The Landscape Contractor magazine APR.24 DIGITAL EDITION

Cicadas are the talk of the town

It was supposed to be simple.

When the City of Evanston passed a leaf blower ordinance in November of 2021, they never expected to become the lead authors of a cautionary tale. That year, using the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, Evanston began phasing out gas- and propanepowered leaf blowers by 2023.

ILCA referred to this as a “rapid fire ordinance” that did not offer much time for contractors to adjust. The City whipped up a handful of listening sessions in 2021 for members of the landscape industry. A half dozen contractors showed up. Evanston felt six service providers offered a representative sample of the hundreds who do work in the community of 80,000 residents. There was no outreach to the Latino community to explain the anticipated policy. Evanston pushed for a one season phase out. No exemptions would be made for spring and fall clean-ups. The City Council voted for the ban, shook hands, and issued their press releases. I mean, why not? They just saved the world.

From Where I Stand — Noisy Ordinance

though they exempted the public works department and golf courses. Finally, Evanston was stunned this could have all gone so wrong, so quickly — even though everyone warned them this is exactly what was going to happen.

All contractors had to do was replace all of their gas-powered commercial leaf blowers with zero engine emission (ZEE) alternatives in one year, no exceptions. Contractors who participated in the phase-out went to their local distributors and realized they weren’t just buying a tool. They were buying a tool, 2-3 batteries per unit, a backpack with adapter, and a charging station. Further, they had to retrofit their shops to be able to charge dozens of batteries each night. Costs ballooned. The total cost to replace a gas-powered commercial leaf blower was not $900 per crew, it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000 per crew if you wanted to maintain similar aesthetic standards.

On top of that, the commercial ZEE leaf blowers were great alternatives in the summer months, but efficiency dropped in the fall. Evanston has massive amounts of annual leaf drop and moisture and the ZEE alternatives did not handle clean-ups well. Even companies who had made the commitment switched back to gaspowered to finish in time before freezing temperatures and snow.

In 2023, the termination date hit for gas-powered blowers in Evanston. Enforcement tickets went from 50 citations in 2022 to over 500 in 2023. Many of the Latino business owners, not even aware of the ban on gas-powered equipment encountered mounting citations and fines.

Then, the harassment started. Angered residents finally had a punitive weapon to use against noisy landscape professionals. Contractors who testified before the City Council reported harassment, threats, cameras shoved in their faces, cars following landscape crews from site to site, angry encounters between neighbors and residents, and promises of retaliation. One Evanston City Council member said in March of 2024, “Everyone in Evanston just needs to chill out.”

After a year of harassment and spiking costs, small, mostly Spanish-speaking landscape professionals organized in Evanston. Over the last four months, the Latino landscapers brought their concerns to City government. In February, the Health Department offered to consider a moratorium on the ordinance for spring clean-ups. Dozens of Latinos spoke passionately at the meeting about the harassment and impact on their livelihood. In March, the issue was sent to the full City Council. They debated this for two hours. The only thing on the table was a three-week moratorium that would allow clean-ups to occur with gas-powered blowers so business owners could figure out a conversion plan by fall of 2024. The vote failed to pass 4-3.

In the end, the four reps from affluent areas of Evanston voted to keep the ban. After all, their residents pay for these services and don’t like the noise. The three reps from the disadvantaged communities of Evanston, where most of the landscape workers live, voted to suspend the ban. You can’t fight City Hall.

The point of a cautionary tale is not to tell the tale of Evanston. It is to use Evanston as an example of how to approach gas-powered equipment restrictions in the future. It is also a fascinating examination into the differences between doing good and do-gooders and those are drastically different groups.

At the same time Evanston was moving at a blistering fast pace, communities in Lake County approached ILCA with an opportunity. They wanted to create an 11-city working group to look into responsible restrictions on leaf blowers. After the 18-month effort involving dozens of stakeholders, we issued a report. The minimum level that ILCA would accept would be 4- and 8-week exemption periods for spring and fall clean-ups based on the experiences our members had with the equipment. This would be coupled with a 5-year phase-out to help manage costs and supply chains. This was drastically different from Evanston’s rapid fire ban.

I could not ignore our internal data and surveys of members. 50% of those surveyed had developed a conversion plan for ZEE handhelds. Booths at iLandscape and Fire & Ice were filled with electric alternatives. Ops Managers loved the low maintenance approach to the blowers and hedge trimmers. Landscape clients asked for electric alternatives and it was easier to comply. OPEI issued data saying over 70% of new handheld equipment purchases were ZEE. The industry was converting to ZEE even in communities without the sharp stick of ordinances and regulation.

At the same time, the ILCA was in talks with the Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus about a $30 million buyback proposal for gas-powered equipment using EPA grant funds. Part of that required an objective analysis of lawn and garden emissions by the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO). This group’s entire mission is looking at emissions of every sector of the US economy from airline travel to shipping to farming to homes. Lawn and garden equipment emissions, even on a scale of hundreds of thousands of devices in the region is small when compared to other industries. In fact, it can be argued that the most dangerous part of handheld lawn equipment are the fumes you inhale when filling up the tank with gas, not from run-

The City of Evanston countered that they held a listening session — that six people showed up at. They offered $3,000 equipment grants — that no one qualified for. Evanston was shocked by the harassment — even though they required photos or videos of violators to issue a fine. The City could not believe contractors were not informed of the change — even though they made no outreach to the Latino community and had no materials in Spanish. The City was flabbergasted that they were being accused of being unfair — even The Landscape Contractor

ning the equipment.

So, we have a localized push to ban equipment that may not need to banned. This equipment is being phased-out already by landscape companies, but not quickly enough according to local government. We have a real life example that if local government moves any quicker to ban the thing that doesn’t need to be banned, and that is already being phased-out, the local government makes the problem even worse. Do I have that right? Did I miss anything?

Just this week, my counterparts in the US and Canada were sharing information about blower bans on our private listserv. Many communities, mostly progressive and affluent are passing gas powered blower bans. I expect many of these towns to encounter the same challenges we are seeing in Evanston.

All of these follow the same script: community advocates pressure city government. City government decides their community should play a part in combatting climate change. Government uses the only weapon they have — regulation. The rigid process for passing regulations is either ignored or flies under the radar for most service providers. The regulations fail. Community advocates use the existential crisis of climate change to target service providers. The community doubles-down concluding something must have glitched in the rollout. It never questions the idea itself or if a town of 80,000 should become the main character for a climate crisis that affects 11 billion people.

There is a better way. Philanthropist Shawn Humphrey who blogs under the name “Blue Collar Professor” offers a path. He identifies the “do-gooder industrial complex” and how it has become trendy for activists in western societies to rush to the rescue and try to fix whatever is broken. This can be climate change, homelessness, third world poverty, or any other massive issue.

Humphrey says the fundamental breakdown occurs at the start, not the middle. Most governments and activists assume it is their job to fix a problem. In reality, no one has the power to fix anything. They have the power to assist and provide service towards a shared problem. Do-gooders often lament “No one is doing anything” or “Doing something is better than nothing” or “The resistance we are encountering is because we are willing to try.” Humphrey says that is pure narcissism.

In reality, the questions are, “How can I partner with those already confronting these challenges?” “Is doing nothing the better course of action than the proposed?” “What is my role in this change?” Instead of starting from a position of sympathy, hubris, and conviction those most effective in lasting change use empathy, humility, and doubt.

Evanston decided, multiple times to try and fix a problem they were totally incapable of fixing. Instead of offering governmental stewardship to the landscapers who will have this equipment strapped to their backs they offered regulations, punishment, and shame. Humphreys says do-gooders always want to be the hero, while those who do good always prefer to be the sidekick.

Evanston got the rare second bite at the apple. They had the ability to show humility and skepticism towards an issue they proved incapable of solving. Instead, it was voted down 4-3. Evanston let the do-gooder mindset take over once again. The resistance to their ordinance only showed them they needed to push harder. It could never mean they are pushing in the wrong direction. Evanston could not accept a reality where they were anything but the hero. They just failed to remember, every hero is the villain in someone else’s cautionary tale.

Sincerely,

Scott Grams, Executive Director

March 18, 2024

President

Ashley Marrin

Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-2225 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com

Vice-President

Jim Cirrincione

Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com

Secretary-Treasurer

Kim Hartmann Rosborough Partners 847-404-7669 hartmannkim@comcast.net

Immediate Past President

Jeff Kramer

Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com

Directors

Adam Bellas

Bellas Landscaping (309) 827-5263 adam@bellaslandscaping.com

Ryan Heitman

The Fisher Burton Company (847) 566-9200 ryanheitman@fisherburton.com

Tom Klitzkie Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com

Michael Massat The Growing Place Nursery & Flower Farm, Inc. (630) 355-4000 michaelm@thegrowingplace.com

Nikki Melin Midwest Groundcovers (847) 742-1790 nmelin@midwestgroundcovers.com

Kevin McGowen Kaknes/SiteOne (630) 416-999 kevin@kaknes.com

Becky Thomas Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. (815) 448-2097 bthomas@springrovenursery.com

Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

President’s Message —

In February I attended the Spring Training event in Eureka, IL. This wonderful one-day program is full of networking and educational opportunities. During the conversations, many attendees shared their favorite book titles and podcasts. That hit home — I thought about how I try to separate and balance my work and personal life. I have a long commute to work each day along with additional windshield time driving to my horse barn each evening. Sitting in my car allows time for anxiety to creep in as I think about all the things I need to accomplish — today, tomorrow, next week, next season. It was no surprise that others at the event experience this work-life pressure, too. We shared how we scramble to get important tasks on paper or on our phones before we forget. There’s a well-worn journal in my truck where I quickly jot notes at a stop. Another attendee puts post-it notes all over the dashboard. We had some great laughs sharing our weird time-management quirks.

During COVID I began listening to audio books. Now I dive into a book each time I get in my truck. Listening to a great story allows me to enjoy the content during the drive. My eyes are glued to the road, but I use the time to enjoy something I wouldn’t have time to do at home. Many attendees also use their commute time to listen to topics on business or personal development, or podcasts—something that I will try next.

I’m curious about your favorite books, audio books, or podcasts. What do you enjoy reading or listening to? Do tell! Please scan the QR code below to add your favorites to the list so we can share!

Sincererly,

Ashley Marrin

En febrero asistí al entrenamiento de primavera en Eureka, IL. Este maravilloso programa de un solo día está repleto de oportunidades de hacer contactos y educativas. Durante las conversaciones muchos de los asistentes compartieron los títulos de sus libros y podcasts favoritos. Eso me tocó muy de cerca—pensé sobre cómo trato de separar y equilibrar mi trabajo y mi vida personal. Tengo que desplazarme por largas distancias para ir al trabajo todos los días además del tiempo improductivo conduciendo a mi establo por las noches. Permanecer sentado en mi auto da tiempo para que entre la ansiedad mientras pienso en todas las cosas que debo hacer—hoy, mañana, la semana próxima, la próxima temporada. No fue sorpresa que otros en el evento experimentaran también esta presión vida-trabajo. Compartimos cómo nos esforzamos para anotar tareas importantes en un papel o en nuestros teléfonos antes de que se nos olviden. Hay un diario gastado en mi camión donde apunto notas en algunas paradas. Otro asistente pone notas Post-it en su tablero de mandos. Nos reímos mucho compartiendo nuestras extrañas peculiaridades para gestionar el tiempo.

Durante la pandemia de COVID comencé a escuchar audiolibros. Ahora me sumerjo en un libro siempre que me monto en mi camión. Escuchar una buena historia me permite disfrutar del contenido durante el trayecto. Mis ojos están fijos en la carretera, pero aprovecho el tiempo para disfrutar de algo que no tendría tiempo de hacer en casa. Muchos asistentes también utilizan su tiempo de ida al trabajo para escuchar temas de desarrollo comercial o personal o podcasts—algo que probaré próximamente.

Tengo curiosidad por saber cuáles son sus libros, audiolibros o podcasts favoritos. ¿Qué les gusta leer o escuchar? ¡Díganmelo! ¡Por favor usen el código QR que está abajo para añadir sus preferencias a la lista y podamos compartir.

Ashley Marrin

Sue Davis Designs • Northbrook Wilmette Forever Home

This charming “forever home” in Wilmette had a very utilitarian and declining landscape that needed a revival to provide beauty, improved functionality, and privacy.

The real challenge was the sideyard and its long, straight path and depressing view of the neighbor’s house. A free flowing, curving path and a water feature were designed to make the journey exciting. This allowed for plantings of trees, shrubs and perennials to screen the views. Lastly the patio area was rebuilt, reorganized and backyard plantings were completely refreshed.

The client was ecstatic with the results!

The gardens were all updated and enhanced. Existing plant material was reused where possible and transplanted throughout and supplemented with new plant materials to provide visual variety and seasonal interest. The hardscapes were all completely redone to address structural, drainage and beautification issues. Lighting was implemented throughout to create a charming experience in the evening.

When the Rain Comes...

by Trevor L. Smith

April showers bring May flowers. A saying we all grew up with, but do they?

April hasn’t proven to be the reliable rainy month it once was. In fact, in the past few years May has had to bring her own showers AND her own flowers. In the past 40 years, the number of major meteorological events has doubled and the life giving element, the reason there is life on this planet to begin with, has become anything but predictable. Our rain events have become more feast or famine than a steady diet and here in the northeast the snow isn’t much better. So, what now? What do we do with our new reality?

We can do a lot as it turns out, but this will involve changing some habits and practices and getting back to basics.

Let’s start by getting on the same page when it comes to terminology.

Weather and climate are not the same thing.

Weather is what it is happening atmospherically at a specific time and location. For example, it’s raining in Hopkinton this morning.

Climate on the other hand, is how we describe weather patterns over a longer period of time. For example, the number of days over 100 degrees has increased over the past 30 years the number of extreme meteorological events has doubled in the past 40 years.

Rain and stormwater are not the same

Rain is the water that falls from the sky when moisture in the atmosphere condenses and falls to earth in the form

of droplets.

Stormwater is water originating from rainfall or melting snow that runs-off across the land instead of infiltrating into the ground. Along the way, it picks up pollutants (sediment, nutrients, metals) as it runs across paved and unpaved areas. Finally, Green Infrastructure (GI) or Nature Based Solutions is the use of methods that restore and protect hydrology or mimic the natural water cycle.

Now that we are using the same terminology, let’s look at what we can do about it. Step one: Admit we screwed up. By owning up to the fact, that through hubris or ignorance, we have created the circumstances that led to many of the issues we face today.

Compaction is (in my mind) the most unrecognized contributor to the climate crisis. Compaction leads to loss of biodiversity, and severely reduces the soil’s ability to sequester carbon. It also contributes to runoff and flooding by not allowing the water to infiltrate.

The Landscape Contractor

Step two: call it what it is. We don’t have a flooding problem; we have an infiltration problem. Flooding is the symptom — like a fever or cough. Infiltration is the actual problem — like a virus or infection. If we address the infection, the fever will go away. If we address infiltration, the flooding will go away.

Step three: don’t overcomplicate it. New technologies and products like permeable pavements or green roofs and products can be helpful in finding a compromise between our current living needs, our stormwater issues, and the needs of the planet, we cannot outsmart or strong-arm nature. It is counterproductive and how we got in this mess in the first place. Our roads and parking lots aren’t going anywhere, but they could be designed better once we focus on infiltration. The same goes for our cities and buildings. If we keep it

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Focus — Water Management

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simple and focus on the processes nature has developed, we will get the results we need without heroic measures and billions in technological development costs. I often hear “I don’t know about those new methods” or “how reliable are these new technologies?”

The idea of working with nature to manage stormwater is far from new. Machu Picchu is over 575 years old and was built using many of the methods used in GI such as terracing and soils designed to quickly infiltrate; all to manage stormwater and keep the empire from washing off the mountain.

The keys to managing stormwater are reducing velocity and volume. In doing so, we reduce the damage and destruction storm events can cause and we make infiltration possible. Again, focus on the basics.

While the application of green roofs have numerous benefits, they are not designed to eliminate runoff, but rather slow it. If you picture a rain event in an urban area, all the water rushes off of the impervious surfaces (roofs, roads, parking lots) at once. The goal with the green roof is to mimic nature and slow the rate at which the water reaches the bottom of the watershed, in this case the street or storm drain. Instead of running right off the roof, the water is captured (reduce velocity) and whatever water is not held in the soil slowly makes its way through the system to the roof drain and then to the storm drain or street (reducing volume) while being

filtered resulting in cleaner runoff making its way into our waterways. It’s a high tech way of managing the velocity and volume of storm water. The low tech version is trees!

Trees are the cheapest and one of the most effective ways to manage stormwater. Trees intercept the raindrops, stealing the velocity and slowly release the rainwater to the ground below. This reduces the volume and increases infiltration.

Other ways we can use nature’s existing systems to help mitigate flooding and increase infiltration are raingardens and bioretention. These are essentially the same practice on different scales. Both are designed to capture stormwater run-off and hold it for infiltration. A raingarden is more for a single-family residence. It is suited and sized to capture the runoff from one or two downspouts. It is a depressed garden, shaped as a shallow bowl about 6-8 inches deep at the deepest point carved into the native soils.

To build a raingarden one must first determine if the soil will drain within 12 hours or less. The easiest way to do this is to dig a hole in the desired area 10 inches (shovel depth) deep. The best area for a raingarden is 10 feet or more from the foundation of the house. You do not want to capture and hold water near the foundation. Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain. Fill the hole again and time how long it will take to drain. If it is less than 12 hours congratulations, you have the perfect

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A liated With: Ditch Witch Midwest and Rentals Plus

Focus — Water Management

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site for a rain garden. The reason you fill the hole twice is to determine infiltration in saturated soils. The next step is to calculate the amount of water coming through the downspout. To do this, you can do the math or download the UCONN raingarden app and plug in the dimensions of the roof and let it do the calculating for you. You would be surprised how much water comes off a roof in just a one-inch rain event. A 2000 square foot roof yields 1250 gallons of stormwater runoff. That’s 312 gallons per downspout; assuming there are four downspouts. So proper sizing is important.

To plant your raingarden, keep it simple and just use your favorite perennials. Better yet use this opportunity to plant that pollinator garden you have been considering. Most plants can stand to be saturated for about a day, so don’t worry about special planting and certainly never plant a raingarden with water loving plants because your garden will likely be dry more than wet. Lastly, never site a raingarden in the wet area of a property, that would be a bog garden. The idea of the raingarden is to infiltrate the water so the ideal setting would be upslope from the low wet area to help dry that area out.

We covered how much water comes off a residential roof in a rain event, but what about on a larger scale? A one-acre roof or parking lot yields 27,000 gallons in that same oneinch rain event. Think of a mall or an office building. To infiltrate water of this quantity we need to look to larger and more engineered solutions. This is where bioretention comes into play. Bioretention systems are essentially engineered raingardens. They do not use native soils, but rather have soils designed for a specific infiltration rate. In addition, bioretention systems typically have an under drain or an overflow that runs to a storm drain. The plantings of a bioretention system are designed not only to survive inundation, but for ease of maintenance. Some plantings and soils are designed for phytoremediation or the removal of pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, as well.

Remember earlier I said don’t over complicate it? If we focus on restoring our soils, we can increase infiltration which reduces flooding. As professionals, if we can be aware of how we are compacting the soil; even if it is running mulch to a back yard in a wheelbarrow, we can dramatically begin to undo the damage we have done.

We don’t need to be on a stormwater job or be stormwater professionals to make a daily difference. This is where changing our habits comes in. Repeated running of mulch across a yard in a wheelbarrow can cause compaction. The use of heavy machinery such as, a Bobcat on unprotected soil can compact the soil to the dpth of three feet. It takes a lot more than an aerator to fix that type of damage. By being aware of our actions and planning our workflow on a property as well as taking precautions such as plywood or track mats, we can make a huge difference and we become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

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They’re the Talk of the Town

And your clients want to know what to do

by Heather Prince

This year in Illinois we are anticipating the largest periodical cicada emergence in the past 221 years with 13-year cicadas emerging in southern counties and 17-year cicadas popping up in northern counties. In this historic insect event, most of you will encounter some, if not both types of this extraordinary insect. We talked with Dr. Stephanie Adams, Plant Health Care Leader of The Morton Arboretum about what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do after cicadas arrive.

A Unique Lifecycle

First, let’s review how periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) operate. For the past several years, the nymphs of the three 17-year species and two 13-year species have been contentedly sucking plant juices from primarily tree roots underground. As their internal clocks dictate, they begin to dig upwards, emerging from the ground when soil temperatures at a depth of about eight inches are consistently 64°F. For us in Illinois, that tends to be mid to late May, depending on where you are in the state. Once the nymphs break through the soil at sunset, they climb up a handy stem and molt into the adult stage. They linger for 4 to 6 days as a “teneral” adult while their exoskeletons harden off. As full adults, they maintain their piercing sucking mouth parts. Research has shown that

they feed on a variety of woody plant tissues, although periodical cicadas don’t seem to significantly affect plant health by feeding.

Once the cicadas have achieved their full adult stage, the males begin to produce species-specific calls to attract females. Once the insects have mated, the females use their large ovipositors to excavate a series of Y-shaped eggnests in two to three-year-old deciduous twigs and lay up to 20 eggs in each nest. Each female may lay up to 600 eggs. The eggs will hatch 6 to 8 weeks later, and the first instar or stage of the nymphs will drop down to the soil to burrow and attach to tree roots, emerging again in 13 or 17 years to do it all again.

Once she finishes egg-laying, the female cicada’s work is done, and she dies if she isn’t eaten by opportunistic wildlife. The adult cicadas are actively singing, breeding, and egg laying for about 4 to 6 weeks as they emerge in waves of thousands upon thousands of insects, a practice called “predator satiation.” Periodical cicadas are here for a good time, not a long time.

Our “annual” or dog day cicadas will turn up in late summer like they usually do to serenade us every year. Dog day cicadas are green, while periodical cicadas are dark brown to black with characteristic red eyes.

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Where to Expect Cicada Emergence

“We have the potential to experience three different types of cicadas in 2024,” commented Adams. “There’s Brood 13, the 17 years, which we’re going to see up here in the northern part of the state. They’ll emerge in southern Wisconsin to Eastern Iowa to maybe Springfield. For Brood 19, the 13 years, it’s actually a pretty large distribution. We’re thinking Springfield down to Missouri, parts of Louisiana and then all the way over to almost the Gulf Coast and up to North Carolina. And then you’ll have our typical dog day cicadas in the late summer.” The two broods have the potential to overlap in Springfield, and scientists are curious to see if they will interbreed. It’s a unique opportunity to study the genetics of

these two different types simultaneously.

As you and your clients plan for cicada emergence, perhaps the first thing to consider is a tree inventory of the property focusing on the age of the plants. Did the property have deciduous trees 17 or 13 years ago? Did the site experience cicada emergence in the past? Have large trees been removed in the past 13 or 17 years?

Research indicates that when the woody plants cicada nymphs feed on have been removed, the insects will die. Many subdivisions have been cleared of trees or were developed on former farm fields, which didn’t have cicada populations to begin with. If you have clients in older suburbs with large, mature trees, they will likely experience cicada emergence. The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, and the forest preserves will have active cicada populations for those who would like to experience this extraordinary insect, if they don’t have them at home.

Tree Care Before and During Emergence

The important thing to remember is that cicadas damage deciduous trees by egg-laying, a mechanical injury. They don’t eat leaves or munch bark or devour herbaceous plants. There are a few strategies to consider for both young and mature trees to ensure they recover from twig damage.

If you’re installing landscapes this spring, you might consider staging tree planting for when cicada activity has passed.

If this is not practical, Mike Cook Production Manager at Cedar Path Nursery, suggests that trees from any reputable nursery in Illinois can be successfully planted throughout the growing season. Obviously, normal post-planting care remains vital to plant health.

The most important step is to implement a physical barrier to egg-laying. “Here at the Arboretum, we will be covering valuable small trees with tulle. It’s light enough to allow sun to penetrate and dense enough to keep the cicadas out,” said Adams. You can move the tulle in late June, once periodical cicadas have died off.

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Special Feature — Cicadas Are Coming

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For mature trees and ones too large to effectively wrap, “make sure your trees are as healthy as possible,” recommended Adams. “Then they’re able to rebound and recover from cicada egg-laying mechanical damage more efficiently.

Make sure they have adequate water. If they have any other disease or insect pest problems that might be stressing them, manage those. Get them in as healthy condition as possible, so when trees are mechanically affected by cicadas, not only are they vigorous enough that they can compartmentalize that mechanical damage, they have the potential to put on new growth or put nutrients into reserves for following years. There aren’t any pesticides that you could use in order to manage cicadas either preventatively or curatively.”

After Care for Affected Trees

Because cicadas are large insects with razor sharp ovipositors, their egg-laying will often girdle twigs, cutting so deep as to permanently injure the branch. “Cicadas lay eggs on the underside of the twig,” observed Adams. “A lot of times it gets confused with hail damage. When hail hits a branch, all the energy has to go somewhere, and so it blows out the bottom.”

You will see young twigs wilting or flagging from cicada egg-laying. It’s going to be tempting to prune those young branches, but Adams stresses waiting. “Even if you see twig injury, wait to prune until the leaves turn brown and die before pruning. Because as long as those leaves are green, and those branches are alive, they’re functioning for that tree. The tree will shed them naturally. You don’t want to take any food sources or energy resources away from the tree unnecessarily as it’s already stressed.”

“Recommended pruning standards say never remove more than 20% of the canopy in a year,” reported Adams. “Because pruning over 20% triggers trees’ survival responses, so you can get witches brooming and suckering, etc. Even with cicada damage, if it’s less than that 20% in a year, trees are not going to have that stress response.” If you’re caring for trees postcicada damage, it’s an opportunity to evaluate the plant for overall shape and structure. “You may have to retrain some smaller trees. You might have to restructure or prune things that might be misshapen after the cicadas. If you have a little Japanese maple that got hammered and it’s kind of a goofy shape now, it’s an opportunity to offer professional services to correct it.”

As you communicate with clients this year about periodical cicadas, remember that these insects have co-evolved with our native trees for centuries. Trees have proven surprisingly resilient to the 17- and 13-year cicada emergences. However, with climate change, weather patterns are challenging. Make sure to keep affected trees watered and mulched in 2024 so they can experience the next time these fascinating insects emerge.

Winter Events 2024 — Career Path Onward

By Nina A. Koziol

The video arcade at Dave & Busters in Rosemont was buzzing in February when nearly 120 attendees arrived for the ILCA’s Young Professionals (YP) winter event. But they quickly made a beeline for the meeting room to hear a special panel presentation from three of their peers, “Started from the Bottom, Now We’re Here.”

The panel, moderated by Jillyan MacMorris of Night Light, included Nikki Melin, Midwest Groundcovers, Riley Skaggs, Yellowstone Landscape, and Nick Surges of Night Light. The four discussed working their way up and the challenges and opportunities in their green industry careers. It was followed by roundtable discussions, networking, and plenty of refreshments.

“It was an amazing panel, great roundtable topics, and some incredible networking,” said landscape designer Elaina Blankenhagen, of Plandscape in Elburn. Blankenhagen led one of the roundtable discussions, ‘Combating Imposter Syndrome’. “It was fueled with terrific conversation. I was so excited our Young Professionals committee organized such a special and educational event.”

Starting Out

Panelists’ careers were a diversion from their younger aspirations. “I wanted to play quarterback for the Chicago Bears,” Surges told the group. “I wanted to be a Broadway music star,” Melin said. And for Skaggs, “I wanted to be a country music singer, but then I realized I couldn’t sing.” All three worked their way up into management positions, becoming vice presidents at their respective companies.

After serving as an intern at Chicago’s Lurie Garden in 2007, Melin joined Midwest Groundcovers just in time for the economic landslide in 2008. “I made a lot of lateral moves and it can be super frustrating,” she said, “but, my mindset was, ‘I’m going to be a sponge and learn as much as I can’.”

Surges started his career digging trenches for Night Light in 2001 and became a lighting service supervisor in 2009. He put himself through college and from 2010 to 2014 he worked as an improvement manager for a product personalization

company. But he returned to Night Light in 2014 and was promoted to general manager two years later. “I had to make money. I was 29 and it was a wake up call. I’d been high on my horse and I learned a whole lot from failure for sure. It’s the ultimate teacher.”

Skaggs joined the Acres Group in 2008 after graduating with a degree in Agricultural Science (with an emphasis on horticulture) and he became vice president of sales and marketing before the company was acquired in 2020 by Yellowstone Landscape. “After 16 years with the business, there are clients that become like family and there’s the opportunity for growth.”

Combating Self Doubt

Despite his position as co-owner of the company, Surges said, “Every day I feel like I have imposter’s syndrome. If you feel like you have it all together, you’re wrong. Somebody is doing it better.” Imposter Syndrome is basically a pervasive (continued on page 26)

Trajectory: and Upward

Riley Skaggs

Nikki Melin

The Young Professionals Committee

Nick Surges

Jillyan MacMorris

The Young Professionals Panel moderated by Jillyan MacMorris

Winter Events 2024 —

(continued from page 24)

feeling of self-doubt about one’s abilities and accomplishments—even when the individual has demonstrated competence in the past. It’s not an unusual feeling for many people no matter what their career path.

There is something about that fear—that you don’t know enough or you’re not good enough—that is paralyzing, MacMorris said. “It’s ok to say, ‘I don’t know’ and to find answers.” Skaggs agreed. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but learn from it. That’s how you grow.”

Before her recent promotion, Melin said, “I spent two months questioning everything, thinking through different scenarios. It made me realize that this is what I want and I have to stay focused.”

Sideways and Up

Skaggs ended up being a boss to the person who hired him 16 years ago. “He’s 20 years older and you go from mentee to mentor.” When his company was acquired by Yellowstone it opened up other opportunities. “We had a great owner [at

Acres] who started it out of his garage and turned it into a multi-million dollar company,” Skaggs said. And, while transitioning from one company to another owner can be challenging, Skaggs recommends being positive and keeping an open mind. “Don’t be the water-cooler person who is pooh-poohing everything. Hard work pays off and in this industry you don’t have to have a degree in urban trees or horticulture.” Be an advocate for positive company culture.

This was the first time attending a YP event for Arely Corona, purchasing assistant for Rosborough Partners. “My boss Kim is so supportive and recommended that I attend. I really enjoyed the discussion, and they talked about women in the industry. Nikki is a great person to talk with.”

Pet Peeves

A common theme—don’t be afraid to make mistakes. “Learn from them—that’s how you grow,” Skaggs said. But don’t expect an instant fix from the boss. “If you’re going to your boss with a problem, work on a possible solution before that—you’ll learn something and gain respect from your manager.”

Aim for feedback from your mentors, bosses and coworkers.

“My ears got bigger and my mouth got smaller as soon as I started seeking feedback,” Melin said. “Ask tons of questions.”

Jack Thalmann, vice president at Chalet in Wilmette, attended his first YP meet-up at this year’s iLandscape. He was an executive recruiter for five years before joining his family’s company.

“I met a lot of people at iLandscape and at the meet-up. These events are a great opportunity. And, the insight about imposter syndrome was interesting.”

“This event was sold out,” said Marissa Stubler, ILCA’s membership and marketing manager. “The Young Professionals events are really popular and the panel discussion went really well.”

It was the third Young Professionals event for Bryan Smith of Rental Max, who joined the YP committee last year. “I really wanted to join—everyone has very entrepreneurial aspects and it’s a very active committee. I’m taking advantage of it.”

(continued on page 28)

(continued from page 27)

Key Points from the Panelists

• Have a plan and career goals

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses

• Follow through on projects

• Be a social butterfly—network

• Don’t get too comfortable

• Bring things to the table in a respectful way

• Have confidence in your work

• Show loyalty to your company

We make our own deliveries.

We have 40,000 trees & shrubs in the ground.

Trimming boxwoods by hand.

Pruning trees by hand.

THE TEAM TRUSTED BY LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

Securing transportation and scheduling deliveries is just one example of the solutions we provide so you can focus on your business.

The Barn Group Wins 2024 Judges’

An exquisite front yard tableau featuring a pondless water feature seamlessly integrated into a meticulously crafted masonry wall. The wall gracefully envelops the expansive front walkway, enhancing the landscape design’s aesthetic and functionality.

Judges’ Award— An Elegant Oasis

by Heather Prince

In a quiet corner of leafy Elmhurst, Illinois, a couple decided to create the ultimate elegant family gathering home. They tapped longtime collaborators, The Barn Landscape & Architecture, to create a beautiful oasis that reflected their love of entertaining family and friends. From the moment you pull up to the new home, it’s obvi ous it’s something special.

“It’s a client that we’ve worked with for two generations over 30 years,” said Tom Kusmerz, President. “We’ve worked on their original house in Inverness, and then we also did their four-story brownstone in Chicago. Finally, when they were building this, they contacted us for this third house.” With a partnership this deep, there was an easy trust that the team at The Barn would craft a beautiful, functional space and one that reflected the client’s style. It is particularly rewarding that the project was honored with the Judges’ Award at this year’s iLandscape show.

Crafting Outdoor Living

and many grandchildren. Because the clients also travel a great deal, the landscaping had to be low maintenance and able to be cared for with minimal fuss in winter. The front yard plantings needed to ground and connect the home to the property, but the backyard was where the families live outdoors in the summer. An in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace with outdoor television, plenty of patio space for dining and games, plus a putting green make the rear yard the family’s favorite gathering spot.

“This was particularly challenging because it was not a very big lot at all and we had to really think about how to fit in everything they wanted,” reported Kusmerz.

This new construction contemporary home is on a cozy suburban lot chosen because it is close to the client’s two children

“And despite only having two people living there they have two kids with multiple grandkids, and both live within walking distance. That’s why they wanted a nice big entertaining space with a pool in the backyard. They also travel a lot, so we tried to keep it very low maintenance. There’s no bark mulch and there’s no grass, except for a little strip in the parkway.” The clients gave Kusmerz and the team an open-ended budget as they wanted high-end finishes and features. “He has always told me, ‘Tom do what you would do if it was your house’ and so the budget was not a concern.”

(continued on page 34)

Focus — Excellence in Landscape Judges’ Award

A front yard snapshot highlights the artful masonry wall, skillfully distinguishing private and public spaces. This wall seamlessly integrates with lush planting beds adorned with vibrant annuals and shrubs.

Focus — Excellence in Landscape Judges’ Award

(continued from page 31)

Building for Plants

Because it was a new build, Kusmerz and the team were able to start from a clean slate. Post-construction, the landscape crews installed 18 to 24 inches of custom blended topsoil that includes compost, pine fines, and sand. “It creates incredible growing conditions,” commented Kusmerz. Any open soil areas are covered in weed barrier cloth with a layer of crushed blue granite rock to provide an elegant, finished look that is very effective at keeping weeds at bay.

Because the lot is narrow, columnar trees were chosen to add privacy in tight spaces. “There’s a lot of windows including their master bedrooms that are facing a neighbor’s house,” commented Kusmerz. “We used Green Giant arborvitaes and we keep them sheared very tightly. They’re up to about 18 feet tall already. I like them for this situation because they handle more shade and still stay thick and green.” Columnar tulip trees screen the driveway and garage from neighbors. Slender Silhouette sweetgums provide a striking screen for the HVAC units and acts as a living fence. “We light every single branch of those for Christmastime. It’s stunning!” In the front yard, a trio of tricolor beech provide unique textural interest with their pink and purple leaves.

Handsome Hardscape

One of Kusmerz’s favorite aspects of the project is the hardscape. “We used Valders Dove White limestone on the pool deck and patio with bluestone accents. It’s such a dense product that it doesn’t need to be sealed and it’s not going to stain. Plus, it has a really nice soft feel on the feet. All those pieces are custom cut and placed in a broad herringbone pattern. I literally sat down one night in my driveway with the kids’ chalk and played with patterns until I found what I thought was the best. We ended up going with an 18 inch by 5-foot block.”

The front courtyard is randomly patterned bluestone enclosed by low seat walls with a custom-designed pondless waterfall complete with three scuppers coming from the masonry wall. Steppingstone paths lead through the front planting bed around to the rear yard. A radiant heating system makes snow removal a breeze. “The whole front walkway, the front porch, all of the concrete in the driveway is heated,” said Kusmerz. “That enabled us to have hydrangea hedges right up to the hardscape giving it a very polished look with low-maintenance, long-blooming plants.”

(continued on page 36)

A striking overhead view captures the meticulous design of the fireplace and pergola, skillfully blending aesthetics with functionality. The thoughtfully crafted fireplace serves as both a visual masterpiece and a privacy feature, while the dual gates ensure seamless traffic flow and access to the backyard from any point on the property.

Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .

Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

Growers & Distributors of Quality Nursery Stock

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock . Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

Growers & Distributors of Quality Nursery Stock

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .

Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock . Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop -shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project. Lockport, Illinois

Barrington, Illinois

Focus — Excellence in Landscape Judges’ Award

(continued from page 34)

Challenges and Opportunities

Besides the challenge of fitting a lot into a small space, Kusmerz shared some of the other tricky phases of the project. “Elmhurst has strict stormwater requirements. Underneath the putting green is a dry well and there is another under the front planting bed. All of the gutters direct into that drainage system and once those dry wells fill, then any overflow goes into the storm sewers.”

In the early stages of planning, the pool company planned to place the pool in the middle of the backyard. “Originally, there was about 8 feet in between the pool and the house and 8 feet in between the pool and the pool house. There was no usable patio space,” commented Kusmerz. “So that’s when we shifted the pool to fit long ways and pushed it all the way back to the building line on the west side. It created a very significant space for the entertaining area.”

The shade pergola over the fireplace is constructed of steel I-beams and clad in cedar to add a touch of weathered wood. However, the client originally wanted the space as a sun deck, at least until they experienced how hot the area actually got the first summer. “We had to cut and lift the Valders stone, remove the base layers, and dig 48-inch concrete piers,” remembered Kusmerz. “It was not fun to pull it all out, sink the I-beams, and reconstruct the stone so it seems flawless.”

The site is on zoned drip irrigation, so the trees and shrubs are thriving. Except the beech trees started to demonstrate

stress. “It took some doing to figure out what was happening,” commented Kusmerz. “It turns out there was a faulty control valve for that irrigation zone, so the trees didn’t receive any water. We’d created such perfect drainage with perfect soil that if the irrigation wasn’t working, the trees wouldn’t get enough water to establish. But you don’t see drip irrigation in action like you do with pop up heads. Now that it’s fixed, the beeches are bouncing back. I’ve held off shaping them to be more columnar until we know they’re settled in.”

The Result

The long hydrangea hedges frame the contemporary home and give a clean, floriferous appeal. Clipped hornbeam hedges shield the pool from the neighbors. A specimen fernleaf full moon maple (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’) graces the corner of the pool house for four-season interest and has uplighting at night to enhance its sculptural architecture. Seasonal annuals are planted for high-impact color, including 26 containers that are on a four-season rotation.

The clients are delighted. “They absolutely love it,” reported Kusmerz. “And almost every time that we have a crew there, you’ll be in the backyard and they’ll have the back doors open with little kids running in and out. They’ve really created a place that their family wants to be all summer long.” When asked how Kusmerz feels about the project, he replied, “It is very satisfying when you know you’ve exceeded their expectations and they really value what you’ve provided for them.”

A close-up of the fireplace reveals masterful craftsmanship in masonry and carpentry, highlighting the dedication to detail. The design philosophy here extends the usability of this feature by making it a timeless, all-season centerpiece.

Spring Events 2024 —

Spring Training for Landscape

ILCA and Stoneleaf Nursery Partner on Third

by Debbie Bartsch

2024 marked the third year for Spring Training, a unique event held in Eureka, IL. Stoneleaf Nursery was once again the event host. John Cottrell and his family could not have been more gracious in offering their facility to host this annual event. Stoneleaf itself is a beautiful setting, nestled in the Illinois countryside that makes one feel closer to nature in a spiritual way.

The Stoneleaf facility is a versatile location providing space to accommodate a good-sized crowd and plently of parking. Inside the Stoneleaf greenhouse, there were 11 sponsors covering educational sessions, breakfast, lunch, and golf cart parking shuttles. Outside the greenhouse was the large equipment area, packed with exhibitors. It was sort of a mini version of what one would expect at iLandscape, and it was great to see attendees interacting with exhibitors throughout the day and during lunch.

Spring Training for Landscape Professionals has two educational session tracks, one for Owners & Senior Managers and one for Crew Members, with one session combined for all. This event sold out again this year with 375 attendees! Approximately 30% of attendees were owners and senior managers with 70% being field staff.

Owners & Managers session topics were:

• Leveraging Technology to Create Profit

• What’s Growing In 2024

• Landscape Business Owners Panel

• The Cost of Safety in 2024

• Strategies to Manage Your Online Reviews

• What’s On The Hardscape Horizon?

Crew Member session topics were:

• Small Engine Maintenance & Repair

• Hardscape Restoration & Maintenance

• Three Mini Plant Sessions

• Early Intervention: The Importance of Structural Pruning

• Safe Practices at Work: Preventing Hazards on the Jobsite. (continued on page 40)

Dawn on the Illinois prairie

Professionals

Successful Statewide Event

Spring Events 2024 —

(continued from page 38)

The final session for all attendees: How to Handle Difficult Conversations

This included:

• Owners

• Senior Managers

• Crew Members

It was followed by the raffle drawings. Exhibitors came to the stage to hand out prizes, instead of raffle prize administration by ILCA staff. Not only was this better branding for the exhibitors, it was more personable and amusing. Trinity Stone hosted a reception immediately after the event in Goodfield Illinois, adjacent to Eureka.

Though our committee is geographically diverse, we come together in Eureka to host this annual event.

ILCA Spring Training Committee Members:

Samuel Cottrell

Stoneleaf Nursery Committee Chair

Lauren Howell

Stuber Land Design Committee Associate Chair

Adam Bellas

Bellas Landscaping

ILCA Board Liaison

Debbie Bartsch

Chalet Landscape & Nursery

Corinne Brown

Illinois Central College

Terence Holum

Sebert Landscaping

Keith Klusmeyer

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Ryan Palm

Designer Concepts Landscape Architecture

Todd Reinhart

Reinhart Grounds Maintenance

WE’RE FOR EVERY TREE. WE’RE FOR EVERY TREE.

EXPERT TREE CARE FOR 115 YEARS — AND GROWING.

For 115 years, our family-owned company has brought a rare mix of groundbreaking science, award-winning safety practices, and global resources to every tree and shrub care task at hand. And at the heart of our success are our people — experts who know and champion every tree, no matter the species. Discover how our passion is inspiring one beautiful property after another.

Call 877-227-8358 or visit bartlett.com PRUNING

Son la comidilla de la ciudad — Y sus clientes desean saber qué hacer

by Heather Prince

Este año en Illinois anticipamos la más grande emergencia de cigarras periódicas en los últimos 221 años con cigarras de 13 años emergiendo en los condados sur y cigarras de 17 años apareciendo en los condados norte. En este histórico evento relacionado con insectos, la mayoría de ustedes encontrará algunos, sino ambos tipos de este insecto extraordinario. Hablamos con la doctora Stephanie Adams, líder de atención de la salud de las plantas en el Arboreto Morton, sobre qué esperar, cómo prepararnos y qué hacer una vez que lleguen las cigarras.

Un ciclo de vida excepcional Primero, repasemos cómo operan las cigarras periódicas (Magicigarra spp). En los últimos años, las ninfas de las tres especies de 17 años y dos especies de 13 años han estado chupando jugos de plantas de principalmente tres raíces bajo tierra. Como dicta su reloj interno, comienzan a excavar hacia arriba, emergiendo del suelo cuando las temperaturas de la tierra a una profundidad de 8 pulgadas son de 64°F consistentemente. Para nosotros en Illinois, eso tiende a ser de mediados a finales de mayo, dependiendo de dónde se encuentre en el estado. Una vez que las ninfas atraviesan el suelo al amanecer, se suben a un tallo oportuno y mudan a la etapa adulta. Persisten de 4 a 6 días como adultos “tenerales”

mientras sus exoesqueletos se endurecen. Como adultos completes, mantienen las partes de sus bocas que perforan y succionan. Investigaciones han demostrado que se alimentan de una variedad de tejidos de plantas leñosas, aunque no parece que las cigarras periódicas afecten significativamente la salud de las plantas de las que se alimentan.

Una vez que las cigarras han alcanzado su etapa adulta completa, los machos comienzan a emitir llamadas específicas a la especie para atraer a las hembras. Una vez que los insectos se han apareado, las hembras utilizan sus largos ovopositores para excavar una serie de nidos de huevos en forma de Y en ramitas de hojas caducas de dos a tres años de edad y ponen hasta 20 huevos en cada nido. Cada hembra puede poner hasta 600 huevos. Los huevos eclosionarán de 6 a 8 semanas después y el primer estadio o etapa de las ninfas caerá al suelo para escarbar y adherirse a las raíces, emergiendo de nuevo en períodos de 13 a 17 años para repetir el proceso.

Una vez que finalizada la puesta de huevos, concluye el trabajo de la cigarra hembra y muere si no es devorada por la fauna silvestre oportunista. Las cigarras adultas permanecen activas cantando, criando y poniendo huevos por períodos de 4 a 6 semanas mientras emergen en oleadas de miles y miles de insectos, una práctica llamada “saciación del depredador”.

Las cigarras periódicas permanecen aquí por un tiempo, no muy largo.

Nuestras cigarras “anuales” o caniculares aparecerán a finales del verano como suelen hacerlo para darnos serenatas cada año. Las cigarras caniculares son verdes, mientras que las cigarras periódicas son de color marrón oscuro a negro con ojos rojos característicos.

Dónde esperar la emergencia de las cigarras

“Tenemos el potencial de experimentar tres tipos de cigarras en 2024”, comentó Adams. “Está la cría 13, de 17 años, que veremos aquí en la parte norte del estado. Emergerá desde la región sur de Wisconsin hasta la región este de Iowa y quizá, Springfield. Para la cría 19, de 13 años, es realmente una distribución muy grande. Estamos pensando desde Springfield hasta Missouri, partes de Luisiana y luego hasta casi la costa del golfo y Carolina del Norte. Y luego tendremos nuestras típicas cigarras caniculares a finales del verano. Las dos crías tienen el potencial de coincidir en Springfield y los científicos sienten curiosidad por ver si se cruzarán. Es una oportunidad extraordinaria de estudiar la genética de estos dos tipos diferentes simultáneamente.

Mientras usted y sus clientes se preparan para la emergencia de las cigarras, quizá la primera cosa que se debe tener en cuenta es hacer un inventario de árboles de la propiedad concentrándose en la edad de las plantas. ¿Tenía la propiedad árboles de hoja caduca hace 17 o 13 años? ¿Experimentó el sitio emergencia de cigarras en el pasado? ¿Se han eliminado árboles grandes en los últimos 13 o 17 años?

Investigaciones indican que cuando se han eliminado las plantas leñosas de las que se alimentan las ninfas de cigarras, los insectos mueren. Se han talado árboles en muchas subdivisiones o éstas fueron desarrollada en campos de cultivo que carecían de poblaciones de cigarras. Si tiene clientes en suburbios más antiguos con árboles grandes maduros, probablemente experimentarán emergencia de cigarras. El Arboreto Morton, el Jardín Botánico de Chicago y las reservas forestales tendrán poblaciones de cigarras activas para quienes deseen experimentar a este extraordinario insecto, si no lo tienen ya en casa.

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Cuidado de árboles antes y durante una emergencia

Algo importante que hay que recordar es que las cigarras dañan árboles de hojas caducas poniendo huevos, una lesión mecánica. No comen hojas ni mastican corteza ni devoran plantas herbáceas. Hay algunas estrategias que se deben considerar para árboles jóvenes y maduros, con el propósito de asegurar que se recuperen del daño a las ramitas.

Si está instalando jardines esta primavera, piense en plantar árboles cuando haya pasado la actividad de las cigarras. Esto significa plantar árboles en el verano y a comienzos del otoño. “Si podemos posponer la plantación en la primavera para el otoño, eso esquivaría el problema”, dijo Adams. Si eso no fuera posible, el siguiente paso importante es implementar una barrera física a la puesta de huevos. “Aquí en el Arboreto cubriremos árboles pequeños valiosos con tul. Es lo suficientemente liviano para dejar que el sol penetre y lo suficientemente denso para alejar a las cigarras”. Quite el tul a finales de junio, una vez que se hayan muerto las cigarras periódicas.

como para lesionar las ramas permanentemente. “Las cigarras ponen huevos en la parte inferior de las ramitas”, observa Adams. “Muchas veces esto se confunde con daño causado por granizo. Cuando el granizo impacta una rama, toda la energía debe ir a algún lugar, por lo que revienta el fondo”.

Con respecto a los árboles maduros y los que sean demasiado grandes para envolver eficazmente, “asegúrese de que sus árboles estén tan saludables como sea posible”, recomendó Adams. “Así podrán restablecerse y recuperarse más eficazmente del daño mecánico de la puesta de huevos de las cigarras. Asegúrese de que tengan suficiente cantidad de agua. Si tuviesen alguna otra enfermedad o problema de plaga de insectos que pudieran estresarlos, atiéndalos. Póngalos en una condición lo más saludable posible, de manera que cuando las cigarras afecten mecánicamente los árboles, éstos no solo estén tan vigorosos que puedan compartimentar ese daño mecánico, sino también, tengan el potencial de generar nuevo crecimiento o poner nutrientes en reservas para para los años siguientes. No hay pesticidas que pueda usar para controlar las cigarras de forma preventiva o curativa”.

Cuido de árboles afectados

Debido a que las cigarras son insectos grandes con ovopositores filosos como navaja, su puesta de huevos con frecuencia descorteza ramitas, cortando tan profundamente

Usted verá ramitas jóvenes marchitarse o flaquear por la puesta de huevos de las cigarras. Será tentador podar las ramas jóvenes, pero Adams enfatiza esperar. “Aunque vea ramitas lesionadas, espere podar hasta que las ramas adquieran un tono marrón y mueran antes de podar. Porque mientras esas hojas se mantengan verdes y las ramas vivas, funcionan para el árbol. El árbol se desprenderá de ellas de forma natural. No es conveniente quitar innecesariamente a los árboles ya estresados sus fuentes de alimentación o recursos energéticos”.

“Los estándares de poda recomendados indican nunca remover más del 20% de la copa de los árboles en un año”, reportó Adams. “Debido a que podar más del 20% activa las respuestas de supervivencia de los árboles, podría obtener escobas de bruja, chupones, etc. Aún con daño de cigarra, si es menos del 20% en un año, los árboles no tendrán esa respuesta al estrés”. Cuidar árboles después de daño de cigarra, es una oportunidad para evaluar la forma y estructura global de la planta. “Podría tener que reentrenar algunos árboles más pequeños. Podría tener que reestructurar o podar cosas que puedan estar deformadas después de las cigarras. Si tiene un pequeño arce japonés que fue dañado y tiene un aspecto extraño, es una oportunidad de ofrecer servicio profesional para corregirlo”.

Cuando se comunique este año con clientes sobre cigarras periódicas, recuerde que estos insectos han co-evolucionado con nuestros árboles nativos durante siglos. Los árboles han demostrado sorpresivamente ser resistentes a las emergencias de cigarras de 17 y 13 años. No obstante, con el cambio climático, los patrones climáticos son un desafío. Asegúrese de mantener los árboles afectados regados y cubiertos con mantilla en 2024 para que puedan experimentar, la próxima vez que emerjan, a estos insectos fascinantes.

READY FOR SPRING

ICAW 2024

The Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition (IFSCC) is proudly joining people around the world to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) from May 5 – 11. We have a week full of fun and informative events and programs. Our lineup will feature the important role compost & composting plays, the myriad of benefits it offers, including a focus on this year’s theme: COMPOST…Nature’s Climate Champion! Find out how you can participate by scanning the code below or visiting https://illinoiscomposts.org/icaw-2024/

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Landscape Waste... Not sure if an item should be processed as yard waste or landfill?

Remember, “If It Grows, it Goes!” If it will break your machine, is plastic, or has a barcode, it’s not landscape waste and should be thrown out.

Good in and good out! If it was growing, is currently growing, or came out of the earth, then it can be processed as landscape waste! Leaves, grass, plants and wood brush are all items that can be composted and turned into a beneficial soil amendment!

The Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition (IFSCC) is a thriving non-profit organization advancing diversion and composting of all organics in Illinois through advocacy, program implementation, market and business development, policy, and outreach.

“If It Grows, It Goes”

here for more information on this important PSA!

here to learn more about ICAW and how to participate in local events!

Plants Underutilized by Landscape Professionals

By Shannon McEnerney

We’ve all been there. You see a new plant that looks great. From the description, it will do everything you could ask a plant to do. Then you buy one, plant it, lovingly care for it—and it’s a total dud. It’s no wonder we often see landscapes with the same old, same old— Hemerocallis Stella D’Oro, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster,’ Rosa Knock Out®. We use them because we know they work. But what if there was an in-between? Plants that have proven they perform but could stand to be used a bit more often. At Midwest Groundcovers, we have the good fortune to have a range of display gardens, which help us hone in on plants that fit this bill.

First up we have a plant that doubles as a groundcover and a shrub. Cotoneaster Nordic Carpet® has similar foliage to Cranberry Cotoneaster, but in a much shorter habit, about 3-6” tall. White flowers cover the plant in May, and it’s evergreen foliage is a lovely burgundy in fall. Plants can benefit from a bit of winter protection, but established plants will bounce back quickly from any defoliation that may occur.

Carex is a genus that can be overwhelming, due to the sheer number of species. One of the top performers in our Carex Classroom is Carex shortiana, or Short’s Sedge. It’s name is a misnomer, because it’s not all that short—18-24” tall. It prefers soils that are moist/well drained to moist, but can tolerate anywhere from sun to shade. It’s adaptability and interesting dark brown spikelet’s in early summer warrant greater use in landscape applications.

Hosta is another plant that can be a two-fer; while typically listed as a perennial, some of the mini varieties make for great shade groundcovers. Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ has been popular for a while, but it has some friends that offer a wider color range— ‘Mighty Mouse’—similar to ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, but with a gold margin, ‘School Mouse’—also variegated, but a brighter, more defined yellow margin and a twistier leaf, and ‘Sun Mouse’—a bright chartreuse. All varieties are about 6-8” tall and 12” wide, and display short stalks of lavender flowers.

On the topic of natives, Callirhoe involucrata or Purple Poppy Mallow is a tough native plant that has many characteristics we look for in cultivated plants. One plant can form a mat up to 3’ wide, showcasing a flush of magenta flowers in early summer, then sporadically through the rest of the season. This species prefers well-drained, even rocky soil, and will do just fine in drought conditions.

There’s no shortage of Helleborus (Lenten Rose) on the market these days, but we have been impressed with the landscape performance of the Frostkiss® series—Dorothy’s Dawn®, Molly’s White and Pippa’s Purple® to name a few. Flowers are later to bloom and stand up above the foliage, so you don’t have to search under the leaves like with some varieties. The foliage also has a bit of a marbled effect, adding interest even after flowering.

(continued on page 48)

Plant Talk —

(continued from page 46)

While Symphyotrichum (Aster) are common in the fall landscape, some new-ish introductions from the Chicagoland Grows® program— ‘Billowing Pink’, ‘Billowing Violet’ and ‘Cotton Candy’—deserve your consideration. Aster are often a victim of “bare legs” (defoliation from rust and powdery mildew) by the time they actually flower. A hybrid of Aromatic Aster, their sticky foliage fends off disease, and mounding plants are covered in flowers all the way to the ground. Bred to be more compact, they also won’t split open by the time they flower, like some of the older vari-

eties are known to do.

Admittedly, Potentilla (Cinquefoil) is not a species I often get excited about. But the performance of Potentilla Crème Brulee™ from the First Editions® program had me changing my mind. This plant was about as consistent a bloomer as they come, showcasing creamy white flowers all summer long. And it never faltered in last summer’s extremely dry weather—just kept on flowering. Plants have a taller, upright rounded form—a quick prune of a few branches in spring is all you need to maintain a nice habit.

(continued on page 50)

(continued from page 48)

Another great performer in our shrub display garden was Symphoricarpos Proud Berry®. At times Symphoricarpos (Coralberry) can get scraggly looking, but this variety from Proven Winners® maintains a nice, rounded shape. The highlight is the purply-pink fruits in late summer and fall—a somewhat unexpected color that time of year, and even in a spot that was partially shaded, it was loaded with fruit!

There you have it—8 plants that are not in every landscape you pass by. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas to begin incorporating into your landscapes—stop by our St. Charles gardens to see them live and in-person!

Member Profile Snapshot

Milhouse Services

333 S. Wabash Avenue, Ste. 2901

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 987-0061

www.milhouseinc.com

by Meta L. Levin

It all began in a southwest side Chicago basement where Wilbur C. Milhouse III started his own engineering firm. Within a few years, he left the basement behind and, has grown his company into Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc., an international family of companies, of which ILCA member Milhouse Services is a subsidiary.

Milhouse Services does snow and ice control, as well as landscape maintenance.

Wilbur Milhouse was a civil engineer with a degree from the University of Illinois and experience working for several engineering firms when he decided to branch out on his own. He started with small projects, delivering pizza on the side to support his family. In 2004 Milhouse won a contract at O’Hare Airport’s Terminal C10 Center.

A year later, he started Milhouse Construction, Inc. and, in 2007, moved out of the basement.

In a perfect example of you never know where something will lead, Milhouse was building a Walmart in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood in 2011, but snowfall was interfering

with the work. Milhouse bought a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, attached a plow, and took care of the problem. “He saw an opportunity to expand,” says Malki Brown, vice president of Milhouse Services.

US Bank had financed the construction project, so, wanting to make good use of his investment, the project manager asked if there were any bank locations that needed plowing. There were. From there, they started to pick up clients and established Milhouse Snow, which in 2022 became Milhouse Services.

It wasn’t long before the company realized that snow and ice management and landscape maintenance were connected, with many landscape contractors offering their clients 12-month contracts. So, landscape maintenance was added to the offerings.

Officially founded in 2016 as a subsidiary of Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Milhouse Services now offers lawn care, landscape construction, clean ups and porter services. Snow and ice management encompasses hand labor for clearing walkways, stairs and difficult to reach areas.

In 2022 the company recruited Lucas Kastning, a veteran of Christy Webber Landscapes, to run the new division. Now

Milhouse Service’s director of operations, Kastning encouraged the company to join ILCA.

This is Milhouse Services’ third year in the landscape industry. “We wanted to plant our feet in the business,” says Brown. “Initially we did not understand that it is such an intricate profession.”

Brown has taken advantage of opportunities to talk with other contractors, asking about managing the business and learning the value of seasonal contracts, as well as how to strike a balance between snow and ice management and landscape maintenance. “We are learning the players, meeting the leaders and starting to see that the industry is much broader than we thought,” he says. He is a strong believer in the value of partnering and collaboration.

The original Silverado with its plow on the front has grown into a fleet of 54 vehicles, most of which can be equipped with plows and salt spreaders to support both sides of the Milhouse Services business.

Along the way, Milhouse has added a diverse group of leaders and partners to the organization. He met Joe Zurad when the latter was working for the City of Chicago’s Metropolitan Water District. Impressed with the young man, Zurad told him, “I have a feeling I’m going to be working for you one day.” Now he serves as Milhouse’s chief quality officer.

Dolla Dawson is the chief operating officer of business opera tions for Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Inc. and its sub sidiaries. Formerly product operations manager for Motorola Inc., she joined Milhouse in 2007 as marketing director.

Brown is proud to work for a company with Milhouse’s reputation for sticking to its core values: active diversity, fierce integrity, constant quality and intentional safety. “We don’t hire anyone unless they agree to these core values,” he says.

Brown has been with the Milhouse family of companies for 11 years. “From the day I started, Milhouse had implemented a strategy of diversity,” he says. Brown compares it to a pot of gumbo, which is better with many different ingredients. “We need to make sure there are different ideas.” Milhouse is MBE certified.

Milhouse’s clients know that the company practices its core values, says Brown.

ILCA Loses Two Members

Jim Bilinski

Long-time ILCA member and allaround “good guy” Jim Bilinski died surrounded by his sons, Jacob, Matthew and Michael, on February 10, 2024. Well known for his insurance work in the green industry. Jim was a friend to everyone.

Scott McAdam, Jr. said “Jim was an absolute gentleman.” Jim Matusik seconded that saying, “Jim was always so kind and took the time to make sure he had a few minutes to just talk about anything and everything. He will surely be missed.”

For Jim, his personal life was just that. His closest friend shared, “Jim was a Christian man. An Elder in his church, the Fox Valley Christian Church in Geneva. Beyond church, Jim was deeply

involved in a non-profit charity, All About Kids. Through this group he helped fund families with sick children unable to afford care.

Jim was a long-time Member of the ILCA Golf Committee and former Chair.

In a final tribute, Scott Grams wrote, “I loved Jim’s keen mind and great, dry sense of humor. He will be missed by my entire staff, his friends on the Golf Committee, his insurance clients, and many members of the organization.

In the end, Debbie McGuire said, “Jim was the only man in this world who understood me, forgave me, and still liked me!”

Jim, you were a good man and you are already missed.

James F. Halloran, Founder Halloran & Yauch, Inc.

Jim Halloran, the founder and force behind Halloran & Yauch, Inc. peacefully passed away at 91 years old on November 18th, 2023. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, Jim started working for his uncle in the irrigation business at A.C. Oughton in 1956. During his time there, he became close friends with Roy Yauch, who was a top salesman. Later in 1967, Jim and Roy started their own irrigation company, Halloran & Yauch, Inc. Jim would later purchase Roy’s share of the business and become the sole owner. The company moved to Glenview in 1978 and Jim’s son, Tom, would join the business in 1988 after graduating. Together they moved to the current headquarters in Lake Forest in 2001. Under Jim’s irrigation leadership, H&Y installed some of Chicagoland’s most prestigious projects including The Chicago Botanic Gardens, O’Hare & Midway International Airports, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and The Bloomingdale / 606 Trail. He helped provide water to hundreds of golf courses and thousands of commercial and residential landscapes over his 70-year career. Jim was very proud to

have developed a waterfall garden in 2005 at ‘All Saints Cemetery’ dedicated to his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Dolores. He continued working into his 90s and even began training the third generation of irrigation workers, his grandsons.

The quality of his work is evident in each system that is still operating decades after the initial installation. He was friends with many of the great landscapers and architects all around Chicago. Personally knowing Jim, they could always rely on H&Y for a quality job. He developed relationships that would last a lifetime. Most of Jim’s employees worked for him their entire careers and were treated like family. He always pushed to get work done properly and on time. Everyone respected the work ethic of “El Patron”.

His colorful personality, generosity, and leadership will be dearly missed. He was extremely proud that his legacy was successfully passed to his son and grandsons. While funeral services were held privately, we thank all who were friends and associates of Jim and his family for their condolences.

Jim Bilinski

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HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Landscape Construction Project Manager

This position is responsible for supervising landscape construction projects to accommodate client needs and expectations. Job duties include managing high-end residential landscaping projects, coordinating with sales and production teams, and overseeing construction crews.

Responsibilities include planning and coordinating all aspects of landscape construction, ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering projects according to the design plan and within budgeted man hours.

How to apply: https://www.doeringlandscape.com/join-doering-landscape-team/

Landscape Designer/Architect/Sales Doering Landscape Company is seeking a highly motivated, career-oriented person with a passion for innovative design.

This position has the responsibility to develop, organize and execute landscape design solutions for presentations and sales to clients. This process involves meeting with clients, identifying plant materials, creating estimates and proposals, which lead to the purchase of landscape construction services. The position also is responsible for coordinating and supervising construction services and subcontractors.

How to apply: https://www.doeringlandscape.com/join-doering-landscape-team/

Landscape Account Sales Manager (Sr and Jr level positions available)

Winters Landscape, Inc. is looking for Senior and Junior Level Sales Account Managers to join our growing team. If you have 2-5 years of Landscape Maintenance Account Management experience, and would consider yourself a self-motivator with an energetic, positive character, we want to speak with you!

A Landscape Account Sales Manager at Winters Landscape will create opportunities for new sales and business development utilizing our network of current and past clients in the Chicago Metropolitan and surrounding areas.

Winters Landscape, Inc. offers a competitive salary and incentive-based sales commission earning structure, matching 401K, health care, paid vacation, and company vehicle.

How to apply: Apply via email to Jonathan Winters at jon.winters@winterslandscape.com

Landscape Construction Manager

Winters Landscape, Inc. is looking for a Construction Project Manager to join our growing team. If you have a minimum of 3 years of Project Manager experience working with commercial landscape projects, we want to speak with you!

A successful candidate will have excellent communication, organization, leadership, and time management skills. Our Project Managers work directly with the client ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, by successfully managing on-site construction crews and focusing on quality, profitability, and job completeness.

Winters Landscape offers a competitive salary and incentive-based earning structure, matching 401K, health care, paid vacation, and company vehicle/cell phone.

How to apply: Apply by emailing Jonathan Winters at jon.winters@winterslandscape.com

Professional Plant People Wanted: Landscape Designer + Construction Project Manager

Let’s start a conversation!

Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design is hiring multiple landscape professional positions. You may be a good fit for our team if: you are respectful and honest, embrace technology, like to work smart first and hard second, and desire to enjoy who you work with, what you’re paid, and the resources you’re given. Our systems in place reduce the barriers to actually completing your work, which is why we are unique and creative. Learning is our passion, as well as creating beautiful landscapes and delighting our clients.

Salary: $60k-$100k for either position dependent on skill and ability.

How to apply: Please email your resume to brian@waveoutdoors.com

ANNUAL SALES TEAM LEAD

The Growing Place in Naperville is looking for a strong, fast, and organized individual to lead the retail staff, help with customer interactions, stocking, and care of plants. Applicants should have experience leading people and be excited about plants. Collaboration with other teams and leaders will be frequent and encouraged. This is a full-time position with possibilities to be year-round or seasonal.

How to apply: Visit https://thegrowingplace. isolvedhire.com

King’s Landscape Design is Hiring : Design Sales and Maintenance Account Management

King’s has been a staple in the western suburbs for over 50 years.

We are in need of a Sales / Design individual and a Maintenance Account Manager. Both positions are salaried and will be commiserate with experience and education. We offer 401K and health insurance. The ideal candidates will be energetic, gregarious, and self-driven.

Design / architectural experience or education would be a plus for the sales position. A horticulture background, or degree, would be ideal for the maintenance account manager. We appreciate all inquiries.

How to apply: Please direct questions and resumes to mking@kingslandscaping.com

Landscape Design Associate

Annette Held Landscape Design, Ltd.

Chicago, Illinois

Annette Held Landscape Design, Ltd., is a design/build/maintenance firm that works primarily in Chicago. We provide a variety of landscape services to residential and commercial properties throughout the city.

Landscape Design Associate

• Provide landscape design services, and oversee landscape maintenance and installation of landscape projects.

Skills Required:

• Able to execute landscape site assessments

• Able to create base maps

• Able to create landscape designs

• Familiar with landscape trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals

• Familiar with landscape tools and uses

• Familiar with CAD, Excel, Sketch-up, and other computer design tools

• Associate or Bachelors degree a plus but not required; demonstration of skills most important

• Able to get along well with others

• Willingness to do whatever is necessary to get the job done

• Able to take direction and contribute ideas to make the team as effective and efficient as possible

• Able to lift 25 pounds

• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record

• Able to speak Spanish a plus but not required

Job Specifics:

• Available year-round with some nights and weekends depending on client

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needs; competitive salary commensurate with experience and education; health insurance; generous paid time-off; paid continuing education; generous bonus at end of the season;

How to apply: If interested please reply via email to Annette@aheldlandscapes.com

Designer

Designer with degree: no experience necessary, will train. Meet with clients, present quotes, and set up jobs with crew. A drivers license is a must

Pay negotiable

How to apply: michelle4seasons@yahoo.com

Allied Landscaping Opportunities

Landscape Estimator

Allied is seeking a Landscape Estimator to be part of a great teamwork environment

Responsibilities

Review invitations to bid, read plans and specifications to determine the scope of work, attend pre-bid meetings, and many other duties required on bidding and proposal preparation.

Prepare timely estimates and meet bid deadlines. Perform accurate material, equipment, and labor take-offs. Solicit sub & supplier pricing and estimate volume of work.

Review contract documents upon award. Communications with clients, project architects, subcontractors, etc. Project billing and cost evaluation

Qualifications

Experience in estimating commercial landscape work

Excellent communication skills verbal and written, computer and math skills

Independent problem solver. Multitasker who is comfortable interacting with clients and vendors

A strong team player with integrity and a strong desire to win bids

Purchaser Full/Part-time

A commercial landscaping business in Joliet is hiring a purchaser.

You must have a general knowledge of landscape plants, hardgoods, and landscaping materials needed on job sites. Generate purchase orders and sourcing vendors.

Independent problem solver. Obtain quotes, analyze pricing, place orders, and schedule material pickups and drop-offs from multiple vendors. Manage and maintain quality inventories and continually look for best practices for such storage.

Check the accuracy of orders and deliveries and match all paperwork before turning into accounting.

Evaluate and select plants that meet our high company standards.

Multitasker who is comfortable interacting with clients and vendors.

A strong team player is a must.

Salary based on experience and qualifications

Experienced Landscape Superintendent

Must have a strong work ethic and be self-

motivated

Must have valid driver’s license

Salary based on experience and qualifications

Full time

How Would You Like Applicants to Apply?

- Please email your resume to Ronald Plunk at ronaldplunk@allied-landscaping.com or call 815-722-3924 ext 16

Allied Nursery Opportunities

Nursery Yard Manager -Full-time

Allied Nursery and Garden Center in Joliet IL is looking for a nursery yard manager.

Must have a strong background in ornamental landscape plant production and management, cultural and pest management practices for inground and containerized plants.

Able to oversee loading and unloading of plant material for our jobs and maintaining stock until needed

Loading customers and our trucks with hardscapes and plant material from our yard.

Irrigation maintenance for our retail sales and commercial and growing holding yard.

Multitasker who is an independent problem solver, while being personable and professional

Being a strong team player is a must

Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Crew Leader - Full time

Allied Nursery is looking for a crew leader to perform residential landscape work.

Our people are the bottom line

Must be knowledgeable in landscape installation and able to read landscape plans

Must have a valid driver’s license

Salary is based on experience and qualifications

Illinois Licensed Chemical OperatorFull-Time

Allied Nursery is looking for a Illinois licensed chemical operator to work under the direction of our Illinois-licensed chemical applicator for commercial landscapes

Must have a valid driver’s license

Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

How Would You Like Applicants to Apply?

- Send resumes to Ronald Plunk at ronaldplunk@allied-landscaping.com

Account Manager

As a Landscape Account Manager, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with clients in the landscaping industry. Your primary goal will be to ensure client satisfaction and loyalty while managing and growing a portfolio of landscape accounts. You will act as the main point of contact for clients, providing them with exceptional customer service, addressing their needs, and coordinating with internal teams to deliver high-quality landscaping solutions. Your expertise in landscape management, sales, and client relationship management will contribute to the success and growth of our company.

Qualifications: Minimum 2 years account management experience, English and Spanish (preferred), and Drivers License.

For more information please reach out to Andrew Mott at Andrew@hansonlandscape.com

Maintenance Client Service Rep

LandWorks, LLC, a high-end residential fullservice landscape company, is currently seeking a Client Service Representative in the greater Milwaukee area. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of service and fostering a healthy company culture.

We are looking for an experienced landscape professional to service existing accounts and generate new leads in the greater Milwaukee area. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in the industry and a passion for both meticulous gardens and concierge-level client service.

The Client Service Rep (CSR) is responsible for generating new business and growing existing accounts in all service lines while maintaining appropriate profit margins. They serve as Client liaison ensuring our crews install/maintain their property as expected.

For more information, please visit our website at LandWorksWisconsin.com/careers

Landscape Project Manager

As a project/account manager, you will be the face of Architerra, working daily to create and grow relationships with new and existing clients, along with overseeing our construction/installation crews. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in landscape construction, organized, detail-oriented, and motivated to complete projects on time.

Architerra, Inc. is a full-service landscape company providing landscape maintenance, design, install, turf care, and snow removal services.

How to apply: Email Andrew KoltonAKolton@architerrainc.com

Build Your Future. Build Your Dream. Join Beary’s Team

Beary Landscaping opened with an old pickup truck in 1985. Since then, we’ve expanded to over 400 employees and 1,000 customers across five branches. We offer industry-leading service to an expansive roster of clients. Our reputation for quality, artistry, and consistency can be found in all we do.

Accountability – We own it.

Trust – We respect it.

Openness – We listen and communicate it.

Enjoyment – We work hard & have fun doing it.

• Branch Manager - Northwest, IN

• Branch Manager - Downtown Chicago, IL

• Sales Arborist - Brookfield, IL

How to apply: https://bearylandscaping.com/ construction/careers/

Hiring Carpenters!!!

Now hiring CARPENTERS! Incorporated for 35 years. We are a dynamic, experienced contractor operating within a 40-mile radius of our Crystal Lake headquarters. Comprehensive benefits package include

Medical and Dental Insurance, Paid Time Off, a 401K Plan, Boot Voucher Program, and Bi-weekly Direct Deposit. Bring your tool belt and essential tools, we’ll provide the rest.

Qualifications:

- Experience in construction and carpentry

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

- Ability to delegate tasks and ensure timely completion

- Capability to meet carpentry deadlines and uphold safety standards

- Ownership of a tool belt and basic hand tools

- Successful completion of pre-employment physical and drug screenings

- Reliable transportation (driver’s license preferred)

How to apply: Via email joe@craigercustomdesign.com

Come Join our Growing Team

ALAN HORTICULTURE, LLC

Job Description: Account Manager

Classification:

Full-Time Exempt

Salary: $75,000.00-$85,000.00

Reports to: General Manager

Summary

The Account Manager is a client-facing role and the primary contact for the assigned portfolio of work within the

Landscape Management Division. This position is required to clearly communicate contract specifications

and work in conjunction with the production team to perform services in a high-quality manner. This position is to maintain a positive customer relationship and to ensure complete customer satisfaction, leading to customer retention. Suggests and sells enhancement services to both meet the needs of the property, increasing customers.

Essential Functions

1. Develop strong client-focused relationships within a current portfolio of work. Maintain clear and frequent communication, gain mutual trust, and meet the customer needs.

2. Proactively manage properties by inspecting and locating problems within the land-

scape. Subsequently responsible for communicating identified problems and propose effective resolutions that meet the customer’s needs.

3. Maintain effective, professional, and timely communication with customers. Provides candid feedback on customer relationships and the customer’s perceptions of the product and service being provided.

4. Monitors the activity of crews and works closely with the production team regarding scheduling, quality, and customer satisfaction. Assure all contracted services provided are of good quality and completed in a timely fashion. Communicate to appropriate parties any problem areas and work to find immediate resolution.

5. Maintain job costs per guidelines and assist in meeting profitability goals.

6. Immediately reports to the Production/Ops Manager any jobs deviating from budgets of time, schedule, cost, or any other factor so appropriate adjustments can be made to maximize end result.

7. Make recommendations regarding qualifying or disqualifying of warranty work. Coordinate completion of warranty work per contract and/or instructions on the Production Manager.

8. Maintain a high level of care for company assets in the field, vehicles, shop, field offices, and customer work sites.

9. Meet or exceed established sales goals for contracted work and extras.

10. Prepare and present proposals in accordance to company standards. Follow up on proposed work and offer value-engineered solutions to customers.

11. Ensure all estimates are prepared and approved as needed prior to presenting..

12. Assist in measuring properties and the contract renewal process.

13. Maintain records and tracking of all to maximize sales opportunities. Aggressively pursue all proposals in progress.

14. Maintain a company-owned database of current, prospective and past customers to support the marketing/sales effort.

15. Work closely with the administrative support team to ensure all contracts are timely and accurate.

16. Support and assist in training of production staff to ensure services are delivered in a manner consistent with contract specifications and company standards.

17. Represent the company at various events,

organizations, and associations for the purpose of building relationships that lead to new business. Act in the capacity of company representative and develop community ties to enhance the public image and brand of the company.

18. Participate in various industry associations to increase knowledge of marketplace, sales opportunities, competition, selling techniques, and best practices.

19. Acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge of industry trends in order to identify and act upon opportunities for expanded services.

20. Build customer density in the work area.

21. Provide feedback to appropriate parties regarding, pricing, competition, and other market observations. Exploit changing market opportunities and respond to competitor strategies.

22. Provide feedback to the Marketing Department and offer recommendations regarding marketing strategies, materials, and opportunities.

How to apply: Email Daniel Huber - Dan@ alanhort.com

Account Manager

We are looking for an additional year-round Landscape Maintenance Estimator/Account Manager to be one of our primary contacts in maintaining relationships with existing commercial & municipal clients. Familiarity with maintenance estimating and pricing skill is required, along with a thorough knowledge of landscape maintenance and maintenance enhancement procedures.

Come join our growing team and be an integral part of a large and successful business in the South Suburbs. For 40 years we have been growing a friendly and comfortable work environment that values quality of work as much as quality time away from the office. If you are a highly effective producer and don’t like working Saturdays, this is the place for you.

Candidates must have a minimum of 4 years experience in this position.

$65,000 Salary, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Company Vehicle, PTO, Bonuses ($12,000.00 possible), Profit Sharing Plan (After 1 year)

We are located in the South Suburbs and service from Joliet to Valparaiso.

How to apply:

Email info@suburbanlandscaping.net

Oakton College – Groundsworker

Thank you for considering Oakton College in your search.

Category: Staff

Department: Facilities

Locations: Des Plaines, IL

Posted: Mar 4, 2024

Closes: Apr 2, 2024 - 11:59 PM EDT

Type: Full-Time Staff

Position ID: 173286

About Oakton College :

For 50 years, Oakton College has been the setting where thousands begin or continue their college or career studies. Educating people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from more than 40 nations, Oakton focuses on improving the quality of life for everyone who enters its doors.

We offer:

• Continuing Education

• Great Benefits

• Paid Winter Break

• FRIDAYS OFF during the Summer

• Job Description:

Basic Function and Responsibility: Under general supervision, perform tasks involved in maintaining athletic fields, grounds, lawns, flower beds, shrubs and trees, sidewalks, parking lots, roads and storm sewers and drainage structures, and snow removal.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine tasks in maintaining lawns and grounds, including seeding, fertilizing, mowing, watering and weed control, install, plant, spray and maintain flower beds.

• Plant, fertilize, spray and prune shrubs and trees.

• Maintain and repair sidewalks, roads and parking lots.

• Maintain and repair water and sanitary lines, storm sewers, drainage structures and manholes an2d drain lines.

• Perform tasks in snow removal including use of snowplow, UTV or tractor to remove snow and add ice control by using salt or liquid deicers. Perform leaf raking, tree cutting, grass cutting and stump removal. Cut, remove and perform tree controlled burning as needed.

• Applies fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides as directed.

• Preform daily campus litter and garbage can pick up.

• Operate job related power equipment

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such as end loader, snow blower, air compressor and air hammer, mowers, painter, chain saw, and other power equipment.

• Perform other general maintenance tasks as may be assigned by Supervisor or Director of Facilities.

• Perform Athletic fields maintenance, repair and striping.

• Perform Sprinkler system repair and maintenance.

• Preform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

• Two years of landscaping groundskeeping and athletic fields experience.

• Illinois State Public Applicator or Operator License and /or Ornamental and Turf license must be obtained in 6 months of employment.

• Ability to operate various types of power equipment including lawnmowers, trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment.

• Ability to use hand tools required for landscaping.

• Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments.

• Extensive knowledge of landscaping techniques and processes.

• Excellent time management skills. Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to give and follow directions and to follow written and oral instructions.

• General computer knowledge is required.

• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with people of different levels of education, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, and to exhibit an adequate level of respect to fellow employees and the College community at large.

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Illinois State Commercial Driver’s License. Class B with Air Brake Endorsement is preferred. College sponsorship for earning Class B is available.

Physical Demands:

• Position requires employees to have:

• The ability to stand, walk and move for extended periods of time (75% - 100%).

• The ability to bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull, and reach in all direc-

tions (75% - 100%).

• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. (75% - 100%).

• The ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time. (75% - 100%).

• The ability to set up and operate mechanical equipment (75% to 100%).

• The ability to work at heights and the ability to ascend/descend ladders. (25% - 50%).

• Require the use of radio communication. Employees on these shifts, using these devices, are required to have the ability to hear and exchange information clearly.

• Working Conditions:

Job duties may be performed in hot, cold, dusty, and dirty environments. Employees may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions.

Additional Information

Supervision Received:

Functional supervision is received from the Grounds Supervisor. Administrative supervision is received from the Director of Facilities

HOURS: Monday - Friday - 7:00 am - 3:30 pm - Hours may vary due to the needs of the College

SALARY: $46,789

Oakton is accessible by public transportation.

Application Instructions:

For further details, visit our website at www.oakton.edu and select the Employment link to view Employment Opportunities.

Please be sure to have a current resume, cover letter, and list of, at least, three (3) professional references with contact information prepared to submit with your application.

Oakton College is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, committed to employing competent, qualified individuals. Oakton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, socioeconomic status, sex or gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation in admission to and participation in its educational programs, college activities, and services, or in its employment practices.

Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required.

Equipment For Sale - Business Closing

Design/Build Maintenance business equipment for sale:

F-450s with landscaper beds, F-250 pickups, F-150 pickups, Canyon Crew cab 4WD, Ford Edge, 8.5’x16’ enclosed trailers with reinforced ramp doors, 8.5’x16’ flatbed trailer, Vermeer S800tx mini-skid steers, Whacker compactors, sedge trimmer, string trimmers, 48” mowers, 52” mowers, Exmark spreader/ sprayer, chop saws, IQ saw, rototillers, generators, edger, sod cutter, blowers, pressure washers, block splitter, mortar mixer

How to apply: Text Corey at 309-208-7991 PLEASE NOTE:

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Inspiration Alley

Editor’s Note: Over time, we run across a mountain of fun, innovative, and generally creative ideas. They don’t always fit with the magazine content, but we do collect them for some future use. This brings us to Inspiration Alley, a place where we display pure creativity. It’s up to you to judge the merit of each offering. So use it, lose it or be inspired to try something different.

Covering Ground

By Nina A. Koziol

Hellebores are workhorses in the shade. Some, like ‘Ivory Prince’ bloom in December when there’s snow on the ground, others begin in March and April. The foliage stays green until spring when it turns brown — cut it off to show the flowers. They remain on the plants throughout the summer, gently fading in color. Here are some delectable cultivars bred by Hans Hansen of Walter’s Garden in Michigan.

Sandy Shores

Black Tie Affair

Father of the Bride

Childhood Sweetheart

Spanish Flare

‘Sun King’ Spikenard — A Golden Beacon

By Mark Dwyer

Thirteen years ago, I planted my first Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’. This golden form of Japanese spikenard (z 3-9) was originally found in Japan by renowned plantsman, Barry Yinger. Promoted and recommended as an excellent candidate in part shade, this plant has lived up to all the hype and I think is the best perennial introduction in the last 30 years. I’ve now planted literally hundreds of this plant in a wide range of situations where it continues to impress, intrigue and enthrall a growing audience.

I use this plant in situations of shade and part shade for the bright foliage that has a subtropical look with the large, compound leaves. This perennial becomes a “shrub-sized” plant that offers a “beacon of illumination” in the shadier garden setting. Native to forested areas and grassy slopes in Japan, Korea and east central and southern China, Aralia cordata is also deer and rabbit resistant. The young shoots are a culinary delicacy in Japan; hence the other common name of “mountain asparagus”!

Some current literature and out-of-date plant tags still list this herbaceous perennial as reaching a height and width of 36” or so. Admittedly slow to start, I’ve now seen robust specimens in the Midwest that are 6’ tall and almost 8’ wide so keep that in mind when placing them in the landscape. Mature specimens are achieving this size in one growing season which gives them significant “presence” in the landscape. Consistent

moisture is a must and ‘Sun King’ spikenard thrives in rich, fertile soils that are also well-drained. In areas with competing tree roots, it’s a bit slower to establish and will certainly benefit from enriched soils and a regular watering schedule.

The reddish-brown stems are interesting but the foliage contribution is what is truly amazing. In shadier areas, this bold plant reads visually as a nice, warm chartreuse. In more sunlight, it appears increasingly more golden. With enough moisture in mostly sunny situations, it is a bright, vivid yellow with some of the leaves turning whitish. If moisture is not adequate, browning of the leaves is likely. Some degree of shading, particularly in the heat of the afternoon, will help maintain the integrity of the foliage over the growing season and is recommended.

Racemes of white flowers in spherical clusters appear in late summer and later form deep, purplish-black, inedible berries in early fall. Birds are attracted to the fruits but both the flowers and fruits, while interesting, are not the primary show. This plant brightens up the landscape and is effective as a focal point, repeated element or even in groupings that take advantage of that chartreuse to golden glow! It’s no surprise that ‘Sun King’ golden Japanese spikenard was the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2020 as selected by the Perennial Plant Association (PPA). To know it and grow it, is to love it!

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