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

The GrowingMARCH 2016

OLA March Meeting – NE Ohio: Speaker, Jeffrey ScottMarch 10, 2016 PAGE 7

OLA Landscape Ohio! Awards Dinner & PresentationMarch 24, 2016PAGE 19

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PRES IDENT ’S COLUMN

Many landscape companies look at March as the unofficial start date for the season. Yet, thanks to this year’s mild winter, some of us never really shut down from 2015. That being said, March is always a crazy time of year for our industry. Some years we are still plowing snow, and then overnight it seems we change gears and move right into spring ops. On occasion, we even have to fire up the mowers early. You’ve got to love Ohio weather!

And while we never truly know what to expect, we prepare for everything the best we can. That’s what makes landscape companies and contractors such a resilient group of people. We love the challenge and can adapt to any situation we are thrown into.

At the January meeting, I had the privilege of speaking with several of our members and the conversations were all very similar. Spring was looking good this year, many projects were already sold, and the pipeline was filling up! That is always great news to hear. It is good to see our industry – and our members – doing well.

Plan as we may though, the barrage of phone calls in early spring seems to be a constant. No matter what type of marketing we do, or

WHERE DO YOU SWIM?

BRYAN TAYNORHidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.

how often we tell prospects to plan ahead, it never changes. The calls pour in at the last minute, sometimes with unrealistic expectations.

Hopefully when you take these calls, you are tracking where the lead is coming from; be it from a referral, an advertisement, etc. We all want to know why they are calling us. Sure, many times people are just looking for the lowest bid, but for many clients who are looking for value, they called you – and chose your company – for a reason.

We have all heard the term USP, or Unique Selling Point. It is that one thing that makes you special or different than other companies – that one thing that makes you stand out – and gets your clients to pick you over your competition. So what is your USP?

There is a great book called Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. If you have not had the chance to read it, I highly recommend it. It is a study of companies and organizations

…be the only call a prospect makes.

continued on page 6

FEATURES

3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Where Do You Swim?

8 FISCAL FITNESS Financial Road Map

12 PLANT OF THE MONTH Abeliophyllum Distichum White Forsythia

18 PERENNIAL FOCUS Going Native

22 FOR SAFETY SAKE Maintenance Crew Safety Starts With Foreman

26 START THE YEAR STRONG

28 DIRECTIONS Another Year In The Spotlight

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

6 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

30 ADVERTISING INDEX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

M A R C H 2 0 1 6 W W W. O H I O L A N D S C A P E R S . O R G

OHIO ’S PROFESS IONAL GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOC IAT ION

OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION9240 Broadview RoadBroadview Heights, Ohio 44147Phone: 440.717.0002, or 1.800.335.6521Fax: 440.717.0004Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com

EDITORRick Doll

REGULAR WRITERSMichael J Donnellan, King Financial, Inc.Jim Funai, LIC, Cuyahoga Community CollegeShelly Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and GardensSandy Munley, Ohio Landscape AssociationBobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green ThumbBryan Taynor, Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.

ADVERTISING INFORMATIONSubmission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to publication month. For advertising rates, please call 1.800.335.6521

DISCLAIMERThe Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

OFFICERSPresidentBryan Taynor

President-ElectCathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA

TreasurerMarie McConnell

Immediate Past PresidentSteve Moore

OLA STAFFExecutive DirectorSandy Munley

Communications and Events ManagerRick Doll

Membership CoordinatorNoreen Schraitle

DIRECTORSEric Brubeck, ASLAAdam CapiccioniJames FunaiJacob GrimmNathan KowalsickDomenic Lauria

ON THE COVER — Landscape Ohio! Award Entry – Enviroscapes

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

U P C O M I N G O L A M E E T I N G S , E D U C AT I O N S E M I N A R S A N D O T H E R G R E E N I N D U S T R Y E V E N T S

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 5

MARCHOLA Landscape Design Workshop – Class 4MARCH 8-9Two-day workshop, the last in a series of four classes. Exciting, new format with lots of interaction. This is a great opportunity for those new to landscape design or to fine-tune your skills. Workshop instructed by Kathy Stokes-Shafer APLD and Kevin O’Brien, APLD. Held at the Indiana Wesleyan University, Independence, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Meeting – NE OhioMARCH 10, 2016Jeffrey Scott will be joining us to help kick off your spring season! This meeting will be held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts., OH. For information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

Landscape Ohio! Awards Dinner and PresentationMARCH 24, 2016Spectacular Academy Awards Style Presentation and Gourmet Dinner. Held at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. For information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

JULYLandscape Industry Certified Technician Test – Written OnlyJULY 20, 2016Held on the campus of OSU ATI in Wooster. For more information, contact Jan Elliott or Kim Sayers at the Ohio State ATI Business Training and Educational Services office at 330-287-7511 or 330-287-0100, or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org.

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test –Full TestJULY 21, 2016Hands-On and Written Test. Held on the campus of OSU ATI in Wooster. For more information, contact Jan Elliott or Kim Sayers at the Ohio State ATI Business Training and Educational Services office at 330-287-7511 or 330-287-0100, or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org.

AUGUSTOLA Scholarship Golf ClassicAUGUST 4, 2016Join us for a fun day of golf, networking, food and liquid refreshments at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

NGLCO Field DayAUGUST 9, 2016This year’s field day will be again hosted by Chalet Debonne Vineyards in Madison, OH. For more information, contact Annette Howard at 440-241-7969, info@nglco.com, or visit nglco.com.

Regi

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for t

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LA Golf Classic is now open. See page 17 for more details.

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PRES IDENT ’S COLUMN

continued from pg 3getting caught up in a “bloody red ocean” of competition and rivalry, detailing how some of these companies have taken steps to set themselves apart to where the competition becomes irrelevant. They end up swimming in a “clear blue ocean,” with little-to-no competition and an increased market share.

So do you catch yourself swimming in the “red ocean” of the bidding wars each season? If so, what can you do to set yourself apart from your competition, so that you may begin swimming in uncontested waters? Do you try to be everything to every client, or do you have a specialized service you offer? Maybe you do something truly unique in the way you take care of your clients?

I challenge you this season; be the only call a prospect makes. Find out why clients keep coming back, what makes you different, and why your company stands out from the competition. Find your niche – your USP – and create your own blue ocean.

REGULAR MEMBERS:

CLE LANDSCAPING CO., LLC4768 Fay DriveSouth Euclid, OH 44121(216) 438-3253Bob Petrovic

GRUNDER LANDSCAPING COMPANY1900 Old Byers RoadMiamisburg, OH 45342(937) 847-8000Amber Fox

PONY LAWNCARE AND LANDSCAPING, LLC1377 London RoadDelaware, OH 43015(740) 815-7693John W. Panovsky

BROWN’S DESIGN LANDSCAPING, INC.12590 Durkee RoadGrafton, OH 44044(440)748-2642Rick Brown

FLECK & SONS LANDSCAPE27161 Schady RoadOlmsted Falls, OH 44138(440) 235-6987Chuck and John Fleck

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS3067 E. 5th. AvenueColumbus, OH 43219(614) 239-7558Eric Brownlee

NATURE IN BLOOM, INC.2906 Center DriveParma, OH 44134(216) 642-8464Christopher Konfal

TSF LANDSCAPING1641 Wyandotte AvenueLakewood, OH 44107(216) 213-0953David Stehlik

ROCK SOLID LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION1324 Meister RoadLorain, OH 44053(317) 801-2874Matthew Luka

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

BRECKSVILLE OUTDOOR SUPPLY, LLCPO Box 41420Brecksville, OH 44141(440) 740-3122Dan and Rob Morel

PRINT DIRECT FOR LESSPO Box 669Columbia Station, OH 44028-9058(440) 238-7780Angeli Perron

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

DAVEY TREE – CLEVELAND EAST CLS15901 Raymond StreetMaple Heights, OH 44137(216) 544-9973James Francisco

KURTZ BROS.13532 Broadway AvenueGarfield Heights, OH 44125(216) 986-7032Bryan Hill

STUDENT MEMBERS:Jordan LoganBeachwood High SchoolEnvironmental Education

Erin Van NostranKent State University

Massimo AsturiWestlake High School

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association:

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AGENDA6:00 pm to 7:00 pmREGISTRATION / NETWORKINGHORS D’OUVERS / CASH BAR

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MARCH 10, 2016

UNLOCK YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL:Finding and Creating New Opportunity in 2016

Join us for this fast paced, high content seminar that will uncover the biggest opportunities available to contractors in our industry who look beyond the conventional.

In Jeffrey Scott’s many years of consulting he has found recurring opportunities, challenges and issues that landscape entrepreneurs face every day. While every business is unique, there are more commonalities than differences.

You will learn how to shoot past business-as-usual and exploit uncommon opportunities to achieve exceptional success. Participants will learn how to seize the day, avoid the common pitfalls, and create more opportunity for themselves, their business and their employees. Jeffrey will share the secrets he has uncovered, and the proven strategies he has developed, through his many years of consulting and coaching savvy business owners across the country and Canada.

You will improve your 2016 financial performance, by:

• Increasing your confidence to compete• Improving your competitive advantage• Expanding your outlook on what’s possible• Developing concrete strategies to improve efficiency and grow your business

REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG OR CALL THE OLA AT 1-800-335-6521 OR EMAIL INFO@OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG

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Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, coach and Hall-of-Fame Consultant – is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the landscape industry. He grew his landscape company into a successful $10 million en-terprise (15 million in today’s dollars), and he’s now devoted to helping others achieve profound success.

HELD ATSt. Michael’s Woodside5025 EAST MILL ROADBROADVIEW HTS., OHIO 44147

Jeffrey Scott, MBAAUTHOR, COACH AND HALL-OF-FAME CONSULTANT

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F I SCAL F I TNESS

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There is no guarantee that you’ll make money from the investments you make. But if you get the facts about saving and investing, and follow through with an intelligent plan, you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your money.

No one is born knowing how to save or invest. Every successful investor starts with the basics. And while a few people may stumble into financial security – a wealthy relative may die, or a business may take off – most people attain financial security by saving and investing over a long period of time.

Current market conditions make saving and investing a daunting task. Now is the time to plan or update your investment goals. Market downturns can make the stock market a scary and volatile

FINANCIAL ROAD MAPKnowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much, or how little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities.

continued on page 11

place to invest. The important thing is to map out your direction. Similar to planning a trip, you need a map, directions, and the resources to get on your way.

On this financial road trip, start by mapping your goals. Are you saving for a house, college education, retirement planning, or trying to grow or protect your nest egg? You could also rely on a

8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

No matter how much, or how little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself …

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 9

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10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

F I SCAL F I TNESS

financial advisor as your GPS, routing you the best way to reach your destination, and making recommendations along the way.

Develop your plan by investing your assets, whether it is in real estate, the stock market, bonds, hard assets, etc. Younger investors should be investing on a regular basis and keeping a balance of cash as an emergency fund.

Older investors should plan on extending their time horizon. The latest figures show that a 65-year-old man will live to an average of 82 and a 65-year-old woman to 85 years of age. Life expectancy averages are over 78 years of age currently and expected to continue to rise. That makes retirement planning even more important than previous generations. Income will have to be stretched over a longer period of time, so plan accordingly.

Recently the road has been bumpy, with many different routes to take, and we have seen some roadblocks along the way. The important part is to stay focused on your journey. The stock market has declined a bit, the Federal Reserve has started to raise interest rates, commodity prices have been decimated, and the global economy could remain in a period of slow growth. Stock market

continued from pg 8volatility does create opportunity, though. Use the downturn to pick up quality stocks at depressed prices. Your financial advisor, just like your GPS, is valuable at a time like this.

We have seen an increase in people taking a more active approach in handling their finances and estate planning over the last month or two. A significant decline makes people reassess their positions and risk tolerances. If you need help, contact your financial advisor, or myself, if you need a second opinion, or are looking for an advisor. Investors have different goals, or destinations, and advisors will have plans/ideas specific to your individual situation.

Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., with offices in Strongsville and North Royalton, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. Phone numbers (440) 878-9676 and (440) 652-6370Email: donnellan@m3wealthmanagement.com

Securities and advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & CompanyRegistered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242(800) 478-0788

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 11

PLANT OF THE MONTH

JIM FUNAI, COLP, LICCuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LICStan Hywet Hall and Gardens

At the start of February, we’ve already noticed a number of plants blooming that we wouldn’t expect to be quite open yet, including a number of the hybrid Witchhazels. Several of them are two to three weeks ahead of their average open dates. Now, this isn’t anything too crazy – and certainly is not a cause for concern – because plants are tough and work fine in a range of environmental conditions.

Depending on how the rest of February goes – from the time we write this article, till the time it reaches you – our plant pick for March may have already finished blooming. But with some luck, hopefully it will be in full bloom as you read this.

Hailing from the family of Oleaceae, the Olive family, of which we have a large number of landscape plants, this member is most closely related to true Fortsythia. Known as White Forsythia – aka Korean

Being a plant must be confusing at times. Mother Nature is always unpredictable. As we sat here to plan this month’s article, she proved it again by being 55 degrees and sunny one day, and 30 with snow the next… and we are at the beginning of February!

A cultivar of Korean Abelialeaf, named ‘Roseum’

Abelialeaf – this shrub can be thought of as a white flowering Forsythia, and treated much the same as true Forsythia.

Other closely related members of the Olive family include Jasminum (Jasmine), Syringa (Lilac), Ligustrum (Privet), Fraxinus (Ash), Osmanthus (Fragrant Tea), Chionanthus (Fringe Tree), and of course Olea, the true Olive. Members of this family are reliable bloomers, and with the exception of a few key pests – Emerald Ash Borer – are very tough and dependable plants.

White Forsythia is native to the Korean peninsula and is reported to be known as only existing at less than 15 different sites in the wild. However, there could be a million of them in North Korea and we’d never know it. They don’t seem to be too willing to let us in to explore their plants.

ABELIOPHYLLUM DISTICHUM WHITE FORSYTHIA

12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Associationcontinued on page 15

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14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 15

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Boasting a cold tolerance down to at least -25 degrees Fahrenheit, you should have no winter kill concerns on this shrub. We’ve found that it maintains a bit more of a kempt habit than true Forsythia, maintaining itself under the 5-foot tall mark, and arching over to fill in about an equal spread.

As an accent plant in the mixed border, this plant will be one of the first to usher in the new season – with four petaled, bright white flowers – usually slightly ahead of yellow Forsythia. The best siting will put this shrub where it can then fade into the background for the remainder of the summer and fall. While the specific epithet translates to “leaf like Abelia,” we think the arrangement, size, and shape are more like common Privet. A leaf that can best be described as being – well – a leaf. Green… leaf shaped… and leafy. Nothing much to note and nothing much to see, let it be a backdrop of green to other colors, shapes, textures and exciting plants that can take over the show.

We typically recommend putting your flowering shrubs on the three year pruning plan, where you remove the oldest third – close to the root crown – each year, to keep a good mature size yet provide vigorous blooming branches. We’d recommend the same for the white Forsythia, and yellow too, performing your pruning ideally just after bloom, as they will quickly set the following years flower buds on current stems. An alternative maintenance procedure can be done in a much quicker fashion on this shrub called Coppice Pruning. Shelley likes to call it “chainsaw therapy,” where you essentially cut the entire shrub back to just above the root crown and let it all start over. This type of shrub is just fine with that treatment.

What this shrub lacks in year-round interest, it makes up for with unexpected bloom time and a tolerance of Mother Nature’s indecisiveness. Tough as nails, this shrub has no major pest or disease issues to speak of, and can tolerate a large range of soil types and sun – though it prefers more sun.

You may see a tinge of pink in the flower buds of newly opened flowers, but they will eventually fade to a pure white. A cultivar named ‘Roseum’ does exist, but can be harder to find in the trade. In fact, the straight species can be difficult to find, period, but we know for sure you can find this at Klyn Nursery.

This shrub will add a bright white hit of color, just as the seasons are trading places and your clients are desperate for some signs of spring. It is a very powerful effect to be greeted by such plants, and used in combination with some Witchhazels, Snow drops,

Crocus, and true Forsythia, you could create a beautiful bouquet for clients – letting them know that spring is officially here.

With that in mind, we wish you a safe and productive spring season and look forward to sharing yet another interesting and exciting plant next month!

Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in horticulture degree program offering many paths to higher education in the green industry. He is pursuing a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio that offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelley via email at hortsquad@gmail.com.

White Forsythia – aka Korean Abelialeaf – can be thought of as a white flowering Forsythia.

continued from pg 12

16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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A p u b l i c A t i o n o f t h e o h i o l A n d S c A p e A S S o c i A t i o n GrowingConcernThe

OLA MeetingSeptember 15, 2011

Hosted by The Pattie Group

page 7

Snow & Ice Management Clinic

September 22, 2011

page 11

Dormant Pruning Clinic

September 27, 2011 – Northeast Ohio

October 4, 2011 – Central Ohio

page 30

A p u b l i c A t i o n o f t h e o h i o l A n d S c A p e A S S o c i A t i o nConcern

The

Drainage ClinicNovember 9, 2011 page 17

OLA Annual MeetingNovember 17, 2011 page 7

Sales ClinicFor Landscape ProfessionalsDecember 13, 2011 page 13

How To Set Goals For New Employees page 32

Growingoctober 2011

CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATIONphone: 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org

web: OhioLandscapers.org

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Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147Register online, by phone, mail, or fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org

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continued on page 20

PERENN IAL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLDBobbie’s Green Thumb

In discussions of native plants, the definition of native is highly debatable. Native to where? A state? A region? A country? Is a plant native in North Carolina still considered a native in Minnesota, even if it will live there, although it is not endemic to that state?

Are all “exotics” bad? We know that some plants are deemed invasive. Generally speaking, this is because they have no natural predators and can grow at will, disrupting natural habitats. However, there are thousands of plants that grow elsewhere in habitats, similar to ours, that do not have invasive tendencies. For instance, one of the most beloved ornamental trees in the United States is the Crabapple, a native to Europe and Asia. Should this tree be removed from American landscapes because it is not a native?

When I was in the Netherlands a few years ago, I saw Lythrum growing in many gardens and in perennial nurseries. I was horrified,

The mantra of the day is “Plant Native.” Does this mean that we should plant only native plants in spite of the fact that there are thousands of plants that are not native to the United States? There is a great deal of debate about this issue. Some say that we should plant only natives in our landscapes because they are crucial to the survival of our native insects, especially caterpillars, and birds. Others say that we can plant both natives and “exotics,” the definition of which is species introduced either accidentally or deliberately by human actions into places beyond their natural geographic range.

particularly because so many plantings were near water, but was told that growing Lythrum in Europe is not a problem because there is a natural predator that keeps it from being invasive. We, of course, do not have the benefit of that predator. Most of us have resigned ourselves to finding other plants to use instead.

I am not an ideologue about anything; thus, for me, everything is shades of gray, rather than black or white. I take the same position on plants. I am always looking for new plants that have special attributes to fill specific needs in the landscape. I do my best to research them, so that I’m not planting anything considered invasive. Most states now have invasive plant lists – some better researched than others – so you can avail yourself of this information in order to prevent further distribution of these particular plants.

GOING NATIVE

Leaves and berries of the Lindera benzoin.

18 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association18 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Who won it?

There’s a lot of Green out there!

The 19th Annual

Landscape Ohio!As always, space at the 19th Annual Landscape Ohio! Awards Program is filling up and will be limited. If you did not submit an entry this year, or need to purchase additional tickets for friends, family, or staff, a small amount may remain available for purchase through the OLA office. Requests will be taken on a first come, first served basis by calling the OLA office at 440.717.0002.

The evening promises to be an elegant, enjoyable one. We hope to see you there!

Event InformationThursday, March 24, 2016

6:30 pm - 10 pmCleveland Botanical Garden

11030 East BoulevardCleveland, OH

Awards Dinner

OLA Landscape Ohio Ad.indd 1 2/17/2016 5:02:42 PM

20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

continued from pg 18

The book, The Living Landscape by Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy, is the best exposition I’ve read on the importance and benefits of planting natives, and how native plants can play essential – as well as functional – roles in gardens designed for multiple purposes. I have, therefore, tried to incorporate as many natives into my designs as possible, but if I think an “exotic” fills my client’s needs better, the latter will be my choice.

LEAP (Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership) and one of its partners, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, has learned that the public is much more likely to purchase native plants if information is supplied about how a particular plant is host to a specific caterpillar, or butterfly, or has exceptional value to migrating birds.

LEAP is a regional partnership of non-profit conservation organizations, park districts, state and federal agencies and cities within the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and Ontario-Erie Lake Plain. Its members are collectively dedicated to protecting native habitats and species, improving water quality and enhancing urban green space between Sandusky Bay and Buffalo. LEAP has a program to promote three native plants each calendar year. Many of the plants chosen by the Plant Promotion Committee are frequently found to be unavailable from most of the nursery trade. Therefore, the Committee is now working with local nurseries so that the three plants chosen will be available for the public to purchase.

For more information on LEAP and its Native Plant Promotion Program, go online to www.leapbio.org. The three plants chosen for 2016 are Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Lysimachia terrestris (Yellow Loosestrife, or Swamp Candle), and Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem).

Lindera benzoin, a deciduous shrub, would fit well at the back of a perennial border where its six to eight foot height would act as background for the perennials in front of it. It is a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail. Its yellow flowers in late April provide nectar for butterflies. They are followed, in the fall, by glossy red fruits that are eaten by migratory birds. The common name refers to the sweet, spicy fragrance of the stems, leaves, and fruits when bruised. Happily, it is deer-resistant. Plant Lindera benzoin in a moist location, in full sun or partial shade.

I admit to total ignorance of Lysimachia terrestris, a one to three foot tall, mid-summer blooming perennial that adds color to rain gardens and damp areas. Each petal of the star-like yellow flowers has two red dots at its base, forming a circle. Like most Lysimachia,

PERENN IAL FOCUS

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, free-lance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four-season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.

it will colonize by underground runners. This perennial attracts birds and butterflies, as well as bees that collect pollen, or nectar.

Schizachyrium scoparium has long been one of my favorite ornamental grasses. Its ability to thrive in very dry, sunny sites is amazing. If, in fact, it is placed in a site that is too moist, or is fertilized, it will flop instead of remaining erect. Its spring and summer color is steel blue with a bit of maroon, but it is in its glory in the fall when the maroon and orange tinges become paramount. During the winter, it is the only grass I know that is bronze, rather than beige. Like all ornamental grasses, Schizachyrium scoparium is not on the deer menu. Height varies between two and four feet, depending on the cultivar. It provides both food and shelter to birds and butterflies.

I believe that a forceful claim has been made that our beloved earth is changing for the worse. If planting natives will help our native insects and birds survive, remembering that life is an interlocking circle, we should all strive to include natives in our designs.

Flowers of the Lysimachia terrestris.

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 21

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22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

FOR SAFETY SAKE

The owners of your company invest in the safest, most highly productive equipment they can find. Then they invest in safety training, tools and gear for their workers. Then they pay an arm and a leg – not literally we hope – for workers’ comp insurance. Here’s how you can pay them back: Start laying the law down with your crew!

Every reputable landscape company conducts weekly – if not daily – safety meetings at the shop before crews dispatch for the day. Crews are told how to dress on jobsites, what safety gear to wear, how to safely operate equipment, and so on. Companies spend a considerable amount of time conveying this safety message to employees. Companies can also be subject to OSHA fines when not in compliance with OSHA regulations.

Why is it, then, that when we make our way out onto jobsites, more than half of the time there are blatant safety violations at seemingly every turn?

There could be several specific reasons, of course, but each ties back to one of two main flaws in a company’s safety culture: – Safety meetings and training are “go through the motions”

events. – Foremen are not ensuring that the safety message being

preached back at the shop is being executed in the field.

MAINTENANCE CREW SAFETY STARTS WITH FOREMAN

continued on page 24

“The early morning or tailgate meetings can be an effective method to get the message to a company’s employees,” says John Keeler, STIHL Inc.’s national training manager. “And with the support and reinforcement of the owners or management, along with formal training sessions, good results can be achieved.”

SAFETY ESSENTIALS The following safety items should be worn at all times, regardless of which type of power equipment you’re running: • ANSI-approved safety glasses • Hearing protection • Boots, or other protective footwear • Any other protective gear that may be required by OSHA for

the location where you are working

“Additionally, you never want to wear short pants – no matter how hot it is,” Keeler says. “Gloves are also good to wear because they

BY GREGG WARTGOW

It’s your job as crew chief to help break bad habits and embrace the new and

safer way of doing things.

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FOR SAFETY SAKE

not only help protect the hands and wrists, but also help absorb vibration and make operating equipment more comfortable.” Long pants and hand protection are increasingly important when it comes to the operation of handheld equipment such as line trimmers, hedge trimmers and debris blowers.

TREE CARE ESSENTIALS

With chain saws and pole pruners, a whole new layer of safety comes into play. “When operating this type of equipment, where you’re often cutting things overhead, you need an appropriately rated helmet,” Keeler says. “Preferably you want a helmet system with a face shield on it. And you need to wear protective glasses even with the shield. Then, you also need a heavier form of footwear, such as a steel-toed boot. And when you’re operating a chain saw, you always need a pair of chain saw protective pants, or chaps for ground crews.”

HARDSCAPE ESSENTIALS If your company has a hardscape division where employees are operating concrete abrasive cut-off machines, safety goes even one step further. “When you’re grinding concrete, you’re dealing with a lot of dust,” Keeler says. “You have to worry about employees contracting a disease called silicosis. We advise operators to, at minimum, always wear a dust respirator that’s approved for the

continued from pg 22material they’re cutting, but ideally you should operate these tools with a wet-cutting attachment to better control the amount of airborne particles.” Another benefit of utilizing wet cutting is the lubrication it provides to the wheel which can result in reduced kickback energy.

LAWN CARE ESSENTIALS If your company has a lawn care division where employees are applying fertilizers and chemicals, it’s important to provide appropriate respirators since chemicals are airborne. Gloves and a long sleeve shirt are important for that same reason. If spraying overhead, wear a broad-brimmed hat to help protect the operator’s head.

SAFE & RESPECTFUL OPERATION There’s more to jobsite safety than hardhats and safety glasses. Foremen must also monitor equipment use to ensure safe and respectful operation.

The instruction manual for a given piece of equipment is a great place to start; this will provide the basic do’s and don’ts that should be drilled into the minds of employees. For instance, never alter any piece of equipment, which could compromise various safety features; i.e. disabling guards on line trimmers or discharge chute guards on mowers, folding down ROPS on mowers, etc.

24 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Photo courtesy of Grunder Landscaping Co.

FOR SAFETY SAKE

Be aware of your surroundings when operating equipment. For instance:

• Don’t blow dirt and debris toward parked cars. • Don’t line trim with someone right next to you. • If you’re discharging grass clippings, stop the mower when a

pedestrian is walking down the sidewalk in your vicinity. • Don’t edge with a line trimmer, as the guard no longer

provides the protection for which it is intended and often results in throwing gravel and other debris all over, possibly damaging property or causing harm to individuals.

Aside from monitoring safe and courteous use of equipment, the foreman must also do the following:

Lead by example “A foreman can never be caught without all of his safety gear on,” Keeler points out. “And of course, he must operate equipment safely at all times.”

Break old habits. “The Green Industry is at a transition point,” Keeler says. “We’ve gone from rakes and high school kids to a

professional industry with highly skilled workers. I believe we are in the final phase of this transition.” In other words, employees you’ve had a while need to forget about their working habits of the past. It’s your job as crew chief to help them break those bad habits and embrace the new and safer way of doing things.

Correct problems immediately. Breaking bad habits is best achieved through immediate and continuous intervention. “If one of your crew members is spotted making a mistake, stop him or her immediately and correct them,” Keeler advises. “Jotting down a note on a piece of paper, and then waiting until next week’s safety meeting to address the problem with the employee isn’t effective or safe.” Safety meetings, in theory, are indeed effective—and critical to a company’s overall safety culture. But what matters even more is how the crew chief accepts the responsibility of making sure the safety message preached back at the shop is executed in the field.

Gregg Wartgow is Editor in Chief of Green Industry Pros magazine, Snow PRO, Dealer Success Guide, greenindustrypros.com, and related print and digital products.

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 25

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BY JEFFREY SCOTT, MBA

26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Starting the year strong means getting everyone on the same page – motivated to pull in the same direction as you. Here are 8 steps to ensure a

successful 2016.

DECIDE how you want to do business, and then get everyone on the same page.

You want to set the tone for how your business operates. What is your service philosophy towards clients? What

are your Dos and Don’ts policies that are sacrosanct and must be followed for your

company to run seamlessly? Lastly, what are your company values by which you will run

your business? Setting the tone for these at the beginning of the year reminds old

employees and on-boards new employees to your “company

way” of doing business.

26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

STRONGStart the year

BREAKDOWN annual sales targets into specific goals for sales people and crew leaders.

Your budget is based on a set of revenue and sales goals: the minimum revenue goals you need to “sell and build” to reach your minimum profit – that both your sales people and your crew need to understand and be prepared to execute. Your sales people also need to set stretch sales goals. Keep in mind that not all sales people will hit their stretch goals (or even their expected goals) each year, so you don’t want to plan for perfection; you need wiggle room in your cumulative goals, so you still hit your annual revenue budget even when not all sales goals are hit.

MOTIVATE employees by showing them how to get a raise and a bonus (incentive).

Regarding base pay: Every employee should know what they need to do to get a raise; they should have specific learning goals related to their career ladder that they need to achieve to get a raise. Regarding a bonus, once every employee knows their goals, show them what’s in it for them. Encourage them to think like an owner by rewarding them for hitting benchmarks that also reward the company. A good incentive system turns working into a game – and who doesn’t like playing and winning a game?

STEER all employees to the personal goals they need to achieve to meet expectations.

Related to the point before, every single employee plays an important role (cog) in the machinations of your company. They need direction and feedback so they know how they are doing, what they should keep doing, and what they should both stop and start doing. Sitting down with them one-on-one a few times throughout the year will keep them focused on their own goals and align them to the larger goal of the company.

MANDATE communication expectations, so the whole team stays on track, even as the spring rush hits. You need a communication system of daily, weekly and monthly communication in order to keep your entire company on track.

The daily communication is the most important. For example, at the crew level, mandate how communication needs to happen each day to make your company work smoothly: A daily huddle to kick-start the morning, and crew checking in before the end of the day, alerting the boss to their status. Administrative work should also be completed and handed in and at end of each day (where applicable). Decide your daily, weekly and monthly communication strategy, and stick to it.

RESET client service standards. It is easy to forget that the client is the most important factor in the rush of work in the spring.

Sit down with your clients this winter, invite a group for lunch, and have a conversation with them – and record it – and use their feedback to motivate and focus your troops. Find out from their perspective what you do well, where you can improve, and if there are additional services they wish you offered.

ENSURE your employees live a culture of constant, never-ending improvement, so the whole team is engaged to “win” in 2016.

Do your employees feel safe to suggest better ways of working? Do they feel safe to tell you the tools they need? If you want to engage their hearts you need to engage their minds. They need to feel the freedom to give feedback, make requests, and comment on things they see that are not in alignment with the company goals and values. Free flowing, two-way communication is critical to a healthy growing company.

CLARIFY the owner’s role in day-to-day operations to ensure this plan stays on track.

Lastly, the owner needs to make it clear to him/her self what the role is they need to play. To be a successful leader of a company think “marching band leader”; you can’t lead the band and be playing the trumpet at the same time; and worse, you can’t be playing multiple instruments in the band at the same time while you are also trying to lead it. You have to decide your specific role, and delegate the non-crucial activities to your second in command and even further down the line to your forepeople, supervisors, and office staff.

Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, coach and Hall-of-Fame Consultant – is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the landscape industry. He grew his landscape company into a successful $10 million enterprise (15 million in today’s dollars), and he’s now devoted to helping others achieve profound success. He facilitates the Leader’s Edge peer group for business owners; his members achieved a 27% profit increase in their first year. To learn more visit www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com.

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 27

28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

DIRECT IONS

SANDY MUNLEYExecutive Director

Ohio Landscape Association

ANOTHER YEAR IN THE SPOTLIGHTThis year’s OLA garden at The Great Big Home and Garden Show, at the I-X Center in Cleveland, was named one of the top “5 Fabulous Things You Must See” by Cleveland.com. This was such exciting news! Our garden was noted for the varied plant selections and because all of our plant varieties were labeled. Not only did we include the names of the plants, but also a description of what to expect if you plant them and what they need to grow. Cleveland.com called our garden, “Name that Plant.”

The garden also included a nice-sized water feature, with a waterfall, that attracted a lot of attention. It was definitely a favorite place for people to pause and have their picture taken. And while the unseasonably warm fall and winter made forcing the plants a little tough this year, by the end of the show, almost everything was blooming or leafing out. In the end, our garden was very colorful and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

Ken Sasak, of Sasak Landscaping in Richfield, designed our garden this year. He also served as chairperson for the garden, meaning he and his son, Kevin, managed the installation. This was their second year in charge of the garden, and both years they have done a great job.

Along with Ken and Kevin, I would like to thank all of the people and member companies that made it possible for OLA to have a garden, by either creating the garden, or supplying the materials to do so:

Project Manager – Ken Sasak, Sasak Landscaping

Assistant Project Manager – Kevin Sasak, Sasak Landscaping

Garden Designer – Ken Sasak, Sasak Landscaping

Garden Construction Team – Empaco Equipment Corporation, Leafstone Landscaping, Mason Structural Steel, Morel Landscaping, Ohio Landscape Association, Sasak Landscaping, Summit Landscaping, Wayne Lawn and Landscape, Western Reserve Landcare and Erin Van Nostran (student member).

Materials and Transportation – Belgard Hardscapes, Brothers Grimm Landscape and Design, The Great Big Home and Garden Show, Kichler Lighting, Kurtz Bros., Inc., Mason Structural Steel, Pond Supplies of Ohio, Sasak Landscaping, Site One Landscape Supply, and Willoway Nurseries.

What a wonderful team effort with such dynamic public appeal and impact!

In addition to the accolades from Cleveland.com, we were also able to distribute about 10,000 pieces of literature at the show, including copies of Landscape Ohio! Magazine, and postcards driving property owners to our consumer website to find a member of OLA to hire. We also had good support from our members in staffing the garden during the show. Thanks to all of you, as well.

The Growing Concern x March 2016 x 29

I would like to congratulate the large garden winners: 1st Place – Ohio Valley Group for their Vineyard Wedding garden (also named one of the “5 Fabulous Things You Must See” features of the show), 2nd Place – Green Impressions for their Family Reunion garden, and 3rd Place – Brothers Grimm Landscape and Design for their Fourth of July garden. Mid-size Garden winners were: 1st Place – CK Stonescapes / Tri-R-Stone for their Mardi Gras garden, 2nd Place – Falling Waters Ohio for their Labor Day garden, and 3rd Place – Williams Landscaping for their Mother’s Day garden.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the students of Auburn Career Center for their beautiful Celebrations of Life garden. Each year the students and their instructor, Dave Richards, go above and beyond to create a garden at the show with the assistance of The Pattie Group and other industry partners.

Again, thank you to everyone that was involved in helping with the OLA garden. It was a big success because of you! If you were not involved this year, I highly suggest getting involved next year. Construction can be fun, as you work alongside others in the industry, and staffing the garden is a great way to meet the public!

Photos of the OLA Garden, at The Great Big Home & Garden Show, courtesy of Autum McConnell.

30 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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21 Van Curen Tree Service

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29 Zoresco

By earning your Landscape Industry Certified Technician certification, you send a message to your cleints and/or employees that you’ve met and achieved the industry standard, and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of all the facets of your job.

Register Today! Deadline to register for the hands-on test is May 18, 2016. For additional information about the test, registration information or study materials, visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org, or call The Ohio State ATI at 330-287-7511, or 330-287-0100.

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2016LIC.indd 1 2/15/2016 4:02:19 PM

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