Many Americans are in the process of upgrading their yards. While some may do it themselves, others hire professional landscapers. A recent Harris Poll survey was conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. The results showed that 47% of the participants wished they’d used a professional landscaper. Furthermore, 67% agreed that their yard would be nicer if it had been landscaped by a professional.
When homeowners are planning to put their houses on the market, for example, well-designed landscaping can make a difference in how fast a home sells. This is just one of the many reasons that almost 90% of real estate agents will recommend that homes are professionally landscaped prior to putting them on the market. In addition to raising a property’s value by up to 12%, well-designed landscaping can also bring a solid return on investment. If a homeowner just spends five percent of their home’s overall value on landscaping, they can potentially receive a return of up to 150%.
Hardscapes have been gaining in popularity for both front and backyards. Just a few types of hardscapes include rock gardens, natural stone entryways, and patios with fire pits. Raised plant and flower beds are also popular because they can add dimensionality to flat areas.
When shrubs and trees are added to a yard, they need to be four to six feet apart from each other. There also needs to be between ten to 12 feet between the rows. Deciduous and conifer trees, however, need to be planted further apart. These trees should be planted about 20 feet apart and have approximately 30 feet between the rows.
As they mature, shrubs and trees can assist homeowners with saving about 25% on their energy bills. Deciduous trees in particular can deflect between 60% to 90% of the sun’s rays. This can be quite beneficial during the warm weather.
Even when homeowners love to garden and have the proverbial green thumb, there are obvious benefits to using the services of a professional landscape designer. Whether or not they’re planning to put their house on the market, a professional landscaper will be able to address simple as well as complex landscaping needs.