5 Landscaping Ideas That Will Increase the Value of Your Home

It may be a cliché, but in real estate, the first impression really is everything. Yes, some may need a couple of days to think about it, but many potential buyers fall in love with a home the moment they stop in the driveway.

“Curb appeal is very important in real estate,” says Beatrice de Jong, Opendoor’s consumer trends expert. “A positive first impression can be enough to get a potential buyer excited enough to seriously consider making an offer.”
 

1. Match your landscape with the architectural style of your home

A sure way to get a return on your landscaping investment? Appeal,” it’s all about making sure your landscaping matches the style of your home.

Think of it this way: If you have a Craftsman-style home, you should go for simple, classic landscaping near me, eg. Eg structured shrubs and bushes or a bed of brightly colored flowers. Stay away from more modern additions like koi ponds or opulent fountains that appear to belong to Caesar’s Palace.

2. Think sophistication

According to a 2016 Turf Magazine survey, homes with sophisticated landscaping elements, such as curved bed lines and large islands, were more likely to sell for a higher price than homes with basic foundations. Additionally, landscapes incorporating large colored deciduous, perennial, and annual plants also sold better.

Allan Hendricks, vice president of landscape architecture for Florida-based Caulfield and Wheeler Inc., says planting beds are a relatively inexpensive, low-elevation way to create design interest and add texture and color. They’re great for defining spaces, so your lawn won’t look too sparse even if it’s cut and tidy.

3. Go for the style all year round

Let’s say you put your house on the market in April when that beautiful patch of peonies starts to sprout. So Instagrammable! But oh no! A slow market means your home is still on the market in the summer and your home doesn’t look as good as it used to.

The solution? More strategic landscaping, especially if you live in a place with all four seasons. According to a 2015 Housecall post, that means choosing focal items for each season, such as bulbs for spring, annuals for summer, shrubs for fall, and evergreens for winter.

4. Plant some trees

You really can’t go wrong with the trees. They add shade, help removes carbon dioxide from the air, and can even produce fruit. They are also relatively inexpensive (although they take a lot of time and patience to grow!)
 

And according to a 2010 study published in Landscape and Urban Planning, trees could also increase the value of your home.  But in addition to adding value to your property, trees have a way of making a house feel like home.

“About 15 years ago, my horticulture teacher said something that has stuck with me ever since: Trees are the only plants that we connect with as humans as if they also have souls,” says Becky Bourdeau, based landscape designer. in Los Angeles. .”Trees create a sense of longevity and belonging between the house and its surroundings, and between the people in and around the house.”

To choose which type of tree is best, think about what purpose you want it to serve.

If you want more shade in the summer, Burdo recommends deciduous trees. Since they shed leaves in winter, they will also let some sunlight into your garden. And as an added bonus, they could even save you money on cooling and heating costs!

Just be sure to check your survey before planting them. While mature trees are a selling point, Hendricks says they could put off buyers if they’re too close to the driveway or home. Why? As they mature, they can interfere with overhead power lines, septic system drain fields, and even views to and from the home. All of these are problems that are quite costly to fix.

5. Install an automatic watering system with a weather sensor

“Despite the best of intentions, hardly anyone stands with a hose long enough and regularly enough to give plants the right amount of water,” says Bourdeau. “And even if you * are * the most conscientious green thumb, you might one day like to go on vacation or sell your house to someone who doesn’t want to spend an hour a day watering the hedge.”

Do what Bourdeau recommends and install an automatic watering system. He will take the guesswork out of how much and how often to water your plants and lawns. While it may not be a Pinterest-worthy dream, it’s a very useful method of protecting your gardening investment.