If you’re wondering how to add value to your house over time, you need to look no further than your yard. A great landscaped yard has the curb appeal that will make your house more valuable and be the envy of the neighborhood.
A well-landscaped yard is one of the few home improvements that will hold value compared to consumers’ tastes in a house’s interior. A well-landscaped yard can be achieved with minimal cost if you’re willing to do some work. However, you like the idea of a beautiful yard but don’t want to put the time into it, a landscaping professional will be happy to provide the necessary services.
Here is a sample plan to improve curb appeal.
Plant a Tree – Either Shade or Ornamental
A well-placed tree will provide structure and an anchor in your landscaping plan. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, a tree can help your home be energy efficient by either shading your home or acting as a windbreak.
Shade trees, like the big leaf maple, California sycamore, willows, bishop and coulter pines, are medium sized and perfect for any front yard. Their crowns will reach no higher than 40 feet and will provide shade for generations to come.
Besides shade trees, ornamental trees should be considered. The Central Coast region can support a number of varieties. A few examples include the white alder, which stay under 30 feet; the Western redbud will brighten the yard in the spring with small pink flowers; and another pink-flowered ornamental tree, the Madrone, also flowers in the spring, and in autumn will bear small red berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Whether you plant new trees or already have several on your property, you will be well served to keep them pruned. An overgrown tree loses structural appeal. Also, it can be a potential hazard, and unfortunately, that may be learned too late.
Gardens
A well-considered garden along the house or walkway is a magnet of curb appeal. These gardens will give your yard visual interest, provide a sensual contrast, and give it a welcoming vibe.
There are plenty of plants that will work, but you should consider height and color. A common mistake is to load these gardens with too many varieties. It is better to keep it to a few for the utmost visual impact. A structural plant like Agave Blue Glow will draw the eye or a colorful display of Hummingbird Sage, which is a native plant and needs little care.
A planter garden is another element that can add value. A welcoming display of assorted pots at various heights that serve as hosts for seasonal plantings will always have something for the eye. Like most decisions with your plant selection, you will have to know if the planters will be in full sun and partial shade. Once you do, choose the plants accordingly. Apache Plume, with small white flowers, would be a perfect contrast to a bold, primary-colored planter.
Having a beautiful landscape garden will give your property curb appeal, but it just can’t be planted and then forgotten. It will need some maintenance like weeding and adding mulch periodically. A fresh layer of mulch highlights the either foliage or blooms. It also gives the first hint to a guest or buyer that this is a home that is cared for.
A little sweat equity and a few flowers can give you plenty of enjoyment in the present and put money in your pocket should you decide to sell.
To get started on your dream landscaping design, contact us today.