Landscaping for Sellers-Foundation Plants

Foundation plants connect the house to the site and create an attractive, unified impression that can impress buyers and make your house stand out in pictures.

Foundation plants connect the house to the site and create an attractive, unified impression that can impress buyers and make your house stand out. Attractive landscaping can increase the value of a house as much as 15%, help to create compelling on-line pictures to attract buyers and give you a competitive advantage. Be sure to allow time to address landscaping issues before you list.

In many subdivisions, landscaping has been done on a tight budget using a basic concept, and foundation plantings are often repetitive and unimpressive, at best. Newer custom houses may have a better landscape plan, but often plants aren’t mature so they look inadequate, and curb appeal suffers. In established landscapes, some plants have done well (or too well), and some haven’t, so changes are needed.

If you need help, take pictures of your house and landscaping, and note the rough dimensions of the front yard. Ask the experts at a nursery for plant recommendations, and explain that you’re landscaping to sell. Sometimes there’s no charge for an initial on-site consultation, and you may save money by doing some of the work.

Some basic considerations:

• Are the existing plants appropriate to the site (light, moisture and maintenance requirements and eventual size)?

• Do the plants suit the architecture? 

• Are the plants in good condition? If diseased plants can’t be treated to recover fairly quickly, replace them.

• Are some plants too immature to be effective? Group plants more closely in odd numbers. Add plants to fill unsightly major gaps.

• Are any plants significantly overgrown? Plants shouldn’t block the house, or block interior light. Overgrown plants suggest neglect and that maintenance is an overwhelming chore.

• Can overgrown plants be pruned without disfiguring them? If major pruning is needed, plants might not re-grow before you list. Some can’t be pruned at all, and should be relocated or composted.
• Do flowering plants coordinate with your paint colors?
• Will some plants be at peak performance while the house is on the market?
  

Smart Selling Tip:
Visit the experts at your local nursery with pictures of your house and landscaping. Explain that you’re landscaping to sell, and your timetable for listing. They’ll guide you to strategies for maximum curb appeal while your house is on the market.

Special thanks to landscaping and plant expert, Mickey Lively of Garden Gate Nursery, 136 Hillview Boulevard, Hendersonville (828)692-8577.