Equipment sellers will enjoy some growth in the government market for powered lawn and garden equipment through 2011, says the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland, Ohio-based market research firm.

Demand for power lawn and garden equipment in the government and institutional market is forecast to increase 3.4 percent per year to $580 million in 2011--up from $490 million in 2006. By 2016, governments and institutions will be spending $650 million annually for the machinery. Growth will be aided by continued increases in the construction of various institutional buildings, where the installation of new lawns and gardens is typically a part of new construction.

What’s more, the new buildings will provide lawn and garden maintenance opportunities in the long term. Government and institutional markets for lawn and garden supplies include all types of government properties, military bases, schools, churches, parks, hospitals, prisons and roadsides.

Government agencies purchase a wide range of landscaping equipment. Products they buy include hydraulically powered riding mowers and tractors, including boom-mounted mowers and zero turning radius mowers; and replacement parts and attachments. Governments also use chipper/shredders and leaf blowers.

Go to www.freedoniagroup.com for ordering information on Freedonia’s “Power Lawn & Garden Equipment to 2011” report, as well as other Freedonia market studies.