To Landscape or Not to Landscape: Pros and Cons of Landscaping your Custom Home
Landscaping the land around your home has distinct advantages and disadvantages. When you decide to build a custom home in Greensboro, you will have the choice of whether or not to landscape your yard. Consider all the pros and cons before making your decision.
Pros of Landscaping:
Curb Appeal
Landscaping the front yard makes a great first impression when guests arrive at your home. Flower beds, walkways, lighting, shrubbery, and anything else you choose to add can work together to make your home as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.
Better Use of the Land
It is not only attractive to the landscape, but it is also functional. A walkway to the front door with lighting will help guide your guests in the dark. Backyard landscaping can create beautiful spaces for entertaining and enjoying time outdoors with the family.
Property Value
Landscaping also adds value to your property, which is not only helpful when you go to sell the home, but it helps increase the collective property value of your neighborhood.
Cons of Landscaping:
Cost
There is an initial cost associated with landscaping. However, that amount can be added to the overall price of the home, which may be nearly unnoticeable. If you’re trying to find ways to cut costs though, landscaping is one way. You can also choose simple landscaping that will cost less to implement.
Maintenance
In addition to the initial cost, there is a cost associated with regular maintenance of the landscaping, from bags of mulch to yard tools. Even if you choose to handle the maintenance yourself, that’s a significant time commitment and requires a good bit of energy, especially for elaborate landscapes.
Impact on the Environment
Drastic landscaping changes are not always environmentally friendly. Cutting down trees and using chemicals to kill weeds is potentially harmful to the wildlife in the area. Consider landscaping around the natural elements and using a plant-based weed killer.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences more than anything else. You may decide to skip the landscaping now to save money and plan to do it later. However, you will likely find bringing in a landscaper later for the project will end up costing you more. Including landscaping costs in your total home price from the beginning is more practical.
Planning to Build a Custom Home in Greensboro?
Landscaping is just one part of the process of planning a custom home. It is often tacked on at the end of the process, but it should actually be part of the initial planning phase. The landscaping you want for your home may have an impact on the structural design of your home and where it will be situated on the property. Don’t just tack it on as an afterthought.
If you plan to build a custom home in Greensboro and landscaping is a priority for you, keep that in mind when you’re choosing a home site. R&K Custom Homes can help you find a home site that will work for both your home and landscaping plans. Call (336) 362-5225 today to schedule a free consultation.
