This report provides a detailed analysis of the lawn and garden power tool market, including Mintel’s unique consumer data. Mintel also features a close look at what the future holds for the market, including the effect of “green” living, increasing fuel emission standards, population growth impact, and rising disposable personal income in the U.S. Specifically, this report features in-depth analysis of:

The many factors that affect the state of the market, including home sales, as well as population, media, and outdoor living trends

Innovations and design trends taking place among manufacturers

The ever-fluctuating level of unit shipments of outdoor power tools, as reported by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

Supply chain activity, including mergers, acquisitions, and company spin-offs that continue to consolidate the supply side of the market

Advertising and promotional trends taking place in the marketing of these machines

The leading retailers of lawn and garden power equipment and their activities relative to the market

Ownership of these tools among respondents to Mintel’s exclusive, unique consumer survey, as well as the attitudes and preferences of these respondents, including specific cohorts called Casual Gardeners, Lawn and Garden Care Enthusiasts, and Eco-Gardeners, as well as analysis of ethnic responses to Mintel’s survey

The $8.9 billion lawn and garden power tools market has been declining since 2004. The primary reason for the loss is the sinking housing market. However, the housing market continues to be the driving force behind sales of these machines. Market and consumer analysis is necessary to adapt to the changing profiles and preferences of U.S. homeowners.

Bolstering the market during this period of decline are several factors, including the growing male population, who happen to be the primary users of this equipment; increasing disposable personal income in the U.S., particularly among ethnicities; the ongoing trend toward outdoor living and entertaining; and media influence in the form of myriad gardening and home improvement cable programming and magazines. Other factors, such as the shift away from do-it-yourself and towards professional services, as well as regional and weather considerations, tend to be less impacting but nonetheless help shape a dynamic market.

The lawn and garden power tool market is also known OPE (outdoor power equipment). Included in the scope of this report are:

Walk-behind mowers

Riding mowers

Lawn/garden tractors

Snow throwers

Trimmers

Chain saws

Leaf blowers

This equipment may be powered by gasoline engines or by electricity, for which both corded and cordless models are available.

Excluded are all other gardening products, such as growing stock (plants, bulbs, etc.), garden chemicals and growing media (such as compost, fertilizer, etc.), and non-powered hand tools and irrigation equipment. For more information about these segments of the lawn and garden market, see Mintel’s Lawn & Garden Products and Services—U.S., July 2007 report.