New coordinator for GCLP and GCPP
Salazar brings expertise to UGA Center for Urban Ag Dr. Melba Salazar-Gutierrez recently joined the Center for Urban Agriculture as coordinator of the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional (GCLP) and Georgia Certified Plant Professional (GCPP) programs. She holds a PhD in crop physiology, with additional training in statistics and education. Melba has extensive experience in…
Read MoreAutomating your urban ag marketing
A guide to growth, efficiency, and client retention. In the fast-paced world of landscape, turfgrass, and horticulture services, companies that embrace marketing automation gain a powerful edge. As digital expectations evolve, urban ag professionals face unique challenges in attracting consistent leads, booking recurring services, and staying top of mind. Marketing automation helps solve these challenges—streamlining…
Read MoreHave you met…Devon Phillips
Photo above: Devon with husband Stan and sons Everett and Camden Devon Phillips joins the Georgia Urban Ag Council as Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications My first job in the urban ag industry was…taking sod orders at Legacy Turf Farms. I quickly became the farm’s “resident grass nerd,” happily advising customers on everything turf-related.…
Read MoreStruck-by safety
Avoid accidents by learning about these dangerous hazards Many accidents happen every year that are preventable. Here’s information on struck-by hazards and how to manage these risks. Struck-by incidents happen all too often on our job sites. These injuries occur when a worker comes into forcible contact with a flying, falling, swinging or rolling…
Read MoreLeaf removal safety
Be safe and courteous during leaf removal season Fall is upon us and leaf blowers and vacuums are an essential time and labor saving tool on the job. Being safe and courteous will help the overall efficiency and effectiveness of your company. Operating courtesy > Be aware when using leaf blowers or vacuums.…
Read MoreFalse oleander scale
Photo above: Fig. 1. False oleander scale. Photo credit: Shimat V. Joseph, University of Georgia Griffin The false oleander scale, Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Fig. 1 above), is an invasive, armored scale native to China. It is prevalent in Georgia and poses a significant threat as a pest in ornamental nurseries. False oleander scale primarily infests the…
Read MoreUAC members rank as best of the best
We extend our gratitude to all the valued members of the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council for their exceptional professionalism and outstanding work. A special congratulations to the Atlanta Business Chronicle 2025 Top 20 Commercial Landscape Companies, where an impressive 16 of the recognized companies are proud members of UAC! • BrightView Landscapes • Russell Landscape…
Read MoreFall activities for turfgrass disease prevention
Large, circular, dead patches in turf caused by large patch disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Rhizoctonia large patch preventative activities Rhizoctonia large patch of turfgrass is most common in the fall and in the spring as warm season grasses are entering or leaving dormancy. Large patch is caused by the soilborne fungus Rhizoctonia solani (AG…
Read MoreThe art of the deal
The green industry explosion Q: It seems like I’m hearing about mergers and acquisitions more than ever. How have things changed in the last 20 years? How can I best position my business for a transition? A: In previous years, only select companies such as Valley Crest, Brickman, SiteOne, or TruGreen might complete a single…
Read MoreNorth Pole arborvitae
Conifer takes honors in 2025. Let’s have a little talk about the North Pole. No, I am not referring to the home place of the Jolly St. Nick but North Pole arborvitae, Proven Winners Landscape Shrub of the Year for 2025. While indeed it may correctly be classified as a shrub many of you may…
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