Why “Feed the Lawn”? Exploring the Influences on Residential Turf Grass Fertilization in the Minneapolis−Saint Paul Metropolitan Area

We contribute to scholarly understanding of lawn fertilization behavior by formulating and testing models of fertilization and fertilization frequency that incorporate a wide range of human and structural influences. Specifically, we explore the impact of (a) structural/environmental aspects, (b) sociodemographics, and (c) attitudes and beliefs (informal norms, knowledge, environmental concerns, yard motivations, perceived ability regarding fertilization practices). We use survey data from a sample of 942 residents within the Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area. Our results indicate that fertilization is not driven by one overriding factor but by a combination of factors. Specifically, we show significant effects from a range of structural aspects (lot size, location, use of a professional lawn service), sociodemographics (home value), norms (perceived neighbor effects), knowledge (perceived positive/negative aspects of fertilization), and perceived ability. We also explore the urban/suburban divide and show higher fertilization stemming from suburban households. 1University of Minnesota, St Paul, USA Corresponding Author: Nicholas F. Martini, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, 115 Green Hall, 1530 Cleveland Ave. N., St Paul, MN 55108, USA. Email: [email protected] 492418 EABXXX10.1177/0013916513492418Environment and BehaviorMartini et al. research-article2013 at Serials Records, University of Minnesota Libraries on July 3, 2013 eab.sagepub.com Downloaded from 2 Environment and Behavior XX(X)