Landscape Los Angeles

2006-05-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Landscape

landscaping isn't just about good looks—it can increase
the value of your home, make it sell more quickly, and even reduce
your energy bill.

The right landscape
can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing you
to recoup 100 to 200 percent of your investment, according to
the Association of landscape
Contractors of America.

And if you're selling your house, or know you will be in the near
future, a good-looking landscape
is a contributing factor to good curb appeal because it is one
of the first things a prospective buyer will notice.

Design : To create
a good visual, consider group planting, and keep your landscape
features in scale with the both the house and neighboring plants.
The color of your plantings should complement your home's color.
Also think about the textures of trees and shrubs and how the
foliage will look year-round. You'll also want to establish bed
lines at this point.

Construct : Landscape
professionals can help you choose and locate new trees, shrubs,
or ground cover, so share your drawings and ideas with employees
at your local nursery. Always determine spacing by the mature
size of plants and trees, and plan for at least 1 foot of extra
clearance between plants and the wall of your home. Locate deciduous
trees where you will benefit from summer shade and winter sun.
After consulting a landscape
professional, go back to your drawings and add the new information
on species, shape, and mature-size spacing. This provides a final,
pre-purchase review to make sure that all elements will work well
together.

Plant : When you
are ready to make a purchase, avoid buying damaged plants. The
plants you use should be of specimen quality. After you purchase
the plants, be sure to keep tiny root hairs damp and shaded at
all times before planting.

Maintain : You'll
want to make sure you have a watering system that gives all your
new plantings adequate water. Keep your lawn mowed. You'll also
need to set a fertilizing schedule to bring your new greenery
to its maximum potential. And, if needed, keep trees, shrubs,
and flowers pruned to encourage new growth and extra blooms.

Accent and improve : A
good landscape
is always a work in progress. Each season add a new perennial
or two, plant some bulbs in the fall for vibrant spring blooms,
and add some seasonal annuals to provide some instant color. You
may also want to consider fountains, yard art, or attractive benches
as new additions. Remember that quality, not quantity, will enhance
your landscape.
With a little careful planning and effort, it's relatively inexpensive
and easy to reap the rewards of landscaping your home.