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THE NEW JERSEY

Winter 2015-16

Landscape Contractor

The Official Publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association

2015 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards u u u u u

Improving Employee Efficiency Holiday Gala and Awards Dinner Landscape Industry Certification Exam The Forum School Days of Service NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge

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 Boulevard, 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 Joe Bolognese | Tom Canete | Greg Carpenter, CLT Fidel Castro, CLT | Kenneth Cerullo | Ronald Mondello, Esq. John Raffiani | Jody Shilan | Marcus vandeVliet | Gail Woolcott NJLCA Combined Board Executive Director | Jody Shilan, MLA President | Tom Canete Vice President | Nelson Lee Treasurer | Richard Goldstein, CLT Director | Anthony Agudelo Director | Jeff Baker Director | Tom Barillo Director | Greg Carpenter, CLT Director | Justin Flatow, CLT Director | George Futterknecht, CLT Director | Dan Kindergan Associate Director | Joe Bolognese Associate Director | David Gaynor Associate Director | Eddie Slaska Advisor | Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University Advisor | Dr. Steven Fischer, Bergen Community College Advisor | Dr. James Murphy, Rutgers University The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is published triannually. 500 print copies are distributed to members and over 3,000 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.

contents

Winter 2015-16

FEATURES

6

2015 Landscape Achievement Awards

18

Landscape New Jersey Trade Show 2016

25 Improving Employee Efficiency

29 2015 NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge

31

Landscape Industry Certified Exam

34

The Forum School Service Project

38

2015 Holiday Gala and Awards Dinner

IN EVERY ISSUE...

NJLCA News Briefs 4 5 19 37 37

President’s Message Letter from the Editor Welcome New Members NJLCA University Advertiser Index

Columns

5 Legal Ease

11 Can You Dig It

21 Design/Build Sales

23 Legislative Wing 27 Certifiable

31 Turf Talk

33 In Bloom

35 La Industria Del Paisajismo

Š 2016 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.

Cover Photo: Town & Gardens, LTD PUBLISHED January 2016

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President’s Message A Year in Review: Navigating Your Business through Difficult Times ing out 2015 and welcome 2016!

Last year started off white and cold, with Old Man Winter around each corner. Every time you watched the news, you would hear of water main breaks, plumbing pipes bursting and another snowstorm on the horizon. We did not see green grass until well into March and April.

I know my snow management company experienced 22 plow-able and/or salting events. I don’t know of any snow contractors that did not work hard day after day, week after week, the entire winter.

Spring finally sprung and although late, there was no time to rest from the record breaking winter. We took off our snow boots, put on our work boots, put our heads down and pushed hard until we got past the Memorial Day rush.

It’s comical how clients can easily forget harsh winters that cause late springs. As soon as the early bulbs poke their heads up, temperatures start to rise and the hum of back pack blowers are heard in the neighborhood, people start demanding attention to their landscape.

Our clients often ask why they are not first on the list of spring clean-ups, as we struggled to organize (and prioritize!) our workloads to properly orchestrate our landscape crews and please everyone.

As the summer progressed, so did the lack of rain. Many landscapes went dry and grass stopped growing, unless you were fortunate to live in a town without water restrictions.

Luckily, the irrigation companies profited from the drought and installed many new systems for homeowners. The hardscape crews continued to be busy, installing many new walkways and patios.

After Labor Day, clients returned from their vacations, the kids went back to school and we got back out there to over-seed lawns and beautify landscapes with well-preserved plant material.

As the mornings started getting nippy, the phones started to ring with prospective clients requesting estimates to clear snow and ice from their properties. I noticed that in comparison to the previous year, there was an increase in requests for “seasonal flat-rate” snow contracts. Most likely due to the invoices they received from their snow contractors for the 2014-15 winter season. Most seasonal snow contracts allow a client to budget their snow and ice funds without financial surprises at the end of the season.

I understand both sides of this issue, as the owner of three companies (Landscape, Snow, and a Garden Center),

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it is extremely important to have a budget in place to not exceed your allotted funds. But there is also a more personal side to this analogy. We don’t know how much snow and ice mother nature has in store for us yearly and we are expected to be on call 24/7, five months per year (yes, November has become one of the 5 snow months in the past few years).

We must have all our salt procured prior to this, equipment ready to roll and crews able to be dispatched within an hour of a snow and ice event spotted on the radar. My advice is to accept some seasonal contracts in order to keep budgets in check and cover fixed costs, especially when a record breaking warm December marks the start of winter.

I often tell my staff, “We are a hero today and a zero tomorrow” according to what certain clients think of us and our fellow snow fighters. Let me explain…we work extremely hard to clean miles and miles of pavement in the harshest conditions to make sure our clients’ properties are safe for their employees and customers. We field special requests and make the impossible happen during and after blizzards and nor’easters. Without us out there “snow fighting”, countless people could potentially be seriously injured and even killed. We are surely not given the respect we deserve!

Of course when we manage all of the above, we are the “hero”. But once spring has sprung and the snow season is a distant memory, unfortunately, we fall into a “zero” category until we begin maintenance or construction on their properties once again.

What to do when Mother Nature doesn’t exactly cooperate?

This winter had a very slow start, breaking record high temperatures along the way. So for those of us who rely on snowfall to make a living during the winter months, here are some ideas of general services you can offer to maintain revenues while keeping your crews busy when snow and ice management is not in demand: Indoor house painting, fence repair, indoor masonry work i.e. fireplace veneering (assuming your crews are experienced masons who can build outdoor kitchens), holiday décor and lighting, garage and basement clean outs, firewood splitting and delivery, tree pruning, tree removal and stump grinding. But do not forget to check with your insurance carrier to make sure the services you are offering are covered in your policy. Also, remember that an estimate should always include your NJ HIC Contractors Registration and to check with local state and municipal agencies about disposal regulations.

Milder weather also allows you time to ensure that your equipment is in top condition for when you need it most.

So service and clean your landscape maintenance equip-

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Legal Ease But officer, I wasn’t going that fast You’re fighting the morning commute.

Bumper to bumper has finally let up, so you start cruising along dreaming of that second cup of coffee. The blare of the police siren and the glare of the police car’s flashing red lights jolts you into reality. You pull right over, confident that this display of power is not meant for you. You are gravely mistaken. You prepare a list of explanations including “why was I pulled over?” Before you can present your defenses, you are handed a speeding ticket for driving 15 miles over the speed limit.

Should you try to fight the ticket even if you know you broke the law? A resounding YES. By pleading “not guilty”, you will have an opportunity to “plea bargain” your ticket to a lower speed and therefore a lower point violation. The above speeding ticket carries 4 points. If you receive a speeding ticket for ex-

ceeding the speed limit up to and including 14 miles over the speed limit that ticket carries 2 points. A speeding ticket where you exceed the limit by 15 or more up to and including 29 miles per hour, that violation carries 4 points.

If you exceed the speed limit by 30 or more miles per hour that violation carries 5 points and Municipal Court Judges are inclined to suspend your license for a period of time for driving at that rate of speed.

So next time you get a speeding ticket, be sure to take the time to plead “not guilty”.

Ron Mondello is an attorney with offices in Passaic, Dover, Fairlawn and the Bronx. He has been practicing law since 1992 and focuses on family immigration, deportation and more. Ron conducts seminars where he teaches “Know Your Rights” and the latest immigration laws. He has an informative website www. njcrimmigration.com with two downloadable immigration books.

Letter from the Editor

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his fall has been a whirlwind of events at the NJLCA. First, in August (ok, not quite the fall yet), we completed our service project at The Forum School. This amazing outdoor classroom and sensory garden could not have been completed without the help of our generous donors and hard working members. See more about the project on pages 34 and 35.

Next up, was our annual golf outing, the NJLCA/ IANJ Golf Challenge! We had a great turnout this year, with over 110 golfers. The swag bags alone, filled with quality items sponsored by many of our generous vendors, were worth the price of attendance alone, but then you throw in the day of golf, along with lunch and dinner, and attendees left with much more than they paid for! See pages 28 and 29 for the details of this event.

Just three weeks later, NJLCA put on it’s 20th Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam at Bergen Community College, which was also a great success thanks to the many volunteers and donors who give of their time and equipment to help us further professionalize the landscape industry. This exam is a great way for you and your employees to prove you have the knowledge and skills to earn a national certification. See pages 31 and 33 for more info on the exam.

Finally, our Landscape Achievement Awards competition was judged and winners picked in each category. This year’s entries were remarkable, but the judges were tough. We ended up with 34 amazing winning projects. We hope that everyone enters next year, as it is a great promotion to say that you are an award winning company! See the winners’ work over the next several pages of this issue of the New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine.

Of course, we had to celebrate those winners, along with the holidays, at our annual Holiday Gala and Landscape Achievement Awards Dinner. If you’ve never been to this event, it is the party of the year, with great food, entertainment and a celebration of the great things that you do throughout the year. See pages 38 and 39 for photos from this evening.

During our “down” time, we held two member meetings per month for most of the year. Attending these meetings alone (and enjoying some great dinners, conversation and education) is worth the price of your membership. If you haven’t attended a meeting lately, you must come!

I would like to congratulate our Contractors of the Year: Michael McMorrow of VIP Landscape and Danny Kindergan of Kindergan Landscaping; Associates of the Year: Central Salt and York Trailers; and the Volunteer of the Year: Richard Goldstein of Green Meadows Inc. for their well-deserved awards!

Finally, if you ever want to see photos from any of our events, check out our FaceBook page, where we try to keep you as updated as possible on the happenings here at NJLCA!

Gail E. Woolcott Editor in Chief NJLCA Director of Operations

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Feature Story

Premium Aquascapes Wins NJLCA Landscape Achievement Award for Ponds / Water Features Category

36” gate for which to bring in all equipment, supplies and boulders up to 1600 lbs.

In the end, Premium Aquascapes created a pond/water feature with four different viewing areas. The wetlands areas with plants will greatly improve the water quality as well.

The project took approximately eight months to complete and cost under $50,000 to build and install.

The judges said this project had incredible detail and included great use of different types of materials. They also stated that the use of a variable speed pump was genius and that Premium Aquascapes provided the client with a natural looking, creative and complete environment, offering amazing views.

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remium Aquascapes, located in Bergenfield, New Jersey has won first prize, the Award of Excellence, in the NJLCA’s Residential Landscape Design/Build: Ponds / Water Features category for Janine’s Dream Pond.

This 14’ x 27’ pond with a skimmer and variable flow rate, features a “down-flow” wetlands area with a 4,000 GPH pump. It includes three waterfalls with a total flow rate of 9,200 GPH. Premium created a custom bridge, entry and exit points for the client’s dogs, fish caves and tunnel and LED underwater lighting. Their client desired a natural, calming environment to meditate in, as well as an area to entertain family and guests.

Access to the backyard was a limiting factor, with only a

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Premium Aquascapes provides pond and water feature installation, maintenance and repair services to Northern New Jersey and surrounding areas.

They specialize in the design, construction and maintenance of Eco System Ponds, Pondless Waterfalls and Streams, Fountain Scapes and RainXchange Systems.

Owner, Pieter van Westervelt, says, “I started my own company because of the love I have for water gardening and creating beautiful landscapes. I receive great satisfaction in being able to create a beautiful environment for my clients to enjoy. Whether it is a simple bubbling stream, a cascading waterfall and pond, or an entire property renovation, I will give a project my full attention. My philosophy in business is simple. My clients have worked hard for the money they will invest in their landscape, and it is my responsibility as a professional to provide them with the most value for their money. This will allow them to enjoy their investment and receive a greater return on it.” For more information, visit www.premiumaquascapes.com.

Feature Story

Scenic Landscaping Wins Four NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards

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cenic Landscaping, located in Haskell, New Jersey has won two Awards of Excellence and two Awards of Distinction for projects entered in the 2015 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards.

Hardscape Installation: Over $100,000

Scenic entered this category with A Backyard Oasis and won the Award of Excellence. This client requested a sleek and sophisticated design. Using minimalist materials, the overall feel was “Miami Chic” with bright colors, with a classy and appealing look. The client loves to entertain and wanted a space that was functional and impressive, while

blending into the home design.

With views of the pool from throughout the house, Scenic made sure it maintained a sleek, chic style from every angle. The backyard became a new outdoor room, where the patio, pool, spa, kitchen and fire pit became an area for the homeowners to enjoy all year long.

Scenic encountered tight spaces to work in due to setback requirements, as well as a tight schedule with a deadline for the client’s sons first birthday. The client even jumped in to help on the final day to ensure that everything would be completed on time!

The finished project featured a geometric pool and spa with custom stepping stones that appear as though they are floating. It also has an infinity rock wall at the front of the pool and custom fire feature built into the back wall. An outdoor kitchen/bar area with additional dining space under the pergola and a lounge area with a fire pit and turf patio provide a clean setting that is easily maintained.

The judges commented that they enjoyed the unusual elements throughout the project, such as the infinity pool and the fireplace in the wall. They stated “You could film an episode of “Burn Notice” here!” Finally, the judges said that this is an exquisite project with a true “wow” factor.

Continued on Page 11

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Feature Story

Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Development Wins Seven NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards

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homas Flint Landscape Design & Development, of Midland Park, New Jersey won an Award of Excellence, four Awards of Distinction and two Awards of Merit in the 2015 NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards!

Their Award of Excellence, in the Poolscapes: $100,000 300,000 was for their McKeon Residence project.

After entertaining their clients wish to have a pool located at the lower lawn area of their yard, they finally warmed up to the idea of bringing the pool closer to the house, as per Thomas Flint’s suggestions, Flint explained how the vanishing edge pool created more useable space at the upper level, while the pool structure dealt with retaining the 8’ drop in

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grade. The benefits to the client were that the pool was closer to the house and eliminated the need for a pool house and outdoor kitchen, while creating an accessible and dramatic water feature too.

The steep change in grade required the pool to be formed above ground and completely backfilled with gravel after being shot with gunite. A custom slotted stone drain in front of the sliding glass doors allows for the pool patio to pitch back to the house for drainage, while not detracting from the patio. The project included drainage and grading, retaining walls, plant material, pool, patios, container plantings and lighting.

The judges stated that this was a great use of the vanishing edge pool. They balanced the hardscape with the green space very well. In all, it was a beautiful job with a “wow” factor!

Thomas Flint Landscape also won four Awards of Distinction in the categories of: Complete Property Installation: Over $100,000 for the Ameres and Wilkomm Residences, Hardscape Installation: $50,000 - 100,000 for the Kelly Residence and Outdoor Construction for the Ameres Residence, as well as two Awards of Merit in Poolscapes: Up to $100,000 for the Connors and Nesland Residences. See “And the Winner’s Are...” on pages 12-17.

Led by owner Tom Flint, Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Development, is a landscape design and custom pool contractor firm servicing the tri-state area since 2003.

Their goal is to produce an outdoor living space that fits the way their clients live and focusing on doing their work better than anyone else. They have an in-house team of skilled stone masons and formally trained landscape designers, all who adhere to strict construction standards.

Thomas Flint provides landscape design and plantings, pool renovations, custom swimming pools and water features, custom stonework, patios and paver walkways, and outdoor lighting.

For more information, visit www. thomasflintlandscape.com.

Feature Story

Town & Gardens Ltd. Wins Two NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards

Town & Gardens worked under tight constraints for grading, drainage and setbacks to properly locate the pool and maximize the usable area. The project included drainage and grading, retaining walls, water features, plant material, patios, structures and lighting. Some of the notable features include plantings of white and purple flowering displays to offer a rotating collection of seasonal interests, as well as grape vines trained on the pergola and a lounge area with privacy screening.

The judges recognized the tremendous site challenges and how efficiently the space was used. They noted excellent material selection and a very well executed project. Finally, they marveled over the great attention to detail in this project.

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own & Gardens Ltd. of Long Island City, New York has won two NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards of Excellence in Complete Property Installation: Over $100,000.

The West Village Townhouse Garden project features a courtyard and roof terrace garden. The homeowners, wellknown in the fashion and entertainment industry, needed a place for entertaining guests, but also wanted to provide outdoor areas for their young children to play. Taking a cue from nearby High Line Park, the informal planting palette consists of perennial plantings with varied textures. Another unique feature of this project is a Swimex pool unit.

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Feature Story

Wicklow & Laurano Landscape Contractors Wins Three NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards

pool, pool house, sloped side yard, retaining walls, play lawn, vegetable garden and many various plantings.

In addition to the maintenance of the lawn, the plantings each require specific needs. The constant evaluation of this property has allowed them to continually maintain the integrity of the design. The curving patterns of the patios require a lot of attention toward turf health, while planting containers

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icklow and Laurano Landscape Contractors, of Flanders, New Jersey, has won Awards of Excellence in the Complete Property Installation: Over $100,000 and the Residential Maintenance Categories.

Complete Property Installation: Over $100,000

The Brookside Residence project consisted of excavation of unusable soils in the proposed construction area, grading and drainage, excavation and foundation for the pool, and all masonry related to the pool deck, pool house and fireplace.

In addition to the hardscape, plant material was installed, as well as turf, lighting and additional container plantings. The completed work created an elegant poolside space.

Judges agreed there was great detail to the paving and the project looked elegant. They felt Wicklow and Laurano did an awesome job and that the mature plants enhanced this project. Finally, they call the material selection “timeless”.

Residential Maintenance

The Peapack Gladstone Residence, maintained by Wicklow and Laurano, is approximately five acres, consisting of a

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are properly attended to and plants transitioned according to the season. The wildflower aesthetic is maintained carefully and the bed lines remain clean and crisp.

Judges noted the nice green lawns, free from weeds. They stated the shrubs and gardens were very well maintained, nothing is out of place and there are perfect lines throughout the project.

Wicklow and Laurano also won an Award of Distinction in Outdoor Construction for their Rooftop Garden project.

See “And the Winner’s Are...” on pages 12-17.

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

For more information about Wicklow and Laurano, please visit www.wicklowandlaurano.com.

Can You Dig It Soil: Never Call it Dirt Again!

In this politically correct world of ours, words that appear innocuous are labeled as “offensive” to some people who can’t stomach an honest dialogue. As a tongue in cheek homage to this trend, I would like to add a landscape industry entry to political correctness: From this point forth, we do not work with “dirt”, we work with “soil”, reminding the public of the professionalism of our industry.

When you (or your client) call it “dirt”, it implies everything from mud on your shoes to dirt on your clothes. See the perception issue here? Make the effort to enlighten your clients as to the facts on the ground under their feet: soil is a growth medium for all manner of food production, medical research and landscape establishment and longevity.

Educate them regarding your efforts on their behalf to test, adjust and augment the soil on their property, so that it performs its job, enriching the grounds and adding tangible value to their biggest investment.

Continuing in this vein, it never hurts to let your client in on your doings for the wellbeing of their property. Bring your efforts to their attention about soil testing, amending, drainage and grading (by sharing the results with them). Document your efforts at correcting soil pH and implementing a regular program for turf aeration and topical soil amendments. Display your soil program with documentation and illustrations (a picture IS worth a thousand words).

From now on, use the term “soil” or “topsoil”, reminding the client that there is much more value to this growing medium than they may understand.

John Raffiani has been in the industry since the late 1950’s, working at his grandfather’s shrub farm and greenhouse. In 1965, he began installing landscaping and irrigation systems in his neighborhood. Since then, he has installed numerous landscape, drainage, lighting and irrigation systems throughout the United States.

Feature Story

Scenic Landscaping...continued Complete Property Installation: Over $100,000

The second Award of Excellence for Scenic Landscaping was for their “Elegant Estate” project. One of the main focuses of this project was close

attention to detail, from the stonework to the small glass tiles around the pool. In addition, screening the existing tennis court was a priority.

Utilizing retaining walls and decorative fences, Scenic was able to match and blend the tennis court to the home and patio space. The overall idea for the design was to use rich materials, but keep everything simple and clean. Therefore, everything from the construction and plant material was

perfectly manicured and cohesive. They pulled architectural structures from the home to use in the pool, landscape, patio and pergola.

The judges stated that this project was simply elegant and that it was quite colorful. They also appreciated the great paving details.

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Feature Story

And the Awards Go To...

Maintenance: Commercial / Industrial Award of Merit - Landscapeworks Inc. Project: 9/11 Memorial Garden Located near the Franklin Lakes Library, this 911 Memorial Garden is a place intended for quiet reflection and enjoyment of our North Jersey natural habitat. The maintenance of this garden is performed on a volunteer basis. Landscapeworks provides maintenance to the irrigation systems, plant material upkeep, water feature maintenance, pest management, as well as seasonal displays and perennials.

Maintenance: Residential Award of Distinction - Horizon Landscape Co. Project: Yazdi Residence This project consists of keeping the property in its finest shape.

Horizon treats the grass to provide a deep green, weed free lawn and prunes all plant material. They also provide seasonal enhancements, including planting annuals in the beds and containers.

Award of Distinction - Tode Landscape Contractors, Inc. Project: Stritmatter Residence The entire property is maintained by Tode Landscape, including the lawn, tree and shrub care, seasonal plantings, perennial changeouts, pruning, mulch and pond maintenance.

Landscape Design/Build: Nightscaping / Lighting Award of Distinction - Monello Landscape Industries Project: Cupola Courtyards A proprietary lighting system was installed in both courtyards.

This system allowed installation without the need to seal each connection, as the cables simply plug into one another and twist to create an air and water tight seal. The lighting design incorporated uplights on the trees, down lights from the pergolas, path lights along the perimeter and lip lights under all of the caps to create a dazzling experience from dusk until dawn.

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Feature Story Landscape Design/Build: Nightscaping / Lighting

Award of Merit - Horizon Landscape Co. Project: Phillips Residence The majority of this lighting project was customized according to the scope of the outdoor living area. Vanguard lightss were used to downlight all walls in the bar area, as well as the retaining walls.

Lunar lights were used to create the moonlight effect around the fire pit, bar and patio. Custom made Unique Islander Tiki Torches were integrated into the existing fence around the pool. Finally, well lights illuminate the canopy areas.

Landscape Design/Build: Outdoor Construction

Award of Distinction - Scenic Landscaping Project: Miami in New Jersey This client ultimately wanted to create a backyard that captured a true Miami vibe. This design allowed for a very sleek, modern layout, with a touch of tradition, using materials like wood and granite. Scenic had to be resourceful when designing this small space, while still providing all of the elements that the client requested, often giving multiple functions to different aspects, such as the retaining / seat wall / planter and spa / pool combination.

Award of Distinction - Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Dev. Project: Ameres Residence This project was a complete blank slate constructed on a property that had an 8’ grade change across the back. There are two 4’ high walls, which were used to level off the property and enlarge the living area and lawn area. The pool and spa are the centerpiece, with the custom built stone fireplace and L-shaped bar and kitchen creating a great outdoor living room for the family to enjoy throughout three seasons.

Award of Distinction - Wicklow & Laurano Landscape Contractors Project: Rooftop Garden The Rooftop Garden included a pedestal paver system, large planter boxes, a fireplace element, steel pergola and a water feature. Each element of the rooftop was constructed on site, as there were access constraints. Several special features include custom welded designs and a living wall. These, along with the smaller finishing touches, make this project so unique.

Award of Merit - Exclusive Stoneworks Project: Sutton Residence For this project, Exclusive Stoneworks created a three-tiered entertaining area, tied together with the correct pitch for drainage and correct comfort heights for a 44” bar, a 36” cook top and a 22” sitting area. They created a radius bar tied in with a seamless transition to a bench seat around a gas firepit. The bar footrest is tied into a step up and custom container, leading to the cook top.

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Feature Story Landscape Design/Build: Ponds / Water Features Award of Merit - Limone Farm and Gardens Project: Finkel Project This pondless waterfall was commissioned to liven up a “dead” corner of the property. It was built to a height of 7’ to provide privacy from neighbors. Mountainous rock gardens were created on both sides of the falls and stream. The project included a rear retaining wall, compacted soil and crushed stone to build the elevation and the carved out stream bed.

Landscape Design/Build: Poolscapes: Up to $100,000 Award of Merit - Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Dev. Project: Connors Residence Utilizing the existing slope, the pool was nestled into the grade with the native boulder waterfall providing retention. Large-scale boulder outcrops were placed behind the shell to further retain the dramatic slope towards the pool, while still providing for ample planting space. Setting the boulders 10” below the waterline offered a more natural look. The transition from the pool patio to the side entry is constructed with matching fieldstone slabs.

Award of Merit - Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Dev. Project: Nesland Residence The concept for thsi project was to clean and simple lines to match the existing pool. The client wanted to maximize the lawn and do away with the two separate spaces. The lawn steps were designed to bring the green into the lower area. Because the layout of the pool, the requested natural dive rock could not be installed safely, so they balanced out the main outcropping by adding a large-scale boulder in the secondary back staircase.

Landscape Design/Build: Poolscapes: Over $300,000 Award of Distinction - Scenic Landscaping Project: Pool Carved Into a Mountain This pool was built on a steep slope with existing bedrock. The entire pool was rock hammered out of the mountainside. Behind the rocks is a 6’ high reinforced concrete retaining wall, with a boulder shelf that is 6’ deep. The clients wanted many seating and entertaining spaces; therefore, there is both an upper level seating spaces and lower level seating with an outdoor television, and a patio with turf. They also wanted color and texture in the landscape, as well as screening throughout the mountainside that can be viewed from every rear facing window in the home.

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Feature Story Landscape Design/Build: Hardscape Installation: Up to $25,000 Award of Merit - American Beauty Landscape Design, Inc. Project: Residential Entrance Path This client was looking to remove and replace a 1970’s railroad tie and bluestone staircase and path. They requested that American Beauty Landscape reduce the number of steps and landings, which they did successfully, adding more plant material to blend the design into the property. The homeowner also requested that they save as many existing plants as possible.

Award of Merit - Tode Landscape Contractors, Inc. Project: Kane Residence This client reached out to Tode Landscape to transform an area in his backyard that was under-utilized. He wanted to create a destination area out of the space. The property was odd shaped and open to neighbors on three sides. Tode created a secret garden area with a grass pathway leading to a patio, featuring a pond, two waterfalls and various plantings. They also installed evergreen screening and stone slab stairs.

Award of Merit - Tode Landscape Contractors, Inc. Project: Wyckoff Residence This property had drainage issues that needed to be corrected before creating a front yard hardscape that would work well with the homes architecture. Tode created and installed a paver driveway and granite slab curbing, which leads to the pattern bluestone walkway. They also installed a stacked stone wall along the front border to address an elevation change from the road. They finished the design with a bluestone and paver circle.

Landscape Design/Build: Hardscape Installation: $50,000 - $100,000 Award of Distinction - Sponzilli Landscape Group Project: Sapienza Residence This complete rear yard landscape renovation includes a free-form gunite pool with cascading waterfall, LED landscape lighting, a pool cabana, a curved outdoor kitchen and cedar pergola, circular fire pit, a multi-level paver patio and colorful plant pallet. Mature evergreen plantings were needed to screen the neighbors.

Award of Distinction - Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Dev. Project: Kelly Residence This client asked for separate areas for entertaining within a small yard. Overlapping the spaces added interest on the ground plane and utilizing the existing subtle grade change, Thomas Flint Landscape was able to create more drama by adding another level. The patio was constructed of wet laid Norwegian Buff, with a custom fabricated bluestone border.

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Feature Story Landscape Design/Build: Hardscape Installation: Over $100,000 Award of Distinction - Monello Landscape Industries Project: Cupola Courtyards This nursing home in Bergen County features two courtyards separated by a hallway. The courtyard receives daily use and upkeep had become a problem. The owners tasked Monello to come up with an impressive new design that incorporated the needs of residents. The finished project includes outdoor kitchens, pergolas, water fountains, audio/lighting, seat walls, custom pavers and a sensory garden.

Landscape Design/Build: Complete Property Installation: $25,000 - $50,000 Award of Merit - Young’s Landscape Management Project: Caruso Residence In fall 2013, Young’s designed and built a casual sitting area in an unused space that had a hot tub and fire pit. The new sitting area includes an outdoor grill station with pizza oven. In spring 2015, they added a bluestone path with garden walls and plantings that lead from the rear yard to the front yard. Being an avid baseball fan, the client put his mark on the garden, that is now a tranquil, colorful transition from the rear yard to the front.

Landscape Design/Build: Complete Property Installation: $50,000 - $100,000 Award of Merit - Horizon Landscape Co. Project: Ferrone Residence This project is the 2nd phase of a project begun in 2014. The design creates a lush and elegant pool area that is reminiscent of some of resorts the homeowner has traveled to. Areas were crafted for ample seating and dining options, as well as quiet areas to read and relax. Horizon built terraced planting beds that provide privacy, while overflowing with a range of flowering shrubs and perennials, providing interest throughout the year.

Award of Merit - Horizon Landscape Co. Project: Veights Residence This total renovation of an 18th century property created multiple living spaces from a previously large and unusable sloped area. The main living space features a large, native fieldstone, wood burning fireplace and natural cedar pergola. Multiple dining and seating spaces were created on the periphery. All salvageable native shade trees were incorporated into this design that includes expanses of lawn and pockets of naturalistic planting beds. Steep slopes were eased by utilizing large natural boulder retaining walls.

For reprints contact NJLCA at 201-703-3600 16 WINTER | 2015-16

Feature Story Landscape Design/Build: Complete Property Installation: $50,000 - $100,000 Award of Merit - Young’s Landscape Management Project: Caprarola Residence In the front yard, Young’s designed and installed a paver path leading to a bluestone front entryway. Traditional foundation plantings are highlighted with seasonal color. In the rear yard, several intimate spaces were created with a combination of thermal bluestone and architectural pavers. Both the front and rear yards were softly lit with a highly efficient LED lighting system.

Landscape Design/Build: Complete Property Installation: Over $100,000 Award of Distinction - Siciliano Landscape Co. Project: Beechwood Bungalow This client’s wishlist included expanding the driveway, adding rear patios for entertaining, updating the landscape and lighting and installing a new garden shed. The site’s poor drainage was remediated with a plan that tied the home’s downspouts to a recharge basic under the new driveway. Additional drywells were installed in the rear to handle additional runoff. The final design plays off the home’s bungalow style with rhythmic paving patterns, using the client’s salvaged brick where possible.

Award of Distinction - Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Dev. Project: Ameres Residence This was a newly constructed home on a sloped property. The pool and outdoor living area were constructed in the steepest part of the yard so they could maximize the lawn area. A variance was needed in order to import over 100 yards of soil and 150 yards of clean fill to backfill around the pool. The front yard is designed to be a deer tolerant woodland garden, which softens the house and highlights the architecture.

Award of Distinction - Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Dev. Project: Willkomm Residence The client’s in this project had opposing views. She wanted clean lines and simple, while he wanted a natural design. The two styles were blended together to complement the house and the property. The backyard was flat, so Thomas Flint Landscape did a lot of grading and earth moving to create two separate levels, which added drama and interest on the ground plane. The front walkway was split at the end to accommodate traffic from the street and the driveway. In the end, she got her clean and formal boxwoods, layered with his more natural ornamental grasses, Russian sage, Dianthus and boulder outcrops.

NJLCA.ORG 17

39th Annual

DEP Credit Courses Trade Show Floor Seminars Over 150 Exhibitors Trade Show Discounts Pre-Show Workshops (March 1st) All New Lounge Area Great Giveaways Live Entertainment

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Meadowlands Exposition Center 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094 • • • • • • • •

8:00 am Registration - Trade Show Opens 8:20 am Trade Show Welcome 8:30 am Educational Classes Begin DEP Pesticide Recertification Classes: CORE, 3A, 3B, PP2 & Cat. 13 Using Software to Manage Your Process Pruning Demonstration Sales/Marketing with Danny Wood Lateral Repair & Head Adjustment Demonstration Pillar Wall Building Demonstration Small Equipment Operation & Safety Understanding Your Health Insurance Business Name: ________________________________ Owner’s Name: _________________________________ Business Address: ______________________________ City: _____________________ State: ____ Zip: _______ Phone: ___________________ Fax: ________________ E-mail: _______________________________________ Cardholders Name: ______________________________ Card Number: __________________________________ Billing Zip Code: __________ Exp: _________ Print First and Last Name of all attendees as they will appear on name badge. (Name badges will be mailed to you) 1. __________________________________________ qDEP 2. __________________________________________ qDEP 3. ______________________________________ ____ qDEP

Make checks payable to: NJLCA

Qty. _____ _____ _____

Must be received by February 24, 2016. No refunds after Feb. 15, 2016. No snow or rain date.

Please send check and registration to: NJLCA, 465 Boulevard, Suite 4, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Phone: (201) 703-3600 Fax: (201) 703-3776

NJLCA Member Pricing Pre-Registration Fee: $20 per person Registration at Door: $30 per person DEP Credit Session: FREE

Qty. Total _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ $ ___________

Total _____ _____ _____ Non-Member Pricing Pre-Registration Fee: $30 per person Registration at Door: $40 per person DEP Credit Session: Additional $30 ea.

Grand Total

KPM Exceptional LLC Kube Pak Growers L.P. Statile Landscape Materials Inc. Lawn Equipment Parts Co. Levitt’s LLC Life’s Tile & Stone Meadowland Ford Sterling Truck Middleton & Co. Insurance New Jersey Deer Control New Jersey Turfgrass Assn.

Nicolock Paving Stones & Retaining Walls North East STIHL NorthEast Bowie Sales Northeastern Associates Nursery Stock 2 Go Otterstedt Agency Partnership for a Drug Free NJ Paul Congelosi Sales, Inc. Peak Equipment Performance Trailers Inc. Power Place, Inc. PowerCo, Inc. Precision Work Rutgers University RVH Mulch Supplies/Iron Mountain Mulch SavATree Scirocco Group Site One Landscape Supply Steven Willand, Inc. Storr Tractor Company Synatek Synthetic Lawns & Golf, Inc. TES, Inc. Tech Terra Environmental Techo-Bloc Corp.

Terre Company Tidbury Creek Farms / Dot Designing Tidewater Power Equipment United Rentals Van Dines 4WD Center Wallace Trucking Co., LLC. WeStopDeer YC Power & Associates LLC York Motors, Inc.

Exhibitor List (as of printing)

A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc. ABR Lighting Action Rubber & Ind’l Supply Advance Tire AL D. Landscaping & Tree Svc. All American Auto Group Aquarius Supply, Inc. Aqua-Tech Hotsy Corp.

Atlantic Irrigation Babaco Alarm Systems, Inc. Barton Nursery Beam Clay / Partac Peat Corp.

Bergen Community College Bergen Mobile Concrete Bobcat of North Jersey CADCO Cambridge Pavers, Inc. Cedar Hill Nursery Central Salt Central Turf & Irrigation Supply Classic Groundcovers, Inc. Condurso’s Garden Center Consolidated Human Resources Contractor Insurance Queen County College of Morris CST Pavers DeBuck’s Sod Farm Design-N-Stich Downes Forest Products DynaSCAPE East Coast Tree Service Eastern Wholesale Fence Foley Incorporated Frank’s Truck Center Inc. Gamka Sales Co, Inc. Garden State Bobcat Group Garden State Koi & Aquatic Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. Grass Roots Turf Products Harvest Lawn Care Hawthorne Hitch & Trailer Holganix Husqvarna Professional Prod.

Hustler Turf Equipment Intek Truck / Equip. Leasing J Thomas Parts JC Hill Tree Farms Jersey Mulch Products, LLC Jesco Inc.

Save time and money...

Register online at www.NJLCA.org

News Brief

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

A & A Concrete Products Sandra Almay Riverdale, NJ

Precision Companies Kylee Bilenski Oak Ridge, NJ

T-Mobile David Kay Parsippany, NJ

A & A Machine & Fabricating InSight Mobile Data Sandra Almay Chris Schiraldi Riverdale, NJ California, MD

Proven Winners ColorChoice Jane Beggs-Joles Grand Haven, MI

Alstar Seating Robert Concato Little Ferry, NJ

JutCor Enterprises LLC Janet Carpenter Paramus, NJ

R & R Greenscape & Design Jackie Wrobel Towaco, NJ

Tode Landscape Contractors, Inc. Michael Tode Midland Park, NJ

Arcadia Realty Robert Carbognin Harrington Park, NJ

Landscaper Pro Kim Wampler Jasper, IN

Realty Mgmt. & Construction Richard Castaneda Skillman, NJ

Barnwell House of Tires John Kozik Fairfield, NJ

Lawn Max LLC Henry Torres Edison, NJ

Ronald P. Mondello, Esq Ronald P. Mondello Fair Lawn, NJ

Bergen Mobile Concrete Matt Bishop Elmwood Park, NJ

Leary’s Landscaping Bryan Leary Manahawkin, NJ

Royal Lawns of America Michael Miller Wayne, NJ

Christopher Mazurek Student Montclair, NJ

M.J. Woetzel Landscape Svc. Scott Hild Landscaping Michael Woetzel Scott Hild Denville, NJ Carlstadt, NJ

Consolidated Human Resources Robert Boffa Elmwood Park, NJ

Man Hours, Inc. Patty George Flemington, NJ

SMJ Property Management Michael Morena Saddle Brook, NJ

Muentnich LHR, Inc. Steve Muentnich Sr. Phillipsburg, NJ

Snowfighters Institute John Allin Erie, PA

P&P Landscaping Inc. Paul DaPrato Sparta, NJ

Steve Rich Environmental & Holes Steve Rich Clifton, NJ

EarthWorks John Higgins Easton, PA East Coast Landscape Contr.

Mark Goodell Midland Park, NJ

Hoffman International Jeb Bartow Piscataway, NJ

Townsquare Expos Micaela Vie Brock Toms River, NJ Visions Landscape Design Jim Craig Clarksburg, NJ W. Jiroux Contractors Inc. Lorraine Jiroux Lafayette, NJ The Weather Pros Robert Guarino Liverpool, NY Xtreme Ice Control Ed Gorman Ringwood, NJ Yannuzzi Group Material Division Carlos Luaces Kinnelon, NJ

Save the Date!

In 2016, NJLCA will be celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary!

In honor of this very special occasion, we will be holding a 50th Anniversary Celebration.

When: Thursday, April 28, 2016

6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Where: Seasons

644 Pascack Road

Washington Twp, NJ 07676 Who: All members and guests of the BCLCA/NJLCA!

Dinner • Dancing • Super Raffle • Memories Slideshow • Celebration

(If you have any memorabilia of NJLCA or BCLCA, please let us know and we will scan and include it - you keep originals)

NJLCA.ORG 19

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Design/Build Scenic Landscaping...continued Sales

Feature Story

Creating a Proposal Template

We all know that a colorful design will get your clients excited about the potential of their property, but if you pair that plan with a poorly written and confusing proposal, you could quickly turn your sale into a “no sale”.

I think you’ll all agree that writing a proposal is probably one of the least enjoyable tasks in our business. The real irony here is that we consider writing proposals hard work, yet find physical labor to be more enjoyable. As contractors, we would much rather be doing anything besides sitting at a computer, typing a proposal.

They are time consuming, often challenging, and always stressful. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be?

Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve never met a landscape contractor that went to law school or majored in English Literature, so I think it is pretty safe to say that proposal writing is something that all of us struggle with and often times avoid doing altogether. However, by creating a proposal template you will streamline your process while minimizing the chance of making costly errors.

Over the years I have developed a standardized template in QuickBooks that lists all of the things that we typically do in any installation (paver patios, plantings, lawn repair, etc.), along with a brief description of the installation process. Much of what we do is repetitive, so why not write the information once and then use it over and over again?

In my proposals, the only things I ever need to change are the quantities, mate- “Unfortunately, rial choices and plant names (all of most contracwhich have been tors immedipreviously entered ately panic and in my items list).

By using a just lower their template, your proposals will be price...” logical and well organized, allowing you to get back to your clients faster and reducing the risk of confusing them.

The completed project included a custom outdoor kitchen and bar, a pool, spa, patio and pergola. Also installed was a checkered area created out of artificial turf on the upper lawn for children to play. Retaining walls with evergreen plantings screen the tennis court.

Scenic also won an Award of Distinction in Outdoor Construction for its “Miami in New Jersey” project and an Award of Distinction in Poolscapes: Over $300,000 for its “Pool Carved Into a Mountain” project. See “And the Winner’s Are...” on pages 12-17.

Scenic Landscaping consists of highly qualified employees, who are committed to sharing their knowledge and keep up with industry developments year after year.

Unlike most contractors, Scenic Landscaping, LLC doesn’t bend to the whims of nature. They stand strongly behind a promise of unsurpassed quality, unmatched service, and an attention to detail found nowhere else.

Scenic’s services include Services: Residential & Commercial Landscape Design, Residential & Commercial Landscape Construction, Outdoor Living Spaces, Garden Enhancement Services, Landscape Maintenance, Commercial Snow Removal, Commercial Sweeping, Outdoor Lighting, Lawn Care, Pool Landscaping, and Outdoor Living Spaces.

For more information, visit www.ScenicLandscaping.com.

Jody Shilan, MLA is an award-winning landscape designer and former landscape design/ build contractor. He is the Executive Director of NJLCA, the editor of FromDesign2Build.com and host of Landscape Live! He can be reached at 201-783-2844 or jshilan@gmail.com.

NJLCA.ORG 21

Feature Story

Town & Gardens Ltd. Wins Two NJLCA Landscape Achievement Awards...continued

Town & Gardens second Award of Excellence was for their Central Park West Penthouse Terrace. This penthouse garden was first installed by the Town & Gardens team in 2000 and has remained in their care since. The client reached out to them to overhaul and execute a new garden design, asking the designers to take cues from his architect’s ultra-contemporary aesthetic.

The new design provides areas for dining, relaxing, entertaining and impressing guests, as well as providing year round interest and an appropriate spot for their family pet! It was important to the client that Town & Gardens pay extreme attention to detail and material finishes. Coordinating with multiple trades and fabricators, Town & Gardens created a stunning terrace garden for their long-term client.

Designing for modularity and “relocation” was essential, as the building did not allow for any element to be attached to the

22 WINTER | 2015-16

structure, yet features had to be engineered to withstand strong winds.

Town & Gardens created a wrap-around shape emphasizing perimeter planting strategies with formal and informal sitting areas.

The project includes a water feature with LED lighting panels. Lollipop Lilac trees were used to preserve the amazing views of Central Park. The design team worked with manufacturers to create back-lit planter boxes without visible hardware. Finally, there is a raised deck, which creates an intimate and unique lounge area for entertaining guests.

The judges said that the setting was awesome to begin with, but the attention to detail on this project is staggering. They commented on the excellent plant choices and described this project as “unbelievable”!

Town & Gardens, Ltd. is a comprehensive landscape designbuild company, which has been serving the New York metropolitan area since 1995. Over the years, they have developed a team of professionals including landscape architects, designers, horticulturists, arborists, as well as irrigation and lighting specialists.

With their combined talents and expertise, they help their clients design and transform their urban spaces into inviting gardens.

Town & Gardens offers support at all garden stages: from concept design through installation, to full-service maintenance and seasonal planting installations. Their experience ranges from private terrace and rooftop installations, to commercial courtyards, as well as exterior developments for large institutions and residential communities.

For more information, visit www.townandgardens.com.

Legislative Wing This year the NJLCA, in partnership with other interested associations, made great progress in moving favorable legislation forward!

On the state level, we were lucky to have Senator “Kip” Bateman in our corner. He recently introduced The Snow Removal Liability Limitation Act (S.3121). The law, if enacted, would basically nullify hold harmless provisions in snow removal contracts. It is hoped that such legislation will reduce snow plow insurance premiums over time by not permitting property owners to unreasonably shift all liability to the snow plow contractor. I personally think tort reform would be the best solution to this problem, but that does not appear likely in NJ. Accordingly, we are looking for support of this legislation because it is expected to provide some relief and “move the ball forward”.

On the federal level, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act (HR758) passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 241-185. The bill now moves onto the Senate. This bill would change Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and make it mandatory for federal judges to impose sanctions on plaintiffs and plaintiff ’s attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits. It is hoped that a change to the FRCP will result in the states adopting the same changes soon thereafter which is often the case.

Also on the federal level, President Obama recently signed into law an omnibus spending bill for 2016 that includes several beneficial H-2B provisions that will exempt H-2B returning workers from the 66,000 annual cap; allow the use of private wage surveys; clearly define “seasonal” as ten months; and more.

Lawmakers who fought and voted for these changes should be applauded because they faced a great deal of criticism from anti-immigration and labor groups.

It is very important to understand that bills do not magically become laws. Although many of us travelled to Trenton, NJ and Washington, DC, our work has only begun and we really need your help and that of others to make things happen. Please contact me to help strategize how you can help our efforts through sending letters, making announcements, and otherwise spreading the word! Thanks to everyone who has helped in these efforts including Jody, Gail, and Maria. Special thanks to the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) and Kevin Gilbride for all its efforts and for proposing the model legislation set forth above.

Kenneth F. Cerullo, Esq. is the President and an Owner of The Commercial Agency, Inc. in Park Ridge, NJ along with his brother Steve. He is also a Co-Founder of the New Jersey Agents Alliance (NJAA). Ken currently serves as the Legislative Chairperson for the NJLCA and can be reached by email at kennethc@thecommercialagency.com or (201)391-1324.

News Brief President’s Message Continued ment, clean and paint the interiors of your enclosed lawn maintenance trailers, and wax and detail your hard-working trucks.

Make sure you do an inventory and assess all trailers and trucks to check whether all preventative maintenance and repairs have been completed, so when the spring weather hits you are ready for service. Take the opportunity to schedule training on new equipment and proper landscape practices.

Schedule safety meetings to prepare your crews and always maintain safe work Cherry tree blossoming in Secaucus, NJ on December 30, 2015. environments.

Photo: Tom Canete Lastly, there’s never a bad time to reach out to your customers! During the course of a busy season, either in Landscape or Snow, we don’t often have the opportunity to personally talk or write to our clients and let them know how much they matter. Follow up and make sure they are pleased with the services you have rendered and let them know about other services you may provide.

Sincerely,

Tom Canete President

NJLCA and President Tom Canete would like to extend our special thanks to the following prize sponsors from our 2015 Holiday Gala and Landscape Achievement Awards Dinner: Prize Sponsors: Grand Prize: (1) Monthly Rental of ANY Bobcat Power Unit (Up to $4000 value)* 1st Prize: (1) Pallet of Mega Melt ProSlicer Deicer (Up to $600 value) 2nd Prize: (2) Walk-Behind Broadcast Spreaders and (1) sleeve of snow shovels ($600 value) 3rd Prize: Choice of 1 of two different types of fertilizer or growth regulator (Up to $200 value)

NJLCA.ORG 23

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Feature Story

Improving Employee Efficiency

by Marcus vandeVliet, MV Enterprises

T

he greatest risks in your company are its employees. However, the greatest opportunities for improvement are also its employees.

It’s also the best way to differentiate your company and it’s the only way to provide a unique customer experience. Your employees are the difference. Unfortunately our industry is not attracting the best talent. In many cases we need to hire employees with great potential and then train them. In the case of a foreman this training may last 3 to 4 years. Improving labor efficiency is significantly impacted by the quality of employees we hire.

Hiring

Having a great team starts with developing a business plan. What will your business look like 3 to 5 years from now? For most companies that means growth. As your business grows, what will its future needs be with regards to hiring new employees? As part of the business plan, create an organizational chart that displays the current structure and then create an organizational chart that projects the structure five years from now. How many key employees do you need to hire? Where will they come from?

A job description should be created for each new employee position prior to the employee being hired. This description will clarify the skills, talents and experience required for each position.

It will also become a useful tool when evaluating potential employees. Although the job description should be very detailed, any new employee should understand that other tasks will be added to their job description. When a new employee is hired, the initial orientation is key to getting the new employee up to speed as quickly as possible. The new employee must understand how your company operates, and be crystal clear on their role and responsibility.

A common question is “should I hire an employee

with experience or find an employee with potential and train them?” For the long-term, I would recommend the employee with potential. There are times when we need to bring somebody on with experience. We may not have the training time available to us. It is critical that you focus on whether that new employee fits into the culture of your company. This is more important with experienced employees, who tend to be more set in their ways.

Orientation

The initial orientation should focus on the company and its culture. It’s important that a new employee understands how and why the company operates. Clearly define the employee expectations, review the company history, discuss the corporate vision and have the employee understand their role in the company’s future.

Unfortunately, during the interview, it is difficult to always correctly evaluate a new employee. Do not assume anything, but rather take the time up front to determine the employee’s real capacities. Verify their knowledge, experience and capacities as stated during the interview process. I would recommend having a trial period for each new employee.

This would typically last 30 to 60 days, and will provide the real world feedback on whether this employee is a good fit for your company.

Continued on Page 21

NJLCA.ORG 25

Feature Story Project Management

Another key system relates to project management. The proper transfer from sales to production is vital. In many companies this is the weakest point in any project. As soon as the project has been assigned to a crew, the foreman should be provided with all the job data including the estimated man hours to complete the project. The job packet should include a scaled project plan, dimensioning plans, materials list, timesheet, customer information and the contract.

There should be a pre-construction meeting attended by both the salesperson and foreman. There are three types of pre-construction meetings. The first involves a small project usually for an existing customer, which only requires a quick meeting at the facility to go over the scope of work.

The second type would be on site and usually takes place at

CINLMEORAE WNAIY

Training

A commitment to employee training should be part of your company’s culture. Training is a critical step to improving efficiency and consistency. The time set aside for training will be quickly made up through improved systems and processes. Field employees tend to respond better to on-the-job training as opposed to classroom style training. One of the key job roles for any supervisor should be training.

Every project could present an opportunity for field training. Identify a possible foreman weakness and then spend additional time in the field working with the crew on that specific task.

The key is the Foreman. The foreman manages the labor force every day but unfortunately most foremen have not received any management training. This training should focus on project planning, people management, project management, communications, decision-making and accountability.

Ideally the foreman would be capable of taking full responsibility for the day to day management of their projects. This will allow the supervisor to spend more time with the less experienced crews.

All training should be based on a set of standard operating procedures for your company. Developing a complete set of SOP’s will take time. I would recommend the employees that perform the actual task should develop the SOP. For example the hardscaping crew would develop the SOP for installing pavers.

The SOP should be approved by both sales and production. The company must build what it bid and also build what is sold. Consistency will end up being one of your biggest challenges as your company grows. As a business owner or manager, you will become less and less directly connected to every project.

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Certifiable Using your Drain Brain

The Garden State has strict rules and requirements when it comes to Storm Water.

The law is 0% Run-Off / 100% Retention.

That means any additional water that is added to an area, (whether by man or by nature) that is not being used in said area (or excess), needs to be retained or stored. With this in mind, placing drains, catch basins and storm water containment units strategically on the property will give you the ability to capture the water on the property.

Knowing how and where to position these drainage solutions can be tricky. Setting the proper grade coincides with knowing how much slope you’ll need and is key to a successful drainage system. The industry seems to agree that a good slope to aim for, when grading land extending out from a house foundation, would be about 6 inches for the first 10 feet (a slope of 5%).

A great resource for Drainage 101 would be the study guide used to prepare candidates for the LICT exam given once a year (this year’s date is October 8th 2016) exclusively by the NJLCA . You can pick up a copy by calling the NJLCA Headquarters at (201) 7033600 and while you’re at it, register to take the exam!

It’s a great way for industry peers to gauge you and your knowledge of this and other categories. Visit www.NJLCA.org for more info!

Joe Bolognese is an inside sales rep for Gamka Sales, Inc. He is a Past Vice President and currently an Associate Director of the NJLCA. He is also Chair of the Education and Landscape Industry Certified Exam committees. He has over fifteen years experience in the landscape and irrigation supply industry and can be reached at jbolognese@njlca.org.

Feature Story the beginning of the first day of the project. The third type of pre-construction meeting would be on site and be held a few days prior to the project commencement. Whenever possible I would recommend the on-site prior pre-construction meeting. The focus of the pre-construction meeting is to go over the entire scope of work, review the estimate, and resolve any site issues and potentially to introduce the foreman to the customer.

The foreman would then begin to develop a project plan for the project.

The focus should be the first day of the project but should also include the rest of the project. A detailed day by day job process will require the foreman to think and organize further ahead and develop a longer term plan.

This gives everybody more time to respond to questions or issues, including the supervisor, purchase agent and salesperson.

Measure Performance

It is important to measure each employee’s performance. This is accomplished by comparing the bid to what actually happened on each project for each crew. Job costing provides current and accurate data that allows a manager to measure performance. Although job costing can be a challenge to implement, the derived data is invaluable. The biggest challenge is usually collecting field data.

The timesheet should be easy and quick for the foreman to complete.

Initially, only measure a few labor types for each project. The level of detail can be increased once everybody is comfortable with the timesheet completion. The timesheet should be completed every day and reviewed by either a salesperson or supervisor. This information holds the salesperson, estimator, supervisor and foreman accountable.

Job costing would also provide the basis for a performance based compensation model. I believe that linking performance and an individual’s compensation will dramatically improve decision-making and overall company performance. It is extremely important to properly compensate your key employees. For example, if a foreman consistently operates at a higher level, but is not rewarded based on their actions, their performance and engagement will decline. At the end of the day, there still needs to be something in it for the employee.

Provide constructive and honest feedback to your key employees.

I would recommend this occurs three or four times per year, with each meeting lasting no more than 15 minutes. This should be a structured process that also provides an opportunity for the employee to provide their own feedback. This is extremely important to the employees.

Focus on your people first, then your systems. Hire the right employees, train them and implement systems that reduce project man-hours. Labor efficiency will improve consistency and profitability. This will lead to a better internal management experience and an external customer experience.

Marcus vandeVliet is a recognized expert in bidding and estimating in the green industry and worked with Vander Kooi & Associates delivering presentations throughout the US. He has MV Enterprises to help clients improve performance and profitability, as well as realize their potential and achieve long-term growth and sustainability. Marcus can be emailed at marcusv@aol.com.

NJLCA.ORG 27

Feature Story

2015 NJLCA / IANJ Golf Challenge

T

he 2015 NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge brought us to a new venue at Jumping Brook Golf Club in Neptune, NJ. The course was beautiful and the dining areas quite nice.

Aquarius Supply provided bottled water for the day and the weather could not have been nicer!

Winners were: 1st Place: Toro: Gross 64 (29 on back nine) - John Gumm, Mike Watson, Kyle O’Donnell, Marc Erickson 2nd Place: Belgard, Route 34 Landscape Supply and Wilson Brothers Landscaping: Gross 64 (31 on back nine) - Audie Mora, Kip Peters, Brian Baldasare and Michael Baldasare Closest to the Pin: Perry Russo Longest Drive: Nancy DiRienzo and Warren Hinchman Thank you once again to all of our players and sponsors for another successful combined Golf Outing with the IANJ! See you next year!

A warm thank you to our Golf Gift Sponsors:

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28 WINTER | 2015-16

Aquarius Supply - Bottled Water Sponsor Atlantic Irrigation - Golf Gift Bag Sponsor Bobcat of North Jersey - Dinner Sponsor Central Salt - Closest to the Pin Sponsor Central Turf & Irrigation - Longest Drive Sponsor Hunter - Golf Shirt Sponsor John Deere Landscapes - Golf Glove Sponsor Middleton & Company Insurance - Golf Tee Set Sponsor New Jersey Turfgrass Association - Golf Ball Sponsor Rain Bird - Golf Towel Sponsor Scirocco Group - Dinner Sponsor Toro / Irritrol - Golf Hat Sponsor

Feature Story Tee and Green and Own the Hole Sponsors Arctic Risk Specialists Bartell Farm and Garden Braen Supply Consolidated Human Resources Downes Tree Service Frank’s Truck Center Ice B Gone Magic Jesco/Ditch Witch Meadowlands Exposition Center Netafim USA New Jersey Deer Control Paige Electric Plant Detectives Schultz Ford Lincoln Shoprite Storr Tractor

NJLCA.ORG 29

LANDSCAPE

OF THE YEAR PROVEN WINNERS COLORCHOICE ®

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Available from these suppliers in 2016

Little Lime

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NJLCA_LittleLime.indd 1

New Hanover Nursery Bridgeton, NJ • 610-636-1764

12/2/15 9:09 AM

AM

Turf Talk

Feature Story Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Exam 2015 Gail Woolcott, Director of Operations

It is 65 degrees and mid-December. Lawns are still green. So, what does a Turf Manager do?

He goes out and catches up on some of his late fall fertilization that he missed out on before the season ended.

Good, right? NO, IT’S DECEMBER AND NJ STATE LAW STATES NO FERTILIZATION AFTER NOVEMBER 30TH. It doesn’t matter what is happening outside, you’re breaking the law. If you do go and start fertilizing after November 30th, you open yourself up to being detained by the DEP and possibly fined for the violation. Not only is it bad practice, but it is bad management of the turf. It is 65 degrees outside, you put down 30-0-0. In these temps, turf will begin to grow. And what do we know about active growing turf when it freezes? Snow mold is what happens!

The 2015 NJLCA Landscape Industry Certified Exam, held at Bergen Community College on Saturday, October 3rd was once again a great success thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and candidates!

There were a total of 45 candidates, some coming from as far as Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, New York and Virginia. Volunteers also joined us from Connecticut and Pennsylvania! Ten candidates successfully completed their certification at this October’s exam.

Congratulations to: Brandon Bahel, CLT of Ruppert Landscape Tyler Brown, CLT of Live Green Landscape Assoc.

John Davis, CLT of Ruppert Landscape Tyler Fields, CLT of Patapsco Spring Robert Gordon, CLT of Kane Landscapes Inc. Brian Piacente, CLT of Jacobsen Landscape Larry Rhodes, CLT of Ruppert Landscape Jonathan Soderberg, CLT of Kane Landscapes Travis Stuart, CLT of Farmside Landscape & Design Sean Sullivan, CLT of Ruppert Landscape

Gray snow mold photo - 4/6/2015. Photo: Richard Buckley, Rutgers

You are creating a perfect storm – a fine from the DEP and your client’s lawn looks horrible for spring.

Try fertilizing with a lower nitrogen product like Fert-A-Lime in the late October-early November time period. By mid December, the fert has weaned away, the turf is green, but not actively growing. So even in the worst winters you have not created situation where snow mold is assured.

Happy New Year and keep growing.

Greg Carpenter, CLT is co-owner of American Beauty Landscape Design since 1983. He attended the SUNY Farmingdale Turfgrass Program and is an NJLCA Director. Greg also serves on the Rutgers Turfgrass Advisory Board.

Photos courtesy of David Wilkins and Gail Woolcott

NJLCA.ORG 31

News Brief Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam Continued...

2015 National Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam

The Landscape Industry Certified Exam is administered by the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association with the support of the National Association of Landscape Professionals & Bergen Community College

Silver Sponsors

Copper Sponsors

Al D. Landscaping & Tree

Gardens By Design

LawnMax

American Beauty

Grandscape Landscapes

Lawns By Yorkshire

Green Meadows Landscaping

Michael Szczecina, CLT

Bartlett Tree Experts

Horizon Landscape Co.

Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinklers

Bergen Community College

Impact Irrigation Consulting

Ruppert Companies

Bobcat of North Jersey

Jody Shilan Designs

Russo Lawn & Landscape

Chris James Landscaping

Keep It Green Landscaping

Wayne Jepsen Landscaping

Landscape Design

Barillo Landscaping

The Cutting Edge Landscaping Kindergan Landscaping Gamka Sales Co. CLTBanner2015.indd 1

Silver Sponsors

Wood Landscapes

Kodiak Landscape & Design

A special thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers for the 2015 Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Exam!

10/5/2015 9:57:32 AM

In Bloom

Feature Story

With Winter taking its time to come to the Northeast, it’s rather easy to start thinking “Spring”. So let’s take this opportunity to check out which new varieties will perform best, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us.

Having to steer away from traditional Impatiens, Sunpatiens are now stealing the scene. Compact, Spreading or Vigorous varieties are available. Unlike Impatiens, Sunpatiens love the sun and shade! Downy Mildew resistant, low-maintenance and versatile, these Impatiens will flourish from Spring right up to the first frost.

BIG™ Begonias are stepping in to fill the void left by Impatiens too. Dense, mounded and packed with large flowers, these Begonias thrive in sun or shade and are great for mass plantings. Bronze and green leaf varieties are available, with this year’s new addition being a lovely Bronze Leaf Rose.

Another great choice for large beds is Vinca Valiant.

Cool, damp, salt, sun, heat, drought, this vigorous Vinca conquers all. Phytophthora resistant, very low maintenance, Valiant will show off it’s palette of colors all season Dianthus Jolt Pink long.

Need something bold and unique? Salvia Black & Bloom is a prime choice. This stunning annual is an improved Black & Blue: thicker leaves, darker stems with earlier and larger blooms. Withstands heat, drought and humidity. Combines toughness with beauty, this Salvia is a pollinators’ delight. Bees and hummingbirds will be fighting over these unique blue blooms!

Dianthus Jolt Pink is another show stopper. This interspecific Dianthus has large, showy flower heads with vibrant pink fringed flowers. Deemed the best heat resistant Dianthus on the market. Continuously blooms without dead heading, it’s perfect for landscapers and home owners alike.

Hot, cold, wet or dry, these varieties are sure to please, no matter what the environment has in store!

Robert Swanekamp is the Co-Owner of Kube Pak Garden Plants in Allentown, NJ. He is a Graduate of Delaware Valley College and is a former President and current member of the NJ State Board of Agriculture. Rob also sits on the Board of Trustees for the NJ Agriculture Society.

NJLCA.ORG 33

Feature Story

The Forum School Days of Service Project

NJLCA Builds Outdoor Classroom and Sensory Garden for Special Needs School

Students and volunteers sitting in the outdoor classroom area of the project at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) performed their 2015 Day of Service (DOS) project at The Forum School, located in Waldwick, NJ. The Forum School is a private, non-profit, non- sectarian, day school for students with Autism and other neurological dysfunctions.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, October 2nd from 1:30-2:30 pm.

Each year, members of the NJLCA volunteer their time and donate equipment and materials for their Day of Service project to help children in local communities.

This year, The Forum School was chosen for the NJLCA DOS project. The inspiration for the project came from Danielle Goldstein, an Occupational Therapy Assistant major at Eastwick College, and daughter of Rich Goldstein, Treasurer of the NJLCA. The school requested a sensory garden to help teachers educate students about the different senses, using plant material with different colors, textures and scents and garden structures including a pondless water fountain and colorful “talk-tube” for sound. The NJLCA took it one step further and built an entire outdoor classroom, including built-in seating and raised planters.

NJLCA Executive Director Jody Shilan, who designed the project, commented, “Our members really enjoy working together and giving back to local communities. These projects truly are a labor of love and I am always so impressed with the generosity of our association.” Brian Detlefsen, Principal of The Forum School added, “When we first saw the plans, we expected a nice, colorful perennial garden for our students and teachers. However, now that the project is complete, we are amazed at how beautiful the outdoor classroom is. We just love using it.”

34 WINTER | 2015-16

Volunteer and Donor Companies: Al D. Landscaping & Tree – Fairview, NJ Angels Landscaping – Garfield, NJ Aquarius Supply – Hawthorne, NJ B & B Organic Waste Recycling – Elmwood Park, NJ Barillo Landscaping – Elmwood Park, NJ Bobcat of North Jersey – Totowa, NJ Braen Supply – Haskell, NJ Cambridge Pavingstones – Lyndhurst, NJ Canete Landscape – Wayne, NJ Cedar Hill Nursery – Mahwah, NJ The Commercial Agency – Park Ridge, NJ The Corner Nursery – Lodi, NJ The Cutting Edge Landscape Maintenance – Sparta, NJ DeBuck’s Sod Farm – Pine Island, NY Downes Tree Service – Hawthorne, NJ EarthWorks – Easton, PA Eastwick College Students – Ramsey, NJ Fisher and Son – Exton, PA Gamka Sales Co. – Edison, NJ Gil Santos Landscaping – Park Ridge, NJ Green Meadows Landscaping – Oakland, NJ Horizon Landscape Co. – Wyckoff, NJ John Deere Landscapes – Franklin Lakes, NJ Justin VanderSluys Landscape – Wyckoff, NJ Freeman’s Auto – Harriman, NY Kindergan Landscaping – Bergenfield, NJ Kodiak Landscape & Design – Haskell, NJ Kriegelscapes - Teaneck, NJ Landscapeworks – Hawthorne, NJ Lawn Pro Landscapes/Leaves 2 Go – Hillsdale, NJ Levanduski Landscaping – Allentown, NJ Morris Brick & Stone – Morristown, NJ New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association Nursery Stock 2 Go – Passaic, NJ R & J Land Care – Clifton, NJ Royal Lawns of America – Wayne, NJ Shemin Nurseries – Mahwah, NJ Solarium Landscape Services – Wayne, NJ The Terre Company – Clifton, NJ VIP Landscape Service – Wall, NJ Wallace Trucking – Mahwah, NJ We Stop Deer – Long Valley, NJ

La Industria Del Paisajismo

Feature Story

Me enorgullece mucho ser parte de la industria del paisajismo y áreas verdes. Parece que fue ayer cuando miraba hacia al frente y tomaba esa decisión de comenzar esta linda carrera que he seguido desde Marzo de 1995.

Todo comenzaba en la primavera del año 1995 cuando fui invitado por mi hermano mayor en el pueblo de Metuchen, NJ a trabajar en las limpiezas de los jardines y hasta el dia de hoy lo sigo haciendo con la misma dedicación. Siempre siguiendo los consejos de los que ya hacían diferentes trabajos en el mismo ámbito de la jardinería y paisajismo.

Mi primera visión seria aprender y desarrollar las diferentes fases de la industria en áreas verdes, trabajando en plantaciones, instalaciones y el mantenimiento, siempre con el objetivo de hacer los trabajos en orden y profesionalmente.

El tiempo había pasado y fue hasta el año del 2003 cuando el patrón de trabajo me invito a ser parte de NJLCA, a participar a diferentes eventos y continuar con mi educación, en Octubre del 2007 presentaba el examen de CLT-E (Ornamental y Maintenance) en Paramus NJ. Pero no fue sino hasta el 25 de Junio del 2008 cuando PLANET anunciaba mi Certificación como técnico en el paisajismo con las siglas (CLT-E) Así adoptaba con mucha dedicación lo que sería el futuro de mi carrera, promoviéndome con educación y entrenamiento para representar en el mercado y la competencia en la industria en áreas verdes.

Fidel Castro, CLT Administrador Regional en Lawns By Yorkshire, localizado en Westwood NJ. El es miembro de NJLCA y (JTA) Asistente de los Jueces en el Examen para la Certificacion de Técnicos en la industria del Paisajismo conocido con las siglas (CLT).

NJLCA.ORG 35

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News Brief

Winter Education Series

• 1/20 • 1/27 • 2/2 • 2/3 • 2/16-18 • 2/23-25 • 2/26 • 3/7 • 3/9 • 3/16

Pond Building for Professionals Managing a Snow Storm: Before, During & After OSHA Competent Person Training Job Costing in Spanish Landscape Design, Graphics and Sales How to Become a Super Foreman Color Rendering Category 3B Training for DEP Exams Basic Pesticide Training English Basic Pesticide Training Spanish

Register online at www.NJLCA.org or call NJLCA at 201-703-3600

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32 Central Jersey Trailer & Hitch............................. www.HitchOne.com............................................................................

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20 Precision Companies............................................

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2 Proven Winners / Color Choice.......................... www.provenwinners-shrubs.com......................................................

30 SCIW Fence........................................................... www.hometownvinyl.com..................................................................

24 Tech Terra Environmental .................................. www.techterraenvironmental.com .................................................

20 Techo-Bloc............................................................. www.techo-bloc.com/register............................................................. 40

NJLCA.ORG 37

Feature Story

2015 Holiday Gala and Landscape Achievem

38 WINTER | 2015-16

Feature Story

vement Awards Dinner - December 1, 2015

NJLCA.ORG 39

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