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Written by Colorado Green Now
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Monday, July 22, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Espalier – An Artistic and Space-Saving Option
While we pronounce it, typically, as “es-PAL-yer” or “es-pay-YAY”, this interesting approach to treating woody plant material may have significant opportunities, value, and impacts on the landscape. The French word, espalier, is derived from the Italian spalliera, which means “something to rest your shoulder against”. When used as a verb, “to espalier” a plant refers to training that specimen to grow flat against a wall, fence, or trellis. Free-standing forms are also trained into a “flat plane” which minimizes the square footage they utilize and becomes excellent as screens or space savers in those tight, narrow spaces where traditional wood selections may become too large and out of scale.
Used as a noun, “espalier” refers to the actual plant, of which there are many candidates of trees, shrubs and woody vines, that has been pruned, guided and encouraged into a specific, desired, form or pattern that has minimal “depth”. This long-practiced art, or process, of controlling plant growth in a flat plane can have merit as a design element for clients and may also offer the opportunity for supplemental income from maintenance support in professionally tending, training, and caring for the elements. It is recommended that espaliered woody selections be used as features along open walls and fences due to some space constraints or the intentional purpose of ornamentality. Notably, Espalier is low maintenance.
Thought to originate with the Romans, the Europeans later mastered espalier techniques with the original intent revolving around space conservation and taking advantage of growing fruit trees against walls with southern or western exposure for both frost protection and the heat. Harnessing more sunshine, the espalier arrangements against warm walls created micro-climates, quicker ripening of fruit, better fruit production, and a lengthened growing season. The classic European espalier styles can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries and were again based on the practicality of maximizing fruit production for sustenance. Vineyards have long used espalier techniques to train grapes for support, air circulation, and ease of cultivation and harvest. Later in history, espalier specimens transitioned into more appreciable, artistic, living sculptures that could soften bare facades and add scale to the space. Well-tended espalier specimens with committed caretakers are true works of art.
While almost any woody plant can be espaliered by continual removal of undesired growth and through the directing and guiding of desired growth, some plants are more suitable than others.
Many references and resources explore the vast array of potential candidates for espalier. As with any plant we select for the landscape, it is important to understand the existing soil conditions, available sunlight, and other site factors that might dictate or limit our available palette of contenders. Full sun is ideal, of course, for fruit-bearing woody plants. It is important to note that committing to the process of espalier is not a low-maintenance endeavor and with the common installation of younger plantings and those important early training efforts, it can take many years to see significant progress in achieving your intentioned patterns. Patience is warranted.
Fruit trees, particularly apples and pears, have a long and understandable history with espalier. What makes them suitable are the many flexible, supple, lateral branches that are easily guided and encouraged. Intensive pruning directs energy away from the vigorous, primary vertical growth and redirects it into shorter, designated laterals.
Pruning schedules and training efforts will vary depending on the specimen and pattern but at least a monthly visit is warranted. Pruning should end 4-6 weeks before the first frost date as there is a danger in promoting tender new growth that won’t be prepared for impeding winter temperatures.
Keep in mind that air circulation between the espalier specimen and structure is vital so intentionally including and maintaining a 6-8” gap behind the specimen will allow air movement, minimize mildew and other diseases, and make for “ease of harvesting” with fruit trees.
Espaliered trees are recommended along open brick walls, tall fences, and other elements that would benefit from some greenery but also, perhaps, lack of available “real estate” for larger plants or a wider bed or border. Masonry walls can be ideal for an espalier and certainly lend themselves to appropriately installed support systems. Placing eye bolts, U-bolts, or eye screws, when properly anchored into mortar joints, can offer strong support for guiding espalier specimens.
Additional research on proper pruning and training methods based on the specific plant is important for more guidance in establishing a successful and beautiful espalier specimen. Patience, skill, and creativity are needed.
Effectively used in tight, confined areas, espalier options also expand your design opportunities and may find significant appeal for discerning clients.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Why is Colorado seeing so many grasshoppers?
How AI can help you create fast bids and great designs
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Written by Colorado Green Now
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Sunday, July 21, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Nervous about AI taking your job or swallowing up humanity? You’re not alone. But the reality is, AI is here to stay—so you might as well take advantage of its ability to make landscape design easier and more efficient.
Inspiring better design
All you have to do is say the word, and AI can find or create images—including 3D landscape representations—based on your prompts. Having trouble finding images of a certain ornamental tree? All you have to do is describe the shape of the trunk and the canopy and tell the bot, “I’m looking for something mature.” This type of image generation can be used for sculptures, trellis work and other items, in addition to plants.
For 3D models, you can ask AI to show you something that looks English, Mediterranean—or anything else that might inspire you to think outside your mindset. Though not always 100 percent appropriate for the site, AI-generated ideas can lead to unique, individualized plans with a little tweaking.
AI enhances efficiency by building knowledge and more easily locating materials for designs.
Fast, professional estimating
The latest AI developments in estimating software are leveraging advanced AI to analyze high-resolution imagery, allowing for automatic detection and measurement of landscape features. Because AI has made it possible to extract data out of blueprints as well, design-build firms can also automate landscape construction takeoffs.
These AI developments significantly streamline workflow. You can say goodbye to the time-consuming process of manual measurements and the potential inaccuracies that come with it. Whether you’re a contractor or a sales rep, you can quote jobs faster while ensuring bids are profitable and competitive. Precise, professional proposals with HD sitemaps can set your bid apart.
Keeping an eye on AI
Of course, AI also has its challenges. There are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re working with it. Sometimes you might get a completely different response from an AI chatbot when you put in a similar question with just a few different terms. You need to dig a little deeper and ask questions in different ways and make sure what you are learning is consistent.
Perhaps the biggest challenge—for anyone using AI—is the concern about intellectual property when AI generates images. You want to be very careful that AI doesn’t lead you to inadvertently steal someone else’s design.
Over the next few years, AI software in the landscaping industry is expected to become even more intelligent and integrated. In the best of all worlds, designers will embrace AI to create landscapes that perform better and are more sustainable. This would be a win-win for designers, their clients and the planet.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Why is Colorado seeing so many grasshoppers?
Something to Rest the Shoulder Against
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Written by colorado green news
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Sunday, July 21, 2024 12:00 AM |
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If you've been outside for more than five minutes, you've seen grasshoppers on streets, sidewalks, lawns and gardens. Weather patterns from 2023 and Colorado's climate are to blame for the increase of grasshoppers this summer.
There are about 145 species of grasshoppers in Colorado, and with the number of species, people will see many stages of the grasshopper life cycle throughout the summer. Grasshoppers lay their eggs in the ground in the late summer or early fall and die when the colder weather sets in. Their eggs will last through the winter and hatch in the spring or summer. Then, combined with a lot of vegetation as a good food source for the grasshoppers, they will thrive and continue to grow.
Another key factor of the influx is the soil. Depending on where you live and if there's agriculture, farmers will till the soil in the fall and disrupt the grasshopper eggs, which means not as many will come back the following year.
Even with the influx of grasshoppers this year, it is expected that the population will decrease next year. Grasshoppers normally have a population boom that happens every two to four years. Diseases and predators will take out a portion of the grasshoppers, and the climate will determine the rest. Colorado would need these exact same environmental conditions to continue over to see another population boom next year.
While many people find the grasshoppers a nuisance, they are a key species in our environment. With the population boom, the insects are providing a good food source for birds, reptiles and amphibians. Others are concerned with the environmental impact, but for long-term effects, the influx of grasshoppers isn't much of a problem.
The worst thing a grasshopper can do is eat your vegetables. If you're worried about the insects eating your garden, try not to spray pesticides. Try spraying garlic on your plants, as grasshoppers hate the smell and taste of it. It’s a really great way to not spray or use pesticides. When you do that, you are wiping out everything else that lives in your backyard, and those are all super beneficial for your vegetables, you want a pollinator so you can have beautiful zucchini or any other vegetables or fruit that you might be growing.
Lisa Mason, CSU Extension entomologist and horticulture specialist, also suggested protecting the plants you don't want grasshoppers to eat. "If homeowners are seeing extensive damage to their plants, they could consider adding things like road covers or hill cloth, so the grasshoppers cannot get in to feed on those plants," she said.
Another solution to deter them is to grow plants that naturally repel grasshoppers, such as chives, or have food that attracts the wildlife that eat grasshoppers. If you want to be proactive about next year, tilling the soil in untouched parts of your yard will help reduce the amount of grasshopper eggs that will hatch next year if you're seeing a large amount.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Something to Rest the Shoulder Against
How AI can help you create fast bids and great designs
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Written by Frank Kinder
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Tuesday, July 09, 2024 12:00 AM |
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As the headwaters state of the West, Colorado’s identity is deeply tied to its landscape and especially to its water. Its snowy peaks serve as the beginning of a water supply sustaining life for over 40 million people across seven states. The winter snowpack tests skiers’ skills, and spring’s rushing rapids thrill boats full of excited rafters. In summer, meandering streams hide trout in the shadows, and numerous lakes and reservoirs draw campers, hikers, bikers and boaters.
In our cities, water is the lifeblood of schools, restaurants, parks, homes, hotels, industry and, importantly, our public and private landscapes. On the eastern plains, Colorado’s farms raise crops, cattle and other animals of nationally significant value, sustaining rural economies and communities while providing local food to the West.
Colorado’s water offers beauty, recreation, economy, solace, food and life. These vast benefits draw people to visit, relocate here and start new businesses. As a result, we are blessed with a bustling economy, abundant recreational opportunities and a high quality of life. And as an increasing population demands more water, a changing climate is stressing the supplies that we and all other Western states rely on. How do we address this quandary?
A rich water history
The water industry in Colorado is robust and laser-focused on wise management. For educational institutions, entrepreneurs, scientists, landscape companies and all of those who use water, it is an exciting time as new options move the market by offering more choices and opportunities. Federal, state and local entities, often partnering with nonprofits, invest significantly in new supplies while concurrently protecting and ensuring maximum efficiency of those that already exist.
Advancing water security
For decades, Colorado’s landscape industry, water providers, universities and policy makers have been collaborating on how to do more with less. We are leaders in creative new ideas and economies to help ensure sustainable use for those who are here now and those who will be in the future. Examples include delivering new plants, trees, turfgrasses, landscape designs, and irrigation products and practices that minimize water use and precisely deliver and monitor it.
Creating the future
A few of our many successes include the Plant Select program, Rachio controllers, DogTuff Grass, new social constructs such as xeriscape in the 1980s and Coloradoscape today. Innovations such as urban native grass transitions, water budgeting, turf-free front yards, and integrating water efficiency into land use planning are ongoing.
Communicating conservation
People relocating to Colorado are often from areas with different climatic conditions and water supply portfolios. As the top of the Western watershed, we have a responsibility to manage our variable water supplies and to help our users be successful in their water demands.
To accomplish this, municipalities coordinate with the Colorado Water Conservation Board to measure water use and pursue ways to manage it across their customers through Water Use Efficiency Plans. To better understand use, metering companies have i proved measuring and communication tools across commercial and residential users. New water-delivery technologies offer fine-grained insight and oversight, giving the ability to de fine and fix leaks, and determine and deliver optimal water use. Examples include controllers, flow sensors, master meters, weather networks, home devices and software portals al lowing water providers, users and contractors to reduce waste and plan for the right amount of water use and investment.
Mailers from local water providers provide water-use metrics and comparisons to nearby efficient users, and other bill mailers share available resources such as rebates, irrigation audits, free retrofits and garden discounts. These examples are common measures used in Colorado, especially along the Front Range. EPA’s WaterSense programs commonly bolster this messaging for water users across the country, making participation easy through manufacturers, retailers and industry organizations.
Outreach, education and training
A bright spot in Colorado’s water efficiency evolution is the collaboration across industries. In the commercial segment, certifications are a path to enhance water efficiency capabilities, and many water providers partner with different organizations to help new and experienced practitioners learn new skills. Hosting classes from the Irrigation Association is a popular way to facilitate maximum irrigation efficiency, while others offer the Qualified Water Efficiency Landscaper program. ALCC’s Sustainable Landscape Water Management is a successful format to deliver holistic plant, soil and water health relationships.
For residential and HOA audiences, many water providers offer continuous outreach to engage users in their home and landscape water use. This occurs through classes, tours of conservation gardens, online webinars, hosting booths at public events, and small group consultations.
What does the future hold?
To face this challenging future, Colorado’s water community is actively creating a new water ethic. This vision will require everyone— landscape contractors, water providers, product manufacturers, landscape architects, plant propagators, non-government and government entities, and an engaged and informed user base—to get involved.
Together, we can create this new landscape language that keeps Colorado the amazing place we all love.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Hot and dry conditions the summer could push the state to drought status
Colorado Water Plan initiatives are making water-wise landscapes a reality
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Written by Jenna Battson
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Tuesday, July 09, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Since the Colorado Water Plan (Water Plan) launched in January 2023, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has worked diligently to advance and implement the plan’s 50 Agency Actions. This effort has led to significant progress in the transformative landscape change space outlined in the Water Plan and in Agency Action 1.7. Advancements include key strategies that speak to the CWCB’s commitment to this work, including managing the state’s first Turf Replacement Program, leading a first-of-its-kind Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force and granting over $1 million for continued landscape transformation efforts.
Immediately following the release of the Water Plan, the CWCB launched the Turf Replacement Program, which helped 50 eligible entities across Colorado advance trans formative landscape change in their communities. Awarded entities could either create turf replacement incentive programs or identify specific water-intensive areas to convert to drought-resistant and water-wise landscapes.
The CWCB also led a year-long Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force, which released a final report in January 2024. The report, synthesizing insight from industry leaders across the state, incorporates recommendations from the 21 task force members to advance landscape transformation beyond turf removal efforts to address additional research needs and complementary initiatives. These include supporting prohibitions on nonfunctional turf installations, continuing education and outreach around the benefits of xeriscape, and partnering with the landscape industry to promote water-wise landscapes.
In September 2023, the CWCB Board awarded Resource Central a $1.5 million Water Plan Grant, the largest ever awarded in the water conservation category. The grant will help accelerate transformative landscape change across the state through turf removal and replacement. Resource Central is also working with the CWCB to launch a Trans formative Landscape Change (TLC) Challenge to increase local examples of water-wise landscapes. Resource Central will work directly with up to 15 local communities to replace maintained high-water-use turf in highly visible areas with functional irrigation systems and Garden in a Box kits filled with drought- tolerant perennials. The application window closed on June 1.
While much has been accomplished relatively quickly in the transformative landscape change space, CWCB is still hard at work.
Forthcoming initiatives range from working with partners to develop a do-it-yourself guide for home turf replacement to managing another round of funding for the Turf Re placement Program. To stay updated on these initiatives and learn about new efforts (once available), please visit engagecwcb.org.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Hot and dry conditions the summer could push the state to drought status
Colorado water communities unite to create new water ethic
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Written by Colorado Green Now
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Monday, July 08, 2024 12:00 AM |
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It took until June, but Colorado’s very average snowpack has officially melted away from all 115 federal snow monitoring stations in the state. According to a Water Conditions Monitoring Committee, the reservoir levels are at 94%, just below average, while precipitation was at exactly 100% of the 30-year median.
Heat, however, has been on the rise. Even summer showers may not be enough to combat its effects or to keep the state away from drought.
The entire state is at risk of developing drought this summer. A strong monsoon would be helpful. It would limit the risk of worsening drought, particularly over the Four Corners. For now, it’s looking like that is not as likely, and that it’s going to continue to be a pretty rough summer.
Climate experts track precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, and other factors year-round to gauge water supplies and storage for farmers, city utility managers, reservoir operators and residents around the state.
This year’s outlook has some of those water users looking out for impacts on fish populations, recreation opportunities, irrigation supplies and wildfires.
Without much rain, wildfires will be a pretty serious concern. The period from October 2023 through May ranked in the top 10 warmest time periods across a significant majority of the state when compared with a 129-year historical record.
Areas of southeastern Colorado, like Lamar and La Junta, have already reported 20 or more days over 90 degrees. The Front Range has already had 10-15 days over 90 degrees. Most of the country is also likely to be hotter than usual for the rest of the summer. That’s quite the switch after last year, which started out with cooler-than-average months.
The hotter temperatures are likely to continue for the rest of the summer. Western Colorado and the Four Corners area have a 70%-80% chance of above-average temperatures.
Colorado’s stream and river levels are receding after a normal runoff year, and incoming precipitation will be increasingly helpful for water users in the late summer and early fall. Although the state has seen average precipitation so far, there’s a 40%-50% chance rainfall will tumble below normal levels for July through September.
Some areas, like Fort Collins and Burlington, have seen less-than-average rainfall so far. Even with some rain in the near-term forecast for early July, it will be hard for these areas to end the water year, which closes Sept. 30, at the average level.
The combination of hot and dry weather could make it harder for areas of the state that are already experiencing drought conditions to recover, and it could mean that more areas fall into drought.
About 16% of the state is experiencing drought conditions. That is vastly better than in late 2020 and early 2021, when the entire state was in drought and over 20% was in the most severe drought category. At that level, agricultural and recreational economic losses are large, reservoirs are low, large fires can develop, and mandatory water restrictions are often implemented, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
There is a slightly increased risk for drier extremes in the southern part of the state, which really means there would be a low likelihood that any drought that worsens or develops in the summer is not going to see relief through the fall.
In the Upper Rio Grande River Basin, biologists are keeping an eye on the water temperatures and water levels on the Rio Grande and Conejos rivers for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Brown trout and rainbow trout flourish when water is about 50 degrees but struggle when it rises above 70 degrees. At that level, their immune systems become stressed, and catch-and-release fishing can lead to higher fish mortality.
If stream levels fall below 50% of the norm, and if temperatures rise above 70 degrees, Biologists may implement voluntary or emergency fishing closures.
Several city water managers said their reservoir storage supplies were looking good during the water conditions meeting. Colorado Springs Utilities reservoirs were at 85% of their capacity, and Denver Water’s reservoirs were 97% full.
The lack of monsoons would heighten concerns over wildfire risk or lead to a shorter rafting season for boaters. Less-than-average rainfall could also leave sections of the river dry as water gets pulled for other uses, like irrigation and municipal supplies.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Colorado Water Plan initiatives are making water-wise landscapes a reality
Colorado water communities unite to create new water ethic
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Written by Colorado Green Now
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Thursday, June 20, 2024 12:00 AM |
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The 2nd Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly adjourned on May 9th. Hicks & Associates is pleased to present this report on the activities of the legislature in 2024. Session Overview: The 2024 Legislative Session convened on January 10th. Despite over 100 bills being introduced on day one, primarily from interim committees, the session started slowly, with the first committee hearings taking a few weeks to commence. In the initial week, speeches from leadership in both chambers and the Governor’s State of the State address outlined priorities for the session. With Democrats holding the majority in both chambers and the Governor’s office, there was a strong alignment on issues such as workforce development, education, cost of living/housing, water, public safety, and climate change. Read full article here.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
The Importance of Contacting 811
Keep your culture strong
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Written by Plant Select
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Monday, May 27, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Now's the time to plant 'Windwalker' big bluestem for a stunning fall show
Spring/early summer is the best time to plant native grasses for a great summer and fall garden show, and you can’t go wrong with Andropogon gerardii PWIN01S ‘Windwalker’ big bluestem.
While most big bluestem varieties exhibit varying shades of green, ‘Windwalker’ stands out for its distinctive soft blue color, with narrow, arching light blue leaves accented with a subtle maroon tint in the spring. Its graceful foliage not only complements other garden and landscape plants but also evokes the rich texture of tall grass prairies.
Designers will find ‘Windwalker’ particularly appealing for its ability to enhance garden displays. The soft blue foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for big bluestem flower heads, accentuating their texture and harmonizing with the surrounding colors, especially those of light purple flowering plants.
As autumn approaches, ‘Windwalker’ undergoes a stunning transformation, turning a rich burgundy hue. This fall coloration adds visual interest to the garden without overshadowing other plants—except when backlit by the warm glow of late afternoon sunlight. These moments offer a profound connection to the beauty of the landscape and a sense of belonging in our steppe region.
‘Windwalker’ big bluestem is a must-have addition to any garden, especially if you cherish light purple blooms. Its unique attributes, from the delicate blue foliage to the striking fall coloration, elevate the aesthetic appeal of garden landscapes while celebrating the beauty of native plants. Embracing ‘Windwalker’ is a step toward creating landscapes that resonate with the spirit of our region.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
A drought-tolerant garden: step by step
How AI is transforming the landscape industry
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Written by Tim Flanagan
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Monday, May 27, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Last fall, Sustainable Landscapes Colorado installed a drought-tolerant perennial garden in the Buell Mansion community in Cherry Hills Village. We removed the existing sod, saving on weekly mowing costs and watering. And we gave homeowners the “sleep, creep and leap” mantra. First season, plants will dig in. Second season, plants will stretch out. And by the third season, the Buell Mansion Sandy Lake Triangle should be spectacular for years to come. Once established, this garden will survive on rain and snow.
We chose flowering perennials for each season. Camassia and allium bulbs will offer a blue and purple sea of flowers as the snow begins to melt next spring. Native camassia bulbs should naturalize and fill in any gaps over the years. Next up, our favorite: the hardy, deep-rooted, pea-shaped leafed baptisia will bloom in pale purple, providing an early food source for native bees, honeybees and bumblebees. A matrix of beautiful prairie dropseed will support the flowering perennials and provide a tapestry of emerald green.
When summer arrives, the penstemon ‘Pike’s Peak’ and sunset hyssop will feed visiting hummingbirds. And by late summer, the yellows of rudbeckia and the pinks of echinacea will mingle with the black seedpods of the baptisia to create quite the prairie painting and winter food source. Meanwhile, the native shrubs will provide habitat and cover for the birds. As plantsman Roy Diblik points out, drought-tolerant gardens are “know maintenance.” We know the plants will enjoy living next to each other and will thrive with an annual haircut in March. They will also benefit from their own leaf litter instead of wood chip mulch.
Read full article in our Spring Colorado Green magazine issue.
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Written by Katherine DeGaine
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Monday, May 27, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm, and it will play a big role in building, scaling and evolving the landscape industry.
For landscape architects, AI algorithms can analyze terrain, climate data and customer preferences to generate automated landscape designs, streamlining the planning process, ensuring designs are tailored to specific environmental conditions and providing customers with the exact experience they are looking for. AI-equipped drones can conduct aerial surveys to quickly analyze a site, monitor plants and even create 3D models that assist with design and planning.
One of the best ways a landscape business can implement AI is in lead generation using platforms that allow AI chatbots to nurture leads and set appointments for sales associates and estimators.
“In an industry where competition is high and differentiation can be challenging, leveraging AI in lead generation not only improves the quantity and quality of leads but also contributes significantly to a company’s overall growth and success,” says Kyle Hendrix, operations manager for Comet Suite, AI-powered lead-generation and prospecting software. Letting AI generate and manage leads leaves more time for employees to focus on converting those leads into actual customers, he adds. “AI-powered lead-generation and prospecting software like Comet Suite is essential for landscaping companies looking to combine the power of hyper-personalization and the efficiency of a targeted approach, allowing you to focus on the leads most likely to convert and reducing the time needed to prospect and submit bids.”
Every business understands the importance of customer relations, and AI can assist with that, too, with solutions ranging from call centers to customer relations management and even predictive market trend analysis based on historical data and customer behavior. “The software’s personalization feature tailors marketing messages to individual prospects, improving engagement and conversion rates,” Hendrix says. “This customization helps landscape companies forge stronger client relationships while boosting loyalty and distinguishing them in a competitive market."
AI in the field
AI is also being incorporated in the field. Robotic lawn mowers like the Husqvarna Automower and EcoFlow Blade can operate on their own when given specific parameters. Because they can mow just under an acre on a single charge, they’re best suited for residential use at the moment, but AI technology is advancing quickly.
AI-operated irrigation control systems can monitor and control the amount of water needed to efficiently irrigate and help manage resources for large agricultural grows by optimizing planting, irrigation and fertilization based on real-time data, reducing resource waste and improving yields. AI is able to improve operations by harnessing internet and satellite data, adjusting for weather conditions, soil moisture level and specific plant requirements to optimize the system’s efficiency and contribute to sustainability overall. AI-powered sensors can be employed to monitor the health of plants, irrigation systems and other landscape elements. By collecting and analyzing data from various sources, landscape companies can make more informed decisions on plant selection, resource assignment and scheduling maintenance.
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Written by Plant Select
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Monday, May 27, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Great news! Thanks for all your help in pushing this out to our representatives.
The H-2B “may” to “shall” amendment just passed by a voice vote in the DHS Appropriations Markup.
We are grateful to Reps. Harris (R-MD), Pingree (D-ME), Moolenaar (R-MI), Cuellar (D-TX), Joyce (R-OH) and Ruppersberger (D-MD) for their leadership in sponsoring the amendment. We thank the congress members who spoke in support of the amendment. Please make sure to thank them if you have a close relationship with their offices.
The amendment states:
SEC. 406. Notwithstanding the numerical limitation set forth in section 214(g)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)(B)), the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, and upon determining that the needs of American businesses cannot be satisfied during fiscal year 2025 with United States workers who are willing, qualified, and able to perform temporary nonagricultural labor x , shall increase the total number of visas available to qualifying aliens under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)) in such fiscal year above such limitation by the highest number of H–2B nonimmigrants who participated in the H–2B returning worker program in any fiscal year in which returning workers were exempt from such numerical limitation.
Congressman Harris introduced the amendment and the following folks spoke in support of the amendment:
Amodei
Underwood
Kaptur
Joyce
Bishop
Pingree
Congressman Pocan spoke against the amendment and stated some concerns with the program.
The amendment was passed by a voice vote. Thank you all for your grassroots efforts.
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Written by CSU research committee
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Monday, May 20, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Revised Front Range Tree Recommendation List released
In 2023, a revised Front Range Tree Recommendation List was developed through the collaborative effort of 16 individuals, each representing a different aspect of Colorado’s green industry. Participating organizations included the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association (CNGA), municipal arborists representing Colorado Tree Coalition (CTC) and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) and Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). Based on the committee’s education, knowledge, and experience, over 252 trees, not including many clones of these taxa, were evaluated and rated, resulting in a single reference list for professionals to use and share with customers or residents.
The purpose of this project was to update and expand on the original list produced in 2010, which created a Front Range Tree list for use by green industry professionals based on decades of experience growing and caring for trees in the Front Range. The list is intended to assist those involved in the buying, growing, selling, selection, siting and specification of trees. The list’s ultimate goal is to promote a healthy, diverse and geographically appropriate landscape in the urban forest. These ratings apply to the Colorado Front Range, generally defined as the region from Pueblo to the Wyoming border and from the foothills to the eastern plains.
The initial list of evaluated trees was based on a compilation of seven 2023 Front Range nursery catalogs, plus recommendations from committee members. The group evaluated each tree based on five different crucial factors (soil chemistry, pH, soil texture, insects and diseases, cold hardiness, and salt intolerance) and eight cautionary factors (tree wrap, sunscald, weak wooded, short-lived, transplants, leaf scorch and exposure). Three other categories (water needs, Colorado native and limited availability) were also considered. After evaluating each tree based on crucial, cautionary and other categories, each tree was placed in one of four categories or placed on a non-recommended list.
These categories were defined as follows:
Recommended: tree that has consistently displayed no serious issues related to any of the crucial factors (examples: Celtis occidentalis and Gymnocladus dioicus)
Recommended for Most Sites: trees generally recommended for most sites that have one of the crucial factors or a cautionary problem (examples: Aesulus glabra and Ginkgo biloba)
Conditionally Recommended: trees that have consistently displayed serious issues related to one or more crucial factors and one or more cautionary factors. Some of the factors can be mitigated through proper horticulture care (examples: Quercus bicolor and Picea omonika)
Trees with Potential: trees often offered for sale and have potential to do well (Zone 5 or below) but committee felt less than 10 years of experience growing and maintaining a significant population of trees in this area (examples: Acer griesum and Macluna pomifera)
Not Recommended: trees that consistently displayed overwhelming issues related to several crucial factors or can be expected to do poorly under normal circumstances (examples: Acer saccharinum and Robina hybrids) When using this list to assist in tree selection for a specific planting location, professionals should perform a site analysis relating to cultural factors, including a soil test to determine pH, soil texture and composition.
The Revised Front Range Tree Recommendation List can be downloaded from the CNGA, ASLA, CTC, ISA, CALCP, CSU Extension and Colorado State Forest Service websites.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Battery-powered equipment
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Written by Katherine DeGaine
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Monday, May 20, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Battery-powered equipment: what you need to know
After Colorado’s Regional Air Quality Control voted to approve a ban on some gas-powered mowers and handheld landscaping tools on public and government property starting next summer, many landscaping companies are considering investing in a transition to electric equipment. Battery power is also key to the recent wave of automated mowing equipment.
Green industry manufacturers have stepped up their research and development efforts, turning out innovative battery driven tech to meet the market’s anticipated demand, but adoption has been slow among landscape pros.
In addition to lower operating costs, battery-powered equipment produces zero emissions, which benefits the environment and the health of landscape workers and is significantly quieter (on average, 75 dB compared to 90 dB), which allows contractors to work earlier or later hours in residential areas.
Barriers to battery power
One of the biggest obstacles for landscapers who want to convert to battery power is cost. Battery-powered equipment can cost as much as three times more than gas-powered equipment. In addition, contractors must factor in the costs of batteries necessary to operate. Professional-grade lithium-ion batteries can run between $200 and $4,600 apiece.
To help offset these costs, the Inflation Reduction Act instituted an electric vehicle tax credit that covers 30 percent of the cost, or up to $7,500, for new commercial lawn mowers. Last year, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law, which took effect Jan 1, creating a 30 percent discount on electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers and snow blowers. The Regional Air Quality Control Council offers grant programs for landscaping companies and government entities, and several Colorado counties offer grants and rebates.
Contractors also will need to maintain an inventory of expensive batteries to keep a battery powered fleet running. To avoid carting around one or two dozen batteries from site to site, some landscape professionals have started equipping their trucks and trailers with onboard charging stations that allow them to replenish power on the go and carry fewer replacement battery packs. Most manufacturers offer tips to help make batteries last as long as possible.
One of the most significant challenges contractors report when converting to battery-powered equipment is employee pushback and the cultural shift required to adopt this new technology. Often, crews believe the tool’s reduction in power and the need to adopt new maintenance approaches and practices will hamstring performance and efficiency.
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