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Plant Survey Has Unexpected Results08-14-06 | News

Plant Survey Has Unexpected Results

There were several surprises regarding what people did and did not know about the benefits of landscaping.

A survey was undertaken to determine consumers’ awareness and perception of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of green spaces by Project EverGreen Overall, consumers have a positive attitude about maintaining their lawn and landscape. However, there were discrepancies between this belief and the actual services and products needed to maintain green spaces, as well as surprises regarding what people did and did not know. Here is a sampling of the questions and responses.

Do you generally vote in favor of tax increases for the purpose of building public green spaces and parks? 55% yes, 45% no.
When landscaping is developed in a neighborhood there is a decrease in vandalism?EUR??,,????'??+30 percent agree, 70 percent disagree or don?EUR??,,????'???t know.
Landscaping improves home value: 90 percent agree.
Green spaces and parks improve property values: 70 percent agree.
Professionally maintained public parks and sports fields are good for the economy: 75 percent agree.
Trees shading homes can reduce attic temps as much as 40 degrees: 45% agree.
Improving landscaping can reduce energy costs: 30 percent agree.
A well maintained landscape is essential to a clean environment: 95 percent agree.
Proper landscaping reduces surface water runoff and soil erosion: 65 percent agree.
Pesticides (herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) are a useful tool to fight weeds disease and insects: 65 percent agree.
Green spaces create a better, safer environment: 60 percent agree.
Trees, shrubs and turfgrass remove smoke dust and other pollutants from the air: 60 percent agree.
Green space within a city helps regulate air quality: 55 percent agree.
Interior plants save air conditioning costs. 30 percent agree 70 didn?EUR??,,????'???t know this.