This chapter in the Turfgrass Monograph takes a new approach in describing the size and scope of the turf industry.  In this chapter, we describe the market from the perspective of turf industry manufacturers and suppliers. Previous editions of this chapter in the Turfgrass Monograph have viewed the market primarily through the eyes of academicians. Turfgrass educators, researchers and practitioners as well as industry associations and the regulatory community have worked hand-in-hand with turf-product manufacturers in shaping the industry into what it is today. 

Manufacturers collaborate with academicians on many fronts, including product testing, market research, training and information dissemination, offering job opportunities to students and addressing industry issues, regulation and stewardship. Products that are used today by both professional and retail consumers have been extensively tested by research staffs of manufacturers as they develop and screen products. Equally extensive tests are conducted by university researchers and practitioners as the products get closer to market. Initial screening of engineering products is typically conducted in-house by manufacturers until the products are found feasible for the market. Products are then tested by university researchers and practitioners prior to sale of the product. In some cases, especially with turfgrass variety development, the products may be developed initially by university researchers who then seek manufacturers or seed companies to produce, market and sell the product.

All facets of the turfgrass industry benefit from knowledge of market size and scope, industry trends and end-user needs. Manufacturers, associations, regulatory agencies, academicians and practitioners work in concert to gather and publish information about the industry. This knowledge is beneficial because it can be used in gauging the need for new products, establishing current usage of products, evaluating risk and benefit of products, assessing industry issues and public opinion and in documenting the economic and societal impacts of the turf industry.