In 1982, Spring-Green founder Bill Fischer helped establish the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA), and served as one of its presidents;later, this organization merged with Associated Landscape Contractors of America to form the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the lawn care industry’s first trade association. Spring-Green is a charter member of this group, which today represents 100,000 landscape and lawn care industry professionals.

As of April 1, PLANET has officially become the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

“Our new name will more accurately reflect our industry and our members, bringing higher visibility to the professionalism and care that our members bring to creating and maintaining the nation’s landscapes,” said Jim McCutcheon, Association President, in a recent press release.

Many association members have found over the years that the name “PLANET” has been confusing for the public. Some people mistake PLANET for an environmental group, or others do not realize it is a non-profit organization. The association’s board of directors feels the new name will more clearly identify the purpose and mission of the association.

The rebranding is not the result of a merger or major change in mission or vision. The rebranded trade association will continue to provide its members with educational opportunities and with certification through the Landscape Industry Certified program. It also will continue to lobby with lawmakers on behalf of the industry with lawmakers and to promote the lawn care industry to the public.

The rebranding process is more than just a new name and logo, however. The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) will focus more of its efforts as an advocate for the industry, highlighting the professionalism of its members and promoting the value of using professional lawn care and landscaping services to the public.

The new brand will be introduced in several phases. Beginning in April, members will see the new name and logo on the association website and on its stationery, business cards, brochures and emails. Next, the name change will be part of association events and programs. Over the course of the next year or so, the new brand will be the basis of a restructured website.

While the association’s name may have changed, its core goal of helping members achieve business success remains strong. “We are the national association that represents companies across all sectors of the landscape industry, but our name didn’t reflect the unity and breadth of our membership and our industry,” said Sabeena Hickman, CEO of the association.

As the voice of the industry during a challenging regulatory environment, the association maintains relationships with local and national legislators and policymakers. The association also focuses on equipping members to achieve the highest standards of professionalism in the lawn care industry.

Members may incorporate the new name and logo on their websites, business correspondence, promotional materials and vehicles immediately, but there is no specific deadline for the update.

The new logo itself and brand guidelines are available on the association website’s Brand Toolkit page. More information is also available in the membership section.