The New Jersey Landscape Contractor - Winter 2021-2022

Winter 2021-2022

The Official Publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association

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LANDSCAPE

Most Important Human Resources Documents

BIG SURPRISES FROM SMALL TREES

AWARD WINNERS

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS/TRICKS

WHY ARE MY EMPLOYEES SUING ME?

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.

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association 465 Mola Blvd, 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 Publisher/Editor: Gail E. Woolcott Contributing Writers Todd Bradbury | Richard Buckley | Raul Cabrera | Greg Carpenter | Steven Cesare | Laura DePrado | Bill Errickson | Richard Gaynor | Richard Goldstein | Brian Oleksak | John Raffiani | Ryan Ravalli | Sabrina Tirpak | Gail Woolcott | Steven Yergeau

Table of Contents Photo courtesy of Castle Point Landscape Design

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President’s Message

48

Social Media Tips and Tricks

4

Letter from the Editor

50

Tales from the Landscape Side

5

The Buzz

51

Are You Ready for Licensing &

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NJLCA 2021 Landscape

Regulations of Your Landscape Business

Achievement Awards Winners 29

Big Surprises from Small Trees

32

Proper Landscape Mulching Practices (in English & Spanish)

37

Turf Talk

39

Why Are My Employees Suing Me?

41

Landscape AlterNATIVES: Northern White Cedar (Thuja Occidentalis)

42

10 Most Important Human Resources Documents

45

Tree Canopy in Landscape Design

47

List of Advertisers

54

Ecosystem Services of Landscape Plants

56

Considerations for Your Client: A Value-added Conversation

58

Beech Leaf Disease in NJ

60

Contractor Focus: Young’s Landscape Management

61

Associate Focus: Tidbury Creek Farms

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New Members

NJLCA Combined Board President | Richard Goldstein, CLT Vice President | Greg Carpenter, CLT Treasurer | Wade Slover Chairman of the Board | Justin Flatow, CLT Director | Richard Andreu Director | Jeff Baker 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. Steve Fischer, Bergen Comm. 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 opinions of the NJLCA.

PUBLISHED January 2022 Cover Photo: Scenic Landscaping

www.NJLCA.org 3

President’s Message

Happy New Year everyone! We are so excited to see you all in person at the NJLCA’s Landscape New Jersey Trade Show and Conference coming up in just a few weeks.

We’ve got a great lineup of speakers and plenty of exhibitors for you to visit to check out all of the new equipment, plant material, business services and more for all of your needs. So visit us at www.njlcatradeshows. com for more info about the show as well as the 2nd annual Northeast Green Industry Showcase this October.

This past December we were able to host our annual Landscape Achievement Awards program, which I have the pleasure of chairing. The projects entered this year were a great example why our members are the cream of

Coming Events February 10 - Member Meeting at Aquarius Supply February 23 - Landscape New Jersey Trade Show and Conference March 10 - Member Meeting at TBD Save the Dates: September 28-29 - Northeast Green Industry Showcase December 13 - Holiday Gala and Achievement Awards Dinner

Share the article on Page 32 with your English and Spanishspeaking colleagues and friends!

the crop. Many entrants won multiple awards for their best creations. I look forward to seeing what you dream up and build this year. The gala had a record number of attendees at nearly 250 people and it was definitely the party of the year! If you missed it, you missed one heck of an event. We had a special appearance by “Freddie Mercury” and

a crazy hour of dancing and fun. Make sure you don’t miss next year’s event... you never know what we might do!

NJLCA is also excited to be attending as a delegate our first ever NJ State Agriculture Convention. This is the first time in history that NJLCA will be representing here. At the convention, delegates review potential resolutions that affect

the agricultural community and set the stage for the State Board of Agriculture to follow for the year. Members should be proud to now be represented at this annual event.

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest Board Members at the NJLCA. Please take a moment to meet with Adam Reisboard of Mr. C Fence as our newest Associate Director, returning Director Tom Barillo of Barillo Landscaping and Director Hector Escobar of Blue Mountain Landscaping.

We’re looking for to all they will bring to the Board and wish them all the luck as they join us at the Board table.

Our spring season is about to kick off in less than t-6 weeks (according to the groundhog and the calendar)! Take the day on February 23rd to come out to the show. Learn something, earn some credits, meet up with old friends, make some new ones, check out the new toys in the industry and, oh...enjoy some time at the beach. You’ll see what I mean!

Sincerely,

Richard Goldstein, President

Letter from the Editor Welcome to the latest issue of The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine.

What a winter it has been so far. Not so much the weather, which although cold, has been pretty mild in regards to precipitation of the frozen kind. Small storms, quick cleanup. I hear this is what you guys like!

This issue is loaded with information that you can put to use today! It is also my favorite issue of the year to put together, as I love laying out all of these amazing projects you create! The craftsmanship, the creativity and the beauty is just stunning.

We’d like to thank our advertisers for allowing us to be able to put together such a great source of information to all of you.

Have a great spring and see you in a few weeks at the show! Thank you all for your continued support.

Gail Woolcott, Executive Director Winter 2021-2022

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The buzz

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

Nursery of the Year SiteOne Landscape Supply Contractor of the Year Shawn Kukol of Horizon Landscape Co.

Associates of the Year Craig Dahl of Bobcat of North Jersey Adam Reisboard of Mr. C Fence

Volunteers of the Year Richard Andreu of Exclusive Stoneworks Greg Carpenter of American Beauty Landscape

Customer Service Award DeBuck’s Sod Farm

Growing Member of the Year DaVinci Landscapes

Educators of the Year Bill Errickson Timothy Waller Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Legislator of the Year Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak

Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Clarke on his retirement from Rutgers Turfgrass Program and new Emeritus status!

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LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD Landscape Solutions of Union, NJ entered the “Cooper Landscape Project”, designed

by Bill Schau, in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards Landscape Installation without Pool: $50,000-100,000, where the project also won an Award of Distinction.

For this project, the customer wanted to create a backyard sanctuary for his wife and family, while maintaining privacy from neighbors. There are five distinct areas for this small location, consisting of a main dining area, reading nook, grill area, fire pit section and lawn area. The challenge was to create usable spaces with major grade changes out of the back and side yard.

Landscape Solutions project won the NJLCA’s People’s Choice Award contest, which is conducted on the association’s Facebook page.

www.NJLCA.org 7

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SCENIC LANDSCAPING

JUDGE’S CHOICE AWARD Scenic Landscaping of Haskell, NJ entered the “Monroe NY Log Cabin Property”, designed by Rick Zimmer, in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards Landscape Installation without Pool: Over $100,000, where the project also won an Award of Excellence.

For this project, the homeowner was looking for a landscape design that would complement the log cabin home as well as the surrounding wildlife. Because of all the woods and rocks, there was not a lot of opportunity for lawn areas. Scenic worked with natural features to blend the woods and the home with a more natural style garden spaces and a large fire pit patio area.

The Judge’s award one “Judge’s Choice Award” each year to recognize the best of the best!

www.NJLCA.org 9

BIRCH HILL LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION Birch Hill Landscape of Short Hills, NJ won an Award of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards for the “McGinness/Werner Project”, designed by Barry Greenberg, in the Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 category.

Visit www. birchhilllandscaping.com for more info.

Winter 2021-2022 10

CLC LANDSCAPE DESIGN CLC Landscape Design of Ringwood, NJ won an Award of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards for the “Ridgewood Back Yard Resort”, designed by Ken Taylor and Richard Cording, in the Installation with Pool: Over $500,000 category.

CLC also won an Award of Distinction. See pages 22-28. Visit www.

CLCLandscape.com for more info.

www.NJLCA.org 11

MONELLO LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES Monello Landscape Industries of Wayne, NJ won several Awards of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

They also won several Awards of Merit and Distinction for other projects. See pages 22-28.

Visit www. monellolandscape.com for more info.

Installation: Commercial/Industrial - “St. Joseph Courtyard”, designed by Joe Monello and Jarret Benard

Installation: Ponds/Waterfeatures - “Jackson Koi Pond”, designed by Joe Monello and Dave Pilaar Winter 2021-2022 12

Installation: Lighting - “Jackson Lighting”, designed

by Dave Pillar and Jarret Benard

Installation w/o Pool: Over $100,000 - “Jackson Project”, designed by Joe Monello and Andres Bonilla Vega www.NJLCA.org 13

Installation with Pool: Over $500,000 - “Boonton Symmetry Pool”, designed by Joe Monello

www.NJLCA.org 15

SCENIC LANDSCAPING Scenic Landscaping of Haskell, NJ won three Awards of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Visit www. sceniclandscaping.com for more info.

Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 - “Monroe NY Log Cabin Property”, designed by Rick Zimmer

Winter 2021-2022 16

Installation with Pool: $250-500,000 - “Saddle River Outdoor Living”, designed by Devin Short

Installation with Pool: Over $500,000 - “Livingston NJ Garden Property”, designed by Mitch Knapp

www.NJLCA.org 17

SICILIANO LANDSCAPE COMPANY Siciliano Landscape Company of Red Bank, NJ won two Awards of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

They also won an Award of Merit for another project See pages 22-28.

Visit www. sicilianolandscape.com for more info.

Maintenance: Residential - “Blank Residence”, site supervised by Daniel Fleming

Winter 2021-2022 18

Installation with Pool: $100,000 - $250,000 “Monmouth Ave Residence”, designed by Alan Tufts

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WICKLOW & LAURANO LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS Wicklow & Laurano Landscape Contractors of Flanders, NJ won an Award of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards for the “Morris County Renovation Project”, designed by Edward Clark, LA, in the Installation with Pool: Over $500,000 category. They also won an Award of Merit for another project. See pages 22-28.

Visit www. wicklowandlaurano.com for more info.

Winter 2021-2022 20

THOMAS FLINT LANDSCAPE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Thomas Flint Landscape Design and Development of Waldwick, NJ won an Award of Excellence in the 2021 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards for the “Lynch Project”, designed by Thomas Flint, in the Installation without Pool: Over $100,000 category.

Visit www. thomasflintlandscape.com for more info.

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LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE: COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL Project: Medical Center Award: Award of Distinction Company: Farmside Landscape Design Company Location: Sussex, NJ Site Supervisor: Cesar Acoste Cruz LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE: RESIDENTIAL Project: Maggs Residence Award: Award of Merit Company: Siciliano Landscape Company Company Location: Red Bank, NJ Site Supervisor: Julie Soleil LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL Project: East Brunswick Courtyard Award: Award of Distinction Company: Farmside Landscape Design Company Location: Wayne, NJ

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Designer: Spring/Summer Joe Monello 2021 & Jarret Benard

Project: Medical Center Award: Award of Distinction Company: Farmside Landscape Design Company Location: Sussex, NJ Site Supervisor: Cesar Acoste Cruz LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: FOUNDATION PLANTING Project: Kearny Stone Steps and Planting Award: Award of Merit Company: Canete Landscape Company Location: Wayne, NJ Designer: Kelly Tuttle LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: LIGHTING Project: Wayne Colored Lighting Award: Award of Distinction Company: Monello Landscape Industries Company Location: Wayne, NJ www.NJLCA.org

Designer: Dave Pilaar 23

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: LIGHTING Project: Boonton Lighting Award: Award of Merit Company: Monello Landscape Industries Company Location: Wayne, NJ Designer: Joe Monello & Dave Pilaar Project: Wayne Lighting Award: Award of Merit Company: Monello Landscape Industries Company Location: Wayne, NJ Designer:

Joe Monello & Jarret Benard

Project: Blake Residence - Lighting Award: Award of Merit Company: Vander Sluys Landscape Devel.

Company Location: Wyckoff, NJ Designer: Justin Vander Sluys Spring/Summer Winter 2021-2022 2021 24

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: PONDS/WATERFEATURES Project: Decker Fountain Project Award: Award of Distinction Company: Greenleaf Lawn & Landscape Inc. Company Location: Pennington, NJ Designer: Russell Klockner LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: WITHOUT POOL $50,000 - $100,000 Project: StayCation Award: Award of Distinction Company: Farmside Landscape & Design Company Location: Sussex, NJ Designer: Miles Kuperus Project: Cooper Landscape Project Award: Award of Distinction Company: Landscape Solutions Company Location: Union, NJ Designer: Bill Schau www.NJLCA.org 25

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: WITHOUT POOL $50,000 - $100,000 Project: Raised Patio Award: Award of Distinction Company: Monello Landscape Industries Company Location: Wayne, NJ Designer:

Joe Monello & Jarret Benard

Project: Clayton Residence Award: Award of Merit Company: Horizon Landscape Co. Company Location: Wyckoff, NJ Designer: Christopher Tanzola Project: Farber Residence Award: Award of Merit Company: Horizon Landscape Co. Company Location: Wyckoff, NJ Designer: Christopher Tanzola Spring/Summer Winter 2021-2022 2021 26

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: WITHOUT POOL OVER $100,000 Project: Outdoor Pergola & Fire Table Award: Award of Merit Company: Monello Landscape Industries Company Location: Wayne, NJ Designer: Joe Monello & Jarret Benard LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: WITH POOL $100,000 - $250,000 Project: Leanza Project Award: Award of Distinction Company: Wicklow & Laurano Landscape Company Location: Flanders, NJ Designer: Edward Clark, LA LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: WITH POOL $250,000 - $500,000 Project: Overlook Ave. Award: Award of Merit Company: Blu Sol Pools Company Location: Bloomingdale, NJ Designer: Greg Imhoff www.NJLCA.org 27

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: WITH POOL $250,000 - $500,000 Project: Tranquility in Towaco Award: Award of Distinction Company: CLC Landscape Design Company Location: Ringwood, NJ Designer: Frank Thropp & Richard Cording

Project: Wayne Kitchen & Pool Award: Award of Distinction Company: Monello Landscape Industries Company Location: Wayne, NJ Designer: Joe Monello & Jarret Benard

To NJLCA’s 2021 Landscape Achievement Awards Judges and Committee Lenny DiTomaso, DiTomaso Landscape Group Kevin Dulio, Native Fields Landscaping Richard Goldstein, Green Meadows Landscaping!

Joe Sexton, Paramus Shade Tree

Winter 2021-2022 28

Big Surprises from Small Trees

by Brian A. Oleksak, The County College of Morris Stewartia pseudocamellia. Photo courtesy of Nurseries Caroliniana

Why small trees?

One of the most common landscape mistakes, on both residential sites and throughout municipalities is the selection of large trees for sites which cannot accommodate them. This may be the tree that is planted too close to a building or the large shade tree planted beneath overhead utility lines. In either case, their fate is the same: a lifetime of harsh pruning practices to get them to “fit” into the location. This type of pruning distorts the natural form of the tree, may make the tree structurally unstable and predisposes it to disease and decay if the pruning cuts fail to seal properly.

Pruning is never a substitution for proper plant selection in a design.

Large shrub versus small tree?

The line separating what is a small tree compared to what is a large shrub is a blurry one. Factors such as height, caliper size

and number of stems (trunks) all play a role specimen. For street tree selections, small in how a specimen is defined. The Ameri- upright species will be best in terms of pecan Standard for Nursery Stock defines destrian and vehicular traffic. Species with several categories and provides protocols low limbs and multiple trunks are best refor measurements when describing plant served as specimens for garden plantings. materials. Small upright trees include The little maples species such as redbud, silver bell, flowering plum and hawthorn.

Small spreading trees include Japanese maple, flowering dogwood, star magnolia and crabapple.

Shrub form trees (multiple stem) include black birch, vernal witch hazel and cornelian cherry dogwood. Depending on their usage in the landscape, some genera may straddle two categories.

Serviceberry may be sold as a single-trunked stan- A spring border of Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis): small tree or dard or as a multi-stem large shrub? (Photo courtesy of Brian Oleksak)

www.NJLCA.org 29

Spring/Summer 2021 30

Some of the most common street trees in New Jersey include the largest members of the genus Acer; Norway maple (Acer platanoides), red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). However, these very species frequently outgrow their site due to their expansive canopies. Acer is a large and diverse genus with many species suitable for smaller gardens. The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) has over one thousand cultivars alone. This species is known for its graceful habit, diverse leaf forms and colors and sculptural twisting trunks, making it a stunning focal point in a landscape. The coral bark maple (Acer palmatum Sango-Kaku) offers yearround interest with brilliant fall colors and reddish stems that brighten up any winter landscape. Other small maples of merit include trident maple (Acer buergerianum) and paperbark maple (Acer griseum). Both species have beautiful fall foliage and interesting exfoliating bark, growing ever more handsome with age.

One small to mid-sized maple species that should not be ignored for street tree selection is the hedge maple (Acer campestre). Hedge maple is native to Europe, and as the name implies, is frequently sheared as a tall hedge. As a street tree it ranges from of twenty-five to thirty-

feet tall with a single trunk and a dense rounded canopy. The small lobed leaves turn yellow in the fall, though the fall display is not always consistent.

It has great performance in urban plantings since it is tolerant of various soil types and the typical assaults of city life such as pollution and heat.

The cultivar ‘Evelyn’ (also sold as Queen Elizabeth TM) is a vigorous grower with and upswept branching habit.

North American natives and their Asian counterparts

The Ben Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is a rare North American species that blooms in late summer to fall. (Photo courtesy of Brian Oleksak)

A curious phenomenon in horticulture is the number of species that are native to North America that have very similar related species from Japan, Korea and China. The deciduous forests of both continents have given us many valuable small tree species for use in the landscape. Both the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and the Chinese species, kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) are small enough to work into small properties. These two species are so closely related genetically that they had been successfully crossed by Dr. Elwin Orton of Rutgers University to produce the Rutgers hybrid dogwoods.

The native fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) similarly has an Asian counterpart, the Chinese fringe tree (Chionanthus retusis).

Both species bear the fleecy, white flowers in late spring and have stunning bronze-gold fall foliage. Chionanthus virginicus is more prone to resembling a large multi-stem shrub, while the Chinese species is frequently sold as a single trunk standard.

Coral bark maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’) and New York Aster (Aster novi-belgii) are the perfect fall color combination.

(Photo courtesy of Brian Oleksak)

The Tea Family (Theaceae) is comprised of exotic, smallstatured trees from both continents. The genus Stewartia has North American members, silky stewartia (Stewartia malacodendron) and mountain stewartia (Stewartia ovata). Both species are challenging to find in the nursery trade. The most commonly offered stewartias are the Asian species Japanese stewar-

tia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) and Korean stewartia (Stewartia koreana). Both of these species make exceptional four-season trees when a small tree is needed in a design. Stewartia bears white flowers with orange/yellow stamens, resembling camellias. Its bark exfoliates with age offering tones of silvery-pink and a texture that feels smooth like marble. Fall foliage color may be red, orange, yellow and purple. Related to the stewartias is a small native North American tree named after Benjamin Franklin (Franklinia alatamaha). This little tree was discovered by the Philadelphia plantsman John Bartram in the 1700’s and has never been found in the wild since that time. All franklinias in the nursery trade are propagated from the original Bartram collection. Similar to Stewartia, it bears camellia-like flowers, but in late summer to fall. It is not unusual to see a Franklinia in bloom when its foliage is turning red in autumn. A truly unexpected fall surprise!

Brian Oleksak is Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Landscape and Horticultural Technology Department at the County College of Morris in Randolph, New Jersey. Professor Oleksak teaches courses in woody and herbaceous plant identification, soils, arboriculture and botany at CCM. He holds a B.S. in Agronomy from Penn State University and an M.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Ohio State University.

Professor Oleksak resides in Newton, NJ.

www.NJLCA.org 31

Proper Landscape Mulching Practices El Buen Uso de Acolchados en Jardinería

by Raul I. Cabrera , Extension Specialist in Nursery Production & Management, Rutgers University

The mulching of trees and shrubs, and flower beds is a landscape management practice that can produce many benefits. At first sight there is an immediate aesthetic impact in a mulched tree or planting area.

Moreover, the functional benefits of properly applied mulches extend to improvements in soil moisture conditions, nutrition (soil fertility) and soil temperature (like cooler in summer, warmer in winter), and reductions in weeds, diseases, soil erosion and compaction, among others. It should be noted that the establishment of newly transplanted trees in landscapes receiving minimal care can significantly benefit from properly applied mulches.

El acolchado de árboles y plantas en camas de jardinería es una práctica de manejo que puede ser muy beneficiosa.

Además de realzar la belleza del jardín, acolchados aplicados correctamente mejoran propiedades del suelo como su humedad y temperatura (fresca en verano y tibia en invierno), y reducen la presencia de malezas, enfermedades, y la erosión y compactación del suelo. El establecimiento de árboles recién trasplantados puede ser más exitoso al aplicar adecuadamente un acolchado, en particular en jardines de bajo mantenimiento.

However, when applied improperly or excessively, mulches can detrimentally af-

fect and kill trees and plants. Mountains or “volcanoes” of mulch piled high against tree and shrub trunks may not kill them immediately, but it will result in a slow decline and lead to an eventual death (Fig. 1).

Similarly, excessive mulch layers in landscape beds laid on top of compacted or heavy textured (i.e. clay) urban soils, can be detrimental to plants under excessive irrigation or rainfall (Fig. 2).

Sin embargo, un aplicación inadecuada o excesiva de acolchados puede ser muy perjudicial, hasta causar la muerte de árboles y plantas. Aplicación de pilas o “volcanes” de acolchado amontonados sobre los troncos de árboles y arbustos

Figure 1. Mountains or “volcanoes” of mulch piled high against the trunks of trees (top) on a recurrent or perpetual basis will result in their slow decline and eventual death (bottom).

Figura 1. Montones o “volcanes” de acolchado apilados sobre los troncos de árboles (arriba) de manera continua puede causarles deterioro y su eventual muerte (abajo).

Winter 2021-2022 32

About the undesirable consequences of overmulching Las consecuencias indeseables de un acolchado excesivo One of the leading causes of death in overmulched trees is root suffocation from extremely low oxygen levels (oxygen starvation). Repeated applications of mulch in areas with high precipitation or high irrigation can contribute to waterlogged conditions (Fig. 2). As waFigure 2. Thick mulch layers on landscape beds or plant- ter occupies more of the ers, on top of compacted or heavy-textured soils can lead to pore space in the mulch harmful waterlogging conditions. and upper soil layers, air Figura 2. Gruesas capas de acolchado en camas de jar- and oxygen content is redinería instaladas sobre suelos compactados o de textura duced. When the rootzone pesada (arcillosos), pueden provocar condiciones dañinas oxygen levels drop below de inundación.

10% root growth and function decline, resulting in pueden no causarles daños inmediata- subsequent root decay and overall plant mente, pero a la larga causarán su deteri- health decline, leading to its eventual oro y eventualmente su muerte (Fig. 1). De death. Oxygen deprivation sympmanera similar, capas excesivas de acol- toms (like foliage chlorosis, rechado en camas de jardinería instaladas duced leaf size and twig growth, sobre suelos urbanos muy compactados, and branch dieback), may take o de textura pesada (con mucha arcilla o years to appear, depending on barro), pueden ser muy dañinas para las the plant and the soil type. Unforplantas bajo condiciones de riego o lluvia tunately, by the time symptoms excesivas (Fig. 2). are noticed afflicted plants might Over-mulching has been reported as a have reached a state of irreversleading cause of death of azaleas & rho- ible decline. dodendrons, holly, dogwood, boxwood, cherry trees, ash, birch, linden, spruce, and many other landscape plants. Notice that many of these species are considered “acid-loving”, and are well suited to the acidic soils commonly found in the northeastern U.S. Un uso excesivo de acolchados se ha reportado como una causa principal de muerte en azaleas, agrifolios, cornejos y árboles de cerezo, fresno, abedul, tilo, abeto, y muchas otras plantas de jardín.

Una gran mayoría de estas plantas de jardín prefieren suelos ácidos (de pH bajo), los cuales son muy comunes en el noreste de los Estados Unidos.

Una de las principales causas de muerte en árboles con excesos de acolchado es la asfixia de sus raíces por niveles muy bajos de oxígeno. Aplicaciones frecuentes de acolchado en áreas con mucha lluvia o riego excesivo pueden contribuir a condiciones de inundación (Fig. 2). Esto causa que el agua ocupe mucho del espacio poroso del acolchado y la capa superior del suelo, y reduzca los niveles de aire y oxígeno. Cuando el oxígeno se reduce por debajo de 10%, el crecimiento y función de las raíces disminuye y se pudren, afectando la salud general del árbol y su eventual muerte. Los síntomas por falta de oxígeno (como

amarillamiento y reducción del tamaño de hojas, brotes raquíticos y muerte regresiva de ramas) pueden tomar años en aparecer dependiendo del tipo de plantas y suelo.

Tristemente, para cuando estos síntomas son visibles, las plantas afectadas pueden haber alcanzado un estado irreversible de deterioro, y mueren sin poder hacer algo para remediar su situación.

Applications of thick mulch layers (over 6”) up against the trunks of some tree species will cause them to grow masses of fine feeder roots up into the mulch (Fig. 3), where there may be a better balance of moisture and aeration than in waterlogged or oxygen depleted soils below.

Unfortunately, under drought conditions mulch dries out more rapidly than the soil, and any root mass that has spread throughout the “volcano” mulch will die, affecting overall tree health and survival.

La aplicación de gruesas capas de acolchado (más de 6 pulgadas, o 15 cm.) apiladas sobre el tronco de árboles de varias especies puede provocar que estos produzcan masa de raíces finas en ese acolchado (Fig. 3). Esto es porque allí puede darse un

Figure 3. Fine feeder roots growing in excessive (“volcano”) mulch piled against the trunk of a maple tree. (Photo credit: Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension).

Figura 3. Sistema de raíces finas creciendo en un “volcán” de acolchado apilado sobre los troncos de un árbol de arce. (Foto cortesía de Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension).

www.NJLCA.org 33

to subsequent reductions in water and nutrient uptake by the roots).

Otra causa principal, y común, de apilar acolchado sobre el tronco de árboles es la muerte de su corteza interna (Fig. 4). Los tejidos del tronco en el punto donde se une y ensancha hacia las raíces principales son muy diferentes a los de las raíces mismas, y no pueden sobrevivir en un ambiente humedecido continuamente. Esto es porque su intercambio gaseoso (su respiración) se reduce, estresando y eventualmente matando los tejidos vivos de la corteza.

La muerte de los tejidos conductores del floema (al interior de la corteza) detiene el transporte de alimento hacia las raíces, y por tanto su función, afectando la salud general y sobrevivencia del árbol (debido a la subsecuente reducción en la absorción de agua y minerales por las raíces).

Figure 4. Piling mulch against tree trunks can cause the death of bark tissues by affecting their gas exchange, and harbor rodents over the winter, which can chew on the bark, effectively girdling phloem tissues that nourish the roots.

Figura 4. El apilar acolchado sobre los troncos de árboles puede causar la muerte de los tejidos de la corteza al afectar su intercambio gaseoso, además de hospedar roedores durante el invierno, los cuales mordisquean y dañan los tejidos conductores de floema que alimentan las raíces. mejor balance de humedad y aeración que en un suelo compactado o inundado abajo del acolchado. Desafortunadamente, bajo una condición de sequía el acolchado se seca más rápido que el suelo, y la masa de raíces dentro del “volcán” se seca y muere, afectando la salud general y sobrevivencia del árbol.

Another common and major consequence of piling mulch against tree trunks is the death of inner bark (Fig. 4). Stems and trunks at the root flare have tissues that are quite different from those on roots, and these tissues cannot survive a continually moist environment, as their gas exchange (i.e. their “breathing”) is reduced, stressing and ultimately killing the living bark tissues. The death of the “plantfood”-transporting phloem tissues found in the inner bark stops nourishment of the roots, thus affecting their function and thus overall plant health and survival (due 34

Other major consequences of excessive mulching include introduction of root and trunk diseases, excessive heat in wet mulch layers in the summer (literally induction of composting against the trunks), induction of nitrogen deficiency when using “fresh” or non-aged (uncomposted) mulches, undesirable changes in soil pH, and harboring rodents that can chew on tree bark tissues (Fig. 4).

Otras consecuencias serias de un acolchado excesivo incluyen la introducción de enfermedades a las raíces y tallos, un calor excesivo en las capas húmedas de acolchado en el verano (literalmente un proceso de compostaje ocurriendo sobre el tronco de los árboles), inducción de deficiencias de nitrógeno al usar acolchados “frescos” (no añejados o sin previo compostaje), cambios indeseables en el pH del suelo, y el hospedar roedores que pueden mordisquear y dañar los tejidos de la corteza de los troncos (Fig. 4).

Standard Mulching Recommendations Recomendaciones estándar para acolchados In general, mulch depth should not exceed a total of 2-3 inches, including the mulch remaining from previous years and the current season’s application.

However, on poorly drained soils, due to compaction (common in urban environments) and/or heavy (clay) textures, mulch depths should not exceed 2 inches, especially for shallow rooted plants and

those requiring high rootzone aeration, such as Rhododendron and other acidloving species. Soil texture and soil depth also need to be considered when determining the type and depth of mulch to apply, particularly in the above-mentioned soils with high clay content or heavy compaction. Soils subject to frequently flooding may not need any mulch.

En general, la capa de un acolchado no debe ser más de 2 a 3 pulgadas (5 a 8 cm.), incluyendo los residuos de acolchado de años anteriores. Sin embargo, en suelos con drenaje pobre, debido a compactación (común en ambientes urbanos) y con texturas pesadas (arcillosas), las capas de acolchado no deben ser mayores a 2 pulgadas (5 cm.), especialmente para plantas con sistemas de raíces muy superficiales y aquellas que requieren de niveles altos de aireación, como en azaleas y otras especies que prefieren suelos ácidos. La textura y profundidad del suelo nativo también debe de considerarse al determinar el tipo y grosor del acolchado a aplicar, en particular para los suelos arcillosos y compactados mencionados arriba. Los suelos sujetos a inundaciones frecuentes podrían no requerir aplicaciones de acolchado.

Mulches with coarse textures (large particle sizes) could be placed a bit deeper due to better air and oxygen diffusion into the soil. Finer textured mulches (e.g. double-shredded mulch) should be applied in thinner, 1 or 2 inch layers. Be aware that mulches with fine texture mulches can be hydrophobic (repel water when dry), and produce crusted or compacted layers that cause undesirable water runoff. Raking of these compacted mulch layers may be needed to break them apart, and allow water infiltration into the soil.

Materiales de acolchado de textura gruesa (con partículas muy grandes) podrían aplicarse en capas más gruesas al permitir un mejor movimiento de aire y oxígeno hacia el suelo. Acolchados de textura más fina (molidos muy finamente) deben de aplicarse en capas ligeras, de 1 a 2 pulgadas (2.5 a 5 cm.). Preste atención que acolchados de textura fina pueden ser hidrofóbicos (que repelen agua al secarse), y pueden producir capas costrosas o compactadas que resultan en escurrimientos Winter 2021-2022

indeseables de agua. Rastrille estas capas compactadas de acolchado para deshacerlas, y permitir una buena infiltración de agua hacia el suelo debajo.

With respect to newly established or young trees/shrubs, it is recommended to maintain mulch 3 to 5 inches away from their stems. For mature trees keep the mulch 8 to 12 inches away from the trunks (Fig. 5). If the objective of mulching is to effectively retain moisture for the tree’s root system, extend the mulched surface to at least the drip zone diameter (i.e. the outer edge of the canopy or tree branches), or preferably beyond, as the roots may extend well beyond this range.

En el caso de árboles jóvenes o recién trasplantado, se recomienda mantener el acolchado alejado 3 a 5 pulgadas (8 a 13 cm.) de sus troncos. Para árboles maduros mantenga el acolchado retirado 8 a 12 pulgadas (20 a 30 cm.) de sus troncos. Si el objetivo principal de aplicar acolchados es mantener más eficientemente la humedad del suelo para el sistema de raíces del árbol, extienda la superficie del acolchado

por lo menos hasta el diámetro de la zona de goteo (la orilla de la copa o ramas del árbol). De ser factible, es preferible extender la aplicación de acolchado más allá de la zona de goteo, pues las raíces a menudo se extienden más allá de esa zona.

In summary, for most landscapes with soils having average to great drainage, beyond an improved appearance, properly applied mulches can help reduce overall maintenance and provide sound benefits to their trees and plants. But please, avoid at all costs the awful practice of piling “mountains or volcanos” of mulch against the trunks of trees.

En resumen, una aplicación adecuada de acolchado, además de mejorar la estética en muchos jardines con suelos que tienen un buen a excelente drenaje, puede contribuir a reducir su mantenimiento y proveer muchos beneficios a sus árboles y plantas. Pero por favor, evite a toda costa la mala práctica de apilar gruesas capas o “volcanes” de acolchado sobre los troncos de los árboles.

References and further reading: Referencias y lecturas sugeridas Chalker-Scott, L. 2007. Impact of mulches on landscape plants and the environment - A review. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 25(4): 239–249.

Clatterbuck, W.K. 2003. Mulching Your Trees and Landscapes. Agricultural Extension Service Bulletin SP 617, The University of Tennessee. 4 p. Available online at: https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/sp617.pdf Crawford, B. and R.I. Cabrera. 2021.

Problems with Over-Mulching Trees and Shrubs. Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS099. Available online at: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs099/ Harris, R.W., J.R. Clark and N.P. Matheny. 1999. Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, 3rd Ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ (Mulch on Chapter 7, pp.

202-215).

Kozlowski, T.T. 1985. Soil aeration, flooding and tree growth. Journal of Arboriculture 11:85-96.

Watson, G.W. and E.B. Himelick. 2013.

The Practical Science of Planting Trees.

International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, IL. (Mulch on Chapter 11, pp.

180-183).

Figure 5. Use moderate layers (no more than 2 or 3 inches thick) of mulch, keeping it away from tree trunks and extending the area of application as far as the outer edge of the canopy. (Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Compost).

Figura 5. Use capas moderadas de acolchado (no más de 2 a 3 pulgadas; 5 a 8 cm.), manteniéndolo alejado del tronco de los árboles, y extendiendo el área de aplicación hasta la orilla de la copa (zona de goteo). (Foto de Rocky Mountain Compost). www.NJLCA.org

Raul Cabrera is an Associate Professor and the Extension Specialist in Nursery Crops at Rutgers University. Raul holds a MS in Plant Physiology and a PhD in Plant Biology from the University of California at Davis. His current projects include the use of alternative waters (graywater, reclaimed) for irrigation, optimizing nursery and greenhouse crop fertilization and productivity and evaluation of urban landscape water use and conservation.

Raul Cabrera es profesor asociado y especialista en extensión de cultivos en la Universidad de Rutgers. Raúl tiene una maestría en fisiología y un doctorado en Biología de planta de la Universidad de California en Davis. Sus proyectos actuales incluyen el uso de aguas alternativas (agua, reclamada) para la irrigación, optimización de la fertilización y cultivos de invernadero y la productividad y evaluación del uso y conservación del agua del paisaje urbano.

35

Turf talk

Even though the turfgrass is dormant this time of year, that does not mean you can’t take steps to improve the quality of your turf. What we do at American Beauty is on our last leaf visit we check all the turn marks left from the mowers and blowers. We scratch up these bare spots – compaction is always the cause.

We throw some seed on these bare spots. A good portion will germinate by spring. It is somewhat of a temporary fix – the only way you truly fix compaction is to dig down 12”, yes 12”; hence why we never do it. You would have to fluff the soil and resow the seed.

Putting stakes on the curbing not only saves you from paying for new curbs

by Greg Carpenter, CLT, American Beauty Landscape and new plows; it keeps the drivers from pushing the snow on turf areas or better yet, keeps them from driving on grass areas. I always wonder how people get snow blind or snow clueless in 6” of snow.

Just the other day I had a customer ask me why we don’t store the snow on the grass areas and not in the lower lot of his property parking lot. Driving a 28-yard triaxle on the lawn or the 2 yard loader even if we stack the snow you are going to get that much on the island before you need to drive on it. The salt alone in the snow will destroy the turf. Not to mention the soil itself. It isn’t going to go away. It will take years for the salt to dissipate.

Most turf we grow in our zone are grasses that cannot handle salt – penn, fine perennial rye, blue grass just can’t handle salt. Zoysia and tall fescue are more salt tolerant. Salt is hard on most trees and shrubs. When in doubt, stay away or install snow fencing. All of this can help keep the salt off the plants and turf. There are a whole group of plants

that will tolerate salt.

These are classified as belt 1 plants. Belt 1 plants can be planted where the plants are exposed to salt spray on a regular basis. These plants include Rugosa Roses, Pear trees and Japanese Black Pine to mention a few. It may have been 30 years since I have seen one. Some other belt 1 plants include 2 ornamental grasses (Mist Grass & Beach (Reed) Grass).

The other thing that loves the salt mist and grows in acidic soil in the pine needles is….any guesses?? Poison Ivy. Stay out of the dunes on Long Beach Island, NJ. They are full of poison ivy.

Good Luck and Keep Growing!

Greg Carpenter, CLT is owner of American Beauty Landscape since 1982. He attended the SUNY Farmingdale Turfgrass Program & is Vice President of the NJLCA. Greg also serves on the Rutgers Turfgrass Advisory & Bergen Community College Horticultural Advisory Boards.

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Why are my Employees suing me?

Employee rights and protection under the Federal & State labor laws against unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, disciplinary actions, and more are being played out in our legal system through Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) claims and lawsuits against employers.

•

Wrongful discipline

•

Deprivation of career opportunity

EPLI covers Employers and their businesses against claims by employees alleging that their rights, liberties, freedoms have been violated. These lawsuits filed by employees against their employers have been rising a lot.

While many large profile lawsuits have been filed against large corporations, far more claims are filed against small and medium size companies. No company is immune to such lawsuits. The cost of these lawsuits against Employers can be huge and devastating!

•

The insurance coverage that provides defense and payment is called Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI).

Small and medium size employers recognize the need for this insurance coverage and protection. This coverage is available as an endorsement to many Packages or Business owners Policies (BOP).

You can also purchase a more robust and comprehensive separate EPLI policy.

EPLI provides protection against many kinds of employee lawsuits, including claims of: •

Sexual harassment

•

Discrimination

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Wrongful termination

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Breach of employment contract

•

Negligent evaluation

•

Failure to employ or promote

•

Wrongful infliction of emotional distress

I didn’t do anything wrong!

by Richard Gaynor, Middleton & Company Insurance tion by a supervisor. Make sure supervisors know where the company stands on what behaviors are not permissible.

Mismanagement of employee benefit plans

The cost of EPLI coverage depends on your type of business, the number of employees you have and various risk factors such as whether your company has been sued over employment practices in the past. A Company Handbook is frequently requested by the insurance companies to reduce costs. These policies will pay on behalf of OR reimburse your company for the costs of defending a lawsuit in court and for judgments and settlements. The policy usually covers legal costs, whether your company wins or loses the lawsuit. Typically EPLI coverage does not pay for punitive damages, civil or criminal fines. Workers compensation claims are excluded from EPLI policies.

To prevent employee lawsuits, educate your managers and employees so that you minimize problems in the first place: •

Create effective hiring and screening programs to avoid discrimination in hiring.

•

Post corporate policies throughout the workplace and place them in employee handbooks so policies are clear to everyone.

•

Show employees what steps to take if they are the object of sexual harassment or discrimina-

•

Document everything that occurs and the steps your company is taking to prevent and solve employee disputes.

Solution While it is imperative for employers to protect themselves with consistent Employment practices and procedures that are fair and consistently aligned with Federal and State Employment rules, they should also strongly consider the Insurance protection with relevant coverage: Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), including Wage and Hour expense coverage. Employment rules are forever changing and the opportunity for an Employer / Business owner to be sued by unhappy, disgruntled employees, former employees, and the unhired applicants for a job are endless! (+ growing!)

In 1979 Richard Gaynor joined Middleton & Company Insurance Agency after graduating The College of New Jersey/Trenton State, creating and marketing a variety of specialized insurance programs. Richard joined the Boards of many industry Associations. He acquired a keen understanding of the protection needs and issues that each association faced. Richard assumed the presidency of Middleton & Company in 1995, continuing the commitment to provide business solutions to his clients.

www.NJLCA.org 39

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Landscape AlterNATIVEs: A Guide to Native Landscape Plants

NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR (THUJA OCCIDENTALIS)

by Steven Yergeau, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent (Ocean & Atlantic Counties) Native 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, below is an option to meet your clients’ needs.

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a native evergreen of the family Cupressaceae, which includes junipers, cedars, and redwoods. It grows up to 50 feet high and can spread up to 15 feet at maturity (Photo 1). Known commercially as ‘arborvitae’, north-

Photo 1: Northern white cedar growing as part of a home landscape in summer (Photo Credit: Steve Yergeau).

ern white cedar is a common landscape tree known for its conical or pyramid shape. The name ‘arborvitae’ covers over 100 cultivated varieties (‘cultivars’) used in home settings making them readily available from most commercial nurseries.

Northern white cedar does best in moderately-drained, moist soils that are slightly acidic to nearly neutral (pH Photo 2: A row of northern white cedars used as a privacy screen from 5.5–7.2). It flour- (Photo Credit: Steve Yergeau). ishes in open areas is a great choice to use instead of many with full sun and can tolerate some shade non-native evergreens, such as Norway but cannot handle very shady sites. spruce (Picea abies), gold thread cypress Northern white cedar can abide cooler (Chamaecyparis pisifera), and Colorado temperatures and has a low tolerance to blue spruce (Picea pungens). drought conditions. Cultivated varieties You can find nurseries in New Jersey grow in a wide variety of soil conditions, that sell native plants by visiting the Jerso check the specific needs of each cultisey-Friendly Yards website at http://www. var when planting. jerseyyards.org/jersey-friendly-plants/ Northern white cedar requires little where-to-buy-native-plants/. maintenance beyond pruning and shapSteven Yergeau, ing. It can be planted in large masses if Ph.D. is the Dept.

Head given ample sunlight to grow properly. and Agricultural Agent Northern white cedar provides many for Rutgers Co-operabenefits. As an evergreen, it provides tive Extension of Ocean year-round foliage as a privacy screen, County. He is also Ashedgerow, or other border planting (Pho- sistant Professor for to 2). Northern white cedar is a good Ocean & Atlantic Counchoice for wildlife, as songbirds nest in ties. For more info visit it and white-tailed deer use it for shelter http://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu. in severe winters. Northern white cedar

www.NJLCA.org 41

TOP 10 MOST IMPORTANT HUMAN RESOURCES DOCUMENTS It is common knowledge that human resources is becoming increasingly bureaucratic, well beyond its original overwhelming level of paperwork, regulations, and guidelines. While many human resources documents have relative value to an organization, it is difficult to accommodate all of them equally. To distinguish those documents with relative value from those with lesser value, the following list is provided as a guide to help prioritize the actual importance of human resources documents correctly.

1) I-9 FORM Federal law requires all active employees and designated former employees have an accurate I-9 Form on file.

All active employee I-9 Forms should be scanned or kept in a three-ring binder organized alphabetically by employee last name. To verify this point, companies should print out a Payroll Registry Report and verify that every employee who received a paycheck, has an I-9 Form on file.

All inactive employee I-9 Forms should be scanned or kept in a three-ring binder organized chronologically by destruction date. The destruction date is that longer

date of either the employee’s date of hire plus three years or the employee’s termination date plus one year.

2) OSHA RECORDS In addition to the standard OSHA records (i.e., five years of OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 Forms cross-referenced against the workers’ compensation vendor’s Detailed Loss Run Report), companies should also maintain various other documents related to employee safety including: weekly tailgate sign-in sheets and corresponding training materials, as well as records of Safety Data Sheets, Lockout/ Tagout transactions, Globally Harmonized System training, Injury and Illness Prevention Programs, preventive maintenance records on all company tools, equipment, and vehicles, and chemical use records.

3) EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK The employee handbook is the administrative Bible for an organization, outlining policies, standards, and performance expectations. Without the employee handbook, it is virtually impossible to hold an employee accountable to organi-

zational norms, procedures, and practices. Given today’s litigious environment, most employee handbooks now approximate 65 pages in length Most noteworthy is that the employee handbook conveys the at-will employee relationship between the employee and employer. To that end, the company must have a signed employee handbook acknowledgment statement on file for every employee.

4) JOB DESCRIPTION The job description is the cornerstone of the human resources function in that it has direct application to employee selection, training, performance evaluation, compensation, legal issues (e.g., ADA, FLSA, OSHA), workers’ compensation, discipline, and career ladder development.

All companies must have an accurate job description for every position found on the organizational chart. Job descriptions should possess a list of essential functions, non/exempt status, education/ experience requirements, special notes and certifications, and physical demands required by the position.

Winter 2021-2022 42

5) TIMESHEET The timesheet is the key employee financial record tracking all regular time worked, overtime worked, job costing details, leaves of absence, shift start/end times, meal period start/end times, and various attestations regarding accuracy, legal compliance, and freedom from injury consideration for every payroll period. This document is vital in numerous potential wage and hour issues that can prove extremely costly to the company.

6) PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL An annual performance appraisal must be found in each employee’s personnel folder. The performance appraisal is the pivotal documentation form summarizing an employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and performance goals. Without a performance appraisal, employee accountability and by derivation, organizational defensibility relative to a wrongful termination claim, become increasingly problematic. The performance appraisal form should be definitively linked to the actual job description for each position.

7) ARBITRATION AGREEMENT The Arbitration Agreement defines the employee’s consent to address serious disputes with the employer by way of binding arbitration in place of a lengthy, costly, and damaging jury trial. Similar to the employee handbook, and confidentiality agreement, this legal document should be revised and re-signed by every company employee each year. Due to changing legal standards, specific to respective state laws, the Arbitration Agreement should be developed, reviewed, and/or approved by external legal counsel every year.

8) CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT The Confidentiality Agreement prohibits employees from: divulging proprietary company information to unauthorized parties; soliciting company clients, employees, or partners away from the company’s service; and retaining any confidential information at the time of dismissal from the company. Similar to the Arbitration Agreement, this document should be fully vetted by legal counsel. By extension, legal counsel should verify if a Non-compete Clause can be included in this document, as compliant with state law.

9) JOB APPLICATION The job application begins the human resources paper trail for every employee. In its most basic form the job application, captures relevant information on the employee (e.g., name, address, telephone number), summarizes the employee’s work and education history that are used as screening tools to determine if an interview should occur, and introduces the at-will employment relationship to the applicant for the first time. Due to ongoing legal challenges in multiple states, be aware that applicant social security numbers, birthdate, previous salary history, ban the box standards, and medical history information are often excluded from most job applications.

10) CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER LETTER The conditional job offer letter formalizes the terms of employment by stipulating the start date, position title, supervisor’s name, starting pay rate and compensation variables (e.g., performance bonus eligibility, commission rates, sign-on bonus), exempt or non-exempt status, benefits programs, resource allocation (e.g., cell phone, laptop, company vehicle, company credit card), the at-will employment relationship between the employee and employer, and conditional requirements (e.g., drug and alcohol test, driving record, background investigation). The clarity of this document promotes useful communication intended to avoid potential confusion, litigation, and improper planning.

documents in each employee’s personnel file can save the company a tremendous amount of worry, liability, and financial penalty when, not if, they are ever audited, challenged, or litigated.

If you have any questions or comments about this topic or anything else related to human resources, simply call me at (760) 685-3800.

Steve Cesare has a Ph.D. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology and more than 25 years of human resources experience.

Currently, Steve serves as The Harvest Group’s expert for Human Resources and Safety. Prior to joining the Harvest Group, Steve gained several years of experience in the green industry serving as the HR Director with Bemus Landscape in southern California. Steve has also worked with Jack in the Box, Citicorp, Sentara Health Systems, and NASA in a variety of capacities aimed at improving the quality of their human resources programs.

The number, length, and content of human resources documents is more demanding and burdensome with each passing day. Despite that demand, it is critical for companies to ensure they collect, review, and maintain key human resources paperwork continually to ward against myriad threats (e.g., audits from ICE, Department of Labor, OSHA, and state agencies). With that thought in mind, periodic audits of these

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Tree Canopy in Landscape Design

by Todd Bradbury, Bradbury Landscape Hopefully going forward when developing land, we can leave some canopy in place, if not in unmolested woodland, at least over our lawns.

Development may be inevitable; canopy loss does not have to be.

Retaining viable trees during construction does much to keep a landscape authentic. Consult a Certified Arborist to identify and then safeguard trees during construction with zones of protection out to the drip line and a management plan for the future.

The quality of the remaining forest in many parts of our state is of unmatched caliber. Sadly though, the continuity of our tree canopy is becoming increasingly perforated, then fragmented.

We seem to recognize the beauty of the forest around us, but at the same time there is a trend to extinguish all trees within the domain that we claim. Time marches on, virgin lots are developed and existing ones often re-developed. As a result, the continuum of the woodland and even suburban canopy is vanishing, often in pursuit of a “clean look.”

yard and outdoor entertainment areas with greater interest.

Help homeowners understand that rather than hindering recreation space, tree canopy actually enhances it. Steer around a common mindset: “But my kids play there.” Trees function quite well as a goal line, base line, and safe base in tag! They can offer respite over a play set from the afternoon sun.

Children are richer and cooler for it. To memorialize a family member or mark a birth a hardwood tree is a growing legacy for the future.

If a lot is already cleared, consider reintroducing native hardwoods to the landscape. Removals happen, change happens. By planting well suited, strong, viable trees, we reset the clock.

Future generations can be ensured a more connected canopy in our area. An area known as part of the mid-Atlantic hardwood forest.

A big thanks to previous generations of planners for planting and preserving the canopy of trees we enjoy today.

Toddy Bradbury is owner of Bradbury Landscape in Closter, NJ. Bradbury Landscape has over 35 years of experience serving our community and customers with quality lawn care and landscape design services.

Landscape professionals are in a unique position to ensure the presence of tree canopy in the future.

There is a whole other dimension of landscape design above and beyond small flowering trees that is often overlooked. Stand out as a designer by planting well placed, thoughtfully selected, hardwood trees as a succession plan for a future with canopy. Finer results will never be accomplished using plagued purple plum trees or invasive Bradford pear.

Clients will enjoy the added benefit of a more hospitable www.NJLCA.org 45

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FREE CUSTOM ARTWORK

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS & TRICKS Following the Pareto principle, the 80/20 rule, our landscape construction / hardscape industry has shifted to 80% digital and 20% traditional marketing.

Just randomly posting to a website or social media is not an effective way to spend 80% of your marketing budget. To enhance ROI on marketing investments, it’s best to include your network of suppliers’ clients and community. The local network is often best reached repetitively, creating awareness of your company’s passion, mission, and vision.

In order to grow organically in the digital marketing field, specifically social media, you must use auto-post, merge contacts, have hidden tags, hashtag effectively, and geotag in the digital marketing field.

Auto-post is a simple step that links your Facebook page to your Instagram account. Facebook and Instagram are sister companies that make it easy to duplicate posts with minimum effort. Why do something twice when a feature exists to maximize efficiency? When completing a post on Instagram: Scroll to the bottom, then select the toggle for Facebook. This will link the two accounts. Whatever you do on Instagram will instantly post to Facebook. You can deselect the Facebook toggle if you do not want the post duplicated.

If using a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system, it’s encouraged to merge clean contact data for all business associates and clients with your smartphone. Clean contact data means having an individual’s full name, address, social media profile, e-mail, websites, and important dates input in the system.

This is critical information for all relevant vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, professional services, and clients. It can, and should, be synced with your CRM. The steps to complete this are different for iPhone and Android users see below for the step by step process: iPhone Process: Go to the profile picture on the bottom right of your screen, click the icon of the Three Horizontal Lines at the top right, select Discover People and Accept.

Android Process: Go to the profile picture on the bottom right of the screen select Dis-

cover People in the center of your screen.

This will give you profile suggestions based on who you follow already as well any contacts that are in your phone that have an Instagram account.

Now your clean contacts are merged with Instagram and Facebook whenever needed.

Suppliers and their representatives, dealer/distributors, and ancillary product companies, such as Tools and Equipment, Edge Restraint, Geotechnical Fabric and Grid, Clean and Protect, Joint Fill, can be tagged in a story so that they can reshare with their audience. This resharing gives your company a greater reach to other professional brands which in turn equates to more followers and clients. To Winter 2021-2022

48

they can reshare a clean, clear story that mutually benefits their brand to their followers.

Another trick of the social media trade is to download a hashtag (#) app such as Instagram Tags. This tool will allow you to:

do this in Instagram: Choose story from the plus symbol at the top, select the video or photo you like to use, click the Smile Face at the top, then select @Mention and choose up to ten accounts to target. You will have to place your finger on the (@ Hardscapesocial) and drag it off-screen, being careful to avoid the trash can. Now

1.

Save commonly used and unique hashtags

2.

Select tags appropriate to your post and reel’s

3.

Expose your content to followers of that specific hashtag

4.

Avoided spelling issues (lost opportunities)

5.

Never miss the “Lucky 13” hashtags in a post/reel. It is suggested you add a minimum of 13 hashtags per posting. Doing so increases your reach while encouraging followers to add hashtags of their own. Instagram posts permit a maximum of 30 hashtags.

Instagram is a widely used social media outlet for homeowners and hardscape communities alike. Tools like auto-post to Facebook, merging CRM contacts, using hidden tags and hashtags, and Geo-Tagging increase exposure. All these features, tips, and tricks will improve your algorithm ranking, help gain the right follower’s, brand recognition, and reduce the need for boosted promoted or paid marketing.

Combining organic and paid content will put you in the driver’s seat to secure the jobs you want and at what price!

Ryan Ravalli is Account Manager for the Jersey Shore Market for Techo-Bloc who is skillful in Social Media training. Ryan graduated Delaware Valley College in 2007 with a BS in Business Administration. He is Social Media Expert, ICPI, NCMA, & PICP Certified. You can find Ryan on Instagram @HardscapeSocial. Email him at Ryan.

Ravalli@Techo-Bloc.com. Visit Techo-Bloc. com for more information.

A hashtag app is very affordable, user-friendly and is a must have-to save time and maximize impact.

Last, but not least, tagging locations is very important. Locations to be tagged include local business, clients’ jobs, targeted towns, and communities, as well as vendor/ dealer pick-up locations.

This “Geotagging” allows people to see what’s happening in a specific area.

Geo-Tagging is a simple process. Before posting your content, select Add Location. You can choose your current location or a targeted region. For example, if your office is in Manalapan but does work primarily in the Fairway Mews Community of Spring Lake, Geo-Tagging one, or all three of these locations will target viewers in that area. www.NJLCA.org 49

TALES FROM THE LANDSCAPE SIDE

NJLCA MEMBERS AND THEIR CUSTOMER STORIES

In 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

The Dog Did It...I Swear!

by Greg Carpenter, American Beauty Landscape, Paramus, NJ I have had many unbelievable things happen to me during my landscaping career. One time we were blowing leaves at a house. The neighbors had a 3’ grade change to the house where we were working. The neighbor’s dachshund was out on a rope and was running over to the side we were working on. He wanted to play with us. Two of us were dragging out tarps of leaves and when we looked back, the dog was getting a ride in the tarp.

When his tether ran out, he was pulled

from the tarp. I was worried he would get hurt, but he seemed to like it! So the next tarp, he does a flying leap off the top of the hill right down into the tarp. It was hysterical. He was so happy, he kept doing it again and again. As we were leaving the area, he ran after us. The rope he was on caught the wooden foot that was holding the Green Egg barbecue and it pulled the foot out. The Green Egg rolled down the 3’ embankment and slammed into the foundation of the house we were working at. It cracked the barbecue!

Now what? If we tell the neighbor his daschund did it, who is going to believe that? So we propped the Green Egg up, stuck the foot underneath it and ran! A couple of weeks later, I ran into my customer who told me they were barbecuing with the neighbors when the Green Egg exploded. It broke apart and rolled down the hill on fire. He then asked if I could fix the neighbors lawn for him. I told him that was such a crazy story, I never heard of such a thing...!

Do YOU have a story?

We’d love to hear it! Please email all submissions to gwoolcott@njlca.org, along with pictures if you have them. All stories can remain anonymous, so just let us know if you don’t want us to print your name (to protect the innocent...or not so innocent)!

Winter 2021-2022 50

Are You Ready for the Licensing and Registration of Your Landscape Business?

by John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service

The gears are grinding down in Trenton towards a goal that many of us have sought for years-recognition of the impact we all have as landscape professionals that add much to the economy of New Jersey. I’m talking about ASSEMBLY Bill No. 581 (Last session A-5951) - that “Provides for Licensure of Landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses” and has been introduced this past November 8, 2021 for consideration.

At least fifteen other states have similar laws already on the books-several require that an exam must be passedothers not. Some even have specialty sub levels that cover specific aspects of our trades while others are more general. NJ only licenses those engaged in specialties such as Tree work, Pesticides and Irrigation-all of which require certain levels of training, hands-on experience and the passing of a written exam.

Those of you that have already earned one or more of the above licenses already know the drill-a Board will be formed with members appointed by the governor from the trades, from the public and other professional parties to oversee the implementation of the law and the rules regarding examinations.

Fees will be required to take an exam and certain professional certifications from outside entities may be recognized in lieu of taking such an exam. If you already are licensed, registered or certified in your particular trade you do not need a landscape license provided that you are only performing services within the scope of your profession.

Even if the law passes and the governor signs it the history of such licensing shows that implementation will be several years in the future. Nothing happens instantly-there will be plenty of time to prepare for the day when you

can put that License number on your truck with pride in your profession.

I am sure many in the profession are already having reactions that range from anger to fear and everything in between.

I urge everyone that before forming an opinion-good or bad-to take a look at what’s under the hood of this bill and how it most likely will apply to you. What this bill acknowledges and proposes: 1.

It acknowledges the importance of landscaping to the state’s economy, environment, health and the wellbeing of its residents.

2.

It acknowledges the need to have unified licensing requirements and standards that recognize the landscape professional.

3.

It recognizes the need to protect the interests of the public by preventing unqualified individuals or businesses from engaging in

51

scape management professional; and a landscape installation professional.

The Landscape Management Professional covers such duties including, but not limited to, the following services: mowing; aeration; de-thatching; over-seeding of existing lawn areas; and all activities needed to maintain exterior or interior landscapes.

The Landscape Installation Professional covers work that includes the activities of a landscape management professional, and additionally includes all activities related to the installation of exterior and interior landscapes including, but not limited to, the installation and maintenance of plantings and hardscape.

landscape activities.

4.

It will not allow the unlicensed to advertise in any way.

5.

It covers many landscaping activities including, but not limited to, planting, mulching, grading, drainage, ponds and fountains, pruning, hardscaping, planters, fences, decks, driveways, hydroseeding, concrete, stone, wood etc. (I’m sure much of this will be clarified as masons, fencing contractors, carpenters and paving companies will not be needing a landscape license. Stand-alone fencing contractors and pool installation companies are specifically exempted later on in the Act and I am sure others will be as well. Whenever our legislature proposes laws there are always kinks to work out in committee.

Updates are sure to follow).

The Act further goes on to recognize specialties of Landscape professionals with this language: “Landscape category” means the area of specialization of a landscape professional which includes: a land-

The Act designates the Division of Consumer Affairs and by extension the New Jersey State Board of Architects to be in charge of overseeing the Landscape Professionals License Review Committee. There will be ten members and six shall be voting members made up as follows: three to be Landscape Installation Professionals, three Landscape Management Professionalsall with 10 years of experience and that are members of a state recognized professional landscape association. There will be one public voting member and three non-voting members.

The Landscape Professionals License Review Committee shall perform the following: a.

Review the qualifications of an applicant for licensure under the act

b.

Establish standards for examinations for licensure

c.

Issue and renew licenses and assess fees

d. Establish standards for continuing education e.

Suspend or revoke licenses or registrations for licensure for violations of this act

f.

Adopt a code of professional ethics

g.

Adopt those regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of the act

h.

Establish fees by regulation for applications, examinations and renewals

i.

Develop the examination or designate same

A License will be active for two years.

The minimum applicant qualifications are listed as: a.

To be at least 18 years of age

b.

To be of good moral character

c.

Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent

d. Provide a letter of reference from a professional in the field In addition, applicants need one of the following: e.

A degree from a four-year college in forestry, landscape architecture, botany or any field related to landscaping

f.

Two years of college with at least three horticulture related courses and three years of field work employment preceding the application

g.

Five years of continuous field work employment

h. Certification as a landscape industry manager, landscape industry technician or nursery landscape professional and completion of not less than four years of full-time working experience in landscaping or gardening after receiving the certificate And of course, the final steps: i.

Pay the fees

j.

Pass the exam

The committee will also establish standards for continuing education credits (CECs) required of licensed individuals to renew their licenses every two years and set the content. The exact number of CECs shall be determined but it will yield one CEC per hour of instruction and lesser amounts of CECs for other activities. The CEC amounts per activity will most likely follow the same pattern as the Irrigation Association and NALP-you can view them by copying the link below into your browser: •

w w w. i r r i g a t i o n . o r g // I A / FileUploads/IA/Certification/ WhatCountsforCEUs.pdf Winter 2021-2022

52

•

www.landscapeprofessionals. org /images/lp/cer tif ication/ document s/nalp -recer trequirements.pdf

Many of the aspects and language of this act are boiler plate identical to other licensing acts and have similar insurance requirements. Every two years not only will we all have to renew our licenses, submit CECs and pay the appropriate fees but we will also have to register our businesses with a designated license holder and proof of General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance. Many of us are registered Home Improvement Contractors and that will not change if we intend to perform residential work. HIC will not be needed if all your work is commercial.

Notice should be given to the fines and enforcement part of the Act which call for first violations to be a $5000.00 fine and the second and subsequent violations that call for $10,000 fines. Daily fines can pile up at the discretion of the Board’s enforcement policies though this has rarely been enforced by other Boards. But don’t task them. There are many out there that never even bothered to register as Home Improvement Contractors even though seeding, mulching and the like currently fall under the HIC Act. Many more are angry at any government intrusion into their businesses and will no doubt look upon the Landscape Licensing Act as more of the same.

the future there will be more work for you and less for them. I am not saying that it will be a perfect world out there but I am saying that you will be higher up in it with the license than without.

Think about it-wouldn’t that extra dose of “professional cred” be a lot better than always tamping down your prices due to an endless stream of “scabs” lowballing? If a rising tide lifts all boats wouldn’t it be beneficial to at least have a boat and not be sitting in the water? So don’t sweat it and please-stay focused on having a great 2022!

John Raffiani been installing and servicing irrigation systems since 1966-more than 16,900 to date. He has completed

Keep in mind that contract formats and information required in the HIC Act will be required for residential work including license numbers on all paperwork, vehicles and advertisements. The committee is probably going to add an additional statement and phone number to be on all invoices and contracts for consumers to call with questions on licensing or complaints.

You can view the HIC Contract format checklist by copying the link below into your browser: w w w.njconsum e r af f air s .gov/ hic/Document s/Residential- Home Improvement-Contractor-ComplianceChecklist.pdf This will provide a list of the requirements you will find to be mostly the same for landscape contracts by the time the committee finalizes all the details as Consumer Affairs will be overseeing. As many of us (and sadly not all) have been adhering to these rules for years the Landscape Act should not add a burden.

I simply ask that you look at it in a different light-that being the benefits that can accrue to you if you get your license. If and when the Act passes and is signed into law it calls for the Division of Consumer Affairs to begin an advertising campaign using TV, Radio and newsprint to educate the public about the details and benefits of hiring trained professionals. If you have a license the public will be informed of your new status as a professional in your field-consider this free advertising. The countless uninsured, transient “Chuck in a truck” types will be put on the defensive everywhere they pop up to the point that in

projects from small residential systems up to 100-acre sites (in phases)-Homes, Shopping Centers, Corporate Office Parks, Athletic Fields and Condominiums in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona and California.

He is a Licensed Irrigation Contractor in NJ, an IA Certified Irrigation Contractor, an IA Certified Irrigation Technician, a Certified Back Flow tester, an NDS Certified Drainage Contractor, a Rutgers Certified Fertilizer Applicator and an IA Authorized Regional Instructor. He has written and taught many Continuing Education Credit courses and Webinars for the National IA, the NJ Irrigation Association, the NJLCA, the MNLA and the CICA. He is an active member of the IANJ, IA, NJLCA, NJTA and NEWWA.

www.NJLCA.org 53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF LANDSCAPE PLANTS

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

“...many customers may not realize the important ecosystem services that are also being provided by the landscaped environment.”

54

There is no doubt that the landscaped aesthetic in New Jersey is world class. Our temperate region supports the growth of a wide diversity of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and grasses that display a tapestry of colors, form, shape, texture, and fragrance that changes and evolves throughout the growing season. Residents and visitors can easily appreciate this sensory experience in our neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. However, many customers may not realize the important ecosystem services that are also being provided by the landscaped environment.

Reducing Air Pollution Air pollution can lead to negative impacts on human health, including respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Landscape plants can help to mitigate the effects of air pollution by absorbing contaminants such as

ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide into their leaves. Particulate matter in the air is also reduced as pollen, dust, and ash stick to leaf surfaces instead of going into our lungs. Landscape plantings that incorporate multiple layers of leaf canopy, including standard and dwarf trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials will maximize the potential for improving air quality.

Temperature Moderation Shade trees are very effective at reducing temperatures on the ground by limiting the amount of sunlight that passes through their canopy. This creates a healthier outdoor environment that is not only cooler and more comfortable, but also protects us from harmful UV rays, especially in the middle of the summer. Shade trees that are planted near buildings can help to reduce energy costs, as the shade they produce helps to naturally cool the Winter 2021-2022

cated near the source of the noise pollution will be most effective at mitigating disruptive sound levels and frequencies.

Managing Stormwater

building. Trees and shrubs are transpiring large amounts of water from their leaves during the summer months, which further helps to cool the air in the surrounding environment. Turfgrass also produces this beneficial cooling effect even closer to the ground level, resulting in a microclimate that is much more comfortable than paved and impervious surfaces. Landscape plantings can further act as wind blocks to help protect outdoor areas and buildings from storms and wind gusts. Wind barriers can effectively improve the experience of outdoor gathering areas and can help to reduce heating costs of buildings during the winter months.

Noise Reduction Landscape plants can be very helpful in reducing noise, especially in urban areas where sound waves reverberate on the many buildings and paved surfaces. Plants can absorb high frequency sound waves and redirect noise in a way that softens the impact on the human ear. Dense plants with large leaves are more effective at absorbing sound waves than plants with sparse foliage. Mounded areas planted with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials of various heights and sizes, lo-

Tree canopies help to intercept rainfall and reduce the intensity of a hard rain hitting the ground all at once. This allows the water to infiltrate into the soil in a more gradual manner over a longer period of time, thus reducing surface runoff and soil erosion.

In areas where the ground is covered by high percentages of impervious surfaces, tree cover is especially important in addressing stormwater management and reducing the peak impact of precipitation events on stormwater infrastructure.

Landscape plantings also help to absorb stormwater and to filter contaminants before they reach local waterways.

Improved Biodiversity Countless landscape plants also support beneficial insect, songbird, and hummingbird populations. There is a growing trend of concern for pollinator health and many clients want to help do their part in protecting this important aspect of our environment. Diverse landscape plantings that provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds can offer customers a way to support biodiversity right in their own backyard. Native plant species of different shapes, sizes, and bloom times will support the greatest number and diversity of insect and bird populations in our area.

So, if your clients want to increase the abundance of songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, or pollinators that visit their

yard, encourage them to consider planting diverse native plant species.

Human Health and Well-Being There is a growing body of research that is demonstrating the profound effects that plants and green spaces can have on human health and well-being.

Hospital gardens have been shown to help patients heal faster. Inviting landscaped areas encourage physical activity, such as walking, and positive social interactions in public spaces. Many people experience relaxation and stress reduction when they spend time engaging with the natural world, and the landscaped environment can offer this respite from the fast pace of modern living.

Talking with your clients about the important ecosystem services provided by landscape plants will help them to appreciate that investing in their landscape will not only increase their property value, but can also help contribute to reducing air pollution, conserving natural resources, improving biodiversity, and supporting human health in the Garden State.

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.

55

Considerations for Your Client: A Value-added Conversation

by By Laura DePrado, B.S., HTR If you have ever worked with a personal trainer, joined a gym, or had a physical by a medical practitioner, then it is likely you have had an assessment of your health and where, if any, changes, or improvements could be made to improve your quality of life. When was the last time you talked with your clients about their full use, enjoyment and satisfaction of the garden and hardscape spaces you created for them?

Living priorities change. Your clients

are aging. This article in intended to offer insight on thinking about your clients needs and life circumstances so you may provide a meaningful, value-added service to them (that perhaps you never thought about).

If you have had this conversation with your client, and they are enjoying every minute in the garden designed for safe, ease in transition from one space to another, they are using adaptive tools, and know how to modify activities, then there

is no need for you to read this article. If your client has experienced a temporary or permanent change to their life and living circumstances, then read on.

There are three considerations, time, mobility, and ability, as discussed by Gene Rothert, registered horticultural therapist and manager of Urban Horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden and designer of the Enabling Garden for people with disabilities. We are all on the spectrum of ability. It’s a matter of degree. How much time your client has to garden, and or enjoy the garden, and the time any task will take, will affect every decision your client makes going forward.

I worked as a corporate fitness consultant for many years, designing workout programs for employees. The first consideration is Time. It was always limited for these individuals who had abilities and restrictions (of every kind) on the broad spectrum. The personal exercise programs I designed had to consider the time available for an employee to exercise safely and without risk. This is true for humankind.

The second consideration is mobility.

Is your client free to move about in any garden space layout? Can he/she reach, Winter 2021-2022

56

stand, walk, carry, tow, lift, push and pull freely? Do they have limitations? Do they have knee, back, hip problems, arthritis, a broken limb, using a cane, a walker, or in a wheelchair? If your client has severe mobility restrictions, you may consider creating or modifying a garden closer to their residence, so all their energy isn’t used getting to and from the garden. Sun exposure, (too much, or not enough), is a factor significantly affecting both mobility and time spent outside.

Individuals with orthopedic, neck and back limitations, for example, can still garden by staging large pots on and off the deck and patio. A lightweight cart with wheels can be used for transportation and placement of materials. Planting can be done from a comfortable standing or seated position. Consider a lightweight, cushioned portable stool on which to sit to finish the planting and a lightweight watering can and hose for ease of handling and carrying.

The third consideration is ability. Understanding your client’s ability will help you make decisions and changes about basic garden components and types of equipment. Ability factors will help determine what type of garden and gardening activities are practical. Traditional ground-level gardening may have worked just fine in the past, but your client’s ability to do this will not last forever, and the way they can use safely, and enjoy the spaces you created, and can modify for them is worth the conversation. There are multiple considerations in talking with your clients about their ability.

In Part 2, I will discuss determining your client’s ability to determine what type of gardening is practical and safe.

Laura DePrado, B.S., HTR, is the founder, owner, and president of Final Touch Plantscaping, LLC, Branchburg, Somerset County. Laura specializes in customizing and facilitating therapeutic horticulture programs and accessible garden design and activities for well-being children through seniors at all stages of life throughout the Garden State. She is an Author, Columnist, world traveler, photographer, and advocated and penned the bipartisan legislation, SJR12 (Bateman/Vitale) “Horticultural Therapy Week New Jersey”, signed into law by former Governor Christie in 2015. She is the recipient of many awards for her work including from the NJ Assembly Agriculture and Resources Committee for progressing the field of Agriculture and Therapeutic Recreation. She can be reached at laura@finaltouchplantscaping or 908-872-8387.

www.NJLCA.org 57

Beech Leaf Disease in New Jersey

by Richard J. Buckley and Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory on Fagus crenata that does not cause the disease. In 2020, the cause of BLD was proven to be a newly described foliar nematode, Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii, which is closely related to L. crenatae subsp. crenatae.

L. crenatae subsp. crenatae has not been found on ornamental plantings of American beech in Japan. Conversely, L. crenatae ssp. mccannii has not been found on ornamental plantings of Japanese beech in North America.

While the origin of L. crenatae subsp. mccannii and its native distribution are not clear, all other known species of nematode in the genus Litylenchus are found in the Pacific Rim. A new disease of beech trees (Fagus spp.) called ‘Beech leaf disease’ (BLD) has increasingly been observed in landscaped and forested areas in the Northeastern USA and Canada.

The disease was first reported on American beech, Fagus grandifolia, in Lake County Ohio in 2012, and has spread to Pennsylvania, New York, Ontario (Canada), Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, West Virginia and Virginia. In New Jersey, the disease was first reported in 2020 and has been confirmed in 10 counties including: Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Union.

BLD primarily affects American beech, F. grandifolia, however, it has also been observed on European beech, F. sylvatica; Oriental beech, F. orientalis; and Chinese beech, F. engleriana. All of the specimens seen in the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab have been American beech.

A foliar nematode species has been isolated from beech leaves and buds.

This nematode was initially identified as Litylenchus crenatae subspecies crenatae, a species described in Japan 58

Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii isolated from beech leaf tissues in the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Photo: Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers PDL

species of bacteria that are also carried by the nematode. This research suggests that both the nematode and a pathogen that it carries may be contributing to the disease. The original research from the USDA, however, suggests that nematode feeding alone can cause the disease.

The BLD nematode predominantly overwinters in buds. The nematode migrates from leaves to the buds beginning in August. After bud-break in the spring, the nematodes cannot be found in symptomatic leaf tissue until late-June or early-July. DNA-based markers, however, can confirm the presence of the nematode, presumably due to eggs, in these leaves. By early summer, the nematodes appear in the leaves and are easily identified in a laboratory setting. The numbers of nematodes in the infected leaves increase through fall. It is assumed that some nematodes overwinter in leaves on the ground. The mechanisms of transmission and spread within trees, among trees, and from site to site, are unknown. Research is ongoing in the hopes of answering these questions.

The initial symptoms of BLD include dark-green striped bands between the veins of leaves. The dark-green bands are easily seen by holding leaves up to the light and/or looking up into the canopy. In many cases, the size of the affected leaves is reduced. The banded areas usually become leathery-like, and leaf distortions-

In 2019, research scientists at the USDA took nematodes from diseased trees and inoculated them onto the buds of young, healthy trees in a greenhouse, waited for symptoms to appear, then re-isolated the nematode from the affected As seen from below, dark green striping is clearly evident leaves. This process is called between the leaf veins. Photo: Jerry Giordano, Cornell Koch’s postulate’s, which Cooperative Extension is plant pathology’s gold standard for verifying the cause of a disease.

Despite these findings, some researchers question the role of the nematode as the only cause of BLD. Recent reports suggest that diseased beech leaves also contained a fungus and 4

-curling and crinkling--are often observed.

These symptoms are best seen by looking down on the top of the leaf.

concern that this disease will dramatically reduce the numbers of beech and their ecological services in Northeastern forests.

avermectin materials are known to be effective nematicides in other animal and plant systems and may eventually be determined to be efficacious for this disease. At this time, however, the efficacy of any of these materials is unknown and are not currently recommended as treatments. Be aware that much more work needs to be done to understand this new disease before effective treatment protocols can be discussed.

In general, the spread of invasive species can be prevented by restricting the movement of plant materials and monitoring trees closely for signs and symptoms. BLD has spread very quickly eastward in the United States and is concerning to all of us. The Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory and our partners at the New Jersey Division of Community Forestry are interested in tracking As seen from above, affected leaves are smaller, leathery, and distorted. Photo: Jerry Giorda- this disease within New Jersey. Please no, Cornell Cooperative Extension contact the lab if you suspect a problem.

Samples can be evaluated free of charge for the 2022 growing season.

As symptoms progress, aborted buds, Because the research on BLD Richard Buckley is the Director of the reduced leaf production, and premature etiology is ongoing, and questions New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Staleaf drop lead to an overall reduction in regarding dissemination and spread tion Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Sercanopy cover. This ultimately results in remain unanswered, management and vices at Rutgers University. He received the death of saplings within 2-5 years of control options are limited. Several his BS in Entomology and Plant Pathology infection and of large trees within 6 years. pesticide options are currently being from the University of Delaware and MS in In areas where the disease is established, investigated including: abamectin, Turfgrass Pathology from Rutgers that lead the proportion of symptomatic trees can emamectin benzoate, and potassiumto his current position. In addition to his rereach more than 90%. There is significant phosphite as potential controls. The sponsibilities as Director of the STPDS, Mr. Buckley is an instructor in the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School and teaches courses in diseases and insect pests of turfgrass and ornamental plants. He is also a frequent lecturer and invited speaker on disease and insect pest problems.

Affected leaves thicken and may yellow between the veins. Photo: Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory

Sabrina Tirpak, Principal Laboratory Technician, has worked for the PDL since 1998. She received her B.S. in Plant Science, with an emphasis in horticulture and turf industries as well as a minor in entomology, from Rutgers University in May 2000. She also attended Clemson University for special training in nematode detection and identification. Ms. Tirpak has primary responsibility for insect and weed identification, rapid screening of disease samples using enzyme-based test kits, and assisting in all other aspects of laboratory operations. She also participates in research, teaching and outreach activities.

www.NJLCA.org 59

Some photos of Young’s Landscape Management’s beautiful projects. (Photos: Young’s Landscape Management)

CONTRACTOR FOCUS:

YOUNG’S LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Young’s Landscape Management, Inc. first opened their doors in 1993 as a lawn mowing service provider. Founder Dan Young found a sense of joy and pride in mowing the lawns of his neighbors and believed he found his calling in life. He learned the tricks of the trade and everything there was to learn about landscaping as well as running a business through a handson approach, honing his crafts as his company grew.

Dan learned early that landscaping is a business built on client relationships. If a client is happy with the work completed, his friends will take notice and want to use the same services to create their masterpieces. They have such close relationships with their customers that while Dan is always thinking of them and their newest projects, they are thinking of him and bringing him in as more than just a contractor, but part of the family. One customer even provided him with his now signature lawn centerpiece, a four-foot tall Buddha statue purchased for Dan in China by a very grateful client.

For more info, visit www.youngslandscape.com.

“The Young’s Landscaping team consists of over 100 employees that hold Young’s philosophy of caring for each lawn as if it was their own.”

Winter 2021-2022 60

ASSOCIATE FOCUS:

TIDBURY CREEK FARMS Tidbury Creek Farms Nursery is a family owned and operated wholesale nursery and supply yard, established by the late Robert Hluchy, Sr. and now solely operated and managed by his sons. Formerly known as Robert E. Hluchy Farms, Tidbury Creek Farms embraces the same quality oriented values established from over forty years of successful agribusiness.

Traditionally grain and vegetable farmers, the Hluchy Family diversified operations due to dramatic changes of the surrounding landscape while still maintaining the grain operation. It slowly developed into a full scale landscape nursery, completely altering the primary focus of the business from farm to nursery operation to provide customers with a diverse inventory of high quality plant material for a fair and reasonable price.

For more info, visit www.tcfnursery.com

As fourth generation farmers, the Hluchy family prides themselves on their contribution to preserving and maintaining farmland in central New Jersey.

Tidbury Creek Farms growing facilities range from central to southern New Jersey and all the way to Delaware.. (Photos: Tidbury Creek Farms)

“Tidbury Creek Farms embraces the same quality oriented values established from over forty years of successful agribusiness.” www.NJLCA.org 61

™

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973-478-8885 info@mrcfence.com

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• VOTED #1 FENCE MANUFACTURER AND INSTALLER IN NEW JERSEY • Mr. C.’s vinyl fence is the perfect choice if you are looking for a fence that is lowmaintenance, and eco-friendly and nontoxic.

• Our fences will not require painting nor will they corrode, rot, rust or decay.

• Our vinyl fence is also resistant to damage from acid rain, mold, mildew stains and splitting.

• Mr. C. Fence manufactures all of our vinyl fences in our Garfield, NJ factory.

• If you are looking for beauty, class, protection, durability, and longevity in a fence, contact us at Mr. C. Fence. You won’t be disappointed!

• Our unique/proprietary vinyl fence construction combined with the highest quality product and overall durability eliminates the most common causes for repair, weather and termites.

• With your exact measurements Mr. C. Fence can guarantee your order will be precise.

WELCOME MEMBERS...

A warm welcome to our new and returning members Abma’s Farm Josh Abma Wyckoff, NJ

Liberty Payroll and HR Josh Rothenberg Newark, NJ

Boltzer Landscaping Jeffrey Boltzer Pompton Lakes, NJ

Rue Insurance Chris Koestner Hamilton, NJ

Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC Timothy Ryan Newark, NJ

RVH Mulch Supplies/Iron Mountain Mulch Bruce Peters Wyckoff, NJ

GoMaterials Shireen Salehi Pincourt, QC Canada

Sprout Farms and Gardens David Chalek Teaneck, NJ

Herman’s Trucking, Inc. Meredith Dauphars Wrightstown, NJ

SnowX, Inc. Chris Marino Mahwah, NJ

Job One Contracting Stan Tucker Ewing, NJ

Terra Casa, LLC Alexis Trujillo-Graham Keyport, NJ

Lawn Solutions Douglas Schott North Haledon, NJ

Mission Statement The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) is a proven resource to the landscape contractor, green industry service provider and supplier, as well as the consumer. We are a community of green industry professionals who are dedicated to advancing the integrity, proficiency and continued growth of the landscape and green industry. We do this through education, training and legislative advocacy.

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association represents the entire Green Industry in New Jersey including landscape contractors, landscape architects, sod growers, nurseries, growers, garden centers, horticulturists, floriculture and the industries that supply them.

Through educational seminars, trade shows, social events, networking opportunities, membership meetings, magazines and professionalism in all that we do, the Association is able to fulfill its mission.

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

and the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts #NJTC768014

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