A Case for the Great Outdoors

What’s not to like about a lush, green lawn and colorful landscape to compliment your home. Aside from curb appeal and bragging rights for “best looking yard” in the neighborhood, a well-maintained landscape offers both economic and lifestyle benefits.

Economic Benefits

Project Evergreen has put together a list of examples where a well-maintained landscape puts its money where its roots are.

• Curb Appeal. A Money Magazine study said “attractively landscaping your yard can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal,” and emphasizes the value added by trees.
• Perception Is Everything. An article in Smart Money Magazine showed consumers value a landscaped home up to 11.3 percent higher than its base price.
• Return on Investment. A study by Aspen Environmental Companies found that a landscaping investment is nearly always recovered and can help reduce the time your home is on the market.

 Lifestyle Benefits 

• Peace, Privacy and Tranquility. Well-placed plantings offer peace, privacy and tranquility by screening out busy street noises and reducing glare from headlights.
• Blowing Off Steam. After a long-day at the office, may people like to relax by tending to their gardens, planting flowers or simply cutting the grass. Several studies have shown working in your yard reduces muscle tension related to stress and lifts your spirits. Fresh air never hurt anyone!
• Good Landscaping Draws A Crowd. Parks and street trees have been found to be second only to education in residents’ perceived value of municipal services offered. Well-landscaped grounds and places for taking walks to be among the most important factors considered when individuals chose a place to live.

Project EverGreen’s Top Five Reasons
For Getting Outside 

1. Staying active is good for the mind and body.
2. It sets a good example for kids to stay active and put down the electronics every once in a while.
3. It encourages kids to explore the great outdoors and learn about the environment.
4. It creates family time opportunities.
5. It creates opportunities to give back to the community.

Until next time, Project EverGreen encourages you to promote and enjoy the green spaces in your community.