Landscape Spending to Increase for Hardscapes and Specialty Services in 2013, According to Survey Conducted by Harris Interactive for PLANET

HERNDON, Va., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new U.S. online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of PLANET, the national trade association of landscape industry professionals, shows that consumers are looking to increase spending on hardscapes (outdoor kitchens, patios, decks, water features, and walkways) and other specialized services (irrigation and lighting). Hardscaping comprises outdoor living spaces and paved, non-living components of a landscape.

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The study, conducted on behalf of PLANET in February 2013, surveyed 2,219 adults ages 18 and older, of whom 1,830 have a lawn or landscape. Consumers were asked about their spending on professional lawn and landscape services from lawn care and landscape maintenance to tree care, water features, and outdoor lighting.  

Overall Spending Trends
While overall consumer spending is expected to remain steady in most categories, landscape maintenance (mowing, edging, leaf cleanup) will see a modest increase in spending ($700 on average in the coming year[1] vs. $600[2] in the past year), while spending will increase to hire a professional for hardscapes and specialty services[3] ($2,300 on average in the coming year vs. $1,680 in the past year).

"Despite the sluggish economy, our core landscape maintenance services are holding steady, while consumers are deciding to increase their investment in projects that encourage 'staycations' and outdoor entertaining, and ultimately improve the resale value of the home," said PLANET CEO, Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP.

Who is spending the most on landscape services?
Men outpace women when it comes to hiring professional landscape help over the past year (39 percent vs. 32 percent), and younger adults, ages 18 to 34, stand out as most likely to have hired professionals for the building of outdoor living spaces, patios, and walkways over the past year (9 percent vs. 3 percent of those age 35+). 

In general, 35 percent of those with a lawn/landscape have hired professionals to do lawn and landscape services over the past year, with those in the South (38 percent) and West (40 percent) being more likely to have hired a professional than those in the Midwest (29 percent.)

Why do consumers find value in hiring landscape services?
The most often cited reasons for hiring a professional for lawn/landscape services[4] are as follows: "They don't have the knowledge, skills or physical ability" (42 percent), and "they don't have the right equipment" (42 percent) to do the landscape work themselves.  

Interestingly, younger adults (18 to 34) were more likely than their older counterparts to say "don't have the patience" as a reason to hire a professional.  

"Eighteen to 34 year olds might be more digitally connected than their parents, but they are still putting a high priority on outdoor entertainment areas. They are looking to landscape professionals to take on work that is not only time-consuming, but also requires a high degree of expertise to be done well," added Hickman.

For the full report visit, www.loveyourlandscape.com or contact [email protected].

About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of PLANET from February 7 to 11, 2013, among 2,219 adults ages 18 and older, of whom 1,830 have a lawn/landscape. 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 Lisa Schaumann at [email protected].

About PLANET
PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices, and business professionalism. Many of PLANET's professionals have attained the status of becoming Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the greatest level of industry expertise and knowledge. Visit PLANET at www.landcarenetwork.org. 

1. Among those who will purchase any landscape/care from a professional over the next year
2. Among those who purchased any landscape/care from a professional over the past year
3. Among those who will purchase building of patios, decks, walkways or outdoor kitchens/water features/installation of an irrigation system/holiday outdoor lighting and decor/outdoor lighting from professional over the next year
4. Among those who have purchased/will purchase lawn/landscape services over the past/next year

Related Links
Landscape Survey and Tips

SOURCE PLANET