Last Updated on December 19, 2023 by Kravelv
Landscape design can transform your backyard visions into reality, helping to improve its visual appeal, functionality and spacing. These carefully constructed plans can ensure the layout and dimensions of any backyard projects are accurately conceived before any work begins, paving the way for a successful finish.
Landscape design plans provide a scaled representation of your outdoor space which includes natural elements such as flower beds, trees, and water fountains as well as man-made features like swimming pools, patios, and fire pits. If you’re planning to enhance your backyard by making it more organized, functional, or multi-faceted, landscape designers like Malone’s Landscape could advise you of your options. This article will outline some of the benefits of landscape design for your backyard.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Landscaping projects can help to boost the value of your home. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), when it comes to increasing the resale value of a property, landscape design is the best improvement a homeowner can make.
It’s recommended to invest between 10% and 20% of your home’s value into landscaping improvements on the basis the expenditure will yield a return of 100% to 200% when the property is sold. Below are some landscaping projects to consider in order to increase the value of your home:
- Decking
- Trees and mature greenery
- Xeriscaping
- Landscape Lighting
- Sprinkler systems
Environmental Considerations
Redesigning your backyard also offers the opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly practices that not only benefit your home but also the environment. Consider the use of sustainable materials as part of your landscape design, such as recycled bricks and pavers for pathways, salvaged metal for gates, trellises and decorative features, and reclaimed wood for pergolas, patios, and outdoor furniture.
Rather than ending up on landfill sites, these materials can be repurposed and put to good use in your backyard, helping to reduce waste, and carbon emissions due to reduced demand for new production.
Water conservation methods such as water butts can also be integrated into your landscape design helping to reduce consumption of this natural resource. The xeriscaping principle can also help to create a more sustainable garden design that reduces reliance on water through the use of drought-resistant plants.
The addition of native plants can also help to promote biodiversity and support local ecosystems by providing a natural habitat and food for native birds, insects and other pollinators.
Energy Savings
A carefully designed backyard can not only enhance the visual beauty of your home but can also offer savings in terms of energy consumption. For example, the strategic planting of shrubs, trees, and plants can insulate your home in the colder months, acting as natural windbreakers while providing shade and aeration to cool your home during hotter spells.
According to the Department of Energy, strategically positioning trees has the potential to reduce a typical household’s energy consumption by as much as 25%. Landscape design can also help to reduce your reliance on power tools like lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers which can contribute to environmental pollution.
Landscape design can offer many benefits for you and your family as well as for your surrounding environment.