Do you own a home that had much of the mature trees and shrubs removed? It's time to look at the benefit of landscaping. A well landscaped yard is not only environmentally smart but did you know that homes with mature trees, lawns and shrubs can fetch up to a 15% higher selling price! Now we are talking aren't we? In this real estate market more money can mean everything to a seller. Let's throw some numbers out there. This means for an average home price of $250,000, a home with a well maintained landscape can sell for up to $37,500 more than a home without those towering trees and well trimmed shrubs. That should get you thinking! Studies show there is more return on investment with landscaping than any other improvement you can do to your home. 

To start, a new homeowner should think "trees" first. Trees take the longest time to mature but also offer the highest benefit for the homeowner. Within 5-10 years many trees are already producing shade and screens. There are fast growing trees that will mature within five years and these can be planted first with the slower growing trees mixed in the landscape (check with your local garden center for the best choices). Some great choices in North Carolina are maple, cherry, river birch, Bradford pear and Leyland cypress.  A well placed and maintained tree can bring several thousand dollars to your home's selling price. As an added benefit, homes with trees have up to 20% lower heating and cooling bills. 

Next place shrubs in your yard. Shrubs mixed into the landscape, not just along the foundation, produce windbreaks and privacy. Most shrubs will mature in less than five years. Homebuyers love homes that have natural privacy screens. There are so many wonderful shrubs to choose from but I have found one of the fastest growing for a privacy screen in North Carolina is the wax myrtle. For extra tranquility, flowering shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendron, and hydrangea are beautiful planted under the tree canopy in the Pinehurst area. 

Lawns and flowers add that extra punch that draws attention and the "Oohs and aahs". When choosing grasses and flowers - think low maintenance and in the Sandhills of North Carolina also think drought resistant. 

Gardening can be fun and is one of the best, if not the best, return on investment for your home. So homeowners, make my life easier (and yours too) and plant some trees and shrubs this fall. You will be glad you did. 

Now, I'm heading out to sit under my willow oak tree (planted 10 years ago and already a shade tree) and finish my morning coffee while enjoying the wildlife in my yard.