Study sheds light on factors that are sure to please clients

Washington, D.C.

How important are plant size, design and material when it comes to a consumers' perception of a landscape's value? This is the question that Bridget Behe of Michigan State University and Susan Barton of the University of Delaware set out to answer with their recently complete HRI-funded study.

The research team examined consumer perceptions of landscapes by varying the landscape design (three levels), landscape style (four levels), and plant size (three levels). According to the study, plant size accounted for 42 percent of the value consumers assigned to landscape while design sophistication accounted for 35 percent and plant materials for 22 percent.

Upgrading from small to large plant size yielded the single greatest increase in perceived value for one factor. When several factors were examined, plant material received the most moderate rating. This may indicate the consumer's inability to distinguish between different plant types.

If it is the bottom line that you are interested in, the analysis indicated that dollar for dollar, hardscape does not return much in perceived value. Annual color returned its cost in perceived value many times over. Though this information doesn't suggest a particular combination of landscape features that will increase a homes value, it does provide a benchmark for a Landscape Designer to make budget and design decisions.