PGMS Survey Identifies Top Grounds Management Challenges

BALTIMORE – The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) says a recent e-mail survey of members found money and manpower issues to be the two biggest challenges for grounds managers.

"The survey was primarily conducted in order to assist one of our members who needed to make a costs/salary presentation to management," says Thomas Shaner, PGMS executive director. "We added the question, 'What is the biggest challenge facing you?' Nearly 70 percent of the respondents indicated problems with budgets or staff."

Several respondents also cited the need to be able to better communicate with Hispanic workers.

On average, survey respondents managed 129-acre properties, the largest being 650 acres and the smallest five acres. Each property has an average of 1.5 supervisors whose hourly wages range from $10.40 to $36.46, with an average of $19.33. Additionally, the data shows that properties have an average of 2.5 foremen earning wages ranging from $9 to $23.07 with an average wage of $13.39. In terms of staffing, property managers reported an average of and 11 full-time employees and five seasonal employees. Full-time employees earn an average $11.22 per hour with actual wages ranging from $7 to $14.35 and seasonal employees are paid an average of $8.28 with actual wages ranging from $6. to $12.15.

Among the other challenges noted by the PGMS survey respondents were: time to deadhead and care for annuals; weeds and water; using less pre-emergence chemicals leads to manage more weeds; keeping nice turf around campus; equipment maintenance; and issues with winter, droughts and water rationing.

The survey results will be discussed during the PGMS Grounds Management School which will take place in Charlotte, N.C., November 4 through 7 during the Green Industry Expo.