Why Upgrade Your Landscaping?

Homeowners often decide on landscaping upgrades based on aesthetics and outdoor living benefits.  But did you know there are many more reasons to invest in well designed and installed landscaping ?  Its not just about looking pretty in the neighborhood or creating spaces to spend more time outside your home for the proverbial “stay-cation”.  According to Dr. Leonard Perry an Extension Professor at the University of Vermont, quality landscaping can increase property value, resale value, lower energy costs and create positive perceptions for your area.  Dr. Perry notes that  landscaping can add up to 14 percent to the resale value of a home.  To be fair, the percentage of increased value varies relative to the landscaping choices and property location.  Overall it is safe to say that upgrading landscaping, however small, is a good investment.

How Does Landscaping Improve Home Value

Not all landscaping is equal.  If you are considering an upgrade this year be sure to plan wisely.  My 27 years in the business suggests you choose your sources wisely.  Do your homework.  One of the most effective means of choosing a quality service provider is by referral.  If your friend or neighbor has had a positive experience with that business, that is a good starting point.  But be prepared to generate your own list of goals for your home.    When choosing that resource check out the completed job sites, consider how long that person has been in the business and what references can that individual provide.

What is “Quality Landscaping”

My definition of quality landscaping is: “a garden-scape that achieves the initial goals of the customer, provides common sense design to compliment the property, consists of quality site specific plant material and offers sustaining outcomes for years to come”.   Did you know that properly selecting and positioning plants on your property can impact annual energy expenditures? Knowledgeable providers can provide you with trees for shade and evergreens for windbreaks to battle our north country winters.   This can save you on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.    Specific combinations of shrubs, vines and ground covers can offer insulation and heat reflection.  Adding plant material to wet areas can often assist in reducing standing water.  My property was poorly engineered during house construction 30 plus years ago.  Surrounding wetlands and higher elevation on one property line left us with standing water and muddy conditions for months during spring thaw and summer rainstorms.  By adding a berm with shrub, tree and perennial plantings we were able to mitigate the water issue while creating a lovely property border that now attracts my favorite pollinators.

Choose Local/ Support Your Community

If you are considering a business to install new landscaping or a DIYER looking for service and products, find a local source that can set you on the right path.  Yes, the internet offers unlimited resources, but as we all know money talks on the google search engine and the top listings pay dearly for you to see their product and services top on the list.  Social media has given rise to all kinds of claims and very often just bad information for planting and growing in our region.  Look locally for your project guidance and purchases.  Your local small businesses support your local community.  Many have struggled during this COVID disaster to stay in business.   A well established provider in our immediate region can tell you what works and what does not.  A trusted provider will not try to “sell” you on a service, practice or plant.  They will speak candidly about the state of your property, what will and will not work, drawing from their years of regional experience with plants and design.

If 2021 is your year to upgrade your landscaping, be sure to be wise with your selections and investments.  Quality investments in landscaping reap a great return.  A garden consultation or coaching session may be the first step.  For more information about these services check out my website http://www.gardengoddesssenseandsustainability.com .  Every garden team needs a great coach!