A well-landscaped yard can provide a lot more than scenery. Landscaping can also increase property value, offer home-energy savings and provide privacy and home security.

Property Value:

Among real estate professionals it is called "curb appeal" - the impact a house has when viewed from the street. A house with curb appeal will sell quicker and for a higher price. One of the best ways to improve your home's curb appeal is by landscaping.

According to a study by the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), a well-done landscape can increase property value by seven to 14 percent and can speed the sale of a home by five to six weeks. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that 45 to 49 percent of money invested in landscaping is returned to the homeowner through a higher selling price.

Energy Savings:

The strategic placement of trees around your home can significantly reduce monthly utility bills. Deciduous trees, when placed so they shade windows that receive a lot of sunshine (windows with southern or western exposures especially), can reduce the burden on air conditioners thereby lowering electric bills. Indoor temperatures can be reduced up to 20 percent. As deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, the sun will no longer be blocked from warming the house.

To save on heating bills in winter, a thick evergreen hedge comprised of trees of varying sizes can block cold winds from robbing a house of heat.

Privacy and security:

A tall, thorny hedge around the perimeter of a property provides a painful deterrent to would-be intruders. Prickly shrubs around windows can also ward off burglars, but be aware that shrubs that have grown too tall can provide a convenient hiding spot.

A thick hedge will also provide privacy in a yard (as well as blocking any unsightly views outside your property).