How to Elevate your Garden and Increase Your Property's Value

Selling a property is a big decision and every detail counts. While the interior of your home is important, the exterior can have a significant impact on potential buyers. Enhancing your garden can add value to your property and make it stand out in a crowded market. According to landscape economist John Harris, good landscaping can add up to 28% to your home's overall value. Here are some tips from Luke at Evergreen Trees Direct on how to elevate your garden:

Choose the Right Trees for Your Garden

Trees play a vital role in the look and functionality of your garden. They not only provide shade and privacy, but they also enhance the character and beauty of your outdoor space. To help you choose the right trees for your garden, we spoke to Luke from Evergreen Trees Direct who shared his recommendations for homeowners looking to improve their garden's appearance.

Hedging Trees for Privacy

Enhance Your Garden with Hedging Trees

According to Luke (Evergreen Trees Direct), planting trees along the boundary of your property is a great way to add privacy and greenery to your garden. He suggests using hedging trees for this purpose as they grow tall and dense, creating a visual barrier and blocking out noise from neighbors. Luke's top picks for hedging trees include:

Ficus Hillii Flash

This tree is known for its fast-growing nature and versatility in different environments. It is an excellent choice for creating a hedge as it grows tall and dense, providing ample privacy. Its glossy green leaves also add an elegant touch to your garden.

Waterhousea Floribunda

This tree, also known as the Weeping Willow, is popular for its attractive appearance. Its branches hang down gracefully, creating a peaceful atmosphere in your garden. This tree is also ideal for creating a hedge as it grows tall and wide, providing privacy and a visual barrier.

Bay Trees

Bay trees are a classic and elegant option for creating a hedge. They are known for their fragrant leaves and versatility, making them a great addition to any garden. They grow slowly and have a dense branching pattern, making them low maintenance.

Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly

This popular Australian native tree is an excellent option for creating a hedge. It is fast-growing, provides privacy, and has glossy green leaves that enhance the lushness of your garden. Its delicate white or pink flowers that bloom in spring add an extra touch of beauty to your hedge.

Feature Trees for Character

Along with hedging trees, Luke (Evergreen Trees Direct) also recommends incorporating feature trees into your garden design. These trees act as focal points and add character and beauty to your outdoor space. Luke's top picks for feature trees include:

Japanese Maple

This tree is known for its unique and delicate appearance, making it an ideal option for a feature tree. Its leaves come in a range of colors, from vibrant reds to delicate pinks and greens, adding visual interest to your garden. It grows slowly, making it suitable for small gardens.

Crepe Myrtle

This tree is famous for its vibrant and colorful flowers that bloom in summer. It comes in a range of colors, from deep pinks and purples to whites and yellows, making it a great option for adding a pop of color to your garden. Its attractive bark and compact size make it an ideal feature tree for small gardens

Canadian Maple

This tree is known for its brilliant autumn colors, making it a great option for a feature tree in the fall. Its bright yellow, orange, and red leaves create a stunning display of color, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Its large size and dense canopy also provide shade.

Ginkgo

This tree is known for its fan-shaped leaves and unique appearance, making it an ideal option for a feature tree. Its leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, creating a stunning display of color. It grows slowly, making it suitable for small gardens.

Make the Most of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a simple but effective way to enhance the appearance of your garden. By strategically placing lights in key areas, such as around trees, shrubs, and water features, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider using solar lights, lanterns, or string lights as they are low-maintenance and energy-efficient. Outdoor lighting can also provide additional security for your property and make it safer for you and your guests to enjoy your garden at night.

Add Shrubs for Interest and Privacy

Shrubs are a great way to add interest and privacy to your garden. Plant shrubs in clusters for maximum impact or use them as a backdrop for other plants. Evergreen shrubs, such as boxwoods or holly, provide year-round greenery and can help to block out noise from neighbors. Some other shrub recommendations to consider are Fatsia Japonica and Tractor Seat Plants (Ligularia). By adding shrubs to your garden, you can create a natural, private oasis that is perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

Incorporate Discreet Storage Solutions

Outdoor storage sheds are a convenient way to keep your gardening tools and equipment tidy and out of sight. Consider using a shed that is the same color as your house or fence to blend in and keep the focus on your garden. By using a discreet storage solution, you can keep your garden looking neat and organized, and make the most of your outdoor space.

By focusing on these elements, you can elevate your garden and increase the value of your property. A well-maintained garden can make your property more appealing to potential buyers and help to set it apart in a crowded market. So, take some time to focus on your garden and make the most of your outdoor space.

Insights from a Husqvarna Global Garden Report

In a Husqvarna Global Garden Report assessed the impact of a garden on a property's value. In this report, 70% of real estate agents surveyed believed that a neglected garden can lower a property's value by 5-15%, with 17% believing the effect could be even higher.

To further prove this point, the report conducted a study of 5,000 homeowners. The participants were split into two groups and presented with pictures of houses. The first group was shown pictures of houses with well-maintained gardens, while the second group was shown the same houses but with plain-looking gardens. The results showed that the first group estimated an average of 26% higher market value compared to the second group. This emphasizes the importance of keeping the garden in good condition to maintain or increase a property's value.