The Value of Landscaping

We all know a well landscaped home or business creates beauty. Less obvious is the fat that landscaping also creates economic and environmental value.

Benefits of Landscaping

• Landscaping can add between 7% and 15% to a home's value. Source: The Gallup Organization
• Homes with "excellent" landscaping can expect a sale price about 6% - 7% higher than equivalent houses with "good" landscaping, while improving landscaping from "average" to "good" can result in a 4% - 5% increase. Source: Clemson University
• Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100% to 200% at selling time. Kitchen remodeling brings a 75% - 125% recovery rate, bathroom remodeling a 20% - 120% recovery rate, and addition of a swimming pool a 20% - 50% recovery rate. Source: Money
• In one study, 99% of real estate appraisers concurred that landscaping enhances the sales appeal of real estate. Source: Trendnomics, National Gardening Association

Benefits of Trees

• A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000. Source: Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers
• In one study, 83% of realtors believe mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%. Source: American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage
• Trees can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50%, by shading the windows and walls of a home. Source: American Public Power Association
• Trees can reduce bothersome noise by up to 75% and can mask unwanted noises with pleasant sounds. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Trees can reduce temperatures by as much as nine degrees. Source: American Forests
• A single urban tree can provide up to $273 a year in air conditioning, pollution fighting, erosion, and storm water control, and wildlife shelter benefits. Source: American Forests

Benefits of Gardening

• Top reasons people garden: To be outdoors (44%); to be around beautiful things (42%); relax and escape the pressures of everyday life (39%); stay active and get exercise (35%). Source: American Demographics, Roper Report
• In an American Medical Association survey, it was discovered that gardening is the most important hobby among doctors (47% list it as one of their main hobbies).
• Studies in Germany show that office workers surrounded by plants are happier and more productive than those working without plants.
• A University of Illinois study shows that gardening burns more calories than bicycling or walking. Strenuous gardening, such as hand mowing or ditch digging, uses twice the amount of biking or walking.