2016 Summer Forecast: New Findings Link Mowing, Gardening and Yard Cleanup to Happiness

CLEVELAND, May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy-two percent of American homeowners say they are looking forward to working in their yards this summer, according to new research from Troy-Bilt®. Mowing, gardening, and yard cleanup top the list as the most anticipated tasks for homeowners.

Findings showed that more than half of homeowners spend at least three hours a week working on their lawns and gardens – that's an estimated minimum of 42 hours spent in the yard during the summer season.

The recent survey results also produced some unexpected findings about outdoor entertaining and yard habits, including:

• Sixty-seven percent of respondents will host a cookout or party during the summer.
• Thirty-six percent of homeowners will spend six hours or more preparing their yards for outdoor entertainment.
• The most common summer routine yard tasks include mowing, yard cleanup and maintenance, and weeding; edging, fertilizing and mulching are less likely to be done on a regular basis.
• Homeowners in the Midwest are more likely than all other regions in the U.S. to mow regularly, while homeowners in the West are less likely to mulch on a regular basis.

Troy-Bilt also discovered that more than half of respondents handle all of their own lawn and garden care, and only 6 percent hire an outside source to take care of all yard needs.

"Homeowners are willing to work continuously on their lawns and gardens because they care greatly about the overall look of their outdoor spaces," said Megan Peth, Troy-Bilt brand marketing director. "That may mean taking extra time to stripe the lawn, till a garden or edge along walkways, but they are committed to doing whatever it takes to make their yards into something they can be proud of."

Even though homeowners have different plans they set out to complete each season, Troy-Bilt advises individuals to consider these cardinal rules when tending to the yard:

• Alternate your mowing direction and only cut a third of the grass blade each time you mow to maintain and improve its strength. This also encourages growth and prevents tire marks on the lawn.
• It's best to water your lawn in the morning before sunrise or at night to allow water to absorb into the soil and reach plant roots easily and safely.
• Weeds can germinate rapidly in undernourished or compacted soil. Add compost that's high in nitrogen to amend soil and help deter weeds.
• Make sure you're aware how much space vegetables need to grow before planting. Crowding larger vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers can result in broken stems and root damage.
• Keep in mind that edging should be done when soil is damp – either in the early morning or at dusk. This permits the edger to cut through soil more easily, delivering a clean line.

For more yard care tips and product information, visit troybilt.com.

ABOUT TROY-BILT

In 1937, Troy-Bilt introduced the first American-made rototiller and since then has expanded its legendary expertise and durable product line to create a complete selection of the industry's finest lawn and garden tools. The company's award-winning product line includes top-quality tractors, mowers, tillers, cultivators, trimmers, snow throwers and other outdoor power tools. Troy-Bilt machines are built to last and engineered to take on the toughest challenges to make jobs simpler and safer. Headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, and with multiple manufacturing locations across the country, including Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi, Troy-Bilt is committed to the communities it's a part of and keeping America working as hard as it can. For more information, visit troybilt.com.

SOURCE Troy-Bilt

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