After peaking in 2003 and 2004 when growth rates were cruising at between 4% and 5%, the U.S. lawn and garden market virtually stagnated in 2006 at roughly $24 billion in sales.

According to the 2007 edition of Lawn and Garden Products in the U.S., a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts, growth rates are wilting with sales only expected to reach $25.7 billion by 2011.

While lawn and garden sales are considered to be at record levels, challenges to future growth threaten the market. The end of the housing boom for the foreseeable future removes a major market stimulus, while an economy verging on recession, inexorably rising oil prices, deterioration of normal weather patterns, and stricter regulations are all wreaking havoc on consumers' ability to maintain and upgrade their lawns and gardens.

One bright spot has sprouted up, however, as consumers are embracing alternative lawn and garden concepts and organics products. Packaged Facts estimates that the organic niche has risen at double-digit rates-in the range of 12% to 14%-over the last five years. In 2006, organic L&G supplies sales are estimated at $360 million, or 6% of the L&G supplies category.

"The entire landscape of the U.S. lawn and garden environment is changing rapidly as both consumer attitudes and EPA regulations shift towards a more eco-friendly market," notes Tatjana Meerman, the Managing Editor of Packaged Facts. "Nevertheless, the need to keep up property values through lawn care and landscaping will continue to drive growth, albeit minimal, in this market."