Official Publication of the Nevada Landscape Association | www.nevadanla.com APRIL 2013PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

RENO, NVPERMIT NO. 379

Nevada Landscape Assoc.P.O. Box 7431

Reno, NV 89510

Landscape IndustryCertified Written Exam & Training Day Page 4 & 5

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY 2013 TEST APPLICATION Page 6

Soil Preparation–The Key to a Successful Lawn Page 7

CARING FOR TREES IN TURFGRASSES Page 8

Managing Thatch Page 10

2 Landscape Nevada

calendar of eventsPLANET DAY OF SERvICEApril 22, 2013 Nationwidewww.planetdayofservice.org

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED WRITTEN ExAMSaturday, April 27, 2013Reno, NV

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED WRITTEN ExAM & TRAINING DAY Saturday, June 8, 2013Reno, NV

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED WRITTEN ExAMFriday, August 9, 2013Reno, NV

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED FIELD TESTSaturday, August 10, 2013Reno, NV

For All Your Specialty Turf and

Ornamental Needs.Matt Melarkey | Christina Volsko | Nate Weber

855 East Greg, Sparks, NV

775-358-6166

www.nevadanla.com APRIL 2013

PUBLISHERLandscape Nevada is published by:

Kathy Hess, Just Imagine Marketing and Design 775.746.4138; kathy@justimaginemktg.com

NEvADA LANDSCAPE BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatt Melarkey, President — Crop Production Services

(775) 358-6166

Sara Anderson, President Elect /Director —All Seasons Lawn & Landscaping (775) 329-2744

Heidi Kratsch, Director — University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (775) 784-4848

Jason Perry, Director — Western Turf and Hardscapes (775) 356-8873

Tim Laskowski, Director — Signature Landscapes (775) 857-4333

Dan George, Director — Century Landscapes (775) 358-5222

Leslie Lyles, Director — Stewardship Horticultural (775) 849-1215

Steve Churchillo, Director — City of Reno Urban Forester (775) 334-2270

David Squier, Director — Reno Green Landscaping (775)852-8952

LANDSCAPE NEvADA is the official publication of the Nevada Landscape Association, P.O. Box 7431, Reno, Nevada, 89510, phone 775.673.0404 or 800.645.9794, fax 775.673.5828, website: www.nevadanla.com, email: nlainfo@nevadanla.com.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & SUBMISSIONSWrite to Landscape Nevada at the address above or email the editor at kathy@justimaginemktg.com or phone 775.746.4138.

MISSION STATEMENTThe Nevada Landscape Association provides leadership by promoting professionalism and integrity within the Green Industry through education, high standards and community involvement. We guide policy and uphold responsible resource management for the beautification and enhancement of our community.

As professionals in the turfgrass industry, we are continually in search of new varieties that tout drought tolerance and disease resistance, but still maintain the dark green luxurious texture of a lawn that would grace the cover of Sunset magazine. One of the aspects of a successful sod installation is not even the sod itself—it’s the condition of the soil.Read more on page 7.

A Letter from the PresidentDear Members,

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will just add two more. ‘Nuff said.

Matt MelarkeyNevADA LANDScApe ASSOcIAtION preSIDeNt

www.nevadanla.com 3

4 Landscape Nevada

(1) Softscape Install (4) Turfgrass Maint. (2) Hardscape Install (5) Ornamental Maint. (3) Irrigation

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT INTERNATIONAL

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION CLIENT RECOGNITION

CAREER ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENT OF MANY

COMMERCIAL & MUNICIPAL JOBS

For test application and more information, visit the NLA website & click on the “Certification” tab. Or call Jim Stanhouse at

775-673-0404 or email jim@nevadanla.com.

Certifiy In One or All Five Designations

TESTING DATES: April 27, 2013

At Western Nevada Supply Co. 950 S Rock Blvd Sparks, NV 89431 (775) 359-5800

June 8 & August 9, 2013Hands-On Testing August 10

At Truckee Meadows Community College7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512 (775) 674-7660

GET CERTIFIED!

www.NevadaNLA.com

Benefit to You

Certification enhances your professionalism!Benefits to you may include:Benefits to you may include:

▪ A sense of personal achievement. ▪ Increased respect and recognition in the industry or profession. ▪ Increased professional credibility among customers and 

prospects. ▪ Increased marketing advantages for your firm by havingIncreased marketing advantages for your firm by having 

certified individuals on staff. 

Nevada Licensed Commercial Pest Control Applicator

ASK ABOUT OUR $100 TEST DISCOUNTS

Our Sponsors

SIERRAREPAIR & SHARPENING“YOUR FULL SERVICE POWER EQUIPMENT CENTER”

Multiple Written Test

Opportunities!

www.nevadanla.com 5

June 8, 2013 @TMCC RSVP for training. Tests begin August 9th & 10th @TMCC

FREE Hands-On Class Review & Training Seminars

WWW.NEVADANLA.COM

Nevada Licensed Commercial Pest Control Applicator

TEST TRAINING

R.S.V.P. 673-0404 or info@nevadanla.com

June 8th Training Truckee Meadows

Community College Dandini Campus

(Located at the Landscape Industry Certified-Technician permanent exam site)

GET A HEAD START ON THE UPCOMING

CERTIFICATION TESTMultiple Written Test Opportunities

visit website for information

For test application and more information, visit the NLA website & click on the “Certification” tab. Or call Jim Stanhouse at 673-0404 or jim@nevadanla.com.

Receive Hands-On Help To: 1) Demonstrate Test Problems

2) Answer Questions Related to Exam

3) Study Written Test Questions

4) See Live Test Trials

5) Review Skills to Pass Test

This FREE seminar is designed to help YOU

succeed in today’s landcape industry.

6 Landscape Nevada

2013 Test Application Reno, Nevada

Applicant/Personal InformationName __________________________________________________

Home AddressStreet/pO Box __________________________________________

city/State/Zip __________________________________________

phone __________________________________________

Fax __________________________________________

email __________________________________________

Work Addresscompany Name __________________________________________

Street/pO Box __________________________________________

city/State/Zip __________________________________________

phone __________________________________________

Fax __________________________________________

email __________________________________________

release results to: Applicant employer

Signature __________________________________________

Please register me for the following designation:(check one only)

Softscape Installation Hardscape Installation turfgrass Maintenance Ornamental Maintenance Irrigation

IMPORTANT! check if you would like the test book in Spanish. check if you require special testing accommodations. check if you are retaking this test.

Retest Problems __________________________________________

Year you entered the Green Industry(to become Landscape Industry certified, pLANet recommends that you have a minimum of 2,000 hours work experience. please check your work experience.)

1 year (2,000 hour minimum) 2–5 years 5–10 years 10+ years

Test FeesNLA or pLANet member ...........................................$195 per testPay for four tests and receive the fifth test FREE!Non-members ..........................................................$245 per test

Retest FeesMember retest fees are $25 plus $10 per problem. example: retest + one problem ..............................................$35Non-member retest fees are $50 plus $10 per problem.example: retest + one problem ..............................................$60

Training Manuals: Highly recommended to assist you in preparation for the test.

Member $99 Non-member $125

Installation Irrigation Maintenance

Cancellation Policy: cancellations received prior to the deadline date will be refunded the registration fee minus a $50 administration fee for a full test, and $25 a retest. cancellations received after the deadline date receive no refund.

Deadline: Application must be postmarked or faxed at least two weeks prior to the test date.

Application/Payment Information: please return application with check made payable to the Nevada Landscape Association, or provide credit card information below, to: Nevada LaNdscape associatioNp.O. Box 7431 reno, Nv 89510-7431 Fax (775) 673-5828

Credit card information:please charge my: visa Mastercard

credit card # __________________________________________

expiration Date _______________ 3 digit security code _________

total Amount Authorized __________________________________

Name on card __________________________________________

signature __________________________________________

Questions? contact Jim Stanhouse, test Administratorphone: (775) 673-0404email: Jim@nevadanla.com

A s professionals in the turfgrass industry, we are continually in search of new varieties that tout drought tolerance and disease resistance, but still maintain the dark green

luxurious texture of a lawn that would grace the cover of Sunset magazine. Although these new varieties have progressed leaps and bounds in terms of these characteristics over the old Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue varieties, one of the aspects of a successful sod installation is not even the sod itself—it’s the condition of the soil.

What makes ideal soil for planting sod? We could go into depth about soil composition, but in basic terms the two most important aspects of creating a successful lawn are having adequate soil drainage and depth1.

Nevada soils are extreme in that some areas have sand and others have clay. Sandy areas have trouble holding water at the root zone and can cause drought stress, while clay soils hold too much water and lead to root rot diseases. Having both soil types leads

to great difficulty in proper irrigation leading to an over and under watering situation in the lawn. It’s important in these situations to amend your soil to create an even soil profile to maintain proper drainage. In addition, promote surface drainage by grading soil away from structures and avoid swales that will tend to pool water during irrigation sets.

Soil depth refers to the depth of viable topsoil in the landscape to sustain the lawn. Nevada has one of the lowest amounts of organic material in the soil averaging less than 1 percent2. productive agricultural soils contain upwards of 5 percent. Adding organic material significantly improves sandy soils by increasing the soil’s water holding capacity and in clay soils helps to loosen the soil, thus improving drainage. choose high quality organic material that has been composted properly to avoid weed seeds, insect eggs and potential plant disease. Avoid un-composted manure as it may damage or burn plants due to high nitrogen and salt levels.

Adding these materials plays an important role in building soil biology. promoting healthy soils which include earthworms, insects, bacteria and fungi is the keystone in maintaining a healthy lawn. remarkably, lawns maintained with the goal of promoting the soil biology handle drought stress better than lawns that have been maintained solely through chemical methods3.

In conclusion, the importance of soil preparation when installing sod cannot be emphasized enough. It’s similar to painting your house. You can have the prettiest, most expensive paint money can buy, but if you don’t take the steps to prepare the surface, you will end up with peeling and cracking paint in short order. In all cases, the end goal is to create a lawn that is healthy and ultimately adds value to your client’s home.

—The Key to a Successful LawnBy Cary YamamotoGeneral Manager, Dayton valley Turf

1 Paul Tukey Organic Lawn Care Manual (Massachusetts, Storey Publishing, 2007), 372 Melody Hefner, JoAnne Skelly, Susan Donaldson, “Nevada’s Soils-Worth the Toil” Fact Sheet-09-14, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 20093 Paul Tukey Organic Lawn Care Manual (Massachusetts, Storey Publishing, 2007), 13

Remarkably, lawns

maintained with the goal

of promoting the soil

biology handle drought

stress better than

lawns that have been

maintained solely through

chemical methods.

www.nevadanla.com 7

Caring for Trees in TurfgrassesBy Wendy Hanson MazetUniversity of Nevada Cooperative Extension

When we think of home and commercial landscapes, we picture an area of beauty and functionality. Drive through any community in America, and you will see trees planted in the front yards. For people living in northern Nevada, it is no different. We have trees, and many, if not most, are

planted in turfgrass lawns. For homeowners, a statuesque tree surrounded by dark green grass provides a relaxing park setting;

it can also increase property values and provide shade that reduces summer cooling costs. Unfortunately, when the care required by these two different species, grass and trees, is not provided, lawns ridden with surface tree roots, trees and turf declining from drought stress and unattractive landscapes result.

the landscape professional’s role is to educate homeowners to avoid the costly and unattractive mistakes of improper turf and tree care and attempt to remedy those mistakes when they occur. to do that, an understanding of both species’ growth requirements is necessary.

Grasses are native and adapted to thrive in open, highly competitive areas receiving seasonal moisture. When grasses are maintained as urban area turfgrasses, their dense, aggressive root systems are driven to compete with trees for water and nutrients, and they must adapt to the conditions provided by the homeowner. Most homeowners water turfgrass shallowly and frequently, with water penetrating the soil less than 6 inches, and cut the grass back to three inches or shorter every week. this type of care generates shallow, dense masses of roots, and along with over-fertilizing, a thick layer of thatch can develop. the short mowing also makes it difficult for grass to survive the heat of the summer.

In contrast, trees are woody perennial plants with the ability to live hundreds of years when grown in their native forest environments with little or no vegetation under the dense shade created by the canopy. there, the soils are rich in organic matter and these conditions encourage large expansive root systems. It is not uncommon for a sixty-foot tree in a moist environment to have a root system that covers over an acre of land.

tree root systems, which are vital to tree feeding, watering and survival, are primarily made up of lateral spreading anchor and storage roots with smaller feeder roots absorbing the majority of moisture. When trees are primarily watered by lawn sprinklers, the root system becomes shallow and closer to the surface where the water is available. Most tree root systems in urban settings can be found in the top 18 to 24 inches of soil. Many homes have the issue of large roots from theirs or their neighbors’ trees creating mounds in the lawn. Occasional deep watering of trees will encourage tree roots to grow deeper into the soil.

When caring for trees in lawn, knowledge of their different growth requirements will help you to educate your clients to provide an appropriate environment in which turf and trees both thrive. Accommodating those different requirements by eliminating lawn under the canopy of trees, creating islands with compost or mulch covering the bare ground as a barrier between the tree and the turf, and deeply and less frequently watering trees will reduce competition and maintenance and improve the beauty of your landscapes. these practices will also prevent mower and weed-eater damage to tree trunks as they improve the health of your trees.

8 Landscape Nevada

www.nevadanla.com 9

Better Idea Group

Reggar Tree Farm

Zip It Tree Ties

Outdoor Power

NEW membersTo join... please call the Nevada Landscape office at 673-0404 or visit our website at www.nevadanla.com

Choosing DROuGHT TOLeRANT PlantsBy Reno Green Landscaping

Northern Nevada has experienced high temperatures and very little precipitation for quite a few years. these dry conditions can drastically affect your landscaping, not to mention staggering water bills. there are many drought tolerant plants and flowers available that

will not only help you conserve water, but also add beautiful color and texture to your property. Here are just a few examples:

artemisia schmidtiaNa siLver mouNd. this is one of the most popular foliate perennials. Artemisia forms a low cushion of ferny, silvery-grey leaves and is a perfect choice for hot, dry areas.

eriogoNum umbeLLatum suLfur buckwheat. this beautiful plant can withstand sun, heat, drought and wind, making it an ideal choice for our dry climate. Flowers range from yellow to orange or red.

deLosperma cooperi hardy icepLaNt. this great groundcover has succulent needle-like leaves and bright purple flowers.

Nepeta x faasseNii catmiNt. this mound of lavender and aromatic grayish leaves is especially hardy and very easy to grow.

sedum autumN Joy. this plant is dependable and very low maintenance. the pink and copper flowers attract butterflies and grows to about two feet tall and wide with wide succulent stems and leaves.

heLictotrchoN sempervireNs bLue oat grass. this grass is the best choice for accents and looks attractive year-round.

yucca fiLameNtosa adam’s NeedLe. this hardy plant features long, blue-green leaves and fragrant cream flowers in the early summer.

choosing drought tolerant plant material will save you money while adding splendor to your landscaping. Minimizing your water usage doesn’t mean you have to reduce the amount of plant material in your landscaping. In addition, knowing where to place the plants for maximum health and growth will also help achieve maximum water savings.

Artemisia Schmidtiana Silver Mound

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur Buckwheat

10 Landscape Nevada

3 Loosens compacted soil and Improves water and nutrient penetration

3 Increases oxygen levels in the soil

3 encourages deep rooting

3 encourages growth of beneficial thatch-decomposing soil microorganisms

3 Reduces water runoff

Aerating Helps ImproveLawn Health. Core Aeration...

ReFeReNCeS: • Beard, J.B. 1983. Turf Management of Golf. Courses. Macmillian Publishing Company. New York. • Branaranayake, W., Qian Y.L., Ojina, D.S., and Follett R.F. 2003. Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Changes in Turfgrass Systems Using CENTURY Model. Agronomy Journal. 95: 558-663• Callahan, M. L, Sanders L.W., Parham, M.J., Harper, C.A., Lester L.D. and McDonald E.R. 1998. Crops Science. 38:181-187. • Kosiki, T., Skinner, V. 2004. Lawn Care. Fact Sheet. No 7.202. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Fort Collins, Co.• Pound, W. E., Street, J.R. 2004. Thatch: The Accumulation in Lawns. Fact Sheet HYG-4008. Ohio State University.

• Taylor, R.G., Gray, J., Abernathy, S. 1998. Thatch Management For Home Lawns. Texas Agriculture Extension Service. College Station, TX.

By Bill Carlos, Washoe County Horticulturist Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Thatch

Mat layer

Soil line

Thatch is a layer of tight brown spongy organic material found just above the soil-line in turf. the majority of thatch is made up of an accumulation of partly decomposed stems and roots of grass. thatch

tends to be more of a problem in sod-forming grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue and Bermuda. thatch rarely occurs in bunch grasses, such as tall fescue.

what causes thatch? thatch is caused by many things: • Poor soil conditions• Sandy soils • Excessive clay-type soils• Dry soil • Compacted soils • Over-watering• Water-logged soils, ponding• Salty soils and soils with a high pH • Reduced soil microorganisms • Infrequent or excessive fertilization and high cutting • Continual and repeated applications of certain pesticides • Cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass listed in the table to the right

uNderstaNdiNg the Layers of thatch there are two distinct layers of thatch (Figure 1.0). the first layer is found at the base of the grass plant near the soil surface. It is primarily composed of dead leaves, roots and shoots (lignin).

the second layer, the mat layer, is the most difficult to control and remove. the mat layer is found above the soil line and below the crown of the grass. It is comprised of intermingled decaying roots and shoots. When this layer becomes thick, it can hold water, like a sponge. However, if it becomes dry, it will shed water.

Fig. 1.0. Layer of thatch, mat and soil line.

beNefits aNd probLems of thatch Some thatch is beneficial. thatch is durable and increases wear tolerance. thatch also insulates the roots and the growing points (crowns) of grass against extreme temperatures. However, when thatch becomes thicker than 1/2 inch, it creates a favorable environment for pests and disease. the dead leaves, stems and roots found in the thatch layer can harbor diseases. Both thatch and the mat layer create ideal conditions for insects to feed and over winter (billbugs and melting-out disease).

A buildup of thatch greater than ½ inch also interferes with mowing. Over time, the wheels of the lawn mower can make wheel ruts if the mowing patterns are not changed weekly. ruts lower the wheels and the cutting blade. When the mower wheels follow the ruts, the blade cuts the lawn close to the ground, scalping it. this damages the crown of the lawn and take months to recover. to find out more about managing thatch please see the University of Nevada FS-04-73, controlling and preventing thatch.

www.nevadanla.com 11

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