FAQs

Who is PLANET?
The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers. PLANET provides its members with a good business foundation to help them evaluate, plan, and better manage their companies. Member firms have direct access to marketing tools, industry-specific business publications, updates on legislative issues, and networking opportunities that can assist them in becoming more profitable. For more information, visit LandcareNetwork.org.

What is PLANET Day of Service?
PLANET Day of Service is a program designed to unite the green industry around the country, for a day of giving back to their communities. The purpose of the event is to give members of the lawn care and landscape industry an opportunity to plan, organize, and carry out projects to benefit their communities. Healthy and beautiful green spaces are a vital part of our parks, schools, and public grounds. The lawn care and landscape industry plays a vital role as a steward of the world’s green spaces.

What is the date for the 2012 PLANET Day of Service?
PLANET Day of Service takes place on or around Earth Day, this year, taking place on Friday, April 20, 2012. PLANET feels that Earth Day is an appropriate timeframe in which to get out in your community and make a difference.

I already conduct a service project on a different day of the year. How can I tie it to this event?
We commend you on any service projects that you have participated in or plan to conduct. If time and resources allow, consider moving your project to April 20, so that you can join thousands of others in this nationwide event. If you can't move the date of your service project, consider doing another, maybe smaller project on April 20 to show your support for the industry!

What if I can't do a project on April 20, but can do it on the weekend?
While the purpose of the PLANET Day of Service is to have everyone out in their respective communities working together across the country on the same day, Earth Day — April 20, we understand that certain scenarios may prevent you from doing so. We would still encourage you to participate in the Day of Service by utilizing our tools and resources found within this web site.

What if the weather on April 20 prevents me from going forward with my project?
That's ok. We can't control the weather. We suggest having a contingency plan in place and proceeding with your project as soon as the weather allows you to.

Is there a fee to participate in the PLANET Day of Service?
There is not a fee to participate. The only fees that may apply to your company or organization would be the costs of labor and services you are providing to this project.

Do I have to be a member of PLANET to participate in this project?
You do not have to be a member of PLANET to participate in this project. However, we encourage you to reach out to your State Association or other PLANET members within your city and state to see what projects they might know of or be involved in, and you can partner with them. If you are unsure about how to find PLANET members in your city, send an e-mail to Heather Finney, Director of Public Relations.

How do I get started?
Once you have decided on a project, you will need to register that project on the Day of Service web site. On the home page you will see a button titled "REGISTER A PROJECT". If you are a PLANET member, you will need to use your PLANET username and password given to you through your membership. If you are not a PLANET member, you will need to create a username and password by clicking on the link titled, "BECOME A REGISTERED USER" found on the home page.

I am a PLANET member and I have forgotten my PLANET username and password.
In order to log in to the PLANET Day of Service web site you will need to use your PLANET generated username and password that was given to you with your membership. If you have forgotten this information, please contact the PLANET office at (800) 395-2522 and ask to speak to someone in the membership department. They will be able to assist you in recovering your information.

I am not a PLANET member. How do I generate a username and password?
If you are not a PLANET member, you will need to create a username and password by clicking on the link titled, "REGISTER A PROJECT" and then "BECOME A REGISTERED USER" found on the Web site.

Can I register more than one project?
Absolutely! Please register every project that your company or association plans on doing so that we can accurately account for the number of projects that took place on this single day.

Can I coordinate my project with another company, supplier, or vendor?
Yes. We encourage you to think about partnering with one of your suppliers or vendors. By doing this, you can get additional volunteers, plants, and other supplies, and a chance to have a team-building experience with another partner. That partner can also help to promote the event and may also have ideas for a good project.

Can I involve the community or family and friends in our project?
We encourage you to invite your community, family, and friends to participate in your project. What better visibility and goodwill to involve others. We have a new feature on the web site that allows you while registering to select whether or not you need volunteers. This will allow anyone visiting the web site, looking for ways to get involved in your state, the ability to see that your company or association is in need of volunteers.

Is there an age range in which we should think about when involving friends, family, or the community?
While there is no specified age range that PLANET can suggest, we think it's important for you to consider the scope of work that you are offering your volunteers and keep that in mind when inviting others to participate with you.

How do I start my Day of Service Project?
Use our Planning Guide to get detailed information on how to make your project a success.

Should our company wear a uniform?
We strongly encourage your volunteers to wear the PLANET Day of Service T-shirts that we have made available to you. Each registered company will be given five complimentary T-shirts, as long as supplies last. If you are interested in more, they will be available to you at an additional cost. You must be a registered participant to qualify for the free t-shirts. You may request your t-shirts once you have registered for your project on your profile page.

Do we have to wear our PLANET Day of Service t-shirts?
We strongly encourage you to wear the PLANET Day of Service T-shirts. What an amazing impact it is to think of the thousands of volunteers working on the same day wearing the same shirt — what a powerful statement that is. It also is great for media opportunities. You may request your t-shirts once you have registered for your project on your profile page.

What is my "Project Dashboard"?
The project dashboard is where your project profile/s will be shown. Here you are able to edit your profile at any time.

Is there a maximum number of pictures that we are allowed to upload?
You may upload as many pictures as you would like to your project dashboard.

Why doesn't my project appear on the map?
In order for your project to appear on the map, you will need to include the project address to include a physical street address. Once you have provided that information, you should be able to find it. Please note that there is the likelihood that there will be a number of projects happening in your state. Given the size of the map, you may need to zoom in closer in order to locate your actual project.

How do I become a sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are listed within the Web site.  For more information, please email Sheri Jackson or contact the PLANET office at 800-395-2522.

How does the Web site work?
Register and create a profile to feature your event and become a member of PLANET's community site. Your profile will include information about your project, which you can augment with photos and or videos. Nonmembers can view information about any of the projects that have been created by members of the site and view any photos and videos posted.

What kinds of service projects are eligible?
All types of service projects are eligible — large and small in scale. PLANET encourages you to conduct projects that focus on lawn care, landscape maintenance, lighting, tree care, or interior plantscaping to help raise awareness of the green industry.

Do I have to follow the process as it's outlined in the planning guide?
No, you are not bound to carry out your service project exactly as we have shown in the planning guide. This is merely a guide, and you should feel free to conduct your service project as you see fit. We do, however, ask that you to carry out your project on April 20.