The Green Industry in Georgia, particularly professional landscape and lawn care businesses, is experiencing significant growth due to the state’s favorable climate and location. This sector goes beyond mere aesthetic improvements through ornamental plantings – it plays a crucial role in addressing various environmental challenges. These include:
- Managing stormwater runoff
- Controlling erosion
- Mitigating heat island effects
- Protecting pollinators
The industry is supported by extensive research and guidance from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, which provides up-to-date resources on topics ranging from pruning and plant care to landscape basics and environmental benefits. Their publications help ensure best practices in landscape management and ornamental plant maintenance.
Landscape and Ornamentals
With Georgia’s excellent climate and location, professional landscape and lawn care businesses are one of the largest growing sectors in Georgia and make up Georgia’s Green Industry. This industry not only provides beautification through the installation of ornamental plantings but designs and manages landscapes to address environmental challenges including stormwater runoff, erosion control, heat island effect, and pollinator protection.
LANDSCAPE AND ORNAMENTALS
Resources
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension provides comprehensive resources covering all aspects of ornamental landscaping, from fundamental soil preparation to advanced pruning techniques, with a particular focus on environmental benefits and best management practices.
Pennisi, B., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Pennisi, B., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Pennisi, B., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Pennisi, B., Dorn, S., and Thomas, P., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Westerfield, R., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Dorn, S., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Nursery and Greenhouse
Nursery and greenhouse production is another large sector of the Green Industry and aids in propagation, production, and sale of ornamental annuals, perennials, and trees and shrubs through wholesale and retail markets. Plants can be produced in containers or directly in the field and sold to landscape contractors, homeowners, public gardens, and municipalities for planting.
NURSERY AND GREENHOUSE
Resources
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension provides guidance on both the business aspects of nursery crop selection and the technical aspects of diagnosing plant disorders in greenhouse and nursery settings.
Yu, P. and Chappell, M., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Pennisi, B., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Turfgrass
Turfgrass is another essential part of the Green Industry and is responsible for the production, maintenance and care, and management of turfgrass on golf courses, parks and recreational areas, home lawns, and sports fields. Turfgrass and greenspaces not only provide a space for community but also provide soil stabilization, water conservation, and pollutant filtration benefits.
TURFGRASS
Resources
Comprehensive guidance on turfgrass management, from species selection to soil fertility requirements, along with insights from the National Park Service on sustainable turf management benefits.
National Park Service
Waltz, C. and Griffin, B., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Waltz, C., University of Georgia Cooperative Extension