The Growing Concern April 2017 by Sandy Munley

Growing Concern

The

AP R I L 2 0 1 7

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O H I O L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

Irrigation Clinics

April 5, 2017 (NE Ohio) & April 7, 2017 (Central Ohio) PAGE 7

CDL Training

April 11, 2017 @ Indiana Wesleyan University PAGE 15

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PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

CATHY SERAFIN

ASLA, RLA

Suncrest Gardens

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION So many things to wonder about as we head into the month of April. How will the fluctuating, inconsistent winter weather of the past few months affect the plant material, new and existing? How will the lack of snow and cold temperatures affect businesses that depend on snow and ice management income early in the year? Will the economy and building industry once again support abundance in our landscape industry? And, for many of us, will our H2B employees arrive on time this spring? All of these important questions will be answered over the coming months, as we head into spring 2017. My spring survival philosophy every year is the same: Put our heads together, put them down, and run head-first, energetically into the new season. As seasoned landscape professionals, we are destined and determined to use all resources needed to succeed! With the coming of April and spring, there is noticeable excitement in the air. So many reasons to celebrate! Big picture,

we celebrate family, friends, our businesses, our employees, good health and the fact that we live in a great country where we are free and encouraged to pursue our dreams and good fortune. In the landscape profession – as spring approaches – we celebrate even more profoundly. We celebrate the warmer temperatures, nutrient-filled rainfalls, crisp clean air, clear sunny skies (occasionally) and customers who anxiously call to request our services. continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS A P R I L 2 0 1 7 WWW. OH I OLA N D SCA P E R S. OR G OH I O’ S P R OF E SSI ON A L G REEN I N D U ST R Y A SSOCI AT I O N OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440.717.0002, or 1.800.335.6521 Fax: 440.717.0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com EDITOR Rick Doll, Jr.

2017 Landscape Ohio! honor award winner, J. Barker Landscaping Company, for their residential maintenance work on a private residence in Lakewood, Ohio.

FEATURES

3 8 11 14 19 25 29 32 34 34

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

A Moment of Reflection

PERENNIAL FOCUS

Polemonium: Jacob’s Ladder

FISCAL FITNESS

Types of Diversification

FOR SAFETY SAKE

Who’s Driving Your Trucks?

REGULAR WRITERS Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, LIC, Cuyahoga Community College Shelly Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA, Suncrest Gardens ADVERTISING INFORMATION Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of publication. For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, 1.800.335.6521, or email Rick Doll, Jr. at rick@ohiolandscapers.org. DISCLAIMER The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS

OFFICERS President Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA

PLANT OF THE MONTH

President – Elect Marie McConnell

Communications & Events Manager Rick Doll, Jr.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Treasurer Adam Capiccioni

Membership Coordinator Noreen Schraitle

Scholarship & Award Winners

Cornus drummondii: Giant Gray Dogwood Attracting the Right People

DIRECTIONS ADVERTISING INDEX WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Immediate Past President Bryan Taynor DIRECTORS Brian Maurer, LIC Domenic Lauria Doug Ellis James Funai, LIC Michael T. Ahern, LIC Steve Moore

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

C AL ENDAR OF EVEN TS UPCO M I N G OLA MEETINGS , EDUC AT I ON SE MI N A R S, A N D OT H E R G R E E N I N D UST R Y EV ENT S

APRIL

AUGUST

APRIL 5, 2017 SPRING IRRIGATION CLASS NE OHIO – Oakwood Village

AUGUST 3, 2017 OLA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC

This class is for the crew person that needs to know more about what it takes to work in the irrigation industry. We will touch on basic irrigation design, installation and electrical servicing. Sponsored and hosted by Wolf Creek Company. For info call the OLA Office at 800-335-6521, or see page 7.

APRIL 7, 2017 SPRING IRRIGATION CLASS CENTRAL OHIO – Columbus This class is for the crew person that needs to know more about what it takes to work in the irrigation industry. We will touch on basic irrigation design, installation and electrical servicing. Sponsored and hosted by Wolf Creek Company. For info call the OLA Office at 800-335-6521, or see page 7.

APRIL 11, 2017 CDL TRAINING Join us for Commercial Driver’s License Training and learn the information you need to know to pass the state CDL test. Taught by former truck driver and state test examiner, Daryl Lengyel. For info call the OLA Office at 800-335-6521, or see page 15.

Join us at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station for the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic! Proceeds from this event benefit our OLA Scholarship Fund. Our golf outing was created to help generate funding for our scholarship program, targeting qualified students interested in a vocation within the green industry. Registration opens in spring/summer of 2017. Call the OLA at 800-3356521 for sponsorship opportunities.

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 OLA MEETING (NE Ohio) Joins us for a Landscape Facility Tour of Brian-Kyles Landscapes of Distinction, located in Lorain, Ohio. For more info call the OLA Office at 1-800-335-6521.

UPCOMING LIC DATES JULY 19, 2017 TESTING SET-UP Ohio State ATI, Wooster Call the OLA for more information if you would like to volunteer to help with setting up, or staffing the hands-on testing site.

JULY 19, 2017 WRITTEN TEST 2:30pm Ohio State ATI, Wooster Application Deadline: 05/19/17

JULY 20, 2017 WRITTEN TEST

OCTOBER

Ohio State ATI, Wooster Application Deadline: 05/19/17

OCTOBER 12, 2017 (TENTATIVE) OLA MEETING (Cental Ohio)

JULY 20, 2017 HANDS-ON TEST

Subject matter and location TBD. For more info call the OLA Office at 1-800335-6521.

Ohio State ATI, Wooster Application Deadline: 05/19/17

NOVEMBER

OCT. 3, 2017 WRITTEN TEST

NOVEMBER 16, 2017 (TENTATIVE) OLA MEETING (NE Ohio)

9am Ohio State ATI, Wooster Application Deadline: 09/12/17

Subject matter and location TBD. For more info call the OLA Office at 1-800335-6521.

OCT. 10, 2017 WRITTEN TEST 9am OLA Offices, Broadview Heights Application Deadline: 09/19/17

The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 5

P RESI DEN T’S COLU M N continued from page 3

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As we bustle into the months ahead, remember what a difference we make in the lives of our clients – residential and commercial – and in the overall environment of our neighborhoods, cities, and the entire state of Ohio. What we do, from growing the plant material, seed and sod, manufacturing the hardscape products of our trade, and supplying the equipment required for building our landscapes and hardscapes, is important and vital to the economy and welfare of our state and its residents.

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VISIT WWW.OLIGERSEED.COM 6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

More importantly, our vision as landscape professionals is unique and worthwhile. When I drive around neighborhoods and through cities, I look at the exterior environments of homes, office buildings, shops, restaurants and even streetscapes. It is always evident when professionals were used to design and build these spaces. Having a creative vision for designing and building landscapes and hardscapes is a talent and a blessing. As landscape professionals, our vision is a huge part of our value to potential clients. Our vision and experience equip us to solve project problems, discern customers’ needs and create solutions. When I enjoy the beauty of a creative design solution, or share thoughts with other landscape professionals, I feel fortunate to be a part of the Ohio Landscape family. We need to celebrate our history, our friendships, our hardships and our triumphs! So, as you start to feel a bit stressed about the overwhelming nature of springtime and the start of our busy season, please take a moment to appreciate your place in our profession. Look at your day, your life, and your surroundings. Be aware of all we have to be thankful for. And most importantly – celebrate! Thank you for your membership and participation in the Ohio Landscape Association. Please remember to join us at our meetings, educational seminars and discussions – there is much to learn and share within our organization. The OLA Board of Directors and I hope to see you soon and wish you a Spring 2017 that is worthy of celebration!

PL ANT OF THOLA E M ON TH EDUCATION SERIES

Hosted and Sponsored by

COURSES

APRIL 5, 2017 (NE OH) WOLF CREEK COMPANY 26245 BROADWAY AVE. OAKWOOD VILLAGE, OH

SPRING IRRIGATION CLASS

This class is for the crew person that needs to know more about what it takes to work in the irrigation industry. We will touch on basic irrigation design, installation and electrical servicing.

APRIL 7, 2017 (CENTRAL OH) WOLF CREEK COMPANY 6700B HUNTLEY RD. COLUMBUS, OH

•

DESIGN – You can’t work on a system if you don’t understand the basic fundamentals of a properly designed irrigation system. We will go over basic residential irrigation layouts by flagging a job in the field or designing a property on paper.

AGENDA

•

INSTALLATION – You will get hands on training on properly hooking up irrigation components. We will cover the basic skills of assembly for the common materials used to make up a landscape irrigation system.

10:00AM – 2:00PM CLINIC

•

ELECTRICAL SERVICE – We will do hands on exercises focusing on diagnosing common electrical problems in the landscape and sports turf irrigation systems. We will teach the use of a volt-ohm meter to help diagnose potential electrical issues.

9:30AM – 10:00AM REGISTRATION

COST

MEMBERS BEFORE 03/22/17 - $59 AFTER 03/22/17 - $89

ABOUT WOLF CREEK COMPANY The Wolf Creek Company is a family owned distribution group that has been faithfully serving the Green Industry since 1961. Wolf Creek Co. Landscape Products provides product supply, field assistance, project consulting, and education for landscape and building contractors, commercial, governmental, and institutional entities. They have locations conveniently positioned in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton/West Carrollton, Lexington, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Toledo.

NON MEMBERS BEFORE 03/22/17 - $89 - $109 AFTER 03/22/17

CEUs 3.5 CEU’S

Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. Payment Received Before 03/22/17

OLA Members

$59

NON Members

$89

Payment Received After 03/22/17

OLA Members

$89

NON Members

$109

Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

Zip

Fax (______) Email

NAME OF ATTENDEE

FEE

 Check No. ___________ Enclosed

Charge to my  MasterCard

 Visa

Acct. No.

Exp. Date

Name on Card Signature Billing Address + Zipcode for Card

Last Three Digits on Signature Line

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, OR TO REGISTER, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT| January 2017 | 7 The Growing Concern 7 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION/IRRIGATION

PEREN N I AL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb Polemonium, commonly called Jacob’s ladder, is a genus of between 25 and 40 species of flowering plants in the family Polemoniaceae, native to cool temperate to arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

POLEMONIUM JACOB’S LADDER

In all the fervor over new plants, we often forget old standbys such as Polemonium. This ferny-looking perennial supposedly thrives in full sun or partial shade as long as it receives sufficient moisture and has well-drained soil. For years, however, I tried growing it in partial shade but never really succeeded with it until I put it in full sun. It is possible that it rots in partial shade because it is too moist. Although rich soil is preferred, it should also be well-drained. There are several different species but the one most suited to Ohio is Polemonium reptans, native to eastern North American woodlands and Midwest plains. Happily, it seems to be impervious to deer browse unlike other woodland wildflowers such as Trillium. It is also rabbit resistant. Although sometimes called Creeping Jacob’s Ladder, it is a clumper but reseeds. The weak stems never exceed 12 inches while the flower stalks can reach 18 inches. The light blue flowers appear in late April in loose, drooping clusters and become tan-colored fruits.

8 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

‘Blue Pearl’ and ‘Stairway to Heaven’ seem to be the most commonly available cultivars. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ was introduced by the New England Wildflower Society and is distinguished by its green and white to cream variegated foliage. While temperatures stay cool, the leaf edges are pale pink; then, when temperatures stay consistently warm, the variegation may disappear. Over the years, I have tried to grow most of the species and cultivars on the market. All have died with the exception of the Brent Horvath (Intrinsic Nursery) hybrid ‘Heaven Scent’ that I grow in full sun with average moisture. It has bloomed as early as mid-May for me, continuing into June, and frequently reblooms in September. As temperatures drop in the fall, the ferny foliage, that has a slight purple cast, becomes much more purple. Sadly, no one locally is growing it but it is available from Creek Hill Nursery or Intrinsic.

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Blooming in late April, Jacob’s Ladder is a great plant for massing in the spring woodland garden. Use the ferny foliage as a foil for other types of foliage. Jacob’s Ladder is a nice complement to neighboring plants such as Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot), Trillium, and Geranium maculatum. If you are planting in full sun, you might plant the Polemonium in front of a Pinus mugo with some Euphorbia on one side and Calamintha ‘White Cloud’ on the other. Either way, give it a try. Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts.,

Polemonium ‘Stairway to Heaven’ spring foliage.

Polemonium ‘Heaven Scent’ foliage in early November.

Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). She currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee.

Polemonium ‘Heaven Scent’ in early May.

The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 9

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FI SCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN King Financial, Inc.

TYPES OF DIVERSIFICATION Diversification has been called “the only free lunch in finance.” A lot of hard data illustrate the benefits of building a portfolio that’s diversified across asset classes and investment styles, and dividing your eggs across multiple baskets has commonsense appeal, too. If you don’t know whether stocks will continue their current run or take a breather, if small caps will outperform large, or when interest rates will rise – and no one truly knows those things – diversifying is a sensible way to hedge your bets. Most investors only think of diversification as the construction of their portfolios. Investors could benefit by construing it even more broadly. Here are some examples of diversification interpreted more broadly.

TIME DIVERSIFICATION What if you are concerned about the timing of your purchase? If you buy at the wrong time, when the asset is richly valued and could be due for a fall, you could lose part of your money right out of the box.

In such instances, dollar-cost averaging – or diversifying your purchases by buying smaller pieces of the investment at multiple predetermined intervals rather than adding a position all in one go – can be a good strategy. Of course, there are no guarantees – you might buy an investment that subsequently goes up and up and up, in which case you would have been better off buying the position all at once. But the bottom line is that you don’t know what it will do, so diversifying your purchases across multiple time frames helps accommodate a continued on page 13 range of outcomes. The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 11

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FISCAL FI TN ESS continued from page 11 The same concept holds true for any investment that offers a fixed payout, such as an annuity or individual bonds or CDs. You may be able to obtain a higher rate down the line by waiting, particularly if interest rates go up, but it’s hard to know that for sure. Laddering your purchases across multiple time frames can give it exposure to multiple interest-rate environments and increases its potential for higher payouts down the line.

TAX DIVERSIFICATION Diversification of tax treatment is another way to spread your bets around, and that’s why I’ve been urging investors to obtain Roth treatment for some of their retirement assets. I don’t know for sure that tax rates in general will go up (though there are certainly good reasons to expect that they might). Nor do I have a clue about whether any of you will be in higher or lower tax brackets in the future.

For obvious reasons, if a lot of your personal wealth is tied up in your home or business, a big priority for you should be to diversify into more liquid assets that have little correlation with real estate or with your firm. Creating a net worth statement can help you get your arms around how well-balanced your whole portfolio is. Talk to your financial and tax advisors to determine your specific needs. More information can be found at the Small Business Administration’s website at www.sba.gov. Discuss your options with your tax and financial advisors. If you would like a free consultation regarding your current plan or if you are looking to establish a new plan, feel free to call.

Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., with offices in Strongsville and the M3 Wealth Management office in North Royalton, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with

If you’ve been working, saving, and investing, your retirement assets will be taxed when you begin taking withdrawals – whether you hold the money in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s or other company retirement plans. For that reason, it’s a good strategy to get at least some of your retirement assets into the tax-free withdrawals column—in a Roth IRA.

any questions or comments. Phone number (440) 652-6370 Email: donnellan@ m3wealthmanagement.com Securities and advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & Company Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB 10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (800) 478-0788

VEHICLE DIVERSIFICATION Most investors’ portfolios are constructed with individual stocks, mutual funds or ETFs, or actively managed funds. Adding a slice of a passively managed index fund or ETF to a portfolio anchored in actively managed funds can help improve the portfolio’s risk/reward profile, according to many studies. Broad stock-market index funds and ETFs can also be the better choice for your taxable accounts because they tend to distribute few capital taxable gains on a year-to-year basis. By the same token, index enthusiasts might consider steering at least a small share of their portfolios to actively managed funds with sensible strategies and low costs.

“ALL-IN” DIVERSIFICATION Most of this article has focused on various levels of diversification when it comes to your investment assets. But diversification can also be a useful concept when thinking about your total money picture: any real estate or business interests you own, for example, as well as the stability of your own earnings. The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 13

FOR SAFETY SAKE

WHO’S DRIVING YOUR TRUCKS? Truck safety is critical to owning a successful landscape company, yet many owners continue to overlook simple, yet important training steps. The commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards set by federal regulations have been in full force for a decades. While attending the state examiner’s school, I realized that certifying truck drivers was going to be a long, rocky road for many companies. Before 1992, commercial drivers only had to pass certain written tests. Now, anyone who wants to drive a commercial vehicle in the United States has to take a written and complete driving test. Here are the keys to meeting CDL standards:

FACTS AND FINES Any vehicle driven in commerce to transport passengers or property requires a CDL driver if it has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds, inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,001 pounds or more. That means that if your truck or the combination of your truck and trailer exceed 26,001 pounds, someone can drive it legally only with a

14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

CDL. That rating for any vehicle or trailer is established by the manufacturer, and your truck dealer should know the rating for the vehicle you buy. If you or one of your employees operates a CDL vehicle without the proper license, then the entire company assumes a tremendous risk. In fact, fines for driving a vehicle without a CDL can reach $10,000. If one of these drivers has an accident, the company’s liability could be astronomical. One landscape contractor had one of its employees involved in a minor accident with one of the company’s trucks and trailers. Because that employee didn’t have a CDL and ended up suffering back injuries, the company was sued for more than $100,000. In addition, once drivers have a CDL, follow up with all the compliance issues, such as drug testing and Department of Transportation physicals. continued on page 16

PL ANTOLA OF TH E M ON TH SERIES EDUCATION

COURSE DATE APRIL 11, 2017

LOCATION

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIV. 4100 ROCKSIDE ROAD INDEPENDENCE, OH 44131

AGENDA

8:30AM – 9:00AM REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST 9:00AM – 3:00PM CLINIC

COST

MEMBERS BEFORE 03/28/17 - $129 AFTER 03/28/17 - $159

CDL TRAINING

NEED HELP PASSING THE STATE CDL TEST? Join us for Commercial Driver’s License Training and learn the information you need to know to pass the state CDL test. Back by demand, and instructed by a former truck driver, this interactive course will include videos and handouts that will cover: • • • • A truck and trailer will be on site so that attendees receive a hands-on, pre-trip training session. All registrations include continental breakfast and lunch. Attendees will need to come prepared for both indoor and outdoor classroom. (Please note that this course is not intended to teach anyone to back a trailer, or drive on the road.)

Daryl Lengyel is a former truck driver and the owner/president of CDL Training Consultants. CDL Training Consultants has been in business since 1990 and Daryl has been a valued member of the OLA for over 18 years. He is a former state test examiner who has been helping train employees on the steps to obtaining their CDL license for many years, specializing in commercial drivers license training and driver’s safety training. CDL Training Consultants is located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

NON MEMBERS BEFORE 03/28/17 - $179 AFTER 03/28/17 - $209

INSTRUCTED BY DARYL LENGYEL

CEUs 5 CEU’S

State Pre-Trip Inspection State Yard Skills State Road Test

OLA Members

$129

NON Members

$179

Payment Received After 03/28/17

OLA Members

$159

NON Members

$209

Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

Zip

Fax (______) Email

NAME OF ATTENDEE

FEE

 Check No. ___________ Enclosed

Charge to my  MasterCard

 Visa

Acct. No.

Exp. Date

Name on Card Signature Billing Address + Zipcode for Card

Last Three Digits on Signature Line

FOR MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT, OR TO REGISTER, VISIT WEBSITE The OUR Growing ConcernAT | January 2017 | 15 15 | Official Publication of TheINFORMATION Ohio Landscape Association OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION/CDLTRAINING

FOR SAFETY SAKE continued from page 14

TESTING 1,2,3’s The next step is the driving test, which consists of three parts. First, you will need to do a complete verbal inspection of the vehicle. During this portion of the test, the testing official will expect the test taker to verbally point out and describe more than 90 features of the vehicles and how you can tell if they are in good shape. The other portions of the test require a demonstration of at least four different backing skills and road driving skills. Over the course of my 40+ years in the transportation industry, I have observed a number of similarities regarding various companies’ perception of transportation issues. In essence, companies don’t give this part of their businesses sufficient attention, despite the tremendous liability they are subject to every time one of their trucks heads onto the street. The owner has a great responsibility and liability. First of all, in addition to costs associated with paying employees and purchasing the requisite lawn and landscape equipment, vehicle expense and maintenance is a major part of the landscape business. Landscape contractors are not trucking companies in the business to haul material for a fee. They need to get equipment, material and people

16 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

to the job site safely and in a timely manner. However, the employee usually bears the responsibility for making sure that everything is in proper working order on the vehicle, not to mention checking to see that the truck and trailer are properly loaded. Giving this responsibility to the employees who actually drive the truck makes sense, but these employees have to be educated about what to look for. The Federal Carrier Safety Regulation: 392.7 Equipment, Inspection and Use states: “No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver thereof shall have satisfied himself/herself that the following parts and accessories are in good working order.” These parts and accessories include:

• • • • • • • • • •

Lighting Rear vision mirror or mirrors Tires Trailer brake connections Coupling devices Steering mechanism Horn Windshield Parking (Hand) brake Service brakes

REGULAR CHECK-UPS Besides checking these items every day before leaving the company, drivers also should check their vehicles at the end of the day. This pre-trip and post-trip inspection can be done in less than 10 minutes. Each company should have a simple checklist for the driver to fill out after completing the inspection so they are held accountable and you have a record of these inspections. This could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars for the company by catching something simple before it turns into something major. Drivers need to consider basic items, such as functioning turn signals and brake lights, as well as taking steps to safely operate the vehicle. Did you know that most accidents with a commercial vehicle take place while the truck is in reverse? In fact, more than 90 percent of truck accidents in this country every year result while backing up. When was the last time one of your employees got out of the truck and directed the truck driver while he was backing the truck up? It only takes about 11 seconds to do a pull-up and about 22 seconds to get out and check the situation. When crew members are in a hurry, those 11 seconds could cost hours and thousands of dollars. The way we drive on the road means everything. Your employees are driving a company vehicle with your company name on it, and the public notices how they drive to the account. How are your more experienced drivers teaching new drivers? Are they teaching safe driving habits? When was the last time you evaluated your employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driving habits? I know we are all very busy, but driving these vehicles safely is important to your business. Daryl Lengyel is a former truck driver and the owner/president of CDL Training Consultants. CDL Training Consultants has been in business since 1990 and Daryl has been a valued member of the OLA for over 18 years. He is a former state test examiner who has been helping train employees on the steps to obtaining their CDL license. He will be instructing our upcoming clinic on CDL Training, April 11th, 2017.

The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 17

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THE AWARD FOR LIFETIME CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

Dr. Laura Deeter

Born January 5, 1968 to mother Gail and father Stephen – who was doing his graduate work at The University of Illinois at the time – Dr. Laura Deeter was merely seconds away from being delivered in the back seat of a VW Bug, on its way to the hospital in a snow storm. After her first year of college, she got a job at Big City Garden Center, where she spent time deadheading annual geraniums. She couldn’t believe that she got paid to stand in the sun, listening to music, and plucking flowers off plants. She was instantly hooked.

By the age of 6, she was very well-traveled, having lived in Toronto, Illinois, France and Spain. While her family eventually settled in Ohio, they continued to travel back to Toronto to visit friends who would make fun of Laura’s ‘Texas’ accent – most had never heard of Ohio. During a time when you could go outside and stay outside all day, Laura often wandered through parks and the woods, developing an interest in the outdoors for both plants and animals. By the age of 12 she turned this interest into a small business venture, mowing lawns for money.

While attending The Ohio State University, where she changed majors quite frequently, Laura spent downtime reading references and chemical labels at the garden center, which led her to give horticulture a try. She took Steven Still’s Plant I.D. class and fell in love with the nomenclature, finding biology challenging, but anatomy fun. Dr. Still later recruited Laura for graduate school, where her love for public speaking and being a graduate assistant helped her realize her passion – teaching. Eventually, she recognized that she wanted to spend more time teaching and less time doing research, so she applied for an opening at Ohio State ATI. Once offered the opportunity, her husband and she sold the landscaping company which they had run for eight years, so that she could pursue her dream.

Dr. Deeter received her PhD in Horticulture from OSU after studying road-salt tolerance in herbaceous perennials and is currently a Full Professor of Horticulture at Ohio State ATI. She teaches a multitude of classes including: Woody and Herbaceous I.D., Landscape Design, Sustainable Landscaping, Plant Health Management, and Landscape Construction. She was awarded the ATI Distinguished Teaching Award twice, the OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Perennial Plant Association Teaching Award, the American Horticulture Society Teaching Award, and the Perennial Plant Association Service Award. As when she was younger, Laura continues to travel extensively around the country, speaking on a variety of topics ranging from taxonomy and nomenclature to shade gardens, design, color, and specialty gardens and plants. At home, Laura gardens on her tenth of an acre with her husband of 26 years, as they raise their two children, Sean, 17, and Caitlyn, 24 – who may secretly want to follow in mom’s footsteps.

THE 20TH ANNUAL LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS

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AWARD OF MERIT The Pattie Group, Inc. The Campbell Residence

AWARD OF MERIT Moscarino Outdoor Creations The Difiore Residence

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY II SPONSOR: KLYN NURSERIES, INC. AWARD OF HONOR DTR Associates, Inc. Winery Gardens

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SPONSOR: GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW AWARD OF HONOR Jackie Ansara Landscape The Libbey Monument

AWARD OF MERIT The Pattie Group, Inc. Stan Hywet PlayGarden

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GARDEN STRUCTURES/PAVEMENTS, CATEGORY I SPONSOR: BEDFORD GLENS GARDEN CENTER AWARD OF MERIT Rice’s Landscapes Redefined The Hexamer Residence

GARDEN STRUCTURES/PAVEMENTS, CATEGORY II SPONSOR: UNILOCK OHIO, INC. AWARD OF HONOR Rice’s Landscapes Redefined The Gartner Residence AWARD OF MERIT American Beauty Landscaping The Ghossain Residence

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This awards program was created to increase awareness of quality landscaping and how it improves our environment. The annual competition recognizes designers, installers, and property owners. The program is open to all Regular member companies of the Ohio Landscape Association. Project sites must be located in Ohio or in a state that borders Ohio, and a major portion of the project must be the work of the entrant. Projects are eligible for up to five (5) years after completion. Project previously entered may be reentered, as long as the project has not received an Honor or Judge’s Special Award in the past.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

ach year, the Ohio Landscape Association has scholarship monies available for selected students who are interested in pursuing horticulture in college. Our Annual Scholarship Golf Classic was created to help generate funding for this program, targeting qualified students interested in a vocation within the Green Industry. Eligible recipients/applicants include high school seniors who are enrolling in a horticulture program, as well as college students currently studying horticulture. Applicants must also be either an OLA Student Member, an employee of an OLA Member, or a child of an employee of an OLA Member firm. We are pleased to announce this year’s scholarship recipients.

Christian Jay Moore $1,500 Scholarship

Christian is a graduate of South Range High School in Canfield, Ohio, where he was valedictorian of his class and graduated with honors. He currently attends Ohio State University, is a chairperson with The Chadwick Arboretum, officer for the student chapter of the ASLA, and a reasearch assistant studying agricultural drainage systems, including botanical buffer systems.

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Trent Weber

$1,000 Scholarship Trent is currently a senior at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio and has been taking vocational training courses at Auburn Career Center. Some of Trent’s accolades include: recipient of a 2016 ONLA Scholarship, a 10th place Individual finish at the 2016 Ohio High School Landscape Olympics and a 2nd place finish at the 2016 Landscaper’s Challenge.

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PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

JIM FUNAI, LIC Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Cornus drummondii is a small deciduous tree that is native primarily to the Great Plains and Midwestern regions of the United States.

CORNUS DRUMMONDII GIANT GRAY DOGWOOD

How many times have you had a client mention they love Dogwoods? Few trees permeate into the non-plantnerd world better than Dogwoods, with a vast majority of people at least being able to conjure up an image of a Dogwood blooming in spring. From the plant geek side of things, we know our client is likely speaking about the traditional flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida, with a chance of Kousa, Cornus kousa. If not speaking of the trees, then most certainly we shift our focus to the standby Red-twig Dogwoods of which a number of species could fulfil the order. In the August 2013 issue, we discussed one of our favorite Dogwoods with you, the Pagoda Dogwood (C. alternifolia), as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re certain you can recall such fine writing. In that article, we expounded on the great diversity that exists within the

genus Cornus from tree, to shrub, to ground cover. There are more than 50 species within the Dogwoods, many having great ornamental features worthy of the garden beyond the constant reuse of our standby flowering Kousa and Red-twig. The Latin word, cornu, meant horn (as in cornu bovis, the horn on an ox). While we cannot find a direct reference to its use to describe the genus, we have a strong suspicion it refers to the shapes of the flower buds, which often have a swelling at the base and come to a fine point similar to many continued on page 26 animal horns. The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 25

P L ANT OF THE MONT H continued from page 25 This month we’d like to direct your attention to a native, small tree form of Dogwood known as Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii. You’ll note that we shortened this to simply Cornus drummondii, which is fighting words to taxonomist types, but perhaps in one of Dr. Dirr’s greatest lines in reference to this very treatment he sums up the name confusion the best, “There are a number of related taxa (in cornus) that show minimal difference but have been listed as species and varieties by various authorities. They are included here so that the reader can practice splitting taxanomic hairs and become sufficiently insane to warrant government subsidies.” We like to use C. drummondii because it is shorter than the full name, plain and simple. Named for Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond, this version of the Roughleaf Dogwood, as it is also known as, will form a very attractive ornamental tree. Expect a height maxing out around 20 feet with slightly less spread in the crown. It can be trained as a single stem or multi trunk/low branched accent as well. One of the features we like with this tree, over say, Gray Dogwood (C. racemosa), is that it learns the habit you’d like it to and will send very few suckers up to annoy you, should you desire a single stem. The feature that likely keeps it from finding big box store approval and distribution is that the flowers are born in flattopped cymes, about 2 inches across. We find that to be a very attractive bloom of thousands of flowers across the plant in hundreds of cymes, but it doesn’t seem to have the same effect as the cheaters from C.florida that use 4 giant white bracts to enhance the look of the flowers. If you look close at your Dogwoods in flower this spring, you will see that they are all clusters of many smaller flowers. The “flower” as seen by most people on C. florida and C. kousa are just 4 large bracts (modified leaf) that add to the visual attraction for pollinators, the real stuff is tiny and in a cluster in the middle. We find the flower clusters, which come later in spring than C. florida, are very effective and will give way to a fall display of white berries which can last for well over a month of ornamental appeal. The summer leaf color of a clean, deep-green gives great background to the bright white fruits. The fall colors of deeper-burgundy, red, and some orange will contrast just as nicely through October. After leaf drop, and after the birds have discovered the majority of the fruit as they build up energy for the winter season or migration, the bright red pedicles remain for an encore of fall color through the first rounds of winter’s snow.

26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Recently Klyn Nursery has discovered, tested, and released for sale a unique cultivar that they named ‘Lemon Drops’. This cultivar adds a unique twist to the battle tested ornamental by blooming in a soft yellow hue and producing a lemon yellow fruit that will jump out visually when backed by the consistent fall color on this plant. We are certain that this plant will not disappoint the viewer or the designer for intended effect. Here in its native range, the plant is typically found in wetter soils that tend toward a slightly acidic pH. However, a great feature of this plant is its adaptability to many types of soil, moisture, and from full sun to a fair amount of shade. Keep in mind, that all plants have a preference and a tolerance. Just because it will tolerate some conditions does not mean we should put it there. Can this ornamental tree tolerate a parking lot island? Probably. Should you plant it there? Nope. Put the right plant in the right place! This is the right plant for the homeowner who wants to see more natives used and wants to support butterflies, native pollinators, and a range of bird species. It is also a plant they may want when looking for a low-maintenance, beautiful, adaptable, hardy option with good flowers, good fruit, and beautiful fall color. Well-discerning homeowner/designer, behold the beauty that is Cornus drummondii! Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program offering many paths to higher education in the green industry. He is pursuing a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum.

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F EATURE ARTI CLE

ATTRACTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE by Steven Cohen / Landscape-Snow Industry Business Consultant & Coach at GreenMark Consulting Group

Regardless of whom you are hiring, today’s generation differs from the previous crop of prospects. This is not good or bad – it is a fact to be embraced – and part of your hiring math. The real question is how to attract the people around whom you can build a company. Start by viewing employees like customers or investors. What about your company is attractive enough to have the right people wanting to make an investment? The payoff – a competitive advantage – like superior service, or innovative designs. In this article, we will cover the 3 elements of attracting the right people and the questions potential employees should be asking about your company: ‘Does Your Company Make a Difference,’ ‘Is Their Future Compelling’ and ‘Can I Contribute and Grow?’ continued on page 31 The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 29

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F EATURE ARTI CLE continued from page 29 Let’s begin by examining each of the 3 questions: 1. Does Your Company Make a Difference? This is your external image. People want to be part of something that makes a difference in the lives of all stakeholders – customers, employees, and the community which they serve. What is your company’s image in the marketplace? Does it make a positive impact in the community? 2. Is Their Future Compelling? This is your internal image. Does your company’s brand inspire excellence? Nobody wants to work for/with a loser – a company that doesn’t deal with poor performers, or reward high performers. Individuals want a challenge and they want to be surrounded by people who will elevate their game. If potential employees don’t want this, you should be avoiding them. 3. Can I Contribute and Grow? Does your company ask for and value employee contributions? Can an employee use all of their talents, education, and experience working for you? Is it a place where they can learn, grow, AND earn? Are you as committed to them as you expect them to be to you? In short, does your company offer them a future?

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO...

... Help Employees Contribute and Grow. People want to be part of something greater than themselves. They want a place that seeks their input and can translate their talent into results; and oh yeah – a chance for skin in the game. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to treat everyone like a sales representative. Start by pushing individuals to improve performance by demanding their best effort and show that you are willing to invest in their development. Help them to see a clear line of sight to their objectives, offer them a piece of the action, and show them they have the ability to affect their own paycheck. Then, provide them with challenging work that requires a certain amount of autonomy, responsibility, and forces them to rely upon a variety of skills. Help them to understand how their job impacts the business, where their job fits into the bigger picture, and provide consistent feedback on their performance.

SUMMARY Your company’s reputation and presence in the market impacts hiring. It is easy to find people desperate for money, but is that what you want? What if there was a line outside your door with people looking for more than trading time for money? Make your business attractive to the people you can build a company around and soon you’ll find you won’t have to look for them – because they’ll be looking for you.

... Make a Difference. Work is no longer a job – it is a lifestyle. That means people are concerned about their employers’ impact on their image. This is based on how the company is perceived in its industry and community. Think about the social impact your company has on the community, the industry, and the world. Be seen as a local force for good. Be known as an innovator, a leader in the industry, and as someone who is not afraid of redefining the rules. And finally, have a positive impact with the products and/ or services you provide. ... Provide a Compelling Future. Again, nobody wants to work with/for a loser, figuratively or literally. This is true of both customers and employees. Winning companies have customers seeking their products and services, and people seeking employment. Inevitably, this is about you, the owner. ‘Good enough’ should never, ever really be good enough. Start by becoming a local leader, winning local awards for business operations. Be visible in the community. ●

Steven Cohen, Principal of GreenMark Consulting Group, is a business management and operations consultant with over 25 years of industry experience. GreenMark specializes in helping growth-oriented companies see through challenges and map out operational and growth strategies. Visit them online at www.greenmarkgroup.com.

The Growing Concern | April 2017 | 31

D I RECTI ON S

SANDY MUNLEY

Executive Director The Ohio Landscape Association

THE RULES ARE CHANGING TO OBTAIN A CDL LICENSE The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced in December of 2016 a Final Rule establishing comprehensive national minimum training standards for commercial truck drivers seeking to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or certain endorsements. The entry-level driver training Final Rule has a compliance date of February 2020. If you currently hold a CDL, you are grandfathered in and are not required to complete additional training. These new standards address the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles and also establish minimum qualifications for entities and individuals who provide entry-level driver training. Applicants seeking a CDL or additional endorsements will be required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge training and behind-the-wheel training on a driving range and on a public road, with training obtained from an instructional program that meets FMCSA standards. (Most likely, you will be required to receive training from one of the big truck schools.) There have been no required minimum number of hours for the training or behind-the-wheel portions of any of the individual

32 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

training established, but training providers must determine that each CDL applicant demonstrates proficiency in all required elements of the training in order to successfully complete the program to become eligible to test for their CDL License. Unfortunately, the big truck schools focus on training for over-the-road, 18-wheel big rig drivers and are very expensive. Their training is more extensive than what we believe most landscape drivers need to drive safely. If you have been putting off getting your CDL, or have employees that need their license, I strongly recommend you take care of this before 2020. This new rule that demands comprehensive training is a Federal Rule that covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories. In no way does the Ohio Landscape Association want to downplay the importance of driving safely or having a good understanding of driving best practices. For this reason, we are teaming up with Daryl Lengyel again to provide classroom training that will include vehicle inspection on April 11. We expect this class will sell out quickly. Have a great spring and above all – be safe!

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MRLM Landscape Materials

National First Equipment, LLC

O’Reilly Equipment, LLC

Oliger Seed Company

Premier Plant Solutions

Shearer Equipment

The Snowfighters Institute

Sohar’s / RCPW, Inc.

6 Three-Z-Supply 2 Unilock 33

Valley City Supply

VanCuren Tree Services, Inc.

Zoresco Equipment Company

34 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Mock Property Services 37 S. Cleveland Ave. Mogadore, OH 44260 (330) 628-9100 Jeremiah Mock Reynolds Landscaping & Tree Service 8756 Wheeler Ct. Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 477-1687 Kelsey Reynolds The Erie Landscaping Co., Inc. 11749 Avon Beldon Rd. Eaton Township, OH 44044 (440) 572-0697 Mike Sedlak Wide Open Property Maintenance 1680 Southeast Ave., Unit 108 Tallmadge, OH 44278 (330) 958-1755 Brian Lily

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Amer Insurance 3700 Embassy Parkway, #160 Akron, OH 44333 (330) 665-7976 Travis Steinemann National First Equipment, LLC 55 Lou Groza Blvd. Berea, OH 44017 (440) 243-6480 Larry Mahnen Oberfields, LLC 744 Hampshire Rd. Stow, OH 44224 (614) 252-0955 Bill Nettling

AFFILIATE MEMBERS Wayne County Schools Career Center 518 W. Prospect St. Smithville, OH 44677 (330) 669-7035 Gregg Gillespie

STUDENT MEMBERS Gates Mills Environmental Education Center Brandon Best

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iNNER cIRCLE april 24-27, 2017 The Inner Circle Event is for owners, CEO's and high level managers in the Snow & Ice Industry. Don't miss your chance to gain real-world know how to increase operational eﬃciencies and improve your bottom line. www.snowﬁghtersinstitute.com/ic

Other upcoming Snowﬁghter Institute events: SALES STRATEGIES May 8–11, 2017

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT June 12–14, 2017

The Sales Strategies Event is an advanced event that is recommended for individuals who want to sharpen their sales skills and go deep in the sales process.

The Grounds Management Event is for all risk managers that are tasked with keeping sites under their control safe for pedestrian and vehicular traﬃc.

www.snowﬁghtersinstitute.com 814-455-1991

9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517

ENTER TODAY ENTER TODAY

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n d Technicia e fi ti r e C y str scape Indu ates 2017 Land Test D test @ 9 am Certification is an important tool for all landscape companies and individuals in the landscape field. That’s why the Landscape Industry Certified Technician program deserves your attention. A Landscape Industry Certified Technician is a proven landscape professional who has been certified through an internationally supported testing program that is administered by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and licensed to Ohio – a partnership of The Ohio State ATI, Ohio Landscape Association and Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association.

test @ 2:30 17 written July 19, 20 ooster) State ATI, W pm (Ohio /19/17 05 e: lin d n Dea Applicatio test 17 Written July 20, 20 ooster) W TI, A e at (Ohio St 05/19/17 n Deadline: Applicatio

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By earning your Landscape Industry Certified Technician certification, you send a message to clients and employees that you meet, or exceed the industry standard. For additional Information about testing, registration, or to obtain study materials, please visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org, or call the Ohio State ATI at 330.287.7511, or 330.287.0100.

STAND OUT! Encouraging Professional Standards and Promoting the Green Industry