Arlington National Cemetery a bit greener thanks to Euclid lawn-care businessman

by Tom Feran

Phil Fogarty knows about growing big things from seed. That’s his business.

But even Fogarty, owner of the Weed Man lawn-care company in Euclid, marvels at how his idea for a service day at Arlington National Cemetery has blossomed over 13 years into an annual event involving 400 landscape and lawn-care workers from 27 states.

"It answers some of the intense need I’ve found in people to say thanks," he said in a recent interview.

The event, called "Renewal & Remembrance," started in 1996, when Fogarty learned about a tree- care asso ciation volun teering for a day at Arling ton.

"Arlington has more grass than trees," he said. "I met with the superintendent there, went on a tour and asked if we could do the lawns on an annual basis. He said, Here’s a little project, let’s see how you guys do with it.’ "

"The goal of that first year was to earn another year."

He scheduled the work to follow the land-care industry’s annual legislative meetings in Washington, and sent word of his plan to landscapers who’d be attending.

Three dozen showed up to spread lime over 40 acres of Arlington in the initial outing. The next year, a bigger group limed 100 acres, and sodded and aerated. The third year, they did 150 acres and brought their own arborists.

"It’s gotten bigger and bigger each year," said Jack Metzler, superintendent of the cemetery.

"It really gives us a tremendous shot in the arm in the landscape area to improve the quality of what visitors and family members see. They do that little bit more that we can’t do."

Last year, with the added help of 80 spouses and children, the volunteers made improvements worth more than $300,000 — spreading lime over 250 acres of turf, repairing and installing irrigation systems, finishing more than 800 landscape installations and working to protect 20 historic trees. Metzler welcomed the group with a color guard, and his staff is already at work to plan this year’s Renewal & Remembrance, on July 13.

"It’s unbelievable to watch the whole thing happen," Fogarty said, noting that volunteers arrive with trucks and equipment specially cleaned for the occasion. "They show up like they’re on line for inspection by the president. It’s such an honor to be able to work there."…