Only 13 percent of the firms indicate plans to hire soon, down from 25 percent in the third quarter last year.

The survey also asked about demand for turfgrass and lawns. Nearly 32 percent of firms reported demand for alternatives to traditional lawns. The top reasons clients request alternatives include lowering upkeep time and maintenance (44 percent), saving money on utility or maintenance costs (42 percent) and for environmental reasons (28 percent).

Fifty-nine percent of respondents report using regionally appropriate, noninvasive vegetation instead of grass expanses; thirty-eighty percent incorporate water harvesting and 36 percent use a variety of hardscapes and permeable surfaces. Ten percent opt for food or vegetable gardens in lieu of lawns.

Compared to the third quarter, your fourth quarter 2008 billable hours were:

• Well above average ?EUR??,,????'?????<
• Slightly above average ?EUR??,,????'?????<
• Right where they usually are, average ?EUR??,,????'?????<
• Slightly below average ?EUR??,,????'?????<
• Well below average ?EUR??,,????'?????<