America's Love Affair with the Yard is Going Strong, Says New Survey

HERNDON, Va., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Even in the age of the smartphone and TV show binge watching, the love affair with the American yard is not over. According to an online survey commissioned by the National Association of Landscape Professionals and conducted by Harris Poll in May 2015, Americans think it is important to have a yard, keep it looking well-maintained and live in an area with nice landscaping. 

The study, conducted among 2,034 U.S. adults (ages 18+), finds that three quarters of Americans (75%) feel that it is important to spend time outside in their yards. Despite the perception that the younger generation is only focused on a high-tech lifestyle, nearly three quarters (74%) of Millennials (18-34 year olds) think spending time outside in their yards is important.

How do people feel about their yards and neighborhood landscaping?

Eighty-three percent of Americans think having a yard is important and 90% of those with a yard think it is important that it is also well-maintained. Also, those who live in the South (85%) or Midwest (87%) are more likely than those who live in the Northeast (79%) to say this is important.

Americans also want to live in an area where they can see or walk to nice landscaping (91%) and they think it is important (71%) that their neighbors have well-maintained yards.

They also agree (84%) that the quality of a home's landscaping would affect their decision about whether or not to buy a home, and while women are more likely than men to say having their yard well-maintained is very important (50% vs. 45%), men are more likely than women to claim that they possess the knowledge and skill necessary to keep their lawn and plants healthy and looking good (75% vs. 67%, respectively).

Homeowners want help with their landscaping.

A large majority of Americans (67%) agree that professional landscape help would allow them to have a nicer yard. Nine in ten (90%) prefer to live in a home surrounded by trees, grass and other living plants and almost half (47%) wish they could hire a landscape professional to help them.

"Our members dedicate their lives to helping homeowners keep their yards and outdoor spaces healthy and inviting," said National Association of Landscape Professionals CEO, Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP. "The survey results show how deeply Americans value their yards and spending time outside near their homes."

For an infographic and report, visit the media section of www.landscapeprofessionals.org.   

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of NALP from May 4-6, 2015 among 2,034 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact [email protected].

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals is the voice of 100,000 landscape industry professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces. The association advocates on issues impacting its members and offers mentoring and education programs that inspire its members to excellence. Many members become Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the highest standard of industry expertise, business professionalism and knowledge. Get more information at www.landscapeprofessionals.org

Contact:
Debbi Mayster
Four Leaf Public Relations
240.988.6243
[email protected]  

Lisa Schaumann
National Association of Landscape Professionals
540.729.2114
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150518/216625

SOURCE National Association of Landscape Professionals