The Landscape Contractor magazine MAR.23 DIGITAL EDITION

Nina Koziol 61 Mark Dwyer 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 64, 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.

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

Magazine Staff

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

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

Meta Levin Feature Writer meta.levin@comcast.net

Nina Koziol Feature Writer n.koziol@att.net

Heather Prince Feature Writer princeht@sbcglobal.net

Patrice Peltier Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

Becke Davis EditorialAssistant

From Where I Stand —

A large blank canvas sits

atop a solid black table. Next to the table sit colorful bottles of paint and splattered clay jars filled with brushes. One brush is selected. The tip is dropped into the paint and the bristles drink up the color. The brush hovers above the canvas. It is time to begin.

It’s 5am. The Dockmaster stands on the rear dock of the Schaumburg Convention Center. His navy blue jacket is zipped to his chin. He blows into his hands before reaching into his pocket. He pulls out a large key ring. A cloud of breath rips through the air as he slides a brass key into the rear lock. Click. The door opens.

A drop of paint falls to the canvas.

The unmistakable sound of ripped masking tape adds shape and partition to the concrete floor. The exhibit halls fill with the voices of tradesmen working and laughing between sips of hot coffee. The show decorator dispatches her team across the floor and dock. They scale lifts and ladders. They haul crates and handcarts. Each has a job to do and they do them well. Another drop of paint falls.

A truck driver sits in line with a carrier loaded with stone. He’s been passing the time since the sun came up. The Decorator approaches and jumps onto his cab step. He lowers his window and turns his radio down. She points to an empty spot on the dock. The engine booms back to life and the truck lurches forward. Drop.

up the event by emceeing the entire program live. Drop. The Man of the Year’s brother flies in from Philly to surprise the entire family. Drop. Three generations of family members gather on stage to snap a photo with an industry icon they get to call Dad or Grandpa. Drop. Students and their parents rub shoulders with companies whose names adorn the scholarship plaques they hold dear. Drop. The Distinguished Supplier goes off script and steals the show with hilarious and heartfelt remarks. Drop. Winners gather in the hotel bar and clutch their trophies like Oscars. Drop.

It’s Wednesday morning. An attendee sits in her car. It’s the first large gathering she has attended since the pandemic. She picks up a mask on her dashboard and plays with it between her fingers. She decides to set it back down. She musters her resolve, and with a deep breath she heads inside. Drop.

Drop by Drop

Topiarius, the show’s interiorscaper arrives with box trucks brimming with tropical plants, furniture, and wood walls. The trucks’ steel doors are opened. Plants are huddled like babies against the frigid cold and rushed to warmer air. In just a few hours, this barren concrete floor will spring to life using a vision 10 months in the making. Drop.

The ILCA staff arrive. They exchange final notes and nods. They retreat to the corners of the convention center each will haunt for the next five days. They have had a year preparing for the expected. They have years of experience preparing for the unexpected. Drop. Drop. Drop. Drop. Drop.

The Experience Committee members arrive. Company loyalties are left in the car as iLandscape jackets and fleeces are zipped-up like flack jackets. They shake hands and reminisce about shows past. This will be the last time their feet aren’t sore and their backs don’t ache. Drop.

The Education Committee heads to the Epiphany Room. This will be their headquarters until Friday. They lean against tables and receive their final instructions. Years ago, there would be more questions than answers. Now, they go about their business with a cool confidence as they prep to meet an army of almost 90 volunteers and 2,000 education pass holders. Drop.

Fifty education volunteers arrive for their briefing and another 30 join via Zoom. They will introduce speakers, count noses, scan badges, explain the app, point to the bathrooms, and tell throngs of attendees that sessions are full as per fire code. Drop.

The Awards Committee arrive and organize the largest number of plaques in years. The Chairs courageously agree to spice

The Young Professionals group organizes an impromptu walkabout of the show floor hitting up friends, vendors, and happy hours. Their day will end sitting in the bed of an antique truck surveying a crowd of almost 1,000 people hoping to nab a raffle prize. Drop. The winner of our grand prize, a $13,000 golf cart, signs paperwork while his hands shake. He says this moment is greater than when he shot his first deer. Drop.

A semi-retired volunteer plays with his cell phone and turns to staff and says, “I’m not a techy guy, but this app is awesome!” Drop. A professional in search of a new opportunity and a breath of fresh air scans the job board. Drop. A snow contractor sits in the back of a session room. The forecast is clear. He exhales, pulls out his notepad and focuses on himself for a few days. Drop.

A company searches for the perfect show backdrop to take a photo for Instagram. The giant clown mouth? Adirondack chairs with feet dug in the sand? They select a green wall with a neon sign that says, “We are plant people.” That post will be seen by thousands of followers and customers. A husband will remark to his wife after seeing it, “Honey, our landscapers look happy.” Drop.

Experience Committee members in candy striped vests find their inner carnies for the Games in the Garden. Over the next two hours they bark and beckon and tease and excite lines of attendees hoping to “step right up” and win the next prize. Drop. Attendees grip cotton candy martinis and fistfuls of $20s as they wait their next turn. They can’t remember a night at iLandscape being this much fun. Drop.

A student walks the show floor for the first time. She is shy, but never expected her future industry to be filled with this much joy. For the first time, she knows she belongs. Drop. A contractor only a few years from retirement reminisces about past MidAm shows at the Hyatt and Navy Pier and McCormick Place. He knows two things – that he feels older now and he will miss this when he’s gone. Drop.

An ILCA President opens the hasp to the door on the suite. He is not about VIPs or exclusive clubs. He’s got beer and some snacks. Anyone is welcome as long as you want to have a good

From Where I Stand — ALL

time and some laughs. Stories are swapped between past presidents, committee members, spouses, and suppliers. The President gets very little sleep that night, but he goes to bed knowing that he just demonstrated what ILCA is all about. Drop.

The Executive Director of the IGIA stands in the ILCA membership booth at their Annual Meeting/Keg Party. Dozens of ILCA, IGIA, and crossover members enjoy a cold beer and fellowship. Acronyms don’t matter anymore. A few months from now she will join ILCA as the Statewide Director of Development. Our future is bright. Drop.

A landscape team sits in the Schaumburg Public House. It is their last chance to enjoy a meal together before the season rips them all in opposite directions. They talk just enough business to write the meal off, but end up talking about their hobbies, vacations, favorite movies, and their kids. Drop.

A speaker stays long after her session ends to answer questions from attendees who gather around her. She is patient knowing she has a plane to catch in a few hours. The attendees follow her to the book store where she personally signs every copy and dialogs with fans who line up to meet her. She will end up taking a later flight. Drop.

It’s Friday, attendees gather near the stage for their final chance at a raffle prize. The wheel spins and they laugh at corny jokes and puns. All are thanked for their time and support, without them, iLandscape is not possible. Most will leave empty-handed, but still walk out the door feeling full. Seconds after they leave, the carpet is rolled up and booths come down. Drop.

Exhibitors scurry about the floor dismantling booths and shoving walls and backdrops into cases. The temperature in the hall plunges 30 degrees as the doors open wide to pallet jacks, carts, and forks. A show that takes 48 hours to set-up will be gone in three. Drop.

Vendors walk through the lobby rolling suitcases and lugging boxes that used to brim with brochures and catalogs. They walk past show staff, stop dead in the tracks, and turn around. “Great show,” they say. Staff has been doing this long enough to know those words are genuine. Drop.

The Dockmaster stands on the dock. The sun is orange and setting to the west. It ricochets off the last truck snaking its way out of the parking lot. He peaks his head into the hall. It is quiet now. It is still. He reaches into his pocket for his ring of keys. He finds that familiar brass one. He slides it into the lock. The door clicks shut. Drop.

The last drop of paint dries. We stand up from the table. We walk a few steps back to take it all in. We raise our eyes. Our gaze hits the canvas. It’s breathtaking.

The artist Georges Pierre Seurat devised the painting technique called pointillism. Among his notable works is A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte - better known as the painting Cameron Frye stares at during the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Pointillism is a style where every single drop of paint is unique yet all are interconnected. It is only when you step back from the painting that you understand how every tiny drop plays a greater role. The painting is the drops, the drops are the painting. Either way, the result is a masterpiece.

Thank you to the almost 7,000 people who lent their tiny drop to iLandscape 2023. It was the biggest and finest show we have ever produced. Planning starts now for 2024. Drop.

Sincerely,

Scott Grams, Executive Director February 20, 2023

President

Jeff Kramer

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

Vice-President

Ashley Marrin

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

Secretary-Treasurer

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

Immediate Past President

Scott McAdam, Jr. McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com

Directors

Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com

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

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

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

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

Kevin McGowen Kaknes/SiteOne 31W245 Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563

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

President’s Message —

Spring is on the horizon!

iLandscape was a huge success again. It was our highest attendance ever! There were plenty of education opportunities all three days. Every session was jammed packed — many with standing room only. The speakers were great and well-diversified. There were topics that covered everything for anyone in the landscape business. The trade show floor was packed every day and the networking opportunities were limitless. Everyone I spoke with said what a wonderful event it was. The days went quick and were filled with fun and excitement. By Friday, I lost my voice from talking with everyone over the three days. My wife did not complain about my voice being gone — at least for a day or two.

Now is the time to start calling team members to welcome them back. Be proactive, ensuring everyone is going to arrive in time for the new season. If you have been planning new practices, procedures, or policies over the winter, make sure you have an effective way to share with your team.

As the winter winds down and we all have had some time off to enjoy our friends and family, I hope you are looking forward to the new season with excitement and anticipation. Each season is different and comes with new challenges and rewards as we navigate personnel, equipment, and of course, the weather. I’m ready for the new season and can’t wait to get started.

I wish you all the very best for 2023. See you at the next ILCA event!

Sincerely,

Jeff Kramer

¡La primavera está en el horizonte!

ILandscape fue de nuevo un éxito enorme. ¡Tuvimos la mayor asistencia hasta ahora! Durante los tres días del evento, hubo muchas oportunidades de educación. Cada sesión estuvo repleta de gente — muchas con espacio para personas de pie únicamente. Los oradores estuvieron fabulosos y bien diversificados. Se cubrieron todos los temas de interés para los involucrados en el negocio del paisajismo. El piso de exhibición se llenó de gente todos los días y las oportunidades de establecer contactos fueron ilimitadas. Todas las personas con las que hablé dijeron que el evento había sido maravilloso. Los días pasaron rápidamente y estuvieron llenos de diversión y entusiasmo. Para el viernes, había perdido mi voz por haber hablado con todo el mundo durante tres días. Mi esposa no se quejó de que no tuviera voz — al menos por un día o dos.

Ahora es el momento de comenzar a llamar a los miembros del equipo para recibirlos de vuelta. Sea proactivo, asegurando que todos lleguen a tiempo a la nueva temporada. Si ha estado planificando nuevas prácticas, procedimientos o políticas durante el invierno, asegúrese de tener una forma eficaz de compartirlos con los miembros de su equipo.

A medida que el invierno se acaba y todos tuvimos algún tiempo libre para disfrutar de nuestras amistades y familias, espero que estén ansiosos por iniciar la nueva temporada con entusiasmo y anticipación. Cada estación es diferente y presenta nuevos desafíos y gratificaciones mientras trabajamos con los miembros del personal y los equipos y, por supuesto, lidiamos con el clima. Estoy listo para la nueva temporada y no hallo las horas de comenzar.

Les deseo a todos lo mejor para 2023. ¡¡Nos vemos en el próximo evento de ILCA!

Atentamente, Jeff Kramer

Jeff Kramer

Premier Landscape Contractors, Inc. • Lemont Cool Sophistication

Minimalism celebrates every available variable in a composition. When done well, the approach avoids common risks of feeling cold, even pretentious, and offers a striking interpretation of space that invites life. The Valders Limestone pool deck makes for a clean practical look, mixed with bluestone and

Endicott driveway paver elements to keep the modern material palette. Whether it’s a pair of red sandals next to the pool, or a bouquet of flowers on the raised patio table — these two entertainment spaces are set to make statements. The palette of artful neutrals makes all comers the star of the show.

10th iLandscape Knocks it Out of the Park!

Record-setting attendance rocks the exhibit halls and education sessions

Nina A. Koziol

Some things like good wine or bourbon just get better with age. That’s true of iLandscape, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last month with exhibits galore, outstanding education opportunities and many festivities. A whopping 7,000 attendees came to meet vendors, network, learn and party during the four-day event.

“I knew it was going to be a big show, but this was much bigger than I expected,” said ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams. “I feel last year was a soft launch with the snow and the lingering effects of the pandemic. But, good things come to those who wait and people were very excited to be back.”

This year’s “Games in the Gardens” carnival theme kicked off with something new—three pre-show workshops on Tuesday followed by Awards Night that evening. It was record attendance for the awards, where the bubbly flowed and music rang out as revelers honored Charlie Keppel, the Person of the Year; Twixwood Nursery, the Distinguished Service Award Winner; the College of DuPage for Special Recognition on the 50th anniversary of its horticulture program, and several young scholarship recipients.

A first-time mobile app, “Whova,” was introduced to help participants track their show schedules, vendors, rate their education sessions, ask questions, and schedule get-togethers with their peers.

There was a constant, positive vibe in the halls, on the trade

show floors and in the classes. And, the many young green industry pros present bodes well for the future. “It’s nice that you can have a landscape architect with 30 years experience sitting next to a municipal worker who has one year,” Grams said.

It was a first-time visit to iLandscape for 22-year-old Jane Olsson who’s with the Lombard Park District. “I find the sessions very useful and I really enjoyed the prairie (Pros at Home: Prairie Two Ways) session,” she said. “My background is in crop sciences and I find a lot of value learning about being more natural in the way we approach landscapes. I can make an impact planting prairie.”

Classes Galore

Besides the three pre-show workshops, this year’s event offered 50 educational sessions and continuing education units (CEUs). Landscape architect Susan Kegan of Susan Kill Kegan and Associates in Chicago said, “I come for the CEU’s and to see the products and get the catalogs.” She knows catalogs are available online but enjoys thumbing through the print versions. “Midwest Groundcovers has a catalog that’s a wealth of information. And, I have clients that want lighting, so I’m visiting the vendors.”

(continued on page 12)

The Landscape Contractor

March 2023

Classes for any interest

Latino Relations — How We Work and How We Lead. Spanish Language summaries of these two classes will appear in the April and May editions of The Landscape Contractor magazine.

Packed rooms of attendees listened intently to outstanding speakers.

Bob Hursthouse Neal Glatt

Kris Bachtell

Melissa Custic Lauren Howell

Nina Koziol

iLandscape 2023 —

(continued from page 10)

For the first time, all sessions were recorded (and will be available online) and are included with the participant’s education registration. “The conference was great again,” said landscape designer and ISA arborist Bruce Davey of Fleck’s Landscaping in Wheeling, Illinois. “Such a wonderful collection of presenters and knowledge.”

Lifetime member and former ILCA education manager Julie Nicoll wouldn’t miss the show. “I try to come back every year to see people,” she said. “The volunteers and working chairs are the key to these events and that’s why I stayed 27 years with ILCA. I miss them even now.”

Networking and catching up with friends and former co-workers is another big draw for many who attended the raffles, clinked glasses at the bars and shared laughs at dinner. “The best part of iLandscape is the camaraderie of being with so many other creative, passionate, hardworking plant people,” said Mary DiCarlo, landscape designer with

Wave Outdoors Landscape & Design in Arlington Heights, Illinois. “It’s a fun environment meeting with colleagues, suppliers and vendors before the crazy spring season begins.”

some fun as well.”

Come

One, Come

All Landscape architect Sean Rennau of Austin Engineering in Peoria has been attending iLandscape shows since the beginning. “I love the topics, especially the ones on native plants and design and sustainability.”

The show floors had a steady stream of attendees scoping out products. “I think I can speak for our entire team when I say that we really enjoyed the opportunity to bond with each other as we walked through the show exhibits exploring new products and attending education sessions—learning new ways to improve our designs, practices and our business,” DiCarlo said. “One of the big things for me is meeting up with the vendors I work with on a regular basis, exploring what new products are out there. It was also having time to let our hair down and have

“An exhibitor said we do a lot of shows throughout the year, but this is the one show we look forward to—it delivers,” Grams said. “Yes a trade show is sales, but it’s about networking, checking in with people and seeing everyone you deal with as a vendor and potential new vendors.”

Dozens of ILCA volunteers helped manage the 50-plus education sessions and logged participants’ continuing education credits. That networking is a great reason to get involved. For younger staff it’s a chance for mentoring and meeting new people.

“Well run successful organizations, committees, departments, and individuals often look back in their past or history and bookmark a specific accomplishment or event that propelled them to reach a (continued on page 14)

Allan Armitage engages a crowd in a Pop-Up class.

(continued from page 12) milestone and another level of professional and personal growth,” said Steve Raczak, sales rep for Twixwood Nursery in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and a long-time ILCA volunteer and educator. “I’m confident that this incredible show was such a moment for our association it will be spoken about for years to come.”

Put it on your calendar!

Mark your calendars for the 11th iLandscape show, January 31-February 2, 2024. For more ILCA happenings, visit www.ilca.net and click on Education + Events.

Fun for all!

The Arlington Power crew took the award for Most Engaging Booth Staff — Bravo

Ring toss for adults?

The Young Professionals group on the loose

The Grand Prize took a joy ride

The Winner and Runner up from Trivia night

Potato head builder, hard at work

The Chalet crew rounded up their impressive cadre of attendees for a team picture. Well done.

Ivanhoe had a prime location next to the ILCA Clubhouse

Friday’s Grand Prize was this large garden sculpture

ILCA President Jeff Kramer ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams Person of the Year Charlie Keppel

Tom Kimmel and the Twixwood Nursery Crew

Tracey and Bob Bertog

Excellence In Landscape Awards

Judges’ Award

Mariani Landscape

Professionals’ Choice Award

Western DuPage Landscaping

Student Design Scholarship Winners

Ravine Restored

Whitestone

And ILCA Honors

Person of the Year

Charlie Keppel

Special Recognition Award

College of DuPage Horticulture Department

Distinguished Supplier Award

Twixwood Nursery

Excellence In Landscape 2023

2023 brought some interesting new twists to the Excellence in Landscape Awards program.

Since it’s inception, the ILCA awards program has honored members with specific awards for a variety of submitted projects. Over the years, the categories were expanded to include the size of the project. The next expansion was to include new categories such as Multifamily; Interior Landscape Installation; Specialty Category; and Public Works projects.

Over the years, these categories were condensed to the ones we recognize today: Residential Design and Maintenance; Commercial Design and Maintenance and an encompassing category for Specialty Elements, Events, and Ecological Planting.

A fascinating aspect of the Awards program that many people don’t realize, it is not a competition. Each project is judged independently on its own merit, not versus others in the category.

Platinum Awards are given for the projects that gather the highest point total in each category (providing there are a minimum of five entries).

Category winners this year were:

For Specialty Element: Austin Engineering Company for Fountain Parterre Garden

For Commercial Landscape Maintenance: Balanced Environments for River Point

For Residential Landscape Maintenance: Hursthouse Inc. for Mid-Century Textures

For Residential Landscape Construction: Mariani Landscape for Ravine Restored

The Artistry and Craftsmanship award was focused on Seasonal Containers. Overall, there were eight entries. Points were awarded across a variety of factors, in the end one project earned first place. The winning project was: Hursthouse, Inc. — Fun Stuff

Be inspired by your review of these award-winning projects.

Artistry and Craftsmanship award goes to Hursthouse, Inc. — Fun Stuff

Gold Awards 2023

Semmer Landscape

Residential Construction

Kelly Landscape

Stone Worthy

Residential Construction

House on a Hill

VizX Design Studios

Residential Construction

Hampton Outdoor Living Space

Western DuPage Landscaping

Residential Construction

Whitestone

Western DuPage Landscapeing

Residential Construction

Maximizing Spaces

Proven to perform in our landscapes and yours, this reliable beauty sets buds along the entire stem, not just at the tips. So even if it’s cut back or damaged by cold, the old wood buds still develop into flowers. Plus, it reblooms faster, providing a continuous floral display all season long.

Silver Awards 2023

Countryside

James Martin Associates

Hinsdale

Marilyn’s Dreamscapes LLC Residential Construction Pool & Hot Tub Staycation

Residential Maintenance Welcome, Guests!

Merit Awards 2023

Esté al tanto de las ediciones de abril y mayo de la revista

The Landscape Contractor—

La edición de abril contendrá: CÓMO TRABAJAMOS

Con Bernie Carranza, Pete McNamara y Catalina Mendoza

La edición de mayo contendrá: CÓMO LIDERAMOS

Con Zully Arroyo, Debbie Bartsch y Jose Garcia

Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente. Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.

Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com

TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.

• Compact, manageable size

• Improved foliage and flower disease resistance

• Requires less maintenance

Phytoremediation: Putting Plants to Work

By Heather Prince

Howlovely are the delicate pink blossoms of redbud clasping elegant twigs on a warm spring day! This beloved native understory tree is a favorite with homeowners and commercial clients for its charming sprays of flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and golden fall color. What you may not realize is despite its delicate appearance, this tough ornamental tree also absorbs a range of industrial chemicals and is particularly petroleum tolerant. Eric Fuselier, PWS, spoke at the recent Impact Conference on the intriguing world of phytoremediation; the use of plants to clean up low to moderate levels of contaminants on landscapes. An environmental project scientist for Olsson, a nationally recognized engineering and design firm, and active member of Wild Ones, Fuselier has

made phytoremediation his field of study. We sat down with him to learn how native plants can be surprisingly impactful. They’re not just a pretty flower or graceful grass. As landscapers, we are particularly poised to make a significant impact on client sites with savvy plant choices. The naturalistic movement has inspired clients to request plantings that reflect our Midwestern heritage and some specifically request native species. Why not create beautiful designs that also offer surprising benefits?

Combating Contaminants

Across the Midwest we have a proud industrial and commercial heritage. Our biggest urban hub, the city of Chicago, is deeply rooted in the past, present, and future of manufacturing. However, industrial activities are not limited to Chicago city limits. You’ll find facto-

ries, railroads, highways, shipping ports, warehouses, industrial plants, manufacturing concerns, mines, military bases, and even your neighborhood dry cleaner contributing to the chemical contaminant ecological footprint. Once you start looking, you’ll find we live, work, and play in landscapes with a chemical history. “For example, chlorinated solvents can migrate from areas like rail yards, dry cleaners, or anywhere where they’re using solvents to clean things,” commented Fuselier. “Think about degreasers at a mechanics shop or on military bases. It’s not uncommon for the soil and groundwater at these sites to be contaminated with these types of chemicals. Your project might be next door or downstream from this type of land use. Chlorinated solvents are heavy and can easily move to area landscapes and

contaminate the soil and groundwater. What’s terrific is how native species like the eastern redbud, are able to absorb these chlorinated solvents.”

When managing commercial sites, you’ll often find legacy chemicals that are no longer used lingering in soils. One example is polychlorinated biphenyl or PCBs. They were banned by the Toxic Substances Control Act, but due to their prolific use, they’ll often turn up in soil analyses. “It was a lubricant for electrical equipment among other things,” said Fuselier. “It was used in all kinds of applications before they realized how bad it was for the environment. Unfortunately, it’s also very persistent. Yet, there are a number of native species that are able to break it down into harmless chemicals, including the native river birch.” Big bluestem, red mulberry, and prairie cordgrass (see sidebar 44) are also good candidates for PCB amelioration.

The possible presence of legacy chemicals and ongoing pollutants makes a detailed site assessment crucial at the beginning of a project. When thinking about possible contaminants, some questions to investigate include:

• What is the land use history for the parcel? Was it a farm field, suburban lot, or urban site?

• What is the land use history of the surrounding parcels? What was upwind, downwind, or upstream from the site?

(continued on page 40)

Sustainable Landscapes —

(continued from page 39)

• What are current uses of the surrounding area? Are there active factories nearby? Busy roads? A strip mall? An airport?

Improving Air Quality

From the street canyons of Chicago to suburban backyards, air quality issues also provide an opportunity for choosing native plants. “I was really glad to see all the honeylocust planted as street trees in Chicago,” commented Fuselier. “There was a study done of common street tree species where honeylocust was shown to have above average removal of fine particulates from the air. With that many trees present in the urban landscape; it has a real positive impact on air quality. Plus, they were spaced out enough so that you don’t have a solid canopy. Green ceilings, as they’re called, just hold airborne pollutants such as ozone close to the ground where pedestrians are. This is especially important in cities like Chicago where buildings restrict lateral air flow. You’ve got to have good spacing between the street trees to create ventilation to allow the ground

level air contaminants a chance to rise.”

Plants can not only assimilate airborne pollutants in their tissues, but also help trap them, reducing particulate levels in the air around us. Needle-leaved species like pine, spruce, juniper, and arborvitae can help clean the air. “The needle-leaved species have higher tissue surface area,” reported Fuselier. “The small spaces between the needles are also able to trap airborne pollutant particles and help reduce the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere. It’s not a case of quantities of particulates getting absorbed into the plant. Most of them will land on the surface of the leaf and eventually accumulate. Then they either fall down to the ground or get resuspended into the air, but at least it reduces the amount of particulate matter in the air pretty immediately.” Waxy and fuzzy leaves also do an excellent job of capturing airborne particulates, so consider planting species like bayberry, inkberry, and holly where appropriate.

Managing Stormwater and Runoff

Perhaps the most easily recognizable use for natives is to assuage erosion along edges of waterways and to assist in controlling stormwater runoff. Many native grasses with their deep, fibrous root systems do an excellent job of holding soil in place at the edges of ponds, streams, lakes, and drainage systems. What you may not know is how these plants can also break down contaminants via phytostimulation. Phytostimulation is the ability of the plant to pull apart organic contaminants in the soil via enhanced microbial activity in the plant root zone or rhizosphere.

“If I’m working with our engineers on a detention pond project, I’m looking at what drains into that pond,” commented Fuselier.

(continued on page 42)

Sustainable Landscapes —

(continued from page 41)

“Is it runoff from turf grass, a playground, a parking lot? What potential contaminants are going to be swept into that pond by stormwater events? Then, what plants can we utilize to stop or absorb those chemicals?”

Fuselier finds that the four big native grass species, among others (see sidebar 44), offer the largest benefits for phytostimulation due to their root biomass. “The warm season grasses not only hold contaminants but break them down. Big bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass are all terrific choices for this ability,” said Fuselier. These grasses are also excellent at processing runoff from agricultural pesticides and fertilizers. “A buffer strip of native grasses and forbs along ditches, creeks, swales, or wherever you’re moving stormwater can make a huge difference in keeping contaminants out of streams and waterways. It can really help with fertilizer-related algae blooms and phosphorus pollutants.”

There are many commonly used herbi-

cides on parks, golf courses, lawns, and agricultural areas that native grasses are able to hold and break down before they reach waterways. Several of these herbicides can be particularly toxic to fish and aquatic species, so including grasses in buffer areas has the potential to go a long way towards keeping populations of aquatic animals healthy.

Native plants can go far beyond providing food for pollinators, habitat for birds, and beauty for people. Many species of forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees also can play a role in cleaning up the consequences of human land use. If you have a project where phytoremediation would make sense, Fuselier said, “Please reach out! I’d love to work with ILCA members on developing appropriate plant lists of native and native cultivars.”

Eric Fuselier can be reached at efuselier@ olsson.com or 501.231.7455.

SPRING

A diverse selection of summer annuals, foliage, blooming tropicals and colorful hanging baskets. A complete line of cool hardy annuals and fresh branches for your inspired spring designs.

EXPERT TREE CARE FOR 115 YEARS — AND GROWING.

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

Sustainable Landscapes —

(continued from page 42)

*Acronyms

BTEX – Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene

DRO – Diesel Range Organics

PAH – Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

TPH – Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

PCE – Perchloroethylene

TCE – Trichloroethylene

VC – Vinyl Chloride

PCB – Polychlorinated Biphenyl

Sustainable Landscapes —

(continued from page 44)

ATRAZINE

Atrazine is an herbicide found in over 300 products commonly used in both residential areas and agriculture. Highly mobile in the soil, atrazine has a high potential to reach ground- and surface water. It is often found in both agricultural and urban streams, as well as shallow groundwater. Atrazine is particularly toxic to fish, freshwater invertebrates, and amphibians, persisting in water for over a year. Research has shown that the roots of switchgrass, big bluestem, and Indiangrass breakdown atrazine through phytostimulation.

METOLACHLOR

Metolachlor is another herbicide commonly used in both agriculture and in residential areas. A possible human carcinogen, metolachlor is highly mobile in the soil and often found in urban streams. Residues of metolachlor have been found in ground water in 20 states, causing concern at the Environmental Protection Agency about the degradation of water quality in areas where metolachlor is used. Metolachlor is among the top five herbicides found in surface water in the Midwest, and once it enters aquatic ecosystems it can be toxic to freshwater fish and macroinvertebrates. Switchgrass has been shown by research to be effective at breaking down metolachlor through phytostimulation

PENDAMETHALIN

Pendamethalin is a common herbicide used in both agriculture and in residential areas. Like atrazine and metolachlor, pendamethalin is available in a variety of commercially available products. Water surfaces and soil may be contaminated from spray drift associated with aerial and ground spray application, or from stormwater runoff. Essentially immobile in the soil, the EPA has determined that there are risks of human exposure after it has been applied to residential turf grasses as pendimethalin is also a possible human carcinogen. Switchgrass, big bluestem, and Indiangrass have once again been shown by research to be effective at breaking down pendimethalin through phytostimulation.

ALACHLOR

Alachlor is another highly mobile herbicide used primarily in agriculture. Toxic to mammals, fish, and aquatic plants, residues of alachlor are often found in groundwater. Research has shown that switchgrass can be used to remediate alachlor through phytodegradation. In this process, switchgrass can take up alachlor through its roots and break it down into non-toxic components internally through its metabolic processes. After the alachlor is degraded it is then used by the switchgrass as nutrients and incorporated into its plant tissue.

CHLORPYRIFOS

Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide used to control pests such as termites, mosquitoes, fire ants, and roundworms. This pesticide is used in agriculture for feed and food crops, and in cattle ear tags. On golf courses, chlorpyrifos is often used to control fire ants and mosquitoes, and products which contain chlorpyrifos are also used to treat wood fences and utility poles. Humans can be exposed to chlorpyrifos when applying this pesticide either as part of their job or outside of their home. Chlorpyrifos is toxic to many species of birds, and can cause the eggshells of some bird species to be thinner than normal. Chlorpyrifos is also very toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, and even can bioaccumulate in species. Chlorpyrifos is also very toxic to bees and can inadvertently poison non-target insects after it is applied. Chlorpyrifos is more commonly found in urban streams than in agricultural streams. Big bluestem has been shown to be particularly effective at remediating this pesticide.

New Members —

CONTRACTORS

A Garden Guy, Inc.

Matthew Mlynski

2439 Robincrest Lane

Glenview, IL 60025

Email: agardenguy@gmail.com

Phone: 708-288-8008

www.agardenguylandscaping.com

A&M General Contractor

Anthony McClinton

8127 S. Sangamon Street

Chicago, IL 60620

Email: a.mgeneralcontracting@yahoo.com

Phone: 312-609-9891

Arbor, Earth & Snow, Inc.

Kris Guy

1879 N. Neltnor Blvd. #118 West Chicago, IL 60185

Email: kris@arborearthsnowinc.com

Phone: 847-910-4008 arborearthsnowinc.com

Brick Paver Solutions & Pools

Jay Zumbahlen

Morris, IL 60450

Email: jayzumbahlen81@gmail.com

Phone: 815-922-6520

Conserva Irrigation of Northwest Chicago

Abder Mahjoub

395 W Northwest Hwy

Palatine, IL 60067

Email: abderrahim.mahjoub@ conservairrigation.com

Phone: 847-699-2237

www.conservairrigation.com/northwest-chicago

Country View Landscape

Carrie Slagle

14632 S Kearns Dr Plainfield, IL 60544

Email: info@countryviewlandscape.com

Phone: 815-212-5069

www.countryviewlandscape.com

Ecogardens

Greg Raymond

2022 W Shakespeare Ave Chicago, IL 60647

Email: greg@ecogardens.com

Phone: 877-550-5577

www.ecogardens.com

Ekana Nursery and Landscaping

Juan Gonzalez

417 E US HIGHWAY 34 Mendota, IL 61342

Email: jgonzalez@ekananursery.com

Phone: 630-303-8113

eknanursery.com

Gabriel’s Landscape & Tree Services Inc.

Gabriel Marquez

730 N Quentin Rd Palatine, IL 60067

Email: gimarquez@gabrielsinc.com

Phone: 847-358-0297

Gambro Landscapes LLC

Derek Gambro

211 s Reuter Dr. Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Email: gambrolandscapes@gmail.com

Phone: 847-323-2110

Gardenbau Group

Hernan Portillo

521 Castleview Court

North Barrington, IL 60010

Email: peter@gardenbaugroup.com

Phone: 847-366-5286

High Maintenance Garden Care

Megan Johnston

209 N Pokanoka St. Shabbona, IL 60550

Email: megan@highmaintenancegc.com

Phone: 815-766-1536

Home Pride Landscape & Design Inc.

Brad Kettler

405 S Roselle Rd.

Roselle, IL 60172

Email: kettlerbrad@yahoo.com

Phone: 630-244-2838

www.homepridelandscape.com

J Lyn’s Garden & Design, LLC

Jessica Lyn Simic

5825 N Kingsdale Ave

Chicago, IL 60646

Email: jessica@jlynsgarden.com

Phone: 773-615-4570

www.jlynsgarden.com

J.Juarez Landscaping Inc

Baldo Juarez

38921 NW Park Ave, Lake Villa, IL 60046

Email: bjjuarezlandscapinginc@gmail.com

Phone: 847-849-7957

JR’s Creative Landscaping, Inc.

Jim Rose 4716 Perth Drive

Naperville, IL 60564

Email: jrs.creative2@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 630-978-7300

jrscreativeland.com

KINGDOMSCAPE

Alex Courtney

11028 S Kostner Ave

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Email: alex@kingdomscape.com

Phone: 708-690-6360

M.R Landscapes Inc.

Cesar 2429 Church Street

Evanston, IL 60201

Email: diegojmrb@gmail.com

Phone: 847-387-9509

mrlandscapesinc.com

Meyer Enterprises Geoff Meyer 1000 Rand Rd

Wauconda, IL 60084

Email: g5150m@msn.com

Phone: 847-514-2316

Milhouse Services

Malki Brown

333 S Wabash Avenue, Suite 2901 Chicago, IL 60604

Email: mbrown@milhouseinc.com

Phone: 312-987-0061

https://milhouseinc.com/

Nissen Landscape Construction, LLC

Pat Nissen 1692 Woodside Ct

Woodstock, IL 60098

Email: patrickanissen@gmail.com

Phone: 847-815-0316

October Hardscaping, LLC

Ivan Velazquez

4530 W Crystal Lake Rd, #1874

McHenry, IL 60051

Email: info@octoberhardscaping.com

Phone: 224-337-6679

Octoberhardscaping.com

D3 SKID STEER & COMPACT TRACK LOADERS

COMFORT: The improved cabs make comfort a priority for all operators. Utilize 15% more space between the joystick pods and a 40% wider door opening.

PERFORMANCE: The new undercarriage design provides confidence when handling heavy loads, grading and truck-loading while maintaining ride comfort.

SMART: Smart technology instantly recognizes smart attachments and converts the machine controls for each attachment for increased machine utilization, control and visibility.

New Members —

Open Air Living LLC

Sean Kelley

1120 Oak St

DeKalb, IL 60115

Email: info@openairliving.com

Phone: 630-388-8372

www.openairliving.us

Perennial Companies Inc.

Robert Goldstein

1066 Industry Road

New Lenox, IL 60451

Email: rgoldstein@ theperennialcompanies.com

Phone: 815-717-6062

www.perennial-co.com

Premier Landscape & Design

Jamie Nordike

1821 Fairfax St.

Carlyle, IL 62231

Email: info@premierlandscapeanddesign.com

Phone: 618-594-8799

www.premierlandscapeanddesign.com

Rain Management Irrigation Inc.

Cristian O. Romero

4209 Wren Ln

Zion, IL 60099

Email: romero1980@comcast.net

Phone: 224-213-5246

Santa’s Village/Santa Springs

Manuel Ocampo

601 Dundee Ave

East Dundee, IL 60118

Email: snow@sventerprises.pro

Phone: 847-426-6751

Semper Fi Land Services

Heather Rossi

1215 Deer St Yorkville, IL 60560

Email: heather@semperfi.land

Phone: 630-518-8484

Taylor’s Way

Anson Murray

14057 IL Hwy 26

Princeton, IL 61356

Email: info@taylorsway.com

Phone: 815-875-8231

www.taylorsway.com

The Pond Beyond, LLC

Brent Hullinger

PO Box 1622, Frankfort, IL 60423

Email: brent@thepondbeyond.net

Phone: 815-545-3571

www.thepondbeyond.net

EDUCATOR

Carol E. Beatty

P. O.Box 144

Kenosha, WI 53141

Email: cbkenosha@aol.com

Phone: 262-237-9253

GOVERNMENT/NON-PROFIT

Bethel Family Resource Center

Raymond Fleming

13435 Vicarage Drive Plainfield, IL 60585

Email: rfleming_us@yahoo.com

Phone: 815-909-6835

Champaign County Forest

Preserve District

Rusty Maulding

PO Box 1040, Mahomet, IL 61853

Email: rmaulding@ccfpd.org

Phone: 217-586-2431

https://www.ccfpd.org/

City of Aurora

Gio Santana

901 Ray Moses Dr Aurora, IL 60505

Email: santanag@aurora.il.us

Phone: 630-256-3731

City of Lockport

Joe Cronin

17112 Prime Blvd

Lockport, IL 60441

Email: jcronin@lockport.org

Phone: 815-838-0549

Elk Grove Village

Bill Lasfalk

450 E. Devon

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Email: wbolich@elkgrove.org

Phone: 8474-734-8053

Huntley Park District

Wesley Peete

12015 Mill St,

Huntley, IL 60142

Email: wpeete@huntleyparks.org

Phone: 847-669-8934

www.huntleyparks.org

Village Of Arlington Heights

Ashley Karr 222 N Ridge Ave

Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Email: akarr@vah.com

INDIVIDUALS

ATCE LLC

Matthew Dziedzic

Lake Forest, IL 60045

Email: matt@mattdziedzic.com

Phone: 847-922-5449

Bowman Gardens

Angela Bowman

Chicago, IL 60618

Email: angela@bowman-gardens.com

Phone: 773-807-0304

www.bowman-gardens.com

LandCare

Nick Landiak

West Chicago, IL 60185

Email: nick.landiak@landcare.com

McHenry County College

John Howell

8900 U.S. Highway 14

Crystal Lake, IL 60013

Email: jhowell@mchenry.edu

Phone: 224-833-0345

Storied Landscapes, LLC

Marya Morris

4075 Jarvis Ave.

Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Email: morris.marya@gmail.com

Phone: 773-220-7254

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE/ DESIGN FIRMS

Kathryn Talty Landscape Architecture

Kathryn Talty

1926 Waukegan Rd.

Glenview, IL 60025

Email: kathryn@ktlandarch.com

Phone: 847-612-5154

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

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

Growers & Distributors of Quality Nursery Stock

New Members —

Windflower Landscapes, LLC.

Pamela Hulton

Belvidere, IL 61008

Email: windflowerlandscapes@gmail.com

Phone: 815-494-4294

OUT-OF-STATE

Avant Gardening & Landscaping

Becky Kielstrup

3055 Siggelkow Road

McFarland, WI 53558

Email: avant@avantgardening.com

Phone: 608-838-2054

avantgardening.com

Mike’s Landscape Lighting

Mike Long

5910 77th Street, Suite B

Kenosha, WI 53142

Email: mike@mikeslandscapelighting.com

Phone: 262-358-9100

www.mikeslandscapelighting

SUPPLIERS

AEC Supply, Inc.

Donna Kuda

4909 E Sherrill Rd., Minooka, IL 60447

Email: donna@aecsproducts.com

Phone: 630-743-9397

www.aecsproducts.com

County Materials Corporation

Matt Bunch

205 North Street

Marathon, WI 54448

Email: matthew.bunch@countymaterials.com

Phone: 920-540-6210

countymaterials.com

Ernst Benary of America

Jen Calhoun

739 Church St. Batavia, IL 60510

Email: jcalhoun@benary.com

Phone: 630-777-5751

www.benary.com

Helena Agri

Dan Alsip

1215 Farmstone Diamond, IL 60416

Email: alsipd@helenaagri.com

Phone: 815-341-4879

Jonathan Green and Sons

Keith Reilly

PO Box 326

Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Email: kreilly@jonathangreen.com

Phone: 732-804-6787

www.jonathangreen.com

Landscape Management Network (LMN)

David Chalmers

180 Enterprise Boulevard, Unit 204 Markham, ON L6G 1B3, CA

Email: davec@golmn.com

Phone: 519-589-4884

www.golmn.com

Ramblin Jackson

Jack Jostes

PO BOX 1429

Lyons, CO 80540

Email: jack@ramblinjackson.com

Phone: 303-544-2125

Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick

Lauren Ogle

3640 Lake Ave

Wilmette, IL 60091

Email: logle@stone-brick.com

Phone: 847-745-8571

www.stone-brick.com

New Member Profile Snapshot

PetroChoice LLC

(219) 699-0274

www.petrochoice.com

by Meta L. Levin

PetroChoice™ Lubrication and Fuel

Solutions is exemplified by an email sent by Robert Crowe, Director of Fuel Operations. “Our success starts with our staff and industry leading products,” it says in part.

Ticking off those who Crowe believes have made the company successful and able to grow, he lists: drivers, warehouse employees and sales people.

“Without our drivers, things don’t happen here,” he says. The drivers are the face of the company to customers. “Our drivers help personalize the company to our customers,” he says, adding that they often are the ones who notice a problem first and report it, so that it can be addressed immediately, “sometimes before the customers themselves are aware of it.”

He pays tribute to the warehouse employees, because they are primarily responsible for maintaining the product’s integrity. It is, he says, “only as good as the way it is handled.” Warehouse employees oversee inventory, repackaging, loading the trucks correctly and, in some cases, remixing, since PetroChoice blends some of its own line of lubricants.

The salespeople are given “a lot of flexibility and can achieve personal goals,” says Crowe. He believes they respond well to

that it is part of the reason the company does well.

PetroChoice was founded in the late 1940s as Boncosky Oil, a lubricant and fuel oil company based in Elgin, IL. “In the 1940s there was a large need for home heating oil and machine lubricants,” says Crowe, an Elgin native, who grew up living on Boncosky Road.

It has grown through mergers, acquisitions and a relationship with Exxon Mobil Oil, becoming, says Crowe, the largest Exxon Mobil Oil distributor in the United States. “Exxon Mobile is a valued name,” he says.

In 2006 the original company merged with four others to form PetroLiance, which, in 2014, was bought by PetroChoice. In May 2022 MOOVE acquired the company. It will, says Crowe, continue to do business as PetroChoice.

The company has done business in the landscape market for a long time and has many longtime customers. “Landscape contractors require fuel and oils for their equipment,” he says. In Illinois they serve their landscape customers out of the Elgin location, as well as through their Crown Point, IN facility. There are 10 sales representatives covering the Chicago area, northern Indiana and southeastern Wisconsin alone.

In 2022 they decided to join ILCA. “We wanted to support our

landscape customers,” says Dennis Hyde, Regional Sales Manager. “The landscape industry is a large part of what we do.”

Crowe already was familiar with ILCA from his time working for Hicks Gas, which had a booth at iLandscape. It is, he says, “a good show.”

Crowe and Hyde believe much of their growth can be attributed to an emphasis on customer service. “We focus on creating long term sustainable relationships with our customers,” says Hyde. “We understand their challenges.”

It is, says Crowe, “all about finding solutions,” whether about equipment, delivery schedules or the full line of products they provide.

It is also about the employees. “They’re happy,” says Crowe. From postings on an internal PetroChoice website, he sees that “they enjoy what they do. We provide an environment in which people can set goals and achieve them.”

Before joining PetroChoice, Crowe was in the propane distribution business, but “things changed during COVID,” he says, and he came to work for PetroChoice. Since he grew up in Elgin, he remembers driving past the facility from the time he was in high school. Throughout his career his focus has always been on customer service, something that drew him to PetroChoice.

Crowe has three adult children and three grandchildren, with whom he enjoys spending time. They help him get the most out of life, he says.

Hyde is a US Army Veteran. Born in Texas, he moved to the Chicago area in 2010. He is married with two children – an eightyear-old daughter and four-year-old son.

With a wire and cable background, he likes to work with people who are “out there working with their hands. This varied industry is exciting to me.”

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Business Development Director / Sales Development Director/ Chicago Area Senior Development Director

Purpose: To expand and grow our client base by attracting new customers and increasing the spending of existing customers. Maintain and expand the corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and services, servicing the customers’ needs, and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Manage a team of branch-level Development Directors. Provide input and collaborate with all sales team members and mentoring as required. New sales generation.

1. Minimum two years experience in sales.

2. Two-years experience in field landscape maintenance and field construction procedures or equivalent.

3. Degree in a horticulture-related field or extensive horticulture training.

Major Objectives:

1. Generate an ongoing pipeline of new leads by identifying and developing strategic business relationships within our primary target markets.

2. Manage and mentor a growing team of Development Directors to achieve branch level and company new sales goals.

3. Work closely with Sales Director to create successful processes for lead generation, competitive pricing, effective presentations, marketing support, and sales team integration.

4. Increase business opportunities with our existing portfolio managers by establishing closer strategic relationships with directors and VPs.

5. Produce budgeted sales of new maintenance, large construction projects, and snow contracts.

6. Provide accurate job setup and followthrough for all contracts sold.

7. Maintain and grow large profile/portfolio client relationships through monthly site visits and timely follow-up on requests.

Communication of client needs to maintenance, enhancements and snow departments, as the primary new sales contact person with the client

Salary: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits: 401(k), Dental, Health and Vision Insurance, Paid time off. Chicago, IL 60608: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Please send resume to HRBEI@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

Account Manager/Business Development for Large Landscape Company/ Chicago Account Manager/Business Development

Maintain and expand the corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and services, servicing the customers’ needs, and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Increase knowledge of customer service techniques and sales of quality products and services.

1. Minimum two years experience in sales.

2. Two-years experience in field landscape maintenance procedures or equivalent.

3. Two-years experience in field construction procedures or equivalent.

4. Degree in the horticulture-related field or extensive horticulture training.

1. Produce budgeted sales of new maintenance, enhancement, and snow contracts.

2. Provide accurate job setup and followthrough for all contracts sold.

3. Maintain and grow large profile/portfolio client relationships through monthly site visits and timely follow-up on requests.

4. Communication of client needs to maintenance, enhancements, and snow departments, as the primary contact person with the client.

5. Maintain renewal accounts for maintenance and snow clients in your portfolio.

1. Proactively manage clients’ satisfaction and service delivery by anticipating potential challenges and monitoring satisfaction.

2. Review, plan and participate in internal training activities on a daily basis through the support and guidance of the sales manager.

3. Provide project inspection, advisement, and coordination between client and maintenance, enhancement, and snowplow crews.

4. Develop and maintain quality repeat clientele and generate yearly renewal contracts.

5. Support public relations program through print materials, ads, website, press releases, award entries, photography schedules, trade shows, networking events, etc.

6. Involvement in snowplowing operations to include new sales, renewals, and liaison between client and snow manager.

7. Follow policies and procedures regarding client contact, bidding implementation, collections, client follow-up, and feedback.

8. Act as the primary contact person between client and company.

9. Solicit new maintenance work through sales process to include referrals and cold-calls, with a concentration within our existing property routes.

10. Majority of enhancement and design/build sales to be generated through current or prospective maintenance clients and through the completion of regular site analysis.

11. Snowplow sales to include referrals and cold calls as outlined in the snowplow sales plan.

12. Support administration personnel in the collection of accounts receivable generated by your clientele.

13. Participate in all scheduled sales meetings and sales events.

Salary: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits: 401(k), Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, Paid time off.

Please send resumes to HRBEI@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

Operations Manager - Large Landscape Company/ Lombard, IL

Balanced Environments, is seeking a motivated, quick learner with an eagerness to succeed to join our team. As Operations Manager you will oversee all branch operations including maintenance, enhancements, irrigation & snow.

Responsibilities:

· Review time sheets. Checking for accuracy.

· Log amounts of chemicals used and time/date of work performed.

· Log materials, hours, and other information for T&M and W.O.’s. Put information on W.O. for Superintendents to review and forward for billing.

· Submit time sheets to Payroll on a daily basis.

· Make sure material allocations are noted on packing slips. Allocations need to be done so that we have correct job costs.

· Review billing with department Superintendents so that billing is completed on time.

· Communicate with crews for any problems or situations on job sites. Report information to Superintendent or Sales Rep.

· File paperwork in production files for account reference.

· Help with plant and material inventories in the yard.

· Conduct Safety Talks with Supervisors, Foreman, and crews.

· Assist Branch Manager with organizing quality control sheets, quality site reports, inventory sheets, and other information needed for crew incentives.

· Pull together weather information for snow recaps that are sent to clients.

· Log and track weather data that is needed for our clients and record keeping.

· Keep office area neat and supplied for Foreman and Superintendents.

· Create snow billing from time sheets so that Snow Command and Sales can review and forward - to be sent to clients.

· Create & make changes to schedule board for production.

· Order materials.

· Keep account site maps up-to-date.

· Assist account managers with estimate creation & pricing.

· Review all maintenance take offs & bids for accuracy.

Requirements:

· Supply Management, Informing Others, Tracking Budget Expenses, Delegation, Staffing, Managing Processes, Supervision, Developing Standards, Promoting Process Improvement, Inventory Control, Reporting Skills

Salary: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits: 401(k), Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible schedule, Paid time off. Please send resume to HRBEI@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

Classified Ads

Landscape Designer / Sales Professional

Tentinger Landscapes is currently in search of a Landscape Designer/ Sales Professional. We are a full-service design, build, and maintenance company based in the far Western suburbs. This position meets with leads and clients, produces quality landscape designs, construction documents, proposals, presents to clients, and sells. Involvement in the construction process is necessary to ensure quality and delivery of the design intent. This position interacts with the design and operations staff on a regular basis. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop is preferred.

The ideal candidate possesses:

-EXCELLENT communication abilities (written, verbal, in person)

-Ability to self-start and find opportunities

-Design talent and eye for good aesthetic

-Highly organized and detailed, excellent time management skills

-Strong knowledge of plant and hardscape material

-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in residential landscape design and construction

Please call 630.913.5100

PROJECT MANAGER/LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT /PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Come Join the Green Grass Team!

About Green Grass:

Green Grass is the leading residential design build firm primarily servicing the highly attractive west suburban market of Chicago. Since 1995, the Company’s mission has been focused on delivering amazing outcomes for clients by transforming their outdoor spaces. Our winning formula is predicated on providing expert service to our clients and creating an environment that’s supportive, collaborative and promotes individual growth for our team.

We currently have the following openings:

• Landscape Architect/Designer

• Project Manager

• Production Coordinator

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Careers@greengrasslandscape.com for consideration or visit https://apply.teamengine.io/apply/ U4Kzb8wljW7Z/B?utm_source=ilca&sid=tegMu6A76ZcIeOayvU

Design Studio Sales Associate

We seek an experienced Design Studio Sales Associate to join us at our fourth generation, familyowned company in Wilmette, IL. In this role, you will take a residential landscape design project from start to finish. From pursuing the sales lead and producing a design based on your client’s needs, to managing the relationship with your client throughout the project and ensuring it is satisfactorily completed. Experience in landscape sales, client service, and strong plant identification is a must. This full-time, year-round position offers a robust benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, FSA, paid time off, holidays, and 401(k) with match. If you’re a customer-focused, creative, and pro-active team player consider joining us!

Please email AlexM@chaletnursery.com for a link to our online application

Project Director/Landscape Designer

James Martin Associates, Inc. is an award-winning Landscape Architecture firm serving Chicagoland’s northern suburbs for over 40 years. We are looking to add to our Design/Build team!

Responsibilities:

Develop, organize and execute landscape design solutions for presentations to clients by creating budgets, base maps, site surveys, and identify plant materials

Ensure all estimates and proposals are prepared and approved prior to meeting with client Continuous business development through marketing, sales and service.

Coordinating and supervising construction services to ensure projects are meeting client needs and are

within the proposed plan

Experience and Education:

Degree in landscape architecture or horticulture preferred

5-7+ years of experience in landscape design and sales https://jamesmartinassociates.catsone.com/ careers/24483-James-Martin-Associates/ jobs/13130953-Design-Build-Project-DirectorLandscape-Designer/

Landscape Construction Leader/Water Feature Maintenance Coordinator/ Landscape Design Associate

Annette Held Landscape Design, Ltd. Chicago, Illinois

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

Landscape Design Associate

• Assist in landscape design services, landscape maintenance, and installation of landscape projects.

Skills Required:

• Able to execute landscape site assessments

• Able to create base maps and landscape designs

• Familiar with landscape trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals

• Familiar with landscape tools and uses

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

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

• Able to get along well with others

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

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

• Able to lift 25 pounds

• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record

• Able to speak Spanish a plus but not required

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Job Specifics:

• Available from March through December with Winter hours negotiable; Salary commensurate with experience and education; health insurance; generous paid time-off; paid continuing education; generous bonus at end of season;

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

Landscape Crew Foreman

Red Stem Native Landscapes is the leading native plant landscaping company doing design, installation, and stewardship on Chicago’s North Shore, the North Side and in Oak Park since 2013. Working with our company is an opportunity to help the environment, learn about native plants, and work with a great team of passionate people while managing the crews. This position manages installation and stewardship crews and requires excellent organizational and communication skills. The foreman will be responsible for: communication among departments; procuring needed materials; ensuring efficient use of time, materials, equipment, and labor; coordinating schedules and logistics; managing crew members; and instilling the importance of excellent and efficient teamwork.

Compensation and Benefits

• Year Round: $60,00 per year, plus possibility for year-end bonus based on efficiency and profit margin

• Health and dental insurance

• Four paid holidays per year

• Paid personal/vacation days

• Professional development classes

• The opportunity to work for a growing company in a burgeoning niche

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a landscape foreman and 5 years in landscaping

• Ability to organize and lead the install crew, but also to work energetically alongside them as needed

• Commitment to the company’s ecological installation goals and methods

• Spoken and written English and spoken Spanish

• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record

• Ability to drive a dump truck and trailer as needed

• Ability to use hand and power equipment as needed

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day

Email to carolina@redstemlandscapes.com

NEW GRADS and SENIOR LEVEL! Landscape Design Associates * Branch Managers * Account/Client Reps

PREMIER SERVICE is looking for PREMIER

talent! Landscape Design Associates * Branch Managers * Account Managers/Client Reps *

Turfgrass Applicators * Skilled Mechanics

Premier Service offers the most competitive compensation packages in the industry including com-

mission bonuses, 401k match, health benefits, and Professional Development/Tuition Reimbursement opportunities to all employees. All levels of experience needed, apply today!

Check us out on LinkedIn! Visit us at PremierService.com

Want more info? Text: 312-485-9449 Email: hr@ premierservice.com or visit https://premierservice. bamboohr.com/careers

Junior Estimator

Responsible for a variety of duties focusing on bidding and proposal generation for commercial landscape construction projects. These areas of focus will include downloading the document, analyzing plans and specifications, performing take-offs, composing emails and correspondence, field site visits, spreadsheets, database work entry, review, and corrections. email resume to: jobs@christywebber.com

Field Supervisor

Under limited supervision, the Field Supervisor directs the work of field and snow production crews to ensure that jobs are completed efficiently, on budget, and following CWL standards. Acts as a firstlevel liaison to clients and vendors to ensure job satisfaction and advance company-wide goals. 3+ years of landscaping production and crew management are required. Class “C” driver’s license. email resume to: jobs@christywebber.com

Project Manager

Through proper project management, the Project Manager serves as the vital link between CWL’s high-profile enhancement clientele and the Company to ensure that client expectations regarding quality and service are consistently met and exceeded for the entire lifespan of projects, this includes but is not limited to installation, sales and estimating, project costing, billing, procurement, and employee management.

email resume to: jobs@christywebber.com

Container Supervisor

Hinsdale Nurseries Container Supervisor

JOB OPENING

This is a full time/hourly position at our Plano, Il nursery.

• Most of the work is performed outdoors in the container growing area and some weekends are required.

• Qualified individual will assist the Container Manager with all aspects of growing container shrubs and perennials.

• Responsibilities of the position include irrigation, fertilization, maintenance, and inventory of the plant material.

• Important skills include ability to multi task, manage a crew of laborers, and accurate record keeping.

• Minimum of 2 years experience in the nursery industry and horticulture or similar degree is preferred.

• Insurance, retirement, and other benefits are available.

Send resume and contact information to: Dennis Rohr, drohr@hinsdalenurseries.com

Sales and Project Manager

A Garden Guy Landscaping is an expanding company that works predominantly in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago. We are looking to hire a Sales and Project manager. Responsibilities would include: meeting prospective clients, putting together job proposals and managing crews. Compensation starting at $55,000 plus sales incentives. Some experience in landscaping, hardscaping, design and maintenance is preferred. Email agardenguy@gmail.com to apply.

Horticulturist / Customer Service Associate

For over four generations the Fiore family has been providing plant material and landscape supplies to landscape architects, landscape contractors, and landscape design professionals in the Chicagoland area and across the country. The family’s roots run deep and have helped influence and shape the local and national green industry. Fiore Nursery has also helped elevate the industry’s standards and best practices which has earned Fiore the reputation as being the preferred and trusted supplier for plant material and natural stone in the area.

You can be a part of a close-knit team that works together to ultimately enhance outdoor spaces and the environment altogether, no matter the position in the company!

Job Summary:

Participates in the following Customer Service & Plant and Product Sales related activities:

Help service “house accounts” via walk in (counter), phone, and internet customer traffic.

Help fulfill customer orders and transactions.

Help resolve customer issues.

Manage and support designated customer accounts. Ensure customer experience is positive.

Offer and share product and industry knowledge and expertise with all customers and colleagues. Schedule customer deliveries upon request.

Assist in customer plant tagging and selection. Participate in industry trade shows and networking events.

Participates in the following “at-large” branch activities: Competitive Salary & Benefits including: Health, Life, Dental, Vision Insurance; Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off; Short Term Disability, FSA plans, Bonus Program

Email resumes to: FioreHR@cjfiore.com

Bowling

Advertisers

Inspiration Alley

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

Plants at 40 mph

By Nina A. Koziol

Drive through any Midwestern city, especially those along a railway, and you’re sure to see a revitalized downtown. Without plants — hanging baskets or “in your face” flowery containers — however, there’s a missed opportunity. Let’s face it, flowers make our streets and neigh borhoods friendly and inviting. The bigger, the better.

Before You Go — Hakonechloa — Softening Texture and Color in the Shade

by Mark Dwyer

WhenI’m designing, viewing or simply enjoying a shadier garden, I’m always smitten by the impact that Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra has in these spaces. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, this slow spreading, gracefully arching and frequently colorful grass is best grown in humus-rich, consistently moist and well drained soils. The cascading foliage of this textural garden contributor, also called Hakone grass, is ideal for slopes, draping over rocks, wall and path edges and even in containers. As a “collective groundcover” of multiple plants or as a singular accent peppered and repeated throughout the shadier garden, long-lived Hakone grass pulls its visual weight in any appropriate setting.

Native to areas of Japan including in proximity to Mt. Hakone (hence the genus and common names), this grass now has over a dozen varietal selections and counting. The straight species (green form) is the tallest (hardy to zone 4) in reaching 30” with the golden and variegated forms typically hovering at 15-18”. All selections slowly spread to create a patch but are never problematic. This grass can tolerate a great degree of shade. Ideally, however, some degree of sunlight should be available to maximize the coloration of the brighter selections like the more common ‘All Gold’ (solid gold foliage) and ‘Aureola’ (gold and green variegation). Again, con-

sistent moisture is paramount for success as dry conditions combined with summer heat will adversely affect this grass. Too much direct sun may also burn the foliage. Avoid poorly drained soils and consider partial shade as the priority for placement.

I’ve grown every selection of Hakonechloa macra currently in commerce and they all have their value in the garden. Winter coloration for Hakone grass is a buff brown but they don’t have much winter rigidity when snow arrives. The selections ‘All Gold’ and ‘Sunflare’ (streaks of burgundy foliage) offer the best golden coloration which becomes more chartreuse in deeper shade. The classic ‘Aureola’, ‘Stripe it Rich’, ‘Sunny Delight’ and ‘Albostriata’ are excellent for prominent variegation and the compact ‘Fubuki’ offers a crisp white variegation. The differences in variegation between varieties is subtle to be sure. Additional green foliage selections, such as ‘Nicolas’ and ‘Beni-kaze’, exhibit increasingly more colorful red, orange and gold tones as fall approaches. The variety ‘Naomi’ has a creamy yellow variegation but gets some interesting purplish-red tones late in the season. While the late, inconspicuous flower “spikelets” on all selections aren’t overly interesting, the fall tinting (variable) is a nice touch and extends until the hardest of frost.

Arcana

FINE BLASTED TEXTURE

Refined surface and long-lasting color

UNIQUE TEXTURE AND SPECKLED COLOR PALETTE

Granite, quartz and marble are exposed in the fine blasted surface of Arcana to deliver brilliant color and a non-slip surface that is perfect for patios, pool surrounds, walkways, roof decks and overlay projects. Its silky matte appearance is further enhanced with EasyClean Stain Resistance for easier cleanup of spills.

Contact 1-800-UNILOCK or visit UNILOCK.COM to connect with your local Territory Manager.