To Mayor Jan Kulmann,

#5 and #3 are effectively different names for the same plant size and the exclusion of #3 usage in the Thornton community needlessly increases costs and reduces options for the City of Thornton and its landscaping projects.

I'm writing about a major shift in the horticulture industry affecting Nursery and Landscape Contracting, and, in turn, projects in Thornton. The key issue is the widespread move from Trade #5 to True #3 containers for nursery plants.

#5 and #3 sizes are trade terms for plant pots.  The actual difference in plant size of those trade terms is nonexistent as the terms do not describe plant size.  The terms refer to a very small difference in soil volume. A #5 includes soil volumes between approximately 3.4 - 3.7 gal; while a #3 is pegged at 3.00 gal in soil volume.

In the past decade, industry leaders like Proven Winners and Iseli Nursery have made True #3 containers the standard, affecting plant availability. Now, trademarked plants are only available in True #3 due to exclusive licenses. Consequently, most producers have shifted away from Trade #5, which the City of Thornton requires.

 The reasons that the highest quality branded plant material have always been standardized at #3 and that industry as a whole is following that path are:

-        Faster rooting allowing plant material to overwinter better in our landscapes

-        Reduced labor for the end-user in planting the plant

-        Reduced shipping impact on the environment There is no proven benefit to the plant from the extra 0.4 gal; however, that small reduction multiplied by the millions of plant miles from shipping in a year saves the planet tons of released carbon

Our company, alongside our clients and even our competitors—who, it should be noted, all contribute dutifully to the tax base—have encountered unwelcome delays and considerable financial setbacks due to compliance with antiquated regulations and specifications. These stipulations, which are imposed by the City of Thornton, lack a basis in scientific understanding, resulting in a cumbersome and frustrating experience for all parties involved.

In light of these circumstances, I am presenting this petition on behalf of the entire Colorado Green Industry and professional Landscape Contracting Industry requesting an amendment to the mandate for #5 container shrubs and allowing #3 material on all landscaping projects located within the City of Thornton.

Thornton deserves access to the best plant material for the Front Range.  Implementing the recommended amendment will not only allow full access but reduce administrative costs to the City of Thornton and the businesses which support its healthy urban landscape. Please feel free to contact me should you have any inquiries or need further clarification on this issue.

Best Regards,

Mike Schleining, Director of Sales, Arbor Valley Nursery

(303)654-1682

mikes@arborvalleynursery.com