A Lasting Investment

According to the Wall Street Journal’s recent edition of Smart Money magazine, “If you spend 5 percent of the value of your home on landscaping, and do it wisely, you can get 150 percent or more of your money back.” Consider the following statistics on residential landscaping:

Landscaping can add between 7 & 15 percent to a home’s value. Source: The Gallup Organization.

Homes with “excellent” landscaping can expect a sale price about 6 to 7 percent higher than equivalent houses with “good” landscaping, while improving landscaping from “average” to “good” can result in a 4 to 5 percent increase.  Source: Clemson University.

Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent at selling time.  Kitchen remodeling brings 75 to 125 percent recovery rate, bathroom remodeling a 20 to 120 percent recovery rate, and addition of swimming pool a 20 to 50 percent recovery rate. Source: Money Magazine.

A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $ 1,000 and $ 10,000. Source: Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.

In one study, 99% of real estate appraisers concluded that landscape enhances the sales appeal of real estate. Source: Trendnomics, National Gardening Association.

In one study, 83% of Realtors believe that mature trees have a “strong or moderate impact” on the salability  of homes listed for under $ 150,000; on homes over $ 250,000, this percentage increases to 98%. Source: American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage.

Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50% percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home. Source: American Public Power Association.

Trees can reduce bothersome noise by up to 50 percent and can mask unwanted noises with pleasant sounds. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Trees can reduce temperatures by as much as nine degrees Fahrenheit. Source: American Forests.

A single urban tree can provide up to $ 273 a year in air conditioning, pollution fighting, erosion and storm water control, and wildlife shelter benefits.  Source: American Forests.

Top reasons people garden: To be outdoors (44%); to be around beautiful things (42%), relax and escape the pressures of everyday life (39%); stay active and get exercise (35%).  Source: American Demographics, Roper Report.

(compiled by the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association)

Why Landscape?

1. To increase the “usability” of your yard. By adding a deck, patio, walkway or garden, you are increasing the useable space and “personal value” of your home.  Exterior improvements ought to tie in to your interior in such a way that it’s a seamless transition from inside to outside and vice versa.

2. To set your home apart. In today’s sprawling subdivisions, most differences are noticeable only when someone comes inside your home. The way your home presents on the outside many times doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

3. Resale. Buyers often make instant decisions about a property based on what they see before they even set foot in the door.  And, according to national and regional statistics, landscaping remains one of the top five resale improvements to your home that you can make.

4. Most importantly, to add to your enjoyment. As we say: Life really is better with a beautiful yard