Benefits of Landscaping

Landscaping provides identity and character to communities. A well-designed landscape not only adds beauty to your home, but it offers other benefits to include an enriched quality of life, improved environmental conditions and enhanced property values.

• Landscaping lowers depression: Studies reveal depression was lowered by 71 percent when people walked outdoors in landscaped environments. Stress levels were also decreased and moods were improved. Studies found that property crimes were less frequent in those neighborhoods with well managed landscapes.
• Improved environment: Environmental benefits include environmental cleaners, water protectors, air cleaners, noise minimizers, slope stabilizers, wind barrier, drainage improvements, and natural coolant.
• Improved curb appeal: According to a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey, curb appeal is important to 71 percent of homebuyers when choosing their next home. Upgrading a home's landscape from average to excellent can raise its overall value by 10 to 12 percent, according to research from Virginia Tech and other studies.
• Enhanced energy savings: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a well-thought out landscape design with proper tree placement can save up to 25 percent of a typical home’s energy use. Summer air temperatures in tree-shaded neighborhoods can be 3 to 6 degrees cooler than treeless areas.

Water-wise landscape is critical to California. Eastern Municipal Water District has developed water-wise landscape resources. Guidelines for selecting region appropriate plant materials have been developed by Riverside County. A list of non-invasive plants has also been created to aid in preserving the state’s wetlands and the eco system.