PLANET Survey Says Landscape Spending on the Rise

A new U.S. online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of PLANET, the national trade association of landscape industry professionals, asked consumers about their spending on a range of professional lawn and landscape services, including lawn care, landscape installation and maintenance, irrigation, design/build services, outdoor lighting, and holiday lighting and decor.

The study, conducted in February 2013, surveyed 2,219 adults ages 18 and older, of whom 1,830 have a lawn or landscape. Roughly 35% have hired professionals to perform lawn and landscape services, with those in the South (38%) and West (40%) being more likely to hire a professional than those in the Midwest (29%).

While overall consumer spending is expected to remain steady in most categories, landscape maintenance (mowing, edging, leaf cleanup) will see a slight increase in spending ($700 on average in the coming year vs. $600 in the past year), as well as landscape design/installation ($1,200 in the coming year vs. $1,000  in the past year).

Responses indicate that the biggest spending increase will likely be in the design/build area, with a potential for spending to double ($2,900 on average from $1,400).

Where are people sending the most money?

In the past year, the top three services purchased by consumers who have a lawn and landscape included:

• 18% on Landscape Maintenance/Care ($600 average spent)
• 16% on Lawn Care ($400 average spent)
• 11% on Tree Care ($400 average spent)

For a complete list of spending on services, view the survey report at www.loveyourlandscape.com/research.