With the real estate market heating up, many home owners looking to increase the value of their properties.&nbsp; Summer is the prime time for outdoor home improvement projects, especially landscape. In this article, we will be focusing primarily on some starter yard work tasks to prepare your space for bigger projects.&nbsp;<figure class="table" style="height:100px;width:100%;"><table style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);border-style:solid;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);border-style:solid;height:100px;width:45%;"><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://files.rifo.co/CompanySite/14/14_Picture14_1.png"></figure></td><td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 100%);border-style:solid;height:100px;vertical-align:bottom;width:55%;">So, does landscaping really help to increase your home value and which projects seem to be the most beneficial? Landscape Ontario cited a study by Clemson University that reported that properties with high quality landscaping can gain a 6-7% price increase compared to homes that had subpar landscaping. They also cited a study in Quebec that reported that hedges increase values by 3.6% and landscaped patios increase values&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>by 12.4%. The final study Landscape Ontario cited was a study from the Journal of&nbsp;Environmental Horticulture, who reported that poor landscape work actually decreases property values by up to 10%. Two major themes in reaping benefits of landscaping are quality and the type of project, so it is important to plan out how to do a good job.&nbsp;According to HuffPost, trees can add as much as $1,000 to $10,000 in value to your property. ExtraSpace recommends that you plant your trees sooner than later, because buyers are attracted by mature trees, which are usually around 8-years-old. ExtraSpace also cites Kiplinger, which reports that for buyers, one of the most attractive property features, and the most attractive outdoor&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style="width:25.24%;"><img src="https://files.rifo.co/CompanySite/14/14_Picture14_2.jpg"></figure>feature, is landscape lighting. These lights will line the front edge of your property, highlighting your properly manicured lawn. Two common exterior landscape lights are spotlights, commonly seen near the front entrance of a home, and walkway lights, illuminating a path up to your door. To save energy, solar powered, motion-censored, or LED lights are all available and recommended options. Another option are fountains, fish ponds, or miniature waterfalls. These features bring nature to the suburbs through its calming aesthetic and peaceful sound, which is especially enjoyable if the required maintenance does not scare you away. These require regular cleaning, assessing water levels, regulating bacteria and algae growth, and intruders like racoons and foxes coming to eat your fish. There are two options for ensuring the best looking lawn: irrigation&nbsp;systems or turf, which offer low-maintenance and low cost. An automatic irrigation system will help owners decide when to water and how much to water the lawn. Turf is an energy, maintenance, and cost-effective option, as it soaks in water and takes less effort on your part.&nbsp;Important aspects to consider when embarking on a landscaping journey, especially when property value is of special interest, are low-maintenance and energy efficient designs. One way to achieve energy-efficiency is to research plants native to your particular area, as these tend to require less maintenance and resources when they are in an area that they are known to thrive in. The type of project you decide will depend on how much you are willing to spend and the time you are willing to put into maintaining it. For example, is it worth it for you to spend money on outdoor heaters, lighting, sensitive plant species, ponds, and other things that require time and electricity? Also, will your property’s environment support your activity of interest? If you live in a rainy area, should you invest in plants that will eventually drown? What kind of soil, climate, and ecosystem will your property provide? Will rabbits, deer, raccoon, and squirrels come and eat your flowers?Working this out is worth the effort. Not only will you add value to your home, but you may just find a new hobby that helps you reduce stress and get some exercise. Have this space around you, makes your home more enjoyable too.&nbsp;Next week, we will get into more detail on bigger projects you can tackle. But first, you need to get your landscape under control.&nbsp;

Landscaping – Does it Really Increase Property Value? 

Important aspects to consider when embarking on a landscaping journey, especially when property value is of special interest, are low-maintenance and energy efficient designs. One way to achieve energy-efficiency is to research plants native to your particular area, as these tend to require less maintenance and resources when they are in an area that they are known to thrive in. The type of project you decide will depend on how much you are willing to spend and the time you are willing to put into maintaining it. 

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