We must always remember the customer’s needs come first. If they like a lush lawn, we are to do our best to provide that for them. A sustainable landscape may interest them, or it may not. There are other concerns they may have as well. How does this effect my property value? What is the cost-benefit-ROI of the landscape project? Or it could simply be a desire to see created what they envision their little garden paradise to be.

We should objectively evaluate current trends and market them to as an added value to our services. There are many ideas that come across the table to help the planet. Some are practical, some are not. Recycling rain water, or permeable pavement is practical anywhere. But what about a green roof in Buffalo? We know that Mercury is harmful, but it’s O.K. to put into low-energy light bulbs? Does this help the planet? Sanity and pragmatism is a valuable asset in today’s world.

One caveat I would add is to be aware of the dangers of litigating our industry into a little green corner. What’s our servant today can become our master tomorrow.

The Dark Sky movement has succeeded in putting through legislation that regulates lighting options for municipalities that receive state funds. Lighting must be at 90 degrees to the ground, specific out-put, time on/time off, etc. That’s fine for the state, but is this is a foot in the door to regulating private industry or private citizens? How should we strike a balance between the rights of someone to be able to see the stars, vs. a private citizen’s right to light their yard the way they like? Removing the option of vertical lighting or mandating LEDs will certainly affect the quality of a lighting design and make it un-marketable. This limits the options, profitability, and ultimately the the success of the hard working service providers in the Green Industry.