Homeowners frequently ask me what they can do to increase the worth of their home to raise the price when it comes time to sell. What about adding a deck or a paver patio? Or perhaps, finishing their basement or adding a Florida room?
My answer is always PLANT TREES if you don’t already have them!
© Photo by Elaine Reese
The homes in the photo (right) are only 8 years old. Each of the owners began planting trees and evergreens within a couple years. Imagine how much more appealing this view will be to potential buyers than similar homes that have a full view of neighboring homes.
© Photo by Elaine Reese
© Photo by Elaine Reese
For moderate screening, we used viburnum, which birds love, Autumn Gold sedum, which both birds and honey bees love, and tall ornamental grasses for summer/fall screening. The viburnum and sedum turn a beautiful bronze in fall, matching the burgundy color of nearby coral bells.
© Photo by Elaine Reese
Do please notice the distance these plants are from the home To avoid problems with basement walls, plants should be at least 3-feet away from the foundation, so you don’t pour excess water against the wall when watering your plants.
I hired this work to be done, because I wasn’t up to hauling the dirt, mulch and large trees. Better to leave that to the guys with muscles and strong backs. Naturally, you can save money if you do it yourself. Most of the better local nurseries can help you with a landscape plan and delivery of the materials.
When I purchased this home 10 years ago, there was no landscaping except for some junipers and a small maple tree in the front. The landscaping in these photos, plus more that I haven’t shown, cost less than $4000 installed. I know that it will add more than that to the home’s price when I decide to sell as these plants mature.
One more critical piece of your exterior curb appeal is a beautiful lawn and that’s very easy to achieve. Spend money to buy the best products, Scotts, and you’ll save money in the long-run. Their helpful web site will tell you what to do and when to do it. Basically, you only need to do “something” four times a year: Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Halloween. It’s that simple. For extra zing to your bluegrass lawn, overseed around Labor Day with Scotts best perennial rye. It will stay greener in the fall and green up faster in the spring.
Follow my advice and when you’re ready to sell, you’ll be leaps and bounds ahead of the other homes for sale, that didn’t take my advice.
Read another article on curb appeal or to see one home that has fantastic landscaping appeal!
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Elaine Reese
614-825-8860Real Living HER
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