CUMBERLAND —In an age where small businesses are disappearing, Greener Lawn Care is still growing, said owners, Christy and Craig Martin.

Twenty-five years ago, the small company providing liquid lawn care service became the brain child of Don and Wilma Mallow.

At that time, it was under the parent company, Mallow Landscaping, owned and operated by Don Mallow with the help of his son, Gary.

In May 1981, Greener Lawn Care made its debut in the Cumberland area. It has grown to serve Allegany, Mineral, Bedford, Garrett and Washington Counties, said Christy Martin.

The firm has been managed and operated through the years by the Mallows’ daughter and her husband, the Martins. The office is on the Old Johnson Road east of Cumberland.

“For many years we were the only lawn service company in the area using liquid fertilizer, weed and insect control programs,” said Christy. “It was our goal to bring a premium lawn care service to the local area endeavoring to be customer and pet friendly.”

Until recently, liquid applications were the mainstay of the operation.

In keeping pace with “cutting edge” technology in the turf care industry, granular products and applications are being incorporated into Greener Lawn Care program.

The company is a member of Professional Landcare Network keeping it informed of the latest technologies, products and information about the lawn care industry, Martin said.

Lawn care technicians are registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and have been through training to qualify them to perform their task at getting the right amount of material on each lawn.

Lawns are measured and evaluated before any treatments are applied.

The Martins said they are thankful for faithful employees — “especially Jim Gregg who has been with the company for more than 20 years,” said Christy Martin.

“We stress to our employees to take pride in their work and to treat each lawn like it’s their own,” said Craig Martin, vice president of the company. “We know the applications work — we’ve seen some beautiful lawns over the years. But we can’t do it alone. A lawn needs rain and a lawn mower. Mowing high is a real key to a nice lawn — and rain or watering is absolutely essential.”

Christy Martin’s brother Gary Mallow recently announced his retirement and the closing of Mallow Landscaping.

“But, we are not closing,” she said, noting the businesses became separate years ago.

“This family owned business credits its successful 25 years to faith in God, hard work, faithful employees and many loyal customers,” Christy said. We plan to continue beautifying our community one yard at a time.”