If you're looking to invest in your home, consider tackling the exterior and the landscaping first. While landscaping isn't going to impact the actual structure of your home, there are a number of reasons why it can potentially improve its value—as well as your own enjoyment of your property. Here are a few of the reasons why landscaping is a great first step.
Landscaping Adds Value to Your Home
Not only will landscaping add immediate value to your home, but it also adds value over time. Grown-in bushes and trees are going to be constantly adding value to your property: the older they get, the more valuable they get. Many people want to see large, mature trees on a property, and the only way to get that started is to begin the process of landscaping now.
One of the easiest ways to add value to an old home is to lay down new sod, because fresh grass can be very difficult to obtain but looks fantastic. Of course, that also means you're going to need to have a plan to maintain that fresh new grass in the future!
Create a Sense of Beauty and Peace
Your landscaping is something that's going to change the tone of your property. Every time you look out your window, you'll see your front or backyard—and the amount that you've invested into keeping it attractive and beautiful. While you may want to focus on improving the value of your property, it's also important to improve your enjoyment of the property.
Large trees, bushes, and other additions can bring you back closer to nature—and being around nature has been shown to have a powerful relaxing effect on many people. Adding water features such as fountains or small pools can also be a great way to add to the serenity of your space.
Add Curb Appeal to Your Home
When people first visit your home, they don't see the inside of your home first: they see the outside. Your exterior landscaping has a large impact on their first impressions of your home. Whether you're interested in selling your home eventually or you just want to make sure your home looks attractive to visitors, investing in curb appeal is a good choice.
There's a reason why many home renovators focus on the front lawn and mailbox first. People are going to make up their mind about your property when they first pull up! And even if you aren't thinking of selling soon, you may want an investment that's going to improve your ROI in the future.
Improve Your Home Without Disruption
Many home improvements and renovations leave you without a home for some time. If you want to change your interior layout, remodel your kitchen, or even repaint, you're going to end up having to move out for a little while.
Investing in landscaping is one of the few ways you're able to improve upon your property and your property values without having to disrupt your daily life. This is one reason why it's one of the first investments you should make: it's an investment that isn't inconvenient.
Incorporating Landscaping Into Your Property
Once you've decided to invest in your landscaping, how do you begin? Make a list of the improvements you want, draw it out, hire a professional, and create a maintenance plan to keep it looking the best. A professional will be able to give you advice regarding your landscaping design and the ways to best incorporate it into your existing home.
Here are a few nice features to incorporate into your landscape design:
Walkways
Walkways are both utilitarian and attractive, making it easier for you to access your home or use your backyard.
Patios and porches
You can landscape around your outdoor living areas to increase their pleasantness and their utility.
Outdoor kitchens and bars
If you really want to improve the value of your exterior areas, you can create a usable living space this way.
Existing trees and natural hills
Rather than removing existing landscaping features, continue working around them for a natural, organic appearance.
Greenhouses, sheds, and gazebos
If you have any exterior structures around your home, consider incorporating them directly in your landscaping design.
Pools or other water features
You can improve the appearance of pools and ponds by landscaping around them, especially with native plants.
Fences and barriers
Landscaping can be used to separate areas of your property, in addition to making fences or other barriers more attractive.
Your home's landscaping is one of the first things visitors see—and it will form the basis of your home's environment and setting. If you're interested in creating a peaceful, picturesque home, starting with landscaping is a wise investment.
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