Why is Landscaping Important?

Landscaping is often thought of as being purely cosmetic.  While great landscaping always improves the appearance of your home or business’ outdoor space, that is not its only function.  Well-designed and well-maintained landscaping can increase your property’s value, help preserve resources, protect the environment, and even improve your mental health.  In short, there is no reason why you should not invest in landscaping for your property!

If you’ve ever purchased a home, you know that the appearance of the lawn (especially when you first arrive at the house) makes a huge difference in how you feel about the property (and therefore how much you are willing to pay for it).  Studies have also shown that neighborhoods with large trees and community green spaces have lower crime rates, lower stress levels, and better overall health and quality of life.  Not only does great landscaping make your home worth more, it makes your neighborhood a more desirable place to live!

Landscaping also provides many environmental benefits.  You probably know that plants produce oxygen, but did you know that they also clean dust and pollutants out of the air and absorb toxins and chemicals from water runoff?  Plants can also help clean pollutants from the soil and prevent erosion by holding soil in place with their roots.

Healthy flora also helps maintain temperatures in and around your home or business.  Large shade trees can reduce attic temperatures by as much as 22°C during the heat of summer, and strategically placed evergreens can shield your home from cold winter winds.  Grass helps to maintain the temperature near the ground during the summer as it neither absorbs nor radiates heat like asphalt, concrete, or even bare dirt do.  Shrubs and small plants can even help insulate your home’s foundation!

While most of us are aware of landscaping’s effect on home prices and the environment on some level, many of us have never stopped to think about the effect it has on us.  Research has consistently shown, however, that live greenery is good for both our mental and physical health.  Simply viewing nature through a window has been proven to lower stress, and employees are more productive and focused when there are plants nearby while they work.  Science provides a multitude of examples, but most of us have firsthand experience to support nature’s healing properties too.  Who hasn’t felt calmer and more at peace after strolling through a beautifully landscaped park?

These are just a few of the reasons that well-designed landscaping is essential for your home or business.  It brings beauty and value to your property while promoting both your well-being and the health of the environment in which you live.  With proper planning and maintenance, landscaping can even lower your energy costs!  If you are ready to bring all of these benefits (and many more) to your property, call our landscaping experts today.  We can transform even the most neglected yard into a space that you never want to leave!