The Value of Plants and Landscaping
Landcaping can offer the best return on investment of any home improvement. Over the last few years spending on landscape design and installation has more than tripled according to Money magazine (2003). Many savvy homeowners are turning to landscape professionals to help them create the landscapes of their dreams. The following will provide some useful tips to help you make the right choice. First think about your needs and wants for your landscape. Don't limit the realm of possiblities with just plants and trees, but also consider all the things you may want - decks, patios, water features and more.
Make a realistic budget.
One rule of thumb is to invest a minimum of 10 percent of your house’s worth. If this seems steep, consider that appropriate landscape improvements are estimated to return 100 to 200 percent of their cost when a house is sold. See "Some Facts to Know" below.
Gather ideas of what you want.
Look at books, clip magazine pictures, collect materials from other websites, jot down notes, and talk to neighbors whose properties you admire to gather your information and start a file of plants, trees, gardens, yards, pools, patios, decks, fences, etc., that you like, or dislike, to show your landscape professional. This will help you communicate your ideas of what you want.
Find a residential landscape professional in your area.
We offer a free referral service on this website to assist you in finding professionals in your area. The listings on this site are from members of The Underground. You can also obtain referrals from your friends and neighbors. Don't hesitate to ask the owner of a property that you admire who they recommend. If you see a landscape professional that is doing good work in your neighborhood write down their phone number.
Ask for references.
A good landscape designer will walk around your property and ask a lot of questions about your lifestyle and how you use the space, what you want to accomplish, and your budget. They will be able to provide references for you to call and answer any questions you may have about their services and fees. See How to Hire A Landscape Professional for more information.
Ask about maintenance.
Some homeowners enjoy puttering and working in their yards and gardens, some hire a service to maintain it, and others don’t want to bother with it at all. Your landscape is your best investment, be sure to protect that investment by maintaining it yourself or hiring a landscape maintenance company. See How to Hire a Landscape Maintenance Company for more information.
Some Facts to Know
Source: American Nursery and Landscaping Association.
- Landscaping can add between 7 and 15 percent to a home's value. Source: The Gallup Organization.
- Homes with "excellent" landscaping can expect a sale price about 6 to 7 percent higher than equivalent houses with "good" landscaping, while improving landscaping from "average" to "good" can result in a 4 to 5 percent increase. Source: Clemson University.
- Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent at selling time. Kitchen remodeling brings a 75 to 125 percent recovery rate, bathroom remodeling a 20 to 120 percent recovery rate, and addition of a swimming pool a 20 to 50 percent recovery rate. Source: Money Magazine.
- A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000. Source: Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
- In one study, 99% of real estate appraisers concurred that landscaping enhances the sales appeal of real estate. Source: Trendnomics, National Gardening Association.
- In one study, 83% of Realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%. Source: American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage.
- Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home. Source: American Public Power Association.
- Trees can reduce bothersome noise by up to 50 percent and can mask unwanted noises with pleasant sounds. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Trees can reduce temperatures by as much as nine degrees Fahrenheit. Source: American Forests.
- A single urban tree can provide up to $273 a year in air conditioning, pollution fighting, erosion and storm water control, and wildlife shelter benefits. Source: American Forests.
- Top reasons people garden: To be outdoors (44%); to be around beautiful things (42%); relax and escape the pressures of everyday life (39%); stay active and get exercise (35%). Source: American Demographics, Roper Report.
Don’t forget to check our free referral service to find professional listings from members of The Underground. Good Luck!
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