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NEWS                                                                                                  Contact: Vicki Bendure, APR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            (540) 687-3360 or
                                                                                                               Lisa Schaumann
                                                                                                               (540) 687-5099

                                                             THINK GREEN IN APRIL
                — Professional Landcare Network Celebrates National Lawn Care Month—

HERNDON, Va., January 24, 2007 — The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) celebrates National Lawn Care Month in April by reminding consumers about the environmental benefits of a healthy lawn.

More than 30 million acres of lawns exist in the United States. It’s estimated that these lawns remove five percent of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and provide a significant amount of oxygen. Lawns also trap more than 12 million tons of dust and dirt annually. Healthy lawns trap and filter rainwater and they protect from erosion. Additionally, they provide a cooling effect in summer months and help boost energy efficiency.

Healthy lawns play an important role in home sales and they have a huge impact on “curb appeal.” Realtors report that homes with beautiful lawns and landscaping can increase property values by 15 to 20 percent.

As spring arrives, 30 million acres of lawns across the nation are becoming green and growing. The return of warm weather, green grass, and flowering plants makes April the ideal time to celebrate the benefits of turf.

Lawn care companies provide jobs and significant financial benefits for the economy. A Harris Interactive survey reports that U.S. households spent more than $11.6 billion on lawn care in 2003. These figures represent 12 percent growth from 2002, and this growth is expected to continue.

“Homeowners understand that their lawns and landscape are a valuable investment,” states Jim Martin, CLP, president of PLANET. “With low mortgage rates and increased housing starts, homeowners are making significant financial investments in their properties, knowing they’ll see a return. Homeowners report returns on investment of 100 to 200 percent.”

Aside from economic and aesthetic benefits, a well-maintained lawn provides many environmental benefits, including:

Oxygen production — turf’s power to generate oxygen has a major impact on the environment. A 50 foot x 50 foot lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
Cooling effect — grass is a natural air conditioner. Eight healthy front lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning — enough for 16 average homes.
Pollution control — turf traps dust and smoke particles from the atmosphere, which helps keep the air cleaner. Grass also converts carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helps clear the air.
Water quality — dense, healthy grass slows down and filters runoff, removing contaminants and trapping soil. Fresh, filtered water returns to the underground water supply.

In addition to being beautiful, lawns have a positive impact on the environment. Homeowners can be proactive in April by working with a lawn care professional and putting together a lawn care program that ensures that their lawns will be healthy and beautiful throughout the year.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. For more information on PLANET visit LandcareNetwork.org or call the PLANET office at
(800) 395-2522.