People often talk about landscaping, but what exactly does this broad term mean? Landscaping, simply put, is the act of improving and beautifying the existing design of a landscape or garden, by adding ornamental features such as trees, shrubs, and plants. Landscaping your property has many benefits. Here are just a few of them:
Environmental Benefits
Regulates Ambient Temperature
Landscaping your garden serves to regulate fluctuations in temperature in your microclimate. Grass can be up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than cement or asphalt, and up to 20 F cooler than bare soil can.
Minimises Noise Pollution
Grass can minimize noise pollution by 20% to 30% more than a hard surface such as cement or asphalt can, providing that extra bit of peace and quiet to your surroundings.
Cleans the Air
A 50-by-50-foot patch of lawn is said to be able to produce enough oxygen for a family of four. It is also effective at capturing other environmental pollutants such as dust and smoke particles. Should you need any help, consider hiring landscape design contractors to advise you on what’s best for your needs and space.
Prevents Water Runoff
Lawns are also effective at absorbing water that could pollute watersheds somewhere down the line. Thus you can help play your part in reducing environmental pollutants by implementing effective landscaping design elements in your yard.
Increases Biodiversity and Sequesters Carbon
Planting a pollinator-friendly garden can help declining populations of beneficial pollinators which are vital for our food sources. Pollinators generally are attracted to colorful and fragrant blossoms, so planting a wide variety of local wildflowers will ensure you can provide food for these necessary creatures.
Plant life is also effective at sequestering carbon back into the soil, which helps reduce the warming of the planet.
Energy Efficiency
A properly planned landscape can also help you save up to 30% on your energy bills according to this study by Cornell University. Planting native species that are well adapted to your local environment can cut down on water requirements.
Certain trees and shrubs can keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. For example, planting a deciduous species with a south-westerly aspect can provide shade indoors during the hotter months, and when it sheds its leaves in the winter will let sunlight and warmth into your house when it’s cooler, saving you on both heating and cooling bills.
You can also create a dense wall of hardy trees or shrubs to act as a windbreak for your yard.
Good for Your Mental Health
A plethora of studies have shown how being in natural environments can benefit your mental and emotional well-being. It has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, short-term memory loss, and a host of other maladies.
An analysis of 10 studies has shown that exercise in green spaces improves mood and self-esteem compared to “non-green” exercising.
Boosts Property Value
Investing in good landscaping adds monetary value to your home, should you decide to sell it somewhere down the line. The chances are in your favor that you will get more out of it than you’ve put into it over the years.
The Bottom Line
Landscaping is the act of beautifying a landscape, but there are many other benefits including environmental, keeping your energy bills down by providing heat, cool, and shade, reducing noise and dust pollution, and generally cleaning the air. You can also do your bit for the environment by planting pollinator-friendly flowers.
Finally, beautiful landscaping can have positive impacts on both your mental and emotional health, as well as increasing your property’s value in the long run. Be sure to design your space effectively with the help of a professional team for the best, quality results that will last.
