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April 2020

CONTENTS Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

FOCUS: Business Health Start of Season Practical and Efficient Compensation Systems Fresh thinking from an expert

ILCA Spring Events 16 16 Young Professionals Event 20 Mastering Foremanship Class 22 Women’s Networking Group goes to the Orchid Show

The Meadow Makers 24 A synthesis of speakers at iLandscape 2020 Judges’ Award Profile 30 ILT Vignocchi — Winnetka Residence

EN ESPAÑOL

Sistemas de remuneración práctico y eficiente

It’s Not Time Management It’s not time, it’s what you do with it

Committee Chair Profile Turf Committee Chair — Shane Griffith New Members 52 Diseases & Pests 56 Crabgrass and Pink Snow Mold Hidden Landscape Gems Graham Bulb Garden

On the cover... ILT Vignocchi won the covetted Judges’ Award for this Residential Landscape Construction project titled — Winnetka Residence. The Landscape Contractor April 2020

62 3

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS ILCA Calendar From Where I Stand President’s Message New Members Classified Ads Advertisers Index Photo Credits

ILCA Awards Committee Rick Reuland ILT Vignocchi Chicago Botanic Garden

Calendar 4 5 7 58 62 65

JUNE June 25, 2020 ILCA Design Tour

AUGUST

1, 8-9 10-25, 48, 56 30-37 62

August 27, 2020 Turf Education Day

The official publication of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), The Landscape Contractor is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. The Landscape Contractor carries news and features relating to landscape contracting, maintenance, design and allied interests. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication. Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. WWW.ilca.net

SEPTEMBER

Volume 61, Number 4. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

September 10, 2020 Golf Outing

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

OCTOBER

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

ILCA Staff

Magazine Staff

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

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

Education Manager AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@ilca.net

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

Events Manager Terre Houte thoute@ilca.net Office Manager Alycia Nagy anagy@ilca.net

at dotynu rseries.co m to recei ve our

Becke Davis Senior Writer

treethyme@aol.com

dotynurseries.com

Patrice Peltier

Membership & Marketing Manager Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

Feature Writer

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

Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

ILCA

October 20, 2020 The Impact Conference

Meta Levin

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Nina Koziol Feature Writer

n.koziol@att.net Heather Prince

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The Landscape Contractor April 2020

facebook.com/illinoislandscapecontractorsassociation

From Where I Stand — There is a reason

that I add a date to my columns. The idea is that life changes fairly fast and what is put in print 30 days before it is read can be embarrassingly dated by the time it’s read. On March 9, 2020, ILCA staff attempted to get way out in front of COVID-19. We sent emails out to all of our committees telling them we would allow for a GoTo Meeting option if people were anxious or too unwell to meet in person. This was also the week of our Field Staff Skills Training event. This was a two-day event for 175 people. We immediately contacted the venue and took “out of an abundance of caution” steps to minimize any exposure to COVID-19. Wednesday, the event arrived and it was truly the cleanest event we’ve ever held. There were no handshakes allowed. Authorized catering personnel were the only ones who could handle food. Hand sanitizing stations were available at multiple locations. That night the Latino and Technical Skills Committees went out to enjoy drinks and food at a local restaurant. The next morning, state likes Washington and California issued bans on all gatherings over 250 people. We went from feeling proud of ourselves for running a “clean event” to ashamed. The second day was subdued. There were fewer jokes. People took the policies seriously. On Thursday night, the Past Presidents dinner occurred. The guest list dropped as more and more Past Presidents had to deal with pressing business, health, or family issues. The ones who remained felt like we were meeting inside a bunker during war time. We did not know if we were being brave or reckless. The next day, all schools were cancelled across the state of Illinois and a 3-week plan of self-quarantine and social distancing was put in place. Employees were encouraged to work from home, when able. Bars and restaurants were shuttered. This all happened in 6 days. I do not know what Illinois or the world will be like when you read this but I guarantee it will be different. About the only thing we know is that every day will bring new unknowns and new knowns. Normally, I use this column to make sense of the world. To use facts and data and shape a narrative. I am going to refrain from that for the most part. I don’t want to issue any lessons of comfort and support and have those be laughably out of date when you read this. I simply want to explain how the ILCA will be there to assist our members for as long as it is necessary. We issued the following statement to our members on March 16, 2020:

As a business owner: • Encourage any employee who is sick to stay home. This can be a 99-degree temperature or serious coughing and breathing issues. • Take your cues from state, local, and national public health officials. This is not the time to “go with your gut.” • Encourage new ways to meet and greet one another at the shop and in the field. • Discourage physical touching. • Allow employees who can work from home to work from home • Meet with clients remotely, whether online or over the phone • Understand and be flexible with employees who must put their personal or family’s health first • Refrain from making light of the situation. The time for jokes and glibness is over. • Be open, honest, and transparent with any busness challenges. Hiding the truth only exacerbates problems • Lean on history, relationships, and goodwill with your suppliers and clients. Those are always underrated business assets at times like this

Tomorrow will not be like Today

ILCA Members and members of the Illinois landscape industry: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) is adjusting to the COVID-19 virus as with any other organization. We are trying to be as proactive and responsible as we can be. The green industry has always been a business of close contact between team members, clients, and related trades. We used to demonstrate that with hearty handshakes, backslaps, and hugs. The kinship and camaraderie is still there, even if the gestures need to be sidelined for a while. Your businesses are no different. The quicker we navigate these unusual circumstances, the quicker we can return to a familiar normal. Rather than resisting these massive changes to social and business interactions, it is important to embrace them. By doing so, we can acknowledge the uneasy feelings our employees, clients, family, friends and ourselves may be experiencing. Confronting the uncertainty together may bring comfort, unity and strength during this difficult time.

Enduring industries are tested in times like this. Let your company’s values shine through. We will get through this crisis as we have gotten through so many challenges in the past. It is up to us, as landscape professionals, Americans, and human beings to do what is right so that society and our businesses can return to normal.

Closed Facebook Group Please use the following Facebook group [LINK] to discuss challenges or issues you are having in response to COVID-19. Information and truth are power during these situations. It is time to connect even when miles or feet apart. Here we can share questions, articles, and updates with each other.

I need to write another column in 30 days. By the time you are reading this one, I will be banging away at my next one. Time will tell what that column will be about. However, I do know it will be different, we all will be. Please take care of one another. Regards, Scott Grams Executive Director, ILCA March 17, 2020

Please see page 6 for the complete message sent from the ILCA Board of Directors and Staff

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

From Where I Stand — Sent on behalf of the ILCA Board of Directors and staff

A L L TO G E T H E R B E T T E R 6

ILCA is not a public health expert. We are not a governmental agency. We are not equipped to solve greater problems outside of our mission statement. What we can do is try and provide as much industryspecific guidance to our members during this time. If members can share information with each other in a digital format, it can help provide the vital resources and links when we can’t be physically present. ILCA, almost overnight, will need to form a new business model for our members and Illinois landscape businesses. This will need to remain in place until the old business model can return. This new model will be heavy on helping our members with resources to run a landscape businesses during remarkable times. ILCA, learning the lessons of the past, diversified away from having one singular event that drove the lion’s share of revenue. We have dozens of events planned by over 20 committees. We also continue to produce our magazine and provide member benefits. We knew that technology would make in-person events less necessary and have begun to experiment with webinars and digital platforms. We never envisioned an environment where events themselves were prohibited. In light of that, we need to stop thinking about what is best for the ILCA and start thinking about what our members need right now. The one thing I know is that tomorrow will not be like today. Businesses will need to be incredibly flexible during this period. We can’t proceed over the next few months with “business as usual.” The more we try and keep the economic and public health balls in the air, one will inevitably drop. Landscape companies need to determine where they provide value during a public health emergency. Many clients may not see the need for a design-build project with this much uncertainty in the air. Many companies may be prohibited from working or may not have enough work for their employees. During this period, landscape companies need to look at what their assets are and how they may be able to help the greater good. Landscape companies have tools, trucks, tractors, equipment, skilled professionals, and strong backs. They are localized to communities and understand dispatching. There may be a need for landscape companies to adopt a completely different role during these crucial months. Also, it may be necessary to let employees go where the jobs are for the time being with a promise to return. Everyone, from owner down to laborer will have a role to play and that role may be drastically different. Please take care of one another.

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April 2020

President’s Message — “It was the best of times, it was the worst of time, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way — in short, the period was so far like the present period…”

President

Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com

This is how in part, Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities starts. Written in 1859, it is considered the best selling book of all time. This first paragraph in its extremes, postures watchfulness between recoveries in the economy and jobs. We projected a strong year for our industry, now we have a series of challenges provoked by the global decline of oil prices and of course the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a couple weeks since we were able to announce: Spring is here! Ready, get set GO! But wait a minute, not so fast… This is what repeatedly said to us by the news media, because COVID-19 is here and it has put the world on its head. Our region is no exception and it is imperative to update procedures to intelligently handle this virus, maintaining first and foremost, the well being of one’s self, followed by our organizations, and that of our communities at large. Our season has already started; our contractual obligation continues to pressure, and the labor shortages seemingly always affecting us, and now we really feel the scarcity. I am sure that even with the skill and experience we have acquired through the years many things will surprise us. Let’s face this adversity, with the certainty of heading forward. We will prepare ourselves for the worst scenarios with attitude, resolution, and courage. Let’s make the best happen.

Vice-President

Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com

Secretary-Treasurer

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

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

Directors

Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com Jennifer Fick Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply (847) 683-3700 jennf@wilsonnurseries.com

Best Regards, José M. Garcia, President of ILCA

Allan Jeziorski Hartman Landscape (708) 403-8433 allanj@hartmanlandscape.net

“Era el mejor de los tiempos, era el peor de los tiempos, Era la edad de la sabiduría, era la edad de la estupidez, Era la primavera de la esperanza, era el invierno de la desesperación, Teníamos todo frente a nosotros, no teníamos nada por delante, Íbamos directo al cielo, íbamos sin remedio directo a lo opuesto, En breve, era tal cual es nuestro presente.”

Jeff Kramer Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-8160 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

Así comienza en parte la novela de Charles Dickens “Historia de Dos Ciudades” Escrita en 1859, se considera la novela más vendida de todos los tiempos. Ese primer párrafo, tan extremo… recupera vigencia una vez más, entre la recuperación de la economía y de los empleos, ante la perspectiva de un buen año para nuestra industria, tenemos una serie de cambios provocados por la caída mundial de los precios del petróleo y la pandemia del COVID-19. Hace unos semanas podíamos anunciar: ¡La Primavera está aquí! ¡En sus marcas, listos ¡Fuera! Un momento, no tan rápido, éso es lo que nos dicen repetitivamente por todos los medios, porque el COVID-19 llegó para todos y ha puesto al mundo de cabeza. Nuestro entorno no es la excepción y es necesario implementar nuevos planes para encarar inteligentemente este virus, mantener primeramente la salud personal, la de nuestras organizaciones y la de nuestra sociedad en general. Nuestra temporada ya comenzó; las obligaciones contractuales ejercen presión y por otro lado el déficit laboral nos afecta y se siente la escasez. Estoy seguro que — aún con la habilidad y experiencia que hemos adquirido en el transcurrir de los años muchas cosas nos sorprenderán! Encaremos esta adversidad, con la seguridad de salir adelante, preparémonos para el peor escenario y con la actitud, decisión y valentía, busquemos que ocurra el mejor!

José M. Garcia Presidente de ILCA The Landscape Contractor April 2020

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renovation at a private residence in Barrington Hills also required the remodeling of an existing koi pond, water garden and fire pit overlooking Hawley Lake. Though the result is simply beautiful – the undertaking was not. With several cooks in the kitchen working on various aspects of the back-yard renovation, logistical and communications mishaps began almost from the outset, which caused delays and downsized the plan from a grandiose waterfall with stonework to a 16- by 18-foot redo of a badly neglected pond garden. Access throughout the construction site was through a narrow car port between two garages, meaning semis of materials had to be unloaded along State Route 59, a two-lane highway. Competing for space with other contractors doing their work on-site, skid steers laden with materials and boulders maneuvered up a long driveway and across the lawn to where pond renovation would happen in the lower back yard. Drainage became a major issue because the new pond was left unattended for so long, while other construction was being finished, that rains and storms over time had washed mud and sediment into the pond. Before work could be finished, a swale was created around the perimeter

to help prevent additional mud and debris from getting into the new pond. The widened footprint was scoped and marked. The original retaining wall between the pond and fire pit was preserved to provide support for the new feature. The shape was sculpted, and the ground graded three-feet deep in the deepest area, with shelving for stone and plants. The plan also included adding a wider stream than the original feature contained. Pennsylvania field stone and red flint were installed. Wisconsin granite was re-used to provide shape and definition at the bottom of the pond. Water now flows easily from the uppermost part of the water feature. Gravity brings it through a gentle rolling stream, around and over slate rock ledges and then down to the opposite side of the pond where water is fed through mechanical filters. Iris and lilies were transplanted, along with new perennials. Three cascades are focal points. A single pipeline at the base of the water feature runs to the top. Water is injected again at mid-level, making that cascade appear larger. Minimal pond lighting was added. The 3,000-gallon renovated pond is home to seven large koi that swim in its deepest pool. The water feature provides a stunning transition between the beach house and Hawley Lake, which, if looked at from a certain angle, appears to be one body of water.

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 1 R

How to Design Practical and Efficient Compensation Systems P

iLandscape

0 2 Landscape 0 The i llinois + wi2 sconsin C T Show O

by Meta Levin

If you want to design a prat-

cal and efficient compensation system for your business, first ensure that it’s aligned with your business goals, says Steve Cesare, PhD, The Harvest Group’s specialist in human resources and safety. “You want it to reinforce your business goals,” says Cesare, who has more than 25 years of human resources experience and earned a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology. Cesare’s iLandscape presentation, “How to Design Practical and Efficient Compensation Systems,” generated a flurry of questions both during the conference and phone calls afterwards. Attendees wanted practical knowledge about compensation plans, as well as some legal and arcane information. “There were a lot of questions about legal descriptions,” he said. “They were concerned that they had misclassified some exempt and non-exempt employees.” In addition, there was an emphasis on the implications of not knowing the local, state and federal laws regarding employees. “You have to know the laws,” says Cesare. “If you do something wrong, you run the risk of being sued” even if you claim ignorance of the law. And you should have knowledge of best practices in your area. That information is easily available if you attend conferences, join a workshop or call an expert, like Cesare. The breadth and 10

depth of the questions he received following his presentation, lead him to believe that this is of high interest. Cesare listed eight crucial elements of a well-designed compensation system: 1. A clear compensation philosophy, understood by employees 2.

Aligned with the organization’s goals

Well-defined job descriptions

Linked to performance appraisals

In alignment with federal state and local laws

Understanding of and in alignment with a defined 168-hour work week

Legal, fair and simple

Reviewed annually

The work week is defined as 168 hours or 24 hours a day times seven days. It does not matter that an employee doesn’t work all that time, that is the

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

time available in one, full week. An employee schedule fits somewhere into that 168 hours. You might have an employee who works for 40 hours in five days. Those five days can start on any day during the week, Tuesday through Saturday, for example. So, if he or she works on Saturday, that is part of the regular schedule and there is no overtime for the Saturday work. The same goes for an employee who might work Thursday through Monday. The weekend is part of his or her regular work week, so it is not considered overtime. By the way, there are some states that require an employee who works on Sundays to be paid overtime, even if he or she otherwise would not qualify for that pay rate. If, however, the employee works from Monday through Friday, but in a specific week, he must work on Saturday, the extra day is not considered a part of his regular schedule. Legally, you must define the work week; Monday through Friday, Thursday through Monday or whatever block of time you choose. “You must be specific,” says Cesare. “You can get in (legal) trouble if you do not know when the overtime period begins and ends.” Make sure it is clearly written in the company employee handbook. (continued on page 12)

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Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 1 (continued from page 10) There are seven different types of compensation: 1. Straight time hourly rate, which, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, now averages $23.83 (this is an average for all hourly workers, not necessarily those in the landscape industry) 2.

Overtime

Straight salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this averages $917.18 a week

Non-discretionary bonuses

Commissions

Piece Rate

Deferred

Under Illinois law, anyone employed as an executive, in an administrative or professional capacity is exempted from overtime pay requirements as defined by federal law. In Illinois, when employers choose whether to apply state or federal law, they must apply the law that is most beneficial to the employee. Non-exempt employees, on the other hand, are workers who are paid hourly and are entitled to earn the federal minimum wage, as well as qualifying for overtime pay (one and a half times their hourly rate). Understanding terms, such as the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees, can help employers stay on the right side of the law. Another important difference is the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary bonuses. A non-discretionary bonus is given when the recipient achieves an objective. A discretionary one, on the other hand, is not related to any performance on the part of the beneficiary.

Suppose the boss is in a good mood and decides to give everyone a bonus, no strings attached. That, my friends, is a discretionary bonus. If, however, that same employer tells his crews that if they meet a certain goal, each member will get a bonus, that is non-discretionary. Now, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act, non-discretionary bonuses must be calculated into the regular pay, thus affecting overtime. Here’s how it works. Suppose the non-exempt employee makes $10 an hour or $400 a week. His overtime pay rate is $15 an hour. Now, he meets a performance goal and receives an extra $40, boosting his weekly pay to $440 just for that week. He also works a few hours of overtime. His overtime rate now is $16.50 an hour, because the extra $40 means his regular pay for that week only averages out to $11 an hour. Oh, yes, and it is illegal to have a “safety bonus.” “OSHA says that an

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Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 1 employer should not do anything to prevent an employee from reporting an injury,” says Cesare. And, a so-called safety bonus can be construed as just that. This is not true for salaried employees. Typically, there are ranges for salaried and hourly pay. “Most companies do not know how to put together a salary range,” says Cesare. Here is another case where he believes that knowledge of best practices will help. Having a clear understanding of the salary range and, just as important, the requirements for raises, helps with next year’s budgeting process. Do your employees ever work “off the clock?” Believe it or not, if your laborer comes in a few minutes early and picks up tools for that day’s work, that can be construed as working off the clock and he must be paid. The same can be true for answering a text message or email on a day off or outside of normal working hours. “Don’t pretend that your employee is not documenting this,” says Cesare. It’s a good idea to conduct an annual internal audit to ensure that, among other things, you are properly calculating overtime, that there are no pay inequities, that bonuses are properly paid, computed and recorded, that there are clear goals for the bonus programs and that you have adequate Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI). “Every company should have EPLI,” he says. “There is so much to learn on this topic,” says Cesare. “Most people are pragmatic and practical. They don’t want to get sued.”

ILCA Fire Poll Salary Surveys

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

ILCA Spring Events —

Three Years Running — Nothing But Success

by Nina A. Koziol

Young Professionals

“Your attitude determines your refreshing.” ILCA board member Ashley altitude.” That was just one bit of advice from Chris Wilson, territory sales manager for Aquascape when he spoke to a large group of young ILCA members on a snowy day in February. They were attending the Young Professionals third annual Day In/Night Out event at Aqualand, Aquascape’s headquarters in St. Charles. Aqualand opened in 2004 with 256,000 feet of pond displays and offices under a sweeping green roof and a 600,000 gallon pond and impressive waterfall in front of the facility. The group was treated to a tour, an inspirational video by Aquascape’s founder, Greg Wittstock, and Wilson’s motivating presentation. “I just loved it,” said landscape designer Ania Rossi, of Aniascape in Bolingbrook. “There was a very positive atmosphere and energy—it’s nice to find like-minded people who want to see you succeed and want to collaborate. It’s so

Marrin of Bret-Mar Landscape was at Aqualand for the first time. “This is awesome. I loved seeing what they do.” Janet Trujillo joined Perfect Turf in Rolling Meadows six months ago as contractor network director. “We work with a lot of landscape contractors and I wanted to check out the event. It was beautiful—I never thought about all these ponds.” Dan Migacz of A.M. Woodland Landscape Design in Mundelein chairs the Young Professionals committee, which formed about two years ago. “The committee is important because there’s really a generational difference,” Migacz

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

explained. “There’s the technology aspect and a different way that networking and learning is done.”

Career Enhancement

Wilson fielded several questions, including ‘How can I move ahead in my career?’ “Make a difference in your company,” he said. “Don’t be selfish— teamwork is what keeps us successful. You have to build a team around you if you want to succeed. And don’t ghost your company—show up for work.” The event was a learning opportunity for Luis Carpio and Christian Balderas of Russo Power Equipment. The Aquascape presentation shared details about how project expenses are prepared and analyzed so billing is accurate. “The biggest thing a lot of young professionals don’t understand is the amount of money that’s involved and how it’s made,” Balderas said. (continued on page 18)

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(continued from page 16) Kelly Girup, Kelly’s Green Designs, joined ILCA last fall after starting her own business. “My previous employers were all members,” said Girup, who has three young children. “I went to the first young professionals event and joined the committee. I’d worked with Aquascape in the past and thought it would be a great fit for this group.” Many of the attendees were unfamiliar with Aquascape. “For the newer professionals this was great,” she added. “If they’re a designer or installer they can bring their customers there.” Austin Eischeid of Austin Eischeid Garden Design joined ILCA when he moved to Chicago in 2017. This was Eischeid’s second young pros event. “I attended iLandscape for years before I moved here and was always impressed with the whole event and what great speakers there are and the incredible attendance of the diverse landscape industry here,” Eischeid said. “It’s been beneficial for my business— meeting other professionals to collaborate with on projects.” Migacz looks for different opportunities to get young members together. “At this year’s iLandscape several of us met up at a booth and wound our way through the trade show. We had people join up on the way and we ended up at the native garden area with Austin.” “It’s so fun to be around positive, plants people,” Eischeid said. “I think it’s important to attend as many professional events as possible—it only makes you grow in your work. Since I’m newer to the area, it’s great making connections with young industry professionals who can give you some tips from great local nurseries, favorite plants to use in design or the best gardens to visit for inspiration.” Pablo Ramirez, 24, manages inventory for Midwest Groundcovers and he was a first-timer at the event. “It was pretty informative and amazing,” he said. “The ponds and wildlife at Aqualand, The Landscape Contractor April 2020

and how they treat the employees—soccer and sauna facilities—I enjoyed that.”

Getting Involved

One of Migacz’s biggest concerns is not having enough young people joining the green industry. “We had a couple of college students at this event, but I’d like to see more,” he said. A student at the College of DuPage, Elaina Blankenhagen was another first-timer who works at Plandscape in Elburn. “My boss sent me an email about the event, then I got one from ILCA and then one from my school, so I knew I had to come. The tour was really awesome. I’ve toured Aquascape before with school, but it was cool to see the waterfall in winter.” When attendees left Aqualand, they headed to Flagship on the Fox in St. Charles for informal networking and munchies from 4 to 7 p.m. courtesy of Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply, which sponsored the “Night-Out” portion of the event. Dennis Tiliks, the firm’s territory manager, greeted all the attendees, telling the group, “We would love to have you come out and visit our nursery.” “The feedback was great,” says Marissa Stubler, ILCA’s membership and marketing manager. “Everyone was impressed with Aquascape’s building, their company culture and story, and of course everyone enjoyed the complimentary cocktails and appetizers thanks to our sponsor, Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply.” The event is ILCA’s cornerstone for young professionals. “It has grown every year,” Migacz said. “The first year we had 65, last year 80, and this year 100 registered although some didn’t show because of the weather.” Patrick Pearce does inside sales at Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles. “This is my second Young Professionals event. I really enjoyed it last year and I came this time to see new people and reconnect. It’s really cool. There are a lot of people who have been in the industry a long time, but it’s nice to relate with your peers and get new ideas.” Attendees were energized. “I love meeting other young professionals who

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have so much enthusiasm and passion for the industry, and finding out what they are doing in their own business or work,” Eischeid said. “The only way we are going to be successful is working together, supporting each other, and learning from our experiences.”

Join ILCA’s Young Professionals Facebook Group It’s a place for ILCA young pros to ask questions, post articles, schedule meet ups and network. 1. Like the ILCA’s Facebook page. 2. Click on Groups. 3. Select ILCA Young Professionals 4. Click Join and answer the 3 questions.

Visit the Sponsors Aquascape: https://www.aquascapeinc.com Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply: https://www.wilsonnurseries.com The Landscape Contractor April 2020

ILCA Spring Events —

ILCA Hosts Foremanship Seminar — The two-day event

was held February 27 28, 2020. Day 1 is conducted entirely in Spanish. Day 2 is in English. Both classes were held at the Fox Run Golf Links in Elk Grove Village. This year’s edition of the class was greatly enhanced with an hour’s worth of new material presented by long-time ILCA member, Professor Armando A. Actis. Production and maintenance landscape foremen have unique needs as they have to wear two hats: a worker and a leader. Foremen have to walk the fine line in working side by side with the employee and having to direct, motivate and critique at the same time. Managing former peers and friends can be especially difficult, dealing with problems and obstacles can take skills that only can be developed by stepping out of the work environment for a few days, learning best practices, applying it in a learning environment through role play, and then going back and applying it on the job. In this dynamic seminar, participants learned how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins and increase customer satisfaction. Also, participants were energized when they saw the class was prepared and designed specifically to meet their unique needs and not just another cookie cutter seminar.

Key components of the program included— • The central role of the “worker-leader” • How to properly supervise friends, peers, and former equals • How to effectively communicate with your boss and superiors • To generate 100 percent accountability from your team • How to motivate and delegate at the same time • To require accountability for all work (both bad or good) • How to implement and follow daily & weekly work schedules • How your team can produce quality work that stays within the budget and is completed on time • The effectiveness of the work team • How to deal with challenges and personal problems that occur outside the workplace that impact productivity • To manage problem behavior • How to produce client focused work using a moral compass

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Mastering Foremanship

El Professor — Professor Armando A. Actis.

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

ILCA Spring Events —

The Women’s Networking Group Visits The Orchid Show at The Chicago Wednesday, March 4, 2020,

members of the ILCA Women’s Networking Group were treated to an exclusive pre-public tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Show. If you have not had the opportunity to see the Orchid Show, it is a spectacle to behold. The event was hosted by the ILCA Women’s Networking Group (WNG) who worked with the Garden to receive pre-public access to the event. For more information about the Women’s Networking Group, visit ilca.net.

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Sponsored by—

o Botanic Garden

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Sustainable Landscapes —

The Meadow Makers Nina A. Koziol

When my mother first moved from England to Chicago in the late 1950’s, she’d never heard of a prairie. In England, a grassland is called a meadow. But every kid in the neighborhood near Midway Airport called the empty, overgrown lots between stores and alongside the railroad tracks “the prairie” and that’s where we played. The words “meadow” and “prairie” are often used interchangeably. Webster’s Dictionary defines “meadow” as land that is mostly covered with grass, especially a tract of moist low-lying, level grassland. It defines “prairie” as a large area of level or rolling land that usually has deep fertile soil, a cover of tall grasses, and few trees.

When we think of prairies, it’s all about using local native plants, while meadows tend to use native and non-native plants, as seen in Chicago’s Lurie Garden. No matter what you call them, meadows and prairies are in the news. “It’s the future of American gardening,” says John Greenlee of Greenlee and Associates in Brisbane, California. He spoke at the 2020 iLandscape on “The Art and Science of Making Meadows.” “As an industry, we need to make gardening matter,” Greenlee said. “As a landscaping community, we have a duty to make America a gardening nation.” And by that, he means making meadows.

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

For the past 18 months, Greenlee has worked with designers abroad. “The latest rage in Europe is making prairies,” he says. “There’s no real definition of meadow—they tend to be [filled with] cool-season grasses.” It’s no surprise that he is known as “The Grassman” in horticultural circles. He’s an internationally known landscape designer specializing in cultivating grasses and grass-like plants. And, he’s the author of “The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses” (Rodale, 1992) and “The American Meadow Garden” (Timber Press, 2009).

Pollinator Palooza

Meadows serve pollinators, nectarfeeders and a host of birds and other creatures. And, they serve all of us, too. A meadow—no matter what size—is a place for relaxation, play, nature observation, stormwater capture and much more. The site can be a sprawling corporate campus, a public garden, or a small section of a suburban lot. Plantsman Piet Oudolf, known for Chicago’s Lurie Garden, New York City’s High Line and many other public gardens, created a two-acre meadow for the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro, Delaware. “I see what we do

as a learning tool,” Oudolf says. “If people see the beauty in parks that they haven’t seen before, it’s a motivational tool for them to create places in their own gardens.” Under Oudolf’s direction, and with help of plantsman Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, Wisconsin, and 100 volunteers (some from Chicago), 17,000 perennials were planted in 2017. When the meadow was finished last year, it had more than 65,000 herbaceous flowering plants and grasses, 85 percent of them native. The undulating design flows with blocks of color and multi-season interest. “I never get tired of seeing meadows,” Greenlee says. “The High Line is the number one tourist destination in New York. People are now beginning to see and understand meadow gardens.” His meadow designs also grace some rooftop gardens. For most residential projects, he recommends leaving some of the turf grass. “Don’t take it all out—that’s how you get a husband and wife to agree on the design. You can always add more meadow later.”

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Sustainable Landscapes — Know Your Plants

“You have to have a plant community and you’ve got to know your plants or find someone who knows plants,” Greenlee says. It’s also important to recognize weeds and decide how to deal with them. “The most important thing, you’ve got to start with a clean slate. I’m not keen on using chemicals, but you can’t have noxious weeds present when you start planting.” You can avoid making mistakes, Greenlee says, by talking with nursery staff and other plant people. For his meadow installations, he has a landscape contractor dig the holes, drop the plants, and water. “Then I walk through

again and tweak it by moving plants as needed.” He uses plant plugs and plants in pots and then over-seeds the site. “Otherwise, if you only seed, it’s three years before the garden looks good.” A meadow can be mostly grasses or it can be a cottagegarden style, including roses and daisies with grasses and sedges. “When you start adding flowers, it gets complicated,” he says. He will add shrub roses but only if they are fragrant. His goal is to use fewer varieties of plants but in large numbers. “It creates a dazzling effect rather than a dollop of this and a dollop of that.” One design caution, Greenlee says, is

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

an awareness of fire potential. You don’t want beds of dry, crispy grasses next to a building during fall and winter. He, like Diblik, mows the meadow garden and leaves the debris there. When asked about dealing with cities and landscape ordinances, Greenlee joked, “We need a revolution!” His tip—keep a meadow planting low—use shorter grasses, sedges and perennials so it doesn’t overwhelm a small site. Don’t forget to add some flowering bulbs. “For me, the real joy of making meadows is planting bulbs,” Greenlee says. In his California designs, he includes 365 days worth of blooming bulbs. In the Midwest, you can have

spring and summer color with camassia, daffodils and alliums. “My interest in meadows is of a more practical sense,” said Linda Hewitt, a buyer for Mariani Landscaping. Hewitt attended Greenlee’s presentation to learn more about the plants. “He talked about sesleria and we’ve sourced thousands of that plant last year.” Although Hewitt calls them native plantings, rather than meadows, she says, “We have designers doing small sections of these plantings on residential properties.” And, with the popularity of Lurie Garden, there’s every sign that some of your clients are ready and willing to see a meadow in their landscape.

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Sustainable Landscapes —

Roy Diblik’s Sweet 16 Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’ Calamintha nepeta ssp. Nepeta Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Showers’ Carex pensylvanica, Carex bromoides Carex albicans Carex flacca Echinacea pallida Eupatorium dubium ‘Baby Joe’ Gentiana andrewsii Gillenia trifoliata Monarda bradburiana Parthenium integrifoium Salvia ‘Wesuwe’ Schizachyrium scoparium Silphium terebinthinaceum Sporobolus heterolepis Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’

Piet Oudolf’s Great 8 Here are some of the deer-resistant, native plants used in the meadow at Delaware Botanic Gardens.

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’

Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ (an Oudolf introduction)

Gaura lindheimeri Monarda bradburiana Scutellaria incana Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’ Bouteloua curtipendula Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

FIRE LIGHT

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he Landscape Contractor April 2020

ILCA Honors —

A Winnetka Residence

by Heather Prince

When you step into the sweeping back yard

of this lovely Winnetka property, you are transported to a romantic European-inspired retreat. A client since 1976, Harry Vignocchi, landscape architect and founder of ILT Vignocchi, regards this client with great affection. When an unfortunate accident required the wife to have pool therapy, a garden renovation was launched to create beautiful spaces for recovery, but also add multi-functioning entertaining areas. “Originally, his goals were to do a new landscape on an older home in Winnetka. Over the years, that evolved into emphasizing a rose garden and a perennial garden. They bought a home in England and were very much influenced by English garden styles,” recalled Vignocchi. “When we started 40 years ago, the biggest challenge was the yard was dead flat and there was a water problem. In that part of Winnetka, it’s a semi-flood plain. The challenge was trying to get plants to

grow in the soggy conditions. We basically raised the entire backyard. We had to create raised beds to get plants out of the water. The rear of the property takes all of his water and some of the neighbor’s water. The goal was to manage it without filling his basement.” It was an ongoing problem for many years. The pool addition allowed Vignocchi to solve the water issues and refresh the landscape to add several elements the owners deeply enjoy. As you relax on the sunny bluestone patio on the southwest corner, your gaze roams over the four-season gardens that surround a formal panel of lawn bordered by irregular bluestone paths. It’s a private retreat filled with complementary foliage textures and splashes of perennial flowers. The deep green of the lawn panel not only balances the richly layered planting beds and allows the eye to rest, it also acts as a rain garden. “The lawn panel acts similar to a rain garden.

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

It accepts all the water from the yard. There’s about 18 inches of gravel underneath it. It picks up all the runoff and holds it until the water recharges back into the water table,” reported Vignocchi. The lawn also becomes a flexible entertaining space and an excellent site for tents for large parties. Stroll along the path around the mature clipped European hornbeams that frame the sunroom, and discover the luxurious pool tucked along the edge of the property. Meticulous care was taken to seamlessly blend the pool and new addition into the house and landscape. “My mantra has been to try to create change without noticing it, so it looks like nothing ever happened,” observed Vignocchi. The old arched windows of the home were altered to become square doors for easy access. Square brick pillars now support a pergola that offers a smooth transition from house to pool area. The patio stone was reused and artfully crafted to mesh together with the pool coping. A six-foot privacy wall was added along the property line, matching the house brick as closely as possible. One of the unique features of the home is the weeping mortar joints of the brick, which give it a European flair. Vignocchi mimicked this mortar detail on the privacy wall. Combined with Bradford pear allee, “Privacy walls gave the same effect instead of shrubs to save us some space in a tight location,” commented Vignocchi.

The irregular bluestone walkway continues as it frames the lawn panel and leads you to explore the extensive plantings on the back of the property. A plant-rich palette was key. “When the people you work for are kind and considerate and show an interest in the landscape, you get something extremely beautiful. These are wonderful people. They are very knowledgeable about plants. They speak botanical and have a keen interest,” observed Vignocchi. “When there’s a genuine excitement on the part of the customer, it makes solutions simpler.” As amateur horticulturists, a detailed planting plan was required and each plant and its location was discussed with the clients. Their passion for plants meant the client was very involved in plant choices and was instrumental in placing material for maximum lushness and four-season interest. A tapestry of perennials greets you as the path directs you toward a secret woodland walk that serpentines its way through the rear portion of the property. A mix of hardwoods and evergreens shelters you as you explore peekaboo views through groupings of a mix of viburnum species that offer spring fragrance and flaming autumn colors. You arrive at the koi pond that burbles with a recirculating waterfall and meandering brook. A Japanese maple artfully frames the bluestone slab bridge that brings you to an intimate patio beloved

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

A Winnetka Residence —

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

A Winnetka Residence — by the husband to connect with nature over a morning coffee. The statuary was carefully chosen by the homeowner and the crew carefully sited them to create an effortless effect. Tumbled boulder edges create a naturalistic feel while frogs hide beneath lily pads and among the purple Siberian iris. The homeowner’s fish add a splash of color and amusement. “He loves fish, so we made sure the water feature welcomed goldfish and attracted birds,” recalled Vignocchi. The wooded backdrop wraps around some existing trees such as shagbark hickory, maple, and elm, but many more were added as well as a host of evergreens for screening. You may either take a couple of steps down to the lawn or continue your path towards a specimen katsura. The woodland path picks up again and allows you to explore more secret nooks with strategic benches for

taking a break in the shade in the heat of summer. Swathes of astilbe sparkle when in bloom and ferns cool down the palette. “We’ve experimented with all sorts of things and pushed the zones when we can. It’s difficult, but fun and they have fun,” chuckled Vignocchi. A succession of spring blooming ornamental trees keeps the blossoms coming well into June. Cornelian cherries proclaim the return of spring with their early yellow flowers. Eastern redbud is dotted through the large plantings as a beautiful spring spray of pink flowers. Serviceberry continues the show with starry white flowers in May and pumpkin-orange fall color. A pair of Tina crabapples provide dazzling white flowers in May and bright red berries for winter interest. In June, hawthorns are buzzing with bees. The trees are underplanted in an array of hydrangea, weigela, rhododendron, evergreens and

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

the occasional specimen Japanese maple. Woven throughout are sweeps of perennials. “We’ve used a lot of native plant material to promote butterflies and bees,” mentioned Vignocchi. The intensive layering fulfills the homeowners’ desire to have endless surprises around every corner and multiple effects at each stopping point. We return to the terrace, but not before stopping at the superb rose garden. “His rose garden is magnificent. It’s a fabulous place. They like to sit out in the mornings and enjoy all the plants. They are wonderful people and it’s such a pleasure to work with them,” observed Vignocchi. The hybrid tea roses are deeply cherished by the client and during construction of the lawn, immense care was taken to move, store, and replant the collection. A new wood gate and artful lattice fence now welcome guests to

explore the fragrant flowers as an ornamental bird bath anchors the center. For the entire team at ILT Vignocchi, this client is very special. Vignocchi reports, “We have a project at this site every year.” Some years it’s a small edit, and then with this case, it was a major renovation. “The workmen love to go there because they are treated well and their knowledge is respected and welcomed.” As Harry Vignocchi reflects on his 51st year in business, two things stand out as key to the company’s success. “I’ve been doing this since I was 15. I started out as a stonemason and brick layer with my dad,” he recalled. “One thing I think we do best is use traditional materials in a modern or contemporary sense. I also make sure it looks like it’s always been there.” What started as a necessary addition to aide recovery, now has become a true garden paradise.

The Landscape Contractor 35 April 2020

A Winnetka Residence —

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

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Sistemas de remuneración prácticos y eficientes by Meta Levin

Si desea diseñar un sistemas de remuneración

práctico y eficiente para su negocio, primero asegúrese de que esté alineado con sus objetivos comerciales, afirma Steve Cesare, PhD, especialista en recursos humanos y seguridad de The Harvest Group. “Usted desea que refuerce sus objetivos comerciales”, afirma Cesare, quien cuenta con más de 25 años de experiencia en recursos humanos y obtuvo un doctorado (PhD) en psicología industrial y organizacional. La presentación de Cesare en iLandscape, “Cómo diseñar sistemas de remuneración prácticos y eficientes,” generó una avalancha de preguntas tanto durante la conferencia como después a través de llamadas telefónicas. Los asistentes tenían interés en adquirir conocimientos prácticos sobre planes de remuneración, así como alguna información jurídica y especializada. “Hubo muchas preguntas sobre descripciones legales”, dijo. “Les preocupaba haber clasificado incorrectamente a algunos empleados exentos y no exentos”. Además, hubo énfasis en las implicaciones de no conocer las leyes locales, estatales y federales en materia laboral. “Hay que conocer las leyes”, afirma Cesare. “Si hace algo indebido, corre el riesgo de ser demandado” aunque alegue ignorancia de la ley. Y hay que estar al tanto de las mejores prácticas en su área. Esa información está fácilmente disponible si asiste a conferencias, participa en talleres o llama a un experto, como Cesare. La amplitud y la profundidad de las preguntas que recibió después de su presentación, lo convencieron del gran interés que existe sobre este tema. Cesare listó ocho elementos cruciales para un sistema de remuneración bien diseñado: 38

Una filosofía de remuneraciones clara, comprensible

En línea con los objetivos de la organización

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

para los empleados

Descripciones de puestos de trabajo bien definidas Ligado a evaluaciones del desempeño

En línea con leyes federales, estatales y locales

Comprensión de, y en línea con, una semana laboral de 168 horas

Legal, justo y sencillo Revisado anualmente

Se define la semana laboral como 168 horas o 24 horas de trabajo al día por siete días. No importa si un empleado no trabaja todo ese tiempo, ese es el tiempo disponible en una semana completa. El horario regular de un empleado corresponde a una parte de esas 168 horas. Usted podrá tener un empleado que trabaja 40 horas en cinco días. Esos cinco días pueden comenzar cualquier día de la semana, de martes a sábado, por ejemplo. Por consiguiente, si trabaja el sábado, eso es parte de su horario regular y no hay paga por horas extras por el trabajo realizado el sábado. Lo mismo es aplicable a un empleado que trabaje de jueves a lunes. El fin de semana es parte de su semana laboral regular, por lo que no se considera horas extras. No obstante, hay algunos estados que exigen el pago de horas extras a los empleados que trabajen los domingos, aunque por otras circunstancias no calificaran para esa paga. Por otra parte, si un empleado trabaja de lunes a viernes pero

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en una semana específica debe trabajar un sábado, el día extra no se considera parte de su horario de trabajo regular. Legalmente, usted debe definir la semana laboral; de lunes a viernes, de jueves a lunes o cualquier bloque de tiempo que seleccione. “Tiene que ser específico”, asegura Cesare. “Usted puede meterse en problemas (legales) si no sabe cuándo comienza o termina el período de horas extras”. Asegúrese de que todo esté claramente especificado en el manual del empleado de la compañía. Hay siete diferentes tipos de remuneración: 1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

extras, según los define la ley federal. En Illinois, cuando los empleadores deciden aplicar leyes estatales o federales, deben aplicar la ley que beneficie más al empleado. Por otra parte, los empleados no exentos son trabajadores que reciben paga por hora y tienen derecho a ganar el salario mínimo federal, además de calificar para el pago de horas extras (una vez y media la tarifa de su horario regular). Comprender términos, como la dife-

rencia entre empleados exentos y no exentos, puede ayudar a los empleadores a permanecer al lado de la ley. Otra diferencia importante es la distinción entre bonificaciones discrecionales y no discrecionales. Una bonificación no discrecional se otorga cuando el receptor logra un objetivo. Por otra parte, una bonificación discrecional no se relaciona con ningún comportamiento laboral por parte del beneficiado. Supongamos que el jefe se encuentra de buen humor y decide dar a todos sus

Salario regular por hora, el cual, según la Oficina Federal de Estadísticas Laborales, actualmente es de un promedio de $23.83 (este es un promedio para todos los empleados que trabajan por hora, no necesariamente para los que trabajan en la industria del paisaje) Horas extras

Salario fijo, cuyo promedio, según la Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales, es de $917.18 semanales Bonificaciones no discrecionales Comisiones

Paga a destajo (por unidad de obra realizada) Diferido

Según la ley de Illinois, cualquier persona empleada como ejecutiva, que trabaje en funciones administrativas o de carácter profesional, está excluida de los requisitos del pago de horas

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

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The Landscape Contractor April 2020

ILCA Fire Poll

empleados una bonificación, sin ningún motivo específico. Eso es una bonificación discrecional. Si, por ejemplo, ese mismo empleador dice a sus empleados que si logran una meta específica, cada miembro recibirá una bonificación, esa es una bonificación no discrecional. Según la Ley de Normas Laborales Justas, las bonificaciones no discrecionales se deben calcular dentro de la paga regular, por lo que afectan las horas extras. Funciona de esta manera. Supongamos que un empleado no exento gana $10 la hora o $400 semanales. Su tasa de pago de horas extras es de $15 por hora. Ahora, ese mismo empleado logra una meta de desempeño y recibe $40 adicionales, aumentando su paga semanal a $440 solo por esa semana. También trabaja algunas horas extras. La tasa de pago de horas extras de ese empleado es ahora $16.50 por hora, debido a que los $40 adicionales significan que su paga regular por esa semana alcanzó un promedio de $11 por hora. Oh sí, y es ilegal ofrecer “bonificaciones de seguridad”. “OSHA dice que un empleador no debe hacer nada por evitar que un empleado reporte una lesión”, asegura Cesare Y las llamadas bonificaciones de seguridad se pueden interpretan como si tuvieran esa finalidad. Esto no es aplicable a los empleados asalariados. Usualmente, hay rangos para empleados que reciben salario y paga por hora. “La mayoría de las compañías no saben cómo elaborar un rango salarial”, asegura Cesare. Este es otro asunto en el cual él considera que conocer las mejores prácticas será de gran ayuda. Comprender con claridad los rangos salariales y los requisitos para aumentos de sueldo, ayuda en el proceso presupuestario del siguiente año. ¿Trabajan sus empleados fuera del horario regular?” Créalo o no, si su empleado se presenta al trabajo un poco antes del inicio del horario laboral y recoge las herramientas para el trabajo del día, eso se puede interpretar como trabajar fuera del horario regular y ese empleado debe recibir paga. Lo mismo es aplicable a contestar mensajes de texto o correos electrónicos un día libre o fuera del horario de trabajo normal. “No piense que su empleado no está documentando esto”, asegura Cesare. Es buena idea realizar un auditoria interna anual para asegurar que, entre otras cosas, usted esté calculando debidamente las horas extras, que no haya inequidades en la paga, que las bonificaciones se paguen, calculen y registren debidamente, que haya metas claras fijadas para los programas de bonificación y que usted tenga Seguro de Responsabilidad por Prácticas de Empleo (EPLI, por sus siglas en inglés). “Toda compañía debe tener un EPLI”, dice. 40

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Survey Results

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The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 2

by Meta Levin

It’s not so much time man-

agement, as priority management, Parke Kallenberg, a partner in and founder of Advance Consulting Group, told a roomful of attendees at iLandscape 2020. No matter how well we plan, life intervenes, or, as Robert Burns put it, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men/ Gang aft a-gley.” (the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry). A truck breaks down, a client calls, a storm roars in, and all our plans go out the window. “In our industry, we all have a ‘hero complex,’” says Kallenberg, who is a 30 year veteran of the landscape industry. “We like to solve problems. People tend to jump into the truck and go do something.” Often those who have built a company from the ground up, have trouble delegating. “If you want to have great control of your time, you must have an awareness of your resources,” says Kallenberg. Your employees are some of your most important resources. Who can you depend on to do what? If you’ve played on a sports team, 42

2. Tell your client, “Stuff happens.”

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you understand that its success is dependent on team playing. Professional ice hockey player, “Wayne Gretzky had more assists than goals,” says Kallenberg. And yet, Gretzky was nicknamed “The Great One” and many sportswriters and players think that he is the greatest hockey player ever. With the advent of cell phones, there is an expectation that we can and will react immediately to every phone call or text message. So, asks Kallenberg, “Are you letting your cell phone manage your direction and priorities?” He cites an example. You are doing the payroll, which must be finished by tomorrow. A client calls complaining of a dead spot on his lawn. Do you: 1. Quick, drop everything and go over there The Landscape Contractor April 2020

3. Tell your client that you will be on the property tomorrow, look at it and give him/her an action plan 4. Call your crew who is in the area, ask them to look at it and report back The answer, says Kallenberg, is a combination of three and four. Your customers really value a landscape contractor who is predictable, consistent and meets or exceeds expectations, not necessarily one who jumps in the truck as soon as they call. There are other interruptions that, although not a text message or phone call, can seem like they expect an immediate response. What happens if your boss asks for a report he needs for an upcoming meeting? Once again, you are in the middle of several projects. Do you: (continued on page 44)

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Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 2 (continued from page 42) 1.

Ask the owner, “What’s in it for me?”

Ask the owner, “When do you need it?”

Tell the owner, “I can have it to you by 2 pm on Thursday.”

Describe your current project load and ask him about prioritizing the report with the rest of your projects.

Kallenberg recommends an honest conversation with your boss. When does he need this report? Where does it fit in the other priorities you have? “Have an honest conversation about your capacity, instead of just saying yes,” he says. “It boils down to trust and the ability to communicate.”

Sometimes no or later is the right answer. “Our clients would appreciate our honesty,” he says. Remember, however, they also appreciate consistency, which will build trust. “Trust empowers us to make great decisions when it comes to priorities.” Priority or time management also

means, setting times to do specific tasks, for instance the payroll, which is a job on which others depend that you do on time. So, for instance, during a specific time on a certain day, everyone knows that you know that you will be working on the payroll. No matter how busy you are, it’s important to put what Kallenberg calls an “expansion joint” into your schedule. These are small breaks during which nothing is planned. Then, if that client calls, that truck breaks down or some other emergency happens, you have the time to handle it without blowing your entire day. When laying out your week, it’s important to prioritize your tasks. If, says Kallenberg, “you have more than two or three priorities, you have none at all.” So, Kallenberg recommends grouping your schedule by tasks, geography and opportunities. (continued on page 46)

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Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 2 (continued from page 44) “Do you find yourself starting and stopping tasks?” he says. As you schedule your week, think about those that happen consistently, such as your staff meeting or the necessity to handle expense reports, then, when you already are in the office, get it all done. “Schedule when it best fits your priorities.” Look at your calendar and define what Kallenberg refers to as your “anchors,” the big things that are the highest priority and are the absolutes. Put those on your calendar first. Then add other key events or tasks that are the next level of priorities for you. You might want to color code them. Fill in the rest, ensuring that those things that are near each other geograph-

Group those tasks that you do in the office on one day or one morning. Then, each afternoon, identify two absolute priorities for the following day. At the end of the week, pinpoint two or three important priorities for the next week. Put those on your calendar. Your next challenge is to make this a part of your company culture. Get your team involved. Anytime you dictate a process such as this, it is doomed to failure, he says. One way to do this is to set up a company calendar or whiteboard with everyone’s schedule on it. You might want to color code this by person, priority or function. “It’s like a huddle in football,” (continued on page 48)

ically are, as much as possible, grouped together on your calendar, so that you don’t find yourself driving from north to south to east to west on one day, making your path look like a child’s scribble.

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Focus — Business Health Start of Season — Part 2 (continued from page 46) says Kallenberg. “Does everybody know what others in the company are doing?” Your team needs to agree on the color coding. It makes the calendar easier to read, he says. Kallenberg suggests ways to make it work: • Empower the team to challenge priorities on the company wide calendar •

Ensure that everyone knows your company’s core values

•

Let them help balance the schedule. If one person seems to have too much to do, empower each to ask for help balancing his or her schedule.

•

Make sure each person knows the difference between urgent and important

•

Ensure that your team communicates with you and with each other

Do what works for you.

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Committee Chair Profile

Turf Committee Chair — Shane Griffith by Meta Levin

Not long ago,

Shane Griffith’s mother found a picture he drew in the first grade, depicting him riding a lawn mower. Under it was a note that he wanted to mow lawns when he grew up. It was prescient. That little boy now chairs the ILCA Turf committee and co-owns Weed Man franchises in Elgin and Plainfield, IL. Griffith’s path to his present job was straightforward. He grew up playing golf with his grandfather, father and brother and Shane Griffith learned to enjoy the game. When the time came to choose a career, he decided to combine the game he loved with working outdoors. He ended up earning a bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management and a Master of Science in Soil Sciences from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Along the way, he interned at Whistling Straits Golf Course and Black Hawk Country Club, both in his native Wisconsin. In the end, he decided he wanted to go into business, instead of working for a golf course. It was a good choice for him. Because Griffith wanted to give back to the industry that had been good to him, he became involved and held leadership positions in the Illinois Professional Lawn Care Association (IPLCA) until its merger with ILCA, when he continued his leadership on what became the Turf Committee, co-chairing it with Scott Roberts, regional technical manager for TruGreen. Griffith took over the committee chairmanship last year. “This industry gave me a great career,” he says. “I wanted to make sure that others had similar opportunities.”

The committee has been working on three major goals: education, regulatory partnerships and networking. “Education is the big one,” he says. TED (Turf Education Day) celebrated its 11th anniversary in 2019, starting during the IPLCA years and continuing and expanding since becoming a part of ILCA. “Our speaker quality is higher and the impact is bigger.” The committee has facilitated a line of communication with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, part of an effort to uphold the integrity of the laws governing licensing and certification. It’s part of an ongoing endeavor to enhance industry growth. It all will be done while enabling camaraderie among the industry professionals, “sharing successes and, most important, continuing growth,” says Griffith. “ILCA has been a huge part of that.” A self-described science nerd, Griffith also “lives for a game of golf,” admitting that he still appreciates the sport that lead him to his career. Married to Nichelle, a school counselor, Griffith enjoys camping, running, golfing and spending outdoors with his wife and family. In fact, he and Nichelle like to drive out to national parks where they camp and hike. He also has run a few half marathons. Now, however, he and his wife have a six-month-old baby girl, who they are introducing to the outdoors. “I’m excited about having her out and teaching her to putt,” he says.

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The Landscape Contractor April 2020

New Members — CONTRACTORS Bustos Landscape Inc. 2309 Wesley Berwyn, IL 60402 Email: francisco@bustoslandscape.com Phone: 773-814-0567 bustoslandscape.com Chris Hooks Landscaping Chris 19328 116th Ave Mokena, IL 60448 Email: chris.hook@live.com Phone: 708-203-6746 Hookslandscaping.com Landscaping, pavers, lighting, irrigation contractor Cox Landscaping LLC Mark 9000 state rt34 Yorkville, IL 60560 Email: cox204@yahoo.com Phone: 630-675-8664

52 The Landscape Contractor

April 2020

Evergeen Landscapes LLC Dave Romanoff 2947 W Pratt Blvd Chicago, IL 60645 Email: davidromanoff613@gmail.com Phone: 312-610-9790 evergreenlandscapesco.com Garrett Design Renee Garrett 320 N. Elmwood Oak Park, IL 60302 Email: renee@garrettdesigninc.com Phone: 847-899-7421 www.garrettdesigninc.com Residential Landscapes, Landscape Design & Installation, Hardscape Design & Construction, Seasonal Rotations for Home & Business Koreman Landscape Company Paul Koreman 21032 S 80TH AVE Frankfort, IL 60423 Email: paul@koremanlandscape.net Phone: 815-464-5643 koremanlandscape.net

London Stoneworks LLC Roger Essex 4022 N. Kostner Ave. Chicago, IL 60641 Email: londonstoneworksllc@gmail.com Phone: 773-283-8987 www.londonstoneworks.com London Stoneworks, LLC is a Chicago based design and build company established in 2002. We specialize in high quality custom residential work, with an emphasis on hardscaping and construction. Patriot Landscape Group Fred Tuch P.O. Box 5095 Woodridge, IL 60517 Email: ftuch@patriotlandscapegroup.com Phone: 630-347-2944 www.patriotlandscapegroup.com Ponds Inc. of Illinois Jason Lenox 39W395 Freeman Road Gilberts, IL 60136 Email: jason@ponds-inc.com Phone: 847-695-3111 www.Ponds-Inc.com Ponds Inc. of Illinois has been serving the landscape industry since 1993 and is the reigning 2018 Water Artisans of the Year Award by Pond Trade Magazine. Projects range from large commercial installations and repairs to small decorative installations and repairs.

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GOVERNMENT/NON-PROFIT Triton College Christopher Clem 2000 5th Ave River Grove, IL 60171 Email: christopherclem@triton.edu Phone: 705-456-0300 www.triton.edu Community College Village of Westmont Rose Gross 31 W. Quincy St. Westmont, IL 60559 Email: rgross@westmont.il.gov Phone: 630-981-6270 The Landscape Contractor April 2020

New Members —

7463 West Ridge Road P.O. Box 189 Fairview PA 16415 800.458.2234 Fax 800.343.6819 e-mail: info@FairviewEvergreen.com FairviewEvergreen.com

Westmont Park District John P. Chorney 200 E. Quincy St. Westmont, IL 60559 Email: jchorney@westmontparks.org Phone: 630-442-5218 www.westmontparks.org

established in 2012 specializing in creating intimate spaces for live, work, play. Projects can range from small spaces, such as parkways, dog runs and residential gardens, to larger sites such as courtyards, plazas, multi-family housing, parks and playgrounds.

INDIVIDUALS

SUPPLIERS

Turning Leaf Landscapes Carolyn Gange 842 N Bennett Street Geneva, IL 60134 Email: carolyn@turningleaflandscapes. com Phone: 630-998-3112 www.turningleaflandscapes.com Turning Leaf Landscapes provides elegant and practical solutions for outdoor residential spaces. As an independent landscape designer, Carolyn focuses on providing unique and beautiful designs that meet the budget and maintenance requirements of each individual homeowner.

Husqvarna Group Brian Spencer 9335 Harris Corners Parkway #500 Charlotte, NC 28269 Email: brian.spencer@husqvarnagroup. com Phone: 704-517-0295 husqvarna.com

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE/ DESIGN FIRM Jayson DeGeeter, LLC Jayson DeGeeter 707 West Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60614 Email: jayson@jaysondegeeter.com Phone: 312-608-3657 www.jaysondegeeter.com A botanically focused design studio specializing in residential landscapes, seasonal plant compositions, and bespoke floral displays. Juli Ordower Landscape Architecture LLC Juli Ordower 2343 N. Janssen Ave, #3 Chicago, IL 60614 Email: juli@juliordower.com Phone: 312-399-2355 www.juliordower.com Juli Ordower Landscape Architecture LLC is a full-service design firm

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

InOut Labs Tim Thoelecke 6449 Dempster St Morton Grove, IL 60053 Email: tim@inoutlabs.com Phone: 847-657-7900 www.inoutlabs.com InOut Labs is a national provider of employee drug testing services, including DOT compliance.

New Member Profile Snapshot

Leaves Inspired Tree Nursery W3848 Quinney Road Chilton, WI 53014 (920) 522-2765 www.leavesinspired.com

by Meta Levin

Growing up in Chilton, WI, Jared and Bill

operation, using it for everything from tracking inventory, accounting practices and confirming in real time the number Stroobants were heavily influenced by their parents, Keith and of trees they have and are selling. Marlys, who considered themselves stewards of the land. The Initially, they focused on selling to municipalities, who family would acquire land, plant seedlings, hardwood seeds usually want smaller, 1 ½ inch trees. Still, it was a couple of and grassland, then care for it. Both loved the outdoors, says years before the Stroobants had saleable trees. Jared Stroobants. Their first customers came through cold calls. Initially, Yet, in college, Jared Stroobants admits he never thought they traveled what Stroobants calls, “the milk route,” priabout going into the green industry. “I didn’t know what I marily throughout Wisconsin. A wholesale nursery, they wanted to do.” Both brothers matriculated at the University now have branched out into selling to landscape contractors. of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, Bill majoring in forestry and Many of them were hesitant at first to take a chance on a Jared in wildlife ecology. new, young nursery, says Stroobants. Bill, the elder, finished school two years before his Gradually, the family has built up a clientele. Along the younger brother, and put his forestry degree to work at a logway they have learned much and continue to listen to their ging company. By the time Jared graduated, he had a proposal customers’ wants and needs. For instance, they realized that ready. “He decided that he liked to grow plants more than killbare root is becoming more popular, because of the cost and ing trees,” says Jared Stroobants. In other words, he wanted to ease of handling, so they jumped into it, offering 1.25 inch to establish a tree nursery. “It was a wild idea.” 2-inch trees during spring and fall harvest. Together with their father, the two young men founded They also offer 1.5 inch to 3.5-inch ball and burlap spring Leaves Inspired Tree Nursery in 2012, buying land from the and fall harvest trees, as well as multi-stem and clump form family acreage, then acquiring more last year, for a total of in 6 foot to 14 foot. 47 acres. The time between when they made their decision Seeking opportunities to do more networking in the and began planting, was spent on education. “We did our industry and at the recommendation of one of their vendors, research,” he says. “What was needed? What was in excess?” the Leaves Inspired Tree Nursery owners joined ILCA in Eventually, they decided to specialize in deciduous trees. 2018. They already were familiar faces from exhibiting at They brought in some professional consultants, who iLandscape and taking advantage of educational opportunities. showed them the ropes. They also listened to what their Bill Stroobants has been married to Nicole, who manages a vendors told them. People were generous with their time garden center in nearby Appleton, WI, for nearly seven years, and information. Although the representative who sold them and has four children. Jared Stroobants is married to Noelle, fiberglass stakes for the saplings was based in Kentucky, he a physical therapist. Both wives join their mother-in-law in offered to come up to Wisconsin and help them. working in the business when they are needed. “They are not Together with their mother and wives, the three have done afraid to get their hands dirty and help,” says Stroobants. all the work themselves. During planting season, they are The Stroobants brothers have two sisters who live in joined by their extended family and friends, who all pitch in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. One is a dietician and the other to help. “We made a conscious decision to not rely on outside is a psychologist. labor,” says Stroobants. “We wanted to be self-sufficient.” From the beginning, they incorporated technology into the The Landscape Contractor 55 April 2020

Diseases & Pests —

Weed of the Month: Crabgrass Disease of the Month: Pink Snow Mold

by Heather Prince

Spring’s warm temperatures remind us it’s time to start attacking that common turf weed – crabgrass. Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that germinates from seed when soil temperatures are greater than 55 to 60 F° for 7 to 10 consecutive days and continues until soils reach 95F°. Crabgrass has large flat blades that are very branched and spreading, with roots often developing at the nodes. Leaves Crabgrass are usually fuzzy, and the leaf sheaths of large crabgrass seedlings are tinged purple and are covered with long stiff hairs.

46 F° with a maximum of about 55 F°. The disease first appears as round, water-soaked one to three inch diameter spots, that soon turn into yellow, orange-brown, or reddishbrown circular patches. Patches may enlarge and become light gray or light tan rings up to about one to two feet across with orangebrown or reddish-brown borders. Under snow cover or with very wet conditions, varying amounts of white fungal growth may be seen on matted leaves. Where there is snow cover, the disease may blight large areas. As the snow melts, the white fungal growth at the perimeter of the patch turns pink.

Treatment:

Weed of the Month: Crabgrass

Maintaining a dense and healthy turf is the best way to control crabgrass and other annual weeds as turf grasses out-compete the weeds. However, you may also use pre-emergent herbicides to con- Pink Snow Mold trol seed germination. You may find pre-emergent herbicides combined with a fertilizer. This is not recommended as you do not want to over-fertilize turf. Look for the active ingredients dithiopyr, pendimethalin, prodiamine, or benefin and apply just before seed germination. You can use the growing degree days provided by local extension office and The Morton Arboretum, or redbuds in bloom are a good indicator plant. Forsythia blooms whenever it feels like it, but redbuds are temperature sensitive.

Disease of the Month: Pink Snow Mold Pink snow mold is a fungal disease that may affect all coolseason turfgrasses, but appears most commonly on annual bluegrass, bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrasses. Caused by the fungus, Microdochium nivale, it appears during prolonged periods of wet, cool weather from autumn to spring, regardless of snow cover. Disease development occurs rapidly when humidity is high and temperatures are 32° to

University of Illinois Extension Service https://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/ horticulture/index.php 217-333-0519

To prevent pink snow mold, turf should not go into winter dormancy green and lush. Avoid fertilizing with nitrogen within about 6 weeks of a killing frost or when the first snow is expected. Keep the turf mowed in the autumn until growth stops. Remove mulches of fallen leaves and thatch accumulation to promote air circulation. You may also apply fungicides preventively to areas which have a history of pink snow mold. One to three fungicide applications during cold, wet weather from mid- to late autumn through early spring is often effective, although more frequent applications may be necessary to protect newly established bentgrass, particularly during an unusually warm and wet winter season. Fungicides containing the active ingredients azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, fenarimol, fludioxonil, iprodione, mancozeb, myclobutanil, PCNB, polyoxin D, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, triadimefon, trifloxystrobin, and vinclozolin are all labeled for pink snow mold control. To repair small areas of damage, rake matted grass, fertilize, and re-seed or re-sod as needed. Somewhat resistant varieties of bentgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrasses are available, so make sure to check when restoring an area.

Additional resources:

The Morton Arboretum http://www.mortonarb.org/Plant Clinic: http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/ tree-and-plant-advice/ 630-719-2424

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information Service: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/ plantinfoservice 847-835-0972

Classified Ads HELP WANTED Landscape Architect - Entry Level Rosborough Partners is hiring entry level Landscape Architect. Using creative problem-solving techniques and resourcefulness, identify and design landscapes that both satisfy client requirements and are environmentally friendly. Requires a degree in Landscape Architecture, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Auto Cad, SketchUp and MS Office products. Must have a driver’s license with a good driving record. Contact Rosborough Partners at 847.549-1361 OR send resume to: resumes@rosboroughpartners.com Landscape Surveyor/Estimator Working with design plans, survey project sites, update base plans, prepare budgets from concept plans. Prepare estimates for construction proposals. Knowledge of Topcon Total Workstation and Magnet Software, Excel and Auto Cad are all preferred. We will train appropriate candidates. Must have a driver’s license with a good driving record. Contact Rosborough Partners at 847.549-1361 OR send resume to: resumes@rosboroughpartners.com Subcontractor Manager Subcontractor Manager-Rosborough Partners Libertyville location. Responsible for mgmt of budgeted production of the design/build dept. projects including material & labor procurement & schedule coordination. Must be able to respond quickly and creatively to last minute project changes. Requires 3 to 4 years of industry experience or a related field. Proficiency in computer software is a plus. Send resumes to resumes@rosboroughpartners.com Marketing Coordinator – Part Time Rosborough Partners Libertyville location is hiring this position to perform a range of activities related to all aspects of marketing & public relations. Will coordinate ads and promotional materials to assure consistent communication of company brand and identity. Requires degree in Marketing or Communications with minimum of 3 to 5 years experience. Send resumes to resumes@rosboroughpartners.com

HELP WANTED Join Us, We’re Hiring!

HELP WANTED ILT Vignocchi, Inc.: Account Management

Submit your resume to: Sandra@sebert.com Enter in the Subject Line: ILCA Job Post / (the position that you are seeking) Or call 630.497.1000

Our well established landscape management company is growing. There may be a place on our team for you if you are a strong communicator and you can effectively organize your activities in the face of many simultaneous demands. This customer service/sales position offers you progressively more responsibility if you show that you can cultivate relationships with our customers, understand their needs, and introduce new customers to the ILT experience.

Several branches In the Illinois Region Bartlett . Elk Grove . Naperville . Bolingbrook . Roscoe . Marengo Wisconsin Region (Pleasant Prairie & Milwaukee)

Email your resume to Kevin Block, VP Sales, kblock@iltvignocchi.com; And be willing to leave your ego at the door; because at ILT – teamwork comes first!

Send resumes to: Sandra@sebert.com

Check out our website at www.iltvignocchi.com.

Landscape Account Managers (Illinois & Wisconsin Region) Field laborers and Team Leaders (Illinois & Wisconsin Region)

Landscape/ Rooftop Designer Chicago Specialty Gardens, a full-service design/ build firm serving Chicagoland clients since 1995, seeks a Landscape/Rooftop Designer. This position requires creative problem-solving skills to design and build urban landscapes and rooftop gardens. The ideal candidate will possess strong design, analytical, and production skills; will be highly motivated and organized; and is able to function under fast-paced conditions with accuracy. Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of site analysis, plant & hardscape design, construction methods, estimating, project management, and construction details. BLA or related degree with 3 years minimum experience Proficiency in Auto Cad, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and MS Office products Responsible self-starter with ability to manage time and work efficiently Must have a driver’s license with a good driving record and vehicle Please forward resume & portfolio to Ashley Joyce, Director of Design Services. Ashley@chicagogardens.com.

Premier Service is Hiring!!!

Turf Sales/Service Associate - Tinley Park, IL Passionate about the industry, come in from the cold! Seeking a service oriented person with knowledge of turf products, time management, and industry business practices. Phone skills, negotiation, and administrative experience are a plus. Must have valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel independently. Call Brian Murphy with interest at: (708) 532-4723 Landscape Designer Larry Asimow Landscaping a Chicago based design build firm is looking for full-time landscape designer. This person will be responsible for managing primarily residential design projects from initial Client meetings, design and estimates to project completion. -Experience a plus but not necessary. -Basic proficiency in SketchUp and/or CAD or hand drawing skills necessary. -Basic knowledge of mid-west plant material preferred. -We offer competitive Salary and benefits. You will shed tears of gratitude to have the opportunity to work for us! Send resumes to: asimowlandscaping@gmail.com

We have immediate openings for Turf Applicator: Plant Health Care and Purchasing Manager. Both positions are eligible for Benefits, paid time off and competitive compensation! I interested individuals should email their resume and/or questions to hr@premierservice.com. Visit us online at www.premierservice.com!

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Classified Ads HELP WANTED Maintenance Supervisor, Account Manager and Construction Head Foreman/Supervisor Positions Lupfer Landscaping has been providing superior service to clients in the western suburbs for 28 years! We take pride in maintaining long term relationships with clients and exceeding their expectations. We are looking for energetic individuals to fill the following roles on our team: Maintenance Supervisor ($50,000-$70,000) Maintenance Account Manager ($40,000-$60,000) Construction Head Foreman/Supervisor ($25-$30 per hour) Please email your resume and/or questions regarding these opportunities to Gretchen Lupfer, gretchen@lupferlandscaping.com Design-Build Firm Openings Red Spade Environments, a landscape design-build consultancy and division of the The Lakota Group, Inc. is looking to fill multiple positions within our expanding team of professionals. We are a unique, lateral thinking, creative solution-based organization seeking candidates with similar traits. All individuals are encouraged to think as entrepreneurs and are acknowledged for their impact on our company growth and positive community brand. Our environments create long-lasting value for our clients in the City of Chicago and North Shore Suburbs. Our brand-reach continues to expand based upon our reputation for detail and client service. We are seeking positive individuals who will help play a meaningful role in making a difference in: Project Management Landscape Design Computer drafting and field support Project Manager

HELP WANTED

The Project Manager will support our Director of Field Services and play a key role in managing our rapidly growing portfolio of high-end residential landscape clients. This role will require focused oversight and contractor coordination of both small and large-scale outdoor environments.

The ideal candidate will possess 1-3 years of residential landscape design experience with the desire to continue their career advancement. While not required for this position, a degree in landscape architecture or horticulture is preferred, with the goal of obtaining licensure.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in landscape architecture, horticulture or a related field as well as have 3-5 years of progressive experience in residential or commercial landscape construction and design services.

The candidate must be a self-starter. Creativity and a good attitude are essential requirements and are critical for attending client meetings and presentations.

The candidate must clearly understand the intricacies involved with high-end residential landscape design and implementation including the design process, plan interpretation, client relationshipbuilding and customer service. Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously is imperative. Additional requirements: • Demonstrated knowledge of construction techniques, methods and materials including plant specification • Ability to read, interpret and understand all construction documentation • Assist team with site visits, proposal writing, cost estimation and billing • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and graphically • Self -motivated, reliable and able to work independently or within a team environment • Possess a leadership acumen and entrepreneurial spirit • Required proficiencies in Microsoft Office, Excel. Desired proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite and SketchUp software Landscape Designer The Landscape Designer will support our Principal Landscape Architect and Project Management team in development of necessary working and design documents for both sales and construction of our high-end residential landscape clients.

Additional requirements: • Required proficiencies in Microsoft office and Excel. Desired proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Suites and Sketchup Software. • Demonstrate clear understanding of residential landscape design process and materials. • Ability to read, interpret and understand all construction documentation. • Possess strong hand-design graphic skills and sketching. • Demonstrate clear understanding of local building and zoning regulations and permit process. • Assist team with site visits, client design presentations, proposal writing and cost estimating. • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and graphically. • Self-motivated, reliable and able to work independently or within a team environment. Computer Drafting and Field Support Associate (full or part-time) The Computer Drafting and Field Support Associate will support both our design and project management team with infield technical support, takeoffs, base mapping and staking and plan preparation. Then ideal candidate will possess proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite and SketchUp software. Experience with site, landscape, or architectural plan preparation is desired, however Red Spade team members will support this role with additional hands-on design and field training.

WE’RE GROWING OPEN POSITIONS

Maintenance Account Managers Finance Manager Landscape Associates

jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

This is an ideal opportunity for the right candidate with strong computer design skills and the desire to grow to advance their career in the field of landscape design.

to know us and see some of our award-winning jobs. Full time year round position – salary and bonus compensation We offer medical and dental insurance, employer match 401K, generous personal and vacation time program, company profit sharing plan and a great team to work with.

sites. Supplemental project management as well as scheduling of work with our maintenance supervisors is also included in this role. A Residential Maintenance Account Manager/Sales must be able to interact and communicate well with clients, subcontractors, vendor and co-workers. Daily client contact by phone and in person, oversee landscape crews, generate and estimate sales leads, daily production scheduling; includes lots of walking, standing, bending, lifting.

Red Spade Environments is unique standout design-build firm in the Chicago/North Shore communities. Our focus is quality, not quantity and building long-lasting relationships. We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package and provide flexibility to help our employees manage a healthy and balanced lifestyle. All openings are available in our downtown Winnetka office immediately adjacent to Metra and PACE public transportation stations. Occasional integration with our Chicago office may also be required. Company vehicles are available at our office to meet work local travel requirements. Red Spade Environments is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Come Grow with Us. If interested in making a change and being a part of a growing company with over 27 years of experience, please forward resume and work examples to: ATTN: Human Resource Director, Job Title for which you are applying jobs.redspadeenvironments@gmail.com www.redspadeenvironments.com www.thelakotagroup.com Commercial Landscape Supervisor Rosborough Partners is hiring a supervisor in their West Chicago (Aurora area) Branch. This position will oversee and assist crews, monitor projects for safe and efficient completion and handle daily crew schedules. Will coordinate plant materials to assure they are ready & available for jobs. Requires minimum of 4 years landscape industry experience and/or related degree. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required. English/Spanish fluency is beneficial. Contact: resumes@rosboroughpartners or call 630.402-0870. DESIGNER/ESTIMATOR Grant & Power Landscaping, a premier contractor in the western suburbs, is looking for an experienced, creative, and efficient landscape designer to add to our talented team. We pride ourselves in providing a high quality, full-service landscaping experience. Our ideal candidate has a strong knowledge of planting and hardscape design, and proficiency using Dynascape Design, Sketchup and Adobe Photoshop. Prior estimating experience a plus. Prefer someone with a degree in landscape design, horticulture or equivalent industry experience. Candidate will work closely with sales staff to develop creative solutions for their clients and produce accurate estimates for proposed work from working drawings. Visit our website at www.grantandpower.com to get

Please Email Resumes and interest to Gene Grant. Genegrant@grantandpower.com LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT / DESIGNER Greenwise is an Evanston-based sustainable landscaping company seeking an experienced landscape architect / designer. We are seeking an individual that is passionate about the environment with the ability to incorporate sustainable elements into their landscape designs. Our ideal candidate has a degree in landscape architecture or design and 5+ years’ experience in the design-build field. Required technical experience includes designing, estimating, sales, and project management. Exceptional customer service and presentation skills also required. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Sketchup are ideal. In this position, the individual will be responsible for the entire design and sales processes as well as overseeing project installations. This position is year-round, full-time, and salaried with commission and bonus. Greenwise offers medical insurance, an employer 401K match, nine paid holidays and a generous paid-time off package. ABOUT GREENWISE Greenwise is Chicago’s leading sustainable landscaping company. We are a fast-growing, innovative company with a need for motivated, passionate individuals interested in spending time outdoors, working closely with our loyal clients, and improving the world around us through sustainable landscaping practices. Across our service area in Chicago and throughout its northern suburbs, Greenwise provides the following services: • Organic lawn care • Landscape maintenance • Garden maintenance • Landscape installation • Insect and grub control • Snow clearing services Please send resumes to: abear@iamgreenwise.com Residential Maintenance Account Manager/Sales Requirements: Minimum 3 years of experience in landscape maintenance and/or a related degree. A Class C Driver’s License with a good driving record is required. Horticultural knowledge is desirable. English/Spanish fluency is beneficial. Direct Report: Residential Maintenance Department Manager Job Description: This position is responsible for maintaining and builq,1ng client relationships; generating new sales leads and contract renewals, and ensuring quality control is followed on client

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Contact Rosborough Partners at 847.549-1361 OR send resume to: resumes@rosboroughpartners.com Account Manager – Maintenance – Full Time Wingren Landscape, Inc. is an award winning fullservice landscape company for both residential and commercial properties. Our outdoor services are virtually limitless and include full-scale landscape design, construction, maintenance, lighting, and irrigation. We are ‘All Things Outdoors’. Founded on a commitment to excellence since 1957 we are seeking experienced candidates for the following positions. Account Manager – Maintenance – Full Time • Communicate frequently with customers and crews to ensure high quality and service expectations are met. • Proactively prepare, present, and sell site enhancement to customers. • Proactively assist in resolving issues with customer service when needed. • Follow up on leads and solicit new business opportunities • Communicate billing details to client and answer any questions. • Complete knowledge of landscape services (maintenance, plant identification, and seasonal annual rotations). • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, both internal and external. • Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computer software applications, to include Asset, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook • 3-5 years’ experience All interested candidates please email current resume to bdolwick@wingrenlandsape.com

FOR SALE Contractor’s Yard, Shop, Office 580 Old Skokie Rd, Park City IL -Fenced, gated Yard Space -2 Bay Garage with 14’ clearances -8,592 SF Industrial/Office Building -Easy Access to Rt 41 and Rt 120 -Two Blocks from Lurvey Supply - Park City For more information, contact Kris Keller at 847571-5422, or KKeller@KWCommercial.com Highlight and right click, to follow link below; or, cut and paste into your browser.https://www. loopnet.com/Listing/580-Old-Skokie-Rd-ParkCity-IL/17842127/

Successful suppliers know— industry leaders read this magazine.

is the Midwest’s premier monthly magazine for the landscape, nursery and green industry. Professionls’ Choice Award Goes to Chalet

• Sales and marketing statistics show that the single best way to reach buyers is through highly-targeted specialty magazines • This award-winning magazine is frequently hailed as the best magazine of its kind. Put your message in this flattering environment. • The Landscape Contractor has an affordable advertising program for every budget. Day In — Night Out

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Judges’Award Goes to Kane Brothers

For immediate attention CALL Debbie at

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debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

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Attention Advertisers:

A. Block Marketing................................................51 Bartlett Tree Experts .............................................53 Breezy Hill Nursery ..............................................18 Cardno ...................................................................50 Cassidy Tire ..........................................................11 Clesen Wholesale ..................................................44 Compost Supply.....................................................48 Dayton Bag & Burlap ...........................................54 Doty Nurseries LLC ................................................4 D&S Truck Center ................................................49 Fairview Evergreen Nursery .................................54 Goodmark Nurseries .............................................45

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Great Lakes Landscape Supply .............................47 Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. ........................................12 Homer Industries ...................................................15 James Martin Associates .......................................58 JKS Ventures ........................................................48 Lafarge Fox River Stone .......................................37 Longshadow Planters ............................................13 Mariani Plants .........................................................6 Mariani Plants .......................................................39 Martin Implement .................................................19 McGinty Bros. ......................................................52 Midwest Groundcovers ...........................................2 Midwest Trading ...................................................17 Rocks Etc.................................................................4 RWC Insurance Group ..........................................52 Spring Meadow Nursery .......................................29 The Mulch Center .................................................43 Turtle Creek Nursery ............................................53 Unilock, Inc. ..........................................................64 Wilson Nurseries ...................................................46

Attention Landscape Contractors: Remember to Support ILCA Supporters!

These include:

• Members & Advertisers who supply goods and services • Members who sponsor ILCA programs and events

Where will you find them? • ILCA Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide • The Landscape Contractor magazine advertising • The Landscape Contractor magazine reports of events with sponsor acknowledgments • www.ilca.net member lists – Finding a Landscape Contractor & Suppliers to the Trade

Xylem ....................................................................41

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

Graham Bulb Garden by Heather Prince

Tucked along the water past the bridge to the fruit and vegetable island is a surprising garden designed to delight, especially in spring. The Edna Kanaley Graham Bulb Garden was initially opened in 1984 and then renovated in 2002 by Douglas Hoerr Landscape Design. The goal of the garden is to display beautiful hardy bulbs in landscape settings. It is a breathtaking collection containing in 23 intricate planting beds filled with more than 39,000 plants and 442 unique taxa, of which 33,000 are bulbs, including many rare and unusual varieties. Plants are installed in layers for a succession of constantly changing flowers. Be inspired to use bulbs creatively, especially minor bulbs, to enhance landscape plantings and bring even more depth and richness to a client space. Visitors will find specimen connoisseur bulbs artfully combined with other flowering plants; diminutive bulbs planted in raised areas for easy viewing; and perennial bulbs forced indoors for early blooming. The Bulb Garden has three major objectives: to display a living history of the Garden’s combined scientific and horticultural expertise; to delight visitors with a creative double-planted array of dynamic bulbs; and to inspire gardeners with groupings of annuals and perennials that pair beautifully with bulbs. Claire Roos, assistant horticulturist, leads the charge in overseeing the Bulb Garden and managing its renovation efforts after the harsh winter of 2019. Staff are continuing to replace some perennials and remove invasive Euonymous groundcover to achieve a balanced and diverse display of bulbs, perennials, grasses and juniper. This is a groomed garden and rogue bulbs, which drift between neighboring beds, are removed to maintain vast sweeps of bulbs for maximum impact. Bulbs struggle to survive wet conditions, especially in our Midwestern compacted clay

soil. Heavy rainfall in 2018 and 2019 did not improve those circumstances. To combat this, Roos and the horticulture team introduced a new soil remediation plan to the Bulb Garden and the Chicago Botanic Garden at large. The Sustainable Soil Initiative, developed with a soil consultant, provides the Bulb Garden’s beds with remediated soil composed mainly of topsoil, compost, and sand. This loose soil enhances drainage, therefore drying bulbs quicker and allowing them to flourish. This is particularly useful in the Bulb Garden, which is nestled low along the scenic waterfront of the lagoon. Successful renovation efforts are already visible throughout the Bulb Garden, where vibrant geranium, lily, and allium drifts create waves of brilliant color. These are flanked by gorgeous salvia, butterfly bush, giant hyssop, and flowering tobacco, selected to complement the perennials and bulbs to enchant visitors to return again and again. A stunning magnolia named in honor of the late Judy Zuk, horticulturist and past president of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, was recently planted along the lower waterfront bed, across from a shoreline deck adorned with hanging baskets filled with exotic bulbs. This spring look for the entrance beds to be planted with romantic pink and yellow flowers, including Tulipa ‘Crème Upstar,’ Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Pink Pearl,’ Viola ´ wittrockiana Delta Pink Shades, and Tulipa ‘Vanilla Cream.’ This summer, the overlook containers will feature the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Eucomis or pineapple lily collection. More than a dozen different plants will be displayed, including Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis ‘Dark Star,’ Eucomis ‘Tiny Pink Coral,’ and Eucomis humilis ‘Twinkle Stars.’

The Landscape Contractor April 2020

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