0.5” from the page edge.

n Resolution: images/files should have a resolution of 300 dpi, 133 line screen.

■ Bronze $250

Benefits outlined on previous page.

■ Silver $500

Benefits outlined on previous page plus one of the following:

● Ice Company logo on signage at Marketplace ice machine.

● Morning Coffee Station (Education) Company logo on signage.

● Morning Coffee Station (Marketplace) Company logo on signage.

● Women in the Green Industry Meeting Company logo on signage.

● Marketplace South Lounge Company logo on signage.

● NCNLA Annual Meeting Company logo on signage.

■ Gold $1000

Benefits outlined on previous page plus one of the following:

● Afternoon Snack Station (Education) Company logo on signage.

● Afternoon Snack Station (Marketplace) Company logo on signage.

● Education Keynote Company logo on signage.

Select one (nonexclusive).

■ Tuesday Keynote

■ Wednesday Keynote

● Lunch Company logo on signage. Select one (nonexclusive).

■ Tuesday Education

■ Wednesday Education

■ Thursday Marketplace

■ Friday Marketplace

● Cornhole Competition (limit 4)

Company logo on signage at President’s Reception.

■ Platinum $3000

Benefits outlined on previous page plus one exclusive benefit:

● Marketplace Tote Bags Company branded bags for Marketplace attendees.

● Event Lanyards Company branded lanyards for event attendees.

● Education Pens Company branded amenity for Education attendees.

● Education Notepads Company branded amenity for Education attendees.

● Marketplace Show Map Company logo on the show floor map at entrance of Marketplace.

● Marketplace Registration Area Logo on Marketplace registration area signage and plant material displayed at registration desk.

■ Ruby $4500

Benefits outlined on previous page plus one exclusive benefit:

● Education Sessions & Technology Company logo on session signage and designated sponsor of A/V equipment.

● After Hours

President’s Reception Company logo on event signage.

● Event Volunteer Tees Company logo on volunteer T-shirts.

● Marketplace North Lounge Company provided demonstrations, logo on signage and promotion at Marketplace.

Please complete and return to NCNLA. We will send an invoice to the email address listed.

NCNLA, 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 919-816-9119 | Fax: 919-816-9118 email: wdoak@ncnla.com www.ncnla.com www.greenandgrowin.com

Tap into More Profits with Drainage Solutions

Looking for more ways to increase your revenue? Provide drainage solutions for your customers! Drainage can be good business, if you know what to look for. Keep your eye out for these five common drainage issues, which can turn into golden business opportunities.

1. Downspout Runoff

Look for:

• Flooding and erosion at downspout

• Structural damage from water

• Wet basement or crawlspace

Solution: Water from downspouts can be captured in a variety of ways. A downspout adapter can transition water from the downspout straight to pipe. For properties with trees overhanging rooftops, the NDS® Downspout Defender™ Grate blocks tree debris to protect the pipeline from clogging. Putting a proper drainage system in place using a catch basin or low-profile adapter under the downspout, as well as a pop-up emitter to release water downstream, is recommended.

2. Water on Hardscapes

Look for:

• Staining from mold and mildew

• Accumulation of mud, silt or debris on surfaces

• Water intrusion and/or structural damage

Solution: Remove water from large, impervious surface areas like pool decks, patios and driveways with a channel drain or trench drain. These long, narrow drains capture sheet-flow runoff from surrounding surfaces to prevent stains, costly property damage and growth of slippery mildew. Connect

to a point of release downstream, such as a pop-up emitter.Putting a proper drainage system in place using a catch basin or low-profile adapter under the downspout, as well as a pop-up emitter to release water downstream, is recommended.

3. High Groundwater

Look for:

• Wet basement or crawlspace

• Water seeping through a retaining wall

• Standing water, 24+ hours after a rain event

Solution: Capture and remove groundwater adjacent to foundations and surface flooding in yards with an EZFlow® or EZ Drain™ Gravel-Free French Drain System. These underground drainage solutions capture and redirect high groundwater away from structures and areas with poor drainage. Connect to a discharge point downstream, such as a pop-up emitter.

4. Water on Lawns

Look for:

• Yellowing, thinning or dying turf

• Patchy turf and muddy areas

• Musty smells from fungus and disease

Solution: Collect standing water using a catch basin or a low-profile adapter, fitted with a grate to block debris, and direct the water to a pipe. For areas prone to flood ing, other options include the Flo-Well®

Dry Well System to collect, temporarily store and slowly release excess water into the ground, as well as the EZFlow or EZ Drain French Drain System.

5. Water in Landscape Beds

Look for:

• • • Solution: excess water that is drowning plants or lingering in plant beds using a catch basin or a lowprofile adapter with a domed atrium grate, and direct it to a pop-up emitter as a point of release. The EZFlow or EZ Drain French Drain System also can prevent surface flooding and saturation by capturing stormwater and sending it downstream via connected pipe.

Take the Next Step!

Now that you know the potential opportunities available for your business, implement these solutions with an action plan. Sign up for the NDS Professional Drainage Contractor Course and learn how to apply the best solutions for your customers’ drainage challenges.

Horizon Distributors is your No. 1 supplier for all things drainage. Check out our new store at 1000 Bricksteel Lane in Garner today, or give us a call at 919-779-3530

Doug