Consumers Preferences for Plant Size, Type of Plant Material and Design Sophistication in Residential Landscaping

Abstract

How much value do consumers place on a good landscape? Self-selected attendees to a Detroit, MI, flower show indicated that plant size was the most important factor in the perceived value of a landscape. Holding other factors equal, increasing from the smallest size plant generally available for installation to the largest size defined in our study increased perceived home value by 5.0%. Design sophistication was almost as important as size. Holding other factors equal, upgrading from a traditional foundation planting to a sophisticated design that incorporated multiple bed and curved bedlines increased perceived home value by 4.5%. The type of plant material used was the least important. The relative importance of plant material selection as a factor contributing value added to the home by the landscape was almost half that of plant size and over 40% less than design sophistication. The conjoint model produced from 158 survey responses predicted that from the least valued landscape to the most valued landscape the perceived value of the home increased 12.7%.

Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States

“…A study was conducted in 1999 regarding consumer perspectives on the value of the components in a "good" landscape and which attributes of a landscape that consumers valued most (Hardy et al 2000). Using conjoint design, 1323 volunteer participants in seven states viewed 16 photographs that depicted the front of a landscaped residence.…”

Does the Use of Perennials in Flower Beds Necessarily Imply Sustainability?

“…The conventional approach to flower bed design usually results in annuals and biennials being planted. The reason for the increased use of seasonal flowering species is that they bloom profusely, have a long flowering period and are characterized by lush colors that have a positive effect on people [ 22 , 23 ]. The choice of flower species is often restricted by a limited palette of plants arranged in groups and/or in a repetitive order, usually with only one species planted [ 24 ].…”

Relating Knowledge and Perception of Sustainable Landscape Practices to the Adoption Intention of Environmentally Friendly Landscapes

“…Previous residential landscape preference studies have investigated plant materials selection, visual quality, maintenance, and environmental benefits [10,11,[13][14][15][16]. Landscape preferences have been linked with perceptions of value added aspects of sustainable landscapes [15,[17][18][19][20][21][22].…”