Interesting Landscaping Facts

Economic Facts

More value, less time on the market. A study cited in Smart Money Magazine indicated that consumers value a landscaped home up to 11.3% higher than its base price and that landscaping investment is nearly always recovered and can help reduce time on the market.

Views of plans increase job satisfaction. Employees with an outside view of plants experience less job pressure and greater job satisfaction than workers viewing man-made objects or having no outside view. They also report fewer headaches and other ailments than workers without a view.

Nature increases worker productivity. Psychologists have found that access to plants and green spaces provides a sense of rest and allows workers to be more productive.

Landscaping renews business districts. Greening of business districts increases community pride and positive perception of an area, drawing customers to the businesses.

Environmental Facts

More green space within a city's boundaries can improve the urban environment. It helps regulate air quality and climate ... reducing energy consumption by countering the warming effects of paved surfaces ... recharging groundwater supplies and protecting lakes and streams from polluted runoff.

Water quality protection. Proper landscaping reduces nitrate leaching from the soil into the water supply and reduces surface water runoff, keeping phosphorus and other pollutants out of our waterways and preventing septic system overload.

Reduced heat buildup. Trees in a parking lot can reduce on-site heat buildup, decrease runoff and enhance nighttime cool downs.

Reduced soil erosion. A dense cover of plants and mulch holds soil in place, keeping sediment out of lakes, streams, storm drains and roads; and reducing flooding, mudslides and dust storms.

Improved air quality. Trees, shrubs and turf remove smoke, dust and other pollutants from the air. One tree can remove 26 lbs. of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions. One study showed that one acre of trees has the ability to remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually.

Lower summer air temperatures. Trees shading homes can reduce attic temperatures as much as 40 degrees. Properly placed deciduous trees reduce house temperatures in the summer, allowing air conditioning unit to run 2 to 4 percent more efficiently, but allow the sun to warm the house in the winter.

Lifestyle Facts

Privacy and tranquility. Well-placed plantings offer privacy and tranquility by screening out street noises and reducing glare from headlights.

Lower crime and enhanced self-esteem. Studies over a 30-year period in communities, neighborhoods, housing projects and prisons show that when landscaping projects are promoted there is a definite increase in self-esteem and a decrease in vandalism.

Stress reduction. Studies indicate that by boosting children's attentional resources, green spaces may enable them to think more clearly and cope more effectively with life's stress.

Health benefits. There is growing evidence that horticulture is important on a human level. Plants lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension related to stress, improve attention and reduce feelings of fear and anger or aggression.

Good landscaping increases community appeal. Parks and street trees have been found to be second only to education in residents' perceived value of municipal services offered. Trees, well-landscaped grounds and places for taking walks have been found to be among the most important factors considered when individuals chose a place to live.

Green spaces create a better, safer environment. Green spaces are gathering places that create close-knit communities and improve well-being; and in doing so, they increase safety.