Journal

PROFESSIONAL TREE AND TURF SUPPLY CO.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

Turf & Tree Show

2014Organic

The Neighborhood Network’s 2014 Certified List of Organic Landscapers will be available in time for early summer and it provides information to homeowners about landscapers who use organic, pesticide-free products and practices. Since 1995, this pioneering service brings together landscapers who serve all parts of Long Island, and who sign an agreement committing to provide 100% chemical-free turf care to all those who contact them through the list. The list the Neighborhood Network generates is designed to help the Long Island public sort through the thousands of landscapers on Long Island, and find those who maintain lawns in a way that avoids harm to our environment.

This certification program provides homeowners with a convenient, easy-to-use list of professional, chemical-free lawn care companies as an alternative to the typical landscaper who uses toxic, synthetic pesticides. Too many children are needlessly exposed to chemicals in the grass on which they play. Long Islanders who want to protect their family’s health and reduce chemical pollution of our drinking water supply are now able to harness their consumer power and bring about market change by hiring one of the eco-friendly companies on this list.

The effort to reach out to the community with this list of alternative landscaping companies is also supported by many other Long Island environmental and breast cancer action organizations. Thousands of organic landscaper lists will be distributed to residents throughout all parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties, at events, by mail and through our website.

Landscapers that can provide 100% organic care for customers may apply. For more information please call 631-963-5454 or visit www.neighborhood-network.org to download an application and contract.

CALLING ALL ORGANIC LANDSCAPERS

2014 Organic Landscaper List

BE A LEADER WITH OUR TURF AND TREE PROGRAMS!

WITH

PROFESSIONAL TREE & TURF SUPPLY, CO. Long Island’s Leading Distributor of Organics and

Natural Products for Turf and Trees! Fertilizers • Soil Conditioners • Insect Controls

Fungicides • Weed Controls • Pond Clarifiers Compost Tea Materials & Equipment

PROFESSIONAL TREE & TURF SUPPLY, CO. 580 W. HOFFMAN AVENUE LINDENHURST, NY 11757

CALL OR STOP IN FOR YOUR COPY OF OVER 100 PRODUCTS FOR YOUR ORGANIC TURF & TREE PROGRAMS

Serving the landscape and arborist trades since 1958

Continuing Education Workshops offered on March 22, 2014

Workshop 1Identifying Insect PestsDr. Tamson Yeh, Cornell Cooperative ExtensionYou can’t successfully deal with pests until you know what they are and what they are doing. Dr. Yeh helped attendees to identify common and problematic insect pests on Long Island by recognizing their physical characteristics and the damage they typically cause, and by understanding their life cycles, habits and the conditions that are conducive to them. The presentation featured detailed slides to help distinguish between insects that look alike but have very different habits, so you can treat them effectively.

Workshop 2Pest Reduction Strategies in Organic LandscapesPeter Schmidt, Compostwerks, Inc.Creating the right balance of good soil biology is the key in organic landscaping. Mr. Schmidt discussed strategies that we can integrate into our management practices such as grub management with beneficial nematodes, foliar insect repellents on ornamentals and soil enhancement to improve plant health.

Workshop 3 (Hour 1)Insect, Disease and Weed Control on Ornamentals, Trees and Turf Using Natural and Non-chemical PracticesAl Lane, Professional Tree & Turf Supply Co.Mr. Lane’s comprehensive two-hour course presented a detailed overview of specific natural, organic, and biological products for insect control on ornamentals, trees and residential turf. Insect control products that were discussed included horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and pyrethrum, among others. Weed control products included a discussion of corn gluten, iron HEDTA and citrus oils. The presentation also focused on methodology and timing applications for the best results.

Workshop 4 (Hour 2)Pathogenic Disease Control on Ornamentals, Trees and Turf Using Natural and Non-chemical Practices (Hour 2)Al Lane, Professional Tree & Turf Supply Co.In hour two of Mr. Lane’s presentation he spent the first 45 minutes presenting a thorough synopsis of individual natural, organic, biological and botanical products to control pathogenic diseases on ornamentals, trees, and turf in a residential environment. Products that were discussed included: CEASE (Bacillus Subtilis) – a new biological fungicide, and REGALIA – a new bio-fungicide. New natural insecticide products that were discussed included: ORGANOCIDE – new label and low odor. CEDAR OIL – new uses for subsurface insect control. ECOVIA – a new botanical insecticide.

Workshop 5Putting 30 Years of Experience to Use in Advancing Cultural Practices That Promote High Quality Turf and Eliminate Pesticide ApplicationsSkip Wade, Cantiague Park Golf CourseMr. Wade drew on his extensive background and experience to present a detailed analysis of what grass really needs to grow using an organic approach to care. Often chemically maintained turf has underlying conditions that make it susceptible to weeds insects and diseases, which have been masked by the use of chemical pesticides. Chemically maintained lawns also may have suppressed biological activity, which should be restored to enhance the effectiveness of organic maintenance. Mr. Wade described a successful program with emphasis on feeding the soil to enrich it’s biology, increasing nitrogen content with organic fertilizer, watering less frequently but more deeply, mowing high to shade roots, controlling weeds with natural products and introducing beneficial insects to deal with pests naturally. He detailed cultural practices that will optimize the effectiveness of a non-chemical maintenance program, and discussed beneficial organisms, botanicals and other low-risk products and methods for controlling outbreaks of weeds, insect pests, and diseases without resort to chemical pesticides.

Reestablishing the show!

After unfortunately not hosting the show in 2013, the 14th Long Island Organic Turf and Tree Show took place on March 22, 2014 and was, by all accounts, a success. Held for the first time at the Molloy College Suffolk Center in Farmingdale, professional landscapers and arborists, school and municipal groundskeepers, parks officials, and home gardeners from all over Long Island and parts of the northeast were in attendance. Many attendees were long-time veterans of the show while others were first-timers. Overall feedback also indicated that the

centrally located venue and view from the atrium overlooking the runways at Republic Airport where the show was held was a wonderful backdrop for the day.

Professional Tree & Turf Supply in Lindenhurst, who shares an organizational commitment with the Neighborhood Network in protecting Long Island’s environment, again sponsored this one of a kind show. A family owned and operated company since 1958, and the largest Arborist Supply Company in the Northeast, PTTS carries a full and varied line of natural, organic products for trees, turf and ornamentals.

First-time sponsors of the 2014 show were Caithness Long Island Energy and the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College. Caithness Long Island Energy, a long-time supporter of the Neighborhood Network but first-time sponsor of the show, operates the cleanest power generating plant on Long Island in Brookhaven Township, producing 94 percent fewer polluting emissions and 36 percent less greenhouse gas emissions compared to older Long Island power plants. The Sustainability Institute at Molloy College fosters informed debate on key issues related to sustainability and works to integrate concepts of sustainability into the curriculum, operations and culture at Molloy College and the larger Long Island community.

Exhibitors attending the show collectively presented a myriad of products to help maintain green, healthy turf without the use of synthetic products. Exhibitors at this year’s show included Compostwerks, Inc., Long Island Compost, Island Bio-Greens and All Pro Horticulture. This year’s show also featured another stellar line-up of expert speakers in the field. Speakers included, show veteran, Peter Schmidt of Compostwerks, Inc. who discussed how creating the right balance of good soil biology is the key in organic landscaping. Al Lane of Professional Tree & Turf Supply presented a two-hour session and shared his expertise of specific natural, organic, and biological products for control of insects on ornamentals, trees and residential turf. Dr. Tamson Yeh of Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County’s presentation helped attendees to identify common and problematic insect pests on Long Island by recognizing their physical characteristics and the damage they typically cause. And Skip Wade, Superintendent at Cantiague Park Golf Course describe a successful organic lawn care program with emphasis on feeding the soil to enrich it’s biology, increasing nitrogen content with organic fertilizer, watering less frequently but more deeply, mowing high to shade roots, controlling weeds with natural products and introducing beneficial insects to deal with pests naturally. As we’ve heard in years past, attendees of this year’s show said they found it exciting and inspiring to be in attendance, see the high level of interest and to network and associate with other professionals interested in going the organic route.

All of us at the Neighborhood Network are pleased to be playing a rolewith all of you. Thank you.

Demo Maratos

2014 Speakers Dr. Tamson Yeh is Pest Management/Turf Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension, where she has been for sixteen years. Dr. Yeh received her BA in Biology from Wells College, and both an MS in Animal and Veterinary Science and a PhD in Plant Science from University of Rhode Island. She is also the author of “Can My Petunia Be Saved?: Practical Prescriptions for a Healthy, Happy Garden”. A book for all problems related to turf and landscape.

Peter Schmidt, founding partner of Compostwerks LLC, certified arborist and Certified Soil Foodweb Advisor has worked in the horticultural industry for 30 years. He graduated from University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1990, and has spent the balance of his career in arboricultural consulting. Peter’s interest and passion for natural land care grew in 2000. Since then, he has done business and consulted with thousands of landowners and businesses on making the shift to sustainable practices. His company provides an extensive range of organic products, sprayers, compost top dressing equipment, consulting and support to businesses that wish to integrate organics as a professional service.

Al Lane has been involved in the green industry on Long Island for more than 50 years, both in the application and sales. Al has instructed NYS Department of Environmental Conservation certification courses in many categories for over 20 years. Currently his company, Professional Tree & Turf Supply in Lindenhurst, is the largest natural-organic products distributor on Long Island.

Harold “Skip” Wade is the Superintendent at Cantiague Park Golf Course in Hicksville, where he’s been since 2006. Cantiague is one of the busiest short courses in Nassau County and Skip introduced organic care to the course upon taking his position. He has more than 30 years of professional experience in the green industry and more than 20 years of experience with the use of organic methods of turf care. Skip is the Founder and President of Truly Organic, an organic landscape company based in Amityville. His company provides consulting services to athletic fields, residential property, and golf course and has organically maintained a number of athletic fields in Bayville since 2004.

2014 EXHIBITORS

All Pro Horticulture is a wholesale supplier of landscaping and horticultural supplies located in the heart of Long Island, NY. We specialize in custom grass seed mixtures & blends, fertilizer, organic materials, athletic field conditioners, erosion control supplies, and we even sell and rent FINN Hydro Seeders!

All Pro Horticulture54 Railroad Avenue

Copiague, NY 11726Contact: Eric Ramirez

Phone: 516-789-6680Fax: 516-789-5711

Website: www.allprohort.com

Compostwerks, LLC. provides consulting, training, and support to natural land care practitioners. We supply compost tea brewers, hydraulic spray equipment, compost top dressing equipment and North Country Organics natural fertilizers.

Website: www.compostwerks.com

Compostwerks487 East Main Street, Suite 160

Mt. Kisco NY 10549Contact: Peter SchmidtPhone: 914-273-9294

Email: peter@compostwerks.com

Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension423 Griffing Avenue

Riverhead, NY 11901 Phone: 631 852-8660

Fax: 631-727-7130Website: www.cce.cornell.edu

Island Bio Greens are designers and producers of unique natural and bio-based soil amendment and fertilizer products for the organic agriculture, landscape, nursery, garden center and golf turf markets. All Island Bio Greens Products and/or Management Programs begin with the successful use of “Stand Alone” materials. Whether used singularly or as part of a complete soil, water, and plant management system, Island Bio Greens products will deliver results expected by professionals.

Phone: 631-749-0621 or 802-222-4277Fax: 631-749-0621

Email: kenkraus@islandbiogreens.comWebsite: www.islandbiogreens.com

Island Bio-GreensPO Box 6

Shelter Island, NY 11965Contact: Ken Kraus

Long Island Compost Corporation manufacturers compost, topsoil, and blended soils available in nurseries and garden centers in the Tri-State area. They offer bag products and bulk loads delivered to schools, municipalities and golf courses on Long Island. Look for Long Island Compost Corporation products under the Great Gardens label at Home Depots on Long Island and across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

The Sustainability Institute at Molloy College fosters informed debate on key issues related to sustainability and works to integrate concepts of sustainability into the curriculum, operations and culture at Molloy College and the larger Long Island community.

Contact: Maryann Kemmer Email: mkemmer@licompost.com

Cell: 516-306-6811Website: www.licompost.com

Long Island Compost Corporation445 Horseblock RoadYaphank, NY 11980

Contact: Leigh Musarra Email: si@molloy.eduPhone: 516-323-4510

Website: www.molloy.edu/siThe Sustainability Institute at Molloy College

7180 Republic AirportFarmingdale, NY 11735

Climate Smart ComminitiesLong Island Green Homes

Clean Energy Leadership Task ForceLong Island Carbon Monoxide Awareness Campaign

Cleaner Greener CommunitiesSustainable Living Film Series

THE SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE

The Sustainability Institute team fosters informed debate on key to sustainability issues impacting Long Island and works to integrate concepts of sustainability into the curriculum, operations and

culture at Molloy College and the larger Long Island community.

Programs

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.MOLLOY.EDU/SI OR CALL 516-323-4510

THE SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE

The Sustainability Institute team fosters informed debate on key sustainability issues impacting Long Island and works to integrate concepts of sustainability into the curriculum, operations and culture at

Molloy College and the larger Long Island community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.MOLLOY.EDU/SI OR CALL 516-323-4510

2014 EXHIBITORS

Caithness is proud to support the good work of Neighborhood Network

in protecting our enviroment.

Your friends at

www.caithnesslongisland.com

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