NOVEMBER News

Winter injury to trees and shrubs

The frequency and severity of winter damage is determined by a number of factors, including the plant species or cultivar involved, the location and conditions under which the plant is grown, and the exact timing of weather extremes during the dormant period. Contrary to popular belief, plant damage is not generally caused by an unusually cold winter. Low temperature injury is more often associated with extreme temperature fluctuation than with prolonged cold weather.

TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION
Acclimation to temperatures much below freezing results from exposure to slowly falling temperatures and other factors. Plants that are dormant but not fully acclimated can be stressed or injured by a sudden, hard freeze. Rapid or extensive drops in temperature following mild autumn weather cause injury to woody plants. Extended periods of mild winter weather can de-acclimate plants, again making them vulnerable to injury from rapid temperature drops.

WINTERBURN ON EVERGREENS
A browning or scorched leaf tip on evergreen foliage in late winter and early spring is a form of winter injury. Browning usually occurs from the needle tips downward. Symptoms of winter burn are present on many narrow-leafed evergreens, such as hemlock, juniper, pine, and yew, and broad-leaved evergreens, such as boxwood and rhododendron.  Winterburn is usually attributed to desiccation or loss of water through leaf transpiration. Winter sun and winds dry needles. Water in the stems and roots is frozen and unavailable to replenish the loss. A rapid drop in temperature after a warm sunny day can also cause further injury to the plant. Applying an anti-transpirant, also called antidesiccant, helps reduce transpiration and minimizes damage to the foliage. At least two applications per season, one in December and another in February are usually necessary to provide protection all winter.

MINIMIZING WINTER INJURY

• Select hardy species and cultivars.
• Avoid late-summer fertilization or pruning, which might stimulate new growth.
• Water trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, during dry periods until the ground freezes.
• Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and insulate the roots from cold temperatures.
• Protect evergreens from wind and salt spray with burlap screens.
• Apply anti-desiccant to evergreens starting in late fall, following label instructions.

AquaLock anti-Transpirant

AquaLock is a unique wax dispersion that forms a thin, flexible, water-repellent layer on plant surfaces. AquaLock protects plants against drought, extreme temperatures, wind and sunscald. AquaLock may extend watering intervals for turf and ornamental crops.

Features & Benefits

• Will not clog nozzles
• Washes easily off spray equipment
• Free of volatile organic compounds
• Stable at temperatures above freezing

SNI Solutions

ECOSALT is treated with GEOMELT® 55 Liquid Organic Accelerator natural agriculture product that features snow and ice control performance superior to traditional rock salt, but is less corrosive to equipment and environment. ECOSALT effective working temperature -20°F will reduce salt consumption by 30% increasing equipment and employee efficiency.

Benefits:

• Anti-icing pre-storm,prevents snow and ice from bonding with pavement, making removal easier
• Deicing cuts through hardpack breaking bond with pavement, making removal easier
• Reduce application rate 30%
• Lowers maintenance costs by reduced application rates
• Reduce corrosion rate up to 60%
• Lowers operating cost by increased equipment and employee efficiency
• Reduce bounce and scatter loss during application by 80%

BIOMELT® is an ice melt product formulated with a blend of rock salt and a specially engineered product made from Corn. This unique blend is environmentally friendly and extremely effective at low temperatures. BIOMELT® will melt more snow and ice than rock salt. BIOMELT® is less corrosive than rock salt. BIOMELT® product is colored for easy visibility where applied.

Benefits:

• Works faster than conventional rock salt for increased safety
• Reduced rock salt usage means less corrosion and is better for environment
• Works at lower temperatures effective -20°F/-28°C
• Easy to see blue / green crystals eliminate excess application
• Product does not stain floors or carpets
• Special coating adheres to sidewalks and driveways so ice melt stays in place reducing salt use up to 30%

Upcoming Events

ILCA’S 60TH ANNUAL PARTY & MEMBER MEETING

Agenda:

• 5pm to 5:30pm: Registration, Networking, and Cash Bar
• 5:30pm to 6pm: Member Meeting & Recognition
• 6pm to 8pm: Dinner, Drinks, and Socializing

Fee: $55/person, includes: dinner buffet (chopped salad, BBQ beef brisket/pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, vegetables) & 2 hours unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks. (The same fee applies to employees, spouses and non-industry guests of member firms) If you purchase 10 or more tickets, reserved table(s) can be requested.

NEW VENUE AND FORMAT FOR 2019!

Venue Joe's Live - Rosemont
5441 Park Pl Rosemont, IL 60018

 

EVENT DETAILS/REGISTRATION

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire ... if you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something ... for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times ... during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations ... they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge... which will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes ... they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary ... because it means you've given your all.

It's easy to be thankful for the 'good' things ... yet, a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive ... find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.