The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is the visionary international association unifying all stakeholders in the green industry. Its inclusive membership comprises thousands of companies that design/build or manage landscape projects, or provide interior plantscaping or lawn care services for their clients. PLANET is the member-driven green industry advocate and partner in business, professional development, education, government affairs, and so much more. This partnership enhances the ability of PLANET members to do what they do best – improve the quality of life through beautification of our environments.
PLANET members enjoy many benefits, particularly from networking opportunities and from programs such as PLANET Trailblazers, a member-to-member networking and mentoring program, as well as subscriptions to green industry-specific periodicals, events, and educational products. Building deep professional and personal relationships across all aspects of the green industry is a great enabler of development, growth, and unification. It’s also good for business.

Members have free access to legal, human resources, safety, and public relations consultants, who provide them with professional advice in critical aspects of their businesses. In addition, through the association’s affinity programs, members have access to partner discounts and industry-specific programs that improve the bottom line.

PLANET has long been known as “The Voice of the Green Industry.” From participating in lawn care hearings in the early 1990s, to reaching millions with PLANET’s benefits of turf messages and the recent H-2B legislation, the Association’s government affairs department continues to be a key resource for the green industry. PLANET also helps members develop legislative strategies, generate talking points, issue position papers, and conduct face-to-face lobbying when requested.

Members of PLANET have a great history of supporting service projects. Every year, hundreds of lawn care and landscape professionals offer their help and expertise to enhance parks, beautify local landmarks, and renovate school yards, among other service projects. PLANET’s Renewal & Remembrance event brings hundreds of members to Washington, D.C., to help maintain and beautify Arlington National Cemetery and Historic Congressional Cemetery.

On April 22, 2009, PLANET will step forward with an opportunity for members to serve their communities – the PLANET Day of Service. This will be a national community service event that promotes goodwill and showcases the selflessness that PLANET members exhibit.

PLANET’s STARS (Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success) Safe Company Program is a free safety initiative designed for companies to set the precedent for safety throughout the industry. The STARS program helps green industry service provider companies lower their total costs of risk by reducing hazards and injuries.

To learn more about PLANET visit our Web site at LandcareNetwork.org.

Mow more acres per hour with Xcaliber
Dixie Chopper’s Xcaliber series features models with 74-inch cutting decks. Models have ground speeds between 12 and 15 miles per hour and are equipped with 14-gallon fuel capacity. The Xcaliber includes springer forks and electric deck lift. A 12-volt adapter comes standard so you can mow while charging your cell phone or listening to your iPod.