It’s no secret that a beautifully landscaped home increases curb appeal and your home’s value – estimates run between 5.5 – 12.7 percent of your home. In fact, landscaping is one of the few home improvements that immediately adds value and increases value over time. Your kitchen renovation may look dated as years go by, but the trees and plants you added become more mature and beautiful. So which elements of landscape design are most important? Here are 5 things to consider:
Make sure your landscape design complements your home’s style. An ultra-modern minimalist landscape won’t do your classic colonial home any justice. And keep color in mind for your design. Consider your home’s exterior color (house and roof) along with other existing elements such as the colors in the walkway, driveway and any existing hardscape such as walls, patios, etc. Choose plantings that complement these hues.
Be thoughtful in your approach – A study by the Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture found that a good foundation planting along with a couple of well-designed points of interest can increase your home’s value by up to 42 percent. Aim for a “finished” look vs. over the top.
Plant trees – According to the Wall Street Journal, simply living on a tree-lined street can increase your home’s value 10-15%. Trees are visually appealing and natural stress-relievers. They also help remove harmful pollutants from the air and provide shade, which helps to reduce cooling costs for homes.
Edge your lawn – A crisply edged lawn helps your entire landscape look tended to, which demonstrates to prospective buyers that your home is well-maintained.
Keep all of the seasons in mind – Create a landscape that provides interest in every season, such as brilliant fall color in autumn, evergreens and architectural structure in winter, flowering trees and shrubs in spring, and lush shade and bright color for summer.
