PURPOSEThe aim of the Michigan Green Industry Association Environmental Improvement Awards Program is as follows:1. To increase public awareness and reflect MGIA’s commitment to environmental improvement through quality landscaping.

2. To recognize and encourage the landscape professional who executes superior landscaping through the use of quality materials, design, and workmanship.

3. To recognize the consumers.We invite ALL contractors regardless of membership status tosubmit their work for award consideration.

ELIGIBILITYLandscape projects for which the entrant is responsible forthe major portion of the work may be entered for judging in thefollowing categories listed below. All entries must have had thelargest portion of the work completed within the last three years tobe eligible. Each entry must be accompanied by an entry fee ($90for MGIA members/$140 non-members). In addition, projectswhich have previously received an award in a particular categorycannot be re-entered in the same category.

ENTRY CATEGORIES o Residential Landscape Construction: Single Family Residence Only o Commercial Landscape Construction: Commercial Sites, Government or Institutional Projects, as well as Multi-Family Residential Projects o Landscape Reconstruction: Residential and Commercial o Residential Landscape Maintenance: Single Family Residence Only o Commercial Landscape Maintenance o Interior Landscape Installation o Interior Landscape Maintenance o Creative Horticulture/Sustainable Landscapes o Irrigation Installation o Landscape Lighting o Hardscapes o Water Features

BEST OF SHOW AWARDThis award is given to one gold award-winning entry at the discretion of the judges and will be announced at the Annual MGIAAwards Program and Holiday Celebration on December 5, 2019.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDSThe recipients will be recognized with the presentation of plaques atMGIA’s Annual Environmental Improvement Awards Program Banquet and Holiday Celebration on Thursday, December 5, 2019 atthe The Westin Southfield (1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075).

ENTRY PROCEDURES1. Complete both sides of the entry form. Be sure to include all

relevant information, as only this information will be given to the judges. Do not include your company name on any ofthe descriptions or photographs.

2. Submit a set of not less than 5 ormore than 10 standard-sized colorphotographs. Identify each photo withthe project name (not your companyname). NOTE: All images must besubmitted digitally on a disc orthumb drive at a high resolution (inaddition to the printed photographs).

3. Project descriptions should be typed or printed clearly on the entry form so it can be easily read by the judges. The “Description of Project” and “Special Circumstances, Client Requests or Unusual Problems Encountered” sections are extremely important to complete in detail.Photographs should clearly display the quality of materials andworkmanship involved. “In-progress” and/or “before and after” photographs of the project should be included.

4. Submit each entry in a single envelope or package.

5. All entries must be received in the MGIA office no later than 4 p.m. on July 15, 2019. All entries accepted become property of the MGIA and may be used for publication or for any other purpose the Association deems appropriate.

6. All material submitted for awards must be cleared by entrant forrelease upon submission.

M I C H I G A N G R E E N I N D U S T R Y A S S O C I A T I O N

Environmental Improvement Awards Program

CALL FOR ENTRIES

2019

The Annual MGIA Environmental Improvement Awards Programis sponsored by the Michigan Green Industry Association.

JUDGING CRITERIA: A team of distinguished professionals will evaluate entries based upon a point system and then make recommendations tothe awards committee. Total points will equal one hundred. Work will be judged on the basis of craftsmanship, relative contribution to the quality of theenvironment, and overall excellence. Recipients will be recognized at the Awards Banquet in December. Each entry will be visited by our judges (subjectto proximity). Please advise your clients that this will occur. Entries will be judged by the following criteria:

CATEGORIES 1, 2 & 3: 100 pointsResidential Landscape Construction, Commercial Landscape Construction, and Residential Landscape Reconstruction• Design (25 Points) o First impression o Design intent o Use of design principals o Maintenance consideration o Originality o Use of space and natural terrain o Textures for summer and winter• Site Development (15 Points) o Proper grade o Drainage of all water• Quality of Construction (35 Points) o Proper pitch o Good cuts and miters o Step construction o Straight lines, are they straight? o Contoured lines, are they flowing?• Plant Material (25 Points) o Suitability of plants for location o Planting procedures o Quality of plants

CATEGORY 4: 100 pointsResidential Landscape MaintenanceAll grounds entered in this category must be maintained by the submitting contractor for a minimum of ONE FULL growing season.• First Impression (10 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Bed Work (30 Points) o Clean lines through edging or natural edging o Properly mulched o Free of weeds and other debris o Maintenance on annuals and perennials• Turf Quality (30 Points) o Does all turf have a uniform color & texture? o Are all turf areas maintained at the same height of cut?

o Uniformity of weed control o Uniformity of turf grass development• Care of Ornamentals (30 Points) o Insect and disease control o Pruning practice o Removal of dead and diseased wood o Shearing and shaping of hedges o Removal of paralleled and rubbing branches

CATEGORY 5: 100 pointsCommercial Landscape MaintenanceAll grounds entered in this category must be maintained by the submitting contractor for a minimum of ONE FULL growing season.• First Impression (10 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Bed Work (30 Points) o Clean lines o Properly mulched o Free of weeds and other debris o Maintenance on annuals and perennials• Turf Quality (30 Points) o Does all turf have a uniform color & texture? o Are all turf areas maintained at the same height of cut? o Uniformity of weed control

o Uniformity of turf grass development• Care of Ornamentals (30 Points) o Insect and disease control o Pruning practices o Removal of dead and diseased wood o Shearing and shaping of hedges o Removal of paralleled and rubbing branches

CATEGORY 6: 100 pointsInterior Landscape Installation• First Impression (20 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Design (30 Points) o Maintenance consideration o Continuity o Originality o Use of space• Plant Selection (20 Points) o Suitability of plants for that location o Quality of plants• Installation (30 Points) o Topdressing o Planting procedures o Pruning procedures o Maintenance consideration

CATEGORY 7: 100 pointsInterior Landscape Maintenance • First Impression (40 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Horticultural Procedures (60 Points) o Dead or diseased material removed o Pruning/Trimming o Cleanliness o Vigor of plant o Topdressing

CATEGORY 8: 100 pointsCreative Horticulture/Sustainable Landscapes This category includes short term interior and exteriorseasonal displays, specialty and theme gardens, plantingsand other items which don’t fall under other categories.• First Impression (30 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Quality of Work (20 Points)• Creativity (15 Points)• Originality (15 Points)• Effectiveness (20 Points)

CATEGORY 9: 100 pointsIrrigation InstallationPlease include an accurate “as-built” drawing anda list of equipment used.• Design (35 Points) A. Zoning o Separate zones for sod areas and shrub beds B. Correct Water Placement o Radius not interfering with trees, buildings, walks, etc. C. Sprinkler Head Location o Spacing or coverage within manufacturer’s specifications D. Proper Watering Schedule• Installation (45 Points) A. Controller o Location and installation o According to design

B. Backflow Prevention o Adheres to state and local health codes and regulations o Aesthetically pleasing C. Sprinkler Heads and Valve Boxes o At correct grade o Follows design and manufacturer’s recommendations D. No Trench Settling• Quality of Materials (20 Points)

CATEGORY 10: 100 pointsLandscape Lighting• First Impression (30 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Design (35 Points) o Proper use of fixtures for given purpose o Achieving highlighting goals o Lighting balance• Installation (35 Points) o Controller location o Proper fixture installation o No exposed wires o Solid wire connections

CATEGORY 11: 100 pointsHardscapes• First Impression (25 Points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Design (35 points) o Originality o Does project compliment building architec ture and existing landscape and plantings? o Is project proportionate to surroundings?• Quality of Construction (40 points) o Straight lines, are they straight? o Contoured lines, are they flowing? o Proper drainage o Is product being used per manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines? o Good cuts and miters? o Is there any noticeable settling? o Is there evidence of washout? o Adheres to state and local codes and regulations?

CATEGORY 12: 100 pointsWater Features • First Impression (30 points) o Impression of the site and how it is adapted to its location and surroundings

• Design (35 points) o Originality o If water feature is natural, does it appear natural? o If water feature is formal, does it appear formal? o Does project fit in well with surroundings? o Use of space and natural terrain• Installation (35 points) o Proper placement of boulders and other natural elements o Is volume of water proper to size of water feature? o Adheres to state and local codes and regulations? o Is plumbing and wiring neat and organized? o Is mechanical area: Accessible? Out of Site? o Any exposed: Wires? Liner?

2019 Environmental Improvement Awards Program2019 Environmental Improvement Awards Program

Name of landscape firm entering project ____________________________________________________________________________________(name exactly as it should appear on award plaque)

Name of contact in firm ____________________________________ Phone ( ) __________________ Fax ( )____________________

Address ______________________________________________ City __________________________ State__________ Zip ________________

Email Address for Contact: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Project designed by: o Landscape designer/architect o Landscape Contractor o Other

Name ____________________________________________________ Phone ( ) ______________________________________________

o Yes, You have my permission to use photos of this job for promotional purposes. o No, Please do not use my photos for promotional purposes.

Project being entered ____________________________________________________________________________________________________(name exactly as it should appear on award plaque)

Address of project ______________________________________ City __________________________ State __________ Zip________________

Client __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

o CATEGORY 1: Residential Landscape Construction: Single Family Residence Only o Under $10,000 o $50,000 - $100,000 o $10,000 - $25,000 o $100,000 - $250,000 o $25,000 - $50,000 o Over $250,000 NOTE: Irrigation costs need not be included in determining price category.1. When did construction begin? _______________ End? _________________2. Does your company do the maintenance on this project? o Yes o No

o CATEGORY 2: Commercial Landscape Construction: Commercial Sites, Government or Institutional Projects, as well as Multi-Family Residential Projects o Under $10,000 o $50,000 - $100,000 o $10,000 - $25,000 o $100,000 - $250,000 o $25,000 - $50,000 o Over $250,000 NOTE: Irrigation costs need not be included in determining price category.1. When did construction begin? ______________ End? _________________2. Does your company do the maintenance on this project? o Yes o No

o CATEGORY 3: Landscape Reconstruction: Residential and Commercial Residential and Commercial reconstruction includes homes or businesses that have landscapes that contain turf, trees and shrubs at the time the contractor is called in. These projects can involve complete tear-out or combinations of old and new. o Under $10,000 o $50,000 - $100,000 o $10,000 - $25,000 o $100,000 - $250,000 o $25,000 - $50,000 o Over $250,0001. When did construction begin? ______________ End? _________________2. Does your company do the maintenance on this project? o Yes o No

o CATEGORY 4: Residential Landscape Maintenance: Single Family Residence Only What year did you begin maintenance? _____________

o CATEGORY 5: Commercial Landscape Maintenance: Commercial sites, Governmental or Institutional projects, as well as Multi-family Residential projects. What year did you begin maintenance? _____________

o CATEGORY 6: Interior Landscape Installation

o CATEGORY 7: Interior Landscape Maintenance

o CATEGORY 8: Creative Horticulture/Sustainable Landscapes This category includes short term interior and exterior seasonal displays, specialty and theme gardens, plantings and other items which don’t fall under other categories.

o CATEGORY 9: Irrigation Installation

o CATEGORY 10: Landscape Lighting o Residential o Commercial

o CATEGORY 11: Hardscapes

o CATEGORY 12: Water Features

CATEGORY OF PROJECT Please check appropriate box

Please complete and furnish the information for each entry. Use copies of this form for additional projects entered (one entry per form).Company and project names should be typed or printed clearly as they are to appear on the award. A fee of $90 (members) or $140 (non-members) PER ENTRY must accompany this form. Checks should be made payable to the MGIA, we also accept credit cards.

Please print or type clearly:

CALL FOR ENTRIES ENTRY FORM(Entry Deadline: July 15, 2019)

MAP INSTRUCTIONSThis map is a crucial part of this application. Please print and provide a map from a computer mapping program or online sitesuch as www.mapquest.com. WITHOUT A DETAILED MAP, JUDGES CANNOT COMPLETE THE JUDGING PROCESS.

PHOTOSo Take numerous digital photos but submit 5-10 with the best views.o Avoid bright sunny days; slightly overcast yields the best photos.o Take “before” photos of all reconstruction entries.

• The best “before and after” shots are taken from the same vantage point.

o Maintenance catergories should include both overall views and close ups of significant elements.o Try taking photos from interesting vantage points.

• For example, photos looking up from ground level or from above, if possible.

o Provide photos that highlight unique features or challenges of your project.o All images must be submitted digitally on a disc or thumb drive at a high resolution (in addition to the printed photographs)

FILLING OUT THE FORMo Descriptions of your projects are important to the judges.

Keep them concise and highlight challenges and unique features of your work.o Design Intent that include demands of your client,

problems of the site and the steps you took to address them.

o Clearly define the parameters of YOUR work on the site. Include elements provided by sub-contractors or others, if applicable.

NOTE: Maintenance Projects must be maintained by the submitting contractor for a minimum of ONE FULLgrowing season.

PREP FOR THE JUDGING DAYo Judges will evaluate your project based on what they SEE. Check your entry sites and make sure they are “award worthy.” Dead plants, weeds, plant tags, etc. affect judges’ first impressions and result in lost points.o MGIA will provide the date for the judging of your entries so that you may “freshen” the site.

LOCATIONIt is important to include the following:o Exact address of the project.o Detailed map from major cross streets (utilize a computer mapping program or an online mapping

program, i.g.: www.mapquest.com).o Define precise location of the work on the site you are entering (front of residence, full site, etc.).

CHECKLIST FOR ENTERING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS PROGRAM

*DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ____________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, CLIENT REQUESTS OR UNUSUAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED __________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*The following sections are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to complete in detail. If you need more space, include a separate sheet of paper.

Have you enclosed (per entry):o Application o Color Photos and DISC o Detailed Map o Entry Fee ($90 MGIA members per entry/$140 non-members per entry)

Payment: o Check (payable to MGIA) Bill My Credit Card: o MasterCard o Visa Exp. Date:__________ Zip Code:__________

Credit Card #: ____________________________________ 3-Digit Code: __________ Signature: ______________________________________

When completed, return form, photos, disc/thumb drive and payment to: MGIA, 30600 Telegraph Road, Suite 3360, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 Phone: (248) 646-4992 • Fax: (248) 646-4994