Are you looking for a "Sweet" career with a top Chicago area firm? 

We are looking for a few outstanding candidates to fill full time Landscape Operations Trainee positions.  On Friday, March 23rd we will be interviewing candidates at PLANET Student Career Days held at Kansas State and would enjoy the opportunity to meet you.

Please stop by booth #109 with your resume.  We've got a "Sweet" treat for you!  Interviews will be scheduled at the event.  If you are not attending, please send your resume to Shari at s.dalziel@jamesmartinassociates.com.

Successful candidates should posses a passion for the landscape and snow industry, be highly motivated and have the desire to constantly learn from your experiences.

For more information on PLANET Student Career Days visit: http://www.studentcareerdays.org/

About the Landscape Operations Trainee position:

Initial responsibilities and training of this year round position will include field production activities, initially assisting crew leaders with the maintenance and installation of landscape projects, followed by assuming the responsibilities of a crew leader.  Operations trainees will also be involved with a a variety of other assignments including horticultural services, yard management responsibilities, site take-offs and surveys, project planning and snow plow operations.  After experience in the position, future opportunities will include support of sales, design and client management efforts, as well as planning and supervising installation and maintenance crews, clients and projects.

A complete overview of James Martin Associates and our career opportunities can be accessed at JMA Careers.

Winter Damage to Trees and Shrubs

There are many factors that have the potential to cause winter damage to trees and shrubs in the winter months. Fluctuating of temperatures during the winter season can cause bark to split, the site placement of the tree or shrub on the property or rodents and deer that feed on the bark, twigs or foliage all which may cause injury.

How can you minimize winter damage to trees and shrubs?

• Start by selecting a hardy species that is suggested for the area’s zone
• Do not prune or fertilize in late summer this may stimulate new growth
• Continue to water trees and shrubs during dry periods until the ground freezes
• Place mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate the roots from harsh winter temperatures
• Use burlap screens to protect evergreens from the wind and salt
• In late fall spray an anti-desiccant to evergreen foliage, this treatment creates a thin layer that will help the tree or shrub maintain moisture
• In the fall wrap tree trunks and any major branches of newly planted trees and remove in the spring.

 

Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on this as our team of landscape professional or horticulturists can assist in making sure your trees and shrubs are healthy year round.

James Martin Associates is Hosting a Lunch and Learn on the Emerald Ash Borer

WHEN: Wednesday February 29, 2012

TIME: 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

WHAT: Arborist, Dan Klindera of Autumn Tree Care will lead a discussion on the Emerald Ash Borer

• How it will affect your company?
• What is being done and what you can do?
• What are the costs associated with this pesky beetle that is decimating the ash trees in Illinois and more...

WHERE: Philly G’s at 1252 East US Hwy 45 in Vernon Hills, IL

SEATS LIMITED-Bring a guest and reserve your spot TODAY:

Contact Dorie Roth at d.roth@jamesmartinassociates.com or 847-876-8049

 

 

 

Some interesting things to know about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB):   

• June 2002 – the EAB was first discovered in Michigan
• 2006 – the EAB was first discovered in Kane County, IL
• Ash Trees cover 20% of streets in the greater Chicagoland area
• Asia – where the beetle comes from. It is thought it came to the states in wood packing material
• TENS of MILLIONS: the cost to municipalities, homeowners and nurseries 
• TENS of MILLIONS of Ash trees killed in Illinois alone and still counting
• This beetle when an adult is shiny green metallic and about ½ long
• This pesky beetle only attacks ash trees
• A D-shaped exit hole is found on the tree when the adult emerges
• Woodpeckers love the taste of this shiny beetle, so heavy woodpecker damage may be a sign of infestation
• Firewood can’t be moved in many areas in the Midwest due to the EAB quarantine.
• All of Illinois is quarantined from taking ash products outside the state. A state quarantine is in place for the 25 northeastern-most counties of Illinois. THE REMOVAL OF THE EAB, ASH TREES, LIMBS OR BRANCHES OF ANY SIZE, ASH FIREWOOD OR LOGS OR ANY ITEM MADE USING AS WOOD IS PROHIBITED FROM LEAVING THE QUARANTINED AREAS.

Quarantine Boundaries Defined per the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Effective November 10, 2011

Regulated Areas, shall read:

1.The entire Counties of Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cook, Cumberland, DeKalb, Dewitt, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Macon, Marion, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Moultrie, Ogle, Piatt, Putnam, Shelby, Stark, Vermillion, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford; and

2. Any other area within the State of Illinois where the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is confirmed in the future. These amendments to the Quarantine shall be effective on or after this 10th day of November 2011. All other provisions of the original quarantine, as previously amended, shall remain in full force and effect.   For more information visit www.agr.state.il.us/eab/index.php

The treatment is not 100%, but it may help if a healthy tree is treated with insecticide. Research is still being done on the treatments, as well as the side effects.

What Happens?

May-July is when the adult beetle emerges and the female lays an abundant amount of eggs which hatch into larvae. The larvae then begin to chew the inner bark creating a winding road on the bark as they gnaw, which disrupts the transportation of water and nutrients to the tree.

What are some of the Signs or Symptoms?

• The branches at the top or crown of the ash tree die back
• Shoots will sprout on the trunk and base of the tree
• A vertical split in the tree and noticeable woodpecker damage

How do I know if my county is currently infected?  Visit IllinoisEAB.com to find out more information

Sources: Emerald Ash Borer.info and Illinois Department of Agriculture and IllinoisEAB.com

At James Martin Associates we design and create a variety of holiday planters for our residential and commercial clients.  We begin with quality potting soil and use a variety of planting materials such as Eucalyptus, White Pine, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Juniper, Bay Leaves, Curly Willow and Berries.  We begin at the base of the planter and then begin working from the center out in order to create a full and gorgeous container.  Enjoy this video on creating and designing an outdoor holiday container: Dim lights

Happy Holidays!

JMA is ranked 34 on the 100 Top Snow Contractor

One of the industry's most anticipated lists by Snow Magazine: The Top Snow Contractor List.  JMA ranked 34 out of 100.  Snow Magazine compiles the list by collecting entry forms from contractors and then conducts extensive follow-up calls.  Once the nomination process is closed the numbers are crunched and the snow removal firms are organized according to their respective 2010-11 snow removal revenue numbers.  Congratulations JMA for making the list!

James Martin Associates Landscape Architect, Heidi Sibert, was thrilled at the invitation of designer Liz McEnaney of E.Claire Designs, to collaborate in designing the elegant fountain showcased in the Manor House Breakfast Room for the 2011 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens.  The Showcase benefits the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.

Liz, a long time friend and client is a featured designer for the 4th year at the Showhouse.  We enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this year’s room design which will serve many more purposes than just breakfast.   She created a lovely area for the family to gather and appreciate the elements of nature.

The Showhouse and Gardens will be held at the historic Thorndale Manor in Lake Forest.  The Manor and Coach House will feature more than 43 interior and landscape designers.   The event begins on April 30th through May 22, 2011.  The house is open to the public and attracts as many as 10,000 guests.  More than $2.5M has been raised from this prestigious event to provide monies to support the services of the Infant Welfare Society Clinic.

We encourage you to attend this event and experience The Breakfast Room created by E.Claire Design and see our beautifully designed fountain.  Your attendance will support a wonderful organization.   For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.lakeforestshowhouse.com.