RALEIGH (AP) -- Landscapers, greenhouses, sod producers and other "green industries" in North Carolina have an $8 billion impact on the state.
That's according to a study announced today by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. He says it's the first time anyone has put a dollar figure on the impact those types of businesses have on the state.
The review by the Agriculture Department and economists at North Carolina State University was funded by the Legislature after questions arose about the value of some experiments on turf grass at NC State.
Lawmakers wanted some idea of the economic impact of businesses that create and maintain different types of green spaces as well as the companies that supply them.
The study also found that North Carolina homeowners spend an average of almost $840 per year on lawn and landscape services, while the state has almost 121,000 acres producing Christmas trees, nursery stock, sod and other commodities.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
