Landscaping can be a great investment for your property. After all, a home’s curb appeal gives buyers that all-important first impression, and with help from a professional landscaper, that return on investment becomes noticeable as houses can sell for as much as 20% higher.

“If you can hire a professional company that would be the best approach, however if you feel you are capable of maintaining it, be honest with yourself and understand the time that will be needed. Lack of maintenance will only cost you more money in the long run,” stresses Chris DeMato, owner of Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing.  

House & Home spoke further with DeMato regarding the importance of professional landscaping and the right steps to take. 

HOW MUCH SHOULD HOMEOWNERS CONSIDER SPENDING WHEN PONDERING A LANDSCAPING PROJECT?  
The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests spending a minimum of 10%, up to 15% of your home value on your landscaping. Gardens, privacy trees, hardscaping, fences, etc. are a few items when considering the grand plan for your property. A professional landscape designer or architect can work with a customer to design your plan.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNER?  
A professional landscape designer will have experience with plant material, soil conditions and some of the latest trends to come up with a plan for you. Assessing the property should definitely be done by a professional, as they can determine trees that may be dying, plants that may inhibit the growth of other plants or features on your home that will be important areas to enhance. I would suggest hiring that professional to carry out the installation as well. I have often seen customers  spend good money on a beautiful plan and, in an effort to save money, will hire the least expensive contractor to install. The plan is only as good as the installation.

WHAT ARE SOME PITFALLS OF LANDSCAPING HOMEOWNERS NEED TO CONSIDER?  
Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes homeowners  make is a piecemeal approach to a job. This can lead to an unorganized look with very little continuity. Homeowners should always consider the grand plan before they jump into a weekend project. This can save trouble removing any mistakes down the road. Remember, everything does not have to happen at once. You can do a job over the course of a few years or even five years if you’d like, but having a visual concept of the overall property will mean better return on your investment down the road.

Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing
Belle Mead, N.J.
(732) 873-6780
RockBottomLandscaping.net

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 22, Issue 9 (June 2022). 
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