Landscaping ranks top out of and home improvements

Most people landscape their homes for their own enjoyment. You probably want your home to have attractive front yard landscaping for both yourself and visitors. The backyard is the area gets used more, and so you want to design it for both beauty and function. Another reason for landscaping your home is for seasonal color and interest.
However, some are concerned as to the relationship between the amount of money they spend on landscaping and their home's value. What if you want to sell your home? Will you actually recoup the money you have spent on landscaping your property?
In recent years, there have been quite a few studies done on just this subject.
Money Magazine determined that landscaping offers an excellent return on investment. Actually it ranks top out of any home improvements. In addition, there was a study done by the American Society of Landscape Architects in conjunction with Money Magazine. A recovery value of 100% to 200% of landscaping costs can be gained when you sell you home.
Clemson University stated that homes with excellent landscaping will sell for 6 to 7% more than comparable homes with just good landscaping. Research by Michigan State University found something similar, but gives good landscaping even more value. They state that the perceived value of a home which is landscaped nicely is improved by 12%.
The Society of Real Estate Appraisers also feels a landscaped home adds value, 99% agreeing that it actually causes these homes to sell more quickly.
And what about trees? A study done by the U.S. Forest Service found that just trees alone can add 3 to 7% to the value of a home.
If you put all of this information together, it is easy to see that adding nice landscaping can definitely provide a positive financial impact on your home's value.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Schlenger

Fall Planting- Why?

Most of us that think of planting in the fall, only think of planting spring flowering bulbs. But the truth is, it is a great time to plant perennials, trees, shrubs and
Why?
Fall is an ideal time for planting for the following reasons:
In cooler temperatures, plants don’t need as much water and have less stress from transplanting. (Cooler temps are also easier on the gardener!)
In the fall, soils tend to be just the right temperature which makes the roots more comfortable.
In the fall, plants begin to go dormant. It’s during the fall that roots get a chance to absorb all of the nutrients without needing to distribute them to the leaves and blooms.
You can plant most plants through mid-October. This will allow roots another two months to get established before winter. Established plants also have a better chance of making it through the heat of the next summer.