Landscaping features like water gardens, pergolas, and fire pits add to the beauty and utility of outdoor spaces. In fact, landscaping and hardscaping serve many different purposes at the same time, from creating more comfortable microclimates to increasing property values. Any landscaping project must keep all of these factors in mind, which is why it’s best carried out by experienced landscapers who can combine the aesthetic and technical knowledge necessary.
Why do people choose landscaping?
People love to spend time in green outdoors spaces, and beautifully landscaped backyard provides the ideal space to do exactly that. Custom water features, fire pits, and built-in seating make outdoor spaces both inviting and practical, extending living spaces. Experienced landscapers can combine many different elements of landscaping into a single unique vision. Plantings can be chosen for color, appearance, scent, and to attract birds, wildlife, bees, and butterflies.
Strategically planted trees can shade homes, decks, and patios, creating a cooler and more comfortable microclimate. There’s also a more practical reason why people may choose landscape services: they add value to a property. Realtors and experienced landscapers know that such projects can add as much as 14% to the resale value of a property. This is confirmed by a recent survey which found that as many as 63% of those surveyed would be willing to pay more for a house or apartment if it was surrounded by good green spaces.
Creating a micro climate
Without knowing exactly why, most people feel that they have a strong connection to trees. They may not be aware that planting trees at strategic locations can actually create a more comfortable microclimate around the house. Shade trees can reduce the need for air conditioning by as much as 50%. They can even improve the efficiency of an air conditioner by 10%, if it is located within the area of shade.
Trees or shrubs planted as windbreaks can keep locations warmer in the winter by blocking cold winds. They can also reduce noise from the surrodiings or from nearby traffic. Overall, careful plantings can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20%. Experienced landscapers will also know how to identify the right species of trees and shrubs, combining beauty with utility. Plantings should be planned with the four seasons in mind, so there are always features of interest.
People have many different reasons for choosing landscaping features like fountains, walkways, trellises, and pergolas. These can serve many different aesthetic and practical functions. Experienced landscapers can combine these to create unique outdoor spaces.