Project EverGreen Debuts New Video for Military Families

Military families face many hardships during a deployment. Caring for their lawn and yard should not be one of them.

Project EverGreen and the GreenCare for Troops initiative helps eligible military families with a deployed spouse or partner with lawn care, mowing or basic landscape services at no charge for the length of the deployment.

The services are performed by dedicated volunteer professionals from the landscape contractor and lawn care industry.

To help explain the significant impact GreenCare for Troops and its sister program SnowCare for Troops have on military families left behind to manage a home and family, Project EverGreen has released a new promotional video.

The video features a military spouse sharing her appreciation for the program as well as an interview with the volunteer who takes care of her property.

“It’s tough during the pre-deployment and after. It’s a roller coaster ride and stressful,” said Verlyd C. (last name withheld for security). “I know I’m going to be doing everything by myself but with the help of Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops, they take care of the mowing the lawn and cleaning up the backyard.”

Verlyd added that if she had to do all the work herself it would take up half of her day and take away time from other important family responsibilities.

“GreenCare for Troops gives me peace of mind and allows me to spend more time with my kids and family,” said Verlyd. “I highly recommend the program to military families.”

GreenCare for Troops is a needs-based program for active-duty deployed service members of the rank of e-6 and below. This includes all military branches. Only one residence is permitted, and the military member must reside at this location. Lot size must be less than 1 acre.

Deployment orders or letter from command verifying deployment are required for registration. Do not register more than four weeks in advance of your deployment.

Green Spaces Deliver Environmental Benefits

In addition to relieving the burden of having to take care of the yard and having less time to spend with their families, the GreenCare for Troops program provides safe and beneficial green spaces for military families to enjoy.

There are numerous physical, mental health and environmental benefits associated with green spaces and our volunteers help provide that for military families.

• Did you know that lawns are 10 degrees cooler than cement or bare soil?
• One tree removes enough carbon dioxide from the air and releases enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe for a day.
• Landscaping around your home can reduce noise by up to 50 percent creating a quieter, more relaxing setting.
• Planting shade trees lowers attic temperatures by as much as 40 degrees and landscaping (plants, shrubs, trees) around a structure reduces air conditioning costs by 50 percent

“GreenCare for Troops is more than a program that checks a box and takes care of a necessary service, it has become a transformative experience for both volunteers and recipients,” says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Not only do our volunteers provide a valued service and relieves a burden, but they are also allowing military families to benefit from two powerful forces – their families and nature.”

How to Register for Services

Military families can register for GreenCare for Troops or SnowCare for Troops by visiting https://projectevergreen.org/greencare-for-troops-family-registration/

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm. Platinum Partners include Toro and SiteOne Landscape Supply. The Gold Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel.

GreenCare for Troops is endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.