Maybe the budget is tight, and extras are not in the cards. A solid maintenance program will make the site look attended to and cared for. Aside from lawn mowing, a complete program should include proper weeding and edging of the landscape beds for a crisp, finished appearance. A balanced fertilizer program is needed to keep the turf weed free and give the turf a deep green appearance.
Of course, landscaping adds value to your home. Who hasn’t heard about the value of curb appeal? HGTV has pounded that into our heads. But what is the return in real dollars and what is the best way to spend your annual landscape budget to get the best bang for your buck?
In terms of dollar amount, the recommended standard according to
RealEstate.com, is to invest 10% of the value of your home in landscaping. That is a general guideline, with returns that have estimated between 60% and 200% on monies spent on landscape improvement projects.
There are several options to increase the value of the community that fit different budgets.
The quickest way to see an immediate value increase is to contract with a professional landscape architect or designer, either creating a new space or updating an existing one, such as a community entrance.
To a lesser extent, landscape improvements such as shrub and tree replacement can provide some new energy to old and tired landscape. Dead shrubs on the property will make things look neglected and indicate a lack of investment in the community.
Nothing provides a quicker POP OF COLOR like annuals!
Eyes will be drawn to communities’ entrances or high visibility areas with beautiful summer flower displays.
Improvements do not always mean new landscaping. This could just be improving what you currently have with proper maintenance. Installation of new mulch not only improves the look of the landscape beds, but also cuts down on the unsightly weed population and reduces watering. Dormant pruning of shrubs will return the existing plants to their desired and intended size and by removing dead wood, allowing the plants to produce healthier branches and additional blooms.
During COVID more people either worked from home or did not travel far, so they were present to see much more of the community. Residents are paying more attention than ever to their environment. This should make the buy-in from the homeowners easier, as they can enjoy the investment in their new landscape on a daily basis.
Another return on investment is renewed community pride and the enjoyment that the residents will feel from living in their beautiful surroundings.
However you decide to improve your property, whether large or small, take your time selecting the right contractor for you. Find a true partner who shares your community’s vision for the future and can help you achieve your goals.
www.cai-illinois.org • 847.301.7505 | 21
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