VOLUME 8 ⚪ ISSUE NO. 22 ⚪ NOVEMBER 20, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
NALP Event / Day of Service / Pratt Donation / Investment Protection
As we fully embrace the fall season, we’re excited to share some of the incredible things we’ve been doing and what’s on the horizon. Already this month, we have attended two industry learning conferences, held our annual Fall Day of Service, presented the Pratt Nature Center with a donation, and received a nomination by the community for an award!
We believe that keeping our clients informed about our activities is essential because transparency fosters trust and strengthens relationships. By sharing our initiatives, community service, continuing education, or awards that we receive, we are not only highlighting our commitment to making a positive impact with our staff, our community and across our profession, we are also inviting you to share in our journey. ~Shayne
NALP ELEVATE
Two weeks ago, YardScapes staff members (L-R Mike, Tom, Shayne, Pat, Dawn) attended the annual NALP ELEVATE conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. This annual event is organized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), and brought together over 2,400 landscape industry professionals from across the country, along with over 200 vendors showcasing their products and innovations on the Expo floor.
Some of the key highlights of attending the conference are:
- The variety of daily educational sessions,
- Learning about what is new and exciting in our industry,
- Numerous networking opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration,
- Engaging guest speakers,
- and the ELEVATE Expo!
Continued education is a cornerstone of long-term success, both for individual employees and for YardScapes as a whole. It allows us to stay ahead of any changes that might be coming to our industry and make adjustments if needed. By participation in continuing education and peer networking events, we are able to research, create and implement strategies that will help us to enhance performance, increase efficiency, while having the most updated knowledge and expertise to exceed client expectations.
FALL DAY OF SERVICE
On Saturday, November 9th, volunteers from YardScapes’ staff gathered at HQ for coffee and bagels before heading out to five locations in town to perform autumn property clean ups and repair a walkway.
Crews loaded the necessary tools and equipment before reviewing safety protocols and receiving thank yous from Shayne for volunteering their time at this important initiative. After spreading out around New Milford at 9:00AM sharp, individual teams visited Village Center for the Arts, St. John’s Episcopal Church, The Children’s Center, Sunny Valley Preserve for The Nature Conservancy, and Pratt Nature Center. All volunteers were treated to a cookout back at HQ when the work was finished.
We believe that community service helps to strengthen local bonds, enhances team spirit and personal fulfillment, inspires others, and provides safety and enhancements that can benefit the entire community.
YardScapes also performs a Spring Day of Service in April to celebrate Earth Day.
CHARITABLE DONATION
Also on Saturday, November 9th during the Day of Service, Shayne presented Diane Swanson, Executive Director of Pratt Nature Center, with a check for $8,000 reflecting the proceeds from the annual YardScapes Quad-Am Golf Classic, which was held on October 1, 2024, at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in South Kent.
The Pratt Nature Center is located on 205 acres and is dedicated to fostering a love for nature and environmental stewardship within the community. They have educational curriculum, outdoor activities, summer camp, and programs for children as young as newborn, and all, regardless of age, are welcome to visit for outdoor exploration and learning. We invite you to watch a fun video and discover what it means to be “a Pratt Kid”. CLICK HERE.
The YardScapes Quad-Am Golf Classic is attended by local business professionals and community members who not only enjoy a great round of golf but also want to support a fantastic local cause. To date, this tournament has raised $145,000 for local non-profit organizations.
We encourage you to support the businesses that generously donated to this tournament with either a sponsorship, raffle or silent auction item. They are the lifeline of the tournament and are listed on the event page with links when applicable.
In 2025, this tournament will celebrate its 20th year!
Details coming this Spring!
THANK YOU!!
Thanks to your nominations, we were recently notified that we made it to the voting round!
“November is a reminder that even in the quiet, fading days of autumn, nature is still preparing for a new beginning.” – Anonymous
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS
Wrapping trees, saplings and vulnerable shrubs to protect them from harsh winter weather is a great way to help safeguard your investment and the most important plants on your property. Young, newly planted, or trees with thin bark are particularly susceptible to frost cracking, sunscald, animal damage, and desiccation. Wrapping is typically done with light-colored tree guards, commercial fabric, tape or paper, burlap, or a combination of methods.
The wrap acts as a barrier against extreme temperature fluctuations, biting winds, ice buildup, and hungry animals while also helping to protect the plant from winter burn – a condition where the plant loses more water than it absorbs. This is a particular concern this year due to ongoing drought conditions. Winter burn will lead to browning and dieback come spring.
Anti-desiccants are applied as a spray and form a protective coating on leaves or needles, significantly reducing moisture loss, Again, this is important this year as cold winds will further dry out plants as they lose more water through transpiration than they have absorbed. These products can also provide protection from frost, harsh winds, and hungry animals.
Incorporating these strategies into your winter care routine can enhance a plants resilience, ensuring they thrive in challenging winter conditions.
Please let your consultant know if you have any questions! (below, frost cracks)
CTEC ANNUAL MEETING
Yesterday, field staff team members joined Shayne, Greg (Director of Operations and CTEC Board Member), and Tom (Operations Manager) at the Annual Meeting & Education Program of the Connecticut Environmental Council at Aqua Turf in Plantsville.
The CTEC “unites individuals, businesses and industry associations that engage in the responsible use of pesticides and fertilizers to beautify, protect, and provide healthy spaces and places.” Their mission is, “to improve the quality of life for Connecticut families through leadership, stewardship, sustainability and compliance.”
Some of the topics addressed included the effects of climate change on tick-borne diseases, turfgrass disease management, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and legislative updates on issues affecting our industry.
YardScapes was presented with a Community Service Award recognizing our commitment to our community through the annual Days of Service and the Quad-Am Golf Classic!
