With a robust national economy and a strong national housing market as a backdrop, more than 22 million U.S. households spent $14.6 billion on professional landscape/lawn care/tree care services in 1997, according to a just released Gallup survey. This represents a one million increase in the number of households using these services and a $600 million rise in spending over the previous year.

The study also estimates that 24.4 million households plan to purchase these services in 1998, a two million-- or nine percent-- increase over the previous year. Since 1993, more than 22 million U.s. households have spent over $14 billion annually on professional landscape, lawn care and tree care services.

The average amount spent on these services rose by four percent over the previous year to $647. Homeowners have spent an average of $663 annually over the last five years.

Older Americans (ages 50 and above) represented the largest "customer" group in 1997, accounting for nearly half ($7.1 billion) of total spending on these services.

Homeowners in the West led the nation in total spending on these services, accounting for over a third (38 percent) of all expenditures.

Total homeowner spending in the tree care category showed the largest increase, rising by 50 percent to $2.4 billion. This category also saw the greatest growth in average amount spent (38 percent to $434), and household participation (21 percent to 5.6 million).

Lawn and landscape maintenance accounted for the largest dollar volume of green home improvements ($7.6 billion) and the greatest household participation (14.3 million) while the landscape installation and construction category represented the largest average amount spent ($1,772).

The continued robust performance of the professional landscape, lawn and tree care markets are attributable to a number of factors, including: strong economic performance and consumer confidence, an active market for sales of new and existing homes, continued recognition of the practical benefits of having a professionally designed, installed and cared-for lawn and landscape.

Results of the U.s. Homeowner Landscaping, lawn Care and Tree Care survey, conducted by the Gallup Organization, are based on interviews with a representative sample of 1,500 households nationwide. The study looked at their 1997 spending and 1998 plans to hire the following services. The data has a margin of error +/- 3 percent.

The Gallup survey was sponsored by the American Nursery & Landscape Association, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the International Society of Arboriculture, the National Arborist Association and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America.