Photo: Charles Deluvi
This Earth Day, as we all focus on Going Green - we’re taking a look at landscaping and how it can add value to your home and also save you money by reducing energy bills.
Curb appeal, or how a property is presented, is vital when selling a home - it’s a buyer’s first impression of the property. Landscaping not only improves the marketability but can also significantly impact value. Attractive landscaping can make a major contribution to a home’s value and can influence an owner’s ability to sell the property.
In a study by Michigan State University, consumers perceived that good landscaping improved a home’s value up to 11 percent, with design sophistication valued most. A survey by the National Association of Landscape Professionals also found that 84 percent of Americans agree that the quality of a home’s landscaping would affect their decision to buy the home.
A well-designed landscape can help reduce your water use, improve your home’s comfort and lower your energy bills all year long. For example, carefully placed trees can provide shade from the hot summer sun and block the chilly winter wind -- saving up to 25 percent of a typical home’s energy use. On average, a well-designed landscape saves enough energy to pay for itself in less than 8 years. When considering landscaping improvements, focus on:
Plants
Incorporate flower beds and indigenous plants, which require less care, water and fertilizer to flourish. Quick, inexpensive updates include refreshing the mulch around shrubs, adding potted flowers and edging the lawn.
Trees
Trees add beauty, can increase property values, reduce energy consumption and soil runoff, as well as improve air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, carefully placed trees can provide shade from the hot summer sun and block winter winds, saving up to 25 percent of a typical home’s energy use. Homeowners can use the National Tree Benefit Calculator to estimate of how a tree would benefit a home, including its contribution to property values and its environmental impact.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting puts a spotlight on a home’s architecture and landscaping and provides safety and security. LED and solar-powered lights save money, and appeal to potential buyers looking for a greener home.
We searched Instagram for inspiration … Enjoy!