Landscape Aesthetics and Maintenance Perceptions: Assessing the Relationship between Homeowners' Visual Attention and Landscape Care Knowledge

Residential landscape design choices can be used to reduce inputs (e.g. fertilizer, irrigation, etc.) to landscapes which may negatively impact the environment. However, homeowners' opinions of low input landscapes are highly variable and frequently rely on aesthetic and maintenance perceptions. Understanding how consumers view low input landscapes is an important component when developing policies to encourage installation of more environmentally friendly options. The purpose of this study was to quantify homeowners' perceptions of and visual attention to different landscape designs. Specifically, participants (n = 133) were asked to evaluate 8 Florida-Friendly Landscapes for curb appeal and maintenance requirements. While evaluating the landscapes, participants' eye movements were recorded. Ordered logic models tested how landscape composition, consumer knowledge, and visual attention influenced their perceptions. Overall, visual appeal was highest for heterogeneous landscapes (i.e. incorporating both turfgrass and plants) and lowest for homogenous landscapes (i.e. primarily composed of turfgrass or plants). Homeowners with more knowledge about landscape care viewed the landscapes as more visually appealing and requiring less maintenance than participants with less knowledge. Greater visual attention was positively correlated with increased visual appeal and maintenance ratings. Overall, results imply that landscape ordinances that allow flexibility in incorporation of both turfgrass and ornamental plants optimizes visual appeal of landscape options and attract homeowners. Furthermore, emphasizing the reduced maintenance requirements of low input landscapes could encourage homeowner adoption.