Richard M. Olson -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Thank you Heather. Good morning to all of our listeners. Fiscal 2019 is off to a good start with record first quarter sales. While the first quarter is traditionally a smaller one, we are pleased to have delivered strong results including record net sales of $603 million, an increase of 10% and net earnings of $59.5 million or $0.55 per share. Adjusted net earnings for the quarter were $55.2 million or $0.51 per share compared to adjusted net earnings of $52.1 million or $0.48 per share in the comparable 2018 period, an increase of 6.3%.
Our professional sales grew 12.7% due to strong demand for our landscape contractor, golf, sports fields and grounds and BOSS management snow and ice products. Residential sales were up 1.9% for the quarter due to higher shipments of snow throwers and walk power mowers. Sales increases in both segments also benefited from pricing actions that partially offset inflationary pressures. Following a brief commentary on our businesses, Renee will discuss our financial and operating results in more detail.
First our landscape contractor equipment alliance experienced solid first quarter retail and channel demand across our zero-turn riding offerings especially our Radius and Lazer models. Shipments of intermediate walk behind mowers also contributed to the strong quarter results. Next our golf and sports fields and grounds delivered solid results for the quarter, driven by channel demand as distributors prepared to fulfill their strong base of customer orders. Shipments of grounds master mowers and Workman utility vehicles led the way.
We were honored to send a crew and equipment to Atlanta's Mercedes Benz Stadium to once again help prepare the field for the Super Bowl. Our fleet of maintenance equipment, vehicles, Pro Force blowers and sensing technology enabled the field managers to address specific needs to optimize the playing surface for the big game. We also enjoyed very successful appearances of the recent STMA and the Golf Industry shows. We will highlight some of the exciting new products we unveiled during the shows later in the call.
Another strong first quarter performance was turned in by our BOSS team. New products including our Stainless Steel XT V-Plow, Exact Path drop spreader and the rear-mounted plow were particularly well received. The snow raider from the L.T. Rich acquisition also contributed to the positive results for the quarter. Innovation and the continuous improvement of BOSS products resonate with our customers.
Turning to our rental and construction business, shipments to construction equipment dealers were up for the quarter as their independent contractor customers, who enjoyed steady work last year invested in new equipment to update their fleet for the coming season. The release of the new TXL 2000 contributed to the positive results. However the rental business experienced a slowdown during the quarter as severe winter temperatures had a negative impact on equipment usage. Shipments were also affected by some customers deciding to take their large fleet orders in the second quarter instead of in the first as they have in the past. Following last week's announcement, the teams from Toro and Charles Machine Works' Ditch Witch organization were extremely busy during this week's American Rental Show. The prospects of our joining forces generated high levels of excitement in both companies' booths and throughout the conference center.
Our irrigation and lighting business enjoyed similarly successful recession at both the Golf Show and Irrigation Association Show. Golf product sales remained strong during the quarter while other irrigation segments faced unfavorable weather conditions. Conversely weather had a favorable impact on our residential business. Recent snowfalls fueled strong demand for snow throwers. Our team effectively executed storm (ph) shipping strategies to capitalize on rapidly developing retail opportunities. Residential sales for the quarter were further bolstered by solid sales of our walk power mowers.
Finally the international business saw mixed results across businesses and region. Our international team benefited from strong demand for golf and grounds equipment in golf irrigation products in certain regions. Customer interest in our new Outcross, Groundsmaster 1200 and ProLine H800 remain high. However regional weather pattern and currency headwinds tempered our international business results.
Toro Co (TTC) Q1 2019 Earnings Conference Call Transcript -- The Motley Fool