PLANET, the national trade association that represents more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, is accepting submittals for the National Landscape Awards of Excellence.

The Professional Landcare Network has announced that submissions are being accepted for the National Landscape Awards of Excellence, formerly known as Environmental Improvement Awards.

Awards give the opportunity to:
• Gain industry recognition
• Energize and motivate your employees
• Set yourself apart from your competition
• Increase your company's bottom line

Please see the entry categories below along with the submission criteria.

Installation/Contracting

For installation or contracting projects, it is helpful to the judges to include two to three "before" and "in-process" photos and explain the installation's special challenges. For example, if access was difficult, show the judges how difficult it was, and how you managed the plant material. If you had to use heavy equipment or inventive ways to access the building, be sure to show this. Your photos and descriptions should focus on the installation and the final result, not the design or selection of materials. In addition, the judges will look at how you used the space, so be sure to provide photos that show the overall areas of the project, rather than only close up shots.

Design/Build

In this category, you must submit a photo depicting the landscape design plan (delete your company name from the plan). The entering firm must have created the landscape design as well as the installation or construction of the project. Your description should focus on the client's request, and how your landscape design met his or her specific needs. Do not forget this is a design/build project "?u include two to three photos about the actual installation of the project and any special challenges.

Landscape Management, Lawn Care, and Interior Maintenance

For the projects in these categories, the entering firm must currently be managing the project and must have managed it for at least 12 months prior to the entry date. Photos should be taken at least 12 months after the firm assumed the project and must show sufficient detail to allow the judges to adequately determine the quality of the work performed. Be sure to include the date that the project was assumed on the entry form. You should show a range of photos that clearly portray the turf and/or plant material. Talk specifically about the project's scope and the maintenance procedures involved at the site "?u particularly if this involves some out-of-the-ordinary constraints. Give the judges information about disease and pest control programs, maintenance schedules, and any unusual or significant challenges associated with the project, and what steps you took to correct any problems.

Decade Awards

Photos must show the current quality of the work performed. "Before" photos are not required but are sometimes helpful to judges. The entry form must include the date that the project was assumed and the year the project received the Grand Award. PLCAA legacy members who have received an award through PLCAA and have managed their project continuously for 10 years or more may submit their project in this category.

Interior Containerized Plantings

For projects in this category, be sure the project you are entering is unique in some way or demonstrates creativity in selection of plant material and containers. The entering firm must have provided and installed all plants and containers and must have played a significant role in the design process. Your project description should focus on the client's requests and how you satisfied them. Your photos should show the entire space where containerized plantings were used so that judges can realize their impact.

Erosion Control/Ecological Restoration

Entries in this category are unique. You should show all phases of the project in your photos "?u before, during, after "?u and describe the process you went through. Be sure to explain the project's intent and how you fulfilled the client's requests. Also include in your project description the impact this project has had on the environment, and how you coordinated the work with any outside agencies. Projects in this category should contain similar values and functions of native landscapes.

Special Events

For this category, focus on the project's unique aspects and the special challenges you overcame. These projects are defined as short term, such as seasonal displays, banquets, weddings, or exhibits, and must not have been completed within your own facilities (e.g., a showcase room or flower show held at your nursery for prospective clients). Include in your project description the project's intent and how you satisfied the client's requests.

For eligibility information please click here. The deadline to submit projects is August 8.

Association news and events are listed at landscapearchitect.com. To view the calendar of upcoming events, visit www.landscapearchitect.com, go to the Associations/Events" tab and click on "Search for Events."

If your association has news and/or events that you would like featured on landscapearchitect.com, please send your information via email to associations@landscapearchitect.com.