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Relating Knowledge and Perception of Sustainable Landscape Practices to the Adoption Intention of Environmentally Friendly Landscapes

Author

Listed:
  • Xumin Zhang

    (Business Programs, Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA)

  • Hayk Khachatryan

    (Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Food and Resource Economics Department, University of Florida, Apopka, FL 32703, USA)

  • Melinda Knuth

    (Department of Horticulture Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA)

Abstract

The influence of traditional residential landscapes on humans and the environment has provoked a discussion on maintaining landscapes in a sustainable way and conserving water resources. Traditional American landscapes require water-intensive management. Previous research has discussed potential negative impacts on the environment from prevalent improper landscaping maintenance techniques. To mitigate long-term consequences, sustainable landscape management programs aim at protecting the environment from harmful inputs and conserving water. Among alternative practices, converting fully turfgrass lawns to sustainable landscapes is recommended. The Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL TM ) initiative is one such program designed to minimize negative impacts while maintaining and improving landscapes’ aesthetic characteristics. Although technological advancements in lawn care services have rapidly developed in the past few decades (e.g., smart irrigation systems), the level of homeowners’ knowledge and perceptions regarding sustainable practices are still at the forefront of potential factors that influence the widespread adoption of sustainable lawn management. Relatively few studies have investigated how homeowners’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainable landscapes affect adoption decisions. This study adapted Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as a framework to examine how individuals’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainable landscapes influence their adoption intention, and to predict their pro-environmental behavior. We found that homeowners’ knowledge about lawns and landscapes (more knowledgeable) is positively correlated with their sustainable landscape adoption intention. Additionally, homeowners’ perceptions of landscape conservation practices (more agreeable with sustainable landscape practices) are positively correlated with sustainable landscape adoption intentions. The implications for policymakers and water conservation programs are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Xumin Zhang & Hayk Khachatryan & Melinda Knuth, 2021. "Relating Knowledge and Perception of Sustainable Landscape Practices to the Adoption Intention of Environmentally Friendly Landscapes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:14070-:d:706865
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Khachatryan, Hayk & Rihn, Alicia & Hansen, Gail & Clem, Taylor, 2020. "Landscape Aesthetics and Maintenance Perceptions: Assessing the Relationship between Homeowners’ Visual Attention and Landscape Care Knowledge," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Xumin Zhang & Hayk Khachatryan, 2023. "Does the Perceived Effectiveness of Voluntary Conservation Programs Affect Household Adoption of Sustainable Landscaping Practices?," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-17, July.

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