April 2013

April Web Extra: Student Career Days more than just a job fair

May 21, 2013By

Nearly 900 college students from around North America descended upon Auburn University’s campus recently for an annual event that always draws crowds—the Professional Landcare Network’s Student Career Days. The networking event brought landscape students from 63 universities together with some of the biggest names in the business. For established landscape companies, Student Career Days is an important event. Coming here... read more

Overview: Blue skies ahead

May 7, 2013By

Lawn care operators are positioned for a strong 2013. Businesses operating on the lawn care side of the Green Industry are feeling positive about the year ahead. Nearly 90 percent of respondents to Landscape Management’s Lawn Care Market Report survey say they are “very optimistic” or “somewhat optimistic” about their 2013 business outlook. Companies say despite some less-than-stable conditions on... read more

Organics: A balancing act

May 6, 2013By

 Some lawn care pros see a rise in demand for “natural” turf service offerings. Americans still want a lush, green lawn, but today, lawn care companies realize that some customers want that look provided by organic and natural lawn care solutions. According to Landscape Management’s Lawn Care Market Report survey, 44 percent of respondents offer an organic or natural lawn... read more

Expense tracking

May 6, 2013By

Lawn care operators report concern but stability for 2013.  The cost of doing business is always a concern for Green Industry businesses. Lawn care operators (LCOs), in particular, have specific costs to contend with: inputs like pesticides and fertilizer. “As far as the products we purchase, they’re pretty stable,” says Kelly Banfield, president and CEO of Banfield’s Landscaping and Lawn... read more

Bound by restrictions

May 6, 2013By

The industry addresses fertilizer and pesticide regulations at the local, state and national levels. Location, location, location. The oft-cited phrase used to justify the price and salability of any home is equally good at describing the state of fertilizer and pesticide regulations across the country. In some places, New Jersey for example, the rules are relatively set and contractors are... read more

What consumers want

May 6, 2013By

Green Industry marketing experts translate the results of PLANET/Harris Interactive’s  consumer survey. In December, Harris Interactive conducted an online survey on behalf of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) to discern homeowners’ landscape priorities. The study was conducted among more than 2,800 U.S. adults. To learn how some of the study’s results can be used by landscape professionals to improve their... read more

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