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Loftness Adds Lightweight Mulching Head For Compact Excavators
Jessica Schwartz
It’s World Soil Day! Here’s The Dirt
World Soil Day (WSD), a program of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is held on December 5 every year (since 2014) in order to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. Over 95% of our food originates from soil and water, which is vital for nutrient absorption by plants and binds our ecosystems together. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life. Consider these facts: 33% of soils are degraded. It can take up to 1 000 years to produce just 2-3 cm of soil. Soils supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants. There are more living organisms in a tablespoon of soil than people on Earth. Up to half of our household waste could be composted to nurture our soil. While geared toward agriculture, many of the key messages of Word Soil Day 2023 will resonant with landscapers. Some of the key messages include: Soil and water are interconnected resources that need integrated management. Improper soil and water management practices affect soil erosion, soil biodiversity, soil fertility, and water quality and quantity. Soil and water conservation contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Soil erosion and compaction disrupt the capacity of soil to store, drain and filter water, and exacerbates the ...
Tree Services: Taking Tree Care To New Heights
EDITOR’S LETTER As an editor, you simply can’t be planning a main issue on Sustainable Landscaping and a special issue on Tree Care without Dr. Doug Tallamy coming to mind. Entomologist, college professor, and author of 2020 NY Times Best Seller, Nature’s Best Hope, Tallamy pioneered the concept of treating residential yards as “conservation corridors” within the larger ecosystem. Smithsonian Magazine called the book, “not just a horticultural revolution, but a cultural one, bridging the human-dominated landscape and the natural world,” while the Washington Post described it as “A full-blown manifesto that calls for the radical rethinking of the American residential landscape, starting with the lawn.” His most recent book, The Nature of Oaks, champions the mighty tree species for its ecological benefits. As you can imagine, I was thrilled when Dr. Tallamy agreed to write for Turf on why we should be planting more oaks in our landscapes. When it comes to planting, another college professor, Dr. Bert Cregg, and his team are doing important research on container-grown trees. He shares the latest findings on what transplant methods we should be using for greater success. A selection of tree care equipment and suggestions of tough trees for tough conditions round out our coverage. Happy Spring tree planting! cmenapace@groupc.com TreeServicesMagazine.com Tree Services: Taking Tree Care To New Heights April 2022 • Volume 16 • Number 1 FEATURES Improving Transplant Success Of Container-Grown Trees | The latest research on the most successful transplant methods of container-grown trees. Mighty Oaks ...
This City’s Gas Blower Ban Just Took Effect
January 1 marked more than just New Year’s Day. To landscapers in Washington, D.C. it also meant the death knell of their gas leaf blowers. It was the day the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 officially took effect. The Act prohibits the sale or use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in D.C. From now on, anyone that uses gas-powered blowers will be subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense. However, rebates of $75 per leaf blower are available for a limited time. Complaints & Fines Be aware that violations may be reported by any person who observes a gas-powered leaf blower in use and who has evidence to support the claim. The complaint must be submitted to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) within seven days and include: the name of the accused company or individual; location, date, and time of the alleged violation; and any additional identifying information. Complaints must be signed and while photos and videos may be submitted, they are not required for a complaint. Investigations into use of a gas-powered leaf blower may take up to 30 business days to be completed and DCRA will not routinely conduct site visits to verify gas-powered leaf blower complaints. Available Rebates Fortunately, if you have an active DC Business License, you can receive a rebate on the purchase of a commercial electric leaf blower through the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). The current business rebate is $75 per blower and is valid for applications ...
