LICH Landscape Hawaii Magazine -January/February 2015 Issue

Landscape Industry Council of Hawai’iP. O. Box 22938 Honolulu HI 96823-2938

N i g h t L i g h t i N g i s s u eLandscape Industry Council of Hawai’iP. O. Box 22938 Honolulu HI 96823-2938

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDHONOLULU, HI

PERMIT NO. 1023

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015

HAwAiiscApE.com

$4.95

Tree rooTs

LeD InsTaLLaTIon Process

How tHey grow

A LoNg AwAIteD BLeSSINg

HIgH TecH LIgHTIngtecHNoLogIcAL ADvANceS IN Low voLtAge LANDScApe LIgHtINg

T H E V o i c E o F H A w A i i ’ s G R E E N i N D U s T R Y

THE VOICE OF HAWAII’S GREEN INDUSTRY

DEPARTMENTS

4 PRESIDENT COLUMN

7 CERTIFICATION COLUMN

17 LANDSCAPE LIghTINg

23 TURFgRASS

25 BUSINESS TIPS

28 TOOL TIPS

30 PEST

FEATURES

5 LICh NEWS

8 gREEN ROOFS

10 STUDENT POSTERS

12 MAyOR’S ARBOR DAy

27 AQUATICS PLANTS

COVER STORIES

13 hIgh TECh LIghTINg

14 LED INSTALLATION

20 TREE ROOTS

14

Formed in June 1986, the Landscape Industry Council of Hawai‘i is a state wide alliance representing Hawaii’s landscape associations: Aloha Arborist Association, American Society of Landscape Architects Hawaii Chapter, Hawaii Association of Nurserymen, Hawaii Island Landscape Association, Hawaii Landscape and Irrigation Contractors, Hawaii Society of Urban Forestry Professionals, Kauai Landscape Industry Council, Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, Professional Grounds Management Society, Big Island Association of Nurserymen, and the Hawaii Professional Gardeners Association.

Landscape Industry Council of Hawai‘iP. O. Box 22938, Honolulu HI 96823-2938

EditorChristopher A. [email protected]

Advertising SalesMichael [email protected]

MembershipJason [email protected]

DesignerDarrell Ishida

Cover PhotoFX Luminaire, Hunter Industries Company

B o A r D o f D I r e c t o r S

Chris Dacus Brandon Aupresident Vice president

Matt Lyum Rick QuinnTreasurer secretary

Norman Allen Clifford MigitaOrville Baldos Dorothy MulkernChuck Chimera Karen OstborgCarl Evensen Edmundo ReyesRandy Liu Mark SuisoChristy Martin Josh SandChris McCullough

Director EmeritusJay Deputy Steve NimzLelan Nishek Boyd ReadyGarrett Webb

Proudly self published by

Hawaiiscape.com 3

27

Spending lunch in Camelot s ince 1962.For over 50 years, Victor Stanley has designed, engineered, and manufactured timeless site furnishings

so you can bring communities to life. Using genuine IPE wood slats and solid steel with exceptionally high recycled content, our new Reverie collection is the perfect marriage of sleek design, longevity, and comfort.

Contact George Blevins at [email protected]

V I C T O R S T A N L E Y . C O M

Scha

retg

Pic

ture

s

US Patent D710,625 S; other patent pending.

Hawaii_Landscape_\_8.5x11_CAMELOT.indd 1 12/1/14 3:34 PM


DEPARTMENTS

4 PRESIDENT COLUMN

7 CERTIFICATION COLUMN

17 LANDSCAPE LIghTINg

23 TURFgRASS

25 BUSINESS TIPS

28 TOOL TIPS

30 PEST

FEATURES

5 LICh NEWS

8 gREEN ROOFS

10 STUDENT POSTERS

12 MAyOR’S ARBOR DAy

27 AQUATICS PLANTS

COVER STORIES

13 hIgh TECh LIghTINg

14 LED INSTALLATION

20 TREE ROOTS

14

Formed in June 1986, the Landscape Industry Council of Hawai‘i is a state wide alliance representing Hawaii’s landscape associations: Aloha Arborist Association, American Society of Landscape Architects Hawaii Chapter, Hawaii Association of Nurserymen, Hawaii Island Landscape Association, Hawaii Landscape and Irrigation Contractors, Hawaii Society of Urban Forestry Professionals, Kauai Landscape Industry Council, Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, Professional Grounds Management Society, Big Island Association of Nurserymen, and the Hawaii Professional Gardeners Association.

Landscape Industry Council of Hawai‘iP. O. Box 22938, Honolulu HI 96823-2938

EditorChristopher A. [email protected]

Advertising SalesMichael [email protected]

MembershipJason [email protected]

DesignerDarrell Ishida

Cover PhotoFX Luminaire, Hunter Industries Company

B o A r D o f D I r e c t o r S

Chris Dacus Brandon Aupresident Vice president

Matt Lyum Rick QuinnTreasurer secretary

Norman Allen Clifford MigitaOrville Baldos Dorothy MulkernChuck Chimera Karen OstborgCarl Evensen Edmundo ReyesRandy Liu Mark SuisoChristy Martin Josh SandChris McCullough

Director EmeritusJay Deputy Steve NimzLelan Nishek Boyd ReadyGarrett Webb

Proudly self published by

Hawaiiscape.com 3

27

Spending lunch in Camelot s ince 1962.For over 50 years, Victor Stanley has designed, engineered, and manufactured timeless site furnishings

so you can bring communities to life. Using genuine IPE wood slats and solid steel with exceptionally high recycled content, our new Reverie collection is the perfect marriage of sleek design, longevity, and comfort.

Contact George Blevins at [email protected]

V I C T O R S T A N L E Y . C O M

Scha

retg

Pic

ture

s

US Patent D710,625 S; other patent pending.

Hawaii_Landscape_\_8.5x11_CAMELOT.indd 1 12/1/14 3:34 PM

4 LaNDscape Hawaii JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015 Hawaiiscape.com 5THE VOICE OF HAWAII’S GREEN INDUSTRY

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Take a sTand.The legislative season has begun and if this year is like past years, you can expect legislative bills on native species, invasive species, herbicides, and a surprise or two. These three areas are areas of change in our state and our industry. Taking a stand is as easy as visiting the state legislative website and completing a simple form. Make it a goal to spend 10 minutesto testify on at least one legislative bill that will affects you.

Where do we stand as the landscape industry on these issues?

Native species. We encourage the use of native species. We support native plant horticultural research and funding to increase the number of native species that will thrive in the urban environment. It is difficult to support bills requiring the mandatory use of native species until more native species are available.

Invasive species. We support the prohibition of the use of invasive plants that have more risk then benefits as determined jointly by conservationists and industry professionals. We encourage the use of the weed risk assessment to assist in making informed plant decisions for the greatest environmental benefit. We support better bio security to prevent invasive pests from entering the state of Hawaii.

Insecticides and herbicides. We support the use of chemicals as part of an integrated pest management approach to manage landscapes & pests that would otherwise be unmanageable.

LICH works hard to represent the landscape industry at the state legislature. To get involved or let us know your thoughts, visit the LICH Website, www.hawaiiscape.com and the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hawaiiscape.

Sincerely,

Chris DacusLICH PresidenT

03-10-09/0000229489

KOOLAU SEEDS & SUPPLY R 2.00 X 2.00

3009 PMP-PENARO Proofed By: jmahoney

Susan OwenManager

Contact

(808) 239-1280 Office

(808) 239-2151 Fax

[email protected]

48-373 G Kamehameha HwyKaneohe, Hawaii 96744

Susan OwenManager

Contact

(808) 239-1280 Office

(808) 239-2151 Fax

[email protected]


Upcoming issUesMar/Apr 2015Theme: WaterscapesStory Deadline: February 6, 2015

May/Jun 2015Theme: Landscape Design StylesStory Deadline: April 3, 2015

Jul/Aug 2015Theme: Site FurnitureStory Deadline: June 5, 2015

The TreeCirCus Comes To maui W h A t S h A p p E N i N G

NEWSlich

By eLAINe MALINA

No Elephants, tigers or flying trapeze at the TreeCircus but still the audience is capti-vated by the edu-tain-er, Tim Womick. Tim

is a one man show teaching children of all ages the benefits of trees. There is no comparison to the energy and pas-sion that Tim has for each interactive TreeCircus assembly. Students enter the room to the sound of a beating drum and are immediately drawn in to the world of trees by Tim. Soon they learn about “What do trees give us?” Partici-pants may put on sunglasses for the tree benefit of shade, wear a rayon scarf for clothing from trees, hold a stack of items made of wood, and even become a tree themselves to show the different parts of trees from roots to canopy!

One of the most important benefits that students learn is that trees gives us jobs, from nursery worker to tree climber. Participants learn that trees do get cut down for many reasons, like toilet paper, but they also learn that trees need to be replanted and more trees are needed for a better environment for all of us to live.

There are other lessons during the TreeCircus too, like recycling and ev-eryone deserves a second chance. Each participant walks away with a special gift of either a mini silver acorn or an earth, reminding them that they can make a difference in the world and it all starts with them. And everyone leaves know-ing more about the importance of trees.

Tim Womick, from North Carolina, has been “speaking for the trees” for almost 25 years across the country and internationally. A walk in a forest amongst 400 year old trees changed his life forever in 1990 and his mission began with planting trees and evolved with educating people about trees espe-cially the children.

Tim’s resume includes being the ambassador of the National Tree Trust and in 2011, receiving the International Society of Arboriculture True Profession-al of Arboriculture award. Tim is “tree educated” by his interaction with tree

MahaLo to LaNdscape iNdustry couNciL of haWaii spoNsors

Website sponsors

Reach 20,450

Landscape Professionals, advertise today

Call Michael Roth Phone: (808) 595-4124

Email: [email protected]

Calendar of events

Jan 19Planting Succulent GardenLyon Arboretum, Honolulu

Jan 23Supermarket Flower DesignLyon Arboretum, Honolulu

Feb 14 – 21Waimea Town FestivalWaimea, Kauai

Feb 20Chinese New YearLahaina, Maui

Feb 20-21Waimea Roundup 2015Waimea, Kauai

Feb 27Botanical PhotographyLyon Arboretum, Honolulu

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015www.hAwAiiscApE.com

Beachside Lighting 905 Kalanianaole Hwy. #29A

Kailua, HI 96734 USA (808) 263-5717

www.BeachsideLighting.com

Designed and Made In Hawaii

Brass Exterior Lighting for the Next Generation

professionals across the nation and is highly respected amongst the arbor industry.

Several Maui Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs were fortunate to participate in this arbor month event brought to Maui by the Aloha Arborist Association, the U.S. Forest Service, Western Chapter of the Internation-al Society of Arboriculture, the Britton Fund, a grant by Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program for educational materials for the students as well as the teachers, SGS Hawaii Landscape Management and hosted on Maui locally by Maui Green & Beautiful (formerly the Maui Outdoor Circle).

Maui Green & Beautiful’s mission state-ment is “Caring for the aina, through pres-ervation, protection and education.” The TreeCircus accomplishes this by teaching the young and young at heart about the importance of our trees and more. For more information on the TreeCircus, go to TreeCircus.org

Elaine Malina is Maui Green & Beautiful board president, an ISA Certified Arborist since 1997 and presently a landscape manager at SGS Hawaii Landscape Management.


PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Take a sTand.The legislative season has begun and if this year is like past years, you can expect legislative bills on native species, invasive species, herbicides, and a surprise or two. These three areas are areas of change in our state and our industry. Taking a stand is as easy as visiting the state legislative website and completing a simple form. Make it a goal to spend 10 minutesto testify on at least one legislative bill that will affects you.

Where do we stand as the landscape industry on these issues?

Native species. We encourage the use of native species. We support native plant horticultural research and funding to increase the number of native species that will thrive in the urban environment. It is difficult to support bills requiring the mandatory use of native species until more native species are available.

Invasive species. We support the prohibition of the use of invasive plants that have more risk then benefits as determined jointly by conservationists and industry professionals. We encourage the use of the weed risk assessment to assist in making informed plant decisions for the greatest environmental benefit. We support better bio security to prevent invasive pests from entering the state of Hawaii.

Insecticides and herbicides. We support the use of chemicals as part of an integrated pest management approach to manage landscapes & pests that would otherwise be unmanageable.

LICH works hard to represent the landscape industry at the state legislature. To get involved or let us know your thoughts, visit the LICH Website, www.hawaiiscape.com and the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hawaiiscape.

Sincerely,

Chris DacusLICH PresidenT

03-10-09/0000229489

KOOLAU SEEDS & SUPPLY R 2.00 X 2.00

3009 PMP-PENARO Proofed By: jmahoney

Susan OwenManager

Contact

(808) 239-1280 Office

(808) 239-2151 Fax

[email protected]


Susan OwenManager

Contact

(808) 239-1280 Office

(808) 239-2151 Fax

[email protected]


Upcoming issUesMar/Apr 2015Theme: WaterscapesStory Deadline: February 6, 2015

May/Jun 2015Theme: Landscape Design StylesStory Deadline: April 3, 2015

Jul/Aug 2015Theme: Site FurnitureStory Deadline: June 5, 2015

The TreeCirCus Comes To maui W h A t S h A p p E N i N G

NEWSlich

By eLAINe MALINA

No Elephants, tigers or flying trapeze at the TreeCircus but still the audience is capti-vated by the edu-tain-er, Tim Womick. Tim

is a one man show teaching children of all ages the benefits of trees. There is no comparison to the energy and pas-sion that Tim has for each interactive TreeCircus assembly. Students enter the room to the sound of a beating drum and are immediately drawn in to the world of trees by Tim. Soon they learn about “What do trees give us?” Partici-pants may put on sunglasses for the tree benefit of shade, wear a rayon scarf for clothing from trees, hold a stack of items made of wood, and even become a tree themselves to show the different parts of trees from roots to canopy!

One of the most important benefits that students learn is that trees gives us jobs, from nursery worker to tree climber. Participants learn that trees do get cut down for many reasons, like toilet paper, but they also learn that trees need to be replanted and more trees are needed for a better environment for all of us to live.

There are other lessons during the TreeCircus too, like recycling and ev-eryone deserves a second chance. Each participant walks away with a special gift of either a mini silver acorn or an earth, reminding them that they can make a difference in the world and it all starts with them. And everyone leaves know-ing more about the importance of trees.

Tim Womick, from North Carolina, has been “speaking for the trees” for almost 25 years across the country and internationally. A walk in a forest amongst 400 year old trees changed his life forever in 1990 and his mission began with planting trees and evolved with educating people about trees espe-cially the children.

Tim’s resume includes being the ambassador of the National Tree Trust and in 2011, receiving the International Society of Arboriculture True Profession-al of Arboriculture award. Tim is “tree educated” by his interaction with tree

MahaLo to LaNdscape iNdustry couNciL of haWaii spoNsors

Website sponsors

Reach 20,450

Landscape Professionals, advertise today

Call Michael Roth Phone: (808) 595-4124

Email: [email protected]

Calendar of events

Jan 19Planting Succulent GardenLyon Arboretum, Honolulu

Jan 23Supermarket Flower DesignLyon Arboretum, Honolulu

Feb 14 – 21Waimea Town FestivalWaimea, Kauai

Feb 20Chinese New YearLahaina, Maui

Feb 20-21Waimea Roundup 2015Waimea, Kauai

Feb 27Botanical PhotographyLyon Arboretum, Honolulu

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015www.hAwAiiscApE.com

Beachside Lighting 905 Kalanianaole Hwy. #29A

Kailua, HI 96734 USA (808) 263-5717

www.BeachsideLighting.com

Designed and Made In Hawaii

Brass Exterior Lighting for the Next Generation

professionals across the nation and is highly respected amongst the arbor industry.

Several Maui Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs were fortunate to participate in this arbor month event brought to Maui by the Aloha Arborist Association, the U.S. Forest Service, Western Chapter of the Internation-al Society of Arboriculture, the Britton Fund, a grant by Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program for educational materials for the students as well as the teachers, SGS Hawaii Landscape Management and hosted on Maui locally by Maui Green & Beautiful (formerly the Maui Outdoor Circle).

Maui Green & Beautiful’s mission state-ment is “Caring for the aina, through pres-ervation, protection and education.” The TreeCircus accomplishes this by teaching the young and young at heart about the importance of our trees and more. For more information on the TreeCircus, go to TreeCircus.org

Elaine Malina is Maui Green & Beautiful board president, an ISA Certified Arborist since 1997 and presently a landscape manager at SGS Hawaii Landscape Management.

6 LaNDscape Hawaii JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015

By MAtt LyuM AND JANINe MorI

LIcH FIeLD TrIP

InsTaLLaTIon What’s NeW for 2015?

thE VOiCE OF hAWAii’S GREEN iNDUStRY Hawaiiscape.com 7

At the LICH post-confer-ence field trip on Octo-ber 10, 2014, a group of industry professionals visited a unique, “behind the scenes” tour of 5 great

properties within the “resort” theme of the conference.

Matt Schirman of Hui Ku Maoli Ola started us off at Turtle Bay. He described the challenges of installing 565 tons of river rock and equal amounts of soil and plants on a living roof. The Turtle Bay Resort “green roof” project includes three roofs totaling approximately 50,000 square feet. A combination of native groundcovers - mau‘u ‘aki‘aki, Carex (carex wahuensis), and nehe (melanthera integrifolia) — and three colors of river rock were used to cre-ate a “living” work of art that is visible from the guest rooms and elevator core above.

Janine Mori, of Walters Kimura Motoda was the landscape architect. She describes her project. “The natural beauty of the North Shore, especially the ocean, served as the inspiration for the design. At the east roof which consists entirely of river rock, the mauka portion represents clouds and waterfalls, which then transitions to intertwined curvilinear bands repre-senting a stream. The 18,000 square foot north roof, which includes 4,400 square feet of planting along the building, and river rock closer to the ocean, is meant to resemble the water lapping along the shoreline. The12,360 square foot west roof is entirely planted, and incorporates the same style of curvilinear layout as the other roofs, representing a wave motif.

Plant selection was based on Hui Ku Maoli Ola’s experience with native plants, and trial plantings that were done on-site. While the plants are predominantly green in color, the different shades, textures and growth habit provides subtle contrast in keeping with the Resort’s concept of balancing nature, Hawaiian culture and contemporary style. Two areas for herbs and vegetables are also provided as part of the Resort’s farm-to-table initiatives.”

After a scenic drive overlooking 10’+ surf, we left the tranquility of nature into the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Passing by throngs of tourists (and a few rum-

maging homeless), the Starwood Resorts’ beautiful landscaping was like an oasis in the urban jungle.

Randy Liu gave a walking tour or the Sheraton Waikiki, the Moana, The Prin-cess Kaiulani and the iconic Royal Hawai-ian Hotel. A true, behind the scenes tour, we visited the basement office, traveled in the tunneled corridors of the hotel, and even got to eat a Hawaiian Buffet in the employee cafeteria! Randy described the Starwood branding and how the land-scape design played into each experience. The tour got up close and personal to the Moana’s historic Indian Banyan (ficus ben-ghalensis) that has struggled through sev-

eral damaging renovation projects since it was first planted in 1904. Maintaining lush tropical plants in the coastal environ-ment, Randy’s staff has to also overcome heavy foot traffic and other problematic logistical challenges as well. We could not even access the entire landscape (or take a private group photo) due to the numerous weddings competing for lawn space!

Matt Lyum is Owner of Performance Landscapes and Director of LICH.

Janine Mori is a landscape architect and principal at the firm of Walters, Kimura, Motoda, Inc.

Photos: COURtESy MAtt LyUM

(top) turtle bay West roof garden. (above) at royal hawaiian hotel. Left to right. Laurence Kometani, edmundo reyes, dan ingersoll, Norman Nagata, gil scott, Jimmy toledo, randy Liu, Justin umbower, roxanne orian, philippe Visintainer, Lori heu, rodney Nakashima, scott sloan, Lelan Nishek, don Leandro, dan ingersoll (note wedding party in background)

Photos: COURtESy LICH

riding Mower with aerator

G A R R E t t W E B B

CORNERcertification

By the end of January 2015, information and registra-tions forms for the upcom-ing certification tests will be posted on the LICH web site (www.hawaiiscape.

com). This year marks the 15th season of certification testing in Hawaii. Three hundred fifty-two landscapers have been certified during that time. Most certi-fications have been awarded for either Turf or Ornamental Maintenance, and many hold certification in more than one module. There are seventy-four LICTs in Irrigation and twenty-eight LICTs in Softscape Installation. Twelve landscap-ers in Hawaii hold certification in all four modules!

PLANET certification raises the stan-dards of our profession by recognizing proficiency in the landscape workforce and upgrading the status of individual landscape professionals. Certification provides employers and the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals. Many landscapers have pur-sued certification for these reasons alone, but some individuals and companies were further motivated to seek certification when the Department of Transportation required the presence of LICTs on the job when submitting bids on highway maintenance in Honolulu County. I think it would be a boon to our industry if Landscape Architects were to suggest LICTs on the job for companies doing installation work throughout the state. But, to see that idea become a reality, we need to have more landscapers certified in Softscape Installation. To that end, LICH will be offering the Softscape Installation test this year in Kona for current LICTs.

If you are currently certified in Orna-mental Maintenance, the Softscape Instal-lation test is relatively short. You would need to take two written tests: Softscape Plan Reading and Softscape Horticultural Principles. The field test would consist of only three problems: Sod Installation, Plant Layout and Rototiller. For those certified in (only) Turf Maintenance, you would take the same written tests, the same three field tests with the addition of Plant ID and Tree Planting and Staking.

Keep watching the LICH web site

www.hawaiiscape.com and this magazine for more information and discussion. I encourage you to give strong consider-ation to add Softscape Installation to your certification qualifications. Get Certified; Be Outstanding in Your Field!

Garrett Webb, Land-scape Industry Certified Manager (LICM) is the State Administrator for the

Hawaii LICT Program.

soFTscaPe


By MAtt LyuM AND JANINe MorI

LIcH FIeLD TrIP

InsTaLLaTIon What’s NeW for 2015?

thE VOiCE OF hAWAii’S GREEN iNDUStRY Hawaiiscape.com 7

At the LICH post-confer-ence field trip on Octo-ber 10, 2014, a group of industry professionals visited a unique, “behind the scenes” tour of 5 great

properties within the “resort” theme of the conference.

Matt Schirman of Hui Ku Maoli Ola started us off at Turtle Bay. He described the challenges of installing 565 tons of river rock and equal amounts of soil and plants on a living roof. The Turtle Bay Resort “green roof” project includes three roofs totaling approximately 50,000 square feet. A combination of native groundcovers - mau‘u ‘aki‘aki, Carex (carex wahuensis), and nehe (melanthera integrifolia) — and three colors of river rock were used to cre-ate a “living” work of art that is visible from the guest rooms and elevator core above.

Janine Mori, of Walters Kimura Motoda was the landscape architect. She describes her project. “The natural beauty of the North Shore, especially the ocean, served as the inspiration for the design. At the east roof which consists entirely of river rock, the mauka portion represents clouds and waterfalls, which then transitions to intertwined curvilinear bands repre-senting a stream. The 18,000 square foot north roof, which includes 4,400 square feet of planting along the building, and river rock closer to the ocean, is meant to resemble the water lapping along the shoreline. The12,360 square foot west roof is entirely planted, and incorporates the same style of curvilinear layout as the other roofs, representing a wave motif.

Plant selection was based on Hui Ku Maoli Ola’s experience with native plants, and trial plantings that were done on-site. While the plants are predominantly green in color, the different shades, textures and growth habit provides subtle contrast in keeping with the Resort’s concept of balancing nature, Hawaiian culture and contemporary style. Two areas for herbs and vegetables are also provided as part of the Resort’s farm-to-table initiatives.”

After a scenic drive overlooking 10’+ surf, we left the tranquility of nature into the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Passing by throngs of tourists (and a few rum-

maging homeless), the Starwood Resorts’ beautiful landscaping was like an oasis in the urban jungle.

Randy Liu gave a walking tour or the Sheraton Waikiki, the Moana, The Prin-cess Kaiulani and the iconic Royal Hawai-ian Hotel. A true, behind the scenes tour, we visited the basement office, traveled in the tunneled corridors of the hotel, and even got to eat a Hawaiian Buffet in the employee cafeteria! Randy described the Starwood branding and how the land-scape design played into each experience. The tour got up close and personal to the Moana’s historic Indian Banyan (ficus ben-ghalensis) that has struggled through sev-

eral damaging renovation projects since it was first planted in 1904. Maintaining lush tropical plants in the coastal environ-ment, Randy’s staff has to also overcome heavy foot traffic and other problematic logistical challenges as well. We could not even access the entire landscape (or take a private group photo) due to the numerous weddings competing for lawn space!

Matt Lyum is Owner of Performance Landscapes and Director of LICH.

Janine Mori is a landscape architect and principal at the firm of Walters, Kimura, Motoda, Inc.

Photos: COURtESy MAtt LyUM

(top) turtle bay West roof garden. (above) at royal hawaiian hotel. Left to right. Laurence Kometani, edmundo reyes, dan ingersoll, Norman Nagata, gil scott, Jimmy toledo, randy Liu, Justin umbower, roxanne orian, philippe Visintainer, Lori heu, rodney Nakashima, scott sloan, Lelan Nishek, don Leandro, dan ingersoll (note wedding party in background)

Photos: COURtESy LICH

riding Mower with aerator

G A R R E t t W E B B

CORNERcertification

By the end of January 2015, information and registra-tions forms for the upcom-ing certification tests will be posted on the LICH web site (www.hawaiiscape.

com). This year marks the 15th season of certification testing in Hawaii. Three hundred fifty-two landscapers have been certified during that time. Most certi-fications have been awarded for either Turf or Ornamental Maintenance, and many hold certification in more than one module. There are seventy-four LICTs in Irrigation and twenty-eight LICTs in Softscape Installation. Twelve landscap-ers in Hawaii hold certification in all four modules!

PLANET certification raises the stan-dards of our profession by recognizing proficiency in the landscape workforce and upgrading the status of individual landscape professionals. Certification provides employers and the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals. Many landscapers have pur-sued certification for these reasons alone, but some individuals and companies were further motivated to seek certification when the Department of Transportation required the presence of LICTs on the job when submitting bids on highway maintenance in Honolulu County. I think it would be a boon to our industry if Landscape Architects were to suggest LICTs on the job for companies doing installation work throughout the state. But, to see that idea become a reality, we need to have more landscapers certified in Softscape Installation. To that end, LICH will be offering the Softscape Installation test this year in Kona for current LICTs.

If you are currently certified in Orna-mental Maintenance, the Softscape Instal-lation test is relatively short. You would need to take two written tests: Softscape Plan Reading and Softscape Horticultural Principles. The field test would consist of only three problems: Sod Installation, Plant Layout and Rototiller. For those certified in (only) Turf Maintenance, you would take the same written tests, the same three field tests with the addition of Plant ID and Tree Planting and Staking.

Keep watching the LICH web site

www.hawaiiscape.com and this magazine for more information and discussion. I encourage you to give strong consider-ation to add Softscape Installation to your certification qualifications. Get Certified; Be Outstanding in Your Field!

Garrett Webb, Land-scape Industry Certified Manager (LICM) is the State Administrator for the

Hawaii LICT Program.

soFTscaPe


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$ 1,500

Honolulu Roofing Com-pany (HRC) recently completed the instal-lation of a sustainable green roof at Turtle Bay Resort, on Oahu’s

North Shore. According to Dan Jaeger, Vice President of HRC the green roofing project covered approximately 60,000 sf of the hotel’s lower flat roof areas and included a landscape mix of river rock and gardens consisting of mostly native Hawaiian seashore plants. “The combination of the project size, its intricate design, sustainable elements, and the sensitivity to provide a serene and inspiring view for the resort’s hotel guests make this project unique in comparison to other resorts in Hawaii and around the world.” Segments of the project installation included Single-ply installation,

design work and installation of green roofs and rocks, along with skylight removal and replacement

According to Scott McCormack, Vice President of Real Estate for Replay Resorts and Turtle Bay Resort said, “With the recent installation of the solar PV system atop the 450-room Turtle Bay Hotel, these conservation projects complement our efforts to be more ‘green’ with our operations, as we fulfill our vision for a more sustainable future of Turtle Bay Resort while contributing to the State’s goal of reaching 70% energy independence by 2030.”

Turtle Bay Resort initiated the green roof project to replace outdated roof system, improve its energy efficiency, reduce green-house gas emissions, while also enhancing guest room views. The green roof materials included a layout design of river rocks in various colors and shapes. Native Hawaiian species planted include Mau’u’aki’aki (sedge), Nehe (vine) and ‘Akulikuli (short succulent grass). Other low maintenance plants used are Carex (longer, bright green grass) and Sedum (a hardy flowering plant). Two herb gardens, 6 ft x 18 ft were also planted near the roof el-evator areas for easy access provide fresh local herbs and produce used by the hotel’s restaurants as part of the resort’s farm-to-table emphasis. An irrigation system tied to moisture meters was also installed to conserve water. The new low roof design is a col-laboration of Division Seven Consulting of Hawaii, Inc. (Consul-tant overall), Walters Kimura Motoda, landscape architect and architect Robert Alexander Lazo. Hui Ku Maoli Ola contributed to some of the vegetative and rock garden design.

Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing Hawaii, Inc. (CRW) was named the general contractor and its Vice President, Larry Young, oversaw the project since work began in August 2013. The project’s first task was to remove three layers of roofs that were installed one on top of the other (red cinder rock over two layers of BUR over eight inches of spray foam roofing). The existing red cinder rock roofing was salvaged for reuse in other areas of the resort. In addition, there was approximately 50 sq yds of dirt, 3 ft deep that was removed discretely in 5 gallon buckets with no disruption to hotel operations or trace on the premises. HRC discovered struc-tural corrosion and the metal deck substrate was replaced. Accord-ing to Jaeger, the entire removal process spanned over 6 months.

A goal of this lower roof project was to provide an aestheti-cally pleasing view to enhance the hotel guest experience while maintaining a natural ambience that blends with the surround area. This project was a 100% Firestone Roofing product project for Turtle Bay Resort, including a Multi-Layered Green Roof over Single-ply Thermoplastic Polyolefin membrane, water-based bonding adhesive, 5/8” DensDeck, IsoStick Adhesive,Tapered Insulation and V-Force Vapor Barrier with water-based primer applied to the existing lightweight concrete. Standing Seam Metal Roofs were also installed.

Approximately 500 tons of stones were used to fill the design of the green roof. The stone were specified to meet rooftop wind ratings. The loading process took approximately 90 days to complete using a HRC 10-man crew. One pallet at a time was de-livered to the loading site and then hand carried up to the roofs.

Four hundred (400) Standing Seam Roof panels were care-fully installed using HRC’s 3-man crew per panel. The Standing Seam Roofs can now be found covering both the Resort’s Spa and Pa‘akai Restaurant.

Dora Fong is the president of Honolulu Roofing Company, Inc., a union roofing contractor in the state of Hawaii. She can be reached at [email protected].

By DorA foNg

turtle Bay resort’s sustaiNaBle

green rooFs

• Specimen Trees in Boxes• Fruiting Trees• Palms• Topiaries• everything else

in Kona329-5702


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Honolulu Roofing Com-pany (HRC) recently completed the instal-lation of a sustainable green roof at Turtle Bay Resort, on Oahu’s

North Shore. According to Dan Jaeger, Vice President of HRC the green roofing project covered approximately 60,000 sf of the hotel’s lower flat roof areas and included a landscape mix of river rock and gardens consisting of mostly native Hawaiian seashore plants. “The combination of the project size, its intricate design, sustainable elements, and the sensitivity to provide a serene and inspiring view for the resort’s hotel guests make this project unique in comparison to other resorts in Hawaii and around the world.” Segments of the project installation included Single-ply installation,

design work and installation of green roofs and rocks, along with skylight removal and replacement

According to Scott McCormack, Vice President of Real Estate for Replay Resorts and Turtle Bay Resort said, “With the recent installation of the solar PV system atop the 450-room Turtle Bay Hotel, these conservation projects complement our efforts to be more ‘green’ with our operations, as we fulfill our vision for a more sustainable future of Turtle Bay Resort while contributing to the State’s goal of reaching 70% energy independence by 2030.”

Turtle Bay Resort initiated the green roof project to replace outdated roof system, improve its energy efficiency, reduce green-house gas emissions, while also enhancing guest room views. The green roof materials included a layout design of river rocks in various colors and shapes. Native Hawaiian species planted include Mau’u’aki’aki (sedge), Nehe (vine) and ‘Akulikuli (short succulent grass). Other low maintenance plants used are Carex (longer, bright green grass) and Sedum (a hardy flowering plant). Two herb gardens, 6 ft x 18 ft were also planted near the roof el-evator areas for easy access provide fresh local herbs and produce used by the hotel’s restaurants as part of the resort’s farm-to-table emphasis. An irrigation system tied to moisture meters was also installed to conserve water. The new low roof design is a col-laboration of Division Seven Consulting of Hawaii, Inc. (Consul-tant overall), Walters Kimura Motoda, landscape architect and architect Robert Alexander Lazo. Hui Ku Maoli Ola contributed to some of the vegetative and rock garden design.

Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing Hawaii, Inc. (CRW) was named the general contractor and its Vice President, Larry Young, oversaw the project since work began in August 2013. The project’s first task was to remove three layers of roofs that were installed one on top of the other (red cinder rock over two layers of BUR over eight inches of spray foam roofing). The existing red cinder rock roofing was salvaged for reuse in other areas of the resort. In addition, there was approximately 50 sq yds of dirt, 3 ft deep that was removed discretely in 5 gallon buckets with no disruption to hotel operations or trace on the premises. HRC discovered struc-tural corrosion and the metal deck substrate was replaced. Accord-ing to Jaeger, the entire removal process spanned over 6 months.

A goal of this lower roof project was to provide an aestheti-cally pleasing view to enhance the hotel guest experience while maintaining a natural ambience that blends with the surround area. This project was a 100% Firestone Roofing product project for Turtle Bay Resort, including a Multi-Layered Green Roof over Single-ply Thermoplastic Polyolefin membrane, water-based bonding adhesive, 5/8” DensDeck, IsoStick Adhesive,Tapered Insulation and V-Force Vapor Barrier with water-based primer applied to the existing lightweight concrete. Standing Seam Metal Roofs were also installed.

Approximately 500 tons of stones were used to fill the design of the green roof. The stone were specified to meet rooftop wind ratings. The loading process took approximately 90 days to complete using a HRC 10-man crew. One pallet at a time was de-livered to the loading site and then hand carried up to the roofs.

Four hundred (400) Standing Seam Roof panels were care-fully installed using HRC’s 3-man crew per panel. The Standing Seam Roofs can now be found covering both the Resort’s Spa and Pa‘akai Restaurant.

Dora Fong is the president of Honolulu Roofing Company, Inc., a union roofing contractor in the state of Hawaii. She can be reached at [email protected].

By DorA foNg

turtle Bay resort’s sustaiNaBle

green rooFs

• Specimen Trees in Boxes• Fruiting Trees• Palms• Topiaries• everything else

in Kona329-5702


By cHrISty MArtIN AND orvILLe BALDoS

Photo: COURtESy OF ORvILLE BALDOS

Bishnu Bhandari and david Lingenfelser

PosTersliCh stuDeNt

Farmers, Ranchers, Fishermen and Country Home Owners

NEED AN AGRICULTURAL LOAN?

FCS of Hawaii, ACA is part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide system of leading agricultural financial institutions which started in 1917.FCS of Hawaii, ACA has been doing business in Hawaii since 1966 through its subsidiary the Federal Land Bank Association of Hawaii, FLCA.The FCS of Hawaii, ACA is not a Federal Agency of the Federal Government. Registered with Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLSID# 613610).

FARM CREDITSERVICES OFHAWAII, ACA

Federal Land Bank Assn. of Hawaii, FLCA,Hawaii Production Credit Assn.

Purchase open land, build a dwelling, operating loans, line of credit, equipment purchase, truck or automobile purchase, livestock purchase,

refinance a mortgage or an agreement of sale.

Both the Federal Land Bank Association of Hawaii, FLCA and Hawaii Production Credit Association can custom design a loan to meet your needs.

We Offer: Long term loans, short term loans, competitive interest rate programs,flexible repayment schedules, excellent loan servicing options, and many more.

We also have programs for Young, Beginning, Small and Minority Farmers.

oaHu office • 99-860 Iwaena Street, Suite A, Aiea, HI 96701Ph: 808 836-8009 • Fax: 808 836-8610 • www.hawaiifarmcredit.comHilo office • 988 Kinoole St., Hilo, HI 96720Ph: 808 836-8009 • Fax: 808 961-5494From: Neighbor Islands, Toll Free 1 800 894-4996

CALL ONE OF OUR LOAN OFFICERS AT:

FCSH_LH2014-11_Layout 1 10/7/14 11:54 AM Page 1

The 2014 LICH Conference and Tradeshow opened its doors to student posters again this year, allowing landscape industry and student researchers to

meet and share with each other, strength-ening the link between the University of Hawai‘i and the industry.

“We are so pleased to offer this oppor-tunity to connect applied research about plants with the on-the-ground users,” said Chris Dacus. “There are so many fac-

ets to the landscape industry, and unless we take the initiative to meet and share with each other, we will not be at the top of our game.”

Student: David Lingenfelser (graduated with Master’s degree in Summer 2014), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Re-sources Department of Plant and Envi-ronmental Protection Sciences (Dr. Ken Leonhardt, advisor).

A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Da-vid Lingenfelser started as a meteorology undergraduate student at Penn State, but soon found that he was more interested in studying his high school hobby of rais-ing rare tropical plants. After transferring

to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawai‘i, Lingenfelser received his under-graduate degree and began his graduate work in 2012 in Dr. Leonhardt’s lab.

Lingenfelser’s poster, “Polyploid initia-tion in Hawaiian tree species,” explained his research on developing improved ornamental trees and plants using various concentrations of oryzalin, a dinitroani-line herbicide which temporarily halts cell division. Applications of oryzalin can result in an extra set of chromosomes, which can in turn, change plant charac-teristics (i.e. thicker leaves, larger flowers, higher levels of chemical compounds, and sterility).

The seven plants he used for his study were Schefflera actinophylla (octopus tree), Clusia major (autograph tree), Heritiera littoralis (looking glass tree), Thespesia populnea (milo), Calophyllum inophyllum (kamani), Jatropha curcas (jatropha), and Plumeria stenopetala. Varying amounts of oryzalin were applied to seedling meristems in the lab, and four of the seven species resulted in polyploid plants. The treatments did not work for autograph tree or kamani, as there were no changes in the number of chromo-some sets. For the four species in which the treatment succeeded, the resulting plants were awaiting outplanting to the field when Lingenfelser graduated.

“I haven’t checked back to see if they have been outplanted,” said Lingenfelser. “This is a really long-term project, with the in-lab work and field work on trees that may take four or more years before we can see if they produce viable seeds, or if they need to be crossbred with other diploids so that offspring are also sterile.”

That’s for the next graduate student. For now, Lingenfelser is concentrat-ing on his next project, a new job with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, protecting Hawai‘i from invasive species. When asked if he was planning to return to Pennsylvania, he laughed. “No, I don’t like cold weather.”

Student: Bishnu Bhandari, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropi-cal Agriculture and Human Resources Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, advisor).

Masters student Bishnu Bhandari’s poster, “Trunk injection of systemic insecticides to control stem and leaf gall wasps, Josephiella spp., on Ficus micro-carpa in Hawai‘i,” reported on prelimi-nary results observed during the first 14 months of this two-year research project.

Ficus microcarpa, commonly known as Chinese banyans, are widely planted in Hawai‘i. In recent years, these important trees have been sickened by what arbor-ists and landscape industry personnel observed as an overabundance of pests that quickly attacked new leaves and stems of the trees. Although the leaf gall wasp (Josephiella microcarpae) that are attacking Chinese banyans have been present in Hawai‘i since 1989, a new stem gall wasp (Josephiella spp.) arrived and was found in 2012 attacking the already weakened trees.

Earlier work by UH’s Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng found that soil drenches of insec-

ticides were ineffective for controlling these stem and leaf gall wasps. In Sep-tember 2013, Bhandari joined Dr. Cheng’s lab and started work on trials to inject insecticides directly into the trunk of Chi-nese banyans on the UH Mānoa campus. With assistance from UH Landscaping and Arbor Jet, 45 trees were selected for the study - some used as controls (no insecticide treatment) and others injected with imidacloprid, emamectin benzo-ate, imidacloprid + phosphorus acid, or emamectin benzoate + phosphorus acid. The injections were made just once, with Bhandari conducting stem and leaf gall counts on new branches each month.

Although the study is still ongoing, results after four months showed that all treated trees showed significantly less galls than the control. It appears that emamec-tin benzoate was more effective than the other treatments. In addition to ongoing monitoring, Bhandari will also conduct pesticide residue analyses for each of the treatments, which should help identify

appropriate reapplication intervals. A graduate of Tribhuvan University in

Nepal, Bhandari sees this as the perfect project. “Where I come from, banyans have cultural and religious importance,” said Bhandari. “I come from a farming family and I hope to someday earn my PhD and return home to Nepal. The opportunity to come to Hawai‘i, to be supported in my studies, and to do some important research is amazing.”

Congratulations to our students and mahalo once again for a successful conference. The LICH poster committee looks forward to reviewing abstracts for the 2015 session.

Christy Martin is Public Information Officer for the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species and LICH board member. Orville Baldos is a researcher at the Depart-ment of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa and LICH board member.


By cHrISty MArtIN AND orvILLe BALDoS

Photo: COURtESy OF ORvILLE BALDOS

Bishnu Bhandari and david Lingenfelser

PosTersliCh stuDeNt

Farmers, Ranchers, Fishermen and Country Home Owners

NEED AN AGRICULTURAL LOAN?

FCS of Hawaii, ACA is part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide system of leading agricultural financial institutions which started in 1917.FCS of Hawaii, ACA has been doing business in Hawaii since 1966 through its subsidiary the Federal Land Bank Association of Hawaii, FLCA.The FCS of Hawaii, ACA is not a Federal Agency of the Federal Government. Registered with Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLSID# 613610).

FARM CREDITSERVICES OFHAWAII, ACA

Federal Land Bank Assn. of Hawaii, FLCA,Hawaii Production Credit Assn.

Purchase open land, build a dwelling, operating loans, line of credit, equipment purchase, truck or automobile purchase, livestock purchase,

refinance a mortgage or an agreement of sale.

Both the Federal Land Bank Association of Hawaii, FLCA and Hawaii Production Credit Association can custom design a loan to meet your needs.

We Offer: Long term loans, short term loans, competitive interest rate programs,flexible repayment schedules, excellent loan servicing options, and many more.

We also have programs for Young, Beginning, Small and Minority Farmers.

oaHu office • 99-860 Iwaena Street, Suite A, Aiea, HI 96701Ph: 808 836-8009 • Fax: 808 836-8610 • www.hawaiifarmcredit.comHilo office • 988 Kinoole St., Hilo, HI 96720Ph: 808 836-8009 • Fax: 808 961-5494From: Neighbor Islands, Toll Free 1 800 894-4996

CALL ONE OF OUR LOAN OFFICERS AT:

FCSH_LH2014-11_Layout 1 10/7/14 11:54 AM Page 1

The 2014 LICH Conference and Tradeshow opened its doors to student posters again this year, allowing landscape industry and student researchers to

meet and share with each other, strength-ening the link between the University of Hawai‘i and the industry.

“We are so pleased to offer this oppor-tunity to connect applied research about plants with the on-the-ground users,” said Chris Dacus. “There are so many fac-

ets to the landscape industry, and unless we take the initiative to meet and share with each other, we will not be at the top of our game.”

Student: David Lingenfelser (graduated with Master’s degree in Summer 2014), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Re-sources Department of Plant and Envi-ronmental Protection Sciences (Dr. Ken Leonhardt, advisor).

A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Da-vid Lingenfelser started as a meteorology undergraduate student at Penn State, but soon found that he was more interested in studying his high school hobby of rais-ing rare tropical plants. After transferring

to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawai‘i, Lingenfelser received his under-graduate degree and began his graduate work in 2012 in Dr. Leonhardt’s lab.

Lingenfelser’s poster, “Polyploid initia-tion in Hawaiian tree species,” explained his research on developing improved ornamental trees and plants using various concentrations of oryzalin, a dinitroani-line herbicide which temporarily halts cell division. Applications of oryzalin can result in an extra set of chromosomes, which can in turn, change plant charac-teristics (i.e. thicker leaves, larger flowers, higher levels of chemical compounds, and sterility).

The seven plants he used for his study were Schefflera actinophylla (octopus tree), Clusia major (autograph tree), Heritiera littoralis (looking glass tree), Thespesia populnea (milo), Calophyllum inophyllum (kamani), Jatropha curcas (jatropha), and Plumeria stenopetala. Varying amounts of oryzalin were applied to seedling meristems in the lab, and four of the seven species resulted in polyploid plants. The treatments did not work for autograph tree or kamani, as there were no changes in the number of chromo-some sets. For the four species in which the treatment succeeded, the resulting plants were awaiting outplanting to the field when Lingenfelser graduated.

“I haven’t checked back to see if they have been outplanted,” said Lingenfelser. “This is a really long-term project, with the in-lab work and field work on trees that may take four or more years before we can see if they produce viable seeds, or if they need to be crossbred with other diploids so that offspring are also sterile.”

That’s for the next graduate student. For now, Lingenfelser is concentrat-ing on his next project, a new job with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, protecting Hawai‘i from invasive species. When asked if he was planning to return to Pennsylvania, he laughed. “No, I don’t like cold weather.”

Student: Bishnu Bhandari, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropi-cal Agriculture and Human Resources Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, advisor).

Masters student Bishnu Bhandari’s poster, “Trunk injection of systemic insecticides to control stem and leaf gall wasps, Josephiella spp., on Ficus micro-carpa in Hawai‘i,” reported on prelimi-nary results observed during the first 14 months of this two-year research project.

Ficus microcarpa, commonly known as Chinese banyans, are widely planted in Hawai‘i. In recent years, these important trees have been sickened by what arbor-ists and landscape industry personnel observed as an overabundance of pests that quickly attacked new leaves and stems of the trees. Although the leaf gall wasp (Josephiella microcarpae) that are attacking Chinese banyans have been present in Hawai‘i since 1989, a new stem gall wasp (Josephiella spp.) arrived and was found in 2012 attacking the already weakened trees.

Earlier work by UH’s Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng found that soil drenches of insec-

ticides were ineffective for controlling these stem and leaf gall wasps. In Sep-tember 2013, Bhandari joined Dr. Cheng’s lab and started work on trials to inject insecticides directly into the trunk of Chi-nese banyans on the UH Mānoa campus. With assistance from UH Landscaping and Arbor Jet, 45 trees were selected for the study - some used as controls (no insecticide treatment) and others injected with imidacloprid, emamectin benzo-ate, imidacloprid + phosphorus acid, or emamectin benzoate + phosphorus acid. The injections were made just once, with Bhandari conducting stem and leaf gall counts on new branches each month.

Although the study is still ongoing, results after four months showed that all treated trees showed significantly less galls than the control. It appears that emamec-tin benzoate was more effective than the other treatments. In addition to ongoing monitoring, Bhandari will also conduct pesticide residue analyses for each of the treatments, which should help identify

appropriate reapplication intervals. A graduate of Tribhuvan University in

Nepal, Bhandari sees this as the perfect project. “Where I come from, banyans have cultural and religious importance,” said Bhandari. “I come from a farming family and I hope to someday earn my PhD and return home to Nepal. The opportunity to come to Hawai‘i, to be supported in my studies, and to do some important research is amazing.”

Congratulations to our students and mahalo once again for a successful conference. The LICH poster committee looks forward to reviewing abstracts for the 2015 session.

Christy Martin is Public Information Officer for the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species and LICH board member. Orville Baldos is a researcher at the Depart-ment of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa and LICH board member.


Mayor’s arbor Day 40 years of LanDscape Lighting

Ceremony in haWaiiBy BrANDoN Au

By KevIN J. MuLKerN

Photos: By BRANDON AU

(above) scoops of soil for planting the coconut; (right) ceremonial coconut with honorary gold shovels

Photo courtesy: SCOtt KUBO

the uplit Keawe tree

Arbor Day, founded by J. Sterling Morton, was first observed on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. National Arbor Day is the last Fri-day in April, but Hawai‘i

commemorates Arbor Day on the first Friday in November. To date, Hawai‘i has celebrated Arbor Day for 109 years and the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Honolulu as a Tree City USA for 33 years. You can find out more information on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website at www.arborday.org.

This year, The Mayor’s Arbor Day ceremony was held on Friday, Novem-ber 14, 2014, at Kawaikui Beach Park in East Honolulu. The Division of Urban Forestry (DUF), Department of Parks and Recreation, planted two Singapore plumeria trees and six coconut palms for this celebration. The design allows a clear view to the scenic beauty of the ocean from Kalaniana‘ole Highway and matches Hawaii Loa Ridge’s plumeria trees at the turnaround.

Dignitaries and participants were de-lighted with a poetry reading and hula per-formances by students from Holy Nativity School. During their reading, the second graders stated that it takes 5 trees per person in order to provide enough oxygen. We definitely need to plant more trees!

Two coconut palms were selected to be “planted” in honor of this Arbor Day. Traditionally, mulch would be shoveled as the final step in tree planting, but due to the risk of coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation, soil was used to complete the planting. Everyone, including the stu-dents, participated in shoveling a scoop of soil using ceremonial gold shovels.

We thank the Deputy Managing Direc-tor, Georgette Deemer, who presented the Mayor’s proclamation designating November 14, 2014, as Holy Nativity School Arbor Day. These students will be the stewards of these trees as they grow. Also thank you to Michele Nekota, Parks Director; Jeannie Ishikawa, Parks Deputy

Director; Jon Henington, Parks Public Information Officer; Tara Hamano-Hirohata, Regional Park Manager, Park Maintenance and Recreation Services; Cisco Martin del Campo, Honolulu Bo-tanical Gardens Recreation Specialist, and the staff of DUF.

In the spirit of Arbor Day and with the necessity of growing our urban forest, more trees need to be planted for our health and well-being. Trees are coming soon to your neighborhood!

Brandon Au is the head of the Nursery and Land-scape Section for the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of

Urban Forestry, Program Coordinator for the LICT pro-

gram, and Vice President for LICH.

When we started in business in 1975 we wwere fortunate to develop a relation-ship with the Kuni-yukis who owned

and operated Veteran’s Electric, distribu-tors for Nightscaping. The family was a fantastic resource and became personal friends. They also had strong ties to Bill Locklin, owner and lighting innovator for Nightscaping, who provided support for the Kuniyuki’s family business. With his manufacturing plant in Redlands, CA, Bill helped with the night lighting at Disney-land.

When Veteran’s Electric closed, the Kuniyukis opened Dramatic Garden Lighting. As they had been so support-ive of us, we thanked them by providing them a landscape master plan for their new shop; unfortunately, the photo of our rendering doesn’t show the Nightscaping well lights we used to up light the trees.

When talking about “the old days”, we would be remiss if we did not mention Sholem Klopfenstein. Although he’s no longer involved with Klopfenstein’s Light-ing Inc., the staff is very knowledgeable, and the company represents over 100 lines of fixtures and control systems. The company has grown since Sholem started in the garage of his Kalama Valley home that we landscaped.

Today’s contractors have numerous sources, and it’s coincidental that most of them are located in the same area, Kalihi, such as Diamond Head Sprinkler and Kona Irrigation, and Hisco and Pacific Pipe are just down the road. These com-panies also offer many outdoor lighting products now. The greatest benefit is, along with irrigation seminars, they also give night lighting classes. You want to get on their email lists and look at their showrooms for specific information on products and classes. For consumers, City Mill, Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a vari-ety of homeowner products. It is hard to

choose from the selection available today.Hawaii is fortunate. We have a local

manufacturer who distributes worldwide and is internationally acclaimed, Beach-side Lighting. I had the good fortune to meet Rick Benedict when he first opened in his 10’ x 10’ “world headquarters” in Ka-lihi, a couple blocks away from Dramatic Garden Lighting. I’m sure droves of con-tractors have helped him develop his line, but I like to take credit for the suggestions I made about corrosion and small parts that often got lost when changing light bulbs up in trees. He’s addressed every flaw I’ve found in competitor’s products.

A lot changed with the advent of LEDs. Early light fixtures took advantage of incandescent bulbs used in the automo-tive industry. Then, there were the MR 16 lamps that I still refer to as the slide pro-jector light bulbs. They lasted forever and came in a variety of wattages and beam spreads, making them ideal for lighting a

low spreading plumeria or a 50 foot co-conut canopy and trunk. Wire sizing was critical, as voltage drop can be significant in longer wire runs. Today, we’re adjust-ing to using 3, 5 and 9 watt LED fixtures that may last longer than we live.

Some things remain the same. Nothing beats a great design, good weatherproof wire connections and proper wire sizing. Warranties are always important when selecting a product line, since everything will need maintenance in the end.

Kevin J. Mulkern of Mulk-ern Landscaping & Nurs-ery has been a landscape contractor since 1977. He’s been active in the commu-

nity as a board member for the Kuliouou Kalani Iki Neigh-

borhood Board. More about him and his company at www.mulkernlandscaping.com.


Mayor’s arbor Day 40 years of LanDscape Lighting

Ceremony in haWaiiBy BrANDoN Au

By KevIN J. MuLKerN

Photos: By BRANDON AU

(above) scoops of soil for planting the coconut; (right) ceremonial coconut with honorary gold shovels

Photo courtesy: SCOtt KUBO

the uplit Keawe tree

Arbor Day, founded by J. Sterling Morton, was first observed on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. National Arbor Day is the last Fri-day in April, but Hawai‘i

commemorates Arbor Day on the first Friday in November. To date, Hawai‘i has celebrated Arbor Day for 109 years and the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Honolulu as a Tree City USA for 33 years. You can find out more information on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website at www.arborday.org.

This year, The Mayor’s Arbor Day ceremony was held on Friday, Novem-ber 14, 2014, at Kawaikui Beach Park in East Honolulu. The Division of Urban Forestry (DUF), Department of Parks and Recreation, planted two Singapore plumeria trees and six coconut palms for this celebration. The design allows a clear view to the scenic beauty of the ocean from Kalaniana‘ole Highway and matches Hawaii Loa Ridge’s plumeria trees at the turnaround.

Dignitaries and participants were de-lighted with a poetry reading and hula per-formances by students from Holy Nativity School. During their reading, the second graders stated that it takes 5 trees per person in order to provide enough oxygen. We definitely need to plant more trees!

Two coconut palms were selected to be “planted” in honor of this Arbor Day. Traditionally, mulch would be shoveled as the final step in tree planting, but due to the risk of coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation, soil was used to complete the planting. Everyone, including the stu-dents, participated in shoveling a scoop of soil using ceremonial gold shovels.

We thank the Deputy Managing Direc-tor, Georgette Deemer, who presented the Mayor’s proclamation designating November 14, 2014, as Holy Nativity School Arbor Day. These students will be the stewards of these trees as they grow. Also thank you to Michele Nekota, Parks Director; Jeannie Ishikawa, Parks Deputy

Director; Jon Henington, Parks Public Information Officer; Tara Hamano-Hirohata, Regional Park Manager, Park Maintenance and Recreation Services; Cisco Martin del Campo, Honolulu Bo-tanical Gardens Recreation Specialist, and the staff of DUF.

In the spirit of Arbor Day and with the necessity of growing our urban forest, more trees need to be planted for our health and well-being. Trees are coming soon to your neighborhood!

Brandon Au is the head of the Nursery and Land-scape Section for the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of

Urban Forestry, Program Coordinator for the LICT pro-

gram, and Vice President for LICH.

When we started in business in 1975 we wwere fortunate to develop a relation-ship with the Kuni-yukis who owned

and operated Veteran’s Electric, distribu-tors for Nightscaping. The family was a fantastic resource and became personal friends. They also had strong ties to Bill Locklin, owner and lighting innovator for Nightscaping, who provided support for the Kuniyuki’s family business. With his manufacturing plant in Redlands, CA, Bill helped with the night lighting at Disney-land.

When Veteran’s Electric closed, the Kuniyukis opened Dramatic Garden Lighting. As they had been so support-ive of us, we thanked them by providing them a landscape master plan for their new shop; unfortunately, the photo of our rendering doesn’t show the Nightscaping well lights we used to up light the trees.

When talking about “the old days”, we would be remiss if we did not mention Sholem Klopfenstein. Although he’s no longer involved with Klopfenstein’s Light-ing Inc., the staff is very knowledgeable, and the company represents over 100 lines of fixtures and control systems. The company has grown since Sholem started in the garage of his Kalama Valley home that we landscaped.

Today’s contractors have numerous sources, and it’s coincidental that most of them are located in the same area, Kalihi, such as Diamond Head Sprinkler and Kona Irrigation, and Hisco and Pacific Pipe are just down the road. These com-panies also offer many outdoor lighting products now. The greatest benefit is, along with irrigation seminars, they also give night lighting classes. You want to get on their email lists and look at their showrooms for specific information on products and classes. For consumers, City Mill, Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a vari-ety of homeowner products. It is hard to

choose from the selection available today.Hawaii is fortunate. We have a local

manufacturer who distributes worldwide and is internationally acclaimed, Beach-side Lighting. I had the good fortune to meet Rick Benedict when he first opened in his 10’ x 10’ “world headquarters” in Ka-lihi, a couple blocks away from Dramatic Garden Lighting. I’m sure droves of con-tractors have helped him develop his line, but I like to take credit for the suggestions I made about corrosion and small parts that often got lost when changing light bulbs up in trees. He’s addressed every flaw I’ve found in competitor’s products.

A lot changed with the advent of LEDs. Early light fixtures took advantage of incandescent bulbs used in the automo-tive industry. Then, there were the MR 16 lamps that I still refer to as the slide pro-jector light bulbs. They lasted forever and came in a variety of wattages and beam spreads, making them ideal for lighting a

low spreading plumeria or a 50 foot co-conut canopy and trunk. Wire sizing was critical, as voltage drop can be significant in longer wire runs. Today, we’re adjust-ing to using 3, 5 and 9 watt LED fixtures that may last longer than we live.

Some things remain the same. Nothing beats a great design, good weatherproof wire connections and proper wire sizing. Warranties are always important when selecting a product line, since everything will need maintenance in the end.

Kevin J. Mulkern of Mulk-ern Landscaping & Nurs-ery has been a landscape contractor since 1977. He’s been active in the commu-

nity as a board member for the Kuliouou Kalani Iki Neigh-

borhood Board. More about him and his company at www.mulkernlandscaping.com.


A Long Awaited Blessing?

For Information call: 808-677-1580 or visit tensarcorp.com/EC_LandHI

With the intro-duction of LED technology in the past 5 years, the installation side of landscape light-

ing has changed dramatically and for the better. Traditional landscape lighting at 12 volts was limited to load (wattage) and distance. Basic rule of thumb was 100 watts for 100 feet using 12/2 gauge direct burial cable. To extend cable runs, you would have to increase cable size as well as increase voltage from 12-13-14 or even 15 volts. This now requires using a volt meter to determine what the voltage would be at the 1st fixture knowing the voltage would be lower at the 2nd, 3rd, and remaining fixtures. This was called voltage drop, meaning lights closest to the transformer would be brighter due to receiving higher voltage then the fixtures farther away. Traditional incandescent and popular Halogen light sources operate off a fila-ment wire coil. The higher voltage, the hotter the filament would burn, creating a brighter light. The opposite was true if you supplied lower voltage to the filament,

lower temperature, lower light output and a warmer color would be produced.

What does this all mean? The landscape

lighting installers of the past were very challenged to deliver as close to 12 volts to each fixture or have varying colors and

light outputs throughout their projects. Not to mention short life to the light bulbs creating maintenance issues and frequent call backs.

Today, LED’s have made the installation process simpler, with virtually no volt-age drop. Why ? LED’s operates through a driver that can receive a voltage range (9-18volts) and then supply the LED the correct current in a constant, stable man-ner. So no matter where on the Cable you place your landscape lighting fixtures, each LED has its own regulating (driver) device to operate the LED correctly and efficiently.

No more need for voltage meters, especially for residential jobs when cable runs are typically under 250 ft. from the transformer. Using LED’s allows for 1000 ft. cable runs with a 12/2 cable. Using a 14/2 cable, 250-500ft are standard which were impossible with traditional light sources. The other key when using LED’s is wattage. LED’s operate at 1/4 to 1/5 the wattage of the traditional light sources. Meaning a 4 watt LED is equivalent to a 20 watt halogen, that’s 75-80% savings in wattage. This holds true for most LED light sources compared to traditional light sources. The lower wattage drastically reduces the resistance in the cable allow-ing for more fixtures and longer cable runs coupled with a driver controlling each LED fixture. This makes for a highly regulated system of great integrity.

Long life LED’s have an average life rat-ing of 50,000hrs. This means at 6 hours per night, the LED lighting system can provide over 22 years of operation vs. the average life of 2,000-5,000 hrs from an incandescent/halogen light source. 10 times the life equates to 10 times or more not having to buy or replace the old light sources which could be in difficult places to get to such as water features, high ceil-ings, architecture, or specimen trees. The long life of LED’s has made life much bet-ter for everyone except lamp maintenance contractors. Replacing light bulbs is no longer an annual event like before.

Transformers for LED landscape lighting:

With 75-80% less wattage or load, large transformers are no longer needed. 60-100 watt transformers are replacing 300 and 600 watt transformers of the past. There are definite savings recognized with smaller transformers. We still have all the great control options with timers & photocells. On the control side technol-ogy is advancing here as well.

By StAN SHIBAtA

the leD iNstallatioN

ProCess

Photo courtesy: FOCUS INDUStRIES

path lights produce smaller light outputs for entry ways, potted plants or planters (usually 4-12ft diameter coverage). spacing recommendations are similar to area Lights.


directional lights come in 2 applications spot or accent, and flood or wash.


A Long Awaited Blessing?

For Information call: 808-677-1580 or visit tensarcorp.com/EC_LandHI

With the intro-duction of LED technology in the past 5 years, the installation side of landscape light-

ing has changed dramatically and for the better. Traditional landscape lighting at 12 volts was limited to load (wattage) and distance. Basic rule of thumb was 100 watts for 100 feet using 12/2 gauge direct burial cable. To extend cable runs, you would have to increase cable size as well as increase voltage from 12-13-14 or even 15 volts. This now requires using a volt meter to determine what the voltage would be at the 1st fixture knowing the voltage would be lower at the 2nd, 3rd, and remaining fixtures. This was called voltage drop, meaning lights closest to the transformer would be brighter due to receiving higher voltage then the fixtures farther away. Traditional incandescent and popular Halogen light sources operate off a fila-ment wire coil. The higher voltage, the hotter the filament would burn, creating a brighter light. The opposite was true if you supplied lower voltage to the filament,

lower temperature, lower light output and a warmer color would be produced.

What does this all mean? The landscape

lighting installers of the past were very challenged to deliver as close to 12 volts to each fixture or have varying colors and

light outputs throughout their projects. Not to mention short life to the light bulbs creating maintenance issues and frequent call backs.

Today, LED’s have made the installation process simpler, with virtually no volt-age drop. Why ? LED’s operates through a driver that can receive a voltage range (9-18volts) and then supply the LED the correct current in a constant, stable man-ner. So no matter where on the Cable you place your landscape lighting fixtures, each LED has its own regulating (driver) device to operate the LED correctly and efficiently.

No more need for voltage meters, especially for residential jobs when cable runs are typically under 250 ft. from the transformer. Using LED’s allows for 1000 ft. cable runs with a 12/2 cable. Using a 14/2 cable, 250-500ft are standard which were impossible with traditional light sources. The other key when using LED’s is wattage. LED’s operate at 1/4 to 1/5 the wattage of the traditional light sources. Meaning a 4 watt LED is equivalent to a 20 watt halogen, that’s 75-80% savings in wattage. This holds true for most LED light sources compared to traditional light sources. The lower wattage drastically reduces the resistance in the cable allow-ing for more fixtures and longer cable runs coupled with a driver controlling each LED fixture. This makes for a highly regulated system of great integrity.

Long life LED’s have an average life rat-ing of 50,000hrs. This means at 6 hours per night, the LED lighting system can provide over 22 years of operation vs. the average life of 2,000-5,000 hrs from an incandescent/halogen light source. 10 times the life equates to 10 times or more not having to buy or replace the old light sources which could be in difficult places to get to such as water features, high ceil-ings, architecture, or specimen trees. The long life of LED’s has made life much bet-ter for everyone except lamp maintenance contractors. Replacing light bulbs is no longer an annual event like before.

Transformers for LED landscape lighting:

With 75-80% less wattage or load, large transformers are no longer needed. 60-100 watt transformers are replacing 300 and 600 watt transformers of the past. There are definite savings recognized with smaller transformers. We still have all the great control options with timers & photocells. On the control side technol-ogy is advancing here as well.

By StAN SHIBAtA

the leD iNstallatioN

ProCess


path lights produce smaller light outputs for entry ways, potted plants or planters (usually 4-12ft diameter coverage). spacing recommendations are similar to area Lights.


directional lights come in 2 applications spot or accent, and flood or wash.


Cable for LED landscape lighting:

As mentioned earlier, there is no need for thicker, heavier gauge, expensive cable anymore. 12/2 and 14/2 direct burial multi strand copper cable can support 95% of the projects of today. This is a great feature and again saves money in the LED system costs. Remember, cable can be as high as 25% of the job cost.

LED Fixtures for landscape lighting: Retro fit or Integrated LED’s

Both use the same housings that the traditional landscape lighting fixture uses. The only difference is the plug and play LED’s can retro fit into existing landscape lighting fixtures. However, it is highly recommended if retrofitting new LED’s into an existing fixture you replace the old socket with a new one to ensure solid contact and avoid arching. Both have their features and benefits. Retrofit LEDs are less expensive and very easy to replace or install in the fixture. Integrated or module LED fixtures are engineered for better performance and design to dissipate heat as well as keep water out of the fixture. The more light needed, the greater the chance you will need an integrated LED fixture.

Applications for LED fixtures in landscape lighting:

The LED fixtures today are very similar to the ones of past. Some can be smaller due to the physical size of the LEDs compared to traditional light Sources. LED fixtures can be used in all 4 types of applications for landscape lighting: Area, Path, Directional, and Specialty.

Areas lights are used for larger perim-eters, they have greater light outputs (up to 30 ft. diameter coverage). They are great for driveways, highlighting ground-covers, pool decks, putting greens, and even stairways. Recommended spacing is usually personal preference; however most people prefer pools of light with a separation of darkness in-between to guide you out of the area or space safely. Over lapping lighting is used more for commercial applications to insure clear transition through the space.

Spot lights use projection type LED’s like MR16, MR11, MR8 that produce a specific beam angle based on the LED reflector or lens to create narrower beam angles to spot or accent key objects in the landscape or hardscape. Spacing is determined by viewing angles and cover-

age of the object. For example, lighting a large canopy tree in the center of the yard will typically need 3 fixtures triangularly spaced from the base to provide equal coverage from all angles, that way the viewer can see the tree from any position. If the tree is linear (palm tree), 2 fixtures can provide full coverage. All LED Projec-tions light sources come in various beam spreads and wattages. For residential ap-plications, 15-20 degrees are used for palm trees, 25-50 degrees for medium width specimen trees, and 60 degrees for wide, low level plant material such a Sago palms and Pigmy Date palms.

Flood lights use Omni directional LEDs or LED strips & panels to provide wide angle output or flood lighting. Because the light outputs are wide angles, these types of fixtures are rectangular in shape allow-ing large amounts of light to exit the fix-ture. Washing walls, signs, hedges or even wide plant material is where these fixtures perform the best. Positioning Flood lights is a function of coverage of the object to be lit and mounting space. Never place fixtures into turf because of the required maintenance of watering, mowing equip-ment, and foot traffic. This can create high probability of damage or alignment issues to the fixture. It is best to mount within the planter space for better protection. Spacing is based on desired effects. Signs are normally washed evenly and framed with little spill light. Hedges can be done in a similar technique or again spaced

with intermittent darkness between light. Flood lights are often mounted right at the base of the object to provide complete coverage without being in harm’s way.

Specialty LED lights are usually for special installations or applications such as underwater, hanging, step light, brick , paver, BBQ, basket , putting green, bocce courts or decorative wall , ceiling or hard-scape pedestals. Mounting these fixture types can be more challenging but still are a mainly a function of personal choice.

The absolute beauty of LED landscape & hardscape lighting is the flexibility of the wiring system. Since the cable is not required to be buried, you can easily move fixtures into any desired location, creating the effect you want, and hiding the cable once complete.

The above simple guidelines, added to the wonderful new technology of LED lighting, will provide stunning effects to all your projects. Safety, security, and most important, beautification are the great bi products of this lighting system. Once installed, you can relax and enjoy the system for years … but remember, things grow so maintenance is required to keep the system intact.

For additional information, please contact us at 888-882-1350 or visit our website www.focusindustries.com

Stan Shibata is the President and founder of Focus Industries.


directional Light

In 1985 I began my career in the Landscape Industry. Ea-ger to be the best that I could be, I readily took on every task and challenge that came my way. Soon after I began my

career I was introduced to the world of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting! Enthusiastic, I was. Prepared for the task, I was not. Needless to say, I made a lot of mistakes. Some of you who may have sat in one of my irrigation classes may recognize this trend as my MO (modus operandi). Today, I am employed by one of the leading manu-facturers of Low Voltage Landscape lights. I count myself fortunate to be where I am today and to have been in the field.

I have learned the ins and outs of the design and engineer-

ing through trial and error and through the coaching of profes-sionals. As always, I am hoping to shorten your learning curve so you can skip the

trial and error part helping you to be successful in this

exciting part of our industry.

In this and future articles, I hope to uncover some of the mystery and misconceptions

that are associated with this part of the Landscape Industry. In addition, I will share with you what I have learned about the Design, Installation and Management of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting.

Here is what you can look forward to in this and future articles:

1. Technological Advances in Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

2. The Mystery Behind Electricity: manipulating and managing the invisible

3. Design: Scenes and Moods and, how to achieve them

4. Installation: Tips and procedures to insure a quality product for your client

froM instaLLation tomanuFaCTurinG

M A R t i N M i Y A S h i R O

LIghTINglandscape


Cable for LED landscape lighting:

As mentioned earlier, there is no need for thicker, heavier gauge, expensive cable anymore. 12/2 and 14/2 direct burial multi strand copper cable can support 95% of the projects of today. This is a great feature and again saves money in the LED system costs. Remember, cable can be as high as 25% of the job cost.

LED Fixtures for landscape lighting: Retro fit or Integrated LED’s

Both use the same housings that the traditional landscape lighting fixture uses. The only difference is the plug and play LED’s can retro fit into existing landscape lighting fixtures. However, it is highly recommended if retrofitting new LED’s into an existing fixture you replace the old socket with a new one to ensure solid contact and avoid arching. Both have their features and benefits. Retrofit LEDs are less expensive and very easy to replace or install in the fixture. Integrated or module LED fixtures are engineered for better performance and design to dissipate heat as well as keep water out of the fixture. The more light needed, the greater the chance you will need an integrated LED fixture.

Applications for LED fixtures in landscape lighting:

The LED fixtures today are very similar to the ones of past. Some can be smaller due to the physical size of the LEDs compared to traditional light Sources. LED fixtures can be used in all 4 types of applications for landscape lighting: Area, Path, Directional, and Specialty.

Areas lights are used for larger perim-eters, they have greater light outputs (up to 30 ft. diameter coverage). They are great for driveways, highlighting ground-covers, pool decks, putting greens, and even stairways. Recommended spacing is usually personal preference; however most people prefer pools of light with a separation of darkness in-between to guide you out of the area or space safely. Over lapping lighting is used more for commercial applications to insure clear transition through the space.

Spot lights use projection type LED’s like MR16, MR11, MR8 that produce a specific beam angle based on the LED reflector or lens to create narrower beam angles to spot or accent key objects in the landscape or hardscape. Spacing is determined by viewing angles and cover-

age of the object. For example, lighting a large canopy tree in the center of the yard will typically need 3 fixtures triangularly spaced from the base to provide equal coverage from all angles, that way the viewer can see the tree from any position. If the tree is linear (palm tree), 2 fixtures can provide full coverage. All LED Projec-tions light sources come in various beam spreads and wattages. For residential ap-plications, 15-20 degrees are used for palm trees, 25-50 degrees for medium width specimen trees, and 60 degrees for wide, low level plant material such a Sago palms and Pigmy Date palms.

Flood lights use Omni directional LEDs or LED strips & panels to provide wide angle output or flood lighting. Because the light outputs are wide angles, these types of fixtures are rectangular in shape allow-ing large amounts of light to exit the fix-ture. Washing walls, signs, hedges or even wide plant material is where these fixtures perform the best. Positioning Flood lights is a function of coverage of the object to be lit and mounting space. Never place fixtures into turf because of the required maintenance of watering, mowing equip-ment, and foot traffic. This can create high probability of damage or alignment issues to the fixture. It is best to mount within the planter space for better protection. Spacing is based on desired effects. Signs are normally washed evenly and framed with little spill light. Hedges can be done in a similar technique or again spaced

with intermittent darkness between light. Flood lights are often mounted right at the base of the object to provide complete coverage without being in harm’s way.

Specialty LED lights are usually for special installations or applications such as underwater, hanging, step light, brick , paver, BBQ, basket , putting green, bocce courts or decorative wall , ceiling or hard-scape pedestals. Mounting these fixture types can be more challenging but still are a mainly a function of personal choice.

The absolute beauty of LED landscape & hardscape lighting is the flexibility of the wiring system. Since the cable is not required to be buried, you can easily move fixtures into any desired location, creating the effect you want, and hiding the cable once complete.

The above simple guidelines, added to the wonderful new technology of LED lighting, will provide stunning effects to all your projects. Safety, security, and most important, beautification are the great bi products of this lighting system. Once installed, you can relax and enjoy the system for years … but remember, things grow so maintenance is required to keep the system intact.

For additional information, please contact us at 888-882-1350 or visit our website www.focusindustries.com

Stan Shibata is the President and founder of Focus Industries.


directional Light

In 1985 I began my career in the Landscape Industry. Ea-ger to be the best that I could be, I readily took on every task and challenge that came my way. Soon after I began my

career I was introduced to the world of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting! Enthusiastic, I was. Prepared for the task, I was not. Needless to say, I made a lot of mistakes. Some of you who may have sat in one of my irrigation classes may recognize this trend as my MO (modus operandi). Today, I am employed by one of the leading manu-facturers of Low Voltage Landscape lights. I count myself fortunate to be where I am today and to have been in the field.

I have learned the ins and outs of the design and engineer-

ing through trial and error and through the coaching of profes-sionals. As always, I am hoping to shorten your learning curve so you can skip the

trial and error part helping you to be successful in this

exciting part of our industry.

In this and future articles, I hope to uncover some of the mystery and misconceptions

that are associated with this part of the Landscape Industry. In addition, I will share with you what I have learned about the Design, Installation and Management of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting.

Here is what you can look forward to in this and future articles:

1. Technological Advances in Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

2. The Mystery Behind Electricity: manipulating and managing the invisible

3. Design: Scenes and Moods and, how to achieve them

4. Installation: Tips and procedures to insure a quality product for your client

froM instaLLation tomanuFaCTurinG

M A R t i N M i Y A S h i R O

LIghTINglandscape

Hawaiiscape.com 19THE VOICE OF HAWAII’S GREEN INDUSTRY

Technological Advances in Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

The Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Industry has changed a lot since I started in 1985. It was thought that “Low Voltage” had a distinct advantage in landscapes. In theory, a 12-volt system was much safer in a landscape environment than a 120-volt system and their energy consumption was a lot less.

The job of a fixture was to hold the bulb, and, it had to do it well. This meant that a fixture had to be moisture resistant and tough enough to last in an outdoor environment. Often, fixtures in the Hawaiian Landscapes simply did not last. The interaction of soils and salt air took its toll on many fixture manufacturers in this state. In fairly recent years, major manufacturers have incorporated the use of Brass and Copper to solve this problem. In addition some of those manufacturers have begun using high quality aero space zinc and aluminum materials along with advanced powder coating techniques. It is no longer hard to find manufacturers that offer the type of quality fixtures that we require at varying price points.

In the past, many of the bulbs used in this industry came from the automotive industry. If you think about it, automobiles put out a lot of light as they made their way down dark streets at night. In addition we became very dependent on the taillights of the

driver in front of us to tell us what they were doing or where they were going. So, why couldn’t we utilize this proven and dependable technology in landscape lighting? Imagine the low impact to our electric bill. Those bulbs put out a lot of light and only used a 12-volt source from a battery!

One of the challenges was the fact that those light bulbs didn’t last long. They would burn out quickly. I remember after finishing a lighting job I would furnish my customers with a box of bulbs anticipat-ing burn outs in a relatively short period of time. I think at one point in time, a lot of the industry moved away from low voltage lighting for this very reason.

Enter the era of the Halogen Bulb (lamp)! This was an era that in my opinion made tremendous changes to the Landscape Industry. Halogen offered us fantastic color control and long lamp life. Some Halo-

gen lamps offered as much as 10,000 hours of life. Suddenly the industry comes alive again. Manufacturers also incorpo-rated a number of reflective options that provided us with various beam spreads. This coupled with a choice of wattages provided the lighting designers with a lot of tools to create beautiful effects.

I loved this part of my trade because it awakened a creative part of me that continues to evolve to this day! In Hawaii we have the perfect environment, plant pallet and now lighting equipment to create stunning nighttime themes within our own back yards! More of this to come in future articles.

Back to the Halogen lamp. In its con-struction a halogen lamp is technically an incandescent light bulb. The biggest dif-ference was the introduction of Halogen gas into the bulb. During the life of an in-

candescent bulb a filament burns and glows (this is what

produces light). As it burns, black

carbon is depos-

ited on

the inside of the bulb. After a certain time the filament gets thinner and thinner as more and more carbon leaves and eventu-ally the filament is too thin and breaks. The bulb no longer glows. At high heat (5000 degrees Fahrenheit) halogen lamps go through what is called the halogen cycle. The halogen gases in this phenom-enon of science re –deposits the carbon back on to the filament. This is how longer lamp life was achieved. Halogen lamps changed the industry so much that lighting geeks like myself no longer refer to them as bulbs. We now call them Lamps!

Tech tip: Many people have asked me how to dim Halogen lamps. In a future article we will discuss the engineering of systems. But in an effort to address this particular question, It is important to note that Halogen Lamps need to run at a voltage of between 10.5 – 12volts. The act of dimming required the back-ing off of power below that 10.5 mark. When this occurs the lamp will begin to dim. However a few things occur. Firstly the color changes, often times turning yellowish. Secondly when a lamp is run below the rated voltage they do not burn hot enough to complete the Halogen cycle, therefore the lamp life is compro-mised. One thing that you can do to help with this is to occasionally run the lights at full power 10.5 – 12 volts, which will redeposit some of the carbon back onto the filament.

The technological advances did not stop here. In recent years the use of LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) have become very popular in our industry. Remember the halogen cycle? LED’s did not have this issue. They don’t have to run hot; in fact they are sensitive to heat. Soon a whole industry of lamp and fixture manufactur-ers started designing them into homes, offices, and hotels… One of the advan-tages was its ability to illuminate without generating a whole bunch of heat. In addition LED’s are very efficient. It is common for a 50-watt equivalent LED to utilize only 13.5 watts verses 50 watts and get the same light output. Today better energy efficiency can be realized through the use of LED technology.

However as with every new advance-ment, there comes a whole new set of challenges. The light output from LED’s sometimes came out as a light blue and often times a very bright white. It didn’t look good on the plants, sometimes harsh and unnatural. So manufacturers incor-porated different colored lenses to get

color temperatures where they needed to be.

Competition for business has also driv-en LED prices down. Unfortunately often, the way that this was accomplished was by importing LED’s from overseas and or from seconds from major manufacturers. This in some cases had put a bad taste in the mouths of the end users who often suffered with inconsistent light output and short life span. Remember: not every LED is a good LED. Don’t sacrifice price for quality.

Today, the things that we regularly have in our hands and at the control of our fingertips is what is driving innovation in manufacturing. I am speaking of our smart phones and pads. In addition Smart Home technologies are beginning to be-come an asked for feature in many homes. While at the moment they are pricey, there will come a time when most home-owners will be able to enjoy the benefits of these types of systems. So hold on to your hats as this technology is already in the Landscape Industry and partner-ships with the smart home companies are being formed today. It’s the next level of control!

Imagine for a moment, having the tools that will enable you to control the mood and effects of your or your clients very own back yard resort. Imagine having individual control of every single light on that property. Imagine being able to do this with an IPhone, Android or Pad. This is the kind of technologies that our Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Industry is headed for. In addition we have a myriad of options in lamps, fixtures and controls all enabling us to create what we never could in the past. As the industry grows, a landscape designer’s pallet extends to the night as landscapes come alive with the pallet of Low Voltage Landscape Lights! Now that’s Innovation!

Don’t miss out on the experience of creating a livable and stunning nighttime landscape. Check out the new tools that are becoming available today at your local landscape supply store. Adding “Low Volt-age Landscape Lighting” to your profes-sional offerings will be an endeavor that you won’t regret.

Martin Miyashiro is currently employed by Hunter Industries. The company owns the Lighting Manufacturer FX Luminaire. You can contact Martin via email: [email protected] or by phone: (808)888-6988


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Technological Advances in Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

The Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Industry has changed a lot since I started in 1985. It was thought that “Low Voltage” had a distinct advantage in landscapes. In theory, a 12-volt system was much safer in a landscape environment than a 120-volt system and their energy consumption was a lot less.

The job of a fixture was to hold the bulb, and, it had to do it well. This meant that a fixture had to be moisture resistant and tough enough to last in an outdoor environment. Often, fixtures in the Hawaiian Landscapes simply did not last. The interaction of soils and salt air took its toll on many fixture manufacturers in this state. In fairly recent years, major manufacturers have incorporated the use of Brass and Copper to solve this problem. In addition some of those manufacturers have begun using high quality aero space zinc and aluminum materials along with advanced powder coating techniques. It is no longer hard to find manufacturers that offer the type of quality fixtures that we require at varying price points.

In the past, many of the bulbs used in this industry came from the automotive industry. If you think about it, automobiles put out a lot of light as they made their way down dark streets at night. In addition we became very dependent on the taillights of the

driver in front of us to tell us what they were doing or where they were going. So, why couldn’t we utilize this proven and dependable technology in landscape lighting? Imagine the low impact to our electric bill. Those bulbs put out a lot of light and only used a 12-volt source from a battery!

One of the challenges was the fact that those light bulbs didn’t last long. They would burn out quickly. I remember after finishing a lighting job I would furnish my customers with a box of bulbs anticipat-ing burn outs in a relatively short period of time. I think at one point in time, a lot of the industry moved away from low voltage lighting for this very reason.

Enter the era of the Halogen Bulb (lamp)! This was an era that in my opinion made tremendous changes to the Landscape Industry. Halogen offered us fantastic color control and long lamp life. Some Halo-

gen lamps offered as much as 10,000 hours of life. Suddenly the industry comes alive again. Manufacturers also incorpo-rated a number of reflective options that provided us with various beam spreads. This coupled with a choice of wattages provided the lighting designers with a lot of tools to create beautiful effects.

I loved this part of my trade because it awakened a creative part of me that continues to evolve to this day! In Hawaii we have the perfect environment, plant pallet and now lighting equipment to create stunning nighttime themes within our own back yards! More of this to come in future articles.

Back to the Halogen lamp. In its con-struction a halogen lamp is technically an incandescent light bulb. The biggest dif-ference was the introduction of Halogen gas into the bulb. During the life of an in-

candescent bulb a filament burns and glows (this is what

produces light). As it burns, black

carbon is depos-

ited on

the inside of the bulb. After a certain time the filament gets thinner and thinner as more and more carbon leaves and eventu-ally the filament is too thin and breaks. The bulb no longer glows. At high heat (5000 degrees Fahrenheit) halogen lamps go through what is called the halogen cycle. The halogen gases in this phenom-enon of science re –deposits the carbon back on to the filament. This is how longer lamp life was achieved. Halogen lamps changed the industry so much that lighting geeks like myself no longer refer to them as bulbs. We now call them Lamps!

Tech tip: Many people have asked me how to dim Halogen lamps. In a future article we will discuss the engineering of systems. But in an effort to address this particular question, It is important to note that Halogen Lamps need to run at a voltage of between 10.5 – 12volts. The act of dimming required the back-ing off of power below that 10.5 mark. When this occurs the lamp will begin to dim. However a few things occur. Firstly the color changes, often times turning yellowish. Secondly when a lamp is run below the rated voltage they do not burn hot enough to complete the Halogen cycle, therefore the lamp life is compro-mised. One thing that you can do to help with this is to occasionally run the lights at full power 10.5 – 12 volts, which will redeposit some of the carbon back onto the filament.

The technological advances did not stop here. In recent years the use of LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) have become very popular in our industry. Remember the halogen cycle? LED’s did not have this issue. They don’t have to run hot; in fact they are sensitive to heat. Soon a whole industry of lamp and fixture manufactur-ers started designing them into homes, offices, and hotels… One of the advan-tages was its ability to illuminate without generating a whole bunch of heat. In addition LED’s are very efficient. It is common for a 50-watt equivalent LED to utilize only 13.5 watts verses 50 watts and get the same light output. Today better energy efficiency can be realized through the use of LED technology.

However as with every new advance-ment, there comes a whole new set of challenges. The light output from LED’s sometimes came out as a light blue and often times a very bright white. It didn’t look good on the plants, sometimes harsh and unnatural. So manufacturers incor-porated different colored lenses to get

color temperatures where they needed to be.

Competition for business has also driv-en LED prices down. Unfortunately often, the way that this was accomplished was by importing LED’s from overseas and or from seconds from major manufacturers. This in some cases had put a bad taste in the mouths of the end users who often suffered with inconsistent light output and short life span. Remember: not every LED is a good LED. Don’t sacrifice price for quality.

Today, the things that we regularly have in our hands and at the control of our fingertips is what is driving innovation in manufacturing. I am speaking of our smart phones and pads. In addition Smart Home technologies are beginning to be-come an asked for feature in many homes. While at the moment they are pricey, there will come a time when most home-owners will be able to enjoy the benefits of these types of systems. So hold on to your hats as this technology is already in the Landscape Industry and partner-ships with the smart home companies are being formed today. It’s the next level of control!

Imagine for a moment, having the tools that will enable you to control the mood and effects of your or your clients very own back yard resort. Imagine having individual control of every single light on that property. Imagine being able to do this with an IPhone, Android or Pad. This is the kind of technologies that our Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Industry is headed for. In addition we have a myriad of options in lamps, fixtures and controls all enabling us to create what we never could in the past. As the industry grows, a landscape designer’s pallet extends to the night as landscapes come alive with the pallet of Low Voltage Landscape Lights! Now that’s Innovation!

Don’t miss out on the experience of creating a livable and stunning nighttime landscape. Check out the new tools that are becoming available today at your local landscape supply store. Adding “Low Volt-age Landscape Lighting” to your profes-sional offerings will be an endeavor that you won’t regret.

Martin Miyashiro is currently employed by Hunter Industries. The company owns the Lighting Manufacturer FX Luminaire. You can contact Martin via email: [email protected] or by phone: (808)888-6988


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Roots spread. They spread both downward and hori-zontally, but much greater in the horizontal direction radially from the trunk. From the time that a seed-

ling germinates, its roots begin to spread, seeking moisture, nutrients, and a proper oxygen/carbon dioxide balance.

In the confines of a container, the roots grow until they hit an impervious surface. If that surface is vertical, some roots may grow up, while most will bend with the sur-face and angle downward. At the bottom of the container, holes for drainage may become clogged with roots that grow into

them and become air-pruned and stubby. Within the volume of medium colonized by the roots, many of the original fine roots die and a few large ones predominate. These can have all kinds of directional changes, forming J’s, U’s, V’s, kink back on themselves, and concentric circles around the outside of the medium, as well as gir-dling of the basal trunk and root system. .

When planted into a field condition from the container, a few roots will explore new directions, but many are so congested from their life in the container that they do not begin to spread out. For several years, then, the growing tree is constrained by a small, crippled root system and non-uniform

outgrowth of a few roots. A malformed root system can lead to later tree instability and possibly even failure to survive at the site. As much as 95% of a tree’s root system is in the top 18 inches of soil, where most of the water, oxygen, and nutrients are found. It is essential then, to encourage lateral root growth out into this layer for these needs as well as stability.

The February 2014 issue of American Nurseryman reported a study on root development in several types of contain-ers: traditional black plastic pots and two types of fabric containers. Fabric containers have been available for more than 20 years and have the advantage that root tips that

By rIcHArD A. crILey

Citation

o’Connnor, A., J. e. Klett, and t. Koski. 2014. the great container debate. American nurseryman Feb. 2014. p. 24-26, 28

Table 1. Tipuana tipu root system characteristics following 16 months production in three pot types.percent distribution is based on root dry weight.

pot type percent distribution of root sizes Mean height Mean diameter Mean dry weight >¼ inch to ¼ inch < inch (ft) (in) of roots (grams)

black plastic 21 13 66 9.2 0.6 88.7

black plastic w pot Licker® Liner 16 15 69 9.1 0.7 71.4

Air-pot 27 13 60 9.5 0.7 96.8

look like?What Do your roots

pot types and root systems of 16 month old tipuana tipu trees.



Roots spread. They spread both downward and hori-zontally, but much greater in the horizontal direction radially from the trunk. From the time that a seed-

ling germinates, its roots begin to spread, seeking moisture, nutrients, and a proper oxygen/carbon dioxide balance.

In the confines of a container, the roots grow until they hit an impervious surface. If that surface is vertical, some roots may grow up, while most will bend with the sur-face and angle downward. At the bottom of the container, holes for drainage may become clogged with roots that grow into

them and become air-pruned and stubby. Within the volume of medium colonized by the roots, many of the original fine roots die and a few large ones predominate. These can have all kinds of directional changes, forming J’s, U’s, V’s, kink back on themselves, and concentric circles around the outside of the medium, as well as gir-dling of the basal trunk and root system. .

When planted into a field condition from the container, a few roots will explore new directions, but many are so congested from their life in the container that they do not begin to spread out. For several years, then, the growing tree is constrained by a small, crippled root system and non-uniform

outgrowth of a few roots. A malformed root system can lead to later tree instability and possibly even failure to survive at the site. As much as 95% of a tree’s root system is in the top 18 inches of soil, where most of the water, oxygen, and nutrients are found. It is essential then, to encourage lateral root growth out into this layer for these needs as well as stability.

The February 2014 issue of American Nurseryman reported a study on root development in several types of contain-ers: traditional black plastic pots and two types of fabric containers. Fabric containers have been available for more than 20 years and have the advantage that root tips that

By rIcHArD A. crILey

Citation

o’Connnor, A., J. e. Klett, and t. Koski. 2014. the great container debate. American nurseryman Feb. 2014. p. 24-26, 28

Table 1. Tipuana tipu root system characteristics following 16 months production in three pot types.percent distribution is based on root dry weight.

pot type percent distribution of root sizes Mean height Mean diameter Mean dry weight >¼ inch to ¼ inch < inch (ft) (in) of roots (grams)

black plastic 21 13 66 9.2 0.6 88.7

black plastic w pot Licker® Liner 16 15 69 9.1 0.7 71.4

Air-pot 27 13 60 9.5 0.7 96.8

look like?What Do your roots

pot types and root systems of 16 month old tipuana tipu trees.



ZhiQiANG ChENG, ph.D.

COLUMNturfgrass

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Turfgrass has been used to enhance the environment for centuries. It plays an important role in people’s everyday life, adding beauty to the environ-

ment and providing the foundation for many recreational activities.

Turf provides many benefits to the environment and society. Lawns can add to the value or sale price of houses. Even for renters, a green lawn is an important factor that affects their choice of resi-dential location (Duble, 1996). Many rec-reational facilities depend on a uniform, flat and well-maintained turf as the me-dium for playing, such as golf courses, athletic fields, picnic areas and parks, etc. The United States Congress (2003) has acknowledged positive benefits of turfgrass to our environment: “turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can aid in the reduction of CO2 emissions, mitigating the heat island effect, reduc-ing energy consumption and contribut-ing to efforts to reduce global warm-ing trends”. The many environmental benefits of turf are discussed below.

1. Turfgrass protects topsoil from wind and water ero-sion and improves soil qual-ity

Soil is the basis of terrestrial ecosys-tems. Turfgrass can protect the non-renewable soil resource from erosion caused by wind and water. The dense leaves, thatch mat and roots of turfgrass provide an excellent cover that reduces soil erosion, even on severe slopes. With well established and well maintained turfgrass, almost no soil will be lost even in heavy rainstorms. To the surrounding ambient, this means less mud and dust. On a larger scale, it means conservation of topsoil and less sediment pollution to rivers and lakes. A study showed that a 30-minutes storm producing a 76 mm/h rainfall could cause a soil loss of 223 Kg/

ha from bare ground with 8% slope, but with healthy turfgrass cover, the loss were reduced to 10 to 60 Kg/ha (Gross et al., 1991).

Turfgrass is effective in reducing soil erosion for several reasons. First, it stabi-lizes the soil surface with large number of plant shoots: 185 million to over 49 billion shoots per acre. Routine mowing of turfgrass can increase shoots com-pared to ungrazed grassland. Putting and bowling greens mowed at a 4 mm height possess up to 27 billion shoot per acre (Beard and Green, 1994). Second, the turfgrass root system promotes “soil

building” by increasing organic matter that is effective for binding and decom-posing many compounds. A healthy root system can add up to 3 tons of biomass per acre each year. Also, within the turfgrass ecosystem, there is continu-ous growth and death of roots and other plants tissues. This process provides organic matter to improve the physical condition and the fertility of the soil. Gross et al. (1991) concluded that even low-density turf stands could effec-tively reduce soil erosion. Therefore, the lateral flow of water is slowed and fewer soil particles are carried away. For these

environmenTBeNefits of turf to the

penetrate the fabric desiccate and force new root development further back in the medium. The researchers found few, if any encircling roots and basal root mat devel-opment in the fabric containers while the root systems in black plastic containers had greater circling and kinked roots.

At the University of Hawaii, an experi-ment was run using three container types: traditional black plastic 2-gallon pot, tradi-tional black plastic 2 gallon pots lined with “Pot Licker ®” sheets (a mat of dense fibers laminated to a white plastic coating) made by Rootmaker (www.Rootmaker.com), and 2-gallon Air-Pots made by Caledonia Tree Company (www.superoots.com). Well-rooted seedlings of Tipuana tipu produced in deep pots (2¼ x 2¼ x 11 inches deep, Strueve & Sons) and about 20 to 30 inches tall were planted into these containers in a medium composed of 1/3 soil, 1/3 compost/ and 1/3 cinders (Hawaiian Earth Products). While the root systems were loosened a bit in the planting, no root pruning was done. The trees were irrigated by overhead sprinkler twice daily. About 2 ounces of Osmocote 18-6-12 was added to each con-tainer as it was filled around the soil ball of the seedlings. A saran liner was placed at the bottom of the Air Pot to prevent the medium from washing out.

In 16 months, the Tipuana had reached 8 to 10 ft in height with diameters of 9/16 to ¾ inches at 4 ft above the soil line. Soil

was washed off the roots to expose the root system, which was photographed to record root structure. Roots were then cut from the below-ground tap root, segregated into < inch, to ¼ inch, and >¼ inch catego-ries, and these were dried and weighed. Data are reported (Table 1) by percent root weight in each category.

It was anticipated that roots from the traditional black plastic container would have the most kinking and encircling and a generally coarser root system. In general this was true, but considerable encircling was found at the bottom of the container for the Pot-Licker® containers as well because the fiber did not cover the whole base of the pot wall. Of consider-able interest was the kinking, girdling, and malformed root systems of all trees in the portion of the root system that developed in the original seedling containers (Figures 1, 2). The Air-Pot root systems, despite hav-ing a slightly smaller volume of medium in which to grow, were very fibrous and the bottom of the root ball looked like a brush, completely covered with fine roots (Figure 3). The Pot Licker® root systems had good branching, as indicated by 69% of the root system being in the < category, the weight of the Air-Pot root systems was only 60% in the same category and there were more roots in the >¼ inch category (Table 1). Plants in the Air-Pots averaged the heaviest root systems and tallest plants,

with the plants in traditional black plastic pots intermediate in the measured param-eters.

The strongest conclusions to draw from this study were the impacts of leaving these seedlings in their original containers too long before transplanting and the air-pruning effect of the Air-Pot on the final root system. In brief, growers should move the seedling trees up as soon as a good root system is visible in the germination tubes, and a container that provides for root pruning should be used to develop a root system that will enable the young tree to transplant well. In this, we are in agree-ment with the authors of the American Nurseryman study (O’Connor et al., 2014).

Of course, it is not just enough to produce a good root system in a container. When that tree is planted out, problems can still occur, the result of a poorly dug and prepared hole, improper back-filling, and even the management care the tree receives post-planting.

Dr. Criley, an Emeritus Professor of Horticulture with the University of Hawaii, has been involved with teaching and research on flowers, foliage, and woody ornamental plants for over 40 years. This article on root development grew out of recent interest in the expansion of ornamental tree assortment for Hawaii’s landscapes.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

examples of root deformation (u-roots, J-roots, doubling back) while in original deep pot.

examples of constricting roots that developed in original deep pot.


ZhiQiANG ChENG, ph.D.

COLUMNturfgrass

Hawaiian Cast Stone Veneer & Landscaping Stone products Made in Hawaii We’ve been Making Hawaii Rock for more than 30 years!

Moss & Lava Pavers

1050 Kikowaena Place, Honolulu HI 96819 Call 834-7625 Toll 866-344-7625 www.bigrockhawaii.com

Weekly 8-4:30 Saturday 8-2:00 WE SHIP TO ALL ISLANDS!

Bamboo Fountain Kits

Made on Oahu with pride & aloha

Stock readily available . We ship weekly

Hundreds of items, a landscaper’s dream!

Wholesale pricing for business orders.

Turfgrass has been used to enhance the environment for centuries. It plays an important role in people’s everyday life, adding beauty to the environ-

ment and providing the foundation for many recreational activities.

Turf provides many benefits to the environment and society. Lawns can add to the value or sale price of houses. Even for renters, a green lawn is an important factor that affects their choice of resi-dential location (Duble, 1996). Many rec-reational facilities depend on a uniform, flat and well-maintained turf as the me-dium for playing, such as golf courses, athletic fields, picnic areas and parks, etc. The United States Congress (2003) has acknowledged positive benefits of turfgrass to our environment: “turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can aid in the reduction of CO2 emissions, mitigating the heat island effect, reduc-ing energy consumption and contribut-ing to efforts to reduce global warm-ing trends”. The many environmental benefits of turf are discussed below.

1. Turfgrass protects topsoil from wind and water ero-sion and improves soil qual-ity

Soil is the basis of terrestrial ecosys-tems. Turfgrass can protect the non-renewable soil resource from erosion caused by wind and water. The dense leaves, thatch mat and roots of turfgrass provide an excellent cover that reduces soil erosion, even on severe slopes. With well established and well maintained turfgrass, almost no soil will be lost even in heavy rainstorms. To the surrounding ambient, this means less mud and dust. On a larger scale, it means conservation of topsoil and less sediment pollution to rivers and lakes. A study showed that a 30-minutes storm producing a 76 mm/h rainfall could cause a soil loss of 223 Kg/

ha from bare ground with 8% slope, but with healthy turfgrass cover, the loss were reduced to 10 to 60 Kg/ha (Gross et al., 1991).

Turfgrass is effective in reducing soil erosion for several reasons. First, it stabi-lizes the soil surface with large number of plant shoots: 185 million to over 49 billion shoots per acre. Routine mowing of turfgrass can increase shoots com-pared to ungrazed grassland. Putting and bowling greens mowed at a 4 mm height possess up to 27 billion shoot per acre (Beard and Green, 1994). Second, the turfgrass root system promotes “soil

building” by increasing organic matter that is effective for binding and decom-posing many compounds. A healthy root system can add up to 3 tons of biomass per acre each year. Also, within the turfgrass ecosystem, there is continu-ous growth and death of roots and other plants tissues. This process provides organic matter to improve the physical condition and the fertility of the soil. Gross et al. (1991) concluded that even low-density turf stands could effec-tively reduce soil erosion. Therefore, the lateral flow of water is slowed and fewer soil particles are carried away. For these

environmenTBeNefits of turf to the

penetrate the fabric desiccate and force new root development further back in the medium. The researchers found few, if any encircling roots and basal root mat devel-opment in the fabric containers while the root systems in black plastic containers had greater circling and kinked roots.

At the University of Hawaii, an experi-ment was run using three container types: traditional black plastic 2-gallon pot, tradi-tional black plastic 2 gallon pots lined with “Pot Licker ®” sheets (a mat of dense fibers laminated to a white plastic coating) made by Rootmaker (www.Rootmaker.com), and 2-gallon Air-Pots made by Caledonia Tree Company (www.superoots.com). Well-rooted seedlings of Tipuana tipu produced in deep pots (2¼ x 2¼ x 11 inches deep, Strueve & Sons) and about 20 to 30 inches tall were planted into these containers in a medium composed of 1/3 soil, 1/3 compost/ and 1/3 cinders (Hawaiian Earth Products). While the root systems were loosened a bit in the planting, no root pruning was done. The trees were irrigated by overhead sprinkler twice daily. About 2 ounces of Osmocote 18-6-12 was added to each con-tainer as it was filled around the soil ball of the seedlings. A saran liner was placed at the bottom of the Air Pot to prevent the medium from washing out.

In 16 months, the Tipuana had reached 8 to 10 ft in height with diameters of 9/16 to ¾ inches at 4 ft above the soil line. Soil

was washed off the roots to expose the root system, which was photographed to record root structure. Roots were then cut from the below-ground tap root, segregated into < inch, to ¼ inch, and >¼ inch catego-ries, and these were dried and weighed. Data are reported (Table 1) by percent root weight in each category.

It was anticipated that roots from the traditional black plastic container would have the most kinking and encircling and a generally coarser root system. In general this was true, but considerable encircling was found at the bottom of the container for the Pot-Licker® containers as well because the fiber did not cover the whole base of the pot wall. Of consider-able interest was the kinking, girdling, and malformed root systems of all trees in the portion of the root system that developed in the original seedling containers (Figures 1, 2). The Air-Pot root systems, despite hav-ing a slightly smaller volume of medium in which to grow, were very fibrous and the bottom of the root ball looked like a brush, completely covered with fine roots (Figure 3). The Pot Licker® root systems had good branching, as indicated by 69% of the root system being in the < category, the weight of the Air-Pot root systems was only 60% in the same category and there were more roots in the >¼ inch category (Table 1). Plants in the Air-Pots averaged the heaviest root systems and tallest plants,

with the plants in traditional black plastic pots intermediate in the measured param-eters.

The strongest conclusions to draw from this study were the impacts of leaving these seedlings in their original containers too long before transplanting and the air-pruning effect of the Air-Pot on the final root system. In brief, growers should move the seedling trees up as soon as a good root system is visible in the germination tubes, and a container that provides for root pruning should be used to develop a root system that will enable the young tree to transplant well. In this, we are in agree-ment with the authors of the American Nurseryman study (O’Connor et al., 2014).

Of course, it is not just enough to produce a good root system in a container. When that tree is planted out, problems can still occur, the result of a poorly dug and prepared hole, improper back-filling, and even the management care the tree receives post-planting.

Dr. Criley, an Emeritus Professor of Horticulture with the University of Hawaii, has been involved with teaching and research on flowers, foliage, and woody ornamental plants for over 40 years. This article on root development grew out of recent interest in the expansion of ornamental tree assortment for Hawaii’s landscapes.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

examples of root deformation (u-roots, J-roots, doubling back) while in original deep pot.

examples of constricting roots that developed in original deep pot.


DAViD CRARY

TIPSbusiness

reasons, turfgrass offers a cost-efficient method to reduce wind and water ero-sion of soil and is thus sometimes called the “bandage for the earth”.

2. Turfgrass absorbs and filters rain and runoff water

Humans depend on clean water for daily life, food supply and many indus-trial processes. Turfgrass system can ef-ficiently reduce groundwater and surface contamination by capturing, filtering and even utilizing polluting chemicals. Mowed turfgrass have dense biomass (canopies) of fine-textured stems and narrow leaves, whose biomass can range from 400 to 12,000 Kg/acre (Lush, 1990). The leaves over the soil surface intercept and absorb raindrop impact and provide a hydraulic resistance to runoff (Kren-itsky et al., 1998). In addition, there are on average 300 earthworms per square yard turfgrass soil, whose activities create additional macropore space and improves the tilth and structure of the soil (Beard and Green, 1994). The thatch layer of turf also acts to filter pollut-ants and chemicals from water. As a result, filtered and clean water enters the underground water system through the turfgrass and the soil profile. After comparing two natural and four man-made materials, Krenitsky et al. (1998) reported that turfgrass sod is the most effective one among the six materi-als tested (wood excelsior, jute fabric, coconut fiber blanket, coconut strand mat, straw, and turfgrass sod) in terms of runoff control ability, reducing runoff by 54 to 59 percent when compared with others. Another study showed that turfgrass was very effective in reducing sediment transport, even after verti-cal mowing down the slope of plots (Linde and Watschke, 1997). Studies also suggest that turf system could trap and filter water better than crops and forest because it supports more active

organisms. Therefore, when properly managed, turfgrass is an effective filter that can improve water quality, and it is thus sometimes called “natural filter”. In practice, some golf courses are now already utilizing municipal wastewater for irrigation.

3. Turfgrass contributes to carbon sequestration and O2 creation

Because of the low initial soil organic carbon, high productivity and lack of heavy physical soil disturbance such as tillage, turf system has the capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon. A study by Qian and Follett (2002) revealed that turfgrass could store atmospheric carbon at a rate of approximately 1 ton of carbon per hectare per year for up to 25 to 30 years after it is established. This result is similar to a previous carbon sequestration estimation, which is 1.1 ton/ha per year (Gebhart et al., 1994). Consequently, the total carbon seques-tered by all turf areas in the U.S., which is about 20 million tons of carbon per year, is an amount comparable to the carbon estimated to be sequestered by conservation reserve program lands in the United States (Qian and Fol-lett, 2002). In addition to the ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, turfgrass creates oxygen as other plants do. A landscape area or yard that is about 40 feet by 50 feet large can generate the oxygen required by one person for an entire year.

4. Turfgrass moderates temperature in urban environment

Turfgrass reduces high levels of radi-ant heat found in urban areas. Urban areas may be 5 to 8 ºF warmer than nearby rural areas where trees and turf-grass cover most of the surface (Duble, 1996). Evapotranspiration is the cooling

process of plants, including turfgrass. Grasses transpire at a rate that, in energy terms, exceeds the local radiant energy supply (Aldous, 1999). As a result, turf-grass reduces ground surface tempera-tures. It has been reported that the front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air condition-ing, while the average home has an air-conditioner with only three or four tons capacity. A few degrees difference in temperatures around houses will save significant energy and thus reduce cost. In addition, a study has shown that ac-tively growing bermudagrass is a better cooling surface during summer daytime than other surfaces, including dry soil and a synthetic surface (Table 1).

5. Turfgrass reduces noise, glare and visual pollution

Turfgrass surfaces absorb harsh sounds much better than common sur-faces in urban landscape such as gravel, pavement or bare ground (Beard and Green, 1994). Undesirable noise levels may be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. Studies have shown that bluegrass absorbs sound even better than a heavy carpet on a felt pad (Potter, 1998). Also, turfgrass reduces glare. Buildings, concrete walks, and glass reflect signifi-cantly more light than turfgrass does. This reflection can cause glare and on sunny days can be visually uncomfort-able. Turfgrass surface reflects light to all directions and thus diffuses its intensity.

6. Turfgrass creates valuable wildlife habitats

Turfgrass has dense biomass, which can support many organisms. Together with shrubs, flowers, and trees, turfgrass surfaces are good habitats for a diverse wildlife population. A study of golf courses and parks in Cincinnati, Ohio indicates that passerine birds benefit from golf courses, even to the extent that some golf courses may be regarded as bird sanctuaries (reviewed in Beard and Green, 1994). Therefore, properly designed and managed turfgrass ar-eas such as golf courses and parks can maintain and promote animal and plant diversity and natural habitats.

Zhiqiang Cheng, Ph.D. is Assistant Extension Specialist (Turf and Landscape Pest Management), Dept. of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Maximum daytime Percent temperature Type of Surface surface temperature increase over active (°C) turfgrass

Actively growing bermudagrass 31 —

Dry bare soil 39 26%

brown summer-dormant bermudagrass 52 68%

Dry synthetic turf 70 126%

Table 1. Temperature comparisons of four types of surfaces in College Station, TX. (after Beard and Green, 1994)

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despite being perceived as less sexy than other digital marketing tactics like social media, continues to offer the most bang for your buck. If you aren’t leveraging email to grow your revenue, you should be.

Even better, your competitors aren’t us-ing it. According to our 2014 Green Indus-try Benchmark Report (download it free at

www.hindsitesoftware.com/2014-green-industry-benchmark-report.cfm), a survey of hundreds of green industry businesses, less than 40% of green industry businesses are doing something as simple as sending an email newsletter. And even worse, less than 25% are sending promotional emails.

If you aren’t leveraging email, you’re leav-ing money on the table. With that in mind, here a few tips to help you optimize email in your business:

1. Be engagingNot only are emails easy to delete, but

you’re competing with every other Tom, Dick or Harry that happened to send your recipient an email. So create compelling content that your buyers want to read.

Start with the subject line. Get to the point and tell your reader exactly what’s in the email, but do it in a punchy, engaging way that fits your company voice. Think of your subject as the headline in a newspa-per — what’s going to get your recipient to read your email?

Once they’ve opened your email, give the reader something unexpected that

revenueGroW your email tips DesigNeD to

See EmAiL Tips on page 29

OAHU HILO KONA KAUAI MAUI 91-1831 Franklin D. Roosevelt 111 Silva Street 74-592B Hale Makai Pl. 3651F Lala Rd. 485 Waiale Road Kapolei, HI 96707 Hilo, HI 96720 Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Lihue, HI 96766 Wailuku, HI 96732 808-682-8282 808-961-6673 808-329-5574 808-246-0097 808-242-4664

0% for 48 months. Special offer good to February 28, 2014!

Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see American Machinery for details and other financing options. 0.0% for 42 months.



DAViD CRARY

TIPSbusiness

reasons, turfgrass offers a cost-efficient method to reduce wind and water ero-sion of soil and is thus sometimes called the “bandage for the earth”.

2. Turfgrass absorbs and filters rain and runoff water

Humans depend on clean water for daily life, food supply and many indus-trial processes. Turfgrass system can ef-ficiently reduce groundwater and surface contamination by capturing, filtering and even utilizing polluting chemicals. Mowed turfgrass have dense biomass (canopies) of fine-textured stems and narrow leaves, whose biomass can range from 400 to 12,000 Kg/acre (Lush, 1990). The leaves over the soil surface intercept and absorb raindrop impact and provide a hydraulic resistance to runoff (Kren-itsky et al., 1998). In addition, there are on average 300 earthworms per square yard turfgrass soil, whose activities create additional macropore space and improves the tilth and structure of the soil (Beard and Green, 1994). The thatch layer of turf also acts to filter pollut-ants and chemicals from water. As a result, filtered and clean water enters the underground water system through the turfgrass and the soil profile. After comparing two natural and four man-made materials, Krenitsky et al. (1998) reported that turfgrass sod is the most effective one among the six materi-als tested (wood excelsior, jute fabric, coconut fiber blanket, coconut strand mat, straw, and turfgrass sod) in terms of runoff control ability, reducing runoff by 54 to 59 percent when compared with others. Another study showed that turfgrass was very effective in reducing sediment transport, even after verti-cal mowing down the slope of plots (Linde and Watschke, 1997). Studies also suggest that turf system could trap and filter water better than crops and forest because it supports more active

organisms. Therefore, when properly managed, turfgrass is an effective filter that can improve water quality, and it is thus sometimes called “natural filter”. In practice, some golf courses are now already utilizing municipal wastewater for irrigation.

3. Turfgrass contributes to carbon sequestration and O2 creation

Because of the low initial soil organic carbon, high productivity and lack of heavy physical soil disturbance such as tillage, turf system has the capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon. A study by Qian and Follett (2002) revealed that turfgrass could store atmospheric carbon at a rate of approximately 1 ton of carbon per hectare per year for up to 25 to 30 years after it is established. This result is similar to a previous carbon sequestration estimation, which is 1.1 ton/ha per year (Gebhart et al., 1994). Consequently, the total carbon seques-tered by all turf areas in the U.S., which is about 20 million tons of carbon per year, is an amount comparable to the carbon estimated to be sequestered by conservation reserve program lands in the United States (Qian and Fol-lett, 2002). In addition to the ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, turfgrass creates oxygen as other plants do. A landscape area or yard that is about 40 feet by 50 feet large can generate the oxygen required by one person for an entire year.

4. Turfgrass moderates temperature in urban environment

Turfgrass reduces high levels of radi-ant heat found in urban areas. Urban areas may be 5 to 8 ºF warmer than nearby rural areas where trees and turf-grass cover most of the surface (Duble, 1996). Evapotranspiration is the cooling

process of plants, including turfgrass. Grasses transpire at a rate that, in energy terms, exceeds the local radiant energy supply (Aldous, 1999). As a result, turf-grass reduces ground surface tempera-tures. It has been reported that the front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air condition-ing, while the average home has an air-conditioner with only three or four tons capacity. A few degrees difference in temperatures around houses will save significant energy and thus reduce cost. In addition, a study has shown that ac-tively growing bermudagrass is a better cooling surface during summer daytime than other surfaces, including dry soil and a synthetic surface (Table 1).

5. Turfgrass reduces noise, glare and visual pollution

Turfgrass surfaces absorb harsh sounds much better than common sur-faces in urban landscape such as gravel, pavement or bare ground (Beard and Green, 1994). Undesirable noise levels may be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. Studies have shown that bluegrass absorbs sound even better than a heavy carpet on a felt pad (Potter, 1998). Also, turfgrass reduces glare. Buildings, concrete walks, and glass reflect signifi-cantly more light than turfgrass does. This reflection can cause glare and on sunny days can be visually uncomfort-able. Turfgrass surface reflects light to all directions and thus diffuses its intensity.

6. Turfgrass creates valuable wildlife habitats

Turfgrass has dense biomass, which can support many organisms. Together with shrubs, flowers, and trees, turfgrass surfaces are good habitats for a diverse wildlife population. A study of golf courses and parks in Cincinnati, Ohio indicates that passerine birds benefit from golf courses, even to the extent that some golf courses may be regarded as bird sanctuaries (reviewed in Beard and Green, 1994). Therefore, properly designed and managed turfgrass ar-eas such as golf courses and parks can maintain and promote animal and plant diversity and natural habitats.

Zhiqiang Cheng, Ph.D. is Assistant Extension Specialist (Turf and Landscape Pest Management), Dept. of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Maximum daytime Percent temperature Type of Surface surface temperature increase over active (°C) turfgrass

Actively growing bermudagrass 31 —

Dry bare soil 39 26%

brown summer-dormant bermudagrass 52 68%

Dry synthetic turf 70 126%

Table 1. Temperature comparisons of four types of surfaces in College Station, TX. (after Beard and Green, 1994)

According to a recent study by Econsultantcy, email marketing offers the best return on investment among digital marketing tactics. Email marketing,

despite being perceived as less sexy than other digital marketing tactics like social media, continues to offer the most bang for your buck. If you aren’t leveraging email to grow your revenue, you should be.

Even better, your competitors aren’t us-ing it. According to our 2014 Green Indus-try Benchmark Report (download it free at

www.hindsitesoftware.com/2014-green-industry-benchmark-report.cfm), a survey of hundreds of green industry businesses, less than 40% of green industry businesses are doing something as simple as sending an email newsletter. And even worse, less than 25% are sending promotional emails.

If you aren’t leveraging email, you’re leav-ing money on the table. With that in mind, here a few tips to help you optimize email in your business:

1. Be engagingNot only are emails easy to delete, but

you’re competing with every other Tom, Dick or Harry that happened to send your recipient an email. So create compelling content that your buyers want to read.

Start with the subject line. Get to the point and tell your reader exactly what’s in the email, but do it in a punchy, engaging way that fits your company voice. Think of your subject as the headline in a newspa-per — what’s going to get your recipient to read your email?

Once they’ve opened your email, give the reader something unexpected that

revenueGroW your email tips DesigNeD to

See EmAiL Tips on page 29

OAHU HILO KONA KAUAI MAUI 91-1831 Franklin D. Roosevelt 111 Silva Street 74-592B Hale Makai Pl. 3651F Lala Rd. 485 Waiale Road Kapolei, HI 96707 Hilo, HI 96720 Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Lihue, HI 96766 Wailuku, HI 96732 808-682-8282 808-961-6673 808-329-5574 808-246-0097 808-242-4664


Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see American Machinery for details and other financing options. 0.0% for 42 months.



integrateD pest ManageMent for

aquaTiC PlanTsT

he boom in aquatic plant sales the last 10 years has brought a boom in aquatic pests. Water lilies, lotus and bog plants all have unique challenges with

bugs and diseases but we can adopt the tried and true techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to start cutting down on problems.

Careful with plant selection. Check out new plants carefully before adding them to your water garden. Look for insects or unhealthy foliage or root systems. Make sure you rinse off new plants before putting them in your pond and consider repotting them in sterile media if you’d like to be extra cautious.

Don’t crowd your plants. Many home-owners come in to Mulkern Nursery wanting to purchase as many water lily

varieties as possible — and I often talk them out of it. Water lilies are healthiest with three feet or more space in diameter for their leaf-span. Some plants, like night bloomers, do best with 5 or 6 feet. Crowd-ing plants limits light and air circulation and can promote pests.

Consider sunlight available. Most water lilies need 6-8 hours of sun a day to do well. Make sure you place plants accord-ingly in your yard.

Clean your water lily at least 1x week. Remove dead and sickly leaves from your plants regularly. Over flow the water pot or add fresh water to your pond. Remem-ber to move your aquatic waste far away from your plants so pests don’t come back.

Create an ecosystem. Make sure you balance your water garden with differ-ent types of submerged grasses, floating cabbage and fish. Submerged plants and

By DorotHy MuLKerN

Hawaiiscape.com 27

cabbage are natural filters and help keep water balanced. Guppies not only eat mosquitoes but also other nasty bugs that might have their eye on your water lilies.

Make sure your plants have enough food. Fertilize your plants at least every couple months. Also, repot your plants often to replenish essential nutrients in the soil. With smaller pots, I like to repot my water lilies twice a year.

Best of luck with your aquatic plants!

Dorothy Mulkern is the Assistant Vice President at Mulkern Landscaping & Nursery. She is a certi-fied Master Gardener and

LICH board member. Visit Dorothy Saturdays at Mulkern Nursery in Waimanalo from 8:30 - 4:00.

Photos courtesy: DOROtHy MULKERN

Individual results may vary. Roundup Technology® includes Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicide technologies. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup PROMAX and Design,® Roundup PROMAX,® Roundup Technology® and TRUEBLUE ADVANTAGE PROVEN RELIABLE SUPPORTED and Design™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Always read and follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. ©2014 Monsanto Company.

Get to the root of the problem.Faster.

For more information, contact your local dealer or visit MonsantoITO.com

ROUNDUP PROMAX® IS A CONCENTRATED AND SUPERIOR

FORMULATION THAT CONTROLS TOUGH WEEDS, BRUSH AND

VINES IN TOUGH CONDITIONS IN UNDER 30 MINUTES.

Roundup PROMAX is weatherproof in signifi cantly less time than imitators.

Roundup PROMAX offers a 30-minute rainfast warranty.

Roundup PROMAX provides fast, consistent results

every time you spray.


integrateD pest ManageMent for

aquaTiC PlanTsT

he boom in aquatic plant sales the last 10 years has brought a boom in aquatic pests. Water lilies, lotus and bog plants all have unique challenges with

bugs and diseases but we can adopt the tried and true techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to start cutting down on problems.

Careful with plant selection. Check out new plants carefully before adding them to your water garden. Look for insects or unhealthy foliage or root systems. Make sure you rinse off new plants before putting them in your pond and consider repotting them in sterile media if you’d like to be extra cautious.

Don’t crowd your plants. Many home-owners come in to Mulkern Nursery wanting to purchase as many water lily

varieties as possible — and I often talk them out of it. Water lilies are healthiest with three feet or more space in diameter for their leaf-span. Some plants, like night bloomers, do best with 5 or 6 feet. Crowd-ing plants limits light and air circulation and can promote pests.

Consider sunlight available. Most water lilies need 6-8 hours of sun a day to do well. Make sure you place plants accord-ingly in your yard.

Clean your water lily at least 1x week. Remove dead and sickly leaves from your plants regularly. Over flow the water pot or add fresh water to your pond. Remem-ber to move your aquatic waste far away from your plants so pests don’t come back.

Create an ecosystem. Make sure you balance your water garden with differ-ent types of submerged grasses, floating cabbage and fish. Submerged plants and

By DorotHy MuLKerN

Hawaiiscape.com 27

cabbage are natural filters and help keep water balanced. Guppies not only eat mosquitoes but also other nasty bugs that might have their eye on your water lilies.

Make sure your plants have enough food. Fertilize your plants at least every couple months. Also, repot your plants often to replenish essential nutrients in the soil. With smaller pots, I like to repot my water lilies twice a year.

Best of luck with your aquatic plants!

Dorothy Mulkern is the Assistant Vice President at Mulkern Landscaping & Nursery. She is a certi-fied Master Gardener and

LICH board member. Visit Dorothy Saturdays at Mulkern Nursery in Waimanalo from 8:30 - 4:00.

Photos courtesy: DOROtHy MULKERN

Individual results may vary. Roundup Technology® includes Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicide technologies. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup PROMAX and Design,® Roundup PROMAX,® Roundup Technology® and TRUEBLUE ADVANTAGE PROVEN RELIABLE SUPPORTED and Design™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Always read and follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. ©2014 Monsanto Company.

Get to the root of the problem.Faster.

For more information, contact your local dealer or visit MonsantoITO.com

ROUNDUP PROMAX® IS A CONCENTRATED AND SUPERIOR

FORMULATION THAT CONTROLS TOUGH WEEDS, BRUSH AND

VINES IN TOUGH CONDITIONS IN UNDER 30 MINUTES.

Roundup PROMAX is weatherproof in signifi cantly less time than imitators.

Roundup PROMAX offers a 30-minute rainfast warranty.

Roundup PROMAX provides fast, consistent results

every time you spray.

28 LaNDscape Hawaii JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015 thE VOiCE OF hAWAii’S GREEN iNDUStRY Hawaiiscape.com 29

p h Y L L i S J O N E S

TIPStool

Happy New Year!! For many, the new year means evaluating the expenses of the past year, and making decisions for the new

year. How do you squeeze every penny out of your equipment budget while maintaining the required appearance and functionality of the area? For some, this may be an impossible task, especially as they review their parts, maintenance, and repair costs for the past year. Bosses and boards don’t care about the mechanics of the equipment. They just want to know why it is costing so much money to keep the machines running. NEWS FLASH! Equipment and parts prices are not going down in 2015. For the larger machines, prices may be going up as EPA Tier 4 will be going into effect which means more restrictions will be placed on engine manufacturers to produce cleaner run-ning engines. Dissatisfaction has been growing with the Tier 3 machines not only because the machines are difficult to keep running, but the repair costs are also higher.

So what can we do?? It’s time to look at other possible money-saving alterna-tives.

DOES BATTERY POWERED EQUIP-MENT BELONG IN YOUR INVENTORY ? I’m definitely “old school” (as anyone who knows me will tell you — I don’t

even own a cell phone). I am skepti-cal about new things, or any changes to old things. But I must admit, battery powered outdoor equipment has some positives, and deserves a second look. I have had the opportunity to use several battery powered pieces, and I could definitely see the benefits for some com-mercial applications.

No gas! No gas fumes! No stale gas! In spite of the price of gasoline going down over the past several months, battery powered tools can be more cost efficient over the long haul.

■ No storing fuel and/or checking for stale fuel, which may damage the engine.

■ LESS engine repair costs, which are costly, many of which are fuel related.

■ No starting issues, cutting into work productivity.

■ Less noise. In confined areas, in residential areas, or areas with lots of foot traffic, battery powered tools can be the tool of choice.

However, like everything else, battery powered equipment has its limitations. Not all types of equipment are available as battery powered, especially if you are looking for commercial grade equipment.

If you are working in large areas and/or have large areas to cut, gas powered equipment may be your only choice. Gas can give you longer continuous run time and greater RPM(or power) to get the work done more efficiently. With battery

powered tools, the bat-

tery life definitely dictates the situations where they can be used. For longer use time, you will need additional batteries, and all the batteries will need to be charged prior to use. With all of the advances in battery technol-ogy, there may be a time when they may have smaller batteries, which can provide longer run time.

The initial cost of the equipment, including batteries and charger, does not vary much from the cost of gas powered units. However, the power, the scope of work, that can be done with the battery powered tool is far more limited. Battery powered tools seem to work well at ho-tels, with landscapers who work in resi-dential areas, schools (where gas powered tools are limited to non-instructional hours). Battery powered equipment is a viable alternative for some professional users, and should be evaluated for its appropriateness for the job, and its short and long term cost advantages. Battery powered—something to consider when thinking about your next purchase.

Have a safe and prosperous new year 2015!!

Phyllis Jones is with A to Z Equipment and Sales, formally A to Z Rental Center, in business for over 25 years.

looKiNgFor neW

MAKE YOUR LANDSCAPE COME ALIVE

Hawaii Energy rebates available to commercial properties converting incandescent lighting to LED low energy lighting. Ask us how

Save energy with KichlerLED landscape lighting

Photo credit: Hilton Waikoloa Resort. Featuring Kichler LED landscape lighting

Big Island Kailua - Kona 73-5582 Olowalu St.Kailua - Kona, HI 96740(808) 329-1167

Oahu Honolulu2629 Waiwai LoopHonolulu, HI 96819(808) 836-8500

E-mail: [email protected]

kona Irrigation Supply, limited

Authorized Distributor

EmAiL Tips:Continued from page 25

helps them. Give them a tip on how to maintain their lawn. Show them the best way to install hardscaping. Talk about the importance of a smart controller to reduce the cost of an irrigation system. Whatever you do, deliver information that enhances their day and doesn’t disrupt it. If you do, they’ll be more likely to read emails from you in the future.

2. Make it easy for people to subscribe to your email list

It’s always a best practice to let people opt-in to your emails. And if no one opts in, you won’t have anyone who will receive your emails. So make it easy for folks to opt-in to your email list.

There are a number of ways to do this. If you have a website, include a form that makes it easy for web site visitors to opt in. If you have a physical store, ask visitors to subscribe when they make a purchase. If you mail invoices, include a link to subscribe.

3. Provide incentiveEmbed promotional messages and offers

in your emails. Offer subscribers 10% off a service or something that will incentivize them to continuously receive emails – and buy products and services from you. Make it known at sign up that they will receive these incentives for signing up. Your goal after all is to convert them to customers and get them using your service right away, so make it easy for them to do so. Offer your first promotion in your first email.

It may be productive to put a time limit on the offer to help ensure a quick sale and to get them in the door that much faster. Many retail sites offer a percentage off products just for signing up. Follow their lead by offering subscribers a deal on a service just for opting in to your email notifications.

4. Organize your leadsYou know why email gets a bad rap?

Because bad marketers don’t personalize emails — they just carpet bomb everyone on their list with the same message. There’s nothing worse than getting an email asking you to buy a pair of shoes you just bought.

Respect the members of your list. Find ways to learn more information about them by learning what products and services they’ve bought, what their demo-graphics look like and how satisfied they

are with your organization. Then create buckets with similar people and send them personalized emails. For example, if you offer fertilization and aeration services in addition to lawn mowing services, find all your customers who only order mowing and send them a specific email about the benefits of fertilization and aeration and offer them 10% off.

If you’ve signed up for Groupon, you know that they personalize their emails to you based on information they continually gather over time. As a result, you see things that you’re interested in, which is more likely to lead to you buying the product Groupon is advertising. So follow your lead and you’ll improve your sales close rate.

Want some other great email tips? Then visit http://info.hindsitesoftware.com/email-101-for-your-green-industry-busi-ness to download our free eBook, Email 101: How to Leverage Email to Grow your Green Industry Business for free!

David Crary is the Presi-dent and Founder of the field service software com-pany HindSite Software. You can follow him on

Twitter at @DavidHindSite.

28 LaNDscape Hawaii JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015 thE VOiCE OF hAWAii’S GREEN iNDUStRY Hawaiiscape.com 29

p h Y L L i S J O N E S

TIPStool

Happy New Year!! For many, the new year means evaluating the expenses of the past year, and making decisions for the new

year. How do you squeeze every penny out of your equipment budget while maintaining the required appearance and functionality of the area? For some, this may be an impossible task, especially as they review their parts, maintenance, and repair costs for the past year. Bosses and boards don’t care about the mechanics of the equipment. They just want to know why it is costing so much money to keep the machines running. NEWS FLASH! Equipment and parts prices are not going down in 2015. For the larger machines, prices may be going up as EPA Tier 4 will be going into effect which means more restrictions will be placed on engine manufacturers to produce cleaner run-ning engines. Dissatisfaction has been growing with the Tier 3 machines not only because the machines are difficult to keep running, but the repair costs are also higher.

So what can we do?? It’s time to look at other possible money-saving alterna-tives.

DOES BATTERY POWERED EQUIP-MENT BELONG IN YOUR INVENTORY ? I’m definitely “old school” (as anyone who knows me will tell you — I don’t

even own a cell phone). I am skepti-cal about new things, or any changes to old things. But I must admit, battery powered outdoor equipment has some positives, and deserves a second look. I have had the opportunity to use several battery powered pieces, and I could definitely see the benefits for some com-mercial applications.

No gas! No gas fumes! No stale gas! In spite of the price of gasoline going down over the past several months, battery powered tools can be more cost efficient over the long haul.

■ No storing fuel and/or checking for stale fuel, which may damage the engine.

■ LESS engine repair costs, which are costly, many of which are fuel related.

■ No starting issues, cutting into work productivity.

■ Less noise. In confined areas, in residential areas, or areas with lots of foot traffic, battery powered tools can be the tool of choice.

However, like everything else, battery powered equipment has its limitations. Not all types of equipment are available as battery powered, especially if you are looking for commercial grade equipment.

If you are working in large areas and/or have large areas to cut, gas powered equipment may be your only choice. Gas can give you longer continuous run time and greater RPM(or power) to get the work done more efficiently. With battery

powered tools, the bat-

tery life definitely dictates the situations where they can be used. For longer use time, you will need additional batteries, and all the batteries will need to be charged prior to use. With all of the advances in battery technol-ogy, there may be a time when they may have smaller batteries, which can provide longer run time.

The initial cost of the equipment, including batteries and charger, does not vary much from the cost of gas powered units. However, the power, the scope of work, that can be done with the battery powered tool is far more limited. Battery powered tools seem to work well at ho-tels, with landscapers who work in resi-dential areas, schools (where gas powered tools are limited to non-instructional hours). Battery powered equipment is a viable alternative for some professional users, and should be evaluated for its appropriateness for the job, and its short and long term cost advantages. Battery powered—something to consider when thinking about your next purchase.

Have a safe and prosperous new year 2015!!

Phyllis Jones is with A to Z Equipment and Sales, formally A to Z Rental Center, in business for over 25 years.

looKiNgFor neW

MAKE YOUR LANDSCAPE COME ALIVE

Hawaii Energy rebates available to commercial properties converting incandescent lighting to LED low energy lighting. Ask us how

Save energy with KichlerLED landscape lighting

Photo credit: Hilton Waikoloa Resort. Featuring Kichler LED landscape lighting

Big Island Kailua - Kona 73-5582 Olowalu St.Kailua - Kona, HI 96740(808) 329-1167

Oahu Honolulu2629 Waiwai LoopHonolulu, HI 96819(808) 836-8500

E-mail: [email protected]

kona Irrigation Supply, limited

Authorized Distributor

EmAiL Tips:Continued from page 25

helps them. Give them a tip on how to maintain their lawn. Show them the best way to install hardscaping. Talk about the importance of a smart controller to reduce the cost of an irrigation system. Whatever you do, deliver information that enhances their day and doesn’t disrupt it. If you do, they’ll be more likely to read emails from you in the future.

2. Make it easy for people to subscribe to your email list

It’s always a best practice to let people opt-in to your emails. And if no one opts in, you won’t have anyone who will receive your emails. So make it easy for folks to opt-in to your email list.

There are a number of ways to do this. If you have a website, include a form that makes it easy for web site visitors to opt in. If you have a physical store, ask visitors to subscribe when they make a purchase. If you mail invoices, include a link to subscribe.

3. Provide incentiveEmbed promotional messages and offers

in your emails. Offer subscribers 10% off a service or something that will incentivize them to continuously receive emails – and buy products and services from you. Make it known at sign up that they will receive these incentives for signing up. Your goal after all is to convert them to customers and get them using your service right away, so make it easy for them to do so. Offer your first promotion in your first email.

It may be productive to put a time limit on the offer to help ensure a quick sale and to get them in the door that much faster. Many retail sites offer a percentage off products just for signing up. Follow their lead by offering subscribers a deal on a service just for opting in to your email notifications.

4. Organize your leadsYou know why email gets a bad rap?

Because bad marketers don’t personalize emails — they just carpet bomb everyone on their list with the same message. There’s nothing worse than getting an email asking you to buy a pair of shoes you just bought.

Respect the members of your list. Find ways to learn more information about them by learning what products and services they’ve bought, what their demo-graphics look like and how satisfied they

are with your organization. Then create buckets with similar people and send them personalized emails. For example, if you offer fertilization and aeration services in addition to lawn mowing services, find all your customers who only order mowing and send them a specific email about the benefits of fertilization and aeration and offer them 10% off.

If you’ve signed up for Groupon, you know that they personalize their emails to you based on information they continually gather over time. As a result, you see things that you’re interested in, which is more likely to lead to you buying the product Groupon is advertising. So follow your lead and you’ll improve your sales close rate.

Want some other great email tips? Then visit http://info.hindsitesoftware.com/email-101-for-your-green-industry-busi-ness to download our free eBook, Email 101: How to Leverage Email to Grow your Green Industry Business for free!

David Crary is the Presi-dent and Founder of the field service software com-pany HindSite Software. You can follow him on

Twitter at @DavidHindSite.


Identification and DamageChinese rose beetle adults are ½ in long,

reddish brown, and covered with fine white hairs. The adult beetle is nocturnal, remain-ing under leaf litter during the day and emerging at dusk. Peak feeding and mating activity occurs about 30 minutes after sun-set. They are also attracted to lights at night.

Rose beetles are drawn to feed on stressed or already damaged leaves, which release ethylene gas that attracts the beetles. They feed on plant tissue between leaf veins, creating a lace-like appearance on leaves. In severe cases, most leaves are “skeletonized.” Major ornamental and cultivated crop hosts include giant crape myrtle, copperleaf, taro, cotton, ginger, cacao, rose, and areca palm.

What to Do • Chinese rose beetles emerge from

daylight shelter approximately 30 minutes after sunset and fly to plants where they will feed until pre-sunrise hours. Illumi-nation of target plants (fluorescent, LED spotlight, etc.) at dusk deters beetles from feeding.

• A fungus found in soil, Metarhizium anisopliae, infects and destroys many beetles (grubs and adults), particularly during the wet season.

• For smaller plants, use shadecloth to surround and protect plants from feeding damage. However, this may not be practi-cal in ornamental landscapes.

• As yet, no introduced natural enemy has been found effective against the Chi-nese rose beetle.

Arnold Hara, PhD, is an entomologist and extension specialist with University of Hawaii CTAHR,

stationed in Hilo. He works in pest

management of landscapes and floricultural crops.

References:1) UH CTAHR Crop Knowl¬edge Master

Adoretus sinicus (Burmeister) http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/adoretus.htm

2) McQuate, G.T. and M.L. Jameson. 2011. Control of Chinese rose beetle through the use of solar-powered nighttime illumination. Ento-mologia Experimentalis et Applicata 141:187–196.

ARNOLD hARA

COLUMNpest

adoreTus siniCusChiNese rose Beetle:

(inset) 1st to 3rd instars of larvae. immature grubs do not attack live plant tissue and prefer to live in loose, rich soil; leaf litter; or compost. (Main) feeding damage by adult rose beetles.

Photo: SCOt NELSON Photo: ARNOLD HARA

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Identification and DamageChinese rose beetle adults are ½ in long,

reddish brown, and covered with fine white hairs. The adult beetle is nocturnal, remain-ing under leaf litter during the day and emerging at dusk. Peak feeding and mating activity occurs about 30 minutes after sun-set. They are also attracted to lights at night.

Rose beetles are drawn to feed on stressed or already damaged leaves, which release ethylene gas that attracts the beetles. They feed on plant tissue between leaf veins, creating a lace-like appearance on leaves. In severe cases, most leaves are “skeletonized.” Major ornamental and cultivated crop hosts include giant crape myrtle, copperleaf, taro, cotton, ginger, cacao, rose, and areca palm.

What to Do • Chinese rose beetles emerge from

daylight shelter approximately 30 minutes after sunset and fly to plants where they will feed until pre-sunrise hours. Illumi-nation of target plants (fluorescent, LED spotlight, etc.) at dusk deters beetles from feeding.

• A fungus found in soil, Metarhizium anisopliae, infects and destroys many beetles (grubs and adults), particularly during the wet season.

• For smaller plants, use shadecloth to surround and protect plants from feeding damage. However, this may not be practi-cal in ornamental landscapes.

• As yet, no introduced natural enemy has been found effective against the Chi-nese rose beetle.

Arnold Hara, PhD, is an entomologist and extension specialist with University of Hawaii CTAHR,

stationed in Hilo. He works in pest

management of landscapes and floricultural crops.

References:1) UH CTAHR Crop Knowl¬edge Master

Adoretus sinicus (Burmeister) http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/adoretus.htm

2) McQuate, G.T. and M.L. Jameson. 2011. Control of Chinese rose beetle through the use of solar-powered nighttime illumination. Ento-mologia Experimentalis et Applicata 141:187–196.

ARNOLD hARA

COLUMNpest

adoreTus siniCusChiNese rose Beetle:

(inset) 1st to 3rd instars of larvae. immature grubs do not attack live plant tissue and prefer to live in loose, rich soil; leaf litter; or compost. (Main) feeding damage by adult rose beetles.

Photo: SCOt NELSON Photo: ARNOLD HARA

HGP_HiLandscapeAd_FullPg_Jan2015.indd 1 12/3/14 3:30 PM

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