Landscaping for Heroes: How CMS Landscape Gives Back to Military Families Through GreenCare for Troops

Landscaping for Heroes: How CMS Landscape Gives Back to Military Families Through GreenCare for Troops

Brothers Brian and Josh Mark are co-owners of CMS Landscape, Inc., a landscape design, construction, and maintenance firm in Pocasset, Massachusetts. Founded in 1973 by their father, Chris, the brothers have grown the business into one of the leading firms serving the Cape Cod area.

A deep sense of gratitude and respect for military families inspired their decision to join the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs. Their family’s strong military tradition also played a significant role. Both of their grandfathers served during World War II, and their parents were “military brats,” moving frequently due to their families’ service.

“Their stories and experiences not only instilled a respect for those serving in the armed forces,” Brian explains, “but also gave us insight into the challenges that entire families face when loved ones are deployed.”

As a successful and growing landscape operation, how does CMS manage to help military families while also serving paying customers? Brian shared some tips:

Set Parameters

“GreenCare for Troops administrators do a great job of allowing you to establish parameters for the services you can provide,” Brian says. “At the start, we broke down our offerings and matched them to the needs of military families in our area. For us, that meant mowing, leaf cleanup, and snow removal—services virtually everyone encounters.” They also set a maximum service radius to ensure they can deliver reliable care without overextending their resources.

Walk the Property

When a request comes in for GreenCare for Troops services, CMS sends a client representative to inspect the property and confirm it meets the established parameters. This ensures the team can deliver services efficiently without putting undue stress on the crew. “Generally, properties between 7,000 and 12,000 square feet are fairly easy to work into the program,” Brian says.

Involve Employees

Crews are made aware when they’re working on a GreenCare for Troops site, and the entire company supports the program. “We strive to give all our customers top-notch service, but we remind crews that working for families who sacrifice so much for our freedom is a special responsibility,” Brian shares. “It gives our team a sense of pride and offers a unique way to give back to those who serve.”

From CMS’s perspective, providing landscaping and snow removal for military families during deployments requires only a small effort from the business, but it significantly eases the burden on those in need. “It’s such a small thing to do for people who put their lives on the line for our country,” Brian says.

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The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program Title Sponsor is Nufarm. SnowCare for Troops program in BOSS Snowplow. Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, AMGUARD Environmental Sciences  and Heritage Landscape Supply. The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel.

Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

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