Just as a beautiful frame can turn a photograph into a work of art, the right landscaping can turn a home into a showplace.

Attractive landscaping is one of the best ways to make a good first impression on prospective buyers and show that a home is loved.

Though a well-designed landscape can be simple, it also can move far beyond a velvety lawn and colourful flower beds to encompass trees, shrubs, irrigation, hardscaping, and lighting. By making informed choices, home owners can transform their properties, whether they’re selling or just moved in and plan to stay for years.

Before jumping into a landscaping-improvement project, it helps to have a general knowledge of what kind of plants would thrive on the property. Home owners should do some research to learn about their yard’s various components:

Soil condition.

To analyze soil, home owners should contact a local college extension service or buy a kit from a garden center. An analysis determines the pH balance. Most plants thrive in near-neutral pH conditions but some like slightly acidic soil.

 

Drainage.

The type of soil — sandy, silty, clay, or loam — will affect drainage. For example, clay soil may drain poorly, which can prevent nutrients and oxygen from reaching plant roots, but soil can be modified.

 

Sunlight.

Home owners should stand outside at different times of the day to see when, where, and how much sun strikes their yard.

 

Hardiness zone.

Also referred to as climate zones, hardiness zones are a guide to help you know which plants will grow where you live, so you don't plant materials that will soon die just because they can't survive the region's temperatures, according to BackyardGardener.com, which provides a hardiness zone map on its Web site.

Next Steps: Make a Budget, Hire Help

A budget will largely determine the scope of a project. If home owners want to replicate the cover photo from a recent Fine Gardening magazine, they should be prepared to pay dearly. Plants, soil, and all the extras that make a garden picture-perfect, can really add up. For example, a single 8-foot-tall, 1-inch-caliper, shade-loving red maple may cost over $200.

But buyers should remember to factor in the cost of hiring a gardener, landscaper, or arborist. A gardener may be sufficient for home owners seeking to tidy up to improve curb appeal, while a landscape designer or architect is usually best for those who want to do more extensive work. Either professional can develop a master plan to enhance the exterior, make the site look attractive from the inside out, and keep materials safe from weather, insects, and animals.

For those planning long-term improvements to the property, rather than simple pre-sale enhancements, an arborist also can be brought on board to inspect the condition of trees, the lawn, and the drainage system.

 

6 Practical Project Ideas

Here are some simple projects that experts say will make a big impact on the property’s appearance — and possibly boost resale value.

Plant trees.

Trees look nice, cut down on heating and cooling costs, and can even help a home sell for more money. Properly placing just three trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in annual energy bills.

 

Go for year-round color.

Rather than make do with empty beds and a brown lawn in winter, home owners can pick materials that remain green all year. Examples: evergreen arborvitae, junipers, and boxwood.

 

Help the environment.

There are dozens of ways to be a good environmental steward. A rain garden can retain water rather than send it into the nearest storm sewer. In drought-prone areas, xeriscape plants require less water. Large shade trees can screen a roof and windows from sun and block cold wind and air.

 

Make your yard livable.

A yard can be transformed into livable outdoor “rooms.” High on the wish list are well-equipped kitchens, sometimes with pizza ovens and fire pits, and the newest star — media rooms.

 

Just add water.

Everyone loves water’s soothing sound, whether it cascades into a pond, fills a fountain, or churns in a hot tub.

 

Build a pergola.

A pergola — a set of columns supporting a roof of trelliswork on which climbing plants can grow — adds architectural interest, vertical growing space, and shade.

For Home Owners on a Budget

Landscaping doesn’t have to cost as much as your house. To cut costs, a plan can be installed in stages.

There also are many affordable improvements home owners can make to enhance curb appeal. Start by trimming bushes and pruning dead limbs in front of windows to avoid blocking views.
“If buyers can’t see a home, you can’t sell it.”

Other ideas from the experts:

Clear away lawn art, toys and other “clutter.”

 

Edge beds and add fresh mulch.

 

Paint or seal terraces and replace rotted wood.

 

Add a touch of color. A few pots of tulips in March work magic; red and white colors add the most punch.

 

Use container gardens. Pots are an affordable, portable way to line a path, embellish an entry, grow herbs, and decorate indoor rooms when weather changes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ontario real estate, Ontario homes for sale, Ontario houses for sale, Ontario MLS listing search, Niagara Falls real estate, Niagara Falls homes for sale, Niagara Falls houses for sale, Niagara Falls MLS listing search, Grimsby homes for sale, Grimsby houses for sale, Grimsby MLS listing search,Fort Erie MLS listing search,Fort Erie homes for sale, Fort Erie houses for sale, Fort Erie MLS listing, Niagara-on-the-Lake houses for sale,Niagara-on-the-Lake MLS listing search,Niagara-on-the-Lake homes for sale, Niagara-on-the-Lake houses for sale, Niagara-on-the-Lake homes for sale, Niagara-on-the-Lake real estate, Niagara on the Lake real estate, NOTL homes for sale, NOTL houses for sale, NOTL real estate, NOTL Realty, NOTL commercial property, St.Catharines homes for sale, St.Catharines houses for sale,St.Catharines MLS listing search, St.Catharines real estate, Fonthill homes for sale, Fonthill houses for sale, Fonthill MLS listings, Fonthill real estate, Virgil real estate for sale, Virgil homes for sale, Virgil houses for sale, Virgil MLS listings, Welland real estate, Welland homes for sale, Welland houses for sale, Welland MLS listing search, Ridgeway homes for sale, Ridgeway houses for sale, Ridgeway real estate, Ridgeway MLS listings, Crystal Beach homes for sale, Crystal Beach MLS listing search, Crystal Beach houses for sale, Crystal Beach real estate, Stevensville real estate, Stevensville houses for sale

Landscaping That Sells

房地產服務提供粵語和普通話