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No matter what anyone tells you, curb appeal and high-quality landscaping matters when it comes putting your home on the market to sell. The house’s exterior is the first thing a home shopper sees, so make it count.
According to the most recent Landscape Architecture Trend Survey (ASLA), the buzzwords surrounding this year’s landscaping trends are “sustainability” and “low-maintenance”. It was reported that respondents expected the greatest demand for landscaping projects that are geared toward preserving the environment, conserving water, and reducing lawn maintenance.
Based on the information that has been collected from numerous groups of consumers, here are the top 10 landscaping trends that are currently in the highest demand among homebuyers:
1. Native Plants
Using plants in your garden that are native to your local area is a great way to add some character to your home. Home shoppers want them, too!
2. Native or Adapted Drought-Tolerant Plants
You’ll have less maintenance to worry about with drought-tolerant plants, especially as we enter the heat of summertime.
3. Fruit and Vegetable Gardens
Creating an attractive display of your fruit or vegetable garden is sure to attract homebuyers and dramatically increases your home’s curb appeal.
4. Fire Pits and Fireplaces
This is a wonderful addition to your outdoor patio. Homebuyers will be able to easily visualize what life would be like living in the home.
5. Low-Maintenance Landscapes
With the hectic schedules we have, homebuyers want a yard they do not need spend hours and hours trying to maintain.
6. Permeable Paving
This method of paving allows rainwater to seep into the ground as it falls rather than running off into the street or drains.
7. Drip/Water-Efficient Irrigation
Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation or water-efficient irrigation, saves fertilizer and water by allowing water to “drip” slowly into the roots of your plants. The water can be dripped either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone and is done through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. Narrow tubes deliver water directly to the plant.
8. Rain Gardens
A rain garden is designed to divert gutter water into an attractive planting bed. It then works like a sponge and natural filter to clean the water and let it move slowly into the surrounding soil.
9. Lighting
You can create a lovely sitting area with the right lighting on your patio, and will give homebuyers a great first impression as they make their way to your front door.
10. Rainwater and Graywater Harvesting
This simple rainwater harvesting system puts the water where your plants need it most, and makes your garden completely and utterly eco-friendly.
Consumers also reported that spa features are the most popular type of outdoor recreation amenities. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, whirlpools, and saunas.
In regards to outdoor design elements, the top three are firepits or fireplaces, grills, and lighting. The most popular outdoor structures are pergolas, decks and fencing. In addition, sustainable features such as compost bins, geothermal heated pools and solar-powered lights are in the highest demand among home shoppers.
So, next time you think about changing the landscaping or working on projects to enhance your home’s curb appeal, keep these tips in mind. Changing your home’s outdoor landscape to match the most demanded home trends can make a world of difference when reeling in that homebuyer.