May 13, 2014

Survey: Consumers Making Eco-Friendly Plant Decisions in ’14Source: Houzz.com

Houzz.com’s 2014 Spring Houzz Landscaping Survey recently revealed that the majority of homeowners are making more and more eco-friendly choices for their yard this year.

The 2014 survey included responses from more than 4,500 Houzz.com users who were in the midst of, or planning, a landscape update.

The survey results show that native plants have become hugely popular among homeowners with 92 percent choosing plants that are native to their region. While many are motivated by benefiting the environment (49 percent), nearly seven in ten are looking to reduce maintenance (67 percent).

Edibles continue to gain momentum with 70 percent of respondents growing edibles for the first time. Herbs are the most popular (73 percent), then vegetables (70 percent) and finally fruit trees (51 percent).

The survey found that 56 percent of homeowners are making updates to improve their yards for entertaining and 55 percent to solve issues including flooding (41 percent), sun exposure (25 percent) and privacy (23 percent). After a dry winter in the West, nearly one third of homeowners in that region are solving for water shortage (30 percent).

“Smart landscape design can solve real problems that affect a yard or home, from privacy and shade to water use and nighttime safety,” said Liza Hausman, VP of Community for Houzz. “A professional landscape designer or contractor can often provide the best solutions to these problems and turn your yard into a space you can enjoy for years.”

To see the full Spring Houzz Landscaping Trends Study, go to http://info.houzz.com/rs/houzz/images/HouzzLandscapingStudy.pdf.