Landscape Saskatchewan News Winter 2015

landscapesaskatchewan

Landscape Saskatchewan News Winter 2015

IN THIS ISSUEInsert: Landscape Saskatchewan

Management Clinic and AGMMarch 17, 2015

Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Update

Canadian Government SupportsCanada’s Horticulture Sector

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Program

CNLA Teams up with the CanadianFederation of Independent Business

Revisiting Canada’s Nursery StockStandards

Snow Blower Safety & Maintenance

http://lakeshoretreefarms.com

2 I Landscape Saskatchewan News Winter 2015

http://stewartbrothersnurseries.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT2014 In Review - ChallengesIt was a year full of challenges - the weather always being one ofthe biggest challenges we face in Saskatchewan. This past seasonI tried to find a way to set up tarps over an entire construction site.You know, like they have in BC when it won’t quit raining and thework must go on! The challenge with that in Saskatchewan is the

wind… there is no way to set up a tarp in 50-70 km/hr winds!

So we worked through those challenges and then were blessed with a very long,warm fall. The trees and shrubs put on an amazing display and the weather wasgreat! So why was it so hard to get staff engaged to work in the beautiful, warm fallweather, rather than thinking of their winter vacation?

All of the challenges we face in our industry remind me of why I belong to LandscapeSaskatchewan - so I can turn to my peers for information and support. One of thebest ways to network with your peers is to attend the 2015 Landscape SaskatchewanManagement Clinic, March 17 at the Saskatoon Inn! Mike Lysecki from LandscapeManagement Network (LMN) will be presenting on numerous topics, includingEmployee Incentive Systems (ideas on how to motivate staff above and beyond an“hourly wage”). See insert for more information and contact Kyla at the LandscapeAlberta office at [email protected] to register!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas with lots of quality family time! Keep warm &I hope to see you March 17 at our 2015 Landscape Saskatchewan ManagementClinic & AGM.

Leslie CornellPresident - Landscape Saskatchewan

LANDSCAPE SASKATCHEWAN

Landscape Saskatchewan News Winter 2015 I 3

Board of Directors:LESLIE CORNELLCornell Design & Landscaping Ltd.President

LLOYD TRASKThe Lawn Loggers LimitedVice President

ROBIN ADAIRArbour Crest Tree Service Ltd.Director

LUKE vanDUYVENDYKDutch Growers Garden Centre Ltd.Director

AARON KRAHNLakeshore Tree Farms Ltd.CNLA Representative

Administrative Support:JOEL BEATSONExecutive Director

MARNIE MAINMember Services Director

ERYNN WATSONMember Services Assistant

VALERIE STOBBEOffice ServicesTrade Show Co-ordinator

KYLA MCKECHNIECommunications

CHERYL TEOBookkeeper

Contact Us:For more information on advertising orsubmitting an article, please contact: Kyla McKechnie at [email protected]

Landscape Saskatchewanc/o Landscape Alberta 200, 10331 - 178 Street NWEdmonton, AB T5S 1R5Tel: 780-489-1991Toll Free: 1-800-378-3198Fax: 780-444-2152www.snla.ca

CALENDAR OF EVENTSFebruary 9 – 10, 2015Manitoba Green ShowVictoria Inn, Winnipeg, MB. www.landscapemb.com

March 13 - 22, 2015Canada Blooms, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ONwww.canadablooms.com

March 17, 2015Landscape Saskatchewan Management Clinic & AGMSaskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK. [email protected]

March 24 - 25, 2015Landscape Industry Certified Technician ExamOlds College, Olds, ABFor more information or to register, contact Colin Vince at [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter@landscapesk

On the CoverPhoto Credit: Nigel Bowles



INDUSTRY NEWS

Saskatchewan 2014 Provincial Dutch Elm Disease UpdateThe province of Saskatchewan (SK) had another busy yearpreventing and controlling Dutch Elm Disease (DED). To helpslow the spread of DED, SK Ministry of Environmentconducts surveillance and diseased tree removal activitiesin seven rural buffer zones around municipalities that are inareas affected by this devastating tree disease. These bufferzones are around the communities of Regina, Moose Jaw,Estevan, Indian Head, Balcarres, Wolseley and Tisdale. In2014, a total of 246 diseased elms were identified in thebuffer zone surveys.

Over the last 33 years, DED has moved from east to westalong various river valleys that contain native American elms.It is still thriving in areas such as the Qu’Appelle Valley,Souris, Red Deer, and Carrot River systems. In addition tothese river valleys containing native elms, DED continues tocause losses of high value elms in many towns and citiesthroughout southeastern SK.

Outside the buffer zones, municipalities (urban and rural)are responsible for DED management within theirjurisdictions. Both the City of Moose Jaw and Regina operatea complete a DED prevention/control program. This includesmonitoring for all elm bark beetles, surveillance of DED, elmpruning and removal of dead or DED infected elm trees,basal spraying, elm firewood collection and publicawareness. Each city removes and properly disposes DEDinfected trees.

In 1981, the City of Regina reported one confirmed case ofDED. It reappeared in 1990 and since then, through anaggressive prevention/control program, Regina has beensuccessful at keeping DED within their city limits to a

minimum, even though DED is found in their buffer zone inhigh numbers. In 2014, the Ministry of Environmentremoved a total of 118 diseased elm trees in the rural bufferzone, up from 64 in 2013. The City of Regina removed a total5 elms trees in 2014, up from 3 in 2013. The City still has anestimated 70,000 elms and spends approximately $145,000on the program annually.

DED was found in the natural stands of elm trees at BuffaloPound Provincial Park north east of the City of Moose Jawin the early 2000’s. Since that time, Moose Jaw alsoimplemented an aggressive DED prevention/controlprogram. This last year, the Ministry of Environmentremoved a total of 38 diseased elms in their buffer zone anda total of 16 were removed by the City.

Surveillance and the removal of infected elm trees is ongoingin several provincial parks in the diseased area of theprovince. In 2014, a total of 112 elm trees were marked forremoval in Echo Valley and 8 in the Katepwa Point ProvincialParks, as well as 3 at Regina Beach Recreation Site. All in-fected trees are disposed of according to provincial DED reg-ulations.

This last season, a total of 136 samples submitted to theprovincial Crop Protection Laboratory tested positivefor DED, with no new communities reporting DED.Municipalities such as the Cities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert,Swift Current, Melfort, North Battleford, and Yorkton stillremain DED free. Each of these municipalities has a DEDprevention program in place.

Canadian Government Supports Canada’s Horticulture SectorOn November 13, 2014, The Honourable Kevin Sorenson,Minister of State (Finance) and Member of Parliament forCrowfoot, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz,announced an investment of $2.3 million to the CanadianOrnamental Horticulture Alliance for a national researchcluster to help address the industry’s top priorities.

This cluster, comprised of industry partners and researchorganizations across Canada, will harness Canada’s expertisein areas such as water and nutrient management andsustainable production. It will also help the industry tap intonew market opportunities at home and abroad.

Landscape Industry Certified Technician ProgramThe Landscape Industry Certified Technician designationprovides individuals in the green industry with a means ofproving a minimum standard of expertise in tasks typicallyrequired within the industry. Landscape Alberta provides



Certified Technician exam opportunities in four specialtydesignations: Softscape Installation, Hardscape Installation,Turf Maintenance, and Ornamental Maintenance. Encourageand support professionalism in our industry – it’s a great wayto invest in and grow valuable team members.

2015 Certification Exam - AlbertaWhen: March 24 & 25, 2015Written exam: Tues. March 24 (evening)Hands-on tests: Wed. March 25 (7am - 4pm) Where: Olds College - Landscape Pavilion, Olds, AB

Participants must register in advance – test preparationmaterials are provided on sign-up, so start the process nowand be well-prepared for this upcoming exam opportunity!The deadline to register is March 10, 2015.

Contact: Colin Vince: [email protected] Toll free: 1-888-446-3499 ext.8615

CNLA teams up with the Canadian Federation ofIndependent BusinessThe Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) haspartnered with the Canadian Federation of IndependentBusiness (CFIB) to extend the many benefits of CFIBto CNLA/provincial association members. Through thispartnership, Landscape Saskatchewan members will benefitfrom reduced CFIB membership fees, a savings that willdirectly affect members already affiliated with the twoassociations. Some of the many benefits made availablethrough CFIB are:

Additional proactive lobbying with all three levels of•governmentAccess to significant discounts for payroll•processing, courier shipping, and moreOnline business training courses for both employers•and employeesUnlimited access to CFIB Business Counselors in•every province

These are just a few examples of how CFIB can help youimprove your business. At the same time, CFIB is working forits 109,000 members and all small businesses to improve theentrepreneurial environment in Canada. CFIB lobbying hasgenerated positive results from the federal government,such as:

Establishing the Code of Conduct for the credit and•debit card industry, which gives you leverage whendealing with your processorHelping all business owners plan for their retirement•by fighting for and achieving the $750,000 capitalgains exemption for small business

Ensuring business owners keep more of their•retained earnings by achieving lower small businesscorporate tax rates federally in every province

With a high number of CNLA members already membersof CFIB and the excellent synergies between the twoassociations, the partnership was a logical step.

For Landscape Saskatchewan members who currentlybelong to CFIB - CFIB will contact you by phone to review thepartnership and renew your CFIB membership at the usualtime. For our members who are not current CFIB members- here's the next step: Connect with CFIB by visitinghttp://www.cfib.ca/cnlamembers for more information andto join. We are very excited about this new relationship andencourage all members to check it out!

Revisiting Canada’s Nursery Stock StandardsOne of the most visited pages and downloaded documentson the CNLA website is the Canadian Standards for NurseryStock. First published is 1967, the nursery stock standardsprovide an important minimum quality benchmark andthe document is referenced by landscape architects anddesigners, developers and government agencies inlandscape contract specifications.

In consideration of the changes to technology andproduction techniques since the publication of the mostrecent version published in 2006, it is time to once againreview and upgrade this important industry standard.Landscape Saskatchewan member Aaron Krahn, LakeshoreTree Farms Ltd., has volunteered for this committee onbehalf of the association, along with others from acrossCanada.

MEMBER BENEFITSCaterpillar: Save up to $2000 on select CAT equipment andattachment purchases and 10% off the list or book rate foranything rented through the Cat Rental Store.

NEBS: Members Save 15% on printed products (includinglogo design). Receive discounted rates with NEBS Paywebpayroll system.

Mark’s: 15% off the majority of Mark’s workwear clothing,footwear and safety accessories.

For more information on these or any other member benefitdiscount programs, call CNLA Member Services at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8645 for Chelsea or ext. 8655 for Christine.www.cnla-acpp.ca/benefits



Landscape Onsites lesson: Snow Blower Safety & Maintenance

Objective: to ensure crew members understand and candemonstrate the safe operation of a snow blower.Training Materials: snow blower, operator’s manual.Personal Protective Equipment: insulated work boots, hat,warm gloves, layers of clothing, eye protection and hearingprotection.

Lesson: Snow blowers are an efficient way of removing snowfrom paved surfaces that are too small for a larger plow toreach. Snow blowers shouldn’t be used on gravel surfaces asthey can pick up and throw the stones at high speed.

Plan snow clearing patterns around the direction of theprevailing winds. While this can be difficult on some days,snow blowing is more efficient and visibility is improvedwhen you blow with the wind.

Direct blowing snow away from people, buildings and vehicles.

Maintenance tips:Always perform a circle check on the blower before•loading it on the truck or trailer.Be sure to take enough gasoline in an approved•container. Disconnect the spark plug wire beforeperforming any maintenance tasks.Check the oil levels and top up if necessary.•

Check the air filter regularly and clean or replace if•necessary. Refer to the operator’s manual for regularmaintenance recommendations.

Safe operating tips:Don’t use a snow blower unless you have been1properly trained and have read the operator’smanual.Wear warm footwear with good traction on slippery2surfaces.Know how to stop the engine quickly in case of3emergency.Scan the area to be plowed and remove visible4debris.Be aware of the 15 m danger zone around the5blower and make sure no bystanders are near.Make sure you are working in enough light to see6where you are going.

Each year emergency rooms see patients with severed ormangled fingers because they didn’t think before puttingtheir hands in the snow blower chute to clear blocked snow.Always turn the engine off, disconnect the spark plug and besure the auger has stopped rotating before attempting toclear a blocked chute.

Source: Landscape Onsites. Visit the CNLA website atwww.canadanursery.com to view other lessons from thismanual – you can download individual lessons or order thefull Landscape Onsites manual.

Industry TrainingAs a member of your provincial association, you qualifyfor member savings programs with the Canadian NurseryLandscape Association (CNLA). Take advantage of thesetraining programs to keep you and your staff safe.

Employers First: Members receive a 10% discount onover 40 landscape and safety training courses.

LS Training System: Members receive 5% savings onpublished rates for training modules.

Visit www.cnla-acpp.ca/benefits for more information.

Innovation PlaceKyla Ledingham1 North Access RoadSaskatoon, SK S7N 1Z5(306) 933-8401 Fax: (306) [email protected]

Junction LumberMervin SwiderskiBox 97, RR 6, S 1Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J9(306) [email protected]

Keon Garden Centre 2008Marcy DuffeyBox 1498, 1645 Stadacona Street WMoose Jaw, SK S6H 7A8(306) 693-6771 Fax: (306) [email protected]

Rispens Landscaping Ltd.Philip RispensPO Box 32123Regina, SK S4N 7L2(306) [email protected]

Welcome to our New Members


Blizzard conditions aren't uncommon to anyone who hasbeen through a Saskatchewan winter. That's why, as a driver,it's important you know how to safely get through the worstthat Mother Nature has to offer.

Plan aheadPlanning ahead is the best way to protect yourself during thewinter months. Check the weather and road conditionsbefore travelling, not only for your place of departure butalso for your destination.

An excellent resource is the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline,which provides up-to-date road information for every cornerof the province. The line can be reached toll free at1-888-335-7623.

Prepare your vehicleIt's always safest to stay off the road when a blizzard isforecast. But when travel is absolutely necessary be sure todress warmly and pack extra clothing and blankets. Checkthat your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ensure you have afull tank of gas.

Another essential for your vehicle is a roadside emergencykit. Put together and maintain a kit that has:

a shovel •blankets •snow brush•ice scraper •flashlight •batteries•flares •booster cables •candles•

first-aid kit •food •water cup•

Before you leave, it's also a good idea to contact someoneat your destination to let them know when you expect toarrive.

During a blizzardUnfortunately, taking precautions against blizzard conditionsdoesn't mean you can prevent them. If conditionsdeteriorate while you're on the road, stop at the nearesttown or rest area and wait until it's safe to drive.

If you find yourself stranded with your vehicle:Remain inside your vehicle because it will offer you•protection from the harsh winter elements.Run your engine sporadically to get some heat but•be careful not to run out of gas. In that case, theblankets, candles and matches you packed in yourroadside emergency kit will serve you well.When running your engine, ensure that your•vehicle's exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ice. If it'splugged, fumes will seep into your vehicle, resultingin possible carbon monoxide poisoning.If you find you need fresh air, your best option is to•slightly lower the windows facing opposite the winddirection and open your vehicle's heater vent.

Driving in a blizzard isn't high on anyone's to-do list but beingprepared for it should be. By planning ahead and knowinghow to react to a blizzard, you'll safely escape winter's wrath.

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landscapesaskatchewan Management Clinic

March 17, 2014Saskatoon Inn, 2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon, SK

Schedule8: 30 am Breakfast9:00 am Welcome & AGM9:30 am Getting Jobs Done On Time, On Budget (with break)

With all the focus on time studies, site measurement and dialing in your estimates, manycompanies have lost focus on what really counts when it comes to profit: finishing your jobs ontime and on budget. Every hour/day over budget is not just increased costs, but it’s also hoursand days of lost capacity for more sales. Attendees will leave this session with:

Ideas and systems to setup and plan jobs before they start•Ways to teach order of operations and job staging•A system to setup estimates for simple job costing with no extra time/effort•Ways to make staff care enough to make it actually happen•

12:00 pm Lunch (included)12:30 pm Landscape Saskatchewan Awards Celebration1:15 pm Going Paperless: Streamline Your Operations, Sales and More!

Don’t waste another year spending hundreds of hours sorting, filing and re-entering paperwork.Your staff’s time would be far better spent preparing and checking estimates, collectingpayments, planning and preparing jobs… the real work that impacts revenue and profits. Mikewill give an overview and demonstration of a variety of paperless solutions used in hislandscape operations, from sales and estimating, job management/smart phone integration,fleet management, time tracking and more. If you’re looking to streamline your operations andimprove productivity this year, you can’t miss session.

2:00 pm Break2:15 pm Employee Incentive Systems: How to Motivate Staff Above & Beyond Compensation

If you don’t measure your employees and relay the results to them, they have no way ofmeasuring their success. On the other hand, with an understanding of their measurements, theycan reassure themselves, despite minor setbacks (which would usually lead to lost motivation)that they are successful. And when they know they’re successful, they’re motivated. Need agreater motivator – tie measurements into a bonus structure. When you tie measurements intoa bonus structure, you create opportunities and, therefore, incentive.

In this session, Mike will show you how to create an incentive system that allows you to ‘fairly’differentiate your employees. Learn how to set realistic and attainable budgets and sales goalsfor your employees. Learn how to communicate these to your employees and explain how yourmeasurement system and bonus structure will work. People don’t reach their true potentialunless they’re measured or know how to measure themselves. If you implement a system thatmeasures people on efficiency and productivity, your newcomers will see opportunities.

3:00 pm End of Day

About our Speaker: Mike LyseckiMike has served as Director of Operations at TBG Landscape for nine years, and now heads upthe Landscape Management Network as their director. He’s been a guest speaker on landscapebusiness management topics from Australia to Oklahoma and most places in between! Mike iscurrently working on fabricating a small army of landscape robots designed for mowing, hardscapeinstallation and serving exotic cocktails.

Thank you to our Sponsor

Schedule8: 30 am Breakfast9:00 am Welcome & AGM9:30 am Getting Jobs Done On Time, On Budget (with break)12:00 pm Lunch (included)12:30 pm Landscape Award Presentations1:15 pm Going Paperless: Streamline Your Operations, Sales and More!2:00 pm Break2:15 pm Employee Incentive Systems: How to Motivate Staff Above & Beyond Compensation3:00 pm End of Day

Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Company Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________ Prov: ________ Postal Code: ____________________

Phone: ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________

Please select one:Member: $159.00/person Non Member: $199.00/person

Sponsorship: $150.00Yes! I would like to sponsor the 2015 Landscape Saskatchewan Management Clinic & AGM(Sponsors will receive their name/logo on all event promotion material (subject to date of agreement); name/logoincluded in Landscape Saskatchewan News on the event sponsor page; prominent name/logo on sponsorsignage at event; and recognition during awards presentation).

# of people _____ @ $ ______________ = $ ________________

Sponsorship (optional $150.00) = $ ________________

Subtotal = $ ________________

GST 5% (107595530 RT0001) = $ ________________

TOTAL = $ ________________

Payment Method: Credit Card Cheque (Payable to Landscape Alberta)

Card # _______________________________________________________________ Expiry: _________ / _________

Name on Card: ______________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________

Thank you to our Sponsor

Registration must include payment. Registrations will be accepted at the Landscape Saskatchewan office until 4:00 pm on Friday, March 12, 2015.Registrations after this date will be on-site only, and must include full payment by credit card or cheque. Cancellations will be accepted until March 3,2015 and registration fees, less a 25% administration fee, will be refunded. Sorry, but all registrations cancelled after March 3, 2015 will not be refunded.If the event is cancelled by the association, a full refund will be granted.

landscapesaskatchewan

Management Clinic March 17, 2014

Saskatoon Inn, 2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon, SK

Register online at https://lsmanageclinic.eventbrite.caor fill out the form below and send to

Fax: 780-444-2152 Email: [email protected]: 200, 10331 - 178 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 1R5

Landscape Saskatchewan News Winter 2015

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Transcript of Landscape Saskatchewan News Winter 2015