Landscaping Improves Your Home's Value

In these tough economic times, we are all looking for ways to save money. One of the ways you can protect yourself is by increasing the value of your home. Did you know that by doing some simple landscaping you can increase the value of your home?

Two studies, one by Mark S. Henry of the Department of Agriculture and Applied
Economics at Clemson University and another by Robert L. Degner of the Florida Agricultural Market Research Center, University of Florida found that landscaping contributed to higher resale values in single residences. Interestingly, Mark Henry’s study, "The Contribution of Landscaping to the Price of Single Family Houses: A Study of Home Sales in Greenville, South Carolina," pointed out not only did homes with excellent landscaping sell 4 to 5 percentage points higher, but homes with poor landscaping in neighborhoods with excellent landscaping sold for 8-10% less.

Planting trees and shrubs helps, and so also can paving areas of your property. You may not be able to afford or have the ability to build a deck, but paving areas with flagstone or paving blocks can have a similar effect with less cost and labor. If you spread bark products or gravel in certain areas you can make them more uniform and attractive. A little landscaping can go a long way!