Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/61013
Viewpoint John Kmitta Are lawn maintenance contractors "going green"? "G reen" — we all hear the term used to describe eco-friendly products, and, as a result, the eco-friendly services provided while using those products. Whether mandated by regulations or driven by client demand, "green" practices are continuously becoming more prevalent in the con- sciousness of industry professionals. But are industry professionals embracing "green"? For our focus on lawn maintenance trends I asked lawn maintenance professionals to discuss a host of current topics (see feature beginning on page 10). The respondents were pretty consistent in terms of their approach and outlook regarding most things. But when the discussion turned to "green" there was definitely a split opinion. This is obviously coming from a very small sample size, but the majority of the lawn maintenance professionals with whom we spoke are not promoting their services — or the products they use — as being "green." For example, Dan Goff, owner of Rosewood Landscape, said he hasn't "gone green" because his customers have not expressed interest in "green" services. David Precht, owner of Frontier Lawn and Landscape, said he has not found equip- ment that is truly "green" that is worth using. Michael McAfee-BS,MS, McAfee Mowing and Landscaping, Inc., said that he is not promoting "green," because, "there are still a lot of things that are not 'green' about the green industry." That said, there are those who are embracing "green" practices. Bob Koca, owner of KLM Services, LLC, Bancroft, Wis., said he would like to pur- sue more organic turf care. "We do have more requests for that service," said Koca. "Corn gluten is difficult to find and fairly expensive compared to traditional methods, so people are hesitant to buy that type of organic or low-input chemical care. "I believe we are already doing what we can to keep a 'green' side to our services," Koca added. "Using organic products more in the future will be the lead-in for us to be more 'green'" Todd Lembke, president of New-Cali Landscapes, said his company is trying to add more organic products and reduce chemical usage to the minimum. Bob St. Jacques, president of Four Seasons Landscaping, Inc., is also using organics, as well as environmentally friendly ice melts. Greg Parker, president, Parker Landscape Management Inc. (PLM), added that he thinks "green" is the future, but his company has not yet jumped on board. The overall feeling I got from these discussions was that "green" has a lot to do with the individual professional's perceptions regarding the products and equipment that are being promoted as "eco-friendly." But it also has to do with perception of "green" services by the company's client base. The demand for "green" services, or a lack thereof, factors into each company's approach regarding the topic. As a result, "green" is just one item among many more wide-ranging decisions that impact the overall business models as everyone works to find the competitive advantage in his or her market. the lawn maintenance trends topic. Your insight and expertise is truly appreciated. My special thanks go out to all those who took the time to join in the discussion on LI 626 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 500,Los Angeles, CA 90017 Ph: 213-596-7226 • bloria@m2media360.com Account Representatives: Bruce Loria 16267 W. 14 Mile Rd., Ste 202, Beverly Hills, MI 48025 Ph: 248-530-0300, ext. 1401 • lpalmer@m2media360.com Leslie Palmer Classified Sales / Marketplace: Glenn Datz Phone: 213-596-7220 Fax: 213-624-0997 gdatz@m2media360.com 1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230, Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 720-5600 • Fax: (847) 720-5601 IRRIGAT ON M2MEDIA360 1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230, Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 720-5600 • Fax: (847) 720-5601 Web site: http://www.landscapeirrigation.com Executive Vice President Charles Forman Editorial Staff Editor John Kmitta (847) 720-5613; fax (847) 720-5601; jkmitta@m2media360.com Products Editor Steve Noe (630) 499-1017; fax (630) 499-1026; snoe@m2media360.com Editorial Direction Richard Brandes Art Director Production Team Production Manager Brian Snook Karen Kalinyak Cheryl Naughton, (678) 292-6054; e-mail cnaughton@m2media360.com Direct Mail List Sales Cheryl Naughton, (678) 292-6054; e-mail cnaughton@m2media360.com Reprint Service President/CEO Vice President, Finance and Operations Vice President, Circulation and Collateral Services Production Director M2MEDIA360 Marion Minor Gerald Winkel Joanne Juda-Prainito Mary Jo Tomei For subscription inquiries and customer service questions, please call (845) 856-2229, or fax (845) 856-5822 business hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST Landscape and Irrigation is published monthly except May/June, July/Aug and Nov/Dec. Circulation Publisher's Notice: We assume no responsibility for the validity of advertising claims in connection with items appearing in Landscape and Irrigation. Reader Service Numbers are given to facilitate further inquiry. Commercial product names are used for the convenience of the reader. Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorse- ment by Landscape and Irrigation or M2MEDIA360, or preference over similar products not mentioned. 6 Landscape and Irrigation April 2012 www.landscapeirrigation.com