Household and block level influences on residential fertilizer use

•Households that fertilize intensely (top 20%) contribute 56% of N applied to lawns.•Over-application of fertilizer relative to professional or package guidelines is rare.•Living near others who value a green lawn is associated with a higher rate of fertilizer use.•Intensive fertilizers tend to have lower property values than others on their block.•Concern for the environment is associated with less intensive fertilizer use.