The landscape profession has evolved leaps and bounds in the past fifteen to twenty years. Today’s successful landscape firms are well oiled business machines. Whether it is a large or small firm the realities are similar. Embrace technology, marketing, and business management or be doomed to struggle to eek out a living. When I attend meetings and seminars with the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, The Professional Landscapers Alliance, and The Associated Landscape Contractors of America I am always very impressed with the level of professionalism I am surrounded by.

Many in our industry hold degrees in business, horticulture, design, and architecture. Others have decades of experience and all who attend are always working to continue their knowledge and passion for their work. My clients, friends, and family are always surprised to find out that “landscapers” are so involved and organized as a profession. As a whole the landscape profession does not get the respect it deserves. This in large part is the image “landscapers” have portrayed in the past.

If you have not noticed things are rapidly changing. This spring look around you and notice the presentation most landscape firms present. Shiny clean trucks, uniformed employees, modern efficient equipment, full color marketing pieces, web sites, DVD brochures, computer aided design, computer imaging, design centers, and the list goes on. Some firms will spend tens of thousands on their image. This is not by accident, landscape professionals are becoming more aware of the value of how they are perceived.

Some firms are taking credit cards, offering financing, twelve month maintenance programs and this is just the beginning. I know some firms sending gift checks for referrals, sending gift baskets to good clients, having open houses, and the sky is the limit. Most of these things were unheard of fifteen and twenty years ago.

Not familiar with the plants on your landscape design? How about a Power Point Presentation of the materials as you review the plan? Then you keep a copy of it on CD-ROM. Some firms have put entire plant libraries on line. Of course there are numerous programs of picture libraries that you can research plants for particular uses with your designer. Gone are the days of clumsily leafing through books with a presentation.

Sprinkler systems have rain sensors, remote controls, drip systems, and can water planter boxes and flower pots. Low voltage lighting can turn itself on with the sunset without reprogramming a timer. Beneficial bacteria can be replaced and added to poor and damaged soils, Trees can be injected in the cambium layer to prevent harmful chemicals being over sprayed. Mature trees can be moved around at will by modern tree spades, laser levels are used when building walls and patios. Your landscape professional can assist you in understanding and utilizing these technologies.

My hope is that people will take a new look at the landscape profession. It has come along way in a short time and the level of professionalism is only going to rise in the future. It can be a rewarding career path for young people to consider as well as a great second career for others. Maybe it is a new found respect and understanding for the landscape firm you work with or when you meet a landscape professional you will have a better understanding of who you are talking to.