Landscaping to Improve Value
When English gardens used to be planted on large estates, they were not meant for the enjoyment of the current residents. The English realized that a garden may take 100 years or more to reach it’s full potential. The result, of course, were gardens that are still magnificent to see, hundreds of years later.
Whether you are planning on selling your home in the next five years, or twenty-five years from now, investing in landscaping can pay off. You just need to know what to plant, and how.
Perennials are worth more than annuals. Anything that requires less work for the same effect will always be valued at a higher level. Perennials, which return every year with little or no effort, can help your home to sell for a higher price, or faster, than a home without them.
Trees are another way to build value. Again, think low maintenance. The exception is fruit trees, as long as they don’t require constant care. Many people would gladly do a little extra work for the benefit of having fresh fruit available in their own backyard.
When you begin to think up ideas for your landscaping plan, keep in mind the amount of sun each plant needs, how tall it gets, and how much space it needs to grow. If you are creating a circular flowerbed, for example, you’d want your tallest plants in the middle, and then work your way out to the shortest. A raised flowerbed, built up several inches to a foot or more, provides a bit of interest to an otherwise flat yard.
Planting along the border of your property adds privacy as well as value. Trees and shrubs, or flowers grown along a fence, can help to block out the outside world and create your own oasis from a busy city life. A water garden, with a small water fall or fountain, can also add to the tranquility.
Any of these changes can add value to your property. So, how do you choose what to plant for maximum value? First, consider how long you will be living in the property. If you plan on moving within the next year or two, think small. Flowering plants and small shrubs will be better than planting several fruit trees or other landscaping elements that will take several years to reach maturity. If you know that you are staying in the home for a decade or more, feel free to add in elements that won’t be fully grown for some time.
Whichever time frame you’re looking at, remember that it is still your home for now. Landscape in a way that fits your tastes, and grow what you like. You don’t need to figure out what your gardens will look like 100 years from now to enjoy it today.