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Homeowners often decide on landscaping upgrades based on aesthetics and outdoor living benefits.\u00a0 But did you know there are many more reasons to invest in well designed and installed landscaping ?\u00a0 Its not just about looking pretty in the neighborhood or creating spaces to spend more time outside your home for the proverbial “stay-cation”.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Dr. Perry notes that\u00a0 landscaping can add up to 14 percent to the resale value of a home.\u00a0 To be fair, the percentage of increased value varies relative to the landscaping choices and property location.\u00a0 Overall it is safe to say that upgrading landscaping, however small, is a good investment.<\/p>\n
Not all landscaping is equal.\u00a0 If you are considering an upgrade this year be sure to plan wisely.\u00a0 My 27 years in the business suggests you choose your sources wisely.\u00a0 Do your homework.\u00a0 One of the most effective means of choosing a quality service provider is by referral.\u00a0 If your friend or neighbor has had a positive experience with that business, that is a good starting point.\u00a0 But be prepared to generate your own list of goals for your home.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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”.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0 This can save you on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Specific combinations of shrubs, vines and ground covers can offer insulation and heat reflection.\u00a0 Adding plant material to wet areas can often assist in reducing standing water.\u00a0 My property was poorly engineered during house construction 30 plus years ago.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.saratoga.com\/garden-goddess\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2021\/03\/july-butterflies-4-300x201.jpg\")
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