From Veteran to Volunteer: Larry Jennings Supports Military Families Through GreenCare for Troops

From veteran to volunteer, Larry Jennings’ journey has been defined by service. After launching Detail Landscaping and Lawn Care in 2012 to maintain 540 rental units he owned in and around Dayton, Ohio, he has grown the business into a full-service lawn and landscape maintenance and construction company operating from 14 locations across seven states.

Despite that growth, Jennings has never lost sight of what he enjoys most about the industry: serving people.

From Veteran to Volunteer - Project EverGreen

Army veteran and Detail Landscaping and Lawn Care owner Larry Jennings recently joined Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program, bringing his commitment to service from the military to supporting deployed military families through complimentary lawn and landscape care.

Approximately 70% of the company’s clients are residential customers, a reflection of his appreciation for the personal relationships that develop when caring for homes and families.

“I know there’s more money in commercial work, but honestly, it’s not nearly as much fun to service,” he says. “And you’ve got to have fun.”

That passion for helping others, combined with a strong desire to give back to his community, came into focus earlier this year when Jennings received an email from Project EverGreen about GreenCare for Troops, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. Something about the message resonated with him.

“When I spoke with Ki Matsko, she told me the story behind the program and what they were trying to accomplish,” recalls Jennings. “As a veteran myself, it really felt right to me. I was like, ‘Sure, I’m all in.'”

Jennings understands firsthand the sacrifices military families make during deployment. He served in the U.S. Army for five years in Germany and spent time deployed while his wife and young son remained at home.

Today, Jennings provides complimentary lawn and landscape services to five GreenCare for Troops families. His approach, however, goes beyond maintaining their properties.

When a family is matched with his company, Jennings personally schedules an introductory visit and often brings his wife along.

“I personally give them a call to set up the meeting, and honestly, that first meeting isn’t really about walking the property,” he says. “It’s about getting to know them and building a relationship. We’re showing them this is a family commitment, and they know who we are. We’re not just some strangers showing up on their property. These families are trusting us around their loved ones, and we need to earn that trust.”

That commitment extends beyond lawn care. Jennings makes it clear that he is available to help whenever needed, particularly when a spouse is managing a household alone during deployment.

“I tell them I’m here to help with anything they might need, whether it’s fixing a sink or changing a light bulb,” he says.

He also personally services each of the GreenCare for Troops families assigned to his company.

“When I first learned about the program, it brought me back to when I was deployed,” he says. “We didn’t have this type of support, and I think it’s awesome. What these service members and their families do is incredible. Compared to their sacrifices, the time it takes for us to lend a hand is really nothing.”

Jennings’ enthusiasm for the program is contagious. He believes all 14 of his company’s locations will eventually participate in GreenCare for Troops and serve military families in their communities.

For now, he continues caring for the five families he currently serves and looks forward to celebrating with them when their loved ones return home.

“We’re planning to take each family out to dinner when the deployment is over, if they’re agreeable,” he says with a laugh. “We’d like to have them as friends long after they’re back together again.”

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Deployed families need support now. Step up with GreenCare for Troops and put your expertise to work.

The need is rising and every new volunteer means one less worry for a military family at home. GreenCare for Troops connects lawn and landscape professionals with families to provide essential services during deployment. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, this is the moment.

  • Put your skills to work
  • Support a family in your community
  • Make an immediate, meaningful impact

Join a nationwide network of professionals stepping up when it matters most. Volunteer today. Someone near you is waiting.

Sign up today

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

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

Join us today and be part of something bigger.

How to Fix a Severely Neglected Patchy Lawn or Athletic Field

How to fix a patchy, thinning lawn or athletic field starts with understanding that the problem is often more than cosmetic. In many cases, thinning turf is a sign of underlying stress in the soil, turf health, or maintenance routine. For homeowners, as well as park and municipal maintenance crews, restoring neglected turf requires a thoughtful, step-by-step approach grounded in sound agronomic practices.

At Project EverGreen, we’ve seen firsthand through our GreenCare for Troops initiative and GreenCare for Communities projects how even the most worn, compacted, and underperforming lawns and turf areas can be revitalized into healthy, functional green spaces that serve military families and their communities.

Start with the Root Cause

Before applying quick fixes, it’s critical to understand why a lawn or turf area has become patchy. Common causes include:

  • Soil compaction from foot traffic or equipment
  • Poor soil quality or nutrient deficiencies
  • Inadequate irrigation or inconsistent watering
  • Pest or disease pressure
  • Improper mowing practices

In parks and athletic fields, these issues are often intensified by heavy use and limited recovery time.

Improve Soil Health First

Healthy turf starts below the surface. One of the most effective first steps is core aeration to relieve compaction and improve oxygen flow, water infiltration, and nutrient uptake.

In many GreenCare for Communities revitalization projects, aeration is a foundational step. Loosening compacted soil allows grassroots to expand and creates the conditions needed for recovery across lawns, parks, and sports fields.

Following aeration, conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, apply the appropriate fertilizers or soil amendments to correct imbalances.

Overseed to Rebuild Turf Density

Once the soil is prepared, overseeding helps fill in bare or thin areas with new, vigorous grass. Select seed varieties suited to your region, sun exposure, and expected use levels.

For parks and athletic fields, durability is critical. Grass blends designed for high-traffic tolerance can significantly improve long-term performance. In Project EverGreen revitalization efforts, overseeding has helped transform worn-out turf into dense, resilient surfaces that hold up under daily use.

Establish a Consistent Watering Plan

Watering practices can make or break a turf recovery effort. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deeper root growth, while shallow watering can weaken turf.

For homeowners and maintenance crews alike, consistency is key. Early morning irrigation helps reduce evaporation and disease risk. In larger public spaces, optimizing irrigation systems or schedules can quickly improve turf health.

Adjust Mowing Practices

Mowing plays a major role in maintaining healthy grass across lawns, parks, and athletic fields. Cutting too short stresses the plant and leaves soil exposed to weeds and heat.

Maintain proper mowing height based on grass type and avoid removing more than one-third of the blade at a time. Sharp mower blades are essential to prevent tearing, which can invite disease.

Address Traffic and Use Patterns

In parks and athletic fields, repeated foot traffic is often the primary cause of thinning or bare spots. Where possible, redirect traffic, install designated walkways, or rotate field use to give turf time to recover.

Project EverGreen has partnered with municipalities to restore high-use areas, demonstrating that combining turf renovation with smart space planning leads to longer-lasting results.

Stay Consistent for Long-Term Results

Reviving a neglected lawn or turf area doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent care, seasonal adjustments, and ongoing monitoring. The payoff, however, is significant – healthier grass improves appearance, usability, and environmental benefits such as cooling, air quality, and stormwater management.

Through GreenCare for Troops and GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen continues to transform underperforming lawns for military families, parks, and athletic fields into vibrant community assets. Whether you’re managing your own yard or maintaining public green space, the same principles apply start with the soil, follow a proven process, and stay committed to long-term turf health.

Get Involved

Ready to make a lasting impact beyond your own lawn? Join Project EverGreen in restoring and sustaining healthy green spaces for military families and communities in need. Whether you volunteer your time, become a program sponsor, or make a donation, your support helps transform underperforming turf into vibrant, functional spaces that improve quality of life.

Get involved with a community park renovation project or the GreenCare for Troops initiative, and be part of creating greener, healthier, cooler communities.