The new research reported by the 2017 U.S. Houzz Landscape Trends Study was on target for our industry and we would like to present some highlights here.
The results of the research survey come from approximately 1000 American homeowners who have completed outdoor projects in the last year, who are currently in the middle of a landscaping project, or who plan to do it soon. These landscape designs are upgrades or updates of the current homeowner's exterior spaces, with the typical goal to make the space their own.
How much do people spend? The majority of the respondents (23 percent) spent between $1000-$5000. Complete overhauls or major luxury landscaping were not a rare occurrence: 15 percent of the projects were over $50,000 in budget. Bottom line: Spending money on improving landscaping is considered worth the expense.
Where are the landscape projects? We know that landscaping is known to increase curb appeal exponentially, yet 69 percent of the landscaping jobs were completed in the backyard of the home. 44 percent were the front yard, and 32 percent were side yards. (Keep in mind some projects were in multiple locations.) Bottom line: We care the most about our living and entertaining spaces.
What needs are being addressed with landscaping? The number one issues that landscape design and installation were focused on were "drainage" and/or "poor use of space". This was followed by "lack of privacy". If curb appeal were the main goal of the landscaping work, the most important feature was flower beds/borders by a wide margin. Bottom line: Landscaping equals functionality.
How long does the project take? It is important to remember that unforeseen problems such as extreme weather (especially in Florida) can upset project schedules. But these were the averages for three different levels of landscaping work:
Minor project: 3 months of planning/3 months of implementation
Major project: 5 months of planning/4 months of implementation
Complete overhaul: 6 months of planning/6 months of implementation
What plants are the most popular? For the past several years of studying these statistics, the top answer to this question is "low-maintenance", followed by "flowering". (Pictured at top is the stunning camellia variety, "Pink Perfection", which grows well in North Florida landscape designs.) Bottom line: Combine color with waterwise hardiness.
Ultimately, 73 percent of landscape projects are completed by a professional landscaper such as GreenFlex Landscaping. Although, of those homeowners who are currently in the planning stage of their landscape job, only 63 percent plan to hire a professional.
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