This article was created by my partner, Barb Meholick and edited by me. For anyone that’s looking to add to their curb appeal, whether or not they’re looking to sell their home, this article will provide great tips! With hot topics like home staging everywhere, it’s important to keep in mind that landscaping and curb appeal quite simply is home staging for the exterior of your home! Enjoy!
-Dan
Here’s the article:
The value of a home is increased substantially with professional landscaping. Some studies say that you should invest 10% of your home’s value in your landscape. That would equate to a $20,000 expenditure if your home was worth $200,000. Many people simply can’t fit that into their budget, even if they have a 5 year plan. But homes that have beautiful yards are the first to sell & sell for the highest price.
There are many inexpensive things that can be done by homeowners if they are willing to do some of the labor & are guided by someone with a good eye, (such as your savvy Realtor, Barb!). The front of your home & entrance to your house are the first thing that potential buyers will see. It’s important to have a nice front walkway to the door. It should be wide enough to accommodate 2 people side by side & it should be curved, not straight, as curves are more appealing to the eye. When you add plants to your walk, the same rule applies–no straight lines or rows. Plants do not grow in straight lines in nature. They should be grouped in 3’s in a loose triangular shape. It’s also important to consider the amount of sun & shade & exposure that the plants will get. So, a northern exposure is going to require plants that can tolerate shade and blustery winds.
It’s important to mix evergreens with deciduous shrubs & trees, as well as perennials, bulbs & annuals. There are many choices available and it’s easy to go overboard. Do not buy too many plants for your space. Make sure that you leave plenty of room for each to grow & breathe. Try to put your taller trees or shrubs in the back if you are layering and do not let one shade the other if it needs sun.
Most mature landscapes are overgrown. A good pruning done properly will enhance the look of older bushes. Sometimes removing them entirely is your best bet if they are growing over the front walk or are touching the house. A mixture of shapes, colors & sizes are what you should strive for. Please do not prune your shrubs into meatballs or boxes! Do you ever see shrubs in nature shaped like squares & balls? Keep your lines soft & natural for the most appeal.
Feel free to ask me your specific landscape questions & let me show you how to improve your curb appeal. I’m always happy to help! Go green!
