How Important Is Landscaping?

Yards are not as simple as grass and a few shrubs anymore. Now more than ever landscaping plays an integral role for a home. This is especially true when your home is on the market.

Landscaping is is the first and last thing a potential buyer will see when viewing a home. Unfortunately, as with any other aspect of a house, buyer tastes differ enough that it is nearly impossible to create a landscape that appeals to everyone. Some buyers want a simple, easily maintained lawn while others would prefer an extravagant arrangement of trees, shrubs, flowers, and various other lawn décor. In any case, a well-planned landscape can fetch between a 100 and 200 percent return on your investment according to the American Society of Landscape Architects.

* An entire volume of books could be written on the subject of landscaping. Instead of an encyclopedia, here are a few tips to consider when planning, planting, and preserving your landscape.

* Bring your yard up to par with your neighbors. According to a study conducted by Mark S. Henry of the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics at Clemson University, homes with poor landscaping in neighborhoods with excellent landscaping sold between 8 and 10 percent lower. More over, homes with excellent landscaping sold for 4 to 5 percent higher than similar homes in their neighborhood.

* When planning your budget, consider the potentials returns on your investment. One rule of thumb is to spend 5 to 10 percent of your home value on landscaping. Although this might seem like a large number, don’t forget what well thought out landscaping can do to your home’s value.
* As with any other characteristic of a home, simplicity and neutrality will likely attract the largest amount of buyers. One homeowner’s commitment to a lush garden could easily be another’s irritation. A green lawn and a few bushes may be too simple however.

* Time is a very important component of landscaping. When designing and planting your landscape, a little patience will pay off later. While you might want your yard to look “finished” the day all the landscaping is planted, giving it some time to mature will ultimately give you a better outcome.

* In Michigan the changing seasons take us through a wide range of weather. When planning your landscape, consider the impact of the seasons. The thick green foliage of summer will likely give way to a bleak and barren winter landscape. Using evergreens will keep some color in your yard and will help to avoid that gloomy, inhospitable look that often goes along with Michigan scenery in the winter months.

* Using trees, shrubs, and flowers native to Michigan will reduce maintenance issues and almost guarantee a healthy landscape. Exotic landscapes can look beautiful but will often require far more upkeep and don’t often fit into the surrounds. Using evergreens is also a good idea. As stated early, evergreens will offset the dismal winter months by adding some color to your yard.
These were just a few ideas to consider when planning the improvement of your lawn. Whether you are getting ready to put your home on the market or just want to create another comfortable living space, landscaping can have a wonderful impact on your home.

- Christopher Jolley, Finance & Marketing Manager, The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team