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Abstract
A choice experiment with real products was used to investigate consumer willingness to pay
(WTP) for several low-input attributes of turfgrasses. The choice scenarios consisted of
turfgrass plots, which varied in aesthetic quality characteristics and were labeled with differing
levels of maintenance requirements (irrigation, fertilizer, etc.), shade adaptation, origin,
and price. A mixed logit model was used to analyze the choice data and estimate consumer
WTP. Our results suggest that low-input maintenance attributes significantly influence consumer
choice behavior and identify a strong consumer preference for reduced irrigation and mowing
requirements. The introduction of low-input turfgrasses could be a viable strategy for reducing
the maintenance inputs and costs for residential lawn care.