As the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer, many homeowners start to think about ways to improve their homes. If you’re considering undertaking a home improvement project this spring, why not consider improving your landscaping? It can have several benefits for your home. Here is a detailed look at five of them.
1. Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Having a well-landscaped yard can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal. Potential buyers will be impressed by neat and attractive landscaping if you’re thinking of selling your home. Even if you’re not planning to sell, having an attractive yard can make you feel proud of your home and increase your enjoyment of spending time outside.
Some of the best ways to improve your home’s curb appeal with landscaping include:
- Planting flowers and shrubs
- Trimming hedges and bushes
- Laying fresh mulch
- Adding new features such as a water fountain or garden statues
If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional landscaper to help you create a plan. They can give you ideas for what will work best in your yard and how to achieve the look you want.
2. Increase Your Home’s Value
In addition to boosting your home’s curb appeal, improving your landscaping can also increase its value. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, adding some attractive landscaping features can help you get a higher price for your home. It is estimated that well-landscaped homes increase their value by 5.5-12.7%.
However, even if you’re not selling soon, it’s still a good idea to invest in landscaping. Not only will your home be more valuable, but you’ll also get to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful yard now.
3. Save Money on Energy Bills
Did you know that landscaping can actually help you save money on your energy bills? In the summer, strategically planted trees and shrubs can provide shade for your home, making it cooler and reducing the energy needed to cool it. In the winter, they can block cold winds, providing insulation for your home. Because of these functional features, you may be able to utilize your home insurance plan to help fund your landscaping.
You can also save money by choosing energy-efficient landscaping features. For example, installing a drought-tolerant lawn or using native plants in your landscaping can help you reduce the amount of water you need to use. This can lower water bills and help conserve this important natural resource. Hiring a professional landscaper to help you choose the right plants and features for your yard can ensure that your landscaping is beautiful and functional.
4. Reduce Soil Erosion and Stormwater Runoff
Did you know that the amount of exposed bare soil and the duration of the exposure both affect the rate of soil erosion? The more bare soil there is, and the longer it’s exposed, the greater the risk of erosion. Erosion can damage your home’s foundation and landscaping features and lead to costly repairs.
Planting vegetation can help reduce soil erosion by covering the bare ground and protecting it from wind and rain. Trees, shrubs, and groundcover are all effective at reducing erosion. In addition, they can help absorb stormwater and reduce runoff. This can protect your home from water damage and help prevent flooding in your yard.
5. Create a Beautiful and Relaxing Outdoor Space
Finally, improving your landscaping can create a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space for you to enjoy. You can use your landscaped yard to entertain friends and family, spend time with your children or pets, or simply enjoy the outdoors. In fact, a 2016 Houzz Landscaping and Garden Trends Study found that over half of homeowners who improve their outdoor areas spend at least six hours a week in those spaces. If you’re looking for a way to increase your enjoyment of your home, improving your landscaping is a great option.
There are many reasons to improve your home’s landscaping. If you need help getting started, consider hiring a professional landscaper. They can give you ideas for what will work best in your yard and help you create the perfect landscaping plan for your home. What are you waiting for? Start planning your spring landscaping project today!