Numerous studies show that well designed landscapes add value to residential and commercial properties. Below are a sampling of study results:

• As an investment, landscaping can increase the value of your property by as much as 20 percent – if it is done well.
• Spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping, and doing it wisely, you can add 15 percent or more to the value of you home.  
• Homes with landscapes that are not as nice as others in the neighborhood could see sales prices that are 8 percent to 10 percent lower.
• Homes that have been professionally landscaped can bring 15 percent to 20 percent more at the time of resale than homes that lack landscaping.
• Home buyers will pay up to 11.3 percent above the asking price for homes with thoughtfully-designed landscaping. 
• Homes with nice landscaping are likely to see sale prices that are 4 percent to 5 percent higher compared to similar properties in the neighborhood.
• Landscaping is one way to increase a home’s value.  The general rule of thumb is that you get back 100 percent to 200 percent of what you invest in landscaping when you sell your home.
• Eighty-four percent of the real estate agents interviewed for the study said a house with trees would be as much as 20 percent more salable than a house without trees. 
• Landscaping improves worker productivity and attracts customers to business districts.  
• Well designed and maintained Landscapes in business areas send a “We Care” and “quality” message to customers.
• More customers will return to areas with well maintained landscapes. 
• Landscaping improves worker productivity and can lower perceived job stress. 
• Landscaping can help reduce soil erosion, dust, noise, glare, air pollution, and cooling needs.

Eileen Obermiller
Principal Landscape Architect
www.dappledearth.com