Economic
and Life-Enhancing Benefits of Landscaping
Results
of the U.S. Homeowner Landscaping, Lawn Care and Tree Care
Survey, conducted by the Gallup Organization, were based on
interviews with a representative sample of 1,500 households
nationwide. The study looked at spending in 1999 for landscaping,
lawn care and tree care, as well as anticipated spending for
2000.
The survey also asked American homeowners to identify the most
important benefits of a residential or commercial property
that has a well-maintained lawn and landscape. They ranked
the benefits as follows:
-
Adds
beauty and relaxation for the family, employees or visitors
(54.0%)
-
Reflects positively on its owner (53.2%)
-
Offers a comfortable place to entertain,
work or visit (47.4%)
-
Increases real estate market value
(44.1%)
-
Helps beautify the neighborhood (43.3%)
-
Provides a safe, high-quality play
area for children (36.7%)
-
Provides an exercise area for pets
(21.3%)
-
Helps purify the air (19.9%)
-
Helps cool the air (17.8%)
-
Provides a natural water filter to
protect water quality and the environment (13.5%).
The Gallup
Survey was sponsored by the Associated Landscape Contractors
of America
(ALCA),
the American Nursery & Landscape
Association (ANLA), the International Society
of Arboriculture (ISA), the National Arborist Association (NAA)
and
the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA).
It
was conducted in
cooperation with the National Gardening Association
(NGA)
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