SuperCrew
Employee Training For Landscape Professionals
The SuperCrew series brings professional training to your location at your convenience. It was developed in cooperation with industry leaders and endorsed by professional organizations. Each DVD training is narrated in both English and Spanish and includes discussion questions and multiple-choice exams in each language.
The above link will take you to our third party distributor who handles the fulfillment of all orders.
For more information, contact:
Bodie V. Pennisi
Please Note:
The video clips are captioned for web accessibility only, as required by Section 508 of the American Disabilities Act. Purchased DVDs will not be captioned.
Being Safe with Grounds Equipment
10 min., 42 sec.
This video was funded and approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It emphasizes safe handling and operating procedures for mowers, weed-eaters, blowers, edgers, and power pruners. It begins at the shop where workers check equipment and make certain they have the appropriate personal protection gear for the day. Then, they safely secure the equipment on the truck for transport. Once in the field, workers demonstrate the safe use of equipment to protect themselves, co-workers, passing motorists, and pedestrians. Guidelines for safe field maintenance and repairs are also provided. Filmed with Nature Scapes, Lilburn, Ga.
View script of Being Safe with Grounds Equipment (PDF)
Job Safety for the Professional Landscape Employee
9 min., 50 sec.
This training discusses the importance of safety every minute while on the job and how safety impacts the company and improves job performance. It starts with guidelines for dressing appropriately for daily job assignments and making certain all employees have the necessary personal protection equipment before leaving the shop. Learning how to safely operate equipment he/she has been assigned to use, safety when loading and unloading the truck, the importance of pesticide safety, and pedestrian courtesy are also discussed. Filmed with Nature Scapes, Lilburn, Ga.
View script of Job Safety for the Professional Landscape Employee (PDF)
Introduction to Pesticide Safety
15 min., 3 sec.
This video was funded and approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It begins by reviewing different types of pesticides and the type of information found on pesticide labels. It emphasizes the importance of assessing the problem in the field and determining if pesticides are needed. Once a decision is made to use a pesticide, a worker is shown choosing the right product for the pest, then mixing and applying it safely. The importance of reading the label before handling, mixing and applying a pesticide is emphasized. Discussions of Material Safety Data Sheets, how to deal with pesticide spills, and symptoms of pesticide poisoning are also included. Filmed with Arbor Nomics, Norcross, Ga.
View script of Introduction to Pesticide Safety (PDF)
Installation and Establishment of Turfgrasses
12 min., 47 sec.
This training begins in the field with a worker thoroughly examining the site before turfgrass is installed, looking for sun and shade patterns, drainage patterns, existing trees, rocks, and weeds. Then, step-by-step guidelines for successfully installing turfgrass from both seed and sod are provided. Follow-up maintenance assures a healthy start. Filmed with Scapes, Marietta, Ga.
View script of Installation and Establishment of Turfgrasses (PDF)
Annual Bed Preparation and Installation
12 min., 53 sec.
This training provides step-by-step guidelines for successful seasonal color displays. It starts at the shop with checking equipment and loading flowers for safe transport. Once at the site, plants are placed in the shade and watered before they are transplanted. Bed preparation includes removing and discarding the old plants and old mulch, thoroughly cultivating the soil, and incorporating appropriate amendments. Then, plants are carefully arranged according to the planting pattern. Planting, mulching, watering, applying a liquid feed and/or fungicide, and clean-up complete the planting process. Filmed with Post Landscape, Atlanta, Ga.
View script of Annual Bed Preparation and Installation (PDF)
Planting Procedures for Woody Ornamentals
13 min., 20 sec.
This training begins by emphasizing the importance of carefully handling and transporting trees and shrubs from the shop or nursery to the job site. Once at the planting site, they are placed in the shade and watered before transplanting. Workers thoroughly prepare the soil, then demonstrate the proper procedure for planting both container-grown and balled-and-burlapped plants. Installing guy wires on a tree, mulching and watering complete the planting process. Filmed with All good Outdoors, Alpharetta, Ga.
View script of Planting Procedures for Woody Ornamentals (PDF)
Quality Landscape Management: The Employee’s Role
7 min., 40 sec.
This training emphasizes the importance of doing quality work and taking pride in your profession. The employee has a role in scouting the property and reporting problems to the supervisor. Keeping beds free of weeds, turf areas free of leaves and other debris, and checking the irrigation system for leaks and other problems are all part of a daily quality landscape management program. Dressing for success and being considerate of pedestrians are important parts of an employee’s job. A landscape inspection checklist is included as a printable document for taking to the job site. Filmed with Nature Scapes, Lilburn, Ga.
View script of Quality Landscape Management: The Employee’s Role (PDF)
The Employee’s Role in Landscape Problem Solving
11 min., 34 sec.
This training discusses the importance of employees scouting for problems each day on the job and reporting them to the supervisor. It includes guidelines for trouble-shooting problems and determining whether they are caused by the environment or pests. The concept of IPM is introduced. The training also shows examples of some common insect, disease and environmental problems, as well as some examples of beneficial insects. The importance of diagnosing a problem correctly before attempting a cure is emphasized. Filmed with Prestige Shrub and Tree, Duluth, Ga.
View script of The Employee’s Role in Landscape Problem Solving (PDF)
Making Every Drop Count: The Employee’s Role in Water Conservation
10 min., 42 sec.
This training discusses why water conservation is important, how to scout the landscape for irrigation problems, and how to monitor the output of irrigation systems. Water conserving irrigation systems, such as drip and micro-sprinkler, and watering techniques that assure soil absorption and less runoff are also discussed. A 12 minute companion video entitled Xeriscape – Seven Steps to Water Conservation, is included. Filmed with Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Ga.
View script of Making Every Drop Count: The Employee’s Role in Water Conservation (PDF)
Pruning Ornamental Plants in the Landscape Part I: Basic Principles and Techniques of Pruning Ornamental Plants
Pruning is one of the most skilled landscape management practices. When done properly and at the right time, pruning results in healthy vigorous plants, improved growth form and optimum beauty in the landscape. When pruning it is important to know where to make proper cuts and how and when to prune for maximum benefits. This DVD demonstrates the basic principles for successful pruning of shrubs, ornamental grasses and groundcovers. While there is not enough time to discuss the pruning techniques for each species in the landscape, it will provide some pruning guidelines that can be applied to a wide variety of plants.
View script of Pruning Ornamental Plants in the Landscape Part I (PDF)
Pruning Ornamental Plants in the Landscape Part 2: Basic Principles and Techniques of Pruning Ornamental Trees
14 min.
This training focuses on the basic principles for successful pruning of ornamental trees. It discusses tree biology as applies to pruning, types of pruning cuts, proper removal or large limbs, timing of pruning, among others.
English and Spanish version are included. Discussion questions and quizzes in English and Spanish also are included.
View script of Pruning 2: Ornamental Trees (PDF)
The SuperCrew Employee Training Series is supported and endorsed by these professional associations:
- Georgia Green Industry Association
- Georgia Urban Ag Council
- Professional Grounds Management Society