3 Landscaping Tips for a Down Housing Market

ONE KIND OF GREEN thrives no matter what the economyis doing. In 2007 the landscaping industry took in $53.8 billion, a 2.1 percent increase from 2006. And with buyers skittish over the weakened housing market, "curb appeal is more important today," says Walter Molony, of the National Association of Realtors. Some tips on getting the best lawn care.

Scrutinize credentials

According to a 2006 survey by the National Gardening Association, almost 60 percent of homeowners choose a landscaper based on neighbor recommendations — a good starting point, but it shouldn't be the onlycriterion. Review a portfolio of past work, and check if your landscaper is a member of an industry group. Keep in mind that a mistake could end up costing you. "It's important to be critical," says Bruce Butterfield, of the National Gardening Association. "It's an investment you're going to have to live with every day."

Know what you're in for

Poor upkeep can cut into the value of your property. Before any installation ask your landscaper about maintenance requirements. If you're cost-conscious, specify that you want low-maintenance shrubs you can care for yourself. The popular Deutzia Nikko, for instance, doesn't attract pests and covers the ground well so weeds won't grow.

Get an appraisal

Trees add value to your property, and real estate agents are taking note. In some places it's not uncommon for over $100,000 worth of trees to be blooming from a half-acre property. The North Carolina-based Horticultural Asset Management specializes in assessing the value of your shrubs and how structural damage and infestations may affect the property. The value of a healthy 60-foot-tall European beech, for instance, stretches to around $50,000.

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