Consumer Reports magazine released its second annual lawn care poll in the May issue. Results showed 43% of adults planned to spend more time in their yards this summer compared to last year. Only 5% plan on less. About 35% vow to put more effort into yard maintenance this year compared to last. Of that 35%, 59% say the extra effort is for entertaining guests and 33% just want their landscapes to look better.

Peter Sawchuk, project leader at CU, says average homeowners should be prepared to dedicate an average of 6½ hours per week to keep up a good yard. Knowing the best management practices (BMPs) will ensure a good payoff for this effort.

A figure of 36% of homeowners surveyed planned to use professional lawn care services for all or some of the work (22% maintenance, 18% fertilizing, 17% tree and shrub care and 17% seasonal yard clean up).

Other poll findings include:

• 75% of those who mow are males
• 74% of renters must provide for mowing
• 52% actively control yard pests
• 47% try to recycle rainwater for irrigation
• 40% use organic pest control
• 32% never change the mower’s air filter
• 27% never sharpen the mower blades
• 23% have been injured while using riding equipment.

For the AgCenter’s best management practices, see Publication 2940 Louisiana Lawns BMPs.