by Bill Schwab

Landscaping isn't just about good looks, it can increase the value of your home, make it sell more quickly, and even reduce your energy bill. The right landscape can increase the value of your home by approximately 15-20 percent, allowing you to recoup 100 to 200 percent of your investment, according to the Association of Landscape Contractors of America.

If you're selling your house, or know you will be in the near future, a good-looking curb landscape is a contributing factor to good curb appeal because it is one of the first things a prospective buyer will notice. A 1998 study conducted by the University of Florida reveals that attractive landscaping makes a home sell faster. That's not all. The U.S. Department of Energy says landscaping is the best long-term investment for reducing heating and cooling costs. According to the American Public Power Association, landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs up to 50 percent!

American Forests has developed a way of measuring energy conservation benefits from trees, and reports that trees can reduce temperatures by as much as nine degrees Fahrenheit. A single urban tree can provide up to $273 a year in air conditioning. The National Association of Home Builders recently reported that sales of new homes in July increased 6.7 percent over the June rate, reaching record levels. With so many new homes popping up—usually with little or no landscaping it's important for new homeowners to maintain and improve their landscape to increase their homes' value, reduce energy bills, and someday sell at top dollar.

Now that you're sold on landscaping, where do you start? Here are some tips from Naturescape Landscape Company:

1. Determine a realistic budget. Remember that a good landscaper can suggest to landscape in "phases" which can be spread over time.
2. If buying a new home, don't sign up to use the builder's landscape company. The price of the job is usually pumped up 30 to 50 percent over an independent company, as builders make their money from adding large profits to subcontractors they use. The cost of adding the expense into your mortgage can add thousands more to the job in interest alone.
3. Choose a licensed and insured company rather than an illegal one. We can tell you horror stories from people who have been left with a real mess after using such "companies." In case of error by contractors, you have little to no recourse if you hired someone unlicensed.