When you look out your window, what do you see? White-capped mountains? Soaring rain forests? Sandy beaches? Unless you’re really lucky (or on vacation), you can only dream of a daily view like that, but that doesn’t mean that looking out your window has to make you sad!
Working with the right landscaping company can make all the difference when it comes to your lawn. They probably can’t set up a full-sized mountain for you, but experienced landscapers will be able to make the most out of any outdoor space, leaving you with beautiful landscaping to enjoy every day.
And those picturesque trees, shrubs, flowers, and stones might not just be for show, either. High quality landscaping design can actually save or earn you money in the long run. Check out these three tips for maximizing the financial benefits your landscaping.
- Energy Efficiency: The U.S. Department of Energy advises that energy-efficient landscaping can save homeowners up to 30% on home heating bills. If that sounds good to you, ask your landscaping company to incorporate insulating plants and designs, as well as wind-breaking shrubs.
And on the flip side, dense trees like Redwoods can protect your home from up to 95% of incoming sunlight, and up to 75% of the sun’s heat. If want to keep your home bright but cooler, consider asking your landscaping company to strategically position a tree so that it would block a particularly sun-heavy window or two during the heat of the day. Overall, the addition of trees could reduce a previously unshaded home?s summer air-conditioning bills by 15% to 50%. That’s a lot of savings, and you get a majestic tree or two in the bargain! - Resale Value: If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, consider working with a landscaping company to dramatically increase the market value of your home. Money Magazine found that high quality landscaping could earn you a recovery value of 100 to 200% when you sell your house. That’s an investment worth making. And a Clemson University study found that homes featuring “excellent” landscaping can sell for about 6 to 7% more than similar homes with only “good” landscaping. So go the extra mile — it’s worth it!
Great landscaping can also help your home sell faster — in some cases up to six weeks faster! The time your landscaping company spends improving your outdoor space could easily be recovered with a quick sale. - Peace and Serenity: A well-landscaped space won’t just be visually pleasing. The new colors and shapes of your lawn should definitely make you happy, but so should the new sound of your home — that’s right, it’s quiet! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, trees and shrubs can reduce disruptive noises, like those from nearby traffic, by up to 50 percent. The branches gently swaying in the breeze will also mask even more of those less peaceful sounds. You’ll be ready to meditate, work, or take a nap without any interruptions from honking horns or squealing brakes.
Well placed trees and shrubs can also offer you much-needed privacy. Instead of erecting an obtrusive, unnatural fence, consider working with your landscaping company to build a natural border around your property, blocking out prying eyes and offering a restorative, natural view.
There are plenty of great reasons to touch up (or overhaul!) your home’s landscaping. And remember, the changes don’t have to be dramatic to make a difference.
