Military trim

Published: June 15, 2006

Mowing a few lawns, trimming a few shrubs - it's the least we can do, Roger Jacobi thought.

Jacobi, owner of Agrilawn, a lawn care service in Oklahoma City, is participating in Greencare for Troops, a nationwide project to provide free lawn service for families whose principal breadwinner is a member of the military and is serving in the Middle East.

"It's just our small way of giving back and just showing the appreciation for the sacrifices they are making," Jacobi said. "We're glad to do it."

Jacobi is among lawn care companies that have committed to provide free lawn care to up to 10 families for one year, services he said are worth at least $1,000 per family.

Greencare for Troops was launched by Project Evergreen, a national nonprofit organization representing service providers, associations, suppliers, distributors and others affiliated with the green (landscape) industry.

Qualifying families can get more information about the service by calling, toll-free, (877) 758-4835 or by completing an application online at www.projectevergreen.com.

Project EverGreen executive director Den Gardner said the program cannot guarantee assistance to everyone who applies, "but we will do our best to hook up families with local companies."