Survey: Home Buyers of All Ages Looking for Lawns

Blog posted On May 07, 2019

What do you love most about your home?  A recent survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) suggests it may be your lawn.  From the survey, 81% of Americans have a lawn or yard and 79% say that a lawn or yard is one of the most important features when buying or renting a home.  A nice sized lawn ranked second behind a kitchen renovation, and the sentiment was shared by all generations.

Younger generations, like Millennials, put an even higher emphasis on having a nice lawn than their parents and grandparents.  Among this age group, the lawn outranked even the kitchen renovation, a longstanding top feature.  So, why does the lawn now top the list?

From the survey, 47% of respondents say they entertain guests in their yards at least once a month.  57% use the yard themselves for monthly recreation.  77% of respondents relax in their yard at least once a month.  The upped interest in lawns and yards should not be surprising.  Research shows that Americans all over the country are visiting public parks and playgrounds more often than indoor facilities like movie theaters.  An increased interest in shared green space has likely led to Americans placing more value on their own backyards. 

Whether you are considering selling your home, or just want to improve your yard for your own enjoyment, here are five ways to keep your lawn healthy.

• After you mow, let grass clippings stay on the lawn. This is called “grass cycling” and returns nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil, to help the next generation grow stronger.
• Set the right watering schedule. Too much water can lead to shallow root growth, and not enough water can dry the grass out.  Experiment and find out what works for your lawn, or ask a neighbor what’s working for them!
• Keep weeds under control by pulling out roots or administering pesticides. Be careful what chemicals you choose to treat your lawn with if you have pets or children who will be playing outside.
• Take care of your mower by sharpening or replacing dull blades, so you don’t damage your lawn.
• Fertilize as necessary. Consult with a landscaping professional if you think your lawn needs extra nutrients. 

Sources: Loveyourlandscape.org, Southern Living