New Survey Unveils the Truth Behind Lawn Care Maintenance Habits

Being a homeowner brings its own set of responsibilities, and for many Americans that includes lawn maintenance. From cities, to suburbs, the landscape of American lawn care is vast and unique, with diverse challenges, motivations, and regional differences. The common thread is the desire to have a well-maintained lawn that can be achieved without too much time or money spent. 

Understanding the needs of an individual lawn is the key, yet our survey of 1,028 homeowners on their lawn care habits, shows there is still a lot to learn.

1 in 4 Americans Are Not Confident In Their Lawn Care - Here’s The Top Challenges

Americans face many different challenges when maintaining their lawns. A staggering 43% battle weeds, while 36% feel as though they don’t have enough time to devote to their lawn. Another 32% deal with grass dying or browning, and 25% grapple with the demands of preserving gardens and landscaping. To top it off, 21% find disposing of pet waste to be their biggest challenge. 

These lawn challenges cause 25% of Americans to lack confidence in their ability to uphold their lawns. When asked about future investments, 27% plan to spend more, 69% intend to maintain their current spending, and 4% anticipate spending less on lawn care in 2024. 

25% of Americans feel happy about lawn care and 20% feel motivated, but 15% are exhausted, 14% are frustrated, and 11% are drained by it.

It doesn’t help that 58% of Americans don’t know the best direction to mow their lawns and 47% don’t know that it’s best to water their lawn in the morning.

Here’s Who Cares The Most About Their Lawns

Shedding a light on regional differences in the pursuit of well-groomed lawns across the nation, 3 of the top 10 states with the highest average monthly expenditure are in the Mid-Atlantic and another 3 are in the Mountain region. Topping the list is Wyoming, with an average monthly spend of $273, followed closely by South Dakota at $175, and New Jersey at $128. The trend continues with Vermont ($113), Iowa ($108), South Hawaii ($100), Rhode Island ($80), Wisconsin ($74), Georgia ($71), and Massachusetts ($68). 

In terms of the generational divide, millennials spend the most on average dedicating a substantial $701 monthly to lawn care. Gen X follows with $626, Baby Boomers invest $475, while Gen Z only puts in a modest $101 monthly.

Homeowners Share Their Biggest Motivators For Lawn Upkeep

The cost breakdown reveals that homeowners with over a decade of property ownership invest significantly, with a monthly spending of $721, while those in the 4-6 year range spend $612 monthly. Those who've owned homes for 1-3 years allocate $405 monthly, 7-9 year homeowners spend $169, and those under a year spend $142 monthly on lawn care maintenance.

The top motivation driving Americans to continue with lawn upkeep is the satisfaction derived from having a well-maintained lawn that looks good, followed by enjoying hands-on yard work. Other strong motivators include the desire to preserve or enhance property value, wanting to avoid judgment from neighbors, and desiring a space their kids can enjoy.

Do You Know What Type Of Grass You Have? Over Half of Americans Don't!

Caring for your lawn is crucial, and knowing your grass type is key. Variations in climate, sun exposure, and shade affect grass types differently and each type will have specific care and maintenance requirements, including foot traffic absorption levels. 

Shockingly, 58% of Americans are in the dark about their grass type, whether it’s Bermuda or St. Augustine or any other common type.

Understanding your grass type ensures your lawn gets the tailored care it deserves for a lush and healthy look.

Guide to Lawn Care For New Homeowners

Homeownership comes with the responsibility of caring for your lawn. This beginner’s guide gives the essential steps ensuring your green space thrives with personalized attention and understanding.

1. Identify Grass Type: Begin by determining the type of grass in your yard. Common varieties include Bermuda, St. Augustine, Bluegrass, Fescue, and Bahia.
   
2. Consider Your Climate: Understand your area and the amount of sunlight your yard receives as this will inform your watering and maintenance schedules.
   
3. Address Shade and Sun Zones: Map out the shady and sunny areas in your yard. Some grass types prefer shade, while others thrive in sunlight. Adjust your planting and care strategies accordingly.
   
4. Regular Mowing Practices: Maintain a regular mowing routine, adjusting the height based on your grass type. Generally, keeping the grass height between 2.5 to 4 inches promotes a healthier lawn. It’s also important to learn best mowing practices based on the season.
   
5. Water Wisely: Water your lawn in the morning and water it deeply and less frequently to encourage root growth. Adjust watering schedules based on your grass type and local weather conditions.
   
6. Fertilize According to Grass Needs: Different grass breeds have distinct nutrient requirements. Choose fertilizers that cater to your grass type and apply them at the recommended intervals.
   
7. Foot Traffic Considerations: Be mindful of foot traffic on your lawn. Some grass types handle heavy use better than others. Adjust your care routine based on your lawn's absorption levels.
   
8. Look Into Lawn Care Companies: If needed, research and consider professional lawn care services that understand the requirements of your specific grass type.
   
9. Stay Up-To-Date: Keep up with the latest lawn care practices and tips to help you adapt your routine.
   

American lawn care is incredibly diverse, reflecting a range of challenges and motivations that shape each household’s individual experiences. Whether it's differences in spending habits across regions or varying approaches between generations, the desire for a beautiful, healthy lawn is universal. While some find joy in caring for their lawns, others struggle with confidence and knowledge gaps. Ultimately, the most important part of the world of lawn care is understanding and meeting the specific needs of each individual lawn so that it can thrive and flourish.

Methodology

We surveyed over 1,000 homeowners in the United States to determine just how much people care about their lawn care.

Fair Use Statement

Now that you know all about America's lawn care confessions, feel free to share the information! All we ask is that you credit Tractor Supply for the data and link back to this study page.