The New Jersey Landscape Contractor Magazine - Winter/Spring 2021

THE NEW JERSEY

Winter/Spring 2021

Landscape Contractor

The Official Publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association

Ӽ 2020 Landscape Achievement Awards Ӽ Saving...Time, Money, Labor and more!

Published By

The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is the official publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, dedicated to the professional landscape industry of New Jersey. NJLCA was founded in 1966 as the Bergen County Landscape Contractors Association, and is today comprised of over 550 member companies throughout New Jersey.

contents

Winter/Spring 2021 FEATURES

7

2020 Landscape Achievement Awards

28

Landscape AlterNATIVES: Black

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association 465 Mola Boulevard, Ste. 4, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Phone | 201-703-3600 -- Fax | 201-703-3776 E-mail | info@njlca.org Visit our website at www.NJLCA.org

Eyed Susan

Publisher/Editor Gail E. Woolcott Contributing Writers Pete Baloglou | Greg Carpenter | Domenic Chiarella Patrick Donovan | Ed Dugan | Bill Errickson Richard Goldstein | Ron Katiraei, Esq. | Michael Macaulay Al Murray | NASS | Brian Piacente | Steve Rich | Rutgers OCPE Marcelo Simone | Danny Wood | Gail Woolcott | Rick Wright Steven Yergeau NJLCA Combined Board President | Richard Goldstein, CLT Vice President | John Freitag Treasurer | Wade Slover Chairman of the Board | Justin Flatow, CLT Director | Richard Andreu Director | Jeff Baker Director | Greg Carpenter, CLT Director | George Futterknecht, CLT Director | Scott Hild, CLT Director | Shawn Kukol Associate Director | Joe Bolognese Associate Director | David Gaynor Advisor | Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University Advisor | Dr. Steven Fischer, Bergen Community College Advisor | Dr. James Murphy, Rutgers University The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is published triennially. 600 print copies are distributed to members and over 4,000 digital issues are sent to professionals in the Green Industry of New Jersey, as well as educational and governmental institutions. Subscription rates: $45.00 per year; $15.00 per copy. New Jersey residents only, please add 7% sales tax.

To advertise in The New Jersey Landscape Contractor, please contact Gail Woolcott at (201) 703-3600 or e-mail gwoolcott@njlca.org.

Article and photo submissions are encouraged and may be sent to NJLCA at the above address. Publisher assumes no responsibility for safekeeping or return of photos or manuscripts, and reserves all rights to edit material submitted for publication. © 2021 New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily represent the opions of the NJLCA. PUBLISHED February 2021 Cover Photo: Cedarwood Landscaping, Mendham, NJ - 2020 NJLCA Award of Excellence Winner

31

US Citizenship Act of 2021

33

US Citizenship Act of 2021 in Espanol

35

Tomato Paste Leadership: Part Three

40

2021: A Fine Year to Plant Natives

45

The Case of the Low-Ball Contractor

47

Money Does Grow on Trees

48

The NJ Agricultural Society

52

Dirt, Some is Actually Dirty!

54

Saving by Spending

56

Early Attention to Soil Fertility Will Save

Time and Money

Joint Fill on Segmental Pavement

60

IN EVERY ISSUE...

NJLCA News Briefs 4 President’s Message 5 Letter from the Editor 25 Big Changes for NJ Pesticide Applicators 27 Advertiser Index 29 US Horticulture Operations Report 38 Contractor Focus: Sietsma Landscape 39 Associate Focus: Cambridge Pavers, Inc. 43 In Memory Of: Carl J. Torsilieri 51 Welcome New Members

Columns

5 The Buzz: Industry News

27 Turf Talk

42 Legislative Update from the NJL-PAC

62 Tales from the Landscape Side

NJLCA.ORG

3

President’s Message Hello NJLCA Members, readers, industry leaders, lifelong learners, associates, allies and friends! As the new NJLCA President, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself to those of you I haven't had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Rich Goldstein, Owner of Green Meadows Landscaping, Inc. located in Oakland, NJ. I have been a member of the NJLCA for a better part of the past 20 years and have served on the Board in some capacity for around 10 years. I began my landscape career in 1982 cutting grass with just myself and believe it or not, a moped! It wasn’t until 1984 that purchased my first truck! I now run a midsized landscape company with 10-12 crews during the height of the season, offering services such as maintenance, landscape construction, design, outdoor kitchens and living spaces, landscape lighting, water features, poolscapes and snow and ice management services. I am a licensed pesticide applicator, certified landscape technician, registered home improvement contractor and an ICPI-certified installer.

What I hope to offer our association for my time in this position is value and industry standards that we can all follow as professionals. Membership in the NJLCA is so important as our organization works hard for you as a landscape contractor and your rights as a landscape contractor every day, fighting

legislative issues, blower bans, pesticide bans and much more.

Additionally, we offer some great training classes to help you grow your company with properly trained employees. I understand the needs of our contractor members, as well as our associates. I understand the frustrations of running a business in NJ, as well as the perks. I'm here to help grow our members and businesses and keep you on the leading edge of your industry.

In the coming months, the NJLCA is planning to spend more time with our members in person, as long as things continue to improve with the pandemic, as they seem to be.

We have some great returning Board members, as well as some new faces on the Board. When you get a minute, please take a look at www.NJLCA.org to "Meet the Board" and learn more about them.

We are here for you. Reach out if there is anything you think is important that the NJLCA is not providing to you. We can make the industry more professional together.

Have a great start of the season and here's hoping for a great 2021!

Sincerely,

Richard Goldstein, President

WHIPPANY

HAWTHORNE

64 South Jefferson Road 973-386-9076

1120 Goffle Road 973-423-0222

LAKEWOOD

SEWELL

1000 Airport Road, Suite 206 732-363-5034

235 Delsea Drive 973-386-9076

PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR SOLUTIONS Porous & Permeable Pavers | Erosion Control 4 WINTER/SPRING Outdoor| 2021 Living | Artificial Turf | Tools & Accessories

The Buzz

C

ONGRATULATIONS to all of our Landscape Achievement Award Winners! Below we share our special award winners.

Contractor of the Year - Rich Andreu, Exclusive Stoneworks

Volunteer of the Year - Shawn Kukol, Horizon Landscape Co.

Associate of the Year - Cambridge Pavers

Media Partner of the Year - Turf Magazine

Legislator of the Year - Assemblyman Kevin Rooney

Growing Associate of the Year - RJ Curcio, NJ Deer Control

Letter from the Editor What an exciting winter it has been so far!

We started off with our Annual Landscape Achievement Awards in December with a virtual program. Although very different than the gala we are all accustomed to, it was still a fun night and incoming President Goldstein did not disappoint with the corny jokes! All of the winners joined us on the zoom meeting and there were excellent projects displayed again this year (not that I'm at all surprised by this)! We have already booked The Venetian for December 1, 2021 for this year's awards and gala where we will have even more to celebrate, so save that date!

We have recently unveiled a project that I have been working diligently on for nearly a year when we announced that the NJLCA now offers an apprenticeship program (The Landscape Management Technician Program), which meets the criteria for Public Works certificate requirements. I have to say, this job is never boring and I learn so much I never thought I needed to know!

Next up, we have also announced that the NJLCA has started an official Political Action Committee called the New Jersey Landscape PAC (NJL-PAC). Members may now make donations to assist with our lobbying efforts throughout the state. This will allow us to have even further reach and make the voices of the nursery and landscape industry heard loud and clear with our legislators.

Nelson completed an excellent two-term presidency at the NJLCA and he will be missed, but he is never far away and will remain active. Rich Goldstein has now taken the reigns with John Freitag as his VP. We have already held our annual planning session and exciting things are definitely coming your way!

I hope you enjoy this issue of The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine, where we have focused on saving. Saving time, money, materials, labor and even our sanity!

Grab a cup of coffee, freshly juiced carrots or an energy drink and check out the great projects that the industry has crafted throughout 2020. Then move on to the articles, which are sure to have something that can save you now or in the coming year. Happy 2021 everyone. Hope to see you soon and keep September 24th and 25th open on your calendar...big news may be coming soon!

Sincerely,

Gail Woolcott Executive Director / Editor in Chief Customer Service Award - Tom Chevrier, SiteOne

NJLCA.ORG

5

ARMORTEC

New!

EXCITING PRODUCTS FOR 2021

OMEGA NATURAL STONE WALL

LOUVERED K-BANA

BELGIUM CURBSTONE

LEDGESTONE PERMEABLE 3-PC. DESIGN KIT

STAYING HOME NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD www.CambridgePavers.com |

| Made in AMERICA

Feature Story

American Beauty Landscape Wins Two NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards of Excellence and the Judges Choice Award

A

merican Beauty Landscape of Paramus, NJ has won two Awards of Excellence and the Judges Choice Award for their IHA Field Project entered in the 2020 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

American Beauty Landscape entered the IHA Field Project in the Landscaping Installation: School and Landscape Installation: Lighting categories and won the Award of Excellence in both categories. The judges also chose this project for the Judges' Choice Award for 2020.

The objective of this project, designed by Jeff Carpenter in collaboration with Edward Clark, LA, was to provide ADA compliant access from the parking lot to the field viewing platform, as well as safe pedestrian access from the exiting elevated paver entry court entrance to the athletic field down the slope. This site is heavily sloped and sits in two municipalities. Material was sourced so the newly installed walkways would seemlessly integrate with existing paver entry court. The project timeline was continualy managed to provide minimal distruption to the schools's academic and athletic activities.

American Beauty Landscape Design is a family run landscape contracting firm established in 1973. The company started as a lawn maintenance company, based in Paramus NJ, working out of a one-car garage using only Sensation push lawn mowers and hand held trimmers.

The business grew steadily by offering owner supervised crews and by utilizing new techniques and state-ofthe-art equipment.

Before

In Progress

Complete The company was incorporated in 1985 and became known as American Beauty Landscape Design Inc. They are still based in Paramus, NJ and continue to offer owner-supervised crews. Amazingly, the company still uses the original old home phone number from 1973!

Greg Carpenter continues on as the sole owner of American Beauty now, since Jeff passed away in March of 2020. However, Greg and Jeff worked side by side to make this project a reality and their craftsmanship shows.

For more information, visit americanbeautylandscape.com.

NJLCA.ORG 7

Feature Story

Siciliano Landscape Company Wins Four NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards of Excellence

S

iciliano Landscape, located in Red Bank, New Jersey has won four Awards of Excellence in the NJLCA’s 2020 Landscape Achievement Awards.

Landscape Maintenance: Residential The first award went to their "Buena Vista Residence" site, supervised by Julie Soleil. This site has been a client since 2015 and Siciliano is in charge of all maintenance.

The next award was for their "Navesink River Road Residence" site, supervised by Daniel Fleming. This project was installed (and won an award for installation) in 2018 by Siciliano and has been maintained by them since then.

Landscape Installation with Pool: $250,000-$500,000 The "East River Road Residence" project was designed

by Alan Tufts. Siciliano was hired to design a new driveway and parking court, pool and deck, patios, walkways, full landscape and lighting. Access at this site was difficult, as the property is very narrow. Further, it borders on a river, so there were DEP issues.

8 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Landscape Installation with Pool: Over $500,000 The "Club Way Residence", also designed by Alan Tufts, required an entire property makeover for a single family home. The project scope included a pool cabana, pool, outdoor kitchen, patios, walkways, landscape and lighting. The site had a very high water table with poor drainage. They also encountered buried stumps from when the builder had originally cleared the lot.

Siciliano Landscape Company was started over 80 years ago, by the current President, Karen Siciliano’s grandfather, who tended to the formal gardens of Rumson, NJ estates in 1935. Their company tagline is “Corners are the only things we don’t cut” and it represents not just what people expect of Siciliano, but what they expect of themselves. Siciliano Landscape Company is a certified WBE owned and controlled company.

For more information, visit www.sicilianolandscape.com.

Feature Story

Sponzilli Landscape Group Wins Two NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards of Excellence

S

ponzilli Landscape Group of Fairfield, NJ has won two Awards of Excellence and an Award of Merit for projects entered in the 2020 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Landscape Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 Sponzilli won an Award of Excellence in this category for the “Lieberman Residence” project.

The client wanted a larger area to entertain outside. They wanted to make use of what is considered the side yard because of the way the home was built on the lot. Because of the elevation of the living room to the exterior was a 3' difference, they started with a series of patios and connected the new space with a stepper walkway. They also added a new set of steps, a raised spa, an 18' long outdoor kitchen and a pergola for shade.

Landscape Installation with Pool: Over $500,000 Sponzilli's second Award of Excellence was for the "Hu Residence" project. This was a 2.5 year master plan and execution.

The lower patio area has a gas burning fire pit that is 8' in diameter. There are 2 sets of steps to the pool deck and a set of stairs leading to the grand lawn above. The side yard is beautifully dressed with evergreen hedges and hydrangeas. The front of the property has oversized piers and walls with a trex-cladded gate. The driveway has a 45 degree Belgian block curb that makes its way up the driveway and around the drive-

way courtyards. There are patterns on the Belgian block inlays with a combination of asphalt. The entire property was fenced with a split rail and chain link fence.

Sponzilli Landscape also won an Award of Merit for the “Rubenstein Residence” project. See pages 18-23.

Sponzilli Landscape Group is headed by founder Richard Sponzilli and his two sons, Jason and Daniel. Richard began Sponzilli Landscape over 40 years ago and has created a reputation for outstanding quality and service. They strive, throughout all of their interactions, to be positive and progressive experts in their field and community.

For more information, visit www.sponzilli.com.

NJLCA.ORG 9

Feature Story

Wicklow & Laurano Landscape Contractors Wins Two NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards of Excellence

architecture of the home and surrounding landscape with new plantings, hardscape and lighting. Key areas enhanced included the pond courtyard, pool patio, front foundation, and gate entry. Plant material included arborvitae, hydrangea, formal boxwood hedges, aegastachium, allium and carpet rose for seasonal interest. They replaced all existing hardscape around the pond and pool with precast stepping stones and porcelain pavers. They installed uplights, downlights and pathlights to make the estate really shine.

Wicklow and Laurano, LLC is a full service, high-end, residential and commercial landscape firm. They specialize in the management and implementation of all aspects of each project ranging from site development, custom masonry, hardscaping and plantings, as well as property maintenance.

For more information, visit www.wicklowandlaurano.com.

W

icklow and Laurano Landscape Contractors, located in Flanders, New Jersey has won two Awards of Excellence in the NJLCA’s 2020 Landscape Achievement Awards.

Landscape Installation: Condo/Townhouse/Apartment Wicklow and Laurano won an Award of Excellence in this category for the “Hoboken Courtyard” project, designed by Edward Clark, LA. The unique rooftop courtyard incorporates raised paver walkways and patios, retaining walls, turf lawn, outdoor kitchen and sleek furnishings. They designed the landscape to accommodate users for play, entertaining and relaxation.

The site is above a parking garage, so Wicklow and Laurano installed a pedestal paver system for all walks and patios.

They designed masonry raised planter beds to shape the design of spaces. The hardscape palette are hues of grey, while the planting palette is simple pops of color. Plantings included liriope, gingko trees, carpet roses and hydrangeas.

Landscape Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 Wicklow and Laurano's second Award of Excellence was for the "Mendham Estate" project, also designed by Edward Clark. The clients wanted to showcase the French Colonial

10 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Feature Story

Castle Point Landscape Design Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence

C

astle Point Landscape Design of Basking Ridge, NJ has won an Award of Excellence and Award of Distinction for projects entered in the 2020 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Castle Point won the Award of Excellence in Landscape Installation without Pool: $50,000-$100,000 for the “Bonilla Overhaul” project. The project was designed by Steve Graul.

The scope of this project included the removal of an old deck with stairs, the creation of a new raised patio with integrated herb garden planter / wall, installation of a paver driveway with multiple inlays / borders, front and side walkways, Belgian block curbing, brick stoop with custom curved treads, grill island designed to fit in a very tight area, grading, drainage, entire lawn reestablishment and planting design and installation.

The client's handicapped/elderly parents required spreading out the vertical grade over several areas and ensuring there was ample lighting for all stairs. After deck removal, Castle Point found a hidden basement window and dryer vent / hose bib that had to be moved. They then had to replace the missing bricks to match a 70-year-old house. Castle Point also won an Award of Distinction for the “Whispering Woods Outdoor Transformation” project. See pages 18-23.

Castle Point Landscape Design traces its roots to 1989.

Starting the business when he was just 11 years old, owner Steve Graul channeled his love for the great outdoors into a successful enterprise. Originally called Steve’s Landscaping, the business was renamed Castle Point Landscape Design in honor of Steve’s college alma mater.

Before

For more information, visit www.CastlePointLandscape.com.

NJLCA.ORG 11

Feature Story

Cedarwood Landscaping, Inc. Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence

C

edarwood Landscaping, Inc., located in Mendham, New Jersey has won an Award of Excellence, in the NJLCA’s 2020 Landscape Achievement Awards for their “Tree Tops” project in the Landscape Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 category. The project was designed by J. Scott Mortensen.

Residing in lower Manhattan, their client desired a country home and landscape suitable for outdoor, relaxed weekend entertaining, with only a request to minimize formality and accent the old-world craftsmanship of the 1916 carriage house and its surrounding stone walls.

12

WINTER/SPRING | 2021

During excavation, Cedarwood discovered areas of "buried" infrastructure including abandoned water and electric lines, drainage lines and small underground vaults from a previous greenhouse operation.

Scott Mortensen started Cedarwood Landscaping in 1984 with one goal: to provide the highest quality service, care, and attention in the landscape industry. For more than 35 years, the team at Cedarwood Landscaping have been achieving that goal, designing, building, and maintaining great gardens for great people throughout northwest New Jersey and beyond.

For more information, visit www.cedarwoodlandscaping.com.

Feature Story

CLC Landscape Design Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence

C

LC Landscape Design, located in Ringwood, New Jersey has won an Award of Excellence, in the NJLCA’s 2020 Landscape Achievement Awards for their “Franklin Lakes: Relax in Style" project in the Landscape Installation with Pool: $100,000-250,000 category.

For this project, designed by Frank Thropp, the client wanted to redesign their backyard to include a pool and BBQ area. Upon meeting, CLC also discovered they wanted a pergola, fire feature and water feature. After receiving a variance, they were able to install a patio with a swim spa, a pergola next to a wood burning fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit area, all surrounded by beautiful plantings.

Unfortunately because of setback issues, they weren't able to include the water feature, but the clients were thrilled with their new landscape.

Since its inception over 40 years ago, CLC Landscape Design has been a leader in design/build landscaping by blending classic design concepts with cutting-edge design ideas. In addition, they consistently incorporate into their landscapes new-and-improved plant varieties, hardscape materials and installation techniques. With a vast knowledge of landscape design concepts and material options, they tailor each of their landscapes to meet the unique style of each of their clients.

For more information, visit www.CLCDesign.com.

NJLCA.ORG 13

Feature Story

Exclusive Stoneworks Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence

E

xclusive Stoneworks of Lyndhurst, NJ has won an Award of Excellence and two Awards of Distinction for projects entered in the 2020 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Landscape Installation without Pool: Up to $25,000 Exclusive won an Award of Excellence in this category for the “DeMarco Patio” project. The project was designed by Rich Andreu.

The project was built for a very good friend who wanted an L-shaped patio. "We have been friends for over 20 years so I flat out told him 'No! Let me show you what we're capable of,'" says Andreu. Rich sent him the design and his friend asked if he could start the next day. Rich said they had a lot

14 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

of fun and built the patio in three days from start to finish!

Exclusive Stoneworks also won two Awards of Distinction for the “Renna Residence” and "Verling Poolscape" projects.

See pages 18-23.

For over a decade, Exclusive Stoneworks has taken pride in bringing unparalleled professionalism and high quality craftsmanship to an affordable budget. Their team of highly skilled, well-trained and highly motivated craftsman have proven themselves repeatedly, as well as work together to provide a well-coordinated and stress-free professional service to their clients.

For more information, visit www.exclusivestoneworks.com.

Feature Story

Farmside Landscape & Design Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence

F

armside Landscape & Design of Sussex, NJ has won an Award of Excellence, an Award of Distinction and an Award of Merit for projects entered in the 2020 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Landscape Installation without Pool: $50,000 - $100,000 Farmside won an Award of Excellence in this category for the “Lakeside Retreat” project, designed by Miles Kuperus, II. This client wanted more patio space and privacy, with access to the front yard and a built-in grill. The property was extremely tight to get equipment and materials in 7.5' wide access with no street access. The project scope included drainage and grading, retaining walls, irrigation, patios and walkways and installation of plant material.

Farmside also won an Award of Distinction for the “Fireside Retreat” and an Award of Merit for the “Elegant Villa” projects. See pages 18-23.

Before

In Progress

Farmside Landscape & Design, Inc. has specialized in landscape design and construction for over 25 years. The company President, Miles Kuperus grew up and worked on the dairy farm where their shop is located. From 1985-1989 Miles attended Landscape Architecture courses and in 1985, Farmside purchased its first truck, a gray Ford F100, and using helpers on an “as needed basis”, they installed basic plantings, walls and walks while Miles attended classes.

Farmside was incorporated in 1989. Lisa joined staff with Miles in 1990 and as co-owner in 1999. During the 1992 season, in response to one customer’s needs, they opened a maintenance division. In 1999 they added a new division to include a Tree and Shrub Plant Health Care Program. Farmside as a ‘Full Service Landscape Contractor’ has currently expanded to serving over 200 accounts annually with a maintenance crew, detail crew, Turf Management crew, Plant Health Care crew, and Design/Build/Installation crew.

For more information, visit www.farmside.com.

Completed NJLCA.ORG 15

Feature Story

Monello Landscape Industries Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence & People's Choice Award

M

onello Landscape Industries, located in Wayne, New Jersey has won an Award of Excellence in the NJLCA’s 2020 Landscape Achievement Awards for their “Lackawanna Station” project in the Landscape Installation: Commercial/Industrial category. This project also won the "People's Choice Award" via a FaceBook voting contest.

The project, designed by Joe Monello and Jarret Bernard, consisted of twin courtyard installations on the third floor space on top of parking garages. The two courtyards feature louvered pergolas, 9 custom kitchen areas, bistro tables, custom fire features, custom bar tables, custom faux plantings and lighting. All material had to be craned into the courtyard over

16 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

six stories. Pavers were installed using a pedestal system.

Monello Landscape Industries also won two Awards of Distinction for their “Heydt Residence” project and an Award of Merit for their "Lui Residence" project. See pages 18-23.

Joe Monello established Monello Landscape Industries, LLC over 25 years ago. Monello Landscape specializes in residential and commercial landscaping projects in New Jersey and out of state projects, such as Massachusetts. Their projects come in all shapes and sizes. From retaining walls, to outdoor kitchens, fire pits, snow and ice management, commercial site work, and other beautiful hardscape designs.

For more information, visit www.monellolandscape.com.

Feature Story

Todé, The Artistry of Landscape Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award of Excellence

T

odé, the Artistry of Landscape of Midland Park, NJ has won an Award of Excellence and an Award of Distinction for projects entered in the 2020 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Landscape Maintenance: Commercial/Industrial Todé won an Award of Excellence in this category for the “Hackensack Meridian Health” project, which is supervised

by Mario Gomez.

Todé has maintained the properties of Hackensack Meridian Health for 15 years, focused on a turf fertilization program, along with extensive bed maintenance. The project includes multiple areas of seasonal flower changeouts along with detailed pruning, edging of beds and mulching.

Todé, the Artistry of Landscape also won an Award of Distinction for the “Glen Rock Hardscape" project. See pages 18-22.

Michael B. Todé is President of Todé Landscape Contractors, Inc., a full-service landscape company in North Jersey area for over 20 years. Mike holds a BS degree from West Virginia University, an AAS degree in Horticulture from Bergen Community College and is a Certified Landscape Technician. Mike’s passion for landscaping and horticulture comes through in all of his designs and work as he strives to take a client’s ideas and create a landscape design that is executed with superior craftsmanship and ingenuity.

For more information, visit www.todelandscape.com.

NJLCA.ORG 17

Feature Story

And the Award Goes to...

Maintenance: Condo/Townhouse Award of Distinction - Yellow Wagon Landscaping, LLC Project: Hudson Tea Building Site Supervisor: John Freitag

This site is a large condo complex in northern Hoboken. It is Yellow Wagon's second year maintaining the grounds. Services include spring cleanup, weekly maintenance, bi-weekly fall maintenance, shrub pruning twice a year, aeration/seeding, spring tulips and summer, fall and winter annual displays. Mulch is blown by a partner company, but Yellow Wagon visits afterwards to clean edges and ensure quality.

Award of Merit - Yellow Wagon Landscaping Project: Portofino Apartments Site Supervisor: John Freitag

This site is a large apartment building in the heart of Jersey City with a 5th floor rooftop garden. Services include spring cleanup, quality control on mulch blowing, weekly maintenance, shrub pruning two times a year, perennial maintenance, fall seeding and spring, summer, fall and winter annuals and bulbs.

Maintenance: Residential Award of Merit - Farmside Landscape and Design Project: Elegant Villa

This property has extensive beds with shrubs, grasses and perennials.

Farmside performs weekly bed detailing of weeding and pruning, as well as lawn maintenance and holding crisp lines and edges. Extensive annual plantings add to the wonderful color of the beds.

Landscape Installation: Commercial/Industrial Award of Distinction - Scenic Landscaping Project: Station Village at Avenel Designer: Rick Zimmer & Mitch Knapp

Scenic's client was developing new residential luxury buildings and they were brought in during the early stages to enhance the entry way to help sales with the units. Since it was brand new, Scenic was there to help make it enticing from the road for potential residents. Throughout other phases, they worked with landscaping the townhomes, the communal spaces, created lawn areas for people to enjoy, benches and landscaping around the amenities building. Scenic also landscaped along the train station for the community. The Avenel Performing Arts Center was new to the community, which they also did the plantings around, as well as seasonal planters to keep it look inviting and clean.

18 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Feature Story Landscape Installation: Condo/Townhouse Award of Merit - Yellow Wagon Landscaping, LLC Project: Clermont Cove Condominiums Designer: Andrew Lala

The goal of this project was to reimagine the community's pool area to be functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing for residents and enable the property to compete with newer facilities in the area. The existing pool/ coping was to be retained and design had to coordinate with replacement of the Hudson River sea wall and contaminated site remediation work completed by others. Site features included built-in gas BBQs, louvered pergolas, outdoor shower, lighting, infrared heaters, lawn and plantings, Trex partitions and more.

Landscape Installation: Foundation Planting/Small Garden Award of Distinction - Yellow Wagon Landscaping, LLC Project: Yang Residence Designer: Andrew Lala

The goal of this project was to anchor the exposed side foundation of this corner property with a lush and colorful landscape while creating a planting for the main entrance that balanced the scale of the impressive front facade. Yellow Wagon incorporated the client's love of hydrangeas with other flowering and shade-tolerant perennials for a layered, meandering feel that carries the eye along the property. Enlarging the planting beds and adding stone steppers created a sense of entrance and separation.

Landscape Installation: Lighting Award of Distinction - Monello Landscape Industries Project: Heydt Residence Lighting Designer: Joe Monello and Dave Pilaar

This project consisted of landscape lighting for the pool, water feature, hot tub, plantings and walkways throughout the landscape. Conduits were difficult to trench at this home due to the all rock sub-base and large rock outcropping.

Landscape Installation without Pool: Up to $25,000 Award of Merit - Vander Sluys Landscape Development, LLC Project: Ganchi Residence

Vander Sluys renovated the existing landscaping by this poolside, but more importantly removed all trees in the yard to create a nice planting, patio and a much larger grass area for the children to play. They used the existing oversized checker board and connected it via a step slope bath to a sitting area for the clients to enjoy and watch the children play.

Beneath the grass was crushed stone and an excess of filter fabric that had to be removed prior prep and planting of the flower beds. The property is also extremely wet and Vander Sluys had to pitch the new portion of the landscape to existing drain boxes.

NJLCA.ORG 19

Feature Story Landscape Installation without Pool: $25,000-50,000 Award of Distinction: Todé, The Artistry of Landscape Project: Glen Rock Hardscape Designer: Michael B. Todé

The goal of this project was to construct a masonry outdoor kitchen, gas firepit, pondless waterfall, paver patio, screen planting, low voltage lighting and a sod lawn area. The client had decided to add the gas firepit after the kitchen was completed, which caused Todé to enlarge the patio area and change grades to work with the added features.

Award of Merit - Yellow Wagon Landscaping, LLC Project: Menegatos Residence Designer: Andrew Lala

The goal of this project was to create spaces and scenes throughout the landscape through the use of plant material, structures, natural and man-made materials. The plant material was chosen for a multi-season blooming sequence and its suitability for the sunlight and soil conditions present. A breakfast nook was created on the front porch by utilizing an Emerald Green Arborvitae privacy screen. The long term success of the landscape was in mind throughout the project.

Landscape Installation without Pool: $50,000-100,000 Award of Distinction - Castle Point Landscape Design Project: Whispering Woods Outdoor Transformation Designer: Steve Graul

Project scope included the creation of an outdoor living patio with a custom-designed outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchen was designed not only for a Lynx grill and sideburner and a Big Green Egg charcoal grill/ smoker, but also to incorporate multiple bar tops and footrests for family socializing while cooking. Sink island wetbar was located/designed to allow for bar seating even when raining! A wood plank style paver was used in the firepit area with templated bluestone caps and vents designed to increase airflow and help with drafting. Low voltage lighting and natural bluestone stairs were also part of this project.

Award of Distinction - Exclusive Stoneworks Project: Renna Residence Designer: Rich Andreu

Exclusive Stoneworks was tasked with creating an outdoor living area that flowed from the front right into the backyard.

The client wanted a nice-sized BBQ to fit his cooking needs and an area to relax even when the temperatures drop. The main focus was the driveway and front path, which needed to be replaced. The septic system was very close by, so they had to design around it. There was no natural gas supply to tap into, so the BBQ and firepit run on propane tanks.

20 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Feature Story Landscape Installation without Pool: $50,000-100,000 Award of Distinction - Farmside Landscape and Design Project: Fireside Retreat Designer: Miles Kuperus II

This client wanted to enlarge their outdoor living space and have an outdoor fireplace installed. They also requested a privacy buffer off the street and wanted all-natural stone products installed. A large hemlock had to be transplanted and a patio and walls were installed. The family is now able to dine and relax all on one patio. So pleased with the project, the client requested all team members that worked on the project be on site the last day of construction to have a celebratory lunch for a job well done!

Landscape Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 Award of Distinction - Yellow Wagon Landscaping, LLC Project: Gourmos Residence Designer: Andrew Lala

Yellow Wagon's goal was to capture the client's appreciation of feng shui in a Zen-inspired landscape offering professional outdoor cooking capabilities and a one-of-a-kind combination water and fire feature. The front yard planting design balances the large facade and generous existing paving with neat, yet naturalistic masses, while preserving existing specimens. Features a custom continuous 8' wide LED-lit waterfall and gas fire strip in the same cabinet as the Lynx appliances. Layout was done according to feng shui principles.

Award of Distinction - Scenic Landscaping Project: Garden Property - Morristown, NJ Designer: Matt Jones

This site was mostly a blank slate when Scenic was tasked with connecting an existing tennis court to the home's back patio. The expansive yard was a slope that they had to dig into to create a layered patio experience with walkways, a fire pit seating area, stairs, garden spaces and an upper pavilion seating area. Since the home was Old Georgian style, they did not want there to be too much structure in the planting design. Cherry trees, hydrangea, roses, grasses, Russian sage and low perennials bring in various colors and textures through the seasons.

Award of Merit - Sponzilli Landscape Group Project: Rubenstein Residence

This client wanted a natural large patio to dine, cook and entertain that connected, but were separate within themselves. Sponzilli provided them with a low-key fire pit area, a dining area, a bar/outdoor kitchen area and a covered area beneath a pergola. The patio is organically shaped and they differentiated the individual spaces with different paving materials. The lawn area was graded and sodded. The perimeter of the property was planted with several deciduous and evergreen trees. They also installed a brown PVC fence to enclose the property.

NJLCA.ORG 21

Landscape Bodies

Snowplows

Dump Bodies

Salt Spreaders

Utility Bodies

Brine Systems

Crane Bodies

Hooklifts

Chipper Bodies

Liftgates

Stake Bodies

Service Cranes

201-945-3970 www.cliffsidebody.com

130 Broad Ave. Fairview, NJ 07022

Feature Story Landscape Installation with Pool: Up to $100,000 Award of Distinction - Exclusive Stoneworks Project: Verling Poolscape Designer: Rich Andreu

This project was a small backyard in Rutherford that needed some "wow factor". The family has two young boys and they wanted to be able to swim in their own backyard. This project wasn't just for the kids, however. The adults wanted a resort-like atmosphere for when the kids went to bed. When the sun goes down, the backyard is colorful and cozy. In order to get the square footage needed for the patio, they had to remove 3/4 of the driveway up to the garage to get it approved by the zoning board!

Landscape Installation with Pool: $100,000-250,000 Award of Distinction - Monello Landscape Industries Project: Heydt Residence Designer: Joe Monello/Jarret Bernard

Representing the first phase of this project, Monello created a custom design featuring a fiberglass pool with a unique waterfall that has custom cut, notched boulders hanging over the pool edge into water. The project also features a very unique rock ledge that frames a natural and beautiful backdrop to the landscape. During construction, Monello hit the rock shelf and hammered 16' depth to get the pool installed. 100% of the pool had to be hammered out!

Award of Merit - BluSol Pools Project: Wayne Backyard Paradise Designer: Greg Imhoff

It doesn't look like it, but this was a multi-phase project; first year starting with the installation of the upper patio, fireplace and outdoor kitchen.

The second year followed with the installation of the pool/spa, lower patio, retaining walls and grading of the property. BluSol designed the backyard to work and flow in unison with the grade difference, while also making sure it didn't feel like there was a large set of stairs between the upper and lower patios.

Landscape Installation with Pool: $250,000-500,000 Award of Merit - Monello Landscape Industries Project: Lui Residence Designer: Joe Monello/Jarret Bernard

The scope of this project included a custom gunite pool featuring a glass tiled drip wall and a glass tiled hot tub.

It included a custom one-of-a-kind trex deck with curved and circular design, custom patio, walls and stairs featuring unique curves and circles. There was a large grade change on the property, therefore several retaining walls were required to stabilize the landscape. The project also included lush plantings, a Mexican black rock and bamboo shade garden and landscape lighting.

NJLCA.ORG 23

Call today and speak with one of our certified consultants.

Smile... it’s SYNLawn.

150 River Road / Building G / Unit 4B / Montville, NJ 07045 / 973.796.7166 / www.synlawnnj.com AGILITY RECREATION

| COMMERCIAL |

PET PARKS

| INDOOR

| ROOFTOPS

| GOVERNMENT

|

| HOSPITALITY

MULTI-FAMILY

| GOLF

News Brief

GET READY: Big Changes & Improvements Are Coming to the NJ Pesticide Application Process!

T

o streamline the pesticide exam process, a new online Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Registration (PACER) system has been created and is available for your use immediately. Rutgers University, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), spent more than a year planning, coding and developing the PACER system and website to replace the time-intensive paper application process, improving the user experience.

How the new system benefits YOU: • Online Access: Web-based PACER application is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• No More Snail Mail: Upload your support documents online and eliminate the time and expense required to mail them.

• Quick Review Turnaround: Your application will be reviewed within 48 business hours and you will be notified of any problems or concerns with your documentation promptly via email.

• Immediate Exam Scheduling: Once in-person exams resume, YOU choose your exam date and location when you register; no more waiting to hear which of your exam date and time choices were available.

• Fast Exam Results: See your exam grades within 7 business days of exam completion.

• More Exam Locations: Due to COVID-19, all exams are currently being offered online. When these restrictions are lifted, online exams will continue and in-person exams will resume. For in-person exams, new facilities will be added around the state to give you more options for added convenience.

• More Exam Times: Online exams are available 24/7. Inperson exams will be administered weekdays, evenings and on Saturdays to better accommodate your schedule.

•

•

Manage Others’ Exams: Are you responsible for your organization’s employees? Now you can easily track and manage exam applications and scheduling for multiple people in PACER! Set up an account in PACER then provide us with the information listed below so we can upgrade your account to Business Manager. Send information to: pacer@njaes.rutgers.edu.

(A pesticide applicator certification license number is required to establish a Business Manager account).

• Business Manager Name • Business Manager Email Address • Company Name • Company Address • Company Business License # Support: Responsive, courteous help desk support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

Fees - $115 per each Category exam and the Core exam; $50 for the Private licensing exam* • • •

Pay online via credit card or e-check, with no extra surcharge Purchase Orders will also be accepted via upload *This fee covers the costs to sustain hosting and maintenance of the PACER system as well as the dedicated professional application review, customer support, and exam proctoring and administration.

We recommend using a laptop or personal computer to complete your registration in the PACER system. The online pesticide applicator certification exams will be offered in Canvas (a learning management system) and they can only be accessed with a laptop or personal computer.

Please add (or whitelist) notifications@instructure.com, pacer@njaes.rutgers.edu and support@schoolpay.com to your email address book to prevent pertinent emails from going to your spam folder. If you are not sure how to do that, visit https:// clean.email/how-to-whitelist-an-email for instructions.

The PACER system and exams are administered by the Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE), part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University. Your user experience is paramount to Rutgers OCPE and we invite you to provide feedback after you have used the new PACER system for your next exam. Visit PACER today!

NJLCA.ORG 25

Turf Talk

T

his magazine issue has a saving theme. Let’s talk about some ways to save as we roll into 2021.

How do you deal with your clippings if you don’t mulch your clippings or let them fly? You can still reduce your cost by controlling the height of the grass. Most applicators use a heavy dose of fertilizer in the late Fall. Totally unnecessary, but don’t get me started. Here is a novel concept; just think James Bond 0-0-7. You can buy most of your favorite pre-emergent in a 0-0-7 formulation – Pre-M, Dimension both offer a 0-0-7 formulation. If you use these pre-emergents and apply Lime at the same time, you will have a green lawn with 50% less top growth.

How much will that save you? If you are mulching your clippings, half the top growth should be music to your ears. How much better will your lawns look?

Also, your timing is everything. Don’t put the preemergent down with the clean-up; apply it to every lawn at the same time, a month to a month-and-a-half later. Especially if you use Dimension, you can push the envelope on timing. Because Dimension is a pre/post emergent crab grass control, you can apply it at the tail end of scheduled applications. How does this save you money? Well, all your lawns will grow at the same rate, at the same time. We generally cut for the first time in late April. I cut and apply chemicals at the same time.

This saves time and it also allows for many people on a site, just in case the place is a mess from the neighbor who never does his clean up until the 4th of July.

We also spend more time on the first cut. The cleanups are done and most of the mulch is done. By making sure the extra work is completed, you can be assured that when the cut crew comes around again, they will be doing just that, cutting. We cut our lawns with 4 employees, we do our clean ups and mulch with 12 employees. By putting all our efforts into the cleanup and mulch, we can put that part of spring behind us. We also have our trim crews begin doing small landscape jobs that would not require a full construction crew.

This keeps us ahead of the customers’ needs and it also changes up the work for the employees, keeping them out of a rut of doing the same thing all year long.

Good Luck and Keep Growing!

News Brief Advertiser Index Al D. Landscape, Tree and Garden Supply Stop www.aldlandscapingandtree.com..............................................................64 Aquarius Supply www.aquariussupply.com..............................................................................4 Association Master Trust www.amt-nj.com.........................................................................................58 Bergen Brick Stone and Tile www.bergenbrick.com................................................................................63 Cambridge Pavers www.cambridgepavers.com.........................................................................6 Cliffside Body Corp www.cliffsidebody.com...............................................................................22 Downes Forest Products www.downesforestproducts.com...............................................................50 Foley, Inc www.foleyinc.com.......................................................................................44 Matera’s Nursery 201-493-8288...................................................................................................2 Oakland Marine & Equipment 201-337-7741.................................................................................................36 South Camden Iron Works www.hometownvinyl.com..........................................................................26 Spring Meadow Nursery/Proven Winners www.springmeadownursery.com..............................................................30 Steve Rich Environmental Contractors www.soil-testing.steve-rich.com................................................................57 SynLawn www.synlawnnj.com...................................................................................24

Greg Carpenter, CLT is co-owner of American Beauty Landscape since 1982. He attended the SUNY Farmingdale Turfgrass Program and is a Director of the NJLCA. Greg also serves on the Rutgers Turfgrass Advisory Board and the Bergen Community College Horticultural Advisory Board.

NJLCA.ORG 27

Feature Story

Landscape AlterNATIVEs: A Guide to Native Landscape Plants: BLACK-EYED SUSAN (Rudbeckia hirta)

by Steven Yergeau, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent - Ocean & Atlantic Counties

N

ative plants are a good way to incorporate sustainable vegetation into yards for clients who are environmentally minded. Native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizers, and pesticides than non-native vegetation. For landscapers who have property owners looking for native alternatives to non-native vegetation, this column provides options to meet your client’s needs.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a native flower of the Asteraceae family, which includes asters, daisies, and sunflowers. It can grow up to 3 feet high with a spread of up to 4 feet at maturity (Photo 1). Black-eyed Susan gets its name from the brown to black center part of its yellow daisylike flowers (Photo 2).

Black-eyed Susan is a good choice of flowering plant for many yards as it grows in a wide variety of habitats such as fields, open woodlands, or roadsides. It comes in varieties that are annual, biennial, or short-lived perennials. Blackeyed Susan does best in well-drained, moderately dry soils that are acidic (<6.8 pH). It flourishes in open areas with full sun, but also grows well in partial sun.

Black-eyed Susan thrives in soil that is occasionally disturbed. Management should include tilling the surrounding soil every two to three years to promote germination. Blooms should be clipped when they wilt to both promote blooming and reduce self-seeding.

The benefits of black-eyed Susan are many. Black-eyed Susan is a showy ornamental plant that brings color to any landscaping, especially when blooming from summer to early fall (June to September). These flowers are great for cuttings as part of a floral arrangement. Black-eyed Susan is a wonderful plant for pollinators as many insects collect its pollen and nectar. Black-eyed Susan is a great choice to use instead of many non-native flowers, like yarrow (Achillea species), butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), and English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).

You can find nurseries in New Jersey that sell native plants by visiting the Jersey-Friendly Yards website at http://www. jerseyyards.org/jersey-friendly-plants/where-to-buy-nativeplants/.

Photo 1: Black-eyed Susan flowering in late summer (Photo Credit: Steve Yergeau).

Steven Yergeau, Ph.D. is the Dept. Head and Agricultural Agent for Rutgers Co-operative Extension of Ocean County. He is also Assistant Professor for Ocean & Atlantic Counties. For more info visit http://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu.

Photo 2: Close up of the flowers that give black-eyed Susan its name (Photo Credit: Steve Yergeau).

28 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

News Brief

U.S. Horticulture Operations Report $13.8 Billion in Sales New Jersey and Pennsylvania Among Top 10 States in Total Horticulture Sales

T

he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2019 Census of Horticultural Specialties report, the only source of detailed production and sales data for floriculture, nursery, and specialty crops for the entire United States. The data show that horticulture operations sold a total of $13.8 billion in floriculture, nursery and specialty crops in 2019, down fractionally from the sales in 2014. The number of horticulture operations in the United States decreased 11% during this time to 20,655.

“First conducted in 1889, the horticulture census provides data on sectors for which there are no other comprehensive data sources,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer.

“It is a valuable tool to highlight the contribution horticulture growers bring to our local, state, and national economies as well as changes in the industry over the past five years.”

Horticulture production occurred primarily in 10 states, which accounted for 66% of all U.S. horticulture sales in 2019. California ($2.63 billion), Florida ($1.93 billion) and Oregon ($1.02 billion) led the nation in sales.

The top commodities in U.S. horticulture sales in 2019, and compared to 2014, were: • Nursery stock, $4.55 billion, up 7% • Annual bedding/garden plants, $2.24 billion, down 13% • Sod, sprigs and plugs, $1.27 billion, up 12% • Potted flowering plants, $1.2 billion, up 11% • Potted herbaceous perennials, $923 million, down 2% • Propagative horticultural materials, bareroot, and unfinished plant materials, $720 million, up 4%

• Food crops under protection, $703 million, down 12% Other key findings from the 2019 Census of Horticultural Specialties report include: • Family- or individually-owned operations made up the largest number of operations, accounting for 52%, but corporately-owned operations accounted for 75% of sales ($10.3 billion).

• Total industry expenses were up 6% since 2014, with labor being the largest cost, accounting for 42% of total expenses in 2019.

The Census of Horticultural Specialties is part of the larger Census of Agriculture program. It provides information on the number and types of establishments engaged in horticultural production, value of sales, varieties of products, production expenses and more. All operations that reported producing and selling $10,000 or more of horticultural crops on the 2017 Census of Agriculture were included in this special study.

For more information and to access the full report, visit www. nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

NASS is the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture and is committed to providing timely, accurate and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

NJLCA.ORG 29

2021

KODIAK Orange ®

Diervilla

Tough landscapes require tough plants that can take poor soil, heat, and drought.

The Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Kodiak® series of native Diervilla is the solution.

Kodiak® Orange lights up the landscape, especially in the fall, making it an eco-friendly alternative to burning bush.

• Native • Fast growing • Trouble-free 5’

KODIAK® Orange Diervilla ‘G2X88544’ pp#27,548; cbr#5596 Sun to Shade • USDA Zone 4-7 3-4’ Tall & Wide

5’

KODIAK® Black

For sales, contact: www.springmeadownursery.com 800-633-8859

KODIAK® Black Diervilla rivularis ‘SMNDRSF’ pp#27,550, cbr# 5938 Sun to Shade • USDA Zone 4-7 3-4’ Tall & Wide

5’

KODIAK® Red Diervilla ‘G2X885411’ pp#28,403, cbraf Sun to Shade • USDA Zone 4-7 3-4’ Tall & Wide

KODIAK® Red

Feature Story

U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

O

by Ron Katiraei, Esq., Law Office of Ron Katiraei

n January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden sent an immigration reform bill entitled The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 to Congress, in a move that highlighted his prioritization of immigration policy. The bill provides numerous measures that help to make U.S. immigration policy less restrictive. This shift strives to grant pathways to citizenship to undocumented immigrants and to keep families united.

U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 not only would create a path to citizenship for the undocumented, TPS holders and Dreamers, but also, it would address the areas of 1) Border security, such as through new screening technologies, officer training, infrastructure, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy on professional responsibility, misconduct, and use-of-force; 2) Securing the Central American region, with regard to violence and economic stability; 3) Getting rid of the per-country cap for employmentbased green cards and increasing work visa availability; and 4) Disallowing discrimination in immigration policy that is based on religion, among other issues.

President Biden’s immigration bill faces political challenges and requires support from advocates, including those in the U.S. business community, in order to gain passage. Despite the practical battles that the bill faces, lawmakers can approve of, at the least, parts of the plan, through other legislative motions.

A Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

This immigration reform bill aims, at its core, to create an eight-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

In addition, after passing background checks and paying taxes, the undocumented immigrant population could have the ability to apply for green cards after five years. The impact of this proposal, if passed, is that it would legalize more than 10.5 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. For immigrants falling under the purview of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, in addition to those categorized as Temporary Protected Status and farmworkers, the immigration reform bill would offer eligibility to apply for green cards immediately. Furthermore, after holding a green card for three years and passing additional background tests, this identified group could have the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Applicants must satisfy the condition of being physically present in the U.S. on or prior to January 1, 2021. For those individuals deported on or after January 20, 2017, who were

physically present for at least 3 years prior to removal, the DHS Secretary may waive the presence requirement owing to family unity and other humanitarian purposes.

Reforming Family

The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 would help families stay united, such as through approved I-130 visa petitions under which immigrants can join family in the United States temporarily, while they wait for the availability of green cards.

The bill outlines policy that would assist in clearing backlogs, recapturing unused visas, and reducing lengthy wait times. In addition, the bill calls for the amelioration of family case-management programs, the expansion of training for immigration judges, and the improvement of technology for immigration courts.

The bill calls for the inclusion of permanent partnerships to eliminate discrimination toward LGBTQ+ families.

Furthermore, it provides for protections for orphans, widows and children and Filipino veterans who fought alongside the United States in World War II. The bill would eliminate the 3- and 10-year unlawful presence bars. The number of green cards for the Diversity Visa Lottery would be raised from 55,000 to 80,000 annually.

The bill would change the word “alien,” which has a negative connotation, to “noncitizen,” in our country’s immigration laws, a change that symbolizes the United States’ being a country more welcoming toward immigrants.

Reforming Employment-Based Immigration The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 would: • Assist in clearing employment-based visa backlogs, recapturing unused visas, reducing lengthy wait times, and eliminate per-country visa caps • Assist graduates of U.S. universities with advanced STEM degrees to stay in the United States

NJLCA.ORG 31

Feature Story • • • •

Expand training for immigration judges Ameliorate family case-management programs Improve technology for immigration courts; and Restore fairness to our immigration system by providing for due process of law and for the hiring of staff who come with experience in immigration rights, immigration law, and refugee resettlement

Supporting Asylum Seekers and Other Vulnerable Populations The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 would: • Eliminate the one-year deadline for filing asylum applications • Apply funds toward addressing asylum application backlogs • Safeguard, through increased protections, U visa, T visa, and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) applicants • Raise the cap on U visas from 10,000 to 30,000 • Expand protections for foreign nationals who assist U.S. troops Ron Katiraei, Esq. is a licensed attorney admitted in the State of New York and can handle immigration matters in all 50 states. He is a frequent writer and lecturer on various immigration topics.

• •

Assist workers in lower-wage sectors to obtain access to green cards; and Eliminate other unnecessary barriers for obtaining employment-based green cards

It would also: • Provide EADs (Employment Authorization Documents, or work permits) for H-4 visa holders • Prevent children from “aging out” • Create a pilot program to stimulate regional economic development • Give DHS the authority to adjust green cards based on macroeconomic conditions • Help prevent unfair competition with American workers by incentivizing higher wages for nonimmigrant, high-skilled visas

Reforming the Immigration Courts The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 would: • Reduce immigration court backlogs

32 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Disclaimer: This article includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need to speak to an attorney about a particular manner, please contact us!

Feature Story

Ley de Ciudadanía Estadounidense de 2021

E

by Ron Katiraei, Esq., Law Office of Ron Katiraei

l 20 de enero de 2021, el presidente Joe Biden envió al Congreso un proyecto de Ley de reforma migratoria titulado Ley de ciudadanía estadounidense de 2021, en una medida que destacó su priorización de la política de inmigración. El proyecto de Ley proporciona numerosas medidas que ayudan a que la política de inmigración de los Estados Unidos sea menos restrictiva. Este cambio se esfuerza por otorgar caminos hacia la ciudadanía a los inmigrantes indocumentados y por mantener unidas a las familias.

Ley de ciudadanía estadounidense de 2021

La Ley de Ciudadanía de EE. UU. de 2021 no solo crearía un camino hacia la ciudadanía para los indocumentados, los titulares de TPS y los Dreamers, sino que también abordaría las áreas de 1) Seguridad fronteriza, como a través de nuevas tecnologías de detección, capacitación de oficiales, infraestructura y Política del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) sobre responsabilidad profesional, mala conducta y uso de la fuerza; 2) Asegurar la región centroamericana, en materia de violencia y estabilidad económica; 3) Eliminar el límite por país para las tarjetas verdes basadas en el empleo y aumentar la disponibilidad de visas de trabajo; y 4) No permitir la discriminación en la política de inmigración basada en la religión, entre otros temas.

El proyecto de Ley de inmigración del presidente Biden enfrenta desafíos políticos y requiere el apoyo de defensores, incluidos los de la comunidad empresarial de los EE. UU., para obtener su aprobación. A pesar de las batallas prácticas que enfrenta el proyecto de ley, los legisladores pueden aprobar, al menos, partes del plan, a través de otras mociones legislativas.

Un camino hacia la ciudadanía estadounidense

Este proyecto de ley de reforma migratoria apunta, en esencia, a crear un camino de ocho años hacia la ciudadanía para inmigrantes indocumentados. Además, después de pasar verificaciones de antecedentes y pagar impuestos, la población de inmigrantes indocumentados podría tener la posibilidad de solicitar tarjetas de residencia después de cinco años. El impacto de esta propuesta, si se aprueba, es que legalizaría a más de 10.5 millones de inmigrantes indocumentados que actualmente viven en los EE. UU. Para los inmigrantes que caen bajo el alcance del programa de Acción Diferida para los llegados en la Infancia (DACA), además de los categorizados como Estatus de Protección Temporal y trabajadores agrícolas, el proyecto de Ley de reforma migratoria ofrecería elegibilidad para solicitar tarjetas verdes de inmediato. Además, después de tener una tarjeta verde durante tres años y aprobar pruebas

de antecedentes adicionales, este grupo identificado podría tener la capacidad de solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense.

Los solicitantes deben cumplir con la condición de estar físicamente presentes en los EE. UU. El 1 de enero de 2021 o antes. Para aquellas personas deportadas el 20 de enero de 2017 o después de esa fecha, que estuvieron físicamente presentes durante al menos 3 años antes de la expulsión, el Secretario del DHS puede renunciar al requisito de presencia debido a la unidad familiar y otros fines humanitarios.

Reforma de la familia

La Ley de Ciudadanía de los EE. UU. de 2021 ayudaría a las familias a mantenerse unidas, por ejemplo, a través de solicitudes de visa I-130 aprobadas en virtud de las cuales los inmigrantes pueden unirse a sus familias en los Estados Unidos temporalmente, mientras esperan la disponibilidad de tarjetas de residencia.

El proyecto de ley describe la política que ayudaría a eliminar los retrasos, recuperar las visas no utilizadas y reducir los largos tiempos de espera. Además, el proyecto de ley exige la mejora de los programas de gestión de casos familiares, la expansión de la capacitación para los jueces de inmigración y la mejora de la tecnología para los tribunales de inmigración.

El proyecto de ley pide la inclusión de asociaciones permanentes para eliminar la discriminación hacia las familias LGBTQ +. Además, proporciona protección para huérfanos, viudas y niños y veteranos filipinos que lucharon junto a Estados Unidos en la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

El proyecto de ley eliminaría las prohibiciones de presencia ilegal de 3 y 10 años. La cantidad de tarjetas verdes para la Lotería de Visas de Diversidad aumentaría de 55,000 a 80,000 anualmente.

El proyecto de ley cambiaría la palabra "extranjero", que tiene una connotación negativa, a "no ciudadano", en las leyes de inmigración de nuestro país, un cambio que simboliza que Estados Unidos es un país más acogedor para los inmigrantes.

NJLCA.ORG 33

Feature Story Reforma de las Cortes de inmigración La Ley de Ciudadanía de EE. UU. de 2021 puede: • Reducir los retrasos en los tribunales de inmigración • Ampliar la formación de los jueces de inmigración • Mejorar los programas de manejo de casos familiares • Mejorar la tecnología para los tribunales de inmigración; y • Restaurar la equidad en nuestro sistema de inmigración al proporcionar el debido proceso legal y la contratación de personal con experiencia en derechos de inmigración, leyes de inmigración y reasentamiento de refugiados.

Apoyo a solicitantes de Asilo y otras poblaciones vulnerables

Reforma de la Inmigración basada en el empleo La Ley de Ciudadanía de EE. UU. de 2021 puede: • Ayudar a eliminar los retrasos en las visas basadas en el empleo, recuperar las visas no utilizadas, reducir los largos tiempos de espera y eliminar los límites de visas por país • Ayudar a los graduados de universidades estadounidenses con títulos avanzados de STEM a permanecer en los Estados Unidos • Ayudar a los trabajadores de los sectores con salarios más bajos a obtener acceso a tarjetas de residencia; y • Eliminar otras barreras innecesarias para obtener tarjetas verdes basadas en el empleo.

También: • Proporcionar EAD (documentos de autorización de empleo o permisos de trabajo) para los titulares de visas H-4.

• Prevenir que la mayoría de edad sea una limitante para asuntos migratorios “Aging Out" • Crear un programa piloto para estimular el desarrollo económico regional.

• Otorgar al DHS la autoridad para ajustar las tarjetas verdes en función de las condiciones macroeconómicas • Ayude a prevenir la competencia desleal con los trabajadores estadounidenses incentivando salarios más altos para visas de no inmigrantes altamente calificadas.

34 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

La Ley de Ciudadanía de EE. UU. de 2021 puede: • Eliminar el plazo de un año para presentar solicitudes de asilo.

• Aplicar fondos para abordar los retrasos en las solicitudes de asilo.

• Proteger, mediante mayores protecciones, a los solicitantes de visas U, visas T y VAWA (Ley de Violencia contra la Mujer) • Aumentar el límite de las visas U de 10,000 a 30,000.

• Ampliar las protecciones para ciudadanos extranjeros que ayudan a las tropas estadounidenses.

Ron Katiraei, Esq. is a licensed attorney admitted in the State of New York and can handle immigration matters in all 50 states.

Descargo de responsabilidad: este boletín incluye información general sobre cuestiones legales y desarrollos en la ley. Dichos materiales son solo para fines informativos y pueden no reflejar los desarrollos legales más actuales. Estos materiales informativos no pretenden, y no deben tomarse, como asesoramiento legal sobre un conjunto particular de hechos o circunstancias. Si necesita hablar con un abogado sobre una forma en particular, ¡contáctenos!

Hemos preparado este boletín en español para su conveniencia de la versión original en inglés. Si hay alguna discrepancia entre la versión en español y la versión en Inglés, prevalecerá la versión en Inglés.

Feature Story

Tomato Paste Leadership Part Three: How to create more time with your family

by Domenic Chiarella, 7 of 7 BEST Business and Life Strategies, LLC How to create more time with your family? And what does that have to do with…How to make Mouth-Watering Pasta Sauce?

Welcome to the last part of Tomato Paste Leadership. My favorite mom-in-law, Annuciatina aka Nancy, is jumping out of her skin to finish explaining her methods, the last steps in her secret recipe. It was one of her few possessions that was brought to you from a small town in Italy, Boville Ernica, some 72 years ago.

At the end of this post, Nancy has a treat for you. She promised to show you what magic she does with these jars!!!!!

Me? I enjoyed sharing the past two parts of leadership with you.

They gave me so much success and I made them a consistent part of my life and a part of my business.

Part One, I shared how to create your primary aims in life. A written guide that can help you to have great decision making powers and to lead the life of your dreams.

Part Two, Taking your primary aims and creating a written one page strategic objective for your business. Results? The ways for everyone in the company knowing the who, what, when, where, and why of the business.

This last part, I am sharing with you a quick, simple way to start / continue the delegation model of leadership.

Going from command and control management to a more collaborative management system. Let's get started!!!

The year was 1947.

Living in Boville Ernica, Italy for the first 17 years, Annuciatina with her mom, Mamma Maria left their proud little town for a better life.

With everything they owned, they took a ship and a month later, landed in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Her dad, Nicola worked in the coal mines and saved enough money to bring them to USA. There life was hard, working was dangerous, language barriers, and making ends meet. But the love of

family, the culture of love, happiness, and delicious food.

She met her husband, Antonio, moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, and away we go with jarring tomatoes!!!

They also brought with them, some 72 years ago was a vision, a happiness and a recipe....

What was that vision? She let you in on the secret of making one of the greatest Italian red sauce for her homemade pasta.

What does that have to do with leadership?

Think about it, a vision of making the best pasta and the best pasta sauce, year after year. So that your family can have the best!

Like a great business, making the best service to clients and employees, year after year.

So that your clients and employees can have the best!

It is the choices leaders make and how they follow through with leadership.

And Annuciatina made the right choices to bring it here in USA and to hone it to perfection. She made the choices over the years to hone her recipe, to use what works and keep it or change what doesn’t and improve it.

She discards what doesn’t work. Taking responsibly for correcting the course along the way. She knows what she wants and where she wants to end up.

She communicated what the vision is and helps us get to the success of jarring the best tomato sauce, and to find... Happiness!!

Now, let’s talk about the real reason you are reading this...

The next step is the sealing of the tomato paste jars. You will be heating the seal jars for twenty to thirty minutes to seal the jars. Not to cook the tomatoes, more just to seal the tomatoes from bacteria. You have to be careful not the have the jars explode while boiling.

An old Boville Ernica trick is putting some dish towels or in dialect Italian, mappina in the pan of water.

Remove the jars with the handle, shake the jar to mix the ingredients, and store upside-down, cooling them off before we store them.

Now you still must be wondering how leadership is related to jarring tomato sauce. I would be….

Let’s face it; the feeling of stress and overload can be synonyms with you, the business owner and your limited time. This infamous lack of time is the connection between the tools of system development and our limited time resource: which causes the feeling of stress and overload.

You only have so many hours in a day. And you can only

NJLCA.ORG 35

36”-72” decks available

Available with Kawasaki 36”-72” decks available & Briggs Engines

Available 3 Year engine with Kawasaki & Briggs Engines and transmission warranty

3 Year engine 5 Yearand limited transmission warranty

suspension warranty

5 Year limited Oil Guard Systemwarranty suspension

on 52”-72” decks

Oil Guard System on 52”-72” decks

Call 1-800-942-2326 to at: find your nearest Available Call 1-800-942-2326 to find your nearest dealer Oakland Marine & Equipment dealer 206 W. Oakland Ave. Oakland, NJ 07436

201-337-7741

Feature Story really complete a finite amount of work in those hours. That is it, period. This is one limitation that no matter what you do, or how you divide the work up, will not change. This one limitation also limits your success and the success of your company.

What this limitation creates is stress and overload, both in your business and in your life.

Systems and system delegation are the best ways to overcome time limitation. How well you delegate will dictate how successful you and your company are.

So how do you implement effective systems and then delegate?

System creation and delegation of the systems are the critical component in the development of your business: It helps your team grow and develop. Therefore, doing more.

Allows the best use of everyone’s’ time and skills, most importantly, YOURS. More control of work and best use of all skills sets.

"If you choose the right task to delegate, give to the right person to delegate to, and have the correct tools to do the task consistently, My company will have better odds of success."

--Domenic A Chiarella You have always done the many daily tasks as the owner of the company. Letting go of these tasks is downright frightening. But if you keep doing these tasks, most likely you may be trapped forever doing these tasks. I have added a little tool to start the delegation process. Something that will add more time to your life.

Steps to Create the Playbook 1. Start by using your computer / phone or for us old schoolers, carrying around with you a small spiral notebook.

2. Tab sections or on top of individual sheets of paper.

Write the various areas that you work in and want to develop. Examples: Sales, Service/Production, Accounting, Repairs, Facility, Education, Personal, etc.

3. First column on each section, identify all the tasks you do in each section or department.,.

4. Second column, identify all the tasks you want to delegate.

5. Third column, Whom do you want to delegate this task to?

6. With each task, create a simple one-page step-by-step method to do the task. Make it one page for the KISS method. Keep It Simple Stupid. Understand that if you can’t write it down, you can’t delegate it. a. Task Name: the what, b. Task Description: the why,

c. Steps of task: the how, d. Who is responsible for the task: the who, e. The resources to do task: the where, and f. A Clear result to task.

7. Train, Train, Train the who of the delegated employee.

Finally Great leaders do the same thing: they have a vision and they teach and mentor to help all of us get to that vision. They make the course changes without pointing and accusing, without ego, without worrying about failure.

It is the success of the team that matters to the leader.

There are alway the bumps and turns to get to happiness.

One sees the many weak leaders. The ones that look for very little real change and growth. They keep doing the same thing over and over but still get the same results.

They talk about what they want and and when things go wrong, they look for a scapegoat, for the reasons something didn’t work.

Failure to weak leaders is a major blow to their ego, a blow to themselves.

How do great leaders know what they are doing and where they are going?

Growing your business or creating success in your life starts with knowing what you want in life. What is important to you? When you end up where you want to be, is it what you valued. To find your values, you find out what your primary aims are in life.

And finally, the magic Annuciatina promised. Just what they do with jars of tomato sauce?

For now, the leader, Annuciatina aka Nancy, and I, her favorite son-in-law (her only one) have lead her team to another great client success.

For more than 40 years, Domenic has served as Director of Operations and as Director of Business Development at one of the most creative and collaborative organizations in the New York and Connecticut areas, From Nancy, the Italian leader, on the left, to her Ultimate Services mentored group of new tomato paste leaders: Professional Grounds Toni, Jessica, Angela, Rachael, Rosemary, Constantino, Jennifer, Anthony, Daisy, Dominick, Management Inc. He is what people and me, Domenic-Tanti Auguri!, Ciao Ciao Tutti call a perpetual student. An alumnus from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Computer Science and the University of Florence, Italy with a BA in Italian. And then at a ripe young age of 53 returning to the halls of higher learning of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master Degree in Administrative Services.

NJLCA.ORG 37

News Brief

Contractor Focus: Sietsma Landscape

S

ietsma Landscape is a family-owned and operated business that has been a trusted name in Bergen and Passaic counties for over 30 years. Founder and President, Glenn Sietsma, established Sietsma Landscape, Inc. in Midland Park in 1987. Glenn started the company with his wife and one truck.

Today, Sietsma has over 50 employees and has expanded its operations to be able to accommodate all of their client's landscape needs. While the company continues to grow each year, they have always maintained a hands-on feel. "We have earned the trust of our customers and employees, we take pride in our many long-term relationships, and we value each and every client we work with." says Glenn.

In 1997, Sietsma Landscape purchased their sister company, Green-Way Irrigation. Green-Way is a full-service

residential and commercial irrigation company. This allows Sietsma's customers to receive consistency and one point of contact for all of their landscaping services.

Sietsma is a family run company that continues to stick true to its motto – “BIG enough to SERVE – small enough to CARE!” Sietsma provides services such as landscape design, installation, maintenance, irrigation installation, custom stonework and hardscapes, landscape lighting, plantings, lawn installation and renovation, hydroseeding, and commercial snow removal.

For more information, visit www.sietsmalandscape.com.

Photos courtesy of Sietsma Landscape

38 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

News Brief

Associate Focus: Cambridge Pavers, Inc. whether there is a favorite son amongst the two, that has already been covered in one of their commercials, but we will give you a hint…ArmorTec® is a face mix that has become synonymous with Cambridge. This unique process has been perfected over the years by every employee who has had a hand in the mix design that consists of superfine sand granules and cement of the highest quality. Cambridge now consists of 254 dedicated employees and five production facilities, which include locations in Lyndhurst, South Amboy, and a brand new one in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Charles's dream is to change America's Landscape with Pavingstones and Wallstones. He wants towns all over the United States to upgrade their sidewalks, Chris Gamarekian, Charles H. Gamarekian and Charles Gamarekian Jr. downtown areas, and municipalities with products that t was the early eighties when Charles H. Gamarekian will outperform concrete and asphalt. Cambridge’s outcame across an ad in a concrete products magazine that door components including fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor would ultimately change the entire trajectory of his life. At kitchens, pizza ovens, pergolas, pavilions and more, are althe time he was involved in residential and commercial real lowing people to extend their living space beyond their four estate development. The ad was for a paver making machine walls so that they can enjoy time with family and friends and for some reason or another, Charles found it fascinat- throughout the year. This is about something larger than ing and needed to learn more about this machine and the a pretty driveway or patio. It is about an investment that durable concrete products it could make. He got in touch makes people feel good about coming home or taking a with the company that made the machine and scheduled walk in their local community. Cambridge's mission is to a tour of their facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. After encourage positive change in the environments we utilize Charles spent the day looking at these behemoth machines each day. Cambridge is proud to be a part of this change, and asking every question under the sun regarding pavers one paver, and one wallstone at a time, and can continue and manufacturing, he flew home with a fire in his belly. to experience growth and success with the support of assoThe moment he got home he devised a plan that would ciations like the NJLCA and the highly experienced profesinvolve getting his hands on no-name pavers and setting sional hardscape contractors who are out in the field recup shop at home improvement tradeshows to see if there ommending and installing our products. was any real interest from homeowners and contractors in For more information, visit www.cambridgepavers.com. regards to paving stones bringing added value to a property. After this six-month experiment and a lot of interest shown at these shows, Charles knew he wanted to manufacture pavers and he did so from 1984-1994 as the president of another paver manufacture. He got that company up and running in regards to the paver end and after ten years decided to venture out on his own to create Cambridge Pavers.

In 2006 Charles was joined by his twin sons and current Vice Presidents of the company, Chris and Charles Junior who brought their ideas and innovations to the table in regards to products, colors, manufacturing, and the overall growth of the company. They all realize that although it is not always easy working with family ,they would not want it any other way. Whether sitting together at the conference table or in the car on a way to a trade show, there is always a balance between business and bonding. As to

I

NJLCA.ORG 39

Feature Story

2021: A Fine Year to Plant Native

by Michael Macaulay for Richard A. McCoy Horticultural Services, Inc. your landscape, there is an environmentally conscious alternative.

Planting native is not about ignoring aesthetics.

Combining ecological consciousness with visual appeal is what we do at McCoy Horticultural. However, when visuals are isolated and trump ecology, we arrive at (unfortunately) the perspective of most landscape companies and homeowners, which disregards our ability, our responsibility, to play a direct, positive environmental role.

For details on specific natives for zone 6-7, see our Native Plant at a Glance posts. You can also find some valuable native plant directories in the Resources section of our website.

2

020 reminded us that some things are out of our control.

Instead of letting these things agitate us, let’s focus on the positive effect we can have when we empower ourselves and take action where we can. Today, we’ll remind you of our favorite one - planting natives. A native garden is an achievable way to beautify your surroundings and benefit your local ecology. Let’s stop making ‘the environment’ an abstract and distant concept.

Step outside your front door, and there it is! Suburban and industrial sprawl has caused widespread habitat loss and fragmentation, and the rapid influx of pesticide use, alien ornamental plants and invasives are tangible reasons for why we need to collectively change our landscaping approach.

There’s No Shortage of Variety and Beauty There’s native plants of various sizes, shapes, and colors for every season. If planted strategically, a native garden can provide vibrant beauty from early Spring to late Autumn, and food and nectar sources for native creatures.

For every non-native plant you may aesthetically desire for

40 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

They’re Naturally Low Maintenance Because natives have evolved for your region, once established they are highly resistant to conditions and phenomena that nonnatives may struggle or perish under.

This means it’s extremely rare for an established native to need replacement if planted properly, granted it’s culturally suited for its placement in the landscape (e.g. shade/sun levels, not too crowded, etc.). It will also be unnecessary to fertilize or periodically water your natives at this point.

Insects and Alien Plants Do Not Mix One of the most fascinating and overlooked aspects of natives is the degree to which specialization between them and cornerstone insect/pollinator species plays a role in environmental functions.

As Doug Tallamy cites in his book Nature’s Best Hope, “most insect herbivores, some 90 percent in fact, are diet specialists host-plant specialists that are restricted to eating one or just a few plant lineages” ([Berynays and Graham 1998, Forister et al.

2015]” (100). A common example is the relationship between the widely loved Monarch and their host-plant milkweed, the only plant that Monarch caterpillars eat in their larval stage.

Feature Story Originally Published Dec. 31, 2020 on ecologymatters.net.

Sources: https://www.naturalshore.com/native-plants/, Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy, Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy This yard in Manasquan, NJ turned from a sterile lawn to a native plant oasis in less than a year.

Help Mother Nature and She Will Help You You may say that nature will take care of herself, but as stewards of the land it is our duty to remind you of your ability to help nature along in its balancing processes. It is undoubtable that every native garden does facilitate positive ecological action by bringing together essential insect species with their specific host plants and providing food and shelter sources for birds and small mammals. When you provide for your local ecology, it provides for you - you’ll have a plethora of aesthetic and sonic beauty added to your yard, you’ll save money in water and hours worked, and (especially if you stop using toxic pesticides,) you’ll also reap the benefits of avoiding some common mosquito, pest, and fungal issues in allowing and assisting nature’s balance to take effect.

GET OUTSIDE AND PLANT SOME NATIVES IN 2021! Visit Homegrown National Park's website at www. homegrownnationalpark.com to #GETONTHEMAP with your native garden!

NJLCA.ORG 41

Legislative Update from the NJL-PAC

D

ue to ongoing legislative issues that we continually face in the landscape and green industry, the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association officially launched the New Jersey Landscape Political Action Committee (NJL-PAC) this past fall and as you may be aware hired MBI Gluckshaw to help us with our lobbying efforts. Below is an account of recent activities in the legislative arena written by Rick Wright of MBI Gluckshaw.

- Gail Woolcott, Executive Director Office of the Governor – COVID-19 Business Shutdowns – March & April 2020 From mid-March to mid-April, MBI worked on a daily basis in an effort to keep NJLCA members updated on Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders that impacted the landscape industry, particularly EO’s 113 & 122 that shut down non-essential businesses, followed by all construction in New Jersey. Working with NJLCA Executive Director Gail Woolcott, Scot Mackey & I communicated with Justin Braz, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, regarding the need to keep the landscape industry to the furthest extent possible, open for business and labeled as an “essential industry” in the state. Those efforts included almost daily texts, calls and emails as the Governor issued more stringent business shutdown Executive Orders from late March to mid-April as COVID-19 rates dramatically increased in the state. Working with Executive Director Woolcott, when MBI learned that Governor Murphy intended to shut down all construction in the state in mid- April, we worked with Deputy Chief of Staff Braz by sending him a complete list of services provided by NJLCA members and going over that list with Justin to determine what items on the list could be deemed “essential “under Governor Murphy’s EO-122. This collaborative effort between MBI and the Governor’s Office on behalf of NJLCA members allowed many landscape contractors in the state to continue working with minor restrictions, thereby saving them millions of dollars in business during the busy spring, summer and fall months in 2020. As the pandemic increases into the 2nd wave that scientists predicted over the summer, MBI continues to be on the lookout for any indication of new restrictions that could negatively impact NJLCA members which includes watching and providing reports to ED Woolcott following Governor Murphy’s weekly COVID -19 press events each week.

Legislative Tracking & Lobbying Since becoming your lobbyist earlier this year, MBI is track-

42 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

ing 224 legislative bills that have been introduced in both the State Assembly & Senate. This legislation encompasses many issues that could impact the landscape industry including taxes, health care changes and mandates, licensure as well as environmental initiatives and regulations, legislation dealing with providing assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19, vehicle tracking legislation, prompt payment of construction contacts and restrictions on local government contracting. To track this legislation, MBI reviews every bill introduced in the Legislature that we believe impacts NJLCA members. Following our review, we forward this info to NJLCA Executive Director Woolcott for her comments. Once a bill is deemed important to the organization, it is tracked and MBI staff will monitor and contact the bill’s sponsor, Governor’s Office and/or Legislative staff in both the district offices and State House to support, seek amendments or oppose during the legislative process. This process has become harder during the COVID-19 Pandemic since the Legislature is working remotely and all legislative committee hearings and voting sessions do not allow members of the public into the State House, including lobbyists.

Regulation Tracking On behalf of the NJLCA, MBI reviews all proposed rules & adoptions of regulations that impact our state’s irrigation industry. MBI staff review and track rule proposals and adoptions and forward this information to Gail for comment.

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association PAC Reporting to the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission On behalf of the NJLCA, Director Woolcott has worked with MBI staff to set up a system in which our firm will file all reports and filings with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for the organization’s political action committee (PAC).

Statewide US-DOL Approved Apprenticeship Program Due to legislation that passed during the 2018-2019 Legislative Session, certain businesses seeking qualification of public work for state, county and municipal contracts in New Jersey are now required to have a US Department of Labor (US DOL) approved Registered Apprenticeship Program. Working with ED Woolcott, MBI set up several conference calls this year with representatives from the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOLWD) and US DOL regarding the necessary steps needed to set up an approved NJLCA statewide apprenticeship program for its members. The NJLCA program is now up and running.

News Brief

In Memory of Carl J. Torsilieri Carl Joseph Torsilieri passed away peacefully on February 17th at the age of 93. Carl was born on February 4, 1928 in Stirling, NJ in the house built by his brick mason father. “Sonny” was the only child of Joseph A Torsilieri and Florence L (Montegari) Torsilieri.

Married to Lois J (Mindnich) Torsilieri for 56 years, they were high school sweethearts at Bernards High School in Bernardsville, NJ where Carl was voted best looking and "Lo" best dressed and best dancer. Together they had four children: Carla Parkinson (David), Guy (Beverly), Marc (Susan) and Dean (Christine). There are thirteen grandchildren: Jacie and Bart (Carla), George and Carl (Guy), Sam, Liza and Phoebe (Marc), August, Geneva, Piper, Holly, Willow and Remy (Dean). Carl was preceded in death by his son Marc in 2007 and his wife Lois in 2009.

Carl served in the US Navy as a Petty Officer between WWII and the Korean War from 1946 to 1948 on a Liberty Ship. He spent some off hours crafting items like candle holders and lamps out of spent bullet casings, now family heirlooms.

As a young man Carl cultivated and sold dahlias from a greenhouse on the site that is now the Stirling, NJ ShopRite.

Before venturing out on his own, he was a partner in Millington Nurseries in Millington, NJ. In 1968, Carl started Torsilieri, Inc, a landscape contracting firm, out of his home on Douglas Road in Far Hills, NJ. Later the company moved to the property which is now the current location of Torsilieri Inc. at 265 Main Street in Gladstone, NJ. All three of his sons, Guy, Marc & Dean eventually helped him grow the business into a large multifaceted company.

Torsilieri, Inc is well known for cutting down, bringing in, setting up and taking down the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree; a very specialized job that they have done for 38 years. In recent years the company has also gained a reputation for moving and erecting large fine art pieces in New York City and other locales. Today the Torsilieri Inc signature white trucks can be seen throughout New Jersey, New York and the tri- state area.

Carl drove to the office each day even after he “retired” until he turned 90. He enjoyed picking up lunch and sharing it with his sons. After serving on the Board of Education and Town Council, Carl served as Mayor of the Borough of Far Hills for four terms, from 1995 until 2010. Keeping it in the family, when he ran for office in 1994 his daughter, Carla,

was his campaign manager. While he was on the Board of Education he was instrumental in closing the small elementary school in Far Hills and merging the students into the Bedminster school system.

He was widely respected for his fairness and clear thinking. As a friend and former mayor of a neighboring town said of Carl, “He epitomized the friendly outlook of a responsible elected official”. Carl was a resident of Far Hills for 62 years.

An avid horse racing enthusiast, Carl and his partner, Orlando Di Rienzo (Dee), owned many winning thoroughbreds starting in the 1970's. In the 1990's they were joined in the partnership by Carl's son, Guy. They raced under the stable name Coppertree Farm at many race tracks including Belmont, Saratoga and Keeneland as well as Steeplechase meets up and down the East Coast. Among their many impressive wins was a spectacular hometown victory at the Far Hills Race Meeting in 2001 with Quel Senor in the Grade One Breeder’s Cup Steeplechase.

Carl was a loyal New York Yankees baseball fan and rarely missed a televised game. In the 1970’s Carl was a dominant member of the Somerset Hills bowling league. He was a formidable poker and bocce player, usually half of the winning team of the tournament at the annual Torsilieri Pig Roast.

Known for sporting his signature full brimmed “Akubra” hats, Carl was friendly to everyone, told great stories and was a good listener. Well after his retirement he was still addressed as “Mayor” by almost all who knew him. In his later years Carl made a cherished friend in Christine Petruzzell who accompanied him to family events and kept Carl busy going to Cape May, out to dine, movies, and concerts.

Carl will be missed by many family members and friends who loved him and associates who admired and respected him.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Carl at a future date to be determined.

Memorial contributions in Carl’s honor can be made to the Far Hills Race Meeting Association (P.O. Box 617, Far Hills, NJ 07931). Donations will benefit The Steeplechase Cancer Center “Patient Assistance Fund”, Crossroads4Hope (formerly the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey) and the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church Medical Equipment Ministry.

NJLCA.ORG 43

WE CREATE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES THAT CREATE CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE.

Whether you are looking to buy new or used, rent equipment, or have your existing fleet serviced, Foley, Incorporated has what you are looking for. In addition to Cat equipment, we offer all types of allied products, such as air compressors, light towers, trenchers, wood chippers, heaters, small compaction equipment and more.

WWW.FOLEYINC.COM

SERVING ALL OF NJ, STATEN ISLAND, NY, EASTERN PA, AND NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE

Feature Story

The Case of the Low-Ball Contractor

by Ed Dugan, Northeast Bowie Sales LLC

W

e have all experienced it. You spend time estimating the job and considering all the contingencies and you put together a bid that you know is highly competitive. Maybe you even cut your price a bit close because, for any number of reasons you really want to win the job. You then find out you have been under bid and unbelievably worse, by over 25%! The notorious low-baller strikes again. It unfortunately happens way too often. So let’s delve into the scenario a bit to help understand the mechanics and how to strategize against it.

Let’s get the first issue out of the way. Is it your fault? Did you make a mistake in your pricing? It is a good practice to review your losing bids and look for any estimating errors you may have made. For instance, did you miscalculate your product amounts? Overestimating site areas is a common error that can be made which can lead to higher material numbers. Being off by 10% on a large job can lead to mistakenly high top soiling, grading and seeding numbers.

Confusing sq. ft. with sq. yds... is another error I often come across, particularly when erosion control blankets are involved. I have experienced a number of instances where I had to walk back customers on their quantities because of confusion of units of measure.

Finally, are your profit margins unrealistic?

If you constantly find yourself being under bid, perhaps the fault is your own. First let me be clear that we are all in business to make a profit. Owning a business comes with great risk and thus deserves great reward. However, being unrealistic in your profit margins is a business killer. A quote I have heard is “you can’t try to retire on one job”. Owning a business is a marathon not a sprint, long term business success is dependent on presenting a quality job at a competitive price while making a fair profit.

Having been self-employed most of my working life, I have learned a few things about running a business. One of the most important is separating yourself as the “employee” and yourself as the "business owner". Both entities need to make money. You as an “employee” should arrange to receive a paycheck every week. Depending on your company structure this can be a real paycheck, or in a sole proprietorship, a predetermined draw. After you and your vendors are paid the remaining monies are the business profit. This is where money for new equipment or upgrades comes from. Failure to look at this type of money management is the biggest cause for the low balling contractor.

Who is the Low-Baller?

The low ball contractor falls into a number of categories.

Probably the most common is the novice. An inexperienced business bidding on jobs that they have little or no experience in. They frequently underestimate costs, particularly labor, failing to realize the needed man power, equipment and time the job will actually take to complete. They often fall under the “best case scenario” illusion that the job will run perfectly. They fail to anticipate weather or material delays or costly down time from improper scheduling, equipment

failure or work being performed by other contractors.

Experienced contractors recognize the pitfalls and plan for them. Eventually the "novice" either goes bankrupt or survives the early years and learns better pricing strategies.

An associate of the novice is the part timer or the still living with their parent’s contractors. These type of contractors are usually found in the lawn maintenance side of the industry. It’s been said that every person with a pickup truck can become a property maintenance company. Their profit margins are based on how much money is in their pockets on Friday. In most instances they are not looking for more than to make a few bucks. Their overhead is low and their investment minimal. They feed on the customer driven by price not quality. Unfortunately, there is little if anything to combat them.

You see them all day long pulling a small trailer loaded with mowers in a pickup truck with no name or commercial plates and yes, in most cases working with some sort of illegalities.

Paying workers under the table, not properly insured, not

NJLCA.ORG 45

Feature Story collecting or paying the proper taxes and in many cases not even being a legitimate registered business. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done about this type of mentality.

These businesses come and go and there is always another one in the wings. On the upside they pick off work that is priced so low you wouldn’t want it anyway. In addition, they create a pitfall for themselves, as they try and grow and realize they need to be more competitively priced. They are trapped by their history of low pricing and as they try and raise prices they lose work to the next low baller on the block. Karma bites everyone eventually.

A third type is the cash flow strapped contractor. At one time or another almost everyone falls into this trap. Maybe they have hit a dry spell of work but need to keep their crew busy or just generate some cash flow to pay bills. Working on a tight margin for a particular job is sometimes a good business strategy but taking work on for little or no profit is not. “You can stay home and not make money”. If this becomes a continued theme for a company its usually a sign of deeper management issues.

Lastly there is the “oops I made a big mistake” contractor. I have received calls from contractors who have won jobs with a low bid only to find out they misinterpreted product specs and their costs are now double or triple their original estimates. I don’t consider these incidents real cases of low balling as much as a costly mistake but one they hopefully learn from.

So what does one do to combat the low baller? In reality, very little. Their business strategy, if they actually have one, is designed to meet the low bar of success they have set for themselves.

Your business resume is your greatest asset in this battle.

Having a professional presentation at the initial meeting is important. It should include any business licenses and certificates you hold as well as any Industry Associations you have membership in. Importantly it should include a statement regarding your Business Liability Insurance. The greater the image of professionalism your company presents, the greater ability for the consumer to justify in his or her mind the price you are presenting. References from satisfied

46 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

customers on your timely completion of work that met the customers’ expectations is a big selling point. As a contractor you need to sell beyond the price and sell on your company’s reputation as a quality contractor who the customer would be proud to do business with.

The inspiration for this article came from a recent interaction with one of my customers. He had just lost a large job by a bid $20,000 less than his. Since I had worked on the materials numbers with him he called to review the bid. We double checked numbers and specs and determined that there was no way the winning contractor could do the job at that price. We are confident that he misread a spec on the erosion control products and quoted it using a standard cheaper product as opposed to the specified higher end product. We ended up discussing low ball bids and the reasons for them and how they can affect the industry. The article highlights some of our conversation.

Ed Dugan is the owner of Northeast Bowie Sales LLC. The company specializes in the sale of Bowie Hydromulchers and Straw Blowers as well as hydroseeding supplies and erosion control products. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals.

More information on hydroseeding and straw blowing can be found on the company website at www.nebowiesales.com.

Feature Story

Money Does Grow on Trees!

by Danny Wood, Sandler Training by Danny Wood Enterprises

W

hat’s the most profitable tree you can plant that will grow your business for years to come?

Not sure? It’s a referral tree!

Think about how many referrals you've received over the past 12 months.

Why did you get them? Were you being proactive? Were you utilizing a system for generating them? Did you make a point to ask clients to send referrals your way?

Or did the typical referral come your way while you were in reactive mode, passively waiting for something good to occur?

You may want to consider doing more when it comes to proactive referral generation to grow your referral tree faster. There is a serious bottom-line advantage to increasing your referrals.

Closing a referral is roughly five times easier than closing a brand-new opportunity with whom you have no shared connection.

It’s essential that you create a referral-generation process you can consistently use. This process needs to create a steady stream of introductions from people who know what you and your company do well. They need to understand who in their network would benefit working from you.

It is uncommon for people to volunteer referrals.

You should ask everyone! Realize that some will not be comfortable, maybe now or never, to provide referrals. That’s OK; you know now.

I’ve worked with salespeople who have landed large deals and significantly increased their sales revenue as a result of a proactive referral process. It was a key component of their sales behavioral plan.

Start generating introductions by looking more closely at your LinkedIn or

“Referral generation is not an event.

It’s a process!”

Facebook contacts. See who you are connected to and determine who they can connect you to.

At its simplest level, referral generation is a matter of keeping in touch with your “raving fans” -- and asking them who else in their world you should be meeting. Why wouldn’t you want to do that on an appropriate, regular basis?

There are lots of ways to water your referral tree. The important thing is to do it consistently.

Referral generation is not an event. It’s a process!

Make a commitment to grow your referral tree.

Consistently follow through on that commitment. And the money will come.

Danny Wood, owner of Sandler Training – Danny Wood Enterprises, works with individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporations providing training, coaching, and consulting services to grow market share, shorten sales cycles, and increase revenue.

Clients look to Danny to help them develop and implement processes that create a sales-driven, client-centric organization. dwood. sandler.com | 201-842-0055 | mailto:dwood@sandler.com

NJLCA.ORG 47

Feature Story

NJ Agricultural Society – A History of Service to New Jersey

F

or over 240 years, the New Jersey Agricultural Society has played a prominent role in New Jersey’s agricultural history and has served to support this important industry.

From its inception until present time, the society has worked to further New Jersey agricultural pursuits. As agriculture has evolved over the past centuries, so have the activities of the society. However, the mission remains the same today as it did in 1781; “To preserve and enhance agriculture, farming and related activities and businesses in New Jersey through educational, informational, and promotional programs.”

To illustrate just how long the society has been in existence, when it was formed in 1781 the United States were still colonies fighting for independence. George Washington would not become President for another eight years!

While most of the society’s initial records have been lost to history, the earliest reference to the society was a notice in the NJ Gazette advising that the next meeting of the NJ Society for Promoting Agriculture, Commerce and the Arts would be held on September 7, 1781. The first secretary of the society was Samuel Stockton. Born in 1751, Stockton was a Princeton graduate, lawyer, diplomat to Austria & Holland during the Revolutionary War, Secretary to New Jersey’s convention to ratify the constitution and later served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State.

The society’s activities really took off in 1818 when Andrew Kirpatrick (who was also serving as New Jersey’s Chief

Learning Through Gardening program

48 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Justice) became its secretary. Under Kirpatrick, the society became instrumental in disseminating information to the industry. Topics included: Improved Farm Practices, Systems of Cultivation, Crop Rotation, Manure Applications, analyzed grain and forage varieties, and varietal studies for apples and cider as well as studies to develop profitable breeds of livestock. Do these activities sound familiar? If you think about it, the society was almost a forerunner for what is now Rutgers University Agricultural Experiment Station.

Since agriculture was New Jersey’s largest industry at the time, the organization was vital to supporting and advancing this industry to help meet the challenges of a growing nation.

In fact, the society would coordinate their meetings to coincide when New Jersey’s legislature was in session. The society advised the legislature on all agricultural matters. Since the NJ Department of Agriculture would not be formally organized until 1916, the society acted as an “unofficial” department of agriculture to the government.

In 1839, the society reorganized and changed their name to the New Jersey State Agricultural Society. They expanded their activities to sponsor agricultural fairs held in various locations throughout the state. These fairs served to exchange the latest information and showcase new agricultural practices among the industry. To encourage improved breeding, prizes were given out to various categories and breeds of livestock. The society sponsored speakers who came from all over the country to lecture on the latest agricultural technology. The society even funded a special committee whose job was to investigate disease outbreaks in crops and livestock, as well as offer recommendations to mitigate these problems.

By 1855, the society became more structured. A constitution was created, and an executive committee and board of trustees was formed. Dues were one dollar per year, or ten dollars would buy you a “life membership”.

The state legislature began a yearly appropriation of $1,000 toward funding the society’s programs. Charles Olden became President of the society. (Olden is noteworthy to New Jersey history since he later became Governor and his former estate, “Drumthwacket” now serves as New Jersey’s official Governor’s residence.)

Feature Story

by Al Murray, Executive Director, NJ Agricultural Society In addition to organizing agricultural fairs, the society pursued other activities to promote New Jersey’s agricultural industry. The society worked to create an agricultural department at the State Normal School.

(Now known as The College of New Jersey) The society developed the curriculum and designed the textbooks that were used by the students. The society also helped establish the NJ State Board of Agriculture and advocated for the formation of the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station.

In 1865, the society bought 65 acres in Newark, NJ and used it as a site for a permanent fairground. Agricultural fairs were held there from 1867 to 1899. The society later sold the property to Essex County where it remains today as a park.

As agriculture in New Jersey adapted and changed over the years, so has the NJ Agricultural Society. Our mission has evolved to reflect New Jersey’s change from Elected Officials at Coughlin Gleaning - 2018 a rural population to a highly urbanized state. As such, the society recognized the need to educate a largely urwork of NJ food banks, churches, and other groups engaged ban population about the importance of agriculture. in feeding their communities. The program helped organize Today, the society sponsors three major programs: Farm- and participate in multiple “pop-up” emergency food distriers Against Hunger, Learning Through Gardening, and the bution events staged throughout the state and fed thousands NJ Agricultural Leadership Development Program. of families.

Farmers Against Hunger was founded in 1996 to link The Learning Through Gardening Program is a program farmers who have over-supplies of produce to NJ feeding or- sponsored by the NJ Agricultural Society that provides New ganizations. Before this program began, farmers would sim- Jersey elementary schools with financial, educational, and ply discard or disk back into the soil any produce that went agricultural resources to create a school garden that is used unsold. Over time, we have gleaned millions of pounds of as a learning laboratory. Teachers are encouraged to use the food, and have fed countless people in need. We have built school garden to teach their standard curriculum, including up a network of over 80 farms, grocery retailers and whole- math, science, social studies, health, and language arts. Stusalers who help us in our efforts. Additionally, we have over dents will have the opportunity to learn how healthy, nutri1,200 volunteers who assist in this important program. We tious food is produced, why it is important to include fruits currently employ 5 staff members and have three trucks ded- and vegetables in their diets, and the reasons to care for their icated to this program. Now in its 25th year, the program has environment. grown into a year-round operation that partners with farms, Participating schools receive: wholesale produce organizations, retailers, processors, and • Materials to build a garden including raised beds, anyone else possessing excess food for donation. Funding is soil, hand tools, hoses, soil test, and composting bins. derived solely from donations, fund raising and grants.

• Vegetable seedlings and seeds for three growing seaIn a typical year, the program delivers approximately 1.5 sons each year: fall, spring, and summer million pounds of food to New Jersey feeding organizations.

• A kick-off garden pep rally.

When the COVID pandemic ravaged New Jersey, unemploy• An introductory garden teaching workshop to be ment and food insecurity skyrocketed statewide. Farmers held at the grant recipient's school.

Against Hunger encountered unprecedented demand and • Lesson plans to coordinate outdoor garden experiadapted their operations to meet these challenges. In addiences with everyday curriculum in math, science, tion to gleanings and food deliveries, Farmers Against Hunsocial studies, language arts, and health. Most lesson ger collaborated with various levels of government and a netplans are also posted on the web for easy access,

NJLCA.ORG 49

Feature Story • • •

A Best Practices Workshop attended by teachers throughout the state.

Seeds and supplies in winter for indoor agriculture lessons.

Access at any time to gardening and garden-teaching assistance from the Learning Through Gardening program director.

The NJ Agricultural Leadership Development Program (NJALDP) is a two-year professional development program of the NJ Agricultural Society, formed over 20 years ago. It is sponsored by the New Jersey Agricultural Society, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Farm Bureau, American Agriculturist Foundation, Farm Credit East, and the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation.

NJALDP’s purpose is to provide educational programming for individuals involved in farming and agribusiness to become informed, articulate leaders. NJALDP provides leadership development opportunities designed specifically for farmers and others in New Jersey ag-related businesses. Participants learn communications and leadership skills, receive education about state and federal government, and take domestic trips to learn about agriculture in other areas of the US. The NJ Agricultural Society is a membership- based, non-profit organization. We welcome all levels of participa-

Farms Against Hunger

tion and encourage industry support, whether it be through membership, financial support, or even donations of materials to Learning Through Gardening or Farmers Against Hunger. Anyone interested in learning more can visit us at: www.njagsociety.org Al Murray serves as the Executive Director of the NJ Agricultural Society. He previously spent a 33-year career with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and served as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture.

A warm welcome to our newest and returning members...

Cerbo's Parsippany Greenhouses Tony Cerbo III Parsippany, NJ

On-site Equipment Repair, LLC Beau Gunset Oakland, NJ

Richard McCoy Horticultural Services Richard McCoy Hackettstown, NJ

Da Vinci Landscape Design, LLC Joe Bracchitta Wayne, NJ

Parker Interior Plantscape Ozzie Welby Scotch Plains, NJ

Ross Brothers Landscaping George Ross Northvale, NJ

Proven Winners Colorchoice/ Spring Meadow Nursery Jane Beggs-Joles Grand Haven, MI 49417

Royal Turf Lawrence Neville Stirling, NJ

J&J Landscaping Randy George Flemington, NJ 08822 Groundscare Landscape Lynda R. Aber Somerville, NJ

Siggy's Perennial Gardens, Inc. Siegfried Weis Closter, NJ

NJLCA.ORG 51

Feature Story

Dirt, some is actually Dirty! (some is more than dirty)

A

nyone who in the business of landscaping, excavating, pools, construction …. well, just about everyone who digs outside needs to be aware of the new NJ DEP requirements for importing or exporting clean fill.

I personally know of 3 companies who are in lawsuits that have cost over $100,000 so far. And it's not finished yet.

• They will have to pay for all or most of the soil disposal • They will still end up with civil suits for the disruption they caused their clients. One family abandoned the home and is renting until it’s all cleaned up.

Cradle to grave Typically, the original property owner is responsible for the proper disposal of soils. They are the cradle, but all of us as contractors are responsible as well. The person contracted to excavate, load and transport the materials (or plays ANY part in it) is also on the hook.

Often, we look around a customer’s home and think it’s clean, maintained and there were never any industrial activities, so the soil must be clean, correct? NO! • Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers over years of use will impact soils • Down the road, lead dust from a house can end up on your client’s property without anyone knowing it • You don’t know where the fill originated from when the developer built the home • If a home was on the site and razed, odds are there will be some soil issues • Unacceptable fill also includes any materials containing debris (wood, metals, plastics, wire, wall board, roofing materials, insulation, carpets or padding, trash, etc.)

52 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

mixed in with soils and non-decomposable, inert solids To assure regulatory compliance, avoid potential liability (including fill removal and remediation costs) and penalty exposure for violations under the Solid Waste rules and the Discharges of Petroleum and Other Hazardous Substances rules, generators, brokers and transporters of fill, and property owners receiving fill, you should ensure the fill does not contain debris and that the fill is not contaminated above the NJRDCSRS or NJNRDCSRS limits, as applicable. These determinations should be made at the point of generation (i.e., before transport and placement).

What to do: • Make sure you have soil movement permits • Have the soils tested prior to moving and include them with your permits • Keep documents on-hand or on-site if a neighbor comes over asking. The quicker you satisfy them, the less they might complain or make statements on social media • Show how professional you are to your client by explaining what will happen before you ever start work by ensuring their safety and value of their property What not to do: • Allow anyone to dump on your project without having documentation • Make sure you document and amend your permits • Comingle fill from many sources • Trust anyone that you don’t know • Think that it smells or looks good, therefore must be clean

Feature Story

by Steve Rich, Steve Rich Environmental •

Trust a dirt broker or trucker who does not have paperwork for the soil. Brokers and truckers need to keep trucks moving and do not care about what happens when they are done • Make sure they give you tickets showing where the loads were taken from, time and check that it all matches the analytical • Make sure the analytical has a report as to where the samples were taken, and it matches where they are excavating and loading the soil • ie: they take samples in rear of property (all virgin soils), but actually remove soil from areas where agriculture or an old house or other structure was on the property.

Topsoil: Topsoil…there is no such word (yes, I’ll still use the word as we all relate to it). Topsoil can be a load of leaves, beer cans, tires, and debris. Anything on top of the ground. Loam is the only word that can be used in a court (Sandy loam, silty etc.)

Most topsoil now comes from composted leaves. The challenge is that the leaves and grass: • Could have been sprayed with herbicides and pesticides • Were scooped up by a bucket loader off a roadway, now containing petroleum from asphalt, among other contaminents But the site is NJ DEP approved: NJ DEP is like an octopus with 8 divisions. The recycling division loves, I mean loves, composting, as it relieves the stress on landfills. The other divisions of water resources, soils etc. only are about clean fill and they don’t care about landfills as much.

Some quick things I’ve seen over the past 20 years.

• Your company brings in virgin soil to a site, without testing. Most likely, it was CLEAN. • Another company brings in soil, but it was not clean • At some point, owner tests the soil, it’s mixed together and now comes back over criteria WHO PAYS? Who gets sued?

• Everyone who dumped, but who can’t show that the soil they dumped was certified clean • You say, I’ll go back to property and show everyone it’s clean, I’ll test • Good in theory, but how do you prove there was not an area that was bad, and you contributed?

Remember, the company that knew their soil was bad will scream and yell, it was not us, it was YOU! Last year I was involved with some cases that homeowners heard stories, decided to call us to test and found many compounds exceeding the criteria. All of them had children and/or gardens. Can you imagine a jury or judge hearing you brought in contaminated soils to a property where children were playing? Imagine if a child actually gets sick? Even if it was not your fault, it will be now.

Steve Rich Environmental Contractors offers a program where they do soil samples, prior to excavation, so the soil is certified. A typical cost to do this is about $1,200. It will include a report stating: • If there was groundwater present and at what elevation • Any un-structural fill, (obvious organic material etc.)

• The can also test for percolation and if it is structural • If bedrock is present

What to do: • Cover yourself by bringing in certified clean fill if you truly are filling in an area or creating berms • Have your attorney provide you with a hold-harmless and let the customer know that the topsoil could have impacts as described below • Document and show receipts from the facility where you got it from • This is a huge gray area, but at least you are somewhat covered (again, speak to an attorney)

In closing, do not let your reputation get diminished by ignoring these steps. Just imagine the damage some customer on social media, at kids sporting events, etc. telling all that your company brought in contaminated soil. Oh, and don’t forget the cleanup costs and cost to restore the site. The last project we did, the contractor's insurance company would not cover them as it was professional negligence, and when NJ DEP gets involved, it is classified as a crime.

We would be happy to answer any questions anyone has or working with them on a program to make sure they are following proper protocols.

Do I think the topsoil made this way is bad? NO, not at all. Honestly, some of these guidelines go way too far and if you think finding certified loam, etc. is easy, good luck.

Steve Rich is the owner of Steve Rich Environmental Contractors and Holes solutions, a company specializing in asphalt and concrete maintenance. www.steve-rich.com.

NJLCA.ORG 53

Feature Story

Saving by Spending

I

n an industry that never stops moving forward with innovations, it seems almost impossible to think about how much our tools help us as landscapers to guide and drive our day-to-day businesses. Across the board many of us use a wide variety of tools, systems, and strategies to reach our goals of success. At a quick glance, some of these innovations may seem daunting and easy to overlook when there are clients looking for bids, materials to purchase and crews to run. When these innovations are applied correctly within an organization it will help bring many landscape businesses to the next level of financial success.

On any given day or job, landscapers are required to have a wide variety of tools in order to get the job done. These tools are a major part of what helps some of the biggest landscape companies do so well. It is very easy to overlook equipment purchases, repairs, and tracking, but if not monitored

Photo Courtesy of Invisi-Tag

closely these tools can lead a business down a road of financial despair. With the proper inventory management system, a landscape company can make sure where they spend their money in regards to equipment. These systems may help show that a piece of equipment is out of warranty and that due to depreciation values it is no longer worth repairing.

This saves the company money on repair costs and down time over a short period of time. An inventory system will also make sure that the proper pieces of equipment are allocated to the proper crews. By making sure that the right tools/equipment are on the job, you are able to make your crews more efficient and are able to bid jobs more competitively. There are many different systems that are built to suit

54 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

companies of all sizes and fields. For large companies with multiple branches, a GPS inventory system may be more enticing because it offers them the ability to track pieces of equipment between locations. For smaller companies like many of us, this may not be feasible to use, so there are other options as well. There are systems that help allocate tools/ equipment by using a scanning system to upload them online. Systems like this are great because within a few seconds, you can pull up information such as the purchase date, year of product, serial number, and any special notes that are associated with that piece of equipment. Whether you go for a complex or simple inventory system, it will help save time and money for your company.

Here at Monello Landscape Industries we have a blend of different inventory management systems that help us save time and money for our crews/managers. For our smaller pieces of equipment that are not trucks, we like to use a scanning system. By implementing this scanning system we are able to track the make/ model of a tool, the year it was purchased, what repairs were done to it in its lifetime, and what crew currently has it in their possession. This crucial bit of information has a big impact on the needs of the company and the crews. It helps develop crew needs, budgets, and equipment management for the duration of the season.

The foremen of our crew have a buy-in with this system because it gives them ownership of the equipment. Over the course of the season foremen have a sense of pride over their equipment, which translates to their work. We have taken this system a step forward by morphing it into a rental system for tools we do not always use. The managers like the rental system because we are able to not put a lot of wear and tear on things we do not use often, while helping the company avoid costly rental fees. The rental system puts a sense of ownership with our foreman because they are required to bring back that asset on its return date, which is also shown on the scanning system. On our trucks we use a GPS tracking system to manage our fleet. This system helps keep our trucks as efficient as possible by weaning out the

Feature Story

by Marcelo Simone & Brian Piacente, Monello Landscape Industries out of the way deli stops, the long route back to the yard, and by keeping idle time down to a minimum. Not only does this system help efficiency, but helps provide our customers with information that may be helpful for them.

None of the work would be done without the dedicated employees that many of us have. With that being said, our employees are one of the leading factors of success or failure in a business.

Without that you can find yourself with plenty of sold projects, but may not make much profit after the completion because your crews are not trained to be efficient. Trained employees are not only efficient, but are safe under the right conditions, which could be massive savings for many different sides of your business. Properly training your employees on equipment will not only help on the wear and tear of said tool, but will help ensure that it is being used as it was intended. We have all heard of stories about mowers flipping, trucks causing damage, and windows being broken from weed wackers. Many of these incidents probably happened due to a lack of training with the equipment.

Training your employees can happen through a few different ways, depending on the size of your company. Many people have begun to use video training because it can cover a wide range of topics in the landscape industry. Some of the more advanced training options also give you the ability to record and track what your employees have been trained, which would help ensure everyone has the same level of knowledge. Other ways companies can train their employees are by holding weekly/monthly in-field training sessions to show

your employees. These training sessions could go with seasonal topics and offer a great hands-on experience for your employees to hone their skills. Whatever method you decide to use it will benefit your business because your employees will be much more efficient, more safe on jobs, and at the same time increase the quality of work.

In general, there are many different ways that a landscape company can save money, but it really comes down to the execution of these methods. Without the buy-in from all levels, ownership to field staff, you will find that these methods will not be able to work to their maximum potential. Focusing on some of the bigger things for your company will be greatly beneficial down the road because you will be able to save plenty of time and money. It is important to find what works best for your company and mold it into working with all your other systems.

“...our employees are one of the leading factors of success or failure in a business. ”

Marcelo Simone attended the County College of Morris for his Landscape Certificate in 2016. Marcelo is a part of the National Association of Landscape Professionals(NALP) where he has attended 2 National Collegiate Landscape Competitions. He is also an active Landscape Industry Certified Technician within the NJLCA. Marcelo has worked within the industry for 9 years starting from his own company to working for larger landscape firms. He is currently an Account Manager/Production Manager at Monello Landscape Industries.

Brian Piacente graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in 2011 with a BT in Landscape Contracting. Brian is also a Certified Landscape Technician (CLT). He has been in the landscape industry for 14 years from working in nurseries to irrigation/lighting companies to design build firms. He currently is an Account Manager/Production Manager at Monello Landscape Industries.

NJLCA.ORG 55

Feature Story

Early Attention to Soil Fertility Will Save Time and Money in the Long Run

by Bill Errickson, Agriculture Agent - Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County

Photo: NJAES

For landscape plants to reach their full potential, proper soil fertility is essential. Just as nutrition is key to human health, when soil nutrition is optimized, your plants will be healthier, more disease resistant and more stress tolerant.

Focusing on soil fertility before establishing your plantings will save you time and money in the long run and will support plant performance that results in customer satisfaction.

Soil Fertility Testing Before adding any fertilizers or liming materials to the soil, it is important to take a soil fertility test. This is the most accurate way to determine the nutritional needs of the soil, and testing is required to apply any fertilizers containing phosphorus to turfgrass. Soil samples are best taken in the fall or in the spring before fertilizer application. Soil testing should be repeated at least every 2 to 3 years, but testing every year is preferable when possible. Your results will also be most accurate if you sample at the same time each year.

Testing the fertility levels in your soil early and often will allow you to supply the nutrition that is required for next level plant growth, before any deficiencies or other problems develop during the growing season.

How to test your soil: Soil test kits can be obtained from your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension County Office or from the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory. To take a soil sample, collect 10 to 15 cores randomly selected from the landscape where you are planning to fertilize. Place all the cores into a bucket and mix them together, being sure to break up any clods. Take approximately 2 cups of soil from the bucket and place it into the plastic bag that comes with the soil test kit. Fill out the questionnaire and mail the sample to the laboratory or drop it off at your county extension office. After the sample is analyzed, you will receive a soil test report with lime and fertilizer recommendations specific to the plants you plan to grow.

56 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

Soil pH In addition to providing nutrient recommendations, your soil test report will include information about pH. Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients for plant uptake. While individual plant species have different optimum pH ranges, most plants in the landscape thrive in a slightly acidic to

Soil pH influences the availability of nutrients for plants. Wider bands indicate that nutrients are more available and narrow bands indicate that nutrients are less available at different pH levels. Chart: Purdue Extension

Feature Story neutral pH around 6.2 to 6.8. If soil pH is too low, it will limit the availability of most nutrients and plant growth will be reduced. So, even if the nutrients are present in the soil, they will not be fully taken up by the plants if the pH deviates from the optimum range. Soil pH can be raised by adding liming materials such as calcitic and dolomitic lime to the soil. Calcitic lime will only supply calcium to the soil, while dolomitic lime will supply both calcium and magnesium.

Both of these soil amendments will effectively raise soil pH, but dolomitic lime should only be used if a soil test determines that magnesium is required. Some plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons, grow best at a lower pH. If soil pH needs to be lowered, elemental sulfur (S) can be added to the soil. If calcium is deficient in the soil, but pH is already in the optimum range, gypsum (calcium sulfate) can be added to supply the necessary calcium without raising the pH. Soil pH will tend to decline over time, as plants use the available calcium, magnesium, and other cations in the soil. Regular soil testing will determine when to add lime and how much is required to bring the soil pH back into the optimum range.

It should also be noted that it can take some time for lime additions to have their desired effects on raising soil pH, so any applications should be made early in the spring or in the fall to prepare for the following season.

Plant Nutrition Plants are mostly composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which they obtain from the air and water. The soil must supply fourteen additional essential elements for optimum plant growth. This includes 6 macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sulfur (S), and 8 micronutrients: Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn). Macronutrients are required in larger quantities than micronutrients; however, all are required for plant growth.

Nitrogen (N) is the most abundant plant nutrient that is supplied by the soil. It is essential for vegetative growth and is a component of proteins, amino acids, and the chlorophyll pigment that is involved in photosynthesis, giving plants their green color. Nitrogen deficiency will result in stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and weakened plants.

However, excess N can also create problems. The rapid, lush, green vegetative growth that results from too much N can result in plants that have thinner and weaker cell walls. This can make plants more susceptible to attack by insects, such as aphids and fungal pathogens.

Optimum phosphorus (P) levels are important for energy transfer in plants, as well as root, flower, and fruit development. Many “bloom booster” fertilizers will be

As a contractor, your legal responsibility is to ensure the soil you’re moving is certified clean.

In a lawsuit, all parties will get subpoenaed — property owner, generator, (most likely you as the exporter), transporter and the owner receiving the fill.

Getting soil certified clean can cost as little as $750.00!

(Which includes SREC sampling, analyzing and a written report.)

Site analysis.

Soil sampling and certification.

Sub-surface testing.

Site history reports.

Learn more here!

Preliminary assessments. soil-testing.steve-rich.com/

Call or click today for complete details.

973.458.1188

SERVING NEW JERSEY SINCE 1981

Clifton, NJ

Contractor # 13V0156500

NJLCA.ORG 57 222 Delawanna Ave • Clifton, NJ 07014 • www.steve-rich.com

“

With AMT, I found a health care solution that better fit my employees’ needs and saved me thousands of dollars.

”

Why Become an AMT Member?

How AMT Works for You When New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association member businesses join AMT, they get superior value and service from a self-funded, not-for-profit trust that serves the needs of thousands of participating employer members.

AMT’s plans are designed to give small businesses more options with better service at lower cost. Healthcare consumers should expect and get more, so we put our profits into improving our plans, and, when possible, we pay dividends.

Request an Online Quote Visit www.amt-nj.com and click on “Request a Quote.” Our easy form will automatically generate several options. Our representatives can advise you on selecting the right plan for your needs.

Member businesses benefit from: • The largest selection of competitively-priced, self-funded health coverage plan options • Access to the provider networks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Delta Dental • Dedicated service people who help you with plan selection, service and claims

Feature Story high in P due to its effects on promoting abundant flower production. While a certain level of P is required for healthy plant growth, applying excess P beyond the recommended amount can have serious environmental impacts, in addition to wasting time and money.

Potassium (K) is another well-known macronutrient that is required for proper movement of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates throughout plant tissues. Insufficient K levels will result in weakened and stunted plants in the landscape.

On a cellular level, K is also involved in regulating the opening and closing of stomata, which play an important role in photosynthesis, gas exchange, and water relations in the

the landscape without impacting the surrounding waterways.

Additional steps to reduce the chances of fertilizer applications affecting the water include: 1. Do not apply fertilizer near water, storm drains or drainage ditches.

2. Do not apply fertilizer if heavy rain (water runoff) is expected.

3. Apply fertilizer only to the intended lawn or garden beds, and sweep any fertilizer particles that land on the driveway, sidewalk or street back onto the lawn.

Remember, routine soil tests will help you identify the appropriate types of fertilizers to apply each season. Targeted applications to improve soil fertility will maximize plant health while minimizing costs by reducing unnecessary fertilizer applications and decreasing the likelihood of plant pests and disease presence later in the season.

By providing the macronutrients and micronutrients your plants need, and maintaining optimum soil pH, you will be setting your plants up for season-long success.

For more information visit: https:// njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/ or contact your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension County Office: https://njaes. rutgers.edu/county/

Aphids are attracted to succulent growth caused by excess nitrogen. Photo: NJAES

plant. As such, there is a growing body of research showing that adequate K levels are critical for improving abiotic stress tolerance and resistance to insect and fungal pathogens.

Environmental Impacts Excess N and P can have negative environmental impacts, including contamination of ground and surface water. When more fertilizer is applied to the landscape than can be taken up by plants, it can leach into groundwater or run off into surface waterways and stimulate algae blooms. In addition to unnecessarily increasing your fertilizer costs, this leads to additional impacts on the aquatic environment, including depleted oxygen in the water and the resulting death of fish and other organisms. New Jersey’s Fertilizer Law restricts the application of N and P on turf before March 1 and after December 1 for commercial applicators. The law also requires any P applications to turf to be justified by a soil test.

Proper N and P management must take into consideration the amount of fertilizer required to support plant growth in

Bill Errickson is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County with a focus on sustainable nursery production, turfgrass, and agricultural innovation. He has worked in various aspects of the horticultural sector for the past 16 years, including operating his own diversified farm in coastal Maine and growing bare-root nursery stock for Fedco Trees. He has led courses focused on sustainable horticulture and soil fertility for commercial growers, homeowners, and college students throughout New Jersey and New England.

NJLCA.ORG 59

Feature Story

Joint Fill on Segmental Pavement

S

egmental pavements have a 7000-year history of success.

They have evolved from rough fitting stone and clay brick to dimensionally tolerant concrete. These concrete units, made indoor under controlled conditions, adhere to strict company specific and industry standards of durability. Units have changed from only tightly fitted block units (Interlocking Concrete Pavements – ICP) that are handheld to include large format Concrete Paving Slabs (CPS), Planks Stone (PS), Segmental Permeable Pavement (SPP) the last of which allows storm water infiltration. All these products (ICP, CPS, PS, and SPP) are part of a paving system that gives superior performance. The system includes: 1. Classified, Amended and Compacted (or scarified) subgrade 2. Geotextile 3. Base 4. Edging 5. Bedding 6. Wearing course 7. Joint Fill Joint fill is last, but not least in importance. It’s characteristics and specifications are relevant to transfer of energy (loads), drainage, aesthetics, long term care, keeping storm water run-off on the surface, infiltration, and filtration. With so many benefits its best to look at ICP, CPS, and PS options for joints such as WCS (Washed Concrete Sand), Masonry Sand, with or without joint stabilizing protectant, polymeric sand, and jointing compounds first. Then the economic and environmental advantage of open, poorly graded aggregates like ASTM #8 and #9 stone with or without joint stabilizing protectants for SPP. Options for ICP, CPS and PS include: 1. WCS 2. Masonry Sand 3. Both above with Joint Stabilizing Protectant 4. Polymeric Sand 5. Jointing Compound Washed Concrete Sand, ASTM c33, (the same used in the manufacturer of concrete, hence the name) has been the industry approved joint fill since ICP’s inception post World War 2. Its course, angular, large (for sand) particles with less than 5% passing the 200 sieve make it a natural choice for drainage and vertical interlock. Vertical interlock (sand in the joint) won’t allow a paver (paving stone) to move independent of its tightly fitted (1/16” to 3/16”) neighbor, commonly called shear transfer of energy. WCS’s gradation

60 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

makes it time consuming to get into the joint, but it stays in longer and is a strong option.

Masonry Sand, ASTM c144, is round, like sized with up to 5% passing the 200 sieve typically used in mortar for masonry projects. This sand goes into the joint quickly and cleanly.

Cost is low and availability high, making this choice an industry standard one.

Tying together WCS and Masonry Sand can be a joint stabilizing protectant. These breathable, penetrating, often stain resistant and color boosting, protectants, help bind jointing sand together with a mix of siloxane and silane (a hybrid) while caring for your pavement investment. Joint stabilization and pavement finish protection for 1-3, 3-5, 5-10+ years, depending on environment and traffic, is a great one-two punch. Like Jake Boyer Business Unit Leader - Clean and Protect Group ProSoCo points out “…Joint Stabilizer not only provides protection to the sand joint by consolidating loosely bound sand particles, preventing weed growth and joint degradation, but also to the surface of the pavers, providing long lasting water and stain repellency…”.

Polymeric sand are polymer enhanced, water activated ASTM c144 sand that are bagged and ready for joint fill. Many

Photo courtesy of Techo-Bloc

options exist on the market with differing features, benefits and value.” When choosing Polymeric sand, key features such as compliance with OSHA’s PEL and Rapid Set Technology making joints rain safe in 15 minutes are extremely important to our clients. Our 15-year warranty gives them confidence that our products are durable and will last.” George Beiter, VP of Sales for Flexlock/Alliance state that additional advantages of bagged dried products like polymeric sand are staging, production, and low waste ratios.

Finally, Jointing Compound, a wet purchased (in buckets) and applied joint fill for typically wider joints (3/16”-1/4” +) while still maintaining interlock. Products exist for pedes-

Feature Story

by "Paver Pete" Baloglou, Techo-Bloc trian only and vehicular, so read the label and seek consultation. All weather (above freezing) is this options key advantage and application.

Installation in a rain event helps, giving clients access to the pavement sooner and contractor final payment on schedule. Like Eamonn McCullough of Azpects says about Jointing Compound “…gives the homeowner a very durable and aesthetically pleasing product they can easily maintain.”

The E^2 Advantage (economic and environmental) of SPP has been a windfall for city planners, engineers, architects, and residential landscape designers and contractors.

Combining a pronounced joint and rigid, deicing chemical resistant concrete units (pavers or slabs) with an open, poorly graded joint fill is a SWM (Storm Water Management) asset. The joint fill should be ASTM #8 or #9 stone depending on spacing. ASTM #8 (3/8” to ¼”) clean stone ideal for joint spaces from ½” to 1”+. ASTM #9 stone (1/8” to 3/16”) clean stone works for ¼” to ½” tighter jointed SPP systems.

Both have 90% fractured face, are less than 5% passing the 200 sieve, are hardness tested, with a narrow, poorly graded range of particles. A solution these aggregates offer in SPP is the almost infinite receptor points each stone possesses for filtration of contaminates. Contaminates like TSS (Total Suspended Solids), organics, petroleum distilates, heavy metals like brake dust, etc…. attach to the receptor points and can be aggitated and removed to increase infiltration if ponding water is obersved. Open graded joint fill also generates microbes (bacterium) that will consume these harmful contaminates. Clean stone for SPP jointing can be a great color and texture enhancement to the paving product. “AquaRock” is a bagged ASTM #9 for permeable pavements. This joint material has a shape, hardness, and gradation that industry professionals specify with a look that compliments the pavements aesthetics.” George Beiter VP Sales Flexlock/Alliance These ASTM #8 and #9 course angular particles remain securely in the joint especially when subject to microscopic airborne particles even on steep slopes, snow plowed areas, pool decks, etc… but a joint stabilizing protectant can assist.

In addition to joint stabilization these Protectants benefit deicing salt resistance, ease of long term care, and breathability, representing a tremendous value with very little reduction in infiltration.

ICP, CPS, PS and SPP have helped define the historic and modern hardscape industry. Their success can be attributed to some manufacturers uncompromising commitment to quality and service. System standards have also added to

their viability. These standards are ‘horizon by horizon’ in writing specifications for type, application and life cycle of the pavement. The final horizon for these systems is joint fill.

Joint fill as we’ve seen isn’t just a sweep, wet, and run process.

The focus on this final detail of segmental pavement can be the difference between success and failure and you’re too far along for the latter. Joints filled, consolidated, and stabilized gives these lifetime pavements lifetime enjoyment.

With 20 plus years in the industry, “Paver Pete” has authored numerous articles and has appeared as a leading hardscape expert on more than 25 national and local television and radio programs including “Hometime”, “Home Team” “Man Cave”.

Pete has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Maryland and has completed Vander Kooi estimating and job costing training.

Pete is a certified instructor for both the National Concrete Masonry Association (Segmental Retaining Wall – SRW installation) and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s. Additionally, he has served as a committee member for “Education and Training” and “Construction” for these industry organizations.

Pete is one of the industry’s leading experts on permeable pavement systems and is an accredited instructor on Porous Pavements for the American Institute of Architects/American Society of Landscape Architects.

Pete has taught, bid, marketed, sold and installed pavers and SRW’s on a large scale, in over 30 states in the U.S. and five countries abroad.

Pete is currently the N.A. Director of Education & Information and U.S. Sales Director with Techo-Bloc Corporation.Responsibilities include spokesperson for Showcase (currently 40 cities), YouTube channel personality, Lead instructor, coach of 5 Regional Sales managers, mentor to 30 plus sales representatives, Executive and R&D committee member, etc.

Currently residing in Ohio with his wife and daughter and enjoys his collection of Jeeps and cars.

NJLCA.ORG 61

Feature Story

Tales from the landscape side

I

n the mid-summer of 2020, I reached out to our members to ask about their most memorable customers. I expected horror stories of the worst, most demanding, craziest and funniest customers. What I ended up receiving was truly amazing. Most of the stories you sent in to us were heartwarming and spoke of your favorite customers, those that took time to reach out and tell you what an impact you had on their lives, those that became like family and those that became lifelong friends. I also received some funny and wacky customer stories, but even those didn't talk of the angry and discontented customers I had expected. I decided that instead of creating one story, I will include a few in each issue of The New Jersey Landscape Contractor. So, keep those stories coming to me, the good, the bad and the ugly.

You can send your story to gwoolcott@njlca.org (along with pictures if applicable) and I will include them in this column in future issues. Thank you all for brightening our days with some of your tales from the landscape side! ~ Gail Woolcott, Executive Director

Another notable client is, Marc. Marc, is much younger than I, and has not been in the workforce nearly as long as I have, but we have many similar interest, both professionally and personally.

You know you are close friends when you clients know all of your children’s names and vice versa. I have arranged for Marc, along with my family, to visit historic, remarkable construction sites that he may never had access to. This was a very common interest to both of us because that is the business we are all in together. To this day, Marc will talk about his experience on this trip and how appreciative he is was to be in attendance.

Marc, is responsible for steering my company in the direction we are currently in. Our business model has changed due to Marcs’ input and has exposed us to a totally new market. Because of Marc, we are currently doing more work in this new sector than we did in all of our other markets combined. Marc, has developed a new vendor in us and we have been exposed to so many new clients because of him.

As I do with all of my clients, I still send birthday and wedding anniversary wishes his way so we stay personal Ed, Marc and Marty Submitted by Patrick Donovan, Classic Landscaping friends as well as business friends.

My client, Marty, is an interesting story. I have a large faAfter 40 years in business, its difficult to pick just one. I cility in my geographic territory that I was very interested in have notable clients for a variety of reasons. The reason my acquiring. It was high profile but low key, one of those places client, Ed, is notable is that he was one of my first clients you can’t get information on. Being the type of person I am, and has remained one for 40 years. Even though the people this would now turn into a challenge for me. Even if I didn’t I have reported to over the years have changed, Ed, has been get the work at the site, there was no way I wasn’t going to at the one constant force in the picture. We have a level of trust least slide my foot in the door and make my best attempt. I between us. He knows I am never going to steer him wrong tried online attempts, stopping at their secure facility, sending and I am always looking out for his best interest, as well as mail and every other method I could to no avail. During the his global corporate interest. We have extremely similar va- off season, when I had a little time, I stalked the facility and cation destinations, family interests and our lives are parallel waited for people to emerge. I followed the first vehicle I could for the most part. We have been on solid ground together to a nearby eatery. Knowing I don’t want to be bothered or for the duration of our careers. Matter of fact, we will likely prevented from eating, I waited for my target to exit after their retire at the same time as well. meal. I approached with my 15-second elevator sales pitch and I was able to secure the info necessary to get in the door. Lucky as I am, the person I made contact with was the decision maker. It took me 3 years to secure the contract, but we developed a relationship in those 3 years. I actually did some consulting work before getting the contract so my contact could build a good case to dismiss his service provider. We have a level of trust between us that I have nurtured before and during my tenure with Marty. I make it my business to inform our clients about issues before they arise or they have a chance to notice them. We like to be the “go-to guys” for all of our clients needs.

Marty and I both value our working relationship and more Viburnum Koreanspice. Photo courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery importantly, our trusting friendship.

62 WINTER/SPRING | 2021

OUTDOOR PORCELAIN TILES LARGEST STOCKING DISTRIBUTOR IN TRI-STATE AREA WITH OVER 100 STYLES AND COLORS! ADD BEAUTY AND VALUE TO YOUR CLIENT’S HOME TODAY!

found at

685 Wyckoff Ave Wyckoff NJ 07481 Tel: 201-891-3500 | Fax: 201-891-0220 www.bergenbrick.com

Al D Landscaping

Tree Service and Garden Supply Stop Our family has been serving the community for over 100 years!

No job is too small, we offer competitive rates Fully Insured • Year-Round Service • Free Estimates Albert DeMuro - CLT, LTCO #129 Brian DeMuro - CLT, LTCO #633

God Bless America!

Contractors Welcome

Bulk & Bag Mulch (all colors), Topsoil, Sand and Stone Products Pickup or Delivery

(201) 945-0069

Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Hand Tools and Accessories

Registered with the NJ Department of Consumer Affairs #13VH00121800

Complete Tree Service • Trimming • Pruning •

and the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts #NJTC768014

Trees • Shrubs • Fertilizing • Stump Removal • Land Clearing • Storm Damage Rubbish and Debris Removal • Seasoned Firewood

facebook.com/aldlandscapingandtreeservice

www.aldlandscapingandtreeservice.com 174 Sedore Ave. Fairview, NJ 07022