6 March 2017 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com
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Why you should communicate with your clients about
the benefits of managed landscapes
THE FOCUS IS ON OUR
INDUSTRY DURING SPRING
■ BY LISA SCHAUMANN
Every spring, there is a surge of interest from the public and
the media about all things landscaping. If you track Google
Keywords, you will see the increased interest in landscaping
and lawn care from about March through May. The focus is on
our industry every spring, so that is when it is most important
to make a special effort to communicate with your clients and
the public about the environmental and social benefits of
managed landscapes.
That is one of the reasons we celebrate National Lawn Care
Month in April. For years, NALP's legacy organization, PLCAA,
promoted the benefits of lawn care in April when the public is
the most excited about getting outside in their yards. Now, an
industry coalition including OPEI, Turf Producers International
and the Irrigation Association joins NALP to promote the
benefits of lawns and landscapes during National Lawn Care
Month. But it isn't just the national associations who should be
doing it — you should too.
We can't forget that there are detractors to our industry,
and we can't get complacent. Lawns are under attack in the
west where there are water restrictions; there are building code
regulations that seek to limit lawns on new builds; there are
local jurisdictions that are banning pesticides and fertilizers; and
there are people who argue against lawns in favor of gardens,
hardscapes, or meadows.
You may be used to sharing landscape and lawn care tips
and design advice with clients, but do you reinforce with them
the environmental, social and mental health benefits that their
