PLANET Rebranded to National Association of Landscape Professionals

Because you may be accustomed to identifying reputable landscaping contractors by their PLANET credentials, it is important to note that as of 2015, PLANET has renamed itself the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Read on to find out more about the association and the philosophy behind the name update.

A History of Name Changes

The National Association of Landscape Professionals is no stranger to rebranding. The organization first formed in 2005, when the Associated Landscape Contractors of America joined forces with the Professional Lawn Care Association of America—founded in 1961 and 1979, respectively. Their union resulted in the formation of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). After ten years as PLANET, the company rebranded in February 2015 to become the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Why the New Name?

The name change was primarily implemented to bring greater clarity to the landscape association’s identity and mission. The National Association of Landscape Professionals is much more self-explanatory than PLANET and, thus, has a stronger and more immediate impact on those unfamiliar with the group. Association leaders chose a name that they felt effectively summarized membership and brought transparency to the organization’s aims. “Our new name will more accurately reflect our industry and our members, bringing higher visibility to the professionalism and care that our members bring to creating and maintaining the nation’s landscapes,” said PLANET President Jim McCutcheon in a press release.

More than Just a Renaming

While making their name decision, the National Association of Landscape Professionals conducted extensive research on its membership in order to ensure the new name would accurately reflect the association as a whole. In doing so, the organization was able to pinpoint the three things members cared the most about: advocacy, education, and professionalism. With their newfound discovery, the association’s leaders developed the renaming into a full-scale rebranding that targeted extensive updates in the three areas members were most concerned about improving.

As an organization that provides training, seminars, and certifications; advocates on the behalf of landscape professionals; and elevates the reputation of the landscaping industry, the National Association of Landscape Professionals is a valuable resource for both consumers and contractors.