PLANET Survey Says . . .

PLANET is a national trade association that represents landscape industry companies, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces.

On behalf of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), Harris Interactive conducted a survey (December 2012), "What Do We Like to Do Most in Our Yards".

The online survey received 2,893 responses from adults, ages 18 and older, with the conclusion that people use their backyards for relaxation (26 percent), planting (17 percent), and spending time with family (14 percent).

81 percent also admitted that the upkeep of their yard/landscape is important to the look of their home; a large percent considering 88 percent of Americans are homeowners.

With the value Americans place on manicured yards, and the number of homeowners, landscape professionals may find themselves knee-deep in work prepping for spring.

When homeowners were asked about the most important factors for choosing a landscape professional, price came in first at 69 percent, and quality of work was a close second at 68 percent. Not so surprising, men place more value on the quality of work, whereas women would rather have a better price, perhaps something to consider when bidding on a job.

"Our members dedicate their lives to helping homeowners keep their yards and outdoor spaces healthy and inviting," said PLANET CEO, Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP. "We're glad to see that consumers are taking pride in their well-kept landscapes and find them important areas for relaxation and quality time with family."

For more information about PLANET or survey results, please visit landcarenetwork.org.

NADRA Partners with VisionScape

NADRA is made up of deck builders, manufacturers, dealers/distributors, wholesalers, retailers, lumberyards and service providers to the deck and railing industry. NADRA serves as a trade association with emphasis on safe building practices, and deck safety.

The North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) partners with VisionScape Interactive, LLC., in an attempt to support and grow the outdoor living industry through 3D visualization.

VisionScape 3D designs are created from an ever-expanding 3D catalogue of actual products and brands from the industry. Easy-to-use smart tools allow software users to create true-to-life designs with just a few clicks, and no previous experience required. The designs can be shared online with vivid screenshots, walkthrough videos, images and the 2D plan to create an immersive customer experience.

''When a consumer can experience exactly how a finished project will look and feel, right in their own backyard, sales are likely to be more frequent and larger'', observes VisionScape Founder and CEO John Porco. ''Our partnership with NADRA equips the industry in providing this experience to consumers.''

As part of this relationship, NADRA will utilize VisionScape's technology to support the industry with the tools to succeed including, a 3D design gallery to be presented on NADRA.org, exclusive VisionScape webinars and training for NADRA contractors and dealers as well as exclusive manufacturer programs.

''The exciting products and technologies available today in decking, railing, fencing, landscaping, patio pavers, pool and spa as well as landscape lighting, now have the ability to come alive with a simple point and click,'' explains NADRA Executive Vice President Michael Beaudry. ''This partnership not only enables our members to provide a superior customer experience, it also unifies each segment of the outdoor living industry.''

For more information about NADRA, please visit nadra.org.

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