Sponsor letter: What customers want

Home lawns and landscapes are making a comeback. While the grass never went anywhere, it has been taken for granted and walked all over.

Lawns and landscapes are the entre to a homeowner’s paradise. They provide curb appeal and contribute to the property value in an overcrowded housing market.

They also provide an entertainment venue for families and neighbors to gather and enjoy time together. Patios and decks surrounded by grass and plants provide a relaxing green space to unwind after a long day at work or to host a backyard cookout.

The professional lawn and landscape industry is evolving. There are so many opportunities for business owners to expand their service offerings and promote the benefits of turf, ornamental and tree health.

Syngenta is excited to partner with Lawn & Landscape magazine on this exclusive consumer research report. The consumer insights found in this study will likely help you better understand your customer and improve your business.

A number of business trends and opportunities have been identified in this report that may significantly impact how you communicate with your customers including:

• Consumers need help to better understand how a lawn goes from weed- and insect-infested to a healthy green stand of turf and the time necessary to achieve those results. Set expectations and deliver on those promises.
   
• Appeal to the fact that homeowners take personal pride in a well-managed yard/landscape, and they consider the “livability” and enjoyment of the outside of their home just as important as the inside.
   
• Purchasers of professional services are inclined to buy additional services if they believe they will see a significant benefit to their yard. Take the time to educate your customers on the products that you use, how they work, what they need to do to maximize performance of your treatments. Engage your customers in the process and encourage communication. It will certainly help increase customer retention.

These are just a few of the trends and opportunities identified in this report. We’re certain you’ll find plenty more that will benefit your business. Syngenta is excited about the many opportunities lawn and landscape professionals have to expand business in 2013 and beyond.

Syngenta helps you fight for every yard with products such as Tenacity^® Herbicide, CaravanGTM Insecticide/Fungicide, Acelepryn^® Insecticide and Heritage^® G Fungicide that help improve productivity in your business and expand your service offerings. We enjoy being your partner in enhancing the lawn and landscape business and we look forward to working with you in 2013.

Laurie Riggs

Lawn Care Marketing Manager
Syngenta Lawn and Garden

©2013 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The label contains important conditions of sale, including limitations of remedy and warranty. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using Syngenta products. Acelepryn^®, CaravanTM, Headway^®, Heritage^®, Tenacity^® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.