Virginia Green Industry Council Advocates Sustainable Landscapes

Realtors estimate that 95% of consumers will not get out of their car if a residential site lacks curb appeal. In fact, Industry research published by Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist for the department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech, identifies landscaping as a way to significantly influence perceived property value.

“Landscaping,” says Doug Haver Principal Broker for Home Choice Realty My Richmond Home Search, “to me as a realtor, is a pretty good indicator of the condition of the home. There are many buyers that simply will not go into property if it does not have appeal. If the yard is overgrown or weedy, it’s a turnoff. In a way, landscaping not only is an ongoing investment that upgrades property value, it opens the door for a potential buyer.”

The value of landscaping appears to range dependent upon location: 5.5 percent (Louisiana) to 11.4 percent (South Carolina). In other words, a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape that includes color and large plants. Niemiera’s multi-state study also identifies minimal landscapes (simple design with small plants) to detract from a site’s overall value.

“In this market,” says Haver, “it is more important than ever for home sellers do offer a top-notch product. There is an abundance of homes on the market and the sellers who are successful are the ones who prepare their homes—inside and out—before they put them on the market. In some sense it is a subliminal feeling. If a home has a well-appointed and maintained interior but the outside does not match, it feels as though something is missing. And, that feeling will doom the sale of a home. Simply put, homes that are pristine are the ones that sell quicker and receive top dollar.”

Although today’s housing market downturn is serious, and nation-wide home values are declining, there are activities in which you can participate that will maintain as well as add value to your home, whether you’re trying to sell it or ensure its investment value.

Invest in Sustainable Landscaping

Invest in landscaping that is proven to work well, such as native plants. Still, be aware that native plants do not grow well if there is major construction/grading disruption of the existing soil. For instance, if the residential lot is graded, topsoil removed and/or replaced, it’s no longer a native situation. Another consideration of which consumers should be aware is that native plants have a symbiotic relationship with other native plants. Some depend on others for shade, and if they don’t have shade, they do have a difficult time surviving, even if they are installed in native soils.

“Trees,” says Lin Diacont, president for the Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC), “remain the greatest asset, literally growing in value. While there is an aesthetic value, you have another added value, a reduction of your site’s carbon footprint. As my colleague Bob Dolibois, executive vice president of the American Nursery & Landscape Association, says ‘over a 50-year lifetime, a single tree generates $31,250 of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water and controls $31,250 worth of soil control.’”

According to the American Association of Nurserymen, installing healthy trees, shrubs and plants is a wise investment. For example, a $20 plant will over time grow into a $200 shrub, as it brings more value and beauty, among other benefits, to your property value.

Today’s homeowners are becoming more selective about how and where they choose to spend their financial resources. Electronic gadgets and luxury trips are fast losing appeal as consumers become increasingly sophisticated about ensuring investments. They are rechanneling resources into more sustainable assets such as their home which reveals who they are, where their family will grow and share memories over the years, and where friends create memories of parties and gatherings as much for the beautiful surroundings as the warm hospitality.

Unlike gadgets and other fleeting luxuries, residential property is a tangible investment. “It,” says Diacont, “will always be home to all who've lived there. With that kind of value at stake, you'll want the exterior of your home to exhibit the same high quality that you choose for the interior.”

“I’ve witness,” says Haver, “a shift in consumer awareness. Many buyers, especially buyers who work with experienced Buyer Agent Realtors, are more educated about how landscaping affects both the structure of a building and its surrounding environment. Landscaping does play a role in moving damaging water away from structures. We regularly advise potential homeowners to keep branches trimmed back from their home to let sunlight in to dry the home and provide light and heat. Buyers, concerned about the use of native plants, are using them for their cooling affect and impact on water usage related to their lawns.”

Posted: January 12th, 2011 10:23 AM CDT

 

The HOA had a huge (dead) Hickory tree taken down yesterday in a common area. I was talking with one of the guys taking it down since the tree was OK a few years ago. He said they are very picky, and also noted that regrading may have affected it. There was always a little water that pooled in that spot back there, not sure if that took it out or the hard winter.