Landscape Contracting Spending by Homeowners up 30 Percent

HERNDON, Va.-The Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) has announced the findings of its survey on consumer spending for contracted lawn and landscape services. ALCA reports a 31 percent growth of consumer spending on lawn care, landscaping and tree care services since 2002. In 2003, consumers spent $37.9 billion compared to $28.9 billion in 2002.

The survey, ALCA's Report on Landscape Industry Growth: Trends and Buying Practices in the Consumer Market, 2004 was conducted by Harris Interactive and has a margin error of plus or minus 2.2 percent.

While the majority of homeowners spent money on lawn services, the greatest growth in expenditures was in the design/build area (pools, gazebos, patios, decks, water features, barbecue pits, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor living rooms).

Highlights of the Survey

1. Landscape contractors are most often hired through referrals.
2. One in three Americans paid for lawn, landscape or tree services in 2003.
3. Cost is the major consideration when hiring landscape contactors.
4. More than one in four plan to purchase professional landscaping service in 2004.
5. Landscape construction accounted for the largest dollar volume: $13.4 billion spent in 2003.

The ALCA notes the industry has experienced steady growth over the past five years, but calls the growth over the last three years ?EUR??,,????'??explosive,?EUR??,,????'?? attributed to low interest rates and homeowners recognizing the return on investment for upgrading their properties.