Turfgrass is a core component of the managed landscape. Among individual sites and a collective industry, turfgrass and managed landscapes serve an important societal purpose in contributing economic, environmental, and social value. Yet, this value is often overlooked, undervalued, and under pressure from challenges and debate over the use of inputs and supporting management practices. As a result, the turfgrass and landscape industry have developed and adapted important changes and innovations to the design, construction, and management of turfgrass areas and managed landscapes. These include advances in precision management, plant genetics, sustainable design and management, and the incorporation of landscape performance and valuation methods, among other factors. Understanding current and future industry pressures and means to adapt to these pressures will be critical to creating a sustainable industry future rooted in value. To achieve a sustainable future, the turfgrass and managed landscape industry must continue to define and reinforce its purpose while also adapting a plan to achieve that purpose. This presentation will examine the turfgrass and landscape industry through this lens and explore lessons from adjacencies to guide and enable a sustainable future.
This presentation was part of North Carolina State University’s Second Annual Research Symposium, Turf Trends for Changing Times. Access the full presentation here.