The Evolution in Science and Practice of Professional Lawn Care.

Professional Lawn Care (PLC) evolved out of consumers’ desire for an attractive and healthy lawn. While the do-it-yourself (DIY) market for lawn and garden products remains the preferred choice for 84% of property owners, demand for PLC service has developed into a robust industry today that has an estimated market value of $USD 8.3 billion.  PLC is a route-based service business that periodically assesses and applies inputs including fertilizers and pesticides to lawns, but relies on consumers to manage irrigation and other maintenance practices.  Because of this unique agricultural model, agronomic practices in PLC operations are atypical of science-based practices developed for golf courses and related sites that employ agronomists to manage the cultural requirements for grounds under their care.  In its formative years, PLC had limited scientific research that focused on product development and timing of inputs required to meet the unique application methodology needed to efficiently service a large number of customers within a tight calendar that changes from season to season. Today industry and universities alike have developed a greater focus on the unique research needs of PLC.  An emerging new demand for scientific research has evolved from consumer and community concerns for environmental- and health-related risk assessment on exposure to products and their perceived impact on the environment. Training programs had to be developed that were based on turfgrass science, but tailored to PLC work practices performed by non-degreed associates to ensure applicators understood the principles of lawn growth and care.  Additionally, a practical, working knowledge of products and their application requirements is needed in order to responsibly satisfy consumer demand for healthy, attractive lawns in our communities.