The Turfgrass industry is often called the “hidden agricultural industry” because it is not routinely surveyed with other agricultural commodities by state agencies. But, in states with detailed surveys (for example, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina) it is either the number 1 or 2 commodity – in Florida it is valued at $72 billion annually for labor, goods, and services, and value- added (tourism, property values/taxes). A recent Bureau of Labor statistics report for the U.S., showed that grounds-keepers and gardeners are in the top 20 job growth areas for 1992-2005

We do not have a detailed turf industry survey in Georgia, but the industry is estimated to be well over $1 billion per year. For our 368 golf courses, $430 million is spent annually for labor, supplies and equipment for the grounds maintenance aspects – this does not include clubhouse or pro shop. Golf course expenditures are normally 15-20% of the total industry expenditures and home lawns is usually 50-60%.