NJLCA Survey for the Proposed Licensing

of the New Jersey Landscape Contractor

Please complete the following survey.

The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) is actively advocating, on your behalf, multiple issues that directly affect the professional landscape contractor in the state of New Jersey.  The concept of licensing the landscape contractor is currently being considered by an independent task force.  This task force is drafting proposed legislation that is scheduled to be introduced to the New Jersey State Legislature.

The NJLCA believes that the current proposed language, and the current forum, fail to accurately represent the perspectives of the professional landscape contractor, therefore the official position of the NJLCA at this point in time is one of neutrality.  We believe that the enormity of this issue requires unprecedented input from the professional landscape contractors of New Jersey.  As a state association, we are bound to represent the views of our constituency, as well as the landscape industry, which means you MUST communicate your ideas to us NOW!

As the largest, and only, statewide trade organization representing the professional landscape contractors in New Jersey, the NJLCA is obliged to solicit your valuable input regarding this monumental issue.

Please take a few minutes of your time to complete the enclosed survey.  We ask that you return this survey to the NJLCA right away!  It is our intention to accurately communicate the concerns of the professional landscape contractors to the task force which is currently acting on this proposed legislation.

Sincerely,

NJLCA Board of Directors

Pros

Licensing the Landscape Contractor will establish industry standards that will:

• Establish the industry best management practices.

• Enhance expertise and promote safety through ongoing professional education.

• Increase professional responsibility.
• Provide greater consumer protection.
• Enhance public perception of the landscape industry.
• Identify those committed to a greater level of responsibility and higher quality of work.
• May replace the Home Improvement and individual municipal licenses.
• May protect our livelihoods from future restrictions of regulatory authorities.

 Cons

Licensing the Landscape Contractor will establish industry standards that will:

• Increase regulatory requirements and governmental involvement.

• Increase in professional costs including initial fee and renewals.

• Expose the Landscape Contractor to new regulatory compliance requirements.
• Exposes the Landscape Contractor to disciplinary action.
• Encourage higher level of professionalism that will be voluntary only.
• Does not guarantee non-licensed landscape contractors would halt business.
• May require more documentation on each job or project.