The State of U.S. Lawns — Survey Analysis 2025

Overview and Methodology

In 2025, a comprehensive survey of 803 U.S. lawn owners was conducted by Golf Course Lawn to uncover trends in lawn care habits, challenges, and preferences. Respondents ranged from casual homeowners to avid “lawn enthusiasts,” representing all major regions (South, West, Midwest, Northeast). 

The findings below summarize the combined results, providing a detailed snapshot of how Americans care for their lawns and what they struggle with most.

(Note: Percentages are based on total respondents. Multiple-answer questions can sum to >100%.)

Key Takeaways

• 65% of U.S. homeowners say weeds are their biggest challenge.
  

• Western homeowners cite drought and water bans as their top issue.
  

• Lawn care isn’t cheap — 58% spend under $500 annually, about 42% spend more than $500, and 1 in 6 spend over $1,000.
  

• Nearly 50% of respondents maintain their lawn for personal enjoyment or as a relaxing hobby.
  

• Lawn care tasks — 92% of Americans do it themselves.
  
  

Common Lawn Problems and Regional Challenges

Top Lawn Issues: Most homeowners report dealing with multiple lawn problems. The most common issues (multi-select) were:

• Weeds — 65% cite weed infestations as a major problem. Unwanted weeds are by far the #1 headache in lawns nationwide.
  

• Insects/Pests — 40% have trouble with lawn pests like moles, insects, or grubs.
  

• Diseases — 30% battle lawn diseases (fungus, snow mold, etc.). This was especially noted in warm, humid climates.
  

• Watering/Drought — 30% struggle with drought stress or watering restrictions. Dry conditions and watering bans are a significant issue in many areas.
  

• Soil Compaction — 25% say compacted soil hinders their lawn’s health (leading to poor drainage and root growth).
  

• Shade — 20% have difficulty growing grass in heavy shade. Trees and buildings create thin or bare patches for these respondents.
  

• Pet Damage — 15% report “dog spots” or other pet-related lawn damage as a persistent problem.
  

• Product Uncertainty — 12% are “not sure what lawn care products to use,” indicating confusion about choosing the right fertilizers or treatments.
  
  

Regional Differences 

Lawn challenges vary significantly by region. In the Western U.S., water scarcity is the dominant concern — over half of Western homeowners cite drought and water restrictions as a unique challenge, far more than in other regions. The South has its own struggles: over 50% of Southern respondents deal with poor soil (clay or sandy soil), a much higher rate than elsewhere, and many in the South also experience heavy rainfall and drainage issues (particularly in Gulf Coast states). 

Meanwhile, cold climate issues loom large in the North: nearly half of Midwestern lawn owners and over one-third of Northeasterners report harsh winter conditions (freezing temperatures, ice) as a key lawn challenge — a concern that is almost nonexistent in the deep South. Coastal homeowners (e.g.’ Florida) face salt exposure in seaside lawns or other coastal stresses, though this affects only 5% overall. Issues with wildlife (deer, gophers, etc.) were noted across regions (around 10–15% in most areas), slightly lower in suburban Southern areas. Finally, invasive plants are a widespread problem everywhere — roughly 30–45% of homeowners in each region report invasive weeds or aggressive foreign grasses encroaching on their lawns.

Grass Types Across the U.S.

American lawns feature a variety of turfgrass types, largely determined by climate zone. Overall, warm-season grasses (like Bermuda and Zoysia) and cool-season grasses (like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass) are almost equally represented in our sample. 

The single most common lawn grass was Bermuda grass, which was present (either alone or in a mix) in about 30% of lawns nationwide. Bermuda is a hardy warm-season grass and is the dominant choice in the southern tier of the country — for example, a typical Georgia lawn grows Bermuda or Zoysia. 

Zoysia was the next most common warm-season grass (20% of lawns), also heavily concentrated in the South. St. Augustine grass and Centipede grass are popular in the warm, humid Southeast (e.g., Florida, Gulf Coast states), accounting for 10% of lawns nationally.

Among cool-season grasses, tall fescue (and similar turf-type fescues) were reported by a large share of respondents (25%). Fescue is prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic, lower Midwest, and transition zones. Kentucky bluegrass (often in mix with perennial ryegrass) was the choice for many northern lawns (15% overall) — for instance, an Illinois homeowner might maintain a Kentucky bluegrass lawn in that climate. Perennial ryegrass was noted in some mixes as well, especially in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.

Notably, about 10% of respondents were “unsure” of their grass type – typically those who are less involved in lawn care or inherited a mixed lawn. A further 5% described having a mixed grass lawn (multiple species growing together). A few niche grass types appeared in isolated cases (e.g., bentgrass on a putting green, seashore paspalum on a coastal lawn), but these were very rare (<1%). Overall, the survey confirms the strong north-south divide in grass selection: cool-season varieties dominate in colder climates, while warm-season grasses thrive in the South and warm coastal areas.

Lawn Care Knowledge and Confidence Levels

Lawn owners have varying self-assessed knowledge about lawn care. Only 8% considered themselves “Advanced” experts in lawn care. The majority (56%) rated their knowledge as “Intermediate,” meaning they know the basics but still have more to learn. About 30% identified as “Beginner” or novice, unfamiliar with many lawn care techniques. This spread in expertise correlates with confidence in making lawn care decisions.

When asked, “How confident are you in choosing the right lawn care products?,” about 19% of homeowners said they were very confident, typically the same group that identified as advanced. Over half (57%) are “somewhat confident,” indicating moderate assurance but some uncertainty. 

Meanwhile, roughly 20–25% have low confidence: 19% described themselves as “not very confident,” and an additional 4% admitted they feel “totally overwhelmed” by product choices. In fact, a number of beginners confessed that they find the wide array of fertilizers, sprays, and treatments confusing or intimidating. This underscores an educational gap — while many people manage basic upkeep, a significant segment is unsure about selecting and timing more specialized lawn products.

Encouragingly, the data show that as knowledge increases, so does confidence. Those with advanced know-how overwhelmingly feel secure in their decisions (e.g., an advanced user in Florida felt “very confident” in product selection), whereas beginners often lack confidence. This suggests continued demand for lawn care guidance: even experienced DIYers are “always learning” new techniques, as one enthusiast noted, and novices are actively seeking reliable information.

Lawn Maintenance Habits and Approaches

Time Spent on Lawn Care

Lawn owners were asked how frequently they work on their lawns (mowing, watering, and other maintenance). The most common answer was once per week – about half of respondents (roughly 50%) tend to their lawn weekly. Another 20% work on it 2–3 times per week, especially during peak growing season (this was more common among dedicated lawn enthusiasts). A small minority (4%) reported daily lawn work (these tend to be avid hobbyists or retirees treating lawn care as a daily routine). On the other end of the spectrum, about 14% maintain their lawn only “rarely — a few times a year.” The remaining 10% do it monthly or every few weeks. 

In summary, the typical American homeowner mows or tends the yard about once a week, with a sizable contingent doing more frequent upkeep, and a smaller group doing very minimal maintenance. 

Time investment often depends on season and climate – for instance, those in fast-growing grass regions (and those who prize a golf course look) mow multiple times a week, whereas others only intervene when the lawn starts looking untidy.

DIY vs Professional Care

We also asked “What lawn care methods do you use?” (check all that apply). The vast majority of respondents engage in DIY lawn care to some extent. Mowing and watering oneself was practically universal — over 90% indicated they personally mow or irrigate their lawn (at least occasionally). 

In addition, 75% of homeowners say they buy and use lawn care products (fertilizers, weed control, seed, etc.) from retail stores or online, handling applications themselves. A smaller share, about 15–20%, adhere strictly to a “mow and water only” regimen (doing no other treatments) — typically those who are content with a basic lawn and do minimal extra work.

About 22% of respondents hire a lawn care professional or service for some aspects of maintenance. This can range from regular full-service lawn contracts to occasional treatments. Notably, many homeowners use mixed approaches: for example, one homeowner might mow and fertilize on their own but hire a professional for complex tasks like tree spraying or heavy weed infestations. In fact, multi-method answers were common. For instance, some individuals both DIY and hire pros, and some practice organic-only methods (around 5% use exclusively natural/organic lawn techniques). 

A few respondents (3%) indicated they follow a specific lawn care program or schedule from an online source. Overall, DIY lawn care is the dominant approach, but roughly a quarter of lawn owners get outside help for certain jobs or due to lack of time.

Mower Types

The survey also looked at what type of lawn mower people use. The classic gas-powered rotary mower (walk-behind) remains the most popular choice — about 27% of people use a gas push mower as their primary mower. Interestingly, a significant segment (over 20%) now use reel mowers (the old-fashioned cylinder blades): 13% use a gas-powered or powered reel mower (common among enthusiasts seeking an ultra-low “golf green” cut), and another 8% use a manual push reel mower for an eco-friendly, quiet mowing experience. Electric mowers are also on the rise: about 13% of respondents have a battery or corded electric mower (reflecting the growing adoption of cordless electric yard equipment).

Ride-on mowers are employed by those with larger properties — roughly 25% of respondents use some form of riding mower. This includes traditional lawn/garden tractors and specialized zero-turn mowers (10% overall) for efficient mowing of large lawns. Riding mowers were especially common in the South and rural Midwest, where lot sizes tend to be bigger. A very small niche (1%) has robotic lawnmowers — these early adopters let an automated unit periodically mow the grass. 

Additionally, a handful of enthusiasts reported owning multiple mower types (for example, a rotary push mower and a zero-turn rider or a reel mower for the front lawn and a rotary for the back). In summary, while the standard gas push mower still leads, a sizable minority have transitioned to advanced mowing setups – whether high-precision reel mowers or time-saving riders and robots.

Lawn Size vs Mower Type

• Manual Push Reel Mowers: Popular with small and mid-sized lawns (especially 500–1,000 sq ft range).
  

• Gas Rotary Mowers: The most common overall, used by all lawn sizes but especially in the 1,000–5,000 sq ft range.
  

• Riding & Zero-Turn Mowers: Dominant among respondents with over 5,000 sq ft lawns — nearly half use ride-ons or zero-turns.
  

• Robotic Mowers: Still a niche, but 5 users with <500 sq ft lawns reported using one.

👉 Insight: As expected, larger lawns require more advanced, time-saving mowers, while smaller lawns support manual or electric rotary options.

Lawn Care Tools & Products Usage

Beyond mowers, the survey asked which lawn care tools/products people actively use (from a provided list of common items). Only about 8% of homeowners don’t use any of these tools — meaning 92% use at least one. The most widely used tools and lawn care products are:

• String trimmer (weed eater) — 60% use one for trimming grass.
  

• Leaf blower — 62% use a leaf blower for clearing leaves or debris. These two items (trimmers and blowers) are standard equipment for well over half of all lawn owners.
  

• Lawn edger — 50% use an edging tool to define borders along sidewalks and flower beds. Edgers are common for achieving a neat, manicured look.
  

• Sprinkler or irrigation system — 47% have an installed sprinkler system or regularly use sprinklers for watering. Many in dry climates consider irrigation essential.
  

• Broadcast spreader — 45% own a spreader (push or handheld) for evenly spreading fertilizer, seed, or lime.
  

• Backpack or handheld sprayer — 40% use a pump sprayer to apply liquid treatments (herbicides, insecticides, foliar fertilizers, etc.).

Treatment Products

Usage of lawn treatment products was also very high:

• Fertilizer: 66% apply lawn fertilizer (granular or liquid) at least once yearly — making it the most common lawn chemical used. Fertilizer use was nearly universal among avid lawn care folks (94% of the enthusiast subgroup).
  

• Weed control: Nearly half of respondents treat weeds with herbicides, with 45% use a pre-emergent herbicide (to prevent weeds from germinating each season), and 49% use post-emergent weed killers to spot-treat or spray existing weeds. These include products for crabgrass, dandelions, etc. Weed control is a routine practice for a large portion of homeowners seeking a uniform lawn.
  

• Fungicides: 33% have applied a fungicide to combat lawn diseases like brown patch or dollar spot. Fungicide use was higher in the warm, humid Southern states (where fungal diseases are more prevalent).
  

• Insect control: About 29% use pesticides/insecticides on their lawn — for example, treating for grubs, armyworms, fire ants, or other pests. This was more common in the South and Midwest (regions prone to lawn insect damage).
  

• Soil testing: 33% have used a soil test kit to analyze their soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Doing a DIY soil test is a relatively common step, especially among those striving to scientifically improve their lawn’s health.
  

• Biostimulants: 26% use biostimulants or soil conditioners (such as compost teas, humic acid, and seaweed extract) to enrich the soil biology. While still a minority, over a quarter of respondents using them shows growing interest in these organic supplements.
  

• Lawn aerator: 27% have performed lawn aeration (using a core aerator tool or service) to relieve soil compaction and improve root growth. Aeration was frequently mentioned by those on clay soils or those trying to rehabilitate poor lawns.
  

• Lawn leveling tools: 25% have used lawn leveling tools (such as leveling rakes or drag mats) to fix bumpy areas and low spots. This practice, once quite niche, has gained traction thanks to online lawn care communities advocating for smooth, even turfs.

The data shows that even casual lawn owners use a variety of lawn care products. The typical homeowner is armed with a mower, trimmer, blower, and likely a spreader. They regularly apply fertilizer and basic weed control, forming a solid foundation of lawn maintenance practices across the country.

Annual Lawn Care Spending

Lawn care is a significant expense for many households. The survey asked how much people spend per year on lawn care (including DIY products and any professional services). The responses ranged from near-zero to well over a thousand dollars. The median annual expenditure falls in the $250–$500 range. 

In fact, about a quarter of homeowners (26%) reported spending between $250 and $500 in a typical year. Another 18% spend $100–$250 per year, and 14% spend less than $100 — these are generally the minimalists who do very little beyond mowing (some in this group said they spend $0 on products) or those with very small yards.

On the higher end, a sizable segment invests quite a lot in their lawns. About 25% of respondents spend $500–$1,000 annually on lawn care, and an additional 17% spend over $1,000 annually. In other words, roughly 42% of lawn owners spend at least $500 each year, indicating a commitment to regular professional services or substantial DIY purchases. 

The enthusiasts skew heavily toward the upper brackets: it was common for dedicated lawn hobbyists to report spending in the four figures (for example, buying premium fertilizers, multiple herbicide products, soil amendments, new equipment, etc., can easily exceed $1,000). By contrast, those who hire basic mow-and-go services might also land in the $1k+ range annually.

Overall, most homeowners (58%) spend under $500 a year on their lawn, but a significant minority (2 in 5) spend more than $500, including roughly 1 in 6 who invest over $1,000 each year to achieve their desired lawn. This highlights a wide variance in lawn care intensity and budget. It’s also reflective of lawn size differences — larger properties naturally incur higher costs (more product, more labor), while small urban lawns can be maintained on a shoestring budget.

Regional Lawn Size Breakdown

Lawn sizes vary by region. Here's how it breaks down:

• South: Has the highest number of medium to large lawns. 83 respondents reported lawns between 500–1,000 sq ft, and 56 had 1,000–5,000 sq ft.
  

• Midwest: Also shows a high concentration of medium lawns (1,000–5,000 sq ft = 39).
  

• Northeast: Shows a more even spread but slightly more compact lawns with higher representation in the 500–1,000 sq ft and <500 sq ft ranges.
  

• West: Fewer large lawns; lawns in this region are notably smaller, likely due to urban density and water scarcity.

Lawn Size vs Annual Spend

• Larger Lawns (Over 5,000 sq ft): 30% of these respondents spend over $500/year, with 7% spending more than $1,000.
  

• Small Lawns (<500 sq ft): 39% spend less than $100/year, and very few exceed $500.
  

• Medium Lawns (500–1,000 sq ft): The most common spending bracket is $250–$500 (48 respondents), but 30 spend $500–$1,000.

👉 Insight: Bigger lawns = bigger budgets. Over 40% of large lawn owners spend at least $500 annually.

Motivations: Why Maintain a Lawn?

What drives people to put in all this effort and expense on their grass? The survey asked homeowners to choose their primary reason for maintaining a lawn. The answers reveal a mix of aesthetic, practical, and personal motivations:

• Personal enjoyment and hobby: The largest share of respondents (nearly half) cited personal satisfaction as the main reason. About 31% said, “I enjoy it, it’s relaxing and rewarding” to work on their lawn, and another 17% characterized lawn care as their hobby or passion. These individuals genuinely take pleasure in the process of lawn maintenance (mowing, gardening, improving the grass) and often treat it as a form of exercise or therapeutic outdoor activity. As one respondent put it, “Lawn care is my hobby — I’m a lawn enthusiast. For these folks, the lawn is not just grass, it’s a gratifying project.
  

• Curb appeal and beauty: The next largest group (about 28%) maintain their lawns primarily for curb appeal, keeping the home’s appearance attractive. They want a neat, green lawn to enhance their property’s look (and, in some cases, its value). Several respondents explicitly mentioned home resale value as a motivation (around 3% chose “to increase property value” as the main reason), which is closely tied to curb appeal. In essence, roughly one in three homeowners see a well-kept lawn as an asset that makes their house and neighborhood look better.
  

• Family and pets: About 8% of respondents said their main reason is to have a safe, usable space for their children or pets. Families with kids often want a nice lawn for play and recreation. Pet owners, similarly, value having grass for their dogs to run on (despite the challenges pets might pose to the lawn). This motivation was particularly noted among younger homeowners and those in suburban areas. (Many others listed kids or pets as a secondary reason, even if they are not the top choice.)
  

• Social/Neighborhood expectations: A smaller segment (7%) maintain their lawn chiefly due to neighborhood standards or HOA rules. These people might not personally care much for yard work, but they do it to comply with local expectations – for example, avoiding conflict with a homeowners’ association or matching the general upkeep level of the community. “Neighborhood expectations/HOA” was explicitly chosen by some respondents as their motivator, implying external pressure rather than internal desire.
  

• “I don’t really care”: Interestingly, about 6% of those surveyed said they don’t particularly care about their lawn at all. They maintain it minimally, or not at all, simply because they have to. For them, the lawn is low priority — they might mow only to avoid fines or complaints. (In the survey, “I don’t really care about my lawn” was an option selected by a notable minority. This group correlates with those who invest very little time and money; indeed, some of them choose “outsourcing” or do the bare minimum just to keep the grass from becoming overgrown.

In summary, personal pride and enjoyment in one’s lawn (the lawn as a rewarding hobby or relaxing pastime) emerged as the top overall driver, followed closely by appearance and curb appeal. Practical uses (play space for kids/pets) and civic expectations were important, but for a smaller share. It’s clear that for many Americans, lawn care is more than a chore — it’s a source of pleasure and a reflection of pride in homeownership. On the other hand, a non-trivial contingent views lawn upkeep as purely cosmetic or obligatory, something they do mainly for others or not at all.

Barriers to Lawn Perfection

Finally, the survey explored what prevents people from having the lawn they truly want. In other words, why isn’t every lawn as lush and green as the owner would like? Respondents could select multiple barriers. The results show several common obstacles:

• Time: The most frequently cited barrier is lack of time. About 34% of homeowners said “not enough time” keeps them from improving their lawns. Busy work schedules, family commitments, and other priorities often leave little time for lawn chores. Many people wish they could mow more often, water more, or tackle projects but simply can’t fit it in. Time constraints were the #1 hurdle across virtually all demographics.
  

• Money: The next big barrier is budget. 31% indicated that budget constraints limit their lawn care. This includes the cost of lawn services, as well as the cumulative cost of supplies (seed, fertilizer, equipment, water, etc.). Lawn care can become expensive, and not everyone can justify hundreds of dollars for a greener yard. Some respondents explicitly mentioned putting off improvements like installing irrigation or re-sodding due to the cost involved.
  

• Knowledge: Lack of know-how is another significant factor. About 26% feel they don’t have enough knowledge or expertise to achieve the lawn they want. They might not know the proper treatments to apply, the correct schedule, or how to combat certain problems. This aligns with the earlier finding that many are not fully confident in choosing products. Essentially, these homeowners have the motivation but are held back by uncertainty about what to do (for example, one person wrote, “Not sure if I’m using the right products” as a barrier). This represents an educational opportunity, with better guidance; this group could likely make big gains in their lawn quality.
  

• Soil/Environmental Conditions: About 21% blamed bad soil or environmental issues for hampering their lawn. These are things somewhat out of the homeowner’s immediate control — e.g., poor soil quality, difficult climate, too much shade, chronic drainage problems, or other site conditions. For instance, someone on very rocky or clay soil may find it hard to get grass to grow thick without addressing soil structure. Others mentioned issues like heavy shade from trees or local pest pressures that make a perfect lawn very difficult. “Bad soil or environmental issues” was a common checkbox, often paired with other barriers.
  

• Local restrictions: A smaller portion, around 7%, pointed to local restrictions such as HOA rules, water usage bans, or city ordinances that prevent them from doing what they’d like. For example, strict watering restrictions in drought-prone areas can limit lawn irrigation, or an HOA might forbid the removal of trees that cause heavy shade. These external constraints, while not universal, are a frustration for those affected.
  

• Nothing — I’m satisfied: Interestingly, nearly 23% of respondents said, “I’m already happy with my lawn — nothing is preventing me.” In other words, about one in four feel they already have the lawn they want (or have no strong desire to improve it further). This answer was especially common among the enthusiast group who have achieved very high-quality lawns, as well as some more casual homeowners who are content with a basic green yard. For these individuals, any remaining improvements are marginal – they’ve reached an acceptable equilibrium. “I’m already happy with my lawn” was a notable response in the data, showing that a good fraction of people have met their personal lawn goals.
  

For those who are striving for more, the dominant roadblocks come down to time, money, and knowledge — the classic resources needed for any hobby. Many respondents share the sentiment that if they had more free time (and/or a bigger budget), they could do wonders with their lawns. Some also face genuine environmental handicaps that make perfection tough in their locale. Overall, these insights help explain why not every lawn is picture-perfect: even among motivated lawn lovers, real life often gets in the way.

Conclusion

This nationwide lawn care survey reveals the complex picture of American lawn care in 2025. Lawn owners across the country are putting significant effort and resources into their yards — a majority enjoy the process and take pride in a well-kept lawn, investing hundreds of dollars annually and adopting a wide array of tools and products. 

Weeds, pests, and weather extremes emerge as universal challenges, though the specific problems vary by region (from Southern clay soils to Western droughts and Northern winters). Most people are mowing weekly and tending their grass actively, yet many still feel they lack the time or know-how to reach the next level of lawn perfection.

On the bright side, a substantial share has achieved lawns they’re satisfied with, and others are on their way, propelled by a passion for the hobby. The data suggests a trend toward more advanced DIY lawn care — evidenced by the uptake of soil testing, reel mowing, battery equipment, and specialized treatments among enthusiasts — even as many average homeowners stick with the basics. There is also a clear opportunity for education and smarter solutions to help the less confident segment of lawn owners. Better guidance on product selection, time-saving tools, or affordable services could address the key barriers (knowledge, time, budget) that many face.

In summary, the American lawn remains an important source of enjoyment, curb appeal, and personal pride for millions. This comprehensive look at lawn care practices and preferences in 2025 showcases both the dedication of lawn care devotees and the common constraints that temper the pursuit of a perfect lawn. Armed with these insights, homeowners and lawn care professionals can better understand the needs — and the pain points — of maintaining that patch of green in front of our homes.

Sources: Results are based on a 2025 survey of 803 U.S. lawn owners (general population and Golf Course Lawn customers).