The Landscape Contractor magazine March 2017 Digital Edition by Association Publishing Partners

p.o. box 748 • st. charles, il 60174 847.742.1790 • fax 847.742.2655 www.midwestgroundcovers.com

March 2017

CONTENTS

Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

FOCUS: iLandscape Post-show Report iLandscape Tops 6,000 Attendees for 2017 That was a BIG show

Excellence in Landscape Awards Night 22 ILCA members’ night to shine

ILCA Carves Out New Home for MELA 38 MELA hopes to carry message forward

iLandscape Keynote Address 40 Ed Begley Jr. makes living green mainstream Sustainable Landscape Calendar Sustainable Landscape Checklist for March

ILCA Gains 50 New Members See who joined over winter

Member Profile 62 Vulcan Materials Company

Plant All-Stars 70 Eryngium yuccifolium— Rattlesnake Master

On the cover... iLandscape Discovery Hall from above

70 The Landscape Contractor March 2017

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS ILCA Calendar From Where I Stand President’s Message Classified Ads Advertisers Index Photo Credits ILCA Awards Program Rick Reuland Vulcan Materials

Calendar

4 5 7 64 69

MARCH March 2-3, 2017 Foremanship Training Fox Run Golf Links Elk Grove Village, IL March 16-17, 2017 Field Staff Skills Training College of Lake County Grayslake, IL

8-9, 27-37 1, 10-26-38-39, 40-46 62

The official publication of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), The Landscape Contractor is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. The Landscape Contractor carries news and features relating to landscape contracting, maintenance, design and allied interests. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication. Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. WWW.ilca.net Volume 58, Number 3. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

March 22, 2017 Chicago Flower and Garden Show Pre-Show Tour Presented by the Women’s Networking Group Vavy Pier Chicago, IL

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630)637-8632

AUGUST

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products

ILCA Staff

Magazine Staff

Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@ilca.net

Rick Reuland Publisher/Advertising Sales (630) 637-8632 rmgi@comcast.net

Education Manager Julie Nicoll jnicoll@ilca.net

Debbie Rauen Advertising Sales (817-501-2403) debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com

Events Manager Terre Houte thoute@ilca.net Office Manager Alycia O’Connor aoconnor@ilca.net Membership & Marketing Coordinator Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

ILCA 2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 472-2851 • Fax (630) 472-3150 www.ilca.net

August 10, 2017 Summer Field Day College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL

v Becke Davis Senior Writer treethyme@aol.com Patrice Peltier Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

at dotynu rseries.co m to rece ive our

Meta Levin Feature Writer meta.levin@comcast.net

email ne wsle t ter

Nina Koziol Feature Writer

dotynurseries.com

Marilyn Witney madwitney@comcast.net

Shade TreeS • OrnamenTalS • evergreenS • ShrubS Ryan Doty sales@dotynurseries.com

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

P 630 365 9063 F 630 365 9081

45W121 Beith Road Maple Park, IL 60151

From Where I Stand — The sentiment

“Support the Troops” seems omnipresent these days. We see it on bumper stickers and at parades. We hear it on the lips of athletes, entertainers, and politicians. It is symbolized in yellow ribbons tied around trees and worn on lapels. We think about it as we bow our heads on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. As we all know, the phrase merely means we support the men and women of the US military. It does not matter their rank, position, or if they saw action. We provide perpetual and enduring support for their service. We don’t even need to support the wars these men and women are fighting, but we can still support the sacrifice these soldiers make for our freedoms. In one way, “Support the Troops” has undoubtedly worked. Gallup has been keeping statistics on the American public’s view of the US military for decades. Never has it been higher. Since 2001, our support for the troops has eclipsed 70% and not looked back. It has reached a high of 82% twice. During the previous two decades prior to 9/11, it was around 55%-65%. That is fairly incredible because you can’t seem to get 82% of Americans to agree on anything these days. In another way, “Support the Troops” has missed its mark. Even though support for the US military is at an all-time high, all branches of the military continue to struggle with enlistments. Some branches missed their targets by as much as 20% in the previous few years. One would assume an almost universally supported military would not struggle to fill its bunks. Perhaps, the numbers would’ve been even lower without the nation’s vocal support. The total number of enlisted men and women is also at historic lows. With all the talk about the death of the American farmer, there are over two million more farmers than active military personnel. Supporting the Troops has proved to be ineffective in terms of recruitment. Military recruiting is still mostly driven by economic conditions and geopolitical events. In addition, PTSD rates among veterans are at alarmingly high levels. Many thought this was simply a case of misdiagnoses from previous wars but that is not accurate. Even though the gulf wars have had much lower casualty rates, PTSD rates are soaring, even from those who did not see battle. Many mental health professionals have concluded that there is a cognitive dissonance between the support troops are told and what they feel. They return to a country who values them, but does not take the time to get to know them. Soldiers, for lack of a better term, have become visibly invisible. Seventy-five percent of the Baby Boom generation had an immediate family member who was a veteran. Millennials are only 33%. Military scholars have argued that we now take our soldiers for granted which has influenced our foreign policy. Since we have a standing military that everyone “supports” but does not know, we are more apt to put them into harm’s way. Retired Admiral and former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Mike Mullen has argued that the solution would be to limit the size of the military, but require conscription. This, he argues, would make Congress and the American people less apt to use physical force when it’s our own sons and daughters taking up arms. I would never have the audacity to compare an enlisted soldier

to a blue collar landscape worker in totality. These are completely different jobs and level of sacrifice. Yet I heard the exact same sentiment echoed at a recent focus group ILCA organized regarding careers in the landscape industry. We used a professional firm to gather and moderate a discussion with the general public about the landscape industry as a vocation. The focus group was organized by our Future Landscape Industry Professionals (FLIP) Committee. The results were not good. Most viewed the industry as not something they could see themselves working in. There were simply too many cons that outweighed the pros. One of the participants talked about how she sees landscapers. She hears them. She knows what they do. She drives past their trucks. She understands the work they perform. Yet to her, they are visibly invisible. She had no personal connection to their world even while valuing the work they performed. The military shows that raising the public’s perception is not a panacea, especially in regards to recruiting. Unfortunately, the landscape industry lacks conscription powers. It is conventional wisdom to assume that if the public values what an industry does, the public will pursue that industry as a vocation. Military enlistment rates running counter to overwhelming public support contradicts that argument. This brings us to Mike Rowe. Mike Rowe is the host of the television show Dirty Jobs. Dirty Jobs was an incredible show that ran from 20052012 on the Discovery Channel. It was hosted by the extremely likable and relatable Mike Rowe. The premise of the show was to cast a humanizing spotlight on some of the worst jobs in America from sewer inspector to lighting rod installer to diaper cleaner to sheep castrator. Ironically, landscaping was never previewed. Perhaps digging in dirt was too clean. The interesting thing about Mike Rowe is that he was absolutely not a blue collar worker. He is a classically trained actor with stints as a QVC pitchman and local newscaster before hitting it big with Dirty Jobs. In essence, he created a character, but over the years has morphed into that character. He’s like the hired gun who fell in love with the village he was paid to protect. If I had any complaint about Dirty Jobs is that the profiled jobs were too quirky. There just aren’t that many sheep castrators. It was excellent at adding a face and dignity to these professions, but I doubt it did anything for recruitment. Blue collar jobs continue to plummet, especially in manufacturing. After Dirty Jobs wrapped, Mike Rowe decided to go further. He has become the country’s most visible and famous spokesman for vocational jobs. He has a popular podcast and started the Mike Rowe Works Foundation. He crisscrosses the country talking about the value of hard work, vocational training, and dirty jobs. He is the closest thing the construction trades have to “Support the Troops.” Love Donald Trump or hate him, he did put a focus back on segments of the country that have been decimated by manufacturing job losses. Whether he can stem the tide of automation and globalization remains to be seen, but many blue collar voters emerged from the shadows to remind the country they are still here. I do think the country needs to “Support the Trades.” Unions

Visibly Invisible

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

From Where I Stand —

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have proven to be an ineffective mouthpiece for vocational training. They are simply too politicized and opponents mistake their self-preservation as greed. Perhaps a guy like Mike Rowe is who we need. It’s not impossible for our perceptions to change. The US military is riding record highs in terms of public support. Yet, public support will only be half the battle. I do have faith that a guy like Mike Rowe can raise the image of working with our hands. He can make young people and parents find pride in these jobs. He can open the American public’s eyes to our dependency on skilled tradesmen and women. That will only be the start. To shed the “invisible” part of visibly invisible will take the work of those currently working in the industry. Even with the platitudes and empty gestures the military has never felt more abandoned and alienated. “Support the Troops” and “Thank you for your service” are making us feel better while many in the military feel less supported and that their jobs are thankless. This dissonance is a result vocational jobs must avoid. Landscape professionals must rise from the shadows and interconnect with their communities. Becoming visible means putting a name and face to a profession. We need to humanize and connect with the public. Landscaping’s best and worst trait is its humility. Most landscape professionals I know are reticent to receive commendation or speak on behalf of their careers. This must change. There is currently a nostalgic renaissance in this country regarding blue collar work. Regardless of your politics, the green industry would be foolish not to tap into that. It’s easier to evangelize the benefits of the landscape industry if Mike Rowe and politicians are joining the pulpit. Ultimately, there are jobs and professions that cannot and will not be saved. Landscaping is not one of them. Landscaping will not suffer from globalization. Jobs will always exist. The USDOL has identified this trade as being in a cycle of growth. If the public can offer the same level of reverence to the construction trades as it has the military, the construction industry must seize that opportunity. FLIP is currently finalizing its message and then will concentrate on delivery mechanisms. FLIP even had the guts to sign up for STEM nights at local grammar schools. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. When asked by the school which category landscaping fit in, the response was, “All of them.” FLIP had coloring books, a video, and even let kids play a video game called “Plants vs. Zombies.” On top of all that, FLIP brought pride. Volunteers interacted with hundreds of parents and kids and talked about working in the landscape industry. Those parents thanked our industry for being there. They nodded and smiled at all the right moments. They applauded our gumption for being there along with the robotics firms, doctors, and engineers. Lastly, they told us how much they supported what we do. During those moments, we can either stare at the ground and say, “Thanks” or we can reach out our hand, grasp theirs, and pull them in closer.

Scott Grams Feb. 15, 2017

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

President’s Message — What an incredible iLandscape IV! We now understand

President

Mike Schmechtig Schmechtig Landscape Company (847) 566-1233 mschmechtig@schmechtiglandscapes.com

Vice-President

Lisa Fiore Don Fiore Company, Inc. (847) 234-0020 lfiore@donfiore.com

Secretary-Treasurer

Tom Lupfer Lupfer Landscaping (708) 352-2765 tom@lupferlandscaping.com

Immediate Past President Rusty Maulding Nature’s View (815) 592-7582 rusty@naturesview.info

Directors

Mark Breier National Seed Co. (630) 963-8787 mark.breier@natseed.com Lisa Fiore Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply (847) 913-1414 lisa@cjfiore.com Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com Allan Jeziorski Hartman Landscape (708) 403-8433 allan@hartmanlandscape.net Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net

Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Maureen Scheitz Acres Group (847) 526-4554 maureen.scheitz@acresgroup.com Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com

www.ilca.net

why iLandscape was named one of the 50 fastest growing tradeshows in the country for two years in a row according to Tradeshow Executive Magazine. The Excellence in Landscape Awards Night showcased the best landscape work in Illinois and awarded the Distinguished Service Award to Vermer Midwest. The prestigious Person of the Year Award recipient was Bill Davids of Clarence Davids & Company. Bill Davids and Clarence Davids are the first father and son, not only to serve as President, but also to receive ILCA’s highest distinction. iLandscape 2017 had everything. The expanded tradeshow floor played host to a record 6,000 attendees. Over 30 educational sessions offered CEU’s to landscape architects and arborists. Entertainment set the tone and improved the vibe. Free beer flowed from exhibitor happy hours and after hours parties. Dozens of lucky attendees walked away with raffle prizes. Attendees scoured booths looking for hidden gnomes. Scott Grams worked some edgy standup comedy into the Excellence in Landscape Awards night. I heard so many great compliments about the show from vendors and attendees, many of which had no idea I was ILCA President. I am still recovering from three incredible days with friends, colleagues, and, trailblazers. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to wish a heartfelt congratulations, thanks and gratitude to the committees, volunteers, and WGIF and ILCA staff who worked so hard to knock iLandscape IV out of the park! How did ilandscape get to be the fastest growing tradeshow? How has ILCA picked up 48 members in two months? How is the ILCA getting its message out? It’s all in the marketing. What is marketing and why does the ILCA feel they need to have a plan? Marketing consists of activities that engage, making people aware of a company/ organization and their offerings, to buy or use. iLandscape took to the use of email and social media (Facebook) to distribute the information and get the word out about the trade show. The email campaign began with a save the date, followed by a call to action directed to obtaining sponsors, vendors, education presenters and attendees. Each email was tailored and strategically sent so the recipient gains interest and as the event gets closer, there is an increase in momentum for participation to the event. ILCA’s one-year old website (ilca.net) gets the organization’s message out to two market segments – the consumer (our potential clients) and the professional (current and future members) and offers each segment the information they need. The professional side of the website gets our organizations message out to its members and potential members. Take a moment and view ilca.net. As part of the three year strategic plan, the Board will review and begin looking to develop and implement an integrated plan including communication strategy to reach the landscape professional who are members and those who are not, future customers and future employees. Congratulations to the Morton Arboretum! For the second year in a row, it has celebrated one million visitors and is one of seven public gardens in the United States to reach this momentous landmark. The Morton Arboretum advocates the planting and protection of trees to create greener communities. In fact, the ILCA has been working with the Morton Arboretum and 10 other key organizations to form the leadership of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative. This coalition was formed in 2013 and works to develop and implement a strategy to build healthier and diverse urban forests by 2040. Keep an eye on your email inbox for your Legislative Red Alert UPDATE - Service Tax on Landscaping. The ILCA staff continues to keep us informed, how to contact our State Senators and what to say. Contact your state representatives and show them the landscape industry had a loud and cohesive voice. I hope some of you were able to attend Hardscape Illinois at the Northern Illinois Naperville Campus on February 23rd and don’t forget to register for the Chicago Flower and Garden PreShow Tour on March 22nd sponsored by the ILCA Women’s Networking Group.

Respectfully, Michael Schmechtig The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. â&#x20AC;˘ The Ball Residence Leland

The clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong desire

to reconnect with the native woodlands on her residential property created a need for a comprehensive restoration and maintenance plan. A mix of formal and natural areas was developed so that the client could maximize the usable spaces on the steep slopes. The Red Oak savanna of her hillside site had been long neglected and the homeowner was deeply concerned with eliminating invasive species. Our first task was clearing invasive brush. We then performed controlled burns to open up the forest floor and bring sunlight to the treasures locked in the soil. The natural areas were overseeded with a woodland wildflower mix and thousands of additional plugs were planted. By the follow-

ing spring a carpet of ephemeral wildflowers emerged. Virginia Bluebells, Large-Flowered Bellwort, White Trillium, Red Trillium, Wild Ginger and more responded to our restoration strategies. To the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enchantment, One-flowered Broomrape, a rare parasitic flower, has been found in conjunction with its host plants, Aster and Goldenrod. More than 125 species of native plants have colonized the site with wildflowers blooming throughout the season. The client has been delighted with the transformation of their property. Birds, insects, and animals call the site home and add to the rich mosaic of the restoration. The homeowner is thrilled with her Midwestern forest aesthetic.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

iLandscape 2017 —

iLandscape

tops 6,000 attendees for 2017 The illinois + wisconsin Landscape Show

By Rick Reuland

The Cubs success seemed

like a hard act to follow, but iLandscape 2017 carved its own place in history with a tremendous event garnering more than 6,000 attendees. The iLandscape Experience Committee and ILCA Education Committee once again collaborated to deliver the winning one-two punch to drive the program’s success. During its three-day run, February 1-3, 2017, the event drew an impressive gain in overall attendance. iLandscape 2017 used the theme “Branching Out” and that’s just what the organizers did. The event attracted a much larger audience to the most diverse array of exhibitors and broadest range of educational classes offered to date. The show grew 20% in two years. Over the next 20 pages there are dozens of photos chronicling each of the varied events that made up iLandscape. You might see yourself, or someone you know. If you were there, you were part of the spectacle. If for some inexplicable reason you missed iLandscape, this is the time to mark your calendar for next year — January 31 - February 2, 2018. We’ll look for you there. I’ll be the one with the camera.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

iLandscape 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Day 1 on the Garden Stage... Keynote Ed Begley, Jr.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Marquee speakers drove day 2... in the West Ballroom

Doug Tallamy

Rick Darke

Ahmed Hassan The Landscape Contractor March 2017

iLandscape 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

First class education for any subject ... from plants to business management,

to landscape design and UFOs!

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

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iLandscape 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Student activities included...

Student Roundtables

An active job board

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

L O N G S H A D OW

Â®

. COM

iLandscape 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Never a dull moment at iLandscape ...

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

If you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have fun here...

the fun never stops

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

iLandscape 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

The biggest gnome...

Bozo Buckets were a hit in the ILCA booth.

The opening night party was great success.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Excellence In Landscape

Excellence in Landscape Awards Red Carpet

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Awards Night 2017

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Excellence In Landscape Person of the Year

Bill Davids

Bill Davids of Clarence Davids & Company was honored as the ILCA Person of the Year.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Awards Night 2017

MENTAL EQUIPMENT

CYCLING PRODUCTS

Distinguished Service Award Vermeer Midwest

YOUR PARTNER FOR SUCCESS. Vermeer Midwest is your trusted partner in the landscape industry. When you buy from us, you’re buying more than just safe and reliable equipment. You’re buying the support of a full-service dealership committed to keeping you productive and profitable. With factory-trained parts and service professionals, we have the experience to keep your equipment and your business up and running.

LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT. Brush Chippers Stump Cutters Mini Skid Steers Tub Grinders Horizontal Grinders Compost Turners Trommel Screens Compact Excavators Forestry Mowers

President Mike Schmechtig presents the Distinguished Service Award to Mitch Smith of Vermeer Midwest.

COMPLEMENTARY BRANDS The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Excellence In Landscape Judges’ Award Hursthouse Landscape Architects & Contractors

Professionals’ Choice Award

Hursthouse Landscape Architects & Contractors

Scholarships Student Design

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Gold Awards 2016

Accents Lighting Specialty Element Chicago Skyline

Architectural Gardens Specialty Element Garden Whimsy

Architectural Gardens Residential Construction Keeper of the Night

Chalet Residential Construction Winnetka Residence

Architectural Gardens Specialty Element Sharinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Shade

Christy Webber Landscapes Special Event 811 City Line Crossing The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Excellence In Landscape

Christy Webber Landscapes Commercial Construction University of Chicago, North Science Quadrangle

James Martin Associates Residential Construction Gifford Residence

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors Residential Construction Architectural Reflections

James Martin Associates Residential Construction Poolside Garden

ILT Vignocchi Commercial Construction Bunker Hill Farms 28

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Gold Awards 2016

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Landscape Residential Construction Wilmette Lake Front

The Pizzo Group Ecological Planting With Sustainable Honors Ball Residence

Scott Byron & Company Commercial Construction A Contemplative Garden

The Pizzo Group Commercial Maintenance With Sustainable Honors Grand Haven

Scott Byron & Company Residential Construction Art in the Landscape

The Pizzo Group Residential Construction With Sustainable Honors Kanter Residence The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Gold Awards 2016

The Pizzo Group Ecological Planting Roxana Marsh

Topiarius Residential Construction The Borie Wood Garden at Elaine Place

The Pizzo Group Ecological Planting Tanglewood Hills

Topiarius Residential Construction Living City Large

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Awards Sponsors Cassidy Tire & Repair Producer Sponsor

Midwest Groundcovers + Midwest Trading Gold Award Sponsor

The Davey Tree Expert Co./TCOT, A Davey Co. Champagne Sponsor

Montale Gardens Gold Award Sponsor

Aspen Valley Landscape Supply Director Sponsor

Fiore Nursery & Landscpe Supply Dessert Table Sponsor Peerless Fence Coffee Sponsor

Bartlett Tree Experts Red Carpet and Cocktail Sponsor National Seed Gold Award Sponsor

Ron Clesenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ornamental Plants, Inc. Gold Award Sponsor

ILASLA Gold Award Sponsor

Night Light Gold Award Sponsor Lightscape, Inc. Gold Award Sponsor Rental Max Gold Award Sponsor

Illinois Brick Supply Gold Award Sponsor

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Excellence In Landscape

Acres Group Professional Landscape and Snow & Ice Management Commercial Maintenance Hawthorn Woods Country Club Association

Christy Webber Landscapes Commercial Maintenance 1400 North Lake Shore Drive

Acres Group Professional Landscape and Snow & Ice Management Commercial Maintenance Lake Lawn Resort

Christy Webber Landscapes Residential Maintenance Embassy Condo

Chalet Residential Construction Highland Park Residence 32

Clarence Davids & Company Specialty Element Bernard Weinger JCC The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Silver Awards 2016

Clauss Brothers, Inc. Commercial Construction Chicago Botanic Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regenstein Learning Campus

Grant and Power Landscaping, Inc. Specialty Element Lights On the Fox

Grant and Power Landscaping, Inc. Residential Construction Naperville Nantucket

Great Oaks Landscaping Residential Construction Destination Entertainment

Green View Landscaping, Inc. Residential Construction Oestermeyer Outdoor Living Area

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Silver Awards 2016

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Landscape Residential Construction Glenview Patio Paradise

The Pizzo Group Commercial Maintenance Harbor Springs

The Pizzo Group Commercial Maintenance With Sustainable Honors Cantigny Park

The Pizzo Group Commercial Maintenance Nantucket Cove

The Pizzo Group Commercial Maintenance Clare Oaks Senior Living 34

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

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Hydrangea serrata Disappointed in your reblooming H. macrophylla? Maybe it’s time to try something a little tougher. Tuff Stuff reblooming mountain hydrangeas have better bud hardiness, so they overwinter better than bigleaf hydrangeas. They will rebloom later in the season, too. Like H. macrophylla, H. serrata flower color will be affected by soil pH. Try these elegant plants in your next mixed border or mass planting! 10’

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www.provenwinners-shrubs.com The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Merit Awards 2016

Bruss Landscaping, Inc. Specialty Element Backyard Hangout

Ground Pros, Inc. Commercial Maintenance Vi at the Glen

Clarence Davids & Company Commercial Construction Grand Plaza Pool Terrace

Hanson Landscape Residential Construction Entertaining Bliss

Clarence Davids & Company Commercial Construction Chicago Gaelic Park 36

Landscape Concepts Management Commercial Maintenance Weatherstone of Inverness The Landscape Contractor March 2017

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iLandscape 2017 —

ILCA Carves Out New Home By Marilyn Witney

On January 3, ILCA

announced its new relationship with the Midwest Ecological Landscape Alliance (MELA). As of that date, MELA and ILCA have joined hands and will be working together to promote environmental awareness and sustainability within the landscape industry. At iLandscape, Executive Director Scott Grams took the opportunity prior to the plenary keynote to welcome MELA’s members from the podium and introduce Mike Nowak, its cofounder and Jeff Swano, Chair of the ILCA Sustainable and Ecological Landscaping Committee (SELC). Nowak described the founding of MELA fourteen years ago as an effort by a few like-minded colleagues who thought

“working with nature in the built environment would be a more reasonable alternative than trying to control it.” At that time Nowak said “it was before colony collapse of bees, before monarch population decline and before EAB destroyed our ash trees. As it turns out, things were much worse than we thought.” So continuing the conversation now is more urgent than ever.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

The MELA members have been committed to sustainability and have had a vision for a prosperous future of environmentally responsible landscaping and horticulture since its founding. Over time the annual MELA Conference, which has offered high level education and development in sustainable landscape practices, gained momentum and was attended by a diversity of professionals throughout

for MELA the Midwest. Now, as the discussion about practices that preserve the environment have moved into the mainstream, carving out a new home within ILCA is the logical next step. Swano joined Grams and Nowak at the MELA welcome and expressed his enthusiasm about MELA members who have joined his Committee. “As partners, we plan to develop more tools and educational opportunities for our larger audience and hope that sustainable practice will become less of a novelty in our business and more of the norm.” The SELC is now taking steps to bring back the MELA Conference this fall. Watch for details to come by email and in upcoming issues of The Landscape Contractor.

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iLandscape 2017 —

iLandscape Keynote Speaker Ed Begley, Jr. Living Green Goes Mainstream By Marilyn Witney

On February 1,

widely regarded as one of the nation’s most environmentally aware celebrities and reflected on his 40 years of living green. He described his journey which began when he was a struggling actor in Los Angeles, a city then engulfed in dangerously high levels of smog. Resulting primarily from vehicle emissions and industrial fumes, smog often made breathing impossible and forced L.A. citizens indoors for an average 180 days of the year. In addition, it motivated Begley and others to do something about it. The celebration of the first Earth Day in 1970 was a catalyst to do more to address the smog, plus the dense industrial pollution that actually caught on fire in Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River and raw sewage that tainted the waters and beaches of

iLandscape Keynote Ed Begley Jr. set the tone for the conference loaded with more than 6,000 attendees and hundreds of exhibitors covering two exhibit halls at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Begley’s comments about “Living Green” characterized half of the educational sessions which included at least one component of ecological and sustainable landscaping – evidence that these practices are no longer on the fringes of our green businesses, nor our lifestyles. They’re now out in the open and part of the mainstream dialogue. In his opening comments, Begley covered just about every component of sustainable living to a standing-room-only audience. He is

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

iLandscape 2017 — Santa Monica Bay. What happened is that each little step Begley took toward greener living wound up saving him money. From changing lightbulbs, to solar power, to driving one of America’s first electric cars, he got closer and closer to the negative carbon footprint he enjoys today in the LEED Platinum home he just completed. Instead of expansive turf that’s expensive to maintain, the home is surrounded by vegetable gardens and fruit trees that supplement the family’s diet, along with native plants that require less water and fewer chemical supplements. He described the iLandscape contractors, growers and suppliers as “doing the Lord’s work” and applauded the efforts of the industry to learn new ways to create outdoor spaces that protect the planet. In addition, he was impressed with the show’s exhibitors and attendees and emphasized the “importance of plants to create more oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.” While he spoke, the audience was fascinated by his green lifestyle and

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

served up questions about solar power, wind turbines and electric vehicles. But what does this mean for landscape con-

tractors and the green industry? ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams shared what he believes is the most important part of Begley’s message. “From the

iLandscape 2017 —

moment he gets up to the time he goes to bed, this man is practicing what he preaches,” commented Grams in an interview. “But he doesn’t pass judgment on those who aren’t following pristine ecofriendly practices. Instead, he applauds anyone who takes even one small step toward what he calls ‘the low-hanging

fruit’ or things that are easy and inexpensive to do.” “What matters,” Begley says, “is that you continue to do more and more. And getting my hands in the dirt was one of the most important things I’ve ever done.” Tom Lupfer,

owner of Lupfer Landscaping, represents the ILCA Board on the Sustainable and Ecological Landscape Committee (SELC). Sharing his experience with sustain-

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

able practice he said, “I use sustainable methods in all of my projects, but not because customers ask for them. It’s because it’s the right way to build a landscape. It’s more efficient.” He continued, “There is much more value for

iLandscape 2017 —

a sustainable landscape at the end of the project. Once the soil is repaired, the turf is weaned off chemicals and the bushes are pruned correctly, the result is that the plants are happy and healthy, requiring less supplemental water and fertilizer.” This saves the contractor manpower and maintenance costs that he can reinvest

in his business or pass on to the homeowner. “Not only that,” Lupfer says, “sustainability sets me apart when customers do express concern for the environment. Those of us who provide sustainable services are still relatively unique in the marketplace and it’s an opportunity to grow our businesses.” Jeff Swano, Chair of the SELC agrees with Lupfer. “Contractors who are early adopters of sustainability are on the front line for those clients who want these services. The market is small, but is definitely growing.” Swano, a naturalist and organic gardener with sustainability as the basis for his company, Dig Right In Landscaping, also doesn’t normally promote this expertise up front. “The problem is that Americans have an image of their home landscape that dates back to the post-WW II era,” Swano says. “They want a big green lawn in front

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The Landscape Contractor March 2017

of their homes. They never imagine that sunny spot as an excellent space for a vegetable garden. We need to help them see beauty in something that is different.” Taking a cue from Ed Begley, both Lupfer and Swano agree that making sustainability the norm will take time and small steps toward that goal work just fine.

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There is no need to overhaul an entire business. Instead, start thinking about materials that are used to build a landscape and not just the plants that are put into them. Are the materials locally sourced to save time and fuel? Sustainably harvested? Recycled? Many contractors are already practicing sustainability in significant ways to save money and resources. Build on those practices to save the planet even more. Find help from the Sustainable Maintenance Guide and Calendar on the following pages. For further information, visit the ILCA website at www.ilca. net. Located on the home page under Resources are useful tools for some of the basic and most requested sustainable practices: small rain gardens, rain water harvesting and creating a sustainable action plan. Watch for more online guides, plus upcoming demos and education sessions that will be developed by the combined ILCA and MELA Sustainable and Ecological Landscaping Committee.

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June 1, 2016

Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Annual Calendar

Sustainable Maintenance Guide and Calendar For the next 15 months, ILCA will be releasing a monthly excerpt from the most current version (v3.0) of its Sustainable Maintenance Guide and Calendar in The Landscape Contractor magazine. The entire 12 month calendar is available to download at no cost to ILCA members, non-profits, public agencies, and units of government. Please email information@ilca.net to request a download of the entire guide and calendar. This guide is not available to private landscape companies who are not members of the ILCA. This guide is intended to equip Illinois Landscape Contractors Association members with all the tools necessary to implement a sustainable maintenance program. It takes into account the constraints of a landscape company in regards to costs, time, equipment, personnel, and horticultural knowledge. The guide is written so any landscape company can apply these maintenance principles to almost any commercial or residential landscape and improve the positive impact on the environment without sacrificing aesthetic quality.

SUSTAINABLE MAINTENANCE CALENDAR June 1, 2016

Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Annual Calendar

SUSTAINABLE MAINTENANCE CALENDAR

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The Landscape Contractor March 2017

NEW MEMBERS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; CONTRACTOR MEMBERS Alaniz Landscape Group, Inc. Miguelle Alfaro P.O. Box 1248 Elgin, IL 60121 Phone: 847-289-4900 Fax: 847-289-4901 Email: info@alanizlandscapes.com Website: www.alanizlandscapes.com Alaniz Landscape Group, Inc. is a full Design - Installation - Maintenance and Snow Plowing Contractor for large multi-family residential communities, commercial/industrial properties and municipalities. Due to our innovative designs and paver/retaining wall installations, Alaniz Landscape Group, INC. has experienced tremendous success on projects of any size ranging from small residential valued to large commercial/ industrial installations. Alaniz Landscape Group, INC. is a General Landscape, Brick Paving, Retaining Walls and Snow Plowing Contractor.

Aspen Landscapes, Inc. PO Box 686 Mundelein, IL 60060 Phone: 847-201-1980 Fax: 847-201-1981 Email: info@aspenlandscapesinc.com Website: www.aspenlandscapesinc.com Aspen Landscapes is a leader in the landscape and snow management industry, providing services to our customers in the Lake County area since 1996.

Wasco, IL 60183 Phone: 630-940-8198 Email: jim@completessltd.com Private Sector Landscape Contractor.

Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landscaping Eddie Villavicencio 4617 S. IL Route 47 Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-790-6465 Fax: 815-337-0847 Email: eddieslandscaping@gmail.com Biologic Performance Website: eddieslandscapingdesign.com 25910 W. Hermann Ave. Specializing in unique design and instalAntioch, IL 60002 lation of Landscaping including plantEmail: biologicperformance@gmail.com ing, patios, driveways, waterfalls, retainWebsite: biologicperformance.com ing walls, outdoor kitchens, pergola and Create artistic and regenerative landscap- landscape lighting. ing that deepens our connection with nature. Specializing in water features. Fritz Landscape Contractors, Inc. Paul Fritz Complete Site Solutions, Ltd. P.O. Box 624 Jim Stevenson St. Charles, IL 60175 40W514 Route 64 - PO Box 136 Phone: 847-464-4400

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Fax: 847-464-0403 Email: paul@fritzlandscapecontractors.com Website: fritzlandscapecontractors.com Gabriel’s Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. Gabriel Marquez 730 N Quentin Rd Palatine, IL 60067 Phone: 847-358-0297 Fax: 847-358-0201 Email: gimarquez@gabrielsinc.com Website: www.gabrielsinc.com Gabriel’s Landscape and Tree Care Service, Inc. was founded in 1984 by the owner Gabriel Marquez. Our expertise in landscaping business is based on the 24 years of experience. The company provides excellent services at unbeatable rates. Gabriel’s Landscape and Tree Care Service, Inc., located in Palatine, IL serves the Chicagoland community in venues such as: Tree care, Brick paving & construction, Landscape design, installation and maintenance, Snow removal, and Sewer service.

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The Landscape Contractor March 2017

NEW MEMBERS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; G. Ramirez Landscaping Inc. Ricardo Ramirez 5819 S. Nagle Chicago, IL 60638 Phone: 773-586-0232 Email: gramirezlandscaping1996@ gmail.com Website: gramirezlandscaping.com

Constant communication is always a priority for us and ensures that we are always on the same page as our clients. Our experienced crews are highly trained to pay attention to the details and provide work that they and the clients can be proud of. Our proven model ensures that we can give the highest quality work at an affordable and competitive price.

Green Effects Landscaping Kyle Rea 17517 Kelsey Lane Orland Park, IL 60467 Phone: 708-675-7309 Fax: 708-570-1619 Email: kylerea@grneffects.com Website: www.grneffects.com Green Effects is a South Chicagoland landscaping company out of Orland Park that focuses on quality work and customer satisfaction. We offer a wide array of residential services as well as commercial maintenance and hardscape constructions. We take great pride in our customer service and responsiveness that gives our clients a unique experience and sets us apart from our competition.

Green Scene Bob Dore 1041 Porter St. St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-513-6050 Fax: 630-513-0151 Email: bdore@greensceneil.com Website: www.greensceneil.com Landscape construction, tree removal and plant health care, lawn maintenance, snow removal and lawn care fertilization.

Heels and Hardhats Contracting Jackie Richter PO 480 Byron, IL 61010 Phone: 815-985-0247 Email: jackie@heelsandhardhats.com Website: www.heelsandhardhats.com We are a woman owned and operated firm that specializes in utility services. Our restoration group is focused on transmission and distribution restoration for Gas and Electric utilities. We engage heavily in erosion control, wet land repair, Hydro seeding, straw mulching and blanket installation. You will not find us much in commercial residential work. We work with other landscape contractors on more specialized heavy work. Our fleet includes Skid loaders, Graders, dozers, excavators and gradalls along with small clearing equipment. Heels and Hardhats is signatory with all the applicable unions. Our core values begin with Safety-Quality-Commitment.

For over 50 years our highly qualified staff has provided our customers technical value with personal service. Arthur Clesen Inc., in Illinois, and Clesen PROturf Solutions, in Wisconsin, distributes quality products incuding Aquatics, Arborists Supplies, Erosion Control, Fertilizer, Fungicides, Grass Seed, Growth Regulators, Hand Tools, Herbicides, Ice Melters, Insecticides, Native Plugs, IDOT Blends & Mixes, Sprayers, Spreaders and Surfactants for pick up or forklift deliveries. North Chicago Location 635 Margate Drive Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (647) 537-2177

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South Chicago Location 9710 W 194th Street Mokena, IL 60448 (708) 444-2177

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The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Lawn-Tech, LTD. Mark Spence 7320 Duvan Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 Phone: 708-532-7411 Fax: 708-532-7243 Email: mark@lawntechltd.com Website: www.lawntechltd.com Family owned business since 1984 specializing in the custom application of fertilizers and pesticides on lawns and/ or trees and shrubs. Also provide core aeration service. Servicing southwest suburbs in Cook county and Northeast Will county Liberty Prairie Restorations, LLC Al Moody 928 Bartlett Terrace Libertyville, IL 60048 Phone: 847-367-6311 Fax: 847-362-7969 Email: almoody@ameritech.net Website: www.libprairierestore.com Create, maintain, and restore natural landscapes.

Lizzette Medina Landscape Mgmt Lizzette Medina 8836 Lincolnwood Dr Evanston, IL 60203 Email: info@lizzettemedina.com Phone: 773-696-2330 Fax: 773-696-2007 Mark Hoerr Landscaping Inc. Mark Hoerr 9604 N Thousand Dollar Rd. Brimfield, IL 61517 Phone: 309-303-8224 Fax: 309-446-9527 Email: mark@markhoerrlandscaping.com Website: markhoerrlandscaping.com Mark Hoerr Landscaping was started in 2006. We are a design build company serving all of Central Illinois. We offer a full compliment of services from starting with new construction, to adding to existing landscapes and full maintenance services.

Midwest Arbor Corporation Matt Everly PO Box 519 Spring Grove, IL 60081 Phone: 815-675-6766 Fax: 815-675-6951 Email: info@midwestarborcorp.com Website: www.midwestarborcorp.com Since 1993, Midwest Arbor Corporation has been creating quality landscapes in Chicago’s northern suburbs. From the initial meeting to the final walk through, Midwest Arbor Corporation has designed its business to have a unique relationship with its customers. Our ability to connect with our clients and understand their goals have allowed Midwest Arbor to design, install, and maintain personalized landscapes to fit each customer’s individual needs. Our client’s wants and desires have become the standards by which we determine our success

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New Members Midwest Landscape Concepts, Inc. David Miga 2106 Babst Court Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630-258-2135 Email: dmiga98@yahoo.com Website: www.midwestlandscapeconcepts.com Perspectives Landscape Debby Blanks 469 Groveland Avenue Highland Park, IL 60035 Phone: 847-309-9473 Fax: 847-433-9473 Email: debby@perspectiveslandscape.com Website: perspectiveslandscape.com PTL Landscaping & Maintenance, Inc. Paul Leakakos PO Box 1478 Addison, IL 60101 Phone: 630-202-6744 Fax: 847-893-6772 Email: paul@ptllandscaping.com Website: www.ptllandscaping.com R. Montoya, Inc Roberto Montoya 4403 N. Keokuk Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 Phone: 773-777-0729 Email: rmontoya7@msn.com Superior Ground Services, Inc. Ken Till PO Box 442 Downers Grove, IL 60515 Phone: 630-880-7569 Email: ktill@superiorgroundservices.com Website: SuperiorGroundServices.com Residential, Multi-Family Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Municipal Contractor. Landscape Design, Build & Maintenance. Snow & Ice Management Services. Floral Rotations, Potted Floral Design, Low Voltage Lighting Services, Irrigation, Holiday Décor. Sweeney’s Custom Landscaping, Inc. Tom Sweeney 100 S Villa Ave Villa Park, IL 60181 Phone: 630-238-8600 Fax: 630-238-8604 Email: info@sweeneyslandscaping.com 58

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Website: www.sweeneyslandscaping.com Sweeney’s Custom Landscaping, Inc. provides quality landscape services in the Chicagoland area with a focus on customer service. We will work with you and your vision to create the outdoor environment that suits your lifestyle and budget. We offer layout, installation and maintenance services. Winters Landscape, Inc. Jonathan Winters 50W410 Marcy Road Sycamore, IL 60178 Phone: 815-895-9342 Fax: 480-247-5079 Email: jon.winters@winterslandscape.com Website: www.winterslandscape.com At Winters, we are committed to building and continually improving relationships with our customers. Our Mission is to provide commercial and residential developers within the TriState Chicagoland area with exceptional service and quality landscape, hardscape and irrigation. Zimmerman Landscaping, Inc. Eric Zimmerman 37W085 Flagpole Ct. Elgin, IL 60124 Phone: 847-697-3500 Fax: 224-535-9301 Email: zimmermanlandscaping@gmail.com Website: zimmermanslandscaping.com LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE OR DESIGN FIRMS Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects John Evans 850 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: 312-492-6501 Email: jevans@hoerrschaudt.com Website: www.hoerrschaudt.com Landarch Systems, Inc. Glen Tracy 1233 E. US HWY 45 Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Phone: 847-291-9300 Email: gtracy@landarchsystems.com Website: www.landarchsystems.com

SUPPLIER MEMBERS Echo-Golden Eagle Distributing Jay Hallberg 3814 Wisconsin Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 Phone: 312-841-3312 Email: jhallberg@goldeneagledist.com Website: goldeneagledist.com Golden Eagle Distributing Corporation was established in 1946 by Ralph and Jean Sheppard, who supplied chain saws and accessories to the logging industry. For more than sixty-five years, we’ve experienced many changes, but our philosophy remains the same: to provide honest service, quality products and support to our dealers. We distribute quality outdoor products for commercial landscapers and homeowners. Our commitment is to support every product we sell with parts and service. Our facilities in California and Illinois enable us to better serve you and stock the products necessary to meet your needs, and provide you with outstanding customer service. Go Green Mulch - Division of Lakeshore Recycling Systems Joe Zepeda 1655 Powis West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 773-746-5060 Fax: 630-377-7462 Email: jzepeda@lrsrecycles.com Website: www.lrsrecycles.com Knapheide Joe Villa 1848 Westphalia Strasse Quincy, IL 62305 Phone: 630-433-7950 Email: jvilla@knapheide.com Website: www.knapheide.com Since 1848, Knapheide has provided customers with high quality, work-ready transportation solutions. Today, The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is North America’s most popular manufacturer of truck bodies and truck beds. There are more work trucks on the road today with “Knapheide” stamped on the truck body than any other manufacturer. We take great pride in providing customers with the highest quality service/utility bodies, platform bodies, gooseneck bodies, dump

bodies, mechanics trucks, fuel/lube trucks, and water trucks in the industry. Trust the name that has been in the business for over 168 years, choose Knapheide. Pine Hall Brick Doug Rose 2701 Shorefair Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27116 Phone: 856-905-5321 Email: drose@pinehallbrick.com Website: pinehallbrick.com The Heartland Group Daniel Reuben 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave Chicago, IL 60631 Phone: 773-380-3813 Fax: 773-380-8323 Email: dreuben@thgfinancial.com Website: www.theheartlandgroup.com

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GOVERNMENT/NONPROFIT MEMBERS Downers Grove Park District Regina Ozog 2455 Warrenville Road Downers Grove, IL 60515 Phone: 630-960-4652 Email: rozog@dgparks.org Website: www.dgparks.org Elk Grove Park District Valerie Gerdes Lemme 499 Biesterfield Rd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847-228-3513 Fax: 847-228-3508 Email: vlemme@elkgroveparks.org Website: elkgroveparks.org Shedd Aquarium Christine Nye 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312-692-3139 Email: cnye@sheddaquarium.org Website: www.sheddaquarium.org Village of Streamwood Public Works Tim Alltop 565 S. Bartlett Rd Streamwood, IL 60107 Phone: 630-736-3850 Fax: 630-289-7201 Email: talltop@streamwood.org Website: streamwood.org

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The Landscape Contractor March 2017

New Members West Chicago Park District Jesse Felix 201 W. National St. West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630-293-6928 Fax: 630-231-2352 Email: jfelix@we-goparks.org Website: we-goparks.org Established in 1972, the West Chicago Park District maintains over 400 acres of land at 13 park sites. The park district opened a 70,000 sq. ft. community center in 2014, a zero depth aquatic center in 1995 and maintains 10 baseball/softball fields, numerous soccer fields and natural passive areas.

Green Key Landscape Design Andrea Rundblade 515 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815-988-1184 Email: greenkeylandscapedesign@gmail.com Website: www.greenkeylandscapedesign.com Green Key is a Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin Landscape Design Firm.

Sage Advice Landscape Design Carol E. Becker 1548 Parkside Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: 847-830-5945 Email: carol@sage-advice.net Website: sage-advice.net Landscape design and consulting. Specializing in wildlife gardens and sustainability.

Janoski Design Julie Janoski 904 James Court Wheaton, IL 60189 Phone: 630-258-0513 Email: janoskidesign@yahoo.com Website: www.janoskidesign.com

Twig Landscape Design, LLC Michele Kruegel 527 Lyman Ave Oak Park, IL 60304 Phone: 708-232-8944 Email: mk@twiglandscapes.com Website: www.twiglandscapes.com

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Jensen Design, Inc. Lynora Jensen 556 Webford Ave Des Plaines, IL 60016 Phone: 847-687-9017 Email: lynorajensen@me.com Containers, Specialty garden maintenance & design.

Voltaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gardener Brian Shea 2525 W. Charleston St. Chicago, IL 60647 Phone: 773-486-0268 Email: bshea@voltairesgardener.com Website: www.voltairesgardener.com Landscape design for urban landscapes.

Landscape Concepts Management Jennifer Washo 1954 W Patterson Ave #1 Chicago, IL 60613 Phone: 773-621-7156 Email: jwasho@landscapeconcepts.com

Zone 5 Horticulture Karla Marino 438 S. Brewster Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 Phone: 630-542-1747 Email: zone5hort@gmail.com

Botanic Designs, Inc. Lisa Peterson 1025 Revere Court Lombard, IL 60148 Phone: 630-935-4705 Email: botanicdesigns.lisa@gmail.com Website: www.botanicdesigns.net Foliage Fantasies Laurence Lewis 335 Greenleaf Evanston, IL 60202 Phone: 773-218-9259 Email: lbl1948@yahoo.com

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

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Vulcan Materials Company has had a presence

in Illinois since 1957, but it is new to ILCA. “We felt we could do a better job in this market,” says Brett May, Vulcan’s manager of the Illinois sales service center. And so, Lisa Kapoun, Illinois sales rep, whom May describes as friendly, knowledgeable and outgoing, has been happily making the rounds of such networking opportunities as the ILCA Annual Meeting where “she reached out to a number of members,” May says. Vulcan also had a booth at Summer Field Day 2016 at Midwest Trading in Virgil, IL. Vulcan, with a corporate headquarters in Birmingham, AL, moved into Illinois after acquiring Consumers Company. For a while there were offices in Illinois and Wisconsin, but now the regional office is in Naperville, IL, although there are operations in 23 aggregate production and related facilities throughout Illinois. Four of these are in the Chicago metropolitan area: Lake Bluff, Elk Grove Village, Pershing (Chicago) and McCook. The corporation began in 1909 as the Birmingham Slag Company and has gone through several iterations since then. The Consumers Company acquisition was part of a merger 62

that included nine companies. At the time “Fortune” magazine called the prospectus issued for the transaction “one of the most complex ever printed.” May started with Vulcan while a geology engineering student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. It was a summer job that grew into a full time one after he earned his degree. “It was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door,” he says. Like many Vulcan employees, he has stayed, climbing the ladder to his present position. He’s since gone on to earn a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The Naperville facility employs nearly 40 people and serves as a hub for both operations and engineering. Heritage Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary, also operates out of that office. Heritage delivers orders in the Chicago area. “We have many people who have worked with us for more than 20 years,” he says. “It’s something we are proud of.” It’s also, he says, “a great place to work.” Vulcan has seen an increased call for sustainable products, something that it is answering with its recycled materials. “In a city like Chicago, with a lot of reconstruction, it makes sense if you can recycle the materials and reuse them,” he says. At the Pershing facility, which is located at 39th and Racine in the City, closer to the Downtown area, there are a lot of materials that are crushed and reused. Concrete, for instance, can be crushed and recycled back into building materials. The company’s VecoBase™ product line is an engineered aggregate foundation layer, designed to be used with permeable pavement applications. “Especially in a place like Chicago where there is a lot of storm water runoff, if you can allow it to naturally infiltrate the soil, or slow its entry into the storm water sewer system, it is important,” says May. Chicago has used Veco products in some of its recent work. Vulcan regularly partners with local schools in the communities in which its quarries are located, allowing youngsters and Scout groups to visit and learn about geology, as well as the work Vulcan does. During Earth Science Day each year, sixth graders from the McCook school district visit the quarry. The company also supports high school robotics groups. The Bolingbrook Quarry has an annual Cub Scouts Day, during which local scout packs tour the facility, as well as get handson and classroom presentations. May clearly loves what he does. “Sometimes I will drive down to the bottom of a quarry and look around,” he says. “it’s pretty cool.”

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Yard Drainage Designer

Landscape Supervisor

Dig Right In specializes in a variety of yard drain-

Grow with us!

age solutions primarily for residential customers.

Balanced Environments, Inc. is seeking a full-time

experience who is eager to learn from the best in the

snow for the western and southern suburbs. Job respon-

We are seeking a landscape designer with little to no business.

You have a basic understanding of water dynam-

ics in the landscape and the challenges associated

with small lots, clayey soil and climate change. You tend to geek-out to hydrogeology and you know a

thing or two about rain gardens, infiltration systems,

piping, stormwater management, green infrastructure, and sustainable landscaping techniques.

You must demonstrate proficiency in sales; cus-

tomer service; contract writing, estimating, and negotiating; landscape design; project management; and a willingness to learn.

Designers must demonstrate applicable experi-

ence or education such as an accredited landscape

design program, certificate or equivalent. Computer (Excel & Word) and confident sales skills a plus.

Compensation based upon prior experience and skill level as demonstrated by portfolio, plus incentives.

Please send resume to: krista@digrightin.com HORTICULTURIST WANTED Lakeshore Landscaping & Lakeshore Seasonal

Services, commercial design/build/maintenance companies in beautiful and thriving Valparaiso Indiana for over 30 years, are seeking an energetic and

enthusiastic individual to supervise plant health care in our yard and on job sites, to assist our landscape

designers with plant procurement and design implementation, and to train field technicians in proper ornamental plant care.

Preferred applicants will possess at least a two

year horticulture degree, and will be comfortable

working in the office with Excel and just as comfortable working hands-on with inventory and crews.

Pesticide applicator’s license (or ability to quickly obtain) is essential, as is a valid driver’s license.

This is a full-time, year round position with ample

opportunity for advancement for the right candidate.

We E-Verify and conduct pre-placement physical fitness and drug screen tests.

Please send a resume to Heidi: hfs@lakeseasonal.com.

Landscape Supervisor for maintenance/enhancements/ sibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 5+ years experience as a Supervisor in maintenance/enhancements/snow removal. • Oversee crews providing snow removal services and perform snow removal services as needed. • Individual should have good computer skills, ability to provide accurate estimates and review job cost. • Perform work in a safe and profitable manner. • Hire, train, manage, and develop crews. • Monitor work completed by crews for quality and efficiency. • Communicate with Sales and Management on a regular basis. • Bilingual in both English and Spanish is highly preferred. • Salary commensurate with experience. For a confidential consideration, please send your inquiry and resume today to:

mbrooks@balancedenvironmentsinc.com. Draftsman

Capital Stoneworks is a Distributor, Quarrier & Fabricator of natural stone

We are looking for a Draftsman to join our growing team. Responsibilities

include preparing shop drawings, field measuring, and job site meetings.

- Organized & Detail oriented

- Auto Cad skills & understanding of architectural drawings

- Basic understanding of Masonry construction - Good communication & people skills

Please email resume to: jim@capitalstoneworks.com Driver/Shop Help Capital Stoneworks is a Distributor, Quarrier & Fabricator of natural stone We are looking for shop help/Driver to join our growing team. We will train in the art of stone fabrication. - Class “B” CDL - Good communication & people skills - Good Organization & problem solving skills - Spanish is a plus - Experience is a plus but we will train. Please email resume to: jim@capitalstoneworks.com

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

HELP WANTED Landscape Maintenance Sales/Account Manager We are seeking an experienced landscape mainte-

nance sales/account manager to join our expanding

company. Classic Landscape Ltd has been a standard

in the landscape industry since 1964 and continues to grow each and every year!

Responsibilities: • Generating New Maintenance Sales • New Snow Removal Sales • Review and Edit Contracts • Communicate with Maintenance Director and Field Managers • Communicate with Customers • Quality Control Qualifications: • Basic Computer Skills Needed (Excel, Outlook) • General Landscape Knowledge • Basic Plant Identification • Able to Flourish in a High Paced Work Environment • Experience is a MUST Please Send All Resumes to:

hire1@classiclandscapeltd.com, Do NOT Call The Office Position(s) Available:

Project Manager/Designer/Sales Signature, Inc. is a mid-sized sized landscape design/ build firm looking to hire an energetic, goal-oriented

new team member who can develop into a successful Project Manager and Salesperson. We offer a professional atmosphere, experienced staff, and potential for growth and ownership. Willing to train.

Leads are provided.

Dynascape experience is helpful.

Design skills and plant knowledge a must. Commission plan available. Car/phone allowance. Laptop provided.

Signature, Inc. is in the Elgin/St. Charles area and has been providing high-end design/build construction and maintenance services for over 17 years.

Please visit www.siglandscaping.com to learn more about our team, or contact Jeff Kerber at (847) 289-0590 or email jeff@siglandscaping.com

HELP WANTED

Account Manager

ACCOUNT MANAGER

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB: Manage client relationships and sales RESPONSIBILITIES will include but are not limited to; Retain accounts through the development of strong relationships with key decision makers and users within an organization. Proactively conduct strategic account reviews with all assigned customers on a regular basis to review service needs and usage trends. Proactively identify Accounts whose revenue may be shrinking so as to address any ‘at risk’ customers and reach out to these accounts to ensure they are retained as customers. Prepare estimates, proposals and sales contracts. Manage account services through quality checks and other follow-up. Coordinate company personnel to accomplish the work required to close sales. REQUIREMENTS: Experience working with municipal, real estate and commercial clientele mandatory. 3-5 years of sales experience in a service industry. Practical understanding of Seasonal Color (Flowers) essential. Solid grasp of Landscaping Services (Maintenance, Installations, Irrigation, Pruning, Seasonal Flowers) or similar industry (i.e. Construction) highly desirable. Familiarity of snow removal business a plus. Experience developing estimates from Requests for Proposals/Bidding Process. High School Diploma required, bachelor’s degree preferred. Computer proficiency in programs such as Excel and Word. Possession of a valid driver’s license. Bilingual a plus but not required. WORKING CONDITIONS: Mobile Driving to Client sites and offices. Work requires significant local travel also requires willingness to work a flexible schedule. This job description does not list all the duties of the position.

We are looking for an additional year-round Landscape Maintenance Estimator/Account Manager to be our primary contact in maintaining relationships with existing commercial & multi-family 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 & Southwest Suburbs. For 32 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.

Please send letter of interest and resume to work@landscapeconcepts.com.

Sprayer Technician – Maintenance Foreman A growing landscape maintenance company seeks to fill the following positions in our Carol Stream office: Sprayer technician. Must have pesticide and herbicide sprayers License and experience five years experience. Maintenance foreman. Bilingual and drivers license. Minimum of five years experience CDL driver to run watering crew. Laborers for maintenance. Must have 5 years experience. Send resumes to: Dan@woodlandcommercial.com

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain relationship with commercial, municipal and industrial clients as primary contact for all maintenance and enhancement activities Look for and prepare enhancement proposals. Preparation of estimates for potential new clients Doing walk-through with clients or Property Managers Maintain communication with customers MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum 5 years’ experience in related field Must possess a valid driver’s license Good insect/disease diagnosis skills Bi-lingual is helpful Degree in Horticulture is helpful, but not required CONTACT info@suburbanlandscaping.net 708-799-6228 Al Luke Customer Service Representative Midwest Arbor Corporation is currently seeking a customer service representative to work within the maintenance department. In this position, the individual would be working in the residential sector of Chicago’s north shore suburbs. This individual will be responsible for the management of crews to ensure the highest quality product at each client’s home. This individual will also work directly with customers and maintenance crews in their region on a day-to-day basis to inspect properties, make recommendations for enhancement, set schedules, communicate with customers, and create proposals. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Matt Everly at matt.everly@midwestarborcorp.com. For more company information, please visit our website at www. midwestarborcorp.com.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

HELP WANTED NATURE’S PERSPECTIVE LANDSCAPING -DESIGN ASSISTANT-

Join our well-established design, build and maintenance company. For over 35 years, Nature’s Perspective has been providing landscape services to Chicago’s northern suburbs and Chicago’s north side. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Candidate will assist in preparing landscape drawings and proposals for client presentations as well as coordinate multiple landscape projects. Candidate must be able to handle a wide range of responsibilities, have a good knowledge of plant and hardscape materials, demonstrate excellent computer skills including Dynascape, Google SketchUp and Google Picasa, be detail oriented, organized, self-motivated with good social skills. Please mail, or e-mail your resume to:

NATURE’S PERSPECTIVE LANDSCAPING Attn: Paul Klitzkie 2000 Greenleaf St.

Evanston, IL 60202 (847) 475-7917

E-mail: pklitzkie@naturesperspective.com Visit us at: www.naturesperspective.com Account Manager Cut Above Landscaping, Westmont, IL, is searching for an Account Manager to service our recurring book of business and achieve gross profit objectives through leadership and management of staff while meeting contractual commitments to customers in a timely, high quality manner. Experience in the landscape/green industry is not a requirement, but you must have the desire and aptitude to gain an understanding of this dynamic industry. This career opportunity offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus program, reimbursed business expenses and other company benefits. To apply for this position, and learn more about job requirements and responsibilities, please forward a resume and cover letter to: Christopher Schlueter, General Manager (chris. schlueter@cutaboveland.com) with “Cut Above Account Manager” as your email subject.

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Construction/Enhancement Supervisor

Turf/Plant Health Care Technician

Landscape Construction – Maintenance – Residential Commercial

Bolingbrook Location

This position is responsible for assisting the residential Landscape Architect/Designers in supervising

construction/enhancement crews and all the functions pertaining to the crews. Supervising job quality and performance are the primary responsibilities. Other

responsibilities include scheduling of projects, management of crews and materials, and others.

We are seeking an individual who works indepen-

dently and has strong problem solving and organizational skills. 2-3 years of experience managing

hardscape and landscape projects is highly recom-

mended. This position calls for an individual who is eager to learn and looking to be a part of a growing team. Competitive salary with incentive package,

paid vacation, insurance, 401k and vehicle are a few of the benefits available. •

Bilingual is Spanish is a must.

•

Required experience:

• • • •

Job Type: Full-time Supervisory: 1 year

Managing hardscape: 2 years Construction: 1 year

Please send resume to: lorena@sebert.com Account Manager Position Hanson Landscape & Design has been a leader in the Chicagoland Landscape industry for over 17 years, and is continually growing. We are seeking an Experienced Commercial Account Manager to fill our growing team. This position includes employee benefits - 401K, Health Insurance Company Vehicle, Competitive Salary. Responsibilities Include but Not Limited to: Proposals - New Lawn Maintenance and Enhancement Sales - New Sales Leads - Supervision of Crews - Customer Relations Snow Removal Sales and Management Experience: 2 Years Minimum - Bilingual a Plus Knowledge of Equipment used - Plant Knowledge a Plus - Driver’s License Required Please send resume to:

info@hansonlandscape.com

SUMMARY We are currently seeking a responsible, self-driven candidate who is looking to develop as a professional in the landscape industry. We are actively seeking a candidate for the position of Turf/Plant Healthcare Technician. Successful candidates will enjoy working within a small office atmosphere, friendly, and family owned and involved management. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate will be working under the supervision of the Maintenance Department Manager, Jonathan Lee. Even though the role of Turf/Plant Healthcare Technician will be primarily devoted to the Plant Healthcare Department, it is our goal to allow him/her to experience all facets of the business as they will assist, when asked upon, in the office, maintenance department, construction department, and our nursery. Primary roles of the position will be, but are not limited to: 1. Fertilizer/Chemical applications on lawns, trees, and shrubs according to label 2. Equipment Calibration 3. Accurate Records and Data Entry 4. Diagnose and Treat Turf Issues – weed, disease and insect identification 5. Effectively Route Jobs for highest efficiency KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS High School Diploma or Equivalent is required but possessing formal education is a plus. Must possess a valid driver’s license and carry an Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s license. It is imperative that successful candidates have an overall knowledge of what products are used in a landscape setting and how to effectively apply them, be it, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides. Please contact Jonathan Lee 847-949-6667 or jon@pouls.com Seasonal Seasonal park maintenance help needed

Pay range $8.75 - $11.00 per hour based on experience Valid Class “D” Illinois driver’s license required Must be available for some weekend hours

See http://www.dgparks.org/about-us/careers for details

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Beary Landscaping Inc. & Beary Landscape Management Inc. Is growing again, and looking for qualified employees for the following positions: LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS We are seeking experienced landscape maintenance and landscape construction supervisors. Minimum of 3 yrs. experience. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate with crews & customers. Responsible for supervising up to 6 crews, possibly more during peak months. Must be detail orientated, and have a great work ethic. Bilingual & CDL License a +, but not required. We offer an excellent salary, company vehicle, cell phone, 401k, and vacation. Full time year round position. COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE & SNOW REMOVAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE We are seeking an experienced commercial sales representative. Duties will include prospecting, estimating, and account management. . Minimum of 3 yrs. experience. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills. We offer an excellent salary, company vehicle, cell phone, 401k, and vacation. Full time year round position. COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE ESTIMATOR We are seeking to add an experienced commercial landscape estimator to our team. This position will include estimating / biding large commercial work along with maintaining client relations. We are looking for someone with a minimum of 3 yrs. experience with strong communication and team skills. This position is full time year round with excellent salary, benefits, and support. Please send resumes to: nhubbard@bearylandscaping.com or pirish@bearylandscaping.com

Landscape Design Services DESIGN SERVICE Need design work for your clients but not ready to add a design professional to your staff? D.T. Design provides experienced quality design and style versatility for your client needs. Offering knowledgeable expertise for: Hardscapes, highly ornamental or native / sustainable planting plans and perennial gardens. Documentation services such as bid sheets, material take – offs and plant sourcing available. Dynascape rendered plans on bond /mylar. Please contact Deirdre at 847-338-2963 or email: detoner@live.com Website: www.dt-landscapedesign.com

HELP WANTED

Grow with us!

Fleet & Equipment Manager

Balanced Environments, Inc. is seeking a full-time Landscape Supervisor for maintenance/enhance-

ments/snow for the western and southern suburbs.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: • 5+ years experience as a Supervisor in maintenance/enhancements/snow removal. • Oversee crews providing snow removal services and perform snow removal services as needed. • Good computer skills, ability to provide accurate estimates and review job cost. • Perform work in a safe and profitable manner. • Hire, train, manage, and develop crews. • Monitor work completed by crews for quality and efficiency. • Communicate with Sales and Management on a regular basis. • Bilingual in both English and Spanish is highly preferred. • Salary commensurate with experience.

For a confidential consideration, please send your inquiry and resume today to

mbrooks@balancedenvironmentsinc.com. CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR Green Grass Landscape Architecture & Construction, an always growing and expanding design/build firm

serving the Western suburbs since 1997, seeks to add to their team. Green Grass, Inc. focuses on providing a full spectrum of landscape services while special-

izing in high-end residential design and construction. Green Grass, Inc. is located in Downers Grove, IL.

Position: Large Landscape Company in north suburban Chicago with over $15 million in revenue is looking for a Fleet & Equipment Manager. Job Description: This position oversees the acquisition, repair, and maintenance operation of all company vehicles, trailers and small equipment and assets to ensure they are working properly and safely at the beginning of each work day. The position maintains and keeps an updated inventory of vehicles, trailers and equipment. The fleet and equipment manager should have complete and up-to-date knowledge of state and federal transportation regulations. A fleet and small equipment manager must be able to interact and communicate well with clients, vendors and co-workers. Direct Report: President or COO Requirements: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of vehicle and small equipment repair, facility management, hazards and safety precautions of large scale operations and comprehensive knowledge of business practices applicable to fleet and small equipment management. Prefer extensive experience as a motor pool or fleet officer, or equivalent experience. Must be organized, detail oriented, and have ability to track inventory. A CDL license with a minimum 3 year incident-free driving record required. English/Spanish fluency is beneficial. Specific responsibilities are: • • •

Applicant is to have a thorough knowledge of land-

scape construction materials/methods, plants, project

management, job site operations/scheduling, material procurement and yard management. Must also pos-

sess strong problem solving skills, ability to manage crews/laborers and be highly organized. Proficiency

in Spanish is a plus, as are past experience with client

• • •

relations and design. Ideal candidate is to have min. 3 years experience as a construction supervisor or

•

Please email resume, portfolio and salary require-

• •

project manager.

ments to contact@greengrasslandscape.com. All inquiries are kept confidential.

•

CAFS or CAFM certified preferred. Maintain and keep an updated inventory of all vehicles, trailers, and equipment. Plan/develop and execute a schedule for vehicle, trailer, and small equipment services and repairs. Determine the need and benefits of out-sourcing vehicle and equipment repair or services. Negotiate and establish repair cost or parts pricing with vendors. Maintain equipment records in accordance with federal, state and local laws, policy or regulation, and inventory state inspection. Coordinate regular maintenance of vehicles and trailers to ensure they are working properly and safely. Perform emergency repairs. Review/process purchase requisitions for parts and supplies. Maintain inventory of small, easy to repair

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

HELP WANTED

• • • • • • •

• • • •

•

parts such as lights, and work with department supervisors to ensure repairs are promptly reported and handled. Obtain and maintain truck licensing, regulations, insurance cards, etc. Obtain and maintain emission testing. Obtain and maintain annual inspections. Obtain and maintain I-Pass. Oversee proper use of fuel cards. Maintain log and account for fuel storage tanks. Maintain daily inspections and assist with training foreman to properly conduct vehicle and equipment safety inspections. Establish annual budget for fleet acquisition. Conduct vehicle and/or equipment safety training meetings. Ensure that fleet and drivers comply with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state laws. Use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures at all times. Ensure that all team members also follow safety procedures at all times. Perform other duties and responsibility as assigned or requested. Send resume to: lpw-glp@comcast.net Landscape Designer/Sales Person

Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc., a leader in the nursery and design/build industry, is seeking a landscape designer or sales person with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience to help expand our sales force. We are seeking a highly motivated, organized professional who will demonstrate outstanding skills in all aspects of the design/build process including initial client meetings, site analysis, presenting plans and proposals to clients, and managing installation of projects. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in landscape architecture or landscape design, must be willing to collaborate in a team environment, and retain a basic knowledge of estimating. Industry based plant knowledge is also required. Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Microsoft office is a plus. Hinsdale Nurseries offers a competitive salary and health benefits. Please email resume and portfolio to: mdicristina@hinsdalenurseries.com

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED Premier is looking to add a seasoned Irrigation

Greenwise Organic Lawncare (Evanston) is growing and has opportunities for candidates interested in the following positions. If you are passionate about landscaping, come find your niche with us.

Foreman to our team. Applicants must have 10

Landscape Designers/Architects: Positions to be responsible for the design process from the initial consultation through the final sale with team support as appropriate, including estimating and all client communication and interaction. They will also include coordination with the construction department for project installation. Must be familiar with design-build operations and locally appropriate plants and hardscape materials. CAD and MS Office required.

Applicants must speak English and have a valid IL

Construction Supervisor: Position will be responsible for all coordination required to efficiently run our construction crews and execute the projects with an attention to detail and quality. Must be knowledgeable about construction methods, scheduling, procurement, crew management, and machine utilization. Experience required.

We are seeking an experienced supervisor to help

Maintenance Supervisor: Position will be responsible for all coordination required to efficiently run our maintenance crews, including mowing and organic lawn care service with an attention to quality and customer service. Must be knowledgeable about proper maintenance techniques, horticultural practices and crew management. Experience required. Please email inquiry and resume to info@iamgreenwise.com

or more years’ experience, and understanding of all systems, IA certified, proficient in residential and commercial installations and maintenance.

Driver’s License. Pay rate will range from $22 to

$30 per hour based on experience. Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), vacation & sick days. Please email resume to hr@premierservice.com CONSTRUCTION/

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR manage our construction/ maintenance crews. Must

be a good communicator with laborers, HOA’s, and

clients. Should be knowledgeable in plants, Bilingual and CDL is a big plus. Offering a full-time, great salary and benefits.

Send resumes to: bconlin@cbconlin.com Clesen Wholesale Is Hiring!

Clesen Wholesale is a premier wholesale grower selling seasonal annuals and winter décor to independent garden centers and professional landscapers in the Chicago area, Northwest Indiana and Southeast Wisconsin. We currently have openings for: Purchaser Key Job Duties: Manage and build relationships with vendors. Assess demand and replenishment needs to manage inventory Key Requirements: Horticulture industry experience, 1-3 years of purchasing experience Account Manager Key Job Duties: Growing revenue with new and established accounts by building and maintaining sustainable business relationships. Key Requirements: 3 years of horticultural industry experience. 3 years of sales experience Sales Manager Key Job Duties: Sales planning, budgeting and forecasting. Management, mentoring and leadership

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

HELP WANTED of sales team Key Requirements: 6 years of B2B sales experience in the horticulture industry. Experience managing multiple direct reports Head Grower and Grower Key Job Duties: Head Grower: Manage, develop and lead; growers, assistant growers and irrigators. Finish crops according to ready dates, determine appropriate crop science, maintain accurate crop status in systems Grow plants according to recipe and achieve quality standards Key Requirements: Head Grower: 5+ years of experience as a grower of ornamental crops. Grower: 1-4 years of experience as a grower in a commercial greenhouse. Seasonal annuals experience strongly desired. Degree in Horticulture or other applicable field Send resumes to: careers@clesen.com HIRING at SCOTT BYRON & CO., INC., Lake Bluff, IL - MULTIPLE POSITIONS

Start your career with Scott Byron & Co. and join others who have followed their passion to design, build, and maintain exquisite landscapes.

-LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTExperience Landscape Architect residential & commercial projects. Bachelors of LA or Hort. w focus in design, minimum of 5 yrs experience in design or design/build. Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUP, Photoshop, and InDesign is required. Strong understanding and practical application of the technical construction aspects of high-end landscape installation. Licensure in Illinois and/or Wisconsin a plus. -LANDSCAPE FOREMANManage, supervise and direct crew activities on landscape construction and/or maintenance projects. Direct oversight of equipment operation, coordination of work site activities, training employees, and administrative duties like managing time records and completion of safety reports. Knowledge of landscape construction and maintenance. A minimum of 3-5 years previous foreman or lead man experience is preferred. -PERENNIAL /ACCESSORIES BUYERManage the purchasing and inventory of perennials in order that planned supply is available according to intended quantity, quality, timing, variety and margin. Manage the purchasing, on a just in time basis, of items that are custom to each project. These items include but are not limited to: containers, bbq grills, address numbers, kitchens and fountains. Maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers, vendors, freight forwarders and carriers. E-mail: recruit@scottbyron.com SCOTT BYRON & CO., INC. Attn: Claire Storti

30088 N Skokie Highway Lake Bluff, IL 60044

HELP WANTED Field Sales Representative Arthur Clesen Inc., the leading turf and ornamental supply company in Illinois, is looking to hire a motivated individual to join our growing team. We are seeking a candidate to fill a Field Sales Representative position in the Chicagoland area. This is a sales position that primarily focuses on customers within the landscape, lawn care and arborist professions. Other customers include athletic field managers, park supervisors, commercial/residential property managers, cemetery caretakers, nursery & greenhouse managers and snow removal contractors. The types of products we sell include; fertilizer, pesticides, grass seed and bagged ice melter. Furthermore, the candidate we are seeking should be articulate, organized and possess a strong social aptitude that will help develop long lasting relationships with his/her clientele. This candidate must also be proficient in presenting and very knowledgeable in the various turf & ornamental products and services we sell to our customers. For more information visit: www.clesenproturf.com/job-opening-1 Planter’s Palette Landscaping is seeking a midlevel landscape designer/architect with 2-5 years of experience to join our team in the western suburbs! We are looking for a Design Associate to provide high quality landscape services to customers including advice, design, and sales. A successful candidate will meet the following criteria: • Positive and outgoing attitude and ready to be part of a great team • Education in Landscape Architecture or Related Horticultural Field • Advanced knowledge of plant material • Good hand graphics and quality computer graphics • Design Build and maintenance experience • Professional Landscape Architect license is a plus

Advertisers 1st Choice Equipment ............................................44

Lemke Stone ..........................................................59

Arthur Clesen Inc. .................................................56

Longshadow Planters .............................................17

Bartlett Tree Experts .............................................55

McGinty Bros. ........................................................58

Beaver Creek Nursery ..........................................42

Midwest Groundcovers ...........................................2

Cardno ...................................................................60

Midwest Trading ....................................................46

Carlin Sales...............................................................6

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Doty Nurseries LLC ................................................4

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Green Glen Nursery ...............................................71

Snowfighters Institute ............................................54

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Spring Meadow Nursery ........................................35

B. Haney & Sons, Inc. ............................................55

Stockyards Brick Co. ..............................................41

Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. ......................................48

The Care of Trees .................................................... 6

Homer Industries ....................................................63

The Mulch Center ...................................................42

James Martin Associates .........................................68

Unilock, Inc. ...........................................................72

JKS Ventures ..........................................................69

Vermeer Illinois .....................................................61

Kramer Tree Specialists ..........................................30

Wilson Nurseries, Inc. ............................................31

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Xylem, Inc...........................................................37

Please send cover letter, work samples, and resume to planterspalettelandscaping@gmail. com; questions email/call at 630-293-1040.

FOR SALE Well Established Business for “50 years “Turn Key Operation Very Successful, Extremely Profitable. Excellent Reputation, Loyal Customer Base, Tremendous Brand Awareness, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Fencing, Wrought Iron Fencing, Exterior Stairs, Brick Paving Company ***FOR SALE*** Includes business equipment, Copy Written Logo, Great Business #, , 5 .com websites, access to bigger equipment if necessary, has 1 ACRE of leased parking for storage & repairs, on site 2000 gal fuel tank, company buys gas direct for supplier, MBE Minority Business Enterprise Certified, also has CPS Chicago Public Schools, Water Reclamation, Park Dist. Vendor #’s , 400+ hits on Yelp monthly, Current Office Space Avail for lease & 6 off street parking spots, Existing Office Building Location is also available For Sale @ a separate price, *Low Overhead , Debt Free Company *Current Owner is relocating. Owner willing to train & some owner finance possible with collateral, A CONFIDENTIALITY FORM will be provided to get more info. *** Call Pablo Cazares 773 - 671 – 6770

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

Knowing Native Plants

Native Intelligence A Guide through the Labyrinth of Native Plants and Cultivars

by Nina Koziol

Eryngium yuccifolium— Rattlesnake Master

In the Midwest,

where winter temperatures can dip to -20 F and summers can produce endless heat and periods of drought, plants must be well-adapted to survive let alone thrive. Native plants — the flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees that grew in geographical regions prior to European settlement — do just that. Many are found growing in forest preserves, open spaces, the dunes and prairies. Evolving over tens of thousands of years, Midwestern native plants have adapted to the harshest winters, they tolerate droughts, and typically prosper in local soils. Once they’re established, natives typically need less supplemental water than other garden plants. Scott Mehaffey began our Native Intelligence series with a feature in the November 2016 issue. Throughout 2017 we will use this space to continue the discussion on a wide range of native plants.

Eryngium yuccifolium— Rattlesnake Master

Mehaffey likes this native prairie plant for its architectural thistle-like flowers that bloom from June to September. It prefers dry, well-drained soils, even sandy soils. Overly fertile soils or shade will cause the plants to sprawl. It has a deep tap root and resents transplanting.

Cultivate: • • • •

Plant in full sun. Height: 4-5’ Spread: 2-3’. Hardy in zones 3 to 8. Combos: Mass it with native grasses, coneflowers, day lilies, coreopsis and baptisia. Bonus: Drought tolerant and deer resistant.

The Landscape Contractor March 2017

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