First Impressions Are Important

A Clemson University investigation discovered that landscaping achieves more than a 100% return on investment. This return is of course contingent upon the quality of the work done. Landscapes that are installed competently and professionally distinguish themselves. A well-designed landscape increases in value over time.

‘Landscaping is one of the few improvements that adds more value to real estate property than it costs to install’. (Landscape-America.com)

Landscaping improves that crucial first impression a buyer gets when viewing your home. Creating an attractive, inviting appearance is a great way to reach out to potential buyers.

To enhance curb appeal:

Add a 3” – 4” layer of natural, shredded hardwood bark mulch to define and beautify planting beds, condition soil, minimize weeds and reduce the need for watering. Avoid the bargain cypress mulches readily found at discount stores, which tend to give an unnatural, garish look, or the spray-painted mulches, which are not good for the environment.

Add cheer and color to your home by installing pockets of annual flowers and bulbs to flank front entry walks. Fill urns near the front door with seasonal interest plantings. Tulips and Pansies are reliable choices for spring, Petunias and Begonias are just a few of many summer annuals available, Kale and Mums look great in fall, and evergreen boughs, redtwig dogwood branches, winterberry holly and eucalyptus pods bring much-needed color to the starkness of winter.

Concentrate your efforts in the front of your property. It’s the first impression prospective buyers get. A neglected, unattractive landscape can give the impression the home is also neglected.

Paint with a varied plant palette, using suitably-sized trees and shrubs in excellent condition.  A combination of evergreens and flowering plants give a dynamic look in all seasons. Using one or two of the same kind of plants won’t do much to bring attention to your home, and using landscape plants that are too small in relation to the scale of the house tend to emphasize a sparseness in your landscaping.

Consider landscape lighting to accentuate your home’s architecture, to direct views and illuminate walkways. Professionally installed landscape lighting brings attention to the best parts of your home at night and accentuates your garden in the evening hours.

Planning to sell your house this year? Landscaping is a practical and cost-effective way to prepare for the prime selling season ahead.

A beautiful landscape can express your personality and enhance the architecture of your home. Updating your landscaping is a home improvement that will bring  you joy and increase the value of your home.

Visit our on-line portfolio of landscape photos at naturesperspective.com

Hardy Hollies

If you have a partly shady area in a sheltered location that could use some medium-sized, interesting evergreens, why not break away from commonly used Yews. Try using Hollies instead. With glossy green leaves providing  foliage and textural interest, plus colorful berries for a festive winter show, Holly makes for a great choice.

In the Holly family there are many species, both evergreen and deciduous.
Being monoecious (plants being either male or female), both sexes need to be
planted together to bear fruit. Usually one male holly will pollinate 4 to 6 female hollies. 

Evergreen hollies do best in partial shade and in a sheltered site away from
drying winds. Hollies prefer moist, well-drained, acid soil rich in organic matter.
A 3” layer of shredded hardwood bark will help maintain soil temperature and
moisture. Make sure your Hollies receive at least an inch of water per week until frost as they will not tolerate drought.

Blue Princess w/ berries

Blue Holly (Ilex x meserve) is the best evergreen holly we have found for this area, with glossy, dark green foliage tinted with a bluish overcast. Bark on young twigs is a colorful purplish brown. Blue Hollies are great for along the foundation, around a patio or in a shrub border. ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Princess’ mature at 4’.

How to take care of trees

In this article we will discuss the best ways for you to care for trees.

1. Make sure tree is alive when you plant it
2. Water tree
3. Make sure it gets sunlight
4. Do not drill holes into trunk

Don't let this guy near your tree!!