door? Consider adding a flower bed around the edges, filled with vibrant blooms to create a welcoming atmosphere. If you’ve got a stately tree in the yard, why not place a charming birdbath beneath it? Creating a plan will help you stick to a budget and ensure that every dollar spent enhances your home’s appeal. For those looking to go the extra mile, consulting with a landscape architect could be a wise investment. They’ll help you refine your vision, taking into account your budget and what will work best in your yard. Planting Trees If you’re thinking about planting trees, do your homework or talk to a landscape architect. You don’t want to plant a tree that will take decades to mature, like an oak, when you could choose something like a red maple that will flourish in just a few years. You can even check the “value” of your existing trees with the National Tree Benefit Calculator (http://treebenefits.com/ calculator). This handy tool estimates the environmental and economic benefits of trees based on location, species, and size, giving you a clearer picture of how much value your trees add to your property. Let It Fill In and Learn to Care for It One important tip from real estate pros: don’t wait until the last minute to tackle serious landscaping projects. Planting trees and flowers should be done at least six months before listing your home to give everything time to grow in and look its best. Once your new landscaping has had time to mature, it becomes a valuable asset to your home’s overall appeal. Of course, you’ll need to keep up with maintenance—unless you plan on hiring a professional gardener. If you’re doing it yourself, the internet is your friend. There are countless gardening websites and blogs that offer tips on how to care for your plants, flowers, and trees to ensure your yard stays in prime condition.
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