Why consider landscaping?
So we’ve all heard that money doesn’t grow on trees, right? Well, technically, I guess, it doesn’t, but…have you ever considered how much more valuable good landscaping makes your property? Full disclosure: I love to garden. So, yes, I find gardening fulfulling in its own right. Plants can be expensive though, as can maintaining and caring for them. Furthermore, if you do not enjoy or have time to landscape your own property and pay someone else to do it, the cost can be significant. So why do it? Because not only will it (theoretically) increase your enjoyment of your home while you live there, but it will increase the value of your property if you sell it.
Why does landscaping increase property values?
The most obvious advantage to nice landscaping is simply that it is attractive. However, it has additional advantages. If you plant larger shrubs or trees, they provide privacy (very important to many people!) as well as noise reduction. From an environmental perspective, you can’t beat plants! Good for the soil, the air quality and ground water control. Finally, nice landscaping lends an air of “establishment” to a property. It makes the home seem more like it belongs there and is part of the larger landscape.
What does landscaping include?
Annual plantings are often used when a seller who does not have much landscaping puts a houseont he market. Nothing wrong with that! Many realtors encourage this practice, especially in early spring or late fall, when few other plants are in bloom. Early violas and pansies or late mums and cabbages add a welcome splash of color in a pot along a pathway or by the front door. They certainly make a house look more inviting during that sale period.
Of course, perennials (including grasses, shrubs and trees) have much more value than annuals since they grow into mature plants over the years. Don’t forget, though, landscaping also includes “hardscaping”–patios, terraces, paved walkways and the like. Exterior lighting also deserves some thought; it can dramatically change the look of your property and your house. You might even consider garden statuary or large urns, water features, pergolas, arbors or even decorative fencing, all of which, if well-designed and executed, beautify and increase the value of your property.
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