How can we add value to our yard?
Before you start ripping out mature plantings, know that whether you live in the city or the boondocks, beautiful trees and shrubs enhance your terrace, roof garden, balcony, or yard (but that's not to say you should leave that 20-foot-tall yew bush where it stands).
Great landscaping tells your neighbors you care about your home, it looks great, and the plants' sweet scent and rustling leaves make home life so pleasant. Perennials are long-lasting, grow more beautiful over time, attract birds and butterflies, and are low maintenance (meaning you don’t have to fuss over them much). Trees and shrubs are a good investment too. In fact, a recent study by the American Nursery & Landscape Association found landscaping increases property values by 7 to 14 percent.
If you love color, try trees that offer a spring show such as dogwood, cherry, and red bud or have interesting foliage, like Japanese maple and ginko trees (all stand up to the harsh realities of city environments too). To create a fast growing evergreen screen (think noisy city or country neighbors), Thuga Green Giant is a good choice. It’s tall and elegant and can grow five feet a year. Shrubs like flowering almond, azalea, and butterfly bush add interest to container gardens. All of these species can be found at large nurseries or home centers.
So the next time the weather permits, plant some trees and shrubs -- and enjoy your great new view!
by The Nest Editors
7/2/08
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