Impacts of landscaping

Time impacts and effective landscaping

To *effectively manage an **average size yard it will take homeowners approximately 80-100 hours per year per household.

If you maintain a standard 40 hour week you will work approx 2080 hours each year not including commute or leisure time.

It can take the average homeowner (not skilled in landscaping) three times longer to complete the same landscape project that it would a skilled professional.



Financial impacts and effective landscaping

If you make $50,000 a year your time is worth approx. $14/hour after expenses.

Landscaping can improve home values on average 7-15% (Gallup).

Investments in landscaping have a recovery rate at time of sale of 100-200%. In comparison Kitchens (75-125%), Bathrooms (20-120%) (Money Magazine).

Excellent landscaping can improve home sale prices 6-7% higher than equivalent “good” home landscaping (Clemson U).

A survey showed 99% of real estate appraisers say landscaping enhances sales appeal.



Environmental impacts and effective landscaping

An irrigation system can save 40% of the water it takes to hand water a yard.

Trees reduce noise up to 50% (EPA).

One tree reduces approximately 26 pounds of CO2 annually.

Plants protect water quality and reduce nitrate leech into soils while also reducing surface run-offs.

Plants and turf remove smoke, dust and pollutants.

Impervious surfaces such as paver patios allow for better drainage and less run-off.

Notes:
*Assuming you have the skill sets to accomplish these ongoing tasks: pruning, mowing/edging, flower bed maintenance.
** Approximately 5000-7500 sq. ft of landscape areas.
***40 visits @ 2 hours visit.