Knowing that attractive and functional landscaping can affect the value of your property and the time that it’s on the market should be an incentive for you to make some upgrades that enhance your home’s curb appeal.  Your home only has one chance to make a first impression so it’s imperative that your landscape complement the exterior of your home and set a positive tone for what is on the inside behind the front door.

Even though landscaping is usually associated with plants, trees, bushes, and flowers, other elements that are considered to be an integral part of your landscape are fire pits, decks, waterfalls, swimming pools, and outdoor lighting.  If your home has a boring landscape design or a fading coat of paint, it’s important that you make some immediate changes so that you’ll get a fair price for your property in a reasonable amount of time.

Before you undertake any major landscaping projects, consult with your Realtor about the changes that he or she thinks should be made and consider the impact that it will have on your home in the future. Planting trees too close to your home may be a fire hazard or their roots can grow into septic systems or damage foundations.  You may want to hire a team of professionals who can use their expertise, experience, and provide you with quality plants and structures that add an ambiance of interest to your landscape design.

Your buyer may be interested in the amount of green space that your home offers to them and their family.  As you decide upon the type of modifications that you want to make to your design, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1.    Will your landscaping be attractive to make the potential buyer want to walk through your front door?  Make sure that your landscaping is comparable to other properties in your neighborhood.

2.    Is the landscape cost-effective?  If it requires little or no maintenance especially in our Myrtle Beach setting, that will be an added feature to your home.

3.    Are the plants in your landscaping healthy and a safe distance from your home?  Remember that mulching your beds can attract wood-destroying organisms that are detrimental to your property.

Another helpful tip to keep in mind is that your trees and shrubs need regular trimming and should be replanted every 5 to 10 years so they won’t hide or overwhelm the appearance of your home and property.  If you don’t have professional landscaping services as a part of your homeowner’s association, it’s best to hire the services of professionals who know what your neighborhood design features are, the plants and colors that enhance your exterior, and how to incorporate water features and other structures that add interest and attractiveness to your landscape. 

Make sure that you keep in simple, easy to maintain, and manicured for a clean and inviting appearance.