In Advanced Rotor R ' T Performance

marks the next eVOlutlOll in advanced rotor r ' t performance.

'The 5000 Plus rotor is very easy to adjust. There's a lot of construction on campus, so I like the fact that I can turn the head on or ojf when there's equipment in the area. We can turn ojf a head or two, and keep the rest of the zone running, which is a really good feature." Larry Chamberlain Irrigation Foreman University of Den ver Install Confidence. Install the Rain Bird® 5000 Plus rotor for optimum rotor efficiency, performance and convenience. Unlike the competition that uses a flow-stopping "poppet" device that creates excess friction loss and water turbulence in the rotor, the Rain Bird 5000 Plus rotor with Stream Control™ | Technology features an unobstructed flow path. The competitive advantages this technology provides include: • Superior stream efficiency combined with flow shut-off capability • Maximum Rain Curtain™ nozzle performance with greater radius range and lower flow • Convenient flow shut-off at each individual rotor without sacrificing nozzle performance

The Benefits of Stream Control™ Technology RAIN BIRD 5000 PLUS ROTOR COMPETITION

RESULT: Superior stream efficiency RESULT: Diminished water for maximum Rain Curtain nozzle stream efficiency limits nozzle performance combined with flow performance and reduces shut-off capability radius range

Stream control technology offers a The placement of the competitor's superior flow shut-off mechanism, flow-stop "poppet" device at the minimizes friction loss and turbulence base of the rotor's flow path and maintains optimum water creates excess friction loss and distribution by: water turbulence, which results in: • Patented cone valve, integrated • Restricted stream efficiency into the flow path • Limited radius range • Radiused nozzle bore and flow • Reduced nozzle performance path entrance ramps • Enlarged, unobstructed flow path entrance to maximize total flow

Enhanced Rain Curtain" Nozzles "Rain Curtain nozzles help to keep landscapes green around Brisbane, which is important because as Queensland's capital we have a lot of visitors every year. These nozzles are outstanding, the best on the market."

Brian Cruise The 5000 Plus rotor includes eight Rain Curtain nozzles that achieve greater Cruise's Greenbank radius distance with lower flow rates. Rain Curtain nozzles deliver larger water Pumps & Irrigation droplets for resistance to windy conditions, effective close-in watering to eliminate dry spots near the rotor, and even distribution over the entire radius range. In Queensland, Australia side-by-side comparisons with the competition, the clear advantages of Rain Curtain Technology can be seen by the naked eye.

• Call 1-800-RainBird (U.S. only) or visit www.rainbird.com for the name of your Rain Bird Distributor. For more detailed Stream Control Technology information, visit www.rainbird.com/rbturf/products/rotors5000plus.htm.

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WE DON'T MAKE THE TURF. WE MAKE IT BETTER. BASF MANAGEMENT SEPTEMBER 2002 / #9 / VOLUME 41 features

16. State of the Industry 2002 When the going gets tough, the tough get going? You bet. But, being smart is a lot better than being tough in this season's marketplace BY RON HALL AND JASON STAHL

34. Keep your labor legal Take these simple steps to keep from losing labor to a more aggressive U.S. INS By JEFF WEST

46. Ready, set...snow! Follow these tips from experienced snow & ice specialists and you might even welcome winter BY GARY BURCHFIELD

56. Be a pro at pond maintenance Look like a champ in your customers' eyes by properly maintaining a pond in fall and readying it for winter By JEFF RUGG

64. Ground Zero green again Connecticut brothers prepare World Trade Center's glass-enclosed Winter Garden for 9/11 memorial By RON HALL

[irrigation centeT 40. Sprinkler winterization basics An easy-to-follow guide to prepare your clients' irrigation systems for next spring By KATHERINE WOODFORD

[grounds management center | 44. A ward-winning landscape management Letting the rich play at Woodfield Country Club, Boca Raton, FL

COVER IMAGE: PHOTO COURTESY LARRY SPEED / LAMBERT LANDSCAPE CO. LandscapMANAGEMENT! e

VISIT US ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB AT: www.landscapemanagement.net Editorial »faff Editor-in-Chief RON HALL / 440/891-26361 [email protected] Associate Publisher I Executive Editor SUSAN PORTER 1440/891-27291 sporter@advanstar com Managing Editor JASON STAHL 1440/891-2623 / [email protected] departments On-Line Content Editor LYNNE BRAKEMAN 1440/891 -28691 [email protected] Senior Science Editor KARL DANNEBERGER, PH.D. / [email protected] [columns, news & more" Group Editor VERNON HENRY I 440/826-28291 [email protected] Art Director LISA LEHMAN I 440/891-2785 I [email protected] 7. On the Record Sr. Graphic Designer CARRIE PARKHILL / 440/891-3101 1 [email protected] Reader advisory panel Remain cautiously optimistic By DEBBY COLE Greater Texas Landscapes I Austin, TX RON HALL JOHN GACHINA Gachina Landscape Management I Menlo Park, CA JERRY GAETA The Good Earth Inc. I Mt. Pleasant SC 8. Inside the Owner's Head JUDSON GRIGGS Smallwood Design Group I Smallwood Landscape I Naples, FL Bidding wars heating up BILL HOOPES Scotts Lawn Service I Marysville, OH By DWIGHT HUGHES Dwight Hughes Nursery I Cedar Rapids, IA JASON STAHL LARRY I0RII Down to Earth Landscaping I Wilmington, DE RICK KIER Pro Scapes I Jamesville, NY 10. Industry Almanac GARY LASCALEA GroGreen I Piano, TX Scotts buys Centex, Organicare expands, DR. DANIEL POTTER University of Kentucky I Lexington, KY JACK ROBERTSON Jack Robertson Lawn Care I Springfield, IL PLCAA member recalls 9/11 DAVID SNODGRASS Dennis1 7 Dees Landscaping, Inc. I Portland, OR DR. BARRY TROUTMAN Environmental Industries / Sanford, FL 75. Events GEORGE VAN HAASTEREN Dwight-Englewood School I Englewood, NJ BRIAN VINCHESI Irrigation Consulting I Peppered, MA Business staff Group Publisher JOHN D. PAYNE I 440/891-2786/[email protected] Admin. Coordinator MINDY MOCZULSKII 440/891-2734/ [email protected] Production Manager JILL HOOD I 218/723-91291 [email protected] Production Director ROSY BRADLEY I 218/723-9720/ [email protected] Circulation Manager RONDA HUGHES I 218/723-95261 [email protected] 52. LM Reports: Green Book Coordinator CANDACE HAUSAUER1218/723-9175 / [email protected] Lowdown on loaders • Advertising staff By CURT MARLER Eastern Manager JOSEPH SOSNOWSKI1610/687-2356 Fax: 610/687-1419 150 Strafford Ave., Ste. 210 Wayne, PA 19087 [email protected] 60. Seed availability chart Cleveland Headquarters 7500 Old Oak Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44130-3369 Western Manager PATRICK ROBERTS 1440/891-2609 Fax: 440/891-2675 68. Ask the Expert [email protected] Midwest Manager KEVIN STOLTMAN/440/891-2772 Fax: 440/891-2675 Fighting moisture stress, unsightly galls, [email protected] Account Manager MICHAEL HARRIS/440/891-3118 Fax:440/826-2865 avoiding sprinklers Display / Directory [email protected] By BAL RAO, PH.D. Classified Showcase I LESLIE ZOLA / 440/891-2670; 800/225-4569 x2670 Account Executive [email protected] 70. Products Marketiag/magaiine lervicei MARCIE NAGY Reprints (500 minimum) 1440/891-2744 TAMARA PHILLIPS Circulation List Rental 1800/225-4569, ext 773 CUSTOMER Microfiche/film Copies 800/598-6008 SERVICES Subscriber/Customer Service 218/723-9477/ 888/527-7008 TAMMY LILLO International Licensing 218/723-9253 Fax: 218/723-9779 |ending notes [email protected] For current single copy, back issues, or film/fiche/ CD-Rom, call 800/598-6008, 218/723-9180 82. Best Practices Eliminate "lost time," improve efficiencies By BRUCE WILSON ROBERT L. KRAKOFF Chairman and Chief Executive Officer JAMES M. ALIC Vice Chairman & CTO JOSEPH LOGGIA President & COO DAVID W. MONTGOMERY VP/Finance, CFO & Secretary ALEXANDER S. DEBARR Executive Vice Presidents DANIEL M. PHILLIPS SCOTT E. PIERCE ERIC I. LISMAN Executive Vice President-Corporate Development SEE PAGE 10 FOR WHAT'S NEW ON-LINE ADELE D. HARTWICK Vice President-Controller & Treasurer RICKTREESE Vice President-«! Chief Technology Officer Yes. the power of a Shindaiwa does make the imagination run wild. We're talking power that can move a brick across asphalt. Or, practically speaking, reduce cleanup times up to 50%. Plus, Shindaiwa puts all that punch in comfortable packages, with stay-cool backpads and padded, adjustable harnesses. Check shindaiwa out the entire lineup today. Find your dealer at Shindaiwa.com or 800.521.7733. And let the cows beware. FIRST TO START. LAST TO QUIT. Circle No. 152 next month M»pMANAGEMENT e WHAT'S COMING UP IN OCTOBER VISIT US ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB www.landscapemanagement.net Proud snppirter of these green indnitry profesional irganizationi:

• Cover story: Erosion • Irrigation Associated Landscape Contractors of America 150 Eiden Street, Suite 270 control opportunities components Herndon, VA 20170 Learn how new regulations put Heads, sensors, controllers, 703/736-9666 www.alca.org landscapers in perfect position to everything you need for your profit from erosion control irrigation operation American Nursery & Landscape Association 1250 I St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 202/789-2900 • Software User's • More snow coverage www.anla.org Sourcebook An account of one of the biggest Independent Turf and Ornamental Design, business management, and most interesting snow jobs Distributors Association equipment maintenance, routing you'll ever read about 526 Brittany Drive State College, PA 16803-1420 — check out software that will Voice: 814/238-1573 I Fax: 814/238-7051 help you design and sell projects, • Winter weed control THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF manage your business and keep Don't let weeds get the jump American Society of Irrigation Consultants your employees productive on the properties that you man- 221 North LaSalle St • Chicago, IL 60601 312/372-7090 age this fall. You'll be sorry come www.asic.org • Hitting tbe wall next spring. Don't miss this The Irrigation Association How this contractor saved time practical advice 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr. Suite 120 and frustration building a wall Fairfax, VA 22031-4513 703/573-3551 www.irrigation.org

National Arborist Association 3 Perimeter Road, Unit 1 Manchester, NH 03103 LOADS LEAVES FASTER. 603/314-5380 MAKES MONEY FASTER. www.natlarb.com Ohio Turfgrass Foundation 1100-H Brandywine Blvd., P0 Box 3388 Zanesville, OH 43702-3388 888/683-3445

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute 341 South Patrick St. Old Town Alexandria, Va. 22314 703/549-7600 opei.mow.org

Professional Grounds Management Society 720 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21230 410/752-3318

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The watchwords remain 'cautious optimism'

ometimes a few reassuring comments J.C. Erhlich; the Cape Cod-based The Lawn Com- can put a bleak situation in a better pany, with revenues of about $6 million annually, and light; they can ease everyone's worst the $20 million lawn care division of Centex. fears. The "cautious optimism" expressed by Hoopes turned out to echo the sentiments of the landscape and lawn care industries as 2003 approaches, a recent online survey by our magazine and telephone inter- S Less than a year ago, as we mourned views confirms. (See our 2002 State of the Industry a national tragedy and slipped into an coverage in this issue.) economic recession, PLCAA president Bill Hoopes insisted that he and his company, Scotts We're still confident Lawn Care, remained "cautiously optimistic." He said When we asked readers to describe their feelings con- that Scotts would continue to grow by making strate- cerning next season, 130 of them (49%, the largest per- gic acquisitions. centage by far) responded "cautiously optimistic," Hoopes spoke at a hastily called gathering of lawn while 74 (28%) remained "strongly optimistic," 59 care business owners at last year's Green Industry (22%) took a "wait and see" approach and just four Expo in Tampa. The comments seemed almost (2%) described themselves as "pessimistic." Pollyannish given the events earlier that day. Companies that put together realistic budgets, Our spirits sank maintained strong operations and cost-management Hash back to the morning of 11/12/01 .We stare systems and began selling aggressively entering this sea- dumbly at the television mounted above the entrance son have been weathering '02's to the trade show. The images on the screen are horri- tough economic times and fying and discouraging. The broadcast is live — smoke will grow again once the billowing from shattered and burning buildings and economy recovers, read- rescue workers, their faces covered in dirt and soot, ers tell us. working with grim determination to retrieve victims and restore order. These are the images of yet another Contact Ron at 440/ airline disaster in New York City. 891-2636 or e-mail at Accident? Terrorist attack? Nobody knows. [email protected] Only after details of the tragedy in Queens become known — an accident, an awful accident but not another attack — did several thousand business owners and managers resume networking and planning for '02. Scotts Lawn Care did indeed make acquisitions this season. Big ones. It purchased the lawn care business of PLCAA president Bill Hoopes reminds an industry that things aren't as bleak as they sometimes SeeiTI. inside the owner's head BY JASON STAHL / MANAGING EDITOR

Bidding wars heating up

t's been a year since the terrorist a help wanted ad," says Corrigan. "This year, attack on America. The econ- qualified people are knocking on the door." omy is still weak, and the stock Mark Baldwin of Mark J. Baldwin & As- Market notes market doesn't know which sociates, Plymouth, MI, agrees. "The labor 1. Commercial landscape market very competitive way to go. market has softened a little," he says. "There seem to be more people to choose from and 2. Lots of work still out there they seem to be a little less cocky about being 3. Labor market better So, how are professional I able to go anywhere else and get a job." 4. Marketing efforts on the rise landscape companies doing? 5. Housing construction market The work is still out there, say most Plenty of work still healthy members of The Owners' Network, but Landscape professionals haven't seen competition is on the rise. work dry up either. Healthy competition? "Our backlogs of work have never been Baldwin believes something bigger than Steve Corrigan, president of Mountainview larger, but they have changed slightly," says just housing construction is happening. Landscaping, Chicopee, MA, says the cur- J. Landon Reeve of Chapel Valley Land- "Even more important, houses are being rent commercial landscape construction scape Co., Woodbine, MD. "We're now remodeled and built on to," he says. "As market is as competitive as the market of long as people are building and remodel- the early 1990s. ing, things will be good for us." "There are a lot of bidders on projects," Corrigan says. "Many times, the low bidder Marketing rules is lower than our cost. We find ourselves This year started out slowly, says Ed Koenig second and third many times and still not of Lifestyle Landscaping, North Ridgeville, able to get to the low bidder's number." OH. But as the spring season progressed, he Bruno Pillari of Pillari Bros., Howell, noticed that the market began to rebound. NJ, also believes that competition is heat- Becky Sunday (left) decries the lack of Now, he expects a strong year. commercial customer loyalty. Ed Koenig has ing up. "It seems to be growing in certain "There is an extra focus on marketing stepped up his company's marketing. markets, but that's okay because it makes that will make it happen," Koenig says. things more challenging," he says. "Specifically, we zeroed in on our current Lack of loyalty among commercial doing more developer work and less base client base. Also, we are expending much maintenance customers doesn't help with building construction." additional energy in public relations." the competition issue either, says Becky The reason a lot of work still exists is Baldwin has also been increasing his Sunday of RJ Sunday Landscaping, Bowie, the brisk housing construction market. marketing efforts. "We have started doing MD. "It's been tough to grow the mainte- "As I drive around or talk to our estima- more marketing to attract clients, but once nance company mostly because of com- tors and landscape architects, I do see a lot we talk to them they are willing to spend petitors' pricing," she says. "We get the of construction being planned or construc- money," he says. project for one year, it bids the next and tion starts," Pillari says. — Information provided by The Owners' the others come in lower, so we lose it." Adds Sunday, "The housing market is Network, a program created by JP Horizons, Labor picture brightens hot — $90,000 in lot prices, and Inc. and sponsored by Weed Man. Visit the Finding quality labor has always been dif- $400,000-$500,000 houses. Shopping cen- Web site www.ownersl .com or call ficult for landscapers, but the high unem- ters, office buildings, and I'm seeing permit 877/574-5267. ployment rate has eased the strain a little. applications for schools, churches and re- "Last year, we couldn't get a response for tirement facilities." OUTRUN SUBDIVISI o N s

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Signature acquires Scotts remains on the grow Northwest REDMOND, WA — Signature Lawn care company's buy of Centex makes it a player Landscape Services, Inc. acquired Northwest Grounds Maintenance, in Texas, Florida and Georgia Inc., a landscape maintenance BY JASON STAHL / acquisition strategy. Asked whether Scotts firm that has served commercial/ MANAGING EDITOR will pursue more acquisitions, King left the residential clientele for 20 years. If The Scotts Company's plans for growth door open.

Signature has been in business for CLIPPING S weren't clear enough before, they certainly "There are still a lot of great growth 25 years and grosses $2.3 million are now after the Aug. 13 announcement opportunities out there, whether it be in- in revenue. that the company had ternally or adding on by Bush Hog expands bought the lawn care op- "There are still a the acquisition of new erations of Centex Home markets," he says. JONESBOROUGH, TN — Bush Hog Team Services, which lot of great growth Centex Home Team and Great Bend recently opened a grossed $20 million in rev- Services, a division of the 400,000 sq. ft. plant expansion enue in 2001. opportunities $5 billion Centex Corp., here to meet demand for their Scotts has been acquir- fast became a player in equipment. The new state-of-the ing lawn care companies out there..." the lawn care industry by art manufacturing facilities are de- left and right this year. In aggressively acquiring signed to meet Bush Hog and — Jim King, Scotts February, the company companies over the last Great Bend's manufacturing needs bought J.C. Ehrlich Co.'s lawn and tree care several years. But Home Team president for the next 10 years. division in Reading, PA. In March, Scotts ac- Dave Armitage, after much analyzation, Case forms quired The Lawn Company, an $8 million decided lawn care wasn't where the com- alliance with Astec operation serving the Boston area. Other pany wanted to be. 2002 buys were in Dayton; Memphis, TN; "When we looked at lawn care, despite RACINE, Wl — Case Construction Charlotte, NC; and Milwaukee. The Centex our best efforts looking around, we realized Equipment and Astec Industries purchase, which now gives Scotts a presence there was nothing proprietary about it," have formed a strategic alliance in the South, particularly Florida and Texas, Armitage says. "So, we asked, is this the for the marketing and sales of is the largest to date. channel we want to be in?" trenchers, horizontal directional "We launched this lawn service business As for the future, Armitage says Centex drills and other related equipment. several years ago, and our goal was to grow isn't ruling out a return to the Green In- Toro's third that business so we would have a presence in dustry in a different area. 'We're seriously quarter results up the top 100 markets in the country," says looking into irrigation and working on Jim King, Scotts' director of investor rela- some breakthrough technology," he says. BLOOMINGTON, MN — The Toro tions and corporate communications. 'We "No one out there will do what we do." Company reported its third quar- have internal growth ter will be better than expected opportunities, but we with net earnings per dilutive need to support that share to be up $.06 to $.08 over with acquisitions, too." WHAT'S NEW ON-LINE current analyst expectations. At King says the solid • Take part in our new • Features from the the same time, the company is performance of the poll on-line —just log on current issue of LM raising its full year expectations lawn care business in a and answer the hot ques- • LM Week in Review $.10 to $.15 cents over current stagnant economy has tion of the day • The latest Green analyst estimates. only reaffirmed the Industry news soundness of Scotts' Organicare brings new look to lawn care franchising

BY RON HALL/ ware products. When a lawn EDITOR-IN-CHIEF care customer calls the com- There's a new twist in lawn care pany's 800 service number, franchising that, in the past two they're connected to the ser- years, has become hot again. vice center, not the local Organicare, headquartered in owner/service provider. Own- Kensington, CT, plans to build a ers use the Internet to com- network of over 200 locations municate with the service cen- within the United ter and to get the States offering organic- information they based lawn care within need for their daily the next five years. production. "We will be Getting centralized wearing a lot of the What makes Organi- hats for the owners," Focusing on service soil and, in turn, a healthier care different is its says Catalano. "All Catalano says that Organicare's lawn." Organicare's 3-step Frank Catalano centralized high-tech the franchisee does service focus will be upon im- process weans lawns off of support system, says president — and he will do it very well proving the health of cus- chemicals without sacrificing Frank Catalano. That system — is to focus on his produc- tomers' soils and providing re- appearance at a competitive allows franchise owners to con- tion. Instead of coming back duced to pesticide-firee organic price, he says. centrate on production and to his office and answering 50 programs. "We practice Inte- A couple of familiar Green customer relationships. phone calls, he can keep grated Pest Management and Industry names are an integral Administration, sales, mar- working until 6 p.m., pro- still use pesticides when and if part of Organicare —David keting and even routing are ducing high-gross sales. He they are needed, but each one Luse, former owner of Arteka handled by a central service doesn't make money sitting of our applications adds organic Landscape, Minneapolis, and center using customized soft- in the office." materials that builds a healthy Judy Guido, formerly with TruGreen-LandCare and Envi- ronmental Industries, Inc. Luse, People 6c companies who now directs Andreas, a real estate development company based in Minnesota, is a Seed Research S & S Seeds has re-hired key investor in the endeavor, of Oregon pro Bruce Berlin as the manager and Guido is building out the motet I Scott of Erosion'Control Products national footprint of Organi- Harer to sales and Product Testing. care, which will eventually in- manager. clude over 900 franchises. Daniel H. Cnrrothers (left), The Davey Tree Expert Nicholas Hamon Catalano began Organicare John Deere Company elected Carol A. in 1991 and says that he tested named David Bayer Environmental Cartwright, P.h.D., to its both its agronomic program Truttmann the Science, North America Board of Directors. and business system extensively new national named Daniel H. Cartwright is the president in Connecticut before attempt- golf sales man Carrothers head of U.S. of Kent State University, ing to extend it elsewhere. For ager for irrigation, landscape Green Industry Business and Kent, OH. more information about Or- and nursery products. Nicholas Hamon, Ph.D. head of Development and ganicare, visit the Web site Technical Services. www.organicare.net. industry almanac

A hero speaks PLCAA member VinceTummino recounts 9/11 experience on one-year anniversary PLCAA's 2002 Legislative Day/Cemetery and Congressional cemeteries. Edison, Sayreville, NJ, and Charles Camp- Project saw a record crowd of about 140 What made it even more special, how- bell,fire chief , Fort Myer, VA, making spe- men and women from across the country ever, was PLCAA member Vincent Tum- cial presentations in honor of victims of Sept. in attendance. Another record set was the mino, battalion firefighter, New York City 11 buried at Arlington. Here's Tummino's 130 acres that received liming and tree Fire Department, Battalion #22, Staten Is- personal account of events surrounding 9/11 work covered in four hours at Arlington land, formerly of Lawn Doctor/Sayreville- from the July/August 2002 issue of PLCAA's ProSource newsletter: My duties are to manage one of 49 Bat- talions in NYC. I work in Battalion #22 on info Ceikiei* the North Shore of Staten Island. I rank in VIDEOS AND LITERATURE FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY the top 100 in seniority. The NYC Fire De- John Deere Landscapes releases log has the industry's most comprehen- partment, which is the largest fire department 2002-03 Supplies Catalog sive range of landscape installation in the world, consists of 11,500 members. I John Deere Landscapes has released a products, including sprinklers, valves, joined in 1970 and am currently completing new 2002-2003 Supplies Catalog, which is central control systems, low volume irri- my 32nd year. available free to land- gation, pipe and fittings, electrical ac- Staten Island has a population of scape professionals. cessories, pumps and fountains, back- 450,000 people and there are 30 firefighting The catalog can flow preventers and more. units supervised by three battalions. On be picked up at your Expanded sections on landscape light- 9/11/01 at 8:48 a.m., I was getting ready to local John Deere ing equipment and water gardening go home after working a 15-hour night tour. Landscape branch components are featured, along with in- When the first plane crashed into the WTC, or by calling stallation details for these systems. many off-duty members were starting to 800/347-4272. The The catalog also offers landscape head into Manhattan to assist in whatever handy reference tools, fertilizers and seed, and informa- could be done. book is also avail- tion on purchasing nursery stock, which When the second plane crashed, there able through the Internet by register- is available from the John Deere Land- were announcements made on all local TV ing at www.johndeerelandscapes.com. scapes Direct Sales Center by calling and radios ordering a total recall of all mem- Professionals will find the new cata- 866/880-9380. bers to report to the nearest fire station and wait for instructions. At this point, I was

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Circle 108 preparing to leave for Manhattan, but now had to wait as the phones were ringing off the hook. This delay is the main reason why I'm still alive today—I didn't get to Manhattan until all buildings had fallen. On my way into the city, I felt anger that this was happening to us and that I knew I lost many friends. As it turns out, I lost my cousin and my best friend, not to mention two other firefighters from my station along with 50 others that I knew on a first-name basis. I'm the president of one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the fire department, and we lost 47 from our membership rolls. Real control with ComfortRide™ is standard - with no gimmicks that sacrifice I remained on duty for a total of 63 hours quality of cut - providing a ride so smooth that putting in a day's work is straight. I went home for some sleep. I managed to not much work at all. Real liquid-cooled engines - the kind that include get some three hours sleep when I realized that I had to get back and do something to recover my three cylinders and solid cast-iron construction - provide maximum power friends who were missing. to mowing decks and implements. DuraMax™ decks let you mulch, bag or side The department worked on a 24-hour on and discharge using the same deck. Grasshopper gives you a quality cut every time. 24-hour off shift for the next 10 days. The recov- ery mission lasted until 5/30/02 (8 1/2 months). Get the real facts on why Grasshopper is "First to Finish ... Built to Last." I can't explain in words what I first saw when I arrived at the WTC. There were only dust and Send for literature, ask your Grasshopper dealer steel beams — no desks, no phones, no fire or visit our Web site for details. trucks, and most of all no bodies. Everything was either pulverized or cremated. Since 9/11, I've been presented with many awards on behalf of my members of the Columbia Association or on behalf of the fire department. I have been to Sicily, Italy, and I personally met /OUR NEXT MOWER... and more with the pope, the mayor of Rome, fire chiefs from Messina, Rome, and other cities. I've been knighted by the International Center for Peace in Assisi, Italy. I've been ininted to Albany, NY, by the State legislature to make a presentation. I continue to be an ambassador of peace and to remind everyone not to forget that tragic day when 343 www.grasshoppermower.com/LM firefighters lost their lives trying to save others. rhe Giasshoppei Company • P.O Box 63/ • Moundridye. KS 67107 U.S.A. Phone. (620) 345-8621 • FAX: (620) 345 2301 Circle 109 Jackhammers. Bulldozers. Impatient foremen. There's enough commotion on the job site without your truck adding to it. So our engineers designed the GMC Sierra to provide some peace and quiet. This impressive pickup offers a choice of incredibly powerful yet surprisingly quiet engines. Like the optional DURAMAX,M 6600 Turbo Diesel V8 that delivers 300 hp @ 3000 rpm and 520 Ib-ft torque @ 1800 rpm. It offers exceptionally smooth, quiet operation, thanks to an innovative deep-skirt block design and common rail fuel injection that helps control noise, vibration, and harshness. Even the available Allison"' transmission is engineered for smooth shifting and equally quiet operation. The newly redesigned GMC Sierra. You should hear what you're missing. For details, visit gmc.com or call 1-800-GMC-8782.

1 BOO • GMC • 8 7 8 2 ® WWW GMC.COM WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE! •IMC SIERRA Landscape and lawn care ow best to describe eral tone of survey responses. this season's market Only four of the 263 readers companies say growth conditions and our responding to our survey said Hlandscape and lawn that they were "very satisfied continues, but slower care industries' reaction to them? and well rewarded." By con- Let's start with schizophrenic. trast, 72 (27%) said that they and at a price The results of recent Land- were "mostly satisfied," 99 scape Management magazine sur- (38%) that they were "some- BY RON HALL / veys continue to show strong what satisfied" and 88 (33%) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF landscape and lawn care activity that they were "not satisfied in 2002 and cautious confidence or rewarded." for next season. This response seems But, a surprising amount of strangely out of place in light of dissatisfaction is evident, too — most readers' assertions that surprising, in light of the gen- their companies continued to "I'm still very optimistic about this business. This is the second time we've experienced a big downturn. Maybe it's just part of what's supposed to happen, one of the great lessons that Mother Nature teaches us. Actually, we have an incredible metaphor in our industry — tough times and difficult environments often seem to strengthen some trees. There's a natural thinning process. I think in the economy, to some degree, that's probably healthy, too. We'll survive the recession, the industry will survive the recession, and we'll come out stronger than when we went into it." — Dalton Hermes, CEO, Hermes Landscaping

grow this year, albeit enue about 10 percent, and more slowly than be- that's on top of our growth last fore. Almost 72% of year," he says. "We're having What you spent our readers (115 of the best year in our history." money on 215) report increasing Frith, in fact, sees nothing their customer base but continued growth, not only this season and 59% for professional lawn care but (158 of 267) say rev- for other contracted landscape enues increased. services as well. "In spite of the T , Scott Frith economy, there are more op- Is growth coming portunities right now than chal- at a higher price in terms of Lawn Doctor, the New Jersey- lenges," he maintains. "People personal effort and sacrifice? based lawn care operation with don't have enough time to do Not so, says Scott Frith, 425 locations. "We increased the things they want to do, and marketing director of The our gross revenue, topline rev- that's why the home service sector is booming and I think • Labor and recruitment that it's going to continue." Overhead "Without question, we're in • Plant/landscape materials a great industry for the next 20 to 25 years," adds Dalton Her- Equipment purchases mes, CEO, Hermes Landscape, and maintenance

Lenexa, KS. • Fertilizers and pesticides The other shoe drops? • Other But, the shorter term prognosis SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY for continued industry growth sign/build market segment, are remains cloudy. often sold and budgeted before Experienced contractors tell recessions begin. Maintenance us that the landscape industry contracts for large properties is affected later in an economic are often negotiated for three- cycle than many other indus- year periods. tries. Projects, particularly in The downside is that land- the installation or larger de- scapes, once they start experi- 8 trends that owners should watch for in '03 encing the effects of a slow- managers can find funds for Roger Braswell started in landscaping down, are among the last to rev grounds care. When vacancies when he was 15 and spent 34 years up again. rise, they're under pressure to building a company near Charlotte, The swing, up or down, is attract new tenants and main- NC. He sold it four years ago, focusing more dramatic for big-ticket in- tain curb appeal — although on his equipment business, Power- stallations and enhancements maintenance in less areas of a House Equipment, Inc. (add-on services) than they are property may be reduced. Speaking at the recent Associated in contracted maintenance, The reality is, though, when Landscape Contractor of America chemical lawn and tree/orna- the economy is in the dumper, (ALCA) Maintenance Symposium, mental care, readers say. all segments of the Green In- Roger Braswell Commercial properties such dustry suffer to some extent. Braswell alerted 425 landscape busi- as retail centers and office Even the residential market, in ness owners and managers to the following industry trends: parks, and multi-family com- spite of robust home building Outsourcing growing in importance again. Cities, plexes such as apartments and and sales in '02, hasn't been counties, hospitals, universities and big corporations condos, require property main- immune. Record numbers of will increasingly seek the efficiencies well-run landscape tenance, including fertilization homeowners are taking advan- companies can offer in grounds management. and pest controls, regardless of tage of the lowest interest rates the state of the economy. of the past 40 years to refinance Continued service line extension. Think enhancements, or borrow money for major enhancements, enhancements. A continuing need home improvements, but most When times are good, property continued on page 20 EAlliances with related companies. Cross referrals with janitorial, window washing, pressure washing and Top 5 challenges in 2002 Eothelr property and home service operations. Alliances with clients. One example: For a fee, the land- Low-balling competition 32.2% scape company will advertise a client's business on the

Managing growth 20.0% side of the landscape truck, converting it into a moving bill- board. Tony Bass, the developer of the Super Lawn Truck in Marketing and purchasing networks. The Symbiot New sales 17.4% Bonaire, GA, is investigating the concept. Business Network (www.symbiot.biz) offers services

Energy costs 17.4% beyond marketing and purchasing. It's an example of new networking opportunities available to independent com- Providing customer service 14.4% pany owners. Consultant Jim Paluch's Pro Training Chal- lenge and Owners' Network programs are other examples Marketing 12.6% of successful networks of owners.

Business management 11.5% Total site management. Including water conservation, landscape rehabs and major site redesigns. Financing/cash flow 11.1% Online bidding. A concept that big landscape clients are 9.6% i;just now starting to implement. Growing role of certification. How long will it be before Customer retention 7.0% property managers and other institutional or govern-

Health care costs 7.0% mental landscape buyers make certification by a respected

SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY trade organization a requirement for bidding on their jobs? It's coming, says Braswell. Construction companies, utilities, refineries, golf courses, towns and municipalities. Everywhere you look, the world is riveted to Polaris Professional Series UTVs. And with good reason. They're the only commercial-grade utility vehicles with the rugged power and smooth ride required by professionals in countless industries. And with so many hard-working accessories and attachments, there's no end to the tough tasks made easy by Polaris UTVs. This year in business, compared to last year continued from page 18 they delay plans for that new still view landscaping as a dis- patio or koi pond. In 2002, we... cretionary expense. Then there's the matter of Had customers prepared to pay more for quality 71.1% "We're definitely feeling a expectations (realistic or not), Had more picky customers 52.6% tightening of money with our both on the part of the industry Are using more suppliers 51.5% customers," says Robert Smart, and on the part of its customers. 51.1% co-owner of Yard Smart, Inc., "Customers are very picky Had more backlog of work and/or customers Olmsted Falls, OH. "People are now," says John Gachina, of Had better financing/cash flow 47.0% thinking twice about installing Gachina Landscape Manage- Had more work 40.0% or improving their landscapes. ment, Menlo Park, CA. Found it easier to recruit 40.0% They're taking longer to make "They're pickier than when Found it easier to compete 32.6% decisions." things are good, so we're hav- Also, believes Smart, a lot ing to do our best and try to do Found it easier to be profitable 30.4% of recent home buyers are everything as well as we can." SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY "house rich but cash poor." As This isn't a new trend, but it Our annual surveys showed growth due to factors such as they watch their 401K retire- accelerated during the late companies increasing revenues the aging of the "baby ments shrink and struggle with 1990s — the period of the in- 20% to 30% annually then and boomers," increasing demands mortgage and SUV payments, dustry's most explosive growth. looking forward to continuing continued on page 22

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Circle 112 Read our Hps — no one does green like us.

ProSource One can help plant a big green one on your bottom line. We put our money where our mouth is — quality products and services. Because, to us, there's nothing sexier than your success. Welcome to a Greener World PROtOURCEli www. prosourceone. com Average hourly rate for entry-level crew member continued from page 20 continue indefinitely? Not without a $8.67 on people's time, rising incomes, and more few bumps. awareness of the environment. Even so, the readers that we personally SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY Could the level of this frenetic pace interviewed admitted that business is tougher, but they're not discouraged.

By the region HUGE JOBS? John Gachina, who serves clients in Silicon Valley near San Francisco, says his com- TALL, WET GRASS? pany won't hit his projections but it never- theless grew. STEEP GRADES? "It's a pretty rough economy here," he says. "There are a lot of vacant buildings be- IGHT SPACES? cause companies had to downsize. Some of T the big companies, our customers, like Ora- cle and Sun Microsystems, are hurting. But PUNISHING PACE? through it all, our contract maintenance is up and we're experiencing growth." Adds Hermes of Hermes Landscaping, "The economy is soft here, and Kansas City is a conservative market. People don't spend on landscaping like I've seen them

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Circle 114 The perfect balance of engine and suspension. That's what it takes to win in NASCAR competition; and that's exactly what the new Ferris IS® 5000Z gives your customers. With its powerful Caterpillar® diesel engine and Ferris 4-wheel Independent Suspension, they'll mow faster, ride smoother and keep mowing longer without stops for refueling. Plus, with Caterpillar's legendary reputation for power and long life, they'll be getting more performance and better fuel economy for year after productive year. To learn more about how your dealership can join the Ferris team and offer the new CAT®-powered Ferris IS® 5000Z, call 1-800-933-6175 or visit www.ferrisindustries.com. We'll answer all your questions, send you the latest product information and show you all that's exciting and new for Ferris dealers. And we'll show you how you can generate some real excitement in your showroom with the only commercial mower made that's powered by CAT!

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LOOKING FOR A NEW SOURCE OF INCOME? continued from page 22 Hermes admits that he had planned for a spend in other markets. To have growth of stronger season, but repairs and cleanup 25 to 30 percent year after year is difficult from the worst ice storm in the area's history in this market." late last winter sopped up clients' money.

One call does it all. "With the OLP Green • Referral fees...wed o the work, you count the money. Thumb Program, • You'll bene6t from larger and more impressive jobs because we add the nighttime dimension to your landscaping my work now shines project • Improved customer satisfaction generates night and day" greater repeat business and referrals for you. • Excellent service - we'll respond to your service call within 24 houivon all systems. • OLP's warranty is the best in the business. And the best part is you will gain these advantages without raising your labor cost! We'll handle everything, even the electrical. We're a national company committed to Indeed, there are significant differences maintaining an excellent reputation as the in regional markets. The Washington INC . best in outdoor lighting...design, installation and service. DC/Northern Virginia market is a good example. While Internet and telecommu- nications companies clustered around Dulles Airport struggle, the federal government seemingly can't add new agencies fast enough in response to 9/11. Tom Davis, pres- PHOT O COURTESY : N D LANDSCAPING . ident of Bozzuto Landscape, Laurel, MD, says his company is feeling a small "ripple" in servicing multi-family properties because of the technology Tom Davis slowdown, but otherwise, he says, Boz- zuto is experiencing a "great" year. His Rob Newman, President firm's recently completed strategic plan Newman Brothers Landscaping, Inc. calls for it to double in revenues in the

To learn more go to... next four years. vYwvY.outdoorlights.com or call "We've seen an increase in what we Toll Free 1-877-898-8808 call 'rehab' business," says Davis. "Because 1122 Industrial Drive, Suite B money is still relatively cheap but land Matthews, NC 28105 prices are very high, we're seeing a number THE LEADER IN OUTDOOR LIGHTING SOLUTIONS continued on page 28 Circle 117 Programs offered to employees

Recognition programs 61-1%

Incentives/bonuses 59.3%

Transportation 43.8%

Education reimbursement 37.7%

Retirement savings 34.7%

Promotions 28.7%

Uniforms 27.9%

Profit sharing 20.4%

Health care 14.3%

SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY

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Circle 118 Surveys and interviews

Relying upon the speed and convenience of online polling, we surveyed a cross section of our readers, both service contractors and institutional grounds managers, in July. We se- Things affecting your revenue lected them randomly from our circulation. and/or price We've also included data in this report from a survey that we contracted from Readex earlier this season. These Landscape Management Too many competitors 26.3% results are exclusive to magazine. They provide a more complete and detailed look at the in- Customers are more reluctant to buy 26.3% dustry in 2002, in general. To round out this issue's State of the Industry coverage, we interviewed readers. 19.8% Low-balling Barring a dramatic uptick in the U.S. economy or another catastrophe like 9/11, readers see little significant Customer confidence is down 5.8% change in next season's business.

Poor service 1.7% In other words, well-capitalized, tightly run landscape and lawn care companies will continue to grow and be SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY profitable. For our readers who manage parks and school grounds, the message is simple — learn to do more with less. Now's the time to start building a compelling case why In five years, my organization will: your department needs a bigger budget. Grow much larger in revenues 79.0% For a more complete statistical breakdown of the sur- Serve new customer groups 60.7% veys to our contractor and institutional grounds readers, visit our Web site at www.landscapemanagement.net. Offer more employee benefits 47.5%

Market differently 43.6% tighter. "Whether that is due few clients early in the season Grow much larger in geographical area (or new branches) 34.6% to the economy or competi- because of layoffs, but he de- tion, I'm not sure," he says. scribed it as "a blip on the Change its equipment/product purchasing methods 24.9% "But I feel it's the competi- radar." His lawn care operation, tion, which is good. The a part of parent company Look for new sources of investment money 24.1% strong companies will survive. Eradico Services, Inc., grew its 20.6% Recruit differently I think it's going to knock a revenues about 25%. Add business advisors or partners 20.2% lot of fly-by-night companies "I have to give our manage- Be purchased by a larger organization 9.3% out of the market." ment team a lot of credit for Offer new franchised services 8.2% Rothstein says he's confident that," says Russell. 'We executed of both the economy and his our business plan very well." Offer new non-franchised services 5.8% firm's place in the market. This All of this — the results of Have more difficult financial times 5.5% summer, he moved his com- our survey and our interviews SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY pany into a new 20,000-sq.-ft. — suggests that, in spite of building on a three-acre lot that old bromide that starts, continued from page 26 In nearby Baltimore, Rich about 15 minutes northwest of "When the going gets tough...," of clients buying older apart- Rothstein, president of R.A.R. the city. "We're going through it's not the tough that grow ment communities and shop- Landscape, says the economy growing pains and trying to stay and prosper, it's organizations ping centers and rehabilitating has slowed but building con- ahead of the curve. It's certainly nimble enough to implement them. We go in and design the struction remains strong. a challenge," he says. strong business and marketing landscape, tear out the what Even so, the commercial Steve Russell, who operates plans when the economy, needs to be torn out, and really maintenance market, his com- Weed Man of Farmington Hills specifically the markets they give it a facelift." pany's focus, is getting (MI), says that his firm lost a serve, change, LM SEE WHAT YOU'RE MISSING. INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW GMC® TOPKICr

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GMC • 8782 ® WWW.GMC.COM WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE. While Walter Bonvell of Xavier University, Cincin- What you spent Frozen or cut budgets have forced nati, OH, says his budget hasn't been cut, certain pre- money on grounds professionals to be creative in cautionary procedures have been put in place. "In the dealing with daily challenges in 2002 past, we had an open budget for plant material," the BY JASON STAHL / MANAGING EDITOR grounds manager says. "Now, things have changed as far as how we do our oney makes the "The state had quite a shortfall buying. We can no longer world go 'round, from estimated revenues," the just go out and get stuff." It right? Nobody head of grounds for Utah State looks like Xavier isn't the Mknows that better University says. "I lost two full- only place doing that — than grounds professionals. All time positions last year, plus I changing equipment/prod- • Labor and recruitment would like a bigger budget, but had to cut back on hourly help. uct purchasing methods was Equipment purchases they're not likely to get one in I also had a budget cut in July the second most popular re- and maintenance the near future as the sponse to our question, Overhead "Where will your organiza- economy stumbles • Plant/landscape materials along at a sluggish pace. tion be in five years?" • Other George Van Haasteren, Budget woes director of grounds opera- • Fertilizers and pesticides Predictably, the major- tions at Dwight-Englewood SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY ity of you said financial School, Englewood, NJ, says matters have been his budget also has neither been predicts the worst for his up- your biggest challenge cut or increased. "That doesn't coming budget review. "I'm in our annual State of Ellen Newell Walter Bonvell mean it couldn't be cut yet this hunkered down and I've got the Industry survey. A year or next year," he says. my boots on," he says. "I would full 42% of you said your bud- of this year, but it was smaller Van Haasteren has seen hir- assume with the nature of the get stayed the same this year, than anticipated." ing freezes,though . "In a lot of economy that we'll probably while 41% said it decreased. Chris Fay, grounds superin- places, people are retiring and be restricted. I don't think it When asked whether you've tendent at the University of not being replaced. To bring on will be too bad — the cuts will had a cut in either your budget North Carolina (UNC), expects new employees, you really probably be in our capital or or work staff, 58% of you re- a 6% to 10% budget cut this have to justify it." equipment expenses." sponded affirmatively. year once the state legislature Boyd Montgomery, facilities Montgomery, who has Ellen Newell's budget has adjourns, which means he'll lose and maintenance director at served as president of several decreased two years in a row. a quarter of his staff. Pacesetter Park, Sylvania, OH, continued on page 32 WE'VE GOT YOUR SOLUTION

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02002. The Andersons. Inc. TM Andersons Professional Turf ts a trademark of The Andersons, Inc. Programs offered to employees continued from page 30 small cuts as the company's Health care 85.9% state grounds organizations, stock price has gone down. says the scores of grounds man- Joy Long, superintendent of Retirement savings 80.3% agers he has talked to are all grounds for Shelter Insurance

Uniforms 67.6% echoing the same feelings. "It Company, Columbia, MO, sounds like a lot of people are saw $50,000 cut from her Education reimbursement 66.2% getting the screws taken to 2002 budget. "And this year them. A lot of them are getting has progressively gotten worse," Recognition programs 46.5% their budgets cut mid-year, and she says. "We can't buy any- a few others have had to cut thing that isn't totally necessary Promotions 35.2% out things like attendance at re- or doesn't have a 12-year pay- gional workshops." back. The rumors are that next 15.5% Incentives/bonuses The business sector has been year will be worse." hit hard too. Larry Dolnik, For the first time in 20 years, Transportation 15.5% grounds supervisor at Fortune Long saw two part-time staff 500 company Abbott Laborato- positions get cut as well. Profit sharing 4.2% ries, Chicago, IL, says he has en- Danny Miller, director of SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY dured a hiring freeze and other golf and grounds for The Break-

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Be found. 55,770 Searches in July 64,000+ Brochures Served 2.3 Million Hits in July Green Industry Yellow Pages, Inc. Find it. Be found, sm www. GIYP.com 1.888.999.5133 [email protected] Circle 121 Average hourly rate for entry-level crew member within the next year or two," Van Haasteren year outlook. "The next five years will tell," $9.62 says. "I feel it will take as much as five years, she says. "This year and next year will be even with interest rates going down." tight, but I would believe within five years SOURCE: LM READER SURVEY Long agrees with Van Haasteren's five- we'll be back to normal." lm ers resort, Palm Beach, FL, says there have been no cuts in his budget, but he has been forced to implement productivity initiatives such as being smarter with labor and leaving out some projects on his "wish list." THIS "We've just completed our budget process for 2003, and we had to go in lean BUSINESS and prepare for the worst," Miller says. IS MY It's dry out there LIFE. Almost as much of a concern as the budget has been the drought, which seems to have impacted everyone across the country no matter where they're located. "Drought has been almost a bigger problem than the budget," says Newell, whose home state of Utah has suffered AND LIFE four straight years of drought. Last July was the hottest in the state's history. IS GOOD." Chris Fay says Greensboro has also en- Tim Ward dured severe drought restrictions on all Choice Lawn & Landscape above-ground irrigation, and he and his Maurice, LA crews at UNC have resorted to tank-watering newly planted material. "We're basically in a drought situation. It was mild, now it's severe," says Boyd Montgomery of Sylvania, OH. "The idea is to keep everything growing and provide enough water to let people still come out and be safe. A lot of facilities around here basically shut the water off, so it's going to be tough with fall soccer starting." "Gravely has played a huge part in our success. More than equipment, I can't say enough about our dealer He's the one that really keeps us rolling. Quick turnaround not seen If we have a problem, he's on it immediately. Times are difficult now, and most grounds And less downtime is a major plus." managers seem to feel they won't get We couldn't agree more. For more information, visit your local Gravely dealer. much better anytime soon. Over 40% of you predicted that you'll be facing more difficult financial times in five years. Nearly 60% of you described yourselves as being "cautiously optimistic" concerning 2003. "I don't see a turnaround happening Circle 122 Ii 'tmti-M I n Krv^

You don't want this guy pulled off the job during the busy*teason due to invalid papers.

How will they be able to prove this? Three years ago, the Social Security Admin- istration (SSA) initiated a trial verification system in selected states that allowed em- here may be eight to 10 Take these simple ployers to either call or fax in potential workers to be hired. Social Security re- million Latin illegal steps to keep aliens residing in the quired the full name, date of birth and the United States. Factor in from losing social security number for each potential all illegal aliens and the worker. Within 24 hours, the SSA deter- labor to a more total may be 14 million, mined if the names of the workers matched say some government aggressive U.S. INS the social security numbers. Although most sources. Most of these aliens are working employers aren't aware of this, you can call T your local Social Security office to verify and, if you're running a sizable landscape company, you've probably either hired or The Department of Labor says that whether a potential employee's social secu- interviewed someone who doesn't have when reviewing documentation you have to rity number matches with his or her name. proper authorization to work. Some may use your best evaluation to determine As an employer, you should expect this re- be on your payroll as you read this. whether the documentation is valid. Fur- quirement in the near future. thermore, the employer can't be held liable In past years an illegal worker could What's the big deal? for unknowingly hiring an illegal immigrant. work for three to five years before Social Because the labor laws are so vague, what The trouble comes when you don't require Security and the IRS notified the em- does it really mean to you and your com- your employee to fill out the 1-9 form or fill ployer of fraudulent social security num- pany? Most people who are in a position of it out impartially or incorrectly. So, what's bers. Not so anymore! In some instances, hiring understand that all applicants must the big deal? You can't be held liable. The employers are notified in less than one fill out an 1-9. Two pieces of identification law protects the employer. Why worry? year. Obviously, these changes make em- are required, the most commonly used ployers think twice. There is nothing being a valid social security number and a Changes in the wind worse than training a worker, then being driver's license. The 1-9 document is in- Sometime in the near future, some forced to terminate his or her employ- tended to validate whether you're hiring changes will be made in response to the ment six months later. someone authorized to work in the United terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. In Obtaining a driver's license wasn't diffi- States. The problem is that both pieces of fact, one legislative bill being considered by cult to accomplish prior to 9-11, but since identification can be purchased for as little the U.S. Congress could make employers then a number of states have changed pro- as $20 in any large city. liable for "knowingly" hiring illegal aliens. continued on page 36 The shortest distance between broadleaf and grassy weed control. Drive 75 DF herbicide effectively raises the bar for postemergent weed control. A single, convenient application of Drive quickly eliminates a broad spectrum of both broadleaf and grassy weeds—from crabgrass and foxtail to clover and dandelion—in a wide variety of turf species. Then Drive keeps weeds under control for 30 to 45 days—in some cases for more than 3 months. Drive also offers exceptional seeding and overseeding flexibility—allowing you to seed many varieties of turf immediately before or after application. To learn more about how Drive 75 DF can help you in your drive for turf perfection, call 1-800-545-9525 or visit www.turffacts.com. Always read and follow label directions.

We don't make the turf. We make it better. BAS continued from page 34 spring and early summer, the INS initiated tocol. Not only are staff members trained to a thorough "sweep" of Wisconsin employ- identify fraudulent papers, alien workers ers, checking the validity of workers' pa- must also be able to prove solvent ties to the pers. The result is that there are several United States. Workers are now asked to hundred Wisconsin employers scrambling Other concerns prove they have legally lived in the United to find legal labor. There's nothing worse Besides the potential problems I just listed, States by providing rental receipts, income than losing the majority of your labor at there are other concerns employers should tax statements and other documentation. the worst possible time. be aware of. Many landscape and construc- Believe me, the author of this article tion companies have illegal aliens driving INS on the offensive lived through this same nightmare. In May insured company vehicles or operating There has been much written and spoken 1995 I was notified by the IRS of discrepan- heavy equipment. Insurance companies are by the media regarding the future of the cies in social security numbers for over 20 constantly looking for ways to protect their Immigration and Naturalization Service employees. At the time, I was trying to interests. Suppose your illegal alien worker (INS). There is no doubt the INS has suf- open a new golf course I was constructing. was involved in an auto accident or caused fered negative publicity due to several mis- For some reason, the grass kept growing some property damage. Often times, insur- takes that have been well publicized. Be- and the owner wasn't too sympathetic that ance companies will check the validity of cause of these miscues, it's a safe bet that I didn't have enough labor to keep up with the worker's employment status. If the in- the INS will go on the offensive. Just this the daily tasks. surance company can prove the illegal

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alien was operating Protect yourself dress some of the problems I just men- without a valid dri- So how can you as an employer protect tioned. The H-2B visa program could be ver's license or operat- yourself? First, check with your local Social the answer to some of your problems. In a ing under a false Security office. Make sure the name and nutshell, the H-2B visa program allows name, they may try to refuse the claim. social security number match. Second, employers to apply for workers based on At least two million illegal workers have check out ways to find legal sources of seasonal or peak load need. The biggest applied with the LIFE Act, more com- labor. Congress has introduced new legisla- problem with H-2B is that it takes a mini- monly referred to as 245i. Many employers tion to address the labor shortage, and a mum of 120 days to get your labor, so you don't understand what this immigration bill worker guest program has been introduced can't wait until the last moment to apply. represents. First of all, it doesn't grant work for discussion. If an employer needs labor March 15 for authorization. When this bill was first en- Will this program allow employers to his landscaping or construction business, acted, many employers wanted to protect legalize the illegal labor force? That's the the application should be filed no later their workers and themselves by making big question everyone wants answered. If than November 15. sure all of their illegal aliens were protected. you're interested in a worker guest pro- — The author of this article is the president of Unfortunately, the IRS doesn't recognize gram, you should contact your senator or LLS International, an H-2B recruiting this application. Whether your worker has congressman. Let them know how impor- company in Mexico. To learn more about applied with 245i or not, he or she still tant a legal workforce is to your business. LLS International and the H-2B program, needs to possess a valid social security card. There's a program in place that can ad- log on to www.llsint.com. Work Visas CHOOSE Legal and low wage foreign workers- as many as you need! CON VAULT "Let me help you THE SAFEST EQUIPMENT FUELING SYSTEM get the low wage labor force that you need, just as I have FEATURES for many other • Thermal protection companies for years." • Vehicle impact protection Robert Kersbau • Projectile/fire resistant protection for all flammable and combustible fuels Give us the opportunity to • Durable/long lasting beat any other price. Get it done legally and • Meets all fire code regulations right with expert legal • Safety, security, longevity with total fire advice from start to finish! and environmental assurance • UL 2085 listed Call toll free for more information: 1-800-764-5570 The Law Office of BUILT TO STAND THE TEST OF TIME Robert Kershaw, PX. For further information 1825 Fortview, Suite 101, Austin, Texas 78704 Office: (512) 383-0007 Fax: (512) 383-0009 0 Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court Oldcastle Not certified by the Texas Board Of Legal Specialization Call: 1-800-638-4302 or visit us at www.WorkVisasUSA.com www.convault.com Circle 124 Circle 125 DOES WRESTLING WITH A MOUNTAIN OF PAPERWORK KEEP YOU FROM DOING THE THINGS YOU SHOULD BE

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Sprinkler winterization basics

areas where the frost level tomatic freeze drains can be could extend below the depth used in place of winterizations. of installed pipe must winterize Jeff Carowitz, vice presi- their irrigation systems to pre- dent of marketing for Hunter vent freeze damage. Industries, encourages contrac- If the client has PVC pipe, tors to use automatic freeze there isn't a question as to drains, as he used them in the whether or not the system systems he used to install. should be winterized. It should. When PVC pipe is more than Go for the blowout half-full of water, it freezes and Danny Wilson, crew chief of cracks. These cracks are usually the Irrigation Department for hairline lateral cracks running Moneta Farm Service in Mon- the length of the pipe from fit- eta, VA, explains that he blows ting to fitting, requiring the all pipe out. There are sprinkler contractor to replace the length heads attached to the pipe, such t's spring and crews The basics of winterization of pipe rather than digging a as the closed case sprinkler are clamoring to seldom vary. Yet this mainte- small hole to repair the pipe heads, with check valves that re- finish start-ups be- nance service holds more finan- with a fitting. tain water inside the casing. The cause the weather is cial liability to the contractor water needs to be released to perfect and they've than any other service. Crews Automatic drains are best prevent freezing and cracking. got a backlog of perform many winterizations In some regions of the country, An air compressor is the most new installations. once a year in a four- to six-week especially in northern states, common way to blow out an ir- IThen a crew chief relays window. Therefore, an annual systems have manual drain rigation system that utilizes bad news — busted pipes, a fall "refresher course" might be valves or automatic spring- check valves. The key is to main- cracked backflow device and key in keeping the red ink out of loaded drain valves. If they're tain 50 psi and never exceed 80 cracked sprinkler heads. This the books in the spring. installed properly and the psi, keeping low pressure with

client has a maintenance con- ground hasn't shifted causing high volume. If the air velocity is PHOTO S COURTESY : HUNTE R INDUSTRIE tract so the repair cost is on Who needs winterization? them to move from the lowest too great it creates heat friction the contractor. Contractors with clients in spot in the landscape, these au- continued on page 42 Buy Now! Pay Later!

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Best-Selling Brand of Mowing Equipment for the Landscape Professional Circle No. 136 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE Fine finishing touches Here are some "finishing touches" you can begin using now to separate your winterization services from your competitors.

• Have weatherproof tags made up with your company information on them. They should include a statement such as, continued from page 40 klers, and if you apply too much "System winterized by (crew chief name) on (date)." Wire these that damages the pipe and other pressure, they'll shoot right out to the shutoff valves as a reminder to customers or other techni- system components. of the ground. I've seen home- cians not to turn the system on until next spring. Carowitz advises contractors owners make this mistake and • Develop a checklist of additional related services that to use the correct size compres- then call me to fix it." would improve your clients' irrigation systems or landscapes. sor. Contractors generally rent Examples include additional zones, remote control, updated con- these from construction rental Go remote to cut labor troller, weather sensors, water features and landscape lighting. yards. But remember, if the One way to cut labor costs is to A designer can contact the client later about this additional work compressor is too small it does- use the new remote controls for and the crews can perform this work during the off-season. n't put out enough air volume controllers. "This is a growing • Place a professional-looking note with a business card in the to push the water out. trend," says Carowitz. "Not all client's door to let them know the winterization is complete. The actual blowout is sim- contractors are using them, but ple. Start with the zone fur- more and more of them are dis- thest from the compressor lo- covering their convenience. pipe where the nozzles are • Submersible pumps with- cated at the highest elevation. They save walking between the frozen shut. out a check valve located Gradually initiate air into the valves and the controller or elim- In areas of the country with below the ice line can be left in system. It takes about five min- inate the second man with the extended seasons or where the water. However, many utes to blow out each zone. two-way radio at the controller." there are few winterizations contractors remove all sub- Repeat the procedure at least Keith Shepersky, brand performed, Hunter's Freeze mersible pumps and reinstall one time. Water will occasion- manager for Irritrol Systems, Clik Sensor cuts the irrigation them in the spring. ally stay in a pocket, so some agrees. "The contractor sets the system off when the tempera- "If a jet pump is under contractors will blow each zone code in the receiver when he ture reaches near freezing and cover, it's okay to leave it out if three times for assurance be- installs the system. When he then resets the system when properly winterized," Wilson cause they want to make sure arrives to winterize, he looks the temperature rises above the says. "This is easily accom- they don't arrive to a night- up that client's code, programs set point. plished if the pump has drains mare in the spring. it into the transmitter and he's "There have been famous on both the pickup line and "You have to be careful on ready to winterize, manually cases where thin sheets of ice outgoing line." the second time through the advancing through each sta- formed on streets by irrigation • Allow the pump housing to process," Wilson cautions. "The tion. He never has to worry systems running in freezing tem- drain by removing the plug lo- first time through, there's a about the client being home." peratures caused accidents and cated on the bottom. Keep it in a cushion of water against the Irritrol introduced its new deaths," Carowitz says." This safe spot until next spring. Open sprinkler heads. The second transmitter and receiver system product is a liability reducer." the ball valve on the intake line, time through, you're blowing to the market in August. Here are some other pre- draining the pipe, and leave the air directly against the sprin- cautions to keep an eye on: valve half-open or half-closed to Avoid freezing • Backflow devices have a prevent freezing.Repea t the pro- Suppose a client has asked to plug to remove to drain the de- cedure on the outgoing line. Wil- keep his system running later vice. Open the ball valve on the son blows compressed air into the season than recom- intake line and leave it in the through the pump housing and mended and there's an early half-open or half-closed position. pickup line for insurance. freeze that causes ice to form • Leave the power of elec- • As a finalprecaution , un- on the sprinkler nozzles. tronic controllers on and the plug the power source to the Watch that the water rain switch or station start pump. evacuates from the section of switch in the off position to — The author is a freelance prevent condensation inside the writer in Moneta, VA. Her email Sometimes you have to go controller, which can cause cor- is KWoodford®katherinesby- "underground" to prepare a system. rosion and component failure. line$.com Announcing our newest addition to the family. •.

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Circle No. 129 LM PRESENTS award-winning landscape management

Property at a glance Woodfield Location: Boca Raton, FL

Staff: Grounds & Landscape Department Country Club Category: Parks, Recreation Area or Athletic Fields 2001 PGMS Grand Award Winner for Parks, Total budget: $503,000 Recreation Area or Athletic Fields Year site built: 1993

Acres of turf: 12 Members of Woodfield Country Acres of woody ornamentals: 10 Club in Boca Raton, FL, are de- Acres of display beds: 1 manding and expect the highest Total paved area: 7 acres quality facility. At the same time,

Total man-hours/week: 410 they don't want to hear or see work being done while playing tennis or golf, or lounging at the pool. Maintenance challenges Needless to say, this creates some problems for the Grounds & Landscape Department. • Using only biological and cultural A crew member tends to the vegetable/herb To make sure everyone gets along, the controls in vegetable/herb garden garden built with raised planters and drip grounds crew works different areas during • No off-season in South Florida hoses due to the Florida humidity and rain. off-peak hours. The pool area and parking • Trying to be inconspicuous while lots are maintained during morning hours, drainage, tree trimming, landscape light- working at a facility that's busy at while the golf course and tennis courts are ing, pest control, fertilizing, hardscapes, 8 a.m. cared for in the afternoon. This makes cleaning the exterior of buildings, site everyone happy, happy, happy. furnishings and signage. The grounds crew is responsible for Trimming the coconut palms around Project checklist maintaining the clubhouse grounds, the pool before the Tiki Bar opens is no

Completed in last two years: which includes four clubhouses, 20 clay picnic. All tables, chairs and umbrellas tennis courts, a large free-form pool and must he moved, then the palms • Built vegetable/herb garden 30 acres of high maintenance landscap- trimmed, the debris removed and blown, • Expanded and improved ing. Chores include lawn maintenance, then everything must be put back in playground area landscaping, flower beds, irrigation, place by 11 a.m. Cocktail, anyone? • Created grass tennis court

Editors' note: Landscape Management is the exclusive sponsor On the job of the Green Star Professional Grounds Management Awards for outstanding management of residential, commercial • 9.5 full-time staff, 0 seasonal and institutional landscapes. The 2002 winners will be employees, 2 licensed pesticide named at the annual meeting of the Professional applicators Grounds Management Society in November. For more information on the 2001 Awards, contact PGMS at: 720 Light St. • Baltimore, MD 21230 • Phone: 410/223-2861. Web site: www.pgms.org Red salvia and white and red begonias decorate the front of the membership building, while royal palms line the road- way into the club.

Crews have to train the ficus hedge to grow over the tennis court walkway, as well as trim and clean coconuts palms at the pool so no falling debris hurts anyone.

www.landscapemanagement.net / SEPTEMBER 2002 / LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Follow these tips from experienced snow 6c ice specialists and you might even look forward to winter

BY GARY BURCHFIELD

atching grass wilt and heavier than normal snowfall in some areas. the cracks get wider in Whatever the climate throws at us, the 2002 the soil, it's hard to snow season approaches. That means upwards of imagine shoveling 20,000 private contractors will be rolling out snow. Despite the plows and snowblowers. By next spring, they wicked heat and dry will have generated some $6 billion in gross rev- conditions this summer, enue, estimates John Allin, past president and winter is just around the comer. In the founding member of the Snow & Ice Manage- "snowbelt states," there's a ment Association (SIMA). ^ good chance some con- Experienced snow and ice contractors are tractors will be plowing well into advance preparations for the winter. snow or spreading ice melt For those new to the business or "old timers" in the next 60 days. needing a little refresher course, we've gathered If El Ninô truly mate- some tips and suggestions for making sure rializes, as some forecast- you're "ready to roll" when that first winter ers predict, it could mean storm blasts into your area. Have a plan Keith Kirby, one of the principals at their foremen and supervisors around the As John Allin says in his book, "Managing Curbco, near Flint, MI, says one of their pri- respective routes. "We prepare site maps of Snow & Ice," "the snow business is a crisis mary fall preparation tasks is laying out pre- each major property and do a drive-through management industry. The contractor liminary snow clearing routes and driving with the crew leaders for that site," Kirby must learn to manage the storm and not let the storm manage you." That means careful preparation and advance planning. Planning is a year-round process for (847)426-1150 most contractors. Jeff Tovar of Tovar's DANIELS www.danielsplows.com Snowplowing, Elgin, IL, says his key people work on PULL PLOW strategic plan- -IT, 80", 90" & 96" models ning throughout -Complements front the year. "We mounted plow prepare contin- -2000 lbs. of down force -Increase productivity up gency plans for to 50% different situa- -Patented SPEEDHITCH tions," Tovar makes hook up fast & easy says. "For exam- -Eliminates inefficient Jeff Tovar works on ple, we have backdragging strategic planning with plans for han- his crews the whole year. dling a snowfall of one to four inches, another plan for a six- to eight- BOX PLOW -Multiple sizes: 10'-32' inch snowfall, and still other plans for a -Steel trip edge standard full-scale blizzard." -Rubber edged models avail. -Superior backdragging -Bucket mount, skid steer, "We prepare and quick disconnect mounting available contingency plans for different situations." WING PLOW — Jeff Tovar, -Multiple sizes: 8'-24' -Wings fold hydraulically Tovar's Snowplowing or manually -Reduce plow size up to Tovar says his company is constantly 50% for transport upgrading operating procedures and always -Push and stack tons of snow with the same looking for new ideas. As the newly elected piece of equipment president of SIMA, he says training programs and educational videos can be a big help. "For example, after listening to some of the training sessions at the last SIMA Call for details on a 30 day FREE trial conference, we completely reconfigured of the Daniels Wing Plow. our dispatch room for more efficiency."

Circle 130 says. "We figure out where to stack snow, tractors, it's important to get personnel which driveways and stairwells to clean out lined up early. "We focus on getting our "We focus on getting contract workers all lined up during Sep- first, etc. Naturally, we coordinate this with our contract workers the property manager so everybody is work- tember," says Keith Kirby. "Most of them have worked for us on a seasonal basis for ing from the same script." years, but we contact each one to verify all lined up during Norm Detrick, Reliable Snowplowing that they are coming back." He says this is Specialists, Macedonia, OH, says his crew also a good way to check contact telephone September." leaders do a work site drive-through at night numbers for workers. when it gets closer to snow time. "Roadways — Keith Kirby, Curbco and objects look different in the dark, and a Curbco supplies their winter workers drive-through helps supervisors get familiar with company-identified parkas and snow typically have at least 200 seasonal workers with the property layout. But, it doesn't pants. "We want them to be able to do and upwards of 250 subcontractors work- help much to do it too early in the fall; peo- their jobs properly, and they can't do that ing for us, and we use the phone tree to ple tend to forget many of the details by the if they're cold and wet because of inade- rapidly contact everyone when a storm time the first snowstorm occurs." quate clothing," Kirby says. hits. We set it up in the fall and test it to be JeffTovar says his company sets up a sure all the numbers are correct." Line up your people "phone tree" each season that includes At College of the Holy Cross, Worces- Whether it's your own crews or subcon- both subcontractors and employees. "We ter, MA, grounds superintendent Jim Long The MEYEThe newesRt MATE sand/salt spreader from the biggest name in snow and ice contro

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Circle 131 relies mostly on student help for winter for completing the SIMA training last win- costs a little money, but it saves a lot of snow clearing. "We start advertising for ter. We submitted their certificates, along breakdowns during snow events. Then it student workers in October, so we have with the regular CDL and construction su- can really get costly," he says. It's a good crews pretty well lined up before major pervisor licenses, to our risk management idea to check hydraulic hoses at the same winter snows," Long says. "Students like personnel for insurance considerations." time. Detrick says they often find elbows the fact that we pay them $8 an hour, in that get corroded and cause hydraulic sys- cash, the day after the snow event." Ready your equipment tem failures. "You can count on it," he Long says the 170-acre campus requires Chances are you already have your snow says. "When your plows are parked for a lot of hand shoveling because the college and ice equipment. How ready to go is it? several months, at least one of them will sits on a hillside called "Mount St. James." John Allin says September is when Allin break down during the first big snowstorm "The campus is laid out on five levels, so Companies personnel get all the plows out if they don't get serviced at the beginning we have to clear about 115 stairways, and actually mount them on the trucks to of the season." along with numerous doorways, drives and be sure everything works. "We check them Most major snow and ice contractors over 12 acres of parking lots." over, change hydraulic fluid and fix any- have staff mechanics that report to their Long, too, has found the SIMA materials thing that needs fixed," he says. shop at the same time crews are heading helpful for training. "We have started using Norm Detrick says his company takes out to job sites. "We have two mechanics the SIMA video on snow removal. Our reg- its trucks into a truck dealership to have from the campus motor pool that come in ular full-time workers received certificates their hydraulic pumps flushed. "Sure, it to help us during storms," says Jim Long at

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Circle 132 Holy Cross. "We also update our vendor customer contracts and en- phone list. Most of our vendors provide us tering the information into each customer before after-hours phone numbers so we can get a the company's database. winter sets in," Tovar repair part, such as a hydraulic hose, at Customer phone lists are up- says. "We have our own dated at the same time. "We 3:00 a.m. if we need it during a storm." standard contract, which also provide each customer with our our attorney helped us pre- Keith Kirby says Curbco always keeps own company phone list, with contact extra plow attachments on hand. "If a blade numbers in order of who to call first, next, pare. Sometimes a property manager goes down, the driver can pull into the etc.," says Tovar. wants his own contract. We usually turn shop, drop that blade and mount another that over to our attorney and they negoti- one and get back to work. Meanwhile, our "We also make sure we get our certifi- ate a modified contract." mechanics can be fixing the broken one." For Jim Long, pre-season contacts in- Curbco maintains a sizable parts inventory clude making sure good communications for all their snow equipment, including "We provide each are established between his office, college sidewalk-clearing units. "Our parts invento- customer with our administration offices and campus ries get thoroughly checked every fall, too." security, lm own company — The author is a freelance writer in Lincoln, Customers come first NB, with a long history in the Green Industry. JeffTovar spends fall months finalizing his phone list." — Tovar His email address is [email protected]

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©2002 Ariens Company Circle 146 Get $500 off Thomas Mini Skid Steer attachments Thomas Equipment Ltd. P.O. Box 336 Buy a new Thomas 25G Mini Skid Steer and you'll not only save Mars Hill, ME 047S8 1 866 BE TOUGH a lot of time - you'll also save a lot of green. Just take delivery before THOMAS THOMAS EQUIPMENT NO www.thomasloaders.com October 31 and you'll get a $500 credit toward the purchase of any mini skid steer attachment. And with a wide variety of attachments to choose from, there's no limit to what you can accomplish. Kaye Corporation North Mankato, For more information on your nearest participating Thomas Mini Skid MN 56003 Phone: 888-223-5818 Steer dealer and for full program details contact Kaye Corporation. Fox: 800-625-3696 E-mail: Dealerships available in selected areas. Contact Kaye Corporation for details. [email protected]

CIRCLE NO. 133 his morning, the boss sent the crew out with a loader to move some dirt. This after- Tnoon, the turf the loader rolled across looks worse than the ex- machinery equipped with rub- BELARUS cavation project. Not a cure-all ber-tracked undercarriages. 800/356-2336 That scenario might be a Tracks aren't a cure-all. Lemke MILWAUKEE, Wl thing of the past as smaller ma- notes that aggressive track lugs ALLMAND BROTHERS • Belarus 2000 series features chines with rubber-tracked un- (say, spaced four inches apart) 800/562-1373 22-hp, 2-cylinder, 4 stroke, air- dercarriages catch on. These will exert more force per lug HOLDREGE, NB cooled, Slavia model 2S90A promise to compete with than a track with more lugs • TLB-535 heavy-duty compact diesel direct injection engine loader-equipped skid-steers. spaced closer together. "With tractor loader backhoe is one of Circle #268 Think of a pocket-sized version tracked machines, you don't five new models of the big Cat dozer. need penetration for traction," AGCO CORP. Better weight distribution Lemke says. 620/327-6225 and less aggressive track pat- Few skid-steer loaders have DULUTH, GA terns minimize turf damage. any suspension other than the • Two new ST compacts feature "The key measurement is pneumatics of the tires them- 33 and 40 engine hp weight per wheel," explains selves. Pneumatic tires help • Powered by 1.5-liter, 3- Brad Lemke, director of new provide some relief from shock cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel product development at ASV. and vibration, but can cause Circle #269 A 6000-lb., four-wheel unit bouncing, tipping and down- puts 1,500 lbs. per wheel on time from flats. This results in a CASE CORPORATION the turf. One with 24 wheels slower, less efficient operation. 414/636-6011 behind tracks puts down only "We don't expect skid-steers • 6,000-lb. digging force RACINE, Wl 200 lbs. per wheel. "Those to be eliminated," says Lemke. • 11 -ft. dig depth • 40XT skid-steer loader wheels help traction since However, he expects a natural Circle #267 features 60 hp weight is spread all over," progression from skid-steers to continued on page 54 Lemke adds. Rain Curtain Technology

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Circle No. 134 Go with gas or diesel? When it's time to get a new tractor or loader, should you go with diesel or gasoline? "It's almost always better for the commercial landscaper to go with diesel," says Rick Veenstra, product manager for All- continued from page 52 mand Brothers, Holdrege, NB. Gas tractors generally are designed with the homeowner • Operating load of 1,500 lbs. KOMATSU or estate market in mind. Diesels are for pros because they're Circle #270 847/837-2172 more robust. VERNON HILLS, IL "Diesel is quieter, smoother, gives better fuel economy, KUBOTA TRACTOR • WB105AWS-2 is an all-wheel and the engine will last longer," Veenstra says. 888/458-2682 steer backhoe loader No matter who the manufacturer, the diesel unit will likely TORRANCE, CA • Comes standard with four have more hydraulic options available, which means the land- • B7400 from Kubota features equal-sized tires scaper can use more attachments. Veenstra offers a clamshell 4WD and full open hood Circle #275 for his diesel models, not for the gasoline ones. Landscapers also find themselves using a diesel's quick-at- NEW HOLLAND tachment features to undo loaders and add options like pallet 717/355-1371 forks. Without the auxiliary hydraulics that come on most NEW HOLLAND, PA diesels, the quick hook-up feature is gone, Veenstra says. • Choose 4-WD or 2-WD on the compact TC30 • 3-cylinder, 30-hp engine transmission and PTO controls engine standard Circle #276 on either side of the seat not Circle #282 • Hydrostatic transmission, between your feet illuminated instrument panel CHALLENGER • Available in 16.6-55.3 hp TORO Circle #271 262/284-8669 Circle #280 800/344-8676 DULUTH, GA BLOOMINGTON, MN MERTZ, INC. • Challenger is the newest ASV • Toro Dingo TX425 features 800/654-6433 member of the Agco family 800/346-5954 wide track • Boxer TL mini skid-steer loader • Challenger MT 200 line comes GRAND RAPIDS, MN • 25-hp Kohler Command Pro is the first with a hydraulically in 24.2-37.0 PTO hp models • RC-50 loader is a mid-price engine adjustable track system Circle #277 • Handles buckets, 34 other • The track system adjusts from quick-change tools 32.5 in. to 43.5 in. THOMAS EQUIPMENT Circle #283 Cirde #272 866/238-6844 • 25GT tracked mini skid-steer RAMROD EQUIPMENT CATERPILLAR loader weighs just 1,900 lbs. 800/667-1581 309/675-5175 • 25-hp engine provides 1,680 YORKTON, SK PEORIA IL lbs. of breakout force • Model 1150 Ramrod • 301.5 mini-hydraulic Circle #278 Trackmaster has 1,150-lb. lift excavator, at 38.6 in. wide, is rubber-tracked loader capacity designed for tight spaces SCHAEFF/TEREX • 77 in. high, 60 in. wide, 128 • Permanent rubber track drive • 17.4-hp 3003 engine 214/357-8300 in. long system Circle #273 DALLAS, TX • 50-hp Caterpillar 3024C Circle #284 • Line of eight compact wheel engine CUB CADET loaders available Circle #281 NMC-WOLLARD 877/835-7841 • 50-140 hp range 800/656-6867 CLEVELAND, OH • Automatic return to dig SWINGER LOADER EAU CLAIRE, Wl • New 7264 compact tractor has Circle #279 800/656-6867 • VersaDyne is compact 26-hp Daihatsu diesel power EAU CLAIRE, Wl articulated wheel loader/tool • SensiTrak on-demand 4-WD MASSEY FERGUSON • Swinger Model 2000 carrier hydrostatic transmission DULUTH, GA articulated compact loader has • 3,000-lb. lift capacity Circle #274 • Most 1400 Series tractors put 65-hp Cummins 3.3-diesel Circle #285 Visit the Factory and Save Inquire for details

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ne of the jobs some cus- the fall will really need a good Look like a champ tomers desire is a full cleanout in the spring, but now the v _ pond cleanout. Unfortu- contractor has to be extra careful in yotir customers' nately, many landscape when handling the fish. contractors try to sell this The best time in the fall to do a eyes by properly as a springtime task. cleanout is when the water temper- maintaining a pond Winter and spring are ature in the pond is near the water rf both stressful times for the fish, and a clean temperature of the refill water in fall and reatlying O U " pond in the fall will keep the fish healthy (mid-50s). Often, it's best to wait it for winter t by creating better water quality for the until the leaves have all fallen to do f next three seasons. the full cleanout. Some leaves will BY JEFF RUGG IVMIA. A5LA Fall is the best time for pond cleanouts blow in over the winter, but a small for a couple reasons: cleaning in the spring will handle that. and fish for winter dormancy. • The fishes' immune system is still func- A major pond cleanout isn't too diffi- The quality of water is important. Test tioning as compared to spring when it hasn't cult to do. All you have to do is: it for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and salt yet started up after the winter dormancy. 1. Remove the fish and put them in levels. Test the water to be used for filling • Removing the debris from the pond tubs of pond water with netting over the the pond before each filling, especially for before it decays and releases toxins into the tub. Be sure there's adequate aeration. nitrites since the level of nitrites acceptable water is much better than waiting until 2. Pump the water out of the pond. for humans can be deadly to fish. spring, when the toxic materials may have 3. Hose down the pond (power wash- Remove debris or decaying organic ma- killed or weakened the fish. More dust, dirt ing is not usually necessary) and pump or terial from the pond. It may release toxins, or debris will have fallen into the pond dur- wet-dry vacuum out any debris on the bot- harbor parasites and fill the pond with ing the active warm water season than will tom. Remove excess algae, and never use sludge. Decaying leaves consume oxygen get into the pond over the winter. Fish para- cleaning agents. in the water, depriving the fish. sites overwinter in debris, so removing debris 4- Refill the pond and, if necessary, Consider covering the pond with netting. in the fall helps reduce the parasite popula- add chlorine neutralizer to prepare for the Are there tall plants in the way, including tion before they can attack the weakened fish. Float them in the tubs to allow them fish in the spring. to adjust to the new pond temperature be- A Even children can do some pond mainte- Contractors who wait until spring to do fore release. nance between the visits by the professional pond cleanouts may not see any fish kills pond maintainer. By removing leaves, you for a few years, but they will eventually be Below 70° F ensure they don't create a sludge layer on the held responsible for killing a customer's As the water temperature begins to drop pond bottom. prized fish. A pond that wasn't cleaned in from 70° F to 50° F , prepare the pond TEMPORARY / SEASONAL LABOR VISAS

cattails or iris growing in the water? Did the filtration system include mechanical NEW FLAT RATE! filters like skimmers? Who will be responsible for cleaning them out? Trees can BRAND NEW PRICE STR UCTURE! drop so many leaves at once that the cus- OPTION I tomer may have to clean out the skimmer S3,500 FOR 1-20 PERMITS before you're scheduled to return. If the plan is to cover the pond every OPTION II $5,000 FOR 25—100 PERMITS fall, consider a more expensive reusable net that uses stakes, grommets and poles. BE SURE TO SIGN UP BEFORE FALL! With proper care, it will last for many years. A leaf net will usually only need to Foley Enterprises cover the pond for a couple of weeks. If The H-2B Specialists the trees have small leaves, a net with Austin (512) 282 3237 Fax (512) 282 0958 small holes will be necessary. Email: [email protected] Fish. As the water temperature lowers into the upper 60s, the fishes' immune Toll Free (888) 623 7285 system begins to weaken. It will completely shut down over the winter. Begin Circle 127 feeding the fish food that's lower in pro- tein and higher in carbohydrates to Staffing Solutions with our match their natural diet that's lower in Mexican Workers animal material during the fall. Frogs and toads may be attracted to • Specializing in ponds as they look for places to hiber- ^^siboTUiinibnt nate. They'll need a pot or tray of soil to burrow into if there's PJacarxiant o1 J-I2B Visa ioïbign workers no gravel or rocks to hide under. Many species of insects over- • We have RELIABLE, EXPERIENCED winter as larvae or pupas in the water as well. PERSONNEL Plants. Just like in the dry land perennial bed, the wetland • Marcus Drake Consultants handles plants will be finishing their blooming cycle. Seedpods will be the entire procedure developing, and leaves will begin turning yellow. Remove dying • We deliver selected personnel to leaves as they fall into the water. Stop fertilizing plants several your company weeks before the weather changes in the fall so they can consume the fertilizer and not have a lot of nutrients left for algae Sound familiar? growth after they go dormant.

Below 50° F During heavy leaf fall periods, daily cleaning of the skimmer may be needed. Remove all of the leaves with a fishing net, Marcus Drake swimming pool net or leaf rake prior to the pond icing over. Fish. Stop feeding the fish as the water temperature drops Consultants below the mid-fifties. Examine the fish closely when they've Park Ridge, New Jersey been removed for pond cleaning so they can be treated for para- Call 888-544-9122 sites or disease if necessary and enter into dormancy in peak con- Fax 201-930-0629 dition. The fish will have grown in size and perhaps number E-mail [email protected] from reproduction and purchases. There are far more fish in the

Circle 128 average backyard pond than in the same saucer of water filled under each one so amount of water in a natural lake. Small they can remain wet, and keep them in the fish require less oxygen than large fish, and 70° F range and away from dry furnace so small babies survive the winter while drafts. Otherwise, annual water garden the large, expensive fish sometimes don't. plants are treated the same as dry land an- Cull out the number of fish in a pond if nuals — they're thrown away. necessary. Just before winter is the best time to do it. A This pond is entirely under the branches As the fish go dormant, they don't move of a three-foot diameter Silver Maple tree. around as quickly and are less aware of The net stays on for about two weeks in the predators. Therefore, the pond should be fall to keep as many leaves out of the pond designed to give the fish protection. Deep as possible. areas with vertical walls and rock shelters will help protect the fish. M A good pond leaf net will have small Frogs and turtles will begin going dor- holes to keep leaves out. A pole keeps the mant when the water temperature reaches net from sagging into the pond. the low-50s, as will most of the bacteria in the filter system and pond. The biological ^ A tub, fish nets, check valve assembly, filter system can be shut down now. Wa- pump, dechlorinator and Stress Coat are terfalls or fountains can still be run as long some of the items a contractor will need to as the water running through the air use for doing regular pond maintenance or a doesn't mix with the bottom water. pond deanout. Plants. After the frost has killed the tops of perennials, cut the leaves back to just water. If the ice completely covers the above the pots. Some plants have attrac- pond, the fish and any decaying organic tive seedpods that look nice in winter and material may eventually consume all the can be left for a nice visual effect. Hollow- oxygen and the fish will suffocate — stemmed plants like cattails can be con- Pumps and filters. In the fall, stop run- "winter kill." trolled by cutting the stems down below ning the pump when the water temperature It's easy to avoid this by keeping a small the water level. This section of the plant gets into the 40s. You want to allow the de- area of the pond ice-free for the exchange will die over winter. velopment of the 40° F puddle that has an of gases with the atmosphere. Use air bub- Some hardy shoreline plants can be left insulating layer of cold water above it. Any blers and small pumps to keep small areas planted along the shore or potted. Others pipes that may freeze and crack can be ice-free, but don't allow them to mix the should be moved to deeper water where blown clean with a leaf blower or shop vac. lower 40-degree puddle of water with the they won't freeze. colder top layers. They cost less to run than After the leaves of lilies start dying, cut Air temperature below 32° F deicers, but don't work when the air tem- off all of the leaves and flower stems. Move At about 40° F, some warmer water settles perature drops below the teens for ex- potted lilies to a lower level where they to the bottom of the pond, forming a pud- tended periods of time. won't freeze. dle that, if left undisturbed, doesn't mix Pond deicers aren't meant to warm the Before annual (tropical) shoreline plants with the colder water above it. The ice pond, but just to keep a small area free receive a frost, they must be moved in- floating on the top of the pond insulates from ice cover for the exchange of gases doors. Cut back any extra branches, and the lower water from colder air above it. with the atmosphere. Keep the heating coil expect some to all of the leaves to fall off as Winter pond temperatures can remain on the deicer clean. If mineral deposits the plant acclimates to the new growing cold for many months in northern climates. build up on it, dip it into lime-a-way or conditions. Put them in a window where There's only so much water in a pond, and vinegar to dissolve the deposits. they'll get the most sun possible. Keep a there can only be so much oxygen in the If the fish are gasping for air at the surface, this may indicate either Plants. In the north, all of the plants are ter mats and any other items from the low oxygen or excess toxic dormant. In the south, some plants may pond, skimmer and biological filter. They gases like hydrogen sulfide or need to be protected from the occasional can be cleaned, dried and stored until carbon dioxide. Enlarge the frost. They may, in fact, still be blooming spring. Disconnect the auto fill valve from hole for better gas exchange and green and may need to be fertilized. the water source to reduce the possibility using another bubbler or Pumps and filters. Water features that of freeze damage. heater. Don't pound on the run during freezingweathe r can create The pump may need additional care ice — if necessary, use a gar- beautiful ice sculptures. However, running beyond cleaning, LM den hose to melt a larger hole. pond waterfalls in winter when tempera- — The author is with Pond Supplies of Fish. As the water temperature drops tures drop below freezingma y create ice America. He can be contacted via e-mail at through the forties, the fish will become jams and leaks in the watercourse. These [email protected]. more sluggish and dormant and begin to leaks cause the overall pond level to lower, live off the fat built up during the warm giving the fish less water. Also, warm pond season. Keeping fish outdoors is safe as long water mixing with cold air could result in Read 7V vlandscapemanagement.net as the pond is managed correctly. excessively cold water temperatures that More ^

Southern pond keepers will have to will harm the fish. For a more complete discussion of fall pond maintenance keep an eye out for the increased presence When shutting off the system for the by Jeff Rugg, an Illinois Certified Nurseryman and registered landscape architect visit our Web site at of fish-eating birds like egrets and herons. winter, remove the submersible pump, fil- www.landscapemanagement.net

MONEY Save Big. Hire a Professional Irrigation Consultant American Society of Independent irrigation consultants can help you save water, Irrigation Consultants energy and money by applying their knowledge and experience 221 NORTH LASALLE ST to the efficient and effective design of irrigation systems. CHICAGO, IL 60601 Find out how much by contacting a member of the 312.372.7090 American Society of Irrigation Consultants. FAX: 312.372.6160 VWWV.ASIC.ORG Seed availability at a glance he turf seed indus- this year to 130,000. What's producing regions of the Inland should help clean up carry- try is making head- this mean? Expect the price of Northwest were pretty good overs, reports Jacklin. way in matching most varieties to rise. this season, so there should be For performance results on supply with de- Meanwhile, prices of many adequate supplies of most Ken- each variety in your area, re- mand. This is es- varieties of turf-type tall fescue tucky bluegrass varieties. view National Turfgrass Evalu- Tpecially true with perennial seed could actually be lower Glenn C. Jacklin, location ation data at www.ntep.org. ryegrass. because of a large crop of K-31. manager, Idaho/Washington/ Over-production of peren- Newer turf-type varieties are Oregon Jacklin Seed, says the KEY (AVAILABILI A superior to K-31 in appearance common Kentucky bluegrass =expected surplus; nial ryegrass in Oregon's B=adequate supply; Willamette Valley led to bar- and performance, but many crop is slightly below normal C=limited supply. gain prices in recent years, but consumers don't know this . .. but there was more acreage. ininn growers reduced the number of or don't care. Proprietary Kentucky blue- H= higher price than last season acres planted in 2001 to Growing conditions in the grass production was average S= stable, equal to last season L= lower prices than last season 164,000 and chopped it again prime Kentucky bluegrass seed- with acreage down, which

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Bermudagrass Jefferson Jonathan Green B S Jackpot Jacklin C S Quantum Leap Roberts Seed A S LaPrima SR Oregon A S Langara Pickseed West B s Mirage Cebeco B s Limousine Roberts Seed A s Pyramid Cebeco B s Mallard Pennington C s Riviera Johnston Seed B new Monte Carlo Pennington C s Southern Star Jacklin B S Moonshadow Pickseed West B s SR 9554 SR Oregon B S NuGlide Jacklin B s Sundevil Jacklin B S P-105 Proseed C s Sunstar LESCO B S Rugby II Roberts Seed A s Yukon Johnston/Seed Research OR C s Shamrock LESCO/DLF-Jenks A- s Showcase SR Oregon B s Kentucky Bluegrass SR 2284 SR Oregon C new Adams Jonathan Green C s Tsunami Jacklin B S Allure Cebeco B s Wildwood LESCO A s America Pickseed West B s Apollo Scotts/Proseed/Landmark A- s Fine Fescue Arcadia SR Oregon C s Ambassador Chewings Lebanon Seaboard B s Barcelona Barenbrug USA B s Aruba Creeping Red Jacklin B L Baron Barenbrug USA B s Azay Pickseed West B S Bartitia Barenbrug USA B s Badger Creeper Scotts A S Blackstone Scotts B s Bardur Hard Barenbrug USA B s Blue Ridge Pennington C s Berkshire Hard Scotts A s Bedazzled Turf Merchants C new Bridgeport Chewings Barenbrug USA B s Blue Knight DLF-Jenks B L Brittany Chewings LESCO A L Bordeaux Lebanon Seaboard B s Carmen Chewing Jonathan Green B+ S Boutique Merchants C s Celestial Turf Merchants C new Broadway DLF-Jenks B s Cindy Cebeco B H Brooklawn Turf Merchants C s Columbia Chewings Proseed A H Cabernet Lebanon Seaboard B s Defiant Hard LESCO A L Champagne Lebanon Seaboard B s Ecostar Jacklin B L Chateau ULTRATurf B s Eureka Cebeco B S Chicago II Jacklin B s Hardtop Hard Barenbrug USA B S Coventry Scotts B s Hood Chewing Jonathan Green B+ s DEEPBLUE Jonathan Green B s Intrigue Turf Merchants A s Dragon Proseed A s Jasper II Pickseed West B s Fortuna Cebeco C- s Longfellow II Cebeco B H Julius Cebeco C s Minotaur Turf Merchants A L Hallmark LESCO A s Osprey Hard SR Oregon The World's Fastest Lawn Mower

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Oxford Lebanon Seaboard B S AIIStar2 Cebeco C- H Pathfinder Lebanon Seaboard B S Applaud Pennington c S Reliant II Proseed A H Barlennium Barenbrug USA B S Rescue 911 Jacklin B L Caddyshack Jacklin B S Ridu Hard DLF-Jenks B H Calypso II Roberts Seed A H Rose Chewings DLF-Jenks B H Champion GC SR Oregon A S Salem Creeping Proseed A H Churchill Lebanon Seaboard B H Sandpiper Chewings SR Oregon A S Cutter Pickseed West C H Shademark LESCO A L Dogstar Jonathan Green A S Creeping Red Elfkin DLF-Jenks B H Silhouette Chewings Roberts Seed A S Esquire DLF-Jenks B H SR 3200 Blue SR Oregon A S Exacta Lebanon Seaboard B H Treazure Chewings Scotts A S Fiesta 3 Pickseed West C H Victory 2 Pickseed West B s Gallery Scotts c H Weston Creeping Red Jonathan Green B+ s Gator 3 Cebeco c H Wrigley Chewings DLF-Jenks B H Hawkeye SR Oregon B new Icon Burlingham A H Tall Fescue Inspire Scotts C H Admiral Burlingham A Integra Pennington c H Arid 3 Jacklin B Jet Pennington A S Barlexas II Barenbrug USA B Jockey Jonathan Green A S Biltmore LESCO A Keystone DLF-Jenks C H Bingo Cebeco B Line Drive LESCO B+ S Black Magic Jonathan Green C Mach I Roberts Seed c H Bravo LESCO A Majesty Scotts B H Chieftain II Roberts Seed A Manhattan 3 Turf Merchants A S Coyote Scotts C Pacesetter LESCO B+ S Crew-Cut II SR Oregon A Palmer III Proseed A H Crossfire II Pickseed West B Paragon Turf Merchants c S Daytona Burlingham A Pennant II Proseed A H Defiance SR Oregon A Pinnacle II Barenbrug USA B S Dominion Scotts A Pizzazz Turf Merchants A H Dynasty Pickseed West B Plymouth Jonathan Green A S Empress Roberts Seed A Prelude III Proseed A H Focus Turf Merchants C Premiere II Barenbrug USA B S Gazelle Roberts Seed A Racer II Roberts Seed A H Grande SR Oregon A Seville II Pickseed West C H Houndog Cebeco B SR 4220 SR Oregon c new Jaguar 3 Jacklin B Stallion Supreme ULTRA Turf B H Laramie LESCO A TopGun Jacklin B S Masterpiece Lebanon Seaboard B Top Hat Cebeco B H Millennium Turf Merchants A Vixen Burlingham A H Mustang 3 Pickseed West B Obsidian Jonathan Green C OTHER Onyx Jonathan Green C Picasso Lebanon Seaboard B Bluegrass Pixie Jacklin B Supina ULTRA Turf B S Plantation Pennington A Buffalograss Rebel Exeda Pennington A Bison Johnston Seed B Rembrandt Lebanon Seaboard B Bowie Native Turf Group B Reserve DLF-Jenks B Cody Native Turf Group B 2nd Millennium Turf Merchants C new Plains Patten B Signia Pennington A Texoka Patten B Southern Comfort DLF-Jenks B Top Gun Patten B Tempest Burlingham A Texoka Johnston Seed B Tomcat Cebeco C- Tracer Barenbrug USA B Zoysia Vegas Barenbrug USA B Cathay Jacklin C S Wildfire DLF-Jenks B Companion SR Oregon B S Wyatt Scotts C H Ming Cebeco C- H Sunrise Jacklin c S Perennial Ryegrass Zenith Patten c+ S Accent Jacklin B S Affirmed Lebanon Seaboard B H Allsport LESCO B+ S B 2 1 / L 3 5 / L 4 8

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Cirde No. 138 Ground Zero

Connecticut brothers prepared World Trade Center's glass-enclosed Winter Garden for 9/11 memorial

The most efficient way to plant the 40-ft. palms was to use a crane to ease them BY RON HALL / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF into planting chambers, then blow the specially blended soil around the roots.

ertain events are so mind- down there," says Stefan Kijewski (pro- numbing and unexpected nounced Key-s-key). "I keep thinking that you never forget what about it. It's constantly on my mind, and I you were doing when you have to work to keep myself from getting learned of them. What too emotional about it." happened one beautiful They earned the job for a couple reasons: Tuesday morning a year one, they had the equipment to do it effi- agCo this month is one of them. ciently. Two, they had established a good re- Brothers Stefan, 30, and Ed Kijewski, lationship with John Mini Indoor Landscape, 26, vow they'll never forget 9/11. Unlike Stefan (left) and Ed Kijewski feel lucky to have the company that had maintained the most of the rest of us, however, they got a been involved in restoring the WTC site. atrium interiorscape prior to the damage and chance to restore what was destroyed dur- was charged with restoring it again. ing the terrorist attack. the Trade Towers collapsed. The 120-ft.- high vaulted glass atrium, which looks over Getting down to work New life the Hudson River, is located at the center of Using a 60-yd. Express Blower unit with The co-owners of Mulchmaster Plus LLC, World Financial Center. It was a popular 200 ft. of a 1/2-in.-thick rubber hose, they Wallingford, CT, were among the select dining and shopping area for workers at the blew six inches of 3/4-in. smooth gravel for contractors hired to put life — in this case, WFC's four office buildings and hosted con- drainage (100 tons total) and four feet of sixteen 40-ft.-high palm trees — back into certs and other performances. soil mix (800 cu. yds.) into the planting the Winter Garden that was damaged when "It's been a great honor for us to work continued on page 66 Advertisement Minimize Mowing & Clippings with Controlled-Release Nitrogen

Richard Guzman realized there was something missing in "We promote returning the clippings to the soil," says home lawn care services that golf courses had always Guzman. "By removing the clippings, you're losing 30% provided: topdressing. So he started his own business in of your fertilization. Just mowing and leaving clippings 1998 offering deep core aeration and topdressing to where they lay is the best thing for the turf. By promoting homeowners and sport fields in the Atlanta area. controlled growth, you mow less often, compared to every other day with fast-growing lawns." "Traditionally, lawn care companies just mow, fertilize and water," says Guzman, owner of Sandman Topdressing and Sandman crews topdress throughout the growing season, Aerating, Inc. of Hoschton, Georgia. "When you add deep from mid-March through the end of October. They first core aeration plus topdressing, all of a sudden the lawn deep core aerate, then apply Nitroform at the rate of 200 to looks phenomenally better. Our topdressing is mostly sand 300 pounds per acre, then topdress and drag the material with about 10% organic compost." into the soil with Sandman's patented drag-mat screeds. "Topdressing eliminates thatch, While Sandman's customers enjoy helps percolation, increases the their thicker, plusher lawns, they efficiency of fertilizer intake, often complained that the grass reduces moisture requirements color faded a month or so after and develops a healthier root zone," topdressing. "Our Southern explains Guzman."Nitroform turfgrasses require more nitrogen encourages organic matter and than bluegrass and other northern promotes controlled leaf growth. turf," explains Guzman. "We knew Our customers notice the difference we could put down straight two months and beyond because nitrogen and get green grass, but there's no drop off in feeding, no didn't want to bring on a surge surge of growth and fewer clippings." of growth and get excessive clippings and added thatch." Other Nu-Gro Nitrogen Products... Other controlled- A year ago, Sandman was release nitrogen sources available searching for the best fertilization from Nu-Gro Technologies include solution for its patented Sandman Organiform®and Nutralene®. Application System® when the Cut More Leaf, Less Stem company discovered Nitroform® Organiform provides intermediate Controlled Release Nitrogen from Nu-Gro Technologies, Inc. nitrogen release lasting 16 to 24 weeks. It contains 55% Nitroform contains more than two-thirds water insoluble water-insoluble nitrogen, allowing sustained release when nitrogen, providing extended nitrogen release for 8-12 plants need it most. Organiform builds up beneficial soil months. Unlike other nitrogen sources, Nitroform has a 1:1 bacteria, even in soils naturally low in microorganisms. ratio of nitrogen to carbon. When microorganisms break down the nitrogen in Nitroform, carbon is used as an energy Nutralene provides nitrogen nutrition lasting from 12-16 source for microbes. An increased microorganism population weeks. It contains 14.5% water insoluble nitrogen, and results in healthier turf grass. releases nitrogen both by hydrolysis and through microbial activity. This dual-release of Nutralene provides a two-fold Cut More Leaf, Less Stem..."Nitroform constantly advantage: hydrolysis releases nitrogen quickly, giving releases small amounts of nitrogen so the turf stays green plants a boost at the beginning of the growing season, and never goes hungry," Guzman notes. "Once we started then microbial activity releases nitrogen more slowly applying Nitroform, our customers' lawns and sport fields through the rest of the season. were near perfect all summer long. We found people were mowing less often - cutting more leaf and less stem "Many homeowners spend time and money mowing much when mowing. Nitroform is transforming our business more often than necessary," says Guzman. "They can fill up dramatically for our customers and franchise operations." 20 bags of clippings from a 5,000 square-foot lawn. They spend time filling up the bags and then have to dispose of Sandman continually educates its customers about the them, too. By mowing less, they save time, use less fuel benefits of controlled-release nitrogen. They tell them that and put less wear and tear on their equipment. The best excess clippings and surges of growth are real negatives. part is they also have a more beautiful, deep green lawn."

Nu-Gro Technologies, Inc. 2680 Horizon Drive SE, Suite F5, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Telephone: 1-888-370-1874 • www.nugrotech.com continued from page 64 chambers. They separated the two layers with fabric barriers. This took almost four days in mid August. As they prepared the indoor planting chambers, two trucks with 48-ft. trailers were roaring up 1-95 from Florida trans- porting the eight large palms to the Man- The Winter Garden restoration project at the World Financial Center was accomplished through hattan site. the coordinated efforts of many different tradesmen. Although the brothers thought their part of the project would be complete after planning for it this past winter, when blowing the gravel and soil, they were things looked their bleakest. "Imagine how wrong. It became apparent early the follow- it looked after Mt. St. Helens erupted with ing Monday morning that using laborers everything under a huge coating of dust," with wheelbarrows to backfill around the says Stefan. "Everything was open all win- palm's roots was taking too long. Instead, ter and everything had to be taken out." the brothers restretched the hose back into The brothers realized early into their the atrium and blew the remaining soil mix planning that they were going to face tough around the rootballs just as the trees were challenges, including finding a place to park carefully craned into their new locations. the blower truck close to the atrium and "We wanted to be a part of the planting getting enough space to load and unload the Mulchmaster workers blew a layer of round from the start," says Stefan. "The first cou- gravel and soil. gravel for drainage into the planting hole first. ple of trees took a bit longer than we ex- "We had to drive the truck down a side- pected, but once we got our system going, walk and between trees," says Kijewski. "It it went very smoothly." was an education for us just to get the blower truck down there." Once in place, Bleak outlook the company used a VersaLift telescopic While their part of the project took just loader manufactured by Bobcat to keep over a week, the Kijewski brothers started the blower supplied with gravel and soil. The material was trucked to the site early each morning to avoid New York City's in- famous traffic. Workers used 800 cu. yds. of soil at the site. Then there was the dead- line. General contractor now that the job is done. "No matter what Turner Construction had to it takes, the trees are coming." have the atrium restored be- Now that the Winter Garden project is fore Sept. 11,2002, when over, what's next for the brothers? "We the world's attention re- have some lawn seeding projects and turned to the site during a schools will be needing wood chips in their visit by President George W. playgrounds," says Stefan. Bush and other dignitaries. "But I don't think any of us will forget "There was a saying at when all of this happened. I don't think One challenge the Kijewski brothers faced was finding enough the site," chuckles Stefan, any of us will forget that we got a chance space to load and unload gravel and soil from the blower truck. who finds it easier to laugh to help." lm To move the earth, pick a machine that was designed to reach for the moon

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Fighting moisture stress spruce gall adelgids produce galls at the over them. The sod is too thick to see We've been using Florel brand growth base of small branches, while Cooley them without marker flags. Do you have regulator to manage mistletoe on pon- spruce galls are produced at the tip of any suggestions on how to speed up the derosa pine in our area. These plants are branch terminals. process? I have allocated a separate in natural settings like woods. Our prob- Galls begin to develop from early timer program on the irrigation control lem now is that we're experiencing a spring, mimicking lawn-applied herbi- box to run through the zones at three- severe drought and plants are under cide symptoms. Gradually they distort minute intervals to speed up marking, severe moisture stress. Can we treat the affected spruce twigs and mature. but it's still time consuming. now with Florel to manage mistletoe on Around mid to late July, they turn — OH these pines without any plant injury? brown. When the adelgid nymphs inside — CO the gall mature and the galls begin to dry After contacting a few manufacturers and out and open the small chambers, the service companies, I've concluded that the If you're dealing with dwarf misdetoe, re- nymphs move out onto nearby needles way you've been marking the sprinkler ports indicate that the ideal time to treat is and molt and become winged forms. heads and then aerifying is the best option. now or before mistletoe blooming. The ob- Soon, the empty galls turn brown. This Alternatively, one may choose to use dif- jective is to eliminate the seed production discolored and distorted growth on the ferent metal sprinkler heads and can use a and dispersal. Although the preferred tim- branches appears more pronounced and metal detector to find their location. This ing is around now, it's not a good time to becomes aesthetically objectionable. method will also be time consuming and treat due to the moisture stress these trees These galls distort the growth of affected may not be any better than what you're are experiencing. Treated plants may show trees. It can especially be a problem in currently using. phytotoxicity symptoms. In some situa- Christmas tree growing areas. I'm not familiar with any automatic tions, the older needles can defoliate. Since Consider treating the affected trees after units like electronic sensors which might these trees are in natural settings, prewater- galls open in late July or early August, or be- give signals far ahead of your aerifying ing to reduce moisture stress and phytotox- fore buds start to break in the spring around equipment to help you avoid hitting the icity from Florel treatment isn't practical. early April. Applications of insecticides such sprinkler heads. If you're dealing with leafy mistletoe, a as Sevin or Talstar should manage the prob- One option would be to inject some Monterey Chemical Company representa- lem. Another option is to soil inject Merit dyes such as Tracker into your water line tive mentioned that treatments should be insecticide around late fall to get control of prior to the desired aerifying operation made in spring. the adelgids in the spring. Pre- and/or post- period. Run the water for a short period watering in conjunction with Merit applica- together with the colored dye. When the tion will improve the efficacy. water comes out, it should be colored Unsightly galls Another alternative option is to remove and remain colored until you finish your How do you manage galls on spruce the galls by handpicking and destroying operation, without causing problem to trees? The galls look bad and are highly them. the turf. It should disappear before it be- visible. We're thinking of using Merit soil comes aesthetically displeasing. This injection. How will this work? When do method, however, needs we treat, fall or spring? Avoiding sprinklers considerable research — Ml I understand the importance of aerating to determine its our ballfields, so I core and spike on a feasibility. Around July or August the galls on spruce regular basis. The problem is the amount trees, which are produced by adelgids, turn of time I spend marking the sprinkler brown and become unsightly. Eastern heads and valve boxes to avoid running

Manager of Research and Technical Development for the Davey Tree Expert Co., Kent, Ohio SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: "Ask the Expert" Landscape Management; 7500 Old Oak Blvd.; Cleveland, OH 44130, or email: [email protected]. Please allow two to three months for an answer to appear. ¿M The latest landscape industry news is at your fingertips—

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Plant power Bio-Plex Organics' new 4-in-1 planting granules Cast it wide aid in transplant survival. A bio-stimulant pro- Gandy Company's new 2.3 cu. ft. capacity motes improved moisture retention, Bio-Plex polyethylene and stainless steel broadcast Endo-EctoMycorrhizal soil and root inoculants spreader allows you to apply chemical, fer- aid in long-term stress and moisture retention, tilizer or seed from a utility ATV. It holds 120 Bio-Plex cross-linked Polymer Gel enhances the lbs. A hand lever is in easy reach for quick plant root systems' hydration capacity, and nat- response to start or stop material flow. ural organic fertilizer component provides safe For more information contact Gandy at and effective nutrient sources that are void of 800/443-2476 or www.gandy.net I harmful salt and chloride components. circle no. 253 For more information contact Bio-Plex Organics at 800/441-3573/circle no. 250 Right on schedule Plow it up Get to the task Rain Bird Corp.'s new Rain Bird Pro Software Meyer Products' EZ-Vector V plow for one-ton Polaris Industries' utility task vehicle (ITTV) is improves scheduling, dispatching and billing. pickups and one-ton cab chassis features heavy available in 2x4,4x4 and 6x6 models. Each fea- Field crews can communicate electronically duty trip springs and a center pin that incorpo- tures a rustproof cargo box with a molded plas- with the main office using handheld devices. rates friction reduction design for wing move- tic liner that holds up to a half-ton of cargo, an Paper orders are eliminated. Service call sched- ment. Plow width is 88 in. at full angle. uling and estimating are done in the software's For more information contact Meyer at work order screen, reducing customer phone 216/486-1313 or www.meyerproducts.com I time by 50 percent. circle no. 257 For more information contact Rain Bird at 520/741-6100 or www.rainbird.com I Sporty loader circle no. 254 The Groundhog, from Concord Environmental Equipment, is a front-end loader attachment Turn over a new leaf that mounts on all makes of ATVs. Using a hy- Giant-Vac Inc.'s new leaf blower attachment for draulic pump powered by the ATV battery, it commercial zero-turn mowers called the Leaf can lift up to 300 lbs. of material at a height of Buster features a 16-hp Briggs & Stratton Van- 48 in. Its controls are located on the ATV han- electric dump-box lift, and low/super low trans- guard engine with a large diameter mission for outstanding torque and higher Whisper Jet impeller and Taper towing capacity. The units were a big hit at the Lok hub. . Y MMTF.\M recent Outdoor Power Equipment Expo in For more information con- Louisville, KY. tact Giant-Vac at 860/423- For more information contact Polaris at 763/542- 7741 /circle no. 255 0500 or www.polarisindustries.com I circle no. 251 It takes three Precision Laboratories now has three formula- Don't wait, calibrate tions of Cascade Plus Fertilizer available. Cas- Toro's new computer-based sprayer calibration cade, which is a wetting agent and fertilizer tool assists with checking and calibrating combination product, is now available in an all dlebars. Three double acting cylinders allow for sprayers, plus calculating product and water synthetic 15-0-10 analysis, 5-1-0 all organic bucket control and down pressure. mixing rates. It works with Windows-based analysis, and 10-1-4 organic and synthetic For more information contact Concord Environ- PCs, Windows Pocket PC-based handhelds, combination. Application recommendations for mental Equipment at 218/937-5100 or and Palm OS-based Handhelds. Each program the 5-1 -0 and 10-1 -A formulations are 10 lbs. www.ceesoilsample.com I circle no. 258 is available for download at the Toro Web site. per 1,000 sq. ft. to obtain eight oz. of Cascade. For more information contact Toro at 952/888- For more information contact Precision Labs at No low blow 8801 or www.toro.com I circle no. 252 800/323-6280 or www.precisionlab.com I Goossen's new debris blower features a 36-in. circle no. 256 blower fan with eight paddles made of 1/4-in. steei that spins on greaseable bearings. The 40- ground speeds are 11 mph forward and 5 mph in. blower housing is split to allow for easy ac- in reverse. Fuel tank holds 10.7 gallons. cess to the fan. Bi-directional air discharge is For more information contact Wright Mfg. at controllable by lever from operator seat. Power 301/360-9810 or www.wrightmfg.com I requirement is 30 PTO hp minimum while air- circle no. 262 flow is 7,100 CFM. For more information contact Goossen at Cover it up 800/835-1042 /circle no. 259 With the Typar professional landscape fabric, Reemay Inc. claims a contractor, with a one-time installation, creates an unseen line of defense against weed growth that lasts for years. It comes available in 3 ft. by 50 ft. and 3 ft. by 100 ft. sizes. Pass the salt For more information contact Reemay at TruckCraft's new TC-140 D-lcer Plus tailgate re- 800/321-6271 or placement spreader for one-tons requires no no. 263 hydraulic system (12V electric) and is easy to install. It handles any free-flowing material up to 3/4 in. in diameter, and spreads up to 10,000 On the prowl lbs. of material per hour. You can dig it, too Encore's Prowler mid-cut features a side- For more information contact TruckCraft at The JCB 8017 1.5-ton mini excavator can work to-side articulating, floating deck, no slip 800/755-3867 /circle no. 265 in tight areas when the undercarriage is re- disc brakes and maintenance free blade tracted to its minimum of 3 ft., 2 in. A two- spindles. For a level cut at the high speed, speed tracking feature allows for a low travel a PTO shaft powers the blades at 19,000 speed of 1.3 mph and high of 2.2 mph. Maxi- fpm. New are larger, 11 -gal. dual fuel mum digging depth is 7 ft., 11 in. tanks and molded-in cup holders and For more information contact JCB at 888/742- utility tray. Deck size options are 52, 61 5522 or www.jcbna.com I circle no. 260 and 72 in. For more information contact Encore at Pull in profit 800/267-42551 circle no. 264 Thanks to 2,000 lbs. of downward hydraulic pressure, Daniels Pull Plow removes snow and ice from hard-to-plow areas your front- mounted plow can't handle. Fits any four- Let it snow wheel drive vehicle equipped with a 2-in. re- Fisher's new Minute Mount 2 makes it a snap ceiver-type hitch. to attach your plow to your truck. A built-in For more information contact Daniels at handle disengages both connecting pins simul- 216/486-1313 or www.meyerproducts.com I taneously when removing the plow. Lower circle no. 261 gear is flared twice as wide for easier drive-in alignment. A spring-loaded chain automatically Sit or stand retracts the lift arm. Sit or stand with Wright Mfg.'s new Sentar For more information contact Fisher at 207/594- zero-turn mower. It features a padded, saddle- 44461 circle no. 266 like seat for sitting, but the seat can be folded out of the way for standing as well. It has cutting widths of 48, 52 or 61 in. Maximum Public Service Announcement from Advanstar Communications

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The following companies pay for the recycling programs of the ACRC. ACRC MEMBERS Dow Agrosciences LLC Nufarm DuPont Crop Protection PBI-Gordon Corp. Agriliance LLC FMC Corp. SePRO Corp. AMVAC Corp. Gowan Co. Syngenta Crop Protection Aventis CropScience NA Griffin LLC Tenkoz Inc. AFFILIATES BASF Corp. Gustafson LLC United Agri Products Inc. Bayer Corp. Helena Chemical Co. Uniroyal Chemical Co. Cousins-Currie Ltd. Becker Underwood Inc. ISK Americas Inc. United Phosphorus Inc. Hedwin Corp. Cerexagri Inc. Lee Container Corp. ACRC Makhteshim-Agan NA Inc. Valent USA Corp. Murray Equipment Inc. Certis USA LLC Monsanto Co. Crop West Central Inc. Pretium Packaging Ag Container Cheminova Inc. Protection Wilbur Ellis Co. Rieke Corp. Recycling Council limivi1 HIKE iiiíoriiialioii un |iriiilii(1s anil serviros advertised in Ulis issue.

NAME (please print). TITLE MANAGEMENT FIRM ADDRESS* September 2002 A CITY _STATE .ZIP •Is this your home address? O Yes O No This card is void after November 15, 2002 PHONE ( ) _FAX (_ I would like to receive (continue receiving) E-MAIL ADDRESS LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT free each month: Signature: _Date:. O Yes O no Advanstar Communications provides certain data (such as customers namesi,. addresses phone numbers and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish to promote relevant products, services and other opportu be of interest to you If you do not wanv t Advanstar Communications to make your contact information available to third parties for marketing purposes, simpfy call 888-527-7 hours o» 7 30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m and folto* the instructions to remove your name from Advanstar s lists, or indtoatotOMlMK 1. My primary business at this location is: (fill in ONE only) 3. SERVICES PERFORMED (fill in ALL that apply) CONTRACTORS/SERVICE COMPANIES 17 O A Mowing 23 O G Turf Disease Control 28 O L Pond/Lake Care 02 O 255 Landscape Contractors (Installation & Maintenance) 18 O B Turf Insect Control 24 o H Ornamental Care 29 M Landscape Installation 19 O C Tree Care 25 O I Landscape Design 30 O N Snow Removal 03 O 260 Lawn Care Service Companies & Custom Chemical Applicators (ground & air) 20 O D Turf Aeration 26 O J Turf Weed Control 31 O 0 Other (please specify) 04 O 285 Irrigation Contractors & Consultants 21 O E Irrigation Services 27 O K Pavinging., DecDeckk & Patio O Other Contractors/Service Companies (please specify) 22 O F" Tun Fertilization Instaallatioi n LANDSCAPING/GROUNDS CARE FACILITIES 4a. Do you specify, purchase or influence the selection of landscape products? 05 O 290 Sports Complexes 58 O Yes 59 O No 06 O 295 Parks 4b. If yes, indicate which products you buy or specify: (fill in ALL that apply) 32 OA Aerators 39 O H Herbicides 46 O 0 Sweepers 07 O 305 Schools, Colleges & Universities 33OB Blowers 40 O I Insecticides 47 O P Tractors O Other Grounds Care Facilities (specify) 34 OC Chain Saws 41 O J Line Trimmers 48 O Q Truck Trailers/Attachments SUPPLIERS AND CONSULTANTS 35 OD Chipper-Shredders 42 O K Mowers 49 OR Trucks 08 O 355 Extension Agents/Consultants for Horticulture 36 OE De-icers 43 O L Snow Removal Equipment 50 O S Turfseed 09 O 360 Sod Growers. Turf Seed Growers & Nurseries 37 O F Fertilizers 44 O M Sprayers 51 OT Utility Vehicles 10 O 365 Dealers. Distributors. Formulators & Brokers 38 OG Fungicides 45 O N Spreaders 11 O 370 Manufacturers 5. Do you have Internet access? 52 O A Yes 53OB No O Other (please specify) 5a. If so, how often do you use it? 2. Which of the following best describes your title? (fill in ONE only) 54 O A Daily 55 B Weekly 56 O C Monthly 57 O 0 Occasionally 12 010 Executive/Administrator • President. Owner. Partner. Director. General Manager. Chairman of the Board. Purchasing Agent, Director of Physical Plant 101 113 125 137 149 161 173 185 197 209 221 233 245 257 269 281 293 305 13020 Manager/Superintendent - Arborist, Architect. Landscape/Grounds Manager. Superintendent. 102 114 126 138 150 162 174 186 198 210 222 234 246 258 270 282 294 306 Foreman. Supervisor 103 115 127 139 151 163 175 187 199 211 223 235 247 259 271 283 295 307 14 O 30 Government Official - Government Commissioner. Agent. Other Government Official 104 116 128 140 152 164 176 188 200 212 224 236 248 260 272 284 296 308 15 O 40 Specialist - Forester. Consultant. Agronomist. Pilot, Instructor, Researcher, Horticulturist, 105 117 129 141 153 165 177 189 201 213 225 237 249 261 273 285 297 309 Certified Specialist 106 118 130 142 154 166 178 190 202 214 226 238 250 262 274 286 298 310 16 O 50 Other Titled and Non-Titled Personnel (please specify) 107 119 131 143 155 167 179 191 203 215 227 239 251 263 275 287 299 311 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240 252 264 276 288 300 312 109 121 133 145 157 169 181 193 205 217 229 241 253 265 277 289 301 313 Save TIME and fax it: 110 122 134 146 158 170 182 194 206 218 230 242 254 266 278 290 302 314 413-637-4343 an Advanstar * publication 111 123 135 147 159 171 183 195 207 219 231 243 255 267 279 291 303 315 A 112 124 136 148 160 172 184 1% 208 220 232 244 256 268 280 292 304 316 cd

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TITLE MANAGEMENT FIRM ADDRESS* September 2002 A CITY _STATE _ ZIP *ls this your home address? This card is void after November 15, 2002 O Yes O No PHONE ( ) _FAX(_

I would like to receive (continue receiving) E-MAIL ADDRESS. LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT free each month: Signature: | _Date:. O Yes O no Advanstar Communications provides certain customer contact data (such as customers' names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish to promote relevant products, services and other opportunities which may be <* interest to you If you do not want Advanstar Communications to make your contact information available to third parties tor marketing purposes, simply call 888-527-7006 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. endtoNow th e instructions to remove your name from Advanstar's lists, or inrfccato so below

1. My primary business at this location is: (fill in ONE only) 3. SERVICES PERFORMED (fill in ALL that apply) CONTRACTORS/SERVICE COMPANIES 17 O A Mowing 23 O 6 Turf Disease Control 28 O L Pond/Lake Care O O O 02 O 255 Landscape Contractors (Installation & Maintenance) 18 B Turf Insect Control 24 H Ornamental Care 29 M Landscape Installation 19 O C Tree Care 25 O I Landscape Design 30 O N Snow Removal 03 O 260 Lawn Care Service Companies & Custom Chemical Applicators (ground & air) 20 O D Turf Aeration 26 O J Turf Weed Control 31 CO Other (please specify) 04 O 285 Irrigation Contractors & Consultants 21 O E Irrigation Services 27 O K Paving. Deck & Patio C Other Contractors/Service Companies (please specify) 22 O F Tun Fertilization Installation LANDSCAPING/GROUNDS CARE FACILITIES 4a. Do you specify, purchase or influence the selection of landscape products? 05 O 290 Sports Complexes 58 O Yes 59 O No 06 O 295 Parks 4b. If yes, indicate which products you buy or specify: (fill in ALL that apply) 32 OA Aerators 39 O H Herbicides 46 O 0 Sweepers 07 O 305 Schools. Colleges & Universities 33OB Blowers 40 O I Insecticides 47 OP Tractors O Other Grounds Care Facilities (specify) 34 OC Chain Saws 41 O J Line Trimmers 48 OQ Truck Trailers/Attachments SUPPLIERS AND CONSULTANTS 35 OD Chipper-Shredders 42 O K Mowers 49 OR Trucks 08 O 355 Extension Agents/Consultants for Horticulture 36 O E De-icers 43 O L Snow Removal Equipment 50 OS Turtseed 09 O 360 Sod Growers. Turf Seed Growers & Nurseries 37 O F Fertilizers 44 OM Sprayers 51 OT Utility Vehicles 10 O 365 Dealers. Distributors, Formulators & Brokers 38 OG Fungicides 45 O N Spreaders 11 O 370 Manufacturers 5. Do you have Internet access? 52 O A Yes 53OB No C Other (please specify) 5a. If so, how often do you use it? 2. Which of the following best describes your title? (fill in ONE only) 54 ( ) A Daily 55 Q B Weekly 56 Q C Monthly 57 Q D Occasionally 12 010 Executive/Administrator • President, Owner. Partner. Director, General Manager, Chairman of the Board, Purchasing Agent, Director of Physical Plant 101 113 125 137 149 161 173 185 197 209 221 233 245 257 269 281 293 305 13 O 20 Manager/Superintendent • Arborist. Architect. Landscape/Grounds Manager, Supenntendent, 102 114 126 138 150 162 174 186 198 210 222 234 246 258 270 282 294 306 Foreman. Supervisor 103 115 127 139 151 163 175 187 199 211 223 235 247 259 271 283 295 307 14 O 30 Government Official - Government Commissioner, Agent, Other Government Official 104 116 128 140 152 164 176 188 200 212 224 236 248 260 272 284 296 308 15 O 40 Specialist • Forester. Consultant. Agronomist. Pilot. Instructor, Researcher. Horticulturist. 105 117 129 141 153 165 177 189 201 213 225 237 249 261 273 285 297 309 Certified Specialist 106 118 130 142 154 166 178 190 202 214 226 238 250 262 274 286 298 310 16 O 50 Other Titled and Non-Titled Personnel (please specify) 107 119 131 143 155 167 179 191 203 215 227 239 251 263 275 287 299 311 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240 252 264 276 288 300 312 109 121 133 145 157 169 181 193 205 217 229 241 253 265 277 289 301 313 Save TIME and fax it: 110 122 134 146 158 170 182 194 206 218 230 242 254 266 278 290 302 314 • 413-637-4343 AN ADN/ANS1AR * PUBLICATION 111 123 135 147 159 171 183 195 207 219 231 243 255 267 279 291 303 315 A ©2002 Advanstar Communications Ine All rights reserved 112 124 136 148 160 172 184 196 208 220 232 244 256 268 280 292 304 316 m events WHAT, WHEN & WHERE Fall Clean-up with Irco September Southern California Turfgrass J Heavy-duty Attachments Council; 800/500-7282 Leaf Blade Plow 16-18 Florida Turfgrass Association Conference and 12-15 Atlantic Seedsmen's Quickly move large piles of leaves Trade Show I Tampa, FL; Association 50th ' 55" wide galvanized steel blade 800/882-6721 Anniversary Convention I ' Flat stainless steel Hilton Head, SC; 814/237-0330 spring tines 1 Castering guide 18 Nursery and Landscape wheels Field Day I Virginia Beach, VA; 16-20 ITODA Fall Meeting I Sponsored by VA Tech's Hampton St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Rds. Ag Research and Ext. Center; 810/229-9405 Call for dealer 800.966.8442 www.jrcoinc.com 757/363-3906 Circle 142 18-22 ASLA Annual 19-20 MFPA Summer Meeting and Expo I San Jose, Conference I Walled Lake, Ml; CA; 202/898-2444 480/966-1610 21-23 New England 19-21 Florida Nursery & Greenhouse Conference / Allied Trade Show I Orlando, Worcester, MA; 203/445-0110 FL; 800/375-3642 Drills and Broadcast Seeders 22 ALCA Essentials for 26-28 Community Forestry Success / Los Angeles, CA; • Double disk At Its Best I Nebraska City, NB; 800/395-2522; www.alca.org drills for 888/448-7337; www.arbor- no-till and day.org 23-24 Western Nursery & interseeding Garden Expo I Las Vegas, NV; • Broadcast 800/748-6214; www.western- seedings rolled October expo.çom in with a Brillion™ style 7-8 Building With Trees 24-26 22nd International cultipacker National Conference I Irrigation Show I New Orleans, Nebraska City, NE; 402/474-5655 LA; 703/536-7080 • Hand or electric broadcasters 8 ALCA Essentials for for small sites Success I Cincinnati, OH; November 800/395-2522; www.alca.grg 12-14 NYSTA Turf & 8-10 OLA Short Course - Grounds Expo I Syracuse, NY; Beginning Residential NY State Turfgrass Association; Design I Hudson, OH; Sponsored 800/873-8873 truax COMPANY, INC. by the Ohio Landscapers 4821 Xerxes Avenue North, Building B Association; 440/717-0002 14-16 Green Industry Expo Minneapolis, Minnesota 55430 & Conference I Nashville, TN; call: (763) 537-6639 9-10 Turf grass, Landscape ALCA, PLCAA, PGMS; 800/458- web: www.truaxcomp.com e-mail: [email protected] and Equipment Expo I 3466; www.gieonline.com

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Super Turbo-Seg 4" $ 19.00 (umbo 7" $ 39.00 - 10mm 10" $ 50.00 Segment 12" $ 89.00 14" $ 99.00 16" $150.00 20" Great for Cured Concrete $199.00 Bricb, Blocb, Pavers BROUGHT TO YOU BY: SuperSeg BASF jumbo 4" $ 10.00 PROFESSIONALTURF - <— 10mm r $ 19.00 $ 40.00 Segment 10" $ 69.00 12" $ 79.00 14" $199.00 Great for Cured Concrete 20" Blocb, Pavers Sign up for your own Family Owned and Operated Open 7 Days a Week ^DIAMOND im Growing Trends e-newsletter today! 1-800-285-0163 It's fast and easy. Just log onto Email: [email protected] www.GrowingTrendslawncare.com. "NAME SAYS IT ALL" www.qualitydiamondtools.com Circle No. 145 ArborTle® - The Best Way Commercial grade Vacuum system from Protero Inc. Pro Vac model 15 has belt driven blower and 15 cubic feet alu- to Stake and Guy 'frees minum catcher, which dumps from the seat. Both blower and catcher detach in seconds. Fits most Commercial Zero Turn mowers with custom mounting brackets. Our product line also includes smaller Pro Vac model 12, 12 cubic feet aluminum catcher with option of two removable bins for easy dumping.

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Call today for a free sample! ArborTie Deep Root Partners, L.P. 81 Langton Street. Suite 4. San Francisco. CA 94103 Tel: 415 437 9700 or 800 ILV ROOT (458.7668) Fax: 415 437 9744 or 800 277 ROOT (277.7668) www.deeproot.com

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•H2B •H2B *H2B *H2B *H2B -H2B *H2B *H2B ri^B *H2B

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C. Scott, Inc. • Processes more green industry H2B workers annually than any other H2B Service in America. • Retains the largest staff of bilingual H2B professionals including staff attorney Charles Martinez. • Provides one-point accountability from the start to finish. AM S • Maintains offices in Bay City, Texas and Monterrey, Mexico to Has the Right Equipment provide a totally coordinated, professional service. • Offers SILC Lite for companies needing 6 workers or less. for all of Your Soil ô Turf Preparation Needs. If you'd like H2B services from a company with depth of For Excellent Results Ci expertise and turn-key service to guide you confidently through 1-800-635-7330. the process without surprises, call C. Scott Inc at 979-245-7577. Find out why 98% of clients return year after year. ORDER ONLINE TODAY Call us now so we can complete your paperwork and get you & GET FREE SHIPPING on the right track for a well-staffed 2003 season. within the Continental U.S. www.ams-samplers.com www.SILC-H2B.com Member National H2B Users Association

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Advertising information: Mail LM Box # replies to: Landscape Manage- A Contact Leslie Zola at 800-225-4569 ext. 2670 ment (IM Box # ), 131 W. First St., Duluth, or 440-891-2670, Fax: 440-826-2865, MN 55802-2065. E-mail: [email protected] Fax replies to: 218-723-9683 (please include • For ad schedules under $250, payment must be box number and magazine title on cover page). received by the classified closing date. E-mail replies to: [email protected] • We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, and (please include box number and magazine AMERICAN EXPRESS over the phone. title on subject line). Business For Sale Business Opps (Cont'd)

LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY MAINTENANCE COMPANY Well Established 24-year-old company in Portland, Oregon area 20-year Landscape Company (nursery, landscape business, shop & parking). Boston, Massachusetts Area. Annual volume 2 to 3 million. Annual volume $3.1 million PLUS! COMPANY SALES BREAKDOWN: ^/ooking Company breakdown: • 70% Construction for a job? • 70% Construction • 30% Maintenance Great. We'll start • 20% Maintenance Business is located in SW Portland on 4-acres you at CEO. • 10% Snow Operations in prime location. Close to major arterials. Well-managed and organized operation Many contacts and relationships with with a meticulous fleet. Will sell with or general contractors and developers. without the Real Estate, which has all the Will sell business with or without real estate. necessary provisions for repairs and parking. Send serious inquiries to LM Box 531 Tired of struggling in the The 2002 backlog to date is over $2 million! landscape industry? We'll give | Contact WINOKUR ASSOCIATED you a promotion. Call us Mr. Robert R. Meara: 1-508-747-3004 ext. 228 Full Service Landscape Company today and learn how to start in Sarasota, Florida your very own franchise. RETAIL GARDEN CENTER & Well-established landscape service company COMMERCIAL NURSERY! operating since 1991 with focus on long-term government contracts, commercial contracts, and • Landscaping department custom residential landscape design and installation. • Two Nexus Vail green houses, Well-trained, uniformed personnel with long-term 11,219 square ft., state-of-the-art records with the company willing to stay. computer controlled Clean fleet with upscale company signage. • Includes all plant inventory, equipment The US. LaWiis franchise and F&F • Gross income for 2001: $505,000 Call 1-800-US-LAWNS or ; • Two manufactured homes • Projected gross income for 2002: $600,000 • Commercial water rights, 3.2 acres • Asking price: $500,000 visit www.uslawns.com • $1,800,000 • Contact Steve Dore, Broker: James Paxton - 800-658-2773 941-954-5555 CENTURY 21 Aspen Real Estate LAWN PROFESSIONALS... Ruidoso, New Mexico Business Opportunities Improve Your Opportunities for Success! LONG ESTABLISHED NURSERY — BIDDING STRATEGIES AND MORE — IN AFFLUENT COMMUNITY Take advantage of our experience! The information Features Include: contained in these manuals has taken our lawn service Approximately six acres with from 9 to nearly 700 accounts. Receive special pric- • Buildings & Facilities ing when you order four or more manuals: • Nursery Equipment ijjjjjjiiuy • Bidding & Contracts . $47.95 • Shade Houses • Marketing & Sales $39.95 • Wholesale Annuals/Flowers Nursery The Best in Synthetic Golf Facilities • 20 Letters For Success $29.95 • Contract Growers • Contracts & Goals $39.95 • De-Icing & Snow Removal $39.95 Asking $695,000 • Estimating Guide: Please reply to e-mail: Residential & Commercial $34.95 [email protected] • Selling & Referrals $44.95 • Telephone Techniques (Not a Telemarketing Manual) $24.95 FORT MYERS / NAPLES FLORIDA Profits Unlimited Commercial Lawn Service "Your Key to Success" All employees in place Gross sales 300K - Asking $175,000 We will TRAIN YOU to be SUCCESSFUL 800-845-0499 Owner Financing in the Backyard Putting Green Business www.profitsareus.com to qualified buyer with $125K down. Call the Putting Green Pros Contact: RAINER M. DRYGALA Toll Free 877-881-8477 1-800-809-5645 x337 www.theputtinggreencompany.com E-mail: [email protected] Circle 156 on Reader Service Card Business Opportunities (Cont'd) For Sale (Cont'd)

FREE APPRAISAL • No BROKER FEES SELLING YOUR BUSINESS? Professional Business Consultants can obtain offers from Qualified Buyers without disclosing your identity. h Consultant's Fees are paid by the buyer. CALL: 708-744-6715 Fax: 630-910-8100 PLANTING TULIPS? Bl TI Iti S* CONKLIN PRODUCTS OPPORTUNITY! Wholesale Flowerbulbs Use/market, new technology liquid 1 888 847 8637 Back-Yard Putting Greens slow-release fertilizer, micro-nutrients, www.colorblends.com Synthetic putting greens are the fastest growing adjuvants, drift control, seed treatments, etc. BUY DIRECT FROM MANUFACTURER. segment of the $20 Billion a year golf industry FREE Catalog - 800-832-9635 FACTORY LIQUIDATION Reasons to call us: Fax: 320-238-2390 * Huge Profit ( enter Email: [email protected] % OFF •to Installing FREE VIDEO *Cirr> NO Inxentorx SUPER TOUGH * Excellent Add-On Sen ice HEAVY I-BEAM * Residential & Commercial For Sale BUILDINGS * I tili/e Existing Equipment Perfect for use as * Bus Manufacturer Direct a landscaping business location. * Mans Extras • 20 year roof & wall warranty 40 x 65 (3 LEFT) 800-334-9005 • Plenty of room for storage & 40 x 85 (1 LEFT) aWOrk,hOP Some Other 50 X 110 (2 LEFT, www.allDr02reens.c0m Prime Steel Sizes Available 60 x 150 (1 LEFT) 1-800-291-6777 EXT 402 PowerHouse Capital EQUIPMENT LEASE SPECIALISTS Know your 800-476-9673 soil pH in Advantages of Leasing: $ Flexible Terms & Payment seconds! $ 100% Financing TURBO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. $ Potential Tax Benefits 1500 FIRST AV£, BÍAVÍR fALLS, PA 15010 Kelway $ Preserves Credit Line & Capital 1-800-822-3437 www.turboturf.com Programs Available: HB-2 • Big, easy Terms: 12-60 months .PHYSAN 20. to-read dial A Professional Nationwide Coverage • Low cost. > ALGAE AND ODOR CONTROL soil acidity Transaction Size: 5K-250K • Portable Credit Application Only to 50K FOUNTAINS, STATUARY, • Built for long- & moisture BIRDBATHS AND WALKWAYS. lasting use' Purchase Options: $1.00, 10%, FMV Cost effective and biodegradable. tester DEALERS WELCOME Ordering and Dealer information: Maril Products Tells you when to lime. Now. read your soil pH in seconds with KELWAY Fax: 803-548-5363 or 320 West 6" Street, Tustin, CA 92780 HB-2 acidity tester Learn on-the-iob whether to add Email: [email protected] 800-546-7711 xvww.physan.com lime and how much. No batteries No reagents No chemicals Just insert KELWAY soil tester in moist soil Professionally designed for growers. KELWAY tester gives direct acidity and moisture readings LANDSCAPE DESIGN KIT 3 Contact your local distributor or write for FREE OWN AN EXCLUSIVE DEALERSHIP! 48 rubber stamp symbols of trees, informative literature today Established pet containment and shrubs, plants A more 1/8" scale Stamp sizes from 1/4" to 1 3/4" Kel Instruments Co., Inc., Dept. N wireless detection products. $89 • $6 50 s/h VISA, MasterCard, or MO's shipped next day Checks delay P.O. Box 54, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 Call: 800-828-9089 shipment 3 weeks CA add 7.75%Tax Miltronics Mfg., Inc. . AMERICAN STAMP CO IprtSatorttidS?* 12290 M LM2, Wilton, CA 95693 without notice. 916-687-7102^ Toll free (877) 687-7102 SEEDLAND.COM

LAWN & TURFGRASS SEEDS HURRY! 40' X 60' X 12' Grasses for warm, cool 8c transition zones. If your ad isn't Buy Seed Direct - Commercial Sales Online. here, call Leslie Zola $7,870 (888) 820-2080 xvxvw.Seedland.com immediately at 10000 Sizes. Bolt-Together Al Steel Cad Today For A Price Quote And Brochure. 1-800-225-4569, HERITAGE BUILDING SYSTEMS ext. 2670 S ()().(> 4 3 . 5 5 5 5 REPEATING an ad ensures hcritiigchuiltlings. c o ni it will be seen and remembered! CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE

For Sale (Cont'd) Help Wanted turfmaker.com GreenSearch 2001 C&S TURF TRACKER Providing professional executive search, human Zero Turn Ride-on Sprayer/Spreader resource consulting and Web-based job posting Spreads & sprays over 4,000 sq.ft. per minute. services to Green Industry companies and allied Designed for residential and commercial. horticultural trades throughout the United States. 87 hours on unit. www. greensearch. com Price New $13,495 - Selling for $9,950 E-mail: [email protected] Call: 513-697-9090 Toll free: 1.888.375.7787 Local Phone: 770.392.1771 Fax: 770.392.1772 Foreign Labor [email protected] 1117 Pehmeter Center W, Slite 500 E.Atlanta, GA 30338 Specialists (H2B)

MOWER REPLACEMENT PARTS American Civil Constructors is changing LCI has the expertise to create a workforce FREE 200 Page Catalog - Save $$$$ the face of the landscape industry... that will fulfill whatever your labor Mower Blades • Air & Oil Filters ... and we want you to join us! American need is: H2B, H2A, Seasonal, Peakload, Trimmer Line • Belts • Plugs Civil Constructors is looking to fill Permanent, etc. LCI has met the workforce positions nationwide, including: Over 20,000 Blades in Stock needs of many landscaping companies in MOW MORE SUPPLIES Dallas the U.S. with workers from countries 1-800-866-9667 Denver throughout the world. LCI has vast Houston Order FREE Catalog LM02 experience in bringing over workers from Memphis New Orleans many countries as well as Mexico. LCI has Salt Lake City the labor experience you can rely on! San Francisco NEW! Contact LCI for more information: A Mole Trap That REALLY Works! Contact us at 303-795-2582 or Our foundation is creative labor solutions. Four traps for the price of one [email protected]^ An Equ.1 Opportunity Employe ^^^H E-mail: [email protected] Easy to Use • European Style Call 208-777-2654 Allows you to mow hassle-free Visit our Website: www.labord.com "The best mole trap we ever used!" Quantity Discounts Available NEED LEGAL WORKERS? Call: 800-471-4001 The Southwest's largest recruiter and processor of www.nomole.com LEGAL seasonal workforces for the Green Industry THE BRICKMAN GROUP, LTD. through the federally organized H2-B program. Careers in landscape management • No more fear of INS raids and fines available in: INFORM • INTRODUCE • INFLUENCE • INSTRUCT • Genuine social security numbers California - Colorado • We wade through all of the paperwork for you Connecticut - Delaware • Your workers are delivered to your door Florida - Georgia Call: 210-695-1648 or Illinois - Indiana www.head-honchos.com Maryland - Massachusetts DÌ >QINT& Minnesota - Missouri New Jersey - New York Reprints of Landscape Mangement articles, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS North Carolina - Ohio advertisements, news items or special Pennsylvania - South Carolina announcements are available through Advanstar OPPORTUNITY Marketing Services. Customized to meet your TO JOIN ONE OF THE MOST Tennessee - Texas specific needs, reprints are highly effective when DYNAMIC Virginia - Wisconsin you use them to: LANDSCAPE COMPANIES IN THE Fax: 301-987-1565 E-mail: [email protected] • Develop direct-mail campaigns SOUTHWEST www.brickmangroup.com • Provide product/service literature Our exciting and vibrant company is looking for • Create trade show distribution materials an individual to lead our growing maintenance • Present information at conferences & seminars division. We are seeking a motivated individual with strong management and leadership skills. MANAGEMENT Extend your coverage to your website. 5 years experience of high-level management is Chicago & Suburbs, NW Indiana. SE Wisconsin Custom reprint packages required. include an E-Print of the same article Regional, growth-oriented Service Company seeks individuals with strong inteipersonal and customer to post on your website. We offer outstanding compensation and benefits package, relocation allowance, and an excellent service skills. The position requires experience in family/working environment. management of supervisors, field personnel and ARTICLES • NEWS ITEMS • ADVERTISEMENTS If you are interested in a career opportunity office staff. A college degree is preferred. please mail, fax or e-mail resume to: We offer an excellent incentive and benefit package Heads Up Landscape including: Matching 401 (k), health, life, dental, PO Box 10597, Albuquerque, NM 87184 vision, company vehicle and paid vacations. MANAGEMENT E-mail: [email protected] For immediate consideration, fax or email resume, ADVANSTAR MARKETING SERVICES Phone 505-898-5510 • Fax 505-898-2105 salary history and cover letter to: MARCIE NAGY To find out more information about Human Resources 1-800-225-4569 ext 2744 or Heads Up Landscape Email: [email protected] 440-891-2744 please visit our website at Fax: 630-834-9298 Email: [email protected] www.headsuplandscape.com EOE - Drug Free Help Wanted (Cont'd) Ad Index ASIC 59 LMI LANDSCAPES BOZZUTO LANDSCAPING COMPANY 112 Amigos Inc 20 LMI Landscapes is a 15-year-old, commercial- Serving Maryland & Virginia 120 The Andersons 31 only installation and maintenance company based BLC is a stable, profitable, award-winning firm, 122 Ariens 33 in Dallas, with branches in Jacksonville, Austin seeking career-minded individuals. and Denver. We are a quality-oriented firm with Positions Available in: 146 Ariens 50 an emphasis on our core corporate values. Due to 149 Arts Mfg and Supply Corp 77 client demand, we are expanding and require the • Field following positions: • Sales 101 BASF Corp CV2 • Management 123 BASFCorp 35 • DIRECTOR LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: Responsible for all aspects of landscape installation E-mail: [email protected] 116 Bayer Corp 24-25 on commercial projects. Direction of multiple Web Site: www.bozzuto.com 147 Bioplex Organics 76 Phone: 301-497-3900 Landscape Project Managers, training all installation 105 Bobcat Co 5 personnel, interaction with other departments. 130 Daniels Pull Plow 47 Qualifications include extensive industry experience in similar position, ability to direct and train OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 150 Deep Root Partners LP 77 multiple personnel and a "get-it-done" type of LANDSCAPING GROUP 137 Dixie Chopper 61 attitude. Bilingual (Spanish) and industry-related Norristown, PA 136 Exmark Mfg Co 41 degree a plus. We are seeking to fill the following positions: 115 Ferris 23 • DIRECTOR OF IRRIGATION: Responsible for all aspects of irrigation installation TRAINER- Requirements are experience in 127 Foley Enterprises 57 including material purchasing, training, direction maintenance landscaping, a valid drivers license 126 Ford Motor Co 38-39 and accountability of Irrigation Project Managers and must speak English & Spanish fluently. GMC Trucks 14-15 CONSTRUCTION MANAGER- Requirements and site inspections. Requires substantial 119 GMC Trucks 29 experience in similar position and ability to are experience in Commercial & Residential obtain TX Licensed Irrigator status. College degree Landscape construction, strong management 104 Giant Vac 4 and Spanish a plus. and organizational skills. 109 Grasshopper Co 13 • BRANCH GENERAL MANAGER: We offer a full benefits package including 401 (k). 121 Green Industry Yellow Pages . . .32 Responsible for all aspects of running branch Salary commensurate with experience. 129 Husqvarna 43 location including sales, landscape and irrigation Please forward resume to: 142 JRCOInc 75 installation and maintenance departments. Requires Omni Facility Services 107 John Deere Co 9 extensive experience in similar or comparable 400 N. Park Ave., Norristown, PA 19403 position. Industry-related degree a plus. Fax: 610-630-1288 140 John Deere Co 67 • LANDSCAPE PROJECT MANAGER E-mail: [email protected] 138 Kubota Tractor Corp 63 • IRRIGATION PROJECT MANAGER: Omni Landscaping Group 124 Law Office Robert Kershaw 37 Responsible for all coordination, scheduling, is a drug free work environment and EOE 118 Lescolnc 27 training and oversight of installation field personnel. 128 Marcus Drake Consultants 57 Industry experience required. Degree and bilingual 131 Meyer Prods Inc 48 ability a plus. FLORAPERSONNEL, INC. In our second decade • FOREMAN - LANDSCAPE of performing confidential key employee searches 139 NuGro Tech Inc 65 for the landscape/horticulture industry and allied 144 Obsidian Enterprises Inc 76 • FOREMAN - IRRIGATION: trades worldwide. Retained basis only. Candidate Position oversees single site crew and operates all contact welcome, confidential, and always free. 125 Old Castle Precast 37 required equipment. Experience and clean drivers 1740 Lake Markham Road, Sanford, FL 32771. 117 Outdoor Lighting Perspect 26 license or the ability to obtain one required. PHONE 407-320-8177. FAX 407-320-8083. PLC A A 36 Bilingual ability a plus. Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.florapersonnel.com 12/02 111 Polaris Ind Inc 19 For more information and confidential 135 Power Trac 55 consideration, send your resume to: 113 Pro Source One 21 Fax:972-446-0028 REPEATING an ad 132 Pro Tech Welding 49 E-mail: [email protected] increases sales and profits! 148 Protero 77 145 Quality Diamond Tools 76 Software 134 Rain Bird Sales Inc 53 151 SILC 77 152 Shindaiwa Inc 3 r reen The all-in-one 108 Syngenta 12 edition software for 103 Textron Inc CV4 * landscapers 133 Thomas Equip 51 True 32-bit Windows * Design, Unlimited Data Capacity 141 Tif sport (reg)69 • Visual Job Scheduler, Job Costing, Street Mapping 143 Truax Co Inc 75 • Automatic Maintenance Scheduling and Routing 102 Versa Lok CV3 Only $799 complete. • Automatic Invoicing, Phase Billing, Profit Tracking 106 Walker Mfg Co 6 Includes Free Support! • Track Work History, Material, Labor, Productivity 114 Yazoo Kees Mfg 22 • Attach vour own Photos to Customers, Job Sites For a FREE demo, call 24 hours: • Full Accounting G/L, A/R, A/P, Payroll, Checking, 1-800-724-7899 ext.2 Inventory. Or link to QuickBooks Peachtree \ MS Office ' This index is provided as an additional service. or visit us at: • Phnt Proposals, Invoices, Work Orders, Statements, The publisher does not assume any liability for errors www.wintac.net Purchase Orders, Reports, Letters, Labels. Send Email! or omissions. best practices • GUIDELINES TO HELP AN INDUSTRY GROW

Eliminate "lost time/' improve efficiencies

BY BRUCE WILSON time? Have crews re- shared. Also, the em- port to pickup areas ployee will know the n landscape maintenance, and have your crew piece of equipment Sound off the single biggest cost item leader travel to meet and will notice things Bruce Wilson spent 30 Iis labor. Yet we often see them, thereby only going wrong and get years building Environ- companies spending more paying the driver them repaired before mental Care, Inc., into one time trying to save money on travel time. Or use it breaks in the field. of the largest and most Bruce Wilson purchases rather than manag- satellite yards. respected Green Industry companies in the U.S. He ing hours. Load and dispatch and partner Thomas L. Companies that focus on Equipment breakdown Many companies lose countless Oyler of Wilson-Oyler managing labor hours are re- Equipment breakdowns aren't hours getting out of the yard in Group now offer consult- warded with nice profits and inevitable. Some companies' the morning. If security isn't an ing services to landscape usually perform high quality old equipment runs better than issue, leave equipment on your and grounds care work. Yes, efficiency and qual- than their competitor's newer trucks or trailers at night, elimi- providers. (Visit ity go hand in hand. equipment. A good preventive nating the need to reload in the www.wilson-oyler.com maintenance program is almost morning. Also: or contact Wilson at bwil- Travel time always the difference. Most • Prepare route sheets or [email protected].) Manage travel time. Develop a breakdowns don't occur out of work orders the night before. sales plan that focuses on build- the blue. Parts show signs of • Enforce strict tardiness Do you have any time- ing route density. Most busi- wear before breaking down. policies. One worker showing and/or labor-saving ideas nesses grow by word of mouth, Train your crews to be on the up 15 minutes late costs a that you can add to Wil- but referrals tend to spread you lookout for these signs. three-man crew 45 minutes. son's list? Let managing editor Jason Stahl know out over wide geographic areas. Whenever possible, assign • Monitor how long it's tak- at [email protected]. Disciplined selling is the answer. one operator to a piece of ing crews to get out of the If we publish your e-mail If you're spread out, how equipment. That employee will yard. Stay on top of this; it will in a future issue, we'll else can you reduce travel take better care of it than if it's improve your efficiency. mail you a copy of the • Plan to be successful. book, "Spanish Phrases TIME WASTERS' "HALL OF SHAME' Make sure there is a work order outlining exactly what is to be for Landscaping Profes- by Jason Halben PROBLEM CAUSE done, what is needed in materi- sionals/' and Dominic Arbini. For Travel time Poor route density als and equipment and how information about the Equipment breakdown Old or poorly maintained equipment long it should take. Load and dispatch Unorganized and lack of discipline book, call 303/863-1685. Eliminate wasted time and Job overruns Poor planning celebrate your successes.

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT (ISSN 0894-1254) is published monthly by Advanstar Communications. Inc., 131 W Center. 222 Rosewood Dr. Danvers. MA 01923 phone: 978-750-8400 fax 978-750-4470; call for copying beyond First St. Duluth MN 55802-2065 Subscription rates: one year. S46. two years S67 in the United States & that permitted by Sections 107 or 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law. For those not registered with the CCC. send per- Possessions: J76 for one year. $113 for two years in Canada and Mexico: all other countries $148 for one year, mission request in writing to Permissions Dept. Advanstar Communications Inc., 7500 Old Oak Blvd., Cleveland. OH BPA $220 for two years. For airmail delivery, include an additional $70 per order annually Single copies (pre-paid only): 44130 or fax to 440-891-2740. INTERNATIONAL $8 in the United States; $10 in Canada and Mexico; $15 afl other countries. Back issues, if available $16 in the Landscape Management does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements U.S.; $20 in Canada and Mexico; $30all other countries Add $6 per order for shipping and handling Periodicals contained in the publication, and cannot take any responsibility for any losses or other damages incurred by readers postage paid at Duluth. MN 55806 and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Please send in reliance on such content. Landscape Management welcomes unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photographs, illus- address changes to Landscape Management. P.O. Box 6198. Duluth. MN 55806 Canadian G.S.T trations and other materials but cannot be held responsible for their safekeeping or return number: R-124213133 Publications Mail Agreement Number 841919. Printed in the U SA. Advanstar Communications provides certain customer contact data (such as customers' names, addresses, phone Copyright C2002 Advanstar Communications. Inc. All rights reserved No part of this publication numbers and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish to promote relevant products, services and other opportu- ® may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including by nities which may be of interest to you. If you do not want Advanstar Communications to make your contact infor- photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publish- mation available to third parties for marketing purposes, simply call toll-free 888-527-7008 between the hours of er Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, 7.30 am and 5 pm CT and a customer service representative will assist you in removing your name from is granted by Advanstar Communications Inc. for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Advanstar's lists Outside the US. please phone 218-723-9477 First you build the wall. Then the wall builds you.

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