Landscaping Trends

"Landscaping can add between 7% and 15% to a home’s value,” says a study done by The Gallup Organization. A similar study at Clemson University puts the number at around 10%. And Money Magazine states that landscaping has “a recovery value of 100% to 200% at selling time,” putting landscaping above kitchen and bathroom remodeling as the number one return on investment for property owners. 

Recent advances in technology and the availability of cheaper, more durable building materials have led to a progression extending beyond curb appeal in the South. Trends are moving forward, past the palm trees, perennials and hydrangeas facing the street and advancing into the backyard. To the delight of teenagers forced to earn their keep by their parents everywhere, backyards aren’t just for mowing anymore.

Preserving trees and incorporating native plants are long established landscaping architectural habits of Lowcountry designers. With 200 year old majestic pines stretching 80 feet in the air and stout, aged oaks dripping with Spanish moss, not much has changed. Southerners love nature. The next progression would naturally become, how can Southerners enjoy nature more? The answer; by being outside longer.

By turning their backyards into “liveable” space Southerners are creating the comforts of indoor living under a canopy of leaves and walled by nothing more than fresh air. Decks, porches and patios have elevated themselves beyond wood, nail and mortar, pushing past their “slab” boundaries and incorporating amenities like full-service kitchens, al fresco living rooms and gas powered fire places.

Michelle Kodis, author of Ultimate Backyard, writes, “If you want to raise the value of your home, start thinking about ways to add structural interest and comfort to your backyard.” While research suggests that grabbing a shovel and digging a pool are definitely bad ideas, installing outdoor showers, functional cooking spaces, cabinetry and countertops insure that you can take your backyard to courtyard without breaking the bank and in minimal time. “When you extend your living space outside, suddenly you have so much more space for living in general,” Kodis goes on to say.

Adding the aforementioned fireplace insures year round- and comfortably pleasant- use of your new living space during mild Southern winters and barbeque/fireplace combos are in-demand innovations. Likewise, flat panel LCD televisions designed specifically for outdoor use can be found at places like sunbritetv.com and mirageoutdoorconcepts.com, guaranteeing your next football get-together to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to give all the old patio furniture to your nephew in college either, because it’s time to make way for the luxury of outdoor ottomans, couches, dining furniture and chairs made specifically for enduring the weather.

Landscape designers like to stress that it is important to break up your yard as well. Extending your needs across the breadth of your property adds the feeling of size and freedom to your newly formed liveable space. Fences are also suggested. Think outside the box and use hedges, tropical plants or trees instead of chain link and wood. A good fence will make your property seem both a private and receptive retreat.

For those still unconvinced to the merits of landscaping, the American Public Power Association says, “Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50% by shading the windows and walls of a home.” While the research does not suggest becoming an Ewok and moving to a home in the trees, it does show that some costs of whatever outdoor project you choose can be offset with energy savings inside the home. It is quite possible that your needs can meet aesthetically, functionally and economically, forming that rare but revered triangle of satisfaction.

There are many designs, options and materials available to the backyard benefactor and self-expression can definitely find a home in your developing courtyard. Look to your local landscapers, trade magazines like Better Homes and Gardens or the staff at Lowe’s and Home Depot for more ideas and suggestions. You can even mock up a three dimensional sketch of your vision at sketchup.google.com.

Find which desires can match your budget and have it at. While your teenager is busy mowing the front yard, you can relax in the back.